Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I too will stand in support of this motion. Last year in October, we put aside the business of this House to have an emergency debate, which is not common practice for us, about this very issue, the humanitarian crisis in the Sahtu. It is with some regret that I support this motion because I would hope we wouldn't need to bring forward -- the Member wouldn't need to bring forward yet another call for a state of emergency in his riding and in a regional centre of the Northwest Territories. We have to do a better job of caring for the people of Norman Wells.

I've spoken with mayor -- with the mayor there as well, and his passion is very clear that this is a crisis. And there are practical things that can be done, and we need to ensure that our government is working with the municipality, the federal government, and everyone else who can help bring much needed humanitarian relief to the community.

There's also a need for long-term solutions. We need to continue to invest in the infrastructure, the Mackenzie Valley Highway that's going and other energy solutions as well, local energy solutions, that can help support this region and not set it up for continued climate emergencies and states of emergency.

You know, and I -- I'm just reflecting on some words that we -- that I -- my honourable friend, the Member for Yellowknife Centre, mentioned this morning that some of the dialogue out there in our community of Yellowknife is, you know, we shouldn't be supporting these motions, we shouldn't be supporting motions that don't relate to our ridings, that don't relate to our community, and that Members who do stand and support our community members are in somehow doing this for political gain, to score points. These are comments I saw this morning, and I want to stand in this House and say that's having compassion for other Northerners is why we're here. We are not here to score cheap political points. And while our styles may differ, where our approach to this job may differ, and where our passions may differ, does not mean that any of us doesn't want to be here for the right reasons. And it's very easy for people's personalities to be a source of criticism, and it's very easy to become a caricature when you're a politician.

So all I'll say, Mr. Speaker -- because I see that you're getting -- you may be getting advice -- is we stand in support of this motion because it matters to all Northerners, not just one community, and that is relevant to this motion. So I'm very proud to support my colleague. I'm proud to support all of our colleagues as we work together for a better future for the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.