Colleagues, I want to thank the Member for Yellowknife Centre for her words. Heated debate and strong words are to be expected in this place. When we step over the line, it is important that we take responsibility for our words and actions and make amends. Thank you for the respect you have shown to your colleagues this afternoon and to this institution.
Colleagues, one of the first things we're told when we first come here is that we have the right to say whatever we want in this Chamber. That is true, but we have, through our own rules, placed our own limits on what we can and can't say. Those rules are made in the North, and they are different from what we see in party-based systems to the South. We operate by a higher standard here, and I will do my best to hold us to that standard in a fair and impartial way.
Events of the last year are taking their toll on all of us, both in this Chamber and in the communities we represent. Residents are on edge and suffering. Many have lost loved ones and haven't been able to grieve properly. We are separated from friends and family, worried about the safety of ourselves and our neighbours, and anxious for life to return to something closer to normal. The dark and cold winter months are not helping. I ask each of you to make a commitment to yourselves and to each other to use respectful language and actions in this House. It is okay to disagree, but let's try harder to do it without being disagreeable. Most importantly, let's show strength and courage in this place by modeling the behaviour we want to see in our communities. Our words and actions matter. As MLAs, we need to demonstrate leadership through these challenging times and show that we can lean on each other and work together to get through them. Thank you, Members. This matter is now concluded. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Honourable Premier.