EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Before we proceed with today’s sitting, I would like to ask Ms. Ell to start us off with a prayer, please.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Ms. Ell. (interpretation ends) Qujannamiik, Sergeant-at-Arms.
Minister’s Statement 251 – 3(3): Petroleum Products Division (PPD) of CGS (Kusugak)
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Nunavummiut watching the proceedings. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today in the House to provide some clarification in reference to the structure of the Department of Community and Government Services’ Petroleum Products Division.
An issue was raised during Committee of the Whole regarding a potential relocation of the Petroleum Products Division of the Department of Community and Government Services from its current headquarters in Rankin Inlet to Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker, let me be absolutely clear. I would like to assure all Members of this House and the Rankin Inlet staff that the Department of Community and Government Services has no plans to relocate the Petroleum Products Division from its current headquarters in Rankin Inlet or to relocate its regional offices currently in Pond Inlet and Cambridge Bay.
In addition, there is no plan to amalgamate the Petroleum Products Division of CG&S with the Qulliq Energy Corporation.
The Petroleum Products Division’s operations will remain as is: as a function of the Department of Community and Government Services.
I would like to highlight the fact that if anyone hears anything to the contrary, you have my assurance it is absolutely false.
Mr. Speaker, I hope this puts to rest any concerns our staff may have on this matter and puts an end to any unfounded rumours that may be circulating.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff of Petroleum Products throughout the territory for the valuable service they provide to our department and to Nunavummiut in managing the purchase, transportation, storage, and distribution of petroleum products in Nunavut.
The Department of Community and Government Services looks forward to continuing our work with PPD as we move forward to meet the priorities in our business plan and the needs of our territory.
Minister’s Statement 252 – 3(3): Nunavut Arctic College Publishes Book on Midwifery (Shewchuk)
I am pleased to rise in the House today to announce Nunavut Arctic College, with the support of the Department of Health and Social Services, has recently published a book on traditional knowledge and birthing practices for students and midwives working in Nunavut.
This book is available in Inuktitut and English.
Mr. Speaker, this new publication, “Birth on the Land – Memories of Inuit Elders and Traditional Midwives,” was authored by Bev O’Brien, a nurse practitioner, registered midwife, and a professor at the Faculty of Nursing with the University of Alberta.
She has worked and travelled in Nunavut since the early 1980s. Dr. O’Brien helped the college develop the Midwifery Diploma Program.
Mr. Speaker, this new learning resource was required by the territory’s new midwifery legislation to have information available on traditional midwifery practices for all registered midwives practising in Nunavut.
The book will not only be useful to our midwifery students, but also to other health care providers. It is important to preserve the memories and knowledge of elders and traditional midwives. This book will also be presented to midwives who register to work in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the financial contributions and support of the Department of Health and Social Services for making it possible to produce this valuable learning resource.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank those Inuit elders who dedicated their time to contribute their knowledge to publishing a project like this a success.
They are, Mr. Speaker, and I apologize if I harm the names in any way:
Qapik Attagutsiak and Kigutikarjuk Shappa of Arctic Bay;
Annie Buchan, Quyok Poodlak, Bernadette Uttaq, and Matthew Uttaq of Taloyoak;
Lena Evalik and Mary Kaniak from Bay Chimo;
Bessie Emingak from Perry River and Cambridge Bay;
Mabel Etegik, Lena Kamoayok, Nora Evaglok, Mary Avalik, and Eva Otokiak from Cambridge Bay;
Alasi Joamie from Pangnirtung;
Natsiq Kango from Iqaluit;
Rhoda Karetak of Arviat;
Orsoralik Ottokie from Cape Dorset;
Maryanne Tapati and Nowyah Williams from Rankin Inlet; and
Annie Napayok and Agnes Teneer from Whale Cove.
Minister’s Statement 253 – 3(3): International Women’s Day (Ell)
Tomorrow, March 8, is International Women’s Day. In some countries, it is celebrated as a national holiday where women’s achievements socially, economically, and politically are celebrated.
The United Nations declared that this year’s International Women’s Day theme is (interpretation ends) “A promise is a promise: Time for action to end violence against women.”
Mr. Speaker, as discussed in this House, violence against women in Nunavut is nearly 13 times higher than the Canadian average.
All aspects of government are working to find ways to deal with the complex problems which cause family violence.
How can we reduce violence against women in Nunavut?
Simply saying the government should do something about it is not enough.
We have come a long way, considering, for example, women were not allowed to vote at one time and were excluded politically.
Women’s rights have advanced and we all can take a stand, continue speaking out, and working together can slowly eradicate these problems.
Member’s Statement 419 – 3(3): A Day for Everyone (Tapardjuk)
I say “good afternoon” to my constituents of Amittuq, Igloolik and Hall Beach.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to express my pride in the fact that March 8 is recognized across the world as International Women’s Day.
It is a day to celebrate the economic, political, and social achievements of women.
Mr. Speaker, I fully recognize that different groups within our population face different issues and different challenges.
I further recognize that many cultures have evolved a division of labour based on gender or age. And, on occasion, we may wish to draw society’s attention to the inequalities faced by different groups, as well as to their successes and accomplishments.
However, Mr. Speaker, I feel that we should make more of an effort to recognize and celebrate what is the core unit of our culture and our society: the family. Mr. Speaker, a family is not necessarily defined by… .
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.
Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, my colleagues, for allowing me to continue.
Mr. Speaker, a family is not necessarily defined by race, age, or gender. A family does not separate one type of a person from another.
A family exists no matter who belongs to it. A family is a whole.
Mr. Speaker, for century upon century, for thousands of years, the Inuit culture has survived and thrived in the harsh arctic environment due primarily to the incredibly strong bond of family.
A number of our government’s guiding principles are based on the concept of family, which are, in turn, upheld by our Inuit societal values.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to quote one of the guiding principles mentioned above which explains that “The family kinship model is fundamental to Inuit culture.
The family provides the environment within which children grow and develop, families prosper, marriage takes place, Elders are care for, communities and coalitions are formed so that the group can survive.
In all respects, the family comes first.”
Mr. Speaker, a number of Canadian jurisdictions, including Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario, recognize Family Day as a statutory holiday.
Three weeks ago, the Province of British Columbia celebrated its very first Family Day on February 11, 2013.
Mr. Speaker, I strongly encourage our government to demonstrate its support for the family by establishing a Family Day for Nunavut.
Member’s Statement 420 – 3(3): Mine Training Initiatives in the High Arctic (Elliott)
I rise today to express my strong support for training initiatives in the High Arctic.
Mr. Speaker, I spoke earlier during our winter sitting concerning the work that is being done to provide training for High Arctic residents wishing to pursue careers in the fishing industry.
Today, I want to highlight the importance of training and development for the mining industry.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, Baffinland’s Mary River project is anticipated to have a significant economic impact on Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, as you also know, Arctic Bay has been designated as one of the six point-of-hire communities for the Mary River project.
Mr. Speaker, Arctic Bay’s Economic Development Officer, Clare Kines, has been working hard with colleagues and partners to build opportunities for our residents.
Thanks to the important support provided by such partners as the Kakivak Association and the Qulliq Energy Corporation, a pilot project to train power plant operators has been underway in the community.
Mr. Speaker, residents of the High Arctic recognize that the regulatory process for the Mary River project is lengthy and complex.
That’s why I believe that it’s great to see partners and organizations thinking and acting proactively to help ensure that our residents and communities are prepared to take advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead.
I also want to note the importance of keeping training and community capacity building at the forefront of future development partnership agreement negotiations between the Government of Nunavut and Baffinland.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in supporting the hard work that is being done across the High Arctic in the area of mine training.
Member’s Statement 421 – 3(3): Recognition of Pond Inlet Environmental Technology Program (Enook)
Good afternoon to my fellow residents of Pond Inlet and Nunavut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform the House about the national recognition that the Pond Inlet Environmental Technology Program has received.
Mr. Speaker, last evening in Toronto, Tides Canada announced its Top 10 Initiatives for 2012.
Mr. Speaker, Tides Canada is an international organization whose mission is to provide uncommon solutions for the common good by leading and supporting actions that foster a healthy environment and promote social justice.
Mr. Speaker, for a decade now, Tides Canada has been recognizing unique and innovative initiatives from across the country.
In its official citation concerning the Pond Inlet Environmental Technology Program, the organization notes that “The Pond Inlet Environmental Technology Program builds capacity for scientific and policy analysis of environmental issues and management locally in Nunavut.”
It also notes that the program “trains students to build careers as environmental practitioners, incorporating classroom and practical field experiences to cultivate the skills needed for professions in growing fields such as fish and wildlife conservation, parks management, environmental assessment and research and waste management.”
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to see this successful Nunavut program earn national recognition.
This recognition stems from the strong relationships developed in Pond Inlet between students, instructors, scientists, industry, and other partners.
Mr. Speaker, only a few short months ago, we celebrated 25 years of success for the Environmental Technology Program.
I want to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College and the board of governors for their strong support for this program. We’re grateful that it was able to continue in Pond Inlet. (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 422 – 3(3): Congratulations to Canadian Delegation at CITES Meeting (Ningeongan)
I say “good afternoon” to the residents of Coral Harbour, Chesterfield Inlet, and Nunavut. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to congratulate the Canadian delegation [that is] currently participating in at the 16th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.
Mr. Speaker, we learned this morning that the US proposal to up-list polar bears was defeated by a vote of 42 to 38…
…with 46 abstentions.
Mr. Speaker, that’s a recorded vote worth remembering.
Mr. Ningeongan: Mr. Speaker, every Member of the Legislative Assembly has stood firmly behind the Canadian delegation at this meeting.
I want to pay tribute to our colleagues from this House who travelled across the globe to bring our message to the attention of the world. I also want to pay tribute to the leadership of such organizations as the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, and the Canadian Wildlife Service for working closely together to bring a strong, unified message to this meeting.
Mr. Speaker, although this was a victory, our work is far from done.
We know that our polar bear populations are being managed wisely. We know that our system of co-management is right for us.
Now, we must redouble our efforts to demonstrate these facts to the world.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in congratulating our representatives for a job well done.
Member’s Statement 423 – 3(3): Tribute to Stompin’ Tom Connors (Schell)
We have three major icons in Canada: Tim Horton’s, hockey, and Stompin’ Tom Connors.
I rise today to send my condolences to Stompin’ Tom Connors’ family and friends due to his ultimate passing yesterday at the age of 77.
He was a true Canadian who wrote songs about every province and territory in Canada.
In one of the polls, it showed that 97.6 percent of Canadians knew who he was and only 58 percent knew who the Prime Minister was.
Stompin’ Tom Connors was born Thomas Charles Connors in Saint John, New Brunswick on February 9, 1936. He was separated from his parents at a young age and raised by foster parents in Skitter Pond, PEI until he was 13.
He has experienced living in poverty, orphanage, and hitchhiking in his songs.
He was trying to put a Canadian stamp on music and, in 1976, returned all six of his Juno Awards to protest the Americanization of the Canadian music industry.
He is an Officer of the Order of Canada, had his own postage stamp, and is a recipient of both the Queen’s Gold and Diamond Jubilee medals.
He is survived by his wife, two sons, two daughters, and several grandchildren.
A celebration of life is planned for March 13 in Peterborough, Ontario. The family is requesting that people make donations to local food banks and homeless shelters in lieu of flowers.
As you can bet, people will be singing loudly every time the Hockey Song plays in arenas all over Canada for the next little while.
His family gave the staff at StompinTom.com a message he wanted to pass on upon his death, and I quote, “Hello friends, I want all my fans, past, present, or future, to know that without you, there would have not been any Stompin’ Tom.
It was a long hard bumpy road, but this great country kept me inspired with it’s beauty, character, and spirit, driving me to keep marching on and devoted to sing about its people and places that make Canada the greatest country in the world.
I must now pass the torch, to all of you, to help keep the Maple Leaf flying high, and be the Patriot Canada needs now and in the future.
I humbly thank you all, one last time, for allowing me in your homes, I hope I continue to bring a little bit of cheer into your lives from the work I have done.”
And I just hope the Maple Leafs have a “Plan B.” Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 424 – 3(3): Arviat’s Ecotourism Industry (Shewchuk)
I’m following up with Member Enook’s Member’s Statement on the awards given by Tides Canada.
I am pleased to rise in the House today to inform my fellow members that the Arviat Cultural Ecosystem Initiative was also recognized last night at Tides Canada’s Top 10 Initiatives for 2012.
Mr. Speaker, the Arviat Community Ecotourism Initiative is a five-year project to develop a community-based sustainable tourism industry in Arviat.
Upwards of 50 people in the community - teenagers, adults, elders, and people of all ages - have been involved in training for one or more of the various skills required to deliver an effective cultural tourism product.
Mr. Speaker, their efforts have created sustainable economic opportunities that are helping to preserve and celebrate Inuit culture, providing additional economic value to the conservation of our large wildlife species and the experience that presents Nunavut’s best face to the world.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the incredible project in Arviat that have been recognized as the Top 10 Initiatives in 2012.
Member’s Statement 425 – 3(3): International Women’s Day (Ningark)
Minister Ell made an announcement that tomorrow will be International Women’s Day and that women had no voting rights in the past.
Today, I want to acknowledge women in Kugaaruk as our local Co-op now has a woman as their chairperson.
The Co-op has a local store and it also has a hotel. It is growing and many Inuit are members in the Co-op.
I want to recognize Ludgarde Angutingungniq, a woman who was elected by the membership as the chairperson and I thank them for that. Furthermore, Ludgarde Angutingungniq also acts in another capacity in the Kugaaruk school where she is the vice-principal.
The Kugaaruk DEA also has a chairperson who is a woman and I send my afternoon wishes to her, Celine Ningark.
I imagine she is watching the session. I also thank all the voters who elected her to this position.
I encourage all women in Nunavut to throw their names into the various positions. The next election is also quite close, so I encourage and support all women to run for office. Women are advancing in all fields here in our territory.
I would like to recognize the Qulliit Nunavut Status Women’s Council: Meeka Kakudluk, Jean Simailak, Mary Kayasark, Charlotte Borg, Corrine DaBreo, Rosie Kopalie, and their acting Executive Director, Beth Beattie.
Thank you for coming. There are quite a few visitors in the Gallery, but these people are the ones I recognize.
Yesterday, I was asked a bunch of questions from my colleagues on the other side. Today, I came a little better prepared. In our Gallery today is 17 of the finest staff we have from CGS.
I thank them for the tremendous work they do.
At this time, I would like to recognize the following: Mr. Jason Tologanak, the Regional Director from our Rankin Inlet office is behind me, and also Halla Kaludjak, Lanilyn Allain, Monica Mala, Gail Tikhak, Mona Kaosoni, Emerlinde Pimentel, Lexi Morling, Ji Liu, Trevor Ryhorchuck, Rita Aglak, Lorna Ootova, Cathy Pewatoalook, Steven Merkosak, Lucy Adla, Becky Taukie, and Daniel Camalayan.
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the hard work they do and I am sure you all do. Welcome to the Gallery and keep up your good work. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker: Thank you, Minister Kusugak. I welcome you all to the Gallery.
I would like to also recognize, as the hon. member has just said, his finest staff. I would like to also recognize three people from my community: Rita Aglak, Lorna Ootova, and Cathy Pewatoalook.
I would like to take this opportunity also to welcome some folks from Cambridge Bay to the Gallery who have already been recognized. They are Monica Mala, Mona Kaosoni, and Gail Tikhak, who is sitting right behind me here.
You can stand up if you want to wave. It might be on camera.
I know people who start their careers and move around. I would like to acknowledge Jason Tologanak. He’s from Cambridge Bay, except he lives in Rankin Inlet now.
Daniel Camalayan started in Cambridge Bay and he just recently moved from the Department of Health and Social Services. I’m sure he will do a fine job for my colleague, the Minister of Community and Government Services.
I would like to take this opportunity to say “happy birthday” to a very special woman, I could say that now, and it’s my daughter Taya’s birthday today. I know she won’t see this; she’s attending school in Victoria at Pearson College. It’s her 18th birthday today, so I wish her a very happy day on this special day.
I also would like to say “happy birthday” to Rita Nashook from Iqaluit here as well.
Question 540 – 3(3): Bulk Fuel Storage Facilities in Nunavut (Elliott)
It’s fitting that I have the honour to ask the first question. I don’t know if the minister wants to call in a witness, but my questions are for the Minister of Community and Government Services.
The 2013-14 capital budget for the Department of Community and Government Services includes close to $20.0 million in funding for capital projects related to Nunavut’s bulk fuel storage facilities, including $300,000 for Arctic Bay.
In light of such incidents as the one that occurred recently in Resolute Bay, can the minister describe what new measures are being put into place at Nunavut’s tank farms to prevent fuel spills and other incidents?
When tank farms are built, they try to make everything preventable for oil spills and other incidents in the community. I’m sure that there was an incident that happened in Resolute Bay and if it had preventative measures, I’m pretty sure that they will have preventative measures as well if they build another tank farm.
During previous years’ consideration of the department’s capital budget, there have been references made to federal regulations concerning bulk fuel storage facilities.
Can the minister indicate if federal regulations and requirements have changed in recent years and, if so, what the impact has been on our capital planning in this area?
We make changes to regulations and Acts.
That’s what we do, but there’s nothing in my briefing notes at this time, so I will provide that information to the member as soon as I can.
In the case of the fuel spill incident that occurred in Resolute Bay, concerns were raised regarding the berms at the facility.
Can the minister indicate what kinds of annual inspections or safety audits are conducted at bulk fuel storage facilities?
If there’s a spill in a tank farm, they have measures to make sure that the berms are adequate.
So if the member wants to get more details on that, I will be able to give him the information as well.
Each year, our communities look forward to a successful annual fuel resupply.
When fuel is delivered to the community, it is important that it be transferred safely to a secure storage facility.
I appreciate that the minister is unlikely to have this level of detail in front of him today, so I would like to ask if he would be willing to provide me with a copy of his department’s technical standards and procedures regarding the annual fuel resupply to the three High Arctic communities of Grise Fiord, Resolute Bay, and Arctic Bay.
The annual resupply to the communities is not just a game.
What they do is they make sure that everything is fine when they do a resupply. They also have people from the resupply ship to watch to ensure that there is no spill happening from the ship and on the land when they deliver the fuel. This happens all the time whenever the resupply comes into the community.
If the member is asking for technical details or details about that, I will give the member the information when I get a chance.
Question 541 – 3(3): Intergovernmental Justice Initiatives (Tapardjuk)
In November of last year, Canada’s federal, provincial, and territorial ministers of justice met in Ottawa.
In the official news release that was issued from this meeting, the three territorial governments expressed “their desire to be included in the federal First Nations Policing Program.”
Can the minister explain how this would benefit Nunavut?
I thank Mr. Tapardjuk very much for that question.
He is right when he says that we, as northern ministers, met with the rest of Canada’s justice ministers last fall or last spring in Ottawa. We did discuss similarities that we have in policing in the north and the difficulties we have with keeping our communities safe.
The First Nations Policing Program is a programming initiative that is funded by the federal government to encourage and assist police forces in recruiting aboriginal police officers into communities.