EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
As to what the limit is for the programs that they want to run in their community, I just wanted to compliment them, a lot of times we only hear of the problems that we see, we constantly fail to commend the department as to the good things that they do. That’s all I wanted to say.
Chairperson (interpretation): There’s nobody else on the list.
Hon. Jack Anawak (interpretation): Our department has to be seen by people that we are servicing as a place to be helped.
Our department for example, we all have different departments, different governments, federal government, Nunavut.
I know there are differences but once we deal with the details then we would be able identify the problems that Inuit encounter.
For example, pensions or family allowances, child tax credits that we get from the Federal Government.
If the Nunavut Government can assist in that way I would be willing to look at that.
I thank her for commending us.
I wasn’t concentrating.
I have a short question in regards to yesterday’s notes in reference to the elders’ and the youth centres.
I have briefly reviewed what it is in regards to.
There are many communities in Nunavut that don’t have their own youth centres.
We know we have gymnasiums in the communities but there’s a concern with the lack of youth centres.
Looking at the 5 year capital plan, I just realized that it’s hard to pinpoint how much of the dollars are going to be spent.
This year for example, looking at the 5 year capital plan there are many centres that could utilize it.
When you tabled the notes yesterday, reviewing that I just want to ask what are the plans?
Are you waiting for proposals from the youth centres, the elders’ centres?
Are you going to be visiting the communities to look into that or the youth and elders’ groups will have to submit their own proposals?
Because I am concerned about the 5 year capital plan and the budget seems a bit small in regards to that.
What will you be doing to deal with that?
We sort of anticipate what to expect so we plan for that even though it’s in there.
But we haven’t fully initiated or implemented especially when there is no council in the communities for elders or youth.
Some of the communities have councils.
We would like to start communicating with them or the CG&T or Hamlet Councils or DEAs.
We want to be able to communicate with them as to where or if there’s a space for an elders’ facility.
As I stated earlier the health and safety, education, when they’re given the priority we don’t expect, especially when we’re still in our infancy as a department, that we would get that much in the capital estimates.
I expect I’ll talk to the Minister of Education or to the mayors in the communities or to the Minister of CG&T about how we can work together to make a facility emerge.
Then if the funding came then we would certainly change the 5 year capital plan.
I just wanted to get information in regards to your plan. (interpretation ends) I just want go back to into the Heritage Centre part.
If you don’t mind me asking that question, Mr. Chairman, the Heritage/Visitor’s Centre,
I know that most of the communities should have one, maybe they do but a few times in Kugluktuk the Heritage Centre almost closed down due to a lack of funding.
It would be O and M but also the building is too small like I said earlier.
Too small for a Visitor’s Centre, visitors or tourists coming in or for local use.
It’s very cramped in there as you have seen before.
I know Minister Akesuk saw that.
It’s very small so I’m just saying can those Capital funds be used to expand that building or are we saying this is the existing building but fix up the furnace room, fix up the, I don’t know, you know what I mean.
I guess can we expand the place?
Is that one of the ideas that you have there when you say renovations; renovations or additions?
Hon. Jack Anawak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Really I guess the issue is, if a visitor’s centre is designated also as an elders’ and youth facility then there is no problem for that association of elders or youth applying to either expand it or do more Capital Works on the Visitor’s Center. As long as the designation is there that it’s an elders’ and youth centre because visitor’s centres are usually done by Sustainable Development.
But we do work together so if the visitor’s centre is designated elders and youth, yes you can apply for more funding from us.
Although you have to understand our funding is rather limited right now for capital.
Chairperson (interpretation): I’m sorry. Mr. Havioyak.
Mr. Havioyak: Am I getting across yet?
For some reason the elders and youth got into the heritage centre.
I was talking about the heritage centre not the youth centre.
I’m talking about the heritage/visitors centre.
That’s completely different altogether from the youth centre or maybe I’m not sure if I asked the question properly.
It may be my fault but I’m just asking can the heritage fund be used to expand and make an addition to the existing building?
I was saying the heritage centre is operated by the local Chamber of Commerce.
I don’t know if they have the visitor’s centre.
I’m just asking if we can use some of the funds to not only to renovate but add to the building.
Hon. Jack Anawak: Yes. Thank you.
Mr. Chairman, I’ll be directing this question to the department.
My question, I’m not exactly sure whether my question is appropriate or not.
My question is whether the elders could start using their knowledge.
Hon. Jack Anawak (interpretation): What we’re trying to promote is to try to get an elders’ council and it has to go through the cabinet right now. So if the elders’ council could be established, it would be very good for our government. We expect that there would be an individual working in our department as an Inuit traditional knowledge person.
And he or she would be working in our department so if we were to get elders’ councils, then that position would be open. Thank you.
Mr. Alakannuark (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I thank the Minister for his response. Some communities in Nunavut; I think they have facilities for elders and youth.
Can you look to see whether those facilities are operating properly?
Only some communities have those elder and youth facilities and some communities don’t have any.
We would like to be able to provide some funding for the communities, the same level of funding in each community to run those facilities. We can look into the operation of each facility in each community but we expect that the communities themselves want to run their own in their own communities, as long as they use the funding in an appropriate way.
But some might not have elders or youth committees in the communities and if we can, if the communities don’t have them we can probably strike a committee or something so that their facilities are being utilised properly.
They would be able to use the school facilities as well for their committee in the communities.
What we can do is, where communities have elders' and youth facilities, probably inform them that they can access funding from our department.
Also inform them about how to apply for funding from our department for elders and youth facilities in a community.
Those are types of things that we are doing.
If we could go to page 8-5.
Culture, Language, Elders and Youth. Program Summary.
Detail of Expenditures. Baffin Region.
Chairperson (interpretation): Total Capital Expenditures.
Total Headquarters, 263 thousand.
Can a community request funding if their local radio society wants some funding to fix their communication systems?
Yes, we provide them with funding at the present time as long as the radio societies want the funding but it’s capped at 15 thousand.
Total Grants and Contributions. $253 thousand.
Community Programs.
Total Headquarters. $522 thousand.
Chairperson (interpretation): Total Grants and Contributions. $522 thousand.
Going back to page 8-4.
Total Capital Expenditures. $1 million 35 thousand.
I’d like to ask a question on this page on $1 million 35 thousand.
When will we be seeing that huge amount, in this line Total Capital Expenditures?
Hon. Jack Anawak (interpretation): Perhaps if we can work together to increase it?
Last year what we tried to do as regular members was try to increase that amount of total expenditures for this department but apparently if all the ministers could support this department it could probably increase in the near future.
Hon. Jack Anawak (interpretation): Yes, perhaps the year before it’s about a ninety five percent increase since we started.
Yes, we will try to get some more funding for total capital; we will be asking for funding from the federal government whenever we have a chance either for languages or the heritage centres.
We will be requesting more funding from the federal government as well as from the Nunavut Government.
Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth. Total capital expenditures, $1 million 35 thousand. Agreed?
Chairperson (interpretation): The Department of Culture, Language, Elders, and Youth as a whole?
Thank you for attending Mr. Anawak.
I would like to say thank you to the members and I would also like to state that when the standing committee had a meeting what we wanted to do was send some information to the members about the establishment of our office and stuff like that.
If you want more information about what our department is doing, we can do that.
I would like to thank Leona and David and I wanted to recognize yesterday on Policy is Gillian Corless and also Leona’s assistant Anthony Saez.
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you for attending and perhaps your officials didn’t say anything, maybe you’ll be able to go it alone next year.
Your committee has been considering Bill 18 and would like to report progress.
Mr. Alakannuark seconds the motion. The motion is in order. All those in favour?
Orders of the day for Thursday, November 28, 2002:
Motion 013-1(6)
Bill 24
Minister’s Statement 095-1(6)
This House stands adjourned until Thursday, November 28, 2002 at 1:30 p.m.
>>House adjourned at 18.06 p.m.
Thursday November 28, 2002
Pages 1990 - 2055
Opening Prayer 1991
Ministers’ Statements 1991
Members’ Statements 1996
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 2004
Oral Questions 2005
Written Questions 2024
Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills 2024
Tabling of Documents 2025
Motions 2026
First Reading of Bills 2027
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 2027
Report of Committee of the Whole 2053
Orders of the Day 2053
Thursday November 28, 2002 1991
098 – 1(6): Firearms Challenge (Okalik) 1991
099 – 1(6): Nunavut Air Services Study (Thompson) 1992
100 – 1(6): Arctic Bay’s Involvement with Nanisivik Mine Closure (Akesuk) 1993
101 – 1(6): National Diabetes Awareness Month (Picco) 1995
102 – 1(6): Arctic Youth Initiative (Anawak) 1995
304 – 1(6): Kugluktuk Search and Rescue (Havioyak) 1996
305 – 1(6): Term and Meaning of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (Irqittuq) 1997
306 – 1(6): Book By Bernard Fransen (Anawak) 1998
307 – 1(6): Monument for Women in Nunavut (Alakannuark) 1999
308 – 1(6): DFO Studies and IQ (Iqaqrialu) 1999
309 – 1(6): Elders Involvement in the Court (Nuatark) 2000
310 – 1(6): Firearms Challenge (Thompson) 2000
311 – 1(6): Devolution – Key to Long Term Self Reliance (McLean) 2001
312 – 1(6): Report from Federal Minister of DIAND (Tootoo) 2002
313 – 1(6): National Children’s Day (Williams) 2003
308 – 1(6): Authority of DEA’s to Carry out Duties (Tootoo) 2005
309 – 1(6): Appointment of Elders for Court Circuit (Nutarak) 2008
310 – 1 (6): Expansion of School in Qikiqtarjuaq (Iqaqrialu) 2008
311 – 1(6): Grizzly Bear Study (Alakannuark) 2009
312 – (1(6): Advising Welfare Recipients of New Rent Scale (Havioyak) 2011
313 – 1(6): Romanow Report – Recommendation # 42 (McLean) 2012
314 – 1(6): Response to Special Committee for the Review of the Official Languages Act (Williams) 2017
315 – 1(6): Plans for an Arena (Nutarak) 2018
316 – 1(6): Quality of Fish - Fisheries Report (Iqaqrialu) 2018
317 – 1(6): Technical Evaluation of Building (McLean) 2019
318 – 1(6): Update on Status of Children’s Advocate (Williams) 2020
319 – 1(6): Ratio of Inuit Employment (Arvaluk) 2022
004 – 1(6): Vacant GN Positions in Regional Decentralized Centres and Communities (McLean) 2024
007 – 1(6): Bill 21 – An Act to Amend the Labour Standards Act (Iqaqrialu) 2024
008 – 1(6): Bill 25 – An Act to Amend the Maintenance Enforcement Act (Iqaqrialu) 2025
009 – 1(6): Bill 26 – The Inter-Jurisdictional Support Orders Act (Iqaqrialu) 2025
067 – 1(6): Nanisivik Closure and Reclamation News (Akesuk) 2026
068 – 1(6): Public Service Annual Report 2001-2002 (Kilabuk) 2026
069 – 1(6): 2001 Annual Report of the NWT and Nunavut Workers’ Compensation Board (Ng) 2026
070 – 1(6): 2002 Auditor General Annual Report to Nunavut Legislative Assembly (2000-2001 Financial Statements) (Speaker) 2026
013 – 1(6): Extended Adjournment (McLean) 2026
Bill 23 – An Act to Amend the Cities, Towns and Villages Act – First Reading 2027
Bill 24 – An Act to Amend the Hamlets Act – First Reading 2027
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk, Mr. Ovide Alakannuark, Hon. Jack Anawak, Mr. James Arvaluk, Mr. Donald Havioyak, Mr. David Iqaqrialu, Mr. Enoki Irqittuq, Honourable Peter Kattuk, Hon. Peter Kilabuk, Mr. Glenn McLean, Mr. Jobie Nutarak, Honourable Kelvin Ng, Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Honourable Paul Okalik, Honourable Ed Picco, Hon. Manitok Thompson, Mr. Hunter Tootoo, Ms. Rebekah Williams.
Speaker: I would like to call on Mr. Iqaqrialu to say the prayer.
Minister’s Statement 098 – 1(6): Firearms Challenge
I wish to inform the Assembly of the important developments that have occurred in the legal challenge to the Federal Government’s Firearms Act.
The Assembly will recall that on June 19th 2000, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated filed a lawsuit in the Nunavut Court of Justice.
The lawsuit seeks an order declaring that the licensing and registration provisions for ordinary firearms should not apply to Inuit because its provisions violate Inuit harvesting rights contained in Article 5.7.26 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
Article 5.7.26 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement is very important since it affirms our right to hunt up to our needs level without having to obtain a licence or paying a fee.
The lawsuit filed by NTI intends to establish that the Federal law violates this right and, as a result, it should not apply to Inuit in Nunavut.
(interpretation) Because of the important issues at stake for Inuit, the Government of Nunavut became an intervener in the action on September 7, 2000.
As an intervener the Government has official status in the case and is able to present formal arguments in court in support of this action.
We hope that this additional support will increase the likelihood of positive results.
Mr. Speaker, I cannot yet say when this case will be proceeding to trial.
Like other lawsuits there are procedural steps that must be taken and they can take significant time to complete, which is normal.
However, I know that many Inuit are concerned because the deadline to register firearms under the Federal Act expires January 1st.
After that, people who have not registered their firearms will be violating the federal laws and will continue to have trouble purchasing ammunition.
I also know that the licensing and registration system has worked poorly in Nunavut thus far.
As a result, many hunters have not been able to register their firearms, through no fault of their own.
(interpretation ends) I am pleased to inform the Assembly today that NTI and the Government of Nunavut plan to file together an application in court to attempt to address this situation.
The application is for a temporary order to suspend, on behalf of the Inuit of Nunavut, the application of the licensing and registration provisions of the Criminal Code and the Firearms Act until the end of the main trial.
Should this application succeed, Inuit would no longer have to register their firearms by January 1st of next year in order to comply with the law.
The licensing and registration requirements would be suspended for Inuit from the day of the order until the main lawsuit has been decided.
(interpretation) I think I speak on behalf of the Assembly in expressing my hope that this application will be successful and, more importantly, the lawsuit will ultimately be successful.
Minister’s Statement 099 – 1(6): Nunavut Air Services Study
Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform the Members of the Legislative Assembly that the Department of Community Government & Transportation is proceeding with a very important study to advance Phase 2 of the Nunavut Transportation Strategy.
The study I am referring to is the Nunavut Air Services Study.
Mr. Speaker, the Air Services Study is a comprehensive study into all air services in Nunavut.
It is part of the wider strategy to learn how we can improve all the air links throughout Nunavut. It is through this study that we can work to ensure fair and efficient air services for Nunavummiut.
The study is intended to provide us with options. These will include options for a Nunavut Air Passenger/Freight system, options for related services for the government and options on how to improve overall services throughout Nunavut.
(interpretation ends) The Air Services Study will include a study of air service routes to each Nunavut community.
This will also include an analysis of traditional Inuit and community travel routes and a review of the link we previously had with Greenland. We are also examining air services links as they relate to decentralization to ensure adequate support to these communities.
Mr. Speaker, the study will also include a Government of Nunavut employee survey.
As the government is the major client of the air carriers in Nunavut, we have begun collecting data on our usage and patterns of travel. This will support our search for options for incentives to encourage service improvements and price reductions by the air carriers.
Another important part of the Air Services Study, Mr. Speaker, is the link to the medical services study being conducted by the Department of Health & Social Services.
My department is working together with officials from the Department of Health to ensure that our efforts are coordinated.
These studies complement each other as both studies will assist us in our efforts to improve air services to Nunavummiut and possibly improve government sponsored travel.
Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut Air Services Study will help clear the way for efficient, affordable air services for Nunavut.
It will provide my department with options for how to advance the overall Nunavut Transportation Strategy and improve our transportation systems.
Minister’s Statement 100 – 1(6): Arctic Bay’s Involvement with Nanisivik Mine Closure
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the issues surrounding the Nanisivik mine closure and the activities done to date with the community of Arctic Bay.
Since the announcement of the closure of the Nanisivik mine last year, the Government of Nunavut has developed a close working relationship with the Hamlet Working Group.
A community liaison coordinator was hired from Arctic Bay to ensure the community is involved in the process and is funded through the Department of Sustainable Development, Community Government & Transportation and the Nunavut Water Board.
Many of the activities that Government of Nunavut officials have been concerned with involved direct work and consultation with the community of Arctic Bay.
Coordination of several public information meetings;
A Feasibility Study to assess the transfer of housing from Nanisivik to Arctic Bay;  The Government of Nunavut is investigating the cost of transferring the Anglican Church from Nanisivik to Arctic Bay;
All Government of Nunavut buildings in Nanisivik were properly closed up in order to protect and preserve them over the winter to allow possible future use;
A socio-economic study of the mine closure in Arctic Bay is now complete;
The community liaison coordinator in Arctic Bay provides up to date information to the residents of Arctic Bay through live radio shows on a regular basis to provide details on issues surrounding the mine closure;
(interpretation ends) A very successful auction of Government of Nunavut surplus assets was organized with over 200 community residents attending;
Emergency Airport contingency plans have been developed to deal with the preservation of airport service for the people of Arctic Bay;
Government of Nunavut officials have held detailed discussions with Breakwater Resources to find ways to make their potential surplus mine assets available to Arctic Bay as well as other communities in Nunavut;
A meeting is scheduled for December 3, 2002 in Arctic Bay with the Hamlet Working Group to discuss in detail the socio-economic priorities for the community;
Community Government & Transportation officials are currently up in Arctic Bay discussing Hamlet transition planning for Arctic Bay;
The Nunavut Water Board, in partnership with the community, has produced a newsletter called the Nanisivik Closure and Reclamation News for distribution in the community of Arctic Bay providing useful and important information to residents regarding this process.  I will be tabling this document today as well as a more detailed outline of activities that have occurred in Arctic Bay.
The Government of Nunavut wants to ensure that we work together with other governments to mitigate the socio-economic impacts on the people of Arctic Bay and Nunavut.
It is very important to know that Breakwater Resources/Canzinco is financially responsible to ensure that cleanup of the mine and town site occur. It is also important to note that the Federal Government is ultimately responsible for ensuring that Breakwater Resources/Canzinco fulfills it cleanup obligations. The Government of Nunavut will continue to monitor this process and keep the community informed.
(interpretation) In closing Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Mayor of Arctic Bay, Joanasie Akumalik, for providing information and input into this statement.
Minister’s Statement 101 – 1(6): National Diabetes Awareness Month
Mr. Speaker, November is National Diabetes Awareness Month.
In order to provide the community with more resources, large diabetes poster boards and diabetes videos entitled “Toward a Cure”, diabetes facts sheets and posters are being distributed in the three regions.
Mr. Speaker, Clyde River and Pond Inlet have hosted health promotion events and used these poster boards.
The Baffin Region has started monthly themes linked with national events, including Diabetes Awareness Month.
Mr. Speaker, Health Canada funding is being used to enhance community awareness of diabetes prevention and health promotion in all three regions of Nunavut. As well, the nutritionist in this region is travelling to communities to encourage and support the planning of ADI programs and to do radio shows.
As well, Mr. Speaker, a regional nutritionist has been recently hired in the Kitikmeot.
Mr. Speaker, my department will continue to encourage and support community projects and proposal submissions as outlined in the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative proposal guidelines.
Minister’s Statement 102 – 1(6): Arctic Youth Initiative
As I have said many times before, the government does not have all the answers.
We can contribute to society and provide a certain level of services, but it would be foolish for us to think that we know better than the citizens we serve.
(interpretation ends) In an effort to provide Nunavummiut with the tools they need to contribute to society, the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth makes funding available through its grants and contributions programs to anyone who has an idea that will benefit Nunavut’s culture, heritage, language, women, persons with disabilities, elders and youth.
Mr. Speaker, today I want to recognize one of those valuable initiatives.
In October of 1999, Beth McKenty, who is sitting over there behind us, was at home in Iqaluit when she heard two children throwing rocks onto her roof. Instead of chasing them away, she invited them in and gave them each a paint brush.
They were so delighted with what they painted, that they returned the following day with a few friends.