Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this motion is one I fully support. It's been an issue I have supported. Earlier today, the Honourable David Krutko made reference to the challenges of our young people and it's something I support 100 percent.

Mr. Speaker, since the time of the cavemen who stomped on the bridge and started howling at the moon, we have, as a society, wrestled with the effects of alcohol in our communities and as a whole.

We, as legislators and leaders, need to be educated on the devastating effects of alcohol abuse and the costs we pay either as a government, communities, families or personally with regard to the effects of alcohol and drugs.

Mr. Speaker, we are dealing with drugs such as crack cocaine, heroine and other drugs that are on the market in the communities. I would like to take a proactive approach in establishing a foundation where people can go to get their lives straightened out and be the person they are meant to be.

Mr. Speaker, it's hard to see our young people deal with troubling times who deal with alcohol and that's the best method they know in coping with life. Can we provide them with something better, Mr. Speaker?

Mr. Speaker, we need to support our families who are dealing with addictions such as drugs and alcohol. There are major dollars spent in the Northwest Territories in sending clients down to treatment centres. I guess I question the government in terms of why they closed down these treatment centres in light of the potential of resource development happening in the Northwest Territories.

Now we are told that Nats'ejee K'eh will be reprofiled and readjusted to fit the current issues in the North. I wait to see that report.

Mr. Speaker, getting a drug centre with specific programs and services that only deals with drugs will help because one day our youth will be sitting in our chairs where we are sitting. It's something we have to do for our youth today and this is the reason why I support this motion, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

---Applause