EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
In addition, my department recently completed consultations with Baffin Bay communities and found support for initiating a pilot aerial survey project which will generate a much needed new estimate for this population.
Significant progress is also being made in investigating new technologies that apply DNA science to collect vital information on population size and other factors needed for management.
The department is proposing to start a new DNA biopsy darting project which may eliminate the need to drug and handle polar bears for research altogether.
We are very optimistic that these innovative new methods will provide the detailed and rigorous scientific data crucial to wildlife management while respecting Inuit societal values and responding to the needs and interests of all Nunavutmiut.
Minister’s Statement 109 – 3(2): Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal (Peterson)
I rise today to applaud the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal for their dedicated work to raise human rights awareness and ensure that Nunavummiut are not subject to discrimination based on grounds such as race, age, religion, or disability.
The Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal recognizes the importance of maintaining open communication with the public.
I am pleased to inform members that the tribunal has prepared information packages which include guides, forums, posters, and a CD-ROM for members to share with their constituents.
The tribunal will provide members with these information packages later this afternoon.
Mr. Speaker, the CD-ROMs include public service announcements in all languages that members are encouraged to share with their community radio stations.
This will help to raise awareness about individual human rights and the tribunal.
Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal has also created an informational website that provides details on how individuals can file notifications and respondent organizations can respond to claims.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage Nunavummiut to contact the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal with any questions or concerns.
Their information can be found online in all official languages at their new website www.nhrt.ca.
Member’s Statement 161 – 3(2): Health Care Complaints Procedure Not Working (Ningark)
I rise today to talk about the two pieces of correspondence I received from Repulse Bay.
I won’t be reading them in the House, but I will provide a copy to the minister outside of the session.
The context is in relation to medical travel and how patients are treated inequitably in the Akulliq region that I represent, which are the communities Repulse Bay and Kugaaruk.
The letters speak to the disparity between patients who are approved for escorts.
The concerns expressed relate to the same issue. Yesterday, Mr. Arvaluk spoke passionately about this matter during our Committee of the Whole and Mr. Ningeongan also alluded to the same matter.
As you are aware, Mr. Speaker, we have been provided with the contact information for this program. Specifically, if we wish to lodge complaints, we can do so by sending complaints to this body and the English term for this is the patient/client complaints procedure.
This is what I’m trying to speak to.
I tried to send the two letters I received, which are in relation to that procedure, via facsimile this morning around 8:30 a.m. to the contact numbers listed under the minister’s office.
The facsimile number provided was 867-975-5771. I tried to send it early in the morning, as per my previous notation, but it was constantly busy and it could not go through.
I tried to resend it at 1:22 p.m., but again, the line was constantly busy and the fax could not go through.
I’m not aware of the reason why that was since the contact information seems to be correct.
It states in English that steps 1, 2, 3, and 4 are required.
I tried using the fourth step since I imagine these lines are all used by the office.
Unfortunately, it could not be transferred. If there was an independent complaints commission established, then it would be easier to access the office. Alternatively, we could ask the federal government to create this office.
It seems that we have no other options since the Nunavut government is not listening to our concerns whenever we have complaints.
Again, with respect to the four numbers listed, we have tried to send it to all of them and we know that this is not intentional since they are working hard to resolve these complaints.
Some patients’ complaints are readily accepted while some patients’ request for an escort is approved and others are rejected.
As I stated earlier, I tried to send the correspondence via facsimile, but I could not get through and I cannot read the letters publicly, especially since they are confidential letters and therefore under the Privacy Act, so I will be handing the letters to the minister today.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.  Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Ningark.
Member’s Statement 162 – 3(2): Appreciation for Sport Nunavut (Aupaluktuq)
I rise today to share with the House as we all know that the Arctic Winter Games are proceeding.
It gives me great joy and great pride to know that this generation of youth, children, and young adults have the opportunity that we never had in our times.
I remember growing up, being a child, thinking that I could be the next Bobby Orr. That wasn’t my opportunity, but in the next generation, we do have an NHLer, Jordin Tootoo, which gives me great pride.
Mr. Aupaluktuq: With that, I would like to give a special thank you to the Hon. Minister of CLEY, Mr. Louis Tapardjuk, and his department and Sport Nunavut for providing such great pride in our youth and our community.
I can honestly say, Hon. Minister Tapardjuk, that we Baker Lake residents have seen the growth and also the confidence in our youth. It’s the different way they walk. They really enjoy each other, they talk to each other, and they support each other.
And all of that came from having exceptional people in place.
Although this government provides those tools, it’s the organizations such as Sport Nunavut that also embody what the spirit of Nunavut is and the spirit of Nunavut is the companionship, survival, and at the end of the day, the sharing and also the caring of each other.
I think that’s the spirit of Nunavut that I think all of our athletes will be carrying.
With that, I would like to address and identify Baker Lake athletes Tuupik Noah, Harry Aupaluktuq, Kent de Peuter, Troy Owingayak, Kiah Aqa’tuaq Aupaluktuq-Hachey, Anthyme Kudjuk, Trent Aksawnee, Eric Perkison, Kyle Owingayak, Bobby Tagoona, Derek Mikkingwak, and Coach Laz Attangalak.
There’s also April Aupaluktuq, also Coach Glen Ullyot, who is also the President of the Baker Lake Youth Athletic Association, Paula Peryuaq, Wamajasi Kreelak, Johnny Qarliksak, Shirley Candace Kabloona, Charmaine Kasaluak, Michael Kotelowitz, Virginia Ullyot, Olivia Ullyot, Florence Nagyogalik, Judy Mariq, and my niece from Rankin Inlet, Ashley Aupaluktuq-Burton.
With that, I want to commend the department and all of Nunavut for this great pride that we have and I’m sure all of Nunavut is proud of it as well.
Members’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, Mr. Kusugak.
Member’s Statement 163 – 3(2): Happy 61st Anniversary to Ollie and Lizzie Ittinuar (Kusugak)
I, too, am very proud to stand up as Rankin Inlet residents are very pleased and very happy and that there will be a community feast in Rankin Inlet for the 61st wedding anniversary of Ollie and Lizzie Ittinuar.
I am very proud. I don’t know if anyone of us around here are aged 61, but this couple has been together for a very long time and I am very proud of them. On behalf of members here, we would like to congratulate them.
I am also proud of other individuals.
At the Arctic Winter Games, Sean Nipisar from Whale Cove finished first in the two-foot high kick event. He also came in third on the kneel jump. Maggie Kingmiaqtuq from Rankin Inlet won the gold in the women’s arm pull.
During the children’s dog team race, Justin Diaz came in third. We’re very proud of these athletes competing in the Arctic Winter Games.
I congratulate Ollie and Lizzie Ittinuar for the celebration of their 61st anniversary.
Member’s Statement 164 – 3(2): Further Support for a Child and Youth Advocate (Elliott)
I rise today to speak again about an issue that has been discussed and studied in depth. It has been tossed around within government departments since division from the Northwest Territories. It has been adopted by almost every province and territory in Canada in some form or another.
It provides protection and security for those most in need and supports our youth in pursuit of their dreams.
I am speaking, Mr. Speaker, about the child and youth representative for Nunavut.
Through Tamapta, the Government of Nunavut has committed to creating this position.
I applaud the government for doing this and I am very satisfied that this commitment has been made. What I am not satisfied with is the speed at which we are moving on this.
Mr. Speaker, children and youth make up more than 50 percent of our population. Of a population of 31,500 people, almost 11,600 are the age of 16 or younger.
As stated by the Minister of Health and Social Services yesterday in his appearance before the Committee of the Whole, last year, over 300 Nunavut children were placed in foster homes. Of those, 60 youth were fostered outside of the territory at a cost to the government of $6.1 million.
Every year, Nunavut children have to cope with poverty, domestic violence, homelessness, and other social difficulties.
Children and youth are one of the most vulnerable groups in our society. They do not vote and they rarely have a voice in determining their lives and their future.
Mr. Speaker, while asking questions in the House to the Premier as to why the development of this position is progressing so slowly, her reply has been that they want to ensure the proper legislation through the Child and Family Services Act is in place.
I agree that the legislation is needed, but in order to establish a child and youth representative in Nunavut, we do not need to reinvent the wheel. We have a wide array of models to choose from across Canada.
Just a few months ago, the Yukon Territory established its own child and youth advocate’s office. The design and planning work has been done.
Mr. Speaker, if legislation is so important to this government, then why does it need only six principles in mining to move forward on the development of multi-million dollar uranium mines in the territory, yet, for our youth, full-blown legislation is required?
Mr. Speaker, since division, legislative proposals have been drafted and briefing notes…
Speaker: (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Elliott.
Mr. Elliott is requesting unanimous consent to conclude his statement.
I’ll go back to the previous paragraph because I think it’s very important.
Mr. Speaker, since division legislative proposals have been drafted and briefing notes have been written regarding the establishment of a youth and child representative.
The framework has been built.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that this is the time to act. We have the commitment of the government to establish the office. Let’s move forward and fill that position.
Member’s Statement 165 – 3(2): Congratulating Nanulik Medalists at the Arctic Winter Games (Ningeongan)
I rise today to congratulate a number of Nanulik residents who have been very successful at the Arctic Winter Games.
Mr. Speaker, so far, our Nanulik athletes can really say they “Own the Podium,” especially the podium in the wrestling arena.
Mr. Speaker, Saul Netser and Eli Paliak from Coral Harbour each won silver medals in their respective weight classes.
Adamie Nakoolak and Kyle Maclean also from Coral Harbour each won bronze medals in their weight divisions.
Mr. Speaker, Team Nunavut, made up of a number of wrestlers from different communities, including several from Coral Harbour, will be bringing home the bronze medal from the Open Co-ed Wrestling event.
Mr. Speaker, it does not end there.
James Tautu from Chesterfield Inlet won gold in the Arctic Sports Kneel Jump event with a distance of 1.52 metres.
Mr. Speaker, there are still three more days of active competition at the Arctic Winter Games.
I look forward to hearing of many more wonderful results from our youth. Mr. Speaker, I also want to congratulate all of our athletes who are taking part in the Arctic Winter Games.
Medals or not, they have already shown themselves to be winners.
Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating these athletes on their achievements.
Member’s Statement 166 – 3(2): Congratulations to Terry Ryan - Director of Dorset Fine Arts (Schell)
I rise today to congratulate Terry Ryan on winning a Governor General’s Award for outstanding contributions to Canadian Art.
This award honours Terry Ryan for his work in promoting Inuit art over the last 50 years.
In 1960, his career in Inuit art promotion started at the West Baffin Eskimo Co-op in Cape Dorset. This co-operative is now called Kinngait Studios.
As I stated in this House last November on the occasion of its 50th anniversary, the Kinngait printmaking studio has had a profound and positive influence on Cape Dorset’s art community and the entire Inuit art community.
This influence would not have been possible without the dedication and efforts of Terry Ryan to nurture Inuit artists over the past five decades.
Terry Ryan brought various printing techniques to Kinngait Studios, such as engraving, lithography, etching, and aquatint.
Not only did Terry Ryan introduce different techniques to Inuit artists, he also played a lead role in developing an international network of Inuit art dealers.
Terry Ryan is now the director of the Dorset Fine Arts in Toronto, where he continues to promote Inuit art.
Please join me in congratulating Terry Ryan on his Governor General’s Award for outstanding contribution to Canadian Art.
Members’ Statements. (interpretation) I apologize, but you can’t make a Member’s Statement twice.
(interpretation ends) Item 4.
It gives me great pleasure today to welcome to the Gallery Errol Fletcher, Chair of the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal, and Marion Love, Executive Director of the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal.
Mr. Speaker, they’re no strangers to Nunavut. They do great work on behalf of Nunavummiut. I thought it would be important for them to come here today so you could meet them face to face.
They are going to be promoting Nunavut human rights this week.
With this being day 3 of having our Air Cadets page, we have with us today Warrant Officer Second Class Candice Sudlovenick, Flight Corporal Newkinga Nowdlak-Moss, Flight Corporal Anika Bychok, and Leading Air Cadet Sheila Papatsie.
There are a couple of individuals here from the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal.
One of them was mentioned, but we have Marion Love, who is the director, and Rosie Tanuyak-Ell. I would like to welcome them to the Gallery.
I would like to take this opportunity to recognize an individual in the Gallery who is no stranger to this Chamber, although he is probably much happier sitting in the visitors’ Gallery rather than sitting at the witness table.
This individual had a very good career with the Government of Nunavut in the capacity as assistant deputy minister and deputy minister. He sat in the witness table here many times.
He, since leaving the government, has moved on successfully into the private sector.
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome to the Gallery my brother, Victor Tootoo.
It’s nice to see him here and I’m sure he’s happy again to be on the other side.
I ask all members to join me in welcoming him back to the Chambers.
I would like to recognize an individual from Pangnirtung who is in the Gallery.
She is a student at the Arctic College. There are approximately 20 individuals who went to Arctic College from my community in the fall. This individual is one of them and I would like to recognize Ragelee Mike.
There being none. Going back to our orders of the day.
Question 247 – 3(2): SPOT Locator Devices (Rumbolt)
Yesterday, the minister informed the House that his department has purchased 500 SPOT satellite personal tracker devices for distribution to communities for use by hunters and also for search and rescue operations.
I myself have been using one of these devices for the past eight months and I am pleased to say that when used properly, they do work effectively.
I applaud the minister for his initiative.
However, these devices come with an annual fee that’s close to $100.
If you multiply that by 500 devices, that’s between $40,000 to $50,000 per year.
Can the minister indicate whether the Government of Nunavut will pick up these costs or will this cost be passed on to communities?
Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my colleague for the question.
They are an amazing tool when used properly.
The costs are high; it’s approximately $2,200 per community. You did the math pretty close.
Our department will be covering the costs of the annual fees to keep them going.
My next question is: as I noted earlier, I myself own a SPOT device.
It is a great tool, but you need to be comfortable with computer technology to use it properly.
I am aware that the hunters in Clyde River have been working with experts to develop GPS technology that has an interface in both Inuktitut and English.
I know that the SPOT device is fairly user-friendly, but has the department looked at ways to provide training on the use of these devices?
They are very user-friendly.
You just press a button that says, “I’m okay,” or press a button that says, “Come and get me.”
So in that sense, the people who will use them, when they come and get them, will be shown which buttons you press to say that you’re okay or which buttons you press to say that you’re not okay.
They’re that simple, but to my knowledge, there have not been any training programs per se because they are quite simple to use, Mr. Speaker.
In his statement of yesterday, the minister also indicated that search and rescue teams responded to 125 requests for assistance last year and that search and rescue volunteers accumulated over 2,000 person hours.
Can the minister indicate how much the Government of Nunavut spent last year in support to search and rescue operations, and can he indicate how many searches required the involvement of the Canadian Forces in providing aerial support?
Yes, there were 125 searches and approximately 230 people had to be searched for, for many different reasons.
It averaged to about 10 searches a month. To date, it has cost the department about $225,000 in costs associated with searches, Mr. Speaker.
The minister did not answer the final part of my question when I asked how many search and rescues required the involvement of the Canadian Forces for aerial support.
Hon. Lorne Kusugak: That was the plan, Mr. Speaker. I’ll have to let you know exactly how many involved the Canadian search and rescue, but I don’t have that detail with me, broken down to that detail.
I will get back to the minister later to let him know the exact amount of times they were included, but this cost of the search includes those figures.
Question 248 – 3(2): Cargo Resupply Report (Okalik)
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) My question is directed to the same minister.
On June 12, 2009, my colleague for Baker Lake asked about the dry cargo contract and asked when the report will be tabled for the annual dry cargo resupply.
At the time, the minister replied that the department has completed the report. However, it is in the hands of the translators and hopefully, it will be ready for tabling as early as this fall session.
We are in 2010 at this time, so I would like to know the status of that report. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The report should be available at the next session.
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I hope that it will be ready and tabled at that time. Further, I would like to know how this past year’s sealift supply is. We are two years behind now and when can we expect that report as well?
The sealift went pretty well this year. There were a few glitches with shipping dates, as some of the ships had issues with the ships themselves and so on.
I’m sure that will be in the report and as soon as it’s available, I will table it in the House.
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) The minister also undertook a pre-market study on sealift supplies.
I would like to know if that report is ready for tabling. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I will let him know. I don’t know exactly right now as to its exact status. As soon as I find that out, I will let my colleague know.
Thank you, Mr. Okalik. (interpretation) Oral Questions.
Question 249 – 3(2): Compensation for Polar Bear Outfitters and Harvesters (Arvaluk)
Mr. Speaker, my memory is not what it used to be, but it seems from yesterday’s answer by the minister that this government’s memory is even shorter.
Back in 2001 and 2002, a moratorium was imposed on polar bear hunting on the McClintock Channel that is north of Cambridge Bay, or Iqaluktuuttiaq.
At that time, the GN announced a special economic initiative plan to provide one-time funding of approximately two hundred thousand dollars to the communities of Gjoa Haven, Taloyoak, and Cambridge Bay to assist them in overcoming the negative impacts of the moratorium.
In fact, Mr. Speaker, I now clearly remember sitting in this House with my colleagues from Iqaluit West and Iqaluit Centre when our former colleague from Cape Dorset announced how the government would work with HTOs on this issue.
In light of this precedent, will the minister commit to reviewing the government’s position on compensation assistance for people in the communities of Pond Inlet, Clyde River, and Broughton Island?
Mr. Speaker, as I outlined yesterday, we are very much interested in working with communities to help them overcome the situation.
I am very glad that the member tabled this document yesterday.
It outlines exactly the programs and the initiatives this government is taking to deal with the situation.
In fact, the $150 that he said the NWT government is providing to their outfitting industry, it is also stated in there that the $150 is to go and help explore alternative outfitting businesses, tourism industry that they can pursue in light of their hardship.
So we are doing this. I outlined yesterday with the two programs that we have with the Department of ED&T to support the outfitting business and any business proposals, or any business that is looking to alter their actions that they’re taking now in their businesses.
So we do have that.
We do have the program that I outlined that the Department of Environment is going to implement too. We are acting on this and we are acting very responsible.
I think we are misunderstanding something that is very principally important and that is those guides for the sport hunters are hunters with their dog teams. Let’s be clear on that. They are not businessmen.
They will not somehow write up a big business plan, a proposal, and submit it to Environment Canada, “I want to start a new tourism using a single auger to a new fishing spot.”
They don’t have the experience or knowledge of making those business plans.
I am asking, Mr. Minister: is it because we already set a precedent on the McClintock Channel to compensate those outfitter/guides? We already set a precedent.
Will the minister reconsider his position to review in light of those quota reductions of 10 annually?
That is 40 in four years.
It would have a very strong impact on these hunters and guides.
Will the minister then commit to us that he will review rather than bluntly saying no?
First, I would like to clarify that I said $150. It was $150,000 that the NWT is providing for support.
I will tell the member this: first of all, the situations were different with the McClintock Channel. That was a full moratorium where there were absolutely no polar bears allowed to be hunted.
Here, there is still going to be, at the end of four years, 65 polar bears in the TAH to be hunted, however the communities choose to hunt those polar bears.