EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, patients were identified and screened with the assistance of a new pre-screening tool, which included community nurse assessments, lab work, and X-rays and assessments by doctors at the Ottawa Hospital.
Our rehabilitation staff received the Ottawa Hospital patient instruction booklets for knee surgeries and knee exercises, translated into Inuktitut and their patient teaching package.
This enabled our medical professionals to thoroughly prepare the patients.
Mr. Speaker, we are hopeful that this project will improve patient screening and preparation while reducing travel and stress leading to improved recovery time.
Mr. Speaker, thanks to this innovative project, 12 Nunavummiut will be able to undergo this surgery in Ottawa during March break at no additional cost to the Government of Nunavut.
I would like to express my thanks to Dr. Allan Giachino, Dr. Robert Feibel, Dr. Sylvain Gagné, Ms. Paula Doering, and Mr. Kent Woodhall from the Ottawa Hospital; Ms. Wilma Greenley from the Ottawa Health Services Network; and Dr. Michelle Barrington, Ms. Rhose Harris-Galia, and Ms. Katie Bellefontaine from our Iqaluit team for their excellent team work in making this project happen.
Minister’s Statement 144 – 3(3): NHC Releases Revised Maintenance Management Program Manual for Local Housing Organization (Schell)
I am pleased to announce that the Nunavut Housing Corporation is delivering on its objective to provide more support to Nunavut’s local housing organizations with the release of a revised Maintenance Management Program Manual to assist them in administering the Public Housing Maintenance Management Program.
Mr. Speaker, this manual is a tool used by our LHOs to properly budget and plan for the critical maintenance that is so necessary to ensure we get the most out of our seriously needed public housing.
This revised edition of the manual improves the support to our LHOs by ensuring the two electronic maintenance software systems acquired by the NHC, the Maintenance Management Operating System and the Condition Rating System, are properly referenced and explained.
This manual also includes updates on the best practices to address issues such as mould remediation and the proper operation of the heat recovery ventilation systems in our units.
With the proper and regular maintenance of our HRV systems, internal air quality will improve.
While this new and improved manual goes a long way to ensure our LHOs have the right tools for the job, the completion of this revised manual represents more than just a new document.
What this manual demonstrates is a renewed and ongoing commitment on the part of the Nunavut Housing Corporation to improve its oversight of the public housing portfolio.
This manual is only a small portion of the new approach adopted by the corporation to increase its support of our LHOs.
With new positions dedicated to the proper implementation of the revised Maintenance Management Program at each district office and a new maintenance coordinator at the corporation’s headquarters, the NHC is getting back to basics and rebuilding the districts’ capacity to ensure the long-term care of Nunavut’s public housing stock.
Mr. Speaker, the NHC realizes that the staff at each of the territory’s local housing organizations are at the frontlines of fulfilling the NHC’s public housing mandate.
Their efforts are recognized and valued by the NHC. Updating the Maintenance Management Program Manual will strengthen the partnership between the NHC and local housing organizations and will improve service delivery to our tenants.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to point out that NHC’s work on providing better support to our LHOs is yet more evidence that the corporation continues to put in place measures to ensure it will be ready for the next round of much needed federal investment in housing in Nunavut.
Member’s Statement 222 – 3(3): 2012 Tourism in Nunavut Conference (Ell)
I say “hello” to my constituents in Iqaluit West, especially one of my constituents. I know that our elder is watching our proceedings in Iqaluit.
Rita Paniloo Nashook is now 79 years old today, so I wish her a happy birthday.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform the Members of the Legislative Assembly about an exciting event that will take place later this month in Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker, the 2012 Tourism in Nunavut Conference will take place from March 19 to 23.
This event will bring together a number of stakeholders to discus the challenges and opportunities of this important sector of our economy.
In Nunavut, this sector is also one of the pillars of our economy.
Mr. Speaker, many individuals and organizations have been working hard to make this conference a success.
Nunavut Tourism, the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, First Air, Canadian North, and our own Government of Nunavut are the presenters and sponsors of this event, just to name a few.
Mr. Speaker, a number of important topics will be discussed at the conference.
I am very pleased that participants and speakers will be coming to Iqaluit from across Nunavut and as far away as Greenland to share their experiences and insights.
Mr. Speaker, a healthy and vibrant tourism sector benefits all of our communities.
Ms. Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my colleagues for giving me the opportunity to conclude my statement.
It creates sustainable economic and employment opportunities and can be an important force in promoting our language and culture.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in wishing the organizers and participants of the 2012 Tourism in Nunavut Conference a very successful event.
I do wish to join you in saying “happy birthday” to Rita as well as one of our interpreters from Pangnirtung, Naimee.
It is her birthday today too. Last but not least, my daughter, who is in Whitehorse right now, I wish her a happy birthday.
Member’s Statement 223 – 3(3): Arctic Winter Games Standings (Ningeongan)
I rise today to offer my encouragement and best wishes for the continued success of Nunavut’s Arctic Winter Games athletes.
Mr. Speaker, first and foremost, I want to encourage all of our athletes to participate to their fullest and to enjoy the competitive spirit of the games while making new friends and new rivals in their individual sports.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to note how well Nunavut’s athletes have been doing at the Arctic Winter Games so far.
As of lunchtime today, 10 ulus had been won for Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, on the first day of the games, the CBC website reported on Nunavut’s first ulu, which was won by James Qajaaqjuaq Tautu from Chesterfield Inlet.
James earned a bronze ulu in the arctic sports kneel jump event.
Mr. Speaker, I know that I share with my constituents’ great pride in our athletes and their achievements.
Our investment in this and other sporting events is well worth it.
The experience alone strengthens our youth and helps to prepares them for future challenges in sport and life.
Mr. Speaker, I hope that my colleagues will join me in wishing continued success for Nunavut’s Arctic Winter Games athletes.
Member’s Statement 224 – 3(3): Congratulations to John Arnalukjuak Students and Teachers (Shewchuk)
First of all, Mr. Speaker, I would like to say “good afternoon” to all the fine people of Arviat and all the communities across this beautiful territory of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today again to congratulate students and teachers of the John Arnalukjuak High School in Arviat.
Mr. Speaker, under the Skills Canada project funding, the school has had the formation of six different clubs this year in the fields of cosmetology, hairdressing, cooking, baking, photography, and TV/video production.
Arviat students are going to be competing in all of these categories in Iqaluit on April 24 at the territorial competitions.
They will also compete against all other schools in Nunavut and gold medal winners will go on to national competitions in the event that the area is represented at the nationals.
Last year, Mr. Speaker, students from the John Arnalukjuak High School brought home six medals from the territorial competition: Sherilyn Sewoee, gold in aesthetics; Vayda Kaviok, gold in baking, she went on to the nationals; Keith Alikut and Patrick Sulurayok, silver in TV and video production; Seepa Aulatjut, silver in aesthetics; Delen Alareak, bronze in carpentry; and Joni Okatsiak, bronze in baking.
Mr. Speaker, I wish these students all the best of luck in the upcoming competitions.
Member’s Statement 225 – 3(3): The Passing of Jacoopie Panikpak (Arreak)
Prior to standing, I would like to wish Rita, my paternal cousin, a happy birthday today.
Mr. Speaker, usually I am uncomfortable speaking about deceased people, as we seem to celebrate their life only when they are deceased. Unfortunately I have to make that announcement as well.
There was a person who just passed away earlier this week from my community.
This person started working in 1959-1960 as a custodian with the high school and also as a mechanic.
He was the very first person to attend courses to acquire skills in his chosen career.
During the same period in the 1960s, Commissioner Stuart Hodgson used to travel around to the communities and at that time, he said that the community would require settlement councils.
This person was the very first one to partake in the settlement council and he was involved for many years.
During the 1960s, Clyde River had no airstrip and this person constructed the airstrip using an amalgamation of various kinds of heavy equipment.
He would fix up leftover machinery and he began to construct the airstrip with no pay. We have tried to speak about his accomplishments during the NWT days as well as after the creation of Nunavut, but he still has never been paid.
That airstrip is still functional to this day, although improvements have since been made to it.
It is one of his many accomplishments.
There being none. Please proceed, Mr. Arreak.
From the 1960s to 1978, this person worked with the Government of the Northwest Territories and as community mechanic. From 1978 onward, once the community became a hamlet, he became the hamlet mechanic until he retired due to old age.
This person wasn’t always perfect in his life, just like the rest of us. He went through difficult times and like everybody else, he had his ups and downs.
In the latter years of his life, he was involved with the Anglican Church in various capacities. Whenever a person required assistance with prayers or when families were grieving or when people needed advice, he never hesitated to be there.
He wasn’t loath in speaking about his experiences and wisdom over the local radio or CB or when people approached him. He provided advice about life and other matters to everyone who asked.
Whenever he brought home animals that he caught, he invited people on the radio to come over and get some meat.
He leaves behind his wife, his adult children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in our community.
He became one of our elders. He was also my paternal cousin and friend.
The person I was talking about was Jacoopie Panikpak.
Member’s Statement 226 – 3(3): National Social Work Week (Elliott)
I rise today to acknowledge and applaud the hard work and dedication of social workers across Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, the week of March 18 to 24 is National Social Work Week.
As most of us will be back in our constituencies at that time, it is important that we show our support for the important work done by our social workers.
Mr. Speaker, until our legislation changes and until there is a fundamental shift in how the people of Nunavut address social issues, we need social workers to perform certain legislated duties. Social workers take on a number of critical roles.
Social workers get involved with children, youth, adults, elders, families, and communities as a whole.
They work with addictions, child welfare issues, justice and corrections, schools, health centres, wellness centres, government and municipal services, and so much more.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that we remain aware of the tremendous burden that is put on the social workers who are employed within our government today.
The level of stress they face in doing their job is remarkable. In many cases, they handle many additional duties, cover more than one community, and face unexpected increases in their caseloads.
Mr. Speaker, we owe it to our social workers as well as to our constituents to provide our recognition and support for the work they do. Mr. Speaker, I recognize that our entire system of providing child and family services is under review, but in the meantime, our social workers have a job to do. National Social Work Week would be a great time to show your support and I encourage all members to do so.
Member’s Statement 227 – 3(3): Not Satisfied with Nunavut’s Leadership (Curley)
I, too, want to concur with the statement that many civil servants everywhere are very dedicated and work really hard to provide services, including regular employees, emergency response, or in drafting up policies.
However, Mr. Speaker, I want to make a comment on a concern about priorities and the direction that we have to follow.
We have to take more pride in our government.
Over the past three years, our government has undertaken many initiatives, some of which were quite challenging and difficult to resolve.
Some of the issues include these items: the Nunavut Housing Corporation trust fund fiasco and budget shortfall; Health and Social Services’ comprehensive review of health-related legislation, as well as tendering the medevac or air ambulance contracts, which were extremely complicated and difficult for Nunavutmiut.
Further, we are starting to see the departments being changed, especially their mandates, which are also all demanding tasks. There were also many issues that had to be dealt with on an emergency basis. We raised a number of questions regarding the contracting requirements and compliance with the NNI Policy.
So now it means that our government leader has to concentrate harder and focus on the many issues that require resolution.
At this time, we need stronger leadership to resolve these matters.
Last week, we were informed of a matter that was quite shocking to hear, as the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation stated that the audit that had been completed wasn’t adequate, even though the Assembly submitted recommendations to that effect to require the Auditor General to complete an audit of the Nunavut Housing Corporation, including an independent audit.
The minister then stated that this audit was inadequate and therefore, it requires another audit.
Our leader has to become more involved in these matters, as it seems that there is no direction being provided.
The board is no longer fulfilling its mandate since the Premier stated that the minister was tasked to complete this duty and blamed the government in Ottawa instead.
Our leader has to be more responsive to these issues.
Return to Oral Question 282 – 3(3): Climate Change (Arreak)
I would like to provide a response to an oral question posed to me on February 29, 2012 by the member from Akulliq.
The question was: can the hon. minister update us today on when he expects this action plan will be completed and tabled in the Legislative Assembly?
Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform the members that we anticipate that the action plan will be completed in fiscal year 2012-13, and then subsequently tabled.
Return to Oral Question 289 – 3(3): Fire Safety Inspections (Kusugak)
Return to Oral Question No. 289 – 3(3), asked by the Member for Iqaluit West, Ms. Ell on March 1, 2012, in regard to fire safety inspections.
Mr. Speaker, the response is quite detailed and I ask that it be deemed as read.
Mr. Speaker, in response to Question 289 – 3(3), I offer the following response:
The Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) does not have the authority to inspect privately owned apartment buildings without the consent of the owner or occupant or a warrant.
As the OFM has no authority in this area, it has no knowledge of inspection frequency.
The lessee also has obligations within the terms of the lease.
The Office of the Fire Marshal is not privy to these documents.
The City of Iqaluit has a by-law regarding building permits and inspections.
They also have a building inspector who does inspections.
Authority of the Fire Marshal:
The fire marshal’s authority comes from the Nunavut Fire Prevention Act
The fire marshal and assistant fire marshals have jurisdiction throughout Nunavut
Duties of the fire marshal
From time to time, inspect any structure, premises, or property with a view of determining whether precaution against fire and the spread of fire and the means of exit in case of fire or the alarm of fire are adequate and satisfactorily maintained and with a view to directing alterations or additions to be made and precautions to be taken that the fire marshal considers necessary for the safeguarding of person and property.
Inspections:
Inspection of structure, premises, and property
An assistant fire marshal may, on the complaint of any interested person or without complaint where the assistant fire marshal considers it necessary, enter in or on and inspect any structure, premises, or property for the purposes of assessing fire safety.
Entry to private dwelling
An assistant fire marshal shall not enter in or on any structure or premises that is a private dwelling without the consent of the owner or occupant or a warrant.
Inspections by the Office of the Fire Marshal include:
Critical community infrastructure and high life safety risk buildings (schools, health facilities, arenas, community centres, daycares, power generating facilities).
Public and higher fire hazard potential buildings (hotels, restaurants, hamlet buildings, retail stores, maintenance workshops, warehouses).
Multi-family housing units (duplexes and up – mechanical rooms and common areas only).
Question 324 – 3(3): Equipment Replacement for Hunters (Tapardjuk)
Good afternoon, my constituents in Igloolik and Hall Beach.
We heard in Igloolik that there were a couple of hunters who got drifted away on the sea ice. I believe it was yesterday. It’s not the first time that has happened.
Every year, hunters lose their equipment when they are out hunting.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister of Environment: what kind of assistance program is available for hunters who lose their expensive pieces of equipment, whether it’s a snow machine or other equipment that is expensive to replace?
Mr. Speaker, I would like the minister to inform me if there’s any type of assistance program for hunters.
I thank my Annuraaqatik for raising that issue.
In those situations where hunters have lost their equipment due to situations which are beyond their control, there are programs that provide assistance from the Department of Environment, but you have to fill out forms which, when approved, would be applied on the replacement costs.
Application forms are available from the Department of Environment.
I also thank the Minister of Environment, my Annuraaqatik, for that response.
Mr. Speaker, can the minister provide more detail on the parameters of the assistance program and how equipment can be replaced or what kind of assistance can be provided?
If a hunter lost their equipment through the ice or if the ice drifts away and it becomes obvious that their equipment cannot be recovered… .
Perhaps I’ll rephrase my question, Mr. Speaker. What kind of limitations does this assistance program have for hunters who lost their equipment?
I also thank my colleague for raising that question on what kinds of limitations these programs have.
If the hunter intentionally lost their equipment due carelessness or just simply abandoned them, the hunter would not be eligible.
There aren’t many who make a claim, but I believe the limit is $10,000 per claim under this program.
I know that pieces of equipment lost due to drifting ice have been replaced.
There is no question that the minister is keeping the hunters and trappers organizations informed about who will be involved in these things.
Mr. Speaker, we are well aware in Nunavut that hunters are assisted through NTI’s Hunters Support Program and they set aside some assistance for hunting equipment.
Mr. Speaker, equipment gets lost and breaks down, often long before their useful life has been filled.
Under the various programs for equipment, does the minister provide insurance or is there any possibility of providing assistance so that hunters can get insurance coverage or are they encouraged to get insurance for their equipment?
I would like to ask if his department is responsible for that or whether they can help to assist in this regard.
I also thank my Annuraaqatik, Mr. Tapardjuk.
There are various programs that the HTOs are quite aware of that have been utilized in the past. Although some of them are approved and denied, all requests have to be submitted through application forms.
We don’t look after insurance, so it would be much better if the harvesters themselves paid for insurance.
What we do have is the equipment replacement program.
I would like a very clear response, perhaps in writing.
If the $10,000 is the correct amount, it falls far short for covering the costs of lost equipment because the replacement costs, such as for skidoo and other hunting equipment, are now very high.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask a question with respect to hunters, whether they are hunting by boat, snowmobile, or other means.
I know for a fact that outfitters were provided with insurance in the past. I’m not sure if that’s the situation today.
Mr. Speaker, has the Department of Environment discussed this matter either with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated or other organizations to look at trying to provide an overall insurance package for hunters?
It’s very difficult to obtain insurance, whether it’s through the HTOs or other means.
Hunters are very important to our community and there are cases where they have lost their equipment, which is essential to their livelihood.
Yes, I will be able to provide more information via a letter on the amount of compensation that they may be eligible for.
However, under that application form, they would have to list all the equipment that they lost and provide a replacement value.
I’m not sure as to whether there have been any discussions with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, but I know from a personal perspective that it’s very difficult to try and get insurance.
Most people should try to learn how to obtain insurance.
Some people prefer insurance and others don’t.
I would like to encourage all hunters to apply.
Even if hunters don’t get approved, they will be told as to why their request is denied.
There are forms that are available. I know for a fact that our department is not responsible for insurance coverage other than the lost equipment replacement program.
That is all I can state.
Question 325 – 3(3): Providing Support for Women (Ugyuk)
I say “good morning” to the people of Nattilik. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Health and Social Services.
Mr. Speaker, recently, a very informal survey in one of my constituency communities showed that there were approximately 65 parents and almost 165 children.
So on average, each parent was looking after two or three children. For some, especially those who are single, this responsibility can be very difficult.
Can the minister describe what kinds of supports, assistance, and programs are provided through his department to parents who are struggling with their parenting situation?
Mr. Speaker, I wish that Ms. Ugyuk could share that information with us. It’s very good information.
Mr. Speaker, in many communities, there are a lot of young mothers who, for one reason or another, didn’t receive the parenting skills necessary to help work with young children.
Our department does provide some training and some support to the parents if requested.
The reason why we did this informal study was we got it from Stats Canada that the Kitikmeot region has the highest [number of] single parents. We started talking in our community, “Is this true in our community?” So we did an informal study, a bunch of us ladies.
I’m sorry that we didn’t inform you.