Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to acknowledge the silent majority. By that I mean the territorial chiefs, the aboriginal organizations, the hamlets and the many people throughout the North who wrote or phoned in to support the unsupportable.

As Members know, the chiefs in my riding demanded that I support the Premier whether his actions were right or wrong, and that if I did not I should resign. Members heard that my colleague, David Krutko, faced similar pressures from his region.

Mr. Speaker, we were the minority. Most territorial leaders realize that one can only make excuses for so long and then there is no excuse for actions that are legally and morally wrong. Mr. Speaker, I would like to tell the territorial leaders that abstained from writing or calling in support of the Premier that I know you as well as some Members who made a moral stand on this issue, I know that you will be able to sleep well at night.

Mr. Speaker, I acknowledge the silent majority. I know it is difficult to make a stand where there are projects or initiatives in your region that could be hurt by vocally opposing the Premier's actions. I would like the silent majority out there to know that there are Members of this House who are trying to make the government accountable for the good of the people out there. I would like the public to know that there are a few politicians who do honour the oath of office.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank all the people who called me and those who emailed and supported me and my colleagues who took a stand for what is right and wrong. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause