EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
The hamlet has done some research and studies, and mapped how it would be built…in April 2004-05 this was completed.
We have heard that the Department of Transportation Deputy Minister went on the radio and said that they will seek some funding, and they have a fairly good idea of where they can access some funding.
Maybe it would be for one of the communities, maybe after Pangnirtung.
For example, we have lost...one of the boats was tied up, but the tide got it and it drifted away.
The other one sank.
Usually, you can’t go up the river when it’s low tide.
The reason why we brought this up is...Mr. Speaker, I would like unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
We are not saying that it’s just for the sake of getting a port in our community; it’s also for safety reasons because when the wind is coming from Lancaster Sound or from Davis Strait, it gets quite scary for the boats.
The community of Pond Inlet is very proud that the cruise ships go up there.
With the increase of the mining industry in the north, it could have that advantage too, and so forth. That’s the reason why I will be raising appropriate questions and will also table a report.
What we’re trying to say is that we are asking the Nunavut Government to work with the federal government to accomplish what the Inuit need in their communities.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Arvarluk.
Member’s Statement 304 – 2(3): Congratulations to Nunavut Youth Parliament Participants (Tootoo)
I rise today to thank you and your office and staff for organizing the first Nunavut-wide Youth Parliament.
It was held earlier this month, here in this very room.
I also would like to make a special comment, Mr. Speaker, at the comments that were made to me by other people that were involved in the process and the participants at the excellent work and how great our staff here at the Assembly were throughout this whole process.
I just want a special congratulations to them as well.
Mr. Speaker, I had the privilege of being in attendance at this most excellent event which I hope will happen on a regular basis. A number of my colleagues that were in town were also here in the Gallery that day.
I’d also like to extend my congratulations to the 19 students who earned the place in the Youth Parliament. Each and every one of them worked hard, spoke eloquently and demonstrated exactly why the youth of today will be our leaders tomorrow.
And, I’d also like to note for the record that 14 or 15 out of the 19 members who were here were young women. I think that’s great that we can see moving forward in that direction in the future.
I would also like to pay special recognition to the three students from Iqaluit: Seane d’Argencourt, Zachary Cousins, and Inuusiq Akavak.
Seane represented Iqaluit Centre during the Youth Parliament proceedings and I must say she did an excellent job at posing oral questions and delivering remarks. I am confident that if she so chooses, we will be seeing her sitting here one day.
Mr. Speaker, one of the statements delivered during the Youth Parliament was on the issue of healthy lifestyles and the risk associated with the over-consumption of junk food.
I thought that our young Minister of Health made an excellent statement on this issue.
Mr. Speaker, at this time I’d like ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Tootoo, the member is asking for consent to conclude his member’s statement.
Mr. Tootoo, you can proceed.
When you look at health problems on the rise such as diabetes, obesity and dental problems, it becomes important that we seek solutions for the long-term health of our population.
Indeed, there are studies which reveal that these problems are much more acute in Nunavut and in the North than they are in the rest of the country.
Mr. Speaker, earlier this week in the fiscal update, it included a proposed measure to raise taxes on tobacco, which is universally recognized as a harmful substance. While we must be careful not to raise the so-called sin taxes to a point where new black markets are created, these measures can be of use.
I think that it would also be worth giving serious consideration as to how we can take steps to decrease consumption of so-called garbage foods and drinks, which are all too prevalent in our schools and our homes.
Mr. Speaker, if you walk into any store in Nunavut, tobacco products are hidden from view but all the candies and junk foods are aggressively displayed and marketed.
As a youth Parliament’s Minister of Health from Taloyoak noted in her statement, junk food can be addictive and dangerous.
We should listen to these wise words from a young person and take heed of what they’re saying.
I would like to ask all members to join me in congratulating them and the staff for a job well done on everybody’s behalf.
We will be tabling the minutes at the appropriate time.
Member’s Statement 305 – 2(3): Need for Social Workers in Kugluktuk (Evyagotailak)
I rise today to talk about the need for more social workers and mental health workers in my community of Kugluktuk.
Kugluktuk is changing fast and we need to keep up with the growing population and workforce. There need to be more social workers because we are in need of those.
(interpretation ends) My constituents have told me that there is a need for more social workers in the community to help people deal with the issues we face.
Substance abuse and suicide are major problems. I want to take a moment to praise the volunteers and teachers who are helping our youth in these areas.
It is important that we don’t lose our front-line staff because of overload, overwork and burnout.
I know that the minister sincerely cares about these issues, and I urge her to help Kugluktummiut to move forward.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Evyagotailak. (interpretation) Members’ Statements.
Member’s Statement 306 – 2(3): Thank Iqalummiut for Hospitality (Okalik)
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We get a lot of visitors here in Iqaluit, and we did have distinguished visitors over the spring and summer.
I would like to thank the people of Iqaluit for their hospitality when people come in from the outlying communities and from outside.
I would like to thank the people of Iqaluit and we will want to see more people. I am very pleased that they’re very receptive to the people who come and visit us. Thank you, very much, Iqalummiut, and I’m sure that we will meet more visitors again some time in the future.
Member’s Statement 307 – 2(3): Congratulations to Gjoa Haven and Taloyoak Graduates (Aglukkaq)
First of all, I welcome to the Gallery and (interpretation) I would like the students here to be appreciated because they help the youth.
(interpretation ends) Today, I want to recognize the success of Nattilingmiut youth.
As you may recall during the session in June, I had the pleasure of announcing the four graduates from my community of Taloyoak.
I’m very proud to update the Members in the House of other successes of youth in Gjoa Haven, as well as Taloyoak.
Mr. Speaker, in August of 2006, another 11 students graduated from my constituency of Gjoa Haven and I would just like to recognize these individuals in the House.
These are Celida Gee, Flora Aqviq, Angela Nuliayok, who is also in the Nunavut Sivuniksavut Program, Susie Kunnunak, Sandra Ruben, Megan Porter, Jonathan Puqiqnak, Rhonda Nimiqtaqtuq, Bernice Tavaluk, and Louis Ikuutilluk.
I would like to offer my congratulations to the 11 graduates.
In addition, Mr. Speaker, I would also like to recognize a very successful youth, Megan Pizzo-Lyall of Taloyoak who was chosen by her peers as one of Canada’s youth aboriginal role models and will be traveling throughout Canada to talk about what youth can do to be successful and talk about her own achievements.
And again, I want to offer my congratulations to her.
And finally, this individual was mentioned by MLA Tootoo’s comment. I would like to congratulate Laura Kripanik from Taloyoak on being chosen as one of the first Youth Parliament delegates. I would also like to thank the Speaker, as well as the staff of the Legislative Assembly for doing an excellent job in hosting and holding the first Youth Parliament.
Member’s Statement 308 – 2(3): Recognition of Sylvia Enuaraq in NTEP (Netser)
Hon. Patterk Netser (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank our Premier for thanking the people of Iqaluit for their hospitality.
I would like to acknowledge an individual from Coral Harbour. This individual is going to the NTEP Program, and has received her certificate; Sylvia Enuaraq, and her eldest daughter who is going to school here.
I would like to thank the people of Iqaluit for the hospitality they have shown to me and my family.
Member’s Statement 309 – 2(3): Opposition to Fuel Price Increases (Kattuk)
I would like to make a few comments in regard to what has been happening within the government, and in regard to the increase in fuel prices.
It is something that is opposed by the people in my riding, and I felt I needed to make a comment towards the concerns in Sanikiluaq.
There are many, many Nunavummiut who will be affected by the increase in fuel products.
The hunters are going to be affected because the price of gasoline has risen.
The government should be very careful about making those types of decisions.
The full-time hunters only had two days to prepare for the increase in fuel prices.
If the government is going to be increasing any prices, I would like to encourage the government to make sure that they inform the people well ahead of time.
The cost of living is extremely high up here.
The Inuit hunters depend on gasoline to provide food for their families and their communities. It’s going to have a negative impact.
If you’re going to be increasing any prices, I would like to be given more than two days notice.
(interpretation ends) Members’ Statements.
Member’s Statement 310 – 2(3): Status of New Anglican Church in Iqaluit (Picco)
I would like to take this opportunity to update the House and Nunavummiut on the status of the construction on the new Anglican Cathedral here in Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker, cost estimates have increased from about $4.5 million for a new cathedral to $6 million to replace our cathedral.
Like all capital projects across Nunavut, and indeed Canada, costs have increased anywhere from 20 to 40 percent on a project basis.
To date we have received approximately $717,000 from the insurance company, and we’ve raised approximately $300,000 from across Nunavut and Canada.
Here in Iqaluit alone we’ve almost raised $30,000 to date.
An anonymous donor has just come forward in the past week and made a commitment to our church of $50,000.
Recently, as a large contribution, we received from Makivik and First Air for $15,000.
Mr. Speaker, these donations are exceptional and we want to sincerely thank Makivik, First Air, and NTI for their kind monetary support. Canadian North has also stepped up in a big way, making airline tickets available for our fundraisers. I would like to thank Eva Onalik and her crew at Canadian North for their kind donation.
Mr. Speaker, tonight we will be hosting a turkey supper beginning at 5:00 to 7:30 at the Parish Hall All proceeds from the turkey supper go to the building of our new Cathedral.
I would like to invite all the members, staff, and the listening audience to join us for a wonderful meal, and fellowship at the Parish Hall.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Picco. Members’ Statements.
Member’s Statement 311 – 2(3): Congratulations to New Lawyers (Arreak)
I would like to recognize and congratulate the new lawyers, Sandra Inutiq and Susan Enuaraq. Those two individuals both grew up in Clyde River, and I am extremely proud for their accomplishments.
Education can be accessed by all youth, and not so young people and continuing our education is extremely important.
I would like to congratulate once again these two ladies for being accepted to the Bar. They are both Inuit, and Sandra is my first cousin.
Speaker (interpretation): Before we proceed, I will begin by recognizing individuals here.
We have a full house this afternoon.
I would like them to rise when I say your name, and especially the first ones who come from my riding. These individuals work in the parks or are on the board, our mayor and member, Manasa Evic.
And from Pangnirtung again Sila Kisa, and again from Pangnirtung, Hezekiah Oshutapik. And again from Pangnirtung, Tommy Etuangat. And again from Pangnirtung, Abraham Keenainak.
And from Iqaluit, Bert Rose. And from Pond Inlet, David Qamaniq. From Arctic Bay, Tommy Tattatuapik.
And from Pond Inlet, Geesonie Killiktee. And from Pond Inlet again, Qavavauq Issuqangituq. From Resolute Bay, Joadamee Amagoalik.
From Resolute Bay again, Tapisa Mullin. And from Resolute Bay again, Lisa Ningeok. Welcome to the Gallery.
From Pond Inlet, David Mablick. And from Clyde River, Lynn Rutt. From Repulse Bay, David Tuktudjuk.
Chesterfield Inlet, Andre Tautu. From Rankin Inlet, Jackie Nakoolak.
I would also like to recognize the individuals in the Gallery. I would like to welcome them and their staff.
My list isn’t quite as long as yours. I would like to welcome two ladies from my Cambridge Bay riding; Jesse Lyall, sitting behind Minister Simailak; welcome Jesse. Rosie Kupeuna is sitting behind the minister.
These two ladies have made significant contributions to people’s lives and the community of Cambridge Bay and I would like to congratulate them for coming over here and continuing their education.
It gives me great pleasure to welcome, and some of them have already been introduced, so I won’t do them by name because I want to give the members an opportunity to introduce their constituents.
We have the 27 students who are involved in the Masters of Education Program being run right now with Nunavut Arctic College. At the same time, that same program is affiliated with the University of Prince Edward Island as well as St. Francis Xavier University, the Department of Education, and the college here.
So I would like to take this opportunity and welcome the 27 representatives of the Masters of Education Program.
I would also like to welcome to the Gallery at this time Jack and Janet Neil. Jack and Janet are from Ottawa, Mr. Speaker, and Jack is the interim minister of the Emmanuel United Church and the sponsor of the Iqaluit United Church here in Iqaluit.
The Emmanuel Church in Ottawa is the home of the El Salvadorian refugee community in Ottawa and they’re working with Habitat for Humanity.
And while Jack and Janet are in town, they’re going to be meeting with the Habitat for Humanity here in town. So I would like to take this opportunity to welcome both the reverends to Iqaluit.
I have a couple of constituents. I am going to very quickly welcome Cathy Hanson, a long-time community activist with the Status of Women’s Council, a parent and mother, to the Gallery.
And a good friend of mine working at Nunavut Arctic College; she’s one of the key people in the education system within Nunavut, and indeed, she’s the boss of the college up there, be very nice to her, Peesee Pitseolak. Please welcome them to the Gallery.
Speaker: Welcome to the Gallery. (interpretation) Thank you.
I would like to recognize two individuals that I represent from my community in Kugluktuk, who are here for their Masters.
They also worked for the Kitikmeot School Operations for a long, long time. They also taught a lot of young people in our communities and some had worked in different communities in Nunavut.
Our Executive Director for School Operations Millie Kuliktana, please rise and be recognized.
And also Helen Iqaana-Powers is the bilingual language consultant.
Mr. Speaker, the person that I’m going to recognize, who is the principal for teaching and learning centres in the Kitikmeot and had been working on my garments for about 29 years, maybe a little bit more, who is my wife Susie Evyagotailak.
I would like to acknowledge my constituent, a person who works with me in Chesterfield Inlet, Andre Tautu, and Jackie Nakoolak, who is from Coral Harbour as well.
I have four individuals to acknowledge from Sanikiluaq.
Every time I mention your name please rise.
These are all my relatives through my mom and through my father’s side, Myna Rumple, please rise.
I would also like to acknowledge my hunting partner, Mary Qaqvik, and a teacher in Sanikiluaq, Lisa Qaqvik. Also my father’s sister’s daughter is here. I would like to recognize Dyna Qaqvik.
Although you recognized the individuals that came from my riding, I do want to acknowledge them.
First of all my father-in-law Tommy Tattatuapik, first of all I would like to acknowledge him, Liza Ningiuk from Grise Fiord and Joadamee Amagoalik and Tabitha Mullin from Resolute Bay.
And, if you allow me, I do want to acknowledge the people of Repulse Bay. My community was able to get thirty caribou from Repulse Bay.
I have to apologize beforehand if I don’t pronounce your name properly, but your names are written properly. I would like to acknowledge: Michelle Akaqjuk, chair, Mary Tuttaqjuq, co-chair, Jimmy Imingiaq, secretary, Louise Angutinguaq, councillor, Romeo Quppak, member, Joseph Sivinnaqtuq, member, Antoine Siatiq, member, and Levi Angutialuq, who is a member also.
I would also like to acknowledge the hunters: Lauren Qiyingajaaq, I am sorry, Qingajaq, I apologize. Joe Angutinguaq, John Tasiuluk, John Evaluktangna, I apologize, Aglukkaq, and Mark Tukammajaa.
I also would like to acknowledge David Tuktudjuk from Repulse Bay, and I would like to acknowledge the individuals who packaged the caribou meat, Aseena Angutinguaq, and Barney Quppak as well as the members of the HTO of Arctic Bay.
I apologize with you for mispronouncing their names.
Member for Igloolik and Hall Beach, Mr. Tapardjuk.
Although I do recognize some individuals around here I would like to acknowledge Geela Alarok. She is married to the contender I had during the election days.
Also, very rarely do we get people from our department. Suvenai Joamie is our Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit coordinator in the Department of Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth, because it is very enjoyable.
I would also like to acknowledge my Ningauq. I do want acknowledge too that even though they are going through difficult times in their family that he is able to make it here.
I know that I won’t be rising up during Oral Question period, but I do have an opportunity to rise by acknowledging an individual from my other constituency.
I would like to welcome Elisapee Flaherty to the Gallery.
Member for Pond Inlet, Mr. Arvaluk.
Although you recognized the individuals from Pond Inlet, it seems like they are all from the Parks Planning Committee.
Their names are David Qamaniq, who also works for QIA, and he is our Mayor of Pond Inlet. David Mablick; he walks around the skidoo tracks to make sure no one is spilling oil, or any fuel so he is the lead investigator of contaminant spills.
I would also like to welcome Geesonie, and his wife Winnie.
And, Qavavauq who is from Parks. We do have a Co-op store that has close to 100 staff members.
Though we have sold some of our assets here, like the old hotel, and the Uqsuq Corporation, but Qavavauq has been the manager of the hardware department for so many years.
It’s very rare that I get to acknowledge an individual from my constituency. Though this individual was acknowledged I would like to introduce David Tuktudjuk, my wife’s brother.
He has been a member of KIA for quite some time now, and also he has been a member of various boards and agencies.
He is a very capable, hard working person, and I would like to welcome him.
I don’t think Akesuk meant what he said.
I’m sure he’ll have to rise too, during Question Period.
I don’t want to miss anyone, and some of you have missed individuals in Mr. Picco’s riding.
They are Meeka Qaqulluq. She is a great singer, and she can sing for you.
If you want to laugh at her funny songs she is very good at it; also Maggie Kuniliusie who lives in Apex.
There are also individuals from Arviat, Qanaatsiaq; I welcome you to the Gallery.
And also, your constituent used to be our Deputy Commissioner from Pangnirtung. Lena Metuq, welcome.
And, my staff in my constituency, Nancy Mike.
And, I apologise, Mr. Speaker, although you recognized the people that I wanted to acknowledge, my relatives, especially my uncle, our Mayor of Pangnirtung.
And also, when we were growing up, who used to be my fellow partner in mischief when we were young, Tommy Etoangat.
I would also like to acknowledge and welcome everyone.
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Item 5.
I do want to acknowledge, although I mentioned the staff members, but there’s some staff members: David Argument from Pangnirtung. Welcome to the Gallery.
From Parks Canada, an individual who’s been working for long time during our campaign. This individual really supported me during our campaign. I would like to thank Nancy Anilniliak.
Welcome. Thank you.
And also the individuals who weren’t mentioned please make sure you know that you are welcome here.
Question 343 – 2(3): Payroll Tax Increase (Tootoo)
My question is for the Minister responsible for Health and the Department of Transportation. I’m just kidding.
For the Minister responsible for Finance.
Earlier this week in the minister’s fiscal update, he informed the House the government plans to impose a 100 percent increase in the Nunavut Payroll Tax from it current one percent to two percent.
When the Northwest Territories did this in 2004, they introduced a bill to amend the Payroll Tax Act.
Can the Minister inform the House when he will introduce legislation to give affect to this change so all members may give consideration to this issue?
Yes, my officials and the Department of Justice are working on the legislation. Once this legislation draft is completed, we will introduce it. We’re just waiting for the Department of Justice to complete the drafting of it.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Simailak.
I don’t know how long they’ll take to change from a one to a two.
Mr. Speaker, my first supplementary to the Minister is, I’m concerned the public has been hearing mixed messages on the Payroll Tax issue.
In his economic statement this week he stated, and I’ll quote it “to offset the impact of this tax increase on Nunavummiut, we are raising the cost of living credit.”
A CBC interview with the minister was more direct and quoted him saying “permanent Nunavut residents should not be affected by that tax.”
His statements implied that no permanent resident will pay more on taxes.
However, the technical backgrounder that his department issued tells a different story.
It states that the cost of living deductions “helps” offset the Payroll Tax, and it suggested that some people will pay more taxes than they currently do.
My question is simple, Mr. Speaker. Will some Nunavummiut pay more tax than before; yes or no?
Hon. David Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) I apologize when CBC was interviewing me if that message did not get through.
I apologize to all the Nunavummiut if this was misunderstood.
(interpretation ends) With the increase of the credit up to $900, the threshold would be at about $45,000. That’s when there will be no extra Payroll Tax paid.
It’s about $45,000 per annum income. Another example: let’s say if a person is making $75,000 a year, that person’s Payroll Tax should be $1,500 for the year.
For the cost of living benefit of $900 that person’s net payroll tax pay should be about $600.
(interpretation) Yes, that’s how it is set up, again I apologize to Nunavummiut when I was being interviewed through CBC anyone who’s making $45,000 per annum, yes they’ll have to pay additional to the payroll taxes.
In his speech, the minister said that by raising the tax by one percentage point, brings us in line with the Northwest Territories which already imposes a higher levy on workers and that this will generate approximately $5.3 million in additional revenues.
Mr. Speaker, when the NWT increased its Payroll Tax in 2004, it also, at the time, decreased some of its Personal Income Tax rates.