EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Tabled Document 007 – 2(2): Three Letters in Support of an Arena in Resolute Bay
I would like to table three letters today.
The first letter is from Pat Cross, the acting nurse in charge at the Resolute Bay health centre.
The second letter is from Corporal Chris Brousseau, and I apologize if I didn’t say that correctly.
Chris Brousseau is the officer in charge of the Resolute Bay RCMP detachment.
The third letter is from the mayor of Resolute Bay.
Each of these letters underlines the importance of an arena to the people of Resolute Bay.
One is written from a health perspective, one is from a safety perspective, and the third is written by an elected representative of the community.
(interpretation ends) I urge the government to read these letters with attention and to respond to these concerns in a timely manner.
Tabling of Documents, Mr. Peterson.
Tabled Document 008 – 2(2): Letter from the Mayor of Cambridge Bay Concerning the Release of an Offender
I have a letter I’d like to table today from the mayor and council of Cambridge Bay and is addressed to the Minister of Justice on Oct. 29, 2004, concerning the release of offenders back to the community.
Mr. Speaker, there is a reason the hamlet felt compelled to write this letter. On the night of the march across the Nunavut, the Stop the Violence March, a fellow in Cambridge Bay who had been in jail was released back into the community. He sexually assaulted four women their houses.
He walked in or broke in and sexually assaulted them.
The community did not know that he was coming back to town.
I am very pleased to table this letter for the information for the House.
Tabled Document 009 – 2(2): Alcohol Education Committee for Chesterfield Inlet
I wish to table a letter from the Minister of Finance regarding the upcoming vote in Chesterfield Inlet for an alcohol education committee.
Tabled Document 010 – 2(2): Return to Written Question 009 – 2(1) Human Resources
Members, I have two documents to table, first, a return to written question number 9-2(1) concerning human resources asked to Mr. Tapardjuk on decentralization, asked by Mr. Peterson on May 14, 2004.
Tabled Document 011 – 2(2): Response to Petition 001 – 2(1): Support of the Construction of a Youth Centre in Qikiqtarjuaq
Secondly, a response to petition 001-2(1) concerning a request for support on the construction of a youth centre in Qikiqtarjuaq, asked by Mr. Arreak on May 12, 2004 to the Minister of Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth, Mr. Tapardjuk.
Back to the orders of the day. Item 14.
Bill 4 – Appropriation (Capital) Act 2005-2006 – Notice
I give notice that on Friday, November 19, 2004 Bill 4 - Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2005-06, will be read for the first time.
Mr. Speaker, I will ask consent to deal with my motion today.
First reading of bills. Ms. Aglukkaq.
I am seeking consent of this Assembly to waive the two-day notice requirement for the first reading of Bill 4, Appropriation Capital Act, 2005-06.
Speaker (interpretation): The minister would like unanimous consent to waive rule 62(1) to have the bill read for the first time.
There are no nays; please proceed, Ms. Aglukkaq.
Bill 4 – Appropriation (Capital) Act 2005-2006 – First Reading  Hon. Leona Aglukkaq: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South, that Bill 4, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2005-06, be read for the first time.
The motion is carried and Bill 4 has had first reading.
Orders of the Day for Thursday, November 18:
I would like to invite the members for coffee in our members’ lounge.
This House stands adjourned till Thursday, November 18, 2004 at 1:30 p.m.
>>House adjourned at 15:50  Nunavut Canada
Thursday November 18, 2004
Pages 91 – 136
Opening Prayer 91
Ministers’ Statements 91
Members’ Statements 95
Oral Questions 99
Written Questions 119
Tabled Documents 121
Second Reading of Bills 122
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 124
Report of the Committee of the Whole 135
Orders of the Day 135
Thursday November 18, 2004 91
006 – 2(2): Canada Pre-natal Nutrition Program Workshops (Brown) 91
007 – 2(2): 2004 Territorial Championships (Tapardjuk) 92
008 – 2(2): The 2004 Breastfeeding Competition (Brown) 93
009 – 2(2): Summer Student Employment Program (Tapardjuk) 94
010 – 2(2): Nunavut Ten Year Inuit Housing Action Plan (Kilabuk) 94
017 – 2(2): Number of Arsons in Repulse Bay (Mapsalak) 95
018 – 2(2): Congratulate Allison Brewer on Award (Tootoo) 96
019 – 2(2): Crisis Shelters Needed in the Kitikmeot Region (Peterson) 97
020 – 2(2): Congratulate Grade 5 Graduation from Drug Abuse Education Program (Netser) 98
025 – 2(2): Treatment of Employees at Keewatin Business Development Centre (Curley) 99
026 – 2(2): Explanation of Funding to Qulliq Energy and the Utility Rate Review Council (Tootoo) 101
027 – 2(2): Non-insured Health Benefits Contract (Peterson) 103
028 – 2(2): Student Accomodation Funding (Netser) 105
029 – 2(2): Search and Rescue Funding (Alagalak) 107
030 – 2(2): Medical Travel Policy on Escorts (Barnabas) 108
031 – 2(2): Homeowners Program in Sanikiluaq (Kattuk) 109
032 – 2(2): Inuit Social Workers Needed (Arreak) 111
033 – 2(2): Health Facility Update (Evyagotailak) 111
034 – 2(2): Installing Explosive Detectors (Peterson) 112
035 – 2(2): New Federal Funding Approach for Nunavut (Tootoo) 114
036 – 2(2): Tabling of Coroner’s Report (Alagalak) 116
037 – 2(2): Student and Family Accomodation for Arctic College Students (Curley) 117
010 – 2(2): Staff Housing (Peterson) 119
011 – 2(2): Workers’ Compensation Board Investment Policies and Practices (Tootoo) 120
012 – 2(2): Rental Arrears and Tenant Damages (Peterson) 120
012 – 2(2): Letters from the Elders’ Committee Regarding Senior Citizens Homes (Evyagotailak) 121
013 – 2(2): Environmental Rights Act Consolidated Annual Report, April 1999 to December 2003 (Akesuk) 122
014 – 2(2): Letter from the Honourable Andy Scott, PC, MP (Peterson) 122
015 – 2(2): Resolutions Passed from Education and Health Boards in Nunavut(Peterson) 122
Bill 4 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2005-06 – Second Reading 122
Thursday, November 18, 2004
Speaker (interpretation): I would like to ask Mr. Alagalak to say the opening prayer.
Before we go to the orders of the day, I will read the following message from the Commissioner of Nunavut.
This is addressed to Jobie Nutarak, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly: “I wish to advise that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut the passage of the following bills during the second session of the Legislative Assembly:
Bill 1 – Supplementary Appropriations (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 4, 2003-2004
Bill 2 – Supplementary Appropriations (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2004-2005
Bill 3 – Supplementary Appropriations (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2004-2005
Bill 4 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2005-2006
Thank you. Peter Irniq, Commissioner of Nunavut.”
Minister’s Statement 006 – 2(2): Canada Pre-natal Nutrition Program Workshops
In Inuktitut, we would call you Ataata, but I will call you Speaker.
(interpretation ends) I rise today to announce that the Department of Health and Social Services is leading two annual training workshops for the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program, for workers and community health representatives from across Nunavut.
The workshop for the Baffin region took place from October 18 until October 22 in Iqaluit.
Seventeen participants attended.
The workshop for the Kivalliq and the Kitikmeot regions is taking place from November 15 until November 18.
Seventeen participants are attending this workshop.
The workshop trains local health workers to deliver community-based programs in the community and includes topics such as pre-natal nutrition, country food, breastfeeding, infant nutrition, smoking, and practical training on running a program.
Sessions are being led by nutritionists, elders, midwives, community health representatives, and nurses.
The department provides financial, nutritional, and project development support to community projects through community, regional, and territorial departments.
There are Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program projects in 23 Nunavut communities.
Mr. Speaker, the workshops are a big step forward in providing more quality care closer to home.
Minister’s Statement 007 – 2(2): 2004 Territorial Championships
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth takes the health and well-being of our youth very seriously.
Therefore, it gives me great pleasure to announce the sporting events that will be happening in Nunavut between November 19 and December 5.
These championships are important for the development of not only our athletes, but they are also very important for the development of Nunavut’s coaches and officials.
Championships are being held in Baker Lake, Chesterfield Inlet, and Iqaluit.
Youth participants range from 12 to 19 years of age.
Some of the sports that they will participate in include badminton, wrestling, table tennis, basketball, volleyball, indoor soccer, hockey, speed skating, and curling.
In addition to these sports, the Inuit games competition will have both youth and open-age categories.
The Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth organizes and promotes these championships with tremendous assistance from volunteers who make up the territorial sport organizations.
I would like to acknowledge all the volunteers involved in the staging of these territorial championships.
They work very hard to offer sport opportunities to youth from other regions of Nunavut and to keep them on the path to healthy lifestyles.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking all the people involved in planning and hosting these championships and in wishing all the participants safe travels and memorable experiences.
For more information, I encourage you to contact our department.
Minister’s Statement 008 – 2(2): The 2004 Breastfeeding Competition
I rise today to congratulate Nunavut community health representatives, Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program coordinators, and all Nunavummiut who participated in the 2004 breastfeeding competition.
This competition was part of the National Breastfeeding Week, which took place from October 1 until the 7, to see which province or territory could get the most women breastfeeding at the same time on Saturday, October 2.
I am pleased to announce that in category C, a province or territory with less than 10,000 births per year, Nunavut took first place in the national competition.
There were over 135 babies and their mothers participating all across Nunavut, which is more than double the participation from last year.
I would also like to congratulate the overall winner, per capita, of the Nunavut competition: the community of Clyde River.
The winner for the Kivalliq region is the community of Chesterfield Inlet, the winner for the Kitikmeot region is the community of Kugaaruk, and the winners for the Baffin region are the community of Pond Inlet in the large community category, and the community of Clyde River in the small-medium community category.
I would like to point out that breastfeeding is best for babies and moms; it protects them from illness and encourages healthy development of the baby.
Once again, congratulations to each and every Nunavummiuq who participated in the 2004 breastfeeding competition.
By doing so, they contributed to the commitment of this government to the health and well-being of our people.
Minister’s Statement 009 – 2(2): Summer Student Employment Program
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I would like to update my colleagues on the Department of Human Resources’ Summer Student Program for 2004.
The program that cabinet approved as an employment equity program, to comply with Article 23 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreements, attracted 592 applicants and employed 130 students across Nunavut over the summer employment period of April-September 2004.
Of 130 students hired, 105 were beneficiaries and 25 were non-beneficiaries.
So, a total of 81 percent of students hired in the 2004 summer program were beneficiaries.
This is our highest rate of Inuit employment since the program started in 1999.
Mr. Speaker, the demand for this popular program has been overwhelming and far exceeded the $700,000 budget.
This is to be expected as more students enroll in post secondary programs.
This speaks well for a future territory with a higher educated and greater skilled workforce.
Mr. Speaker, as with other programs, the summer employment program strives for improvement.
Accordingly, I have asked my department to conduct a thorough review of the program, inviting all stakeholders to a candid discussion about program issues.
I am pleased to report that this workshop was held in Iqaluit on October 20, 2004.
The workshop was a resounding success, with over 20 participants.
The Department of Human Resources will work closely with participants and use their suggestions to make the necessary improvements to the program.
I anticipate a revised summer student employment program for cabinet’s consideration before the end of this calendar year, and I look forward to greater success with the program in years to come.
Minister’s Statement 010 – 2(2): Nunavut Ten Year Inuit Housing Action Plan
I rise today to update members on our social housing advocacy effort in conjunction with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI): it is the Nunavut Ten-Year Inuit Housing Action Plan.
The action plan is the first joint initiative of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and the Government of Nunavut since the two parties signed Iqqanaijaqatigiit-Working Together in May 2004.
This ambitious plan both invites and challenges the federal government to become involved in addressing the housing crisis in Nunavut through a direct intervention to build 5,700 social housing units and to retrofit an additional 1,000 through the federal investment of almost $2 billion.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that the action plan is seeing widespread distribution in Nunavut, to our provincial and territorial counterparts, and throughout the federal system, both politically and bureaucratically.
Since our Premier hand delivered the action plan to the Hon. Andy Scott, Minister of the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, on September 1, 2004 we have:
circulated copies to all hamlet and local housing organizations in Nunavut;
provided copies to the president of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the Deputy Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, staff of the Privy Council Office, and several other federal ministries;
provided copies to our provincial and territorial counterparts and hand delivered a copy to the federal, provincial, and territorial deputy ministers responsible for housing on November 9, 2004;
forwarded a copy of the document to be used as a background document for the federal roundtable on aboriginal housing to be held on November 24 and 25, 2004 in Ottawa.
We will table that as well;
included large parts of the action plan statistics and environment scan in the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami backgrounder for the roundtable.
Mr. Speaker, we are looking forward to continuing discussions with the federal government as we work together to make the action plan a reality.
We are continuing our advocacy efforts and anticipate a meeting between the federal ministers of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Labour and Housing, along with myself and the president of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, in the near future.
I look forward to rising again in this House during our winter session to give members another update.
Member’s Statement 017 – 2(2): Number of Arsons in Repulse Bay
I rise today to raise the serious issue of fires and arson in our communities.
Over the past several years, a number of serious incidents have occurred in communities across the territory.
Schools and other major pieces of community infrastructure have been lost to fire.
These incidents have cost the government millions of dollars in replacement costs.
This is the money that could have been spent building the much-needed new facilities.
The community of Repulse Bay has suffered its own losses.
Less than two years ago we lost the community complex to fire.
Last month, Repulse Bay had a very close call with an arson incident at Tusarvik School.
Thanks to the school’s safety equipment and the quick response of the community’s local volunteer fire fighters, the damage was minimal.
However, it is very disturbing that youth from the community would try to burn down their own school.
Mr. Speaker, although the court and justice system deals with youth offenders, our community must do all it can to support community efforts to combat youth arson and to make it clear that we have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to youth who commit such acts.
Earlier this month as part of Fire Prevention Week, volunteer firefighters in Repulse Bay spent time with young students.
We need to start early in efforts to educate our young people about this issue.
We need to help them understand that arson damage not only affects their community, but their own futures.
Member's Statement 018 – 2(2): Congratulate Allison Brewer on Award
I rise today to salute a nationally-recognized achievement of a recently relocated Iqaluit resident.
The struggle for human rights and basic equality rights has been a long and often difficult journey in Canada.
As members of this House are aware, it wasn’t all that long ago that aboriginal Canadians, including Inuit, gained the basic right to vote in national elections.
Today, Canadians enjoy a level of protection that is internationally envied.
Our Charter of Rights and Freedoms is admired throughout the world and serves as a living testament to the efforts made by generations of activists and leaders.
Mr. Speaker, one such activist is an individual who is no stranger to many members of this house.
Alison Brewer was recently honoured by the Governor General of Canada with an award in commemoration of the Persons case.
This was a landmark case that resulted in women being allowed to vote in this country.
The award honours those who have made outstanding contributions to the quality of life for women in Canada.
Alison received the award for her record of achievement in journalism, the labour movement, and volunteerism.
This is the second time in the past few years that a resident of Nunavut was so honoured.
In 2002, Elisapi Ootoova of Pond Inlet received the prestigious award for her community work and service.
Mr. Speaker, although Alison is moving to be closer to her children, I know that her work has left a positive impact on this community and throughout the territory.
Earlier this week, we heard the welcome news that Nunavut’s own human rights tribunal is up and running.
Mr. Speaker, as I have said before in this house, discrimination hurts us all.
Respect and equality are concepts that should guide us in our deliberations.
I’m pleased to extend my congratulations to an individual who has demonstrated a clear commitment to them.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask all members of this House to join me in congratulating Ms. Brewer on her award.
Member's Statement 019 – 2(2): Crisis Shelters Needed in the Kitikmeot Region
I rise today on the issue of Kitikmeot crisis shelters.
Mr. Speaker, the cycle of violence is on the rise in Nunavut; the Kitikmeot is not immune to the dangers it presents women, children, and even some men.
In those communities where they exist, crisis shelters are vital facilities.
They offer a safe refuge for a limited period of time for people who need to escape from the cycle of violence at home.
Mr. Speaker, this period of time allows counsellors to work with the people involved in the abuse and find solutions that will help families stay together.
Imagine how helpless people must feel, Mr. Speaker, in those communities where crisis shelters do not exist and where family members can’t provide you with a safe place to be in times of crisis.
From whom can frightened and worried victims of verbal, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, particularly women and their children, seek help?
The Department of Health and Social Services can only send them to the crisis shelter closest to their homes.
The issue in the Kitikmeot is that we only have one crisis shelter currently operating, located in Cambridge Bay.
They do their best to help, but it is a very small facility which serves our community and others.
Shelters in other communities are closed due to funding issues.
The Alison McAteer House in Yellowknife used to take victims in from the Kitikmeot and shelter them until it was safe to return to their communities and homes.
I understand that this is no longer the case because of government policy, or the lack thereof.
I attended the Kitikmeot Inuit Association’s annual general meeting last month, where the women’s delegation made an impassioned plea to urge the Government of Nunavut to help open or re-open crisis shelters in every Kitikmeot community.
It should concern us that there are people in our communities who cannot break that cycle of abuse by themselves.
Sadly, abuse is not an issue that any of us can ignore.
Mr. Speaker, if we ignore abuse, the victims may sink even further with unhealthy behaviours such as: drinking or drugging to escape the pain; withdrawing into themselves; covering up the abuse or pretending it never happened; blaming themselves for the abuse; taking their anger out on children or family members; and attempting suicide.
Mr. Speaker, I will be asking questions on this issue at the appropriate time.
Member's Statement 020 – 2(2): Congratulate Grade 5 Graduation from Drug Abuse Education Program
Yesterday, I rose in the House to raise the issue about substance abuse in our communities.
I am pleased to rise today to tell the House about a good news story about this issue that currently took place in my community of Coral Harbour.
Earlier this month, 32 grade 5 and 6 students at Sakku School graduated from the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program.
The DARE program was started at the school by an RCMP constable, and I thank the RCMP constable for helping us.
The program has been given international recognition for its work in helping young people learn at an early age about how to make healthy lifestyle choices.
I do thank the RCMP for that.
(interpretation ends) I was very pleased to have been able to take part in the graduation ceremony for these young children.
It is very important that we teach kids at an early age that drug abuse is not cool.
It is important that our education system makes the time to include programs such as DARE into the learning experience.
I ask all members to join me in applauding this very good news.
Question 025 – 2(2): Treatment of Employees at Keewatin Business Development Centre
A copy of a news release was given to us in our community, written by Brock Junkin on October 5, and I emailed the letter.
I was told by a constituent that the senior advisor who worked there, it reads in english, (interpretation ends) "...presented unprofessional work ethics, rudeness, ignoring, and plain disrespect to me, her potential client."
(interpretation) That is what we heard from this reporter.
I believe that they should not have employees like that.
Their funding is provided by the Keewatin Business Development Centre and it is not very professional.
I believe that the minister could do something about it.
We did look into the matter, the individual who worked for the Keewatin Business Development Centre.
We do provide them with funds in order to operate their business.
We give them money annually, and this Keewatin Business Development Centre has its own board of directors.
I have not heard as yet what they have decided.
But what we know is that they would like to become more independent in the Keewatin region.
I haven’t heard anything about what had happened afterwards, what has been decided, but I do agree with the member that it was unprofessional.
We have been hearing about the loans from previous governments that were subsequently transferred to the KBDC.
The senior advisor, however, was hostile and was saying that they would be taking people to court.