EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
For those who were not in support, perhaps they have given me more ammunition for my re-election platform.
I felt all the support that I received when the tragedy occurred in Rankin Inlet.
I thank my supporters, along with the residents of Rankin Inlet and those people who came and called.
This advice was passed along, not to let what happened bother me too much and that I move forward to the next phase of my life.
Yes, I will attempt to do my best to work hard as I have not fallen far and I will also raise questions during question period.
Member’s Statement 414 – 1(6): Community Hunters and Trappers Budget
First of all, I would like to share in the celebrations of a birthday person in my family and wish her a happy birthday.
A little background here, my mom had a brother in Arviat and we only found out the family connection recently and my cousin is having a birthday, so I wish her a happy birthday.
I would like to acknowledge the community Hunters and Trappers Organizations and the hard work and dedication they have to their communities.
I would also like to mention the budgets that are provided to them.
HTOs have an eight or nine person board and they also have a manager and they have a lot of operating expenditures.
The term HTO has been changed to reflect the Canadian Government’s wishes.
These organizations take on a very large role in the management of wildlife and participate in studies being done on wildlife.
However, it is hard to believe, that when I looked into this matter their budget for the whole year to operate, for power, utilities, board members, all together was $180,000, including the salary for the manager.
That, I think is comparable to one of the senior positions in government salaries and that came as a shock to me.
I just wanted to let the Members know about this.
Member’s Statement 415 – 1(6): Community Recognition in Pangnirtung
This past Saturday on March 8 in the evening in Pangnirtung, there was a community gathering in the community center to recognize 54 residents of Pangnirtung whether they were long-term or short-term residents. They were recognized for their dedication to the community.
So, I would like to extend my congratulations and let them know how proud I am for their hard work.
They received a certificate and a pin for their recognition.
There are too many to name, but I would like to point out a few of the areas they were recognized for.
People who put in countless hours, who volunteered time to help people who are sick in the community and who work hard to ensure the Inuit culture is passed on, the recreation committees, the youth committees in the community and long service awards for staff.
I would like to mention, Mr. Speaker, Seemee Angmalik has been the fuel truck delivery driver in Pangnirtung for many years and it didn’t matter whether the contract was given to other companies, he has always been there and stayed for 30 years as the fuel truck driver.
He has worked though summer and winter.
I would like to recognize him for that, and because he is a Montreal Canadians fan.
Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to acknowledge the residents of Pangnirtung and the 54 people who were recognized.
Member’s Statement 416 – 1(6): Photo Exhibition
Mr. Speaker, Kerry McKluskey has gone and done it again.
Kerry, last Saturday, opened the second annual Femme Fatale featuring 24 female photographers representing the communities of Iqaluit, Cambridge Bay, Yellowknife, Hay River and Fort Simpson.
Mr. Speaker, the exhibit coincided with International Women’s Day last Saturday and I had an opportunity to be there at the opening.
The photographs on display feature our home here in Nunavut, Asia, India, people, and penguins and yes, Mr. Speaker, even ravens.
Mr. Speaker, several Iqaluit businesses including Iqaluit Enterprises, the Grind and Brew and Nunavut Consulting contributed refreshments during the opening and I want to take this opportunity to thank Kerry for a job well done.
I invite all Members and the public to view the photos on display at the museum until March 24.
Member’s Statement 417 – 1(6): Lack of Staff for Library Programs
I rise today to express my great disappointment on the lack of progress in the Department of Education in addressing the critical and crucial needs for increased staffing at Iqaluit’s public library.
I can tell you right now that this is one area that I’ll be giving careful attention to as we go through the Department of Education’s budget.
Libraries play a crucial role in addressing some of our most critical economic and social issues.
Libraries not only provide access to resources such as books, computers and the internet, they are also an institution that is devoted to promoting literacy. Literacy is the foundation for education, training and employment.
Literacy has implications for jobs, parenting, health, crime prevention, community development and social inclusion.
What we invest in literacy today will pay off in society as a whole tomorrow.
Members will recall that I raised this issue last November, November 29th to be exact, in this House.
At that time, 9 out of the 12 special programs that were being delivered at the Iqaluit Public Library were discontinued due to lack of staffing.
Some time after I drew the Minister’s attention to this matter, a meeting was held between the department officials, library staff and the women’s shelter, one of the groups that had lost its library program.
It was an emotional meeting as library programs such as this are vital to family empowerment, literacy and life skills and the loss was greatly felt.
At that time, department officials committed to assisting the shelter in obtaining funding to continue their program.
While this does not address the other programs that have also been cut, it seemed to offer hope.
But that hope was short lived.
Nothing has happened since that commitment was made.
The number of patrons at the Iqaluit Centennial Library has increased by 2 to 4 thousand patrons per year over the last four years.
In 2002, close to 3000 others received special program services.
That was an increase of over 700 from the previous year.
A majority of that special programming can no longer continue.
In fact, even regular programming has been affected.
The lack of staff has resulted in limits on the number of youth that can be in the library at any one time.
I would like to ask for unanimous consensus to conclude my statement.
Mr. Tootoo: Thank you, colleagues.
A number of incidents including fires, broken windows and assault have led the fire marshal to place restrictions on when the library can remain open for the safety of staff and patrons alike.
One staff person cannot handle this all alone.
When the current librarian was hired, I believe in October two years ago, they were promised a full time assistant.
That position has never materialized.
Another commitment never fulfilled.
The high school students who are hired to help out part-time are even offering to cut school to help out due to vacancy and their desperate needs.
It is shameful that in a territory’s capital which is growing bigger every day, we do not see adequate staffing for services of this type.
I can assure you that I will be addressing this issue when we deliberate the Department’s budget in the next few days.
And at the appropriate time, I will be asking the Minister a question on these issues.
Member’s Statement 418 – 1(6): Hunters and Trappers to Increase Quotas
Mr. Speaker, we know that country foods such as seal, fish, caribou and muskox, etc., are healthy food sources.
They are good for the body and blood.
Country food helps maintain good protection against all kinds of sickness.
Mr. Speaker, many people across Nunavut enjoy eating country food, especially the elders.
Mr. Speaker, the Kugaaruk Hunters and Trappers Organization are requesting an increase in their muskox quota in Zone 17.
Is the Minister of Renewable Resources aware of this request?
The other zone is too far and it takes a lot of gasoline to travel by snow machine.
The HTO wants an increase in closer zones.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time today, I will be asking the Honourable Minister about this matter.
Member’s Statement 419 – 1(6): Issue of Health Care Funding
Mr. Speaker, I would like to address the issue of healthcare funding for Nunavut and the North.
Mr. Speaker, it is no secret that I and other Members of this Assembly have been hammering the Government on the issue of healthcare since day number one of this Legislative Assembly.
In fact, Mr. Speaker, the first oral question ever asked in this House was on the issue of healthcare.
Mr. Speaker, it is also no secret that Nunavut has always been short-changed by Ottawa when it comes to vital healthcare dollars.
We have been speaking out for years on the need to get a fair deal for Nunavut, one that recognizes our unique circumstances and needs.
Mr. Speaker, when the Romanow Report was released last year, I asked questions of our Minister of Health and Social Services on the document.
I want to get a commitment that we would push hard as a Government to get a fair deal from Ottawa.
Mr. Speaker, I was very pleased to see our Premier along with his colleagues from the NWT and Yukon working as a team last month in standing up for the North.
Mr. Speaker, I know that the devil is in the details, but it looks to me like we have made a good start on such issues as reforming the per capita funding straight jacket that simply does not work.
Mr. Speaker, the key here was team work, three leaders working as a team together in pursuit of a common goal.
Member’s Statement 420 – 1(6): Upcoming Conference in Rankin Inlet
Hon. Manitok Thompson (interpretation): What was I going to say?
There is going to be an economic development conference in Rankin Inlet and I would like to welcome the people who will be attending that conference in Rankin Inlet and it is going to be a major event.
The Department of Sustainable Development and Nunavut Tunngavik has arranged this conference and I would like to thank them for the hard work in arranging this conference.
And Mr. Speaker, we are awaiting the outcome of the conference because we need to start working on economic development in Nunavut.
Maybe we’ll be able to determine what we need to do for economic development in Nunavut.
I am glad that there will be a conference in Rankin Inlet.
There will also be a hockey tournament this weekend in Rankin Inlet with youth coming in from all over.
I would like to recognize a person sitting over there.
Stevie Mapsalaaq who is from Repulse Bay.
I would like to recognize him for the support he has provided to me over the years.
I would like to thank you for giving me a chance to recognize Peter Krittertiluk.
I’ve know him for a long time now since I was a child.
He is now a mayor today and I would like to welcome him.
I had a chance to meet with him this morning and I would like to work with him again in the future.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Premier, for stealing my thunder.
I’d also like to recognize a good friend of mine, and our new elected mayor.
Peter, welcome to the Chamber.
I would like to recognize him as well.
Peter Krittertiluk.
I’ve know him for a long time and I would like to welcome him to the legislature.
And also I would like to recognize someone who is not in the House at this time.
Jordin Nattinai from Clyde River.
I think he is a better hockey player than Jordin Tootoo and he’s going to be going to attend the hockey competition in Rankin Inlet.
I hope you are watching closely Jordin Nattinai.
Question 408 – 1(6): Income Support Policy-Appeals Committees
My question is directed to the Minister of Education and Income Support.
In all the communities there are social assistance recipients and at times there are individuals who feel that they are not getting the support that they need from Social Services because of the personality conflicts with the workers.
I would like to know how the income support program policy works. Is there an appeals committee?
If there are some people who feel that they have a grievance about income support, there is an Appeal Committee that they can go to.
They sit on the Appeal Committee for more than one year.
And I apologize to my colleague that I do not know where the Appeal Members are at this stage.
I do not have any immediate answers at the present time.
Mr. Nutarak (interpretation): He said that he does not have the information.
When can he present me with the information?
I will look into this immediately and provide you with the proposed committee members and check on it today.
Mr. Nutarak (interpretation): I would like to know which committees, Appeal Committees and whether they have names of those Committee Members and I would like to get information on who sits on these Appeal Committees in the communities.
We had requested the names for the Appeal Committees and we have been able to review these and I will let my colleague know when I have the information.
Question 409 – 1(6): Update on Income Support Payments
Mr. Speaker, we are closing in on the fourth anniversary as a Government and at times it has been fun and other times it has been stormy and I, for one, am happy to be here.
Over the last four years I have asked the Minister of Finance to update or ask for review on Income Support payments to people who are on social assistance for review of the cost of living.
Does the Minister have an answer for this yet?
Mr. Speaker, I must be getting older, my memory is not what it used to be.
I cannot remember the Member’s question specifically on that issue and it is not my area of responsibility and income support lies with the Department of Education.
Certainly, I know the Minister is aware of that issue.
There was a review of the whole Income Support Program.
I do not have the specifics; I could not speak to this specifically.
I am sure the Minister will be able to do that particularly this afternoon, given that it is more than likely that the Education Budget will be up for review.
Question 410 – 1(6): Correspondence with Parks Canada Regarding Problem Polar Bears
In regards to my Member’s Statement, I would like to direct my question to the Minister of the Department of Sustainable Development.
The park in Qikiqtarjuaq has experienced problems with nuisance bears and they don’t have the manpower to protect the people of the community.
I would like to ask the Minister if he will be working with Parks Canada or will meet with the Minister of Parks Canada to determine whether they can help with the bear problems that we have in Qikiqtarjuaq.
Yes, I would like to work with them closely on how we can improve the management of polar bears in his riding.
Thank you for agreeing with me and I believe you’ll be working closely with the Federal Government.
When do you plan to meet with them?
I’ll work on this issue and I’ll submit a written document to answer his question.
I can give you a letter at this time if you want a copy of it.
Perhaps he can let us know as soon as possible on what the outcome is when he meets with the Federal Government because we do have too many bears at this time and it is an emergency situation.
Yes, I don’t know how fast we, with the Federal Government can come up with a solution to the problem but I will let you know as soon as I meet with them.
Question 411 – 1(6): Final Agreement to Move 13 Positions to Baker Lake
There are a lot of people out there who do not clearly understand what we dealt with a few days ago.
I know that the people of Rankin Inlet have not clearly understood the process that we just went through and the question that I have to the Premier is that we are dealing with the decentralization of 13 positions to Baker Lake from Rankin Inlet.
I have stated that I was against that decentralization.
My question to the Minister is, after we talked about it, even though it was an agreement in principle, I opposed the move or decentralization after that.
My question is when did Cabinet make an agreement that the 13 positions will be moved to Rankin Inlet from Petroleum Products?
When decentralization first started, that was part of the work of the cabinet.
We agreed that these positions were moving from Rankin Inlet to Baker Lake and we made agreements then and we recommended the decentralization of those positions.
We have continued to provide direction in this matter, but we have not completed the decentralization process in the three years that we have been Members of this House.
We did not finalize the decisions to decentralize the positions that were to be moved to Baker Lake as a Cabinet.
We continued providing direction from within Cabinet, but that was the agreement in principle at the Cabinet level.
We never agreed on the details of the particular positions decentralized to Baker Lake.
I heard that they made an agreement in principle at the Cabinet level, but that the details were yet to be determined.
I do not understand, so my question is, when did the details get agreed to?
We all knew that I was removed from Cabinet for that purpose and the Premier said that there was an agreement in place, and that this was confidence that was broken.
If those details were not agreed to at that time, and the Premier stated that this was the reason for my removal from the Cabinet, that I had broken the agreement that had been reached in Cabinet, did the Premier already decide beforehand that those positions were to be moved to Baker Lake without an agreement being in place?
When did the Cabinet agree to move those positions to Baker Lake?
Who made this decision?
Speaker: Under the rules of the House, under item 2 (m), it states a Member may not seek information about matters which relate to private or secret discussions or proceedings of Cabinet.
So I would ask you to rephrase your question and keep this rule in mind.
Mr. Anawak: Mr. Speaker, this is hardly a private matter anymore, its public out there.
All I'm trying to ask is when was the final decision made because that was the discussion all along.
When was the final decision made to move those 13 positions to Baker Lake?
We are walking a fine line here, but I believe the Premier or any Minister has the option to answer the question, refuse to answer or take it as notice.
We have to work collectively as a Cabinet and whatever we decide in the Cabinet level, we cannot reveal to the public.
This is a matter of Cabinet solidarity.
Sometimes even though we are not all in agreement as a Cabinet we have to support the decision to decentralize positions to Baker Lake.
We just had an agreement in principle and we had not had a final agreement on the details.
But, the Cabinet had agreed to it at that level and it was expected to be a solidarity position amongst the Cabinet.
Mr. Anawak (interpretation): I’m not quite clear on this and I'm hoping it could be made clearer to me.
The decision was that after they made an agreement to move those positions, I was ousted from Cabinet and now the Premier is saying that they did reach or make a final agreement.
Is it that he made a mistake in announcing the 13 positions were going to be moved to Baker Lake?
He later wrote a letter to the mayor of Rankin Inlet, Lorne Kusugak, that there would be 5 positions remaining in Rankin Inlet.
The people out there, the public in Rankin Inlet have to understand that they were not very happy about the positions being moved.
But I guess the Cabinet has not really made a final agreement and I did not get to know it.
I’m not really sure what the Premier is saying, what the Premier is saying now that they have not made a final agreement.
Can you please clarify this?
What we wanted to find out was, we had to look at the decision of the Cabinet.
The 13 positions that we are talking about, to be moved to Baker Lake, we didn’t really state that from the beginning as to which department they would be coming in from.
So what we found out at the end was how many were to remain in Rankin Inlet.
So, I wrote a letter to the mayor of Rankin Inlet after we looked at it and found out how many were to remain in Rankin Inlet.
But I’m still not quite clear on the agreement that Cabinet reached as to how many positions are supposed to be moved to Baker Lake afterwards.
The Premier is saying now, again, to the people of Rankin Inlet, that the 5 would remain in Rankin Inlet.
How can he decide that without meeting collectively with the Cabinet?
There are Members of Cabinet, but did he make the decision himself?
He’s saying that the Cabinet had already agreed and that is the reason why I did not like the decision but now he’s saying it has already been finalized but at the same time he is saying that 5 positions will remain in Rankin Inlet.
This has to be understood by the people of Rankin Inlet.
Were the people misled by the Premier?
I try to work with people who want to work with me and the mayor of Rankin Inlet wanted to meet with me and I will work closely with the mayor.
We have stated that we would seek out the best routes do this.
What we have been doing is seeking positions for those people not moving to Baker Lake.
What we’re doing is trying to finalize the move and I’m trying my best to work with the mayor and people of Rankin Inlet and then we will get back as a Cabinet.
Question 412 – 1(6): Adequate Staffing to Keep Programs Open at the Library
My question today is, I could direct it to the Minister responsible for Education.
The Minister is aware, I am sure, the Iqaluit Library, the library in the territory’s capital is the only library in Nunavut that falls directly under the government instead of through a contribution agreement.
I would like to ask the Minister if he could describe to this House, what kind of steps have been taken to ensure that adequate staffing is being provided for at the Iqaluit Centennial Library?
At the present time, we have one staff at the library in Iqaluit.
We have four part-time staff and there are also some volunteers who work throughout the week.
Last year, from October 2001 to 2002, in 2001, there were 1,329 and because there were in 2002, there was an increase to 1,667.
The staff are able to help out anyone and at the end when we got the computers, there have been more people going to that library.
Because of the increase in people traffic, we have had the problems in the past.
The Agvik Society and the department have been working together to resolve the problems that we had previously.
As I had indicated in my Members’ Statement earlier, the Minister alluded in his response that the women from the Women’s Shelter would no longer have access to the library because of cuts to programs that cannot be delivered due to lack of staff there.
And I believe in February, the Minister’s staff met with the people from the library, I think there were members from the Library Board there and women from the Women’s Shelter and they made a commitment at that time to work with them to secure funding so that we could continue to have this programming provided for them.
I would like to ask the Minister if he could inform us what his officials have done since then, since making that commitment to work with this group to obtain funding so they could have the program at the library?
I will start out by trying to clarify it to the Members of this House that the group still has access to the library.
What has happened is the independent time and attention that the librarian and the part-time staff were able to give them is gone.
Before the increased usage, this is what led to the problem and the Board needed to try to find solutions to those problems.
Our commitment is to try to help the Boards, the special groups, to have them continue the special usage, and ensure the programs are still ongoing, Mr. Speaker.
The Minister is indicating that this group still has access to the library if he can indicate to the proper time that is open to the public.
I think that these people are in a shelter because it is a safe environment and they cannot go to the library during public hours because of the potential of not being a safe environment for them.
That is what I think is what the group is looking for, just to clarify that for the Minister.
I’d like to ask him if he can describe to the House, what meetings he may have had with his counterparts, the Minister of Sustainable Development to address some of the supervision issues.