Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the Fourth Session of the current Assembly, I made a Member's statement in the House about the need for an advocate for children. The statement was followed up by oral questions.

My statement and questions have resulted in letters and conversations expressing a desire for me to further pursue this important matter. Education addresses the rights of children. It teaches them that they have a right to say no. This is only a preventative measure. What we need is an avenue for children when their rights have been ignored.

Many elders talk about the horrors that they experienced as youth. As children, they could not express their feelings; they could not express their shames. The effect of child abuse scars a victim for a life time. The failure to protect children from abuse is the greatest shame that falls upon society. It is only as adults, many victims of child abuse can access services that addresses their mistreatment. Often this is too late and the cycle of abuse has been repeated.

The stigma attached to being abused is one of shame and worthlessness that can lead to despair, self loathing, low self esteem and suicide. In the Northwest Territories 644 cases of physical abuse of children have been reported since 1992; 887 cases of sexual abuse of children have been reported during that same period. Mr. Speaker, the figure for both sexual abuse and physical abuse is staggering, 1,531 reported cases of abuse reported in the last five years. Since 1994, 40 young people have taken their lives. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.