EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
As a husband and father to two beautiful, young ladies who are turning into women faster than I can deal with some days, I have to especially acknowledge the guidance and leadership that my wife provides, my own mother, who again provided a very strong grounding and helping me become who I am today and her sister, Helen.
When we talk about the women that we have in our lives and the leaders that we have in our communities, our territory, our country, and in our world, we can sit here and talk for hours and celebrate countless times the successes that women have in our society and how they help guide us and hold us accountable as leaders ourselves.
I especially want to just really acknowledge the future female leaders that this territory is spurning out and I would like to really celebrate the moving forward on women’s issues and women’s right and equality.
I think it’s a very important day to take a step back and acknowledge the people around us, that we don’t get caught up in our day-to-day lives and make sure that we celebrate the women around us who help support the work that we do here today.
Members’ Statements. Member for Aivilik, Mr. Steve Mapsalak.
Member’s Statement 520 – 4(3): Appreciation of Women on International Women’s Day (Mapsalak)
I, too, wish to join my colleagues in acknowledging and expressing my pride in all women in Nunavut as today is their day.
In particular I wish to single out my wife. She was supposed to arrive and I was getting antsy waiting, as her travel was scheduled for today. However, due to a Kivalliq-wide blizzard, it will be impossible today and that was quite unfortunate.
Mr. Speaker, my wife has been my rock of support and we have been together for over 37 years. Further, she has absolutely been my main helper in all areas. She spends a lot of time alone when I travel to Iqaluit for meetings.
She resides alone within our home, although our children occasionally visit. It is on the other side of town, although Naujaat isn’t particularly big. Nonetheless our home is quite far for our children to visit regularly.
My wife is alone during this strong blizzard and she informed me that the wind is really blowing now. This showcases her abilities, as she readies all of my equipment outside properly prior to a blizzard.
That is how capable she is. I am always immensely proud as she is my rock of support in all areas, and we can relax and enjoy each other’s company.
As today is International Women’s Day, I wish all women a wonderful day.
Members’ Statements. I have no more names on my list. Moving on.
Good afternoon to my colleagues, my fellow residents of Arviat, and the people of Whale Cove.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, (interpretation) I would like to recognize four individuals who are visiting in the gallery today.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, before I recognize these four individuals that are in the House today, I would like to briefly tell you some of the work they do for us here in Nunavut, such as contributing to document, preserve, and revitalize the Inuit Sign Language in Nunavut and develop glossaries, videos, and multimedia applications to promote the use in the communities.
Also, more recently with the newly established Nunavut Deaf Society, they are championing ways of delivering sign language interpretation services with deaf persons residing in some communities in our territory of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, (interpretation) I would like to acknowledge this person first of all. (interpretation ends) Before I recognize him by his name, I would like to tell you what he does with his work in Nunavut. He’s the president of the Canadian Deaf Research and Training Institute and Department of Psychology with the University of Montreal. (interpretation) The first person is Jamie McDougal. Please welcome him.
The second person is his daughter. (interpretation ends) She’s the director of Canadian Deafness Research and Training Institute also in Montreal, Paige McDougal.
(interpretation) As well, I will mention the others by name starting with Sandy Kownak. (interpretation ends) She is the president of the Nunavut Deaf Society, a board member of the Canadian Deafness Research and Training Institute, the Nunavummi Makinnasuaqtiit Disabilities Society, and the newly created Abluqta Society in Baker Lake.
Also with her is her son, Clayton Ungungai, who is the board member for the Nunavut Deaf Society in Baker Lake. (interpretation) Please welcome them.
Baker Lake is very far from here and it’s very rare that I recognize anyone. I know they have relatives in Baker Lake.
Although they were just recognized, he is well known and has many relatives in Baker Lake.
Epu Ungungai has helped other young people like himself understand through computers about proper terminology and the meanings of words.
He does very important work like that even though he is handicapped. When he’s working on documents, he really delves into Inuit culture and language and he goes to his relatives to ask for advice when he has a question.
I hope they have a great day during women’s day. I know of the relatives, including his in-law. If they’re watching in Baker Lake, I believe it’s a blizzard day in the Kivalliq.
I know of her many relatives in Baker Lake and I would like to welcome Sandy Kownak.
I acknowledge that these people have been recognized already, but I did want to take the time.
I have met in the past with Jamie McDougal and Jenn Paige McDougal and was very excited to learn of some of the work that they’re doing with hearing-impaired residents in Nunavut and the teaching that is going on at the Canadian Deafness Research and Training Institute.
I also wanted to specifically acknowledge a constituent of mine, Sandy Kownak, along with Clayton Ungungai, who are working on the project in Nunavut with the Nunavut Deaf Society, of which two members were unable to attend.
I was informed that they will be using the telehealth technology to be able to accomplish their AGM here on Thursday and it will be simultaneously translated by sign language.
I think that’s an exciting step and a fantastic use of the technology we have for a great project going forward for hearing-impaired Nunavummiut.
I would like to sincerely thank you guys for the work that you guys are doing.
Speaker: Welcome to the gallery. (interpretation) Thank you.
Question 668 – 4(3): Snow Fencing for Coral Harbour (Mapsalak)
My question is directed to the Minister of (interpretation ends) Community and Government Services.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, snow fences are very important and I know that they work. For those of us who live in Naujaat, when a snow fence was put up, it really made a lot less snow land on the ground.
I would like to ask the minister about snow fences. Is there any program for communities in Nunavut where snow fences will be put up or are they only put up when a community requests for them or are they thought of only when a community asks for snow fences?
I hope my question makes sense, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I believe the member is talking about snow fences.
CGS does not have a set policy on snow fencing.
They are in some communities and they have been tried in several communities.
Sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t.
It depends on the location of where they’re put.
If there is a request from a community, then we would go on a case-by-case basis.
He sort of responded to my next question.
The minister probably knows that there are no snow fences in Coral Harbour.
Can snow fences be installed this winter in Coral Harbour?
As for Coral Harbour, I’m not familiar with it.
I believe they have not put in a request, but if they put in a request, then it would be looked at.
We would have officials from CGS and officials from the hamlet talk together.
I’m not making any commitments.
There are probably, for the lack of a better word, experts that would be better suited to know whether the possibilities of a snow fence would work because they are costly to put up, but in some places they are very effective.
When they’re effective, they are very good in terms of keeping the costs down of snow clearing in a community.
If Coral Harbour is interested, then they can put a request in and CGS officials will talk with them and we will see if it’s viable or not.
As I stated before, it has been useful in the community of Naujaat.
Can the minister’s department check into Coral Harbour to see if there are any plans to put up snow fences and get back to me about it during this sitting?
Yes, I will see if there have been any requests from the community of Coral Harbour for a snow fence and I will get back to the member.
Question 669 – 4(3): Surplus Equipment for Search and Rescue Organizations (Rumbolt)
Mr. Speaker, on number of occasions over recent years I have asked the Minister of Community and Government Services if the government will implement a program and amend its policies to allow the donation of surplus equipment to community search and rescue organizations.
Mr. Speaker, such a program provides much-needed support to search and rescue organizations across the territory that continue to struggle to acquire much-needed equipment.
Mr. Speaker, I know ministers sometimes like to give us complicated answers, but today I’m going to keep my first question very simple.
Can the minister tell us today if implementing this type of program is a priority of his department, yes or no?
As I stated earlier to the member, my goal is to table the search and rescue policy this sitting.
One of the goals is to be able to provide more help and support to the search and rescue organizations in the communities.
So much for asking for simple answers.
Mr. Speaker, on February 27, 2015 testimony provided by the department’s officials indicated that the department was considering the possibility of distributing surplus vehicles under your department’s Surplus Disposal Policy to community search and rescue organizations.
Can the minister tell us specifically what steps and what timeline, if any, his department is taking to amend its current disposal policy to allow for the donation of surplus property to community search and rescue organizations?
As soon as this policy is tabled, it should be able to do what the member is requesting.
We would have to make sure that equipment is in good standing order before it was turned over to the search and rescue organization.
We don’t want to be turning over junk. We want to be turning over good, viable equipment.
Question 670 – 4(3): School Security (Qirngnuq)
As the minister is aware, the community of Taloyoak is very proud of the Netsilik School.
As the minister will understand, my constituents in Taloyoak are very concerned that adequate measures are being taken to protect the school against the threat of arson.
Can the minister confirm whether or not his department has been in communication recently with school administrators concerning safety measures at the school?
I didn’t fully understand the question.
Mr. Speaker, I really didn’t understand the question and if it’s okay with you, I would like to ask him to repeat the question, Mr. Speaker.
Member for Netsilik, please restate your question.
My question to the Minister of Education is: can the minister confirm whether or not his department has been in communication recently with school administrators concerning safety measures at the school?
If I understand the question correctly, I have it written down here and I’ll make sure I say it right.
Is he asking about bullying?
I’m not quite sure what he is asking about. I didn’t understand the question. I apologize, Mr. Speaker.
Member for Netsilik, I will ask you for the last time to rephrase your question so that the minister can understand it.
What I have been trying to ask is Nunavut has lost some schools to arson in recent years.
Are the schools in Nunavut currently being provided with 24-hour security? I hope that made sense.
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I apologize to my colleague for not having understood his question for too long, but I understand it now.
With respect to all of our schools in Nunavut, reading materials and oral advice are provided to our students on safety guidelines related to schools.
All of our schools have written materials specific to safety as well as situational awareness wherever any dangers abound. This includes respect for school property and the impacts of vandalism.
Further, within all of our schools, we have resident elders who are recognized for their skills and who are able to go into our schools. They are the ones who offer this advice to our students.
With respect to safety issues in our schools, all schools are equipped with security cameras.
We have this equipment in our schools, including the school in Taloyoak. As per my previous comment, the schools all have counsellors who advise our students and teachers as required.
Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Can the minister indicate if his department has been working with the Office of the Fire Marshal to review fire prevention measures at Nunavut’s schools?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of Education, Hon. Quassa.
We have ongoing discussions with the fire chiefs or with the RCMP, who give regular visits to the schools.
We have not yet been approached by the fire marshal to date as we still have not received the report on what actions we need to take.
We don’t just stand by and wait for things to happen in taking the necessary fire safety measures.
It’s something we’re always discussing within the department.
No, the fire marshal has not spoken to me.
Question 671 – 4(3): Alcohol Distribution Control (Joanasie)
During our recent fall sitting, the minister tabled a document titled Taking Steps to Reduce Alcohol-Related Harm in Nunavut.
This report stated that, and I quote, “Alcohol Education Committees (AECs) play an important role in supporting community well-being, but they need more support and resources.”
Mr. Speaker, the opening of the Iqaluit Beer and Wine Store will have an impact on neighbouring communities, including Kimmirut and Cape Dorset, which are very close to the community of Iqaluit.
Can the minister clarify what specific additional support and resources will be provided to alcohol education committees in the upcoming 2017-18 fiscal year?
The alcohol education committees do provide a valuable service to our communities over the last few years and I’m sure it will continue.
We hold an annual meeting in Iqaluit with the chairs and some of the other members of the alcohol education committees to go over the alcohol regulations and then some of the programs that can be used to support them. I anticipate this will continue.
In that particular document we did commit to providing them with more explanation about the roles and responsibilities; recognizing the contributions of the communities; information and support on how to make good decisions.
Through our social responsibility program we are developing materials that will be available in the communities across Nunavut and to alcohol education committees that we would share with them to help them carry out their important work.
One of the roles of alcohol education committees in restricted communities like Kimmirut and Cape Dorset is to review applications from individuals to import and possess alcohol.
In some cases the committee may refuse the application because of concerns related to public safety or other issues.
Under the government’s new regulations, individuals wishing to purchase alcohol from the Iqaluit Beer and Wine Store will be required to apply for a customer account.
Will the Iqaluit Beer and Wine Store refuse to issue a customer account to individuals who have been barred from possessing alcohol by their home community’s alcohol education committee?
I don’t have the details of how they will process an application, but certainly if an individual is applying for a customer account, they will have to complete an application and they will have to present photographic ID.
I’m sure the officials who review the applications will likely ask certain questions.
We don’t actually have an application form yet that I’m aware of.
If they were trying to take beer and wine back to a restricted community, they would have to respect the wishes of the local community or alcohol education committee.
If they’re from Cape Dorset and they’re in Iqaluit, there’s nothing to prevent them from going into a local establishment or one of the licensed facilities for drinking.
I appreciate it and I’m sure we will have officials consider that.
The document that I referred to, Taking Steps to Reduce Alcohol-Related Harm in Nunavut, also stated that, and I quote, “Community Health and Wellness Committees (“CHWCs”) play a lead role in meeting the wellness needs of the community” and that they are “well positioned to support local harm reduction initiatives...”
Can the minister clarify what specific additional support and resources will be provided to community health and wellness committees in the upcoming 2017-18 fiscal year?
Local wellness and education committees play a vital role.
Through the alcohol harm reduction plan, there are several departments working together.
We consolidate and coordinate the resources.
They will be identifying wellness committees in the communities and how they can work with them and share information with them on the various programs.
Again, there’s the social responsibility program that the Department of Finance will be rolling out.
We will share information about responsible drinking.
I’m sure the health department will share information with wellness committees about the programs they have; Family Services as well and other departments.
This will be more of a coordinating role and the Department of Finance will take the lead in that.
Members, please note that the Member for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu will not be here today due to illness.
Question 672 – 4(3): Alcohol Distribution Control (Enook)
Before I ask my question, I would like to say “good day” to my wife, Mary. Have a good day.
In June of 2015 the new Iqaluit Beer and Wine Store Regulations were published in the Nunavut Gazette. The regulations require people to apply for a customer account. I think some of the questions were answered, but I would like to proceed with my questions.
My first question is: will any adult be allowed to have a customer account or will only residents of Iqaluit be permitted to purchase alcohol from the Iqaluit Beer and Wine Store?
I believe, under the regulations, it says any adult can apply. You have to fill out an application and you have to present photographic identification.
Anyone from any Nunavut community can purchase alcohol from the Iqaluit Beer and Wine Store.
Some communities have a prohibition and some communities are restricted.
If anyone can apply for a customer account, how are you going to deal with issues like that?
Just to clarify, any adult, that’s first.
It’s beer and wine only; it’s not any other hard stuff. Again, I don’t have the details on how the application process would work. First, any adult from any community in Nunavut, it’s likely they are going to be on some type of list and we would probably check.
If I have been charged through court and I can’t drink alcohol, I would be on some sort of list.
I am sure that information would be obtained by our people.
Again, without the details of the application, it may be on the application form itself.
There may be a requirement for the individual to self-identify if they have been charged or convicted of any offence that prohibits them from purchasing alcohol or beer and wine.
The reason I am asking this question is because there are quite a few Nunavut communities that have restricted access to wine or beer or spirits.
They cannot just bring alcohol to their communities because of the restrictions in the prohibited communities.
The reason why I am asking this question, and I’ll take Pond Inlet as an example, the alcohol education committee approves or disapproves an application.
When we go to Iqaluit we can buy wine or beer and somebody would be able to bring alcohol up to Pond Inlet without going through the application process.
How are you going to fix this?
First of all, if a person is approved for a customer account, that customer account will only allow them to purchase one case of beer per day of 12 cans up to 500 millilitres and two bottles of wine.
That’s all they could purchase.
Secondly, if the individual or whoever is purchasing it is from a restricted or prohibited community, it’s up to them to respect the local community’s wishes.
They’ve got to know those rules. If they’re from a prohibited community and they’re bringing alcohol in, then they’re out breaking the law. If they’re not respecting the local permitting process, again they’re breaking the rules as approved by their local alcohol education committee.
Question 673 – 4(3): Environmental Assessment by Nunavut Impact Review Board (Keyootak)
Last week I tabled a copy of the Nunavut Impact Review Board’s recent announcement concerning the upcoming strategic environmental assessment in Baffin Bay and Davis Strait.
The stated purpose of this assessment is to “identify the types of oil and gas development activities that could be proposed for Baffin Bay and Davis Strait…and examine issues associated with possible development types.”
Can the minister confirm what role her department will be playing in the strategic environmental assessment in Baffin Bay and Davis Strait?
On December 20 a joint statement with the US and the Government of Canada announced a moratorium on oil and gas licensing in the Canadian arctic waters.
ED&T still supports the use of strategic environmental assessments as a tool to be implemented at an early stage in the oil and gas development process. The department looks forward to working with the Nunavut Impact Review Board during the review process.
The Nunavut Impact Review Board’s announcement indicated that public engagement sessions will be held in a number of communities, including Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq.
It also indicated that “a final public meeting and community roundtable will be facilitated by the NIRB in Iqaluit.”
For the record, can the minister confirm which organization is responsible for providing support to communities during the consultation process?
Mr. Speaker, I can’t comment on how the Nunavut Impact Review Board will do its business. We are usually an intervener in the process.
For the record, can the minister confirm what the Government of Nunavut’s position is regarding oil and gas development in Nunavut waters?
Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) I can look into what has been done and I can inform my colleague personally.
Question 674 – 4(3): Lawyer Training Program (Okalik)
My question is for the Minister responsible for Arctic College.
I would first like to ask what the status of the lawyer training program is.
To date the applicants to the (interpretation ends) law program (interpretation) are presently submitting (interpretation ends) written tests (interpretation) or written essays specific to the written questions.
This requirement for that aspect is now completed.
This is part of the criteria to determine which applicants will be admitted to the program. The written part of their application has been completed.
I am also very happy to inform my colleagues, if they aren’t aware, that a director specific to the north or the (interpretation ends) northern director (interpretation) has just been selected.
We are very happy that this northern director, who originates from the north, Mr. Steven Mansell, will commence his employment by May 8.
I thank the minister for moving things along. Now, he just referenced the application written component has been completed by the applicants to the program.
When do you anticipate notifying the successful applicants of their admission to the law program, including the starting dates?
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We expect that this notification process will commence after this written component, as it is still ongoing, although we are down to the last group.