EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, over the past few months, Internet visitors to the Indigo bookselling website could vote to adopt a school from a number of entries across Canada. Votes came in from around the world.
The ten schools with the most votes were eligible to win the top prize of $10,000 and 365 books.
I would like to note that the community of Sanikiluaq also pitched in an additional $4,000 in fundraising. The school was doubly blessed.
Mr. Speaker, you will recall that I asked questions about the status of new school libraries almost two years ago. It was functioning with some very outdated and worn-out books on a few shelves and stacked on tables.
Mr. Speaker, the Nuiyak School principal and teachers are very excited about what they can now do in their library. New shelving and furniture, new high-interest and culturally relevant books will be the focus.
The Nuiyak School library is something to be proud of and the community of Sanikiluaq should be very proud of what is achieved by working together towards a common and very worthwhile goal.
Member’s Statement 311 – 3(3): Development for the People (Aupaluktuq)
I rise today to speak about the importance of transparent and accountable economic development for the people of Baker Lake.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, as you know, I have been a strong proponent of a balanced approach to economic development in Baker Lake and Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, balance means ensuring that the development of our natural resources is undertaken in a way that safeguards our environment and provides a legacy to our children of which we can be proud.
Balance means ensuring that the needs of communities are taken into account as part of the economic planning process.
Balance means ensuring that we have a climate that is welcoming to business and industry, but also requires transparency and accountability.
Mr. Speaker, let me touch on three specific issues today.
Earlier this week, my colleague from Pond Inlet asked important questions concerning the potential for a development partnership agreement to be signed with the government in relation to the Mary River project.
As the House is aware, a development partnership agreement was signed in 2007 in relation to the Meadowbank mine.
I continue to believe that it is important for all parties to comply with their obligations under these agreements.
Mr. Speaker, the most recent annual report of the Kivalliq Inuit Association indicates that it has concluded an Inuit Impact and Benefits Agreement with Agnico-Eagle Mines and that further agreements are expected in the coming months for the Meliadine and Kiggavik mines.
As the MLA for Baker Lake and a proud beneficiary of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, I believe that greater transparency would be welcomed with respect to the contents of IIBAs.
Mr. Speaker, access to basic banking services is something that most Canadians take for granted. However, many Nunavummiut live in communities that do not have a physical banking presence.
A couple of years ago, there was excitement across the Kivalliq at the prospect of improved banking services.
I continue to encourage stakeholders to work together to identify… .
Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to seek unanimous consent to continue with my Member’s Statement.
Are there any nays? There are none. Please proceed, Mr. Aupaluktuq.
Mr. Aupaluktuq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As well, I would like to thank my colleagues for allowing me to continue.
As I mentioned, I continue to encourage stakeholders to work together to identify what needs to be done to improve access to banking services for our residents.
Member’s Statement 312 – 3(3): Appreciation to Grade 5 Class of Repulse Bay (Ningark)
I would like to extend a good morning to the Repulse Bay grade 5 class.
Mr. Speaker, as Members of the Legislative Assembly, it is sometimes hard to wonder whether or not there will be a community feast.
While I was in Repulse Bay, I had the opportunity to share a feast with the grade 5 students at the school. I am very grateful for that. I also thank the school principal, as well as the Mayor of Repulse Bay, Mr. Haqpi, whom we shared this feast with, as well as the grade 5 class.
I’m thankful for that.
I wish the grade 5 class in Repulse Bay a very happy day and a very good future.
They are our future leaders who will replace us down the road.
I also thank their teacher tremendously.
Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity to speak to the Repulse Bay students and teachers, as well as their principal on October 16, when I went to Repulse Bay, and prior to that.
The school principal stated that there are still two positions that have not been filled due to the lack of accommodation. I would like the Minister of Education to think about this in the future.
Member’s Statement 313 – 3(3): New Stone Circle Plaza in Coral Harbour (Ningeongan)
Mr. Ningeongan: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) I say “good morning” to the people of Coral Harbour and Chesterfield Inlet, as well as Nunavummiut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform the House of about a good news story in Coral Harbour.
Mr. Speaker, earlier this week, the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency provided funding for a community project in Coral Harbour to enable the hamlet to complete the construction of a stone circle plaza. The federal announcement for this project indicated that it will “create awareness about the rich history of the community of Coral Harbour and Southampton Island” and help residents “build new skills in stone masonry and develop a site that the hamlet can be proud of.”
Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my appreciation to Minister Aglukkaq for her support of projects such as this.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, I have been a strong advocate for initiatives that contribute to economic development and diversification in my constituency and Nunavut as a whole.
Mr. Speaker, this investment will also “support the printing and distribution of a tourism brochure and interpretive signage for the community.”
I am pleased to see investments that will support a sustainable tourism sector in Nunavut. This is an area that has potential for growth and I support all levels of government working together to identify strategically targeted investments.
Member’s Statement 314 – 3(3): 2012 High School Graduates of Maani Ulujuk School (Kusugak)
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning to all Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, this summer was a very good occasion for me in Rankin Inlet because I was invited by graduates to attend their graduation ceremony and to speak.
In Maani Ulujuk Ilinniarvik, the graduates increase annually. The entire gym was packed of Rankin Inlet residents who were sharing in the celebration of the graduation. Even though a lot of the people didn’t have students graduating, they all went to participate in this celebration.
There were 31 graduates from Rankin Inlet this summer. These students worked their hardest to graduate. They are as follows:
Jamie Airut,
Brandyn Airut,
Jessica Alikashuak,
Israel Aliyak,
Rebecca Anderson,
Meagan Angidlik,
Seamus Ayaruak,
Annette Boucher,
John Bruce,
Alexandria Komaksuitiksak,
Cassandra Gordon,
Cyrus Gordon,
Denise Graham,
Rob Kakuktinniq,
Tagalik Misheralak,
David Nukapiak,
Tony Nutarakittuq,
Erin Pameolik,
Katrina Pameolik,
Jennica Pissuk,
Joyce Ramey,
Alexandra Rudd,
Marilyn Sandy,
Steve Sandy,
Chantel Sateana,
Keith Sigurdson (Butchy),
Luther Siksik,
Iris Tatty,
Clarissa Ussak,
Haley White, and
Kevin Ymana.
I am very proud of these graduates and I know for a fact that they will have a good future when they start their careers.
I am very proud of them and I share in their pride.
I congratulate those young graduates.
Member’s Statement 315 – 3(3): Arviat Graduates of Diamond Drilling Program (Shewchuk)
I rise today to recognize a very special day and the celebrations that will be happening in my home community of Arviat this afternoon.
Today, the community of Arviat is celebrating the completion of the third Arviat Diamond Drillers Training Program.
Ten students have successfully completed the course, making a total of 31 graduates over the three offerings of this course so far.
The current partners for this course are the Hamlet of Arviat, the Government of Nunavut (through the Department of Economic Development and Transportation), Nunavut Arctic College, Northern College of Ontario, Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd., Orbit Garant Drilling, Boart Longyear Drilling, and the Kivalliq Partners in Development.
Ten students are graduating today, eight from Arviat and two from Rankin Inlet. From Arviat, they are Adam Pingushat, Alex Gibbons, Ashton Kadjuk, Eric Okatsiak, Gerard Irksuk, Jordy Kidlapik, Joshua Iblauk, and Patrick Sularayok.
From Rankin Inlet, Timothy Pilakapsi and Clarissa Ussak successfully finished the course.
Clarissa is the second female graduate of the program.
The instructors for this course are Don Larson and Bill Krakana, both from Northern College. The assistant instructor is Hunter Tattuinee of Arviat.
Hunter was a graduate of the program last year and was immediately hired by Boart Longyear. He worked for a full drilling season with Don Larson, one of the current instructors, and Don was so impressed with Hunter’s work that he suggested Hunter would be a great assistant instructor for this course. Therefore, Hunter was hired as an assistant instructor, worked with the program for the full eight-week course, and did a great job in helping to administer the program and teach students.
Hunter will be returning to Boart Longyear in January.
Our drilling company partners have already expressed interest in hiring several of our graduates. Thirteen of the previous graduates were working on a regular basis as of September 2012, although many more are now temporarily off for the season and will be returning to work in January.
Out of the 21 graduates out of the previous two courses, 18 found at least part-time or temporary employment in the mining industry.
Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like unanimous consent to continue my statement.
There are none. Please proceed, Mr. Shewchuk.
My congratulations go out to all of the graduates on a job well done, and also to all of the families and supporters of each and every one of them.
I wish them all the best in life and in all of their chosen careers.
Congratulations to all of the graduates and to Hunter, the instructor.
Member’s Statement 316 – 3(3): Congratulations to Rankin Inlet Recipient of Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence (Curley)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lisa Kresky, a teacher and educator at Rankin Inlet’s Maani Ulujuk Ilinniarvik, who recently received the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence.
Mr. Speaker, Ms. Kresky has been a teacher in Rankin Inlet for nearly a decade.
During that time, she has dedicated her time and energy to encouraging students to get the most out of their surroundings educationally, culturally, globally, and even in the world of athletics.
Mr. Speaker, I would like the words of her supporters to be heard.
The principal of the school stated, “Lisa Kresky…exemplifies what a well-rounded, effective, dedicated and exemplary teacher is.”
A former student stated, “Lisa is the best teacher I ever had and puts her students first in everything she does.
I am proud to call her my teacher, my coach and my mentor!
I wish every student could have the opportunity to be in her class.”
Mr. Speaker, we need more teachers who can make such a difference in the lives of their students and communities.
I ask all members to join me in congratulating Lisa.
Minister of Nunavut Arctic College, Mr. Shewchuk.
I am very proud and privileged to welcome the following fur production and design students in the Gallery today.
As you can see, the students are wearing their traditional Inuit clothing that reflect Inuit culture, and this shows the importance of their wonderful designs in which they are gaining skills through the fur and design program.
The fur and design program offers students the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to be successful in the sealskin garment industry.
This 10-month program focuses on traditional Inuit methods and technologies to prepare skins, design and sew garments, as well as on commercial and contemporary methods for fur design and production.
Business courses will familiarize students with the market, consumer demand, and assist the students to become successful in both cottage industries and small business.
Mr. Speaker, please help me in welcoming… . I will ask them to stand as I call their name because I think they may not all be here with the list that I have. So as I call their name, I would ask them to stand up.
Susie Akpalialuk of Pangnirtung
Rosie Audlakiak of Qikiqtarjuaq
Elizabeth Awa of Igloolik
Stella Awa of Igloolik
Christina Ijjangiaq of Igloolik, maybe not here
Mary Natsiq of Iqaluit
Kitty Pearson of Kuujjuaq now
Margaret Pudlat of Coral Harbour
Mary Wilman of Iqaluit
Mona Netser of Iqaluit, and
Their Senior Instructor, Meeka Kilabuk of Iqaluit.
Now, if I have missed a couple, I am very sorry I don’t have your names here, but I thought I had everybody.
Anyway, Mr. Speaker, if I didn’t mention anybody’s name, I welcome everybody to the Gallery and thank them very much for coming here, displaying their beautiful clothing.
The display of the clothing that they made is a good example. We should send a picture over to those guys in Europe and see what they can do when the seals are going to cull over there.
There are two individuals I would like to recognize who are well known by Members of this House, as well as by people in Nunavut, obviously.
Donat Milortok from Repulse Bay and Bobby Lyall from Taloyoak, whom I’ve had the pleasure of serving on other boards and both of them are my friends.
So please welcome them to the Gallery and Iqaluit.
I also want to recognize a person as I don’t usually have an opportunity to recognize people from Coral Harbour because we rarely get people from there coming into Iqaluit.
Therefore, one of my dear relatives, Margaret Pudlat, is the person I want recognized and welcomed to the House as she is taking a course here in Iqaluit. She was already mentioned, but if members could please welcome her.
Although they have been recognized, I would also like to recognize in the Gallery Elizabeth Awa and Stella Awa from Igloolik. They are from my community and I would like to welcome them. I am happy to be able to recognize individuals in the Gallery.
I am also grateful for the women in the Gallery.
I like to sew and I’m missing my sewing, so I am grateful to the women for coming here to the Gallery.
I would like to welcome Takolik Robert Lyall, who is the son of Mr. Lyall and Nipisa.
I would like to welcome him very much because he is a fellow Taloyoak resident and he was here attending the NTI AGM.
I think it just ended yesterday. I believe he was partaking in that, so I would like to thank him for representing our community.
I, too, want to recognize someone today.
I am proud of the entire group of students here who will be working on sealskins as the world does not want to buy from us, but we will never give up our connection to the seal.
I particularly want to recognize this person who is one of the instructors, my maternal aunt, Meeka Kilabuk.
It’s quite obvious that she is a tireless worker. As far back as I can remember she has always been busy and involved in various projects, especially in our community. Although there was no government, she was involved in the creation of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.
She has been involved in various ventures and initiatives. Now she is an instructor with this group that’s sewing traditional Inuit clothes.
I am very proud of Meeka Kilabuk.
Additionally, I would like to recognize a fellow Pangnirtung resident who has been taking classes in Iqaluit, I believe, for about two years now. She is Susie Akpalialuk.
I would also like to welcome another visitor because I worked with him when we were past mayors and that’s Donat Milortok.
I, too, am grateful that all of the students are here in the Gallery.
The person I spoke to had been involved in sealskin marketing and when I spoke about trying to market sealskins, this group came in at the right time.
Their creations are very beautiful.
I would like to recognize this person because I don’t usually have a constituent. I would like to recognize Rosie Audlakiak from Qikiqtarjuaq.
No more? I welcome all of you to the Gallery. It’s good to see you all again.
Question 427 – 3(3): Relocation of Graves in Hall Beach (Tapardjuk)
Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Good afternoon, I mean good morning. It’s Friday and I’m sorry to say “good afternoon,” but good morning.
Earlier this week, I tabled a package of correspondence concerning the longstanding and unresolved issue of the relocation of graves in Hall Beach in the 1960s.
I would like to thank the Minister of Health and Social Services for writing to the federal Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development on this matter.
It is clear from the federal minister’s reply that the Government of Canada is not willing to accept any responsibility for this matter.
The Municipality of Hall Beach and I have urged the Government of Nunavut to resolve this issue once and for all by providing a one-time compensation payment.
Mr. Speaker, is the Government of Nunavut willing to do this?
Mr. Speaker, this has been quite a long, outstanding issue. As Mr. Tapardjuk says, it goes back to the 1960s. The Government of Nunavut wasn’t even in existence until 1999.
I have reviewed the file, I have followed the paper trail, there are all of those countless letters back and forth between ministers, premiers, and federal ministers, but nobody seems to be able to resolve the issue, and then it lands on my desk in the last year.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada clearly indicates in their correspondence that they have no record of this event ever occurring. It’s very puzzling.
I know the community says it did happen. The federal government, to whom they have been corresponding with, said that it didn’t happen and the statute of limitations has run out.
I know the mayor’s letter asked if the Government of Nunavut would consider legal avenues and I’m sure, as the former Minister of Justice and myself, being the former Minister of Justice, we know that that would be very difficult. I share the concern with the community.
With respect to financial compensation, that’s very difficult for me to answer.
We have no idea what the costs are and who acknowledges responsibility.
What I’m prepared to do is offer the individuals and the community of Hall Beach counselling and support to those individuals affected and help them with their grieving and healing process.
Prior to this event, when the elections were fresh during the first Nunavut government, I believe we all recall that the first minister was Minister Ed. Picco.
When he was a minister, he sent an application to the Hall Beach hamlet to record the story as well as to outline what had occurred.
I know for a fact that the Nunavut government has already initiated their assistance to resolve the matter. However, this one particular aspect that they’re trying to apply for is the people who were impacted and who did all the work of moving the cemetery. They went through a very hard and stressful time.
Their Qamutiit were completely inundated with human blood. Their clothing had lingering smells of death.
We have sent letters and it was recorded within the QIA Dog Slaughter Truth Commission.
So I would like to ask the minister again: can we ensure that the Hall Beach hamlet be offered another application and whether or not funds can be identified to at least look at this event and to record it?
I thank Mr. Tapardjuk again for the question.
Mr. Speaker, again, I have read the files, I have read the letters.
Based on the letters I have read, it must have been a horrible experience for those four persons who were involved and I can’t imagine what it was like for them.
I can’t imagine how it would be like for even me if I was put into that situation.
However, Mr. Speaker, as I said before, the department is willing to continue to provide counselling resources to the community and to those individuals.
To me, it seems like more of a mental process to help the community and individuals recover than a monetary process. Again, I’m not prepared to consider compensation.
This issue rose after the Nunavut government stated that they would be able to provide assistance to the community to aid in its healing process.
Mr. Speaker, this is the concern: the men who were tasked to move the human remains were told that the cemetery was too close to the community and abutting the proposed lots, so they had no choice but to move the remains.
They were told that they would be paid for this work. They were informed that they would earn a substantial amount for this work.
Even to this day, they are still waiting for payment. Actually, only one individual is still alive as the others have passed on.
These men who were told that they would be remunerated for this work have reached this day still expecting payment for this work. What else can the minister state to me and to this House, as well as to the Hall Beach residents about how these people can be provided further assistance, not just for the healing process?
They were informed that they would be paid in those days and compensated for the loss of their hunting equipment. Can these be reconsidered?
I applaud Mr. Tapardjuk for his efforts on behalf of the community and these individuals.
Again, by reading the correspondence, I can appreciate the emotional trauma that they experienced.
The Government of Canada checked their files. They called it, and I’ll just quote here, the feds say that there’s no clear evidence linking the federal government to the event in question.
So if the Government of Canada wasn’t involved and the Government of Nunavut didn’t exist, I don’t know who would be responsible.
I’m sorry, Mr. Tapardjuk, but the Department of Health will continue to provide and offer all the support we can to the community, individuals, and families to heal and get over the grieving process. I think this is more of a healing process related to the mind and body than it is to the financial compensation issue.
This issue causes me regret and it is completely regrettable that false promises were made. If they hadn’t been tasked to undertake this work, then the community of Hall Beach and the community layout would be completely different.
This causes me to wonder who is really telling the truth: the federal government who tasked them or the men who actually did that gruesome job.
Mr. Speaker, I want to ask this question again with respect to a healing process.
The minister stated that they would be able to provide assistance in this area. What type of assistance will this provide to the community?
Mr. Speaker, we have mental health workers in most communities. The community can contact the Department of Health and Social Services, mental health workers, social workers, and they can work with the community with the counselling.
Our officials here in headquarters are aware of the community’s concern over this issue, an event that occurred almost 40 years ago. I’ll remind them again that the community is seeking help.
Question 428 – 3(3): Development Partnership Agreement with Agnico-Eagle Mines (Aupaluktuq)
On February 21 of this year, I asked questions concerning the status of the Government of Nunavut’s Development Partnership Agreement with Agnico-Eagle Mines.
At that time, a dispute existed between the government and the company with respect to its submission of annual reports under the DPA. These annual reports are required to be submitted to the Department of Economic Development and Transportation.
As a consequence, the company’s application under the Fuel Tax Rebate Program had been partially rejected.
My question for the minister is this: as of today, is Agnico Eagle Mines up to date with respect to submitting its annual reports under the development partnership agreement with the government?
The fourth annual report required by the DPA has been submitted on time.