EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
It seems to me that the Department of Education should conduct a full review through the capital planning process prior to allocating funds to communities.
I’m not just talking about Coral Harbour, Mr. Chairman, it’s not the only community in that situation, but the main reason why I’m bringing it up is because there has been an impact on our community.
Since the school project for Coral Harbour is no longer in the capital estimates, I urge the minister to work closely with the residents of Coral Harbour so that it could be put back in.
Chairman (interpretation): Minister Tapardjuk, if you could respond.
I agree with the member. I would also like to work closely with him on the planning stages because he has been elected to represent that community. Yes, I do want to work closely with all of you on these projects.
Our staff travelled to Coral Harbour during the planning stage in the fall of 2008.
You’re correct in saying that the community has been anticipating that school.
Let me explain further that the Sakku School was constructed in 1979 and renovated in 2007.
We have spent $5.6 million on that school, putting in new flooring and roofing, as well as new paint, keeping in mind that there are higher priorities in other schools.
I would like to make a correction, Mr. Chairman.
The $130 million that I identified is not just for schools, it’s for all capital projects of the Nunavut government.
I would like to note that for the record and I apologize for making that mistake, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman (interpretation): I believe it was expanded in 2007, so does it have enough capacity now, minister?
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): The school wasn’t expanded, but it was renovated because of safety issues.
It was at 78 percent capacity and because it wasn’t full enough, it wasn’t expanded.
All they did was renovate the school for safety reasons and not expanded, Mr. Chairman.
Renovations don’t alter the size of a building.
So a community, (interpretation ends) why would they suffer the consequences of that?
We’re not making the building any bigger than it was.
I would strongly urge the minister to work with the DEA in Coral Harbour to pursue this very important issue pertaining to not only Coral Harbour but Nunavut communities.
(interpretation) Education is something that is very important to us. It seems like when a project is dropped, all the planning and work was done for nothing.
In my view, it’s something that’s a heavy responsibility.
I’m not trying to put down any of the departments or the Department of Education, but I think proper planning and collaboration are what will give projects a solid foundation.
I think that we should take this as an example and make it a learning experience for your department.
I’ll leave it at that for now.
Chairman (interpretation): That was just a comment.
I would urge you to work together and make sure that you have the proper numbers as to what percent capacity the school was at in 2006.
Hopefully you will respond to the member at your earliest convenience.
There are more questions from members.
Mr. Ningark, you may now ask questions.
I would like to ask a question regarding gifted students, students who can become lawyers or doctors.
I have no doubt that most of Nunavut’s communities have gifted students.
I’m sure that the teachers know who those students are.
Even some of us as Members of the Legislative Assembly know some of these individuals.
I would first like to ask the minister what the teacher-student ratio is in Nunavut.
Is it 25:1?
I would like to ask him what that number is.
I was a slow learner and had to take upgrading, so please don’t call me gifted.
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): The teacher-student ratio is 20:1.
That’s the way we have it set up, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman (interpretation): This is more for operations and maintenance, but I’ll let you proceed.
Mr. Ningark (interpretation): The minister stated earlier that some of the schools are overcrowded and because of that, there might be bright students falling through the cracks.
How come we don’t see any specific support for gifted students within our schools? How come we don’t have special programs for them?
Minister Tapardjuk, if you could respond.
Ms. Okpik (interpretation): As the minister stated, the student-teacher ratio is 20:1, but looking at all schools, that is not always the case.
The teacher-student ratio depends on the number of teachers that we have.
For instance, the ratio in a given school could be as low as 15:1 or higher.
We provide a set number of teachers depending on the student population. The school principal and the local district education authority then decide what courses to offer students.
For example, if they want a gym or a music teacher, they would set aside one position for that. It’s at the discretion of the district education authorities in the communities to decide how the teachers will be allocated.
There are also teachers who provide support outside of their regular duties to special needs students, some of whom might be gifted. In addition to the number of teachers that we provide with the teacher-student ratio, we have 143 student support assistants who provide assistance within the schools.
Chairman (interpretation): Maybe you can submit a written question regarding gifted students as we’re dealing with capital estimates at this time.
It’s a very good question that should be addressed because we need to pay more attention to the potential of our gifted students throughout Nunavut.
Since the question is not on the capital estimates, it would be good to have it asked during Question Period or as a written question tomorrow.
Mr. Arvaluk, you have your hand up.
Maybe we can begin with the O&M. Johnny Ningeongan’s question is very important not only for his school but also for other schools that were put on the books and then taken off, what’s the reason?
That’s a very important question and I want to make sure that I’m wide awake when I listen to the response, so I would like to resume our review of the Department of Education tomorrow. (interpretation ends) I move that we report progress.
Chairman (interpretation): Yes, Mr. Arvaluk is now an elder and tires easily now.
Thank you and we will see the officials again tomorrow.
Your committee has been considering Bill 1 and would like to report that one committee motion was adopted.
Orders of the Day for March 25:
Motion 19 – 3(1)
This House stands adjourned until Wednesday, March 25, at 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Pages 342 – 397
Opening Prayer 342
Ministers’ Statements 342
Members’ Statements 346
Tabling of Documents 367
Motions 368
Report of the Committee of the Whole 396
Orders of the Day 396
Wednesday, March 25, 2009 342
039 – 3(1): Hybrid Vehicle (Kusugak) 342
040 – 3(1): Language Implementation – Next Steps (Tapardjuk) 343
041 – 3(1): National Social Work Month (Curley) 344
042 – 3(1): Nunavut Coastal Resource Inventory Update (Shewchuk) 345
043 – 3(1): Nunavut’s High School Graduation Numbers - 2008 (Tapardjuk) 345
072 – 3(1): Nancy Pukirnak Aupaluktuq – Recipient of Keith Rawlings Award (Aupaluktuq) 346
073 – 3(1): Opportunities for Sport (Rumbolt) 346
074 – 3(1): Land Survey for Kugaaruk (Ningark) 347
075 – 3(1): 33rd Birthday of Son Edward Akittiq Tapardjuk (Tapardjuk) 348
076 – 3(1): First Air Service in Arviat (Shewchuk) 348
077 – 3(1): Supporting Nunavummiut with Disabilities (Pauloosie) 348
078 – 3(1): Constituency Office Update (Aariak) 350
079 – 3(1): Hudson Bay Quest (Curley) 350
069 – 3(1): Housing Inspectors (Schell) 351
070 – 3(1): Responsibility for Establishing Social Assistance Rates (Rumbolt) 352
071 – 3(1): Kugaaruk Drum Dance Festival (Ningark) 354
072 – 3(1): Client Services Coordinator for Nunavut II (Elliott) 355
073 – 3(1): GN-RCMP Shared Directional Statement (Aupaluktuq) 357
074 – 3(1): Patient-Signed Consent Form (Elliott) 359
075 – 3(1): Housing Drawings Not Code Compliant (Schell) 360
076 – 3(1): Plans for Lottery Booths in Nunavut (Okalik) 361
077 – 3(1): Inadequate Number of Housing Lots in Kugaaruk (Ningark) 362
078 – 3(1): Transportation for Elders (Pauloosie) 363
079 – 3(1): Child Welfare Laws (Okalik) 364
080 – 3(1): Protection of Waters from Pollution (Elliott) 365
081 – 3(1): Community Outreach Worker Program (Ningark) 366
082 – 3(1): Historical Graduating Rates (Elliott) 367
021 – 3(1): Coral Harbour Meat Processing Plant Feasibility Study (Ningeongan) 367
022 – 3(1): Nunavut Coastal Resource Inventory – Igloolik Pilot Project (Shewchuk) 367
019 – 3(1): Opposition to the European Union’s Proposed Ban on Seal Products (Shewchuk) 368
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2009-2010 – Education – Consideration in Committee 374
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2009-2010 – Economic Development and Transportation – Consideration in Committee 381
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2009-2010 – Health and Social Services – Consideration in Committee 394
Honourable Eva Aariak, Honourable James Arreak, Mr. Moses Aupaluktuq, Honourable Tagak Curley, Mr. Ron Elliott, Mr. Adamee Komoartok, Honourable Lorne Kusugak, Mr. John Ningark, Mr. Johnny Ningeongan, Mr. Paul Okalik, Mr. Enuk Pauloosie, Honourable Keith Peterson, Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Mr. Fred Schell, Honourable Daniel Shewchuk, Honourable Louis Tapardjuk, Honourable Peter Taptuna, Honourable Hunter Tootoo.
Speaker (interpretation): Good afternoon, a very beautiful afternoon, Madam Premier, Ministers, Members, and the people of Nunavut.
Good afternoon to you as well, Eetoolook.
Minister’s Statement 039 – 3(1): Hybrid Vehicle (Kusugak)
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Good day, Mr. Speaker and colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to state that the Government of Nunavut is testing a hybrid vehicle here in Iqaluit. It obviously runs on gasoline, but it can also run on batteries.
This is a pilot project to see if these vehicles can work in Nunavut.
Hybrid vehicles use up to 25 percent less gasoline than regular vehicles and cause less greenhouse gas emissions.
Over the next year, we will be testing this vehicle and will track its performance, fuel consumption, and mileage. A full report will be compiled and released in the summer of 2009-2010.
So far, I am pleased to report that this vehicle has performed well through the winter months while being tested here in Iqaluit.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the vehicle we have purchased is a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid.
This vehicle uses gasoline and electric technology and runs solely on electric power when battery capacity permits.
The battery charges when the engine is running and when the brakes are applied.
I would also like to note that the fabric in our hybrid vehicle is made from 100 percent waste material which recycles material that would have otherwise ended up in the landfill or in our case, on the tundra somewhere.
Mr. Speaker, based on how well this vehicle performs, we will consider introducing it as a government fleet vehicle.
Our testing may also help provide Nunavummiut with the information they need to choose efficient vehicles that can reduce their own energy costs and fuel consumption.
Mr. Speaker, this project is one way the Government of Nunavut is striving to reduce energy consumption and lessen the impact of its operations on the environment.
I look forward to sharing the final report on this vehicle with Members of this Assembly and Nunavummiut.
Minister’s Statement 040 – 3(1): Language Implementation – Next Steps (Tapardjuk)
The Inuit language is an integral part of our Inuit culture and our identity as Nunavummiut.
We are a people that share a common language all over the Arctic.
If you were to look at a map of the wider Inuit circumpolar world, from the Pacific to the Atlantic, in all of the lands ringing the North Pole, Inuktitut is the common language and can be understood even if you don’t reside in the same places.
Nunavut is home to two minority official language communities in addition to the Inuit language, namely, English and French.
All of these communities, with distinctively different languages, can still collaborate and work harmoniously without prejudice or malice.
Mr. Speaker, while our new language legislation, approved in 2008, recognizes the importance of English and French in Nunavut, it firmly supports the Inuit language as the first and preferred language of a majority of Nunavummiut.
It is a defining characteristic that makes our territory linguistically and culturally distinct within Canada.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform the House that the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth is working with the Association des francophones du Nunavut to host the first Nunavut French Language Conference on March 27 and 28, 2009.
The conference will bring many members of the francophone community, youth, and experts to discuss and prepare for the implementation of the Official Languages Act.
It will be an opportunity to identify current issues and challenges, and the priorities that will best respond to the needs of the francophone community.
Mr. Speaker, I believe we can learn from francophones’ patient and constant efforts to have their language rights respected.
Whatever mother tongue, our language rights are indeed inseparable from our human dignity and we are all entitled to substantive equality.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Nunavut will undertake extensive consultations in 2009 with Inuit and other stakeholders as well.
For that purpose, I have invited Nunavut leaders from Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., regional Inuit associations, and the Government of Nunavut to meet in mid-April and discuss our commitment to the effective implementation of the Inuit Language Protection Act.
We will work together to outline our consultation plans, including hosting regional round tables, followed by a pan-territorial Inuit Language Summit later in 2009.
Minister’s Statement 041 – 3(1): National Social Work Month (Curley)
Hon. Tagak Curley (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, I want to announce that this month is National Social Work Month.
This is in recognition of workers who deal with social issues throughout the world.
I would also like to mention prior to my statement that the people who deal with social issues, especially traditional practices that Inuit have practiced for generations as families, and with the difficulties faced by individuals are very important to our residents.
It is time to acknowledge all of the people in this field, not just Government of Nunavut employees but those also working for the regional Inuit associations. We would like to acknowledge all our staff, and not just those in government, but including staff from the organizations who make a significant difference in the lives of Nunavummiut, including those who deal with young people.
Hon. Tagak Curley (interpretation): It is their hard work on community wellness and the dedication of frontline community counsellors, enduring stressful incidents dealing with broken lives and we want to learn about these individuals.
I wish to ask members to further recognize the people in your communities involved in this kind of work as you all have a better idea of who they are.
We should celebrate in recognition of these professionals.
Mr. Speaker, our social workers are engaged with the most at risk and troubled people in Nunavut.
Our social workers have the compassion and analytical decision-making skills that help improve the well-being of those in need. We wish to express our appreciation to them.
Social workers are very devoted to providing a voice for our most vulnerable and marginalized people.
Daily, our social workers are responding not only to individuals but to the larger social issues, such as poverty, domestic violence, homelessness, and health care, through basic human rights.
Members and Cabinet colleagues, please take this opportunity to publicly acknowledge and applaud the achievements of our social workers.
Their contribution to the lives and social well-being of Nunavummiut is admirable and commendable, especially to the people who have benefited from their assistance.
Mr. Speaker, I wanted to express my gratitude in making my statement. (interpretation ends) Thank you.
Minister’s Statement 042 – 3(1): Nunavut Coastal Resource Inventory Update (Shewchuk)
The Department of Environment recently completed the pilot Coastal Resources Inventory project we have been undertaking in the Igloolik area.
In this inventory, our staff worked closely with the community to identify, record, and conserve Nunavut’s biological, cultural, and ecological knowledge.
The elders and other community members were questioned on a wide variety of topics, including fishery resources, habitat, marine mammals, aquatic plants, birds, significant or unique coastal features, and other topics of interest.
The project team also worked very closely with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, numerous universities, and also received support from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.
Mr. Speaker, one of the important outcomes of this project is making important linkages between community-based traditional knowledge work and the broader more science-based networks within Canada.
We are proud that this project integrates Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and science in a useful and effective way.
The Igloolik pilot project was very successful and has inspired the undertaking of four more inventories for 2009.
The participating communities this year will be Kugluktuk, Chesterfield Inlet, Arctic Bay, and Kimmirut.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will table the results of the 2008 inventory here in the legislature.
Minister’s Statement 043 – 3(1): Nunavut’s High School Graduation Numbers - 2008 (Tapardjuk)
I would like to take this opportunity to inform my colleagues about the graduation rates for Nunavut’s high school students for the 2007-08 school year.
I am thrilled to announce that last year, Nunavut schools produced 214 grade 12 graduates!
This is the most graduates we’ve ever had in a single year and it highlights the steady increase of educational achievements we’re seeing in our territory.
This increase in graduates is proof that the programs and services of the Department of Education in our schools are having an impact.
The Bilingual Education Strategy, the implementation of the Language of Instruction programming in our schools, and the realization of the Education Act will all help our communities to engage our students, parents, and educators.
I am certain these initiatives will keep our youth interested in education and produce many more graduates.
By creating an education system founded in Nunavut’s culture and language, we are sure to connect with young Nunavummiut and foster their growth and triumphs.
Mr. Speaker, as we draw near to Nunavut’s 10th anniversary, I encourage everyone to reflect on our successes and build upon that momentum.
We have much left to accomplish, but we are realizing the many goals we established upon the creation of Nunavut.
With hard work, innovation, a commitment by our communities, and the inclusion of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, we will definitely succeed.
Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly, please join me in congratulating our graduates of 2008 and wishing them the best in their next endeavours.
We look forward to witnessing their future achievements and contributions, and we will support them so that they are able to lead better lives here in Nunavut.
There are no more, so we will move on to Item 3. Members’ Statements.
Member’s Statement 072 – 3(1): Nancy Pukirnak Aupaluktuq – Recipient of Keith Rawlings Award (Aupaluktuq)
Mr. Aupaluktuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Madam Premier, Ministers, and my colleagues.
I am pleased to rise today to state that the Kivalliq Chamber of Commerce presented the Keith Rawlings Award, which is presented to carvers, yesterday to an individual I know very well, my mother, Nancy Pukirnak Aupaluktuq.
I am really proud of her since she fed five of us; my sister, my late older brother, my older brother, my younger brother and I. She provided us clothes and fed us with the money that she made from her artwork.
I am very proud to rise today to honour her.
With regard to Minister Louis Tapardjuk’s comments about the number of graduating students increasing and elders requiring care, they’re starting to be acknowledged in my riding and I would like to thank him.
I congratulate Nancy Pukirnak Aupaluktuq from Baker Lake for her achievement and recognition.
Mom, I’m thinking of you.
Member’s Statement 073 – 3(1): Opportunities for Sport (Rumbolt)
Yesterday, I was very pleased to hear my colleague from Akulliq talk about the importance of sports to our youth.
I rise today to share his concern about the low level of support that is provided to Nunavut’s smaller communities to participate in sporting events.
Mr. Speaker, it is well known that participating in sports is one of the best activities that our children can get outside of school.
Sports promote health, good behaviour, self-discipline, and the spirit of working together. Being involved in a sport can often show us that if we work hard at something, it can lead to other opportunities.
Mr. Speaker, my constituents in Sanikiluaq have been wondering about the lack of those other opportunities. It has been noticed that when Sport Nunavut organizes a tournament or a territorial competition, many of the smaller communities seem to be left out of the loop. Communication about upcoming events either comes too late or not at all.
Mr. Speaker, we need to encourage our children to stay active and be involved in sports. Our government has a responsibility to make sure that every young person in Nunavut has the chance to participate in events such as the Arctic Winter Games, the Canada Games, and other such events.
All too often, it seems that the bigger communities are the only ones represented on our teams.
Mr. Speaker, I call upon our government to make sure to include all of Nunavut’s communities when organizing regional or territorial events and tournaments. Sports organizers should realize that the smaller communities need to plan well ahead of time, especially for travel, to be able to attend events.
Communication about sports events needs a lot of improvement.
Mr. Speaker, all of Nunavut’s athletes deserve the same chance to compete against other athletes to improve their skill level and to follow their dreams.
I encourage the Minister responsible for Sport Nunavut to review the policies, funding, and communications strategies that relate to participation in sporting events. All Nunavut residents should have the same opportunities regardless of where they live.
Member’s Statement 074 – 3(1): Land Survey for Kugaaruk (Ningark)
Earlier in the New Year, a survey was done to determine a new location for housing development.
We are running out of space to build homes in Kugaaruk.
The system could give us a thousand homes and we would gladly build those homes, but we need a location to build housing for every single home we can acquire, Mr. Speaker, especially for young parents and single parents in the community and those the system has forgotten, who have been waiting list for years and years and still waiting today because we are not able to build enough homes to accommodate the community’s needs.
Mr. Speaker, I have spoken to the Mayor of Kugaaruk, Macabe Nartok, who is in Iqaluit for other business, and he has told me that the Hamlet of Kugaaruk will be sending me a letter and then I would be happy to inform the House what needs we have for the community of Kugaaruk.
Member’s Statement 075 – 3(1): 33rd Birthday of Son Edward Akittiq Tapardjuk (Tapardjuk)
Today being a special day, I rise today to recognize my son, Edward Akittiq Tapardjuk, who is celebrating his 33rd birthday, and he is likely watching these proceedings on television.
The part that makes me proud is the fact that although he may be only 33 years old today, he has managed to produce nine beautiful grandchildren for my wife and I, whom we hold dear in our hearts.
I wish him a very happy birthday and even though he’s 33 years old, I still perceive him as a young boy and when required, I still scold him.