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Mr. Speaker, this exhibition entitled “Nuvisavik, The Place Where We Weave”, has been in preparation for two years and it will be open to the public for the next six months.
It will be the subject of a major book that is being published this year.
The exhibition celebrates over 30 years of tapestry weaving in Pangnirtung and recognizes the Pangnirtung tapestry studio as one of the most important institutions of its kind in the world.
The Pangnirtung tapestry studio also functions as a business in a growing arts economy.
The studio shows its tapestries and woven blankets and fashions to customers all over the world.
It serves as an important tourist attraction in the South Baffin region.
Because of the important role it plays in the local economy Mr. Speaker, the Department of Sustainable Development provides financial support to the Pangnirtung tapestry studio through the Nunavut Development Corporation.
The people of Pangnirtung have taken full advantage of this program Mr. Speaker, to create a unique weaving enterprise which has built an international reputation for the quality and design of its tapestries and woven products.
I am pleased to report Mr. Speaker, that several of the artists in Pangnirtung will be attending tonight at the Canadian Museum of Civilization for the opening of the exhibition.
They are the studio manager and the head weaver, Geetee Maniapik, tapestry weaver Olassie Akulukjuk, Kawtysie Kakee and artists Elisapee Ishulutak and Joel Maniapik.
Mr. Speaker, all Nunavummiut should be proud of the work of these artists and weavers from Pangnirtung.
I urge members who may have an opportunity to be in Ottawa this summer to attend this important exhibition.
Member's Statement 403 - 1(5): Group Home at Chesterfield Inlet for All Nunavut Residents
Mr. Arvaluk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I was trying to make myself clear when I was talking about the Chesterfield Inlet group home, the St. Theresa's hospital.
I want to make myself clear today that group home in Chesterfield Inlet has about 10 patients and they are from all over Nunavut.
Many of them have been raised in the hospital in Chesterfield.
We have people there from places like Igloolik and many other Nunavut communities.
Mr. Speaker, I've mentioned often that the facility is in Chesterfield Inlet but the patients that are there are from all over Nunavut.
The reason I say this is that the people of Chesterfield have been caring for these patients for about 40 years.
These disabled people living in the home are comfortable, they are well taken care of and have made it their home.
What I am trying to say is that people working in the home do a good job and the patients have made the home their home.
Member's Statement 404 - 1(5): Potential in Gold & Diamond; Training Opportunities
Uqaqti, I rise today to talk about prosperity and jobs in our community and constituents.
Uqaqti, there is no secret that the extraction of natural resources in the north is fast becoming an engine for growth that is without parallel.
Yesterday afternoon we learned from the budget speech in the NWT, that our neighbours to the west experienced an astounding 30 percent increase in economic growth last year.
Uqaqti let me repeat that figure, 30 percent.
That figure represents jobs and economic opportunities for northern businesses.
It represents the path away from dependence and handouts and the route towards self-reliance that is envisioned in the Bathurst Mandate.
Uqaqti, there is exciting potential in the Kitikmeot, the Kivalliq and the Baffin.
We have potential in the gold and diamond sectors.
Uqaqti, the Standing Committee on Community Empowerment and Sustainable Development that I chair has stressed over the last three years the need for the government to have a vision in this area.
Uqaqti, I look around my community and I can't see the training programs that we are going to need if our residents are going to have the job opportunities over the next 5 years.
Uqaqti, there was a major announcement that Cumberland Resources wants to get into production of a gold mine by the year 2005 and to date zip has been said on training.
Uqaqti, we have made some progress in areas such as the Bathurst road and port development and I know that our Premier is pushing the message that Nunavut is open for investment.
But we need to think big. We need a Manitoba-Kivalliq road link and we need a major investment in training.
Uqaqti, when our Finance Minister gives his budget speech in a couple of months, these are the kinds of commitments and vision that I’ll be looking for.
Member's Statement 405 - 1(5): Frobisher Bay Kayaking Club Events
Mr. Speaker, I’m delighted to rise today in order to inform the members about a very successful event that took place in Iqaluit last weekend.
Mr. Speaker, the Frobisher Bay Kayaking Club conducted a kayaking camp from February 15th to the 18th.
The club was very fortunate to have the presence of a world class kayaker, Mr. Tim Stumple on hand to share his skills with the participants.
As some of the members may know Tim is a former resident of Iqaluit and a former constituent of mine who learned to kayak in the pool here in the Brown Building.
He has competed internationally at the international level and he was on the Canadian National Kayaking Team.
It is great to see Tim in town again and also his mother was here Lea and it was really good to see the both of them here again.
Mr. Speaker, the Frobisher Bay Kayaking Club does great work in the community especially for our youth.
As we all know, mastering the kayak is something that Inuit taught the rest of the world.
The Frobisher Bay Club introduces young people to the world renowned activities that also connect Inuit youth with their traditional heritage.
During the summer, the club teaches water safety skills and helps kids to appreciate the natural environment.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the over 20 participants on the weekend, some of whom earned medals.
I would like to thank the organizers for their hard work including the club president Suzanne Laliberte and Mr. Speaker the club is working hard to train a team of youth to represent Nunavut in the upcoming 2005 Canada Summer Games.
I would like to ask all members to join me in wishing them the best of luck.
Member's Statement 406 - 1(5): Gift from Pond Inlet Anglican Women’s Group
On December 31, I attended the New Year’s Eve service at the Anglican Church in my community.
During the service there were presentations made for volunteers from Pond Inlet.
I also received this jacket I am wearing which I am thankful for.
I’d like to thank Ms. Pitseolak, Ms. Kumangapik, Rhoda Sangoya, Mary Arnatsiaq and the women from the Anglican Church.
I’d like to thank them for this gift.
Member's Statement 407 - 1(5): Grizzly Bear Hides Confiscated
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about grizzly bears in Nunavut and the problems that we are having in my constituency.
The problem that we have is we’re not getting any assistance from Renewable Resource Officers that are called when problems with bears arise.
The population of grizzly bears is increasing in our area and I think if we were able to harvest brown bears it would be most appropriate rather than defence kills that are then confiscated.
I will be raising questions when we go on to question period.
Member's Statement 408 - 1(5): Sylvia Grinnell River & Fish Net Needs
Mr. Speaker, in regards to the Bathurst Mandate.
I have expressed support for the people in Sanikiluaq and Chesterfield Inlet here in the House before, according to requests given to me.
Today I would like speak in support of the people of Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to talk about the fishery at the Sylvia Grinnell River and the proposal to stop putting nets in that river so the fish stocks can replenish.
I heard of it over CBC radio and I will be in support of doing that.
Mr. Speaker, the fish thrive in the water and they can only live in the water.
Fish are very sensitive to what goes on in their environment.
All the activity that is done in that river will have to stop if they are no longer to set nets over there.
Any other activity will have to stop if the wildlife officials really want to protect the fish stock in the Sylvia Grinnell River.
They should have a public meeting with the people of Iqaluit and to use Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in setting rules to follow in that river.
Mr. Speaker, when I was a child we were told not to wash in the river where fish reside because the fish might get scared of pollution and move on to another area.
Those are the things that Inuit know.
Member's Statement 409 - 1(5): Public Service Act Amendment
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank the minister for the statement he made regarding beneficiaries getting more jobs within the government.
However, it is clear that the government has to make some changes.
We had a meeting of our committee last month to deal with decentralization and other activities the government is undertaking at this time.
I realize some of the legislation needs to be updated because some of the people in communities cannot get employment because they don't have diplomas or certificates.
I feel the government has to do their part to give more employment to the beneficiaries in Nunavut.
If there is a policy within government, their policy has to be followed.
I believed when we got our Nunavut government that we were allowed to change some of the policies and work to make sure that the Inuit people gain employment in this government.
I would like to encourage the government that the Public Service Act be amended to include more Inuit beneficiaries within government.
Member's Statement 410 - 1(5): Training Program Graduates - Kugluktuk
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to send my congratulations to 17 successful graduates of the Pre-Trades program in Kugluktuk.
These graduates have not only received basic academic education but have also received training in basic heavy equipment operations, construction and basic cooking and housekeeping skills.
The Hamlet of Kugluktuk deserves the credit for handling all of the logistics to run this program.
Members are probably aware from my previous statements in this House that Kugluktuk doesn’t have a dedicated facility to run Adult Education programs such as this.
A Member: Shame, Shame
Mr. Havioyak: We have been fortunate in that until now, the Hamlet has been able to provide facilities for this purpose.
The parties that contributed to the pre-employment program have included the Department of Education, Department of Sustainable Development, and Public Works & Services.
Non-governmental partners include BHP, and the IBA Heritage Fund and Diavik Diamonds.
It is very good to see such support and involvement from the private sector.
I would like to thank Herb Blaimie, Brian Harbin, Glenn Klassen and Ted Dupont for providing instruction in the heavy equipment operations course, Patrick MacBride for academic instruction, and Cathy Maria Gendron for basic cooking and housekeeping instruction.
Mr. Speaker, the following pre-trades class members held their graduation ceremonies in Kugluktuk last Friday, the following are Harold Himiak, David Nivingalok, Ronald Angohiatok, Margaret Hanak, Colleen Nivingalok, Jean Akana, David John Novoligak, Roy Havioyak, George Haniliak, Quenton Panigyuk, Minnie Hatogina, Ann Angnahiak, Darren Ihumatak, Wesley Kamakyok, Tony Akoluk, Mary Ann Angnahiak and Alice Kokak.
I would like to ask the House to join me in congratulating these Nunavut residents for their graduation and wish them continuing success in the future.
Some Members: Hear, Hear
Member's Statement 411 - 1(5): Minister’s Visit to Gjoa Haven
The Uqsuqtuq Development Corporation would like to thank the leaders of the government and to invite them to come to Uqsuqtuq.
I have given the members a copy of the letter.
On February 13 of 2002, the Minister of Finance and the Housing Corporation, Mr. Ng, came into our community with the Public Works & Services representative from our region and another individual from the other department.
I would like to thank the Department of Sustainable Development as well.
Joseph and Wally Porter would also like to thank them.
And Helen Tungilik, Ben Hiqiniq, he was involved with us during the meeting in Uqsuqtuq.
The Uqsuqtuq Development Corporation would like to work with the government on contracting services or through building facilities in the communities.
They would also like to be able to employ more people in the community.
The Corporation is owned by the people of Gjoa Haven.
They would like to be able to work with the Government of Nunavut, so the Government as well as the Gjoa Haven Development Corporation can gain from each other.
Mr. Puqiqnak (interpretation): On February the 15th, Taloyoak was visited by the Department of Education’s Mr. Kilabuk.
I would also like to thank him, Mr. Kilabuk and his deputy on behalf of the community of Taloyoak.
The people of Taloyoak would also like to be able to have more government departments or the ministers visit their community and I would also invite Mr. Kilabuk as well to go to my community again later on.
There were a lot of concerns and questions from the people raised in regards to education, as well as other things, and I will talk about those later on.
When we finished in Taloyoak, we went to Gjoa Haven and Mr. Kilabuk went on the charter and came to Taloyoak.
When we got to Gjoa Haven, we had a meeting at the school with the Gjoa Haven Education Authority.
As soon they knew about Mr. Kilabuk’s attendance in Gjoa Haven they made giant an igloo for him that was connected together.
The minister and his deputy were given some food to welcome them.
Also, as soon as the igloo was done a lot of people would say “that’s Minister Kilabuk’s igloo”.
Member's Statement 412 - 1(5): Sanikiluaq Concerns Regarding Potential Environmental Mishaps
I rise today to represent my community of Sanikiluaq and to talk about the environment.
We have been very concerned about the environment in the Sanikiluaq area for a number of years now.
As the members know, there was an agreement between the Quebec Government and the First Nations of that area and that agreement is a concern to the people of Sanikiluaq.
In the few months and in the coming years there have been a lot of concerns raised from the people of Sanikiluaq in this regard.
When we talked about the environment following Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in Sanikiluaq we talked about the areas that might be polluted because of the proposed work the Quebec Government wants to do.
We believe that there are going to be some environmental mishaps happening in the area and if pollution is going to be introduced anywhere in the Hudson Bay or James Bay area, where we are in the island of Sanikiluaq, wildlife will inevitably suffer.
Because of the studies I am able to say these things.
We have also said that the language of the Inuit must be preserved and utilized every day because if we lose our wildlife through pollution, then we will also lose a part of our language.
I mention this because the James Bay agreement is a major concern to the people of Sanikiluaq.
Many coastal areas and the trees can also be affected and add pollution through the greenhouse effect.
Member's Statement 413 - 1(5): Young Ambassadors - Tootoo Brothers
Mr. Anawak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, when we talk about young ambassadors for Nunavut, right now I can think of two people from Rankin Inlet who are promoting Nunavut around North America and Internationally.
They are of course the Tootoo brothers, Terrence and Jordan.
Terrance is playing in the States with Renokie Express in Virginia of the East Coast Hockey League.
Currently he has 5 goals and 11 assists in 51 games and leads the team in penalty minutes with 136.
Jordan, who everyone knows was drafted first in the fourth round of the NHL this past summer by the Nashville Predators, has been nominated for the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards in March. He played for the Brandon Wheat kings in Manitoba and led his team in all fields with 27 goals, 29 assists, 56 points and 234 penalty minutes.
Mr. Speaker, although both boys have been very successful I would like to use them as examples of what youth in Nunavut can achieve.
Neither Terrance nor Jordan played organized hockey until their teens.
But they are both on a successful road and reaching for their dreams.
They have made sacrifices and have put in many hours to get where they are today. I wish them all success in getting there.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker they have not forgotten their roots however.
If you follow their careers and interviews, they are always talking about Nunavut.
They promote their traditional lifestyle and when they are home they work with the youth and give back some of their time.
Just this week Terrance sent me an e-mail asking me if I could send some stuff from Nunavut such as flags or pins.
He says that people down there do not know where he is from and he wants to help educate them.
I commend him for that and we will be putting together a package to send to him.
And if a member would like to send something to him please give me a call and I will ensure that he gets it.
Mr. Speaker, it makes me proud to see our youth working hard to reach their dreams and I commend all the youth of Nunavut who are making that happen.
I would like to ask my fellow colleagues to join with me in encouraging our youth to push for and strive to reach their dreams.
And I know they can do it.
Member's Statement 414 - 1(5): Pangnirtung Weavers & Printers - Uqqummiut Centre
I would like to thank my colleague for recognizing the people from Pangnirtung that work in the weave shop.
The Uqqummiut working group and the place where they weave have the same name.
To supplement to what was already said, Geetee Maniapik has been working there for quite a long time as the clerk at the centre, I am very proud of that person also.
I extend my congratulations to the printers and the weavers in that shop.
Are there any further Members’ Statements?
Return to Question 384 - 1(5): Temperature Compensation Meters
Return to Question 387 - 1(5): Impact of Compensation Meter Installation
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide a response to questions posed to my predecessor, the Honourable Manitok Thompson by Mr. Hunter Tootoo on April 3rd, 2001.
The member asked when the Temperature Compensation Meters were installed on the Sales Dispensing Units and the Fuel Dispensing Trucks.
The second question asked by Mr. Tootoo was on the impact on fuel prices on the Government of Nunavut and to the municipalities by installing these meters.
Mr. Speaker, the installation of the Temperature Compensating Meters is required for each of the Sales Dispensing Units and Fuel Delivery Trucks across Canada.
The installation of these units began in 1999 and they are to be completed by the end of March 2002.
These new units have the potential to significantly reduce fuel loss through evaporation and temperature change of volume.
Total savings will not be known until next fiscal year.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say that there will not be an increase in fuel prices to the Government of Nunavut or to the municipalities as a result of these measures.
It is not very often that I stand to recognize a visitor but today I would like to recognize a visitor from Baker Lake.
But also I would like to take a little time to explain something.
Behind me, the beautiful tapestries of Baker Lake are displayed on the walls and I have heard numerous comments from people saying how bright and nice they are.
I would like to thank those people that said that to me.
But there is a little known fact about those tapestries on the wall, two of them were produced by Irene Tiktaalaaq who recently received her doctorate because of her artwork.
I would like to recognize her son today, Basil Tiktaalaaq from Baker Lake.
Are there any oral questions.
Question 412 - 1(5): Delay of Winnipeg Medical Boarding Home Contract
Mr. Speaker I would like to direct my question today to the Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Picco.
I quote from the Hansard on November 22nd, 2001 “ Mr. Speaker, on the issue of the RFP for the facility in Winnipeg, the RFP is closed and we’re reviewing the proposal.
We are hoping to make an announcement in the next two weeks”.
Mr. Speaker, it is approximately three months later.
Can the minister explain before this House the reason for the delay in the awarding of the contract for the Winnipeg boarding home?
Mr. Speaker, first of all, I appreciate the question from the member and the member is correct in November and indeed, I received a letter from him on January 30th asking the same question.
As I said in the House in November, the RFP for the Winnipeg boarding home was complete and the evaluation was done in Rankin.
There were three proponents, I believe, looked at, at that time.
A successful proponent has been chosen.
We had hoped to make an announcement.
There was however at least one appeal to the RFP that was provided therefore and thus an announcement wasn't forthcoming.
Mr. McLean: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know the wheels of justice grind slowly but I didn't expect the wheels of health to fall off the wagon.
Can the minister let me know when the contract for the Winnipeg boarding home will be announced?
The announcement and I understand again as the member knows, when the appeal process is put in there is a time limit.
There was a review I believe just completed by the Department of Justice and I would hope Mr. Speaker, we will be able to make an announcement and notify the proponent of the successful award publicly and imminently.
Can the minister describe for this House the scope of the contract for the Winnipeg boarding home?
It depends on what contract Mr. McLean is talking about.
As he knows there is a contract in place for the current Winnipeg boarding home and there is also a proposed contract requested under an RFP that we have put out and I believe his main question was in regards to it. If the member could clarify if he is talking about the current contract for the Winnipeg boarding home or is he talking about the new RFP on the Winnipeg boarding home.
Mr. McLean: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The current RFP that his department is taking their time waiting for an appeal to happen on the contract that he is going to announce publicly, announce when it is going to be awarded, the current contract that is out for proposal.
I hope that is clear for the minister.
Hon. Ed Picco: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I know that things don't move that fast.
Apex wasn't built in a day.
As I say that Mr. Speaker, the current successful RFP that was brought forward, that the department has accepted, is for a new facility to be built because the old facility, as Mr. McLean has articulated many times, seems to not be up to snuff.
It hasn't served the patients well over the past several months and there have been several issues with it.
The proposal that we put out and was accepted by the department was the building of a new facility.
At the same time Mr. Speaker, we have to be able to continue using the old facility while the new facility is under development.
So that is part of the delay of the process that is taking place.
Also Mr. Speaker, because of the length of time of the lease being proposed by the proponent under the contract, we have to make sure that we are able to do a long-term lease.
I believe they are asking for a 20-year lease on the new facility they intend to build.
So that is part of the delay.
It is not a stalling tactic or anything like that Mr. Speaker. It is the logistic as well as administrative as well as the financial aspect of the proposal that we are evaluating.
Question 413 - 1(5): Negotiations on Chesterfield Group Home & Development Corporation
Mr. Speaker, I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Health and Social Services.
Yesterday, I asked some questions to the minister on the status of the new group home in Chesterfield Inlet.
Today I would like to get some clarification on these answers because it's not yet clear to me how close we are to the ground breaking ceremonies in Chesterfield Inlet for the new group home.