Mr. Speaker, I want to begin by acknowledging the immense grief and pain that these families and communities are experiencing. Losing a loved one is always heartbreaking. And when that loss is sudden and unexpected, the pain can be even deeper. I want to extend my sincere condolences to those affected and recognize their understandable need for answers, accountability, and meaningful change if necessary.

I completely understand the desire to know what happened, why it happened. I completely understand that, the desire to know why it happened and, most importantly, what we as a healthcare system can learn from these tragedies so we can create meaningful change and do everything possible to prevent other families from experiencing this kind of heartbreaking loss. It is critical that we examine these incidents thoroughly and use every tool available to strengthen patient safety.

Mr. Speaker, currently there are three investigations underway through quality assurance framework which the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services uses to identify and investigate patient safety incidents. This framework is designed to improve the quality of care within our health system and to ensure that lessons are learned and acted upon. I understand that these are not critical incident investigations; however, a critical incident investigation can happen at the same time. And I will ensure that this happens.

Mr. Speaker, I want to assure the families and communities affected that their voices matter, and that these tragedies will not be ignored. We must take every possible step to improve patient safety and ensure accountability in our healthcare system. As this motion makes a recommendation to government, Cabinet will abstain from this vote. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.