EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
204 – 1(6): Testing of Damaged Vehicles by the Alberta Research Council (Tootoo) 1282
Return to Written Question 001 – 1(6): 10 Questions for Minister of Education – Iqaluit District Education Authority (Clerk) 1284
004 – 1(6): Support For a New Art Centre in Gjoa Haven (Puqiqnak) 1284
036 – 1(6): Response to Petition 002 -1(6) (Clerk) 1285
037 – 1(6): The Student Excursion Form (Puqiqnak) 1285
Bill 12 – Human Rights Act – Notice 1285
Bill 13 – An Act to Amend the Worker’s Compensation Act – Notice 1285
Bill 15 – Supplementary Appropriation Act # 5, 2001-2002 – Notice 1285
Bill 16 – Supplementary Appropriation Act Capital # 2, 2002-2003 – Notice 1285
Bill 15 – Supplementary Appropriation Act # 5, 2001-2002 – First Reading 1286
Bill 16 – Supplementary Appropriation Act # 2, 2002-2003 – First Reading 1286
Bill 15 – Supplementary Appropriation Act # 5, 2001-2002 – Second Reading 1286
Bill 16 – Supplementary Appropriation Act Capital # 2, 2002-2003–Second Reading 1287
Pangnirtung, Nunavut
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk, Mr. Ovide Alakannuark, Hon. Jack Anawak, Mr. James Arvaluk, Mr. Donald Havioyak, Mr. David Iqaqrialu, Mr. Enoki Irqittuq, Honourable Peter Kattuk, Honourable Peter Kilabuk, Mr. Jobie Nutarak, Honourable Kelvin Ng, Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Honourable Paul Okalik, Honourable Ed Picco, Mr. Uriash Puqiqnak, Mr. Hunter Tootoo, Ms. Rebekah Williams.
Speaker (Mr. O’Brien): Ladies and Gentlemen, I’d like to call forward the Reverend Elijah Keenainak to say an opening prayer.
Speaker: Thank you, Elijah.
I’d like to invite Jeela Sowdluapik to light a Qulliq.
While the Qulliq is being lit I’d ask you to join with the Alookie School Choir for the singing of O Canada.
>>Qulliq lighting - Choir sings O Canada
Speaker: Please be seated while the Choir entertains us with a few more songs.
>>Young throat singers
Lucy Young (interpretation): Thank you.
The last one they’ll sing is our prayer to the Legislative Assembly members because your job is very important and you represent everybody in Nunavut and that’s what you have indicated when you were running that you would do your best.
So this will be a prayer for the members. (interpretation ends)The last song will be our prayer to every member because your task is very important.
When you were elected you promised to the people of Nunavut you were going to work for them with all your might, with all your minds.
>>Choir sings
Speaker: Special thanks to the choir and their leader, Lucy Young and also to the two throat singers, Martha Nakulak and Marlene Alivaktak.
I’d like to welcome everybody here to the Assembly, which is located this week in the beautiful hamlet of Pangnirtung, one of the jewels of the Arctic.
I’d also like to draw your attention to a couple of additions to this chamber here in Pangnirtung.
First above the main doors, we have all the names of the members in syllabics created by the students here at Alookie School.
Also behind me, I’m sure you’ve all noticed the stunning backdrop created by the students at Attagoyuk High School here in Pangnirtung.
Minister’s Statement 044 – 1(6): Nunavut Literacy Council Receives Canada Post Award
Hon. Peter Kilabuk: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform the Assembly that the Nunavut Literacy Council has been awarded the 2002 Canada Post Literacy Award in the Community Leadership category for Nunavut.
Canada Post advocates the importance of literacy and recognizes the contributions of learners, community and business organizations to improving the level of literacy in Canada.
Nunavut Literacy Council has been chosen as the winner of the Community Leadership Award for having demonstrated long-term achievement, innovation, leadership and organizational excellence in furthering the cause of literacy.
Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut Literacy Council have been invited to attend a ceremony to receive a Certificate of Achievement and a cheque for $2,000.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the Nunavut Literacy Council for their outstanding work and dedication to literacy in the territory.
I just want to quickly mention, given the fact that we’re not in Iqaluit, at our permanent home we were not able to take the timing systems with us because they’re all hard-wired into the building.
As a result, you’ll have to try to keep your eyes on me and I’ll give you a signal when your time is up.
Twenty minutes of course for the Ministers and two and a half minutes for Members’ Statements. So, if you feel you’re getting close to the end of your statement, just look up this way and I’ll let you know how close you are.
Minister’s Statement 045 – 1(6): Update on Gas Compensation Program
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to provide an update to the Members of the Assembly on the Government of Nunavut’s compensation program for gasoline.
My colleague, the Minister of Public Works, will be updating this Assembly on the removal of last year’s gasoline supply and the re-supply of this year.
The gasoline problems provided our government with significant challenges since the winter months.
We had to identify what the problem was with last year’s supply, develop a compensation program for affected two-stroke engine owners and ultimately take steps to ensure that we received a suitable supply of gasoline for this year.
Mr. Speaker, in May the Department of Finance began to form a compensation program for owners of two-stroke engines, such as snowmobiles and outboard motors and in June we announced that the first round of compensation for the snowmobile owners would begin.
To date, we have received approximately 1200 claims from individuals who may have been impacted by last year’s gasoline supply in the Baffin and Kivalliq.
Of those claims, 88% have been from snowmobile owners, 6% have been for outboard motors and approximately 1% has been from owners of other small engines, such as generators.
I am pleased, Mr. Speaker, to report that by the end of this week we will have finalized approximately 700 of those claims.
More than half of the individuals who have filed eligible claims have received a cheque to reimburse them for damages to their two-stroke engines.
The Department is committed to ensuring that all individuals receive their compensation within 60-days of submitting their claim.
Mr. Speaker, in August, we invited harvesters who believe they had suffered harvest-related income losses due to the use of this gasoline to submit a claim, including proof of their loss to the Department of Finance.
We received 9 claims ranging from traditional harvesters to small business owners, and we’re currently engaged in working on those claims to determine an appropriate level of compensation.
The success of the compensation program over the last 5 months has been in large part due to the help of the Department of Finance has received from the Department of Sustainable Development.
Wildlife officers in many of the Baffin and Kivalliq communities have been an excellent resource for us in helping coordinate the claim process.
I would like to thank the Wildlife Officers for all of their assistance.
As well, I’d like to thank the SAOs who assisted Finance officials by distributing compensation cheques to individuals in communities outside of Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker, we have received a number of claims from owners of four-stroke engines, such as some outboard motors, ATVs and vehicles.
While we have only offered compensation for owners of two-stroke engines, such as snowmobiles and some outboard motors, it has become apparent that tests carried out by the Alberta Research Council have not been conclusive in determining that the 2001 gas supply damaged four-stroke engines.
I am announcing today that the Department of Finance will forward all claims for four-stroke engines that have been received to date to our insurer, St. Paul’s Insurance.
They will be asked to take a detailed look at all of the claims and to deal directly with the claimant for any potential damage.
We will be sure to inform every individual that has submitted a claim for their four-stroke engine that we are doing so and pass along all relevant contact information to the insurance company.
Mr. Speaker, I am also announcing today that our compensation program is coming to a close.
We are encouraging owners of snowmobiles and outboard motors to submit their claims no later than December 31 to be considered for compensation.
Mr. Speaker, we will continue to work diligently toward the finalization of this program and toward ensuring that individuals impacted are fairly compensated.
I wish to thank the public for their patience and cooperation in assisting us in dealing with this very complex issue.
Speaker: Thank you, minister Ng. Ministers’ Statements.
Minister’s Statement 046 – 1(6): Substance Abuse Treatment
Mr. Speaker, our Premier recently brought attention to this government’s commitment to support residents who need help in the fight against the debilitating effects of substance abuse and addictions.
Today, I want to provide a little more information on my Department’s initiatives in this important area of Health and Social Services.
As you know, Mr. Speaker, my Department and I have believed for some time that the best way to help people with substance abuse and addictions is to work with them in a holistic approach.
But, we’re aware that, for some patients, there can be physical and psychological addictions to drugs and/or alcohol that must be addressed through detoxification before we can help people address the causes of their dependencies.
Mr. Speaker, therefore, as part of the comprehensive Mental Health Strategy, we will be adopting a two-pronged approach to substance abuse and addictions treatment.
In this approach, we will set up limited detoxification services so that a person needing treatment has access to medical expertise with the skills to observe and deal with the psychological side effects of drug and alcohol and other withdrawal management conditions.
Mr. Speaker, the rehabilitation of a person with an abuse or addiction problem will continue to occur through intense counselling in that person’s home environment.
Mr. Speaker, we believe that placing the bulk of the rehabilitation in a person’s home/community is crucial to the long term healing and allows a more holistic approach to substance abuse and addictions.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to updating the Members of this Legislative Assembly as this initiative develops.
Minister’s Statement 047 – 1(6): Elders’ Gathering
Hon. Jack Anawak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr, Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, our Elders are one of the most valuable resources we have in Nunavut.
The Bathurst Mandate reminds us that, as we govern, we must be open to learning from the teachers in our communities, beginning with our elders and families.
The Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth hosted an Elders’ Gathering in Igloolik October 8-10, 2002.
The purpose of the gathering was to explain what resources and programs are available through our Department.
It was also an opportunity to listen to elders’ on the challenges they face in their communities and in dealing with government.
Elders representing each Hamlet came to the gathering in Igloolik.
The meetings were open and community members, youths, and representatives from Inuit Organizations attended.
Many issues were discussed such as the elders’ perceived role in the communities and in government as well as their place in society.
They also demonstrated much concern regarding the issues of youth suicide, drug and alcohol abuse in the communities and the resources and services available to deal with these issues.
Mr. Speaker, our elders reminded us that they have always had a strong role in traditional society.
We need to work together with elders to incorporate the best of Inuit heritage into contemporary government systems.
Minister’s Statement 048 – 1(6): Minister Absent from the House
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise Members that the Honourable Olayuk Akesuk will be absent from the House October 28, 2002.
Minister’s Statement 049 – 1(6): Acceptance of FNT Agreement  Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to inform the Legislative Assembly that on Friday, the Federation of Nunavut Teachers formally ratified their new collective agreement.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Nunavut learned on late Friday afternoon that the FNT membership had finalized their vote.
We were happy to learn that of their 630 members, they had a voter turnout of almost 97%.
Of those who voted, 91% voted in favour of their new agreement.
I congratulate both the executive and the membership of the FNT for their acceptance of this agreement.
I also want to acknowledge President Lou Budgell and the FNT Executive for their commitment to openness and transparency in releasing the vote results.
Mr. Speaker, the new Collective Agreement is for a period of three years and expires in June 30, 2005.
Salary increases represent a total of approximately 9.54% increase over the life of the agreement.
It also includes increases to its Nunavut Northern Allowance that vary depending upon the employee’s community of residence.
There will be enhancements to Maternity and Parental Leave, an Education Leadership Program and Acting Duties Allowances.
And, Mr. Speaker, in recognition of the unique nature of the teaching profession, a professional allowance will be provided to eligible teachers during the life of the agreement.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank officials with the Department of Finance and Department of Human Resources for their work in negotiating this agreement.
I would also like to thank my colleague, the Minister of Education and his officials in the Department of Education for all of their advice and interest in this agreement.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ng. Are there any further Ministers’ Statements?
Moving onto Item 3.
Member’s Statement 167 – 1(6): Thank Constituency and Staff of Iqaluit for the Opening of the Assembly
First of all, I would like to welcome the members of the Legislative Assembly and I’m very pleased that everyone was able to make it here.
And also, there are two more members that are not here yet but they will be arriving shortly.
And also for the people who had coordinated and prepared Alookie School and also the students of Alookie School we thank them for the very well done preparations for this session. As well as the school principals and also the District Education Authority, thank you very much.
Also, Elijah Keenainak for performing the opening ceremony.
As well as Geela Sowdluapik, for lighting the qulliq.
And also, Mr. Speaker, the residents of Pangnirtung, I would like to thank them for supporting the staff for preparing for the Legislative Assembly.
I am sure that if we don’t see all of them, we will be seeing them here in the Chambers.
And also, Mr. Speaker, personally, coming from me, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone because this year has been very hard on us but we are still up and around as members of the Legislature and also the residents of Pangnirtung have supported us.
I would like to point out that qulliq that is lit over there, my son who had passed away recently had given it to his grandmother and it is lit here and I am very proud of it.
And I would also like to thank the Members of the Legislative Assembly for giving us very good support as well as the residents of Pangnirtung; I would like to thank them too.
I would also like to thank the many staff who are here and also the visitors, I would like to thank them too.
So I would like to welcome each and every one of you to Pangnirtung.
Member’s Statement 168 – 1(6): Keeping Traditional Knowledge Alive
I think that I have a hard time reaching the button here for my microphone.
The Minister responsible for Culture, Language, Elders and Youth, I would like to make a supplementary to his Minister’s Statement.
Mr. Speaker, we all live one life in Nunavut.
Back then, traditionally, Inuit people lived in sod houses and snow houses and our usual saying was that if a man can’t build an igloo, then he cannot marry a wife.
This was our traditional law and it is true.
If a man can’t build a snow house or igloo, your wife and your children can’t stay in a warm place because there is nothing else.
Mr. Speaker, let me say more for a long time, there are some children that live without a father, and I know for a fact that there are some, and many of them seek their fathers and not knowing who their father might be.
This kind of life is very hard and painful.
Many of them are the children and have grown up as if they are fatherless but still all of them are children made by someone.
Mr. Speaker, we also know that the early Northern Hudson’s Bay Company at the time, managers, clerks, or early whalers’ had children they were seeking and their father and their brothers and sisters.
This matter is very serious for with all their might they were searching.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to add something that is used today.
If we want to go to another community we have choices.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to say again that young people nowadays seem like they are fatherless and their mothers have been separated making the woman suffer very hard by trying to help their child survive.
Also, Mr. Speaker, they will need to have a shelter, the children will grow up and once they grow up, their father’s or their mother’s life will be in pain, especially when they start realizing about their past.
Mr. Speaker, if an individual is born to the old age has been planned ahead already.
Mr. Speaker, there is no other choice but to go through it.
Mr. Speaker, today too many people in Nunavut commit suicide.
This is a no, no. Mr. Speaker, let me say more.
When we have a government we have to start considering how we can support our children so that their lives won’t be all painful. So, that they can actually be self sufficient and also Mr. Speaker, I’d like to say it again that the cost of living is increasing every year and it’s very hard to survive financially.
Now how can we find a better solution for our lives because this is very serious.
So, I stand today to make my statement and this has to be rectified and that Nunavut residents have to consider it starting today and continue considering it because life is very serious for we only live once.
Member’s Statement 169 – 1(6): Encouraging Ministers to Support on the Land Programs
First of all, I’d like to say that when we were coming into the chamber we noticed that the preparations were done very well and it looks nice.
I’d like to thank everyone and also I will not forget where I’m staying here in Pangnirtung.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to raise an issue that concerns students, parents and teachers in my home community of Gjoa Haven.
Not just in Gjoa Haven, it’s evident that perhaps it’s happening in other communities too.
Mr. Speaker, during our recent set of public hearings and proposed new education act, we heard from community residents about the value of on the land programs.
These programs teach youth survival skills, they provide an opportunity for them to learn hands on about the arctic ecosystem and they reinforce bonds between Inuit and the land.
Mr. Speaker, Gjoa Haven is concerned about the fact that is has become increasingly difficult to get the necessary insurance coverage to allow these valuable excursions to go forward.
Yes, I understand that Mr. Speaker, that one million dollars of liability coverage for cars, trucks, boats, and snowmobiles is required to use transport for students and I understand that.
Mr. Speaker, I recognize the need for such coverage as a matter of prudence, however, people are finding it difficult to obtain this coverage especially in smaller communities.
On behalf of my constituency, Mr. Speaker, I urge the ministers of finance and education to work together to find ways to assist communities in this area so that their educators can continue to provide valuable on the land programs for our young people.
So, I’m seeking support on behalf of Nunavut residents.
We’d like to see this go ahead.
Member’s Statement 170 – 1(6): Would like to see Decentralization in the Communities
Mr. Havioyak (interpretation): First of all, Mr. Speaker, I’m very pleased to be here, while I’m from far away community, I also want thank everyone on behalf of my wife as well.
I want to say Mr. Speaker; I would like to say this in English.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I have some concerns that I have raised numerous times in the house.
Inuit Employment Decentralized Communities.
Mr. Speaker, one of the purposes of decentralization is to ensure that communities outside of this capital city benefit from new employment opportunities in Government of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, the government has repeatedly expressed a commitment to Inuit employment; however, I continue to see hiring practices followed in my community that they can get qualifications primarily on former level of education.
In recent months, Mr. Speaker, I have seen a number of jobs postings that I believe do not give adequate weight through experience.
Mr. Speaker the positions have been awarded to people outside the community when candidates in the community are able to do the job themselves.
Mr. Speaker I strongly encourage the Government of Nunavut to address these artificial barriers to Inuit employment by giving more weight to experience and actual competency rather than focusing on exclusively on former classroom education.
Mr. Speaker, I recognize that certain positions require a higher level of former training than others.
The Bathurst Mandate recognized the importance of training, and I quote, “Under the leadership of the Department of Human Resources and Cultural Language Elders and Youth, every department will develop and implement for current and future employees a strategy for on the job training and mentoring”.
This is why Mr. Speaker, I would like to see the government create trainee positions that allow candidates to gain experience and training on the job.
Mr. Speaker I strongly encourage the government to work on its hiring policy and initiate innovative practices to ensure that the goals of Bathurst Mandate are fulfilled and that the Inuit employment is truly representative of the population.
I will be asking questions on this issue to appropriate Minister, Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 171 – 1(6): Would like to Support Financially for Inuktitut Speaking Professionals
Mr. Arvaluk (interpretation): I'm sorry Mr. Speaker.
I had to talk with my colleague here.
Mr. Speaker I’m very pleased to be here today to Pangnirtung to a warm reception.
Mr. Speaker I’m very pleased to be here in Pangnirtung today to address issues to support students, because this morning as we have just seen the students are very well supported, but Mr. Speaker, when this house last sat in Iqaluit in May, I introduced the motion urging the government to increase the support, the support provided to the students enrolled in programs to become Nursing and Teaching Professionals.
The motion was passed without opposition.
Members of this house have identified the acute shortage of Inuktitut speaking professionals in the nursing and the teaching fields as being the major challenge facing our communities, Mr. Speaker
When members were recently in communities to hold hearings on the purposed new education act, we heard the call time and again from Nunavummiut for more trained Inuktitut speaking teachers especially at the high school level.
When her majesty the Queen visited Iqaluit earlier this month, we were gratified to note the announcement of a new scholarship program for nursing students.
It is my hope Mr. Speaker, that the students will be receiving support that generally takes into the account the cost of facing students who are trying to study and raise families on Nunavut.
Mr. Arvaluk (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I'm near the conclusion of my member’s statement I would like to seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Speaker: The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude a statement.
This Legislative Assembly encourages the government to bring forward supplementary appropriations during the Pangnirtung session to achieve a greater level of support for students working to fulfill our vision for Nunavut.