Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr .Speaker, I rise today on the topic of the media and how they are creating an atmosphere of MLAs doing nothing but fighting. Mr. Speaker, MLAs, as my previous colleagues have stated, are attempting to make the government accountable. The media, particularly News North, believe that the attempt to make government accountable is my personal vendetta. I have to tell them that their allegations are totally wrong.

--- Applause

My colleagues have stated that I speak many times on behalf of the ordinary Members' caucus and not on my own agenda. Mr. Speaker, let me assure you that if I had my way, I would address the continually increasing costs of providing RCMP for Royal Oak that may have to be absorbed by this government; the concern of many social problems that we face in the North; the concern of the housing shortage that we face in the North, and the list can go on and on. The fundamental problem that we faced during these past couple of sessions is that we were working in this House without a budget presented to us. We have difficulty in asking questions on programs. We have another problem. particularly myself: Whenever I want to ask a question, many of my questions are taken under notice.

Mr. Speaker, it is not my intention whatsoever to create a violent atmosphere. It is, however, our intention to make the government accountable. Mr. Speaker, I would request, in fairness, that the media be courteous and be responsible in reporting our actions as MLAs.

However, I do want to indicate one particular message that I have always wanted to say: that I am happy that they take the time to write or report about me, because at least the energy you focus on me allows you to leave someone else alone. Thank you.

---Applause