Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Mr. Hawkins.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In considering that, the Minister may also wish to take into account that these types of programs are not available in smaller centres and would probably require a mobile awareness program, so it would require some financial resources. With the upcoming prospect of these new regulations being put in place, I would like to ask the Minister if he would consider looking for and identifying funds which could finance this. It is easier to send people for such an awareness program if it is available in their community, but obviously it is probably only available in a few...

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Roland.

Does the committee agree?

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Mr. Hawkins.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in June of 2003, the last Assembly approved amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act and put some teeth into the existing legislation. The changes allowed for tougher sanctions aimed at getting impaired drivers off the road, and encouraging drivers with alcohol dependency issues to get help. The amendments allowed the registrar of Motor Vehicles to require individuals convicted of impaired driving offences to participate in drug awareness education programs before their licence would be reinstated. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister of...

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Roland.

Thank you, Minister Roland. At this time, I would like to ask the committee that oversees the Department of Finance if they have any comments. Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Mr. Delorey.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Could I just remind Members that they are to address the questions through the Chair and not directly to the Minister in the form of a direct question. We are all new; don’t worry, I just wanted to mention that. It is a bit of a strange process, but it is what we do. Mr. Roland.