I have a return to a written question asked by Mr. Braden on October 29, 2004, regarding trends in drug-related offences.

The RCMP have reported the following number of total drug incidents, under the Controlled Drug and Substances Act, in the Northwest Territories over the past five years: in 1999, the number of incidents was 301; in 2000, the number of incidents was 262; in 2001, the number of incidents was 242; in 2002, the number of incidents was 375; and in 2003, the number of incidents was 355.

The department's files show the following number of people admitted to correctional facilities with drug offences as the most serious offence: in 2001, 28 people were admitted to correctional facilities; in 2002, the number of people was 14; in 2003, 11 were admitted; and in 2004, the number of people was nine. Please note that these numbers do not show people who were admitted to correctional facilities for drug offences as well as for more serious offences.

The department's files show the following number of legal aid applicants for whom the major charge was under the Controlled Drug and Substances Act: in 1999, the number of legal aid applicants was 56; in 2000, the number was 50; in 2001, there were 30 applicants; in 2002, there were 35 applicants; in 2003, the number of legal aid applicants was 47; and in 2004, the number of legal aid applicants was 37. The higher numbers in 1999 and 2000 reflect the fact that the office was still taking applicants from Nunavut clients at that time.

The Annual Report of the Director of Child and Family Services 2001-02, released by the Department of Health and Social Services in December 2004, indicates that of the top 10 primary reasons for referral of children during 2001 and 2002, the major reasons were alcohol and drug problems on the part of the parents, adult/family violence, a children's disruptive behaviour and alleged physical abuse.