EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
And, the Nunavut Arctic College Maternity Care Worker Certificate students:
Terri-Lynn Byrne
Carol Akeeagok
Sula Enuaraq
Nina Kanayuk
Qovik Netser
The graduation of new health professionals is an exciting event. All are embarking on a journey to a wonderful career.
Mr. Speaker, learning is a lifelong process. I encourage those who are graduating Friday to continue broadening their scope of health care knowledge.
The pursuit of a career in health care comes with great responsibility. These are individuals with great character and commitment.
All are role models, and for that Mr. Speaker, I wish them the best.
Member’s Statement 487 – 2(4): Farewell to Leetia Nowdluk (Mapsalak)
Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I rise today to express my best wishes to Ms. Leetia Nowdluk, who will shortly be leaving the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, Leetia has been with the Legislative Assembly since 1999.
During the Second Legislative Assembly, she has served the Standing Committee Ajauqtiit with energy, enthusiasm and dedication.
I know that I speak for all of my colleagues when I say that we will miss her.
Over the years, our standing committee has spent countless hours in meetings and Leetia has always been there for us.
Mr. Speaker, I have lost count of the number of opening comments and other items that I have delivered in this House.
I want to thank Leetia for helping to ensure that I have always been well prepared for our proceedings.
Mr. Speaker, Leetia is rejoining her family and moving on to a new position in Ottawa.
I ask all members to join me in wishing her and her family the very best, and to thank her for a job well done.
Member’s Statement 488 – 2(4): Congratulations to Pond Inlet Graduates (Arvaluk)
I rise today to congratulate the grade 12 graduates in Pond Inlet.
There are 14 graduates this year and they are: Joyce Angnetsiak, Ezra Arreak, Alice Erkloo, Christopher Idlaut, Daniel Inuarak, Jennifer Kautainuk, Naomi Killiktee, Lysa Koonark, Natasha Mablick, Robert Peter, James Pewatoaluk, Maria Quaraq, James Simonie, and Monica Simonie.
David Parks, the principal, and the teachers have invited me to attend their graduation.
I would like to say in this House that I would be very pleased to attend their graduation on June 9.
Member’s Statement 489 – 2(4): Boating Safety Awareness (Curley)
Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you. I thought I was going to be waiting a bit longer.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to make everyone aware that summer is coming and that students will be getting out of school and many families will be going out camping by boat.
Our oceans in the Arctic can be very calm and then at times, they can become very rough.
For that reason, I am encouraging people to ensure that they have safety equipment.
It is my belief that the government is responsible for ensuring that boats have safety equipment. I also believe the government should provide safety programs for boaters in Nunavut.
I think we need to know now whether or not we will be doing any studies. We should do a survey on whether all the boats have radio equipment and what kind of survival equipment they have; we need to know what the boats are equipped with.
I know in the south, the Canadian Coast Guard helps everyone by way of radio.
They are provided with all kinds of equipment, such as high frequency radios and towers.
We need to have this kind of equipment in Nunavut. This government should be requesting equipment from Ottawa, such as high frequency radios with antennas, comparable to those used by the Canadian Coast Guard.
I rise today because in Nunavut, during the summer, sometimes we find ourselves in dangerous situations.
Therefore, I urge Ottawa to make sure that we are provided with marine safety equipment because we cannot continue without such equipment.
As it stands now, we have to purchase our own radio equipment and antennas.
I raise this issue in order for the minister to appreciate the seriousness of this matter.
I would like to wish the boaters an enjoyable summer in Nunavut.
Before I acknowledge any other members, I would like to note that Minister Picco’s statements have been found, copied and distributed, and therefore is no longer an issue.
Member’s Statement 490 – 2(4): Comments on Wife in Anglican Ministry (Simailak)
Mr. Simailak: Time is up, Mr. Speaker.
(interpretation) I just wanted say that before my time lapses.
Mr. Speaker, I’m not too sure about the appropriate time to speak on this issue but I would like to raise it at this point and I could elaborate on it at some later time.
My wife Jean is here with us today.
She attended the Anglican meetings held here in Iqaluit.
Not only is she is my wife, she is a mother and a grandmother, and has never stopped working.
Back in 1980s, she started working on religious issues.
In April 2004, she was ordained as minister.
Just recently, on May 31, she retired from this position.
I was very pleased to come home on May 24 when a surprise ceremony was held for her.
She did not expect this. This was a very special event and everyone shared in the joy.
I know that the people of Baker Lake really appreciated her work and as my wife, I know she put in a lot of effort into her work not only in Baker Lake but everywhere.
Furthermore, I know, that although she is retired as an Anglican minister, she will continue her work.
On behalf of everyone, I would like to thank my wife and that I love her, my wife.
Member’s Statement 491 – 2(4): Reflections on Working with Peter Kattuk (Akesuk)
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, my colleagues.
Before I make my Member’s Statement, I wish to send my love to my wife.
This is our 10th anniversary, although we have been together for more than that. I wish to let her know that our children and I are very fond of her.
For 17 years, during my father’s illness, my wife took care of him. I love her very much and I’m very grateful to her.
Now, to my other statement, I believe we will be heading home soon.
Mr. Kattuk and I were elected back in 1999 to the First Assembly of Nunavut, including you, Mr. Speaker.
During the First Legislative Assembly, we first served as regular members. I would like to thank Mr. Kattuk for all that support he has gave me during that time.
We eventually became Members of Cabinet after less than two years as regular members.
When we became Members of Cabinet, one memory stands out from all the rest.
I remember the issue of the time zone in Nunavut.
It was quite difficult for the regular members and it was our very first challenge to deal with in the House, and that bill did not appear to have been passed in the House.
We were very happy to see that, as we were on our way to our offices on the first floor, and became quite exhilarated because we thought the bill was not passed, so we assumed that it would not be implemented.
Mr. Irqittuq, Mr. Iqaqrialuk, Mr. Nutarak, and I were so pleased because we were all from Baffin Island and we would stay in our regular time zone.
However, we did not expect to see Mr. Quirke come to the first floor offices to say that this bill was passed and that’s how it was going to be.
All of a sudden, our group plunged from feelings of exhilaration to deep depression.
So that is a very vivid recollection of that period.
So with the challenges we were faced with, they will serve as memorable times to remember Mr. Kattuk by, as well as the previous members at that time who have all assisted each other to this day.
I am so pleased that Mr. Kattuk continued to serve his constituency. I know that even when he is no longer a member, he will recall events such as these and that he will not forget the challenges we faced at the Legislative Assembly.
I believe that you feel that it isn’t any warmer this morning in the Chamber. The fans are not working properly, so that’s why it’s a bit cool in the Chamber and we apologize for that.
Member’s Statement 492 – 2(4): Zacharias Kunuk Awarded Honourary Doctorate by Trent University (Barnabas)
Hon. Levi Barnabas (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and good morning.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of my relatives to inform the Members of the Legislative Assembly and all Nunavummiut of a momentous occasion involving my older brother, Zacharias Kunuk.
Zacharias will be receiving an honorary doctorate from Trent University tonight and as a result, his title will henceforth be Dr. Zacharias Kunuk.
This is not the first time that he has received recognition.
Zacharias is a recipient of the Order of Canada. He is, as most of you are aware, a co-producer and partner of the famous Isuma Productions film company.
This film company was the first ever to produce a movie entirely in Inuktitut, with Inuit actors, Inuit clothing, and based on the Inuit legend of Atanaarjuat. They have also now produced their version of the Journals of Knud Rasmussen to try and preserve Inuit culture. This company has been in the forefront of producing films by Inuit, for Inuit, and in Inuktitut.
I am quite pleased to announce this as it is a reason for celebrating the achievements of Zacharias Kunuk. So on behalf of my sister, who is in Baker Lake, as well as my relatives in Igloolik, please join me in celebrating Zacharias’ achievements.
The ceremonies will take place tonight at 8 p.m. at Trent University.
Member’s Statement 493 – 2(4): Thanks to All Members (Kattuk)
Yesterday, I did not have the opportunity to complete my Member’s Statement and if I am in error, I know that you will stop me, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, as I previously stated, I believe that this may be my last session.
Yesterday, when members started to say their greetings, my prepared statement went by the wayside, so I would like to return to my original statement.
I wish to announce a significant item to the House, Mr. Speaker. During our very first meeting, our Clerk, John Quirke, was unknown to me. However, I am quite proud to state that I know him.
He is continually assisting me, although I have to be routed through Montreal to reach Iqaluit, especially when we are conducting our standing committee meetings, he still makes all my travel arrangements.
I thank all the Legislative Assembly staff as well as all the interpreters for all their hard work. Even though I might have a different dialect, the editors managed to convert my statements into the proper context in English, so I thank them for their assistance.
I would also like to express my gratitude to my family.
Firstly, to my wife Alice, I hope to see her tomorrow, as well as my grandchild, Unakuluk.
I hope to see them tomorrow and although we talked on the phone, she is still less than a year old, having been born last August, so she generally does not recognize me, but I get her to call me Ataatatsiaq on the phone. I am grateful that I will be able to see her tomorrow.
As well, I called home this morning and my wife answered, she stated that she was quite bloody, so I asked her if she cut herself.
She stated that she had bloody hands because she was making Nikku from Beluga meat.
I can state unequivocally that Sanikiluaq residents do not waste any meat whatsoever.
When we are done with a beluga whale carcass, all you see is the skeletal remains.
The meat is made into Nikku and this includes the back muscles, as well as their intestines, which we stuff with meat. The intestines are very delicious to eat and they are called “Sanikiluaq Sausages.”
There have been several cases where I have undergone stressful periods in the House and I am quite pleased that there were people who could assist me in dealing with them.
Take medical travel as an example.
This issue vexed me earlier, but it is now something I am proud of since the Minister of Health collaborated with me to resolve the issues, both in the Legislative Assembly as well as through other means. There are now three trips to Winnipeg a week, however, there is always a qualifier.
Mr. Speaker, the qualifier in this case is the concern that I kept raising about these flights and that is the fact that there were no toilet facilities on that aircraft and it tends to be a long flight to Winnipeg. I flew on that flight once, perhaps three weeks ago, and the toilet was quite unstable.
I tried to use the toilet and was it ever problematic; it is a push button toilet.
But I am happy that it’s at least available for use now.
As well, I would like to raise the matter of social issues which Inuit are still grappling with in our communities, so I would like to make this statement here in the House.
In recalling Premier Okalik’s statement that when he was undergoing stressful periods, I would call him every so often and I would advise him with Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit which had been passed down to me from my father and grandmother, and that was my sole advice.
No one is immune to this as everyone undergoes hardships some time in their lives and more so on certain days.
IQ states that you are to immediately try and leave that stressful environment.
You may grapple with an issue for a while, but you are supposed to release it so that it stops stressing you out because it is a past event.
Problems may drop onto our laps and cause us grief or anger, but we’re supposed to leave them behind after we deal with them because it is already in the past. We are moving forward into the future, so we have to look at more optimistic ideas.
I am making this statement especially to the younger generations, who have inherited the stressful environment which we are now living in, and when they get troubled, they tend to try and cut their lives short.
This is the case and that is why I am stating for the record, if you are deeply concerned about an issue, don’t dwell on it and move forward. We all wake up to a new day everyday and one ought to take that approach that today is a new day. So please ensure that you always try that approach.
I wanted to state this here in the House as I would like this to be practiced: if you have concerns, please do not dwell on them. The more you dwell on these issues, the more they take from you mentally and spiritually, so that is why you have to leave those issues behind.
Even if someone tries to make you depressed, please be aware that it will pass, even though it feels as if it will never pass. That is a common belief of people suffering depression. Let go of your problems and try to be more optimistic in your life, and that is my wish that everyone can do so.
I know that I have stated that I will be under the surgeon’s knife on September 9, but I do not know how long I will be convalescing.
If I am fine, perhaps even on crutches, I may be able to return prior to the end of the fall session if I have the opportunity to do so.
I know that this may be your last statement, but please know that your advice will not be forgotten in this House and we are thankful for your sage advice.
Member’s Statement 494– 2(4): Graduates from Hall Beach (Tapardjuk)
I was struck by the thoughtfulness of Mr. Kattuk’s comments, so I thank him for that.
I rise today to congratulate the students in Hall Beach who will be graduating from grade 12 on June 9, 2008.
As Members of the Legislative Assembly, we make statements to try and encourage students to complete their education, so I will mention the students who are graduating in Hall Beach.
The graduates are: Jennifer Angutauttuq, Joyce Arnarjuaq, Louise Ikeperiar, Steve Itturiligaq, Silas Kammuka, Nina Kuppaq, Mavis Panikpakutsik, Sharon Pialaq, Susanne Pialaq, Kane Pikuyak, Jonah Qanaatsiaq, Erica Tungilik, and Lorne Tungilik.
Those are the grade 12 graduates from Hall Beach and I congratulate them on their completion of their secondary education. I, along with all Members of this House, wish them success in all of their future endeavours. Please join me in congratulating these graduating students in Hall Beach.
Member’s Statement 495 – 2(4): Mr. Peter Kattuk (Picco)
Mr. Kattuk is well-known all over Nunavut. He is a hunter, he is a father, and Mr. Speaker, as everyone knows in the House and across Nunavut, he’s a great storyteller.
Mr. Speaker, Peter and I went out hunting a few times and I want to tell a few stories about our good friend, Mr. Kattuk. One time it was just Peter and I, it was very cold, and we had gotten a couple of caribou, so Peter and I began to skin the caribou.
Now, Mr. Speaker, as you know, and you have been with me a few times, remember in Bathurst Inlet, Mr. Speaker, Peter kept looking at me with a puzzled stare, with a strange look on his face, but he didn’t say anything. As you know, Peter can be very quiet.
After we finished, Peter, using the skill of a surgeon and years of experience, he had his caribou all cut up in about 15 minutes.
Now, Mr. Speaker, being a pretty good skinner of caribou, and a lot of the members have been hunting with me, it took me about 45 minutes longer than Peter.
So Peter looked over at me and he said, “Eddy, that was kind of messy.”
We started to laugh, and then Peter left his knife behind and we couldn’t find it.
Mr. Speaker, I was standing in a pool of blood. There was blood on my head, blood on my clothes, blood on my Qamutik, and blood on the snow.
Peter looked at me and said, “Maybe next time you will be a little cleaner.”
Mr. Speaker, Peter is a storyteller and a hunter, but he’s also a good teacher.
Mr. Speaker, Peter was the minister, as the members said yesterday, during the bad gasoline situation, and it was very stressful and people were very upset.
Peter was renting a unit near me, so on our way home from the Legislative Assembly that day, we went into the Quickstop. A shopper saw Mr. Kattuk and said something very mean to Mr. Kattuk in front of myself and Peter about the gasoline and about Mr. Kattuk.
Peter just smiled and was polite. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Kattuk demonstrated patience and courtesy.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask for unanimous consent to continue my statement.
I have known Peter for a long time, long before we came to the Legislative Assembly as colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, when you’re under stress on the job as minister, and as all of the MLAs know here, sometimes it affects your family more than it does you, sometimes people will say things to your family that they won’t say to you.
That day at the Quickstop, I learned something new about Peter Kattuk.
I was quite upset with what was said to Mr. Kattuk and I told him so. Mr. Kattuk smiled at me again and said, “Don’t worry about it.
It’s not worth it.”
I won’t say exactly what he said, but he said, “Don’t worry about what they said, they’ll learn.”
I think Mr. Kattuk demonstrated some sincere leadership.
Mr. Speaker, tomorrow we will be in Sanikiluaq with Peter for the graduation at the high school.
I want to take this opportunity to thank Peter for his friendship and advice, and Mr. Speaker, his good humour.
Mr. Speaker, in Inuktitut, Kattuk to me is a hammer.
Our Kattuk, Mr. Peter Kattuk, has been a hammer for Sanikiluaq and the residents of Sanikiluaq since 1999, and I think the whole House, we wish you the very best, Peter, in your future and we wish you the very best on your surgery on September. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 496 – 2(4): Grade Six Graduates of Cambridge Bay (Peterson)
I rise today to congratulate the grade six class in Cambridge Bay. Mr. Speaker, they will be graduating on June 10 and have invited me to their ceremony.
I am very honoured by that invitation.
Mr. Speaker, this is a big achievement for these kids.
Mr. Speaker, several years when I was the mayor, I held a brainstorming meeting with the youth of Cambridge Bay to talk about things that Cambridge Bay kids need.
Mr. Speaker, one of the younger kids in the elementary school said that he would like a school locker like the older students.
Mr. Speaker, I told him that if he worked hard and studied that he would get that locker some day.
Mr. Speaker, these grade sixers who have worked hard will be in the high school next year, and I hope that they will all get a locker.
Mr. Speaker, I would like the House to join me in congratulating the grade six class on their graduation and wish them all the best in their high school years.
Member’s Statement 497 – 2(4): 43 Year Anniversary with Ron Brown (Brown)
I thank my colleagues in the House.
Mr. Speaker, I wasn’t going to make a Member’s Statement but I was reminded that this might be the last time that we are here.
On June 24, my husband and I will be celebrating our 43-year anniversary, and I thank my husband very much.
Sometimes we go through hard times, perhaps because (interpretation ends) I’m too pushy and bossy to him. (interpretation) If that’s the case, I apologize as I’m sure you’re listening.
We lived with Ollie and Lizzie Ittinuar at the time Ron and I got married. They have taught us a great deal about having a good marriage.
I think it was June 24, 1965 when we got married and then I gave birth to my first son on September 28 that same year.
My husband cooks supper for me and never allows me to cook unless I wish to, and that’s why he calls me (interpretation ends) pushy and bossy.
(interpretation) On June 25, Sally and Lorne Kusugak will be celebrating their wedding anniversary. Although they’re younger than us, I will say to them, (interpretation ends) “A June Bride is a bride forever like me.”
Thank you for the month of June.
(interpretation) I would like to thank Mr. Kattuk and I would also like to tell a brief story about him.
We all have cell phones today and when he visited my house, his cell phone rang but it was lost under the couch and we couldn’t find it. It stopped ringing before we could find it, but then it rang again and we finally found it.
The phone was in his jacket pocket which was draped over the chair.
You are a good person and I would like to thank and praise you, Mr. Kattuk, for representing your constituency very well.
Member’s Statement 498 – 2(4): All the Best to Peter Kattuk and Family (Aglukkaq)
Hon. Leona Aglukkaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) I am grateful that we have made it to this day. (interpretation ends) I thought, during the session, I would have to stand up and ask to be excused because my water broke.
Knock on wood, it’s the last day.
I wanted to say that today is possibly the last day for us.
As well, I wanted to wish all my colleagues here a safe summer. (interpretation) What Peter said greatly impacts and affects our lives and I’m very pleased to have been a Member of the Legislative Assembly along with him.
He often spoke of how we need to get along together, resist provocation, and be respectful of each other.
I am very thankful for having been a colleague of his to this day.
I am also thankful that my colleagues have made it to this day and I hope that they have a very good summer.
(interpretation ends) I also want to take this opportunity to thank my colleague, Peter Kattuk, and to wish him and his family all the best in his retirement.
I first met Peter when we had our meeting of Institute of Public Governments back in 1995 or 1994 in Cambridge Bay.
He was appointed on the transition team for the Nunavut Water Board, I believe, and I was on the transition team for setting up the Nunavut Impact Review Board, and we had our inaugural meeting in Cambridge Bay.
Since that time, Peter has been consistently a genuine, kind person and I have enjoyed working with him. I’m going to miss his sense of humour. When he’s telling his stories, there’s always something funny that comes out and I’m going to miss that, and the issue with his toilet has been a real challenge for me to address.
I’m just thankful my colleagues haven’t asked me to reconfigure the bathrooms on the jets to make them larger for taller and bigger people. But I’m thankful to the member for raising that and now we’re able to respond to the scheduled flights that are now available in Sanikiluaq.
Before he leaves, I also want to say that, as an MLA, he carried out his job with great integrity and certainly has set high standards for the next incumbent who will be coming to replace him after the next general election.
You are a great role model for your community and I’m proud to have worked with you. And I have certainly learned a lot from you in how you carried out your job in the last few years here.