EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
034 – 2(1): Thank Ministers (Arreak) 103
035 – 2(1): Congratulate Nunavut Arctic College Graduates in Rankin Inlet (Curley) 103
036 – 2(1): Infrastructure Failures in Nunavut (Barnabas) 104
037 – 2(1): Recognition of Doug Crossley (Peterson) 104
038 – 2(1): Kugluktuk Municipal Supervisor (Evyagotailak) 105
039 – 2(1): Encourage NAC Students (Netser) 105
040 – 2(1): Congratulate NAC Graduates (Alagalak) 106
041 – 2(1): Condolences to Ataguttaaluk Family (Tapardjuk) 106
042 – 2(1): Recognition and Congratulation of Gjoa Haven and Taloyoak NAC Graduates (Aglukkaq) 107
043 – 2(1): National Hockey League and Amateur Hockey Season (Tootoo) 107
044 – 2(1): Teachers’ Conference in Cape Dorset and Congratulate Graduates (Akesuk) 108
045 – 2(1): Turbot Fishery Over in Pangnirtung (Kilabuk) 108
018 – 2(1): Plans to Repair Iqaluit Airport Doors (Tootoo) 110
019 – 2(1): Status of Arctic Bay Sewage Lagoon (Barnabas) 111
020 – 2(1): Direction to Nunavut Housing Corporation on Homeowner Renovations (Netser) 113
021 – 2(1): Bussing Issues during a Blizzard (Curley) 114
022 – 2(1): Alternative Measures for Biodegradable Bags (Arreak) 115
023 – 2(1): Orientation for New Municipal Employees (Evyagotailak) 116
024 – 2(1): Arviat Elders Centre Renovations – Contractors/Pension Checks (Alagalak) 117
025 – 2(1): Plans to Build a Community Hall for Repulse Bay (Mapsalak) 118
026 – 2(1): Plans to Change Qualifications for Homeowner Program (Tootoo) 119
027 – 2(1): Update on the Negotiation with NAV Canada (Peterson) 121
028 – 2(1): Homeowner Program Regulations and Policies (Barnabas) 122
029 – 2(1): Funding for Sewage Lagoon (Evyagotailak) 123
030 – 2(1): Plans to Build a Boarding Home in Rankin Inlet (Curley) 124
031 – 2(1): Issue on Shortage of Housing (Netser) 125
032 – 2(1): Cost Issues for the Reorganization of Departments (Tootoo) 126
009 – 2(1): Decentralization (Peterson) 127
006 – 2(1): Minimum Wage Annual Report 2003 - Department of Justice (Okalik) 129
Bill 03 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act #1, April 1 to June 30, 2004–05 – Notice 129
Bill 04 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act #1, 2004–05 – Notice 129
Bill 01 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act #3, 2003-04 – Third Reading 130
Speaker (interpretation): I would like to call upon Mr. Simailak to say the opening prayer.
Hon. David Simailak (interpretation): Good morning. There was a search and rescue yesterday and we said a prayer for the individual.
They found him late last night and we thank the Lord.
Speaker (interpretation): Mr. Kilabuk, welcome back to the House, Mr. Premier, Ministers.
To the Orders of the Day. Item 2. Ministers’ Statements.
Minister’s Statement 005 – 2(1): Government Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Pilot Orientation Program (Tapardjuk)
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good morning, or a better part of the morning.
I am very pleased to announce that the Department of CLEY and the Department of Human Resources have been partnering to deliver a pilot Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit orientation to government staff.
As minister for both departments, I have an important role in making sure that Inuit societal values are reflected in the way government staff serve the public in Nunavut.
Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit orientations are held on the land and are followed by classroom discussion.
Participants are invited from each department, including Inuit and non-Inuit, from all levels of government.
In these sessions participants reflect on the impact of Article 23, the Bathurst Mandate, and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in the workplace, as well as on the application of practical Inuit skills.
The land orientation provides participants with the experience of seasonal Inuit traditions, such as dog sledding, seal skinning, navigating, and rendering fat for the Qulliq.
Guest speakers and Inuit leaders come to talk about the history of Inuit political development and the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
As well, cultural instructors and elders share Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit teachings and skills with the participants.
The atmosphere is interactive and informal; the interaction between local outfitters, Inuit leaders, elders, and participants fosters basic Inuktitut.
This year, we have held two successful pilot orientations in Iqaluit.
The delivery of the orientation program has generated high interest and positive feedback from the participants.
Discussions are underway to expand the program to Nunavut communities.
This is a very effective way to deliver a cross-cultural orientation to our employees.
Minister’s Statement 006 – 2(1): Budget Address (Aglukkaq)
Hon. Leona Aglukkaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to inform this House and the members that I will be presenting the Budget Address on Tuesday, May 18.
Back to the Orders of the Day. Members’ Statements.
Member’s Statement 034 – 2(1): Thank Ministers (Arreak)
I would like to thank the Members of the House and the Premier for coming to my riding of Qikiqtarjuaq. I would also like you to remember that the people of Qikiqtarjuaq are requesting to have a terminal building at the airstrip and that there are requirements and needs for the people of Qikiqtarjuaq, as it is a non-decentralized community. We need to have infrastructure built.
I would also like to thank the minister and the Premier for visiting the community.
Member’s Statement 035 – 2(1): Congratulate Nunavut Arctic College Graduates in Rankin Inlet (Curley)
Mr. Curley (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a group of Nunavummiut who just last week graduated from Nunavut Arctic College’s Management Studies Program in Rankin Inlet.
The following individuals deserve recognition for their hard work and commitment: Mariah Aliat, Lindsey Angootealuk, Jesusa David, Angie Kubluitok, Karen McLarty, Stacy Paniyuk, and Sarah Taparti all successfully completed the two-year diploma program.
Also, we have Sam Itkilik, Nora Kablalik, Susan Pameok, and Angelina Suluk who completed the one-year certificate program.
Their dedication is an example for our youth to follow.
I wish these individuals every success and I encourage them to consider joining the public service.
Successes such as these are examples to all Nunavummiut to continue with their education and achieve their goals.
In conclusion, I wish to thank the Arctic College staff and instructors for their support and encouragement.
Members’ Statement 036 – 2(1): Infrastructure Failures in Nunavut (Barnabas)
I would like to talk about the sewage lagoons in Nunavut. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, members are aware that our infrastructure was failing at a worrying rate last summer.
The Hamlet of Arctic Bay received notice that their sewage lagoon was not in compliance with federal regulations and that they could be fined or even face a jail term if the problems are not rectified.
The sewage lagoon failed last spring due to runoff that caused the permafrost to melt.
At that time, the Department of Community and Government Services began a project to correct the problems. (interpretation) I am concerned about this problem that we have in Arctic Bay because it seems like we just did a bandage solution at that time, and I am well aware that the people of Arctic Bay do not have only this one problem.
When it comes to the recommendations that came from the federal government, I am well aware that the Government of Nunavut has initiated some solutions and corrective measures for those types of problems we have in the communities of Nunavut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, it is not enough for the government to react when the infrastructure fails and when federal regulators send threatening letters.
Long-term solutions need to be found to ensure that the health of Nunavut and the environment are protected.
I will be asking questions on this matter at the appropriate time.
Member’s Statement 037 – 2(1): Recognition of Doug Crossley (Peterson)
I rise today to recognize the dedication and commitment of Mr. Doug Crossley who officially retired on April 30, 2004 from the Government of Nunavut.
He served 30 years in the public service, including at least 23 years in the Kitikmeot.
All these many years, he exemplified the best quality of what it means to be a public servant by helping people in the community access and understand the many programs and services that the government offers.
We are the politicians, but it is employees like Mr. Crossley who make us all look good as we operate a fair, open, and accountable public government.
Mr. Speaker, apparently Mr. Crossley has not stopped to look behind him to see if Father Time is catching up to him.
Last week he jumped on a snowmobile to spend a month on the land and he and his friend headed north to Resolute Bay and Grise Fiord.
We should all be looking ahead because that is where the future lies.
Our riding, indeed, the entire Kitikmeot, wishes Mr. Crossley all the best in his retirement years.
We do not expect him to slow down too much; he still has a lot to offer Nunavut in the years ahead.
Member’s Statement 038 – 2(1): Kugluktuk Municipal Supervisor (Evyagotailak)
Mr. Evyagotailak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I rise today to address the issues of the recent municipal development in Kugluktuk.
Earlier this week it was reported that the Hamlet of Kugluktuk has requested the Government of Nunavut to appoint a municipal supervisor for the hamlet because of the second difficulty that the municipal government faces.
This is the second community that has a municipal supervisor appointed under the Hamlet Act.
In the last few weeks, in April, we heard that Qikiqtarjuaq had a municipal supervisor appointed.
Kugluktuk has been struggling through some difficult times.
Our wellness programs have suffered. Our municipalities are under great pressure.
I urge the government Department of Community and Government Services to work closely with the hamlet in the coming weeks to overcome these present challenges.
Mr. Speaker, I urge the minister to open up with the House on this challenge we are facing with our municipalities so that we may work together for solutions.
Member’s Statement 039 – 2(1): Encourage NAC Students (Netser)
We are very happy to congratulate our graduates from our communities.
The Member for Rankin Inlet North spoke about the recent graduates, and there are people from my riding that have graduated from Nunavut Arctic College.
We would like to congratulate them and we would like them to participate and try to get a job within the Nunavut Government.
They are our future, and we should do everything to encourage them to work for the government.
Member’s Statement 040 – 2(1): Congratulate NAC Graduates (Alagalak)
Mr. Alagalak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Today I would like to send my appreciation to those people who found those individuals lost in Arviat, especially the RCMP and the search and rescue people.
It is very hard sometimes when individuals get lost on the land, and I would like to send my sincere appreciation to those people.
I would also like to recognize the people who went to school, who are now adults and had to leave their communities to receive further education.
They have a lot of questions, such as whether their accommodations will be adequate.
Two individuals who just received a diploma, Susan Pemik and Angela, who are from Arviat, were away from their community for a long time.
They should be recognized for that, and I would like to thank the Minister of Education and his department for providing those people with the opportunity to attend school.
There are now more openings for those two graduates to further their education or to work for the Nunavut Government.
Honourable Louis Tapardjuk.
Member’s Statement 041 – 2(1): Condolences to Ataguttaaluk Family (Tapardjuk)
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Today I would like to let the members know about Ataguttaaluk’s family, to remember him, how he had hardships at that time.
What his family did at about 1912 helped some people.
I would also like to send my sincere condolences to John Inupaalik, from that generation; he is the very last person alive from the family that starved in that area in Igloolik.
Inuktuurvik was named after they found Ataguttaaluk, and they had hardships for the whole year.
Ataguttaaluk was alone in that area.
She was found by the people of Igloolik when they went out on the land.
Her husband died so that he could be eaten by his wife.
Ataguttaaluk started eating her husband because she wanted to follow his wishes, so she would not starve.
Ataguttaaluk and a lot of people then listened to their elders to try to work or try to stay alive.
It is not that Ataguttaaluk is the only one; there have been a lot of people that had starvation in that area.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to say that our ancestors lived in a harsh environment and they did not have food at times. Inuit believed that life is very precious and we have now been taught, again, that our generation is very strong. I would like to say to the people of Nunavut to remember that life is very hard and we have seen this kind of thing happening in the North.
I would like to say to the people of Nunavut that life is precious.
We are under Members’ Statements.
Member’s Statement 042 – 2(1): Recognition and Congratulation of Gjoa Haven and Taloyoak NAC Graduates (Aglukkaq)
I also want to mention the individuals that are to be recognized by this Assembly for their achievement. (interpretation) There are graduates from Gjoa Haven and Taloyoak, and I would like to mention their names: Annie Akoak, Peggy Itunga, Annie Oleekatalik, and (interpretation ends) Eunice Panigayak.
I am also especially happy to recognize and congratulate Sarah Taqkolik for completing her bachelor certification degree.
I would also like to congratulate and recognize grade 12 graduates from Taloyoak and Gjoa Haven.
From Taloyoak, graduating today: Lenny Panigayak, the son of Eunice Panigayak who graduated from the NTEP Program, and from Gjoa Haven, Abbey Anavilok and Anne Aaluk.
(interpretation) Just before I complete my statement, I would like to send my birthday wishes to my mother who is celebrating her birthday tomorrow.
Member’s Statement 043 – 2(1): National Hockey League and Amateur Hockey Season (Tootoo)
I wanted to be a little bit late because I believe we are a little bit late in wishing yourself a happy belated birthday.
I understand it was not too long ago.
So, I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday.
I think it is your twenty-ninth again.
Do not look at me; I am over 30, Mr. Speaker.
I want to say today that spring is here, the hockey season is over in most of our communities, and I know that amateur hockey is quite popular throughout our communities in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, one of my favourite teams, the Nashville Predators, was knocked out by Detroit who, thankfully, was knocked out by Calgary and… The one thing I wanted to say is that they made a good run at it; they won a couple of games.
I know that there are many Toronto Maple Leaf fans around here and they had a good run in their series as well.
Montreal, however… Four straight they lost, Mr. Speaker. I understand that a broom was being passed around to Montreal fans after that loss and I just wanted to pass on my condolences to all of those fans from Montreal.
Mr. Speaker, we know that amateur hockey is big.
We will be starting up again in the fall. And I also understand, Mr. Speaker, that Montreal… they’re looking at trading some more amateur hockey down there at the Molson Centre in Montreal, and also the thing that they are looking at here is finding a professional golf team.
So I wish them well in their endeavours next year.
>>Laughter  >>Applause
Member’s Statement 044 – 2(1): Teachers’ Conference in Cape Dorset and Congratulate Graduates (Akesuk)
And also my communities that I represent, Cape Dorset and Kimmirut, I say hello to you.
In Cape Dorset, the Early Childhoon Education Program was offered.
One of the students that participated, Qaunaq Mikkigak, was the oldest person to take any education course this year, and she is well known in Canada.
The graduates, Qaunaq Mikkigak, Elisapee Ejesiak, Ineak Pingwartuk, Allasuak Sagiatuk, Kanayuk Bell, Kitty Ezekial, Enuk Jaw, Etukulu Samayualie, Annie Par Sr. and Enulu Samayualie, are now teachers who can work in pre-schools.
I would also like to thank the Minister of Education for giving the community a chance to have this course.
I hope that our new community learning centre will have more and different programs to make the best of the building. Thank you.
Member’s Statement 045 – 2(1): Turbot Fishery Over in Pangnirtung (Kilabuk)
I am very happy to be back here again in the House and I would like to welcome the new members to the House.
Right now the turbot fishing is over in Pangnirtung. Also, there will be a fishing derby this coming weekend, since last week’s fishing derby was cancelled.
I would love to be at the fishing derby this coming weekend, but we will be here for the next three weeks. And also, I say hello to my grandson Kevin.
You may only speak once during Members’ Statements until Monday.
If there are no more names we will go back to Orders of the Day.
Orders of the Day. Item 5. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery.
Mr. Curley (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize an individual who is here at the House. I have known this individual since he was a very young person, even though he is not from my community.
Peter Kadlutsiak lives here in Iqaluit.
It is very difficult when you are a youth here in Nunavut and trying to figure out how to make a positive contribution.
I have talked to a number of young people.
While everyone is here, I would like to ask you to join me in congratulating Peter.
He is in technology; he does work in the scientific area.
He just came back from Hong Kong.
His invention is a laser system. He was also in Japan; he will be going to Japan.
He will be going to Germany to show his project.
He is going to Toronto, Italy, and France, and I would like to encourage the members to congratulate these youth who do things like this.
I would like to recognize two ladies from my riding of Cambridge Bay: Brenda Jancke and Donna Lisa Hakongak. They are sitting directly behind me.
They are very modest ladies; they don’t want me to tell what they do for our community.
They do a lot of good things.
I would like to just tell the House here that they are the kind of people that we need in our communities, in our region. They help people and make life better for all of us.
I would like to recognize John Ilupalik, who is my executive assistant.
He is the one that gives me a lot of support and helps me with my work.
He is from Igloolik: my assistant, John Ilupalik.
Even though this individual was already recognized; Brenda Jancke, our relative.
And also behind me, I would like to recognize the interpreters as well.
And also, I would just like to mention that tomorrow Rhoda Karetak will be celebrating her birthday as well.
And also, my husband celebrated his birthday, and Barney Tootoo also celebrated his birthday.
It gives me great pleasure also to join with Minister Brown and Member Peterson to welcome Brenda and Donna to the Legislative Assembly.
Brenda and Donna are in Iqaluit attending the senior managers meetings of the Department of Education.
I had an opportunity to speak to the senior managers earlier in the week and I know that they enjoyed themselves.
Indeed, they gave me a standing ovation after my presentation to the forever-absent senior managers.
No, just kidding.
In all seriousness, the staff is doing a very good job and I’d like to recognize them.
I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize Mr. John Ilupalik, a person I’ve known for a long time. Earlier when Mr. Tapardjuk was talking about the story of Ataguttaaluk… I think it is very important to remember those types of stories.
I remember hearing that story about 20 years ago in Igloolik with Mr. Ilupalik and some other people.
So, I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome them to the Gallery.
This is just an information item because I feel this is very important.
I know that all these florescent lights give me headaches. Now, as soon as I come in here I get a headache and I know it’s the florescent lights that cause it and it is not good for our health.
Maybe something should be done about it.
Speaker (interpretation): Yes, Mr. Clerk will look into your concern.
Question 018 – 2(1): Plans to Repair Iqaluit Airport Doors (Tootoo)
My question is for the Minister responsible for Transportation and airports.
I know that something has been going on here at the airport in Iqaluit for months now.
It almost seems embarrassing, the fact you see people trying to go in and out of the airport and pushing the buttons that open the doors; they haven’t worked for months.
It is kind of embarrassing watching people pushing the button and they can’t get through.
This, Nunavut’s capital, should have a facility that operates properly.
I would like to ask the Minister responsible for Transportation if there are plans to repair those doors and to make it so that we have a properly functioning airport facility.
Speaker (interpretation): Minister Simailak, Minister of Transportation.
I will look into this right away.
I appreciate the minister looking into it but can he, while he is looking into it, come back and inform the Members of the House when that work will be done and how quickly, because it is as I say: everybody passes through those doors coming into Nunavut because they have to come through the Baffin, and those going west have to pass through those doors.
So could he please look into it and get back to the members as to how quickly those repairs will be done?
Yes, I will come back to the members as soon as I look into this.
Does the minister have any idea of how long it is going to take these people to get that information to bring back?
I do not know how long it will take but I will look into it right away.
Speaker (interpretation): He will get back to you.
Question 019 – 2(1): Status of Arctic Bay Sewage Lagoon (Barnabas)
The question I have is for the Minister of Community and Government Services.
Can the minister tell me: what is the status of the sewage lagoons?
Speaker (interpretation): Honourable Peter Kilabuk.
The sewage lagoons in Arctic Bay have cost $450,000 to date, though we do have an emergency that will cost $350,000. And we will be reviewing it this coming spring and early summer.
They fixed it last year, and this spring it broke down again.
Since the population is getting larger in Arctic Bay they are starting to use it more.
Can the minister tell me if they have a plan for the future of the Hamlet of Arctic Bay?
Will they be getting a sewage lagoon in the near future?
Speaker (interpretation): Community and Government Services Minister, Honourable Peter Kilabuk.
We will be looking at the sewage lagoon this coming summer to make sure it will be appropriate for the future.
It has been five years that the hamlet has been asking the Department of Community and Government Services about the sewage lagoon.
Isn’t it appropriate that right now, and I know that it is in your department, I can know when you will be starting this?
Right now it is leaking; it seems that it is plugged.
We will be looking at up to 20 years down the road.
This is our plan for this coming summer.
Also, they do have a lot of problems in wintertime and in springtime.
We will be looking at this, and we will find out, after we do the review and I get the information.
Speaker (interpretation): Your final supplementary, Mr. Barnabas.
As I said in my Member’s Statement, the federal government has written threatening letters to the hamlets. (interpretation ends) My question is: does the minister commit to ensuring that no other communities receive threatening letters from the federal government?
I cannot say that the communities are not going to be getting threatening letters from the federal government representatives, but what I can tell the member is that our department will be working with the Hamlet of Arctic Bay and the federal government so that we can outline the problems and look for some solutions.