EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 2614
Oral Questions 2615
First Reading of Bills 2631
Orders of the Day 2631
Friday, June 1, 2012 2606
151 – 3(3): Tunngasugvik Policy and Support Needed for Shelters (Ell) 2606
152 – 3(3): Environment Week 2012 (Arreak) 2607
153 – 3(3): Housing is not Affordable in Iqaluit 2608
154 – 3(3): Nunavut Education Week 2012 (Aariak) 2609
155 – 3(3): Developing the New Uqausivut Plan (Arreak) 2609
247 – 3(3): Recent Deaths in Iqaluit (Aariak) 2610
248 – 3(3): Smokes Make You Broke Video (Ningeongan) 2611
249 – 3(3): Spring Activities in Gjoa Haven (Ugyuk) 2611
250 – 3(3): Elder Certification in Nunavut Schools (Ningark) 2611
251 – 3(3): Cambridge Bay High School Graduates (Peterson) 2612
252 – 3(3): Correspondence from Rankin Inlet High School Students (Curley) 2613
253– 3(3): Grise Fiord Graduation Ceremony (Elliott) 2614
359 – 3(3): Elder Certification for Teaching (Ningark) 2615
360 – 3(3): Mandate of the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth (Tapardjuk) 2616
361 – 3(3): Poverty Reduction Initiatives (Ningeongan) 2619
362 – 3(3): Public Housing Issues (Ugyuk) 2620
363 – 3(3): Closure of the Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Laboratory (Elliott) 2622
364 – 3(3): Durable Garbage Bags for Hunters (Curley) 2624
365 – 3(3): Correctional Facility Issues (Aupaluktuq) 2626
366 – 3(3): Rent Scale for Public Housing (Oshutapik) 2627
367 – 3(3): Factors Affecting Suicide (Tapardjuk) 2628
Bill 38 – An Act to Amend the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act – First Reading 2631
Bill 39 – An Act to Amend the Judicature Act – First Reading 2631
Honourable Eva Aariak, Honourable James Arreak, Mr. Moses Aupaluktuq, Mr. Tagak Curley, Honourable Monica Ell, Mr. Ron Elliott, Mr. Joe Enook, Honourable Lorne Kusugak, Mr. John Ningark, Mr. Johnny Ningeongan, Mr. Hezakiah Oshutapik, Honourable Keith Peterson, Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Honourable Fred Schell, Honourable Daniel Shewchuk, Mr. Louis Tapardjuk, Honourable Peter Taptuna, Honourable Hunter Tootoo, Ms. Jeannie Ugyuk.
>>House commenced at 9:01
Before we proceed, I would like to ask Mr. Taptuna to lead us off with a prayer, please.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Taptuna. (interpretation ends) Good morning, everybody.
Moving on in our orders of the day. Item 2. Ministers’ Statements.
Minister of Homelessness, Minister Ell.
Minister’s Statement 151 – 3(3): Tunngasugvik Policy and Support Needed for Shelters (Ell)
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Good morning.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I would like to bring to the attention of fellow members an issue that too often in Nunavut is out of sight and out of mind.
I am speaking to the growing presence of absolute homelessness and the more than 1,200 Nunavummiut identified in the 2010 Nunavut Housing Needs Survey who do not have a place to call home.
Mr. Speaker, as the Member for Iqaluit West, I am proud to say that in Iqaluit, these individuals have somewhere to go, at least some of them.
I’ve recently had the opportunity to visit both the Oqota Men’s Shelter and the Sivummut House for women and children operating here in Iqaluit.
It was an eye-opening experience for me to see firsthand both the accomplishments and challenges that are faced by those working or living in these modest shelters.
I encourage all of my fellow members and yourself, Mr. Speaker, to go see the good work being done and the critical role that these homeless shelters play in this community.
Despite their best efforts and strong support from the Nunavut Housing Corporation, these shelters are only scratching the surface of what is actually needed to adequately meet the needs of the absolute homeless.
Mr. Speaker, organizations such as these and others like the Niqinik Nuatsivik Nunavut Food Bank, Qajuqtuvik Soup Kitchen, and the Tukisigiarvik Society Friendship Centre, which are run by volunteer boards and very limited staff, cannot exist solely on funding from government.
It takes an entire community in order for these local shelters to continue providing basic needs.
To this end, I will be sending letters to Iqaluit’s business community requesting their support in reducing the shelters’ operating costs. It is my expectation and sincere hope that local businesses will band together and provide in-kind services to help offset the escalating costs associated with running a homeless shelter.
Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut Housing Corporation supports the only two homeless shelters that exist in Nunavut.
However, Mr. Speaker, homelessness of this kind is not found only in Iqaluit. To help other communities that demonstrate the need for a homeless shelter, the Nunavut Housing Corporation has introduced the Tunngasugvik Policy.
I would like to direct my colleagues to contact the Nunavut Housing Corporation district offices should any of their constituents express a need for a homeless shelter in their community.
Minister’s Statement 152 – 3(3): Environment Week 2012 (Arreak)
Hon. James Arreak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) I say “good morning” to the residents of Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq, as well as Jimmy.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, June 3 to 9 marks Canadian Environment Week, which is dedicated to raising environmental awareness and appreciation across the country. I would like to take this opportunity to share with you some of the initiatives the department is undertaking.
As you know, Inuit have lived sustainably for countless generations. Today, Nunavummiut continue to build upon that tradition by demonstrating respect and care for the environment.
The department relies on Avatimik Kamattiarniq, or environmental stewardship, as a guiding principle to promote and work towards environmental sustainability.
This year, our Environment Week theme is “Off the Grid and on the Land.”
We are encouraging, through our “Green Up Challenge,” Nunavummiut to share with us their “green” ideas that help towards reducing our environmental footprint.
As a means of sharing, we have developed short video clips of elders and youth sharing their stories of what protecting the environment means to them and the changes they have witnessed throughout Nunavut.
These video clips will be available on our department’s website for all to view.
The goal of this campaign is to inspire people to reflect and take pride in both the environment and age-old traditions that continue to help people live in harmony with the land.
In addition to the Environment Week activities, the department is continuing its work on a territory-wide anti-littering campaign. We have once again partnered with organizations and other government departments to organize community clean-up events throughout Nunavut.
The department also has an ongoing environmental education program that works with schools, community and non-profit organizations to promote and foster environmental leadership and literacy year-round.
Mr. Speaker, I truly believe that education and awareness are essential to Nunavut’s continued dedication to environmental stewardship.
Through our commitment to engaging and educating the public, the department is taking great strides towards environmental sustainability in Nunavut. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister of the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Minister Taptuna.
Minister’s Statement 153 – 3(3): Housing is not Affordable in Iqaluit
Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) Good morning, residents of Kugluktuk (interpretation ends) and colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, you may have heard in the news recently that a market analysis from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation was quoted as saying, and I quote, “…in terms of housing affordability; it’s so far a bit easier for folks working in Iqaluit”
Mr. Speaker, we do not agree with this analysis of the affordability of housing in Iqaluit and can only assume that there has been some misinterpretation of the facts.
I say this because CMHC’s definition of affordability is that the carrying costs of shelter, which include the mortgage, taxes, heat, utilities, and maintenance, must not exceed 32 percent of a household’s gross income.
As such, the purchase price alone is not sufficient to determine affordability.
Mr. Speaker, it was reported that a house in Iqaluit costs almost four times the average salary while the rest of Canada can expect to pay seven times their income.
We are not sure what is meant by the rest of Canada, but it would seem that this type of analysis is comparing Iqaluit, as Nunavut’s only market community, to other major markets, such as Vancouver and Toronto.
Further, the statistics quoted by CBC only refer to purchase price, not the ongoing operational and maintenance costs.
As you are aware, Mr. Speaker, the costs of utilities and maintenance are higher than the rest of Canada.
As such, Iqalummiut have much less disposable income that can be devoted to the financing of a home purchase.
Mr. Speaker, we recognize CMHC’s role and appreciate their efforts in providing market data to help housing stakeholders develop policies and programs and make investment and purchase decisions.
It is also important to remember that when interpreting this type of information, any one measure on its own is insufficient to providing an accurate picture.
While we should take this kind of news story with a grain of salt, I am pleased by the swell of public debate on the issue of housing affordability and I encourage more discussion on its challenges facing housing in Nunavut.
Minister’s Statement 154 – 3(3): Nunavut Education Week 2012 (Aariak)
Mr. Speaker, I would like to provide my colleagues with an update today on an annual event, the Nunavut Education Week.
This year, Nunavut Education Week was celebrated from April 23 to 27.
The theme this year was “Learning is Everywhere.”
It was a busy week with many activities.
Mr. Speaker, to celebrate Education Week, my department invited students to produce a short video focusing on the many places they learn in their communities and all the educators who support their learning.
Of the 15 participants in the video project, winners will be chosen to receive a BlackBerry PlayBook as an award.
I was very pleased to launch the Education Week video project at Aqsarniit Middle School in Iqaluit.
Students at Aqsarniit have recently produced several powerful videos dealing with the social challenges that young people face, such as bullying, suicide prevention and alcohol and drug abuse awareness.
Mr. Speaker, the Seventh Annual Territorial Skills Competition was held during Education Week, showing students the role education plays in reaching their career goals.
Finally, I had the pleasure of travelling to Igloolik during that week, with Amittuq MLA Louis Tapardjuk, to certify 15 elders as Innait Inuksiutilirijiit.
It was a special event to celebrate elders who work in schools and help create a Nunavut education system that is based on Inuit societal values.
I would like to thank, Mr. Speaker, all the staff and students who helped to make Nunavut Education Week a great success.
Minister responsible for the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth, Minister Arreak.
Minister’s Statement 155 – 3(3): Developing the New Uqausivut Plan (Arreak)
A year ago, I had the honour of presenting to this Assembly the first draft of the Uqausivut Plan for the implementing Nunavut’s new language legislation.
In the past year, we listened to and heard from more than 100 Nunavummiut.
They generously shared their thoughts and hopes with us.
Their wisdom has kicked off our work to a great start.
Mr. Speaker, in compliance with Article 32 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth has collaborated with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, under the guidance of the Languages Commissioner, in developing a new and comprehensive version of the Uqausivut Plan.
I would like to acknowledge and thank them for their contribution and support in this process.
I am sure we can all appreciate the intensive work that went into this process from all parties involved over the past few months.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to advise members that the new Uqausivut Plan has been reviewed and approved in principle by Cabinet.
The next step is to submit the plan to FMB for their review and to identify the financial resources required to implement it. This may delay the process somewhat, but I remain hopeful that I will be in a position to table the Uqausivut Plan during the upcoming fall session of the Legislative Assembly.
Members’ Statements. Member for Iqaluit East, Ms. Aariak.
Member’s Statement 247 – 3(3): Recent Deaths in Iqaluit (Aariak)
I say “good morning” to my constituents in Iqaluit East and to Adamie Itorcheak, who is my assistant.
Mr. Speaker, I want to speak to events that occurred just recently, namely, a number of people within my constituency who passed away, who were large contributors to the community at large, especially in the early development of the community. I will mention several of these memorable people.
First, Joe Tikivik, who just recently passed away, contributed immensely to the development and growth of Iqaluit.
Most, if not all, students who passed through Ukiivik knew Mr. Tikivik. He also worked at the high school for many years.
If I were to mention all of his worthwhile accomplishments, I think I would talk too long.
Another person who passed was Oleepeeka Gordon, who also provided assistance to many Nunavummiut in her capacity as a worker at the Tammaativvik Boarding Home.
She did her utmost to assist her fellow Iqaluit residents throughout her life.
Most recently, we all heard of the passing of Jonah Kelly, an iconic person who helped Iqalummiut and all Nunavummiut, especially with the usage of Inuktitut and in broadcasting in Inuktitut, as well as voicing Inuit concerns in their own language.
Mr. Kelly worked for many years at CBC.
I am proud of the fact I was able to work with Mr. Kelly when I worked at CBC. He was also an advocate of Inuit games and he would tirelessly work during Christmas as a volunteer.
Another person who is not from my constituency was remembered at a memorial service. The service commemorated Jim Currie, who made country food available and help people everywhere in Nunavut.
With that in mind, we send our condolences to the families, spouses, and children of these three people who will be in our thoughts and prayers. We want to express our love to them.
The tremendous contributions of these people will be greatly missed. However, we all have to move forward. So I want to state that they are all in my thoughts.
Item 3. Members’ Statements. Member for Nanulik, Mr. Ningeongan.
Member’s Statement 248 – 3(3): Smokes Make You Broke Video (Ningeongan)
I rise today to congratulate Nola Hicks’ grade 5/6 class at Victor Sammurtok School in Chesterfield Inlet. Her class won the grand prize and received $500 for their “Smokes Make You Broke” video in recognition of World No Tobacco Day.
I also wish to congratulate Adam Hicks’ grade 7/8 class at Victor Sammurtok School for having attained a semi-finalist and receiving $100.
I am proud of these students at the Victor Sammurtok School.
Members’ Statements. Member for Nanulik, Ms. Ugyuk.
Member’s Statement 249 – 3(3): Spring Activities in Gjoa Haven (Ugyuk)
Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): Good morning. I am actually from Nattilik.
Today being Friday, it is a happy occasion. I say “good early morning” to the residents of Kitikmeot. As it is very early in the morning there, I imagine some people are still snoring away or dreaming still, so I ask them to enjoy that.
As is the usual practice of today being Funny Friday, Members of the Legislative Assembly like to listen to funny stories.
In that vein, in Gjoa Haven, a long-time practice of residents is when they’re enjoying the weather, some people pretend to go camping and daydream about going to Honeymoon Island.
These three couples, accompanied by a child, apparently pretend to go camping, with all the camping gear that families take when they go for a couple of days.
They made tea and refreshments, but then they got spooked and raced back to town, although they had just pretended to be out camping.
These are not the first couples to pretend to go camping in that area.
Jacob Keanik, Eva Kogvik, with another person accompanying them, as well as Molly Apina, Paul Kayurluk, and the third couple who made this story funny were Simon Komangat, and the elderly lady Nujaqqiq, also called Susie Konana.
I can just imagine them pretending to go camping while enjoying the land, so I am very happy that they are able to do that in their community.
Speaker: Thank you, Ms. Ugyuk, Member for Nattilik.
Member’s Statement 250 – 3(3): Elder Certification in Nunavut Schools (Ningark)
The Hon. Minister of Education made an announcement about activities within the Department of Education.
Additionally, she announced that just recently, elders were accredited to teach in Igloolik. I am both envious and delighted to hear that. I also want to see this practice continued.
In Repulse Bay and Kugaaruk, there are many qualified elders who could teach youth about life skills.
I urge the minister to continue this throughout Nunavut.
Perhaps, as representatives of our constituents in the year 2013, we can see this realized in all communities throughout Nunavut, to have certified elder teachers.
This accrues tremendous benefits to our students.
Mr. Speaker, we hear about many Inuit in our communities who are qualified to teach Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, but are not allowed to teach simply due to not having certification to teach.
Some elders are vastly more knowledgeable and skilful than even some teachers with proper certification.
So perhaps these elders could be recognized through DEAs in the communities.  At the appropriate time, I will be asking questions to the Minister of Education about how Repulse Bay and Kugaaruk can get their elders accredited.
Member’s Statement 251 – 3(3): Cambridge Bay High School Graduates (Peterson)
On behalf of all residents of Cambridge Bay, I am very proud to congratulate our six high school graduates. The Killinik High School graduates are:
Kati Omilgoitok;
Ryan Gillis;
Audla Buchan;
Neil Bligh;
Tyler Angulalik; and
Melynda Minilgak, who worked as a page in our Assembly last year and found it to be a rewarding experience.
Mr. Speaker, at graduation ceremonies on May 26, these six young people were recognized in front of their proud parents, families, and friends for all the hard work they put in to achieving this well-deserved honour.
Mr. Speaker, I have watched these young people grow up and I know they will use their solid education in the years ahead as they embark upon their next journey.
Mr. Speaker, I ask the House to join me in congratulating these young Nunavummiut and wish them all the best in the future.
Member’s Statement 252 – 3(3): Correspondence from Rankin Inlet High School Students (Curley)
I wanted to rise today to announce the high school students who write letters to the representatives of Rankin Inlet where they outline their concerns and priorities.
They speak about many issues. This is just a list of the correspondence I received.
One in particular talks about the spring when the snow is melting, and it sometimes causes difficulties for elders and that the community should be clearing the roads so that the elders don’t have to walk through slush.
There was another letter regarding housing. The local housing associations are apparently practising nepotism where they provide housing to their relatives and based on what I was informed of, this requires resolution.
There are also facilities aside from the hockey arena that are also missing. A student mentioned drama arts as well as other types of activities.
A lot of youth in Rankin Inlet are very talented in arts and I am very proud of them as they’re showcasing that through their correspondence.
I would like to read this letter, if I may, Mr. Speaker. The student’s name is Tyson, who is 16 years old, and I will read this letter in English so that you will hear his actual words.
(interpretation ends) “I am a resident of Rankin Inlet, Nunavut.
I am writing this letter because we need a better transportation system. Rankin Inlet is now big enough and still getting bigger that we need a bus that we can get on and paid for, like in the cities down south.
Everybody is waiting a very long time for taxis, even up to an hour. Also, school buses are used for personal use. Sometimes one of the two buses breaks down and we, the students, wait up to about an hour to get home by bus for lunch and end up being late for school in the afternoon.”
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask for unanimous consent to finish my statement.
Are there any nays? There being none. Please proceed, Mr. Curley.
Mr. Curley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a very short letter.
“My solution is that Rankin Inlet should get a bus system going on. It would help the town so much. The elders without transportation could get around the town easier.
During the evening, the bus can go around half an hour to an hour. During the day, the bus can get around every hour.
Students can get on for $2.50, adults, $3, and elders 55 years and over can get on for free, seasonal passes, $50 every four months. The bus can go on starting at seven o’clock and ending at 10:00 p.m. I have made up a map to help with any trouble.”
Member’s Statement 253– 3(3): Grise Fiord Graduation Ceremony (Elliott)
That was definitely an interesting letter.
It shows the talent that we have with our youth in the communities all across the territory and it brings me to what I’ll be speaking about today in my Member’s Statement, Mr. Speaker.
Today is a very special day in Grise Fiord. It’s the annual graduation ceremony and I would like to thank Leslie Turpin, the principal, for inviting me to go, but obviously, with the work in session, I’m unable to attend.
The graduation ceremony at Umimmak School is definitely a full community involvement. Preparation started about a week before and everyone pitches in, either donating food or getting ready.
This afternoon, Michael Muckpa, Kristine Watsko, Ooleesee Akeeagok, Saalia Pijamani, and Leah Audlaluk will be graduating with their grade 12 graduation certificates.
A special note, we just found out that Saalia Pijamini has been accepted into the Students on Ice program, which is another amazing program which allows students to have an experience outside of communities.
I ask all members to please join me in congratulating the students for their hard work.
I’m sure all members wish them the best of luck in their future endeavours.
Member for Pangnirtung, Mr. Oshutapik
Mr. Oshutapik: Sorry, Mr. Speaker. I meant to be on Item 5. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize… .
Speaker: Sorry, Mr. Oshutapik, but you have to wait until or you can… . Sorry.
I believe the member is asking for unanimous consent to go back to Item 5 on the order paper.
Speaker: Mr. Oshutapik, Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery.
Mr. Oshutapik: Mr. Speaker, Qujannamiik. (interpretation) I would like to recognize this individual now in Iqaluit who is providing us with page services. Although there were supposed to be two pages from our community, the other person couldn’t arrive.
I want to thank and recognize Jerry Laisa from Pangnirtung, who has come here to serve us as a page.
Member for Nanulik or, sorry, Akulliq, Mr. Ningark.
Question 359 – 3(3): Elder Certification for Teaching (Ningark)
We also have polar bears in our community.
(interpretation) I would like to direct my question to the Hon. Minister of Education.
She made a worthy announcement about the certificates given out in Igloolik to elders. It’s good to hear that elders received certificates that recognize their abilities to teach in schools.
We want to see that happen in all Nunavut communities, particularly in Kugaaruk and Repulse Bay.
If we want to recognize local elders through this initiative, how can we forward our recommendations? I suppose it would be through DEAs.
Minister responsible for the Department of Education, Minister Aariak.
Indeed, this initiative is very good for Nunavut. Elders still retain their expertise in the traditional language and cultural practices and our most knowledgeable elders should be teaching these skills in the schools.