EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
137 - 1(3): Regional Cultural Similarities (Havioyak) 608
138 - 1(3): Passing on Elders’ Knowledge (Alakannuark) 608
211 - 1(3): Increased Funding for Fuel (Iqaqrialu) 610
212 - 1(3): Proper Spelling of Names (O'Brien) 611
213 - 1(3): Justice Programs at the Apex Treatment Centre (McLean) 612
214 - 1(3): Funding Program for Youth Centres (Puqiqnak) 613
215 - 1(3): Harvesting Bowhead Whales (Irqittuq) 614
216 - 1(3): Holistic Healing Programs (Tootoo) 615
217 - 1(3): Training for Alcohol & Drug Counsellors (Akesuk) 617
218 - 1(3): Resources for Community Health Committees (Nutarak) 618
219 - 1(3): Sanikiluaq Athletes at Arctic Winter Games (Kattuk) 620
220 - 1(3): Funding for Inuktitut Language Programs (Iqaqrialu) 621
221 - 1(3): Pelly Bay Gymnasium (Alakannuark) 622
222 - 1(3): List of Contracts from Nunavut Government (O'Brien) 623
09 - 1(3): TD 24 & 25 - 1(3) to Committee of the Whole (Tootoo) 625  Thursday, February 24, 2000
Speaker (interpretation): I apologise.
Members, today's proceedings for the delayed TV broadcast will be in Inuinnaqtun.
Tomorrow’s proceedings will be from the floor language.
Minister’s Statement 61 - 1(3): Redesign of Student Financial Assistance System
I’m pleased to inform the assembly that my department, with the assistance of Nunavut Arctic College has completed the transition phase of the strategic redesign of the student financial assistance program as it has previously existed.
The goal of the transition phase was to establish systems and processes that would deliver cheques to our students twice a month as opposed to the former once a month.
In accomplishing this goal, we have answered the number one request from our student consultation.
We have also improved our bilingual communications services to students through the hiring of Mary Pameolik as the Supervisor of Student Financial Assistance.
This transition phase has assisted us in the development of a made in Nunavut financial assistance program that will from today be known as Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students.
My staff will continue the system administration development for our new program and I look forward to reporting our progress to you in the near future.
Minister’s Statement 62 - 1(3): Community Based Justice
The Nunavut Government is committed to a system of community based justice.
This means that communities will be increasingly supported in taking greater responsibility for offenders and victims.
It also means that there will be a new emphasis on prevention and healing at the community level, rather than the formal approach involving charges, court appearances and incarceration.
In the past, the responsibility for dealing with people with problems has been removed from the communities by the formal justice system.
Nunavut is now working to reverse that trend.
The Department of Justice has started the process of developing a new diversion protocol at the community level.
We are working on this with the Community Justice Committees, the RCMP and the Crown.
A protocol is essential if community based justice is to become a reality.
It will assist the RCMP, the Crown and the communities because it will spell out their respective responsibilities, expectations and goals.
It is important to establish ground rules regarding roles and responsibilities so that there’s consistency and efficiency in each community.
A diversion protocol leading to more active community responsibility would also increase the chances for healing to take place between the victim and the offender within the community.
There are a number of important factors to consider as we develop diversion protocols.
In all cases Mr. Speaker, diversion must have the consent of the victim.
If we’re going to be doing that, there has to be counselling for both the victim and the abuser.
Communities are unique in their dynamics and aspirations and vary in terms of their capabilities to handle diversions, therefore each community must be approached on an individual basis.
Protocols may vary from community to community.
The types of cases handled by diversion protocols may change over time according to the capacity of each community to deal with cases.
Signatories to protocol agreements will be the Community Justice Committees, the RCMP, Justice Canada and Nunavut Justice.
Nunavut Justice will be responsible for assisting community justice committees to develop the capabilities to handle diverted cases and will provide ongoing support for the committees.
Justice Canada will play a role through funding assistance.
Healing is an essential aspect of any community based solution, healing for the victim, the offender, families and the community.
People involved in diversion must be respected as individuals as each of us are different and every effort must be made to ensure discretion throughout the process.
Case conferencing between the Community Justice Committee, the RCMP and the Crown should be considered as part of the diversion process.
Any diversion protocol and the process to design it will be done in accordance with the principals of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
A working group is being formed.
It will consist of the following; one representative of the RCMP, one representative of the Federal Crown’s Office, one representative from Maliganik Tukisiniakvik, two representatives from Nunavut Justice, the Chairs of two of the most active Community Justice Committees, and also a representative of the Iqaluit Youth Justice Committee.
The Nunavut Status of Women Board will be consulted, as well as the department of Culture, Language, Elders & Youth.
We envision model protocols that will vary to affect the needs, aspirations and current capabilities of individual Community Justice Committees.
It may be that three or four models based on the same principles will be developed.
Communities will be asked to select the model that best suits their community.
The development of diversion protocols is another way Nunavut Justice is working to ensure that communities have more authority and responsibility.
We want a justice system that will truly serve all Nunavummiut.
Minister’s Statement 63 - 1(3): Federal Languages Agreement
Mr. Speaker, I rise to report today good news on our activities.
Members of the Legislative Assembly, the negotiations for the Canada-Nunavut Co-operation Agreement for French and Inuit languages has been concluded and signed.
This is a two-year agreement for fiscal year 99/2000 and 2000/2001.
The total amount of the agreement is 5.1 million dollars.
Each fiscal year 1.45 million dollars will go to French language programs and services.
Each year 1.1 million dollars will go towards Inuktitut language communities and Inuinnaqtun languages.
I want to mention that whenever I say Inuinnaqtun Mr. Speaker, that includes all Inuktitut dialects.
Mr. Speaker, I want to briefly explain why the French services appear to be getting more funding than the Inuktitut language services.
Inuktitut language programs and services are funded by many existing programs. (interpretation ends) The purpose of this agreement is to assist in protecting the culture and identity of Inuit through the recognition, enhancement, preservation, use and development of Inuit languages and to provide the community involvement.
As to the French language services, the purpose of this agreement is to ensure the provision of services in Nunavut and to support community development in compliance with the Nunavut Official Languages Act.
In saying this, Mr. Speaker, I want to assure the members that under the agreement, if the funding is does not meet the needs of the Inuinnaqtun language services and programs, Canada and the Government of Nunavut have agreed that there shall be continued negotiations respecting the adjustment of the amount of the funding.
My department has been given the responsibility for the administration of this agreement and I would advise the communities and the public to contact my department in order to access this funding opportunity.
(interpretation) I wish to acknowledge the co-operation and contribution of the Department of Heritage Canada, for making this funding available to the people of Nunavut.
Item 3. Members’ Statements.
Member’s Statement 128 - 1(3): Apex Treatment Centre
Rehabilitation programs for inmates.
Mr. Speaker, it is well known that alcohol or substance abuse is a major factor in most crimes which lead to Nunavut residents being jailed.
For people who have addictions, are hurting from their experiences in residential schools, have grown up in violent families or as victims of sexual abuse, relocation or other trauma, jails do not seem to be of much help in assisting these hurting people to recover and be at peace with themselves.
Mr. Speaker, in December 1998, Nunavut’s only treatment centre was closed by the Baffin Regional Health and Services Board.
The building had been designed specifically for treatment of addictions, however, in August of 1999, it was announced that the former treatment centre building in Apex would become a rehabilitation centre for inmates at the Baffin Correctional Centre.
The Director of Corrections and Community Justice for Nunavut, Ron McCormick said that the centre would be used as it was meant to be used.
Mr. McCormick announced that the Apex Treatment Centre building with proper security measures put in place would be of a real benefit to minimum security inmates who need help with drug and alcohol addictions, anger management or family living skills.
This program will serve residents from all parts of Nunavut since the BCC has inmates from all parts of Nunavut.
Member’s Statement 129 - 1(3): Funding for Cultural Programs
I stand today to say I’m pleased we met with the elders at noon hour and the statements of Premier Okalik I think should be recognised.
They are the true facts and we’re working hard for the Nunavut communities.
We are striving, whether we come to Rankin Inlet or any other community, so that before our elders pass away, these programs have to receive more funding.
We did not only discuss this but other people also had concerns which we heard.
Member’s Statement 130 - 1(3): Implementing Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit
I’d like to thank the MLAs.
Every night we, even though it’s tiring, we go to activities and even when we have meetings, they always take time to go to these activities, whether they’re visiting or they’re going shopping.
I’d like to encourage that, I know you are getting tired, but if you have any opportunity, I’d like to encourage you to continue to meet with the public here especially at Rankin Inlet.
I’d like to thank the elders.
We met with the elders and through our government, if we’re not going to enhance and push Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, their voices in the future will be concerned about this.
We heard during lunch hour, our culture, our tradition our own Nunavut is a very valuable thing to us.
The elders spoke very strongly that we have to urge ourselves in order that over the next 10 – 20 years we can address these concerns.
We have to act upon these concerns and we have to start taking action.
If we don’t then we will be blamed for it.
Member’s Statement 131 - 1 (3): Lack of Involvement of Smaller Communities
I rise today to speak about my concerns for the smaller communities.
The smaller communities have to be involved, Mr. Speaker, for example my constituency of Sanikiluaq.
I remember, when NIC, John Amagoalik came to our community back in 1998, we were told that NIC had recommended that Sanikiluaq would have a seat at the Nunavut Legislature.
We were so pleased to hear that.
The Sanikiluaq leaders were very pleased to hear that.
Although Sanikiluaq is quite far away, I know that the Nunavut Government will not forget that.
However, today, I would like to express my concern.
It hurts me inside.
At the Arctic Winter Games, they forgot Sanikiluaq for the trials.
The Sanikiluaq residents, athletes, were not at the Arctic Winter Games trials.
Other athletes went to Rankin Inlet and Iqaluit during the trials but they stated my constituency was too expensive to take our athletes to the trials.
I'm very disappointed at not participating in the Arctic Winter Games trials.
That’s the concern I have.
Last December there were athletes sent to Cape Dorset for Arctic Winter Games trials but the Sanikiluaq athletes .
Speaker (interpretation): Excuse me Mr. Kattuk.
Your time is up and you have to get unanimous consent to continue your member’s statement.
Mr. Kattuk (interpretation): I ask for unanimous consent to complete my statement.
Speaker (interpretation): The member is asking for unanimous consent to complete his statement.
You may continue, Mr. Kattuk.
Mr. Kattuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, As I was saying, the athletes from Sanikiluaq did not know if they were going to take part in the Arctic Winter Games trials.
They hadn’t been told whether they were going there or not.
The athletes were just waiting.
The Sanikiluaq residents were told they couldn’t participate at the Arctic Winter Games trials because it is too expensive for their travel.
I say we must represent all Nunavut communities.
The smaller communities should be involved and participating along with all the other Nunavut communities.
Mr. Speaker, today during question period I will be asking my questions in regards to that.
Member’s Statement 132 - 1(3): Passing on Cultural Knowledge
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, this morning when we met with elders it was plain and we understood, that our tradition and culture, values and principles have to be enhanced through the Nunavut Government.
For people who do not understand the unique heritage of the Inuit people, who do not know the values of our culture, we’ll have to work hard to give them that information.
I'm sorry I'm going to have to end my statement here Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 133 - 1(3): Question About Suicide
Mr. Nutarak (interpretation): I would just like to explain why I asked the Minister for Transportation yesterday if he made the statement about suicide as a minister or as a regular MLA.
I wanted to ask him some questions if he was making the statement as a minister.
Member’s Statement 134 - 1(3): Nunavut Social Development Council
Mr. Tootoo: Mr Speaker, at the appropriate time I will be looking for unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
I tried very hard to get it into the allotted time, but I was unable to do so.
Mr. Speaker, the creation of Nunavut was built on great hopes that things would be different if we had our own government.
Inuit negotiated the land claims and held out for our own government.
Mr. Speaker, the land claim agreement does not say much about social issues, because the federal government wouldn't allow them to be put on the table for negotiation.
However, one of the articles does deal with social issues.
The Nunavut Social Development Council (NSDC) has a responsibility under section 32.1.1, of the Nunavut Land Claim Agreement to participate in the design of social and cultural policies and the design of social and cultural programs and services, within the Nunavut settlement area.
Mr. Speaker, NTI's document released in January 2000, entitled, “Taking Stock; A Review of the First 5 Years of the Implementation of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement”, notes the GNWT was not very supportive of the Nunavut Social Development Council, and that their efforts to meet with the Nunavut regional education and health boards were unsuccessful.
The report also notes and I quote " in September of 1998 the GNWT proclaimed a new adoption act over the objection of NTI and NSDC.
NTI's view was that the GNWT had failed to engage the NSDC in discussions on the proposed legislation which was in breech of the GNWT's obligation under section 32.1.1 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement."
NTI and NSDC hoped for a different relationship with the Nunavut Government.
Mr. Speaker, NTI's statement of position on section 3.3.2 is the following: the Nunavut Government and the NSDC should develop a strong co-operative and consultative relationship in the pursuit of social policy reform in Nunavut.
Such a relationship should emphasise maximum participation for all organizations and individuals, and should foster a spirit of informed, creative and public debate on fundamental social problems and options.
Mr. Speaker, there are many areas of social policy reform that we need to undertake in Nunavut.
Speaker: Mr. Tootoo your time is up.
Mr. Tootoo: Thank you, Mr. Speaker I would like to ask for consent to conclude my statement.
Mr. Tootoo is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement.
They are no nays.
Mr. Tootoo you may proceed.
Mr. Tootoo: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and fellow colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Education is undertaking a complete overhaul of the Education Act, and he told us this week that he is developing a curriculum for Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun and Inuit culture.
The Minister for Inuit Culture, Language, Elders and Youth is developing a broad policy on Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, as well as a language policy relating to the promotion and protection of Inuktitut.
The Minister of Justice is committed to strengthening community justice.
The Minister of Health and Social Service is hoping to review many of his program areas once the regional boards are amalgamated.
Mr. Speaker, the government cannot act alone on these issues. It is not enough to send documents to key Inuit organizations hoping for a quick response.
The Nunavut Social Development Council is not a special interest group.
Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut Land Claim Agreement sets up a constitutional requirement for the Nunavut Social Development Council to be involved in these important matters of language and culture.
NSDC is still a very young organization, it was only incorporated in 1996 and their offices were located in Igloolik.
They only receive funding from NTI and they only have a few staff and yet they have a very important job and they have done some significant consultations and work to date, such as the work they have done on the community justice Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
Mr. Speaker, when the government of Nunavut is fully staffed we will be over 600 employees strong, compared to smaller staff of NTI and only two staff members at the Nunavut Social Development Council.
We need to mindful of this in our relationship and creatively look at how we can provide time, resources and support for collaborative efforts.
The Bathurst Mandate sets out the principles that will guide the Government of Nunavut, including the principle of full and willing commitment to the Nunavut Land Claim Agreement that will be the standard.
It further states that in the year 2020 Nunavut is a place where the Government of Nunavut meets its obligations under the Land Claims Agreement in the spirit of active co-operation.
The spirit of active co-operation, Mr. Speaker.
Let us hope this spirit is alive today, as reflected in the Clyde River protocol between the Premier and the president of NTI.
Mr. Speaker, let us hope that these key ministers look ahead, and as they look ahead they will recognize the opportunity before us in developing a relationship with the Nunavut Social Development Council that is both respectful and collaborative, and which builds and supports partnerships that will give us solid ideas for social policy reform and truly build on Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
A relationship which also fulfils the Nunavut Government’s legal commitment to the Nunavut Land Claim Agreement and therefore respecting the dreams of Inuit and the creation of Nunavut.
I will allow Mr. Iqaqrialu to finish his member's statement.
Member’s Statement (Continued) 132 - 1(3): Passing on Cultural Knowledge
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I apologise.
As I stated before our meeting with the elders this morning had a great impact on me and I know that we have lost some of our traditions, and because we have lost some of our culture it creates problems such as suicides, and not learning anything from our elders.
When this knowledge is not evident I know we are going to have problems such as suicides.
As a government today we have to tackle these issues so that Inuit culture can be evident.
I know our young people regret their parents are not teaching them and they have just been put into school.
Young people regret the fact they are unable to learn traditional culture.
Our life is serious, it’s not just a game.
Perhaps Inuit people should come up with a training program on tradition and culture.
This is what was given to us by our elders, this morning.
For us who are middle aged and the young people, there are three generations that have three different cultures.
Utilising all the ways, we must come up with some kind of training program so that our young people can understand us and how we should be living.
Member’s Statement 135 - 1(3): Success of Nirqamut Foods
Mr Speaker, I rise in this House today to talk about a success story.
This success story is the Keewatin meat and fish plant - Nirqamut Foods.
This plant Mr Speaker, is located in my riding of Rankin Inlet north and was officially opened in October of 1992.
It was a pilot project by the NWT Development Corporation.
It had one manager, three or four local hires and produced caribou meat and arctic char for distribution in the NWT from only local harvest.
In 1995 it was the first plant to be federally registered to distribute red meat - good food.
This allowed the plant to export products across North America and the Orient.
This plant has exported its product as far away California.
Mr. Speaker, the staff are currently in the process of getting the plant ready to be inspected by a veterinarian so that they can obtain EU status.
With European Union (EU) status Mr. Speaker, they will then be able to market their products to Europe.
(interpretation) This plant is very beneficial to the people of Rankin Inlet.
We now have 10 local hires and eighty percent of them are Inuit.
They are going to be buying 120 thousand pounds from Coral Harbour that will be federally inspected and once that is done they will be hiring four more people to process the meat.
The employees are very hard working and they want to do the best that they can because they want to see this plant succeed.
It is obvious Mr. Speaker, that the members of the Assembly have tasted the locally processed meat which was given to you as a gift, and I know that it is a very successful plant.
I know that even the Prime Minister loved the locally made caribou jerky that was processed in the plant here.
He just loved it.
Here are the names of some of the staff from the plant and I would just ask you to stand up.
The manger Mr. Brian Schindel…
Speaker: Mr. Anawak your time is up.
You have to ask for unanimous consent to conclude your member's statement.
Hon. Jack Anawak (interpretation): I ask for the members unanimous consent to complete my statement.
Hon. Jack Anawak: I just started to recognize some of the members of the staff and I'm sorry I ran out of time.
Mr. Brian Schindel, Vivian Schindel, James Innukshuk, Joe Amarok, Willie Okpatauyuk, Paul Pissuk, Johnny Kingmeatuk, Travis Niviatsiak, Mona Iqulik, Lea Innukshuk.
Mr. Speaker, it is because of the continuing support from the Department of Sustainable Development, the Nunavut Development Corporation and the commitment and dedication of the staff that this plant is a success story today.
A success story today for Rankin Inlet and Nunavut.
Member’s Statement 136 - 1(3): Utilising Elders’ Knowledge
Mr. Puqiqnak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This morning when we met with the elders I truly believe their commitment to the statements they made.
I know they value Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and they want to preserve it as it is really rich and they value it.
My heart is touched when we meet with the elders because I come from there and I really feel their comments.
They have lived that way and they want the Nunavut Government to recognize their way of life.
I know we will recognize them and we have committed ourselves to Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and are involved in incorporating it.
They want to teach and leave their knowledge behind, and their language they want to leave to the young people of Nunavut.