Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday in this House, I made reference to two individuals. This was a conversation, as I sat in my chair, as Mr. Ramsay was talking. Those comments were not on the record, but when he called the point of order I recognized, very clearly, that I had caused him some unhappiness, that I had spoken inappropriately to the point where he wanted to call a point of order.

I thought it would be incumbent upon me to do the right thing, which is stand up and acknowledge that, yes, there were comments made and that I was prepared to withdraw them. Those comments referenced two individuals. As a long-serving Member of this House, I should have been more aware that my comments were not only inappropriate, but potentially hurtful.

I recognized that fact when I stood up to withdraw them when the House broke. I also went up to find Mr. Ramsay and to personally apologize for those comments. In the heat of political battle, Mr. Speaker, and debate, we can sometimes be guilty of using words against those who cannot defend themselves. Mr. Ramsay has the right to stand and defend his family, and I believe Mr. Ramsay and I share deeply the belief that family is the most important aspect of our lives. I say that as a father and grandfather and a man who has been married for nearly 32 years.

I would once again like to apologize to Mr. Ramsay and his family for any distress my comments have caused and I, of course, deeply regret using a personal comment to address a political issue. Once again, I indicate I would, without reservation, withdraw those comments.

I would also like to assure my constituents that I will work harder than ever to ensure that your interests are represented and that, as a Cabinet member, they can be proud of my work ethic and my commitment to the people of the NWT. Mr. Speaker, I would ask that the Members of this House accept my apology offered with no qualification and unreservedly, and be very well assured that I am aware of the distress my comments have caused and I deeply regret that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.