Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Ms. Lee, your 10-minute time limit has expired. I'll put you back on the list. Next I have Mr. Menicoche.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Mr. Hawkins.

I would like to ask the Minister if he has opening remarks. Mr. Roland.

Okay, well, maybe we will just have a very brief break while we are giving the Minister a chance to get set up. Thank you.

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Thank you, Mr. Roland. Ms. Lee.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Mr. Hawkins.

Thank you. Does the committee agree that that concludes our consideration of the Department of Finance?

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?