EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Our country was put on the map and I think that we should be proud of the fact that they are promoting Canada and also Nunavut and Nunavik and I would like unanimous consent to conclude my Statement.
There are no nays; please proceed Mr. Puqiqnak.
And thank you, to my Colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, we all know that the Governor General and her husband have been very supportive of the Inuit, our youth and the Arctic.
And while I have the opportunity, I would like to thank their Excellencies for visiting Russia, Finland and Iceland and I would also like to thank them on behalf of the people of Nunavut.
We all know that they have been in Nunavut on more than one occasion.
Member’s Statement 683 – 1(6): Boat Wreck Found Near Clyde River
Today when we are celebrating Tupilak where the world is getting cold outside, we have snow on the ground, which is when the Tupilak, the ghosts of the Arctic are wandering around in our environment.
It was the belief of long time ago and if my Colleagues do not believe in the Tupilak, in ghosts, I want them to know that was the belief of Inuit a long time ago.
I rise today to talk about the 1800s when a wooden ship ran aground near Clyde River and the ship was wrecked.
The crew perished in that accident and are buried around the Clyde River area.
It is a very interesting site and a historic site.
About two weeks ago, we found another boat, which I believe came from Pond Inlet, a fibreglass boat and it is approximately 22 feet long.
I believe it is a boat from Pond Inlet, but its housing was wrecked when it came into our community.
There are more and more dog teams being formed in Clyde River and Isa Piunngittuq, Jayko Aasivaq, Aimu Sisivugat, Elijah Paliittuq and Jamesie Palluq were the ones who found that boat when they were out dog teaming.
I am not sure what is going to be happening with the boat or if there is going to be an investigation in this incident.
Member’s Statement 684 – 1(6): Congratulate Margaret Ikkapkuraq on Award
I would like to take this moment to remind our motorists that tonight is Halloween and that there will be many children out there.
So, please, driver carefully so that we can have a safe Halloween.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Margaret Ikkapkuraq for receiving the Northwest Company’s Presidents’ Award for excellence in customer service.
Mr. Speaker, for as long as I can remember Margaret’s familiar smile has greeted people at the Northern Store in Kugluktuk.
During her time at the store, she has become a wife, mother and grandmother.
She also enjoys going out on the land with the family and friends.
Mr. Speaker, we all know how difficult it can be to balance family and a career.
Margaret’s ability to balance her career and family for more than twenty years makes her a role model for all Nunavummiut, especially for the youth of today.
I would like my Colleagues to join me in congratulating Margaret Ipakohak on her recent award.
Member’s Statement 685 – 1(6): Cost Effective Transport of Food
Mr. Speaker, I too, would like to apologize to my two sons that Asiknaat and Amarook that I will not be home for Halloween this year again and I caution people out there in Nunavut to watch over the little people and when you are driving around tonight in the dark, take care that nobody gets hurt.
Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to talk about a concern that affects each and everyone of us living here in Nunavut.
We all have to eat, Mr. Speaker, but the cost of nutritious food in most northern communities is still too high for many.
It is difficult to make healthy eating choices when most choices mean emptying the bank account.
For example, in 2002, a typical food basket for a family of four in Iqaluit cost $240 dollars, while in Rankin Inlet, it cost $301 dollars and these are central transportation points for the regions.
In the more remote communities like Resolute Bay, the cost went up to over $342 dollars a basket.
Don’t get me wrong, Mr. Speaker, I am very glad that the Federal Government continue to subsidize the northern food mail by over $30.6 million dollars a year up from $15 million dollars in 1994-1995.
This subsidy program was almost dropped a few years ago and I commend the Federal Government and Minister Nault for agreeing to continue it.
Mr. Speaker, in this day and age when fiscal responsibility is at the top of everyone’s agenda when we are all trying to make our dollars stretch the farthest.
Would it not make economic sense to find a cheaper way to deliver the food mail program?
At the current time, the food mail program is only run out of designated entry points like Val D’or, Yellowknife, Happy Valley Goose Bay and Churchill.
These entry points were established years ago and do not reflect today’s reality.
It should be Ottawa, Winnipeg and Edmonton and Mr. Speaker, in our region alone, the food is put on a truck from Winnipeg to Thompson, taking it off a truck, putting it on a train from Thompson to Churchill, sits in Churchill for three or four days and eventually, it ends up in the Kivalliq a week later.
Mr. Speaker, it is time to review the efficiency of using these entry points.
Surely, it would be more economical and more practical to transport nutritious foods from these locations.
Not only would it be more economical, but the qualities of food would suffer less.
I urge my colleagues in this House to join me in encouraging the Federal Government to review the impact of these entry points on the effectiveness of the food mail program and to consider opening up other more cost effective entry points.
Member’s Statement 686 – 1(6): Regards to Family
Since today is Halloween, I wanted to wear a tie that was given to me by the Premier, when we first became a Government, but I did not put it on.
And also, my youngest son celebrated his birthday yesterday, and I did not realize that.
I finally realized it today and I wish him a Happy Birthday.
And also my two grandchildren are here, and I send my regards.
Again I have two other grand children in Pond Inlet, and I also send my regards to them.
Member’s Statement 687 – 1(6): Nakasuk School Fire
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the near disaster that hit Iqaluit last night.
Mr. Speaker, like hundreds of parents in this community with children who are in Nakasuk School, I was devastated to hear last night about the fire, which appears to have been deliberately set.
Mr. Speaker, without the quick action of local resident, Eric Caouette, of Arctic Circle Retail, the School might not be standing today.
I want to acknowledge and thank him for his quick and courageous actions.
I also want to thank the members of the fire department who arrived quickly at the scene.
And I want to say how relieved I was to learn that there was no injuries and very minimal damage to the school.
Mr. Speaker, it is not an exaggeration to say that we came within an inch of tragedy and crisis last night.
I want to urge parents in this community, and others to sit down and talk with their children why it is important not to set fires, how it hurts everyone, including those children who set the fires because of pain and anger possibly in their own lives.
Mr. Speaker, I want to say to the Minister of Education that the community is open to experimentation and new ideas.
Mr. Speaker, take a look at the building that houses our Legislative Assembly.
It is protected 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with fulltime security and video cameras.
That costs a bit, but it is infinitely cheaper than having to replace an entire structure.
Mr. Speaker, our schools and our children deserve no less.
Mr. Speaker, schools are often one of the most valuable assets in any given community.
We make a mockery of our commitment to education and our children if we do not take action as a Government, as a community, as parents, and as individuals.
Member’s Statement 688 – 1(6): Informing Children of Future
Since today is Halloween, my son, Qallunaraaluk, and my grandson Tommy and Mosha Arragutainnaq, I want you to have a good evening tonight.
Mr. Speaker, I too am frustrated also in regards to Minister Thompson’s Ministers’ Statement.
I would like to give her support.
I am talking about Nunavut as a whole in reference to the vandals in the communities.
It frustrates us when these young people vandalise the infrastructure at the community level.
As I usually tell the students in my community, every time I go to the School, and every time I go on the local radio station, the infrastructure at the community, no matter what it is, whether it is a government building, or municipality building or Coop building, those are yours for you to take care of when you grow to become adults.
Perhaps you will become a Member of the Legislature, or you will come to replace me when you grow up.
In the community that you live I say that I am not going to be a Member of the Legislature for the rest of my life.
It will be your responsibility to take care of the properties in the community. That’s what I tell them within the schools and through the local radio station.
I try to advise them that if you want to have good infrastructure then you should not vandalize those buildings.
That’s what I tell the students so that at least they will remember in the future they will have adequate facilities.
Those are very expensive buildings that cost around $12 to 13 million dollars per building and it’s very expensive to replace these buildings.
Mr. Speaker, I want to tell the people of Nunavut, please take care of your buildings because one day you will be responsible for those buildings in the future.
Member’s Statement 689 – 1(6): Happy Birthday to Sister and Happy Halloween
Since today is Friday and it’s Halloween, and I want to wish my sister, Mary, a Happy Birthday.
She works at Innirvik as a translator.
I also say hello to people at Innirvik.
And also to my daughter, Jenna and Joseph be careful tonight during the Halloween in Pangnirtung.
I know that my son won’t want to sit idle for too long, and I told my son not to eat all his candy in one sitting.
And also I told the residents of Qikiqtarjuaq not to dress up in something too scary as I know my grandson Kevin might get scared.
Mr. Netser
Member’s Statement 690 – 1(6): Same Sex Marriage Impact
This morning I want to stand to express my gratitude to our fathers who have since passed on.
When I was a young boy I used to visit this older man and what he said to me has affected me up to today.
What he said was, son, some day you will have a family of your own.
Today, and what you do today, will have a direct impact on what you do for the future of your children and determine the end of your children.
Mr. Speaker, those words have never left me and Mr. Speaker, what this government does in the next few months on the issue of the same sex marriage that the federal government is imposing on its people will have direct impact on the future of Nunavut and its people.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage the Members of this Legislative Assembly to make a stand on the proposed same sex marriage legislation that the Federal Government is proposing for its people.
Member’s Statement 691 – 1(6): Recognition of Three Nunavummiut
I raise today to remember three individuals who were recognized a few days ago.
The Governor General recognized three individuals from Nunavut.
One of the individuals was Elisapee Ootoova from Pond Inlet.
Though I don’t know this individual, but I am very proud of her for being an outspoken person.
Zacharias Kunuk who put Nunavut on the map.
He produced the movie “Atarnarjuat”.
It seems like he literally, on his own, put Nunavut on the map in France during the film festival.
I was quite proud to hear him say thank you in Inuktitut.
Another individual I’d like to recognize, if he didn’t start his work here, I'm sure that the Government of Nunavut would have not been established; Tagak Curly, who initiated the Nunavut Land Claims in the beginning.
This process started in the 1970’s; to date it has become a reality and we created the Nunavut territory.
I would like to extend my appreciation and congratulate him.
However, if he did not take part, I’m sure that the Nunavut Land Claims would have been a lot slower.
I'm glad that he took part in this otherwise we would not have the Nunavut territory today.
Member’s Statement 692 – 1(6): Happy Halloween and Greetings to Family
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to rise.
I expect my children and grandchildren are watching and I send my greetings.
I also send my greetings to my children and grandchildren in Pangnirtung; some are attending Arctic College there.
Our children will be going trick or treating, and even though I am an elder now I have not heard any sounds of footsteps outside to this day from the Tupilaks.
To my grandchild who is five years old, my son’s daughter, whom I love the most I want her to have a very good time today during Halloween trick or treating and I could even picture her beautiful eyes.
I want her to have a good and safe Halloween tonight and I want my children and all other children to be safe tonight.
Since today is Friday, some Members stated, and it’s a fact that yes, we have to take care of our children.
It’s not just is one community, if there is an incident in the community; it affects all the communities of Nunavut.
When I was growing up I was taught never to touch anything that did not belong to me.
That is how I was raised.
Today’s children are very different.
Even if some children misbehave they don’t seem to be scared of adults now.
They can’t be intimidated.
Speaker: The Member if seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement.
And I thank you colleagues.
I would like to advise the people of Nunavut, as the Member when we tell our young people these buildings that are in your community, these will belong to you, and you have to take care of them, and you have to be responsible for them, and in order to have a good life, please try and live healthier lives, even as adults too, we need to live like that.
Please raise your children accordingly.
There are some parents who take care of their children very well and we envy them, and that is what I would like to see.
As a parent, myself, I try to be that way.
For that reason, I am urging everyone; I am urging all the parents to advise our children to live properly.
That way there will be fewer problems in the community.
When there is an incident in one community, it is felt by all the communities.
That concludes my statement.
Member’s Statement 693 – 1(6): Better Than Hunter Tootoo
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Since today is Friday, looking at the Hansard, one of the Members made a statement when I was not here and it is not quite true so I would like to clarify it stating that I can’t play golf.
I am so good I can even harvest wildlife without a rifle.
I can drive my ball very far.
Even though his name is Hunter in English, but I am better at him in golf and hunting.
And I want to clarify that to Nunavummiut.
Member’s Statement 694 – 1(6): Disciplining Children
Mr. Okalik made me lose what I was going to make a statement on, and I agree with him.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Paul Kanayuk for being here, and also he has been a very good Sergeant-at-Arms.
He really misses his grandchild so he is going home today, and I would like to thank his wife, Martha, for being patient and also Paul Kanayuk’s grandson and on behalf of all the Members of the Legislature here, we say hello to his grandson.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my appreciation.
I would like to thank CBC Radio reporters.
They have been reporting quite a bit lately about Rankin Inlet.
It seems to be the only community that they are focussed on, and I am grateful to the residents of Iqaluit or Rankin Inlet who phoned me with their concerns.
Mr. Speaker, when we talk about children, I just want to remind everyone that small children today who are quite spoiled, we should care for them and we have to at least look at how we raise our children.
When we see children overpowering their parents, at times, parents are yelled back at if they discipline their children.
When children are disciplined, sometimes other people take the child’s side and punish the parents instead.
When a child or students have been disciplined, the parents come in and take the side of the child.
Before children become teenagers, it is ideal to set them straight.
I believe that taking sides, whether it is to the child or the parent, when you take sides in front of the child, it deteriorates the child’s development.
It is not good to see young students fighting amongst themselves.
Member’s Statement 695 – 1(6): Bringing up Our Children
I rise today to remind the public that we often don’t go to the community for consultations.
As today is Halloween, there were discussions in Cape Dorset, Igloolik, Pond Inlet and Clyde River residents that during our consultations on the Education Act, we heard throughout the whole week that the children are involved in creating crafts for Halloween.
We were told that this is how much that students have gone though and that they should focus more on improving the behaviour of children.
Yesterday, the Member for Tunnuniq stated that students have to be disciplined properly and raised questions to the Minister of Education.
Today we heard that there was another unfortunate incident in Iqaluit.
If we are more involved in the lives of our children, as we are with Halloween, then we would have better relationships with our children.
They would have more of an opportunity to learn life skills with us.
When they’re dealing with skeletons and graves during this week, we should try to turn that around to mean that we want to be involved in that process in the lives of our children.
I'm glad to say that I was here with my wife and Sharon Takiyok, one of the pages here with us.
She will be leaving today. Sharon Takiyok will be heading back home today, so I want to recognize her.
I was glad to be here with her in Iqaluit.
Question 666 – 1(6): RFP Information on Liquor Warehouse
Mr. Tootoo: I beg your pardon Mr. McLean.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister responsible for the Liquor Licensing Board.
As you know, Mr. Speaker, I would ask the Minister some questions on the RFP, the proposals that they received for the RFP.
I am just wondering if the Minister has that information to provide it to us.
Yes, I do have some information.
Mr. Tootoo: It is nice to see that openness coming from the Government.
Hopefully that is something that we will see improve over the next four years.
I asked the Minister last week if he could provide the information and he said he would and has the information now and it still has to be dragged out of him.
So, could the Minister elaborate on the information that he has please?
I would be glad to provide the information.
I do not know what specific information the Member is requesting so if he would be more specific then I can respond to that accordingly.
It is like trick-or-treating.
Maybe if the Minister, I thought he had a better memory than that because I know he specifically asked some questions last week and he said he would provide that information, who the proponents were, the proposals were received from on that request for proposal that they put out for a liquor warehouse in Rankin Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, there were three proposals received.
One from Iilligiitut, one from M and T and one from KPN.
Mr. Speaker, I am wondering if the Minister, as he had indicated last week that it was a Committee from Finance and some other people, Public Works, I believe that did the analysis of those proposals.
Would the Minister be willing to provide to this House, the analysis of those proposals for all Members to see?
No, and the reason why, I will explain the Member has said that in his past practise in the private sector, he is aware, he submitted proposals before and the response the Government requests the standard clauses in there for non-disposure as part of all Government requests for proposals in order to protect those individuals for proprietary rights and information that they provide in their proposals and because of that, we will not release that information unless the proponents say it is okay to do so.
Question 667 – 1(6): Security Concerns for Educational Facilities
Mr. Speaker, earlier in the week in the Committee of the Whole, I brought up the issue of security cameras on the outside of our educational facilities and the Minister said she would look into it and I am sure that the Minister of Education and her Officials were as shocked as I was last night to hear about another school fire.
Mr. Speaker, it is a lucky thing that the disaster was not as bad as it could have been and it seems that our schools have been targeted in the last few years by vandals.
Mr. Speaker, yes, we can stand up in this House and say we will talk to our kids, we will talk to our kids, and we will talk to our kids.
But at the end of the day, there are a very small percentage of kids that are doing this and not every parent is going to talk to their kids.
In the Yukon, they are experimenting with installing cameras around schools to deter vandalism.
When will the Minister overrule her bureaucrats and do something similar to protect our schools in Nunavut?
I have already talked to my staff when the Member brought up security cameras, and we will be putting forward a tender to purchase a security camera.
I enjoy working with this Minister because she is always very accommodating when it comes to critical issues in Nunavut.
In dealing with issues, she is very good at it, and I commend the Minister for her answer.
It is no secret that there is a new school in Baker Lake that is going to be opened in the next few months.
When Sanajiit Construction have had the contract for that school, they have been very vigilant, and I must commend them for hiring a 24 hour a day, 7 days a week security person from the start of that project.
And that individual, who is a friend of mine, was unemployed until Sanajiit got the contract.
There has not been one thing done to that new school since the start in August.
Could the Minister commit to telling her officials, or asking her officials to have security cameras put on the outside of that building before the final completion date?
Question 668 – 1(6): Status of Pond Inlet Decentralization
My question is directed to the Minister responsible for decentralization.
We saw in the Capital Estimates yesterday for the reduction in decentralization.
For Pond Inlet, which is one of the decentralized communities, what is the status?
Is the move to Pond Inlet completed?
I am sorry; I do not understand his question.
Can he please clarify?
Speaker: Clarification.
Mr. Nutarak (interpretation): There are nine staff houses vacant in Pond Inlet.
So I am asking the Minister whether the decentralization of those positions is complete for Pond Inlet for the Department of Education and Public Works and Services?
Is the move to Pond Inlet complete?
Yes, the intended positions to be moved to Pond Inlet are complete.
However, the staffing levels are not up-to-date yet.
There are still some vacant positions to be filled.
I am wondering if the Premier can state whether those positions will be filled.
Is there work being done to ensure those positions will be filled?
Yes, there are competitions going on for those job openings, and if there is training needed we also provide that for new employees.
We are actively seeking to fill those positions.
Mr. Nutarak (interpretation): The budget for decentralization for Pond Inlet, those positions might be moved to the other community because there was a deadline for the completion of the decentralization and that there will be no further budgeted items.
Are you going to be caught up before this deadlines ends for the decentralization of those positions?
Yes, the issue of decentralization was for employees and so all we have to do us to fill positions in Pond Inlet for the day to day operations.
We’ll still continue for those positions in that community regardless of the deadline.
Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker.
Question 669 – 1(6): Russians Launching a Rocket
My question will be directed to the Minister of Community Government and Transportation.