EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, this shows that housing is one of the top priorities of this government.
Mr. Speaker, accountability has been demanded by my colleagues and rightfully so. The Nunavut Housing Corporation realizes the seriousness of the over-commitments under the trust and has implemented the necessary financial controls which were previously missing.
Through directives issued by the Minister of Finance and myself, an independent verification of the corporation’s expenditure accounting and cost projections is being undertaken, monthly reporting to GN Finance has been implemented, and means to further improve the corporation’s ability to perform its mandate are being developed.
Mr. Speaker, I commit to all of the Members of this House to keep them informed as to the progress of these initiatives.
The actions taken have demonstrated the commitment of my colleagues and this government to the provision of much needed housing for Nunavummiut.
Hard choices had to be made by all and I wish to express my gratitude on behalf of my staff at the corporation for your efforts and support in achieving a common goal.
Minister’s Statement 180 – 3(2): Rankin Inlet and Cambridge Bay Airport Master Plan (Taptuna)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform the Members of the House of two very important documents that my department has recently completed.
These documents are the Rankin Inlet and Cambridge Bay Airport Master Plans.
Mr. Speaker, as you and the members are aware, I tabled the Nunavut Transportation Strategy in the House in March of 2009.
That strategy laid out our vision for the growth of our transportation system over the next 20 years.
I would like to quote what the strategy said about our principle airports in Rankin Inlet, Cambridge Bay, and Iqaluit. It said, “A Hub should not be a bottleneck; it must be sized and equipped to allow air carriers to consider competitive alternatives in equipment and scheduling.”
Mr. Speaker, we all pass through these airports on a regular basis and we can see first-hand how much activity occurs in our hub airports.
They connect our communities together and connect our territory to the rest of Canada.
I am therefore pleased to announce that we have completed both the Cambridge Bay and Rankin Inlet Airport Master Plans and that the Iqaluit Airport Master Plan is under final review and will be completed very soon.
These master plans will provide the guidance we need to ensure those connections grow even stronger and our transportation system becomes more efficient.
Mr. Speaker, with the completion of these plans, I look forward to their implementation at our gateway airports.
Minister’s Statement 181 – 3(2): 2009-2010 Nunavut Advanced Management Diploma Program (Shewchuk)
Hon. Daniel Shewchuk: Good afternoon and thank you, Mr. Speaker.
This evening, we will be celebrating another successful partnership with Saint Mary’s University for delivering the Nunavut Advanced Management Diploma Program.
This is our fifth delivery of the management program, which has resulted in 73 graduates since 2005, 70 percent of whom are beneficiaries.
Participants taking the ten-module program have been learning effective managerial skills to bring back to their respective workplaces.
Mr. Speaker, the advanced management diploma, along with additional development courses, has prepared many graduates to take on leadership and managerial roles within our public service.
Today, I am pleased to rise in the House and offer my congratulations to the 17 graduates from the 2009-2010 Nunavut Advanced Management Diploma Program and announce that 71 percent of the graduates are beneficiaries.
Mr. Speaker, my department is indeed committed to providing training opportunities for members of the public service through our dedication to Ilippalllianginnarniq: Continuing Learning.
Member’s Statement 275 – 3(2): Reflections on a Productive Session (Schell)
I rise today to express my appreciation to my colleagues for a productive sitting.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, as a Regular Member of the Legislative Assembly, it’s my duty to question our government and hold it accountable.
Mr. Speaker, although we were faced with the difficult task of reallocating funding from other departments in order to address the Nunavut Housing Trust’s shortfall, I believe as a government, we all learned from this experience and will work together to ensure that this does not happen again.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my constituents in the communities of Cape Dorset and Kimmirut.
I will continue representing all of you to the best of my abilities and I encourage my constituents to contact me at any time with issues of concern to the community.
Mr. Speaker, last but not least, I would like to thank my constituency assistants, Makita and Nicotye. I appreciate all of your hard work and patience.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to seeing you all again in a few short months and wish everyone a safe and enjoyable summer.
Member’s Statement 276 – 3(2): End of Sitting Salutations (Elliott)
Since this is our last sitting day, I would like to extend a greeting to all of my constituents in Quttiktuq.
Mr. Speaker, the summer in Arctic Bay is a beautiful time of year and I have many fond memories of time spent with family and friends there.
I look forward to spending time this summer in my other two communities of my constituency, in Grise Fiord and Resolute Bay.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank all of my constituents for their continued support. I look forward to visiting with them this summer.
I hope that preparations for travelling out on the land are going well and wish everyone all the best for a safe and happy summer.
Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to speak about one individual in particular from my home community of Arctic Bay.
Mr. Speaker, elders are our foundation and we look to them for leadership and guidance.
Qaapik Attagutsiak from Arctic Bay exemplifies leadership. She is our eldest elder in town and is called upon by many people for assistance and guidance.
She is a role model for all of us.
Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, on Friday, June 11, 2010, Qaapik will be celebrating her 90th birthday.
I know that her family and friends from all over Nunavut will be sending her birthday greetings and wishes.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to say, “Qaapik, Nalliutigavit.” Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join me in wishing Qaapik a happy birthday.
Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, and I said it right this time, Mr. Kusugak.
Member’s Statement 277 – 3(2): Congratulations to 23 Simon Alaittuq Ford Graduates (Kusugak)
I am pleased that you pronounced the name of my riding correctly, albeit at the end of our session, and you will know that now for our next session in the fall.
I would like to say “pleasant day” to the residents of Rankin Inlet and Whale Cove.
I am pleased that I have been elected to represent those two communities and it’s not always an easy task, but I am very pleased to represent them and to be their voice in this House.
I am also very pleased with the people of Iqaluit, who have been very receptive and hospitable since we have lived here all winter long.
They have also been very receptive to my family. To the Members of the Legislative Assembly from Iqaluit, please be proud of your constituents because they are very hospitable to our families.
We keep hearing about the importance of education and news of those students graduating from all over the north with many members identifying their graduates last week.
There was a graduation ceremony on Saturday here.
In Rankin Inlet, there is going to be a graduation ceremony as well.
After the students write their departmental exams, the ones who pass their tests will receive a diploma. Only those students who get a passing grade in these exams will be graduating.
The actual results will be known in August, but here are the 23 students who have an opportunity to graduate and have worked very hard. They are:
Sinead Anderson
Hilary Angidlik
Leroy Bruce
Joseph Curley
Lisa Dunkerley
Tyler Gatehouse
Tracy Ford
Amelia Ipkornerk
Hilary Irwin
Simeonie Makpah
Jacob McLeod
Harry Niakrok Jr.
Kyra Nokkitok
Crystal Nukapiak
Mike Nukapiak
Kimberly Okalik
Kristopher Okpatauyak
Uuyukuluk Pilakapsi
Robbie Pilakapsi
Kalai Pilakapsi
Nellie Pissuk
Robert Simik
Tyler Tattuinee
These are the students and I am very proud of them.
On behalf of the Legislative Assembly, I congratulate them and wish them success in the future.
Member’s Statement 278 – 3(2): Nunavut’s High Rate of Spousal Violence (Ugyuk)
I say “good day” to my Nattilik constituents because it’s almost lunchtime and I hope you have a good lunch with your families.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to draw attention to Nunavut’s unacceptably high rate of spousal violence.
As I stated in the House on June 1, there is an urgent need to address the issue of family violence and how to lower these rates.
This is especially true for Nunavut.
According to Statistics Canada, Nunavut suffers from the highest rate of spousal violence in the country.
Unfortunately, this is not a new issue in our community.
In November 2005, a motion was passed by the previous Legislative Assembly to end domestic violence in Nunavut.
Later today, at the appropriate time, I will be submitting a written question to the Minister of Justice in order to obtain detailed information on the issue of spousal violence.
The more we know about the factors around spousal violence, the better equipped we will be to deal effectively with it.
The written question will also include a request for information on the administration of the Family Abuse Intervention Act with respect to the use of traditional Inuit counselling and whether it is being undertaken.
Member’s Statement 279 – 3(2): 19 Years of Sobriety (Okalik)
I am very pleased that I have the opportunity to rise today and to inform everyone that tomorrow, on June 11, I will have now been a teetotaller for 19 years and I am very proud of that fact.
I thank my children for providing me with the support and strength to carry on with this, along with my ancestors for helping and supporting me.
In spite of that, as with all other people, we still face difficult challenges ahead of us. However, no matter how difficult it is, we have to remain on our feet because that was what our ancestors practiced by dealing with and coping with issues.
I want to support other people facing difficult challenges. Please try to be strong because all things will eventually pass.
First of all, my family members are going through a hard time and I send my condolences and my love to them. Know that you are not alone.
Member’s Statement 280 – 3(2): Wishing Arviarmiut a Happy Spring (Shewchuk)
I rise also today to say “hello” and acknowledge all of the residents of Arviat.
I am very proud to represent you in the Legislative Assembly.
I would also wish everyone a happy and safe spring and summer in the coming months.
Now that it is spring, it doesn’t feel like it back in Arviat. It feels like winter with all of the snow cover and the colder temperatures that they have been having there.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to recognize and acknowledge my Constituency Assistant, Mary Pameolik, for all of her hard work and support in helping the residents of Arviat.
Member’s Statement 281 – 3(2): Chesterfield Inlet’s Residential School Legacy (Aariak)
I say “good day” to all of my constituents in Iqaluit.
I would like to welcome Eva Akpalialuk, who has just started working at my constituency office. Welcome.
Since today is our last session day and we had a very productive session over the past two weeks, I want to sepak to this issue prior to the completion of this session.
I was invited to go to Chesterfield Inlet on May 25. I would like to thank Harry Tootoo and the council for inviting me to attend.
Also, I would like to thank the Member for Nanulik, Johnny Ningeongan, for accompanying me to Chesterfield Inlet.
I would also like to thank my colleague, the Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, Lorne Kusugak.
We had a productive meeting.
The reason why they invited us is because they wanted to start something important.
As we are aware, quite a while back, Chesterfield Inlet was the location for the residential school and many students experienced hardship and difficulties.
I imagine that it was not all the time and in some aspects, some underwent these negative experiences, but today, many of them have dealt with these issues and for that, I would like to thank the former students for being survivors.
I do believe that their experience in the school in Chesterfield Inlet had an impact on the students and also the community itself. What we found out was that the impact was also felt by the community, even those who never attended the school.
When we went to that community on May 25, the community itself identified that they would like to change that experience and work together.
I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. The Premier is seeking unanimous consent to conclude her statement.
There are no nays. You may conclude your statement, Ms. Aariak.
Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you, colleagues.
In that community, they want to move forward and take steps on resolving the impact to the community and the whole community wanted to move forward positively.
All of the people who were present at the community hall actually took a step forward to show their solidarity.
This was a good symbol of their commitment and it was very gratifying to see.
Within our Tamapta mandate, we stated that we have to work together and move forward to the future.
The residents of Chesterfield Inlet moved forward by themselves to improve their social well-being.
This can be a role model to all communities of Nunavut.
Chesterfield Inlet residents showed us how we can move forward and I would like to thank them very much, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 282 – 3(2): Best Wishes to Colleagues and Constituents (Peterson)
I, too, would like to wish my constituents in Cambridge Bay, Umingmaktok, and Bathurst Inlet a wonderful summer.
It’s going to be great to be home with the folks. Some of them tease me at the airport when they see me leaving that I’m going home to Iqaluit, but I always tell them, “No, I’m commuting to Iqaluit, that’s where I work.”
It’s not unlike taking the subway or the streetcar in a big city. I have to an airplane.
So now I’m going home and I’m looking forward to being home.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to wish my colleagues as well a great summer.
I know they have a lot of hard work ahead of them to talk to their constituents and discuss their issues and concerns and some of the good things that we’re doing in Iqaluit here.
I hope to visit some of my colleagues this summer as well, time and budgets permitting.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to wish the best to all of my Justice and Finance staff here in Iqaluit and in communities across Nunavut. They do tremendous work on behalf of the two departments and on behalf of all Nunavummiut, so I would like to extend my appreciation to them.
It’s a great pleasure to represent them, so I wish them a great summer as well.
Member’s Statement 283 – 3(2): Appreciation to Kugluktuk and Iqaluit Residents (Taptuna)
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge my constituency of Kugluktuk.
I appreciate the encouragement and support that they have given me, and also the CA I do have there in Kugluktuk, Annie Bolt, for encouragement and keeping things in order in Kugluktuk.
Also, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the people of Iqaluit, who, throughout the winter, have been gracious. My wife and I do appreciate that.
We are grateful for the encouragement and welcoming as you get to Iqaluit.
Member’s Statement 284 – 3(2): Congratulations to Solomon Awa for Completing Advanced Management Program (Arvaluk)
Today is a beautiful day and most of us will travel home tomorrow.
I am sure we are all homesick now. Although most of us are considered elders now, we still get homesick.
I rise today to state that I have many younger brothers and sisters, some of whom have gone through formal education systems. One of them is a deputy minister, one of them is a CBC reporter, and one of them is an IT technician. They are all quite capable and for that, I am very proud of them.
However, in my opinion, my father was a very wise man. He was named after Awa, who Knud Rasmussen had travelled with.
I also would like to thank Mr. Curley for giving me a photograph of him.
Since he was wise, he wanted to have one of his sons stay within the family and not sent away to formal school because he wanted to have a hunter.
It turned out to be my younger brother, Solomon Awa.
When my parents found out that we all needed to undertake formal education, Solomon started attending school later on and he worked very hard to keep up with his peers.
Today, I am very pleased that he took the Nunavut Advanced Management Diploma Program and he has graduated from that program.
I would like all members to join me in congratulating Solomon Awa and the graduates of that program.
Member’s Statement 285 – 3(2): Encourage and Support Our Children (Curley)
I also wish to extend a “good day” to the people of Rankin Inlet and also our relatives all over Nunavut.
I am very pleased that the people of Nunavik follow our sessional proceedings and I applaud your dedication.
I want to state since it is springtime of which we are all cognizant and with the enjoyable part of the season upcoming as we edge closer to summer, it means that we will be able to spend more time with our family and friends.
I wanted to make a statement with respect to that issue.
I encourage all students to stay in school and to work harder. Let us please try and acknowledge and understand their issues during this summer break and try to understand the challenges they face in their lives and further encourage them to continue as they have a bright future.
I’m sure that we can all learn from the students because today, they face more challenges than we faced when we were at that age.
For that reason, I urge and encourage all of the parents, while their children are still small, to encourage them about having a good future and advise them of the current hardships.
Depression will eventually pass and will not endure for their whole lives.
All things eventually pass since life is a blessing and it can be a fruitful life.
I would like to state that, Mr. Speaker, tomorrow will be a very special day in Canada. On June 11, aboriginal people, Inuit, and Métis are gathering together in Ottawa for “Forgiveness Canada.”
Last year, Prime Minister Harper had apologized to the former students. There will be a gathering of Inuit, First Nations, and Métis to forgive the Prime Minister and the federal government.
Please let us support them and if you want more information, please look into it.
To all of the people who live down south, I give you my full support and I apologize that I can’t be there today.
Member’s Statement 286 – 3(2): Congratulations Chicago Blackhawks and Special Kusugak (Tootoo)
Hon. Hunter Tootoo: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is our last sitting day and I don’t know if it’s a coincidence that our session finishes the day after the hockey season finishes.
Mr. Speaker, before I recognize some individuals, I would just like to recognize the fact that the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup last night and I was pleased that they won as now I can say that the team that I cheered for, the Nashville Predators and I’m biased for cheering for that time, lost out in the playoffs to the champions.
I hope, Mr. Speaker, and I am pleased that Edward has finally realized his dream of seeing the team he has cheered for since he was in diapers, more than likely, see in his lifetime his team that’s finally won the Stanley Cup.
Mr. Speaker, another congratulation that I would like to do is last month, I had the opportunity of attending the territorial skills competition here in Iqaluit.
One of the individuals who were successful at the skills competition here in Iqaluit went to nationals.
Mr. Speaker, that individual is Special Kusugak. She came in fourth place at the nationals in post-secondary hairstyling.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate her on a job well done and I also would like to acknowledge the hard work that not only she has put into her skill but also the instructor, Ms. Suzanne Laliberte, has put in a lot of extra time and effort to help young people like Special to achieve those accomplishments.
So I wish them the very best in the future.
I also would like to acknowledge again all members and wish them a good summer and thank them for a very productive sitting.
Member’s Statement 287 – 3(2): Thank You for all the Support (Aupaluktuq)
I rise today to thank our interpreters. It’s a very educational experience listening to the interpreters and they give good advice.
They usually ask how you are and they’re always ready to give advice. Thank you very much for all of your support.
I thank the Sergeant-at-Arms; he guards us.
I would also like to thank Lucy Evo for her help and support.
She reminds me and gives me an update on what’s happening in Baker Lake. I thank her very much for her support. After she went on holidays, Blandina Kashla took her place and worked in my office.
To the people of Baker Lake, especially the elders, who give ready advice on any issue, I am very appreciative that I am able to hear them.
I try to listen and hear, but sometimes I’m a slow learner.
They give their thoughts and other options on how you can handle things.
I would especially like to thank my mother, my sisters, my older brother, and my younger brother, who keep reminding me of what my roles and responsibilities are. (interpretation ends) It’s very humbling when you have good, strong siblings that keep you grounded and keeps it real.
Most of all, I want to thank my kids, Aputi and Tye, in Ottawa.
They are a beacon to my life.
I made a lot of mistakes. I do have skeletons in my closet, but there is a time to grow up and a time to become responsible.
I want to thank my children for that.
They provide a lot of joy, a lot of humbleness, and keep everything focused when I think about them daily.
As well, I thank my colleagues here.
It’s a very worthwhile learning experience and I appreciate everybody’s cooperation.
Everybody has been giving me advice and been supportive. I thank the Legislative Assembly, the staff, and Mr. Speaker.
Return to Oral Question 388 – 3(2): Status of Airport Improvements in Kimmirut (Taptuna)
My response to Question 388 – 3(2), asked of me by the Hon. Member for South Baffin, Mr. Speaker, on the status of the airport improvements in Kimmirut.
Mr. Speaker, the Kimmirut Airport project is on schedule to begin this year.
The department has contributed funding to the Department of Community and Government Services to construct the access road to the quarry site.
This work has been tendered and awarded.
The equipment has been mobilized to the community and the work on the road is scheduled to commence this month of this year, 2010.
Mr. Speaker, crushing, hauling, and stockpiling granular material near the airport will be completed this year, and the overlay and the application of dust suppressant will be carried out next year.
Mr. Speaker, at this time, the department is not in a position to undertake a feasibility study on relocating the Kimmirut Airport.
The department maintains regular contact with senior officials and program officers of all federal departments with infrastructure funding.
At this time, there are no federal programs or opportunities to access federal funding to relocate the Kimmirut Airport.
Return to Oral Question 376 – 3(2): Nursing Program Students (Curley)
This question was asked by Mr. Paul Okalik on Thursday, June 3, 2010, No. 376 – 3(2) regarding Nursing Program students.
The member from Iqaluit West asked an oral question regarding the nursing students at Nunavut Arctic College.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform the House that looking ahead to September 2010, there will be 14 students enrolled in years 2 to 4 of the Nursing Program.
Five of these nursing students are beneficiaries.