The reason that I had put that particular recommendation as my first recommendation is that it's the most important one to me. I know that the whole process of accountability of this office has been an issue. I know the whole issue of independence of this office has been an issue. I don't know if all of those things can be resolved in full session like this, I think it would take a long time. It would be a long discussion. There are 30 recommendations, that's only the first
one. I think there are many things in here that are not made up from my head, these are recommendations that people from the communities have given to me to bring to the Assembly. I think the public wants to see some sort of accountability, too.
But the other thing too, is that they want to see that the Assembly deals with official languages more often. By having a standing committee that would deal with them more often, I think the public would feel more confident that it really was a priority. Some of the comments that I get from the public are that the Assembly doesn't discuss official languages very often. They were happy when the report was tabled because then it was discussed.
There was the special committee in 1990 and other reports, but it's not discussed very often and they would prefer to see it addressed on a more regular basis. For myself, I want the input from the Members, other than in this type of setting. I want input from the Members about what they expect from our office. It was established to serve the Legislative Assembly. Occasionally, I will meet with Members or discuss matters with them individually, but not as a group. So I'm getting each Member's direction or suggestion, but not really the direction of the Assembly and the direction that they want me to take collectively. So I would very much appreciate having that sort of committee to discuss a lot of issues.
Also, if I do find myself in a position where I'm frustrated with that we think there's something the GNWT should be doing and they're not, they don't want to or whatever, then the Members can also bring that to their attention as well, instead of me just doing it by myself. I think that's very important, that they don't think it's all just coming from me. I just happen to be the spokesperson, but these are not just my own initiatives that I just drummed up myself. So I need that kind of support too when I'm trying to accomplish things on behalf of the public who are bringing them to my attention.