EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
574 – 4(3): Fishing Derby in Clyde River (Keyootak) 4364
575 – 4(3): Appreciation of Pangnirtung Visit (Peterson) 4365
576 – 4(3): Transportation Trouble at Iqaluit International Airport (Enook) 4366
577 – 4(3): Appreciation of Volunteers of CSFN (Hickes) 4367
753 – 4(3): Nunavut Arctic College Law Program (Angnakak) 4369
754 – 4(3): Kitikmeot Air Ambulance Service (Qirngnuq) 4371
755 – 4(3): Transportation Trouble at Iqaluit International Airport (Enook) 4372
756 – 4(3): Telecommunications in the North (Mikkungwak) 4373
757 – 4(3): Decommissioned Airport Terminal Building in Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt) 4375
758 – 4(3): Cape Dorset Power Plant (Joanasie) 4376
759 – 4(3): Senior Care Services (Sammurtok, A) 4377
760 – 4(3): Contracting and Procurement (Sammurtok, T) 4379
761 – 4(3): Baffin Island Caribou Management (Keyootak) 4381
762 – 4(3): Mould Infestation, Assessment and Remediation in Public Housing Units (Akoak) 4382
Committee Report 027 – 4(3): Bill 39, Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2017 (Sammurtok, T) 4384
Committee Report 028 – 4(3): Report on the Review of the Auditor General of Canada to the Legislative Assembly on Health Care Services in Nunavut (Angnakak) 4384
319 – 4(3): Photographs of Decommissioned Airport Terminal Building in Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt) 4389
320 – 4(3): Exchange of Correspondence with the Minister of Justice Concerning Firearms Safety Training (Qirngnuq) 4389
Bill 47 – An Act to Amend the Legal Profession Act – Notice 4389
Bill 48 – An Act to Amend the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act – Notice 4390
Bill 49 – An Act to Provide for Elections for Municipal Councils and District Education Authorities – Notice 4390
Bill 49 – An Act to Provide for Elections for Municipal Councils and District Education Authorities – First Reading 4390
Bill 49 – An Act to Provide for Elections for Municipal Councils and District Education Authorities – Second Reading 4391
Bill 45 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2017-2018 – Consideration in Committee 4392
Bill 46 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2018-2019 – Consideration in Committee 4403
Bill 39 – Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2017 – Consideration in Committee 4411
Bill 39 – Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2017 – Third Reading 4415
Bill 45 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2017-2018 – Third Reading 4416
Bill 46 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2018-2019 – Third Reading 4416
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Hon. Peter Taptuna.
Minister’s Statement 314 – 4(3): Overhaul Nutrition North (Taptuna)
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the Nutrition North Canada Program was introduced by the federal Conservative government in April of 2011.
The program replaced the previous Food Mail Program, as we all know.
Originally the program was intended to assist northern and remote communities by reducing food costs.
After numerous reviews, Auditor General’s reports, public discussions, and analysis of the program, it still demonstrates a failure to pass lower costs onto the consumer.
Recently the Conference Board of Canada stated food insecurity, including the high cost of food in remote and rural areas of the country, needs to be addressed.
The Auditor General’s 2014 report on Nutrition North Canada confirmed the program provides a direct subsidy to the retailers.
It specifies that “retailers are responsible for passing on the full subsidy to consumers by reducing their prices on eligible foods.”
Mr. Speaker, to know if a full subsidy is applied and passed onto the consumer, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) would need to know the landed cost (which includes the freight cost), the profit margin, and the selling price of the particular food item.
Mr. Speaker, that information is not available to INAC.
Mr. Speaker, Nutrition North is a broken federal program. Public money spent for public good has to be accountable to the public.
Mr. Speaker, we believe that this program needs a complete overhaul or better yet a replacement.
I have met with Minister Bennett and discussed the issue. We have exchanged correspondence with her, as well provided several recommendations on how to assist in fixing the program.
Simply put, Nutrition North has failed northerners and the process to address it is very slow.
Mr. Speaker, this week I wrote the Prime Minister and Minister Bennett again to review our government’s recommendations and to expeditiously address this situation, as promised in the Liberal election platform.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Environment, Hon. Joe Savikataaq.
Minister’s Statement 315 – 4(3): Environment Week 2017 (Savikataaq)
Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) I say “good day” to the people of Arviat.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, June 5 to 11 marks Canadian Environment Week, a week set aside each year dedicated to raising environmental awareness and appreciation across the country.
Today is also United Nations World Environment Day, a day set aside each year for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the environment.
The theme of this year’s celebration, “Connecting people to nature,” offers an opportunity for people across Canada and around the world to discover their natural environment and to appreciate the benefits of healthy ecosystems.
As Nunavummiut, we have always been guided by Avatittinnik Kamatsiarniq, which means “respect and care for the land, animals and the environment.”
As our constituents head off to their annual spring camps, I encourage all of them to continue the sustainable use of our lands and waters.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to share with you some of the initiatives my department is undertaking this year to celebrate Environment Week.
Departmental staff will be visiting schools throughout the territory during the week, engaging grade 5 students in activities aimed at enriching their appreciation of the environment.
The department has also posted daily challenges on its website and social media pages.
Nunavummiut participating in these challenges are encouraged to post pictures on the GN Facebook or Twitter page for a chance to win a prize.
As Nunavummiut, we are the stewards of all our resources, both renewable and non-renewable.
It is up to us to find the balance between responsibly developing our resources while protecting and sustaining the land and the life it supports.
My department is constantly seeking this balance for the benefit of Nunavummiut today and for future generations.
Mr. Speaker, on this United Nations World Environment Day, the first day of Environment Week, I encourage all Nunavummiut to connect with nature and to spend time this week and throughout the year visiting our territorial parks.
The Hon. Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Hon. Johnny Mike.
Minister’s Statement 316 – 4(3): New Power Plant for Pangnirtung (Mike)
Good afternoon to my fellow residents of Pangnirtung and Nunavummiut.
On April 3, 2017 I was joined by the residents of Pangnirtung, hamlet officials, and Qulliq Energy Corporation (QEC) staff to celebrate the completion of the community’s new power plant.
The special event was marked with a ribbon cutting ceremony and a community feast to jointly celebrate Pangnirtung’s Hamlet Day.
Pangnirtung’s new power plant replaces the old plant destroyed by fire in April 2015, and it is the third plant to be rebuilt and commissioned by the QEC since September 2016.
Much like the new power plants in Qikiqtarjuaq and Taloyoak, Pangnirtung’s power plant incorporates technologies that improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise and air pollution.
The new infrastructure is also designed to meet the increasing energy needs of the community over the course of a 40-year planned lifecycle for the plant.
Other significant features of the new power plant include the capability to integrate renewable energy technologies to the electricity grid and the incorporation of the district heating system (DHS).
DHS is an alternative energy technology that uses residual heat from the power plant to heat commercial spaces and it is an effective way to reduce carbon emissions.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform the House that the $19.5 million project was completed well ahead of schedule and under budget.
Constructing a new power plant typically takes at least three years. However, the QEC’s application of a design-build concept expedited the completion of Pangnirtung’s new plant within two years.
Design-build is a project delivery method led by a single contractor covering all activities, resulting in time and cost savings.
Mr. Speaker, the corporation has worked diligently to ensure the project’s success and I would like to commend the QEC for their achievement.
Before I conclude, I would like to once again express my sincere thanks to the coalition of government departments and non-governmental organizations that came together during the local state of emergency in Pangnirtung in April 2015.
I would like to highlight the remarkable role that the Department of Community and Government Services, Department of Finance, and Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs played to ensure that the coordinated response to the emergency was focused on the welfare of the community.
I would also like to express my gratitude to the community of Pangnirtung for their continued support and patience during the construction of their new power plant.
Minister’s Statement 317 – 4(3): 15th Anniversary of Trois-Soleils School (Quassa)
I stand today to share with you and my fellow members that Trois-Soleils school celebrated its 15th anniversary last month.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, an anniversary celebration took place on April 27 and was attended by many members of the community.
This event was not only a celebration of the founding of the school but was also a celebration of the well-established roots of French education in Nunavut.
French education has been alive and thriving in our territory for 25 years or more.
Mr. Speaker, for 15 years the Trois-Soleils school has provided the francophone students and their families an access to education in their first language.
French first language education is offered from kindergarten to grade 12 with 84 students currently enrolled.
Mr. Speaker, my department has witnessed the school’s ongoing commitment to the francophone community.
Parents, students, and staff of the Trois-Soleils school bring a vibrant cultural and linguistic perspective to our community.
Furthermore, many students who have attended the school are now active members of our community.
Mr. Speaker and my fellow members, join me in congratulating the Trois-Soleils school.
Hon. Minister of Culture and Heritage, Hon. George Kuksuk.
Minister’s Statement 318 – 4(3): Ningeokuluk Teevee Exhibition Opening at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, DC (Kuksuk)
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Good day to my fellow residents of Nunavut and Arviat as well as the people of Whale Cove.
Mr. Speaker, we are pleased to announce the opening of a solo exhibition featuring Ningeokuluk Teevee from Cape Dorset.
The exhibition will open on June 15 at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, DC, and will run until October of 2017.
Ningeokuluk Teevee is an artist and children’s book author. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, her book, Alego, was shortlisted for the Governor General’s Literary Award for children’s illustration in 2009.
Several of Teevee’s prints have been developed into limited edition prints, and in 2010 her work was featured in a solo exhibition at the Marion Scott Gallery in Vancouver, BC.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, through the memorandum of agreement between the Government of Nunavut and the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG) we have been working together to make this exhibition happen.
Our partnership with WAG has proven valuable in many respects, including showcasing Inuit artists from Nunavut. Mr. Speaker, the GN will send a small delegation of cultural ambassadors and also perform a qulliq-lighting ceremony at the opening ceremony of the exhibit.
Mr. Speaker, I would like my colleagues to join me in congratulating Ms. Teevee on her work.
Member’s Statement 569 – 4(3): In Support of Cancer Survivors (Sammurtok, T)
Mr. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day to the people of Chesterfield Inlet, Rankin Inlet, and Nunavut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to declare my support for cancer survivors across our territory and across our country.
As a cancer survivor myself, I would also like to acknowledge the tremendously important role that families and caregivers play in providing support and comfort while fighting this disease.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, June 4, was a day commemorated to celebrate cancer survivors and to show our support for those who have gone through or are going through the cancer journey.
Mr. Speaker, I feel strongly about the need to find a cure for cancer and defeat this often deadly disease. Today I raise my voice in support of actions and initiatives that strive to curb the impact of cancer and to support those who live through it.
Mr. Speaker, statistics show that Nunavut holds some of the highest cancer rates in the country. Lives are at stake.
We must focus on addressing ways to prevent this disease from taking hold. We must also ensure that those who are suffering from the disease receive the supports and services they need in order to make it through.
Mr. Speaker, far too many Nunavummiut are diagnosed with cancer and there may be many more who have not yet been diagnosed.
I urge our government, especially the Minister of Health, to continue to work hard toward improving diagnostic services, treatment regimes, access to life-saving treatments and medication, and increasing the level of support and follow-up for cancer patients across Nunavut.
June 4 was an important day to recognize success for those who have survived cancer, but we must ensure that our government and our health services are ready to do battle against this disease each and every day. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 570 – 4(3): Ministerial Visit to Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my appreciation to the Premier and a number of his cabinet colleagues for taking the time to visit Sanikiluaq last month.
Mr. Speaker, I had the pleasure of welcoming Premier Taptuna, Minister Peterson, Minister Hickes, Minister Mike, and a number of senior government officials to Sanikiluaq in late May.
I would also like to thank Minister Kuksuk and Minister Quassa for the visit that they paid to Sanikiluaq in April of this year.
Mr. Speaker, the recent community tour provided an opportunity for the Premier and his ministers to gain a better understanding of ongoing and emerging issues and initiatives in the community.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, I have been raising a number of issues in the House concerning infrastructure in Sanikiluaq.
These include the need to construct a new health centre, the lack of office space in the community, the ongoing need for new housing, the condition of the water supply, the need to address the decommissioned old airport terminal building, and other issues.
Mr. Speaker, the community tour was an excellent opportunity to speak directly with local leaders and I thank everyone in the community for the warm welcome that was extended.
Member’s Statement 571 – 4(3): Congratulations to Recent Graduates in Kugaaruk and Taloyoak (Qirngnuq)
I send my regards to the people of Kugaaruk and Taloyoak.
I would ask that our Premier and this government take note of what I am going to speak to.
First off I wish to say that my adopted son has turned 20 years old today, so I wish him many more birthdays and I celebrate with him.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate this year’s high school graduates in Kugaaruk and Taloyoak.
Mr. Speaker, four students graduated in Taloyoak this year:
Jonathan Jayko,
Jerome Kripanik,
Viola Neeveacheak, and
Edmond Ugyuk.
I had the pleasure of attending their graduation ceremony in mid-May, and I thank the school and the community for its support of these students.
Mr. Speaker, eight students graduated in Kugaaruk this year:
Mandy Aglukka,
Elena Alakannuark,
Romanie Kayaksak,  Monica Kayasark,
Simon Peter Kayasark,
Christine Peetooloot,
Dominique Qayaqsaaq, and
Fabian Qirngnuq.
Mr. Speaker, this year’s graduation ceremony in Kugaaruk took place in the wake of the recent fire.
I would like to again thank the entire community for the strength that it has shown following the disaster.
This year’s graduation ceremony was a testament to the strength and resilience of eight young people, as well as the community as a whole.
Mr. Speaker, both communities are very proud of the determination and hard work shown by our graduates.
They have demonstrated that perseverance can overcome hardship and that our goals can be achieved even in the most difficult of circumstances.
Education is the key to Nunavut’s future, and graduation from high school is an important step on the path towards post-secondary education and lifelong learning.
I also thank my colleagues. I’ll conclude my statement briefly.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in congratulating this year’s graduating classes in Taloyoak and Kugaaruk.
Member’s Statement 572 – 4(3): Implementing Inuit Societal Values (Shooyook)
It’s not intentional if I make some mistakes. I find it a little difficult to read because of my eyesight.
Nunavummiut who are watching the proceedings, residents of my community and the High Arctic, welcome to the House.
I rise today to speak to an issue that is personally important to me which I have continued to defend here in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut agreement and Article 23 were agreed to 18 years ago, which created this government here in Nunavut. This is an important agreement, yet we have seen nothing of substance to date if you look at Nunavut overall.
Mr. Speaker, Inuit culture and lifestyle has been completely supressed, without vibrancy.
Where can we take further initiatives? Our culture has been left with no room to move.
As an elder, this is hurtful to me mentally and to my work.
Mr. Speaker, today our legislation under the Nunavut government is not adequate because it does not align with our lives. It is creating issues instead.
Our culture and traditions have been largely carved out of our lives.
Mr. Speaker, today our culture isn’t reflected in our legislation and Inuit lives are being broken with non-compatible legislation.
The legislation today has no basis in Inuit lives and the realities we face today. When Inuit try to abide by legislation, we run into cultural biases.
Mr. Speaker, our culture is faced with legislation that is at odds with it.
It is causing stresses in Inuit society and places elders in a state of helplessness today.
Mr. Speaker, as a government, now is a crucial time to face our constituents’ wishes, interests, and concerns in a collaborative fashion.
We should not plan not to resolve these issues for the next 50 years, but to incorporate Inuit strengths into our current legislation.
Mr. Speaker, only in speaking about a possible foundation can we start to resolve these challenges.
This is extremely important as we deal with issues in this session and I will continue to speak to various issues.
Member’s Statement 573 – 4(3): Cape Dorset’s 2017 Grade 12 Graduates (Joanasie)
I also congratulate the high school graduates of Kugaaruk and Taloyoak.
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to be able to rise today to congratulate this year’s successful grade 12 graduates of Cape Dorset’s Peter Pitseolak School.
The graduation ceremony is being held today and I regret that I cannot be in Cape Dorset to join in the celebration in person.
Mr. Speaker, as you will know, it has been a time of great adversity for these young students. The destruction of the school in Cape Dorset put tremendous pressure on students, parents, families, and the community as a whole.
Mr. Speaker, these students continued their schooling despite the lack of classrooms, disrupted schedules, and other challenges.
The fact that these young men and women persevered and continued with their studies with commitment and dedication to reach this important milestone in their lives shows that they are capable of great futures ahead.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the following 2017 high school graduates:
Alisa Allooloo
Jennifer Ezekiel
Mathewsie Jaw
Piita Jaw
Cindy Kenneally
Cecile Noolook
Samantha Noolook
Numa Jr. Ottokie
Charlie Pudlat
I am very proud of their success and I know that the community of Cape Dorset is also very proud of them all.
I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing these 2017 graduates good fortune in their futures. We congratulate them and we are proud of them.
Member’s Statement 574 – 4(3): Fishing Derby in Clyde River (Keyootak)
I rise today to share some celebratory news and to celebrate with my colleagues.
First, before I make my statement, I say “good day” to the residents of Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq, along with the people watching and listening to the proceedings.
Mr. Speaker, as members are aware, most communities have initiated annual fishing derbies that are held throughout our territory. I think most of our communities have them.
Also, we know that fishing isn’t just fun; it is also a healthy activity shared by families who spend the weekend together and it strengthens family bonds, which is a side benefit.
It is usually a joyous occasion for families, but it also allows residents who don’t have hunting equipment or employment to share in the prizes of the derbies which assist them as well.
First I want to thank the organizers in Clyde River who held the fishing derby. The Namautaq HTO and the board members held the fishing derby this spring during the month of May.
There were quite a number of winners and I will state their names. The following 10 people won the fishing derby for arctic char held at a local lake:
First place: Sarah Palituq
Second place: Martha Kautuq
Third place: Nina Qillaq
Fourth place: Eena Qillaq
Fifth place: Louise Flaherty
Sixth place: Meeka Aqpik
Seventh place: Ina Kautuq
Eighth place: Iga Iqaqrialu
Ninth place: Justin Kautuq
Tenth place: Nina Qillaq
Further, within the fishing derby they had a prize for the first catch to be measured. In this derby, two people were the first to catch and measure their fish and they were Reesie Churchill and Nina Qillaq.
Also, the person with the most fish measured is another prize category.
The person with the most fish measured was Louise Flaherty. For the prize category of smallest measured fish, Daniel Esa Sivugat got the smallest fish.
The fishing derby that I already mentioned includes a secondary derby for people without equipment or machines or for people who cannot travel far. They are provided an opportunity to participate in the derby within the community’s boundaries. This derby, which held on the nearby sea ice, is a sculpin fishing derby with the same 10-prize categories, and participants won in each category.
The first prize was for the largest sculpin and the winner was Joanasie Pallister. The second prize went to Patrick Palituq. The third prize went to Nunali Palituq.
The fourth prize was a tie between Emily and Lucy.
The fifth prize went to Gina Arreak. The sixth prize went to Norman Natanine. The seventh wprize went to Robert Paniaq.
The eighth prize went to Malanie Illauq. The ninth prize went to Prince Daniel Tigullaraq. The tenth prize went to Erko Angutiqjuaq.
Along with these prizes in the sculpin fishing derby, a category for most sculpins caught and measured was Prince Daniel Tigullaraq. The person catching the first sculpin that was measured was Esa Panipak. The smallest sculpin caught was by Kevin Audlakiak.
I am very proud of the winners that took part in the fishing derbies in Clyde River.
Member’s Statement 575 – 4(3): Appreciation of Pangnirtung Visit (Peterson)
Listening to my colleague’s minister’s statement today, Minister Johnny Mike, reminded me of some key dates with respect to the power plant replacement in Pangnirtung.