EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, as the House is aware, Resolute Bay is one of only a few communities in Nunavut that has a utilidor system.
Mr. Speaker, Resolute Bay’s integrated community infrastructure sustainability plan was completed in 2011.
The plan indicates that the community’s utilidor system “has never been subject to preventative maintenance” and is considered to be “at the point of catastrophic failure.”
Mr. Speaker, the plan also indicates that the replacement of the utilidor “was identified by stakeholders as the highest infrastructure priority during community consultations.”
Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to note that information on the Government of Nunavut’s website indicates that a $22 million contract was awarded last month by the Department of CGS to Tower Arctic Ltd. for a new water and sewage system for the community.
Mr. Speaker, providing safe and modern water and sewage systems is a fundamental government responsibility, and I will have questions for the Minister of Community and Government Services at the appropriate time.
Member’s Statement 037 – 4(1): Celebrating Inuit Culture in India (Joanasie)
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Good morning, my colleagues, Nunavummiut, and the people listening to our proceedings. Mr. Speaker, thank you.
I rise today to express my admiration for our unique culture of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, you may have heard that an inuksuk made from stone was recently built and unveiled overseas in India.
That inuksuk was put together by two Canadian artists, Bill Nasogaluak originally from Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories, and “Kuzy” Koomuatuk Curley originally from Cape Dorset.
Mr. Speaker, the artist from Cape Dorset, Kuzy, is a friend of mine. It gives me pride that he is making a name for himself in the art world and is an excellent example for other emerging young artists.
I know he loves what he does and that he is taking advantage of opportunities that are presented to him.
Mr. Speaker, as Nunavummiut, we are honoured that Canada’s Governor General David Johnston is using the inuksuk sign to symbolize the friendly and cooperative relationship that Canada has with India.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Nasogaluak and Mr. Curley for making their remarkable contributions to Canada’s identity on the world stage.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Joanasie.
Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak, Ms. Ell.
Member’s Statement 038 – 4(1): The Opening of Saimavik Studio (Ell)
Good morning to my constituency of Iqaluit-Manirajak.
At this time, I am very pleased to rise to announce that there is going to be a dance hall and a gymnasium for yoga programs for healthy living. It is a studio that will be opening soon in Iqaluit-Manirajak and the name of the building will be Saimavik Studio.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, this exciting enterprise is being started by a couple of young entrepreneurs named Christine Lamothe and Gary Quinangnaq with enormous support from their family. They also happen to be constituents of the MLA for Iqaluit-Sinaa, my hon. colleague, Mr. Paul Okalik.
Founder Christine Lamothe, who is a physical activity specialist, as well as a yoga teacher, indicates that they would be able to accommodate 15 to 20 people at a time for their program.
The focus of the Saimavik Studio is on helping to improve health and wellness for people of all ages.
Mr. Speaker, Christine has been an Iqaluit resident since 2006 and has been an active participant in activities relating to healthy living and youth.
Saimavik Studio will be holding an open house on Saturday, March 8 at building 754 on Ben Ell Drive, the road that is named after my late father, Ben Ell.
I encourage the residents of Iqaluit to pay a visit to see what exciting activities are planned for the future.
Mr. Speaker and members, please join me in wishing Christine and Gary success in this exciting new venture.
Member’s Statement 039 – 4(1): Tribute to Hockey Prodigies (Enook)
Mr. Speaker, in the aftermath of Canada’s Olympic success and as a forerunner to Nunavut’s participation in the upcoming Arctic Winter Games, I rise today to pay tribute to two young Pond Inlet hockey players who are lighting up the goal lights in the nation’s capital.
Mr. Speaker, Mittimatalingmiut Atiqtalaaq and Kalai Ootoowak are living with their mother, Anita, in the Ottawa region as she studies full time for a degree in psychology at the University of Ottawa.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, Atiqtalaaq is only eight years old, but his skills on the ice have already impressed coaches and managers from a number of AAA teams.
“Q,” as he is also known, has even been selected to play for the Ottawa region’s Selects Sports Development team, a program that has produced several NHL players.
Mr. Speaker, Atiqtalaaq has been invited to travel to Europe with his team this summer, but unless he and his mother can raise adequate funds, he won’t be able to go.
Mr. Speaker, I recognize that there are many competing demands for limited government resources.
Adequate support to assist individual athletes and teams in reaching their full potential is hard to come by.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage our government, our sports organizations, our clubs, coaches, volunteers, and supporters to help Nunavut’s athletes reach their dreams in any way possible.
Mr. Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent to conclude my remarks.
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and my colleagues.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, Atiqtalaaq and Kalai have both been invited to play in competitive hockey programs in the Ottawa region this spring and summer.
Even though the cost of registration, equipment, and training is high, the Ootoowak family has made hockey a priority in their lives. Hockey is their drive and passion.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, along with their mother, these boys have been fundraising, including through the “go fund me” website that anyone can donate to, to raise enough money to enable them to take advantage of opportunities which will allow them to continue to develop as elite hockey players.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, as Atiqtalaaq’s hockey coach put it, this young hockey player has travelled far “from floe edge to face-off,” and is an excellent ambassador for the community of Pond Inlet and for Nunavut as a whole.
We should all be proud of him.
Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Mr. Okalik.
Member’s Statement 040 – 4(1): Recognizing People with Different Lifestyles (Okalik)
I hope that player eventually plays for the Montreal Canadiens once he grows up.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak to an issue related to parts of our population with opinions expressed opposing them.
I recall that in our own country of Canada, as an Inuk from a minority compared to our overall population in Canada, while I was in the south, I would often feel very alone and isolated.
Some people would discriminate solely on the fact that I was an Inuk.
I was quite rejuvenated during my studies in a southern university when I felt discriminated that another group also discriminated against, the LBGT community, took compassion on my situation and would support me, as they were quite aware of prejudice against minorities and that prejudice has no place in our society.
We have to be compassionate to other residents in our communities.
We are starting to hear of opposition to this community and that is why today, I wear a pinkish-hued tie and if a tie with rainbow colours had been available, I would have worn it today to express my support in their fight.
As a people with a very small population base, we have to work together irrespective of our differences.
We are all different here in Nunavut, and I am proud of the fact they are working to fight for their rights and to be strong. I am proud of their efforts as they are also part of our Nunavut community.
We represent all the people of Nunavut in this House and we have to stand with them.
I am happy and proud of this community.
Member for Pangnirtung, Mr. Mike.
Member’s Statement 041 – 4(1): A Healthy Recovery of Constituent (Mike)
I also thank my fellow residents of Pangnirtung, particularly the hunters in our community.
I am happy to stand here today as I saw a person, actually my uncle Seemee Angmarlik, along with Tony Nowyook. My uncle spent an inordinate amount of time at the hospital, even though he is a hunter, and I was glad to see his return to our community.
This is an event that brings me great pleasure and that is the reason why I stand up today in the House.
Seemee spent many months in the hospital without ever returning home and he has just recently returned home.
With his health restored, he returned as he is a real hunter.
I want to share my gratitude with every other hunter as well as our relatives, especially his wife and children.
I am very pleased to be able to stand here to speak about Seemee, who has survived the ordeal that placed him in the hospital.
Member, Ms. Ugyuk.
Member’s Statement 042 – 4(1): International Women’s Day (Ugyuk)
Tomorrow will be International Women’s Day. I wish them a very good day.
I know that women are very creative with handicrafts and in creating clothing for their husbands and children. Women, I hear, are the ones who keep the men clothed properly.
That happens when the men take proper care of their wives.
I wish all women of Nunavut a good International Women’s Day.
Member’s Statement 043 – 4(1): Repulse Bay Hockey Players (Mapsalak)
I send good morning greetings to my constituents in Repulse Bay and Coral Harbour.
I also wish to express my congratulations and pride in our Repulse Bay hockey team for their play during the recent Polar Bear Plate tournament.
Hockey is an extremely popular sport amongst our youth and other age groups in Repulse Bay, although it isn’t a large community. However, the team managed to come in first place in the tournament, so I want to express how proud I am of their accomplishment.
I am very happy and quite proud of this group, despite the fact that they rarely get any type of formal coaching. Due to their dedication and focus, they have been able to reach the top tiers in hockey tournaments without any help. They generally have to fundraise to be able to undertake these trips.
I am extremely proud of their dedication and commitment.
Just recently at the Avataq Hockey Tournament, the Repulse Bay hockey team came in second and Iqaluit came in first. I also am proud of their accomplishments.
I wanted to express my pride in the Repulse Bay hockey players as they are amongst the best in our region. This is something our community can take pride in as I am also from that community. I wanted my colleagues to join me in congratulating our hockey players.
Member for Aggu, Mr. Quassa.
Member’s Statement 044 – 4(1): Recognizing Igloolik Film Producers (Quassa)
As the representative for the Aggu Riding, I wish to share my pride in the media company now called Kingullit that produces television and radio shows locally in Igloolik.
I believe all members are familiar with Igloolik’s history as one of the premier communities involved in filmmaking and of Zacharias Kunuk, who produced the film “Atarnarjuat” that people may remember. Another film was produced about Knud Rasmussen called Journals of Knud Rasmussen and other films have been produced by people from Igloolik.
Further, the films and shows are quite compelling and popular, as they are done entirely in Inuktitut, not just in Igloolik, but in other communities like Cambridge Bay, Cape Dorset, and other communities that air these shows. They are now available 24/7.
They provide a foundation for strengthening our Inuktitut language as they are all in Inuktitut.
The media company, Kinguliit, produces these shows and it is run by Zacharias Kunuk. One of their objectives is to eventually broadcast in all communities in Nunavut and to re-air old films produced in the past.
It strengthens our language and pride in our culture when we watch television shows entirely in Inuktitut.
I wanted to acknowledge the people who provide this service, as it helps strengthen the retention of our Inuit language.
There are none. (interpretation ends) Item 4.
Welcome, President of the Francophone Association of Nunavut, Mr. Eric Courneau, and Vice-President, Madame Myléne Chartrand. Welcome.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister, Mr. Sammurtok.
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, (interpretation) I would like to recognize the President of Nunavut Arctic College, Mr. Mike Shouldice.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister, Mr. Quassa.
I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the same individual who is the President of Nunavut Arctic College, Michael Shouldice.
I would like to recognize him again and our dean, Eric Courneau. I apologize if I mispronounced your name, but I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the individuals who work very hard for Nunavut Arctic College.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. (interpretation ends) Hon. Member, Mr. Mike.
I would like to take the opportunity to recognize our visitors from Pangnirtung, my uncle Seemee Angmarlik, and Tony Nowyook, who are both from Pangnirtung.
The individual whom I wish to recognize has already been recognized. (interpretation ends) I would like to recognize the President of Nunavut Arctic College, Mr. Mike Shouldice.
>>Applause  Speaker (interpretation): Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery.
Oral Questions. (interpretation) Member for Tununiq, Mr. Enook.
Question 013 – 4(1): Status of the Pond Inlet Arena (Enook)
About two years ago, Pond Inlet’s new arena was officially opened at a ceremony held in the community.
At that time, it was anticipated that the arena’s heat exchange technology and other design features would allow for an extended ice season.
Unfortunately, there have been a significant number of technical problems with the arena ever since it opened and the facility is currently unusable.
I have raised concerns in this House on this issue since March of last year.
Can the new minister update me today on how his department is working with the municipality to fix the arena’s problems so that Pond Inlet’s kids can get back on the ice as soon as possible?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Sammurtok.
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
To answer the question by the hon. member from Pond Inlet, it is being reviewed.
The main problem is with electrical deficiencies. At this time, electricians are at that arena and reviewing to see what kind of problems are plaguing that arena. As soon as we find out, I will inform the member.
Speaker (interpretation): Your first supplementary, Mr. Enook.
When I first raised this issue in the House in March of last year, I was assured that the deficiencies and safety issues were corrected before the arena was handed over to the community.
Can the minister assure me today that the municipality will not be liable for the cost of repairing the arena?
With respect to the repairs in the arena, the costs will be borne by my department and not the municipality.
Speaker (interpretation): Your final supplementary, Mr. Enook.
Mr. Enook: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) One of the community’s biggest frustrations with the situation is lack of clarity of exactly what the problem is with the arena.
Community residents have heard a number of different explanations for the arena’s ongoing problem.
One week, it’s blamed on the wiring, and then another week, the problem lies with the electrical components, and then another week, it has to do with the ice surface. We then hear there have been significant difficulties in obtaining specialized replacement electrical components and they must be imported from the United States.
Will the minister commit to working with the municipality to ensure that Pond Inlet residents receive clear and current information about the arena’s problems and the timeline for its reopening?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of Community and Government Service, Mr. Sammurtok.
At this time, there is an electrical specialist working on Pond Inlet’s arena.
He is trying to find out exactly what the recurring problem is with respect to the circuit breaker. It was thought that it may be too close to the wiring, so they’re trying to determine if that is where the problem is.
As soon as we identify that, we will apply the appropriate solution.
Question 014 – 4(1): Nunavut Tourism (Angnakak)
The Government of Nunavut’s most recent publicly available annual report on grants and contributions indicate that the department provided Nunavut Tourism with over $1.8 million in funding during the 2011-12 fiscal year.
Recent news reports have claimed that Nunavut Tourism has spent over $100,000 in recent years for such things as dinners at the Vancouver Olympics and fees for US television appearances.
My question for the minister is simple: are these reports accurate, yes or no?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. Kuksuk.
I am sorry, but I didn’t really hear the member’s question. Can you repeat your question, please.
Speaker: Ms. Angnakak.
The government’s most recent publicly available annual report on grants and contributions from your department said that they provided Nunavut Tourism with over $1.8 million in funding.
Recent news reports that we read in the newspaper have claimed that Nunavut Tourism has spent over $100,000 in recent years for such things as dinners at the Vancouver Olympics and fees for US television appearances.
My question to you is: are these reports in the newspaper accurate, yes or no?
Your question is whether or not those reports are accurate.
I cannot answer at this time because I don’t see any information on whether this is true or not.
Speaker (interpretation): Your first supplementary, Ms. Angnakak.
Although I fully agree that marketing Nunavut as a destination of choice is an extremely important role for Nunavut Tourism, I also believe that entities that receive government funds need to be accountable and responsible for their spending.
Can the minister describe what controls are in place to ensure that senior employees of Nunavut Tourism comply with all appropriate rules and guidelines concerning spending on travel and hospitality?
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for that question.
Tourism often involves promoting and marketing not just in Canada, but internationally as well.
Promotional funds are properly approved and there is also a committee on economic development and tourism that reviews the expenditure of money and what they’re used for.
Once expenditures have been approved, they’re spent only on their approved purpose.
I agree that some things are expensive, but I too am accountable and responsible as minister for that spending.
As a government in general, we are accountable for any public funds.
As such, we try to be as responsible as possible to make expenditures that are approved, whether that be for tourism or some other departmental purpose and only after careful scrutiny.
Yes, I understand what the member is concerned about and I hope I have answered her question.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Your final supplementary question, Ms. Angnakak.
Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) I respect the response of the minister.
I would like to ask my last question. (interpretation ends) I also believe that it’s time that we take a hard look at the value for money or bang for the buck that we are getting as a government for the grants and contributions that we provide to such entities as Nunavut Tourism.
Can the minister describe how his department evaluates whether the millions of public dollars that are being provided to Nunavut Tourism are spent effectively?
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for your very good question.
I will get back to the member with detailed information at a later date.
Question 015 – 4(1): Status of the Resolute Bay Utilidor (Shooyook)
Resolute Bay’s integrated community infrastructure sustainability plan indicates that the community’s utilidor system is “considered to be at the point of catastrophic failure.”
Information on the Government of Nunavut’s website indicates that a $22 million contract was awarded last month by the Department of CGS to Tower Arctic Ltd. for a new water and sewage system for the community. Can the minister indicate when work will begin on this important project?
The question asked by the Member for Quttiktuq is not a new issue; it has been ongoing for quite some time now.
Our officials have gone to Resolute Bay more than once to meet with the hamlet.
We will continue to pursue the issue.
We understand that the utilidor system in Resolute Bay is important to the lives of the residents.
That is why we will continue to work on the utilidor system until it’s completely fixed. (interpretation ends) Qujannamiik, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Your first supplementary, Mr. Shooyook.
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Can the minister indicate when the work will begin on this important project?
The work will begin in the summer of 2014.
Speaker (interpretation): Your second supplementary, Mr. Shooyook.
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): The department’s 2013-14 capital estimates, which were approved by the Legislative Assembly in 2012, indicated that the federal government had funding available for the Resolute Bay utilidor project.
Can the minister confirm if the federal government will, indeed, proceed with a contribution agreement for this important project?
We will be signing the Building Canada Fund contribution agreement with the federal government with respect to water, sewage, and solid waste management. We will be signing that agreement in the upcoming month.
Once that agreement is signed, the additional funding will then be available.
Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes.
Question 016 – 4(1): Inuit Employment in the Government of Nunavut (Hickes)
I thank the interpreters yesterday for interpreting my fast-paced speech.
Mr. Speaker, my questions today are again for the Minister of Finance.
On September 17, 2013, the minister tabled the Government of Nunavut’s quarterly report on Inuit employment.
This report provided information that was current to December of 2012.
Mr. Speaker, it is now March of 2014. When will the minister be tabling the government’s reports for all of 2013 and the first quarter of this year?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of Finance, Mr. Peterson.
I thank Mr. Hickes for asking that question. Mr. Speaker, I have been asking that question myself with my officials.
I assure the member and my colleagues that all the reports for 2013 are now available and I’ll likely be tabling them next week.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your first supplementary, Mr. Hickes.
The government’s most recent public report indicates that as of December of 2012, a number of 1,593 beneficiaries were employed on a full-time basis, which is a rate of approximately 50 percent.
The report also indicated that approximately 72 percent of the government’s 1,600 causal jobs were filled by beneficiaries.
Can the minister indicate what today’s figures are?
I thank Mr. Hickes for the question.
Mr. Speaker, there are two categories, I believe, now. There were casual employees and now there are relief workers. I don’t have the exact figures for the combined casual employees and relief workers, but it’s over 2,000.
Speaker (interpretation): Your final supplementary, Mr. Hickes.
A number of my constituents have expressed concerns about the administration of causal hiring in the government, including the inappropriate extension and re-extension of casual employment, rather than holding competitions to fill positions.
I believe that when used properly, the use of casual hiring can help to identify promising beneficiary employees who can be mentored into full-time jobs, Mr. Speaker.