EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
(Interpretation ends.) Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that this year I have approved total funding of almost $33,000 for eight community-based projects that will help various groups throughout Nunavut provide programs to assist victims of crime.
The victims’ assistance fund is used for community-based projects and activities which support or benefit victims of crime through:
training geared towards sensitizing and informing community resource workers as to the needs and circumstances of victims of crime;
direct services which assist victims of crime through crisis response, personal support, follow-up assistance, and victim information;
public awareness and information on the rights and responsibilities of victims, available services, the criminal justice system and its procedures, and any issues relating to victims of crime; or
research and distribution of information about services to victims and the needs and concerns of victims
I would like to encourage groups concerned with victims’ issues to develop their own initiatives and apply for funding.
Another call for proposals will be made later this fall.
(Interpretation.) The Department of Justice is working hard to develop community justice initiatives at the local level.
We recognize that it is often the communities themselves that offer some of the best initiatives.
It is our hope that by working together we can continue to improve the delivery of justice programs for the benefit of all Nunavumiut.
Ministers’ statements, Minister Hon. David Simailak.
Minister’s Statement 024 – 2(1): Nunavut Power — Progress in Financial Management
Over the last week members of this Assembly have expressed their concern over the Auditor General’s report on Nunavut Power.
Mr. Speaker, I share my colleagues’ deep concern.
Much has been accomplished since the 2002-03 fiscal year to improve the operations of the Corporation.
I would like to highlight the improvements that have been made to date, and what we are doing in the future.
Financial controls have been tightened, and better reporting to the board is now in place.
At its March meeting, the board decided to follow the GN’s Financial Administration Act, financial administration manual, government travel policies, vehicle-use policies, and contracting and purchasing policies, including the NNI policy.
To assist in long-term planning, the Corporation implemented a new billing system in April that will allow for bills to be printed in English, French, and Inuktitut, and will provide enhanced financial data over time.
The cornerstone of any corporation is the structure of its board.
I am confident in the abilities of each of our board members.
Recently they struck an audit committee to oversee the Corporation’s finances.
However, many new board members will be recruited over the next several months.
They will be in place by the fall of 2004.
Experience, skill, and technical knowledge will be top criteria for board selection.
An aggressive recruitment campaign will seek the best candidates.
Decentralization is complete and our staffing is stable.
Stability starts at the top; that is why an experienced deputy minister was appointed by Premier Hon. Paul Okalik in March as the new president.
In addition, three new designated accounting staff now work in headquarters.
Senior management personnel have permanently moved to headquarters to reduce duty travel requirements.
And to be consistent with government, the excessive management bonus regime has been eliminated and the GN’s excluded employees handbook has been adopted.
In order to insure the financial viability and stability of the Corporation we must take further steps.
That is why I set the following objectives for the Corporation:
Nunavut Power will enhance its efforts in collections.
An independent body will be sought so that customers can resolve disputes over billing.
Independence will insure that this process will be fair, confidential, and will provide timely responses to customer concerns.
The decisions of this body will be final and binding.
The Corporation will work toward bringing staff-housing policies and benefits in line with Government of Nunavut policies.
The Government of Nunavut’s Department of Human Resources’ Training and Development Division will be asked to assist in providing training in areas such as financial management and professional development for Corporation staff.
The Corporation staff will be required to provide timely and accurate financial statements and projections to the board of directors and the Financial Management Board on a monthly basis.
Officials at the Corporation will identify its future revenue requirements to remain financially viable.
Once this is determined, I will be seeking the advice of my cabinet colleagues on a general rate application and refer that application to the Utilities Rate Review Council.
I look forward to providing an update to members on progress during the next sitting in the fall.
Member’s Statement 096 – 2(1): Signing of the New Qikiqtani Hospital
Hon. Paul Okalik: “Qujannamiik, Uqaqti.”
This morning we witnessed a signing of a contract for the construction of the Qikiqtani General Hospital.
The signing is yet another step in the completion of this long process and I am glad to see that progress is being made in the right direction.
We did not just start this project today.
A lot of work and debate took place over the past 20 years on this very important project.
It was recently supposed to be completed when the whole issue of healthcare was being delivered to the Northwest Territories from Ottawa. And as we all know, that did not happen.
As a result, we inherited this problem and had to address the replacement of the current facility which had reached its best before date.
We look forward to the day when we have the modern technology and amenities that our constituents deserve from our healthcare system here in Nunavut.
I want to thank the good people that signed the contract today and look forward to seeing them complete this very important project in our riding.
Before I conclude my statement today, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the good and hard work of the former minister of health, my colleague for Iqaluit East, Honourable Ed. Picco.
I doubt that we would have reached today’s signing if it had not been for the dedication of Mr. Picco who continued as minister of health to make sure that this project reached its fruition.
In his time, Mr. Picco would usher me into his office and explain the problems that he was having with his particular project, whether it would be cleaning up the contaminated site that the hospital was supposed to be located at or the many issues that the city raised with his office.
All throughout though, Mr. Picco never wavered and moved forward and made sure that this project was going to be completed during our terms.
To conclude, Mr. Speaker, when we see this hospital completed during our term, I would ask the favour of my new minister of health, that we recognize the preoccupation of Minister Picco for the good news; perhaps the new maternity ward of the hospital to be named in his honour.
Member’s Statement 097 – 2(1): Repulse Bay Fishing Derby
I would like to apologize, first of all, because I was not able to be here yesterday.
And if I had made it, I would have kept my eyes shut the whole time because I was snow blind. I would also like to say thank you to Paul Kalujak for giving me sunglasses; I can keep my eyes open today.
I would like to touch on a subject that took place in Repulse Bay.
We had a fishing derby in Repulse Bay, and I am sure that everybody enjoyed the event.
I would like to name the people who won the fishing derby for the first time.
For the largest fish, and one of the oldest, Paniaq Siusangnark won a brand new ski-doo, a Grand Touring 380, and also $1,000 over and above that.
For the second one Andrew Tegumiar got two plane tickets to go from Repulse Bay, with Kivalliq Air, anywhere, plus $800 cash.
For the third prize Mona Tigumiaq got a 9.9 outboard motor and $50. The fourth one got sewing material, Debbie Siusangnark, plus $400.
And for the fifth prize Betty Ingnerdjuk got an electric sewing machine, some sewing material, and $200 cash.
The sixth prize went to Moni Tegumiar who got the canvas plus $200, and for seventh prize Joe Jr. Angotingoar got $1,000. And the eighth prize went to Andrew Tegumiar who won in two categories plus $500.
For the ninth prize Agatha Ululiyarnat, who is my sister, got $300, and the tenth prize went to Mary Tinashlu with a $200 prize; that was for the elders and for 18-and-under.
Terry Qaunnaq got a bicycle, and Kelly Tupardjuk got $150.
Anna Lusa won $50 and Kelly Tukturdjuk got a sleeping bag.
Member’s Statements 098 – 2(1): Support for Nunavut Association of Municipalities
I rise today to highlight the important work performed by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, our country’s national municipal lobbying advocacy organization.
The FCM represents over 1000 communities of all sizes across Canada, including many in Nunavut. Over 22 million Canadians live in communities that the federation represents.
The Nunavut Association of Municipalities holds a seat on the FCM board of directors.
The Nunavut Association of Municipalities position on FCM allows it to bring forward many municipal issues that are of great concern to Nunavummiut.
Nunavut Association of Municipalities has raised such concerns as a $350 million municipal infrastructure deficit, our threatened environment, and our quality and standard of life compared to fellow citizens in southern Canada.
FCM understands many of the issues in Nunavut and lobbies the federal government to address them. We saw last year when Ottawa used a basic allocation formula recommended by the Nunavut Association of Municipalities to determine how provinces and territories would receive monies from the infrastructure program.
Per capita allocations simply do not work for jurisdictions with small populations such as those in northern Canada.
FCM is also helping Nunavut with our lobby efforts in Ottawa for an economic development agreement and a devolution agreement.
Both the FCM and the Nunavut Association of Municipalities recognize that helping the Government of Nunavut to achieve success with these two issues will result in long-term benefits for our municipalities.
FCM is holding its annual conference this upcoming weekend, from May 28 to 31, 2004.
The Nunavut Association of Municipalities and several of our mayors are going to attend to represent our municipalities.
I would like the House to join with me in expressing our support for the hard work they are doing on behalf of all Nunavummiut.
Member’s Statements 099 – 2(1): Petroleum Products Price
I rise today in the House to be able to give you an example. I will be speaking in English.
(Interpretation ends.) It is true that Nunavumiut have a right to know now of the true prices of petroleum products in Nunavut because a lot of contractors in Nunavut rely on true prices of enterprise, including prices of petroleum products, to arrive at their big price of most contracts in Nunavut. We are now into two months of our fiscal year and the news of what our government is doing to advise Nunavummiut about fuel prices has not come yet.
I think the day is now that the minister responsible for government services needs to tell Nunavumiut of his story, at least his prediction on fuel prices.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the House if I would be allowed to have a second statement.
Speaker (interpretation): We will have to go through all of the members’ statements first before we come back to you. We will have to be on a different subject.
Members’ statements. Mr. Kattuk.
Member’s Statement 100 – 2(1): Sanikiluaq McGill Graduates
I rise today to congratulate the people of Sanikiluaq; there was a graduation of teachers in Sanikiluaq on April 30.
Seven graduated from my riding and got their diplomas, bachelors’ degrees, from McGill University during that celebration.
This included Lucy Isabelle Takatak, Kaalai Alariaq, Marna Rumble, Mary Qavviq, Diane Qavviq, and Lisa Qavviq.
I would like to congratulate these graduates and hope that they achieve what they want.
We also had the Premier and Mr. Picco attending this ceremony in Sanikiluaq and also some representatives from Nunavut Arctic College and McGill University.
I would like to ask the members of this House to congratulate these seven individuals.
Member’s Statements 101 – 2(1): Signing of Labrador Land Claims Agreement
Hon. Ed Picco: Excuse me, “Uqaqti.”
“Uqaqti, Qujannamiik.” (interpretation): First of all, I will be speaking in Labradorian.
In Labrador, the people of Labrador signed their land claims agreement.
The people of Nunavut congratulate the people from Labrador.
Today, as our neighbours from Labrador vote for the ratification of their first land claim, I would like to take this first opportunity to wish the Labrador Inuit Association the very best in their vote and an excellent turnout today for that vote.
Member’s Statements 102 – 2(1): Birthday Greetings
Well, we will have to apologize sometimes because we are not able to be here with our families. Today I would like to apologize that I am not in Pangnirtung.
It is my wife’s birthday and the only way that I can send her those birthday greetings is by air.
Also, it is the Premier’s birthday.
I rise today to wish Rosy Kilabuk, my wife, a very good day.
Member’s Statement 103 – 2(1): Opening of Taloyoak Elders’ Facility
I would like to inform members of this House and Nunavumiut that on May 17, Taloyoakmiut opened an elders’ facility. This is a very important event for the community.
(Interpretation ends.) The facility will be used for a range of activities initiated by our elders such as sewing classes, story telling, drum making, drum dancing, and promoting the Inuit culture. The elders now have a permanent place to call their own.
I would also like to acknowledge the person who cut the ribbon.
The ribbon was cut by Bibian Matniq who is the oldest living person in Nunavut at 104 years old.
I believe this is a fitting tribute to our elders, and I am happy to see that they will have a permanent facility in Taloyoak.
I would also like to acknowledge the contribution from the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth for this important project.
Without Culture, Language, Elders and Youth’s support, we would not have been able to have a place for elders to call their own.
Member’s Statement 104 – 2(1): Development in the Legislative Assembly
I rise today to mark a number of solemn and serious milestones in a development of our jurisdiction.
It’s been less than 2000 days since Nunavut formally came into being.
Since that auspicious date we have achieved a number of noteworthy milestones along our journey.
Last year, this Legislative Assembly passed it’s one hundredth piece of legislation since the jurisdiction’s creation.
Earlier this year, a second general election successfully took place for those of us in this room today.
Today a long awaited and much needed hospital project for the Baffin took another step forward towards reality, thanks to the efforts of many members of this House, as the Premier indicated, especially the former Minister of Health and Social Services, the man with many milestones, the illustrious, the eloquent, the vocal, the lyrical, Mr. Ed Picco.
It is with a great sense of gravity that I draw the attention of the Legislative Assembly to a milestone that is marked today.
I am referring to a matter that until now, a few minutes ago, from Mr. Kilabuk, like so many other things was treated by this government as a matter of top secrecy.
Mr. Speaker, I can now reveal that our Premier turned 40 today.
Well, I know that this milestone in a man’s life is not always welcome.
It is nonetheless a matter of inevitability.
This also might explain his irritability that has been showing over the last week-and-a-half as well, as he moves toward this milestone in his life.
I would suggest to the Premier that he take comfort in three things today.
Firstly, it was on May 26, 1896 that the last czar of Russia was crowned.
If I remember my history correctly, Czar Nicolas and his entire family subsequently lost their lives in a hail of gunfire during the Russian Revolution.
Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Any nays? There are no nays.
I’m sure that while our Premier sometimes looks upon members of this side of the House in a similar light, I, for one, hope that his political career does not come to such an end.
Secondly Mr. Speaker, the Premier shares the same birthday as another notable figure, Mr. Hank Williams Junior.
Although some people might associate the Premier with Hank’s 1993 album, Out of Left Field, I am sure that he himself prefers the 1983 work, Man of Steel.
Finally, from now until the end of time, the Premier can take comfort in the fact that he is still younger than Brad Pitt, considerably younger than Mr. Picco, and barely younger than myself..
Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to make a special and unusual request.
I’d like to ask the lyrical Mr. Picco if he could lead us in a singing of Happy Birthday.
for our Premier.
Member’s Statement 105 – 2(1): Jewellery-Making Graduates
One of my constituents last fall had some training in jewellery making and made brooches and jewellery, whether it be earrings or not.
The other constituency community that I have, Kimmirut, had some jewellery training. That’s a very small community, and there are not too many job opportunities created there.
Therefore, these graduates will now have some money-making tools.
They use their own local stones and they also utilize the bones of the animals that they harvest.
The jewellery that they make is very beautiful.
They also do some cuttings, and they are beautiful.
If you are interested in purchasing these items, I am willing to assist you.
I would like to congratulate these individuals who took this training program. I know that it’s going to support them in the future in their careers.
Perhaps the Department of Education and the other communities can look for other money-making opportunities. I’m sure that our government will provide those training opportunities to Nunavummiut.
I would like to thank the government for providing this kind of training opportunity to help these individuals make money.
The graduates are: Mary Akavak, Eegeestiak Ikidluaq, Terry Ituluk, Nigiukulu Nungtsituq, Nakasuk Michael, Nikki Michael, Simiga Aqpik, Timotii Pitseolak, and Padlu Pitseolak.
These individuals graduated, and I would like to congratulate them and thank them for taking the training program and for being successful.
Their jewellery has already been sent down to Boston, and there is also a display in Ottawa.
They were also in the trade show here in Nunavut where they displayed the jewellery that they made.
If you’re interested in seeing these items, you can come and see the jewellery in my office.
Members can only make one statement to one topic.
Mr. Alagalak, you can complete your statement.
Member’s Statement 106 – 2(1): Signing Ceremony
This is a different topic from the one I raised earlier.
(Interpretation ends.) I just want you to know that the statement I’m making is different.
During this morning’s signing ceremony for the new hospital in Iqaluit, I was disappointed in not seeing all three members of the Legislative Assembly who were invited to this be recognized for their great effort to have the hospital built in Iqaluit.
(Interpretation.) I felt a little bit uncomfortable because we have been hearing about this hospital for quite some time, and these members for Iqaluit have worked very hard, and they were not even mentioned during the signing ceremony.
According to Inuit traditions, they should have been recognized, and I just want to state that I do not want to see this happen again.
When Mr. Tootoo made his statement, he wanted Mr. Picco to lead us in singing.
Mr. Picco, would you lead us in the singing?
Hon. Ed Picco: I did not mind not being mentioned this morning.
I had to attend to the college students. At 10:30, I had to leave and go to Arctic College to be with the journeymen carpenters who were doing the Red Seal inter-provincial at the workshop.
I will start off with Inuktitut and then in English.
I would like the members to join with me, Mr. Speaker.
>>Birthday song in Inuktitut
>>Birthday song in English
Mr. Speaker, I would like to conclude by just saying that I hope that I look as good as Paul when I turn 40.
Return to Oral Question 079 – 2(1): Medevac RFP Award to Kivalliq Air
Return to oral question asked by Mr. Curley on May 21.
On April 3 of 2003, cabinet approved the recommendation from the Department of Health and Social Services to award the medivac contract to Kivalliq Air.
Speaker (interpretation): Back to orders of the day.
Question 103 – 2(1): Purchase of Fuel for Nunavut
(Interpretation ends.) My question is to Peter Kilabuk, minister responsible for government services.
The issue is related to the question raised by the member for Cambridge Bay, Mr. Peterson, on May 17, 2004.
It is known now, without a doubt, the fuel price will not rise for the next couple of years.
If the minister responsible for government services now purchasing fuel for Nunavummiut for this year’s re-supply (Interpretation.) That is my first question, Mr. Speaker.
I apologize, I did not quite understand his question.
Could he rephrase it, please?
Speaker (interpretation): Mr. Alagalak.
Mr. Alagalak (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, my question is: have you identified, Mr. Kilabuk, or have you purchased boat fuel to be shipped to Nunavut that is to be used for this coming fiscal year?
Yes, we are now in the process of purchasing boat fuel, and we are also planning when they can ship and transport the fuel to Qikiqtaaluk, Kivalliq, and Kitikmeot.
Mr. Alagalak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation): Would the price be different from the last year’s supply?
Can you elaborate for us Mr. Kilabuk?
Hon. Peter Kilabuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let me clarify.
First of all, we are now at the stage of purchasing the fuel. We are looking at the lowest cost because the fuel prices in the world are still going up, especially within these past few months.
If we look at Nunavut, for example, our fuel price is a lot lower than the Vancouver fuel prices, but we try to purchase fuel to last for a whole year.
The price of fuel in the world has been going up.
We are still researching how we can purchase fuel that is not too expensive.
Speaker (interpretation): Second supplementary, Mr. Alagalak.
You have stated that the fuel prices of the world are still going up.
Could that be used as an indicator that the fuel prices in Nunavut will go up?
It is evident now since the world prices of fuel are still going up that I am sure we will have to increase the fuel in Nunavut.
But before we increase the price of fuel, we as a cabinet will have to deal with that, and I think members of the Legislative Assembly will also have to deal with that.
The Petroleum Division is now looking at the prices of fuel worldwide since we have been experiencing sky-rocketing fuel prices. That is why the Iraq countries are very unsettled right now, and North Americans are in great need of fuel, and we cannot go over and beyond the boat.
That is why the prices of fuel have been going up.
Also, Mr. Speaker, I would like to clarify that many families thought that these prices were not going to go up, but we are paying close attention to it.
Question 104 – 2(1): Consider Purchasing Aviation Fuel for Some Communities
I would like to direct my question to the minister responsible for petroleum products.
As we all know, there are high levels of mining exploration in Nunavut, and they use quite a large sum of fuel, the aviation fuel that is used by the helicopters.
I was wondering if the minister has considered, through the communities that experience high levels of mining and oil exploration…. I was wondering if the minister can consider putting aviation fuel or helicopter fuel in the communities.