Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Premier yesterday has challenged us to be open and up-front as Members. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity today to speak about the issue and the importance of honesty.

With respect to my own conduct, being honest can be as much about what we do not say as what we do say. To not tell the Conflict Commissioner that she was being recorded was not honest and I accept the finding of the special committee and I have responded to the recommendation.

With respect to others' conduct, I do believe there still is a certain amount of unease about honesty as a result of the findings of the special committee. The evidence contained on the tape and in the report regarding the truthfulness of the Conflict of Interest Commissioner's submissions also raises doubts.

I want to say that I have supported our current Premier with loyalty, for which sometimes I have been criticized and even ridiculed. A part of that respect -- pardon me -- and loyalty was based on his high regard for honesty, integrity and fairness. That is why, when I heard the Premier's response to the committee's report regarding the Conflict of Interest Commissioner's report and the Conflict of Interest Commissioner's conduct, I was shaken. When he could have said nothing, abstained from the vote or voted against the recommendation, he said instead, "I do not think I could live with myself if I support this. It is going to severely damage an individual and for what? Is that serious in my mind? I would have to say no."

Mr. Speaker, this hurt me very, very deeply and very personally and is the reason why I am now struggling with that very longstanding and deep respect and loyalty for our Premier. I wanted to be up-front and honest today and tell him that publicly. Thank you.

-- Applause