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These life stories will be published by Nunavut Arctic College in a new five volume collection entitled Inuit Voices in the Making of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, you may be interested in knowing that one of these leaders is here with us today, our member for Rankin Inlet North, Mr. Tagak Curley.
He is here with us.
These publications will add to the growing list of books published by the Language and Culture Program; books that record the wisdom and knowledge of our elders, Inuit scholars and leaders.
This program, under the leadership of Susan Sammons, has made a tremendous contribution to the preservation and recognition of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
Research projects like this one also provide the opportunity for Nunavut Arctic College students registered in the Language and Culture Program to develop skills as researchers.
The ultimate goal of this project is that these Inuit students will work towards more specialized training, skills and degrees and become researchers in their own right, able to conduct research from the Inuit perspective.
We look forward to the publication of these books and to the continued success of the students and staff of the Language and Culture Program.
Member's Statement 162 – 2(2): Larga Boarding Home Visit
I rise today to update my colleagues and my constituents in Arctic Bay, Resolute Bay and Grise Fiord regarding my recent visit to the Larga boarding home down in Ottawa.
I accompanied Minister Brown, the Minister of Health and Social Services, Premier Okalik and my colleague, from Uqqurmiut, Mr. James Arreak on this trip.
I would like to thank the Minister of Health and Social Services for the opportunity to see first hand some of the needs and challenges that arise when providing services for patients traveling to Ottawa for medical treatment.
Despite the fact that there appears to be fewer Inuit on the staff on the Larga Boarding Home since 2002, the current staff are working very hard to provide the best service they can.
The lack of Inuit staff and related services leads to some difficulty.
In some cases, escorts, who are often family members, have to interpret for their loved ones and tell them some difficult news about their medical condition.
In other cases, escorts have to stay down south a very long time and that puts some additional stress on them and their families.
In cases where escorts are not provided, we have heard more than once of unilingual elders being stranded at the Ottawa Airport late at night.
Mr. Speaker, I feel that it is important that a central communication service be available for clients and family members who are traveling long distance from home in an unfamiliar place.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I am sorry, but I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Mr. Barnabas (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and my colleagues. (interpretation ends) Keeping lines of communication open between patients and their home communities is very important.
As one small example, I think it would be an important first step if the department could provide assistance to Larga boarding home staff in reestablishing their link to CBC radio’s northern feature so that patients can listen to the news from home.
Mr. Speaker, the centre of transportation office could do a lot to improve situations for patients traveling with or without escorts.
I look forward to any updates that the minister may provide regard this central medical office that is supposed to be established by her department.
I would like to acknowledge the individuals who took time to meet with us during our visits.
They worked very hard to ensure that the services that Larga boarding home meet the needs of Baffin clients.
Mr. Speaker, Joe Enook is the chairperson of Larga services, and Trudy McLeod is the manager of the Larga boarding home.
At the appropriate time, I shall be asking questions on this issue.
Member's Statement 163 – 2(2): Larga Boarding Home
I am also pleased to rise today to provide some comments on our trip to Ottawa to visit the Larga boarding home with the Minister of Health and Social Services, Premier Okalik, and my colleague from High Arctic, Mr. Levi Barnabas.
Mr. Speaker, this visit was a good opportunity to see the services that are available to Nunavutmiut traveling to Ottawa for medical treatment. (interpretation ends) I would also like to thank the chairperson from Larga services, Mr. Joe Enook, and the manager of Larga boarding home, Ms. Trudy McLeod, for taking the time to meet with us.
Their contribution efforts are greatly appreciated.
Mr. Speaker, many of the problems that I noted and were brought to my attention by clients at the boarding home relate to its physical layout and surroundings.
For example, the dining room in this facility is too small for the number of patients staying there.
It is so small that some patients have to eat their meals alone in their rooms.
There’s also a lack of shower facilities.
The boarding home does not have any hospital beds, which would be more appropriate for those individuals who are recovering from major surgery.
Mr. Speaker, the issue of patient security was also brought to my attention.
I was concerned to learn that some individuals face some very aggressive behaviour in areas where the boarding home is located.
I understand that the contract for Larga boarding home will come up for renewal in just over two years.
If discussions and planning begin now, Mr. Speaker, this could be a good opportunity to address some of the concerns I speak of.
(Interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
There are no nays, please proceed Mr. Arreak.
Mr. Arreak: (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and my colleagues. (interpretation ends) I encourage the Minister of Health and Social Services to discuss these issues, and those raised on my colleagues and Larga services contractor as soon as possible.
I encourage the government and the contractor to look at opportunities to relocate the Larga boarding home to a better location and, in addition, to a more adequate space.
At an appropriate time, I shall be asking questions on this issue.
Member's Statement 164 – 2(2): Turbot Fishermen Incident
I would like to share my joy with my colleagues with the relatives of the turbot fishermen who recently had a bad experience.
David Kullualik, Jonah Kullualik, and Joshua Nakulak.
I praise these individuals for being able to handle themselves when the ice was breaking up on the way home to Panniqtuuq.
These five individuals had to go back and forth in order to avoid the ice breakage.
They were in that condition for a number of hours.
Because of the condition of the ice, there were waves cresting over the ice that they were traveling on.
They had to leave all their equipment and hunting tools in order to save themselves.
It took them approximately 4 to 5 hours in order to reach land.
They were able to save themselves, even though they had a very hard time when they were going through that incident.
Once the people of Panniqtuuq found out what was happening, some individuals came over to meet them and deliver gas.
I would particularly like to say thank you to David Evic, who was able to lead the men out of that condition.
He was able to take them to safety and now they are back in Panniqtuuq.
Member's Statement 165 – 2(2): Anglican Women’s Group Parish Service
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the local Anglican church parish for their invitation on Sunday to attend a service for the members.
After the service, the parish served a hot lunch for the congregation and the members.
Mr. Doug Lem provided the meal free of charge, and then donated many bags of food to the congregation at the Parish Hall after the meal.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Mr. Lem for his kind donation to the people of Iqaluit, and to reverend Methuselah Kunuk and to Captain Ron McLean for their kind invitation to the members to join the service.
I also thank the Anglican women’s group for their support in setting up the hall and serving the food.
Members’ Statements, Mr. Evyagotailak.
Member's Statement 166 – 2(2): Congratulate Philip Kadlun from Kugluktuk
I rise briefly today, I wish to congratulate Mr. Philip Kadlun on the raising successful polar bear hunt in Kugluktuk.
Phil caught a good size bear just 20 miles outside of Kugluktuk.
I know that all the residents of Kugluktuk are very proud of him.
Mr. Speaker, I will have more to say tomorrow on the subject of the good work that the local Hunters and Trappers Organization does for Kugluktuk.
Member's Statement 167 – 2(2): Elders of Cambridge Bay – Firearms Ammunition
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to alert the members of this house about a serious issue that affects the elders of Cambridge Bay.
Mr. Speaker, the elders have told me that the new rules requiring them to hold a Firearms Acquisition Certificate is causing them hardship.
The Firearms Acquisition Certificate is necessary so that they can purchase ammunition to go hunting for food to feed themselves and the relatives.
The process of acquiring a Firearms Acquisition Certificate is difficult in and of itself because of the red tape involved.
I’m certain that all members will agree with me when I say that it’s completely ridiculous to force life long hunters to jump through bureaucratic hoops and hurdles to get a certificate from a fire arms safety course that they themselves could likely teach perfectly well.
The applications are in another language and to get any help, they have to call someone down south.
At meetings with the elders, they have asked me to communicate to the territorial and federal government that something must be done to help the elders.
I am aware that the Government of Nunavut has cooperated with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc in challenging the Firearms Act Legislation in court.
Mr. Speaker, many elders have told me that they rely on family members to supply them with ammunition.
However, many elders take pride in being independent and do not like being forced to impose on their relatives like this.
Also, Mr. Speaker, many relatives have told me that it is often too expensive to go hunting nowadays because of the cost of snowmobiles, gasoline, ammunition and other supplies.
These elders need to have a supply of country food in their diet because it is a healthy eating option.
The premier met with the elders last month, where they raised their concerns directly with him.
They asked him to help them and other elders in Nunavut to deal with the Firearms Acquisition Certificate issue and to also help to find ways to help provide a supply of country food for those elders who do not have the resources or relatives to assist them.
Mr. Speaker, I was encouraged by the Premier’s assurances to the elders that he will look into their concerns.
It is very important that we help the elderly in our communities so that they can enjoy a good standard life in their declining years.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all government departments to help our elders with quality programs and services.
Member's Statement 168 – 2(2): Tribute to the Roles of Women
Mr. Speaker, like the minister responsible for the Status of Women, I’m very pleased to rise today on International Women’s Day to pay tribute to the role of women in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, we have a tradition of respecting strong women in Nunavut and across the north.
I believe that this has it’s roots in traditional culture where the contributions of women to the survival of our people are well recognized.
We have no shortage of good female role models in the north today.
Leaders such as Helen Maksagak and Nellie Cournyea and internationally recognized artists such as Jessie Oonark and Susan Aglukark are just a few examples.
Mr. Speaker, we must also pay tribute to the unsung heros who serve as examples for our daughters, the nurses who care for us, the teachers who inspire us and our own mothers, partners and daughters.
On a related note, the Scott Tournament of Hearts that just wrapped up in Manitoba, and the Manitoba’s women’s team won the championships.
One of my constituents, Mr. Jutani Davidee who is a plumber for the Housing Authority just won a trip sponsored by News North to the Briar.
Mr. Speaker, although we all know that Jutani is one of those deluded souls who supports the Montreal Canadians, we wish him a good trip and, also, I think he’s setting a fine example showing that those fans are giving up on their hockey team and taking up cheering for curling instead.
Members' Statements. Ms. Brown.
Member's Statement 169 – 2(2): Tribute to Women
I would also like to take this opportunity to send well wishes to Rankin Inlet and Tikiraarjuaq.
I would also like to say happy birthday to Rosie Uluyuk from Rankin Inlet, I don’t know who is more of a Kaunak; either you or John Kaunak from Repulse Bay because they like stealing that name.
I will think of all of the women in Nunavut, and especially Leona, Bella, Sarah, and all of the women here, and the women on the second and third floor also, and especially the elders, Emma, and my relatives, Ms. Sharp, if you are watching the proceedings, Mrs. Nuqittuq, Sam Curley.
I would like to wish you a good day on International Women’s Day.
I have also heard that there’s going to be an arts and crafts show at the Parish Hall at 7:00 this evening.
Member's Statement 170 – 2(2): Recognition of Women
I would also like to congratulate the women, especially the women in Sanikiluaq.
When I was a child, some women didn’t have enough breast milk to feed their children.
So, I was brought up being breast fed by a woman other than my mother.
I smile at her, and I would also like to thank her for bringing me up.
I would also like to acknowledge Mina Inuktaluk, who is a very prominent leader in our community.
She also teaches Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and traditional skills.
I am very proud of Mina Inuktaluk, and I recognize all of the women of Sanikiluaq on International Women’s Day.
Member's Statement 171 – 2(2): Happy International Women’s Day
I, too, would like to take this opportunity to wish the women in my constituency a happy International Women’s Day. (interpretation) Today is International Women’s Day, I would like to say hi to my mother, my sisters, and to all of my constituents in Taloyoak and Gjoa Haven, all of the ladies there, I say hello and wish you all a great day.
Return to Oral Question 195 – 2(2): RFP Award
In response to the Member from High Arctic’s question regarding the work by the Housing Corporation of a request for proposals for the relocation of residential housing units in Nanisivik, I would like to report to the House that the Request For Proposal in question was awarded to Ferguson Simek Clark Group on October 11, 2002.
This Request For Proposal was for qualified proponents to conduct a feasibility to assess the viability of moving residential housing units from Nanisivik to Arctic Bay.
Mr. Speaker, since I was two years old, I was adopted and moved to Arctic Bay.
Since I am an adult now, I have been seeing my relatives and I have a little brother, Richard Ben Kunuk and I would like to recognize him.
He is sitting behind me.
Mr. Curley (interpretation): I would like to stand today as well to recognize my niece, Della Napayuk, who is in the gallery today and to say that she is a constituent of Ms. Brown.
I have not forgotten her.
I would like to recognize Della Napayuk and Sarah and to recognizes Nancy Qujuq and also all the women in this gallery, seeing that it’s International Women’s Day.
Going back to Orders of the day, Oral Questions.
Question 217 – 2(2): Funding Arrangements for the Youth Cottage
Last week, I did a member’s statement talking about some of the challenges that are facing the Ilitiit Society which runs the homeless shelter and the youth cottage.
My question today is for the minister responsible for justice.
I understand the Ilitiit Society is running a youth cottage for some of the young people that go through the justice system, under the community justice division of the department.
My question for the minister: I know that there’s been an agreement in place for funding for the youth that are staying there, to the Ilitiit Society, and that they’re in the process of coming up with a new arrangement.
I’m just wondering if the minister could update the House as to where they’re at and when they can expect to have that new agreement finalized.
I do not have the information readily available at this time.
Member for Quttituq, Mr. Barnabas.
Question 218 – 2(2): Larga Baffin House
My question is in regard to my member’s statement.
I was very pleased that the minister and her deputy minister had the opportunity to visit the Larga boarding home last week.
She was able to see for herself the challenges facing staff and patients.
Can the minister tell this House what she sees as the top three priority areas for the improvements of services provided at the Larga boarding home.
Minister of Health and Social Services, Ms. Brown.
It seems like there has to be some priorities made for the improvement of services here in Iqaluit.We have to do some consultations here in the Baffin region because we already did the Kitikmeot region and Kivalliq region.
There is the Lena Pedersen boarding home in Yellowknife where we have heard that there is not enough space for patients.
They would like to be able to eat traditional food over there, but they have not been able to do that.
When we visited that boarding home in Yellowknife, we talked about that.
We visited the Winnipeg boarding home, and it is very nice and they have very good staff, but they also share an unmet demand for country food as well.
They could not get some from individuals, but we would like to provide them with country food from hunters and trappers and from other providers.
Also, I have seen a lot of boarding homes, and I know that there is not enough space; the rooms could occupy 56 patients.
I saw the boarding home in Ottawa which didn’t have enough room, and I would like to make improvements to that as well.
Can the minister update this House on what steps she has taken to ensure that unilingual patients are provided with the support that they need.
I forgot to mention about the ones that came with me to see the patient boarding homes in the south, I appreciate their assistance and their presence.
In regard to those people who are unilingual and have to go down south for medical treatment because we can’t control what happens with our health, as Minister of Health and Social Services, I will be providing more services to those individuals to make sure that they have interpreters, especially the elders.
Looking at the policy, it is going to have to be made stronger and it is being reviewed right now.
Question 219 – 2(2): Air Ambulance Services
My question is for the minister of health and it concerns air ambulances.
Air ambulances can mean all the difference between life and death in our remote and Arctic communities.
My question for the minister: can the minister tell me how a medical professional arrives at a decision to authorize an air ambulance in a community?
Speaker (interpretation): The Minister of Health and Social Services, Minister Brown.
Hon. Levinia Brown (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to give my appreciation for the member’s question.
I feel that the question is very, very important in regard to having nurses in the air ambulance.
I will do some research on it and respond to the member.
The member for Arviat, Mr. Alagalak.
Question 220 – 2(2): Wildlife Act and Regulations
This has been ongoing for quite some time.
In regard to the Wildlife Act, it’s been too long since we’ve heard anything about where it’s at, and I would like to ask the minister if he could give us an update on what its status is right now.
We have been working, at the moment, on assisting Nunavutmiut and working with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. in regard to the wildlife regulations.
We are in the midst of working on it at this time; we want to able to agree with the other parties before we start consultations.
Perhaps, this month we will be doing some community consultations so we can hear from the public out there.
We would especially like to hear from the hunters and trappers in the communities, and from the regional hunters and trappers organizations.
At this time we’re in the drafting stage on the wildlife regulations and we are working closely with the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
I know that the foundation for that policy is difference from the old system and will have a great impact on hunters and trappers within Nunavut.
As the minister is working with those other organizations, although we get an update from time to time on the wildlife policy, perhaps there also were some wildlife officers that were here in Iqaluit for a meeting.
I know that they were present in the discussion of improvements to that policy.
I know that there have been some differences between the Northwest Territories days and the present Government of Nunavut policy.
The minister said that the regional hunters and trappers organizations have to be involved before it’s put into policy. As it stands right now, there must be some progress on the policy’s evolution.
Can the minister give us an update on what the status is on that?
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk (interpretation): Yes, if I understood the question on the policy and the regulations of Bill 35, the regional hunters and trappers’ organizations will be given an update from time to time on the status of what we are doing.
I will keep the public informed as well.
July 9 is the coming into force date planned for the Wildlife Act and regulations.
Before July 9, we will hold public consultations to inform the public, the people in Nunavut, because there have been a lot of people who misunderstood the draft regulations that we’re doing right now.
I will be keeping the people of Nunavut informed on what our department is doing and provide them with press releases from time to time, before it is put in to effect.
Mr. Alagalak: (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
You have not really responded to my question.
Perhaps you could inform the members of this House from time to time on some of the policies that are in the draft and inform us of the changes that you are making.
Yes, we want to show this draft to all the communities.
As soon as it’s translated, it will be sent to all HTOs and RWOs.
Perhaps the members can work closely with their HTOs or the wildlife officers; they certainly would appreciate your assistance.
Whichever community that you are representing, you can keep in contact with the HTOs and wildlife officers, that would be a positive progression there.
He seems to fail to understand what I am asking, and it makes me wonder if the minister will be able to work well with the local HTOs.
It is very difficult when you do not have the documentation, and I was trying to ask if you can provide us with a copy of what has happened with the issues surrounding the Wildlife Act to all members of the House.
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk (interpretation): Yes, Thank you.
I can talk to NTI and the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board to see how we can proceed and if that draft can be made available.
I can make that request and look into this further.
Once the consultation starts, I will be communicating with our partners and let them know beforehand what will be happening.
I will also be meeting with the regular members, NTI, the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, and the Government of Nunavut.
I can inform the member as to what they have discussed.
So, I will check into this further and update the member for Arviat at a later time.
Question 221 – 2(2): Larga Service Contract Update
Our visit to the Larga boarding home last week was very informative.
I am sure that the Minister of Health and Social Services also found that visit useful. (interpretation ends) Can the minister update this House on the current status of the Larga services contract, and what is the timeline for renegotiating a new contract.
Speaker (interpretation): Minister of Health and Social Services
Hon. Levinia Brown: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank you, James, and my colleagues for coming down with us.
In regard to the contract, I will be checking into this.
I have been advised that it will expire very soon.