Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I stand today in support of this motion. My support doesn't come from a personal grievance, but I have to stand up for the people of the Northwest Territories. I know that a debate like this will risk becoming a painful, combative experience, but I am confident that this Assembly can raise above that to make the best possible decisions in the Northwest Territories.
What do I want to see come from this debate? I am looking for accountability. I want to see respect toward this side of the House and questions answered. I want residents' concerns to be heard and looked at Members' ideas and suggestions on important issues should be considered in the spirit of consensus government.
The failure of Marine Transportation System to deliver the full load of goods ordered for the coastal communities will have a very serious impact on the residents and businesses. Air freight costs will run into millions of dollars. I've been told today, $3.4 million. I believe this situation was avoidable. I want the Minister to say, "This happened on my watch. I take full responsibility." I'm looking for an apology to the coastal communities.
It worries me for our future when I see so many contracts going to southern companies for Infrastructure projects without enough attention to jobs, northern businesses, and benefits to our residents. These decisions have a rippling effect in our communities and government services. Without work, people have to go on income support. Our youth and their education are impacted. This needs to be changed, but not to the detriment of the northern businesses and families.
As I prepared for today's debate, I considered the action of past Assemblies and past Members. I looked at the leaders who came before us and the precedents they set. In 1992, the then Member for Yellowknife South resigned from the Executive Council. When he made his statement in the House, he took ownership of the problems facing his department. He spoke of his responsibility to his constituents, and his recognition that he could not carry out his duties as Minister without the full support of other Members. I would like to quote from Hansard for that date, December 1, 1992. The Minister said, "I believe in good government and clean politics. I'm going to walk it and talk it with no compromises."
Those words, I think, we should all live by. Those words I want all Members to reflect on as we vote on this decision. Mr. Speaker, as we move forward, it's about ownership, it's about what we do for the residents, and if Ministers over there are our leaders, they're the ones we've put in those seats. However, we've seen this issue we've seen a number of issues that other colleagues talked about, and we need to move forward, and we need to respect the dignity of the residents of the Northwest Territories. For that, I will support the motion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.