EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Can you give a copy of your Minister’s Statement to the page as we don’t have a copy of it for the table?
Member’s Statement 317 – 3(3): The Passing of Mrs. Kanayuk Bruce (Curley)
I rise today to speak about something we take great pride in and to share this with my colleagues so that they may also share in our pride.
I also wanted to have my colleague, the Member for Nanulik, support this statement. I thank my colleague, the Member for Nanulik, who will also speak to this matter later.
Many Nunavutmiut have been left behind by their elders. When a dear elder or loved one, especially an elder, passes on, the family left behind needs our condolences and our sympathy as they are usually devastated.
This summer, on July 28, we experienced this situation ourselves, although I am no longer resident in my birthplace of Coral Harbour, as my paternal aunt, my Attakuluk, Kanayuk Bruce, left behind her family.
I am thankful that we have two of the siblings present at this time; one of her grandchildren is sitting right behind me.
It was very stressful. It is extremely difficult to speak as an individual because this person continued to express her love towards her fellow Inuit throughout her life.
She was especially moved by youth and young women in particular. If they were her grandchildren, she would assist them all the time.
This individual would pass on her sewing skills to everyone who wanted help and, if they were men, then she would advise them about the need for proper equipment, of the need to maintain their equipment, clothing, and camping gear. We should never just leave on a trip without the proper preparations, especially if we are going on the land.
She provided this type of advice to youth and to the person sitting behind me.
With that being the case, my Attakuluk, which was my endearment term since she was my father’s cousin, I knew her my whole life as she was very loving of her relatives which included me.
I could never call her by her name, Mr. Speaker, as I was quite proud of my Attakuluk. I would call her my Attalluakuluk, which was my endearment term.
Whenever I would arrive into the community, she and her family knew that as soon as I arrived, the first place I would visit would be her home without going to my hotel room.
Whenever I would first come in, I would just be dropped off at their doorstep by her family as they knew that was the first place I was to visit.
I would like to ask for unanimous consent to conclude my Member’s Statement.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Curley. The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement.
Some days pass by where we need to acknowledge and recognize our elders.
Even when they have passed on, we have to commemorate their lives by expressing our pride in their advice, as we have many young people who require assistance.
As I stated earlier, my endearment term for her was my Attalluakuluk ever since I was a young child. As I had difficulty in speaking proper Inuktitut, I apparently mistakenly called her my Akkalluakuluk, which means my paternal uncle.
Due to this reason and in remembering Mikittuq Bruce, who is now 91 years old and who lost his wife this summer, as well as their children were quite numerous, many of whom are well known by members.
Leonie Duffy, who is the oldest, Louie Bruce, Rosemary Sandy, Manitok Thompson, and Cathy Towtongie, who is sitting in the Gallery, for which I am grateful, as well as Mona, who is the youngest daughter of the family.
She is the wife of the previous MLA for Coral Harbour, Patterk.
As well, Tommy Avalaa and Gabriel.
Mr. Speaker, I want to state that she loved her children tremendously.
I even recall one time when she was worried about one of her children and this was when she was starting to lose her voice, that she would ask about one of her sons and whether he was okay.
She would be told that her son was fine, that he now had a strong foundation, and that she shouldn’t worry about him further.
Shortly after that episode, she passed away.
Her son, whom I would go hunting with, Louie Bruce, whenever we would return to the community after a hunting trip, his mother would have a meal ready, the type of meal young men prefer after a long hunting trip.
What I want to state is that she would try to enlighten our spirit.
One time, when we were scheduled to return, she made pudding using the same ingredients that her mother used without any type of recipe.
She made it using only her memory; she boiled it in water and made a kind of pudding.
Once we arrived home, Louie and I enjoyed that pudding tremendously and we wondered whether or not it had a proper name. I asked my aunt what it was since I was more curious than Louie.
She stated that it didn’t have a name, so my friend coined it “manna.”
That was the first time I ever had “manna,” although it is quite a popular dish these days.
That was the first time I ever had “manna” and some day we will see that dish.
Additionally, my Attalluakuluk was born in Wager Bay, and my colleague will elaborate with more details shortly.
When she was at Wager Bay, the Sila Lodge was created. When she returned to the old camp where she was born and where she recalled her earlier childhood, she stated that she wanted to take some meat home as Iluilli’s caribou meat tastes different from the island caribou.
Many Inuit elders prefer the caribou from Iluilli, including those of us from the younger generations. We, too, prefer that taste.
When the Sila Lodge opened, many tourists stayed there and it was almost impossible to hunt caribou since many of them were “special guests” and there weren’t any hunters in the camp to go hunting.
When my Attalluakuluk stated she wanted some caribou meat, even though I was a minister in the GNWT government at that time, I told John Hicks that if there was a Honda available, I could go caribou hunting.
I was successful in catching a caribou, so I carefully wrapped up the carcass and hid the rifle from view as I came close to the camp and stealthily moved the meat into the shed. My aunt was able to take this caribou meat home and I was quite proud to provide that.
If it had been any other person, I doubt that she would have tasked a minister to provide her with caribou meat, but since I held her in deep respect, I was happy to do so.
This is one memory that I gladly remember.
Let us welcome her family members and her descendants. Although I know we are undergoing this difficult time, I know for a fact that my Attalluakuluk would have advised us to keep our spirits up, as she always stated up until her passing, which we regret deeply.
Member’s Statement 318 – 3(3): Remembering Mrs. Kanayuk Bruce (Ningeongan)
I rise today to pay my respects to the late Mrs. Kanayuk Bruce, who passed away in July of this year.
Mr. Speaker, on a very personal note, I would like to acknowledge the guidance that Mrs. Bruce gave to me when I most needed it, in support of my leadership.
As an elder, she was always ready to advise me and had my utmost respect.
Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Bruce grew up in Wager Bay in the Kivalliq region, which is now part of a national park.
She was educated by visiting priests and worked as a clerk at the Wager Bay trading post for many years, serving people from Gjoa Haven, Kugaaruk, Taloyoak, and the surrounding communities.
She lived in Wager Bay until she got married.
Mrs. Bruce moved with her husband to the Coral Harbour area in the late 1950s.
There, she was very much involved in the church and was a strong and supportive influence.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, (interpretation) I would like to ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Mr. Ningeongan (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my colleagues.
The lady was a very nice person. That was why she was so dear to me.
Ever since I was a child, she was welcoming to everyone and she was always willing to teach anyone the art of tanning the hides, preparing them, and sewing clothing.
Mrs. Bruce was never shy to give her opinion on matters affecting the community. She had very strong family values and principles that she was able to pass on to the young families.
Her counselling helped many youth and young couples understand the importance of bringing up children, marriage, and home life.
Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Tuinnaq Kanayuk Bruce leaves behind her husband, Mikittuq Bruce, her children, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
We dearly miss her in Coral Harbour.
I ask my colleagues to send their prayers for the family to support them in their loss.
Members’ Statements. Member for Iqaluit West, Ms. Ell.
Member’s Statement 319 – 3(3): Touring Saputi – Fishing Vessel (Ell)
I share in the sense of loss with the two previous speakers as the lady in question was our sister-in-law. Her husband was my mother’s brother whom she has left behind.
We have lost many of our relatives this year.
Mr. Speaker, on Friday, October 5, Iqalummiut were invited to visit the fishing vessel, Saputi, which had arrived.
The Saputi made a crew change and unloaded a very good haul of shrimp and turbot while in Frobisher Bay.
It was a very sunny day, but the winds were strong, so it was quite challenging to climb the rope ladder to get on and off the ship. I eventually got on.
We also had to get off the same way.
I am glad that we all persevered because the tour of the newly expanded fishing vessel was very interesting.
The processing of the catch was explained and the living quarters were displayed to us.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, it was obvious that many Inuit working on the boat enjoyed their work and took pride in the Saputi. I thank the crew of the Saputi and to QC for inviting us to the public event to view the newly elongated F/V Saputi.
At this time, Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask for an extension.
Speaker: Thank you, Ms. Ell. The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude her statement. Are there any nays?
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank you, my colleagues, for allowing me to continue with my statement.
The 40-foot extension of the vessel was very impressive, as well as all the machinery. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, not so impressive was the returns to Iqaluit since, due to the lack of infrastructure, elders and mothers, with their Amautiit on, had to scramble over slippery walks at the causeway to return home.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to the day when Iqaluit will have proper infrastructure for sealift, cruise ships, fishing vessels, and hunters here in Iqaluit.
Member’s Statement 320 – 3(3): Solid Waste Management (Ningark)
Mr. Ningark: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) With respect to the people who lost a loved one, they are in my heart as well as in my prayers. When I was just a child in Repulse Bay, I started hearing her name mentioned, whom our colleagues spoke about.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the important issue of solid waste management in our communities.
Mr. Speaker, as guardians of our land, air, and water, we have a serious responsibility to ensure that we address the issue of solid waste management in a serious way.
Mr. Speaker, a recent publication by the Government of Nunavut indicates, and I quote, “In most communities, landfill operators are struggling to manage waste volume, and often rely on the practice of open burning to manage municipal waste.
A number of upgrades are needed, including landfill operator training, infrastructure improvements and other updates…”
Mr. Speaker, just over a year ago, the Minister of Community and Government Services tabled a report on the current state of solid waste management and facilities in Nunavut.
I support initiatives to address this issue and I encourage the departments of CGS and Environment to continue the important work of identifying and implementing actions to protect our environment.
Member’s Statement 321 – 3(3): Arctic Council Consultations (Elliott)
I rise today to speak about the very productive meeting that I attended this weekend concerning the Arctic Council.
On August 23 of this year, our Member of Parliament was appointed Minister for the Arctic Council.
I want to take this opportunity to publicly congratulate Minister Aglukkaq on this well-deserved appointment.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, the minister was in Iqaluit this weekend to launch a series of consultations to develop Canada’s priorities for its upcoming two-year chairmanship of the Arctic Council, which begins next May.
Mr. Speaker, I have spoken on many occasions in this House about the issues of search and rescue, natural resource development, and the human dimension of arctic sovereignty.
As the Member of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut representing three High Arctic communities, the work of the Arctic Council and its partners is critical to the well-being of my constituents.
Mr. Speaker, this weekend’s meeting was an excellent opportunity for a diverse range of stakeholders, including many Members of this Assembly, to express their concerns and recommendations.
Mr. Speaker, some of the issues that were discussed this weekend included the need for enhancements to arctic search and rescue capabilities, oil and gas development in the North, food security, and pan-Arctic approaches to suicide prevention.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, the President of the Inuit Circumpolar Conference Canada and ICC Vice-Chair for Canada, Duane Smith, participated in our meeting.
As the Arctic Council considers the process by which it designates official status to other bodies, including the European Union, we must be mindful of the importance of ensuring that the rights of indigenous peoples in the circumpolar world are respected.
This includes continuing to take a firm stand on the issue of the EU’s hypocritical ban on the importation of seal products.
Mr. Speaker, if this weekend’s meeting in Iqaluit was any indication, Canada is off to an excellent start as we prepare for the important work ahead.
Member’s Statement 322 – 3(3): Tribute to Nunavut’s Volunteers (Aupaluktuq)
Mr. Aupaluktuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is quite obvious that many Nunavummiut are undergoing difficult times at this time, so those families who are undergoing difficulties are in our thoughts and prayers.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Nunavut’s volunteers. Mr. Speaker, in December of 1985, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution to designate December 5 as International Volunteers Day for Economic and Social Development.
Mr. Speaker, since the House will not be sitting on that day, I wish to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the thousands of Nunavummiut who work selflessly to make our territory a better place for all.
Mr. Speaker, the tireless work of volunteers ensures that many social needs are met. The commitment of volunteers ensures that our youth can take advantage of numerous sport and recreational opportunities. The courage of volunteers ensures that life-saving search and rescue operations can take place.
Mr. Speaker, there are a number of programs to recognize the work of volunteers, including the Commissioner’s Award for Volunteer and Community Service.
Earlier this year, the Commissioner travelled to Baker Lake to present a number of awards, and I congratulate the recipients.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me today in a salute to Nunavut’s volunteers.
Members’ Statements. Member for Pangnirtung, Mr. Oshutapik.
Member’s Statement 323 – 3(3): Fair Hiring Practices (Oshutapik)
Mr. Oshutapik (interpretation): Good afternoon, fellow Pangnirtung residents. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, before I begin my Member’s Statement, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of my colleagues for their support to Pangnirtung during our recent difficult time.
We join with the Kilabuk family in their time of grief and our hearts are with you.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the importance of fair hiring practices in the government.
Mr. Speaker, as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Pangnirtung, I represent a number of constituents who are employed by the Government of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is very important that the government follows fair hiring practices in all of its departments and offices.
Mr. Speaker, our employees need to have confidence that hiring is done in a transparent manner.
Our employees need to have confidence that decisions are made in accordance with the government’s legislation and policies, including its Priority Hiring Policy.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, although our communities are small, we need to make efforts to ensure that hiring decisions are made in a fair and unbiased manner.
It is very important that managers are not placed in situations where they may need to make hiring decisions involving their own relatives.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, we all know that unemployment is high in our communities. Our constituents should be provided with every opportunity to compete openly and fairly for positions.
Our ability to effectively serve the Nunavut public will be strengthened if we ensure that our own workforce is strong.
Member’s Statement 324 – 3(3): Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan (Tapardjuk)
Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Good afternoon to the residents of Igloolik and Hall Beach. I would also like to thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to state that the statements of my colleagues really impacted me, as we heard of this summer and earlier we heard on the news that there was an elder who just passed away this morning.
It is quite obvious that the families left behind are in need of our sympathies. I just needed to state my feelings on that.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce that the Nunavut Planning Commission recently made public the Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan for Nunavummiut to review and provide input.
Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut Planning Commission was established under Article 11 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
The Nunavut Planning Commission is responsible for the development, implementation, and monitoring of land use plans which guide and direct resources use and development in the Nunavut Settlement Area.
Mr. Speaker, in 2007, the Nunavut Planning Commission’s broad planning policies, objectives, and goals were formally supported by the Government of Nunavut and were used to create the Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan.
Mr. Speaker, the Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan, once it is approved, will replace the North Baffin and Keewatin regional land use plans.
Currently, all project proposals in the North Baffin Planning Region that require a licence or authorization from a land use authorizing agency… .
At this time, I would like to ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, my colleagues, for the unanimous consent.
Mr. Speaker, currently, all project proposals in the North Baffin Planning Region that require a licence or authorization from a land use authorizing agency must be assessed by the Nunavut Planning Commission for conformity with the North Baffin Regional Land Use Plan, such as the Baffinland Mary River Project.
Mr. Speaker, the Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan has received strong support from industry, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, the Nunavut Association of Municipalities, and the regional Inuit organizations because this document reflects their interests, needs, and aspirations.
Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut Planning Commission will be travelling to every Nunavut community to present the Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan and accept input and recommendations which will be included into the Final Nunavut Land Use Plan.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Nunavummiut and interested stakeholders to participate, engage, and work with the representatives of the Nunavut Planning Commission. I applaud the NPC’s approach to ensuring all communities will have input into this important document.
Mr. Speaker, I ask the Government of Nunavut and all Members of the Legislative Assembly to formally support and recognize all the hard work the NPC has done concerning the Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan.
Mr. Speaker, later today, I will table a copy the Baffin Island community consultation schedule and a copy of the Executive Summary of the Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan for those interested in this document. Further information concerning the Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan can be obtained from the Nunavut Planning Commission’s website.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Nunavummiut to visit the NPC’s website and learn how they can provide input concerning the Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan.
Member’s Statement 325 – 3(3): Condolences to Family (Ugyuk)
Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I send my regards to the people of Nattilik. As a family, such as my older and younger sisters and brothers, we have lost a family member.
It’s unfortunate, but we believe that we can get some assistance through a prayer. I would like everyone to pray for my brother’s adopted son and his family. You have to be able to stay together and love each other at this time of hardship.
>>Applause  Speaker: Thank you, Ms. Ugyuk.
Member’s Statement 326 – 3(3): Pond Inlet Weather Commentators (Enook)
I rise today to offer some celebratory news for our community and to express my thanks.
Mr. Speaker, we all know that in the summer, many residents go out camping via boat, sometimes to very long distances and sometimes to closer places.
Furthermore, we are aware and it’s become obvious that the weather now changes very quickly without any signs. In particular, our elders have really noted that the weather signs are no longer spot-on and the weather changes very dramatically.
Mr. Speaker, with that being the case, when you are a long distance away from the community, it becomes very important to hear weather forecasts, especially if you have to travel many miles to reach your community.
Additionally, at least in our community, we use the VHF radios. I believe they used to be called XBX-11s; I don’t know what they are called now.
In any event, these VHF radios are used for long distance communication, which is very useful, especially when trying to find out about the weather on the route home, and these people provide their insight as to the weather and what may develop.
Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to express my thanks to three of my fellow community residents in Pond Inlet.
As a community, we need to work together even without being asked to do so because many people want to assist their fellow citizens.
Mr. Speaker, these three people I wish to name are individuals whom I really wish to thank and to share in my gratitude for their selflessness, as they provide this service without anybody tasking them to do so. They do so simply to provide this type of public service and they provide this at all times of the day; in the morning, in the afternoon, or even nighttime.
These individuals go on the VHF radio to broadcast their views on the developing weather during the summer months to those of us who are on the land. They broadcast the weather conditions and their opinions about how it may develop.
These individuals broadcast this information, even if no one acknowledges their broadcast, as sometimes the reception is not that great, which we all have experienced in using this technology.
I would like name these individuals because, as a community, Pond Inlet residents appreciate their service provision. These three people are Elijah Nashook, Panuile Okango, and Joanasie Mucpa.
Thank you for your invaluable service.
I am starting to stand regularly as of late, for which I am grateful for, as another fellow resident of Coral Harbour, Mr. Dino Bruce, is sitting right behind Mr. Curley.
I want to recognize this Coral Harbour resident.
Although he spends some time in Nova Scotia, he is one of our local businesspeople and he has assisted his father in running their business.
I also call him my Piqatialuk, even though he is fairly young. When he was younger, I have often discussed life’s challenges with him, especially the fact that one has to be strong. He has provided me with assistance, although he is quite young.
I try to reciprocate whenever I can. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and welcoming my friend to the Gallery.
I feel not as nervous facing you here as I used to be in the baseball diamond in Rankin Inlet.