EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
The three territories first collaborated in 2007 on the project Look Up North, which generated significant interest in the territories when southern Canadians saw the television ads about our communities, people, and attractions.
In 2010, we continued with our pan-northern marketing campaign during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which raised awareness about the uniqueness and splendour of the North in southern Canada and international markets.
Canada’s Northern House attracted more than 200,000 visitors during the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver last year.
I would like to acknowledge the federal government’s $3.6 million funding support for this project. I am confident that federal and territorial investment in the 2011 pan-northern marketing campaign will generate more interest in our territories and we will see an increase in tourism in Nunavut. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister’s Statement 005 – 3(3): Financial Support for Nursing Students (Curley)
I rise today to say that I am pleased to announce the recipients of the nursing scholarship awards.
Each year, my department grants scholarships to the top students in the Nursing Program at Nunavut Arctic College.
Two students, one beneficiary and one non-beneficiary, in years two, three, and four of the program are each eligible to receive $3,000.
This year’s scholarship recipients are:
Margaret MacIsaac and Diane Iyago for second year students.
Nancy Gordon and Suzanne Schwartz for third year students.
Melanie Lynch for the fourth year students.
My department is committed to supporting and training a Nunavut-based workforce for the nursing profession, which is essential to providing frontline services in health centres across the territory.
Mr. Speaker, in addition to the scholarships, in this fiscal year, the department distributed $82,500 in bursaries to our nursing students.
This funding eases the financial burden of undertaking post-secondary studies.
In exchange for the bursaries, each student commits to working in Nunavut after they graduate. At present, we have 18 students with agreements to work for Health and Social Services after graduation.
Mr. Speaker, this is a wonderful program for our nursing students and it is also great news for the people of Nunavut as we are developing a strong core of Nunavummiut nurses to serve health care needs across the territory, Mr. Speaker.
Going to Item 4 in our Orders of the Day. Members’ Statements.
Member’s Statement 001 – 3(3): Reflections on Opening of New Session (Schell)
I rise today to look ahead to what we should focus on during the remaining two years of our mandate.
I would first like to begin by congratulating the Commissioner on her first Opening Address.
Mr. Speaker, I hope that I will be in a position tomorrow to say the same thing to the Minister of Finance after he has delivered his Budget Address, but given our financial situation, I fear that I may be offering condolences, not congratulations.
Mr. Speaker, today marks a milestone for all of us. Most of the Members of the Third Legislative Assembly took their oaths of office on the same day. Since that time, we have welcomed new members to this House, and we have seen some interesting and unexpected changes to where some of us sit within it.
Mr. Speaker, we recently went through a tough but necessary leadership review.
Those decisions have been made and we must now move forward.
Mr. Speaker, I have never been accused of being a smooth talker and I will never win any awards for having a silver tongue.
I pride myself on being blunt and I’m going to be blunt today. Mr. Speaker, if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, it’s a duck.
Mr. Speaker, we face some serious issues.
I will provide just a few examples today. Unfortunately, I could provide many more.
Mr. Speaker, the situations at the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation, the housing corporation, and the Qulliq Energy Corporation all point to one inescapable conclusion: our Crown corporations have been allowed to get out of control.
I want to state for the record today that I will support the strongest possible measures on the part of the government to bring back accountability to the Crown corporations.
Madam Premier and Minister of Finance, you will hear only applause from me.
Mr. Speaker, a lot of us in the House today are former mayors and we all know that financial management at the municipal level requires constant attention.
I believe that the real state of municipal finances and management across Nunavut is a hidden iceberg that threatens us and I urge the Minister of Community and Government Services to take action before it’s too late.
Mr. Speaker, last week, we approved more than $10 million worth of overspending at the Department of Health and Social Services.
It’s getting to the point where it doesn’t even seem worthwhile asking questions as these over-expenditures have become routine.
I agree with my colleague from Nanulik… .
Speaker: Member for South Baffin.
Mr. Schell: I would like to ask for unanimous consent to continue with my Member’s Statement.
(interpretation ends) I hear no nays.
The Member for Baffin South can continue.
I agree with my colleague from Nanulik who suggested last year that the government should look at dividing this department into two separate organizations and I urge the Minister of Health to consider the potential for improvements that this change could bring.
Mr. Speaker, my colleague from the High Arctic spoke last week about how his community has recently had to open a food bank because children are going hungry.
At the same time, Mr. Speaker, the government’s most recent annual procurement report indicates that when it comes to finding money for consultants, the sky is the limit and the cheque book is always open.
Mr. Speaker, I am afraid that if we don’t focus our efforts over the next two years on taking tough decisions, the next group of MLAs is going to face a mess that simply cannot be cleaned up.
Mr. Speaker, if we are ever going to have a realistic hope of achieving a devolution agreement with Ottawa, which is a goal we all share, we have to demonstrate that our House is in order.
As a Member of the Legislative Assembly, I will do my part in keeping this government accountable and I will make no apologies whatsoever for doing so.
Member’s Statement 002 – 3(3): Tribute to Rynie Audla (Rumbolt)
I rise today to pay tribute to Rynie Audla, late resident of the community of Sanikiluaq and a true contributor to the greater community of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, Rynie Audla passed away this January, just two weeks before the passing of her sister Dora, who was also her throat singing partner in many appearances.
Mr. Speaker, Rynie lived a full and colourful life.
She was a daughter of Johnny and Mini Ikuluk, who was part of the group of arctic exiles who were relocated from Inukjuaq to Resolute Bay in the 1950s.
She had a strong and tenacious spirit.
Her son Terry told me a story of how Rynie, at very young age, was going to be adopted to another couple.
When her parents left the camp by dog team, she ran after them, jumping on the back of their sled, and wasn’t discovered until much later. As a result, she got her way and was able to stay with her parents after all.
Mr. Speaker, Rynie had a traditionally arranged marriage to Walter Audla, which produced 5 children, 27 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.
When Walter got a job in Sanikiluaq, they moved to the community where they stayed.
Mr. Speaker, Rynie was a great contributor to society.
On the local level and most recently in December, Rynie was re-elected to the Sanikiluaq Hamlet Council. She was known as a counsellor that people could talk to when they had a problem.
At various times, Rynie was a long-serving member of the local district education authority, Qammaq Housing Association, the Justice Committee, the Elders Committee, the Sanikiluaq Language Committee, and the ladies auxiliary. Rynie also lead the church choir for many years. Singing and prayer was a big part of her life.
Mr. Speaker, Rynie also put her great energy and spirit into contributing to Nunavut as a whole.
In 2003, she was appointed to the government’s Katimajiit Elders Advisory Council.
Mr. Speaker, Rynie often fostered local children in need. She was a humble, compassionate, caring, and giving person. Rynie will be sorely missed not only by her family and many friends, but by the community as a whole.
Member’s Statement 003 – 3(3): Suicide Prevention Workshops (Komoartok)
Mr. Komoartok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish all of my community residents a good day and I send them my regards.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my thanks and appreciation to the Minister of Health and Social Services and his departmental officials for the successful delivery of the Applied Suicide Interventions Skills Training workshop in the community of Pangnirtung last year.
Mr. Speaker, those Panniqtuurmiut who took the ASIST workshop spoke very highly of their experience. They felt that they had learned some very practical skills. Several people have already done interventions on distressed people using the training they received.
This training may actually have already saved lives.
Mr. Speaker, although I don’t have the exact figures yet, it is my understanding that several hundred Nunavummiut, including more than 100 teachers, received ASIST training last year.
I also understand that a number of Nunavummiut took the training for trainers program to become registered ASIST trainers. This is a very positive step forward.
Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to hear a departmental official state on the news that the Department of Health and Social Services was going to continue this initiative and “blanket the North” with suicide awareness and intervention training. This has my full and enthusiastic support.
Mr. Speaker, several more of my constituents have expressed an interest in taking suicide awareness and intervention training this coming year.
Unfortunately they have not been able to find much information on what other opportunities they may have available for this coming year.
The individuals who have been trained to deliver ASIST workshops do not appear to have received any updates on what plans are in place for future training.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will be requesting additional information on the success of the ASIST program to date and what is being done to ensure that it continues. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 004 – 3(3): Young Mother Mourns Infant in Igloolik (Tapardjuk)
First of all, I want to say that I am very proud of the Commissioner for making her Opening Address in her dialect.
I want to express my pride in our Commissioner.
Mr. Speaker, the reason why I rise today in front of my colleagues in the House is to get their support.
Just recently, as a matter of fact, less than an hour ago, the young child was laid to rest.
The parents are quite young, Lizzie Qulitalik and Conrad Ataguttaaluk.
They are in our thoughts and prayers as they are undergoing a stressful and difficult time. I would like my colleagues in this House to remember the couple.
We are experiencing sorrow in our community. Although that occurs throughout the year, with the current difficulties we face, I would like to mention these two individuals.
I urge and encourage my colleagues to work towards a better and more peaceful future by assisting people in every way we can. So let’s keep these people in our thoughts and prayers.
Member’s Statement 005 – 3(3): Appreciation to HTO in Rankin Inlet (Curley)
I, too, would like to remember Walter, whom I have known for many years, and his wife. They are in my thoughts as they have lost a beloved relative.
I recall Walter was one of our fieldworkers in Nunavut when Inuit Tapirisat of Canada was undertaking its land claims work and he provided a lot of work.
So I wish to let the family know that we love them.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank the residents of Rankin Inlet in my constituency because the HTO in our community is very active.
Annually, the HTO undertakes its duties when the hunting becomes harder and the weather gets colder and they task hunters to go harvesting on behalf of the poor, the elders, widows, men who have lost wives, or those with disabilities. They undertake these hunts to harvest country food for these people and the HTO tasks the hunters.
I would like to thank the hunters, particularly Norman Ford, who is the manager of the Rankin Inlet HTO.
The hunters were much appreciated for their efforts, and they are: Mark Ittinuar, Jonah Siusangnark Jr., Tommy Kabvitok, Bernie Uluadluak, Andy Kowtak, Edmund Pilakapsi, Sapa Flynn, Sonny Ittinuar, Yvo Airut, and Shane Tologanak.
There were elders who went on the radio because they were so grateful for the HTO and the hunters for providing them with country food. They went on the radio and broadcast their gratitude.
This is a very good measure in trying to reduce poverty. Let’s thank everybody who assists us in meeting our needs.
It would be good to have caribou meat in this area.
Member’s Statement 006 – 3(3): Appreciation to Peter Kattegatsiak Junior and Senior (Ningeongan)
Just as well, we underwent a hardship this fall in Chesterfield Inlet.
Louie Autut had to be rescued.
Joe Issaluk and Louie Autut were out hunting and a blizzard overtook them while they were out last fall.
They had to try to return to their community because of the bad weather.
Both of these were adults and elders. Although they were trying to stay together, they got separated.
Shortly thereafter, the blizzard really came on strong and the gusts were pretty strong.
Once the weather calmed down, the search and rescuers of Chesterfield Inlet had to try and leave to find the lost hunter. They had to undertake their rescue activities because they knew Louie was in trouble due to the bad weather. The search and rescue squad kept going and searching for Louie Autut.
One of the people who were involved was Peter Kattegatsiak Sr., along with his son Peter Kattegatsiak Jr., who was riding in the Qamutik and his father was driving the snowmobile.
Peter Jr. apparently notified his father that he had to come along on the sled and this is why he was riding in the Qamutik.
There were a number of people in the search party and they started looking into areas where they thought Louie may have taken shelter. Even though it was really bad weather and there was still a lot of wind gusting on the ground, they kept searching.
Peter Sr. heard his son yelling at him.
Peter Jr. was yelling at him to stop and that he just saw something move that looked like an arm.
Peter Jr. wanted to return back to the area and he pointed where he thought he saw movement.
Member for Nanulik, you may proceed.
Mr. Ningeongan (interpretation): Thank you, colleagues.
When Peter Jr. told his father where he had pointed, they went there and found Louie shivering and they could tell that he was in trouble.
In that instant, Peter Kattegatsiak Sr. loaded him up onto the Qamutik and wrapped him up, and then they went as fast as they could possibly go to the nursing station in Chesterfield Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, what I can state now is that Louie unfortunately froze his toes and is currently rehabilitating his injury.
I urge the support of my colleagues to recognize Peter Kattegatsiak Jr., a young person who, by virtue of his wanting to be involved, would be the only person who would have seen him as he was riding in the Qamutik while the others who were searching didn’t even see Louie.
What I can state is that he saved the life of Louie Autut.
Congratulations to the young person.
Member’s Statement 007 – 3(3): Tribute to Dora Pudluk (Elliott)
I rise to add to the statement made by the hon. member from Hudson Bay.
Mr. Speaker, it never ceases to amaze me how interconnected our lives really are.
We meet many people in the course of our lives and the fabric which holds us together is very much intertwined.
Mr. Speaker, a month ago today, January 28, 2011, saw the passing of Dora Pudluk, sister of Rynie Audla from Sanikiluaq and a resident of Resolute Bay, in my constituency.
Mr. Speaker, as I wrote this Member’s Statement in my room, I looked up from my desk and the Iqaluit Visitors Guide 2011 caught my eye as the cover highlights both Dora and Rynie.
In this photo, you can see the joy that they shared in singing together.
Mr. Speaker, I was blessed enough to have met both of these ladies. In the year 2000, I was in Sanikiluaq assisting with the production of an interactive throat singing CD. The CD showcased the throat singing talent of Annie and Minnie Novalinga.
Rynie was highlighted by the Novalinga sisters as being their role model, mentor, and teacher.
Mr. Speaker, my memories of Dora are also special. In Resolute Bay, she always had a smile on her face and was willing to share her skills and traditional knowledge.
She was a woman who had a quiet presence but exuded a great strength.
Mr. Speaker, Dora was a High Arctic exile originally from the Inukjuaq area and was relocated to Resolute Bay following a brief period of time in Churchill, Manitoba.
The sisters, Dora and Rynie, renowned for their throat singing, sewing, and artwork, sadly passed away within two weeks of one another.
They have passed on their throat singing talent to countless girls across the Arctic and have travelled the country to entertain and share this wonderful skill. Dora shared this knowledge through her work at Qarmatalik School in Resolute Bay. She will truly be missed.
Mr. Speaker, Dora is survived by her husband, Ludy Pudluk, the longest-serving MLA for the High Arctic. She will be dearly missed by her children Emily, Ross, Lalie, Hannah, Caroline, Juanie, Naiomi, as well as her 17 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
Mr. Speaker, I extend my condolences to Ludy, the family, and the entire community of Resolute Bay, as they continue to mourn the loss of Dora but also celebrate her life and memory.
Member’s Statement 008 – 3(3): Reflections on Opening of New Session (Ugyuk)
I say “good day” to the residents of Nattilik.
I also say “good day” to my grandfather and grandmother in Taloyoak.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer some reflections on the start of our new session.
Mr. Speaker, I was elected by the constituents of Nattilik to represent their interests to the best of my abilities and to work with all of my colleagues in this House to make Nunavut a better place for our people.
Mr. Speaker, as we look towards the second half of this Legislative Assembly’s term of office, I want to express my belief that the challenges ahead can only be met if we approach them together.
In recent days, I have been troubled by a number of comments that I have heard in this House.
Mr. Speaker, I was taught that if you have been entrusted with responsibility, you have to accept that responsibility.
Mr. Speaker, we have been hearing too many arguments in this House about who should be blamed for the problems that we face today.
Quite frankly, I am not interested in trying to calculate exactly what percentage of our problems should be assigned to the previous government and exactly what percentage should be assigned to the current government.
Mr. Speaker, it’s getting to the point where I fear that we will start hearing people try to determine exactly how much blame we can leave aside for the next government.
Mr. Speaker, the world is far from perfect and governments past and present are no different.
Did the previous government make mistakes?
Of course it did. All governments do.
But we must also keep in mind that we accomplished a significant number of important things for Nunavut and my constituents are very proud of many of the things that it did.
I do believe that our current government is perfect… oh.
Do I believe that the current government is perfect?
Not at all, but I do believe that it wants to do better.
There are no nays. Member for Nattilik.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, today’s Opening Address by our Commissioner expressed a number of challenges that lie ahead.
Tomorrow’s Budget Address will outline what tools we have to address these challenges.
Mr. Speaker, I will do my best to be constructive in my comments during the current sitting and I urge all of my hon. colleagues to join me in doing so.
Member’s Statement 009 – 3(3): Apology to the Minister of CGS (Ningark)
I had the opportunity to speak with the Hamlet of Repulse Bay’s SAO to clear a matter relating to the pumphouse in Repulse Bay, knowing that this government is not perfect.
Mr. Speaker, I have stated more than once during the last week period of this sitting that the pumphouse in question was in need of major repairs.
As a matter of fact, I have found now that it does need minor repair.
Mr. Speaker, through you and through the integrity of the House, I would like to candidly apologize to the CGS minister. I was wrong.
>>Applause  Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Member.
Going to Item 5. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery.
I have the honour of recognizing Her Worship Madeline Redfern, Mayor of Iqaluit.
I just heard today that there are many former mayors in the House, and I know that she will be a great addition to the city and a good leader.
Also, I want to mention that she is also the chairperson of the Nunavut Legal Services Board. She’s doing great work with that board and helping to improve justice across Nunavut.
Speaker: You’re not welcome.
I was going to recognize her, so you beat me to it. She’s my constituent by the way.
Welcome to the Assembly, your worship.
(interpretation) Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery.
There are no more hands up. Item 6.
Member for Baker Lake
Question 001 – 3(3): Public Consultations on Uranium Mining in Nunavut (Aupaluktuq)
On October 22 of last year, I asked questions to the Premier concerning the Government of Nunavut’s public consultation process regarding uranium development and mining in Nunavut.
At that time, she informed the House that public forums would take place in 2011 in a number of communities, including my hometown of Baker Lake.
Can the Premier update me today on when the public forum will be held in Baker Lake?
They will be in Baker Lake from March 30 to 31, 2011.
I’m sure the people of Baker Lake would be more than happy to participate.
My supplementary that I would like to ask here is of the Premier’s Office and the Premier is… . In my Member’s Statement of last Friday, I paid solemn tribute to the announcement of NTI’s new leadership that the organization will also be undertaking a review of its uranium mining policy and consulting with Inuit.
In my Member’s Statement, I respectfully suggested that the Premier communicate directly with the president of NTI to coordinate the two organizations’ review of uranium mining in Nunavut.
Can the Premier tell the House today when she will sit down with the president of NTI to discuss this important issue?
I also thank the Member for Baker Lake for asking that question.
The importance of effective communication and collaboration between this government and the Inuit organizations is self-evident.
My personal belief is that we will have to hold detailed deliberations with NTI on this policy as they are also trying to re-evaluate their uranium mining policy.
Once we have completed our preparations and with the completion of the research by our staff, they will identify the issues that need to be reviewed prior to the discussions between NTI and our government. The review is being initiated. So after all of the preparations have been completed, we will set a time for meeting with NTI’s president as well as the date of the proposed review.
I have always believed that in order for wise decisions to be made on any given issue, it’s necessary to have all perspectives in front of us.
Can the Premier clarify for the public record how her government’s public forums will ensure that Nunavummiut will have the opportunity to hear directly from groups that both support and oppose uranium mining?
Furthermore, I wish to comment that prior to this government stating its position on the process, this government truly believes in the mandate of NIRB and in their capabilities to conduct reviews.