EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Representatives will attempt to determine the most effective allocation system for the total allowable harvest established by the respective wildlife boards for the shared Davis Strait polar bear subpopulation.
Mr. Speaker, this is yet another example of the efforts and collaboration between parties to ensure the success of our co-management approach for wildlife species which migrate across our man-made borders.
Working together with experts from all the regions concerned, we will be able to ensure the sustainability of the harvest from this polar bear population into the future, and I am proud that our government is part of this cooperative approach to wildlife management.
Minister’s Statement 146 – 4(2): Annual Report on Poverty Reduction (Ugyuk)
I say “good day” to my constituents and Nunavummiut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, today, I will be tabling the first Minister’s Annual Report on Poverty Reduction.
Mr. Speaker, guided by Sivumut Abluqta, the Department of Family Services is focused on building healthy families through strong and resilient communities.
We are investing in community-based solutions to improve health, social well-being, and local economies.
Mr. Speaker, the annual report describes 65 different programs, policies, and initiatives delivered by our departments and territorial corporations that contribute to reducing poverty in its many forms.
Our communities continue to face social challenges on a daily basis. Nunavummiut’s reliance on income assistance and public housing, our challenges with food insecurity and homelessness, our struggles with mental health and addictions are well known.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, this report shows that we are working together with my colleagues to continue progress towards reducing poverty in Nunavut.
I invite my colleagues to consider this report and enter into a conversation on what is working well, what needs improvement, and what is missing in order to focus our resources in better supporting our children, families, and community organizations.
(interpretation ends) The Department of Family Services will continue to partner with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated in leading the Nunavut Roundtable for Poverty Reduction.
Mr. Speaker, we will lead the work to review and reform our Income Assistance Program. We are working to improve the capacity of our communities to better help Nunavummiut facing the crisis of absolute homelessness and family violence.
We are building and facilitating partnerships to improve food security. We will focus on finding ways to better support Inunnguiniq (parenting and child development). We want to strengthen our local non-governmental organizations and community groups.
The reduction of poverty in our territory will be an important measure of our success in providing the combination of programs and services that support Nunavummiut in times of need, but also challenges and encourages them as they work to build communities and livelihoods, educate and train themselves, and raise their families.
The Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Taptuna.
Minister’s Statement 147 – 4(2): Hivuliqtikhanut Program (Taptuna)
Good afternoon, (interpretation ends) colleagues, Nunavummiut, and Kuglukturmiut.
Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to announce to my colleagues about an exciting development to strengthen Nunavut’s public service.
As I have mentioned, the Sivumuaqatigiit Division of the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs now reports to my office as we actively work towards increasing Inuit employment within the Government of Nunavut (GN).
Mr. Speaker, the department issued a request for proposals in October 2014 to deliver a comprehensive leadership program customized to our government’s public service needs.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce our new partners, PGF Consultants Incorporated and the Institute on Governance, will design and deliver the new Hivuliqtikhanut Program (GN’s Leadership Development Program).
Team members include very knowledgeable individuals with strong roots and connections to the Arctic, including Mary Simon and Leena Evic.
This is the first time the Government of Nunavut has initiated a unique leadership program specifically aimed for our public service.
Through the Government of Nunavut’s Leadership Competency Model, we are laying the groundwork for this program and working with our new partners to make the Leadership Development Program a reality.
We are currently in the curriculum design phase and we aim to launch the program for its first intake in the fall.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Nunavut recognizes the need for building capacity within our organization. We are committed to supporting and providing training for leadership development for our public servants.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Okalik.
Minister’s Statement 148 – 4(2): Retirement of Andrew Tagak Sr. (Okalik)
Mr. Speaker and colleagues, it gives me great pleasure to introduce and thank a fellow Inuk, Andrew Tagak Sr., who has dedicated his working life to the betterment of his fellow Inuit.
Andrew Tagak Sr. was born on November 14, 1949 in an igloo at Aulatsivik (Tay Sound) camp near Resolute Bay.
Today, that site is still used as a camp for summer hunting expeditions.
His father wrote in his diary that he had been hunting when Andrew was born.
He returned home from the hunting trip and learned he had a new son.
When he heard the news, he wrote that he was proud and that the other men in the camp envied him because he now had a son who could be a helper and hunter in the family.
Mr. Speaker, Andrew Tagak Sr. has seen and experienced phenomenal change in Nunavut.
He was born in an igloo, which he hasn’t forgotten, and wore traditional clothing until he was nine.
His family moved to Resolute Bay travelling by dog team, and he has transitioned to air travel, email, and the Internet during his lifetime.
Mr. Tagak is in awe and simply says, and I quote, “what a change ... what a change!”
Mr. Speaker, Andrew Tagak Sr. leads by example.
His work life and family life speaks clearly to the success of incorporating the newest and latest in technology and change while honouring and recognizing our Inuit traditions and culture.
Prior to joining the Department of Health, Mr. Tagak worked with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated for several years, and he previously worked with the Government of Northwest Territories from 1980 to 1999 in various progressively responsible roles.
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Tagak has now chosen to move into the next phase of his life, a much deserved retirement.
Therefore, effective May 26, almost 12 years to the day that he joined the Department of Health as the IQ coordinator, Mr. Tagak began his retirement.
Mr. Speaker, Andrew is a special guest in our Gallery today. He is joined by his wife, Jane, whom he met as a young man in Resolute Bay; his son Andrew and daughter-in-law Lena, and two granddaughters Kaleigh and Simaiya; son Solomon; and daughter Katharine and son-in-law Jason.
Andrew’s other son John, who works with the RCMP in Ottawa, is unable to join his father today.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking Andrew for his dedication, support, and betterment of Nunavut and Nunavummiut and wish him all the best in his retirement.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Andrew.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Going back to the orders of the day. Members’ Statements. Member for Quttiktuq, Mr. Shooyook.
Member’s Statement 294 – 4(2): Successful 2015 Pangaggujjiniq – Nunavut Quest (Shooyook)
Welcome to the people in Arctic Bay and Nunavut who are watching, as well as my colleagues.
I rise today to say that starting in the 1980s in our community, a wonderful event took place where hockey players came to our community. We also had gatherings of bible study groups, as well as a dog team quest.
I am very pleased to see this as our community is becoming alive once again in traditional celebrations.
I rise today to congratulate and to also celebrate with the people of Nunavut for the Pangaggujjiniq Nunavut Quest.
It started from Pond Inlet on April 20 and arrived to Arctic Bay on April 27.
They also had a large number of helpers on snowmobile to meet the mushers at the point out in the nearby inlet. It was a wonderful sight to witness, with approximately 23 skidoos meeting the dog teams.
They arrived in Arctic Bay on April 27.
The first dog musher to arrive was Simosie Sivugat from Clyde River, Michael Innuaraq from Pond Inlet, Fiona Qaunaq from Igloolik, Teeman Avinngaq from Arctic Bay, Lee Innuaraq from Pond Inlet, Mosesee Oyukuluk from Arctic Bay, Titus Aloolloo from Pond Inlet, Jay Aqqiaruq from Igloolik, Michael Qaunaq from Arctic Bay, Ulaayuk Barnabas from Arctic Bay, and Jason Palluq from Clyde River.
Member’s Statement 295 – 4(2): Congratulations to Sanikiluaq’s 2015 High School Graduates (Rumbolt)
Once again it gives me great pride to rise in the House to congratulate the high school graduates from Sanikiluaq.
Mr. Speaker, graduating from high school is an important step in our lives. This achievement represents work and discipline, two important skills for future success.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Dora Kavik, Simionie Oqaituk, Noah Emikotailak, and Qairallaq Qairallaq.
These young graduates are role models for the youth in our community.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to extend my congratulations to all of those who help our graduates achieve their success.
I congratulate the parents, guardians, teachers, and the community as a whole for providing encouragement and support.
Member for Rankin Inlet, Mr. Alex Sammurtok.
Member’s Statement 296 – 4(2): Is Education Really Our Priority?
(Sammurtok)
Good day to the people of Rankin Inlet and Nunavut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to question our government’s commitment to education across Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, the government’s mandate document, Sivumut Abluqta, states as its very first priority, “Self-reliance and optimism through education and training.”
Mr. Speaker, the education system in our schools is delivered by trained and qualified professionals called teachers. In order to provide education to Nunavummiut, we need to have teachers in our classrooms.
However, we recently learned that for the 2015-16 school year, many communities will lose teaching positions in their schools.
Rankin Inlet will lose 1.5 positions, but my colleague from Arviat will see a decrease of over 12 teaching positions from his community.
Mr. Speaker, apparently the number of teachers allocated to a school is based on student enrolment which, in turn, is based on attendance, but many factors can affect enrolment and attendance.
For example, parents may move from community to community for employment or educational opportunities and their children may not get enrolled until later in the school year.
Given Arviat’s growing population, the third largest in Nunavut, with nearly a quarter of its residents of school age, it does not make sense for the number of teaching staff in that community’s schools to decrease.
Mr. Speaker, the proposed cuts to Nunavut’s teaching positions do not support the government’s stated commitment to education.
I call on the government to review its policies and make its commitment to education a reality.
Member for Rankin Inlet and Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Tom Sammurtok.
Member’s Statement 297 – 4(2): Congratulations to the Kivalliq Mine Training Society (Sammurtok, T)
Mr. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Good day to the people of Rankin Inlet and Chesterfield Inlet and my fellow Nunavummiut. Have a very good day.
It is with pleasure that I rise today to acknowledge the Kivalliq Mine Training Society, which has recently secured a significant amount of federal funding to carry out its role.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the Kivalliq Mine Training Society plays an important role in developing the trades skills and preparedness among residents in the territory.
Through the services provided by the society, Nunavummiut have the opportunity to develop their skills and pursue career paths without having to leave their home territory.
(interpretation) The recently announced $1.7 million in federal funding will allow the society to continue its work in providing skills training, preparation courses, and community development initiatives throughout the Kivalliq region.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the Kivalliq Mine Training Society has helped a significant number of Inuit in the region to secure employment in Nunavut’s growing mining industry.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating the Kivalliq Mine Training Society and wish them continued success in providing essential training and assistance to not only Kivallirmiut but to all Nunavummiut. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 298 – 4(2): Congratulations to the Arviat Cinema Group (Savikataaq)
It is with great pleasure that I rise today to congratulate the Arviat Cinema Group on winning a gold medal at the recent Business Development Bank of Canada E-Spirit competition.
Mr. Speaker, the Bank of Development Canada is a national business plan competition for aboriginal students in grades 10 through 12. The competition allows students to gain business, management, and leadership skills through the development of business plans.
On May 22, 2015, Justin Kuksuk, Justin Suluk, and Kyle Schaubroeck of the Arviat Cinema Group received a gold medal for their E-Spirit project, which proposes to raise funds for local organizations and programs that address food scarcity in Arviat by holding regular movie screenings at the John Arnalukjuak High School.
The group also received a $4,000 cash price and a Best Environmental or Community Impact Achievement Award for their project.
Mr. Speaker, in its own business plan, the government indicates that one of its priorities is to “promote and support the use of harvesting skills and community-based solutions to enhance access to nutritious food throughout the territory.”
Mr. Speaker, it seems as if the government could take lessons from these young students, who demonstrate what can be achieved through creativity, determination, and hard work.
The Arviat Cinema Group reminds us that all the solutions to our territory’s biggest problems sometimes require small but significant steps within and through our own communities.
I wish all the best to the Arviat Cinema Group and I hope that they are successful in their pursuit for food security within the community of Arviat and eventually throughout Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the Arviat Cinema Group for their outstanding achievements.
Member’s Statement 299 – 4(2): School Breakfast Programs (Angnakak)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to once again acknowledge the Department of Education for providing support for a very important program and that’s the school breakfast program across Nunavut’s schools.
Mr. Speaker, in the past, many Nunavut communities had to fundraise, submit proposals, and go out and get volunteers or donations to be able to offer breakfast programs in their schools.
As we all know, when children are not distracted by hunger or lack of nutrition, they do significantly better in school and in life.
Breakfast programs are critical to the educational well-being of our children.
Mr. Speaker, I was very pleased to support the Department of Education’s recent main estimates budget which included funding for school breakfast programs in 2015-16 for all of Nunavut’s schools.
Mr. Speaker, this is an important, if not critical, first step, but we must keep walking forward and I encourage the government to make sure that this funding is ongoing from year to year.
Mr. Speaker, every community and school manages its programs and staff differently.
In some cases teachers volunteer to run or help out with the breakfast programs. In other cases teachers are assigned the breakfast program duty whether they like it or not.
Now that the government has taken the important step of addressing hunger and food insecurity for our children, I encourage all efforts to make the program more sustainable in the long term.
For example, it might be worth considering hiring part-time employees to look after the breakfast programs so that you can the teachers do their job, which is to teach.
Mr. Speaker, I am glad that the government found a way to address this important need. I encourage the minister and his colleagues to give full consideration to not only making sure that this initiative continues, but also to see that it’s enhanced.
Member’s Statement 300 – 4(2): Congratulations to Gjoa Haven Graduates of the Nunavut Teacher Education Program (Akoak)
Good afternoon, Uqhuqtuurmiullu.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to publicly congratulate five of my constituents who recently graduated from the Nunavut Teacher Education Program.
Mr. Speaker, on May 19, I had the great pleasure of attending and speaking at an NTEP graduation ceremony in Gjoa Haven.
I would like to take this opportunity to formally thank Minister Quassa for having taken the time to attend the ceremony in person.
Mr. Speaker, NTEP is an extremely important program that has succeeded in producing a significant number of teachers since its establishment in the year 1979.
As the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Gjoa Haven, I have been a strong supporter of NTEP and other programs that provide opportunities for our people to earn the educational qualifications that will enable them to pursue rewarding careers.
Education and lifelong learning are the foundations of success in today’s world.
I strongly encourage our high school graduates to consider careers as professional, qualified teachers.
There is nothing more rewarding than making a difference in a young person’s life, and the success of our children and our children’s children depends on a strong education system that is delivered by dedicated professionals.
I very much hope that there will be future NTEP modules offered again in Gjoa Haven so that more of our community’s residents can pursue educational opportunities in their home community.
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to be able to offer my sincere congratulations to Abby Anavilok, Eleanor Cipriano, Catherine Hiqiniq, Rhonda Nimiqtaqtuq, and Rita Porter.
The entire community is very proud of them and their accomplishments and I ask all members to join me in congratulating my constituents. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 301 – 4(2): Appreciation to Arviat Elders (Taptuna)
Coming from the most western part of Nunavut, our community, which is two time zones away from the capital of Iqaluit, gives a different perspective on the size and, indeed, the unique character of our territory.
On our recent visit to the community of Arviat last week with Minister Kuksuk and Minister Quassa, I had an opportunity to meet with the local elders there in Arviat.
Speaking to them in my Inuinnaqtun dialect, not only did the elders understand me, but I was able to converse and, indeed, ask questions to them.
Nunavut is a large territory with a small population, but I was able to converse and, indeed, ask questions to them.
Nunavut is a large territory with a small population, but our elders indicated that we have had many challenges and working together, finding common ground is a way Inuit have survived for millennia.
Mr. Speaker, our territory is vast. We do have tremendous challenges ahead of us, but in conversing, speaking, and hearing from our elders like we did in Arviat last week has more than ever confirmed for me that we are on the right path.
I appreciate the offer from Mr. Kuksuk and Mr. Savikataaq to visit Arviat, the fastest growing community in Nunavut, and I look forward to more community visits in the coming months.
Member’s Statement 302 – 4(2): Congratulations to Pangnirtung Graduates (Mike)
I would like to announce the college graduates from Pangnirtung.
The graduates from the Nunavut Sivuniksavut program from Pangnirtung were Rita Claire Mike and Lynn Mike, who are my nieces. I am very proud that they are graduates of Nunavut Sivuniksavut.
Also Nancy Mike went to Dalhousie University and obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree.
Also, in the Environmental Technology Program at Nunavut Arctic College, Alex Kilabuk completed the program.
We had also had Arctic College students Sheila Alikatuktuk, Ooleepeeka Arnaqaq, and Patricia Peyton graduate from the Interpreter/Translator Program.
For office administration, Lily Kilabuk graduated from the program.
For college foundation, Pricilla Angnakak and Anita Evic are the graduates.
For adult education were Lucy Akulukjuk, Sharon Akulukjuk, Pasa Kuniliusee, Lorna Kuniliusie, and Anita Nakashuk.
Also graduating from the Pangnirtung Community Learning Centre in pre-trades were Stevie Akpalialuk, George Akulukjuk, Leah Naulalik Kilabuk, and Pauloosie Maniapik.
I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the graduates.
Member’s Statement 303 – 4(2): Recipients of Commissioner’s Award in Igloolik (Quassa)
I am proud to rise today to recognize and acknowledge individuals who just received the Commissioner’s awards on May 6 in Igloolik.
Firstly, two elders, Leonie Qrunnut and Marie Airut, received awards for volunteering in the community, mostly for people who lost loved ones.
They also do counselling and tirelessly help the youth in the community. I thank Leonie Qrunnut and Marie Airut for volunteering in the community of Igloolik.
There are two young people, Adam Qanatsiaq and June Uyarasuk, who were recognized for their considerable help in Igloolik when there was an armed standoff in the community in 2014.
These two people were able to counsel or talk to the young person who had a gun and succeeded in disarming him.
These two were deeply appreciated for their actions in ending this unfortunate incident in Igloolik. They were very strong at the time that they helped counsel the individual.
Last but not least, Simon Amaaq, in April 2013, at that time in what we call Aukkarniq in Amittuq. I think it’s called Sarvaq here. It was when he was out sealing and the individual, Panuili, after he caught a seal, fell into the ice as it was breaking up due to strong currents.
He was about to be sucked under the water in a polynya when Simon Amaaq was able to pull him out in the nick of time.
These are the individuals I want to recognize again after they were recognized and awarded with the Commissioner’s awards on May 6 in Igloolik.
I would like to congratulate these individuals along with my colleagues.
Member for Arviat and Whale Cove, Mr. Kuksuk.
Member’s Statement 304 – 4(2): Arviat Soccer Athletes (Kuksuk)
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, good day to you, Arviarmiut, and Nunavummiut. I say “good day” to you.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate certain individuals. From May 21 to 24, in Whale Cove, there were under 13 boys and girls who went to a soccer tournament in Whale Cove and I am very proud of them.
Mr. Speaker, again, I would like to congratulate those young people, the boys and girls, for winning a gold medal for Whale Cove, and I know these young people very well.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the boys’ team is coached by Alex Makin.
I would like to say “thank you” to Alex for his hard work. (interpretation) I will name the individuals who received a gold medal and they are:
Jeremiah Oklaga
Joseph Kuksuk, who is the captain
Timothy Kriterdlik
Ricky Okalik…
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): …Garren Voisey
Oliver Angoo
Zedekiah Sammurtok, and
Brandon Nipisar.
These were the youth that received the gold medal.
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud of the (interpretation ends) girls’ team, coached by Haley. Thank you, Haley. (interpretation) Thank you.
These were the people who received the gold medal:
Renee Okalik…
Hon. George Kuksuk: …Amber Okalik....
Hon. George Kuksuk: …Adina Panika…
An Hon. Member: Nauk?
Hon. George Kuksuk: …Mary Kate Napayok
Macy Jones
Faith Suwaksiork
Leona Teenar, and
Shoofly Nattar
(interpretation) These were the girls’ team.
There are none. Please proceed, Mr. Kuksuk.
I’m almost finished.