Jane Groenewegen

All right. Then I will ask the Sergeant-at-Arms if she will bring the witnesses in to the witness table.

For the record, Mr. Minister, would you please introduce your witnesses?

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Roland.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Minister for that update. I would like to know, Mr. Speaker, would the Minister consider asking the registrar to require mandatory participation in a drug and alcohol awareness program before their licence is reinstated? I don’t believe this is something that would have to be included in legislation. This is something that could be introduced as a policy. Would the Minister consider asking the registrar to require that on a mandatory basis? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Mr. Menicoche.

Thank you, Mr. Allen. At this time, I will ask if the Minister would like to bring witnesses in.

Thank you, Mr. Delorey. Mr. Roland.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, about 1,500 people die in Canada each year as a result of impaired driving and thousands more are injured. Per capita, statistics are even worse in the North. In June of 2003, the last Assembly approved amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act targeted at impaired driving. The intent of these amendments, Mr. Speaker, was to put some teeth into the Motor Vehicles Act, to create tougher sanctions aimed at getting impaired drivers off the road, and encouraging drivers with alcohol dependency issues to get help.

There are several programs available in the NWT...

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Mr. Menicoche.

Would the Minister provide us then with his opening comments?

Thank you, Mr. Delorey. Mr. Roland.