EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Being Movember, I guess for some of us, it might be the last time we see us with nice, clean faces until the end of the month.
Minister’s Statement 209 – 3(3): School Community Counsellor Training (Aariak)
I also say “good afternoon” to the residents of Iqaluit East and Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform my colleagues about the Illinniarvimmi Inuusiliriji/School Community Counsellor training program being delivered by the Department of Education in partnership with Langara College from Vancouver, British Columbia.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, we are providing a three-year part-time certificate program that has eight sessions running from 2012 to 2015.
The training sessions will help our school community counsellors develop their skills, attitudes, and knowledge in many areas, including Inuit societal values, communication, counselling, and history of the development of Nunavut.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, we have school community counsellor positions in every school in Nunavut.
These members of the school team are the first link in providing the support our students need to deal effectively with the challenges that come along as they continue learning and developing as individuals.
This training will help our school community counsellors work effectively and this will strengthen their ability to help our students succeed.
Minister’s Statement 210 – 3(3): MADD Project Red Ribbon Day (Shewchuk)
As Minister of Justice, it gives me great pleasure to announce the declaration of November 1, 2012 as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Project Red Ribbon Day.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada is dedicated to stopping impaired driving and supporting victims.
Each year in Canada, between 1,250 and 1,500 people are killed in impaired driving crashes and more than 63, 000 are injured.
Unfortunately, impaired driving exists in Nunavut and is an issue that continues to affect all Nunavutmiut.
Project Red Ribbon is a commitment by Canadians to drive safe and sober.
Each year from November 1 to the first Monday after January 1, Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada volunteers across the country distribute red ribbons and ask Canadians to display a ribbon on their vehicle and/or key chain, or on a personal item like their purse, briefcase, or backpack.
To mark its 25th Project Red Ribbon campaign, Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada has asked to have November 1, 2012 declared as Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada Project Red Ribbon Day in all provincial and territorial legislatures across Canada, as well as in the Canadian House of Commons.
By declaring November 1, 2012 Mothers Against Drunk Driving Project Red Ribbon Day, the Department of Justice hopes to promote safe and healthy communities in Nunavut.
The red ribbon symbolizes the importance of planning ahead for a safe ride home in order to prevent drinking and driving.
It reminds people that deaths and injuries caused by impaired driving are avoidable and preventable.
It is with great pleasure that I ask all members to join me in supporting November 1, 2012 as Mothers Against Drunk Driving Project Red Ribbon Day by wearing the red ribbon pins.
Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to ask you to read the Project Red Ribbon Day Proclamation that you have in front of you.
Minister’s Statement 211 – 3(3): Fuel Prices to Remain the Same for Nunavummiut (Kusugak)
I rise today to announce that the Government of Nunavut will not be increasing the price of gasoline and home heating fuel for Nunavummiut this year.
Mr. Speaker, this is a direct result of efforts made through my department’s early purchase of petroleum products during a period of volatile global fuel prices.
In 2012, my department purchased 210 million litres of fuel for this year’s annual resupply. Of this, 71 million [litres] were purchased early when fuel prices were lower than what would have been paid during the normal purchase period.
Mr. Speaker, as a result of this, we mark the fourth year in a row that this government has either reduced the price of home heating fuel and gasoline or been able to maintain the current price. This exemplifies the commitment of our government to supporting strong viable communities in the face of ever increasing higher costs of living.
Minister’s Statement 212 – 3(3): Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit (Arreak)
Hon. James Arreak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon to my constituents in Qikiqtarjuaq and Clyde River.
I say “hello” to Petooloosie.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Culture and Heritage takes the Government of Nunavut’s commitment to Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit very seriously.
I stand today to invite my colleagues, hamlets, and Inuit organizations to submit nominations for the fourth Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit before or on November 30, 2012.
The Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit, a group of Qaujimaniliit and talented people from outside of government, has been serving us well and has contributed greatly in the progression of Inuit societal values in the administration of Nunavut.
They have been available and have been invited to comment regularly on and respond to Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit issues within the Government of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I will send out a letter to my colleagues, hamlets, and Inuit organizations asking to nominate potential new or current members of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit.
Speaker: Thank you, Minister of Culture and Heritage, Minister Arreak.
I rise again to read the Proclamation for Mothers Against Drunk Driving Day.
WHEREAS Project Red Ribbon is a commitment by Canadians to drive safe and sober, it is a highly visible, community public awareness campaign which depends on volunteer participation to promote the message that deaths and injuries resulting from impaired driving are needless tragedies and totally preventable;
AND WHEREAS each year from November 1 to the first Monday after January 1, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers Canada volunteers across the country distribute red ribbons and ask Canadians to display a ribbon on their vehicle and/or key chain, or on a personal item like their purse, briefcase or backpack;
AND WHEREAS this November marks the 25th year of the Project Red Ribbon campaign; for a quarter century, the red ribbon has been seen as an appeal to drive sober during the holiday season and as a tribute to all victims killed or injured by impaired drivers;
AND WHEREAS the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada Red Ribbon is a powerful symbol; by displaying the ribbon, you are making a personal commitment to drive sober; a red ribbon is also used to pay tribute to the thousands of Canadians who have lost their lives or who have been injured as a result of impaired driving; the red ribbon also reinforces the message to drive sober throughout the holidays and throughout the year;
NOW THEREFORE I, the Hon. Daniel Shewchuk, Minister of Justice, do hereby declare November 1, 2012 as Project Red Ribbon Day in Nunavut.
Member’s Statement 343 – 3(3): Lack of Marine Infrastructure in Pond Inlet (Enook)
Good afternoon, residents of Pond Inlet and Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to again address the issue of marine infrastructure in Pond Inlet.
As the House is aware, one of the issues that I have been raising concerns the continued lack of adequate marine infrastructure in Pond Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, I would again remind the House that the 2005 Nunavut Small Craft Harbours Report indicated that, and I quote, “Lack of Nunavut harbour infrastructure has resulted in at least two documented cases of loss of life in recent years.
In 2002, a Pond Inlet fisher drowned while paddling his dinghy from shore to his fishing vessel moored offshore.”
Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to thank the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Minister Taptuna, for taking the time to travel to Pond Inlet this summer to see our situation with his own eyes.
Mr. Speaker, as I was chairing the Committee of the Whole when the Department of Economic Development and Transportation appeared before it, I did not have an opportunity to pose questions to the minister.
However, I can assure him that I will continue to advocate strongly for necessary investments in marine infrastructure to protect my constituents in Pond Inlet. All of my constituents deserve to be in a safe environment when they go out boating.
Member’s Statement 344 – 3(3): Best Wishes to Sister-in-law and Happy Birthday to Son (Rumbolt)
Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon to everybody.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my best wishes to my brother’s wife, who is in Winnipeg undergoing open-heart surgery.
Mr. Speaker, it’s my son’s 18th birthday and I would like to wish him a happy birthday.
We wish her a quick recovery.
Member’s Statement 345 – 3(3): School Community Counsellor Training (Tapardjuk)
Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also send my greetings to Hall Beach. I hope they don’t have a blizzard there and I believe it came from Hurricane Sandy.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to make a comment on the school community counsellor training and the minister’s statement.
First of all, on behalf of my representative communities of Igloolik and Hall Beach, we are very pleased that they are doing very good training in those two communities, and we urge them to make sure that the students are in a safe environment.
In the school, there are many students with social issues or problems. Sometimes they don’t want to go back to school because they have been bullied.
Because of this bullying problem, I’m in support of the minister’s statement and I urge the students to stay in school.
As an elder, we regret sometimes and say, “I should have stayed in school” or “I should have taken that training program.”
So therefore, I urge the Department of Education to make sure that the school community counsellor training is utilized.  At the appropriate time, I will be asking a question in regard to how bullying is dealt with.
Member’s Statement 346 – 3(3): Tribute to Canada’s Veterans (Aupaluktuq)
I rise today to pay tribute to Canada’s veterans.
Mr. Speaker, Remembrance Day falls on November 11 of each year.
As the House will not be sitting at that time, I wish to take this opportunity to offer some words of respect.
Mr. Speaker, my own children’s great grandfathers and great uncles were veterans of some of the major wars of the last century.
Their sacrifice and courage are a significant part of our family’s history and a legacy that will be passed down to my own grandchildren.  Mr. Speaker, in recent years, official recognition of the role of Canada’s aboriginal veterans has been strengthened.
On November 11, Canadians from coast to coast to coast will pause to remember the sacrifices of the past that led to the freedoms, privileges, and rights that we enjoy today.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in paying tribute to our nation’s veterans. (interpretation) Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 347 – 3(3): Plans for Restructuring Family Services (Oshutapik)
Good afternoon to the community of Pangnirtung.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring forward concerns and questions that have been raised by my constituents regarding the plans to restructure the government’s departments.
I have heard complaints more than once about restructuring of the government’s departments.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, in July of this year, the government announced that divisions from the departments of Education and Health and Social Services will be included in the new Department of Family Services.
Mr. Speaker, the government’s news release is the only public information available on the proposed restructuring.
Mr. Speaker, I recognize that the government wants to improve the way it delivers services.
Mr. Speaker, although the government’s news release stated that “The restructuring will not result in job loss or relocation of employees between communities,” there is uncertainty among many of our employees.
It is one thing to change an organizational chart on a piece of paper.
It is quite another thing to expect individuals, real people with jobs and families to support, to move offices, change reporting relationships and possibly even their duties without any information about how their situation is going to be different.
Mr. Speaker, in order to have a smooth transition to the new department and for service delivery to continue without delay or interruption, the government must make its plans known to affected staff as soon as possible.
At this time, I would like to ask the members to continue my statement.
Are there any nays? There being none. Please proceed, Mr. Oshutapik.
Mr. Oshutapik: Mr. Speaker, (interpretation) in Pangnirtung, all workplaces should be places where workers feel comfortable and kept abreast of any future developments.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will have questions on this issue. Qujannamiik, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 348 – 3(3): Community Action against Cancer (Elliott)
I’m pleased that you were able to recognize me today. I was worried that you might direct the Sergeant-at-Arms to remove a stranger from the House.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about community action against cancer.
Mr. Speaker, today is November 1, which marks the beginning of Movember, an annual campaign to support men’s health issues, with a specific focus on prostate cancer and mental health initiatives.
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to be a part of this campaign. The funds that are raised during this month are directed to programs run directly by Movember and its partner, Prostate Cancer Canada.
Mr. Speaker, I invite you and my colleagues to join me in growing our moustaches to signify our support for this important cause. I know I see a few bald faces as I look around.
I would also like to thank Minister Kusugak for introducing the challenge and also Minister Peterson for the generous donation that he gave last night.
Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the recent Cops for Cancer event that took place in Resolute Bay this past June. Led by RCMP Officer Maria Chartrand, a number of my constituents shaved their heads as part of a fundraising effort for the Canadian Cancer Society.
I want to congratulate Steven Nungaq, Sky Kalluk, Janice Kalluk, Absalem Idlout, Rhoda Idlout, Joseph Idlout, Sophie Idlout, Tim Idlout, Aasta Idlout, Kendra Codner, and Mark Hemstock for their commitment to this cause.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in paying tribute to the many Nunavummiut who are making a difference in the fight against cancer.
I know I had to do a double take when I came here today.
Member’s Statement 349 – 3(3): Kugluktuk High School Graduates of 2012 (Taptuna)
First of all, Mr. Speaker, I would like to wish my grandson a happy 10th birthday in Kugluktuk.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Kugluktuk students who have graduated during the 2011-12 school year.
This year, seven students have graduated and they are:
Darcy Havioyak
Edward Havioyak
Mabel Kilgik
Bill McWilliam
Vikki Niptanatiak
Allen Jr. Pigalak, and
Kelvin Taipana.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the graduating students, their parents, and the tireless efforts of the teachers and elder educators involved.
I want to encourage the graduates to continue in their schooling as this is not the end of their learning. There are many opportunities for them to go on in their education as part of their future plans.
We need to see more students graduating from high school, college, and university. A good education goes a long way to ensure that our youth are ready to face the challenges of tomorrow and in the years to come.
Member’s Statement 350 – 3(3): Video of Polar Bear Management in Arviat (Shewchuk)
I would like to say “good afternoon” to all the fine people of Arviat.
I rise to speak to the House to tell Nunavutmiut about a very important initiative led by Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated.
NTI’s in my constituency of Arviat at this time filming a video about the success of Nunavut polar bear management.
It is very appropriate that my community of Arviat was selected as the western Hudson Bay polar bear harvest is the centre of international attention.
The community of Arviat has been hard hit by the constant change of harvest level of polar bears, and I am proud that our residents have been respecting the allocations, even though the numbers of polar bears are unprecedented in recent years.
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated is planning to use the video in the upcoming CITES meeting to demonstrate that Nunavut has sound polar bear management, and showcasing the wonderful people of Arviat to the world is most appropriate.
Mr. Speaker, I also am very proud that the HTO and the hunters in Arviat are actively involved.
As well, with the cooperation of the Department of Environment staff in producing this video, Arviarmiut are doing their part in better informing the international community on the importance of this iconic mammal.
Member’s Statement 351 – 3(3): Funding for Shelter in Kugaaruk (Ningark)
To the residents of Repulse Bay who are undergoing a difficult time, our heartfelt condolences from this House and we will keep them in our thoughts and prayers.
Mr. Speaker, when I was first elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly, I spoke about the shelter in Kugaaruk, which is a “safe shelter” in English, and Madam Premier knows about this shelter I am referring to.
The shelter in Kugaaruk has been under construction for a very long time, which is to eventually be a safe shelter.
Further, I just received correspondence from the Hamlet of Kugaaruk outlining their request for operational funds from the health and social services department. It states that they have yet to receive a response to their request.
Why do they request this funding?
This request for operational funds is to operate and maintain this building. This would allow them to apply for federal funding from Service Canada.
This request would be for the renovation, for the furniture, such as chairs and sofas, as well as for the electrical expenses of the building.
This is an urgent request since they would like to parlay this request to Service Canada and which is why the request to Health and Social Services is critical.
Once they get the funding from the department for the operation of the shelter, they can be approved by Service Canada for these additional funds.
At the appropriate time, I will be directing questions on this matter.
I would like to recognize to the House Paul Sammurtok. Welcome to the House.
Question 457 – 3(3): Funding for Social Services (Tapardjuk)
Mr. Speaker, as you know, the community of Igloolik in my constituency is one of the only, if not the only, community in Nunavut whereby the hamlet delivers social services under an agreement with the Department of Health and Social Service. This arrangement initially got underway in pre-division days under the Community Empowerment Program.
Can the minister provide an update on how many communities across Nunavut currently deliver social services on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Services?
Mr. Speaker, I don’t have that information available at this time.
Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is evident that the minister will give us that information.
Mr. Speaker, the government has an agreement with the Hamlet of Igloolik for the delivery of social services.
The funding covers the salaries for social workers and all statutory costs, such as foster care.
Foster care rates have increased in recent years.
Can the minister indicate how his department determines the amount of funding required for delivering social services in Nunavut’s communities?
I again thank Mr. Tapardjuk for the question. Mr. Speaker, I would obviously like to be able to provide that detailed information to Mr. Tapardjuk in the House, but I simply don’t have that information with me right now.
I will try a question again.
The Hamlet of Igloolik consistently spends more on the delivery of social services than it receives in funding.
Can the minister indicate whether his department keeps records of the yearly costs of providing social services in each of Nunavut’s communities and, if so, will he commit to providing that information to me in writing, Mr. Speaker?
I again thank Mr. Tapardjuk.
Mr. Speaker, I am aware that my deputy minister has been in communication with the SAO for one of the communities, but I will commit to have my staff put that information together and provide to Mr. Tapardjuk as soon as possible.
It is my understanding that the amount of funding provided to Igloolik has not been increased since 2005.
Will the minister commit to reviewing the amount of funding provided to the Hamlet of Igloolik for the delivery of social services and ensure that it is adequate to meet the real costs of delivering these services at the present time?
As I indicated in my earlier answer, the deputy minister is in discussions with the SAO. I believe he was here a couple of weeks ago for NAM and I also chatted with him briefly about issues and programs in the community of Igloolik.
So I will ensure that my deputy has talked to your community further on this.
Question 458 – 3(3): Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal (Aupaluktuq)
My questions are for the Hon. Minister Dan Shewchuk, Minister of Justice.
In my Member’s Statement today, I expressed pride in our country’s respect for human rights.
On June 7 of this year, the Minister of Justice tabled a report in the Legislative Assembly titled “Strengthening the Nunavut Human Rights System.”
This report contained a total of 18 formal recommendations to the government.
As you can see, Mr. Speaker, I want to ask the minister about the recommendations. Can the minister update the House on the government’s response to the report?
The Nunavut Human Rights Act, presently as it stands, has the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal. As you all know and the member has referred to it, we did a study and received a report back on the status of the Nunavut [Human] Rights Tribunal and how we could more effectively and efficiently deliver those services to all Nunavummiut.
He’s absolutely right when he says that there are 18 recommendations that came out of that report.
The number one recommendation which all the other recommendations flow through is that Nunavut needs to establish a Nunavut Human Rights Commission under the Nunavut Rights Act.
So we are looking for solutions on how to move forward on that. We need to consult with people and consult with the Members of this House on how to move forward to get to the legislative proposal stage, which we intend to do.
As a Nunavut Canadian and as a Canadian as well, I am very proud of our Canadian Constitution, the human rights, as well as the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. I believe that’s one aspect that all of Nunavut would like to endorse and see implemented to ensure that we all exercise our human rights.
Another recommendation in the report is that “consideration be given by the Government of Nunavut to establishing the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal and proposed Human Rights Commission in a major centre of Nunavut, with a view to making these institutions geographically more accessible to Nunavummiut.”
Does the government accept this recommendation?
I thank the member for that question again. As it is right now, it is a recommendation that we move this to a bigger centre.
However, the Department of Justice has not done a detailed analysis or consultation into the existing system that is established for Nunavut human rights complaints by the public. This is something that is still under consideration and more consultation needs to be done.
As Canadians, we have our rights entrenched, but it’s also a privilege to exercise them as well.
Also as Canadians, we have different institutions and agencies that do provide those services to Nunavummiut, whether they’re bridging programs, whether they’re agencies that are assigned specifically to the north to ensure that the fundamental needs of Nunavummiut are met.
Earlier this week, the minister tabled the most recent annual report of the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal.