Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Discussion on Conflict of Interest Report. I have reviewed this report, as we all have, and it grieves me to think that the Member from Tu Nedhe may have betrayed his position and the people of the Northwest Territories.

We voted for him as Premier because we had confidence in him to do the job, and to do it well. Mr. Morin is the Member for Tu Nedhe, his riding is one of the smallest ridings in the Northwest Territories. As a result of this fact, I believe, this has provided the Member with a good working knowledge of what was, and is, needed in the smaller communities of the Northwest Territories. If it were not for his knowledge and working experience of the smaller communities, we may have not seen decentralization and devolvement of the programs we have witnessed over the course of this Assembly.

Mr. Morin had the vision needed to encourage small communities to take on responsibilities that previously were only provided by a central government, quite often not for the betterment of the community residents. It was also through Mr. Morin's actions that today we have a more receptive government dealing with land claim settlements. Mr. Morin has guided us through very difficult times. When we first started, this Assembly had a large deficit with no real direction. We also had division looming in the background, and again, no real direction to follow. Through his leadership, the smaller communities across our territories have become more responsible. At the same time, we have been able to produce a surplus in the books, as well as host many interesting and innovative issues. Mr. Morin cannot be forgotten for this.

We have this report that shows he may have used his position for personal gain. In the report, it states eight different events that he has gained from personally. I have thought long and hard, as to what we must do to this Member and what else this Assembly can do to reverse the negative effect his perceived actions have had on the Government of the Northwest Territories, as well as the entire Northwest Territories.

This is very serious. It is the first time in Canada's long history to have a Premier resign as a result of a conflict of interest inquiry. This will be a black mark that this Assembly will be remembered for, which is unfortunate considering we have done many good things during this Assembly. We should be proud of these accomplishments. We have a surplus. This alone, was a great effort and all regions have been affected. We have provided for a relatively smooth transition leading towards division. Both of these are very difficult tasks. We took it on and now we are realizing the efforts we put in.

To get back to the report at hand, Mr. Morin had been wrong with his actions; however, I feel that his advisors were equally as wrong by not providing him with the correct and professional advice that they were hired for. If Mr. Morin would have been advised at the very beginning of this exercise, he more than likely would not have wasted all the resources we have spent to date.

According to the report, it states he has been found guilty of violating five different sections of the Conflict of Interest Act, on eight different and separate issues. I feel the Commissioner has done her job to the best of her ability and has provided us with a very good and honest opinion. It is now our job to accept or reject this report and move on with the other many issues that we have. As for any further reprimand, in regard to the Member for Tu Nedhe, I feel we cannot go any further than what has already happened. Through the Member's own actions, he has done the honourable thing by resigning from his position as Premier and that is what the conflict of issue stems from. I do not think it is prudent to go any further. It appears that his riding supports Mr. Morin and his residents have the final say. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.