EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
289 – 1(6): Pangnirtung Session, Meetings, and Events (Ng) 1864
290 – 1(6): Hockey Game in Iqaluit (Picco) 1865
291 – 1(6): Re-supply of Gas Contract (McLean) 1866
292 – 1(6): Concern for Elders of Nunavut (Arvaluk) 1867
Return to Oral Question 247 – 1(6): Distribution of Paxcil in Nunavut (Picco) 1868
286 – 1(6): Cost of Pangnirtung Session (Tootoo) 1871
287 – 1(6): Shipping Fuel Cost (McLean) 1872
288 – 1(6): Update on the Municipal Finance Review (Alakannuark) 1874
289 – 1(6): Female Incarceration Facility (Williams) 1875
290 – 1(6): Cost of Incarceration in Various Facilities (Nutarak) 1877
291 – (6): Funding Programs (Iqaqrialu) 1878
292 – 1(6): Awarding of Contract and Cost Savings (Arvaluk) 1880
293 – 1(6): Statistics on Inmate Outpost Camps (Havioyak) 1882
294 – 1(6): In-patient Detoxification Facility in Kivalliq (McLean) 1883
295 – 1(6): Status of Program Review (Tootoo) 1884
296 – 1(6): Feasibility Study of Coastline in Qikiqtarjuaq (Iqaqrialu) 1886
297 – 1(6): Status of Inuit Employment Statistics (Havioyak) 1886
298 – 1(6): Consideration Dry Cargo Rates – Fuel Contract (Tootoo) 1887
Committee Review of Bills
006 – 1(6): Bill 19 – Budget Measures Implementation Act (Tootoo) 1890
058 – 1(6): Elders and Youth Facility (Anawak) 1890
059 – 1(6): Letter to Minister Thompson Re: Long Term Care Facility Required in Rankin (Arvaluk) 1890
060 – 1(6): Incremental Costs to the GN for the Legislative Assembly Session Held in Pangnirtung 2002 (Ng) 1891
061 – 1(6): Victims Assistance Annual Report 2000-2002 (Okalik) 1891
062 – 1(6): Annual Report of the Languages Commissioner of Nunavut Apri1, 2001 to March 31, 2002 (Speaker) 1891
013 – 1(6): Extended Adjournment (McLean) 1891
Bill 23 – An Act to Amend the Cities, Towns and Villages Act – Notice 1892
Bill 24 – An Act to Amend the Hamlets Act – Notice 1892
Bill 22 – An Act to Amend the Securities Act – Second Reading 1892
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk, Mr. Ovide Alakannuark, Hon. Jack Anawak, Mr. James Arvaluk, Mr. Donald Havioyak, Mr. David Iqaqrialu, Mr. Enoki Irqittuq, Honourable Peter Kattuk, Hon. Peter Kilabuk, Mr. Glenn McLean, Mr. Jobie Nutarak, Honourable Kelvin Ng, Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Honourable Paul Okalik, Honourable Ed Picco, Mr. Uriash Puqiqnak, Hon. Manitok Thompson, Mr. Hunter Tootoo, Ms. Rebekah Williams.
Speaker: Good afternoon. Ullukkut.
Minister’s Statement 090 – 1(6): 2002 CLEY Archaeology Season
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth is responsible for the protection of Nunavut’s culture and heritage.
One of the ways it ensures that Nunavut’s heritage is protected is by conducting archaeological work throughout the territory.
This past summer, the department was involved in a number of important initiatives with respect to archaeological research and site protection.
Under the direction of the Chief Archaeologist, the department conducted archaeological investigations in Igloolik, Pangnirtung, and in Qikiqtarjuaq.
In Igloolik, excavations were conducted over a two week period at a site that dates from the most ancient period of human occupation in Nunavut.
Based on the results of radiocarbon testing the Igloolik site excavated this summer appears to have been inhabited about four thousand five hundred years ago.
That’s very good to hear.
In Qikiqtarjuaq, a burial site near the former whaling station at Kivitoo was inspected, followed by surveys conducted in Durban Harbour area. In Inuktitut it is called Qanirksuq.
I should have looked at it further to see whether it has a name in Inuktitut.
In Pangnirtung, the department responded to a complaint from the community that quarrying activity had damaged an archaeological site.
As a result of its investigation the department had work at that quarry temporarily suspended until such time as protective measures could be in place.
This cooperation between the Hamlet and the department means that the community is now able to use the quarry without further damaging the site.
Mr. Speaker, these are examples of work that was made possible as a result of the department’s recently established archaeology program.
The creation of this program demonstrates Nunavut’s commitment to meet its responsibilities for the management of our archaeological resources and also to working with communities on heritage issues in a cooperative fashion.
In each of these projects the work proceeded as a result of consultation with and assistance provided by communities.
I would like to acknowledge the efforts of these communities to protect and promote Nunavut’s archaeological heritage.
The department is currently planning new archaeological research to be conducted in 2003 and beyond, and looks forward to many opportunities for future collaboration with the communities that we serve in the protection of Nunavut’s irreplaceable heritage resources.
Minister’s Statement 091 – 1(6): Math and Science Awards Program Update
Mr. Speaker, one of the key challenges we face in building a strong sustainable economy in Nunavut is the need for Inuit scientists who can blend Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit with formal education.
In April of this year my department introduced the High School Math and Science Awards Program.
The program is intended to encourage and motivate high school students to pursue interests and careers in math, science and technology.
The program recognizes exceptional performance by students in math and science with a cash award for Grade 8, 10 and 12 students.
(interpretation ends) Eligible students are well rounded individuals who perform exceptionally in math and science.
They demonstrate some or all of the following attributes:
A good level of understanding in science and math,
Good work habits and school attendance,
A genuine interest, motivation and dedication to learning math and science, and
Significant growth or improvement in math and science.
(interpretation) For the 2001-2002 school year, a total of 66 students received awards.
I would like to congratulate those students on their hard work and dedication to our future.
(interpretation ends) As I told Canada’s Mines Ministers last year in Quebec City, “It is my hope that ten years from now many of the young scientists and engineers in Canada will be Nunavummiut.”
My confidence in the ability of our youth to meet that challenge continues to grow.
(interpretation) I would also like to thank Minister Kilabuk for the assistance he provided to my officials from the Department of Education and Regional School Services for their input in the development of the program, and to the teachers and principals for identifying the recipients.
Minister’s Statement 092 – 1(6): Elders and Youth Facility Study
Hon. Jack Anawak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth has conducted a study to assess the physical facilities devoted to elders and youth activities in communities throughout Nunavut.
The purpose of the study was to gauge the existing facilities and determine whether there is a need for new construction or renovation of existing space in each community.
These facilities are important because they support the sharing of life experiences and knowledge between youth and elders.
The research revealed that young people and the elders were generally concerned with the loss of Inuit culture, and cited the need to develop programs and facilities where both groups can interact through games, crafts, storytelling, and music.
While not every community has a designated elders or youth facility, most are able to provide common meeting space and recreational programming.
This study will provide us with the background to develop programs to meet the needs of communities.
The Standing Committee recently requested this information; therefore later today I will be tabling a summary of findings.
The complete extensive report is available from the department in all official languages, and Members may contact my staff for copies.
If not, then we will move on to Item 3.
Member’s Statement 285 – 1(6): Cost of Incarceration
Mr. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.. I would like to make a brief Member’s Statement about people going to court and people in the correctional facilities from different communities.
Some of them go to southern institutions or to Yellowknife and the Baffin Correctional Centre.
Other people are taken care of by the people from Nunavut.
I will want to find out how much it costs to provide correctional facilities for those individuals that are incarcerated in various communities such as Yellowknife, Iqaluit or in southern institutions. I just want to let the Minister of Justice know that I will be asking these questions later on this afternoon.
Member’s Statement 286 – 1(6): Funding for Organizations on IQ Projects
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.. I rise today to talk about people that work in Nunavut and the development that occurs here in Nunavut.
People with their own businesses and various organizations that are here in Nunavut are not getting enough assistance from the Nunavut Government.
Those individuals try to assist the people of Nunavut but are not provided any funding by the Government of Nunavut; people such as the filmmakers in Igloolik who filmed Atanarjuat, as well as the elders trying to provide Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit to the people of Nunavut.
There are a lot of those people in Nunavut that are in this situation.
As the Government of Nunavut, I think we should be providing them with better assistance through funding.
The Government of Nunavut should be more sensitive to those people that are trying to promote their language and culture and they should provide more funding for various organizations as well.
They have to try and provide some assistance to those organizations.
I believe that if we are going to promote Nunavut, we have to be able to try to make organizations and businesses stronger for the benefit of Nunavummiut by providing them with funding.
If we provide them with adequate funding, then we will be visible as the people of Nunavummiut to the rest of Canada.
Member’s Statement 287 – 1(6): Delivery of School Programs
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak out on a situation that affects the delivery of school programs in Kugluktuk, and I am sure that it must be the case in other communities as well.
Last year, the Minister of Education answered my questions about funding for school programs by stating that a fixed amount of funding is allocated to District Education Authorities for their schools.
Mr. Speaker, I understand that the Government funding is limited and I understand that the Department in this case needs to fix limits so that it does not go into a deficit position.
Mr. Speaker, I am filled with the feeling that the quality of education is put into a deficit position as a result of the lack of funding.
Our schools may have funding for Special Needs Programs, Language Programs, or Library Programs but we also need staff in place in order to be able to properly deliver those programs.
For example, we need Special Needs Counsellors in our schools.
We need Language Specialists who can help our youth learn to speak and use their Native Tongue.
We need people working in our Libraries.
Those positions should be funded, filled and maintained on an ongoing basis.
Unfortunately, there is never enough funding to do this.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to encourage the Ministers of this Government to put their heads together and think of new ways to meet the needs of Nunavummiut even though there are limited funds.
I strongly urge this Government to look into creative solutions to fund our schooling needs.
Member’s Statement 288 – 1(6): Funding for Hamlets
Mr. Speaker, in May of 2002, the Nunavut Association of Municipalities had a meeting in Ottawa and they talked about extremely important issues that affect the Hamlets in the Nunavut communities and their operating budgets.
There are a lot of communities that are not adequately funded.
It is time that we deal with it and look at how we can generate revenues for the Hamlets in order to supplement the monies that they do receive.
There are a lot of Nunavut communities that have decrepit buildings.
I think that they are operated in a totally different system.
I will be directing those questions to the Minister of Finance at the appropriate time.
Member’s Statement 289 – 1(6): Pangnirtung Session, Meetings, and Events
Mr. Speaker, on Nov. 1st, we concluded our Session in Pangnirtung.
During our sitting there we carried out our normal business; Supplementary Appropriations and a new Elections Act were passed.
Our committees held special hearings on the Education Act and a Special Committee on Languages carried out their hearings.
In addition, we had the opportunity to watch the swearing-in of our new Deputy Commissioner, Lena Metuq.
There were numerous community events held, a feast, a dance, Halloween contests, the launch of an old photograph collection, a tour of a fishing trawler, and other meetings and events such as the formal signing of the FNT/GN Collective Agreement.
Most importantly Mr. Speaker, there was considerable access and the opportunity for Pangnirtung residents, particularly students, to see their Legislative Assembly in action. This opportunity is almost non-existent for residents outside of Iqaluit where the legislative assembly is based.
That same evening Mr. Speaker, CBC North Beat and Igalaaq both aired a broadcast on the Pangnirtung session, and the theme of the Northbeat broadcast was that not all Pangnirtung residents were supportive of holding the session there.
On the North Beat broadcast one individual was interviewed expressing his opposition to the session.
On the Igalaaq broadcast, there were two individuals interviewed and I’m told that both of them were also critical of holding out of town sessions.
It was clear that both broadcasts were reporting the extra costs, better things to spend money on, etc.
It was also clear to me, Mr. Speaker that the interviews were being held outside the bank of Montreal here in Iqaluit, not in Pangnirtung as the lead of the story suggested. The individuals may have been Pangnirtung residents for all I know, Mr. Speaker, but I don’t know that.
Mr. Speaker, we all know that there are pros and cons; supporters and opponents to the issue of out of town sessions, all of us as Members of the Legislative Assembly have had an opportunity to have many of those same discussions on the value and the cost of holding out of town sessions.
We all recognize, and I would say so do all Nunavummiut, we recognize that there are incremental costs and there are also incremental benefits associated with these out of town sessions.
Our caucus consciously made a decision to hold out of town sessions and maximize our exposure to individuals and organizations and communities, knowing there is a price in terms of incremental costs to do so.
The CBC chose to interview and broadcast the views of individuals opposed to out of town sessions.
I believe that CBC as a non-political public news reporting agency has a responsibility to report both sides of every story. In the broadcast on the Pangnirtung session it appears to me that they failed to do so.
Could they not have found any residents to speak to the benefit or the significance of holding our session in Pangnirtung?
I believe that they could have easily done so.
I know that in talking to a dozen residents while I was there, there was no doubt that our presence was supported and appreciated.
Mr. Speaker, the CBC North Beat reporter closed off her broadcast saying that with an election looming it was not likely the Nunavut Legislature would sit outside of the capital again.
Mr. Speaker, I’m on record for supporting out of town sessions and I will continue to do so.
And, Mr. Speaker, I look forward to future caucus discussions of when and where to hold our next out of town sessions.
Member’s Statement 290 – 1(6): Hockey Game in Iqaluit
Mr. Speaker, in February, CBC TV may be hosting Hockey Night in Canada here in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, the preliminary plan is to have Don Cherry and Ron McLean here in Iqaluit for a hockey broadcast across Canada.
Mr. Speaker, Don Cherry would have been excited, he would have been ecstatic, amazed at the talent displayed by the members of this House.
Mr. Speaker, with David Iqaqrialu in net and the power forward with the Montreal Canadians sweater on, Mr. Premier Paul Okalik, Members of the Legislative Assembly put on a display of speed, skill, determination and aggressiveness rivalled only by the Philadelphia Flyers of the 1970’s.
Mr. Speaker, I have to point this out however that the Iqaluit ladies' hockey team prevailed with finesse and speed.
At one point, Mr. Speaker an extra 50 dollars, 50 dollars Mr. Speaker, was raised when Jessie Mike and Nadia Phelvetare took up the challenge, Mr. Speaker, took up a tremendous challenge, and were the first players to knock me off my skates and send me crashing to the ice.
Mr. Speaker, I just cut a cheque for the ladies' hockey team and gave them the 50 dollars.
No tip.
Mr. Speaker, Ron McLean, and Don Cherry were not present at the game; however, many Iqaluit residents were and turned out to watch the game.
Several hundred dollars were raised for the Iqaluit ladies hockey team, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the members and the staff who participated and a special thank you to the Iqaluit Ladies Hockey Team for the invitation to play and for being such good sports.
Member’s Statement 291 – 1(6): Re-supply of Gas Contract
Mr. McLean: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to speak on an issue that is causing increasing concern in the Kivalliq region. We no doubt knew about the issue back in ’95 and ‘96 when you spearheaded the issue in the Kivalliq against big business.
We’re talking about the re-supply of the fuel contract in the Kivalliq.
Just last week the Minister responsible for Public Works and Services announced the awarding of the contract for delivery of petroleum products for the Baffin and Kivalliq communities.
At that time the Minister announced that the new contract will result in significant savings for the government.
Mr. Speaker, the word “savings” is usually a good one.
It convinces all of us, including me.
It implies that things will not cost more, they will cost less, and presumably the consumer will save more money.
Mr. Speaker, I am concerned that not all consumers have been considered in this supposed cost saving measure.
In past years, NTCL had the fuel transportation contract for all three regions.
In the western regions especially, the fact that the barge carrying the fuel would also transport the dry goods allowed the company to offer consumers, such as retailers, construction companies, as well as private homeowners good rates on their dry goods that they get once a year and need once a year.
Under the new contract, the transportation of fuel and the transportation of dry goods will be separate.
This may save the government money in fuel transportation costs, but Mr. Speaker, is it going to cost the consumer at the end of the line even more in Baker Lake?
Because this means that every construction contract is going to cost more as the transportation of material for construction costs more.
This means that homeowners will need to take on a bigger mortgage to build their own home.
And every household will face increased costs for supplies.
Mr. Speaker, I’m concerned that the savings the Minister spoke of are short term and short sighted.
I am afraid that there are costs that have not been factored into the consideration in awarding this contract.
I am deeply concerned that those costs will be transferred to the people of the Kivalliq region and Baker Lake.
Mr. Speaker, we cannot afford these kinds of savings and this afternoon Mr. Speaker, I will ask some questions to the Minister to guarantee my constituency and all the people of the Kivalliq that their dry cargo rates will not increase as a result of the awarding of this contract.
Member’s Statements 292 – 1(6): Concern for Elders of Nunavut
Mr. Speaker, I would like to make a comment on the elders of Nunavut today.
When we first started on April 1, 1999, the government had a goal and a vision to make sure that the elders are respected and well taken care of.
And because of that, we set up a new department, called the Department of Culture, Language, Elders, and Youth.
That was the main purpose of this government department.
What we have been hearing lately is that the elders are not being well taken care of and are not sure whether they have been represented at all. The government is part and parcel of that.
We are not keeping an eye on our elders through the health care and home care of the elders in providing these services. We are now getting letters and one of them is a letter that I received which I will table under Tabling of Documents and I will also ask questions on this issue tomorrow.
We are all concerned about the elders, about the people who need home care and who can’t take care of themselves.
And there were also some comments about the elder’s homes, not enough elder’s homes, or facilities provided throughout Nunavut.
It’s time that as some actually stated in April 01st, 1999, we respect and take care of our elders. I think it’s time that we apply this within the government programs and services. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Return to Oral Question 247 – 1(6): Distribution of Paxcil in Nunavut
Hon. Ed. Picco: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.. Mr. Speaker, I have a return to an oral question.
As you recall Mr. McLean on November 19th, 2002 asked about distribution of Paxcil in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, Paxcil is one of several kinds of anti-depression medications prescribed by physicians in Canada to relieve depression.
Mr. Speaker, doctors in Nunavut prescribe Paxcil.
It is however, not routinely stocked in health centres.
Mr. Speaker, the information on Paxcil shows that there is minimal risk if any to the fetus and newborn. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Hon. Ed. Picco: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure today to introduce in the Gallery, on behalf of Nunavut Power, Assistant Operators in the Qikiqtaaluk Area of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, the Assistant Operators can only work 10 to 40 hours a week, depending on the size of their community.
And once I say their names I would ask that the person stand up.
Mr. Speaker, Mr. David Nakasuk from Pangnirtung.
Steve Weedmark from Cape Dorset.
Kevin Killiktee from Pond Inlet
Jason Akeeagok from Igloolik.
Mr. Speaker, the next guy is an old hockey buddy of mine.
He used to play hockey with me in Hall Beach.
A good friend of mine Mr. Vincent Malakie from Hall Beach.
Louisa Kunilusi from Qikiqtarjuaq
Cameron Bobinski from Kimmirut
Sam Issuqangittuk from Arctic Bay. I don’t think Sam is here; nope.
Sally Palaster from Clyde River
Robert Cheese from Grise Fiord
Charlie Cookie from Sanikiluaq
And also the Operation Supervisor for Qikiqtarjuaq, Mr. Chris Cousins
And the Operations Superintendent from Qikiqtarjuaq, Garth Smith.
I’d like to recognize my new Constituency Assistant from Rankin Inlet - Lynn Rudd.
Also Leah Inutiq my Executive Secretary.
It is not too often that I recognize visitors in the gallery but I would like to recognize one of my constituents. First of all I would like to say back in 1960’s we used to go to school in Kujjuarapik and we would be gone for a long time.
Back in 1970, he went for a holiday to Sanikiluaq and up to now he’s never gone back to Kujjuarapik, so he’s still on holidays. Back in the 1970’s in Sanikiluaq Charlie Cookie was recognized already.
When we were going to school in Kujjuarapik, a lot of times the schools did not want us to have long hair, so he used to cut our hair for us. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
It is not often that I too recognize my constituents because I’m from the high arctic. Robert Cheeth, who is from Grise Fiord and works at the Hamlet and he’s very capable - from Grise Fiord.
I also would like to recognize Kevin Killikti from Pond Inlet, even though he was already recognized, I know another person from Grise Fiord, Robert.
During our life we hold different positions, we have different jobs, and he used to work with the Rangers in Yellowknife.