Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today because I believe the Premier of the Northwest Territories has asked Members to either publicly state their displeasure with his leadership or show their support. Mr. Speaker, I have to say, first of all, that I have supported this Premier from the beginning. I continue to support him today, contingent on his ability to act on the fourth recommendation, which was to restore integrity to this government.

Mr. Speaker, in my mind, I will make my decision on Wednesday before voting in a secret ballot as to whether or not the Premier has in fact done this. Mr. Ootes has suggested that a secret ballot is probably not advisable and not desirable, and I am sure those were not his exact words. I wish I could agree with him because I think it would be nice for all of us to stand up and show public support for the Premier in this manner.

Unfortunately, I do know that many Members have been lobbied, some may have even been threatened, and certainly not by Cabinet and not by this Premier, but there are overzealous people who take these kinds of things maybe a little too far, Mr. Speaker. I think the only safe way, the only way I feel safe and I think the only way some Members feel safe, is in a secret ballot vote. That is unfortunate, but if you think of the real reason for secret ballots it is so that we can cast our vote free from threats, free from intimidation. It is one of the underpinnings of this democracy which we so highly value.

Mr. Speaker, I will make my decision based on the Premier's actions between now and Wednesday. If in fact I decide that he has addressed my concerns adequately, I certainly will support him on that ballot because I have never had a problem or quarrel with this Premier, other than what I perceived his response to recommendation number four was when we presented our committee report. Thank you very much, House, for allowing me this chance to publicly state my feelings.

-- Applause