Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to speak about another constituent who recently passed away this summer, Melissa Pascua-Matte. I had the pleasure of knowing her personally throughout her young years.
Melissa was born on the 19th of February, 1998. Her family moved to Fort Simpson from Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 2005. She went to school from grade 2 to 12, with a break of grade 11 where she went to the Philippines to finish off her grade 11. She was a very beautiful, happy, friendly, caring, intelligent person. She was full of ambition and very adventurous. She loved to travel and see the rest of the world. She was involved in politics and cared about youth empowerment issues, which gave her a chance to participate at the United Nations Winter Assembly in New York City this past year.
While she was in high school at Thomas Simpson School, she had the chance to be part of the NWT Youth Ambassador Program. This gave her the opportunity to travel to Iceland and Greenland for the Arctic Winter Games, participate in the NWT Association of Municipalities General Assembly. MACA staff would constantly contact her when she moved down to university to participate in conferences on youth issues.
Melissa was an active volunteer in Fort Simpson. As well, she participated in fundraising activities for the Historical Society, Community Garden, and Fall Fair.
Melissa loved children and, since the age of 14, she worked at Open Doors Society as a student supervisor, organizing activities for the youth. She was active in soccer and track and field, where she had the opportunity to participate in sporting events across southern NWT and northern Alberta.
Melissa just finished her first year of schooling at University of Ottawa, where she was working on her joint Honours program of Political Science and Communications, which was in French immersion under a co-op program.
At the time of her passing, she was working as a summer student involved in agriculture projects and activities with the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment. She also worked as a part-time employee as a visitor information centre attendant with the Village of Fort Simpson.
She was a young lady who was seen as a leader. Unfortunately, she has moved on to another dimension of her life. Her parents know that she is still watching over them and her siblings.
Melissa's family is forever grateful for the support and love they received from the community members during this time.
Melissa is survived by her mother, Renalyn, father, Rock, and her two sisters, Abegail and Sylvia. Melissa will be sadly missed by her family and the community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.