EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
This was very helpful to me when I had to reassure those constituents who came to visit me.
Mr. Speaker, of all the provinces and territories in Canada, Nunavut has the highest rate of violence against persons.
Earlier this year, my colleague from Nanulik tabled the most recent annual report of the RCMP’s ‘V’ Division.
This report revealed some shocking facts about crime in our communities.
The most fundamental duty of any government is to protect its citizens from harm.
We have an obligation as leaders to take a strong stand against violence that harms the most vulnerable members of society, especially our children.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join with me in expressing our commitment to a Nunavut that is safe for all its people.
Member’s Statement 292 – 2(2): Donald Havioyak President of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association
I rise today to congratulate Donald Havioyak on winning the presidency of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association.
Mr. Havioyak and I have known each other for a very long time.
I look forward to working with him for the benefit of the constituents.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, there may be many opportunities for mining development in the Kitikmeot.
A lot of hard work will have to be undertaken by the KIA in negotiating the Nunavut Impact Benefit Agreement.
The balance must be struck between economic payoffs, job creations, and possible negative social impacts as well as environmental concerns.
I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize the years of good work done by Charlie Evalik when he was President of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association Mr. Evalik served three straight terms as President and in that time he negotiated benefit agreements with several different mining companies.
His experience and leadership were appreciated.
As a former President of KIA myself, I know how important it is to listen to the communities and the Board of Directors.
I invite all Members to join me in congratulating Mr. Havioyak in his new position as President of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association.
Member’s Statement 293 – 2(2): Congratulate Nunavut Arctic College Graduates
I would like to congratulate the Adult Education students.
I would like to congratulate them; Janet Joanas, Patricia Joanas, Sheena Arreak, also Samantha Audlakiak.
These students also took part in one year training, but they did not complete it, Dorothy Audlakiak and Suzanne Arreak.
We are always proud of our students and also adults who are furthering their education.
We urge everyone to stay in school and complete their education so they can get into the workforce.
Member’s Statement 294 – 2(2): Healthy Lifestyles
This is not a new issue.
It has been mentioned by the government and the department of health because it is difficult to hear about people who are ill.
I would like to discuss the importance of healthy lifestyles. (interpretation ends) I rise today to discuss the importance of healthy lifestyles and making healthy choices for the future.
Many academic studies have shown what Inuit have known for a long time that our traditional lives is one of the healthiest lives that we could possibly choose.
Due to the fact that many people are choosing junk foods that are low nutritional value instead of traditional foods, our lifestyle, including our diet is changing.
Now academic studies are warning us to expect an increase in lifestyle disease such as diabetes and cancer.
I would like to encourage people in our communities to make good healthy choices.
The government has produced a lot of useful health related information, such as the Nunavut Food Guide.
I encourage people to be careful when making choices for their diet.
This week is ‘Drop the Pop Week’, and I noticed that there is not a single can of pop on this Food Guide.
I encourage people to think about their health and make decisions for their future.
Many people are frightened that they may have cancer.
For example, getting a yearly check-up at the community Health Centre could lead to an early diagnosis of illness so that it can be dealt with in a timely manner.
It is important that people make good choices for their health, at the same time it is just as important that information about lifestyle choices and health links are available to help Nunavummiut make the right decisions.
It is equally important that our health professionals have the best tools available to diagnose illness and disease.
At the appropriate time I shall ask questions on this issue.
Member’s Statement 295 – 2(2): Wildlife Regulations – Total Allowable Harvest
First of all, I would like to thank the residents of Rankin Inlet because they were going through the radio today because my wife and I have a special day and I would like to welcome all of those individuals who welcomed us from Rankin Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the issue that is a concern that’s arising in regards to the wildlife regulations.
The first one that I would like to speak about, Mr. Speaker, (interpretation ends) is the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Article 5.6.19 (interpretation) states that there should be total allowable harvest and that there should be a study done on the population of our wildlife before you set up the total allowable harvest.
It also states in Section 5.6.3.32 from there and also down to 5.6.3.4 and I will read it in English. (interpretation ends) The allocation for the other residents shall be up to 14 percent of the amount remaining after the allocation and basic needs levels.
Mr. Speaker, I am not sure if the basic needs level has been done or had been carried out by the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board.
Many Nunavummiut that I have spoke with including Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, are concerned with the hunting rights that are being granted to non-Inuit residents in Nunavut.
In short, there will no longer be a quota system for non-Inuit.
It says here the following is allowable harvest on daily limits; in my view it would be five caribou, five deer, 40 grouse or ptarmigan, two moose, two musk ox and the population recognizes Amex – 10.
That, in my view, Mr. Speaker, could mean that if the fellow went out for musk ox hunting twice or five times, and killed two musk ox, he could continually have ten musk ox a year; that’s a non-Inuit resident.
But if you multiply that by 20 good non-Inuit hunters, that’s quite a bit.
So in many respects, Mr. Speaker, this is not fair and I would like to ask the members for additional time to conclude my statement.
Mr. Curley (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I would like to state to Nunavummiut that the hunting rights that are going to be provided to others, they should not be approved when there is such a proposal like that.
We need a quota system in place; if they provide those hunting rights to these individuals, then we will not be able to change that and they should have a quota system where it states how many species they are allowed to harvest within a year.
In some years, the caribou travel out of the communities, and yes, we need to do a basic needs level before the amounts are set.
So this is quite dangerous and it’s quite critical to Inuit.
I believe that the others should not have the hunting rights because these are species that we harvest, we use for subsistence and for clothing.
Others harvest mainly just for subsistence and they also purchase their grocery from the store.
Member’s Statement 296 – 2(2): Congratulate Fauna Kingdon – Winner of the National Aboriginal Youth Award
I would concur with Mr. Curley’s member’s statement on the regulations and I believe it allows for interpretation.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate a Nunavut high school graduate, Ms. Fauna Kingdon.
Fauna is in her third year at the University of Manitoba.
This year, Fauna has won the National Aboriginal Achievement Youth Award.
Fauna has been a volunteer in Ecuador and an intern for the Crisis Helpline, an executive board member, and Mr. Speaker, a Page right here in our Nunavut Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, Fauna is enrolled in the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba, and continues to lead in academic standing.
It is very important to point out Fauna did all of her schooling from Kindergarten to Grade 12 right here in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, please join with me in congratulating Iqaluit’s own Fauna Kingdon, the National Aboriginal Youth Award Winner.
Member’s Statement 297 – 2(2): Congratulate Individuals
I rise today to congratulate you, Tagak and Sally, and also my colleague had made a very good statement.
Mr. Mapsalak, I would like to thank you for bringing up the fact that we have to eat our nutritional food and because nutrition also impacts our intellects.
Also, on Monday in Rankin Inlet, there was a newborn baby, and that newborn baby is very important because he is Jordan Tootoo’s nephew.
I would like to congratulate the couple who had the baby, Aaron Pilakapsi, and also the grandparents Rose Tootoo and Katherine Pilakapsi and Barney Tootoo, he is now a grandfather.
I would like to congratulate the whole family because the baby was named after Terrance.
Naming children after family members is very important and it helps to overcome grief .
I just wanted to congratulate the whole members of the family.
Yes, we need to talk about local issues, that way we have to represent our communities.
We cannot just represent ourselves, we need to represent the communities.
Also people from Whale Cove, I send my greetings to all of you.
I was not able to come into the community.
I will be able to visit that community once the session is over.
Members Statements’.
Item 4 in the Orders of the Day, Returns to Oral questions.
I would like to welcome Kirsty Wray who is from Baker Lake.
She is also my relative, I would like to welcome her.
Item 6 in the Orders of the Day, Oral questions.
Question 371 – 2(2): Wildlife Regulations – Hunting Rights
My question it is in regards to my member’s statement and is directed to the Minister of Environment.
He has been requesting input from the public out there.
In the hunting rights for others, in the draft regulations, in the purpose, it states (interpretation ends) “the limits on the quantity of game that a non-Inuit hunter may possess at any time.”
That could be possibly mean, in my view, 365 times a year or half of it or a quarter of it or what not.
(interpretation) I would like to direct my question to the minister in regard to the hunting rights that are going to be given to others, and I know it is going to be impossible to make changes once it has been implemented.
Perhaps the minister can commit to listening to the members’ requests.
If you can also consider this issue before the regulations are signed.
Yes, I understand your concern, and I would also like to acknowledge the recommendations made.
As I stated earlier, during the consultations of the regulations, we will be seeking input from Inuit.
Once the communities have made their recommendation, I am sure that all other parties will be in support of changes to the regulations.
In the total allowable harvest section, they can harvest six or seven in addition to being able to harvest muskox.
I’m sure that the total allowable harvest is for sport hunting and not for consumption.
I’ll be reading in English. (interpretation ends) “The limit for resident hunters,” and this is for non-Inuit, “has been changed.”
Instead of five caribou during a one year period, it is five caribou at any one time.
The new rules apply only to possession back-limits.
The rules are much simpler.
Mr. Speaker, the rules may be simpler, but giving hunting rights to non-Inuit in Nunavut is really contrary to the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
I would like to ask the minister to reconsider the proposal as it has been written and also that he consult openly with the wildlife groups in the region.
Yes, I will be sensitive to the communities’ interests.
I agree to review all community interests.
Question 372 – 2(2): Arctic Bay Airport
In my member’s statement, I made a statement regarding airport facilities.
We were told that the airport in Arctic Bay has to be serviced for airlines once the Nanisivik airport closes.
The airstrip should be 4000 feet and the taxiway should be 300 by 300 feet, and there are also improvements to be made.
It has to be federally approved by the aviation group. They expect that it will cost between $15 to $20 million and the completion date is expected for 2008-09.
My question is: the government has committed $8 million.
Looking at all the improvements that need to be made and the codes that have to be followed, the government has only committed half the amount of the total costs.
Speaker (interpretation): Minister responsible for Transportation, Mr. Simailak.
The $8 million that you are talking about has been allotted for the initial stages of improvement.
We will have to find additional funds to complete the airport improvement in Arctic Bay.
Yes, if these funds are just committed to the initial improvements, it states $4 million. According to the study that has been done, there’s room for improvement.
I wonder how the improvement projects will be funded.
At this time, we are still deciding on where we are going to get more funding.
So, those are being looked at, and if we are successful in finding funding for the way they want the airport to be done… .
I mentioned earlier in my statement that they expect the cleanup of Nanisivik in September of this year, and Nanisivik has an emergency fuel that they use, and they need that in case there’s an emergency. But we know that this has created problems for the flight service we get.
I wonder what the government is doing: will they be providing the fuelling that will be used for emergencies, because that’s being done right now.
What is the status of the government on that issue?
Providing fuel at the airstrip in Nanisivik and Arctic Bay is currently being worked on by the Department of Community and Government Services. We are not, as a department, responsible for this.
It is being handled by Community and Government Services. Maybe with the minister here he will be able to explain this further.
Yes, I directed my question to the minister of transportation because it is in regard to the airline services we receive in Arctic Bay and Nanisivik.
First Air has the contract in delivering mail and food orders.
The Department of Transportation should provide adequate storage for the airline industry.
It is a major concern; will the minister act to resolve this right away?
I know our air terminal is being planned for 2007, but it probably won’t be completed right away, as so much has to done.
We will need airport facilities, and with First Air servicing us up in the High Arctic, they will need adequate equipment.
First Air knows that there’s a shortage of aircraft in the other communities that they provide services to. What is going to be happening before the completion date in regard to lighting, fuel storage, garage facilities, vehicle breakdowns, the equipment that they use to maintain the airstrips: if they don’t have the funding for that, what will be happening?
We are still looking at this and are having discussions with our staff as to how we will handle this, how we will work on the things that need to be worked on and where we’re going to get funding.
We are making progress. I am hopeful that this will run smoothly.
The new airport will be started in 2007, and until that time the Nanisivik airport will used.
As we progress, it will all become clearer.
Question 373 – 2(2): Information on Healthy Choices and Healthy Lifestyles
Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation) : Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I spoke earlier in my member’s statement about making healthy choices for a healthy lifestyle.
It is a big concern now for a lot of us.
We have lost relatives due to cancer and diabetes.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the minister: we all know that they do offer healthy choices for healthy lifestyles for the communities as well as the nurses and doctors.
I wonder if they can do more in promoting healthy choices, as to what they have to watch out for in the prevention of cancer and diabetes.
I wonder where they can obtain that kind of information.
Thank you for bringing this concern forward, this is very important.
We try hard to stay healthy.
I cannot really respond on what causes cancer.
I cannot give him a definite answer on that, but to the rest, we have staff in the communities, and this year there was a promotion program through Telehealth.
Training was given to the staff and there were 50 participants. They were being trained about nutritional foods, and it was called Nutritional Education, because it goes with health, and all the CHR’s in every community has participated.
One of the things he mentioned was diabetes.
Yes, we know that the number is increasing in Nunavut, and this also coincides with healthy lifestyles and what kind of nutritional food they eat.
There was training in that, and I am sure that this will help the communities a lot.
This was done by McGill University through our Department of Health and Social Services.
Thank you, Minister, for responding so well.
All Nunavummiut know that there will be health centres opening in the near future.
It would be good to be able to diagnose some diseases where they can be detected right from the beginning, and be treated from that point.
I wonder if they will have that kind of equipment for detecting those.
Thank you, Ms. Brown. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Hon. Levinia Brown (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Some patients are tested through the taking of blood samples.
With respect to MRI’s, those machines are very expensive, so I doubt very much that we will get them at the beginning, but we don’t have any funds set aside.
We thought about that, but they are very expensive, so at this time we don’t have plans to have those MRI machines.
The nurses or doctors can usually diagnose, and the people know themselves if there are changes within their bodies.
If they do encounter those uncomfortable feelings within their body they can go to the doctor or the nurses. If we get frequent headaches, something unusual that is happening in our bodies, then we can go to the health professionals.
As I stated earlier, they can have their blood drawn and be tested and the samples are sent down to a laboratory.
In Rankin Inlet they will have a lab like that and another one in Cambridge Bay.
So they can get early detections of the illnesses.
Back then they had to be shipped from the community.
For example, in Repulse Bay if there was blood drawn it had to be sent to Rankin Inlet and be sent further down to Churchill or Winnipeg.
With those health centres they will be able to make early diagnoses.
For example, if they are getting tested for diabetes, then this can be very easily detected.
Question 374 – 2(2): Change Fiscal Year End for Nunavut Arctic College
Yesterday in response to my colleague’s questioning on the delay in the public accounts being tabled, the minister had indicated that one of the reasons for the delay is the different year ends in the Crown agencies and boards of the government.
My colleague pointed out yesterday that the only one with a different year end was Nunavut Arctic College, which has a June 30 year end.
Last spring in public hearings on last year’s Auditor General report, the lead witness for the government was asked if they thought it was a good idea to change the year end for the college.
I will just quote from the transcripts from those hearings.
It says, “It would help if the Nunavut Arctic College year end was changed to be consistent with the government.”
It goes on to say, “So the answer to your question, yes, it would help.”
All the Crowns need to get their statements done. There is a June 30 deadline. Of course Arctic College, with the year end of June 30, it is impossible for them to get their statements done on time.
As the minister indicated yesterday, and as they did in their response to the standing committee’s report, their response says, “The government has reviewed the option of changing the year end to March 31.
The government and Nunavut Arctic College do not believe that this change would be beneficial.”
If I could just ask the minister why there seems to have been a change in attitude on changing the year end for Nunavut Arctic College?
From what I understand of those discussions in the standing committee, the question related to the college was raised around reporting of public accounts.
Yes, it would be nice if the college had the same fiscal year as the other corporations in completing the public accounts, but in further review we have to also look at the role of the college.
Their financial year end, ending on March 31, would affect the delivery of programs.
It was deemed more important to try to stay with a fiscal year end that jived with program years.
So, in the middle of program delivery of, say, the nursing program, the college would have to do year end up to March 31 and then continue the program from April 1 on, in the budget year.
So, it was very problematic in that sense.
To stay at the year end of June was more in line with the mandate of the college.
Looking at it from the broader perspective of not just reporting the public accounts but rather the delivery and mandate of the college, it was deemed more appropriate to have a fiscal year end that matched with the school programs.
She had also indicated yesterday that we have been chronically late in not meeting our legal obligation to table those public accounts, as outlined in the legislation, and that they are taking steps to try and improve that.
She indicated in her response that upon further review, in the role of the college it would interrupt the program delivery.
My question is, are the instructors of those programs the ones that are doing the financial and administration work of the college?
Does the college not have its own administration staff that could do that accounting work while the courses were still going on.
I don’t believe that the courses would come to a halt while the administration staff did their work.
I didn’t say that the programs would come to a complete halt.
What will be involved in having two fiscal years in a college are two things.
First of all, the division of finance at the college and the three campuses and the program delivery would have to report, at the year end of March 31, on all their activities, operations, and maintenance programs and then again in June when the program actually ended.
The programs that are delivered, the third party funding received by college, comes from organizations like the Qikiqtaluk Corporation or Kitikmeot Inuit Association or the government.
The funding they receive is based on the programs.
If we have a year end to March 31 and report on March 31 and then the next day continue and then produce another final report, it’s time consuming.
Of course the programs continue to be delivered, but within the operations of trying to become more efficient in reporting and managing finances of each organization, it’s better to have a structure where the financial year end is in sync with the delivery of programs.
When the Minister of Education tabled the executive summary of the report that was done on the review of the college, and comments made by the Auditor General in the past, one could basically, if you read between the lines of the financial aspect of the college, say that it is in disarray and they had hard time keeping track of anything.
Mr. Speaker, my question is, if they are required to do their books up for a March 31 year end, and if they were required to also report for program funding at the end of June, one would think it would make that part of it much easier, because they would have from the beginning of the year until March already done and then they would just have to have April, May and June to complete, to make reports on the funding they received from third parties for programs.
I think that is the overall scheme of trying to become more fiscally responsible and to tighten the accountability of the college.
The Minister of Education indicated that is they are trying to do, and it would work to that advantage and work towards that.