Mr. Chairman, I think that most of the comments have been made during the debate on second reading but maybe just to recap where we are. I brought this bill forward as a follow-up to our zero tolerance declaration of February 1994. I think that more and more we're hearing from our constituents that politicians must lead by example. As others have said, this bill will take us one step further along that road. It's clear that the Legislative Assembly has the inherent right to discipline its Members. This bill simply codifies one form of discipline in some circumstances or situations.

A number of Members have pointed out that Bill 32 does not deal with all situations; it only serves to enforce the declaration of zero tolerance to violence. Some have suggested that this is a weakness but I would say to Members that let's not forget, as Ms. Mike eloquently pointed out on June 7th, violence and family violence in particular, is a major problem in our northern society. It is probably one of the most serious problems we face. So, it is important that MLAs set high standards and live up to the ideal that we adopted in our declaration of zero tolerance for violence. Should we do more? Yes, I think the motion just brought forward by the Member for Thebacha will help provide that guidance to the next Legislature. Yes, I think more should be done.

I think most Members got copies of the facilitator books for a program called "From Dark to Light." I was interested in reading in the forward of that book a letter from the Premier, as the Minister responsible for the Status of Women. She points out that Members of this Assembly have committed themselves to zero tolerance for violence. She points out there that this is a noble goal, but goals must be accompanied by action.

---Applause

Mr. Chairman, this Bill 32 is about action on zero tolerance to violence. Unfortunately, too many people are still in denial about the problem, too willing to tolerate violence by pretending it is something that is merely personal, a minor social problem. We have, as MLAs, all said that we won't tolerate violence by adopting the zero tolerance declaration. Now we need to stand up and show that we aren't just talking, that we'll walk the walk when it comes to tolerating violence. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.