EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
To the Baker Lake Blizzard coaches, many volunteers, and support staff in the community, you have given dignity and honour of whom and where our kids and young adults are and where they come from in our community. You are truly heroes in giving Baker Lake students spirit and devotion to excellence, I honour you.
Mr. Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent to continue my Member’s Statement.
You may conclude your statement, Mr. Aupaluktuq.
Mr. Aupaluktuq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my colleagues as well.
The one most important person who has also allowed me to do my job is my Constituency Assistant, Lucy Evo.
With her knowledge and skills, her advice, I am able to perform my duties. She is the link that I have with the community that keeps me informed. For her hard work, tireless efforts, and constant information, I thank her.
To my colleagues, Mr. Speaker, Madam Premier, cabinet ministers, and MLAs for your willingness and openness to work together for the betterment of Nunavut.
I have learned a lot watching, hearing, and listening to each and every one of you.
To the Office of the Clerk, your hard work is never appreciated enough.
All the support staff and in particular, the policy department, for your tireless research and members’ services, for your professionalism and hard work that no one sees in the background.
A very special holiday season and wishes to the Sergeant-at-Arms. Your honour, dignity, and making the House a respectful place is a joy to come into every time.
Most importantly, to all the translators and interpreters, for your commitment and professional standards unlike any known and your work is well respected. For that, I give my sincere and heartfelt thank you to the many hours you put in.
Without you, all that is shared in the Legislative Assembly would not be.
To all the pages throughout the sittings, your work is very much appreciated and it actually helps to have refreshments to keep focused, so all of your hard work is appreciated.
To all the professional service providers in various forms and levels to our communities in Nunavut, I thank you all for your commitments and dedication to Nunavut.
Thank you for sharing your skills, experience, and contributions to Nunavut.
Just a friendly reminder, remember that it is a privilege to work in Nunavut. Please respect our uniqueness and strong heritage as northerners.
Your skills are welcome in sharing and educating your colleagues in the workplace and please follow procedures, etiquette, protocol, service standards, code of ethics, mission statements, as well as vision statements.
Let us live in peace and harmony. Let us share a safe and happy holiday season. Together, we can strengthen Nunavut.
Member’s Statement 133 – 3(2): Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for 2010 (Ningeongan)
I wish a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year to my wife, Elisapee, and to our family.
I wish a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year to Angela Gibbons and Kyra Tanuyak, my constituency assistants.
To all of the people of Chesterfield Inlet and Coral Harbour and the residents of Nunavut, have a very merry Christmas.
Member’s Statement 134 – 3(2): Thanks to Constituents and Nunavutmiut (Curley)
What a joyous occasion we face today.
First of all, we have many people to express our gratitude to, especially Iqaluit residents because of the warm hospitality they extend towards us.
When Sally and I first moved to Iqaluit, we really wanted to extend our warm appreciation to Iqalummiut.
Although we do not see every resident daily, whenever we meet Iqalummiut, they are always so gracious and welcoming.
I thank my fellow members. As we reach the close of our first year as members, I know that many Nunavutmiut are proud of our efforts, of our colleagues in the cabinet, and I am happy to note that I receive a lot of assistance and support for the many duties under this portfolio.
First of all, Mr. Speaker, I wanted to state that this has been a particularly challenging year for Nunavutmiut due to the outbreak of the new influenza strain H1N1. However, we would like to expect, as we close out this year and prepare for the year 2010, that we hopefully are past that cycle of sickness that was a major point of concern.
With regard to my constituents in Rankin Inlet, I wish to inform them that Sally and I will be spending the Christmas holidays here in Iqaluit.
However, we are not going to forget Rankin Inlet. Based on the growth of Rankin Inlet, we want all students and residents there to know that we will not forget them for even one iota. Further down the road, depending on our schedules, we will be returning to the community for periodic visits.
I also wish to inform the residents that I will be travelling to Rankin Inlet tomorrow and I will be spending several days there until Monday. So if any constituent wishes to make an appointment or to call me, they will have some time to call me while I am there.
Mr. Speaker, what I wanted to speak to initially was that although we underwent an extremely trying and challenging period this year, we expect in our future to continue with our collaborative efforts to resolve the issues we face.
I also am expectant that during the celebration of the birth of Christ, all families will draw closer and have a healthy, safe holiday while together during this season, at least those families who can get together to celebrate the holidays.
For all of our people who have suffered through the loss of a loved one, I would hope that my fellow Inuit can provide them with country food as we have many families facing this situation today. Country food becomes hard to attain when you have lost your source, and many families are loath to ask for assistance, especially when asking for country food.
I ask my fellow residents to empathize with them and to ensure that their needs are looked after, wherever they may be, as all communities have residents who have lost their loved ones.
I wish to stop at this juncture, but I would like to conclude by telling my fellow bowhead whaling crew members from last summer that I am extremely proud of their accomplishments. My colleague, the Hon. Lorne Kusugak, alluded to this activity and mentioned their names. I also wish to extend my gratitude to our captain for this activity, Mr. Paul Kanayuk, as he provided the depth of his knowledge and experience during our bowhead whale hunt.
I hope that all Nunavutmiut will have a happy and joyous Christmas season in their home communities.
Member’s Statement 135 – 3(2): Thank You and Merry Christmas (Tootoo)
As was mentioned, this is probably our last sitting day for this year.
I think it has been a very productive and a learning year for all of us in our capacities.
I would like to thank everybody for, as has been said already, committing to working together. I think we have seen some great debates, discussions, and questions, especially great answers over the last few weeks, so I think it’s good to hear that. I’m glad to see everybody committed to working together and everybody doing their job.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to wish a very merry Christmas to almost everybody.
I think everybody should have and hopefully will have safe journeys home, a safe and happy holiday season.
I would like to especially thank my staff here in the building, my staff with the housing corporation and the power corporation, and also your staff, Mr. Speaker.
I also would like to say a special thanks and merry Christmas to not only our interpreters who are here but also our technical staff who never get recognized for the hard work that they do.
Also, thank you and merry Christmas to my family.
Lastly but not least, Mr. Speaker, a special thanks and a merry Christmas to the people who I have the pleasure and the honour of representing as the constituents of Iqaluit Centre.
To everybody, I would like to wish a merry Christmas and a Joyeux Noel! Merci.
Member’s Statement 136 – 3(2): Merry Christmas and Thanks to Everyone (Peterson)
I rise today to express my sincere thanks to my constituents, my family, and Eve and Irene, my two constituency assistants back in Cambridge Bay, for their tremendous support this year. I wish them a merry Christmas and safe holidays.
I assure them that I don’t actually live in Iqaluit. Cambridge Bay is my home and I’m returning home this year. I hope to see them there.
I would like to thank my cabinet colleagues and all MLAs for their tremendous work this year on behalf of Nunavummiut.
Even though sometimes we agree or disagree and it gets a little contentious here, we’re all working for the same common cause: our communities and the people we represent.
Merry Christmas and we will see you again next month.
It’s not very far off until we start our main estimates.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my thanks and appreciation to my staff in the Department of Finance, the staff in the Department of Justice, all of the Legislative Assembly staff, the folks who make us all look good as ministers and as MLAs, happy holidays.
I would like to give special thanks to Mr. Nick Pashkoski, my Executive Assistant who keeps me on the straight and narrow.
We had some good arguments and debates, but I sometimes wonder who the minister is. He does a tremendous job out there, so thanks, Nick.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the people of Iqaluit. I have spent a lot of time in Iqaluit. It has become like a home away from home.
Special thanks to the Filipino community who feed me well. They keep me in good practice on karaoke.
The folks at Atii Fitness Centre who keep me in good shape from all of the food I’m getting at the Filipino Christmas party, I would like to mention all of those folks.
I would just like to express a very happy holiday season to the people of Iqaluit and thanks for making me welcome in the city.
Return to Oral Question 150 – 3(2): Income Support Levels for Akulliq (Tapardjuk)
This question was asked by John Ningark, MLA for Akulliq, Question 150 – 3(2), on December 2, 2009 and the subject was income support levels.
The reply is quite lengthy, so I would like it entered into the record as read.
The homeowners in wintertime have no form of making money.
They have no other way except to go to income support.
I have been told that they were given $500 for income support per household.
It was $250 prior to that.
I’m sure the minister stated that he was going to look into it.
Has he looked into this already?
The homeowners who have no form of income, how much are they given through the Fuel Subsidy Program every month, especially in the wintertime?
For example, if the individual does not earn any income or does not win bingo, if they need assistance, will they be given $1,000 or over?
Perhaps I can provide a response to the individual that if you require assistance and if you’re eligible, you will be able to receive more than that $500.
I would like to respond to Mr. Ningark’s questions posed on Wednesday, December 2, 2009, concerning income support levels.
First, I would like to take the opportunity to clarify the difference between the Income Support Program and the Senior Fuel Subsidy Program.
The Income Support Program
The Income Support Program is a needs-tested program that is available to those who are unable to pay for their own and their dependents’ basic needs, including food, shelter, fuel, and utilities.
Program applicants must complete a needs assessment with an income support worker to establish whether or not they are eligible for program benefits.
There is no set dollar amount that an applicant may receive because it depends on the specific circumstances of the individual case.
The total amount of assistance is based on overall needs, where a person lives, the size of the family, and the person’s ability to provide for his or her own financial resources.
The Senior Fuel Subsidy Program
The senior fuel subsidy is an income-tested program that helps seniors with the high cost of home heating fuel.
This program is available to eligible homeowners who are 60 years of age or older and do not receive assistance under the Income Support Program.
The senior fuel subsidy divides Nunavut communities into zones.
Fuel costs are reimbursed up to the maximum number of litres allocated for that community, no matter what the cost is.
Eligibility is based on the combined homeowners’ annual net income which determines whether they may be eligible for a full or partial subsidy.
If the combined homeowner income is higher than the maximum income threshold, they may be eligible for benefits under this program.
The member is asking for a specific dollar amount for which an individual may be entitled to help with the cost of home heating fuel.
This information is difficult to provide in a response because eligibility for both of these programs is determined on a case-by-case basis.
There is no specific amount set out in the regulations for these needs.
Community members who have specific questions about their eligibility for benefits under these programs may wish to contact the director of career and early childhood services in their region.
It will be entered into the record as read.
Return to Oral Question 156 – 3(2): Establishing Graduation Standards (Tapardjuk)
This question was asked by Mr. Ningeongan, Member for Nanulik, Question 156 – 3(2), on December 2, 2009 and the subject was establishing graduation standards.
Can the minister update this House on what resources and services his department provides to grade 12 graduates from Nunavut, who find that they need further upgrading in order to be admitted into a post-secondary program?
Under the new Education Act students may remain in school until the age of 21.
If a student feels that he or she needs to upgrade their course studies, they may return to school for this purpose.
Students also may opt to take upgrading programs offered by Nunavut Arctic College.
The department is working on assessment tools and procedures to ensure that students progressing through the school system are meeting the expectations of the curriculum.
Training on assessment procedures for school staff will continue.
Question (First Supplementary):
My question is: what further assistance can the department provide to these students, who are placed in that situation, whereby they find that the material that serves as graduation workload is totally inadequate when they go to other Canadian learning institutions?
That was what I was trying to ask about, with respect to the level of education we provide in Nunavut.
The department has a career plan process starting in grade nine with students and parents that reviews high school program options.
Before entering grade 10, the course work students need to compete in order to attend post-secondary, apprenticeship, or employment opportunities is to be identified. Schools, students, and parents have the responsibility to ensure that course loads meet career plans within the options available at the school
If the program is followed and students participate actively in learning by taking all of the required courses and successfully completing them, there should not be a problem entering their chosen career path.
The key is to ensure the student completes all required courses. Students need to be careful to take a full set of grade 12 courses as English alone is not sufficient in most cases.
The department is reviewing their graduation requirements and will be implementing additional mandatory courses in the fall of 2011.
Consultations with schools, students, and the district education authorities are occurring this year.
The reply will be entered into the record as read.
Return to Oral Question 194 – 3(2): Business Plan Cycle (Tootoo)
I would just like to clarify for the record a response to a question that was asked of me by Member for Iqaluit West yesterday.
I want to correct the record or set the record straight. As we all know, Big Brother is upstairs listening to make sure to catch us when we do say things that are not as accurate as they should be.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I stated that I tabled the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s 2008-09 annual report.
In fact, the actual report that I tabled was the 2007-08 report.
So I would like to correct the record there.
I would also like to add that the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s annual report for 2008-09 is currently being worked on and upon signing off on the financial statements from the Office of the Auditor General, I hope to be in a position to be able to table this report this coming spring.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to address the member’s questions in relation to the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s business plan.
The direction of the board of directors to the management of the Qulliq Energy Corporation is to prepare a five-year corporate plan which encompasses the corporation’s business plan as well as capital infrastructure planning over a five-year period.
I hope also to be able to table that in the next year.
Return to Oral Question 193 – 3(2): No Home Care/Community Health/Social Services in High Arctic (Curley)
This is a question that was asked by Mr. Elliott, the Member for Quttiktuq, on December 7, 2009, Oral Question 193 – 3(2). I would like it entered into the record as read.
On December 7, 2009, the Hon. Member for Quttiktuq, Ron Elliott, asked a question regarding the status of home care positions in Resolute Bay and Grise Fiord.
Mr. Speaker, as of today, I can advise that in Resolute Bay, two individuals were hired in November and currently share one home and community care worker position on a casual basis.
In Grise Fiord, the hiring process is underway to staff one home and community care worker position.
This position will also be filed on a casual basis.
Mr. Speaker, the main source of funding for the Home and Community Care Program is Health Canada’s First Nations and Inuit Home and Community Care Program.
Funding provided to the Department of Health and Social Services has historically been based on the population of the community which requires services.
I would like to advise the member that the department reviews its staffing complement for home care positions across the territory regularly based on the needs of clients and communities and available financial resources to ensure that its services are meeting the needs of Nunavutmiut.
Your reply will be enterd into the record as read.
It gives me great pleasure and honour to recognize a constituent of mine. He is also a Government of Nunavut employee in Cambridge Bay, Mr. Seech Kitjatasingh. He is sitting over behind Mr. Schell.
Mr. Kitjatasingh is a child protection worker in Cambridge Bay. He helps kids in Cambridge Bay and throughout the Kitikmeot. He has very valid work to do for the government and for all Nunavummiut.
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome a couple of people who are here in the Gallery.
I was hoping it would be three, but one of the members had to fly out to Ottawa at lunchtime and that was Trevor Gloyn, who is the General Manager of the Prairie and the Territory’s Region for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
The two who are here, Mr. Speaker, first off is Tom Kerwin, who is the Manager of the Northern Housing Centre.
I would like to welcome him to the Gallery and inform you that it has been great working with him. Also with the individual sitting next to him, Mr. Speaker, not only is he the corporate representative for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation here in Nunavut, also another important role he plays here, he is also a constituent of mine.
I would like to welcome both of them to the Gallery, and look forward to the continued collaboration and working relationship that we have developed with them over the last little while.
Members, I, too, would like to recognize our pages who are working for us today.
They are Geneva Noble, Jennifer Amagoalik, and Levi Enuaraq-Strauss.
Thank you for assisting all of our members.
Question 195 – 3(2): Review of Income Test for Homeowners (Okalik)
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) For the benefit of the Minister of Housing’s constituent, he didn’t say his name, Terry Ma, welcome to the Assembly by the way.
In line with housing, I would like to ask the Minister for Housing.
Over the last few days, I have been busy visiting my constituents, in particular, a theme that has developed is for homeowners who are saving our government a lot of money but need some help along the way.
I would like to ask the Minister for Housing if there is going to be a review of the income test for home renovation programs that are in place today.
I know that we have gone through this exercise almost annually, but perhaps we could remove it or increase the amounts because today to own a home is not cheap. To buy a home is a lot more expensive than it was in years past.
So I would like the minister to see if there can be a review done on this income test that’s in place today. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I know that just over the last little while, and that’s something that I have raised a lot in the past, is helping homeowners.
We got good news with the fuel rates going down and things like that. That should help in some cases.
Also, Mr. Speaker, I know that the member is aware that in the recent years, there have been some changes to the income limits. We have increased the limits up to $125,000.
We have also, in some program areas, put in additional amounts for dependants living in the household and things like that.
So there have been some changes. Some of them have happened over the last few years.
Mr. Speaker, I think, as part of the whole report card process, there is a commitment on behalf of the corporation not only to review that program but all of its programs to ensure that they are adequately serving the target group that they are there to serve.
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) The unfortunate part is that we are all focused on trying to conserve energy and those things that are taking place elsewhere, but homeowners are challenged in some ways because they fall just over the income test that’s in there today.
At the same time, they want to renovate and find ways to reduce consumption of fossil fuels and do their part, but they are not eligible for the programs that are in place today.
So I ask the minister to review this fairly soon, in time for the next shipping season, because these homeowners have to plan well in advance to get their home renovations done.
So I ask the minister to do that, perhaps announce increases or move up the income test in the coming session. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
As the member is aware, as I said, a lot of changes have been made to the income limits before.
The Northern Allowance or Settlement Allowance is something that has not been taken into account when looking at the income limits.
Also, in some cases, isolated post allowance and other similar allowances were eliminated as assessable income in order to allow more individuals, especially dual-income families, to be able to take advantage of some of the programs that are offered.
As I said, Mr. Speaker, the corporation has committed to reviewing all of its programs to ensure the adequacy of them for the target group that they are targeted for.
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) As I said, these homeowners need assistance today but are willing to wait.
It would be nice if we could announce some assistance for the coming shipping season because it’s too late this year for most of them and if the minister could commit to doing the review and reporting back during our next session. Is he willing to commit to that process?
I can’t commit to moving that quickly on that. I mean that’s just in another month or so that we would be moving forward and I’m sure, as the members are aware, now I’m reviewing programs and putting together ideas for new programs.
It is something that we want to be very thoughtful and very thorough and careful of doing so that we don’t rush into doing something just because somebody wants it done.
I believe, if we want to change something, we need to make sure we know exactly what it is we want to change and how we want to implement that change to be able to ensure the most effective use of our resources.