Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. (English not provided)
Mr. Speaker, I would just like to say a few words about this motion. As I stated in my Tlicho language, what we went through since the remarks came out about Premier Handley about the residential school survivors, as you can see there are some Members in here that went through
the system and there are some out there in the audience who are witnessing this motion that was brought forward. I, too, fully support the motion.
Whatever happened in the past, we thought they were hurt and it's going through the proceedings and whatnot. When remarks come out like that, it opens up fresh wounds. The Premier's remarks we have discussed for the last three weeks now, Mr. Speaker. Almost on a daily basis, we have been discussing how we can approach this. As Members around the table, numerous discussions have taken place. We must hold the government accountable, because those individuals cannot stand here and defend themselves.
Accountability is a big word, like Mr. McLeod said. It's not just a word. We have to act on it. We have done it in the past since the beginning of session, there has been some drastic changes. I think we really need to apologize, not necessarily us here, but the Premier as the government leader, as the Premier of the Northwest Territories, and the voice to speak to those individuals out there. He has already apologized to us. I fully accept that myself, but it's not us, as my colleagues have stated, it's those individuals out there.
We must move on. I am hoping we don't face this kind of situation again. We represent the Northwest Territories, 40,000 plus. We stand here every day defending those people. We have to do that until our term is up. There is a lot of respect in that area when we are talking about these particular issues. This is close to our hearts. Our family members have been through this and it's hurting a lot of people and it's hurting me, too. That's all I need to say. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause