Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to make an emergency statement. Mr. Speaker, after much soul-searching, consultation with my family, my constituents, and my colleagues, I have decided to submit my resignation from the Executive Council effective immediately.

While I realize the greater part of my decision is personal and private, I also realize that I cannot continue to carry out my duties to serve all the people of the Northwest Territories as a Minister in any department without the full support of my Cabinet colleagues and the full support of the ordinary Members. Mr. Speaker, I am also very sensitive to the concerns of my constituents who put me here. I have consulted with some of them on this matter and they are in full support of my actions. I am unable to serve them in the way in which I would like. As an ordinary Member I will continue to serve them and the people of the Northwest Territories to the best of my ability.

I would like to thank my staff for their dedication and full support throughout these trying times. Mr. Speaker, as perception is everything in politics, I am leaving of my own volition. I believe in good government and clean politics. "I am going to walk it and talk it with no compromises." Thank you.