Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today on a point of privilege. Yesterday in the House I clearly heard and saw the Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Miltenberger, threaten me and members of my family. I feel that my privileges have been breached because all Members have the right to sit in this Legislature and carry out their duties free from threats, intimidation, obstruction or interference. The Minister's words and gestures, in my mind, constituted a threat to my wife and my brother's livelihood. He pointed his finger squarely in my direction like this and said quite clearly, "your wife, your brother" and gestured with his hand like that, Mr. Speaker. I find this breach extremely disturbing in the sense that my wife and my brother cannot defend themselves nor are they protected by parliamentary privilege.

In my 10 years in politics, Mr. Speaker, at both the municipal and territorial levels, I have never witnessed such a gross breach of conduct. The Minister, in his attempt to explain his remarks, at page 690 of the unedited Hansard stated: "However, my intention is not to threaten the Member. It's to make a point to reflect those facts. If I have caused him discomfort or caused him any unhappiness, then I would be very happy to withdraw that particular comment as it may be recorded in Hansard. My intention is not to drag his spouse into this, but just to point out that there is a clear connection."

Those very comments of the Minister constitute an unjust damaging of my good name and act as a further impediment to me in carrying out my duties as a Member, and they prevent me and any Member from speaking freely in this Chamber. I truly believe this is paramount to our privileges as Members, that we are able to state our views and those of our constituents free from intimidation and threat, Mr. Speaker. I await your ruling on this very important matter. Mahsi.