EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, more recently, Baffinland requested to amend the project certificate to allow for a phased-in approach which would mean deferring a railway and a port at Steensby Inlet and implementing, and I quote, “early revenue phase,” which would see iron ore hauled to Milne Inlet by road and shipped out in the open-water season.
This will mean amending the project’s final environmental impact statement and returning to the environmental review process.
The Government of Nunavut understands that mining companies operate in a complex and often unpredictable economic environment. At the same time, we believe that the stability of this project will contribute to sustained economic growth in our territory.
We fully commit to participation in the next steps of the Mary River project and we will continue to provide our expertise throughout the review process. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 431 – 3(3): Baker Lake Interagency Group (Aupaluktuq)
I rise today to speak about the important work that is being done by Baker Lake’s Interagency Group.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the Baker Lake Interagency Group held its first meeting of the year in early January.
The Baker Lake Interagency Group brings together frontline workers and representatives of many organizations that are active in making the community a better place for all of its residents.
Social workers, educators, RCMP officers, community justice staff, mental health workers, municipal representatives, and others participate in this group.
Mr. Speaker, the Baker Lake Interagency Group is working hard to fulfill its mission statement, objective, and goals.
These include promoting the wellbeing of Baker Lake, achieving awareness of issues facing the community and promoting healthy families.
Mr. Speaker, the Baker Lake Interagency Group is taking a holistic approach to its work and I look forward to seeing its membership expand over the months to come.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in congratulating the Baker Lake Interagency Group for an excellent start to 2013.
Member’s Statement 432 – 3(3): Incorporation of Inuit Societal Values into Institutional Structures (Tapardjuk)
Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Good afternoon to the residents of Igloolik and Hall Beach. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I rise today to again reflect on the philosophical and practical challenges of incorporating Inuit societal values and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit into institutional decision-making.
Mr. Speaker, when Nunavut came into existence on April 1, 1999, it is fair to say that there were great expectations for change.
As the Premier mentioned, after almost two decades of difficult negotiations and decisions, Inuit were hopeful that the settlement of their land claim and the establishment of a new political jurisdiction would foster an institutional and political environment in which the path to greater self-determination could be followed.
Mr. Speaker, we are fast approaching Nunavut’s fifteenth anniversary.
I believe that it is also fair to say that many Inuit, especially elders, feel a growing sense of frustration, given that they see few of their values reflected in the government’s policies and services.
Mr. Speaker, the erosion of our culture and language is a phenomenon that we face every day.
Although, for example, we need to realize as Inuit we are included in the global village, but we cannot sit idly by and allow our distinctiveness to disappear.
Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my fellow MLAs for allowing me to continue.
Mr. Speaker, the magnitude of the challenge of how to effectively incorporate Inuit societal values and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit into institutional decision making is one that cannot be underestimated
To a significant extent Inuit, Inuit societal values and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit are intuitive concepts that do not lend themselves to the style of decision making that characterize Euro-Canadian organizational structures and bureaucratic cultures.
Mr. Speaker, the part of the Inuit societal values and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit are simply another set of largely meaningless acronyms just to ensure that the government is doing a good job.
When they shorten the IQ and ISV they become meaningless.
The fact that the terms “ISV” and “IQ” appear in government documents does not mean that their essence is actually reflected in which way Inuit interact with the state.
Mr. Speaker, we cannot risk allowing Inuit societal values and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit to become assimilative constructs that are used to disguise the fact that many Inuit are not seeing themselves reflected in their own government. Even though they are referring to IQ values and yet it is not being followed.
For example, as Inuit that was not our expectation and the fact that the government is using it as a disguise. Inuit are not seeing themselves reflected in their own government through government documents.
Mr. Speaker, as we all know I have sat on both sides of the House as a Member of Cabinet and as an ordinary member.
I believe I have some insight 99 which Inuit societal values are being integrated into government values.
I believe that as we elected legislatures we should give clear direction to the institutions of public administration as to how it would be a better way to operate the government, and we also are partly to blame as well.
Mr. Speaker, it should be apparent that there are some areas of government activity that lend themselves more readily to the application of Inuit Societal Values and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit than others.
For example, the policies, laws, programs and services that directly impact families must be developed with Inuit Societal Values and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit as their foundation.
On the other hand, for example, the process by which the government applies accounting rules in the calculation of amortization of capital assets is a different matter altogether.
Mr. Speaker, the issues of language and justice can be especially challenging.
When it comes to preserving, protecting, and strengthening the Inuit language, we must carefully consider whether the best approach is a focus on translating the vast amount of documentation produced by government, or whether to work more on ensuring that services are delivered in the language of our constituents and enhancing the presence of the language in our schools.
Traditional concepts and ways of administering justice are not always in harmony with today’s system. In addressing this gap, we must take into account the nature of our federal state, and the different spheres of jurisdiction of each level of government.
Mr. Speaker, we know that the government has established “IQ Committees” and has hired “IQ Coordinators.” In some respects, this is a very bureaucratic approach.
Later today, at the appropriate time, I will have some questions concerning how the government is utilizing such entities.
Member’s Statement 433 – 3(3): Support for Small Business (Ningark)
Yesterday I rose in this House to address the issue of help for homeowners.
Today, I rise to address the importance of support for small business.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that a key element of our economic development strategy must include effective support for Nunavummiut who want to start small businesses.
Mr. Speaker, a number of my constituents have told me that they are interested in starting small businesses.
Sometimes, they do not get assistance.
Mr. Speaker, I applaud the energy and entrepreneurial spirit of such people.
Mr. Speaker, our government’s Department of Economic Development and Transportation does provide a number of programs and services to help businesses get off the ground.
(interpretation ends) These programs include the Small Business Opportunities Fund, the Entrepreneur Development Fund and the Sustainable Livelihood Fund.
The department also provides support for prospectors and outfitters.
Mr. Speaker, I recognize that there is a significant amount of written information available from the government concerning its programs.
If there is one thing that we do not have a shortage of, Mr. Speaker, is paper.
There being none, please proceed, Mr. Ningark.
Mr. Ningark: Mr. Speaker.
I believe that it’s important for the government to work closely with local community economic development officers to ensure that people in smaller communities have someone with whom they can talk face-to-face in order to obtain information and find answers to their questions.
I think that we can also look at how our new GLOs can play a role in providing information concerning these kinds of programs.
Mr. Speaker, every successful business that is started in Nunavut means one more person who is providing for their family and community.
Mr. Speaker, I strongly encourage the government to ensure that its good programs are well understood and accessible to all of our residents.
Member’s Statement 434 – 3(3): Red Pedersen – Kugluktuk Recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal (Taptuna)
Good afternoon, Kuglukturmiut.
I rise today to give tribute to a man who has recently been awarded the Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Red Pedersen first arrived in Kugluktuk in 1953 as a fur trade apprentice for the Hudson Bay Company.
He served for eight years before moving on to Cape Dorset to work with the late James Houston and also with Terry Ryan at the West Baffin Co-Op to set up the retail store.
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Pedersen then travelled and was posted in various communities and the Northwest Territories for a number of years working as a government employee, and was responsible for setting up the first education, health and recreation committees in the Kitikmeot region. He also set up the first resident’s association, which was the forerunner of local governments.
Mr. Speaker, Red Pedersen served in the first elected Kugluktuk Settlement Council in 1970, and served on that council for many years, including in the role of mayor.
He was also active in the area of Canadian Rangers, of which he served for over 35 years. He was also awarded the Boy Scout Leader Medal for good service and was instrumental in getting the community of Kugluktuk an arena and a curling rink that is used by the community today.
Mr. Speaker, Red Pedersen helped this community moved to the hamlet status from a settlement/village status, and in 1983, Mr. Pedersen was elected into the Northwest Territories Legislature for Kitikmeot West and served in that capacity for two terms, serving the legislature both as a cabinet minister and as Speaker of the House.
As you can see, over the years Mr. Pedersen has been busy helping the people of the Kitikmeot and the residents of Kugluktuk, and has earned the respect of people that live there.
So when the diamond mines began the construction and production phase, the Kitikmeot Inuit Association appointed him to represent them on an independent environmental monitoring agency board, in which the board immediately elected him as the chairperson, and he served in that capacity for eight years.
Mr. Speaker, he was made an honorary member of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, and is the first and only non-beneficiary to be so honoured.  Mr. Pedersen has four children, 25 grandchildren, and 31 great-grandchildren, and still lives in Kugluktuk full time.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his dedication and the help he has provided to the residents of Kugluktuk and the Kitikmeot people.
Member’s Statement 435 – 3(3): Application Process for Social Insurance Numbers (Elliott)
I rise today to again address the issue of the application process for social insurance numbers.
Mr. Speaker, earlier today, our ever-vigilant local news media published a copy of correspondence that was sent yesterday by our Member of Parliament to all Members of the Legislative Assembly.
I have now received this letter in both Inuktitut and English, and I will be tabling copies of it at the appropriate time.
Mr. Speaker, I will also ensure that it is distributed throughout the three communities of the High Arctic that I represent.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, concerns were originally brought to my attention by constituents regarding the process by which Nunavummiut are required to apply for social insurance numbers.
I would note that this issue was also recently raised in both the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories and the House of Commons.
I would also express my appreciation to the Premier for having written directly to Ottawa on this matter.
Mr. Speaker, as you will recall, information on Service Canada’s website has indicated that applications “must be processed in person at a Service Canada Centre.”
Given that there are only three Service Canada Centres in Nunavut, this was, understandably, a cause for concern to the residents of Nunavut’s twenty-two other communities.
Mr. Speaker, Minister Aglukkaq’s letter indicates that “special measures are in place to accommodate clients who cannot go in person to a Service Canada Centre. These measures include submitting applications via Service Canada Outreach services, requesting a third party to submit the application on their behalf, and sending the application via mail to a local Service Canada Centre.”
Mr. Speaker, this is excellent news. I very much encourage Service Canada to update its website to provide clear information for Nunavummiut who cannot access Service Canada’s facilities in person, and I encourage Service Canada’s headquarters to ensure that their hard-working local staff in Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, and Cambridge Bay receive updated information that they can provide to residents.
Mr. Speaker, I want to conclude by stating that this experience shows what we can achieve by working together. In this case, many of us heard legitimate concerns from our constituents which needed to be brought to light.
Decision-makers in Iqaluit and Ottawa took action to address the situation, which is exactly why we are here.
Member’s Statement 436 – 3(3): Dr. Leia Cunningham Wins Business on the Rise – 2012 Frozen Globe Awards (Aariak)
I rise today to talk about education and an example of students who have completed their secondary education.
I want to lavishly praise and congratulate Dr. Leia Cunningham, a doctor in the veterinary field. During the Yellowknife Frozen Globe Award ceremonies, she was recognized for her business creation, specifically the “Business on the Rise” award during the 2012 awards ceremony.
I am quite pleased to congratulate my constituent for winning the award for up-and-coming businesses.
I would like to ask members to join me in wishing one of our interpreters, Mikle Langenhan… . It’s her birthday today.
I think she’s hiding in the booth back there.
I’m sure Wayne wishes he was over here with you today. Happy birthday, Mikle.
Question 559 – 3(3): Probation Services in Nunavut (Rumbolt)
I want to follow up today on the issue of probation services.
Yesterday, the minister informed the Legislative Assembly that there are approximately 1,700 residents of the territory on probation.
Testimony provided to the Committee of the Whole also indicated that the Department of Justice fully assumed responsibility for delivering probation services as of February 1, 2013.
However, it’s my understanding that there are at least a dozen Nunavut communities, including Sanikiluaq, with no resident community corrections officer.
In these communities, probation services are delivered, and I quote, “remotely.”
Can the minister clarify how the department delivers probation services in this manner?
Hon. Daniel Shewchuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank Mr. Rumbolt for the question.
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Rumbolt is absolutely right that there are 13 communities that have corrections officers working in the communities.
We do have eight vacant positions or eight positions that we are trying to fill in other priority communities and we are attempting to do this.
He is also correct in saying that where there are no corrections services or probation officer services in communities, they are served remotely.
When a client has gone through the court system, they are given contact information to the remote access to probation officers. Where there’s such a case in Sanikiluaq, Rankin Inlet is where the probation officer would come out from.
Also, the probation officers attend the communities when needed.
It’s my understanding that supervising community corrections officers will periodically fly into remotely serviced communities to provide face-to-face probation services.
Can the minister indicate approximately how many times per year such visits are supposed to occur?
Hon. Daniel Shewchuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thanks for the question, Mr. Rumbolt.
Mr. Speaker, there is no set schedule for probation officers to attend and go into the communities.
It’s done on an as-needed basis.
Can the minister indicate what plans his department has over the next few years to hire new community corrections officers for those communities that no do not currently have resident staff?
The intention is to have probation services offered in every community.
We will assess what communities are prioritized on a workload basis that there is right now, but the intention long term is to have services and probation officers in every community.
I understand that issues related to shortages of office space and housing are impacting the department’s ability to place community corrections officers in each community to deliver probation services.
As the minister may be aware, I had previously contacted both the Department of Justice and the Department of Community and Government Services to facilitate communication with the municipal SAO in order to identify options for office space in the community of Sanikiluaq.
Can the minister indicate if his department followed up on this?
The member is absolutely right. One of the challenges of filling positions in communities that don’t have corrections officers that are working there right now is the availability of staff, housing, and office space.
In the community of Sanikiluaq right now, we are persistently working with Community and Government Services and the community to try and fill that position.
Question 560 – 3(3): Crime Prevention in Nunavut (Aupaluktuq)
My questions are for the Minister of Justice as well, the Hon. Dan Shewchuk.
In January of this year, the Nunavut Court of Justice released a special report titled, “Ingirranivut – Our Journey: A Statistical and Comparative Review of Crime and Court Operations in Nunavut.”
The report provided comprehensive information on crime rates and other matters for a 12-year period from the year 2000 to the year 2012.
Can the Minister of Justice advise the House if he has reviewed this important report?
I have reviewed this report and it is quite an informational report.
In my Member’s Statement today, I spoke about the good work being undertaken by the Baker Lake Interagency Group, which includes representatives from the Community Justice Committee and the RCMP. Can the minister advise the House what his department’s current priorities are with respect to supporting the work of community justice committees?
Mr. Speaker, we are fully committed to community justice committees in all communities. They do wonderful work. We would be in dire straits without them.
We do know that they require more resources, both personnel and monetary, to continually support their communities and increase the responsibilities that they have and do better work as they move forward.
So we are very supportive of them and continue to do so.
The Tamapta Action Plan states that the Government of Nunavut “will develop a comprehensive Crime Prevention Strategy based on Inuit societal values and involving Nunavummiut in efforts to reduce the need for intervention by the justice system.”
Can the minister advise the House as to what specific work his department has undertaken to prepare this strategy?
I thank again Mr. Aupaluktuq for the question.
As I stated yesterday in our Committee of the Whole, it’s a very important initiative to develop this Crime Prevention Strategy and there are three major areas that we’re targeting in the long term, medium term, and short term.
In the short term, our concentration will target community-specific interventions in communities which involve the RCMP, the Wellness Committee, the Health Committee, the Community Justice Committee, and the committee that the member is speaking to, that he’s talking about that’s operating in his community.
I have the same type of committee in my community of Arviat and they seem to be working very well together.
The basis of a working group like that all working together is to intervene in interactions and people who are having problems as soon as you can.
I’m glad he pointed out and indicated the short- and long-term goals. No doubt, the judicial justice systems as well as the local legal services and also interagency groups are eager and keen in participating and contributing as well.
Mr. Speaker, with respects to the Nunavut Court of Justice, the special report of the Nunavut Court of Justice concluded with a number of troubling observations from the Senior Judge, who wrote that “The accelerating rate of violent crime, and the rate of young lives taken by suicide in Nunavut, is telling us something about ourselves and our society.
There is a message in these dark statistics for all of us, for any who would care to look.”
Can the minister indicate what message his department has taken from the court’s report?
It’s a very concerning report and the Department of Justice and the RCMP all share the same concern and, that is, violent crime that is happening in all of our communities.
There is way too much of it and we need to all work together to decrease this and work on crime prevention programs that will help to that regard.
What we’re seeing happening is very disturbing.
We take the court report that the justice of the court has produced and we will work with them to try and address some of the issues outlined in that report.
Question 561 – 3(3): Process for Incorporation of Inuit Societal Values in Government of Nunavut Decision-Making (Tapardjuk)
My Annuraaqatik finally walked into the chambers, so I wish to warmly welcome him.
Welcome, Minister of Environment, I had suspected that perhaps mosquitoes had drained you of your lifeblood.
‘Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Premier.
I want to revisit the issue of exactly how the Government of Nunavut incorporates Inuit societal values into its formal decision-making process, so I will start at the top.
Can the Premier explain what specific criteria the government uses to determine whether or not a given policy, budget, or legislative proposal adequately incorporates Inuit societal values?
The various policies we implement all have different purposes related to government operations under the different departments.
With respect to the policy’s applicability, there are remarks listed within the briefing notes outlining the potential impacts on Inuit culture or societal values and whether the policy can be amended to reflect them
There are templates used for this. There are usually questions related to these issues within the different departments’ draft policies when it is submitted for executive approval at the Cabinet level.
Earlier this month, the government announced the appointment of members of its Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit. The announcement indicated that “all policies and practices [of the Government of Nunavut] must be consistent with Inuit beliefs, customs, values and language.”
Can the Premier explain what role this committee plays in relation to the government’s formal decision-making process?
When dealing with these issues, we maintain that position as our colleague stated which was truthful that this government has to incorporate Inuit values into its operations. Ever since the Nunavut territory was establish back in 1999, this position has been maintained to date. We continue to maintain that position.
We use a variety of sources to meet this need, including the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit, which is under my department. They are our expert resource related to government operations or business plans of the department, as they are involved in these processes.