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Mr. Speaker, I would like to finish today by noting that it’s also no secret that hockey plays a big role in my family’s life.
Although I am not going to risk provoking this Assembly’s first point of order by saying which team we support, I do want to say that my years of coaching youth hockey have reinforced my belief that we’re only going to succeed if we play as a team.
Mr. Speaker, I’m very much honoured to be a part of this team.
Member Pat Angnakak, Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu.
Member’s Statement 008 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu (Angnakak)
Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I would like to start off by saying “thank you” to everyone who took the time to come and celebrate with us here today, even with the bad weather.
I am both humbled and honoured to rise today to express my gratitude to the people of Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu Riding for giving me the opportunity to represent them in the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, there are a lot of people who I would like to acknowledge today, but first, I want to acknowledge God, who led me on my journey through to victory.
Mr. Speaker, I could not have been successful in the recent election without the support of my own family.
I want to express my deep gratitude and thankfulness towards my partner in life, my husband, Archie. He was always there for me and encouraged me throughout the whole campaign.
Thank you to my daughter Sharon and her partner Nick, my son Matthew and his wife, Tara, and Michael, my youngest son, who took the day off work to help out on Election Day.
Thank you for your support and for your belief in me.
Thank you to my grandchildren who inspired me to run for all the right reasons, Maria, Ava, Isaiah, and Liam.
I would also like to give thanks to my parents, Mike and Margaret Gardener.
Mr. Speaker, this Chamber has a very special place in my heart.
Two years ago, right in this very room, my father received the Order of Nunavut.
On that occasion, my father, the Reverend Michael Gardener, was recognized for his lifetime of commitment to this land and its people, and so I have a tough act to follow.
The inspiration of my parents is part of the reason why I have also committed myself towards helping Nunavut become an easier place to live in, where we care about what happens to each other, and where we, as a government, strive to work hard to meet the basic needs of all.
Mr. Speaker, I have other family here in Iqaluit, and I want to acknowledge my sister Susan, who gave me so many hours in going door to door with me and who is, I might add, not afraid of dogs like I am.
Thank you for your help and for being brave.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement today.
Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues.
Thank you for your help, Sue, and for being brave in facing those barking dogs because I couldn’t have done it without you.
And my sister Anne, who took the time to come down from Grise Fiord in order to be here for this special occasion, thank you for your support and encouragement.
I would also like to acknowledge the great election volunteer team I had.
Mr. Speaker, my campaign manager told me that she didn’t want to be named, but I’m going to be naughty and I’m going to name her anyways. Most of you who live in Iqaluit already know that Lynn Cousins was my campaign manager.
She was effective, well organized, and she whipped us into a great team that led to this victory.
You are an amazing and wonderful person, Lynn.
Mr. Speaker, I couldn’t have claimed victory if I was campaigning alone, and so to my many volunteers who most wished to remain anonymous, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your help.
I hope that I will live up to your expectations. I will work hard and do the best I can.
Today, I would also like to pay tribute to those who have previously sat in this House on behalf of the people of Iqaluit.
The Hon. Eva Aariak, the Hon. Ed. Picco, and the Hon. Hunter Tootoo all served with honour and distinction. I want to wish you all well and thank you for your service over the years.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to acknowledge my fellow candidates who stood in the recent election. Anne Crawford, Duncan Cunningham, Jack Anawak, Methusalah Kunuk, and Sytukie Joamie, I admire your courage to run.
I know how hard it is in trying to get elected and I know that you are all dedicated to the well-being of this community.
I look forward to seeing you all continue to make important contributions to our community in the years ahead.
Mr. Speaker, as I look around the House, I look forward to the future. I am optimistic. My fellow members from Iqaluit bring both wisdom of experience and the energy of new ideas for new beginnings for this government.
I am confident that we will be able to effectively work together to ensure that Nunavut’s capital city becomes an even more vibrant and special place in which families can raise their children.
Mr. Speaker, during my campaign, I pledged to communicate and consult in an open and respectful manner with my constituents.
I heard very clearly from the people of Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu that one of our first assignments as Members of the House is to work together to make improvements to our education system and to work towards having a government that will invest in the well-being of our children and grandchildren.
For example, the need to have better and affordable daycare, this message was echoed throughout our territory of Nunavut during the campaign period, and so I look forward to working with members on both sides of this House to make this a priority and achieve this goal.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to conclude by saying that although there will be challenging and difficult days ahead of us, by working together, by better connecting with those whom we represent as a government, and by all of us working towards the same goals, we can meet these challenges and endure the hardships necessary to make Nunavut a successful and healthy territory for all to enjoy.
May God bless all of us here today, may we have unity and the commitment to work together on common goals for the benefit of all Nunavummiut.
Member for Quttiktuq, Member Isaac Shooyook.
Member’s Statement 009 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent Quttiktuq (Shooyook)
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
First of all, I would like to thank my son-in-law and my guests for being in the House.
I have had support from my wife for a very long time, especially the people of Quttiktuq who voted for me. I thank them all.
Mr. Speaker, when I was campaigning, I told the people that Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, or Inuit traditional knowledge, is not yet recognized by the government and that is going to be one of my first priorities during my term.
That’s the only thing I brought up during my campaign.
I again thank the people who voted for me at that time. Also, there were people who approached me and said, “Shooyook, you’re going to be elected to the Legislative Assembly.”
I thank the people of Quttiktuq for having the trust and confidence in me.
Mr. Speaker, for the Minister of Culture and Heritage, just to give you a heads up, I will be working on Inuit traditional knowledge right to the end of my term. Also to the Minister of Justice, again I would like to indicate to the minister that I will be bringing up the issue of incorporating Inuit traditional knowledge into the justice system.
I look forward to working with you and supporting each other on those issues.
Mr. Speaker, I will be giving support to my colleagues when needed.
Member for (interpretation ends) South Baffin, David Joanasie.
Member’s Statement 010 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent South Baffin (Joanasie)
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
First of all, congratulations to you, Mr. Speaker, on being appointed to this important role.
Congratulations to our new Premier, Mr. Taptuna, our cabinet members, and all of my fellow colleagues. I am looking forward to working with you as well as my constituency in the Fourth Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank all of my family and friends, namely, my wife, Emily, and our three children, soon to be four, my sister-in-law, Aluki, along with the rest of my in-laws, my good friend P.J. and his family, my siblings, and my wonderful mother, Wendy, who was also my campaign and financial manager during the election period.
I would also like to remember and honour my late father.
The Annuraaq which I am wearing belonged to my late father, whose memory I am honouring today.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank all of my fellow candidates, namely, Tommy Akavak, for having run great races.
I would like to ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement today.
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members.
Thank you to the people of Kinngait and Kimmirut who elected me to represent the South Baffin Riding in the Nunavut legislature.
I would like to acknowledge some of my predecessors, such as Joe and Goo Arlooktoo, Kenoayoak Pudlat, Olayuk Akesuk, and Fred Schell.
Mr. Speaker, I’m proud to say that the voter turnout in South Baffin this past election increased significantly to over 80 percent, and I wish Nunavummiut, young and old, continue to participate in our democratic society. I am very proud of this achievement because I know there were many people who would not have otherwise bothered to vote. Mr. Speaker, the significantly increased turnout in my constituency is a very positive sign.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I stand here today hoping that there is a shift happening in Nunavut, a shift that is giving a large portion of our population, especially the younger generation, an opportunity to succeed and overcome many of our personal or collective challenges.
Being here today, I am hoping that my young son as well as many other young Nunavummiut are inspired to be engaged and involved with leadership opportunities.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, during my campaign, I kept bringing up the topics of culture and language, families, our children, integrity, and education.
I am looking forward to working on these and other issues with you and all of my colleagues over the next four years as we serve Nunavummiut together.
In closing, during my campaign, I stated that (interpretation ends) if I don’t succeed, you won’t succeed, and I apply this, I think, to the same token with this government that this House must succeed also for the government to succeed.
Member for Uqqummiut, Samuel Nuqingaq.
Member’s Statement 011 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent Uqqummiut (Nuqingaq)
Mr. Nuqingaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I congratulate you and I also congratulate the Premier.
Mr. Speaker, this past week, I sent my apologies to the people of Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq, my colleagues, and the people of Nunavut.
If it wasn’t for the support of my wife, I wouldn’t be standing here.
It has been a learning experience to apologize to both communities of Qikiqtarjuaq and Clyde River.
I will want to have a very close working relationship with all the members here.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak, Monica Ell.
Member’s Statement 012 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent Iqaluit-Manirajak (Ell)
I also congratulate you for appointed to the position of Speaker.
I am very proud of my colleagues and I welcome them to Iqaluit. I would also like to congratulate Peter Taptuna, who was appointed to the position of Premier.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to say “thank you” to the people of Iqaluit-Manirajak for voting for me.
It was evident that they had trusted me to represent them in the House and to start developing here in Nunavut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would also like to especially thank my family and friends for the support that they provided me throughout the campaign.
I would also like to congratulate all of my colleagues on their success and I look forward to working closely with them on the many issues that we will be facing.
I would like to express my appreciation to the Premier and the former cabinet colleagues of the Third Assembly for helping me out in the early days as being former minister.
Also, thank you to the previous executive secretaries that I had the pleasure to work with.
A special thank you to the Executive Assistant, Leena Ellsworth, and my former EA, who a lot of you know, Susan Scullion.
I am sure she is looking down on us with that usual big smile on her face.
As I indicated in my election materials, I am just getting warmed up.
I made commitments to work on improving support for disabilities, housing issues, marine facilities, a home for performing arts, and to address a number of other concerns raised by my constituents.
I intend to do just that and you have my word that I will do my best to support you and work on your behalf.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my appreciation to my colleagues for placing their faith in me when electing me to the Executive Council for the Fourth Assembly. I will work hard for my constituents and for the people of Nunavut in this important role and I, too, look forward to the future.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Member for Arviat North-Whale Cove, George Kuksuk.
Member’s Statement 013 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent Arviat North-Whale Cove (Kuksuk)
Mr. Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I rise today to thank the people of Arviat North and Whale Cove for placing their confidence in me to serve as their elected Member of the Legislative Assembly.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, none of us would be sitting here today without the support of our families.
I want to express my gratitude to my family and children for their support.
Mr. Speaker, a lot of people worked very hard in support of my campaign.
I want to make special mention of my financial agent, (interpretation) who is also my daughter-in-law, Evelyn Kuksuk, and my campaign manager, Tommy Owlijoot.
They worked very hard and if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here today.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I very much look forward to working with each and every Member of this House.
I am also looking forward to consulting closely with municipal leaders in both Arviat and Whale Cove.
During my campaign, I emphasized the importance of ensuring that our territory’s smallest communities are neither neglected nor ignored, and I am committed to representing all of my constituents in this House.
Mr. Speaker, please allow me to conclude by formally congratulating you and all of my colleagues. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I am confident that we can meet the challenges and work together.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Mr. Paul Okalik.
Member’s Statement 014 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent Iqaluit-Sinaa (Okalik)
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to be back and I am very happy with the electors.
I want to welcome the new members and I will want to work with them here in the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, I used to sit where you are and I appreciate and I know that you will work hard during our sittings.
I couldn’t stay in the Chair for too long because of other responsibilities. I am very proud of you for being selected as the Speaker.
I used to sit on the opposite side, but I will be working with the ministers.
I am very pleased and I’m sure that we will learn and work together.
I would like to recognize our new Premier, Mr. Taptuna.
I know that he will work hard in his position, but I will want to work very closely with him and assist him because we have to help each other in order to proceed properly for the future.
I wanted to state that if I can help you or any of the staff or anyone with anything, I will be available.
I wasn’t going to be elected if I didn’t get the support of my family, whom I appreciate very much.
I would like to recognize the other candidates, Leesee Papatsie, Salomon Awa, and Natsiq Kango. They made me work pretty hard when I was campaigning and I appreciate their efforts.
Also, there were very young people who assisted and they were learning about their future.
Speaker (interpretation): The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays?
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): I thank my colleagues for not nay’ing.
I can now proceed.
The young people who assisted me with my campaign were very helpful and knowledgeable, especially Franco Buscemi, who I appreciate. I’m sure I’ll see him again in the future. Along with my niece Maatalii, they really assisted me when I was campaigning.
The people I represent come from different nationalities and I am sorry I can only acknowledge some. (interpretation ends) Merci. Thank you. Xie-xie.
Domo Arigato. Salamat. Gracias. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker: The Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Tom Sammurtok.
Member’s Statement 015 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet (Sammurtok)
Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I would like to thank my constituency for Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet and the people who helped me when I was campaigning in Rankin Inlet and in Chesterfield Inlet.
Thank you very much, especially my brother-in-law, who was my finance manager, as well as his wife.
Brian Zawadski, I thank you very much for working very hard to help me.
He helped me with things that I couldn’t do.
(interpretation ends) I would like to congratulate you, Mr. Speaker, for being elected to there, to the Premier, and to all of my fellow MLAs and cabinet members. (interpretation) Thank you.
(interpretation ends) As for the two MLAs who dragged you to your Chair, all I can say is that I’m never picking a fight with either one of them.
Mr. Speaker, I commit to do all I can to represent my constituents and not only my constituents. I know there are a lot of needs throughout Nunavut and the needs throughout Nunavut are similar in all regions.
I commit to doing my best to make sure that those needs are identified, met, and hopefully ratified as well.
These needs are horrendous and huge because we’re talking about areas of health, education, economic development, and municipal infrastructure.
To my fellow MLAs and cabinet members, we have a huge task ahead of us. However, I commit to working with all of you to make sure that Nunavummiut are going to be able to at least maybe see some easing of their burden during the life of this legislature.
In closing, I just want to give my sincere appreciation.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude.
Mr. Sammurtok: Qujannamiik, Mr. Speaker and (interpretation) my colleagues.
(interpretation ends) In closing, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to my family, who supported my decision to run as a candidate for MLA.
If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here. They were supporting me, especially my granddaughter, who some of you may have seen playing soccer here, although she is from Rankin Inlet, and her soccer team mates, who helped me with my campaign.
I truly appreciate all the work that they did for me.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Member for Kugluktuk, Peter Taptuna.
Member’s Statement 016 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent Kugluktuk (Taptuna)
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your selection to the Speaker of the House.
Also, I want to congratulate each and every one of you who had won and campaigned in your respective ridings.
It takes a lot of courage and a lot of self-commitment even just to put your name in for candidate. I congratulate you all.
At this time, I am very humbled and honoured by the faith and trust you placed upon me by electing me as Premier for Nunavut.
I congratulate Mr. Okalik and Mr. Quassa for putting their names in for candidate for the premiership.
Most of all, I thank the people of Kugluktuk, who stood by my side throughout the tough times in the Third Assembly during my efforts for the last five years. I just want to name off a few.
Mr. Speaker, there were a lot of folks in Kugluktuk who put in the time and energy encouraging me over the last five years: Annie and Herbert Bolt, Millie and Simon Kuliktana, Red Pedersen, Collin and Mavis Adjun, my sister Elizabeth, Jack Himiak, Joanne Klengenberg, Ryan Nivingalok and his young family, and to the elders of Kugluktuk.
A special thank you I have to put out there for my financial agent, Winter Kuliktana.
As you know, I will represent you to the best of my ability, including all Nunavummiut, the youth, the elders, and of course, all the residents who are in between the youth and the elders.
I want to say “thanks” to the previous cabinet, the previous Premier, and the Third Assembly.
There are a lot of new faces and some old veterans who have been here for a bit.
I want to go back to the First Assembly in thanking Mr. Donald Havioyak, the first MLA for Kugluktuk and in the Second Assembly, Mr. Joe Allen Evyagotailak.
Without their encouragement, I would not be here.
At this time, Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Mr. Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, I will be doing my utmost as the Premier for Nunavut.
I believe in all the MLAs being put in their position as MLAs representing their communities, which is an honourable position, with the trust that has been put in your place to represent your communities.
Mr. Speaker, one of my key beliefs for healthy and productive communities is through meaningful employment and training for employment. As you know, employment leads to better self-esteem, self-confidence, and overall healthier, happier families in our communities.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my family, who is sitting behind me, and my wife, Joanne, of 35 years. Without that, I would not be standing here.
Mr. Speaker, it took a lot of people throughout my life who have encouraged me to move on, whether it’s in employment, education, and just overall living life for the betterment of oneself and their families and communities.
It took many people to get to this point where I’m standing.  I’ve got to thank my parents.
When we were living off the land, they encouraged me hard work, the values of traditional knowledge and values, hard work, and my educators and many teachers or else I wouldn’t have been standing here. It took many people to get me to this point.
But most of all, I want to thank my wife and the people of Kugluktuk and our children behind me, my granddaughter, my daughter, and my son-in-law who supported me all throughout the last five years.
Again I want to thank every member sitting here for putting their trust in me to lead the way for the betterment of Nunavummiut.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Member for Netsilik, Ms. Jeannie Ugyuk.
Member’s Statement 017 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent Netsilik (Ugyuk)
Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I congratulate you, Mr. Speaker.
I hear that your constituency is very happy to see you selected as the Speaker of the House. I congratulate you, along with your constituents.
I would also like to congratulate our new Premier, Peter Taptuna. We have entrusted you to be Premier of Nunavut and I’m sure that Nunavummiut are very pleased to see you as the Premier.
Also, to the people of Gjoa Haven, they now have their own Member of the Legislative Assembly. Congratulations, Mr. Tony Akoak. I do want to work closely with you and I am very pleased that you were elected.
I would also like to express my gratitude to the Netsilik Riding and also to the communities of Taloyoak and Kugaaruk. I was acclaimed and I appreciate them.
I understand that by putting me here, they have entrusted me and I thank the people of the Netsilik Riding.
I would also like to extend my appreciation to our previous MLAs, Enuk Pauloosie, John Ningark, Ovidee Alakannuark, Uriash Puqiqnak, and our Member of Parliament, Leona Aglukkaq. I now follow your footsteps.