Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the proceedings of the Legislative Assembly are based on a long parliamentary history. The rules and procedures associated with the Assembly are in place for many reasons: To ensure all Members can fairly represent their constituents, to support the expression of alternative views on issues, to foster respect among the Members and to allow for a range of issues to be heard and discussed. One difficulty with any set of rules is that they often need to be clarified, as it this case with the Assembly and its rules. Mr. Speaker, over the last few months many Members have raised a flurry of points where the rules and procedures have needed to be more clearly defined. We have touched on many issues from the conflict of interest to inappropriate use of common slang phrases, from shirt collars and neckties to the conduct of business.

Mr. Speaker, I have appreciated your patience as you have provided many rulings clarifying the appropriate decorum, discussion and dress to maintain the dignity of this House. I hope we have addressed all the areas which need to be clarified. We should now be able to concentrate our attention on addressing the issues that are important to our constituents and the NWT as a whole. Mr. Speaker, it costs approximately $16,000 a day to operate this legislative building. When you combine that with the critical issues that are facing us, such as division, the budget deficit and the need for job creation, Mr. Speaker, hopefully now we can direct the time that is needed to address these critical issues in a way that we are not interrupted, so that time is duly provided for these issues.

-- Applause