EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
We’re currently in the planning and design phase for the Resolute Bay Water Works. We’re expecting to issue an RFP some time this spring to start the construction and when that happens, it should take care of the regulatory issues with the community’s water and treatment works.
Mr. Elliott: Under section A-IV-5 where it’s Grise Fiord’s community hall/hamlet office, I would like a little more clarification. I understand that it’s a Building Canada Fund project and no funds are actually being allocated. I’m assuming that’s coming all from the federal government.
Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Could he ask me the question again, please? Thank you.
Minister… my apologies.
Again, maybe this is just because it’s my first time going through this process.
But as I follow through on there, it says in prior years, $8,666,000 has gone into a project in Grise Fiord for the building of a community hall/hamlet office.
Third party funding was made available in the amount of $8,666,000, if I’m reading it correctly, $2,889,000 was provided by the GN, the government, for a total project of $11,555,000.
I was in Grise Fiord in December and if this has been spent on the building, there is no building there. So maybe we should ask for the money back.
Hon. Lorne Kusugak: No, they won’t ask for the money back.
We have just begun the planning and design this year.
Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Minister, for those answers.
Again, it’s a learning process for me.
So I just wanted to make sure again, I guess everyone knew, that we were supposed to ask questions about this because I know I was a little lost, so I thank you.
Mr. Ningark: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. When Mr. Elliott was asking about the process, he kind of looked this way.
In the other jurisdiction, in the NWT, when they would go through this process, when the minister makes his opening remarks or speaking notes, after we were recognized by the Chair, we used to kind of reply to what he said, what we think.
When we would go through it page-by-page in the bill and we saw items in a certain page that we had concerns about, for instance, a community hall, a pipeline, or maybe a tank farm, then it was time to ask questions on the page when we go through it page-by-page.
That’s the way it was but this is another jurisdiction.
Minister Kusugak, do you have anything to say to that?
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): No, I don’t have any comments.
I don’t think there are any more questions.
Chairman (interpretation): I believe the witnesses can now leave this Chamber.
Mr. Arvaluk made a motion on the floor to report progress and the motion is not debatable.
Mr. Ningeongan: Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bill 2 and Bill 1, and would like to report that Bill 2 is immediately ready for third reading.
Third Reading of Bills. (interpretation) There being none. (interpretation ends) Item 22.
Orders of the Day for March 20:
This House stands adjourned until Friday, March 20, at 10:00 in the morning.
>>House adjourned at 17:18
Friday, March 20, 2009
Pages 214 – 234
Opening Prayer 214
Ministers’ Statements 214
Members’ Statements 218
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 228
Oral Questions 229
Orders of the Day 234
Friday, March 20, 2009 214
021 – 3(1): Reduction in the Price of Gasoline (Kusugak) 214
022 – 3(1): Homeowner Fuel Rebate (Peterson) 214
023 – 3(1): Countdown to Nunavut’s Tenth Anniversary (Aariak) 215
024 – 3(1): Home & Community Care Worker Recognition Day (Curley) 216
025 – 3(1): Closure of Nunavut Energy Centre as Part of the Qulliq Energy Corporation (Tootoo) 217
026 – 3(1): Location of the Headquarters for the Government of Canada’s New Northern Economic Development Agency (Taptuna) 217
046 – 3(1): Good News Coming from Cabinet (Okalik) 218
047 – 3(1): In Support of Democracy (Aupaluktuq) 219
048 – 3(1): Representing Sanikiluaq and Nunavut (Rumbolt) 219
049 – 3(1): Challenges of Representing Two Communities (Pauloosie) 220
050 – 3(1): Working Together for a Stronger Nunavut (Arvaluk) 221
051 – 3(1): Importance of Tolerance (Schell) 222
052 – 3(1): Gary Kennedy Awarded Outstanding Principal Award (Taptuna) 223
053 – 3(1): Building Strength through Consensus (Komoartok) 223
054 – 3(1): Successful Southampton Island Caribou Harvest (Ningeongan) 224
055 – 3(1): Reflections on Returning to Public Office (Ningark) 225
056 – 3(1): Learning to Lead Together (Elliott) 226
057 – 3(1): Travel to Constituency (Kusugak) 227
058 – 3(1): Apology on Behalf of Iqalummiut and Nunavummiut (Tootoo) 228
044 – 3(1): Small Craft Harbours for Nunavut Communities (Arvaluk) 229
045 – 3(1): Changing Rates (Komoartok) 232
046 – 3(1): $2,500 Grant Deadline (Rumbolt) 233
018 – 3(1): Early Adjournment (Ningeongan) 234
Speaker (Hon. James Arreak)  (interpretation): Thank you.
Before we proceed, I would like to ask Mr. Shewchuk to say the opening prayer.
Minister’s Statement 021 – 3(1): Reduction in the Price of Gasoline (Kusugak)
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
I’m enjoying the beautiful morning we’re having.
Tomorrow is supposed to be the first day of spring.
I hope that the weather in Rankin Inlet starts warming up tomorrow.
Mr. Speaker, as I indicated previously, the Department of Community and Government Services’ Petroleum Products Division was able to complete a purchase of fuel at a reduced price through a pre-purchase program.
As we are all aware, saving money at the gas pump allows Nunavummiut to put their money toward a healthy traditional lifestyle and helps stimulate our local economy.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce a significant reduction of ten cents per litre in the retail price of gasoline...
And the price of gasoline will be reduced by ten cents per litre effective tomorrow.
The government will continue to monitor the price of fuels and we will review the status of other fuel products once estimates are completed around June.
Again, the price change is effective as of March 21.
I’m pretty sure that all Nunavummiut thank you as well.
Minister’s Statement 022 – 3(1): Homeowner Fuel Rebate (Peterson)
I’m not sure how I could top that great news on a Friday morning but I’m going to try.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce a new one-time fuel rebate of $400 for all homeowners across Nunavut.
This rebate will help ease the cost of living and provide homeowners with more disposable income to spend on our economy.
Last year, the government purchased its annual fuel resupply near the peak of oil prices, close to $150 per barrel.
At the time, the previous government had to increase Nunavut’s price of fuel to cover the costs created by the fluctuation in the market.
Mr. Speaker, homeowners were directly impacted by the considerable increase of heating fuel and gasoline.
With the recent drop in prices, the Petroleum Products Division of CGS will be taking advantage of low prices and our government is immediately passing those savings on to homeowners in Nunavut.
This $400 rebate will be application-based.
Department of Finance staff is currently finalizing the application form and procedures.
My department will notify all members regarding the application forms and ensure that all Nunavummiut have easy access to the application for this $400 rebate.
Any further good news items from the ministers?
Minister’s Statement 023 – 3(1): Countdown to Nunavut’s Tenth Anniversary (Aariak)
Indeed, I want to state that we all know this year will be Nunavut’s 10th anniversary.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform my colleagues and Nunavummiut about an exciting upcoming event.
The government and the territory of Nunavut were formally created on April 1, 1999.
This Legislative Assembly, elected by residents of Nunavut, was established with legislative powers over many key areas that we discuss on a daily basis in this Chamber.
Together, we now have control over our future in key areas like health, education, the administration of justice, and wildlife management.
The creation of our government fulfilled a key obligation under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and is an important landmark in Canada’s constitutional history and nation building exercise.
Mr. Speaker, April 1, 2009 marks our territory’s 10th anniversary.
Activities are planned on that day across our territory.
Earlier this month, the Minister of Community and Government Services announced a $5,000 grant for each hamlet to go towards celebrating this significant occasion. The Department of Education also contributed a $2,500 grant to each district education authority to allow our schools to celebrate this momentous day.
Every Nunavut community will find a way to celebrate this historic occasion in its own way.
Mr. Speaker, I will be going to Pond Inlet later today with the Member for Tununiq, the Hon. Member for Kugluktuk, and the Hon. Member for Arviat to start the countdown to the 10th anniversary and celebrate our achievements.
We will be sharing a feast of traditional foods with the community of Pond Inlet and with youth from across the territory that are taking part in a volleyball tournament.
Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement was and still is Canada’s largest land claims agreement.
The road to Nunavut was achieved through the persistence and sacrifices of many Inuit.
On July 9, 1993, the agreement came into force, making it a law of Canada.
For this reason, we celebrate July 9 every year as Nunavut Day.
Nunavummiut will find opportunity throughout this entire year to celebrate our collective achievements.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to conclude my statement by encouraging all Nunavummiut to celebrate Nunavut’s 10th anniversary this year. We are going to Pond Inlet to kick-off the celebrations.
We would like to go to other communities but we are unable to do so due to financial restraints.
As we committed at our Cabinet Retreat, we will visit communities throughout the territory and the 10th anniversary of our wonderful territory will be a year-long celebration.
Minister’s Statement 024 – 3(1): Home & Community Care Worker Recognition Day (Curley)
Hon. Tagak Curley (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning to my colleagues and to the residents of Rankin Inlet and my family watching the proceedings.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that on this coming Sunday, March 22, is Home & Community Care Worker Recognition Day.
This day is for the workers who look after disabled people or the elderly that cannot go to the health centre. This is a special day that recognizes our home and community care workers and the important work they do in communities.
Some of these workers have been providing their services and have resided in our communities for a long period of time.
Home care encompasses an array of services, including nursing care, respite care, palliative care, case management, rehabilitation services, homemaking, advanced foot care, and personal care.
The service is provided to people with disabilities, perhaps even those who are unable to walk, chronic or acute illnesses of all ages in their own home and community.
We would like to recognize these individuals for their services on this day.
Home and community care workers assist families in caring for people but does not take responsibility from the family or community.
The goal of the program is to augment the services normally provided by a family and to allow Nunavutmiut to live as independently as possible with a better quality of life at home in their community rather than a facility.
People with chronic or acute illnesses need to be provided with proper care as we can’t house all these services in our existing facilities.
Mr. Speaker, there are approximately 87 home and community care workers that help us provide care to approximately 1,075 Nunavutmiut across our territory.
I would like to take this opportunity, Mr. Speaker, to recognize the home and community care workers across Nunavut this Sunday and to acknowledge the important work they do, such as cleaning and other services that we wouldn’t be able to provide, to improve the quality of life for Nunavutmiut with disabilities, chronic or acute illnesses.
I wanted to extend my gratitude, so I made a statement on this special day.
Minister’s Statement 025 – 3(1): Closure of Nunavut Energy Centre as Part of the Qulliq Energy Corporation (Tootoo)
I would like to inform my hon. colleagues that the Nunavut Energy Centre, which has been part of the Qulliq Energy Corporation, will be closed on March 31, 2009.
Programs and services currently offered will be taken up by other elements of the Government of Nunavut who are now delivering energy programs.
Mr. Speaker, when the Nunavut Energy Centre began, there was little in the way of programs to encourage energy conservation within Nunavut.
The board of directors approved interim funding in 2005 on the understanding that other resources would be forthcoming to assist the centre in becoming self-sufficient.
Changes to federal programs meant that the anticipated funding sources are no longer available.
Mr. Speaker, as there are now departments and agencies of the Government of Nunavut that are offering energy conservation programs and services, the board of directors felt that the activities would be best located within the government and directed that no corporate funds are to be used for the Nunavut Energy Centre after March 31, 2009.
Mr. Speaker, Qulliq Energy will continue to be actively involved in energy conservation and look forward to working with other agencies in delivering services.
Minister’s Statement 026 – 3(1): Location of the Headquarters for the Government of Canada’s New Northern Economic Development Agency (Taptuna)
Hon. Peter Taptuna: Qujannamiik, Mr. Speaker.
Members of this House will have heard of the new Northern Economic Development Agency proposed by the Government of Canada as part of the federal budget announcement on January 27 of this year.
Members may also be aware that it is proposed that the headquarters for the new agency will be located in one of the territories.
Mr. Speaker, I wanted to inform this House that the government has responded very positively and constructively to this federal announcement.
The three territorial Premiers have together written to the Prime Minister to express their support for the new agency and to provide the Government of Canada with a joint position on the mandate, principles and objectives that must guide its formation.
In addition, on February 19, 2009, I wrote to Minister Strahl, the Minister of Indian Northern Affairs, whose department is responsible for establishing the new Economic Development Agency.
I have proposed a meeting with Minister Strahl to discuss the formation of the new agency.
I have pointed out that the territorial governments are anxious to participate as full partners in the design of the new agency and its programming.
We expect to see the new agency emerge, in time, as an independent body with the same status as regional development agencies in other parts of Canada, with a dedicated investment fund to support economic development in Nunavut and the other territories.
Mr. Speaker, I have also informed the federal minister that Nunavut believes the headquarters for the new agency should be located here in Iqaluit.
We take this position, Mr. Speaker, because we regard Iqaluit as a gateway to the new North and because we believe that every one of the territories will be better served by having their headquarters for the regional development agency located here in Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker, the announcement of the new economic development agency signals a new era in federal-territorial cooperation in economic development.
And this announcement has brought about renewed cooperation between the territorial governments as we work together to ensure the new agency truly meets our needs.
I look forward to reporting to the House on our progress in the coming months.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Ministers’ Statements.
Member’s Statement 046 – 3(1): Good News Coming from Cabinet (Okalik)
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Today being Funny Friday, I thought I’d rise.
(interpretation) I would just like to state that I was distraught due to my team being defeated quite easily last night and I was feeling kind of down this morning.
At least our ministers have finally responded to our requests, so that made me happier.
At least now, I can empathize with the Toronto fans since their team continually loses and that seems to be the case every year. It seems my life is missing a spark when I have suffered through another loss, especially by a lesser team.
I now understand how difficult it must be to watch your team defeated regularly and the Toronto fans probably go through that a lot.
I am a Montreal Canadiens fan and our team will be playing against Toronto tomorrow. If there are any Toronto fans in this House, I would like to make a bet with them because it will be a serious game that way.
I would like to thank the ministers for responding to our requests to look at decreasing the price of fuel and this day has become a great day for Nunavummiut. I celebrate with my fellow Nunavummiut.
Have a very nice day.
Member’s Statement 047 – 3(1): In Support of Democracy (Aupaluktuq)
Mr. Aupaluktuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I rise today to say how proud and honoured I am to be here to represent my constituents of Baker Lake.
As one of the rookie Members of the Legislative Assembly team, I know that I have a lot to learn.
I am very fortunate to be in the company of colleagues who have much to share with me in terms of experience and game plans.
Mr. Speaker, I believe strongly in the spirit and principles of democracy. As lawmakers, we will work together to make and amend laws.
As leaders, we will work together to set direction for the future. Cabinet ministers have the difficult job of revising and implementing their departmental plans and policies.
As regular members, we have the important responsibility of scrutinizing, questioning, and making suggestions that hopefully will improve the way our government operates and delivers services to all Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be a part of this team. Together, I believe we will work hard to make Nunavut a winning territory.
It’s an honour to be here to represent all of Nunavut, specifically my constituents of Baker Lake. (interpretation) Thank you very much.
Member’s Statement 048 – 3(1): Representing Sanikiluaq and Nunavut (Rumbolt)
I am sure that all of Nunavut is proud today of the good news that we’re getting from our colleagues across the table.
I would like to issue them a challenge that every Friday, we get some sort of good news from them.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to make it clear that I am here in this House to do my best to represent my constituents in the community of Sanikiluaq.
Mr. Speaker, the community of Sanikiluaq is unique in Nunavut. It is unique because of its geographic location, because of its dialect, and because of its people. At the same time, the residents of Sanikiluaq are very proud to be a part of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I too am very proud to be one of the 19 Members of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut.
I believe that my constituents know that while I am working on their behalf, I am also working on the behalf of all Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I am glad for the opportunity to join my voice to the other voices in this House on issues, such as the sealing issue that I spoke about yesterday, in order to make Nunavut’s voice stronger as a whole.
Mr. Speaker, I would again like to thank my constituents and the other Members of this Legislative Assembly for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this process.
Member’s Statement 049 – 3(1): Challenges of Representing Two Communities (Pauloosie)
Mr. Pauloosie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) First of all, I would like to send my greetings to the residents of Taloyoak and Gjoa Haven that are watching these proceedings on television.
(interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to speak about the challenges of representing two communities in the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, a number of Members of the Legislative Assembly represent constituencies that include two or more communities.
In my case, I represent the communities of Gjoa Haven and Taloyoak.
Mr. Speaker, although I live in Gjoa Haven, I also consider Taloyoak to be my home.
As the MLA for Nattilik, I intend to speak on behalf of both communities during my time in the Legislative Assembly.
I invite residents in both communities to contact me at any time with their concerns.
Mr. Speaker, the challenge of representing two or more communities is one that many of us share. However, I believe that this challenge will also help us to keep a Nunavut-wide perspective in mind when we do our work in this Legislative Assembly.
I look forward to working with all members on both sides of the House.
Member’s Statement 050 – 3(1): Working Together for a Stronger Nunavut (Arvaluk)
I want it noted that Edmonton won last night 8-1.
On behalf of my constituents in Pond Inlet, our community welcomes the Premier, Deputy Premier, and Minister Shewchuk with open arms and they are already aware of this upcoming visit.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer some thoughts and reflections as we approach the end of our first major sitting since being elected to the Third Legislative Assembly of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, the recent election of our colleague from Akulliq has completed the membership of this Assembly.
Mr. Ningark and his old nickname was Charles Bronson, welcome to the House.
I believe that it is now appropriate to make some comments on the direction in which we are heading as the Third Legislative Assembly of Nunavut.
As I look around this Chamber, I see an inspiring diversity of perspectives and perspectives. They are from all over; they have different experiences, they have done their share of work in bettering their communities, and some of whom were involved in the creation of Nunavut.
We have the inaugural President of ITC, Mr. Tagak Curley, and also a past President of NAM.
They have contributed a lot to Nunavut.
Some of these very experienced people are rookie MLAs but none of them are clumsy in the House.
Mr. Speaker, I have served on both sides of the House and I speak from personal experience when I say that there are rewards and frustrations no matter where you sit.
We all know that we live in challenging times.
Speaker (interpretation): I’m sorry, Mr. Arvaluk, your time is up.
You must ask for unanimous consent to conclude your statement.
This seems rather short, perhaps the clock speeds up when I talk, so I would like to ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Just speed up your speech.
Mr. Arvaluk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) We all know that we live in challenging times.
The economy is in crisis and we cannot allow our scarce resources to go to waste.
I believe that we need to work together as ministers and as regular members. I realize that as being the Chairman of the Regular Members’ Caucus, that it is very important to every single one us.
We cannot afford the luxury of putting politics above progress. We cannot let our constituents down by emphasizing matters of personality above issues of substance. We should not seek confrontation when we have the opportunity to achieve consensus.
Mr. Speaker, it is a given that we need to hold the government to account.
For example, I will not rest until the needs of Pond Inlet have been met, including the need for a new arena, and I will continue to stress to the GN to pressure the federal government for the small craft harbour needs of Nunavummiut.
However, I will do my best to work cooperatively with all Members of the House in these matters and I look forward to all members doing the same. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 051 – 3(1): Importance of Tolerance (Schell)
About 20 years ago, a much younger man, who had a lot more hair than he does today, came north. During his two decades in the North, he built a career, made friends, served his community, fell in love and had a child.
Mr. Speaker, that man was me and I want to speak very frankly today about the importance of tolerance and the need to reject racism.