EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, it was also intended to provide a safe shelter in case of a major community disaster.
Mr. Speaker, because the community hall was intended to be a safe shelter, the original plan included a generator to power the facility during such an emergency.
Mr. Speaker, the building itself has now been completed, but the required generator is nowhere to be seen. It didn’t arrive on last year’s sealift.
Mr. Speaker, Grise Fiord’s community members have expressed concern and some frustration that this critical component of the hamlet office/community hall complex has been overlooked.
As I am running out of time, I would like to ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Speaker (interpretation): The member has run out of time and he is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement.
I encourage the government to ensure that a new generator for Grise Fiord’s new hamlet office/community hall complex will be included in this summer’s sealift.
Mr. Speaker, the people of Grise Fiord deserve to feel safe and protected like any other Nunavut community.
I sincerely hope that the government will soon correct their oversight and ensure that Grise Fiord’s new community hall has a new generator installed as soon as possible.
Member’s Statement 243 – 4(3): Need for Direct Sealift Services to Kugaaruk (Qirngnuq)
Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, my colleagues, ministers, and fellow residents of Kugaaruk as well as the people of Taloyoak.
I rise today to raise concerns regarding the annual sealift resupply for the community of Kugaaruk.
As we are all aware, every community in Nunavut relies on the delivery of goods through sealifts, which take place during summer shipping seasons.
The government itself relies on the arrival of these vessels for its large materials and annual fuel resupply.
Community businesses, organisations, and residents ship dry cargo through these vessels to restock shelves.
These goods are intended to meet the needs of each community throughout the year until the following shipping season.
Mr. Speaker, the community of Kugaaruk faces special and unfortunate circumstances regarding its annual sealift resupply.
Due to the lack of marine infrastructure in the community, large cargo vessels have had to unload supplies at Nanisivik.
In previous years, these supplies had to be transported from Nanisivik to the community by the Canadian Coast Guard.
However, in the summer of 2014, the Canadian Coast Guard was unable to fully complete its transport of the cargo due to unexpected ice conditions.
While efforts were made to deliver the goods to the community, a portion of those supplies did not make it to the community until the following shipping season in 2015.
Mr. Speaker, in the 2015 shipping season, Nunavut Sealink and Supply Inc. was able to navigate the waters and complete a direct sealift delivery to the community of Kugaaruk, escorted by Canadian Coast Guard vessels.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I am about to run out of time, so I would like to ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement today. Are there any nays?
Please proceed, Mr. Qirngnuq.
(interpretation ends) I emphasize that this direct route provides a more timely delivery of goods to the community and may provide more security in the annual resupply of dry cargo to Kugaaruk.
I will have questions concerning this issue for the appropriate minister at the appropriate time.
Member’s Statement 244 – 4(3): Sanikiluaq’s First Year NTEP Students (Rumbolt)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Sanikiluaq’s current group of NTEP students on finishing their first year of studies.
Mr. Speaker, Ms. Deborah Thomas is a hard-working adult educator in the community of Sanikiluaq. I would like to echo her words of encouragement to these students, who are role models for those who will follow.
“This is a milestone achievement with many more to come.
Remember, you are not only accomplishing your goal; you are teaching children and youth the power of hard work, confidence, and determination. When you graduate, you will be certified teachers, but the lessons you are teaching right now in the way you model and exemplify courage, sacrifice, and ambition will certainly be among the greatest and most influential lessons you will ever teach.”
Mr. Speaker, I would like congratulate the following NTEP students from Sanikiluaq on completing their first year of studies:
Sarah Kudluarok
Meena Hoyt
Silatik Qavvik Cookie
Leah Meeko
Charlotte Crow
Alice Kavik Sala, and
Johnassie Kudluarok
I encourage these students to keep up the good work.
Member’s Statement 245 – 4(3): The Need for Elder-specific Housing in Naujaat (Mapsalak)
Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I rise today to address the need for elder-specific housing in Naujaat.
I recently received a letter from the Repulse Bay Housing Association which raises some very good points.
Mr. Speaker, Naujaat is one of the few communities across Nunavut which does not have housing dedicated to elders.
I would like to encourage the government to consider constructing a multiplex housing unit in Naujaat that would provide dedicated accommodation for elders.
Mr. Speaker, a number of Naujaat elders have lived in their homes for a very long time.
Many of these units are large detached houses which are good for young growing families but difficult to manage for older individuals or couples.
Mr. Speaker, mobility can also become a challenge for elders. They would be much safer in homes designed on a single level with accessible features to reduce the risk of injury from falling.
Mr. Speaker, another benefit of having a dedicated unit for elders would be the opportunities for residents to share meals, look out for each other, and share interests.
An elders’ multiplex would greatly enhance the quality of life for our elders.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will be tabling the letter that I received from the Repulse Bay Housing Association.
Member’s Statement 246 – 4(3): Site Clean-up of the Peter Pitseolak School (Joanasie)
Good day to the people of Cape Dorset and Kimmirut, as well as all the people listening to the proceedings.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express the wishes of my constituents in Cape Dorset, who experienced the traumatic loss of the Peter Pitseolak School last fall.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by recognizing that the community has made great strides in this past year to overcome the loss of its high school.
Students, teachers, and many other residents have been working hard to continue with studies until a new school is opened in the community.
In times of such loss, it is important that those affected have the opportunity to seek closure, to place the tragedy behind them and look forward to new beginnings.
Mr. Speaker, I have previously raised questions concerning the clean-up of the site of the Peter Pitseolak School in this House.
It is important that the community of Cape Dorset is made aware of when this clean-up will take place in order to provide residents with the opportunity to hold events in tribute of the building, which saw many students, teachers, and residents pass through and provided happy and lasting memories for many residents.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will have questions regarding this issue.
Member’s Statement 247 – 4(3): Bernice and Justin Clarke’s Uasaut (Okalik)
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Good afternoon. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I rise today to acknowledge a couple of my constituents for Iqaluit-Sinaa for their entrepreneurship, which instils pride as an observer.
The first person is Bernice Kootoo-Clarke. She wanted to use organic cosmetics that provide healthy benefits to a person, without all the additives commercial cosmetics have.
She used to order cosmetics from the south, but due to a price increase in the products, she conducted research on how to produce her own.
She partnered with her close friends to try to develop different products, which included her husband, as they started to produce organic cosmetics with local ingredients and oils.
They have experimented with bowhead whale blubber after a whale was harvested in Naujaat to see if the oil could be an ingredient in their homemade soaps.
Their findings were that this soap is very beneficial for people who suffer from dry skin.
This soap provides the minerals that the skin needs. They have started developing various products with blubber from belugas.
I would love to see them succeed as they are trying to provide products for people that are made in Nunavut.
I would like to congratulate Bernice and Justin Clarke.
Member’s Statement 248 – 4(3): Recent Graduates in Kugluktuk (Taptuna)
Hon. Peter Taptuna (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Recently, I had the great pleasure of attending the graduation of the Inuinnaqtun interpreter/translator and fur production programs in my hometown of Kugluktuk.
I also want to thank the Minister of Culture and Languages, Mr. Kuksuk, for attending a very important event.
These two are critical important areas in sustaining and growing Nunavut’s unique culture. A good education gives Nunavummiut the opportunity to find work that is rewarding, to have what we need to live comfortably and also contribute to our communities, and help strengthen our economy.
Mr. Speaker, this kind of education can lead to careers and ventures that create greater economic development with fur and that provides language support and services while promoting and revitalizing our Inuinnaqtun language in the Kitikmeot.
Revitalization of our Inuinnaqtun language is vitally important and having graduates from the program in Kugluktuk will help that process.
Mr. Speaker, I ask the House to join me in congratulating the graduates of the Inuinnaqtun interpreter/translator and the fur production programs.
Member’s Statement 249 – 4(3): Reflections on the Passing of James Arvaluk (Enook)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my late friend, James Arvaluk, and to offer reflections on his passing.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, I had the honour of being entrusted by the people of Pond Inlet with the responsibility of representing the constituency of Tununiq in the Legislative Assembly following the retirement from office of James Arvaluk.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, James Arvaluk’s many contributions to Nunavut and its people have been a source of inspiration to not only me but many of our territory’s next generation of leaders.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, James served Nunavut in many different capacities.
(interpretation) As President of the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada, James was one of the first and strongest voices that ultimately led us to our goal of signing the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and creating our own territory and government.
As a legislator, James was a strong and effective voice for the goals and aspirations of his constituents.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, James never missed an opportunity to use his time in this House to push hard for such things as modern infrastructure for Pond Inlet.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, after James passed away, I took the opportunity to re-read his collections of reflections titled, That’s My Vision.
As I was saying, (interpretation ends) I took the opportunity to re-read his collection of reflections titled, That’s My Vision.
This book is part of Nunavut Arctic College’s excellent series of lives of northern leaders.
Mr. Speaker, in talking about the proceedings of the Legislative Assembly, James described question period as being, and I quote, “a civilized form of torture.”
Mr. Speaker, I have done my best to continue this fine tradition.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I want to conclude by offering my deepest condolences to James’ many family members, his numerous younger brothers, his many sisters, his many relatives and friends, along with the colleagues he worked with over the years.
I ask all members to join me in paying tribute to Mr. James Arvaluk’s many contributions to Nunavut.
Member’s Statement 250 – 4(3): 2016 Pangnirtung Winter Fishery (Mike)
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good day.
I have provided updates on this event over several years now, but I will again update this House on the continuation of our local turbot fishery.
In Pangnirtung, the turbot fishery commences every winter when the sea ice forms.
This year, the fishery began on February 3 and it ended around the beginning of May.
If historical conditions prevailed, the fishery, as in the past, would have started in January and ended at the end of May, but the season keeps getting shorter due to climate change and this is obvious to us.
This fishery is very important to Pangnirtung and I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all Pangnirtung fishers, regardless of whether they fish for turbot or char.
When the sea ice forms in the winter, there is a virtual mini-community right on the landfast ice comprised of turbot fishers.
The fishers who obtained licences for this fishery totalled 68 and if they had helpers, then that means an additional 68 residents would also be involved.
These people are very dedicated to their fishery, even in the midst of our cold winters.
Although the season was quite short, the catch of turbot this year totalled roughly 657,000 lbs. The fishers’ revenue from this fishery, along with their helpers, tallied up to $756,000.
This provides a tremendous boon to a small community due to their hard work in this fishery. When the fishery opens, it also creates employment opportunities in the fish plant. This year, the amount of the catch helped to create 35 positions in the fish plant to process the fish.
Although the season is fairly short, it makes a large financial contribution to the community.
I extend my immense gratitude to my fellow residents involved in the turbot fishery and their helpers, as well as the fishing industry managers who operate the fishery through the various boards and committees, along with the hamlet and HTO boards.
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): As I learn the vagaries of the proceedings, I find that it is easier to be the first to speak, as I note that you tend to be first if you raise your hand fastest.
I want to take this opportunity to recognize this individual who is the head of staff for the Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association.
She has also been heavily involved in the sealing industry and markets, and she made presentations at the House of Commons. She was involved in the creation of the industry.
I would like to recognize Rowena House, who is visiting us in the gallery.
I’ve had the opportunity a couple of times now to recognize the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s president, Terry Audla. I would like to again thank him for the work and the commitment that he has put in to helping the Nunavut Housing Corporation and me as the minister to achieve our goals working forward.
Sitting beside him, I would also like to recognize a member of the board of directors for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Percy Kabloona.
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Aggu, Mr. Quassa.
I also wish to recognize an individual who has been involved for many years in Inuit organizations as well as being a board member of (interpretation ends) the Nunavut Planning Commission. (interpretation) He has also served as the mayor of his hometown. I believe many people know him throughout Nunavut.
I would like to recognize Percy Kabloona. Now we have a Kabloona here as well as our own Joe Enook, so both cultures are present.
I would like to recognize Percy Kabloona today and ask my colleagues to recognize him as well.
I, too, wish to recognize several individuals whom I had acknowledged previously, but whenever my constituents visit the House, I will take the opportunity to recognize them.
Among my fellow community residents, I will start with this young person, Lindsey Qanguq. Welcome to the House.
I also recognize Eleanore Pitseolak, who is the deputy mayor of Pond Inlet, along with Jimmy Pitseolak, who is the chairman of the Pond Inlet HTO.
Please welcome them to the gallery.
Member for Baker Lake… I’m sorry…Arviat and Whale Cove, Mr. Kuksuk.
I am fortunate that I am ahead of my colleague representing Baker Lake, as I thought he would go first.
Good day. I wish to recognize this individual from my constituency community of Whale Cove and that is Mr. Percy Kabloona. Since he is here visiting the House, I wish him a warm welcome.
He is well known, as he has been a member of various boards in Nunavut. He is very well known. I ask that we welcome Mr. Kabloona to the House.
Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, for recognizing me.
I would like to welcome an individual who used to live in Baker Lake but has moved to Whale Cove. However, I can say that he has many relatives in Baker Lake.
I would like to welcome Percy Kabloona to the House.
For the other people who were not recognized, please feel welcome to the House.
Question 315 – 4(3): Full-time Dentist for Rankin Inlet (Sammurtok, T)
Mr. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Considering I have missed a couple of question periods, I hope you will allow me to dominate this question period today.
Mr. Speaker, the need for a full-time dentist in Rankin Inlet has been noted by my colleague from Rankin Inlet South and myself on a number of occasions.
A few weeks ago, we had the pleasure of meeting with the Hamlet Council of Rankin Inlet and this issue was also raised at that forum.
Can the minister confirm whether or not she has received correspondence from the Hamlet of Rankin Inlet regarding the need for a full-time dentist in the community and, if so, what commitment did her response provide with respect to meeting this need?
Mr. Speaker, I have not received that letter yet.
Mr. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) A review of the Hansard over the years will show that the need for a full-time dentist in Rankin Inlet has been raised on a number of occasions in this House.
Often the government’s responses have indicated a willingness to meet that need.
However, we still do not have a full-time dentist.
Can the minister clearly explain what factors are preventing the establishment of a full-time dental position in Rankin Inlet despite the government’s best intentions to do so?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Health, Ms. Ell-Kanayuk.
Mr. Speaker, you need to have a number of hours that the dentist can provide service to.
In the dental specialist days for the region, Kivalliq has 34 orthodontist days, 12 oral surgeon days, 184 denturist days, and 10 paediatric dentist days, with a total of 240 days.
I don’t have it broken down per the community in Rankin Inlet at this time. I would have to get back to the member as to how many actual days are required to have a full-time dentist, but we do have a dental therapist in place in that region.
Mr. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) The dental health of our children has long been a major concern. It is well known that preventative care and promotion of oral health goes a long way to reducing the need for expensive dental procedures at a later stage.
Can the minister clarify whether a full cost analysis and business case has been considered for establishing a full-time dental position in Rankin Inlet?
Dental clinics exist in Iqaluit.
They are private.
For dental services in other communities, they are funded through the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program, which is a Health Canada program.
They pay for the services that are provided for dental day clinics.
Question 316 – 4(3): Generator for Grise Fiord’s Community Hall (Shooyook)
Mr. Speaker, in my Member’s Statement, I noted the lack of a generator for Grise Fiord’s new hamlet office/community hall complex.
Can the minister provide an update on when a new generator will be installed in Grise Fiord’s new hamlet office/community hall complex?
I will have to first conduct some research on the construction plans of the hamlet office/community hall complex and whether it was supposed to include a generator as part of the construction.
I will first look into that and, if it turns out that a generator was not included, whether that equipment could be added, However, I don’t have access to the actual contract, so I don’t know if it is included, but I will look into this to see if it was supposed to be part of the contract.
As I mentioned during my Member’s Statement, one important function of Grise Fiord’s community hall is that it can be used as a safe shelter in case of a community disaster.
However, in order to serve that function, it requires a generator to provide power.
Can the minister clearly explain how the need for a generator for Grise Fiord’s safe shelter was overlooked?
At this time, the gym or rather the (interpretation ends) community hall (interpretation) is quite antiquated now, at least based on the information provided to me. At this time, I am unsure if it is still open, but it was used as the local safe shelter in the past.
It can still be used as a shelter, but I commit to looking into this issue to see if the newly constructed community hall requires a generator.
Based on the information provided to me, the old community centre has an existing generator and it can be used as a safe shelter in case of inclement weather, fire, or other hazards.
That is what I understand, that it does have a generator.
I am referring to the new complex with the built-in community hall that is missing this equipment.
Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned earlier, the community of Grise Fiord was consulted a number of times during the development of this project.
There was a clear expectation that a generator would be installed in this new facility.
Will the minister commit to reviewing the commitments made by his officials during the community consultations and ensuring that they are met?
I would like to see them informed as to whether this promise of a generator will be delivered as the community feels it is a necessary piece of equipment when it is deemed a local safe shelter. They have stated that a generator is required. I wonder if a generator could be shipped up this summer.
After the minister has looked into this matter, I would like to be informed of any findings he makes regarding this issue.
As per my earlier response, the new hamlet office/community hall complex was just recently completed.
If a generator was to be included, then it will have to have one.
However, I have not had the opportunity to review the contract, so I will have to research the particulars.
If I find that a generator was supposed to be included, yes, the complex will receive one. Nonetheless, I will commit to looking into the contract wording to see if it was included. Even if it doesn’t commit to a generator, I will see if the complex can accommodate one.
However, the contract is the important part and if it was included as part of the construction, then the generator would be added. I will have to review the contract to see what was required.
I will get back to the member with what I find.
Question 317 – 4(3): Status of Hospital Board of Management (Angnakak)
Mr. Speaker, I am sure the minister will recall the motion which was passed in this House in November of 2014 calling on the government to review the merits and benefits as well as the logistic, administrative, and financial aspects of a board of management for the Qikiqtani General Hospital.
In fact, it was the minister herself who proposed an amendment to the motion indicating that the government would report back to the House in the fall of 2015 on its review.
Can the minister provide an update on the status of the review and what specific steps, if any, have been taken as a result of its findings?
In regard to the question, I don’t have that information in front of me right now. (interpretation ends) I’ll take it as notice.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The member has taken this as notice.
I shall go on to the next question. (interpretation ends) Oral Questions.