EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that the number of high school students receiving grade 12 diplomas continues to be strong.
A total of 128 students graduated from our schools as of June 2001.
This is down slightly from the 136 individuals last year but continues to strengthen over the past three years.
Given our small population in Nunavut, variations from year to year are normal.
Further, Inuit continue to make up over 80% of graduates, which is excellent news for Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, in 1991 there were only 31 graduates across Nunavut.
Ten years later we have over four times that many.
The increase in graduates is a positive trend and indicates that Nunavut is heading in the right direction.
Our young people are staying in school longer and achieving higher than in the past.
Mr. Speaker, as Nunavut continues to grow we will need individuals who have increased levels of education.
I am optimistic about the current trends and look forward to seeing the increasing number of graduates each year.
Minister's Statement 142 - 1(5): Community Wellness Symposium
Good afternoon and welcome back to Iqaluit to the members.
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to bring to this Legislative Assembly news of the success of Nunavut's first Wellness Symposium held in Iqaluit last week.
This unique four day conference brought together 44 delegates from all regions of Nunavut. It included elders, front line community staff, both government and non-government employees, wellness co-ordinators, executive directors of non-governmental organizations, staff of Inuit organizations, community justice co-ordinators, child care leaders and Mr. Speaker, most importantly of all, volunteers.
A committee made of mostly community NGO managers developed the agenda.
Unfortunately, some of the delegates from the Kitikmeot and the Kivalliq could not attend because of last week’s blizzard in the capital Iqaluit.
The Department of Health and Social Services organized the symposium with funding from Health Canada and Agriculture Canada’s Rural Secretariat.
Mr. Speaker, I had an opportunity to address the group and was greatly impressed with the amount of talented community resources gathered in that room.
I left feeling secure in the knowledge that out of these meetings we will see the establishment of a network of on-the-ground community developers from throughout Nunavut.
Participants left the symposium with plans to develop and, most importantly, implement a storefront non-governmental organization.
Mr. Speaker, this organization will provide administrative as well as training support to NGO sectors in order to attract federal, corporate and foundation funding for concrete collaborative efforts by these non-government organizations.
Mr. Speaker, my department is committed to facilitating joint efforts among the NGOs, the municipalities and other partners.
Working together Mr. Speaker, working together these groups will establish and maintain a presence, advocate wellness issues and approach key government departments with the knowledge and skills required to identify, develop and implement programs to respond to priorities in our communities.
Member's Statement 388 - 1(5): Use of Inuktitut Language
I would like to welcome my colleagues to the session.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the importance of the Inuktitut language in our lives, in our communities.
I come to Iqaluit for the sittings of the Legislative Assembly with the knowledge that we are able to function in this House in both Inuktitut and English.
All Members of the Legislative Assembly are able to speak in the language of their choice and the documentation is available in more than one language.
Mr. Speaker, the situation is not as good in the smaller communities.
Last week in Gjoa Haven and Taloyoak, we celebrated Language Week with a number of activities.
Elders spoke on the radio almost every night and community volunteers organized a variety of events.
Mr. Speaker, I believe it is important that Inuktitut be supported every week of the year, not just once.
In the smaller communities we often face great difficulties in dealing with different levels of government.
Letters and forms come into our homes in a language that many cannot understand.
We are suffering from the shortage of trained interpreters in many communities.
In my community it is that way as well.
In many of the schools Inuktitut language instruction is weak or non-existent.
Mr. Speaker this does not give our young people the foundation they need to grow up in a society where they can communicate in both English and their mother tongue.
Mr. Speaker the people of the Kitikmeot are proud of their language.
We do not want to see it disappear and become just a rumour of something that once was.
I call on the Members of the Legislative Assembly to help support initiatives to help strengthen Inuktitut throughout Nunavut.
Just a reminder to members, try to keep within the time frame and keep an eye on your clocks.
Member's Statement 389 - 1(5): Recognition of Marion Nivingalok and Marion Bolt - Language Volunteers
I am very pleased to see all my colleagues here in the Assembly and I’ve come a long way from my community to attend the session as well.
I want to stand today and recognize the people in my community of Kugluktuk who work hard to make sure we do not forget our language.
These are people that are volunteers and help a great deal in terms of maintaining our Inuinnaqtun language and as well, trying to help our young people learn how the language should be spoken.
As well our language extends to the way of life we lead.
I want to in particular recognize two individuals who did a lot during the Language Week, they are Marion Bolt and Marion Nivingalok. (interpretation ends) Uqaqti, we know that Inuktitut is at risk.
Without the support of the communities and the government, we are in danger of losing our language and an important part of our identity.
Uqaqti, my constituents in Kugluktuk are proud of the fact that the GN Language Bureau is located in their community.
Although it is over-stretched and under-resourced, it provides a valuable service.
Uqaqti, I have spoken out many times in the Legislative Assembly about the need for measures taken to strengthen and preserve Inuktitut as a language that stands proud and is recognized.
I will continue to do so for the second half of our mandate.
Speaker: Thank you. Members’ Statements.
Member's Statement 390 - 1(5): Rent Scale Discrepancies
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Speaker, my colleagues and the visitors in the gallery, I would like to welcome each and every one of you.
We the Inuit people in the north are very grateful to CMHC for providing housing when the Inuit were being brought to live in the communities from the camps.
One of the promises made by the government was that we would be provided with housing when we moved to a community.
Mr. Speaker, the promise that was made at that time to Inuit brings hardship to them today.
What the government said at the time to Inuit exists today.
At the beginning, they were fooled and made to agree to live in communities.
They were told they would not have to pay for the housing.
But today having a house is a hardship for those who work because they have to pay higher rent.
There are those who pay high rent and those who don’t pay at all and we are told that providing housing is very expensive even though some of the houses are very old.
There are people who work in the community and live in a house built in the 1970’s that can pay up to 400 dollars per month while the unemployed living in housing built in the 1990’s pay only 32 dollars per month.
The person who is employed is subsidizing the person who’s not employed and if those houses have to be renovated it doesn’t even pay for a half-day’s wage for the person doing the renovations.
Elders sixty years and over are not paying for their housing and this falls back on to the person who is employed and who lives with their elder because the rent goes up each time a person becomes employed.
Often the burden falls back on the elder with housing.
Mr. Speaker, the person who is employed is always paying depending on how much money he is making.
They pay based on the amount they’re making before deductions and this is not right because that’s not their take home pay.
This is harder especially when you are a younger a person.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to get consent to complete my statement.
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and my colleagues for allowing me to continue.
The person who is employed always pays according to how much money he is making.
They make them pay based on the amount they are making before deductions and that is not right because that’s not their take home pay.
There is even a saying that housing is stealing from him. This is not acceptable.
Housing even wants to know how much savings or investments they have so they can include the amount of investments towards their rent scale.
These are their concerns;
For those people employed, Housing charges them rent based on their gross income and this is too expensive;
People who are employed pay more, the unemployed do not pay at all, and some pay the minimum rent.
When a person moves into a house with relatives who are paying minimum rent, the head of household is given a hard time because the other person is working and the rent is increased.
It should fall upon the relative who’s working to pay for the difference and not give the person with the house a hard time.
People who own their own home and get assistance for fuel and other services have to pay more after Housing finds out the person has just worked part-time or seasonally and they have to pay according to their gross income.
If a person is employed, their gross salary is used to determine their rent.
When it is set that way, it is difficult because the employees have to pay for their rent using their net income because we have to pay government income tax.
We should be using the net income rather than the gross income.
Member's Statement 391 - 1(5): Group Home - Chesterfield - Gratitude to Minister and Staff
I’m glad that we have resumed the fifth session.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my appreciation on the progress being made towards the building of a new group home in Chesterfield Inlet.
The plan is satisfactory to the community. (interpretation ends) I would like to thank the Minister of Health and Social Services for agreeing to come to the community of Chesterfield Inlet to meet with the community residents and listen to their concerns about losing the group home when the building was considered unfit for continued occupation.
I would also like to thank the staff of the Department of Health and Social Services who again travelled to Chesterfield Inlet this winter and the officials who met with the Bishop when plans for a new group home were finalized.
That was less than a couple of months ago.
The community of Chesterfield Inlet is looking forward to the new facility and further we greatly appreciate the minister's promise to make every effort to make the first barge to land in Chesterfield for the construction this summer.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, I speak for my entire constituency when I say that we are looking forward to welcoming the minister to the community later this year to take part in what I expect to be an emotional ground breaking ceremony.
I look forward to asking him later today about when he will be able to make the trip.
Member's Statement 392 - 1(5): Minister of Education’s Visit to Amittuq
I am glad that we are able to come back to the House and as usual, the reception has been very welcoming by Iqaluit residents.
I will have a few issues to raise during this session but at this time, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Minister for the Department of Education for visiting the communities of Igloolik and Hall Beach.
He told the residents of Hall Beach that the new school would be started this fall during this next fiscal year.
Mr. Speaker I am very glad that the Minister of the Department of Education was able to visit the community of Hall Beach and Igloolik.
Member's Statement 393 - 1(5): GN Plans for Closure of Nanisivik Mines & Grise Fiord Co-op Request
I am pleased to rise this afternoon of our new sitting day in our new year.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by thanking all my constituents of Arctic Bay, Grise Fiord and Resolute Bay for their support and encouragement over the past year.
I plan on continuing to vigorously represent their interests and concerns during this session.
I would like to speak today about two issues facing my constituency.
As members know the pending closure of the Nanisivik mine has been a tremendous concern over the past two months.
I am pleased to see a flurry of activity on the part of the government to address this issue.
I would like to publicly express my appreciation to Minister Akesuk for taking the time to visit Arctic Bay recently.
I encourage him to stay in regular contact with the community.
Mr. Speaker, my constituents are placing a great deal of faith in their government on this issue.
We cannot betray their trust and I intend to pay careful attention to progress on this issue.
Mr. Speaker, the issue of economic development and community infrastructure is also a high priority in the communities.
In Grise Fiord, the local co-op is making an effort towards development through their proposal to the government to build a combined commercial and residential building.
The present building housing government offices in Grise is decaying and unsuitable.
Mr. Speaker I am seeking unanimous consent to complete my statement.
The present building housing government offices in Grise Fiord is decaying and unsuitable.
It is unsuitable and I would encourage the government to take a serious look at this proposal from the co-op.
Member's Statement 394 - 1(5): NTI Elections - Paul Kaludjak and Cathy Towtongie
I would like to congratulate the people of Rankin Inlet for having excellent celebrations.
I apologize that I wasn't able to be here during Language Week, which was held last week.
I just saw a long time Iqaluit resident, Val Haas, I would like to welcome her to the chamber.
Just recently, there was an election for the President and Vice-President of Finance for NTI.
Paul Kaludjak was elected as Vice President of Finance.
He used to be the President of the Kivalliq Inuit Association for quite a number of years.
He is now the Vice President to NTI.
I would like to extend my congratulations to Mr. Paul Kaludjak as he is a resident of Rankin Inlet and my constituent.
Also, for the very first time Cathy Towtongie was finally elected to be the President of NTI.
She tried on a number of occasions for this position and has just recently been elected.
Her parents are elders who make huge contributions to Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and traditions.
In the 70's she was a board member for ITC, she has had her own business in Rankin Inlet and she used to work for the GNWT with the Legal Division.
She used to work for the Keewatin Regional Council.
I would like to extend my congratulations to Ms. Towtongie as she is the first woman President to be elected to such an organization.
I would like to extend my congratulations to these two people from Rankin Inlet.
Tomorrow we will be meeting with these two individuals and invitations were extended to all the Members.
I am not exactly sure where this event is going to be held.
I would like to extend my congratulations to these two.
Member's Statement 395 - 1(5): Iqaluit East Constituency Issues and Concerns
Uqaqti, last night I hosted a meeting for the constituents of Iqaluit East which, as you know Mr. Speaker, includes the residents of Happy Valley, Tundra Valley, and Apex.
Mr. Speaker since April 1st, 1999 I have tried to keep the residents of Iqaluit East up to date with my activities through annual newsletters, one on one communications and public meetings like last night.
This was my fourth public meeting I've had since April 1st.
Mr. Speaker, several issues were raised during the meeting by the constituents.
A very dramatic presentation by a very young Pauloosie Davidee on the announced possible closure of the Arnaitok Centre captured the attention of all who were at the meeting.
Other questions concerned the upcoming new Education Act, the Human Rights Act, the continuing debate on open pit burning and concerns with the incinerator at the Baffin Regional Hospital.
Mr. Speaker, there were also concerns raised about the infrastructure here in Iqaluit and the possible increase to mill rates and municipal taxes.
A strong message by those who attended the meeting on the possible closure of the Arnaitok Centre needs to be carefully studied and reviewed by our City Council.
The on-going open burning at the dump also needs to be addressed.
Mr. Speaker, I will be formally writing the mayor and council on these issues and would like to thank the constituents for attending and I also look forward with meeting with the constituents again at our next meeting in the coming months.
Member's Statement 396 - 1(5): Mandate of First Nunavut Legislative Members; Need for Infrastructure
Mr. Speaker I am very pleased to rise today for the first time in the year 2002 and welcome everyone back to the heart of our capital city.
Mr. Speaker, the Members of this House have now been in office I believe for over one thousand days since we swore our oath on what seems to be a very distant spring morning in the final year of the 20th century.
As we look forward Mr. Speaker to the final two years of our mandate, we must ask ourselves a question.
Have we remained true to the trust the people placed in us, by our constituents when they elected us to the first Legislative Assembly in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker I imagine every Member in this House would wish to be able to respond with a resounding yes.
I believe we were elected to achieve a number of specific goals for our constituents and communities.
Many of these goals are articulated in the Bathurst Mandate and they are goals that we will fight for daily in this place.
Mr. Speaker, I believe we should lead by example and make hard choices.
Our capital, Iqaluit, is facing unprecedented pressures on its aging infrastructure. Pressures are made more acute by our explosive population in recent years.
While our communities are crying out for help to provide and strengthen basic municipal services, programs and infrastructure, we must simultaneously try to do our best to balance the legitimate needs for such issues as the on-going crisis in classroom size in schools throughout Nunavut.
I could also mention the needs and areas such as substance abuse treatment or homelessness.
Mr. Speaker our resources as we all know, are scarce and every dollar counts when our government approaches Ottawa to make its case for enhanced funding.
We know that the federal government is not blind.
We know that they will scrutinize and ask us whether we are putting our current resources to good use.
Mr. Speaker, our voters trusted me and us in putting their interests first.
During the remainder of my term, I will be working as I am sure all of us will be, to continue to ensure that we do just that.
Member's Statement 397 - 1(5): Healing Circles Needed Rather Than Shelters
I would like to outline a concern that I believe is going to be more prominent in the coming years for the whole of Nunavut.
It is in regards to the women who are sent to shelters by the Department of Health & Social Services.
Usually what happens is when a woman is sent out, is the children are left behind and they have to be taken care of by their grandparents and her relatives.
Sometimes when the women are sent out to the shelters, whether to Iqaluit or to another community, and if they are here in Iqaluit many end up drinking and some end up having extra-marital affairs.
I think we will have to look at that and think about the children that have been left behind.
We need to face and deal with the pain that these children are enduring.
Member's Statement 398 - 1(5): Rachel Arngnammaktig Elementary School Breakfast Program
Mr. McLean: Ma’na, Uqaqti.
Uqaqti, it gives me great satisfaction today to share a genuine good news story with the members of this House.
Uqaqti, it is no secret that Nunavut suffers from levels of child poverty.
It is tragic that children in the 21st century sometimes go to school hungry each morning.
But in my community of Baker Lake, a number of truly dedicated individuals have been working to make sure that the students of Rachel Arngnammaktig Elementary have a good breakfast each morning before the school day starts.
Uqaqti, the school breakfast program was started in August of 2001.
After funding for the program dried up, the group of volunteers who run the breakfast club came up with an innovative solution.
It turns out that the gym teacher, Aaron Coutts’ uncle, worked at the world famous Robin Hood flour company in Ontario.
Thanks to the generosity of Calm Air, over 1200 kilograms of flour was airlifted to Baker Lake last month.
This flour is being put to good use as over 300 children are now able to enjoy nutritious muffins every morning.
Uqaqti, the school administration has established a firm policy that no child in need will be turned away.
This Breakfast for Learning initiative is helping our students be able to focus on their important studies rather than the rumblings of an empty stomach.
Uqaqti, recognition is in order for a number of people in Qamanittuaq.
The two Winnies, Winnie Seeteenak and Winnie Putumiraqtuq, the two Elizabeths, Elizabeth Paungrat and Elizabeth Mikkungwak.
Another Mikkungwak that deserves praise is Katherine Mikkungwak who volunteers tirelessly in that school.
The co-Principal Becky Iyago has also worked extremely hard to make this happen, as have all the volunteers and members of the Anglican Church Ladies’ Auxiliary.
I would also like to single out Lloyd Descharmes from Calm Air’s office in Thompson for logistical support.
Uqaqti, this Baker Lake program shows what we can accomplish when a community pulls together and fills in the gaps when all of our governments can’t.
Member's Statement 399 - 1(5): Minister of Education Visit to Akulliq Constituency
I would like to say thank you to everybody for being here and getting back to work.
At times it is going to be hard, but of course we will keep trying on a daily basis.
There will be times when we will have to make hard decisions.
To the Minister of Education, I would like to thank him for coming to my communities of Repulse Bay and Kugaaruk.
It was hard to get things going in Kugaaruk but I am grateful to the minister for holding meetings for the populations in both communities.
I don’t have much else, but I would like to thank the people of Iqaluit for welcoming us back.
Sorry we will go back, we do have one more Member’s Statement.
Member's Statement 400 - 1(5): Bravery Award for Lucassie Meeko
I would like to welcome the other members coming back to Iqaluit.
You may have heard through the media about a person from Sanikiluaq, Lucassie Meeko, the leader of the Cadets in Sanikiluaq.
I think it was in 1990 that I was one of the people that travelled from one of the camps and our sister-in-law, who has since passed away, was one of the people that came with us.
Our children were loaded on four wheelers to be taken back to the community, but that area is very rough and the four wheelers were holding elders and children.
A four wheeler fell in the water with one of the children.
Because the water was too deep we couldn’t get her out, but Lucassie Meeko was able to save her life and his act of bravery will be getting recognized.
I would like to congratulate him on behalf of all the members here.
Member's Statement 401 - 1(5): Kimmirut Arena Opening
Hello to the people in my riding of Kimmirut and Cape Dorset.
In the beginning of the New Year, an issue that I and previous members worked hard on has finally materialised.
It was a long time wish that the community had.
The new arena was just opened in Kimmirut and I am sure it will be very beneficial to the young people and all others as well.
On behalf of the people of Kimmirut, I would like to say thank you to the government.