EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
105 – 2(4): More Funding for Defence Lawyers (Curley) 650
106 – 2(4): Status of the Review of the Fuel Tax Rebate Program (Arvaluk) 652
107 – 2(4): Wildlife Harvest Permits (Peterson) 654
054 – 2(4): Arctic Bay Health Centre - Photos of Crowded Conditions (Barnabas) 656
055 – 2(4): Nunavut Association of Municipalities Press Release – Federal Budget Won’t Improve Nunavut’s “Quality of Life”, Declares NAM President, March 22, 2007 (Peterson) 657
056 – 2(4): Health Human Resources Initiative with the Métis – Health Canada Press Release February 6, 2007 (Arvaluk) 657
057 – 2(4): Qangualuk Disappearance - Draft Terms of Reference for Public Inquiry (Curley) 657
058 – 2(4): Compact Fluorescent Bulbs Do Not Pose a Fire Hazard – media release (Picco) 658
003 – 2 (4): Rejection of the Report of the Nunavut Electoral Boundaries Commission (Tootoo) 659
Bill 09 – An Act to Amend the Nunavut Elections Act – First Reading 674
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2007-08 – Consideration in Committee – Health and Social Services 675
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2007-08 – Consideration in Committee – Environment 700
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Honourable Olayuk Akesuk, Mr. David Alagalak, Mr. James Arreak, Mr. James Arvaluk, Mr. Levi Barnabas, Honourable Levinia Brown, Mr. Tagak Curley, Mr. Joe Allen Evyagotailak, Mr. Peter Kattuk, Honourable Peter Kilabuk, Mr. Steve Mapsalak, Honourable Patterk Netser, Honourable Paul Okalik, Mr. Keith Peterson, Honourable Edward Picco, Honourable David Simailak, Honourable Louis Tapardjuk, Mr. Hunter Tootoo.
Speaker (Hon. Peter Kilabuk)(interpretation): Good afternoon.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Welcome Premier, Ministers, and Members.
Minister’s Statement 039 – 2(4): Coppermine River Management Planning (Netser)
In 2002 the Coppermine River was successfully nominated to the Canadian Heritage River System through the hard work of the community of Kugluktuk, the Hunters and Trappers Organization, and my department.
The Coppermine nomination came in recognition of its important natural and cultural heritage value, and its significant recreational opportunities. The Coppermine River is one of the very few rivers nominated to the Canadian Heritage River System for outstanding representation of all three values.
The nomination highlighted the importance of the river to Kugluktummiut and already has resulted in more visitors and new opportunities for tourism in Kugluktuk.
This was only the first step to full designation of the river, as the Thelon, Kazan, and Soper Rivers already are. The second step is the preparation of a river management plan to ensure the values for which the river was nominated will be maintained through appropriate management action by all stakeholders.
Today I am pleased to inform members that in keeping with negotiations towards an umbrella impact and benefit agreement for Canadian Heritage River System, and with funding from the Canadian Heritage River Board and my department we have contracted the Kugluktuk Angoniatit Association to lead the development of the management plan.
We have established a local Advisory Committee that includes the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, the hamlet, elders, youth, the Community Lands and Resource Committee, industry through Miramar, and my department to help guide its development and ensure it reflects what is important to all river stakeholders.
We expect that the plan will be completed in August of this year to be presented to the Canadian Heritage River System Board for their approval at their spring 2008 meeting.
Minister’s Statement 040 – 2(4): Nunavut Plan to Ban Incandescent Light Bulbs (Picco)
I would like to take this opportunity today to provide details about the Government of Nunavut’s idea to switch to energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs in Nunavut. This will result in a measurable reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Nunavut will be the first in any Canadian jurisdiction to take this step.
As you know, many Nunavummiut are already using the spiral shaped light bulbs.
These bulbs use up to 75 percent less energy than regular light bulbs and last up to seven times longer.
The goal is to have these bulbs in our homes, workplaces, businesses, schools, and offices. We will be working with retailers and electrical equipment suppliers on the development of regulations.
We are proposing a phase-in period of up to three years and exceptions will be made for specialty bulbs where compact fluorescents are not currently compatible. For example, Mr. Speaker, things such as the oven bulbs in your stove, halogen lighting, dimmer bulbs, water lights, and outdoor lights.
As you can see, when it comes to addressing climate change, Nunavut is ready to take a leadership role beginning with a proposal to introduce legislation during the next session of the legislature to ban regular or incandescent light bulbs.
Mr. Speaker, it is anticipated that by September 2007, all Government of Nunavut housing, public housing, and government buildings will be required to have compact fluorescent light bulbs.
Funding for the distribution of 30,000 compact fluorescent light bulbs is available through the EcoTrust Fund money that was announced in the recent federal budget.
Using these bulbs across the territory in place of standard bulbs is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1,300 tonnes over 12 months.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, a move to spiral light bulbs makes sense. Not only are monies saved, but fewer greenhouse gasses are produced, a leading cause, as we know, of climate change.
Member’s Statement 073 – 2(4): Victims of Income Support (Mapsalak)
I rise today to express my continuing frustration regarding income support.
Earlier this week I posed some questions in the House regarding this issue.
In the non-decentralized communities in Nunavut, there are very few employment opportunities. Income support for some of my constituents and many Nunavummiut is not only their last resort but their only resort.
Here in the capital city and bigger communities people have no problem in getting employment but it is not so in a non-decentralized community.
Recipients of income support are often doubly penalized; first by relying on income support because of a lack of jobs. Then if a gift is given to them to help out, that amount is deducted from their support.
It does not matter what you do, you lose either way; you have no job, no money, you ask for income support, you get help and that help is taken away from you.
A quick solution to this problem is to move, but who wants to move from their home community? Is this government telling my constituents in Repulse Bay and Kugaaruk that everyone should move to Iqaluit?
At the appropriate time, Mr. Speaker, I will be asking more questions on this issue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 074 – 2(4): Reaction to the Federal Budget (Curley)
Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to react strongly to this week’s federal budget.
I was extremely disappointed with the budget.
Although some additional federal funds will flow to the territorial government, I believe that these will be barely enough to meet some immediate needs.
For some time I have heard our government tell me that they have been seeking additional federal support to specifically address the high cost of oil and energy.
I did not see anything in the budget to meet this need.
Although the federal budget contained tax breaks for public transit users, long-haul truck drivers, farmers, and other categories, I did not see any assistance for the many Nunavut homeowners who have been facing terrifyingly high prices to heat and light their homes.
Although the federal budget extended the benefits of the northern residents deduction to some residents of British Columbia, the amount of the deduction remains, once again, unchanged for the residents of the three territories.
The federal government has told us it is committed to a strong sovereign north.
That may be so, but I am still waiting to hear a firm commitment to building a year-round deep water port.
I am asking consent to conclude my statement.
There are no nays. Please proceed Mr. Curley.
We are still waiting for a year round deep water port.
I am still waiting to hear a firm commitment to establish a new Arctic Training Centre.
I am still waiting to hear a firm commitment to acquiring new ice breakers.
The president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami has spoken out against this federal budget. I believe she feels we have been betrayed. She is not content to sit back and take no for an answer, neither will I.
I believe the crown must honour its solemn promises and commitments to Inuit and First Nations. I believe that the time for a new partnership is now.
It seems that the federal government is willing to provide us just enough to keep us from starving but never enough to keep us fed.
Let me take the Kivalliq Health Centre as an example.
It is still not operating on a 24-hour basis and it has been open for almost two years. They don’t have enough money available.
I dread to think what will happen when the new hospital in Iqaluit opens.
I fear that shortly after the ribbon-cutting ceremony takes place there will be a bed closing ceremony because we can’t find and house doctors and other health workers.
I have been around long enough to have learned that it is to be expected that Ottawa will say no more often than it says yes.
I do not believe that a strategy of silence and surrender is sufficient.
I do believe that we must make it clear to Ottawa that we are not going away, and that we will not be silent. I ask the Premier and the Finance Minister to go down to renegotiate with the budget.
Member’s Statement 075 – 2(4): In Appreciation of Nurse Gail Redpath (Barnabas)
I rise today to express my great appreciation on behalf of my constituents in Arctic Bay for the work and service of Gail Redpath, Head Nurse at the Arctic Bay Health Centre.
For close to 20 years Gail has provided critical health services to the residents of Arctic Bay. She is an important part of our community as an individual, as a caregiver, and as a professional.
On a daily basis Gail meets challenges of working in a remote northern location. These days those challenges are made even more difficult by a steadily growing pile of machinery, boxes that are now crowding the old facility that the nurses work out of.
Health staff even have to store some of their supplies in sea containers outside the building.
Later today I’ll be tabling some photographs which show much better than words can describe the cramped, crowded conditions at the Arctic Bay Health Centre.
A number of articles in the national magazines have been written about Gail and her colleagues. She has appeared in Readers’ Digest and more recently in UpHere Magazine.
This is a very good way to show people what living in the remote northern community is like.
It may even persuade some nursing professionals to come to the north to experience the challenges for themselves and learn to love the northern way of life.
I am very pleased that Gail has been recognized not only at her home community but nationally.
In May 2006 Gail was one of the three Canadian nurses who received Excellence in Nursing Award from the federal Minister of Health. This award celebrates Gail’s dedication, initiatives, and overall excellence in her profession.
I will ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Gail on her award and recognizing her invaluable service to the community of Arctic Bay.
I just remind you to be more observant of your time allotted please.
Member’s Statement 076 – 2(4): Elders and Youth Forum at Baker Lake (Simailak)
Today is Inuktitut Day so we would like to speak as much Inuktitut as possible.
The Canadian Youth Conference held a meeting not too long ago.
It was very important and beneficial for the people of Nunavut.
There were a lot of people who went to Baker Lake for a conference.
It was very good to see them here.
I was happy to see, as a father, my son whom I named, was recognized for being a volunteer at that conference. The people who recognized him, I would like to say I appreciated it very much.
The meeting went on very successfully and they had some entertainment there as well in Baker Lake.
They also went to eat at my parent’s place in Baker Lake and the community held a feast for them as well.
I would like to say thank you very much to the people of Baker Lake.
Member’s Statement 077 – 2(4): Chesterfield Inlet Science Fair (Netser)
Hon. Patterk Netser (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I would like to talk about two young constituents of mine from the Victor Sammurtok School in Chesterfield Inlet, who have taken on a very admirable initiative for their science fair project on our changing environment.
Our members received a copy of this survey. I completed mine yesterday and returned it promptly as I was very impressed with the efforts displayed by the youngsters.
This questionnaire is on Climate Change: Is it Real or is it Not? The survey consists of seven questions ranging from, “Have you noticed any change in the weather or environment?”
to “Do you think the Inuit should be worried about climate change, or do you believe climate change is really happening?”
It is very gratifying to hear that the leaders of tomorrow are very much aware of our surroundings today.
I am hoping every member will take a few minutes to fill out this survey and assist Ashley Tanuyak and Jacqueline Sammurtok in completing their project. I would like to congratulate Ashley and Jacqueline for displaying good leadership and being concerned about our future.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Netser, Member for Nanulik.
Member’s Statement 078 – 2(4): Above-Ground Pool in Cambridge Bay (Peterson)
I rise today to inform the House about a problem that threatens Cambridge Bay’s most valuable public recreational facility.
In the summer of 1988 when I was on the Cambridge Bay Hamlet Council, we made a strategic decision to invest in the Government of the Northwest Territories above-ground pool program.
We made this decision largely in response to the life threatening risks that many of our young boys were taking when they rafted in local waters in unsafe rafts. In one tragedy, four boys drowned in a small pond only a half-mile from town when a raft sank in less than 10 feet of water just 15 feet from shore.
The above ground pool has been successful in Cambridge Bay. Over the years, instructors have taught hundreds of kids and adults how to swim, provided lessons about water safety, boating, kayaking, snorkelling, and scuba diving.
In addition to those activities, the pool has been a place where children and families gather everyday in the summer to have fun and play.
Our children are safe in our pool under the watchful and caring eyes of lifeguards.
It has come to my attention that our above ground pool is in danger of not reopening this year. The pool is in a wooden structure building which may have mould problems. This will be analyzed soon.
In addition to this, the pool structure itself requires a new liner, a new deck, new plumbing, painting, and other repairs and replacements.
Like most hamlets in Nunavut, Cambridge Bay has not received sufficient infrastructure funding to upgrade or replace recreational facilities in our community.
The small annual operations and maintenance funding from Culture, Language, Elders and Youth, while welcome, does not keep up with the increasing costs of operating this facility.
We constantly hear that our children and our families are important to Nunavut.
It would be a sad occasion if the above-ground pool, a safe haven for our loved ones, were to close because the hamlet council does not have capital or operations and maintenance funds to upgrade and operate the facility.
I urge the Minister of Community and Government Services to send her officials to visit the hamlet council to discuss their immediate funding requirements to upgrade and operate their above ground pool this summer. I urge the minister to help the children in Cambridge Bay.
Member’s Statement 079 – 2(4): Polar Bears Not Endangered Species (Kattuk)
Perhaps if I could tell the Minister of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth first, I spoke about polar bears here in this House last week and because we are leaders of Nunavut we have to be able to get the information to the people of Canada about polar bears.
After I spoke about polar bears I was approached by people to ask me questions about polar bears.
A lot of people told me that there are many numbers of polar bears here in Nunavut. They even go into the communities because there are too many of them right now.
Also in my community people told me that we have 25 tags and they told me that the tags were not sufficient because they wanted to be able to go out hunting without being in danger from polar bears.
We don’t have to worry about the numbers of polar bears in Nunavut because there are a lot of them.
The United States Government keeps on saying that they would be put in the endangered species list but I am from here, from Nunavut, and I go out hunting quite often. I can say to the United States Government that there are a lot of polar bears.
Years ago we didn’t even have polar bears but now they are coming into my community.
I would like to have consent to conclude my statement.
There are no nays, Mr. Kattuk, please proceed.
Mr. Kattuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank you colleagues.
I would like to say that if the United States is concerned about polar bears declining in numbers why don’t they come over here and find out for themselves?
Why don’t they come and talk to us because the Minister of Environment is from Nunavut and he knows that the polar bear is not at risk.
We don’t have to worry about it, but if the American government is worried, they should come over here to see for themselves that they are not at risk.
Member for Iqaluit East, Minister Picco.
Member’s Statement 080 – 2(4): Role of Mayor (Picco)
Earlier this week, Canadians from coast to coast to coast were treated to a National Intelligence Quotient Test, or IQ test, not to be confused with Inuit Qaujimanituqangit.
This IQ test was broadcast on CBC Television.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut’s capital, Iqaluit was represent by her Worship, the Mayor, Elisapee Sheutiapik.
The mayor did an excellent job representing Nunavut and Iqaluit on this national TV broadcast.
Mr. Speaker, the role of mayor entails attending daily meetings and briefings, representing the city locally, nationally, and internationally with an annual budget of several million dollars.
The role of mayor in the largest community in our territory is complex and demanding.
Recently, discussion on having the position of mayor made full-time was raised at council. I would again support the city in moving in this direction.
The time has come to have a full-time elected mayor for Nunavut’s capital.
I support the council to revisit the issue and look forward to that debate.
It gives me great pleasure today to introduce in the Gallery several students from our own Nunavut Arctic College here in Iqaluit.
The students are in the foundation year at the college, and these students, and I want the members to give them a good round of applause after we do an introduction for them.
They are in the foundation year, and they are entering the NTEP program, as well as the Nursing Program. They are here with the Honourable QC, Mr. Neil Sharkey, who is one of the outstanding instructors not only here in Nunavut, but in Canada, and we would like to take this opportunity to welcome Neil also to the Gallery.
So, if I say the person’s name, if they would just stand up.
I’m sure members will recognize several of them. First of all, we have from Iqaluit Malaya Doucette.
From Kimmirut; Atsina Aqpik.
From Resolute Bay; Ragilee Atagootak.
From Iqaluit; Noodloo Noah.
From Baker Lake, we have Helen Oman.
Asoola Pootoogook from Cape Dorset.
Geela Qaunak from Igloolik.
And I believe we have Benadine Otak also from Igloolik.
Question 099 – 2(4): Measures to Address the High Cost of Living in the High Arctic (Barnabas)
Mr. Barnabas (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I would like to direct my question to the Minister responsible for Education.
Mr. Speaker, in his member’s statement today, my colleague from Akulliq spoke about the difficult situation facing many of his constituents in our small decentralized communities.
(interpretation ends) The cost of living in the High Arctic is extremely high.
During our last session, I asked the minister to work on a plan to help my constituents take better advantage of our food mail program.
There are no banks in my communities and many people can’t use food mail because they do not have access to credit cards.
What has the minister done to take action to help my constituents to access more affordable food?
Very quickly, the member did raise the issue and we had the opportunity to revisit it within the department.
As I suggested at that time, and I still suggest to the member, if a person in Arctic Bay would like to order food directly through the Food Mail Program and be able to pay for that using a credit card, we’re are not able to use the Government of Nunavut credit card, but if there was an opportunity through the hamlet, for example, and the contract for income support in the member’s community of Arctic Bay is delivered in cooperation with the hamlet, then there may be an opportunity where the person could pay using their income support.
For example, if their order was for $300, they could pay the $300 to the hamlet and the hamlet could use their credit card, if they so chose to do that to order that food supply.
Many of my constituents feel that they are victims of the income support system, especially when it comes to things like clawing back the valuable items that we donate to our neighbours.
Has the minister clearly heard my concerns on this issue and how will he address them?
As I said again in the House, we have clearly heard the member’s concerns and we would like to thank him for raising them.
One example of not clawing back that the whole House is aware of, very quickly, would be the example of Co-op patronage dividends.
This government moved very quickly to allow people who receive those types of dividends to keep them and not be taken back as was the case in the past under the Income Support Program.
So we are listening to what the member and other members have said.
Can the minister tell the House today if there are any measures in this week’s federal budget that will help low income Nunavummiut receiving income support and social assistance to keep up with the high cost of living?
Very quickly, I can’t speak to the federal budget. It is not the territorial government’s budget, it is the federal budget.
When you look at areas of income support, those are under the provincial or territorial jurisdictions.
What I can say is some of the tax numbers that were released by the federal government, some of the programs they have put in there for energy efficiencies, for example, the extra money they have given us under the Territorial Financing Contribution, or the TFF, will be a benefit, not only to low income earners in Nunavut but all Nunavummiut.
When can social assistance recipients expect to hear some good news from the minister in terms of social assistance rates?
Again I’d like to thank the member for his questions. We know that 46 percent of Nunavummiut at any given time have to use the Income Support Program. The Income Support Program, like other jurisdictions, is a program of last resort.
We have increased for the first time since 2001, in the last two budgets of this government income support payments by over 15 percent.
We again will be looking at that this spring to see if there is another need for an increase. So those increases have been put in place and we are all the time reviewing the program and making it more equitable for Nunavummiut.
Question 100 – 2(4): Funding for Development of Lots (Peterson)