EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
With more than a 30 percent increase in our graduates this past spring we should celebrate the increase in the number of grade 12 graduates over the past few years.
(interpretation ends) Our optimism for the future is justified by the success of our young graduates. Success will lead to even more success. That is why we need to continue looking for more ways to provide meaningful and appropriate opportunities for our children to succeed in school.
(interpretation) The working draft of the Nunavut Adult Learning Strategy will be tabled during this sitting.
It suggests approaches to address the educational and training needs of youth and adults in Nunavut.
It brings to the forefront not only the challenges we face, but provides thoughtful and prudent ways of attaining them.
We encourage the public and those interested to provide comments and input.
The Department of Education, in partnership with Nunavut Arctic College and Inuit organizations, is proposing an intensive teacher recruitment and training strategy for Nunavut.
This effort will concentrate on recruiting Inuktitut-speaking teachers.
In a potential labour market brimming with opportunity in the next decades, in areas such as mining, fishing, tourism, and construction, we must prepare our youth for these employment opportunities.
(interpretation ends) In a wider sense, Nunavut education is more than just being taught working-related skills.
It is also about the enhancement of Inuit languages as living, working languages of choice in all spheres of life in Nunavut.
(interpretation) I will emphasize that again. As I said earlier, Nunavut education is more than being taught work related skills.
Culture and language of instruction are issues being raised in the consultations for the new Education Act.
These consultations will be completed in the coming months.
(interpretation ends) Education and training are also one of the key components of the Department of Health and Social Services’ Closer to Home strategy, which will create a reformed health and social services system.
Learning closer to home is a key component of the strategy and will provide the next generation of health care providers.
This will help us avoid a shortage of doctors, nurses and other health care providers. Shortages of health care professionals are already evident in Canada and abroad.
Nunavut’s health system currently relies on the south for staff and services.
Professionals from southern Canada move here and provide us with good services, but only a few choose to stay and make Nunavut their home.
Nunavut’s goal of healthy communities demands that we equip Inuit to become the health care providers for the next generation at all levels of the system.
An ambitious Health Human Resources Strategy will help the government make significant progress over the next five years.
As we graduate Inuit nurses, mental healthcare workers, and other health care specialists in the coming years, Nunavummiut will benefit in many ways.
We will receive care from people who understand our language and culture.
And, we will receive continuity of care from a team of community-based professionals.
From health care, to the public service, to technical jobs, we need more training and education.
Education is important within Nunavut. It is also important to look outside our territory because we have a pivotal role to play in educating Canadians and others about what we as a people are learning about and experiencing with climate change.
Nunavut has a unique opportunity to raise global awareness about how the effects of climate change are altering our socio-economical, traditional, and cultural ways of life in the Arctic.
That is why Nunavut will be represented at the 11th Annual United Nations Climate Change Conference in Montréal from November 28 to December 9, 2005.
It will be the first meeting of the signatories to the Kyoto Protocol, which came into effect in February 2005, and discussions will take place on long-term measures to address climate change on a global scale.
These discussions are significant for Nunavut as decisions made during this time will have an impact on the lives of Nunavummiut for years to come.
During this session, the government is going to be tabling legislative amendments for your consideration.
These are changes to legislation that we inherited from the Northwest Territories and will result in laws that better meet the needs of Nunavummiut and more accurately reflect practices in Nunavut.
Proposed amendments to the Liquor Act will regularize current practices regarding the importation of liquor and the purchase of liquor from government liquor warehouses.
Amendments to the Financial Administration Act and Conflict of Interest Act will also be tabled.
They are intended to strengthen the accountability and management of Nunavut’s public agencies.
An Act to Amend the Fire Protection Act will also be put before you for your consideration.
Our justice system is also adapting to meet the needs of Nunavummiut. We are now seeing the results of changes we have made.
It has become a system that more readily incorporates Inuit societal values.
The Department of Justice is shifting its focus more towards community-based healing initiatives and victim services.
There has been an expansion in healing for victims, offenders, and their communities.
The number of outpost camps that provide justice healing services in Nunavut communities has increased and the Kugluktuk Ilavut Centre has opened.
All have community-based healing programs.
The Department of Justice is continuing consultations on proposed family abuse prevention legislation with the hope that the legislation will reflect and enable traditional healing methods.
The legislation will also focus on providing safety for victims so that they can pursue healing in their community.
It has the potential to provide greater stability for families, and in particular for children, who so often are the innocent victims of domestic violence in their homes.
By building a criminal justice system that responds to the needs of Nunavummiut, more matters will be referred to community justice committees, where the communities can use Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit by increasing their involvement in dispute resolution.
The goal of this is to heal broken relationships and restore individuals’ roles in their community.
(interpretation) In my address I have touched on only some of the successes and on some of the challenges that we face.
As we move forward we will continue to work with our land claims partners so that we can continue to achieve the objectives and goals in Pinasuaqtavut 2004-09, which is your plan and your government’s plan for improving the lives of all Nunavummiut.
The path is clear and I wish you continuing success.
Speaker (interpretation): We will take a 30-minute break to participate in the Commissioner’s reception.
>>House recessed at 14:32 and resumed at 15:05
Speaker (interpretation): Before proceeding to the Orders of the Day, I wish to make two statements.
I would like to take this opportunity to apologize to our members today for my conduct earlier this year during an official event at which I was in attendance.
I can assure members that I have fully accepted their comments to me on this matter.
My second statement concerns the issue of televising the Legislative Assembly’s proceedings.
Members will have noted in our news release of November 8 a recent policy change on part of the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network has resulted in a proceeding being bumped from the previous time slot.
Regrettably, this will result in being unable to provide a nightly televised synopsis of the day’s proceedings in the House as it has been done since April 1, 1999.
We fully appreciate the impact that this will have on Nunavummiut, and are working with the Northwest Territories and Yukon legislatures on this issue.
I will keep all members regularly informed of developments.
Member’s Statement 001 – 2(3): Recognition of Previous Sir Martin Frobisher School Students (Okalik)
I stand today to welcome my colleagues to the capital city of Iqaluit.
I rise today to recognize the people of Iqaluit who had their graduation between 1955 and 1963.
I’d like to recognize the people who went to school here in Iqaluit and attended Sir Martin Frobisher School.
They were recognized recently and the Commissioner was also one of the students who were recognized as was the Sergeant-at-Arms.
The Minister of Education recognized those previous students. They also talked about what they used to do when they attended the school.
We didn’t know anything in English and we talked about all of the difficulties that we encountered during that time.
It was a very happy event for those students that attended the school years ago and I would like to thank the Department of Education and the students that invited me to witness their recognition. I would like them as our role models for the younger people in Nunavut and I would like to encourage students to continue with their education.
Members’ Statements.Mr.
Mapsalak.
Member’s Statement 002 – 2(3): Successful Bowhead Whale Hunt in Repulse Bay (Mapsalak)
I am pleased to be back in the House today and I would like to welcome back my colleagues as well.
I rise today to share the good news of the successful bowhead whale hunt that was hosted by the community of Repulse Bay this summer.
Mr. Speaker, in April I invited all members of this House to join me in Repulse Bay for the harvest.
I would like to thank the members that attended, Tagak Curley and Mr. Netser.
And for those who couldn’t make it, you missed an excellent day of hunting and a week long celebration.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate all the people who worked hard to make the hunt a success. I would especially like to congratulate Marcel Mapsalak who led the fifth legal bowhead whale hunt since the signing of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
After less than four hours on the water, a good clean kill was made. The whale was 54 feet long and it took the better part of the week to finish cutting it up.
I am very proud of the people of Repulse Bay and I would like to congratulate them for this volunteer work and they worked very hard to the very end of the hunt.
On behalf of the members of this House I would like to suggest that we have another one of those hunts.
Member’s Statement 003 – 2(3): Concerns of Constituents (Barnabas)
I would like to welcome everyone to the House.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by congratulating Helen Maksagak in her appointment as Deputy Commissioner. I look forward to seeing her in this House again.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to report to the House on the results of my recent community consultations.
Since our last sitting, I have had the opportunity to listen in person to the concerns of my constituents in Arctic Bay, Resolute Bay and Grise Fiord.
Mr. Speaker, the three High Arctic communities that I represent all expressed concerns regarding the high cost of living in Canada’s most northerly settlements.
Earlier this summer, I was pleased that the Auditor General of Canada took the time to visit Arctic Bay.
This trip was undertaken to assist her office in gaining a greater understanding of the issues and conditions in the North.
Her office audits such federal programs as food mail, which has a direct impact in the lives of our constituents.
Mr. Speaker, one of the things that the Auditor General would have seen with her own eyes is the high costs of food and other necessities in our stores.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to have unanimous consent to conclude my Member’s Statement.
Speaker (interpretation): The member is asking for unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays?
There are no nays. Mr. Barnabas, continue.
Not too long ago I was told that one of my constituent’s parents could not afford to buy a turkey for their Thanksgiving dinner.
This was the first time in their lives that they could not do so.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, we need to look closely at federal and territorial programs to ensure that we are meeting the needs of our constituents.
We need to work with retailers to make sure that healthy foods are accessible and affordable for our residents.
Mr. Speaker, housing is an ongoing issue for my communities. The recent staff housing changes announced by the government have caused concerns.
While I recognize that it is unrealistic for GN employees in staff housing to expect their rents will always stay the same and never increase, we must be careful that policy changes do not negatively impact the delivery of necessary health and education services in our schools and health centres.
We already face significant challenges in recruiting and retaining nurses and teachers.
Mr. Speaker, in my communities the existing staff housing is often old and in poor shape. I understand why people may feel that they are being treated unfairly in being told that they must pay more.
Mr. Speaker, I will be raising other issues of concern during our sitting. I look forward to working with the members in helping to make Nunavut a better place for all our residents.
Member’s Statement 004 – 2(3): Achievement Awards for Hamish Tatty (Curley)
I rise today to pay tribute to a resident of Rankin Inlet who recently received a prestigious national award.
The Business Development Bank of Canada is a federal institution that delivers financial investment and consulting services to Canadian small businesses.
Each year during Small Business Week the Business Development Bank of Canada’s Young Entrepreneur Award recognizes achievements of Canadian businesspeople between the ages of 19 and 35.
One recipient from each province and territory is selected.
Last month at a presentation ceremony held in Calgary, Hamish Tatty of Rankin Inlet received the BDC’s Young Entrepreneur Award for Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, Rankin Inlet and the Kivalliq as a whole are well known for the entrepreneurial spirit of its residents.
Our small and medium-sized businesses create local jobs, provide training to our residents, and help to drive our economy.
I have known Hamish and his family for many years.
Hamish’s hard work with a local company, M&T Enterprises, show what drive and determination can achieve.
Hamish is also a well-known and well-respected community leader and volunteer.
Mr. Speaker, I have consistently spoken out on the need for a strong, dynamic business sector in Nunavut.
Government alone cannot create the jobs and prosperity that our communities and residents deserve.
We need to do our part in ensuring that Nunavut is open for business.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to have unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
There are no nays. Mr. Curley.
I ask all members to join me in congratulating Hamish Tatty for making us proud.
Member’s Statement 005 – 2(3): Issues from the Communities that the Members will Raise (Netser)
When Celestine Erkidjuk was here, he said that he was nervous. I guess that the members are not the only people that get nervous here.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be here.
(interpretation ends) I am pleased to rise today on behalf of my constituents in Coral Harbour and Chesterfield Inlet.
Like other members of this House, I look forward to vocally representing my constituents during our session and holding the government accountable for its actions and decisions.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin on a positive note by saying that the residents of Coral Harbour are very pleased with the new school bus service in the community. It is making a big difference for our children and I would like to thank the minister for his support in this matter.
It’s very quiet over there.  >>Laughter
Mr. Speaker, I will be raising a number of issues of concern during our session. These include the Government of Nunavut staff housing policy and its impact on our ability to hire and keep health and education staff in our smaller communities.
Mr. Speaker, I recognize that it is not realistic for Government of Nunavut employees to pay the same amount forever for their units; however, we need to make our health and education staff feel welcome and not feel like they are being punished for coming up to our communities to serve our people.
I also believe, Mr. Speaker, that our public housing rent scale should not be a disincentive for people seeking employment. The quality of public housing in my communities is often very poor due to the age of the units.
I can understand why people feel that it is unfair to be asked to pay significantly higher rent for poor quality housing when they manage to get jobs.
Mr. Speaker, members know that I am concerned about drug and alcohol abuse in our communities and I have always advocated a strong stance on this issue. I was very pleased to see the residents of Gjoa Haven recently voted to keep the community alcohol free.
(interpretation) I am very proud of the people of Gjoa Haven for having an alcohol-free community because the people who use drugs and alcohol do things that they don’t expect to do.
(interpretation ends) I noted that the recent meeting of federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Justice, the issue of mandatory minimum sentences was discussed. When it comes to drug pushers and bootleggers, I would like to see tougher penalties.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to a productive sitting this month. Thank you.
Speaker (interpretation): Members’ Statements.Mr.
Evyagotailak.
Member’s Statement 006 – 2(3): Community Concerns to be Raised During Session (Evyagotailak)
I rise today to report to the House on the recent constituency meeting that I held in Kugluktuk.
Earlier this month, a number of my constituents attended a meeting to share their concerns with me in advance of our sitting this month.
I want to thank everyone who took the time to come out and speak.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, a lot of very important issues were brought to my attention and I made a commitment to bring those issues to the floor of the House.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to highlight those issues today.
I will be following up on a number of them during our sitting.
Mr. Speaker, I recently had an opportunity to welcome the Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee on Health and Education to Kugluktuk.
Education is the key priority for Kugluktuk.
Issues that were raised with me include: the need to provide healthcare service as close to Kugluktuk as possible and to address the issue of medical escorts; the need to address domestic violence and to find ways to support our local shelter; the need to provide on-the-land programming for young offenders close to the community; the need to expand 24-hour care for our elders; and, the need for us to get the procedures working in relation to the boards which help regulate mining development.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I am pleased with the appointment of Helen Maksagak as the Deputy Commissioner and would like to congratulate her.
Member’s Statement 007 – 2(3): Concerns to be Raised During Session (Peterson)
I am pleased to rise today to welcome all members back to the House; it’s good to be back despite the weather.
I am especially pleased to be able to extend congratulations on behalf of the entire community of Cambridge Bay to Helen Maksagak on a recent appointment of our Deputy Commissioner. Helen is one of my constituents and neighbours. As members know, she has a long and distinguished background in public service and community work.
Mr. Speaker, the last six months have been very busy for all of us in our communities. I’m sure that our constituents are looking forward to us rolling up our sleeves and getting some work accomplished during this session and in the upcoming months.
Mr. Speaker, there are all sort of issues to consider during this sitting and in the upcoming budget session early next year.
Some of the issues that people from Cambridge Bay have talked to me about include the state of economic development and mine training programs in the territory, the Government of Nunavut’s staff housing policy, the ongoing tragedy of domestic violence, the need to identify better ways to speak for and protect children, the status of devolution (especially where we allocate Nunavut’s $40 million share of the Nunavut Strategy funding), the delivery of health and social services programs to our communities, the urgent need to address the infrastructure deficit facing Nunavut, the urgent need to address the literacy deficit facing Nunavut, and the state of our territory’s finances, which remain a bit of a mystery to me having not yet seen the public accounts for 2003-04 or 2004-05.
Mr. Speaker, during the past six months that MLAs were in their ridings, much has happened at the cabinet level. I for one remain just a bit curious about the fact of the cabinet shuffle following our last sitting in the spring, given that most ministers had less than a year and a half as heads of their departments.
Mr. Speaker, the ministers attended many important federal and provincial-territorial meetings on behalf of Nunavut. The Premier also attended the Western Premiers’ Conference during the summer.
I look forward to the ministers taking the time during this session to formally update the Legislative Assembly and the voting public on their actual activities and accomplishments at these national meetings.
Mr. Speaker, I request unanimous consent to complete my statement.
Speaker (interpretation): The Member is asking consent to conclude his statement.
There are no nays, Mr. Peterson please proceed.
Mr. Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank my colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, we often find out about what goes on in these important gatherings by piecing together clues from reading things from elsewhere. For example, we hear the three northern Territories are working together to get a better deal from Ottawa on childcare funding.
However, I haven’t heard a formal statement from our minister on this issue and we need to know where we stand today. It is important that ministers use their time in the House and to speak candidly to the public and with all members about these important developments that have an impact on our residents.
Mr. Speaker, although the prospect of a federal election in early 2006 has created some uncertainty for us, we must not lose sight of the pressing issues facing us today. Our constituents send us to Iqaluit to get things done on their behalf and I therefore look forward to working with all members in doing so.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Peterson. Members’ Statements.
Member’s Statement 008 – 2(3): St. Jude’s Cathedral Fire (Picco)
Hon. Ed. Picco: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and welcome to all my colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, I am sure Mr. Peterson will find out in the next week and half about the update on the LCC from the minister that he was speaking about.
Mr. Speaker, our community suffered a grievous loss. A grievous loss, when St. Jude’s Anglican Cathedral experienced a fire almost two weeks ago.
Mr. Speaker, the historic cathedral has been and is the focal point for many of our residents.
Since the fire, the support of the congregation from Iqaluit, in Nunavut, and across the country has been overwhelming and we want to take this opportunity Mr. Speaker, to thank all the people who have sent kind words, e-mails, faxes and letters of encouragement as well as in some cases, Mr. Speaker, substantial cash donations.
Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to thank Captain Ron McLean, Reverend Methusalah Kunuk, our many leaders, and the people of Iqaluit who have remained strong and are committed to moving ahead in a very positive light.
Mr. Speaker, in the next few weeks, we, as a congregation, hope to be in a position to confirm the next steps in the process of dealing with the loss as a community and as a congregation.
Member’s Statement 009 – 2(3): Charitable Donations Highest in the Country (Tootoo)
I would like to first off, take this opportunity to extend my congratulations and I am sure on behalf of all members, to our new Commissioner who delivered her first throne speech this afternoon and also, like a couple of my colleagues, warmly congratulate Mrs. Helen Maksagak on her appointment as Deputy Commissioner.
As most members know she was our first Commissioner.