Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the mover of the motion, I want to make some closing comments.

Today was a challenging day as we dealt with an important issue. It is the authority of the Legislative Assembly to remove a Member from the Executive Council, and we will know that decision shortly. As Premier, I exercised my authority under the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act in removing the Minister's portfolios. That authority is further described in the Members' Handbook.

The issue before us is a question of confidence in Minister Nokleby. I set out today the issues of professionalism and integrity with Minister Nokleby and the failure of the Minister to address them despite commitments to Members and myself to do so. I also want to touch on some issues that Minister Nokleby, the public, and others have raised.

Corruption

This is not a case of a crusader against corruption being persecuted. You do not crusade against corruption by firing every staff member you hear a rumour about. You do not fight against corruption by failing to record meetings with those seeking to influence you. As a Minister, you are expected to listen to a range a perspectives, do your due diligence, investigate, ensure that human resource processes are being followed, and make sound decisions based on facts. You fight corruption by working with your colleagues, not against them, focusing on common goals.

Minister Nokleby was advised repeatedly that, if she has an allegation of wrongdoing, the proper process is to report it and have it investigated. I can also share that, in a case where an issue raised by the Minister was investigated, it was determined to be unfounded. You fight corruption by reporting it is ensuring that the full investigation is completed.

Mr. Speaker, I came into government to fight the status quo, to focus on those most in need. I remain committed to that. Acting on rumour and innuendo is not the way we should be doing things as Members of this Assembly and as Ministers.

My Leadership

Minister Nokleby would have you believe that none of the issues raised, either in the last sitting or now, are related to her at all. She told me that. My obligation as Premier is to lead the overall management of the executive branch of government, including taking disciplinary action that I deem necessary around the conduct of Ministers. I have done that, even when it was difficult to do so.

Mr. Speaker, I stand here today with Cabinet. Most times, in matters such as this, Cabinet does vote in solidarity. However, Mr. Speaker, I have told Ministers that they are free to vote with their conscience and that I would not invoke Cabinet solidarity due to the accusations on social media against myself.

As Members, we all agreed to the Code of Conduct. We agreed to ensure our conduct does not bring the integrity of our office or the Legislative Assembly into disrepute. We agreed to treat each other appropriately, without harassment. We agreed to take appropriate steps to protect the confidentiality of personal information and other confidential information. I have an obligation, Mr. Speaker, to deal with the issues I see, issues that are raised and raised by the outside of this Legislative Assembly. I have done that.

Mr. Speaker, we are all only human, and we will make mistakes. However, acknowledging, learning from, and changing the behaviours that led to our mistakes is the way that we show true leadership. I ask that all Members show the leadership that the public demands of us and vote based on the knowledge they have now, both in our confidential meetings and publicly today. I ask that Members vote based solely on doing the right thing, not for ourselves as politicians but for the residents of the Northwest Territories. We have many urgent issues to deal with, including COVID-19, housing, education, creating prosperity, and taking care of our most vulnerable. It's time to return our focus to those issues.

In my speech for Premier, I made the following statement: If we work together within the true spirit of consensus government, we will be able to tackle these challenges together and achieve ultimate success for this Assembly, for all communities, and for all residents of the Northwest Territories. I still believe this today, Mr. Speaker. Circumstances may have changed, but the importance of the work in front of us has not. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.