EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
(interpretation ends) This accord will enhance our working relationships with our neighbours at the political and officials levels, develop and advance a common agenda on matters of mutual concern, foster economic opportunities, provide mutual support in matters of regional, national and international interest.
Minister’s Statement 171 – 1(6): Summer Student Employment Program
Hon. Manitok Thompson: Mr. Speaker, it is a great pleasure for me to rise today to inform my colleagues that the 2003 Summer Student Employment Program is now underway.
I am pleased to say that $700 thousand has been allocated to the 2003 Summer Student Employment Program.
There are several enhancements to the program this year.
Wage subsidy provided to the Departments has been increased to 100%.
In addition to community college and university students, high school students are now eligible under the program.
The progressive pay rate for returning students recognizes and compensates them for the experience acquired during previous work placements in the Government of Nunavut.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, priority hiring is clearly given to Inuit beneficiaries first, followed by Northern students.
The program also includes orientation, mentorship and evaluation components to ensure that students are provided with the necessary support and development to help achieve success on the job.
A pro-active communication plan has been implemented to increase student awareness of this program.
In partnership with the Department of Education, a package containing the program details, application process and contacts was sent to Financial Assistance for Nunavut Student clients in March.
Each of the Nunavut Arctic College’s three campuses and Community Learning Centres received a package of program details for posting.
Summer Student coordinators have visited some high schools to promote the program.
A territory wide print media campaign was in both northern newspapers for 3 weeks.
Recruitment information has been placed in prominent locations in communities including Hamlet offices.
Mr. Speaker, our youth are our future.
Summer Employment provides opportunities for Nunavut students to explore different types of work and to gain meaningful job experience while completing their education.
This program is one of the ways we can begin the training process for the youth of Nunavut and to help provide them with a bright future.
Minister’s Statement 172 – 1(6): Sivumut Economic Development Strategy
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) Good afternoon, first of all I would like to say I love you to my wife.
Today is our fifth anniversary.
Mr. Speaker, I want to update the Members of this House on the preparation of an economic development strategy for Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, in the past year, consultations were held with many different interest groups in the territory to discuss issues that should be included in an economic development strategy for Nunavut.
Cabinet also agreed to work with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. to provide direction for the economic development activities of three levels of government, Inuit Organizations and the private sector.
Delegates at the Sivumut Economic Development Strategy Conference in March 2003 in Rankin Inlet discussed how we can work together to promote economic growth in the territory and identified many issues that must be addressed today if Nunavummiut are to benefit fully from economic growth in the future.
Above all, Mr. Speaker, delegates at the Sivumut conference pointed out that an economic strategy for Nunavut should help us participate in the global economy, while ensuring we maintain our values and traditions and our role as stewards of the land.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, since the conference, we produced a report on the conference proceedings and distributed it to all conference delegates.
We have also continued to work with our partners in the Sivumut II Economic Development Strategy Working Group on the preparation of the final economic development strategy document.
That document will be sent to delegates once it goes through appropriate approval channels.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I want to thank NTI, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and the delegates for helping us create a common economic development strategy for the territory.
Motion 026 – 1(6): Minister’s Statement 167 – 1(6) to COW
Mr. Speaker, in accordance with rule 34, I move seconded by the honourable member from Netsilik, that Minister’s Statement 167-1(6) be moved to committee of the whole.
The motion is carried and Minister’s Statement 167-1(6) is referred to Committee of the Whole.
Member’s Statement 550 – 1(6): Priority Hiring Policy Planning
Mr. Anawak (interpretation): I would like to say this afternoon, for those people who do apply for positions of jobs within the Nunavut Government, since the creation of Nunavut, who should be prioritized?
I think that this has been changed.
I think that we are going to have to look into it more closely.
Perhaps we should prioritize these people here and prioritize less these other.
Before it was created the Inuit, females and the disabled should have been placed as the top priority.
It was running quite well, especially for Inuit.
We would like to be able to see Inuit and we are going to keep pushing to have people employed in these areas, especially with disabled people.
(interpretation ends) It is important that the Government recognizes that there is some disadvantages by women and the disabled in the hiring process.
It is all very nice to have a policy that says the priority hiring will be the beneficiaries to the Nunavut Land Claims.
I wholeheartedly agree with that, but it still leaves out the fact that if you have a beneficiary that is fully fit trying to get a job beside a disabled, I think that the outcome is clear, that there should be priority be given to that disabled person.
Right now the policy states that the priority hiring will be for beneficiaries only, when it used to be women and the disabled.
I think that it is bad enough that they do not necessarily have the facilities like ramps in some of the public places.
(interpretation) I seek unanimous consent to conclude my Statement.
Mr. Anawak (interpretation): Today, we know for a fact that there are very few Inuit in the workforce.
I am sure that if I were to ask how many there are, they will respond by saying there are a lot of females working but are they in a managerial position?
Or are they in a very regardless whether they are Qallunaat or not, because we are a consensus government, and we have to look at everyone as equals.
How many are able to work and it seems that the females along with the physically and mentally disabled are at a disadvantage and it seems that they are not in managerial positions.
I am going to be elaborating more on this later on.
We are going to have to start pushing this issue.
Since 1999, females and the disabled people have clearly been at a disadvantage.
Member’s Statement 551 – 1(6): Healthy Food, Healthy Children
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the health of our children.
Mr. Speaker, the youth in Taloyoak has been stressing very strongly to parents that children need to eat healthy foods.
Mr. Speaker, there are many young parents who do not know how to prepare healthy foods with vegetables, instead they purchase ready-made frozen or canned food, such as stews, pastas, pizzas and burgers.
Although these are convenient, they are not what is considered a healthy diet.
Mr. Speaker, vegetables are also often more expensive in our communities.
For example, green peppers in Yellowknife costs $3.49 a kilogram, while it costs $9.99 for a kilogram in Taloyoak.
Another example is that broccoli costs $4.79 a kilogram in Yellowknife, and in Taloyoak it costs $10.
Mr. Speaker, I have seen programs directed towards pregnant women to prepare healthy foods for their newborn babies.
I believe that there should be something similar for our young parents.
Mr. Speaker, the food mail program is a good one.
Our Government should be actively pushing for improvements for this program.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to be able to finish my statement.
Mr. Puqiqnak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you colleagues.
As I said earlier, our Government should also be doing what it can with shipping companies and airlines to ensure that the cost of fresh, healthy foods are affordable, especially for the residents of the small and remote communities.
Later today I will raise questions on this issue.
Member’s Statement 552 – 1(6): Caribou Harvesting in Coral Harbour
First of all, thank you, very much Mr. McLean that we were able to go down to the for a delicious meal and the Elders that we saw.
What I want to say is about our caribou hunt in Coral Harbour, it was very successful and it creates about forty jobs for when they do that caribou harvest.
And what the Minister has indicated before, perhaps I will elaborate more.
After being in Coral Harbour for the past fifteen years, a family in two dwellings had to share one caribou, as they were not very abundant then.
Now, according to the Minister’s study there are now sixty thousand plus caribou on the Southampton Island, one hundred by one hundred sixty kilometre island.
We are trying to be very careful and the caribou on the coast island are not being disturbed and they do die off sometimes.
And we do not want this happening at Southampton Island and we were able to harvest six thousand caribou because I am sure that we can reach six thousand.
The Minister indicated that the Salliq Development Corporation, he said to me that the caribou are being sold, for instance, the hides, antlers, and other things.
And the Minister indicated that it would be very beneficial for the people for Sustainable Development in Coral Harbour.
But I am going to have to ask the same question during question period as to how Sustainable Development is going to be helping the people of Coral Harbour when they are trying to get the Salliq Development Corporation in Coral Harbour.
Member’s Statement 553 – 1(6): Arctic Char in Kugaaruk
Today, I would like to talk about the animals that we do harvest such bears, black bears, Musk-ox and char because they are the domestic food for the Inuit and some are for commercial.
For instance, Kugaaruk has a lot of arctic char and they would like to be able to sell them commercially, but the Government always says that they study first before you we can proceed with commercial fishing.
They have to do studies over and over and over again and this is, it seems that the Government keeps saying that the population of each animal is decreasing and they are not increasing and even when we want to do something about it, the Government always says that we want to do studies first.
For instance, musk ox are getting closer to the community, because we have heard that musk ox are a lot more dangerous than a polar bear when they are angry.
We as a Government should follow what Inuit want because we can sustain these animals and every five years the studies are done.
As an Inuk, this is a long wait, what are we to do while we wait for the five year study to be completed?
The studies are being done it takes too much time.
That is what I wanted to say today.
Member’s Statement 554 – 1(6): Study for Decentralization in Hall Beach
I would like to say hello to the people of Hall Beach and Igloolik.
I think we are quite homesick right now.
I would like to talk about, Mr. Speaker today, about our government when decentralization was being introduced the government indicated they were going to be helping the communities out.
I think they are going to have to start considering how the have not communities should be given jobs as well.
For one instance in Hall Beach the unemployment is very high.
Perhaps the mining exploration will start someday and the non-decentralized communities would be helped very much.
I would like the government to consider Hall Beach in the summertime because we do not have work, we do not have a dock.
It does not have inlets, whenever we have high winds from the south the surges are very high and we have to pull all the boats right to the land because of the surges and they deteriorate a lot quicker when they are plastic, even when they are aluminium.
Mr. Speaker, the boats are getting bigger and they are getting faster and sometimes they ask for a tow for them to bring in their boats to the land, I would like to ask the Minister of Community Government and Transportation, I think it was last year that the docks would be introduced to all the communities.
Mr. Irqittuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, my colleagues.
The Minister was going to review the docks for the communities and I asked the Minister right away if the Hall Beach would be one of the priority communities to be studied.
Mr. Speaker, when get to question period I will be asking the same questions later on thank you.
Member’s Statement 555 – 1(6): Decentralization in Baker Lake
Mr. Speaker, today I want to speak on the issue of decentralization in Baker Lake.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday my colleagues and I discussed the topic of Inuit employment and encouraging Inuit employment across Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, in Baker Lake we have always done that.
In Baker Lake we recognize that people who live in a community for a long period of time are best able to assess and serve the needs of their neighbours.
It is no secret, Mr. Speaker, that when jobs at home are scarce, my constituents are not afraid to leave this community and to go where the jobs are.
This willingness is evident just by looking at the number of people from Baker Lake who are living and working in Iqaluit.
Some of those people are home in Baker Lake today only because they are travelling with the Assembly this week.
Mr. Speaker, this shows that the people of Baker Lake are motivated to do well.
When there are jobs available, the people of Baker Lake have come forward, learned how to do those jobs, and excelled in them.
A good example of this is the Nunavut Power Corporation.
Of the 18 Power Corporation’s positions in Baker Lake, 16, Mr. Speaker, are filled by Inuit staff from Baker Lake.
Mr. Speaker, this is good news.
I want to congratulate Douglas Iglookyouak from Baker Lake, who graduated from Hershing College in Winnipeg with a diploma in Computer Network Technology.
Douglas will be arriving home this evening and begin working again with the Nunavut Power Corporation here in Baker Lake.
Mr. Speaker, I am in support of decentralization initiatives.
People should not have to travel half way across the country to find a job to support their families.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to congratulate the Hamlet Council of Baker Lake in their success in hiring and training all Inuit employees.
As of last year, Mr. Speaker, the Hamlet of Baker Lake had almost 100 employees, 98% are Inuit.
That means that Inuit held positions at all levels.
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud of them as constituents.
And also, Mr. Speaker, I would also like to congratulate the new Board of Directors of the Hospice Board for the first anniversary of running the new Martha Talerut Centre, a place for dental care.
To date, there are twenty full and part-time staff, all Inuit, now working there.
Inuit caring for Inuit.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Mr. Ed Picco, and especially Dr. Best for helping this community establish this centre so quickly because now our elders do not have to travel from Baker Lake to receive twenty-four hour care.
Member’s Statement 556 – 1(6): Control Raven Population
Mr. Speaker, I know how long my statement will be because I cannot really hear your little bell.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today regarding my son’s gift to me so that I can wear it here in the Legislative Assembly.
My daughter also gave me a watch with my name on it.
However, my grandparents would never have given them this type of gift because we never had these.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to state today for the residents of Nunavut, especially in the Baffin region.
The population of ravens are skyrocketing and I'm wondering if we need to have a program to control the raven population.
They may carry diseases that may be passed on to other wildlife.
I see it as an upcoming problem, especially for the Baffin region.
Member’s Statement 557 – 1(6): Training Opportunity in the Mining Sector
First of all, I would like to say hello to my Constituents and relatives from home.
(interpretation ends) I rise today on the issue training opportunities for my constituents to actively participate in the emerging mining sector.
Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to hear the Minister of Education and I told you that this week her Department is developing a Nunavut Adult Training Strategy.
Mr. Speaker, I strongly support the timely beliefs of this strategy that addresses community by community training needs that are geared towards current and future employment opportunities.
In my community Kugluktuk, that means training that will enable people to take an active role in mining and services to support the mining sector.
Mr. Speaker, my Colleagues and I have raised this issue many times.
It is important that we take advantage of every opportunity that is presented to us.
I encourage the Minister to work with the industry representatives to ensure that Training Strategy reflects industry requirements.
Member’s Statement 558 – 1(6): Substance Abuse
I have some positive news for all Nunavummiut.
This is an issue that has been worked very hard on.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the issue of substance abuse and dependency and the poor record of our Government on these issues.
Mr. Speaker, I have been shocked by the decision by our national Government to introduce Legislation to decriminalize possession of certain amounts of marijuana.
This decision is a wrong one, Mr. Speaker.
It sends the wrong message to our youth and a wrong message to our society.
Mr. Speaker, I have been disappointed at the silence of Nunavut Government on this issue.
Although our Government has taken strong positions on other Federal outrages such as gun registry, the shrimp quota issues, it has been publicly silent on this problem.
Mr. Speaker, I know that our Government cannot stop Ottawa on its own, but it should raise its voice and I question why our Premier and our Health Minister have been silent.
Mr. Speaker, I find it very strange that while our Minister of Health has introduced a Bill in this House to impose restrictions on tobacco use.
He has not said a word about marijuana, which is also a dangerous drug.
Mr. Speaker, I really do not think that our Government is serious about helping people and communities to fight substance abuse and dependency.
I learned last week that the Wellness Centre in Iqaluit has been shut down by the Workers’ Compensation Board for being an unsafe building.
Ms. Williams: Mr. Speaker, if we have money for pension plans, if we have money for new offices for bureaucrats, then we should certainly find money for wellness centres.
Member’s Statement 559 – 1(6): Education in Nunavut
Mr. Speaker, I am going to rise today, again, to talk about education in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, over the past couple of days we have heard the Minister of Education make a number of strong statements and commitments.
I am very optimistic that we will hear many more of these in the months to come.
Mr. Speaker, almost exactly one year ago in this House, we unanimously passed a motion to support the empowerment of our District Education Authorities.
However, as we heard from the standing committee on Health and Education, DEA representatives from across Nunavut have recently indicated that they feel less and less empowered and involved.
As members are aware, from recent debates in this House, the Iqaluit District Education Authority has expressed great frustrations at having its decision on the issue of standardized assessment testing vetoed by the Department of Education.
Recently we heard of cases across Nunavut where the lines of responsibility and authority between a District Education Authority and the Regional School Operations Office are often unclear and contradictory with respect to the hiring and termination of school employees.
Mr. Speaker, I have been a consistent supporter of the DEAs as they too are elected representatives for their community and the important role that they play in our schools and our communities.
I want to see a renewed commitment on the part of the government to empowering our DEAs and providing them with the resources they require.
This is what I'm sure that we would like and they would like.
This is what they were promised when the government was going around to try and get their support in dissolving the Divisional Boards of Education.
We want to see a clear productive relationship between the DEAs and the Department and its regional offices.
I’m sure that all the DEAs would love to see that as well.
I would like to see these roles and responsibilities very clearly laid out in the next version of the Education Act so that we don’t have this grey area of interpretation and misinterpretation on behalf of either party.
Member’s Statement 560 – 1(6): Thank the Minister of Public Works and Services
I would like to thank the Minister of Public Works on behalf of the residents of Pond Inlet, especially the students in Pond Inlet.
I recently heard some positive news, but I’d also like to inform the Public Works Minister, although he’s gone through some hard times with the bad gas, there was something positive that actually came out of that in Pond Inlet.
I would like to publicly thank him for his support to the people of Pond Inlet.
Member’s Statement 561 – 1(6): Former Pangnirtung Resident in Baker Lake
I’d like to say hi to my wife Rosie and my kids and while we are here in Baker Lake, thank you Kevin and you namesake in Broughton Island.
While here in Baker Lake we’re quite far from Pangnirtung and although we are far away there is a person that lives here that used to live in Pangnirtung before and I’d like to inform her other family that Hector Duval is fine and Mickey Akavak is fine. And Naujaq, the reverend’s wife is also fine, I have seen her.
They really enjoyed her company while she was in Pangnirtung and I would also like to apologize to my constituents, during my regular radio spots we have a different time zone so I was a little late for my regular radio spot.
I will be going home on Saturday before we go on to Sanikiluaq, my colleagues’ home town.
I would just like to inform those families that their families living in Baker Lake are fine and I would like to thank my colleague here for taking good care of us thank you.
Member’s Statement 562 – 1(6): Iqaluit Breakwater Condition
Speaker, first of all I would like to thank Mr. McLean also, for his very good words and for the opportunity to eat lunch with the residents, the elders this afternoon; and I do support the medicinal usage of marijuana as Minister of Health and I just want to say that also.
Mr. Speaker, between 1994 and 1997 the Government of the Northwest Territories completed work on the breakwater in Iqaluit. Since that time several repairs had to be carried out because the structure and/or design does not seem conducive to the adverse conditions of ice and some of the highest tides, Mr. Speaker, in Canada.
Many constituents have suggested that by upgrading and extending the old causeway, the old causeway in Iqaluit, could facilitate deep water loading and off loading as well as providing a safe berth for boats on high and low tide.
Mr. Speaker, since 1999 our community has almost doubled in size and the number of boats and residents using the various breakwater and boating sites has also increased.
Mr. Speaker I have spoken to the president of the Iqaluit Hunters and Trappers Association, Mr. David Ell, about commissioning a study on the issues around harbour use breakwaters and possible infrastructure development to support traditional pursuits and enhance the existing infrastructure in Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker I would hope to be able to proceed on this through constituency of Iqaluit East with that budget of mine in the next few weeks.