Mr. Speaker, this Assembly is committed to sustainable, vibrant, safe communities and to taking action against family violence. Homes should be places where strong individuals and families support and love each other. All people have the right to live free from the fear of violence in their own homes and communities.

But we have challenges. The Northwest Territories has the second highest rate of family violence in Canada and we know that many incidents are never reported. This is a territorial tragedy. It affects every community. Many of our people live every day in fear.

With the release of the coroner’s report on the death of Alice Black, we are once again faced with some stark facts about how communities are struggling to cope with issues of addictions, family violence and security.

Strong leaders confront difficult issues. The Government of the Northwest Territories cannot address family violence on its own. We need the daily cooperation of community leaders, social service agencies and non-government organizations. Business, Aboriginal and community governments and individuals themselves have to call attention to the terrible toll family violence takes on its victims and society.

Our government funds shelters in Yellowknife, Hay River, Fort Smith, Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk. They give victims and their children a safe place to stay while they think about what to do next. Emergency protection orders can be part of a longer-term safety plan for victims and their children. Staff are working with communities to make sure that victims

always have support and safe places to stay, no matter where they live in the Northwest Territories.

We need to change the way people think about family violence if we are going to end it. Family violence is not just about shelters. It is about making our homes and communities safe places to live. Our new Domestic Violence Treatment Options Court gives abusers a chance to change their behaviour. The interagency family violence protocols make sure that we all work together to provide the supports our clients need.

As my colleague the honourable Mr. Abernethy advised the House last Friday, “We have to change the attitude, we have to change the fundamental beliefs and ideas around family violence.” We need everyone to be part of this.

Mr. Speaker, the Members of this House are aware that one of the leading voices in this struggle is the Coalition Against Family Violence. I would like to take a moment to acknowledge their important contribution.

The coalition has offered its members, including the Government of the Northwest Territories, several recommendations to address family violence. They suggested a comprehensive social media strategy aimed at shifting attitudes and beliefs about family violence. They recommended that we implement a 24- week program targeting men who use violence. And they asked all of their members to continue their efforts to strengthen community outreach.

Mr. Speaker, later today the Minister of Finance will be introducing a supplementary appropriation bill that includes $367,000 for the Department of Health and Social Services to support initiatives related to the Family Violence Action Plan. Together with the Minister of Health and Social Services and my Cabinet colleagues, long-term, ongoing investments are being developed as part of the business planning process for next year.

This supplementary appropriation also includes an additional $49,000 to support a community-based intervention p r o g r a m t o assist men to direct their own change to end violence. Ongoing support will be sought through the 2013-2014 business review process.

Mr. Speaker, family violence cannot be a special awareness week or a one-time initiative. Our health

and well-being depends on breaking the silence and working together in meaningful and coordinated ways to end all forms of family violence. When we see violence, we need to speak up. Protecting the most vulnerable people in our society is everyone’s responsibility.

This Assembly is part of the solution. We cannot be overwhelmed by the challenges; there is no choice but to continue. We need to be strong leaders. We need to speak up. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.