EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I got a sore throat today, so my voice sounds a little funny.
Minister’s Statement 291 – 3(3): Wise Woman Award (Ell)
I stand before you today as the Minister responsible for the Status of Women.
Each year on International Women’s Day, Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council presents the Wise Woman of the Year Award and the Outstanding Young Woman Award.
These awards are to honour women from Nunavut who are role models in their communities.
These awards are in recognition of their dedication and commitment to improve the lives of women and families in Nunavut.
The council selects the recipients of the Nunavut Wise Woman Award and the Outstanding Young Woman Award from nominations received from across the territory.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, this year, the council presented Renata Solski with the 2013 Wise Woman Award in recognition of her remarkable contribution to Nunavut.
Renata has engaged youth in the performing arts and her dedication to theatre, dance, and video has supported many young women to develop confidence and provide a positive experience for self-expression.
This year’s recipient for the 2013 Outstanding Young Woman Award is presented to Sylvia Cloutier in recognition of her outstanding contribution to performing arts and theatre productions.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to invite my colleagues to join us during the break in the foyer for the presentation of the awards, and please help me in congratulating Renata Solski and Sylvia Cloutier for their outstanding dedication for the well-being of women and girls in Nunavut.
Minister’s Statement 292 – 3(3): Early Childhood Education Training in Nunavut (Shewchuk)
I am pleased to rise in the House today to announce that Nunavut Arctic College, with support from the Public Health Agency of Canada, will be delivering more early childhood education training in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, expansion of this pan-territorial initiative is being made possible through the federal Aboriginal Head Start Strategic Fund and has been approved for $1.1 million over the next two years.
The project is entitled “Capacity Building for Early Childhood Development Educators.”
Mr. Speaker, this wonderful news for Nunavut Arctic College and its Education Programs Division, which is committed to providing more opportunities for Nunavutmiut to obtain training and careers in early childhood education.
Mr. Speaker, the Arctic College Early Childhood Education Certificate program is designed to train students to work with children from infancy to the age of 6, in daycare centres, nursery schools, schools, or as operators of their own daycare homes, with a strong emphasis placed on the preschool years.
With the support of the Government of Canada, the college will be able to expand delivery of early childhood education training across the territory.
This project will initiate, support, and enhance culturally sensitive programming in our communities.
It also compliments and supports our ongoing efforts to provide more early childhood education programming in Nunavut.
This is another positive step forward as we continue to seek ways and means to support Nunavutmiut and strengthen the social fabric of Nunavut.
Minister’s Statement 293 – 3(3): New Sexual Health Resource: Choices Comic Book (Aariak)
Today, I would like to inform my colleagues about an exciting and innovative curriculum resource that promotes good sexual health for adolescents in Nunavut.
Working together with the Department of Health, we have created an appealing new resource that will help our young people make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
The Choices comic book deals with important sexual health issues, including healthy relationships, gender identity, sexually transmitted infections, and the impact of alcohol on decision-making.
Choices will be part of the grade 8 Aulajaaqtut curriculum and will be used in schools all across Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, rates of sexually transmitted infections are very high in Nunavut. Choices provides information on this health concern in a way that our youth can clearly understand and speaks to the social issues they face.
Staff from my department and the Department of Health selected the main themes for the Choices comic book after completing research and conducting focus groups with youth in Nunavut. The story was developed in Nunavut and reflects the lifestyle and environment of our young people.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the department for securing a major portion of the funding for this project from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
We now have a made-in-Nunavut resource that will help our young people gain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need to make healthy life choices.
Minister’s Statement 294 – 3(3): Skills Canada Nunavut (Ell)
I rise today to congratulate Skills Canada Nunavut on the success of their eighth annual territorial competition that took place on Tuesday, April 23.
I would like to recognize and thank all of the sponsors and various agencies that make these events a success.
Each year, this event gets better with more skilled youth taking part in trades and technology.
There were 14 gold medals won that day and the gold medal winners are:
For Workplace Safety: Nigel Neeveacheak from Taloyoak
For TV & Video Production: Shelton Nipisar and Innosar Issakiark from Arviat
In Hairstyling: Shelly Nichol from Rankin Inlet
For Post-Secondary Carpentry: Anthony Abbott from Iqaluit
In Cooking: Shannon Barkley from Iqaluit
For Baking: Vayda Kaviok from Arviat
In Robotics: the Iqaluit Team
First place winners for remaining competitions were:
For Cosmetology: April Kablutsiak from Arviat
In Photography: Avis Mukyungnik from Arviat
In Carpentry: Jorgen Anablak from Kugluktuk
Eleven of our youth will be going to Vancouver, BC on June 3 to represent Nunavut and take part in the 19th annual national competitions.
Please join me in wishing our competitors the best of luck as they represent Nunavut at the nationals.
Minister’s Statement 295 – 3(3): Importance of Airport Security (Taptuna)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide an update on airport security in Nunavut.
Over the past two years, we have had aircraft damaged and airport terminal buildings vandalized in some of our communities where aircraft are parked overnight.
Mr. Speaker, the cost of air travel in Nunavut is high.
The first step in addressing these costs is to provide secure, robust, and reliable airport infrastructure for the aviation industry.
Repairing vandalized equipment and airport buildings is costly to the airlines, the community, and our airports.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut Airports, in cooperation with airlines and communities, sought viable and affordable options to decrease the occurrence of vandalism at our airports. Nunavut Airports installed new security systems that are advanced, but can be maintained in the north.
The airlines are also taking part by increasing the surveillance of their equipment.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavummiut have played a large role in improving security at our airports. In response to security issues at airports, our communities took on the challenge of educating the public on the seriousness of vandalizing airport equipment.
This included educating the public about the benefit of having airplanes positioned in their communities.
Member’s Statement 493 – 3(3): The Boston Bruins Win Series with Toronto Maple Leafs (Shewchuk)
I rise today to bring all Members of the House and the citizens of the territory of Nunavut to the attention of the beautiful yellow Boston Bruins tie that is being worn by my colleague, Minister Kusugak.
Hon. Daniel Shewchuk: Mr. Speaker, last night, in the historic win by the mighty Bruins over the Leafs, gives Boston the opportunity to move onto the second round of the playoffs.
Unfortunately, my colleagues’ Montreal Canadiens did not win their series and they have been golfing for a couple of weeks already and have to wait to try again next year for the cup.
Mr. Speaker, I acknowledge my colleague for keeping his honour and trust in an agreement and again, for wearing such a beautiful tie.
Member’s Statement 494 – 3(3): Audit Request Regarding Nutrition North Canada Program (Schell)
In March, I stood in this House and raised my concerns with the Nutrition North program.
I mentioned that our big retailers are actually making money off freight in several communities. I also mentioned that our big retailers’ profits are soaring, which was recently confirmed in the latest year-end report.
I also mentioned how we’re still struggling to get straight answers from the retailers and the federal government.
Mr. Speaker, I shouldn’t say I was surprised to hear the media report yesterday which indicated that a Winnipeg firm, a North West Company subsidiary, is shipping groceries to Rankin Inlet at very minimal freight cost, free in some instances.
One resident got 4 litres of milk for less than $5.
That’s less than half the price of milk at the Northern Store in Rankin Inlet.
When a North West Company employee was questioned about this, he said, and I quote, “It does seem a little odd from the outside that we’re offering two different ways of doing it, but you know, there are other people offering it, so we felt that we should also have an offer in the market.”
Mr. Speaker, that sounds a lot like market cannibalism.
The North West Company was facing competition from a small, local company, so they decided to actually practise the Nutrition North program as intended by passing on the subsidy to a small group of clients.
Again, it appears that it was only being done to prevent them from choosing the smaller, local option.
Mr. Speaker, I’m sure my colleagues and I would all agree that there are plenty of reasons why the Auditor General of Canada needs to audit the Nutrition North program.
We need to find out once and for all what’s happening with our Canadian tax dollars.
At the appropriate time, I’ll ask this House to unanimously support a motion to that effect.
Member’s Statement 495 – 3(3): Nutrition North Canada Program (Elliott)
I rise today to again talk about the Nutrition North Canada Program.
Mr. Speaker, as you may be aware, I recently undertook an online survey to get feedback about the Nutrition North Canada Program from ordinary Nunavummiut and other Canadians living in isolated northern communities.
Mr. Speaker, I want to share with you and my colleagues some highlights from this survey.
Mr. Speaker, a total of 375 people took the time to complete this survey. I want to express my appreciation to all of them for making the effort to provide input on this important program.
Mr. Speaker, one of the most striking findings from the survey was that over 90 percent of respondents indicated that they did not feel that the subsidy provided by Nutrition North is being fully passed on to consumers.
Mr. Speaker, as you will recall from the 2011 meetings that we held in this Chamber with retailers, federal officials from the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development and the Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board, the issue of pricing transparency was a major concern.
Mr. Speaker, it is apparent that northerners continue to lack confidence in the program’s success in this area.
Mr. Speaker, the survey’s findings also revealed a lack of confidence and awareness in the work of the Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board. Over 90 percent of respondents indicated that they do not feel that the board is giving northerners a direct voice in the program.
Mr. Speaker, as you will recall, we received a commitment from federal officials following our 2011 meetings that the annual reports of the Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board would be made publicly available.
Mr. Speaker, we are still awaiting this to happen.
Mr. Speaker, over 80 percent of the respondents indicated that they have not noticed a decrease in the price of perishable foods since the introduction of the Nutrition North Canada Program.
Mr. Speaker, if the Nutrition North Canada Program is not making a substantive impact in ensuring that healthy foods are affordable for our constituents, it’s time to be ready to rethink the program.
Mr. Speaker, my colleague from South Baffin noted in his statement today that he will be introducing a motion later this week calling on the federal Auditor General to conduct a comprehensive performance audit of the federal Nutrition North Canada Program.
Later this week, at the appropriate time, I look forward to seconding this motion and speaking strongly in favour of it.
Member’s Statement 496 – 3(3): North West Company Attempts to Stifle Competition (Kusugak)
I feel for you with your cold today, but let me assure you at least it’s just a cold.
I have to stand in front of this House with this ridiculous tie…
…thanks to the Toronto Maple Leafs, who I was cheering for yesterday.
I think we may see a change in how hockey is played in Canada because I believe that the Toronto Maple Leafs are going to put forward a motion in the owners’ meetings this summer to make sure that from now on, hockey is going to be played where the third period will only last ten minutes.
Congratulations to my colleague. Some day, I’ll hopefully get even with you.
Mr. Speaker, on a more serious note, I rise today to express concern over the information received yesterday in reference to ordering food in Rankin Inlet, a fine community.
Mr. Speaker, I find it disturbing to discover that we have a retailer with major resources available to them trying to stifle competition. Let me be clear: while I will always be in favour of supplying food products to my constituents at the cheapest possible prices, it is unacceptable to hear that it appears to be nothing more than an effort to eliminate competition.
Mr. Speaker, I have heard it said that some people believe the Nutrition North program was only created to stop people from buying food orders from southern vendors and create a closed market.
When a small provider attempts to fill a niche and create a business to serve my constituents and I now see a multi-million dollar corporation trying to put them out of business, it makes me wonder.
Mr. Speaker, people are raising concerns about food prices at local retailers, yet here we have a corporation providing southern food prices, in some cases, with no freight charges to Rankin Inlet through a different retail outlet, prices, I might add, that are nowhere near as expensive as their main retail outlet, which they also own, and where most of my constituents shop for groceries locally.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to remind my constituents of what may possibly happen. Once the competition is eliminated, you may find that a lot of those cheap, freight-free grocery orders all of a sudden cost more or disappear completely due to the lack of competition.
If I may have unanimous consent to complete my Member’s Statement.
I would also like to say I am deeply concerned about how the stated purpose of Nutrition North is being subverted.
While some may stand up and cheer the southern cost, freight-free food currently being shipped to Rankin Inlet, I feel it raises serious questions about the impact on small business and Nunavummiut in general.
It also leads me to think there may be more to the accusations raised about eliminating choice and competition.
At least you get to take the tie off today. I’ll still have my sore throat later.
Member’s Statement 497 – 3(3): Environmental Protection Initiative in Pangnirtung (Oshutapik)
We may hear from a person not supporting a Canadian hockey team, but rather, supporting an American hockey team, so please keep that in mind, and here I speak to the government side.
I rise today to inform the Legislative Assembly about a positive initiative in Pangnirtung.
Mr. Speaker, in April of this year, the Municipality of Pangnirtung received a donation from our local Northern Store in the amount of $32,819.
Mr. Speaker, this donation was provided under the company’s plastic bag reduction program.
Mr. Speaker, Pangnirtung Mayor Sakiasie Sowdlooapik officially received the donation on behalf of the community.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that the donation will be used to remove toxic and dangerous material from the community’s metal dump.
This work will be undertaken over the next few months and will involve shipping out the materials by boat.
Mr. Speaker, this partnership between the private sector and the municipality is extremely positive for our residents.
The issue of ensuring that our communities’ solid waste facilities are well managed is very important and I will have questions on this issue for the government at the appropriate time.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in congratulating the Municipality of Pangnirtung and our local Northern Store for their excellent work.
Member’s Statement 498 – 3(3): Congratulations to Sanikiluaq’s 2013 High School Graduates (Rumbolt)
It always gives me great pride to rise in this House and congratulate the high school graduates from Sanikiluaq.
Mr. Speaker, graduating from high school is an important step in our lives. This achievement represents work and discipline. It is a stepping stone to the future.
These young graduates are role models for the youth in their community.  Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate:
Bill Arragutainaq;
Sarah Cookie;
Linda Inuktaluk;
Samantha Inuktaluk;
Daisy Kavik;
Timothy Kowcharlie;
Walter Meeko;
Malaya Qavvik;
Shoapik Sala; and
Garry Rumbolt.
Mr. Speaker, one of the graduates, Billy Arragutainaq, recently also earned his red seal licence from the Nova Scotia Community College in the oil burner mechanic field, which is quite an accomplishment.
He has much to celebrate.
Mr. Speaker, it takes more than dedication from students to become graduates.
It takes dedication from parents, guardians, teachers, and a community.
I extend my congratulations to all of those who helped our graduates achieve their success.
Member’s Statement 499 – 3(3): Supporting Cultural Instruction Programs in Nunavut’s Schools (Ningark)
I rise today to talk about the importance of supporting cultural instruction programs in Nunavut’s schools.
Mr. Speaker, I have always believed that a well-rounded education for Nunavut students must include a solid mixture of academic subjects, opportunities to take trades training, a proper physical education program, and a strong element of traditional cultural skills.
Our schools need modern, well-equipped classrooms in which academic subjects can be taught effectively and modern, well-resourced libraries to support this learning.
Our schools need modern, well-equipped gyms and other facilities to provide physical education training for our youth.
Our schools need modern, well-equipped spaces in which to teach trades.
Mr. Speaker, I am concerned that providing adequate facilities for delivering cultural skills instruction is sometimes an afterthought.
I support our schools to take steps to ensure that adequate and dedicated space is provided for the delivery of cultural instruction programs and traditional skills.
Mr. Speaker, a strong cultural skills curriculum helps our young people to gain self-confidence, learn important values, and build good character.
I urge the government to ensure that our schools and teachers have the space and resources to fulfill this very important responsibility.
Member’s Statement 500 – 3(3): 2013 Graduates of Nunavut Sivuniksavut (Aariak)
I also extend a warm welcome to Iqalummiut, particularly my constituents. I wish them a good afternoon.
Mr. Speaker, I just returned from a trip to Ottawa where I attended a graduation ceremony for the Nunavut Sivuniksavut program students.
This program was initiated 27 years ago with the course held in Ottawa and many Nunavummiut have attended this program over the years.
The students undertake a very different course than that offered elsewhere, as only grade 12 graduates attend with various post-secondary courses and preparatory classes for post-secondary courses of their choice.
This includes the ability to live in a large city, as Ottawa is quite large, and this helps them adapt to a different lifestyle.
It is very heart-warming and a source of pride to see them learn about Inuit, our culture, as well as our history and traditional practices.
Even as they take these types of courses, they are also taught classes to allow them to further their education if they so choose.
Furthermore, this program is also a good stepping stone towards employment opportunities as it prepares them for employment practices.
Be that as it may, Mr. Speaker, our government provides support through various funding programs that this school applies for, including FANS funding for the Nunavut Sivuniksavut students. The Nunavut government provides assistance in this manner.
The primary reason why I attended this graduation ceremony was in my role as a parent, as my son was one of the first year graduates in the school, although I was there to represent our government as well.
Mr. Speaker, it is a source of happiness to state that my son Jerry was among 32 graduating students yesterday.
This was the largest graduating class in the history of Nunavut Sivuniksavut.
I want to extend my congratulations to my son Jerry, along with all of his fellow graduating students.
Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you for allowing me to conclude my statement.
As I said, I would like to congratulate the students from Nunavut Sivuniksavut who just recently graduated because those students are learning various things in Canada and around the world. They represent the people of Nunavut.
I saw those who have just completed the second year program and I would like to pass on my congratulations to them. (interpretation ends) The member from Hudson Bay was congratulating the students from Sanikiluaq. I also pass on my congratulations to Sanikiluaq as well.
Member’s Statement 501 – 3(3): NS Graduates from Constituency (Ugyuk)
It was very good to see our Premier, who is also the Minister of Education, attend the Nunavut Sivuniksavut graduation.
There were also graduates from Taloyoak.
Nancy Aqqaq from Gjoa Haven has just recently graduated down at Nunavut Sivuniksavut and we hear that they enjoy attending Nunavut Sivuniksavut. They help out with different kinds of things that the Inuit people want to bring out.
Cecile Lyall and Nancy Aqqaq have graduated and I wish them well.
Member’s Statement 502 – 3(3): Appreciation for Marion Love (Ningeongan)
I rise today to express my appreciation for the work and dedication of Marion Love, who will soon be moving on from her position as Executive Director of Nunavut’s Human Rights Tribunal, which is based in Coral Harbour.
Mr. Speaker, Ms. Love began working for the Government of the Northwest Territories in 1982. She has worked in many fields, supporting adult literacy, Article 23 training initiatives, and various other community and workplace initiatives.
Ms. Love is a long-time resident of Coral Harbour and, for the past eight years, she has been the senior person at Nunavut’s Human Rights Tribunal.
Mr. Speaker, I am especially appreciative of the fact that Ms. Love has spent considerable time training the individual who will replace her. Rosie Tanuyak-Ell is originally from Chesterfield Inlet, but moved to Coral Harbour with her family in 1996.
Ms. Tanuyak-Ell began working for the Human Rights Tribunal in 2006 as a human rights officer.
I am very pleased that she will be taking on the executive director position after Ms. Love leaves.
Mr. Speaker, it is always heartening to have local residents work hard and advance in the service of their community and territory.
I wish Ms. Love every success in her future activities and would like to take this opportunity to again express my appreciation for her work in the past.
The individual whom I was just talking about is here in the Gallery.
I said that they have a replacement for the position in the Human Rights Tribunal in Coral Harbour and I would like to welcome Rosie Tanuyak-Ell, who is in the Gallery.
Members, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome and recognize Erin and Bob from Aon Hewitt, visiting from Calgary.
Maybe that’s why we have such nice weather for them up here. Welcome to the Gallery.
Question 643 – 3(3): Cultural Programs in Nunavut Schools (Ningark)