EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I kept being told that my comments were wrong and the previous Minister of Public Works & Services responsible for Petroleum Products told me that I was wrong and the quality of the gasoline was good.
Perhaps the same thing is being said to my colleagues.
Today we know that there was something wrong with the gasoline.
We had to fly in fuel…
Mr. Speaker, I would like to unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Do I have any nays?
As I said earlier, we've had more than one analysis done on the quality of the gasoline.
The final result came in and we were told that the quality was good.
At that time the hamlet of Gjoa Haven got a Hercules and brought in 25 forty-five gallon drums from Hall Beach.
They decided to do their own independent analysis.
Only then did we find that the gasoline was of poor quality.
At that time we were told that it wouldn’t do any good to finish that batch.
We were told that we had to use that gasoline in the summer and not in the winter.
Mr. Speaker, we weren't told anything negative about the quality of the gasoline but there is something wrong with the gas.
Mr. Speaker, the gasoline is used in the summer.
The contractors in Uqsuqtuq forgot to close the pumps on the old gasoline and started using the new gasoline.
Then the harvesters thought that the new stuff they were using was of the same poor quality.
When we started using the new fuel, it was okay.
I can talk about this for a long time Mr. Speaker.
If you should want to get further information on what we did to get an independent analysis on the gas, you can talk to the Municipality of Gjoa Haven.
You have that option.
Just to caution the members when you are asking for additional time to conclude your statement the intent of that is you have a few lines left, probably up to a minute, not to do another statement. Members' Statements.
Member’s Statement 480 – 1(5): Process – Disagreement on Bill 21
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the importance of process.
Mr. Speaker, the word process often conjures up images of endless meetings and bureaucratic excuse making.
The word and concept is often dismissed as being irrelevant to the lives of real people in real communities.
However, Mr. Speaker, process has another meaning, that of doing things in a way that is inclusive and respectful to all views.
Mr. Speaker, later today at the appropriate time, I will be tabling a document.
A set of remarks that I had prepared to deliver in this House on the issue of ensuring that Bill 21 receives full debate, and most importantly that Nunavut residents be provided the opportunity to appear in front of committees of this House, to give their views.
Mr. Speaker, I regret not having the opportunity to speak to the motion that was passed yesterday in which Bill 21 was referred directly to the Committee of the Whole, as a result, eliminating the opportunity for public consultation.
Mr. Speaker, I believe it is clear to my constituents that I stand for processes that are open and inclusive.
I believe that there are matters and issues that need to be given a full public hearing.
For the record, Mr. Speaker, I do not support this process and I look forward to all members publicly stating their views on this.
Member’s Statement 481 – 1(5): Future of Nunavummiut in Regards to Bill 21, Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act
I am very pleased with my colleague’s comments that he just made.
Mr. Speaker, the topic that I want to talk about is complex and I’ll probably be asking for unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Mr. Speaker, it’s in regards to Bill 21, which we have been dealing with in the House.
I’m also very glad to see the students of Arctic College who are here listening to the proceedings in the House.
I’m very pleased that the people out there are listening to the proceedings and especially Bill 21.
Mr. Speaker, in talking about this proposed bill I want to make it clear that it is part of the way where we are joining the rest of the world, as we continue to develop our government.
For clarification, this proposed bill is not just for these present Members of the Legislative Assembly.
It’s also for the up and coming Members of the Legislative Assembly, perhaps it will be you.
Just to backtrack a little, and looking back to the days of our ancestors, we survived in a harsh environment.
If it were not for our parents, their survival, their instincts, and their knowledge, we would not be here today, whether we are Inuit, Qallunaaq or any others.
We are just starting to get on our feet to become independent, to have our own government, to have our own land and we have to not only look at this present legislature but also the future that is up and coming.
This is just the initial stage and of course right now at the beginning we have to take the brunt of the reactions.
Mr. Irqittuq (interpretation): Thank you, colleagues, Mr. Premier.
At times it’s very challenging.
I know some people might think that we have to take it as is because this is what we ran for.
We have to be out of our communities for many, many, weeks and live here and also keep up our house and family in the other community at the same time.
We are not only doing this for ourselves.
We are trying to plan for the future.
We have a lot of responsibilities.
There are many things that we have to do.
Our ancestors were very intimated by the missionaries, the RCMP and other people. They were ordered around and weren’t able to do what they wanted.
Today we are becoming independent.
There would be nobody here in Iqaluit, if this had not been a military base.
The reason why we are here, all of us, all people, is because our parents survived and what we're doing today is not just for today, it's for as long as the world is here.
Member’s Statement 482 – 1(5): Mining Employment & Training Opportunities
Today I rise to address an issue that is close to the hearts of residents in the Kitikmeot Region.
I know that the Members of the Legislative Assembly share with me great hopes for the economic opportunities that could develop in the Kitikmeot and the increased mining activity, which could open the doors for many Nunavummiut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I am concerned that we are not being proactive enough in preparing ourselves for the opportunities that may be opening in the near future.
There are residents in my community of Kugluktuk who are walking around with their hands in their pockets and nothing to do.
They would be ideal candidates for jobs opening up in the mining sector…
A Member: Hear, Hear.
Mr. Havioyak (interpretation): …if they had relevant training to prepare themselves for those jobs.
Mr. Speaker, a number of mining companies are exploring potential near the community of Kugluktuk.
I would like to encourage the government to approach these companies and explore options such as joint venture programs to identify and develop training opportunities for Nunavummiut.
In the near future I will be reviewing the department's business plan and main estimates.
I look forward to seeing some of the creative options being proposed to address the issue of training and preparation for future economic development.
Member’s Statement 483 – 1(5): Keewatin Wildlife Management Board Meeting Recognizing Elders
I couldn't agree more with my colleague from Kugluktuk about the inaction of this government on being proactive towards mining.
But first of all Mr. Speaker, I'd like to apologise to the Mayor, Dave Webster, from Baker Lake and Joseph Nulalik for missing the opening of the art show last night but due to the favourable weather in the Kivalliq, the planes weren't flying.
Out of a cloud comes a silver lining Mr. Speaker, because I was stranded in Rankin Inlet for a night and I got to go to an event I wish to speak to today which was the Keewatin Wildlife Management Board meeting in Rankin Inlet on the weekend.
At this meeting, this is the first time they have ever done this, they wanted to recognise some elders from the Kivalliq Region for their contribution to Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, and harvesting and helping their community as a whole when times were pretty tough in the old days.
Like I say, Mr. Speaker, they were going to recognize and they did recognize and hand out some certificates and I've got pictures of what happened over there on Saturday.
I'd like to commend Luke Tunguak, from Baker Lake, Titus Niego from Baker Lake, Robert Tatty from Rankin Inlet, Annie Tatty from Rankin Inlet.
And I don't want to get these names wrong, Toni Ottok from Arviat and Elizabeth Nivirauti from Arviat.
I don't want to offend that name in Arviat because they're great people and I know them.
But it's nice to see somebody other than the Nunavut Government recognizing elders and people for their past contributions, their help with the less fortunate and their significant achievements over the years.
Member’s Statement 484 – 1(5): Help with Growing Up & Teaching Different Skills
Mr. Speaker, I deeply care the people of Nunavut and I’m glad to see we have a lot of people visiting in the gallery.
I want to work for their future so they could participate in the workforce in Nunavut.
In the past we often tried to survive on our own and as Inuit we had to start to learn different skills.
When I was younger I remember my father was treated like a slave and I was always concerned about how he was treated and he was the youngest child in his family.
When his older brothers died his father didn’t know what to do. I often told myself that I would try to work my hardest to get through each day.
I want to show my appreciation for the visitors and I want to encourage them to work hard.
I realize that people might go through hard times but we are able to understand that people are working towards our future.
In the past money was not important to us and we used to try to survive on hunting but today it’s different.
We have to do what we can to survive in today’s world, today’s economy.
I want to encourage the students to work hard, complete their courses, and make the best money that you can.
Mr. Speaker, I have more to say but for now that is my statement.
Member’s Statement 485 – 1(5): A Better Future for Nunavummiut
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated is presently meeting in Coral Harbour, we welcome them to the community, the community I’m sure is giving them a warm welcome.
They have a new president and it is my sincere wish that things go well for them.
Sometimes it makes you wonder why we work so hard for Nunavut and I want to remember the hard work that ITC did, the hard work that they did in trying to reach their goals.
Initially their office was located in Edmonton and then it moved to Ottawa.
The President was Tagak Curley at the time and our first General Meeting was held in Pangnirtung in August.
During that time we discussed how Nunavummiut could take more control of their future and how Nunavummiut could have more self-esteem.
Those were some of the issues that we discussed during the first general meeting. Some of the concerns that we discussed included parenting skills and how our young people had to survive when they were taken away from their homes to go to residential schools.
Some of the children that were taken away from their homes were six years old and this was really hard for the parents.
At that time our grandparents went through hard times when the missionaries and the RCMP came to the North.
So I would like my community of Coral Harbour to welcome Nunavut Tunngavik into our community during their meeting.
I would like to remind Nunavummiut that we work here for you and not for personal gain.
Member’s Statement 486 – 1(5): Help the Future Leaders of Nunavut
I apologize I have a cold and my voice isn't very clear.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about how well Members of the Legislative Assembly work together.
When we have a common goal, we can achieve a lot. The students that are here visiting in the gallery, some are from Iqaluit and some are from other communities.
I noticed that on Saturdays some go to the food bank to get food.
They try to spend their money wisely.
As a government we work together for the betterment of Nunavummiut and the students.
As a Member of the Legislative Assembly, I want to assist these individuals because they are our future and they are working towards getting more skills so that someday they will have a career or be sitting here in the Legislative Assembly as we are.
Member’s Statement 487 – 1(5): Working Together with Youth
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about a positive issue.
The young people are our future and we are working towards the betterment of their future.
I realize now that they are taking training and hope that they will be able to complete their programs.
Our elders worked hard in the past and I try to think of ways to help our young people because they are our future.
There are a lot of young people in Nunavut and there are a lot of people visiting in the gallery so I'd like to welcome them and the people that are watching the televised session.
Return to Question 410 – 1(5): Responses to After Hours Calls
On February 20, 2002, the Honourable Member for Amittuq asked about RCMP responses to after hours calls.
I wish to advise the member that all calls from communities to RCMP detachments after hours are handled through the telecommunications centre here in Iqaluit.
All calls are assessed as to the seriousness of the call and other demands on the RCMP at the time of the call.
If it relates to a serious crime or emergency, the calls are referred to the detachment serving the community and are responded to as soon as possible.
If a call relates to a minor matter, it will be responded to the next day.
Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognise the Mayor of Whale Cove, David Kritterdlik who is visiting in the gallery.
He's visiting Iqaluit and meeting with my colleagues.
I would also like to recognise Louis Taparti from Rankin Inlet, he’s a council member in Rankin Inlet.
David Ningeongan, Jack Kabvitok and Ollie Ittinuar are also here to meet with my colleagues.
I appreciate the welcome they've received.
Mr. Irqittuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognise some people from Igloolik and Hall Beach.
Perhaps when I call out their names, they could stand.
First a student, I'm not sure what course they're taking but a lot of them are taking the Teacher Education Program.
I'd like to recognise Sheepa Pikuyak, Meeka Angutijuak, Sarah Arnatsiaq and Elijah Kupaaq from Hall Beach.
On this side, Alice Kanatsiaq from Hall Beach and lastly, my niece, Lisa Kamokak.
Mr. Speaker, today it gives me great pleasure to recognise a couple of elders from our community.
The two of them are quite dynamic in their own way.
Mr. Webster, who is currently the mayor, was also one of the big pushes behind creating the Inuit Heritage Centre in Baker Lake along with the elders.
The other individual, Joshua Nujalik is a well-known carver in Nunavut.
He's still an active hunter and he has one of his carvings out on display there so if anybody needs a carving from Mr. Nujalik, contact me and I'll make sure that he gets it for you.
I thought I'd get that plug in.
I'd like to recognise both these gentlemen from Baker Lake.
I was going to recognize those individuals but Mr. McLean beat me to it.
I would like to recognize the Mayor of Baker Lake, David Webster who I have known for many years.
We have been involved on the same committees in the past.
I'd also like to recognize the elder from Baker Lake.
I am related to him, we are cousins.
If he didn’t mind, I would call him my cousin but he doesn't like me to call him cousin.
Joshua Nuilalik.
Mr. Speaker I recognize a lot of the people here but I am not too good with names.
I will recognize two individuals, Thomasie Panikpak and Terry Kadluk from Clyde River.
I recognize a lot of people here but I am not good with names so I would like to welcome everybody.
Mr. Speaker, I know quite a few people here so I am not going to hold up the session.
I will try a couple.
I would like to welcome some of my wife's relatives from Clyde.
Good friends of mine.
Mr. Thomasie Panikpak, who Mr. Iqaqrialu introduced earlier and my wife's nephew Mr. Terry Kadluk who is also a student at Arctic College.
Almost right behind me Mary Arnakaq.
Mary was an employee of mine almost 12 years ago.
But I don't think that was too long ago, I am not that old.
Mary worked for me before at the BBDC and I would like to welcome Mary to the gallery.
I would also like to join Mr. McLean and welcome to the gallery Mayor David Webster from Baker Lake.
I am glad that you are doing better.
I know after the break we will talk about some of the Baker Lake issues.
I look forward to that with the mayor.
Also Mr. Speaker, I would like to introduce some of my constituents.
There are quite a few of them here today.
So I'll try a few of them.
Mr. Gordon Barnes is here with us today, the long time manager of the Okota Homeless Shelter.
I would like to welcome Gordon to the House.
Near Gordon is Kerry McCluskey who is also a constituent and a reporter with News North. Next to Kerry is Madeleine Redfern, a constituent of mine from Apex, a well-known community activist and an organizer at of the event at 12:00 o’clock this afternoon outside the Legislature.
I’d like to welcome Madeleine here to the gallery.
Also Mr. Speaker, I’d like to welcome Neevee Hanson, whose family are long time residents of Apex, which is in my riding.
I’d like to welcome Neevee Hanson to the gallery.
I want to welcome a person from Cape Dorset who also has worked for Hansard, Kilaja Simeonie.
Also, from my other community who is here and will be on the Team Nunavut, Arctic Winter Games, Ulitua Judea
Out in the lobby are a couple of people from Rankin Inlet, Jack Kabvitok and David Ningeongan.
I think they’re out there because there are no seats left in the gallery but I’d like to welcome them.
I hardly ever recognize anybody here so I would to like to recognize someone from Kugluktuk, Robert Ayalik.
There are some students that haven’t been recognized.
So I’d like to recognize the ones that haven’t been recognized who are here from the Arctic College.
I’d like to recognize the Business Development Officer for KEDC.
George Bohlender from Cambridge Bay.
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Well, I have somebody I’d like to recognize and that’s my former Constituency Assistant, a long time friend of mine and she’s attending Arctic College here and hopefully will be one of the first graduates of the Environmental Technology Course that’s being offered here. Annie Koksuk.
Stand Annie please.  >>Applause
I would also like to recognize two former constituents of mine, David Webster, a good friend, Meredith Webster and Joshua.
And all those who have not been recognized, welcome to the gallery.
Sergeant-at-Arms, do you want to notify the people in the chambers that there is seating here for another seven or eight people.
Question 491 - 1(5): Any Plans to Support Unilingual People Towards Maintenance of Homes
Mr. Speaker, I will direct my question to the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation.
I would like to ask the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation a question about the Homeownership Program.
This is regarding Inuktitut unilingual speaking individuals who access Homeownership Programs.
There is not enough support given to the Inuktitut unilingual speaking people.
They have to operate and maintain their home by themselves and at times when the furnace breaks down or if anything breaks down in their utilities, whether it is frozen pipes through the plumbing, they have to order all these parts from outside of the community.
We don’t have any entities that sell parts like that and I would like to ask the minister if he has any plans in regards to this issue.
Speaker: New Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation.
Mr. Speaker, we try to assist clients depending on their needs and each community of course is different depending on if it’s a larger community.
There may be an enterprise that is already established to do that kind of maintenance.
There might be smaller communities where that might not be as readily available.
Certainly if there is a problem out there in respect to that area, it is certainly something that we could assist specific homeowners or that community, a group of homeowners in that community.
Although I understand that, I would like to get further clarification because the parts for furnaces are not available at the local level.
I was wondering if the Housing Authority could assist those clients before these parts come into the community.
Mr. Speaker, certainly in the situation where a part may be required, say for example to keep the furnace going in that individual’s home and that part is not readily available in the community.
If it is available at the Housing Authority certainly some accommodation can be made to make sure that individual’s house is not in jeopardy.
They could replace that part whatever it may be when it was to arrive into the community.
Question 492 – 1(5): Decentralize Jobs Where Housing is Available
Mr. Speaker, today my question today is to the Minister responsible for Decentralization.
Mr. Speaker, the Premier has done an excellent job in my opinion on decentralization for Nunavut.
I don't think the citizens of Nunavut are aware how fast under him that decentralization came into place.
There was a long-term plan but he dealt with it very fast.
We seem to be up to speed on decentralization.
I have to thank the Premier for putting the Nunavut Power Corporation into Baker Lake because it meant 15 local jobs in my community that were badly needed.
But my question today to the minister is, as a result of decentralization in my community, Nunavut Construction constructed 20 government staff units in the community.
As of this date there are 15 empty staff houses plus there is a surplus of office space in the community.
Can the Premier tell me if he has any plans for this?
I am short of houses in some communities maybe we can move them to those communities.
That would be economical.
We set the target for each and every community to try and hire the set number of individuals and we are continuing that exercise.
So I believe we are a still a bit short in Baker Lake.
We are continuing to find additional employees or positions that could be relocated to those communities where we are still short in terms of employment.
It is good to hear the Premier say that.
We know when we talk about surplus housing in communities, it is probably the only community in Nunavut is Baker Lake at this point that has a surplus of housing.
I hear there are a couple in Arviat also.
But the question that I want to get to the minister today is that, every time I open a newspaper and jobs are advertised in Iqaluit, there is no housing.
When the jobs aren’t filled there are opportunities that are being missed.
I wonder if the Premier would consider moving some temporary jobs into Baker Lake to take care of these jobs.
At this point we haven’t planned on creating, in some cases the jobs are required to be in Iqaluit and it is difficult trying to relocate them in terms of opportunities and in terms of the position that is required.
So it is something that is perhaps worth looking at.
I don’t want to keep pushing the minister for an answer on this, but Mr. Speaker, the community has a high unemployment rate, there are lots of young people that are calling me looking for job opportunities.
It’s no secret Mr. Speaker, that the government, our government is paying a lot of rent on these empty units for the last two years. Plus the surplus office space is costing this government anywhere from 4-500 thousand dollars a year, in empty staff houses and office space.
I know moving jobs into communities is a difficult situation.
But I like I said, I commend the minister, the Premier for moving the amount of jobs he has into the decentralized communities in Nunavut.
But the fact of the matter is, is that it's costing the government hundreds of thousands of dollars to have these units empty for the last two and a half, three years.