Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity yesterday to attend the opening ceremonies of a regional addictions conference being held from March 5th to 9th, 2007, in Inuvik. Mr. Speaker, during the opening ceremonies a well-respected elder and leader spoke of long ago when alcohol and drugs were unheard of. He spoke about how he grew up not to rely on what was introduced as rations to the people of the Beaufort-Delta. People were proud in those days because in order to survive, you had to be active in order to provide for your family.
By listening to this elder, Mr. Speaker, it should encourage our youth to take notice of what the affects of alcohol and drugs are doing to our youth and society today. He stated we need to turn this around today for our youth and people, and that is why this conference is being held this week.
Mr. Speaker, in partnership with the Beaufort-Delta Health and Social Services Authority and the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and the Gwich'in Tribal Council, we decided to hold a regional addictions conference because of the increase in alcohol and drug abuse in the region. Should the proposed Mackenzie gas project proceed, the leaders decided the conference is necessary because it may lead to further alcohol and drug abuse and may limit the ability of the Beaufort-Delta residents to participate in the economic benefits the project will provide.
Mr. Speaker, in order to address this problem of alcohol and drug abuse, the Beaufort-Delta Health and Social Services, the IRC and GTC decided a comprehensive plan needs to be developed that is appropriate to our residents and to our communities. Mr. Speaker, some specific topics to discuss at this conference are related to men only, on their traditional and contemporary role in the community, alternative therapies with hard-to-reach youth, helping families have fun and create joy by using recreation, working with families, and an update on addictions and FASD.
Mr. Speaker, in closing, I applaud the leaders of the Beaufort-Delta in taking the lead to gather together to address the concern of alcohol and drug abuse, but, more importantly, to establish a comprehensive plan to address the alcohol and drug problems in the Beaufort-Delta. However, we, as government, must -- and I say must -- play an important role about providing the necessary infrastructure programs and resources so that the Beaufort-Delta can start addressing these problems. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause