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Speaker (interpretation): Good afternoon, Members. I would like to ask all the members and the ministers to recognize the elders who are here today.
Minister’s Statement 195 – 2(4): Alcohol Education Committee Reference Guide (Tapardjuk)
I am pleased to provide an update today to my colleagues on my department’s development of a reference guide for Alcohol Education Committees.
At the beginning of last month, a draft version of the guide was circulated to each Alcohol Education Committee.
There are 13 communities in Nunavut that are currently operating under a restricted liquor system with an Alcohol Education Committee.
Each committee operates subject to its own community-specific Liquor Restriction Regulation.
The reference guide highlights the similarities between each committee, including the relationship between AECs and Liquor Management, and provides space for committees to share their rules.
Mr. Speaker, the committees have been asked to share this information with Nunavut Liquor Management so that the final version of the guide will contain best practices as defined by Alcohol Education Committees themselves. Many of the committees have been operating since the 1980s and have well established rules governing their meetings. Others are new and are creating those rules.
Mr. Speaker, in January 2008, meetings of representatives of Alcohol Education Committees from across the territory were held in Rankin Inlet and Iqaluit.
I was pleased to speak at the Iqaluit meeting. From what I heard at that meeting, we are on the right track.
Minister’s Statement 196 – 2(4): Coppermine River Management Plan Update (Akesuk)
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Good afternoon, my colleagues. (interpretation) I would like to welcome our visitors in the Gallery.
Mr. Speaker, in 2002, the Government of Nunavut was successful in having the Coppermine River nominated as a Canadian Heritage River.
Today, I am pleased to announce I will be recommending the Canadian Heritage Rivers Board approve the Coppermine River Management Plan when they meet in the Yukon in June.
The Coppermine River will be the first Heritage River in Canada flowing into the Arctic Ocean.
It is a river that continues to inspire explorers seeking to understand the landscapes, cultures, and minerals of the watershed.
It has a rich and continuous history for the Inuit and Dene cultures and their ancestors, and even today is an important source of subsistence hunting, fishing, and water for the community of Kugluktuk.
As John Franklin remarked on his search for the famed Northwest Passage, it is a river changed only by the passage of time.
For these and many other reasons, the river is easily worthy of designation as a Canadian Heritage River.
The management plan is the final step towards full designation of the Coppermine River. It was developed by the Kugluktuk Hunters and Trappers Organization and the Kitikmeot Inuit Association in keeping with the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
It involved the combined efforts of residents of Kugluktuk, local elders and youth, Nunavut Parks & Special Places staff, and industry – both Diavik and Miramar were involved in its development.
The interest and participation from all river stakeholders shows the commitment to ensure the Coppermine River is forever cared for in a way that befits its designation as a Canadian Heritage River and for residents of Kugluktuk.
Orders of the Day. Item 2. Ministers’ Statement.
Minister’s Statement 197 – 2(4): Update on the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation (Netser)
Just prior to my Minister’s Statement, I would like this opportunity to apologize to Mr. Arvaluk for my inappropriate comments yesterday.
I am deeply sorry for my lack of better judgement and I apologize to his constituents as well for my unparlimentary behaviour. I believe that Mr. Arvaluk does a good job to represent his constituency.
Secondly, I wish to be forgiven by my constituents in the communities of Coral Harbour and Chesterfield Inlet for my inappropriate behaviour as a minister. Lastly, I would like to apologize to my wife and children if my actions caused them any embarrassment.
Mr. Speaker, I want to provide the Members of this House with a brief update on the recent activities of the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation.
As members are aware, the corporation faces many challenges in responding to the recommendations and critical observations of the Auditor General (AG) that were provided in her report to the Legislative Assembly in November of last year.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that good progress is being made on the implementation of the action plan that was prepared to ensure the AG’s recommendations were followed.  The majority of the improvements we need to make at the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation are contained in a new Operational Procedures Manual and a new Board Governance Manual.
Mr. Speaker, in June, the chief executive officer will seek board approval for new and expanded versions of these manuals.
As well, Mr. Speaker, arrangements have been made to move the corporation’s offices to Iqaluit and we will do it this month.
In recent months, there has been significant improvement in the operations of the corporation.
The board of directors and staff are working hard to ensure that lending services continue to be available to our business community in a professional and timely fashion. I am grateful for their continuing efforts and for their accomplishment to date.
Mr. Speaker, over the next few weeks, we will be paying close attention to the recommendations of the standing committee which were brought to the House yesterday. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 473 – 2(4): Happy Birthday to Peter Kattuk and Farewell as MLA (Barnabas)
I rise today to announce Mr. Peter Kattuk’s birthday yesterday. I think this is our last session of the Legislative Assembly and I would like to thank him. I could not say his name properly since 1999 and since I was the employee, he scolded me.
I am very pleased that I am finally able to pronounce his name properly.
Peter Kattuk has been a member of the legislature for quite some time. I think I first saw him in 1999 during a divisional board of education meeting where we had just been elected. Mr. Kattuk has worked extensively in various fields and I am very happy to be able to be a member with him.
He is concerned about all the things that have to be addressed and works hard to resolve them. He is a traditional Inuk and has always worked very hard to safeguard Inuit traditions and cares for the animals, such as the polar bears of Nunavut. I’m not sure whether he is going to be coming back in September and I would like to thank him as well.
Member’s Statement 474 – 2(4): Congratulations to Graduate of Office Administrator Program in Gjoa Haven (Aglukkaq)
Hon. Leona Aglukkaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to welcome the members of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Committee to the Gallery. I am also very happy that I was able to see my mother who is here with us as well.
I could deliver my baby following Inuit traditional knowledge while she is here.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate today the graduation of eight individuals from Nunavut Arctic College “Office Administration Program” in Gjoa Haven.
I would like to congratulate Paul Ullulaq, Sheena Kamookak, Rhoda Hiqiniq, Catherine Hiqiniq, Rita Porter, Sheila Kamookak, Kelly Putuguq and Freda Arqviq.
And, I also would like to pass on my thanks to Heather Crichlow and all the Nunavut Arctic College staff that continue to offer excellent programs in Gjoa Haven.
Mr. Speaker, I wish them every success in using the new skills they have learned and I wish them success in their future endeavours.
Unfortunately, I had to send my regrets for not being able to attend in person but the graduation is taking place this afternoon while we are in session, so I think they are also watching this program live today.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to congratulate Mary Eetoolook from Taloyoak for her Long Term Service Award representing 30 years of dedicated service to both the Government of the Northwest Territories and currently, the Government of Nunavut, as a school teacher in Taloyoak and in the past, in the Kitikmeot region.
So I would like to offer all the best to Mary Eetoolook and to the Nunavut Arctic College graduates this afternoon in Gjoa Haven.
Member’s Statement 475 – 2(4): Impact of Rising World Price of Oil on Nunavummiut (Curley)
I am happy to be back, although I had wanted to be at home. The plane did not land in Rankin Inlet, so I’m back today.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the very expensive petroleum prices in the communities.
Mr. Speaker, the day before yesterday, the price went down a little bit but it is now $127 U.S. per barrel.
We have not seen something like this before where the price goes this high, but I know that Inuit hunters and homeowners are going to be paying very expensive prices for petroleum products and it’s a worry that the people are having.
Mr. Speaker, I could tell you, when I was in Manitoba last winter, I asked how much it is to produce power.
They didn’t know, but when they looked at their bills, it was six cents per kilowatt-hour.
They didn’t know because it was so cheap.
In Rankin Inlet, it’s more than five times that amount at 32 cents per kilowatt-hour.
It’s beginning to be impossible to own your own home, Mr. Speaker, because the Petroleum Products Revolving Fund would have to be increased so that the people of Nunavut don’t have to pay a huge amount in a year.
The subsidy provided by the government is not very large and it doesn’t make much difference to their power bills.
I think we have to make adjustments to government subsidy programs because it is such a worrisome thing for the people of Nunavut as we don’t know what’s going to happen in the next day or next year.
Member’s Statement 476 – 2(4): Congratulations to Arviat Students for Aboriginal Business Achievement (Alagalak)
Prior to making my Member’s Statement, I would like to take this opportunity to pass along my greetings to Peter Kattuk, whom I met when we were just creating our hamlet back in 1971.
He was one of my students who were taking municipal government courses. At that time, I had a lot of difficulty with the Sanikiluaq dialect, so we couldn’t understand one another sometimes.
We will definitely see each other in the future and with respect to Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, we may also become practitioners, so perhaps we will see each other again. I look forward to seeing you then.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I rise today to congratulate four Arviammiut students who have won awards with their project during their trip to Regina.
The following students won five of 12 awards at the National Aboriginal Youth Competition in Regina, Saskatchewan, recently: Anthony Adrias, Jolene Kigusiutnar,  Doriana Iqquk, and Calvin Pameolik.
The project was to sell customizable Amautiit.
My grandson, Calvin Pameolik, said they were a hit.
I am very proud of you so very much. (interpretation) Satiana, if you’re watching, and (interpretation ends) along with my Members in the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut, we are proud of you all.
(interpretation) I hope you’re watching, I don’t know, but you did a tremendous job and many students in Nunavut will be inspired by you.
On behalf of my colleagues, I would like to thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 477 – 2(4): Traditional Knowledge vs. Current Practices (Arvaluk)
I would like to welcome all of the visitors in the Gallery. There is not a strange face in the Gallery, you are all recognizable, I have seen and met all of your previously.
I would like to make a short comment prior to my Member’s Statement, Mr. Speaker.
I thank Mr. Netser for his heartfelt apology and I will never recollect that incident again, but instead will treat him as a colleague and a friend.
As well, in representing the people in my constituency, on behalf of the people of Pond Inlet, I thank Honourable Netser for his apology.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to raise the very strong concerns of Inuit who have expectations and hopes of getting our traditional values, perspectives, and knowledge acknowledged by the government.
This relates to fields such as Inuit sociology, counselling, suicide prevention, as well as this common concern expressed by many Inuit about getting dealt with in the paternalistic approaches of the western-based social services, especially when their children are taken from their families.
Whenever an outside counsellor, with their ward of the state mentality towards Inuit, assumes that the family is dysfunctional and they make a decision to send that child out of the community, they do so without any feelings of how it may affect the family or without consulting the affected parents and this is the case whereby they send the apprehended child to another community or give them to relatives who are too aged to properly care for the child, who should not be caring for young people at their age, and this is all following Canadian legislation.  The second issue that Inuit feel very strongly about incorporating into the government system is the fact that our communities and residents have very strong priorities when it comes to their infrastructure requirements and they are the ones that know their communities.
Therefore, our government should walk in step with local priorities.
We all know that the municipal and territorial governments have different mandates and legal foundations, but with respect to common issues, such as sealskin exportation or even the revenues from the sale of skins, our government has to take them into consideration.
Lastly, when we first became Members of the Legislature, we held a meeting in Baker Lake which was not televised.
That meeting resulted in many issues being resolved and we ought to have another meeting where we all deliberate the issues in front of us, both the government as well as the members.
Member’s Statement 478 – 2(4): Member Not Running in Next Election – Reflections as MLA (Kattuk)
I was going to make a different statement, but based on what I am hearing, I will have to change it slightly as my colleagues are busy presenting their greetings to their constituents.
So I suppose I will have to do the same and pass along my greetings as well today.
Back in 1999, when the government was first created and we held our very first election, I asked myself several questions in regard to our new government.
“Where has this government started from?
How has this government been created?”
I would mull over these questions at that time, but today, I am better versed in the government operations and system that we use here in Nunavut.
I would like it known that I do not plan on running in the next election, so I would like to say my goodbyes to my colleagues and fellow members, whom I learned a lot from and about.
One of my most vivid recollections was when I was appointed as the Minister responsible for the Petroleum Products Division.
This was about the same time as the bad gasoline episode and it incurred the growth of many white hairs as a result of that stressful time.
One really lucid memory is when I was making a statement in the House about the bad gasoline issue, there was a snowmobile that happened to roar by just as I was making my statement and it was really loud. I immediately thought to myself, “That machine definitely doesn’t have any bad gasoline in the tank.”
I have never forgotten that time. Here I was, really stressed out from the bad gasoline issue when the snowmobile roared by, speeding away, and this episode is what really stood out as I was quite stressed about the gasoline issue.
Also, as a Member of the Legislative Assembly, we leave our families behind while we are meeting at our sessions here and this is a difficult and stressful time for a person, I know that personally now.
As well, my colleagues here are tremendous workers and I can state that many of them are very good at their job.
Even if I’m not here for the next session, I would like you to remember me in your thoughts as I will be here in spirit. My reason is as follows...
My statement today is in regard to the dates selected for the next session, which is September 9, and this coincides with my scheduled knee surgery, that exact day, and this may be my last day in the House, which is why I am sending greetings to my colleagues here in the House.
As well, whether it is in this House or outside of the purview of the Legislative Assembly, I am quite pleased that the members took me under their wings and I am proud to have been a part of the government.
Many Inuit prefer to eat their country food as this is a part of our culture and this is a good practice.
I am amazed that Mr. Mapsalak always has a never-ending supply of country food.
During the First Legislative Assembly, our late colleague, Mr. Nutarak, was exactly the same way.
I used to be very respectful of him, but unfortunately, today, he is no longer with us. We’re usually told that we have two lives - one on earth and one in heaven. I know that we will see him again and I’m very glad for him.
As for the regular members, when we stay at that hotel, I get along very well with them and I am grateful for that.
As well as the people, all your family that I see, I wish them well, too. I know that I will see them again in the future. I can only announce, Mr. Speaker, that I’m not going to run again during the next election and I wanted you to know that right away.
On behalf of my colleagues, the other Members from the First Legislative Assembly, our elders, and all Nunavummiut, I thank you for all your contributions and support.
Member’s Statement 479 – 2(4): Rosemary Sandy – Teacher for 38 Years (Brown)
Hon. Levinia Brown (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to acknowledge our elders who are visiting in the Gallery from and across Nunavut.
I’m catching up to your age, so I want to let you know that I may be sitting beside you soon.
Secondly, I know what Peter Kattuk said that his previous portfolio is very difficult to take care of as the current minister of that portfolio, and I can attest to that by pointing out all my grey hair.
I would also like to thank you for doing a wonderful job of representing your constituents and you are one of the members who ask very good questions.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about and to acknowledge an individual from Rankin Inlet who has been a teacher for 38 years.
She is originally from Coral Harbour but moved to Rankin Inlet and her name is Rosemary Angugasuk Sandy.
She has been a teacher in Coral Harbour since 1969 and at that time, the Coral Harbour school was quite small.
In 1984, she moved to Rankin Inlet along with her husband and children.
She has taught at the Maani Ulujuk School and also at the Leo Ussak School.
Rosemary Sandy has taught many students, and some of her older students now have their own children and some are grandparents already.
That’s how long she’s been a teacher and she has shown us her capability.
She also teaches Inuktitut and also has a tremendous wealth of traditional knowledge.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge this individual.
On behalf of the Legislative Assembly, I would like to thank her because many young people look at her as their role model.
Rosemary, if you’re watching, I would like to thank you for teaching my children.
You and I share the same grandchildren and we have two great-grandchildren because her child and my child got together.
She has nine children and 16 grandchildren.
Member’s Statement 480 – 2(4): Need for a New Airport and Runway Extension in Clyde River (Arreak)
I would also like to welcome the elders who are visiting here.
I also wish to greet the residents of Qikiqtarjuaq, but it’s unfortunate that Clyde River residents cannot watch the proceedings on television.
At this time, I would like to rise to talk about the need to replace the Clyde River Airport.
This airport was constructed back in the 60s by an individual.
He did so voluntarily at a time when airplanes started coming into Nunavut. He started building the airstrip by using an old salvaged vehicle that he got from the dump.
He went to live near the community in order to build the airstrip.
He name is Jaycopee Panipak and I would like him recognize him for that achievement.
He was assisted by an individual named Sam Apak.
The current airstrip cannot be extended any further and it will have to be moved to another location since due to cross winds, especially in winter. It’s quite dangerous where it’s situated now.
Clyde River is a windy area and it is not Uqqummiut on Baffin Island proper, we’re Akunnirmiut.
It would be a good hub for surrounding communities, such as Pond Inlet, Igloolik, and Qikiqtarjuaq, if larger aircraft were able to land there.
With regards to fishery development, it apparently has a great potential in Clyde River. With that airstrip extended, it would go a long way to realize the fishery potential.
I urge the government to start development on that before I get too old. In that way, it can be a positive contribution to Nunavummiut in the Baffin region.
Member’s Statement 481 – 2(4): Aaju Peter - Called to the Nunavut Bar as a Lawyer (Picco)
I, too, would like to welcome the elders and say very quickly to Mr. Kattuk that I look forward to seeing Milton on Thursday. I think we have another sitting tomorrow, so I’ll tell some Kattuk stories tomorrow.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to update the House on a constituent. Ms. Aaju Peter is a mother, a well-known musician, and Mr. Speaker, on June 20, Aaju will be called to the Nunavut Bar as a lawyer.
Mr. Speaker, Aaju Peter came to Nunavut over 27 years ago from Greenland.
She has become a strong advocate for families and Inuit culture.
Aaju is a graduate of our law program here in Nunavut. Her family and her children were strong supporters of her during that difficult course.
Mr. Speaker, Aaju is a role model for many Nunavut women. On behalf of the Government of Nunavut and this House, we would like to congratulate Aaju Peter on passing her bar exam and being called before the Nunavut Bar on June 20. Congratulations, Aaju.
Members’ Statements. Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Simailak.
Member’s Statement 482 – 2(4): Thanks to John Avaala (Simailak)
I am extremely pleased that my sister-in-law is present in the Gallery.
Later when we are at Item 13, I will be tabling photographs of both her and my elder brother-in-law.
This is mainly to celebrate their presence here in the Gallery.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today because it is our Sergeant-at-Arms’ last day.
John Avaala will be leaving tomorrow.
It occurred to me yesterday that he has been doing his best to serve the House.
None of you saw, but I noticed yesterday that he wouldn’t let the Senators enter the House.
They ended up waiting around outside with our MP, Nancy Karetak-Lindell, who motioned to our Sergeant-at-Arms that they wished to enter. He was trying to get your attention as to whether he ought to allow them entrance, but he certainly did not allow them inside without authorization.
I was quite pleased since he did his job so thoroughly, and I also know that he had an opportunity to visit his relatives here in Iqaluit and that is what made it pleasurable.
I am very happy that John Avaala was able to conduct himself as the Sergeant-at-Arms during this session and I wish to thank him for his outstanding job.
We would like to thank him for serving us.
Member’s Statement 483 – 2(4): Newmont Mining Gold Project Update (Peterson)
I rise today to provide the House with an update on the construction of the Hope Bay Gold Mine project south of Cambridge Bay.
Mr. Speaker, as you will recall, last October, I informed the House that Newmont Mining had acquired Miramar Mining, the owners of the Hope Bay Gold Project.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform you that Newmont has proceeded with construction of this important mining project. They have had construction crews working at the site since early spring. I believe that they hope to be in production by 2009.