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I want to take this opportunity to congratulate all of the candidates who had the courage and the commitment to stand for election in the community.
Mr. Speaker, the privilege of public service is a responsibility that cannot be taken lightly.
I want to express my support for the new leadership of Baker Lake’s municipal council and to reiterate my longstanding commitment to working with the community to make Baker Lake a better place for all of its people.
Mr. Speaker, I have risen in this House on a number of occasions to address the needs of the community in such areas as infrastructure enhancements, economic development, environmental protection, social progress, financial transparency, and political accountability.
Later today at the appropriate time, I will be tabling an important resolution that was passed by the municipal council one week ago concerning the issue of community infrastructure.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to vigorously representing the community’s priorities, goals, and aspirations in the months ahead.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in congratulating the members of Baker Lake’s new municipal council.
Member’s Statement 370 – 3(3): Women’s World in Nunavut (Ugyuk)
To my constituents in Taloyoak and Gjoa Haven, I wish you a good day.
My dear son and my granddaughter celebrated their birthdays recently. I hope they have a joyous birthday and I love them very much. I wish them a special day.
I’m going to be speaking about women’s world in Nunavut. Women in the Nattilik area feel that these statements are part of their lives and this is the meaning of these words.
(interpretation ends) The reality of a life of a typical woman in Nunavut is astounding.
A woman usually outlives a spouse and takes care of grandchildren and adult children.
A woman usually has to be a peacekeeper for her adult children who are in an abusive relationship.
A woman is usually the main go-to when things get tough on family issues.
A woman is usually a victim of sexual abuse as a young child or teen and carries on with scars to be the heart and soul for her family.
Too often, a woman is murdered in Nunavut by a partner or spouse.
A woman is the caretaker for her children, parents, etcetera, when the abusive spouse is incarcerated and no support is given or mandated.
As an MLA for Nattilik, I applaud the strength of the women in Nunavut and urge you to voice your concerns to your respected MLA for programming and services for future generations to come.
Member’s Statement 371 – 3(3): Polar Bears Are Not Endangered (Curley)
Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon to the residents of Rankin Inlet.
I believe they’re experiencing good weather at this time, as well as here in Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reiterate our position on polar bears issues. In particular, I don’t want this aspect forgotten in the debate. Here in Nunavut, our culture is an ancient culture which has depended on animals for their survival.
We do have legislation pertaining to wildlife, but Inuit have further customary laws related to respecting all animals, especially polar bears.
It is part of our Inuit culture with associated laws and Inuit will continue to practise their culture, especially our hunters who depend on animals.
Qallunaat continue to maintain that certain species are in decline, predominantly the polar bears, and that we ought to provide food to them. However, in our lives, our elders have advised us from centuries ago, “Please do not feed wildlife.”
We will continue to abide by this customary law since Inuit have many traditions and laws related to wildlife.
If Inuit were to try to provide food for this species, it would actually endanger Inuit.
Mr. Speaker, I wanted to state this fact: polar bears are not threatened here in Nunavut. (interpretation ends) This is not about science; it’s a fact. (interpretation) Many polar bear populations are increasing. Due to this reason, I want to make my statement on this issue.
Although animal rights activists maintain that polar bears are threatened and that meat should be provided to ensure their survival, in accordance with Inuit customary laws, we will follow what we have practised from time immemorial. Wildlife should never be fed.
Member’s Statement 372 – 3(3): Gathering of Women in Kugluktuk (Taptuna)
Good afternoon, colleagues and Nunavummiut, and good morning to Kuglukturmiut.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the Kugluktuk Women’s Group in their initiative of hosting a local planned gathering titled, “The Three L’s: Live, Laugh, and Love.”
This event brought together the women of Kugluktuk, with ages ranging from 13 and older.
The purpose of the gathering was to bring women together to share and take pride in the skills and in the knowledge that the women of Kugluktuk community have, and to acknowledge that as a community, change must start and begin with those living there.
So, Mr. Speaker, the foundation of the gathering was on the belief that change begins with us at the community level.
Mr. Speaker, each day began with shared lunches prepared by volunteers and group sessions were led by a community resident sharing her knowledge and experiences that led into group discussions on such topics as how families live and other aspects of living in the community.
Mr. Speaker, each day, the discussions were recorded and then developed into a strategic plan for the Kugluktuk Women’s Group for the next five to ten years of planning.
On the last day of the gathering, it finished off with a banquet.
I would like to take this time to thank everyone who participated in the discussions. I would also like to thank the women of Kugluktuk who took the time to arrange and organize this special event.
Member’s Statement 373 – 3(3): New Constituency Office in Building 723 (Ell)
I say “good afternoon” to my constituents as it is heading towards coffee in Iqaluit West.
Mr. Speaker, many of my constituents took the opportunity to attend the grand opening of my new constituency office here in Iqaluit.
To my constituents who haven’t visited yet or who haven’t heard about this move, I want to let you know that my constituency office has now been moved to the middle of Iqaluit West in the house numbered 783.
I welcome all of my constituents to come and visit my office at any time, as I am able to represent them at any time whenever this service is required. I also thank them for this opportunity to represent them.
Furthermore, I want to remind my constituents that I am available at any time, that they can call my office at any time or visit my office personally and present their issues or if they need information on programming from the different levels of governments.
There are information pamphlets available in our office as well.
I want my constituents in Iqaluit West to feel free to visit me to speak about their issues or if they have any concerns about any aspect of the Nunavut government.
If you would like to visit in person, the house number is 723. I’m sorry for stating the wrong house number, as I’m not wearing my glasses, but the constituency office for Iqaluit West is located at house number 723 and the phone number is 867-979-5807.
I thank the people who came by.
Member’s Statement 374 – 3(3): Allocation of Five Narwhal Quotas for Arviat (Shewchuk)
I, too, would like to say “good afternoon” to all of my constituents in Arviat.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and congratulate the HTO of Arviat for working very hard on a successful situation.
Mr. Speaker, the community of Arviat has been begging and borrowing narwhal tags from all other communities in the Kivalliq and other communities from the Baffin.
Last week, Mr. Speaker, finally with the hard work of the HTO and the assistance and support of the Kivalliq Wildlife Board, the community of Arviat was allocated a quota of five narwhal tags.
Mr. Speaker, now Arviarmiut can be assured that their citizens and hunters will have the quota to harvest five narwhal annually and to share and provide to the community.
Member’s Statement 375 – 3(3): Inuktitut Calendar Terminology (Ningark)
Good afternoon, my colleagues in the House.
Earlier today, the Minister of Languages and Culture and Heritage, Hon. Arreak, made an announcement.
I thank him for that announcement to “Keep our language strong.” Indeed, let us do exactly that.
Here in this world, Inuit have to be recognized, especially those of us from Nunavut.
When a month is marked in the English calendar like September, the Inuktitut version says, “Sittimpa” in syllabics.
Also for October, the book marker says “Uktuupa” in Inuktitut.
Inuit have their own terminology for the months of the year following hunting seasons in order to prepare for the harvests ahead.
For example, Qavaavik, I believe, is in May.
Mr. Speaker, there are different ways of saying the months of the year in Inuktitut instead of just phonetically writing them into syllabics.
When we get to question period, I will be asking Hon. Minister Arreak to see whether the Inuit language can be put into the months of the year in accordance with Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
For instance, it should not just be “Sittimpa” for September or “Maatsi” for March, but they should be called the way Inuit call them.
Member’s Statement 376 – 3(3): Congratulations to High Arctic Recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and Commissioner’s Awards (Elliott)
It is with tremendous sense of pride that I rise in this House to pay tribute to a number of my constituents from Grise Fiord, Resolute Bay, and Arctic Bay.
Mr. Speaker, in preparation for our winter sitting of the Legislative Assembly, I had the opportunity to recently travel from Arctic Bay to spend time in the communities of Grise Fiord and Resolute Bay.
As always, this was an excellent opportunity for my constituents to raise issues of concern with me in person, a number of which I will be addressing during this sitting.
Mr. Speaker, this trip was particularly special, as I had the honour of hosting Commissioner Edna Elias on the occasion of her official visit to the High Arctic to present a number of Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals and Commissioner’s Awards.
Mr. Speaker, as you are aware, a number of distinguished Nunavummiut throughout the territory have been awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal over the past year for their contributions and achievements in a variety of fields of endeavour.
I am pleased to note that these awards have been made based on nominations from Nunavut organizations and individuals.
Mr. Speaker, ten remarkable residents of the High Arctic received the Diamond Jubilee Medal:
Qaapik Attagutsiak of Arctic Bay;
Larry Audlaluk of Grise Fiord;
Piuyuq Enoogoo of Arctic Bay;
Samson Ejangiaq of Arctic Bay;
Simon Idlout of Resolute Bay;
Frank May of Arctic Bay;
Aksarjuk Ningiuk of Grise Fiord;
Lootie Pijamini of Grise Fiord;
Ludy Pudluk of Resolute Bay; and
Jimmy Qaapik of Grise Fiord.
Mr. Speaker, as I noted earlier, a number of my constituents also received Commissioner’s Awards this month. They are:
Nancy Amarualik;
Pauloosie Attagootak;
Inootiq Manik;
Matthew Manik;
Philip Manik, Jr.;
Saroomie Manik;
Matthew Nungaq; and
Samson Simeonie.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in congratulating the High Arctic recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and Commissioner’s Awards.
Member’s Statement 377 – 3(3): Successful Search and Rescue in Qikiqtarjuaq (Arreak)
I wish to extend my gratitude to the people who partook in the emergency search in Qikiqtarjuaq, especially the organizers who initiated the search party, as well as the search and rescue personnel, and the community coordinators for the local search and rescue committee. I wish to thank all of the people who were involved in this event.
I am ecstatic that the two hunters who were the subject of the search were found in good health prior to them experiencing any difficulties, so I am extremely grateful for the good turnout.
Additionally, I want to take this opportunity to remind all Nunavummiut that if anyone is planning any trips to go hunting to ensure that they bring radio communication gear. Furthermore, SPOT locator devices are now available in all communities and hunters should remember to pick up one of them prior to going on their trips.
Return to Oral Question 462 – 3(3): School Community Counsellor Training (Clerk)
Return to Oral Question 474 – 3(3): Government of Nunavut’s Legislative Agenda (Clerk)
*See Appendix for full text of Returns to Oral Questions 462 – 3(3) and 474 – 3(3) filed with the Clerk.
I am tabling the returns to oral questions 462 and 474 that were asked during the fall 2012 sitting of the House.
I am quite delighted to acknowledge and recognize visitors in the Gallery today.
I want to start off by thanking all the visitors to the Gallery today, especially the people sitting over in that section that I wish to recognize.
I wish to recognize the board members of Nunavut Sivuniksavut, as well as the teachers who teach the program. They are: Christie Sinclair, Bernadette Dean, Rita Strickland, and Emily Qarpik. Pujjut is apparently now the chair, so congratulations are in order.
Stacey MacDonald and Cecil Lyall are the others. These two individuals are longstanding teachers of the program from its inception, Morley Hanson and Murray Angus. Welcome to the Gallery and thank you for visiting the Legislative Assembly.
Last night, a number of us attended a reception of an announcement that was made between the partnership of Nunavut Sealink and Supply, Sakku Corporation, Qikiqtaaluk Corporation, and the Arctic Co-operatives.
I would like to recognize today Mr. Waguih Rayes, Françoys Royer, Bill Lyall, and Mary Nirlungayuk that are in the Gallery with us today.
I would like to say “good day” to the people of Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, as well as our audience in the other communities.
I would like to recognize two individuals from Rankin Inlet. Bernadette Dean, I welcome you to the Gallery. I also recognize my nephew, Pujjut Kusugak.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Welcome them to the Gallery.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Kusugak. Welcome to the Gallery.
I would like to recognize a person from Kugaaruk who is now living in Winnipeg and works for ACF. Mary Nirlungayuk, welcome to the Gallery.
Mr. Aupaluktuq (interpretation): I send my greetings to the people of Baker Lake, young and old.
Mr. Speaker, I finished high school in 1992 in Rankin Inlet and I took the Nunavut Sivuniksavut program.
I am very thankful for that because I learned a lot from Nunavut Sivuniksavut since 1992.
This person has been recognized already, Morley Hanson, who taught me what I know today. As you know, I am a Member of the Legislative Assembly now because of this fine program and a very good teacher.
Murray Angus was on a sabbatical, but he has always said “hello” to me.
I would like to encourage the young people of Nunavut to take advantage of the training with Nunavut Sivuniksavut.
I would like to welcome the council to the Gallery.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Aupaluktuq. Welcome to the Gallery.
Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to recognize Cecile Lyall. She is a board member of Nunavut Sivuniksavut.
I would like to welcome her to the Gallery. Her uncle Uqitsuq and Christine Sinclair are related to me and I love them. I would like to welcome them to the Gallery.
Speaker: Thank you, Ms. Ugyuk. Welcome to the Gallery.
I would like to recognize my good friend Bill Lyall. Welcome to the Gallery. I am recognizing a lot of people, but I would also like to recognize the two individuals from Desgagnés Transport Incorporated, Waguih Rayes, who is the general manager, and the vice-president and finance manager, Françoys Royer.
I’m sorry if I’m not pronouncing his name properly.
(interpretation) I would also like to recognize my cousin Bernadette Dean.
This individual is not from my constituency, but I would like to recognize Sandra Inutiq, who is behind me.
I recognize most of the people over here, but I will not say their names.
I would like to say “good afternoon” to the people of Pangnirtung and Nunavummiut who know me.
Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would also like to recognize individuals who no longer live in my community, but who are originally from Pangnirtung.
Firstly, I would like to recognize Emily Qarpik and I think the other person’s name is Rita Strickland. I’m sorry if I mispronounced her name.
I would like to recognize these individuals who used to live in Pangnirtung and they’re the only visitors that I know personally, but I welcome all of our visitors in the Gallery.
Although this individual has been recognized twice, I would like to recognize him again, Mr. Bill Lyall, President of Ikaluktutiak Co-op in Cambridge Bay. I think it has been around for well over 40 years, one of the strongest Co-ops in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to mention that Bill has also received the Order of Canada and he’s a former MLA.
He has represented Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.
As well, he has been recognized for his services to Canadians and to northerners.
I, too, would like to recognize you, Bill, being here in the Gallery.
The first time I met you was when we served together in the Arctic Co-operative Business Development Fund Board of Directors back in the early ‘90s.
According to our rules, we can only recognize individuals once in the House, but I would like to thank all the people who are here, especially ACL.
I would also like to recognize Mr. Bill Lyall. Even before we got to the Legislative Assembly of the NWT, he was elected to ACL.
I would also like to recognize the individual beside him, Gabriel’s sister.
My constituency assistant from Rankin Inlet is also here. I would like the people of Rankin Inlet to know that if you have any questions, you can ask Bernadette Dean.
I would like to recognize all the people of Nunavut Sivuniksavut. There has to be people in the Legislative Assembly for the people of Nunavut and I would encourage them to participate. Thank you.
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Mr. Arreak.
I would also like to recognize the people who used to be in my community since they haven’t been recognized by any of the Iqaluit MLAs and they are Louise Flaherty, Susan Enuaraq, and Sandra Inutiq, who was recognized already.
Question 483 – 3(3): Liquor Regulation in Nunavut (Aupaluktuq)
During our recent fall sitting, the minister tabled the final report and recommendations of the Nunavut Liquor Act Review Task Force.
This important report provided many thoughtful recommendations concerning the issue of liquor regulation in the territory.
Mr. Speaker, one of the key recommendations in the report was for the government to introduce a brand-new Liquor Act.
Will the minister be acting on this recommendation before the current Legislative Assembly dissolves in September of this year?
Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to again thank the members of the task force who undertook this huge challenge to travel to all 25 communities and have input from everybody who wished to have input.
Mr. Speaker, there are a considerable number of recommendations that are being reviewed by a committee to determine which recommendations we can support and which ones we have to review further.
Mr. Speaker, there are some recommendations that we can easily act on.
Unfortunately, if there’s an expectation out there that there will be a new Nunavut Liquor Act, it would not be possible within the life of this Assembly.
It may be possible to make some amendments to the Liquor Act.
My constituents in Baker Lake wanted an update on that, so the people of Baker Lake will be pleased to hear.
Mr. Speaker, under the current Liquor Act, alcohol education committees may be established in circumstances where residents choose by way of plebiscite to form them.
These committees sometimes charge fees from residents to process applications to purchase or import liquor.
In the interest of financial transparency, can the minister indicate how the accounts of alcohol education committees are audited?
Mr. Speaker, as Mr. Aupaluktuq had indicated, the communities themselves determine whether to establish alcohol education committees through a plebiscite.
They are always under the auspices of the local hamlet council.
The Department of Finance does not have control over their activities or the monies that they raise to fund their activities.
I would suggest that Mr. Aupaluktuq speak to the mayors of the communities that have alcohol education committees to determine how they monitor or audit use of funds that the AECs raise.
As noted already that communities are responsible for the alcohol education committees, in many cases, the members of alcohol education committees are elected at the same time that municipal elections are held.
In the interest of democratic accountability, I believe that it is important for the results of these elections to be made public and tabled in the Legislative Assembly.
Will the minister commit to ensuring that any new Liquor Act that is introduced in the Legislative Assembly addresses this issue?
Hon. Keith Peterson: Sorry, Mr. Speaker, we’re all actors in this legislature, so we can’t speak until the light comes on.
Mr. Speaker, there are a number of recommendations in the liquor task force report with respect to the alcohol education committees that we’re considering.
We will take Mr. Aupaluktuq’s suggestion under consideration as well when we are reviewing amendments to the existing Liquor Act or the new Liquor Act.
I appreciate the minister’s acknowledgement of the fact that they will take it into consideration to ensure that the new Liquor Act is introduced and making sure that any of the issues that are related to it are addressed adequately.
One such area is one of the functions of the alcohol education committee is to educate residents concerning the responsible use of alcohol for the purpose of preventing alcohol abuse.
In the interest of social progress, can the minister explain what resources and training, if any, are currently being provided to alcohol education committees in Nunavut to help enable them to fulfill this responsibility?
Mr. Speaker, it’s no secret that there are concerns from many of the alcohol education committees that the Nunavut Liquor Commission does not provide any or adequate resources.
That was one of the concerns that came up during the task force consultations that we hope to address.
Currently, the Nunavut Liquor Commission does not provide any financial resources to the alcohol education committees.
Many AECs raise funds for their activities through local fundraising initiatives.
Question 484 – 3(3): Inuktitut Calendar Terminology (Ningark)
Earlier today during my Member’s Statement, I referred to this issue about the months, or should I say I referred to the 12 moons?
Inuit have different terminology based on their hunting practices, their traditional nomadic ways of moving with the animals, and the breakdown of seasons, such as preparations for the fall, spring, and summer. Here I talk about traditional Inuit practices which depended on the proper nomenclature for the moons and the animals that would be available.
Nowadays, if I wanted to speak of a period, I would state the month, such as “Sittimpa” for September, “Auguusi” for August, which is just a phonetic copying of the month as stated in the English language.
I want to raise this question to the minister. As the Minister of Culture and Heritage, as well as languages, can he initiate the process to rename the months in Inuktitut?
It can provide part of our argument for our way of life, especially to people in the European Union.
It can showcase the Inuit practices and of our hunting cultural lifestyle that we are still dependent on.
We have to look at the big picture and consider these matters.
Can the minister undertake this initiative?
I also thank Mr. Ningark for asking a very relevant question.
The months are given different names, especially if you look at the regional breakdowns. For example, the term used in Qikiqtaaluk would be different if it was stated by people in the Kivalliq or Kitikmeot as they have different names depending on their regional seasons.