Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last session, Members of this Assembly unanimously passed a declaration on family violence in an effort to help stop family violence. We are all aware of the statistics in the Northwest Territories that paint a disturbing picture of assault and abuse within families.

This issue is so important that the Premier appointed the Minister of Health and Social Services to oversee the government's efforts to combat family violence. Mr. Speaker, I believe the Minister responsible must now accept this challenge and run with it.

Front-line workers are stretched to their limits. They need someone to rally around, to raise the profile of this issue. Minister Groenewegen can and should be that person. Unfortunately, in a letter to the Social Programs Committee, Minister Groenewegen has stated that one person cannot champion this cause.

Mr. Speaker, I disagree. I realize this is a big challenge. However, the Minister is in a position to coordinate an effort to develop a strategy implementing zero tolerance of family violence. An effective strategy will only result from collaboration between all GNWT social envelope departments, NGOs, community leaders and those affected by family violence across the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, the Minister should also bring in family violence legislation similar to that already in place in several provinces. This legislation would provide for clear, enforceable intervention orders so authorities can respond to family violence situations more effectively. However, the immediate priority is the need to find more money.

Mr. Speaker, organizations that deal with family violence are underfunded. They need additional resources to help train counsellors, improve rehabilitation programs and add to the amount of shelter space that is available.

It is not good enough for the Minister to state that there is no room for expansion of services within existing resources. If necessary, Mr. Speaker, the Minister must reallocate resources and work with the Members of this Legislative Assembly to find the funds that are required.

As Minister Groenewegen said to the Standing Committee on Social Programs, "it is something that if we truly believe in, the amount that we invest will reflect that." Mr. Speaker, as a society, we pay a huge price for family violence. We must break the tragic cycle. It is time for the Minister responsible to champion this cause and lead this Assembly in our efforts to raise awareness across the North of this terrible problem. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause