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Mr. Speaker, for many years, wildlife research and management in the north has been driven by scientific traditions and scientific priorities.
I am happy to say that in Nunavut, this is changing as we strive to achieve greater involvement of communities and our harvesters in determining research priorities, and approaches to research.
A number of members in this House have spoken about the importance of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in research planning and implementation, and in understanding research results.
Our commitment to this process is reflected in this Summary of Research Projects where details of consultations with harvesters are now included.
Most of the department’s current research projects have arisen in direct response to concerns expressed by the communities about changes that they have observed in the wildlife populations they harvest.
In particular, the projects on Peary caribou in the high arctic; caribou on south Baffin island, and the northeast mainland of Nunavut; and muskox on the mainland, are good examples of the partnership between community members and department scientists, and of the balancing of Inuit and scientific knowledge.
Mr. Speaker, in response to great interest from many hunters about diseases and abnormalities in wildlife, we are also releasing A Field Guide to Common Wildlife Diseases and Parasites.
The English version of the field guide was originally developed in a 1999 project with the Government of the Northwest Territories, so I am very pleased to now provide this useful booklet in Inuktitut.
Mr. Speaker, I am committed to ensuring that my department’s research efforts contribute to a useful and meaningful wildlife management system in Nunavut.
These two publications are evidence of this commitment to ensuring that Nunavummiut are involved with, and informed of, our research activities.
Minister’s Statement 061 – 1(5): National Nutrition Month: March 2001
Hon. Ed Picco: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, March was National Nutrition Month.
There is perhaps no place in Canada where food plays such a central role in the culture of the people.
Unlike other parts of the country, in Nunavut we still have a strong tradition of eating off the land.
The country food - the seal, and the arctic char, the caribou and the muskox, have sustained the people of the north for centuries.
Mr. Speaker, promoting good nutrition is one of the priorities of the Department of Health & Social Services.
Among other important initiatives, we have developed a Nunavut Food Guide, which is currently being translated and will be available in the four languages of the territory in time for the upcoming school year.
My department has formed partnerships with agencies such as the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch of Health Canada, to bring to the communities a number of programs including the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program and the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative.
Mr. Speaker, the federal Food Mail Program, administered by DIAND, provides funding to improve the nutritional health of Nunavummiut by subsidizing the cost of nutritious foods flown into Nunavut communities.
Mr. Speaker, discussions are currently underway between the department and the federal government to undertake Food Mail pilot projects to ensure that Food Mail is operating most effectively from a health and nutrition perspective.
We also work with DIAND on the Northern Contaminants Program. Research done through this program by the Centre for Indigenous People, Nutrition and the Environment, has shown us that we can confidently continue to promote traditional foods as the best food source when we weigh the available evidence on possible ‘environmental contaminants’ in food and the known benefits from traditional foods.
It gives me great pleasure to endorse March 2001 as National Nutrition Month in Nunavut.
Minister’s Statement 062 – 1(5): Elder Involvement in Nunavut Schools
Mr Speaker, I am very pleased, although I was supposed to announce this last week, I rise today to inform members of various activities that are taking place in schools across Nunavut involving elders.
At this time, I would like to thank the elders for their dedication and the contributions they make within our schools and community learning centres.
Presently, many schools are taking advantage of our partnership with Culture, Language, Elders and Youth that is funding the Elders in Schools program.
In schools there are major projects, like the making of traditional tools, qamutiik, seal skin tents, drums, dolls, kammik and the preparation of skins.
These are just to name a few.
Schools are using this program to have elders visit classrooms; working with small groups and to provide needed counselling with individual students.
Elders are passing on knowledge through storytelling, pisiit, throat singing and sharing of life experiences.
Students are actively collecting, documenting, and transcribing much of this.
Elders have contributed much to curriculum through documents like Inuuqatigiit, and being resource people for program development for Career Technology Studies courses in high school.
Mr. Speaker, these are only some of the activities with elder involvement that are happening in our schools.
I would ask my colleagues today to please join me as Minister of Education in thanking our Elders for their contributions to our Education system.
Minister’s Statement 063 – 1(5): Iqaluit Mental Health Services – Drop-In Day Services
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce that my department will be offering drop-in day programming for our mentally ill clients beginning Monday, April 6 in Iqaluit.
These services will be run out of the Wellness Centre during the hours of 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.
Mr. Speaker, the range of support services will include: medication compliance; immediate assistance for health and social services; access to and co-ordination of services; life skills; assistance in addressing emotional/relationship issues with family, friends, landlords and neighbours; social interaction; day excursions and programs, including recreation, on-the-land experience, work experience, handicrafts and computer use.
Mr. Speaker, these drop-in services are being provided as my Department continues to finish plans and renovations for the former women’s shelter as a home for mentally ill persons who need residential care.
Mr. Speaker, this mental health facility will be opened and begin operating in June.
Currently, Mr. Speaker, mentally ill people are being placed in hospital beds as there is no place else to send them.
Sending these mentally ill clients south is not a suitable option.
Mr. Speaker, this new facility will begin to solve this problem.
As well, Mr. Speaker, down the road we hope to convert one part of the facility for use as a more secure site.
This will eventually allow us to house some mentally ill clients who may now be held in the Baffin Correctional Centre.
Mr. Speaker, the courts would ultimately have to decide whether this facility would be appropriate for such clients.
My department, Mr. Speaker, continues to ensure that a range of mental services are provided to Nunavummiut, these are just two more examples of what we are trying to provide.
Minister’s Statement 064 – 1(5): Nunavut Film Symposium
I would like to welcome back Ovide.
Mr. Speaker, I want to report to the House on the recent Nunavut Film Symposium, which was held here in Iqaluit, March 16-19.
Mr. Speaker, I don’t know how many members had the opportunity like me to attend the showing of the Isuma Igloolik Productions feature film, called Atanarjuat during the film symposium over this past weekend. I understand it played to sold out audiences. Atanarjuat is an outstanding artistic achievement, which will send a message to the world that Nunavut filmmakers can produce work of the highest standards even if they are Inuit.
I think, too, Mr. Speaker, that a film like Atanarjuat delivers a powerful and positive message about Inuit, about the richness of our past, and our stories.
As the Minister responsible for economic development, I think a film like Atanarjuat contributes to a very positive image for Inuit and all Nunavummiut.
We here in Nunavut have a great to deal to offer, with our stories, and our abilities to portray these stories on film.
(interpretation ends) I think we learned at the Nunavut Film Symposium, Mr. Speaker, that film making in Nunavut takes place not only in Igloolik, but in many other communities as well.
We are all familiar with the achievements of IBC and Inuit Communications Systems Limited in Iqaluit. But at the film symposium we also learned of John Houston’s recent production made in Cape Dorset, and of the work of Elisapee Karetak, in Arviat.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my colleague, the Honourable Peter Kattuk, whose department co-sponsored this effort with the Department of Sustainable Development, I want to congratulate the participants of this first Nunavut Film Symposium for their remarkable contribution to Nunavut’s cultural heritage and economy.
We are looking forward to receiving the report from the Nunavut Film Symposium to see what opportunities exist to provide support to this vital sector of the new Nunavut economy.
Moving on to item 3. Members’ Statements.
Member’s Statement 164– 1(5): Consensus Government
Mr. Speaker, it is not often that I make a members’ statement and I will be asking unanimous consent from my colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, our consensus government is unique.
The NWT and our own Nunavut Legislature are the only two jurisdictions in North America or possibly the entire world where this type of governance is used.
It is my understanding that it is based on a model of traditional aboriginal governance, whereby leaders discuss issues and try to reach an agreement that all or a large majority think acceptable.
We are also unique in that the regular members of our legislature outnumber the cabinet or government members.
Again, this allows for significant input by regular members into all government processes, whether it be development of the budget, legislation or policies.
We have used this system for the past two years that we have been in existence, our legislature, our cabinet, our standing committees and the full caucus.
Many times there isn’t a full consensus reached whereby all members participating agree on the end result.
However, by and large, a large majority of members usually end up agreeing with the final decision.
That is not to say that many times Mr. Speaker, but not a large majority of the time, many of us have different opinions and positions on matters.
Sometimes there are issues whereby the members are almost totally divided on their positions.
The end result is a show of hands to determine the outcome of the matter and all members accept that outcome.
Sometimes there are issues such as the Cambridge Bay School Heritage Centre project in last year’s budget that required significant debate right up until the last minute of the budget process, in which a compromise is reached to everyone’s general satisfaction.
Having said all that Mr. Speaker, I think members would agree with me that in the spirit of consensus and co-operation, our system has been working well.
Mr. Speaker, although our consensus style of governance is unique, we also adopt many of the practices and customs of the British Parliamentary system, as there must be some rules and order in how we go about our business.
When we were a part of the historic establishment of Nunavut, we adopted the laws of the NWT and this included the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, which governs how our legislature operates.
As members all know, we have been reviewing our rules and procedures to ensure that changes planned for this fall will be relevant to Nunavut.
All members have had an opportunity to provide input into this process and will continue to do so up until the new legislation is passed later this year.
Please proceed, Mr. Ng.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Mr. Speaker, I thank the honourable members.
Mr. Speaker, the full caucus is where all of us as Members of this Legislative Assembly are equal.
Are titles are all left at the door with the exception of the Chair and Co-Chair of caucus.
This is where, behind closed doors, all members can bring up issues for discussion, House planning schedules and business, controversial aspects of legislation or matters that require the input of all members.
This is where cabinet members and regular members may have differences of opinion with their own colleagues.
This is where the Speaker, yourself, along with all members have a full voice and vote on matters as individuals.
Normal practice dictates Mr. Speaker that caucus decisions and topics are in camera, although decisions on matters are publicized as required due to the public interest.
Changes to deal with MLAs convicted of offences, dates and locations of sessions are examples that come to mind of matters that are made public.
Mr. Speaker, another customary practice is in respect to the budget of the legislature itself and the method that the Financial Management Board and the legislature deal with its own budget.
Generally, the Financial Management Board will approve the legislature’s budget coming forward through the Management and Services Board without any critical review.
It is expected that the MSB, representing all members, would put forward a responsible budget that meets the needs of the legislature.
This budget would also be approved through the committee of the whole, as it was last night with no questioning by members as it is their own budget.
Having said that Mr. Speaker, I was a little shocked and a little upset that the Ajauqtiit Committee report raised concerns over the legislature’s budget.
Particularly with the out of Iqaluit session, citing costs of the Rankin Inlet session and concern over the upcoming Cambridge Bay session.
These discussions and debates have on several occasions been brought up in caucus with the end result being a large majority of support by members to hold the out of Iqaluit session.
Mr. Speaker, members are aware that from day one, I for one along with many other members have been advocating holding one session of our legislature outside of Iqaluit.
Almost all of us during our past deliberations have indicated our strong support to bring our government closer to the people that we are serving.
The Rankin Inlet session gave our legislature and our government the opportunity to meet with local and regional representatives, elders, youth, mayors, businesspersons and other groups.
It gave students and some of our constituents a first hand opportunity to see our legislature and government in action.
It gave MLAs in the region the opportunity to have us go to their communities and also to bring in their students and individuals to Rankin.
It allowed all of us to interact with the community, elders, students, hockey players and the public at large.
Mr. Speaker, I believe and I am sure members would agree with me, that it was a huge success.
Yes Mr. Speaker, there were some incremental costs in holding a session outside of Iqaluit.
I as the Finance Minister and I believe all members, would want us to be fiscally responsible.
However Mr. Speaker, how do you judge or weigh the value of incremental costs over the spirit and goodwill generated by our commitment and accessibility to the residents of Rankin and the Keewatin.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that you can’t.
Our next session will be in Cambridge Bay.
I know that the community and the other communities in the region are making preparations for our visit.
I would expect that it will also be a success.
Then Mr. Speaker, we will have to decide where in 2002, we will hold our next out of town session.
A member or two may once again raise concerns over an out of town session.
But I for one Mr. Speaker, will continue to advocate and support maximizing the opportunity to bring our legislature and our government closer to the people that we serve, by continuing to support holding an annual out of town session.
Member's Statement 165 - 1(5): Youth and Children of Gjoa Haven
Mr. Speaker, today I rise for the youth who have been involved in the Nunavut Youth Abroad Program.
This program has been running since 1999.
Mr. Speaker, I spoke yesterday about youth aged 19 to 21.
The age range that I want to talk about today is those between 13 to 20 years of age.
In particular I would like to mention those involved in the Nunavut Youth Abroad Program.
Through this program our children have a chance to go on a trip outside of their communities.
This is something that we can't always afford, but we will want to see it continue in the future.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the youth from Uqsuqtuq who will take part in a trip to Vancouver, B.C. Beginning in 1999.
Four young people are selected to go on each exchange trip.
The goal of this program to take young people to see another part of the world and see what other lifestyles and cultures exist and learn something valuable from that experience about the world we live in.
Youth from my home community have taken part in this exchange program, particularly those who otherwise couldn't travel because they and their parents can't afford the costs, particularly those from Uqsuqtuq.
Mr. Speaker, this is especially true for those who have lost a parent or both parents.
We have seen how valuable exchange trips are in the education of young people.
We see those who have had the opportunity to travel gain a good education.
Mr. Speaker, I am almost finished with my statement. I would like unanimous consent to continue.
Please proceed Mr. Puqiqnak.
Mr. Puqiqnak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and my colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, as I said before they do much better in school after they go on an exchange and I would like to congratulate them for doing well.
I would like to extend my congratulations to these youth who have a chance to explore the world.
They are leaving Uqsuqtuq on March 28, 2001.
Those who are going to Vancouver, British Columbia are: Ian Qamukkaaq, Cynthia Anaijjaq, Kyle Agluukkaq, and Steven Porter.
They will be chaperoned by Lorraine Puqiqnak who has been involved with the exchange program for quite some time now.
This will be her fourth time chaperoning students.
Lorraine Puqiqnak and the youth will be returning to Uqsuqtuq April 8, 2001.
I wish them a safe trip.
Member's Statement 166 - 1(5): Builders of Nunavut, Baker Lake Caucus and Bathurst Mandate
Mr. Arvaluk (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Speaker, I just want to briefly comment about the history of negotiations for land claims for the Nunavut Territory and the Government of Nunavut.
For about 30 years people of Nunavut have fought for their own territory and their own government.
I wish to recall with you the negotiations that went on for a long time.
This April 1 is approaching and we will now have been the government for two years.
This is a government where the Inuit language is used.
This is one of the very issues that was covered in the land claims.
This is one of the very things the negotiators fought for.
Now in the Bathurst Inlet Mandate, it was debated as to whether the session in Baker Lake would go smoothly.
Yet when we deal with budgets and business plans, we still witness divisions between departments.
When we met in Baker Lake and Bathurst Inlet the goals set out in those meetings have not been accomplished yet.
Some budgets are very well done and some budgets are not so well done.
But today the goal of having our own government, our own territory is still off to a rocky start.
That isn’t something that I wanted to discuss.
I am seeking unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Mr. Arvaluk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and my colleagues.
What I would like to reiterate Mr. Speaker, is that it is never too late.
The elders that are here today know that it is never too late.
In view of this, we have to see unity in preparing budgets and reviewing budgets in the Standing Committees.
We just dealt with a budget of over 600 million dollars. We have seen the workings of this. Did we work together in preparing this budget of 600 million.
The Inuit of Nunavut wanted to see if we are going to have our own government and our own territory.
We wanted to see unity where people would work together to improve situations in our territory.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to state that the government, the one sitting right across from us should meet all together at the same time instead of just dealing with their own little departments.
They have to work to ensure that they are working for Nunavummiut and plan for the people of Nunavut.
We will have more meetings and more budget sessions and more business plans in the future involving more than 600 million.
We as members, regular MLAs hope to be more involved in preparing these budgets and thus be more appropriate for the communities.
Member’s Statement 167 – 1(5): Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and the Nunavut Government
Since today is our last day, I will also be seeking unanimous consent to complete my remarks.
I am very pleased that we are described as a unique government representing an Inuit majority.
We are described as the most unique government but even though we are unique, we run into some problems.
One of the things that we hear most often is Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
You can see a lot of the elders in the gallery today.
They are here to witness first hand the working of a government using their language.
They are here to witness use of the language, their mother tongue being used in the Legislative Assembly here on our last day.
I am pleased to share my thoughts regarding the workings of this government.
As a government, of course we always have issues to deal with and operating a 600 million dollar budget, even though it is a substantial amount it is still never enough.
At the same time we have to realize money isn't the only barrier to the implementation of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
Mr. Speaker, we are striving to represent our people by using Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
When we have opportunities to speak with the Cabinet or the leaders, the ministers.
We have that privilege.
We are not, however, always involved in the preparation of business plans.
That has created a stumbling block for this government.
Sometimes we are told, "too bad, never mind Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, there is not much more we can do with it".
I am seeking unanimous consent to complete my remarks.
Mr. Irqittuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues.
My comments today are about Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
Nothing should be impossible.
Unfortunately, this government is still doing the same thing as the previous government of the NWT.
I will use two examples.
When people want to see Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit incorporated into the government, it continues to be rejected.
Say for instance the man who wanted to hunt a polar bear using his traditional culture.
Twice our very own government has turned him away.
He wanted to exercise Inuit rights, but those rights have been compromised because of the view that since there will be a camera to record the event, it will show Inuit in a negative light and Inuit will no longer be allowed to hunt polar bears by animal rights advocates.
As a result, certain of our rights are taken away.
Some of us are becoming humiliated into rejecting our own ancestry and barriers are erected to Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
Today we are still trying to run our territory with the same face.
We should be ashamed.
We should have all the assistance we need to live our lives according to our culture.
Also on something that created a lot of controversy because Inuit rights were not given a chance to be practiced.
I feel for that man.
His wife is over here and she is an elder.
If you could stand up please.
She is the wife of one of the men who made the graves.
That is Qataq's wife.
She is one of the people that I represent that I am working hard to represent in this government.
The government is afraid to pay the funds that should have been paid out a long time ago.
Because they are afraid if they pay one they have to pay everybody else.
They have something to be embarrassed about.
People should be given what they were promised.