Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker,

WHEREAS the dignity of the person and equal rights for all people are the very foundation for freedom, justice and peace;

AND WHEREAS these values are at the core of democracy and our efforts to protect and enforce the human rights of all individuals;

AND WHEREAS the human rights of all individuals should be protected and enforced to the fullest extent of the law;

AND WHEREAS the Government of the Northwest Territories caused to be circulated a comprehensive discussion paper on the development of a human rights code for the Northwest Territories in 1984;

AND WHEREAS no legislation was developed in response to this discussion paper, and whereas the Northwest Territories is virtually unique in Canada by virtue of the failure of the Government of the Northwest Territories to enact a human rights act with the appropriate protections;

AND WHEREAS a human rights act would give the Northwest Territories the appropriate jurisdiction over those human rights which this Legislature is committed to protect;

AND WHEREAS the enactment of human rights legislation is desirable in order to avoid duplication and confusion between federal and territorial legislation;

AND WHEREAS this Legislature wishes to demonstrate its commitment to human rights and the protection of all Northerners,

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Range Lake, that the government introduce legislation regarding a human rights act no later then November 30, 2000. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.