Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since 1994, 40 young people have taken their lives. We do not know how many of them were victims of abuse.

Mr. Speaker, these are only the reported cases. We have captured just the tip of the iceberg. We do not know the actual number of children that are being physically and sexually abused. Children are innocent, but can be made to feel that they are the cause of their own abuse. This makes them reluctant to seek help from figures of authority and family members.

It is now time for the Government of the Northwest Territories to take this responsibility seriously. We are the only representatives of the people and that also includes children. Now is the time to listen to our youth; we must have an advocate for children. We must have an independent office that serves the youth of the Northwest Territories. Our children must have an agency that they can go to where they do not have to feel guilt, shame and worry that their abuse will become community knowledge. Our children are our future; we must face this future.

Mr. Speaker, I could not bear it if years from now I was approached by a victim and asked, "Why, when you were a Member of the Legislative Assembly, did you not help me?" As leaders, I ask you, the Members of the Legislative Assembly, years from now, when you are approached by a victim of child abuse and asked this question, "Why, when you were a Member of the Legislative Assembly, did you not help me?" What will you answer?