Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As MLAs, we often hear from constituents with concerns regarding their treatment by government administrators. A person denied access to a social program might suspect the decision was based on false information or the decision-maker was biased against them in some way. MLAs have limited resources to investigate theses concerns. We can approach Ministers on these issues; however, admin programs are designed to remain free from political interference. I'm here to make sure frameworks are in place so people will be treated fairly, although this probably isn't much comfort to a constituent who's caught up in a system, because we all know that no policy is perfect and no law can completely guarantee fairness.

There are only two other jurisdictions in Canada without an established ombudsman office to deal with these kinds of complaints. The Northwest Territories is fortunate to be serviced by ombudsmen-like offices in the areas of access to information, protection of privacy, language rights, and equal pay. However, there are many concerns about administrative fairness that fall outside the scope of these offices.

Ombudsmen offices promote fairness, openness, accountability. They can independently investigate complaints and can help the parties to resolve their differences and come to a better understanding. In some provinces, their mandate includes community governments and a wide variety of public agencies by providing independent scrutiny of administrative practices. They increase public confidence and trust in the workings of government.

NWT citizens are subject to a wide variety of government decisions that affect many areas of their lives. They need access to an independent body that can look into and help resolve complaints about fairness.

Mr. Speaker, I believe it's time we catch up to the rest of Canada and establish an ombudsman office in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, I'll have questions for the Premier later today. Thank you.

---Applause