Thank you, Madam Speaker. Today, Madam Speaker, I want to talk about the children of the Northwest Territories. As leaders, we constantly talk about our children as our greatest resource. We talk about preserving the environment for our children, creating jobs and opportunities for the next generation, and providing first-class education for our children. These are all wonderful words, but they are starting to ring hollow.

Sexual abuse against children has reached crisis proportions. Suicide rates are increasing. Our jails are being filled with young offenders. The Young Offenders Act is obviously not working. Alcohol and drug abuse among young people continues at an alarming rate. Dropout rates in our schools are at an unacceptable level. Family breakdowns are causing serious emotional problems to a whole generation of young people. And, fetal alcohol syndrome is taking a damaging and hidden toll.

In our society, there are strong advocates for most groups. Workers have unions. Companies have chambers of commerce and chambers of mines. Environmentalists have strong advocates. Even the anti-fur lobby can manipulate governments around the world. Languages have a Commissioner and freedom of information will soon have an independent advocate. Who speaks for children? Well, everybody speaks for children and nobody speaks for children. Their problems and realities are lost in a maze of competing interest groups and priorities.

I don't think the major priority of this Legislative Assembly should be an ombudsman for all the people of the Northwest Territories. I think we need an ombudsman for our children. We need an independent office that deals solely with the rights and protection of children. I want to put this government on notice that I will be working for the creation of an independent office which will act as an advocate for and protector of all the children of the Northwest Territories. Thank you very much.

---Applause