Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today and I'd like to thank the mover, Mr. Bromley, and the seconder, Ms. Bisaro. The motion speaks to a plebiscite on devolution to be held. In essence, I believe the motion is asking Northerners to put devolution to a vote. The elected Members of this House gathered together some 17 months ago and agreed collectively on the priorities of this 17th Legislative Assembly. One of those priorities was to build a strong and sustainable future for our territory by strengthening our relationships with Aboriginal and other northern governments, negotiating and implementing a Devolution Final Agreement. My support to this priority has not diminished.
Now, I'm all for debate as this is the moral fabric to which we aspire to as legislators, and from what I've seen here as an elected official for Range Lake, and after discussing this motion with many residents of my riding, the concept of putting devolution to a vote is not in the best interest of moving forward and works against the priorities of this Assembly.
Citizen participation can take on many forms of getting issues on the floor of this House and I would suggest that citizens choose all means necessary to exercise this right. The devolution bus has left the station and we need to support its journey for the betterment of all Northerners.
It is with utmost respect to the mover and seconder and those Members who may be voting in favour of this motion, I do respect their positions; however, after careful consideration of the wording of this motion and the ask of this motion, I cannot support the motion in its current format.