Marci cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to talk about alcohol and drinking, and would like to highlight all the work done by the staff at Health and Social Services to support the Government of the NWT's priority of ensuring that services are delivered locally with culturally appropriate methods on mental health and addictions. I was first elected in 2007 as MLA. Over the years, I have met many community members and organizations in my riding. I wanted to make a difference in the small communities and provide a voice for my constituents, hearing the constituents' concerns and issues, and overall assessment of their needs in the riding. The main issue was alcohol in small communities. In 2007, it was alcohol, and today, ten years later, it continues to be alcohol.
Mr. Speaker, one of the priorities of the 18th Assembly is community wellness and safety for the NWT residents, and "creating opportunities for healthy lifestyles and community leadership for our youth." Mr. Speaker, I had an opportunity to sit down with community health nurses and asked "What is the biggest cost driver in small communities in the NWT?" Nurses often note that alcohol is an extremely serious issue, and is the biggest cost driver to the health department. Mr. Speaker, Statistics Canada report that in 2012, the Northwest Territories has the highest percentage of heavy drinking at 31.7 per cent, while the whole country of Canada is 17.4 per cent.
A community health nurse noted in her assessment, the NWT has the highest rates of alcohol-related health centre visits, usually in the early morning after people have been drinking. Mr. Speaker, after having discussions with community members, the main issues I have heard are no job opportunities in small communities, and they also note that it is hard to find childcare services for kids if they have to work two weeks in and two weeks out of their community. It has been noted that it is hard on families, especially on the children. I would like to see early childhood development programs in all communities, and afterschool programs that can help families in promoting healthy families that can provide support to families in need. This will also create more jobs in smaller communities, and allow families to focus on healthy living. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement?
---Unanimous consent granted