Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to express concern over some of the speculation and inaccurate perceptions that I have heard recently with respect to the work that is carried out on the floor of this chamber. Mr. Speaker, I realize it is fashionable in some circles to be critical and suspicious of all politicians, and I realize that the media coverage of political pursuits has tended to capitalize on this fashionable trend by taking a cynical view of the role which is performed by elected officials in our contemporary society.

Mr. Speaker, I come here every day. I meet with my colleagues regularly. I chair and belong to standing committees, and I attend the ordinary Members' caucus on a regular basis. I want to tell you that the portrayal of ordinary Members as sharks circling the cabinet, as disruptive influences, has characterized this House as a snake pit; and it is simply not based on reality. I am personally fed up with it. I am particularly concerned, Mr. Speaker, by the manner in which the ordinary Member for Thebacha has borne the brunt of this belief.

During the last election, the message I heard more clearly was the crying need for government accountability in the Northwest Territories. Unfortunately, where ministerial government exists in conjunction with public service entrenchment in its own way of doing things, this is not always a warm, fuzzy process. However, ordinary Members on this side of the House are committed to ensuring that government departments, agencies, and Ministers will be held accountable. This is what leads us to good government.

---Applause