EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, by now all ministers and all MLAs and all Nunavummiut know about the bad gasoline.
Mr. Speaker, I know Minister Peter Kattuk is working hard and knows about the issue at hand and we sincerely believe that he wants to help.
I am waiting for a solution.
Mr. Speaker, I know the minister will be keeping us informed about the bad gasoline and will let us know about the solutions they arrive at.
However, I would like the solution found before the end of May 2002 for the people of Repulse Bay.
Member’s Statement 147 – 1(6): Governor General’s Visit to Taloyoak and Gjoa Haven
Mr. Speaker, Nunavummiut and the members know that the Governor-General has been touring the communities recently.
She was in my constituency area from May 10 – 12.
The Governor-General visited Taloyoak and then went on to Gjoa Haven.
While the Governor-General was visiting, the people volunteered and made a show for her.
Their homes were available for viewing, even the special delicacies were prepared, such as caribou stomach lining, sea weed, blubber, and even the qulliq lamp was made available.
Everything was very beautiful.
The Governor-General is not a real Qallunaat.
When she walked into the building with her husband it was very relaxing because she looked right at home amongst the Inuit and the reception was very good and enjoyable.
They were very happy to be there and we celebrated with them.
Member’s Statement 148 – 1(6): Wedding of Jutani Kanayuk and Sheepa Shaimayuk
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do want to make a statement. I was very happy to hear that over the weekend, in my constituency that Jutani Kanayuk and his wife got married, Sheepa Shaimayuk.
They had a wedding and the best man was George Metuq, our technician and the bridesmaid was Susie Shaimayuk.
So I congratulate them on their wedding and I wish them well for the future.
Member’s Statement 149 – 1(6): Help Hunters This Spring – Bad Gasoline
First of all, I would like to congratulate one of our interpreters, who is presently not in the booth.
Mikle and Wayne Langenhan are celebrating their 29th anniversary today.
So I wish them well and have a good day. First of all, I wanted to congratulate them and I also wanted to show off my tie.
Toronto won last night.
A Member: Shame, shame, shame
Mr. Speaker, even though we completed the bad gasoline deliberations yesterday, I rise today for the hunters who will be preparing to launch their boats this spring when the ice leaves.
I am sure the boat operators will be experiencing problems with the bad gasoline, especially the four strokes.
Our government has to be aware that there will be some problems arising from excursions of the boat operators.
Mr. Speaker, when I was home over the weekend, I checked three outboard motor engines which were four strokes.
Two were okay and they were able to start but the third one could not even be started.
So if I was a wildlife researcher and having only checked three outboard motors, and finding one out of three, I would extrapolate that out of every ten engines, there may be three that would become seized up, perhaps more, I cannot say as I am not a researcher.
So this is a bit dangerous with the inherent dangers of our gasoline so we will definitely have to assist the hunters, especially when they start going out boating and experiencing problems.
I mean this government.
Member’s Statement 150 – 1(6): Encouraging Residents to Seek Help with Bad Gasoline
Yesterday when we deliberated on the bad gasoline, the minister made some statements on the issue and some members asked their questions accordingly.
Yesterday when we had this deliberation I want the public of Nunavut to understand clearly and to be patient while they are waiting because the Nunavut Government cannot resolve this situation instantly.
Although we know it is bad gasoline and I know there may be people asking questions for those that didn’t listen to the proceedings.
There were already some comments on the early morning recordings from some of our people, but I am sure they will be asking for clarification in regards to the bad gasoline.
So I am urging all Nunavummiut to be patient.
If you have any concerns or questions please consult with your MLA or bring your questions to the officials at the Public Works and Services departmental offices.
So there are places to go to get further clarification.
Member’s Statement 151 – 1(6): Recognition of Traditions – Going on the Land
In regards to Mr. Irqittuq’s riding and the people who were on TV, I am sure that everybody was pleased.
Today I would like to make a few comments to acknowledge the very capable Inuit out there in the communities.
At times we tend to put them down a little because of course we want to help them to the best of our ability.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge and recognize the Inuit of Nunavut out there.
There are some very wise people in our communities and this spring there are going to be some of these wise Inuit who will be bringing their relatives, young male relatives, the mothers and so on, out on the land and usually we don’t acknowledge the people by way of the media or publicly.
The Inuit out there are extremely capable and they are very wise even if they never went through a formal education system.
We are starting to see more and more kamotiks with boxes and shelters made over them.
And there are also cabins where they process the meat and dry it.
Usually, those frames are made with nets or screens over them so the bugs and other animals and so on don’t get into the meat.
We also are now seeing a new invention to treat and soften dried skin to be made into materials for sewing and even new fabrics being made into clothing.
These fabrics or materials are wind resistant and warmer than the materials that were used prior to that.
I would like to ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Women are also extremely capable.
We now have electric sewing machines that are being used to produce articles and there are also hand sewn clothing being produced.
We are seeing more and more of these unique products coming out onto the street without any fanfare.
They are used by the hunters for their harvesting excursions.
All of these are inventions of the Inuit.
Mr. Speaker, there was one time I went to a house, I happened upon a woman diligently working away on something.
I do not know what you call it in Inuktitut, but I think it is called tyvek that is weather proof and is being used as a lining for amautiks.
What I am trying to say Mr. Speaker, is that there are a lot of extremely capable Inuit out there.
There are also dogs that are capable of barking at bears, meat drying cabins and other wondrous inventions.
Not all Inuit are run of the mill; there are also many Inuit who can still chase away polar bears with traditional methods from their camps.
Mr. Speaker, I felt I should speak when this type of ingenuity is not acknowledged, and I just want to acknowledge the Inuit out there, the children, the men and women, the wives and husbands who are now manufacturing or making unique inventions out there using contemporary materials like tyvek and so on.
These are unique inventions that nobody mentions on the news.
I will make further comments on that in regards to acknowledging the Inuit out there who are innovative in meeting the challenges we are facing today.
Member’s Statement 152 – 1(6): Congratulate and Recognize Three Residents of Sanikiluaq
I rise today to congratulate three people from Sanikiluaq who will be travelling to Montreal from May 21 to 24.
These three individuals have a unique job, something we do not usually imagine.
They are making soapstone slabs that will be put on walls.
I would like to congratulate these three individuals because making slabs to put on buildings is something that is unique and they are furthering their careers in other places.
This is not a career that we have seen in Nunavut before.
We are talking about soapstone slabs that are used as exterior finishing.
They were used to beautify the hotel in Sanikiluaq.
They are put on the exterior of the buildings, and we will probably see it when we are there.
I would like to congratulate those individuals on behalf of the Members of the Nunavut Legislative Assembly.
Jobie Meeko, Joanasie Amittuq and Sarah Novalinga will be travelling to Montreal.
These are young people who are extremely talented and committed to their chosen profession.
I wish to share my pride with my fellow legislators.
Member’s Statement 153 – 1(6): Inuit Tradition – Treating Bear Skins
I would like to make a supplementary statement with respect to Ms. Thompson’s comments in regards to the extremely capable and innovative people out there.
In Pangnirtung my father-in-law, Marcus Sowdloapik, was the very first individual to make that bearded sealskin softening invention.
I wish to fully acknowledge this innovative way of meeting a need that surfaced.
This unique invention is used by people who don’t have teeth anymore, or who now have dentures and usually ask their husbands to soften the skins via chewing and this was an invention as a result of this constant request.
This is on behalf of my wife and I. Thank you.
Member’s Statement 154 – 1(6): Qikiqtarjuaq Tannery
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the community of Qikiqtarjuaq.
There is a tannery that was built in that community and it has been closed for a while.
I want to help them re-open that tannery.
I was not able to show the sealskins that were treated in that tannery because of our busy schedule, but I will produce them for your benefit as well as for all Nunavummiut when we have the time.
We see different coloured sealskins which are unique and beautiful to see.
They are produced in Qikiqtarjuaq and require quite a bit of labour and hard work and provide employment.
I will probably have time to show them off some time during this session.
The end of our term is still quite a ways off and at some time in the future I will show off those treated sealskin products.
I am sure that we will be taking orders for treated sealskins from that tannery in Nunavut and at the international level sometime soon.
If this can be successfully re-launched, it would be another example of our ingenuity and I hope that people look forward to it.
Member’s Statement 155 – 1(6): Wedding Congratulations to Tony and Tania
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform members of something that was probably a very well kept secret.
As some members may know, Mr. Tony Rose who is our Public Affairs Officer here for the Legislative Assembly is a new man.
This week, last Saturday, Mr. Rose got married.
Mr. Speaker, he was married to Tania Scott who is no longer Ms. Tania Scott, she is Mrs. Tania Rose.
I would like to ask all members to join me in wishing them well in the days and years ahead.
Return to OQ 113 – 1(6): Taloyoak Fire Hall and Gjoa Haven Water Treatment Plant
Return to OQ 034 – 1(6): Shoreline Erosion in Qikiqtarjuaq
Hon. Manitok Thompson (interpretation): Qujannamiik, Uqaqti. Mr. Speaker.
I lost my focus as my mind is out on the fishing lakes today jigging away.
(interpretation ends) I will have two returns to Oral Questions today, one by Uriash Puqiqnak on May 7th, 2002.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to provide a response to a question that I took as notice from the Member for Nattilik regarding plans for the Fire Hall in Taloyoak and the Water Treatment Plant in Gjoa Haven.
(interpretation) Tenders were received for the construction of the fire hall in Taloyoak but they far exceeded the budgeted amount in the Capital Plan. (interpretation ends) At this point we have decided to extend the time for the verification of the tender details by one month and believe that we have a sufficient budget to undertake the project as originally planned.
Now for the Gjoa Haven water treatment plant, the department has completed phase 2 of the planning study for a new water supply in Gjoa Haven and the community has selected a preferred alternative.
The department in co-operation with the Department of Public Works and Services will be preparing a Request for Proposals for Detailed Design Services for the preferred alternative.
It is anticipated that a contract can be signed by mid-July allowing for any geotechnical or field work to be undertaken and design completed through the fall and winter.
Mr. Speaker, I have another Return to an Oral Question asked by David Iqaqrialu on April 26, 2002.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I would like to provide a response to a question that I took as notice from the Member for Uqqummiut regarding the shoreline erosion in the community of Qikiqtarjuaq.
(interpretation ends) An erosion study was conducted by a consulting firm in late 2000.
The study focused on the area around the Sijamiut Convenience Store and the surrounding shoreline.
From the study, it was determined that the action that was taken by the community was sufficient to meet the current erosion activity.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, last week members of my staff were in the community and met with Hamlet officials to discuss the problem.
Although there is still ice present, the problem was made clear by our departmental staff to the Hamlet.
Once the weather permits, the department will work with the Hamlet to undertake temporary measures to mitigate the erosion problem.
We will be happy to discuss with the community officials long-term measures that could prevent further erosion in the area.
Members will note on my left is a large delegation.
These ladies and gentlemen are from Ottawa and I guess all across the country.
They are with the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs and I’d like to introduce them if I could.
We have the Deputy Minister, Mark Lasinier, the Associate Deputy Minister, Marie Fortier, John Sinclair the ADM, Jim Moore ADM, Gordon Shanks ADM, Michelle Roy ADM, Caroline Davis ADM, Chantel Bernier ADM, Colleen Barry Administration Officer, Madeliene Lafleur, Human Resources, Ann MacCallister, Sr.
General Council.
Also from most of the provinces across the country we have the Regional Director Generals, from BC, John Watson, from Alberta, Barry Rob, from Ottawa, Linda Muir Lataou, from Saskatchewan, Roy Bird, from Manitoba, Marilyn Penny, from Ontario, John Donnelly, from Quebec, Jerome LaPierre, and from the Atlantic, all the way from Sidney, Nova Scotia, James Wheelhouse, Dr. James Wheelhouse, from the Northwest Territories, Bob Overvold, the Yukon, John Brown and from Nunavut, Wilf Atwood.
Welcome to the chamber and to Nunavut and when you head back to Ottawa don’t forget about people here in Nunavut, Iqaluit.
Question 174 – 1(6): Timeline of Taloyoak Fire Hall Project
Mr. Speaker, I’d like to direct my question to the Minister of Community Government and Transportation.
I heard her reply on returns to oral questions but, for the record I’d just like to get some more clarification on the fire hall on Taloyoak.
The project that is due to proceed; is it going to proceed this summer? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
In Taloyoak, the proposed fire hall facility, there was an RFP that was advertised and the proposals exceed the budget amount in the capital plan and we extended it for one month, but we are expecting that we’ll be able to go ahead with this project for 2002 – 2003 and that’s in the capital plans.
We are urgently trying to get it started this summer.
So, there was a little delay on the project because the bids exceeded the budget amount in the capital plans.
I will talk to the Hamlet of Taloyoak, or get my staff to consult with the Hamlet of Taloyoak on this project either today or tomorrow as to what they can expect this summer in regards to this proposed fire hall.
Mr. Puqiqnak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.
The fire hall for Taloyoak, at least the material is not there yet, so will they be bringing the material in the summer via the sea lift?
Hon. Manitok Thompson (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I think we just turned off a whole bunch of Canadian delegates.
That was a quick observation.
Mr. Speaker, according to the plan, under the capital budget we have plans to build the fire hall in Taloyoak and I don’t know what’s coming on the barge this summer but I’m hoping that it will be on the barge this summer.
I will get that clarified but we are saying that the project that was supposed to be planned this summer, my department has told me that it will be begun as originally planned, which I’m understanding from the capital year that it will be begun this summer and something should come off the barge for that.
The minister stated that the material should be in this summer but she wasn’t sure, so will the material be definitely shipped in this summer?
Could you respond and let me know if the material will be brought into the community this summer for sure?
My response is, that looking at the capital plan we are expecting that material should be arriving this summer.
As to the question that the member raised in regards to the material and its arrival, I’m not sure if the material has already been ordered, but I’ll get my staff to look into this matter.
I will let the member know as soon as I’m able to get the information.
I am expecting that something will be happening this summer but what I cannot say is exactly where the process is in regards to the materials.
Before lunch time I’ll provide that information to the member.
Question 175 – 1(6): Grizzly Bear Problems
I just want to first comment, during the days of the GNWT, as far as the grizzly bears, the bears that used to go into the camps, we used to be told to be aware of the bears coming into the camps and we had a system that was geared towards protecting people in tents and camps.
In regards to the fences, would the minister use fences to try and keep the bears away from the camps?
I just want some clarification on that.
The grizzly bears, the problem bear situation that you raise, we are prepared to look into this matter.
This is the first time I have heard of it.
I think there are electric fences that the member is talking about and we could look at this type of fencing for camps and our predecessors’ practices and see what we could do to assist the people that are having problems.
There are numerous cabins outside of our communities and as the Uqqummiut member stated yesterday there are problems with bear disturbing camps and caches in his area and there would be a lot of camps to fence in, if we were to deal with it in this manner. While dealing with this we’ll look at how we could assist hunters in camps on this problem in the future.
I thank the minister for this promise to look into the issue.
As we know, summer time is approaching and the grizzly bears are starting to roam the land again.
It becomes a problem when these bears come into the camps unexpectedly.
By my knowledge, there were perhaps a couple of electric fences that were used in my community.
And I had observed that these electric fences seemed to work.
I just wanted to inform the minister that observing the people that used the electric fences; it seemed to be a good idea.
When would you perhaps make time to put these in use; perhaps in the near future?
I can’t really say when we would be putting in fences but we could look at what money is available to provide fences to camps that are having problems with bears.
We have to review this Nunavut-wide and not only as a regional problem.
This would apply to all species of bears that cause problems.
We could review how much money would need to be spent on fencing these camp sites and once we have that information we would look at where this is needed.
There are some areas that we need to research in order for us to proceed to the next level.
Question 176 – 1(6): Plan on Community Wellness Projects
In the communities, we have health committees or wellness committees and these committees, if they run smoothly it will greatly benefit the communities.
In the communities, we have wellness projects that need to be provided.
These could benefit the communities socially and I’d like to ask the minister what he’s doing with the community wellness projects, and how well these are running?
Mr. Speaker, one of the most important parts of delivering Health and Social Services in Nunavut has been over the last two years, the usage of Brighter Futures as well as community wellness money.
Mr. Speaker, those monies have helped us at the community level hire community counsellors, who are in most cases Inuit who can speak Inuktitut, as well as alcohol and drug programs through community wellness and brighter futures funding.
Mr. Speaker, the wellness money that’s available to communities is facilitated through the Department of Health and Social Services in the Baffin and the Keewatin and through the KIA in the Kitikmeot.
Mr. Speaker, my supplementary question is the health committees are trained.
How well is the training program going with the communities and does the minister receive updates on these matters?
Mr. Speaker, the Community Wellness Committee or health committees at the community level about two years ago, after the integration of the health boards, every community received an orientation package which was delivered by facilitators from the Department of Health and Social Services.
Since that time, Mr. Speaker, there has been movement in the committees where new people have joined and so on.
And we need now to go back into the communities where needed and that’s on request from each of the committees or from the hamlet and deliver a refresher orientation program.
Mr. Speaker, I would suggest to you that the health committees at the local level have been very successful.
A good example, just recently, when Mr. Roy Romanow came in on the Canadian-wide Health Commission Study, we actually met with the chairperson and some of the health committee people in Pangnirtung from that committee who are very active.
So, Mr. Speaker, I would suggest to you that it has been very successful and the member’s correct, we need to be able to go back in as a department and continue the orientation and the special courses on the duties and the roles of the committees at the community level.
My other question is that these committees I believe are under the municipalities.
How are these committees running under the municipalities?
Each hamlet has the opportunity to appoint the members to the health committee in their community and we think that’s important because it’s the community people themselves that knows what’s best for the community.
To date, Mr. Speaker, I would suggest to you that the health committees have worked really well.
In some communities they have not taken off as well, have not been involved as much on the way of promotion and so on.
And I believe that’s where, in our regional offices, we’re doing an evaluation to look at what’s happening and if they need more logistical, technical, and other administrative support to be able to deliver and do their duties.
And I should also point out, as the member is correct, the committees are committees of the council, the hamlet.
And they’re in every community in Nunavut.
I’m not sure if my question is appropriate but I will ask anyways.
I was wondering if the minister could give us a report as to the work of the committees and how well they are running.
If we could receive a report?
Mr. Speaker, as I said earlier, the committees are committees of the Hamlet Councils.
Here in Iqaluit for example, Netsik Committee is a committee of the City Council.
What I could do Mr. Speaker, is over the next couple of months, get reports from each regional office and from each community in the regional office and be able to provide that through the Standing Committee on how many members we have and so on.
At my office for example, here in Iqaluit, the Legislative Assembly, I have a list of all committee members as well as the Chair for each hamlet committee in each community in Nunavut and I could also directly contact them from my office to find out how they’re doing, if they need support and so on.
But that’s a regional job followed up by Community Development Officers that we have in the department as well as by our regional offices.
So we will try to get some of that information for the member.