EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Once again Mr. Speaker this shows the commitment the community and the region has towards this important project.
Mr. Speaker following the graduation ceremonies there was a public meeting sponsored by the hamlet to address the Kiilinik High School project.
This was attended by elders, students, teachers, heritage society representative and members of the public.
Mr. Speaker, the Premier and I, along with our colleagues and yourself included, also attended.
We once again heard of the importance of the project to the community and to the Kitikmeot.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanamious consent to conclude my statement.
Deputy Speaker (interpretation): The member for Cambridge Bay is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Thank you Mr. Speaker and thank you colleagues.
At this time I want to thank my honourable colleagues in this house for recognising part of the needs and aspirations of Cambridge Bay and the Kitikmeot residents with the approval of the education budget which included funding for the full size gymnasium.
I sincerely hope Mr. Speaker, members will be as open minded in review of the Culture, Language, Elders & Youth budget which contains funding to allow for the much needed and desired cultural heritage centre to proceed.
Mr. Speaker, another event, which was worked into our busy schedule, was the opening of the new Nunavut Government's office building which the Nunavut Construction Corporation built.
This event took place prior to the graduation ceremonies and was widely attended by members of the community.
Earlier that morning Mr. Speaker, the Premier and I along with our staff held a meeting with the senior managers in the regional office to review the first year of operations and identify and issues arising out of that first year.
Again, I believe this was successful in providing a forum for open exchange of information between our senior managers and ourselves.
Finally, on a Sunday morning we met with the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor Kugaaruk along with their MLA, Mr. Alakannuark, on their proposed school project and the concern that they have surrounding that project.
Prior to our departure the premier and I also had an opportunity to tour the wellness centre and receive some information on the child development program.
Overall Mr. Speaker it was a very busy day and a half.
I noted that the students and the members of the public were very appreciative of our taking time to tend to these events in the community and I think it is also important that we showed our support to the Nunavut Arctic College student graduates.
In closing Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the many organisers of these events, the residents for their gracious hospitality extended to us, and finally, I wish to thank the Premier and my colleagues, Mr. Havioyak , Mr. Alakannuark and Mr. Puqiqnak for taking the time out of your weekend to participate in these events in Cambridge Bay.
Many of us Mr. Speaker are off to see our families over the Easter weekend.
So, to all my colleagues and our constituents all across Nunavut, I wish you all a safe and enjoyable Easter weekend .
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Ng. Members’ Statements.
Member’s Statement 344 - 1(3): Proper Facilities for all Communities
Today I am very pleased to rise to talk about the importance of education and its benefits to the people of Nunavut.
We all expect that we will be providing for the needs that we have in our communities so that these plans will become reality.
I believe that we should proceed with our sessions and make information available so that we can treat all the communities of Nunavut equally.
Mr. Speaker when we discuss the important issues such as the needs and having the proper facilities in Nunavut.
We should have all those proper facilities in our communities for our future generations.
They outweigh our concerns today because we have to make way for our future.
All our facilities should be proper and safe.
If we focus on one issue too much, we won't be making proper decisions Mr. Speaker.
As Nunavut as a whole, we would like to have a proper future and we should have proper facilities for our children.
Regular members along with the cabinet members have to work closely together for the sake of our younger generations.
So we will make proper plans and resolve the conflicts and concerns we do face.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Alakannuark.. Members’ Statements.
Member for High Arctic, Mr. Barnabas.
Member’s Statement 345 - 1(3): Cost of Air Travel
Mr. Speaker today I have a major concern in regards to airfares.
Mr. Speaker, members have been asking questions to the government and we made statements in regards to the airfares.
Mr. Speaker, today I will be asking questions during question period to the Minister responsible for Transportation, and Mr. Speaker I will be tabling some documents.
Mr. Speaker the airfares, if I was to come from Sanikiluaq, it would cost 3 thousand 662 dollars.
If I was coming from Grise Fiord it would cost 2 thousand 648 dollars.
Mr. Speaker at the point of this coming weekend if I was to travel from here to down south or somebody down south came here it would be 99 dollars on a special rate for Iqaluit to Ottawa as a weekend fair and we cannot take advantage of that.
Mr. Speaker, 499 dollars for a Canadian airfare for a special rate from Iqaluit to Ottawa.
That is more than what it costs from Grise Fiord to Iqaluit and during question period I will be asking the Minister of Transportation on why this is this way.
Member for Baker Lake Mr. McLean.
Member’s Statement 346 - 1(3): Literacy Learners Award
Mr. Speaker I rise today to speak about literacy.
The National Literacy Secretariat of Canada funds literacy programs in Nunavut.
One of these programs is the Iqaluit Literacy Committee through the Arctic College and Mr. Speaker, it is successful.
Bobby Suvaaraq of Baker Lake will be receiving the Literacy Learners Award today in Iqaluit.
Bobby appreciates being in Iqaluit and he has a hearing impairment, but through the dedication and through this organization he achieved a grade 1 level in English and a grade 2/3 level in math.
Uqaqti this may sound like a small step but for this individual with a hearing impairment it is a giant leap.
I would like to take this time to thank the Iqaluit Literacy Committee at Arctic College.
In addition, Mr. Speaker I would like to wish all the members of this house and their families a happy Easter.
Member’s Statement 347 - 1(3): Easter Holiday
Mr. Speaker I rise today this last day of sitting before this Easter break to wish all members of his house a safe trip home to their communities and families for the Easter weekend.
I hope everybody finds a lot of Easter eggs this weekend.
Our session has been a long one.
For those of us living in Iqaluit we at least have the comfort of having our families and friends close by.
For those members whose families are in their home communities the burdens are even greater.
For me, I plan on spending the weekend painting my daughter’s bedroom as well as spending some much needed time with them and the rest of my family.
I sincerely hope that the others members have a relaxing and fulfilling weekend and I look forward to welcoming you all back to continue our session Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 348 - 1(3): Infrastructure for Smaller Communities
I would like to make a statement on an issue that has been a concern of mine from my constituency for quite some time.
My constituents and community have written letters and tabled petitions to lobby for more money for use in the communities.
Mr. Speaker we have heard that there was going to be a big gym built in a particular community attached to the school.
Twenty percent of it will be raised by the community and it will be the centre of that region.
This gymnasium will be used by the people in that region.
They have a lot of companies in that region and they would be able to lobby for some money for the larger gymnasium they will be receiving.
Mr. Speaker they should have some ability to collect some money from the private companies.
Mr. Speaker this is one of the concerns that I have had and I have raised it in the house for quite some time because I feel the smaller communities should be given the advantage of getting projects done in their community as well.
Just like any other community has been receiving.
It seems like the larger communities get more projects that the smaller communities.
The smaller communities should be able to get the same thing.
Member’s Statement 349 - 1(3): Importance of Easter
I am the only Madame so thank you for giving me that title.
During Easter break I would encourage everyone to go to church with the children and their families.
It will be good to take this Easter break.
First of all I wanted to say Mr. Speaker that for our elders who are unilingual, I just wanted to express to them that this session has been a fairly lengthy one but the session has gone well and I appreciate all the work that has been done.
We will be resuming the budgeting exercises upon returning and we would encourage all members to represent their people.
I want to let the elders know and the public know out there in the Nunavut area that we are taking our Easter break.
I got a phone call from a resident of Iqaluit asking me whether we were doing our job properly or not.
Just want to ensure the public that we are doing our best to represent the people of Nunavut, and make sure the budget is approved and make sure the wishes of the people of Nunavut are being fulfilled.
Deputy Speaker (interpretation): Thank you Ms. Thompson.
Member’s Statement 350 - 1(3): Appreciation to Assembly Staff
Hon. Ed Picco: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and good morning to you.
I too would like to thank the many staff who work at the legislative assembly.
Who as you know, Mr. Speaker, work everyday along with us, including the long hours that they do have to after the house that sits and stops at 6 in the evening.
Sometimes the staff are here to 9 p.m. and I would like to thank them for their dedication.
At times this House can be stressful, exciting and even tedious.
Mr. Speaker at the end of the day as the member from Pelly Bay said yesterday, we have to work together for all our constituents and the people of Nunavut, because that Mr. Speaker I sure that is why we are hear.
I would like to take this time to wish the member and the staff of this House a very happy Easter and the people of Iqaluit a good long weekend.
Mr. Speaker I will be joining some of my friends and neighbours and some of my children to go fishing.
As you know Mr. Speaker, I am well known as a very good fisherman.
I hope to catch more that candy this weekend.
Member’s Statement 351 - 1(3): Coral Harbour Easter Events
This weekend there will be many people going down to Coral Harbour from Nunavik and Nunavut.
They will be gathering there on a crusade about religion.
My father and sister will be there to attend that event.
They will start arriving on Saturday so I would like to welcome everyone who will be going to Coral Harbour to attend this crusade.
Also I will be going down to Coral Harbour this weekend and I will be happy to see my constituents and wish everybody a good Easter.
Member’s Statement 352 - 1(3): Cape Dorset Youth Crusade
There is a group of young people called Northern Lights that are going to Cape Dorset.
They will be going there to a youth meeting to talk about social issues and having a religious crusade as well.
This event has been organised annually for the past or four or five years.
They were in Kimmirut last year and now will be in Cape Dorset this year.
There are some people that will take advantage of the healing and I would like to wish them a good Easter while they are in Cape Dorset.
Member for Pangnirtung.
Member’s Statement 353 - 1(3): Happy Easter to Pangnirtung
I too would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff and our family members who are at home.
I thank the members of their patience and today I would like to tell members that we were supposed to be going to Pangnirtung, but due to the bad whether we were unable to go.
I hope the weather clears so we can all make the trip to Pangnirtung.
I was supposed to be going tomorrow but the weather is still bad and I will be staying.
I would like to wish my constituency and my family to have a good Easter.
Member’s Statement 354 - 1(3): New Sakku President
I am very pleased to congratulate my cousin Peter Tatty who was recently appointed as President of the Sakku Board and I know that he will do a good job on advancing private business.
I also wanted to congratulate a person from Rankin Inlet, Louis Pilakapsie who was appointed to the Sakku Board.
I know the Sakku Corporation will be more effective with them.
The new president is a private business owner and know that he will work hard on behalf of Inuit in private businesses.
I just want to congratulate Mr. Tatty.
Deputy Speaker: (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Anawak.
Member for Amittuq. Mr. Irqittuq.
Member’s Statement 355 - 1(3): Easter Break
Mr. Speaker today I am very pleased that I will be going home and I am glad I will not be reading too many documents for a change so my voice will come back.
I will be happy to be home for a while.
I know it get very hard being away from home.
Everyone is aware that we do sometimes have conflicts during the sessions and I know that is part of life in the assembly.
When we go through a session like this I know it gets pretty hard.
I would like to thank my colleagues for giving me support.
So I will see you when I get back.
Deputy Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Irqittuq.
We are on Members’ Statements.
Member for Kugluktuk.
Member’s Statement 356 - 1(3): Happy Easter
I really want to thank the people of Iqaluit and the members here.
While I was here I have been well taken care of.
I am happy that I will be going back to Kugluktuk and I wish happy Easter all.
My wife and I are going home.
Have a good Easter and your children and your family.
Do not forget your elders too and help the elders.
I want to say happy Easter to the Kugluktuk people.
Deputy Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Havioyak.
Return to OQ 479 - 1(3): Pelly Bay School Interim Capital Appropriation
In response to the Honourable Members question regarding Interim Capital Appropriation Funds for Pelly Bay.
Asked by Mr. Tootoo on April 17, 2000.
Mr. Speaker we have 300 thousand allocated in the Interim Capital Budget for the Pelly Bay School project.
This is to assist with any project start up costs.
Deputy Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Arvaluk.
Return to Oral Questions.
Return to OQ 432 - 1(3): Eligibility for School Gymnasiums
Return to Oral Question asked by Mr. Nutarak on April 12, 2000.
In response to Mr. Nutarak's question on eligibility for school gymnasiums.
Mr. Speaker gymnasiums and their respective size are determined by school enrolment in conjunction with community resources and our Capital Standards and Criteria.
For example: A school with less than 88 students would not be eligible for a gym.
A school with 132 students would also not qualify for a gym if there is an alternative recreational facility in the community that is a community hall that is used for recreational purposes.
A school with an enrolment of between 133-396 would be eligible for a small gymnasium - 396 square metres. A school with a design of 397 and above would be eligible for a large gym or full sized - 527 square metres.
A school/community requesting a gym when enrolments are below the accepted Capital and Standards and Criteria require Ministerial and Cabinet permission.
I would like to recognise a couple of people from Cape Dorset who work for the Nunavut Government Saila Audla and Mali Curley.
They are originally from Cape Dorset.
Also I would like to recognize Peter who is sitting over there.
Deputy Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Akesuk.
Welcome to the Gallery or to the Legislature.
Mr. McLean: Ma'na Uqaqti, bear with me I forgot to wish my constituents in the Baker Lake a Happy Easter.
As my colleague beside me pointed out and Mr. Ng pointed out with a note.
I apologise my constituents in Baker Lake for not wishing them a Happy Easter and I will see them all this weekend.
I would like to recognise a young lady from Baker Lake who is doing page duty, Kimberly Neigo from Baker Lake and I would like us all to make her feel comfortable.
Deputy Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. McLean.
Mr. Speaker I would like to recognise my colleague the Member for Baker Lake.
When he made his statement previously he stated that he I have much more hair than he does.
Today he is asking to get some of my hair from me.
So although he has less hair than I have I would like to wish him a Happy Easter and enjoyable stay at home.
Deputy Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Iqaqrialu.
Mr. Speaker I would like to start by saying I would not mind having some of Mr. Iqaqrialu hair either.
Mr. Speaker at this time I would like to take this opportunity to welcome to the House people that have been with us quite a while now.
Our technicians in the booth there especially Mr. Echo and my other friend hid, so I can not see who he is.
Our interpreters and translators, and in the communications booth representing the fifth estate, the members of our very courteous media Ms. Salomie Awa and Mr. David Michael Lamb with a wonderful hat again today.
Also, the man Mr. Speaker here in Iqaluit who brought down the House, himself Mr. Saumik and excellent Joseph and the Technicolor star and great person all around.
I would like to welcome them to the Gallery and to this House.
Deputy Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Picco.
Mr. Speaker I have many relatives that I have finally realised.
I think it was in the 1980’s I found out that I have more relatives that I knew.
So I have been finding out relatives since I came to the Legislative Assembly and I would like to recognise the daughter of my mother’s cousin.
I would like to recognise the interpreters and Mary Nashook who is a very professional interpreter.
I would like to recognise someone who has supported me all along here in Iqaluit when I first came here.
I would like to recognise the Commissioner Mr. Peter Irniq who supported me very much when I first came here to the capital.
Welcome Mr. Commissioner.
I would like to recognise two people and Mr. Speaker, I want to apologise to my constituents that I would also forgot to mention to wish them Happy Easter.
Mr. Muckpah who is from Pond Inlet and John Ilupalik from Igloolik.
Deputy Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Barnabas.
Welcome to the Nunavut Legislature. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery.
I just wanted to say that when we recognise people, they do not even show the person on TV.
Perhaps we should resolve this situation because when we recognise somebody or anybody.
The camera does not go to those people.
Although my name is Peter, there were two other Peters.
Perhaps I should recognise myself first.
During our proceedings starting from Rankin Inlet in February.
But we do work with people who are tireless staff.
Our Assistant Deputy Minister Peter Ittinuar.
I would like to recognise him since the beginning of the session in Rankin Inlet.
He has been with us.
Deputy Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Kilabuk.
Welcome and welcome Mr. Ittinuar welcome.
Question 488 - 1(3): Minister’s Home Visit Allowance
Mr. Speaker I will be directing my first question to the Premier.
Mr. Speaker although I think I know but for the benefit of my new colleagues, my question is how many times is the government allowed to pay the Cabinet Members' plane tickets to go home from the capital.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like clarification on the question so that I can answer it properly.
Deputy Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Premier.
Perhaps Mr. Barnabas you can rephrase your question.
Mr. Speaker I was asking how many times are Ministers allowed to go home in a year.
Deputy Speaker (interpretation): Member for Iqaluit. Mr. Premier.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): The Cabinet Members do have the constituency funding.
I will take your question as notice then reply to you properly.
Deputy Speaker (interpretation): He is taking your question as notice and he will get back to you.
Question 489 - 1(3): Treatment of Regular Members
I will be directing my question to the Premier.
The Cabinet Members and Regular Members sit across from each other.
Yesterday the regular members were treated like nothing, with no respect.
I would like to ask the Premier if it is proper to treat each other that way.
Deputy Speaker (interpretation): I would like to caution the Member.
Your question relates to the conduct of the House so therefore you can not ask a question in regards to that.
Question 490 - 1(3): Kugluktuk Decentralization Status
Mr. Havioyak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to ask a question to the Premier.
It has been 10 months since we were supposed to have people relocating to Kugluktuk.
I would like to know when this would occur.
The people of Kugluktuk are concerned.
There are offices in Kugluktuk ready so my question is when will they be occupied.
Deputy Speaker (interpretation): I heard two questions.
If you would like to respond. Mr. Premier.
Yes there was more than one question.
The Language specialist from the Culture, Language, Elders & Youth will be moving there and will hire new employees.
So will be opening as soon as possible as we have the funds available.
They are 10 staff members from Health and Social Services and the Minister responsible will be identifying which positions will be going there.
I know that the office facilities will be available now.
Getting back to the agenda.
Question 491 - 1(3): Lottery Licences
My question is for the Minister of Justice.
Mr. Speaker I would like to know how the Department issues lottery licences to communities.
If I was to apply for a lottery licence how would I go about it.
This is not for the sake of myself Mr. Speaker, for my colleagues as well.
Since they will need to know to obtain lottery licences.
I understand we as Members of the Legislative Assembly must support the Hamlets by way of letter attached to their application for lottery licence and if they want a lottery licence how would they go about doing it.
Deputy Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Nutarak.
Minister for Justice, Mr. Anawak.
I think they sort of go together, like the bingo and lottery licences the Member is asking about.
I am sorry there are two types of licences.
The community can apply for a licence and if you do not have an application you can go to my Department and ask for an application.
They can fill out an application depending which licence you would like to obtain.
As long as the community does not break the law we can approve the licence.
Deputy Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Anawak.
If I wanted a lottery licence where do the individual write to.
Write to Mr. Anawak.
Which Department.
You can address it to myself as Minister of Justice and I could probably give it to one of my staff.
We will know where to send it.
In the future will let the public know exactly where you can obtain a licence for lottery and we could always directed to whoever deals with the licences.
Question 492 - 1(3): Cost of Airfares
Mr. Speaker I made a statement in regards to airfares earlier.
I would like to ask the Minister of Transportation this, every year we pay a lot of money for airfares and has the Minister asked the Federal Minister for assistance in regards to airfares being so high in the North.
Minister of Transportation Mr. Anawak.
When I replied to the Member for Amittuq, I mentioned that we are doing a review on airfares and I mentioned here in the House recently that the review should start soon and that they will finish in October.
I replying to the Member from Amittuq I will just use this as an example that we live in the High Arctic in Grise Fiord or Resolute Bay.
These are not the only communities that are paying high prices for their airfare.
We realise that airfares are really high.
I cannot respond to the member because I do not have the information right now.