EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, this service is a tremendous step forward in providing support to those who wish to break their addiction with tobacco.
Minister’s Statement 138 – 3(2): Education Act Implementation Update (Tapardjuk)
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, the new Education Act was passed last summer and the implementation work commenced this summer.
Since that time, much work has quietly been going on to ensure our schools reflect the new Education Act.
Last fall, I told the House about the principal and district education authority training session last September.
I am pleased to say that since then, work has continued in our communities and schools.
Department of Education staff will soon have visited all communities and schools to support change and implementation at the school level.
Mr. Speaker, there are many topics in the Education Act that are important, but we must implement change in an orderly fashion to ensure it is deep, lasting, and successful change.
This year’s work, Mr. Speaker, has focused primarily on some very important topics: elders in schools, Inuuqatigiitsiarniq (good citizenship) and bilingual education in the English, Inuktitut, or French languages.
There will be more change to come as we continue implementation next year and in the years to come.
Also, regulations are needed for the legislation.
We have begun consultations on the first regulations, including these themes: inclusive schooling, DEA finances, Inuuqatigiitsiarniq (good citizenship) and bilingual education regulations.
The consultation tour will continue throughout this spring with the aim of having these regulations in place, Mr. Speaker, for the next school year.
There are many other activities that tie into the new Education Act, from training to resource development.
This requires a great deal of work behind the scenes.
DEAs are also working hard to understand and fulfill their role under the new Education Act.
I will be pleased to provide updates in the future on the progress of future steps in this important work to support students to be engaged and successful.
Minister’s Statement 139 – 3(2): NHC Program to Help Homeowners Replace Fuel Tanks (Tootoo)
I rise today to speak about a new program offered by the Nunavut Housing Corporation to homeowners throughout the territory.
This new Heating Oil Tank Replacement Program will address an issue that has been raised by some of my colleagues and by Nunavummiut homeowners.
This program provides assistance to homeowners to replace their heating oil tank and associated components, as well as installation, in the form of a grant of up to a maximum of $5,000.
Applicants must be at least 19 years of age and there is no income limit to this program.
A Nunavut Housing Corporation assessment of an applicant’s fuel system will determine eligibility, Mr. Speaker.
This program is an example of how the Government of Nunavut is helping prevent environmental contamination while supporting homeowners.
Minister’s Statement 140 – 3(2): Minister’s Task Force to Review the Liquor Act (Peterson)
I rise today to provide members with an update on the ministerial task force to review the Nunavut Liquor Act.
I have appointed ten members who I feel best represent the interests of all Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in welcoming the task force members:
John Ningark, MLA for Akulliq
Fred Schell, MLA for South Baffin
Dr. Isaac Sobol, Chief Medical Officer at Health and Social Services
Elizabeth Quinangnaq, Chair of the Baker Lake Alcohol Education Committee
Paul Kaludjak, President of Nunavut Tunngavik
Howard Eaton, RCMP Superintendent
David Wilman, Chair of the Nunavut Liquor Licensing Board
Miranda Atatahak, Youth Ambassador
Donna Adams, President of the Qulliit Status of Women Council
Esau Tatatoapik, Chair of the Arctic Bay Alcohol Education Committee
The task force will be supported by Joe Tigullaraq, former Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson of the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board.
Joe has over 30 years experience working in our communities.
Mr. Speaker, we plan to have our first meeting next month. This meeting will provide members with background information and enable members to develop an action plan before we begin our community consultations.
The task force will provide individuals and organizations with an opportunity to share feedback on the Nunavut Liquor Act and the overall issue of alcohol in our communities.
Information collected and recommendations will be included in our final report.
Mr. Speaker, I have spoken personally with each of these members and they are very excited to begin this work.
Before we go on to our next agenda item, please note we have only two pages assisting us today.
Also, we have only one Inuinnaqtun interpreter for the balance of our sitting, so please be advised.
Member’s Statement 199 – 3(2): Tribute to Ann Hanson – Nunavut’s Commissioner (Okalik)
I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Her Honour, the Hon. Ann Meekitjuk-Hanson, Commissioner of Nunavut.
On April 11, 2010, Commissioner Hanson’s five-year term will come to an end and she will return to private life.
It has been a busy five years and Commissioner Hanson has travelled extensively throughout the territory.
(interpretation ends) During her term, Commissioner Hanson had the honour of being granted the Badge of Office and the flag for the Commissioner of Nunavut by the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
(interpretation) In her ongoing efforts to celebrate the achievements of Nunavummiut, Commissioner Hanson, with the support of our government, created the annual Nunavut Commissioner’s Arts Award honouring the artistic achievements of established artists.
Since the award was created in 2007, six artists have been honoured with this award.
Their creative expression has been celebrated worldwide and this award has allowed us to recognize them here in Nunavut.
It was a great honour for Commissioner Hanson to host the 22nd Conference of Lieutenant Governors and Commissioners in Iqaluit on May 29 to 31 2009. During the first day of the conference, the lieutenant governors and commissioners, their spouses and staff enjoyed private tours of Iqaluit.
(interpretation ends) It was my pleasure to work with Commissioner Hanson to create the Order of Nunavut.
Commissioner Hanson agreed that the year 2009, the 10th anniversary, for the creation of the Nunavut order.
The Order of Nunavut will honour individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the cultural, social, or economic well-being of Nunavut.
It is intended to recognize those exceptional individuals who have made a lifetime contribution to our territory and their fellow citizens.
Thanks to the commitment of Her Honour Commissioner Hanson and the support of my colleagues, the Order of Nunavut Act came into effect January 1 of this year and I look forward to the first investiture.
(interpretation) To further recognize Nunavummiut and their efforts to support their communities, Commissioner Hanson requested that plaques be presented to the community rescue teams during community visits to honour their unselfish commitment to protecting the lives of others.
(interpretation ends) Ann Meekitjuk-Hanson has set a very high standard for the role of the commissioner and it will be a real challenge for the next one.
Let us wish her the very best on her retirement. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 200 – 3(2): Rankin Inlet Hockey Tournament (Kusugak)
Good afternoon to Rankin Inlet and Whale Cove residents, and all of the people listening in.
Hockey is a very popular sport in Rankin Inlet. This weekend up to yesterday, children of the age group 9 and 10 played in a hockey tournament.
There were eight teams: Repulse Bay and Chesterfield sent one team each, two teams from Rankin Inlet, Kangiqliniq Penguins and Kangiqliniq Stars, and also hockey players from Coral Harbour, Baker Lake, Gjoa Haven, and Iqaluit participated in the games.
Although the hockey players were small, the tournament drew huge crowds. Iqaluit came in third, while Kangiqliniq Stars came in second. The team from Arviat placed first.
I would like to say that I’m very proud of them and their accomplishment.
I want to thank all of the people who were involved in organizing these games and the sponsors of the hockey tournament, Mr. Speaker. Thank you and I’m very proud of the young hockey teams who played.
Member’s Statement 201 – 3(2): Territorial Hip Hop Leadership Summit (Elliott)
I rise today to bring to the attention of the House the first territorial-wide Youth Leadership Hip Hop Summit being held in Clyde River from March 23 to 27.
The Ilisaqsivik Society and the community of Clyde River are hosting the event, but the program has commitment and support from all across Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, at the beginning of our sitting, we saw the wonderful leadership skills demonstrated by the Canadian Cadet Organization as the 795 Iqaluit Squadron paged for us in the House.
The hip hop movement in Nunavut is another example of youth engagement that provides leadership opportunities for young people.
This initiative is a territorial, five-day, intensive program where 36 participants from 13 communities across Nunavut learn to dance while also discovering themselves and their own culture.
Mr. Speaker, this does not include the hundreds of volunteers, parents, and community support workers in community hip hop movements who support local community-based hip hop crews.
The youth participating in this workshop were selected by their peers for leadership skills shown in the community.
Mr. Speaker, I have been told there were more names put forward than the budget could accommodate.
The selection process was intense and very competitive. It would have been nice to have everyone participate, but again, the reality of our transportation situation in Nunavut does not allow it.
Mr. Speaker, the idea of the summit is to have our youth leaders go back to their community to help develop more leadership skills. The physical and mental health of our young people is extremely important.
This is especially true in Nunavut, where almost 11,600 residents are 16 years of age or younger.
Participation in sport and other physical activities is a major contributing factor to the physical and mental health of young Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, I’ve had the pleasure of helping to organize regional hip hop workshops and have been engaged in the development of this territorial-wide summit. I would like to recognize the youth from my communities who are participating in this summit. They are: Toby Tatatuapik, Robert Barnabas, Alisha Shooyook, Gideon Allurut from Arctic Bay; and Arqnarulunnguaq Audlaluk, Saalia Pijamini, and Michael Mucpa from Grise Fiord.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to conclude by quoting a portion of Tamapta that seems appropriate. “We all have a role to play in being active, healthy and happy.” These youth definitely are taking this to heart.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in wishing these fine young leaders and all participants in the summit all the best in their leadership workshop this week.
Member’s Statement 202 – 3(2): Congratulations to Kananginak Pootoogook (Schell)
I rise today to congratulate Kananginak Pootoogook of Cape Dorset.
He will be receiving an award for his accomplishments in the arts this Friday at the 2010 National Aboriginal Achievement Awards in Regina.
Pootoogook is a respected elder and community leader of Cape Dorset and he is a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of the Arts. He is one of the founding members of Cape Dorset’s Kinngait Studios.
He was there when the studio first opened in 1959 under the name of West Baffin Eskimo Co-operative.
He is well known for his prints of birds and other northern wildlife. He is also an accomplished carver.
Pootoogook’s art is on display in various collections throughout Canada, such as the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, the Winnipeg Art Gallery, and the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto.
I ask all members to join me in congratulating Kananginak Pootoogook on his lifetime of accomplishments in the arts, his contribution to the community of Cape Dorset, and his Aboriginal Achievement Award.
Member’s Statement 203 – 3(2): Jean Kusugak Moves to Igloolik (Curley)
I rise today with a certain amount of regret to talk about someone of Rankin Inlet.
I would like to recognize an individual who has worked tirelessly for Rankin Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, Ms. Jean Kusugak will be moving from Rankin Inlet.
I have known Jean for a very long time.
She served as an interpreter during the Northwest Territories days and has worked in both territorial governments of Nunavut and Northwest Territories. She is an excellent worker who is always willing to help. Not only that, I know that she works very hard as a mother.
There was a phone-in radio show in Rankin Inlet yesterday morning dedicated to her. All day, people phoned in to express their sense of loss that one of the friendliest people in Rankin Inlet would be moving away.
I would like the people of Baffin Island to know that a good friend to have will be moving to Igloolik.
She is arriving here today in Iqaluit on her way to Igloolik. We are saddened that we are losing her, but we know that her amenable manner will be welcomed anywhere.
I urge you to please join me in recognizing Jean Kusugak.
She is the sister of my colleague.
I would like to recognize Elizabeth Ningeongan, who I have been married to for a little over 40 years.
Please welcome her to the Gallery.
No? Mr. Elliott.
Question 328 – 3(2): Community Adaptation Plans (Elliott)
I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Environment, the Hon. Dan Shewchuk.
Mr. Speaker, in his statement to the House of last Friday, the minister spoke of the Atuliqtuq Nunavut Climate Change Partnership Project.
He spoke of the development of community adaptation plans that are based on Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and local and scientific knowledge for five pilot communities: Arviat, Whale Cove, Cambridge Bay, Kugluktuk, and Iqaluit.
Can the minister elaborate on the contents of these community adaptation plans and indicate when they are anticipated to be finalized?
Minister of Environment, Hon. Daniel Shewchuk
Hon. Dan Shewchuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Yes, I have met with this group.
They’re working on the plans with all of these communities.
I do not know the final stages that they are in and when these plans are to be implemented, but I can tell you that all of the communities are very heavily involved in the consultation with these plans.
From my understanding, the consultation is going very well. The community is being included in these plans coming up.
In his statement, the minister indicated that the climate change partnership project has been undertaken with the federal government.
Can the minister indicate how these five specific communities were selected to take part in the project?
Minister Shewchuk
As far as the selection criteria are concerned in the selection of these communities, I am not aware of the criteria that were used, but I can get back to the minister with that.
However, I do know that the plan is once these communities are finished with their plans, the intent of the plan is to have communication and adaptation plans for all communities in Nunavut.
Speaker: Thank you, Minister. Your second supplementary, Mr. Elliott.
That was going to be my next question.
None of the communities in the High Arctic were chosen to participate in this year’s program.
As we are all aware, the prospect of global warming and the opening of the Northwest Passage may have great impact on the High Arctic. Could the minister commit to letting me know when we will be able to apply to take part in this program?
I will commit to letting the member know what the plans are for the High Arctic communities.
As I stated before, the plan is to have all communities in Nunavut consulted with.
So I will give him the best schedule that I can provide to him.
A recent news release issued by our Member of Parliament indicated that $1.66 million is being spent on these projects and that a number of jobs will be created.
Can the minister indicate how much of this funding is going to create jobs for our residents and how much of it will be used to pay southern contractors and consultants?
I do not have that information in front of me, but I will get the information and provide it to the member.
Member for Iqaluit West. Mr. Okalik.
Question 329 – 3(2): Meeting with Repulse Bay Mayor and Council (Okalik)
I received a call earlier from his constituency assistant informing me that our colleague from Akulliq cannot be here to attend today.
He also told me of a meeting that the Mayor of Repulse had with the Minister of Transportation.
The airport terminal in the community has not been renovated for quite some time and is now too small.
Furthermore, air traffic into the community is expected to rise.
At the mayor’s meeting with the minister last month, the minister promised to visit the community this April.
Can the minister say exactly on what date he will be visiting Repulse Bay?
I will confirm that I did meet with the Mayor of Repulse Bay.
There were several items that were brought up and of course, one of them was the airport terminal. The indication was that it is way too small and it is old.
I did indicate to the mayor and the MLA of Akulliq that once I get an opportunity, I will be going over to visit that community.
But in the meantime, one of my staff members is going over there to do some other pertinent work there and also check out the technical information about the air terminal building.
I didn’t get a response to my question.
We are not scheduled for sitting in April. My question is if the minister could visit Repulse Bay in April, it would be appreciated.
Depending on scheduling, scheduling changes from time to time, and once there is an opportunity within the scheduling, I had planned on visiting the community.
Whether it’s in April or June, that is yet to be determined and confirmed.
Question 330 – 3(2): Status of Kimmirut Runway Upgrades (Schell)
I also have a question for the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation.
In regard to the runway in Kimmirut, there was $800,000 allotted in the capital estimates for 2010-11 for the rehabilitation of the runway and apron surfaces.
I was just wondering what the status is on that project.
The status is still the same.
I haven’t had the opportunity to review what has been changed there, but I believe it is still the same.
In regard to the air terminal building, of course, in Kimmirut and the runway being too short, is the minister going to be looking at doing a feasibility study in either extending the runway or looking at an alternative site?
I don’t have that information right in front of me, but I will check with staff and get back with relevant information.
I don’t want to say something that may not be accurate, so I do want to get the accurate information and get back with that information to the hon. member.
Question 331 – 3(2): Support for Nunavut Nurses (Okalik)
Last June, the Minister of Health and Social Services informed the Members of the Standing Committee on Social Wellness that of the 18 graduates of the Nunavut Nursing program, nine graduates were working as nurses for the Government of Nunavut.
Can the minister clearly describe what steps will be taken to ensure that graduates of the Nunavut Arctic College Nursing Program find employment in the Government of Nunavut upon graduation?
I also want to thank my colleague for asking that question.
To increase the number of Nunavut nurses is a very important priority.
It is part of our long-term retention and recruitment strategy.
We will stick to this strategy because we want more nurses who are Nunavummiut employed in our territory.
I’m not exactly sure where we are at this point in terms of employment figures, but at the time when we were before the standing committee, there were 16 students in the program, though I’m not sure exactly if all 16 of them have since graduated given that some may have dropped out for various reasons.
We want to see more of those who are taking either the three or four-year program successfully graduate so that we may increase the number of Nunavut nurses employed in our territory.
It is not cheap to see students through graduation and these costs, in most cases, are incurred by the government. The Akitsiraq Law Program was very successful in that the law students who graduated stayed in the territory to work after graduation.
When the minister appeared before the standing committee, I urged him to make sure that all graduates of the nursing program find employment upon completion of their training.
Will the minister give us an update on the status of his commitments since and tell us how he will ensure that Nunavut nurses stay in Nunavut?
My department can say with certainty that at this point in time, we don’t have enough aboriginal nurses working in our territory.
However, we must also realize that it was only 50 years that the ship, C.D. Howe, used to come up to provide basic medical services to Inuit and that people were relocated to places like Iqaluit because there were no medical facilities in the smaller communities in 1959.
Up until the creation of Nunavut in 1999, we didn’t even have regional hospitals other than in Iqaluit.
We have now constructed three hospitals in Cambridge Bay, Rankin Inlet, and Iqaluit.
We look forward to the day when all Nunavut patients can be treated in our territory rather than being sent down south for treatment.
It is my hope that the situation will get better soon as air services improve.
As to the status of the student nurses, they have yet to complete their program.
However, regarding the government’s current policy, we will have to make changes there so that nurses who graduate have every opportunity to secure employment up here.
I will inform the House when we start the policy review.
We will monitor the progress closely.
It’s obvious that even though the new nursing graduates can find employment here, there is a clear need for additional policy support and mentorship programs to assist these new nurses as they get into the nursing profession.
What additional support will be offered in the future so that these graduates no longer have to give up and quit their jobs?
Their duties don’t give them a lot of choices.
I want everyone to know that we fully support our nursing students.
$100,000 has been set aside for them in our department’s budget for training, for financial and administrative support, as well as for their living expenses. This program is ongoing and will continue. We gladly welcome each successful graduate to our department.
We will continue to work with them to ensure that they have a safe and friendly work environment.
We are always open to suggestions for improvements like cultivating potential student nurses at the high school level.
The Nursing Program has high academic standards. Unfortunately, students are coming in requiring academic upgrading before they can enter these types of programs.
We will be working together with the Department of Education to do something about this.
Union representatives for nurses have raised the issue of the need for creating a new bargaining unit or a local union for nurses in Nunavut.
Can the minister update this House on what has been done to support such a move to create a new bargaining unit?
In my estimation, we have made improvements.
Since the recruitment and retention strategy has been implemented, all the nurses-in-charge positions in every health centre have been filled.
Also, there have been improvements made in the housing benefit for employees. These are huge improvements, but we can say that there is always room for improvement.
I know that the nurses have very good union representation and I’m sure my colleague will be working with them.
We are open to suggestions on improving the system not only through union negotiations but through other means as well.
Question 332 – 3(2): Resident Medical Doctor for High Arctic (Arvaluk)
I have been asking for and keep expecting to see a replacement for the doctor who left Pond Inlet a while ago.