Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It is my duty, I believe, that I should share with you some observations that I have collected. Like my colleague from Inuvik Boot Lake I have communicated back to the members of my riding. Although I am not here to judge the evidence before us of whether there was any indication of a breach of trust or misjudgment on behalf of the two staff members, it is still incumbent upon them to adhere to the strict standards, practices and conduct of persons occupying the positions of principal secretary and chief of staff, which must reflect those which Members and officers of the House and the electorate expect and require.
Those principles, Mr. Chairman, are required of us as Members. In my leadership with my various departments, I emphasis strongly that if the Minister is accountable to the public, then so should be the staff. I think that is the guiding principle that we all must adhere to.
The important statement I am making today is based on these principles. As my colleagues in the House said, we swore an oath of allegiance last year. I think we have worked hard to improve the quality of life in the North. I am sad to see that some of us are caught in the quagmire of this report.
The importance here I believe is to express to fellow Members that there are constituents out there who drive us and compel us to reply to this report. I have said today it is in the betterment of the Premier to determine what level of discipline he applies to his staff. Likewise, I think he would say the same thing to me if I had staff who breached the conduct and the requirements that are set so highly in this House.
It is with some remorse that today I lose a colleague. I think she had helped the people of the North in terms of improving the quality of life through health. I think she had dedicated herself to the need to pursue a higher degree of excellence in the North but again -- I am honoured to see her sitting here tonight, as well as yourselves as Members -- that she had left in the highest regard. I just wanted to share that with you and ensure my constituents that their message was relayed to the Premier and to my colleagues in this Legislative Assembly. Thank you.