EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, the job of our health workers was made even more difficult by the fact that the health centre was closed down for a week because of the overwhelming smell of fuel in the facility.
For an entire week, health centre staff provided 24-hour care out of the local school.
Mr. Speaker, the serious nature of the community’s health situation is demonstrated by the fact that medevacs arrived almost daily to fly patients out of the community for further care.
Mr. Speaker, even given the very difficult conditions, our health centre staff continued to provide quality care to the residents of Sanikiluaq.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the staff of the Sanikiluaq Health Centre for their hard work and dedication and the community of Sanikiluaq for supporting each other at this difficult time.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Member for Akulliq.
Member’s Statement 363 – 3(2): Support for Community-Based Search and Rescue (Ningark)
I rise today to express my support for community-based search and rescue organizations.
Mr. Speaker, as all Members of this House are aware, search and rescue volunteers and professionals put their lives on the line during emergencies.
In the unforgiving climate of the north, it is important that search and rescue organizations have adequate training, equipment and resources to fulfill their important mandate.
Mr. Speaker, I recently had the opportunity to meet with Repulse Bay’s local search and rescue committee as well as the RCMP.
I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to their dedication and to express my appreciation for their work.
Mr. Speaker, the local search and rescue committee in Repulse Bay undertakes fundraising activities in order to be able to acquire new equipment.
I want to thank the community for their efforts and support.
Mr. Speaker, the 2010-11 main estimates of the Department of Community and Government Services were approved last year by the Legislative Assembly.
The department’s main estimates included a $500,000 budget to “enhance community-based search and rescue capability and preparedness across Nunavut.
The program provides SAR Training to Search and Rescue Organizations assistance with certain SARO Equipment, as well as communications systems.”
Mr. Speaker, I strongly encourage the Department of Community and Government Services to be proactive in explaining to local search and rescue organizations what support is available to them.
I know that the search and rescue committees in Kugaaruk and Repulse Bay would appreciate this assistance.
Mr. Speaker, when we review the 2011-12 main estimates of the Department of Community and Government Services later in this sitting, I encourage the hon. minister to provide Members of this House with an update on the support that his department provides to local search and rescue organizations.
We have to remind you that we have a time limit and to keep your clock in mind when you are speaking.
Member’s Statement 364 – 3(2): Child and Family Welfare Act (Ugyuk)
I would like to comment today with respect to social services. They have conducted a study which, I believe, started last year regarding legislation on family and child protection.
From what I have heard, once I became an MLA last year, this is an issue very important to me regarding children and the inclusion of children amongst the government priorities. Again, they are our future and their lives are impacted daily.
I would like to raise questions today on this matter to the health and social services minister.
Furthermore, the social workers are working very hard and I would like to recognize them today because they deal with a lot of stressful issues related to social services.
It’s a very difficult job because you have to deal with all aspects of their lives and you have to question them.
You also have to deal with sexual abuse.
You have to deal with very heavy issues.
I’m very thankful that they are able to undertake their positions in our territory.
Member’s Statement 365 – 3(2): Passing of Maria Aupilarjuk (Curley)
I believe it was last week when we lost an elder in Rankin Inlet and she was one of my constituents.
She was 84 years old when she passed away. Her name was Maria Tulimaaq Aupilarjuk and she was the wife of one of the eldest people in Rankin Inlet.
She passed away and we sympathize with those who have lost a loved one.
Most of us knew Aupilarjuk and he worked really hard to support and fight for Inuit rights. He has assisted a lot of youth. He has gone to a lot of meetings to talk about Inuit culture.
He is one of our most valuable resources for Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
He told of his wife that she was a very good woman, that her mind was sound, and that he never heard her speak ill of any other person.
Young people should have to look for a good partner like that. If we try to live a good life, then we can develop and progress from there.
I want everybody to note that we have to be very careful here in Nunavut.
The lady was visiting her relatives in Repulse Bay when she passed away and she was actually born in Repulse Bay.
I would like to remember Aupilarjuk and their relatives. We will keep them in our thoughts and prayers throughout this sorrowful time.
We will send a letter of condolences to the family.
There are no more hands up, so we can now go back to our orders of the day. Item 4. Returns to Oral Questions.
First of all, I would like to welcome a person from Greenland whom I have known for a long time.
There are a few people here and this is not their first visit.
I believe they first came in the 1970s or 1990s, when that person was in Iqaluit and they were being taught the traditional games of the Inuit. He brought a delegation of youth who learned the traditional games.
During the Arctic Winter Games, the Greenlanders won a few of the traditional games based on the training that they had received in Iqaluit.
Furthermore, the director of Ilinniarfik in Ilulissat as well as the preschool teacher training and social services training institution, Nuka Kleeman, is here.
Karol Thompson-Fleisher and Martin Hoffman are her co-delegates.
They are currently in Iqaluit and they will be here throughout this week and will be meeting with various agencies as well as the schools and preschool foundations. They will be meeting with a lot of these bodies.
So I would like to welcome them to Iqaluit, and I am glad that they have come to Iqaluit.
I would like to recognize visitors to the Gallery. I have two daughters; from the left, Mona Arreak and Gina Arreak, as well as her daughter. What’s your name again?
Rosemary Arreak.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I must say that when you were our Premier, we used to ask her what she was going to be when she grows up and she used to say, “Paul Okalik.”
So she is a future Premier of Nunavut, Rose. Larissa Arreak, Mona’s daughter, and our youngest daughter, Kristy Arreak. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Going back to our orders of the day. (interpretation ends) Item 6. (interpretation) Oral Questions.
Question 531 – 3(2): Status of Implementation Plan for Language Legislation (Tapardjuk)
It’s a very beautiful afternoon.
Mr. Speaker, I was quite proud yesterday when I spoke to the Minister of CLEY that I had a question.
When the minister made a statement, he was proud of the fact that the Inuit Language Standardization Symposium had proceeded smoothly and he talked about the standardization of the Inuktitut language.
I believe we have to be proud of that and the fact that the meeting proceeded smoothly, and we could hear it on the news.
What the minister alluded to in his statement, he identified that there were certain initiatives that are being undertaken and implemented with relation to the Inuit Language Protection Act.
Can the minister identify further initiatives from his department that relate to CLEY’s mandate in terms of implementing the Inuit Language Protection Act and what other measures they have undertaken in order to complete it?
The question is directed to the Minister of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth.
I also thank my Annuraaqatik because he is the first person to ask me a question, but I didn’t quite grasp what he meant and whether he meant certain initiatives.
We’re dealing with a lot of initiatives related to languages. We have certain issues related to hamlets, others that relate to all Nunavummiut, and specific ones related to the media. So I would like to ask the member to clarify what particular field he is asking about, Mr. Speaker.
The minister is requesting clarification on the Member for Amittuq’s question.
Due to my Annuraaqatik, I almost threw it out, but I’m missing the question again.
I will clarify this.
Mr. Speaker, it states here in the Minister’s Statement that there were still other issues and other activities that they deal with.
He didn’t get into the details as to what these activities were.
He stated that there were other activities being undertaken.
That is what I would want clarified, Mr. Speaker.
One of the things that we’re really working hard and trying to plan on in government operations is the usage of the Inuktitut language and repatriating Inuktitut into government operations.
If this is approved by cabinet, then we will be presenting the initiative in front of the House.
Once we have completed the planning stages for one of the things we are really planning hard on, we will be able to request more funding and we will be able to initiate more of these projects.
With regard to the hamlet issues that relate to the Inuktitut language, we will be looking at providing assistance to the hamlets, if they so desire.
We can provide them with more assistance in their hamlet in dealing with Inuktitut language initiatives, especially here in Iqaluit. If they require assistance in dealing with such issues as street names or house names, we can do so.
Furthermore, we also had another meeting where Inuktitut was the main focus. We have also looked at holding a two-year meeting related to language.
I will only speak to these activities at this time.
Your first supplementary, Member for Amittuq.
Thank you, Minister of Languages.
With regard to some of these planned activities and as they are implementing the legislation, I wonder if he has a timeline or what they call an (interpretation ends) implementation plan (interpretation) in English that he could show the House.
Is he speaking about the implementation plan or is he speaking about the activities?
So my question is: how much work is involved in completing the implementation plan for the Inuit Language Protection Act?
This will enable the members to see what stage we are at when we are looking at the timeline of the implementation plan.
Minister of Languages.
The implementation plan which I alluded to, we wanted to put it before the House, but unfortunately there is still some work that has to be completed prior to it being available for that.
We still need to have it reviewed by senior management as well as the cabinet, but I’m expecting that it will be ready for dissemination at our spring session.
I also thank my colleague.
I will be expecting the details of the implementation plan with respect to the Inuit Language Protection Act as it will allow us to see what is happening.
I have a secondary question that I would like to ask the minister. With relation to the plans that they are making, I imagine they will be coming from different departments that will comprise the overall government plan.
Have all of the departments completed these plans as well as the preparations for when the legislation is enacted and that he will be able to present it to us at the spring session?
So my question to the minister, Mr. Speaker, is: have all of the departments completed their plans or will they be required to submit these plans?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Languages.
Yes, we have several committees that are segregated into various departments.
It’s called Tuttarvik, and they are dealing with a lot of the issues related to this legislation.
At this time, there are only a few departments that we haven’t heard back from.
At this point, we are working on the implementation plan. Once the report has been completed and presented to the cabinet and approved at that level, we will be able to table it in the House.
Question 532 – 3(2): Sanikiluaq Health Concerns (Rumbolt)
Mr. Speaker, earlier today, I spoke of the dedicated service provided by the health centre staff during a long period of illness that swept through the community this past December and January.
Can the minister provide an update on the status of this illness and explain why it affected the more vulnerable members of our community, such as infants and the elders, so severely?
I certainly am willing to do so.
I had a very brief discussion with my official this morning.
The information will be provided and I will make a statement on that further.
We did acknowledge the fact that there was quite a spike in the number of medical evacuations during the fall and early winter, I believe, in Sanikiluaq which had to do with some flu-like symptoms that were going around at the same time, but I will have more information which I will be formally making statements on in the House.
Once I get that, I definitely share that with all Members of the House, perhaps as early as this Friday or early Monday.
Your second supplementary, Member for Hudson Bay.
I look forward to getting the information from the minister.
Also, I know there were nearly 50 medical planes that were sent to the community during this period, some of these planes carrying more than one patient out for treatment at a time. I’m sure that this illness put a strain on medical supplies in the community.
Can the minister confirm that there is an adequate supply of medical supplies in communities for such outbreaks?
I certainly will include that.
I’m sure the information that my officials are collecting was not quite ready today, but I will definitely ensure that the proper response is provided to the member.
Question 533 – 3(2): Repulse Bay Water Pump (Ningark)
I would also like to express my sympathy to Aupilarjuk and his family, and I empathize and they are in my thoughts and prayers.
I am not trying to keep questioning the CGS minister with regard to Kugaaruk and Repulse Bay, but he seems to be the most available target.
I am very happy that the minister was able to assist us with the problems we had with the water lake and the pumphouse in Repulse Bay. Once that was resolved, the pumphouse which had been repaired was no longer functioning again.
Maybe the hamlet staff can work with his departmental staff to fix the pumphouse at the water lake in Repulse Bay.
The question is directed to the Minister of Community and Government Services.
I have no problems since you are the only one asking me questions.
Your questions are very good ones.
All of these communities are partners in dealing with problems and issues that they need to resolve in Repulse Bay whenever they have a problem or an issue related to the water lake. We have collaborated and worked with them to try to repair the problems. That is all I can say at this time.
Your second supplementary, Member for Akulliq.
Mr. Ningark (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the hon. minister for his response.
Perhaps his departmental staff can work with the Repulse Bay hamlet staff to see how they can repair the pumphouse at the water lake.
That question is for the Minister of Community and Government Services.
We are continually in contact with all hamlets, even when we’re not in the sitting, especially when they’re experiencing problems.
I believe my departmental staff is working with them. I know for a fact that they’re trying to resolve the problem with the hamlet staff at this time.
Question 534 – 3(2): Chesterfield Inlet and Coral Harbour’s INAC Water Use Inspection Report (Ningeongan)
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I tabled copies of Chesterfield Inlet and Coral Harbour’s water use inspection reports which were prepared by a Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada inspector.
When reviewing the water use inspection report for the community of Chesterfield Inlet, I noted the following, and I quote, “The Licensee and the Government of Nunavut have undertaken to conduct work prior to receiving the approval and review of the Nunavut Water Board contrary to the Act.
As such, the Licensee and their agent (the Department of Community and Government Services) are directed to contact the Nunavut Water Board and supply to them all as-built drawings and plans and any other information the Board deems appropriate in the circumstances for the Board to make a determination on this matter.”
Can the minister confirm if his department has contacted the Nunavut Water Board and supplied the board with the necessary documentation to receive approval?
Yes, we’re in receipt of the inspection report.
We didn’t receive that inspection report and were not aware of it until February 3.
We are working with the three different levels of government and with the appropriate agencies to rectify these and other issues regarding licensing, Mr. Speaker.
It’s clear from reviewing these water use inspection reports and reading news media coverage that communities are having a hard time dealing with solid waste issues and require more support.
During yesterday’s sitting, the minister indicated that his department is working with communities on solid waste issues.
Can the minister explain in more detail how his department is working with communities on these issues?
The whole issue of solid waste management is dealt with by the municipalities. The municipalities employ garbage truck drivers and sewage truck drivers, and so on and so forth. We work very closely with them in terms of working on that aspect of it.
Mr. Speaker, our department, and I have said this on a couple of occasions, is working right now to put together a strategy. First, we’re working through consultants to find out the situation of all of the waste sites in Nunavut.
Our department is working with them and working with the municipalities to take a look at all of the situations of solid waste throughout Nunavut.
The report is in its final stages. In fact, Mr. Speaker, in the latter part of March, that should be completed, and we will take steps 2 and 3 from there, Mr. Speaker.
That’s how we’re trying to address this whole waste disposal issue.
The federal Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada was recently quoted in the news media as saying that the federal government is only responsible for the inspection of municipal water and solid waste facilities.
Can the minister indicate if he has lobbied the federal government for additional funding to assist Nunavut with its aging solid waste facilities?
We are working with the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs to take a look at the situation and put a proper plan in place to deal with this issue and all of the municipal solid waste disposal sites.
We are working closely with INAC on that and we will be working together to access all of the necessary funds to ensure that we rectify this problem in the coming months and years.
Your final supplementary, Member for Nanulik.
I have reviewed the process for obtaining a Nunavut water licence, and it’s obvious that the process involved in obtaining a water use licence is extremely complicated.
Can the minister clarify what roles and responsibilities the department has in assisting communities when it comes to water and solid waste issues?
We work with the municipalities wherever we can, Mr. Speaker.
In some cases, depending on municipalities, they may not require our assistance in filling out documents.
Wherever we are needed, we do our best with the support of other departments, also, that may have expertise in those forms.
But we do help wherever it need be helped to ensure that the proper licensing and proper codes are applied for.
Question 535 – 3(2): Issues with NHC Management (Schell)
Even with the $110 million overrun on the housing trust and the Canada Economic Action Plan, it seems like the housing department is operating as if nothing happened.
No one was fired or even demoted. Was nobody responsible for the shortfall? Was it simply a case of force majeur?
That question is for the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation.
I’m not sure whether it’s a timely question or not; it seems a little late.
Those who should have fired them are no longer in the control; they disappeared from the face of the earth. The previous administration is no longer in authority to fire those who mismanaged the housing corporation.
So we are under a new regime and this government is doing exactly what it should be doing: cleaning up the mess that was created by the previous administration.
Your supplementary, Member for South Baffin.
The minister is half right because half of it was under the previous regime, but the other $50 million was under this new regime and it’s still the same people in place.
I can tell you right now that Nunavummiut are not very happy about the cancellation of capital projects, etcetera.
What the government is saying is that it was just basically a case of over-committing. I’m sure that it had to be more than just over-committing.
Is that their only excuse that they can come up with, that they over-committed on the price of the housing units?
I appreciate the question and the concern. I think we all share the concern that if there are any mismanagement that has been carried out, we will act and we will respond.
As I indicated in my statement, we will do so.
The current executives that we do have really have been on the job just over a year ago, and so on.
They weren’t actually setting up the budget establishment at that time but acquired the mess that it was in.
We have been quite open and have engaged a number of independent reviews, and I think correctly so.
Otherwise, it would have been a “He said and I said” kind of thing.
So what happened is that with the help of the independent audits and also the independent reviews, along with the Auditor General’s report, I think we have the best information available to actually clean up the mess that was created.
If there is any other new information the member has, that is something that we would like to hear from him so that we can get on with fixing the problems that were created.
I guess the point I’m trying to get across is that in Iqaluit and in Cape Dorset, there has been no change at the housing corporation since this mess came, and I’m sure that some of them must have been involved in what happened here.
My question is: why was nobody disciplined from these organizations on the $110 million shortfall?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation.
Hon. Tagak Curley: Mr. Speaker, I think the member has been provided with information, even during the Committee of the Whole, for every line item, the questions that were posed by him, the responses were provided. There were no challenges to the information provided when responding to particular projects.
If there are any other new projects that were inappropriately or may not have been conducted appropriately, contrary to contracting regulations, I would invite the member to table them so that we can get on with cleaning the mess that was created by the previous administration.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your final supplementary, Member for South Baffin.
Hopefully in the next sitting I will have some information to table for him.
Question 536 – 3(2): Devolution Update (Elliott)
My questions are for the Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, Premier Aariak.
Yesterday, she spoke about her travels to Ottawa and meetings with Minister Duncan, the federal Minister for Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.
I believe she spoke with the minister about the devolution file and I was wondering if she could provide the House with an update as to what the discussion was.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. That question is for the Premier.
We discuss the devolution issue every time I meet with the ministers, as well as with the Prime Minister of Canada and with Nunavut’s MP. I continually speak to the Members of Parliament and with the federal government.