EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Member’s Statement 082 – 3(2): Support Our Northern Airlines (Pauloosie)
First of all, I send my greetings to Taloyoak and Gjoa Haven residents who are watching the proceedings.
This is in support of my colleague Mr. Schell’s Member’s Statement yesterday.
Mr. Speaker, I am very concerned by the recent announcement made by Air Canada that they will now be flying to Iqaluit from Ottawa.
Mr. Speaker, as all members are well aware, we have two Inuit owned northern carriers that provide service to all Nunavut communities. These two airlines have invested years of developing infrastructure and capacity to provide great service to all Nunavut communities.
They employ over 400 people, support our communities through in-kind contributions, and provide donations to organizations, such as women’s shelters, food banks, trade shows, and various sporting events. In fact, one of the airlines is owned by the Inuit of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.
We are starting to see the negative impacts of WestJet and Air Canada in the Northwest Territories: routes are being cut; food services are no longer being offered; increase in airfares in various NWT and Nunavut routes to make up the lost revenue between Yellowknife and Edmonton taken by WestJet and Air Canada.
I am deeply concerned this will be what we will see more of with this most recent announcement.
In the worst case scenario, we may lose an airline, perhaps both. This would be devastating to the north. We depend on Canadian North and First Air.
They are our lifeline to our communities to do our business for medical, food orders, and mail delivery, to list a few, but I think you get my point.
Mr. Speaker, (interpretation) I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
There are no nays. You may conclude your statement, Mr. Pauloosie.
It might be nice to see a reduced fare from Iqaluit to Ottawa, but we all know that true northern airlines depend on this route to offset the cost of travel to the remaining Nunavut communities.
Air Canada has no interest in supporting and developing the north. All they are interested in is our money.
I urge the territorial government to take a strong stance against Air Canada.
I urge the government to support our northern businesses and promote our current transportation systems in all Nunavut communities. I urge the government to take immediate action to protect our northern airlines.
Mr. Speaker, I will be asking questions on this matter later today.
Member’s Statement 083 – 3(2): Kugluktuk Soccer Tournament (Taptuna)
Good morning to all Nunavummiut and Kuglukturmiut.
Mr. Speaker, recently, my community of Kugluktuk hosted two soccer tournaments.
From October 23 to 25, the Under 17 Boys and Girls Kitikmeot Regional Soccer Tournament took place in Kugluktuk with other participating communities consisting of Gjoa Haven, Cambridge Bay, Kugaaruk, and Taloyoak.
For the under 17 boys team, I am pleased to announce that the gold medal went to my home community of Kugluktuk, with the silver medal going to Gjoa Haven.
For the girls under 17 team, the gold once again went to Kugluktuk, with the silver medal going to Kugaaruk.
Mr. Speaker, the second tournament took place shortly after the first.
From October 30 to November 1, the Under 17 Boys and Girls Territorial Tournament took place again in Kugluktuk.
In this tournament, Mr. Speaker, the Kivalliq under 17 boys won the gold, with Qikiqtani taking home the silver medal. For the under 17 girls team, the Kitikmeot took gold, with Kivalliq taking silver.
Mr. Speaker, all the players in these two soccer tournaments enjoyed the opportunity to play on a new artificial turf surface that was laid down recently in Kugluktuk’s arena. This allowed for more fans to watch the action of the games that was not possible in a previous setting of a gymnasium.
Mr. Speaker, we can see the results of the time and dedication that parents and coaches put into the players by all the gold and silver medals that have been won over the years. So it is fitting and important to recognize all the volunteers and parents who put their time into developing sports competition skills in Nunavut.
Once again my congratulations go out to all the teams that participated in the soccer tournaments and I hope the community of Kugluktuk will be able to sponsor many more events such as this.
Member’s Statement 084 – 3(2): Congratulations to the Mitiq Co-op of Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt)
First, I would like to thank the Minister responsible for Education for conducting a review on the food allowance table in Sanikiluaq.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Mitiq Co-op of Sanikiluaq.
Mr. Speaker, the Mitiq Co-op was incorporated in 1968.
On November 17, it held a very successful 41st annual general meeting in the community.
As Members of this House are aware, there are almost two dozen co-ops operating in Nunavut today. Over 800 people are employed in the Co-op network.
In 2008, local co-ops reported total revenue of $164 million and over $8.1 million in patronage refunds was returned to members.
In Sanikiluaq, co-op members received approximately $250,000 in patronage refunds.
Arctic Co-operatives Ltd. believes that co-operatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity.
In the tradition of their founders, co-op members believe the ethical values and honesty, openness, social responsibilities, and caring for others.
Mr. Speaker, I have been a proud co-op member for many years. I want to congratulate the Co-op’s board of directors, management, and staff for their hard work. Working together with the community, the Co-ops play a key role in its economic development.
An Hon. Member: Bravo!
Member’s Statement 085 – 3(2): Reflections on Multi-Tier Health Care Delivery (Elliott)
Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to address an issue that has become a public concern across Nunavut, from Kugluktuk to Pond Inlet, from Arctic Bay to Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker, the national debate about the dual role of the public delivery of health care and the role of the private sector in the delivery of health care is often characterized as two-tiered.
In Nunavut, it has become clear that we face a set of circumstances that leads me to describe our situation as multi-tiered health care.
Mr. Speaker, as you and many of my colleagues will be aware from recent news coverage in circumstances where a Nunavut resident did not have the appropriate insurance coverage, they can be required to pay for their own travel and accommodation before they access health services that are provided outside of their home community.
In some cases, Mr. Speaker, residents faced with these additional costs simply do not travel because they cannot afford it.
This not only puts their own health and safety at risk but can also increase the burden of responsibility on the frontline health care professionals in their home community.
Mr. Speaker, I think that it is fair to say that most Canadians believe that the federal Canada Health Act guarantees universal access to health care for all Canadian citizens and that such access should not be impeded by financial or other barriers.
It appears that in Nunavut, we have many tiers of health care delivery, whereby health services are not equally accessible to all Nunavut residents.
This is often due to the simple geographic fact that medical travel is necessary to get a medical client to the place of service delivery. Access to health care is limited by whether or not a client has the means to pay for those travel costs.
Mr. Speaker, if a Nunavut resident is an Inuk, their medical travel and accommodation would be covered through the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program funded by the federal government.
If the resident is an employee of the federal or territorial government, the majority of their medical travel and accommodation costs would be covered under the insurance plan which is included in their employment benefits. If a Nunavut resident is a senior citizen, some of their medical travel and accommodation costs would be covered under the territorial government’s Extended Health Benefits Policy.
There are no nays. You may conclude your statement, Mr. Elliott.
However, Mr. Speaker, it is clear that some of our residents are falling through the cracks.
There are a number of Nunavut residents who are not Inuit, who are not federal or GN employees, and who are not yet old enough to be classified as senior citizens.
If they do not have the appropriate health insurance coverage and cannot afford to pay for their own travel and accommodation, then they may not be able to access the health services they need.
Mr. Speaker, as far as I have been able to determine, the Government of Nunavut does not have anything in place to clearly inform and assist these individuals in arranging insurance coverage for medical travel and accommodations if they need to access a health service that is not available in their home community.
Mr. Speaker, I do not wish my comments to be taken out of context. I want to make it absolutely clear that I fully support measures which seek to ensure substantive equality for groups which have been systemically disadvantaged in the past.
Mr. Speaker, the GN takes this approach in a number of areas, including student financial support, access to training programs and support services, as well as its employment and hiring policies.
As you know, Mr. Speaker, I have been a strong supporter of additional services for vulnerable groups within our society, such as children and youth.
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate and support the reasons for affirmative action as they relate to the employment of beneficiaries, women, and individuals with disabilities.
In fact, I believe that certain policies in Nunavut should also be extended to include long-term residents of Nunavut who have demonstrated a commitment and loyalty to their home community of choice.
However, Mr. Speaker, it is not clear to me that this approach should be applied to one of the most basic rights as Canadian citizens, which is universal access to health care. These are questions of life and death.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage our government to review this area and make efforts to assist Nunavut residents who do not have the necessary health insurance coverage to acquire it.
I believe that a public government has an obligation to make sure that all of its citizens have the necessary information to enable them to access health service when they need it.
Member’s Statement 086 – 3(2): Member’s Apology for Inappropriate Conduct (Komoartok)
I rise with a heavy heart. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart and to apologize to you, my colleagues, my constituents, and the staff and patients at the Larga Baffin Medical Boarding Home.
Earlier this month, during a private visit to the facility, I engaged in inappropriate and inexcusable behaviour. Although my behaviour was a result of intoxication, there is no excuse for what I did.
Mr. Speaker, the staff and the patients at the Larga Baffin Medical Boarding Home deserve an apology.
Our constituents are entitled to a safe and welcoming environment when they travel out of Nunavut for medical care.
Being a patient thousands of kilometres from home is stressful at the best of times.
I sincerely apologize for adding to their stress. The hard-working staff at the boarding home are entitled to a safe workplace where they can serve Nunavummiut without fear.
I sincerely apologize to them.
Mr. Speaker, you and all of the Members of this House deserve an apology. The actions of any one of us reflects on the institution as a whole.
We need to uphold the highest standards of personal conduct and I have not met that test.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to take this opportunity to advise you and the House that I am resigning as Chairperson of the Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee on Community and Economic Development effective immediately.
Although I will continue to participate fully in the committee’s important work on behalf of my constituents, I believe that it is the right thing to do.
Mr. Speaker, my constituents in Pangnirtung deserve an apology and I will be working very hard to ensure that I earn their trust during my service in this House.
Mr. Speaker, I anticipate that the House may wish to formally express its displeasure with my conduct. I take full responsibility for my actions, and you and all members can be assured that I will accept the judgment of my colleagues in this matter without reservation. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you for taking this courageous action.
Member’s Statement 087 – 3(2): Cape Dorset Studio Celebrates 50 Years of Success (Schell)
I rise today to congratulate Cape Dorset’s Kinngait Studio on the occasion of its recent celebration of its 50th anniversary.
The Kinngait Studio Co-operative is considered to be the longest community running printmaking centre in Canada.
It was founded by the West Baffin Co-op in 1959.
Kinngait Studio is now a world-famous printmaking centre and has been a key contributing factor towards establishing Cape Dorset as the Inuit art capital of the world.
I send my warmest congratulations to all of the Inuit artists, and it is my hope and expectation that Inuit art will thrive for many more years to come.
I would like to extend my best wishes to the Kinngait Studio for another 50 years of excellent printmaking.
At the present time, there are approximately 150,000 prints stored down south due to the fact that they don’t have a proper building in Cape Dorset to store it.
I would like to take this opportunity to urge the Government of Nunavut to look at assisting the studio in accessing funds for a new building in Cape Dorset which would bring tourism to Cape Dorset and Nunavut, as I understand that the current studio is housed in a building that is over 50 years old.
I ask all members to join me in congratulating the Kinngait Studio on its half century of success.
Member’s Statement 088 – 3(2): Montreal Canadiens (Okalik)
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Today is a Friday and I would like to carry on the tradition of it being a Funny Friday, and everybody knows that I’m a devoted Montreal Canadiens fan.
Unfortunately, this year, we’re not faring too well.
So I made a commitment that I do not want to spend any of my hard-earned dollars on them for the time being until they do better, even depriving my own son, who has been asking for Montreal Canadiens paraphernalia for Christmas.
I said, “Look, I expect better of my team. So maybe perhaps next year, we will do better.”
I’m talking to my colleague next to me, who is a devoted Toronto Maple Leafs fan, and he has already gone to one Montreal Canadiens game this year at his own expense, so he is spending more money on my Montreal Canadiens than me.
He advises me that he is bringing his son this weekend to another Montreal Canadiens game, so I thank him for at least supporting my Habs during this difficult time.
So I thank you, Mr. Rumbolt, and I hope your son becomes a devoted Montreal Canadiens fan, like the rest of my family. (interpretation) Thank you.
(interpretation ends) And I hope my Habs fare better and will have better days, I’m sure. At least we’re doing better than the Toronto Maple Leafs.
I hope we can improve our record. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 089 – 3(2): Order of Arctic Adventurers, North of 60 Chapter (Ningark)
On September 16, 2009, in Yellowknife, I was given the Order of Arctic Adventurers, North of 60 Chapter Certificate by the Northern Frontier Visitors Centre.
I received this certificate with mixed feelings, Mr. Speaker, because I was born right on the Arctic Circle in Repulse Bay.
I think it’s a long time coming.
Member’s Statement 090 – 3(2): Thanks to the Pond Inlet Co-op Manager (Arvaluk)
I also wish to express my appreciation in my statement. Our “buddy” up in our community stated that he would be leaving his position as the co-op manager. Allan Hawkes is his name and his wife is Joan.
Apparently, due to their living in Pond Inlet, their grandchildren no longer recognize them whenever they leave for their holidays.
In order to spend more time with their growing grandchildren, Mr. Hawkes will be leaving us, unfortunately.
The residents of Pond Inlet are very appreciative. So on behalf of my constituents in Pond Inlet, I would like to thank him.
Mr. Hawkes arrived when our co-op was in a bad financial position and although he hasn’t been there that long, perhaps a little over three years now, he was instrumental in returning it to profitability.
However, with the assistance of the board of directors and his staff, the Co-op has raised itself back up. Currently, they finished the construction of a new hotel and based on this year’s AGM report, their employees now number approximately 100.
Further, the income generated by the Co-op has approached the $10 million range and they have been successful in garnering contracts, as they are currently constructing the multi-plex apartments for the housing corporation.
They have a garage and a small restaurant that they own and operate.
Additionally, the employees are almost 100 percent local Inuit.
Mr. Arvaluk (interpretation): I wanted to highlight some of the work that Mr. Hawkes has accomplished and I wanted people to know how hard he has worked to complete them.
Further, all the residents of Pond Inlet treat him as a friend, not just as their employer. Many people go hunting with him in the spring and summer and I have gone fishing with him, as he loves to be outdoors.
Just like most Pond Inlet residents, he has the equipment, such as a snowmobile and an ATV, and he doesn’t just sit back on his time off.
On behalf of the Co-op employees, I make this statement that Mr. Hawkes will be almost irreplaceable when he leaves.
I doubt that I will have time to make another statement regarding this person as he may be gone by the next session.
On behalf of the people of Pond Inlet, I would like to state my gratitude and hope that he has a pleasant future down south.
If there are no more, going back to the orders of the day. (interpretation ends) Item 4.
I was going to recognize two people, but I’ve got to cross one off the list because he left.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a constituent of mine who is here in the Gallery and it is Mr. Joe Sageatook, who is sitting over there behind where I used to sit. I would like to welcome him to the Gallery and also just inform members that not only is he a constituent of mine but he’s an employee of the Qulliq Energy Corporation whose hard work, dedication, and input has always been greatly appreciated.
Mr. Sageatook is also an individual who believes very strongly in his views and has taken opportunities to be able to voice those concerns for people to hear.
He has run in territorial elections in the past and he is currently running as a candidate in the QIA elections.
I encourage him to continue doing what he is doing, raising his concerns and bringing forward his issues for people to hear, and encourage other people also to follow in the footsteps that he has of not being afraid to say what they have to say for people to hear.
Question 115 – 3(2): Inuit Employment Plan (Okalik)
A few days prior, on November 25, he stated that the Qulliq Energy Corporation did not have an Inuit employment plan to implement so that they could hire more Inuit employees.
(interpretation ends) Let me quote, Mr. Speaker.
“As of right now, the corporation does not have an Inuit employment plan.”
I go to an email that I tabled yesterday and it’s dated November 3, 2009, where Mr. Sageatook asked, “Once again, Catherine,” referring to the Director of Human Resources of the Qulliq Energy Corporation, “I’m asking you for the Inuit Employment Implementation Plan.”
The response, “It is on our Intranet for every one of our employees to review.”
So if there’s a plan on November 3 of this year, which I tabled earlier, how come the minister is saying there’s no plan?
Which is it, Mr. Speaker?
I believe I answered that question the other day when the member posed his question and I made it clear that this is an internal document that was on our Intranet for employees to review and provide feedback on.
The intent of the corporation to circulate or put out their draft plan was to get feedback on from employees. We did receive valuable input from employees on that draft.
Since then, like I said, on the bottom, it had revision 4.
That was sent out as an internal document in draft form.
If it was meant for public consumption, it would’ve had “draft” written on it.
But the understanding that I have is that the intent behind that was this is a draft for our employees to have a look at so that they could provide feedback on it.
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I wouldn’t be pursuing this if the director of human resources for the corporation wasn’t saying that it was a plan. If it was clearly stated that it was a draft, then we could work on it further.
But according to her email, “Please go into the site under strategic plan and you will find a 22-page document that outlines all of the initiatives, activities, and hard work of the QEC.”
So if there is a plan according to her on November 3, what are we supposed to work on?
The minister is saying there is no plan, but his own director is saying that there is such a plan. (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
As I have said on numerous occasions already and just a few moments ago, I said the same thing, this was sent out as an internal document in draft form to get feedback from employees towards developing a final strategy.
That hasn’t happened yet; it is still a working document in progress.
Once a final document has been brought forward, I’m sure that the management will bring it to the board of directors and to me for approval and the approval by cabinet once that’s done.
At this point in time, that hasn’t happened.
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Is the minister saying that the current director of human resources was incorrect in saying that there is a plan?
No, I’m not saying that. I’m saying that taken in isolation, in context, I know there were emails before and after this particular email that was indicating that this is a draft plan they want feedback from employees on. So I’m saying that the plan that was out there for people to look at is the plan that she was referring to, which is in no way, shape, or form saying that that’s the final plan.
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) According to this email, the current director is defending the document that was tabled, which is quite offensive to me as an Inuk, as I always encourage young Inuit to pursue their dreams, that they can do whatever they want.
The document that I tabled stipulates that we have some barriers to overcome and that we don’t have the confidence to do certain things.
I try and tell young people that they can do whatever they want and that they shouldn’t put any barriers within themselves.
So I ask again. The director claims that this is a good document.
I see otherwise. It should not be defended, it’s indefensible. The current director who claims that this is an Inuit employment plan… .
I just want it clarified. What is it? Is the director saying that this is a plan or is the minister saying that it’s not a plan?
I just want an answer. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
As I have said before, one of the things and directions that the staff was given in the past was in developing a strategy to identify some of the barriers that the corporation has actually encountered in being able to attract, retain, and promote Inuit within the organization.
Again, this is something that the corporation is very committed to. As I said the other day, it also has one of the highest Inuit employment rates within the GN overall, they’re at 56 percent, and that it continues to try and move forward in doing that.
Having said that, Mr. Speaker, and like I said the other day, if we don’t identify the challenges that we are facing, if we ignore them, we won’t be able to come up with ways to address them and remove those barriers for Inuit.