Baker Lake (Aug 13/03) - The first Nunavut chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) opened in Baker Lake recently.

The organization is active across Canada and says its mandate is to prevent drinking and driving.

Lori Morina, who was formerly chapter president in Goose Bay, Labrador is the driving force behind MADD in Baker.

A social worker she said it is part of her mandate to become involved in the community.

After some brainstorming it was decided that MADD would best fit the mould and the needs of the community.

"Our main focus is prevention," said Morina

"I wouldn't say that Baker Lake has the problems that some other communities across Canada have."

There was a fatal drinking and driving accident in the hamlet about a year ago. Morina said that wasn't the primary reason that they decided to start the chapter.

"That's a part of it, but it wasn't the initial reason," she said.

Statistics that point to 70,000 Canadian deaths a year -- four a day -- caused by drinking and driving Morina said prevention is reason enough.

"The number of cars here seem to double every year," she added.

MADD also provides opportunities for youth and community members to travel South for training.

"We're really hoping some young people get involved," said Morina.

The chapter created its board on July 29. Normally 12 members, they currently have nine and are planning to hold their first meeting in the next week or so.

National MADD president Louise Knox, from Edmonton, was in Baker to witness the creation of the first Nunavut chapter.

Morina is hoping a lot more people in the hamlet decide to get involved.

"It's easy and it's a lot of fun," she said.

It is also her hope that this starts a trend in the territory.

"I'm really encouraging other communities in Nunavut to start a chapter," she said.