Quyannimik Ohaqte. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There is a long history of empowering women and families, fostering racial and social justice, and preventing violence. In communities across Canada, the YWCA is leading the way to a violence-free society.

I am pleased to inform this House that this is the first annual "YWCA Week Without Violence." It is a national crusade to end violence in our daily lives.

Mr. Speaker, across the Territories, and indeed across the country, too many people, particularly women, are still living in violent conditions -- whether that be in the form of physical, emotional or sexual abuse. We all know the statistics, and I am sure Members will agree that they are not something to be proud of.

In February, 1994, this House adopted a motion which was unprecedented in Canada and one which won us a lot of praise. It was a declaration of zero tolerance for violence. Unfortunately, leaders of aboriginal organizations, municipal governments, trade unions and boards and agencies have been slow to follow the example set by the Legislative Assembly.

During the 12th Assembly, I was proud to sponsor a private Member's bill which ensures that a person convicted of an offence involving violence against another person may not continue to serve as a Member.

One of its initiatives is the provision of a crisis shelter for abused women and children. Alison MacAteer house opened as an eight bed facility in 1986. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, the demand for access to the shelter has continued to increase ever since.

There is a different theme each day during this week's YWCA week without violence. Today's theme is "Making our Schools Safer". Mr. Speaker, thankfully, violence in northern school yards has not reached the same level that is prevalent in many schools in the south. However, abusive language, insults, obscene gestures and physical attacks occur too often in some NWT schools, especially at the junior and senior high school levels. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.