EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
The department’s title, Culture, Language, Elders and Youth is there but we also have the Women’s Council and other things in there.
I would like to also thank every one.
I know that there’s support from the members.
I would also like to thank Leona and David and yourself again for being able to conclude with this department and also to bring it forward and finish it early ahead of schedule.
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you, minister I hope you have a good time when you’re attending the Nunavut Sivuniksavut graduation.
I’m sure I would like to thank your officials for coming here.
What is the wish of the committee at this point?
We would like to report progress.
It’s not debatable.
There’s a motion to report progress.
Tomorrow, Wednesday May 8th, meeting of the Special Committee on the Review of the Official Languages Act at half past ten in the Nanuk Boardroom.
Orders of the Day for Wednesday, May 8th, 2002.
The House stands adjourned until Wednesday, May 8 at 1.30.
Before we conclude we have an invitation for any members that wish to come to breakfast tomorrow morning at the Husky Lounge at the Frobisher Inn.
Former Premier Don Morin will be there, Mr. Todd and the Speaker from the Northwest Territories Tony Whitford.
The invitation is open to all members for 8.30 tomorrow morning at the Frobisher Inn, the Husky Lounge.
>>House adjourned at 7.13 p.m.  Nunavut Canada
Wednesday May 8, 2002
Pages 516 - 602
Opening Prayer 516
Point of Privilege 516
Ministers’ Statements 518
Members’ Statements 520
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 526
Oral Questions 529
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 548
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 549
Report of Committee of the Whole 601
Orders of the Day 601
Wednesday May 8, 2002 516
028 – 1(6): Report of Independent Panel on Access Criteria (Akesuk) 518
029 – 1(6): Long Term Service Awards – Kivalliq (Kilabuk) 519
030 – 1(6): Nunavut Mission to Rural Forum 2002 (Anawak) 519
104 – 1(6): Regulations and Justice Systems to Reflect Culture and Traditions (Iqaqrialu) 520
105 – 1(6): Anglican Diocese Meeting (Puqiqnak) 521
106 – 1(6): Meetings Held Throughout Quttiktuq (Williams) 522
107 – 1(6): Nunavut Mission in Brandon (Anawak) 523
108 – 1(6): Open to Communication from Constituency (Irqittuq) 523
109 – 1(6): Royal Bank Donation During AWG – Makkutuvik (Picco) 524
110 – 1(6): Public Service Alliance Meeting in Iqaluit (Tootoo) 525
111 – 1(6): Fishing Derby in Rankin Inlet (Thompson) 525
124 – 1(6): Difference Between Consolidated and Cash Flow Financial Statements (Tootoo) 529
125 – 1(6): Update on Negotiations for Chesterfield Inlet Care Facility (Arvaluk) 531
126 – 1(6): Shipping of Liquor Through Canada Post (Williams) 533
127 – 1(6): Maintenance Procedures for Community Freezers (Nutarak) 534
128 – 1(6): Community Consultation on Proposed Education Act (Iqaqrialu) 536
129 – 1(6): Difficulties with Standby Tickets for Medical Travel (Irqittuq) 537
130 – 1(6): Short Term Insurance for Seasonal Marine Operators (Arvaluk) 540
131 – 1(6): Funding For Community Freezers (Nutarak) 541
132 – 1(6): Policies for GN Staff on Medical Travel (Williams) 542
133 – 1(6): Response to Request for Information on Proposed Education Act (Tootoo) 545
134 – 1(6): Community Airstrips – Safety (Iqaqrialu) 547
Bill 8 – An Act to Amend the Revolving Fund Act – Notice 548
Bill 7 – Loan Authorization Act 2002-2003 – Notice 548
Bill 6 – Appropriation Act No. 2, 2002-2003 – Consideration in Committee 549
Honourable Olayuk Akesuk, Honourable Jack Anawak, Mr. James Arvaluk, Mr. Donald Havioyak, Mr. David Iqaqrialu, Mr. Enoki Irqittuq, Honourable Peter Kattuk, Honourable Peter Kilabuk, Mr. Glenn McLean, Mr. Jobie Nutarak, Honourable Kelvin Ng, Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Honourable Paul Okalik, Honourable Ed Picco, Mr. Uriash Puqiqnak, Honourable Manitok Thompson, Mr. Hunter Tootoo, Ms. Rebekah Williams.
Speaker: Ms. Williams could you say the opening prayer please?
Speaker: Ullukkut. Good afternoon, Mr. Premier, members, people in the gallery.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today on a point of privilege to deal with issues about Bill 1, the new Education Act, contained in a letter tabled by Mr. Tootoo yesterday.
The letter was from the Iqaluit District Education Authority to parents.
I believe it is important to clarify some misunderstandings on several sections of Bill 1.
The letter states that Individual Education Plans or IEPs will be a right only for struggling students and not for students insufficiently challenged.
That is correct but the reason for the change is not stated.
IEPs are now only prepared for students experiencing serious difficulties. Those are students who cannot meet the regular outcomes of the educational program.
Advanced students can meet the outcomes and may be able to do additional work.
They need enhancements to the existing program not an IEP.
Section 10 of Bill 1 allows for program modifications and advanced programs for students that require them.
The letter raises concerns about children being required to be in school at age 5.
Under the old act that is optional.
The concern is that this eliminates the parent’s option of keeping a child at home for an extra year if they believe their child is not ready for school.
Further, it was stated that requiring attendance until the age of 18 places a heavy burden on parents.
Mr. Speaker, these were the recommendations of the Joint Working Group.
We know the vital importance of early childhood education.
The Joint Working Group felt it was important to ensure that every child receives an early start in school. Similarly, the Joint Working Group believed that all students should have the opportunity to graduate from high school.
Allowing youth to drop out at age 16 undermines that goal.
Setting the mandatory age at 18 sends a strong message to parents and youth regarding the importance of school.
Safety concerns were raised in the letter related to suspension.
Bill 1 requires consultation with the District Education Authority, school counsellor and the student’s parent before most suspensions.
However, Bill 1 directly addresses the safety issue.
Section 36 allows the principal to suspend a student immediately and without consultation when the physical or mental well being of other students is threatened.
The principal can also suspend immediately if a student creates a situation that is a serious harmful influence on other students or staff.
(interpretation ends) Concerns were raised regarding second language instruction and the status of French education.
The letter rightly states that the second language to be taught is English, Inuktitut or Inuinnaqtun, depending on the language of instruction of the school.
I am pleased to state that we are working to support that through the development of more curricula to support second language teaching and through teacher training.
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased that Bill 1 will ensure that Inuktitut or Inuinnaqtun is offered as either the first or second language in every school.
That is essential if we are to achieve the Bathurst Mandate goal of a bilingual society in Inuktitut and English.
The Bathurst Mandate also states that students should have a growing ability to participate in French.
Section 72 of Bill 1 allows for that by providing for it to be taught as a third language in schools.
Section 71 of the act also provides for French language education consistent with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
(interpretation) Concerns were expressed about the use of the phrase “age group” in the section of Bill 1 on the type of access to education.
It was suggested that students would move on to the next grade with their age group regardless of their skills and abilities.
Mr. Speaker, Section 9 of the Bill refers to the right of all children to access the education program in a regular instructional setting with his or her age group.
This clarifies, for instance, that having a 16 year old student in an elementary school is not appropriate, regardless of the program the student is taking.
This section is not intended to deal with the issue of passing or failing a particular grade.
That is an educational policy issue not dealt with by Bill 1.
The letter states that the use of school facilities for communities will be at the discretion of the minister, taking away control from District Education Authorities.
Bill 1 does not do that.
It only provides authority for the minister to set overall policies regarding use of schools. That is appropriate as school buildings are the property of the government.
District Education Authorities still determine community use.
Section 83 of the new act provides the authority for District Education Authorities to enter into agreements that provide for the use of educational facilities by the community.
Mr. Speaker, thank you for this opportunity to clarify the intent of these sections of Bill 1 in response to the letter tabled yesterday.
Speaker: Mr. Kilabuk, your point of privilege is noted and it will be reviewed and if necessary, we will get back to the House on it.
We also require a copy of your comments through the page, to the table.
Minister’s Statement 028 – 1(6): Report of Independent Panel on Access Criteria
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon and good afternoon to my colleagues and the people watching the proceedings in my riding in Cape Dorset and Kimmirut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, in recent years my department has made significant strides in the development of Nunavut’s offshore fishing industry.
I rise today to announce the results of the recent report of the Independent Panel on Access Criteria.
The DFO-appointed panel was mandated to review the current decision making criteria for new or additional access in a commercial fishery that has undergone a substantial increase in resource abundance or landed value, or in a new or emerging fishery in the Atlantic fishing industry.
Late last year I had an opportunity to meet with the panel prior to making their recommendations.
During our meetings I discussed the key issues facing the further development of Nunavut’s fishing industry, particularly relating to the need for increased quotas and licenses.
Mr. Speaker, the panel reviewed Nunavut’s situation as a special case in the Atlantic fishing industry recognizing the fact that Nunavut does not enjoy the same level of access to its adjacent fisheries as do the Atlantic Provinces.
The panel went on to recommend that no additional access should be granted to non-Nunavut interests in the waters adjacent to Nunavut until the territory has achieved access to a major share of its adjacent fishery resources.
Mr. Speaker, I view the recommendations made by IPAC as a major step forward in recognizing Nunavut’s argument for increased quotas and licenses based on the principle of adjacency.
Mr. Speaker, we will be discussing this issue in detail at the upcoming meeting of the Atlantic Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers and I look forward to providing you with further updates based on the results of this meeting.
Minister’s Statement 029 – 1(6): Long Term Service Awards - Kivalliq
I’m very glad to announce this Mr. Speaker.
I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the continued efforts and contributions of the Nunavut Government’s most valued asset, its employees.
The Government of Nunavut recognizes and values the contribution of employees who have served long periods of uninterrupted employment within the public service.
Mr. Speaker, in the latter part of 2001 in the spring, a total of 165 employees in the Kivalliq Region received awards for their commitment and dedication to the Government of Nunavut.
Long term service award ceremonies were held in every community in the Kivalliq.
Employees with 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years on continuous service were presented with awards.
Ceremonies included speeches, traditional entertainment, and refreshments.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of Mr. Jim Fennell of the Nunavut Housing Corporation in Arviat and Miss Angeline Simik of the Department of Education in Chesterfield Inlet, who have served 30 and 25 years of service respectively.
Mr. Speaker, long term service awards will be presented throughout Nunavut again this year and the Department of Human Resources is looking at new ways to recognize the contributions of our employees.
It is very important Mr. Speaker, to acknowledge the dedication of our employees who have strived to make the Government of Nunavut an effective and efficient public service.
Minister’s Statement 030 – 1(6): Nunavut Mission to Rural Forum 2002
During the week of April 22, 2002, I had the opportunity to lead the Nunavut Mission to Rural Forum 2002 held in Brandon, Manitoba.
The Nunavut delegation consisted of approximately 80 people with representatives from all seven Kivalliq communities representing a mix of elected officials, hamlet administrators, business representatives, and 15 youth and government officials.
The highlight of the opening ceremonies was the singing of our National Anthem in English, French, and Inuktitut.
Youth from Nunavut participated in this event with the Brandon University Choir.
(interpretation ends) Our Youth delegation participated in Junior Achievement Games, Fair Play Games, as well as the other Round Table discussions with youth from around Rural Manitoba.
Nunavut youth also performed twice at the main stage in front of crowds over 300.
Another highlight was our youth promotion of Nunavut traditional and contemporary clothing in the fashion show.
I also had the pleasure of signing a Memorandum of Intent on behalf of Minister Picco with Minister Friesen from Manitoba on Northern Energy Initiatives.
(interpretation) At the closing banquet, Nunavut offered samples of char, caribou, and muskox against the backdrop of our youth drum dancing and throat singing.
Rural Forum 2002 was a resounding success and I’m pleased to have led the Nunavut mission.
Our thanks are extended to the City of Brandon for their hospitality and for the opportunity they gave us to promote Nunavut’s culture, language, food, and fashion.
On an ending note, some of the Nunavut delegation got to watch Jordan Tootoo playing and does he ever rock the house.
Every time he touched the puck, the crowd roared and when he got the winning goal it sounded like the roof would fall.
Member’s Statement 104 – 1(6): Regulations and Justice Systems to Reflect Culture and Traditions
Mr. Speaker, as an Inuk, I will follow my oral traditions and culture by not reading a prepared statement as a Member of the Legislative Assembly, but will make an oral statement.
Mr. Speaker, every year without fail, we have regulations set by the Department of Justice through the court systems and they’re renewed annually.
While they put in new processes into the justice system, they still use traditions that are foreign to us.
Today as the Nunavut Government, we have the opportunity and the right to voice our concerns.
As Nunavut residents of Canada, are they going to keep disrespecting the needs and requests we make as Inuit people?
Are they going to continue to belittle the aspirations of Nunavummiut?
This lowering of the Canadian standards for Nunavut is not acceptable; it is painful and sad to see when other jurisdictions put us down even though they’re Canadian.
We should pay attention to this second class treatment we receive at the hands of our own country.
Our culture and tradition has never been globally visible, nor have they been respected.
We’re now trying to make it more visible and we would like it very visible and there are barriers we keep running across when we try to make our culture and traditions more visible to highlight the skills and traditions that are beneficial to the Inuit.
We have to be cognizant of all of these factors, especially when dealing with these things.
We should be very careful and deal with this and we all know ourselves what kind of lives we lead.
Also, we know what other people have done to us; we all know what outsiders have done to us, especially by the people who have come in and are coming in from external communities and foreign countries, even to this day.
As is written in the Land Claims Agreement, the government was established as part of a land claim and there have been some changes made to the structures even before an agreement was signed.
This is in relation to the proposed bills, existing legislation and various statutes of the Nunavut Government.
The Nunavut Government’s Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth initiatives should not be lessened or decreased in any way and it’s going to be a major part in our future.
If we don’t deal with it respectfully, it’s going to put down our culture and traditions and we will start using other traditions.
We have to use our culture and traditions at all times and show the world so they can understand what our lives are about.
We established our government peacefully because Inuit never went to war as a people and did not want later generations to be war-like.
We do not kill wantonly, nor were we brought up in that manner.
Since we are a peaceful people and have not had wars in this territory, the Government of Nunavut should be allowed to conduct the things that they consider important, to deal with issues that are a priority by supporting each other. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 105 – 1(6): Anglican Diocese Meeting
Mr. Speaker, I’ll look back a bit to my childhood.
Through the past years and listening to modern issues, I remember the priests and Anglican missions and Catholic missionaries usually came from European countries across the great sea.
Our parents, when they were first introduced to religion and the story of Jesus Christ the Lord and Saviour, many people converted to the two main religions that were competing for the Inuit.
My mother converted to Catholicism and her children followed along with the religion that was introduced and to which she had converted.
Starting from the 50s, when the priests were responsible for residential schools, I know that there were allegations of wrongdoing, but we have to remember as well that they worked hard and tried to help Inuit.
Of course Inuit have benefited from them.
Even though there were some problems arising from the residential school days, they helped with medical issues for example, like inoculating us and also they travelled only by dog team to spread the gospel to the communities.
For that reason, today the Christians are still spreading the gospel.
I rise today in regards to a meeting last month. A few weeks ago in one of my constituent communities of Taloyoak, the Anglican diocese of the Arctic met.
The diocese brought in people from northern Quebec, Qamanittuaq, Repulse Bay, Kugaaruk, Arctic Bay and Gjoa Haven.
This Anglican diocese meeting was very important to my constituents and the people who attended that diocese meeting got new information and I know that my wife traveled by skidoo for six hours to attend that meeting and I’m very glad that my wife took part and travelled six hours to attend the service.
So, Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the people from Taloyoak for taking part in this.
Member’s Statement 106 – 1(6): Meetings Held Throughout Quttiktuq
I rise today to thank my colleagues.
I had a suggestion that we hold our fall session in Resolute Bay and I would like to thank my colleagues for their due consideration of the community. We have selected a community but I would like to thank my colleagues for considering Resolute Bay.
I also would like to welcome everyone to the NTI meeting in Resolute Bay and I hope you will receive a good welcome and I know that the scenery is beautiful this time of year, especially in the month of May.
The Qikiqtani Inuit Association will also be going up to Grise Fjord and I know that the scenery is going to be very beautiful and I’m sure they’ll be hunting baby seals at that time.
Member’s Statement 107 – 1(6): Nunavut Mission in Brandon
Mr. Speaker, I spoke earlier about the Nunavut Mission in Brandon but I would like to thank my community for participating and they participated fully during the Forum in Brandon.
As well, the partnership was well organized with Kivalliq Partners hosting the events.
There was a feast organized and our community culinary experts were able to host it.
Premier Dewar was in attendance and the members of the Legislature in Manitoba, along with the private sector were very impressed with the food and clothing from the Nunavut area, and as a matter of fact, the Premier recalled our Premier, Mr. Okalik.
They were quite impressed with our organization of the event, and the products on display, along with culinary treats and traditional clothing products that were brought down were well received and some were purchased, or an order was made for their products.
The products weren’t just from Rankin Inlet and an example is Jack Kikkiq with the clothing that she makes, she has developed a clientele base, just from her creations and they were able to benefit.
I’d just like to express how proud I am of the people of Kivalliq and Rankin Inlet who participated in this event.
As well, I’m also very proud of Jordan Tootoo who impresses a lot of people and because I have known him since he was just knee-high and growing up.
Every time there are positive comments about Jordan from outside of our community and territory, I get very proud of him.
Thank you for this opportunity to speak, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker: Members’ Statements. Mr. Irqittuq.
Member’s Statement 108 – 1(6): Open to Communication from Constituency
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about something that I enjoy talking about, without getting into heavy issues.
I don’t want to make the members cringe as to whether I am going to raise hard questions, so they can relax for the time being.
But as members of this House, we represent our communities and we work hard to bring out their concerns.
I would like to acknowledge my constituents who may be watching and I would just like to remember Linda and my children who are at home and in Igloolik, Maurice and his family.
They all want acknowledgement when we are sitting as they are watching on TV.
We are often told that on television we never seem to smile.
Those are the types of comments we get.
So as we are meeting today, tomorrow, and next week, if there are any concerns held by my constituents that they’d like me to raise, I’m open to any correspondence.
I am sure that this will be on air in the communities of Hall Beach and Igloolik so I would like to reiterate that I’m open to their comments, concerns or criticisms.
Member’s Statement 109 – 1(6): Royal Bank Donation During AWG – Makkutuvik
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to inform you and this House about a new youth program that is being run here in Iqaluit.
During the Arctic Winter Games, Mr. Speaker, the Royal Bank of Canada donated 40 thousand dollars over two years to the youth of Iqaluit.
This money will be used to support a literacy and technology resource centre as well as a cooking and nutrition program in our community.
Mr. Speaker, the Makkutuvik is now offering nutrition and cooking classes to youth ages 13 to 18.
The cooking club is made up of six youth, one youth leader as well as a volunteer to lead the class.
Mr. Speaker, the classes are offered to six youth over five weeks.
The classes are offered on an ongoing basis throughout the year.
Mr. Speaker, during the first week, the youth created a simple, healthy meal for themselves and were introduced to the four food groups with the help of the new Nunavut food guide which was introduced by, as you know Mr. Speaker, the Department of Health and Social Services.
Mr. Speaker, during the next four weeks, youth will develop skills including safe food preparation, following a recipe, measuring ingredients, incorporating all the food groups in meals, reading food labels and cleaning up.
After class, the youth all sit down together and enjoy the nutritional food they have prepared together.
The food is also saved for the following day to give to the participants in the homework club which is also held at the youth centre.
This is much appreciated by their peers.