Hospitalizations entirely caused by alcohol is an effective measure of the effectiveness of prevention and treatment programs and provides for evidence-based decision-making. The abuse of alcohol is a cause or a contributing factor in a number of health conditions and is the leading factor of preventable death and disease. Currently, the Department of Health and Social Services tracks that data, and we will continue to track that indicator, hospitalizations entirely caused by alcohol. Just for note, the department will be reporting on this indicator in the 2016-2017 Annual Report, which is actually scheduled to be tabled during this session. The department also made reference to this indicator in the 2018-2019 Business Plan, and it was something that we discussed with Members previously.

In 2015-2016, the NWT rate of hospitalizations caused by alcohol was over five times the national average. There have not been any statistically significant changes in that rate since 2004-2005. The report that the honourable Member is mentioning has been shared and is a part of the documents that are being utilized to help inform our Addictions Recovery Action Plan, so that information the Member is bringing up will be something that we are looking at in moving forward with this plan.