EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
What is important is that we be resolved to tackle both kinds of challenges.
Member’s Statement 517 – 1(6): Celebrating Easter Sunday
I am going to make a very brief Members’ Statement, and I am going to talk about something that we celebrate.
I would also like to say my greetings to my family and that I will be seeing my family very shortly.
I would also like to say greetings to all the residents of Naujaat.
Mr. Speaker, April 20, 2003,will be Easter Sunday.
As a young person in Kugaaruk, we used to have a big feast and hold celebrations, celebrating the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Today we will celebrate the Easter in Kugaaruk.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to wish all my constituents in Repulse Bay and Kugaaruk a Happy Easter, especially my family, my colleagues, and members of the staff, thank you.
I would like to wish everyone of you to have a good Easter.
Member’s Statement 518 – 1(6): Thank Members and Constituents
Yesterday, I was feeling a bit depressed.
But today, perhaps I am too happy now, knowing that I am going home.
My momentary illness has vaporized instantly.
Mr. Speaker, we try to make statements on things that we are passionate about.
We will be going home today.
Today is the last day of our Session, and it is Friday morning.
I do would like to thank my constituents for honouring me with their concerns.
Even though I cannot always express all their wishes, I do want to wish them to have a good day, and would also that I will be seeing my children today.
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to be here today.
I did not prepare my Members’ Statement ahead of time, so I will not be making a long-winded Members’ statement.
I try to practice my English, what little and only English that I know – “Thank you, Mr. Speaker.”
I would like to thank the Minister in advance for granting me the requests from my constituency.
I believe that they will be working on the Community Centre in my constituency, and I believe the Minister of Transportation is already preparing for the Access Roads, and other things.
Member’s Statement 519 – 1(6): Travelling Schedule for the Week
I would like my colleagues to know that the individual that I always mention, Kevin, will be coming to town, along my daughter Jenna.
Even though I am impatient to see them, I will have to leave for Ottawa tomorrow, and will be returning on April 3.
On the 4th of April, my son Joseph will also be coming down to Iqaluit for a Novice Hockey Tournament.
During that Hockey Tournament, I will be here with him.
I am very, very proud of him for attending the Hockey Tournament.
I will be accompanying my son on the way back to Pangnirtung on April 7th.
I am very pleased to announce that Ms. Thompson, the Minister responsible for Community Government and Transportation, will be accompanying me to Pangnirtung to celebrate the opening of Pangnirtung’s new Fire Hall.
Those are the travel plans I am announcing today.
I would like to say my thanks because I know for sure that today is the last Sessional day, tomorrow I will be leaving.
Even if you are going to continue the Session, I will not be here on Monday.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my staff, and the staff at Arctic College.
I would also like to thank the interpreters and the staff at Innirvik Support Services Ltd. who produce the Hansard in Inuktitut and English, and I also say hello to my sister.
Member’s Statement 520 – 1(6): Session Activities – Thank Everybody
My colleague across from me is mistreating me, so I would like him to be removed from the House; take his tie off please, I hope he doesn’t get a headache from his tie, Mr. Speaker.
I would like him to remove his tie.
Today is our last day in Session, even though we went through some difficult periods in this session, my colleagues said that at times we have to deal with difficult situations and I could say that not all good things happened during the session.
I would like to say thank you for helping us to move ahead and I know that we will face them again in the future.
I would like to thank my fellow Nunavummiut, our elders for calling me and also fellow residents of Iqaluit, the elders who also approached me with their concerns.
We have faced difficult times.
But, when you are given support, it really boosts morale and I would like to thank the elders for that.
We will always consider their advice.
Mr. Premier, maybe you could give the Montreal Canadians tie to Mr. Irqittuq so that he could wear that in the House.
Member’s Statement 521 – 1(6): Thanks Constituents and Members
I know that we faced very long days, as we don’t go home until 9:00 at times.
I would like to thank the spouses for the patience to wait for their spouses during the long session.
Because we’ve received good support we are able to be here.
As the Premier just stated, we have to deal with difficult situations too during the session but because we are given support by our staff and by our spouses and Nunavummiut we are able to go though this.
If possible, I will travelling from Iqaluit to Arctic Bay by snowmobile.
You could come along if you want.
We will pull a kamotik so there will be space if you want to come along.
I would like to thank each and every one of my constituents.
Member’s Statement 522 – 1(6): Celebrating of the Signing of NLCA in Kugluktuk
Enoki, I really like that tie.
Good tie.
I rise today to acknowledge the celebration of the signing of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement in Kugluktuk.
On July 9th it will be the 10th anniversary of this important event.
The community of Kugluktuk celebrates this day every year.
The past they’ve hosted the Inuit traditional games and invited other communities to take part.
Mr. Speaker, this year the celebration will be bigger than ever.
People will be coming from Nunavik, Alaska, Greenland, NWT as well as Nunavut.
The community of Kugluktuk is very proud to be the host of the Inuit Circumpolar Games this coming July.
This is the games that will focus on reinforcing our commitment to Inuit traditional games and culture.
Many of the games such as bench reach, ear pull, and one foot high kick, have not been played since 1969.
The emphasis will be on the strength, endurance, and the drive to win.
The celebration will be including good women’s events such as goose plucking, tea boiling, and fish cutting.
There will be a Music Festival there too also, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, the Organizing Committee has designed a beautiful jacket, which I will be showing you right now.
That is available through the Kugluktuk Organizing Committee.
The Committee is still at work today and right now they are finalizing the funding arrangements for the Games.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage you, if you would not mind, along with fellow Members to join us in July to celebrate this event, and maybe participate in some of the traditional activities that we have.
Make sure that all of you attend this important celebration.
Member’s Statement 523 – 1(6): Lost Chewing Gum
I will be seeing my family shortly in Sanikiluaq, as I think this is our last day.
My youngest, who looks like a Qallunaaq, I will be seeing him shortly, along with my grandson Tommy.
I am going to relax today and not talk about the Arena for a change.
Mr. Speaker, perhaps two weeks ago, when the teachers were in town, teachers from Sanikiluaq were in town.
I stated that I has lost a tooth and that I said that I was missing a part of my body.
That same night, at the Inuksuk High School, those teachers held a variety night, and put some shows.
The Sanikiluaq teachers got me involved.
I was chewing gum just after I had my tooth pulled out and my mouth was still numb, my tongue was still numb, they gave me chewing gum.
Then without thinking while I was chewing the gum, I lost it all of a sudden.
I looked for the gum all over the place ,out on the floor.
I even looked into the spot where my tooth was pulled out.
I could not find it at all anywhere.
I could still smell it, but I could not find it.
Perhaps ten minutes later, I had forgotten all about it.
It turns out it was under my tongue.
Member’s Statement 524 – 1(6): Spring Break Activities
Some of us are losing our voice, perhaps because we spend too much time in the Committee of the Whole talking.
I am pleased that this is our last day for this Session, but Mr. Speaker, let us all remember that looking at the month, almost the whole spring and summer, Committee meetings will still be happening.
Although we will no longer be meeting on television, we will continue to hold meetings in what may be our last year in office.
Take the time to enjoy what brief breaks we get at home, and the fishing season is upon us.
There are going to be fishing derbies in many of the communities, and I invite my colleagues to either Chesterfield Inlet or Coral Harbour. I have fifty bullets, so you don’t need to buy those before you come to my community.
I would also like the Community Government & Transportation Minister to consider these fishing derbies, if we can do a Nunavut-wide fishing derby, I know the people in Chesterfield Inlet would win because they have great big lake trout, they are the biggest in the region.
First of all I would like to thank Minister Picco for the hospital to be built soon.
I like to thank the Minister for Community Government & Transportation, on behalf of Chesterfield Inlet residents, for securing funds from the Federal Government on the access road to Rankin Inlet.
I would also like to thank her on behalf the Coral Harbour residents for the airport terminal and garage through funding from the Federal Government.
I also expect that this summer, perhaps the access road will be extended.
That is all I have to say for now.
Member’s Statement 525 – 1(6): Thank Family, Constituents and Members
Today, they will probably be showing the floor today, and so it is up to us to think about what we want to say and, what is going to show on TV will come from the floor.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank our wives and husbands for being so patient, and our children.
As leaders, they are truly impacted, and yet they are eternally patient for allowing us to be away for so long to work.
We do have heavy, difficult work loads that are quite different from a lot of the jobs in Nunavut.
There is a lot of stress involved in those responsibilities.
I would like to give a big thanks to our husbands and wives for all the support they give us so that we may do our jobs.
In the communities, for those that pray for us, in order for us to our jobs and my colleagues, I thank them as well for voicing their concerns, no matter what they may be, in order for the Ministers to hear.
I would also like to thank everyone for thanking me.
Yes, we have to be grateful.
Mr. Speaker, I am going all over here, but I have only 42 seconds.
My dad will have a birthday on April 1, and I can never be there for his birthday, so have a very happy birthday on your birthday and keep being open through radio and whatever you want to say.
I love my father and my mother.
Mr. Speaker, last night, there were long term service awards and I was able to attend and I was so sorry that you guys had to work, but I had to go there when the awards ceremony was going on.
Speaker: The Minister is seeking unanimous consent to conclude her statement.
I was also going to mention, Albert mentioned my nephew’s son will be turning 1 on April 5, I hope he heard this.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday there was recognition for employees that have worked a long time for the government.
My ulu, I don’t know why I said ulu, I really wanted an ulu because that’s what they had given.
Anybody is welcome to give me a ulu because I love ulus.
I don’t like Enoki’s tie.
Mr. Speaker, I don’t mean to be rude.
But that is all I was thinking when I woke up this morning, an ulu.
Mr. Speaker, my husband has worked for the government for 25 years and they gave him an ulu and I was very happy.
I didn’t realize who they were for when I saw those ulus but when my husband went up to be recognized for 25 years of service, Tom has worked that long for the government, and I was so glad when he received one of those ulus, but I think he was going to take it to his office, unfortunately.
Mr. Speaker, as today is our last day of session I’d like to say that my husband, when I met him my mother was always open, she’d say anything that was on her mind, so that s why I am like that.
Tom my husband, before I met him, when he came to visit my mother’s house she couldn’t speak English but she seemed to understand all the words.
My mother was showing him a catalogue, look at all these beautiful qallunaaq women, they’re more beautiful, how come you didn’t meet one of those qallunaaq women, don’t go after Inuit women, qallunaaq women are beautiful and they’re clean and nails are painted and everything and they’re dressed really well.
Keep away from Inuit women, look how beautiful your qallunaaq women are.
My mother is probably listening; she loves Tom very much now.
I thank Tom VERY much for all his support.
Member’s Statement 526 – 1(6): Celebrating Toonik Tyme
Mr. Speaker, in a few days Iqaluit residents will be celebrating our annual spring time event, Toonik Tyme.
Toonik Tyme celebrates the end of winter and the beginning of spring.
This year the organizers will be holding a couple of new events.
Mr. Speaker, a new challenge will be introduced as Toonik Tyme hosts the first Iqaluit version of Fear Factor.
There is a lot of fear in here Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, the honorary Toonik will be named and traditional games, snowmobile racing and a fashion show will be held.
Mr. Speaker, the Toonik Tyme organizing committee needed a suave,
Some Member: Oh God.
Hon. Ed. Picco: Debonair and an aficionado of good taste and fashion to be a judge for the fashion show.
Mr. Speaker, as Pierre Cardin was not available the organizers have asked me, Mr. Speaker, me.
Some Member: Ohhhhh.
As you can see here today with Mr. McLean over there dressed as blue boy and yourself looking very dapper in your attire, you could have joined me as a judge.
Unfortunately you were not invited, but that’s okay.
Mr. Speaker, Toonik Tyme is a long awaited event, and I invite all residents and visitors and the Members to join with us and celebrate in the coming of spring and the warm hospitality of Iqaluit and it’s residents.
Are there any further Members' Statements.
Member’s Statements 527 – 1(6): Spring Sitting in Baker Lake
I’m glad I am the last.
Weather report, blizzard developing in Baker Lake today.
I’m hoping to get home.
But first of, I would like to thank some people.
We are on the eve of our fourth anniversary on April 1st, and I don’t think we should forget about the people that struggled for years to build this great Territory of Nunavut.
The John Amagoaliks, the Jose Kusugaks and the Tagak Curleys, I tip my hat to them, because today, Mr. Speaker, I can firmly say that in my community, since Nunavut’s creation, it is a better place.
I would also like to thank two people from my communities that are no longer with us, but I know they contributed for years, Michael Amarok and Hugh Unungai.
I would like to thank their families for their sacrifice and for what we have got today.
On a lighter side, Mr. Speaker, today I would like to help members plan their upcoming time in Baker Lake.
Spring will be on our doorstep shortly and it was recently announced, that the spring sitting of the Legislative Assembly will be held in Baker Lake.
I would like to thank all the members for choosing to have the session in Baker Lake.
The community tour that the Honourable Ed Picco has promised all us when he gets to Baker Lake, thank you Ed.
Mr. Speaker, Members will be occupied with the business of the house for much of our time in Baker Lake.
However, there will be some time to explore the community.
Mr. Speaker, if you didn’t know, Baker Lake is the geographic centre of Canada and is truly in the Heart of the Land.
As such, Baker Lake has something to offer every visitor.
For those who appreciate the arts and crafts, there is the Jesse Oonark Centre, the Baker Lake Fine Arts and Crafts and the Qamanittuaq Fine Arts and Crafts.
For those who are interested in learning about the history of the area, the Inuit Heritage Centre is open and Winnie Uvinniaq is the manager.
Both the Thelon and Kazan Heritage Rivers into Baker Lake and the history associated with these rivers is significant.
In addition, Mr. Speaker, it is no secret that Baker Lake has some of the best sports fishing and hunting grounds.
No one will be disappointed by their outdoors experience, regardless of how many fish they catch.
Mr. Speaker, I’m truly looking forward to the spring sitting of the Legislative Assembly in Baker Lake, and I will give you an opportunity to tour you around.
On that Mr. Speaker, I have heard a lot about the lack of fish in Baker Lake, and I challenge all the members of this assembly that I will catch the biggest fish, and whoever catches a bigger fish, I will pay them 100 dollars.
>>Applause and Laughter
Mr. Speaker, I just want to clarify something.
There was an article in the news this morning that said Finance is taking over the Department of Health and Social Services.
What is happening Mr. Speaker, there is no coup. There is no take over.
What is happening, is finance is actually lending logistic and administrative support to the department for financial contributions.
Mr. Speaker, after saying that, it gives me great pleasure today to welcome to the Gallery Mr. Nick Newberry and the Terry Fox Program class from Inuksuk High School.
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Newberry is well know as a photographer, a writer, 25 years as an educator, and as you know, Mr. Speaker, the Terry Fox Program is named after that well known Canadian, Mr. Terry Fox, who died of cancer.
The heroics of that young individual has lent itself it’s name to the program itself.
Mr. Speaker, this is Mr. Newberry’s last year as the teacher of the program, and I can say without fear of contradiction, Mr. Speaker, that I have spent a lot of time with the program, I have been out on the land with him, I have gone boating with them and so on.
Mr. Newberry has received numerous awards, including the award, the Duke of Edinborough and so on.
Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to welcome the class to the Assembly, the Terry Fox class and I would like to take this opportunity and ask that you and the members of this assembly to join with me in thanking Mr. Newberry for 25 years of dedication to the people of Nunavut as a teacher, and also, Mr. Speaker, as he moves into a new career of curriculum development over the next year.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to give the real reason why a special group of visitors are in the House today.
Mr. Speaker, the grade 9 Terry Fox program class has just completed the study of how the GN operates.
They are here this morning to see the House in action, to see the real thing.
Of course with them, their teacher, who is well known, Mr. Nick Newberry. Having said that, I would also like to mention to the House that Nick has written a teacher’s manual which all grade 9 teachers use throughout Nunavut.
This manual covers the history and details of the Land Claims and also on how the GN operates.
I would like to give special recognition and appreciation to the class and also thank you very much to Mr. Newberry for his many years of service as a teacher.
Some of you know probably know already, but some public never knew that I also have relatives in Iqaluit.
First, I like to recognize my sister Salomie Awa who is in the CBC studio.
Some people wonder why we are all over the place and that Joanna Awa from CBC also, my little brother Simon Awa who is the Assistant Deputy Minister of Justice and another little brother who is the Wildlife Management Education Coordinator with DSD, who I seldom do not mention.
If you are wondering why I always get a bad coverage on CBC, now you know reason why.
I would like to appreciate my family today, this is that last day and that our old man who is now 83 this month has supported us and guided us to work wherever we can find jobs around Canada and Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the hard working interpreter/translators that work behind the scenes, as members know, the standing committees, with the session, they sit here probably longer than us and they have to be prepared doing documents as well.
In particular I’d like to recognize the Inuinnaqtun crew.
Henry Ohokanoak who has gone home because he became ill, but the two gentlemen remaining with us, James Panioyak and John Komak.
I would also like to recognise the Innuinaqtut interpreters, John Komak especially, who I worked with in the 1960s in the mining industry, when we were very young.
Around 1969, we went on a plane with floats, the little Beavers.
At that time John Komak, and I were in a dangerous situation on that little Beaver.
But we are still here today.
John Komak is here as our interpreter, and myself as one of the members of the Legislative Assembly.
I am very grateful and I would like to recognise James Panioyak and John Komak who are our Innuinaqtut interpreters and our Inuktitut interpreters, we thank you very much.
Question 519 – 1(6): Potential Cost of Fuel Stabilization Rider
She might be getting tired of it, my colleagues Mr. McLean, and Mr. Tootoo have been asking that question surrounding the possible application of the Fuel Stabilization Rider, to the base power rate that is currently in effect.
When we went through the Main Estimates, I did not see anything, but does the Minister have any estimates as to the potential cost to the Hamlets of the Fuel Stabilization Rider being implemented.
Hon. Manitok Thompson (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I am not quite sure about the concern of the Member.
I’m sorry, Mr. Speaker, but in the approved budget, we do have a stabilization rider, but I would like the member to rephrase his question.
If I was speaking in English, it could be said in a certain way, but we could also rephrase it.
If we are speaking in Inuktitut, there is 5 cents per kilowatt hour that there was going to an increase and we heard that through the media.
No matter what language you speak, there is an increase upcoming and the reason why I’m asking this question is, as Rankin Inlet residents stated, there is going to be an increase of 37 thousand dollars that they will need.
If we’re talking about the 20 communities, it is going to be about 30 thousand dollars.
Is that the plan of the government?
If this is going to create hardship for the Hamlets, and since it is news that we have just heard, and if there is going to be an increase to the cost of the Hamlets, usually what happens is that the Cabinet has a meeting in order to decide how they are going to help the Hamlets.
What I would like to hear is that if there are increases to the cost of the Hamlets, can the Minister commit to assisting the Hamlets.
Usually, we think of the Hamlets and as a government, if there’s an increase in any costs, we usually try to help the Hamlets.
In the event that the prices increase, will the Minister commit to assisting Hamlets with their increased operating costs.
When there was an increase a few years ago in the fuel, we assisted the housing associations and other effected entities.
We did that in previous years and if there’s a potential increase to the Hamlets in their operating costs, the government will have to make decision on giving assistance to the Hamlets.
I can only say at this time that if the Hamlets require assistance in their increased operating costs, we will have to make a decision after we verify the figures.
Question 520 – 1(6): Increase of Fuel Cost
I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Petroleum Products.
After listening to the CBC news and various media, there is a growing feeling that there will be an increase on the fuel.
I was wondering if the department of Petroleum Products, has already heard if there is going to be an increase in the fuel cost.
No, today we have not heard any announcements.
If there is going to be price increases and listening to the Canadian news, on the CBC, they are expecting to see an increase.
Once there is an increase in fuel prices down south, will we have to increase our fuel prices as well in Nunavut?