Mr. Speaker, the use of drugs is one of the most corrupting influences in our inner cities, producing poverty and crime.
In Rosedale riding the Regent Park community centre has set up the Regent Park community coalition against substance abuse to fight this menace. Its program involves youth making videos on such issues as drug and alcohol abuse and how to resist peer pressure encouraging smoking, drugs and alcohol.
They promote a healthier community by promoting a healthy lifestyle and set an example for their peers. At the centre young people are given an opportunity to explore these issues and reflect their thoughts in video form. In making these videos they also learn skills that will prepare them for future employment and access to the work world.
I would like to pay special tribute to the Regent Park focus coalition and its leader, Adonis Huggins, for bringing together young people and empowering them to say no to substance abuse of all kinds.