Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Initially, I did not support access to information legislation. The reason being that it was not an issue in three of my communities. After it was introduced in the House and I returned from the session, it became an issue. I was approached by some of my constituents who told me I should support this. Subsequently, the Kitikmeot Regional Council supported the initiative. The ombudsman's office was initially introduced by Mr. Patterson when he was a Cabinet Member. I support both of the motions. Mr. Chairman, we serve in a democracy where the fundamental belief is that the public has the right to know, the public has the right to access to information. I think the public has the right to be represented in an honest way by their MLAs. We have told the public that we would support the initiative. I also travelled with the Standing Committee on Legislation to different communities, every speaker who came forward before our committee supported access to information legislation and an ombudsman's office. We hold that promise which we made to the public and we should support the motion. Therefore, I will be supporting the motion. Thank you.
John Ningark on Committee Motion 157-12(3): To Adopt Recommendation 2
In the Legislative Assembly on March 31st, 1993. See this statement in context.
Committee Motion 157-12(3): To Adopt Recommendation 2
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
March 30th, 1993
Page 1348
John Ningark Natilikmiot
See context to find out what was said next.