I am troubled when I see basic common-sense decisions -- like the decision to expel an elected representative who sexually exploits children or assaults another person -- are now being codified in the written laws of our land. Mr. Speaker, the power to exercise those common-sense decisions should be left in the hands of the people who elected us, not the courts. That's especially true here in the north where, for centuries, our elders and leaders did not have to rely on written law. They don't need to have some university-trained judge to tell them what is morally or right to do. Mr. Speaker, those decisions should be with the people who elected us.
Mr. Speaker, I find it absolutely regrettable that Cabinet should vote as a block to defeat the principle of recall, which would have reinforced the people's power to remove a Member. If we had embraced that concept, Mr. Speaker, I don't believe that Bill 32 would have been necessary. Choices about the potential expulsion of MLAs would have remained where they should be, with the voters of the Northwest Territories. I want to put on the record that I will be voting in favour of Bill 32 at third reading, Mr. Speaker. Because, as I said, I believe that when all things are said and done, it is a good bill. But, I will be voting with a feeling of concern in my heart and I hope all Members will take at least a moment to ponder the direction
in which we are moving, as we enact this legislation. Thank you.
---Applause