Debates of October 17, 2006 (day 9)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I said in my Member’s statement, it is not a secret that I take exception and issue with some of the comments that have recently been made by our Premier in relation to the plight of many young northerners who were left in the care and were being taught by someone who turned out to be a convicted pedophile. I am concerned about these comments. It is not about politics, Mr. Speaker. This is a matter which is very personal. I believe that we have a right to know where the Premier stands on these issues. I can say the Premier has apologized. I do appreciate that very much. I was disappointed that he did not take the opportunity in his sessional statement again today to, for the record, himself, not through a press release, but to reiterate his position on these things because I don’t want there to be any doubt left about this. I have a couple of lingering questions, Mr. Speaker. In a letter that was sent to the reporter who initially reported this story in the national media, the Premier wrote a letter to Bob Weber. He circulated copies to the MLAs and, in one sentence in that, he indicated that these were not the views of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly, these were his personal beliefs, and I quote those two words “personal beliefs.” So I would like to give the Premier an opportunity today to tell this House and to tell the public if the comments that he made are in fact reflective of his personal beliefs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. The Honourable Premier, Mr. Handley.

Return To Question 101-15(5): Personal Beliefs On Matters Of Child Abuse

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let me say, first of all, that I have issued an apology for the comments that I made. I realize they were inappropriate and they may have hurt people, and I am sincerely sorry for that. Mr. Speaker, I always have to take ownership about any comments I make, whether they’re taken out of context or not. Mr. Speaker, whether it’s a phrase out of something I said or whatever, I hold myself responsible for those comments. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Supplementary To Question 101-15(5): Personal Beliefs On Matters Of Child Abuse

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I guess the four areas of particular concern were speculation as to whether any of the alleged victims were consenting, whether they were lying, whether the abuse actually had any impact on their future life and whether or not their race or their culture had any overbearing facts and whether or not they were in a position to consent to anything. Those are the things I’m speaking to with respect to his personal beliefs and I would like for the Premier to clarify on those matters. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 101-15(5): Personal Beliefs On Matters Of Child Abuse

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As Mrs. Groenewegen has said, those were speculation. I was having a discussion with the reporter by telephone and he was asking me questions, I was speculating on answers, Mr. Speaker. So they were very much, as I say, speculation. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Supplementary To Question 101-15(5): Personal Beliefs On Matters Of Child Abuse

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’m still not exactly, I guess, getting to the point that I’m getting to, or that I’m trying to get to. Maybe I’m not doing a very good job of asking the questions here, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, is it the Premier’s personal belief that persons who would come forward and disclose and self identify about abuse that they have experienced at the hand of a person of authority, is it the Premier’s personal belief that these people could be lying, that they consented to the activity, that their race or their culture should be a factor in the consideration of their protection in the public interest? That’s what I’m trying to ask the Premier. Is it his personal belief? Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 101-15(5): Personal Beliefs On Matters Of Child Abuse

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. No, that is not my personal belief. I believe that when someone brings this kind of situation forward -- and I realize it is very difficult for them to bring it forward -- that we have to make assumptions that what they’re bringing forward is valid. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Final supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Supplementary To Question 101-15(5): Personal Beliefs On Matters Of Child Abuse

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Premier has made reference to, you know, due diligence and protecting the public interest, but certainly the Government of the Northwest Territories has an obligation to protect the interest of those people who have been affected by these abusive situations that they found themselves in. Recently there was a suggestion made that perhaps if this government doesn’t in fact embrace the kind of defense that was put forward, that we should find an alternative way to resolve and bring some peace and some reconciliation to these people who are now adults who were affected by this abuse. Will the Premier today say whether this government has any appetite to settle this through some form of mediation? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.