Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday we celebrated the opening of this new Legislature as a tribute to consensus government. We talked about how we would respect our diversities within the circle of this Chamber. We talked about how we cherish democracy. From its first days in office two years ago, our government has prided itself on support for communities. "Strength at Two Levels" -- not one level -- and the community transfer initiative are concrete examples of our government's oft-stated commitment to develop and support stronger local governments.

Our government also prides itself on its consensus form of government where ordinary Members' views and input are sought and welcomed. We have a Cabinet which has pledged to consult with ordinary Members on important territorial initiatives and major developments in constituencies. In fact, when she was running for Government Leader on November 12, 1991, Ms. Cournoyea stated, "I think we have come to the conclusion that MLAs want to be more involved, and MLAs know their communities probably better than anyone else." In the same debate, Mr. Allooloo, now Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, said, "This morning I was very impressed by all the MLAs' knowledge with regard to community needs. I was impressed with the vast knowledge and the valuable suggestions that the MLAs had.

This all sounds wonderful, Mr. Speaker, but when democracy was suspended abruptly in the town of Iqaluit on November 12, what was the involvement of the local MLA? What was the advantage taken of the wisdom of the local MLA? That morning, Mr. Speaker, a bureaucrat from Municipal and Community Affairs handed me a letter from Mr. Allooloo, the Minister, dated November 10, signed by Mr. Kakfwi, with a copy of an order by Mr. Allooloo to appoint a municipal administrator in Iqaluit, also dated November 10, also signed by Mr. Kakfwi. I was told on that date, while we met...