EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Although this federal program was initially intended to fund work on the national highway system, I am pleased to say that I have been able to lobby my federal counterpart, the Minister of Transport Canada, to have his department take into account the unique circumstances of Nunavut.
As a result, his department has agreed to relax its criteria and include Nunavut in this funding program.
Not only have we been included in the program, we have also managed to convince other provinces, as well as the federal government, that the funding formula should include a base amount and not be calculated solely on a per capita formula.
As a result, we have been able to achieve two goals: we have managed to convince Transport Canada to include Nunavut in a funding program that we would otherwise not be eligible for, and we have raised our portion of funding from a mere 300 thousand dollars to 4.3 million dollars over the next four years starting April 1st, 2002.
These funds will be dedicated to the development of community access roads in Nunavut communities.
Finally, Mr. Chairman, I would like to assure the members that, within the bounds of the regulatory requirements established, the department’s capital funds will be allocated in consultation with the communities.
We will not impose a Community Government and Transportation priority where the communities have determined that they would benefit from a different capital project, as long as the project is one required by regulation.
Where such a conflict exists, we will defer to the communities.
I would like to state that my department is establishing a consultation system that will work one year in advance of any capital projects.
This should ensure appropriate lead-time for proper community consultation regarding capital projects.
In closing, allow me to reiterate that the Department of Community Government is aware of the capital needs that exists in Nunavut’s communities and is working hard to find other sources of funding that will allow us to soften the hard reality of limited capital dollars.
Qujannamiik, Mr. Chairman.
Chairperson (interpretation): Do you have any opening comments.
As Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Community Empowerment and Sustainable Development I am pleased to be able to provide the opening comments as we begin the review of the 2002-2003 Capital estimates for Community Government & Transportation.
Mr. Chairman, the Standing Committee had the opportunity in June to meet with the Minister responsible for Community Government & Transportation to review the draft 2002-2003 Capital estimates.
Mr. Chairman, the Committee is pleased with the department's continuing efforts to secure infrastructure funding from the Federal government to various Federal programs.
However the on-going nature of the negotiations.
The Committee asks to have more regular updates on their status.
This additional information would allow Members to be properly informed and enable to respond to questions from their constituents.  The Committee was pleased with regards to funding under the ACAP program for one project but was disappointed to learn that money due to be allocated under ACAP funding to other communities was lost because it wasn't announced prior to the federal election call.
It is hoped that applications were resubmitted for those project and that the Committee will be kept informed as to the status of those applications.
Mr. Chairman, in the past the committee has called for more transparency with regards to expenditures which are categorized as various.
While the purpose of those funds has become clear, more clarification is required.
Specially, 300 thousand dollars has been put aside for recreation facilities and it is not clear which projects would qualify for this funding or how many communities may benefit from it.
Mr. Chairman the Committee was pleased by the Ministers commitment to consult with Members of the Legislative Assembly in communities on the allocation of funds received under the MOU with the Canadian Coast Guard for wharf maintenance.
Mr. Chairman, we would ask that the Members of the Legislative Assembly and communities also be given a role to play in determining priorities for funds received under Transport Canada's National Highways Infrastructure.
This program is extremely important as Members know because it provides funding for community access roads.
These roads allow access to recreational and historical sites and to open water in support of fishing, hunting, and tourism.
Because each community has its own individual and unique needs.
Community consultations will be imperative when determining the location of these access roads.
Mr. Chairman, the Committee noted that over half of the department's capital budget is spent on water, sewage, and sanitation projects in various communities.
As members know forced growth will put strains on these systems in each of the communities.
The Committee encourage the department to create a twenty-year plan with regards to water, sewage and sanitation.
This plan would allow for more affective lobbying of the federal government for funding and would show a clear vision of the future of Nunavut communities.
The Committee agrees that regulatory standards exist which make water, sewage and sanitation projects a priority without a doubt.
These are important projects but due to these regulations it appears communities are not being consulted.
You can't build a new community hall in a community that desperately needs upgrades to their sewage facilities, drinking water or dump.
Therefore it is more important that the communities be involved wherever possible.
Mr. Chairman, the Committee see a clear opportunity for community consultations with regards to projects and initiatives that fall under third party funding.
That is why the Committee was glad to hear the departments work towards the establishing a consultation system.
It is the wish of the Committee to be advise of this status of this system to ensure the needs of the communities are being heard and that that the system is being used by the communities to the best effect.
Mr. Chairman, in the past months there has been attention paid to the situation concerning waste management in Iqaluit and the status of the sewage treatment and community incinerator.
The Committee would appreciate updates on these projects indicating the department plan with regards to our Capital city.
Mr. Chairman, members are well aware of the problem with per-capita funding when it comes to the allocation of federal investments in Nunavut.
This is why we are pleased that the department continues to negotiate for additional funds under the Canada-Nunavut Infrastructure program.
This negotiation must highlight Nunavut's unique geographic and demographic needs to the federal government and in fact to the county as a whole.
That concludes my opening comments on the capital estimates of the Community Government & Transportation.
Individual members may wish to raise questions or make comments.
On that note I wish to report progress.
The member wishes to report progress.
And there is no debate on that.
Thank you, minister and your staff and we will see you tomorrow at the witness table.
You can go and get the Speaker.
Your committee has been considering Bill 12 and would like to report that Bill 12 is still under consideration and would like to report progress.
And Mr. Speaker, I move that the Report of Committee of the Whole be concurred with.
Speaker: Thank you, do we have a seconder.
All those in favour. Agreed. Carried.
Orders of the day for Friday, November 23.
Motion 13-1(5)
The House will adjourn until tomorrow, November 23, 2001 at 10 am.
>>House adjourned at 5:48 p.m.
Friday November 23, 2001
1933 - 1993
Revert to Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 4
Friday November 23, 2001 4
109 - 1(5): White Ribbon Days (Kattuk) 4
110 - 1(5): Funding Increases for H&SS Committees of Council (Picco) 4
111 - 1(5): Search & Rescue Secretariat Funding (Anawak) 4
112 - 1(5): Team Canada West (Okalik) 4
311 - 1(5): Mid-term Leadership Review (Arvaluk) 4
312 - 1(5): Unusual Tracks (Kattuk) 4
313 - 1(5): Concerns Over Legends (Iqaqrialu) 4
314 - 1(5): Recognition of Police Officers (Puqiqnak) 4
315 - 1(5): Recognition of Rankin Inlet’s Kivalliq Arctic Foods (Anawak) 4
316 - 1(5): Recognition of Pangnirtung Volunteers (Kilabuk) 4
317 - 1(5): Aged Walrus Meat - Wrong Residence (Thompson) 4
318 - 1(5): Anniversary of Speaker’s Election (Picco) 4
319 - 1(5): Construction of Road & Bridge in Kugaaruk (Alakannuark) 4
319 - 1(5): Health Committees of Council Funding Increase (Nutarak) 4
320 - 1(5): Increase in Health Committees of Council Funding (Iqaqrialu) 4
321 - 1(5): Health Committee Funding in Smaller Communities (Williams) 4
322 - 1(5): Update on Baker Lake Group Home Closure (McLean) 4
323 - 1(5): RFP for Chesterfield Inlet Facility (Arvaluk) 4
324 - 1(5): Financing Request Rent to Own (McLean) 4
325 - 1(5): Polar Bear Management Agreement with HTOs (Williams) 4
326 - 1(5): Polar Bear Management Authority (Iqaqrialu) 4
327 - 1(5): Study on Bowhead Whales (Alakannuark) 4
328 - 1(5): Polar Bear Quota Increase - Coral Harbour (Arvaluk) 4
329 - 1(5): Culture, Language, Elders & Youth Staff Numbers (Nutarak) 4
330 - 1(5): Regional Chamber of Commerce (McLean) 4
049 - 1(5): Statement of Regular Members’ - Leadership Review (Arvaluk) 4
013 - 1(5): Tabled Document 41 - 1(5) Report of the Nunavut Liquor Licensing Board to Committee of the Whole (Williams) 4
Bill 15 - Technical Standards and Safety Act - Notice (Thompson) 4
Bill 14 - 1(5): An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act - First Reading (Ng) 4
Bill 12 – Appropriation Act No. 1, 2002/2003 - Consideration in Committee 4  Friday November 23, 2001
Honourable Olayuk Akesuk, Mr. Ovide Alakannuark, Honourable Jack Anawak, Mr. Donald Havioyak, Mr. David Iqaqrialu, Honourable Peter Kattuk, Honourable Peter Kilabuk, Mr. Jobie Nutarak, Honourable Kelvin Ng, Mr. Glenn McLean, Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Honourable Paul Okalik, Honourable Ed Picco, Mr. Uriash Puqiqnak, Honourable Manitok Thompson, Ms. Rebekah Williams.
Speaker (Mr. O'Brien): I would like to ask Mr. Nutarak to say the opening prayer.
Good morning, Mr. Premier, members.
Minister's Statement 109 - 1(5): White Ribbon Days
I would like to recognize November 25 - December 6 as White Ribbon Days.
Around the world, men wear ribbons to show their commitment to ending violence against women.
(interpretation ends) I would like to invite all elected members to join me in this campaign.
I ask that you all wear a white ribbon from November 25 to December 6, as your commitment to end violence against women.
Wearing this ribbon is your pledge not to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.
We spend time and money in our government focusing on preserving our culture and promoting Inuit knowledge and tradition.
Let's start with ourselves.
Traditionally, Inuit culture supported the strong roles of men and women in the family and in the community.
Men and women work together with respect for each other.
Men taught their sons how to hunt, build shelter and work a dog team. Not to hate or hurt women.
Women taught their daughters to prepare skins, sew clothing and keep the Qudlik light glowing. Not how to fear men.
Inuit culture teaches by observation, let's continue that tradition.
On this, the 10th anniversary of White Ribbon Days, I invite you all to take the ribbons back to your communities and begin the talks to start the healing process.
Building healthy communities begins with healthy individuals.
As elected officials, let's take the first step together today.
Nakurmiik, Uqaqti.
Minister's Statement 110 - 1(5): Funding Increases for H&SS Committees of Council
Uqaqti, I am pleased to be able to inform you and this House, that following the direction I received from this House, and from the Standing Committee on Education and Health, the Department of Health and Social Services has increased the funding levels for all community health committees of council.
Mr. Speaker, funding for the committees is now based on population and ranges from 5 thousand dollars to 12 thousand 500 dollars, depending on the size of the community.
Committees of Council have been established in all 26 communities and all have received initial training and orientation.
Mr. Speaker, these committees are an important way to ensure that there is direct input from communities regarding Health and Social Services issues.
Mr. Speaker, my department will continue to work closely with the committees of council, consult with them on a regular basis about community issues and concerns, and engage them in developing a strategic plan for health and social services across the territory and at the community level.
Minister's Statement 111 - 1(5): Search & Rescue Secretariat Funding
Hon. Jack Anawak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As Nunavummiut we are all aware of how important travelling on the land and water is to our heritage and way of life.
We spend many hours hunting, fishing or travelling from one community or outpost camp to another.
Every year we are faced with the challenge of searching for dozens of people who have lost their way.
As a result Search and Rescue operations are vital to the safety of Nunavummiut.
In an effort to improve our search and rescue capabilities, the Department of Community Government & Transportation has been successful in obtaining funding from the Federal Search & Rescue Secretariat for various search and rescue programs.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, over the next three years the Department's Nunavut Emergency Management Division will be seeing the benefits of 1.38 million dollars for the development of the following programs:
A communications program will provide training to Inuktitut speaking operators for the marine radio service which helps provide communication services for people on the land or on water;
Provision of four global positioning systems and a set of land maps and water charts for every Nunavut community;
The development of a Nunavut specific training manual dealing with ground search and rescue techniques, first aid and basic emergency preparedness for elected municipal officials;
The establishment of a web page emergency resource that will give the communities access to information, maps and other resources to handle emergencies, and as I announced recently in this House, the creation of Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary Units across Nunavut.
Through this program we will be making travel on land and water, as well as search and rescue operations, safer for all Nunavummiut.
It is through third party funding such as this, that the Department of Community Government & Transportation is working to increase the funds it has available to it for the communities.
Minister's Statement 112 - 1(5): Team Canada West
I wish to inform the members of my plans to accompany the Prime Minister and the Premiers of the Territories and the Western Provinces to Dallas, Texas and Los Angeles, California on Team Canada West.
This trade mission is hosted by the Prime Minister and organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
I will be leaving Ottawa for Dallas on November 26 and then going on to Los Angeles on November 28.
(interpretation) This trade mission represents an excellent opportunity for our government and Nunavut businesses to make contact with U.S. government officials, such as the governors of Texas and California, as well as U.S. companies that are interested in investing in Nunavut.
The federal Minister of Trade has extended an invitation to businesses in the Territories and the Western Provinces to go on this trade mission and a special business program has been set up for those attending.
The Nunavut business community will be represented on the trip.
For example, the Nunavut Development Corporation and Kivalliq Meat and Fish will be going.
(interpretation ends) Nunavut has much to offer our American neighbours, including renewable resource products such as country foods, tourism and resources such as oil and gas.
In return we stand to benefit from investment that will help bolster our economy.
Mr. Speaker, I will then be travelling to Washington, D.C. for meetings on December 3rd and 4th.
The purpose of my visit there is to present information on Nunavut to journalists and scientists and I will be speaking at both the Smithsonian Institute and Meridian International Center.
With the assistance of the Canadian Embassy there, we will be holding some preliminary meetings with the Marine Mammal Commission, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service.
(interpretation) These are agencies and commissions that would be interested in our desire to have the U.S. amend its Marine Mammal Protection Act, so that in due course American markets might be open to the export of our sealskins and fur clothing products.
Mr. Speaker, I believe the Team Canada West Trade Mission will benefit Nunavut and I am pleased to be part of it on behalf of all Nunavummiut.
I look forward to the Washington meetings as a first step in promoting Nunavut exports to the United States.
Member's Statement 311 - 1(5): Mid-term Leadership Review
Mr. Arvaluk: Ullakkut, Uqaqti.
I rise today on behalf of the Regular Members' Caucus.
At the appropriate time today I will be tabling a written statement of the regular members on the Mid-term Leadership Review, November 15 to 17, 2001.
As all members know, the Leadership Review was agreed to at the time the Premier and the Members of the Cabinet were first elected in March of 1999.
The Leadership Review process was developed by the regular members and took place over two and a half days in the Assembly.
This statement is a summary of the issues raised in the House during the Leadership Review.
I will highlight some excerpts of the statement at this time.
As members noted, the government system is not our traditional way of life.
If we had governed in an Inuit way, we would not be judging whether our leaders are good or not, as we are doing in this review.
Although we have agreed to use the parliamentary system, we still want to incorporate Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit with this system.
There is a heavy burden on all members to create a government in a manner that is consistent with the issues of Nunavummiut.
The Premier stated that we know that Nunavut has existed in the hearts and minds of our ancestors for millennia.
We as a government are in our infancy, we are in the midst of finding our way, of learning to balance ourselves.
To the members the balance seems to be setting up a government that is consistent with the modern federal parliamentary system in which we must operate and be blended with one that is based on Inuit values and makes the changes that Nunavummiut hope to see.
In the interests of this balance, the members hope that this leadership review will tell us where the weight should be shifted in order to continue with our journey.
Members noted the forward looking leadership of the Cabinet in laying out principles and short and long term objectives in the Bathurst Mandate adopted after the meeting in Baker Lake.
Speaker: Mr. Arvaluk, continue.
Mr. Arvaluk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues. (interpretation ends) The priorities of housing and education are good ones and the principles of promoting healthy communities, self-reliance, putting people first, simplicity and unity have the full support of the members.
Members felt the leadership review focused on the progress to date and the need for government to re-focus its efforts in order to actually fulfill the mandate laid out in the Bathurst Mandate.
Members continue to support decentralization as a model for government and are pleased that the government seems on track to complete this task during their term.
However, members are concerned about the trend of the departments to take on more responsibility for services and they want to see more emphasis on devolution of government services to the community level as well as community capacity building.
Members are also concerned that the Cabinet and the departments do not seem to be working together.
Members want see more integration and working together at the Nunavut Territorial level both at the Cabinet and at the departmental level, as well as across communities to meet the unity principle.
Members are concerned that instead of simplicity the bureaucracy is becoming more complex and more paperwork is being required from the communities and from individuals trying to access government programs and services.
Members are also concerned about the lack of attention to social issues, youth and economic development.
People need to feel good about themselves before they can achieve the self-reliance described in the Bathurst Mandate.
Perhaps more significant is the lack of progress over the past two and a half years to some incorporation of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit into the government at any level.
The statement also summarizes the comments of the regular members with regard to the Premier and each of the ministers.
It also lists ten leadership themes addressed to the Cabinet as a whole during the second half of this government as follows:
Work together more at the Cabinet and at the departmental level;
Get serious about Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit;
Support communities, all communities;
Put more Inuit in senior management levels and provide more training for existing leadership positions;
Help individuals at the community level to access government programs better;
Re-focus for the second half on social issues, economic development and culture;
Know what your departments are doing and promote it at the community level with other levels of government and with other Cabinet colleagues;
Have the government multiply your resources and do more with what you have;
Reform the current structure of the departments and the assignment of portfolios;
Look at what programs may be merged because of today's situation.
Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, without the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement we would still be in the GNWT.
We would not have our own Territory of Nunavut in which to build a new government.
While putting all the efforts that we have made over the last few years into creating the new government, the government has not been asking the question; how do we create a new government of Nunavut that will meet the needs of Nunavummiut and be respectful of Inuit values, traditions and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
The balance must shift in the second half of the term to address the overall lack of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in the government and the other concerns in this review.
If the Cabinet does not act on these concerns by the April sitting, members will take action regarding their leadership.
Member's Statement 312 - 1(5): Unusual Tracks
Today being Friday I will be making a light Member's Statement.
I will try to make my statement brief and tell a short story.
When I was a child we used to live in tents in the winter and collect wood out on the land.
During a wood gathering trip, my grandmother said they saw footprints but they weren’t human footprints.
These were bigger.
So my friend and I went to look at the tracks.
When we put our feet together our two feet fit in the one track.
During the summer at that time as children we used to have slingshots to hunt birds and small animals.
When ducks landed on the shoreline, even though there was a fog we started hunting those ducks with slingshots.
The dogs were pretty close and they started howling from the other side of the shore, from the opposite side of our camp.
My friend was older than me and he said we have to tell someone because we can hear someone’s dog howling.
I said let’s go, let’s go tell my uncle.
And we thought they were my uncle’s dogs because we were getting scared because the dogs howling was coming from the opposite side of our camp…
I would like to have unanimous consent to complete my statement.
Hon. Peter Kattuk (interpretation): On top of the hill there were rocks.
We could hear the rocks falling down the hill and they were coming from that opposite side of our camp.
We started walking towards the opposite side of our camp where we could hear the rocks falling down, like an avalanche.