EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
332 – 4(2): Safe and Happy Spring to Nunavummiut (Mapsalak) 2833
333 – 4(2): Congratulations to Nadia Sammurtok (Sammurtok, T) 2834
334 – 4(2): Congratulations to Young Athletes (Joanasie) 2834
335 – 4(2): Happy Anniversary to Wife Since 1962 (Shooyook) 2835
336 – 4(2): Netsilik Students Buy Livestock for Africans (Ugyuk) 2835
Return to Oral Question 492 – 4(2): Inspection of Government Building in Resolute Bay (Mike) 2836
532 – 4(2): Status of Swan Lake Bridge Project (Akoak) 2838
533 – 4(2): Cancer Screening and Early Detection (Mikkungwak) 2839
534 – 4(2): Assistance to Set Up Outpost Corrections (Mapsalak) 2840
535 – 4(2): New Regulations under the Wildlife Act (Savikataaq) 2841
536 – 4(2): Storage and Disposal of Waste Oil (Rumbolt) 2843
537 – 4(2): Update on Strategic Telecommunications Plan (Hickes) 2844
538 – 4(2): Program Review (Angnakak) 2845
539 – 4(2): Patients Receiving Care Outside of Nunavut (Sammurtok) 2846
540 – 4(2): Update on Clyde River’s Municipal Garage (Keyootak) 2848
541 – 4(2): Update on the Replacement of Kimmirut’s Runway (Joanasie) 2849
542 – 4(2): Departmental Positions (Enook) 2850
543 – 4(2): Residential Care Services (Angnakak) 2851
544 – 4(2): Cancellation of Observer/Communicator Training Program (Sammurtok) 2853
545 – 4(2): Lot Developments for Social Housing (Mapsalak) 2854
546 – 4(2): Status of Site Remediation in Baker Lake (Mikkungwak) 2855
547 – 4(2): Climate Change Adaptation Initiatives (Savikataaq) 2857
548 – 4(2): Diverting Offenders from the Correctional System (Angnakak) 2858
549 – 4(2): Accessing NIHB Coverage (Mikkungwak) 2859
Committee Report 008 – 4(2): Report on the Review of the Auditor General’s 2015 Report to the Legislative Assembly on Corrections in Nunavut (Hickes) 2861
159 – 4(2): Review of Sanaugait: A Strategy for Growth in Nunavut’s Arts and Crafts Sector (Ell) 2865
160 – 4(2): F/P/T Conservation, Wildlife and Biodiversity Ministers’ Meeting (Mike) 2865
161 – 4(2): Report of Members’ Absences from Sittings of the House and Meetings of Committees and Caucuses for the Period January 1, 2015 to March 31, 2015 (Speaker) 2866
162 – 4(2): Speaker’s List of Outstanding Statutory Tabling Requirements (Speaker) 2866
026 – 4(2): Extension of Question Period (Mikkungwak) 2852
024 – 4(2): Modification of the Terms of Reference of the Standing Committees of the Fourth Legislative Assembly (Shooyook) 2866
Speaker (interpretation): Good afternoon, my fellow Nunavummiut, members, ministers, and the (interpretation ends) Premier. (interpretation) Welcome to the House.
Before we proceed with the orders of the day, I wish to make a statement and it reads:
(interpretation ends) I am pleased to take this opportunity to announce that nominations for the 2015 Order of Nunavut open today.
As members will recall, the Order of Nunavut Act came into force five years ago.
The order is the highest honour of Nunavut.
(interpretation) Previous recipients of the order were the Reverend Michael Gardener, the late Mark Kalluak, the late Jose Kusugak, Mr. Charlie Panigoniak, the late Kenojuak Ashevak, Mr. Jimmy Akavak, Mr. Louis Angalik, Mr. Davidee Arnakak, and Mr. John Amagoalik.
I encourage all Nunavummiut to consider nominating a deserving individual. (interpretation ends) This year’s nominations close on August 31.
Information concerning the Order of Nunavut, including nomination forms, will be available shortly from our website and the constituency offices of Members of the Legislative Assembly.
My colleagues and I on the Order of Nunavut Advisory Council look forward to reviewing this year’s nominations. (interpretation) Thank you.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Environment, Mr. Mike.
Minister’s Statement 157 – 4(2): Environment Week 2015 (Mike)
Good day, people of Nunavut and Pangnirtung.
Mr. Speaker, I am excited to announce to the House that the week of June 1 to 7 is Environment Week.
This nationwide, annual event encourages Canadians across the country to take action to help preserve, protect, and restore our environment.
To celebrate Environment Week this year, my department will be encouraging all Nunavummiut to take part in a seven-day challenge, taking simple actions each day to help protect and improve our beautiful arctic environment.
Mr. Speaker, this is an ideal opportunity for all Nunavummiut to think about what they can do to help the environment, and the perfect time to spend some time outdoors, enjoying and appreciating Nunavut’s extraordinary wildlife and magnificent landscapes.
I encourage all members and their constituents to take part in this year’s Environment Week activities.
Minister responsible for the (interpretation ends) Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Peterson.
Minister’s Statement 158 – 4(2): 2015 Laura Ulluriaq Gauthier Scholarship (Peterson)
Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good afternoon.
Good afternoon to my constituents in Cambridge Bay and Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that applications for the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s (QEC) 2015 Laura Ulluriaq Gauthier Scholarship are now being accepted.
The $5,000 scholarship is awarded annually to an exceptional Nunavut resident pursuing post-secondary education.
Laura Ulluriaq Gauthier was a visionary who recognized the importance of a locally managed electrical utility for Nunavut.
Although Ms. Gauthier could not witness the fulfillment of her vision with the creation of QEC, this scholarship honours her foresight, her achievements, and her sense of community.
I wish all applicants success in their studies and future careers, and may all students be inspired by Ms. Gauthier’s legacy of leadership and collective spirit.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to urge all students from communities, including mature students, to compete for this scholarship. Application forms are available on QEC’s website, www.qec.nu.ca or by calling 867-979-7534. The deadline for applying is Tuesday, June 30, 2015.
Minister’s Statement 159 – 4(2): Appreciation of Assistance during the Pangnirtung State of Emergency (Mike)
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to make my statement on the appreciation of assistance during the Pangnirtung state of emergency.
Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise in the legislature today to recognize the efforts of a few outstanding organizations who went above and beyond to help throughout the state of emergency in Pangnirtung.
First, I would like to give my thanks and appreciation to the Pangnirtung volunteer fire department for quickly responding to the initial fire at the power plant.
These local firefighters spent several hours extinguishing the fire and prevented it from spreading to other nearby buildings.
Firefighters are our first line of defence against emergencies in our communities.
I would also like to recognize the work of CGS staff for their assistance in coordinating the emergency response at a territorial level.
Nunavut Emergency Management staff worked quickly to commandeer resources and equipment for the community and kept the public informed throughout the state of emergency.
As well, the CGS Procurement, Contracts and Logistics Division provided their extensive knowledge and expertise in marshalling equipment to Pangnirtung from across Canada and the US despite exceptional logistical challenges.
It is also important to recognize the cooperation and contributions of the Qulliq Energy Corporation in responding to this emergency.
Staff and resources were on the ground within hours of the initial fire, and emergency power was restored to the community on the same day.
I would like to congratulate them on their exemplary work in responding to this emergency.
Finally and most importantly, I would like to recognize the outstanding contributions of the Hamlet of Pangnirtung and their local emergency response control group.
Through the leadership of Senior Administrative Officer Shawn Trépanier, the emergency response team hit the ground running within hours of the emergency to help organize efforts at a local level.
The local response team helped set up a warming shelter within hours of the emergency, supplied food to residents, checked in on elders and people in need to ensure they had the care they require, and coordinated the many groups and organizations that were assisting on the ground. The assistance of the Pangnirtung squadron of the Canadian Rangers was also instrumental in helping carry out this important work, and we applaud them for taking action and protecting their community and fellow neighbours.
Mr. Speaker, the Hamlet of Pangnirtung’s emergency response control group’s actions serve as an example of best practices in managing an emergency at a local and community level.
The GN and QEC are grateful for their assistance and cooperation.
I look forward to joining Premier Taptuna and my colleague, Minister Peterson, in Pangnirtung on June 5 to recognize and celebrate those that contributed to the successful response to the emergency in Pangnirtung.
Members’ Statements. Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak, Ms. Ell.
Member’s Statement 321 – 4(2): Tribute to Iqaluit Dogsledders (Ell)
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I stand today to congratulate two of my constituents, Sarah McNair Landry and Eric Boomer, for their successful 4,000 kilometre sled dog journey around Baffin Island.
Mr. Speaker, starting four months ago in February, the journey took Eric and Sarah and their team of huskies to Pangnirtung, Qikiqtarjuaq, Clyde River, Pond Inlet, Arctic Bay, and Igloolik.
They returned to Iqaluit yesterday morning.
The 120-day journey was inspired by Sarah’s parents, Mattie McNair and Paul Landry. Twenty-five years ago, they circumnavigated Baffin Island by dog sled in 1990. The journey retraced many of the original routes over sea, ice, and land.
Sarah and Eric also experienced many of the same daily challenges and setbacks as Mattie and Paul did.
Mr. Speaker, Sarah asked me to thank all the wonderful people they met in the communities that they visited. The hospitality, the warmth, and generous welcomes they received made their journey a truly memorial experience.
I encourage all members to look through Sarah and Eric’s photos and logs on their social media pages. It was quite an adventure.
Member’s Statement 322 – 4(2): 2015 High School Graduates of Kugluktuk (Taptuna)
Mr. Speaker, springtime is a time of many celebrations and new beginnings. Across Nunavut, students will be celebrating their graduation.
I value education and I can’t stress enough the benefit of staying in school.
I would like to wish all students success in their educational path forward.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say that Kugluktuk has 16 graduating and potential graduates from high school this coming year and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate their achievements.
Mr. Speaker and members, please join me in congratulating the following graduates:
Gustin Adjun
Corey Niptanatiak
Myles Aggark
Billy Algona
Carla Algona
Aislyn Bolt
Kendra Bolt
Charlie Hikok
Carole Katiak
Tundra Kuliktana
Kristy Mannilaq
Daniel Atatahak
Keith Hatogina
Jenny Klengenberg
Marcel Miyok, and
Kiesha Westwood
I want to thank all the students for the efforts they put out this year, and I want to congratulate all the graduating students in Nunavut throughout this year and I wish them all the best in their career paths forward.
Members’ Statements. Member for Uqqummiut, Mr. Keyootak.
Member’s Statement 323 – 4(2): Concerns about Tammaativvik Boarding Home (Keyootak)
I rise today to express concerns that have been passed on to me by my constituents with respect to the Tammaativvik Boarding Home in Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker, as you are aware, medical patients who are required to travel from their home communities to Iqaluit to receive medical services and treatment often stay at the Tammaativvik Boarding Home.
Sometimes patients stay at the boarding home for quite some time while waiting for appointments or follow-up treatment.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that patients are made to feel comfortable when they are so far from home and their families.
Sometimes they may need someone to talk to and it has been suggested that a counsellor be available for patients to talk to.
Mr. Speaker, Tammaativvik itself has many nice features, such as an intercom system.
However, the intercom system does not extend to the rooms and it should so that patients can be contacted as needed.
It has also been noted that there is carpeting throughout the building.
Some patients are allergic to carpet and one of my constituents suffered a frightening asthma attack as a result. This should be addressed as a potential health hazard.
The Member for Uqqummiut is asking for unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays?
Mr. Keyootak, please proceed.
Mr. Speaker, Tammaativvik is a home away from home and patients need to be able to keep busy while they wait for their appointments.
My constituents have suggested that there could be a sewing room or similar quiet place where people could gather and sew.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage the Minister of Health to work with the Tammaativvik Boarding Home contractor to improve the service that is provided.
Member’s Statement 324 – 4(2): Patients Receiving Health Care Outside of Nunavut (Sammurtok)
Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I rise today to express my dismay at the number of tragic and touching stories of Nunavut residents who end up outside of Nunavut, often in southern jurisdictions, receiving special treatment for their illness and do not have enough money to cover all of their costs.
Mr. Speaker, it troubles me deeply that our Department of Health does not ensure that these individuals have enough money to cover the cost of their rent, adequate food to feed themselves and their families, as well as other necessities of life.
In recent months, many stories have appeared on social media describing their situation and in some cases, asking for help from the public.
We had heard from an individual from Rankin Inlet who is down south for a heart transplant; a young woman from Baker Lake with a rare form of cancer that she had to get diagnosed herself and is now undergoing treatment; a man from Gjoa Haven in Edmonton being treated for cancer; and the list goes on.
Mr. Speaker, these individuals are expected to feed themselves and pay rent on $50 a day.
Mr. Speaker, many of the Nunavut patients are sent south for special treatments that are not available in Nunavut and their treatment takes longer than half a year. They are stranded by our government, which states they are no longer considered Nunavut residents.
Mr. Speaker, there must be a better way to treat our fellow Nunavummiut who, through one of life’s unfortunate twists of fate, become so ill that they need to travel away from home to be treated and cured.
Member’s Statement 325 – 4(2): Congratulations to Sanikiluaq’s 2015 Nunavut Sivuniksavut Graduates (Rumbolt)
Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to acknowledge and congratulate two young adults from Sanikiluaq.
Mr. Speaker, Mick Appaqaq and Ashley Appaqaq have just completed a successful year at the Nunavut Sivuniksavut program in Ottawa.
Mick has completed his second year while Ashley has completed her first year.
I would like to note that both of these young adults have also represented the constituency of Hudson Bay as youth parliamentarians in the Legislative Assembly’s Nunavut Youth Parliament.
I congratulate them on their achievements and I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating them on their success.
I have a statement to make. To the visitors and anyone who is in the House, please have your cellphones turned off or on silent mode.
Member’s Statement 326 – 4(2): Appreciation for Ministerial Visit (Mikkungwak)
I say “good day” to the people of Nunavut, all the residents of Baker Lake, and my colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today because after the winter session, I had asked if the minister could come to Baker Lake to view the department for which he’s responsible.
Minister Keith Peterson was able to come to Baker Lake and I would like to thank him for doing so. He was able to come see his department and staff.
He was also able to see the old power house and the contaminted soil, which are also his areas of responsibility.
As a minister, he was able to meet people he’s responsible for, such as the the alcohol education committee. He met with the hamlet council as well.
It was very good to have him there for the whole day in Baker Lake and he saw what I wanted him to see, what I asked him to see, and he met with the people that I wanted him to meet. He met with all the people he needed to meet. I’m grateful to him for that and being able to come to Baker Lake.
Member’s Statement 327 – 4(2): The Death of a Young Person in Constituency (Akoak)
I rise today as we lost a fellow resident of Gjoa Haven, a young person.
It’s very unfortunate to hear, but we have lost a very nice young man.
I would like to remind people who are having problems that we have a telephone number that anyone in Nunavut can call.
It’s the emergency number.
Member’s Statement 328 – 4(2): Congratulations to Athletes from Constituency (Kuksuk)
Good afternoon, my fellow Nunavummiut and residents Whale Cove and my fellow residents Arviat.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Whale Cove and Arviat girls’ teams as well as the boys’ teams. Some of them are currently here who just wrapped up a volleyball tournament and I am very proud to say that the Whale Cove girls’ team came in second time.
Mr. Speaker, both teams worked very hard and I was impressed by their performance. My ridings both have lots of excellent atheletes. Quvianakuni.
Mr. Speaker, I also want to say to other young people in Whale Cove and Arviat and all young Nunavummiut that there are many opportunties to participate in extracurricular activities within our communities.
That’s why it’s important to stay in school and make the best of it as well.
Mr. Speaker, some of these young ladies and young men may end up at the next Arctic Winter Games in Greenland and I wish them the best as they train for that.
Mr. Speaker, from Arviat, there will be Jillian Kaviok going to the Arctic Winter Games and Lakeisha Flynn is an alternate.
My granddaughter Shaelyn Kuksuk is also an alternate.
Her mother, Alana, who is here this afternoon, was also the coach for the Whale Cove girls’ team this past weekend.
From the boys’ team, there’s Gabriel Issakiark trying out for the Arctic Winter Games and I would like to also mention that Gabriel (interpretation) is named after my late mother, so I am very pleased to say that he took part in the AWG tryouts.
My step sister’s son’s name is Alikammiaq, who is the name of my late mother, my sister, and my family, so we are very proud of him.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would like to say “thank you” to all the people… .
The member for Arviat and Whale Cove is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement.
There are no nays. Mr. Kuksuk, please proceed.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would like to say “thank you” to all the people of Whale Cove, Arviat, and a very big thank you to the city of Iqaluit (interpretation) for your hospitality during the weekend and we enjoyed the games and we thank the hospitality of Iqalummiut and (interpretation ends) also to those who worked to make this tournament possible and for supporting our youth.
Also thank you to the other coaches, Amanda Mclaughlin and Kelsey Nickel.
Mr. Speaker, I invite all members to join me in applauding our athletes.
Member’s Statement 329 – 4(2): The Death of Sammie Peter (Okalik)
Last Friday, we received a very sudden loss here.
Although Monica Ell is representing this individual, I am related to this individual and would like to make a member’s statement.
Sammie Peter, my late brother-in-law, was originally from Iqaluit. He provided support to many people. He assisted with the Anglican Church and he would do a lot of counselling to many individuals.
I, too, would approach him for counselling services and he was very receptive. I was always very pleased to visit this individual. He was my cousin Oolootee’s husband and we send our condolences to his family.
He was a member of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Committee and I know that he will be dearly missed in the community.
We send our condolences and prayers to the family.
Member’s Statement 330 – 4(2): Congratulations to Athletes from Pond Inlet (Enook)
I am very pleased to rise today to say that I am very proud of my fellow residents.
Mr. Speaker, I’m sure you have noticed that my voice has changed a bit because I was yelling and providing support to our young people during the weekend.
Starting on Friday, we introduced the female junior girls’ volleyball team from Pond Inlet. During the weekend, Nunavut youth came to play volleyball to try out for the 2016 Arctic Winter Games.
First of all, Mr. Speaker, I would like to say “thank you” to Sport Nunavut and the Department of Community and Government Services for providing funds for the trials.
I know that the communities are able to participate more because of the assistance provided by the Department of Community and Government Services.
I especially would like to express my appreciation on behalf of Pond Inlet because it’s very expensive to fly from Pond Inlet to Iqaluit. Plane tickets are very expensive. I see other young people sitting across the floor who are here to play games.
We are very appreciative because the communities do their own fundraising to be used by the youth to travel and participate in the Games.
If it weren’t for the fundraising of the communities, we wouldn’t be able to see our youth go to other communities.
I would like to extend my appreciation to all the participants during the weekend.
I am very proud of each and every one of the youth.
Mr. Speaker and my colleagues, my friend, as Mr. Kuksuk had said, when youth participate in extracurricular activities, it’s much better for their social life. I, along with Mr. Kuksuk, would like to encourage the young people.
The Member for Tununiq is asking for unanimous consent to conclude his statement.
I just want to point out further to all the participants that I know even if you don’t win in first place or second place, you are all winners by being a participant.
By participating, you gain more friends and it’s much better for your social life.
When you get back to your communities, please encourage your friends to participate in these games because it’s healthier for you mentally and physically.
I am very proud of each and every one of you, but I do want to acknowledge the people who won first and second place. I also acknowledge those teams.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will acknowledge those individuals, but I urge Nunavummiut and Pond Inlet residents to say how proud we are of Pond Inlet’s boys’ soccer team who won the gold.
I will introduce them at the appropriate time.
Member’s Statement 331 – 4(2): Tribute to John T. Maurice (Hickes)
With all these young athletes in attendance here, I think it’s a perfect, opportune moment for me to read this statement.
I would like to invite members, residents of Iqaluit and all across Nunavut in recognizing the many accomplishments in sport by Iqaluit resident John Maurice.
His welcoming spirit and positive nature has led youth leadership in various sports in Iqaluit and throughout Nunavut for over two decades.
John Maurice is the reason speed skating exists in the territory of Nunavut. After almost 25 years of coaching, you can still always find John at the rink lacing up his skates for speed skating practices.
Mr. Speaker, the youth whose lives he has impacted over the years are numerous.
Just some of John’s contributions to the sport of speed skating and other volunteer organizations over the years, and this list goes far beyond what it is I’m going to mention here.