Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will continue with the statement I began yesterday. Having had the opportunity, overnight, to somewhat modify it. As I mentioned, I was concerned about the manner in which the fire marshal of the Northwest Territories left the public service. I was concerned the circumstances surrounding his department may have reduced public confidence in safety programs offered by this government.
As I mentioned, I have placed a high priority on respecting the staff of our departments as hard working, competent professionals. Recent newspaper and radio reports, and I have tabled those examples, Mr. Speaker, have pointed out instances where officials and their authorities have been criticized. Our safety inspectors, mine inspectors and liquor inspectors deserve to know that they have the confidence of the public in order to carry out their duties. They need to know that they have the support of their peers.
Our public needs to know that the national building codes and the national fire codes are going to be rigorously but fairly enforced, regardless of the economic conditions which businesses are experiencing from time to time. People need to feel confident that when they enter a building in the Northwest Territories, it is going to be just as safe as a building in Edmonton, Calgary or Toronto. That is why we have, in my opinion, some of the best inspectors in Canada. In my view, they have been doing a first rate job. Thank you.