Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, to the issue of our theme today on addictions, I think everybody would agree that one fix does not fit all situations and that we are better served by a variety of options when it comes to dealing with addictions. Certainly, community services, counselling, community-based and driven solutions may work in some instances; however, I do believe that in some cases residential-type treatment is called for.
Today, Mr. Speaker, I want to ask the Minister specifically about youth and about the $4 million that this government spends to send northern youth to southern placements. My information indicates that this $40 million is expended for the care of approximately 50 youth who are sent south. So it's not new money. I'm asking for it to be reprofiled money. I think $4 million could put a residential treatment facility for addictions for youth on the ground, operating in the Northwest Territories. It could certainly accommodate up to 50 youth. It brings the treatment and the whole issue of this priority closer to the people.
These youth are sent south to all these different facilities, out of sight, out of mind, sign the cheque. It's easy to write a cheque for $4 million, Mr. Speaker. I think that would go a long ways towards a northern facility for our youth and I'd like to ask for the Minister's commitment on that. Thank you.
---Applause