EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
387 – 3(3): Acceptance of the Integrity Commissioner’s Report (Schell) 3484
388 – 3(3): Importance of Safe Housing (Ningark) 3484
389 – 3(3): Congratulations to Diamond Jubilee Medal Recipients (Rumbolt) 3484
390 – 3(3): Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal Recipients from Rankin Inlet and Whale Cove (Kusugak) 3485
391 – 3(3): Search and Rescue in Nunavut (Elliott) 3485
Return to Oral Question 487 – 3(3): Activities of the Office of the Chief Coroner (Shewchuk) 3486
502 – 3(3): Search and Rescue Priorities of the Government of Nunavut (Ugyuk) 3487
503 – 3(3): Rabies Vaccinations across Nunavut Communities (Aupaluktuq) 3489
504 – 3(3): Status of Health Technology Initiatives (Oshutapik) 3491
505 – 3(3): Nunavut Food Security Symposium (Elliott) 3493
506 – 3(3): Heated Shelter for School Bus (Ningark) 3495
507 – 3(3): Status of New Baseball Field for Pond Inlet (Enook) 3495
508 – 3(3): Request for Additional Funding from Ottawa (Schell) 3498
509 – 3(3): Restructuring of Social Services Program Delivery (Curley) 3499
510 – 3(3): Improvements to Nunavut’s Education System (Tapardjuk) 3501
311 – 3(3): Implementation Update on the Evaluation of Business Development Centre, September 2012 (Taptuna) 3504
041 – 3(3): Extension of the Review Period for Bill 32, An Act to Amend the Legal Services Act (Ningeongan) 3504
042 – 3(3): Extension of the Review Period for Bill 44, An Act to Amend the Justices of the Peace Act (Ningeongan) 3507
Bill 47 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 3, 2012-2013 – First Reading 3510
Bill 48 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2013-2014 – First Reading 3510
Bill 51 – An Act to Amend the Child and Family Services Act – First Reading 3510
Bill 53 – An Act to Amend the Medical Care Act – First Reading 3510
Bill 55 – An Act to Amend the Student Financial Assistance Act – First Reading 3511
Bill 49 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2013-2014 – Community and Government Services – Consideration in Committee 3511
Before we proceed with today’s sitting, I would like to ask Mr. Curley to lead us off with a prayer, please.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Curley. (interpretation ends) We will move on in our orders of the day.
Minister’s Statement 228 – 3(3): Circumpolar Conference on Education for Indigenous People (Aariak)
Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker and Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, improving education for indigenous peoples across the Arctic was the focus of a conference hosted by the governments of Nunavut and Kalaallit Nunaat in December.
More than 100 educators from throughout Inuit Nunaat as well as northern Europe travelled here to Iqaluit to attend.
I was pleased to take part and I thank my colleague, Joe Enook, for participating.
There were a number of important discussions on improving the quality of education, delivering early childhood education programs, and re-engaging families and communities in teaching and learning.
Mr. Speaker, the conference strengthened our efforts to build education that will ensure our students gain academic knowledge and practical skills, an education that serves them well in the real world.
At the conference, we also reaffirmed our shared commitment to bringing more of the knowledge and values that come from the Arctic into our school system.
This is essential as we prepare the next generation to meet the challenges that are reshaping our part of the world.
Mr. Speaker, we have much to share and to learn in terms of best practices and innovation in education.
Conferences such as these are essential to making that happen by building relationships among arctic educators across the vast distances that separate us.
In the near future, we will be signing a memorandum of understanding with our arctic partners to strengthen our working relationship and provide direction for our ongoing work together.
Minister’s Statement 229 – 3(3): Nunavut Food Security Symposium (Taptuna)
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that several members of this House were able to attend some of the discussions that took place during the Nunavut Food Security Symposium which took place here in Iqaluit January 21 to 24.
The event was organized and co-sponsored by the members of the Nunavut Food Security Coalition, which was formed in June last year by government departments and Inuit organizations.
The symposium was a great success, with more than 125 delegates from government, Inuit organizations, non-governmental organizations, communities, and the private sector in attendance.
Delegates agreed on 39 “priorities for action.”
Particular emphasis was placed on support for community initiatives and access to country food.
These priorities will be included in the Nunavut Food Security Strategy to be prepared this spring.
Mr. Speaker, I was particularly pleased with the involvement of the private sector at the symposium.
The major retailers in the territory have agreed to participate in the ongoing work of the Nunavut Food Security Coalition and to support community initiatives, such as breakfast programs for children.
The symposium was the first opportunity for all of those involved in food security in the territory to meet face to face and discuss how they can work together.
I am confident that with everyone’s involvement in this way and with the goodwill and cooperation shown by all during the symposium, collaborative solutions for food security will be found.
Work is now proceeding on the preparation of the Nunavut Food Security Strategy and I look forward to updating the House on its progress in the spring.
Item 2. Ministers’ Statements. Minister responsible for the Department of Environment, Minister Arreak.
Minister’s Statement 230 – 3(3): Polar Bear – CITES Update (Arreak)
Mr. Speaker, I would like to share with my colleagues and Nunavummiut the various initiatives the department has undertaken to prepare for the upcoming Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) meeting.
As I reported during our last sitting, the United States has once again submitted a proposal to CITES to have the polar bear up-listed from Appendix II to Appendix I. If the proposal is approved, it will effectively end the export of polar bear products from Canada due to increased trade restrictions.
The proposal will be considered and voted upon at the upcoming CITES Conference of the Parties next week.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, of course, we do not support this proposal which has no rational basis.
Over the past several months, the department, along with our wildlife co-management partners, has worked hard to engage and educate organizations about Nunavut’s successful polar bear management system.
Many of the world’s leading wildlife conservation organizations, including the World Wildlife Fund, Polar Bears International, and TRAFFIC, have joined the fight to oppose this proposal.
We are in agreement that polar bears do not meet the necessary criteria for an Appendix I listing.
The CITES Secretariat themselves have recommended against the up-listing.
Mr. Speaker, our staff, Tagak Curley and I, and our colleagues in Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Environment Canada, the Nunatsiavut government, the Northwest Territories government, and the Inuvialuit Game Council have been working tirelessly to get the message out that Canada has an effective system for managing polar bears that is founded on the principles of conservation.
The world needs to know that our management system is based on rigorous scientific information and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and that it supports the sustainable harvest of polar bears, which is an important part of Inuit culture and Nunavut’s economy.
Mr. Speaker, we remain committed to our position that polar bear management should be entrusted to the countries that have polar bears to manage: the signatories to the International Agreement on the Conservation of Polar Bears. I will be travelling to the CITES meeting next week to ensure that our voices are heard and that the world understands that Nunavut manages its polar bears effectively and sustainably.
Minister for Culture and Heritage, Minister Arreak.
Minister’s Statement 231 – 3(3): Coming into Force of the Nunavut Official Languages Act (Arreak)
Hon. James Arreak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to inform the Members of the Legislative Assembly that the Nunavut Official Languages Act will come into force on April 1, 2013, except for subsection 12(7)(c).
The new Official Languages Act will maintain the rights and privileges for English and French speakers while finally elevating the Inuit language to equal status.
To the extent set out in the Act, all three official languages will enjoy equality of status and equal rights and privileges as to their use in territorial institutions, namely, in the Legislative Assembly, the courts, and the Government of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I tabled last fall the Uqausivut Plan. Under this plan, GN departments and public agencies will take steps to improve their delivery of services to the public in the official languages.
Minister for the Status of Women, Minister Ell.
Minister’s Statement 232 – 3(3): Call for Nominations (Ell)
The Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council issued a Nunavut-wide call for nominations for which the deadline is today, February 28.
I would like to encourage ladies in Nunavut who wish to be a voice for women in Nunavut to apply to be a Qulliit council member today if they have not already done so.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, as a council member of the Qulliit Nunavut Status Women Council, you would volunteer to raise public awareness of issues affecting the status of women while promoting a change in attitudes in order that women may enjoy equality of opportunity.
The council does advise the government on issues and policies affecting women.
The time commitment is anywhere from 10 to 20 hours per month which would consist of participating in regular teleconference calls (sometimes meetings occur during the evening and weekend hours), and responding to emails on certain issues that need council approval and/or attention and feedback.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, council members usually serve a two-year term on the council.
As this is a volunteer position, council members are provided per diems and modest honorariums for meetings.
Qulliit has helped advance the interests of Nunavut women in many ways over the past years, including:
Preparing submissions on legislation;
Researching projects on violence against women and homelessness;
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, we are looking for women who take an active interest in advancing women’s issues in the territory and who are willing to dedicate time and energy to this important role.
The deadline for nominations is today, February 28, 2013.
If you are interested, there is still time to get your nominations in.
Call the Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council office toll-free, 1-866-623-0346, or my office at 867-975-5026. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 387 – 3(3): Acceptance of the Integrity Commissioner’s Report (Schell)
I would like to acknowledge that I personally accepted the Integrity Commissioner’s report in November 2012.
At this time, I would like to extend my sincere apologies to my peers, colleagues, and all of my constituents in Cape Dorset, Kimmirut, and all Nunavummiut.
I am sorry for my wrongful conduct laid out in the Integrity Commissioner’s report.
I have met with the elders and discussed my conduct as a Member of the Legislative Assembly.
In the future, I promise to be more conscientious and faithful in fulfilling my commitments under the Integrity Act.
Member’s Statement 388 – 3(3): Importance of Safe Housing (Ningark)
I would like to thank the Minister of Education, who just came back from Kugaaruk to meet with the parents and students.
We received a bus and it has been used this winter.
I would like to thank the Hamlet of Kugaaruk because the bus is being stored at their garage, but where it is stored is not heated.
It is a computerized vehicle, and it is very difficult for them to keep it running in winter.
I am not sure which government to turn to. Perhaps with summer or later on, we would like to see a heated garage for the bus.
I just want the government to know this.
Member’s Statement 389 – 3(3): Congratulations to Diamond Jubilee Medal Recipients (Rumbolt)
I rise today to recognize and congratulate four constituents from the community of Sanikiluaq who have been awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Mr. Speaker, the recipients are:
Elijah Sala, a former mayor of Sanikiluaq;
Mina Inuktalkuk, an 81-year-old elder who has contributed to the community in many ways over the years and still serves on the hamlet council today;
Moses Appaqaq, who was an MLA in the NWT legislature; and
Mr. Speaker, a person you know well, Peter Kattuk, who was an MLA in this legislature for two terms and also served as mayor of Sanikiluaq for many years.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating my constituents on their well-deserved awards.
I join in wishing all the recipients congratulations.
Member’s Statement 390 – 3(3): Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal Recipients from Rankin Inlet and Whale Cove (Kusugak)
I, too, rise today to share my pride and recognize a Rankin Inlet resident who also received a Queen Diamond Jubilee Medal. This fall, while in Whale Cove, we also recognized Arualaaq and I gave a brief background on it.
However, with the onset of the new year, another person was also recognized in Rankin Inlet is Veronica Manilak, who is well known by many Inuit and she is no stranger to most Nunavummiut and even the world as she has had her work showcased in various art shows, specifically sewing crafts.
She sews sealskin items and her sewn items are well known for their elaborate and colourful designs.
She has been sewing them for many years, with some items smaller while others are larger items.
As a matter of fact, I recall in Expo ‘86, when we were still under the NWT administration, Mr. Curley was a minister at the time, we were in Vancouver and Veronica was at the exposition to showcase Inuit crafts and the manner she sewed the items.
People would watch her sewing and sometimes you couldn’t see her due to the crowd surrounding her.
She doesn’t just sew; she is a very active person involved in many activities, and she partakes in drum dancing events in Rankin Inlet and wherever they are holding Inuit drum dancing events.
She goes to sing at these events as she knows many traditional songs. As a matter of fact, she taught me a song my grandfather Pujjut had composed and I am practising that song from her.
She never stops and she is always present whenever the elders’ drum dancing group gets together. She also goes to the schools to visit the classrooms and continues the Inuit culture awareness.
I would like my colleagues to join me in recognizing her accomplishments. I also thank the Premier, our Commissioner, Minister Shewchuk, and Mr. Curley, who were able to attend to the award ceremony in our community.
Member’s Statement 391 – 3(3): Search and Rescue in Nunavut (Elliott)
I rise today to join with my colleague from Nattilik who spoke so eloquently yesterday concerning the issue of search and rescue in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I want to pay tribute today to the many residents of the High Arctic who are active search and rescue volunteers.
Mr. Speaker, in Grise Fiord, Resolute Bay, and Arctic Bay, there is good cooperation between the municipalities, HTOs, the Canadian Rangers, and other search and rescue partners. I strongly support a well-funded and well-resourced search and rescue infrastructure in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take this opportunity to also highlight the good work that the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association is doing in the High Arctic. As you may be aware, CASARA currently has an active presence in Resolute Bay.
In the near future, CASARA will be calling for volunteers and providing training in Arctic Bay.
Mr. Speaker, an ongoing issue for Nunavut is the need for enhanced federal support for search and rescue in the north.
As I have noted on a number of occasions, Resolute Bay’s existing infrastructure includes the Polar Continental Shelf facility, a modern airport, and significant DND presence.
I continue to join with our government in calling on Ottawa to strengthen its search and rescue capacity in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to conclude by asking my colleagues to join with me in paying tribute to the residents of the High Arctic who put their lives on the line to come to the aid of their fellow citizens.
Return to Oral Question 487 – 3(3): Activities of the Office of the Chief Coroner (Shewchuk)
I rise today to provide clarification to a question asked by the Hon. Louis Tapardjuk, MLA for Amittuq, on February 26, 2013, question No. 487 – 3(3).
This is in regard to activities of the Office of the Chief Coroner.
“…under subsection 21(2) of the Coroners Act, an inquest is required by law to be held in circumstances when a death occurs in a jail, lockup, or correctional facility.
Under the Coroners Act, inquests must be held in public.
…can the minister advise the Legislative Assembly when the inquest will begin into this incident?
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.”
The response, Mr. Speaker:
As required by the Coroners Act, there will be an inquest into the death in the RCMP cells in Igloolik.
However, cases such as this are investigated by an external investigator before they go to an inquest.
Once the coroner has received the external investigative report, she will begin the steps to take to hold an inquest.
The chief coroner attended the scene in Igloolik shortly after this incident to begin her investigation.
Also in attendance was an external investigator from the Ottawa Police Service.
The chief coroner also met with the GLO at the local hamlet office to advise of the situation and that there will be an inquest into this case.
The second question, Mr. Speaker, from Mr. Tapardjuk:
“I would like to thank Minister Shewchuk for that response.
If there should be an inquest, can the minister indicate how the family of the deceased will be kept informed of the status of this situation?
It has to be an open inquest.”
The response:
When an inquest date is set, the Office of the Coroner will send a written letter to the immediate family of the deceased informing them of the upcoming inquest, times, dates, and place.
In addition, time and place will be announced on the local radio.
All coroner inquests are open to the public.
The Office of the Coroner conducts inquests in the home community of the deceased in order to make it easy for family members and friends to attend and understand the circumstances surrounding the death of their loved one.
Question 502 – 3(3): Search and Rescue Priorities of the Government of Nunavut (Ugyuk)
Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) My questions are for the Premier.
I’m going to approach the issue of search and rescue from a different angle today.
In June of last year, the annual meeting of the three territorial Premiers was held in Iqaluit.
Following that meeting, the three Premiers announced that they “look forward to working with the federal government and Arctic search and rescue partners.”
Can the Premier indicate how the three territorial governments have been following up on this issue?
Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for asking that question.
The emergency management and safety issues have been very important here in Nunavut ever since people moved to communities.
We can only successfully fulfill this role through partnership. (interpretation ends) It should be addressed by intergovernmental cooperation and sharing of resources. (interpretation) This is due to its importance.
Here in Nunavut, the priority has been on this issue and it continues to be a prime concern to many people.
This is especially true with emergency search and rescue missions. At this time, I am also quite grateful to the search and rescue volunteers who conduct searches by plane and land. all volunteers are appreciated for their dedication and for setting aside everything to assist.
People with the RCMP, CGS, our conservation officers, and the HTOs are all working together to deal with emergencies and they work quite well together.
I also understand where the member’s question is coming from.
We continue to voice our concerns on this subject, especially the long distances required at present. We keep voicing the fact that search and rescue aircraft have to be sent from the south whenever we require SAR aircraft since there are no bases up north. This is one of our primary concerns that we are always voicing.
We will continue to speak about this issue at every opportunity.
Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) As the Premier is aware, Canada will be assuming the chairmanship of the Arctic Council under the leadership of Minister Aglukkaq.
One of the issues that the Arctic Council has been working on is search and rescue in the Arctic.
Can the Premier indicate how the Government of Nunavut will be working with the Arctic Council on this issue during Canada’s chairmanship?
This is indeed an important issue and this should be addressed through continued cooperation between other arctic states, as well as federal, territorial, and community governments.
Additionally, a stronger financial commitment at the federal level for assistance with Nunavut-based search and rescue operations is required, as we all know.
We have also commenced a pan-territorial public awareness campaign on individual responsibility and the need to be properly prepared for land/sea excursions.
We are also interested in exploring new models of delivery, such as Discovery Air, an Airbus military proposal to provide and maintain Canada’s fixed-wing search and rescue fleet from a northern base.
So, obviously, it will be important for Nunavut to have a dialogue on those kinds of things with the Arctic Council.
I also thank the Premier. (interpretation ends) The president of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated is on record as saying that search and rescue is an important priority for Nunavut.
The Government of Nunavut and NTI signed a new cooperation protocol in 2011.
Can the Premier indicate how she is working with the president of NTI to address this issue?
Through negotiations and various agreements, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and the Nunavut government discuss a number of issues, which includes partnership on other issues and working with other associations. I can ensure that we invite the member in future meetings with NTI when we have set up another meeting with them.
Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) The need for the federal government to permanently station search and rescue assets in the north, including aircraft, has been discussed on many occasions.
Can the Premier indicate what the Government of Nunavut’s current position is on this issue?
This issue is very critical, especially the issue of proximity when it comes to search and rescue aircraft and to have faster response times in these cases. We will work with various partners, organizations, and different levels of government to voice our concerns and to ensure that this continues to be brought up at every opportunity.
Question 503 – 3(3): Rabies Vaccinations across Nunavut Communities (Aupaluktuq)
Mr. Speaker, approximately one year ago, I rose in this House to question the minister on his department’s activities to address the threat of rabies across Nunavut’s communities. I believe it’s called Pillanngillaqtut in the Baffin. In the Kitikmeot, they’re called Uimmaumajut.
We call them Aangajaaqtut in the Kivalliq and Baker Lake. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, our own dog, Buddy, a Jack Russell terrier, gave his life to protect our home from an attack by a rabid wolf in Baker Lake.
He was a brave little fellow.
We, Bakermiut, even established a fund in his name, the Buddy Fund, to meet the need for vaccinations in our community.