Mr. Speaker, since that time, my comments have been misrepresented in a manner which demonstrates some of my fears regarding the concept of gender parity. Some people have stated publicly that my comments were likely influenced and controlled by my male colleagues in the Nunavut Caucus and hence implied that, as a person and as a woman, I could not have formed or expressed this opinion on my own. I wonder if it ever occurred to these people that perhaps in expressing my opinion it was I who influenced my colleagues to come to an agreement regarding our position to support a plebiscite.
-- Applause
Mr. Speaker, it places an unfair and incorrect label and judgment that I can only speak as a woman instead of an equal citizen when, in fact, I represent all the constituents in my riding of Aivilik, not just the women.
-- Applause
Overall, the public and personal statements regarding my comments fulfil my fears that if women are legislated into the Nunavut government, their views and opinions may be called into question because of who they are rather than on the merit of their opinions, ideas or comments.
-- Applause
For the record, Mr. Speaker, I would like to declare my position in this government. Obviously, I believe a woman's perspective is just as important as any perspective in society and in government. I would not be standing here if I did not believe that. When I chose to run for a seat in this current government, I did not decide to do it because I am a woman or to limit myself to women's perspectives or to only speak on women's issues. I decided to do it because of who I am and what I believe in and because I wanted to make a difference. I believe all issues facing government today, and in the future, are people issues. Mr. Speaker, I am a person first and foremost. I would like to thank the Members of this House for respecting and involving my opinions as an equal.
(Translation) When we had the meeting in Cambridge Bay, there has been a lot of talk about me on the news about this issue of gender parity, especially in regards to the women saying things about me. I was in Cambridge Bay as one of the leaders to meet with the Nunavut leaders. To those women who have made negative comments about me, I would like to say that I want to be able to talk about my feelings as a leader. I am not saying my opinion just because I am a woman and no one pushed me to say what I had to say. When I became elected to this Legislature, I did not just want to help the women, I wanted to be able to express my opinions by helping all my constituents and I wanted to be able to say that here in the Legislature, I wanted to make some changes. That is why I was elected to the Legislature. I am not here to speak on behalf of just women. I wanted to make changes that the people of Nunavut wanted. I was talked about, behind my back, in regards to women's groups who said they were embarrassed about what I had to say. I want to tell them that gender equality is not what we want in the Nunavut Legislature. We want to be there because we want to represent our people, not just the women in the north. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)
-- Applause