Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My statement today is regarding why we are here. We have been elected to represent the people and be the voice for the people. I believe that it is our duty, as MLAs and as Cabinet, to listen to what those people are saying and to speak for those people who cannot speak for themselves. I have been speaking to a lot of issues lately. I have been asking a lot of questions. I believe it is my duty as an MLA to ask those questions and get those answers for those people who are probably asking themselves the same questions.
I feel that there are rules in this House we have to follow, yes. But there is also a fundamental purpose for this House and that is to debate laws, regulations, budgets and also to make decisions on how our government is going to operate. Yet, there are times when you ask question after question, wait for answers and the answers you get aren't the ones you want. I think it is important to realize the questions that you ask may contain information that someone else may be looking for. They may not get to see you on TV, but people do read Hansard. People want to know what goes on in this House; what questions have been asked with regard to water problems and the budget problems. They see one area getting something and another area gets nothing. They want to know what the process of government is.
We, as Members of this House, should not be stuck in the mould of having to rush through everything and make a decision like let's get out of here by the end of the month because I have other plans. People want to do other things, travel to other regions and meet with constituents. Some of us don't have the privilege of living in Yellowknife or the surrounding ridings, where you have the opportunity to run home to your riding and come back the next night. I seek unanimous consent to conclude.