EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, I’ll be making a statement once again.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that Social Workers’ Week is from March 2 to March 8, 2015.
Social Workers’ Week is an opportunity to recognize the important work that our social workers do in their communities.
This year’s themes for Social Workers’ Week will be “Social Workers: Mobilizing Strengths in Individuals and Communities” and “Social Work Profession of Choice.”
In Nunavut, we work in an environment where resiliency, community building and support has been the foundation of the work that we do each and every day to support our children, families, and communities.
As we celebrate Social Workers’ Week, let us focus on the small things that each and every one of us can do to build strengths in each other and in our communities.
Let us build capacity in our communities by making social work a profession of choice for our graduates. Let us also work to support all of the social workers in our communities.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank all of the social workers in Nunavut for all of the work that they do.
I wish them a safe week and a successful 2015 as they continue to support Nunavummiut in their communities.
Member’s Statement 218 – 4(2): Congratulations to Sappa Cookie (Rumbolt)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a very talented young athlete from my constituency. Mr. Sappa Cookie recently competed in the 2015 Canada Winter Games.
Sappa is a 15-year-old badminton player who has been competing in territorial championships since 2012.
In the 2014 Nunavut territorial championship competitions for badminton, Sappa won first place in both singles and double divisions.
Sappa recently exemplified his skills as a competitor during the Canada Winter Games and gained valuable lessons during the events’ pre-game clinics.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to recognize the families, coaches, chaperones, and all of the volunteers that provide support to these amazing young athletes.
I would like to express my gratitude to every one of the volunteers in Sanikiluaq, and I encourage all youth in Nunavut to take advantage of extracurricular activities available to them.
Despite his many achievements, Sappa’s journey as an athlete has only begun and I look forward to hearing about his future accomplishments.
I ask my colleagues to join me today in congratulating Mr. Sappa Cookie.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Member for Arviat South, Mr. Savikataaq.
Member’s Statement 219 – 4(2): Arrival after Arviat Blizzard (Savikataaq)
This is to inform my fellow Nunavummiut that I am now present at the House. I was unable to attend last week due to inclement weather, but I made it here on the weekend. I wish to extend a good afternoon greeting to the people of Arviat who will now be able to view the proceedings here in the House as I will be raising questions pertinent to them.
Several days ago, on Saturday, I had the privilege to attend the graduation ceremony for the life skills counsellors.
There were two Arviat residents who completed the program and I was ecstatic to hear about their accomplishments. I want to share in congratulating them and their families.
Mike Gibbons and Billy Okotok graduated from the program, and I take pride in their dedication to complete the course, as it will assist them in their daily duties.
Member for… . I apologize for my error. Members’ Statements.
Member’s Statement 220 – 4(2): Baker Lake Fundraiser for Christmas (Mikkungwak)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge several people, their families, and certain individuals in Baker Lake on an event that occurred over the Christmas season and which was reported in the newspapers.
Mr. Speaker, during the Christmas season, there were two events that took place in Baker Lake that were quite successful.
Residents of Baker Lake were able to donate funds to a specific account at the local Northern Store. The funds that were collected were used to buy hampers, including turkeys, vegetables, as well as baking supplies to use for Christmas festivities.
The RCMP constables were very instrumental in this initiative and I want to recognize Constable Jeremy Bowser and Constable Cory Chowner and their families, along with Department of Family Services employees, who teamed up to fill 50 food hampers, which were then delivered to families in need, people on income support or those with food insecurity over the holidays.
This was of great help to the residents.
The Northern Store was an active participant in this initiative.
Mr. Speaker, the second event that was a cause for celebration was a drive by local businesses in Baker Lake to collect funds to donate to those less fortunate.
After they collected the donations, on December 23, they delivered the funds to the Baker Lake RCMP detachment, which then purchased approximately 1,000 Christmas presents to the local children of the community.
Member’s Statement 221 – 4(2): The Need for a 24-hour Elders Facility in Rankin Inlet (Sammurtok)
Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to once again stress the urgent need for our government to build and operate a 24-hour elders care facility in Rankin Inlet.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the number of elders in our community is growing steadily every year, and the growing number of elders leads to growing concerns for their health, safety, and well-being.
Our elders can quickly become vulnerable, especially as their health weakens and they can no longer be self-reliant or handle the basic tasks of daily living.
Many elders suffer from abuse, often in the form of financial abuse when family members take their pension or Old Age Security cheques.
This leads to stress which has a very negative impact on their health.
Mr. Speaker, this is not the first time I have raised this issue.
The former Minister of Health acknowledged that over 3 percent of our population is over the age of 65.
She further committed to conducting a needs assessment regarding the establishment of another elders care facility.
I sincerely hope that the new Minister of Health will honour that commitment.
Later on today at the appropriate time, I will be tabling a petition signed by the residents of Rankin Inlet on this issue. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 222 – 4(2): Quality of Community Health Care (Shooyook)
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to the people of Nunavut as well as my constituents in Arctic Bay and Quttiktuq, those present, those watching on TV, and my fellow MLAs.
I rise again today to address a concern that was brought forward by a constituent of mine, but which I fear is a common concern across many of Nunavut’s communities, about the quality of health care at our local community health centres.
Mr. Speaker, I understand that this is not the place to be discussing the specific problems of specific individuals and the specific professionals who treated them or did not give them treatment.
However, I feel that I must raise this issue for the benefit of all Nunavummiut.
My constituent faced a serious medical urgency in his home community and when he was medevaced to the Qikiqtani General Hospital, the doctor who saw him there told my constituent to contact his MLA, who is me, about the quality of care at the local health centre.
Mr. Speaker, I recognize that nursing is a difficult job, and providing a wide range of health care services in remote locations, such as in our High Arctic communities, and without a doctor close by is very challenging.
However, it is important that our government ensures that the nurses who are hired to work in our community health centres can provide the best quality care and that they always do so to the best of their abilities. Our government should carefully monitor the standard of care provided at our community health centres.
Member’s Statement 223 – 4(2): Nunavut Participants at Canada Winter Games (Hickes)
Last evening, I was watching the closing ceremonies for the Canada Winter Games.
It was with a lot of pride that I saw a number of our athletes participating in the closing ceremonies, as well as when I watched the opening ceremony.
I was watching it with my children last night and I would like to assure or let all of Nunavut know the impact these athletes have amongst our youth and to gain incentives to strive to achieve the level of success that these participating athletes have had.
Mr. Speaker, there were some groundbreaking moments at the most recent Games.
We had a number of athletes competing at the national level and proving to their counterparts across Canada that not only do we belong at these Games, but that our athletes are competitive at these Games.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to draw attention to our youngest representative, Megan Dialla, who is the daughter of one of our interpreters here in the legislature, who is only 13 years old, participating in the badminton sport at the Winter Games.
Although Nunavut did not win any medals, I would just like to reiterate that we are competitive, that the athletes were treated with the utmost respect, and that they represented Nunavut with great pride.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Members’ Statements. Member for Netsilik, Ms. Ugyuk.
Member’s Statement 224 – 4(2): Thankful for Sister’s Recovery (Ugyuk)
Yes, I am very happy today and I say “good day” to the people in my community.
Today, my younger sister, who is the youngest, has gone back to work after almost a yearlong absence due to health reasons. With her return to the workplace, I am grateful that she is well enough to go back to work.
To all the people who included her in their prayers, I thank you immensely, whether you are from my home community or elsewhere in Nunavut.
As this is her first day back on the job, I wanted to publicly state my pleasure and share that news.
There are also several fellow residents of our community who are returning to work, Hatty Aqqaq, Karen Alookee, and Christine Nowyook, so I take great pride in their return to work as they remain fellow residents of our community.
Prayer does play a large part in healing.
I would also like to thank the doctors and the nurses who treated my younger sister. I thank them very much.
The government has to pay for this service. That’s how they provide those services when we don’t feel well or when we are sick. They have to provide those services.
I thank them. I also thank God for her ability to return to her two boys.
I just wanted to raise and state my appreciation and to say “good day” to the people of Kugaaruk.
Member’s Statement 225 – 4(2): Graduates of Ilinniarvimmi Inuusilirijiit Counsellors (Angnakak)
I rise today to offer my congratulations to all the students graduating from the Ilinniarvimmi Inuusilirijiit School Community Counsellor program.
I think we even have some here today; it’s very nice.
It’s very important that we recognize the achievement and advancement of all the school counsellors across Nunavut who have just graduated.
Mr. Speaker, although I am proud of all the graduates, I would like to take this time to offer my sincere congratulations to one of my constituents who has worked very hard over the last two years towards this achievement.
Mr. Speaker, Opah Picco works at Joamie School as a school counsellor.
She plays a vital role within the school system and is often the first point of contact for many of the young students in the school who may be facing challenging social issues.
Mr. Speaker, the school counsellor becomes one of the most recognizable faces in the school to the students and is one that brings much comfort to the students when needed.
Mr. Speaker, I ask you and all of my colleagues here with me today to join me in offering our congratulations to Opah Picco and to all of the graduates of the Ilinniarvimmi Inuusilirijiit School Counsellor program.
I wish each and every one of them the very best in their careers as school counsellors across Nunavut.
Member’s Statement 226 – 4(2): Inuit Ilagiit Society of Pangnirtung (Mike)
I rise today to give you information about what events have been happening in Pangnirtung.
I say “good day” to the people of Pangnirtung and Nunavut.
Last year, two mothers started Inuit Ilagiit (family unity).
With respect to this year, they talked about hunger and people who are abused. They wanted to help them out.
They started on January 9, 2015.
The Inuit Ilagiit Society received society status for their work.
They want to work on (interpretation ends) the programs and services they want to operate, but not limited to a food bank, a family resource centre, Inuit language, culture, and skills, family counselling, children’s education, healing program, and soup kitchen.
(interpretation) I would like to congratulate the Inuit Ilagiit Society.
The members are Jukeepa Akpalialuk, Dianna Kilabuk, Sheila Veevee, Simo Kilabuk, Leetia Veevee, Geela Kooneeliusie, Helen Kisa, Tulu Nakashuk, and Eric Lawlor.
These people who started this society have been working on a food bank to provide food to the people in Pangnirtung.
I am very happy that the society has started their work to help the people in the community get back on their feet.
Member’s Statement 227 – 4(2): Young Polar Bear Hunter in Cape Dorset (Joanasie)
I rise to day to share some news and to extend my congratulations to a person who shot their first ever polar bear, Joe Jaw Salamonie. He is younger than I am, but he accomplished something I take great pride in, as it is another of life’s accomplishments that most of us assume will never happen to us.
He was able to shoot the polar bear and he has surpassed me.
I have never shot a polar bear, so I am a bit envious. Some day I, too, may be lucky enough to harvest my first polar bear. Nevertheless, I want to express my pride in his accomplishment along with his hunting partner, the former Member for South Baffin, Olayuk Akesuk.
I want to congratulate Joe Jaw Salamonie and those who acknowledged him on his successful hunt. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
We will move on. (interpretation ends) Returns to Oral Questions.
Return to Oral Question 338 – 4(2): Status of Standing Offer Agreement for Government of Nunavut Medical and Duty Travel
This s a return to an oral question (interpretation ends) asked by Mr. Enook, MLA for Tununiq, to the Minister of Community and Government Services, No. 338 – 4(2). (interpretation) This question was asked on February 25, 2015. (interpretation ends) Subject: Status of Standing Offer Agreement for Government of Nunavut Medical and Duty Travel.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the minister if he can update the House today on the status of the government’s standing offer agreement for medical and duty travel.
Mr. Speaker, CGS provides departments with support and direction to ensure that procurement processes are properly followed for GN contracts.
CGS Procurement does not participate in the evaluation of GN contracts.
The Department of Health is responsible for signing and administering the medical/duty travel contract.
Currently, that contract expires on August 31, 2015.
The Department of Health will determine and notify CGS whether they plan to extend the one-year renewal option or to proceed with an RFP for a new contract. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Returns to Oral Questions. (interpretation ends) Item 5. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery.
I want to recognize this visitor in the gallery, although she isn’t one of my constituents. I went to school with her and when I went to Arviat for the first time, I didn’t know a single person as a young man and she was the only recognizable person in the community. Mary Kuksuk Tatty is whom I want to acknowledge, although she is a sister of my executive colleague sitting next to me, but I wanted to recognize her first.
Although Mr. Okalik beat me to the punch, that is fine by me.
Firstly, I say “good day” to my fellow Nunavummiut.
I rise today to acknowledge members of my immediate family.
Nonetheless, since it is a rare occasion to recognize people from my community and while I have this opportunity, I want to acknowledge them.
Mr. Speaker, today, I want to recognize this person (interpretation ends) one more time, (interpretation) my sister, Mary Ulivvaq Tatty, who is here with her daughters, Marnie and Donna Tatty.
One of them lives here in Iqaluit, but Donna will be returning to Rankin Inlet along with Mary perhaps this afternoon. I hope they have a safe travel home.
Lastly, the final person I want to recognize is another sister who arrived for the weekend ceremonies, Elizabeth Voisey, and she lives in my constituency community of Whale Cove.
Many people may know of her work, as many of us here in this House have jackets she made which we wear. She stated that she receives orders from outside Nunavut and she has sent her creations to people she has never even met. If any of the people who purchased her creations are watching, she is a gifted seamstress.
She is Elizabeth Voisey who makes them.
I say “hello” to all the residents of Aggu.
Today, I want to recognize this person who is my cousin and “sister,” Patricia Qulaut, as well as John-Paul, sitting in the gallery.
They may know who she is, as she is the wife of our esteemed Speaker, along with their grandson.
I wish to welcome them warmly.
I would also like to recognize my wife, Patricia, and my son, John-Paul Apak, who is also with us today.
Question 364 – 4(2): Quality of Community Health Care (Shooyook)
Mr. Speaker, in my Member’s Statement, I spoke about the need for our government to ensure a basic quality of care and service at our community health centres.
Can the minister clearly describe how his department monitors the delivery of health services and measures the quality of care at our community health centres?
Yes, I am happy to take that question from the member, as I also wish to look for the best practices in providing health care in Nunavut.
If you recall, last week, we announced a review of operational issues of local health centres throughout Nunavut.
Once the review has been completed, I will be looking at ways to make improvements to the provision of health care.
My constituent was advised to contact me, his MLA, with his concerns.
Can the minister clarify how the residents of Nunavut can have their concerns regarding the quality of health care at their community health centres addressed?
Yes, I am always open to hearing concerns of any residents requiring assistance. Further, when the concern is submitted in a written format, it is a lot easier to investigate.
If anyone has concerns, they should write their concerns and forward them to our department.
We also have an office where people with concerns can call and I can provide the contact information later in our proceedings.
I understand that there is a process for individual concerns to be addressed through the Department of Health’s patient relations office, but there are also many general concerns about the quality of health care delivered by nurses in community health centres all across Nunavut.
Will the minister commit to undertaking a full review of how his department evaluates the quality of health care across all of Nunavut’s community health centres?
As per my earlier response, we will try to conduct a thorough investigation of the operations of our local health centres as well as the quality of health care provided.
Nonetheless, I want to also state here that quite a number of health centres are operating quite well and I take pride in their provision of quality health care, but there are some health centres where errors occur.
In those cases, we have to properly assess the situations that led to those errors.
I share concerns about health care in cases where mistakes are made, as we have to address them to ensure they aren’t repeated and to move forward.
If any resident has a concern, they can call a toll-free number, which is 1-855-483-3003. Any resident can call this number to express their concerns. I am also very pleased whenever I am apprised by my colleagues about concerns amongst their constituents, especially when they submit written concerns, as that makes the process easier to review the specific concerns.
Question 365 – 4(2): Scope of Independent External Review (Joanasie)
My questions are also for the Minister of Health.
Mr. Speaker, concerns have been expressed that the scope of independent external review into the death of Makibi Timilak is too narrow in that its terms of reference do not seem to allow for a review of the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
It has been reported in the news that the minister has stated that it is possible that “more extensive work” could be done.
Could the minister elaborate today on his comments?
The terms of reference include references to availing any resources or assistance the reviewer may require and we are open to providing that assistance.
If they wish to look at any particular aspect surrounding the failure of our health system that led to this death, then they will be made available for review to the independent reviewer.
We are open to providing the information, as we want to ensure a proper review with the right information at the end of the process.
Can the minister indicate if he is open to modifying the formal terms of reference for the independent external review?
Any independent process operating outside the purview of this government is outside of our control. However, our office provides the scope of the review and we will not interfere with the process.
That is why we have stated that we will provide any assistance necessary for the independent external review and this includes all operational matters they feel would need to be reviewed.
I would like to take this opportunity to state for the record that I have reached out myself in recent days to Ms. Peterson, and I have assured her that I will be ready to provide any assistance that she may find to be of use in her important work.
I look forward to being in Cape Dorset when she travels to the community.
Can the minister indicate how the community will be informed in the coming weeks about the status of the review process?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This external review requires independence from this government and I won’t be directing any further action as to what she needs to review. She will have the discretion to conduct her review independently.
Perhaps after Ms. Peterson has had a chance to prepare her review and identified her requirements, we will be able to start providing the information in the future.
Question 366 – 4(2): The Need for a 24-hour Elders Facility in Rankin Inlet (Sammurtok)
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, as I indicated in my Member’s Statement, the need for a 24-hour care facility in Rankin Inlet is growing.
In March of 2014, the Minister of Health committed to conducting a needs assessment on this issue and to address the need for long-term care for our elders.
Can the minister indicate whether this needs assessment was ever conducted and provide an update on its current status?
Thank you. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Okalik.
Yes, this is an issue we are reviewing, particularly the situation in Rankin Inlet, and how we can provide a facility in the future for people with disabilities and elders requiring assistive care. We are currently looking at our options as well as researching what is required to address this need.
The number of elders is steadily growing. We need to be ready to provide the necessary support and care when it is needed.
Can the minister explain what specific steps have been taken to date to address the need for a 24-hour elders care facility in Rankin Inlet?
We have commenced a needs assessment as to where we are now as well as our needs down the road for caring for our elders. Yes, we are aware the number of our elders is increasing.
Further, with proper medical care, the Inuit lifespan is increasing.
We are reviewing these considerations to ensure we have the proper plans in place at the Department of Health to see how else we can address this need.
Rankin Inlet is not the only community with a growing elder population.
Statistics show that in 2013, the number of elders in Nunavut had increased since 2012 by nearly 100 individuals to a total of 1,244 elders.