EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Our government recognizes the importance of investing the resources needed to ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
That is why it is with great pleasure that I announce today that the Department of Education has licensed six new early childhood programs since September 2011.
Mr. Speaker, in September 2011, two new francophone programs opened here in Iqaluit. In January 2012, the Arviat Aboriginal Head Start Preschool Program opened an additional licensed preschool.
This allows them to teach more children before they enter the formal school system.
In March of this year, Najuqsivik Infant Centre finally opened its doors in Sanikiluaq. This facility was built by high school students in the community and offers much needed additional infant spaces.
Also in March, we licensed Iqaluralaaq Pairivik in Iqaluit.
And finally, in April, the Qarmartalik Preschool Readiness program opened for young learners in Resolute Bay.
Mr. Speaker, it has been a priority of this government to increase the quality and availability of early childhood education.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank those involved in the development and operation of these new licensed early childhood programs.
Minister’s Statement 167 – 3(3): NHC Supports Third Habitat for Humanity Project (Taptuna)
Hon. Peter Taptuna: Good afternoon, colleagues and Kuglukturmiut.
As we all know only too well, Nunavut continues to endure a housing shortage which seriously limits the range of housing options for Nunavummiut.
Homeownership in particular remains sadly out of reach for the great majority of our people in Nunavut.
So when an organization like Habitat for Humanity decides to make a difference in a place like Iqaluit, we must support them in their endeavours.
Mr. Speaker, Habitat for Humanity, the local affiliate for Habitat for Humanity Canada, is a community-based, charitable, non-profit organization committed to improving housing conditions for people who are gainfully employed and could maintain a home but are unable to afford the cost of financing a house in the north.
This organization has invested itself in Iqaluit for the past seven years, counting two builds to date and another planned build in Apex starting this month.
I am proud to announce, as was the case with the previous two builds, that the Nunavut Housing Corporation has donated a lot for the build in Apex as its contribution to this third project.
The true strength of an organization such as Habitat for Humanity Iqaluit is its ability to unite many paths and many stakeholders to make the dream of homeownership a reality for those who would otherwise not get the opportunity.
To encourage their continued support and inspire others to join, I would like to publicly thank the following organizations for pitching in and making a difference:
Igloo Building Supplies, First Air, Nunastar Properties, Canadrill, Nunavut Construction Corporation, the Iqaluit Rotary Club, the Tower Group of Companies, R.L. Hanson Construction, MacKay Landau, Atiigo Media, Outcrop Nunavut, SILA Management Services, and there are many more.
Mr. Speaker, it is truly an honour to count the Nunavut Housing Corporation among Habitat for Humanity Iqaluit’s key partners. I look forward to continuing this tremendous partnership as Habitat for Humanity Iqaluit implements its recently approved strategic plan to build a further eight homes by 2020.
I look forward to seeing you at their annual fundraising golf tournament that they have every year.
Minister’s Statement 168 – 3(3): Elder Abuse Awareness Day (Arreak)
Each year, the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth assists communities in supporting the Elder Abuse Awareness Day. This awareness day falls on Friday, June 15, this year.
Public awareness is one way to addressing the needs of abused and neglected elders.
The Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth works throughout the year with elders committees across Nunavut to encourage their activities and program development. This year, the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth will provide funding to each community in supporting the activities for the elders on June 15 to bring light to the issue of elder abuse awareness and the important place that elders hold across Nunavut.
Please join me in encouraging all Nunavummiut to get involved and advocate on behalf of elders, our valuable sources of knowledge and cultural history.
Minister’s Statement 169 – 3(3): Nomination to the Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council (Ell)
I stand before you today as the Minister responsible for the Status of Women in order to request names for possible nomination to the Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council.
The Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council plays an important role in advocating for women and in advising the minister in matters of importance to all women in our territory.
Mr. Speaker, there are currently a number of vacancies on the council and we are looking for candidates who collectively have a wide variety of experience, knowledge, and skills. This will ensure a well-rounded council that is representative of Nunavut’s population.
Mr. Speaker, the nomination process closes on June 15, 2012.
For nomination forms or for further information on how a woman in Nunavut can be a voice for her community and for all women in Nunavut, I ask you to contact the Government of Nunavut’s Social Advocacy Office at 867-975-6018 or the Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council toll-free at 1-866-623-0346.
Minister’s Statement 170 – 3(3): Uranium Policy Statement (Taptuna)
I rise today to update my colleagues on an important subject: the Government of Nunavut’s Uranium Policy Statement, which I have the honour of communicating to my colleagues at this time and which I will now read:
The Government of Nunavut regards mining as an important potential source of revenue to meet the needs of Nunavut’s growing population and also as a potential source of employment and associated skills development for Nunavummiut.
The Government of Nunavut recognizes that uranium exploration and mining places special responsibilities on government because of the nature of uranium and its by-products, the history of its use for both peaceful and non-peaceful purposes, and its potential risks to human health and the environment.
The Government of Nunavut recognizes the jurisdiction of the Nunavut Impact Review Board and the Nunavut Water Board as established by the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement in the regulation of uranium exploration and mining.
The Government of Nunavut recognizes that uranium is subject to international agreements and national laws.
The Government of Nunavut supports the mandate and responsibilities of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.
When the Government of Nunavut has an opportunity to communicate a position on a specific uranium development project, that position will be guided by Government of Nunavut uranium exploration and mining principles as follows.
The Government of Nunavut will support the exploration and mining of uranium subject to the following principles:
Uranium mined in Nunavut shall be used only for peaceful and environmentally responsible purposes.
Nunavummiut must be the major beneficiaries of uranium exploration and mining activities.
The health and safety of workers involved in uranium exploration and mining and all Nunavummiut shall be protected to national standards.
Environmental standards must be assured for uranium exploration and mining, especially for the land, water and wildlife.
Uranium exploration and mining must have the support of Nunavummiut, with particular emphasis on communities close to uranium development.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank all of the individuals and organizations that participated in the consultations that helped develop this policy.
Minister’s Statement 171 – 3(3): New Wildlife Damage Prevention and Compensation Programs (Arreak)
I would like to inform members that the department will soon be rolling out two new programs to assist in reducing bear-human conflict.
The wildlife damage prevention and compensation programs will provide support and resources to build local capacity for protection of people and property from bears.
The department has consulted with hunters and trappers organizations across the territory to seek their input on the program.
Feedback received from communities has been very positive.
The Wildlife Damage Prevention Program will give Nunavummiut access to funding for a variety of prevention materials, such as electric fencing, construction supplies to help in bear-proofing cabins, electronic bear detection devices, and bear-proof storage containers. It will also provide training resources on bear deterrence measures and the proper use of equipment.
To supplement the prevention program, the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program will help mitigate the unavoidable impacts of problem bears in and around communities.
This program will make compensation available to Nunavummiut who have experienced damage to property in spite of taking action to prevent wildlife conflict.
The Department of Environment remains committed to addressing the needs of communities and fostering respectful relationships with wildlife and their habitat.
This program is one initiative of the department’s Wildlife Deterrence Program, which helps Nunavummiut co-exist with wildlife. It is an example of proactive planning and action to support positive and sustainable relationships between Nunavummiut and wildlife.
Finally some good news, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.
Moving on in our orders of the day. Item 3.
Member’s Statement 272 – 3(3): Recognition of Jessie Fraser (Rumbolt)
I am pleased to rise today to recognize another constituent of mine who demonstrates what can be accomplished by following your dreams.
Mr. Speaker, Jessie Fraser graduated from Sanikiluaq’s Nuiyak High School in 2007 and completed an internship with CBC that same summer.
In the following two years, Jessie attended Trent University in the field of Indigenous Studies. In 2009, Jessie applied for and won a job with CBC North in Iqaluit.
I am sure many of my colleagues will be familiar with Jessie’s work which brings us news from around the north.
Mr. Speaker, Jessie has decided to follow her dreams once again and in the footsteps of her father, the late Bill Fraser, and her grandmother, Winnie Fraser McKay, she will be entering the field of mental health.
This year, Jessie will be leaving the north to attend Memorial University in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, to work towards a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Jessie the best of luck as she continues to follow her dreams.
I would like to wish Jessie the best of luck in following her dreams.
Member’s Statement 273 – 3(3): Security Concerns at the Nunavut Court of Justice (Curley)
I rise today to talk about an incident last November at the Nunavut Court of Justice during a homicide trial.
I would like to make a brief statement and I’ll read it in English, Mr. Speaker.
This incident was reported through CBC on March 27, not last fall, this year, 2012, (interpretation ends) “Nunavut judge halts hearing over security concerns.” I thought at that time that cases of this nature are very serious and many families are affected, including the accused, the victims, and those who are participating in the witness file.
For the many participants in the court to become the pawn of the dispute of security was one that I was concerned with as I was reading it because it referred to the fact that Nunavut’s chief justice halted proceedings in a preliminary hearing on Monday in Iqaluit due to concerns about security.
We know, during the history of Nunavut, one of the longest-serving territorial court judges, Judge Sissons, when it was still united, had never heightened security issues as he administered the justice system in the then united Northwest Territories.
I was flabbergasted, amazed, in my view, that a politically charged issue that could have been dealt with in a closed hearing was exposed to the public.
We, in fact, have one of the best court facilities in Nunavut.
Mr. Curley: Mr. Speaker, I believe we have one of the best justice systems in Nunavut that we know. It works and there are many translators as well as court workers in the whole system.
But to hear out of the blue that there were security concerns was one that I don’t think was appropriate for Justice Robert Kilpatrick to actually use the victims and court participants as pawns to settle a dispute with Department of Justice officials.
That should never be allowed to happen, Mr. Speaker.
At the appropriate time, I will be raising a simple question to the Minister of Justice to see whether or not we do have a proper protocol to address the dispute within the justice system.
Member’s Statement 274 – 3(3): Food Security (Elliott)
As we approach the end of our spring sitting, I rise today to again address the issue of food security in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that the themes and concerns that have been raised during this sitting by a number of my colleagues have been extremely helpful in keeping attention focused on this important issue.
Mr. Speaker, it is very clear that issues of food security, poverty reduction, economic development, and education are closely linked. Action to address any one of these areas will have an impact on the others and I am very pleased that there is clear recognition that these issues need to be looked at holistically.
Mr. Speaker, it has been very encouraging to see ordinary Nunavummiut publicly voicing their concerns about food security and affordability.
Mr. Speaker, when we reconvene in this House for the fall sitting a few short months from now, the Nutrition North Canada Program’s revised food list will have come into effect.
I would remind the House that this will occur on October 1 of this year.
Mr. Speaker, I want to return to the theme of partnerships.
I have been pleased that the Northwest Company has expressed support for an expanded food list. I will continue to advocate for ensuring that essential non-food items, especially items that contribute to preventative health care, are covered by the program.
I continue to look forward to our own government reporting to the House on the activities of its Interdepartmental Nutrition North Subsidy Program Monitoring Committee, the creation of which was announced by the Premier.
Mr. Speaker, a visitor to Nunavut this week has been the aboriginal affairs critic for the Official Opposition in the House of Commons, who has been meeting with individuals and groups to discuss the issue of food security.
I understand that she had the opportunity to visit one of our smaller communities, which is excellent.
As the MLA for three of Nunavut’s smallest communities, I believe that it is essential that visitors spend time outside of Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker, I welcome any support and cooperation to raise awareness of the challenges that we face.
I believe that it is a good thing for federal Parliamentarians from all political parties to take the time to learn about our way of life and our priorities.
Mr. Speaker, at this time, I request unanimous consent to continue with my Member’s Statement today.
At the same time, Mr. Speaker, I also believe that it is important for visitors to understand that we do not want Nunavut’s issues and challenges to be simply used as ammunition with which to attack the government or to score political points.
My constituents want to be able to feed their families with affordable and nutritious food.
They are not interested in Ottawa’s political games and, as their elected representative, neither am I. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 275 – 3(3): Crime Prevention (Oshutapik)
Mr. Oshutapik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I rise today to address the importance of crime prevention in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, as members will recall, the community of Pangnirtung was outraged last December when a break and enter occurred at the post office.
This has not been the only incident. Other break-ins and incidents of vandalism have occurred at the hamlet office, the airport, and other local businesses.
Mr. Speaker, I recognize that it is the role of the RCMP to investigate criminal activity and arrest suspects.
I also recognize the importance of the federal, territorial, and municipal levels of government working together on crime prevention strategies.
Mr. Speaker, I strongly support such work and I will have questions for the minister responsible at a later date. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 276 – 3(3): Remembering David Ell (Ell)
I say “good afternoon” to residents of Iqaluit West and my colleagues.
I know we usually don’t want to hear bad news, but I would like to pay tribute to my late brother who was taken too early at the young age of 53 on March 26 of this year. (interpretation ends) The loss to his family, friends, colleagues, and community is still felt deeply and will be for some time.
David was a hard-working man who believed the importance of family and was proud to be an Iqalummiut.
As Deputy Mayor of Iqaluit since 2009, David was dedicated to improving the quality of life in Iqaluit.
He was a generous man with a big heart. A great hunter, David would provide country food to elders and those in need a traditional manner.
David, we miss you.
David was a good friend of mine too and I’ll miss him and his humour. The whole community will miss him very much.
Member’s Statement 277 – 3(3): Congratulations to Pond Inlet High School Graduates (Enook)
I would like to wish a good afternoon to my fellow Pond Inlet residents and Nunavummiut.
I rise today to share celebratory news.
My fellow Pond Inlet residents will be holding a graduation ceremony for the students graduating from high school.
I apologize to the residents of Pond Inlet that I am unable to attend this important event, but I am there in spirit.
Mr. Speaker, students graduating from high school are still a cause for celebration.
Until just recently, Nunavut rarely had any graduates. Indeed, it was sometimes difficult to know if any graduates would pass since students leaned towards dropping out.
I thank the parents, the government, and all individuals who support education.
Mr. Speaker, while I have the opportunity, I would like to announce the names of the students graduating from grade 12, which the community is celebrating.
Furthermore, I want to remind the students that many more opportunities await you in post-secondary education. They should carefully consider their options as furthering your education only benefits you.
Mr. Speaker, I want to announce these graduates’ names as I am proud of their accomplishments:
James Akpaleeapik,
Letia Arreak,
Michelle Atagootak,
Christine Awa,
Joshia Enooagak,
Andra Innuaraq,
Jamesie Itulu,
Eva Kadloo,
Suzanne Killiktee,
Stephen Killiktee,
Gelena Koonark,
Dina Koonoo,
Amon Ootoova,
David Jr. Panipak,
Noni Pewatoaluk,
Terrence Quaraq, and
Johnny James Takawgak.
All Nunavummiut are proud of your accomplishments.
Member’s Statement 278 – 3(3): Development and Transparency (Aupaluktuq)
I rise today to speak about the importance of transparent development in Baker Lake.
Mr. Speaker, as I have noted on many occasions, these are exciting times in the Kivalliq.
New mines, new ports, new roads, and new jobs hold the promise of a brighter future for our people.
Mr. Speaker, I have always said that development must occur in a transparent and responsible manner.  On March 12, 2008, a copy of the development partnership agreement between the Government of Nunavut and Meadowbank Mining Corporation was tabled in the Legislative Assembly.
Under the agreement, the company is required to produce annual reports on its activities.
The development partnership agreement addresses a number of issues related to the social and economic impacts on the community of the mine.
Mr. Speaker, I have called on the government to ensure that these important reports are tabled in the Legislative Assembly and made available to residents of Baker Lake.
Mr. Speaker, there continues to be concerns about excessive secrecy in such areas as IIBAs.
However, I was pleased to note that on May 1 of this year, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated announced the first royalty payment as a result of mineral production on Inuit owned lands.
NTI announced that the funds will be managed “in accordance with the Resource Revenue Policy passed by the NTI Annual General Meeting in November 2011.”
Mr. Speaker, it is important that our residents see that the benefits of economic development are improving their lives and their community in a measurable, transparent manner. I will continue to be a voice for transparent and responsible development on behalf of the people of Baker Lake.
Item 3. Members’ Statements. Moving on in our orders of the day.
Firstly, I would like to recognize in the Gallery the Representative for Children and Youth Advisory Committee members, who have worked extremely hard. (interpretation ends) If you can stand when I mention your name. (interpretation) Here are the names of the individuals:
Leslie Leafloor,
Virginia Lloyd,
Connie Merkosak,
Steven Mansell,
Lynn Matte,
Lynn Ryan Mackenzie,
Monica O’Connor, and
Rhoda Audla.
(interpretation ends) The advisory committee worked collaboratively as a forum for the discussion of issues, ideas, questions, and the exchange of information during the Representative for Children and Youth project, all of which helped shape the design of Bill 40, Representative for Children and Youth Act.
(interpretation) Without the hard work of the advisory committee members, we would not be having the first reading of Bill 40, Representative for Children and Youth Act, later today.
Thank you and please share their accomplishments.
Additionally, I would like to further recognize representatives visiting our territory from other jurisdictions. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would also like to welcome to the Assembly Jean Crowder, Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Cowichan.
Welcome to Nunavut once again. I believe this is your fourth trip up here.
Again, a member from my constituency also is Jack Hicks, from my riding. Welcome to the Assembly.
Item 5. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Mr. Enook.
Mr. Enook: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) I would like to recognize a fellow resident.
She has been involved in many activities in her lifetime. In her work, she has touched upon many of our lives, especially in life skills, education, literacy, and everything else in between.
Now she is an elder. I would like to recognize Elisapee Ootoova and her granddaughter, Connie Merkosak.
I would like to welcome everyone to the Gallery who’s here.
I would like to recognize an individual who had lived in Rankin Inlet and whom I had worked with before, Mr. Hugh Lloyd. Welcome.
I understand that there are people who just walked in and I would like to welcome them to the Gallery.
I understand that they are the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership delegates who are here visiting.
Question 386 – 3(3): Security Concerns at the Nunavut Court of Justice (Curley)
Mr. Curley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) In my Member’s Statement, I said that I would ask a question in regard to the court system.
I know that there is a lot of hardship that people experience when there is a trial of an important nature.
I would like to ask the Minister of Justice in English.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Justice.
As I stated in my Member’s Statement, in the short time that the western civilization of justice administration was introduced, Inuit have been most respectful and I have never seen any security breach imposed upon the members of the judiciary or the judge for that matter.
Will the minister state to the House exactly what Justice Robert Kilpatrick was talking about, that the safety of the court was put into question?
I thank the member for that concern, question, and comment.
As the member well knows, we had a discussion on this earlier this morning in standing committee and this brings up a real issue when it comes to security in our courthouses.