EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Committee Report 006 – 3(2): Report on the Review of the 2009-2010 Annual Report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Nunavut (Schell) 2942
249 – 3(2): Lease Activity Report 2009-2010 (Kusugak) 2945
250 – 3(2): FPT Ministers responsible for Local Government (Kusugak) 2945
251 – 3(2): 2009-2010 Procurement Activity Report (Kusugak) 2945
252 – 3(2): Nunavut Status of Women Council Annual Report 2009-2010 (Aariak) 2945
253 – 3(2): 2010-2011 Letters of Expectation for Public Agencies (Peterson) 2945
254 – 3(2): 2009-2010 Annual Contracting Report for the Office of the Legislative Assembly (Speaker) 2945
Tabled Document 207 – 3(2): Nunavut Housing Corporation Contracting Report for the Year Ended March 31, 2009 – Consideration in Committee 2946
Tabled Document 209 – 3(2): Statement of Expenditures for Nunavut Housing Trust as of April 1, 2006 to February 28, 2010 – Consideration in Committee 2946
Tabled Document 210 – 3(2): Nunavut Housing Corporation Review of Nunavut Housing Trust – Consideration in Committee 2946
Tabled Document 212 – 3(2): Nunavut Housing Trust Project Status Summary, September 30, 2010 – Consideration in Committee 2946
Before we proceed, I would like to ask Ms. Ugyuk to say the opening prayer.
A wonderful morning, Premier, Ministers, Members of the Legislative Assembly, and all Nunavummiut.
Minister’s Statement 220 – 3(2): Northwest Passage Trail Interpretive Program (Shewchuk)
I would like to say “good morning” to all of the fine people of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, this summer, the community of Gjoa Haven organized a flag-raising ceremony at the Amundsen Centenary Cairn to commemorate a new partnership between the hamlet and the Fram Museum in Oslo, Norway.
The event was attended by Jo Sletbak, Norway’s Deputy Ambassador to Canada, Geir Klover, Director of the Fram Museum, John Ningark, the Hon. MLA for Nattilik, and Joanni Sallerina, the Mayor of Gjoa Haven.
The Department of Environment was pleased to play a role in this celebration.
Our Northwest Passage Trail interpretive signage, the Amundsen Centenary Cairn, and a number of other features at the site tell the story of the visit of Roald Amundsen’s ship to the community and surrounding area of Gjoa Haven. Together, they help illustrate the vital role of the local people in making the historic mapping of the Northwest Passage a reality. The Northwest Passage Trail interpretive program is a true example of collaboration and cooperation by all parties.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the department, I would like to recognize and thank the elders, hamlet staff, youth, and community members of Gjoa Haven for their instrumental contributions to the Northwest Passage Trail interpretive program since 2005.
Minister’s Statement 221 – 3(2): Nunavut Devolution (Aariak)
Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, Nunavummiut and Iqalummiut.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform my colleagues and Nunavummiut of my government’s renewed commitment for Nunavut devolution.
Devolution is the next major step in Nunavut’s development as a territory.
As you know, the federal government controls 80 percent of the lands in Nunavut.
Devolution entails the transfer of jurisdictional responsibilities for these lands and the resources they contain from the Government of Canada to the Government of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Nunavut, along with NTI, has been ready to begin devolution negotiations for several years.
The Government of Canada, however, has not been ready.
In an effort to move the process forward, in late 2008, my government signed a devolution protocol with Canada and NTI setting out all of the subject areas to be negotiated and the process to be followed.
Since then, we have worked with Canada and NTI to address Ottawa’s remaining concerns about Nunavut’s capacity to take on these new responsibilities.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform members that, shortly after this appointment, I made clear to Minister Duncan that devolution is a high priority for Nunavut.
I have made the same point to the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister indicated that Canada intends to follow a phased approach to devolution in Nunavut – the same phased approach it has followed with the Yukon and Northwest Territories.
Under that approach, following completion of a negotiation protocol, the federal government obtains a negotiating mandate and appoints a devolution negotiator.
These steps lead to negotiation of an agreement in principle and following that, the negotiation of a final agreement.
Through my communication with the Prime Minister and Minister Duncan, I have called on Canada to appoint its negotiator immediately so that agreement in principle negotiations can finally get started.
Mr. Speaker, devolution is a critical step in Nunavut’s pursuit of self-reliance and a priority of this government. It is in Canada’s interest as well as Nunavut’s.
As you know, earlier this week, it was announced that significant steps have been made towards finalizing an agreement in principle for Northwest Territories’ devolution.
Clearly it is Nunavut’s turn. That is our message to Canada. Let’s get started!
Minister’s Statement 222 – 3(2): Opening of the New Arctic Bay Airport (Taptuna)
Good morning, colleagues. Good morning, Kuglukturmiut and Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform my colleagues about the newly constructed airport in Arctic Bay.
With the closure of the Breakwater Mine in Nanisivik, the Government of Nunavut was faced with the challenge of constructing a new airport to service the community of Arctic Bay.
Mr. Speaker, the new airport and terminal building were built as a more practical and convenient airport for Arctic Bay residents, and will, in fact, reduce operations and maintenance costs, including in particular those associated with keeping the road open between Arctic Bay and Nanisivik.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand in the legislature today to tell my colleagues that this airport is now complete.
Nav Canada has confirmed that the Arctic Bay Airport approaches and aeronautical information will be published in the January editions of the Canada Flight Supplement and the Canada Air Pilot, thus allowing the airport to open officially for aircraft traffic as of January 13, 2011.
Minister’s Statement 223 – 3(2): Release of Nunavut Housing Needs Survey (Curley)
I am pleased to announce the release of the Nunavut Housing Needs Survey.
This survey was scheduled to be complete before the end of October 2010 and it has come in on time.
I will be reading them in English because they are quite hard to say in Inuktitut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, commissioned by the Nunavut Housing Corporation and produced in partnership with Statistics Canada and the Nunavut Bureau of Statistics, this survey is our most comprehensive attempt to date to capture the very serious housing needs of Nunavutmiut.
More specifically, Mr. Speaker, this survey will assist the Nunavut Housing Corporation to address in a comprehensive manner the major issues of overcrowding and the hidden homelessness that continue to hinder Nunavut’s development.
This is a critical planning tool, Mr. Speaker, one we can depend on given the strict standards of Statistics Canada and which will greatly help the Government of Nunavut reach its Tamapta objectives of a long-term housing strategy and a homelessness strategy.
Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, the results of this survey will make more convincing arguments and strengthen our lobbying efforts for additional housing resources. This survey, Mr. Speaker, will be used to foster greater collaboration with all Nunavut’s housing stakeholders.
In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the hard work and great collaboration this project represents. I would also like to thank our partners in this project, Statistics Canada and the Nunavut Bureau of Statistics, and the staff at the Nunavut Housing Corporation and our local housing associations throughout Nunavut for seeing this project through to the end.
I invite my colleagues, Mr. Speaker, to access the Nunavut Housing Needs Survey from the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s website.
Hon. Daniel Shewchuk: Thank you, Minister.
I just rise to clarify a mistake I made in my statement. I referred to John Ningark as the Hon. MLA for Nattilik when it should have been for Akulliq, and I apologize to the respective members.
Member’s Statement 338 – 3(2): Reflections on the Democratic Rights of Nunavummiut (Aupaluktuq)
I rise today to reflect on the democratic rights of Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, we have noted this week that elections for municipal councils, district education authorities, and Nunavut Tunngavik will take place before the end of the year. I also want to take this opportunity to encourage our constituents to consider running for these important offices.
Mr. Speaker, I strongly believe that we should not take our democratic rights for granted.
We need to remember that it was not too long ago that Inuit and First Nations could not even vote in national elections.
We need to recall the struggles made by those who worked to ensure that all Canadians share the same democratic rights.
We need to recall the efforts made by those who made Nunavut a reality, and I want to pay special tribute to leaders like James Arvaluk, Tagak Curley, and Louis Tapardjuk, all of whom sit in this House and continue to inspire us every day.
Mr. Speaker, at the last general election, more than two-thirds of Baker Lake voters went to the polls. I am proud that our voter participation rate in general elections is relatively high, but we can always do better.
Mr. Speaker, I firmly believe that if you do not exercise your rights, you are at risk of losing them.
Mr. Speaker, if you look around the world, you will see far too many examples of oppression. You will see far too many examples of people’s basic human, civil, and democratic rights being violated on a daily basis.
Although we live in a great nation, rights can be taken for granted and I want to emphasize the fact that, if you do not actively participate in your democratic institutions, those institutions are at risk of being weakened.
Mr. Speaker, we all know that holding public office is not an easy thing.
The personal pressures are intense and politics can be an unforgiving business.
However, the knowledge that you are doing your best for your constituents and communities provides a satisfaction that cannot be equalled. I want to say to young people who may be considering running for office, “Do not be intimidated. Do not fear change.
Do not let your dreams die.”  Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in paying tribute to each and every resident of Nunavut who shows the courage and conviction to stand for office.
Member’s Statement 339 – 3(2): Condolences to the Family of Firefighter Louie Qimirpik (Schell)
I rise today to extend my condolences to the family of Louie Qimirpik on their sudden loss.
Mr. Speaker, Louie Qimirpik became a volunteer firefighter in January of 1988.
Since that time, he devoted over two decades of service to the residents of Kimmirut.
At the time of his passing, Mr. Qimirpik was a captain with the Kimmirut Fire Department.
His skills and leaderships abilities were respected by all those with whom he worked and his passing is a great loss to his family, the Nunavut Fire Service, and the community.
Mr. Speaker, firefighters across Nunavut put themselves at risk every time they respond to a call.
Their dedication to protecting the safety of our families and homes is an inspiration.  Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in paying tribute to the late Louie Qimirpik.
Member’s Statement 340 – 3(2): Resigning from Executive Council, not as Member of the Legislative Assembly (Tapardjuk)
I say “good morning” to my constituents in Hall Beach and Igloolik.
I rise today to speak about a matter.
As you noted yesterday, I had an opportunity to speak to my issues. I wanted to clarify a misunderstanding that resulted from my statement.
One of my constituents thought I had quit my membership.
I want to clarify to my constituents that I have not left my membership, but I am only resigning from the Executive Council. This ministerial portfolio was the result of the Members of the Regular Caucus selecting me.
I will not be leaving my membership and I will continue to represent the people of Igloolik and Hall Beach.
Secondly, Mr. Speaker, with respect to what I spoke about yesterday at the feast for the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Committee, I am thankful to them and other people who were there.
I was presented with a tie which I am proud to wear today.
Whenever I am sitting in the House, it will remind me that people still want me to continue to fight for Inuit traditions and customs.
Member’s Statement 341 – 3(2): Passing of Former Greenland Premier Jonathan Motzfeldt (Okalik)
I usually tell a story on Funny Friday, but it seems I cannot do that today, especially after seeing the Nunatsiaq News.
They showed a story about a former Greenland Premier who passed away this weekend.
Jonathan Motzfeldt was a very good friend and he visited Nunavut when it was first created.
He gave us a gift that was significant and it is hanging just outside our Assembly. It was to signify that we are both Inuit and that Greenland would not be the only region of the Inuit governments.
He was very hospitable and welcoming. We realized that there would be two governments that Inuit have a strong voice with.
I was very proud of the fact that he came. He worked with us and cooperated with us because, at that time, we were a brand new government and he was open to offer assistance in all matters.
I am sorry that Jonathan Motzfeldt passed away.
I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge Jonathan Motzfeldt and to urge my colleagues to remember the Greenland Premier.
Member’s Statement 342 – 3(2): Trick or Treat? (Elliott)
Before I start my Member’s Statement, I would like to thank Minister Taptuna for the great news.
I know the hamlet council in Arctic Bay actually met last night. That was one of the questions and concerns that they had is wondering when exactly the airport was going to open up.
It will be nice to pass this on to everybody this weekend. Thank you.
Mr. Speaker, Halloween is just two days away and gangs of ghouls, goblins, ghosts, and gremlins will soon be visiting our homes in search of snacks and treats.
I want to first say that I wish every little monster a safe and enjoyable Halloween.
Mr. Speaker, I’m sure that we have all seen the news this week that pumpkins are no longer eligible for subsidized airlift under the Food Mail Program, which is in the process of being phased out and replaced by the new federal Nutrition North Canada Program.
Mr. Elliott: I was planning to table some photographs from my community of the price tags on pumpkins and other Halloween goodies, but I thought that these might terrify the House and cause disorder.
Mr. Speaker, on a more serious note, this reminds us of the importance of working to ensure that the new federal Nutrition North Canada Program benefits our constituents. We need and want it to be a treat, not a trick.
Mr. Speaker, in August of this year, I wrote a letter to Ms. Elizabeth Copland, who is the Chairperson of the Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board.
The mandate of this body is to “Represent the perspectives and interests of northern residents and communities in relation to the management and effectiveness of the Program.”
Mr. Speaker, over the coming year, I look forward to conveying the concerns of my constituents to this board.
In my letter to the board’s chair, I raised a number of matters, including the issue of the program’s support for essential non-food items, such as dental care products and infant care products.
In my letter, I noted that “… the health of a community’s population depends not only on access to affordable and nutritious food, but the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle, a key element of which is preventative health care. Removing such items as soap and toothpaste from the list of eligible items would not be conducive to community wellness.”
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working with the Members of this House, our Member of Parliament and Senator, and the new Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board to ensure that this important new program works well.
>>Applause  Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Elliott.
Members’ Statements. Member for Nattilik, Ms. Ugyuk.
Member’s Statement 343 – 3(2): Child and Youth Advocate Must Be a Priority (Ugyuk)
I say “good morning” to the people of Nattilik and to all Nunavummiut.
I wanted to thank the Minister of Environment for involving me in their work, although the letter contains some mistakes.
What I do want to say is that we heard yesterday, when Mr. Elliott was asking questions to the Premier, about the plans for children and youth and their implementation in 2013.
That is what I understood, but in the Kitikmeot, we have wanted these programs for a long time.
We all know that there are many children in Nunavut.
From my perspective, the issue has taken on a lot of urgency.
We need to build a stable environment for youth and children within the government.
This will demonstrate that we’re making this a priority because many children are in difficult situations.
If you look at the Inuit custom, we’re supposed to be looking after our children.
That is a traditional Inuit custom that we have to survive.
If we’re looking after our children properly, we will survive down the road and then they will look after us when we are no longer able.
As social workers, we see many cases where children are in a very difficult and challenging lifestyle or even a life of abuse. There are sexually disease transmissions and abuse.
When are we going to stop this abuse of the children through our government?
Member’s Statement 344 – 3(2): Solid Waste Issues in Pangnirtung (Komoartok)
I say “good morning” to my fellow residents of Pangnirtung.
Have a very good day.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I was pleased to attend a meeting with the Mayor of Pangnirtung and their regional engineers to discuss the status of the study being done to examine solid waste options for Nunavut communities.
This is a very important issue for Pangnirtung and all Nunavut communities.
I would like to point out that it’s become very clear to Pangnirtung that burning of the municipal dump can no longer be tolerated as the only option for solid waste management in Pangnirtung.
Hamlet research has clearly identified that known cancer-causing and other toxic chemicals get released every time we set fire to the dump. Prevailing winds blow these chemicals and particulate matters over the community.
It is not unusual for smoke from the burning dump to linger over our town for many hours. Residents are forced to close their windows and stay inside so as not to breathe the fumes.
One of the most significant health issues facing Inuit is the high incidence of respiratory illness.
Exposure to smoke particles can reduce the ability to breathe and reduce resistance to disease.
Existing respiratory conditions are also aggravated. Those with greater pulmonary sensitivity, for example, asthmatics, may also show a greater reduction in lung function more than others.
The hamlet council is responsible for enhancing the health of residents, yet they have been put in a situation that forces them to endanger their health every time the dump is burned.
Mr. Speaker, after a meeting yesterday, I am optimistic that we got on the right track to solve the problem and to have a solution for my community in place by the fall of 2011.
Moving on, Item 4.
Return to Oral Question 476 – 3(2): Equality in Sport (Tapardjuk)
Ron Elliott, Member for Quttiktuq, asked Question No. 476 – 3(2) with regard to Sports Nunavut and funding assistance for athletes and the rights for different communities. I would like to have the return entered into the record as read, if that is okay with you, Mr. Speaker, and I would like to provide a copy, Mr. Speaker.
This pilot will be reviewed with participants prior to consideration for 2010-11 events.” Can the minister update this House on the success of the all-inclusive fee structure which was piloted in 2009-2010?
The Sport and Recreation Division has evaluated a variety of funding formats in consultation with community stakeholders and territorial sport organizations, including a “flat rate” tournament funding format, wherein all participating teams paid the same fee to participate in the event, regardless of point of origin.
The “flat rate” funding format implemented during the 2009-2010 soccer events was particularly well received by communities that have traditionally faced the highest travel costs under the percentage allocation system.
However, communities closest to the host site(s) noted significant increases in participation costs for their teams.
The “flat rate” funding format is a viable tournament funding format, particularly for events where participating teams have similar base transportation costs and the sport organization/host group has the capacity to plan and administer the program.
Hockey Nunavut is considering a similar format for the 2012 Arctic Winter Games selection events occurring this season.
The Sport and Recreation Division will continue to work with community recreation leaders and the territorial sport organizations to identify funding formats that provide fair and equitable access to intercommunity sport events, including the “flat rate” format where appropriate.
Your return to oral question will be entered into the record as read in the House. (interpretation ends) Returns to Oral Questions.
Return to Oral Question 484 – 3(2): The Fate of Axel Heiberg Forest (Tapardjuk)
On October 27, MLA Ron Elliott asked Question No. 484 – 3(2) with regard to musk ox and the Petrified Forest. His question was in regard to the fossil forest and he had two questions.
The first question was, “Does his department travel with cruise ships to ensure that these things are not happening?” The second question was, “What is being done to make sure that these places are not being disturbed?”
Mr. Speaker, I would like to submit my response and have it entered into the record as read.
Response 1:
Employees of the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth (CLEY) do not travel with or on cruise ships to monitor their activities.
Protection for the tree remains is legislated under the Wildlife Act, (Nunavut) administered by Department of Environment as well as under the federal Nunavut Archaeological and Palaeontological Sites Regulations (Canada) administered by CLEY.
Economic Development and Transportation regulates cruise ships under the Travel and Tourism Act (Nunavut) and provides information to cruise ship operators on the various Acts and regulations that relate to cruise ship activities.
EDT is currently developing a comprehensive tourism strategy and, as part of this process, will be looking at the current legislation and regulations.
The regulation of cruise ship activity under the Travel and Tourism Act will be part of that work.
Government will investigate the accuracy of the information in the referenced media article.
The return to oral question will be entered as read.
Returns to Oral Questions. (interpretation ends) Hon. Lorne Kusugak.
Return to Oral Question 478 – 3(2): Update on Projects (Kusugak)  Return to Oral Question 490 – 3(2): General Rate Application (Kusugak)
I say “good morning” to the people of Rankin Inlet.
Karlik is probably watching the proceedings, so I say “good morning” to him and the people of Whale Cove.
(interpretation ends) I would like to supply the supplementary information that I had told my colleagues from South Baffin and the MLA for Quttiktuq regarding the Qulliq Energy Corporation building and the residual heat.
Based on my commitment to provide the additional information to my colleagues for South Baffin and Quttiktuq, the new Iqaluit office building and the residual heat project in Iqaluit are not the reason for the recently filed GRA.
The total estimated office building project costs us around $5,048,647.
Centralizing the various leased office space will result in savings of about $5.6 million over the financing period.