Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, probably in the first time in the last three and a half years, I have my whole family in the House. So I’d like to welcome my partner, my wife and my big support for when I’m not home, my wife, Jenny; my daughters Chelsey, Kirstin, and Mikayla, and my sons, Matthew and Mitchell. Welcome to the House. I’d also like to welcome Mr. Ian Burkheimer, as well, and Ray Prins, who worked with my dad in 1972 at Bar C between Tuk and Inuvik on the ice road. Welcome. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to take a moment to reflect on all the constituents who passed away in Nunakput since our last sitting.

Mr. Speaker, Matthew Steen was born January 25, 1993. He passed away July 1, 2011. He was the son of John and Joanne Steen, and brother to Shelby, John, Brandon, Julia, and Luke. To all the family and friends and the community members, I wish to express our deepest sympathy and condolences in respect to losing a youth so young in the community is especially hard. I know Matthew will be remembered not only in the community but also in the territory. Mr. Speaker...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For myself, I’m happy to see this coming forward. I’ve been a Ranger for 21 years now and I’m a proud Ranger. The program is an awesome program, because we work together with the local community and the RCMP when called upon for search and rescue and anything that’s needed in the community. It’s not only for the Rangers, but for all the reservists I think it’s a good thing, because at least you know you’re going to come home and have a job at the end of the day. It’s not being held over your head now. It’s either you do and you go, or you’re not. It’s a support system...

She was always caring towards her family and the youth in the community. Ivic always had good advice and guidance. I will miss her for all the support she willingly gave. Although it’s a difficult time today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help and comfort the people and the family she left behind. May the loved ones always around her help to get through the days ahead. Mr. Speaker, we may not understand why she left us so soon or why we weren’t ready to say goodbye, but little by little we begin to remember not that she died, but she lived, and that the life gave us the...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just want to say likewise to Mr. Hawkins in regards to look who it’s coming from.

Anyway, I’m honoured today to have my wife in the House. It’s spring break in Tuk and she’s working at the school now and not down here as much as I’d like her to be with me. My son Matthew and my daughter Mikayla, it’s good to have you here. I look forward to the day ending today.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. During my term as MLA I have two Member’s statements and traditions. At the beginning of a session I honour our loved ones who have passed away. At the end of each session I honour the accomplishments of our loved ones, especially our youth.

The Northern Youth Abroad Canadian International Program is a non-profit organization dedicated to enabling youth from the Northwest Territories and Nunavut aged 15 to 22 in gaining professional skills and training and hands-on work experience. High school credits through a cross-cultural work and learning.

I’m very proud of the...

I’m very proud of these accomplishments by the residents of Nunakput.

Lastly, I wish to express my admiration and appreciation for all the hard work and dedication of our staff in the Legislative Assembly and the Government of the Northwest Territories, and also all the hard work of my colleagues.

Mr. Speaker, to all fishing and hunting in Husky Lakes, and all those hunting on the coast, and to all my cousins upriver, have a safe spring and good hunting. To all in Nunavut, have a safe hunting season and have a good spring. Quyanainni, Mr. Speaker.

Although we’d obviously like to see increases in hires, would the Minister commit to hiring at least six summer students and try to double it to 12 this summer at Municipal and Community Affairs?

Although we’d obviously like to see increases in hires, would the Minister commit to hiring at least six summer students and try to double it to 12 this summer at Municipal and Community Affairs?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister of MACA. Given the community of youth and the nature of the department, it might be good to see what the Minister is willing to hire students in the communities. The department, going back through the Summer Student Employment Program from last year to this year, there’s only six students being hired. Is there any increase to the number of students being hired in the communities in the Territories?