EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
First of all, Mr. Speaker, I rise today in commemoration of a respected Apex elder, who resided in my constituency, the late Mr. Simonie Michael, who passed away this weekend and whose funeral is being conducted today here in Iqaluit.
He set the precedent, as other people have mentioned earlier, in Nunatsiaq by becoming a member of the Northwest Territories Council in 1968.
In addition, he led the fight for the recognition of Inuit surnames by not wanting to be addressed by his name followed by his E7 disk number.
So he was instrumental in the creation of Project Surname, which resulted in Inuit choosing their own surnames.
The proof is right here in this House where all of us now have surnames and no one else has to use the E-numbers anymore.
Simonie Michael was a leading pioneer in the North and his ardent fight for equality for Inuit led to many changes that started in those days to his descendents to this day.
He set into motion changes that led eventually to today’s situation, including Nunavut and for that, we are all grateful for the changes he helped to bring about.
In addition, I would be remiss without mentioning his family who reside in Apex, and we extend our deepest sympathies to all of those he left behind and to let them know that all of Nunavut remembers them in their hearts at this time of personal loss. Today, we know that he will rest in peace.
In addition to this matter, I would like to also express my appreciation to all those who voted in Iqaluit East because the majority believed in my abilities and elected me to represent them. I am extremely grateful for that. I would also like to especially thank the members, who are here on behalf of their constituents, for elected me as their leader.
In particular, I would like to thank our long-serving Premier, Mr. Paul Okalik, who worked extremely hard and diligently since the creation of Nunavut and he has led us to now by his careful management.
As well, most government operations are now operating at a level that can provide perfunctory services and for that, we thank Mr. Okalik deeply.
Further, I wish to acknowledge the person who shall now be my Avvaq for his selection to the seat of the Speaker.
Also, I would like to extend my deepest gratefulness to my supporters during my campaign...
Speaker (interpretation): I apologize, my Avvaq.
I may initially have to keep reminding you these first few days.
You need to ask for unanimous consent to conclude your statement.
Mr. Aariak.
Ms. Aariak (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, if it’s possible, I would like to ask for unanimous consent.
Please proceed, Ms. Aariak.
I would also like to thank my dedicated and tireless volunteers, Alethia Aggiuq-Baril and Phillip Lavallee, who were my campaign managers and my financial agent, Theresa Rodrigues.
They worked tirelessly throughout my campaign.
I also wish to thank my relatives and my children for supported me during my campaign, as well as many others who assisted throughout the process.
We will be required to cooperate and work together here in this Assembly.
It’s obvious that we have many things to debate that surfaced as a government. And I have great expectations that through negotiations, we can realize our dreams of where we want Nunavut to be in the future.
Mr. Taptuna.
Member’s Statement 011 – 3(1): Congratulations to the Third Assembly; Thanks to Family and Kugluktuk Residents (Taptuna)
Mr. Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your selection to the Speaker of this House.
I also would like to congratulate Madam Premier and the members elected in their respective ridings.
I am very humbled and honoured by the faith and trust placed upon me by my constituents of Kugluktuk.
I thank my wife, Joanne, my children, and a special “thank you” to all the people of Kugluktuk that contributed their efforts and time during my campaign.
Just to name a few: Annie and Herbert Bolt, Thomasie Tautaq, Red Pedersen, Andrew Kuliktana, Collin and Mavis Adjun, and of course, my sister, Elizabeth.
I will represent them to the best of my ability, including all Nunavummiut, the youth, the elders, and of course, all the residents that are in between youth and elders.
Mr. Speaker, one of the key beliefs I have for healthy, productive communities is through meaningful employment.
Employment and training for employment leads to better self-esteem, self-confidence, and overall happy, healthier families.
Mr. Speaker, although there’s global economic uncertainty, which Nunavut is not immune to, we will have to work hard to mitigate the negative impacts on the uncertainty that will be caused in Nunavut.
In closing, Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge a special occasion and celebration that took place in Kugluktuk last month.
Most of my colleagues and people sitting here know Peter and Sophia Kamingoak, who celebrated what most people think is unattainable last month, they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.
Mr. Taptuna. I’m sorry. Mr. Aupaluktuq.
Member’s Statement 012 – 3(1): Appreciation to Constituents in Baker Lake (Aupaluktuq)
Mr. Aupaluktuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I am both humbled and proud to rise today in this House in order to speak on behalf of my constituency of Baker Lake.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by congratulating you and all my colleagues for their elections to the Legislative Assembly. I look forward to working with all members on issues of concern to Nunavut and Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, I also want to congratulate the Member for Iqaluit East, Eva Aariak, on being selected as Premier and the new Cabinet colleagues.
They have many responsibilities and challenges ahead of them and I will do my utmost to make positive contributions to the work of this Legislative Assembly.
In my community of Baker Lake, partnerships between the generations are key to accomplishing progress for the community.
Mr. Speaker, during my election campaign, I listened closely to the concerns that were raised with me.
I would like to take a moment to highlight some of the priority issues that I will be focusing on during my time in office.
As all Members of this House are aware, the Kivalliq is experiencing a period of strong economic growth, which is being led by the mining sector.
Although this growth is bringing tremendous economic opportunities to our communities, I intend to work as an MLA to ensure that all of our residents benefit in a meaningful fashion.
Mr. Speaker, the people of Baker Lake sent me here to work on a platform of social justice and basic human rights. They expect me to work for the implementation of Article 23 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement in order to ensure that Inuit are the primary beneficiaries of growth and development.
Government must work with communities, industry partners and appropriate Inuit organizations to develop initiatives that will benefit our residents.
Education and job training are critically important to ensuring that ordinary Inuit benefit from large-scale projects and developments.
Mr. Speaker, I fully recognize that the issues in front of us are complex.
For example, how can we best ensure an appropriate and workable balance between strong economic growth and our culture’s desire to protect the environment?
How can we ensure that communities feel fully involved in the decision-making process?
Mr. Speaker, at this time, I seek unanimous consent to continue my statement. (interpretation) Thank you.
Please proceed, Mr. Aupaluktuq.
Mr. Aupaluktuq (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I also thank my colleagues for allowing me to continue.
Mr. Speaker, I am committed to working with the community and its partners in the journey ahead to address these critical questions.
Mr. Speaker, there are many other issues in my community that need attention. Health care, education, housing, day care and infrastructure are challenges that need all of our attention, all of our energy and all of our efforts.
I also recognize the importance of bringing a Nunavut-wide perspective to the deliberations of this House.
For example, when one community identifies innovative solutions to its housing needs, we all benefit.
Mr. Speaker, one of the main reasons why I stood for public office was to help ensure that the potential of our youth is realized.
I am pleased to take this opportunity to draw the attention of the House to some Baker Lake success stories.
Yvonne Niego was recently promoted to the rank of corporal in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
That, in itself, is an achievement and is also a good example for all young and old.
Kiah Aqattuaq, Siobhan Iksiktaarjuk and Paula Amy Rumbolt are three young women who are pursuing studies at the Nunavut Sivuniksavut program in Ottawa.
I am a graduate of this program and can attest that it has benefited many young Inuit from Nunavut and is deserving of our full support.
Roxanne Sevoga and Kaviq Kaluraq are pursuing their higher education at Trent University in Ontario.
We look forward to them earning their degrees.
Mr. Speaker, we are in a time of great change and great challenge. The economic challenges facing our people cannot be underestimated. We must all work together on behalf of our communities, constituents and Nunavut as a whole.
And in closing, Mr. Speaker, if it were not for my mother’s determination to see her son receive an education, I would not be here today.
I can assure you that I have also sought advice and guidance from my older brother, Joe, who has also always been there to encourage me to be independent.
I also want to give notice that my uncle, George Tanuyak and Eva Tanuyak will be celebrating their 50-year anniversary on November 25.
I also wanted thank everybody in the House and I look forward to working with you and also sharing some ideas, and also growing as a territory. (interpretation) Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Aupaluktuq.
Member’s Statement 013 – 3(1): Opening Remarks to the Third Assembly (Peterson)
I would like to congratulate you on your selection as the Speaker of this Third Assembly.
It was quite a struggle to get you up there but I’m glad that Moses and I were able to get you up there.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to congratulate those of my colleagues who have been chosen to form the Executive Council and I appreciate our colleagues that are on the other side of the House for selecting us to be here.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank all my constituents in Cambridge Bay, Umingmaktok, and Bathurst Inlet for putting their trust and confidence in me by returning me to this House to be their voice for another four years.
I will continue to work hard on their behalf and represent them to the best of my abilities.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank my family and many friends, who have supported me over the years, who encouraged me to run for MLA for a second term. I learned in the Second Assembly what it means to have strong support from back home when I’m here in Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker, I’m very optimistic about the next four years. We have a great group of MLAs and Cabinet Ministers who are committed to working together to improve life for Nunavummiut and strengthen our great territory of Nunavut. I have been hearing from people across Nunavut over the last several days and telling me that they’re very helpful about our future.
Mr. Speaker, there will be difficult times and choices ahead of us but we must remain focused on building a stronger government and territory that future generations will inherit. There will be many demands and pressures on all MLAs to get things for their communities.
The great strength of a consensus government, I learned, is that ministers and regular members can work together and support each other in understanding the issues and concerns that people raise with us so we can find solutions together.
Mr. Speaker, I’m eager to work with my Kitikmeot MLAs and colleagues to raise the profile of Kitikmeot. Our communities are wonderfully supportive and have been following our proceedings with keen interest. I have been receiving many emails and telephone calls from back home offering us support and congratulations.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform my constituents that are watching today that I will be returning to Cambridge Bay for a few hours tomorrow to see them before returning to Iqaluit for Cabinet briefings and meetings.
I’m looking forward to seeing my family, friends, and constituents for those few hours.
I thank my colleagues for allowing me to continue.
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate all MLAs and Cabinet Ministers on their successes and look forward to working with them all in the coming months and years. I also look forward to meeting all the government employees who I will be working with as Cabinet Minister.
Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would also like to say to the people of Iqaluit that I am very grateful for their support, hospitality, and friendship to me over the years. Although Iqaluit is not my hometown, it is my home away from home.
I appreciate the people who invite me to dinners because I’m not a very good cook, offer to drive me around town, and offer me words of encouragement in the House.
So it’s almost like home, it’s not quite home but it’s close enough.
If I lose my head, it’s your fault.
(interpretation) Members’ Statements.
Mr. Komoartok.
Member’s Statement 014 – 2(4): Appreciation to Constituents from Pangnirtung and Thanks to Peter Kilabuk (Komoartok)
Mr. Komoartok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I would first of all like to congratulate you as being selected as Speaker. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my immediate family members and the people of Pangnirtung who encouraged me to run for the position.
I would first of all like to thank all the people in my constituency.
There are also many organizations in our community who have encouraged me and I would also like to thank the previous Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Peter Kilabuk, who did an excellent job in representing our community and also his wife, Rosie, who called me right away to tell me that I wasn’t going to be home much anymore and that my wife will become accustomed to doing most of what I normally do as she will be left behind quite often.
I would also like to remember the youth of Nunavut who are our future and at times, will not be getting into the job markets, especially in the smaller, non-decentralized communities in Nunavut where there aren’t a lot of employment opportunities.
Further, sometimes people turn to suicide, something we see far too often in Nunavut. We need to reflect on the underlying causes and do something.
As well, we need to acknowledge our elders, who continue to manage our communities.
They are our wells of knowledge, especially when we undergo stressful periods.
However, we must recognize that elders also undergo stressful periods and we need to assist them further.
I grew up in the traditional way in an outpost camp as a child, and we should all remember that our elders were the leaders of the camp. They were hunters and they were the ones with the vision.
Even though there weren’t many in our populations, we managed to handle all of the issues of outside influences independently.
We also have to conduct ourselves in that manner when we are sitting here deliberating the issues meaningful to Inuit.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Komoartok.
Mr. Ningeongan.
Member’s Statement 015 – 3(1): Opening Remarks and Thanks to Constituents in Nanulik (Ningeongan)
Mr. Ningeongan (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I congratulate you for being selected by the members here to be the Speaker.
I would also like to thank Eva Aariak, the Premier-elect, her associates in the Cabinet, and the regular members.
I would like to recognize the people of Coral Harbour and Chesterfield Inlet who elected me to be their representative in this House.
I wish to also thank people in Coral Harbour.
Noel Kaludjak, who was my coordinator; Marlene Jar, my financial agent; Angela Gibbons, my assistant; Shiela Paniyuk, Lizzie Putulik, Daisy Paniyuk, and Willie Nakoolak, who are all in Coral Harbour.
In Chesterfield Inlet; Brenda and Robert Putulik, Joe Issaluk, I thank you for your support during our campaign.
I would most of all like to thank my wife. She is currently in Iqaluit, although at this time I don’t know exactly where she is.
She supports me unequivocally and she has never changed in all that time.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my immediate family members, my children, and my grandchildren for their support.
I would like to make this brief comment. When I was the mayor, I used to try and make this my foundation, which is a comment made by John F. Kennedy, who was a President of the United States. He stated that one must offer himself selflessly to the public office they serve and not just for selfish reasons.
We must look to serve the needs of the people if we are to be the leaders and if this is our foundation, we can offer more benefits to our people without just thinking of the financial reasons.
We have to put it all on the table for the people of Nunavut and set aside that which can benefit us personally.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Ningeongan.
Mr. Pauloosie.
Member’s Statement 016 – 3(1): Appreciation to Constituents in Nattilik (Pauloosie)
Mr. Pauloosie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I congratulate you as well for being selected to be the Speaker and also to Madam Aariak, who was elected as the Premier of Nunavut. I congratulate you both.
Last week, I forgot to thank Mr. Komoartok, who nominated me even though I wasn’t selected to sit on Cabinet. So I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Komoartok.
Further, I would like to thank all of the electorate of Nattilik and the people who believed in me, even to those who didn’t.
I will be sitting here to raise the issues that I spoke to in my platform and I will work hard to implement the platform that I ran on. I will not forget my promises and I have them written down.
Further, I wish to extend my gratitude to my wife, my children, my mother, and my relatives from Nattilik. I thank them all.
I urge that we, as Members of the Legislative Assembly, work together for the improvement and betterment of Nunavut. There will be challenges and we have to work together in order to move forward and to make Nunavut prosperous.
Finally, I would also like to thank Megan Porter. She was my financial agent during my campaign for the constituency of Nattilik.
I wish to thank my family and my colleagues here in the House.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Pauloosie.
There being none, I would like to inform all members that Mr. James Arvaluk, who is representing Tununiq, is unable to be in the House today due to family issues he is experiencing.
I am honoured today to recognize a couple of individuals here in the House.
One is whose fault it is I’m here to begin with and that’s my mother, Sally Lombard.
She has travelled up from Calgary to be here today, so I would like to welcome her.
Also in the Gallery up for the swearing-in and the ceremonies today is my father-in-law, Mr. Albert Beaumier, who is sitting back here.
He came up from Montreal, so I would like to welcome him to the Gallery.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to recognize a couple of young constituents of mine here and that’s two pages that are sitting on the end here, Duncan and Keegan. I would like to welcome them to the Gallery. They have been here before.
Also, I would like to recognize another individual that is a constituent of mine and in fact, I have worked with her a lot in the past as the Chair of the Iqaluit District Education Authority and that’s Ms. Lori Idlout, sitting back here in the Gallery. So I would like to welcome them.
I would also like to recognize the individuals sitting over there, Ms. Alicee Joamie and Annie Demcheson.
They are very talented seamstresses and that’s why we all have Amautiit. From my constituency, I would also like to recognize Ms. Annie Nattaq and Simon Nattaq, who is the Sergeant-at-Arms.
I would also like to recognize my wife and my mother who were here during our swearing-in ceremony. I would also like to thank my in-laws in Taloyoak, even though they are not able to be here.
I am grateful that they are able to attend our swearing-in ceremony.
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Mr. Kusugak.
I would like to recognize my family, my wife, Sally, who is sitting behind me, and my daughters, Moatie and Terry, who are here in the Gallery.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery.
I would like to recognize someone who is very near and dear to me, we celebrated our 27th wedding anniversary on November 7. I didn’t get a chance to recognize her at all in the Second Assembly.
I have been lucky to recognize her twice now in the last five days and that’s my wife, Sandra, sitting right behind me here.
I would like to recognize my wife and my son, and I’m very thankful that they could be here today.
Speaker: Thank you. (interpretation) Welcome to the Gallery.
I would like to recognize my wife, Joanne, whom I appreciate being here for these openings.
Of course, in January, we will be having our 31st wedding anniversary.
Also, I would like to recognize my honoured guest, Aakuk Adjun, who is the great-granddaughter of Peter and Sophia Kamingoak.
Speaker: Thank you. (interpretation) Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery.
At this time, I would like to recognize my wife, Penina, who has been here since I came down. Again, from our community, behind the windows as one of the interpreters, is Naimie Bourassa. I am grateful to have had an opportunity to work with her in some of the boards and entities in Pangnirtung.
Since there are no more, Oral Questions.
As we have not yet sworn in our ministers, there will be no Oral Questions today. I am sure that the soon-to-be confirmed ministers are very disappointed.
As we have not yet sworn in our ministers, there will be no Written Questions today. (interpretation ends) Item 8.
Do any members wish to table petitions?
There being none, we will continue with the Orders of the Day.
As the House has not yet established its standing committees, there will be no reports today. (interpretation) Item 10.
Do any members wish to table documents?
There being none, Item 11.
Motion 002 – 3(1): Appointment of Deputy Speaker – Notice (Okalik)
I give notice that on Friday, November 21, I will move the following motion:
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for Pangnirtung, that Mr. Enuk Pauloosie, Member for Nattilik, be appointed Deputy Speaker.
Mr. Elliott, Member for Quttiktuq.
Motion 003 – 3(1): Appointment of Premier – Notice (Elliott)
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for Iqaluit West, that the Legislative Assembly recommends to the Commissioner of Nunavut that Ms. Eva Aariak, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Iqaluit East, be appointed Premier of Nunavut and Member of the Executive Council.
Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Aupaluktuq.
Motion 004 – 3(1): Appointments to the Executive Council of Nunavut – Notice (Aupaluktuq)
Mr. Aupaluktuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I give notice that on Friday, November 21, 2008, I will move the following motion:
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for Nanulik, that the Legislative Assembly recommends to the Commissioner of Nunavut that the following members be appointed to the Executive Council:
Mr. Lorne Kusugak, MLA for Rankin Inlet South-Whale Cove;
Mr. Keith Peterson, MLA for Cambridge Bay;
Mr. Daniel Shewchuk, MLA for Arviat;
Mr. Louis Tapardjuk, MLA for Amittuq;
Mr. Peter Taptuna, MLA for Kugluktuk; and
Mr. Hunter Tootoo, MLA for Iqaluit Centre.
At the appropriate time, I will seek unanimous consent to deal with my motion today. (interpretation) Thank you.
Member for Hudson Bay, Mr. Rumbolt.
Motion 005 – 3(1): Appointments to the Management and Services Board – Notice (Rumbolt)
I give notice that on Friday, November 21, 2008, I will move the following motion:
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for Iqaluit East, that the following members be appointed to the Management and Services Board: