EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
You may ask for unanimous consent to conclude your statement.
I would also like to thank the members.
The high cost of living is a concern for my constituents, especially homeowners who are faced with rising costs of fuel and power.
I don’t want to see our constituents in a position where they have to choose between buying groceries and paying their power bill.
The infrastructure needs of my constituency are significant.
In addition to the need for new facilities, be it recreational facilities or others, I want the government to be aware of the importance of making sure that our existing facilities, such as schools and health centres, are well maintained and safe.
I look forward to a productive session with all of my colleagues.
Member’s Statement 002 – 2(4): Congratulations to New Canadian (Tootoo)
Today I would like to rise and congratulate a resident of Iqaluit who has recently joined the Canadian family.
An historic ceremony took place in Ottawa a few weeks ago to commemorate the 50th anniversary of our national Citizenship Act. A swearing-in ceremony took place at the Supreme Court where new Canadians from every territory and province swore their oaths as new citizens.
Iqaluit resident Vincent Dobson was one of the participants.
Vincent arrived in Canada over 35 years ago from Trinidad and has been living here in Iqaluit now for a number of years.
I think it’s long enough that he’s actually getting used to our winters, other than today maybe, which I hear are somewhat colder than those in the Caribbean.
Vincent and his family are active in the community. Like a lot of new Canadians, they don’t take their citizenship for granted.
Iqaluit is a diverse and dynamic community. Our population has grown significantly over the past several years. At least once a week, you can take part in an activity or attend a cultural event that reflects our increasingly cosmopolitan character.
I believe that diversity is a source of strength for a community.
The coming together of different cultures and traditions in an atmosphere of mutual respect and tolerance is what Canada is all about.
In Iqaluit, our cultural foundation is the Inuit way. Our strong and resilient culture provides a basis of strength for us.
I am proud that my children are growing up in this diverse community, and I ask all members to join me in congratulating Vincent and the other new Canadians that were sworn in at a ceremony in Ottawa, all across the country from land to sea to sea to sea.
Member’s Statement 003 – 2(4): Congratulations to Canada Winter Games Medal Winner (Arvaluk)
Kooneelusie Nutarak Sr. passed away at the beginning of 2007 and he is also a recipient of the Order of Canada.
I would like to thank the commissioner for participating there.
(interpretation ends) Congratulations to the Canada Winter Games medal winner. Mr. Speaker, the games have begun and medals have been won.
I am very pleased to share with the House today the accomplishments of one of my young constituents in Pond Inlet.
Christian Merkosak, who is the son of the well-known community leader Simon Merkosak, has brought home not one, not two, but three medals from the Canada Winter Games that are presently being held in Whitehorse.
Christian won a bronze medal in the one-foot high kick event, a silver medal in the knuckle hop event, and a silver medal in the Alaskan high kick event.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, all Nunavummiut are proud of the accomplishments of our athletes, performers and volunteers at the games.
We are especially proud of the recognition that traditional Inuit and Dene games have received at this year’s games.
Our traditional events are being showcased on the national stage. They are a source of pride for our youth, who are demonstrating every day that our culture is thriving.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, providing opportunities for youth to take part in major sporting and cultural events is an important component for building a healthy community.
I ask all members to join me in congratulating Christian Merkosak and all of his team mates.
Member’s Statement 004 – 2(4): Kitikmeot Cup – Hockey Tournament (Aglukkaq)
Hon. Leona Aglukkaq: Welcome back to the folks that are here today.
Hopefully the rest will arrive tomorrow and happy birthday to my colleague, Mr. Akesuk.
Mr. Speaker, the Kitikmeot Cup Hockey Tournament was held in Gjoa Haven from February 22 to 26.
This is an annual event which allows the best players in the Kitikmeot to compete in one of our favorite pastimes and also allows our families and friends to gather in the community to cheer on their favorite teams.
This year, the communities of Cambridge Bay, Kugaaruk, Taloyoak, and Gjoa Haven were represented by one or more teams.
Mr. Speaker, I am happy to report that Gjoa Haven repeated last year’s feat by becoming Kitikmeot Cup champions once again.
To add to the good news, Taloyoak’s Team #1 came in second and Gjoa Haven’s Team #2 came in third.
I would like to congratulate the award winners.
First of all, I would like to congratulate everyone who participated in the event but give special recognition to award winners: Darryl Kogvik for best goalie, Kirby Tungilik for best defensive player, Peter Aqqaq for top scorer, Ernie Lyall for best forward, Simon Tucktoo for most sportsmanlike, and for most valuable player, my nephew, Corey Aglukkaq.
Mr. Speaker, I think it is important to recognize the volunteers without whom none of these important events would be possible.
I want to congratulate and recognize the organizing committee for 2007: Geordie Pauloosie, Warren Rudolph, Eric Porter, Brandon Okpik, and Paul Puqiqnak, and a big “thank you” to all the volunteers as well as the visiting teams which made the tournament a special occasion for the communities involved.
Member’s Statement 005 – 2(4): Opening of Canada Winter Games (Tapardjuk)
I might be a little late but my wife celebrated her birthday yesterday and we have been married for 37 years.
Yesterday was her birthday and she is going on a little over 50 years old, almost reaching the 100 mark.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Premier for being able to participate at the opening of the Canada Winter Games in Whitehorse and this was the first time that the Canada Winter Games were held above the 60th parallel.
Our grandchild, who’s named after my mother, lit the torch at the Canada Winter Games.
I know that he is going to be watching the proceedings, so I would like to say congratulations and I’m very proud of him.
Member’s Statement 006 – 2(4): Thank Constituents for Support (Akesuk)
My youngest daughter, Okalik, had her birthday yesterday and today is my wife’s birthday.
I would also like to thank the communities of Cape Dorset and Kimmirut for the support they have shown me during my tenure here. I didn’t have a CA for a long time in Cape Dorset but the position is now filled.
Even while we’re here at this session, I would like to urge the people of Cape Dorset and Kimmirut to call anytime they need help.
Speaker: Happy birthday, Akesuk. (interpretation) Thank you.
I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Bobby Inuktituusuuq-Williamson.
He was in Pangnirtung from 1952 to 1955 and he worked at the Anglican Missionary Church.
I would like to welcome and recognize Bobby Inuktituusuuq-Williamson.
I would like to welcome all of the people in the Gallery.
I also have some of my constituents here.
First of all, to the elder who is sitting at the Elders’ Gallery, Mr. Celestine Erkidjuk.
And right over there, we have Mike Gardener. Welcome to the Gallery.
Right beside him is Sammie Peter, who calls occasionally.
Thank you and welcome to the Gallery.
I think you all know my relative and also a part of my constituency, a very excellent cook and well known outside of Iqaluit, a lot of people approach her, encouraging her to keep her cooking show going, Oleepeeka Veevee.
I wanted to recognize a person you already recognized, but I don’t think we’re allowed to recognize a person more than once.
I would like to recognize Bobby Williamson.
I’ve known him for a number of years and he used to live in Rankin Inlet. His wife was my teacher and we used to go visit them when I was younger.
It was very nice to see him again; it’s as if we see our parents.
There’s a lake in Rankin Inlet that’s called Williamson Lake. It was named after that family and we used to skate on that lake.
Since then, it’s used in the winter for snowmobile races and in the summertime, they use the lake for holding different kinds of races, especially in the month of July.
I just wanted to recognize him because he has helped so many people in Nunavut. They’re well known in Nunavut. I’m very grateful that I saw him.
Welcome to the Gallery. (interpretation ends) Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery.
Quickly, I would like to recognize Mr. Williamson, too. I think when I first came to this world, his household was disturbed, and I don’t know if it was my dad or someone else went up to wake them up to let them know that I had arrived a little early. Sorry to disturb your sleep that night, Bob.
I would like to take this opportunity, Mr. Speaker, to recognize some individuals that were here earlier, some of the elders that were here. I will just go through with their first names because they’re not here. There was: Gord, Rebecca is still here, Inuapik, Neevee Akulukjuk, Annie, Pauline, Mary, Annie, Annie Natsiapik, Annie Tiglik, Martha, Shawnee, Maine, and Jeanie.
I would like to just let them know that it was great to see the elders here in this Assembly.
If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be here, and I thank them for that and for being here. Hopefully they’re not strangers; I would like to see them here more often.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Tootoo. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery.
Member for Clyde River, Mr. Arreak.
Question 001 – 2(4): Hiring Agency Nurses (Arreak)
I am very happy to be here during the Fourth Session. I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Health.
In Nunavut, in my community, also in Qikiqtarjuaq, we notice now there is a high turnover of nurses in the communities. The nurses are in the communities for a very short time. Most people don’t like this practice.
Are we going to deal with the agency nurses? Will they stay on?
Ms. Aglukkaq, Minister of Health.
We have our share of challenges in filling nursing positions in Nunavut and in the past, I have indicated some of the initiatives that we are trying to take as a department in filling those jobs.
Some initiatives are training our own nurses and developing mentorship programs so that graduates of Nunavut Arctic College can take on the jobs in the communities.
Sometimes we hire those positions through casual and in other cases we have to use agency nurses because we have no other alternatives.
So until such time we have the positions all filled, we won’t be using agency nurses. But until such time, while we deal with some of our highest vacancies, we will continue to use agency nurses. Other initiatives such as recruitment will still be initiatives undertaken in parallel to the hiring of agency nurses.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Minister. Your first supplementary, Mr. Arreak.
The full-time nurses, in the past, used to be in our communities for quite a long time. The elders would get used to the nurses and feel not so intimidated when they got used to them. There was more trust and confidence with the full-time nurses, but with the agency nurses coming and going, there are less permanent nurses now.
How much money have they saved or how much more have they spent on agency nurses in Nunavut?
I recognize the member’s concerns.
As I mentioned earlier, we continue to try and fill our vacancies. The solution won’t be overnight. We are trying to train our own so that we have a more stable environment of nurses in our communities.
The recruitment strategy planning has been started and we are looking at developing and reviewing working conditions and compensation and so on of our nurses.
At the same time, we are also looking into developing the RFP to have a contract with one or two agency companies to provide nurses for us to reduce the cost of agency nurses.
It has been an expensive process for us but it is one area that we continue to try our best.
In terms of the exact dollars of how much we have spent, I don’t have that information with me but I can provide it to the member.
Can the Department of Health figure out how many agency nurses there will be or will this be just another hiccup?
Currently, within Nunavut, we have a vacancy of approximately 70 positions in Nunavut for nurses are vacant of the 170 positions.
So we need to continue to try to address those vacancies through agency nurses and casuals and whatnot.
At the end of the day, we have to ensure that the positions are filled whether on the short-term or long-term to continue the delivery of services in our communities.
We will not leave those positions vacant. We are doing all that we can to fill the positions whether it is on a casual basis or through agency nurses.
At this point in time, we will continue to address the vacancies in a number of ways, but one of the ways we are dealing with the vacancies is the hiring of agency nurses.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your final supplementary, Mr. Arreak.
They should be looking for full-time nurses and try to attract more nurses to those positions.
Can the Department of Health do that?
Just to clarify for the record, I mentioned of the 182 nursing positions in Nunavut, 54 positions are vacant. I wanted to correct that statement.
In terms of looking at a recruitment strategy, we’re looking at ways to try and keep our nurses, whether it is through compensation or professional development opportunities for our long-time nurses in the communities some flexibility around training and development. Those are areas that we’re looking at.
I’m not sure what the individual means by more attractive positions but internally, our recruitment strategy will factor in ways to keep our nurses in our communities.
Question 002 – 2(4): RFP Award Process on Medivac Contract (Tootoo)
My question, too, is for the Minister responsible for Health and Social Services.
In our last sitting on December 4, I asked the minister in regard to the medevac contract that was issued, the RFP contract that was issued and awarded.
I asked the minister at the time and I would like to ask her again: is the minister aware or does she know what were the contributing factors in deciding and looking at who had the best proposals?  And also as part of that, how much weight was actually given to investment, infrastructure, and ownership here in Nunavut, rather than companies based outside of Nunavut?
Just following up on if she had that information now on the weighting of how those proposals were looked at.
I thought I provided that information to the member in the House in December in terms of I believe there were ten categories that were used of categories to evaluate each proposal. If I hadn’t provided that to the member, I will be sure to provide it to him tomorrow.
To clarify for the record, I never received anything. I know that the minister had committed on two or three occasions to provide me with that information which I still am not in receipt of.
I have been anxiously awaiting it and it’s funny that now I get back in here and ask the question and all of a sudden, it is going to show up tomorrow.
I’m glad I am finally getting it.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. I didn’t hear any question.
Question 003 – 2(4): Vital Statistics Contact Information (Barnabas)
I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Health and Social Services, who is responsible for vital statistics’ services for Nunavut, for example, to get IDs, and also the vital statistics through the coroners in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, after the terrorist attacks on September 11, the need for identification has become more of an issue for our residents.
We used to be able to visit our neighbours in Greenland and the United States with ease but we need passports now.
My constituents have been saying that in order to get a passport, you need a birth certificate.
When Nunavummiut call the government’s Vital Statistics office in Rankin Inlet to find out about getting a birth certificate, they can run into problems.
Can the minister tell me what assistance her department provides to people who are trying to get a copy of their birth certificate? How can the department provide for my constituents?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Barnabas. Minister of Health and Social Services, Minister Aglukkaq.
In response to that concern, I had sent a letter and correspondence to all of my colleagues explaining to the members the process, contact numbers, as well as the information for other jurisdictions where the child or the individual may have been born.
Only the province where the individual is born can issue birth certificates.
So in Nunavut, after 1999, we started managing that process; prior to that, it was the Northwest Territories. So anyone born prior to 1999 must go to Inuvik. If you’re born in Ottawa, then there’s a contact in Ottawa, or if you’re born in Winnipeg, you go to Winnipeg.
All of that information was outlined in the letter that I had sent to all of the MLAs. That same information also is available through the social workers in every community, through the health centres, and every regional centre, if the members require the information.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Madam Minister. Your first supplementary, Mr. Barnabas.
I recognize that if a person was born in this territory before 1999 when we became Nunavut, then their birth records are held in the NWT Vital Statistics office in Inuvik.
What specific lines of communication have been established between the Inuvik Vital Statistics Office and the Rankin Inlet Vital Statistics Office to help people who were born in this territory before 1999 to get their birth certificates?
Firstly, the person has to apply for their certificate and when that application is taken, if there are problems with that, Vital Statistics in Rankin Inlet will follow up with the Inuvik regional office.
In some cases, they have been very helpful in producing birth certificates and have gone out of their way to produce birth certificates, particularly around young people going on Arctic Winter Games events or the Canada Winter Games. So there is a very good working relationship between the two Vital Statistics offices of Rankin Inlet as well as Inuvik.
If the member or an individual that is waiting for their birth certificate has any specific concerns, I would be pleased to provide that information to the staff for them to follow up.
The relationship and communication between the two offices is very good as far as I’m aware and the working relationship is very good on both sides.
Speaker: Thank you, Minister. (interpretation) Your second supplementary, Mr. Barnabas.
The process seems to be set well but for my constituency, it is not.  (interpretation ends) The creation of Nunavut was historical for Canada.
This territory was created by dividing an old, existing territory, the Northwest Territories, into two territories, NWT and Nunavut. Upon division, a number of territorial assets were divided between the two territories.
Will the minister commit to giving consideration to dividing up the vital statistics records so that records of all the people born in what is now Nunavut can be stored in the Nunavut Vital Statistics office in Rankin Inlet?
I can certainly look into that. I know that prior to division, the Northwest Territories and the Office of the Interim Commissioner, at that time, negotiated the division of assets and liabilities.
As far as I know, health records of people born in the Northwest Territories are the property of that territory.
I can look into it. It would be a similar concern with the people that are travelling to Ottawa and giving birth in Ottawa, that record belongs to Ottawa, or Ontario and/or Winnipeg, or Yellowknife, or Churchill.
I can look into it and report back to the member my findings.
Question 004 – 2(4): Funding Consideration for Nursing and NTEP Programs (Arvaluk)
I will give the Minister of Health a little bit of rest.
Instead, I would like to direct my question to the Premier of the Nunavut government.
I would like to say at the outset that I am not saying that the Akitsiraq Law School is not important. I’m not saying that. I just don’t believe it is as essential as health and education.
I would like to ask the Premier if there has been consideration given to nursing and EATEP programs for financial assistance similar or equal to that of Akitsiraq Law School because of the importance of those two necessities facing Nunavut.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) The law school was a one-time program and it was very expensive.
Those students were bound by contract to work for us, the sponsors, for a set period of time.
The teaching program and the nursing program, we provide assistance to those students but they are free to go anywhere they want once they are done.
They are not bound by contract to work for any other. That is the difference right now.
As I said, it was very expensive; I don’t know if we could pay for it today. As it was a one-time program, it is something that would require significant investment and also if the students that are on today would like to be bound by contract to work for us for a set period of time.
It was something that we did on a one-time basis but is something I would like to see if we could partner with other partners. The law program we partnered with NTI and the federal government.
It was something that allowed us to do it but is something that would require more work and more resources if we were going to do it for other programs.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Premier. (interpretation) Your first supplementary, Mr. Arvaluk.
I understand then that he has not made any consideration to agree to financial assistance for nursing and EATEP programs and he has not spoken to NTI partnership, perhaps with the federal government, to pursue that course of training action.
I understand the Premier is stating that, yes, education training is expensive, but try ignorance; it is going to be even more expensive.  I think it is very important that there has to be a long-term commitment by the government, a decent plan and decent negotiations with other partners to attract more students into this very essential program that the government does.
Can I ask him if he will, during his term, pursue other courses of action in order to upgrade to make the training program more attractive to potential nurses and teachers?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I know that Health has been looking at actually sponsoring graduates of the nursing program and while they are awaiting their final exams, to be working as interns. I believe that has been happening for a number of students. So it’s not something that we have ignored, we know that we need nurses.
And I want to thank the member as well for doing his part in upgrading the teaching program when he was a part of my government in the first term, so that has been ongoing and will continue.
We provide the most generous allowance for all our students anywhere in the country. There’s nowhere else in the country that students get the type of assistance that they do receive from our government in terms of teaching and nursing.
All the students elsewhere in the country end up with heavy debts after graduating.
I went through that myself, but through the assistance of our programs, we are able to assist them further and they are not indebted as much as they would be elsewhere in the country.
So to say that we are not doing much, I think we have to look outside of the territory and see how much more difficult it is for a person to get a nursing or teaching degree to realize that we are doing quite a bit already.
I do hope that we will continue to see more students and they will realize that we are trying to do our part. It just doesn’t take a government to educate everybody; it takes partnerships between teachers, students, and the government to be successful.