EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I think, as a government, we can do better. I think, as municipalities and hamlets, we can do better, and foremost, as a family, we can do better.
Mr. Speaker, when we see members of our family having issues and problems, we should be trying to solve those problems instead of trying to sweep them under the rug and pretend they never existed.
Mr. Speaker, it’s very sad that we’ve already had two suicides in Cape Dorset this year, and I encourage all Nunavummiut to stick together and try to find solutions to suicides in Nunavut because one suicide is too many.
Members’ Statements. Member for Nattilik.
Member’s Statement 017 – 3(3): Standards in Education (Ugyuk)
We also are impacted by developments in Cape Dorset and we are very sympathetic because these things impact us when we are representing communities.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about an issue that has to be carefully reviewed, especially as to how they assess a child and their level of education.
When children are in school, I believe there should be testing to determine their capacity and the level of education they have attained.
I wish to support the parents and teachers to further the success of our children so that they will be better able to deal with their future when they are well educated and capable.
Mr. Speaker, many members have spoken about this issue in the past. We have to improve our level of education.
We have to focus on post-secondary education as well as furthering our people’s careers. Although they may have on-the-job training or other courses, there are still a lot of residents who need to upgrade their education and work towards post-secondary education so they can work at a specific position.
I am very proud that many of our young people have already undertaken that path to further their own careers.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that students should be assessed during their education with testing and they should be done at the beginning of every school year.
It is very important to the parents and the teachers to know how the students are progressing as well as how much support their children might need because the parents and teachers have to know where the student is at.
If the students are not being assessed and they are not… .
Speaker (interpretation): Member, your time is up.
Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): I apologize. When I get passionate in my speech, I tend to forget my time constraints.
If students were being assessed, especially in the lower grades, then they could identify the learning deficiencies or what other training is required in order to bring them up to par with their peers.
It seems that assessment is done at a later stage, at a point where the student is no longer capable or able to catch up to the rest of the class.
Again, this is because we pledge support through education.
Mr. Speaker, if we are graduating students that are not up to par, then we have to look at ways of improving our education system so that we produce capable students.
We have to look at culture, language, and cross-cultural linguistic barriers that may provide an obstacle.
Mr. Speaker, I also hear unpleasant news, but there are many people now in that boat in Nunavut. There are a number of students who have attention deficit disorder who are unable to concentrate on their task in the classroom.
Many children are very disruptive and they do not listen.
I believe that this is more than the norm in Nunavut.
Part of the problem in the communities is that a lot of the parents ingest drugs and alcohol.
They abuse these substances and this impacts development of the child both during pregnancy and as they are growing up because the children might have FAE or FAS, and this will provide an obstacle.
Mr. Speaker, I believe we have to recognize the problems that are creating the obstacles within our education system for some of our students who are currently in our educational institutions.
I believe we have to really review exactly how education is taught to our children within the education system.
If we were to start from the smallest grade levels, such as kindergarten, and if we were to remain on top of the problem, to be in the forefront to deal with the problem that they may run into, and to deal with those learning barriers, then we would be able better to able to deal with them.
Mr. Speaker, when the appropriate time comes, I will ask questions on this.
Member’s Statement 018 – 3(3): Appreciation of Kugluktuk Volunteers (Taptuna)
I rise today to acknowledge and congratulate the community of Kugluktuk’s volunteers in their efforts of implementing four social networking and life skills teaching through various sewing program initiatives.
Mr. Speaker, firstly, the Kugluktuk High School is running two evening programs that teach traditional and contemporary clothing style making.
Secondly, the Arnait Ikajuqatigiit of St. Andrew’s Church teaches and leads women and youth in prayer and sewing projects for fundraising events of the church.
The funds raised through the group and volunteers are used to pay for the operations and maintenance of the church building.
Thirdly, the Healthy Strategies Working Group implemented a once-a-week evening at the home of Bessie Sitatak, where women are producing clothing for children and the less fortunate.
Mr. Speaker, lastly, in the centre for elders and culture, elders teach traditional and modern style of crafting of tools used in various activities, such as hunting and harvesting of fish and game, and other traditional equipment used by our ancestors before the era of modernization.
Through these efforts of volunteers, Kuglukturmiut are striving towards a healthy lifestyle for the betterment of families and citizens.
Again, Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge and congratulate the tireless efforts of these volunteers of Kugluktuk and for that matter, Mr. Speaker, the volunteers of all Nunavut communities.
Member’s Statement 019 – 3(3): Medical Concerns in Igloolik (Tapardjuk)
I wish a good afternoon to my constituents.
My constituents in Igloolik were not able to watch our sitting, but it has been restored, so I want to express my wishes for a good day to all my constituents, including those from Hall Beach.
I wish to welcome those who are here for meetings.
I rise today to speak to this issue because a lot of unfortunate incidents pass through our lives. A very young child passed away just recently and the parents are quite young.
I believe it was mentioned on the news that it’s quite obvious that sickness is prevalent in Nunavut, and I imagine it’s occurring in other places.
A lot of our constituents have concerns about particular respiratory illnesses and whether we’re not seeing a brand new kind of illness.
I wish my constituents to know that I’ll research into this matter and we will try to find out what the problem is.
I know for a fact that the Department of Health and Social Services has been unable to provide a very clear picture, other than what they presently undertake to alleviate pain and deal with health.
I believe that they have to research the cause of sicknesses, especially within their operations.
Due to this reason, Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I’ll be directing my questions regarding this matter to the health minister.
Member’s Statement 020 – 3(3): Congratulations to Karetak Family during John Lindell Memorial (Shewchuk)
I rise today to congratulate the Karetak family as being champions of the annual John Lindell Memorial Hockey Tournament that was recently held in Arviat.
Mr. Speaker, this tournament was a huge success, with teams from Rankin Inlet, Whale Cove, and Arviat participating.
Mr. Speaker, it was written in the Kivalliq News as a classic game that will be remembered forever. The Caretakers were trailing 6-5 against Rankin Inlet. When Rankin Inlet was shorthanded, with an extra attacker Robert Karetak pounced on a loose puck after a wild scramble in front of the Rankin Inlet net and pumped one home for the equalizer from Jackson Lindell.
An Hon. Member: Score!
Hon. Daniel Shewchuk: Mr. Speaker, an overtime period solved nothing.
The game went to a shootout and ended in the shootout with the Karetak family scoring the winning goal.
It was an unbelievable game and it was nice to see that Nancy Karetak-Lindell’s family was there to witness such a beautiful ending to the John Lindell Memorial Tournament.
The fundraiser also had a Bravo up for grabs right after the game and this lucky person was Patsy Kuksuk.
Member’s Statement 021 – 3(3): Constituency Concerns (Ningark)
Last week, I spoke to my constituents’ concern about landfills being enlarged in the hamlets without the required licences or water licences. It raises concerns about these materials and exposure of our residents to hazardous materials that are not properly packaged or with proper landfill. We are raising these issues on behalf of our communities.
In my case, my constituents usually watch the proceedings through the televised shows. The hamlet or their staff, such as the heavy equipment operators or administrators, may be questioning this concern by turning it inward. We may be forcing them to ask, “Perhaps I’m not doing my job properly as the local landfill is filled to overcapacity.”
That’s absolutely not the case. A CBC news story highlighted this issue.
It became public knowledge as soon as it was aired and many residents voiced their concerns during that show.
Based on the concerns expressed by our residents in the hamlets, we have to provide the support they need to resolve their issues. We, as a government, have to provide the support and assistance to the communities so that the hamlet employees don’t question their capability or their worth.
We, as the government and as regular MLAs, should encourage and urge the Nunavut government, and then once we have agreed on a territorial position, we should lobby the federal government.
It is not the community’s or their employees’ fault.
I believe that we, the government, are not doing a good enough job. It is this government that is not seeing the problem clearly.
I want it understood that it’s not the fault of the local employees that the hamlets are facing these infrastructure issues.
We, as the government, have to work harder to meet the needs of our communities.
I think the hamlet employees from your community are really pleased with your comments.
Member’s Statement 022 – 3(3): Elder Appreciation for Inuit Custom Adoptions (Curley)
The reason why I rise today is to share the news from a person I have complete confidence in.
This elder was placed in an untenable situation and he called me from the hospital bed, Mr. Speaker.
That person called me on his cellphone and prior to the completion of the call, it was cut off since hospitals don’t allow the use of cellphones.
Since I have caller ID on my phone, I returned his call and he made a statement that made sense to me.
He wanted it known that Inuit customs related to adoption must not be changed.
When you become an elder, adopted children become their only assistants.
Apparently, that elder had custom adopted a child while that child was under their foster care.
His wife has since passed on.
Currently that person is their sole helper, especially in the stressful situation he has been placed in.
He wanted to ensure that members keep these types of situations in mind when they are looking to change the system of adoptions.
The Inuit custom of adoption should not be changed at all because it is very beneficial to the elders.
He was almost in tears when he said that.
I wanted to bring this up because I can’t ask questions from that side of the House.
We are proud that he has given us good advice as Members of this House.
Please make sure you tell the minister that they don’t make changes to that.
Going back to the orders of the day. Returns to Oral Questions.
Return to Oral Question 007 – 3(3): Airport Shelter for Chesterfield Inlet (Taptuna)
I would like to return to Question 7 – 3(3) asked on February 28 by the hon. member from Nanulik. The member asked what the status was on the Chesterfield Inlet Airport Shelter.
The department is continuing its efforts to locate low-cost airport equipment shelters for the communities.
Several of these projects, including Chesterfield Inlet, were tendered in 2010, but the bids received were all above budget.
The department has revised the scope of these buildings and has re-tendered the projects.
That tender will close on March 8, 2011.
The department is hopeful that these projects can all be successfully awarded for delivery and construction in the 2011 season.
I am very pleased that we have several visitors I would like to acknowledge in the Gallery.
First of all, I would like to elaborate on the background a bit. With respect to the review of the Child and Family Services Act, we brought a group of people to conduct that review and some of these individuals are here but some could not arrive due to the weather.
This is their last meeting and they will be completing their work.
It is these people, the elders, who are reviewing the Child and Family Services Act.
We requested their support when they met last fall and they’re currently meeting for their final review.
The first one is Leonie Duffy from Coral Harbour, Joanna Innualuk-Kunnuk from Pond Inlet, Kitty Taipagak from Cambridge Bay, and Susie Konana from Gjoa Haven, along with her adopted child.
One of the elders’ advices to me has now come into fruition. Joanasie Qappik, a long-time friend, is also attending this meeting. We also have a social worker who used to work in Rankin Inlet and we still remember her hard work, and that is Ann Rose Kerkovious from Kugluktuk.
I am very pleased that you are here. Also, we have Meeka Arnaqaq here.
I am so pleased you made it here, albeit a bit late. Additionally, Dorothy Aglukark just arrived today from Rankin Inlet but is from Arviat. This includes Dennis Kuluguqtuq from NTI, who is here assisting the review group.
These individuals who are part of this group were not able to come: George Qulaut from Igloolik, who is attending another meeting somewhere; Simeonie Aqpik is also attending another meeting somewhere else; Elisapee Ootoovak from Pond Inlet couldn’t make it to this meeting; Mariah Aliyak, who works with traditional adoption in Rankin Inlet, was unable to make it here because she couldn’t get leave; and also Philip Paneak from Pond Inlet was also unable to make it here due to an illness.
I am very pleased that these people are here in the Gallery. We need to thank the project manager, Gord Phaneuf, from Child Welfare Canada, with the assistance of James Arreak from Iqaluit.
They have been touring 12 communities ever since this fall and every time they go to regional centres, such as Cambridge Bay, the surrounding community delegates travel to the major centre and attend to these meetings. That also occurred in Rankin Inlet and Baker Lake, where we brought in delegates from the outlying communities and also here in Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to say that the review committee heard from many people, with some statements being quite painful, and I was even informed that the project manager was sometimes affected emotionally and they cried along with the witnesses.
I would like to thank all of these people who are currently visiting our Gallery. Thank you.
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Madam Premier.
I would like to recognize an individual that Minister Curley had recognized. As the Nunavut government, we use the advice of our elders.
These elders’ tasks are very difficult and huge.
I, too, would like to thank them all and their staff for their hard work.
Also, the younger people are able to take part in this meeting and they are learning from the elders.
I’m sure that they will teach what they learned from the elders so that it could be visible in the future.
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Amittuq.
I knew this individual for a very long time although he is not from my riding. We were told that he wasn’t here, but I would like to welcome Philip Paneak, who is in the Gallery.
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Uqqummiut.
My colleague already recognized this individual.
When the Municipality of Clyde River became a hamlet status, Philip Paneak was the SAO at the time and he is also here.
Now we know for certain that Philip Paneak is here.
For those of us who live in the Nattilik area, it is a rare opportunity to recognize an individual.
I would like to recognize Nujaqqiq from Gjoa Haven.
I am very pleased that you are able to attend this meeting. Your work is very important and I am very pleased that you are able to help.
I would also like to welcome your adopted daughter.
I am very pleased that Gjoa Haven residents are supporting this group.
I, too, would like to acknowledge an individual from Coral Harbour.
Leonie Duffy is one of the leaders in our Glad Tidings Church.
Also, I’m not surprised that the elder from Coral Harbour is participating because this individual has been helping a lot of people in Coral Harbour and even established a building or obtained a building to work.
Also, she’s a private business operator who runs a hotel and a convenience store.
I am very pleased that she is able to be here.
I would like to welcome all of the visitors to the Gallery, especially my fellow residents of Pangnirtung who are here whom I would like to recognize although they were mentioned earlier.
I’ll start off with the eldest of the individuals who is also a relative of mine. He has been involved as a member of the hamlet council, the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, and various other bodies, Joanasie Qappik.
Another individual I wish to recognize is my cousin, Meeka Arnaqaq.
She used to be an adult educator in our community, but has since been involved in healing programs.
She wrote a book about Inuit traditions and values which will shortly be published and will be available soon for all Nunavummiut to enjoy.
It is specifically about traditional Inuit customs and lifestyles but is geared towards traditional healing methods.
It is quite detailed and will soon be a valuable resource for all Nunavummiut.
She has also published a traditional ways book and I would like to welcome my cousin.
The last person I wish to recognize has now moved to Iqaluit, but I’ll be sure to pronounce his name properly. His name is Dennis Kuluguqtuq.
He works for NTI.
I want to rise today to recognize, although I recognized her previously last week, but with the pronunciation of her last name correctly, although my colleague recognized her, I want to recognize Ann Rose Kerkovious.
Since my colleagues representing Nattilik, Nanulik, and Pangnirtung recognized visitors in the Gallery, I’ll state that I’m recognizing visitors in the Gallery as the member from Arviligjuaq and I acknowledge all of the visitors in the Gallery.
I, too, would like to rise and acknowledge a constituent and a very prominent person from Arviat and that is Dorothy Aglukark.
I would like to recognize my constituent from Cambridge Bay, Kitty Taipagak.
Mr. Speaker, I attended the public meeting in Cambridge Bay when her group was there. It was quite a painful and emotional night.
I know that these folks are doing a tremendous job out with the communities in need, and I look forward to reading their report and recommendations.
I would like to recognize a resident of Pond Inlet, Philip Qamaniq.
I’m sorry. It’s David Qamaniq; I got sidetracked by the reference to Philip.
Also sitting next to him is one of my constituents, the Assistant Deputy Minister of Health, Raj Downe.
I wish you a good stay here in Iqaluit and for success in your meetings.
Going back to the orders of the day. (interpretation ends) Item 6. (interpretation) Oral Questions.
Question 028 – 3(3): Accountability in Municipal Government (Aupaluktuq)
I also wish the visitors a good stay here.
As the minister is aware, I have spoken in this House on a number of occasions about the importance of ensuring transparency and accountability at all levels of government, including our municipalities.
Earlier this week, the Premier tabled the Government of Nunavut’s official response to our standing committee’s recommendations concerning access to information and protection of privacy.
Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to note that the government, and I quote, “agrees that municipalities should, in some way, be accountable under access to information and privacy protection legislation.”
Can the minister indicate when his department will begin the process of working with the Nunavut Association of Municipalities on this important initiative?
I also would like to thank my colleague for asking that question.
All hamlets are under the legislation, with their own by-laws and elections for their mayor and council.
Each hamlet adopts their own by-laws as it relates to their operations.
We work with the municipalities when they require assistance on the implementation of their by-laws.
Mr. Aupaluktuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Over the past year, the Government of Nunavut has made important and praiseworthy progress with respect to increasing the amount of information that is tabled in this House concerning the procurement and contracting expenditures of our departments and Crown corporations.
I believe that Nunavummiut are also entitled to know how municipalities are spending the money that the Government of Nunavut provides to them for their operations.
Would the minister commit to ensuring that annual reports on municipal procurement and contracting activities are also freely available to the public?
I also thank you for that question.
Hamlets have their own by-laws and regulations to guide their operations.
It’s clearly stated in their operations that their finances are audited annually by auditors appointed by the hamlets.
If anyone wishes to see information pertaining to hamlet expenditures, they have to make that request to the hamlets themselves.
We have no control over hamlet expenditures as they are in possession of their own audits.
We don’t have responsibility for the hamlets nor can we dictate to them.
If anyone wants information, they can approach the hamlets themselves.
Mr. Aupaluktuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) As my colleague from South Baffin noted yesterday, one of the ways that Members of the Legislative Assembly are kept accountable is through our Integrity Act.
This legislation allows any member of the public to request that the Integrity Commissioner conduct a review of a member’s conduct.
Mr. Speaker, federal and territorial levels allow for access to information for accountability and transparency.
Regular community members throughout Nunavut must be allowed the same courtesy at local levels of governance.
As the minister is aware, the territorial Conflict of Interest Act applies to members of municipal councils.
Can the minister clearly explain what the process is for ordinary citizens to file a complaint under this legislation regarding the actions of members of municipal councils throughout Nunavut?
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): With respect to the hamlets, again they have legislation pertaining to the hamlets that they have to comply with.
This is specifically to the operations of the hamlet; every hamlet is set up differently.
With regard to the community that he is referring to, if he is referring to Bake Lake, the hamlet by-laws could be reviewed and they would identify the problems or concerns that could be addressed by following the process laid out in the hamlet by-laws.
That’s how they could deal with those issues.
Mr. Aupaluktuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Yesterday’s Budget Address informed us that the Government of Nunavut is facing a deficit.
Can the minister inform the House today how many municipal governments are currently facing deficits?
We do provide financial support to all hamlets to ensure that they operate smoothly.
Whenever communities suffer problems or they have funding shortfalls, we assist them through my office.