EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
She is from Igloolik and is Blandina's, one of our interpreters, older sister and I also call her my sister.
I think she is referred to as my sister because our mother's were siblings.
I am very proud of this coin and she's a tremendous artist and I am very proud of her.
I think everybody here knows her.
She is from Nunavut and lived in Mr. Irqittuq's riding as she was growing up.
I just wanted to mention this, Thank you Mr. Speaker.
Members' Statements 68 - 1 (2) Respect for Inuit Traditional Knowledge
This morning I would like to make a statement to the people of Nunavut in respect to the traditional knowledge of the Inuit as it relates to the Nunavut Government.
We have stated we will be closer to the Nunavut Government.
We keep referring to this and I am very happy that I am dressed in my traditional clothing to make a statement in the House.
This is a very good principal for the government to adhere to, to be closer to the people of Nunavut, again as we have stated that when we get the Nunavut Government we will be closer to the people.
The Inuit traditional knowledge and wisdom, we have stated that will be our base.
Mr. Speaker we have heard that we will be a different government and I am very happy that is the case.
But, Mr. Speaker, I would like to state in the Legislative Assembly, this is just an example that I will use, Mr. Speaker, I heard that during one of the Ministers' statements, the Minister of Public Works, when she was referring to something, she stated she would respond to the bad gas experienced by Gjoa Haven, which is in my constituency.
It was stated that it was being tested in Alberta.
The people whom I represent thought they knew, and they believe themselves, the Gjoa Havens' who stated that it was bad gas, but as we heard, although they thought their concerns were believed and we have heard within the Assembly that the gas is within the standards.
With respect to that issue Mr. Speaker, I want to state that within this Legislative Assembly, that the Inuit of Nunavut, their knowledge, their culture, their values and customs, we stated that they were to be our base.
But no, where is the Inuit wisdom, where is the culture, and I am using this as an example for Gjoa Haven, because they stated it was bad gas and they believe in it, but this was not reflected.
Speaker (interpretation): Could you please sit down Mr. Puqiqnak.
Mr. Puqiqnak (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I want to add some more comments if that is okay.
I am seeking unanimous consent, I would like to finish my comments.
Speaker (interpretation): Mr. Puqiqnak is seeking unanimous consent to finish his comments.
Mr. Puqiqnak you have consent to proceed.
Where are the Inuit traditional knowledge, it seems that the operations are still like the GNWT of yesterday and we seem to be following that.
Our wisdom and our cultural beliefs and values, it seems like they are being sloughed off.
Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut Government has to respect their residents.
Also Mr. Speaker, the 36 thousand dollars that was expended for the testing of the gasoline.
Just as an example to use that 36 thousand dollars, the damage that was caused, they weren't even given any part of that 36 thousand dollars.
Again, the respect that the Nunavut Government should have for its' residents, for that seemed to be an aberration from our statements.
Again, in respecting our residents, I think we have to stick to that principal.
I have heard the Premier as he has stated, our traditional knowledge is very strong and also the Education Ministers' Statement has referred to the Inuit values, beliefs and traditions, but if it is going to be valid it has to be used by the Nunavut Government.
Because of this fact Mr. Speaker, I come from Nunavut, and I come from the government and I am telling the Legislature of the Nunavut Government, please I urge you to re-look at our respect and please Mr. Speaker, I would urge you to do that.
Hon. Manitok Thompson: Point of order.
Speaker (interpretation): I am sorry Mr. Kattuk, Ms. Thompson has called a point of order.
Regarding the MLA from Gjoa Haven, he seemed to indicate to us during his statement that we are not reflecting Inuit cultural values and stated that I did not believe the wishes of the Gjoa Haven residents.
The study mentioned does not relate to Inuit traditional culture.
Tomorrow, after we have looked at our Orders of the Day, I will make a ruling on this point of order.
Members' Statement 69 - 1 (2) Concern about Nunavut Islands
I stated a concern of mine earlier respecting the Hudson Bay and James Bay islands.
These islands are in Hudson's Bay and James Bay .
They're called Long Island and Bear Island, North and South Twin Islands, Akipskie and other islands.
Mr. Speaker, the Premier previously made a statement and I understand that it is dealt with within the land claim agreement, specifically Article 15.3.8.
Mr. Speaker, I am still very concerned about status of these islands because there are three aboriginal peoples who have great interest in these islands, including the Cree and the Quebec Inuit as well as the Sanikiluaq Inuit.
These islands are a point of contention and they are within the Nunavut Territory.
I hope that in the future if there is any kind of dialogue about these islands, that the residents of Sanikiluaq are involved.
Members' Statements 70 - 1 (2) Working Together
At this time I would like to give my appreciation to all of my fellow MLA's and especially my wife.
She is sick at this moment and she has never given me any complaints.
I speak to her every day and she is being looked after by our children.
I wanted to praise her here.
Additionally, I would like to see within Nunavut that there be less problems between the members, because even small things can become a problem and we cannot make any progress.
Because of that fact, if we had less obstacles, although it may be hard, let's not blame each other, if we work in co-operation there will be progress and I wanted to make a statement on that.
Speaker: Members' Statements.
Members' Statement 70 - 1 (2) Carl Mayer Award Recipient
Mr. Jack Tootoo of Baker Lake is the first recipient of a new and annual award created by BHP Diamonds.
The Carl Mayer Award will be presented each year to recognize outstanding achievement in the millwright, heavy duty mechanic trades.
Mr. Jack Tootoo was selected for the award from among this year's graduating class of Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic apprentices. The award is presented by BHP with the advice of the Department of Education, Culture & Employment.
Members' Statement 71 - 1 (2) Road Link to Keewatin
Mr. Speaker, one of the many ways in which Nunavut is unique is the fact that all the Territories communities are accessible to the rest of Canada only by air and by sea.
We do not have to accept this situation forever.
For example, the Province of Prince Edward Island, has recently achieved a mainland link at a cost of some several hundred million dollars.
Mr. Speaker with enough persistence and strong will, we also can accomplish this, and I believe our Premier has these genuine abilities.
Mr. Speaker, it has been a long time that the Keewatin has had the dream of a link between the Keewatin and the south.
For many years this dream has eluded us, we talked about studies, restudies, evaluations.
Mr. Speaker, I think the time has come to act.
Mr. Speaker this country was brought together by such projects as the CP Rail Line and the Trans-Canada Highway.
We are linked from East to West, coast to coast, it is now time to focus on North - South ties.
Mr. Speaker this is a win-win situation for all of Nunavut.
The benefits of a permanent road connection are obvious.
Reduced transportation costs will save money for fuel, food, housing construction.
The savings in this area will allow more money to be spent on other projects in other regions, such the Baffin and the Kitikmeot.
Mr. Speaker, in Churchill they receive approximately 7 thousand tourists per year.
These tourists come in to Churchill to view the polar bears that migrate into that area and they stop there.
There is no reason why these 7 thousand tourists or a portion of them could not continue on, if we had a road link to the Keewatin.
This again will put many dollars back into the communities and provide the tourists with an opportunity to benefit and see the Arctic way of life.
Members Statements, Mr. Kilabuk.
Members' Statements 72 - 1 (2) Pangnirtung Fisheries Employees
I would like to recognize someone I used to work with in Pangnirtung, when I was a Chairperson of the Pangnirtung Fisheries, we worked with this person for over a year in Pangnirtung.
Right now I envy the people who were working at the plant and are now having free time.
I would just like to let them know that I wish them a good holiday, we wish them a good rest.
I guess the Americans are going to be missing the fish that were being processed in Pangnirtung.
Members Statements 73 - 1 (2) Inuuqatigiit Curriculum
When Mr. Arvaluk was talking about Inuuqatigiit being developed and to be taught to Inuit teachers , teaching and learning staff across Nunavut.
I am very proud that they are doing this and I know many of the educators worked very hard to develop this document and interviewing people to find out what kind of culture we have.
We do have differing cultures in Kitikmeot, Baffin and Kivalliq.
There are also sub-cultures, Paaliqmiut, Natilingmiut as well.
The differences in cultures of these people, when we are talking about them, sometimes there are disagreements about what is Inuit.
Some of the elders may believe that this is a true Inuit way but because of the differences in culture, they differ in opinion.
For example in Inuuqatigiit, it says that the elders believe that when a woman cannot have a child anymore, if she eats caribou fur she will be able to conceive.
Sometimes the kids can start to believe that and since the Inuit teachers are going to be teaching about Inuuqatigiit, this is good, but we have different beliefs and we have different cultures.
Even though Inuit share a same language we have different dialects, Mr. Speaker.
I am very glad to see that this is being developed by Education Mr. Speaker, Thank you.
Members' Statements, Mr. Havioyak.
Members Statements 73 - 1 (2): Inuinnaqtun Language
Hon. Donald Havioyak: …I am very proud of that and we would like to see that continue.
We have our own writing system as Inuinnaqtun and we have our own language in Kugluktuk and Cambridge Bay.
We have to support each other so that we will be able to keep our old systems.
I just wanted to let the people from Kugluktuk and Cambridge Bay know that I will be working towards keeping our dialect and our writing system.
Members' Statements 75 - 1 (2): Appreciation to Hamlet of Cape Dorset
The people I was working with in my community, I worked with them for six years, the Hamlet of Cape Dorset, I have never thanked them.
I would like to express my gratitude to them at this time, because they taught me a lot about being a member of Council and they supported me in my bid to become an MLA.
They gave me great assistance during those six years that I was working with them, the Hamlet of Cape Dorset.
Members' Statements. Members Statements.
Back to our agenda, number 4, Returns to Oral Questions.
Speaker: I would like to recognize a group of well travelled journalists in the Gallery today.
Please forgive me if I mispronounce your names, they are:
Ms. Gudrun Harrer from Austria, Mr. Marc Reynebeau from Belgium, Mr. Oliver Bendixen and Ms. Petra Penzier from Germany, Mr. Paul Gillespie from Ireland, Mr. Jose Maria Vera Casado from Spain, Mr. Francois Modoux from Switzerland, Mr. Trevor Grundy from Scotland and Mr. Martin Shipton from Wales.
We hope that you find your stay in Nunavut rewarding.
Welcome to the Assembly.
Speaker: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery.
I would like to recognize, we have different departments and we work with different people, I would like to recognize from mining.
The mine manager from Lupin Mine , please stand up.
Also Roy Inglangesuk, Thank you Mr. Speaker.
Mr. O'Brien: Mr. Speaker I would also like to recognize a friend of mine that is here in the Gallery.
From Dublin Ireland, Mr. Paul Gillespie who is the foreign editor for the Irish Times.
Welcome to the Gallery. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery.
I would like to recognize a person from when I was going to school in Inuvik.
He was going to the same school that I was. Roy Inglangasuk, I would like to welcome you to the Legislative Assembly.
We had a bit of technical difficulty.
Oral Questions, Mr. Puqiqnak.
Item 6:Oral Questions
Question 102 - 1 (2): Formalised Plan for Taloyoak
My question is that in Taloyoak, after the Mayor and the Senior Administrative Officer came into town for a meeting with the Housing Corporation.
I am aware of what they are doing, but I think that through Sustainable Development there needs to be a plan formalised.
I wonder if there is a plan being worked on through that department.
Minister of Sustainable Development, Mr. Kilabuk.
The subject that the member is talking about has already been completed and a report and a plan has already been sent to the Hamlet.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Minister.
Since he say's that he cannot say anything else at this time, and I understand what he is saying, but we have seen progress and also completed a good exercise in the community.
I want the Minister to be aware of the work that was done and maybe the same thing could be done by his department.
Yes, I think I have looked over the document that he is talking about with my staff.
I would like the member to know we are aware of this document.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Kilabuk, I think Mr. Puqiqnak has been answered.
Question 103 - 1 (2) Pond Inlet Landfill Site
Mr. Nutarak: This is directed to the Minister responsible for Community Government's .
In Pond Inlet we have a new land field site and the old land field site was supposed to be restored, which has not been completed to date.
I wonder if there are some funds available to restore this old land field site.
Speaker ( Interpretation): Thank you Mr. Speaker.
Hon. Jack Anawak: (interpretation): I was not aware of that concern.
I will check into it right away, and if there is a health issue then I will address it.
I have just been informed of the start date to monitor the land fill site.
The year 2000 has been slated for the hazardous monitoring of that site.
Mr. Speaker: Oral Questions Mr. Akesuk
Question 104 - 1 (2) Status of Adult Education School Project
Mr. Akesuk: My question is directed to the Minister of PWTTS.
In Cape Dorset we were supposed to get something from the GNWT. They had approved this project.
Specifications were already done for the building and they were approved and the site was even identified.
The project number is 4-001796.
In Cape Dorset adult students are using the high school.
We want to see the building go up as soon as possible because the existing schools are already crowded.
I wonder what the status of the project is, if we are not going to get the adult education centre then perhaps the minister consider making an addition to the existing school that is being used for adult education.
Speaker ( Interpretation) : Thank you.
Ms Thompson
Hon. Manitok Thompson ( Interpretation):Perhaps this question should be put to the Minister of Education.
I will have to find out if the contract was already awarded.
If funds have been identified than we can start working on a project.
The money would have to be coming from the Department of Education, and also even though many of the projects have been approved by the other government we are now under a new government.
I think that we can all understand this.
But in reply to the member's question, is that we do not have this information in detail.
I will find out it if the contract was awarded and if the funds have been identified.
Speaker (Interpretation): Thank you.
Oral Questions Mr. Iqaqrialu
Question 104 - 1 (2) Polar Bear Regulations
Mr. Iqaqrialu (Interpretation):I started asking this question yesterday regarding polar bears in my community of Clyde River.
We see a lot of polar bears these days and in the past few years.
The regulations in place now that have been put in place by those who look after polar bears is not consistent the legislation which was put in place originally.
I wonder if this can be looked into by the Minister of Sustainable Development .
Speaker: Mr. Kilabuk
Hon. Peter Kilabuk (Interpretation): I will take that question as notice.
Speaker: Thank you, oral questions Mr. O'Brien.
Question 105 - 1 (2) Social Worker Shortage in Arviat
Mr. O'Brien: My questions are directed to the Minister Responsible for Health and Social Services.
Last night , I received a call from Mayor King from my community concerned about the number of social services staff in the Arviat office.
Mr. Speaker it is my understanding that there is only one individual in the office when normally there would be five.
The individual that is there is a level one which is a junior entry position and they are quite concerned with the situation and wonder how long it will stay the way it is.
When can we expect to see some staff back in the Arviat office.
Speaker ( Interpretation): Thank you.
Mr. Picco, Minister of Health and Social Services
Mr Picco: I was not aware either of the situation regarding the social workers in Arviat.
What I will do now that I have heard about this problem from the member is that we will contact the department and have them direct some questions.
The regional Health and Services Board will find out when indeed when the full complement of social workers will be put in place in Arviat.
Thank you Mr. Speaker..
Speaker( interpretation): Thank you Mr. Picco.
It might take some time to get the full complement or some full time people in place. I was wondering if the minister would commit to putting some part time people in place even from different communities that might be available to help with the problem as it exists today.
Speaker: Mr. Picco
I will direct the department to have that concern brought forward with the Health Board to see indeed if any other help can be brought in from the other regions or to see what can be done to help alleviate the shortage of social workers on the ground in Arviat.
Speaker( Interpretation): Oral questions.
Question 105 - 1 (2) Iqaluit Hospital
Mr. Tootoo: Earlier last week or this week, I cannot remember now, the government announced the go ahead of a P3 project in Arviat.
I would like to ask the minister if the process which was also supposed to be used to look at the hospital here in Iqaluit.
Could he please provide us with the status of where that is right now.
Speaker ( Interpretation):Thank you Mr. Tootoo.
The question was directed to you Mr. Picco.
Hon. Ed Picco: Thank You Mr. Speaker.
I can speak to it but the Minister responsible for the P3 projects is the Minister of Finance.
Speaker ( Interpretation) Thank you Mr. Picco.
Minister of Finance, Mr. Ng
Hon. Kelvin Ng : As you know the cabinet has adopted the principles of supporting P3 as one of the funding initiatives in trying to assist us in bringing forward our infrastructure.
In respect to the three regional health facilities right now the Department of Health is doing a cursory review of the functional programs that had been approved by the Government of the NWT to make sure that they will meet the needs of the Government of Nunavut before we move forward with those projects.
Speaker ( Interpretation):Thank you Mr. Ng, second question Mr. Tootoo.
Mr. Tootoo: I guess what I hear the Minister saying is that prior to any movement on these projects there expecting to review the report from the Department of Health.
Can I ask the minister when he expects these reports to be ready.
Speaker ( Interpretation): Thank you Mr. Tootoo.
Minister of Finance, Mr. Ng.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: The Department of Health has been given thirty days to turn around the functional review, to assess the functional programs of the three facilities as we realize the expectations of time lines.
We are trying to deliver these programs in as timely a fashion as possible.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Ng. Third supplementary Mr. Tootoo.
I guess I am asking this because it is my understanding that there were some dollars that were allocated for the design of this facility.
I am wondering if these will also be on hold because of this delay.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Mr. Speaker right now as I indicated we are waiting for the Department of Health to provide their comments on those functional programs of those three facilities and it is expected like I said that very shortly they should have that task completed and then at that point we can move on.
Speaker (interpretation): Final supplementary Mr. Tootoo.
Mr. Tootoo: I ask the Minister if those dollars that were previously allocated for the design of the facility will be on hold as a result of the report.
I would like to know if these dollars have been put on hold as a result of this review.
Minister of Finance. Mr. Ng
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Thank you.
As I indicated we are waiting for the Department of Health to undertake the review and then we will move on from there.
Question 106 - 1 (2) Adult Education Centre
Mr. Akesuk (interpretation): Possibly I should have directed my question to the Minister of Education.
My question that I directed to Miss Thompson regarding the adult education or the Arctic College that was going to be built in Cape Dorset.
My question is what is the status.
We have already used money for the facility.
Hon. James Arvaluk: I believe it was yesterday that we heard Mr. Anawak give us his report.
I believe that he was talking about money that was already expended for projects.
He said that money was already expended but I would like to tell Mr. Akesuk that even if money was expended it does not necessarily mean that we have the money to build the facility.
The Nunavut Government has stated that only contracts that were already rewarded are going to go ahead this year.
We are not only talking about drawing designs for buildings, but also health and safety issues, for an example a house that may collapse.
We have to prioritise those projects that have been awarded already.
If your facility does not fall into one of these categories then it will get moved to the next year to be reviewed the following year.
It might mean that the blue print has already been drawn but it does not mean that it is going to get built that year because it does not fall into those categories.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Akesuk.
Mr. Akesuk: The cabinet members have just stated that they will only go ahead with projects that have been contracted out already or health and safety issues.
It could become a safety issue if the school becomes over crowded.
It could become a health and safety issue.
I believe that it should be a part of the review.
If the schools get over crowded, there are a lot more people enrolling into the schools each year and I would suggest that the Minister of Health look into it because it might become a health and safety issue and I would like that to be a part of the review.
Mr. Speaker: Mr. Arvaluk, if you would like to respond.
Hon. James Arvaluk: Yes , we are not saying that it is taken right out of the plan but it could be deferred to another year if we do not have sufficient money, the materials not ordered, not a health and safety issue or if the contract is not awarded.
Question 107 - 1 (2): Student Teacher Ratio
Mr. Irqittuq (interpretation): This question is for the Minister of Education.
In my community of Hall Beach we have a very small school that does not meet the school population and I am sure that is like that in other places in Nunavut.
Looking at the teachers, what is the teacher children ratio in each classroom.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Arvaluk
Hon. James Arvaluk (interpretation): Our goal is to look at the whole school and not necessarily each classroom.
The teacher student ratio is 19:1.
It would be ideal to have 19 students per teacher.
There would be more interaction between the students and the teachers.