Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Honourable Stephen Kakfwi made a statement which he
indicated was to address an issue I raised last November about our declaration of zero tolerance for violence. Today I would like to respond to that statement.
Mr. Speaker, the Minister, yesterday, agreed with my premise that a declaration is not enough. People expect, quite rightly, to see action to back up our words. I believe the Minister was correct in his assertion that family violence is a problem all across the country and that we need to change societal attitudes so people start to realize that family violence is a crime.
I agree with the Minister when he says that declarations such as ours are but one element in the process of changing society's views about family violence, and that MLAs should be leaders in that process of change. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Kakfwi also pointed out that Members of this Assembly can do more to send out the message that violence is always unacceptable by introducing a requirement that any Member who is convicted of a violent offence be required to resign their seat.
Since it would appear from that statement that the government is not prepared to introduce such legislation, Mr. Speaker, I would like to advise the House that in the next little while I plan to introduce an amendment to the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act which would force a Member to resign should they be convicted of an offence involving violence against another person. Minister Kakfwi said yesterday that he would support such a measure; I hope all Members of this House will, as well.
Mr. Speaker, the Minister's statement yesterday addressed the concern that has been expressed that we seem to have almost unlimited funds to deal with offenders, while those who have been victimized or those who have been victims often feel further victimized by our legal system and the courts. Mr. Speaker, the holistic approach is a long-term approach. I cannot disagree that ultimately changing the behaviour of offenders so there is less violence and addressing the root causes of violence through the community wellness program is the proper approach. But, as the Minister said yesterday, change is not something that happens over night. While we work to effect such change, how can we in any conscience ignore the victims?
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude by statement.