EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
It helps increase public awareness of the many positive things that our teachers do.
As you know, Mr. Speaker, taking the time to say ‘Thank You For Making A Difference,’ is something that is always appreciated by everyone.
Minister’s Statement 060 – 2(2): Joamie School Opening
I am very proud to announce that Joamie School is officially open for students today, March 1, 2005.
The Iqaluit District Education Authority has also announced this good news to all parents, and will be hosting an open house on March 24th, to show the building to all interested citizens, and I invite all members to come to our new Joamie School and have a look.
This project was delivered ahead of schedule, and it is somewhat hard to believe that on July 4th, 2003 we lost the school but managed to plan, design and construct the beautiful facility we see in place today, all in between one and one half years.
Mr. Speaker, even with this fast track project schedule, I am proud to report that we were able to include a number of design features that promote energy efficient and sustainable development through water use reduction; optimized energy performance; increased ventilation effectiveness through displacement and low velocity ventilation; use of low emitting materials; and extensive use of natural lighting supplemented with cost-effective lighting systems.
Mr. Speaker, in addition, the Department of Education encouraged community input through the planning and design of Joamie School.
Comprehensive consultation with students, teachers, Iqaluit District Education Authority, and elders have resulted in a positive learning environment including Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
I am sure, and I speak for all Legislative Assembly members, when I congratulate the many people who worked towards replacing our Joamie School, and the wish the students and staff our best wishes in their new facility.
Member's Statement 122 – 2(2): Long Service Awards in Cape Dorset
I would also like to say that I went to Cape Dorset to recognize five, ten year, fifteen and twenty year long term service awards to the people who were employed in Cape Dorset.
I would also like to thank Mr. Tapardjuk, who was able to accompany me to Cape Dorset during those service awards; also to Joe Allen Evyagotailak, who accompanied me.
I would like to say thank you and also to our staff, Sheila Kolola and Karen Kabloonaa.
I would also like to thank the mayor of Cape Dorset and HR’s administrative staff and the long service awards’ recipients.
I wish you the very best in the future.
I would also like to thank the students who throat sang for us during that ceremony and for entertaining us at that time.
When we were in Cape Dorset, the Minister of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth was able to have a meeting with the elders and youth council and got a better idea of what the elders and the youth would like to see in their community.
I would also like to thank the Co-op for welcoming us.
Member's Statement 123 – 2(2): Quality of Gasoline in Arctic Bay
I say hi to my wife and my children.
I rise today regarding the quality of gasoline in Arctic Bay.
Many of my colleagues have raised this issue already and I would like to add my voice to theirs.
Mr. Speaker, residents of Arctic Bay have contacted me regarding increased fouling of spark plugs and smoky exhausts this winter.
I believe this is related to the quality of gasoline that was supplied to the community.
All Members of the Assembly are aware of the importance of reliable gas for snow machines.
Mr. Speaker, as you are well aware, the climate in the High Arctic is harsh and extremely cold in the winter.
Some of my constituents rely on hunting to provide for their families and thus, they rely on their snow machines to go out on the land to hunt for sustenance and for trapping.
No one wants to be stranded on the land.
This is clearly a safety issue, in addition to being an issue of increased cost of maintaining these machines.
There are no nays Mr. Barnabas, please proceed.
As I was saying earlier, this is a safety issue, in addition to being an issue of increased cost for maintaining these machines.
Frequent spark plug changes are not cheap.
Mr. Speaker, I will be tabling photographs of fouled spark plugs and I will be asking the minister questions on this issue at the appropriate time.
I would also like to take this opportunity to invite my constituents of Resolute Bay and Grise Fiord to contact me if they have any concerns to the quality of the gasoline in their community.
Member's Statement 124 – 2(2): Qikiqtarjuaq Hunters and Trappers Creates Masilik Corporation
I rise today to acknowledge the Nattivak Hunters and Trappers Organization in Broughton Island for setting up a 100 percent Inuit-owned operation called Masilik Corporation.
The community of Qikiqtarjuaq has a very high unemployment rate.
With the creation of this corporation, they will create much needed job opportunities.
Mr. Speaker, I also recognize that fisheries in Nunavut are very hard to bring up and I am well aware that there are people out there who know how hard it is to set up these types of corporations.
On behalf of the people of Qikiqtarjuaq, I would like to congratulate this organization for setting up this corporation.
And I would like to encourage the fisheries organizations to keep going.
Member's Statement 125 – 2(2): Medical Travel Policy and Escorts
I rise today to raise a concern that many of my constituents have spoken to me about the medical travel policy on escorts.
My constituents have told me that elders and unilingual Inuktitut speaking people traveling out of the community are sometimes not provided with escorts.
That also includes people with handicaps.
Mr. Speaker, it is difficult for me to provide an answer to my constituents, but I am aware that the government has a client travel policy.
But this document does not explain how medical professionals decide when an escort is really needed.
(interpretation ends) Fellow members have raised this issue more than once.
In fact, on November 16th, 2004, the Minister of Health and Social Services specifically stated that if a unilingual elder is going south for medical treatment, then they are to bring an escort.
In response to a question asked by my colleague from Quttittuq, the Minister of Health and Social Services indicated that she would ask her staff to publicize the policy to Nunavutmiut through the media and perhaps through the CBC.
Mr. Speaker, there seems to be confusion about this Department of Health and Social Services client policy for escorts.
Qujannamiik, Uqaqtitiji.
Member's Statement 126 – 2(2): New Renewable Resource Officer for Panniqtuuq
Before coming down to Iqaluit, I had a public meeting in the community of Pangnirtung.
I don’t know if they will be able to watch television tonight because they have a power outage and so the television and the phones are out of service.
I am not quite sure if they are going to be able to watch the proceedings today.
It has been quite a number of months now that we have not had a Renewable Resource Officer and at this time while I have the opportunity, I would like to thank the minister for being able to provide us with a position.
That individual will be placed today as Renewable Resource Officer.
They have a lot of responsibility to cover, including the fisheries and the environment.
Member's Statement 127 – 2(2): Recognition Awards
I send my regards to the people of Iglulik and Hall Beach.
I would also like to announce that last month or at the beginning of February, the Nunavut Commissioner went up to Iglulik to recognize individuals for contributions they made to their communities.
The ceremony went extremely well and there were awards given to people for bravery and for saving lives.
One particular incident was Rachel Ujarasuk, recognized for the contributions she made to the people of Iglulik through Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
And again, another elder was recognized for helping the people through medicinal practices, Theresa Ijjangiaq, who is also my aunt.
I congratulate these two people for having been recognized and also for bringing Inuit culture to date.
They have made huge contributions even through hard times.
There was another individual who is not an elder.
This individual was also recognized for pulling out teeth and helping people with tooth aches.
His name is Natalino, who has made a huge contribution.
Again, for a few individuals for bravery and for saving lives, I would like to congratulate them.
Member's Statement 128 – 2(2): Cambridge Bay Long Term Service Awards
I am pleased to rise today to recognize a number of my constituents in Cambridge Bay who recently received long term service awards from the Government of Nunavut on February 16, 2005.
Elected politicians determine the policies and approve the budgets for the government.
It is our dedicated employees on the front lines who deliver our programs and services to the public that we are elected to serve.
The employees were honored by the presence of many community elders, as well as the Premier and the Minister of Finance.
Although I was an ‘unofficial’ photographer for the event, I doubt my work will be hanging on the walls of the gallery any time soon.
Mr. Speaker, the employees who received long term service awards for five years were: Robert Karr, Eva Komak, Frank Flood, Guntis Rozitis, Jamie Taipana, Donna Lee-Ekpakohak, Mike Kaiyogana, Patty Bligh, Joas Angohaitok.
For ten years: Mary Ekpakohak, Richard Kurtz.
For 15 years: Deanna Clugston, Cathy Rowan and Elizabeth Kaosoni.
And then for special work for 30 years, I’ve mentioned this gentleman before last year, Doug Crossley.
Mr. Speaker, we should also recognize the very hard work of the Department of Human Resources staff that make the awards ceremonies possible in communities across Nunavut.
I ask the house to join me in congratulating all 2005 long term service award recipients in Nunavut.
Member's Statement 129 – 2(2): Food Bank in Arviat
I’ll try and not make a mistake.
I rise today to announce an event in Arviat.
I do want to send my appreciation. I know that at times it’s very difficult to make ends meet.
Simona Baker, who had gone to Winnipeg to further her education, has been working very hard in our community to start out with food baskets to help the less fortunate.
She started out the food bank in Arviat and she worked very hard to operate this food bank. We have heard that Manitoba food bank has now sent 10 thousand pounds and it is equivalent to 100 caribou.
And, that is a bit too much and it is amazing how they can assist us because Manitoba people are sending food to our community because the caribou have migrated very far from Arviat.
That individual is not just a student, she is an adult student. I know that she wants to work very hard and learn more on what she is doing. I really appreciate and I do want to send my appreciation to the helper Christa Bergus who resides in Arviat, she is a volunteer to make sure those Arviarmiut elders and youth have enough food to eat.
So I would like to send my appreciation to all Arviarmiut who do volunteer work to make sure that everybody is fed so they came up with this good food bank. There is a lot of food now that has been made available.
I do want to send my appreciation and there are times when there are 45 people who go to the food bank twice a week.
Because, like if we need assistance in getting more groceries, they go to the food bank and I want to thank all the people of Arviat for doing a good job.
Member's Statement 130 – 2(2): YEAH Group in Iqaluit
YEAH, Youth Educating About Health North is an exciting, new education program that trains youth in an innovative and interactive activity to create an environment and opportunity for our youth to take ownership of their health.
On February 2nd, I was invited along with other community members, to join with the YEAH group to participate in a special gathering along with Mayor Elisapee Shieutiapik and Premier Paul Okalik.
The rate of teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases in Nunavut is alarmingly high.
The goal of this program is to educate the youth about healthy sexuality and all that entails, i.e. decision making and healthy relationships and arm our youth with enough information, not only make them make healthy decisions, but teach other youth to do the same.
Mr. Speaker, the evening started with a meet and greet with the youth and we were invited with some trivia-based games that focus on youth on sexual health and that was run by the YEAH health kids.
The YEAH kids have designed games that stumped many of the adults, including yours truly.
One of the games involved putting on blurred goggles to simulate a person who may be intoxicated, while wearing gloves and searching for a condom to put on a phallic device.
Mr. Speaker, while graphic it seemed to many of the participants, to be very real and certainly informative.
Mr. Speaker, by combining humor with sexual awareness, our youth will be better informed in making decisions about sex and their health.
In the coming year, the youth hopes to branch out more into our community and territory to spread their knowledge to other youth.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Leddie Eastwood, Courtney Sequin and all the other YEAH youth for their excellent work on behalf and for our youth and people here in Iqaluit.
Item 4 on Orders of the Day.
Back to Item 5.
Mr. Barnabas (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize an individual who has visited us.
First of all, Mr. Bill Harding who is the Senior Administrative Officer for the Municipality of Arctic Bay.
He has been very supportive of municipal operations on funding requirements.
He informs me of the developments so he’s been very supportive to me.
Also, I would like to acknowledge my CEA, Ms. Willie.
She’ll be here with me this week.
First of all, I would like to say, “Hello Taloyoak and Gjoa Haven,” and to my mom.
I would like to recognize the lady from Taloyoak, Alukie. She is involved with the lady’s group as well.
She’s able to be here today so I would like to recognize her.
I would like to acknowledge one of my former neighbours who is here and is now the president of the Nunavut Investment Group, Johnny Mike.
Member for Rankin Inlet North, Mr. Curly.
Question 164 – 2(2): Approval of Rate Rider Increase
Yesterday, together with the Minister of Finance they made an announcement that there is going to be a small increase of 3 cents per kilowatt hour. A 15 percent increase is still a bit too expensive for some of the communities. I am, however, glad that this is a lot smaller than the request by Qulliq Energy Corporation.
My question is: they will be receiving $8 million when they apply the 15 percent but according to their needs, they still require $4 million for the operation of Qulliq Energy Corporation.
That’s before the price of fuel.
Yet, we still have to pay for fuel; the customers will have to pay for that.
Why did the minister approve it?
Do we need a separate rate rider?
Why did you approve that without having seen that?
The 15 percent increase amounts to approximately 3.18 cents a kilowatt hour.
And, the member is correct; it is a lot less than what was anticipated.
The power corporation’s rate proposal looked at a postage stamp rate and that’s why the rates would have increased so much across the territory.
However, the Utility Rates Review Council realized, like every other utility across the country that uses diesel fuel to create electricity, there are sudden spikes in fuel costs.
To recognize the sudden spikes in fuel costs, they allow utility companies in this case the Qulliq Energy Corporation, to have a fuel rider.
The rider would only kick in when the fuel account would be plus or minus $1 million.
That’s the trigger.
In that case, the extra costs of fuel will be covered in the rider, and therefore and thus the rate itself does not have to go up.
So, that was one of the recommendations.
The URRC rejected all the other riders except for the capital stabilization rider.
So there are two riders in the URRC report that we accepted.
There is nothing out of the ordinary here.
It was in place with the old Nunavut Power Corporation.
It is in place in the west.
It is in place in other jurisdictions.
It’s a standard recommendation, in most cases, with utility corporations.
I would like to ask the minister further.
The minister is certainly not obligated to approve the unknown fuel rider if it’s introduced.
My question is still this: why would the minister approve such a hypothetical situation when, in fact, there may not be a requirement to impose additional rates to the consumers of Nunavut?
The member has hit the nail right on the head again. Because if there is no need for an increase, there is no need for a rider; then there won’t be a rider.
I would agree with the member.
There is a hypothetical rider right now because we don’t need it.
On April 1, 2005, it’s a test year, going out from that point, if the fuel stabilization account is plus or minus $1 million, then the opportunity exists for the Qulliq Energy Corporation to come forward to the minister and say, “We want to apply a rider.”
Then they would calculate what is needed in that expenditure program.
For example, if the price of fuel or diesel is $44 a barrel and the cost last year was $50 a barrel, then it’s considerably less than what the costs were and they may not apply the rider.
The rider allows for extra money to be made when those costs go up, instead of having to go back and doing a general rate application and increasing your electrical rates.
A rider is a temporary mechanism used to restore those fuel costs and pay for them.
Your second supplementary, Mr. Curley.
Mr. Curley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The average consumer in Nunavut particularly unilingual consumers of electrical rate power in Nunavut, couldn’t differentiate between the general rate or fuel rider.
It’s all going to come out on the same bill, and they’re going to be required to pay that amount to the Nunavut Power Corporation.
The government is responding by proposing and agreeing to recommend a supplementary appropriation for $22 million for fuel.
Why couldn’t you just add that amount that you think is going to be needed to the appropriation bill instead of asking the Nunavut average consumers to pay for it?
The $22 million is a separate process than the rider.
The whole GRA application process in this rider is set for April 1, 2005.
We’ve said continually in this House, the members have made that point in the House, especially before Christmas in the November session, that the public of Nunavut should not have to pay for those expenses incurred by the corporation when politically we froze the rate and tried to ascertain what the revenue requirements for the corporation were.
And that’s the $22 million.
The Qulliq Energy Corporation was directed not to pay their POL account.
That’s what we asked them to do.
We knew what the amount was and that’s coming forward.
If we had to ask the public to pay that amount then the Government of Nunavut pays 80 percent of all electrical, clear off the top.
So that means this government last year or the year before last, would have had to come up with $18 million out of its budget and give it directly to the power corporation.
The $22 million that the member is talking about goes directly to the Qulliq Energy Corporation and comes right back to the Government of Nunavut.
It doesn’t go to Saskatchewan or anywhere else, it comes right back.
It’s an internal transfer for the accounts receivable.
Your final supplementary, Mr. Curley.
The minister appeared to have already made up his mind that additional public hearings are not required, based on the fact that he has already agreed to a hypothetical figure that the fuel rider may be required.
Couldn’t the minister ask the Utility Rates Review Council to hold additional hearings, whether in fact this particular additional expense should be paid by the consumers?
That option is there.
In the year 2003 when the power corporation came forward and asked for the fuel rider, which was already in place, I actually went out to the Utility Rates Review Council and asked them to review it.
The power corporation at that time, asked for five cents, then they asked for ten cents.
The Utility Rates Review Council looked at it and said, “We are not sure of the revenue requirement.”
We went in the middle and they said 7.5 cents.
So, that option is still there. If the Qulliq Energy Corporation comes forward and says we need a rider of 15 cents or something I have the option, in consultation with cabinet, again to say, “Look, this seems like too much of an increase, ask the Utility Rates Review Council to review it.” So, that option is there and the member is correct, and I would suggest to you that’s probably what we would do.
But again, these are hypothetical questions because we haven’t got there.
The mechanism is in place and we can use that trigger when it hits either plus or minus $1 million in the fuel subsidization fund for the rider.
Question 165 – 2(2): Rehabilitation Programs
Last week I made a statement in the House about Nunavut’s unacceptably high crime rate, especially violent crime.
I noted that alcohol and drug abuse is closely connected with crime.
During our last sitting, I posed a detailed written question to the same minister regarding the recidivism rate of offenders in territorial custody and the success of our rehabilitation programs.
The minister’s response to my question revealed that the recidivism rate for adult male offenders is 51 percent, for male young offenders it’s almost 75 percent.
(interpretation) Those who commit crimes again get incarcerated again. (interpretation ends) In other words, half of our adult male offenders re-offend after they are released and almost three out of four male young offenders do so.
The response to my question also revealed that the department is not being very successful in bettering the success of these rehabilitation programs in helping to reduce the rate of recidivism.
My question for the minister is this: which of his department’s rehabilitation programs work and which do not?
Minister of Justice, Mr. Okalik.
We are trying different programs at this point.
Right now, we have been doing a pilot project out of Rankin Inlet for spousal abuse.
That’s one program that has shown some promise.
As I said in the past, one of the most positive programs that we have had in the past is the outpost camp program and I would really like to see more throughout Nunavut.
The rate for those repeat offenders is a lot lower, particularly for young offenders in those camps.
So those show some promise and as I announced today, we are trying to put more Inuit in charge of these facilities so that these facilities have more cultural ties to the offenders.
We can then introduce more of our cultural healing and more appropriate programs in these facilities.
So, we are trying to do various things all at once.
I would like to thank the minister for the present work that he’s doing in supporting our youth. (interpretation ends) Almost 50 percent of male offenders do not re-offend.
What accounts for their successes?
I don’t have that information with me at this time.
Question 166 – 2(2): Inuit Employment and Contract Requirements
My question is for the Minister of Community and Government Services who deals with contracts and any of the employment requirements in contracts with the government.
Can the minister give a brief explanation about how that works and what the requirements are, say for contracts that are let here in Iqaluit by government, for Inuit employment levels.
Speaker (interpretation): Minister of Community Government and Services, Mr. Kilabuk.
Hon. Peter Kilabuk (interpretation): I first would like to apologize; I didn’t quite get his question.
Is it in regards to Inuit employment within the contracts?
Perhaps, he can clarify his question for my benefit.
Yes, I know when I used to work for the housing corporation they would specify for a contract that they let out under NNI and that there would be a requirement of the contractor to maintain a certain percentage of Inuit employment under those contracts.