EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
For example, we know some communities have had no suicides.
There must be something working in those communities.
So Andrew and Louis will be talking to people in those communities too, to find out what is working and if it is something we can use in other communities.
Manitok.
I need an answer that is yes or no, I do not need a great big explanation.
This is my first experience asking a Minister.
Can you go out and study, do something with the people who have attempted suicide?
That was the request!
Can they zero in on those individuals and ask them why or if they have any solutions to this?
Can you please do that?
Chairperson (interpretation): I think we have to keep in mind that the people have to be willing to be involved.
Hon. Ed Picco: I was asked that question earlier today and you will remember that I said yes and the answer is still ii, iilaa.
Chairperson (interpretation): I have one more person on my list.
I would like to thank the Minister for informing us that they would talk with the social workers and counsellors to see if they have the adequate support that they need in helping others.
Just last year in our community, there was a murder/suicide that happened and there were two deaths at the same time.
That day was very hard on the community.
That experience happened when I was a social worker and as the social worker, I had to deal with that crisis situation and I had administrative work to do as well.
So I am very happy to know that you are going to be looking into whether you have the adequate support for your social workers and counsellors.
I would like to say that I appreciate that you will talk with social workers to make sure that they have the support that they need to be competent in their positions.
Chairperson (interpretation): That is a very good comment.
Mr. Nutarak (interpretation): At the present time, I think that we do not need to make action plans because there are going to be suggestions coming from other organizations in April after the conference.
We are just discussing it at this time to start talking about suicide and we have to take it out of the closet and discuss it.
I am thankful that it is out in the open.
The Minister of Health and Social Services stated that he has a task force who will be working with communities to seek information and we know that individually, we all know people who are waiting to give interviews.
Personally I think that there are more capable people out there who can deal with this matter.
There are people more than willing to help in answering questions that we may have about suicide.
I would like to move on with this issue.
We have no more people to make comments.
I think our witnesses have concluded their comments. Before we adjourn for the day, I would like to make a brief comment. The people who work for Social Services in the community, are they compassionate enough and when they deal with people and if they are just going by the book with their job and they do not have any compassion toward the people they are trying to help is not good.
Mr. Arvaluk (interpretation): We are not Social Workers and I do not think that we should really bring it up, but Jobie did not make a motion to adjourn, but there is going to be Canadian Suicide Prevention Symposium and I am sure that they are going to make recommendations on Suicide Prevention and I move that we report progress.
Chairperson (interpretation): Does the Committee agree that we report progress?
Minister Statement 095-1(6).
Tabled Document 030-1(6).
Chairperson (interpretation): I would like to thank the Minister and his witnesses and they were very interesting comments that you made and I think Manitok has something else to say before we adjourn.
Sorry, our Minister Picco.
Hon. Ed. Picco: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I apologize if we were a bit longer and Minister Thompson said last year when I had done my budget in record time four times.
Next week, when I do my budget, she is hoping that I can do it in 45 minutes and so am I. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you. Thank you for coming.
The Speaker can return now.
Report of the Committee of the Whole. Mr. Chairman.
Item 22: Report of Committee of the Whole
Your Committee has been considering Minister Statement 095-1 (6).
Tabled Document 030-1 - (6) and would like to report that Minister Statement 091-1 (6) and Tabled Document 031-1 (6) are concluded.
And, Mr. Speaker, I move that the Report of the Committee of the Whole be concurred with.
There is a Motion on the Floor.
Is there a seconder for the Motion?
A reminder to Members for tomorrow morning, a meeting of the full caucus at 9:00 and a meeting of the regular caucus at 10:00.
Orders for the Day for Wednesday, March 12th:
Motion 018-1(6)
Bill 30
This House stands adjourned until Wednesday, March 12, at 1:30.
>>House adjourned at 18:56 p.m.  Nunavut Canada
Wednesday March 12, 2003
Pages 2555 - 2620
Opening Prayer 2555
Ministers’ Statements 2555
Members’ Statements 2558
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 2567
Oral Questions 2568
Returns to Written Questions 2587
Tabling of Document 2588
Motions 2588
Second Reading of Bills 2588
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 2521
Report of Committee of the Whole 2619
Orders of the Day 2619
Wednesday March 12, 2003 2555
121 – 1(6): Minister’s Youth Action Team on Tobacco (Picco) 2555
122 – 1(6): High Schools Options Committee (Kilabuk) 2556
123 – 1(6): Nunavut Development Corporation Sales in Toronto and Zurich (Akesuk) 2557
124 – 1(6): Sport Financing (Thompson) 2557
396 – 1 (6): Funding for Igloolik Community Centre (Irqittuq) 2558
397 – 1(6): Alternative Solution for Children in Specialized Care (Puqiqnak) 2559
398 – 1(6): Alcohol and Substance Abuse Initiative (Havioyak) 2560
399 – 1(6): Escorts for Patients (Nutarak) 2561
400 – 1(6): Funding for Wildlife Infrastructure Facilities (Iqaqrialu) 2562
401 – 1(6): Kids Night Out at the Inuksuk High School (Picco) 2562
402 – 1(6): Letter from a Single Mom – Finding a Care Giver (McLean) 2563
403 – 1(6): Drum Dancing Competition in Kuugaruk (Alakannuark) 2564
404 – 1(6): Keeping Sanikiluaq Arena Open for Longer Periods (Kattuk) 2564
405 – 1(6): Quebec City Spelling Competition (Tootoo) 2565
406 – 1(6): Education System in Nunavut (Williams) 2566
407 – 1(6): Going Home for the Weekend (Kilabuk) 2566
408 – 1(6): Promoting Arts and Crafts in Toronto (Akesuk) 2566
399 – 1(6): Placing Children in Specialized Care within Nunavut (Puqiqnak) 2568
400 – 1(6): Matching Funds for a New Community Hall (Irqittuq) 2572
401 – 1(5): Education System in Nunavut – Completing Grade 12 (Williams) 2574
402 – 1(6): Programs and Services for the Mentally Challenged People (McLean) 2576
403 – 1(6): Creation of Medical Travel Office for a Decentralized Community (Havioyak) 2578
404 – 1(6): Repulse Bay Hamlet Office Replacement (Alakannuark) 2581
405 – 1(6): Percentage of High School Graduates at the Academic Level (Williams) 2583
406 – 1(6): Plans on Studying Contaminated Wildlife (Nutarak) 2583
407 – 1(6): Arctic College Student Drop-Outs (Iqaqrialu) 2585
Return to Written Question 006 – 1(6): Victim Assistance Funding (Clerk) 2587
078 – 1(6): 2003/2004 Corporation Plan for the Nunavut Development Corporation (Akesuk) 2588
018-1(6) Extension of Mandate of Special Committee to Review the Official Languages Act (Williams) 2588
Bill 28 – An Act to Amend the Young Offenders Act and Other Acts in Consequence – Second Reading 2588
Bill 29 – An Act to Amend the Nunavut Power Utilities Act and Certain Other Acts in Consequence – Second Reading 2589
Honourable Olayuk Akesuk, Mr. Ovide Alakannuark, Mr. Donald Havioyak, Mr. David Iqaqrialu, Mr. Enoki Irqittuq, Honourable Peter Kattuk, Honourable Peter Kilabuk, Mr. Jobie Nutarak, Honourable Kelvin Ng, Mr. Glenn McLean, Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Honourable Paul Okalik, Honourable Ed Picco, Mr. Puqiqnak, Honourable Manitok Thompson, Mr. Hunter Tootoo, Ms. Rebekah Williams.
Speaker (Mr. O’Brien): I would like to call on Mr. Havioyak to say the opening prayer.
Minister’s Statement 121 – 1(6): Minister’s Youth Action Team on Tobacco
Mr. Speaker, good afternoon to you and Members of this Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, over the last couple of days we’ve had the opportunity to see some Members of the Minister’s Youth Action Team on smoking and I’d like to talk about that today.
Mr. Speaker, our youth are among Nunavut’s most valuable resources and we want to see them grow to lead healthy and productive lives.
Lives, Mr. Speaker, that are not compromised or cut short by the kinds of illnesses and infirmities that accompany the use of tobacco and tobacco products.
My department recognizes the importance of youth speaking to youth about these issues.
That is why we have established the Ministers’ Youth Action Team on Tobacco.
That’s right Mr. Speaker, Youth Action Team on Tobacco.
This team, Mr. Speaker, the Ministers’ Youth Action Team on Tobacco which consists of 14 representatives from all three regions of Nunavut is having its first face to face meetings this week here in Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker, this team is designed to be an advisory body to the Minister of Health and Social Services in the development of youth targeted media campaigns such as commercials, videos and printed materials.
Mr. Speaker, it is also my hope that it will act as a network of youth champions in tobacco reduction throughout the territory that can implement and plan programs in their communities or at their high schools and youth centres.
And as Minister Akesuk said at one point as the minister responsible for youth, our youth are a valuable resource and I want to take this opportunity to thank them for the good work that they are showing and demonstrating in leadership to the youth here in Nunavut.
Minister’s Statement 122 – 1(6): High Schools Options Committee
I apologize, my voice is not what it usually is.
I am pleased to announce that the Department of Education has established a committee to examine high school programs and graduation options.
The committee is made up of educators from across Nunavut.
It has been asked to consult with teachers, students, parents, DEAs and community members and make recommendations of ways to ensure our high schools better meet student and community needs.
Consultations on high school programs will be conducted in a number of communities across Nunavut during March.
The chairpersons of the District Education Authorities were contacted to determine which DEAs and communities were interested in participating in the consultations.
Students are being consulted through a variety of activities and teachers will be surveyed on their views and ideas.
A survey of educators at the secondary level is also taking place in March.
The focus of the consultation activities will be school programs in grade 10 to 12.
How can we better prepare students for further education and for employment?
How do we make sure high schools reflect students’ interest and needs?
I also want to ensure our programs follow the principles of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit while supporting bilingualism and inclusive schooling.
Information from this consultation process will provide the department with a better understanding of student, family and communities expectations.
It will provide direction for curriculum development and for increased graduation options for our students.
I expect new programs and options to begin to be piloted in schools over the next two years.
Minister’s Statement 123 – 1(6): Nunavut Development Corporation Sales in Toronto and Zurich
Good afternoon, colleagues, and my constituents in Cape Dorset and Kimmirut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, during a recent visit to Toronto, the Premier had an opportunity to visit the gallery and gift shop owned and operated by the Nunavut Development Corporation at Queen’s Quay.
The role this retail shop plays in promoting the high quality of art and other products from Nunavut to Canadians in the country’s largest city is an important one.
Mr. Speaker, I think the good work of the Nunavut Development Corporation in marketing our arts and crafts is too often overlooked.
The Queens Quay store has annual sales in excess of $300 thousand.
More than 85% of these sales are made-in-Nunavut products.
There is another small retail outlet operated by the Nunavut Development Corporation at Pearson International Airport.
NDC also maintains an impressive showroom in Mississauga for sales to galleries and gift shops in Canada and around the world.
Altogether, these outlets in the past year have sold more than $1.6 million in Nunavut arts and crafts, including stone sculptures, prints, tapestries, sealskin clothing, jewellery, and gift items.
I know that the Premier visited Zurich in Switzerland in January this year to participate in the opening of a North American Aboriginal cultural museum.
This museum has a gift shop that sells Inuit art supplied by NDC.
The Nunavut Development Corporation has several customers in Switzerland and Western Europe and they are building a strong market there for the work of Nunavut’s artists.
Mr. Speaker, the NDC has proven that there is a great demand for Made-in-Nunavut products, especially those produced by our artists.
Through their marketing efforts, the NDC is building a Nunavut “brand” – one that stands for our strong attachment to the Arctic environment, excellence in design and the use of high quality, natural materials.
I believe we can build on the good work of the Nunavut Development Corporation so that the export of goods made here in Nunavut will play a greater role in our economic growth in the future.
Minister’s Statement 124 – 1(6): Sport Financing
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that while at Canada Winter Games in New Brunswick last week, Territorial sports ministers reached an agreement with the Federal Minister which calls on both levels of government to contribute funding to sport development.
From this agreement, Sport Nunavut will receive $72,000, which will be matched by funds from my department.
This agreement will enable us to develop our athletes by establishing a number of initiatives while incorporating northern and traditional sports into our sports program.
We are excited about these new opportunities that will be available to youth throughout Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut has proposed that the funding be directed to five critical areas:
The Nunavut Youth Olympic Academy (NYOA) will be used to develop our elite athletes.
We have also developed at “Aim High” public relations campaign to promote the benefits of physical activity and the development of healthy communities, a priority of the Bathurst Mandate.
We will enhance our aboriginal coaching and resource development in a number of projects to develop culturally based coaching resources and programs
We will develop a comprehensive, territorial coaching initiative, as the majority of Nunavummiut responsible for sport development at the community level are not trained.
Finally, we would like to develop the territory with enhanced community sport development in our educational system.
We hope to move towards an educational system that promotes the benefits of increased physical activity.
Mr. Speaker, In addition to these programs, I am confident that the federal government will partner with us over the next few years to build upon the Canadian Sport Policy and its implementation in the north.
With this continued support we can continue to offer similar programs for our youth and for the development of sport in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, we want to promote greater physical activity, support our competitive athletes and enhance our traditional games and culture.
Member’s Statement 396 – 1 (6): Funding for Igloolik Community Centre
The Minister of Community Government and Transportation just elaborated on funding for Sport Nunavut and very interesting to hear about sports being a priority.
At this time, I believe that everyone here is aware that the Igloolik Community Centre is dilapidated and not spacious enough to meet the community needs.
I would like to thank the Minister again as they met with the Mayor and the Hamlet Council to discuss the possibility of building the Community Centre at an earlier date and to discuss the funding arrangements.
Mr. Speaker, the Government mentioned that as soon as the community raises some funds up to a certain level, they could help to build the Community Centre in the community.
This is not a new concept and we have heard it from the Government previously.
I mentioned it before and I am grateful to get help from the Government.
The community of Cambridge Bay requested funding after raising money from other sources, and this was the bridge for the funding to start building the Community Centre.
The residents of Igloolik are committed to getting a larger Community Centre and they have now started working on a proposal for funding to start building the Community Centre.
I am going to be presenting a petition from the community of Igloolik when we get to that item.
Member’s Statement 397 – 1(6): Alternative Solution for Children in Specialized Care
I rise today to voice a concern that has been raised by my constituents on a number of occasions in the Netsilik area.
I have raised this concern a number of times in meetings with the Minister of Health and Social Services.
I have written letters to the Minister.
Mr. Speaker, when youth have behavioural problems this can sometimes lead to situations where they are ultimately removed from their home and even from their home community.
Sometimes, they are placed in a facility or an institution where they receive specialized care.
Mr. Speaker, I am aware of a number of cases where children have been removed from their homes and from their home community and sent to facilities outside of Nunavut.
This situation may not be any better for the child for certain reasons.
It may be very far away and it is often difficult for family members to keep in touch or visit on a regular basis.
The conditions in the facility may not be appropriate for the care of the child.
It may not be kept clean, or the behaviour of the staff may not be appropriate.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to encourage the Minister of Health and Social Services to put greater efforts into finding alternative solutions for these kinds of cases and solutions that focus on keeping children in their communities and in their homes or at least in Nunavut or at least to have facilities in Nunavut to take care of them.
Mr. Speaker, I understand that achieving this goal may take some time and some work.
Mr. Speaker, I would like unanimous consent to conclude my Member’s Statement.
Please proceed. Mr. Puqiqnak.
Mr. Speaker, I understand that achieving that goal may take some time and some work.
I would therefore urge the Minister in the mean time to ensure that those facilities which currently provide care and support for our children be evaluated and managed on a regular and consistent basis to reassure parents and communities until the day that we can bring our children home to Nunavut.
At least we can now know that they are being cared for in a clean and safe environment.
Member’s Statement 398 – 1(6): Alcohol and Substance Abuse Initiative
I want to make a short statement today.
I rise today to talk about the initiative currently underway in my community of Kugluktuk as it is a problem for some of our people.
Mr. Speaker, in the past couple of days we have talked about suicide prevention.
We had some valuable time addressing the issue of suicide prevention to make our communities healthier.
Mr. Speaker, every Member of this House knows that the issue of substance abuse is a serious issue.
Substance abuse is a real threat to our youth and our communities. Substance abuse has touched us all and affects all the communities in our region, including alcohol abuse in the future as well.
Mr. Speaker, the Hamlet of Kugluktuk today is looking at the issue of holding a plebiscite in the community on whether to establish an Alcohol Education Committee.
Under the Liquor Act of the Government, community residents may petition for a plebiscite to be held in a community.
Mr. Speaker, Kugluktuk is looking at ways to combat substance abuse.
I applaud my constituents’ determination to try and find solutions for a healthy community in Kugluktuk and what steps we require to resolve this issue.
(interpretation ends) However, Mr. Speaker, regardless of the outcome of this initiative, it is important to keep in mind that words on paper will not solve the problem.
Alcohol and other substances will always be available to those who seek them out.
We can and should make efforts to combat illegal bootlegging and substance abuse.
(interpretation) I would like unanimous consent to conclude my statement, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you and fellow Members.
(interpretation ends) We can make and should make efforts to combat illegal bootlegging and substance abuse.
However, Mr. Speaker, long term solutions are to be found in the areas of counselling, treatment, and family support.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I would like to support my community of Kugluktuk.
I support my constituents in their effort to fight substance abuse.
Member’s Statement 399 – 1(6): Escorts for Patients
Mr. Nutarak (interpretation): I want to clarify the comments I made yesterday to the Minister of Health and Social Services.
I was frustrated as I raised the issue about incompetent escorts who go down south to escort elderly unilingual patients.
I do not want to give the impression to Nunavummiut that the Member for Tununiq does not support the issue of escorts for patients.
I was concerned about the escorts who travel to Ottawa and who abuse this privilege, especially where elderly patients are concerned.
I want more restrictions on escorts so that our elders are not left to their own devices when their escorts have been sent home.
I prefer that capable and trustworthy escorts be used instead. Just to clarify that.
Member’s Statement 400 – 1(6): Funding for Wildlife Infrastructure Facilities
Mr. Speaker, I would like to make a comment about my riding in the communities of Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq.
Both of those communities are quite small and the population is increasing and there aren’t many economic opportunities for our residents.
We are trying to find ways to create economic development opportunities in our communities.
There are a lot of economic development opportunities between Greenland and Baffin Island because there are different marine mammals and wildlife that we can make money from or that we can market.
I generally believe that in my constituency, we should start building ports to drop off the fish caught in the Davis Straight area.
We are going to have to try and come up with economic development opportunities for our hunters in our communities.
If we’re going to be building a port of some kind in one of those communities, we would like to make sure that it provide for any kind of ship, whether it be small or large in my constituency.
I’m wondering how we can help our communities in trying to come up with funding to start building those kinds of facilities or infrastructure so that we can make economic development in our communities.
In the smaller communities in particular, we need to make sure that we have make employment opportunities available.
When we visited Greenland, I was so envious about the fact that they were able to economically stand on their own.
Member’s Statement 401 – 1(6): Kids Night Out at the Inuksuk High School
Mr. Speaker, first of all I’d like to thank Mr. McLean for deciding to try to model me in the assembly by not only using the good verbiage that the Minister and the Member uses but also by his tie, like the tie that I’m wearing today.
Mr. Speaker, last night a huge turn out, Mr. Speaker, a huge turn out of Iqalummiut attended a kids' night out activity at Inuksuk High School.
Mr. Speaker, the kids' night out coincided with the annual teachers’ professional development week being held here in Iqaluit over the last few days.
Mr. Speaker, the event at the high school also featured a childrens' entertainer and activities like face painting for the kids.
Upstairs in the Inuksuk High School library, a motivational session was held with young people and Ms. Heather Crowe.