Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that this committee recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories review and revise the Business Incentive Policy in collaboration with the business community as well as Members of the Legislative Assembly; and further, that this work commence immediately and the status of work be reported to committee by September 1, 2020, including a comprehensive work plan and a projected implementation date for the updated Business Incentive Policy. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that this committee recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories provide a response to the recommendations contained in this report within 120 days. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, standing committees have continued to meet regularly. The GNWT's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the long-term recovery of our economy and the territory have been focused on many of discussions that we have been having. The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment as well as other standing committees have worked in tandem to develop committee reports that we read into the House earlier this week. As chair of the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment, I am pleased to introduce the report. I...

Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that this committee recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories work with Indigenous stakeholders and define the Indigenous ownership of the Taltson Hydro Expansion; and further, that the government of the Northwest Territories lead interdepartmental efforts with project stakeholders to develop a plan that builds capacity among northern businesses to maximize the benefits from the construction project. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Premier and Cabinet, please remember to stay visible to the public and also to keep the promise that we made to our communities: no evictions and no power limiters or cut-offs. Help our people at this time. Don't forget how much our people are hurting. Help our communities when asked upon. I want to wish the constituents and all residents in the Northwest Territories: have a happy, safe summer. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that the committee recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories, through amendment of business development and investment corporation programs, increase business relief efforts through measures not limited to extending loan payment remission and providing loan forgiveness options; and further, that the business development and investment corporation expand investment programs to stimulate economic development; and furthermore, that amendments to the loan program, and a plan to expand the investment program, be completed and reported back to...

Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that this committee recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories complete a costed plan to provide broadband Internet connectivity across the Northwest Territories comparable to the rest of Canada; and further, in addition to the financial costs of extending broadband distribution into all communities, the plan should identify ownership model options, such as public, private, or partnership, for the delivery of broadband services; and furthermore, that the costed plan be provided to committee by September 1, 2020. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On June 10, 2020, I asked the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment if he could confirm whether payments of claims beneficiaries, per Section 20(4) to the Income Assistance Regulations, has been considered "unearned income" when determining "net monthly income" to the purpose of calculating Income Assistance payable to the applicant, whether the payments and claims in the beneficiaries were exempt from being considered unearned income under the regulations prior to 2007. Quoting from unedited Hansard, the Minister replied, "I'm not up to date with what happened...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It has been three months since COVID-19 lockdown. Getting used to the new normal of wearing masks and not able to hug or handshake anymore is a new normal. We have been really fortunate that the fast acting of our communities widespread are extremely lucky that no lives have been lost in the Northwest Territories. All the hard work that our staff have been going through.

Mr. Speaker, I am worried about the people who will become complacent. Today, as a reminder to my constituents of Nunakput and across our territory, not to let your guard down. When it comes to this...

When they are deducting disability benefits, old age benefits, land claim payouts, how much does it save the GNWT on all these clawbacks which should be given to the people? These are disability, old age. People need help. We are the highest paying for groceries in my riding. We are the most northerly riding, and we pay the highest prices. Why are they clawing back what little they get when our government doesn't have jobs to provide up there?