EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, we feel that we have made progress in getting the support of the federal minister of health, the Honourable Allan Rock.
We have also undertaken top brief all premiers and to continue to pursue these discussions.
Mr. Speaker, I will continue to advise this house as the issue develops.
Returning to the Orders of the Day.
Member’s Statement 253 - 1(3): Homeowners Expenses
I rise today to bring to the attention of this house a problem that is facing my constituency, in Quttiktuq.
Mr. Speaker, in the past the government had established programs to help lower income residents to purchase their own home.
A goal, I am sure that we all support.
But Mr. Speaker, many of these people are experiencing difficulties in paying for fuel to heat these same homes.
Mr. Speaker, the increase in the price of fuel hurts everyone.
It is hurting my constituencies.
My communities are among the coldest of all of Nunavut and fuel prices the highest.
The increase in the cost of fuel means simply these vulnerable families now have less money to pay for food, clothing and other necessities.
Mr. Speaker, I urge the government to take action so that people are not faced with the prospect of staying warm or going hungry.
Member’s Statement 254 - 1(3): Kitikmeot Information Technology
Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to announce to my colleagues today that the Kitikmeot has a company that has been a leader and on the forefront of Internet activity for over 3 years.
Through Kitikmeot Polar Net Technologies or Polar Net for short, has been providing and advancing Internet services in the Kitikmeot.
Kitikmeot had a vision in 1996 that information and technology would connect the Kitikmeot to the rest of Nunavut, Canada and the world.
They believed that the Internet would provide a way for a small region with a small population to acquire and share knowledge and information and have a big voice.
Mr. Speaker, the benefits of the Internet are numerous.
It can provide economic development opportunities such as selling carvings over the Internet or promoting tourism.
I can provide educational opportunities in schools and home users.
It can also provide communications among communities because it is much faster than faxing or telephone and costs less.
Mr. Speaker I would like to receive unanimous consent to conclude his statements.
Speaker: The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statements.
Proceed Mr. Puqiqnak.
The Internet offers training and employment opportunities to young people in the technology field.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that since they first established the Internet in 1997 with only one employee, Polar Net expanded into four other Kitikmeot communities, in 1998 and Polar Net has six employees.
Further more Mr. Speaker, all of the polar net employees are Inuit youth who are fully trained to look after expensive high tech equipment, and to manage the business.
Mr. Speaker, Polar Net provides an affordable internet service that relies on a system of land based satellites linked to a server in Yellowknife, this allows customers to dial local numbers to access the internet and avoid huge long distance charges.
Even more remarkably, Mr. Speaker through our system visitors to the Kitikmeot can access their e-mail locally without incurring expensive long distance charges.
It is very convenient and their system also works with Kitikmeot residents when they are travelling and trying to stay in touch with families and businesses.
Lastly Mr. Speaker, Kitikmeot Corporation has made a significant capital investment in the high tech equipment and training their employees to establish Polar Net.
They realise that this is an essential service in the Kitikmeot.
So, I would like my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Kitikmeot Corporation in the success of Polar Net, and to wish them continued success as they continue to grow their business in the years ahead.
Member’s Statement 255 - 1(3): Suicide Prevention Workshop
On March 27 to 31, a workshop was held in Kugluktuk to deal with an issue that affects each one of us and each of our communities, Mr Speaker I am talking about suicides.
This past weekend has marked the first anniversary of Nunavut's creation.
Although we celebrate one year of our new territory and government, we cannot forget that our communities continue to lose people to the scourge of suicide at a terrifying rate.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, we need to discuss this topic and talk amongst ourselves.
It is a difficult situation to deal with in the communities but as we begin to discuss this with each other within our communities and families.
Kugluktuk is pushing to heal after the recent death of two members of the community.
The community gathered to find the strength to heal itself.
At a recent workshop in Kugluktuk the workshop demonstrates the value of dialogue.
The workshop was facilitated by Caroline Anawak, an individual who we are all privileged to know.
The people of Kugluktuk want to express their appreciation to Caroline and her support in helping communities like mine in facing this issue head on.
Many people from across the Kitikmeot were able to attend the workshop to represent from Gjoa Haven to Taloyoak, Pelly Bay and Cambridge Bay.
Many people from Kugluktuk came to these workshops.
I just want to ask consent to finish my statement.
Speaker: The member is asking consent to continue with his statement.
Mr. Speaker there is a growing awareness that this issue can no longer be put under the carpet.
That we can not simply blame our leaders or the government or blame our institutions.
Blame has never solved a single problem and it will not solve this one.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, Inuit traditions and livelihoods, if we begin to discuss these more we as Inuit will begin to get stronger as we begin to discuss this further amongst ourselves.
We must be aware that the Nunavut Government cannot find solutions right away but will assist to meet in different communities much like the meeting in Kugluktuk.
This will become clearer within our communities, families, and here today in Nunavut.
Speaker: Members’ Statements, Mr. Ng.
Member’s Statement 256 - 1(3): Tribute to Helen Maksagak
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Mr. Speaker, I rise today of behalf of the hamlet council of Cambridge Bay and all my constituents who would like to recognize the contributions Mrs. Helen Maksagak has made in improving the lives of all northerners, during her term as Commissioner of Nunavut for one year, and over three years as the NWT's Commissioner.
As well, for over two and one half years as Deputy Commissioner.
Her community of Cambridge Bay is proud that she has represented us all so capably over the years.
During good times and difficult times and showed us what is to be what it means to be a leader that all people can look up to.
Mr. Speaker we commend her for dedicating herself with energy and tireless enthusiasm during the very hectic year since Nunavut was created April 1, 1999.
She was committed to making the transition from the government of the NWT to the government of Nunavut as seamless as possible.
Mr. Speaker we wish her well as she leaves office and look forward to her returning home for her leadership, family and community values will be invaluable resources to Cambridge Bay in the years ahead.
Mr. Speaker I ask all members to join me in wishing Mrs. Maksagak all the best as she returns home for a well deserved rest.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Ng and thank you Helen for all your hard work and dedication over the years.
Member’s Statement 257 - 1(3): Cape Dorset Hockey Team
I rise today to thank my constituents who went to Iqaluit for the hockey tournament - the midget hockey team was in Iqaluit.
They arrived from Cape Dorset, they had a tournament playing against Iqaluit and I was in the stands with Mr. Picco.
I was quite excited to be there with him.
The Cape Dorset team had a lead of four goals after two periods.
They quickly caught up to us with three quick goals.
So they had to go into over time for a further 10 minutes and nobody scored over the ten minutes.
Mr. Picco and I were still standing in the stands.
We were both cheering our selected teams.
After a second overtime period Cape Dorset residents scored the overtime goal.
Peter Petaulassie was the hero of the team.
The Kinngait team members are Coaches John Langford and James Parsons players Johnnybou Ashevak, Ottokie Jaw, Iola Toonoo, Mathew Jaw, Joanasie Jaw, Niviaqsie Adla, David Joanasie, Itidlui Audla, Mathewsie Ashevak and David Qimirpik.
Pootoogook Akesuk took care of the refreshments and hockey sticks.
I wanted to congratulate the Cape Dorset team for a job well done.
Member's Statement 258 – 1(3): Congratulations to Timoon Toonoo
I just wanted to congratulate Mr. Timoon Toonoo.
He was a one of the students at Ukkivik.
I know that he was a very good student at the time.
I would encourage him to keep up the good work with his new job.
Member's Statement 259 – 1(3): Visit to Repulse Bay with New Commissioner
I rise today although I have a hoarse voice today.
I am standing to state that I will be leaving this afternoon to travel to my constituency of Repulse Bay.
I will be accompanying the new Commissioner and one of the ministers to visit my constituency.
I just wanted to inform the House that I will be absent from the House for the next few days.
If things go well I will be in Repulse Bay and spend a few days with my constituents.
I just wanted to inform the House.
Member's Statement 260 - 1(3): Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in Government
Today I rise to give congratulations.
In the past I know that it was very challenging and very hard to survive.
Our parents have seen many changes and we have been able to incorporate them into our lives.
Therefore, I would like to recognize our ancestors, our grandfathers and our grandparents because they had a hard life to survive in a harsh environment.
As the Nunavut Government would like to incorporate Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit within the system.
I know it can be beneficial in the government system.
Even though we were living on an Island where we were quite far from the mainland.
We have survived using traditional methods of medical healing and all also we used driftwood for fire.
Those were the only things we could use for fire.
So in spite of the Inuit people know their own identity and even though they had to go through hard time so therefore I rise today to recognize the hard work of our forefathers.
Therefore, I am very proud to be who I am for that reason we know the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit can be incorporated into Nunavut government because it can be beneficial to the system.
Member's Statement 261 - 1(3): Pangnirtung Hockey Teams
We heard today that this weekend was full of Hockey Tournaments in the Baffin region.
I too would like to congratulate all the athletes especially from Pangnirtung and the parents for coming to cheer for their children.
The Peewee won the Gold medal and the Peewee won the Silver.
Also, the Midgets due to injuries that were experienced although they did not win any medal they were very happy running around the arena.
David Kilabuk and Roger Allivaqtak were the coaches.
We would have won if we had used Joanne Evic who was the goalie for the Midget team because he can stop any kind of goal.
My son really enjoyed the hockey game last night.
We are proud of you.
I thank that young man Juan.
I think there were 10 people staying over the weekend at my house.
Therefore, the weekend was very busy for me especially at my house.
It has only three bedrooms.
We were lacking beds.
People were sleeping on my floor and there were dishes piled up all over the place and the washroom was busy.
I encourage all the people who stayed with me to come back again.
Member's Statement 262 - 1(3): Igloo Building Contest
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Speaker Mr. Speaker I enjoyed the weekend.
There was snow building contest, how I envied them building their snow houses.
I remember how I use to build my snow houses and how I use to sleep in my snow house and that brought back very good memories.
Although I wanted to be a participant, I was just taking pictures of the people building their snow houses.
I should have participated and build an igloo myself.
So, I went back to Jobie Nutarak’s place to observe the snow building competition.
I was rushing around wanting to join the igloo building contest.
So I bumped my head and hit my head right there.
Because I was rushing around and now I have this souvenir bruise from Toonik Tyme in Iqaluit.
Speaker: Members’ Statements Mr. Picco.
Member's Statement 263 - 1(3): Full Time Mayor for Iqaluit
Hon. Ed Picco: Thank you Mr. Speaker Mr. Speaker I would like to congratulate the hockey team from Cape Dorset on their win yesterday.
Mr. Akesuk is just too loud of a fan, Mr. Speaker.
Uqaqti over the past two years Iqaluit has experienced unprecedented growth in population and new infrastructure.
New office buildings, apartments and houses are very evident.
With this growth comes opportunity and concern; opportunity with a strong economic base which creates jobs, but concerns over the administrative and logistic details of the growth.
Uqaqti I read with great interest the Iqaluit Town Council’s discussions on the creation of a part-time paid position for Mayor.
I respectfully ask the position for Mayor be made full time with a salary package commensurate with the workload and the responsibilities.
I have had discussion with some of the councillors about this and recently wrote the Mayor and Council to suggest they formally look at such a proposal.
Mr. Speaker Iqaluit is a diverse community with three major languages and cultures.
The role of a full time Mayor would be to work pro-actively with the Council as well with administration to help develop and prepare our community to face the 21st Century.
Mr. Speaker let me make it perfectly clear that my comments are not to indicate dissatisfaction with our current Council or our Mayor; but to agree Mr. Speaker, to agree with the general direction that they have already began to discuss as an elected council.
The growth Iqaluit has experienced will on all accounts continue for the foreseeable future.
The workload and the responsibilities on the Mayor of the largest community and the capital of Nunavut begs to be filled by a full time Mayor position.
Mr. Speaker a full time paid Mayor position is an idea whose time has come.
I look forward to discussing this proposal and further detail with our council and hearing from Iqaluit residents about the idea.
Nakurmi Uqaqti.
I would like to recognize Louise Perchate.
She is has been hired as a manager for library policy for Nunavut.
She has been travelling to different communities throughout Nunavut and will be going to Baker Lake, the decentralized office of Nunavut on Friday.
I was a member of the Housing Task Force.
Our secretary during our Task Force is here but I can not remember her name.
Perhaps you can stand up.
I do not necessarily have to say your name.
For Mr. Iqaqrialu’s benefit, I know her name.
She is not our secretary, she is a hard worker.
One of the top people in the Nunavut Housing Corporation, President Pam Hines.
Welcome to the new President of the Housing Corporation.
Mr. Donald Havioyak.
Mr. Donald Havioyak: I wanted to recognize a person from Yellowknife Dan Hayward could you stand up.
Mr. Puqiqnak (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Speaker Today I would like to recognize, even though Gjoa Haven is far from here.
My daughter Arnapaq she is one of the pages.
Her name is Arnapaq, my daughter.
Moving to Item 6.
Question 360 - 1(3): Status of Patient Escorts
Mr. Barnabas (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Speaker I would like to thank the minister for coming back to the House and I would like to ask him a question.
We have been asking repeated questions over the last week on some of the concerns we had in regards to the elders who do not have their escorts when they are on their way to medical centres.
I would like to ask the Minister of Health on what the status is on escorting patients who are going to medical facilities.
Mr. Picco, Minister responsible for Health and Social Services.
Thank you Mr. Barnabas for welcoming me back into the House.
This is a very important question and topic.
It came up in Rankin Inlet last month when we were sitting there.
At that time, I confirmed to the House that a review is under way with the Department of Health and Social Services to look at the policy that we have for medical travel.
That review is almost complete.
I am hoping to have an opportunity to read it sometime this week or next week.
Basically Mr. Speaker, we have three types of medical travel.
We have travel for emergency medical evacuation, also travel for physician and other health providers to get around to communities.
Then we also have the escort travel.
Which I think the member is talking about.
Specifically Mr. Speaker, now in the three regions of Nunavut each has the standard policy that was grandfathered over from the Government of the Northwest Territories and it is applied a little differently in each of the regions.
Question 361 - 1(3): Shortage of Nurses
Last week I asked the Minister of Health some questions and I will be asking for an update.
There is a shortage of nurses in both the small and the large communities and we feel it especially when there is a flu epidemic.
In the two communities that I represent there is a shortage in both of them but especially in Qikiqtarjuaq.
Therefore, I would like to ask if there is work being done in filling the nurses positions in those communities.
Mr. Speaker, over the past several months as we have explained in this House, there has been a shortage of nurses, not just in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I was just coming from the meeting last week in Ontario and every jurisdiction in Canada seems to have a problem with nurses and medical professionals.
What this government specifically has done Mr. Speaker, is we have started a program in co-operation and conjunction with the Department of Education, our own Nunavut Nursing Program, where we will hopefully in a couple of years have graduates who will be able to move into the field.
We have increased the wages to the nurses, based on the collective agreement for the market rate, and that's in a case where we have a shortage, can prove there is a shortage of nurses or any type of medical professional in this case.
Mr. Speaker we have also moved aggressively to recruit, and we have Mr. Speaker, within the Department of Health & Social Services a recruitment and retention committee with representatives of nursing, senior management from all three regions in Nunavut to address the problem and concern with recruitment and retention.
I like the answer he gave but he just gave me a bunch of new questions I would like to ask.
Did I understand that you have now a search committee or group of people to search for nurses.
Mr. Speaker, that is correct we have a recruitment and retention committee comprised of nursing professionals and management from the Department of Health & Social Services and indeed, regional representation from the three regions.
They meet on a regular basis to address recruitment and retention issues for our nursing staff in Nunavut.
Yes, I understand the answer.
We have eliminated the Health Boards that would have been doing this work of recruitment.
Will the elimination of the Health Boards effect the recruitment of nurses.
Mr. Speaker, partly the member is correct, the responsibility for recruitment and retention did rest before April 1, with the three regional health boards.
But the recruitment and retention internal working group was set up under me as the Minister of Health & Social Services based on the requests that we got from the members here with concerns over the nursing shortage and I guess, the identity of a nursing shortage in Nunavut.
So basically Mr. Speaker, that is where the program has come from.
The working title is the Nayatt Working Group within the Department of Health & Social Services.
Mr. Speaker, we are moving aggressively as the members know in this House, we actually recruited several nurses from Australia for example.
We are continuing with recruiting in the south, Mr. Speaker, and again, there is no easy solution to the concern that we have with the shortage of nursing staff.
But now Mr. Speaker, we are doing quite well.
I believe the rate in the Baffin is around 80 percent and similar numbers, Mr. Speaker, in the other two regions right now for our staff.
So that is good news.
This sounds like interesting information.
We as members need to know as much as possible so perhaps outside this House we could meet with the minister on this.
Mr. Speaker, I would be very pleased to speak to Mr. Iqaqrialu or any of the members inside the House or outside the House about the concerns we have with the nursing and indeed, issues surrounding Health & Social Services, as well as for Mr. Iqaqrialu, the Nunavut Power Corporation.
Question 362 - 1(3): Culture, Language, Elders & Youth Capital Projects
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister responsible for the Department of Culture, Language, Elders & Youth.
I would like to ask the minister, last week the Minister of Finance indicated that any proposals that have been put forward regarding capital projects related to his department would have been evaluated under the criteria of his department.
I am just wondering if the minister could provide that criteria.
I would be glad to share it with members.
I don't have it right with me right now physically but I am sure we could provide it as soon as possible.
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
Mr. Speaker, last spring…
Speaker: I am sorry Mr. Tootoo that is a new question for a new minister.
We will have to move to someone else first and you can come back to it later.
Question 363 - 1(3): Placement of Foster Children
I have a question to the Minister of Health & Social Services on the difficult issue of orphans, young children that have lost their parents.
What is the policy or procedures of placing these types of children with family members or for adoptions.
Is there a specialist that deals with this or are they just given to social workers.
Mr. Speaker, each individual circumstance for foster care, I think that is what the member is asking about, is unique and different.
Basically Mr. Speaker, what happens in most cases is that a social worker would be involved and there would be a decision about whether they would need to be placed in foster care.
At that time Mr. Speaker, there is usually a list of available families where the child can be placed in that care.
Indeed, Mr. Speaker, I think it is safe to assume that the parents are involved in that decision in most cases.
Now there may be extenuating circumstances, Mr. Speaker, where a child is taken from a family and put into foster care.
There may be legal charges, there may be a sudden death and other circumstances.
But in general, Mr. Speaker, that is how the process works.
Mr. Speaker, the minister answered only part of my question.
In these types of cases are extended family members consulted on where a child will be placed.
Mr. Speaker, I will try to be a little bit clearer.
Indeed Mr. Speaker, what the department and social workers do, depending on the circumstances each case is different; for example, if both parents died in an accident and there were no immediate family members and the child was to be put into foster care, Mr. Speaker, or if charges were laid for abuse or whatever, Mr. Speaker, then there are cases where those children have to be taken from the parents and put into foster care.
So it depends on the circumstances.
In general Mr. Speaker, in most cases that I have been aware of Mr. Speaker, indeed, the parents are consulted and indeed, the family members are consulted.
Social Services just doesn't go in and take a child from a family and then put them somewhere.
There is consultation and Mr. Speaker, before that person or child is actually taken away from a family there is an investigation, a lengthy investigation and it's done in the right circumstances.