EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
(interpretation ends) They have the attitude that you are Inuit so you get all the rights and benefits.
You are a beneficiary.
They believe that the beneficiary is the answer to everyone’s problem.
They are naive, and sometimes appears to be deliberate, and putting down of Inuit employees.
Some respects it was frightening, and the person came down to me, with the employee relation problem, they couldn’t speak to their supervisor, there were issues of racism involved in there, and there were issues about religious issues, all kinds of stress.
I believe we can establish a healthy workplaces.
I think that should really be promoted.
We can try and get all the report in problems in here corrected.
I think the message should be that we need a team that works together.
I sometimes think that message is not getting across to the supervisor and the employees.
And you’re not going to get it through the consultants, it may make you try, right from the outset indicate that there are different group types of individuals or race is involved, or ethnic groups, they still have to be a team within the department.
So that’s what I’m getting at.
The detail, I would like to be able to sit down with you and say my constituent is not going to be reprimanded for being found out that the situation has happened.
We know that there not going to be, like my colleagues, if they blow a whistle or something, do they have the confidence to trust in you that they will not be reprimanded.
It’s evident that we need to work closely together along with Nunavut Employees' Union, although we work closely with them.
When problems occur, and your telling the fact that as an Inuk, it’s very difficult to go complain about an individual who’s non-native.
So these feeling, their feelings like that, so those are some of the reasons why some of the Inuit employees don’t know who to turn to.
Yes we can review this matter, but one thing I can agree to, that in Rankin Inlet all the employees can be provided with a workshop, especially when they are Inuit employees; this is how the complaint process is, this is how you can go complain.
Inuit people, especially, should know their rights.
I agree to that, and I can ask my officials to look into that.
If there were any problems with employees in Rankin Inlet to do a workshop, we hold workshops in Iqaluit with the Government of Nunavut employees.
This needs to be expanded to the outside communities of Iqaluit and I can agree to that and commit to it.
The problems, at times, occur within the various departments.
Each department have their own mandate and they are responsible for themselves.
The Department of Human Resources, at times, work with the other departments, but when there are problems occurring in the other departments, like for example, Department of Health and Department of Education and various departments, your comment is well taken and in regards to holding a workshop with Inuit people to make them learn what their rights are.
So we will do that.
I will now recognize the clock and we will report progress.
I will note that Mr. Curley had five and a half minutes left and we will allow him to continue tomorrow.
Thank you, Mr. Minister and your staff.
I will now report progress.
Your committee has been considering Tabled 52 – 2(2) and Bill 8, and would like to report progress.
There is a motion on the floor, who seconds the motion.
Mr. Clerk: Orders of the Day for Friday, March 18, 2005:
Motion 13
Motion 14
Motion 15, and
Motion 16
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you we’ll reconvene on Friday March 18, 10 o’clock in the morning.
Friday March 18, 2005
Pages 1965 – 2051
Opening Prayer 1965
Ministers’ Statements 1965
Members’ Statements 1969
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 1976
Oral Questions 1977
Reports of Standing and Special Committees 1995
Tabled Documents 1996
Motions 1997
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 2007
Point of Order 2048
Report of the Committee of the Whole 2050
Orders of the Day 2050
Friday, March 18, 2005 1965
090 – 2(2): Nunavut Community Skills Inventory Project (Picco) 1965
091 – 2(2): Importance of Sealing to Nunavut Culture and Economy (Akesuk) 1966
092 – 2(2): Wildlife Regulations Under the New Wildlife Act (Akesuk) 1967
093 – 2(2): 2005 Nunavut Youth Olympic Academy (Tapardjuk) 1968
094 – 2(2): Fire Tragedy in Yellowknife (Kilabuk) 1968
242 – 2(2): Report of Indian and Northern Affairs (Netser) 1969
243 – 2(2): Elders’ Conference (Curley) 1969
244 – 2(2): Habitat for Humanity Fund Raising (Tootoo) 1970
245 – 2(2): Elders in the Gallery (Tapardjuk) 1971
246 – 2(2): Seal Hunt Protesters (Picco) 1971
247 – 2(2): Meeting in Cambridge Bay (Peterson) 1972
248 – 2(2): Inuit Reliance on Seals (Kilabuk) 1973
249 – 2(2): Inuit Clothing (Brown) 1974
250 – 2(2): Sealskins – An Inuit Tradition (Kattuk) 1975
251 – 2(2): Support Inuit Seal Hunting (Barnabas) 1976
315 – 2(2): Plans to Change the Capital Planning Process (Tootoo) 1977
316 – 2(2): FOL Site Use as a Trades School (Curley) 1980
317 – 2(2): Dog Team Slaughter (Netser) 1981
318 – 2(2): Nunavut’s Economy (Peterson) 1981
319 – 2(2): Separating Couples (Barnabas) 1983
320 – 2(2): Judicial Decision on the Allocation of Shrimp Quota (Tootoo) 1984
321 – 2(2): Wildlife Regulation Consultations (Arreak) 1987
322 – 2(2): Docking Facilities for Chesterfield Inlet Update (Netser) 1988
323 – 2(2): Emergency Snow Clearing Fund (Curley) 1989
324 – 2(2): Size of Sealskin Pelts (Kattuk) 1990
325 – 2(2): Number of Bidders on the Fuel Contract (Tootoo) 1992
326 – 2(2): Rising Cost of Fuel (Curley) 1993
004 – 2(2): Recent Developments of the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nunavut and the NWT (Tootoo) 1995
105 – 2(2): Letter from Bill Braden Regarding the Performance Audit of the Workers’ Compensation Board (Tootoo) 1997
106 – 2(2): Nunavut Business Credit Corporation Annual Report for Year Ending March 31, 2004 (Simailak) 1997
107 – 2(2): Constituents Concerns on Bad Gasoline (Curley) 1997
013–2(2): Referral of the 2004 Annual Report of the Chief Electoral Officer of Nunavut to the Committee of the Whole (Netser) 1997
014–2(2): Extended Adjournment (Netser) 1998
015–2(2): Recommendation for Re-Allocation of $500,000 in Deleted Funding (Peterson) 1999
016 – 2(2): Reinstatement of Private Accommodation Rate under NIHB (Tootoo) 2003
Friday, March 18, 2005
Minister’s Statement 090 – 2(2): Nunavut Community Skills Inventory Project
I would like to bring to your attention a pilot project underway to develop made in Nunavut community-based skills inventory and employment database.
When completed we will be able to acquire accurate and relevant information.
This information will be used to better plan and budget for the delivery of education training and employment readiness program.
This initiative is being developed by the Department of Education in partnership with many others, including the Nunavut Broadband Development Corporation, the Federal Department of Indian and Northern Affairs and Human Resources Skill Development Canada, and with the input and the involvement of other groups, such as Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, Nunavut Arctic College and our Regional Inuit Development Organizations.
The pilot project will create a framework to record and document employment and skills information at the community level, which then can be rolled up to produce a Nunavut-wide inventory.
This resulting inventory will support economic development in all employment sectors and in the application of the Government’s NNI Policy and the associated Community Infrastructure Projects.
The information collected will also be useful in future negotiation with the federal government to ensure that we are receiving funding appropriate to our training and our employment needs.
This project is an excellent example of groups working together to solve a common challenge by cooperating in the design and development of the database, we avoid duplication of efforts and we will build community capacity.
We hope that the pilot project will be the first of a series of online tools in support of career development for our adult learners and career planning for our students in our schools.
Finally I would also like to recognize and thank the communities of Kugluktuk and Arctic Bay, who have agreed to assist us with the pilot trials of this system.
Minister’s Statement 091 – 2(2): Importance of Sealing to Nunavut Culture and Economy
On March 15, anti-sealing demonstrations were being coordinated by animal-rights groups in Canadian cities, in the U.S. and in Europe.
The objective was to put pressure on the Canadian government to stop the harp seal hunt in Canada.
The strategy they proposed was to push for an international boycott of Canadian fish products.
While the Nunavut ringed seal hunt was not targeted, we know from experience that anti-sealing campaigns can damage the market for all seal products.
We know that a boycott on Canadian fish products can hurt Nunavut, as we are exporters of shrimp, turbot and arctic char.
(interpretation ends) I am happy to say that the anti-sealing protests in Ottawa and in other cities were not very successful.
In Ottawa, the Nunavut Sivuniksavut students helped to win the day.
They presented the Nunavut sealing story in an orderly way, and helped to win the contest for the hearts and minds of the public and media on hand.
In a letter to the students and staff of Nunavut Sivuniksavut, I stated the following and I quote: “On behalf of Nunavummiut and the Government of Nunavut, I would like to congratulate you on your courageous and responsible activities at Parliament Hill on March 15, 2005.
Your determination to inform the protesters and the public about the importance of sealing in Nunavut will hopefully enhance their understanding of some of the real issues involved.
Nunavummiut know that sealing is vital to the Nunavut economy and lifestyle.”
I want to state on the record that Nunavummiut DO NOT and never have harvested white coat harp seals.
Sealing is an important part of our healthy lifestyle, culture and economy.
Minister’s Statement 092 – 2(2): Wildlife Regulations Under the New Wildlife Act
I would like to update Members of the House of the status of the development of regulations necessary for the implementation of the Wildlife Act.
In December 2003, the 1st Legislative Assembly passed the Wildlife Act.
This Act was drafted by a working group consisting of representatives from the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, and the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board.
Immediately after the Wildlife Act received passage, a Working Group was set up to draft the regulations.
This working group has been very busy, and with the direct involvement of the Regional Wildlife Organizations has drafted the detailed regulations necessary for the Wildlife Act to function.
These draft regulations are presently being finalized, translated and prepared for consultations.
(Interpretation) Over the coming weeks we will be consulting with Nunavummiut and HTOs in Nunavut.
Nunavut Day – July 9, 2005 is the target date for the coming into force of the Wildlife Act and regulations.
I will be forwarding a copy of the draft regulations to the Standing Committee for their review, and my staff will be made available to answer any questions they may have.
Minister’s Statement 093 – 2(2): 2005 Nunavut Youth Olympic Academy
I am pleased to inform my colleagues that the 2005 Nunavut Youth Olympic Academy is being held in Iqaluit on March 18th to the 20th.
Since the year 2000, the Olympic Academy has been an annual opportunity for Nunavut youth to interact with their peers and to learn more about the Olympic Movement.
It is an exciting and fun filled weekend where the Academy encourages participants to revisit personal values and goals through sport, and to realize how this relates to their everyday lifestyles.
The Nunavut Youth Olympic Academy provides resources and skills development so that participants can return to their communities and share the same enthusiasm of the Olympic Movement.
In closing, I would like to thank all Nunavut schools, Hamlet offices, Regional Recreation Associations and Territorial Sport Associations for their ongoing cooperation and support in making this a successful youth program.
Minister’s Statement 094 – 2(2): Fire Tragedy in Yellowknife
I rise today to express my deepest sympathy to the families and co-workers of the firefighter who tragically lost his life and another who has injured fighting a fire in Yellowknife yesterday.
Firefighters, both professional and volunteer, play a vital role in protecting the lives and property of residents of every territory and province.
Their work is often carried out in conditions of extreme danger.
It is because of their dedication that our lives are made safer.
We should not ever forget the nature of the work of our community firefighters.
They are truly front-line protection workers on whom we depend.
This tragedy reminds us of the extreme danger that sometimes comes with that role.
I ask all the members to join me in recognizing those who paid the tragic cost in fighting the fire in Yellowknife.
Member’s Statement 242 – 2(2): Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs Report
I rise today to note a recent development with respect to the issue of the sled dog slaughter.
Mr. Speaker, on March 11, the House of Commons’ Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development presented a report on this issue.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, our Member of Parliament Nancy Karetak-Lindell is the Chair of this committee.
Mr. Speaker, the committee has called on the federal government to appoint a judicial enquiry to get to the bottom of the matter.
Mr. Speaker, I have had constituents tell me about incidences that occurred in the past.
Mr. Speaker, I am certain that all members in the public will be watching this issue with attention.
Member’s Statement 243 – 2(2): Elders’ Conference
I rise today to explain and to say how proud I am of the elders’ conference that was held here and the majority of the elders that attended the meeting came to the Legislative Assembly.
They are meeting to make sure that we will use Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and I would also like to thank Minister Tapardjuk for planning, preparing for the meeting, and funding that meeting for the elders’ conference.
Mr. Speaker, our elders are our key for foundation for our future.
If there are no elders, there would not be a good future for us.
Even though we should see how proud we are of our elders, Mr. Speaker, I would like to state that we need to improve the services for the elders.
The services that are provided by the federal government whether it be old-age pension or Government of Nunavut supplementary, they are outdated.
We need to update them so that the lives of the elders, who can’t even leave their homes, should be protected so that they will not have to worry about the next day; where they should be getting their meals because their grown children are coming in.
We need to improve the programs and services for the elders.
The ministers and the government leader, I would like to state them; so I urge you all to start making plans and improve the programs and services for the elders because they have worked very hard and they are getting disabled.
Mr. Speaker, after receiving the residents of the elders here in the House, they need to be provided with adequate food.
So let’s look at the programs and services for the elders if they are adequate enough in the 20th century.
So therefore, let’s thank and acknowledge the elders on their home after their session.
Member’s Statement 244 – 2(2): Habitat for Humanity Fund Raising
Before I do my member’s statement, I just want to wish someone that’s having a birthday on Sunday and someone that everyone here knows very well and that’s Mr. Alexander Baldwin.
I would like to say, Sunday is his birthday, and I know I am sure he didn’t want anyone to know, but happy birthday to Alex on Sunday, the 16th.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to tell members about a fund-raising that is being done here to “Hammer Homelessness” in Iqaluit.
For just $5.00, Mr. Speaker, you can purchase a nail that will be used to build two Habitat for Humanity homes here in Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker, nails will be available for purchase at NorthMart on March 20, 24 and 26.
Mr. Speaker, as my former colleague from Qamanittuaq would say that it’s no secret that we are gripped by a housing crisis in Nunavut. 54 percent of Nunavummiut live in overcrowded conditions – that’s almost four times the national average.
Mr. Speaker, Habitat for Humanity builds a house every 26 minutes.
Our government is doing its best to build homes with very limited resources.
This Habitat for Humanity initiative shows that Nunavummiut are doing their best through volunteering and fundraising.
Mr. Speaker, it’s time for the federal government to step up to the plate – or, perhaps I should say, pick up a hammer.
Mr. Speaker, invaluable work is being done by the steering committee.
Committee members are: Pam Hine; Susan Spring; John Henderson; Jennifer Hayward; Melanie Abbott; Allen Hayward; Don Sinclaire-Chenier; Tina McLeod; Paul Mulak; Sherry McNeil-Mulak; Mohamed Docrat; and Sheila Levy.
Mr. Speaker, I also have with me today here some nails, but I promise not to table them, there are a hundred of them.
I urge Members can come and see me to purchase their nails for $5 for this very worthy project.
Mr. Speaker, for anything over $25 receipts will be issued.
I would like to invite the Members of this Assembly to join me in recognizing the good work that is being done by the Habitat for Humanity Steering Committee here in Iqaluit, and I look forward to selling some of these nails and to help hammer homelessness.
Member’s Statement 245 – 2(2): Elders in the Gallery
To make a supplement to the comments that were made earlier, the elders who were here yesterday were extremely happy to be here and to see the Legislative Assembly for the first time.
We will have to seriously think about the elders who are sitting in the Gallery and we will have to find ways to see how we can better utilize the seats in the House.
The reason why I am making this statement is that I have forgotten three individuals who were here who worked extremely hard; George Qulaut, Jackie Napayuk, and Peter Ettulu, who are members of the Elders’ Council.
The reason why I am naming their names is to have them on the record.
We are extremely pleased about these people and I think they are going to be a benefit to the government while we are trying to integrate Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit into the government system.
Member’s Statement 246 – 2(2): Seal Hunt Protesters
I want to address the issue of the seal hunt protesters.
Mr. Speaker, in an open letter to all federal Members of Parliament, a widely distributed email says, and I quote: “Mr. Speaker, the culling is not necessary.
The seals are not responsible for the decline of the cod and other stock.”
Mr. Speaker, five million harp seals eating 150 pounds of fish a day, and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that one out.
Seals don’t eat turnips or potatoes, Mr. Speaker, and this type of predation does hurt our recovering fish stock.
Mr. Speaker, the writer goes on to say: “There’s no need for anyone to wear fur these days.
Fur is a sign of selfishness, shallowness, and ignorance.”
Mr. Speaker, where does the writer live, in Florida?
Seal fur that’s demonstrated by the Members in the House is practical, modern, fashionable, and Mr. Speaker, is made right here.
Mr. Speaker, the writer goes on to say: “Who do you know eat seal meat?”
Mr. Speaker, Wow!
Mr. Speaker, this writer leads a very sheltered life.
Seal meat fried, boiled, baked or raw is eaten by almost everyone in this House, in this room on a regular basis and across Nunavut, Mr. Speaker, and in many circumpolar countries and provinces here in Canada.
Mr. Speaker, in 1948, the last trip that Old Eagle took to the ice, my father went to the seal hunt.
They caught 18 thousand harp seals and my dad received $180 dollars for six weeks of dangerous tough work.
Mr. Speaker, how much money does Green Peace and other groups make from the seal protest?
Seal meat is nutritious. It’s healthy.
It’s tasty and it’s a way of life.
Maybe the animal right’s groups should spend their time helping the poor in Rwanda, helping the Tsunami victims or the multitude of human issues across this world.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Green Peace should give peace a chance and get the facts around the traditional harvesting, the sustainable harvesting of seals here in Nunavut.
Whether they realize it or not, their activities have hurt our industry and many people’s livelihoods.
In conclusion, I want to add, in 1829, Captain John Picco went to the seal hunt and died.
Their schooner sunk, like many more, and I wanted to add that the Lady Margaret was the name of that ship, and we have a traditional seal hunt in Newfoundland and that’s part of the problem.
But, being from Nunavut, I can tell you that these guys have it wrong.
Mr. Speaker, I’m proud to be the son of a seal hunter.
Members' statements, Mr. Peterson.
Member’s Statement 247 – 2(2): Meeting in Cambridge Bay
Mr. Peterson: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform the House about my brief trip back to my constituency and community of Cambridge Bay.
It was great to see my family and everyone else in town.
It’s always good to return to your home town after being away a long time.
Mr. Speaker, it was a busy twenty-four hours.
On Wednesday evening, the elders of Cambridge Bay met with me and our Member of Parliament, Nancy Karetak-Lindell, at the Elders’ Place.
It was a very productive meeting.
The Elders told our MP about their concerns over old age cheques, their difficulties in getting firearms certificates, the high cost of food and shelter and the need for our governments to do more to help elders live a better life.
Mr. Speaker, the elders told me that it was good to have someone come from Ottawa to whom they could talk in person about their concerns.
Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending a community luncheon with many of my fellow Cambridge Bay residents where we were joined by INAC Minister Andy Scott, Minister Ethel Blondin-Andrew, and MP Nancy Karetak-Lindell.
Mr. Speaker, Minister Scott told us he had come to ask us for our input into the Northern Strategy, and listen to what we had to tell him.
Mr. Speaker, we told Minister Scott about our hopes for a bright future for our families and children, our community and all of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, we told Minister Scott that Nunavut is a unique and special part of Canada.
We told him that we needed Ottawa to invest more in more housing, post-secondary education facilities, the Bathurst Inlet Road and Port Project, wind energy, an economic development agreement, a regional development agency, help to advance our proposed Nunavut Mine School, and a stronger Department of Indian and Northern Affairs presence in the Kitikmeot.
We also told him that we were looking forward to 2006 when Tahera opens Nunavut’s first diamond mine.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that Minister Scott heard our message loud and clear that we need more investment in Nunavut to help us create a healthy and vibrant economy with a strong private sector.
We hope that he will do his best within the framework of the Northern Strategy to help us.
Elder Frank Analok said it best when he said good bye to Minister Scott.
He said, with much dignity, “thanks for coming.”
We hope he comes many more times to visit us.
Member’s Statement 248 – 2(2): Inuit Reliance on Seals
To make a supplementary a comment that was made by my colleague, we are reliant on the seal.
We eat it and we use it for clothing.
We are very grateful that we do get beef and pork, but they will have to realize that these farm animals can not live up here.
They would have to be housed in a heated home, but the seals survive up here.
As my colleague said, we would like to thank the support staff who typed and produced the Hansard; Eileen Kilabuk-Weber, Saali Peter, who is the supervisor, my sister Mary Kilabuk, Shuvinai Mike, Jacopoosie Peter, Silasie Kilabuk, Mary Arnaquq, Johnny Manning, Anne-Marlene Kilabuk.
These are the individuals who produce our Hansard on a daily basis and I would like to recognize and thank them.