EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I wish to welcome our pages, Samantha Weber and to my right, Paul Ijiraq, will be sitting up here.
Minister’s Statement 093 – 2(4): “The Structure of Inuktitut” CD-ROM (Tapardjuk)
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I’m pleased to announce that in support of our Pinasuaqtavut goal of having the Inuit language as the working language of the Government of Nunavut by the year 2020, the Department of Human Resources is continuing to expand and diversify language training programs and training tools offered to Government of Nunavut employees.
My department has lead responsibility in providing Inuit language training to GN employees and through our partnership with Nunavut Arctic College, we are currently updating course curriculum, teaching materials and resources in order to respond to Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun language training needs throughout the Government of Nunavut, for both first and second language learners.
Until recently, Mr. Speaker, the only method for second language learners of Inuktitut to engage in language training was through in class training offered periodically throughout the year.
In reviewing second-language training across other jurisdictions, it was noted that a variety of training methods are used to ensure greater efficiency in training delivery.
To implement an alternative, self-directed approach to language learning, my department worked with renowned linguist, Mick Mallon, to develop a CD-ROM disc, entitled “The Structure of Inuktitut.”
The CD-ROM disc has been endorsed by the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth and is available to all GN employees.
The CD-ROM disc serves to enhance existing Inuktitut as the second language courses and also provide employees who either cannot attend or do not have access to classroom-based training the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of Inuktitut.
Mr. Speaker, my department has actively promoted “The Structure of Inuktitut” as a learning tool and I am pleased to announce that over 650 employees have requested and received a copy of the CD-ROM disc.
This high demand certainly demonstrates the commitment of our employees to Ilippallianginnarniq and I look forward to updating my colleagues on more language training initiatives in the future.
Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Minister Simailak.
Minister’s Statement 094 – 2(4): Business Development Centres Study (Simailak)
I am pleased to inform the House that the Department of Economic Development & Transportation has recently initiated a review of Nunavut’s three business development centres.
This study will be conducted by a working group that includes departmental staff, and representatives from the board and staff of the business development centres in each region.
Mr. Speaker, the study will review the policies and procedures of each organization, and to identify and to recommend the standards and best practices to ensure that all Nunavutmiut have access to good quality business services.
These services are delivered by the Kitikmeot Community Futures Incorporated, the Kivalliq Business Development Centre, and the Baffin Business Development Centre, with each reporting to its own regionally-based board of directors.
These three organizations have recently formed the Nunavut Community Futures Association, to provide a forum for the sharing of standards and best practices in small business development in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, our review of business development centres will help us identify where government support can be applied most effectively to ensure improvements continue.
A report on the study’s progress will be completed by the end of this calendar year. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister’s Statement 095 – 2(4): Update on the Nunavut Recycling Initiative (Netser)
For nearly a year now, my department has been working to develop a Beverage Container Recycling Program tailored to the unique conditions and challenges of Nunavut.
To do this, we have researched programs across Canada to see what can be adapted for our use.
After careful consideration, we decided the Nunavut Beverage Container Program should have a deposit system similar to the one used in the west. For the first year, we took a pilot project approach, and established pilot projects in Iqaluit through a local recycling business and in Rankin Inlet through the hamlet.
Mr. Speaker, the pilot project is winding down and as we analyze the results, we are continuing with research to improve and expand our approach.
Due to factors like transportation and climate, recycling in Nunavut presents unique challenges and costs.
We will continue with this important initiative and work toward establishing a successful program suitable for Nunavut.
I will continue to keep you informed of our progress on this exciting project.
Minister for Community Government and Services, Minister Brown.
Minister’s Statement 096 – 2(4): Hamlet Anniversaries (Brown)
I rise today to recognize the Hamlet of Coral Harbour who celebrated their 35th anniversary this year, as well as Arviat and Baker Lake that both have their 30th anniversaries.
Mr. Speaker, special mention to my own constituency, the Hamlet of Whale Cove, which celebrated the 30th anniversary of their incorporation date last year.
Mr. Speaker, the municipalities in Nunavut are distinct levels of government in this territory that allow community members to duly elect their own municipal mayors and councils and to organize and run their own affairs.
Local government provides a great degree of independence to our communities and provides opportunities for local solutions and input into how things are run and administered.
Many members of this legislature, myself included, had their first start in politics as municipal council members and mayors.
Mr. Speaker, local municipal elections are being held this December 10, where Nunavutmiut will go to the polls and elect their community councils and who will, in turn provide local leadership and stewardship of their respective municipalities while being accountable to those who elect them.
Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to recognize our municipalities and the excellent job they do governing local affairs.
They are true partners with this government in fulfilling our mutual mandates to continue to improve the lives of our residents.
My apologies. Item. 2.
Minister’s Statement 097 – 2(4): FANS Update (Picco)
I would to take this opportunity to update the members about the progress with our Financial Assistance to Nunavut Students, or FANS program.
Since the Auditor General’s Report last summer, Mr. Speaker, the department has made considerable effort to follow through with the recommendations to improve FANS.
Mr. Speaker, we are proceeding with work to enhance the delivery of the program in a timely manner, with an emphasis on accountability. Changes are being implemented to both the administrative as well as the procedural areas, to ensure that all Nunavut students receive fair, reliable and consistent service.
Mr. Speaker, the department is working to improve all the areas around our FANS program; that includes more effective communication with students, improve loan administration and recordkeeping and enhanced training for our staff.
The department has also been diligent in making sure that the review of FANS has not interrupted the ongoing program delivery for new and existing students.
Mr. Speaker, many of the changes that will simplify procedural and administrative components of this program will be in place for the 2008-09 school year.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to updating the Assembly on this progress and important changes to our FANS program.
Each year since the establishment of Nunavut, there has been a steady increase in the FANS applicants.
This growth is in evidence that our education system is producing more students excited to pursue their post-secondary opportunities. Join with me, Mr. Speaker, in congratulating our students.
Member’s Statement 211 – 2(4): Kivalliq Nurses Recommend Tylenol (Curley)
I rise today to talk about the concern of my constituents about a miracle drug.
Mr. Speaker, I was reading this short note without referring to any of the personal comments.
Mr. Speaker, my constituents say that they’re so frustrated with the poor service that we, the Inuit, are receiving from the nurses in the Kivalliq region.  I have heard from other communities that make me so upset of how the nurses can only give Tylenol.
I have lost a little nephew because the nurse had told the parent to give it Tylenol. I was told, too, that there was a pregnant woman who was in labour and was told to take Tylenol. What is this with Tylenol and the nurses in the Kivalliq region?
I took my grandson to the health centre because of his pink eye and sure enough, the nurse told me to give him Tylenol.
Nothing was done for him. I’m so fed up with Tylenol; I will not bother to go to the health centre in the Kivalliq region.
If I had to take my family out for proper medical attention, I would possibly have to go down south.
More lives could possibly have been saved if the nurses would give their full services that they are being paid to do so.
I care so much for the people in the Kivalliq home. I’m tired of hearing people that go to the health centre and go home without being treated for their illnesses.
Mr. Speaker, I have seen one person with a big lump on her neck and I asked her what was done for her.
Absolutely nothing, for they don’t know what it is.
I’m sure there are other bit of issues with the nursing care that is beyond belief and giving Tylenol for their labour, for a broken part of their body, for cancer, for anything that is very serious.
That reminds me too, of one of my friends that mentioned their mother had cancer and they told her to take Tylenol.
How very sad of health care that we receive in the Kivalliq region.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to have permission to conclude my statement.
For my part, Mr. Speaker, I share the concern raised by my constituents and to that affect, I can personally say I’m troubled by the single pill solution.
Now, I would probably need help to take a health break and go and take a pill.
Item 3. Members’ Statements. Member for Cambridge Bay, Mr. Peterson.
Member’s Statement 212 – 2(4): Regional Alienation in the Kitikmeot (Peterson)
I rise today to tackle the issue of regional alienation in the Kitikmeot.
Mr. Speaker, it is said that Canada is a nation of regions. When you meet a Canadian, he or she will often identify themselves as being a Northerner, Atlantic Canadian, Quebecois or Westerner.
We find differences even within our provinces and territories.
The most obvious being the split between urban centres and rural areas, both of which have different needs and priorities.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut was created to address the issue of alienation. The establishment of a new territory was intended to enable the people of the eastern Arctic to become closer to their government and to feel more in control of their collective destiny.
However, I and many of my constituents are deeply concerned that reality has not lived up to the promise.  In the Kitikmeot, the first and most obvious example is geography.
Before division, the seat of government was a 90-minute plane ride away.
Today, it takes two days of air travel and one night in Yellowknife before a resident of Taloyoak, Gjoa Haven, Cambridge Bay or Kugluktuk reaches far-away Iqaluit, even if they can afford to fly here.  It is not at all surprising that people in my part of the territory feel that their government has actually moved further away from them.
Mr. Speaker, we recognize that the location of the government cannot move, but we can move to do more to bring government closer to the people.
Holding Cabinet and Caucus retreats in different communities is a welcome gesture, but the issue of alienation will only be successfully addressed if the public genuinely believes that they and their representatives have a real say in decision-making.
For example, people in the Kitikmeot are still waiting to hear a convincing explanation for why the new Clyde River-based Cultural School has satellite campuses planned for Igloolik and Baker Lake, but nothing in the Kitikmeot, despite the good work performed by our heritage societies.
Mr. Speaker, the KIA Annual General Meeting asked me why the Government of Nunavut doesn’t recognize the Kitikmeot’s distinctness and uniqueness. A sense of alienation that encompasses an entire region can have a corrosive effect on our territory and governance as a whole.
It has to be addressed before there is no turning back.
Mr. Speaker, I request unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.
There are no nays. So you may complete your statement, Mr. Peterson.
I’m a little behind on the translation.
Mr. Speaker, the Kitikmeot has a reputation for being a region of doers, not whiners.  We prefer to be decisive and get things done, rather than waiting for the government to hold a consultation workshop to develop an expression of interest to produce to a request for proposals for an action plan to lead to the formulation of an interim task team that will work to consider an options paper for…
Mr. Speaker, I hope that you get my point.  I believe that regional alienation can be addressed.
Some goodwill from our neighbours will help in this regard, and I look forward to the next Assembly taking such steps as properly addressing the Kitikmeot’s representation in this House and on Cabinet.
Member’s Statement 213 – 2(4): Non Inuktitut Speaking RCMP (Arvaluk)
The Premier, our Justice Minister, was in Pond Inlet recently to meet with the public in Pond Inlet.
Now, we are all aware that the RCMP is the police for the nation of Canada.
I believe there is a funding arrangment with the federal government for the RCMP to operate here, and the parameters of that operation.
At one time, we used to have RCMPs who can communicate in Inuktitut.in the communities.
We very much appreciated that, but today, we are aware and we’ve heard that they are sent for training down south. We don’t have anybody in the police detachment in Pond Inlet who doesn’t speak Inuktitut.
We all know 60 percent of the residents of Pond Inlet speak Inuktitut only.
I am going to be asking questions later on to the Minister of Justice as to how the contract is set up by the Nunavut Government to hire RCMP officers and how each community is assigned police officers in the communities.
We all know that we need Inuktitut speaking RCMP officers in the communities throughout Nunavut.
Member’s Statement 214 – 2(4): Elders Predicted Climate Change/Global Warming (Kattuk)
I rise today to talk about the climate change issue in our communities and the planet as a whole.
Many years ago, elders used to say that in the years to come, the day would arrive where winter no longer happens. They used to talk to us about this in our community and that this would be happening with the climate change in our area in Nunavut.
It is happening today. Climate change is taking place in our communities and is affecting our lives. It is going to become a serious concern.
The wildlife and their habitats are going to be affected.
I would like to ask the Government of Nunavut to further review and study these issues.
Climate change has come about and it is a concern. I would like to hear if some of the ministers or the House has any stories that they’ve heard in the past from our ancestors about climate change happening.
Inuit leaders, like Sheila Watt-Cloutier, have been very busy dealing with climate change in the Arctic.
The President of ITK, Mary Simon, has also been quite involved in dealing with climate change.  I want to find out if the Government of Nunavut is going to do the same and if they’ve heard of the work that others are doing.
Member’s Statement 215 – 2(4): Grade 12 Graduates of Clyde River (Arreak)
I recently returned from a visit to my community of Clyde River to recognize the high school students who finished grade 12. Many came to our communities, along and the parents of the graduates to pay their tributes.
I would encourage the other members to attend the graduation ceremonies of the students in their own constituencies.
We must not underestimate the value of recognizing the hard work students have done to earn their education. I urge members to join the Minister of Education and local education authorities in honouring the students in their regions.
I want members to join me in congratulating Benny Sanguja, Elisapee Iqaqrialu, Joan Joanas, Treena Hainnu, and Susana Qajaq.
There were five graduates in Clyde River on October 26, 2007.
Member’s Statement 216 – 2(4): Gratitude to RCMP Officer Peter Pilgrim of Taloyoak (Aglukkaq)
I would like to announce today that the community of Taloyoak recently had a gathering on October 24, 2007 at the community hall. The gathering was to say farewell to an RCMP member who is leaving the community.
Peter Pilgrim and his wife are moving to Rankin Inlet.  On behalf of Taloyoarmiut, I want to say thank you to Peter for his service to our community.
He was a very well received RCMP member in our community and he did a lot to work with not only elders but the youth as well. Unfortunately, he’s been transferred to Rankin Inlet.
On behalf of Taloyoarmiut, I want to say thank you to Peter for his great service to our community and on behalf of Taloyoarmiut, wish him and his wife well in their new home of Rankin Inlet. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 217 – 2(4): Joamie School Family Fun Night (Picco)
This past Thursday night Joamie School hosted its Annual Family Fun Night. Family Fun Night is an opportunity for Joamie students, teachers, staff, and parents to share with the entire community a night of games, prizes, events, and activities for the whole family.
Mr. Speaker, this annual event is also a major fundraiser for Joamie School. It helps enhance programs and services offered by the school throughout the community.
Mr. Speaker, a tremendous amount of work and planning by the staff and students goes into Family Fun Night.
The parents, students, staff and friends of Joamie donate time, prizes and help staff the mini booths and help coordinate the event.
Mr. Speaker, this year Family Fun Night was a resounding success. Over $4,000 was raised and more importantly, a great time was held by all.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Principal Eelee Higgins, her staff and students, and all the volunteers for making the Annual Joamie School Fun Night a resounding success. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 218 – 2(4): Training Centre at Resolute Bay – Alcohol Lounge (Barnabas)
I welcome back, Mr. Akesuk.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about a constituency meeting I held with the residents of Resolute Bay.
It was made very clear to me and you’re all aware that there is a Rangers’ Training Centre in the community.
The elders there expressed to me their desire not to return to the past where there were drinking establishments in Resolute Bay. Elders have observed many different things that happened in the community in the past and seen those that became pregnant and drank alcohol which changes lives.
That training school is going to be federally funded and operated. Keeping in mind that in Resolute Bay, community operations are divided between the hamlet and the federal government, there is no wish to see these kinds of problems resurface again.
I further rise to ask that community consultations be taken with the hamlet and the local Alcohol Committee so that social problems of the past do not crop up again, especially when there will be this kind of school in the community.
This issue was brought up with me at the constituency meeting I held in the community and I wanted to make sure this was brought up in the House.
Item 4. Returns to Oral Questions. Minister of Community and Government Services, Ms. Brown.
Return to Oral Question 245 – 2(4): Job Advertisement Without Staff Housing (Brown)
I rise today to clarify comments I made to the House during question period, Job Advertisement Without Staff Housing, on October 25, 2007.
Placing of employment advertisement is a role of the Department of Human Resources and Nunavut Housing Corporation is responsible for staff housing allocation.
The decision to provide or not provide staff housing is outside of the responsibility of my department.
In my remarks, I indicated that I would direct staff to provide housing for this position.
Mr. Speaker, clarification to the response is that I will direct my staff to request for staff housing eligibility for this position.
Following the advertisement process, CGS did sign off the job advertisement and overlooked the eligibility criteria for staff housing request and will seek revision for approval to have that position be considered for staff housing.
Member for Amittuq, Minister Tapardjuk.
I would like to recognize and welcome Louis Alianakuluk Uttak. He will be our Sergeant-at-Arms from Igloolik. He will be here for a week.
Please welcome him to the House.
Today I would like to acknowledge an individual who is here in the Gallery right behind me.
He is from my home community and is my constituent: Jim Shirley.
I have known him since the 1970s.
He used to help the interpreters and is very well known because he is a sculptor of ceramics and wood. He has trained many people and many people are very pleased to work with ceramics.
There is a high interest in that from young people, middle aged, and elders that work together.
I am very pleased to have Mr. Shirley here.
I would also like to acknowledge from my riding, although I made a statement, I would like to welcome Abraham Angnakak. His wife is working here, so he is visiting Iqaluit.
Before we proceed with Oral Questions, I wish to take this opportunity to remind all members of the importance of providing succinct preambles to questions and answers.
While reviewing Friday’s Hansard over the weekend, I noted with concern that at least one member’s preamble to a supplementary question was actually longer than one of the formal Minister’s Statements delivered earlier in the sitting day.
I am confident that all members recognize the importance of providing adequate time during Oral Question Period for other members to have the opportunity to pose questions.
I would also remind all members that the purpose of Question Period is to ask questions.
Preambles should establish the premise of a question and provide sufficient information upon which a minister may base his or her answer.
Members should refrain from using this time to offer comments or arguments that would be better delivered as a Member’s Statement.
The cooperation of all members in this regard will assist your chair in maintaining order, and contribute to the decorum of the House.
Question 264 – 2(4): RCMP Officers’ Transfers (Arvaluk)
I would like to direct my question to the Premier who is also the Minister of Justice.
He was just recently in Pond Inlet and met with the people, and so he is very well aware of what they had to say.
I’m not too sure if he has already responded to them or not. Usually, when he responds, he lets me know, but he has not done so yet.
So therefore, I would like to ask this question in regard to the RCMP officers who speak Inuktitut. Why do they get these bilingual speaking RCMP officers to stay in an Inuit community for a certain term and then send them down south later on?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Arvaluk. Minister of Justice, Mr. Premier.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I spoke with the RCMP Commanding Officer (CO) and he said that is how they do it all over Canada. Each officer is regularly transferred.
There is no limitation as to where they are sent and the RCMP officers usually have to accept their relocation. That is their usual practice. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Arvaluk (interpretation): We have heard and we are aware that the federal government pays 30 percent of the RCMP Division and the Nunavut Government pays the rest.
Isn’t there a practice in place? Is there an agreement, or is there lack of agreement and is that why he responded to me that way?