Thank you, Mr. Chairman. You have heard the recommendations of the Special Committee on Conflict Process here today, and the committee does acknowledge that the Minister has formally requested a withdrawal of her application to have the Conflict Commissioner's investigation suspended due to a reasonable apprehension of bias.

However, Mr. Chairman, the Minister does remain convinced that the Conflict Commissioner was biased in her dealings in this matter. Mr. Chairman, I think that it is of utmost importance that the Office of the Conflict Commissioner have the confidence of both Members and the public. The allegations levelled to date have called into question this confidence, and the committee believes that it is compelled to investigate and make recommendations to this House which can clear the air.

I am hopeful that the Assembly here today will vote to adopt the recommendations of this committee. While we are cognizant of the fact that public money is being expended in this manner, we feel it is critical to restore confidence in the integrity of this institution, its Members and its statutory officers. With that, Mr. Chairman, I would like to invite Members to make comment on the report of the Special Committee on Conflict Process.