Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
WHEREAS alcoholism and alcohol abuse are devastating individuals, families and communities across the Northwest Territories;
AND WHEREAS alcohol was a confirmed factor in over 42 percent of suicides and accidental deaths in the Northwest Territories between 2002 and 2005;
AND WHEREAS excessive alcohol consumption is associated with serious health consequences including high blood pressure and several cancers often contributing to premature death;
AND WHEREAS up to 30 percent of NWT women report drinking during pregnancy, putting their unborn children at risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder;
AND WHEREAS alcohol abuse is a factor in a large proportion of crimes, family violence incidents and child welfare cases;
AND WHEREAS alcohol abuse prevents many northerners from succeeding in education and employment and achieving financial self-reliance;
AND WHEREAS the effects of alcohol abuse are resulting in substantial and unsustainable costs to government health, justice and education programs;
AND WHEREAS the 2006 NWT Addictions Strategy reports that the number of current drinkers who typically consume more than five drinks per occasion is 36 per cent overall and 53 per cent for persons aged 15 to 24;
AND WHEREAS the Government of the Northwest Territories has successfully implemented a strategy to denormalize tobacco;
AND WHEREAS elders and community members who have overcome alcohol addiction can serve as role models for youth;
AND WHEREAS some NWT communities have put in place restrictions or prohibitions on alcohol;
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Range Lake, that this Legislative Assembly strongly recommends the government establish a strategy to denormalize alcohol abuse;
AND FURTHER that this Legislative Assembly strongly recommends the government ensure communities have adequate resources to enforce liquor laws including restrictions and prohibitions;
AND FURTHERMORE that this Legislative Assembly urges concerned community members, leaders and law enforcement authorities to work together to enforce restrictions and prohibition on alcohol and other liquor laws.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.