EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, it was used today and a long time ago, and people would give them a certain kind of food to make sure that they get back to being healthy.
Sometimes people get asked whether we are eating the right kind of food because sometimes there is no right kind of food anymore.
So we have to believe in that. It has been our tradition for many years.
The individual who was sick would feel better. If you eat the same kind of food all the time, there has to be variety.
I would like to ask my colleagues, through you, Mr. Speaker, for unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
I thank my hon. colleagues. (interpretation) I thank you for letting me complete my statement.
Probably not every day, but once in a while, and I don’t think I’m the only one, I ate something from yesterday and it didn’t seem right. Say, for instance, if a person is in a boarding home… .
During question period later on, I will be asking the minister of the boarding homes about the food that they eat.
Member’s Statement 328 – 3(3): Family Violence and Sexual Abuse: Time to Stop the Silence (Aupaluktuq)
I rise today to speak about the issues of family violence and sexual abuse.
Mr. Speaker, earlier this year, Statistics Canada released a report concerning criminal victimization in Canada’s three territories.
Mr. Speaker, this report makes for shocking reading. According to Statistics Canada, just over one-third of residents aged 15 years and over reported being victimized at least once in the previous 12 months. Close to one-half of all self-reported incidents were violent.
Mr. Speaker, although the issues of family violence and sexual abuse are incredibly sensitive, I believe that we will not make any progress unless we stop being silent about them.
Mr. Speaker, I have been asked by many of my constituents to make it clear that family violence and sexual abuse is completely unacceptable.
My constituents expect their government to make real progress towards implementing strategies that will reduce violence in our communities.
Mr. Speaker, family violence and sexual abuse cannot be allowed to remain hidden issues.
In the same way that we have made progress as a society towards a more open dialogue about suicide and suicide prevention, we must confront violence and abuse in an open and honest manner.
Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the government on this issue at the appropriate time.
Member’s Statement 329 – 3(3): Finding Solutions, Finding Space (Rumbolt)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my frustration at the government’s lack of progress in finding a solution to the overcrowded conditions at the Sanikiluaq Health Centre.
Mr. Speaker, I have addressed the lack of GN office space in the community of Sanikiluaq many times over the past four years. I have raised the issue in this House. I have brought it to the attention of the ministers.
I have approached GN staff directly and held private meetings to put forward suggestions and propose possible solutions.
Mr. Speaker, I recognize that the government issued a request for proposals for office space and got no response. However, it appears that no further efforts have been made whatsoever. It seems they simply stopped trying.
Mr. Speaker, when the Sanikiluaq Health Centre was first built, the population of the community was around 500 people. Today, it is closer to 900 residents.
The health centre does not have the space within its walls to accommodate the health centre staff, the social worker, the mental health worker, and the home care workers. When outside specialists or doctors visit the community, the staff offices become patient rooms and closets become offices.
Mr. Speaker, this situation cannot continue.
Mr. Speaker, the occasion is long overdue for this government to hold some round-table discussions on what solutions can be found to address this situation.
Government officials need to seek out community input and ideas, ask for suggestions, and make a real effort towards finding solutions to this ongoing and growing concern.
Mr. Speaker, I have raised this issue many times.
I sincerely hope that this time, the government is listening.
Member’s Statement 330 – 3(3): The Lack of Essential Social Services (Tapardjuk)
I would like to say “good afternoon” to my constituents in Igloolik and Hall Beach.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the lack of adequate resources and services to assist and support Nunavummiut in dealing with overwhelming social problems.
Mr. Speaker, according to the Department of Health and Social Services, there are social workers assigned to every community.
However, it is not clear that the individuals in these positions are available to assist residents with counselling and support.
In too many cases, the energies and efforts of our community social workers appear to be focused solely on child protection.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to suggest that if more resources and supports were directed towards assisting Nunavummiut in addressing family violence issues, substance abuse problems, and mental health issues, such as depression, anger, and suicidal tendencies, then the focus on child protection would very likely be relieved.
Mr. Speaker, I am growing more and more concerned that without the appropriate counselling services… .
Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my colleagues.
I really want to finish my statement.
Mr. Speaker, I am growing more and more concerned that without the appropriate counselling services and support mechanisms, parents and families will begin to act out in response.
I fear for the social workers in these situations which can easily become volatile.
Mr. Speaker, the government has often spoken of the need to incorporate Inuit societal values and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit into its daily operations and policies.
If ever there was an area which needs to take cultural roles and values into consideration, it is in the way we handle the care of our children.
Mr. Speaker, the mechanism of child apprehension or even the immediate removal of a woman and her children from a difficult situation is not our culture’s way of resolving family difficulties.
There needs to be ongoing counselling and discussion instead of such immediate and drastic action.
The way of addressing a problem often determines its outcome. The current policies may be provoking an unhealthy response.
Mr. Speaker, I call upon the government to ensure that community social workers are able and willing to provide essential services, such as counselling and support to community residents.
At the appropriate time, I will have questions for the minister on this issue.
Member’s Statement 331 – 3(3): Congratulations to Pangnirtung’s Long-Serving Volunteer Firefighters (Oshutapik)
Mr. Oshutapik (interpretation): Good afternoon.
Mr. Speaker, I thank you for giving me the opportunity to make my statement.
I wish to extend a good afternoon wish to my constituents and my relatives who I have left behind in Pangnirtung.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, (interpretation) this has been talked about by the minister already, but I rise today to congratulate a number of long-serving volunteer firefighters in Pangnirtung, which was talked about by Minister Kusugak.
I would like to congratulate the longstanding services that were provided by the volunteer firefighters in Pangnirtung. Members, please join me to congratulate those volunteer firefighters.
Volunteer firefighters put themselves at risk and it’s important that we recognize their courage.
They have been doing volunteer work for quite some time, but I will talk about these individuals and congratulate them. They are:
Tim Dialla, for 47 years of service;
David Uniukshagak, for 29 years of service;
Norman Nowyook, for 27 years of service;
Jonah Akulukjuk, for 24 years of service;
Robert Dialla, for 23 years of service; and
Larry Dialla, for 20 years of service.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, (interpretation) please join me in paying tribute to Pangnirtung’s long-serving volunteer firefighters.
Member’s Statement 332 – 3(3): Nunavut Tourism AGM Delegates (Ell)
I rise today to speak about Nunavut Tourism.
I say “good afternoon” to the people of Iqaluit West.
They will be meeting again from November 13 to 15 here in Iqaluit. (interpretation ends) Approximately 30 members from all three regions of Nunavut will be in attendance.
Mr. Speaker, during the AGM, the Canadian Tourism Human Resources Council will be conducting a training seminar for the attendees.
Established in 1993, the Canadian Tourism Human Resources Council provides professionalism in the Canadian tourism sector.
Skills training, upgrading, and certification are all core components of the council’s mission.
Mr. Speaker, the council has created its own emerit tourism training brand, which is the most comprehensive industry developed training available anywhere in the world.
All emerit products and programs are based on industry-defined standards and are recognized across Canada.
Available for a wide range of occupations and experience levels, emerit products include occupational-specific training, either online or in the wordbooks, as well as human resources and business tools for employees and businesses.
I know the Canadian Tourism Human Resources Council will teach many useful skills to the Nunavut Tourism AGM participants, but also that the CTHRC members will, in turn, learn many things from Nunavummiut they will meet during the AGM during their stay here in Iqaluit.
Have a great AGM, Nunavut Tourism delegates and enjoy Iqaluit. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 333 – 3(3): Strengthening the Public Service (Enook)
I would like to say “good afternoon” to the residents of Pond Inlet and Nunavut.
I will try to read my statement in English.
I rise today to add my voice to those who are calling for strong action to address concerns about the management of our public service.
Mr. Speaker, it is critical that our constituents have confidence in the fairness of the government’s recruitment and hiring process.
As the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Tununiq, I am concerned when I hear many constituents tell me that they do not have that confidence.
Mr. Speaker, nepotism in the government’s public service recruitment process is utterly and absolutely unacceptable.
Mr. Enook: Yesterday, my colleague from Pangnirtung asked clear questions about how the government ensures that managers are not involved in hiring decisions involving their own relatives.
Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, I did not hear a clear answer.
I call on the government to ensure that this very basic aspect of fairness be rigorously enforced in every department and Crown agency.
Mr. Speaker, it is essential that our constituents have confidence in the government’s commitment to Article 23 and its enforcement of the Priority Hiring Policy.
Yesterday, my colleague from Pangnirtung asked clear questions about how Nunavummiut can formally raise concerns in circumstances where they believe that the government’s procedures have not been followed.
Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, I did not hear clear answers to this question either.
I call on the government to ensure that the process is clearly communicated to all employees in every department and Crown agency.
Mr. Speaker, I have used my time today to raise two significant concerns. I will continue to pursue these issues with the government on behalf of my constituents and I will be asking questions at the appropriate time.
Member’s Statement 334 – 3(3): Congratulating Nanulik’s 2012 Graduates (Ningeongan)
I rise today to congratulate the high school graduates of 2012 from the communities of Coral Harbour and Chesterfield Inlet in my constituency of Nanulik.
Mr. Speaker, there were 11 graduates from Coral Harbour’s Sakku School and they are:
Kerri Ningeocheak;
Delilah Netser;
Donna Saimout;
Mavis Ell;
Maaki Nakoolak;
Naiomi Emiktowt;
Bernard Angootealuk;
Samson Gibbons;
Joey Angootealuk; and
Jupie Angootealuk.
There were six graduates from Chesterfield Inlet’s Victor Sammurtok School and they are:
Abraham Kadluk;
Jordin Ippiak;
Thor Ittinuar;
Scott Sammurtok-Walters;
Darrin Tanuyak; and
Savanna Issaluk.
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud of these young graduates. They are examples and role models for all the youth in my constituency. I wish them success in their future.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 2012 Nanulik high school graduates on their achievements.
Member’s Statement 335 – 3(3): Correspondence from Young Constituents (Curley)
I say “good afternoon” to the residents of Rankin Inlet, as well as the general public listening in to the session throughout Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share with you the concerns of our youth and the type of assistance they would like to receive.
In order to make this understandable, I would like to read the contents of the letter I received from a young person in grade 10 in Rankin Inlet.
(interpretation ends) Dear Tagak Curley,
I live in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. I have lived here since I was three years old. I’m now 16 years old.
I’m writing this letter to you because I believe Rankin needs a teen centre.
The teens in Rankin don’t have a lot to do other than sports. Kids are breaking into buildings and vandalizing them.
There is a lot of under-aged drinking in Rankin Inlet.
That’s a big problem because our brains are still developing and if the under-aged drinking continues, our brain cells will die and we won’t be the smartest.
I don’t think you will be able to change the under-aged drinking right away, agreed, but a place for teens to go to and hang out will help decrease the amount of people drinking.
The teen centre would be a place for people to go to at reasonable hours when they don’t have a place to go to hang out, to have some fun.
At this centre, there would be or could be counsellors for people to speak and talk to when they need someone to talk about anything.
With the teen centre, the teens will be getting into less trouble.
There could be a number of events, including teen dances that could be supervised.
Mr. Speaker, I share the concerns and I will be asking for a reply on behalf of my constituent for that will form a reply to the young person.
There are some people sitting immediately behind me and I believe they will be recognized. However, there is a Hall Beach resident from my constituency, Eric Tungilik. Welcome to the Gallery.
Although there are many visitors, you are the only one I recognize. I would like my colleagues to welcome him to the Gallery, Mr. Speaker.
As Minister of Nunavut Arctic College, I am very proud and pleased to recognize and introduce the 2012-13 Foundation Year Program students in Nunavut Arctic College who are currently taking a course in politics in Nunavut.
It’s very fitting that they’re here today.
I would like to recognize Amy Kalluk from Iqaluit, Eric Tungilik from Hall Beach, Kyla McConnell from Iqaluit, Margaret Mike from Iqaluit, Rita Kunilusie from Pangnirtung, Natasha Curley from Qikiqtarjuaq, Ooloota Kilabuk from Iqaluit, Nuka Fennel from Iqaluit, and Faith Ningeongan from Coral Harbour.
Also with them is their instructor, Saa Pitsiulak from Iqaluit, I believe.
So welcome to you all and hope that you being at the sitting today helps you in your studies.
I also wish to welcome the students who are visiting in the Gallery, particularly this individual who partook in the Youth Parliament several years ago. This program is still ongoing.
This person acted in the role of the Speaker for the Youth Parliament, my daughter Rita Kunilusie.
Welcome to the Gallery, Ms. Former Speaker.
I would like everyone to also welcome my daughter Faith.
Question 442 – 3(3): Inuit Traditional Food for Medical Travellers (Ningark)
I also would like to welcome the students to the Gallery.
Earlier on in my Member’s Statement, I was talking about the health issues when people are ailing and our bodies are no longer normal. The stomach feels this symptom. Alternatively, if we had medication, such as through an IV, then the stomach will notice that medication.
If you’ve had surgery, then your stomach also notices that. This is part of our Inuit traditional knowledge.
When something is wrong with your body, the person has to eat food that the body is most familiar with.
I want to direct my question to the minister, but if I am mistaken, please correct me, Mr. Speaker. Perhaps it should be directed to the Minister of Health and Social Services. This is with respect to the boarding homes that the government contracts for medical purposes.
My question is with respect to the food service program.
Is the type of menu that patients are to eat monitored by the department? The menu, I imagine, varies from day to day. So that is my first question to the minister.
If I understand Mr. Ningark’s question correctly, the boarding homes are under contract through the Department of Health and as such, the contractor would provide the food to the individuals.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Minister Peterson.
Mr. Ningark (interpretation): Thank you. My first supplementary question… . Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Since the government is responsible, I would like to know what kind of food they will be serving under the food service menu. Do you agree with the contractors as to what kind of menu they will be serving daily to the patients?
Mr. Speaker, when we contract the contractors who operate the boarding homes, we do ask them to serve nutritious foods to our patients.
I also would like to thank the hon. minister for his response.
Perhaps, do you monitor or have a close watch to make sure that the agreement is being abided by? I know that they’re serving nutritious food. Inuit diet is different from that of the patients.
Do you monitor to make sure that the contractors are serving to Canada’s Food Guide?
I appreciate the member’s concerns for the patients at the boarding home and the escorts.
Mr. Speaker, being the Department of Health, we would ensure that the contractors serve nutritious foods. I know that most of the boarding homes also endeavour to serve country food to their guests when available.
I would like to thank the hon. minister.
If there was a complaint coming from my constituency, where would they direct their complaint to under your department?
I thank Mr. Ningark.
Mr. Speaker, obviously, the first level would be to the boarding home. If they have a problem with the food, if there’s a particular issue with a meal, bring it up with the boarding home executive director.
If that doesn’t work, as we discussed the other day, we are developing and revising a patient travel complaints process. Until such time that occurs, there is a territorial patient complaints program in place where they can call individuals. I don’t have the details, but there are a couple of individuals they can talk to or if they get back to their community, their health centre, I’m sure the travel coordinators in each region would be pleased to take the concern and move it to an appropriate level.
As I noticed in the last 11 months as the Minister of Health, there are MLAs and ministers emailing me constantly.
I get complaints and I redirect them to our officials and they will follow up as expeditiously as they can.
Question 443 – 3(3): Status of the Ilagiitsiarniq Family Violence Prevention Strategy (Aupaluktuq)
I would like to direct my questions to the Minister of Health and Social Services, the Hon. Keith Peterson.
Mr. Speaker, according its current business plan, the Department of Health and Social Services should have been well underway in implementing the Ilagiitsiarniq Family Violence Prevention Strategy.
In March of this year, the minister indicated to my colleague from Nattilik that he had sent the draft action plan back to the drawing board.
In June of this year, the minister stated that he would be bringing the revised strategy to cabinet for review and approval. It is now the end of October.
Can the minister update the House today on the current status of the Ilagiitsiarniq Family Prevention Strategy?
I thank Mr. Aupaluktuq for the question and I’ll be blunt with Mr. Aupaluktuq.
As I told my colleague from the Kitikmeot in March and June, I have reviewed the 100 pages of what I call research documentation. It was supposed to be an action plan; I didn’t think it was an action plan. I was not satisfied.
I’m not prepared to put a strategy or action plan out there that can’t be backed up with action.
That’s what we need in this territory, action on violence, not another document that’s going to sit on the shelf gathering dust.
I appreciate the response from the hon. minister.
I’m sure a lot of our constituents will be eagerly awaiting what this government will be doing about this strategy.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that a strategy document as important and critical as one intended to curb family violence and abuse be a good quality product that can be understood and used.
Can the minister clarify what elements of the draft strategy required changes and can he describe how the latest version is an improvement?
Mr. Speaker, as I said earlier, I want a document that actually will generate results. I looked at the document I received.
I have asked the officials, when they bring it back to me, “Is this the best you can do?” And they keep telling me, “No, it’s not.” I have asked them to do better.
As I said, individuals, folks in the communities in this territory need an action plan that will accomplish what we are striving to accomplish.
I don’t believe in this territory that we’re going to eliminate family violence, as all of us around this Legislative Assembly House know. Family violence has been with us for a long time. There are many factors; there’s booze, there’s intergenerational trauma, you can name it.
Having a strategy and action plan is not going to solve our problems; it will help coordinate efforts of different groups and agencies. There’s the Government of Canada, Government of Nunavut, there are regional Inuit associations, and there are the hamlet councils, wellness groups and committees. Just because the government doesn’t have an action plan and a strategy, it doesn’t mean the people out there can’t be working at it now.
Family violence starts at home.
We’ve got to take steps on our own at the community level to start addressing these issues. If the people out there are listening in, look to yourselves first and then seek help.
Mr. Aupaluktuq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank my colleague for addressing that as well, that it starts at home, but it also starts as a governing body.
We have to initiate and implement these strategies, and I think it’s a start, and what Nunavut would like to move forward with is building a foundation in creating a stepping stone on which we can move forward.
Mr. Speaker, one year ago, the amount of $177,000 was transferred from the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs to the Department of Health and Social Services for the purpose of completing the Family Violence Prevention Strategy.
Can the minister provide an update on how much has been spent towards completing the strategy to date and can he clarify how much more funding will be necessary to finally complete it?
When I first started as a cabinet minister or shortly after, I became the Minister of Justice. There was a strategy or action plan called the Family Abuse Intervention Act, which the government of the Second Assembly hastily rolled out and funded.
There was an evaluation about a year later where the evaluation team hit the government hard and basically said that it wasn’t working.
I had been the Minister of the Department of Justice at the time. I realized that there were problems.
I went around myself and talked to people, the legal aid people, the RCMP, and hamlets and found out it was a well-intended document, but there had been a lack of consultations and there were no real measurable deliverables.
I don’t know how it’s working to this date, but certainly as a minister, I strived to get it working.
I know my colleague, Minister Shewchuk, is continuing that effort.
This government is cognizant of the fact that we just can’t roll out strategies and action plans and expect things to change overnight. When I became the Minister of Health, I reviewed the document. I was not satisfied.