(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In this fair and objective manner, men need not have their freedom bound by having to run only against their gender and, vice versa, for women to run against only their gender for the sake of gender parity. Mr. Speaker, every human being in Canada has certain rights and freedoms granted as a Canadian. This freedom includes having the opportunity to run against a male or a female, whether he or she is black, white, Inuit, Dene or Metis. These rights are not divided into categories under "more equal than others" terms. These rights are straightforward and clear. They do not discriminate. Mr. Speaker, I believe that was the intent of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and that is the fundamental reason for my not finding gender parity a necessity in the Nunavut Legislature. Women do have the right to run for office and I encourage them to do so for the new Nunavut Legislature, if they so wish. They are welcome and I encourage it.
Mr. Speaker, I hope my statement will encourage all people in Nunavut, men and women, to recognize we have those rights and freedoms to practice today if we so wish. That is why we are Canadians. Mr. Speaker, based on my constituents' phone calls and letters and having their support on this issue, I have been able to speak on it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)
-- Applause