Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to tell you that I am fed up with the speculation and innuendo which is being repeated in this building, in the press and on the street about the Lahm Ridge Tower lease.
This is damaging the reputation of not only myself as your Premier but the Cabinet and the Legislature as a whole. It is also damaging and disrespectful to senior managers in the Government of the Northwest Territories and private citizens and it is untrue.
First, Mr. Speaker, I categorically deny any wrong doing or interference in the Lahm Ridge Tower lease by myself, my Cabinet colleagues and by my deputy ministers.
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Second the lease extension was and is a good deal for this government. But you know this, all the information has been put on the table. The Minister of Public Works and Services has tabled a chronology of events regarding the Lahm Ridge Tower office lease in this Assembly. The Minister and deputy minister of Public Works and Services have been candid and forthright in responding to questions on this issue. Despite this, rumours and innuendo continue to flow.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, we do have a process to deal with citizen's concerns about conflict of interest. I challenge the Member from Hay River or anyone else who may believe there is wrong doing to file a complaint against me with the Conflict of Interest Commissioner, that is if they have the guts and political backbone. If not, let us get on with the business of good government. Thank you.
--Applause