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I rise today to talk about the issue of guns and firearms and I envy the people of Sanikiluaq who are now officially enjoying spring.
When I called home this morning, it was +3 in Sanikiluaq. Spring is upon us.
When we were growing up, our fathers, our uncles, and relatives taught us about the safe use of firearms and what it should be used for and what it should not be used for.
As the older generation, we started using firearms when we could barely lift them up to our shoulders and we were taught that you were to use it only on wildlife and because the gun was too big for you, you put it under your arm instead of on your shoulder.
We were taught the proper use of guns, we were taught the safe handling of firearms and everything else about the gun, and where ever it would pose a danger to humans.
But I rise today as a regular Member to tell you that the firearm legislation is now being discussed again and I am telling the youth because of course, they will be going out on the land more frequently and must learn to properly handle and use firearms.
There will be birds coming, migratory birds coming into our land, and the seals basking under the sun, but Mr. Speaker, what I am trying to say is that Inuit might be exempted from the Firearms Act, but I think it is going to have a huge impact on the Inuit and their hunting lifestyle.
I would like to recognize Celestine Irqijjuk, who is very well known in Nunavut, but the reason why I want to recognize him is when I first came to Iqaluit in 1971, Irqijjuk and Ben Ell, they were my mentors at that time.
I had apparently gave them something to laugh about when I went hunting with them in a snowmobile, I think we were going to Qairuliktuuq and we were going up a slope and I finally caught up with them and I just kept going so that we could fix up my snowmobile.
And there I was, I went up without listening to my mentors because my motor was so weak and my track was not tight enough, it just kept rolling and I was not going anywhere.
I would like to recognize Mr. Celestine Irqijjuk.
Question 486 – 1(6): Polar Bear Collars
This is the first time that I'm first in question period.
Last week I asked the Minister about polar bears.
I asked him how many polar bears are collared for survey purposes.
It is possible for the Minister to find out how many polar bears are collared because he didn’t respond to my question.
Are these the same types of collars that were used in the past or are they newer models?
The responses from the information have not been complied yet by my staff but I’ll try to get that for you today.
I'm trying to get the information compiled so that I can give you the appropriate response to you question.
When I initially started to ask my questions, I don’t know whether it was this year or last year but there were polar bears that were collared with radios for survey purposes.
Is it possible for the Minister to tell us what the life of these radio collars are?
For the information of the member, in 1998 we had seven in the Gulf of Boothia who were last collared with radio transmitters.
But in 1999, all seven collars were removed.
The Minister stated that all seven of these collars were removed.
Was it standard to remove the collars to remove them in the past like you did in 1999?
In regards to the collars, I could check into it and see what the usual practice was prior to 1998 and what kind of collars were being used.
I’ll inform the member of what the past practices were in regards to the collars that were fitted to the polar bears prior to 1998.
I thank the member for his responses.
Could the Minister go back in to the GNWT and see what techniques were used, what kinds of collars were used and table those documents to the House.
I could compile the information in regards to polar bear collaring.
Once we have compiled all the documents, we will make the information available to all the communities.
I will make sure that is done.
Question 487 – 1(6): Update on Pangnirtung Airport Study
During the Minister’s Statement the Minister stated that the Pangnirtung airport will be studied.
There is a study currently underway in Pangnirtung in regards to the proposed airport relocation.
Could you give me further information on that?
In 2002, the Hamlet of Pangnirtung, and their MLA jointly commissioned a study on the construction of a new airport in Pangnirtung.
They also wanted to have a feasibility study done on where the location would be and so on.
We have been working on this for quite a while.
And we are currently doing a study on the Pangnirtung airport.
The Pangnirtung airport has been discussed for quite a while now and that safety issues should be fixed up in the communities.
The Pangnirtung airport was placed as a priority when it comes to safety issues.
The Pangnirtung airport, I am sure that we all know is situated right in the middle of the community.
It is hazardous, and a safety issue.
Are you about completed with that study that you mentioned, or is it almost done?
Is it in the middle, what is the progress?
Since we initiated the study a long time ago, well maybe to backtrack a bit, there has never been a study done since the creation of Nunavut to determine the costs of making improvements.
Due to that, the Member representing Pangnirtung, told our department to initiate a study.
We did that with the Hamlet of Pangnirtung.
It is almost completed, if it is not already completed.
We do have to finalize the feasibility study.
That is about the only thing that we are waiting for at this point.
I’m sure it must be just about completed.
It was a huge task to undertake, but I cannot tell the Member exactly when.
I believe that it is almost completed.
Question 488 – 1(6): DEW Line Site Cleanup
Mr. Speaker, I’d like to ask a question to the Minister of Sustainable Development.
Because his department is working with NTI in regards to the cleanup of the DEW line sites, I just wondered if the Minister is aware of the cleanup of the DEW line sites.
There is an agreement between the federal government and NTI that was signed when Mr. Eagleton was here.
What we can do is to try and find out about the cleanup of the environment in the DEW line sites.
As far As I know there is an agreement between NTI and DND in regards to the cleanup of the DEW line sites.
I have received numerous correspondences from Broughton Island in regards to the DEW line site cleanup in Broughton Island.
There has been work between NTI and DND.
I just wondered if the Department of Sustainable Development will be kept informed on the work of DND and NTI about the cleanup of the DEW line site.
Yes, our government of Nunavut is happy that there is going to be a DEW line site cleanup and we will keep up with the progress of the cleanup of the DEW line sites even though its DND and NTI that are doing the work.
I will make sure that my department is aware of the progress because it impacts on my department in regards to tourism.
I will make sure that my department is involved.
Perhaps the Minister could talk with the Hamlet of Broughton Island and to talk with the wildlife officer as to what the progress is on the cleanup of the DEW line site in Broughton Island.
The mayor of Broughton Island informed me when we had a meeting in Broughton Island in regards to the cleanup progress in Broughton Island.
The mayor is aware as to what stage the cleanup is at right now.
If my department can be of any assistance we will be on hand to assist the Hamlets, especially when the site has to be cleaned up over in those DEW line sites.
Question 489 – 1(6): Garry Lake – Cleanup of American Military Site
I got a little distracted there by something else.
Mr. Speaker, we understand there are a lot of old DEW line sites laying around, that haven’t been cleaned up yet because of some issues in regards to whether it’s a NTI issue or something like that.
But I have to bring forward my question to the Minister today.
Back in the 50s and the early 60s, U.S. Air Force opened up a base outside of Baker Lake, in the Garry Lake area.
They had a full operational airstrip, camp, and for some reason they just mysteriously packed up one day and left, and left all of the remains.
They bulldozed the trucks, equipment and just buried it in the ground; we do not know what kind of contaminants are there.
Can the Minister commit to me to maybe go in there and do some kind of environmental study to see if it is in fact it has to be cleaned up?
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk (interpretation): Yes, Mr. Speaker, we have to be able to make sure that there are no contaminants in the land around Nunavut area because NTI and the Federal Government have been working together in regards to contaminants out in the Nunavut lands and how they have to be cleaned up.
And we will make sure that my Department is informed about those kinds of clean ups that are being done in Nunavut lands and we can, my Department can look into what places have been cleaned up this far, working with NTI and the federal government.
In the 50s and 60s, the federal government allowed the U.S. government, who were a little insensitive when they went into certain areas of Nunavut to build these establishments and there was actually nothing said or done.
They just went in and built no matter what.
You know they did not take into consideration the ancestral hunting grounds and fur places and where people spent thousands of years living.
And to date, I have not heard any priority at all being put on the Garry Lake area in regards to any kind of environmental study or clean up.
Can the Minister commit to me and this House today that he will let the Hamlet of Baker Lake know that they are going to go in there and do some kind of initial study to see if in fact it has to be cleaned up, or is it a priority of his Department?
Yes, Mr. Speaker, there is an agreement whereby the DEW line sites and the contaminated areas have to be cleaned up by a certain time.
I could talk with the federal government and NTI as to what the conditions are for the study and clean up of those areas that the Member mentioned because we have to make sure that lands around Nunavut are, the contaminants are cleaned up.
It is not a DEW line site, this was a secret site that was established by the U.S. Navy or Air Force back in the 50’s or some kind of, nobody knows.
So, you know, the site has been kept secret back then.
Nobody knew what was going on there and today, I do not think anybody knows.
You know, today, it was not a DEW line site, it was some kind of base that was established there for some kind of testing, for God knows what.
So, can the Minister commit to me, again, and the community of Baker Lake, to look into this issue of the Garry Lake air base or whatever it was and report to the community ASAP because this may not have anything to do with NTI or DEW line sites.
I would direct the NTI and DND to look into the area around Garry Lake and to find out what contaminants there might be in that area.
To my knowledge, the last forty years, nothing has happened.
Can the Minister responsible let me know when this will happen?
When we have a meeting in Baker Lake this June, I will look into that area to find out exactly the location of that area and after we have found that out then I will direct the people involved to look into it.
Question 490 – 1(6): New Wildlife Act to Incorporate I.Q.
Today is the Minister of Sustainable Development’s day for questioning.
It is in regards to my Member’s statement earlier on Mr. Speaker.
What is going to be a new wildlife Act drafted for the people of Nunavut and there will be community consultations being held at this time from the staff of the department.
I would like to know if Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit will be fully utilized in the new wildlife act and how it will be incorporated into that act.
I am happy to say that we are going to be drafting a new Nunavut Wildlife Act in conjunction with the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board and NTI.
All the concerns that have been expressed by the Nunavummiut will be considered.
The old wildlife act that was drafted in 1978 does not recognise Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, but I want to assure the member that Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit will be put into the act for the new Nunavut Wildlife Act and as soon as the draft legislation is ready, it will be in the committee stage and the members can take a look at that draft.
The members will note that Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit will be incorporated into the new  Wildlife Act and it will give the members a chance to ask questions on the new act once it is finalized.
In regards to the new Wildlife Act, when you do legislation, there are also things that are written in there, what you can and can’t do, especially in regards to big game.
We’re not talking so much about little or smaller game, but I’m especially talking about the big game such as walrus and bowhead whale and the other ones.
In regards to the enforcement of the big game and the definition of a hunter or a harvester, are those going to be considered?
In regards to the members question about big game such as bowhead whales and others, those are the responsibilities of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
But, the other big game that the member mentioned, they will be considered when we draft the act.
We can deal with the big game on the land that is written in the wildlife act but the rest are the responsibilities of the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
I'm very pleased that the Minister for Sustainable Development is also the Minster for Culture, Language, Elders and Youth.
I'm sure he understands what I'm trying to talk about because the departments separate the responsibilities between the land and marine animals.
Marine mammals are the responsibility of the DFO and also they have to work with the Inuit organizations.
Can the Minister tell me when you are working on the drafting of the Act, if you can ask the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to make sure that thy make changes to the Bill to respect the needs of Nunavut?
His question is clear.
There are a number of concerns within Nunavut because some other levels of government are responsible for some parts that are contained in the provisions of the Wildlife Act.
We’ll have to work with NTI and follow the agreement and also work with the federal government and I know that it’s going to be awhile in dealing with this act because the federal government do not come up with results the very next day so it’s going to be a slow process.
Mr. Puqiqnak asked me a question in regards to the Act, in regards to the concerns of Nunavummiut because there are quite a number of concerns out there from the public of Nunavut in regards to the Wildlife Act, to make sure that we incorporate Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit into the Act.
During the review we have stated that we will include Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in the Wildlife Act.
My last question; the Wildlife Act, when they are at the drafting stage, the federal government legislation on marine mammals and NTI land Claims Agreement have to be reviewed very carefully.
If they set it up this way, they’re stronger than the provisions in the Land Claims Agreement so they have to be on equal footing with using the regulations by using the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement so that the act will coincide with the Land Claims Agreement.
That is a good question because the Department of Fisheries and Oceans do not have any issues that are contained in the Act.
We will work carefully by reviewing both documents from the Land Claims Agreement.
NTI along with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and NWMB and Nunavut Government have reviewed those documents and they have been working together to date.
It’s evident that we are working to recognize Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit into the Act and select the best parts and incorporate then into the Act.
Question 491 – 1(6): Plans to Keep Mining Area Near Kugluktuk Contaminant Free
Mr. Speaker, there seems to be many mining companies coming close to Kugluktuk and we have many rivers in those areas where the mining companies are operating.
Many people use these rivers for hunting and fishing.
I would like to ask the Minister if he has plans to keep these rivers clean from the activities of the mining companies to ensure that there are no environmental impacts on these rivers and lands.
Has the Minister checked into these lands, to be careful not to pollute these lands when these mining companies?
The federal government are responsible for the mining centre in that area and also the Nunavut Impact Review Board and the Nunavut Water Board, and they are now working on this issue as to how they will be dealing with that issue.
As Government of Nunavut, it is our responsibility to monitor and make sure that the environment is not being contaminated.
So, therefore in regards to the Member’s question, it is the federal government that is responsible for ensuring the rivers are not being contaminated in the Kugluktuk area from the mining centre. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The community of Kugluktuk likes to hear that the environment is not contaminated because they are not hearing anything from the federal government.
I wanted to hear the Minister state that the environment is not contaminated from the mining activity.
Regardless of whether the federal government looks after the environment, I was wondering if the Minister’s department can monitor these activities in the rivers and lands in that Kugluktuk area.
Yes, our government can monitor to make sure that they are not contaminating the environment, to make sure that mining activities do no contaminate the environment.
I’m sure NIRB and the water board will work very closely and will be consulting with the communities on the progress of the mining development in that area.
Also, the Inuit association, the Kitikmeot Inuit Association will be a signatory to the agreement if this should go ahead and Inuit will be informed on the process.
Not too long ago, the environment in Nanisivik was repatriated, and we could use that model for the Kugluktuk area as well.
We have worked closely with the mining centre and also the environmental entities in Nunavut.
They will work closely with the communities that are concerned with the impacts of contaminants to the environment.
I would like to know, I would to hear that the Minister will suggest that they will be monitoring, maybe for next year.
I would like to hear more of environmental contaminants prevention in the next few years when the mining sector is in the region.
Yes, the federal government and the Nunavut Impact Review Board and Nunavut Water Board will be submitting reports after they complete their study. The Nunavut Government will also review the report whether there will be an impact on the environment.
Earlier on, he had mentioned that the Nunavut Water Board and Nunavut Impact Review Board and the Federal Government will be monitoring the environment.
I would like to ask the Minister if your Department can monitor this.
I know we have set up a Committee to monitor the environment from your Department.
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk (interpretation): Thank you. Yes, we will work to the best of our ability on how to save the environment.
I am willing to work closely with the Member here on this issue to make sure that we work with the Federal Government because mining is very important to Nunavut.
Question 492 – 1(6): Plans to Construct Women’s Facility
Today, I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Justice in regards to women being incarcerated.
Mr. Speaker, the Minister had made a Minister’s Statement because it is very expensive to house inmates outside of Nunavut.
I would like to ask the Minister to update me on the plans for constructing corrections facilities for women inmates.
Yes, we are in the process of reviewing it.
We have not made a concrete decision, but we are reviewing it and doing a study and we have communicated with the organizations here in Iqaluit to see how they would want it set up.
But to date, we have not made a final decision.
When would you be making your final decision?
If we can agree with the entities that are here and also, we will have to find new funds.
To date, we are pleased to see that there are not too many women that are being incarcerated, but we regret that we do not have such a facility, but we are looking into it.
Yes, I am also very pleased that not too many women are incarcerated in Nunavut and I am sure that we are all pleased about it.
Who are the entities that you will be consulting and planning with?
At this time, I cannot dispose all of the information right now because I am in the process of having discussions.
I have to inform them first before I publicize this.
It is a confidential matter at this time.
Can the Minister for Justice inform us during the Baker Lake Session?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Yes, I will speak with the organizations involved, if that is okay, and if I can get an agreement with them, than I will be able to make a statement during that session.
Question 493 – 1(6): Update on Collective Bargaining
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister currently responsible for collective Bargaining, and that is the Minister of Finance.
Last week, I asked the Minister of Human Resources where things are at with the negotiations with the Nunavut Employee’s Union.
It’s within a week now with the collective agreement that we have with our employees is expiring.
The Minister of Human Resources indicated that the Minister of Finance was leading that.
I was wondering if the Minister of Finance and Collective Bargaining could provide an update as to where things are at with the negotiations.
Mr. Speaker, there hasn’t been any schedules set yet for negotiations from my understanding.
I believe we’re waiting for a formal notification process to initiate anything.
Mr. Speaker, the Minister indicated that they’re waiting for formal notification.
Do they have to wait to get that notification from the Employees Union or is it something that the department has to notify the Employee’s Union on.
Speaker: Minister. Ng.
Mr. Speaker, I believe the Nunavut Employee’s Union has to start the process, giving notice of intent to negotiate.
Mr. Speaker, I know that our government tends to sit and wait for things to happen.
I’d like to ask the Minister if he has any plans in place as to what they have to work with when they do receive that notification.
I can’t wait for Committee of the Whole later today.
Mr. Speaker, we have appointed a chief negotiator on behalf of the government.
We have a bargaining team on behalf of the government of Nunavut as I indicated.
They’re in a preparation of the process of preparing a bargaining mandate that will get out to the Financial Management Board in anticipation of starting the collective bargaining process.
Mr Speaker, is the Minister indicating that they basically don’t have any position yet.
That there is this group that will be bringing a proposal forward to the FMB to decide whether or not that’s something that they want to bring forward to not.
Speaker: Minister NG.
Mr. Speaker, What I’ve indicated is that there are different options that the bargaining committee has put together.
It hasn’t been formally adopted yet or approved as far as the bargaining mandate.
It has to be approved by the Financial Management Board, the parameters under which they can negotiate.
Question 494 – 1(6): Research on Caribou
Yes, they conduct various studies and research on terrestrial and marine mammals.
Also, we used to hear about the research on caribou, but we have not heard anything about research on caribou for a long time.
In fact, I was wondering if there was such a research on caribou nowadays.
Yes, we still continue to study the caribou in Nunavut and they do their migration route study.
During the research on caribou, have you found out anything unusual or something about them?
In regards to the member’s questions, I don’t have any information on the findings or the results of the research.
It’s evident that if we had problems in the past, the biologist had made solutions and we try to work with wildlife to make sure that there are not problems with them.
It is clear that if there was such a problem or concern about the caribou, that this issue has been resolved.