Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. My condolences go to Mr. Whitford and his family for their loss.
Mr. Speaker, I am standing in support of my colleagues who will be introducing a motion for the creation of a Family Violence Act. Mr. Speaker, my colleague Mr. Braden spoke eloquently, and gave us some numbers that are disturbing. But he made one point that I think we should grasp. He is saying that this act would be one tool for our resource people to deal with family violence.
The numbers indicate to me, Mr. Speaker, that this is just not a problem that is sourced by one area. It's our low education rate, our high unemployment rates in the communities, our massive shortage of housing, isolation, FAS/FAE. All of those are contributing to family violence. Our numbers speak to that. I encourage the government to introduce legislation and go through the proper number of readings, so the next Assembly can implement the act. I also encourage the government to recognize that this is not a one-source problem. This is a territorial problem that is all inclusive. As I said, Mr. Speaker, it's isolation, the high cost of living, the shortage of housing, low rate of education, FAS/FAE. Those are all contributing factors. As we develop the legislation, as a government, I encourage them not to focus in on that one bill, but look at it holistically. I commend my colleagues in pushing this to the department and I will be supporting their motion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause