Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Thebacha, that the Honourable Jackie Jacobson of the electoral district of Nunakput do take the chair of this House as Speaker.
The motion is in order. The motion is not debatable. The motion is carried.
---Carried
I will ask the mover and seconder of the motion to escort Speaker Jacobson to the chair.
---Applause
It’s pretty good here.
---Laughter
Thank you, colleagues. Today I wish to begin by welcoming everyone to the Chamber today as we open the 17th Legislative Assembly. I’d like to extend my sincere thank you, on behalf of all Members, to the Dettah Drummers for their prayer song, to the Most Reverend Murray Chatlain, Bishop of the Dioceses of Mackenzie-Fort Smith, for leading us in prayer, and to Mr. Floyd Adlum of the NWT Pipe Band.
Honourable colleagues, I would like to thank you all for the trust you have placed in me by choosing me to serve as your Speaker for the 17th Legislative Assembly. As the first Inuvialuit Speaker in this Legislative Assembly…
---Applause
…I accept this honour with both pride and humility.
It is important for me today to acknowledge the members of my family who have been such an inspiration to me throughout my political career and brought me to this place: my father, Jimmy Jacobson; and my uncles Buck Storr, the former mayor of Aklavik, my uncle John Steen, former Member in the 8th Assembly, and Vince Steen, former Member in the 13th and 14th Assemblies. Their thoughts and words will continue to guide me in my new role.
It is a great honour to represent the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories. I commit to each of you that I will carry out the duties of Speaker to the very best of my abilities. I will work hard to uphold the rights and privileges of all Members and to help each of you to carry out your duties as Members of this Assembly. Most of all, however, I commit to uphold and protect the dignity of this institution in my actions and decisions.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank former Speaker, Mr. Paul Delorey, for his excellent counsel and guidance during the 16th Legislative Assembly. I was fortunate to be able to watch and learn from Mr. Delorey. You can be sure I will be taking the knowledge and wisdom of those Speakers before me to guide me in my new role.
My first obligation is to preside over the House in a manner which will ensure that the rights and privileges of all Members will be upheld. I am committed to maintaining the order and level of decorum that will allow each of you to carry your duties to the best of your abilities.
Two of the most important and fundamental rights you have is the right to freedom of speech in your debates and the freedom from interference in carrying out your duties. I commit to do the best to uphold those rights for all Members, as well as the rules and procedures of this House.
I’d like to speak to my constituents of Nunakput. I’d like to thank you for allowing me to represent you for the second term of the Assembly. I’m proud to be the Speaker, but I’m equally proud to be the Member for Nunakput. I want to reassure you that I will be still voicing your concerns just as loudly in this Assembly, but you won’t be hearing me make Member’s statements or asking questions in the House. As the Speaker I have direct access to the Premier and the Ministers of this government, and you can be sure that they will be hearing from me about any of the concerns of my constituents. I’ll be there for you for the next four years. I’ll continue to fight for your best interests, like housing, health care, education, and always my favourite, the Tuk-Inuvik highway. In the coming days I hope to spend even more time in the communities of Nunakput, listening and talking with you all.
Colleagues, I’d like to take this time to express my thanks to my family. To my wife, Jenny, a true partner. She supports me in so many ways. I wish also to thank my children.
Any Member of elected office knows only too well the burden that we place on those at home. The support and encouragement of our family and friends is what allows us to continue to do the work that we do. We have to express our gratitude. We don’t express our gratitude often enough. So, to the family and friends, a heartfelt thank you.
The 17th Legislative Assembly is a new beginning for some and an opportunity for others to continue the work we have already started. It is also an opportunity to make a difference. I pledge to support you in your efforts. I ask you, and will continue to ask, that you always treat each other in this institution with the dignity, respect and compassion that is rightfully so. I pledge that I will work hard to maintain the trust and confidence that you placed in me today.
Mr. Clerk, would you ascertain if the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, the Honourable George L. Tuccaro, is prepared to enter the Chamber to address the Assembly.
I’ll ask you to rise for the entrance of the Commissioner and remain standing while the national anthem is performed by the Weledeh Catholic School Choir and the Dogrib Choir.
