Thank you, Mr. Whitford. Do we have any general comments by Members of the committee of the whole? Mr. Nerysoo.

General Comments

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Are we dealing with the bill?

No, in fact, we are dealing with the report on Bill 32. Member for Thebacha.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. First of all, as I said in the public meetings, I want to thank Mr. Dent for bringing forward this bill. I supported the principle of the bill when it came to the House and I wanted to say, for the public record, that I have no problem supporting the bill. However, I'm concerned that this bill is addressing only one portion of the Criminal Code, and is not considering anything with regard to the Narcotics Act or any other type of criminal offences.

I find that this particular bill is going to address a Member who may have violated the Criminal Code, having committed a violent offence, or may have committed a crime involving the sexual exploitation of children, which I find is certainly a step towards this Assembly addressing concerns of Members' conduct. However, as I stated publicly before, this particular bill only piecemeals a part of the concerns that some Members may have. I know the intention of the bill is to adhere to zero tolerance for violence, but I also believe the spirit and intent was to look at the Members' conduct with respect to role models. Once a Member is elected, the Member is, and the comments were, looked at as role models with regard to the Legislative Assembly and for other people of the Northwest Territories. I believe Members are certainly going to be considered as role models.

It doesn't address if a Member is charged for impaired driving. It doesn't address if a Member is charged for illegal possession of narcotics, nor any type of illegal gambling. I believe that the intention of Members wanting to address these cannot be addressed in this bill now because then it will take away from the principle of it.

But I certainly believe that, if Members are going to be addressing the issues around Members violating the Criminal Code and other federal or territorial statutory types of acts, then we have to take an approach to try to address them collectively, because I believe you are then setting somewhat double standards for Members. You are saying it's okay to drink and drive but it's not okay to slap your wife. It's okay to possess illegal drugs but it's not okay to express any type of violent act towards anyone, whether it be a threat or a hit or a slap.

I don't think that's right. I really believe that for any type of offence under the Criminal Code or any type of offence under the federal or territorial statutes committed by a Member, especially if they are found guilty, they should have to resign from their seat. This act is only addressing part of the Criminal Code as I stated. Although it is only addressing part, I certainly support the bill, but it's unfortunate it cannot address collectively all the concerns.

Mr. Chairman, I did want to indicate that after reading the committee report and after expressing my concerns, I recognize that we cannot bind the next Legislative Assembly. However, I did want, at this time, to consider putting forth the motion for this House.

Thank you. Are you prepared to make the motion now? Proceed into motion.