Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the conduct of each Member of the Legislative Assembly reflects not only on how the public perceives that Member but also how the public sees all Members and the institution. This is why we have a Code of Conduct. Residents of the Northwest Territories expect and will hold Members of the Legislative Assembly to a high standard when it comes to how we conduct our business inside and outside of this Assembly.

Comments made by Members outside this House can and sometimes do cross the line of what would be allowed to say in the proceedings of the Assembly or its committees per our rules. Those rules are what we have collectively agreed to not allow for decorum and order and to be respectful of each other.

The limits on our speech during our proceedings are, in some instances, greater than those required by law. Members' conduct outside of the proceedings of the Assembly is governed bylaws as well as the Members' Code of Conduct. As such, Members of the Legislative Assembly are expected to conduct themselves to a high standard to protect the reputation of the institution. This builds and maintains public confidence in our institution and contributes to a healthy work environment for all Members and staff.

If this institution is seen as a healthy, collaborative workplace, it can and will inspire residents to seek public office. This point is very important to me as the Commonwealth woman parliamentarian for the Northwest Territories. I'm committed to sharing my knowledge with residents of all genders and backgrounds who wish to run for elected office.

Our residents deserve to choose the best representatives to serve in this institution, and if we are working towards a healthy collaborative workplace it can encourage more people to get involved in our democracy.

After discussing the idea for this motion with caucus, I heard that Members are particularly concerned with the conduct of conversations of politicians, or at large, that is, in many jurisdictions worldwide, on social media. This motion is a deliberately public conversation that I will hope help us discuss whether Members should consider updating the code of conduct so that online statements made outside of the House are bound by some or all of the rules related to order and decorum in our proceedings.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will reserve the rest of my comments to close the debate.