Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Indeed, this is a difficult decision to make as many of the previous speakers have indicated. This is not a decision to be made lightly; however, Mr. Speaker, I cannot support this motion. For one thing, just because the Premier should be held in high regard is no reason to step down when someone makes unsubstantiated allegations.
Secondly, I believe there will be negative connotations. First of all, for the way the government operates. Obviously, you are not going to be as efficient if you do not have a Premier and the rest of the Ministers, whoever would have taken his place, would have to take time from their own departments in order to fulfil that work. I do not like the precedent that would be set, not only for the Premier from here, but Premiers from across Canada, if someone makes an allegation about them, simply because they are supposed to be held in high regard, they step down. I do not think that is the way to go. I also wanted to indicate that a person is innocent until they are proven guilty. I believe we should let the process continue. The next stage is the inquiry and at that point, if the claims are substantiated, then action would be taken in this House. Mr. Speaker, I too have not received any calls asking for the Minister to step down. I have talked to people who wanted clarification as to what was going on, what was in the report and what happens next. I have also consulted with people whom I consider knowledgeable and whose opinions I respect and they have told me they did not feel the Premier should step down and, Mr. Speaker, I cannot support this motion. Thank you.