EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I wonder if this has been considered to level the ground because once it gets slippery it gets very dangerous, especially when you’re trying to walk.
For those patients in wheelchairs, they can’t go up even though there is a ramp.
In order to get from the ramp to the road it is very slanted.
What has come of this?
I recall the discussion that we had in regard to that and the update I received from Rosemary is that the request to address that concern has been made to Community and Government Services.
We haven’t received the latest update as to where they are at with that project.
Even for those of us who don’t have any problems with our legs, in Tuktoyaktuk, I climbed on a pingo. It was very difficult for me to climb, and there are a lot of residents who have no problems with their legs.
I don’t think it would require that much money to fix it. So it would be good if it can be worked on in the spring or summertime. Can the minister press the Public Works to work on it?
Hon. Leona Aglukkaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation) Yes, I will push … (NO INTERPRETATION: This is a translation by Innirvik) … Public Works to work on that. I will talk with my staff in Rankin Inlet first to see where we are at with that.
We are on page H-6.
Detail of Capital. Directorate. Tangible Assets.
Mr. Arreak (interpretation resumes): Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I wanted to ask a question, but I would like to move that we report progress.
We have a motion on the floor to report progress. The motion is not debatable. All those in favour of the motion.
(interpretation) Madame Minister, my apologies; you can go back to your seat. I would like to thank your officials. Maybe the Sergeant-at-Arms could escort them out.
I seek unanimous consent of the House to return on the Order Paper to item 5.
The minister is asking for consent to go back to Item 5.
Proceed Minister Picco.
It gives me great pleasure to welcome to the Gallery the Commissioner for the Salvation Army in Canada and in Bermuda, who is here for the opening of the homeless shelter, Commissioner Christine Macmillan.
With Christine in the Gallery is Lieutenant Caroline Scott, the director for the homeless shelter here in Iqaluit, and Caroline informs me that the brass band is ready to come. Hopefully they will be able to arrive from Edmonton this afternoon. I welcome them to the Gallery.
As I mentioned earlier, I don’t often get a chance to welcome visitors to the Gallery from the Kitikmeot. From my riding I’d like to welcome Mr. Dave Richardson Assistant Deputy Minister of Health. He also works in the same office building in Cambridge Bay, so welcome Dave.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, and welcome to the Gallery.
Your committee has been considering Bill 26 and the Capital Estimates and would like to report progress. Also, I move that the Report of the Committee of the Whole be concurred with.
I would like to remind all members that at three o’clock in the Chamber today will be the unveiling of a portrait of the late Jobie Nutarak.
Orders of the Day for December 4:
Bill 08
This House stands adjourned until Monday, December 4, 1:30.
>>House adjourned at 14:02
Monday, December 4, 2006
Pages 2715 – 2790
Opening Prayer 2715
Ministers’ Statements 2715
Members’ Statements 2717
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 2726
Oral Questions 2727
Point of Order 2743
Written Questions 2747
Replies to Opening Address 2748
Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills 2750
Tabled Documents 2750
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 2753
Report of the Committee of the Whole 2788
Orders of the Day 2789
Monday, December 4, 2006 2715
152 – 2(3): Training and Performance in Nunavut Municipalities (Brown) 2715
153 – 2(3): Christmas Wishes via Telehealth (Aglukkaq) 2716
154 – 2(3): Implementation Strategy for End of Life Vehicle Repatriation (Netser) 2717
354 – 2(3): Tagged Beluga in Repulse Bay (Mapsalak) 2717
355 – 2(3): Congratulations to Inuujaq School Graduates (Barnabas) 2718
356 – 2(3): Third Annual Skills Canada Nunavut Cardboard Boat Race (Tootoo) 2719
357 – 2(3): Wheelchairs for Nunavummiut (Alagalak) 2720
358 – 2(3): Medical Travel Services in the Baffin (Arvaluk) 2721
359 – 2(3): Kitikmeot Regional Soccer Tournament – Kugluktuk Grizzlies Results (Evyagotailak) 2722
360 – 2(3): 57-Year Wedding Anniversary (Simailak) 2723
361 – 2(3): Travel to Kuujjuaq (Kattuk) 2723
362 – 2(3): Members’ Soccer Game (Okalik) 2724
363 – 2(3): Congratulations to Leia Cunningham (Picco) 2724
364 – 2(3): Municipal Elections (Tapardjuk) 2725
410 – 2(3): Awarding of Medivac Contract (Tootoo) 2727
411 – 2(3): Deadline for Devolution Negotiations (Peterson) 2729
412 – 2(3): Tracking Devices on Animals (Barnabas) 2732
413 – 2(3): KBDC and NBCC Legal Action (Tootoo) 2733
414 – 2(3): Medical Travel Contract for Sanikiluaq (Kattuk) 2735
415 – 2(3): Alternative Energy (Barnabas) 2736
416 – 2(3): Probations Services in Nunavut (Peterson) 2738
417 – 2(3): KBDC and NBCC Legal Action (Tootoo) 2741
418 – 2(3): Birth Certificates for Elders (Arreak) 2744
419 – 2(3): Number of Hearing Impaired GN Employees (Barnabas) 2746
020 – 2(3): Social Worker Position for Cambridge Bay (Peterson) 2747
Reply to Opening Address 005 – 2(3): Mr. Keith Peterson 2748
012 – 2(3): Bill 27 An Act to Amend the Pharmacy Act (Alagalak) 2750
213 – 2(3): Public Service Annual Report 2005-06 (Tapardjuk) 2751
214 – 2(3): Exempt from Jury Duty Letter from John Aulajut (Alagalak) 2751
215 – 2(3): Workers’ Compensation Board Magazine: Reflections on Safe Workplace Practices Across the North, Summer 2006 (Netser) 2751
216 – 2(3): Ministerial Meeting Report – FPT Council of Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety, September 21, 2006 from Department of ED&T (Akesuk) 2751
217 – 2(3): GN Merit/Bonus Summary 2005-06 (Picco) 2751
218 – 2(3): Deputy Minister Travel Expenses for Fiscal Year 2005-06 (Picco) 2751
219 – 2(3): Minimum Wage Annual Report, July 2006 (Picco) 2751
220 – 2(3): Ministerial Meeting Report of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment October 2006 from Department of Environment (Netser) 2752
221 – 2(3): Report on the Payment of Member Indemnities, Allowances and Expenses for the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2006 (Speaker) 2752
222 – 2(3): Report of Contracting Activity for the Office of the Legislative Assembly for the Fiscal Year 2005-06 (Speaker) 2752
Bill 26 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2007-08 – Review in Committee – Health and Social Services 2753
Bill 27 – An Act to Amend the Pharmacy Act – Review in Committee 2768
Bill 26 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2007-08 – Review in Committee – Economic Development & Transportation 2775
I would like to ask Mr. Tapardjuk to say the opening prayer.
Before we start I would like to say hi to Mary, who I had lunch with.
Minister for Community and Government Services, Minister Brown.
Minister’s Statement 152 – 2(3): Training and Performance in Nunavut Municipalities (Brown)
I rise today to update the members of this House on training and development in Nunavut municipalities.
Since Community and Government Services and the Nunavut Association of Municipal Administrators incorporated the Municipal Training Organization in February, 2003 over 2,000 people have taken part in training, supported or delivered by the Municipal Training Organization.
Combined with the daily efforts of councils, municipal, and Community and Government Services staff, and increased financial support from the Government of Nunavut, this commitment is paying off in measurable improvements in financial stability and the delivery of services for residents across Nunavut.
Each year the department and the Municipal Training Organization prepare a Nunavut Municipal Performance Measurement Report.
This report tracks and compares the performance in about fifty different areas of municipal responsibility; everything from overall financial position to the amount of money raised locally for recreation programs.
Mr. Speaker, we are seeing improvements in many areas, especially overall financial positions.
As I’ve announced previously, as of March, 2006, only one community has a financial deficit.
However, with staff turnover, unexpected situations, and the goal of constantly improving the quality of life for our residents, it’s important that we don’t relax now as we have seen continued learning does lead to increased self-reliance, and requires continuing commitment and support.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our partners: Kakivak Association, Kivalliq Partners in Development, Kitikmeot Economic Development Commission, Education, Culture, Language, Elders and Youth, Economic Development and Transportation, Indian and Northern Affairs, NCC Developments Ltd, and Nunavut Arctic College.
Minister’s Statement 153 – 2(3): Christmas Wishes via Telehealth (Aglukkaq)
Ikajuruti Inungnik Ungasiktumi means a tool to help people from far away. The IIU Telehealth Program once again would like to assist families in sharing Seasons Greetings between our Nunavut communities and with Nunavummiut in out-of-territory health facilities.
The Telehealth Program ordinarily supports visits between clients who are receiving care outside of their community and loved ones at home. These visits can be arranged through the community health centre.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Health and Social Services recognize that family members who are physically separated find that Christmas time can be lonely. Telehealth is one way to connect families so they can send holiday wishes and good cheer over long distances. Priority is given to elders who wish to ‘visit’ family and friends outside of their community, but other Nunavummiut are welcome to try this service.
Telehealth is a wonderful tool for health care, learning, and client well-being. Our staff looks forward to helping Nunavummiut ‘visit’ this Christmas.
Minister of Environment, Minister Netser.
Minister’s Statement 154 – 2(3): Implementation Strategy for End of Life Vehicle Repatriation (Netser)
One of the goals of this Assembly, as outlined in Pinasuaqtavut: 2004-09, is to develop Inuuqatigiittiarniq or healthy communities. The objectives under this goal include removing unsightly and potentially hazardous “end of life vehicles” or ELVs, from Nunavut.
The Department of Environment, along with the Departments of Community and Government Services and Economic Development and Transportation have begun to implement a strategy for better managing the ever-increasing number of ELVs in Nunavut. This includes both removal of ELVs from communities and the development of a framework to ensure that this removal is financially viable.
Mr. Speaker, pilot projects are being planned for the next shipping season in Cape Dorset, Coral Harbour, Iqaluit, and Kugluktuk.
These communities have completed scrap metal inventories and relatively large amounts of metal. Lessons learned from these removal projects will be applied in other communities.
We hope that the private sector will be interested in exploring the economic opportunities associated with this project, but we have committed $300,000 for the first stage.
Mr. Speaker, by implementing this strategy for ELV repatriation, we will improve our current solid waste management practices and contribute to achieving the goal of Inuuqatigiittiarniq.
Member’s Statement 354 – 2(3): Tagged Beluga in Repulse Bay (Mapsalak)
I rise today to inform the House of an incident that took place in Repulse Bay in October of this year.
Mr. Speaker, as you will recall, I tabled photographs in the House last week that showed the condition of a beluga that had been hunted near the community.
The beluga had been tagged as part of an ongoing project conducted by the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
Mr. Speaker, the poor conditions of the beluga concern the community. It was extremely thin, and the Mattaaq was inedible. The beluga had clearly suffered injuries at some point.
I have recently been provided with some detailed information of this incident from Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
As an elected Member of the Legislative Assembly, I am in the fortunate position to get information when I ask for it. However, the community often feels that it is in the dark and it still has questions about this incident.
I believe that it is important for Department of Fisheries and Oceans officials and scientists who work directly with the community of Repulse Bay to be accountable and answer questions. I believe that great efforts need to be undertaken to ensure the community and the Hunter and Trapper Organization are clearly aware of scientific projects that are being undertaken where we live and hunt.
I believe that the recent establishment by Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated of a Joint Secretariat in Rankin Inlet to provide support to the three regions’ wildlife organizations provides an excellent opportunity for information to flow in more than one direction.
I believe that greater communications and consultations will also allow federal officials and the scientists to benefit from the knowledge and experience that our life-long hunters and respected elders offer.
For example all parties will have the opportunity to discuss appropriate methods for tagging and share ideas and concerns in the spirit of mutual respect.
Speaker (interpretation): Very profound, Mr. Mapsalak.
Members’ Statements. Mr. Barnabas.
Member’s Statement 355 – 2(3): Congratulations to Inuujaq School Graduates (Barnabas)
First, I would like to wish my cousin’s son 11th birthday, Ejagotak Lalonde.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my congratulations to a group of hard-working high school students who will be graduating from Inuujaq School in Arctic Bay, this coming Friday.
Graduating from high school is an important achievement for our youth. It shows that these individuals have dedication and commitment to succeeding.
This success will lead to other successes with continued effort and dedication.
Mr. Speaker, this coming Friday, the following individuals will receive their high school diploma: Isa Taqtu, Joshua Ejangiaq, Becky May, Neil Kigutaq and Solomon Oyukuluk.
Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, I will not be able to attend the ceremony as my travel plans do not have me arriving in Arctic Bay until a later date.
I am very proud of these youth and their accomplishments, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating them.
We are proud of them too.
Member’s Statement 356 – 2(3): Third Annual Skills Canada Nunavut Cardboard Boat Race (Tootoo)
I rise today to talk about an annual event held here in Iqaluit by Skills Canada: the Nunavut Cardboard Boat Race.
Mr. Speaker, this year is the third year that Skills Canada has organized this race, and again it was a wet and wild success.
This year, six corporate teams and 14 student teams from Inuksuk High School had two hours to construct a boat out of limited materials: a 6x8 foot or 8x6 foot piece of cardboard; everybody’s favorite, duct tape, string, and a paperclip. The boats are then raced at the swimming pool and are judged in three categories: construction, speed, and buoyancy.
Mr. Speaker, there was a tie for first place in the corporate division, they were the Corporate Sharks for Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Team Ingirraniq, it’s Economic Development and Transportation I believe, and second place went to Ajungituuq III, the Department of Education, and third place went to Team Secretariat, NNI.
For the high school teams, the first place winners were, in the grade nine division: Titanic Junior, teacher Pat McDermott, students Danny Ishulutaq, Davidee Nowyook, Charlie Awa, and Joshua Kilabuk.
Second place went to the Lane Ladies, and I’m especially proud of this team. Mr. Speaker, you’ll find out why in just a second. The teacher was Sheila Merkeley, students Miranda Kirk, and my eldest daughter Eden Tootoo, Lisa Lyta, Amielle Jephson, and Annie Mingeriaq.
Third place went to the Sailors of the Arctic; teacher Ron Woodman, students Zachary Cousins, our former Education Minister, Ricky Kooloola-Worches, Louis Nutarariaq, Eric Bens, and Calvin Tilly.
And finally in the secondary division, the Purple Perogies, and I think that is a cross between perogies and borsht, came in first; teacher Wendy Tulk, community school counselor David Akearok, students; Roger Kilabuk…
... Johnny Shaimaiyuk, Tommy Kelly, Pia Gunn, Pudlu Arlooktoo, and Annie Qaunirq.
Mr. Speaker, I’d like to take this opportunity also to thank Michelle Jacquard, the Executive Director of Skills Canada for coordinating the event, and ask all members to join me in congratulating the winners of the Third Annual Skills Canada Cardboard Boat Race.
Just to remind you, we only have two Pages this afternoon, and there are a lot of speakers today.
Member’s Statement 357 – 2(3): Wheelchairs for Nunavummiut (Alagalak)
I rise today to speak to the government on behalf of Nunavummiut with physical disabilities.
Mr. Speaker, we must look on our fellow Nunavummiut with care and compassion. I myself have seen individuals in wheelchairs having great difficulties in reaching their destinations. It is extremely difficult for them to get around in battery-operated wheelchairs, especially in the winter time.
With this statement I would like to make a formal recommendation to this government. I recommend that the wheelchairs purchased for use in Nunavut be designed with our climate in mind.
Nunavut wheelchairs need batteries designed especially for the cold weather. Larger and wider tires capable of handling gravel and snow should also be considered.
Mr. Speaker, no one in Nunavut should be expected to accept a lower standard of living. Everyone deserves a decent quality of life. Being able to get around is something that many people take for granted.
Mr. Speaker, I would like the government to give full consideration and attention to this recommendation.
Member’s Statement 358 – 2(3): Medical Travel Services in the Baffin (Arvaluk)
As we prepare to wrap up this session and take a break for the holidays, I would like to leave my colleagues with some thoughts for consideration on the issue of medical travel services for patients in the Baffin region.
Mr. Speaker, over the past year members have raised a number of concerns with respect to the relocation of medical travel to Pangnirtung.
I would like to assure the Minister of Health and Social Services that her efforts to identify problems and find solutions for this office have not gone unrecognised. No one doubts the minister’s sincerity in trying to make the system work for all of us.
I wish to also make it clear that in no way do I wish to undermine the spirit of the decentralization which is, and has been, a key initiative to bring economic opportunity and employment to Nunavut communities.
Mr. Speaker, we must however acknowledge that some problems are not simply solved by throwing money and people at them.
We must recognize that some problems may need structural change to bring about an effective solution.
The decision to relocate the medical travel office out of Pangnirtung has created one of those problems.
The minister has responded different manifestations of this problem with band-aid fixes.
I’m not opposed to the concept of decentralization but this particular move was not a good one.
Members will recall that some of other decentralization decisions such as locating the liquor warehouse in a dry community of Gjoa Haven were found to be unworkable and the government made the sensible decision and changed its plan; common sense prevails.
Mr. Arvaluk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank my colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, I ask that common sense once again be brought to the table. I ask that the government give serious consideration to moving the medical travel office for the Baffin region to its original location where communication, information and transportation were handled well and with minimal difficulty.
Mr. Speaker, when we next meet we will be scrutinizing the government’s business plans and main estimates for the 2007-08 fiscal year.
Members will expect a full update on the actions taken to address the problem associated with the relocation of the medical travel office in Pangnirtung, I believe that I speak for a number of my colleagues when I say that if the government cannot fix these problems, then we will need to consider moving a formal motion on the issue at our next sitting.
Member’s Statement 359 – 2(3): Kitikmeot Regional Soccer Tournament – Kugluktuk Grizzlies Results (Evyagotailak)
I rise today to congratulate those who won medals at the Kitikmeot regional soccer tournament.
The Boys 14 and Under team took home a Silver Medal.
Congratulations to: Audla Buchan, Billy Niptanatiak, Kevin Ongahak, Billy MacWilliam, Henry Ongahak, Kelvin Taipana, Haviik Havioyak and Corbin Anablak.
The 14 & Under Girls Team won a Bronze Medal.
Congratulations to Suzie Power, Tanya Ongahak, Tiffany Novoligak, Carla Algona, Roseanne Klengenberg,  Katie Atatahak, Cheyenne Harvey, and Belinda Nivingalok.
The 18 & Under Boys Team won the silver medal. I would like to congratulate Kyle Algiak, Dennis Kokak, Jamie Hala, Jeremy Hala, Gavin Kamingoak, Ian Taptuna, Shawn Kuliktana, Justin Pigalak, and Joseph Harvey.
And last, but certainly not least, the 18 & Under Girls Team won the gold medal. Congratulations going out to Deloras Niptanatiak, Carmen Aviak, Tracey Evyagotailak, Lena Adjun, and Danielle Adjun, Mahik Havioyak, Shanice Kamingoak, and Vikki Niptanatiak.
Mr. Speaker, the Youth of Nunavut know the real value of sport. I would like to make honourable mention of Patsy Novoligak and Kyle Power who helped Cambridge Bay win the bronze medal in the 18 & Under Boys category.
(interpretation) I would like to conclude my statement. I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Mr. Evyagotailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and my colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, thanks to the coaches of these teams who deserve special recognition. I’d like to thank Geoff Clark, sorry, if I can’t pronounce their last names, Jelte Schaafsma, Stephanie Konstantinou, Pauline McKinnon, and Attila Csaba for the hours they volunteer coaching the soccer teams.
The Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Simailak.
Member’s Statement 360 – 2(3): 57-Year Wedding Anniversary (Simailak)
I would like to talk about something that I’m grateful about. I have parents in Baker Lake and I would like to say Winnie and her husband; 57 years ago there was a wedding that took place and they’re celebrating their anniversary today.
I would like to congratulate those people.
I would like to say to Mr. Picco, you’re turn is coming next so can you wait.
Member’s Statement 361 – 2(3): Travel to Kuujjuaq (Kattuk)
I rise today to congratulate our Premier, who let me tag along to Kuujuaq to sign for the Land Claims purposes. I wasn’t going to go but I ended up going with the Premier.
As you know I have always had concerns about the Belcher Islands because of the environment that has to be protected.
I would like to say that the islands that were claimed are very special to me because we are the aboriginal people and we are entitled to the protection of those islands.
Member’s Statement 362 – 2(3): Members’ Soccer Game (Okalik)
I’m having a bit of a hard time standing up today. My apologies.
I’m trying to recover from Saturday’s treacherous and wonderful event.
I think we got our asses whipped pretty good by the Girls Under 17.
Any one of us probably could have made that show, America’s Funniest Home Videos during our wonderful, wonderful event.
I want to thank the girls for taking us on and teaching us some skills on the finer arts of soccer. I also want to thank Cindy Rennie for organizing it on behalf of the members here.
I also want to thank Terry Young who kept the score respectable by being our goalie.
I’m sure the score could have been a lot different if we didn’t have him on our team. Also, I think we’ll need a new coach, Mr. Simailak; we’ll have to replace him next year to try and win.
I must say, I had a wonderful time, and I’ll try and be in better shape next year.
I must say, I was pleasantly surprised by my colleague for Cambridge Bay; Keith Peterson. He impressed me with his able skills on the floor. He’s the only one who probably wouldn’t have made the video of the funniest characters on our team.