Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, rise on this occasion to support the motion. I think we all can safely say that we have brothers and sisters that are going through some problems and, of course, in our communities we likely see it every day. It’s an affliction and that is something that gravely affects our society in this day and age, especially as we’re going towards the future as we

take on challenges and also, at the same time trying to work with each other, it becomes a very big issue.

Although, perhaps in some instances alcohol and drug addiction is an individual decision that a person has to make, I think government still has the responsibility to provide programs and services. If there are treatment programs out there, they need to be enhanced. Is there a need for a detox centre? Well, it needs to be established. There’s no doubt it’s been acknowledged, perhaps, in the communities that we do need help. I think this government cannot deny that we have problems. This government has to accept the reality that, yes, we have to admit that we have problems, stop denying and start addressing the immediate problems.

I think there’s the support for people that is needed to try to maintain a healthy and wellness lifestyle. Some people have made the comment that it’s a real challenge in the communities when they try to stay sober and healthy. What kind of support mechanisms are there for them to try and maintain that healthy lifestyle? I acknowledge those challenges. At the same time, I think the challenge that we have is to not only try and work with the mainstream concepts of recovery in terms of treatment and addictions, but to try and infuse it with culturally appropriate ways so that, you know, perhaps it could be on-the-land-based programs that create thinking in terms of a person’s wellness, in terms of trying to give them support so that at least we make the attempt to try to make them succeed.

With those things, again, I support this motion. I’d like to thank the mover and the seconder for taking a leadership role and stepping up to say that, yes, indeed, we need to go down this path right now. We need to do something. Mahsi.