Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I stand in support of the motion as a signal to the Premier, and to everyone in positions of authority, that when it comes to speaking out on issues of this nature that are not only before the courts but that speak to long and chronic and hurtful aspects of what goes on in our society, that it has to be undertaken with much more sensitivity, and a much greater sense of purpose, and recognition for the job that we have as leaders.
Mr. Speaker, I see a message, an underlying message. We, as leaders, always need to be looking at, if you will, our moral compass. I really want to compliment our colleague Mr. McLeod from Inuvik Twin Lakes for the address that he gave to us upon sponsoring this motion. I think he has said, in many ways, what we should and I believe can all aspire to, not only in this Assembly, Mr. Speaker, but in our communities, in our workplaces, as well, of course, as in our own homes.
Abusive behaviour is not acceptable, but it has been for so many years and so many decades in so many ways in our society. I think we have to face the weaknesses and the flaws that we all have as human beings, and understand that we're not going to get any better if we simply deny, or try to avoid, or speak around or over or through these issues. We do need to face them. As Mr. McLeod said, we need to be able to look at ourselves in the mirror every day to see if we can get through another day, and do it while we hold our head up high.
Mr. Speaker, we have so many addictions that lead to violence or contribute to it; addictions to alcohol, to drugs, to gambling. Not all of these lead to physical abuse or violence. A lot of what we are experiencing, and that I am learning more about, is emotional, it's financial, especially elders.
Mr. Speaker, our Assembly has tried to do a lot of work with front-line agencies in addressing this huge problem, but it's still something that is silent. People tolerate it, but we should do everything we can every day to confront this and change this pattern, Mr. Speaker, of tolerance, of ignoring it, of trying to absorb it and say it's been here for a long time and we can't do anything about it. We can and that's the message in this motion and I am pleased to stand here in support of it, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause