Joe Handley

Mr. Speaker, I would be pleased and honoured to meet with the Sahtu leadership to discuss this issue further with their MLA and look at how we might work together on it.

Mr. Speaker, that issue has come up before and our government is currently looking at the workload. We have to keep an eye on our fiscal situation as well, and our capacity as a government, and also the workload that will be generated doesn’t warrant a separate office. That is being reviewed right now as we speak. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I have an emergency statement. Mr. Speaker, since the House met yesterday, I have been provided with new information concerning the conduct of the Honourable Henry Zoe at the Royal Canadian Legion on the evening of May 15, 2004. I have been able to verify this information with those involved in the incident. In light of the new information this morning, I have relieved Mr. Zoe of his responsibilities as Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs and as Minister responsible for the Public Utilities Board.

Mr. Speaker, those of us who have the privilege as serving as a Member of...

Mr. Speaker, no, this government has not had an opportunity yet to review the affirmative action policy. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, as I indicated earlier, Mr. Zoe has indicated to me that he is prepared to take steps to ensure this will not happen. I have also indicated to Mr. Zoe that I will do whatever I can to support him. I think all of us feel that we want to resolve this issue. Exactly what that is, that’s something I have to say that is a personal matter with Mr. Zoe and I really urge Members to talk to him privately. I don‘t think Mr. Zoe wants to lay out exactly what he is planning to do in the House here. That is a private, personal matter. It’s not an easy one and, Mr. Speaker, I say to Members...

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Zoe has indicated to me that he is taking personal time to do this. Yes, he will be away. Whether he chooses to do it during his holiday time or other days off, then that’s something that needs to be clarified further. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, yes, Mr. Zoe, has told me and has also told other Members that he will be taking action to make sure this doesn’t happen. Exactly what kind of action that is, what kind of treatment it is, that’s a personal thing and I don’t want to get into any of the details of that. That is something that is Mr. Zoe’s responsibility. He has told us that he will take action to make sure this does not happen again. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, first of all, will I speak further to Mr. Zoe? Yes, I will want to seek clarification on what it is he intends to do in terms of seeking help. When you ask is he taking treatment, I am not sure whether you are asking if he is taking treatment in the conventional sense of going to an alcohol treatment centre or whether he’s using an alternative, but those are things that are choices that Mr. Zoe has to make himself. I am sure there are many ways of getting help for the difficulties that Mr. Zoe has acknowledged. In terms of reporting back to the House and laying out Mr. Zoe’s...

Mr. Speaker, I don’t think there is any delay in anything. I acted very quickly when I became aware of this incident. I have discussed this with Members. Mr. Zoe has discussed it with Members. I have taken action that I believe is appropriate. Some Members may not agree with me, but I believe what I have done, given the circumstances as I know them, is reasonable. I believe there is nothing being delayed here, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I can only repeat that Mr. Zoe has told me that he is taking steps to make sure that this will not happen again. He has told me that he is seeking help. I take him at his word. I believe he is a good Minister in carrying out his responsibilities. Mr Speaker, all I can say is I take his word at it. I have also assured the House that if this is happening again, I will have no tolerance at all for it. Mr. Speaker, it’s my judgement, based on the incident that this is one that deserves the action that we have taken. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.