EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Cleaned and dried polar bear pelts this year sold for an average of $7,000, and the very best pelt sold for over $20,000. Prices for fox, wolf, and wolverine are also very good and are expected to remain strong in 2014.
The Department of Environment continues to host several pelt handling workshops in communities each year to ensure hunters and trappers obtain the maximum returns for their harvest.
Prices for Nunavut sealskins remain low on the international market, but we have made significant progress in making dressed sealskins available to Nunavut residents by opening our Dressed Sealskins for Nunavummiut Program to local retailers as well as to individuals.
Mr. Speaker, we will continue to work to ensure that good market opportunities remain available for the hunters and trappers, whose harvest is vital to our communities.
Minister’s Statement 327 – 3(3): Action to Complete the NHT and CEAP Construction (Taptuna)
Unnusakkut, colleagues, Kuglukturmiut, and Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, as we remember our accomplishments and assess how well we performed at the Nunavut Housing Corporation when faced with many challenges over the past five years, we must look back on our experience of the Nunavut Housing Trust and Canada’s Economic Action Plan funding for the Affordable Housing Initiative.
Mr. Speaker, although we had our share of setbacks in the past, it was also our greatest opportunity to overcome our adversity and resolve our issues efficiently and effectively.
It took great integrity for the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s current administration to report the financial issues for a solution to be found.
Today, I am proud to announce that we have delivered a total of 1,011 units to house more than 3,000 Nunavummiut in need.
Mr. Speaker, in addition to tightening reporting controls between the Nunavut Housing Corporation and the Department of Finance, an independent audit of the Nunavut Housing Trust was undertaken and the recommendations from that audit and the 2008 performance audit of the Nunavut Housing Corporation by the Auditor General were implemented.
These included the reinforcement of the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s governance structure with the creation of a board of directors; the relocation of the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s finance division to the directorate office; and strengthening of the corporation’s financial controls with improved reporting.
The final recap of the Nunavut Housing Trust, the Nunavut Housing Trust lessons learned document tabled last fall, was also instrumental in demonstrating that we are prepared to take the necessary steps to ensure we are ready to take with confidence future investments by the federal government to address Nunavut’s housing needs.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Nunavut Housing Corporation board and staff and our local housing organizations in their commitment and perseverance in delivering critically needed housing to Nunavummiut.
Minister’s Statement 328 – 3(3): Principal/DEA Chair Conference (Aariak)
Good afternoon to my colleagues and the people of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, as we work to implement Nunavut’s Education Act, we are committed to supporting district education authorities and school administrators in their important work.
This is the goal behind the upcoming principal/DEA chair conference taking place in Iqaluit October 1 to 3.
At this conference, we will bring together principals and DEA chairs working throughout Nunavut.
They will share ideas on how to better engage parents, families, and communities with the work of schools, the Department of Education, and district education authorities.
We want to give the DEAs the tools they need so they can help develop school programs that incorporate Inuit societal values and support the needs of each community.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, common understanding and agreement on how we measure student achievement and what processes we follow for assessment, evaluation, and placement of our students will strengthen our school system and reassure Nunavummiut that we are strongly focused on quality academic instruction that celebrates diversity and respects language and culture.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut’s Education Act recognizes that communities should play an important role in the education of their children to reflect local needs and values.
This conference will help ensure that all communities have the support they need to fulfill this commitment.
Minister’s Statement 329 – 3(3): Congratulations, Davidee Arnakak (Ell)
I say “hello” to the people of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to stand up today to congratulate Davidee Arnakak on his recent appointment to the Order of Nunavut.
As you are aware, the Order of Nunavut recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the cultural, social, or economic well-being of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, our government’s Tamapta Mandate gives priority on helping those at risk in our communities, and this includes persons living with a disability.
As a person with a disability, Davidee Arnakak has been a long-time advocate for the rights of Nunavummiut living with disabilities.
He was the founding chair of the Nunavut Disabilities Makinnasuaqtiit Society and a strong activist who focused on raising awareness of the challenges that persons with disabilities face in the north.
Davidee Arnakak’s lifework embodies the Inuit and human values of caring about others and giving back to the community.
His commitment to the well-being of our communities is an example that will serve to guide and inspire us for years to come.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to offer my sincere congratulations to Davidee Arnakak on his induction into the Order of Nunavut. I look forward to attending the ceremony to witness him and the other two individuals who have been inducted, Jimmy Akavak of Iqaluit and Louis Angalik Sr. of Arviat, receive this prestigious honour.
Ministers’ Statements. Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Minister Ell.
Minister’s Statement 330 – 3(3): QEC Inuit Employment Plan (Ell)
I would like to inform you of a plan being implemented to enhance Inuit employment within the Qulliq Energy Corporation.
QEC is proud to announce that as part of its Inuit Leadership Development Program, three students will be pursuing their post-secondary education this September.
The Inuit Leadership Development Program sponsors Inuit students to attend a post-secondary [degree] program, supports them throughout their education, employs them in their field of study during the summer, and employs them in their field on their successful graduation.
The Inuit Leadership Development Program has been developed to increase Inuit representation at the professional, management, and senior management levels.
Two participants will be attending St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, enrolled in the Bachelor of Business Administration program, and one participant is attending the University of Manitoba, enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Engineering program.
The Inuit Leadership Development Program represents a significant investment to developing young leaders and future management at QEC.
Over the coming years, QEC will continue to attract and recruit top Inuit students to participate in this program.
The Inuit Leadership Development Program complements the existing four components of QEC’s Inuit Employment program:
The Inuit Summer Student Employment Program; and
Member’s Statement 555 – 3(3): Calvin Pameolik and Abraham Eetak (Shewchuk)
I rise today to recognize two young musicians from Arviat who have chosen to advance their talents in the music industry.
Mr. Speaker, Calvin Pameolik and Abraham Eetak have only been singing together for less than a year. Together, the duo has travelled all over Nunavut and Nunavik performing at music festivals and concerts.
During this last year, they have entertained numerous people in events, such as the Baker Lake musical show hosted by Agnico-Eagle, the Rankin Inlet Trade Show, the Iqaluit Alianait! Festival, the Akulivik Iqaluppik Festival in Quebec, and the Kuujjuaq Aqpik Jam in Quebec.
They have also performed in Arviat and done three shows for the community: an outdoor show, the show for the graduates, and the Hamlet Day show.
Mr. Speaker, these young artists have rapidly become well known. Their videos have gone viral on the Internet, and both of them feel their music helps young people cope with personal struggles. Pameolik and Abraham say they will continue to sing and record their music together in the hopes of inspiring others and to encourage them to believe in themselves.
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate them both and wish them the best in their musical careers. Their families are very proud of them, their community is very proud of them, and the territory of Nunavut is very proud of them.
Member’s Statement 556 – 3(3): High Arctic Transportation Strategy (Elliott)
I rise today to express my disappointment concerning the Government of Nunavut’s inability to move forward on implementing any initiatives regarding programs aimed at bringing down the high cost of transportation in the High Arctic.
Mr. Speaker, I have repeatedly asked questions to this government to provide an option to help lower the costs associated with transportation in the High Arctic.
Mr. Speaker, on March 11 of this year, I again asked questions to the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation concerning this issue.
Mr. Speaker, at that time, he indicated that, and I quote, “we completed a preliminary study on the high cost of transportation in the past and we did share that information with the three communities that were involved in this.”
Mr. Speaker, all community consultations were completed, input from communities was provided, options were recommended, and a preliminary study was completed.
However, there has yet to be any tangible results.
Mr. Speaker, the cost to fly from Resolute Bay to Iqaluit is $2,500 round trip.
To make the same trip starting in Grise Fiord, add an additional $1,200 to that price tag.
That is for individuals who attempt to travel, but it is a real cost incurred to the government when it comes to medical travel.
In terms of goods travelling to the communities, freight charges are among the highest in the territory.
The high cost of living in the High Arctic is real.
I strongly encourage our government to table the High Arctic Transportation Strategy in the House and provide the much needed assistance to the residents of the High Arctic before the end of this term.
Member’s Statement 557 – 3(3): A New Book from Kugluktuk – No Borders (Taptuna)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to let you know about a constituent of mine who has shown great leadership and courage.
Darla Evyagotailak, a young teenager from my hometown, and Mindy Willett, a former teacher of Kugluktuk, co-authored a book called “No Borders.”
Mr. Speaker, this book was the end result of a journey of self discovery.
Darla wanted and needed to learn more about who she was and where she came from.
She decided to take a self-identity awareness trip, travelling from Kugluktuk to Ulukhaktok by snow machine, a distance of over 600 kilometres.
Darla, along with some family members and a photographer, left Kugluktuk in 2011. Along the way, Darla had to learn survival skills, such as making sure she had shelter for the night and she had enough food, as well as making sure she had the means of keeping warm throughout the night.
Mr. Speaker, this trip provided the opportunity to learn from her grandfather Roy’s knowledge about finding her way on the land without a GPS.
In fact, her grandfather used to tease her that he had an “EPS,” an Eskimo Positioning System.
Mr. Speaker, when Darla and her family completed their journey, Darla wanted to write about her experiences. With the help of her former teacher, Mindy Willett, No Borders was written and its content refers to the importance of connections between family members across several generations, brought together through a common history and stories of yesterday.
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud of Darla and all her other family members and non-family members who came together to create and write this wonderful book.
I also know that Darla’s grandfather, Roy Inuktalik, passed away eight months after the trip was completed and he is deeply missed by all of the family.
I would also like to close my statement by thanking the Junior Rangers program, Canadian North, and BHP Billiton for financially supporting Darla’s journey. On behalf of my wife, Joanna, and my constituents in Kugluktuk, I offer my congratulations to her for a job well done.
Member’s Statement 558 – 3(3): Nunavut’s Involvement with Climate Change (Curley)
Mr. Curley: I thought I was the last one.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) I just want to briefly make a statement on an issue that I believe has to be debated amongst all residents of Nunavut.
We continue to hear the bandying about of the North Pole issues throughout the globe by countries that don’t even have arctic regions.
The theory of global warming continues to be discussed by many countries and the North Pole, including our arctic islands, is the subject of much debate.
When we listen to these debates, it seems as if they don’t recognize the fact that this area is inhabited, especially when the discussion turns to the melting of the sea ice and the warming of the Arctic.
However, as residents of Nunavut, we aren’t even asked to participate in these discussions.
I believe that we need to deliberate on this issue, particularly our government and its administration, as the global warming debate will not disappear.
Even though the issue of climate adaptation, including a plan, has been discussed, I believe that we need candid discussions on this matter.
Recently, we just heard about Russia’s Northeast Passage. Russia is the world’s largest nation. This Northeast Passage starts in the Bering Sea passing through the arctic coast of Russia all the way to Europe.
The first commercial arctic shipping convoy passed through this summer. Due to this reason, I would like to encourage Nunavutmiut to speak up on this matter and to voice their opinions.
The outside world asks who owns the Arctic.
Furthermore, the Americans continue to maintain that our Northwest Passage is an international waterway and that Canada shouldn’t place any hindrance to commercial shipping should it become possible. The Unites States seems to be implying that Canada has to get out of the way, as this passage is an international waterway, and they want to have sole possession of the Northwest Passage from the west to the east.
In Russia, it runs the other way and they have already had commercial shipping convoys pass through it. There will be more transits of that passage.
I believe that Nunavutmiut have to start becoming involved in the debate about the Northwest Passage and to include our esteemed Inuit elders in these discussions while they are still amongst us.
It gives me great privilege to recognize three people who are in the Gallery today from Arviat.
Mr. Speaker, Mary Pameolik was my constituency assistant and the mother of Calvin, whom I spoke about in my Member’s Statement.
She is here along with her sister, Joan Malla, and another very important person, Mr. Louis Angalik Sr. He is here for a very prestigious award that is going to happen later in this House today.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Shewchuk. (interpretation ends) Welcome to the Gallery.
I would also like to recognize someone from my community who is here for school, Sandra Aipellee from Clyde River.
Good afternoon to the people of Pangnirtung.
I would also like to recognize an individual who is here for school from my constituency.
First of all, Selina Nowdlak, Oleepeeka Arnaqaq, Ms. Alikatuktuk, and Patricia Peyton from Pangnirtung.
I would also like to recognize the people who are here for school.
I would especially like to recognize an individual from my constituency.
I’m not sure whether she is from my constituency or not, but I admire her ancestors and relatives. I would like to say that we have a son we adopted and she is the mother of our son and my wife’s younger sister. I would like to welcome and love Sarah Tugak.
Good afternoon to my constituents. I would like to recognize an individual, Susan Tulugarjuk from Igloolik.
She will be teaching. I am sure that our grandchildren will be taught very well.
This individual is from Iqaluit, but she is originally from Igloolik. We don’t usually see a lot of people from Igloolik, so I recognize Rhoda Ungalaaq. Welcome to the Gallery.
I would also like to recognize a constituent of mine who was recognized already, Rhoda Ungalaaq.
Before we move on to the next item, I would like to recognize any of these fine young students who haven’t been recognized already. I’m sure you will find this very educating and probably a nice break from the classroom. Welcome to the Gallery.
Also, I would like to say a special “welcome back” to Mary Nashook. She is back here. I am very happy that you’re back.
Question 733 – 3(3): Proposed Victims Bill of Rights (Aupaluktuq)
I would like to send my regards to the people of Baker Lake. My nephews and nieces are in my thoughts.
I also send my regards to my mother. (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
My questions are for the Minister of Justice, the Hon. Minister Dan Shewchuk.
On February 4 of this year, the federal Minister of Justice announced the Government of Canada’s intention to “move forward with legislation to create a Victims Bill of Rights.”
In April of this year, a meeting of federal, provincial, and territorial ministers of justice was scheduled to be held on this initiative.
Can the minister confirm if he participated in this meeting?
I can inform him that yes, I did take part in this meeting this spring.
The federal government is currently holding consultations on the idea of “bringing forward legislation to implement a Canadian Victims Bill of Rights as a single law at the federal level.”
What is the Government of Nunavut’s position on this idea?
Mr. Speaker, this is a very important initiative that is being consulted by the federal government in the sense that we all do feel that in all jurisdictions across Canada, victims have and need more rights in our justice system.
We, as the Government of Nunavut, support the bill in principle.
There are things that we are concerned about and basically, the main concern is the cost of implementing this new legislation.
I am glad the minister put that for the record, the cost allocated to these services.
We are all aware in this House that fair judgment and fair access to constitutional rights ensure us that, as Canadians, we have that right of privilege to ensure that there is proper justice in Canada.
I want to ask the minister: has the Government of Nunavut made a formal written submission to the federal government on this initiative and, if it has, will the minister commit to tabling it in the House for the information of all members and the Nunavut public?
I thank again the member from Baker Lake for this question.
Mr. Speaker, this bill is still under consultation and review. We spoke in depth at the federal-provincial-territorial meeting that took place.
I have not signed any formal written submission. If anybody has information that has been supplied by my department, I will be willing to table that.
However, I think it’s very important to know the position in Nunavut in this. Victims do need more rights right from the beginning of terrible situations in the criminal justice system.
They deserve just as many rights as do the accused do in these matters.
Question 734 – 3(3): Marine Infrastructure in Nunavut (Enook)
Good afternoon, residents of Pond Inlet, my fellow community members and Nunavummiut.
Earlier this week, the minister made a statement in the House concerning community marine facilities.
In his statement, the minister indicated that the Government of Canada “must also embrace its clear mandate to make the significant and sustained investments in ports and harbours which are desperately needed in our communities.”
Mr. Speaker, I couldn’t agree more.
Can the minister tell me today how much funding the Government of Nunavut has formally recommended that the federal government invest in new marine infrastructure for Nunavut?
Mr. Speaker, we have been talking about this for five years.
There is a DFO study that was implemented and given to the Senate for their review and recommendations to the federal government.
Mr. Speaker, I don’t have the exact details of the costs that we’re looking for.
I believe there are seven communities that were identified in the recommendations going from the Senate to the federal government, and that’s what we want to focus on.
In its official announcement concerning the 2013 federal budget, the Government of Canada stated that “As part of the Building Canada Plan, Nunavut will receive at least $400 million for roads, bridges and other public infrastructure over the next ten years.”
Can the minister confirm if this funding is eligible to be used for new marine infrastructure in our communities, including Pond Inlet?
I thank the member for that question, but the question should have been directed to the Minister of Finance.
Mr. Speaker, I understand that there’s $400 million, but that’s over a 10-year period.
There are other factors that this government has to consider because some of that funding relates to a 50 percent contribution or 75-25 or 70-30.
I’m not exactly sure how that’s going to work, but I’ll take the member’s question and get back to him with the details.
In the Minister’s Statement that he made on Tuesday, he indicated that the GN has committed a total of $1.6 million “for a variety of projects, including dock upgrades, dredging, boat launches, the installation of floating docks, and the upgrade of sealift areas.”
Will the minister commit to looking at ways of using existing federal infrastructure funding programs to bring forward an enhanced capital plan for his department to construct new marine infrastructure in our communities, including Pond Inlet?
The funding that we expend to assist the 19 communities over the year were carryovers that were left over from the funding we got from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, which amounted to $500,000 a year.
Mr. Speaker, that funding was cut by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in March. Mr. Speaker, also last month, there was an indication from the federal government that they would be spending $6.28 million on small craft harbours and upgrading marine infrastructure throughout Canada, but there was none earmarked for Nunavut.
With the small amount of carryovers that we have been using for upgrades and a boat launch for Pond Inlet, that money no longer exists, so it’s going to be very difficult. We will have to find means to access money from the federal government, which is their responsibility, to lobby for badly needed marine infrastructure in Canada’s longest coastline, Nunavut.
Question 735 – 3(3): Activities of the Office of the Chief Coroner (Tapardjuk)
In September of 2012, a tragic incident took place in Igloolik when a resident of the community died while in police custody.
Under subsection 21(2) of the Coroners Act, an inquest is required by law to be held in circumstances when a death occurs in a jail, lock-up, or correctional facility. Under the Coroners Act, inquests must be held in public.
It is my understanding that the inquest will begin some time in 2014 in Igloolik.
Can the minister confirm the approximate date in 2014 on which the inquest will begin in Igloolik regarding that tragic incident?
This, indeed, was a very tragic incident. Mr. Speaker, to my understanding, regarding this incident, the investigation is complete and has been turned over to the coroner’s office. My information from the coroner’s office into this is that there will be an inquest held in 2014.
I would hope that it would be in the early stages of 2014, but I do not have specific information on the dates, Mr. Speaker.
If it is going to be in 2014, is it going to be January 2014 or December 2014? That covers a 12-month span.
Under the current legislation, there are no prescribed timelines for when an inquest must be held following a death that occurs in custody.