Thank you, Mr. Speaker, a point of privilege. Pursuant to Rule 21, with your permission, I would like to raise a point of privilege to clarify a matter that was reported on the 7:30 am and 8:30 am newscasts on CBC Mackenzie. Mr. Speaker, yesterday in committee of the whole, I introduced a motion that, if passed, would recommend that a plebiscite question be put to the people of the Northwest Territories on the matter of raising the legal drinking age from 19 to 21 years.

I am pleased that CBC chose to air a report on this important matter. However, in the course of the report, it was stated that I, as a Member for Thebacha, am in favour of raising the drinking age. I want to emphasize, Mr. Speaker, that at no point during yesterday's debate did I indicate that this was my position. Actually, Mr. Speaker, I realize that there are advantages and disadvantages to both sides of the question. As yet, I have not stated my own position until I hear more about what my constituents think.

What I was trying to do was to provide a process through which this whole matter could be taken to the people. I know that there are differing Views on this issue in communities all across the Northwest Territories. I chaired a public meeting in Fort Smith last fall where opinion was mixed on whether the legal drinking age should be raised. I know that the Standing Committee on Legislation heard differing positions on the question, even though the committee report indicates that no witnesses supported the idea. I know this because a number of students travelled from my community and told the committee that they thought the drinking age should be raised. The Dene Nation, as well, passed a resolution at it's national assembly in support of 21 years old as the drinking age.

Mr. Speaker, these things show that there are conflicting opinions on the subject and I would like to see people given an opportunity to vote openly and fairly. At this time, I'm taking no position and I've taken no position on whether the eligibility age should be raised. But I do believe the matter should be left in the hands of the people of the Northwest Territories to tell us what they think. I want to clarify my position on that for the record, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the media has a responsibility to report accurate comments and proceedings of this Assembly, as their interpretations and reporting are of importance with regard to informing the public about what is happening in this Assembly. Mr. Speaker, I wanted to advise the House on this issue. Thank you.

---Applause