EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
He also stated that there will be Arctic College programs designed to encourage “productive choices” for people on income assistance, and that an inventory would be created of people in Nunavut who are knowledgeable in different fields.
The Minister noted that his department was very open to reviewing the school calendar year so that it would conform more to the Inuit lifestyle and agreed that it might have a positive effect on keeping students in school.
He also asked the Members for their advice as to what sort of directive should be given to parents about their role in keeping children in school.
The Standing Committee members look forward to reviewing these issues and programs in the future.
Adult Education Programs
As noted earlier, Standing Committee Members want to encourage training for students in the areas in which there are jobs in the communities, such as teachers and nurses, trades people, or opportunities for self-employment, such as in jewellery and carving.
In follow-up discussions, the Standing Committee expressed concerns about the success rates of Arctic College students and programs.
They would like to receive information on how many students are completing the Arctic College Programs and how many are getting jobs in their areas of training, following graduation.
Members are aware of the difficulties facing families that relocate to the regional centres to take programs, such as obtaining adequate housing, and know that many students return to their communities before they complete their programs.
They would like to see more information on the benefits in running programs in communities, including more on the job training programs.
At the same time, Members want to ensure that those students who wish to pursue post-secondary programs in southern universities and colleges are encouraged and supported.
Nunavut may not be able to run some of these specialized programs at this time.
Standing Committee members welcomed the announcement by the Department that they will have a 10-year curriculum development plan, which will be revised on an annual basis.
The Department also noted that they would be working with language specialists with CLEY in developing materials and that materials would be provided to the community Teacher Learning Centres.
Members know that the Department of Education has developed curriculum in the past that has had a strong cultural component such as Inuuqatigiit and look forward to these new developments.
Some concern was expressed about the need to incorporate different dialects into the curriculum development or to support local communities to adapt materials to their dialect.
Members are also very supportive of Inuktitut language training at all levels [K-12, Arctic College, workplace], both to Inuit and non-Inuit.
They want these language programs widely available.
As noted above, members want to encourage all dialects to be promoted, preserved and taught.
The Standing Committee Members look forward to hearing more about these initiatives in the future and note that the Minister stated that the curriculum changes would have to be approved by the Legislative Assembly.
As noted above, Members want to encourage Elders to play more of a role in the schools and they observed that the Department of CLEY does not seem to have funds for this function.
The Minister stated that the Department of Education is looking at how Elders can play more of a role in the schools and in particular, he noted they are also looking at how to properly store tapes and interviews with Elders regarding legends and traditional knowledge.
He noted that CBC and IBC also have important footage of our Elders and even jurisdictions outside of Nunavut have this information.
He noted that next February, the Department would be looking at this and Members look forward to hearing more about these ideas.
Children with special needs/ pre-school children
Members of the Standing Committee had specific questions regarding the Government of Nunavut’s plans for providing pre-school programs and for supporting children with special needs.
The Minister noted that his Department will be looking at these programs more in the future and Members look forward to hearing more about these when information becomes available.
Capital Plan
There are 13 projects planned for a total value of $6,451,000.
The Standing Committee reviewed the Departments commitments for capital expenditures during this fiscal year very briefly, as Members did not receive the details or Inuktitut versions in time for our pre-meeting preparation.
However, Members thank the Department for providing Inuktitut information at the time of the presentation. It
is the Committee’s understanding that for the most part, the selection of these “Priority A” capital projects was primarily based on the fact that under the GNWT, contracts were entered into or other steps had been taken in furtherance of these projects, or they were required because of safety or other legal requirements.
The Standing Committee was frustrated at not being able to play more of a role in reviewing these capital proposals and had questions about priorities.
For example, how a $250,000 link between two buildings in one community could have priority over additional space needs for classrooms in another community.
The Standing Committee welcomed the Department’s commitment to Five Year and even longer term [20 year] capital planning.
Members wondered how each of their communities fit into the plan.
It was unclear as to the status of the GNWT Five-year plan in which some communities could have expected capital projects in the near future.
Members observed that there are no capital projects planned for Kivalliq this year, and concerns were expressed about outstanding safety and health issues affecting schools in Clyde River and Gjoa Haven.
Members welcomed a commitment from the Minister to involve them in the development of the capital plan in future and his statement that information would be shared with MLA's in order to have an open dialogue.
The Committee would also like to encourage the Department to conduct an audit of what facilities are in each community.
This idea was presented by the Department of Health and Social Services and the Standing Committee supports it for all capital facilities.
Members would like to know when schools were built or had additions, their overall condition, and how much was spent.
Members would also like details as to what specific facilities there are in each school – for example, number of classrooms, size of gymnasium, library, specialized rooms or equipment, etc.
A question that needs to be answered is: What is the minimum threshold that each community should have in facilities for their students?
While some of these requirements may depend on the number of children in a community, Members want to ensure that all smaller communities have basic facilities, before any additional facilities are put into the larger regional centres.
Equitable principles need to be developed to make these decisions.
The Department also noted that forced growth and demographic projections in some communities will influence the needs of some communities, and the Standing Committee would like to receive more information about this, as it is available.
Mr. Chairman that concludes the general comments and I would ask that I be permitted to read the motions that were put forth by the committee.
The motions, I think you can just proceed with the motions.
Committee Motion 29 – 1 (2): Support for Enhanced Inuit Leadership Programs  Mr. O'Brien: Thank you Mr. Chairman.
The Standing Committee on Education put forward seven motions. The first one Mr. Chairman.
I move that as a first priority, if additional resources can be found, the programs identified by the Department of Education for enhanced Inuit leadership in the schools programs be supported by the Government of Nunavut this fiscal year, particularly the one-year specialization for existing teachers to be able to teach in the higher grades, principle certification, additional community teacher education programs, and support to new teachers.
First motion, any comments to the motion.
Next motion.
Committee Motion 30 – 1 (2): GN Provide Detailed Implementation Plan to the Standing Committee  Mr. O'Brien: Thank you Mr. Chairman.
I move that the Committee recommends that the Government of Nunavut provide a detailed implementation plan to the Standing Committee, which includes information on: how the Regional Education Boards will be phased out, specifics on the cost savings of abolishing the Boards, staffing plans for the current employees, complaints procedure to the Minister, support for the DEA's and projected impact on the communities where the Board offices are currently located.
Mr. O'Brien moves, any comments to the motion.
Mr. O'Brien, I believe you have five more motions.
Our interpreter is having difficulty keeping up, I don’t mind the speed that you are going, but we have to be mindful of the interpreter.
So please slow down a bit.
Committee Motion 31 – 1 (2): GN Strength Community Empowerment  Mr. O'Brien: Thank you Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Chairman, motion number three.
I move that the Committee recommends that the Government of Nunavut strengthen community empowerment, provide more authority at the community level on education issues, and present very clear plans as to how this will happen under the Departmental control.
Third motion by Mr. O'Brien. All those in favour.
Thank you. Fourth motion Mr. O'Brien.
Committee Motion 32 – 1 (2): GN Develop Communication Package
Mr. O'Brien: Mr. Chairman I move that the committee recommends that the Government of Nunavut develop a communication package for communities and Nunavummiut, including radio, TV, written materials and visits by the Minister to communities and key meetings, such as the Kitikmeot Leaders’ Forum.
Chairperson (interpretation): Fourth motion.
Questions or comments. All those in favour.
Mr. O'Brien, fifth motion.
Committee Motion 33 – 1 (2): Savings be Retained by Department
Mr. O'Brien: Mr. Chairman I move that the Committee recommends that any savings realized from abolishing Regional Education Boards be retained by the Department of Education.
Fifth motion by Mr. O'Brien.
Comments to the motion.
Sixth motion Mr. O'Brien, again.
Committee Motion 34 – 1 (2): Cost-Benefit Analysis
Mr. O'Brien: Mr. Chairman, I move that this committee recommends that cost-benefit analysis be prepared on various programs run by Arctic College, both in comparison to community-based training and training in southern institutions, and in terms of success rates for students in graduation and obtaining jobs.
Sixth motion.
Comments or questions.
Mr. O'Brien, seventh motion, last motion, go ahead.
Committee Motion 35 – 1 (2): Dept. of Education Audit Existing Facilities
It is the last motion, bear with me it is eight pages long, just kidding.
Mr. Chairman, I move that this committee recommends that the Department of Education conduct an audit of existing educational facilities in each community, including when they were built and what capital was expensed;
and further that the Department of Education develop a list of minimum facilities requirements for each community;
and further that the Department of Education use information on demographics and forced growth to project where communities will require additional facilities;
and further that the Department of Education develop a long-term capital plan which considers every community in Nunavut and that the Standing Committee be consulted in the development of this plan.
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you Mr. O'Brien, to the motion.
Comments to the last motion.
At this moment we are finished with the motions on Education.
Any comments, we are still in our hour.
Mr. Tootoo, I believe you were first, go ahead.
I would like to move that we report progress.
Mr. Tootoo moves to adjourn and report progress.
So we will go back to the Speaker, if the Speaker is available.
Item 20 on our agenda, Report of Committee of the Whole.
Mr. Speaker, Bills 1 and 2 were being considered, and also committee reports 1, 2, 3 and 4 were considered and I move that the report of the committee of the whole be concurred with.
Speaker (interpretation): There is a motion on the floor, seconder.
Those in favour of the motion. Opposed.
Item 21, Third Reading of Bills, Item 22, Orders of the Day.
Orders of the Day for June 1, Tuesday, meeting of Full Caucus 9 o’clock in the morning in the Cadet Hall.
Orders of the Day, Tuesday June 1, 1999
This house stands adjourned until June 1, at 10.30 in the morning.
>>House Adjourned at 6.00 pm.
DAY 15
TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 1999
Pages 620 - 705
Consideration in Committee of the Whole on Bills and Other Matters 28
Tuesday June 1, 1999 28
27 - 1 (2) : Nunavut Business Incentive Policy (Thompson) 28
28 - 1 (2): Sustainable Development’s New Inuktitut Name (Kilabuk) 28
8 – 1 (2): Use of Government Facilities by Contractor (Thompson) 28
166 - 1 (2): Bussing in Iqaluit (Tootoo) 28
167 - 1 (2): Use of Government Facilities by Private Business (Irqittuq) 28
168 - 1 (2): Ambulance Services in Nunavut (McLean) 28
169 - 1 (2): Local Accommodation Policy (Kattuk) 28
170 - 1 (2):Restoration of Construction Sites (Iqaqrialu) 28
171 - 1 (2): Members' Input to Housing Committee (Tootoo) 28
172 - 1(2): Changes to Income Support Policy (Alakannuark) 28
173 - 1 (2): Dog Picked up by Charter a Mystery (Kattuk) 28
174 - 1 (2): Support for Unilingual Businesspersons (Iqaqrialu) 28
175 - 1 (2): Three Ministers Dealing with Income Support (Nutarak) 28
176 - 1 (2): Artifact Repatriation (O'Brien) 28
177 - 1 (2): Increased Power Rate Effects on Communities (Tootoo) 28  Tuesday June 1, 1999
Tuesday June 1, 1999
Speaker (Mr. Barnabas) (interpretation): Good morning. Ms. Thompson , would you please start our session with the opening prayer.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Ms. Thompson.
Going to the Orders of the Day, Ministers’ Statements.
Ministers’ Statement 27 - 1 (2) : Nunavut Business Incentive Policy
I rise today to provide clarification to both the members and the Nunavut Business community with respect to the Nunavut Business Incentive Policy.
Mr. Speaker, you will note that I called it the Nunavut Business Incentive Policy for it applies to Nunavut businesses only.
This policy is applied specifically to the Nunavut Territory only.
(interpretation ends): Mr. Speaker, I believe that this will help create new possibilities within the Nunavut area which may not have been considered viable previously.
Under the original Business Incentive Policy there were instances where Nunavut businesses were unable to compete directly with the well established businesses in both Yellowknife and the Western part of the Territories.
It is my belief that the Nunavut Business Incentive Policy will help level the playing field and create potential in such areas as small scale manufacturing and industry.
There will be opportunities for Nunavut businesses to fill the gaps which were once filled by businesses from the rest of the Northwest Territories where operating costs were, in some cases, much lower.
Mr. Speaker, this creates additional opportunities in our communities which may not have been previously viable.
The original Business Incentive Policy was established by the Government of NWT in 1984.
The principle function of this policy was to enable northern firms to compete on an equal footing with southern firms in bidding for goods and services in the North.
The high cost of maintaining a business in the North made this a necessity.
Mr. Speaker, by adopting the Nunavut Business Incentive Policy, our intent is to assist Nunavut Businesses to develop and grow.
This is a very important factor in ensuring that doing business within Nunavut, benefits the people of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, this will result in increased economic activity and employment opportunities at the local level as businesses expand to meet the requirements within Nunavut.
Presently there are 383 approved firms listed in the registry for the Nunavut area.
This number is comprised of: 50 firms in the Kitikmeot, 132 firms in the Keewatin and 201 firms in the Baffin.
The complete list is located on the World Wide Web at: www.kirk.nt.ca/nubip.
Mr. Speaker, let me reassure all members that the Nunavut Business Incentive Policy is in effect for the period of April 1, 1999 to March 31, 2000.
During this transition period a review will be undertaken in order to see how the policy can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of Nunavut and Article 24.
Mr. Speaker, this review will involve NTI and other interested stakeholders in order to ensure that we can obtain maximum input in developing a “made in Nunavut” policy.
Mr. Speaker, as the Minister responsible for Public Works, Telecommunications & Technical Services, I look forward to this review and encourage all interested parties to participate.
This can only lead to greater benefits and economic opportunities in Nunavut.
Ministers’ Statement 28 - 1 (2): Sustainable Development’s New Inuktitut Name
Mr. Speaker, today I want to unveil our Department’s official new Inuktitut name.
We have searched long and hard for this name, trying to capture in a single name the diverse functions of our Department.
And many different names for Sustainable Development were put forward.
Some names that circulated around included: Pivalliajulirijikkut; Annaumaqatigiit Pilirijingit and many others.
Today I am pleased to announce, Mr. Speaker, the new official Inuktitut name for our Department: Ikupigvilirijikkut.
This term comes from old Inuktitut, and is well understood by our elders.
This word, ikupik, means: to receive food or assistance to tide you over.
We are a Department where the Nunavut residents can access funds, technical information for community based planning, and other programs for our communities.
This name, Ikupigvilirijikkut, fits us rather well.
And the term is understood by the Kitikmeot, Kivallirmiut and the Qikiqtaalungmiut.
Mr. Speaker, when sports hunting became possible, one of the regulations was that all sports hunting of polar bears would be conducted using only a dogteam.
As the Inuit hunters started rebuilding dog teams one of the unexpected results was old Inuktitut terms, not in use for a long time, had to be revived.
This term, ikupingniq, has not been used in a while and the majority of the younger generation is not aware of its meaning.
I am extremely pleased that we have also reclaimed this term for today’s Inuktitut.
Mr. Speaker, I now unveil our Department of Sustainable Development logo to my colleagues: Ikupiktulirijikkut.
These three circles represent our environment, our economy, and the people.
Our department continually strives to integrate and balance these three aspects of Nunavut.
I would like to express my gratitude to our elders, and especially Ollie Ittinuar of Rankin Inlet for suggesting our Inuktitut name and giving us the definition.
Thank you Mr. Ittinuar.
Members’ Statement 84 - 1 (2): Hall Beach School Addition
Mr. Irqittuq (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Speaker, I woke up in a very good way today.
If my wife and children can see me I would like to tell them that I love them.
Today Mr. Speaker, I would like to say on behalf of my community of Hall Beach, that our school was going to get an addition this year but it has been deferred until next year.
This is an urgent matter because we are experiencing population growth.
If possible I would like you to deal with this as soon as possible, and I would like the further support from this House, for the students in my community who have only one school which was built back in 1980 or earlier.
We don’t even have grade 12.
The school was built without a grade 12 classroom and the school is overcrowded.
For this upcoming school season there will be 221 students going into our school and there are only ten classrooms, and it is cause a concern because of safety reasons.
In regards to safety and health codes the school will be overcrowded.
Mr. Speaker, tomorrow I will be tabling a petition in regards to this issue.
Item 4, Returns to Oral Questions.
Return 8 – 1 (2): Question 80 – 1 (2): Use of Government Facilities by Contractor
I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Irqittuq on May 25, 1999 regarding use of government facilities by contractors.
There are no Public Works, …my goodness, my department's name is long…
>> laughter
…Telecommunications & Technical Services facilities being used by any contractors.
There is a deal where the contractor building the Hall Beach water reservoir is using Arctic Airport facilities for specialized heavy equipment repairs.
In return, they agreed to provide gravel to Arctic Airports for their needs.
Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize someone that has known me longer than I have known him.
Someone that is a relative, a very good friend, someone that is very interested in what we are doing.
I would like to recognize Mike Illniq, formerly from Arviat and Rankin Inlet and now living here in Iqaluit.
I would like to recognize and acknowledge two people who I used to live with in my home community, Saila Adla and Pauloosie Suvega, who now live in Iqaluit.
The residents of Hall Beach and Igloolik don’t appear to visit Iqaluit ever since I started coming here , so I haven't recognized people from my home community.
However today, I would like to acknowledge a person who used to live in Hall Beach for a long time and his father is very important to us, Ben Arnakjuak,  I would like to recognize Mr. Simon Nattaq who is our Sergeant At Arms, please stand up.
Speaker (interpretation): Welcome to the Assembly.
Question 166 - 1 (2): Bussing in Iqaluit
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister responsible for Education.
Mr. Speaker, on the 19th I made a members’ statement regarding bussing in Iqaluit.
On the 25th I asked questions regarding bussing in Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister if he is now aware of any issues relating to the need for bussing here in Iqaluit.
Minister responsible for Education, Mr. Arvaluk.
Yes, I am aware of the additional bussing requirements for the coming school year.
We are in discussion with the DEA right now and this is a direct responsibility of the Baffin Education Council.
In those discussions, they are to make the funding formula available, when the school figures are finalized in this spring and summer.
Also there is a discussion on if the times can be staggered so that existing facilities can be used, or utilized better.
So there are discussions in three areas; one is the staggering of the hours, the other is a requirement for additional funding and the other one is for realigning or changing the routes in Iqaluit for bussing.
These are ongoing discussions, I appreciate the members’ question and we will be working on that as hard as we can to resolve it before the next school year.
Oral questions , Mr. Tootoo
Mr. Speaker, in light of the Ministers’ statements, I am relieved that he is now aware of the issue.
In the areas that he addressed as far as the formula funding, it is my understanding that the Baffin Education Council is responsible for it.
However they do receive their funding through the Department of Education and I believe they have been trying to seek additional funds required for the bussing that is needed in Iqaluit.
As far as the numbers being finalized in the fall, Mr. Speaker, based on the current numbers with the new school there will be a requirement for, there will need to be two additional buses, dealing with the numbers that we have existing, numbers that we know already.
Never mind the influx that we are expecting to happen in the fall.
Mr. Speaker, the Minister also discussed the option of looking at staggered times.
That is already in place Mr. Speaker, all the schools start at different times.
I have them here and I can tell you, if you want, but they are already doing that.
Even with the situation as it is right now, Mr. Speaker, there are problems and concerns coming from parents because if they have students in more than one school that start at different times, it creates problems at home.