EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I am confident that his energy and commitment will be of great benefit to the association.
Mr. Speaker, many of us in the House today have also served as mayors or members of municipal councils.
We appreciate and understand the challenges facing municipalities as they work with limited resources to deliver essential frontline services to our constituents.
Mr. Speaker, a healthy working relationship between the municipal level of government and the territorial level of government is extremely important.
I encourage the Nunavut Association of Municipalities to work closely with the Government of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, as you will recall, I asked a detailed written question earlier this year concerning the GN’s formal responses to the resolutions that were passed by the Nunavut Association of Municipalities at its 2011 annual general meeting.
There being none. Please proceed, Mr. Tapardjuk.
Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, my colleagues, for not making a nay.
In one of the resolutions, a concern was raised with dead corpses during the summer not being kept in a morgue for lack of space, particularly in my constituency of Hall Beach.
I can say to the government that I won’t stop raising this issue until these are resolved as a need for space is an important issue.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in congratulating the new president of the Nunavut Association of Municipalities and to wish him well as he begins his important responsibilities on behalf of our territory’s communities.
Mr. Speaker, let us now express our pride in the new president of the Nunavut Association of Municipalities.
I’m sure Mr. Haulli is up for any challenges that he may face.
Member’s Statement 232 – 3(3): Community and Marine Infrastructure in Pond Inlet (Enook)
I rise today to speak about the issue of community infrastructure in Pond Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin with some good news.
On March 23, I had the honour of welcoming Premier Eva Aariak, Minister James Arreak, and Member of Parliament Leona Aglukkaq to Pond Inlet on the occasion of the opening of the community’s new arena.
Speaker: I’m sorry, Mr. Enook.
We seem to be having technical difficulties. We will get that fixed before you continue with your statement. We will allow you to [continue with your statement] once we get our technical difficulties fixed.
It’s fixed?
Mr. Enook, if you would like to start your statement again or continue from where you were, please proceed.
I’m not quite sure where the technical difficulties started. So with your permission, I would like to start my statement again.
(interpretation) I rise today (interpretation ends) once again (interpretation) to speak about the issue of community infrastructure in Pond Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, let me apologize to Minister Kusugak. Although we had invited him, he was unable to attend due to weather.
I’m just hoping that if there is another event in Pond Inlet, the minister will be able to attend, whether it’s for a harbour or airstrip.
Hopefully it will be soon. We understand why he wasn’t able to attend.
We were joined at this event by a number of Pond Inlet residents, including Mayor Jaykolasie Killiktee and former MLA James Arvaluk.
Mr. Speaker, thanks to the use of innovative technology at the new facility, our youth will be able to enjoy an extended playing season.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that we maximize the use of our limited resources.
The new arena is an excellent example of doing just that.
Mr. Speaker, now for some bad news.
As members will recall, one of the issues that I have been raising in this House concerns the continued lack of adequate marine infrastructure in Pond Inlet.
Last year, I tabled photographs in this House that clearly illustrated the conditions facing my constituents in Pond Inlet with respect to the lack of adequate marine infrastructure in the community.
Mr. Chairman, I would like to ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
There being none. Please proceed, Mr. Enook.
Mr. Speaker, I would remind the House that the 2005 Nunavut Small Craft Harbours Report indicated that, and I quote, “Lack of Nunavut harbour infrastructure has resulted in at least two documented cases of loss of life in recent years.
In 2002, a Pond Inlet fisherman drowned while paddling his dinghy from shore to his fishing vessel moored offshore.
A Rankin Inlet fisher died under similar circumstances in 2005.”
Mr. Speaker, I continue to urge the government to undertake feasible and affordable improvements to Pond Inlet’s marine infrastructure with a focus on the safety of boaters and protection of equipment, and which can be undertaken with available resources.
Mr. Speaker, Pond Inlet cannot wait forever for the federal government to provide funding which may or may not be forthcoming. We need action now.
I will have questions to the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation on this issue during our spring sitting.
Member’s Statement 233 – 3(3): Thanks to Minster of Education for Visiting Constituency (Ugyuk)
The Minister of Education left for Gjoa Haven this morning and we traded places.
I know for a fact that the Premier is experiencing considerable hospitality in the community, as well as by the DEA.
I thank the minister for travelling to Gjoa Haven as residents expect ministers or their deputies to attend to various functions in the smaller communities.
Residents of the smaller communities have expectations of important visitors when new facilities are being opened.
I appreciate the minister for travelling to the community, although I’m not there to welcome her.
I know that she is committed to her department as she is representing the government on her trip to Gjoa Haven to open the new facility.
Member’s Statement 234 – 3(3): Anglican Synod and the Grand Opening of St. Jude’s Cathedral (Ell)
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I say “good afternoon” to my constituents in Iqaluit West.
Ever since this winter’s session, a lot of events have occurred in my constituency.
I will just speak to more recent events.
Mr. Speaker, first of all, this morning, I attended the opening of the Anglican synod to welcome the delegates who are meeting here in Iqaluit.
Since our Premier was not available, I went on her behalf to make that presentation.
The Anglican synod is holding their AGM this week and one of their duties this week is to select a new bishop.
Additionally, the synod will have a grand opening on Sunday, June 3, for the new Iqaluit cathedral. We expect many people to attend to this opening ceremony and to attend church services at the new facility.
The Anglican synod is attended by representatives from all over the Eastern Arctic Diocese. We welcome them to Iqaluit and their AGM.
We hope they are able to complete all of their duties and we wish them success at the AGM.
Mr. Speaker, I also have some news that is kind of shocking with respect to two matters.
First, a well-known businessman, Jim Currie, passed away this weekend.
A lot of people in Iqaluit and Nunavut knew Mr. Currie.
He was a private business owner who ran his business, Iqaluit Enterprises, which sold country food, such as fish, turbot, clams, and other seafood.
I’m only mentioning some foods he offered to the public.
I also want to inform my colleagues that the funeral procession will be held at the Cadet Hall this Thursday.
His family and friends are in our thoughts.
Another matter, Mr. Speaker, that I want to speak to will put me over my time limit, so I would like to ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Many people in Nunavut may have already heard this news. However, our most iconic CBC host as well as a representative of Iqaluit recently passed away this weekend.
I wanted to provide some background on my association with Mr. Jonah Kelly, whom I knew quite well, as we worked together for 18 years at CBC.
While I was still a youngster around the age of 18, I used to drive a taxicab. Mr. Kelly happened to be my passenger one day and encouraged me to apply for a position at CBC. I told him that I didn’t have the skill set to apply and unable to do that.
I was unable to work with computers. I was not fluent in Inuktitut. On top of that, I had absolutely no knowledge of any kind of technology.
Jonah encouraged me to submit my name and I did. I ended up being at CBC for 18 years.
Mr. Kelly taught me for about half an hour on the tape recorder as well as the microphone and how to fix the levels. He also gave me a little piece of paper and I immediately started doing the news.
So I just want to express my heartfelt thanks to Mr. Kelly because he allowed me to progress. I also remember that when I was doing the news one time, he came in with a fire extinguisher while I was doing the news and he used to play a lot of jokes.
We recall those times.
I’m sure Mr. Kelly will be missed by a lot of people here in Iqaluit and in Nunavut because he was such an expert in Inuit culture.
Let us give Mr. Kelly and his relatives our thoughts and prayers, as well as those who knew Mr. Kelly, particularly his wife and children.
It is obvious that we will miss Mr. Kelly’s tremendous character. We are sympathetic and we regret his passing.
Member’s Statement 235 – 3(3): High Cost of Living in Nunavut (Ningeongan)
Mr. Ningeongan: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) I say “good afternoon” to the people of Coral Harbour, Chesterfield Inlet, and the people of Nunavut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the high cost of living in Nunavut.
Earlier this month, a number of my constituents in the community of Coral Harbour took action to publicly express their frustration at the high cost of feeding their families and children.
Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to state very clearly that I stand with my constituents.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, I have made a number of statements in this House concerning the cost of living for my constituents.
I have also expressed concerns regarding the impact of the federal Nutrition North Canada Program.
Mr. Speaker, Inuit are known to be patient people.
However, it should be clear to all of us that the patience of our constituents has limits.
Mr. Speaker, addressing the issues of poverty, food insecurity, and the high cost of living is going to require commitment and cooperation between different organizations and levels of government.
Mr. Speaker, I’m going to suggest three challenges today.
The first challenge is to the major retailers that operate across Nunavut.
It should be very clear that there is a need for retailers to be significantly more transparent about their food pricing.
It is not enough to say that the transportation subsidies provided through the Nutrition North Canada Program are being passed on to consumers.
Rightly or wrongly, many Nunavummiut believe that the prices charged by retailers for basic foods are excessive and go far beyond a reasonable profit margin.
The second challenge is to the Government of Canada.
We need to see that the Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board is accomplishing its mandate.
As of today, the board still does not have a full-time chairperson.
As of today, Nunavummiut have still not seen this board’s first annual report and recommendations to the federal minister responsible for the program.
We need assurances that this critical program will be implemented in a manner that accomplishes the goal of not simply making food less expensive than it would be without a transportation subsidy, but that it is actually affordable for our constituents.
The third challenge is to ourselves, the elected leaders of Nunavut.
We need to continue to seek ways of working together to address poverty and enhance self-reliance.
The recent development of a poverty reduction strategy between the Government of Nunavut and NTI is a good first step.
We also need to ensure that we take every opportunity to provide the means for our constituents to provide for themselves.
For example, I support efforts on the part of the government to work with the community’s HTO to ensure that there is a long-term future for the sustainable harvesting of caribou on Southampton Island.
Member’s Statement 236 – 3(3): Changes to Old Age Security Program (Ningark)
I rise today to speak about the issue of the federal Old Age Security program.
Mr. Speaker, as my colleagues will be aware, the recent federal budget announced changes to the federal Old Age Security program.
The Government of Canada has stated that it will increase the age of eligibility for the old age security pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement between the years 2023 and 2029 from age 65 to age 67.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is very important that elders in our communities who are currently receiving old age security understand that these changes will not affect them.
I call on the Government of Canada to ensure that information concerning this program is provided in the Inuktitut language to our elders in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, while I understand that the federal government wishes to ensure that this important program is financially sustainable, I urge it to recognize that circumstances in the north are not the same as they are in the south.
Mr. Speaker, one of the federal government’s reasons for making changes to the program is that Canadians are “living longer and healthier lives.”
However, according to recent statistics from the Canadian Institute for Health Information, life expectancy in Nunavut is shorter.
On average, life expectancy is a full five years shorter in the north than it is in the south.
Mr. Speaker, as with many things in life, one size does not necessarily fit all.
I urge our national government to ensure that its programs fully reflect the needs and circumstances of our people.
Member’s Statement 237 – 3(3): Congratulations to Whale Cove High School Graduates (Kusugak)
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am very pleased to be in the House.
In particular, I wish a good afternoon to the residents of Whale Cove and Rankin Inlet.
I was in Whale Cove this weekend to attend a graduation ceremony.
Although Whale Cove is the smallest community in our region, there were at least seven graduates this weekend.
I am proud of these graduates and they are:
Mitchell Oolooyuk Angootealuk;
Joey Ijakak Arualak;
Irma-Joy Atuarajjuk Voisey;
Jashua Olayuk Ussak;
Joachim Nataqquq Angoo; and
Nathan Aqaarnaaq Sammurtok.
They just graduated and we were very proud of them. I wish them a very good future.
Let’s express our pride of these graduates, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.
Moving on in the orders of the day. Item 4. Returns to Oral Questions.
Return to Oral Question 304 – 3(3): Bilingual Education Models (Clerk)
I wish to table the Return to Oral Question 304 that was taken as notice during the winter 2012 sitting.
*See Appendix for full text of Returns to Oral Questions 304 – 3(3) filed with the Clerk.
Joining us today is a group of parliamentary interns from the House of Commons. These young Canadians from across the country are participants in the national Parliamentary Internship Program. They are in Iqaluit this week for their annual study tour to Nunavut.
Andrew Cuddy;
Samuel Gregg-Wallace;
François Plante;
Alexis Dubois;
Maxim Legault-Mayrand;
Grant McLaughlin;
Meghan Lawson;
Anna Laurence;
Ariane Wylie; and
Dominique Biron-Bordeleau
I would ask all members to join me in extending a warm welcome to our guests.
Welcome to the Gallery, and I look forward to meeting with you guys after the close of session today.
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Mr. Enook.
At this time I want to take the opportunity to recognize two of my constituents from Pond Inlet.
Many people in Nunavut and outside of Nunavut know these two individuals, but for me personally, they are even closer as they are my close relatives.
I would like to welcome these two Inuit who are active in healing circles and meetings throughout Nunavut and elsewhere, my older brother and his wife.
Please welcome Mr. Thomas Ootook and Regilee Ootook to the Gallery.
Item 6. Oral Questions. Member for Hudson Bay, Mr. Rumbolt.
Question 334 – 3(3): Fuel Supply Situation in Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt)
As the minister is aware, the community of Sanikiluaq is currently facing a shortage of diesel fuel until this year’s resupply can arrive by ship.
Can the minister update me today on his department’s plans to airlift fuel into the community until the annual resupply arrives?
I could confirm that we have done dips in the fuel tanks in Sanikiluaq. It appears that we will have enough fuel in the community until about July and we are planning to fly in a fuel supply.
Approximately 120,000 litres will be airlifted in June.
Last fall, the Legislative Assembly approved $100,000 in capital funding to increase Sanikiluaq’s bulk fuel storage capacity during the current 2012-13 fiscal year.
An additional $300,000 is projected to be allocated in the 2013-14 fiscal year for this project.
Can the minister indicate to me if this essential project is on track to be completed on schedule?
The community of Sanikiluaq is starting to run into an inevitable problem of no storage facility for fuel tanks.
It’s unfortunate, but we will begin to run into this kind of issue throughout the territory as communities grow and people gain more mobile equipment, and so on and so forth.
Mr. Speaker, I could assure my colleague that we have three fuel tanks that will be sent into Sanikiluaq this summer to provide additional storage facility until such time that the permanent infrastructure could be completed.
As the minister is aware, our community’s local co-operative was recently awarded the contract to act as the fuel delivery agent for Sanikiluaq.
As the minister will appreciate, it is important that the Petroleum Products Division of his department maintains effective and open lines of communication with local fuel delivery agents.
Will the minister commit to ensuring that his Petroleum Products Division officials keep in regular contact with the Co-op and the municipality to ensure that the community is kept informed on issues related to fuel supplies and delivery in Sanikiluaq?
Of course, our workers at the Petroleum Products [Division] of CGS will be and are in full communication with the head of the delivery of fuel service in Sanikiluaq.
As a matter of fact, Mr. Speaker, our staff from the PPD office in Rankin Inlet will be positioned in Sanikiluaq to make sure that the repositioning of fuel into Sanikiluaq goes as smoothly as possible.
Between now and then and throughout the rest of the year, we will ensure that we have good communication lines open with Sanikiluaq until this is resolved.
Two years ago, I asked a detailed written question in the Legislative Assembly concerning fuel purchases and supplies in Nunavut.
I will likely be asking a similar question before the end of the current spring sitting.
The return to my written question indicated that in 2008 and 2009, the government was required to airlift over 900,000 litres of fuel to eight different communities.
Can the minister indicate how many communities will require similar airlifts before this year’s resupply takes place?
Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank you for that question.
As this information becomes available, I will provide it to my colleagues so that any of the affected communities and their MLAs will be notified if such thing and such event happens this year other than that of Sanikiluaq.
Question 335 – 3(3): Pressures in the Justice System (Tapardjuk)
Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m not sure how to ask this question, which I feel on a personal level.
Many Nunavummiut feel that we’re keeping this issue alive, but we require a response.
When the minister appeared before the Committee of the Whole earlier this year to present his department’s proposed budget and business plan, concerns were raised about the impact that long delays in going to trial have on the mental health of people who are facing charges.
Mr. Speaker, according to information provided by the minister’s department, almost 10 percent of the people who committed suicide in Nunavut since 1999 were facing charges at the time of their death.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Department of Justice: what work has the department undertaken to examine and understand the relationship between delays in the court system and the rate of suicide in the territory?
I would like to thank the Member for Amittuq for bringing that very valid and serious concern to my attention.
As we all know, suicide is a very difficult thing in Nunavut and the rates are much too high for our liking.
Suicide is an issue that has a lot of core roots.
A lot of them, I think, are mental issues.
Unfortunately, approximately 70 to 80 percent of crimes that are committed in Nunavut are alcohol and drug related.
So I think the onus is upon all of us as a government, as the RCMP, as communities, and as parents to struggle, to deal, and to educate young people on the very disastrous causes of alcohol and drug abuse.
The department is always working with the RCMP and the Department of Health and Social Services to provide services and programs that will assist people who do have a need for mental health counselling.
We will continue to do that.
We do offer programs in our corrections facilities that address these issues to a degree.
So for all of us combined, I think, the onus and responsibility lies upon all of us to try and do a better job.
Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the minister for that response.
A lot of us look for reasons and the usual reasons are drugs and alcohol, but do we actually know why they turn to drugs and alcohol?
Partly due to these reasons, people are always looking for something, even though it’s short of their goals.
Addressing the issue of lengthy delays in the court system will require more resources in our legal aid system. In recent years, provincial and territorial ministers of justice have consistently called on the federal government to provide more resources for legal aid programs.
Mr. Speaker, can the minister update the House today on the status of this issue?
Mr. Speaker, as recently as six months ago, the federal government has appointed two additional judges to Nunavut, which brings our total of judges to six.
In the Department of Justice, we have increased our court services staff by eight, which I believe will deal with the backlog in our court system and with our corrections overcrowding issues in the long term. Having these extra resources available to us hopefully and we expect will speed up court processes and trials taking place in our courts.
Indeed, I am not going to argue with you on this matter as I believe you’re aware of the fact, minister, that when people are awaiting trial in the communities or even if they’re not going to court, they try to use the RCMP as a means to deal with their problems and issues, but the police are not trained to deal with mental health issues.
I believe what’s happened in Igloolik is that a person with a mental disability suffered a bad experience.
Has the Department of Justice tried to work with the Department of Health and Social Services to find a way to resolve some of problems these mentally handicapped people have, particularly in the smaller communities?
As I have mentioned before, we do offer programs in our corrections facilities. We will be offering more programs in our new correctional facility in Rankin Inlet when people are being held for remand in court.
We are also aware of the need for more programs in communities.
At present, communities, through their community justice committees, can submit proposals to offer assistance to both victims of crime and also people who are charged with crimes.
There is a process that can be followed and proposals can be submitted to the Department of Justice.
This is a very sensitive and serious issue.
Again, in conjunction with social workers working with the Department of Health and Social Services, we need to find ways to provide better services to the people who need them in our communities.