EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Before we proceed further, Madam Deputy Clerk, can you ascertain if the Commissioner of Nunavut is prepared to enter the Chamber to give assent to bills.
First of all, to all my relatives in Kugluktuk that are expecting me, I say “hello” to them. (interpretation ends) Hello to my family in Kugluktuk and Tuktoyaktok.
I want to say “hi” to a bunch of little boys, some of whom said they were going to watch today. Hi Latten, Hunter, Reid, Nolan, and Payton.
Bill1, Northern Employee Benefits Services Pension Plan Act;
Bill12, An Act to Amend the Tobacco Tax Act;
Bill13, An Act to Amend the Vital Statistics Act;
Bill 16, Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2015-2016;
Bill 18, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2015-2016;
Bill 19, An Act to Amend the Workers’ Compensation Act; and
Bill 21, An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, the Legislative Assembly Retiring Allowances Act and the Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act.
As you are all aware, my term of office as Commissioner of this great territory is drawing to an end. May 31, 2010 seems like only a few days ago. Since the day I was sworn in as Nunavut’s fourth Commissioner, the support, hospitality, and respect of Nunavummiut has been incredible.
The position of the commissioner is deeply respected by Nunavut’s elders, who continue to see the position as that of the representative of the Queen.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank Premier Taptuna for the very kind words that he offered earlier today, and I wish to express my appreciation to all Members of this House.
Commissioners play a symbolic role with dual responsibilities: statutory and customary responsibilities, symbolic by acting as a symbol of the territory, supporting the values of its citizens as have been agreed to be governed by.
The Governor General personifies the national and federal interests of all people of Canada while the Commissioner personifies the interest of the people of Nunavut. Overall, the Queen is the figurehead symbolizing the unity of these separate interests.
The Commissioner is a head of state, but not head of government. The Premier holds that title.
Nunavummiut have seen my primary responsibilities televised in the Legislative Assembly through various proceedings: swearing-in of Members of the Legislative Assembly and cabinet members, my readings of the opening addresses, and the ascension of bills, and presenting the Order of Nunavut.
I have also been involved in signing orders, appointments, warrants, and other legal documents in addition to customary responsibilities, such as attending official events.
As Chancellor of the Order of Nunavut, it has been my honour and privilege to preside over the investitures of a number of distinguished Nunavummiut.
There have been several highlights of my tenure as Commissioner. I was privileged to host the Earl and Duchess of Essex, Prince Edward and Princess Sophie, on their working visit to Nunavut’s capital.
I was also honoured to host Their Excellencies, the Hon. David Johnston and Ms. Sharon Johnston.
Thank you to my executive assistant at the time, Marie Fortier, for organizing an all-day outing in beautiful weather. The fish didn’t bite for Their Excellencies, but they enjoyed a guided nature walk through Sylvia Grinnell Park, sampled country food, and enjoyed good old campfire tea and coffee.
I am also incredibly proud of the work I have done with Women in Action and Steps of Hope for breast cancer research.
All proceeds raised have gone to the Alberta Cancer Foundation in support of breast cancer research at the Cross Cancer Institute.
This May, a third group of women will once again brave the elements and test their determination by walking from Hall Beach to Igloolik.
The 2012 Steps of Hope walk from Umingmaktok to Cambridge Bay raised $92,000.
The 2014 walk from Whale Cove to Rankin Inlet raised close to $90,000.
The goal for 2015 is $100,000.
One of my tasks over the last five years has been to educate Nunavummiut, particularly students in high schools and colleges, about the role and responsibilities of the Nunavut Commissioner.
Throughout my five years of watching proceedings of the Legislative Assembly, I have witnessed a lot of emotion, passion, frustration, and some humour, but above all else, there is respect, dignity, and integrity from all of you.
The Members of the Legislative Assembly are doing their duty, scrutinizing the government’s plans, policies, and budgets while bringing the concerns of their constituents forward with passion and drive.
My time as Commissioner would not have been possible without the help and support of many people and organizations.
I would like to express gratitude to many Nunavummiut, agencies, and organizations throughout our great territory.
I would like to thank the hamlets for welcoming me into their communities and for sharing the awards ceremonies recognizing and honouring their residents.
I would like to thank the Rangers throughout Nunavut for their willingness to participate in and adding much colour and respect to the ceremonies as well.
I would like to thank the 3019 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps of Rankin Inlet and the 3045 Royal Regiment of Canada Cadet Corps of Arctic Bay for participating as Honour Guards in these award ceremonies and for creating lasting learning opportunities.
I would also like to thank Nunavut’s RCMP officers in detachments across this territory for their willingness to perform the role of Aide de Camps for ceremonies and events.
Nunavummiut love to see the officers in their ceremonial red serge.
Thank you to those officers who helped in presentations like the recent 50th anniversary of the national flag presentations to schools from grade 4 through 6.
I would like to thank the many individuals who have been Aide de Camps for me since 2012:
Adam Chubbs
Captain Yanick Ferguson
Captain Raymond Rioux
Constable David Aglukark
Sergeant Yvonne Niego
I want to show particular gratitude to Adam Chubbs, who has since left the territory, for his leadership in developing the orientation program for Aide de Camps for the Office of the Commissioner.
These individuals took their honorary role seriously and with the utmost respect for the Office of the Commissioner.
I would like to thank the staff of the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs for the tremendous assistance provided to my executive assistants and my office.
I would like to thank the interpreters and translators for their commitment, dedication, and respect for the work that they do for the Legislative Assembly.
Thank you for bearing with me as I mix dialects and flip back and forth between English and Inuinnaqtun. (interpretation) Thank you very much to you all.
(interpretation ends) I would like to thank Iqalummiut who have been my neighbours for the last five years and shared the land, their language and culture with me.
Lastly, I would like to thank some of the Members of the Assembly who took part and supported Women in Action 2014 by joining the head shave fundraiser, helping to raise $31,000 in that event.
We look forward to more of you joining the 2015 head shave fundraiser supporting breast cancer research.
These memories as well as memories of visiting the majority of the communities in Nunavut to recognize deserving individuals have been the highlight of my term.
I am very confident that my successor, whoever he or she may be, will be in very good hands as they assume their role in the months to come.
What’s next in my life?
I’m certainly not retiring.
I’m returning home to Kugluktuk to promote Inuinnaqtun language and our culture within the community. I’m committed to keeping Inuinnaqtun alive, thriving, and growing.
With that, I would like to conclude by offering reflections on the arrival of spring. A real example today is a nice welcome change in weather, which brings renewed life to life on the land.
As one chapter of my journey ends, another begins.  I wish all of you the very best as you work for the betterment of our people and our territory.
Thank you so very much for all of your support and good luck as you move forward to help Nunavut prosper and succeed. (interpretation) Thank you.
Motion 21 – 4(2)
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) I would ask the members to stick around after we adjourn.
This House stands adjourned until Tuesday, May 26, 2015, at 1:30 p.m.
>>House adjourned at 16:35
Minister of Culture and Heritage; Minister of Languages; Minister responsible for Labour; Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation
Government House Leader; Minister of Health; Minister of Justice; Minister responsible for Immigration
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Pages 2665 – 2693
Opening Prayer 2665
Money Message 2665
Ministers’ Statements 2665
Members’ Statements 2667
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 2674
Oral Questions 2675
Responses to Petitions 2689
Tabling of Documents 2689
Notices of Motions 2691
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 2691
Motions 2691
First Reading of Bills 2692
Second Reading of Bills 2692
Orders of the Day 2693
Tuesday, May 26, 2015 2665
141 – 4(2): 2015 Summer Literacy Camps (Quassa) 2666
142 – 4(2): Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Resources (Kuksuk) 2666
143 – 4(2): Joint Investigation of Child Sexual Abuse Training (Ugyuk) 2667
284 – 4(2): Please Don’t Forget the Kitikmeot (Akoak) 2668
285 – 4(2): Congratulations to Recipients of Commissioner’s Awards (Enook) 2668
286 – 4(2): Congratulations to Joe Karetak on his Medal of Bravery (Savikataaq) 2669
287 – 4(2): Nursing in Nunavut (Angnakak) 2669
288 – 4(2): NS@30 (Joanasie) 2670
289 – 4(2): Recognition of Commissioner Edna Elias (Taptuna) 2671
290 – 4(2): Thanks to the Premier and Minister of Education (Kuksuk) 2672
291 – 4(2): Thankful for Successful Search and Rescue (Quassa) 2673
292 – 4(2): Another School Year Ends (Ugyuk) 2673
293 – 4(2): Thankful for Successful Search of Brian Koonoo (Sammurtok) 2674
482 – 4(2): Update on Repulse Bay’s New Sewage Lagoon (Mapsalak) 2676
483 – 4(2): Plebiscite on Alienation of Municipal Lands (Savikataaq) 2676
484 – 4(2): Status of Midwifery in Nunavut (Hickes) 2678
485 – 4(2): Vacant Staff Housing Units (Enook) 2679
486 – 4(2): Impact of Federal Budget on Marine Infrastructure in Nunavut (Angnakak) 2681
487 – 4(2): Support for Nunavut Sivuniksavut (Joanasie) 2682
488 – 4(2): Construction of New Staff Housing Units (Rumbolt) 2684
489 – 4(2): Midwifery Training in Nunavut (Hickes) 2686
490 – 4(2): Vacant Staff Housing Units (Enook) 2687
491 – 4(2): Status of Nursing in Nunavut (Angnakak) 2688
Response to Petition 002 – 4(2): Petition to Request a 24-hour Elders Facility in Rankin Inlet (Clerk) 2689
142 – 4(2): Actuarial Valuation Report as at April 1, 2014 under the Legislative Assembly Retiring Allowances Act (Speaker) 2689
143 – 4(2): Actuarial Valuation Report as at April 1, 2014 under the Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act (Speaker) 2689
144 – 4(2): Excerpt from Nunavut Eastern Arctic Shipping Presentation on Marine Infrastructure (Angnakak) 2689
145 – 4(2): Public Engagement Report for the Crime Prevention Strategy (Okalik) 2690
146 – 4(2): Resolutions Passed at the 2014 Annual General Meeting of the Nunavut Association of Municipalities (Angnakak) 2690
147 – 4(2): Qulliq Energy Corporation’s Response to the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts’ Report on the Review of the 2012-13 Annual Report and 2014-18 Corporate Plan for the Qulliq Energy Corporation (Peterson) 2690
148 – 4(2): Response to the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts’ Report on the Review of the Office of the Auditor General to the Legislative Assembly on the 2014 Follow-up Report on Child and Family Services in Nunavut (Ugyuk) 2690
022 – 4(2): Standing Committee Appointments – Notice (Hickes) 2691
022 – 4(2): Standing Committee Appointments (Hickes) 2691
023 – 4(2): Adjournment for the Day (Rumbolt) 2693
Bill 22 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2015-2016 – Notice 2691
Bill 22 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2015-2016 – First Reading 2692
Bill 22 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2015-2016 – Second Reading 2692
Mr. Tony Akoak, Ms. Pat Angnakak, Hon. Monica Ell, Mr. Joe Enook, Mr. George Hickes, Mr. David Joanasie, Hon. George Kuksuk, Mr. Steve Mapsalak, Hon. Johnny Mike, Hon. Paul Okalik, Hon. Keith Peterson, Hon. Paul Quassa, Hon. George Qulaut, Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Mr. Alexander Sammurtok, Mr. Tom Sammurtok, Mr. Joe Savikataaq, Mr. Isaac Shooyook, Hon. Peter Taptuna, Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk.
Speaker (interpretation): Good afternoon and welcome, my fellow Nunavummiut and members.
Colleagues, I wish to inform you today that two members will be absent from the House, Simeon Mikkungwak and Pauloosie Keyootak, due to weather.
Simeon had lost a relative and they will be holding a memorial service today.
They are both expected to arrive here tomorrow.
My granddaughter Tara Claire is celebrating her 12th birthday today. Have a wonderful day. I love you.
(interpretation ends) Good afternoon to all of you and welcome back to the legislature.
Before we proceed with the orders of the day, I wish to read the following message that I have received from the Deputy Commissioner of Nunavut:
Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut the passage of Bill 22, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2015-2016, during the Second [Session] of the Fourth Legislative Assembly.
Nellie Kusugak
Unfortunately, we have lost our audio.
>>House recessed at 13:33 and resumed at 13:42
The technical difficulties have been fixed. Thank you.
We will proceed with our meeting. (interpretation ends) Item 2. (interpretation) Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Justice, Mr. Okalik.
(interpretation ends) There must be something going on. I’m sorry. My apologies.
Ministers’ Statements. Minister of Education, Mr. Quassa.
Minister’s Statement 141 – 4(2): 2015 Summer Literacy Camps (Quassa)
Good afternoon to my fellow residents of Amittuq and Aggu. I hope you have a great day.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to report on an exciting partnership project taking place this summer in Cape Dorset and Arviat.
In collaboration with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami’s Amaujaq (interpretation ends) National Centre for Inuit Education, (interpretation) the TD Bank Group, the district education authorities in Cape Dorset and Arviat, and the Department of Education, (interpretation ends) Frontier College (interpretation) will coordinate and deliver a second summer literacy camp in Cape Dorset and bring the summer literacy camp to Arviat.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, research identifies underdeveloped literacy skills as the number one reason why students fail to graduate from high school.
During these camps, children aged 5 to 12 take part in three weeks of fun, educational activities to develop their literacy skills in English and Inuktitut.
The goal of the camps is to spread the love of reading, support and value culture and traditional learning, and promote healthy, creative social and physical activity during the summer months.
Summer literacy camps address “summer learning loss,” the decline in student performance between the end of one school year and the beginning of the next.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, locally hired staff attend a four-day intensive training and orientation that gives them the background, skills, and resources to plan and deliver the camp.
Last summer, over 40 children from Cape Dorset attended the summer literacy camp and over 390 high-quality books were left in the community for children to take home and share with family and friends.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, helping our children develop a love of reading improves literacy, giving them every opportunity to achieve academic success.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, thank you for giving me the opportunity to announce this good news.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Culture and Heritage, Mr. Kuksuk.
Minister’s Statement 142 – 4(2): Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Resources (Kuksuk)
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to my fellow Nunavummiut and residents of Arviat and Whale Cove. Have a good day.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce the release of two books, Inuit Kinship Terminologies and Inuit Parenting, which are collections of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit from Nunavut elders and youth.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, Culture and Heritage held family relations workshops between November 2010 and October 2012.
The workshops were held across Nunavut between elders and youth to compile family relationship terms. Information gathered from these workshops were documented into the different dialects and formed into a book to be distributed to communities.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, at recess, I invite my colleagues and anyone who is in the House to visit our booth in the foyer where these important cultural resources are available.
Minister’s Statement 143 – 4(2): Joint Investigation of Child Sexual Abuse Training (Ugyuk)
It’s a very beautiful spring day and I am pleased that we are able to start our session again.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the frontline workers who participated in the joint investigation of child sexual abuse training in Iqaluit May 20 to 26, 2015 provided by the Department of Family Services and the RCMP.
This training will not only increase communication among frontline workers, such as the RCMP, community social services workers, health centre staff, and the Office of the Representative for Children and Youth, but it will also minimize trauma on children and adolescents by ensuring that they only have to tell their story once.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the material covered in the training is of high standard for interviewing children and adolescent victims and witnesses in cases of alleged sexual abuse, physical abuse, and/or neglect.
The training was adapted to Nunavut by the Department of Family Services and the RCMP in 2011.
The training includes a cultural component that teaches cultural difference and is specific to Inuit.
In addition, it covers how interviews should be performed so that frontline workers are using the same language when speaking with children and youth.
Mr. Speaker, we have 12 community social service workers who took part in the training, and I am very proud of all of the participants for the hard work that they do within our communities when dealing with just difficult issues.
Member’s Statement 284 – 4(2): Please Don’t Forget the Kitikmeot (Akoak)
I rise today to firstly thank the ministers who visit Gjoa Haven, Minister Kuksuk, Minister Okalik, and Minister Quassa.
I would like to remind our government and the Premier that we have the Kitikmeot region. We keep saying that we should not forget the Kitikmeot.
We have the Kivalliq and Baffin regions, but we also have the Kitikmeot region and we don’t want to be forgotten. (interpretation ends) Quanaqquhi, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 285 – 4(2): Congratulations to Recipients of Commissioner’s Awards (Enook)
Good afternoon to the people of Pond Inlet and Nunavut. I would like to send my condolences to the people who lost their loved ones. You are in our thoughts today.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to publicly congratulate a number of my constituents in Pond Inlet who recently received awards from the Commissioner of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, a ceremony was held in Pond Inlet on April 15 at which former Commissioner Elias presided over the awarding of 11 bravery, volunteer, community service, special skills, and long service awards.
I had the honour of being in attendance at this ceremony and I wish to thank the Office of the Commissioner for having organized such a moving event.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the following residents of Pond Inlet whom we are very proud of as residents of Pond Inlet and Nunavut:
Nathan Ootoova, recipient of the Commissioner’s Award for Bravery;
Jessie Peterloosie, recipient of the Commissioner’s Award for Bravery;
Sheati Tagak, recipient of the Commissioner’s Award for Volunteer and Community Service; and his wife
Leah Tagak, recipient of the Commissioner’s Award for Volunteer and Community Service.
Mr. Speaker, these individuals were also given awards:
Apphia Killiktee
Lizzie Simonie
Isaac Qiyuapik
They were the recipients of the Commissioner’s Award for Volunteer and Community Service.
Also, Regilee Ootook was a recipient of the Commissioner’s Award for Volunteer and Community Service, so was Rhoda Pewatualuk.
Two individuals who are special and whom we are especially proud of are Gamailee Kilukishak, who is an elder, who is the recipient of the Commissioner’s Special Skills Award, and last but not least, I would also recognize Ookookoo Quaraq, recipient of the Commissioner’s Long Service Award for his 50 years as a member of the Canadian Rangers, whom we are especially proud of.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in congratulating my constituents.
Member for Arviat South, Mr. Joe Savikataaq.
Member’s Statement 286 – 4(2): Congratulations to Joe Karetak on his Medal of Bravery (Savikataaq)
Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) First of all, I would like to recognize Mr. Taptuna, Mr. Kuksuk, and Mr. Quassa for coming to visit Arviat for two days.
It was a very joyous event for the residents of Arviat and I would like to thank them all for visiting Arviat.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to publicly congratulate an individual from my community who received a Medal of Bravery.
Two years ago, Joe Karetak Sr. demonstrated remarkable courage when he risked his own life to save another while stranded on sea ice outside of Arviat.
In January of 2013, Mr. Karetak sacrificed his own safety to save the life of a helicopter pilot who had been attempting to execute a rescue mission on freshly formed, thin sea ice.
Mr. Karetak’s resourcefulness and decisive actions during that dangerous incident are exceptional and honourable and the community of Arviat is fortunate to have such an upstanding resident in its midst.
On May 1, the Governor General presented Mr. Karetak with a Medal of Bravery for his actions.
Canada’s Medal of Bravery recognizes people who have risked their lives trying to save or protect the lives of others during hazardous circumstances.
Mr. Speaker, rescue teams lay their lives on the line every day to save the lives of citizens, but sometimes it is the everyday citizen who must save the life of a rescuer. I commend all individuals involved in the safe rescue of Mr. Karetak and his son.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in commending Mr. Joe Karetak on his actions and his recent award.
Member’s Statement 287 – 4(2): Nursing in Nunavut (Angnakak)
First of all, I would like to welcome our listening audience, especially my husband.
(interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to acknowledge and thank Nunavut’s hardworking nurses for the effort and dedication that they put in to providing professional medical services to Nunavut’s residents.
Mr. Speaker, May 11 to 17 was National Nursing Week, when nurses around the world were acknowledged for their commitment to health care. Even though that official period has passed, I believe that we should take every opportunity to express our appreciation for those who undertake such challenging work on our behalf.
Mr. Speaker, many jurisdictions across Canada struggle with a shortage of qualified professional health care workers. We are, indeed, fortunate that many choose to live and work in our remote territory where there are many unique challenges to face and experience.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that our government takes the necessary steps to recruit and retain nursing professionals to work in Nunavut.
We also need to step up our efforts to encourage young Nunavummiut to stay in school, study hard, graduate from high school, and maybe even choose a career path in the health care field.
Mr. Speaker, we are fortunate to have dedicated and committed nurses all across Nunavut.
However, we also face nursing shortages, high staff turnover, and a confusing mix of agency, casual, and indeterminate nursing positions.