Members of the Legislative Assembly, I am required to convey the following communication that I received on December 15, 1994 from Madam Speaker Marie-Jewell:
"I would like to inform you and, through you, all Members of the Legislative Assembly of my decision to tender my resignation as Speaker, effective at 5:00 pm today. I have already informed the Management and Services Board of my decision in a meeting held today over the lunch hour.
"As you are aware, an issue of significant importance has arisen affecting my constituency. This issue has placed me in a position where I have been compelled to challenge the fairness of a Cabinet decision and the integrity of a Cabinet Minister in order to fully represent the interests of my constituents and, I suggest, the interests of all citizens of the Northwest Territories.
"I have a great deal of respect for the role of the Speaker, in particular, the strongly-held convention that the Speaker must not only be neutral and impartial, but must be seen to be neutral and impartial. Hence, out of respect for the institution of the Speaker and as a result of my desire to fully represent my constituents, I hereby tender my resignation.
"I would like to say that it has been an honour and a privilege to serve as Speaker. I look forward to continuing to serve the House, even if in a different role." Signed, Jeannie Marie-Jewell, MLA, Speaker.
Accordingly, it is my duty to conduct an election for the Speaker. I would call for a motion to elect a Speaker. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre.