Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the Members too. Mr. Speaker:

WHEREAS the voting age requirement in the NWT is 19 years of age;

AND WHEREAS the government initiatives for the future will impact on all the young people of the NWT;

AND WHEREAS at 18 years of age you can vote in federal and most provincial elections, leave school without the permission of your parents, and are considered an adult in our justice system;

AND WHEREAS the right to vote is guaranteed in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms;

AND WHEREAS the population of the NWT is comprised of a larger number of young people;

AND WHEREAS the youth are well educated and should be in a position to exercise their democratic right;

NOW THEREFORE, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Thebacha, that the Legislative Assembly adopts that the voting age at an election in the NWT be changed from 19 to 18 years of age;

AND FURTHER, that the Legislative Assembly requests that the Executive Council introduce the necessary amendments to the Elections Act, Local Authorities Election Act and Plebiscite Act to give effect to any change in the voting age.