EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
008 – 1(4): Benefits from Infrastructure Canada (McLean) 437
009 – 1(4): Status of Government of Nunavut Policies (Tootoo) 438
010 – 1(4): Funding of Elder & Youth Programs (McLean) 438
011 – 1(4): Healing Programs (Tootoo) 438
012 – 1(4): Accurate Unemployment Statistics (McLean) 439
013 – 1(4): Statistics on Nurses (Havioyak) 439
014 – 1(4): Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Policies & Procedures (Tootoo) 439
015 – 1(4): Solutions for Staff Housing Shortage (McLean) 440
016 – 1(4): Job Competitions for Depts., Boards & Agencies (Tootoo) 440
017 - 1(4): Status of Women Council (Havioyak) 441
018 - 1(4): Northwestel Rate Increase (McLean) 442
019 - 1(4): Information on Community Constable Program (McLean) 442
020 - 1(4): Summer Student Employment Program (McLean) 442
010 - 1(4): Appointment of Olayuk Akesuk to Executive Council (Tootoo) 445
011 - 1(4): Legislative Assembly Committee Appointments (McLean) 446
Bill 1 - Supplementary Appropriations No.1 2000-2001 (Ng) 489
Bill 2 - An Act to Amend the Workers’ Compensation Act (Ng) 490
Bill 8 - An Act to Amend the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Okalik) 490
Bill 9 - An Act to Facilitate the Transfer of Employees from the Northwest Territories Power Corporation to the Nunavut Power Corporation (Picco) 490
Bill 1 - Supplementary Appropriation Act No. 1, 2000-01 491
Bill 2 - An Act to Amend the Workers' Compensation Act 491
Bill 3 - An Act to Amend the Statute Revisions Act 491
Bill 4 - An Act to Amend the Land Titles Act 491
Bill 7 - Legislative Assembly Members Removal and Disqualification Act 491
Bill 8 - An Act to Amend the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act 491
Bill 9 - An Act to Facilitate the Transfer of Employees from the Northwest Territories Power Corporation to the Nunavut Power Corporation 491  Friday November 3, 2000
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk, Mr. Ovide Alakannuark, Honourable Jack Anawak, Mr. James Arvaluk, Mr. Donald Havioyak, Mr. David Iqaqrialu, Honourable Peter Kattuk, Honourable Peter Kilabuk, Mr. Glenn McLean, Honourable Kelvin Ng, Mr. Jobie Nutarak, Honourable Kevin O'Brien, Honourable Paul Okalik, Honourable Ed Picco, Mr. Uriash Puqiqnak, Honourable Manitok Thompson, Mr. Hunter Tootoo.
Speaker (Mr. O'Brien): I would like to call on Mr. Puqiqnak to say the opening prayer.
Speaker: Ulluukkut. Good morning Mr. Premier, members.
Ministers' statements. Mr. Premier.
Minister's Statement 035 – 1(4): Kakivak Association Update
Before I begin I believe that today is going to be the last day for my being the Minister of Education.
We will be making an announcement shortly.
As this will be my last statement as Minister of Education, I would like to say that I enjoyed that portfolio during my time as minister.
(interpretation ends) I rise today to update the House on relations between the Government of Nunavut and the Kakivak Association with respect to a lawsuit initiated by the former Baffin Divisional Board of Education.
As you may recall in July 1999, the Baffin Divisional Board of Education filed a lawsuit against Kakivak Association.
In the lawsuit the Board alleged that Kakivak failed to honour its commitment to provide financial assistance so the Board could hire additional classroom staff.
(interpretation) Since that time through the enactment of the Divisional Education Councils Dissolution Act, the Baffin Divisional Board of Education has been dissolved.
As a result of the Board's dissolution, the Government of Nunavut inherited the lawsuit.
Since assuming the portfolio of Education I have given this matter serious consideration and in an attempt to resolve this matter, I have had discussions with my cabinet colleagues as well as with the President of the Kakivak Association.
I report today that the Government of Nunavut will not pursue legal action. (interpretation ends) Not pursuing this course of action will allow the government and Kakivak to resume a positive working relationship that is in the best interests of education programming support in Nunavut.
Ministers' statements. Mr. Kattuk.
Minister's Statement 036 – 1(4): Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit September Report
I am envious that this is the Premier's last day holding the Education portfolio.
I hold in my hand a report from the September Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Workshop.
The workshop was held in response to the interest in preserving and promoting the cultural importance of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in Nunavut.
Government representatives and respected elders communicated their understanding of, and values for traditional knowledge. (interpretation ends) The resulting report has been accepted as a working document for policy document as the guiding principles for Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit initiatives in the Government of Nunavut.
The Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit report is an integral part of Culture, Language, Elders & Youth's research and consultation process, and establishes a benchmark for the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Task Force.
The tabling and legislative discussion of this report will continue this consultation process.
I invite comments from departments of the Government of Nunavut and encourage all Members of the Legislative Assembly to discuss this public document with their respective constituents.
Response from all Nunavummiut is valued as Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit policies effect the future of our land.
I am tabling this report on behalf of all Nunavummiut, so that we may take a lead from our past and carry the words, philosophy, and actions of our ancestors proudly into our future in Nunavut.
Speaker: Item 2. Ministers' statements.
Minister's Statement 037 – 1(4): Decentralization Update
Mr. Speaker, I wish to inform members about our decentralization activities and to bring them up to date on our plans for continued success in this initiative.
(interpretation ends) This year 72 positions are being relocated to the communities of Cape Dorset, Pangnirtung and Pond Inlet.
A Member: Hear, hear.
Hon. Paul Okalik: In addition we have established a three year decentralization plan to develop cost efficient budgets and made significant progress in completing the infrastructure required to support decentralization.
With the success of the first year of decentralization, the Decentralization Secretariat, working together with the Department of Human Resources and the Department of Public Works and Services is in the midst of planning for phase 2 in the 2001/2002 fiscal year.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that thanks to the hard work and effort of the staff at Public Works and Services, facilities in 9 of 10 impacted communities are either partially occupied or ready for occupancy.
Kugluktuk will be ready by mid-November.
The establishment of this infrastructure is on time and on budget.
One of the key objectives of decentralization is to provide employment and training opportunities at the community level.
Of the 72 positions that were decentralized this year, very few existing employees elected to relocate.
This has increased the opportunities available to community residents, while emphasizing the benefits of the staffing and training initiatives underway.
I would also like to mention that, of the employees who chose not to relocate with their positions, we have already been able to accommodate almost half to alternate Government of Nunavut positions in Iqaluit.
The government is committed to minimizing disruption to employees and programs and services.
As mentioned in the Throne Speech, the Secretariat will be focusing key resources, over the next two years, on training and recruitment.
I am pleased to announce that in keeping with our objective of maximizing training and employment benefits for Nunavummiut, our decentralization training budget has been increased to one million dollars.
This increase resulted from cost savings as a result of accommodating many of the existing employees here in Iqaluit.
This amount is further supplemented by other Government of Nunavut training initiatives.
We have created a decentralization training working group that will include representatives of the Decentralization Secretariat, the Department of Human Resources, the Department of Education, Nunavut Arctic College and other agencies.
This group will focus on ensuring that Nunavummiut fully benefit from employment opportunities.
(interpretation) In the next two years 120 positions will be decentralized.
As both decentralized positions and incremental positions are staffed, and as training programs are initiated, communities will continue to see the benefits of decentralization as employment and training opportunities are increased and as government is brought closer to the people.
Mr. Speaker, decentralization continues to be a priority of our government and implementation of the initiative is an ongoing challenge, however the potential benefits are great.
(interpretation ends) As we refocus our efforts on training and recruitment, we look forward to maximizing these benefits for all Nunavummiut.
Item 3. Members' statements. Mr. Iqaqrialu.
Member's Statement 076 – 1(4): Suicide Prevention
Mr. Speaker, during our fourth session there have been numerous occasions when we have raised the issue of suicide because of its huge impact on the people of Nunavut.
While we are on the issue of suicide, our leaders have shown their support in working on the issue.
The leaders of Nunavut because of their support, the Inuit of Nunavut will begin to work on the problems of suicide, but of course it is up to the people themselves to take the initiative.
For this reason, we have to work towards improving our lives.
It is important to keep in mind that when people pass away, we cannot help them any longer. The only thing we can do is remember them.
All the people of Nunavut lives are precious and loved by their communities.
Members’ statements. Mr. Puqiqnak.
Member’s Statement 077 - 1(4): Natillik Constituency Concerns
I rise today to express the views of my constituents in the Kitikmeot on the issue of the single time zone, and the Nunavut Transportation Strategy.
Mr. Speaker, a number of my constituents have told me clearly it is time for us, as Members of the Legislative Assembly, to focus more attention on such issues as housing shortages, low incomes, high unemployment and the high cost of living.
That we should spend less energy on the single time zone issue.
Others Mr. Speaker, have asked me to express their dissatisfaction with the government’s decision on the time zone issue, that appears to respond to one region's concerns, at the expense of other regions.
Mr. Speaker, the people of my constituency follow very closely the proceedings of this Assembly.
They were concerned to hear the Minister of Community Government and Transportation, speaking in October, about the government’s plan to develop a new transportation strategy for Nunavut.
They are concerned, Mr. Speaker, that the communities have not been sufficiently consulted on their transportation needs, especially with respect to the issue of where people must travel for medical services.
Mr. Speaker, I urge the Government to fully involve the communities in my constituency, the people of Natillik, as you move to address things like transportation needs.
Speaker: Members’ Statements. Mr. McLean.
Member’s Statement 078 - 1(4): November 11th Remembrance Day
Mr. McLean: Uqaqti, today I would like to take this time to recognize the veterans who fought to keep this country free and democratic.
Some of them made the greatest sacrifice of all and gave their lives to protect the rights and freedoms of the people in this country as well as other nations.
Canada is a great country, one of the best in the world…
…Mr. Speaker, and even though we hear comments about how hard it is today, we should always remember that at least we have the right to express those opinions.
If those men and women had not sacrificed themselves, we would not have the luxury of complaining and whining today.
So Uqaqti, so I wear this poppy in recognition of those who gave their lives, so I and my fellow members and all Canadians can have those rights and freedoms.
And I would like everyone in Nunavut on November 11, Remembrance Day to pause for a minute or two of silence to acknowledge the people who made the ultimate sacrifice for those of us here today.
Members’ statements. Mr. Arvaluk.
Member’s Statement 079 - 1(4): Gravel Needs
Mr. Arvaluk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you Mr. McLean for your statement.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker the Premier publicly made statements respecting a need to help communities not benefiting from decentralized government.
He made this statement several times to this House and to the public.
Benefiting not necessarily on direct economic development but rather infrastructure development that will create economic returns and well being in the community.
Mr. Speaker, I am talking about Chesterfield Inlet where there is an acute shortage of gravel to improve the airstrip surface, road improvements and housing building pads.
All of these the Minister of Transportation and the Premier knows about.
Mr. Speaker, when we are talking about access to the gravel sites we are not only talking about gravel being put on the very poor surface of the airstrip and other gravel needs, but rather that there is a potential for economic benefits indirectly.
When access roads to the gravel sites are built they would also go through the camping and fishing lakes.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I will be asking the minister or the premier on the status of these previous discussions and what can be considered during the capital planning process.
Member’s Statement 080 - 1(4): Passing on of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit
I rise today to celebrate Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
Inuit live in the north and survive because of the knowledge of their ancestors in all the seasons of the year.
There are elders that pass on their knowledge and skills as hunters and their survival skills to the younger generation. I commend the elders in my community. The group passed on their traditional knowledge and survival skills to the younger people.
The names that I mentioned are teaching and passing on their hunting and survival skills to the younger people. I wanted to commend them and recognize them for the great work that they are doing.
Member’s Statement 081 - 1(4): Iqaluit East Constituency Meeting
Hon. Ed Picco: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and good morning.
Mr. Speaker, last night I held a constituency meeting at the Abe Okpik hall in Apex.
Mr. Speaker, we had one of the best turn outs ever in a constituency meeting.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Alicee Joamie for opening the meeting with a prayer.
Mr. Speaker, there were very serious and frank questions and discussions on housing, Town operations, roads, drug and alcohol problems, foster care problems, over crowding of our schools, time zone and other important issues.
Mr. Speaker, I was joined by two members of our council elect who were in the audience.
Mayor elect John Matthews and Apex resident councillor elect Kirt Ejesiak.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank them also for attending the meeting.
Mr. Speaker, a common thread throughout the meeting was the rapid growth and population increase in Iqaluit and plans to deal with those issues.
Mr. Speaker, many long term and original residents of Iqaluit feel left behind by the tremendous changes seen in our community over the past few years.
As elected representatives and elected council we need to be cognisant of that fact and support and elicit ideas, views and consult more with all of our residents.
Mr. Speaker, the meeting was scheduled to go from 7 to 9 last night but went to almost 11 o'clock.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank especially Mary Peter, Martha Tikivik and Alicee Joamie, and also long time Apex resident Mr. Bill Mackenzie, for their frank and serious questions.
I would also like to thank the people of Apex and Iqaluit for their ideas, suggestions, criticisms and excellent questions.
Member's Statement 082 – 1(4): Rankin Inlet Craft Show
Hon. Manitok Thompson (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and good morning.
I rise today to announce an upcoming event in Rankin Inlet.
There will be a major craft show and gathering in Rankin Inlet and it is good to see that this event will be happening.
I want to thank all those involved with setting up these events as they worked really hard to get this event going.
I want to thank Therese Tungilik, Andrea Duffy and the other hard working organizers of this event.
On Friday November 7, at Maani Uluyuk School there will be an opening ceremony at 7:00 pm where drum dancers Marianne Taparti, Veronica Manilak and Marina Pisuk and Paul Pisuk will perform.
On Saturday they will be displaying their crafts at Seengituq in Rankin Inlet.
The artists and craftspeople will be displaying their wares 7:00 pm on Saturday November 8, at Maani Uluyuk.
There will be performances as well, singers will be performing and on November 12, the arts and crafts will continue to be displayed at Leo Ussak School along with a feast.
In the evening there will be a fashion show at Alaituk School and on Monday, November 13, the artists who work at the Matchbox Gallery will be showing their wares and in the evening there will be different styles of clothing displayed at the fashion show.
Mr. Speaker, I need another 30 seconds to finish so I would like to seek unanimous consent to conclude my member's statement.
Speaker: The minister is seeking unanimous consent to conclude her statement.
Please continue Ms. Thompson.
I will make this brief.
I apologize to the interpreters because I am speaking quite fast.
As I stated on Monday November 13, there will be a fashion show at Alaituk school and on Tuesday the last night on November 14 there will be jewellery displays at Alaituk school as well and in the evening there will be closing ceremonies that will begin at 5 pm.
There will be a prayer there as well.
A person will close with a prayer and at 9 pm there will be a lot of dancing and anyone who wishes to come to Rankin Inlet to partake in these events please feel welcome.
Member’s Statement 083 - 1(4): Compensation for Jurors
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my concerns about the justice system as many of us have to go through court these days.
Unfortunately these court cases accrue because of violation of acts or laws. There are people who have to serve as jurors.
Now we have no choice to go when we are summoned to service as jurors.
When we are summoned we have no choice but to go.
For future consideration of the Nunavut Government there are problems that arise when you are summoned as a jury member.
If I was working and if I was summoned to the court room I have no choice but to be absent from my job.
There are court proceeding to select jurors.
The compensation given to the jurors is very low.
I think we should see the juror fees raised because employees lose their wages when they have to serve as jurors.
Member’s Statement 084 - 1(4): Pangnirtung Constituency
We have been meeting for quite sometime now and the end is drawing near.
I want to extend my gratitude to my constituents in Pangnirtung.
I want to thank them especially for sending country food.
My family is well fed because of generous contribution of my constituents.
Mr. Speaker, in Pangnirtung every week at 11:30 to 11:45 am, I have time slots in the radio station and I do this as an elected member.
It is always good to hear ideas or concerns.
I try and keep the lines of communication open to myself and to my constituents and that is one way of doing it.
I want to apologize to my constituents for spending so little time in Pangnirtung lately but I will be there soon. I only spent one night on Thursday but I will be returning soon and will be spending a longer time.
>>Applause  Speaker: Members’ statements.
Member’s Statement 085 - 1(4): Arctic Winter Games Iqaluit Host Society
Mr. Speaker, late last month, I had the opportunity and privilege of attending a reception hosted by AWG Host Society welcoming the International Committee here in Iqaluit.
It made me realize the effort that has gone into preparing for the AWG that is going to be hosted here in 2002, that have undergone already.
I’d like to recognize the efforts of the host society and many of the private business sector here in Iqaluit and across Nunavut.
For example, the new arena that we have going up the hill is all non-government funding, so I’d really like to appreciate them.
I want to recognize the efforts that they gave in achieving their tremendous goals.
As we all know in 2002, these games will be the first time they will be hosted in Nunavut, as well as the first time these games will ever be co-hosted.
These games provide an opportunity for our youth from all our communities in Nunavut to participate in international sporting events.
The international eye will not only be on Iqaluit but Nunavut at this time, and I know that the host society and the private sector and the public of Nunavut is determined to ensure that these games are a resounding success.
They recognize the importance of the success of these games and I urge that this government particularly the department responsible, Community Government and Transportation as well as all the members of this House, continue to provide the support and assistance necessary to the host society to ensure that Iqaluit and Nunavut can meet the many challenges that they face in achieving their goals, of having a successful AWG in 2002.
I believe as the many volunteers do, that not only Iqaluit, but Nunavut is ready and able to host successfully an event of this magnitude.
Moving onto Item 4.
Mr. Akesuk (interpretation): Ma’na Uqaqti…
I want to recognize someone from Cape Dorset, who is now working as the Economic Development Officer, Mr. John Curley.
Mr. Speaker, I recognized this person before, but I want to recognize him again today, as perhaps the last day of our 4th session.
I want to recognize our Sergeant-At-Arms James Saittuq who is from Taloyoak.
I think we will see him for the last time today, I want to thank him for the time he served with us and I am glad that he has stayed with us right through to the end. I would like him to be recognized for a job well done here at the Legislative Assembly.
Thank you member. Item 5.
Mr. Speaker, I tend to recognize all Nunavummiut, so I wish to do so again.
There is also a resident of Igloolik and as the MLA from that community is not here I would like to recognize Ike Haulli.
Speaker: Welcome to the gallery Mr. Haulli.
I believe it was a couple of days ago I was invited to a ceremony of the first ever handing over of a cheque from Attutuarvik Loan Company.
I have worked with this individual for many years.
We have known each other since we were a bit younger.
The Qikiqtaaluk Corporation President, Mr. Jerry Ell.
Mr. Speaker, I too would like to recognize some of the guests that we have here from the Qikiqtaaluk Corporation as well as the Kakivak Association.
I spent several years working with the Kakivak Association.
First I will start off with the person representing the Qikiqtaaluk Corporation, Mr. Jerry Ell, who needs no introduction of course, and Mr. Ell thank you for attending our constituency meeting last night and asking very tough and frank questions.
Seated next to Mr. Ell is Mr. Ike Haulli.
Mr. Haulli is an old friend of mine going back a long time, I think I am a bit younger than Mr. Haulli, but it is the first time I have seen Ike in a long time and I know he just celebrated his sixty-seventh birthday so congratulations.
Next to Mr. Haulli, is Brian McLeod.
Again, I worked with Brian, I used to share an office with Brian when he owned Boreal Tools.
Brian is a well know entrepreneur, business administrator and one of the founders of the Baffin Regional Trade Show, now the Nunavut Trade Show. Next to Brian is Mr. Ell's sister, Leonie Qaumariaq and Leonie worked with Kakivak and shared an office with me several years ago and seems to be getting younger every time I see her.
So I would like to take the opportunity to welcome those constituents and my friend from Igloolik Mr. Ike Haulli to the Legislative Assembly.