EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Silver Ulu winners were. Johnny Issaluk from Chesterfield Inlet in the one-hand reach event, Rebecca Sammurtok from Chesterfield Inlet in the arm pull event and James Tautu from Chesterfield Inlet in kneel jump, Amanda Ningeocheak from Coral Harbour who won 2 medals in wrestling.
Also Mimi Kadluk from Coral Harbour who also won 2 medals in wrestling and Joanna Nakoolak from Coral Harbour in wrestling and Joe Shimout from Coral Harbour in wrestling.
Mr. Speaker, members of the midget hockey team included James Connely, Simeon Dion from Coral Harbour.
Mr. Speaker, Bronze Ulu winners were Heather Kolit from Coral Harbour in triple jump, Susie McKitrick from Coral Harbour who won 2 medals in wrestling.
Laisa Eetuk from Coral Harbour also won 2 medals in wrestling and Mimi Kadluk, Joanne Nakoolak and Amanda Ningeocheak from Coral Harbour who all won medals in wrestling.
Mr. Speaker the tremendous performance of our young athletes in a number of traditional sports also demonstrates that our culture is thriving in our communities.
I ask all members to join me in congratulating the athletes from Chesterfield Inlet and Coral Harbour for their fine performance.
Member’s Statement 034 – 1(6): Meeting with Nunavut MP and INAC Minister
Mr. Speaker, I have opened myself to make statements from my constituency.
During 1954-55 we recently found out that a Hall Beach resident who is an elder now had a sister and the sister died and was buried in community before the white people came.
When the DEW line established their site near Hall Beach apparently they spread some debris on top of the grave site of that individual.
In regards to the payment of the compensation for those individuals, when I go to Ottawa for the NAM meeting I would like to meet with the Minister of Indian Affairs so perhaps the minister would read the debates of the Hansard here and probably would want to meet with me.
These are the thing that I wanted to say today.
I still have time on my clock Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 035 – 1(6): Military Accidents and Prevention of Suicides in Nunavut
Mr. Speaker, I rise today, although, I don’t have anything given to me by my constituency, Mr. Speaker, the problem of suicide that keeps on occurring in Nunavut communities.
We recently received some news that made me very unhappy.
This was the Canadian Soldiers that were bombed by the Americans and I have seen the pictures in the news media and it’s too bad that such an accident as this had to occur.
I feel that there should not be suicide in Nunavut because there are some people that want to help out in the military to save the country and they are the ones that are dying and people should not think about committing suicide.
We would also like to welcome all the people of Nunavut and the young people especially to get some assistance from anybody to prevent suicide.
Member’s Statement 036 – 1(6): 2002 Toonik Tyme Success
Mr. Speaker, today I’d like to congratulate the City of Iqaluit for having organised a very successful 2002 Toonik Tyme.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, Toonik Tyme is one of the most anticipated events on this community’s annual calendar.
It marks the beginning of spring and the end of our long dark winter.
Each year, residents come together to enjoy a wide variety of activities.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that there was some concern this year that this year’s festivities would be hampered by a lack of volunteers, given that Toonik Tyme came right after the Arctic Winter Games.
Volunteer burn-out is a fact of life, and the Arctic Winter Games demanded an unprecedented level of energy and commitment from this community.
Happily, Mr. Speaker, this was not the case.
The Toonik Tyme events were well organised and well attended.
I am also happy and pleased to pay tribute to this year’s Honorary Toonik Mike Ferris, who we know is no stranger to this House.
Mr. Speaker, I’d like to ask all members to join me in congratulating the city on another job well done.
Member’s Statement 037 – 1(6): Rev. Mike Ferris’ Retirement from the GN
Mr. Speaker, on April 18th, the people of Iqaluit gathered at the Anglican Parish Hall to say good-bye and thank you to a long time resident, the Reverend, former Deputy Minister, Mike and Rhonda Ferris.
Mr. Speaker, the reverend Mike Ferris is no stranger to anyone in Nunavut.
Having worked for the GNWT and the GN for the past 24 years as well as being an ordained minister with the Anglican Church, Mike is much respected throughout all of Nunavut.
Iqaluit has been home to the Ferris’ for the past 24 years.
Here in Iqaluit, they have played a huge role in supporting the community, working as volunteers and involved in many community organizations and committees.
At the community event on April 18th, many people spoke about the Ferris’ and the excellent turn out demonstrated the affection we have for them.
Mr. Speaker, Mike was also named, as Mr. Tootoo mentioned, the Honorary Toonik during Toonik Tyme this year.
Our mayor, John Mathews said, in presenting the award, that it was the highest honour from our community to give.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Iqaluit, I would like to take this opportunity to wish Reverend Mike and Rhonda Ferris the very best in their retirement and we look forward to seeing them back here in Iqaluit and Nunavut in the not too distant future.
Alright, we’ll move on.
I would like to recognize Jared Valentine, who is the casting director for the movie, “The Snow Walker” which is an adaptation of the Farley Mowat short story.
Jared is in Iqaluit casting young women between the ages of 15 and 35.
Welcome to the gallery Jared.
It’s good to recognize people.
I would like recognize an individual from Taloyoak.
He’s the son of my nephew, my relative.
Noah Nahaujaituk from Taloyoak.
My niece is the individual that I would like to recognize but I forgot her name.
She is my cousin’s daughter and she used to live in Pond Inlet and Clyde River as well but is now living in Iqaluit and she has always completed all the education that she has attempted.
Question 021 – 1(6): Gasoline for Kugaaruk
This is going to be about the Members’ Statement that I made.
We have heard that Kugaaruk will not be getting any gas from our community this time.
My question is for the Minister of Public Works and Services.
My question is, are you going to be bringing any gasoline to that community?
In regards to your question the people of Kugaaruk have already received their gasoline to the best of my knowledge.
The community of Kugaaruk usually gets gasoline from our community.
If that gas doesn’t go to Kugaaruk where is it going to go?
I don’t have the information in front of me.
I will look into it and give a response about the gasoline that will be going to Kugaaruk.
I will inform the member once I get the information.
Speaker: Mr. Minister is taking notice?
The minister took the question as notice.
Question 022 – 1(6): Date of Implementation for New Sealskin Grading Program
In his Minister’s Statement the Minister of Sustainable Development made an announcement and I would like to direct my question to the minister.
He said there was going to be an increase with a top price of 60 dollars per skin and for the lowest acceptable quality skins 25 dollars.
Is this program going to be implemented in April or when is it going to be implemented?
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk (interpretation): It will start on May 13th of this year.
Mr. Nutarak (interpretation): I would like you to give us a little bit more detail on what is considered the highest quality and what is considered the lowest acceptable quality.
The highest quality skins will fetch a price of 60 dollars and there will be varying prices like 50 dollars, 40 dollars, and so on down to 25 dollars.
There will be a set of guidelines that will be used to determine the quality of the skins and they also have pictures of what will be considered highest quality and what is lowest.
Mr. Nutarak (interpretation): We have several types of seal skins.
For example there are Harp seals, Ring seals, Bearded seals and young seals and so on and they have a different quality of skin.
How are you going to pay for those?
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) We have looked at all types of seal skins. They will use photographs to rate the seal skins.
If the member is interested in seeing the guidelines and also the grading system, I could show him the documents.
The Renewable Resource Officers in the communities can also be asked if you would like to get further information.
We are also looking at the highest prices in the auctions down south.
We’re going to be using their guidelines for grading the sealskins.
Are you going to be informing the people who bring in sealskins and let them know what is considered high quality and what is considered low?
Yes, the information will be made available out there and we will also have the information available at the Renewable Resources office and the Hunter's and Trapper's Organisations.
They will be given all the information so it will be available at the community level in regards to the sealskins.
Question 023 – 1(6): Training Allowances for Weather Observers
Mr. Speaker, I received a letter from the community that I represent and I will be directing my questions to the Minister of Transportation.
It’s in regards to weather observer training, the observers go west to do their training.
But there have been a lot of problems with the students going to and from their communities.
The students’ transportation is paid for but they’re not given per diems.
Some times they don’t get their first training allowances until two weeks have passed and they don’t have anything to pay for their expenses.
I would like to ask the minister why this is so.
I understand exactly where the member is coming from but the students who go to Fort Smith for weather observer training are funded by an agreement between the Hamlet and the government.
On April 1, 2001, the Hamlets were able to give 300 dollars to the students when they were going to be going to Fort Smith for training.
The Hamlets are the ones who have the money and they have to give 300 dollars to them prior to their departure.
It’s an agreement that was signed between the government and the Hamlet councils.
Mr. Speaker, if they need more information, I could talk to the Hamlet council so that they will know what they should be doing with the students.
The letter that I was referring to came from the Hamlet.
They were probably not informed about the procedure.
Could the minister commit to clarifying this with them?
The Hamlet has a copy of the agreement.
It is on page twenty-one of the agreement under the Contractor’s Responsibility.
The Hamlet does have a copy of the agreement.
We will talk to the Hamlet council and tell them what their responsibilities are.
I will ask another question in regards to the 300 dollars.
How many days does this 300 dollars cover?
Is it for one day, or is it for the whole duration of the training period?
This 300 dollars, it is for the students over and above their per diem.
It is an advance for the students and it is usually given before the student leaves.
When they are in Fort Smith, they get the money that they require in their per diems and so on.
The 300 dollars is an advance, they can use it for meals if he or she wishes to do so.
Their per diem would come in when they arrive.
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you for your response.
The two students were not provided any money, and we ended up giving them some money so that they could at least eat.
Will we be able to get a reimbursement for the amount that was given to the students?
Maybe I am not coming through.
What I am saying is that the government is responsible for the certification and the Hamlets are responsible to give the money, because there was an agreement that was signed between the government and the Hamlets.
The Hamlet is responsible for giving the money.
The Hamlet, if you understand where I am coming from, should be the ones to reimburse the individuals who gave money to the students.
I hope that’s clear enough.
Question 024 – 1(6): Transportation Funding for Mine Employees in East Kitikmeot
Mr. Speaker, in my Member’s Statement I noted that I would be asking questions at the appropriate time and I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Sustainable Development.
The Inuit organizations and the Government of Nunavut should be working together to develop a travel subsidy agreement.
If you’re going to be going by scheduled flight to Cambridge Bay by charter some of the people have to pay for themselves when they’re going to be going to work at the mine sites.
I asked this question earlier in February but I would like to get an update on whether the Inuit organizations and the governments are working together to subsidize travel costs for these mine workers.
The Kitikmeot Inuit Association and the mining companies usually have an IIBA agreement and I would like to suggest to the member if he and I can have a meeting to look at the agreement in its entirety and see where we can help out the people who are working at the mines.
The Inuit organizations and the mines have an Inuit Impact Benefits Agreement.
I would like to have a meeting with the member so we can look through the agreement that was signed between the Inuit organizations and the mining company and I would also like to have that meeting with the other members from the Kitikmeot area.
With more and more mines opening up in Nunavut we have to set a precedent so I would like to have a meeting with the member and see what we can do with the communities.
I’m glad we have received that response but in the Kitikmeot we’re able to pay a certain amount but I would appreciate working with the minister because we want to encourage people to continue their work and help individuals that have to travel to the mine site when they have to pay their way back to the mine to do their work.
When was this agreement signed?
You stated that there was an agreement and I would like to know when this agreement was put together.
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) Nowadays we have to work through agreements.
We have to put together agreements and we have an agreement with the Kitikmeot Inuit Association and get that I’ll work with the organization to get that information.
I understand he’ll look into the agreement and during the mining symposium the mining companies were working the communities about what needs there are.
The minister mentioned what is in the agreement but I would really like to see the agreement.
This isn’t a question Mr. Speaker.
I appreciate to be given this opportunity.
Question 025 – 1(6): Medical Travel Policy
Mr. Speaker my question today is to the Minister of Health.
Over the last year I’ve had a large number of complaints from constituents in my community when they are coming back from Churchill from medical appointments or if they are down in Rankin for the day for medical appointments and x-rays.
There doesn’t seem to be any coordinated approach for what they have to do.
If they have to stay overnight they seem to be drifting around Rankin Inlet looking for a place to stay for the night.
Can the minister advise me so that I can advise my constituents on what the policy of his department is?
Mr. Speaker I would like to welcome the member back to the Assembly.
We don’t have a policy for people drifting, Mr. Speaker.
We do have a policy for medical escorts as well as medical patient travel.
As the member is fully aware, when a patient is booked Mr. Speaker, for medical travel whatever the purpose is Mr. Speaker, at that time the terms and conditions of the travel have been arranged before hand.
A patient is sent out for example in this case as the member has explained to Churchill or Winnipeg, on the return trip, Mr. Speaker, the policy of the department is to make sure that the patient can interconnect as quickly as possible as expediently as possible without having to spend time in different communities on the way through.
In this case Mr. Speaker, if the patient was going from Churchill or Winnipeg to Baker Lake the idea would be to book them on the flight where they don’t have to be waylaid in for this example in Rankin Inlet.
That is the policy of the department.
It is nice to know that the government has a policy on this.
Could the minister be more dedicated to enforcing this policy so my constituents are not drifting around Rankin Inlet looking for a place to stay?
They are looking for meals and they are supposed to be booked with other people. There seems to be no concrete plan down there.
Would the minister commit to advising his staff in Rankin Inlet that when people in Baker Lake are stopped or have to be stopped in Rankin Inlet, because of inclement weather when they’re going home, at 8:00 or 9:00 at night, they have to go into the community to find a place to stay.
There’s a little sign up at the airport that says contact this number.
In more cases than not, there’s nobody at the end of that line.
Can the minister commit to helping me help my constituents find places to stay in Rankin Inlet when they’re stranded?
Mr. Speaker, first of all I appreciate the member bringing this to the department’s attention and to my attention by way of his question in the House.
I want to add Mr. Speaker, in all cases we cannot control the weather so in some cases there may be instances where planes have been cancelled or delayed because of weather and in those instances, depending on the delay, other accommodations have had to be arranged.
I can Mr. Speaker, commit to the member to making sure that indeed that information is being brought forward to the patients travelling and to make sure there are alternate plans in place when patients have to come through that community and for other communities, to make sure that they actually have a place to stay.
I can commit to that.
Mr. Speaker, the patients travelling from Baker Lake and I think from the rest of the communities in the Kivalliq, when they’re going to Churchill, they’re met by a van, taken to the residence, they’re looked after, they do their medical appointments and things like that happen.
That is not the case in Rankin Inlet and I know I’m only speaking for Baker Lake, but I think that I can speak for the rest of the communities in the Kivalliq on this issue.
Would the minister commit to this House again that proper procedures be set up in Rankin Inlet, we are building a hospital in the future so it’s even going to be more critical that this problem be addressed now and that we consider building either a transient centre or leasing one or finding them accommodations at the local hotel and make sure that they get fed on a timely basis.
I’m not quite sure if Mr. Picco can answer all those questions.
There’s more than one there but Mr. Picco, would you care to attempt to proceed.
Mr. Speaker, first of all let me say that patient travel is of prime importance to the Department of Health and Social Services.
Indeed almost 40% of all the patients are seen outside of their home community at some point.
With that in place Mr. Speaker, as I said before, we do have a policy or procedure in place where people have to stay over in a community.
In some cases the weather may cause that concern.
I have committed to the member Mr. Speaker, that we would follow up on the procedures that are in place in the Kivalliq region to make sure that indeed when patients are waylaid, that there is proper accommodations as well as meals and so on provided.
Which to my understanding, Mr. Speaker, is in place anyway.
We will have to confirm that and make sure that there are cases and if the member has specific instances that he can bring forward in writing, so we can actually look at the dates, the times and the situations, that would be most appreciated.
Question 026 – 1(6): Consultations on Proposed Education Act
Yesterday, Mr. Speaker, there were members of the Iqaluit District Education Authority here in the House and they’re on record as stating the fact that they feel they weren’t adequately consulted on the development of the proposed education act that the minister received second reading on yesterday.
The minister indicated that the District Education Authorities weren’t left out of the consultation and I know in the past that it’s been stated too that other stakeholders and I know great depths of consultations have taken place and I would just like to ask the minister if he could outline to the House the steps and the consultations and who the department has consulted with in the development of that act.
Mr. Speaker, I could provide that information to the House as to what procedure was used for consultation purposes with the Education Act and what responses we received from District Education Authorities.
I’ll be able to provide that information to the member once I have it.
Mr. Speaker, the minister indicated there have been lots of consultations and then apparently the department must have a vast amount of responses that they did get to the consultation that they did.
I’d like to ask him if his department has kept or do they have a record of all the replies to the consultations that they’ve received over the last two or three years that they’ve been working on this Act and not only from the District Education Authorities but from all the other stakeholders that they requested input from.
Hon. Peter Kilabuk: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, I know I’ve met with the minister personally and asked him myself and I know that the Standing Committee too has requested a list of the changes that were made to the Education Act and that’s one thing that the District Education Authority here in Iqaluit was asking for.
When it gets to the consultation process they get sent this thick draft bill that’s in legaleeze and you know I have a hard time sorting through that and I would like to ask the minister if his department has a list of the changes that were made, things that were either added in or deleted into this draft bill that has had second reading.
We have the list of changes and we will provide them.
Your final supplementary Mr. Tootoo.
At long last, I look forward to receiving that.
I know that, as I indicated earlier, I know that the Standing Committee has asked in writing formally for that information two or three times in the past and I’ve requested it myself personally from the minister.
I’d like to ask him, he indicated not only the list of all the changes, but at least some kind of explanation as to why those changes were made to assist us as members of this Legislative Assembly to be able to go through this proposed Bill with our constituents and help them understand the what those changes are and you know I look forward to getting it.
I’d like to ask him how soon we can get that information.
Like I know it has been asked for many times before and I’m sure it’s all sitting on someone’s desk.
I’d like to ask him if he can inform this House as to when exactly we will be seeing as he indicated provide the results of the consultations that have taken place and the input that they received as a result of those consultations and the list of changes.
Yes, the member is right that those consultation proceedings have been requested by members and by the committee.
We will provide them to the members of this House and to the committee.
Also, before the committee goes to the communities for consultations we will want to work with the committee and to provide the information on what was done.
Question 027 – 1(6): Number of Students Graduating from Programs
I thank him for the statement that he made today.
He talked about the graduating classes and I just wondered how many people there are and from which communities.
In regards to my statement about Nunavut Arctic College graduates, they are from the trades program.
I have the list of the ones who will be certified in office management, management studies, secretarial courses, interpreters’ courses, carving, arts and crafts program and also the health representatives are going to be graduating.
There are about 12 of them.
There are 12 of them graduating from the Bachelor of Education.
There are different numbers but there are 99 in total.