EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Three communities are piloting the program. The first camp took place in Igloolik in March, followed by Coral Harbour in April. Both were great successes, with a total of 18 graduates working together to share knowledge and plan for further fisheries development.
During the Igloolik camp, participants caught and sampled 200 fish, some of which were donated to a community feast where seven graduates were presented with their training completion certificates.
The final pilot camp will be held in Kugluktuk in September, and other communities are already enquiring about running an N-CAMP of their own.
Mr. Speaker, this unique training opportunity will increase capacity in the fisheries industry and ensure the success of community-based fisheries, whether for personal or commercial use.
My department hopes to deliver the N-CAMP throughout the territory in support of other exploratory fisheries and community research. The pilot camps are being filmed in order to develop further educational resources for future programming. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of Health, Monica Ell.
Minister’s Statement 008 – 4(2): Nunavummiut Join the Ranks of Tobacco Quitters (Ell)
Good morning to the people who are watching the proceedings.
Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut Tobacco Has No Place Here “Time to Quit Contest” ended with more than 600 Nunavummiut from across the territory committing to being tobacco-free for the month of March.
The good news is that many of the people who signed up for the contest remain tobacco-free.
Mr. Speaker, the $50,000 in contest prizes included four major prizes of Canadian North flights.
The prize winners were chosen in a random draw, with winners chosen from each of the three regions in Nunavut. Each contestant had a quit buddy to support them in their goal to stay tobacco-free.
The quit buddies were eligible to win iPad minis.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize the four first-place winners. They are Joanna Mikijuk and her quit buddy, Joe Sageaktook, and Kristine Nakashuk and her quit buddy, James Akavak, all of the Baffin region; Nancy Aqqaq, Kitikmeot region, and her quit buddy, Becky Ogruk; and Howmik Muckpah, Kivalliq region, and quit buddy Kristy Kablutsiak.
Mr. Speaker, a complete list of quit contest winners is available on the Department of Health website and the Tobacco Has No Place Here Facebook page.
Mr. Speaker, it is gratifying to see that our efforts to promote awareness of the dangers associated with tobacco use is being recognized by Nunavummiut.
People are taking the necessary steps to be tobacco-free.
We made a major investment three years ago in the Tobacco Has No Place Here campaign and we are seeing results. People are quitting tobacco. They are an inspiration to others to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
People who want more information on quitting and supports can call the Nunavut Quitline, 1-866-386-7848, or go to nuquits.gov.nu.ca.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Member, Mr. Okalik, Minister of Justice.
Minister’s Statement 009 – 4(2): Inuksuk High School Mock Trial (Okalik)
I apologize for my voice this morning. I think I celebrated a little too much last night.
Mr. Speaker, on Monday, the annual Inuksuk High School Canadian Bar Association Mock Trial is being held at the Nunavut Court of Justice.
The mock trial involves 29 Inuksuk High School students playing the part of witnesses, court workers, and lawyers to argue a case before a visiting judge.
This learning experience involves coaching by volunteer lawyers from the Legal Services Board, Public Prosecution Services, and the Nunavut Department of Justice.
In previous years, judges of the Supreme Court of Canada have presided over the trial. This year, the Hon. Justice Stratus from the Federal Court of Appeal came to Iqaluit to hear the case and speak to the students.
Mr. Speaker, it takes months of preparation and dedication by the students, teachers, and volunteers to put on this trial every year.
I congratulate everyone involved in this event for their hard work and dedication.
As well, I encourage young Nunavummiut to pursue a career in justice.
I don’t have any more names on my list for Item 2.
Member’s Statement 022 – 4(2): The Need for Improved Dental Services in Rankin Inlet (Sammurtok)
Good morning, fellow residents of Rankin Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the need for improved dental services in the community of Rankin Inlet.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I recognize that dentists and denturists travel to the community on a regular basis.
However, they only stay for a short period of time.
If problems arise from the services they have provided, the client has to wait until the next visit or, worse, until they can get another appointment to get the problem fixed.
One of my constituents received new dentures which broke only a couple of days later. Unfortunately she had to wait a very long time before being able to get the problem addressed.
Mr. Speaker, we have all heard of planeloads of children being flown out of the territory to receive dental services. If we had local, permanent dentists on staff, this huge cost could be avoided.
Mr. Speaker, the community of Rankin Inlet is a transportation hub for many Kivalliq communities. It would make sense to have a permanent dentist established there to provide services to the region.
At this time, if there is a dental emergency, clients are sent out of the territory at great cost.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage the government to consider establishing a full-time dentist in the community of Rankin Inlet.
Member for Quttiktuq, Mr Shooyook.
Member’s Statement 023 – 4(2): Update on Polar Bear Attack Victims (Shooyook)
First of all, I would like to say good morning to Nunavummiut and my colleagues, the ministers and regular members, and the people of the High Arctic.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about an unfortunate incident that happened yesterday. There were a couple of people who were mauled by a polar bear. They came in around ten o’clock last night.
They don’t look very pretty, but they’re all right. None of their bones are broken, but their faces are scratched up and bitten.
The polar bear came into their tent when they were sleeping. My grandchild had been bitten and pulled out of the tent.
The polar bear had bitten his head, pulled him out, and then the other individual started making noise and got his rifle. It’s unfortunate that he couldn’t get it right away. Due to that, they both have huge scratches on their backs and one of them has a sprained arm.
They don’t look too good, but I’m relieved that they’re okay physically.
They are now at the Qikiqtani Regional Hospital and doing well. They’re very fortunate, and I’m very happy for them. I am grateful to the people who provided assistance.
There is an annual fishing derby in our community and this year I took part in that joyous occasion. There were many tents that were camped at the lake.
Being out on the land and being with your family in the spring helps you out physically and mentally.
I’m very pleased to congratulate two women who are now getting older.
Sarah Issigaitok was diagnosed with lung cancer last year. They didn’t have much hope for her at the time she was diagnosed.
With treatment, she is now getting better.
Sarah even participated in that fishing derby with her grandchild, for which I’m very pleased to announce.
She caught the largest fish, but then Ooloota Olayuk ended up getting the largest fish not too long afterwards. I am very pleased to make those joyous announcements, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you. I am proud of them.
Member’s Statement 024 – 4(2): Cod Fishing Derby in Arviat (Savikataaq)
I say “good morning” to the people of Arviat.
Today being Friday, I don’t think that there are many people listening to us in Arviat as they are all out cod fishing right now.
I wish them good fishing as the weather is nice and the fishing spots are nearby. I can just visualize them having tea and snacks while jigging for the biggest cod.
I wish them a pleasant time during this cod fishing derby. I wish I could be out there with them.
Member’s Statement 025 – 4(2): Community Meeting for the Crime Prevention Strategy (Angnakak)
Good morning to the people of Iqaluit and Nunavut. (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I rise today to speak about Iqaluit’s recent community meeting for the development of the government’s Crime Prevention Strategy.
The meeting took place on May 1 at the Parish Hall in Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker, I would first like to express my appreciation to the Department of Justice for organizing the meeting, which provided a public forum for residents to discuss crime prevention in the city.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the local elders, the RCMP, and the many residents who participated. I am pleased to report that the meeting was well attended by a diverse group of residents who had much to contribute on the subject of crime prevention.
Mr. Speaker, during the meeting, residents expressed concern about the high crime rates in Iqaluit, and recognized the need to identify underlying causes.
It was agreed that there is a lack of support in Iqaluit for people who suffer from trauma, addictions, and poverty.
Participants also agreed that without proper resources and support to cope with these issues, people may instead turn to criminal activity.
The meeting was very productive, and I look forward seeing the next step in the development of the Crime Prevention Strategy.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, I am glad to see that the government is engaging communities in the development of the strategy, as it is critical that constituents have the opportunity to directly contribute to policy in this area.
On Monday, I will have detailed questions on this subject for the Minister of Justice.
Member’s Statement 026 – 4(2): Opening of Cape Dorset Elders Centre (Joanasie)
I would like to announce that the elders facility was opened in Cape Dorset last month.
This facility was renovated on the outside and inside so that it could be used by the elders of Cape Dorset.
This year, the elders will be celebrating a 20-year anniversary in August and the elders are going to be congregating there from all over Nunavut and other regions.
I congratulate the elders for opening their facility. I did participate in the grand opening and we had a community feast at the official opening.
The chairperson of Illuajummiut, the elders society, noted that the building originally was a school and asked about who went to school there. A lot of individuals put up their hands.
I’m pleased to see that this facility will once again be utilized by the people of Cape Dorset.
Member’s Statement 027 – 4(2): Baker Lake Dancing Competition (Mikkungwak)
This spring, after the conclusion of the standing committee meetings, I returned to Baker Lake to a very happy occasion.
In April, Baker Lake was host to people from Arviat, Taloyoak, Rankin Inlet, and Gjoa Haven.
They came together to join in a square dance showdown.
Elders, youth, and children participated during the drum dancing workshop that took place as well.
It is something that we will remember.
The Baker Lake accordion players organized that occasion. I would like to thank them all because I was the emcee for that square dance showdown.
During the square dance, in first place was the Inuksuk square dance group from Baker Lake. In second place was the Amauligaq square dance group from Gjoa Haven. In third place was Rankin Inlet’s square dance group.
In the youth and children categories, third place was Rankin Inlet’s Ilannaariit square dance group. In second place was Baker Lake’s Piqannaariit square dancer group. In first place was Gjoa Haven’s Qavaanngittuq square dance group.
No matter where the square dancers came from, it was a joyous occasion and we had very good entertainment. I wish them well in their line of entertaining.
When people congregate, it is always a joyous occasion.
To the people of Baker Lake and Nunavut, have a very good day.
Member’s Statement 028 – 4(2): New Catholic Church in Igloolik (Quassa)
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning to the people in my riding, in Nunavut, as well as my colleagues.
Every community has churches or religious organizations that have been around for a long time.
Around the 1940s, I believe, the first church was built in Igloolik.
The people of Igloolik and the people of Nunavut probably remember that there was a unique stone church built in Igloolik during the 1960s era.
In early spring, we opened a new Catholic church and it’s now being utilized in our community.
I believe all Nunavut communities have churches, but I would like to commend my community for building that church and for utilizing it.
The first wedding in the new church has taken place already, and there are many occasions taking place in the religious sector.
We had invited different delegates. Donat Milortok is here, and I believe he went to Igloolik for the official opening of the new church.
I would like to congratulate the church because it’s a benefit to our community.
Member’s Statement 029 – 4(2): Megan Dialla Competes at North American Indigenous Games (Hickes)
It’s with great pride that I stand today and mention one of our Iqaluit athletes also participating in the North American Indigenous Games, as my colleague, Mr. Enook, was talking about the other day.
She is originally from Pangnirtung. Megan Dialla has been living in Iqaluit for a number of years now. She just turned 13 and competed in the AWG in Alaska when she was 12.
Mr. Speaker, she plays badminton. She has not won any medals yet, but she has been invited to register at the NAIG in Regina, Saskatchewan and is training very hard for that and eagerly looking forward to competing again. I just wanted to mention that Megan is the daughter of one of our interpreters, Andrew, here in the House.
I am pleased to be able to recognize in the House a very well-known Nunavut person. He was involved with the Nunavut land claims negotiations right from the beginning.
He has been in every position; mayor, board member, committee member. He has been involved in numerous organizations.
I would like to recognize Mr. Donat Milortok and I would like the House to give him a warm welcome.
Speaker (interpretation): Welcome, Donat Milortok.
Member Mr. Hickes.
Question 021 – 4(2): Homeowner Fuel Rebate Program (Hickes)
As the minister will recall, the first question that I asked in the House concerned the possibility of reintroducing the government’s homeowner fuel rebate program. I was very pleased when the minister took action and reintroduced this program.
Can the minister update the House today on how many residents of Nunavut have received assistance under this program?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister of Finance, Hon. Member, Mr. Peterson.
Mr. Speaker, to date, almost 1,100 Nunavummiut have received assistance from this program.
Mr. Speaker, in 2011, the Minister of Finance informed the Legislative Assembly that approximately 1,300 Nunavut homeowners took advantage of the government’s fuel rebate program.
The minister also indicated that the government spent between $600,000 and $700,000 on the program.
Can the minister indicate if the government anticipates spending a higher or lower amount on the renewed fuel rebate program?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister Peterson.
I thank Mr. Hickes for that question.
Mr. Speaker, I know of at least one person who is planning to apply, hopefully before September 30. That’s the deadline.
I anticipate a higher amount, Mr. Speaker.
I also anticipate that the homeowner fuel rebate program will help to provide the government with a current snapshot of the number and location of private homeowners in the territory, which will help the Nunavut Housing Corporation with its work to review programs for homeowners.
Is the Department of Finance sharing information from the homeowner fuel rebate program with the Nunavut Housing Corporation?
When we did the research on the program, we used statistics from Stats Canada. We estimated that there were as many as 2,000 private homeowners in Nunavut.
The Nunavut Housing Corporation, of course, has more detailed information than us.
If they request information, I’m sure we can share it with the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
Question 022 – 4(2): Status of Manitoba-Kivalliq Power Grid Extension (Savikataaq)
Hopefully the power won’t go out today before the minister answers the question.
Yesterday, I raised the issue of the proposed winter road between Manitoba and the Kivalliq.
Today, I want to focus on the status of efforts to connect the Kivalliq to Manitoba’s electric grid.
One of the scheduled items on the agenda of last month’s meeting of the Hudson Bay Neighbours Regional Round Table was the power grid extension between Manitoba and the Kivalliq.
Can the minister update the House today on the discussions that occurred last month in Churchill?
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for the question.
As I stated yesterday, in April, we had a meeting with government representatives and discussed two main topics in Churchill in regard to the winter road and also your question about the power grid extension between Manitoba and the Kivalliq. I was not the only government representative there. There were a few of us.
It was good to have those people there, with many interesting discussions.
As I stated, the idea of getting power from Manitoba to Nunavut is not new. It has been a hot topic of discussion recently and different parties are very interested in working together, along with the delegates from Manitoba.
I can say now that we are working to try to connect the power grid from Manitoba to the Kivalliq. The work is happening.
Discussions on electricity between Manitoba and Nunavut are proceeding. The working committee that has been set up will have representatives from our government, the Manitoba government, and Manitoba Hydro.
I can’t respond fully yet to the member’s question. However, in September, we’re planning to have another meeting in Baker Lake on the matter.
At that time, there will be some reports on studies that are being done now. After that meeting takes places, I’ll be able to give you a more detailed response.
As my friend and colleague from Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu noted yesterday, the Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources has been travelling across the north as part of its study on renewable and non-renewable energy development in the three territories.
Can the Minister of Energy indicate if he will be making a submission to the Senate committee on the issue of connecting the Kivalliq to Manitoba’s power grid?
As I stated previously, the energy matter from Manitoba to Nunavut has been discussed a lot and there is some real work being done on it right now.
A working group committee was appointed and a QEC finance controller was appointed to the working group.
Different departments are represented, such as Economic Development and Transportation.
Therefore in regard to your question, the matter is being worked on.
However, we expect to be shown different reports on, for instance, what would be the cheapest way of doing it and the water use necessary. They will be looking at different forms of energy at that meeting as well. After that meeting takes place in the fall in Baker Lake, we will have more information to report on.
In 2002, the governments of Nunavut and Manitoba signed a formal memorandum of intent on a northern energy strategy. In 2010, both governments signed a memorandum of understanding which included a commitment to “sharing best practices and technology” in the area of renewable energy. Would the minister commit to tabling in the Legislative Assembly a report on the status of implementing these agreements?
Some of the previous government agreements called MOUs are quite applicable today. This was also discussed in the agreement to work closely together. They have to consider different things and try to strike a new MOU.
That will be dealt with.
However, until such time as the details are set out, I will not be able to get into any of them right now.
Only after we can get a new MOU struck on sharing energy and plans on collaborations will I be able to fully respond to your question.
Question 023 – 4(2): Nursing Positions in Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt)
Mr. Speaker, well over a year ago, the government of the day announced an increase in the number of full-time nursing staff for several Nunavut communities, including Sanikiluaq.
Can the minister indicate how many full-time nursing staff positions currently exist at the Sanikiluaq Health Centre and how many of those positions are filled at this time?
The current numbers that I have for Sanikiluaq are three full-time nurses and one psychiatric nurse.
Currently, the three nurses are filled in Sanikiluaq and I believe the psychiatric nurse position might be vacant at this time.
When it was announced that there was an additional PY going to Sanikiluaq for nursing, at the time, there were already three nurses in the community.
I was under the understanding that a fourth nurse would be going to the community. From the minister’s reply to my question, she says that there are only three staffing positions in Sanikiluaq for nurses.
Can the minister confirm that there are actually only three nursing positions in Sanikiluaq?
The information that I have at this present time is that I have three full-time nurses in Sanikiluaq.
I had the unfortunate opportunity to observe the nurses at the Sanikiluaq Health Centre working long hours for extended periods of time and part of this situation appears to be due to a lack of staff.
Can the minister describe what steps are being taken to ensure that adequate staff are in the community of Sanikiluaq?
As an example, a nurse may want to go on vacation or if there are requirements for extended periods for nursing, we do try to assist with a casual staffing nurse.
If that’s not possible, then we look to agency nursing.
As I have stated in the past in this House, we do have a shortage of nurses in Nunavut and that is still continuing. We do compete with other jurisdictions in Canada as well as the United States and we also compete internationally.
Question 024 – 4(2): Issuing of Photo Identification (Mikkungwak)
I questioned the minister yesterday. My questions today are for the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation.
As I noted yesterday in my Member’s Statement, many residents of Baker Lake have expressed frustration with the length of time that it can take to receive new general identification cards and driver’s licences.
Earlier this year, the Legislative Assembly approved $2.8 million in capital funding for the Department of EDT to replace its motor vehicle information system. This project is intended to modernize the department’s system and improve service to Nunavummiut.
Can the minister update the House today on the status of the replacement of its motor vehicle information system?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. Kuksuk.
Yes, the member is correct. The motor vehicle information system was delayed for a while, which is my responsibility.
Along with Community and Government Services, we’re trying to rectify the problems that we are experiencing.
Your second supplementary, Mr. Mikkungwak.
The Municipal Council of Baker Lake recently passed a resolution concerning the length of time that it takes for residents to renew their driver’s licences.
The council noted that in some cases, it can take up to six months for the licence to be issued.
Can the minister indicate what the department’s target time is for processing applications for driver’s licences?
As I said earlier in response, we’re not the only department that is dealing with this system right now. Community and Government Services is working along with us on this issue to upgrade the 1970s system that we are still using.