Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. Fellow colleagues, as we gather this month with our families and friends, let’s thank each other for the support given on a daily basis and during the National Addictions Awareness Week, November 18th to 24th.
We acknowledge this week to recognize and overcome the addictions that we face on a daily basis. It’s through community support, community leaders and community wellness workers that we can enjoy this week without addictions in our lives. Our communities in the Northwest Territories are very unique. Our very own people have proven that we can live happy and healthy. Our elders have told us time and time again that we don’t need the alcohol and drugs, the gambling, smoking, and the list goes on.
We can prove to our people and ourselves that we will take a stand against addictions. So many of us struggle in our daily lives, but we must understand that there are many resources and people that care and are willing to assist us.
Family gatherings and feasts will be taking place during National Addictions Awareness Week. Let us join them and continue to support our leaders who are stepping forward to promote wellness.
Today I want to congratulate all the people who have overcome addictions, all the people who live a healthy lifestyle, and to all of us who are continuing to fight addictions. I wish you well and, again, mahsi cho for looking after each other.
