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During the conference, I spoke with delegates from across the globe on climate change and how it affects Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Nunavut is very concerned about the impacts of climate change in Nunavut and the potential negative impacts to our environment, culture, and way of life.
The Government of Nunavut recognizes the need to work with other nations to reduce these impacts globally.
COP meetings provide an opportunity for Nunavut to share Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and set an example to other nations for incorporating traditional knowledge into climate change decision-making.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Nunavut is committed to supporting climate change adaptation initiatives across the territory to ensure the resiliency of our communities in the face of a changing environment.
Minister’s Statement 107 – 4(2): Training of Coroners (Okalik)
I rise to acknowledge the work of Nunavut’s coroners and recognize their recent training session.
We currently have 23 devoted coroners throughout Nunavut. In 2014, 12 coroners were appointed in various communities across Nunavut.
Recruitment, training, and appointments of community coroners are an ongoing activity. The chief coroner provides support, consultation, and guidance in every investigation.
A three-day specialized training session was held in Iqaluit between January 26 and 29, 2015 with presentations by Nunavut’s chief coroner, the Ontario Chief Coroner Service, a forensic pathologist from the Ottawa General Hospital, and the Major Crime Unit from the RCMP “V” Division.
Mr. Speaker, coroners play a vital role in our justice system as they are at the forefront of all death investigations.
I congratulate the individuals who completed the training as it will improve the quality of service and expertise required to perform their duties in each investigation.
I also give my thanks to the coroners for their deep commitment to assisting members of our communities at difficult and tragic times.
[Ministers’] Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Premier, Mr. Taptuna.
Minister’s Statement 108 – 4(2): Winter 2015 Meeting of Canada’s Premiers (Taptuna)
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to tell my colleagues about the winter meeting of Canada’s premiers on January 30, 2015 in Ottawa.
Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to attend this meeting with my provincial and territorial counterparts to promote inter-jurisdictional cooperation and strengthen the Canadian economy.
The agenda for this meeting centred around five main themes: the Canadian economy and fiscal arrangements, infrastructure, aging population, energy and climate change, and aboriginal issues.
I’m sure all of my colleagues will agree that these are issues of great importance to Nunavut as well as the entire country.
During these meetings, premiers committed to creating opportunities for Canadians through various actions, including making strategic investments in public infrastructure; establishing a mobility protocol for apprentices completing their certification; reducing barriers to trade and business within Canada; continuing to expand international trade; and finding solutions to address challenges facing aboriginal communities.
Mr. Speaker, we also agreed to ongoing collaboration on seniors’ care and aging.
This file is of particular interest to me, as Nunavut respects the traditional knowledge and guidance of our elders.
As such, I have committed to be a member on the Council of the Federation Task Force on Aging.
I am confident that this experience will help to shed light on issues across the country and aide in finding solutions to alleviate the burden on elders here in our territory.
Mr. Speaker, finally, as this is a federal election year, premiers have called on federal leaders to outline how they intend to support the work of provinces and territories in addressing our shared priorities.
I remain committed to being a strong voice for Nunavut to our federal colleagues in Ottawa and ensuring the needs of Nunavummiut are heard loud and clear.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Ministers’ Statements. I have no more names on my list.
Member’s Statement 236 – 4(2): Congratulations to Nolan Norberg of Kugluktuk (Taptuna)
Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate a young person from my constituency of Kugluktuk, Nolan Norberg.
Mr. Speaker, Nolan won a trip to see the Edmonton Oilers play the LA Kings in Edmonton yesterday, and I’m not going to mention the score.
Mr. Speaker, the young man, Nolan, had won two hockey tickets and the airfare. Nolan had to maintain at least a 95 percent attendance rate in school.
Nolan is a grade 1 student at the Jimmy Hikok Ilihakvik Elementary School in Kugluktuk.
Mr. Speaker, to maintain a 95 percent attendance rate is a credit not only to Nolan, but to the parents, teachers, and staff at the school, including the grandparents.
As I have said in the House many times, Mr. Speaker, education is a key priority and mandate of this government. Mr. Speaker, as you are all aware, it is also a major theme in Sivumut Abluqta.
I ask that you and the House join me in congratulating young Nolan and his parents, Quentin and Laila, and of course, the teachers as well as all the sponsors, First Air and Advanced Medical Solutions, that made this trip possible.
Member for Rankin Inlet [North]-Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Sammurtok.
Member’s Statement 237 – 4(2): Tribute to Rankin Inlet Hockey Organizers (Sammurtok)
I rise today to acknowledge several Rankin Inlet residents.
The individuals I will mention are not all from my constituency, albeit they provide essential assistance to Rankin Inlet as well as to the entire Kivalliq region and communities.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, these individuals spend many hours living in their second home, and I’m referring to the Rankin Inlet Arena.
At this time of year, the Rankin Inlet Arena hosts a tournament almost every weekend, from the Atomic Atoms Cup, the Power Peewee Cup, the Polar Bear Plate, the Avataq Cup, and the Kivalliq Cup, to name a few.
(interpretation) These people are the individuals I want to single out today by acknowledging them today in the House.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Darrell Greer, as many of you know, is the Editor of Kivalliq News. However, Mr. Speaker, this gentleman has built a legacy of officials in Rankin Inlet. Darrell officiates, mentors, and runs clinics, supervises and evaluates officials every weekend.
Mr. David Clark is the Community Recreation Director.
However, he is also a father, coach, and official, and not only coordinates these tournaments as part of his job; he gives back to the community by filling these other roles.
Mr. Noel Kaludjak is the unofficial (official) photographer, always at the rink taking countless photos and sharing them with Kivalliq News, the Rankin Inlet senior men’s website, and other venues.
And then there is Cedric Autut, who is the game announcer, spending hours in the cold arena making sure the fans are up to date on who scored and who is sitting in the penalty box.
Last but not least is David Ningeongan, who gives live play-by-play action on local radio so that those who are shut in can be part of the vibrant community of the Rankin Inlet community.
I know that I have only mentioned a few of the key players, but I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to these few individuals as well as everyone who gives their time in Rankin Inlet. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 238 – 4(2): Tribute to Jennifer Gwilliams of British Columbia (Mapsalak)
Today, I am extremely pleased, especially since all of the members are present today, and ever since we were elected, this seems to be the first time we are completely all in the House.
Mr. Speaker, I want to expressly distinguish a person from the south who has provided a tremendous amount of assistance to our fellow northerners.
Although she isn’t from Nunavut, nonetheless, she has vastly improved the situation faced by people living on the poverty line. She provides assistance specifically to low-income families, especially parents who face a daily struggle to feed their children.
I want to acknowledge Ms. Jennifer Gwilliams, who is a resident of British Columbia, and she created a group on Facebook which is called (interpretation ends) Helping our Northern Neighbours (interpretation) in English.
Mr. Speaker, this group now has over 14,000 members who are all interested in assisting their northern neighbours who are faced with food insecurity and to provide them with essential items, such as clothing, which are collected through this group and then the collected items are shipped out.
They have now assisted many people in my constituency and obviously to other Nunavut residents faced with poverty, including other northerners.
Due to that reason, I wanted to specifically recognize the individual for her tremendous commitment to assisting our people in need.
She found out about the food insecurity and other issues faced by our residents through the Internet and other media about northerners facing poverty, and she created the group upon learning about the hardships they face.
I ask all my colleagues to share in acknowledging this individual who has provided a tremendous amount of support to many residents who require assistance.
Member’s Statement 239 – 4(2): Community Aerodrome Radio Stations (Sammurtok)
Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day to my fellow residents of Rankin Inlet and Nunavummiut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the issue of community aerodrome radio stations.
Mr. Speaker, in June of 2009, the government announced that it had entered into a new contract with NAV Canada for a new five-year CARS management contract.
Mr. Speaker, I want to quote from the Minister’s Statement that was delivered in this House at that time. Mr. Speaker, in 2009, the Legislative Assembly and the public were informed that the new contract will allow the government to “operate this program through fairly valued contracts with the municipalities and private companies…”
At the time, the government also expressed its appreciation to Nunavut Arctic College.
It stated that Nunavut Arctic College, and I quote, “has provided [enormous] support to the program of developing aviation professionals through the CARS Technical Training Centre in Rankin Inlet.
…the college’s board of governors, facilities, instructors, and technical resources have been fundamental to the success of the CARS program.
We look forward to the continued good work of the training centre and its graduates and the contribution they make to aviation safety and [reliability] in Nunavut.”
Mr. Speaker, the government’s recent decision not to renew its contract with NAV Canada has resulted in NAV Canada selecting a company called ATS Services to operate CARS services at the 22 airports in Nunavut.
It has been reported in the news that the observer/communicator program that has been delivered in the Rankin Inlet campus of Nunavut Arctic College will close and that Nunavut students will now have to go Fort Smith for training.
Mr. Speaker, I am very concerned at this development and I will have questions for the minister at the appropriate time.
Member’s Statement 240 – 4(2): Distribution of Country Food in Kimmirut (Joanasie)
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, my colleagues and the people of Cape Dorset and Kimmirut.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my gratitude and appreciation to the people of Kimmirut who shared country foods with their fellow residents.
They delivered fish caught by a team sent to go fishing and every household received some of the catch. Further, they ordered caribou meat from our other regions and this drive to supply country food was very successful.
I imagine many residents were ecstatic to receive this food in my constituency, so I want to expressly thank everyone who was involved, although I won’t name all of them. I believe people are especially grateful to receiving country food, and it is a source of happiness when families share a meal together.
This was an important event that was appreciated by all residents.
On behalf of the residents, I wish to extend my appreciation to Monica Gardner, Brian Padluq, Meeka Temela, Dianne Ikkidluak, and the Mayukalik Hunters and Trappers Association for providing the assistance to their local membership. I look forward to future events of this nature that assist residents.
Member’s Statement 241 – 4(2): Incorporation of Inuit Qaujimanituqangit (Shooyook)
I say “good day” to the people of Arctic Bay, Resolute Bay, and Grise Fiord, as well as my colleagues and our audience.
Being unconventional, I rise today to speak about an ancient and long tradition.
I refer to Inuit Qaujimanituqangit, which is an issue dear to me, and I will advocate for its inclusion and will continue until I am provided a complete understanding that this has been accomplished.
While sitting as a Member of the House, I will bring this issue up as I want support from my colleagues on this subject, as I am incapable of handling this by myself.
Mr. Speaker, I have been patiently waiting for this issue to be brought up by my colleagues, yet it seems I am the only advocate for traditional knowledge, but this is an issue I am very passionate about and my belief is that this has to be completed.
When I was elected, I wanted to speak to this issue. Although my colleagues have the freedom to support or not support my efforts, I want to receive as much support as I can from my colleagues as I attempt to start incorporating it into government operations.
At the appropriate time, I will ask questions about Inuit traditional knowledge.
Member’s Statement 242 – 4(2): Ilagiiktunut Fund (Enook)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my thoughts about the agreement entered into called the Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement for the project situated at Mary River and specifically how it is impacting the residents of Pond Inlet.
Last month, the Qikiqtani Inuit Association announced that $730,000 would be awarded to community groups from a fund called the Ilagiiktunut Fund. The funds will be awarded to community organizations in our region, including a number of groups in Pond Inlet.
The Ilagiiktunut Fund was established by the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and the Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation. In speaking to this new fund created by the parties, I wanted to pay tribute to the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and the Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation for successfully negotiating the Mary River Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, as you know, I have been a strong advocate for responsible economic development that benefits our communities and residents, and I have been a strong advocate for constructive and respectful partnerships between community, industry, government, regulatory bodies, and designated Inuit organizations.
Mr. Speaker, as you will recall, I had the pleasure of hosting Premier Taptuna last summer on the occasion of his visit to North Baffin, including a visit to the Mary River site.
I didn’t hear any nays. Please proceed, Mr. Enook.
Mr. Speaker, I firmly believe that it is vital for decision-makers at all levels to listen carefully to the concerns and aspirations of the ordinary people who are most impacted by major economic development projects.
It is essential for the public to be provided with clear information and it is essential that they have the opportunity to have their voices heard, as we hear that they want these projects to go ahead.
Member’s Statement 243 – 4(2): Nunavut’s Fifth Youth Parliament (Hickes)
I stand today to acknowledge the Fifth Youth Parliament that you had the opportunity to host this past November and commend you for carrying on that annual tradition.
Mr. Speaker, 22 teens from high schools across Nunavut participated in a two-day program to work and get an inside look at what it takes to represent their communities as if they were us. These bright individuals from across our territory were selected through an essay process by a committee selected by you, Mr. Speaker.
These leaders of tomorrow, hosted by you and your staff, took part in a tour of the Legislative Assembly, workshops to learn the role of MLAs, assume the roles of Speaker, Premier, cabinet, and regular members, draft Members’ Statements, Oral Questions, and Ministers’ Statements, finishing with a full sitting day here in the Legislative Assembly that was broadcast as our proceedings are.
Mr. Speaker, along with yourself, Premier Taptuna, several ministers, I and other regular members, and even our Commissioner, Edna Elias, sat in the gallery during those proceedings on their sitting day and listened with much interest to the topics and issues that were discussed.
If members will indulge me, I would like to bring attention to these youth that so outstandingly represented us:
Joshua Haulli, representing Amittuq, who was the Speaker;
Michelle-Tristen Sammurtok, Rankin Inlet South;
Willie Onalik, representing South Baffin;
Nolan Kiguktak, representing Quttiktuq;
Ashley Cummings, representing Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu;
Dora Kavik, representing Hudson Bay;
Alissa Matoo, representing Arviat South;
Anita Kopak, representing Aivilik;
Deanne Barrieau, representing Gjoa Haven;
Vincent Inukpak, representing Baker Lake;
Joyce Arreak, representing Tununiq;
Tyson Palluq, representing Uqqummiut;
Elizabeth Aglukark, representing Arviat North-Whale Cove;
Nicole Amagoalik, representing Iqaluit-Manirajak;
Apphia Kullualik, representing Iqaluit-Sinaa, and both of them have paged in this House, Mr. Speaker;
Adam Nattar, representing Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet;
Jenny Klengenberg, representing Kugluktuk;
Tundra Kuliktana, representing Netsilik;
Michel Oolateeta, representing the constituency of Aggu;
Colleen Nakashuk, representing Pangnirtung; and
Genevieve Lafrance, representing Cambridge Bay.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to especially acknowledge Ted Nattaq for representing Iqaluit-Tasiluk in my place.
I took the opportunity to spend a bit of time with Ted during his two days in my role and can say that I was very impressed by him.
I’m sure his family is very proud of him, as we should all be.
As I told him at that time, I will look forward to maybe him sitting here in the House on a longer term, but as my work is not done here yet, I hope he chooses a different riding in Nunavut than the one I represent.
Member’s Statement 244 – 4(2): Bonnie Ammaq Debuts at Astro Theatre (Quassa)
I wish to announce to my colleagues about an event occurring tonight at seven o’clock at the Astro Hill Theatre. They will be screening a film produced in Igloolik, and for the life of me, I can’t remember the name.
However, these films are produced in Inuktitut and we are all aware that the film producers in Igloolik have a history of producing great films.
As a reminder to my colleagues, the screening will commence at seven o’clock. There will be an Igloolik resident, Bonnie Ammaq, at the theatre, who was part of the production team as well as portraying one of the characters in the film. This Igloolik film production will showcase Inuit culture and it will be at the (interpretation ends) Astro Theatre. (interpretation) Again, this is to remind my colleagues if they are interested in the viewing the film.
As was done to me during the youth parliamentary session that was hosted here in the Legislative Assembly where he recognized me during their formal sitting, I would like to recognize Mr. Ted Nattaq.
Speaker: Welcome to the gallery. (interpretation) Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Mr. Sammurtok, representing Rankin Inlet and Chesterfield Inlet.
I want to recognize a visitor to the gallery, my paternal nephew, Paul Sammurtok.
I send good day wishes to the people of Baker Lake and Nunavut.
I would like to recognize an individual sitting in the gallery who is now living in Arviat, but he has relatives from Baker Lake.
Please welcome Hugh Nateela to the gallery.
Question 388 – 4(2): Incorporation of Inuit Qaujimanituqangit (Shooyook)
My question is directed to the (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister (interpretation) responsible for Inuit Qaujimanituqangit.
I have asked repeated questions in previous sessions and I would like to get further clarification on the issue of Inuit traditional knowledge. I have been told that the various departments are going to consult on the issue and respond to my question accordingly.
I have yet to hear a response on this issue, as I have never seen that question answered.
Has your department begun plans on this matter?
Speaker (interpretation): Minister of Culture and Heritage, Mr. Kuksuk.
Mr. Speaker, I didn’t quite grasp the question the member asked, but he can perhaps narrow down the question, although I did understand his reference to Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and that his question revolves around this matter.
Back then, the government of the day in 2003 began restructuring the departments with an eye towards incorporating Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in their departments and associated departmental boards or committees. We have been doing so since that time.
We have been incorporating Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in each of the departments.
If I understand the question correctly, that’s the response I can provide at this time.
Let me make this completely clear, (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister. (interpretation) This is just one area of Inuit Qaujimanituqangit I would like incorporated into government operations.
Traditional Inuit societal rules for spouses, traditional rules related to societal interactions, and traditional Inuit laws to apply towards the justice system are areas that present the biggest hurdles to Inuit, as it results in the apprehension of children, especially within social services.
Due to these western societal values overriding Inuit and in light of the fact that I read a passage in one of the documents stating that Inuit Qaujimanituqangit had not been found for that particular subject or considered not to be applicable, is that written statement for real?
This is what I am asking about today.
I have raised questions repeatedly and the rote answer is “Let me look into that and I will respond with the information at a later time.”
Well, I have not received any responses to date.
What is the purpose of this language the bureaucrats continually spout? There is flowery language about incorporating traditional Inuit knowledge, yet many times the department refuses to implement this knowledge.
As the Minister of Culture and Heritage, will you first conduct a thorough review of this issue and then work towards actually implementing facets of Inuit Qaujimanituqangit into these areas?
As per my earlier response, this statement was initiated in the year 2003 by a directive from the government to start integrating Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in the departments. Further, there is a governing IQ committee that provides advice to several departments, such as Justice, Health, Culture and Heritage, and Education.
Mr. Speaker, the IQ committee deals with the task of implementing Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit into the departments. That is the only answer I can provide with respect to the question.
I don’t understand the answer, although I get that the written statement that I read which I put faith into states that it hasn’t been incorporated into some areas.
In the educational system, elders are now fully engaged in teaching skills and our language is protected by law, with its own Languages Commissioner, yet Inuit are kept from being fully engaged in societal interactions I referred to earlier.
I know that I won’t really receive a clear answer and that part I understand.
At another appropriate juncture, I will rise to ask further questions about Inuit Qaujimanituqangit as I understand that other than the committee providing advice to this government, why is the language stating that Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit or Inuit societal values will be incorporated into government in that strategy document there when it isn’t being incorporated? What is the reason for the lack of implementation?
Based on my understanding, there is nothing that is implemented related to Inuit societal values.