EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
These bilingual individuals will provide residents and businesses with reliable information and help government agencies to work better together to meet the communities’ needs. They will also provide the government with useful feedback from Nunavummiut.
The government needs this feedback, Mr. Speaker, and we will make use of what we hear. All departments are receiving new consultation guidelines so they will include the public in our deliberations and decisions.
Our work can only improve when we listen to the people we are trying to serve.
Enhance our recognition in Canada and the world
As we improve our communications capability, Mr. Speaker, we will also use it beyond our borders. We face issues outside the territory often because our agenda, our way of life, and our plans are not well understood.
I say that even though we have recently gained a high profile on the global stage.
The G7 finance ministers met here last month and their media coverage treated Nunavut favourably. At the Olympic Games in British Columbia, we saw Inuksuit everywhere.
If there are medals for raising awareness, Team Nunavut would have brought home the gold.
But awareness does not always lead to understanding. Looking to Europe, for instance, we continue to face challenges to our sealing traditions and industry.
An Hon. Member: Shame, shame!
Hon. Keith Peterson: Many environmental groups are concerned about how we manage wildlife, especially polar bears.
We need to be heard outside the territory, Mr. Speaker.
Hon. Keith Peterson: There are two audiences that deserve our special attention in the coming year.
The first is the Europeans. Our environment department has been giving special thought to the story that we tell the world about managing this territory’s wildlife. In the coming year, it will set up a communications group to develop a comprehensive approach on issues like seal hunting.
It is about time that we tell our own story so that we can be understood for who we are.
The second group that needs to hear more about us is the federal government.
We already deal with them directly on a range of issues, but the matter of devolving federal jurisdiction of lands, waters, and resources to Nunavut needs to be explained.
We have prepared ourselves for negotiations, as has Nunavut Tunngavik.
We are still waiting for the federal government to join us at the table.
From our conversations with the federal government, we understand that they have not seen clearly that we are prepared to handle additional responsibility.
We think it’s a perception problem, Mr. Speaker, and we are going to explain to the federal government how we will take on new responsibilities in a way that it is appropriate and prudent.
Devolution remains a priority for this government.
In the end, Mr. Speaker, it is all about working together, building our future together.
Tamapta is an excellent agenda.
Today, my budget connects our vision to the actions that we can undertake prudently with the resources we have available.
This budget is the Tamapta Action Plan in dollars and cents. It is the fiscal plan through which we will build our future together.
Ma’na and thank you.
Minister’s Statement 098 – 3(2): Minister Tapardjuk Absent from the House (Aariak)
I wish to advise members that our colleague, the Hon. Louis Tapardjuk, will be absent from the House today.
Members’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Aupaluktuq.
Member’s Statement 149 – 3(2): Working for the People of Baker Lake and Nunavummiut (Aupaluktuq)
I rise today to convey my deepest sympathies and condolences to the families who have lost loved ones. In Baker Lake, they are currently placing their departed one into the ground and they are in my thoughts.
I would hope that others will be thinking of their loss.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, this morning, I went on the radio again in Baker Lake reminding the residents of Baker Lake and our constituents that my position belongs to the people of Baker Lake as it came from the people. In my mind, that is a directive that all in Baker Lake are represented.
The message was simple, that education and process is in constant work and democracy is working in Baker Lake.
I recommitted myself saying that all of Baker Lake will be heard.
Before my term of office is over, all issues of Baker Lake that are brought forth will be addressed in hopes that not only will Bakermiut be contributors to Nunavut and Canada but demonstrate that we have the ability and will to lead by example collectively.
With that, Mr. Speaker, I just want to recommit myself to the people of Baker Lake because what I had done was I had explained and I owe it to the people of Baker Lake to explain that during the process of the holiday season, I had some complications in terms of medical, in which terms I wasn’t able to participate in some festivities.
With that, I want to provide a full explanation to the people of Baker Lake that it is worthwhile to come back to the Legislative Assembly and as well, to be able to see and hear that this government is taking steps forward to listen to all of the people of Baker Lake, and that we are working collectively together to try and advance ourselves and also be participants, as well as trying to evolve with our Government of Nunavut as a territory. It’s a great pleasure to work with my colleagues here.
With that as well, it was a recommitment not only because I needed to be reminded but I needed to be connected again with the people, and it was an honour to have that from the people who have not been represented in some categories and also by some elders who needed reassurance with the fact that there is some leadership in the Legislative Assembly. It’s out of respect that I mention that to the elders and it’s a good thing to see that.
With the budget being addressed, I think we have a good future addressing this.
With that, Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask for unanimous consent to continue on with my statement.
Mr. Aupaluktuq is seeking consent of this Assembly to conclude his statement.
Mr. Aupaluktuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly, for allowing me to conclude my statement.
I wanted to speak about the creation of Nunavut with the goal of servicing Inuit interests, including our culture, language, and traditional knowledge.
However, to date, we have to educate our fellow Canadians that Nunavummiut are quite capable people.
Although we are showcasing our talents, sometimes it seems no one is paying attention.
The leadership of both the members and management is prevalent since we are dealing with capital projects, which Mr. Peterson alluded to in his budget speech.
I also wish to state to my fellow Nunavummiut that this Legislative Assembly and its members work extremely hard to assist all communities in Nunavut.
When dealing with these matters, I don’t only represent the interests of Baker Lake but all Nunavummiut.
I would also like to thank the staff and Members of the Legislative Assembly because we have been elected to represent and provide support to our people and constituencies. I just wanted to make that comment.
Member’s Statement 150 – 3(2): Celebrating Cadets in Canada (Elliott)
I want to start my Member’s Statement by sending my condolences to my constituents in Arctic Bay.
Over the weekend, after a long fight with cancer, Daniel Oingonn passed away. Daniel was the former Fire Chief of Arctic Bay. He had served on the fire department for many years.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Mr. Speaker, on a more joyous note, I rise today to acknowledge with pride one of the finest youth programs in Canada, the Royal Canadian Army Cadets... oh, sorry, Royal Canadian Air Cadets. I work with both army cadets and air cadets.
Mr. Speaker, as I am sure you and my colleagues will have already noted, Air Cadets from 795 Iqaluit Squadron are our pages in the House today.
Air Cadets will be paging all week.
They do this, Mr. Speaker, as an exercise in citizenship and to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their role in this community.
Mr. Speaker, 795 Frobisher Bay Squadron was officially stood up on October 1, 1970.
In 1989, the squadron’s name was changed to ‘795 Iqaluit Squadron’ to coincide with the community’s name change.
Mr. Andre Dumas, Regional Director for Transport Canada, was the driving force behind the squadron’s inception.
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #4, now Branch #168, became its first and only sponsor, a commitment which continues to this day.
Over the years, the squadron paraded in school gymnasiums and storage sheds until 1992, when the Royal Canadian Legion reaffirmed its sponsorship commitment by constructing a new and permanent home for the squadron, the Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Hall.
This investment in the youth of Iqaluit supports their devotion to duty and community service.
Mr. Speaker, in 2008, 795 Squadron was selected by the City of Iqaluit as the top youth volunteer program in the city for its continuing positive impact on youth.
Today, 795 Squadron is a model program with an enrolment of 52 youth aged 12 to18 who are very active in all aspects of air cadet training.
Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to request unanimous content to continue with my Member’s Statement today.
Mr. Speaker, as part of the National Air Cadet Program these cadets undergo citizenship, leadership, technical, and physical fitness training, as well as other programs throughout the year.
During the summer training period, there are opportunities to travel to various training centres across Canada.
Mr. Speaker, the 2010 training year marks 40 years of service to community and country for the Iqaluit Squadron.
Over the coming months, the cadets and their officer contingent will be celebrating this achievement.
Mr. Speaker, there are a number of cadet corps and squadrons across the north. These programs offer incredible opportunities for youth to not only learn, serve, and advance but to be role models for their peers and to encourage good citizenship.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Iqaluit Squadron and in recognition of the important role that cadet units play all across Canada.
Speaker: Mr. Ningark.
Member’s Statement 151 – 3(2): Appreciation of Fuel Rebate Program (Ningark)
Mr. Ningark (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Speaker.
Before I make my statement, I would like to wish the people of Kugaaruk, my wife, Celine, my daughter, Louise, my other daughter, Stella, as well as my daughter-in-law, Salome, along with our second daughter-in-law, Martina, and our third daughter-in-law, Mary a happy International Women’s Day.
I wanted to thank them for the immense support they have provided me to this date.
Prior to my arrival to Iqaluit, I received a letter from Kugaaruk, actually the day before I was to leave for this city.
The letter was from this individual who wanted to thank the Minister of Finance or perhaps it was to Minister of Community and Government Services. In any event, it was with respect to the fuel rebate program.
This individual was successful in getting a fuel rebate cheque.
This person is an elder and she lives in her own home.
Every year, she would put snow blocks around the house because it is very drafty in the winter and consumes a large amount of heating fuel.
She would like to thank everyone, the Premier and the government. Although she thanked me personally for this initiative, she should be thanking our government. So I would like to thank the government on her behalf as well as my other constituents, Mr. Speaker.
So on behalf of any of my constituents who received the subsidy support for the homeownership fuel rebate program both in Kugaaruk and Repulse Bay, I would like to thank the government.
Member’s Statement 152 – 3(2): Health of Member (Arvaluk)
I’m quite ecstatic to see all of my colleagues again.
I was just down in Ottawa for a medical appointment where I had a follow-up visit. As my colleagues know, I had to undergo a surgical procedure last April and now I need to have regular checkups. Again, it’s an ongoing checkup on whether my condition is worsening and it relates to my arterial condition.
However, during one of my checkups, the doctor found that some of my arteries are becoming enlarged in other places.
As a private individual, if I underwent this surgery, I would have kept it private as most other people are prone to do. However, since I represent my constituents, I have to convey my condition to my fellow Nunavummiut. I believe that they ought to know about this condition, so I would like to inform them of my situation.
I want my constituents to know since my relatives have already been apprised of my condition. I have spoken to my relatives separately and individually.
My doctor in Ottawa has informed me that I require a second surgery, which I agreed to. Once the surgical procedure has been set up and the time is scheduled, I will undergo the surgery. I was informed that there may be a team of doctors to operate on my arteries.
Once she has put together a surgical team, she will be scheduling my next surgery. I’m fully prepared for this and have decided that I will indeed attend this surgery.
However, I would like to apologize beforehand as I may not be able to complete this sitting with my colleagues. Once my doctor has notified me about the dates of surgery, I have to drop everything to attend to the procedure.
I’m forewarning my colleagues that I may not be able to complete the session during this month.
If I have to leave prior to the completion of the surgery, then my colleagues and fellow Nunavummiut will understand why I’m unable to attend the last few days of the session of the Legislative Assembly.
As I will need to undergo this operation, I will be leaving for Ottawa once called upon, but I cannot predict the dates I am to leave.
I may actually be able to complete this session, but I have no idea as to what the timeline is. This decision will be based upon the doctor’s assessment and her full complement of doctors to complete this operation.
I just wanted to inform my fellow Nunavummiut that this operation may occur prior to the completion of this session, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 153 – 3(2): In Support of Sport (Ningeongan)
I rise today to express my support for the important role that sport can play in the lives, well-being, and future of our youth across Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I have been following with interest the comments made by my colleagues on the difficulties faced by many of their constituents in accessing opportunities to participate in sport.
Some communities do not have the necessary recreational infrastructure for youth to come together and participate in certain sports.
Others have indicated that the high cost of airline tickets, especially from the more remote communities, prevents their athletes from travelling to tournaments and taking part in territory-wide competitions.
Mr. Speaker, even as our athletes travel outside of the territory to tournaments such as the Arctic Winter Games, I have noted in some cases that parents have to make significant additional commitments, such as providing extra funding or making billeting arrangements.
Mr. Speaker, I want to make it clear that I am not criticizing the work of the Department of CGS in its ongoing efforts to provide and maintain recreational facilities in our communities.
In addition, the Department of CGS authorizes fundraising activities, such as bingos and lotteries, so that non-profit groups, such as sports associations, can raise money for their equipment and events.
I also want to make it clear that I am not questioning the goodwill and energy provided by Sport Nunavut through the Department of CLEY.
The Department of CLEY focuses on many issues in support of youth and culture across Nunavut.
However, Mr. Speaker, I feel that as a government, we owe it to all of our youth and to all of our aspiring athletes to provide them with the best chances to get involved in sport, to participate as much as possible, and to have fair and equal access to tournaments and competitions that take place in our territory and beyond.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask for unanimous consent to conclude my Member’s Statement.
Mr. Ningeongan (interpretation): Thank you, my colleagues.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, sport should not just be available to the privileged few who are fortunate enough to have large enough community halls or new arenas with artificial ice. Sport should not just be available to those youth whose parents have the extra time and money to make things happen.
Sport should bring everyone together regardless of differences in their circumstances.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that the approach to sport across Nunavut needs to be more coordinated and comprehensive. I believe that if all of our resources and energies were concentrated under one roof, we could provide more opportunities to more Nunavutmiut.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will have questions for the Premier on this issue.
Member’s Statement 154 – 3(2): Birthday Greetings to Daughter (Tootoo)
I just realized yesterday how quickly time goes by when you’re having fun.
Mr. Speaker, when I first sat as a Member of the Legislative Assembly, my daughter, Teia, was four years old.
Yesterday, she turned 15. I would just like to say that time went by so fast that I must have been having so much fun over the last ten years. I would also like to take this opportunity to tell her I love her and I hope she had a very happy birthday yesterday.
I know that there are a lot of other people with the same birthday yesterday. I usually go through the list, but I don’t have it all memorized, so I’m just going to say her and also, I did not forget some of the other people who have birthdays on the same day as my daughter.
I ask all members to join me in wishing her a happy birthday.
Member’s Statement 155 – 3(2): In Support of Youth (Aariak)
I wish to say that I am very proud of women today. I will make a more detailed statement tomorrow.
The reason I wanted to make a statement is that my colleagues’ comments are right on the mark: youth need good recreational facilities.
I do remember the athletes who went to attend the Arctic Winter Games. I would also like to say how proud I am of the Iqaluit athletes as well as Nunavut youth.
Arctic Winter Games is not just about sports. It also has a very strong role in leadership training. This is very helpful and beneficial to all youth, so I am in support of all that.
I have no more names on my list. We will move on with the orders of the day. (interpretation ends) Item 5.
I have to get used to introducing people as I’m not very good at it sometimes.
Mr. Speaker, my Member’s Statement on Friday was about the relationship between myself and my mayors and how they keep me informed as to what’s going on in the community because I can’t always be there. It just so happens that the Mayor of Arctic Bay, Niore Iqalukjuak, is with us today. He is down here with QIA and he is also the community liaison officer for QIA, so I would like to recognize him.
At the same time, as I mentioned earlier, there are four pages that I would like to recognize. Each day, there will be new four members that are coming in. So we have Warrant Officer Second Class Candice Sudlovenick, Flight Corporal Karle Kendall, Flight Corporal Jeneca Fanjoy, and Warrant Officer Second Class Colin Gunn.
Finally, as I mentioned in my Member’s Statement, the people sitting behind me, the cadet program could not happen without volunteers and staff. We have with us Captain Adam Chubbs, the Commanding Officer of the 795 Iqaluit Squadron.
We have Captain John Graham, the Administrative Officer, and Captain Godfrey Mitchelmore, the Senior Training Officer.
Some of the people who are not here, who work with the cadets are: Lieutenant Leo Twerdin, Training and Range Safety Officer, Officer Cadet Sophia Arbeau, the Training Officer, Civilian Instructor Daniel Carter, Supply Officer, and Volunteer Doug White, the Public Relations and Band Instructor.
Although this individual was already recognized, I do want to recognize my brother-in-law, who is my younger sister’s husband, Niore Iqalukjuak from Arctic Bay.
Welcome to the Gallery. I can make a statement to him, but I won’t.
If there are none…
(interpretation ends) Member for Quttiktuq, Mr. Elliott.
Question 228 – 3(2): GN Policy to Protect Freedom of Speech (Elliott)
I would like to direct my question to the Premier, as Minister responsible for the Nunavut Status of Women Council.
Mr. Speaker, as today is International Women’s Day, I would like to follow up on a line of questioning that I began last Friday in a different context.
Mr. Speaker, on Friday, I was interested to note that in her Minister’s Statement on the reappointment of members to the Status of Women Council, the Premier stated the following:
“In speaking out and challenging territorial government, federal government, and other organizations’ policies that impact women and in advocating for change, Qulliit will continue to ensure that Nunavut is a place where women’s rights are recognized and respected.”
Mr. Speaker, less than one month ago, the Status of Women Council went on the public record to say that they wanted a “clear policy statement from the GN that council members will not be harassed or intimidated for performing their duties.”
Will the Premier commit to establishing a clear and public government policy that will provide the legal protection that the Status of Women Council has been asking for, yes or no?
Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my colleague for asking that very important question.
I concur in that assessment and believe that within the government structure, anyone looking for information has the right to access the information.
Further, if that person wishes to undertake a whistle-blowing report, they have to be able to do so.
This is an issue we are trying to resolve and I will be able to make a statement with respect to providing legal protection, especially in providing transparency with our government’s decision-making processes.
Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank you for that response.
My next question would be: could the Premier commit to let us know when that statement will be coming forward?
Speaker (interpretation): Premier of Nunavut, Ms. Aariak.
Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): We are currently in the process of completing our review on the situation and once the matter is crystallized, we will report on it.
For example, it states in the document that the HR manual will be the main document utilized and any legal requirements listed in the Public Services Act. It states the timelines and length of time required to conduct reviews on the particulars related to that. It is currently available and is in the public domain.
These are available and are already part of the processes used.
We are working towards the completion of the review and once the situation is cleared up, I will inform the member as soon as possible.
Is it possible to get a timeline from the Premier as to how long that review would take?
Are we talking two months, six months, eight months, or eighteen months?
I’m not exactly sure how much time is required to complete the review process, but once we have a clear idea, I will ensure that it’s released to the members.
What I would like to know is that if I was working within the Status of Women Council, I would like some assurance. Can you assure that everyone within the council today that they would not be reprimanded?
I think the report in the newspaper was something referring to Nunavut’s paranoid political culture. Could the Premier commit to standing up for women if they speak up?
Yes, for women in particular and anyone, for that matter.
Question 229 – 3(2): Economic Development in Smaller Communities (Rumbolt)
My questions are for the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, the Hon. Peter Taptuna.
As the minister will recall, he made a statement in the House on November 30 of last year concerning the Inuksuit Project to sell art made by Nunavut artists at the Vancouver Olympics.