EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
(interpretation) That was the customary practice, whoever was the first to go outside would be asked what the weather looked like when they returned, obviously.
In this day and age, we can now, Mr. Speaker, watch the television show, Angry Planet.
That is the name of the show. (interpretation ends) And I am not surprised at all.
(interpretation) The gist of the show is that the weather, environment or the planet is getting angry.
The Inuit cultural practice was prefaced on the weather, and this is why children would be asked about the weather. Is the weather fine? In our culture, Inuit believe the weather has a soul, as do all animals and Inuit believe this.
We don’t have any other alternatives to find more land, since the Inuit don’t believe that humans can travel to the stars to find alternative living space as we can’t travel to the stars obviously, and that is the case today.
We have to be proper stewards of the land, if the so called experts really want to learn, they shouldn’t focus on trying to learn about the stars and universe. Rather, they should be trying to learn from the wisdom of aboriginal people and Inuit about the land.
Member’s Statement 356 – 3(3): Success of the Hamlet of Arviat (Shewchuk)
It is with great pleasure that I rise today in the House to acknowledge the work being done in the Hamlet of Arviat. I have the honour of representing this community in the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, the Hamlet of Arviat council consists of Mayor Bob Leonard, Deputy Mayor Paul K. Irksuk, and councillors Brian Aglukark, Thomas Alikaswa, Nathan Caskey, Elizabeth Copland, Joe Savikataaq Sr., and Gleason Uppahuak. I would also like to acknowledge Councillor Charlie Malla Sr., who passed away a few months ago after losing his battle with cancer.
Charlie’s passing was deeply felt by the entire community.
Mr. Speaker, the Hamlet of Arviat has recently completed several training programs designed to provide Arviarmiut with employment opportunities locally and across the territory, especially in the mining industry. These include the Arviat Diamond Driller’s Training Program, which recently celebrated the graduation of its third class, and also a class 3 driver training course.
In addition, through a partnership with the Tarralijaarvik Arviat Film Society and with funding from the Department of Economic Development and Transportation, the hamlet recently brought a professional sound engineer and musician to Arviat to work with the community hall, John Arnalukjuaq High School, the film society, churches, and local musicians to provide training in sound systems to use for performances and recording.
Mr. Speaker, this training developed the capacity of the high school, hamlet recreation staff, and local performers to produce and record the high-quality music, dramatic, and cultural performances that Arviat is well known for.
It also supports activities of the Arviat Community Ecotourism project, which is working hard to lay the foundations for a tourism industry in Arviat.
Mr. Speaker, through the hard work of the hamlet council, the staff at the King Arena in Arviat is scheduled to reopen on November 9, with a new ice surface, thermosiphon system to increase the length of the season, and upgrades to the arena’s seating. The community of Arviat is very much looking forward to having hockey and skating returning to Arviat this year.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, this summer, the Hamlet of Arviat commenced the construction of a road to Dionne Lake with funds from the Community Access Roads Program. This road makes it easier for Arviarmiut to access their traditional hunting and fishing areas and provides easier access to cabins while minimizing the impact to the land.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the community of Arviat and the Hamlet of Arviat mayor, council, and staff for their recent achievements.
I remember the days of trying to put ice into that arena.
Member’s Statement 357 – 3(3): Real Poverty Reduction: Deeds, Not Words (Curley)
Mr. Curley (interpretation): Good morning. I also say “good morning” to the people of Rankin Inlet. I wish you well.
Mr. Speaker, I am kind of sleepy today, probably because of the weather out there, as my colleague mentioned.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak clearly about the issue property. Mr. Speaker, to those of us who passionately believe in real poverty reduction, these are dark days. I would like to thank my colleague who talked about poverty.
First of all, Mr. Speaker, we can’t have just one road in addressing the issue of poverty.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I believe, to those of us who passionately believe in real poverty reduction in Nunavut, today we live in a society where sometimes hope is difficult to look at.
Mr. Speaker, I see two fundamental different perspectives in how to address the issue of poverty in Nunavut.
These perspectives are based on fundamentally different ways of looking at the world, and we’re not unique in that regard.
One way is based on words; the other is based on deeds.
The tradition of our people, the Inuit, is to share what you’ve got. I often quote the elder I heard from Northern Quebec/Nunavik, as long as you can cut it, share it.
Mr. Speaker, over the past year, the government has issued numerous announcements, studies, news releases, communiqués, and strategies concerning the issue of poverty reduction.
Mr. Speaker, there can be no doubt that many consultants have been saved from a life of poverty by this work. However, at the same time that it holds symposiums, conferences, and photo opportunities, the government’s budget for the Community Harvesters Assistance Program has been frozen and is not anticipated to increase in the years ahead.
Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to ask for unanimous consent to continue my statement.
Mr. Curley: Thank you, colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavutmiut have been told by their government that it will introduce legislation concerning the issue of poverty reduction.
Unless the government somehow discovered a magical way to abolish poverty at the stroke of a pen, I cannot see how this will accomplish anything other than creating new bureaucratic structures to produce more reports that will never be read by ordinary Nunavutmiut.
Mr. Speaker, I also pointed out that the purpose of passing legislation is to establish clear consequences for non-compliance.
Unless the government is actually going to impose penalties on itself for not reducing poverty, this legislation will be toothless.
Mr. Speaker, I am still waiting for someone in the government to provide a clear public answer to a simple question: how many Nunavutmiut are unemployed today?
Not those who have been working and paid insurance payments and then qualified to be put into Stats Canada’s report.
Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge the fact that there are many in Nunavut’s communities who are helping those who are less able to help themselves. We need to continue to support them.
Mr. Speaker, it is training and jobs that will make a difference in fighting poverty and reducing dependency.
I have urged the government to reform its broken system of contracting so that Inuit owned businesses in our communities can create jobs and income for our residents to help in poverty reduction.
I have urged the government to recognize that seasonal work in our Nunavut communities is a fact of life in our environment, especially for hunters and harvesters.
Mr. Speaker, I have also urged the government to more fully recognize the important role that hunters themselves play in reducing poverty in our communities.
Traditional values and approaches to the sharing of food and other resources continue to be perfectly relevant to our communities today.
We need to spend more time and effort in addressing their day-to-day needs and less time worrying about abstract definitions of poverty in a piece of meaningless legislation.
Mr. Speaker, our people are perfectly aware of what real poverty is.
They can see it with their own eyes and they need no consultants to tell them what is needed.
Mr. Speaker, more paper and more process is not the solution.
I will continue to urge the government to make meaningful investment in training and job creation and to take actions that will help our local entrepreneurs and hunters.
I invite all members to join me in this work.
Member’s Statement 358 – 3(3): Appreciation to Volunteers (Aariak)
I say “good morning” to my constituents.
I would like to recognize the volunteers around Nunavut.
They also did volunteer work in the city of Iqaluit recently and I congratulate those individuals.
I would like to recognize volunteers.
They make it a better community, especially those people from my constituency, Yvonne Earle and Darleen Nuqingaq.
I would like to thank people who work for volunteerism in my constituency and the city of Iqaluit.
Return to Oral Question 435 – 3(3): Review of the Government of Nunavut’s Surplus Disposal Policy (Kusugak)
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Good morning, people of Nunavut, especially Rankin Inlet and Whale Cove residents. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, on October 29, 2012, the hon. member for Rankin Inlet asked questions regarding the Government of Nunavut’s Surplus Disposal Policy.
The purpose of the Surplus Disposal Policy is to ensure that our government disposes of its assets in a fair, consistent, and accountable manner.
It is important that our government be fiscally responsible. It is in the best interest of Nunavummiut that surplus assets provide benefits to the greatest number of people.
The member referred to a specific principle in the policy which addressed equitability. The intent of this principle is that all parties within each priority category have equal opportunity to acquire government assets that have been declared surplus.
The Surplus Disposal Policy will be reviewed prior to its expiry in 2014.
My department will certainly look at the wording of the policy to ensure that it is clear and understandable.
The member also enquired as to why two Crown corporations, Qulliq Energy Corporation (QEC) and Nunavut Housing Corporation (NHC), are exempted from the Surplus Disposal Policy.
Under the Financial Administration Manual, the Department of Community and Government Services is responsible for the disposal of surplus assets on behalf of Government of Nunavut departments and Nunavut Arctic College. QEC and NHC do not fall under this directive because they have the authority for procurement and disposal of their own assets.
Can I ask you to please send a copy up to the front.
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Minister Peterson.
It gives me great pleasure today to welcome to the Gallery the Minister’s Task Force on the Review of the Liquor Act.
Mr. Speaker, in the Gallery today is Donna Adams, the chair, Esau Tatatoapik, vice-chair, and David Wilman.
Also, Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge my colleague, MLA John Ningark, who is a member of the task force, and my other colleague, Fred Schell, who is a former [member] of the task force.
I also see in the Gallery that Jack Anawak from NTI has joined us.
Also, if I can, Mr. Speaker, I recognize the people who aren’t in the Gallery today who are also members: Superintendent Hilton Smee from the RCMP, Miranda Atatagak, who is our youth ambassador from Kugluktuk, and Dr. Geraldine Osborne, who has recently departed the Department of Health.
I would also like to recognize people who have helped in the past who moved on, Dr. Isaac Sobel from the health department and Superintendent Howard [Eaton] from the RCMP.
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Pangnirtung, Mr. Oshutapik.
I would like to ask my colleagues to recognize… . When the high school was open for the first time in Iqaluit, we were the first students to attend.
I, too, would like to recognize this individual although this individual was recognized. I went to school with him, Esau Tatatoapik.
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Rankin Inlet North, Mr. Curley.
I would like to welcome a person from my constituency and she works very hard, although she was recognized.
I don’t really call her Donna; I just call her my niece. I would like to welcome her to the Gallery.
I would also like to welcome the Vice-president of NTI to the Gallery, who is (interpretation ends) no stranger to this House, I know, Jack Anawak. (interpretation) Welcome to the Gallery.
Question 466 – 3(3): Status of Kiggavik Project (Aupaluktuq)
I would like to direct my questions to the Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, Madam Premier Eva Aariak.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I tabled correspondence concerning the information response timeline and the next steps for the Nunavut Impact Review Board’s review of the proposed Kiggavik project near my community of Baker Lake.
During the spring sitting, I posed questions to the minister concerning her department’s coordination of the Government of Nunavut’s submissions to the Nunavut Impact Review Board in relation to its review of the proposed Kiggavik uranium project and what the GN’s main concerns were in relation to the project.
Can the minister update the House on what the GN’s main concerns are in relation to the proposed Kiggavik uranium mine project?
I believe that Economic Development and Transportation can respond to that question better because I don’t have that information in front of me.
Redirecting that question to the Minister responsible for Economic Development and Transportation, Minister Taptuna.
The GN department, there are a various number of departments that participate in the hearings. At this point there are technical hearings and GN submitted approximately 86 issues to the proponent for their review and mitigation of the issues that the departments of GN have.
I appreciate the government’s response on this.
The Government of Nunavut’s Uranium Policy Statement was tabled on June 6 of this year.
One of the five principles is that “Uranium exploration and mining must have the support of Nunavummiut with particular emphasis on communities close to uranium development.”
How will the government make a final determination as to whether or not the community of Baker Lake supports this project?
Mr. Speaker, we do have a process that’s outlined in the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
The Nunavut Impact Review Board reviews all the information that comes in and makes that determination based on facts.
It’s my understanding that the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs was to submit its responses to information requests made by Makita, the Beverly Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board, the Canadian Arctic Resources Committee, and the Kivalliq Inuit Association by September 7, 2012.
Can the minister indicate if the government has provided its responses?
Throughout the process, the regulatory process was conducted by the Nunavut Impact Review Board.
The information requests flow through them and the information requests from Makita is not necessarily within the scope for the Nunavut Impact Review Board to determine.
We welcome the organizations to come to the Government of Nunavut with their issues or questions. That’s where the information requests can be handled from.
I appreciate the response. To quote my colleague here based on facts with respect to language rights and the spirit of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, the intent of Nunavut, as well as fundamental rights, such as democracy, the general public view and their concern for the environment, the very nature and core of uranium mining and its concerns for Nunavummiut is a concern in various thought perspectives, whether it be pro or con.
For example, the minister indicated that there are 86 issues, but as well, in the process, for example, terminology and thousands of pages are to be reviewed.
The future of our youth has expressed opposition and concern for the environment and well-being.
On the other spectrum, the present businesses have expressed to those who raise awareness as possibly being opposed to creating employment and economic benefits to businesses.
My question is: will this government review, revisit, or reconsider a public call for an open forum on the Kiggavik project?
Question 467 – 3(3): Assignment of Ministerial Responsibility for Department of Family Services (Rumbolt)
Good morning to the people of Sanikiluaq and to my wife who is watching this morning.
Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Premier.
Yesterday, in the House, questions were asked concerning the plan for the government’s restructuring.
I would like to ask a few more questions in that area for clarification.
Can the Premier tell the House which cabinet minister is responsible for answering questions in the Legislative Assembly concerning the new Department of Family Services?
Hon. Eva Aariak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for that question. The department and the minister that have been very active in this file is the Minister of Health and Social Services.
Speaker: Thank you, Minister Aariak. Your first supplementary, Mr. Rumbolt.
Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Premier for that clarification.
On a day-to-day basis, which minister is currently making decisions about the new department as it prepares to be established in April of next year?
The Minister of Health and Social Services.
Speaker: Thank you, Madam Premier. Your second supplementary, Mr. Rumbolt.
In just a few weeks, the Legislative Assembly’s standing committees will be considering the proposed 2013-14 main estimates and the department’s business plan for the government, including the new Department of Family Services. Can the Premier indicate which minister will formally approve the proposed main estimates and the department’s business plan for the Department of Family Services before they go before MLAs for discussion?
A lot of work is being done right now in preparation for forming the Department of Family Services. The Department of Health and Social Services has been working very hard on that, and I will be able to answer that better once the department has done a lot more work in their department.
I thank the Premier for her answers.
Mr. Speaker, can the Premier tell us the approximate cost of establishing a new Department of Family Services?
Unfortunately, I don’t have that information in front of me.
Question 468 – 3(3): Donation of Food Legislation (Elliott)
My questions speak to what my colleague from Rankin Inlet North was talking about in his Member’s Statement earlier today in regard to the importance of deeds and reduction of poverty.
Sometimes it’s the small things that matter the most.
As the minister will recall, I asked him questions on March 5 of this year concerning the idea of introducing legislation to protect donors of food and distributors of donated food.
At that time, the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories had just passed such a law, a copy of which I tabled in the House later that day for the information of the minister and all members.
On Monday of this week, the Yukon Legislative Assembly passed its Donation of Food Act, a copy of which I’ll be tabling at the appropriate time.
Mr. Speaker, we are now the only territory without such legislation.
Is the minister satisfied with this situation?
I thank Mr. Elliott for that information.
Mr. Speaker, I applaud my colleagues from Yukon and Northwest Territories.
They’re moving forward on important issues, as Mr. Elliott and all members are aware. We are moving forward as well.
We are greatly concerned about poverty. My colleague from Economic Development and Transportation has taken the lead in the Poverty Reduction Strategy. It’s unfortunate that some people don’t support that, but we are moving forward.
Anything we can do to help address the food insecurity in Nunavut, we will take a look at.
At this time, we aren’t considering legislation that regards the food donation legislation.
The bills that I have described are not particularly complex and are actually quite short.
In fact, the Yukon’s bill consists of only three clauses. It took that legislature about an hour to pass the particular bill.
It sounds like the minister is not particularly interested in bringing forward this piece of legislation for that.
Just for the public record and to maybe get a more firm confirmation, will the minister commit to introducing similar legislation to protect Nunavut’s food donors when the House reconvenes in February for its winter sitting, yes or no?
It’s unfortunate that my colleague feels that I don’t care for the people in Nunavut, the people who are hungry.
As Mr. Elliott knows, we walk around our communities, we know many people who are struggling with food.
Anything I can do personally or otherwise, I would certainly try to achieve.
Mr. Speaker, at this time, I haven’t reviewed any legislation.
I’m not making any commitment. As Mr. Elliott knows, the government already has a lot of pressure to bring forward legislation in other areas. At this time, I can’t commit to anything with regard to food donation legislation.
I find it very frustrating that the government is willing to invest significant time and resources into introducing lengthy miscellaneous statutes amendment bills to fix spelling mistakes or misplaced semi-colons in our existing legislation, but is not willing to introduce a short, straightforward, and sensible law like the one that I have described.
Can the minister explain why the government has its priorities backwards?
Mr. Elliott, I’m not sure where he is coming at, from this morning. Usually, in the Second Assembly, Friday mornings used to be an opportunity for all of us to bring a little cheer to the territory, Funny Fridays, I think we called it.
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Elliott, harking back to only a couple of years ago, talked about reservist legislation. This government listened to him and we did bring forward legislation.
As I said earlier, Mr. Speaker, it’s very time consuming to do all the work that we have to do. As I said earlier, we’re under pressure right now with respect to bringing forward legislation. At this time, we just don’t have the ability to commit to bringing food donation legislation forward in the winter session.
Speaker: Thank you, Minister Peterson. I guess everyone’s got a different thing on what funny is.
I’m sorry if I seem like I’m not being cheery.
To me, it’s something that will provide a little bit of help to individuals, to corporations, to caterers who want to actually donate and do.
As well, my colleague was talking about a good deed to be able to provide some assistance, a little assistance, maybe a homeless shelter to people who are going hungry, provide a donation of food, without the threat of actually being held, I guess, legally responsible if something were to happen. So it doesn’t seem that hard.
Perhaps, maybe I’m a little bit upset because of the lockout with the NHL and not being able to watch hockey on Saturday night, but I’m not sure.
I guess my final question would be to the minister. Since you have two pieces of legislation to go by, maybe I’ll make the commitment to do the research and bring this forward as a Private Member’s Bill in the winter sitting if the minister would be willing to, maybe, second the motion to bring that forward.
Perhaps Mr. Elliott is a little grouchy this morning because he’s missing his beard.
I assure, if he keeps... . A month from now, it will be back.
Mr. Speaker, it’s an excellent idea that Mr. Elliott proposed, a Private Member’s Bill. I was thinking about proposing that idea too. You have read my mind.
I think we would, on this side, be willing to support Mr. Elliott if he’s prepared to do all the research and bring it forward.
Question 469 – 3(3): Meeting with Minister without Portfolio (Curley)
On Monday, we will be busy dealing with the Integrity Commissioner’s report.
I have an unrelated question to the (interpretation ends) Premier. (interpretation) Nunavutmiut are expecting and they know that you are the leader of cabinet team and you are also the leader of Nunavutmiut.
Nunavutmiut have expectations about proper leadership.