EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
PASS helps Nunavut adults over 19 to obtain the last few high school courses they need to earn their High School Diploma in their own communities, on their own time, and outside of the high school environment.
Mr. Speaker, PASS links learners with other students, teachers, and content online through computers and Internet connectivity designed to work in Nunavut. Students can continue their studies in this program in any Nunavut community, even if they change communities during their studies.
As of the fall 2015 semester, students are now able to take advantage of a new option to complete their courses over two semesters.
Mr. Speaker, the winter 2016 semester for PASS began on January 25 with 93 students enrolled in 14 communities: Kugluktuk, Cambridge Bay, Gjoa Haven, Resolute Bay, Arviat, Baker Lake, Whale Cove, Rankin Inlet, Iqaluit, Pangnirtung, Pond Inlet, Hall Beach, Igloolik, and Sanikiluaq.
Of this group, 21 are new students starting PASS courses this winter.
PASS allows Nunavut adults to take the preparation courses they need to succeed in this unique learning program and get the credits they need to graduate so they can achieve their career and employment goals.
This program represents one of our government’s investments in education for Nunavummiut.
Minister’s Statement 082 – 4(3): Income Support Delivery System (Mike)
My department is proud to be well underway in the implementation of an electronic case management system for income assistance.
The Income Support Delivery System is now operational in 11 communities, with installations scheduled in seven more communities by April 2017.
The system is a top priority for my department in order to ensure consistency, quality, and accountability in the delivery of our Income Assistance Program.
Implementation of the Income Support Delivery System is a multiyear project to modernize the administration of income assistance in Nunavut.
Prior to this, income assistance was administered manually across the territory.  Mr. Speaker, this new system brings many benefits, including more efficient and secure storage and sharing of client information; standardized, consistent service delivery across Nunavut; increased program compliance and reduced risk of fraud; improved client service planning and coordination; and reduced administrative burden on frontline staff.
Mr. Speaker, the Income Support Delivery System is an exciting step for my department.
I look forward to its implementation in all Nunavut communities and I will continue to update the House on our progress.
Member’s Statement 172 – 4(3): Constituents participating at the Arctic Winter Games (Shooyook)
Although I am slightly behind in this recognizance, I rise today to acknowledge athletes who are going to Greenland for the Arctic Winter Games.
I was not expecting to see so many athletes from our community, but I wish to express my pride in our representatives from our community.
The team consists of six female athletes and eight male athletes.
The reason why I take pride in these athletes from our community is that it is rare for a small community to send a large contingent, which is commendable.
Mr. Speaker, although this by itself is praiseworthy, I take further pride because one of the athletes named after my in-law has participated in several Arctic Winter Games and that person so named, I cannot speak it due to our cultural sensitivities and kinship rules.
This person is someone I take pride in, as he was also at the Yellowknife games in the past, participating in the Dene snake game, where they throw a stick on the snow and they try to make it go farthest.
He is able to send it quite far and has won this game in the past.
He is a good role model and quite a capable person.
Further, he can shoot a narwhal in the head from any angle, as he is a good hunter as well as a competitor in games.
I am proud of my in-law’s namesake.
I would like my colleagues to join me in extending our pride in our community athletes as well as my in-law. Further, one of my great-grandchildren is also attending, so let us show our appreciation to our athletes going to the Arctic Winter Games in Greenland.
Member’s Statement 173 – 4(3): Kinngait Recreation Coordinators (Joanasie)
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish everyone a good day.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend congratulations to the Cape Dorset recreation department for keeping our residents and in particular, our younger residents busy with various activities through the weeks and months of a calendar year.
Mr. Speaker, the recreation department currently has five programs running based out of the community centre, including other specific programs offered at the sewing centre, as well as the Qavavau Aningmiuq Youth Centre and the hockey arena.
Mr. Speaker, the five programs offered at the community centre revolve around these activities: children’s cooking classes for both boys and girls, introduction to soapstone carving, elders’ lore and storytelling, booklet making such as photo collages, and interactive activities for parents and children.
Mr. Speaker, the sewing centre is constantly in use, with various, significant programs offered from that facility. Within a week, you can see many people attending the sewing classes.
They also offer prenatal and postnatal classes from Health Canada, including nutritious foods and cooking classes.
Local health representatives offer this course twice a week.
Mr. Speaker, these recreational programs are not simply for play since these programs are specific to Inuit culture, language, and teach traditional Inuit core values revolving around life as well as to ensure there is a safe place for children to socialize.
(interpretation) I don’t hear any nays. Mr. Joanasie, please proceed.
As I was saying, the younger children and youth in particular are the target for theses programs, which is also consistent with the current school calendar, taking into account the two streams.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to extend my thanks to everyone who participates in these programs, along with the coordinators, especially since recreation is very important.
I also want to thank the departments of Culture and Heritage and Health and our local recreation department in Cape Dorset for their unending work to date.
I also expect to see more examples of relevant programming that offer encouragement, skills development, and healthy life choices in our future.
Member’s Statement 174 – 4(3): Snowy Owls Win 2016 Kitikmeot Cup (Akoak)
Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon to the people in the community of Gjoa Haven, Nunavummiut, and my colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate our hockey team that went over to Kugluktuk over the weekend for the Kitikmeot Cup.
They got the gold. I’m proud to say that.
As you know, hockey is a very important game made in Canada and is a valuable life skills program.
I just want to mention the names of the hockey players. Their team is called Snowy Owls and their names are: Stanley Porter, Scott Porter, Craig Aglukkaq, Cory Aglukkaq, Michael Porter, Oliver Porter, Levi Otokiak, Joseph Okpkapok, Halluq Porter, and Quinten Takkiruq, and the goalies are Paul Karoo and Kyle Aglukkaq.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to say “thank you” to the community of Kugluktuk for looking after the team, feeding them, and housing them.
I would like to say again “congratulations” to the Snowy Owls.
Member’s Statement 175 – 4(3): Sanikiluaq’s Badminton Success (Rumbolt)
Mr. Speaker, as you may recall, I have risen a number of times in this House to recognize the ongoing success of Sanikiluaq’s badminton players and their coach Stephen Keoughan.
Mr. Speaker, as the head coach, Stephen has been working hard to prepare Team Nunavut’s badminton players for the Arctic Winter Games.
I am very pleased to note that four of the six badminton players selected to be on Team Nunavut are from Sanikiluaq.
I wish the best of luck to:
Sappa Johnny Cookie;
Mike Kavik;
Mina Mannuk; and
Janie Audla.
Mr. Speaker, participating in the Arctic Winter Games is a wonderful opportunity for all of our athletes.
I encourage everyone involved to enjoy the spirit of the games, to play hard and have fun.
Member’s Statement 176 – 4(3): Constituents participating at the Arctic Winter Games (Mapsalak)
I, too, rise today to talk about Arctic Winter Games participants.
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased that there are three individuals from Coral Harbour who are taking part in the Arctic Winter Games.
The first athlete from Coral Harbour is Chantelle Emiktowt, who is there for basketball, Christa Emiktowt, who is there for soccer, as well as Lonnie Kolit-Carter, who is there for hockey.
These athletes are from Coral Harbour.
Further, athletes from Naujaat also there for the hockey team are Donovan Kupak and Christopher Qingayak Jr.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to congratulate these Arctic Winter Games participants and I hope they enjoy the Games.
Member’s Statement 177 – 4(3): Ensuring Adequate Services at Community Health Centres (Mikkungwak)
I rise today to address an issue of concern with respect to the adequacy of services provided at our community health centres.
Mr. Speaker, it is always distressing when we have concerns about the health of our family members.
This is especially true when it comes to infants and the elderly.
Mr. Speaker, a recent incident in my constituency has raised the very sensitive issue of access to health services in a timely manner.
While I appreciate that our community health staff work long, hard hours, especially when they are short-staffed, we must also recognize that for family members who are concerned over the welfare of their loved ones, being told to wait can be very distressing.
Mr. Speaker, last week, I was pleased to join my fellow MLAs in this House in approving the proposed budget for the Department of Health, which will see several new health positions for the community of Baker Lake in 2016-17.
It is my sincere hope that with the addition of new staff positions at the Baker Lake Health Centre, there will no longer be situations where an individual needing health care will be told to wait.
I am taking this opportunity to advise the government that I will be monitoring this situation very closely.
I look forward to welcoming the new nursing staff to Baker Lake.
Member for Pangnirtung, Mr. Johnny Mike.
Member’s Statement 178 – 4(3): Pangnirtung Participants at the Arctic Winter Games (Mike)
I, too, would like to congratulate athletes on behalf of Pangnirtung.
There are three athletes from Pangnirtung and their names are: Gregory Ataguyuk for hockey, Mason Angnakak for volleyball, and Mike Nakashuk for badminton.
I am very proud for these athletes, especially the parents and coaches.
The recreation committee in Pangnirtung has tried to provide any form of assistance to make sure that these things go ahead, especially that athletes go to the Arctic Winter Games.
To the Arctic Winter Games athletes and coaches, I congratulate you all.
Member’s Statement 179 – 4(3): Successful Search and Rescue in Igloolik (Quassa)
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to the people of my community and Nunavummiut.
I would like to talk about Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit because it is very important, including today’s knowledge of Inuit.
In my community of Igloolik, there was a search and rescue since Tuesday.
By Sunday, they found the hunter and they had been looking for him for six days.
Aapak Taqaugaq is his name and I am very proud of the fact that he used traditional knowledge and survived.
That’s why we have been taught Inuit traditional knowledge and survival skills.
We have been advised about Inuit traditional ways and survival skills.
When this individual followed the advice, he survived.
On behalf of my community, I would like to congratulate Aapak Taqaugaq for coming home safely on Sunday.
We’re very proud of him and the fact that he used traditional knowledge to survive. When we use Inuit traditional knowledge, it really helps us in life.
To his family members and to the community of Igloolik, I would like to state this very good news and I am very proud to say that.
Members’ Statements. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Mr. Paul Okalik.
Member’s Statement 180 – 4(3): Role as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut (Okalik)
Based on the events that transpired, I just wish to announce that I will be available to provide support through any means possible and to try to uphold any of the initiatives that we are pushing for.
Furthermore, I don’t begrudge anyone in any way possible, as I will use my mandate to try to assist initiatives I support, as well as to follow my personal beliefs.
In sticking to my principles, sometimes it displeases others. Nonetheless, it keeps me on my feet and they are the foundation of my strength and that will not stop.
I also want to thank the new Minister for Health and Suicide Prevention, as that is dear to my heart.
I will support Minister Ell in her initiatives to implement these items and I wanted to inform her about that.
Her duties are numerous. Further, I was very grateful for her preparations prior to my being assigned that portfolio as everything was ready for me.
It is obvious to me that she will be dedicated in performing her new duties.
I have no more names on my list. Going back to the orders of the day.
Question 227 – 4(3): Protection Measures for Caribou Herds and Habitat (Mikkungwak)
On February 5, 2016, the Nunavut Planning Commission publicly announced that it will be holding technical meetings from March 7 to 10, 2016 concerning “The identification of various types of caribou habitat, and a discussion of the most effective methods to manage land use in these areas.”
Just last week, I tabled a letter from the Baker Lake Hunters and Trappers Organization, which was addressed to the Minister on March 2, 2016.
In its letter, the Baker Lake HTO raises concerns regarding the current protection measures that are in place to protect caribou herds and habitats.
Can the minister describe the current measures that are in place to protect the caribou herds and habitats from mining-related exploration?
Yes, the Nunavut Planning Commission is dealing with the question of land use planning through that process.
Furthermore, this government is a partner in this process in determining the land use plan, particularly the Department of Environment, as it pertains to Nunavut lands and wildlife. This process is one where our government is party to the process.
Currently, we are trying to put the best systemic practices and most effective means of assisting residents and the territory of Nunavut.
The government has put forward their position to set aside protected areas and wildlife areas as required and how best to handle development by interested parties and how best to manage these land use activities.
That is the position of this government at this time.
The Baker Lake HTO indicates in its letter, “Although exploration companies are given guidelines and conditions which to abide by during their project operations, the protection measures do not guarantee long-term protection of the environment.”
Can the minister indicate if the government supports the implementation of further protection measures for caribou populations in the Kivalliq region?
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Indeed, wildlife will require protective measures wherever development occurs and examples abound today, even around Baker Lake.
To use an example, caribou management issues in particular are the focus, even though the process to conduct that planning is under the (interpretation ends) Nunavut Planning Commission (interpretation) mandate, as they prepare land use plans. We can see the completed land use plans for regions.
They have been supported in the past, particularly adjacent to the communities that are required for non-renewable resources such as mining.
Near Baker Lake, that development has been governed by existing agreements.
Yes, I have faith in the government handling of (interpretation ends) responsible development, (interpretation) as we have supported development near caribou habitat or caribou calving grounds.
If any development occurred near these areas, these are the types of issues that this government would review, particularly in light of the impacts of the development on wildlife.
It is very clear that protection measures will be recommended by various organizations and representative bodies.
That is our position as a government at this time.
Mr. Mikkungwak: Mr. Speaker, in its letter, the HTO also raises concerns that the protection measures that are currently in place do not take into account the broad range of sources of disturbance, such as noise, that may accompany mining-related exploration activities and can affect wildlife in the area.
Can the minister indicate if the government supports implementing further restrictions on permissible exploration activities in the Kivalliq region?
I just want to state again that the government supports responsible development within calving grounds and key access corridors. (interpretation) Therefore, in line with the position I advocated, these are the areas that will be reviewed with that reasoning.
As per my earlier remark, since we have seasonal changes, we would look at (interpretation ends) seasonal restrictions (interpretation) as they too are voiced as concerns.
This will be something that we will be concerned with.
If there were to be hearings through the Nunavut Impact Review Board or other organizations, then they can rely on their decisions and there will be consideration in providing support to them.
Question 228 – 4(3): Technical Meetings on Caribou and the Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan (Sammurtok, T)
My question is also for the Minister of Environment.
It follows along with questions by my colleague.
(interpretation ends) As my colleague, the Member for Baker Lake noted earlier, the Nunavut Planning Commission is holding technical meetings this week concerning “The identification of various types of caribou habitat, and a discussion of the most effective methods to manage land use in these areas.”
According to the agenda that the Nunavut Planning Commission provides on its public website, the Department of Environment is scheduled to deliver a presentation at these technical meetings today.
Can the minister explain what is included in his department’s presentation at today’s technical meetings on the draft Nunavut Land Use Plan?
Yes, indeed, that is the process we are undertaking to discuss these issues at that meeting.
The issue I referred to earlier is related to the government position and this will comprise the process we are following as to how to plan the land usage through NPC.
The Nunavut government is also forwarding its position on this issue and it seems obvious that the government will use this process to work with the bodies responsible for land use planning.
This is the position as advocated by the government, which I referred to supporting the process to ensure that land use is properly planned for (interpretation ends) responsible development (interpretation) and I have no doubt this will be one of the discussion items at that meeting.
Mr. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Last week, I tabled a letter from the Aqigiq Hunters and Trappers Organization.
In its letter, the Aqigiq HTO emphasised the importance of protecting caribou post-calving grounds from mining-related exploration activities.
Can the minister indicate what the government’s position is concerning the issue of identifying caribou post-calving grounds as protected areas under the Nunavut Land Use Plan?
I just want to say again that the Government of Nunavut supports responsible development within calving grounds and key access corridors, and these will be on a case-by-case basis.
Also, I just want to again say that responsible development, which the government supports, within caribou habitat must be done under strict measures to minimize impacts to wildlife. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your final supplementary, Mr. Sammurtok.
Mr. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) In its letter, the Aqigiq HTO also identified the importance of protecting migration routes of caribou populations in the Kivalliq region from mining-related exploration activities, including areas that have been identified to be caribou water crossings.
Can the minister indicate what the government’s position is concerning the issue of identifying caribou water crossings as protected areas under the Nunavut Land Use Plan?
I referred to that earlier when a question was raised, as caribou habitat, migration routes, and their end destination are all important.
By using these issues, to use this example, in the springtime when caribou are starting to calve, protection measures would be enacted to try to protect the animals’ calving areas as well as the caribou themselves.
To use this example, in the Kivalliq region, there are several mines already operating, and to use concrete examples, we have already seen how protection measures are placed around caribou migration routes and their destination.
Through this process as well, as I stated earlier, the migration routes would be carefully reviewed by the government. To use that reason, as the lands in Nunavut are being planned out for the access corridors, this is another avenue for the Nunavut government to enact further protection measures.
This is to ensure that the land use plans within Nunavut include wildlife protection measures.
Question 229 – 4(3): Outcome of First Ministers’ Meeting (Angnakak)
My questions are for the Premier. I would like to welcome him back and I’ll give him the first question of the day.
Last week, the Premier informed the House that he and the other territorial premiers would be opposing any plans to impose what he referred to as an “inflexible pan-Canadian price on carbon” at the recent First Ministers’ Meeting that was held in Vancouver.
Can the Premier update the House today on the outcome of this issue?
Mr. Speaker, I was very pleased that I could participate in the meetings with the first ministers, including the Prime Minister, on priorities that Canada had set at COP21 last December in Paris.
Mr. Speaker, the outcomes of the meetings vary.
There are a number of things that we put forth. At the pan-territorial, we put our argument forth that we have a very delicate economy and we have limited capacity.
Mr. Speaker, our greenhouse gas emissions are 0.1, which is very small compared to other jurisdictions, especially other countries around the world.
One of the things that I wanted to make clear to our premiers and the Prime Minister is our very limited capacity, delicate economy, and the high cost of living in the Arctic.
As members are all well aware, we have the highest costs in Canada, if not the world, when it comes to sustainable living up in the north.
Of course, Nunavut is no exception when it comes to the high price of living.
Mr. Speaker, I was quite pleased that the outcome of this meeting was to set up four working groups that will determine carbon pricing.
It’s quite clear that we made our best efforts between the three territories.
It was quite clear that we made the impact and impression that the north, especially Nunavut, will have to be considered through this working group to have a flexible means of dealing with carbon pricing.
Again, we are all well aware and all premiers, including the Prime Minister, are well aware of the delicate situation we face up here.
Mr. Speaker, having said that, although we contribute very small amounts of greenhouse gas emissions, we’re the most impacted in the world, and I wanted to get that message out to our colleagues and the Prime Minister.
Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Premier for his detailed response.
One of the issues that I raised with the Premier before his departure for Vancouver was the appointment of a new federal devolution negotiator.
Did the Premier have the opportunity to raise this with the Prime Minister?