Thank you. Please be seated. Good morning. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Premier, Mr. Kakfwi.

Mr. Speaker, International Women's Day is a time when countries around the world, as well as the United Nations, celebrate the successes that women are making to improve the quality of life for all. It is a special time when we in the Northwest Territories look around and see who is making a difference in the lives of our families and in our communities. I want to say thank you and pay tribute to all the women of the Northwest Territories on this special day.

Later today we will be recognizing the recipients of the Wise Women Awards and give them special thanks for their leadership and the personal contributions they have made to better their communities. It is often said that women are the backbone of our communities. It is also because of women in our communities and their advocacy that we continue to see improvements in services for day care, social income support, family law and adoption, education, justice and many other programs.

We also know that there is still much to be done. The Social Agenda Working Group is an important initiative in this regard. There are a number of strong knowledgeable women and men from our communities working together to develop a framework on social issues and to help guide the decision-makers at all levels in making the North a better place in which to live and work.

This government has appointed Ministers responsible for Seniors, Youth, Disabilities, Homelessness and Family Violence. In many cases it is women and their organizations who have challenged our government to commit to working together to better understand and serve the people who have not been heard. Northern women continue to participate in the hundreds of boards and agencies across the Northwest Territories, wisely advising all of us to listen and to do what is right for the people of the...

Excuse me, may I interrupt, Mr. Premier. The statement you are making is not the one that was filed with the Speaker, Mr. Premier.

This is what I have.

Mr. Premier, the Rules of the House are clear that a Minister's statement must be filed with the Speaker prior

to, or you can make an emergency statement only. Mr. Premier, do you have your prepared filed statement?

Mr. Speaker, today nations around the world are celebrating International Women's Day. It is a day when women and men everywhere rise above their national, ethnic, cultural, economic and political boundaries to celebrate the achievements women have made in improving the quality of life for all.

As we reflect on women's participation at the community level and the work they have done to address social, economic and political issues, it is only fitting, Mr. Speaker, that the theme for this year's International Women's Day is "Working in Solidarity: Women, Human Rights and Peace." This theme recognizes the influence and the crucial role women play in seeking social justice on the local, national and international scenes.

Forgive me, cameraman.

-- Laughter

Mr. Speaker, northern women have long been the voice for social justice and for peace in our homes and communities. The discussions we have had in this House on family law, human rights, housing and income support are a culmination of what women in the communities have brought to us as legislators. Mr. Speaker, women have come forward in solidarity, carrying the voices of all peoples who have fought so long and hard for these basic human rights.

Mr. Speaker, this is the 10th anniversary of the Status of Women Council's Wise Women Awards. These awards are in recognition of the dedication and service women have given to the communities in which they live. Of the 35 nominations, Mr. Speaker, five women have been selected by members of the Status of Women Council.

It is my privilege to announce to you today the names of this year's Wise Women: Elizabeth Greenland of Inuvik; Terry Villeneuve of Fort Simpson; Suzette Montreuil of Yellowknife; Laura Tobac of Fort Good Hope and Jane Dragon of Fort Smith.

-- Applause

Thank you. Mr. Speaker, there will be a celebration luncheon today in the Great Hall in recognition of International Women's Day and to honour today's recipients of the Wise Women Awards. I welcome all Members to attend this important event. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, Mr. Antoine.

Mahsi, Mr. Antoine. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this is probably one of the most difficult Member's statements I have ever had to make, and I have had to make a few tough ones during my six years in this Legislature.

Mr. Speaker, issues have come to light in the media, and will further come to light later as we consider the upcoming supplementary appropriation, which will detail the actions on the part of our Premier which will demonstrate, in my opinion, that he lacks sound judgment.

Mr. Speaker, in the fallout after the Special Committee on Conflict Process, I was faced with a moral conflict between personal loyalty to someone I cared about and public accountability for upholding a high standard of integrity as elected officials. Not certain of my motives in the confusion and wake of a very stressful time, I chose personal loyalty.

In the weeks and months subsequent to that I have had the opportunity to reassess my decision many times and still was able to rationalize my choice to support the Premier on the grounds that we needed to move forward, be positive, understanding that we are all human and sometimes we do things that show poor judgment.

Numerous times I have requested of the Premier an opportunity to sit down and fully discuss the details of what transpired around the circumstances that gave rise to the inquiry by the special committee. In a way, I guess, I hoped he had not been previously aware of them and maybe had been the victim of being kept in the dark, but he has never wanted to know.

I wanted to apologize to the people of the Northwest Territories and my colleagues in this House, as a person who puts so much on the line to stand up for transparent and accountable government in the 13th Assembly, for allowing my personal loyalty and affection to so cloud my judgment that I would want to ignore the facts of actions that were taken, which go to the very heart of the integrity of this government.

As long as those things stay hidden and unaccounted for, nothing can really be right. After receiving a vote of confidence in this House to continue on as Premier, Mr. Kakfwi has unfortunately continued to display an attitude of arrogance and disregard for the position of authority that he holds.

In light of what transpired prior to that confidence vote and what has transpired since, I feel it is incumbent on me today to stand up in this House and say that regardless of how these issues are disposed of by other Members of this House, personally I have no confidence in Stephen Kakfwi as the Premier of the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Range Lake, Ms. Lee.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this year marks the tenth anniversary of the Wise Women Awards, which we will celebrate later today in the Great Hall. One of the recipients of the award is Ms. Suzette Montreuil of Yellowknife. Recently, I had an opportunity to provide my opinion on the work and the contribution that Ms. Montreuil made to our city and the Territories.

In honour of all men and women in the Territories who work on behalf of women's issues, I would like to just share with the House what I said about what Ms. Montreuil has done to improve the lives of women in our community.

Ms. Montreuil has made enormous contributions to our community in various capacities. In the process, she has improved the lives of many, especially women in our community and throughout the North. She is well known for her involvement for providing constructive critique of social and economic policies. She has assisted in numerous loving efforts for social agencies, labour organizations and environmental groups and has participated in an extensive review of the GNWT's budget process.

She is a woman of many talents. Whether she is performing a song, reading a poem or making presentations to various levels of governments for policy changes, her conviction and clarity in thinking comes through and forces the audience to take notice of her argument and her cause.

Her powerful presentations based on strong analytical skills forces decision makers and the general public to rethink the way things are done and where the priorities are being placed on various issues such as poverty, family violence, income tax system, day care and independent schools for the Francophone.

I have also seen this in her work on behalf of the front-line health care providers and on behalf of the labour movement in the North, where she consistently displays the same strength and impact on public policy.

Having observed her work and read her writings, I believe she is one of the strongest minds and clearest thinkers in the North today. While this may appear to be an intangible work, I believe strongly that Ms. Montreuil's contribution to our northern society is invaluable and highly important in creating a society that is more broad minded and just.

I have no doubt that through her work over the many years she has improved the lives of all women as well as men. I would like to recognize her and all other women who do the same. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Hay River North, Mr. Delorey.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to raise awareness of a very important week, International Women's Week, which is being celebrated throughout the world this week and in particular, International Women's Day being held today, March 8th.

The theme for this year's International Women's Day is "Working in Solidarity: Women, Human Rights and Peace." Mr. Speaker, this theme captures and serves to recognize the crucial role that women play in seeking social justice on the local, regional, national and international stages.

It also reinforces, Mr. Speaker, the critical need for all of us to work further to address the abuse of human rights, which was brought more sharply into focus in the wake of the September 11th tragedy when we were all faced with the atrocities faced by Afghan women.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that we as a society have come a long way in recognizing and placing value on the rights of women but there is more work to be done. Equal rights for women, Mr. Speaker, are essential to advancing the progress on human rights and democratic development. We must strive to advance gender equality.

Mr. Speaker, I give tremendous credit to the people, both women and men, who are working on the front lines in dealing with the aftermath of abuse against women, many times under very trying circumstances.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to highlight some activities that the Family Support Centre in Hay River is planning for the celebration of International Women's Day today. The Family Support Centre, Mr. Speaker, is hosting a celebration of women this evening. This will encompass music, singing, ethnic and cultural dance, drumming, poetry and, of course, socializing.

Mr. Speaker, I commend the Family Support Centre and the Status of Women's Council of the Northwest Territories, not only for the work they have done in preparing this celebration for International Women's Week but for their tireless work throughout the year in promoting the cause of women. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Delorey. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Thebacha, Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a friend. His name is Herbert Lafferty. He is about my age. He is going to school in Ottawa with his wife and his children. I have known Herbert for almost 40 years. I came to know him when we both arrived in Fort Smith back in the very early 60s to go to school. We stayed at Grandin College.

Over the years we have stayed in touch. Some of his family continues to live in Fort Smith. Herbert chose to further his education. He worked across the North. He has great skill as a musician and is well known in musical circles.

Today, I just wanted to state that fact, because about a week ago, he passed away very suddenly and unexpectedly. I just thought it would be appropriate for the first time in six years to pay tribute to Herbert. His brother Mel is here in the gallery. He was my friend. He was a friend of many. He went to school with some of us. I wanted to offer my condolences to the family as well. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Indeed, condolences. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for North Slave, Mr. Lafferty.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, while we go about our business here in the Legislature as Members, it is important to recognize that life goes on for everyone else in the communities. This week, there has been a meeting of elders in my constituency of Tulita. They sent me a personal invitation to attend. The messages have been that they very much wanted to see me personally at the gathering.

I have looked at every which way to be there, but because of ongoing internal turmoil and issues here amongst Members with myself, and those things that we think are priorities, it has not been possible to accept the invitation. It has not been possible to attend this gathering.

I have sent a message to them this morning that will be read to them. As the Sahtu MLA, I have sent a message to them that the values they hold are strong, and the wisdom they have to enjoy and cherish those things the Creator has provided for us are those things that will give us, those who follow them, the strength to meet the challenges of the future. Their prayers, wise words and kind actions are our teachers. We must not forget them as we walk our path together. We should remember to work hard to keep our land, our language and our lives strong.

I hope they have a wonderful celebration as they honour the elders in Tulita today. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Kakfwi. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I too would like to comment on International Women's Day. Mr. Speaker, we have some pretty prominent women out there, people such as Ethel Blondin-Andrew and Nellie Cournoyea, who is recognized as one of the top 50 prominent people in Canada. In our communities, we have mayors such as Evelyn Storr of Aklavik and Ethel Blake of Fort McPherson. People within our band councils, our sub-chiefs, such as Hazel Nerysoo, and the many councillors and members of our communities who serve within our public service, especially in the public service in this government. Individuals such as Pauline Gordon of Aklavik, who is an assistant deputy minister. Hopefully she will be reinstated sooner rather than later.

Mr. Speaker, there are many, many women within our public service who work to make the lives better for us in the Northwest Territories. They provide programs and services on behalf of this government. Again, Mr. Speaker, we have to do more to ensure that women in government reflect the women in our society.

Mr. Speaker, our children are an important part of who we are, but it is our mothers, our sisters who make lives better for all people in the North. I think we have to give a big thank you to the many women who stay home, raise their families, raise their children and make lives better for their children, their family and our communities.

Mr. Speaker, many times we forget about those people who continue to make our communities a better place to live; our mothers, our sisters and our daughters. Mr. Speaker, I think we have to look at where we have gone with women in our society and we still have a long way to go.

The world is a better place because of the actions that we see and the prominence of women in our society. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. McLeod.