Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too am pleased to stand in support of this very valuable resolution of this Assembly. I would like to address specifically Clause 4 in the resolution: Whereas family violence will continue to affect our northern society, Mr. Speaker, as long as people continue to tolerate or ignore its occurrence. Breaking the silence, as colleagues have already said, is very much a part of making a difference and turning the corner on violence in our society. This Assembly can do much to alleviate that.
We can dedicate resources of time and people. We can create strategies and studies. We can put all sorts of things in place, but until people recognize and acknowledge what is going on around us in our communities and our workplaces, the resources we put in place are probably not going to get much value. So I would urge that leaders in every other venue of our society, Mr. Speaker, also consider the responsibility that they have to break the silence.
I would hope that we would hear discussion and awareness in places like the municipal forums and among associations of government, professional organizations, chambers of commerce, industry. This is where we will really begin to see how we can make a difference by demonstrating leadership. I hope that every other leader in the Northwest Territories will listen and look at what we are doing here today and follow our example. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause