Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I outlined in my Minister's statement earlier today, family violence continues to be a critical issue for the North. Therefore, I am pleased to bring forward this motion, seconded by the Member for Frame Lake, as an affirmation of this government's commitment to work to address this issue.

In 1994, the 12th Legislative Assembly made a commitment to zero tolerance for all forms of violence, and endorsed the goal of eliminating family violence by the year 2000. While this was an honourable and commendable goal, it was quite optimistic.

Mr. Speaker, we know that family violence is a complex and difficult matter for victims, perpetrators, families and communities. It can take many forms: physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, financial, and property abuse. Power and control are at the root of this abuse.

As leaders, our approach to this issue can shape attitudes. Many Members have risen in the House over the past week to share their perspective on this difficult issue. This is a key step in working towards the elimination of family violence in order to openly talk about it so we minimize the feelings of shame and stigma, act as role models and actively show what is and what is not deemed acceptable behaviour.

In addition, government as a whole can take steps to raise awareness of the issue, provide for adequate emergency, intervention and support across the North for those affected by violence and implement policies and practices that make it clear that violence or abusive behaviour is unacceptable.

It is important to remember that government alone cannot stop the violence. It is up to us as leaders but it is also up to all Northerners to take personal responsibility in whatever way each of us can in our lives to uphold the principle of zero tolerance.

We have seen societal changes towards issues such as drinking and driving. Public pressure has made this less acceptable. In the same way, we can confront the devastating effects of family violence if we bring it out in the open, talk about it and make it clear that we do not in any way condone it. All of us as individuals must be vigilant in speaking out against family violence in order to ensure the respect for and the safety of all Northerners.

Working together, we can eliminate family violence. I welcome the opportunity for discussion on this very important motion here today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.