EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
As you may be aware, my personal background is in the area of social work and education. My experience in working with youth and families has made me very aware of the challenges that we face as a territory in these areas.
Mr. Speaker, there is an urgent need to address the issue of family violence.
We need to ensure that our communities have adequate resources to provide shelters to people in need. We need to ensure that our frontline workers and RCMP officers receive appropriate training and tools with which to administer the Family Abuse Intervention Act.
Mr. Speaker, I understand that some of my new colleagues have been raising questions and suggestions concerning the organizational structure of the government.
I believe that we need to take a serious look at reorganizing the Department of Health and Social Services into two separate departments.
I believe that this has the potential of allowing one department to focus its energies and attention on the delivery of medical care, while allowing the other department to focus on social services and programs for children and families.
I also look forward to considering the government’s proposed new Child and Family Services Act. I hope that my personal experience in working with the current legislation will enable me to make a positive contribution to this process.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that we need to take action to address the issue of addictions and substance abuse.
We need to open a residential treatment facility in Nunavut that is staffed by Nunavutmiut using culturally appropriate methods of counselling. We need to recognize that it takes the whole community to support each other.
Mr. Speaker, I am a former teacher and I am committed to an education system that provides the knowledge and skills that our children need to succeed in today’s world.
As a Member of the Legislative Assembly, I will be pushing the government to pay more attention to such issues as non-attendance, graduation standards, and learning outcomes.
I am not confident that our schools today are graduating students with the skills that they need to pursue post-secondary education and training anywhere in this country.
As a former language teacher, I am pleased that our education system has made progress in the areas of language and culture. However, I believe that the system needs more balance by increasing emphasis on the other areas that I mentioned.
Mr. Speaker, I want to conclude by acknowledging that while it is a tremendous honour to serve in this House, I recognize that our work has only just begun.
Working together, I am confident that we can achieve important progress on behalf of all of our constituents.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Ms. Ugyuk.
Member’s Statement 216 – 3(2): Committees and Councils of Baker Lake (Aupaluktuq)
I would like to acknowledge especially the newest Member, Jeannie Ugyuk. I would like to welcome her to the House.
She will be working with us and she will be learning a lot of the legislative systems.
Mr. Speaker, it’s boating time now in Nunavut and Baker Lake. I want all Nunavummiut to remember that when you go boating or ski-doing when you are going fishing or hunting, use life vests and ensure that you have them on hand because people always go through hard times.
I also want to remind the people of Baker Lake, especially the younger people, that the youth are starting to understand slowly how the systems work in our community and who the members are.
Youth are starting to want to find out more details about the committee in Baker Lake, when they will be meeting, and when that committee will end. They also want to know when the next election will be for the committees
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the reason why I mention that in this Legislative Assembly is that many young people are becoming more politically aware and also concerned about services provided in our communities.
I would continue to encourage all of the committees and councils of Baker Lake to continue keeping the MLA’s office informed so that we can best serve the community of Baker Lake.
With that, I would be in a better position to address the needs of Baker Lake and also try to bridge services and offer support to the other communities by example as well.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Aupaluktuq. (interpretation ends) Members; Statements.
Member’s Statement 217 – 3(2): Congratulations to Sanikiluaq’s Grade 12 Graduates (Rumbolt)
I rise today to congratulate this year’s grade 12 graduates of Sanikiluaq’s Nuiyak School.
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to be able to recognize Charlotte Crow, Daniel Kavik, Danny Kavik, and Gordon Kavik of Sanikiluaq on their achievement, the completion of their high school graduation requirements.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to acknowledge the parents of the graduates for the support to their children.
I would like to recognize the commitment of the teachers and principals of Nuiyak School for helping these students to reach their goal. The support of friends and community also plays an important role.
Mr. Speaker, I am sure that you would agree that a grade 12 graduation certificate is an important tool for continuing with lifelong learning. I believe that these graduates are able to go on to even greater accomplishments in their future.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to encourage all of our grade 12 graduates across Nunavut to become role models for other students and pass on the message about the importance of staying in school.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Charlotte, Daniel, Danny, and Gordon and in wishing them success in the future.
Member’s Statement 218 – 3(2): Encouraging Nunavummiut to Recycle (Okalik)
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am very happy to have our newest member added in the Legislative Assembly.
The person next to me is also a relative. I am very proud of her and I look forward to working with her in the future as we work on the legislation that is required.
I also want to talk about the environment today.
The minister mentioned earlier that this is Environment Week. I am also encouraging my fellow Nunavummiut to look at ways of how to better look after our environment in the future.
Personally, this is an issue that is near and dear to my heart.
So I further promote other Nunavummiut who travel down to the south to always bring a large suitcase filled with recyclables.
I have always tried to recycle every time I travel to the south by filling my suitcase with metal cans and recyclables instead of just throwing them away because they can be recycled and reused.
Otherwise, they just end up in the environment.
So all ministers, I am encouraging you to make better use of your empty suitcase down. You can just grab a lot of these materials and then when you get down south, you can put them into a recycle bin.
I further encourage all Nunavummiut to think of these things because we can all do our part to protect the environment.
Member’s Statement 219 – 3(2): Welcome Jeannie Ugyuk, Nattilik MLA (Aariak)
First of all, I would like to welcome you. It is evident that you have been outside before you came to Iqaluit.
I also would like to welcome the newly elected member and I am very pleased that she is a female. We will work closely with you during the session.
The person who was sitting across from me is now sitting on this side. Perhaps he is a part of the cabinet now.
First of all, I would like to welcome each and every one of you to this spring session. I would also like to welcome my constituents.
Last night, we had a meet-and-greet with elders and I do welcome them again because they have asked if I could do that.
Member’s Statement 220 – 3(2): Spending Summer in Grise Fiord and Resolute Bay (Elliott)
Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. welcome to our new Commissioner, the Hon. Edna Elias, and our new colleague, the member from Nattilik, who I very much look forward to working with.
I recall that Commissioner Elias spent some time in Arctic Bay as a teacher and I know that the entire community welcomes her appointment, as do I.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce an initiative that I anticipate will strengthen the connections between the residents of the High Arctic and their government.
As all Members of this House are aware, I have the honour of representing the only constituency in Nunavut that includes three communities. This honour brings with it a number of significant challenges.
As my colleagues who represent more than one community in the Legislative Assembly are aware, the fact that we have no roads in our territory means that we have no choice but to fly when we want to visit our other communities.
This often prevents us from spending as much time there as we would like given the realities of northern travel.
Mr. Speaker, I have travelled to Grise Fiord and Resolute Bay on a number of occasions during the past year and a half and have held many meetings with municipal representatives, the High Arctic Council, and other local leaders and residents.
However, Mr. Speaker, every time that I visit these communities, I want to stay longer.
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to inform you that I will be spending most of this summer living in the communities of Grise Fiord and Resolute Bay.
Between June 19 and July 17, I will be living in Resolute Bay and from July 18 to August 20, I will be living in Grise Fiord.
I will then return to my home community of Arctic Bay to prepare for the next session of the House.
Mr. Speaker, I am very excited about this plan. There are many challenges and opportunities facing both communities and I know that the time that I spend in the communities will help to strengthen my ability to effectively represent their concerns and aspirations.
Mr. Speaker, I know from the many years that I have lived in Arctic Bay that summer in the High Arctic can be a wonderful time.
In addition to spending time on the land with my constituents, I am looking forward to taking part in this year’s Operation Nanook, which will happen in the High Arctic.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to inform the House that I am looking forward to welcoming…
Mr. Speaker, I would like to request unanimous consent to continue with my Member’s Statement today.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Elliott is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement.
There are none. You may conclude your statement, Mr. Elliott.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to inform the House that I am looking forward to welcoming the Auditor General of Canada, Sheila Fraser, to Grise Fiord on the occasion of her upcoming visit to the community in August.
This will be her second visit to the High Arctic during her term of office and I believe that it is a testament to her personal commitment to the North that she has made the effort to familiarize her and her officials with the conditions and challenges in our small communities.
I would also note that this visit can be anticipated to provide her with a first-hand perspective on such issues as the high cost of living in the High Arctic.
This will benefit her office’s future reporting to Parliament on such federal initiatives as the new Nutrition North Canada, which is replacing the Food Mail Program.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to reporting back to this House on the success of this initiative at our fall sitting.
Member’s Statement 221 – 3(2): NTEP Graduates in Kugaaruk (Ningark)
I also want to acknowledge the newest Member for Nattilik.
I am ecstatic that her relatives as well as the residents of Taloyoak now have a Member of the Legislative Assembly from their community.
I am also very happy that the people who are in the Nunavut Teacher Education Program, I believe there were eight or nine students, will be initiating their work plans over the summer.
A person came in from another community. They were interviewed and they determined which ones would be working in the community. Now that that has been finalized, they will be doing their first teaching this fall.
(the member is clearing his throat) I apologize, Mr. Speaker.
I will be asking the Minister of Education during question period about teachers who have graduated from the program and who have been approved to become teachers. They have been chosen to become teachers in our community.
I want to know whether they will have teacher assistance or a mentoring program so that they may be able to handle their new positions smoothly and so that they can plan properly and further down the road. They will require support when they first start out as teachers.
When we come to question period, I will be asking questions to the Minister of Education with regard to this and whether they have a plan for how they will be supporting these new teachers.
Member’s Statement 222 – 3(2): 30th Anniversary of the Hamlet of Chesterfield Inlet (Ningeongan)
I rise today to congratulate the Hamlet of Chesterfield Inlet on its 30th anniversary.
I was honoured to be in attendance at the ceremony and I was very pleased that Premier Aariak and Minister Kusugak were able to join Chesterfield Inlet’s Mayor, His Worship Harry Tootoo, for this important occasion.
Mr. Speaker, the community of Chesterfield Inlet has a long and proud history.
It was the first established community in the Kivalliq region and served as an important base for providing services to the whole area as well as outside the region.
Mr. Speaker, for many years, the RCMP was based in Chesterfield Inlet and their successful operations relied on the support and expertise of local people, their dog teams, and their skill on the water.
Families from all across the region would bring their sick relatives to St. Theresa’s Hospital.
Even though it is a small community, for many years, Chesterfield Inlet shouldered a big responsibility by providing support for those in need. The Pimakslirvik Naja Isabelle Home for people with disabilities is a shining example of what can be done when a community works together for a common good.
Mr. Ningeongan is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement.
(interpretation ends) The theme of Chesterfield Inlet’s anniversary celebrations is “Stepping Forward.” Despite some bad memories from the past, the community as a whole is working together towards recognizing the positive contributions that have been made over the years and across the region.
Mr. Speaker, using the theme of “Stepping Forward,” the Hamlet of Chesterfield Inlet is taking charge of its own progress towards being a healthy and thriving community.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Hamlet of Chesterfield Inlet on reaching an important milestone.
Member’s Statement 223 – 3(2): Plebiscite Result in Pond Inlet (Arvaluk)
I can’t quite fix my voice. It’s been kind of groggily, but it’s not on purpose.
Today, Pond Inlet has just lost another elder. Their relatives are in our thoughts.
I also want to welcome the newest Member, Jeannie Ugyuk, into the Legislative Assembly.
I rise today, Mr. Speaker, to congratulate my community of Pond Inlet for the successful plebiscite that was held last month on May 17.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, residents of Pond Inlet voted on the question of whether or not to abolish the current system of liquor restriction in the community.
This vote was held following the submission of a petition to the responsible minister.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, 614 residents of the community voted in the plebiscite.
I am pleased that over 60 percent of eligible voters made the effort to make their voices heard.
It’s actually a higher voter ratio than the ones that came out for MLA votes.
The result of the vote was very clear: over 70 percent of voters chose to keep the current system of liquor restriction in place.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, in the weeks leading up to the plebiscite, I had the opportunity to speak with many of my constituents on this issue. Although I am personally satisfied with the result of the vote, I thank all of my constituents for making the effort to participate in this process regardless of which position they supported.
Mr. Speaker, we all recognize that the issues surrounding access to alcohol are complex and challenging.
I want to take this opportunity to emphasize the importance of providing support for the individuals who take the time to serve on health and social service committees and alcohol education committees.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I am almost done, so I am seeking unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Mr. Arvaluk is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to state that the community of Pond Inlet is very much looking forward to sharing its views with the minister’s task force to review the Liquor Act, which we hope will visit Pond Inlet in the near future. The committee wants to speak to the review committee about how alcohol control should be dealt with.
Member’s Statement 224 – 3(2): Kitikmeot Tour (Peterson)
I rise today to thank the people of Kitikmeot, who welcomed us on the Kitikmeot tour between the dates of April 29 to May 3.
Mr. Speaker, the Premier, I, Minister Taptuna, and Minister Shewchuk visited five Kitikmeot communities. We started in Kugaaruk.
We had a great welcome. We met with the hamlet council and met with the public with the help from our colleague, Mr. Ningark.
We went to Taloyoak and met Jeannie. I welcome her to be an MLA. She had a good taste of what it’s going to be like to be an MLA.
She came to the hamlet meeting and the public meeting, and heard all of their concerns and issues. She accompanied us to Gjoa Haven, where we again had very good meetings with everybody in the community.
In fact, Mr. Speaker, everywhere we went, we were welcomed with great respect, I would say, and the people were very understanding of the hard work that the MLAs and the ministers have in looking after all of the concerns and issues of the people in Nunavut. We have a lot of work ahead of us. That was the general feeling that I got from the tour.
People shared all of their concerns and issues with us. They encouraged us to work hard, work together, support each other, and they wanted us to visit more often.
They said that it’s not very often that they’ve got four ministers in a community at one time.
I applaud my colleague, Minister Taptuna, for making that happen.
I look forward to working with Jeannie in representing the concerns and issues of the Kitikmeot. Also being an MLA, it doesn’t mean that you just represent your own riding; you have to represent all people in Nunavut.
So it’s going to be good to work with Jeannie.
If she needs any help, advice, or anything on what it’s like to be an MLA, my door is always open. My office is on the second floor. You can give me a phone call.
We know each other quite well, from the Kitikmeot anyways. Welcome to the House, Jeannie.
Member’s Statement 225 – 3(2): Congratulations to Kugluktuk Graduates (Taptuna)
I rise today to congratulate the students of Kugluktuk, the graduates. As you know, in Kugluktuk, the school year ended yesterday.
The appreciation for the parents and the educators have been lacking in some cases, but I do want to send my congratulatory affirmation that the hard work they do, the parents who wake up their kids early in morning and get them to school, there is a lot of work that the parents and the teachers do. I want to congratulate all of the students of this year that are going to be graduating.
Jeannie, welcome to your first sitting here. Congratulations, Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk.
Last but not least, also I want to congratulate our new Commissioner for Nunavut, Ms. Edna Elias, who is also from Kugluktuk.
I’m sure she’s going to be putting in a lot of hard work to benefit all Nunavummiut. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate her.
Member’s Statement 226 – 3(2): Annual Fishing Derby (Curley)
I rise today to speak to our community. They now have an annual spring festival, especially fishing derbies.
Currently, I believe the whole region of Kivalliq in every community holds their own fishing derby. They work with all of the businesses in their region and it becomes a very big occasion when people are really working to win the fishing derbies.
The reason why it is such a momentous occasion is because the weather is nice, the people are nice, and they enjoy being outdoors.
We heard a lot about who was successful and these are broadcast all over the news.
Every year, we stand up to acknowledge them because they’re rarely ever mentioned.
There are a lot of men who are fishermen. They have to do all of the hard labour. They have to cut all of the holes and they have to keep the holes clean.
Many relatives also take a week off in order to be out on the land for these fishing derbies. The whole families are out.
It seems, every year, certain families like the Pisuk boys, the descendants of Pisuk, get the largest fish.
That was the occasion again this spring. Mr. Speaker, I believe he won last year as well.
Paul Pisuk got the largest fish. I believe he got the biggest fish in Nunavut. It was 48.125 inches long.
It was a little over four feet long and we could speak to the long fight that I imagine he had because some of them are always looking for larger ones, but they were unable to get it.
I did hear that Pisuk caught more than one fish. I believe he also caught the second or third largest fish.
He also won $6,000 for having the largest fish.
Let’s acknowledge Paul Pisuk and congratulate him on his success.
Member’s Statement 227 – 3(2): Decentralized Positions in Pangnirtung (Komoartok)
I would also like to thank my colleagues for returning back here to Iqaluit. I would also like to welcome Jeannie Ugyuk. I had to move to a new office and you now have my old office.
Today, I want to speak to an issue while we are meeting here.
My fellow residents are in my thoughts because again, the sea ice is starting to melt and it’s now become more difficult.
The shore ice is now melting and only people who really want to go hunting will be able to go hunting because it’s quite difficult and challenging now.
Today, I want to speak to an issue that I brought up when we were here at our last session in March with respect to jobs in Pangnirtung. We have heard that they took out three positions in the Department of Education. There were 71 positions and there are now 65 positions left in Pangnirtung.
There are very many local residents being trained to take over these positions. I believe this is something we regret because we want to see more local residents work on this.
I was just at a hamlet meeting and they informed me that they hadn’t heard any updates about what’s happening with the jobs in Pangnirtung.
Again, I raised these questions in March as to how many jobs were transferred back to Iqaluit. I haven’t heard any updates as to where they are with the process. We still haven’t been given any information.
I will be raising questions this week and next week about how this impacts our communities.
Pangnirtung is still expecting these positions to be retained in Pangnirtung, so I want to work with the community and the ministers to deal with this job transfer issue. I will be raising questions on this issue during this session.
Members’ Statements, Member for Arviat, Mr. Shewchuk.
Member’s Statement 228 – 3(2): Arviat Fishing Derby (Shewchuk)
I, too, would like to take this time to say “hello” to all of the residents of Arviat, Nunavut and to ensure them that I am trying to represent them and speak with their voices as best as I can in the Legislative Assembly.
I also would like to congratulate all of the winners in Arviat in the last two fish derbies that were held earlier this month.
I also, Mr. Speaker, would like to congratulate Ronnie Salluk, who completed an internship program through the Sivuliuqtiksat Program with the Department of ED&T.
I will be celebrating with him on this accomplishment and having dinner with him tonight.
I want to acknowledge these people who are sitting in the Gallery. I would like to welcome the new MLA’s friend from Taloyoak, as well as Iola Mittuq, and next to Iola is his friend from Taloyoak, Sarah.
We are very happy that they are here because we rarely ever get Kitikmeot visitors here during our session.