EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, my constituency has been trying to work on some issues and I will be supporting them according to their needs.
There are many opportunities in the communities although they seem to be small but they are very beneficial to the communities. Especially to the smaller communities.
Mr. Speaker, I want to say again that my friends the cabinet members of the Nunavut Government I am willing to work with you on any form of economic opportunities so we can have more economic opportunities in my constituency.
Also Mr. Speaker, all the people of Nunavut I would like to give them my support to get further economic opportunities in the smaller communities so that they will be provided with funding because since we couldn't get some funding in the smaller communities they haven't had an opportunity for economic development.
We now should be taking on contracts locally and we should be taking on those responsibilities.
Mr. Speaker, today the contracts that we have today or the awards of the contracts should be done very carefully so the smaller communities can stand on there own two feet and also we should be working on the problem areas.
Mr. Speaker, during the Rankin Inlet session as I had stated before, in view of the future of Nunavut it is very expensive to live up here.
Mr. Speaker, I am asking unanimous consent to complete my member's statement.
Speaker: The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement, are there any nays.
There are no nays, please proceed.
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): Thank you I will start from where I left off.
Looking at Nunavut as a whole it is very expensive to live here due to the cost of living.
For that reason we have to find ways to stand on our own two feet as residents.
Also Mr. Speaker, I know for sure that the Nunavut Government has initiated quite a few programs in Nunavut and we expect to see them happen in Nunavut by way of employment and by way of private businesses and economic opportunities.
Mr. Speaker, as Nunavut residents we now have our own Nunavut Government and some of the statutes and the legislation have not reflected Nunavut so therefore we have to amend the legislation so as to reflect Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, let's work together as Nunavut residents and give support to all of Nunavut's residents.
Mr. Speaker, I know that the equipment we buy from down south when they eventually make it up north here to Nunavut they become very expensive.
When we bring our carvings down south they become very expensive and for that reason Mr. Speaker, in Nunavut private businesses should be viable and have more economic development opportunities because we need a proper future, especially when the cost of living is going up annually in Nunavut.
Speaker: Members’ Statements, Mr. Nutarak.
Member’s Statement 408 - 1(3): Thanks for Decentralization and Pond Inlet TEP
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Premier for going ahead with decentralization.
I would like to make another comment. The Pond Inlet Teachers Education Program is on their way to Quebec City to exhibit traditional clothing on behalf of Nunavut.
So I congratulate them for going down to Quebec City to exhibit the traditional clothing and also I wish all my colleagues to have a great spring.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Nutarak .
Members’ Statements. Mr. Irqittuq.
Member’s Statement 409 - 1(3): Ranger Medals and House Procedures
I rise today to speak about my medals.
The reason why I am wearing the medals today is that today is the day that we celebrate the Rangers' uniforms.
I won this for being a sharp shooter and you were here when I got the other medal.
So that is why I wear the Rangers' medals, and I wanted to state that Mr. Speaker.
I would like to thank my constituency for electing me to the Legislature, and first of all to my family and my wife and my parents who are very supportive of me during my tenure.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to make a comment on the procedures on the sessions that we have held. What I have learned form this session.
Usually we ask many questions during the question period to the members across the table.
I know that it is a challenge for us to ask hard questions.
We ask serious questions but since the end of session is in sight I would like to look back a bit.
Mr. Arvaluk and Mr. Picco and Donald Havioyak, every time I ask them a question it seems they don't want to answer me.
Even though I ask them a simple question like for example when is my school going to get an addition he would respond by saying we do have a twenty year plan.
The response would be in there every time I get that kind of response it kind of disappoints me. Having to wait for twenty years.
I have learned more about the procedures of the House but… Mr. Speaker I would like to get unanimous consent to finish my statement.
Speaker: The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays.
There are no nays so please proceed.
The responses that I was receiving I am not angry at the responses that I receive but I just not happy with the responses I get and I am not trying to put anybody down.
For example if I ask Mr. Picco a question, for example if I ask Mr. Picco when was the first time that you went caribou hunting.
He could answer from the time he started preparing for the hunt and after the hunt is over and he would never answer my question.
So I learned these few things during the session.
It became very frustrating at times but since we are at the end of our session I am very proud to be part of this Legislature and also would like to thank all my colleagues especially the cabinet members.
I know their job is very hard and I know that we have very limited resources and we want to spread it to all the communities of Nunavut, but in the future I am sure it will be better.
Speaker: Members’ Statements, Ms. Thompson.
Member’s Statement 410 - 1(3): Thanks to People of Salliit and Sadliq
Today being the last day hopefully I would like to wish all the members a good spring and to be with their families and for God to be with them.
Mr. Speaker I would like to make a brief statement and to thank the interpreters.
Also to let the members know that on Mondays I didn't know that on Tuesday the Inuinnaqtun is aired through the T.V. and on Wednesday the Inuktitut is airing and on Thursday English and Friday it is Inuktitut.
I didn't realize this was the case so my statement yesterday to the people of Northern Quebec was not understood because it was airing in Inuinnaqtun and they have a different dialect and I am sorry about that to my constituents.
Also if I could just make a brief statement again the statement that I made yesterday because it was misunderstood because it was in Inuinnaqtun.
What I was trying to say yesterday was to thank my sister in law Pasha Bruce who is the wife of Tommy Bruce and her parents died when she was very young and they are from Sadliq Quebec.
My sister in law's name is Pasha and I adore her very much although she has a brother in Coral Harbour she gets very lonely because she does not see her relatives.
I would like to thank the people of Sadluq Quebec for going to see my sister in law, especially I would like to thank Coral Harbour and Maggie Gordon was one of them and I would like to thank her very much.
Mr. Speaker I am not Leonie Duffy. Leonie Duffy is my older sister.
Speaker: Members’ Statements. Mr. Anawak.
Member’s Statement 411 - 1(3): Importance of Private Business in Nunavut
I would like to make a member's statement about the importance of private business in Kivalliq and in the north.
It has been about twenty years that we Inuit have been involved in running our own businesses.
The Hudson Bay Company brought in employees like Glenn McLean over there and others that came to the North.
Some people came from Scotland, Mr. John Todd is one of them, with the Hudson Bay Company.
Later he initiated the starting up of some businesses, especially involving Inuit people in businesses.
He became the first President of the Chamber of Commerce in the Kivalliq region.
Through him we found out that Inuit were capable of participating in businesses.
So from there Inuit have participated in many business ventures and we started owning our own homes.
I was not a politician at that time and I was involved some of these businesses.
David Simailak and David Uluyuk that were here a little while ago were involved as well.
We got together and partnered with non-Inuit people.
So today these ventures are some of the bigger business in the north that we have such as Sakku and Pirusaijiit and I would like to congratulate both Mr. Simailak and Mr. Uluyuk from the Kivalliq region for being involved in those businesses that I stated.
I would also like to congratulate Peter Tatty and Ray Mercer who started their business which running very well today.
I sure in the future they will be successful in other businesses.
Members’ Statements. Mr. Kilabuk.
Member’s Statement 412 - 1(3): Romeo Leblanc Good Fishing Award
First I would like to congratulate the people involved in the Rural Forum.
Today I rise to inform members about someone that was recognized from Pangnirtung.
David Evic was selected as one of the people from across Canada to be selected to receive the Romeo Leblanc Good Fishing award.
The Romeo Leblanc award is given to the people who are involved in fishing industry.
There are strict procedures they have to follow when they go out fishing.
The Romeo Leblanc recognition is given to people who are working very hard to provide good fishing for people.
Mr. Speaker, David Evic was given that award at Rideau Hall on April 28 of this year by the Honourable Romeo Leblanc.
Davidee Evic was invited to a dinner in Ottawa with the other four people that were given awards.
I would like to thank Sakiasie Sowdluapik for his assistance.
Again, I would like recognise Davidee Evic on behalf of the Legislative Assembly.
Just before we continue I would like the opportunity to recognise a very respected distinguished individual in the gallery.
One of the first MLAs from Iqaluit.
Simonie Michael.
I had the opportunity a few weeks ago to be at his place and his wife makes the best bannock in town.
Member’s Statement 413 - 1(3): Successful Session
Mr. Speaker I rise on this last day, possibly the last day of this session to say that I greatly enjoyed the spirited debate that has been going on in the House over the past few weeks.
During this sitting, in the spirit of consensus government we have all raised issues, asked questions, sought clarification and made compromises.
I believe we have been doing our job.
Mr. Speaker we all have roles to play and jobs to do.
I am sure other members as well respect that Ministers have to defend their budgets.
While members have the duty to ask questions and ascertain that decisions are fair and beneficial to all Nunavummiut any government is made stronger by effective accountability.
While the debate maybe heated at times and the spirit of discussions take over I see this as a sign of our strong will and our commitment.
Mr. Speaker hopefully next year we will see the government present the budget materials in a more timely manner.
When the process is under such significant time pressures it is difficult to give issues the consideration and debate they deserve.
With the creation of Nunavut we have all committed to a more transparent government and the people of Nunavut expect this of us.
Our government in a consensus government and consensus requires time, time for discussions, time to listen, time for decision making.
Mr. Speaker I very much look forward to seeing my colleagues and staff back in October.
I sincerely hope that everyone has enjoyed this session as much as I have.
I wish everyone a safe trip home and a pleasant and productive break from the House.
In addition, Mr. Speaker I like to take this opportunity to thank my family for being there for me during these busy times and I look forward in spending quality time with them and I am sure the rest of the members are as well.
Member’s Statement 414 - 1(3): Dogs Killed by SDO
Mr. Barnabas (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends)Not too long ago in Arctic Bay a constituent wrote to me in regards to a serious matter that he was involved in.
The local Sustainable Development officer not only killed my constituent’s sled dog but five of the puppies.
My constituent informed me that insufficient reason was given for what had happened.
Destroying an animal is unpleasant.
However, I do understand that sometimes situations occur which makes it necessary for the animals to be destroyed.
However, considering the animals in question were domestic and no problems were apparent I do feel that my constituent’s grief.
As his MLA, the issue does concern me and when the time arises I will be directing my question to Honourable Minister of Sustainable Development.
(interpretation) I hope the Members of the Legislative Assembly also have a very good summer.
Member’s Statement 415 - 1(3): Coral Harbour Business Opportunities
In Coral Harbour the caribou harvesting has just been completed.
They got approximately 3 thousand caribou harvested during this season, which by the way all had fat.
They are looking forward to seeing a meat processing plant built in the community because they know that they are not going to be getting anything from decentralisation.
I have been in Coral Harbour for the past thirteen years and they have always ventured into various businesses without giving up and without the support most of the time from the government.
Tourism is becoming a very viable business especially in the last two years.
Tourism outfitting, big game hunting and interpretative tours are now being established in my community.
They are also setting up tours and they want to build roads and to build a bridge through the Kugluktuk River, which our Premier saw.
They would like to start building up the grounds so that they can have tours or interpretative tours for tourists.
For those of you who have gone to Coral Harbour they are very productive people and usually kept in par with the people of Rankin Inlet.
Because of course in Coral Harbour there is approximately 700 total population in my community but there are many businesses that are established within the community.
Discovery Channel has made it to our community and will be going back there again to do some underwater filming of marine mammals.
The footage that is taken have been shown through Discovery Channel where they had walruses and other marine mammals like beluga whales, and so on.
I am asking unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Speaker: The Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his member’s statement.
Hon. James Arvaluk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank you my fellow colleagues.
The people of Coral Harbour are a quiet but very determined group of people.
They look into ideas where there could be economic development for their community.
They do not necessarily ask for grants.
On May 23 they will be celebrating because they will have had a Hamlet status for the last 20 years.
Member’s Statement 416 - 1(3): End of Current Session
This working environment can be quite stressful and after the House closes today hopefully government and governance has to continue.
Our staff will have to implement the budget, tenders have to be drawn, new initiatives announced in the budget have to be implemented.
Mr. Speaker work on business plans and budget for next year will start to begin in earnest so they will be prepared for the fall.
Mr. Speaker I know many of my Cabinet colleagues are booked for the next several months right until the first of September.
Many members have talked about the steep learning curve in becoming an MLA.
Some members have talked about this morning that learning curve also includes our families.
A long absence from home and missed birthdays, missing mothers day and fathers day and other events is also apart of a politicians life.
First rule of politics has been stated as Mr. Speaker, to learn to compromise.
And a consensus government that is truer.
Mr. Speaker I have learned over the last five years as an elected Member of this House that it is easier to ask questions than to answer them.
Mr. Speaker I too would like to thank the members and the staff of the Assembly, the interpreters and the people of the audio booth, the media and guess especially upstairs for our offices.
You to Mr. Speaker for your hard work.
In conclusion the people of Iqaluit who have provided so much help and hospitality and continue to provide hospitality to the members of this House. Also to all the people that come to Iqaluit everyday for business for meeting and for pleasures.
With that Mr. Speaker I wish the members a safe journey home and over the coming weeks I know I will be in their communities and I sure I will be welcomed very much by the members as I had been in the past.
I look forward in seeing them in their home environments.
Sometimes Mr. Speaker the environment that we see ourselves in here is different than the environment of home and to relax.
With that Mr. Speaker I thank for your time and thank the members for their support over the last several weeks.
Moving on to Item 4.
Return to OQ 536 - 1(3): Training for DPWTTS Positions
Hon. Manitok Thompson (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and also Mr. Picco, thank you also for your wise words.
I rise today to provide a response to a question asked by Mr. Jobie Nutarak MLA for Tunnuniq on April 27, 2000.
The member asked when training would be taking place for those positions within the Department of Public Works, Telecommunication and Technical Services that will be moving to Pond Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, members will recall that I have already announced the Regional Superintendent for the Baffin region to be based in Pond Inlet.
This individual will begin training during May in preparation for relocation.
We have been reviewing applications from Pond Inlet residents.
Among these applications we have identified nine suitable candidates for positions that may become vacant.
For the decentralised positions that will be going to Pond Inlet.
Public Works, Telecommunication and Technical Services will be working with the Department of Human Resources to develop customised training programs.
Including on the job training in Iqaluit for any new staff hired to work in the Pond Inlet office.
Mr. Speaker sometimes I have an opportunity to recognize visitors in the gallery.
Some of my colleagues get angry with me because I seem to recognise some of their constituents.
What I will try to do today Mr. Speaker is recognise some people that I know quite well and are friends of mine.
First of all Carmen Levi, Deputy Minister of Culture, Language, Elders & Youth a good friend of mine who was my supervisor at Arctic College for several years and became my boss for Community Futures Program many years ago although both us looked younger than we are.
Mr. Speaker over there is Simonie Michael as you introduced earlier, Simonie of course was the first Inuk elected as an MLA over 30 years ago.
Simonie works very hard with the Terry Fox Program.
The students at Inuksuk high school at teaching them land skills.
A very well known resident of Iqaluit and well known throughout Nunavut for his hospitality and his skills.
And just a little bit past that is another constituent of mine.
Geela Giroux Patterson.
Geela is a well-known advocate not only for social issues, women issues but also issues dealing with Iqaluit, a long time social worker and activist.
Also, next to Geela a long time Iqaluit resident a very good translator and interpreter and story teller and a good friend Mali Curly.
Again, I would also like to recognise Ms. Mali Curley.
She has an aunt in Whale Cove.
Also, her aunt, anyway her father’s sister Annie Napayok is from Whale Cove, which is in my riding.
And I would like to say to the people of Whale Cove and say we should have a music festival this summer in your community.
Mr. Speaker I would like to recognise Carmen Levi who use to be from my community and now lives in Iqaluit.
And also next to her is resident of Arctic Bay Alex Etuluk.
I envy those people who are able to recognise visitors in the gallery.
I would like to recognise all the people in the gallery and my constituents of Qikiqtarjuaq and Clyde River.
I am very proud to represent you in your communities and the people of Nunavut.
I recognise all the people of Nunavut.
Question 578 - 1(3): Cabinet Meeting in Pond Inlet
This morning little bit after 5 am my cold got worse so I am a little bit horsy today.
So I will direct my question to the Premier.
When and where is the next out of town cabinet meeting.
The Cabinet is going to hold their meeting in Pond Inlet next month.
Mr. Nutarak supplementary.
Since the Cabinet is going to hold their session in Pond Inlet can you give me the specific date or at least give me the week.
It will be in the week of June 12.
That is our plan to go to Pond Inlet.
Question 579 - 1(3): Fate of Quluaq School
Yesterday I had asked a question to the Minister of Education.
Although I stated it was my last question but more questions are popping out even though the end of the session is in sight.
Mr. Speaker my question is for the Minister of Education.
As you know there has been some debate and discussion as well quite a bit of media coverage about the fate of Quluaq school in Clyde River.
I understand from the Minister comments that the short fall in last years budget was not dealt with in time for the department to organise the sealift materials which would have been paid for under this years budget.
My question is can the Minister tell us why the work of the Quluaq school was left so late in the 1999-2000 fiscal year.
Even the urgent needs were identified in the capital plans as far back as 1998.
Last year we put in the budget 400 thousand dollars.
We put ads in the newspapers and received proposals.
The cheapest bid was 500 thousand dollars and we had budgeted for 400 thousand dollars.
So we had a short fall.
For that reason it became too late and it was at the time when we started the budget process for 2000-2001.
The design of the school was not complete yet because nobody wanted to work for 400 thousand dollars.
For that reason we had to redo it. We had not used that 400 thousand dollars.
Once the design has been completed we will order our sealift materials.
What it means here is that if we do not know the design of the school we can not order the sealift materials.
So therefore, we could not order the materials.
However, the design will be completed this coming summer. Once the design is completed we will do the ordering.
My supplementary question.
Can the Minister tell us why his department did not apply to the Financial Management Board for supplementary appropriation although they know this was short by 100 thousand dollars.
If it was only for the design for the school in Clyde River and looking at the size of the school.
If we were going to use that money just for the design it would have been ok.
We did not really know how dangerous that part of the school was that had fallen off.
So therefore we thought that 400 thousand would have been appropriate.
However, when they put in the bids, they put in a bid way higher than the 400 thousand dollars.
Question 580 - 1(3): Staff Training
I am sure the Premier will have a good session when they go to Pond Inlet and the scenery in beautiful and I am sure that you will find it the community a friendly community.
I would like to ask the Premier a question.
He stated that nine people were selected for the positions and they have received some of their training in Iqaluit.
Since you have stated that these new employees would be trained.
What kind of training are you going to be holding.
In regards to the statement that I made earlier.
The nine positions that we have identified.
We are not sure if all staff will want to move to Pond Inlet because some staff do not want to move to communities.
That is why we stated if some of the staff that not relocate we will hold the training courses.
The Department of Public Works, Telecommunication and Technical Services will hold training sessions such as computer training with the software systems.