EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
This man was quite adept in dealing with the modern world, although he could not speak in English.
He was a true entrepreneur, who knew how to run a business successfully, and he was a bastion of support for our community. He provided assistance to the community through various avenues, such as harvesting and survival techniques, as well as passing on his knowledge to his children and relatives.
He was an invaluable resource to the community, as he also ordered country foods for community events and feasts, and his assistance to the community was immeasurable as he was involved in many facets of the community.
He passed away this spring and the community really felt the loss of this man.
He was instrumental in helping to initiate many initiatives within our community, including the creation of our local co-operative movement, including the ACL formation back in the early days. Furthermore, when our community was transferring to a hamlet status, he was the very first mayor of the community.
This man provided much needed help and due to that reason, I wish to share with my colleagues this acknowledgment of his many accomplishments.
Member’s Statement 300 – 4(3): Tribute to Bryan “Salluq” Pearson (Okalik)
I, too, wish to supplement what my colleague representing Niaqunnguu referenced in her statement about Salluq.
At the time I didn’t know Mr. Pearson personally, but I heard people talking about the store owned by Salluq in Iqaluit. That is when I first heard about the Salluq store and I had no idea they were speaking about an actual person who had been nicknamed “Salluq” by Iqalummiut. That was my first recollection of the name Salluq prior to ever coming to Iqaluit.
Later on in my life, his name cropped up again as he was the first mayor of the community, but this was later on in his mayoral capacity where he spoke about ideas that were unique. Sometimes I concurred with his opinion and I didn’t agree other times. Nonetheless, he was adamantly dedicated to increasing the community’s governance and that is why he spoke ardently in that capacity.
It was quite humorous sometimes to hear his opinions, but he also faced a lot of opposition for expressing them.
He used to pass along stories of his experiences once I got to know him and what his motives were for a particular project or idea. He once told me why the current Road to Nowhere got that name. At the time he was trying to push for a gravel pit with the hopes of the road to be extended just a bit farther.
It would have reached the lake that could have accommodated a float plane base, which was one of his original ideas. It never came to fruition, but he recalled why that road was originally built and he had quite the foresight, which he said needed to be the foundation for a community. I was grateful he served in that capacity.
Additionally, when Mr. Pearson established the local theatre here in Iqaluit and one would call to listen to the films arriving via his unique recordings, oftentimes you would listen to his unusual take or reviews repeatedly as it was sometimes fabulously funny, as he would unexpectedly add unusual news items in his reviews.
That kind of personal knowledge of the community and unique kind of recordings are sorely missed.
When Mr. Pearson was diagnosed with his illness and starting to suffer the effects as his body was becoming ravaged, I went to visit him about a month ago where I had a very candid conversation with him.
I expressed my appreciation for his ongoing dedication and commitment to the community and for being in the forefront of many initiatives in our community. He took the acknowledgement to heart and expressed his happiness in hearing that tidbit from me.
Further, in our conversation I referenced the news popping up throughout Canada. He was aware of my standing as a Liberal, and Mr. Pearson was an ardent Conservative. Nonetheless, I informed him that I really liked the surname Pearson he shared with the previous leader of the Liberals, who was the epitome of a Liberal and a leader in my opinion.
He was taken aback, momentarily at a loss for words at that remark.
I was able to have good conversations with Mr. Pearson, without any partisan arguments, as we had a common goal of furthering Iqaluit to being what it could be. I took great satisfaction from our conversations as he never belittled me for having different beliefs and instead tried to provide advice in all avenues.
It is very obvious that Mr. Pearson will leave a large void for those of us who were blessed to have known him and indeed to all of us.
Member’s Statement 301 – 4(3): Nutrition North Canada Program (Enook)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the Nutrition North Canada Program and to raise concerns about the public engagement meetings that are currently being held by its advisory board.
Mr. Speaker, as a number of my colleagues will recall, when the Nutrition North Canada Program was first introduced by the federal government five years ago, we invited the advisory board’s former chairperson and departmental officials from the federal government to appear at a special televised meeting of the Full Caucus that was held in this Chamber.
At that time my colleagues and I raised a number of important concerns and questions.
That was half a decade ago, and these concerns and questions remain unresolved.
Mr. Speaker, the federal government has announced that the Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board is holding public engagement meetings in a number of northern communities.
One of these meetings was scheduled to take place in Pond Inlet late last month.
However, I was extremely disappointed at what took place.
Mr. Speaker, I found the way that the meeting was organized to be chaotic and undisciplined.
As the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Tununiq, I was prepared to address the advisory board in order to welcome its members to the community and to raise concerns for their consideration regarding the Nutrition North Canada Program.
Mr. Speaker, although there are no fewer than half a dozen members of the advisory board, not a single one of them attended the public meeting in Pond Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask for unanimous consent to my statement.
Mr. Speaker, I found it outrageous and unacceptable that not one member of the advisory board attended the public meeting.
That would be like a committee of the House of Commons or this legislature holding a public meeting but only sending consultants and staff. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, quite frankly it calls into question the extent to which the federal government takes the work of the advisory board seriously.
Mr. Speaker, it is important for the advisory board itself to be accountable, and I am disappointed that it has not produced an annual report on its own activities since the 2011-12 time period, almost five years ago.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, as we all know, the cost of living in Nunavut is the highest in the country.
To take Pond Inlet as an example, recent figures released by our territorial statistics bureau indicate that the cost of a food basket in Pond Inlet jumped by over 5 percent between 2015 and 2016.
In May of 2013 I worked with a number of colleagues who are here today to pass a formal motion that called on the Auditor General of Canada to undertake a performance audit of the Nutrition North Canada Program.
Mr. Speaker, the Auditor General’s report contained a significant number of recommendations and concerns, including concerns regarding the extent to which the major retailers are actually passing on the full benefit of the federal subsidy to ordinary people in Pond Inlet and other Nunavut communities.
Mr. Speaker, our Premier has called the Nutrition North Canada Program “flawed and broken.”
(interpretation ends) In April of 2016 Food Banks Canada released a study on the issue of food security in the North. This report stated, and I quote, “Nutrition North Canada is a simple subsidy for northern retailers, despite the complicated policies and explanations that have been attached to it.
On its own, the subsidy is useful but insufficient to drastically increase the affordability of food.”
Mr. Speaker, I urge the advisory board and the federal government to carefully consider such issues as the ability of residents to place individual food orders and the need to also address the affordability of essential non-food items, such as diapers and women’s health care products.
In the end it may conclude that although the former Food Mail Program was not perfect, it may have done a better job of achieving the key objective of making food and other essentials affordable for the tens of thousands of Inuit, First Nations, and other Canadians who live in remote regions and communities.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I will be writing directly to the appropriate federal minister and other parliamentarians concerning what I have stated today.
Member’s Statement 302 – 4(3): Congratulations to Sammy Kogvik on the Discovery of HMS Terror (Akoak)
Good afternoon, Gjoa Havenmiut.
I rise today to pay tribute to my constituent, Sammy Kogvik, for his key role in solving a mystery that endured for over a century.
Mr. Speaker, the recent discovery of the remains of HMS Terror, the second missing ship from the Franklin Expedition, would not have been possible without Sammy’s deep knowledge of the area in which the search was taking place.
Mr. Speaker, as you and members will recall, I had the opportunity to pay tribute to another one of my constituents, Louie Kamookak, whose decades of study and knowledge of the Franklin Expedition were highlighted when the HMS Erebus was discovered.
Mr. Speaker, I recognize that there has been some recent controversy associated with the permitting process for the search, but I will leave that topic for another day.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in congratulating Sammy Kogvik and Louie Kamookak on their history-making accomplishments.
Member’s Statement 303 – 4(3): Happy Third Birthday to Child (Qirngnuq)
I say “good day” to my fellow residents of Kugaaruk and the people of Taloyoak, my colleagues, our Premier, and cabinet. Good day to you all.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share my happiness today in attending the session with my colleagues.
The reason for my happiness and for rising is to celebrate my adopted child’s birthday, who just turned three today. I am celebrating his birthday today and wish him many more in the future.
All of us love our children and celebrate our children’s accomplishments due to our affection for them.
I adopted my child from my youngest child and he is also the youngest of his children, so I am taking this opportunity to celebrate and share with my colleagues this happy occasion.
I will rise for future announcements while I am attending this session at the Assembly.
Member’s Statement 304 – 4(3): Premiere of Maliglutit – Zacharias Kunuk’s Latest Film (Quassa)
I rise today also due to my feelings of pride in the accomplishment of my fellow resident of Igloolik. Last night we went to watch a showing of the movie Maliglutit at the theatre, which was produced in Igloolik by the renowned director, Zacharias Kunuk, who also filmed it.
Actually I can state today that we did attend the movie with my colleague, Ms. Ell-Kanayuk, but it was unfortunate that we weren’t able to watch the ending as the film ran out.
Nonetheless, it was good to see the actors in the movie, as they were all recognizable to me as they played their roles.
The subject is about a family’s history with the film Maliglutit, apparently a result of Zacharias Kunuk’s childhood memories of movie nights, much like I recall. Those of us from that generation recall watching westerns with cowboys and Indians. The storyline is similar to that type of movie category, but it is filmed entirely in Inuktitut.
The following people were involved in the making of the film: Benjamin Kunuk, Karen Ivalu, Jonah Qaunaq, Joey Sarpinak, Jocelyn Immaroitok, and Joseph Uttak. They are all Inuit from Igloolik and I recognized them all as I watched the film.
The person I mentioned earlier, Zacharias Kunuk, has made multitudes of films, including several movies. This includes the epic film he released, Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner, which was his first movie. This movie is his latest and it will be shown in Iqaluit at the theatre during this week.
Further, he uses an all Inuit cast and resource people when filming.
For this film, his seamstresses were Susan Avinngaq and Atuat Akittirq.
They sewed actual versions of traditional Inuit clothing as the film was portraying an Inuit family throughout it.
I am particularly proud of the fact that this showcases the breadth of Inuit abilities and capacity in every realm open to us. In cases such as this let’s voice our pride in their achievements.
Member’s Statement 305 – 4(3): The Beginning of High School Education in Pangnirtung (Mike)
Good afternoon, Nunavummiut and my fellow residents of Pangnirtung.
I rise today to make a statement about our local education system in Pangnirtung. Prior to my even considering running for this seat, I was heavily involved as the chairperson of the local district education authority.
At that time when I first got involved, most Pangnirtung residents who wanted to pursue higher education past grade 10 had to travel outside the community. I believe this was the situation in every community since none of the communities had grades 10, 11, or 12 available.
At this time I just want to state that I have been personally impacted by a couple of visitors attending the gallery at this time, my dear friends, Chuck Tolley and his wife.
I want to make a statement regarding education in the community of Pangnirtung. It became quite strong due to the local Pangnirtung teachers, such as the two people I just mentioned.
They were instrumental in enacting the groundwork towards getting grades 10, 11, and 12.
As a result, Pangnirtung was the first community to receive funding for these grades and we had the first local graduates from this school taught locally and not by attending outside courses.
Further, the groundwork for cultural programs was laid for strength in both cultures of the local Inuit as well as the colonizers’ culture. It was based on a strong foundation.
As we worked through those days, I noticed that it resulted in educational precedents that were second to none in their excellence, at least in my opinion.
Due to these reasons, I wish to acknowledge our visitors here today, Mr. Chuck Tolley and his wife, and I am making this statement to clarify that and to showcase that some of his students are now sitting here in this legislature.
Member’s Statement 306 – 4(3): Update on Events in Constituency (Taptuna)
The start of the fall session always reminds me of opening season. It’s probably because of the start of the hockey season. I thank God for the end of baseball season.
Mr. Speaker, one of the most important roles as an MLA is to ensure that we keep in contact and meet with our constituents.
In many constituencies this is done by hosting call-in programs on local radio. In some constituencies it’s meeting regularly with the hamlet councils or having public meetings.
*See Appendix for full text of Return to Oral Question 377 – 4(3).
Mr. Speaker, this past summer when I was home in Kugluktuk meeting with friends, family, and of course my constituents, I also had an opportunity to speak with the mayor as well as several hamlet councillors.
One of the major highlights of the summer in Kugluktuk was hosting the Northern Games.
Mr. Speaker, participants from across the Kitikmeot region as well as folks from other parts of Nunavut and the NWT attended.
It was great to see that many young people and our elders come to Kugluktuk to participate and enjoy Kugluktuk’s hospitality. I want to thank the organizers and our community for again demonstrating that Kugluktuk is a great host and that our culture and strength are found within our people.
As MLAs, we have very demanding jobs and at times stressful positions, but being able to spend time at home and working with our families, friends, and constituents always helps us remember that we’re elected to serve and help our communities.
I want to take this opportunity to thank the community of Kugluktuk for their continued support and advice for me as their MLA.
Return to Oral Question 377 – 4(3): Grise Fiord Airport (Clerk)
I wish to table Return to Oral Question 377 – 4(3), which was taken as notice during the spring 2016 sitting of the House.
Mr. Alexander Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I would like to recognize (interpretation) our fellow resident of Rankin Inlet, Dustin Fredlund.
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Rankin Inlet North and Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Tom Sammurtok.
Good day to the residents of Rankin Inlet and Chesterfield Inlet as well as Nunavummiut. Let’s have a good day.
I would like to recognize some individuals. It is now Nunavut, but when it was still the Northwest Territories, this individual was a teacher in many of the communities.
I first met him in Baker Lake when he was a school principal.
That was the first time that I met Chuck and Muriel Tolley. (interpretation ends) Welcome to the House. (interpretation) As well, Dustin Fredlund, (interpretation ends) welcome. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I would like to recognize and welcome to our gallery Mr. Kevin Pollard of Newfoundland. He is sitting behind me in the gallery. Mr. Pollard is here in Iqaluit visiting his daughter, son in-law, and his two grandchildren.
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Pollard served as MLA for the riding of Baie Verte-Springdale in Newfoundland from 2008-2015 and in 2014 was appointed as parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Health and Community Services.
I would like you all to join me in welcoming Mr. Pollard to the gallery.
I would like to welcome Simon Merkosak and his wife, Jeeteeta Merkosak.
Mr. Speaker, if you would allow me, I am very proud of Simon Merkosak and his wife. Simon Merkosak is a contractor and a very hard-working man.
He has helped tremendously with the hamlet council and organizations.
Also, Jeeteeta Merkosak was one of the first ones to set up the coalition of district education authorities.
She was one of the founding members.
I’m sorry. Member for Aggu, Mr. Paul Quassa.
I thought you were going to say my name, but thank you.
I would also like to take this time to recognize my former classmate, Simon Merkosak. We used to have very long hair in those days. I would also like to recognize his wife.
Jim Bell is also in the gallery. We don’t agree all the time when he’s with the media, but I am very proud that he has been in the media business for many years here in Iqaluit and he makes sure that we are all informed of the events that are happening around here.
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I would like to recognize one of my old principals back in Pangnirtung when I was a troubled young man…
…who was lost at the time.
I had the misfortune of having Mr. Chuck Tolley as my principal. I still have regrets to this day of how badly I behaved during that time.
Mr. Chuck Tolley and your wife, Muriel, I welcome you very much to our Assembly.
I’ll do whatever I can to make up for all the bad behaviour that I may have had during your time in my hometown of Pangnirtung.
Welcome to the Assembly. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Welcome to the gallery. (interpretation) Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery.
I apologize. Member for Pangnirtung, Mr. Johnny Mike.
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): I was one of the first ones, but I ended up being the last.
Again, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize a couple of individuals who have been in the education field for a long time, Mr. and Ms. Chuck Tolley.
I can recall a time when I was the chair of the DEA and we had a close working relationship.
Mr. Chuck Tolley especially worked very hard to make improvements in the education field.
There were also disciplinary actions taken on the students and again one of them publicly admitted where there was a need to take disciplinary action.
Question 393 – 4(3): Status of Nanisivik Naval Facility and Site Clean-up (Shooyook)
When Arctic Bay’s new airport was constructed a few years ago, there was no longer a need for the old airport at Nanisivik to remain open for commercial flights.
However, concerns have been raised with me that the buildings at the old airport site at Nanisivik are deteriorating and pose a risk to people.
In addition, old fuel drums are present on the site and constituents have raised concerns about possible spills and contamination of the creek that ultimately flows into the community’s drinking water supply.
Contamination might flow into the creek and once the snow thaws, there’s drainage going from the old airport down to the water.
My question for the minister is this: which level of government is responsible for ensuring a complete clean-up of the Nanisivik airport site?
Is it the municipal government, the territorial government, or the federal government?
Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for asking those questions about the old buildings.
I believe you’re asking about Nanisivik and not Arctic Bay.
It is now under the federal government and they are still working on the environmental issues.
It is my understanding that the federal government’s new naval facility at Nanisivik is scheduled to open in 2018.
It is also my understanding that the federal Department of National Defence has informed the Government of Nunavut that it has no plans to use the old airport site as part of this naval facility.
Can the minister clarify what role her department has in working with the federal government on plans for the new naval facility at Nanisivik?
I also thank the member for his comments.
With respect to aging infrastructure such as old airports, they require the Department of Environment to conduct an environmental screening and review of the lands to determine the feasibility of the usage.
At this time the Nanisivik Airport requires a comprehensive review to determine which is more feasible: demolition or relocation of the buildings. This is still under review at this time, so I cannot answer his question as to what the future usage would be.
Will the minister commit to tabling in the Legislative Assembly a detailed update on the status of cleaning up the old airport site at Nanisivik?
This area is quite hazardous and obviously requires immediate remediation since it can impact our drinking water via contamination, which would endanger our community.
Does her department have any plans in the future, whether or not this is a priority case?
Since this is the mandate of her department, can the minister provide further clarification on this matter?
Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member. The Minister of Environment is also listening, so I will speak to him to see what sort of priority it will be.
Question 394 – 4(3): Keeping Our Schools Safe (Joanasie)
Mr. Speaker, as the minister and my colleagues are aware, a number of schools across Nunavut have been destroyed by arson, the most recent casualty being the high school in Cape Dorset which burned down last year.
Not only is our infrastructure very expensive to replace, but there is an even bigger cost to our children’s future as their education is interrupted or delayed because of such tragedies.
Can the minister provide an update on what long-term measures are being put into place by his department to avoid having another school fire in Nunavut?
I also thank my colleague for being concerned about that, as we all have concerns in that regarding safety in our schools.
Within the Department of Education, in collaboration with the Safe Schools Anti-Violence Committee and the Nunavut Teachers Association, we meet twice a year to talk about school safety as the subject, especially related to improving safety within our schools, as my colleague mentioned.
This group meets twice a year and they are working on a manual to be followed.