Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to comment on an issue that has been brought to my attention by the Fort Smith Society for Disabled Persons. The issue is "Mercy Killing." As you know, Mr. Speaker, the society is highly respected by the residents of my constituency, as it's volunteers contribute countless hours towards helping those who must struggle with physical and mental illness and disabilities.
The society has been active in encouraging improved wheelchair accessibility to local buildings and business places. Board members and volunteers have worked hard to enhance the quality of life for the disabled by providing personal support and fostering community acceptance.
Mr. Speaker, the Society for Disabled Persons is also respected as a voice for those individuals whose physical limitations have made it difficult to speak out. From time to time, the board offers comments on issues of importance to disabled people, not only at the local or territorial level, but nationally.
Mr. Speaker, recently I have received correspondence from Sister Sutherland who is the president of the society. On behalf of the entire board she raised their serious concerns about apparent trends for its mass approval of what had been described as mercy killing of the severely disabled.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to share her words with my colleagues in this House, and I quote from her letter, "This society believes that persons with a disability should not have to live at the mercy of anyone who does not respect them and support them as they are. Disabled persons have much to offer family, friends and care givers and deserve their love and respect at all times. We believe that life is sacred for all and is a gift of God which no one has the right to take away. The Great Creator and Father of all will come for each one of us when he decides it is the right time. We ask you, as our MLA, to speak out and ask all northerners for their compassion, their love and their respect for all, before it is too late for someone in the Northwest Territories who lives with a disability."
Those thoughts were communicated to me in a letter from the Fort Smith Society for Disabled Persons, dated March 15th. Mr. Speaker, I think we are all aware that recent instances surrounding the termination of life for disabled persons does evoke powerful legal, political, and particularly moral questions.
I seek unanimous consent to continue with my statement.