EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Members were also pleased to note that the department’s 2010-13 business plan indicates that initiatives are in place to “increase the number of Inuktitut speaking staff at the RCMP call centre.”
Members look forward to further updates on the progress of these initiatives.
Members note that section 3 of the Inuit Language Protection Act provides that organizations “shall communicate with the public in the Inuit Language when delivering” essential services, such as “emergency, rescue or similarly urgent services…” When in emergency situations, people communicate most effectively in their first language.
Members are particularly concerned about the needs of elderly unilingual Inuit language speakers.
Members also raised the issue of multiple emergency numbers in Nunavut.
Members recognize that in extreme situations, it is easier for all Nunavummiut to have one emergency phone number to remember for fire, ambulance, and police.
Mr. Chairman, the ongoing issue of bootlegging remains a concern. On December 2, 2009, the minister stated to the House that the “RCMP is very diligent in trying to apprehend bootleggers in the communities” and that 99 percent of the violence in Nunavut is “triggered by alcohol.”
On December 4, 2009, the minister stated that “People should not have to live in fear or worry of bootleggers in their community.”
The standing committee once again refers to the report on policing services in Nunavut that was tabled on March 9, 2007.
The report states that bootleggers “are perceived to be dangerous in many instances, and the fear of reprisal affects the likelihood of residents working with the police to bring bootleggers to court.”
Police point out that the reluctance of witnesses to support investigations with statements and possibly court appearances makes the job of arresting and charging bootleggers difficult.
The standing committee encourages the minister and his department to work with the RCMP to explore ways in which witnesses can be made to feel more comfortable in supporting investigations with statements and court appearances. It is noteworthy that similar efforts are underway in other jurisdictions. A recent Nunatsiaq News article reported that in Nunavik, “informants will be given a number instead of a name to keep the identities confidential, or they may choose to remain anonymous.”
The standing committee encourages the department to share best practices with other jurisdictions facing the same challenges.
Mr. Chairman, the duration of RCMP officers’ postings in Nunavut communities has been an issue for the past several years.
Members are pleased to note that RCMP officers will now be stationed in Nunavut for four years instead of two.
During his appearance before the committee, the minister advised members of his intention to determine whether officers will be allowed to stay in one community longer than two years if they so desire.
The standing committee recognizes the importance of enabling a connection between RCMP officers and the communities they serve.
Mr. Chairman, another important ongoing issue that was raised by committee members is the lack of Inuit representation in law enforcement.
During the minister’s appearance before the standing committee, members noted that five community constables were scheduled to be recruited to start training in the fall of 2009.
The minister indicated that only four recruits have been accepted into the training program.
The minister also indicated that the initial target of 32 Inuit special constables remains a long-term goal.
Another issue that was raised by committee members during the minister’s appearance concerned the department’s plan to recruit training candidates from all 25 communities for the Summer Student Program in 2009. Members note that a news report dated July 2, 2009 indicated that 21 students were participating in the student program under the title of “Nunavut Police Experience Program.”
The news report also stated that the program is offered to any youth over the age of 16.
The standing committee looks forward to further information concerning which communities were not able to have students participate in the program and why.
Members recognize the importance of providing training opportunities for young Nunavummiut during the summer and encourage the department in its ongoing efforts to make sure that students from each community participate.
During the minister’s appearance before the standing committee, members raised the issue of providing another program to train new Inuit lawyers through the Akitsiraq Law School Model.
The standing committee recognizes the success that the Akitsiraq Law School has had in previous years with the graduation of 11 students in 2005.
The standing committee notes that while the 2010-11 Business Plan for Nunavut Arctic College refers to the Akitsiraq program, the 2010-11 Business Plan for the Department of Justice does not.
On February 1 of this year, a CBC news report indicated that a program that was scheduled to start some time during this year has been postponed until 2011 due to “delays in commitments to core funding.”
The standing committee encourages the department to work with Nunavut Arctic College.
During his appearance before the standing committee, members raised the issue of strengthening the Maintenance Orders Enforcement Act in order to ensure that all support payments are collected on behalf of the intended recipients.
The standing committee notes that the department’s business plan indicates the name of this legislation will be changed to the Family Support Orders Enforcement Act through upcoming amendments to the Act.
Mr. Chairman, during his appearance before the standing committee, members noted that the department’s business plan indicates that “Community Corrections has been working at establishing a ‘stand-alone’ probation service for Nunavut.” The standing committee encourages the department in its efforts.
During his appearance before the standing committee, members were advised by the minister and his officials that the women’s correctional facility in Iqaluit will be open and begin operating later this year.
The standing committee looks forward to further updates on this facility and its initial operations.
Mr. Chairman, the standing committee emphasizes the importance of achieving a greater understanding of the factors that cause alcohol abuse, crime, and suicide rates in Nunavut to be so high.
Members believe that the more information that can be gathered on the factors that lead to alcohol abuse, crime, and suicide, the more able Nunavummiut are to be critically aware of those factors.
Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening remarks. Individual members may have their own concerns and comments as we proceed.
It’s almost six o’clock. I move to report progress so that we can start fresh tomorrow.
I would like to thank the minister for showing up here.
I guess we will be continuing with the minister, Mr. Garson, and Ms. Williams tomorrow.
Mr. Schell: Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bill 22 and the main estimates, and would like to report progress.
Mr. Komoartok (interpretation): I would like unanimous consent of my colleagues to go back to Item 5.
The member is seeking consent of this Assembly to return to Item 5, Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery.
There are no nays and no one is crinkling their nose.
I would like to recognize Sandy Akavak. He and his family have lived in my community for many years.
He was an RCMP officer serving in our community, but he and his family have since moved back to their community. We still appreciate their services.
I, too, would like to welcome Sandy Akavak, who is from Kimmirut, to the House here.
Welcome to the Gallery again.
There being none. (interpretation ends) Item 23.
Just a reminder that there’s a meeting of the Regular Caucus tomorrow at ten o’clock in the Nanuq Boardroom with the Minister of Finance.
This House stands adjourned until Tuesday, March 16, at 1:30 p.m.
>>House adjourned at 17:48
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Pages 1537 – 1600
Opening Prayer 1537
Ministers’ Statements 1537
Members’ Statements 1539
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 1542
Oral Questions 1542
Tabling of Documents 1561
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 1562
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 1562
Report of the Committee of the Whole 1599
Orders of the Day 1599
Tuesday, March 16, 2010 1537
121 – 3(2): Iqaluit Marine Facility (Taptuna) 1537
122 – 3(2): Champions for Implementation of the Tamapta Action Plan (Aariak) 1538
182 – 3(2): Nunavut’s License Plates: It’s Time for Change!
183 – 3(2): United Nations General Assembly Proclaims 2012 the International Year of Co-operatives (Ningark) 1539
184 – 3(2): Pangnirtung Gathering for Renewal of Aboriginal Healing Foundation Funding (Komoartok) 1540
287 – 3(2): Correspondence Regarding Safe House Request in Kugaaruk (Ningark) 1542
288 – 3(2): Medical Client Complaints Procedure (Arvaluk) 1544
289 – 3(2): United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Elliott) 1546
290 – 3(2): Tax the Pop (Okalik) 1549
291 – 3(2): Additional Building Inspectors (Schell) 1551
292 – 3(2): Feasibility Study for New BCC using CGS (Elliott) 1553
293 – 3(2): Iqaluit Marine Facility (Okalik) 1554
294 – 3(2): Polar Bear Defence Kills in 2008-09 (Ningark) 1556
295 – 3(2): Panellized Housing Units (Schell) 1557
296 – 3(2): Territorial Licence Plates (Elliott) 1559
132 – 3(2): Ilisaqsivik Society Gathering to Petition the Federal Government for a Renewal of Aboriginal Healing Foundation Funding (Arvaluk) 1561
133 – 3(2): Air Canada Insight (Schell) 1561
134 – 3(2): FPT Ministers Responsible for Innovation, November 19 to 20, 2009 (Taptuna) 1562
135 – 3(2): Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) Council of Ministers (COM) Meeting (Shewchuk) 1562
Bill 23 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2009-2010 – Notice 1562
Bill 22 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2010-2011 – Justice – Consideration in Committee 1563
Bill 22 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2010-2011 – Finance – Consideration in Committee 1593
Speaker (Hon. James Arreak) (interpretation): Before we proceed, I would like to ask Mr. Ningark to say the opening prayer. Mr. Ningark.
A very good afternoon, Premier, Ministers, Members of the Legislative Assembly, Nunavummiut, and the people of Clyde River.
Going to Item 2 in our Orders of the Day.
Minister’s Statement 121 – 3(2): Iqaluit Marine Facility (Taptuna)
Hon. Peter Taptuna (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) The lack of marine transportation facilities in Nunavut is well known and is an issue in almost every one of our communities.
This lack of infrastructure is most critical right here in Iqaluit, where the crude landing beach, the extreme high tides, and the volume of goods being shipped all add up to a situation where the demand will overtake capacity in a few short years.
For this reason, my department has been working with a marine engineering company on developing designs for a marine facility in Iqaluit.
At this point, several options are still being considered. One option being considered is a full deep water port that will serve the needs of the city well beyond the foreseeable future. At the other end of the spectrum are improvements to the causeway and upland areas that were constructed in the 1940s.
Mr. Speaker, each of these options has a cost associated with it. Trucking costs, storage costs, annual maintenance, and capital construction and renewal costs all have to be taken into account.
The more elaborate and larger the solution, the higher the operational and maintenance costs will be.
Mr. Speaker, for this reason, my department will spend the coming months consulting with users of this facility.
It is very important that any option we decide on solves as many problems as possible, by finding the right balance between capacity and cost.
Minister’s Statement 122 – 3(2): Champions for Implementation of the Tamapta Action Plan (Aariak)
Mr. Speaker, in our mandate Tamapta/ᑕᒪᑦᑕ: Building Our Future Together, we express our confidence in Nunavut and hope for its vibrant future, built by our people pursuing their dreams.
In order to reach our vision for 2030, however, we must do more than dream – we must take action.
In December, I tabled the action plan for Tamapta, which contains 61 specific actions which we have committed to completing as a government by 2013.
Collaboration between departments will be very important as we move forward with our shared goals.
I am pleased to report that considerable progress has already been made on creating processes for interdepartmental work, specifically in the areas of building human resource capacity, achieving sustainable development of our economy, increased accountability, and in striving to find ways to achieve an ever better quality of life for Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, this need for focus, leadership, and collaboration starts with us.
For this reason, each of the cabinet ministers will be acting as a champion for several areas of interdepartmental effort.
They will receive regular quarterly updates from deputy ministers’ committees on progress being made towards implementation of our Tamapta mandate.
Mr. Speaker, I will provide the members with a full list of the champion roles selected by each of the ministers on cabinet.
These champion roles do not replace the ministers’ work giving regular direction to and monitoring their departments, or their role in setting policy as a Member of Executive Council. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, this champion role will serve as a way to allow ministers to expand their focus sufficiently to ensure that we collectively provide the necessary leadership for all elements of Tamapta. It will supplement the regular duties of their ministerial portfolios.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, cabinet will also meet several times a year as a Priorities Implementation Committee.
We will focus exclusively on progress on the Tamapta Action Plan and deliberate about ways to ensure that the appropriate priority and resources are given to achieving what we have set out to do.
I look forward to providing updates regularly to all Members of the Legislative Assembly on the progress that we are making on our collective action plan through coordinated efforts within government and through collaboration with our partners.
Member’s Statement 182 – 3(2): Nunavut’s License Plates: It’s Time for Change!
My colleague from Nanulik rose in the House yesterday to pose questions on the issue of driver’s licences in the territory.
I am grateful that he did so because I have also heard concerns on this issue and I encourage the government to examine ways to accelerate the process of issuing new licences to residents in our smaller communities.
Mr. Speaker, my colleague’s questions got me thinking about a related issue: our territory’s licence plates.
Mr. Speaker, earlier in this session, I spoke about how broadcasting in the north can help to promote language and identity.
It’s interesting that something as commonplace as a licence plate can also serve as an important symbol of identity and distinctiveness.
For example, Mr. Speaker, I’ll bet you that even those Canadians who have never been to Québec know that the province’s official motto, “Je me souviens,” which means, “I remember,” is on the licence plates of millions of vehicles.
Mr. Speaker, I think it’s strange that although the government spends enormous amounts of money on translation services for annual reports and other documents, we haven’t yet gotten around to making sure that our own licence plates reflect the character and identity of the territory.
Mr. Speaker, when a resident goes to get a new licence plate for their vehicle, I think that they should have the right to choose to have the name of our territory displayed in syllabics or roman orthography.
It would be unique and wonderful for us to be the only jurisdiction in North America where an aboriginal language was so prominently displayed in this way.
Mr. Speaker, I also would like to take this opportunity to encourage the government to ask the public for ideas for a new motto to put on our licence plates.
As we know, the one that we have now was inherited in 1999.
Over the years, other provinces and territories have done the same thing.
I anticipate that we would get a lot of good ideas from youth for a motto that captures their dreams and visions for the territory. I think that this would also help contribute to building a distinct image for the territory and branding our distinctiveness.
I would also like to see residents have the right to choose to have their plates express this motto in the official language of their choice.
Member’s Statement 183 – 3(2): United Nations General Assembly Proclaims 2012 the International Year of Co-operatives (Ningark)
I rise today to discuss the importance of co-operatives in Nunavut and throughout the world.
Mr. Speaker, on December 18, 2009, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2012 the International Year of Co-operatives.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the fact that this is the first time that a Canadian government has officially expressed its support for a UN international year before it was proclaimed.
Mr. Speaker, I believe this is an important step to increasing awareness of how co-operatives contribute to the social and economic well-being of communities throughout the world.
As Members of this House are aware, I have been a long-time supporter of co-ops in Nunavut, especially in the communities of Kugaaruk and Repulse Bay.
The Koomiut Co-op of Kugaaruk has a crucial role in the community as it strives to become self-reliant.
Mr. Speaker, I applaud the federal government for acknowledging and supporting co-operatives and encourage the Government of Nunavut to do the same.
I ask all members to join me in saluting 2012 as the International Year of Co-operatives.
Member’s Statement 184 – 3(2): Pangnirtung Gathering for Renewal of Aboriginal Healing Foundation Funding (Komoartok)
I rise today to talk about the protest yesterday in my community that Pujualussait Association held regarding the elimination of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation.
Although the weather was really bad, about 240 to 250 protesters participated in the event and made a human chain to demonstrate their solidarity in wanting the funding to continue.
There are some people that we would like to thank. Madeleine Qumuatuq, our Reverend Louie Mike, and Sakiasie Sowdluapik, who is our mayor, made presentations during the protest.
Also, the Qikiqtani Inuit Association provided tea, coffee, and refreshments.
The Pujualussait Association in our community was funded through the program. I myself have been a board member of the Pujualussait Association serving for many years. The association has done tremendous work with healing programs in our community.
They have also done work all across Nunavut and parts of Nunavik as well as the NWT. Since 2004, a list includes these people and organizations that have been involved in the work, and I will read it out in English.
(interpretation ends) Language and Culture Enrichment, 2004-05, funded by CLEY;
newsletter;
radio shows;
tool making;
Qarmaq activities;
theatre groups;
sewing;
Inuktitut reading and writing skills;
tent making;
planning sessions;
trauma and safety training;
suicide prevention training;
personal healing;
women’s and men’s retreat;
cultural workshops;
healing workshop;
residential school survivor trauma workshops that were in line with Qikiqtarjuaq and Pangnirtung grief workshops;
a self-care workshop;
trauma conference in Pangnirtung, Nunavut, Nunavik, Labrador, and the south;
young parents’ retreat;
young men’s trip;
traditional life skills;
youth story telling and video photography that was sponsored by CLEY, Pujualussait, Embrace Life…
Speaker (interpretation): Mr. Komoartok, you must seek unanimous consent to conclude your statement. Mr. Komoartok.
Mr. Komoartok is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays?
These people have done tremendous work in creating programs, such as youth story telling and video photography, where I left off, as well as:
(interpretation ends) sexual abuse workshops;
Embrace Life Week;
assertiveness training;
residential school survivor cultural workshop;
Amauti making;
Kamik making;
elders relocation and grief healing;
substance abuse training;
substance abuse workshop;
public meetings to address suicide in our communities;
counselling, both traditional and modern;
youth trauma and grief workshop in Pangnirtung, Qikiqtarjuaq, and Iqaluit;
trauma training to AFC prep projects, that’s Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut, Labrador, and Nunavut.
(interpretation) As I say, this group has done tremendous work on healing programs.
They conduct their work not only in our community but they built a cabin outside of Pangnirtung about 17 miles out where they hold healing programs.
People are invited to put up their tents to attend these healing programs.
I urge the federal government to ensure continued funding of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation.
I would like to introduce two people behind me. One is Annie Quirke, the Executive Director for the Nunavut Disabilities Society. Beside her is James McDougal, the President and CEO of the Canadian Deafness Research and Training Institute.
I wish to acknowledge one of my cousins from our community, Lasalosie Ishulutaq.
I also would like to recognize Annie Quirke, who I used to see in Yellowknife when I was an MLA in the NWT before Nunavut. Welcome.
I also wish to recognize the same individual, Annie Quirke, who resides in my riding.
She is the better half of one of our own officials in the House.
I also wish to include in my recognition my cousin, Lasalosie, from Pangnirtung. I would like to welcome him as well.
Question 287 – 3(2): Correspondence Regarding Safe House Request in Kugaaruk (Ningark)
I would like to direct my question to Premier Aariak.
I wish to thank her first of all for Tamapta, which speaks of families, healthy homes, the beneficial role of families in all communities, big and small, a healthy society in Nunavut, and wants to promote these values to guide their work. This Tamapta Action Plan is supported by all members and evidently by all Nunavummiut.
I have sent correspondence to several members of the cabinet dated February 8, 2010, and the distribution list included the Minister of Finance, the Hon. Keith Peterson, the Minister of Health and Social Services, the Hon. Tagak Curley, as well as to Madam Premier.
The subject regards the wishes of Kugaaruk residents to see a facility built in their community. This facility would serve as a safe house for spousal assault victims. They would like to see this facility provide various assistance programs.
This envisioned shelter for battered women and abuse victims would not just provide such services and programs.
The services would extend to include elders, men and women, and in fact, all residents who may require assistance and/or healing practices.
It would serve as a place of refuge and quietness, along the same Inuktitut concepts as Saimmaqsavvik (a place to achieve calmness).
If the Premier has received that letter, my question is: has she had the opportunity to discuss this matter with her colleagues and if not, will this matter be included in your agenda?
The people of Kugaaruk would really like this crisis centre built.
There is, in fact, an existing building that could be used for such purpose.
These are types of issues that people expect to be resolved and which are important to us as they are to all Nunavummiut.
I think the member is referring to what he stated earlier last week.
I can meet and have discussions with the ministers and other members on how to address this issue as it is a social issue. We will seek solutions together, my colleagues and I. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker: Thank you. Mr. Ningark.
I would like the ministers to know that I’m not trying to drag this on and on.
I would just like to say that a building already exists and only needs additions and modifications. It’s the old RCMP staff housing buildings which are currently too small for our purposes.