Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A couple of years ago, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for the Status of Women met in Iqaluit. In the course of their discussion, they spoke to the Iqaluit City Council. They suggested the idea of naming streets to commemorate violence against women and victims.
Mr. Speaker, the mayor and council of Iqaluit thought it was such a good idea, they voted to name the road which runs by Qimaavik Women’s Shelter in Apex, Angel Street. The mayor said she would call on other Canadian capital cities to create their own Angel Street.
Last month, the capital of Saskatchewan designated a well-travelled city block Angel Square. The mayor of Regina, Pat Fiacco, said the city hoped that victims of violence would find strength in knowing that Angel Square means there are places and people that can help them.
Mr. Speaker, in the Northwest Territories we are all aware that there are adults and children in our Territory who are victims of abuse. We have also had dedicated people who have worked in the system who have tried to stop this violence. Mr. Speaker, I would define many of these people who work in the system to stop the violence as local heroes.
We have special places in our community in the city of Yellowknife such as the Centre for Northern Families and the Alison McAteer House who continue this crusade to protect women and give them a safe place to go. Mr. Speaker, I cannot stress enough how much these organizations provide a lifeline to many women in many situations.
Mr. Speaker, we all know far too many people who have suffered needlessly. Whether you are a man, a woman or a child, violence is violence and it certainly has no place anywhere, Mr. Speaker. So today I will be encouraging the Minister responsible for the Status of Women to ask if she could work in collaboration with the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs to see if we can keep this initiative up here in our Territory to make sure people know we stand against violence and we want people to recognize that we think it is wrong and we can do better working together. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.
