EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
In preparation for community consultations, information packages will be distributed to community organizations and key stakeholders over the next couple of months.
During the summer, a discussion paper will be distributed to community residents through the post office and other means.
Members of the Standing Committee will visit communities throughout the fall and early winter.
A more complete schedule will be announced through the media closer to the time of our consultation visits.
Copies of Bill 1, the proposed new Education Act, can be downloaded from the Assembly’s website at www.assembly.nu.ca or by calling 1-877-334-7266.
The Standing Committee also welcomes written submissions on Bill 1 throughout the review process.
Please forward any submissions to the Clerk of the Committee at the Legislative Assembly, PO Box 1200, Iqaluit, X0A 0H0.
During the course of our review we also look forward to constructive input from all Members of this House.
Bill 1, the Education Act is a big bill, not only in terms of its size, but in terms of importance and the effect that it will have on our future.
As a result of our deliberations, we can anticipate that certain aspects of the Bill may be changed.
It is important that we all work together to make the best possible product for our children.
Motion 02 – 1(6): Extended Hours and Days
As there are no items for Committee of the Whole we will proceed to Item 20. Report of Committee of the Whole.
Reminder for meetings.
Tomorrow at 2 o’clock, Standing Committee for Community Empowerment and Sustainable Development.
Also at 2 o’clock, Standing Committee Ajauqtiit.
Orders of the Day for Monday, April 29th, 2002.
Before we adjourn I want to wish all members that are travelling with Mr. Nutarak to Pond Inlet a safe and good trip.
Also Mr. Picco, I hope that the thieving scoundrels that liberated your barbeque are apprehended and punished.
>> Laughter
This House stands adjourned until Monday April 29 at 1:30 p.m. Sergeant-at-Arms.
>>House adjourned at 11:52 a.m.  Nunavut Canada
Monday April 29, 2002
Pages 130 - 158
Opening Prayer 130
Ministers’ Statements 130
Members’ Statements 133
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 138
Oral Questions 139
Tabling of Documents 156
First Reading of Bills 157
Orders of the Day 157
Monday April 29, 2002 130
011 – 1(6): Notification of 2002/03 Budget and Minister Thompson’s Absence (Ng) 130
012 – 1(6): Nunavut-Manitoba Memorandum of Intent on Northern Energy Strategy (Picco) 130
013 – 1(6): A New Wildlife Act for Nunavut (Akesuk) 131
014 – 1(6): Transfer of St. Theresa Residential Care Facility (Picco) 132
049 – 1(6): Gratitude to Catholic Church and Residents of Chesterfield Inlet (Arvaluk) 133
050 – 1(6): Impact of Bad Gasoline on People’s Health (Alakannuark) 133
051 – 1(6): Clyde River to Pond Inlet Dog Mushing Race (Williams) 134
052 – 1(6): Wildlife Processing and Employment Opportunities (Puqiqnak) 135
053 – 1(6): Construction of Dams and Impact on Environment (Kattuk) 136
054 – 1(6): Reverend Looee Mike’s Contribution and Counsellors (Anawak) 136
055 – 1(6): Manitoba and Kivalliq Power Grid and Hydro Power (McLean) 137
056 – 1(6): Lack of Opportunities in Smaller Non-Decentralized Communities (Iqaqrialu) 138
040 – 1(6): Update on the St. Theresa Care Facility (Arvaluk) 139
041 – 1(6): Salary and Benefits for Senior Government of Nunavut Officials (McLean) 140
042 – 1(6): How Many Community Justice Specialists in Nunavut (Williams) 141
043 – 1(6): Update on Federal, Provincial, Territorial Ministers’ Meeting (Tootoo) 142
044 – 1(6): Compensation for Hunters Due to Bad Gasoline (Alakannuark) 145
045 – 1(6): Who is Allowed to Receive Bilingual Bonus (Nutarak) 146
046 – 1(6): Status of Decentralization in the Communities (Havioyak) 148
047 – 1(6): Change of Staffing Policies to Fill Inuit Social Workers (Iqaqrialu) 148
048 – 1(6): Muskox Harvest Denied After Inspection (Puqiqnak) 152
049 – 1(6): Update on the Analysis of Leases (Tootoo) 153
050 – 1(6): Minimum Wage for Nunavut (McLean) 156
005 – 1(6): Return to Petition 006 – 1(5), Baker Lake Elders’ Facility (Clerk) 156
Bill 10 – An Act to Amend the Land Titles Act – First Reading 157
Bill 9 – An Act to Amend the Property Assessment and Taxation Act – First Reading 157
Honourable Olayuk Akesuk, Mr. Ovide Alakannuark, Honourable Jack Anawak, Mr. James Arvaluk, Mr. Donald Havioyak, Mr. David Iqaqrialu, Honourable Peter Kattuk, Honourable Peter Kilabuk, Mr. Jobie Nutarak, Mr. Glenn McLean, Honourable Kelvin Ng, Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Honourable Paul Okalik, Honourable Ed Picco, Mr. Uriash Puqiqnak, Mr. Hunter Tootoo, Ms. Rebekah Williams.
Speaker (Mr. O’Brien): I would like to call on Mr. Havioyak to say the prayer.
Good afternoon Premier, members.
Minister’s Statement 011 – 1(6): Notification of 2002/03 Budget and Minister Thompson’s Absence
I would like to inform the Members of the Legislative Assembly that I’ll table the Government of Nunavut’s Budget for the 2002-2003 fiscal year tomorrow, and further I wish to advise members that the Honourable Manitok Thompson will be absent from the House April 29th to May 3rd, 2002.
Minister’s Statement 012 – 1(6): Nunavut-Manitoba Memorandum of Intent on Northern Energy Strategy
Mr. Speaker on Friday April 26th, 2002 this government signed a Memorandum of Intent on a Northern Energy Strategy with the Government of Manitoba.
Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Jack Anawak and the Honourable Jean Friesen of Manitoba signed the MOI during the annual Rural Forum held in Brandon Manitoba.
I would like to thank Minister Anawak for attending the ceremony and signing on my behalf.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut has enjoyed a close and collaborative relationship with Manitoba for many years.
In the areas of energy and provision of electricity, Manitoba Hydro and our own Nunavut Power Corporation already have a mutually beneficial working relationship at an operational and indeed Mr. Speaker, a strategic level.
As you know Mr. Speaker, the establishment of our own Power Corporation was the first step in our efforts to make our own decisions about energy management here in Nunavut.
I believe that we have to go much further in seeking more viable or self-sustaining energy supply systems.
I also believe that good options exist for Nunavut.
In fact, one option that has been brought to the members of this Assembly is the potential for an electrical transmission line from Manitoba into the Kivalliq region.
Through this Memorandum of Intent our two governments will work together to examine this initiative as well as the broader hydro potential of the area.
Mr. Speaker, the decisions we make today about energy management will have a lasting impact on future generations.
It is a serious responsibility and I believe that this agreement with Manitoba is an important step towards a Northern Energy Strategy for Nunavut.
Minister’s Statement 013 – 1(6): A New Wildlife Act for Nunavut
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) Good afternoon colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform the members that a most important phase in the development of a new made-in-Nunavut Wildlife Act has now commenced.
I am very pleased to announce the start of the community consultations for the new Act.
(interpretation ends) The community consultations are a very important part of developing the new act because they will allow the residents of Nunavut to have their input on what it will include.
(interpretation) My department in partnership with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, has established a consultation schedule that ensures a team of officials will visit every community in Nunavut so all Nunavummiut have the opportunity to provide their input.
This will give Nunavummiut an opportunity to discuss what they would like to see in their Act.
In addition a 20 page discussion paper has been prepared and very shortly will appear in the mail box of every resident in the Territory.
This paper will outline some of the most important issues that need to be discussed and decided upon for the new Act.
Mr. Speaker, we have also put in place a toll free phone line, an e-mail address and a website where Nunavummiut can get additional information and make their views and opinions heard if they missed their opportunity to participate during the community visits.
All of this contact information is in the discussion paper and the inserts that went out in northern papers.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, these consultations will provide a meaningful contribution towards the development of the act.
From this process we will be preparing a comprehensive report as well a shorter summary of findings that will be made available to the public.
The comprehensive report will be used to draft the act that I plan to present to the Legislative Assembly in the fall.
(interpretation) In closing Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the efforts my officials, NWMB and NTI have made in developing and implementing this process.
They have all worked very hard preparing for this most important time in the history of Nunavut.
Minister’s Statement 014 – 1(6): Transfer of St. Theresa Residential Care Facility
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a few moments today to praise the efforts of those involved in the transfer and the continued operation of the St. Theresa’s residential care facility in Chesterfield Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, first I want to publicly thank the Roman Catholic Diocese of Churchill-Hudson’s Bay, and in particular Bishop Reynauld Rouleau, for the smooth hand off of operations to the community organization in Chesterfield Inlet on March 31st.
I would also like to thank the members of the organization, the community based corporation that are now operating the home in Chesterfield Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, I am very grateful to my colleague the MLA for Nanulik, Mr. James Arvaluk, for his tireless support of this project on behalf of his constituents.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the Grey Nuns, who have provided almost 68 years of wonderful care to the patients and residents of St. Theresa’s.
The Grey Nuns have set the standard for the high level of dedication and caring that the patients of St. Theresa’s have come to expect.
Mr. Speaker, through the co-operation of all the parties involved, we have been able to achieve our goal of uninterrupted service for the current residents of St. Theresa’s and carry on the valuable work started so long ago by the Diocese of Churchill-Hudson’s Bay.
Member’s Statement 049 – 1(6): Gratitude to Catholic Church and Residents of Chesterfield Inlet
In representing the people of Chesterfield Inlet, I would like to thank the Government of Nunavut, especially the Honourable Mr. Picco, as well as Mr. Ng, the Minister of Finance, for helping with St. Theresa’s hospital in Chesterfield Inlet.
I would like to acknowledge my appreciation for the people, the Chesterfield Development Corporation and Bishop Roulleau.
When we spoke to them they were very helpful.
On behalf of the people of Chesterfield Inlet I would like to thank the Hamlet Council for being involved while the transfer was being done.
We all know that the community will have to train some workers, and hopefully in the future, the hospital will be employed entirely by the people of Chesterfield Inlet.
They have a little over twenty employees at this time and I would like to thank the Government of Nunavut, especially the Department of Health and Social Services, because they have helped us greatly, so the people of Chesterfield Inlet could have a better future and so the people in that hospital can have a better care facility.
On behalf of Chesterfield Inlet, again I thank the Government of Nunavut.
Member’s Statement 050 – 1(6): Impact of Bad Gasoline on People’s Health
This spring is starting to be a good season for fishing and for hunting.
Mr. Speaker, hunting and fishing is a main occupation of many Nunavummiut in Nunavut.
Elders encourage everyone to eat country food.
The professional medical practitioners and nutritionists know the importance of a country food diet for Nunavummiut.
Living off the land is a healthy and an environmentally friendly endeavour.
Mr. Speaker, despite the wonders of all the good things that hunting brings to Nunavut; it is threatened by the unfortunate arrays of bad gasoline effects.
I am doubtful that the manufacturers of snow machines, all terrain vehicles, and outboard motors, will likely be covering warranties over machines that are damaged due to this unfortunate bad gasoline in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, many hard working people of Nunavut will now be burdened with less country food and be more dependent upon store bought food because of this unfortunate dilemma.
Mr. Speaker, who will now provide the balance for families that depend mainly on a diet of country food in Nunavut?
The income support dependents will suffer the consequences.
The part time wage earners will suffer the drawbacks.
And some elders will be eating less country food.
Will there be some form of assistance to help those who are affected by the bad gasoline?
Member’s Statement 051 – 1(6): Clyde River to Pond Inlet Dog Mushing Race
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share with my colleagues in the House a very inspiring sight that I witnessed this past week.
I was very happy to have the opportunity to travel to Pond Inlet to observe the final run of the Nunavut Quest dog team race from Clyde River to Pond Inlet.
I congratulate the participants on their accomplishments and look forward to seeing more of these types of events in the future.
They have plans to have a dog team race from Igloolik to Pond Inlet next year.
What struck me as special in this race, Mr. Speaker, was that I observed for every dog team and its driver, there was also an accompanying snowmobile driver.
While the dog team driver focussed on the traditional activity of handling and driving his dogs, the snowmobile driver insured safety and was a source of support in case of life threatening emergencies.
This race was completed safely and successfully without a single mishap.
Mr. Speaker, I find this to be a wonderful example of the accommodation of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and modern knowledge and technology.
Together they are very, very strong.
It is using the best of both worlds to achieve the best of all results.
In this case, a safe and successful race across some of the most challenging land in the world.
Mr. Speaker, I think we can take this as an example of how Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit together with modern technology can provide us with a very strong set of tools to face the future in Nunavut.
Member’s Statement 052 – 1(6): Wildlife Processing and Employment Opportunities
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about economic opportunity in Nunavut.
I feel that this is very important.
Mr. Speaker, in September of 2000, we were very pleased to hear that the Keewatin Meat and Fish plant in Rankin Inlet had earned European Union certification.
This would allow the plant to export meat from federally inspected hunts to Europe and would create jobs in the community as well as generate revenues from exports.
Mr. Speaker, the people of Kitikmeot were excited last year to hear that over 20 jobs were going to be created to help with the commercial muskox hunt.
Several of my constituents in Taloyoak and Gjoa Haven were eager to get work in this area.
Mr. Speaker, I was disappointed to hear that the field processing facility that was going to process the muskox carcasses did not pass federal inspection.
This meat was supposed to go to Kitikmeot Foods, which is owned by Nunavut Development Corporation.
I understand that Kitikmeot Foods has also been trying to earn European Union certification.
Because the processing facility did not pass inspection, the hunt was cancelled and jobs were lost.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that we do everything in our power to help build opportunities in Nunavut.
We have an abundance of natural resources including wildlife and many export opportunities that would help to generate income for our communities.
Mr. Speaker, I’m almost finished my statement so I would like to request consent to conclude my statement.
Please proceed, Mr. Puqiqnak.
And I also thank my colleagues.
As I was saying, we have an abundance of natural resources including wildlife and many export opportunities that would help to generate income for our communities and create much needed jobs.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will be asking the Minister of Sustainable Development whether his department is making any efforts to ensure that the Kitikmeot commercial muskox hunt can go forward next year.
Member’s Statement 053 – 1(6): Construction of Dams and Impact on Environment
I rise today on behalf of my constituency.
Since it is spring time the families will be going out camping and to harvest migratory birds and sea mammals.
Traditionally we survived without having to worry about the environment and the wildlife species.
But in the Hudson Bay area there are quite a few industries such as the building of dams and forestry.
Many of the provinces in Canada do work on dam construction and we have heard that the Quebec government and Nunavik beneficiaries will be signing an agreement on the construction of a dam.
This is a great concern of the Sanikiluaq residents as it has an impact to our environment.
Traditionally we lived out on the land without having to worry about our environment.
Today we have to start worrying about the environment.
We talk about how we can enhance our Inuit culture and traditions and there are now environmental issues that are coming up and it will have a negative impact on our future.
The Hamlet Council has stated that they are quite concerned about the environment and I will be discussing this and bringing this issue up in upcoming meetings and I know for quite some time that I have been bringing this issue up.
Member’s Statement 054 – 1(6): Reverend Looee Mike’s Contribution and Counsellors
I thought you saw me raise my hand.
First of all thank you.
Whenever we talk with our neighbours from Manitoba, especially the mayor of Brandon, discussions always end up around Jordan Tootoo.
He is somebody that we are all very proud of.
We all know that there are a lot of leaders at the community level.
There are the counsellors who take care of the people.
Today I want to recognize an individual that has made an important contribution to our communities.
This particular individual was born in a qamaq in the Pangnirtung area.
Looee Mike is an Anglican Minister.
She is very young, about 40 years old and her parents are Petaloosie and Leah Qappik.
Her husband’s name is Johnny Mike and they have five children.
There are people out there who need counselling and would also like to be counselled by an individual that speaks their mother tongue and who knows about the social issues, she provides all of that.
I do know that she counsels a lot of people out there.
She is a leader and a minister and she is now recognized by people in many places.
I would like to recognize this individual and acknowledge that I’m very proud of her.
Chairperson: Members’ Statements.
Member’s Statement 055 – 1(6): Manitoba and Kivalliq Power Grid and Hydro Power
Mr. McLean: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and it’s nice that the Minister responsible for the Power Corporation was on the radio this morning and he found his barbecue on the weekend and enjoyed the food from it.
But I’d like to say a few words about the Power Corporation and Nunavut briefly.
The first anniversary of the Nunavut Power Corporation was celebrated April 1st under no fanfare whatsoever.
There are a lot of naysayers that said that they couldn’t put the Power Corporation administration offices in Baker Lake because it wouldn’t work.
But, as we know, it happened and I’d like to thank the minister responsible and the Premier for doing that.
Ninety percent of the staff are Inuit staff and they are moving forward and sending out the bills.
They’re a bit late but everybody is getting them now and hopefully they’ll be paying them or they’re going to be in the dark.
But on that issue, I heard the minister on the radio this morning and Minister Anawak signing an MOU with the Manitoba Government on a power grid or where we are going and the minister making some bold statements this morning about power in Nunavut and hopefully that power grid can be built from Manitoba.
But on that issue of a power grid being built from Nunavut into the Kivalliq.
There’s also the fact, and we hear things about vision for Nunavut and where we’re going and things we’re doing and you know, we’re being criticized on a daily basis about a lack of vision and initiative in Nunavut.
But one of the initiatives that the minister was talking about this morning was hydro-electric power.
Our dependency on fossil fuels is never going to go away and it’s a pollutant of the environment and I know the minister wouldn’t say it on the radio but somebody some day is going to have to make a tough decision and politicians are elected to make the hard and tough decisions about building a dam in Nunavut.
I know it’s a scary word, dam, in Nunavut but for self-sufficiency and if we are building a power grid from Manitoba why can’t we export power to the United States.
So, I’d like to congratulate the ministers responsible for their initiatives on the Power Corporation in Baker Lake, the MOU signing and the minister responsible at this time of even thinking about hydro-electric power and dams in Nunavut as we all know, we’re concerned and we all think about the environment.
Member’s Statement 056 – 1(6): Lack of Opportunities in Smaller Non-Decentralized Communities
My colleagues, Inuit of Nunavut.
As a representative of the smaller communities and especially the non-decentralized communities I would like to make a few comments regarding the operations of the Nunavut Government.
Since the Nunavut Government was created in 1999 there have been a lot of things that have started rolling and especially affecting these smaller communities.
There are very few economic opportunities in the non-decentralized communities because of the many challenges that they have to face.
There have been numerous occasions where people in my communities have made comments to me and I will be very frank and open in making my statements this week. It will probably have an affect on the government and staff.
I don’t want to be hurting any individual but when we created the Government of Nunavut we specifically stated that there would be a close working relationship among all parties.
But it is not the case today and that is why I am disappointed.
I will be making statements regarding these issues this week.
Speaker: Are there any further Members’ Statements?
I would like to recognize a couple of constituents of mine for a change.
First I would like to recognize a famous editor for Nunavut, Mr. Jim Bell, who’s famous for all his wonderful writing.
Every Friday I look forward to his editorial.
And the next one is a dedicated community member who been a very active constituent of mine, Marge Lalonde who is always doing something for the community.
So, thank you for your assistance for the past three years, your motherly advice and your love.
Mr. Speaker, first of all I wanted to take this opportunity to recognize Ms. Patricia Bell from CBC for winning the CBC North award for the outstanding personal endeavours and achievements which contribute to the competence of CBC North here and its mission statement in Nunavut.
I would like to thank Patricia and welcome her to the gallery; she is in the media box right now.
Also, Mr. Speaker, I wanted to welcome to the gallery the Chairperson of the Apex Education Council, Ms. Eva Michael, a resident of Apex and constituent of mine.
Welcome Eva to the gallery.
I think I would be remiss unless I joined with the Premier to welcome Marge Lalonde.
For the members of the public and the members of this House, Marge Lalonde is one of the few surviving Second World War veterans in Canada.
This lady has been recognized by the Canadian Legion and as Paul has pointed out Mr. Speaker, is a community activist still going strong and there every year on November 11th with the Remembrance Day ceremonies that are held in Iqaluit.