EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, this allocation increase will not only help to strengthen our industry’s presence in Canada’s commercial fishing sector but will also bring real economic benefits to the people of Nunavut.
This additional quota holds a current market value of approximately $8 million, which will increase the total value of Nunavut’s turbot resources to $113 million.
Offshore fisheries continue to hold a great deal of unrealized potential for providing Nunavummiut with a sustainable route to economic prosperity, and we will therefore continue our lobbying efforts for Nunavut interests to receive an equitable share and maximum benefits from the fishery resources in its adjacent waters.
Minister’s Statement 232 – 4(3): Pink Shirt Day (Quassa)
I would like to ask my fellow members to join me in recognizing tomorrow, February 22, as Pink Shirt Day.
I am happy to share that my department has been supporting efforts to promote anti-bullying in our schools.
In celebration of Pink Shirt Day, my department has provided all schools with a resource list, suggested activities, and an anti-bullying pledge that students can sign.
This year Pink Shirt Day is in partnership with the Red Cross and the Embrace Life Council.
Mr. Speaker, students are watching videos and writing essays about the issue of bullying.
Some schools are having a pep rally to celebrate positive spaces while others are singing and square dancing to recognize Pink Shirt Day.
Elders are speaking about Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit values in classrooms.
These are some of the ways our students are sharing positive messages about anti-bullying today.
Mr. Speaker, we recognize that bullying is a problem that exists in and out of Nunavut. Bullying in many forms continues to affect our schools, workplaces, communities, and even the Internet.
I hope our efforts in promoting and modelling positive behaviour and values to our students help them become advocates of Tunnganarniq (being open, welcoming and inclusive) and Inuuqatigiitsiarniq (respecting and caring for people).
I hope my fellow Nunavummiut participate in Pink Shirt Day tomorrow to show their support.
Member’s Statement 419 – 4(3): Celebrating Wedding Anniversary with Wife and Happy Birthday to Granddaughter (Sammurtok, A)
Mr. Alexander Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) My fellow residents of Rankin Inlet, Nunavummiut, and my colleagues, have a good day.
I rise today to celebrate my wedding anniversary with my wife. (interpretation ends) Happy anniversary, nuliaq.
(interpretation) The other statement I wish to make is in regard to my granddaughter, Jenelle Natuuq Koonoo, who is celebrating her birthday. I wish her a happy birthday.
Member’s Statement 420 – 4(3): State of Inuit Culture (Joanasie)
Good afternoon, my colleagues, visitors in the gallery, residents of Cape Dorset and Kimmirut, as well as Nunavummiut listening to the proceedings.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask a question to my fellow Inuit: what are your thoughts about our lives as Inuit today? How are we?
We’re fine in some aspects, but we’re not so fine in other aspects.
It’s obvious that we have to rise up and take action.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut is what Inuit fought to get because they wanted their own land.
People worked very hard to turn Nunavut into reality because they wanted their own government.
Mr. Speaker, it has been too long now that Inuit have been silent and not running things in their own community or even their own lives. They’re not being allowed to take part in that.
Mr. Speaker, we can see many things today that are not being run by Inuit. I know it’s obvious that we have to rise as Inuit.
Nunavut is what Inuit tried to get because they wanted to have their own land. People worked very hard to make Nunavut a reality because they wanted their own government.
Mr. Speaker, there are too many Inuit that don’t have jobs and too many Inuit commit suicide.
Mr. Speaker, those of us Inuit, let us help each other because we have Nunavut now. Let us be involved.
Members’ Statements. Member for Quttiktuq, Mr. Isaac Shooyook.
Member’s Statement 421 – 4(3): New Health Centre in Arctic Bay (Shooyook)
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day, Nunavummiut, my colleagues, visitors in the gallery, and welcome to the House.
It is with a state of calmness that I rise today with happy thoughts because my eyesight will no longer be clouded over.
I rise today to say that when I got elected, I went to tour our health centre. What I saw there were no longer plans being made and I sat down determined to get to the bottom of this. It was not long after that I received a letter which said that designs would be drawn and plans made up.
It is with this that I have scored.
I am happy because the health centre renovations have been completed.
We’re just waiting for the opening day.
I am very happy about that today and I am quite calm right now in the Legislative Assembly. I cannot express my pleasure more about that.
Member’s Statement 422 – 4(3): Status of Qikiqtani General Hospital Board of Management (Angnakak)
Welcome. (interpretation ends) Good afternoon.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remind the government of its obligation to respond to a motion that was put forward and approved in this House.
In fact, just last October, the Minister of Health indicated that he recalled seconding a motion way back in November of 2014 when called upon the Government of Nunavut to look into establishing a board of management at the Qikiqtani General Hospital.
Mr. Speaker, on November 14, 2014 Motion 16 – 4(2) was adopted without opposition and moved that the Government of Nunavut undertake a comprehensive review of the merits and benefits and also the logistics, administrative and financial aspects of establishing a board of management for the Qikiqtani General Hospital.
The Minister of Health of the day suggested an amendment to the motion committing the government to report on its considerations and findings to the House on the first day of the 2015 fall sitting of the Legislative Assembly.
Since the adoption of this motion, no fewer than three different ministers of health have responded to my questions on the status of this review.
In October 2015 the Minister of Health of the day indicated that a review of this issue had occurred and implied that a new body would be established.
In June 2016 the minister of the day indicated that the department had received approval to move forward with the development of a board.
However, in October 2016 the current Minister of Health, who happens to be the same Member of the Legislative Assembly who seconded the motion in the first place, would not commit to a date for the tabling of this review.
Mr. Speaker, time is running out for this government to meet its obligations with respect to the motion that was put forward and adopted without opposition in this House.
At the appropriate time I will have questions on the issue.
Members’ Statements. Member for Netsilik, Mr. Qirngnuq.
Member’s Statement 423 – 4(3): Congratulations to Netsilik Youth Parliamentarian (Qirngnuq)
I say “good day” to the residents of Taloyoak.
I am happy to once again be in the House with my colleagues.
(interpretation ends) Congratulations to Netsilik youth parliamentarian.
I rise today to congratulate one of my constituents for her good work in representing the constituency of Netsilik during the Legislative Assembly’s recent Youth Parliament.
Mr. Speaker, Hayley Totalik of Taloyoak joined with 21 other students last fall to participate in the Legislative Assembly’s Sixth Youth Parliament.
I had the pleasure of watching the televised proceedings of the Youth Parliament and I can safely say that all of the students represented their constituencies with pride.
Mr. Speaker, I also noted that Premier Taptuna, Ms. Angnakak, and a number of other ministers and MLAs helped out during the Youth Parliament by serving as pages for the day and providing some on-the-spot coaching to the youth parliamentarians.
Mr. Speaker, please accept my appreciation to you and your staff for organizing this excellent event.
Member’s Statement 424 – 4(3): Clyde River Trauma Team in Qikiqtarjuaq (Keyootak)
I rise today to have everyone be thankful to my constituency.
Before I get started I would like my granddaughter Alisa to know that I love her.
Mr. Speaker, in Qikiqtarjuaq there were a bunch of people that came to our community to help us and I would like to express my appreciation.
People from Ilisaqsivik came to our community to help with trauma issues and counselling. They did their job very well.
The people who came to our community were Isa Piungituq, Raygilee Piungituq, Rebecca Panipak, and their youth representative was Jusa Iqaqrialu.
That youth representative was able to work very well with our youth in Qikiqtarjuaq and they did some very good programming in our community. They did their work very well and they helped many people.
Mr. Speaker, while they were in my community there was an unfortunate suicide and those people in Clyde River really helped the grieving family.
We were so appreciative of their visit to our community and they helped us a great deal.
Ilisaqsivik is doing some really good work for Inuit. Let’s make sure that the government helps whenever Ilisaqsivik needs more help because it’s really useful to Inuit right now.
Member’s Statement 425 – 4(3): Opening of the Iqaluit Aquatic Centre (Ell-Kanayuk)
I say “good afternoon” to the people of Iqaluit-Manirajak. Welcome to all my fellow MLAs who are here for the sitting again and to the people of Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker, I was part of an opening ceremony in my constituency when we opened the new swimming pool and recreation centre on January 26 at lunchtime.
My four-year-old grandson and I went there for the opening and there were many people there for that occasion.
We have not had a swimming pool in Iqaluit for the past four years.
Mr. Speaker, the young and old alike are very happy to see the opening of the pool. We were quite anxious while we were waiting outside for the official ceremonies to end so we could go inside and see the new facility.
My grandson and I were some of the first to go inside and we saw the beautiful place.
It has an elders’ space, recreation space, and a 25-metre swimming pool.
There were other attractions there too. It’s like going to a complex down south. It’s very similar and we now have that here.
My grandson and I, along with other people have gone there many times since it opened.
We hear that 150 people use that facility every day.
That new pool is extremely useful to the people of Iqaluit and also to visitors. We get many visitors to Iqaluit from all over the place and it’s open to everybody.
We hear that young people want to exercise more, they want to eat better, and they talk about taking better care of their bodies.
I would like to recognize Jimmy Kilabuk, who was a part of the group that worked on the new facility.
Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk (interpretation): Thank you, my colleagues. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Jimmy Kilabuk was a town councillor and he was recognized at the opening of the new facility with a plaque. He really helped out and pushed for the facility.
He hasn’t been with us since 2013 now.
Mr. Speaker, I wanted to add while I have the floor that I thank the mayor and council of Iqaluit and the many volunteers who believed in raising funds through Outreach to make the opening a reality. They held meetings and worked hard for the opening of the facility without being paid.
I also thank the Government of Nunavut and Government of Canada for their support in creating that facility.
Member’s Statement 426 – 4(3): Meeting with the City of Iqaluit Council (Okalik)
Welcome to our community, my colleagues.
I would like to recognize people we work with at the City of Iqaluit.
We have met with them on more than one occasion, once in particular to discuss homelessness.
We were able to have discussions with them in the planning to assist them in getting well organized.
I will be asking my colleague next to me questions as to how else we can provide more assistance to the homeless in Iqaluit.
We would also like to show more support for homeowners and how to better benefit those homeowners who go through difficult times.
It helps everybody when people have their own private homes. We also talked about that in our discussions.
When we work together, even though we’re not the same government, we benefit all the members of the community.
To my colleagues who were there, I would like to show my appreciation and welcome.
Member’s Statement 427 – 4(3): New Infrastructure in Kugluktuk (Taptuna)
First of all I want to apologize to my dear wife that I couldn’t be there for our 39th wedding anniversary.
On a happier note, I was home last week in Kugluktuk to attend the official opening of some very important infrastructure for our community.
There are three new community buildings that will improve services, provide reliable access to clean drinking water, and help protect the environment.
The projects include the construction of a new water treatment plant, a public works building, as well as a six-bay garage to house the community’s water and wastewater trucks.
Some of the funding for these initiatives was made available through the Gas Tax and Canada Strategic Infrastructure funds. It is a partnership project with Canada, the Government of Nunavut, and our hamlet to build community infrastructure.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Mayor, Ryan Nivingalok of Kugluktuk.
I’m going to have doubled the pleasure this afternoon recognizing him during our order paper here.
The hamlet administration and the people of Kugluktuk are to be commended for their planning, hard work, and dedication in moving this project forward.
Member’s Statement 428 – 4(3): Pangnirtung Northern Store (Mike)
I rise today to first of all say “hello” to Nunavummiut and my colleagues.
I remember the people who recently lost a family member in Pangnirtung.
I would like to point out something that we don’t usually hear about which happened during Christmas in Pangnirtung.
Everywhere in Canada or internationally when Christmas is celebrated, there are sales in stores.
I would like the residents of Pangnirtung to celebrate in every way during the Christmas season.
However, something strange happened just before Christmas, something that doesn’t usually happen in our community.
The Northern Store hesitated to hold a sale for the residents of Pangnirtung before the Christmas holidays.
As it got closer to Christmas, we didn’t see anything on sale at the Northern Store in Pangnirtung.
Right after Christmas on what usually is a big sale day, Boxing Day on December 26, the store was closed.
Residents of Pangnirtung weren’t served very well by the Northern Store during Christmas.
The residents of Pangnirtung had celebrations and participated in games. We also had family get-togethers and feasts.
I point it out that this was the first time in a very long time that residents of Pangnirtung had such an experience with the Northern Store.
However, that store is still operating today.
I don’t think the Northern Store believes that they and Pangnirtung residents can celebrate together by having them involved in Christmas sales. I don’t think the Northern Store is aware of how their outlet in Pangnirtung is operating right now.
Member’s Statement 429 – 4(3): Appreciation of Canadian Rangers, Junior Rangers, and Cadets (Quassa)
I wish my fellow residents of Igloolik and Nunavummiut a good day.
I rise today to recognize once again those who provide assistance anywhere in Nunavut, the Canadian Rangers.
They provide assistance on anything, through search and rescue and other ways.
The youth, the cadets, and the Junior Rangers provide a lot of assistance in our communities.
This is a very good way for our youth moving into the future.
I also heard this morning that the Canadian Rangers from our community started a journey to go elsewhere.
These are the types of things they do.
I would like to recognize them and I appreciate their assistance to our communities and their fellow residents. That’s main
*See Appendix for full text of Returns to Oral Questions 559 – 4(3) and 571 – 4(3).
reason I made this statement.
I would like more people to recognize the benefit from that.
Returns to Oral Questions. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Savikataaq.
Return to Oral Question 509 – 4(3): Northern Employee Benefits Services Pension Plan Act (Savikataaq)
This is a return to an oral question asked by the Member Mr. Allan Rumbolt, asked of myself, Minister of Community and Government Services, Question No. 509 – 4(3). The date was November 1, 2016.
Subject, Northern Employee Benefits Services Pension Plan Act.
Mr. Speaker, as part of my response to the member’s question regarding the Northern Employee Benefits Services Pension Plan, I committed to getting back to my colleague with regard to three issues he brought up.
“Can the minister confirm whether or not all housing authorities and associations in Nunavut are now participating in the NEBS pension plan?”
Yes, all housing authorities and associations in Nunavut are now participating in the NEBS pension plan.
According to an update received from NEBS staff, the Kimmirut and Pond Inlet housing associations are now participating in the NEBS pension plan.
“Can the minister confirm whether or not all Nunavut hamlets are now participating in the NEBS pension plan?”
With the exception of Arctic Bay and Pond Inlet, at this time all Nunavut hamlets are now participating in the NEBS pension plan.
NEBS staff are currently in discussions with those two hamlets and are assisting them with the program registration process.
“Can the minister indicate when he will be tabling the next set of reports that are required under the legislation?”
In accordance with section 25(6) of the NEBS Act (Tabling of the Actuarial Report), the variation for 2016 will not be complete until September of 2017.
That report is expected to be tabled in the legislature for the fall of 2017.
In accordance with section 27(4) of the NEBS Act (Tabling of Financial Report), CGS has received the Northern Employee Benefits Services Pension Plan Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2015.
The report is expected to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly for the 2017 winter sitting.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Item 4. Returns to Oral Questions.
Return to Oral Question 559 – 4(3): Services for Children in Care Outside of Nunavut (Clerk)
Return to Oral Question 571 – 4(3): Meetings of Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers of Agriculture (Clerk)
I am tabling returns to oral questions No. 559 and 571 that were taken as notice during the fall of 2016 sitting of the House.
I have no more names. We shall continue to Item 5.
I would first like to recognize Martha Pudlat from Cape Dorset, who is participating as a student in the Interpreter/Translator Program, and their instructor, Letia Qiatsuk, a fellow Cape Dorset resident.
I would also like to recognize Jeela Palluq-Cloutier, our past instructor at Nunavut Sivuniksavut.
I would like to recognize a well-known person at the Legislative Assembly.
He was a former minister and MLA, and he is now a board member of Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit, Louis Tapardjuk.
He is also my in-law.
I would also like to welcome a fellow resident, Toby Otak. She is taking the Interpreter/Translator Program.
I’ll be recognizing the students at Arctic College later on in the week as they are proceeding in this program.
I’m just recognizing my two fellow residents for now.
I would also like to recognize a constituent who is taking the Interpreter/Translator Program.
Peter Aningmiuq is in the booth right now, who is the late Peter Etulu’s son.
I would also like to acknowledge a person whom I worked with for many years, Louis Tapardjuk, who was a Member of the Legislative Assembly.
He was always pushing to use Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit. I respect him for providing and using Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
I would also like to recognize a constituent of mine who is known by many people. He has worked in various positions, including a teacher.
He’s also a dog team owner.
I would like to recognize Joelie Sanguya, a constituent of mine from Clyde River, as I know the people are aware of all the work he has done in the past.
Good afternoon to my fellow Nunavummiut, residents of Arviat and Whale Cove.
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to rise today to recognize visitors in the gallery.
We worked closely together with these individuals and questions were asked in the House in regard to the work that they’re doing.
Please rise when I say your name.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the members of the Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit who are in the gallery today.
They work on Inuit terminology within our department and we’re able to work closely with them.
I would first like to acknowledge the Chair of the Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit, Mary Thompson, who is here in the House today.
I would also like to recognize an individual who was already recognized, who is a member of the IUT, Louis Tapardjuk. He is in the House.
Another member is Rosemary Meyok, who is also here.
Another member who was just appointed to the IUT is Joelie Sanguya.
Welcome to the House and colleagues, please join me in welcoming the members of the IUT.
I want to recognize a constituent of mine that has been hard at work on the Inuinnaqtun language.
We appreciate that very much. There is a lot of work to be done.
We appreciate the fact that we have folks here to ensure that our language is passed on down because we have different dialects throughout our regions.
I want to recognize Rosemary Meyok.
Also, I was going to recognize the mayor and SAO.
They’re too busy going from meeting to meeting, but I won’t mention their names too.
I would like to recognize a constituent of mine from Cambridge Bay, Mr. Joe Otokiak.
He’s in Iqaluit helping out with the simultaneous translation/interpretation program.
Welcome to the House, Joe.
Moving on. Item 6.
Question 574 – 4(3): Status of Hospital Board of Management (Angnakak)
Ms. Angnakak (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Health.
Mr. Speaker, a few minutes ago or half an hour or so ago I referred to Motion 16 – 4(2) regarding the establishment of a board of management for the Qikiqtani General Hospital.
That review was to have been tabled on the first day of the 2015 fall sitting of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, we are well beyond that date.
Can the Minister of Health provide an update on the status of the review regarding the establishment of a board of management at the Qikiqtani General Hospital and tell this House when he will be tabling the report?
Speaker: The Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. George Hickes.
I thank the member for bringing up this issue again.
It gives me an opportunity to discuss on where we are in the proceedings regarding the development of a board of directors for the Qikiqtani General Hospital.
Mr. Speaker, as far as tabling a report, I don’t anticipate tabling one this sitting.
The amount of context that was developed in researching the topic of developing a board of directors came to a conclusion in the basis that the Department of Health will be going forward in developing an advisory board of directors for the Qikiqtani General Hospital.
Mr. Speaker, there are a number of different reasons why we have chosen to go that direction.
One of the main ones is that a board of directors, as the member well knows, as I knew when I put the motion forward, changes the fiscal and financial reporting structure of the general hospital to create a separate entity from the Department of Health.
At this time, in the best interests of moving this project forward, instead of waiting, we felt that an advisory board be created to develop capacity within that specific sector to provide and develop expertise so that we can move forward at some date down the road, at a later date, and actually entail a full board of directors.
The process is ongoing in anticipation of that creation.