EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Hon. Daniel Shewchuk: Thank you Mr. Speaker.
The National School of Dental Therapy at First Nations University prepares students to provide basic dental care, which includes dental cleanings, routine fillings and extractions.
Students learn how to teach the prevention of dental disease and apply the latest techniques in dental care.
They become familiar with aboriginal culture and values and, in their second year, have the opportunity to work and live in First Nations and Inuit communities for an eight-week period.
Earlier this spring, Mr. Speaker, students from the program operated a free eight-week dental therapy clinic at the Nunavut Research Institute’s laboratory in Cambridge Bay. In all, the students performed almost $95,000 of free dental therapy services to more than 200 Cambridge Bay residents. The students gained valuable knowledge and hands-on experience that will help them in their future careers, while giving the gift of a healthier smile to those in need.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in expressing our sincere thanks to the National School of Dental Therapy for their generous contributions and service to the residents of Cambridge Bay.
Speaker: Thank you, Minister Shewchuk.
Orders of the day. Ministers’ Statements.
Moving on in the Orders of the Day, Item 3.
Member’s Statement 059 – 3(3): Training Opportunities on Nunavut’s Research Vessel (Schell)
I rise today to recognize one of my constituents, Tapau Qatsiya, and all of the hard work he has done and the ongoing work he is doing to build Nunavut’s new research vessel in Newfoundland.
Mr. Speaker, Tapau Qatsiya is the only Inuk to complete his training on the research vessel and will also continue further with the vessel in an additional training position.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to acknowledge his work as a ranger and all of his experience in the shrimp fishing industry.
Mr. Speaker, Tapau Qatsiya will take part in the new research vessel’s maiden voyage. I understand that it’s scheduled to arrive in Iqaluit by Nunavut Day.
Mr. Speaker, I believe Tapau Qatsiya is a great example for other Nunavummiut who wish to pursue new training opportunities and shows how hard work and perseverance truly pays off.
Members’ Statements. Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Aupaluktuq.
Member’s Statement 060 – 3(3): In Support of Social Justice (Aupaluktuq)
I rise today as a proud Canadian and most of all, as a proud Nunavummiuq, and I know for a fact that Mr. Shewchuk is quite aware that there are a lot of Canadians on the Boston Bruins team, but go Canucks.
As a proud Canadian, I think we have to exercise our fundamental freedoms and it’s one of the things that I have shared with my colleagues on numerous occasions.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to add my voice in support of a charter of social rights for all Canadians, Inuit and non-Inuit, aboriginals and non-aboriginals, all Canadians as equal Canadian citizens.
Mr. Speaker, I was very pleased to hear Ms. Mary Simon, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, speak out in favour of social justice for all. Mr. Speaker, it is very gratifying to hear the leader of a national organization push for something that I, too, have tried to raise in the conscience of my fellow legislators.
Mr. Speaker, it has long been my contention that Inuit, as a people, do not exercise their rights in the manner that many of their fellow Canadians take for granted.
Mr. Speaker, the standard of living, the quality of services, and the basic necessities of life that are available to Nunavut residents are well below the Canadian par.
Basic rights, such as adequate health care, food security, decent housing, and a quality education, are still things that we, as representatives of the people who elected us, continue to fight for and demand on a daily basis.
Mr. Speaker, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms is an important Canadian institution, but to date, it has been less than effective in ensuring that all Canadians have equal measures of social justice.
In Nunavut, there are still many battles to be fought for what should be guaranteed equally to all Canadian residents.
Mr. Speaker, I support all efforts to strengthen Inuit voices in the demand for equal rights and equal opportunities. As a legislator, I have been elected to represent the people of my constituency and to articulate their needs and aspirations.
A charter of social rights would help to entrench their right to have those needs and aspirations met.
Mr. Speaker, the unique characteristics of the territory of Nunavut have led to some unique challenges and circumstances. As legislators, we can use the powers entrusted in us… .
The member from Baker Lake is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement.
I also want to thank my colleagues for allowing me to continue.
I would like to restate this last statement here.
Mr. Speaker, the unique characteristics of the territory of Nunavut have led to some unique challenges and circumstances.
As legislators, we can use the powers entrusted in us to address some of those challenges.
I urge my colleagues to work together towards ensuring social justice for all of Nunavut’s residents.
In strengthening Nunavut, we in turn will strengthen Canada, the nation.
I think it’s imperative that we, as Nunavummiut, exercise continually social rights and as Canadians, we have been trying to exercise these rights as well, most particularly in the north. We want equality. We want acknowledgement.
We also want access to better finances in order to ensure that we provide the necessary services for professional and personal services for all Nunavummiut.
With this, I would like to congratulate ITK and the President, Ms. Mary Simon, for addressing the needs at a national level.
Member’s Statement 061 – 3(3): Sanikiluaq’s Teamathon Participants (Rumbolt)
Good morning to all of the residents of Nunavut and to the good people of Sanikiluaq.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Sanikiluaq’s teamathlon participants on their recent success at the Teamathon Games in Nunavik.
Mr. Speaker, 16 teams took part in this event, with 15 teams from Nunavik and Sanikiluaq being the only team representing Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, the teamathlon team consisted of 13 players and three coaches.
They play a number of different sports, both team sports and individual.
The Sanikiluaq team won the gold in volleyball, placed fourth in soccer, fifth in basketball, and seventh in indoor hockey.
Team member Mina Mannuk came in third place in the three-kilometre run, while Linda Kowcharlie came in second place in the four-kilometre run.
Mr. Speaker, the other team members were:
Melissa Oqaituk,
Sandra Sala,
Lucy Ann Kittosuk,
Malaya Kavik,
Raymond Appaqaq,
Stephan Kudluarok,
Alec Inuktaluk,
Moses Audla,
Joseph Sala,
Eric Kittosuk, and
Andre Kavik.
Their volunteer coach was Elijassie Sala and the volunteer assistant coaches were Alice Kavik and Joshua Sala.
The efforts of our volunteers make opportunities like this possible for our youth.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Sanikiluaq Teamathon Team on their success.
Member’s Statement 062 – 3(3): Passing of Louis Anakanerk (Ugyuk)
I wish to say “good morning” to Nattilingmiut.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge Lorne Kusugak’s request to speak about a person who recently passed away from Gjoa Haven.
Louis Anakanerk was the station manager for Qulliq Energy in Gjoa Haven. Louis worked for almost 20 years as a manager starting in 1992. He worked until this winter, when he became ill and was unable to work.
Louis took his job very seriously and went to work every day until he was unable to do so. Anakanerk was very committed to his job and he worked tirelessly.
He continued to work even during bad weather and provided an essential service to the residents. He continued to work even when others were unable to.
Mr. Speaker, Louis will be remembered for the tremendous commitment and service that he provided the community.
He always completed his work and he also provided reports to the community about very vital information.
I’m sure that his fellow workers and the people of Gjoa Haven will remember him greatly.
The late Mr. Anakanerk was active in the community and he had expected to retire… .
Speaker: Ms. Ugyuk, your time is up.
Would you like to request unanimous consent to conclude your statement?
Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): I’m sorry, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.
The member from Nattilik is seeking unanimous consent to conclude her statement.
There being none, please go ahead.
Louis had expected to retire and be commemorated, but unfortunately that didn’t occur.
Louis Anakanerk passed away on April 7 in Gjoa Haven.
Mr. Speaker, I was asked to inform the people of Gjoa Haven that a ceremony will be held. However, it was not possible, so a plaque will be placed by the Qulliq Energy Corporation in memory of Louis this month and the plaque will be placed at the power corporation office in Gjoa Haven.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to invite my colleagues to observe a moment of silence for Louis Anakanerk.
Moving on to Members’ Statements.
Member’s Statement 063 – 3(3): Truth and Reconciliation Commission (Tapardjuk)
Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Good morning, Mr. Speaker. I also say “good morning” to my constituents in Igloolik and Hall Beach.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today for two reasons. First, with respect to my colleague, the Member for Rankin Inlet North, Mr. Tagak Curley, who made a reply to the Opening Address, I wanted to state that my constituents expressed their support of his comments as they felt them to be true. Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, in his reply, he states that the angst or undermining, paranoia, and belittling needs to stop.
Additionally, Mr. Speaker, as per his statement, we now have to consider using Inuit societal values in order to survive and to resolve any difficulties in life.
We need to get back to those ways because even when life seems impossible, the Inuit societal values are geared towards these challenges, even when they run into opposition.
We can provide more support to those people who are vulnerable so that we can encourage them to not give up if we can show them the value of these principles.
Mr. Speaker, the minister’s reply was well accepted and I personally have faith in these values.
Due to these reasons, many Nunavummiut have had to overcome unpleasant residential school experiences.
They were apprehended as children from their parents, even though it caused many parents to suffer from worry.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to state that on March 23 and March 24, our community experienced some hardship when the Truth and Reconciliation Commission came to Igloolik to hear the stories about people’s experiences in those days.
In those two days… .
The Member for Amittuq is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement.
There being none. Please proceed.
I would like to share my thoughts of the hearing we had in Igloolik with the TRC there. It is also quite obvious that, of the residential school students, Igloolik residents represented the largest number of students, especially at the Chesterfield Inlet Residential School and other schools.
The children sent out from Igloolik constituted the largest number of students in the residential school era.
One thing that I would like to share, Mr. Speaker, is the majority of survivors had the opportunity to express their feelings and to talk about their experience, some of whom suppressed these experiences deep inside, but they were able to open up about them. They thanked the TRC panel for coming to town and providing them the opportunity to speak their piece.
The healing process is still ongoing and we will continue to work on collecting these stories and we will continue to walk along the path towards healing.
Many people came to the community to provide support during this difficult time, not just past students at the Chesterfield Inlet Residential School but also the victims of sexual and other abuses by the Catholic hierarchy as well as others in this residential school period.
The wish to overcome these problems and working towards healing is becoming our focus so that we can alleviate our problems in Nunavut that are a result of these past abuses. That is the only way we can ensure that future generations do not suffer from this so that they can be stronger.
Mr. Speaker, I want to express a heartfelt thank you to the following people: Commissioner Justice Murray Sinclair, Commissioner Marie Wilson, Commissioner Chief Wilton Littlechild, and their staff, Jennifer Hunt-Poitras and Robert Watt.
They comprised the commission and they travelled to Igloolik. I also would like to thank people from many communities, including Coral Harbour, where a healer arrived to provide support to the survivors in Igloolik.
Mr. Speaker, there will be another meeting in Inuvik from June 28 to July 1.
The TRC will be there to hold the hearing and I expect that survivors of residential schools in that region will start to prepare themselves. Disclosure is the first step towards the road to recovery and healing in their future.
On behalf of my colleagues here, I would like to thank the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for their invaluable work.
Mr. Speaker, I want to share my gratitude to the TRC with my colleagues here.
Member from Nanulik, Mr. Ningeongan.
Member’s Statement 064 – 3(3): Mine Training Success Stories (Ningeongan)
Mr. Ningeongan: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) I say “good morning” to the people of Coral Harbour and Chesterfield Inlet, as well as Nunavummiut. I hope you enjoy the spring.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share some good news with my colleagues about mine training in the Kivalliq.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, I have been a strong advocate for providing meaningful training opportunities to my constituents and other residents of the Kivalliq.
The residents of the communities that I represent in the Legislative Assembly are eager to work.
In order to help them be ready to work, I have pushed for partnerships between government and industry to provide the necessary training and skills.
Mr. Speaker, four residents of the Kivalliq, including three of my constituents, began their training at mine sites in Quebec on March 1 of this year.
In cooperation with the Mine Training Society, they are on a path that we hope will ultimately see them take on positions of increasing responsibility in mine operations here at home.
Mr. Speaker, I want to express my encouragement to Mark Pootoolik, Roland Nakoolak, Ray Pudlat, and Raymond Mercer.
I know that it’s not always easy to leave your community in order to pursue opportunities, but we are behind you all.
Mr. Speaker, there are other exciting projects going on right now in the Kivalliq.
I want to thank those companies that are making real efforts to provide meaningful training and employment opportunities for our residents and I want to again state for the record my firm support for initiatives that are building a better future for our people.
I would also like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to everyone who is working hard to make these opportunities a reality. Richard Connelly, who many of my colleagues know very well, is one such individual and I thank him for keeping me informed about initiatives in our region.
Members’ Statements. Member for Kugluktuk, Mr. Taptuna.
Member’s Statement 065 – 3(3): Congratulations to Ian Taptuna and Other Graduates of Kugluktuk School (Taptuna)
Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to congratulate the students who are graduating in my constituency of Kugluktuk this month.
First off, I would like to recognize my son Ian Taptuna as part of the graduating class. His mother, Joanne, and I are very proud of him and we like to wish Ian the very best for his education and career plan.
Mr. Speaker, Ian did not graduate alone. Five other students are graduating this year and they are as follows: Jonathan Manok Taipana, Mila Algiak, Lalena Inualuak, Andrew Atatahak, and Gradon Anaviluk.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to all of the students and I hope that they decide to continue on their education as part of their future plans.
Mr. Speaker, we need to see more students wanting and staying interested in graduating from high school and hopefully continue on into college and university. A good education goes a long way to ensure that our youth are ready to face the challenges of tomorrow and the years to come.
Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the parents and the guardians who made sure that these students were fed and brought to school.
As usual, the guardians and the parents do not get enough recognition for the students who are graduating and the students who are staying in school.
>>Applause  Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Taptuna.
Member’s Statement 066 – 3(3): Tribute to Retired Leaders (Elliott)
I rise today to pay tribute to three leaders whose distinguished careers have had an important impact on Nunavut and Nunavummiut. Mr. Speaker, the three individuals about whom I will speak today are no strangers to you or my other colleagues in this House.
Mr. Speaker, when I was honoured to be entrusted with the responsibility of representing the good people of Grise Fiord, Resolute Bay, and Arctic Bay in this Legislative Assembly, one of the first telephone calls that I received was from Paul Okalik.
I appreciated that call and, over the last two years, I appreciated the working relationship that we had. As members know, we didn’t necessarily agree on every issue, but we found ways of working together on a number of important matters.
I learned a lot of things from Paul during our time together in this House and I would say that two of the things that stand out for me are the importance of being vocal on the issues about which one cares and the importance of growing a very thick skin. Mr. Speaker, I think my hide may be getting there.
Mr. Speaker, Paul’s contributions to Nunavut during its formative years as our first Premier are too numerous to list in my time today, but it is safe to say that his place in Canadian history is assured. I wish him every success in the next stage of his career.
Mr. Speaker, our colleague from Pond Inlet, James Arvaluk, recently announced his retirement from public office.
Before my election, I was an adult educator at Nunavut Arctic College. As you know, the college has published an important series of books on northern leaders, including one on James. I remember reading this book before my election and hoping that I would have the opportunity to serve alongside James.
Mr. Speaker, when I reflect on the time that James and I served together, the word that comes to mind about him is persistence.
As you know, James fought each and every day for Pond Inlet and I want to take this opportunity to put on the public record the fact that many residents of his community, as well as many people in my own constituency, have been contacting me in recent weeks to express their support for James.
Mr. Speaker, when it came to such issues as getting a new community hall or small craft harbour for Pond Inlet, James was absolutely focused on speaking up for Pond Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to seek unanimous consent to continue with my Member’s Statement today.
The Member for Quttiktuq is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement.
There being none. Please proceed, Mr. Elliott.
If he didn’t get the answer he was looking for one day, he would try again the next and the day after that, if necessary.
Mr. Speaker, when it comes to speaking for the High Arctic, I can only try to be as persistent as James.
Mr. Speaker, the third leader to whom I wish to pay tribute is former Auditor General Sheila Fraser, who retired from office earlier this week.
Mr. Speaker, as we noted during Ms. Fraser’s appearance last month before our standing committee, she took the time during her decade of service to travel on many occasions to Nunavut. I had the honour of hosting her in the High Arctic and I know that her time in our smaller communities was of tremendous benefit to her reporting responsibilities.
Mr. Speaker, the Auditor General’s reports to our legislature have made important observations and recommendations on programs and services that are vital to the constituents whom we serve.
Sheila Fraser was not afraid to speak truth to power and, as a legislator who has the duty to provide oversight of the government’s spending and actions, I have been proud to have had the opportunity to do my part in acting on her important reports.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in paying tribute to the three distinguished leaders about whom I have spoken today.
Member’s Statement 067 – 3(3): Arctic Co-operatives New Recycling Program (Ningark)
Mr. Ningark: Good morning and thank you, Mr. Speaker.
With the rain this morning, I have noticed that Vancouver weather has shifted this way and I don’t expect my friend from Arviat to throw a Boston Tea Party any time soon.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the Arctic Co-operative Limited for establishing a new recycling program in Nunavut.
This new recycling program will begin shortly and is planned to have 23 communities participating.
Mr. Speaker, this program will not only contribute to reducing the amount of waste going into our landfills, but it will also provide an additional means of fundraising for community groups, such as sports teams or school groups.
Mr. Speaker, this new recycling program will be in partnership with Co-operators Group Limited, Nunavut Sealink and Supply Incorporated, Arctic Beverages, Canadian North Airlines, and the Government of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage Nunavummiut to take advantage of this program and I look forward to its progress in reducing waste in our communities.
Member’s Statement 068 – 3(3): Congratulations to Cambridge Bay Graduates (Peterson)
I would like to rise today to recognize the graduating class of 2011 at the Kiilinik High School in Cambridge Bay.
Mr. Speaker, on May 21, these young men and ladies attended their graduation ceremony while their parents, families, teachers, and friends were all in attendance. It was like coming to the Academy Awards; they all came out dressed very nicely in their suits and gowns.
It was a very proud moment.
I would like to recognize these individuals by announcing their names:
Victoria Akhok
Janine Angohiatok
Azalea Atienza  Ian Chenier
Colin Crockatt
Cassel Kapolak
Chelsea Klengenberg
And recognition ceremony participants as well:
Puglik Agligoetok
Tyson Crockatt
Mallory Ehaloak
Kalene Epilon
Brent Evetalegak
Talia Maksagak, and
Perry Nakashook.
Mr. Speaker, we all know, as my colleague from Kugluktuk said, there’s a lot of hard work involved in graduating from grade 12. It’s very important that you stay in school and get an education. We all know that people can take a lot away from you but they can’t take away a good, sound, and solid education that is attributed to the hard work of the students, their parents, and their teachers.
We have to pay recognition to all of those folks.
I would like the House to join me today in wishing all of these grade 12 students and the recognition ceremony students future success in their journeys in life.
I would also like to mention that I would like to congratulate and wish all of the graduates from Inuksuk High School that are graduating this weekend all the best in their future careers too.
Member’s Statement 069 – 3(3): Review of Nutrition North Canada Program (Curley)
I rise today to speak to a matter. Firstly, I want to state that quite a number of Rankin Inlet residents worried about a couple that were lost out on the land briefly, but they were found yesterday. We thank the search and rescue team who were successful.
Mr. Speaker, in the last two days, we have been quite busy in our review in the Committee of the Whole for the good of all Nunavutmiut.