Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First of all, I would like to just offer my condolences to all the parents and family members who have lost a small child, an infant or even a preterm baby.

I do rise in support of the motion. It sheds light on many different issues here, first being that this government supports the promotion of healthy pregnancies and takes into consideration not only the role of the mother but the role of the father, as well, and any other family members that might be involved.

In some of my previous job positions, I worked in health promotion for quite a number of years. I remember going to prenatal classes and talking to parents and mothers and fathers about the use of tobacco and the exposure of environmental tobacco smoke to not only the pregnant mother but also to small children and infants, and all the effects of environmental tobacco smoke. When this was brought forth, it brought back a memory of talking about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, stillbirths, miscarriages and the connection that all those have with not only environmental tobacco smoke, which is second-hand smoke in the household, but also it brings forth illicit drug use and alcohol consumption before, during and after pregnancy.

The motion itself recognizes what people have gone through, but it also brings awareness that we have to promote healthy pregnancies, healthy births and healthy families in the communities and in the Northwest Territories.

I applaud Mrs. Groenewegen for bringing this forth today and Mr. Hawkins for seconding the motion

and all those who are going to speak in favour of the motion. I think it’s a good opportunity for this job to start recognizing that and bringing that to the forefront. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.