Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the comments from all Members of the
Legislative Assembly here today. Basically in summary, we have exceptionally high rates of addictions in the Northwest Territories. Our current programs have stagnated, but we need a practical approach. This program draws on the tried and true buddy system, it’s community-based, it allows us to work together, it recognizes the high costs of addictions in terms of human health, correctional and community costs and so on. It’s a priority of this Assembly and it’s a step toward addictions-free communities. This is only one of a range of options and creative solutions, as the Minister has said, and fits well with an on-the-land program and we do indeed need to have this and other programs, other steps and options that we do develop, soundly based in cultural and spiritual aspects for people.
So as a bird scientist, a previous bird scientist, I’d like to thank my colleagues and I’d like to thank my colleague Mr. Moses for seconding as chair of the Social Programs. I appreciate that support here and again request a recorded and ideally free vote. Mahsi.