Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, WHEREAS many Northwest Territories children have suffered and continue to suffer as a result of sexual abuse perpetrated by persons in positions of trust;

AND WHEREAS many survivors of sexual abuse feel betrayed by a system which has failed to protect them or to demonstrate that it cares;

AND WHEREAS recent events in the community of Hay River have clearly demonstrated the vulnerability of our children to sexual predators;

AND WHEREAS the technology and databases are in place to allow for the identification and monitoring of past offenders;

AND WHEREAS community and territorial leaders have a responsibility to ensure policies and checks are in place to minimize the risk of abuse to our children;

AND WHEREAS many government employees have routine contact with children either in their workplace or in the course of carrying out work in people's homes;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, that this Legislative Assembly strongly urges the Government of the Northwest Territories to implement criminal records checks at least every year for all public service employees who have contact with children, youth and other vulnerable persons;

AND FURTHER that the government direct all its boards and agencies to adopt policies and criminal records checks of all volunteers who have contact with children, youth and other vulnerable persons;

AND FURTHERMORE that the government make it a condition of all contribution agreements that the recipient organization implement criminal records checks for their staff and volunteers who have contact with children, youth and other vulnerable persons;

AND FURTHERMORE that this Legislative Assembly strongly urges the private and non-governmental sectors to adopt similar criminal records check procedures for their staff and volunteers.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.