Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to speak to the issue of questioning in this House. As Ordinary MLAs, it is our job to provide a counter to the Cabinet and to support the government in its job as it directs government business. Politicians quickly think twice when a tough issue presents itself. For example, abortion or capital punishment. The same sex benefits vote caused such a situation in this Assembly earlier. We are elected to take a stand. The public does not want Members to back away from something because it is a controversial. In this House we have seen that with questions on the Keewatin health care, the Aurora Fund or the Lahm Ridge tower issues.

The whole idea of a Legislative Assembly or democracy is the right of free speech and the ability as an elected Member to ask questions. Many times questions have been answered in committee, but those meetings are not open to the public and thus it is accepted that a question put to the government on a particular topic may be to allow the public the opportunity to hear the answer for the first time.

Mr. Speaker, I have been criticized in the past by some of my colleagues for asking too many questions. I have been told that the things I have said outside this House could be construed as libellous. Mr. Speaker, I have been told that things published in the paper, although not directly attributed to me, could have been slanderous. I have been told that certain Internet forum writers could be me and the statements made by those writing might be a case of defamation.

Mr. Speaker, for the past couple of months, I have questioned many of the things I might have said. Mr. Speaker, I have thought twice about asking certain questions in this House because it might upset or cause me problems. Mr. Speaker, in speaking to one of my colleagues and my friends back home, they informed me that I was experiencing a case of libel chill. Mr. Speaker, it could prove fatal. Mr. Speaker, I have tried to be honest in my questions. I have tried to offer constructive criticism and will continue to raise questions and represent my community to the best of my abilities. Mr. Speaker, libel chill may be fatal, but not representing my constituents or the people of the Northwest Territories by asking questions and helping keep government accountable is also fatal. That, Mr. Speaker, is not acceptable. Thank you.

--Applause