Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday the process of developing a constitution for the new Western Territory took a big step forward with the release of the Proposed Draft Constitution. We all know that this is not a perfect document. In fact, the final constitution of the Western Territory may very well be quite different, but it will serve as a starting point for public discussion.
The citizens of the Western Territory now have the opportunity to study the proposal, to look at some alternatives, and to make suggestions and criticisms if necessary. There are elements of this proposal that many will appreciate. On the other hand, there are many elements that many will find distasteful. While I hope the debate over the constitution will be civil, I do not expect it to be one-sided. I am quite prepared to listen to feedback from all residents of the western NWT even though I know much of the feedback will disagree with the proposal or will disagree with my thoughts and opinions on our future constitution.
Anyone who thinks this draft constitution is going to sail smoothly through the seas of public opinion is sorely mistaken. So, for any Member of this House to respond to criticism of the draft proposal with demeaning or disrespectful comments is completely unacceptable. I sincerely hope that every Honourable Member in this House can keep an open mind in preparation for the feedback that will come from the public regarding this draft proposal.
One of our Honourable colleagues from the east often tells us, and this House, about the need to have a thick skin. Well, he is right. We are not here to assume that the public will always agree with us or even that we will always agree with each other. We have to be adult enough to accept criticism, to treat it with respect and to use it as a base for debate and discussion that will lead to solutions that will benefit all northerners. To do otherwise is small minded and petty and I expect better from my Honourable colleagues in this House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.