EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
290 – 2(3): Constituency Concerns from Kugluktuk (Evyagotailak) 2236
291 – 2(3): Piqqusilirivik School in Clyde River (Arreak) 2237
292 – 2(3): 30-Year Anniversary of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association (Peterson) 2237
293 – 2(3): Pond Inlet Youth Basketball (Arvaluk) 2238
294 – 2(3): Akausisarvik Haunted House Fund Raising (Picco) 2239
295 – 2(3): Cape Dorset Soccer Team (Akesuk) 2239
296 – 2(3): National Child Day (Tootoo) 2240
297 – 2(3): Happy Birthday Wishes (Tapardjuk) 2240
336 – 2(3): Recruitment of Nurses (Tootoo) 2241
337 – 2(3): Recruiting Nurses for Repulse Bay and Kugaaruk (Mapsalak) 2244
338 – 2(3): Strategic Investments for Nunavut (Peterson) 2245
339 – 2(3): Accessing Food Mail Program (Barnabas) 2248
340 – 2(3): Federal Correctional Facility in Nunavut (Arreak) 2250
341 – 2(3): Funding for the Nursing Program (Arvaluk) 2253
342 – 2(3): International and Nunavummiut Nurses (Tootoo) 2256
159 – 2(3): Kitikmeot Inuit Association Resolutions (Peterson) 2260
160 – 2(3): Correspondence to Stockwell Day (Picco) 2261
161 – 2(3): Press Release (Health Canada): Canada’s New Government Invests in Initiatives to Increase Internationally Educated Health Professionals (Tootoo) 2261
162 – 2(3): Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act – 2005-06 GN Annual Report on the Administration of the Act (Okalik) 2261
Bill 26 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2007-08 – First Reading 2262
Bill 26 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2007-08 – Second Reading 2262
Bill 26 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2007-08 – Review in Committee – Justice 2263
Bill 26 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2007-08 – Review in Committee – Education 2276
Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Honourable Olayuk Akesuk, Mr. James Arreak, Mr. James Arvaluk, Mr. Levi Barnabas, Mr. Joe Allan Evyagotailak, Mr. Peter Kattuk, Honourable Peter Kilabuk, Mr. Steve Mapsalak, Mr. Patterk Netser, Honourable Paul Okalik, Mr. Keith Peterson, Honourable Edward Picco, Honourable David Simailak, Honourable Louis Tapardjuk, Mr. Hunter Tootoo.
I would like to ask Mr. Evyagotailak to say the opening prayer.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Premier and Members of the Legislative Assembly, I would like to read a letter from the Commissioner of Nunavut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut the passage of the following Bills during the third Session of the Legislative Assembly:
Bill 23 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act #4, 2005-06;
Bill 24 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act #2, 2006-07;
Bill 25 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act #2, 2006-07; finally
Bill 26 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2007-08.
From the Commissioner of Nunavut, Ann Mikidjuk Hanson.
(interpretation) I would also like to thank the Commissioner and Bob Hanson for serving us some food here.
Minister for Education, Minister Picco.
Minister’s Statement 115 – 2(3): National Homelessness Initiative (Picco)
Hon. Ed. Picco: Thank you, and good afternoon, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to inform my colleagues that November 22 is National Housing Day to commemorate the anniversary of the Canadian Big City Mayors declaring homelessness a national disaster in 1998.
Mr. Speaker, as part of the declaration the National Homelessness Initiative was established by our federal government in 1999, investing $1.2 billion over the past six years in solutions that address urban homelessness.
From these funds $1.6 million was allocated to Nunavut through a delivery agreement with the City of Iqaluit to provide assistance for a number of shelter and supportive housing facilities.
Mr. Speaker, although these funds were much needed, there were a number of limitations attached to these funds that limited both the distribution and the use of these funds.
Therefore, on this anniversary of National Housing Day, I would ask my colleagues to support my request to the federal government to consider the renewal of the National Homelessness Initiative that is scheduled to expire on March 31, 2007.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that the program not only be renewed, but it should also be enhanced to meet the specific needs of northern homelessness and provide long-term, predictable funding to allow non-profit service providers to continue offering their much-needed programs and services to residents in all of our communities.
Mr. Akesuk, please proceed.
Minister’s Statement 116 – 2(3): National Housing Day (Akesuk)
I rise today to speak about the importance of housing in Nunavut.
November 22, 2006 is National Housing Day, and I believe that this is an appropriate to celebrate our achievements.
Two weeks ago I was very proud to accept the 2006 Best Practices in Affordable Housing Award, which the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation presented to Nunavut Housing Corporation for its five-plex design.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize our housing corporation technical staff who helped in the development of this design, specifically Paul Chaulk, our technical manager in the Kitikmeot; Michael Aloscious, and Michael Dragnea, our architects in the design and development branch in Arviat for their contributions.
Mr. Speaker, this award recognizes the innovative work that is under way in Nunavut to improve the energy efficiency of public housing and meets the lifestyle and cultural needs of our Inuit tenants.
The Nunavut Housing Corporation five-plex design will make homes more energy efficient by decreasing the amount of space that needs to be heated and by reducing the chilling effect of arctic winters.
Five-plex homes are more affordable because they use more efficient materials such as rock wool for insulation and because the corporation has replaced solid wooden studs with lighter steel stud materials which are less expensive to ship to Nunavut.
Kitchens have been combined with living and dining room areas to create one large space for homes that will provide room for traditional Inuit activities. The five-plex also has a large storage area with a stainless steel sink and cutting area behind the kitchen for country foods preparation and separate entrance.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that this housing project will go a long way for our people.
The majority of the approximately 725 new units that will be constructed with the Housing Trust Fund will be new five-plex designs.
I am pleased that the intensified construction training, and economic development activities outlined in the Housing Trust Deliveries Strategy will reduce overcrowding and create jobs and true opportunities in Nunavut’s construction industry.
One key objective of the strategy is to support the completion of training for 35 to 40 new journey persons.
These skilled local trades people will be the next generation of housing maintenance service people, carpenters, plumbers and electricians helping the government to maintain quality housing in communities.
Mr. Speaker, I am looking forward to an exciting and challenging year as we work to implement the innovation construction and training component of the Housing Trust Delivery Strategy.
Minister responsible for Culture, Language, Elders and Youth, Mr. Tapardjuk.
Minister’s Statement 117 – 2(3): 2006 Summer Student Employment Equity Program (Tapardjuk)
I rise today to let my colleagues know that in the summer time there are employment opportunities in Government of Nunavut positions.
There were 207 students that gained summer employment in 12 communities in Nunavut in 14 different departments of which 170 people that gained employment were Nunavut Land Claims beneficiaries.
It was 57 more student employment that happened over the summer and it was very good to see the success of that program.
This past summer there were a lot of people that wanted to gain employment with the Government of Nunavut departments and there were more of them last summer than any other summer.
We will continue to pursue this student employment in the summer with the Government of Nunavut offices.
The students are also beginning to get confidence in working in government departments.
We are also training them to be able to gain employment every summer in our departments following Article 23 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
Anyone who would like to gain employment with the Government of Nunavut; we have no complaints from any students that gained employment with the Nunavut Government as to any problems that they had encountered. I am happy to report that I would encourage the students to try to gain summer employment in the Government of Nunavut departments to try to get employment with them every summer so the people of Nunavut will have good leaders. We are in support of the students gaining employment with the government departments every summer.
There are various kinds of employment that the students can gain in the different Nunavut Government departments.
The minister also has the portfolio of Human Resources.
Orders of the Day for today.
Member’s Statement 287 – 2(3): Food Mail Improvements for the Baffin Region (Barnabas )
I would also like to say hello to my constituents.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform my colleagues about food mail in our communities.
We heard in the news that there have been some changes in the services for ordering food mail in the Kivalliq region.
Mr. Speaker, it must be very important for the people of the Kivalliq to hear about.
(interpretation ends) For my constituents in the High Arctic the cost of living is higher than almost anywhere else in Canada. Being able to take full advantage of the Food Mail Program would make a significant difference in our lives.
Mr. Speaker, the Food Mail Program is an excellent idea in principle. We must, however, be more innovative in finding and creating opportunities for our citizens to access it.
Those who are most in need of affordable, healthy, and nutritious food are those who often do not have access to credit cards and bank accounts which are necessary to place an order from southern companies.
Even taking out a money order is quite problematic,  Mr. Speaker, when money orders aren’t available in your community as happened recently in Resolute Bay.
Mr. Speaker, one idea that has been raised in my constituency is for municipal or government officials to take on the responsibility of assisting community residents who would like to benefit from the Food Mail program by helping them with placing their orders.
Mr. Speaker, as I noted in my motion statement yesterday, problems with airline services to our remote communities places further barriers on accessing benefits from such worthwhile programs as Food Mail.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues’ permission to conclude my statement. Thank you Mr. Speak.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Barnabas. The member is asking consent to conclude his statement.
Mr. Barnabas (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank my colleagues for permitting me to continue.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would like to encourage the Departments of Community and Government Services, Health and Social Services, and Education to put their heads together and give this idea some consideration.
It is up to all of us to work together and help our constituents take advantage of programs such as food mail.
Members’ Statements. (interpretation) Member for Nanulik, Mr. Netser.
Member’s Statement 288 – 2(3): Coral Harbour Soccer Team Members (Netser)
Yesterday, I rose in regard to the soccer, to congratulate the Coral Harbour soccer team. But I apologize, I forgot to mention two individuals’ names. So I would like to correct that today.
Mr. Speaker, the soccer team who kept winning last year - we will find out who the individual team members are.
From Coral Harbour, first one is Ashley Etuk, Rayla Amitnaaq, Cayla Kaludjak, Shanny Nakoolak, Whitney Pudlat, Shanny Norman, Charman Angutialuk.
Charman and, Shanny I apologize for not mentioning their names yesterday and Olivia Nester and Paul Okalik, just joking.
Member’s Statement 289 – 2(3): Congratulations to Cousin Who Gave Birth (Aglukkaq)
I would like to offer my congratulations to my cousin Kim and her husband Fraser. About an hour ago noon hour today our time she gave birth to twins: a boy and a girl. Total weight 14 pounds - Max and Stella.
I would like to congratulate my cousin and her husband and the family on the arrival of their twins.
At the same time I also want to thank you as Speaker of the House again for dealing with the coverage of the Session. I think 25 more communities, or 24 more communities in Nunavut can now again feel part of our proceedings and for that I’d like to thank you on behalf of my constituents of Taloyoak and Gjoa Haven for allowing this time.
I also would like to congratulate the couple who just had a new child.
Members’ Statements. Member for Kugluktuk, Mr. Evyagotailak.
Member’s Statement 290 – 2(3): Constituency Concerns from Kugluktuk (Evyagotailak)
As I informed those people in Kugluktuk, my constituents in Kugluktuk Mr. Speaker, I have a concern, there were many concerns that were raised to me and I want to touch on them a bit.
(interpretation ends) I believe that our school should be in the best possible condition, for the well-being of our students and teachers.
Also Mr. Speaker I’m glad that the ministers had mentioned that November 12 is the National Housing Day.
The housing shortage continues to be a concern.
As Kugluktuk’s MLA, I have been supportive of measures to address this issue.
I am pleased that Kugluktuk is scheduled to receive 34 new units over the next two years.
The need to keep the Kugluktuk women’s shelter open continues to be a major issue. I have raised this with the minister, and will follow up on this issue during our sitting.
The community has concerns about public safety with respect to the Illavut Centre.
I have raised this issue with the minister and his officials, and I will continue to do so.
Mr. Speaker, the community wants to see a clear commitment from the Government of Nunavut to move forward on the Bathurst Inlet Port and Road Project.
I will continue to work closely with my Kitikmeot colleagues on this issue.
Member’s Statement 291 – 2(3): Piqqusilirivik School in Clyde River (Arreak)
I would like to extend my appreciation to the individuals who had announced the Piqqusilirivik Cultural School, and also would like to thank the individuals who consulted the communities who were interested in the Piqqusilirivik School, and Clyde River was one of the interested communities.
There were other consultants like the Premier, and Minister Tapardjuk were not able to make it to my community, but we apologize for that.
But after we heard that this Piqqusilirivik School would be located in my community...it had helped the community to develop.
They are more positive now, and they are really appreciative of that.
So on behalf of my community, I would like to thank the people who voted my community to be the location of the Piqqusilirivik Cultural School.
Member’s Statement 292 – 2(3): 30-Year Anniversary of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association (Peterson)
I rise today to inform the House about the celebrations underway this week in the Kitikmeot to mark the 30th anniversary of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association.
Mr. Speaker, 30 years ago, the Kitikmeot Inuit Association was created to represent the political, social, and cultural interests of the Inuit in the Kitikmeot.
The association’s most important challenge during its first 17 years was to help negotiate the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement with the federal government.
Mr. Speaker, the early years were difficult, and representatives of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association must have often wondered if they would ever conclude the land claims negotiations and be empowered to fully represent their constituents across the Kitikmeot.
Mr. Speaker, when the final agreement was signed in 1993 in Kugluktuk, it signaled the start of a new era in the Kitikmeot.
The Kitikmeot Inuit Association and its affiliate organizations, the Kitikmeot Corporation and the Kitikmeot Economic Development Commission, were empowered with mandates to improve the lives of the Inuit in the Kitikmeot.
Mr. Speaker, the last 13 years has seen the Kitikmeot Inuit Association mature into a dynamic and well-respected organization.
The association and its affiliates work very hard to ensure that Inuit rights and obligations are honoured in agreements with governments, resource companies, and businesses.
They are close to the people and can deal quickly with their concerns and issues.
Mr. Speaker, the Kitikmeot Inuit Association has accomplished a lot in three decades. During the celebrations, many of the individuals who helped to build the Kitikmeot Inuit Association into the organization that it is today will be recognized and honoured.
Many of those individuals made personal sacrifices above and beyond the call of duty, but without them, the Kitikmeot Inuit Association would not be where it is today.
Mr. Speaker, I ask the Members of the Legislative Assembly to join me in congratulating the Kitikmeot Inuit Association on their achievements to date and to wish them all the best in their next 30 years.
Member’s Statement 293 – 2(3): Pond Inlet Youth Basketball (Arvaluk)
I rise today to acknowledge and congratulate the Pond Inlet youth, who had come to Iqaluit to play basketball. They had won the silver medal.
The youth when they travel to other communities either to train or for sports within the communities it is very beneficial to the youth so we need to support that program.
And also we would like to thank Iqalummiut on behalf of our youth in Pond Inlet. The youth would like to thank Iqaluit residents who had provided billets and welcomed the youth that came here to play over the weekend.
Members’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Member for Iqaluit East, Mr. Picco.
Member’s Statement 294 – 2(3): Akausisarvik Haunted House Fund Raising (Picco)
Akausisarvik is Nunavut’s only residential facility for people with mental illness. This year the clients of Akausisarvik organized their second annual Halloween Haunted House; a seasonal treat for the children of Iqaluit.
There is more to this than first meets the eye, however. The Haunted House is a wonderful opportunity for the clients to contribute to the community in a creative and fun way.
All too often our society tries to avoid people with mental illness. The Haunted House took months of work. The clients created props and planned the activities.
It is definitely a hands-on, therapeutic activity; one which puts a smile on their faces as well as the children who participate.
In holding the Haunted House the clients and staff of Akausisarvik allowed others to understand that people with mental illness are still a viable part of our community and that they are able to give back to the public in a very, very positive way.
Mr. Speaker, how positive?
Well, this year the Haunted House collected almost 700 pounds of non-perishable goods for donations to the local food bank, and the Akausisarvik clients regularly volunteer their time at the local soup kitchen, at litter clean-ups, and in other community efforts.
Mr. Speaker, the Akausisarvik staff are to be commended for making the residents such an active part of Iqaluit. Their approach helps not just their clients but also the public recognize the many strengths that people with mental illness have when given the right support and recognition.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the 18 staff and volunteers, as well as the residents of the facility and the people of Iqaluit for making this event a success and for assisting those in our community who are in need.
Members’ Statements. (interpretation) One of the hugest constituencies, Mr. Akesuk.
Member’s Statement 295 – 2(3): Cape Dorset Soccer Team (Akesuk)
Within this month the Cape Dorset students came here to play soccer. The soccer team came and all of the team won medals. Under 13 girls won the gold.
Under 13 boys won the silver medal, and the ages of 15 and under; the girls also won silver. Also boys 15 and under won the gold medal. One of my sons was a team member and I was very proud of that.
They beat the Iqaluit team. Also under 17 girls won the silver medal.
I would like to congratulate the coaches and also the people who provide the funding for our soccer team, and I would like to thank them and I would like to encourage you to support the soccer teams in Cape Dorset because they are really good soccer players.
Member’s Statement 296 – 2(3): National Child Day (Tootoo)
I rise today to show my appreciation to the children of our communities.
I would also like to recognize and acknowledge the many devoted parents, educators, child care workers, and advocates who focus their time and energy on raising and caring for children to the best of their abilities.
This past Monday, while most of my colleagues here were travelling here for this session, members of Iqaluit’s Child Care Centers, big and little, gathered together with others to proudly march in recognition of National Child Day.
Well over 100 people, tall and short, marched from the Arnaitok Arena to the Cadet Hall to raise awareness of the importance of children and to acknowledge their rights. I would like to thank those individuals who organized this event for a job well done.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that we show appreciation for our children, and all the children in our communities.
Showing our appreciation means more than a smile and a pat on the head. It means that we must consider the world that we create for our children as we make important economic, social, and political decisions. It means that they must be kept in mind as policies and programs are developed and expenditures approved.
Mr. Speaker, we often talk of our potential for development in areas such as the mining industry, tourism, fishing and sealing, but when you really think of it, our most precious resource, and I am sure that all of you will agree with me, that our children are our most valuable resource for the future.
It is up to all of us to ensure that our decisions are taken with the best interests of our children as primary consideration, not just one day a year, but every day.
I would like to ask all members to join me in showing our appreciation for the child care workers across the territory.
Member’s Statement 297 – 2(3): Happy Birthday Wishes (Tapardjuk)
During the fall session, I think it was just about at this time of the year, but a little late.
In regard to the culture… we usually are named after our ancestors, one of our relatives, or our friends, and Rachel, who calls me her husband because of Tapardjuk…is 92 years old today, will be 92 years old today on November 17.
I think we have to appreciate and acknowledge the people who have given their tremendous support and tremendous help, but it’s our turn to help them when they are this old.
She is the oldest member of our community and according to our custom and because of my name, I call her my wife, and maybe I should call her my old wife.
We would like to congratulate her on her birthday, and I would also like to wish happy birthday to all the people of Nunavut who are celebrating this day today.
Question 336 – 2(3): Recruitment of Nurses (Tootoo)
Mr. Speaker, I’m sure the minister will recall our many, many discussions in this House about the recruitment of nurses. I believe it is still on contract with Trillium Consulting as the recruitment company that has been paid by the government to recruit nurses to work in Nunavut.
It is my understanding that they’ve recruited over 40 international nurses to date, and as revealed last summer, they have been paid in advance for future recruitment of international nurses.
Yesterday Health Canada announced a total of $305,859 will be provided specifically to Nunavut for an orientation and bridging for internationally educated nurses in Nunavut.
I would like the minister to provide some clarification on what specifically this funding is going to be used for.
I don’t have a copy of the Health Canada announcement to specify what those categories are.
If my staff are listening, they should be pulling that press release because I don’t have a copy of the Health Canada federal announcement before me.
So I apologize to the member for that.