Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Honourable colleagues, I rise today to provide a brief comment on a matter which has been widely reported in the northern media. As most Members are aware, Mr. Speaker, I have been charged with a number of offenses under the criminal code. I have entered a plea of not guilty on all charges. Trials have been scheduled to proceed in December and January. Mr. Speaker, it should be clear that I am an accused person and not a convicted person.

However, recognizing that these matters are currently before the courts, it would be inappropriate for me to make any further comment at the present time. In the meantime there is important work to be done within the Legislative Assembly, and I will be concentrating fully on the items which come before the House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.