Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order under rule 24(k), use of abusive or insulting language of a nature likely to create disorder. I have waited until today to raise this point of order because I wanted to review Hansard.

Yesterday, during her Member's statement, Ms. Green said while speaking of members of the public service, and I quote from page six of the unedited Hansard from Thursday, June 16th, 2016, "... while we may not like to speak to it, these higher levels raise possibilities of malfeasance and corruption in this spending of public funds." On the same page, Mr. Speaker, Ms. Green also said, "... these elevated amounts have increased the possibility of kickbacks and preferment." Mr. Speaker, the Member has raised some serious issues in her statement that could create doubts about the efforts and behaviours, not just of Cabinet, but of hard-working public servants in the NWT business communities, in the minds of the public. Perception is reality, Mr. Speaker. Using such strong language to suggest it is a possibility could very easily contribute to the public perception that the activities that the Member suggests could happen are actually or at least likely taking place.

Corruption and malfeasance are serious issues, Mr. Speaker. We would take those very seriously as a government. The Financial Administration Act and Contract Regulations are law, and we expect our employees to follow them. In addition, our employees are bound by a Code of Ethics that they must agree to follow. Rules are set out in the Financial Administration Manual to guide staff in proper contracting procedures, and advice and support is available to them from the Department of Finance and Procurement Shared Services. All noncompetitive procurement transactions have to be carried out under these established rules. They must all be properly justified, appropriately authorized, and recorded in SAM, the corporate financial management system.

If the Member has information about specific cases where this might have occurred, I urge her to bring those forward to the appropriate authorities, not paint the public service and the business communities with the same broad brush. Mr. Speaker, the remarks from the MLA from Yellowknife Centre seem to suggest a deep mistrust of government and its employees that I don't believe are helpful in advancing the business of the Assembly or maintaining positive relationships in this House.

I believe the Member's remarks violate the established rules and practices of the Assembly. On this basis, Mr. Speaker, I respectfully suggest that Ms. Green be directed to withdraw her remarks and apologize to the House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.