EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Yes, we will commit to using Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and continue to improve the inclusion of this knowledge in the study of wildlife in Nunavut for the future.
Question 662 – 1(6): Fire Arms Training Course
I didn’t think I would get my chance.
I would like to direct my question to the Premier. I would like to say is that we should be supporting Nunavummiut as long as northern residents with reference to the FAC issue.
There are many problems for individuals trying to acquire FACs because the individuals applying for FACs in regards to possession and firearms certificates, they can’t get the FACs without getting the training.
Who conducts the firearms training course?
Currently the Federal Government is in charge of the whole Firearms Act and they carry out any courses that I’m aware of that may be required.
As I said yesterday, Inuit are exempt from the provision of the Firearms Act for the purposes of hunting and not having to have a license to possess firearms.
So, that’s as far as we have gone so far but we’re trying to go further by allowing that to continue forever because of our land claims rights.
As for non-Inuit in the territory, we’re trying to lobby the government to try to change the Act, but the only real protection we have here in Nunavut is for Inuit of Nunavut.
In regards to non-Inuit residents, they have problems trying to acquire an FAC without taking a firearms course.
Is there a place or a community where there is a firearms training course?
I recall there were some courses being offered in some of the communities but I can’t answer where the next one may be.
I think they’re held almost regularly but I can look into the matter and convey the same to the Member.
Question 663 – 1(6): Representing the People of Nunavut
I have been told not to be afraid of anything and I welcome you welcoming me.
I’d like to ask the Premier when the Federal Government produced gun legislation, it was opposed by the people of Nunavut and the Government of Nunavut representing the wishes of Inuit, along with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, who went to the Supreme Court to challenge the Gun Control Act.
When the Federal Government brought about the Gun Control Act, and now its same sex marriage thing that’s happening right now and I have been told by the communities that I represent that this is not what they want.
They don’t want same sex marriage.
Perhaps the Premier by representing the people of Nunavut, will he be lobbying the Federal Government on that Act, on the issue of same sex marriage?
Which one is he going to support?
We know that the Gun Control Act did not recognise the Inuit rights.
That’s why we challenged it.
It did not follow the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
For that reason, it affects the rights of Inuit.
That’s why we challenged.
If there is agreement in regards to opposing or if Inuit had an agreement opposing same sex marriage, we have to represent our people.
That’s why we don’t want to recognise same sex marriage at the present time as it stands with the Act remaining unresolved.
We want to follow the wishes of Nunavummiut.
When we were about to get the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement in 1999, we were told we were not going to be run by anyone anymore and that we would be able to produce legislation that our people wanted.
They lied to us, if the Federal Government is going to introduce that piece of legislations than we will have to kneel down to it.
Did they lie to us that when we were going to get the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement that we were told that we would be able to do whatever we want to do as Inuit to run our own affairs and be able to do anything in our own home or are we just going to bow down to people telling us what to do, especially when it involves same sex marriages?
So, that is why, according to what we want that is why we are not going to say anything or we are not going to follow it until we hear what is happening with the Federal Government.
We are Canadians and we have to be part of Canada.
If we were not part of Canada we would be able to do what we want to do.
But, because we live in Canada today, we have to follow their rules and their laws.
So, up until now we used our rights and listened to our people and suspended the application of the same sex marriage law for the time being.
This authority is held by the Federal Government and once this is clarified by the courts, only then would we have to deal with the issue.
Question 664 – 1(6): Representing the People of Nunavut
Mr. Speaker, I have stood up and I’ve said this numerous times also, but my question is to the Minister of Sustainable Development about the NNI policy.
We’re in our 5th year of Nunavut and I think the policy has been around for 3 and a half, 4 years.
Coming from a community that doesn’t have a real strong private sector and I think I can speak for most communities outside of Rankin Inlet, Cambridge Bay and Iqaluit, that the business community is thin at best.
Every small business that does start has a lot of hard work and financial constraints on it.
So, my question is on the NNI Policy, there is a 14 percent advantage given to a northern business, an additional 3 percent advantage given to a local business and 3 percent given if you’re an Inuit business, which gives you a 20 percent advantage.
I feel, and it’s just my humble opinion, that it may be time to look at this 20 percent and revise it where Inuit business, true Inuit businesses that are registered under the NNI policy, are given a bit more of an advantage over a non-Inuit business.
Could the Minister of Sustainable Development look at this policy?
Speaker: Premier Okalik will take this question.
As the Member may be aware, we have been working quite hard with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated on this issue and over the last couple of months it has been reviewed by committee.
That committee is in the process of finalizing a report that will put forward recommendations on the exact matter.
My cabinet colleagues are well aware of the issue and will deal with it as soon as we get the report.
Mr. Speaker, I’m glad that somebody answered the question. I wasn’t sure who to ask but I’m glad the Premier answered the question.
On that issue, Mr. Speaker, was the issue brought up that an Inuit company in Nunavut, operating only has a 3 percent advantage over a non-Inuit company?
There were many issues heard by the committee.
Yes, that was amongst them and there will be an active discussion on this issue as soon as we get the report.
Mr. Speaker, I don’t speak for the business community in Nunavut and I don’t profess to, but in my experience, in a community, it’s very hard for a local person to start a business in Nunavut today, especially with the large corporations.
When large corporations procure contracts in communities, it is very difficult for small businesses to get part of the subcontracting on it.
Unless there are some guidelines, and the Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti Policy does not have those guidelines now, that large corporations and large businesses have to deal with Inuit businesses.
Could the Premier commit to this House, that when they rewrite the policy, or they are reviewing it, which he said that they were, that they would make the Inuit component higher than it presently is? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
We have heard, loud and clear as to what the people want out of this issue.
I cannot specify exactly what we will do, but we will discuss it and I am sure that that is one of the things that will be looked at very closely.
It is nice to see that the Premier is committed to supporting Inuit businesses in Nunavut.
When can we expect to hear in the House, and when can the people out there in the public expect to hear from this Government?
As I said the report is being finalized as we speak.
I do not know exactly when it will be completed, but once it is done, I will put it to Cabinet, hopefully, in the month of November.
Question 665 – 1(6): District Education Authority Guidelines
The elementary school students nowadays do not listen in the schools and they are breaking some rules that are set out in the school policy.
We are still using the present Education Act.
I wonder if the DEAs can be given a policy or a set of guidelines whereby they could have guidelines to refer to.
The District Education Authorities have the right to be able to discipline children the best way that they can, and my staff have been working with the District Education Authorities that if the District Education Authorities would like to make some changes and if they would like to make additions to their guidelines or their policies, as long as they do not physically hurt the child, disciplinary action can be taken with those children.
The Minister stated that they already talked to the District Education Authorities.
When did she talk to them?
Yesterday or when was that?
Hon. Manitok Thompson (interpretation): The District Education Authority’s Chairpersons were the people who I met with around September.
I believe that it was around the end of September.
Speaker: Mr. Nutarak
Mr. Nutarak (interpretation): We utilize the traditional knowledge within Nunavut, she said, she made a statement in September and she said she had a discussion with DEA for the Minister of Education, how long do we have to wait?
Yes, they could have started anytime, because the Inuit were the original inhabitants before the federal government ever arrived.
I’m going to try and finish my time, Mr. Speaker. I advised them that they are the parents and they are wise.
If they want to try something new they should try something in their community.
As we have heard that one student got suspended and they enjoy being suspended and they just start doing things too, so I’ve asked them to not just listen to the students but to reprimanded them when required as they see fit, because we’ve just been assimilated to the foreigners.
After having discussions with the District Education Authority, did the DEA make any recommendation as to how this will be dealt with?
I’m sorry I almost forgot but my mind is just going so fast.
I have told them that it is up to them as long as they do something meaningful.
We want the kids, our children to stay in school.
They don’t necessarily need my permission as long as you let my officials know what they’re doing.
They can make their own decisions how to deal with the students with problems in the school.
Members note that the question period is now over.
Now we can move on to Item 7.
Replies to Written Questions.
Item12.
Item 12: Reports of Committees on Review of Bills
Report 020 – 1(6): Bill 40 – An Act to Amend the Northwest Territories Business Credit Corporation Act – COW Review of Bill
I wish to report that Bill 40, an Act to Amend the Northwest Territories Business Credit Corporation Act has been review by the Standing Committee Community Empowerment and the Sustainable Development and that the Bill is ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole.
Report of Committee on Review of Bills.
Tabled Document 140 – 1(6): Charitable Donations 2002
Mr. Speaker, I’m very pleased to table information released yesterday by Statistics Canada regarding charitable donations in Canada in 2002.
Mr. Speaker, I draw Members attention to the fact that in 2002, Nunavummiut made the highest median donations in the country to charities.
In Nunavut, the median donation was $400 dollars, an increase from $360 dollars the year before.
Mr. Speaker, it’s also the highest increase across the country and I would like to salute the generosity of Nunavut’s residents.
Tabled Document 141 – 1(6): Report on the Review of the Languages Commissioner 2001-2002 Annual Report
Mr. Speaker, I’m please to provide the House with a copy of the Government of Nunavut’s response to Ajauqtiit, standing committee report on the review of the Languages Commissioners 2001/2002 annual report.
Item 19. Consideration of Committee of the Whole of Bills and other matters.
Bill 12, Bill 33, Bill 37, Bill 43, Bill 44, Bill 45, Bill 46, Bill 47 and Bill 48 with Mr. Puqiqnak in the chair.
Before we proceed to Committee of the Whole, we’ll take a break for 20 minutes.
>>House recessed at 15:37 and resumed at 16:01
Item 19: Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matter
Chairman (Mr. Puqiqnak) (interpretation): Thank you for coming back.
In Committee of the Whole, we will be considering Bill 12, Human Rights Act, Bill 33, Tobacco Control Act, Bill 37, Bill 43, Bill 44, Bill 45, Bill 46 and Bill 48.
We wish to continue with the review of the Capital Estimates for 2004/2005 commencing with the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth and then the Department of Justice.
If time permits, we will then commence with the review of the Supplementary Bills, starting first with Bill 44, followed by 45, Bill 47 and 48.
We will then start with the department.
Minister, do you have opening comments?
It is a pleasure for me to make my first appearance before you as the Minister of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth.
Thank you for the opportunity to highlight my department’s plans for its 2004/2005 capital estimates.
Many of you aware that the department’s budget is very small relative to other capital budgets.
Nevertheless, as the Minister of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth, I am convinced that my department can make an important contribution to the promotion and protection of the Inuit culture, languages and values.
Mr. Chairman, the department’s capital budget of $569 thousand will be spent on capital contributions to non-profit, community based individuals and organizations.
These capital contributions will provide funding for things such as repairs, renovations and minor capital work to heritage and cultural centres.
This capital contribution funding empowerment of a community is to protect and improve existing heritage elder and youth centres.
I would like to take this opportunity to inform the committee that my department has funded 11 capital projects in the 2002/2003 fiscal year and 22 capital projects in 2003/2004 fiscal year.
In 2004/2005, Mr. Chairman, capital contribution will be awarded on a similar basis to guarantee funding to community-based heritage centres, elders’ and youth activities throughout Nunavut.
Furthermore, our capital contributions policy has been revised by consolidating the three capital allocations into one allocation for heritage, youth and elders capital contributions.
Our 2004/2005 capital estimates reflect this change.
This consolidation will give my department greater flexibility in awarding its capital contribution funding amongst the various applicants and it will make it easier for all the funding to be expended.
It will also allow Nunavummiut to access capital funding in all of the department’s mandated areas.
Our community programs division, which is the department’s direct link to Nunavut communities, continues to work with community based individuals and organizations to access capital contribution funding.
Mr. Chairman, I would like to take this opportunity to update the community on the status of the Nunavut heritage center.
The Cabinet has approved the concept of a full service heritage centre offering a full program of services.
It has directed my department to seek other government and third party funding partners for the establishment of the Nunavut heritage center.
Once this stage has been completed, cabinet will consider the capital funding implications.  My department has had preliminary meetings with the Department of Canadian Heritage and there are plans for departmental officials to meet with other federal departments.
I will keep the committee informed as our funding deliberations continue.
Mr. Chairman, although the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth does not have major capital projects, we will ensure that we continue to support and empower community based individuals and organizations who’s efforts promote and improve Nunavut’s heritage, elders and youth activities.
Mr. Chairman, I would be happy to answer any questions you may have and I will leave my comments at that.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Kilabuk.
As the Chairperson, I will ask the Chairperson for Ajauqtiit for his Opening Remarks.
As Chairperson of the Standing Committee and Ajauqtiit, I am pleased to have this opportunity to make these Opening Remarks.
I will begin deliberations on the 2004-2005 Capital Estimates for Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth.
Mr. Chairman, the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth has a Capital Budget of $559 thousand, which represents 5 percent of the Government’s overall Capital Budget.
This is a decrease of $466 thousand from the previous year.
Mr. Chairman, Members are concerned that the Department’s estimates have been reduced this year.
This is an important Department that deals with our elders, youth and culture and Members feel that more funding should be provided to this Department.
Mr. Chairman, these estimates will be used entirely to award Capital Contributions funding for renovations and minor equipment to non-profit, community-based individuals and organizations for heritage, elders and youth centers.
Mr. Chairman, Members are concerned that there may be an overlap where contributions are concerned.
Members learn that a childcare center in one community was granted funding for renovations because youth were using the facility over the summer.
Funding for daycares can be obtained from the Department of Education for minor health or fire requirements.
Mr. Chairman, our Heritage Trail Project in the same community was also funded where it may have been able to receive support from the Department of Sustainable Development.
Mr. Chairman, the Committee stresses that the Department carefully review applications and work with other Departments to ensure that unnecessary overlap does not occur and that Departments are funding appropriate projects.
Nonetheless, Members encourage appropriate partnering with other bodies.
Mr. Chairman, Members are pleased that Cabinet has approved the concept of a full-service heritage center.
Members urge the Ministers to seek federal funding for this major capital project and look forward to receiving regular progress reports.
Mr. Chairman, Members are also pleased that the Department continues to provide the Committee with lists of approved grants and contributions and looks forward to receiving the next one.
Members encourage the Minister to Table this information in the House as this is a transparent practise.
Mr. Chairman, Members commend the Department for assisting individuals and organizations with proposal writing and application requirements for funding.
Members urge the Department to continue providing this type of assistance in order to help maintain balance between accessible funding programs and accountability with public money.
I anticipate that individual Members will raise their own comments and concerns on the Departments 2004-2005 Capital Estimates.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Iqaqrialu Ajauqtiit chairman.
I will now ask the Minister to go to the witness table with his officials.
Sergeant at Arms please assist the Members.
Thank you. Welcome.
Mr. Minister, can you please introduce your officials?
Hon. Peter Kilabuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just so you don’t forget I’ll remind you, Mr. Chairman, to my left is Leona Aglukkaq, my Deputy Minister and David Kolot is the Director of Finance in the Department.
While we are reviewing the department’s budget, I would like to remind Members that during deliberations please acknowledge me as Mr. Chairman.
We will now go onto general comments and according to the rules each Member has ten minutes for general comments.
The floor is now open for general comments or would you like to go line by line?
Thank you Minister and your officials and Leona from Kitikmeot, it’s always nice to see you.
As the Chairman of Ajauqtiit mentioned earlier, we have to work with the elders and youth.
If we keep reducing the budget every year it’s not going to help much the communities of Nunavummiut.
Are you working with the federal counterparts?
I’ll be asking questions at the appropriate time because I have a concern on this issue.
Another concern I have is Nunavut Heritage Centre; we have been raising this issue from the moment we established the Nunavut Government.
I will be asking for clarification on this and where we are heading.
In regards to the list that you gave us in regards to where we are going.
I’m going to be asking on these issues a bit later on.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Any further general comments from the floor?
Mr. Alakannuark (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman and thank you to the department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth and thank you for the good work you do on behalf of elders.
For elders and youth, what I’m saying, there was never an avenue where elders and youth can work together and the way I see it today, elders and youth are now being dealt with by the same department for the same purpose.
With that, I wonder how youth can be better assisted by elders and how we can bridge the gap between elders and youth in dealing with social issues and in learning life skills.
As well, in obtaining youth and elders centres in the communities, to help better serve Nunavummiut, we also need a place for youth to gather and there’s a lot to learn for these youth from the elders traditionally, either their language or through the life skills, and this is certainly a need in all the communities.
We need better centres in these communities, I just wanted to make those comments.
I have no one else on my list at this time.
The 569 thousand budgeted for capital estimates is quite small.
I was hoping that since we’re always talking about increasing the budget for this Department, but our message apparently has not been heard.
The work of the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth is an important one for our future.
The concerns of Nunavummiut greatly depends on this Department to help us prepare for the future.
I am hoping the next Government is mandated to ensure the Department gets more funding.
As Mr. Alakannuark stated, there is a lot to be learned by the youth about Inuit culture, and to ensure this knowledge is passed on either through hunting or other life skills and there is a great need in the communities to support elders teaching youth.
The need to live in the Arctic will always be there so we will always need to learn how to survive out on the land and learn hunting skills.
Unfortunately, we’re slowly losing our language.
So we need to ensure there is more work in this field and to ensure there are programs set up where youth can be sent out on the land with elders to learn their culture.
That should be a consideration for the future of this Department.
Can we go line by line now?
I have no more names for general comments.
We’re on 8-5 and 8-6.
Branch Summary, Directorate, and detail of capital, grants and contributions, headquarters region, total headquarters region, grants and contributions, 569 thousand.
Chairman (interpretation): Going back a page, just let me know if I’m in a hurry.
You mentioned $569 thousand.
We already mentioned that this is not enough and we also know that it’s not easy to get the money.
When you’re doing the capital estimates, do you seek additional funding from the federal government for heritage centers?
Has the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth and the federal government worked together on this when you’re working on capital estimates?
The Member is asking if we seek additional funding from the federal government.
At this time, we have requested funding by not one but more departments in regards to heritage centres because it would be very expensive.
We are also asking for funding for languages as well from the federal government.
I guess, using the $569 thousand , are you saying that there are some matching grants from the federal government to go ahead with this capital.
I’m just trying to get the picture here.
I’d like to try to clarify what I just responded with.
Right now we’re working with the federal government on two matters.