Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I quote:
"All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience, and should act toward one another in the spirit of brotherhood."
Mr. Speaker, these are the opening words of the United Nations universal declaration of human rights created in 1948. Mr. Speaker, it is our duty to reflect in the laws of our country and the Northwest Territories the principles expressed in these words.
However, Mr. Speaker, our current legislation does not go far enough. Because of that, the courts have found, that this government is subject to the Canadian Human Rights Act.
Mr. Speaker, our own Fair Practices Act is in many ways similar to a Human Rights Act, but it is deficient in certain areas. In the Northwest Territories, we need modern, comprehensive human rights legislation, including a tribunal process to ensure fair consideration of complaints.
Mr. Speaker, this new legislation must ensure that every resident of the Northwest Territories has equal rights and opportunities without discrimination, including discrimination resulting from sexual orientation.
Mr. Speaker, our legislation must also provide the means by which these rights may be enforced and protected. I believe that through consultation across the Northwest Territories and with proper cooperation between all parties, human rights legislation can be proposed that reflects the ideas of our northern society.
Mr. Speaker, unlike in 1984, I believe that this time we will be successful in bringing forth the Northwest Territories human rights act, one that protects and enforces the human rights of all our people.