Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I am really concerned with our airline services that we're having back home in the Delta. Since this merger came online with Canadian North and First Air, our cancer patients and medical travel patients have been having a really tough time getting out of Inuvik. Today, seeing as a community I represent, Paulatuk, is having five people on standby, I am calling out the airline, Mr. Speaker, in regard to getting aircraft and adequate services provided to these people who are travelling for cancer, cancer patients for either surgery or treatment, and any others...

It's pretty dire, I guess, in regards to when you're travelling. When we travel down here, since the last two months we've been here, I've been travelling on that 14 times. Every time, you're seeing somebody in the airport actually being physically taken off the flight, being removed. I'm asking the Minister: would she call a meeting, I guess, with all the transportation providers that provide service to this government, to call them in and try to work with them to try to get adequate aircraft and try to get our patients out of our ridings to where they are travelling for their appointments?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to welcome Mr. Andrew Stewart from Tsiigehtchic, and I would like to welcome my wife, Jenny, and my son, Joseph, to the House today. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Well, I’m going to do one today. I’d like to start by saying hello to my son Joseph, who’s watching this back home in Tuk – he’s two and a half years old now – he can switch it back to cartoons. I can’t wait to see you, son.

I’d like to start off by thanking my Deputy Speaker, Mrs. Groenewegen, for all the hard work you’ve done with me in the last four years and supporting me and making some crucial decisions during our time and working together. Thank you so much.

To my board of management, thank you so much for all the hard work you’ve done for the benefit of all our...

Yes, all the signage will be completed this year.

Thank you, Madam Chair. To my right I have Mr. Darren Ouellette, director of corporate services. To my other left I have Mr. Tim Mercer, Clerk of the Legislative Assembly.

Good afternoon, colleagues. Item 2, Ministers’ statements. Minister of Public Works and Services, Mr. Beaulieu.

Welcome back, colleagues. Before your point of privilege, I have opening remarks, Mr. Dolynny.

---Laughter

It’s good to be back. Anyway, welcome back as we meet for this final sitting of the 17th Legislative Assembly.

I understand that you have a very busy schedule over the next two weeks and that you are all eager to begin your work. I will do what I can to assist you in my capacity as Speaker and only ask that you continue to work together respectfully, recognizing the dignity of this institution.

Now for one of my favourite duties, I would like to welcome the Pages we will have with us during...

Good afternoon, colleagues. Before we start today, I’d like to send my condolences to my communities. It is with sincere thoughts and prayers I send my condolences to my home community of Tuktoyaktuk and Anna Cockney, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and to Annie Emaghok, condolences to her husband, Adam, and her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. To Ulukhaktok to Dillon Alanak, condolences to his mom, Judy, and his brothers and sisters.

Also, I’d like to send condolences to David Nasogaluak’s family, his sons and daughters and his grandchildren. He will be...

Good afternoon, colleagues. Before we begin, I’d like to welcome back to the House and to the table the Honourable Anthony W. J. Whitford.

---Applause