Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to address my Member's statement to the issue of the code of conduct of Members of this Legislature and the motto of leading by example. It has been
said of the 13th Assembly that Members' conduct has improved and I believe the reference is made in relation to an unfortunate number of criminal code infractions and subsequent charges laid against Members of previous Assemblies.
Mr. Speaker, I believe the public has much higher expectations of a standard of conduct from their elected leaders than to live within the laws set out in the criminal code. As everyone knows, much attention has been paid in recent discussion regarding the behaviour of people in positions of public office and public trust. When we the elected Members embarked on an orientation process after coming to this House. We devoted some discussion to the concern of the use of alcohol in whether or not public funds should be spent on alcohol for government sponsored functions. Whether by a motion or by general agreement, I believe it was decided that we should make a clear statement regarding the prolific use and abuse of alcohol in the north by not expending any government funds for alcohol at social functions and I believe, Mr. Speaker, to date this has been the case and has been adhered too.
From this and other discussions I believed that a clear message had been sent and I hope has been translated into a position of this House regarding moderation, sobriety and standard of conduct.
As elected officials, we should not only be viewed as role models to our constituents in general, but I as a Member who elects Members to the executive council expect to be represented with a high standard of decorum and professional conduct when these Members we elected interact with business and government officials at the provincial, national and international level. Probably for the most part, Mr. Speaker, this has been the case. I do not believe this is a burdensome expectation. Later this week, I will be inquiring of the Premier by way of written questions as to the code of conduct expected of executive Members both at home in the north and on their travels on our behalf.
We can promote the north, our readiness to take on more responsibility and our aspirations all we want, but much damage can be done in the area of these initiatives if we are judged by moments of temporary unseemly behaviour. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause