Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do not think there is anyone here who would disagree that Canada is the best place in the world to live. People in the United Nations think so. The fact that Canada is a democracy is probably the single most important factor in Canada being such a wonderful nation, but it is a factor that we often take for granted. I think it would be worthwhile to review exactly what being a democracy means.
Democracy is defined in the Oxford English Dictionary as: "Government by the people, a form of government in which the powers reside in the people and is exercised by them either directly or by means as elected representatives. A form of society which favours equal rights, the ignoring of hereditary class distinctions, the tolerance of minority views".
While the concept of democracy originated in Greece it's feel expression in the modern era arose from the American revolution, 220 years ago. The principles adopted by the new American nation are, with minor variations, those which have been democracies around the world, including Canada.
The Declaration of Independence summarizes beautifully what democracy really means. We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal. That they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Democracy, in short, is a system of government where people exercise power. As part of Canada we in the Northwest Territories also govern ourselves according to democratic principles. Important decisions about the governing of the Northwest Territories are made by the people. Most often these decisions are made by elected representatives, especially the Members of this House.
The decisions of great importance are best left to people themselves to decide without intermediaries. This is why we have referendums and plebiscites. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.