EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
As the Department of Family Services, we cannot deal with this issue all by ourselves. We need to work with them and come up with plans if we are to make progress. Working together is the only way it can be of benefit.
That’s where we stand, Mr. Chairman.
It is also written here that there are three staff members who concentrate solely on poverty reduction.
Are the staff adequate and do they speak Inuktitut?
Even if they don’t speak Inuktitut, there are other workers in (interpretation ends) Family Services (interpretation) who are fluent in Inuktitut.
We’re not concerned of whether or not they can speak Inuktitut because we have enough Inuktitut-speaking workers.
I’m going to go on to something else and this is the Poverty Reduction Fund. In your annual report, you talk about the creation of a Poverty Reduction Fund process.
The purpose of this is that you wanted to find people to contribute financially to this cause.
From what I understand, to date, there have been no outside contributions provided to the fund.
Can you tell us why you feel this is the case?
What is going on here? Obviously, the mechanism was put in place so that contributions could be provided, but you haven’t had any of those contributions.
There are different details within the question and there is no one answer to it.
I would like Ms. Turner to provide a more detailed response, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman: Ms. Turner.
We have been working in the last year to develop the policies and accounting structure around this fund.
We have been waiting for that work to be completed before creating some communication and awareness tools around this fund.
Once all of the necessary pieces are in place, we will start working in that area to create awareness of the fund.
Can you tell me whom you are going to be approaching once you get everything set up? Do you have any entities in mind that you feel could contribute financially to this cause?
We would like to work together and we’re expecting to do that. As I mentioned earlier, we want to work on this with the business owners in the communities. (interpretation ends) Thank you.
Can the minister tell us if he has had discussions with the president of NTI or the regional Inuit associations and all the different presidents across Nunavut to see if they would be open to providing funds for this cause?
I have not met personally with organizations she has mentioned. As we have said before, through the roundtable, the people who participate in those meetings have discussions on how to deal with poverty.
It’s obvious that many of these organizations sit at those meetings and discuss those issues.
I read with interest on page 15 of the annual report when you talk about the government poverty reduction program.
What is the government poverty reduction program?
On the second paragraph, it says that “We have chosen this inclusive approach to demonstrate not only how government programs help vulnerable Nunavummiut in meeting their basic needs, but also to show how government programs address the root causes of poverty and help Nunavummiut to change their circumstances to build self-reliant lives.”
The whole purpose why we have the new legislation in place and we are raising the annual report is because we do have real problems with poverty in Nunavut, yet that statement seems to say to me, “Well, we have all the programs and we have all the services to address the root causes.”
To me, that message is a little bit confusing and I’m just wondering if you or your staff can speak to that comment.
The true meaning of poverty reduction is about reducing poverty for those who are struggling to make ends meet.
As such, we have to work closely with the many stakeholders involved.
We can reduce poverty only by working together.
I believe her question is about what we are doing within the government as contained in the report.
I would like Ms. Lindsay to respond with your permission. (interpretation ends) Thank you.
The idea we were trying to communicate with that sentence was that poverty was not just a financial issue, but that it was broader and that it did include also the heath concerns that create capability poverty, the ability to develop skills and access education which create poverty, as well as issues related to social exclusion.
The idea was to emphasize that it was more than just a financial issue in terms of having the income to meet with your basic needs; it was more complex than that.
I mean, just the way I read it, it looks like you have $254 million all together, as per the opening comments, the programs and services that address poverty, yet we have the highest poverty rates in Canada.
The way I read it, I could be wrong, obviously, but it’s telling me, “Look, we have all these programs and services that address the root cause of poverty.” I was just getting at that like the way it reads.
It’s a little confusing.
I have time, right? I have two more minutes, so I’m going to use that time to go into page 18 of the annual report.
It’s under Collaboration and Community Participation.
In the first paragraph, you talk about the public engagement process and that “Three key goals were outlined in the plan under this theme.”
There are a), b), and c), and b) says, “increased support for community action.”
I’m wondering what you are talking about when you say “support.”
Is that financial support? Is that program support? What does that really mean when you make that statement when we’re talking about community action.
What kind of support?
And if you can give us an example of what community action was achieved that helps to reduce poverty.
That has a number of possible meanings.
It could mean how financial support can be helpful or training support in different areas in the communities.
We’re looking at other things besides job training, including how to live off the land and acquire hunting skills.
Perhaps Ms. Turner can give you a more comprehensive explanation about this. I don’t have all of it in my head right now.
Maybe Ms. Turner can elaborate more on my answer so that it will be clearer for everyone, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Thank you.
When the Nunavut Roundtable for Poverty Reduction included this idea in the Makimaniq Plan, they were speaking to the potential for not-for-profit organizations to really build the strength of a community.
They were commenting on the need for more support for the not-for-profit sector, both in terms of resources but also training, whether it be board of governance training or training on managing an organization.
It was building on the idea of supporting the not-for-profit sector.
When you talk about a not-for-profit structure within the community, can you give us an example of what types of not-for-profit committees you were working with, as an example, in the community?
Hon. George Kuksuk: Thank you, Itsivautaaq. (interpretation) I would like Ms. Turner to respond to the question. (interpretation ends) Thank you.
There are a number of wellness centers that are members of the Nunavut Roundtable for Poverty Reduction. The Nunavut Literacy Council is also a member, as well as the Embrace Life Council.
The idea of support for community organizations would also be for not just members of the roundtable, but any community-based organization, whether it’s formally registered as society or whether it’s a more informal group.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Ms. Angnakak, with 50 seconds to go.
I guess my next and last question until they give me another 10 minutes…
…will be, c) says, “poverty reduction legislation.”
I understand this legislation came into being because of that very reason about looking at the great poverty we do have in Nunavut.
It has been a couple of years now and the number of people that you have talked about that you’ve had to deal with within the communities, all the committees, Inuit organizations, and all the stakeholders, is a lot. You had to have a lot of organizing and that.
Today, can you tell us exactly how you feel about the whole process to date?
Is it working? When I think about what you guys are working with, it’s just mind-boggling to be in how I would organize all of that because that’s a lot of work.
Just maybe a comment would be great.
That question deserves a thorough response, even though I was appointed to my position long after this process got rolling, Mr. Chairman
However, I can say that we are working with the other departments on this matter.
I can say today that we have been working together properly about this, along with the third party members like NTI and the private sector.
They work together as one and move things forward.
That’s how it has been done. It’s moving toward a more efficient way of helping the people of Nunavut.
Proceeding to the next person on the list, Mr. Qirngnuq.
I would like to ask to our minister about his opening comments.
It was tabled in May 2015. It states, “this appearance has been postponed twice.”
What were the causes of the two delays that you mention in your opening comments?
That’s what I would like to know and that’s why I’m asking the question.
I understand the question. I don’t have the reason, but Ms. Turner can explain the reason for the two delays.
If Ms. Turner can respond to that, I would like her to do so.
I understand that the legislative calendar is determined by the Legislative Assembly. They are the ones, I understand, who make the decisions as to appearances before the Committee of the Whole.
Mr. Qirngnuq, do you have another question?
With respect to the second paragraph of your opening comments, I’ll read it in English. (interpretation ends) “Housing, mental health, addictions, food security, education, cultural identity, connections to the land, training, income, local economic development, and strong community organizations...” (interpretation) The items are divided up into different sections and I’m sure they will each cost money.
In the financial part of the annual report, which aspect will be most expensive that the minister is aware of?
They will have different costs.
To his question, I can say that providing housing is going to be the most expensive looking at that list.
Looking at the written document, if I say it in English, (interpretation ends) mental health and addictions, (interpretation) it mentions Rankin Inlet and Kugluktuk, but I don’t see Iqaluit on the list.
Is there nothing that is going to be put up in Iqaluit?
Unfortunately, I don’t really understand the question and perhaps he can rephrase it.
I would like to understand his question clearly.
I understand that he mentioned addictions and mental health. Maybe one of my staff here understood the question.
I would like him to rephrase his question, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Thank you.
Mr. Qirngnuq, please rephrase your question.
My apologies I made a mistake. I looked at the wrong page, Mr. Chairman.
I was trying to ask about the (interpretation ends) Kugluktuk healing centre. (interpretation) That’s what I’m asking about.
There is a healing centre in Kugluktuk and one in Rankin Inlet.
However, I don’t see anything for Iqaluit and that’s my question.
Are there no plans to put up one here in Iqaluit?
I hope that makes the question more understandable.
I would like to respond to that, but it’s also under the responsibility of the Department of Justice and the minister is here.
Perhaps my ministerial colleague can respond to that question, Mr. Chairman.
Minister Peterson, can you respond to this question?
Can the member repeat his question, please.
Chairman (interpretation): Mr. Qirngnuq, please repeat your question so that Mr. Peterson will understand it properly. He says that he can answer it as long as he understands the question.
Please repeat your question, Mr. Qirngnuq.
I’m asking about what is written in the (interpretation ends) minister’s annual report (interpretation) on page 28.
It mentions the (interpretation ends) Kugluktuk healing centre and Rankin Inlet healing centre. (interpretation) Is there no healing centre in Iqaluit?
I don’t see it on that page and there’s nothing about Iqaluit.
I would like to know and that’s why I’m asking.
Minister Peterson, would you like to answer that?
Thank you for asking the MLA to clarify that.
In Kugluktuk, it is the Ilavut Centre.
It’s the name of the facility. In Rankin Inlet, again, it’s the name of the facility. In Iqaluit, it’s called the Baffin Correctional Centre currently.
In the long-term plans and in briefings from the department, we’re working on expansion and renovation of the Baffin Correctional Centre, and then it will be renamed to the Qikiqtani Healing Centre.
That is in the long-term plans, but there currently is no healing centre in Iqaluit.
When are you going to be completing the document?
If you’re referring to the 2013-14 annual report, it is already available.
Mr. Qirngnuq, are you done?
Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) At this time, I would like to move a motion to report progress.
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Tabled Document 149 – 4(2) and would like to report progress.
Thank you. (interpretation ends) Opposed.
A reminder that there’s a meeting of the Regular Members’ Caucus tomorrow at ten o’clock in the Nanuq Boardroom.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until Wednesday, June 1, at 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Pages 1875 – 1935
Opening Prayer 1875
Ministers’ Statements 1875
Members’ Statements 1878
Tabling of Documents 1909
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 1910
Report of the Committee of the Whole 1934
Wednesday, June 1, 2016 1875
108 – 4(3): Mr. Tootoo (Taptuna) 1875
109 – 4(3): 2016 Laura Ulluriaq Gauthier Scholarship (Hickes) 1875
110 – 4(3): Nunavut Government Employees Survey (Taptuna) 1876
111 – 4(3): Sealing Day on the Hill (Mike) 1877
112 – 4(3): Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Resources (Kuksuk) 1877
242 – 4(3): Generator for Grise Fiord’s Community (Shooyook) 1878
243 – 4(3): Need for Direct Sealift Services to Kugaaruk (Qirngnuq) 1879
244 – 4(3): Sanikiluaq’s First Year NTEP Students (Rumbolt) 1880
245 – 4(3): The Need for Elder-specific Housing in Naujaat (Mapsalak) 1880
246 – 4(3): Site Clean-up of the Peter Pitseolak School (Joanasie) 1881
247 – 4(3): Bernice and Justin Clarke’s Uasaut (Okalik) 1882
248 – 4(3): Recent Graduates in Kugluktuk (Taptuna) 1882
249 – 4(3): Reflections on the Passing of James Arvaluk (Enook) 1883
250 – 4(3): 2016 Pangnirtung Winter Fishery (Mike) 1884
315 – 4(3): Full-time Dentist for Rankin Inlet (Sammurtok, T) 1886
316 – 4(3): Generator for Grise Fiord’s Community Hall (Shooyook) 1888
317 – 4(3): Status of Hospital Board of Management (Angnakak) 1889
318 – 4(3): Need for Direct Sealift Services to Kugaaruk (Qirngnuq) 1890
319 – 4(3): Site Clean-up of the Peter Pitseolak School (Joanasie) 1891
320 – 4(3): GN Contracts for Medical and Duty Travel (Mikkungwak) 1893
321 – 4(3): Plebiscite/NTI Consultations (Okalik) 1894
322 – 4(3): Expansion of the Iqaluit Medical Boarding Facility (Keyootak) 1896
323 – 4(3): Pond Inlet Marine Infrastructure (Enook) 1898
324 – 4(3): Rankin Inlet Elders Receiving Care Elsewhere (Sammurtok, A) 1899
325 – 4(3): Government Purchase of a Metal Shear and Baler (Joanasie) 1901
326 – 4(3): Nunavut Permafrost Databank (Mikkungwak) 1903
327 – 4(3): Dog Excrement at Sylvia Grinnell Park (Okalik) 1904
328 – 4(3): Appointments of Justices of the Peace (Sammurtok, T) 1905
329 – 4(3): Pond Inlet Airport (Enook) 1907
138 – 4(3): 2015-2016 Annual Report of the Ethics Officer for the Nunavut Public Service (Peterson) 1909
139 – 4(3): FPT Report on the Ministers Responsible for Social Services, Edmonton, Alberta, February 4 and 5, 2016 (Kuksuk) 1909
140 – 4(3): In-Demand Career Options in Nunavut, 2016-2017 (Kuksuk) 1909
141 – 4(3): Resolutions from the 2016 Kitikmeot Mayors Forum (Akoak) 1910
142 – 4(3): Correspondence from Naujaat Housing Association (Mapsalak) 1910
026 – 4(3): Extension of Question Period (Okalik) 1901
Committee Motion 007 – 4(3): Motion to Extend Sitting (Joanasie) 1927
Tabled Document 149 – 4(2): 2013-2014 Minister’s Annual Report on Poverty Reduction – Consideration in Committee 1911
Mr. Tony Akoak, Ms. Pat Angnakak, Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk, Mr. Joe Enook, Hon. George Hickes, Mr. David Joanasie, Mr. Pauloosie Keyootak, Hon. George Kuksuk, Mr. Steve Mapsalak, Hon. Johnny Mike, Mr. Simeon Mikkungwak, Mr. Paul Okalik, Hon. Keith Peterson, Mr. Emiliano Qirngnuq, Hon. Paul Quassa, Hon. George Qulaut, Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Mr. Alexander Sammurtok, Mr. Tom Sammurtok, Hon. Joe Savikataaq, Mr. Isaac Shooyook, Hon. Peter Taptuna.
Minister’s Statement 108 – 4(3): Mr. Tootoo (Taptuna)
Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my support to Mr. Hunter Tootoo, MP for Nunavut. As of last night, he resigned from Canada’s cabinet and the Liberal caucus.
We are supportive in his move to take time to seek treatment for addictions. He has demonstrated courage and strength to make this decision.
He has always worked hard and will work hard for Nunavummiut.  Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly, please join me to extend your support to Mr. Tootoo and his family as he takes this time to heal.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Hickes.
Minister’s Statement 109 – 4(3): 2016 Laura Ulluriaq Gauthier Scholarship (Hickes)
I am delighted to announce that the Qulliq Energy Corporation (QEC) is once again offering a $5,000 scholarship in memory of Laura Ulluriaq Gauthier to a promising student enrolled in post-secondary education.
Students that demonstrate a strong academic record and commitment to community involvement are encouraged to apply for the scholarship by the deadline, June 30, 2016.
Mr. Speaker, like the many deserving students awarded this scholarship, Laura Gauthier was an outstanding role model.
She acted as a key contributor in creating the locally managed electrical utility that is today the Qulliq Energy Corporation, and in achieving her goals, she developed the foundation of the corporation.
With the annual scholarship, we hope to help a deserving student in pursuing their goals of completing post-secondary studies. QEC is a proud advocate of furthering education for Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, the task of choosing a scholarship recipient is challenging, as the quality of applicants continues to grow stronger each year. This gives me great confidence in our youth and their commitment to furthering their education not only to benefit themselves but for the future of Nunavut.
If these applications are any indication, much like these students, the future is very bright, Mr. Speaker.
Minister’s Statement 110 – 4(3): Nunavut Government Employees Survey (Taptuna)
I would like to take this opportunity to inform my colleagues about an important initiative between the Government of Nunavut, Statistics Canada, and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated.
From April 25 to June 17, the Nunavut Government Employee Survey will collect information about employees’ job experiences, language used at work, access and barriers to job training, interest in career advancement, supervisor support, and issues related to recruitment and retention of Inuit employees.
Mr. Speaker, the survey is confidential and electronic for all government employees working in the territory, both with the GN and the federal government, in their capacities as employees of these governments.
These employees have received email invitations from Statistics to participate in the survey.
Mr. Speaker, this survey is conducted under the authority of the Statistics Act, which ensures that the information provided will be kept strictly confidential and used for statistical purposes.
This information will help government and Inuit organizations identify what is working well and where improvements should be made.
Information collected will also help find ways to increase Inuit employment in government.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank those employees who have already completed the survey. For those who have not, there is still time to make their voice heard and I encourage everyone to take part. Your opinions and information will contribute to a better workplace.
Minister’s Statement 111 – 4(3): Sealing Day on the Hill (Mike)
Good afternoon, Nunavummiut who are watching the proceedings.
Mr. Speaker, this year’s Seal Day on the Hill held on May 16 and 17, 2016, organized by the Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association, was once again a great success.
The day was very well attended, including Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Parliamentary Secretary and Member of Parliament for Labrador, and Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture for Newfoundland.
The dinner and parliamentary reception brought together over 60 parliamentarians and industry stakeholders to show their support for the sealing sector and to highlight seal products.
Together, we enjoyed seal meat and some char, throat singing, as well as the pop-up boutiques provided by NACA so that some designers could sell their products to guests.
Mr. Speaker, this important event served to emphasize the government’s continued commitment to Canadian sealing and to educate and inform a wide range of parliamentarians on the issues and challenges facing the sector.
Speeches from parliamentarians and industry stakeholders indicated that seal harvesting is an important part of the traditional way of life in the north.
It is a coast to coast to coast cultural industry supporting the production and sale of clothing, fashion, art, and other products.
Mr. Speaker, our seal industry fuels an economy that works for everyone and we, along with the Government of Canada, believe that it deserves to be protected and promoted.
Minister’s Statement 112 – 4(3): Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Resources (Kuksuk)
Good afternoon and good day, my fellow Nunavummiut and residents of Arviat and Whale Cove.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to share about the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Workshop hosted by the Department of Culture and Heritage in Iqaluit on March 15 and 16 of this year.
This workshop brought together 50 Government of Nunavut employees. The sessions focused on different aspects of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, such as inuusiliriniq (counselling people in relationships), parenting, IQ and the criminal justice system in Nunavut, and IQ in governance in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, the department was pleased to have the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit in attendance for this workshop.
The elders contributed their knowledge and expertise and were available to answer questions from participants.
The feedback from the participants was very positive and an indication for the need to provide further learning sessions.
Mr. Speaker, in addition to the IQ workshop, the department holds monthly Inuit cultural information sessions to support GN departments in gaining knowledge of Inuit ways.
The sessions often include elders or knowledgeable Inuit and focus on topics around traditional and present-day Inuit culture.
Topics of discussion include the culturally relevant counselling, the traditional roles of elders, men, women, boys, and girls in family camps, marriage and relationships, Inuit perspectives and how to apply them to the workplace, and sharing how Inuit learned traditional values.
Mr. Speaker, the IQ sessions are a way to start bridging the Inuit cultural ways to how the government provides services to better serve Nunavummiut.
Qujannamiik. Ma’nalluavik, Uqaqtittijii. Thank you.
Member’s Statement 242 – 4(3): Generator for Grise Fiord’s Community (Shooyook)
I rise today to address the status of Grise Fiord’s new hamlet office/community hall complex.
Mr. Speaker, the need for a new community hall and hamlet office in Grise Fiord was identified many years ago.
However, as is the case with many government projects, it was delayed a number of times and changes were made to the design and overall plan.
Mr. Speaker, the community of Grise Fiord was consulted several times throughout the development of this project.
The community hall portion of this project was intended to provide a recreation area, a place for community meetings, movies, dances, and sports.