Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to start by recognizing the Minister's call for all people to be working on this, all those of us in authority, and have some responsibility for doing work on this. I think, in this particular case, I know when I, along with my colleagues Bisaro and Hawkins, in this case, attended the latest AGM of NWT council, I was a little bit shocked. I think Mr. Moses expressed disappointment that I felt in myself for not being more on top of that.
I'm glad to hear the Minister has already been working with the council and community councils in addressing many of the issues that we're raising today, and this will be good support for him and the 18th Assembly.
I think, as mentioned, we're really talking about our constituents, thousands of whom and thousands of families, thousands of constituent families are persons with disabilities or struggling with those things, so we're talking about our own people. We're talking about community well-being. We're asking this to be made a real and active priority with every department, and we've heard from the Minister of Health and Social Services. We're asking that this be given the profile in every department and that every department be given the tools to actively address the priorities that have been identified by the council. Again, as the Minister said, this is a message we are asking to be carried forward.
We heard from several people that this is very disheartening to see people with disabilities struggling in our communities when in fact we have the opportunity to provide the key supports they need. I am a little disappointed we didn't, including myself. I appreciate that we're starting to get after that, and I appreciate hearing from all my colleagues today.
The community council perspectives are important. They are active and critical for persons with disabilities in every community. We heard that mobility and the handivan issue is common.
Finally, I think full acceptance and inclusion of persons with disabilities within our society is our goal. We haven't done a good job. We can do better. The Minister has got to start, and the folks on this side of the House are indicating their willingness and their message to the 18th Assembly to support that work and address every priority out there. I'll leave it at that and ask for a recorded vote. Mahsi.