EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
The schools require services for a lot of their activities, such as within operations, or if there is an activity in the school, or if there are issues they need to resolve within the school, be that the school layout, staff, or the DEA.
These are very important positions and they provide significant support to the schools.
As an example, we have four staff position, but two are currently vacant. However, we still need services, so we seek outside help to fill the void until a position is filled.
Also on page 95, it’s contract C1593. The description is “Phase II of the implementation of NCSIS.”
In terms of NCSIS, my understanding was that it’s a database collection of skills within the territory that the Department of Education actually won an award for, I believe, at one time. I’m wondering what phase 2 is and what was completed with that contract.
I thank him for the question.
The person in question is temporarily on hold. Perhaps Ms. Okpik can elaborate further.
Ms. Okpik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, we did indeed receive a national award for the database collection program. It was due to the system being able to answer different queries.
Still, if we continue to develop this system, then we need significant funds and staff to complete it. At this time, this project is on hold due to insufficient funds and we don’t have dedicated staff to pursue it. Furthermore, there are other priority projects we want to complete, such as graduation rates for high school, and to include elders.
At this time, these are our immediate challenges that we are focussing on, so that project is currently on hold.
Specifically for the $103,000, I was wondering what was done by the Canadian Career Development Foundation.
Again Ms. Okpik will respond to that.
I can’t state the exact amount spent at this time, but I should be able to respond later. However, the funds are not our own and we have to seek funding sources outside of our government, such as the federal government.
We had a casual employee try to finish the project, but that person only worked for three months prior to resigning and this is part of the reason why this initiative hasn’t been completed.
Do we agree that we are done with questions on the Department of Education?
If you have closing remarks, we are eager to hear from you, Ms. Aariak.
Being on the same page and having the same level of understanding is of extreme importance to this government, and I thank the members for their questions.
I also wish to express my gratitude to Ms. Okpik. Even though the documentation is quite thick and contains a lot of information, I believe Ms. Okpik retains most of this information mentally.
I thank her profusely.
I would be remiss without thanking all of the staff, our educators, and all involved for their dedication.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you for your hospitality and due diligence in answering the questions related to the Department of Education.
For your information, we will just follow the agenda and the list of presenters.
Ms. Aariak, Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, perhaps you can make your opening comments.
I was just pillaging my documents to find my presentation for this part of the meeting.
The paperwork is now here. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Thank you for allowing me to sit here before you this afternoon, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) It is my pleasure to make an appearance before you as Premier and Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs.
As you have already heard from ministers, the Government of Nunavut believes we receive the best value for our public dollars spent through transparent processes. I am personally committed to transparent and accountable contracting and have directed my department to reduce the use of non-competitive contracting as much as possible.
Mr. Chairman, this concludes my opening comments. I would be pleased to answer questions the members may have about the procurement and contracting activities of the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs during the 2009-2010 fiscal year. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Aariak and Premier for your opening remarks.
Speaker: Moving on to the orders of the day.
Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bills 11 and 12, and Tabled Documents 248 – 3(2), 249 – 3(2), 251 – 3(2), 274 – 3(2), and 275 – 3(2).
Mr. Speaker, I would like to report that Tabled Documents 274 – 3(2) and 275 – 3(2) are concluded and that Bills 11 and 12 are now ready for third reading.
There is a motion on the floor and it is in order.
Moving on in the Orders of the Day, Item 21.
Bill 11 – Legislative Assembly Statutes Amendment Act – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 11, Legislative Assembly Statutes Amendment Act, be read for the third time.
The motion is carried and Bill 11 is ready for assent.
Bill 12 – An Act Respecting Nunavut Elections – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 12, An Act Respecting Nunavut Elections, be read for the third time.
The motion is carried and Bill 12 is ready for assent.
A reminder of meetings for tomorrow, at half past nine, a meeting of the Management and Services Board in the Tuktu Room and at 11 a.m. in the Nanuq Room, a meeting of the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts.
This House stands adjourned until Wednesday, June 8, at 1:30 p.m. Have a wonderful evening, everybody.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Pages 918 – 979
Opening Prayer 918
Ministers’ Statements 918
Members’ Statements 923
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 927
Oral Questions 927
Tabling of Documents 943
Notices of Motions 943
Motions 944
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 944
Report of the Committee of the Whole 978
Wednesday, June 8, 2011 918
051 – 3(3): GN Responds to Iqaluit Tragedy (Aariak) 918
052 – 3(3): Elder Abuse Awareness Day (Arreak) 919
053 – 3(3): Regional Round Tables for Poverty Reduction (Taptuna) 919
054 – 3(3): University of the Arctic Circumpolar Studies Program (Shewchuk) 920
055 – 3(3): Status of Nunavut’s Mining and Mineral Exploration Industry (Taptuna) 921
056 – 3(3): Elders’ Certification Program (Aariak) 922
083 – 3(3): Local Successes in Education (Elliott) 923
084 – 3(3): Tribute to Three Nattilingmiut (Ugyuk) 924
085 – 3(3): A Rare Appreciation to Greenpeace (Arreak) 926
086 – 3(3): Repulse Bay Housing Issues (Ningark) 926
119 – 3(3): Status of New Airport for Baker Lake (Aupaluktuq) 927
120 – 3(3): Government Liaison Officer Position in Hall Beach (Tapardjuk) 929
121 – 3(3): Access to Adult Education in Smaller Communities (Elliott) 930
122 – 3(3): Status of Public Housing Rent Scale Review (Rumbolt) 932
123 – 3(3): Pharmacy Services in Nunavut (Ugyuk) 933
124 – 3(3): Death Involving a Government Vehicle (Schell) 935
125 – 3(3): Housing Issues in Repulse Bay and Kugaaruk (Ningark) 936
126 – 3(3): Funding for Elder Abuse Awareness Day (Tapardjuk) 937
127 – 3(3): Social Advocacy Office (Elliott) 938
128 – 3(3): Renewable and Alternative Energy Sources (Elliott) 940
129 – 3(3): Educational Funding Related to Nutrition (Elliott) 941
062 – 3(3): Canadian Council of Tourism Ministers, October 14 to 15, 2010 (Taptuna) 943
063 – 3(3): Correspondence from the Minister of Education regarding Busing (Ningark) 943
064 – 3(3): 2010-2011 Annual Report of the Integrity Commissioner of Nunavut (Speaker) 943
065 – 3(3): 2010 Annual Report of the Chief Electoral Officer (Speaker) 943
011 – 3(3): Extended Adjournment – Notice (Elliott) 943
011 – 3(3): Extended Adjournment (Elliott) 944
Tabled Document 248 – 3(2): Government of Nunavut Contract Activity Report Fiscal Year 2009-2010 – Consideration in Committee 945
Tabled Document 249 – 3(2): Lease Activity Report 2009-2010 – Consideration in Committee 945
Tabled Document 251 – 3(2): 2009-2010 Procurement Activity Report – Consideration in Committee 945
Speaker (Hon. Hunter Tootoo): Qujannamiik, Sergeant-at-Arms.
Before we get started, I would like to ask Mr. Taptuna if he could lead us off with a prayer, please.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Taptuna. (interpretation ends) Moving on to the orders of the day.
Minister’s Statement 051 – 3(3): GN Responds to Iqaluit Tragedy (Aariak)
It is a sad day here in Iqaluit and across Nunavut. Four Nunavummiut lost their lives yesterday.
There are no words that can adequately describe the shock and grief that is resonating throughout Iqaluit and beyond.
My heart goes out to the families and friends of those affected.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the deputy ministers of Health and Social Services, Education, and Justice met this morning to coordinate efforts and determine what services are available for those affected by this tragedy.
There are government and non-government services available to Iqalummiut right here in our city and I encourage people to make use of this assistance.
Mr. Speaker, the following services are available:
Social service counselling: you can go to your local social services office here in Iqaluit that is in Grinnell Place or call 975-7250;
Kamatsiaqtut Nunavut Help Line: 979-3333;
Student counselling: trained crisis counsellors will be available to students and teachers that were impacted;
Churches and clergy: speak to your trusted clergy – they too can offer support during a time of crisis.
The Anglican Church opened at one o’clock p.m. for anyone wishing support and all are welcome;
Family support: be aware of how this is affecting those around you.
Watch for signs that people need further assistance.
GN employees – as with any family crisis, the government provides free counselling to Government of Nunavut employees and their immediate families through the Employee Assistance Program, 1-800-663-1142. (interpretation) This is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, day and night.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, there are many professional crisis counsellors on their way to Nunavut through many different departments and sources and their services will be announced as they are available.
I, too, have been impacted by this tragedy and I am working through the same stages of grief as other people.
Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to give your deep thoughts to the families and friends that have been affected. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I’m sure all of our thoughts and prayers go to anyone who has been affected by this tragedy, people here in this building, people in this community, and people in other communities throughout Nunavut, and I’m sure that all of our thoughts and prayers go out to them.
Moving on, Ministers’ Statements.
Minister of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth, Minister Arreak.
Minister’s Statement 052 – 3(3): Elder Abuse Awareness Day (Arreak)
I also give my condolences to those affected in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, each year, the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth assists communities in acknowledging Elder Abuse Awareness Day. This day falls on Wednesday, June 15, 2011.
Recognition of this day highlights the importance of sharing information, learning more about the issue, and discussing the prevention of abuse of elders.
Public awareness is one key way to addressing the needs of abused and neglected elders.
CLEY works throughout the year with elders committees across Nunavut to encourage their activity and program development.
In continuation of this effort, CLEY will provide financial support to communities for their activities on June 15 to bring light to the issue of elder abuse awareness and the important place that elders hold across Nunavut.
Please join me in encouraging all Nunavummiut to get involved and advocate on behalf of elders, our valuable sources of knowledge and history.
Minister responsible for Economic Development and Transportation, Minister Taptuna.
Minister’s Statement 053 – 3(3): Regional Round Tables for Poverty Reduction (Taptuna)
I wish to send my condolences to the family of the tragedy yesterday. They have our deepest sympathies.
Mr. Speaker, as members know, since the last session of the House, there has been a great deal of discussion across Nunavut on how to reduce poverty. In every one of our communities, a dialogue has taken place that has identified the strengths we have in our communities, the dreams we share for a future without poverty, and the challenges we face if we are to achieve these dreams.
Mr. Speaker, I want members to be aware that these community dialogues have been led by community volunteers. We are very grateful to them for the work they have done to convene these meetings and to record what had been said.
Two weeks ago, I was in Rankin Inlet to co-chair the Kivalliq Regional Round Table for Poverty Reduction. My co-chair was Jack Anawak, Vice-President of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and Chair of the Nunavut Social Development Council.
In Rankin Inlet, we brought together at the round table the community volunteers, public servants, representatives of Inuit and non-profit organizations, the business community, and ordinary citizens, including many who have met the challenges of poverty in their own lives.
Mr. Anawak and I participated in a total of two days of discussions focusing on five general themes: healing; food security; education and training; housing and income support; and community economic development and jobs.
The reports on the regional round tables list more than 60 options for action on these issues.
Our round table in Rankin Inlet followed the Kitikmeot Regional Round Table for Poverty Reduction held in Cambridge Bay and co-chaired by my colleague, Minister Peterson.
Round tables for the Qikiqtani region are scheduled for Pond Inlet June 13 to 15 and in Iqaluit June 22 to 24.
I am confident, Mr. Speaker, that by drawing on the wisdom of our communities and then by acting on their advice, we will make significant progress in the reduction of poverty in Nunavut and we will do so before this year is out.
Minister’s Statement 054 – 3(3): University of the Arctic Circumpolar Studies Program (Shewchuk)
The University of the Arctic is a cooperating network of more than 60 universities, colleges, aboriginal and other organizations committed to higher education and research around the circumpolar world.
Nunavut Arctic College has been a participating member of the University of the Arctic since 2003.
Last month, in the Nuuk conference attended by Hon. Leona Aglukkaq on behalf of Canada, the arctic ministers “congratulate the University of the Arctic on its 10th anniversary, recognize its contribution in developing specialized education aimed at building capacity and fostering traditional and scientific knowledge relevant to Indigenous Peoples, Arctic communities and policy-makers, and encourage continuous support for the University of the Arctic.”
University of the Arctic sponsors the Circumpolar Studies Program. The Circumpolar Studies Program provides students with opportunities to learn about the lands, peoples, and issues of the Arctic circumpolar world.
It also prepares students for advanced study and professional employment opportunities in diverse fields like sustainable resource management, self-government, arctic engineering, and northern tourism.
I am very pleased to announce today that Arctic College’s Environmental Technology graduate Leanna Ellsworth recently completed the University of the Arctic Circumpolar Studies Program.
Leanna currently works for the Inuit Circumpolar Council in Ottawa. Mr. Speaker, I would like to invite my fellow members to join me in congratulating Leanna for completing this respected international program.
I am also pleased to announce that this year Nunavut Arctic College offered its first online University of the Arctic circumpolar studies course titled “Introduction to the Circumpolar World.”
This marks the first time Arctic College has offered a course entirely online through the use of distance technology and the Internet.
Tutoring was provided in both Inuktitut and English.
Mr. Speaker, this is truly a great achievement for Arctic College and expands the opportunities available to all Nunavutmiut.
Fifteen students from Iqaluit, Ottawa, Cambridge Bay, Kugluktuk, Pangnirtung, Resolute Bay, and Rankin Inlet successfully completed the course.
More courses are planned for this fall.
Please join me in wishing our students the best of success in their future endeavours.
Congratulations to the students and Leanna.
Minister’s Statement 055 – 3(3): Status of Nunavut’s Mining and Mineral Exploration Industry (Taptuna)
I thank you for this opportunity to speak again on what has become the leading sector in Nunavut’s burgeoning economy: mining and mineral exploration.
I previously reported the 2011 exploration expenditure forecast at $323 million.
That forecast has been updated and is now approaching $400 million.
Every year, hundreds of Nunavummiut are employed in exploration.
The exact number is elusive but stands in the range of 300 to 500 jobs.
Local Nunavut businesses now provide much of the supplies and services that the industry requires so that 25 percent of all spending stays in Nunavut.
The big picture combines the exploration work with mine construction, both new and ongoing.
As a mine is built, we see a spike in spending, hundreds of millions of dollars, over the two to four years required to build an average mine.
This year, the combination of exploration spending and mine construction is expected to approach $1 billion.
This level of expenditure is expected to continue and grow.
Newmont’s project south of Cambridge Bay at Hope Bay, Agnico-Eagle’s project at Meliadine outside of Rankin Inlet, and ArcelorMittal’s mammoth Mary River project are all expected to move to the construction phase in the next two to three years.
In addition to these, there are many other deposits still being evaluated that may follow.
The last corner of this triangle is production. The production of some sort of new wealth, be it fish, lumber, automobiles, or in our case, gold and other metals, is central to any modern economy.
We have only to look at Meadowbank’s roughly $500 million in production value for this year and recognize that this is just the start.
Through the wisdom of our land claims agreement, Nunavummiut are certain to share both in incomes and in jobs.
These projects are on Inuit owned subsurface lands and most of the royalties, jobs, and business opportunities should flow to Inuit.
If anybody tells you that the Inuit of Nunavut are being left out of the growth of our mining sector, then you know one thing for sure: they haven’t read the land claims agreement.
Minister of Education, Minister Aariak.
Minister’s Statement 056 – 3(3): Elders’ Certification Program (Aariak)
Today I would like to provide my colleagues with an update on a program that is becoming an integral part of education in Nunavut: the Elders’ Certification program in our schools.
Elders have been co-instructors or specialists involved in cultural activities, traditional skills, and language promotion in our schools.
Under the Education Act, elders involved in schools can now be employed by the district education authorities and are certified as Innait Inuksiutilirijiit by the Minister of Education.
This certification of elders adds to the overall system, much like a real staff member.
They work together with teachers, teach skills, and are part of the class. It is all based on the skills, knowledge, and experience of these certified Inuit.
These collaborative efforts are assisting students in their courses to have a holistic understanding.
Mr. Speaker, the elders in this program help our students learn traditional survival skills and… .
Speaker: Madam Premier, would you like to seek unanimous consent to conclude your statement?
The time for Ministers’ Statements has run out.
Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
The Minister of Education is seeking unanimous consent to conclude her statement.
Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for allowing me to conclude my statement.
Mr. Speaker, the elders in this program help our students learn traditional survival skills and life skills, including carpentry and sewing. They support and encourage language revitalization and teach traditional knowledge about protecting and sustaining our environment.
So far, the district education authorities in Arviat, Iqaluit, and Pond Inlet have worked with the Department of Education to certify 19 elders in their schools. I expect many more will be certified in the near future.
Mr. Speaker, I know that the vision, leadership, and teaching provided by the Innait Inuksiutilirijiit is helping to build an education system that is based on Inuit language, culture, and values and supports lifelong learning.
Member’s Statement 083 – 3(3): Local Successes in Education (Elliott)
I rise today to congratulate a number of High Arctic residents on their educational achievements.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate two graduates of the Nunavut Sivuniksavut program. Manassie Noah and Minah Kigutak, both from Grise Fiord, have successfully completed their first year of the program.
This is an amazing accomplishment, especially as they have done it while being so far away from their home and family.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to congratulate all of the successful graduates from Arctic Bay’s pre-trades math and science program.
This success can only lead to further opportunities.
There were also a number of graduates from the first year seal production program delivered in Arctic Bay.
As the training year winds down, the community learning centre is offering a Guiding Level 1 program and students are currently finishing their wilderness first aid training.
Both Grise Fiord and Resolute Bay saw successful literacy programs in their communities and this was the first year Grise Fiord had a full-time adult educator in the community.
Congratulations to Jimmy Qaapik for his hard work.
Mr. Speaker, this past year Nunavut Arctic College’s Environmental Technology Program offered a first year course in the community of Pond Inlet.
This course was well attended and highly successful.
Mr. Speaker, delivering programs and educational opportunities locally in our communities gives students much greater chances of success in their studies.
Local delivery eliminates the barriers imposed by having to leave the support of families, moving to a new place, facing difficulties like making daycare arrangements, or putting children in a new school with people they don’t know and learning to survive in a community they are not familiar with.
Mr. Speaker, I am encouraged by the success of programs that are being delivered locally in our communities.
I commend the minister and staff at Nunavut Arctic College for making these programs available and I look forward to being able to announce many more such successful achievements by High Arctic residents in the future.
Member’s Statement 084 – 3(3): Tribute to Three Nattilingmiut (Ugyuk)
I rise today to speak of three individuals from the Nattilingmiut area.
I am proud of these individuals and their hard work for Nunavummiut.
I am sure that all of our residents of Taloyoak and Gjoa Haven are just as proud of these individuals.
The first person I would like to mention is our Nunavut MP Leona Aglukkaq.
She is contributing to the whole of Canada and is the first person to hold a ministerial portfolio from the arctic regions.
For this, our people and especially Nattilingmiut are proud of her.
Here are some comments that congratulate her and I would like to read from Taloyoak elders and from her childhood friends.
I would like to apologize to the residents of Gjoa Haven as my assistant mistakenly assumed she didn’t have to gather comments from Gjoa Haven, so she didn’t do so. Be that as it may, here are the comments gathered from residents of Taloyoak congratulating Leona on her accomplishments.
From Arnangujaq Ittuangat, “Congratulations to Leona for her job well done, and she is a very fast learner, and goes after what she believes in, and I wish for young people today to do the same thing.”