EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
224–2(2): Gift of Literacy (Peterson) 1807
225–2(2): Supporting Northern Strategy on Mining Development (Barnabas) 1808
226 – 2(2): Extinction of Mammals Not Caused by Inuit (Netser) 1808
227–2(2): Northern Taxes (Tootoo) 1809
228–2(2): Better Service for People with Disabilities (Kilabuk) 1810
229–2(2): Iqaluit Boys Soccer Team (Picco) 1810
230–2(2): Whale Cove and Rankin Inlet Aired on CBC (Brown) 1810
Return to Oral Question 217 – 2(1): Funding Arrangements for the Youth Cottage (Okalik) 1811
293 – 2(2): Disability Council Supported by the Government of Nunavut (Curley) 1816
294 – 2(2): Upcoming Meeting with Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs (Barnabas) 1817
295 – 2(2): Plan to Increase Tuition Fees at Nunavut Arctic College (Tootoo) 1818
296 – 2(2): Income Tax Filing Services for the Communities (Kattuk) 1821
297 – 2(2): Number of New Positions in the Department of Education (Barnabas) 1823
298 – 2(2): Consulting Nunavutmiut on the Northern Strategy (Peterson) 1825
299 – 2(2): Hiring Special Needs Positions at the Community Level (Netser) 1827
300 – 2(2): Attendance at Chamber of Commerce Meeting (Curley) 1828
301 – 2(2): Assistance to the Communities on Economic Development (Barnabas) 1829
302 – 2(2): Allocation of New Positions to Communities (Tootoo) 1830
303 – 2(2): DEA Input on the Education Act (Netser) 1833
304 – 2(2): Documents on the Folk School (Barnabas) 1834
013 – 2(2): Referral of the 2004 Annual Report of the Chief Electoral Officer of Nunavut to COW – Notice (Netser) 1836
014 – 2(2): Extended Adjournment – Notice (Netser) 1836
015 – 2(2): Recommendation for Re-allocation of $500,000 in Deleted Funding – Notice (Peterson) 1836
016 – 2(2): Reinstatement of Private Accommodation Rate under NIHB – Notice (Tootoo) 1837
012 – 2(2): Standing Committee Hearing and Consultations on Nunavut Arctic College (Tootoo) 1837
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Speaker (interpretation): I would like to ask Mr. Evygotailak to say the opening prayer.
Good morning Mr. Premier, the Cabinet and Members of the Legislative Assembly.
Minister’s Statement 087 – 2(2): Nunavut Heritage Centre – Trilateral Working Group
I would like to provide my colleagues with an update on the establishment of a Nunavut Heritage Centre.
Members know that Nunavut urgently requires a facility to house and care for its extensive collections of art, artifacts and archival material.
These collections will form the foundation for a wide range of cultural programs and services that will benefit all Nunavutmiut.
The Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and Inuit Heritage Trust have shared mandates to promote, protect and preserve the culture and heritage of Nunavut.
For this reason, in 2004 the Government established a Trilateral Working Group consisting of representatives from all three stakeholders.
The Trilateral Working Group will lead the development of recommendations for a capital funding strategy for the creation of the Nunavut Heritage Centre.
The initial phase of this work is expected to be completed within four months.
We hope that this approach will result in significant third-party investment in this exciting initiative and a future home for Nunavut’s cultural legacy.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Ministers’ statements, Minister Picco.
Minister’s Statement 088 – 2(2): Principals Recognized for Achievements
Two Nunavut principals have been recognized nationally in the past month, an event I wanted to bring to the attention of the Members of this House.
Darlene Nuqingaq, the Principal of Arsarniit Ilinniarvik in Iqaluit, has been recognized as one of Canada’s outstanding principals. The Canadian Association of Principals, together with The Learning Partnership associated with the Rotman School of Management, selected 28 principals from across Canada for this award.
The winning principals will participate in a leadership forum that promotes sharing and collaboration between the private and public sectors. The goal is to foster the growth of executive leadership capability in education everywhere in Canada.
This is the first year the award has been offered and Darlene is the first from Nunavut to be so honoured.
Dawn Wilson, the Principal of Kullik Ilihakvik in Cambridge Bay, has been selected as this year’s recipient of the ‘Spirit of Trent’ award.
The award is presented to a graduate of Trent University in recognition of her community contributions that build on the values and lessons she learned at Trent.
Dawn is retiring this summer after serving as an educator in the Kitikmeot for 32 years, and at the same school to boot.
Her community contributions over the years have made Cambridge Bay a better place, affecting hundreds of students and their families.
Both of these fine educators deserve our support and thanks. Their example is one I’m sure many teachers will look to in the years to come.
Please join with me in congratulating Darlene and Dawn on their successes.
Member's Statement 222–2(2): Protest Against Seal Hunt
I rise today to make a statement on my member’s statement yesterday on how animal rights extremists hinder our economic development and how they impact our families and communities.
Yesterday there were about 150 protesters on Parliament Hill protesting against the upcoming seal hunt.
During yesterday’s protest on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, the Nunavut Sivuniksavut students confronted and challenged the demonstrators to point out how this will affect the culture and economy of Inuit in the North.
It takes a lot of guts to face these protesters, and I am very proud of our Nunavut Sivuniksavut students who were courageous enough to confront and challenge the protesters in order to make a point about our culture and livelihood.
I ask all of my colleagues to join me in commending these students in their great effort; we recognize and truly appreciate their work on all our behalf.
Member's Statement 223–2(2): Support for People with Disability
I rise today to address the issue of providing support for the disabled.
It is often said that a society’s compassion is measured by the way in which it treats its most vulnerable members.
Today, we are fortunate to live in a country that has the resources necessary for providing the disabled with the means to a life of dignity, and to make contributions of their own.
Being disabled does not necessarily mean that you don’t have the ability to participate fully in society.
Many prominent Canadians and Nunavutmiut have had disabilities, yet have achieved great things.
Supporting the disabled means more than just providing ramps and other physical means for people to access buildings.
We need to ensure that they have the ability to participate fully in society and that their voices are clearly heard.
Yesterday in this House, we approved a small annual contribution for the Council for the Disabled, a contribution of $90,000.
We have to give more support of this kind.
We need a comprehensive strategy to meet the needs of our disabled.
We need to work on ways to foster independent living.
We need to think clearly about how to adopt a Nunavut-wide form of sign language that is accessible to Inuktitut speakers.
We need to bridge the gaps between community’s needs and available services.
At the appropriate time, I will be recognizing individuals in the gallery and pose questions to the government.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you.. Members’ statements.
Member's Statement 224–2(2): Gift of Literacy
I am pleased to rise today to talk about the gift of literacy.
Before I became a Member of the Legislative Assembly, I had no idea that there was such an incredible number of documents to be read everyday in our job.
To properly represent Nunavutmiut to the best of our abilities, we have to deal with a significant amount of complex written material in a very short period during our sessions.
If we can’t read our briefing memos, binders and budget documents, then our jobs would be very difficult.
I was fortunate to be raised by parents taught by teachers who instilled in me the love of the written word.
My own children have been given this gift, as well.
For many of our constituents, good literacy skills can make all the difference in the world.
Being able to write a solid cover letter can make a difference between getting your foot in the door for job interviews, or being shown the door on your way out.
Good literacy skills are important for being able to understand the instructions on your drug prescription or filling out your annual tax return.
The Nunavut Literacy Council is now in its sixth year of operation.
This Council does important work across Nunavut in the area of literacy, including working with numerous community groups.
One of my own constituents in Cambridge Bay, Ms. Kim Crockett, is the Executive Director of the Council.
One of the Council’s most visible activities is the annual hosting of the Peter Gzowski Golf Invitational for Literacy in Nunavut.
There are 15 of these tournaments held across Canada each year, and it constitutes the largest fund raising for literacy in the country.
This year’s tournament will be held in Cambridge Bay on May 17th, 18th and 19th.
I am pleased to say that the Premier, along with myself and Greg Missal of the Tahera Corporation, are serving as the honorary PGI Cabinet for the tournament.
I know that the Premier is a strong contributor of literacy and is recognized in the Council’s most recent annual report as someone who personally contributed financially to the organization.
At the recent Kitikmeot Trade Show, the Council raised $27,215 for Nunavut in a charity auction sponsored by the Tahera Corporation.
Many individuals, organizations and businesses generously contributed auction items.
I look forward to welcoming the Premier and Mr. Missal and all other participants to Cambridge Bay in May.
I am sure that everyone is going to have a lot of fun during this most worthy event while raising awareness of an important issue.
Member's Statement 225–2(2): Supporting Northern Strategy on Mining Development
I rise today to lend my support to the Northern Strategy.
In Yellowknife last night, there was a meeting in the Town Hall with Andy Scott, the Premier, and Ethel Blondin-Andrew.
They had a meeting to hear the views of the people of Yellowknife.
Mining makes a huge contribution to the people of Nunavut and I would like to give my fullest support to mining development because of the huge contribution they make to Nunavut communities and outlying communities.
They also help a lot to the government because of the financial resources that we have, or the lack of it.
Andy Scott, I believe he will be coming to Iqaluit on Friday to talk about the Northern Strategy.
I would like the members and individuals to be very open on this issue.
Member's Statement 226 – 2(2): Extinction of Mammals Not Caused by Inuit
I agree with the Member for Tasiujaqjuaq.
The Inuit have lived up here for thousands of years and we have never made any species extinct.
Not once did we make a species of animals extinct.
It is only when the whalers started that animals became endangered.
For example, bowhead whales became endangered not by Inuit, but whalers who come from other parts of the world.
Mr. Speaker, let us set the record straight.
We are not abusers of our animals.
Member's Statement 227–2(2): Northern Taxes
I rise today to add my voice to those who have called for a re-thinking of the way we are taxed in the North.
Mr. Speaker, this time of year, our thoughts at this time of year, our thoughts often turn to the subject of taxes.
T-4’s have arrived, and, if you’re like me, you’re looking around your home for misplaced receipts.
The fact that we pay income taxes in the North is often not well recognized by the rest of Canada.
As other Members of this House have frequently pointed out, one of the biggest frustrations is that the tax forms, which are difficult enough to understand in English aren’t translated.
Mr. Speaker, ITK has recently called on the federal government to take another look at the fairness of the GST as it applies up here.
I have been saying for a while that this tax is unfair.
A $20 item in Ottawa will cost you $1.40 in GST, however in a small community in Nunavut, that same item is likely to cost you $40 or even more, so you end up paying at least twice as much GST on the exact same item as someone that lives in southern Canada.
Mr. Speaker, nobody likes to pay taxes, but it is the price of citizenship.
In the case of the GST, however, we’re being charged more than our fair share.
I also call on this to be re-thought.
For example, Mr. Speaker, it’s been some time since the northern residents’ deduction was increased.
I think that this might be an area where some form of credit could be applied to make our situation more equitable.
Member's Statement 228–2(2): Better Service for People with Disabilities
In regards to my colleague’s statement, I too would like to make member’s statement and give support.
Mr. Speaker, I’m sure that the members will recall when we were nominating the ministers, I asked my colleagues, I think it was on my last day when I made my member’s statement, to acknowledge disabled people, whether they are in town or far away because it’s not totally up to them, they did not become disabled by themselves.
My colleague’s statement is very supportive of the disabled people today.
We need to provide better service for disabled people in Nunavut and within the communities.
Also, I’m very pleased to hear my colleagues talk about these issues in the house.
Especially, Mr. Speaker, even though when we just discuss these matters, it educates the public, organizations and boards and agencies.
Mr. Speaker, later on during Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery, I will take my opportunity to welcome these individuals.
Member's Statement 229–2(2): Iqaluit Boys Soccer Team
This past weekend, the under 15 and under 13 Iqaluit boys soccer team competed at the fifth annual Brian Canning Memorial Soccer Tournament in Newfoundland.
Mr. Speaker, the Iqaluit teams have done Iqaluit and Nunavut proud.
Both teams finished in first place in their respective divisions, and Mr. Speaker, took home gold in the under 15 and under 13 categories.
Mr. Speaker, our athletes are competing on the national stage, and at the NHL, Mr. Speaker, we are successful.
Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the Iqaluit under 15 and under 13 boys Iqaluit soccer players and coaches for a job well done.
Member's Statement 230–2(2): Whale Cove and Rankin Inlet Aired on CBC
I rise this morning to acknowledge the Whale Cove residents and Rankin Inlet residents.
I would like to send my regards and CBC is over there now in Rankin Inlet with their On the Road stories and I’m very pleased that they’re able to be there.
At least, we’ll be able to educate Canadians about the north.
I appreciate CBC for airing Nunavut communities. That way, southern provinces will have a better idea and learn more about the north.
Item 4 in our orders of the day.
Return to Oral Question 217 – 2(1): Funding Arrangements for the Youth Cottage
I am returning a response to my colleague from Iqaluit Centre about funding arrangements for a Youth Cottage.
The answer I provide is, the Department of Justice is always interested in providing appropriate housing, supervision and programming for youth, both in open custody and under community-based supervision pursuant to court orders.
However, we have never received a formal proposal from the Ilitiit Society in this particular respect.
We would need to review any said proposals very thoroughly, as any facility of this sort would need to meet strict correctional standards, especially if youth on the court order was mixed with youth merely in need of housing.
I am very pleased to acknowledge the people from my community.
First one, I would like to acknowledge that since we became the Nunavut Government I have been working with an individual for this Council that he belongs to, because this individual has worked very hard to serve the Nunavut disabled people by way of attending meetings, many outside of his community, David Arnakak.
I appreciate him for coming to this meeting and also I would like to acknowledge David’s wife.
I know that there are many disabled people in Nunavut who support their spouses.
I also know that the spouse of disabled people don’t just sit there.
They have to think like a disabled person, that is the only way they could provide support and assistance to disabled people; they are very patient and very helpful.
I would like to acknowledge David’s wife, Mary Lisa Kakki, and welcome.
Also beside Mary is Ahme Kipsigaq, from Iglulik, and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated’s official who is Pat Angnakak, the coordinator for this group, and Judy Anilniliak, she is the assistant coordinator.
I acknowledge all these individuals and welcome them for their services for Nunavut’s disabled people.
I am sure that we will hear more from them.
I would like to welcome an individual from Coral Harbour, Raymond Ningeocheak.
Since I was a small child in the Northwest Territories, I have watched him.
Even though I am a mature adult now, not that old yet, even though he has faced challenges and difficulties in his life, he has never changed.
I would like to acknowledge and recognize Mr. Ningeocheak.
When I get older, I hope to be like him.
I would also like to recognize my constituent Ahme Kipsigaq.
We were children together and now we’re old together.
I would also like to recognize Nunavut Tunngavik Inc’s Raymond Ningeocheak.
I know that they are faced with challenges everyday in trying to help the people of Nunavut.
The Arnakak’s are the ones that I know too as well.
They are here for the disability council.
I would also like to welcome the people from the Disability Council.
Raymond Ningeocheak’s name was mentioned and I would also like to recognize him as well.
The Disability Council is being formed at this time and he’s been asked to assist them and to support them.
Raymond loves everybody, or every loves Raymond.
I would also like to recognize Betty Brewster who has been an interpreter for a long time during the Northwest Territories days and she’s also an interpreter here in Iqaluit, and Mali Curley who is my niece, my oldest brother’s daughter.
I would like to welcome the rest of members as well, Pat Arnakak and the rest of the Disability Council.
I would also like to recognize my relative, Betty Brewster and Mali Curley, who has been my friend for a long time.
I would also like to recognize Everybody Loves Raymond.
One of the members of this house made a mistake and said that he was from Coral Harbour but he’s from Rankin Inlet.
He used to live in Coral Harbour.
This morning, he reminded me of something when I went for breakfast at the Navigator Inn.
Raymond told me and made me remember that I’m his Member of the Legislative Assembly.
I would like to say that Raymond Ningeocheak and his wife and myself have been good friends for a long time, we both had daughters who were disabled.
Both of them are not here with us.
It was in June that I had a great-grandchild, they share the same name with their daughter Nipi, and I love them very much and I very much love the people with disabilities.
They have challenges everyday and I would like to support them and to help them.
As the Minister of Health and Social Services, I will make sure that I help the people with disabilities.
It’s been very hard on me because there hasn’t been too much help for disabled people.
I thank Nunavut Tunngavik Inc for supporting the disabled people.
My daughter and Raymond’s daughter are together now, even though they have passed away.
Thank you, Raymond for being here.
Mr. Speaker, I too would like to take this opportunity to welcome Mr. David Arnakak and his wife, Mary, to the Assembly.
I have known David and Mary for a long time.
David has been very active, especially for the disabled.
I remember when I was the Minister of Health, David wrote me many letters and called me and contacted me on issues in advocacy for the disabled.
So, I would like to welcome David to the gallery, plus he’s my wife’s first cousin, so I’m trying to be nice to David.
Also, next to David and Mary, Ahme Kipsigaq. I’ve known Ahme for a long time from when we used to live in Hall Beach.
I would like to welcome Ahme to the gallery.
As well, I would like to welcome Judy Anilniliak and two fantastic individuals, Mali Curley, just recently retired from the government, long time employee.
She’s one of the few people who would laugh at my jokes so, I thank Mali for that.
Of course, next to her, that fantastic individual, Ms. Betty Brewster.
Thank you, Betty for her service to the Legislative Assembly.
Next to Betty, Mr. Speaker, last, I would like to recognize someone everyone loves, Pat.
They all love Ray, but we all love Pat, and I wanted to point out that Pat Arnakak was also a music agent and indeed was involved with the group Uvagut.
We helped them record their album in the south, helped market that album, became one of the most successful albums ever in the history of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, when I approached Pat to manage my career, she said no.
I would like to recognize Pat.
Mr. Speaker, I too would like to take this opportunity to recognize some constituents that are here in the gallery.
Pat Arnakak, she’s here in the gallery.
She’s been recognized a lot and I would like to thank her for her support and conversations that we’ve had over the years.
Also, I would like to recognize and acknowledge Betty Brewster.
Thanks to her fine work, the Utility Rate Review Council was able to hear firsthand from Nunavutmiut their concerns.
Mr. Speaker, I would like take this opportunity to apologize to Mali.
During the campaign I went knocking at her door one evening and I woke her, so I want to apologize for waking her up that night.
Also, I would like take this opportunity to acknowledge Raymond Ningeocheak here in the gallery.
He used to live down the street from me in Rankin Inlet.
I would like to thank him for all the timeless effort he’s put in on behalf of Nunavutmiut over the years.
I would also like to recognize those individuals over here.
I would like them to stay for the duration of our session today, but they probably won’t be here.
We have three people that use wheelchairs in Arviat.
It is very hard that they are like that, but they’re always smiling every day and they’re able to be involved in the community and they do.
I would also like to recognize Raymond Ningeocheak who has been very supportive of people with disabilities and he has assisted them for a long time.
I remember Raymond, we used to live in the same community and he’s always been supportive of people with disabilities from the time I can remember.
It’s very hard to be in that situation because you can’t help but to be how you were born.
I would also like to recognize people in the gallery, David Arnakak and Mary and Ahme.
I am happy to say that Raymond Ningeocheak’s family are going to be living in Sanikiluaq soon.
Mr. Ningeocheak’s son is living in Sanikiluaq and has children.
I’m happy that they are living in Sanikiluaq and there’s going to be Ningeocheak’s living in my community.
I think it was in the 1970’s that Raymond Ningeocheak’s father was my good friend.
When I was young, I had long hair at that time.
In the early days, David Alagalak and Mr. Ningeocheak were one of my instructors when I took a course to find out how the hamlets operate.
These two people have taught me quite a bit when I was younger.
Some of things that they taught I have not forgotten to date.
Speaker (interpretation): Welcome to the gallery. Mr. Alagalak.
Question 293 – 2(2): Disability Council Supported by the Government of Nunavut
I would like to thank Ms. Brown, the Minister of Health and Social Services.
I would like to ask her a question.
I know that there was talk about getting a disability council in the first Assembly, but now in the second Assembly of this legislature, they are going to try to start another disability council.
Will that organization be fully supported by this government?
This organization is being supported by Health and Social Services.
There was a task force, but it is no longer in operation because they wanted to get together with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.