EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Report of the Committee of the Whole 2478
Orders of the Day 2478
Monday, October 24, 2016 2407
168 – 4(3): Purple Sealskin Patch Campaign (Taptuna) 2407
169 – 4(3): MMIWG Family Prevention Month (Ell-Kanayuk) 2408
328 – 4(3): Tribute to Jacob Saimaiyuk (Ell-Kanayuk) 2409
329 – 4(3): Strange Sounds from Fury and Hecla Strait Area (Quassa) 2409
330 – 4(3): Appreciation to the Department of Economic Development and Transportation (Okalik) 2410
331 – 4(3): Language Services for Unilingual Medical Clients (Mikkungwak) 2411
332 – 4(3): The Need for an Inuit Counselling Centre (Shooyook) 2411
333 – 4(3): Successful Interagency Meeting (Joanasie) 2412
334 – 4(3): Traditional Caribou Hunting Practices in Pangnirtung (Mike) 2413
335 – 4(3): Grand Opening of Baffin Larga (Enook) 2413
431 – 4(3): High Arctic Infrastructure (Shooyook) 2414
432 – 4(3): Controlling Tobacco Use in Nunavut (Joanasie) 2416
433 – 4(3): Full-time Dentist for Rankin Inlet (Sammurtok, A) 2417
434 – 4(3): Establishment of an Independent Public Service Commission (Angnakak) 2419
435 – 4(3): Recreational Infrastructure (Akoak) 2421
436 – 4(3): Bedbug Infestation at Sylvia Grinnell Building (Okalik) 2423
437 – 4(3): Patient Relations Office (Mikkungwak) 2424
438 – 4(3): Foster Parents (Enook) 2426
439 – 4(3): Baffin Island Caribou Hunting Quotas (Keyootak) 2427
440 – 4(3): Management of Medical Clients (Mapsalak) 2428
441 – 4(3): Update on RV Nuliajuk Research Data (Rumbolt) 2430
442 – 4(3): Food Security (Joanasie) 2432
443 – 4(3): Blueprint for Action on Housing (Mikkungwak) 2434
444 – 4(3): Food Security (Angnakak) 2436
445 – 4(3): Ending Social Promotion in Nunavut Schools (Okalik) 2438
Committee Report 013 – 4(3): Report on the Review of the 2015-2016 Annual Report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Nunavut (Angnakak) 2439
033 – 4(3): Extension of Question Period (Okalik) 2430
Bill 20 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 3, 2015-2016 – First Reading 2443
Bill 21 – Write-off of Assets Act, 2015-2016 – First Reading 2443
Bill 22 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2016-2017 – First Reading 2443
Bill 23 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2016-2017 – First Reading 2444
Bill 25 – An Act to Amend the Consumer Protection Act – First Reading 2444
Bill 26 – An Act to Amend the Social Assistance Act – First Reading 2444
Bill 27 – Waste Reduction and Diversion Act – First Reading 2444
Bill 28 – An Act to Amend Certain Acts Respecting Codes and Standards – First Reading 2445
Bill 24 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2017-2018 – Economic Development and Transportation – Consideration in Committee 2446
Bill 24 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2017-2018 – Community and Government Services – Consideration in Committee 2452
Minister’s Statement 168 – 4(3): Purple Sealskin Patch Campaign (Taptuna)
Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Unnusakkut, colleagues, Nunavummiut, and Kuglukturmiut.
Mr. Speaker, the federal inquiry on murdered and missing indigenous women and girls begins across Canada this fall. This is a difficult issue that affects us all.
Violence in Nunavut is 11 times higher than Canada’s national average.
The delicate, complex, and profound issue of ending family violence needs the commitment of many levels of government, partners, and community members.
As Premier, I am dedicated to strengthening this government’s programs and services in support of the victims of violence and in the pursuit of minimizing violence across the territory.
Mr. Speaker, you will notice that all members are wearing purple sealskin patches today.
We borrowed from the Moosehide campaign, a grassroots initiative from British Columbia started by a father who wanted his daughter to know that violence against women will not be tolerated.
Mr. Speaker, the patches created by women involved in the Sewing for Survival program are a symbol of prevention of family violence, and we wear them to show our solidarity for ending violence in our homes.
Mr. Speaker, November is Family Violence Prevention Month and building healthy relationships is an important step in reducing family violence in our communities. I would like to highlight a few programs that aim to support this initiative.
Mr. Speaker, Family Services offers community-based programs that work directly with men and boys.
It promotes health, healing, and recovery from the impact of violence because men also require support against violence they have endured and need to be part of the solution.
The Department of Justice plays a central role in assisting victims of crime, including victims of family violence.
Our Family Abuse Intervention Act allows the department to assist individuals needing an emergency protection order or a community intervention order as a result of domestic violence.
Mr. Speaker, in Rankin Inlet the Pulaarvik Friendship Centre has programs to support couples affected by domestic violence.
Together we can help reduce family violence.
Mr. Speaker, we established a cross-departmental working group leading up to the national inquiry into murdered and missing women to ensure a coordinated approach to support victims and families.
We are also working with a broader group made up of external partners to support the national inquiry.
Mr. Speaker, the sealskin patches are being made available at community sessions during the inquiry for victims and their loved ones to wear in support and unity.
The national inquiry will likely be very difficult for some people, as they provide testimony, personal perspective, and insight on tragic events.
I encourage all survivors, family members, or loved ones of a victim to call the Government of Nunavut victims services toll-free line at 1-866-456-5216 to speak to someone about the inquiry and how they may be able to participate.
Mr. Speaker, family violence is a tragic issue, and it is my sincere hope that we can reduce the instances of violence in Nunavut with open dialogue, understanding, and a promise to heal together.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister responsible for the Status of Women, Ms. Ell-Kanayuk.
Minister’s Statement 169 – 4(3): MMIWG Family Prevention Month (Ell-Kanayuk)
Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, today I am honoured to wear the purple sealskin patch with my colleagues, a symbol of our joint commitment to end violence against our women and girls.
More than ever we must come together and collectively act to strengthen the safety and well-being of our families and communities.
This November also marks Family Violence Prevention Month, and the purple sealskin patch further serves as a symbol of hope and unity as we endeavour to end family violence in our territory.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, as Minister responsible for the Status of Women, I am pleased to be part of Canada’s historic inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women and girls, a demographic unreasonably impacted by violence, abuse, and systemic discrimination.
In August the federal government announced the five commissioners who will lead the inquiry and listen to our stories, our experiences.
Earlier in September I attended the FPT on the status of women and heard promising practices from jurisdictions across the country.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to share that action and advocacy is happening and is happening at every level.
As the national inquiry takes place, we continue to support survivors of family violence and the families of missing and murdered Inuit women in Nunavut.
It is my goal as co-lead to ensure that the national inquiry will build upon the important work already being done to address family violence in Nunavut and that the process will help us heal.
The way forward demands collaboration across sectors so we can achieve in every home and every workplace the respectful, caring relationships that we as Nunavummiut all deserve.
Member’s Statement 328 – 4(3): Tribute to Jacob Saimaiyuk (Ell-Kanayuk)
I rise today to recognize the late family friend, Jacob Saimaiyuk.
He was born in Kangiqturuluk outside of (interpretation ends) Cumberland Sound (interpretation) around the Pangnirtung area in 1944. He was laid to rest on Friday here in Iqaluit.
He is survived by his wife, Nicotye Kilabuk, and four children. He was also a grandfather, a younger brother, and a hunting buddy to many in Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker, Jacob was like an older brother to my husband, Iniasi Kanayuk.
My husband knew him since they were growing up at Ungujalik, then Illutalik, and then here in Iqaluit.
He will be greatly missed by the many people who knew him.
Jacob was a volunteer with the search and rescue group here. He would also take part and volunteer his time without pay.
Jacob also went on the radio when he knew that there was something that the hunters needed to be cautious of and warned them by making sure they knew what to be careful about.
He cared for others and would share his catch with many. He honoured and served God.
Let us remember him and his family.
Member’s Statement 329 – 4(3): Strange Sounds from Fury and Hecla Strait Area (Quassa)
My fellow residents of Igloolik are in my thoughts.
I also wish my colleagues a good afternoon today.
Mr. Speaker, based on the upcoming months in the region around our community of Igloolik, several concerns have been expressed over the last few weeks. This concern stems from people hearing strange sounds from Aukkarnirjuaq, or in English (interpretation ends) Fury and Hecla Strait, (interpretation) which is situated immediately north of Igloolik around the vicinity of an island called Salliq, which is directly east of Hall Beach.
Mr Speaker, I imagine you are aware and I know you are familiar with the fact that our community held concerns and that our local HTO held the same concerns. This polynya was used for hunting and the name Aukkarnirjuaq means “big polynya,” but lately it hasn’t harboured any seals and hunters relayed the fact that no one was catching seals or bearded seals at the polynya.
The sound that was heard was emanating from the seafloor. Furthermore, a sailing ship was seen passing by this summer. The sailors stated that they also heard this sound emanating from the seafloor when they were in the seas.
Mr. Speaker, after spending some time researching the projects approved by the Nunavut Research Institute and other regulatory agencies, there were no projects listing any type of sound-emitting devices or any type of research using sound emitters, but there were no permitted projects.
I am quite pleased, by going through the good offices of our Premier, that a request for information was submitted to the (interpretation ends) Department of National Defence. (interpretation) We also pinpointed the location as being about 70 kilometres from the DND (interpretation ends) North Warning Site (interpretation) located in Hall Beach.
It is quite close. Now, DND received this request and they conducted their own investigation into the matter.
Member’s Statement 330 – 4(3): Appreciation to the Department of Economic Development and Transportation (Okalik)
Let me start by expressing my pride in the red jerseys that triumphed over their antagonists, the Bruins, on Saturday. That made me happy over the weekend.
Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to thank the Minister of Transportation.
Last week I queried her about the airport safety stickers that were stuck on the doors for arriving passengers.
Shortly thereafter my questioning, I happened to go to the airport and the signs were translated into Inuktitut and French. The signs were quickly replaced even prior to the end of the day. I want to take this opportunity to thank the department for their quick turnaround.
I wanted to thank the minister for that and to state that this is a good beginning.
There are still areas that require updates in the airport and elsewhere throughout our government office signage, as every sign should include all languages officially recognized.
I wanted to acknowledge the minister and her department for the quick work denoting dangerous steps for arriving passengers into Iqaluit.
Member’s Statement 331 – 4(3): Language Services for Unilingual Medical Clients (Mikkungwak)
Prior to making my statement, I want to first extend to the people of Baker Lake and Nunavut a good day wish.
Yesterday as well, my best friend and my wife’s best friend celebrated their anniversary. When they got married, we were heavily involved in the celebrations. My wife and I were assisting Brian and Sharon Ookowt during the wedding and their anniversary was yesterday. (interpretation ends) Happy belated seventh anniversary.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to echo a concern that was raised by my colleague from South Baffin.
Mr. Speaker, it is extremely important that when our unilingual medical patients travel out of the territory to receive health services, they are provided with information in their language.
Mr. Speaker, it has been brought to my attention that patients who arrive to stay at the Winnipeg boarding facility are asked to read a form from a monitor and sign off on it before they are allowed to stay there.
The rules and regulations that are on the form are only written in English.
Mr. Speaker, some of these patients are returning on a regular basis to receive cancer treatment. The fact that they have to repeatedly agree to a set of rules and regulations in a language they don’t understand adds insult to injury.
Mr. Speaker, to make matters worse, when medical clients try to contact the Office of Patient Relations to discuss their concerns, the office does not have adequate resources on hand to address their issue in the language of their choice.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage the government to make every effort to ensure that Inuit language needs are met, especially when it comes to health services, which can be sensitive and upsetting.
Member’s Statement 332 – 4(3): The Need for an Inuit Counselling Centre (Shooyook)
I rise today to once again stress the importance of truly incorporating Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit into the workings of our government for the benefit of our people, our children, and our families.
Mr. Speaker, this need is especially critical when it comes to social services and the way in which government services address family issues. It is important that families are helped to stay together, children and parents.
Mr. Speaker, to incorporate Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit does not just mean using the words and saying it is so.
We need to have real Inuit counselling.
I urge the government to establish an Inuit counselling centre where individuals, parents, and families can learn from the perspective of Inuit lifestyle.
Traditional parenting involved strength, compassion, and discipline.
Too many parents have lost those skills.
Too many have not learned the important lessons as they were growing up. Children are not listening to their parents and when the government apprehends children, taking them away from their families, the problem gets worse.
Mr. Speaker, I have spoken about this issue many times, but it seems that the government… .
Mr. Speaker, I have spoken about this issue many times, but it seems that the government is not listening.
I hope that my words will soon be heard and the government will follow my suggestion.
Member’s Statement 333 – 4(3): Successful Interagency Meeting (Joanasie)
Good afternoon to the people of Kimmirut, Cape Dorset, and Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the success of Cape Dorset’s recent interagency meeting which brought together a number of individuals and agencies to discuss issues facing the community and how best to deal with them.
Mr. Speaker, the interagency meeting concept was resurrected after a yearlong break, mostly due to school safety concerns and other issues relating to the safety of the community.
Mr. Speaker, this type of meeting is an excellent way to foster partnership and coordination.
It is important that we be proactive and prepare for situations instead of being reactive and left to handle the aftermath of crisis after crisis.
Mr. Speaker, the interagency meeting allows for the sharing of information as well as learning from each other about what kinds of ideas work and which don’t.
Mr. Speaker, networking in this way builds trust and reciprocity.
Sometimes it’s just good to see the face of the person you may have spent a lot of time on the phone with discussing a specific case or situation.
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to have taken part in this meeting. We have proposed to continue meeting on a monthly basis. I look forward to exploring and adapting many positive approaches to address the safety and well-being of the community of Cape Dorset.
Member’s Statement 334 – 4(3): Traditional Caribou Hunting Practices in Pangnirtung (Mike)
Good afternoon to Nunavummiut, people of Pangnirtung, and our local hunters.
I rise today to speak to this practice that is still used in our community: awaiting caribou movements back to the coast.
We used this practice in Pangnirtung, albeit with long interim periods in waiting for the caribou to migrate from the interior.
Some hunters, not many, still undertake this due to the low numbers of caribou.
The term means that after caribou have migrated inland, once the lakes ice over and snow falls, the caribou habitually migrated to the coastal areas around the fiords of Pangnirtung where traditional waiting spots are situated.
Nowadays the caribou rarely pass to the coast, so not many hunters practise this caribou coastal migration hunt anymore.
In particular the two sites traditionally used called Qaggiluktuq and Nunataaq were used for caribou hunting at that period.
Although they may occasionally be used, most traditional sites are no longer used due to the low numbers of caribou we face.
This was part of our Inuit traditional practices which I learnt from my father and father-in-law, as well as my brother-in-law.
Now that this practice is hardly in use today, if our descendants are not passed on this traditional knowledge based on ancient beliefs and practices, then they will never practise this due to the lack of animals to hunt.
This practice will remain in our mental knowledge banks and older generations will fondly recall their old coastal caribou hunting practices in the fall, just prior to or at the seasonal rut.
Due to this change in practices, I have voiced a past practice. I recalled the practice this morning when I looked outside and saw the weather conditions, with a bit of snow haze, a bit of windy conditions with falling temperatures.
When I saw that, it hit me and I wanted to speak to the practice I recalled, as it is tied into the traditional culture of the Inuit.
Member’s Statement 335 – 4(3): Grand Opening of Baffin Larga (Enook)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my congratulations to this organization where I was once involved as a manager at Baffin Larga based in Ottawa.
They recently held a grand opening last week or perhaps the week before.
Nonetheless, I apologize that I was unable to attend to that opening.
I was of the mind that perhaps the Baffin MLAs would be invited when I heard about the future opening, but there were no invitations to us, which is regrettable as a Baffin MLA in light of the constant references to the building and its operations.
Even if that is the situation, I still want to extend my congratulations to the administrators for Baffin Larga and they are the Qikiqtaaluk Corporation and the Nunasi Corporation, as they own the building.
The Larga facility is very important to the residents of the Baffin region, especially our residents who require medical treatment. It is much like a home to them.
Furthermore, the reason why I take extra pride in their accomplishments is due to the employees, although it isn’t an entirely happy environment due to some patients who are unhappy with their situation or are facing life-changing events while alone and away from their families.
The Baffin Larga employees in Ottawa are tireless workers. Although they have a stressful job, they continue without a fuss.
I want to express my appreciation for their efforts when facing tiresome people who may not be sociable or when a service is demanded that is over and above their duties.
They never complain and work tirelessly to house these patients in Ottawa.
Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss without mentioning the facility manager, Lynn Kilabuk.
She manages the facility along with all the staff working there.
To all of them I say that their work is much appreciated and we are immensely thankful.
Although most people don’t express their thanks, I again thank you on behalf of all Inuit for trying to accommodate them to the best of your abilities and skills, and we haven’t forgotten your work here in the Baffin region.
I have no more names on my list. We will proceed.
Question 431 – 4(3): High Arctic Infrastructure (Shooyook)
The current business plan of the Department of Economic Development and Transportation indicates that one of its priorities for the current 2016-17 fiscal year is to, and I quote, “Complete planning work for remediation and removal of decommissioned airport buildings in Qikiqtarjuaq, Coral Harbour, Nanisivik, Sanikiluaq and Resolute Bay.”
Can the minister provide an update today on the status of her department’s work with respect to the remediation and removal of decommissioned airport buildings in Resolute Bay and Nanisivik?
The Government of Nunavut is presently working on the demolition of old air terminal buildings in Sanikiluaq, Coral Harbour, Qikiqtarjuaq, and Resolute Bay.
We had funding proposals for 2017-18, but it was not put into the main estimates.
The economic development department will keep working on getting funding for the demolition of the terminal buildings to have them demolished in the future.
I thank the minister for clarifying my question.
The current business plan of the Department of Economic Development and Transportation also indicates that one of its priorities for the current 2016-17 fiscal year is to, and I quote, “Complete the agreement between the Department of National Defence and the GN for improvements to the road between Arctic Bay and Nanisivik.”
Has this agreement been signed, yes or no?
My department is presently planning for the road between Arctic Bay and Nanisivik and we’ve had discussions with the federal government.
Nanisivik will be utilized by the federal government, so we are presently negotiating to get funding to repair the road.
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank you for including the road to Nanisivik in the plans. I appreciate that.
Will the minister commit to providing me with a copy of the agreement between the Department of National Defence and the Government of Nunavut for improvements to the road between Arctic Bay and Nanisivik?
Can she table the documents here in the House?
Once the agreement is in place, I can inform the hamlet and you. If you need it, it will be a Government of Nunavut and federal government project.
I don’t mind providing you with copies.
Question 432 – 4(3): Controlling Tobacco Use in Nunavut (Joanasie)
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut’s Tobacco Control Act was passed in 2004. The legislation has two primary purposes: to promote and protect the health of all Nunavummiut by ensuring that public places and workplaces are smoke-free and to reduce access to tobacco products, especially to youth.
The legislation allows the ministers to appoint inspectors for the purposes of the Act.
Can the minister state whether any persons or class of persons have been appointed as tobacco inspectors under the Tobacco Control Act and clearly explain who is currently enforcing the Act?
Tobacco rates and use across Nunavut are higher than most other jurisdictions in the country, so it’s a very important initiative.
Currently we’re doing a tobacco education and compliance program specifically targeting to youth.
Currently we have environmental health officers who are doing inspections of retailers.
There have been a lot of consultations to identify different work and programs that can reduce smoking for all Nunavummiut, but especially targeting retailers and education programs for youth.
Mr. Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister for his response.