EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, it is up to Nunavummiut and Inuit to decide what developments can occur on our lands. It is up to us to put restrictions in place and ensure that any development follows our rules and regulatory process.
That is why we have these regulatory boards within our land claims agreement.
Mr. Speaker, wildlife protection is essential.
We have one of the best polar bear management plans in the world. We imposed the first ever moratorium on caribou harvesting on Baffin Island and have since allowed for limited harvesting.
Mr. Speaker, simply put, we need to balance protection on a case-by-case basis with development through our regulatory processes.
Member’s Statement 181 – 4(3): Literacy Initiative at Jonah Amitnaaq Secondary School (Mikkungwak)
Before I deliver my Member’s Statement, I wish to make a brief correction.
During Monday’s sitting, I tabled a document concerning the issue of remote air service.
In my excitement to table this important item, I inadvertently referred to “Kivalliq Air” having appeared before us during January’s televised meeting of the Full Caucus.
Mr. Speaker, I, of course, should have said, “Calm Air.”
Mr. Mikkungwak: Mr. Speaker, I will try to be calmer today.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share some very good news with my colleagues and all Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, a few weeks ago, the Jonah Amitnaaq Secondary School in my home community of beautiful Baker Lake was awarded one of this year’s “Tech Grants” from Best Buy Canada.
Mr. Speaker, I will take a moment to read from the official announcement of this award, which indicates that the recipients “…will use their grant to support student literacy by providing learning opportunities that will allow students to be as successful as their peers while living in a far north locale.
With their School Tech Grant, Grade 9 students will gain additional access to essential tools including laptops, e-readers and document cameras, and will be empowered to explore all the diverse and interesting reading materials the literary world has to offer.”
Mr. Speaker, there are few gifts as great as the gift of literacy. Literacy is the foundation of learning and the key to achieving educational success.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the following students at Jonah Amitnaaq for the work that they put into writing a successful proposal.
My apologies if I have omitted anyone.
The students are Hattie Amitnaak, Crystal Haqpi, Carla Rose Kaayak, Dylan Nanooklook, Brianna Niego… .
Please proceed, Mr. Mikkungwak.
Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to all my colleagues.
As I indicated earlier, the students that I would like to recognize are as follows: Hattie Amitnaak, Crystal Haqpi, Carla Rose Kaayak, Dylan Nanooklook, Brianna Niego, Nanuurluk Noah, Sipporah Nukik, and Joseph Owingayak.
Mr. Speaker, I have been advised that most of the award will be used to facilitate the students’ purchase of eBooks and I understand that around 70 e-readers will be provided to the school.
Mr. Speaker, I want to publicly thank Best Buy Canada for being a solid corporate citizen and supporting schools and students across the nation.
Mr. Speaker, I also want to pay tribute to Bethany Guther, who teaches at Jonah Amitnaaq, for her leadership in this endeavour.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in celebrating this accomplishment.
Member’s Statement 182 – 4(3): Lip Service to Nunavut Elders (Shooyook)
I say “good afternoon” to the people of Nunavut watching and listening to the proceedings, as well as my colleagues.
Due to limitations on my time, I want to briefly explain as today is when I do have the time. I rise today to make an announcement with respect to our Nunavut elders.
During our sessions within this House, we commonly listen to announcements about protecting our elders. To me, this is nothing more than lip service as they are just wordy pronouncements.
I rise to speak on behalf of our elders, who are undergoing stressful times in their lives.
I refer to the statement about this matter by our elders, “When will the actual implementation of our land claims agreement ever be realized?” When the NLCA first passed, we were told that Inuit would reclaim their traditions.
When will we ever see this promise delivered?
I understand the contents of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement completely.
It is an agreement between the Government of Canada and Inuit, where Inuit were provided rights in exchange for lands.
This is the foundation I am using to try to implement Inuit traditions. Perhaps we were misled by our leaders who pushed for this agreement.
This is the article I refer to: Article 34, which speaks to Ethnographic Objects and Archival Materials. It states that Inuit have the right, agreed to by the Government of Canada, to try to revive their culture.
In my opinion, this is the reason that our elders were misled when they were told that it included this right and they celebrated that fact.
I was party to those celebrations for the completion of this agreement and for getting the Territory of Nunavut.
With that being the case, today, we have yet to see the full implementation of these provisions.
Mr. Speaker, our elders require further stewardship from us to try to realize the wishes they hold and to try to implement them within our government. They are our leaders who provide direction and they correct us when we go wrong.
Member Isaac Shooyook is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays?
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank you very much, my colleagues.
In memory of our elders who have passed on, we have to try to implement their wishes today.
Mr. Speaker, the reason why I am so fervent about our elders is to ensure we revive and repatriate our traditional counselling and to showcase the breadth of knowledge and wisdom they hold, as I have worked with many elders and they are extremely skilled.
Mr. Speaker, today when employment opportunities are created, the true Inuit elders are prevented from participating in our workforce.
Instead, the requirements written state that those applicants must be functionally bilingual in Inuktitut and English.
This is particularly cruel to my person, as these elders don’t require any training in social counselling as they have lived the traditional life and experienced life’s challenges.
They don’t require any further training.
This applies to social services, our correction system, and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit. We have to be able to tell them that yes, they do qualify so that they can provide counselling services to the people of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, when we were talking about the elders, I indicated that I would fully support them.
This is going to be the last time that I bring this issue up in the House because I now look forward to the government listening and responding.
I am given full support. People tell me that all the time.
It has been three years since I first brought this subject up of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and that elders can participate in the whole process.
It is something that is very important to me.
This is going to be the last time that I bring it up.
Member’s Statement 183 – 4(3): Speaking Out Against Discrimination (Joanasie)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak out against discrimination and prejudice.
Mr. Speaker, it is tragic that discrimination and prejudice persists in our society today.
Mr. Speaker, later this month, the world will recognize the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Other events throughout the year mark ongoing efforts to combat discrimination and prejudice based on gender, religion, sexual orientation, and other characteristics that represent the beauty and wonder of human diversity.
Mr. Speaker, here in Nunavut, discrimination and prejudice can take many forms.
I want to take a moment to recount a recent personal experience.
Just a few months ago, I was at the airport waiting for a flight to Kimmirut, which is one of the two communities that I have the honour in representing in the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, I could not believe my ears when I heard an individual ask one of the waiting passengers where they were heading to that day.
I don’t hear any nays. Mr. Joanasie, please proceed.
They were asked where they were heading.
When the reply came back, “Kimmirut,” the individual proceeded to ask, “Well, what did you do wrong?”
Mr. Speaker, I was shocked and outraged at this attitude.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut is unique in the nation. Unlike larger jurisdictions which are dominated by their major urban centres, the majority of Nunavummiut live in smaller communities.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that we are the only Canadian jurisdiction where 75 to 80 percent of people live in communities other than the major centre.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have been raised in a small community, and I want to say clearly today to the thousands of Nunavummiut who live and work and raise families in small communities, “You have nothing to apologize for and you have nothing to be ashamed of.”
Mr. Speaker, during my recent public meetings in Kimmirut and Cape Dorset, I heard a number of concerns being raised about the need for the government to make a clear commitment to the long-term sustainability of our smaller communities. I will have questions on this issue at the appropriate time.
Mr. Speaker, I want to close by inviting my fellow members to join me in taking a stand against discrimination and prejudice.
Member’s Statement 184 – 4(3): Problems with Medical Travel for Elders (Keyootak)
I rise today to advocate for our elders.
I feel overwhelmingly protective of our elders, much like certain animal rights activists who advocate for wildlife, but in my case, I am very protective of our elders. Furthermore, this includes people with disabilities and those less able than us or who are not mobile. In particular, I get very defensive of our elders and I wish to assist them whenever I can.
Mr. Speaker, I have noted more than once where an elder requiring assistance from one of my two constituency communities has come down on medical travel.
There are still many problematic issues with medical travel, Mr. Speaker.
This elder, who is a fellow resident of my community, came in on medical travel and he was checked into the Tammaativvik Boarding Home. Since the boarding home was full, this aged elder was checked in to sleep on the floor, with only a folding mattress to rest on, as no rooms were available.
Furthermore, the other elder from Clyde River, one of my constituency communities, underwent the same disregard for their age. That elder was checked into the Tammaativvik Boarding Home and he is quite old. As a matter of fact, he is the oldest male citizen of Clyde River.
Since the boarding home was full, he was provided with just a folding bed stationed in one of the spare rooms.
This selfsame person works for the Piqqusilirivvik Inuit Cultural Learning Centre. Here I thought that Piqqusilirivvik was under the auspices of this government.
Further, any employees of institutions under the government should have the same benefit as the public servants to be placed in a hotel for medical travel, particularly when the Tammaativvik Boarding Home is full.
If the Piqqusilirivvik Inuit Cultural Learning Centre is under this government, their employees should be treated like any government employee.
I became very defensive of this person when I heard their plight.
The other person I referred to who is from Qikiqtarjuaq is over 65 years old and has never once been approved for an escort.
I don’t hear any nays. Mr. Keyootak, please proceed.
As I was saying, these two aged people who are quite elderly were treated with seeming disdain.
We were also led to understand that residents on medical travel can have escorts if they are 65 years of age or older, even if the approval isn’t forthcoming.
This person I am referencing is way over 65, yet they have never been provided with an escort.
There needs to be more thought given to the way our elders are treated, particularly those on medical travel.
Further, this person I spoke about who is one of the oldest residents of Clyde River, when he arrived for his appointment, he was placed in a storeroom or a stock room.
Elders on medical travel require better care.
To top it off, the other elder I referred to was not provided with an interpreter for their appointment. Lucky for them, my wife happened to be visiting a sick relative and was seconded to act as the interpreter for that elder.
This illustrates the lack of respect for our elders who are on medical travel and I have been moved to advocate on their behalf.
At the appropriate time, I will be asking questions, looking at what is in practice today.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Members’ Statements. Hon. Member for Netsilik, Mr. Emiliano Qirngnuq.
Member’s Statement 185 – 4(3): Inuit Language Preservation (Qirngnuq)
I will be making a statement on languages and I will make my statement in English.
Although I am one of the people committed to preserving our language, our young people today use English and understand it better. If even one person can understand about this issue, then that would be very gratifying.
I say “good day” to my colleagues, the audience listening in, as well as those watching the televised proceedings, along with my fellow Netsilingmiut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today address the important issue of language preservation, protection, and promotion.
Mr. Speaker, during the recent by-election campaign in Netsilik, I received many concerns from residents about the issue of language.
Mr. Speaker, I want to focus my comments today on the needs of our oldest residents and the needs of our youngest residents.
Mr. Speaker, the elders in Kugaaruk and Taloyoak are very proud of the unique dialect that is spoken in our part of the territory.
Mr. Speaker, we live in a time when too many indigenous languages around the world are disappearing.
As the newly elected MLA for Netsilik, I strongly support measures to preserve and protect our own language.
I am also committed to ensuring that elders, especially those who are unilingual, receive government services in their own language. This is especially important when it comes to medical travel that takes our elders outside of their home communities.
Mr. Speaker, I spoke last week about the importance of providing a solid foundation for our youth.
Part of that foundation is an education system that ensures that our youth are proficient in both the Inuit language and English.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.
(interpretation) I don’t hear any nays. Mr. Qirngnuq, please proceed.
Mr. Speaker, I recognize that there are different perspectives about how to most effectively ensure that the Inuit language is taught effectively in our schools.
However, I am confident that we can all agree that our youth should be confident in both languages.
Our youth should be equally comfortable conversing with their grandparents in their ancestral tongue as they are when using today’s modern technology to communicate with people from around the world in today’s global language.
I will have questions on the issue of language preservation, protection, and promotion to the appropriate minister before the end of our winter sitting.
Member’s Statement 186 – 4(3): Coral Harbour Peewee Hockey Team (Mapsalak)
Last month, there was a hockey tournament in Rankin Inlet. It was a peewee hockey tournament, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, the Coral Harbour hockey team came in first place. It was very good to watch peewee hockey games.
I also would like to say that I am very proud of the team players and I am very proud of the fact that they won. They are: David Pee, Darrian [Natakok], Esa Kolit, Chase Harron, Owen Angootealuk, Micah Emiktowt, Roger Matoo, Ramsey Eetuk, Douglas Jr. Pameolik, Prime Paniyuk, Justin Eetuk, Russell Matoo, Camille Siutinuar, and the coaches are Ross Eetuk and Roger Siutinuar.
In addition, last month, there was the Polar Bear Plate hockey tournament. The team from Coral Harbour came in second place. The team members were: Jacob Nakoolak, Sandy Jr. Saviakjuk, Ruben Saviakjuk, Saimonie Saviakjuk, Wesley Siutinuar, Ethan Matoo, Richard Netser, Joe Bruce Nakoolak, Bradley Kaludjak, Kevin Jr. Angootealuk, Clifford Jr. Natakok, Aiden Saviakjuk, Joey Angootealuk, and their coach, Royden Eetuk.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the team players for winning.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Members’ Statements. Hon. Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak, Ms. Monica Ell-Kanayuk.
Member’s Statement 187 – 4(3): Team Nunavut Curlers (Ell-Kanayuk)
Good afternoon to my constituents at Iqaluit-Manirajak.
I rise today to recognize some of the achievements of some of the extraordinary athletes that made curling history last month.
February 17 curling at the Tournament of Hearts hosted by Grande Prairie, the team from Iqaluit rallied to an 8-7 victory in the first draw of the pre-qualifying round.
This makes history for the team because, although they didn’t make it out during what’s called the “regulation round,” I am extremely proud of them. It’s quite an achievement.
Team members included Skip Geneva Chislett, who I’m proud to say is my neighbour, led by Jenine Bodner, second Robyn Mackey, third Denise Hutchins, and they brought with them a young alternate, Sadie Pinksen, along with Coach Donalda Mattie.
Sadie Pinksen, earlier this year, skipped and made history too by recording the territory’s first victory at the national championship called “Canadian Junior Championships.”
These victories are important as Iqaluit has the only curling rink operating in Nunavut this year.
There are not a lot of women here that play curling.
To compete, they have to play mixed curling with men, and if they wanted to go to a bonspiel, they would have to raise a lot of money and the next closest place to compete would be Ottawa.
Please join me, colleagues, in congratulating my constituents in their amazing accomplishment.
Member’s Statement 188 – 4(3): The Ongoing Success of Nunavut Speed Skating (Angnakak)
Mr. Speaker, I, too, rise today to applaud and congratulate Speed Skating Nunavut’s recent and past success and look forward to even more successes in the future.
Mr. Speaker, last weekend, March 5 and 6, members of the Iqaluit Speed Skating Club won four gold medals, two silver medals, and a bronze at the 2016 Citadel Cup in Tantallon, Nova Scotia.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the gold medal winners Alec Brillon, Taryn Lavallee, Eliane Brillon, and Sophie Dubeau; silver medal winners Emma Carpenter and Olivia Ashley; and bronze medal winner Akutaq Williamson-Bathory.
This success builds on previous medal wins this season at the eastern Ontario Regional Meet in Ottawa and at the Atlantic Cup in Charlottetown, PEI.
Mr. Speaker, Speed Skating Nunavut builds on a long pedigree of success. Since winning Nunavut’s very first Arctic Winter Games ulu in 2000, Nunavut Speed Skaters have won over 65 AWG ulus.
Speed Skating Nunavut was also the first sport chosen to represent Nunavut at the Canada Winter Games and has been at every Games since then.
Mr. Speaker, over the years, Nunavut’s speed skaters have medalled at meets in Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and PEI as well as winning a national medal at the Canada East Championships.
Our speed skaters are looking forward to participating once again in the Arctic Winter Games in 2018 and at the Canada Winter Games in 2019.
I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating our speed skaters on their success, both past and present, and wishing them ongoing success in the future.
Member for Rankin and Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Tom Sammurtok.
Member’s Statement 189 – 4(3): Constituent Wins Gold Ulu at Arctic Winter Games (Sammurtok, T)
I rise today to congratulate the people from Chesterfield Inlet and I was just recently told about this when the session began. I believe and trust the person who told me.
Nunavut won gold this morning in the Alaskan High Kick.
I was just informed of this after I sat down in my chair here this afternoon.
I’m especially proud because Dion Tanuyak-Qullugiaq is from Chesterfield Inlet and is a son of my niece.
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. (interpretation ends) Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Tom Sammurtok.
I would like to recognize individuals and I know that they are very close to my community, but I rarely ever see them.
My colleagues, let’s welcome Manu Nattar and Rita Nattar from Whale Cove.
Question 236 – 4(3): Strategy for Nunavut Elders (Angnakak)
Ms. Angnakak: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
I would like to direct my question to the Premier. He’s also the Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs and the Minister responsible for Seniors.
Mr. Speaker, it is clear that there is a great need for services and supports for Nunavut’s elders.
A number of my colleagues have spoken passionately about the need for elder care, the need to prevent elder abuse, and many other concerns that face our elders.
As you will know from my statement last week, I am part of an exciting initiative to establish a new elders facility in Iqaluit.
Unfortunately, our government does not appear to have a strategy in place to address the many issues facing elders today.
Can the minister provide an update on what he has been doing as the Minister responsible for Seniors Advocate to coordinate and oversee programs and services for seniors across Nunavut?
Mr. Speaker, I took it upon myself to advocate on behalf of the seniors.
As members are well aware, there are many departments that have seniors programs within their departments, including the corporations.
I took it upon myself to ensure that there’s proper coordination of seniors programs throughout this government.
At this point, we’re coming up with a binder, a book that’s going to be distributed throughout Nunavut on all the government seniors programs.
Mr. Speaker, again, there are many departments that have got programs within the departments and I want to ensure that all these programs can be accessed through my office for the seniors within Nunavut.
I thank the Premier his response.
It was leading right into my second question.
Other places in the territories do have this binder and there’s one here from the Northwest Territories.
Can the Premier tell us when he expects to have such a binder ready for the seniors in Nunavut?
Speaker: Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Taptuna.
I do want to get that binder out to our communities throughout Nunavut as soon as possible.
I’m encouraging my officials to ensure that it is ready by spring.
That’s wonderful to hear. We will look forward to seeing that.
Mr. Speaker, in January 2015, the Pairijait Tigummiaqtukkut Society passed a resolution calling on the Government of Nunavut to “immediately develop and make known to the general public a realistic Elders Care Strategy.”
In 2013, the Nunavut Seniors Society requested something similar.
Will the Premier commit to developing and publishing a comprehensive elders strategy for Nunavut’s seniors?
It was my intention to ensure that we have a strategy going forward for our seniors and we’re working with our partners to determine the various ages where seniors are considered seniors.
As you know, throughout the nation, we have varying differences of ages that qualify for programs. Not only that, our federal government has different ages for different categories.
We want to ensure that we coordinate that and have a good understanding of what we want to do within Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, one of the things I want to ensure that we try to accomplish is a strategy for our seniors.
Question 237 – 4(3): Government Boat in Arctic Bay (Shooyook)
To provide some background, I believe I brought up this issue last year when I asked questions regarding the vessel in our community that has sat unused for several years.
Although I received a response to my questions about the potential uses for that vessel, I would like to once again ask the minister about this vessel.
This boat was brought into our community in the past, where it was used to conduct surveys as well as to assist hunters during these studies.