Jackie Jacobson

Good afternoon, colleagues. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and all the residents of the Northwest Territories a happy and healthy New Year.

We are entering what could be deemed the final stretches of the 17th Legislative Assembly and I know that both Regular Members and Cabinet have much left to do. It will be a busy time and will demand the very best of all of us.

We get to enjoy the presence of approximately 40 students from 10 Northwest Territories communities who will be participating in our Page Program.

It is my great pleasure to welcome the Pages who will be assisting us...

Good afternoon, colleagues. Before we get started today, I’d like to pay tribute to and acknowledge my elders who live a healthy lifestyle and are resilient role models. In Paulatuk, Marcus and the late Ida Ruben celebrated their 54th anniversary, May 5, 2014. In Sachs Harbour, Frank Kudlak will turn 85 on December 24, 2014. In Tuktoyaktuk, Persis Gruben turned 96 on October 20, 2014; Bill and Lucy Cockney celebrated their 60th anniversary on May 1, 2014; and Adam and Annie Emaghok celebrated their 63rd anniversary on August 24, 2014. In Ulukhaktok, Jean Kagyut turned 94 in September 2014. We...

Good afternoon, colleagues. Colleagues, before we start today, one of the respected elders of my home community has passed.

Mrs. Ida Sarah Rueben was born in Aklavik, Northwest Territories, on March 20, 1945, to parents Johnny and Ruth Kayotuk.

Her parents raised her along with siblings Moses, Leland, Eva Kayotuk and sister Lena Paul.

Ida attended school in Aklavik in 1955. She then left to attend school in Inuvik at Stringer Hall, where she met many of her friends.

Ida met and married Marcus Martin Rueben, son of Angik and Sadie Rueben, on May 4, 1960. They raised 10 children together in Paulatuk...

Good afternoon, colleagues. Colleagues, I would like to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery this afternoon of Mr. Andre Marin, ombudsman for the province of Ontario. He’s accompanied by his assistant manager of communications, Ms. Ashley Bursey.

I understand this is your first visit to the North. Please let me extend a warm welcome to the Northwest Territories on behalf of our Assembly.

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Good morning, colleagues. Item 2, Ministers’ statements. The honourable Minister of Environment and Natural Resources. Sorry, Mr. Miltenberger.

---Laughter

Happy Halloween.

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Thank you, Mr. Chair. For capital funding for this year, the extra $150,000 is for the accessibility betterments of our building here at the Assembly for access for people with disabilities. It’s in a two-year plan that we’re doing, and the betterments that we’re finishing off this year would make it accessible for the people with disabilities to have full access to the building.

Yes, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. To my right I have Mr. Darrin Ouellette, and to my left I have the Clerk of the Assembly, Mr. Tim Mercer.

Good afternoon, colleagues. In light of the tragic events that happened in our capital yesterday at the War Memorial at Parliament Hill, I would like to ask that we observe a moment of silence and reflect upon those who experienced loss and injury, particularly to the families and loved ones of Corporal Nathan Cirillo.

---Moment of Silence

Colleagues, I would like to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Mr. Jose Antonio Torres-Lacasa, Minister Counsellor in the political and public affairs section of the European Union to Canada. Mr. Torres-Lacasa has travelled here from the...

Good afternoon, colleagues. Before we begin today, I’d like to take this opportunity to extend the condolences of this Legislative Assembly, our Members and our staff, to the families of all those affected by the ongoing and tragic events in our nation’s capital earlier today. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Colleagues, I want to draw your attention to the presence at the Table today of the Honourary Clerk of the House, former Speaker, Minister, Commissioner, Sergeant-at-Arms and Honourary Captain, Anthony W.J. Whitford.

---Applause