EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
03 - 1(3): Sitting Hours (McLean) 256
Committee Motions
1 - 1(3): Amendment to Bill 5 (Ng) 257  Friday, October 29, 1999
Friday, October 29, 1999
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you very much Deputy Speaker for saying the opening prayer.
Minister’s Statement 34 - 1(3): Recruitment & Retention of Health Care Providers
Uqaqti, I rise to inform this House about the progress that the Department of Health & Social Services has made towards our vision of establishing a stable work force to serve the people of Nunavut.
We are all aware of the daily challenges that face the health and social service providers striving to meet the needs of Nunavummiut.
In recognition of their valued work our department has earmarked 1.26 million dollars in pay adjustments for Nunavut nurses and social workers, retroactive, Mr. Speaker, to April 1st, 1998.
These adjustments will place our nurses and social workers amongst the highest paid in Canada.
This, Mr. Speaker, is only one step towards creating a stable work force and I believe a demonstration of the high regard in which we hold our nurses and social workers.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Health & Social Services is committed to being part of a government that seeks direction from the people.
We have set up a team of representatives from across Nunavut to recommend solutions to the challenge of recruiting and retaining nurses in our communities.
This group, the Nunavut Illusarijiit Action Team will work with Nunavut health care providers and each member has direct experience about what it takes to attract and retain nurses within Nunavut.
Their reports to the department will be treated with priority and contribute to the strategies being developed within the department.
Mr. Speaker, the department is also in the process of hiring a Nunavut Work Force Development Officer.
This person will be primarily responsible for recruitment and retention activities within the department and will work closely with the Nunavut Illusarijiit Action Team.
Finally, I am pleased to tell you that over the next several months I am planning to hold a series of Ministerial Focus Groups in several Nunavut communities.
The purpose of these focus groups is to allow me to consult directly with staff from community health centres about their concerns and their recommendations about the issues effecting recruitment and retention of health care providers in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker we have taken the first steps towards developing an effective recruitment and retention strategy for Nunavut, and I look forward to updating this House as these initiatives develop.
I should also add, Mr. Speaker, that the Mental Health Worker that was requested last week for Arviat is now going to be in place in the coming weeks.
Deputy Speaker (Mr. Puqiqnak) (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Picco.
Minister’s Statement 35 - 1(3): French Language School in Iqaluit
Hon. James Arvaluk (interpretation): Yesterday I said I was going to be speaking in English and today I am going to be speaking in French.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker I am pleased to inform the Assembly that the Department of Education and the Government of Canada have reached an agreement in principle to construct a French as a first language school in Iqaluit.
The new French school will give us an opportunity to demonstrate our belief in cultural diversity within Nunavut.
The building of this facility has long been a goal of the local Francophone Society.
Mr. Speaker, the site for the new school will be adjacent to the middle school in the new subdivision and will share the yet to be constructed playground that will serve both schools.
Mr. Speaker, operational costs will come from the existing funding formula and supplemented through Heritage Canada funding for programs in support of French language instruction.
The new French school will directly cost the Government of Nunavut approximately 500 thousand dollars over two years.
In addition the Government of Nunavut and the Town of Iqaluit will provide 600 thousand dollars of in kind contributions.
The Federal Government will spend an estimated 4.5 million dollars to build the school.
Nunavut will also receive approximately 539 thousand dollars in federal funds for program support and development to cover the costs of a French school program co-ordinator, support staff and associated administrative costs.
Mr. Speaker, under the present Canadian Constitution, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and the Official Languages Act, in which there is provision for French language instruction, I am pleased to announce that we as the Government of Nunavut, in recognition of these rights and freedoms will be providing education in French to those young members of the French language community of Iqaluit.
Speaker (interpretation): Merci, Mr. Arvaluk.
That was a good statement.
Ministers’ Statements, Mr. Kilabuk.
Minister’s Statement 36 - 1(3): Appointments to NDC and NBCC Boards
I am pleased to be able to provide this House with the names of individuals appointed to the Board of the Nunavut Development Corporation and the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation.
On April 1, 1999, this government took over responsibility for the Nunavut Development Corporation Act which as members know, is responsible for making investments in community based businesses.
In my home community of Pangnirtung there are two of these investments; Pangnirtung Fisheries Ltd, and Uqqummiut Arts and Crafts Ltd.
There are seven other operating businesses in Nunavut.
I am pleased to announce that the following people will make up the Nunavut Development Corporation’s Board: Directors Wilf Wilcox of Cambridge Bay, Ayou Peter of Iqaluit, Peter Tatty of Rankin Inlet, Jacopie Maniapik of Pangnirtung, Jackie Nakoolak of Coral Harbour, Peter Keenainak of Iqaluit.  And a seventh and final member is expected to be appointed later this month.
On April 1, 1999 this government also took responsibility for the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation Act which provides loans, loan guarantees and bonds to Nunavut businesses.
I am pleased to announce that the following people will make up the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation’s first Board of Directors; Robert Hanson of Iqaluit, Keith Peterson of Cambridge Bay, Mark Kalluak of Arviat, Peter Tapatie of Baker Lake, Mary Cody of Cambridge Bay, Ike Haulli of Igloolik, Monica Ell of Iqaluit.
The seventh and final member is expected to be appointed later this month, so I look forward to the Board assuming their responsibilities.
Member’s Statement 53 - 1(3): NTI Bruisers Vs MLA Sharks
Mr. Speaker I rise today with some urgency on a matter that occurred yesterday.
Uqaqti, at approximately 8 pm across from the Racquet Ball Club, here in Iqaluit, an event of Stanley Cup proportions took place.
The NTI Bruisers challenged the MLA Sharks to participate in that great Canadian pastime, hockey.
NTI was ably coached by Jose “the Killer” Kusugak and Pat “Burns” Lyall.
They came with an awesome team, Mr. Speaker, centred and supported by the likes of James “Tank” Etuluk, and Paul “the King” Kaludjuak.
Now Mr. Speaker, members and staff of this House were second to none.
Led by Paul “the Gump Worsely” Okalik in goals and James “68 Year Old Ace” Arvaluk.
The ledge team were exciting and dominant.
Uqaqti, Donald “the Hit Man” Havioyak and Peter “King” Kattuk, did a superb job in coaching our team.
Mr. Speaker, while the final score is in some doubt, it was by unanimous decision Mr. Speaker, unanimous decision, by the players and all the fans that attended the game, that yours truly, was voted MVP.
…or Most Valuable Picco.
Not bad for a player who broke his two feet and still can skate and score like an older Pavel Bure.
I would like to thank NTI, the staff and members of this House for participating.
All proceeds were donated to the homeless shelter here in Iqaluit.
A special thanks to Jerry “the Excel” Ell, for an excellent job refereeing the game.
Congratulations to NTI.
Member’s Statement 54 - 1(3): Relaxation Tapes and Inuit
Usually we don't comment about retail products here but I would like to make an exception.
As employees or public servants or members of the Legislative Assembly, we have a hard time sleeping sometimes because of all the jobs that we have to do.
When I went to Victoria for an Education Ministers’ Conference, my wife told me to look for a tape recording that would be soothing and serene and would put me to sleep at night.
So when I asked her what particular tape I should be looking for she suggested wilderness type tunes with the sound of the environment and she said that would soothe me and that would take away my worries, so I bought one.
When I got up in the middle of the night and I couldn’t go back to sleep because I was worried about what I was going to be doing the next day, I put on the tape to soothe myself.
When I put it on the sound of animals and the outdoors came on I became more awake and very, very alert.
My instinct was to get ready and go hunting.
So I don’t suggest those tapes be bought by Inuit.
Member’s Statement 55 - 1(3): Importance of Education
I was in Repulse Bay just this fall and I met with various councils and boards in Repulse Bay and I went to visit the school.
The children were about the age of the children in the gallery.
What I told the smaller students was to continue their schooling and education and then I would tell them that perhaps when you get older you’ll use a cane and then you can become an MLA.
Member’s Statement 56 - 1(3): MLA Sharks Goalie
Since today is Friday I am very pleased that we did quite a bit of work this week and now I hope we will be able to relax soon.
Last night at the hockey game I was one of the observers and I was told to be the cheerleader to help cheer for the members of the Legislative Assembly.
I did my best but I guess it didn’t help very much, as the MLA team lost.
I couldn’t quite figure out the time because the clock seemed to be at a standstill, I don’t know whose time zone it was on.
I also couldn’t recognize the goalie for our team.
I didn't like his performance and I was yelling " remove the goalie ", " get rid of him ".
I kept saying that and then my son came over and gave me his hockey stick.
I used it to bang on the wall while chanting "get rid of him" , "remove the goalie".
It was then that I found out it was Paul Okalik, our Premier.
So I apologize today to Paul Okalik, because everyone else at the arena heard me and knew who it was, and I didn’t.
Unknowingly, I kept telling the people there to remove him.
Member’s Statement 57 - 1(3): NTI / MLA Hockey Game MVP
I rise today to tell you that I was at a meeting until late in the evening. I was looking forward to playing hockey with our team members but I was able to go there while the game was still in progress.
I saw something that I didn’t think that I was going to see.
Jobie Nutarak who is sitting next to me is a lot better hockey player than I am.
So for your information he is my MVP.
I also saw James Arvaluk zooming around on the ice.
As for the other players, I thought there were a bunch of penalties that were uncalled for to my team.
Member’s Statement 58 - 1(3): Joamie School Family Fun Night
Last night we had a celebration up at Joamie School.
There were games for both the students and the parents.
When I was up there and walking around I was checking out what kinds of games were being played and where I could participate.
Somebody touched me on the shoulder and asked me if I was Peter Kilabuk.
When I said yes he gave me a paper and it said, I am sorry but you have to go to jail.
So I was put in jail, he brought me over there and I think I was there for a little over two minutes and then I kept checking around to see who had bought my time and today I still don’t know who had put me there.
But I believe it was one of my employees.
Member’s Statement 59 - 1(3): Sanikiluaq's Position on Time Zone Change
Although you may be relaxed today, myself I am not.
In regards to the time zone, yesterday the Hamlet Council of Sanikiluaq had an urgent meeting with the residents of Sanikiluaq in regards to the single time zone.
They are still very opposed to the change.
Usually on October 31st, they just want to turn back with daylight savings time, by one hour.
So they passed a motion to turn back one hour only, Mr. Speaker.
At this time I would like to recognize the students from grade six from Joamie School.
I would like to recognize these students in the gallery.
Speaker (interpretation): My apologies, the note I have said grade six but these are from grade five from Joamie School.
Member’s Statement 60 - 1(3): Arvaluk and Hall Beach
It is my pleasure that this morning you could loosen up and I am going to be speaking on a contentious issue.
We of course have many friends and James Arvaluk and I have known each other for a long time, for as long as I can remember.
I had never gone hunting with him during our years growing up together.
I think it was in the 1980’s that he came to my community of Hall Beach.
I am not going to give you the full details of what he was like in Hall Beach, but in the summer, my older brother, myself and Jamesie, went Beluga Whale hunting quite far from my community.
We were quite far away and we got a bearded seal and since we were far from my community, my older brother said that we could leave the meat, because we were going to be there for a long time and it would just rot.
So James said in response, people tell us not to leave meat behind, so I want to load it up in the canoe.
Since those two couldn’t agree and since I was the youngest one I didn’t say anything, and then James started putting the meat in the canoe and my older brother took them out at the same time as James was putting them in.
Member’s Statement 61 - 1(3): Compromise for Time Zone Issue
Mr. O'Brien: Thank you Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to speak about the issue of the single time zone for Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker I commend the government for moving on this issue which is designed to unify Nunavut.
Having one time zone for Nunavut is something that I personally support and also my constituents.
Mr. Speaker, I am fortunate to live in a community that is in the geographic centre of Nunavut.
This means for the people of my region and my community that they will not have to make a major change on October 31st.
But Mr. Speaker it distresses me that many of the communities in the Baffin are expressing much discontent about this as it effects them more deeply.
Mr. Speaker I am sure that if this were my community that had been effected, I would feel the same as the members from Clyde River and the other communities that have expressed concern about the change.
It appears, Mr. Speaker, that the discontent is not so much with the principle of the initiative as it is with the timing of it and the sense that communities were not able to participate in a fuller discussion about what this means to their lives.
This past week we have had petition after petition presented on this issue, and letter after letter from Mayors and Councillors indicating that motions had been passed not to change their clocks at the end of the month.
Mr. Speaker, if we are to have this change done in the spirit of unifying Nunavut, then we must do it in a manner which unifies and doesn’t divide the people.
Surely there must be some compromise which will allow the people of the Baffin communities to understand that the government is listening to their concerns.
We have heard some suggestions from people to move the date of implementation of this initiative forward to the spring or summer when it would have less effect on the people’s immediate routines.
Could we openly accept that some communities might postpone the date they implement the changes and welcome that in the spirit of phasing in this change, rather than seeing it as an act of defiance.
Could we phase in so that the Kitikmeot and Kivalliq region begin on October 31st and the east begins on April 1st or July 1st.
Mr. Speaker I don’t know what the consensus or compromise should be but I do know that in the spirit of unifying Nunavut, we must try to reach it on this important issue.
Returns to oral questions. Returns to oral questions.
I would like to recognize Mr. Fortier the President of the Francophone Association of Iqaluit.
Mr. Carriere Director of the Francophone Association of Iqaluit.
Madame Lefebreuve the Co-ordinator of French Languages.
Speaker (interpretation): Merci Mr. Premier.
I was also going to recognize the Francophone Association President and the other members, but the Premier did that so I would like to recognize again the grade 5 students and their teachers from Joamie School.
I would like to recognize a very capable and able employee, Mr. Thomas Tiktak, who is sitting over there.
I believe he can also speak French if he has written material in front of him.
He is a very competent employee and he gives out information on the radio now in Rankin.
I am very thankful that he is here and I would like to welcome him.
Welcome to the gallery, Mr. Tiktak.
Mr. Speaker some of the members are stealing my thunder this morning.
I want to take this opportunity this morning Mr. Speaker to welcome to the gallery the students and the staff of Joamie School.
A special thank you to Ms. Pat Angnakak and parent Maureen Doherty who drove the kids down here to the ledge this morning.
Also a special thanks to Jane Tagak and Theresa Lynch the two teachers who brought the students here from Joamie School.
A special hello to my son who is a member of the class, Wally, who is over there trying to hide, he doesn’t come very often to see his dad perform, but I thank him for coming this morning.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Picco. (interpretation) Welcome to the gallery and to the people Mr. Picco mentioned.
Recognition of visitors in the gallery, Mr. Irqittuq.
Mr. Picco stole my thunder when he mentioned the name of that teacher who is sitting over there.
She used to teach up in Clyde River and I am very glad that you are still sitting with students.
I am very proud of her and also all of the students who are now looking into their future.
I recognize them all and Pat Angnakak, who has been a friend of mine for a long time, I recognize her and also everyone in the gallery.
I would like to recognize at this time a role model in the community.
We had a raffle and I would like to recognize a person who got a skidoo at the skidoo draw, Paul Idlout who works for CBC.
Welcome to our gallery.
I would also like to recognize a person who is always here with us and if they left our meeting it would stop right away, it may go ahead but those of us who are unilingual would ask for the meeting to stop.
I would like to recognize Blandina Tulugarjuk and Mary Nashook.
Back to the orders of the day, item 6, oral questions.
Question 89 – 1(3): Time Zone (Out of Order)
Mr. Speaker my question is directed to the Premier and it is concerning the time zone issue.
Mr. Speaker my question is; is there any possibility that at this point in time, I know that it is somewhat late in the exercise, that the changing of the time, some kind of a modification could take place or is it too late.
I am sorry Mr. O'Brien, I have to rule you out of order.
You will have to discuss this in committee of the whole according to the order paper.
Question 90 – 1(3): Time Zone (Out of Order)
I too have a question about the time zone, but I don’t know who to direct it to, but I hope that I am going to get a response.
Although you ruled my colleague out of order, this is Nunavut wide now and not confidential, why can’t we ask a question in this regard, because everybody is aware of it now.
In regards to your question I also rule it out of order because you will have the opportunity to ask questions during committee of the whole where it is already on your agenda, so I rule it out of order.
Question 91 - 1(3): Infrastructure for Businesses
Mr. Speaker, I wrote a letter in regards to the shortage of infrastructure for businesses in our community.
It is hard to initiate businesses due to the lack of infrastructure.
Can you update me on any developments for the two communities in my constituency.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you Deputy Speaker.
Minister Responsible for Sustainable Development.
To date we are still in review.
Since we received the letter you sent and we are still reviewing it , looking for the best possible way and we are aware of it.
We do have a Superintendent in your area and he is now reviewing it personally as to how he can best support your request.
To date the review is ongoing and that is the only answer that I can give you.
I know that we do have a Superintendent in the Kitikmeot area but for the capital plan 1999/2000 do we expect to see any money for the year 2000 for Taloyoak and Uqsuqtuq.
Minister responsible for Sustainable Development.
At this point in time we have not identified any plans, but as I have stated before and I will repeat myself this is under review at this point in time and we would like to come up with the best possible solution in regards to your question.
We still haven’t made any commitments.
Question 92 - 1(3): Health Centre Construction Delay
Mr. Speaker my question is to the Minister Responsible for Health and Social Services.
Mr. Speaker it relates to the delay in the construction of the health centre in my home community of Arviat.
I wonder if the minister could update me as to the status of this project.
It was delayed but there has been some success, I guess, to get it kick started.
If the minister could give us some details.
Mr. Speaker I appreciate the member’s question, it gives me an opportunity to update the House on the new Arviat Health Centre.
As members know and it was announced in this House previously, we are proceeding to move forward on this P3 project to build and construct a new health centre in Arviat.
What happened was Mr. Speaker, when the construction corporation was building the facility and went into Arviat they inspected the soil on the lot, and there was some oil contamination there and that has delayed the project, because that contaminated soil had to be removed.
It is still going to move forward, there have been discussions with the Development Corporation and indeed, with the Council and the Mayor of Arviat.
It is delayed right now but it is expected to move forward in earnest in April or May of this spring for construction of this facility.
Mr. Speaker it is my understanding that part of the problem has been rectified and there had to be a clean up and so on and it is just a question of costs.
My question would be who pays for this additional cost to clean up this site to make it ready for construction.
Mr. Speaker as I stated earlier there was a problem with the lot and some soil contamination.
We are in the process right now as a government and my understanding is that we are looking at some legal considerations to see if there is some responsibility on behalf of the people who tested the lot for environmental contaminants previous to or prior to the actual construction.
So that is what’s happening right now.
Question 93 - 1(3): Rankin Inlet Utilidor Project
My question is to the Minister of Finance.
In Rankin Inlet a mistake on a utilidor project was made.
I want to get an update on that, will the Government of Nunavut be responsible for that mistake, for the costs of that mistake.
That is my question Mr. Speaker.
Minister of Community Government, Mr. Anawak.
In regards to the Hamlet Council and Public Works it was a joint project and I am sorry I cannot tell you how much more money it cost us and who will be paying for those extra costs.
I will take it as notice.
Speaker (interpretation): The Minister has taken it as notice Mr. Iqaqrialu.
Question 94 - 1(3): Gjoa Haven Fish Plant
In Gjoa Haven last summer the fish plant was closed and was not even used during the summer even though during the previous summer we had utilized that fishing plant which is in the HTO office.
I had given the minister a proposal and I was wondering what the status is right now.
The proposal was recently received and due to prior commitments, I have not had a chance to respond to you so I will take your question under notice.
Speaker: Deputy Speaker.