EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I would also like to thank the people of my community. I thank my grandfather, Alookie, who is the eldest in our community and our elder.
I love you, Ittuq, and I think of you quite a few times.
Also, the senior citizens in Kugaaruk, Joe Salino, Angutingunirk, who is very well known by the people of Nunavut because he helps and supports the senior citizens of Kugaaruk.
Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, my colleagues.
Also, a senior citizen in Taloyoak, Quujuq Poodlat, is related to my father.
He is now the eldest in Taloyoak. I say “good afternoon” to him.
Also to my family members who are here, my mother and my husband, I am very proud that you are here. I receive very good support from them.
My children and grandchildren, I love you.
I would also like to appreciate my great-grandparents. I thank you for raising my parents. Because of your proper childrearing, our family has been brought up.
Every time there are dignitaries coming into Taloyoak, please provide support. I appreciate the people who come and visit our communities for teaching me to be compassionate.
I know that we have a hard four years ahead of us, and I want to work closely with you on behalf of the children, youth, women, and elders.
I say “good afternoon.” I’m sure that we will be seeing each other.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Member for Aggu, Mr. Paul Quassa.
Member’s Statement 018 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent Aggu (Quassa)
Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
First of all, I would like to congratulate you to the position of the Speaker.
Also, I know that all of my colleagues are aware that we come from the same community, so I congratulate you even more.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my appreciation to the people who voted in the constituency of Aggu and to my supporters.
I would like to thank my financial agent, Elijah Evaluardjuk.
I’m sure you know him because his father, Mark Evaluardjuk, was one of our first Members of the Legislative Assembly of the NWT.
I would also like to thank the previous Member for Amittuq, Louis Tapardjuk.
Although he is no longer a Member of the Legislative Assembly, his wife, Lucie, my sister, is here and I’m very proud of him serving us.
I’m sure we remember that as Members of the Legislative Assembly, he worked very hard on Inuit societal values. I will also work hard to make sure that the Inuit language and culture is incorporated because it’s important.
I would also like to thank my wife, Elisapee, and my family, Akuttuugaq, and all our children, who have been very supportive in our community.
Even though I travel and stay away from home for long periods, they never change their compassion for me.
I’m sure it’s likewise with the rest of the members.
I would like to congratulate all Members of the Fourth Legislative Assembly.
We bring in different viewpoints, so we will have to work closely together.
Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and my colleagues.
As a Member of the Legislative Assembly, along with our new Premier and also my cabinet colleagues, I will work closely with you.
Nunavut was created and Nunavutmiut have high expectations of the Legislative Assembly and we have to make sure that we live up to those expectations.
Also, the issues that were brought up by my colleagues will help in building Nunavut.
I wanted to make that statement. I would also like to extend my gratitude to the people of my community and Nunavut for electing us to be the Members of the Fourth Legislative Assembly.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Member for Pangnirtung, Johnny Mike.
Member’s Statement 019 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent Pangnirtung (Mike)
Mr. Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, elders, no matter where you are.
First of all, I would like to congratulate you for being selected as the Speaker and committing yourself. You were the only person who was nominated.
You tried to nominate me, but I will not think of becoming a Speaker again after watching you being dragged and carried to the Chair.
I thank each and every one of you who are here.
First of all, I would like to congratulate our new Premier, his wife and family.
I’m sure that you will guide us during our deliberations.
I would also like to extend my gratitude to my family, my son, my daughter, my wife, and my sister who are here with me today, especially my wife.
We support each other. She is the reverend in Pangnirtung. She also goes to different communities.
I give her my support fully. She takes care of the newborns through to the funeral stage.
Therefore, we need to support them.
I would like to thank my wife very much for opening the meeting with a prayer.
I would also like to state that she’s the first Inuk woman who was ordained as a reverend in 1994 for the Anglican Diocese.
I would also like to thank all of my children. I would like to thank the seniors of Pangnirtung for encouraging me during my campaign.
I know that sometimes it gets a bit disappointing when you’re campaigning.
Therefore, I would like to thank the seniors of Pangnirtung, especially our elders, Inuusiq Nashalik of Pangnirtung, who is the eldest of our community, and Sila Metuq, my aunt, who is the second oldest.
When I was campaigning… .
I need to express my gratitude to my financial agent, Charlie Komoartok, and also my campaign manager, Danny Kuluguqtuq.
I would also like to thank the other candidates, Hezekiah Oshutapik, Sakiasie Sowdluapik, and Harry Dialla.
I would like to thank Hezekiah and his wife.
He was a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Pangnirtung.
During the general election, the voter turnout in Pangnirtung was 80 percent.
I would like to thank the people of Pangnirtung very much for placing their trust in me to represent them and to be their voice in this new government.
I would also like to thank the leaders in our community and my relatives. Late Ipeelee Kilabuk, my uncle, was a Member of the Legislative Assembly of the NWT. My sister, Rebecca Mike, was also a Member of the Legislative Assembly.
My cousin Peter Kilabuk was also a Member of this House. I would like to extend my gratitude to the people and to the previous MLAs for paving the way.
I would especially like to extend my gratitude to the Auyuittuq National Park, the Qikiqtani parks, establishing the tourism information centre in Pangnirtung, and also to the people who were managing the fish plant.
We have a fish plant in our community and the fishermen keep the fish plant open.
Artists sell their carvings and handicrafts to Uqqurmiut and include Uqqurmiut for the handicrafts and for developing those.
For fisheries, we have a quota of 500 metric tonnes for inshore fisheries. It’s a little over 1 million lbs. The fishermen of Pangnirtung have worked very hard and I acknowledge them. They paved the way.
Everything is now comfortable and everything has been set.
The docking facility in our community is operating very well. It was very difficult to obtain the docking facility and hope that you will get your docking facility in your community not as long as Pangnirtung waited. We waited for over 25 years.
Again, I would also like to thank the people who caught the bowhead whale in Pangnirtung this summer. I would like to thank all the hunters who participated in that harvest.
It was a very successful hunt for the captain, Simeonie Keenainak, and his crew. My two sons participated in the bowhead whale hunt.
My 12-year-old son was in the captain’s boat. This is something that I’m very proud of, so I would like to acknowledge the hunters.
Today, we have a lot of challenges. With limited financial resources within the government, shortage of housing, and especially having to find additional funds to fund daycares, new housing, roads, off-roads in the hamlets, fisheries development, and to provide more financial support for our hunters and fishers. It’s very obvious that we have a lot of challenges ahead of us.
With the Qikiqtani Truth Commission completed and the report being made available to the public, we have to do something about it so that we can reconcile. It’s going to be a better road for all of us to start further development.
My colleague, Mr. Quassa, stated that Articles 5, 23, 24, and 32 of the land claims agreement will have to be implemented because it was agreed to by the Inuit.
I look forward to our endeavours. I will work very hard with my colleagues and I will want to truly represent my constituents in the House with all my abilities. Also to the cabinet and regular members, I would like to have a very close working relationship with you so that we can pave a better life for the people of Nunavut.
Lastly, I would like to thank George, who nominated me to the cabinet.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Member for Cambridge Bay, Mr. Keith Peterson.
Member’s Statement 020 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Re-elected to Represent Cambridge Bay (Peterson)
I congratulate you on your election as Speaker of this Fourth Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate all Members of this Nunavut Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, I thank all my family and friends for their continued support and encouragement as MLA for Cambridge Bay since February 2004.
I would especially like to express my deep gratitude to my dear wife, Sandra. She is sitting right over there. She has stood by me through the many rewarding times and the many challenging times as MLA.
She is almost like a personal executive assistant. She gives good advice. Sometimes I take it and sometimes I don’t.
Mr. Speaker, I would not be here today if it were not for the trust and confidence that my constituents in the Cambridge Bay Riding have placed in me.
I thank them all for the overwhelming mandate they gave me. I was very humbled on October 28. I will continue working hard to be your voice in the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, I am very optimistic and confident that MLAs and ministers on both sides of this House, through our cooperative efforts, will improve life for all our constituents, wherever they live in Nunavut. Over the next four years, I look forward to facing the challenges together.
Mr. Speaker, I send my sincere appreciation to my campaign team and volunteers in Cambridge Bay, who walked with me in spirit on every step of my door-to-door campaign. Without them, I would not have been able to focus on visiting my constituents and hearing their issues.
Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to acknowledge my unofficial campaign manager, Wayne Papak Maksagak, who inspires all people in Cambridge Bay. He was rock solid in motivating me every day on our campaign.
>>House recessed at 15:21 and resumed at 15:45
We will proceed with the orders of the day.
Member for Tununiq, Mr. Joe Enook.
At this time, I would like to recognize two individuals.
First, I would like to recognize my very best friend and supporter, Mary Kilabuk.
Also from Pond Inlet is Joshua Arreak.
Welcome them to the Gallery.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. for Baker Lake, Simeon Mikkungwak.
I would like to recognize five individuals, but one of them is not in the House.
I would first like to recognize my mother, a single parent who raised me.
I would also like to recognize my wife of 23 years. My wife, Eva Mikkungwak, and I have six children and eight grandchildren.
I would also like to recognize Mercy Kunangnat, who is my mother-in-law.
On my left is Annie Anautalik, who is here for education.
She is my cousin and she is here for the (interpretation ends) Canadian Prenatal Nutrition project (interpretation) here in Iqaluit.
The individual who is not here is my aunt Irene Tiktaalaaq, who made the wall hangings that are here in the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut.
She is nationally renowned for her wall hangings.
Mr. Akoak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I would like to recognize an individual from Gjoa Haven, my father, Joseph Akoak, who is sitting over there.
I would like to recognize my son, Joe Jr. Savikataaq, my daughter-in-law, Lillian Savikataaq, my daughter, June Naujaat Savikataaq, and my financial agent, John Tugak.
I would also like to recognize another individual, but he’s not here.
Five years ago, when I recognized this person, I forgot her name, so I wrote it down this time.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome my wife to the Gallery…
…Mina and also two residents from Sanikiluaq who are presently here, Louisa Meeko and Caroline Alariaq.
Speaker (interpretation): Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, George Hickes.
I won’t forget my wife’s name, but she’s actually not here and unfortunately sends her regrets.
I do, however, have with me my two lovely daughters Sara Hickes and Lily Hickes, who has participated in the Embrace Life’s “Stop Bullying Now!” premiere that we attended last night.
As well, if I forget any of my constituents who are here, I apologize to them, but I want to recognize Mr. Bob Long.
Member for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, Ms. Pat Angnakak.
Ms. Angnakak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I would like to recognize my husband of 35 years.
Where is Archie?
He’s not in the House.
I’m not sure where he went. I want to recognize him in the House.
My oldest sister, Anne Akeeagok, her sons Russell and P.J. Akeeagok are here.
I would also like to recognize my sister-in-law Looee Mike and my mother-in-law Eena Kullualik, as well as the people from my riding.
Member for Quttiktuq, Isaac Shooyook.
In August of 2000, I had died.
Someone saw me and rescued me from the ocean when I fell off the boat.
They brought me to the shore and when I was there, I had taken another breath, and then I regained consciousness in the health centre about four hours later.
The individual, Titus Ejetsiak, was the one who witnessed that accident.
If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here. I would like to recognize him.
I would like to recognize my wife and I will give the reason.
We have 13 children and we have many sons-in-law, many grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.
She is the one who makes them winter clothing, mitts, kamiit, and she never says, “I’m tired.”
However, at this time, she is unable to do so due to illness.
She has raised our grandchildren and our great-grandchildren with the huge love she has for all those children. I would like to recognize my wife.
There are many people that I would like to recognize, my mother, Wendy Joanasie, who is here, my sister Mary Joanasie, my younger brother Sam Joanasie and his wife Wakta Pootoogook and their daughter Abigail Pootoogoo, my sister-in-law, Aluki Rojas, and her daughters Papatsi Rojas and Siku Rojas, my relatives, my son Sayri Kotierk, my daughter Cynthia Joanasie, my youngest son Qulittalik Joanasie, my wife, Emily Joanasie, and my friends who were recognized already, P.J. and Russell Akeeagok.
I would like to recognize Juilie Sanguya and his wife, whose name I cannot recall.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak, Madam Monica Ell.
I would like to recognize my friend of 27 years, my partner who has helped me with everything, Eeneasie Kanayuk.
There were several people from my constituency. There is now only one person.
I know she will be recognized by our Premier, but she is in my constituency, so I’ll be the first to acknowledge Joanne Taptuna.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Member for Arviat North-Whale Cove, Mr. George Kuksuk.
Mr. Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
Today, I would like to recognize some people who came in before the storm got in.
We were fortunate to have them come in from Arviat and Whale Cove. I am very pleased that they were able to make it here.
I am very pleased that my daughter Alana is here.
One of our elders from Arviat is well known, who is married to my mother’s younger sister. I am happy that Emily and Louis Angalik are in the Gallery.
Also the people beside them are my sister, her daughter, and their grandchildren, Elizabeth Voisey and her daughter Lavenia Voisey.
I am very pleased to recognize Marnie, who is now living here in Iqaluit. She is originally from Arviat and she is my biological daughter who was adopted.
I am very happy with the people of Iqaluit because they welcome her very well. My daughter, who is her aunt, is also here, Cecile Gibbons.
I am pleased to welcome you to the House.
These are the people I would like to recognize and I’m sure that I’ll be able to recognize other people in the Gallery in the future.
Speaker: The Hon. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Mr. Paul Okalik.
I would like to recognize the person who just came in, Jonah Alooloo, before he leaves.
He is one of my constituents. I would also like to recognize Simanek Kilabuk and Michel Albert, who is our photographer. He was here, but I think he left.
Welcome to our Legislative Assembly.
I recognize everyone here.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Tom Sammurtok.
I would like to recognize my daughter Nadia Sammurtok and her classmate Louisa Meeko.
They’re taking the teacher education program here in Iqaluit.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Member for Kugluktuk, Mr. Peter Taptuna.
I have five names that I want to recognize.
I have sat here for five years and this is the biggest list I have ever drafted.
Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize my wife, Joanne Taptuna, my daughter Geneve Nivingalok, her husband, David Nivingalok, our granddaughter Desiree Taptuna, and my cousin who is from Kugluktuk, Rosie Kagak.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Member for Netsilik, Madam Jeannie Ugyuk.
Today, I would like to recognize my husband, Nauyaq, whom I love.
I would also like to recognize my mother, Mary Ittunga, who looks after me very well and shows me what to do.
Perhaps I’m going to be the first one to recognize Elisapee Quassa, my wife, and our son Akutuugaq, who is named after my father-in-law and also named Taannaruluk, who was my father.
I am very pleased that they are able to be here.
I would also like to recognize my sister Lucie Tapardjuk. If you remember former MLA Louis Tapardjuk, his wife is my sister.
My younger brother Joannie Quassa is also here, as well as the people from my community, the Speaker’s wife, who is my cousin, Patricia Qulaut, and their grandchildren, John Paul Qulaut, and their son, Silas. We live in the same community in Igloolik, so I would like to recognize them.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Member for Pangnirtung, Mr. Johnny Mike.
I would like to recognize my wife, Looee Mike, my sister Eena Kullualik, and my daughter, (interpretation ends) my little girl, (interpretation) who is right behind me.
Although my younger brother Archie Angnakak was recognized, he is not here, but I acknowledge him as well.
Speaker: The Hon. Member for Cambridge Bay, Mr. Peterson.
I would like to recognize my wife, Sandra Peterson, sitting in the Gallery.
Mr. Speaker, we recently celebrated our 32nd wedding anniversary on November 7.
I, too, would like to recognize visitors in the Gallery.
(interpretation ends) I wish to recognize first of all my father, who had passed on 46 years ago. I know he is with me today.
I feel his presence and also my mother, who had passed on a year and a half ago, I feel her presence and I wish to recognize this.
(interpretation) Of the living, I would like to recognize a person whom I wouldn’t be here without her support and I am very happy and I love her, my wife, Patricia Qulaut.
Not too long ago, on November 3, we celebrated our 34th wedding anniversary.
We’re very happy to be here.
I would also like to recognize my little son, John Paul Aapak. He is also named after one of the former MLAs, Mark Evaluardjuk. I would also like to recognize my son Silas Qulaut, who is also here with us.
I would also like to recognize Louis Tapardjuk’s wife. It’s not appropriate for me to mention her name.
I would also like to recognize and I am very happy that I have been working with Mr. Paul Quassa. I am very happy because he is part of my strength and I recognize him.
We will proceed. (interpretation ends) Item 6.
As we have not yet sworn in our ministers, there will be no oral questions today.
Speaker: I sense deep disappointment on the part of the cabinet at this news.
(interpretation) It is, indeed, disappointing. (interpretation ends) Item 7. Written Questions.
As we have not yet sworn in our ministers, there will be no written questions today.
Are there any petitions to present?
There being none. We will continue with the orders of the day.
As the House has not yet established its Standing Committees, there will be no reports today.
Do any members have documents to table?
Tabled Document 001 – 4(1): 2012-2013 Interim Financial Report of the Government of Nunavut (Speaker)
Tabled Document 002 – 4(1): 2012-2013 Annual Report of the Nunavut Development Corporation (Speaker)
Tabled Document 003 – 4(1): 2012 Annual Report under Section 8 of the Environmental Rights Act (Speaker)
Tabled Document 004 – 4(1): 2013 Report under Section 176 of the Wildlife Act (Speaker)
Tabled Document 005 – 4(1): 2013 Report of the Auditor General of Canada – Education in Nunavut (Speaker)
Tabled Document 006 – 4(1): 2013 Report of the Auditor General of Canada – Safety of Schools and Childcare Facilities in Nunavut (Speaker)
Tabled Document 007 – 4(1): Speaker’s List of Outstanding Statutory Tabling Requirements (Speaker)
I have a number of documents to table today.
The first document is the 2012-13 Interim Financial Report of the Government of Nunavut provided under subsection 51(4) of the Financial Administration Act.
The next document is the 2012-13 Annual Report of the Nunavut Development Corporation.
The next document is the 2012 Annual Report made under section 8 of the Environmental Rights Act.
The next document is the 2013 Report made under section 176 of the Wildlife Act.
As the Legislative Assembly has not yet recommended appointments to the Executive Council, I have tabled these documents today on behalf of the government.
The next document is the 2013 Report of the Auditor General of Canada to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut concerning Education in Nunavut.
The next document is the 2013 Report of the Auditor General of Canada to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut concerning Safety of Schools and Childcare Facilities in Nunavut.
The final document that I wish to table today is a list of outstanding statutory tabling requirements.
This list is current as of the beginning of today’s sitting.
Notices of Motions. Are there any notices of motions?
The Hon. Member for Arviat South, Member Joe Savikataaq.
Motion 001 – 4(1): Appointment of Deputy Speaker – Notice (Savikataaq)
Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I give notice that on Thursday, November 21, 2013, I will move the following motion:
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for Arviat North-Whale Cove, that Joe Enook, Member for Tununiq, be appointed Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Member for Arviat South, Member Joe Savikataaq.
Motion 002 – 4(1): Appointment of Deputy Chairpersons of the Committee of the Whole – Notice (Savikataaq)
Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you again, Mr. Speaker.
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for Cambridge Bay, that Tony Akoak, Member for Gjoa Haven, and Simeon Mikkungwak, Member for Baker Lake, be appointed Deputy Chairpersons of the Committee of the Whole.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will seek unanimous consent with my motion today.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Member George Hickes.
Motion 003 – 4(1): Appointment of Premier – Notice (Hickes)
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for South Baffin, that the Legislative Assembly recommends to the Commissioner of Nunavut that Peter Taptuna, Member for Kugluktuk, be appointed Premier of Nunavut and member of the Executive Council.
Motion 004 – 4(1): Appointments to the Executive Council – Notice (Hickes)