Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in February of 1994, this House adopted a declaration of zero tolerance for violence. This was an important motion, one we all supported as being a meaningful first step on the road to dealing with violence. It was unprecedented in Canada and won us a lot of praise. I hope Members will review that declaration and the principles set out in the motion adopting zero tolerance, because it is from there that the principle is Bill 32 comes.
Mr. Speaker, the reason I have brought forward this bill and ask for Members' support is that a declaration is not enough. People have told us over and over they expect to see action to back up our words. I know that Members have received a very large number of faxes from groups and individuals this past couple of weeks, since most groups have sent me copies. I know that we've all heard from many sources that family violence is a problem across the country; that we need to change society's attitudes so people start to realize that family violence is a crime. Too many in our society are still in denial; seeing family violence as a minor social problem.
The Minister of Justice has said in this House 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. The Standing Committee on Finance demanded to see some concrete action. Many Members have pointed out that it is only when leaders set a good example by themselves truly enforcing non-violence, that we will see society start to deal with the tolerance and denial that presently surrounds violence.
This bill provides some concrete action, and will help ensure that we, as political leaders, set a good example in the control of our own process and Members.
Mr. Speaker, in a free and democratic society, it is important that the public have confidence in their governing institutions and in their elected leaders. How can the public have confidence in this Legislative Assembly and its Members if we only pay lip service to the principle of zero tolerance for violence? Having adopted the principle of zero tolerance for violence, the reputation and integrity of the entire Assembly would be called into question if we allow a Member to continue to sit after being convicted of a criminal offence involving violence against another person. In a free and democratic society, it is crucial that elected representatives do not ask or are not seen to ask more of their constituents than they ask of themselves.
One of the most basic principles of a democratic society is that no one is above the law. Members must, themselves, be subject to the principles and policies adopted by this House, and we must not be seen to ask more of our constituents than we ask of ourselves.
The final clause in our motion on zero tolerance said that we "invite all northern leaders, such as leaders of aboriginal organizations, municipal governments, trade unions, boards and agencies and societies, to make a similar commitment by adopting this declaration in spirit and in practice."
Mr. Speaker, how can we possibly ask others to practice zero tolerance unless we ensure that we do the same?