EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
One speaker commented, "We need more help than bigger communities ... we get left so far behind."
Tourism development potential for the community identified in the areas of sport hunting, fishing and cultural attractions (including old sod houses).
Shortage of trained guides identified as a problem.
An Elder commented that the term "tourism" is itself problematic in Inuktitut, because it does not capture the way the word is understood by English-speakers.
Some perception that there was more guide training under the GNWT than at present.
Concern expressed by several speakers over the complexity of paperwork required to successfully operate small businesses.
Concern expressed about lack of knowledge on how to market local businesses.
Better access trails to potential attractions like Hall Lake (sports fishing) cited as a community goal.
Concern expressed over process by which local HTO allocates tags.
One speaker commented that information about potential funding sources and government assistance should be disseminated more widely; "Not just to people in courses."
Support for re-establishing a local tourism committee was expressed.
The MMPA was cited as a barrier to development in such areas a exporting walrus tusks.
Local shortage of soapstone a problem for carvers.
Comments from Pond Inlet - August 29, 2001
The Pond Inlet public meeting was held on the afternoon of August 29, 2001, in the Hamlet Council Chamber.
Approximately ten people were in attendance.
The need for the community to have a jet-capable airstrip was raised several times as a major priority.
Lack of hotel capacity and exorbitant prices identified as a problem.
Several past incidents in which tourists lost their beds at the Co-op hotel because of overbooking.
Need for more alternatives, such as Bed-and-Breakfasts and better campsites to appeal to lower-income tourists.
Need for guide training identified as a need.
One speaker indicated that courses had not been offered for several years.
One speaker stressed the need for tourists to receive an authentic cultural experience by travelling with Inuit guides.
One speaker commented that tourists from the south can get cheaper tickets from Ottawa to Pond Inlet than can residents of Pond Inlet.
One speaker raised the issue of cruise ship passengers landing at campsites where local families were on the lamp.
Speaker indicated that the community had raised this issue with Nunavut Tourism and ship companies.
One speaker expressed support for a review of the rules governing the carrying of firearms in national parks within Nunavut.
The speaker suggested that polar bear encounters might be reduced if tourists were obliged to use local guides.
A speaker with level 1 guide training indicated that he was having difficulty accessing funding for further training.
He commented that local guides are mostly in their 40s or 50s, and that younger people need to be trained.
Elders seen as having a strong role to play in guide training.
Three cruise ships had visited Pond Inlet during the summer of 2001.
Eight visited in 2000.
One speaker commented that, "Pond Inlet is on the move ... but we need help fine-tuning our product ... government must promote Nunavut better."
Local efforts being made to clean up the community and undertake trail expansions.
One speaker spoke of the need to better regulate landings from cruise ship passengers in order to protect lands, wildlife and sites from damage.
Vacant buildings in the community should be better utilized.
For example, sewing centres where products can be produced for sale to tourists.
Subsidies for feeding and caring for dog teams should be provided in order to support purebred Canadian Inuit Dogs.
One speaker indicated that efforts were underway with Nunavut Tourism to deliver a hospitality skills course in Pond Inlet.
Suggestion that tourism-related courses be delivered in the off-season.
Concerns expressed regarding past incidents involving kayak drowning deaths.
Safety must be a priority.
One speaker suggested that guide training courses must also include a component about the history of the community and region.
Role for Elders to play in teaching this.
Comments from Clyde River - August 30, 2001
The Clyde River public meeting was held on the morning of August 30, 2001, in the Hamlet Council Chamber.
Need for improved accommodations to house tourists.
One outfitter commented that it would be good for outfitters to market themselves more through the Internet to clients, so as to reduce the amount of money paid to booking agents in the south.
View expressed by an outfitter that membership fees to Nunavut Tourism do not result in any services to members.
One speaker commented that Inuit from communities should be attending more tradeshows to promote Inuit culture.
Whale-watching seen as a major area of tourism potential for the community.
Threat of polar bear attacks seen as a major problem.
One outfitter suggested that tourists should have to sign a waiver if they are unwilling to use a local guide.
Comments from Pangnirtung - August 30, 2001
The Pangnirtung public meeting was held on the evening of August 30, 2001, in the Hamlet Council Chamber.
Approximately six people were in attendance.
Quality of airline service from Iqaluit to Pangnirtung was raised as a major concern.
Perception exists that airline has too many arbitrary cancellations, which result in tourists being stranded with no assistance.
Too many occasions in which tourists' baggage is not permitted to accompany them on the same flight.
Concern about firearms regulations in national park.
Concern that Inuit outfitters not permitted to carry firearms.
One outfitter commented that, "I have had to dig deeply into my pockets to do marketing and promotion."
One speaker commented about the confusion arising from "constant" re-design of such forms as license applications.
Concern expressed that a shortage of local outfitters has resulted in many southern residents guiding groups into the national park.
No local Internet Service Provider makes it difficult to create websites to promote Pangnirtung.
Comments from Iqaluit - October 1, 2001
The Iqaluit public meeting was held on the morning of October 1, 2001, in the Tuktu Committee Room at the Legislative Assembly.
Approximately fourteen people were in attendance.
One outfitter commented that the GN "must take a stand on whether it's committed to tourism or not."
Lack of an Economic Development Agreement with the federal government a barrier.
One outfitter commented that, "I believe in Nunavut Tourism ... but they spend 50% of their time responding to government [e.g. completing plans, evaluations, etc.]"
Concern about physical appearance and dirtiness of Iqaluit - some outfitters not keeping tour groups in town.
Tourism-related businesses have difficulty competing with the public sector in terms of wages and benefits that can be offered to employees.
Need for better infrastructure and facilities.
One speaker commented on the need to, "support an atmosphere that welcomes and respects visitors [e.g. a smoke-free dump]."
Recent establishment of Iqaluit Tourism Business Association will enable lobbying efforts.
One speaker commented that tourism is "more than sightseeing."
Conference hosting and cultural events seen as areas of opportunity.
Concern expressed that most of Nunavut Tourism's cut-backs have had to be in the areas of marketing and promotion.
One speaker suggested that the Greenland experience is worth emulating in terms of investment in both core tourism funding and infrastructure.
Comments from Kimmirut - October 23, 2001
The Kimmirut public meeting was held on the morning of October 23, 2001, in the Hamlet Council Chamber.
Approximately four people were in attendance.
Concern expressed about some southern-based outfitters not using local guides in the Katannilik Territorial Park.
Perception that Nunavut Tourism representatives don't often travel to the community.
Concern expressed regarding difficulty in knowing what funding programs may be available for outfitters.
Concern expressed about progress made in finalizing an IIBA for the territorial park.
Perception that the creation of the territorial park hasn't resulted in significantly increased local employment.
Need for construction of such facilities as cabins for tourists in the Soper Lake area.
Recent polar bear incident has caused bad publicity for Nunavut.
Need for training in the area of hospitality.
First polar bear sport hunt may take place in 2002.
Desire for training funds to be provided to the HTO to hire trainers.
Concern expressed that although younger residents can be trained as guides, they lack the necessary equipment to be hired.
Lack of English language skills a problem for older residents who want to enter the industry.
Community has not yet hired a permanent Economic Development Officer.
Desire to have the position implement the Tourism Development Plan that was prepared in September 2000 by RT & Associates.
Comments from Cape Dorset - October 23, 2001
The Cape Dorset public meeting was held on the afternoon of October 23, 2001, in the community hall.
A major topic of concern for residents in attendance related to arts and crafts sales to cruise ship tourists.
Several speakers commented that local artists had no opportunity to sell directly to cruise ship passengers, as a result of cruise ship passengers "being told" to purchase arts and crafts only at the Co-op.
Concern about lack of notification of residents of cruise ships arrivals.
Concern that cruise ship passengers spend very little time in community.
Support expressed for establishing a local tourism committee.
Suggestion raised by one speaker to use community hall for craft fairs during cruise ship visits.
Concern expressed about the community's visitors' centre not having a co-ordinator, and the apparent under-utilization of the facility.
Need for assistance in dealing with administrative requirements for starting small outfitting businesses.
One speaker stated, "We need to be more vocal in our demands."
I The Standing Committee recommends that the Government of Nunavut allocate one-time strategic contribution funding in fiscal year 2002-2003 of $500,000 to Nunavut Tourism for marketing initiatives, and $500,000 towards a tourism training fund, to be administered by Nunavut Arctic College.
The Government's mid-year fiscal update of November 14, 2001, projects an accumulated operating surplus of $110,000,000 at the end of the 2001-2002 fiscal year.
The recommended investment in capacity-building and marketing initiatives constitutes less than 1% of the total projected surplus, yet can be expected to generate real returns to the territory.
In addition, the investment will facilitate the leveraging of matching funds from the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC), thereby reinforcing the Government's credibility as it works towards the negotiation of an Economic Development Agreement with the federal government.
The Department of Sustainable Development should work closely with Nunavut Tourism in securing matching funds from the CTC.
Local governments and HTOs should play a lead role in determining their training needs and priorities.
Special emphasis should be placed on assisting smaller communities to build capacity.
The Standing Committee further recommends that major marketing initiatives commence after the finalization and adoption of the Nunavut Tourism Strategy.
Initiatives such as gateway displays in southern Canada should be a priority.
II The Standing Committee recommends that the Travel and Tourism Act be comprehensively reviewed, and that a made-in-Nunavut legislative framework be introduced in the Legislative Assembly within two years of the presentation of this report.
The present Act and its regulations date back to the late 1980s, and is clearly not well-understood by outfitters and other stakeholders, especially in the smaller communities.
Certain elements of the Act may not be appropriate to Nunavut or compatible with the provisions of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
Efforts that are underway to introduce a made-in-Nunavut Wildlife Act may complement this initiative. The Act should be reviewed with the direct participation of industry and community representatives.
III The Standing Committee recommends that the Minister of Sustainable Development table an annual performance report for Nunavut Tourism in the Legislative Assembly.
Although Nunavut Tourism submits organizational plans to the Department of Sustainable Development, the preparation and subsequent tabling of an annual performance report would enhance the association's accountability for the public money it receives in funding.
It will also provide a vehicle for Nunavut Tourism to articulate its own recommendations.
The first such report should be tabled for the 2002-2003 fiscal year.
IV The Standing Committee recommends that the GN-wide capital planning process take into account the potential impact on tourism when evaluating projects that are submitted by departments for inclusion in the annual capital estimates.
Although there are many criteria that may be used in determining whether a  proposed project is approved, the project's potential impact on the tourism sector
should be formally evaluated.
The linkages between infrastructure improvements and tourism development are  clear, and the GN should formally integrate this connection into its capital
planning process across all departments.
V The Standing Committee recommends that Nunavut Tourism make significantly greater efforts to work with smaller communities outside of Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet and Cambridge Bay.
Throughout the Standing Committee's work, Members consistently heard the view expressed that Nunavut Tourism spends an inadequate amount of time working with smaller communities.
Although Members have some sympathy with the capacity issues facing the organization, there is clearly an inadequate effort being made to have personnel spend longer periods of time in smaller communities, working directly with residents, local officials and Economic Development Officers.
VI The Standing Committee recommends that the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, under part B(2)(ii) the Clyde River Protocol, enhance and deepen co-operative efforts in the area of economic development, including initiatives to bring the benefits of a strong tourism sector to Nunavummiut.
The Standing Committee has previously expressed frustration with the apparent  slow pace of finalizing IIBAs.
As work moves forward in this area, the Standing  Committee recommends that areas of potential co-operation be pursued with
vigour. The joint commissioning of the Conference Board of Canada's recent
report on Nunavut's economy is a good first step.  VII The Standing Committee recommends that the Government of Nunavut work with Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) to design EI-related training programs that do not penalize individuals because of the relatively short tourist season in Nunavut.
The Standing Committee heard the view expressed that seasonal workers in the  tourism sector are often unable to take advantage of HRDC training programs.
VIII The Standing Committee recommends that the Government of Nunavut establish and promote a high-profile fund for community groups to access for the specific purpose of organizing community "Green-ups" and beautification initiatives.
The Standing Committee heard the concern expressed, especially in larger  communities where vehicle use is more prevalent, that the physical cleanliness
and appearance of communities has degenerated dramatically in recent years.
In addition to the obvious aesthetic and spiritual benefits to Nunavummiut of
having clean and appealing communities, their appearance is important when  substantiating efforts made to promote Nunavut as a tourist destination of
preference.  IX The Standing Committee recommends that the Government of Nunavut foster a more co-ordinated approach to communications amongst Nunavut organizations with a view to enhancing the overall profile of the territory.
The year 2002 will be one where the spotlight again shines on Nunavut. The
Iqaluit Arctic Winter Games and the ever-widening success of Zacharias Kunuk's  Atanarjuat are both examples of how Nunavut is carving a unique identity in the world.
However, more can be done to co-ordinate communications efforts amongst major Nunavut organizations.
For example, the websites of the GN, Nunavut Tourism, the City of Iqaluit and NTI are not presently linked in any obvious way.
This is in contrast to our competing jurisdictions, where tourism promotion is an integral part of government communications.
X The Standing Committee recommends that the written submissions attached as an appendix to this report be carefully reviewed by the Department of Sustainable Development and Nunavut Tourism.
Many Nunavummiut took the time and effort to provide written submissions to the Standing Committee on the issue of the future of tourism in Nunavut.
The insights expressed by these stakeholders reflect experience, energy and commitment to a strong tourism sector.
Members of the Standing Committee are proud to have the opportunity to bring these individuals' comments to the attention of their Government.
Tabled Document 058 - 1(5): Education Act Update, November 26, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I would like to table in both Inuktitut and English the Education Act update, Department of Education November 26, 2001.
Tabled Document 059 - 1(5): Airport Strategic Plan - Letter from Pond Inlet Hamlet Council
Mr. Speaker, I wish to table a letter from the Hamlet of Pond Inlet.
It was copied to members Mr. Irqittuq, Ms. Williams and Mr. Iqaqrialu.
Mr. Speaker, this is from the Mayor of Pond Inlet in regards to a strategic plan for airport development in Pond Inlet.
We have made copies available to all the members of the House.
Tabled Document 060 - 1(5): 2001 Kitikmeot Youth Conference
I wish to table the 2001 Kitikmeot Youth Conference Workshop Report and Community Action Plans.
Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on December 3, 2001, I will move the following motion.
That notwithstanding Rule 4, that when the House concludes its sitting in Iqaluit this week, it will be adjourned until February 20, 2002.
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills. Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills.
Item 17. First Reading of Bills. Mr. Ng.
Bill 18 - An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act - First Reading
Hon. Kelvin Ng: I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Tunnuniq, that Bill 18, An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act be read for the first time.
Motion is carried. The Bill has had first reading.
Bill 16 - An Act to Amend the Cities, Towns and Villages Act - Second Reading
I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Pangnirtung, that Bill 16, An Act to Amend the Cities, Towns and Villages Act, be read for the second time.
The changes proposed by the communities to this Act as well as to the Hamlets Act which I will be presenting in a moment, will give them the authority to move towards a greater level of self-reliance.  This legislation is essential to developing vital, vibrant, and viable communities that are able to fulfil the Bathurst Mandate principle of self-reliance.
We need to offer the communities an efficient system of municipal government in which municipal officials have the capacity to take advantage of opportunities posed by changing economic, demographic and social factors.
Communities will have the authority to take greater charge of their own affairs and work to achieve their specific priorities.
Ensuring that municipal government has that capacity in the future is the principle purpose of these amendments.
The Bill has had second reading and accordingly, stands referred to the Committee.
Bill 17 - An Act to Amend the Hamlets Act - Second Reading
Hon. Jack Anawak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Cambridge Bay, that Bill 17, An Act to Amend the Hamlets Act, be read for the second time.
Mr. Speaker, this Bill is to amend the Hamlets Act.
This has been done through consultation with the communities in Nunavut and representatives from the Nunavut Association of Municipalities during their meetings.
This process began before the creation of Nunavut.
I know Mr. Speaker, that communities are urging us to complete this amendment.
I am glad Mr. Speaker, we can complete this through their participation.
The Bill has had second reading and accordingly the Bill stands referred to a Committee.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Mr Speaker, I seek consent to proceed with second reading of Bill 18.
Speaker: The member is seeking consent.
Continue, Mr. Ng.
Bill 18 - An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act - Second Reading
Mr. Ng: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Honourable member for Tunnuniq, that Bill 18, An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act be read for the second time.
Mr. Speaker, this bill makes changes to the indemnities paid to the members of the Legislative Assembly for basic pay, constituency work, and additional responsibilities of members that may be increased or decreased by regulation under the rates of pay for public servants.
The bill has had second reading and accordingly the Bill stands referred to a committee.
Bill 12 Appropriation Act No. 1, 2002-03.
Minister's Statement 96-1(5) Ulaajuk School - The First of Many to Come.
Tabled document 41-1(5) the Nunavut Liquor Act Report.
Bill 18.
Mr. Irqittuq will have the Chair.
We'll break for 20 minutes.
Thank you. Sargeant-At-Arms.
>>House recessed at 3.42 p.m. and resumed at 4.12 p.m.
In committee of the whole we have Bill 12, Bill 13, Minister's Statement 96-1(5), Tabled Document 41-1(5) and Bill 18.
Mr. Chairman, the committee would like to commence with Bill 12 and move on to Bill 18, if we get done Bill 12. Then Minister's Statement 96-1(5).
In that order if we get that far.
Chairperson (interpretation): Do the members agree that we deal with Bill 12, then Bill 18 and Minister's Statement 96-1(5).
Does the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly have opening comments that he'd like to start off with.
Mr. Chairman, I would like Mr. Quirke and Mr. Pollock to join me at the witness table.
Sergeant-At-Arms please assist Mr. Quirke and Mr. Pollock to the witness table.
Thank you for appearing in front of the committee.
Mr. Speaker, could you introduce your officials.
I am pleased to be in front of the Committee of the Whole today to discuss with the Members the 2002-2003 capital estimates of the Office of the Legislative Assembly.
I’d like to take this opportunity today to review with you four capital projects planned for 2002-2003.
The first project in our 2002-2003 plan is landscaping around the Legislative Assembly building.
In 2001-2002 a total of 50 thousand dollars was allocated for this project.
The total amount for landscaping has been revised upwards to 130 thousand over the course of the next two fiscal years in order to accommodate the scope of the project.
Members will be recall the flag raising ceremony held earlier this month to display one component of the overall plan.
Floor improvements to the grounds will take place over the coming two years with the ultimate goal of making the Assembly a welcoming place in the heart of our capital city for Nunavummiut and their families.
The second project is the plan to upgrade the automated library systems and the building’s audio-visual system.
The amount allocated to these projects has been enhanced slightly, primarily because of the need to upgrade and standardize our current video editing technology and to develop an effective long term video storage solution.
Mr. Chair, the third project is the acquisition of a second vehicle for the Assembly that the committee is aware of.
The Assembly presently maintains just one single vehicle to be used by all staff and MLAs.
The second vehicle will better enable us to meet the requirements of all members especially while the Assembly is in session.
We will be developing a policy and procedures to ensure that all members have equal access to the vehicle.
Our final project for 2002-2003 is the acquisition of artwork for the chamber and other public areas of the Legislative Assembly building.