EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I applaud, actually, the idea of what the Nunavut Soccer Association is doing in terms of sharing the costs for flights for people and our youth to travel. I think that would be a more fair way, especially for the communities in the High Arctic and the high cost that we pay for transportation, and a better way for our youth being able to participate in those types of activities.
At the same time, sometimes I question the way teens are actually picked and whatnot. I know it was great to see the hockey team here this morning and my understanding is that the way that team was chosen was through invitation.
Again, by invitation, that kind of takes away the fairness in terms of all of our young people trying out and actually participating to be able to get on that team.
With that, Mr. Chairman, I’ll ask more of my detailed questions during the page-by-page. Thank you.
We will now proceed to the page-by-page review of the departmental estimates starting with page F-4.
Culture, Language, Elders and Youth. Branch Summary. Directorate.
Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $3,038,000.
Chairman: We will go to F-5. Branch Summary. Culture, Language, Elders and Youth.
Official Languages. Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $3,494,000.
Chairman: We will go to F-6.
Culture, Language, Elders and Youth. Branch Summary. “Taigutsiliuqtiit” (Taiguusiliuqtiit).
Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $2,040,000.
The Taiguusiliuqtiit Language Authority… (interpretation ends) see how it’s easy to say it?
(interpretation) What is the Taiguusiliuqtiit Language Authority seeing in the school curriculum, or others, or in any legislation?
Can you tell us exactly what this language authority committee is working on?
Chairman: Thank you Mr. Arvaluk.
The Taiguusiliuqtiit Language Authority has five members with Elijah Erkloo as the Chair.
The office is just starting up and getting established, but the authority has already held one or two meetings.
To date, Mr. Chairman, we are still seeking to fill the key positions of director of the language authority office and other staff.
Once we have filled these positions, the language authority should start operating as a functioning body.
Finding office space has had its own difficulties as space in the current offices of the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth is at a premium. We were able to find space for the new office.
The present status is that it is going through planning stages.
Mr. Chairman, we believe that by spring or summer, we will have filled the positions.
The first tasks will be to review the Taiguusiliuqtiit’s terms of reference.
After that, the office could then focus on its functions to develop terminologies and such.
The Taiguusiliuqtiit Language Authority will then decide how they can utilize Inuit language in the government, in the justice system, and in the Legislative Assembly.
We want to standardize the terminology because the terms from other communities vary from each other.
So the Taiguusiliuqtiit Language Authority has to work on the terminology and standardization of terminology.
In regard to the standardization of the writing system, once the official languages of Nunavut have been recognized, which are Inuktitut, English, and French, the Taiguusiliuqtiit Language Authority will discuss and deal with the standardization of language and writing systems, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Arvaluk: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation) I see that the Taiguusiliuqtiit Language Authority is requesting 7.0 PYs.
I believe you said that some of the positions have yet to be filled.
How many positions have been filled to date?
We have had two positions filled and these positions are being filled by due process, Mr. Chairman.
Under page E-5 for 2009-2010, hamlet councils would have to adhere to the provisions of the Inuit Language Protection Act and that hamlets will also have to lend their support for this legislation.
Can the minister explain how funding will be arranged or what process that the hamlets will have to follow to adhere with this legislation?
With respect to those issues, we have identified that certain provisions apply, such as service provision in Inuktitut and interpreter usage during their council meetings, since there is usually no funding for an interpreter.
Questions such as: should we fund a position for the hamlets to deal with all of the documents that may need to be translated into either language, either as part of their operations or during their council meetings? Details include the need for both languages on their billing invoices, such as those for water, sewage, and so on. These are identified in our implementation plans, especially just prior to this legislation being put into force.
What expectations do we have with regard to the hamlets? What needs do they have and what can be funded towards their fulfillment of the legislation?
These are some of the details that are identified as to how we would assist the local government and it is listed clearly in the implementation plan, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Ningark: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation) I would like to ask exactly what the term “Taiguusiq” means. (interpretation ends) Is it “terminology” in English?
I think so, knowing that Taiguusiliriji means “able to recognize what the Inuktitut term means,” right?
(interpretation) Mr. Chairman, to elaborate this further, in the Kitikmeot region, we have dialects that are quite different than what we have in the Baffin region. Our dialects are also different from the Kivalliq region.
In my riding, we are in the area that was originally called the Netsilik region where Kugaaruk is and the area also includes Taloyoak and Gjoa Haven.
These three communities are in fairly close proximity to each other, Mr. Chairman, but even they have subtle differences in dialects.
What are your thoughts on this issue, Minister of Languages? If I were to transliterate his title in Inuktitut, would it be the minister of all official languages?
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): With respect to his question, I doubt that these communities would lose their distinctive flavour and dialect since their particular dialect would be taught in their local schools.
Given that all students must be functionally bilingual by graduation, I do not think that our regional dialects will be adversely affected or lost in this respect.
The Taiguusiliuqtiit Language Authority, however, is mandated to review all government documents, the operational documents of the Legislative Assembly, court documents, and practices of interpreters to ensure consistency and quality standards.
The Inuit Language Authority will be tasked to come up with standardized terminology.
For example, when I was growing up, we used to call paper “Alilajuuq” but today I call “Paippaaq.”
When I was growing up, I called sugar “Siuraujaaqtuq” but today I call it “Suka.”
When I was a child, I used to call soap “Irmiusik” but now I call it “Uasautik.”
These are different terms which we used to use when I was growing up.
I know that if we continue to use these terms consistently, I’m not going to forget the terms unique to the Igloolik dialect.
I believe and expect that no Nunavummiut will lose their own unique dialect as long as they are committed to keeping it strong.
I believe that once we get the language legislation and the protection of the Inuit language in place, we can have meaningful discussions on dialect issues.
I know that in Greenland with their own Home Rule Government, they use a single dialect for political and administrative purposes. Even though they have different dialects, they use a standardized language in certain areas.
The northern and southern parts of Greenland have different dialects, but when they conduct their parliament and in schools, they use a standardized dialect for government and administrative operations.
That is our vision here and that the Taiguusiliuqtiit Language Authority will make all of this possible through terminology development, Mr. Chairman.
With respect to the Legislative Assembly, when members are making statements, irrespective of whether the member is from the Kivalliq, the Kitikmeot, or the Baffin region, the public listens to our proceedings.
When we wish to speak in a language other than English, and this applies anywhere in Nunavut for elected officials, we may use our own Inuktitut though we may have different dialects. This allowance is part of our parliamentary tradition.
Here in this House, the interpreters’ component is very important so that we are not put out by speaking in either language.
Regardless of whether you are from the Baffin region, the Kivalliq region, or the Kitikmeot region, we all depend on the interpreters to bridge our linguistic differences.
To this day, this government relies heavily on interpreters going back to when we were part of the Northwest Territories.
At least I, myself, use the interpreters to do my work here.
When I want to speak in Inuktitut or when I’m uncomfortable speaking in English, I make use of them to this day here in the Nunavut territory.
With respect to the Taiguusiliuqtiit Language Authority, I was wondering whether the interpreters are involved in the developmental process. I believe that they should be fully involved in the process, especially when it comes to standard terminologies.
We have always depended on the interpreters in doing our business even prior to Nunavut becoming a reality.
Are there plans to involve professional interpreters in this process? I believe the proper term in the Taiguusiliuqtiit Language Authority applies especially to them.
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): I’m not sure I understand what he means by involving interpreter/translators and I need clarification on that.
The Taiguusiliuqtiit Language Authority committee members are appointed because of their experience and commitment to the Inuit language.
We try to have unilingual Inuktitut-speaking people in the language authority so that they can provide advice to the government, the Legislative Assembly, and court services on language issues.
Once the terminology work has been started and established, the authority will start dealing with setting up training workshops on the proposed terminologies.
For example, we have held terminology workshops for the interpreters in the past.
We want to start considering our options for future interpreter/translator programs through Arctic College.
But your question was in regard to how the interpreter/translators will be involved in the Taiguusiliuqtiit process. Perhaps you can clarify your question so that I can provide you with an adequate response, Mr. Chairman.
It appears that my colleague from Amittuq and I both were born and raised in Repulse Bay. We have some misunderstanding although we speak the Inuktitut dialect.
My question to the hon. minister is: do we have representation on Taiguusilirijit, if you will, from the Nunavut Language Bureau who speaks the Inuktitut language?
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Well, the question is still unclear to me.
We appoint five members to the language authority based on their experience in the area of the Inuit language.
As an example, we appointed Edna Elias as a member for Kitikmeot. She has worked in the language field for many years and she has been an interpreter/translator.
We don’t look specifically for interpreter/translator experience, but we look at their overall experience in the field.
I’m beginning to doubt that we fully understanding each other or that we are talking about the same thing.
Mr. Ningark: Well, Mr. Chairman, I kind of planned that. In Nunavut, we have different dialects. When we speak Inuktitut, we don’t really understand each other.
To me, the Nunavut Language Bureau means… because the majority, about 80 percent, of the people in Nunavut are Inuit, obviously, the spoken language is Inuktitut.
I want to know if any of the interpreters who spoke Inuktitut at all who are in Taiguusilirijit, board, or group, or whatever you have.
This is critically important, Mr. Speaker, that people who interpret for the Legislative Assembly, even though they have different dialects, are included in this Taiguusilirijit group.
(interpretation) Have you involved the Inuktitut interpreter /translators when the meetings are held by this Taiguusilirijit committee?
(interpretation ends) Just like what I have said, you know, we have different regional dialects.
Even people from the same region but live in different communities may not have the same dialect.
I’m wondering if any or all of the interpreters have the representation in the Taiguusilirijit group.
I think the minister understood what I’m trying to say.
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Ningark. Minister Tapardjuk.
The Taiguusiliuqtiit Language Authority doesn’t represent any one group in particular.
The government established this language authority because the desire for it was expressed by many people from all quarters.
The membership requirements put consideration for past experiences only. We did not think about representation by sector.
We established the language authority without considering whether the members would require the assistance of interpreters to conduct their meetings.
Where they require it, they will invite the services of interpreter/translators or anyone who they believe can help them in their assigned tasks, whether it is language instructors employed by schools or interpreters. If the authority requires further clarification on any terminology that other regions use, they will invite those people.
However, I want the member to understand that there are five appointed members and they don’t represent any region.
It’s based on their merit and their experience.
If they require the assistance of interpreters or others, they can invite them to work with them, Mr. Chairman.
I’m going to let Ningark finish his comments before I report progress.
Go ahead, Mr. Ningark.
Mr. Ningark: I think you have, Mr. Chairman, read my mind.
I was going to say that, in recognizing the clock, I don’t have any more questions.
Chairman: Alright, I do recognize the clock here and we will continue where we left off on Monday.
On my list, I have Okalik and Elliott, and that will be the order on Monday.
Could the Sergeant-at-Arms please escort the minister and his officials out.
Report of the Committee of the Whole. Mr. Schell.
Your committee has been considering Bills 22 and 24.
I would like to report that Bill 24 is immediately ready for third reading.
The motion is in order. All those in favour, raise your hand.
Third Reading of Bills. Mr. Elliott.
Bill 24 – Legislative Assembly Statutes Amendment Act, 2010 – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Iqaluit Centre, that Bill 24, Legislative Assembly Statutes Amendment Act, 2010, be read for the third time.
The motion is carried and Bill 24 is ready for assent.
A reminder that there’s a meeting of the Management and Services Board at half past two in the Tuktu Room and a reminder that on Monday morning at nine o’clock, there’s a meeting of the Regular Caucus in the Tuktu Room.
This House stands adjourned until Monday, March 22, at 1:30 p.m.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Pages 1783 – 1865
Opening Prayer 1783
Ministers’ Statements 1783
Members’ Statements 1787
Tabling of Documents 1808
Notices of Motions 1809
Motions 1810
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 1818
Report of the Committee of the Whole 1864
Orders of the Day 1865
Monday, March 22, 2010 1783
135 – 3(2): Annual Report of the NNI Appeals Board for 2008-09 (Taptuna) 1783
136 – 3(2): Northwest Passage Trail Interpretive Program (Shewchuk) 1784
137 – 3(2): Tobacco Quit Line (Curley) 1784
138 – 3(2): Education Act Implementation Update (Tapardjuk) 1785
139 – 3(2): NHC Program to Help Homeowners Replace Fuel Tanks (Tootoo) 1786
140 – 3(2): Minister’s Task Force to Review the Liquor Act (Peterson) 1786
199 – 3(2): Tribute to Ann Hanson – Nunavut’s Commissioner (Okalik) 1787
200 – 3(2): Rankin Inlet Hockey Tournament (Kusugak) 1788
201 – 3(2): Territorial Hip Hop Leadership Summit (Elliott) 1789
202 – 3(2): Congratulations to Kananginak Pootoogook (Schell) 1790
203 – 3(2): Jean Kusugak Moves to Igloolik (Curley) 1790
328 – 3(2): Community Adaptation Plans (Elliott) 1791
329 – 3(2): Meeting with Repulse Bay Mayor and Council (Okalik) 1792
330 – 3(2): Status of Kimmirut Runway Upgrades (Schell) 1793
331 – 3(2): Support for Nunavut Nurses (Okalik) 1794
332 – 3(2): Resident Medical Doctor for High Arctic (Arvaluk) 1796
333 – 3(2): High Arctic Community Consultations (Elliott) 1798
334 – 3(2): Pedestrian Bridge for Iqaluit (Okalik) 1800
335 – 3(2): RFP Process for NHC Initiatives (Schell) 1802
336 – 3(2): Completion of Community Consultations (Elliott) 1803
337 – 3(2): Rent Control Legislation (Okalik) 1804
338 – 3(2): RFP for SIP Panels (Schell) 1805
339 – 3(2): Grise Fiord Power Plant (Elliott) 1807
340 – 3(2): $5 Million Funding for New Generators (Schell) 1807
147 – 3(2): NNI Contracting Appeals Board Annual Report 2008-2009 (Taptuna) 1808
148 – 3(2): Presentation by the Department of National Defence on the Nanisivik Naval Facility Project (Elliott) 1808
149 – 3(2): Child and Youth Advocate Chapter from the Canadian Paediatric Society’s “Are We Doing Enough?” Status Report (Elliott) 1809
150 – 3(2): Community Justice Committee & Family Abuse Intervention Act – Year-End Report 2008-09 (Peterson) 1809
151 – 3(2): GN’s Response to the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts’ Report on the Review of the Annual Report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Nunavut (Aariak) 1809
152 – 3(2): Speaker’s List of Outstanding Statutory Tabling Requirements (Speaker) 1809
019 – 3(2): Referral of Tabled Documents 13 – 3(2), 66 – 3(2), 99 – 3(2), and 100 – 3(2) to Committee of the Whole – Notice (Elliott) 1810
020 – 3(2): Extended Adjournment – Notice (Elliott) 1810
021 – 3(2): Amendment of the Terms of Reference of the Standing Committee of the Third Legislative Assembly of Nunavut – Notice (Aupaluktuq) 1810
017 – 3(2): Comprehensive Performance Audit of the Qulliq Energy Corporation (Okalik) 1810
019 – 3(2): Referral of Tabled Documents 13 – 3(2), 66 – 3(2), 99 – 3(2), and 100 – 3(2) to Committee of the Whole (Elliott) 1815
021 – 3(2): Amendment of the Terms of Reference of the Standing Committee of the Third Legislative Assembly of Nunavut (Aupaluktuq) 1816
020 – 3(2): Extended Adjournment (Elliott) 1817
Bill 22 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2010-2011 – Culture, Language, Elders and Youth – Consideration in Committee 1818
Bill 22 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2010-2011 – Human Resources – Consideration in Committee 1837
Bill 22 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2010-2011 – Environment – Consideration in Committee 1862
Honourable Eva Aariak, Honourable James Arreak, Mr. James Arvaluk, Mr. Moses Aupaluktuq, Honourable Tagak Curley, Mr. Ron Elliott, Mr. Adamee Komoartok, Honourable Lorne Kusugak, Mr. Johnny Ningeongan, Mr. Paul Okalik, Honourable Keith Peterson, Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Mr. Fred Schell, Honourable Daniel Shewchuk, Honourable Louis Tapardjuk, Honourable Peter Taptuna, Honourable Hunter Tootoo.
Good afternoon, Premier, Ministers, and Members of the Legislative Assembly, and a very good spring day in the whole of Nunavut.
Before we begin, I would like to welcome Gjoa Haven and Taloyoak. Today, they opened the nomination for the Member of the Legislative Assembly and we will welcome the elected member in June’s session.
I want Gjoa Haven and Taloyoak residents to know that the nominations have been opened for a Member of the Legislative Assembly.
Minister’s Statement 135 – 3(2): Annual Report of the NNI Appeals Board for 2008-09 (Taptuna)
I rise to inform the Members of the House that later in the day, I will be tabling the annual report of the NNI Appeals Board for 2008-09.
This is a follow-up to a commitment I made in response to a question from the MLA for Nattilik in December; the member asked when I would table the most recent report of the NNI Appeals Board.
The NNI Policy does not require that these reports be tabled, only that they be submitted to the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated to be made available to the public.
However, I committed to tabling the report as soon as it was available. I am pleased to report that the annual report is now complete and I will table it at the appropriate time today.
During the 2008-09 fiscal year, the NNI Appeals Board heard one appeal.
The issues in that appeal were complex and ultimately were brought before the Nunavut Court of Justice, which ordered the NNI Appeals Board to hear the matter for a second time.
This second appeal took place early in a current reporting here so that it is not covered in the report I am tabling. This second appeal took place early in the current reporting year, so it is not covered in the report I am tabling.
(interpretation) Finally, I would like to acknowledge the members of the NNI Appeals Board, who are appointed by the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, and Nunavut’s regional chambers of commerce.
These are: James Cummings of Pangnirtung, Al Lahure of Baker Lake, Barry Cornthwaite and Chris Coté, both of Iqaluit.
Their efforts on the NNI Appeals Board are key to ensuring the fair application of the NNI Policy.
Minister’s Statement 136 – 3(2): Northwest Passage Trail Interpretive Program (Shewchuk)
I am pleased to announce that my department, in cooperation with the community of Gjoa Haven, has completed the Northwest Passage Trail Interpretation Program.
The Northwest Passage Trail is a self-guided interpretive trail with interpretive stops at several points of historical interest throughout the community that tells the story of the many failed expeditions and the one successful attempt of Roald Amundsen through the Northwest Passage.
My staff and key community members worked hard to finalize the installation of new interpretive signage, the development of new interpretive literature, and the completion and erection of a commemorative cairn for the enjoyment of both the community and visitors alike.
Mr. Speaker, officials from my department will continue to work with the community and partners to improve this special place in 2010. Upcoming work will include the installation of new site amenities, such as flag poles and benches, at two of the signage locations.
The Hon. Tagak Curley.
Minister’s Statement 137 – 3(2): Tobacco Quit Line (Curley)
I rise today to talk about the Tobacco Quit Line.
As we all know, Nunavut has the highest smoking rates in Canada, with over half, or 53 percent, of Nunavutmiut who smoke, which is more than double the national average of 22 percent.
The Department of Health and Social Services continues to work towards reducing tobacco use and the harm it causes to Nunavutmiut.
As with any addiction, you can’t make a person want to stop smoking.
However, as a department, we can provide support once an individual makes the decision to quit.
Mr. Speaker, in order to provide better support to those making this healthy choice, my department has partnered with Health Canada to establish a toll-free quit line service for Nunavutmiut.
The toll-free line goes live later this month and will be available 24 hours a day.
When service is required in Inuktitut or Inuinnaqtun, an interpreter will immediately be brought on in a three-way telephone call to interpret the session. Our long-term goal is to secure the additional funds to train Inuit language-speaking counsellors to provide this service directly.
Mr. Speaker, this is a confidential service that combines individualized telephone counselling with educational materials.
Counsellors will answer callers’ questions and help them develop successful plans for quitting.
Not only will the quit line handle incoming calls but it will provide additional support and increase the chance of success through support calls before and after the individual’s intended quit date.
The quit line campaign theme is based on positive reinforcement and the knowledge that ‘quitting is worth it.’
It also features some of the great reasons to quit smoking, such as being a good role model to our youth, being healthier, living longer, and of course, saving money.