EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
These structures are totally new for the Government of Nunavut and unlike any other Canadian Government or any government we know of in the circumpolar world.
We plan to work with the new structures, providing ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the roles and resources to determine whether they will need to be changed or expanded in the future.
It is the Government Nunavut’s desire to have Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit as a continuing and living part of all the work we do.
I look forward to receiving nominations for Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit from my colleagues.
Minister’s Statement 143 – 1(6): Government of Nunavut Video on Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit
Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to tell members of this assembly that the government of Nunavut has just recently completed a 20 minute video that will provide a better understanding of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
While Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit cannot be placed into a video, this medium does help explain to viewers where Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit comes from, what it means and how it is being used.
More importantly it underlines how and why Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit is pivotal policy mandate of this government.
(interpretation) We hope that this video will better inform prospective and new government employees, especially those that are not from Nunavut about Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
The demands to create policies and deliver programs and services that are effective, of high quality and that meet expectations similar in all governments. There is a difference in Nunavut in that the government strives to be reflective of the population it serves.
It is only natural that our system blends the principals of parliamentary democracy with the Inuit values of cooperation, effective use of leadership resources and common accountability.
(interpretation end) This ambitious video project is a result of the partnership among the Departments of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, Human Resources and Culture, Language, Elders and Youth.
Our government has also worked closely in the development of this video with Mr. John Amagoalik and Mr. Paul Quassa, the narrator.
No one can doubt the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit credentials that these two men bring to this project.
Because this video is of interest to many audiences, we have chosen to expand the distribution to include schools, hamlet offices and trade shows.
The video is available in Inuktitut, English and is being translated into Innuinaqtut and French.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I believe this video will help young Nunavummiut who are coming into our government learn more about Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and more fully understand how it’s applied to our work.
I want to thank everyone involved in this effort and hope you agree that this video provides inspiration for all of us working to ensure that Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit is the corner stone of our work.
I encourage everyone to view the video which is playing today in the lobby of this house.
Minister’s Statement 144 – 1(6): World TB Day
Mr. Speaker, Nunavummiut experience tuberculosis at rates 14 times higher than other Canadians.
Although our rates have come down over the past 30 years, they are currently in danger of being on the rise again.
Since 1999, my department has been re-establishing the TB surveillance program that was abandoned in Canada in the mid 1980s.
However, Mr. Speaker, we cannot ignore the impact that 15 years without surveillance has had on our territory.
Nunavut reported 39 cases of TB in 2001 and 26 more cases were diagnosed in 2002.
Mr. Speaker, my department is working hard to combat this disease.
We have filled our territorial TB consultant positions and have the services of an off-site resource to our program.
The Baffin and the Kitikmeot have been staffed with regional coordinators and we hope to have the position in the Kivalliq filled very soon.
Mr. Speaker, one of the things to keep in mind as we battle tuberculosis is the importance of observing the strict regime of medication required to overcome the disease.
In order to improve adherence to the therapy, home and community care workers in all three regions across Nunavut are being given ongoing training in that particular area.
Mr. Speaker, please join with me in observing today March the 24th, as world TB day in Nunavut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister’s Statement 145 – 1(6): Education Act
This is the honourable thing to do.
(interpretation) I rise today to address the recommendation of the standing committee regarding Bill 1.
First let me express my deep appreciation to the standing committee for their careful consideration and detailed report.
I also want to recognise the many groups and individuals who took the time and the effort to send letters, to make phone calls, do presentations to the standing committee and meet with me personally, especially the DEAs and the Inuit Organizations.
One of the most difficult tasks as a new Government based on language and cultural principals, can undertake is the development of an Education Act.
We all know that education is one of the key elements of building, preserving and enhancing our way of life.
Because it affects all families, views on education are strong and personal.
Mr. Speaker, the process of developing Bill 1 began in 1999, in the early days of this Government.
The complexity of the Education Act made both the consultations and the drafting a difficult process.
When I became the Minister of Education in May, 2000, consultations was largely complete, and the Act had already gone through two drafts.
Mr. Speaker, I met with particular interest the comments of the Standing Committee on the need for the Government to take more time to ensure that our education system reflects Inuit culture, priorities, and aspirations.
Education is in the midst of a major development process regarding the Language of Instruction, curriculum, and Teacher education.
I agree with the Standing Committee that the results of these initiatives should be taken into account in the development of the Education Act.
Mr. Speaker, the Standing Committee has given us an opportunity to do something very different with the related legislation.
The original timeline forced us in a particular direction, but the consultation and the information obtained were invaluable.
We now have an opportunity to use that experience in creating a new made-in-Nunavut approach to developing an Education Act, and I commit to doing that.
Mr. Speaker, the work done and knowledge gained has not been in vain.
Quite to the contrary, it’s heightened our understanding of the real issue, and the need for a truly made-in-Nunavut Education Act for all Nunavummiut.
Member’s Statement 479 – 1(6): Swim Patrol Program
Mr. Speaker, I very much hope to keep my head above water today, because I want to rise to talk about the good work done by Iqaluit residents involved in the Canadian Swim Patrol Program.
Mr. Speaker, the Canadian Swim Patrol Program is a National Program that provides a head start for young people that want to go for their National Lifeguard Certification.
Mr. Speaker, this program recently started up in Iqaluit within the municipal swimming pool.
About a dozen young Iqaluit residents are currently enrolled as students in this program.
They range in age from 8 years old to into their teens.
They are learning a number of skills including rescue and first aid training.
Mr. Speaker, I have been talking in recent weeks about the importance of recognizing the efforts of role models in our communities.
I believe that the young adults who have helped organize the Canadian Swim Patrol Program classes in Iqaluit are indeed role models.
I would like to single out the instructor of the class, Ms. Kim Mekerk for her hard work.
I know that the students in her class are gaining in skills and self-esteem.
Mr. Speaker, when we look at our spending needs, recreation programs are often the first on the chopping block.
This is too often seen as a low priority frill that can easily be eliminated.
Mr. Speaker, I would submit to you and to the members of this house that nothing is further from the truth.
Strong recreation programs build strong communities.
They keep our kids out of trouble and on the right track.
In fact, I would suggest that they save us costs in the long run through healthier families and individuals.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in saluting everyone involved in municipal recreation programs across Nunavut.
Member’s Statement 480 – 1(6): Thankful to Government
Mr. Speaker, there were many instances where we experienced hardship in trying to survive on the land.
Today, we are relatively well off.
Today, we live in wooden houses with electricity and hot water available from the tap and to top it off, we are no longer required to collect our own water.
We have modern communication mediums and able to communicate with our relatives by long distance.
Our children are also being educated within our communities now.
Mr. Speaker, there are many things that we should be grateful for having here in Canada and to thank both federal and territorial governments for the Nunavut Territory.
On behalf of Repulse Bay and Kugaaruk, I would like to say thank you to the government.
Mr. Speaker, even though that is the case, the people of Nunavut must work towards self-sufficiency, self- reliance or independence.
And Mr. Speaker, it has to be on our own initiative.
Member’s Statement 481 – 1(6): Inuktitut and Innuinnaqtun Not Recognized
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to say that since the beginning of this government we have heard a lot of statements made by our Ministers.
There has been good progress to date and again, since the creation of this government we have passed many bills.
As a standing committee, we have a special committee that deals with the official languages act.
There was consultation done to date and as you know, the English and French languages are recognized in the constitution but neither the Inuktitut nor the Inuinnaqtun languages are officially recognized to this date.
I am quite concerned that there will be an impact or conflict when our languages are not recognized and whether they will concur or prevail over other pieces of legislation brought forth in Canada.
Our language, the Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun language is the majority language of the whole population and if we are to fight to save our language, we require that this be included in new legislation.
My question is, what kind of barriers will be created in other Bills enacted prior to our enacting the Inuktitut language protection act?
The issue of language is very important to the people of Nunavut and it is part of our culture, our lifestyle, and our identity.
Our children and grandchildren are quite capable, and competent in speaking the Inuktitut language.
What can we do to preserve our language?
If we want to bring out a better life and future for us we must acknowledge and be proud of our culture and our language.
Member’s Statement 482 – 1(6): Sanikiluaq Arena in Need of Artificial Ice
First of all I would like to thank the Special Committee who went to Sanikiluaq for the weekend.
They went down to Sanikiluaq as part of the Consultation Tour of the Official Languages Act.
There is one issue that I would like to touch up on while I have to opportunity.
It is in regards to the arena.
Quite a while ago, I made a statement regarding the opening of our arena that opened in January 13.
When I went down there on Saturday, it is no longer being used, because it does not have artificial ice due ice melting from the ceiling, it is creating little bumps on the ice, and the arena was used for approximately eight weeks in the whole year.
Hockey is very important to the people of Nunavut, and when I was the Mayor, and Councillor in Sanikiluaq, we heard very good reports of what a crime deterrent it was to have arena opened.
During those eight weeks that the arena was opened, there was less crime, because everyone was at the Arena.
Arenas are a very important part of the lives of the youth and the children.
I just wanted to inform the House that it is no longer in use after only eight weeks.
Member’s Statement 483 – 1(6): Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit
I guess that they should put that Sanikiluaq Arena to a colder community.
Our Premier and the Minister responsible for Culture, Language, Elders and Youth, made comments on Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, and they mentioned that it was a part of the important role for the Government to implement it.
I am starting to believe that we are not only providing lip service to Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, and I am sure that something tangible will come out during the life of this First Assembly.
As I have stated more than once, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit should not be used just as a catch phrase.
Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit means, the Inuit culture, the language, the lifestyle, and their identity.
When government is dealing with these, use them to remember what Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit means.
Member’s Statement 484 – 1(6): Conference in Rankin Inlet
I would just like to advise this House that I attended a very important conference this weekend in Rankin Inlet and I would like to thank the community of Rankin Inlet for hosting such a conference and the friendliness and coziness of the meeting that they have extended to everybody, including myself.
Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut Sivummut Conference in my opinion, in being a thirty-year northerner, was one of the best conferences that I have attended in the north to date.
The reason that I think it was important was because they are starting to discuss the Nunavut economy and business.
Which to me, I have been very vocal in this House that since the creation of Nunavut, the Government has been tied up with other very important issues that we deal with day to day.
I have got to commend the organizers of this Sivumut Nunavut Conference in dealing with the economy in Nunavut because that is the next stage in the evolution of this Government.
It is to go on and stimulate the economy for business and the private sector.
At this point, I would like to thank the Minister Olayuk Akesuk for his great work there and also NTI for being there and Cathy Towtongie.
I would also like to thank the Federal Government for being there.
And that is like I said, the first time that I have seen all of the partners together in one roof and really concerned and talking about the economy and where we are going in Nunavut.
I would like to commend everybody out there, the organizers, the government, NTI and the federal government for a change, in attending that conference and really bringing the concerns of Nunavummiut altogether.
And at that point, I do not want to end on a negative note, but I hope and the people at that conference were saying, Glen, make sure that this does not die here.
Make sure that this carries on and something is done with this report from this conference.
Member’s Statement 485 – 1(6): Rankin Inlet Conference
Regarding my colleague’s comment about the Rankin Inlet conference, I would like to thank the residents of Rankin Inlet and the delegates who attended this conference.
They had a very good time and they were treated to a dance, community feast and they had open and plentiful discussions in Rankin Inlet.
I would like to thank the same people that my colleague mentioned and this includes the Minister of Sustainable Development especially, along with my younger sister, Cathy Towtongie and the federal government.
This was brought up time and again, that people in the Arts and Crafts industry are having a hard time marketing their products and need better coordination and co-operation, although there is a craft shop in Rankin Inlet that was one of the biggest discussion items.
Mr. Speaker, I expect that something good will come out of this after the minutes are completed.
Mr. Speaker, we found out that there is funding out there from different programs that people can apply for funding assistance, but due to the complex application process, a lot of the smaller businesses are incapable of applying for them.
Mr. Speaker, we came to an understanding that a lot of these criteria and application processes for funding programs have to be eased to make it possible for people to tap into this funding.
A lot of information does not make to the local people.
The hotels had this information, in the small shops.
There is a lot of funding available for those programs.
I expect, Mr. Speaker that those people that will compile the meeting minutes of that conference will have a lot of good information.
A lot of people are starting to speak out about the fact that they are left to their own devices in the private sector.
A lot of issues surrounding small businesses were raised.
There will be very short term issues that have to be dealt with because these communities are asking for this information so that funding can be funnelled into the communities.
We need immediate action at this point.
Member’s Statement 486 – 1(6): Skidoo Trip to the Cabin
Mr. Speaker, across Nunavut, spring is coming, or in the case of Sanikiluaq, as we’ve heard, it’s probably already here.
As the sun gets up, it’s stays out longer and the temperature warms up and so does the number of hunting trips, fishing trips and camping trips, rise as many Nunavummiut take advantage of the warmer season.
Mr. Speaker, this passed weekend, my son Trent and I had an opportunity to join Alain Carriere and our colleague Ed Picco and his son Pakak, go out to his cabin out at Lewis Bay, which is approximately a 45 mile return trip.
I’d like to thank Minister Picco for allowing us the opportunity to head out with him.
But I also got the opportunity to see Minster Picco’s on the land skills.
That included getting his Qamutik stuck not once Mr. Speaker, but twice.
But in all fairness to him, I was quite comfortable in traveling with them.
I recognise that it’s a totally different environment over here with the hills and the rocky and narrow trails in a lot of circumstances that I don’t see back in our flatter areas over in the Kitikmeot.
So, with that I would like to thank him once again and also thank Chris Lalonde for allowing me to use his snowmobile and also, getting the opportunity to borrow kamiks from commissioner Irniq.
I put them to good use this weekend.
Are there any further member’s statements?
Member’s Statement 487 – 1(6): Congratulations to Fauna Kingdon
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Mr. Ng for his wonderful member’s statement and I just hope that the member for Amittuq doesn’t talk about the time about 17 years ago when I was lost at place called Nuqsunngarjuk which is about 8 miles outside of Hall Beach.
That’s a different story.
Mr. Speaker, there has been a lot of talk of the quality of our education system in this House.
I would like to update the members on the success of another constituent from Happy Valley who is attending university in Winnipeg.
Fauna Kingdon has been selected as the only, Mr. Speaker, the only recipient of the Royal Bank Native Student Award in the Territories.
Mr. Speaker, the award is worth $16 thousand dollars over four years and will help Fauna in her ongoing university education.
Mr. Speaker, the award is based on academic achievement, as well as volunteer experience and as well as need.
Fauna’s middle and high school years were all here in Iqaluit and she is one of the many Nunavut students that are attending various secondary and university programs in and outside of Nunavut.
I would ask that you Mr. Speaker, and this house join with me in congratulating Ms. Fauna Kingdon on her educational bursary and wish her the very best in her future studies.
If not we’ll move on.
I have some people here.
I’ve noticed a number of young people sitting in the gallery on both sides of the house.
They’re young interns working on Parliament Hill with the various MPs from all parties and they are selected from throughout Canada to spend a year working on Parliament Hill to sort of hone their skills and really see what the political world is like in Ottawa.
I’m going to try to get myself through their names now and bare with me.
We have the Program Director, Jean Pierre Gadvery, also a professor at the University of Ottawa. Jean Phillipe Beaucheau from Quebec City.
Gord Kuwess from Kingston, Ontario.
Christina Kuwowski from New Westminster, B.C. Dionne Lapperierre from Quebec City.
Donna Manderville from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.
Claire MacEntire from St. John’s Nfld.
And Brock Petawanquat from Alberta.
How was that Brock, did I come close?
Jane Swan, from Guelf, ON.
He grew up in Calgary, Alberta and Jacob Wilson from Toronto, ON.
Welcome to the gallery, to the chamber and also to Nunavut.
Question 475 – 1(6): Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Board
I was the last one to put my hand up so thanks anyways.
My question is to the Minister of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth.
In his member’s statement, I noted the statement regarding Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
He spoke about the issues surrounding IQ. It relates to Inuit abilities and skills and what they did culturally.
What did he mean under Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, what specifically are you referring to as being included in this category?
According to the minister’s statement, we will have some information out regarding the criteria you need in order to be on this group.
I will table a document that is in English, Inuktitut and Innuinaqtut about what this elder’s council will be and what the terms of reference is for this committee.
I will table that in the house and about the kind of knowledge these people that will be on the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Committee will need.
I said earlier, that we’re going to call them Tuqtarvik, like a liaison or support group.
This is from the different departments of the government who will have representatives on this council.
It will compile all the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit programs within government.
This council that he’s proposing, I’m wondering whether the elders that truly have the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, will they be participants?
Yes, this council will be selecting, I believe taking names in and we’ll announce as to who will be on this council.
I’m expecting a lot of response for names that would like to be involved in this council.
So we’ll ensure we review as to who will be the appropriate ones to be on this council.
Question 476 – 1(6): Yearly TB Testing
Mr. Speaker, I take with great interest today, the Minister’s statement on TB in the Nunavut Territory.
My question today is to the Minister of Health and Social Services that he’s really taking a proactive role in trying to combat this deadly disease.
My first question to the Minister today is, I’m not too familiar about what his program is in my community, but do they do yearly testing to find out about TB in Baker Lake.
Mr. Speaker, at the present time, I believe there are six communities with ongoing active cases of TB. The member is correct, we do ongoing testing.
For example, in the year 2000, I believe 7% of children from kindergarten to grade 6 here in Iqaluit that were tested actually tested positive for tuberculosis.
So, the Member is correct, it is very scary statistics.
It is good to see that the Minister is doing some testing and he mentioned six communities, which is good.
There are 26 communities in Nunavut at last count, I think, I could be wrong.
But was is the ongoing yearly plan by the Department of Health and Social Services to test all communities and all people in Nunavut for this deadly disease?
Mr. Speaker, that is the direction that the Department is moving in.
Tuberculosis is very contagious if it is active tuberculosis.
One of the things that we have seen since the mid 1980’s, Mr. Speaker, it is very important to find out that our Federal Government withdrew the testing, mandatory testing for tuberculosis.
However, in the south, we have seen tuberculosis actually level off and most cases decline.
In Nunavut, we have actually seen the rates increase and that is why this coordinated approach two years ago, through the auspices of the Financial Management Board, Mr. Speaker, I was able to get secure extra funding in our budget to actually hire dedicated resources to the TB testing program.