EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
We don’t have much money but there are a lot of people that request those facilities and it will be good as we can use it to talk with the Federal Government for more funding.
Community Government & Transportation. Detail of Capital.
Grants and Contributions, 27 million, 220 thousand dollars.
Chairperson (interpretation): Do you agree the Department of Community Government & Transportation is complete?
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you, Ms. Thompson and your staff.
Any final remarks?
I am so thankful I don’t know what to say.
I have some caribou meat with fat and you can go ahead and join me later.
Mr. Chairman, I would like to do the Department of Justice with his opening remarks at least.
Chairperson (interpretation): Does the committee agree that we move to the Department of Justice for their opening remarks and the Ajauqtiit Chairperson opening remarks as well.
Yes, we would like to complete the opening remarks from my department.
Mr. Chairman, I am going to be very brief with my opening remarks.
I am pleased to present to you a capital budget for the Department of Justice that includes a project to construct a new Justice Centre in Iqaluit.
The total funding for this project is 11 million, 350 thousand over four years, and the planned completion is for 2005/2006.
In the current fiscal year we have allocated planning and design money to redesign the original Needs and Assessment Report.
When the government set its capital planning priorities for next year the Department of Justice was allocated a total of 1 million, 560 thousand for its capital budget.
Of this amount, 1 million, 150 thousand is for the new Justice Centre and the balance is for minor renovations and maintenance at the existing institutional facilities in order to keep them functioning as well as possible, and to purchase the capital equipment required for institutional operations and programming such as skidoos and other mobile equipment.
In the Corrections capital area, we have a need for more space to hold territorial inmates from Nunavut.
We are continuing to send inmates outside of Nunavut but this is recognized as not being a permanent solution.
We envision a different kind of facility than we currently have at BCC; something designed with a focus on healing.
The intention is that any new Corrections capital Development will be outside of Iqaluit, in a location where the community is interested in supporting the work of the facility.
In 2003/04 we had 100 thousand in the capital budget for the department to do the planning, consultation and site selection.
The money for the design and construction in subsequent years is not in the budget that is before you but I intend that when we return next year, we will be asking you to approve funding for the comprehensive Corrections’ capital plans.
(interpretation ends) We are also continuing to work with Correctional Services Canada about possible re-involvement in the joint correctional facility that could provide healing programs to both Federal and Territorial inmates from Nunavut.
I have already been in touch with the new Solicitor General about this and will be meeting with him about it.
These are my comments, and I will be pleased to respond to any questions that members of the Committee may have in Committee of the Whole.
Chairperson (interpretation): Does the Committee Chairperson have any comments?
As the Chairperson of the Standing Committee Ajauqtiit, I am pleased to have this opportunity to make opening remarks as we begin deliberations.
On the 2003/2004 capital estimates, the Department of Justice has a budget of 1 million 560 thousand dollars, representing about 1% of the government’s overall capital budget.
Mr. Chairman the majority of this budget is directed towards a new Justice Centre for Nunavut.
In previous discussions with the minister, members had a number of concerns as to where the centre would be located, whether the government would own the centre and whether there was any potential for federal funding.
Members are pleased the report on the centre will be provided to the committee and look forward to discussing those issues further.
Mr. Chairman, members have expressed strong concern as to the lack of facilities for female offenders in Nunavut.
Members have been told on a number occasions that the department is examining options but has seen little progress.
Mr. Chairman, Members of this House have expressed the need for a Correctional facility in the Kitikmeot; the people of Kitikmeot are extremely concerned about inmates committing suicides while incarcerated at the Baffin Correctional Centre and feel it is time that a facility be built for the region.
Mr. Chairman, the Committee notes that over 10 million dollars has been found to address the need for a courthouse.
Members want to see the same commitment to finding funds for correctional facilities.
Mr. Chairman, I anticipate that individual members will have questions and comments as we proceed.
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you. Shall we proceed?
Before we get into general comments maybe we don’t have much time, we can report progress, since we don’t have much time.
Could you ascertain the presence of the Speaker please?
Your Committee has been considering Bill 18 and would like to report that this Bill is still under consideration.
There is a meeting this afternoon at half past two of the Standing Committee Ajauqtiit in the Nanuq Boardroom.
A meeting tomorrow afternoon at half past one of the Standing Committee on Community Empowerment in the Tuktu Boardroom.
Monday meeting of the Regular Caucus at 9 o’clock in the Natsiq committee room.
Orders of the Day for Monday, December 2nd.
This House stands adjourned until Monday, December 2nd, 2002 at 1:30 p.m.
>>House adjourned at 15:50p.m.  Nunavut Canada
Monday December 2, 2002
Pages 2104 - 2184
Opening Prayer 2104
Ministers’ Statements 2104
Members’ Statements 2105
Returns to Oral Questions 2111
Oral Questions 2113
Tabling of Documents 2134
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 2135
Report of Committee of Whole 2182
Orders of the Day 2183
Monday December 2, 2002 2104
106 – 1(6): Ministers Anawak and Akesuk Absent from House (Picco) 2104
107 – 1(6): Fire Equipment for Nunavut Communities (Thompson) 2104
323 – 1(6): More Inuit Counsellors Needed in Communities (Irqittuq) 2105
324 – 1(6): Jonah Doing Well in Taloyoak (Williams) 2106
325 – 1 (6): Growing Up as a Child (Iqaqrialu) 2106
326 – 1(6): Inuit Relocated in Belcher Island (Kattuk) 2107
327 – 1(6): Assistance for Soapstone Carvers (Alakannuark) 2108
328 – 1(6): CBC Coverage – Throat Singers (McLean) 2108
329 – 1(6): Thank the People of Pangnirtung (Kilabuk) 2109
330 – 1(6): Christmas Activities Volunteers (Thompson) 2109
331 – 1(6): Global Warming/Financial Support Cut in Eureka (Picco) 2110
332 – 1(6): Condolences to the People of Pond Inlet (Nutarak) 2111
Return to Oral Question 194 – 1(6): Status of Motion to Support Nursing Funding Programs (Kilabuk) 2111
Return to Oral Question 314 – 1(6): Response to Special Committee on Official Languages (Picco) 2112
Return to Oral Question 290 – 1(6): Cost of Incarceration in Various Facilities (Picco) 2112
Return to Oral Question 309 – 1(6): Elders Involvement in the Court (Picco) 2113
331 – 1(6): Romanow Report – Additional Funding for Health Care (McLean) 2113
332 – 1(6): More Inuit Counsellors Needed in Baffin Areas Using IQ (Irqittuq) 2118
333 – 1(6): Assistance or Funding for Soapstone Carvers (Alakannuark) 2121
334 – 1(6): Federal Funding for Patient Airfare (Nutarak) 2122
335 – 1(6): Social Workers Immediate Supervisor – Nurse In Charge (Williams) 2124
336 – 1(6): Bilingual or Inuktitut Speaking Counsellors in Communities (Iqaqrialu) 2126
337 – 1(6): Dry Goods Cargo Negotiation (McLean) 2129
338 – 1(6): Legal Proceedings on Bill 1 (Tootoo) 2131
339 – 1(6): Guidelines for Providing Fire Trucks in Communities (Nutarak) 2132
071 – 1(6): Report and Recommendations to the Nunavut Student Financial Assistance Program (Kilabuk) 2134
072 – 1(6): Response to the Interim Report of the Special Committee on the Review of the Official Languages Act (Okalik) 2134
Committee Motion 007 – 1(6): Amendment to Bill 26, Clause 15 (Okalik) 2178
Mr. Ovide Alakannuark, Mr. James Arvaluk, Mr. Donald Havioyak, Mr. David Iqaqrialu, Mr. Enoki Irqittuq, Honourable Peter Kattuk, Hon. Peter Kilabuk, Mr. Glenn McLean, Mr. Jobie Nutarak, Honourable Kelvin Ng, Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Honourable Paul Okalik, Honourable Ed Picco, Hon. Manitok Thompson, Mr. Hunter Tootoo, Ms. Rebekah Williams.
Speaker: I would like to call on Mr. Alakannuark to say the prayer this morning.
Minister’s Statement 106 – 1(6): Ministers Anawak and Akesuk Absent from House
Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise members of the House that the Honourable Jack Anawak and the Honourable Olayuk Akesuk will be absent from the House from December 2nd to the 4th.
Minister’s Statement 107 – 1(6): Fire Equipment for Nunavut Communities
Hon. Manitok Thompson: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight some of the activities of my department regarding updating the fire safety response equipment within Nunavut communities.
Over the past two years 14 new fire trucks involving expenditures in excess of 4 million dollars were delivered to the communities of Arviat, Baker Lake, Cambridge Bay, Cape Dorset, Igloolik, Kugluktuk, Pangnirtung, Rankin Inlet, Repulse Bay, Coral Harbour, Gjoa Haven, Kugaaruk, Resolute Bay, and Sanikiluaq.
We are also in the process of replacing older community fire alert systems with a modern system involving radios and pagers.
So far the Kitikmeot region has been completed in addition to three hamlets in the Kivalliq region and six hamlets in the Baffin region.
We have replaced two older fire halls at Pangnirtung and Gjoa Haven and are currently evaluating two others for replacement.
Furthermore, a new position of Fire Specialist Training Officer has been added to the Office of the Fire Marshal and ongoing Firefighter training courses have been conducted in the hamlets throughout Nunavut.
The cost of delivering firefighter training and equipment to the hamlets is substantial but they are basic support requirements for the fire and life safety protection of hamlet residents and property.
I’m sure each of you here today will agree that the safety and protection of all Nunavummiut is our top priority.
Member’s Statement 323 – 1(6): More Inuit Counsellors Needed in Communities
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the Baffin Hospital patients that have to be transported outside of their community.
It has been an ongoing concern and I believe that we have to look into it, especially in regards to social workers and counsellors. A very good friend of mine said that they have too many responsibilities in one community.
The reason is that there should be counsellors in the communities that can speak Inuktitut so that they can service their clients.
These two counsellors who work at the hospital are overworked and they have too many clients.
They have more clients than they can handle.
We all know that when you are overworked it might be just a job to somebody else, but they do get overtired and stressed out. Especially when you’re a counsellor and when you counsel individuals in need.
It has to be properly structured.
There are a lot of Inuit out there who need counselling and usually those clients are unilingual Inuktitut speaking people.
Because of that, we need Inuktitut speaking counsellors and we have to structure it so that we don’t overwork our present counsellors.
It has been an issue that has been brought up more than once in the House and we have to bring it up again so that we can implement and use traditional methods of counselling so that we can lessen the client overload of the counsellors. Thank you.
Member’s Statement 324 – 1(6): Jonah Doing Well in Taloyoak
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform the Members of this House about some good news from our colleague, the Member for Nattilik.
Mr. Speaker, the Member for Nattilik has asked me to convey to all Members of the House, the welcome news that his family member, Jonah, is resting comfortably at home in the company of relatives and friends.
Mr. Speaker, our colleague has asked me to give his sincere thanks for the support extended to him by everyone in this House.
He has also asked that we reflect on the power of love and prayer in these types of situations. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 325 – 1 (6): Growing Up as a Child
I do not have any momentous news at this time.
Today, I would like to recall a time when I was a child and the traditional way that my parents lived. I can visualize myself as a child.
My mother was tending the kudlik or the seal oil lamp and we had just recently moved into a brand new igloo.
I could see the condensed breath of my mother and father because our new igloo was just starting to get heated for the first time.
I can remember this vividly and it was the way I was brought up as a child.
I can also remember the time my parents and I lived in a tent and we had absolutely nothing except the kamotik lashings and the harnesses of the dogs.
We had absolutely nothing left of the traders’ goods but my parents were very happy because we had food to eat.
We didn’t even have tea or anything to drink, but we were grateful for the heat and the food that was provided by the oil lamp and outdoor fire.
That was the lifestyle of my parents and I also remember a time when my sister and I were growing up and we had a little tent outside of the main one.
There was a time when my mother had a loaf of bannock on her side of the tent.
We had our little play tent outside and we grabbed some of the tent sides and pulled them up, got into the big tent and stole the bannock that my mother was cooling.
So I thank my mother for having reared us and giving us a good childhood, without which we would not be here.
Member’s Statement 326 – 1(6): Inuit Relocated in Belcher Island
I rise today to talk of a situation that happened in Sanikiluaq in the past which has been discussed this week.
I don’t recall making a Members’ Statement on it, but we were relocated by the government to our present location; I’m not blaming the government for relocating us to that particular area.
But it’s wrong to relocate Inuit for sovereignty.
I think it was in the 1960’s that there were two camps at the Belcher Islands.
The government stated that we had to make one permanent camp and they had to decide which camp was going to be moving to the other.
At that time there was a family who had to decide which camp they were going to be moving to.
It was something that was extremely stressful to the family; it was our permanent camp.
It was our home and then we had to get relocated and move somewhere else; it was very hard on the family, and the residents of the island made a decision to decide to locate to one place.
The government said that if we didn’t relocate it would be too expensive to maintain both camps, so we had to move to a community where they established schools and government offices.
At that time we had to relocate we were told by the government that they would build houses for us to live in and because of that the people who were relocating left everything behind.
When the houses arrived they had to be constructed, but they never returned to their original camp.
It was extremely hard going through that relocation, because the government never provided travel expenses, a mode of transportation, canoes or anything.
We had to do all the moving ourselves, without the financial assistance of the government, we used our own equipment, the skidoos, and the canoes. The thing that hurt me was my father and my uncle had to shoot their own dogs because they were requested to do so.
They had nothing to transport their equipment and because you can’t leave dogs alone or you can’t abandon your dogs, my father and my uncle had to shoot the dogs.
While the houses were getting constructed they had to use their own material and wait till late fall to move in. It was extremely hard and I think it was wrong for the government to relocate those people.
It is something I’ve always wanted to say under Members’ Statements.
They are many, many Sanikiluaq residents who experienced that relocation and who are still alive.
At that time I was in Churchill, Manitoba, for vocational training and I wasn’t there.
But that was a sad event that the people of Sanikiluaq had to experience.
Member’s Statement 327 – 1(6): Assistance for Soapstone Carvers
I smile to my relatives and my family members and colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, people who rely on generating an income by carving soapstone often have to acquire their own soapstone material.
Mr. Speaker, I know it’s very expensive to buy soapstone, while people in some communities get subsidies to purchase their material, other communities don’t get the same assistance.
For example, in Kugaaruk, a group of carvers get together to look for raw soapstone; they do this on their own.
These carvers should be eligible for subsidies to assist them in the acquiring process and I will be asking the Minister questions about this at the appropriate time.
Member’s Statement 328 – 1(6): CBC Coverage – Throat Singers
I know this isn’t Friday and it’s Monday and you know the theory of business in this House to start the week out should be serious. But you know I can’t help but think this morning, and over the weekend I’ve seen them putting lights up on the Legislative Assembly and I heard Christmas music on the radio and I’d like to thank the CBC for the great coverage we’re getting over the last couple of weeks in the Assembly.
But as I was laying in bed this morning, Mr. Speaker, I was contemplating Christmas shopping and what I’m going to do for my children and wife and my constituents and planning an elders’ supper and stuff like that.
When crash, there was a loud noise, Mr. Speaker, and Mr. Speaker, it sounded like someone was strangling a cat on CBC radio this morning.
And I’m going what’s going on with CBC this morning, there was screaming and whining and howling and I’m going usually they’re very good at their coverage and you know, why are they broadcasting the strangling of a cat?
So I’m sitting there listening to it and then I got further clarification, Mr. Speaker, that it was the Honourable Speaker and the Honourable Minister of Health and Social Services massacring throat singing.
And Mr. Speaker, I know it’s great that non-aboriginal members try to pick up the Inuit culture and stuff like that.
But Mr. Speaker, could I beg you and the Minister of Health, not to give up your day jobs and pursue a career in throat singing?
Member’s Statement 329 – 1(6): Thank the People of Pangnirtung
Very briefly, I would just like to thank the people of Pangnirtung, the people that I went to have lunch with and visited over the weekend.
And also I would like to say hi to Kevin in Qikiqtarjuaq and the people that I just barely missed at the airport.
Member’s Statement 330 – 1(6): Christmas Activities Volunteers
I was also listening to the radio and I give thanks, that the Minister of Health and Social Services and Mr. Speaker, I’m glad that I didn’t hear you guys throat singing on the radio this morning.
Since Christmas is almost upon us, there will be volunteers who will be helping the Hamlet Council with the Christmas activities, with races, the dancing, the feasting and there will be many volunteers who will contribute to make all these activities happen.
I especially would like to thank the recreation people in Rankin and Whale Cove who will be doing everything they can to make sure that the activities go ahead and also the people who will be participating in the games and the dances, I thank them ahead of time for taking the time to participate in the Christmas activities.
It is also a time when the families get together, especially in today’s day and age where we don’t often get together as a family, or as extended families.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the Recreation Coordinators.
It is a very hard job but it does go ahead.
And they feel for their communities.
For the recreation people, the Hamlet Councils, the Recreation Committees, and the other entities out there, I thank them all and especially the schools where they will be having the Christmas concerts as well as the students and the teachers that are getting prepared for the big night when they have their concerts.
I thank them in advance and also my colleagues and their ridings.
Member’s Statement 331 – 1(6): Global Warming/Financial Support Cut in Eureka
Mr. Speaker, before I get to my statement, I just want to say that on the throat singing this morning on CBC radio, I have been contacted by several people by email, and telephone as well as telegrams across Nunavut asking for a copy of the CD. I hope to be recording one in January with better vocal tones and some back up help.
Mr. Speaker, the issues around global warming, climate change and the Kyoto Accord has been dominating the news, north, and south in this country for some time now.
Canada, as a Nordic nation, should be on the vanguard, Mr. Speaker, on the vanguard of continued research and increased effort in the area of Arctic Sciences.
The continued federal cuts to the Continental Polar Shelf Program as well as the Regional Report of the Taskforce on Northern Research, all point out and demonstrate the weakness of logistical administrative and financial support to this ongoing work.
Mr. Speaker, I have also recently read in the Meridian Newsletter that the Federal Government is closing the Arctic Zone Ozone Observatory, Astral, located on Ellesmere Island.
This is located about 15 kilometres from Eureka.
Mr. Speaker, this state-of-the-art facility has been in operation since 1993, and it specializes in data collection into the well-known issue of the depletion of the ozone layer at the poles.
Mr. Speaker, putting the facility into mothballs will save our Federal Government about 300 thousand dollars a year.
But it is another nail into the coffin of Canada’s reputation, Mr. Speaker, our reputation as a leader, or at the very least as a player in the field of Arctic Research.
Mr. Speaker, this is a national embarrassment.
Mr. Speaker, as the Meridian pointed out, the closing of the Astral Observatory is symptomatic of Canada’s declining commitment to Northern Research.
The national taskforce report called “From crisis to opportunity - Rebuilding Canada’s Role in Northern Research” said studies in the Canadian Arctic are being undertaken by scientists, Mr. Speaker, scientists from other nations, who realize the importance of our region as an early warning system for global change.
Mr. Speaker, today I have written the Minister from DIAND about a sincere commitment to continue and expand federal sponsored research here in Canada’s North.
I have also written the National Minister for Defence, on opportunities with Nanisivik as well as the continued presence which has been lacking in the usage of our FOL sites in Rankin Inlet as well as here in Iqaluit, for CF-18’s and other possible scientific and logistical support.
Member’s Statement 332 – 1(6): Condolences to the People of Pond Inlet
The cycle of life is ongoing; people live and die and this is an unfortunate matter, but it is just part of our lives and we can’t change it no matter how much we want to change life.
That is just a fact of life and as MLAs too, it’s hard since we all want to help but we cannot stop the inevitable.
I do care for my fellow residents of Pond Inlet, but when we lose a community member it is impossible to help.
I am sorry to say that there was a resident from Pond Inlet who passed away this morning and I want to send my condolences and this is a part of life that will continue far into the future.
This is part of life, so I send my condolences to the family and once I can, as soon as I can, I’ll be visiting them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
If not, we will move on to Item 4.
Returns to Oral Questions. Mr. Kilabuk.
Return to Oral Question 194 – 1(6): Status of Motion to Support Nursing Funding Programs
Mr. Speaker, my colleague Mr. Arvaluk asked a question in regards to the nursing programs and the funding on October 28, 2002.