EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Fishing and harvesting remain an essential way of life for Inuit across Nunavut. Besides being a source of income, fishing and harvesting also yield a healthy food source for Nunavut’s households.
I am pleased that the Nunavut Development Corporation is working to enable community fisheries across Nunavut, and I congratulate our residents who participate in these activities. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister’s Statement 227 – 4(3): Uqalimaariuqsarniq Inuktut Reading Program (Quassa)
I would like to update my colleagues on the work being done by my department around literacy.
My department has introduced a balanced literacy initiative that addresses the need to improve literacy outcomes for students in all our official languages.
As part of this literacy initiative, my department created Uqalimaariuqsarniq, a reading program that aligns with our Inuktitut language arts curriculum and is based on best practices for literacy instruction.
The books in Uqalimaariuqsarniq are based on a text gradient system that identifies progressive skills that students need to master as they move from beginning reader to highly proficient reader.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to tell my colleagues that since we developed this program in early 2015, over 200 levelled books have been created in Inuktitut.
These books feature northern themes and imagery and are engaging and interesting for students.
We have also published teacher resources to support instruction in this program.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, we could not do this work alone. The support we have received through Culture and Heritage’s Inuit Language Implementation Fund has allowed us to accelerate our production schedule.
The Department of Health is creating levelled books on topics such as nutrition, addiction, physical activity, and emotional wellness. The Department of Family Services is creating levelled books that will help students learn about career options.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, with the support of our partners, we expect to have an additional 100 new Inuktitut book titles available to schools and libraries by the end of this fiscal year.
Mr. Speaker, later this year we will begin to adapt Uqalimaariuqsarniq to include books in Inuinnaqtun.
Having fully proficient, bilingual graduates depends on quality teaching and learning materials in every classroom, in every language.
We are confident that these resources will support students and teachers as they work together to improve literacy outcomes.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation) I have no more names on my list.
Member’s Statement 407 – 4(3): National Sealing Day (Mike)
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you and good afternoon, fellow residents of my community and Nunavummiut.
I rise today due to my passionate nature, especially when any discussions about animals occur, where animals will be affected, or if the land and hunting areas will be impacted.
It touches me physically, mentally, as well as right in my soul.
In putting these issues together, many Inuit are very protective and passionate when it comes to sealing.
This issue is the reason why I stand today here in this House because back when the first sealing ban took place, Inuit were the victims of that anti-sealing campaign.
When Inuit felt the repercussions, we were just practising our traditional sealing culture to support our own livelihoods from the by-products of animals we caught.
Every part of the animal was used.
This practice hasn’t changed to date. This cultural practice is alive and well.
The real reason why I speak to this issue is that jurisdictions outside of Nunavut, within Canada, as well as outside of Canada are now realizing our position that sealing is not endangering the seals, and as Inuit we notice they now understand.
Due to that reason, I want to remember past seal hunters, many of whom have passed on, but they were the ones who felt the repercussions.
Men like my father-in-law was one of them, so was my late father, my brother-in-law, and my cousin were amongst those whose lives were devastated when the anti-sealing campaign decimated prices which had allowed Inuit to practise their traditional hunting culture, and they were the ones most impacted.
Indeed, this issue is very dear to me and obviously many Inuit also feel the same both here in Nunavut and outside.
I am very pleased to state that in Ottawa, for the first time as I read the gazette looking for sealing issues, I read a day to celebrate sealing is being contemplated.
The Parliament in Ottawa has begun the initiative, with the details listed in there.
Perhaps this is the reason why Senator Céline Hervieux-Payette has resigned, as that initiative started with her and the MP for Newfoundland and Labrador, Liberal MP Scott Simms then reinitiated the designation of this day. I fully support that as it is part of sealing.
With the prospect of a designated day for sealing, I have expectations that it can be legislated to be a national day in Canada to show sealing is still relevant.
This is because many citizens in Canada still depend on sealing and it is their livelihood.
They can clothe themselves and feed from the harvested seal and you can make all sorts of good meals. Seal meat is very filling and healthy.
I am ecstatic that it looks like May 20 may be designated as the day of sealing.
I also wish to thank Yvonne Jones, who is the MP for Labrador and an Inuk.
Just like us up here, she grew up in the same type of sealing environment.
I grew up observing my father, uncle, brother-in-law, mother, aunt and sisters, along with my father-in-law working on sealskins, either skinning or preparing the skin.
As a culture, they were just practising their traditions, but in those days we were called primitive butchers by the animal rights activists. They even said we were murdering these animals.
Due to this reason, I tend to stand to voice my position publicly in this House.
Today Inuit culture hasn’t changed a bit, even from that day where the animal rights activists tried to destroy our livelihoods to this day and age.
Inuit culture hasn’t changed one iota, but the outside world is slowly starting to understand our case.
Due to that reason, even the nations across the ocean have a designated day for marine mammals on May 20, and past representatives for Nunavut have been very dedicated in protecting.
An example from recent memory is when our MP was in Washington and he wore a sealskin tie, similar to what I am wearing today but slightly different.
This is a very important matter for many Inuit.
I also wish to thank the person who asked me to speak about this issue.
Due to this reason, we still face opposition amongst our own national partisan groups in Ottawa.
Some Liberal MPs, some NDP MPs, and Green Party leader Elizabeth May continue to oppose sealing.
Their stance was soundly criticized via a Facebook page.
Mr. Speaker, this issue is personally dear to me, my body, my mind, and my soul as sealing is still in our blood, as my ancestors depended on seals to survive, and I will be encouraging my descendants to continue this traditional practice.
Member’s Statement 408 – 4(3): US Presidential Election (Okalik)
I rise today with this tie embodying a female as today is very important down in the American homelands.
The female candidate, from what I understand, will win today and I am anticipating her election, so I can stand with pride. I will anxiously watch the events tonight and I will want to cheer and clap when the election is over.
I am not just standing for this reason only, to show my appreciation but also for my children.
I have wonderfully bright daughters and I am very proud of them as they will rise above my capacities as they already exhibit quick minds.
Further, my granddaughter will be the most skilled, obvious to me as she has no fear and wants to do everything and shows natural skills.
We should always encourage our girls as they are very capable and wise.
Even as males, we have to recognize that many traditional jobs are easy for this generation now, and we should always voice our pride whenever we can.
Member’s Statement 409 – 4(3): Success at 2016 Badminton Territorial Tournament (Rumbolt)
Good afternoon to the people of Nunavut and the people of Sanikiluaq, and my grandson Jayden.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Sanikiluaq badminton players on another fine performance in their sport.
Mr. Speaker, the 2016 badminton territorials were held here in Iqaluit this past weekend.
Players from a number of different communities participated and the level of competition was high.
The Sanikiluaq players rose to the challenge.
In the boys’ singles event for under 16s, Mike Kavik won gold and Davidee Kudluarok won silver.
In the girls’ singles event for under 16s, Lucy Jo Appaqaq won silver.
In the boys’ singles event for under 19s, the Sanikiluaq boys swept the podium with Daryle Iqaluk winning gold, Sappa Cookie the silver, and Jaani Audla the bronze.
In the doubles event, Mike Kavik and Jobie Arragutainaq took the gold for the under 16 boys while Daryle Iqaluk and Davidee Kudluarok got gold in the under 19s and Sappa Cookie and Jaani Audla got silver.
Mr. Speaker, with all these victories it should come as no surprise that the Sanikiluaq team took home the 2016 badminton territorials banner.
I would like to thank the chaperones Ippak Iqaluk and Taylor Cowan for supporting our youth.
Mr. Speaker, it is always very good to see opportunities for our youth to travel and compete against each other in these sporting events.
I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating all the badminton players for their participation in the 2016 territorials.
Members’ Statements. Member for Rankin Inlet and Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Tom Sammurtok.
Member’s Statement 410 – 4(3): Congratulations to Former Commissioner of Nunavut Peter Irniq (Sammurtok, T)
Mr. Tom Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I am very pleased to rise today in order to congratulate former Commissioner of Nunavut Peter Irniq.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform the House that former Commissioner Irniq was honoured this past weekend by the University of Manitoba with a Honourary Degree of Doctor of Canon Law.
As you know, Mr. Speaker, Peter Irniq is a tireless advocate of the Inuit language and culture.
Following his retirement from public office, Peter Irniq has devoted himself to working as an elder advisor to Inuit offenders in southern correctional facilities.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in congratulating Peter on a well-earned honour.
Mr. Speaker, as today is the final day of our fall sitting, I would like to close by wishing you and all of my colleagues a very merry Christmas.
As we prepare to return to our constituencies, I look forward to spending time with residents in both Chesterfield Inlet and Rankin Inlet in the weeks ahead.
Member’s Statement 411 – 4(3): In Appreciation of Meadowbank (Mikkungwak)
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my appreciation for the employment opportunities that Agnico Eagle has provided to residents of Baker Lake and Nunavummiut through its Meadowbank mine.
Mr. Speaker, I have heard great things from a number of residents in Baker Lake, who tell me that the mining company makes an effort to provide employees with the opportunity to progress in its workforce.
Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that administrators who work at the Meadowbank mine site in Baker Lake encourage all employees to try out new and exciting careers in the mining sector.
For example, many employees have had the opportunity to test the heavy equipment simulator, and some of these employees have taken the initiative to explore career opportunities in heavy equipment operation.
Mr. Speaker, from what I have heard, this company provides new and exciting training opportunities for the residents of Nunavut.
Residents also have the opportunity to participate in a company that facilitates upward mobility, to expand their careers and explore new experiences.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the individuals whose hard work and commitment to the community has made this company a successful part of Baker Lake and Nunavut.
They have inspired strength and success in our residents and our community, and I look forward to hearing more about the achievements of Qamani’tuarmiut who choose to work with the Meadowbank mine.
Member’s Statement 412 – 4(3): Proper Whale Hunting in Arctic Bay (Shooyook)
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day to Nunavummiut who are watching the proceedings and my colleagues.
I rise today due to my feelings of pride.
With this being the last day I am taking this opportunity to express my gratification of my fellow residents.
Mr. Speaker, what I am proud to speak of today about my fellow residents relates to narwhal hunters.
We hunted narwhal without quotas before 1970 and after 1970 a quota system was introduced and we then hunted limited numbers of narwhals in our community.
When we first hunted under the quota system, confusion reigned as hunters tried to harvest narwhal first and unsafe practices were used as a result.
We tend to revere our elders as they are very capable due to having overcome dangerous or unsafe events in their lives.
I concur with that.
Mr. Speaker, as a result in the last five years and a bit longer, due to the continuous advice from the elders to the younger generations, they noted the practicality of the advice.
I have always followed the hunters.
In the last few years they were hunting in a manner that was not panicky and I am very proud of the narwhal hunters today.
Everyone is calm and composed, as they harvest the narwhal with the proper methods and without competition.
We should encourage our youth to always practise safe hunting methods or in any activity.
Today young people can afford big-ticket items, such as skidoos. My adopted son purchased a vehicle just from the proceeds of the tusks he harvested.
The tusks are very important to our community and it would benefit the smaller communities if the prices remain high.
I take pride in young people who can purchase big items by selling the tusks, although they don’t have jobs.
Members’ Statements. Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak, Ms. Monica Ell-Kanayuk.
Member’s Statement 413 – 4(3): Congratulations to Ellen Hamilton (Ell-Kanayuk)
Good afternoon, residents of Iqaluit-Manirajak, Iqalummiut, and Nunavummiut.
Today I rise to extend congratulations to a constituent who was just identified as being one of the recipients of the Order of Nunavut.
I want to congratulate Ms. Ellen Hamilton, who lives in my constituency.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I’m really looking forward to the winter sitting and I am looking forward to the investiture of the order that Ms. Ellen Hamilton of Iqaluit will be getting.
She is an artist, a director, a producer, and founder of the Qaggiavuut Society.
The society’s work on the Qaqqiq project, “Nurturing the Arctic Performing Arts,” was recently recognized as one of 2015 laureates of the Artic Inspiration Prize, which I was proud to have attended last year.
Ms. Hamilton is also a recipient of the Canadian Child Care Federation’s Award of Excellence.
I really congratulate Ellen Hamilton on the Order of Nunavut.
I wish everyone a safe trip home.
Member for Rankin Inlet South, Mr. Alexander Sammurtok. (interpretation ends) No?
Member’s Statement 414 – 4(3): Congratulations to Louie Kamookak (Akoak)
I, too, rise today to be proud of one of my constituents that were named to the Order of Nunavut, Mr. Louie Kamookak.
Like our colleague elder, he’s always pushing for Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
This is how Louie got them to find the ships: oral history.
Without that I don’t think they would be able to find the ships today.
I would like to congratulate Mr. Louie Kamookak for being named one of the members of the Order of Nunavut.
Member’s Statement 415 – 4(3): Congratulations to Red Pedersen (Taptuna)
Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) Good afternoon, my colleagues, people of Nunavut and Kugluktuk.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Red Pedersen of Kugluktuk, who has been a resident there for half a century plus.
Mr. Pedersen is an entrepreneur. He served in the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories from 1983 to 1991.
During his tenure Mr. Pedersen held a number of positions, including Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and a member of the Executive Council.
Mr. Pedersen also served as the Mayor of Kugluktuk. He is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee [Medal].
I congratulate him and thank you to Kuglukturmiut.
Member’s Statement 416 – 4(3): Kenojuak Ashevak Centre (Joanasie)
Good afternoon wishes to my colleagues, residents of Kimmirut and Cape Dorset, as well as the listening audience.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my pride in the Cape Dorset Kenojuak Art Centre proposal that will house local artists.
The reason for my statement is that construction of the building has started. Cape Dorset is renowned for its artistic capabilities in print and stone works.
Cape Dorset arts are well-known throughout the world.
The building currently under construction will serve as a gallery, art exhibition space, and print shop, including an area for tourists.
This project is a source of pride for the people of Cape Dorset and Nunavummiut.
I expect that this facility will be completed in the next few years. If any members visit Cape Dorset, you will be able to go to the building.
Further, I wanted to say that with this being our last day of the fall sitting, I hope my colleagues will enjoy their time at home and have a safe trip home.
Enjoy the holidays in December and we will see each other at our upcoming winter sitting.
Member’s Statement 417 – 4(3): Qikiqtarjuaq Participants at the 2016 Badminton Territorial Tournament (Keyootak)
I rise today to congratulate athletes from my constituency who participated in a tournament last weekend.
They didn’t win any medals, but I would like to appreciate the young people who participated from my community. They are:
Seemee Pitseolak,
Alana Keyootak,
Adam Jonah Nookiguak,
Elias Alookie,
Tom Kooneeliusie, and
Adrian Nutaralak.
I would like to appreciate them and I want my colleagues to join me in congratulating them.
Member’s Statement 418 – 4(3): 2016 High School Graduates of Rankin Inlet (Sammurtok, A)
This summer on August 28, Rankin Inlet celebrated their students.
*See Appendix for full text of Return to Oral Question 361 – 4(3).
There were 31 students who graduated from grade 12.
I would like to thank the (interpretation ends) Minister of Education, Paul Quassa. (interpretation) He came from Whale Cove. He was a bit late in attending, but I wanted to thank him for his attendance.
I wish my fellow residents a merry Christmas. I also wish my colleagues a safe trip home and a merry Christmas.
Return to Oral Question 361 – 4(3): Nunavut Tourism Training Course (Clerk)
I am tabling the Return to Oral Question 361 – 4(3) that was taken as notice.
Member for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, Pat Angnakak.
I would like to recognize my constituent, Emily Illnik, for her attendance. Welcome.
There are people that I would like to recognize. They’re not sitting in here but behind the window there.
They’re Inuinnaqtun translators.
They’re there to help out the community in Inuinnaqtun.
The last week I was told that a person from Cambridge Bay said, “I could see my cousin standing up and talking,” talking about me, and then he said, “But I could hear my brother talking instead sitting behind the window there.”
I would like to recognize Gwen Angulalik, James Panioyak, and Allen Makhagak for all their help and services in the House.
I would like to recognize an individual in the House. If you look at him, you will probably recognize him.
He has participated in arctic sports many times representing Nunavut.
He’s a young person originally from my community, but he now lives in Cambridge Bay.
I would like to welcome Ipellie Ootoova.
>>Applause Speaker (interpretation): Welcome to the gallery.
I, too, would like to welcome Ipellie Ootoova. He’s a constituent of mine in Cambridge Bay; he made the decision to go west.
Although they don’t reside within my constituency, they are fellow residents of Iqaluit and furthermore, one of them is my paternal cousin who was just recognized, Emily Illnik. Welcome to the House, along with Julia Demcheson.
It feels like a nice week today.
Like this past week I have a relative in attendance.
My niece is here and I have to acknowledge her, so I would like her welcomed heartily, although she was just recognized, Julia Demcheson.
Question 559 – 4(3): Services for Children in Care outside Nunavut (Angnakak)
Mr. Speaker, a number of my colleagues have raised concerns regarding Nunavut residents who are placed in care in outside jurisdictions.
The most recently tabled annual report of the director of child and family services stated that 57 children and youth were receiving care out of territory.
With the closing of the children’s group home here in Iqaluit, that number is certainly much higher now.
Can the minister provide an update on how the Department of Family Services monitors and oversees the services and care being provided to Nunavut children and youth who are receiving care outside of the territory?
With regard to children requiring care outside of Nunavut, it would depend on the different care needed.
Now, when specialized care isn’t available in Nunavut, either the level or specialized care isn’t available here, it goes through social services.
Clients with physical or mental limitations or who require unique mental health care generally have to be sent outside of Nunavut to receive care.
Further, this government has a plan for the future where clients would be repatriated when a facility or specialized care is available for them. This is included in the future plans of the government.
An Hon. Member: Try it again.
Ms. Angnakak: Kiujaunngittiarama, as Joe Enook would say.
I finally understand the question. Yes, I will have to get back to the member on her question.
Speaker: Have you taken this as notice?
Member Simeon Mikkungwak.
Question 560 – 4(3): Telecommunications (Mikkungwak)
(interpretation ends) During our fall sitting we have been focusing our attention on the government’s capital estimates and the need for modern infrastructure in our communities, such as airport terminal buildings, marine facilities, and schools.
My questions today concern the importance of modern telecommunications in the north.
As the minister will be aware, his department appeared before the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission in April of this year on the occasion of CRTC’s public hearings into basic telecommunications services in Canada.
In its formal submission to CRTC, the Government of Nunavut called on the federal regulator to, and I quote, “establish a new fund to support infrastructure in isolated, satellite-dependent areas.”
Can the minister indicate when CRTC is anticipated to issue its findings and decisions concerning these hearings?
CRTC is an independent organization and they have not rendered their decisions on the presentation that CGS staff put.
The presentation that was put was for basic service objectives where there could be put in place a minimum amount of Internet service that would have to be provided just like how the phone service is regulated within Nunavut. Our presentation was to see if Internet could be part of a regulated service too.
As I stated, no decision has been made by CRTC yet.
A few weeks ago another satellite outage hit the north and disrupted telecommunications services.
Mr. Speaker, there has been a lot of discussion in recent years about fibre optic.
Can the minister indicate what work has been undertaken by the government to determine the feasibility and affordability of fibre?
My department is working with different organizations on the feasibility of running fibre from different entry points into Nunavut.
For the eastern side here we are working with the Nunavut government and the Newfoundland and Labrador government.
The feasibility is actually being done right now.