Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker,

WHEREAS family violence has a serious and traumatic impact on the health and wellbeing of spouses, children, families and communities;

AND WHEREAS this impact has far-reaching and long-term consequences, including addictions, mental, social and emotional problems, dysfunctional family relationships, crime and suicide;

AND WHEREAS adults who experienced family violence as children often experience violence in their own families, men are more likely to be violent in their relationships and women are more likely to be victims;

AND WHEREAS family violence will continue to affect our northern society as long as people continue to tolerate or ignore its occurrence;

AND WHEREAS all Northwest Territories people, young and old, deserve to live in homes and communities free from family violence and its tragic effects;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Frame Lake, that the Members of the 14th Legislative Assembly declare their intent to address the issue of family violence through their personal commitments to help stop family violence through their own actions and leadership, and further support a collective commitment of the 14th Legislative Assembly to work in partnership with communities and their leaders to help lift the silence surrounding family violence and create caring supports for people experiencing violence;

AND FURTHERMORE, the 14th Legislative Assembly invites all northern leaders, including leaders of aboriginal governments and organizations, municipal governments, trade unions, boards, agencies, and societies to adopt the principle of zero tolerance of family violence in spirit and in practice. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.