EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Honourable Olayuk Akesuk, Mr. David Alagalak, Mr. James Arreak, Mr. Levi Barnabas, Honourable Levinia Brown, Mr. Tagak Curley, Honourable Peter Kilabuk, Mr. Steve Mapsalak, Mr. Patterk Netser, Honourable Jobie Nutarak, Honourable Paul Okalik, Mr. Keith Peterson, Honourable Edward Picco, Honourable David Simailak, Honourable Louis Tapardjuk, Mr. Hunter Tootoo.
Speaker (interpretation): We will begin with the opening prayer. Mrs. Brown.
Mr. Premier, thank you for coming back.
Ministers, good afternoon. Good afternoon members.
Minister’s Statement 034 – 2(3): Priority Hiring Policy Extension (Tapardjuk)
Later on this afternoon I will table the extension of the Priority Hiring Policy.
Workforce data has identified that between 1999 and June 2005 the number of beneficiaries in the GN increased by 1,013. Overall representation of beneficiaries during this period increased from 44 percent to 47 percent.
Staffing capacity increased from 42 percent in June 1999 to 80 percent in June 2005. The current GN target is for 56 percent representation by 2010. The Priority Hiring Policy has contributed to the increase in beneficiary representation and is required to ensure that the GN meets it target for 2010.
Mr. Speaker, given the continuing under representation of beneficiaries in GN positions, the Priority Hiring Policy has been extended and updated.
The revised policy:
extends application to all agencies, boards, and Crown Corporations listed in the Financial Administration Act;
eliminates responsibility of applicants for identifying their eligibility for priority consideration;  outlines roles and accountabilities of departments and the Department of Human Resources;
updates related legislation; and,
revises the sunset date of December 2009, with an interim review in October 2007.
The Priority Hiring Policy complies with the requirements of Article 23 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement (NCLA) and is a clear demonstration of the GN's commitment to achieving a representative Public Service.
Minister’s Statement 035 – 2(3): United Nation’s Climate Change Conference (Akesuk)
From November 28 to December 9 Canada will host the first meeting of the parties of the Kyoto Protocol in Montreal in conjunction with the 11th Conference of the Parties, which are also known as MOP1 and COP11 respectively.
The protocol came into effect in February of 2005 and this is the first meeting of the countries to sign onto it.
Up to 10,000 representatives from 189 countries are expected to participate, making this the largest intergovernmental climate change conference since the Kyoto Protocol was adopted in 1997.
Many of the discussions will be on the long-term measures to address climate change impacts for the period of 2013 and beyond. These discussions are of great importance to Nunavut and will, no doubt have a considerable impact on the daily lives of Nunavummiut in the years to come.
To ensure Nunavut is well represented, the Department of Environment has taken the lead in organizing our participation COP11.
We are coordinating an exhibit, with participation from other regions, highlighting climate change in the Arctic and the impact on Inuit.
We are committed in incorporating Pinasuaqtavut 2004-09, into our activities by, “Contributing to our country as a committed and active participant in the life of Canada and to the circumpolar world as an active arctic neighbour.”
By being an active participant at the meetings, I am optimistic that Nunavummiut will benefit from the discussions in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the effects of climate change.
Minister’s Statement 036 – 2(3): Congratulations to Sheila Watt-Cloutier (Aglukkaq)
I would like to highlight the work of Sheila Watt-Cloutier upon her recognition of Northerner of the Year by “Up Here Magazine.”
As the Minister responsible for the Status of Women, it is my honour to speak in support of her remarkable achievements on behalf of Inuit, women, and northerners.
Because of Mrs. Watt-Cloutier’s leadership, the world now looks to the circumpolar Inuit and our northern lands as a barometer of the planet’s health.
Ms. Watt-Cloutier has spent a greater part of her adult life in pursuit of preventing and correcting the damage being done to our environment, not just for Inuit, but for all people.
Mr. Speaker, the issue of climate change threatens our traditional way of life and the planet’s health in general.
Her struggles to focus world attention on righting the wrongs that we are doing to our environment have made a real difference.  On behalf of the Members of the Legislative Assembly I would like to offer my congratulations to Sheila Watt-Cloutier on her latest award and wish her every success in the years to come.
Mr. Speaker, her efforts will help ensure that Inuit can live in the twenty-first century with dignity and vitality and that we will be able to continue to enjoy our traditional way of life both now and for the future.
Minister’s Statement 037 – 2(3): Update on Made in Nunavut Language Legislation (Tapardjuk)
The protection and promotion of the Inuit language is among the most important priorities of this government identified in Pinasuaqtavut.
My department has been working in collaboration with a number of government departments and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated to develop new language legislation that will respond to the needs of Nunavut.
In the near future the government will be unveiling two new policies of language legislation. The Inuit Language Protection Act will include provisions to support the use of Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun as a working language of the Government of Nunavut.
It will support the right of Nunavummiut to have their children educated in the Inuit language. It will include new requirements for businesses to provide essential services to Nunavummiut in the Inuit language. And it will establish an Inuit Language Authority to help develop our language so it can be used effectively in all these areas.
The government is also developing a new Official Languages Act that will ensure that speakers of the Inuit language, English, and French enjoy equal access to government services in their language.
Member’s Statement 065 – 2(3): Residential School Agreement (Mapsalak)
I rise today to express my satisfaction that a comprehensive residential school settlement agreement has been achieved with the federal government.
Mr. Speaker, we all have relatives or know people who were in the residential school system.
In many cases, the experiences that they went through have had an impact on them throughout their entire lives.
Mr. Speaker, we need to recognize the fact that while a number of people received a good quality of education at the schools they attended, others suffered physical and sexual abuse.
Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge the longstanding efforts of people like Jack Anawak, Marius Tungilik and Peter Irniq for their work in achieving justice.
Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that this agreement will allow the healing to begin.
Member’s Statement 066 – 2(3): Cambridge Bay Senior Boys & Girls Basketball Teams (Peterson)
I rise today to inform the House about the activities and ambitions of the Cambridge Bay Senior Boys and Girls Basketball teams.
Mr. Speaker, Cambridge Bay’s basketball program is one of the most successful in Nunavut, and, indeed, the entire north.
Mr. Speaker, the Boys and Girls Basketball teams have attended many tournaments and won accolades and awards for their efforts.
Our community is very proud that they represent us well. Mr. Speaker, the players are always striving to improve and be the very best that they can be.
Mr. Speaker, the players and coaches are now planning a “trip of a lifetime” to Cuba in April of 2006 during their school break.
Mr. Speaker, players and coaches and volunteers are striving to raise $70,000 to take 20 athletes, three coaches, and three chaperones on their trip. As you can imagine, this is going to be a tremendous challenge for them.
I am pleased to report that they have already raised $15,000 from cakewalks, bake sales and other activities.
Mr. Speaker, they have some creative new ideas to raise funds. One is the senior boys’ auction.
The player has to cook a meal for two and treat their date to a skate or movie night.
Mr. Speaker, the teams have set high standards to participate on this trip.
Mr. Speaker, athletes must have 90 percent attendance in school, they must attend with a positive attitude, and their teachers must certify that they are working to the best of their ability.
Mr. Speaker, it occurs to me that perhaps we Members of the Legislative Assembly should look to these athletes for some tips on how to work with limited resources, keep a positive outlook on life, and achieve great success for the people that we represent.
Mr. Speaker, the hardworking coaches deserve a lot of credit for the success of the basketball program in Cambridge Bay. Daisy Eyegetok, Terry Aknavigak, and Jack Kupeuna Jr. are committed and dedicated to the boy and girls basketball players and their efforts are rewarded by the success their teams enjoy each season.
Mr. Speaker, I ask the Members of the House to join with me in congratulating the Cambridge Bay girls and boys basketball teams on their many achievements and all the very best with their fundraising efforts over the next four months.
Member’s Statement 067 – 2(3): Coral Harbour Schools Lack of Resources (Netser)
I rise today to speak to an issue raised by the District Education Authority of Coral Harbour.
The Coral Harbour DEA is very concerned that programs and textbooks are not always available to students in the school.
Mr. Speaker, I recognize that teachers have curriculum guidelines to follow.
These have been in place for a number of years. However, the problem is not with the guidelines, but with the lack of tools and resources that enable teachers and students to follow them effectively.
Mr. Speaker, I will give you some examples. For social studies, teachers from kindergarten to grade six do not have a standard textbook.
They have to find whatever resources they can. Once the students get to grade seven, textbooks are available, but they are so old that the textbook is no longer published.
Mr. Speaker, we have a similar problem with the lack of science textbooks for classes for kindergarten to grade six.
When the students get to higher grades, the textbooks they do have are too difficult for them to follow.
Language Arts is another area, Mr. Speaker, where there are not enough books such as novels, spellers, and grammar texts for our students to use.
Many teachers pull together a selection of material for students to use but there is no established reading program for all students.
Mr. Speaker, the lack of consistency and availability of materials used to teach these classes and others makes it very difficult for teachers to determine whether skills have been taught and learned.
It makes it difficult for students to build on what they have learned, or should have learned, from year to year.
Mr. Speaker, our teachers need up-to-date textbooks that allow for the consistent development of students’ skills and understanding throughout the course of their education.
There should be enough textbooks for all students and they should be in good, clean condition.
Mr. Speaker, we have often said that education is the key to our future.
Let us work together to make sure that the key is not so rusty that it can’t even unlock the door to life-long learning.
Member’s Statement 068 – 2(3): High Winds in Pangnirtung (Kilabuk)
Hon. Peter Kilabuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I was going to make a statement on Friday.
Since I changed my diet at the beginning of June, I lost 60 pounds, but I have something else to say.
This past Saturday on November 26, the winds were very strong in Pangnirtung, but I am happy to say that there were no injuries.
Even though they keep track of how strong the wind was at the airport, there was no power, so, they didn’t have the speed of the wind.
There was a fishing boat that was unloading in Pangnirtung. It was there at the time, and they recorded that the winds were going 155 kilometres an hour.
That indicates how strong the winds were in Pangnirtung.
So, for that reason, the power in some parts of the town was out and a lot of phones were out.
But, I rise today because I’d like to thank Billy Evik.
I want him recognized because if he didn’t help with the power, the shortage could have lasted longer and they wouldn’t have had heat.
Billy Evik was able to help the two.
I would like to thank the emergency measure people in the community. They advised Pangnirtung as to what they were going to do from here.
And the mayor, Sakiasie Sowdluapik, really helped get the community involved, especially with assisting the Elders and by providing some naphtha in some units where they had to use a Coleman stove.
The whole thing went very smoothly and that’s why I stand up to say thank you.
Member's Statement 069 – 2(3): New Aquatic Centre Proposal (Tootoo)
I rise today on an issue that I really hope will buoy member’s spirits.
Last month, the feasibility study that had been commissioned by city council to look at a new aquatic centre in our capital was completed.
Mr. Speaker, Iqaluit is rapidly outgrowing its current facilities. The swimming pool is operating at capacity and is open 70 hours a week.
I understand also that the lease for this facility may not be extended.
Children literally line up half an hour to an hour in advance of public swims in order to get a chance of getting through the doors and into the water.
It is sad that not every child in line gets an opportunity to get wet.
Mr. Speaker, the pool is not just for Iqaluit children.
When youth from other communities come here on school trips, or for sporting events, a visit to the pool is often a highlight of their experience.
Mr. Speaker, almost every member of this House has raised the issue of our youth having access to positive programs in which they can take part.
A new aquatic centre could provide that opportunity for youth.
Mr. Speaker, swimming and aquatic fitness programs are not only for the young.
These activities are ideal for all ages and fitness levels, including Mr. Kilabuk who lost 60 lbs.
Learning to swim is a skill that can be used throughout life and can help you save a life.
Mr. Speaker, also, besides swimming there is kayaking, this is a group that uses these facilities and will be homeless if no facility is there for them to operate out of.
Mr. Speaker, the feasibility study will be presented to city council on December 6.
As of yet, no decision has been made and Mr. Speaker, I hope that the proposal for a new centre will receive full consideration, and also Mr. Speaker, I hope that the Government of Nunavut, Community and Government Services officials will, if the city chooses to do so, work with them to try and achieve such a worthy goal.
Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure today to welcome to the gallery some people that are well known throughout Nunavut indeed and also includes a class of students of Nunavut Arctic College.
Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to introduce students who are taking a course in Introduction to Northern Government at Nunavut Arctic College.
This is through the Municipal Training Organization (MTO).
I will introduce each of them.
First of all, they are Mr. Bruce Arnold, Mr. Keith Baines, Paul Barrieau, Amika Etuangat, Shirley Kunuk, Sarah Maniapik, Jonathan Machmer, and Sandy Taylor and their esteemed Professor, former Premier of the Northwest Territories and one of the creators of the famous Meech Lake Accord, the Honourable Dennis Patterson.
I also would like to take this opportunity to welcome one of the greatest Chicago Blackhawks fans other than myself in Nunavut. Well-known jurist, legal eagle, recognized by International Governance as a legal expert especially in the Caribbean, Mr. Neil Sharky.
I’d like to recognize the residents of Resolute Bay.
First of all, I’d like to recognize Hans Miteq Aron Arronsen.
On May 16, 1986 Mr. Arronsen came to Canada and just became a Canadian citizen on November 24, 2005.
He is a hunter and he assists a lot of people in Resolute Bay in regards to providing needs for our elders and I’d like to recognize his spouse Zipporah Kalluk Arronsen.
She is a member of many different committees.
I’ll try and name them all but might omit one.
She is the Chairperson of the local housing association and District Education Authority, a Hamlet Councillor, a Tudjaat Co-op Director; she’s on the Economic Development Committee and a court worker in Resolute Bay.
They also have a business, Ootoq’s and Miteq’s Outfitting; recently, they had a meeting for Nunavut Tourism.
I’d like to welcome to the House, Mr. David Long, Vice President of the Miramar Hope project who is sitting over here.
Mr. Long travelled all the way from Vancouver over the weekend to give us a luncheon update on Nunavut’s next gold mine and hopefully that will be in 2007 or 2008 in the Kitikmeot.
Question 081 – 2(3): Ensuring Adequate School Resources (Netser)
I spoke earlier today about the lack of textbooks and program materials for our teachers to use when following the curriculum guidelines.
The lack of consistency in materials from year to year makes it difficult for our teachers, Mr. Speaker, and the students to build on learning from year to year.
I’m sure Coral Harbour is not the only community with that type of problem.
Can the minister outline for this House what steps his department is taking to ensure that adequate and up to date textbooks are available for all of Nunavut’s students?
The department has moved aggressively in the last 12 months to include a lot of new curriculum into the school. I’ll just give some examples.
For example, this year, we’re putting in a new archaeology CD-ROM for grade eight, the Inuktitut grammar CD-ROM for grades one and three, Inuktitut story teller for grade one and three, English as a second language units for grade eight, and English as a second language for grade nine. There are the units for grade twelve as well as Inuktitut language arts for grade twelve, English as a second language for grades seven, eight and nine, work experience guidelines for grades ten and twelve, modules in science for grade seven and eight, as well as archaeology grade eight CD-ROM and a teacher’s manual.
Mr. Speaker, at the same time we do have a team of curriculum development people who work out of different locations. For example, in Arviat, there are individuals who are constantly reviewing the curriculum that we have in our schools and coming up with new curriculum as well as text and support material that the member was asking about.
Mr. Netser (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. CD-ROMs are good but if there are no textbooks then the teachers can go all over the place without following the curriculum.
Mr. Speaker, we have been told that the department’s curriculum division in Arviat is working very hard to establish made in Nunavut curriculum guidelines for the K-12 system.
Can the minister clarify for this house what efforts are being directed at identifying and providing the resources for teachers to use to deliver the established curriculum?
The entire curriculum that is developed for our schools is authorized through the Department of Education.
At the same time Mr. Speaker, the curriculum that we are using in our schools includes work that has proceeded and has subsequently come from the Northwest Territories since division.
At the same time we use the western education protocol, which includes the provinces of Nunavut, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, the Yukon, Saskatchewan and Alberta.
That’s the process where we also develop and bring curriculum to those different groups and have it approved. At the same time, Mr. Speaker, curriculum is also developed in Nunavut. I just gave some examples of that.
Mr. Netser (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the minister commit to reviewing the resources and textbook situation across all schools in Nunavut, provide an update to the members of this House on the results of his review and how he proposes to address any deficiencies that he finds?
The department continually reviews curriculum and resources that are in place, particularly regarding the situation that the member explained and described in his members’ statement with the situation in Coral Harbour, where there seems to be a lack of textbooks and so on.
Mr. Speaker, we’ll look into that immediately and see what the issue is. In all of our schools, as the member has outlined, there is a curriculum resource provided to the schools and to the teachers.
At the same time, there is an updating of the curriculum on a regular basis, and we gave some examples of that. If the major concern in the community is lack of resources, then that’s something that we should be able to address very expediently.
So, I will make that commitment to the member to find out exactly what is occurring in the community and to see how we can expedite and facilitate getting the resources that are needed.
Question 082 – 2(3): Update on the Improvements to the Larga Baffin House (Barnabas)
Some time ago, one of the other members and myself went to see the Larga Baffin Boarding Home, the boarding home for medical patients going down to Ottawa.
At that time, while down for a meeting, we met with people who were down there, including patients and staff; we wanted to see some improvements in the Larga Baffin.
Could the minister give us an update on what has been happening to improve the services, since that time we were down for the meeting?
The people that were represented at the meeting were Larga Baffin staff members.
Meeting topics included the patients of the Baffin communities, building conditions, staff morale and renovations of the Larga House.
Joe Enook, from Nunasi was also involved, as well as the staff from Northern Health Services.
These talks are not completed, but hopefully tomorrow, or in the near future we will meet again in regard to updating the situation, and as well how we can improve and expand the Larga House.
We have also met with the Government of Canada in terms of funding for the Larga House.
We are now waiting for the funding to be in place so that we can improve the conditions of Larga House. As well, representatives from Nunasi and the Government of Nunavut are continuing to negotiate this.
We speak continuously about the overflow at the Larga Home.
What is the government doing to increase the capacity of this facility?
We are currently working with Nunasi. Joe Enook and I went to meet in Ottawa.
We were looking at how the building is going to be built and also the costs.
Once everything has been agreed upon we will work on it and we will be moving forward.
During that meeting, we also discussed the issue of safety in the Larga Baffin home. What has the government done to date on the safety issue?
Hon. Leona Aglukkaq (interpretation): Can you please repeat your question. I didn’t get your question.
Speaker (interpretation): Mr. Barnabas can you repeat your question.
I will speak in English. (interpretation ends) The issue of the safety of residents staying at the home was brought to our attention during our visit. What has been done to address this?
Hon. Leona Aglukkaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) The issue around the security for patients that are staying at the boarding home was brought to my attention. And there has been an increase in the surveillance outside the facility of the local RCMP to do security rounds around the building.
At the same time there are new doors installed as well as cameras in the facility.
At that time when we were visiting the home we were told about the elders.
What happened to the services that are provided to the elders especially the unilingual Inuit?
Mr. Speaker, there are translators at the boarding home to provide services to the unilingual elders.
I recognize the facility is quite small and it is in two separate locations.
To accommodate elders that may have difficulty going to the buildings and what not, there are ramps in the facility and translators available to provide the service of transportation to and from appointments.