EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Bill 2-Supplementary Appropriations Act 2000-2001
Bill 3- Utility Rates Review Council Act
Bill 4- An Act to Amend the Interpretation Act
Bill 6-Nunavut Power Corporation Utility Assets Transfer Confirmation Act
I wish all members a pleasant journey as you return home to your communities and loved ones. (interpretation) For all of Nunavummiut have a good spring.
Speaker: Mr. Clerk. Orders of the Day.
Orders of the Day for Wednesday, May 16, 2001:
Before we adjourn, I'd like to recognize and thank our pages that have been here for the last week or two, spending long hours here in the Chamber.
We have; Sarah Kilpatrick from Iqaluit, Noreen Pettypeace, Mathew Akikuluk, Alvin Enoogoo, and Wayne Taqtu from Arctic Bay.
Also I’d like to recognize the Sergeant-At-Arms Mr. Joanasie Arreak for his time here in the Chamber.
Speaker: I would like to thank all the staff and the interpreters and everybody that works very hard to make this Chamber run effectively and efficiently.
Thank you to the members.
This House now stands adjourned until May 16 at 1:30 in Cambridge Bay.
>>Cheers, applause
>>House adjourned at 1:45 p.m.
Thursday May 17, 2001
Pages 1344 - 1370
Sergeant-At-Arms  Mary Avalak
Hansard Production
Opening Ceremonies 1344
Ministers' Statements 1347
Members' Statements 1350
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 1359
Oral Questions 1361
Petitions 1368
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 1368
Orders of the Day 1369
Thursday May 17, 2001 1344
065 – 1(5): Session in Cambridge Bay (Okalik) 1347
066 – 1(5): Government of Nunavut Honoured for Innovation in Public Service (Ng) 1347
067-1(5): 2001 Nunavut Inuit Collection (Akesuk) 1348
068 – 1(5): National Immunization Awareness Week, May 13 – 19, 2001 (Picco) 1349
176 – 1(5): Welcome Legislature to Cambridge Bay & Commissioner's Awards (Ng) 1350
177 – 1(5): Cambridge Bay Welcome & Recognition of Elders (Iqaqrialu) 1351
178 – 1(5): Tony Etuk & Joseph Nakoolak at Wrestling Championships (Arvaluk) 1352
179 – 1(5): Cambridge Bay, Regional Centre of the Kitikmeot (Puqiqnak) 1353
180 – 1(5): Gratitude to Cambridge Bay (Havioyak) 1355
181 – 1(5): Nunavut Needs and GN Program Funding (Anawak) 1355
182 – 1(5): Hamlet of Whale Cove’s 25th Anniversary (Thompson) 1357
183 – 1(5): Musk Ox Hunt (Irqittuq) 1357
184 – 1(5): Canadian Police Week (McLean) 1358
185 – 1(5): Stone Tent Ring & Artifacts (Alakannuark) 1358
213 – 1(5): Compensation for Polar Bear Hunt (McLean) 1361
214 – 1(5): Following GNWT Polar Bear Survey Guidelines (Iqaqrialu) 1363
215 – 1(5): Funding for Community Initiatives Program (Havioyak) 1365
216 – 1(5): Roof of Rachel Arnamaktik School (McLean) 1367
004 – 1(5): St. Theresa’s Home in Chesterfield Inlet (Arvaluk) 1368
Bill 8 – An Act to Amend Certain Acts Concerning Health Professions – Notice (Picco) 1368
Bill 9 – Change of Name Act 2001 – Notice (Picco) 1369
Bill 10 – An Act to Amend the Labour Standards Act – Notice (Okalik) 1369
Nunavut Hansard  Cambridge Bay, Nunavut
Honourable Olayuk Akesuk, Mr. Ovide Alakannuark, Honourable Jack Anawak, Mr. James Arvaluk, Mr. Donald Havioyak, Mr. David Iqaqrialu, Mr. Enoki Irqittuq, Honourable Peter Kattuk, Honourable Peter Kilabuk, Mr. Glenn McLean, Honourable Kelvin Ng, Mr. Jobie Nutarak, Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Honourable Paul Okalik, Honourable Ed Picco, Honourable Manitok Thompson, Mr. Uriash Puqiqnak.
Item 1: Opening Ceremonies
>> Prayer
>>Singing
Speaker (Mr. O'Brien): Thank you very much, that was excellent.
Now I would like to call on Bessie and Tammy Omilgoetok to light the qulliq and Tanya Gillis to throat sing.
>>Lighting of qulliq, throat singing, drum dancing
Speaker: Thank you very much.
I would now like to call on elder Frank Analok to explain the significance of the stone ring seen in the centre of the chamber.
Mr. Analok (interpretation): I just wanted to speak a little bit.
I am Frank Analok from Cambridge Bay, 85 years of age.
In our culture this is how we set up our tents. I wanted to speak a little bit about it.
Many years ago people used caribou skins for clothing.
When they were travelling throughout the summer they used tents made from the caribou skins.
Caribou skins were used for mattresses, some of them were used for bedding.
Many years ago in the tent by the doorway, fires were made to be used for cooking and that was how life was for those that came before us.
That was their culture, they had fires within the tent near the doorway, that's how they cooked their meat many years ago.
In the summertime there are a lot of mosquitoes.
A lot of smoke was created and that was also like a mosquito repellent so mosquitoes wouldn't get into the tent.
That was how the smoke from the fire was used by the Inuit culture.
They were very innovative.
Even though they didn't have a lot of things they had tools for hunting, things they used to survive many years ago.
That's what Inuit used.
Today it is different.
Our culture is beginning to disappear and it is not being utilized.
Even in inclement weather, the things they used to do to survive, today it is a lot different.
That is why there are hardships from lack of knowledge and people freeze and are not aware of how to survive on the land.
This is becoming a difficulty and it is due to the changes.
Without learning we will never know how to survive.
Those are the difficulties we face today.
Speaker: …audio unavailable…centre here in the chamber and I will start off first with a stone from my community and also a handmade Inuit doll.
>>Singing and placing of stones by members
Before we continue I would like to take a couple of minutes to recognize some of the people that have been involved in getting ready for this Legislative Assembly here in Cambridge Bay.
First I would like to acknowledge and recognize Nunavut's Commissioner Peter Irniq.
Also the Mayor of Cambridge Bay, Mayor Keith Peterson.
I will start by saying that if I mispronounce any of the names here over the next three pages, please accept my apologies.
First of all to the residents of Cambridge Bay or better known as Ikaluktutiak, especially Helen Tologanak and the Ladies of Nunavut who prepared the delicious feast last night.
Thank you for the warm and gracious reception.
It is an honour for all of us and I know that I speak on behalf of the Premier, the Ministers and the Members, to have the opportunity to sit here in this region.
I would also like to acknowledge and say that we owe a great debt of gratitude to the Kullik Ilihakvik School here for giving up their gym time to allow us to have the session.
A special thank you to the Principal Dawn Wilson, Vice-Principal Kathy Rowan, Elik Tologanak and Judy Cherniak from the Killinik High School.
A special thanks to the grade six class taught by Cyndi Foster and Debbie Gray who created the folders that all the members have before them.
The paper that these folders were made of were hand made from papers that were picked up around the school, with some special ingredients.
The covers are coloured and textured with coffee and tea and muskox.
The inuksuk cutouts inside the folder are made with a special secret arctic additive, muskox dung.
I hope this is true because this is what's before me.
I would also like to extend a thank you to the Kullik Ilihakvik choir that took part in the opening ceremonies here today, I think we should give them another round of applause they did a great job.
Also involved in the opening ceremony were Luke Novoligak, who performed the opening prayer, our qulliq lighters Bessie and Tammy Omilgoetok who were joined by throat singer Tanya Gillis. Also Kaku Kumi, Karen Kamoayok, Mary and Tommy Kiloadluk and Julia Ogina who treated us to a display of drum dancing and singing.
Also Frank Analok who explained the significance of the materials displayed before us in the centre of the chamber.
Also a special thanks to the Cambridge Bay businesses that donated this wonderful chair that I have the honour of sitting in here today.
A special thanks to the SAO who organized this project, Elwood Johnston.
I would be remiss if I didn't give a personal thanks to the skilled carpenters and artisans involved in the chair project, the overall supervision and lead carpenter on this project was Bob Jencke from Nanook Woodworking here in Cambridge Bay.
Also involved were carpenter Tommy Epakoak, carvers David Nakasuk and Kevin Taylor and seamstress Mercy Panigyok.
Once again thanks to everyone for their help, for their warm welcome since we have come into the community over the last few days.
Some of us came in later than others because of weather problems.
We have received an extremely warm welcome.
It was a pleasure last night to have the opportunity to meet with a number of elders, a number or our youth and we were made to feel extremely welcome.
In closing, I would also like to thank the staff from the Legislative Assembly that have been here for a number of days getting this temporary chamber ready.
The Clerk of the Assembly, Mr. John Quirke and his trusty staff of I believe there are eight or nine here.
As many of you know it takes a lot of people and a lot of resources to make something like this come together.
A special thanks to your MLA, our Finance Minister, Kelvin Ng for his efforts in co-ordinating and trying to make sure that this event goes off as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
I believe that concludes my comments and now we will proceed, thank you Mr. Clerk, to the Orders of the Day.
Minister's Statement 065 – 1(5): Session in Cambridge Bay
On behalf of the Government of Nunavut I want to thank the community of Cambridge Bay for hosting this session of the Legislative Assembly.
The opportunity for the Legislative Assembly to conduct its business in this community outside the capital is extremely valuable.
It allows residents to see and hear the Assembly in session, as well as providing members with a broader insight into the challenges across Nunavut.
I also want to sincerely thank the community for the work the residents have undertaken to welcome us here.
It is very gratifying.
The welcome at the airport yesterday and the talents displayed by the performers was a wonderful way to begin.
Need I add it was also a wonderful opportunity to enjoy your performances today during the session.
And during last night's feast, we appreciated the opportunity to celebrate with Cambridge Bay, Ikaluktutiak.
I look forward to our session during the next two weeks and sharing in the hospitality of Cambridge Bay.
I invite all residents and visitors of Cambridge Bay to visit the Assembly and I hope all members will spend time meeting with the residents of Ikaluktutiak.
Merci, Monsieur President.
Minister's Statement 066 – 1(5): Government of Nunavut Honoured for Innovation in Public Service
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform the House that the Government of Nunavut has been selected as the Gold Award winner of the Institute of Public Administration of Canada's (IPAC) award for innovation in Public Service.
A Member: Hear, Hear
Mr. Speaker, the IPAC award for Innovative Management is one of the highest-prestige recognition programs in Canadian public administration.
IPAC established the award in 1990 to recognize outstanding organizational achievement in the public sector.
IBM Canada and Pricewaterhouse Coopers sponsor the award.
Mr. Speaker, representatives of the Government of Nunavut, the Alberta Public Service and a tri-government partnership called Victoria Connects were presented with trophies at the annual conference of the Institute of Public Administration of Canada on May 09, 2001.
The Government of Nunavut and the Alberta Public Service won Gold Awards for transforming their entire operations and the Victoria Connects submission won bronze for combining the resources of federal, provincial and municipal governments to deliver services to businesses.
The Awards are the Twelfth Annual IPAC Awards for Innovative Management competition.
Mr. Speaker, the theme of the 2001 competition was developing the public service of tomorrow.
The winners were selected from a five-member panel from among 100 entries from federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governing bodies from every region of the country.
Mr. Speaker, the award is a tribute and recognition of the hard work, effort and dedication of the public service of the Government of Nunavut.
It is their effort that is recognized by IPAC by this award.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in congratulating all those involved in helping the Government of Nunavut win this prestigious award.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ng. Item 2.
Minister's Statement 067-1(5): 2001 Nunavut Inuit Collection
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk (interpretation): Mr Speaker, I would like to take a moment today to recognize the efforts of our fur designers in putting together the 2001 Nunavut Inuit Collection of fashion sealskin garments.
(interpretation ends) The new collection was unveiled last week at the North American Fur and Fashion Exposition in Montreal, which I had the privilege of attending. This exposition features the top fur designers from throughout North America.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say that Nunavut was well represented by this year's design and production team who included: Auju Peter, Elisapi Davidee, Elisapee Kilabuk, Monica Ell, Rannva Simonsen, Sarah Philip, all from Iqaluit, Bessie Sitatik from Kugluktuk, Bernadette Illungiayok from Arviat and Attainaq from Qikiqtarjuak.
Every year our designers continue to develop unique ways of combining traditional Inuit fashion with ideas inspired on runways from throughout the world.
Mr. Speaker, based on the positive reaction I saw to this year's collection I am pleased to say that we are making solid progress with the Nunavut Sealing Strategy.
Minister's Statement 068 – 1(5): National Immunization Awareness Week, May 13 – 19, 2001
Before I start my statement I would like to thank the people of Cambridge Bay for a very warm welcome and congratulate them on the excellent chair that they created for the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to announce that this is National Immunization Awareness Week in Nunavut.
We are very fortunate to live in a time when the words polio and smallpox no longer strike terror in our hearts.
Mr. Speaker, that was not always so.
These crippling, sometimes fatal diseases could spread like a plague across our tundra, leaving individuals and families devastated in their wake.
Mr. Speaker, that is no longer the case.
Through the efforts of scientists and researchers, valuable vaccines have been developed that have all but eradicated many of the serious diseases that once ran rampant through our north and other parts of the world.
Mr. Speaker, we are very fortunate here in Nunavut to have access to vaccines when we need them.
It is something that we and other Canadians have come to take for granted.
But no one will come to our door with the vaccine Mr. Speaker.
The program is voluntary.
For it to work we must all do our part in ensuring that we keep our immunizations up to date.
It is important Mr. Speaker, that people educate themselves on what is available and appropriate.
We must keep in mind that from infant immunizations to boosters to annual vaccines, it is up to individuals to protect themselves and their families from serious outbreaks of disease.
It gives me great pleasure Mr. Speaker, to endorse this week as National Immunization Week here in Nunavut.
Member's Statement 176 – 1(5): Welcome Legislature to Cambridge Bay & Commissioner’s Awards
Mr. Speaker, as the MLA for the Cambridge Bay riding on behalf of all constituents from Cambridge Bay, Umingmaktok and Bathurst Inlet, I would like to welcome the Nunavut Legislature, my colleagues, the Legislative staff, the GN staff, the media, the technical support staff and other visitors to Cambridge Bay.
This is a historic first sitting of any legislature, not only in Cambridge Bay but in the Kitikmeot as well.
There has been considerable preparation that has gone into the planning and organizing of the legislative sitting.
There are many other meetings, trips, functions that are also planned while we are here over the next two weeks.
Visitors as you know, have been greeted by the Cambridge Bay drummers and dancers upon their arrival at the airport over the past couple of days.
Last night there was a welcoming community feast that was well attended and very successful.
I would like to at this time officially recognize and thank the Nunavut Ladies' Group for their excellent work in preparing, cooking and looking after the feast.
Also the Cambridge Bay drummers and dancers, the Kitikmeot square dancers, those two groups for their entertainment last night.
Kane Tologanak for his excellent job as usual in emceeing the event.
Commissioner Irniq for his participation and I want to speak briefly about his awards that he presented last night for the benefit of those that may not have been there.
There were three awards that he gave out.
One to the Kitikmeot Heritage Society for the acquisition of special skills.
The award was received by elders Frank Analok and Mabel Angulalik along with Kim Crockett.
There was an award for the Royal Army Cadets 3004 Squadron for youth achievement and accomplishment.
The award was received by George Illascewisz and Chris Gillis.
Also there was an award for bravery given out to David Tologanak, which was accepted by his daughter Donna, which was very moving.
As members know, Mr. Tologanak is not with us any more and it was recognition of one of his brave accomplishments in the past when he was a young child, I think that was very touching.
Mr. Speaker, also I would like to recognize former Commissioner Helen Maksagak and Mayor Peterson for their words of welcome that they gave out yesterday evening.
Finally, I wish to thank the residents and the constituents that turned out last night in full force to greet and welcome my colleagues and all the out of town visitors during the feast.
Today Mr. Speaker, as you know and to add to your comments I would also like to recognize and thank the Kullik Choir, the drummers, Mrs. Omilgoetok and Tammy and Tanya Gillis the throat singers for all their participation in the opening ceremonies today.
Also of course the organizers of the stone ring here and I will find out who gave me that extraordinary rock and have a word with them.
Mr. Speaker, I guess that I want to close off by saying that this is not only a Cambridge Bay event as members know.
Although it is based here because of logistics, we have plans to go out to the other communities in the region.
There are plans to have delegations come in, and in fact there are individuals I have seen already from some of the other communities and hopefully we'll try and maximize the exposure, while we're here, while the opportunity is before us.
With that Mr. Speaker, there is a lot of business that we hope to accomplish, there's also a lot of opportunities to enjoy the land, hopefully to meet many of the residents and enjoy the weather.
If last night was an indication, I know there's much more warmth and hospitality available in the community.
In closing to my colleagues and to all visitors, welcome and enjoy your visit.
Speaker: Thank you, Minister Ng. Members' Statements.
Member's Statement 177 – 1(5): Cambridge Bay Welcome & Recognition of Elders
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the community of Cambridge Bay for their warm welcome.
This trip has shown me the life style of this region and I would like to state that elders, even before we were born, the elders that were here, when they speak about their past life, it's very touching.
In the past when I was a child because I was not familiar with other regions, when I lived with my parents I used to think there was no other place anywhere else.
So I really appreciate travelling to other regions.
I really enjoy meeting with the elders from the other regions.
I'm hearing about their life, their past life and how they helped and worked hard to get to where they are today.
It is very nice to see the elders and it's very touching to listen to the elders and the hardship that they went through to get to where they are today.
So with the work that we are doing, we all respect our lands, we all respect our elders, and we all respect our children and care for them.
We are very glad that we are able to pass on the knowledge of our elders to our young people and we can continue to do this, and continue to teach our children the ways of our people and we will continue to see a lot of activities while we're here.
We will learn from our elders, and I would just like to thank our community of Cambridge Bay, although we are not from this region, we are from Nunavut and we're able to see one another and help each other, support one another and we will learn from each other.
Member's Statement 178 – 1(5): Tony Etuk & Joseph Nakoolak at Wrestling Championships
I'm not used to pressing these buttons but I'd like to thank the community of Cambridge Bay for their warm welcome, I've been here a few times in the past.
(interpretation ends) My statement today is for young people who have dreamed of goals and achieving their pursuits and of course my expression of pride in our youth from my hometown Coral Harbour.
Last month, between April 6 and 8 Tony Etuk and Joseph Nakoolak went to the National Cadet Juvenile wrestling championship, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
These two young people who are still in school went to compete in wrestling with 800 wrestlers from all across Canada, except the Yukon.
There are two forms of wrestling, freestyle and Greco.
Both styles are performed at the Olympics.
We entered both competitions.
When you get into that kind of competition with eight hundred wrestlers, if you lose two fights you are out.
Tony Etuk won the silver medal in Greco, Joseph Nakoolak placed fifth in freestyle and fifth in Greco.
Nunavut placed sixth in Greco, eighth in free style.
Mr. Speaker, on day one and two of free style wrestling Joseph Nakoolak placed fifth in the pool of 27 wrestlers, earning Nunavut our first team points at a National event. In the playoffs for fifth and sixth, he won by over ten points.
He had five wins and two losses in the free style tournament.
Tony did not place in free style, he wrestled well, and came close to winning a few times.
Because of the two team points earned by Joseph, team Nunavut placed eighth in freestyle wrestling out of twelve participants, provinces and territories.
Not all provinces earned points.
On Day three, Greco Roman wrestling, neither wrestler had ever done this before, Mr. Speaker, in Greco Roman wrestling, you are not allowed to use your legs, only your upper body.
Tony Etuk went undefeated all the way to the final where he was leading for a while and he ended up with a silver medal at the National, beyond our wildest imagination.
He was in the largest pool, sixteen wrestlers at 63 kilograms and he surprised everyone.
His record in Greco was three wins and one loss.
Joseph was in a tough draw, he had wrestled the gold medallist from the freestyle but won.
He ended up with three wins and two losses for fifth place.
They both collected team points and team Nunavut placed sixth in the nation, behind Ontario but in front of Quebec, NWT and all Atlantic provinces.
The boys are on Nunavut's Canada Games team.
Sport Nunavut sponsored a training camp in Ontario and Manitoba, last February, which seemed to pay off.
The national trip was funded by a partial grant from Community Government and Transportation in Rankin and partially by Coral Harbour funding raising efforts.
That was a very rewarding experience for those two boys.
Member's Statement 179 – 1(5): Cambridge Bay, Regional Centre of the Kitikmeot
Mr. Speaker, I don’t normally sit in here so it doesn’t feel right.
But Mr. Speaker first I’d like to thank the community for making us feel at home here in the Kitikmeot region.
Thank you to the community of Cambridge Bay and for the wonderful feast that was held last night and the entertainment.
I enjoyed the entertainment that we all saw.
Mr. Speaker, it’s been about fourteen years since the regional offices were in Cambridge Bay and we know Cambridge Bay as the regional headquarters and the government office buildings are located in the Cambridge Bay.