EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I am an Inuk. It’s quite obvious, a couple of days ago, when we were talking this issue, that what has been said in the past has not gone through yet.
It is obvious through the Premier’s response that the cabinet has not approved it and we hear that there is going to be a feasibility study.
It is quite obvious now that since the creation of Nunavut, through the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, once Inuit had voted on it, it became reality.
Something similar to this process has not arisen.
Inuit must be able to hear the truth.
With that in mind, I am going to be asking further questions in regards to this matter. Are we are going to be following the rules and policies or are we are going to bring them up only when it suits us.
I’ve been told that I opposed the decision of the cabinet and I was told that I broke a rule but if we’re talking about something that wasn’t agreed to by the cabinet members and I was told that I broke rules; if we are to use this than Inuit will stop believing in our government.
Even if people are getting tired of hearing the same thing being repeated over and over again, I am going to keep bringing it up until the truth is revealed.
Member’s Statement 432 – 1(6): Elder and Youth Program Funding
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address an issue of ongoing concern.
Mr. Speaker, this ongoing concern is ongoing is because the funding is not ongoing.
Mr. Speaker, many community youth centres are lucky to keep afloat from year to year.
Many of these centres receive federal funding one year at a time and it’s never guaranteed to continue.
As a result, long term planning is very difficult to do.
Mr. Speaker, in order to deliver effective programming, you need long term security, you need a commitment for ongoing funding so that you can plan from one year to the next and know that working towards a goal is possible.
For example, in Kugluktuk, the youth group and the elders group would like to get together at the centre and communicate with each other.
Communicating between these two groups is the key to revitalizing our Innuinaqtut language.
But without ongoing funding, it is very difficult to plan anything meaningful.
Mr. Speaker, different communities have different needs and different goals, but dealing with the absence of ongoing funding is a common concern.
Communities could greatly benefit from committed funds for elders and youth programming, funding for Program Coordinators who could assist both groups on annual funding for capital needs.
Mr. Speaker, I recognize that there is funding available for various projects through the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth.
Again this funding is not ongoing and the application process puts barriers up when it should be making things easier.
Elders and youth groups would like to plan their activities when the weather is good, not for when it is convenient for someone in the office to review their application.
I think that the application system needs to get their priorities straight.
Mr. Speaker, I urge the Minister of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth to continue working to support elders and youth groups as much as possible.
(Interpretation begins) I will be asking further questions on this matter shortly when we reach question period.
Member’s Statement 433 – 1(6): Halibut and Turbot Fishing
I just came back from Pangnirtung today and I would like to inform my colleagues and the Members about this issue, as they hear about the turbot commercial fishing up in Pangnirtung.
Just this year, especially in the past month, we finally have good ice conditions on the sound that allows fishermen to roam further for their halibut or turbot fishing.
The ice conditions are so much better compared to the last two years.
If we compare it to last year, about the middle of February to the middle of March, we caught approximately 50 thousand pounds.
And the same period this year to the 15th of March, we have caught 120 thousand pounds of turbot, because of the extremely good fishing conditions.
With the huge amount of fish caught, they employ approximately 46 to 50 fish workers at the plant. You can process turbot depending on the catch and create much employment, not only at the plant but amongst the population.
I would like to tell my colleagues that they are going to keep fishing as long as the ice is good.
There is a lot of economic benefit to our community through this commercial fishing industry, so I wish them fair and cold weather to allow the ice conditions to remain stable long enough to earn some money after expenses.
I met up with fishermen, the people, and my relatives during my stay in Pangnirtung, so I wish them all the best of luck.
Thank you very much for an enjoyable stay in Pangnirtung.
Member’s Statement 434 – 1(6): Role Model for Youth
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about role models for our youth.
Mr. Speaker, role models can come from many walks of life.
Role models can be internationally famous artists, like Susan Aglukark, or they may be your favourite high school teacher who inspired you.
Mr. Speaker, we have had some serious and heart felt discussions over the past couple of weeks on how to build a better future for the youth in our communities.
One important factor is the visible presence of role models for our youth.
It is also important that youth see role models that they can relate to.
People who come from the same culture, share similar experiences, and have faced similar challenges.
Mr. Speaker, when young people themselves become role models, it is vital that we not forget that they too are only human. Youth who have distinguished themselves deserve our respect.
We must not treat them as though they were super human, or invulnerable.
Mr. Speaker, I speak from personal experience on this point.
Sometimes role models also need our support.
Mr. Speaker, I want to close on an upbeat note by talking about someone close to me, who is not only a role model, but has become an actual model.
Mr. Speaker, I do not think you will allow to formally table it in this House, but I want to present this bobble-head doll of Jordin Tootoo to our Premier.
Mr. Speaker not only is he younger than I am, as one other member in this assembly, but he too, along with all of us are role models for our youth.
I would also like to mention and to congratulate Jordin for being chosen as a Brandon Wheat Kings player of the year for the second year in a row, and wish him all the best as he goes up against all the other players of the year for the league player of the year.
Member’s Statement 435 – 1(6): Lack of Cost of Living Increases
Mr. Speaker, in 1999 at the beginning of the first assembly, we were welcomed by the staff and told that if we are going to be making comments to produce written materials in order make a good statement.
Since April 1999, I have always risen to make Member’s Statements and continually ensured that I had a copy of what I wrote, it seems like they are never requested.
I read them during the member’s statements and then I bring them back to my office.
Nobody has ever requested a copy of what I read in the House and nobody seems to care whether or not I have any statements available.
I am not sure where the statements go as I do not see them anywhere after I have made the statement.
It is because of this and other matters that I have started to detail more aspects of my life as it relates to our government operations and our Assembly.
At that time, before the creation of Nunavut and when we were still with the Government of the Northwest Territories, the hamlets were given very few responsibilities and authority.
The housing associations, the hamlets and the housing authority were given inadequate funding allocations for the Operations and Maintenance.
The communities have always maintained that it was inadequate.
These different organizations that are funded by the government have never been asked whether the funding is adequate and bodies such as HTOs, Hamlets and other organizations have never received any increases to reflect the increase in the cost of living in Nunavut.
It’s still the same case today.
There have been a marked increase in the cost of living and operating and maintaining in those entities but the dollar value is still exactly the same as the time we were with the Government of the Northwest Territories.
We are hoping to see an increase and at times, we have an extremely hard time trying to complete our programs.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to seek unanimous consent to conclude my statements.
Even the welfare recipients get assistance to pay for their rent and for other expenses they are not given any assistance for capital purchases, such as hunting equipment to alleviate the cost of living and further, they do not get any assistance for harvesting supplies.
If they happen to secure some employment, they are immediately hit with a rent increase based on their new income.
There are people out there, especially in the smaller communities who have worked for 30 years who have hardly had an increase in their salaries because there isn’t enough money to cover that in the Operations and Maintenance budget.
We all know that we bring in people from the south to work in the Hamlets and so on.
We give them VTA’s, we give them excellent salaries and benefits, but in the two communities that I represent, of Clyde River and Broughton Island, the majorities of their population are Inuktitut speaking.
They are experienced, but they are not hired because the bosses are from the south do not understand what the Inuit culture is like.
We must make this a priority issue in the communities in the Nursing Stations, the schools and others alike that only with the help of Inuktitut speaking people they are able to function.
That is what I wanted to say.
Speaker: Just a reminder to members to try and keep their Member’s Statements to one topic as it states in your House Rules.
Member’s Statement 436 – 1(6): Road Condition in Iqaluit
Mr. Speaker, very quickly, I would like to, I agree with Mr. Puqiqnak in the statement about Mr. Ernie Lyall, very good book written a few years ago and I recommend that people read it maybe reread it.
Mr. Speaker, I have been approached by several constituents, taxi drivers and motorists concerning possibly, Mr. Speaker, possibly the most dangerous intersection in Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker, the intersection in question is located adjacent, adjacent to the Department of Fisheries Building in Lower Tundra Valley.
Mr. Speaker, when you approach the intersection heading east, there is no stop sign.
The Fisheries building imposed itself and causes a blinding corner heading west from the side road adjoining to the Fisheries building.
Mr. Speaker, there have been some close calls with this intersection.
I’ve recently written to the Mayor and asked that the city look at the possibility of making the entrance of the side road one way or possibly not allowing a right hand turn heading East, in front of the Fisheries Building.
Mr. Speaker, just this week, there was a close call when some children were playing near the intersection and if something is not done, the results may be tragic.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the many constituents of Iqaluit residents who have raised this issue with me and I look forward to a very positive response, very soon from City Hall.
Before we begin, I would like to acknowledge and recognize our Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Robert Danbury.
As I spoke earlier regarding the Hair Dressing Course here in Iqaluit, I would like to let my colleagues know they do not have hair transplant services and that is not what they are being taught.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize, first of all, the instructor, Suzanne.
As well, if you can stand up while I call your name, Cecile Gibbons, Nancy Shamee, Elisapee Quassa, Caroline Jonah, Tai-Lucy Pitsiulak, Sowdlu Kootoo, Leah Maliki, not here right now, Delilah Kalliraq.
I wanted to recognize this hair dressing class as well, Elisapee and Delilah will be going to Yellowknife for a competition and thank you for coming to the House today.
It’s very rare that we get to recognise constituents because we’re so far away from here.
I would like to welcome the mayor of Taloyoak, David Aqsaq.
I recognised earlier in my mind but I’ll just go ahead.
My brother Louis Bruce was in here earlier but he had to go and catch his flight.
I didn’t even realize he wasn’t here anymore.
I would also like to recognise someone that has taken care of my hair, Nowdlak.
She has completed her training.
She’s a very well experienced hairdresser and works with Suzanne.
If you can please stand up Nowdlak.
She’s a very good hairdresser at Suzanne’s salon.
As well, Suzanne.
I have a choice of what colour I want my hair because of them.
Question 426 – 1(6): Support Taloyoak Residents for Narwhale Hunting Rights
Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the Minister for Sustainable Development.
In one of my constituency, in the community of Taloyoak, the mayor of Taloyoak, and myself as the MLA of that community, have some concerns regarding the fact that they were charged with going over the narwhal quota.
It is within our right to hunt and sustain ourselves.
They had used their right to hunt as Inuit when they caught this narwhal, but then they were charged by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans for going over the set quota.
They can now be fined a certain amount for those infractions.
I would like to ask the Minister of Sustainable Development, as a representative of Inuit with hunting rights across Nunavut, as Inuit, we have no other source of income and hunting is our only way of life for a lot of people, so I would like to ask the Minister of Sustainable Development, as to what your department can do support these individuals.
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk (interpretation):: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Good afternoon to our TV viewers.
First of all, Fisheries and Oceans are following their regulations.
We as a government as well, the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, I think, can work together and discuss how Inuit can be dealt with once they have gone over the set quotas, when Inuit have been charged, although these are Department of Fisheries and Oceans regulations and they’re responsible for those regulations.
Mr. Speaker, I will try and open dialogue with Department of Fisheries and Oceans along with Nunavut Wildlife Management Board and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, although it will be a tough issue to deal with.
I hope you have success in discussing with those organizations to open dialogue with Department of Fisheries and Oceans regarding those types of charges.
However, with that in mind, Mr. Speaker, those people that infringe on those regulations don’t mean to do it on purpose.
It’s their way of life and that’s how they survive.
With that, we’ve heard the next court appearance is in June and these infractions can come with hefty fines.
I’m trying to find out from the Minister, that if by June 2003, if you can try and get that delayed so that you have the time for discussion with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
I am asking if you can ask to have that delayed.
Speaker: Caution to the member that only items that are before the courts are not discussed here in the House.
I don’t think the Minister can answer that question, so, if you’d like to rephrase your question, Mr. Puqiqnak.
I’m referring to a letter I received from Taloyoak.
I’m asking the Minister, since he mentioned Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and under Article 24, in the Land Claims Agreement, that he would discuss this issue with those two other parties to open dialogue in support of those hunters who have infringed upon the Department of Fisheries and Oceans regulations.
You said you would look at working to protect the rights of Inuit with those other organizations.
Perhaps my question is: what can your department do to soften the blow for those individuals.
Yes, as I said, this will be a difficult situation.
As we said, we don’t have the jurisdiction through the courts to say which way we want them to go.
Department of Fisheries and Oceans has regulations that they have to enforce and most of the time it is very hard to have an impact on those regulations.
It won’t be an easy issue to deal with but I will attempt to see if that date in June can be deferred.
Mr. Speaker, for his department, I stated earlier that Inuit have their rights protected under the Land Claims Agreement.
Have there been any other situations where individuals were charged for hunting over the quota.
If there were any other situations where Inuit were charged under certain regulations, have you had to deal with any situations like that within your Department?
I don’t have that information with me whether or not our department has seen that type of situation, but as I said, I would open dialogue with DFO and the other Organizations and that is probably when I will find out with similar situations.
Question 427 – 1(6): Support Youth Programs for Healthy Living
My question is directed to the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth regarding the language support for our youth.
What programs has the Department come up with regarding how to live a healthy life?
If the communities in Nunavut have a youth group, there is $2,000 available for start up funds and we can also come up with different programs where Elders and youth can tap into funding through applications from the Department.
There are different types of funds that groups can apply for within the communities.
I am not exactly sure where his question is pertaining to any of the particular programs within the Department, but I can give the Member some information about the different programs where funding is available for communities to provide services for youth and Elders.
The funding that we have though is not very much for the types of things that we’re offering.
We are working on how we can better structure it for the youth in the future.
I understand his response, that there are different programs within the Department.
What kinds of organizations do you think I can apply to for program funding in the communities?
Within the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth, we are trying to simplify the application process for other programs and trying to categorize which funding is available within the Department and this information will be made available to all concerned within Nunavut, but his question regarding funding applications for Elders and youth.
There is a program in there that specifically deals with Elders and youth gatherings and I would be willing to sit down with him to give him a better idea of what programs are available to communities to apply for funding and I will also provide him with that simplified copies of applications for those programs.
He talked about the funding applications and simplifying these applications.
When are those simplified application processes going to be put into place?
Perhaps I can provide him with a list tomorrow.
The simplified application process is now available and I can give the Member a copy this afternoon, or tomorrow.
Question 428 – 1(6): Final Decisions on Agreement in Principle
As I stated earlier regarding events in the past few days, we need better clarification for the Public regarding this issue.
I will ask my question in English very briefly.
(Interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, it is a short question.
My question is does the Premier agree that an Agreement in Principle is not a final decision?
An agreement in principle provides the context upon which a Final Agreement will be reached.
The exact details are not in the Agreement in Principle, but the principles on which to move forward are contained in the Agreement in Principle.
Once the details are worked, then we get to the Final Agreement stage.
Yes that confirms that there has not been a final decision although he mentioned that the Agreement in Principle was there, that the details were yet to be worked on. Is it not misleading that something that was said to be agreed to before a final decision was made regarding the move of those jobs to another community.
Is he not lying to those people when he made those statements, even before they made a final decision on it?
I am going to ask you to repeat the question.
The telephone that went off here distracted us from hearing your question.
Would you repeat the question again?
Mr. Anawak (interpretation): As we have heard that an Agreement in Principle is not a final decision.
It is just an agreement ahead of the final decision, that is what it means.
So I apologize for saying Agreement in Principle in English.
For example, the Land Claims Agreement, we had an Agreement in Principle with Nunavut Tunngavik and Inuit had to vote to ratify the Agreement in Principle for Land Claims.
As the Premier had stated the Agreement in Principle is not a final decision.
My question is, that Inuit out there have heard about the final decision and they were not happy with the final decision and that’s why I was voted out of Cabinet.
The agreement in principle, isn’t that misleading the public out there that the agreement in principal is not the final agreement.
Isn’t that misleading the public?
Yes, we voted on this issue as Cabinet, I’m sure it won’t be the last time. We disclosed this even how we voted in Cabinet for instance but the media has now got hold of the details and when this incident happened, the oath he took was no longer being used and I also thank my colleagues for participating and being involved.
At the time, I could tell the members here and my colleagues at the cabinet level are now comfortable and we have no animosity and I am thankful to my fellow elected members.
This was already decided upon that the premier thanks the colleagues for involving all the members.
If I was the premier, I would leave the discretion up to the members if they want to follow this or that.
But the point I’m trying to make is that even the premier said that this was a final decision.
I know that some members voted on the motion even thought they didn’t quite understand the contents.
We’re being told that this has already been discussed but we haven’t completed it yet.
The members of the public out there and the members of the Legislative Assembly need to know the truth.
For that reason, is the Premier saying that he’s going to make regulations according to what is left for them.
This is the usual practice of all elected members no matter what jurisdiction you come from.
If a member of the cabinet does not agree with cabinet members, they have the right to leave the cabinet level if they disagree with the government or the cabinet.
The decision that we wanted to make, we knew that we were going to complete it right away because we had agreed in principal and the details had to be worked in by our officials and that’s what we’re trying to put into practice today.
Speaker: Caution to Mr. Anawak and also to the premier, under our rules, which are your rules, 23, f, states, “The questions will not reflect upon any previous vote of the assembly except for the purpose of removing to have it rescinded.”
So, both members keep that in mind.
Yes, that’s the usual practise of the government and when we wanted to create Government of Nunavut, we wanted to have a unique government.
That was what the people wanted.
The premier said that he wants to get away from the old system but the premier used the government system.
For example, we are using the British Parliamentary process; it is a Westminster-style of Government.
Even Tony Blair in England was in opposition of one of the Ministers and that Member of that Parliament is still a Minister of that Parliament.
If we are going to be using the Westminster style of Government, are we just going to be picking out the ones that are neutralized or are we going to apply the whole system to our system or are we going to make it more culturally-friendly to Inuit?
Again to reminder to the Members that your first question, your preamble is fine, but move onto your other questions, your preamble should be very precise and direct.