EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Member’s Statement 167 – 4(2): Tribute to Ookookoo Quaraq (Enook)
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon to the people of Pond Inlet and our fellow Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a constituent and fellow resident of mine whose name is Ookookoo Quaraq.
Mr. Speaker, Ookookoo Quaraq has proudly served Nunavut and Canada for over 50 years as a member of the Canadian Rangers.
Mr. Speaker, as you and all members are very much aware, the Rangers are at the frontlines of asserting Canada’s sovereignty over our arctic lands, ice, and waters.
The traditional knowledge and survival skills of Inuit members of the Rangers benefit the program immeasurably.
Mr. Speaker, I can say that Ookookoo Quaraq has been a guide on three expeditions to the North Pole, reaching the destination on two occasions and falling short by 10 miles on the third.
Mr. Speaker, although many historians and authors have written about northern expeditions after they have been up there, I daresay that were Mr. Quaraq to do the same, he would have bestsellers.
However, Mr. Quaraq is a very humble man and he doesn’t consider himself better than others.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to Mr. Quaraq for his leadership of championing Inuit traditional knowledge and societal values and applying them to his important work with the Rangers.
I ask all members to join me in acknowledging the accomplishments of Mr. Quaraq.
Member’s Statement 168 – 4(2): Asbestos Abatement at the Nunatta Residence (Angnakak)
I rise today to address the issue of asbestos abatement at the Nunatta residence.
Mr. Speaker, the building that is currently being used as a Nunavut Arctic College campus is over 50 years old.
Renovations were recently undertaken at the residence. Staff members working in the building have raised concerns that the asbestos may be affecting the health of individuals living and working in the facility.
Mr. Speaker, I recognize that the college administration has recently stated that the facility remains a safe living and working environment.
However, a number of individuals remain concerned that more can be done to manage the removal of asbestos from the facility and to protect the health of staff and the students.
I believe that the staff and students need to receive clear information about this issue.
It is important that the government ensures that all Nunavut residents have access to safe living and working environments, and I hope that this issue will be resolved in a timely manner.
Member’s Statement 169 – 4(2): 2014 Arviat Polar Bear Tags (Savikataaq)
On Friday, October 31, the polar bear hunting season for Arviat opened and hunters started hunting polar bears.
Inuit in our community absolutely enjoy hunting polar bears, although that joy is tempered by the low number of tags.
Many Inuit who want to harvest bears can’t do so because tags are allocated by draw and only the Inuit drawn are able to go hunting.
Everyone knows right away which hunter was drawn.
As per our usual practice, this fall’s draw was a bit extraordinary, as a set number of tags were allocated this year for our elders only.
A result was an elder from Arviat, John Karetak, who is 84 years young, was drawn for the first hunt. John Karetak is one of the oldest people in Arviat and he went polar bear hunting with one of his grandsons, Ryan St. John, as well as his great-grandson Jordan St. John.
What I can share with you today is that John harvested a polar bear over the weekend.
John Karetak was ecstatic to harvest a polar bear, although all hunters who harvested a bear were quite happy in their own right.
Nevertheless, the elder’s joy probably eclipsed them all, as his last polar bear was one he harvested over 40 years ago.
Between polar bears, he waited 40 years to finally harvest his next one. The community shared in his joy.
I extend my congratulations to Johnny Karetak and his entire extended family for his successful hunt.
Member’s Statement 170 – 4(2): Future of Small Communities (Shooyook)
Firstly, I extend good afternoon wishes to my fellow community residents in Tununirusiq and to our fellow Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the future of the small communities that I represent in the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, in June of this year, I had the honour of attending the official opening of the new Grise Fiord Hamlet Office Complex.
I want to thank the Minister of Community and Government Services for joining me at this important event.
Mr. Speaker, the people of Grise Fiord were very pleased that the new facility was opened.
The new facility includes space for the community’s hunters and trappers organization, as well as a community hall.
Mr. Speaker, when I travelled to Grise Fiord to participate in this important event, many constituents expressed concerns about the government’s long-term commitment to our smaller communities.
Earlier this year, there was discussion in the Legislative Assembly about whether or not the government can afford to continue providing programs and services to our smaller communities.
Mr. Speaker, the people whom I represent in this House have been very clear with me: they expect their government to live up to its responsibility and obligation to ensure that smaller communities, which are the heart of our territory, have a long-term, sustainable future.
Mr. Speaker, last week, we honoured John Amagoalik in this Chamber.
During the ceremony, we were reminded about the legacy of the High Arctic relocations.
Mr. Speaker, the federal government also has a responsibility to ensure that adequate resources are provided… .
Speaker (interpretation): Mr. Shooyook, if you want to have more time, can you please request unanimous consent.
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank you. I would like to ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
I didn’t hear any nays. Please proceed, Mr. Shooyook.
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): I apologize for not paying attention to the clock due to my impassioned speech. Let me return to my statement.
Mr. Speaker, the federal government also has a responsibility to ensure that adequate resources are provided to ensure the future of our smaller communities.
Member’s Statement 171 – 4(2): Soccer Tournament in Cape Dorset (Joanasie)
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I congratulate you and your wife for your 35th wedding anniversary.
Welcome to all who are listening in on radio or watching on TV.
I am very happy to rise today to celebrate a soccer tournament that took place in Cape Dorset.
A large number of teams from various communities came in to participate in this competition. They ranged in ages and I am especially proud of our boys and girls 18 and under teams who won gold.
I am sure everyone from the various communities enjoyed all the games.
I wish to thank them for participating in this tournament. It is always a great pleasure to see young people get together in the spirit of competition and make new friends.
I would also like to thank the coaches, referees, and others who were involved in making this tournament a great success. I thank you all. It was great for the community to witness all the action and I truly envied the athletes.
I am just announcing what took place and to say it was a great success. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 172 – 4(2): Fundraiser for Soup Kitchen (Okalik)
I rise today to express my appreciation to the attendees who went to a fundraising dinner on Saturday where support was provided to people who need assistance, particularly to people who have difficulty acquiring healthy foods.
In particular, one individual stood out whom I wish to acknowledge, as he has made Iqaluit home, Jag Narasimhadevadara. He undertook the preparations for the banquet, purchased the food for the event, and organized cooks to prepare the food. It was very heart-warming to see this type of commitment towards his fellow residents who are struggling with poverty and can’t afford healthy food.
This individual took it upon himself to encourage the people to keep coming and raised the community spirit.
I just wanted to express my gratitude to this man as well as to all the other volunteers who made this fundraiser a success. This assists those who need assistance to eat in our community.
Returns to Oral Questions. Hon. Minister Ms. Ugyuk.
Return to Oral Question 191 – 4(2): Information on Casuals (Ugyuk)
Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I have a return to Oral Question No. 191 – 4(2), asked by the Member of Iqaluit-Tasiluk on October 22, 2014, concerning the casual staff positions of children and family services.
*See Appendix for full text of Return to Oral Question 191 – 4(2).
Mr. Speaker, this return is quite detailed. I have filed it with the Clerk for transcribing into the Hansard for the public record and for distribution to all members.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Returns to Oral Questions. Hon. Minister Mr. Mike.
Return to Oral Question 248 – 4(2): Foxe Basin Polar Bear Population (Mike)
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) A return to an oral question asked by MLA Steve Mapsalak on October 29, 2014, “Can the minister indicate if he has received a final decision from the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board concerning the total allowable harvest for the Foxe Basin polar bear subpopulation?”
The issue is currently being considered through the co-management process laid out in Sections 5.3.7 to 5.3.15 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement. (interpretation) The Nunavut Wildlife Management Board recently provided me with their final decision, which I have considered and will respond to according the process.
I would like to recognize my wife, Susan Savikataaq, my wife of over 30 years, many more to come, and my daughter Wendy Savikataaq, who is taking the Nursing Program here in Iqaluit.
I wish to recognize the following people sitting in the Gallery: Rebekah Williams, the new Deputy Minister of Family Services, and Assistant Deputy Minister Irene Tanuyak.
I want them welcomed to the Gallery.
I have no more names on my list. (interpretation ends) Item 6.
Oral Questions. (interpretation) Member for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, Ms. Angnakak.
Question 276 – 4(2): Asbestos Abatement at the Nunatta Campus (Angnakak)
The Government of Nunavut’s Environmental Guidelines for Waste Asbestos are published by the Department of Environment.
These guidelines state, and I quote, “The Environmental Protection Division is the key environmental agency responsible for ensuring parties properly manage waste asbestos and will provide advice and guidance on its management.”
Can the minister confirm that his department is currently monitoring the removal of asbestos from the Nunatta Residence and, if so, can he provide an update on the situation?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister for Environment, Mr. Mike.
Yes, we are currently handling this using the hazardous waste guidelines for asbestos removal.
At this current time, they are following the guidelines listed for monitoring or removing asbestos.
The facility owners are monitored to ensure that they are in compliance with the hazardous materials guidelines and see if they are managing the hazard in compliance with the Environmental Protection Regulations.
That is the only way we can manage these types of hazardous materials.
Can the minister indicate what specific actions his department is taking to ensure that the air quality at the Nunatta Residence is safe for staff and students?
Indeed, the Department of Environment has no choice but to manage these situations in accordance with the legislation and regulations.
The owners of the facility are responsible for ensuring that asbestos or any other hazardous material doesn’t constitute a hazard, as they have to follow the legislation pertaining to hazardous substances and its management of the substances. That is the only aspect where we are able to enforce the regulations as a department.
That is all I can speak to about this issue, Mr. Speaker.
Can the minister indicate if any reports regarding the abatement of the asbestos at the Nunatta Residence have been completed and, if so, will they be tabled in the House?
If the situation finds that there is non-compliance and we are required to table the report, then we will submit the report to the House.
Question 277 – 4(2): Future of Small Communities (Shooyook)
In my Member’s Statement today, I expressed concerns that have been raised with me by constituents in the High Arctic concerning the government’s commitment to the long-term future of small communities in Nunavut.
My question for the Premier is this: does the government have any plans to reduce or eliminate services to small communities in the High Arctic, yes or no?
I thank the Member for Quttiktuq for his question. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the question from Mr. Shooyook.
Mr. Speaker, in the past, we have indicated to the federal government that our small northern communities have a purpose and their purposes in the past were for sovereignty reasons.
I have always said that sustainable, healthy communities up north are the best way to assert sovereignty up north.
At this time, there are no plans on reducing services to our smaller High Arctic communities. The communities are there for one purpose.
I intend to work with my colleagues in the Prime Minister’s Office to find ways to assist the people of the High Arctic because these communities are important to Canada, and we intend to keep it that way.
Your first supplementary, Mr, Shooyook.
In June of this year, the Premier was asked some questions about the issue of the long-term viability of smaller communities. In his answers, he referred to the responsibility of the federal government to support the small communities that contribute to our country’s sovereignty in the High Arctic.
Has the Premier raised this issue with the Prime Minister of Canada?
I did not directly bring the issue up with the Prime Minister, but I continually bring it up to our MP for Nunavut.
Minister Aglukkaq is quite aware of our situation up in the High Arctic and it is costly to provide services to the small communities, not just in the High Arctic, our smaller communities in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, all of our politicians understand that in order for Canada to maintain its assertion of sovereignty in the High Arctic, we do need sustainable, healthy communities.
Our MP from Nunavut is well aware of that and I continually bring that up any opportunity I get when I am in Ottawa.
In my Member’s Statement, I spoke about the opening this summer of Grise Fiord’s new hamlet office complex.
The communities that I represent have a number of needs in the area of infrastructure.
For example, Resolute Bay’s utilidor system needs to be replaced.
Can the Premier assure me that the Government of Nunavut remains committed to addressing the infrastructure needs of the High Arctic communities?
Mr. Speaker, as the government responsible for Nunavut, we try and maintain equality and transparency in delivering infrastructure to our smaller northern communities.
There is no doubt that we are in a desperate infrastructure need in Nunavut.
I have always said that Canada was built from the east to the west, but not necessarily from the south to the north.
We maintain pressure on Ottawa that we do need more infrastructure up here in Nunavut. We have the longest coastline in Canada and we have one marine facility in Pangnirtung.
In other jurisdictions, they have over 300 in the Atlantic Provinces.
In order for Nunavut to be part of the dominion of Canada, Ottawa has to pay attention to our needs up here.
In Nunavut, we have estimated that we’re about $6 billion in infrastructure deficit. Although it’s a small population, the north is one of the most important locations in Canada.
Therefore, Ottawa does have to pay attention to our needs up here.
Question 278 – 4(2): Update on Cape Dorset Sewage Lagoon (Joanasie)
This spring, I asked him some questions about the sewage lagoon in Cape Dorset. I would like an update on what’s happening with the (interpretation ends) sewage lagoon (interpretation) in Cape Dorset.
That’s my first question, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.
Regarding the sewage lagoon in Cape Dorset, we are presently doing a study and once it’s completed, we will make sure that we get the process started.
I asked that question on March 11 about the sewage lagoon. At that time, he indicated that in the summer of 2014, there will be a study on the sewage lagoon.
Do I understand that you haven’t started the study yet?
I didn’t quite understand your first question and I do apologize for that.
The architectural design has been completed.
My last question to the minister is your department indicated that the lagoon in Cape Dorset is going to be completed in the summer of 2015. Is that still the deadline for the completion of the lagoon in Cape Dorset?
Yes, that is still the completion date for that project.
Question 279 – 4(2): The Need for an Elders Facility in Rankin Inlet (Sammurtok)
Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, October 29, I asked a question in this House regarding the need for an [elders] facility in Rankin Inlet.
The minister responded that Health is planning to repurpose the eight underutilized beds in the Cambridge Bay Community Health Centre from acute care to long-term residential care.
Mr. Speaker, my question was about the need for a facility in Rankin Inlet, in the Kivalliq region, not about filling a need in another community in another region.
Can the minister indicate what is being done to provide long-term residential care for elders in Rankin Inlet?
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I indicated that we are doing a (interpretation ends) long-term care facility needs assessment…not facility. (interpretation) It is an (interpretation ends) elder care needs assessment.
Mr. Speaker, Health is assessing long-term elder needs care right now and we’re just in the process of interviewing various people in the communities.
At the present time, we don’t have a specific plan just for Rankin Inlet.
As I also stated during my questioning on October 29, I have heard from a number of sources that a proposal for a blueprint for a 24-hour elders care facility in Rankin Inlet was prepared some time ago, perhaps even a couple of years ago, and it was presented to the government.
I asked the minister if she was aware of that plan.
Can the minister clearly indicate if she’s aware of the plan or proposal for a 24-hour care facility in Rankin Inlet?
I am not aware of one.
It is my understanding that the proposal for a blueprint for the 24-hour care facility in Rankin Inlet was prepared some time ago and had already been presented to the government.
Will the minister commit to reviewing the status of this proposal and reporting back to me and to this House at the earliest opportunity?
I cannot commit to something I have not seen.
Question 280 – 4(2): Staff Housing (Enook)
As the minister is aware, I have been raising concerns for several years about the issue of vacant staff housing units.
In my community of Pond Inlet, approximately a dozen staff housing units are currently vacant and many of these have been vacant for significant periods of time.
As the minister will appreciate, residents of our communities become frustrated when they see staff units remain vacant for months or even years given the ongoing shortage of housing in Nunavut.
Can the minister indicate what the housing corporation is doing to address this issue?
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to the people of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, the Member for Tununiq has raised this issue.
I understand and have heard the issue.
However, we are working with other government departments in regard to the staff housing units remaining vacant.
The government’s current business plan indicates that the Nunavut Housing Corporation and the Department of Finance have been working to “Finalize changes to the Staff Housing Policy” and to “clarify roles and responsibilities regarding the Staff Housing Policy.”
Can the minister tell me today when these changes will be completed?
As I stated earlier, our department alone is not responsible for this.
CGS is responsible for staff housing units that are vacant. (interpretation ends) There is a process, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) There’s a process that we need to follow as to how the Nunavut Housing Corporation can take on that responsibility and we need to abide by the process that is outlined.
We do want to do what the member says due to the shortage of housing. It could alleviate some housing shortage.
If the units could be given to the Nunavut Housing Corporation, then we can be responsible. However, we have to follow the process and the policies. For example, CG&S is responsible through their policy to maintain the staff housing units.
Once these units have been allocated to NHC or the responsibility is given to us, we can take on that responsibility.
At this time, when CGS is responsible, we can’t really do anything about it.
I wrote a letter and asked questions in regard to this issue last spring.
Because this is a very important issue, I’m sure this issue is occurring not only in my community, but it’s occurring where there are vacant staff housing units in other communities when we all lack housing.
I am aware of situations in my constituency where GN employees whose positions were not advertised with staff housing are living in substandard conditions or living with relatives, which contributes to the problem of overcrowding.
I fully understand the frustration that they feel when they see that there are many vacant staff housing units in their community, but they are told that they are not eligible to apply for one.
Will the minister commit to reviewing this issue as part of NHC’s ongoing work on the Staff Housing Policy?
As per my previous responses on this issue, this will continue to be a priority for the Nunavut Housing Corporation to resolve the (interpretation ends) staff housing (interpretation) challenges as this is part of the (interpretation ends) blueprint for action on housing. (interpretation) This outlines our future plans for housing in the future, as that blueprint report speaks to many issues faced by housing advocacy groups or associations.
This too will require further review, particularly future needs in staff housing.
Mr. Speaker, staff housing is applicable only in situations where a person is hired as a permanent public servant for one of the departments of this government.
It doesn’t mean that they will receive staff housing. All positions are numbered 1, 2, or 3, and I mean (interpretation ends) class 1, 2, or 3 (interpretation) for the positions. The classes apply to various positions and denote their need for staff housing as part of their position.
The class shows the requirement for housing.
However, with respect to my colleague’s question, yes, we are developing plans to meet this need in the future and this issue will be part of our review of housing needs.
Question 281 – 4(2): Effectiveness of the New Rent Scale (Mikkungwak)
I say “good day” to the people of Baker Lake and Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the new rent scale for the Nunavut Housing Corporation was introduced over a year ago.
I am confident that there has been time to assess its effectiveness.
Can the minister provide an update on the effectiveness of the current rent scale and indicate whether it has resulted in more or fewer evictions of tenants?
I thank my colleague for his question as well.
His question on the current rental scale and whether it has resulted in more evictions or if the eviction numbers have decreased as part of the reasons, I can’t respond to conjecture. (interpretation ends) I don’t have that kind of information with me at this time.
It has been brought to my attention that the rental officer always informs tenants who are being evicted over the phone and never face to face.