Jackie Jacobson

Mr. Speaker, when I was the mayor of Tuktoyaktuk, and since elected to represent Nunakput, I have continued to press the government to recognize the critical need to get going on construction of the access road to Tuktoyaktuk’s Gravel Source 177.

Mr. Speaker, this road is required for several reasons. The extensive granular resources at source 177 are required to support municipal infrastructure to Tuktoyaktuk instead of relying on expensive transport to pour in materials on the winter roads from sources near Inuvik. The road will allow Tuktoyaktuk residents and businesses to access employment...

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to the department getting the telehealth program up and running in the communities that are capable of doing it.

Has the government considered talking to the N.W.T. Medical Association about getting their agreement on the increased pay and benefit package for those doctors who’d be willing to live in the communities outside Yellowknife?

On February 15, I received notice as the MLA for Nunakput that there will be no doctor visits in the communities of Ulukhaktok, Paulatuk and Sachs Harbour. In the months of February and March of ’08 in my home community of Tuktoyaktuk there will be one doctor’s visit on March 14.

Mr. Speaker, as a former mayor of Tuktoyaktuk I’m used to getting these letters every time there’s a shortage of doctors in Inuvik Hospital. I’m consistently amazed with the professionalism and the compassion shown by Dr. deKlerk and his team. They do the best they can to meet the medical needs of the communities of...

Is the Minister aware of any telehealth terminals in any communities — the health centres — that are not operational?

In my Member’s statement today I made reference to impacts of the doctor shortage in Inuvik and the delivery of community clinics on my constituents. There are costs of both financially in terms of residents’ continued health and well-being to justify greater recruitment and effort on the part of the Health and Social Services Department and Human Resources.

Can the Minister please outline if there any extra considerations for doctors who may wish to practice in the Beaufort-Delta.

Mr. Speaker, it’s the IRC Cup weekend. It’s the Inuvialuit Regional Cup Hockey Tournament in the Beaufort-Delta this weekend.

I just wish all the players and the families that are driving down to have a safe, fun-filled weekend to spend time with their families and friends that they haven’t seen during this past winter.

We have eight teams in the “B” Division and five teams in the “A.” And I just wish all the best to all the players and to have a safe, fun weekend, and support just seeing them all. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues.

Joe Nasogaluak is considered to be one of the top carvers in the North. Although Joe’s the youngest of the three brothers, he’s been a professional artist the longest, starting his career in 1987 and quickly making a name for himself with mythical carvings. Since then, Mr. Speaker, Joe’s works have been sought after by collectors and distributors worldwide.

Of all of his achievements, his most favourite is when he worked with his brothers, Bill and Eli, on the seven and a half-tonne marble carving and when they participated in a family snow carving...

Today, Mr. Speaker, I would like to talk about three of our extremely talented brothers who brought great pride to our home community of Tuktoyaktuk and all of the N.W.T.: Bill, Eli and Joe Nasogaluak.

Bill Nasogaluak is a world-renowned, self-taught sculptor and painter. His work is based primarily on interpretations of what he knows best of his Inuvialuit culture.

Mr. Speaker, the myths and traditions of the Inuvialuit people, their relationship between the land, wildlife and our cultural heritage provide Bill an endless source of inspiration. Bill’s professional focus is mainly carving and...

Thank you, Minister, for your comments.

Mr. Speaker, would the Minister commit to immediately look at this urgent issue and meet with the communities and myself to discuss options for addressing this important issue?