Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to thank the Member for the question. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Health and Social Services and its chief medical health officer support the addition of fluoride in drinking water as a measure to prevent tooth decay. The decision to add fluoride is made by municipal governments. The role of the department is to set maximum limits, through the drinking water regulations, and monitor the implementation. Communities that fluoridate their drinking water must monitor fluoride levels regularly to ensure that they remain within the guidelines established by the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Committee on Drinking Water.
Mr. Speaker, in January of 2007 Health Canada commissioned an expert panel to review the scientific studies available on fluoride and its possible effects on health. The panel recommended that the maximum acceptable concentration of 1.5 micrograms, established by the Committee on Drinking Water, be maintained. This report is on the Health Canada website.
Mr. Speaker, at this time, three NWT communities fluoridate their drinking water: Inuvik, Fort Smith and Yellowknife. Wrigley is the only NWT community that has natural fluoride levels in its drinking water supply that already meets the requirement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.