Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As Members this morning, we received a joint letter from one region requesting that all MLAs take this opportunity to concentrate their energies and focus their work and debate on economic and social issues facing the people of the Northwest Territories rather than get sidetracked by petty issues, personal agendas and the politics of negativism.

We are sure that all citizens of the Northwest Territories will agree that too much debate and resources have been wasted by personal ambitions and agendas. Mr. Chairman, leaders ask this government as MLAs and Cabinet to work together. This is a good idea, but it does not work if only the MLAs want to do it and Premier and Cabinet disregard the established policies and procedures.

I agree with your statement that we must not let personal agendas and ambition override the services and commitment to the people. They rightly say that too much is at stake. I agree that we need to focus on economic and social issues. Our focus is taken away from these issues when we see large sums of money going to bureaucrats with no justification.

A question that needs to be asked is, do our constituents support this kind of activity? The activity of the Premier giving the public money to his staff that do not deserve it, when we see that our needs in our communities, but are told that there is no money available for programs and services.

Mr. Chairman, last October, when the Premier's staff were let go and reprimanded, I publicly stated my support for the Premier, as I had thought he would clean up his office. I realize now nothing has been cleaned up.

We are finding through the report that these two individuals are still employees of the government. Although they provide no services, they are still drawing a wage. This issue is not only a financial mess, but it is an ethical disaster.

Mr. Chairman, the Premier knowingly gave direction and signed a new termination agreement that was against government policies. As elected Members, we are accountable to the public, our voters. We must ensure that decisions that we make are in the best interest of the people of the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Chairman, because of the Premier's actions, I am in support of all of the committee's recommendations. Thank you.