EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I would like to get some sort of commitment from the minister today that he or his officials will be seriously sitting down with the Hamlet of Cambridge Bay to discuss their runway extension requirements for the foreseeable future.
I will indicate to my colleague that we have been committed to looking at the issue surrounding Cambridge Bay on the airport’s infrastructure needs.
Now, the length of the runway is only one part of the issue, as my colleague knows very well, and also with the lighting and other possible works that have been looked at. I will indicate to my colleague today that as part of our commitment to try and help the community and region with the airport and facilities in Cambridge Bay, we will talk on the issues of this and make contact with the council to come to a good understanding of where our department is and also the expectations of the council so that both sides are clear as to what the other one is doing for the airport and its needs in Cambridge Bay.
I thank the minister for that commitment and perhaps, it might be necessary to call it the Cambridge Bay airport master plan or master strategy so we can have some focus on what we are doing over there and not be a bit of a  hodge podge of do this one year, this some other year because in addition to the airport runway extension, there is also the continuing ongoing issue of airport parking.
That’s been something that has been dragging on since the year 2000 as well.
The former minister had actually given assurances that it would be undertaken last summer. It didn’t occur and it is getting very dangerous out there.
In addition to the parking out there, you have vehicles that have to cross the tarmac to get to the dew line hanger across the runway, going past the fuel tanks and the jets, helicopters. It doesn’t look like a safe situation there. You got people going to pick up their freight at First Air and Canadian North hangers have to go through the parking lot.
You get passengers arrive at the airport dragging their suitcases across the parking lot through an uncontrolled parking area.
To me this is a situation waiting for an accident to happen.
So I’d like to reaffirm from this minister and the department to upgrading the airport parking at Cambridge Bay and get more practical solutions to vehicle traffic crossing the tarmac and different hangers and to freight hangers.
I think it doesn’t cost all that much I mean it’s just a matter of controlling it; signage, setting of directions, taking telephones out of the middle of the parking lot, and those sorts of things.
Can the minister give me an indication if he is willing do that?
Did you get all that Mr. Minister?
Hon. Peter Kilabuk: Yes, I did Mr. Chairman.
As a matter of fact its maybe the only time ever I’ll be able to wave my wand and respond to my colleagues and say that we sent our people in back in October and the funding has been identified for the necessary work required. So there is my wand.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, which you may not see very often.
I thank the Minister for waving his magic wand. In his other former ministry he accused me of reading his mind on a couple of issues, now I can reciprocate and say he has been reading my mind. I don’t know if that is a scary thing or a good thing, but it is good news to the community.
Just a couple more quick questions, Mr. Chairman; in the Kitikmeot, we are only seeing one airstrip rehab and an apron rehab. Can you give me an indication in the Kitikmeot about the conditions of the other airstrips or runways and when they might be rehabbed?
I am not sure if we have that information available to answer any colleague’s question correctly about other communities. And if there is they would have to be in the future years Mr. Chairman.
I will commit in providing that information to my colleague.
Mr. Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the Minister.
That wasn’t a priority of mine. I would be willing to wait for that information if I can get it within a couple of weeks or a month or two. And related to that question if the Minister can give me an idea of how his department goes about reviewing and assessing runways for upgrading, rehabbing.
I am trying to recall the discussion we had recently during our meetings regarding inspections. So I will say to my colleague that inspections are done and also the reports are further reviewed by the Department of Transportation.
So the inspections do take place for airports throughout.
If the minister could give us some information and update on that, when you give the other information that would be certainly something I would want to accept.
I have no further questions, Mr. Chair.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Peterson. (interpretation) He has no further questions.
We’re on page K-12. (interpretation ends) Tangible Assets.
Kitikmeot Region. Total Kitikmeot Region. $450,000.00. (interpretation) Do you agree?
Chairman: Total Tangible Assets. $7,726,000.
Chairman: Go to page K-4.
Departmental Summary.
Total Capital Expenditures. $7,951,000.
Chairman: Are you agreed that Economic Development and Transportation is concluded?
Do you have any closing comments? Minister Kilabuk.
Hon. Peter Kilabuk: Very quickly Mr. Chairman, that will be it. Thank you so much.
Mr. Barnabas (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to recognize the clock and I move to report progress.
Chairman: We have a motion on the floor and the motion is not debatable.
All those in favour of the motion please raise your hand.
Speaker (interpretation): Going to the Orders of the Day. Item 20.
Report of the Committee of the Whole. Mr. Arreak.
A reminder for meetings tomorrow morning; 9 a.m.: Ajauqtiit, in the Nanuk Room, and regular caucus at 10:30 in the Tuktu Room.
Orders of the Day for November 29:
Speaker (interpretation): We will resume on November 29, 2005 at 1.30 in the afternoon.
>>House adjourned at 18:10
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Pages 561 – 624
Opening Prayer 561
Ministers’ Statements 561
Members’ Statements 566
Returns to Oral Questions 568
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 568
Oral Questions 570
Tabling of Documents 589
Notices of Motions 590
Second Reading of Bills 591
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 592
Report of the Committee of the Whole 622
Orders of the Day 622
Tuesday, November 29, 2005 561
038 – 2(3): First Ministers’ Meeting in Kelowna (Okalik) 561
039 – 2(3): Fur Pricing Program (Akesuk) 563
040 – 2(3): Towards a Baby-Friendly Nunavut (Aglukkaq) 563
041 – 2(3): Department of Justice Website (Okalik) 564
042 – 2(3): Languages Services Annual Report (Tapardjuk) 564
043 – 2(3): Qulliq Energy Corporation Financial Direction Turnaround (Picco) 565
070 – 2(3): Condolences to Kattuk Family (Okalik) 566
071 – 2(3): Tahiuqtiit Society Grand Opening (Evyagotailak) 566
072 – 2(3): Food Mail Program (Curley) 567
073 – 2(3): Thank Kuttiktuk Mayors (Barnabas) 568
Return to Oral Question 073 – 2(3): Status of Economic Development Strategy Recommendations (Kilabuk) 568
090 – 2(3): Fishing Quotas in Davis Strait (Tootoo) 570
091 – 2(3): Update on Changes to Polar Bear Quotas (Barnabas) 573
092 – 2(3): Passports for Arctic Winter Games Participants (Evyagotailak) 574
093 – 2(3): Devolution Agreement (Peterson) 575
094 – 2(3): Additional Support for Hunters (Curley) 577
095 – 2(3): Contractors and Inuit Employment (Tootoo) 579
096 – 2(3): Inuit Language Protection (Barnabas) 581
097 – 2(3): Patient Accommodations (Peterson) 583
098 – 2(3): Clarification on Article 23 and Priority Hiring Policy (Tootoo) 586
050 – 2(3): Auditor General’s Report for Qulliq Energy Corporation as of March 31, 2005 (Picco) 589
051 – 2(3): Response to Letter of Expectation – Qulliq Energy Corporation, June 30, 2005 (Picco) 589
052 – 2(3): Nunavut Education Act (K-12) 2005 Public Consultations (Picco) 589
053 – 2(3): Nunavut Early Childhood Development Update Report 2003-04 (Picco) 589
054 – 2(3): Schedule for the Student Loan Fund - March 31, 2004 (Picco) 589
055 – 2(3): FPT Ministerial Meetings (Picco) 589
056 – 2(3): 2004-05 Public Service Annual Report (Tapardjuk) 589
057 – 2(3): Annual Report on the Delivery of Services to the Public in Nunavut’s Languages, 2004-05 (Tapardjuk) 590
058 – 2(3): Activities Report Crown Agency Council of the Government of Nunavut Sept 1, 2003, through October 31, 2005 (Simailak) 590
059 – 2(3): Victims Assistance Fund 2004-05 (Okalik) 590
060 – 2(3): Minimum Wage Annual Report 2005 (Okalik) 590
061 – 2(3): Fire Safety Colouring Book (Brown) 590
005 – 2(3): Rescinding of Motion 011 – 2(2): Mid-Term Leadership Review of the Executive Council – Notice (Curley) 591
006 – 2(3): Mid-Term Leadership Review of the Executive Council of Nunavut – Notice (Curley) 591
Bill 10 – An Act to Amend the Nunavut Elections Act – Second Reading 591
Bill 01 – Appropriations (Capital) Act, 2006-07 – Culture, Language, Elders and Youth – Consideration in Committee 592
Bill 01 – Appropriations (Capital) Act, 2006-07 – Environment – Consideration in Committee 610
Tuesday November 29, 2005
Speaker (interpretation): We will begin with the opening prayer. Mr. Netser.
Mr. Premier, Ministers, Regular Members, Sergeant-at-Arms, Clerks, and Interpreters.
Minister’s Statement 038 – 2(3): First Ministers’ Meeting in Kelowna (Okalik)
On November 24 and 25, 2005, just last week, I had the honour of representing Nunavut at the First Ministers meeting on Aboriginal issues in Kelowna, British Columbia.
I attended with many Inuit leaders including our MP Nancy Karetak-Lindell, Jose Kusugak, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Paul Kaludjak, President of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and the three Presidents of the Nunavut’s Regional Associations, Thomasie Alikatuktuk, Tongola Sandy and Donald Havioyak.
The meeting concluded an historic process of multi-lateral discussions that the Prime Minister launched in April 2004 with the Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples Round Table.
(interpretation ends) This process has placed the Inuit of Canada in their rightful place amongst Canada’s aboriginal people. The focus on the need for Inuit specific policies and programs and the federal obligations to Inuit has done much to overcome misconceptions in federal policy that aboriginal meant Indians on reserves.
Last week’s meeting launched a multi-lateral, ten-year, dedicated effort to closing the gap in the quality of life that exists between aboriginal peoples and other Canadians.
The first priorities in that effort are education, housing and health.
For Nunavut, Canada has committed to support innovative educational initiatives and we have proposed that those initiatives should include an Inuit specific approach to education that develops Inuit specific curriculum, promotes, preserves and protects Inuit languages, and trains Inuit teachers and administrators.
We identified housing as our foremost priority for Nunavut.
We suggested to Canada that the most effective investment the federal government could make to improve our quality of life is in housing.
Canada has committed to providing immediate housing relief in Inuit communities and to work with the Nunavut Housing Corporation to address the housing shortages and overcrowding.
The Prime Minister made a commitment to fund the construction of 1,200 housing units in the far north during his opening statement on Thursday.
We are awaiting the details of that program to confirm the number of units that will be built here in Nunavut.
We have committed to working with our partners in the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement to use the multi-year investment in Inuit housing as a means to create economic development initiatives, create Inuit employment, and train more Inuit in the construction trade.
First Ministers and National Aboriginal Leaders also reviewed the draft Aboriginal Health Working Document that has been described as a work in progress.
Canada committed to investing new money in the Inuit health system through Health Canada and in tripartite agreements between Canada, the provinces and the territories, and regional aboriginal organizations.
(interpretation ends) Our officials will need to meet in the next couple of weeks with their counterparts in the provinces and territories and the federal government to review the implementation details of all of these commitments and to determine the investment that Canada proposes to make in Nunavut.
The implementation strategy within our new relationship model will be tripartite, Canada; Nunavut, and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, doing planning and agreements on the Inuit-specific investments to be made in Nunavut.
This is a ten-year plan with a five-year financial commitment and it may be weeks or months before the full details are unveiled through our discussions.
We look forward to working together with our partners on the implementation of this proposal in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I will be seeking the support of all Premiers to follow up with federal party leaders during the upcoming election to ensure that their support for the commitments made by the Government of Canada is brought forth.  As first ministers and key leaders, we are committed to meet again, in two or three years, to give reports on our progress.
As Premier, I’m committed to working with all of my federal colleagues and Inuit colleagues to ensure that the commitments achieved at this historic meeting in Kelowna are truly improving the lives of Nunavummiut.
Minister’s Statement 039 – 2(3): Fur Pricing Program (Akesuk)
Good afternoon, my colleagues.
Trapping and the selling of fur from trapped animals have always been a very important element of Inuit life.
It ensured our survival and later became an important part of the economy.
Today, trapping remains a significant part of the land-based economy and puts much needed cash into the pockets of Nunavut harvesters.
This program provides financial and other assistance to trappers, particularly when the markets are down.
One component of this program provides a fall payment to trappers who sold wolf and fox furs during the previous year.
This payment is made in the fall so that trappers have some cash to get ready for the new trapping season.
I am pleased to advise you that this month, my department is sending cheques to over 250 trappers.
The value of these cheques is nearly $70,000.
I know for those people who sold our wolf and fox furs, this assistance allows our hunters to continue to earn a living from the land.
Minister’s Statement 040 – 2(3): Towards a Baby-Friendly Nunavut (Aglukkaq)
Community health representatives, clerk interpreters, maternity care workers, maternity care worker students, nursing students, prenatal nutritionist workers, doctors, and dieticians have come together in Iqaluit this week from November 23 to 30 for training on how to support breastfeeding women and to provide education about healthy infant feeding to all mothers in Nunavut.
As part of the department’s commitment to healthy mothers and healthy babies, the Baffin Regional Hospital is working towards the designation of our baby-friendly hospital.
This work complements the ongoing effort of the department to promote breastfeeding, prenatal care, and regular checkups.
The baby-friendly initiative is led by the World Health Organization to improve the quality of care for mothers and babies. There are more than 20,000 hospitals worldwide that have achieved ‘baby-friendly’ hospital certifications.
I urge the Members of the House and the public to support the efforts of the Baffin Regional Hospital and of all Nunavut health centre providers to provide strong support for mothers by working towards the baby-friendly designation.
Minister’s Statement 041 – 2(3): Department of Justice Website (Okalik)
I am pleased to announce the launch of the new Department of Justice website.
The website includes general information about each division of the Department of Justice and allows Nunavummiut to access the statutes and regulations of Nunavut and the Nunavut Gazette on the Internet.
All general information on the new website is in Inuinnaqtun, Inuktitut, French, and English.
All the material is included on the website to the extent that each specific document is available in the particular language.
For instance, all legislation made in Nunavut since April 1, 1999, is in Inuktitut as well as English and French.
Mr. Speaker, the website’s address on the internet is http//:www.justice.gov.nu.ca.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Justice is pleased to be able to provide this information to Nunavummiut without charge in a form that is accessible across Nunavut and the world.
The department will continually add new material to the website in an effort towards providing more public access to the laws of Nunavut.
Minister’s Statement 042 – 2(3): Languages Services Annual Report (Tapardjuk)
The Government of Nunavut is committed to ensuring that speakers of Inuktitut, Inuinnaqtun, English, and French have equal access to government services in their languages.
In 2003 the government approved the Language Services Guidelines to provide departments with direction on delivering their services to the public.
This includes a requirement to table an annual report on the government’s progress in implementing the guidelines.
I’m very pleased to present to the House today the first annual report. It highlights the government’s progress in delivering services in Nunavut’s languages for the fiscal year that ended on March 31, 2005.
The report provides details on which services each department is offering in Inuktitut, Inuinnaqtun, English, and French.
It also highlights some of the challenges we are encountering in meeting our objectives.
The Language Services Annual Report will help inform the public on government efforts to deliver services in their languages and provide the government with the useful tool for planning for the future.
Minister’s Statement 043 – 2(3): Qulliq Energy Corporation Financial Direction Turnaround (Picco)
I am very pleased to inform the members that the Qulliq Energy Corporation has taken several proactive steps to strengthen fiscal control and public accountability and I will be tabling the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s financial statements later today.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to announce that Qulliq Energy Corporation has turned its financial direction around while demonstrating fiscal control, efficiency, and enhanced business standards.
Mr. Speaker, this is a great accomplishment.
In 2004-05, the corporation: reduced salaries and wages by 14 percent; services by 14 percent, and travel costs by 19 percent.
These reductions were based on reviewing all expenditures as they occurred and resulted in a $7.5 million savings over the April 2004 projections, and a $4 million savings over the November 2004 projections.
In effect, Qulliq Energy Corporation is $4.5 million better than it was in last year’s actuals.
Mr. Speaker, the 2004-05 Qulliq Energy Corporation has recorded the lowest losses in its corporate history and these numbers are before the price increases of April 1, 2005.
Any new revenue is from new generation or the recapturing of expenses, not from increased prices from fuel support or from Government of Nunavut contributions.
However, Mr. Speaker, even with the $5 to $7 million in savings generated by good corporate management and the new income of last year the corporation still does not have a projection that can bring it to a healthy financial position.
Even with the new electricity rates the Qulliq Energy Corporation is still short changed and will generate deficits unless this is addressed. Good management alone will not solve all the financial issues.
At some point electricity prices in Nunavut will have to follow southern markets and rise.
Mr. Speaker, new mandates have been given to the Qulliq Energy Corporation. The Government of Nunavut has asked the corporation to develop and launch conservation programs and hydro electric potential.
Both of these initiatives are now underway.
It is not practical to address Qulliq Energy Corporation’s mandate without taking a serious look at price adjustments.
The corporation has been looking at hydroelectric generation potential around Iqaluit.
As the financial situation solidifies we anticipate that this work continues and the Qulliq Energy Corporation moves towards capacity to undertake additional alternative generation projects.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, we are confident these changes demonstrate Qulliq Energy Corporation’s commitment to strengthening their financial structure and the corporation’s ability to maintain a reliable power generation system that manages Nunavut’s energy needs today and in the future.
Member’s Statement 070 – 2(3): Condolences to Kattuk Family (Okalik)
Mr. Speaker, I would like to say I am sorry that an individual, our relative, is not here.
This person has recently passed away.
They were like my family. The sister was like my mother.
Our thoughts and prayers will be with her and her family.
I would like to thank all the people that have come to visit and to bring food to the family.
Member’s Statement 071 – 2(3): Tahiuqtiit Society Grand Opening (Evyagotailak)
Mr. Evyagotailak (interpretation): Koana Uqaqti.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work that is being done by the Tahiuqtiit Society in Kugluktuk.
This non-profit group is preparing to provide life long learning opportunities for all Kugluktummiut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, all Members know how important learning is to developing independence and building pride and self-esteem.
The Tahiuqtiit Society has recently been approved for funding from the federal government and is in the final stages of signing their contribution agreement.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the hard work of all members of the Society.
Mr. Speaker, the members of the committee are:
Millie Kuliktana - President, Joanne Taptuna - Vice President, Greyson Adamache - Secretary/Treasurer, David Kaosoni, Lucy Nivingalok, Margaret Joyce, Richard Harrington, Ryan Nivingalok, and Jeanie Parks.
Mr. Speaker, the Society is preparing for the grand opening on December 10, 2005.
I would like to invite all Members to attend the grand opening.
The Society is working to become a model of life long learning that other communities can follow.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask all Members to join me in congratulating the Tahiuqtiit Society for their achievements.
Member’s Statement 072 – 2(3): Food Mail Program (Curley)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the issue of food mail in the Kivalliq region.
Earlier this week, my colleague from the High Arctic also raised this issue and the Member for Nanulik has advocated for a better food mail system in the Kivalliq.
Mr. Speaker, the food mail program should enable all Nunavummiut to access healthy, affordable, and quality perishable food items from the south.
Members are aware that Nunavummiut living in the Kivalliq Region have been unable to fully utilize the food mail program due to the fact that Churchill is the entry point for Kivalliq communities.
Food is transferred multiple times and the rates of spoilage are high. Individuals are rarely able to order their food directly and choice is limited.
Mr. Speaker, Members of this House have long advocated for Winnipeg to be the point of entry for the food mail program for the Kivalliq Region.
Last week on Monday, the Premier tabled a letter that he sent to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.
It is important that the problems with the food mail program be corrected to ensure that Nunavummiut living in the Kivalliq have equal access to healthy, affordable food.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that the program should be more widely advertised and simplified to ensure that all Nunavummiut know about and can access the program.
I would like to urge the federal government to improve this program by making Winnipeg the food entry point for the Kivalliq, in order to improve the food supply and to reduce the cost of living.
Member’s Statement 073 – 2(3): Thank Quttiktuq Mayors (Barnabas)
I rise today to thank my constituents and to give thanks to the mayors that were in place with the hamlet council: Mayor Niorie Iqalukjuak - Arctic Bay, who has already stated that he will not seek re-election and I would like to thank him; Susan Salluviniq - Resolute Bay; and Lisa Ningiuk - Grise Fiord.