EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
(interpretation ends) While the success of decentralization depends on having trained
personnel available in these communities it is also true that local training will be more effective with the local community presence of government departments.
This means that individuals will not have to leave their community to participate in public service training opportunities.
The training that is provided to these individuals will not only lead to government employment but will make many other opportunities available to them.
Once trained they may wish to be employed outside of the Government and even outside their community.
In any event the benefits and opportunities decentralization can provide through training are many, and will be maximized through the further development of training plans by the Government in co-operation with the impacted communities.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker I am pleased to inform the members that a portion of this year's decentralization budget has been targeted at local training initiatives.
This shows our commitment, not only to making decentralization happen, but to maximize its benefits.
(interpretation ends) The first year of our training plan will initiate on the job training and the number of community training and employment opportunities will increase each year as decentralization continues to be implemented.
Mr. Speaker it is indicative of our commitment to decentralization that a specific budget allocation required to implement decentralization in the coming fiscal year has been recommended for approval.
This budget will be sufficient to implement about one third of our overall decentralization objective.
(interpretation) I wish to assure members that we will continue to move forward with decentralization, not only with relocation but in ensuring that appropriate training plans are in place in our communities and that the delivery of programs and services is maintained.
Mr. Speaker decentralization is a key objective of our government and one that this government will ensure happens as planned within three years.
Ministers' Statements. Mr. Premier.
Minister’s Statement 42 - 1(3) Visual Identity Program
Earlier today I was pleased to unveil the new logo for the Government of Nunavut.
This logo will be used to identify the government in our territory, across Canada and throughout the world.
(interpretation ends) It is difficult to choose just one symbol to represent a land and people as diverse as Nunavut.
This symbol represents the unity of our territory .
It reflects the pride in the traditions of Nunavut and these traditions are a foundation for our government as it moves forward to improve the lives of Nunavummiut.
(interpretation) The artists who developed our logo, Andrew Qappik and Dan O'Brien spoke with many people about what they would like to see in our logo.
Mr. Speaker, some people in this room contributed to that discussion.
(interpretation ends) Our logo is a polar bear standing on a mound of snow looking up and back to the north star, Niqirtsituk. As you know Niqirtsituk was used as a traditional guide for navigation.
The north star is also included in the designs of the Nunavut Flag and coat of arms.
(interpretation) The polar bear is moving forward towards a more prosperous Nunavut, while looking back into the past, acknowledging the traditions of the Inuit way of life and the teachings of the elders.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker the pages are delivering to each Member a souvenir of the occasion.
I hope you will all enjoy this gift.
(interpretation) I also want to take this opportunity to thank Andrew and Dan for their hard work and creativity.
There will be a feast tonight to celebrate our new logo and honour our artists.
I encourage everyone to participate in this celebration.
Minister’s Statement 43 - 1(3) Program Partnerships
Mr. Speaker when our new Government was formed on April 1, 1999, we took steps to ensure programs delivered to the public would not be interrupted.
Our first year of delivering these programs has given us an opportunity to see what programs are working and the effectiveness of our delivery.
It has also given us the opportunity to speak with members of this House and our program partners on where changes and improvements need to be made.
In fact when I appeared before the Standing Committee on Community Empowerment and Sustainable Development October 1999, this topic was on their mind as well.
They asked me to examine approaches to program delivery that improve the accountability and transparency of their operations.
Mr. Speaker, the department of Sustainable Development delivers its programs through four levels of partnerships.
First, we work in partnership with Hamlets in delivering community economic development services in communities.
Second, we work in partnership with outside organizations who deliver other business programs such as Partners in Development in this region.
Third, we work in partnership with industry associates such as Nunavut Tourism and the Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association.
Finally we work in partnership with the Government of Canada such as through the Canada / Nunavut Geoscience Office.
But we have determined that that there must be clearer terms and conditions to many of these partnerships, in order that I can report back to this House on the performance of our programs.
Mr Speaker I would like to advise the house today that my Department of Sustainable Development intends to introduce a new policy on our program partnerships on 2000/2001.
This policy will provide a clear framework on how we intend to fund our partnerships, the terms under which we are partnering our programs and our expected performance and reporting standards.
Mr. Speaker I am committed to providing the Standing Committee and this House clear and transparent information on how Department program dollars are spent.
I also know from my travels this year that Nunavummiut are asking for better information on our programs and services.
I am pleased to say that we have now sent information on the new Department of Sustainable Development to all Mayors in Nunavut.
We have also recently completed a simple program brochure which identifies which people to contact in communities and at the regional level about our program information.
And also Mr. Speaker, I'm examining methods of how we can support and develop the skill level of the Community Economic Development Officers, who are funded by this Government through a partnership agreement with Hamlets.
I expect to report on progress on this early in the new fiscal year.
Mr. Speaker this Government through the Bathurst Mandate made a commitment to simplify and enhance access to our programs.
The changes I have detailed today are the first phase of continued improvements to program delivery that you can expect from the Department of Sustainable Development.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank You Mr Kilabuk. Ministers’ Statements.
Minister’s Statement 44 - 1(3) Integration of School Services
Hon. James Arvaluk (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Speaker. First of all, representing the mothers and fathers I would like to thank them for our students.
Mr Speaker I submitted a progress report on the dissolution of Divisional Education Councils to the Standing Committee on Education, Culture and Health in February of this year.
However, I think it is important for all members to be aware of what is happening with this project so I will provide you with a verbal update.
In addition, I would be pleased to share my written report to any interested member.
(interpretation ends) The integration of school services with the Department of Education will bring our department closer to Nunavummiut.
Following a decision to dissolve the Divisional Education Councils in the spring of 1999, legislation was passed and work began in May to start the process of change.
Since then the Department has set up a steering committee and a series of working committees to undertake work such as a re-designing the organization, establishing electronic communication links with the Board offices and converting to the government accounting system.
The team doing the work consisted of staff from both headquarter and Board offices.
We made a special effort to involve Inuit staff in the decision making.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, an important element of this work was the need to keep all stakeholders informed in the regions and also the staff were briefed through meetings and individual discussions and this was followed by a series of newsletters to report progress.
I briefed the Nunavut Social Development Council and we also had two meetings with the board chairs to inform them of the change and to brief them on progress.
I also met with each full Divisional Council at least once in the last 10 months.
It will be critical for us to set up an effectively functioning administrative operation in each region, reporting to an Assistant Deputy Minister at headquarters.
The newly designed organizations will not look a lot different than the existing board operations.
However by July 1, 2000 they will no longer be at arms length form the Nunavut Government.
They will use the Government's central agency services and will conform to Government policies in all areas.
(interpretation ends) I am pleased to report that the new organization design is complete and all staff in Board offices received job offers by early December.
They now understand their roles in the new organization.
We succeeded in fulfilling the Governments promise that there would be no layoffs and this has really reduced anxiety levels amongst staff.
I am confident that we now have the resources in place to make the transition on time in July of this year.
The department predicted savings of 1 million dollars through the dissolution of the Boards of Management.
I am confident we will meet that target.
We have been able to achieve significant savings through the elimination of Board per diems and travel costs.
We will also save money through staff reductions made possible through the use of central agency services.
These savings will be phased in over a number of months starting at the beginning of the 2000/2001 school year.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker we still have a lot work to do make this project a success.
However, we are a bit ahead of schedule and I have no doubt that this important change will proceed on time, within budget.
The dissolution of the Divisional Education Councils and the integration of these services into the Department will move the Department of Education and the Minister of Education closer to our students and all Nunavummiut.
Thank You Mr. Speaker
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr Arvaluk.
Member’s Statement 77 - 1(3): Tribute to Rankin Inlet
Mr. Tootoo: Thank you Mr Speaker .
Mr. Speaker it gives me great pleasure to make my first member's statement of the year 2000 in Rankin Inlet, the place of my birth.
I had planned to make this statement yesterday, but predictably the unpredictable Rankin weather had pushed us back a day.
As members of this House know I had the honour of serving on the Hamlet council in '96 and '97, with a number of very able colleagues, some of whom I see in the gallery today.
It has been a tremendous feeling to see so many old friends and family over the last few days. Although Iqaluit is my home, this community will always have a special place in my heart.
Mr. Speaker, I am quite overwhelmed with and proud of the warm welcome and the hospitality that has been extended by the people of Rankin Inlet to the Members of the Legislative Assembly.
I will do my best to live up to their expectations for our performance.
Mr. Speaker, we will be sitting here in Rankin Inlet until the end of the month.
During the sitting, I look forward to raising a number of issues of concern to my constituents in Iqaluit Centre, who I would again like to thank for their support and guidance.
Members’ Statements. Minister Thompson.
Member's Statement 78 - 1(3) Welcome Legislature to Rankin Inlet
As an MLA for the Rankin Inlet and Whale Cove constituents, I would like for you to feel welcome while you are here in Rankin Inlet.
If there are any problems please don't hesitate to let us know.
All the people here in this Assembly, the students and the elders, on behalf of them we would like to make you feel welcome while you are in Rankin Inlet.
The Mayor, Simon Upatak, Paul Kaludjuak from KIA and the President of KIA, I would like to welcome all the people here on their behalf.
Jack Anawak will be making a speech as well.
This school was named after Maani, who was a respected elder.
She had a reverence for God and I know that within all her heart she would want you to feel welcome while you are sitting in Rankin Inlet.
I would just like to clarify that we don't use the names of members.
Member’s Statement 79 - 1(3) Ranger Service Medals
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share with the members that two of my constituents of Clyde River were honoured yesterday with special service medals.
These two individuals are Rangers.
Ranger Peter Kunilusie and Master Corporal Jimmy Tassugat.
They were decorated in Ottawa by Governor General Adrienne Clarkson with the new Ranger bar awarded for at least four years of service.
I would ask all Members of the Legislative Assembly to join me in extending congratulations to these two individuals.
Members' Statements. Mr. Anawak.
Member’s Statement 80 - 1(3) Appreciation for Sessional Assistance
We are very happy and proud to be here.
If I could just make a comment.
In the 1960's and 1970's when the Nunavut Settlements and the Hamlets were being put in place, we never expected to have this actual Nunavut Government.
At least now we have established the Nunavut Government and there are some things that we didn't expect that are happening today.
We see drum dancing in the Legislative Assembly, we see a qulliq being lit and the young children singing O'Canada in Inuktitut.
These are all things that we should be proud of and that the elders are here too.
So on behalf of each and every one of them I would like to thank them and I would also like to acknowledge the pages for a week.
I would like to thank them, Elaine Bruce, Alurak and Codie Dean, Tupa Ford, Amie Kuludjak, Joanne Kent and Laura Mary.
These are our pages for this week.
I would also like to acknowledge, as I have stated before we see things that we did not expect to see.
As the person who opened the meeting with a prayer said, this is the first time that the mace was carried by a woman into the Legislature.
Lizzie Ittinuar, who is the Sergeant at Arms, I know that all of the Nunavut residents recognize her, but she has worked very hard to maintain the traditional clothing.
I don't think we recognize her for all her work to enhance, keep and preserve traditional clothing.
I was very proud of her carrying the mace.
I would also like to welcome the members and we are very glad and proud to welcome you to Rankin Inlet.
Member’s Statement 81 - 1(3) Appreciation to Rankin Inlet Residents
I recognized a few people here when I came into Rankin Inlet and I am also very pleased to be here and very proud of the elders here as well as the students.
They worked very hard and are also learning from the elders.
This is the route we are trying to take and this should be continued.
It is so nice to see the people, when we see these things happening it seems like we are going in the right direction for our future.
I just want to make a brief statement.
I felt so welcome here when I came into Rankin Inlet and there are a number of people making us welcome and who worked very hard.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 82 - 1(3) Order of Canada Recipient
I rise today to recognize a Cape Dorset carver who was honoured recently.
Kiugak Ashoona was honoured in Ottawa last week.
He was awarded the Order of Canada.
Kiugak Ashoona was honoured and presented with that award for being a world renowned carver for over 50 years.
Member’s Statement 83 - 1(3) Passing of Maurice Kukkiak
It has been not too many days since we lost our friend and family member, Maurice Kukkiak from Chesterfield Inlet.
He was a hunter and I know Mr. Speaker, elders would say that he died doing what he really enjoyed, not through sickness.
We send our sympathy and condolences to the family.
I have been saddened not since yesterday but previously when somebody dies who is so dear to us.
We saw him recently on TV and I was not too happy about that, I did not know if the TV company got approval from the family.
He went through APTN when the day is too close to his date of death.
So I am asking them to be aware of these things.
Perhaps we will write a letter on behalf of the Members of the Legislative Assembly to the family members.
Member’s Statement 84 - 1(3) Passing of John Shorty Uppahuak
Mr. O'Brien: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I too am very pleased to be here today in Rankin at this Assembly.
Not only in Rankin but here in the Keewatin.
This is one of the more happy times, a time when everybody is excited, but unfortunately Mr. Speaker, I rise on a sad note.
Mr. Speaker, I would ask the members of this House to offer their condolences to the family of John Shorty Uppahuak who passed away yesterday in Arviat.
Mr. Speaker, Shorty was a real treasure in our community and will be sadly missed.
Our prayers and thoughts go to his daughters, Patsy Alujut, Annie Olie and Donna Oolariak.
On behalf of the Legislative Assembly we will send our condolences to the family.
Mr. Puqiqnak, Deputy Speaker.
Member’s Statement 85 - 1(3) Taloyoak Drum Dancers
I rise today to recognize my constituents from Taloyoak for they have been preparing since winter a series of drum dances.
They will be going out to perform at various places.
They will enhance Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
I have met with them twice when I was in the community and there's one young person there and an elder.
Their foundation is Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
They also would like to share their happiness with you through drum dancing.
Member’s Statement 86 - 1(3) Passing on of Elders Knowledge
I rise today to say that I am very proud and happy to be here in Rankin Inlet with the elders, young people and children.
I am very pleased that we can at least reach the year 2000 without any real problem in Nunavut.
I am very thankful and happy about that.
Also, elders are now dying off and our young people are increasing in numbers.
Our elders should teach our young people how to live a traditional way of life in the year 2000, which I expect to see.
I would like to encourage our young people to ask questions of the elders, that way they can have a better idea about life as to how we have lived and survived from the past to date.
So I am very proud of that fact and I rise today to say so.
Member’s Statement 87 - 1(3) Sitting of Legislature at Rankin Inlet
Today I rise to welcome the elders of Rankin Inlet, the youth of Rankin Inlet and the general population to this sitting in Rankin Inlet.
I would also like to welcome everybody from outside the Kivalliq to the Kivalliq.
I feel at home here, very much at home in Rankin Inlet because in 1971 it was my first home in the north.
Mr. Speaker, I have heard in the media and I have heard on the street of the cost of moving this Assembly to Rankin Inlet, but Mr. Speaker, a territory is not created every day and I think the cost is not the issue here.
The issue here is bringing this Assembly closer to the people.
As the children sang this afternoon, Hope & Glory for Nunavut.
Members’ Statement 88 - 1(3) Designer of New Logo
At this time I would like to recognize and be proud of the new logo that was unveiled today around lunch hour.
The artist from my home town, I would like to say that I am very proud of him and it also shows us, as we were told this morning, the polar bear is looking back into the past in recognition of the traditions of the Inuit.
I would also like to say that I am very glad that the elders are here.
For those of us who are younger, and those who are younger than we are, we have to be proud of the people who designed this logo and we are also proud of the elders.
Members’ Statement 89 - 1(3) Baffin Leaders Summit at Hall Beach
Mr. Irqittuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to say that I am very happy to be here in Rankin Inlet, the welcome is overwhelming and I do have many relatives here in town.
However, Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Hall Beach residents I would like to thank each and every one, last winter just before Christmas there was a Baffin Leaders Summit and some Members of the Legislative Assembly attended that session.
I would also like to thank and acknowledge some of the Cabinet members who were able to come to Hall Beach.
On behalf of Hall Beach residents thank you very much.
Members’ Statement 90 - 1(3) Appreciation to Rankin Inlet Residents
Hon. Ed Picco (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, first of all I would like to thank the Rankin Inlet residents.
(interpretation ends) This morning I had an opportunity to be here in Rankin Inlet and enjoy the hospitality and the warmth of the people here.
I would especially like to take this opportunity to thank Minister Thompson and Minister Anawak, the Mayor and Council, Sandy Kusugak and Sean Maley for their hard work in pulling off the presentation and the sitting over the next two weeks.
I would also like to take this opportunity and give a special thanks to all the people in the audience and especially all elders, Mr. Speaker, who have come here today for these proceedings and over the next two weeks.
Return to OQ 145 – 1 (3): Size of Housing Lots
I have a number of returns to oral questions.
One question was asked by Mr. Iqaqrialu on November 3, 1999 regarding the distance between houses.
The size of housing lots is normally determined as a result of Hamlet Zoning By-laws.
Smaller Hamlets use a "Land Use Planning" process in lieu of specific zoning requirements.
Another factor which dictates distances between houses is the fire separation regulations.
If an individual is accessing a "Home Ownership program" through the Housing Corporation, or for that matter building on their own, they can discuss the position of the house with their building contractor prior to construction.
Return to OQ 137 – 1 (3): Aviation Fuel in Repulse Bay and Pelly Bay
Hon. Manitok Thompson (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, this is a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Alakannuark on November 3, 1999 in regards to concerns about a lack of aviation fuel in Repulse Bay and Pelly Bay.
As soon as we heard about this concern, during the summer of 1999 we brought 12 drums of certified aviation fuel into Repulse Bay at the request of the member, for emergency use and for medivacs.
At the time of this response none of the product has been used and no complaints have been received.
Also we have not received any complaints from the airlines in reference to the community of Pelly Bay either.
We have completed an analysis of the costs to provide certified aviation fuel in Pelly Bay which would include proper storage, piping and distribution facilities.
Preliminary estimates are in the millions of dollars depending on the options chosen.
Return to OQ 132 – 1 (3): Dew Line Clean up
Mr. Speaker, I would like to make a response to a question that was asked at the last session.
The question was brought up by Mr. Iqaqrialu regarding the Dew Line Cleanup sites.
Following the last session I sent a letter to Member Iqaqrialu, as well as all Members of the Legislative Assembly which detailed the status of clean ups at all sites in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to advise the House that environmental assessments have been completed for all 39 Dew Line sites.
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and the Department of National Defence are both using restoration procedures that ensure that the level of clean up meets acceptable clean up standards and guidelines.
The Department of National Defence is committed to monitoring the landfill sites following clean up.
Mr. Speaker, my Department's Environmental Protection Services maintains close contact with officials in both the Department of National Defence and Indian Affairs.