All those abstaining, please stand. The results of the record vote: eight for, 10 opposed, zero abstaining. The motion is defeated.

---Defeated

Colleagues, I want to take just a moment to comment on the motion that has just been defeated and how it impacts the work ahead of us.

From my vantage point in the Speaker’s chair, I have witnessed many times and occasions when Members from both sides of the House have displayed a lack of respect for each other and the roles that all Members play in carrying out their duties.

I’ve heard comments during the motion that tries to bring maybe some humour to this. None should walk away from this vote with a feeling of victory or defeat. Each of us, all 19, must walk away from this with a lesson learned.

There are many critics of our system of government. There are many that might suggest that we have not matured enough as a political institution to govern ourselves responsibly. There are many who suggest that party politics is the answer to our problems.

As Professor Graham White of the University of Toronto has written: ”It is the possibility and the frequency of cooperation, compromise and accommodation that defines consensus government.”

It is up to us to prove that we can make this system of government work. We can’t do that through backroom deals, token communications and personal agendas. We can only do it through open and honest communication, and an understanding of and respect for our respective roles and accountabilities.

The time has come for us to focus our energies on the many challenges facing the people of the Northwest Territories.

I wish each of you luck and perspective as we continue the important work that lies before us in the weeks, the months and the years to come.

Thank you, colleagues. Mr. Clerk, item 24, orders of the day.