Debates of February 18, 2005 (day 39)

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise to inform and to set the record straight with my constituents of Lutselk’e, on the latest media reports over the radio with regard to an interview I had about the proposed changes to the Lutselk’e First Nations leadership, which is underway and hopefully will be resolved next week when the band elections take place.

Mr. Speaker, I could stand here for the next two-and-a-half minutes and criticize the local media for their misuse of information and sensationalizing issues, that often result in the obstruction and deterioration of this government's efforts for stronger community-government relations, better co-management regimes, and better working relationships that we, as MLAs, work hard to improve and build on daily.

Hear! Hear!

But I won’t, Mr. Speaker. Instead…

---Laughter

…I would like to inform my constituents that, no where in my statements to the media about the removal of the chief and council, did I say the word “glad.” I did not mention anybody's name, and I definitely did not say anything about being happy with the upcoming changes in the leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I am not happy about the sudden changes to this leadership. For this past year I had the wonderful opportunity to work closely with the chief and council and I thought they were doing a really good job. They were working diligently and were relentless in forging better communication and cooperation practices with this government and the community, which I feel has improved because of this work done by the former chief and council. Unfortunately there were some problems at the community level that may not have been adequately addressed by the leadership over the past year or two, which ultimately resulted in the community members' loss in confidence in their former chief and council. That is it, Mr. Speaker; no more, no less.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would just like to inform the residents of Lutselk’e and the First Nations members to exercise their democratic rights next week by going out and voting. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the new leaders in the next election. Mahsi.

---Applause