EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Minister’s Statement 017 – 3(1): Levi Nowdlak – Wise Woman of the Year (Aariak)
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the recipient of this year’s Wise Woman Award, a yearly award handed out by the Qulliit Status of Women Council to honour a woman who has made a positive change in her community.
On March 8, the Qulliit Status of Women Council celebrated International Women’s Day.
This day is marked internationally as a celebration of the achievements of women and of the progress towards equality.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the contributions women in Nunavut have made to the North’s social, political, economic and cultural environment.
There are countless women in Nunavut who have dedicated themselves to making positive change in their communities.
Women in Nunavut have worked on issues such as family violence, political representation, child care, education, the preservation of traditional knowledge, and in general, the health and wellness of our communities.
This year’s recipient of the Wise Woman Award was Levi Nowdlak, who is here, please stand.
She is a young woman from Iqaluit who spoke out about abuse in order to help other young women like her break the cycle of violence.
Mr. Speaker, I ask members to join me in recognizing Ms. Nowdlak and congratulating her on winning this award. I am confident that she will continue to be a strong and positive role model for other young women in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to recognize Levi Nowdlak, who won the award, and Shylah Elliott, who is also part of the Qulliit Status of Women Council, as well as Trista Mercer and Jennifer Condon, who also work at Qulliit Status of Women Council, and Rian van Brugten, who is a Government of Nunavut employee. We would also like to acknowledge Evie Onalik, the mother of Levi Nowdlak.
Minister’s Statement 018 – 3(1): Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit (Tapardjuk)
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, my Annuraaqatik, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce the newly-appointed 15 Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit:
- From the Kitikmeot
Marie Anguti, Kugaaruk
Alice Ayalik, Kugluktuk
Arnaoyok Alookee, Taloyoak
- From the Kivalliq
Erksuktuk Eetuk, Coral Harbour
Andre Tautu, Chesterfield Inlet
- From North Baffin
Koonoo Oyukuluk, Arctic Bay
Laisa Ningiuk, Grise Fiord
Leonie Qrunnut, Igloolik
Gamailee Kilukishak, Pond Inlet
-From South Baffin
Qabawa Qatsiya, Cape Dorset
Jacopie Ikalukjuaq, Clyde River
Sammie Peter, Iqaluit
Peteroosie Qarpik, Pangnirtung
Ragelee Angnakok, Qikiqtarjuaq
Simeonie Akpik, Kimmirut
They will serve all Government of Nunavut departments as an advisory on Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit for a three-year term.
According to each member’s life experience, interests, knowledge and skills, and in order to serve the government better, each member of the Katimajiit are grouped into one of three groups.
Groups will focus on issues of justice, education, and health and social services. To effectively address departmental requests, other subgroups will be established as needed.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud of what the previous Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit membership has achieved over the past six years.
I look forward to the advice and support from the new Katimajiit. Their work will continue to help improve operations and services within all aspects of the Government of Nunavut.
Minister’s Statement 019 – 3(1): Wildlife Symposium, Rankin Inlet March 16 to 20 (Shewchuk)
I am pleased to provide an update on the wildlife symposium taking place this week in Rankin Inlet.
The event has been organized by a steering committee comprised of representatives from Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, the Nunavut Inuit Wildlife Secretariat, the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, and the Government of Nunavut.
In order to respond to the needs and concerns of Nunavummiut, we must engage in constructive dialogue on wildlife issues.
The Department of Environment has been working in collaboration with co-management partners to plan this symposium. The goal is to improve the way we cooperatively manage wildlife in Nunavut.
I see the symposium as a positive step toward our collective vision of ensuring the sustainability of wildlife into the future.
Participants at the wildlife symposium include at least two delegates from each community HTO, and each RWO, as well as representatives from NTI, NWMB, NIWS, and federal government departments involved in wildlife management in Nunavut.
Approximately 130 participants are expected to participate.
We know many of the issues and challenges surrounding wildlife research and management in Nunavut are complex and will not be solved in one meeting. However, this symposium is a significant step for my department in drawing on the strengths of both science and traditional knowledge.
The symposium’s theme, “Working together for Wildlife Sustainability,” reflects the common vision shared between all Nunavummiut and organizations involved in wildlife management. This vision is for Nunavut’s wildlife populations to thrive and to be available to future generations.
To achieve this, it is critical to integrate our knowledge and learn from each other rather than letting our differences prevent us from taking steps forward together. This is why engaging in dialogue is critical and this is exactly the kind of environment we hope to foster at the wildlife symposium.
Minister’s Statement 020 – 3(1): Council of Ministers of Education, Canada’s Aboriginal Education Summit (Tapardjuk)
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to tell my colleagues about a groundbreaking national gathering on aboriginal education.
Last month, education ministers from around the country joined more than 40 national and regional aboriginal and Inuit representatives to discuss how to eliminate the gap between First Nation, Métis, and Inuit learners and other Canadian learners.
Mr. Speaker, it was an incredible experience to hear what is happening around the country in regard to aboriginal education.
It is also a great privilege knowing that Nunavut is well ahead of the curve in terms of delivering culturally-appropriate and Inuit language based programming in our schools.
Over the course of two days, all the jurisdictions and aboriginal organizations had the opportunity to voice their concerns, share their success stories, and elaborate on best practices. It was an insightful and invigorating few days and everyone involved committed to strengthen partnerships.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated was one of the representatives at the summit. They provided a strong voice for Inuit at these discussions and were invaluable in explaining the situation in Nunavut.
They were also happy to see our territory’s progress in developing and delivering education tailored to Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, initiatives like the Bilingual Education Strategy, the community-specific Language of Instruction models, using the knowledge of elders in creating curriculum, and the implementation of the made-in-Nunavut Education Act are all proof of the Department of Education’s dedication to providing excellence in our school system.
The Government of Nunavut is excited to deliver the best in Inuit education excellence and we are happy to share our accomplishments with our partners throughout the country.
Members’ Statement 041 – 3(1): Willingness to Work with Members from the Kivalliq Region (Ningark)
Just prior to making my statement, I would like to speak about my constituency, Repulse Bay and Kugaaruk in Akulliq. I would also like to recognize the individuals that Madam Premier mentioned first of all.
Mr. Speaker, as you may know, I am from the Kitikmeot community of Kugaaruk.
I would like to work with the members from the Kivalliq region, whom I will mention on record.
Hon. Tagak Curley, I wish to work closely with you; Hon. Lorne Kusugak, whom I also would like to work closely with since I am now connected to the Kivalliq region. Additionally, Hon. Daniel Shewchuk from Arviat is another person I wish to work with, as well as Moses Aupaluktuq. Last but not least, I also wish to work with Johnny Ningeongan since my connection to the Kivalliq region is through my constituency community of Repulse Bay.
I have not forgotten my colleagues from the Kitikmeot as I see them continually.
With respect to being a member, representing your constituents is the biggest priority. It is always gratifying to eke out a win since elections are not too predictable.
The riding I was elected to, Akulliq, with the two communities of Repulse Bay and Kugaaruk being in two regions, is unlike any other riding in Nunavut.
As an example, if I were to go to visit Repulse Bay via snowmobile, it would only take a day from Kugaaruk.
If I go via the airlines, it takes two days to arrive in Repulse Bay.
This is an issue that will have to be revisited in the future to ensure that the desires and aspirations of the residents of Repulse Bay and Kugaaruk are taken into consideration, not what I, as a member, want.
That’s why I would like to work with the members that I mentioned.
Member’s Statement 042 – 3(1): In Support of Sealing (Rumbolt)
I rise today in support of the government’s efforts to maintain the sealing tradition in Nunavut. I am confident that all Members of this House will recognize the importance of hunting seals in our territory.
Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to hear views expressed from both sides of this House that show just how important the seal is to Nunavut residents, to Nunavut’s economy, and to Nunavut’s identity.
Mr. Speaker, by working together, we can send a strong message to the rest of Canada and to the rest of the world that this issue is extremely important to us and that when it comes to defending the sealing tradition in Nunavut, we will not give up.
Member’s Statement 043 – 3(1): Ensuring Opportunities for Nunavut’s Small Communities (Ningeongan)
I rise today to call upon our government to work towards ensuring opportunities for Nunavut’s smaller communities.
Mr. Speaker, residents of the smaller communities like the ones I represent often feel left out of major initiatives and developments.
That is not to say that these communities cannot come up with some very productive developments of their own, such as the one in Chesterfield Inlet that I spoke of earlier this session.
However, residents of the smaller communities often hear of investments in infrastructure and programming in the larger communities and it leads to the perception that they are missing out.
Mr. Speaker, residents of our smaller communities do not want to get left behind. It is not always possible or practical for them to leave their homes and families and a familiar environment to seek out new opportunities.
I feel that our government should be making more of an effort to bring opportunities to them.
Mr. Speaker, one area that will be critical to the ongoing success of Nunavut is the promotion of education and training.
Our government needs to invest in ensuring that our schoolchildren have safe and adequate schools where they can pursue their education and their dreams.
Our government needs to invest in establishing training programs in those communities where the surrounding environment lends itself well to certain types of training or where the opportunities for employment in specific industries are coming up.
Mr. Speaker, a good example of the government bringing infrastructure and training programs to the community is the building of a community learning centre in Pond Inlet with a view to providing training programs directly linked to employment opportunities at the Mary River mining site.
Mr. Speaker, we need this kind of investment throughout Nunavut, in all the regions, and especially in the smaller communities, and I urge the government to work towards that goal.
Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, Mr. Kusugak.
Member’s Statement 044 – 3(1): Constituency Office Update/Hockey Centre Update (Kusugak)
Today, I would like to send my greetings to my constituents in Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove.
I would also like them to know that my offices are now open in both communities, and my assistant in Whale Cove is Manu Nattiq and Johnny One, John Ayaruaq, is working out of the Rankin Inlet office.
I just wanted to inform my constituents of these developments.
Secondly, I wish to express my pleasure for the hockey tournament occurring in Rankin Inlet. Hockey is a very popular event in our community and there are always games going on.
I happened to watch a game last week where we had teams from all over playing hockey. We even had a team come in from the Kitikmeot and they were welcomed to our community when they came to play in the tournament.
I would like to notify all future teams that they will be warmly welcomed and that we will always welcome them should they travel to our community to attend these events.
I was quite proud of the winning team of the 2009 Avataq Minors Cup. Furthermore, I am very proud of the Rankin Inlet Bantam Hockey Team that came in second during their Sunday game here in Iqaluit.
Also, the younger team that played in Rankin Inlet won their game. I am very proud of them and I encourage them to continue to play hockey in Nunavut.
Member’s Statement 045 – 3(1): Snowmobiling Safety in Iqaluit (Okalik)
My colleagues have probably already heard through the news about this issue in Iqaluit that seems to be getting hazardous and even downright scary, especially for snowmobilers who have had difficulties.
It’s becoming a larger concern as Iqaluit is growing and this matter will not disappear overnight.
I urge the government as well as our local government to look into it and work with the snowmobilers and the hunters on how best to plan for safer driving as we don’t want anyone placed in a dangerous situation.
I encourage all governments to work together to resolve this issue to ensure that our future is safer for everyone involved and not have dangerous situations occurring in our communities.
This can impact different communities because they’re all experiencing growth.
I wonder how we can best provide a plan of action to have a safer community by involving all parties affected.
I wanted to mention this to all levels of government so that they work with our hunters to resolve the challenges we face.
Recognitions of Visitors in the Gallery.
Mr. Ningark (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
I am quite proud to recognize my lifelong partner in all matters and who, when I was feeling low during my campaign, worked even harder than I, my wife, Celine, along with our grandson whom we adopted, Jonathan, John Jr. Thank you.
Eva Aariak.
Even though I already congratulated these people, I would like to recognize them again as they worked very hard on behalf of women. I would like to recognize the recipient of this year’s Wise Woman Award, who is present along with her mother, Levi Nowdlak. Please stand up.
Evie Onalik, Levi’s mother.
Shylah Elliott, an employee of the Qulliit Status of Women.
Trista Mercer, a board member.
Jennifer Condon, also a board member.
And Rian van Brugten.
Did I miss anyone? I would also like to recognize a woman from Pond Inlet that I know from when we used to live there, Pat.
If there are no more, we’ll move on with the Orders of the Day. Item 6.
Question 035 – 3(1): Assistance for Homeowners in Smaller Communities (Pauloosie)
Mr. Pauloosie: I stand up once again for questions to the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
Mr. Speaker, for a number of years, Nunavummiut have been encouraged by the government to become homeowners.
However, Mr. Speaker, as any homeowner knows, once you buy a house, your problems have only just begun.
In larger communities, there are plumbing companies and tradespeople available to make repairs and perform manual services on furnaces and boilers.
In our extremely harsh winters, this work must be done regularly. However, these services are often lacking in smaller communities.
Mr. Speaker, can the minister indicate if the Nunavut Housing Corporation has examined these issues?
That is indeed an issue that has been identified not only by the Housing Corporation but by the Department of Education and the Nunavut Arctic College as well.
I think it’s one of the key principles behind the delivery of the Northern Housing Trust units across the territory for the last three years was to put a very strong emphasis on training tradespeople so that those tradespeople that obtain that training through the construction of these units over the last three years obtain their trade and are in the communities to be able to provide that service within the communities.
So we have recognized that there is a shortage of tradespeople in whatever area across the territory and that’s why one of the main components of the Housing Trust Delivery Strategy was to provide training.
There was a commitment by the corporation through that process to provide between 35 and 40 journeypersons throughout the life of the program.
Also, a commitment by the corporation, through the training component of it, was to at least set a target of 60 percent Inuit employment on the payroll to be able to provide those training opportunities for people that are interested in working in those trades, to give them that opportunity to learn that trade.
Speaker: Thank you. Your first supplementary, Mr. Pauloosie.
Mr. Pauloosie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It has been suggested to me that our local housing associations should hire more maintainers.
In communities where there are no private companies to do maintenance and repair work on private homes, there may be an opportunity for maintainers to do work for private homeowners.
Of course, the homeowners would be expected to pay a reasonable fee to the housing association for this service. Can the minister indicate if he would be willing to look into this option?
Speaker: Thank you. Minister Tootoo.
I would love to be able to provide more dollars to the LHOs to hire more staff but unfortunately, within the fiscal restraints and limitations that are provided to the corporation, we are barely able to keep the basic stuff happening to be able to look after the public housing units that the local housing associations are responsible for.
I know that it would be great if we could be given more resources to be able to provide more resources in the communities to not only look after the public housing units that we’re responsible for but also to assist the homeowners as well.
Speaker: Thank you. Your second supplementary, Mr. Pauloosie.
In smaller communities, people are often so desperate to find qualified and licensed tradespeople to do work on their homes that they have to go on local radios to ask if anyone is available to do the work and in some cases, to no avail.
Can the minister indicate how the NHC is working with such organizations as Nunavut Arctic College to provide trades training for residents from smaller communities who would like to pursue careers in such areas as plumbing?
This will also certainly create local employment in our smaller communities.
As I indicated in my first response, the corporation is a strong component of the Housing Trust Strategy and delivery with training opportunities in conjunction with the Nunavut Arctic College and Department of Education.
I think there were about 17 pre-trades courses offered over the past year or so dealing directly with individuals and tradespeople working or involved in the Housing Trust construction over the last few years.
And, Mr. Speaker, I also want to assure the member that it’s not only in the smaller communities that you have a hard time finding tradespeople or that to do the work. Even here in Iqaluit, it’s a challenge to find. There’s too much work for people to do.
We recognize that it is a problem and it’s a territory-wide problem being able to have enough skilled tradespeople to do the work that’s needed throughout the territory, but we are continually working.
That is a strong component of the trust delivery for training, in conjunction with the Department of Education through the apprenticeship program and the college providing the pre-trades programs on their campuses, and we continue looking to continue doing that as we move forward over the next couple of years.
Question 036 – 3(1): Testing of Walrus and Other Traditional Food (Ningark)
I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Environment, although I’m not sure if I’m directing it to the right department. I was speaking with my predecessor, Steve Mapsalak, this morning and he gave me a very good question to ask and I thank him very much for that.
In Repulse Bay, they used to send samples of the walrus meat down to Rankin Inlet to be inspected to ensure that the meat was safe and good to eat. The results used to be sent up very fast.
This past summer or perhaps two summers ago, they started sending samples to Northern Quebec to be inspected. The hunters are stating that there’s a long waiting period before the results are sent back to see if the walrus meat they have is edible.
My question to the Minister of Environment is: is there a laboratory in Nunavut that performs inspections on walrus or other meats?
Hon. Daniel Shewchuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the member for the question; it’s a very good question.
At present right now, in the Kivalliq region, if there is a concern about walrus meat and the trichinosis in walrus meat, it can be sent to the Rankin Inlet Health Centre where it will be examined and an answer provided back to the communities.
In regard to other wildlife, with caribou, or musk ox, or other terrestrial wildlife, those samples can be provided to each regional biologist in each region of Nunavut.
I wonder why these samples were sent out to Northern Quebec last summer because it took a long time to get the results back from those samples. I wonder if the minister can look into this and provide me with correspondence on his findings.
I don’t know why it would have gone to Northern Quebec or where you say that this has been, but I could check into that.
However, I just want to let members know that walruses are not our jurisdiction; it is a DFO jurisdiction, so it’s under DFO’s authority. But we definitely work in cooperation to sustain healthy populations and provide information to all Nunavutmiut.
Your second supplementary, Mr. Ningark.
Whether the meat is safe for consumption by Inuit is the question.
Yes, I know that the meat is generally safe to eat, but many Nunavummiut go hunting for their food and some people prefer to eat fresh meat.
I appreciate what the minister stated if he understood me correctly and I would like to ask him when he can provide me with an update.
I will check and inform you as soon as I can while we’re sitting here in the next week or two.
I just want to provide the member too with information that if there is concern about any wildlife and diseases within Nunavut, every community has a conservation officer, a wildlife resource officer, that samples can be taken into and gotten to our biologists that we can test them out to.
Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit West, Mr. Okalik.
Question 037 – 3(1): Breach of Privacy Act (Okalik)
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Yesterday, I tabled a document which disclosed some breaches of our Access to Information Act.
I would like to ask a question to the Minister responsible for the Access to Information Act.
A lot of ministers in our country have lost their jobs for disclosing medical information of constituents.
It was brought to my attention that one of my constituent’s medical matters were disclosed on the government website.
So my question is: has anything been done on this matter?
I would like to thank my colleague for posing the question.
In Nunavut, section 23 of the Access to Information and Privacy Act protects an individual’s personal information.