EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I do not hear a nay, so please go ahead, Mr. Shooyook.
Mr. Shooyook: (interpretation) I had submitted to my fellow MLAs that this is an issue of great importance to me, about societal values.
I am sure that everyone has had the opportunity to read it.
If we take Inuit societal values and apply them, the future of our children and grandchildren may not improve right away, but in the long run it will make a difference.
So long as these values are not incorporated in the reglulations, we shall never have a place and our children will continue to be taken away from us.
This is completely unacceptable. Whenever the opportunity arises, I will be raising this issue with the minister responsible for culture. The fact that Inuit societal values are not in the regulations cannot be tolerated and we must change that.
Member’s Statement 117 – 4(2): Waste Reduction in Nunavut (Angnakak)
Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize National Waste Reduction Week, which runs from October 20 to 26 across the county.
Mr. Speaker, the residents of Iqaluit are very familiar with the types of problems that can occur in the area of waste management.
I would like to commend the City of Iqaluit for taking steps towards better waste management in the community.
Mr. Speaker, the theme of this year’s Waste Reduction Week is “Too Good to Waste.”
Instead of simply throwing away unwanted items into the garbage box, I encourage folks to take the time to sort through them and put some effort into finding ways that they can be reused, repurposed, and regenerated.
Mr. Speaker, the slogan “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” will never go out of date.
In fact, it is probably more and more relevant as time goes by. Protecting our environment becomes more critical with each passing day.
If we made the effort, not just for the week but for every day of the year, it would go a long way towards preserving this beautiful world that we live in.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to see individuals making efforts to sort and manage their household waste.
I am glad that communities are working on projects to address local waste management issues.
I appreciate local businesses which bring forward initiatives to reduce waste.
However, Mr. Speaker, I am disappointed in the lack of leadership from our own government in addressing solid waste management.
I am saddened not to see any recycling projects listed in our current capital plan. I’m worried that there is no territorial-wide plan to collect and salvage reusable materials.
Mr. Speaker, this is an important issue and at the appropriate time, I will be asking questions on this matter.
Member’s Statement 118 – 4(2): 2014 Elders’ Gathering in Cape Dorset (Joanasie)
I rise today to congratulate the elders of Cape Dorset on successfully hosting the 20th annual Eastern Arctic Elders Gathering this past August.
The Illuajummiut Elders Committee led by Atsia Alasua put many hours into planning this event which brought approximately 329 elders and assistants from Nunavik and Nunavut communities.
Mr. Speaker, the elders gathering was a time to celebrate Inuit culture as well as strengthen closer ties between elders between differing settlements.
It was a time for enjoying companionship and reflecting on and sharing past experiences.
During the elders’ gathering I’m sure the homes and many other places in Cape Dorset were filled with many stories and lessons that elders shared among one another.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize all the elders who attended the gathering and thank their helpers for assisting them and also give appreciation to the members of the Illuajummiut Elders Committee.
Atsiaq Alasua,
Qabaroak Qatsiya,
Zeke Ejesiak,
Simiga Suvega,
Pujjualu Etidloie,
Timangiaq Petaulaasie, and
I give special tribute to my late paternal uncle, Malitta Qilippalik, who passed away in June of this year.
Member’s Statement 119 – 4(2): Telecommunications Services in Pond Inlet (Enook)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express serious concerns regarding telecommunication services in Pond Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, over the past two years, Pond Inlet has suffered a number of incidents in which local and long distance telephone service has been lost. Mr. Speaker, these recurring incidents have raised some real concerns about safety and access to emergency services in the community.
Mr. Speaker, when the phones aren’t working, people cannot contact health workers in the event of an after-hour emergency.
As with most communities, our nurses are often stretched to the limit as it is. These incidents have resulted in nurses having to physically remain at the health centre on a 24-hour basis in order to be available for an emergency whenever the phones stop working. I pay tribute to their dedication.
These recurring situations also impact the ability of people to contact the RCMP as well as local authorities.
As you will recall, a telephone outage occurred in Iqaluit a few weeks ago.
This incident made headlines and NorthwesTel reacted quickly to address the situation.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his Member’s Statement.
I mentioned that as soon as the incident about telephone problems occurred in Iqaluit, all the newsmen picked it up and it was addressed.
Smaller communities deserve to receive the same level of services.
I am publicly calling on NorthwesTel to undertake a full review and upgrade of Pond Inlet’s telecommunications infrastructure in terms of how problems can be addressed as quickly as they occur.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I am perfectly aware that the Government of Nunavut has been making submissions to the CRTC concerning NorthwesTel’s modernization plans and other communications issues.
However, Mr. Speaker, it is vitally important that the government take action to work with local municipalities, the RCMP, and other stakeholders to have adequate emergency plans in place to deal with telecommunications outages.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will be asking questions to the minister on this issue.
Member for Arviat North-Whale Cove, Mr. Kuksuk.
Member’s Statement 120 – 4(2): Kivalliq Regional Soccer Tournament in Whale Cove (Kuksuk)
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to my fellow Nunavummiut and residents of Arviat and Whale Cove.
Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to express the fact I am happy that during this past weekend, the young people of Whale Cove had recreational games going on and that was good to see. We regret that just as the games were getting started, we had to leave to come here.
I have been keeping a close eye on what took place after we left and that is why I am standing here today.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today and congratulate the youth in Whale Cove who participated in the Kivalliq Regional Soccer Tournament this past weekend.
Mr. Speaker, the boys 15 and under team came in second place and the girls under 15 came in first place.
I am very proud of all those youth who participated and I’m sure they worked hard as a team.
I would also like to say a big “thank you” to their coaches, Alex Maykin and Hayley Taylor, who have given their time and energy to work with the youth.
Also thank you to any and all volunteers and organizers who make these types of events possible.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to read out the names of the girls and the boys on the soccer teams. It’s a long list.
For the boys team under 15, (interpretation) they were:
Hugh Innuapik,
Joshua Natar,
Stanley Adjuk Jr.,
John Voisey,
Teemotee Kritterdlik,
Kevin Voisey,
Steven Paniga,
Atuat Voisey,
Mark Aingu, and
Jeremiah Oklaga.
They were the (interpretation ends) boys team second place (interpretation) finishers.
(interpretation ends) And the girls who came in first place under 15 are:
J.C. Jones,
Caitlynn Oklaga,
Shaelynn Kuksuk,
Janelle Massey,
Micah Sammurtok,
Diana Okalik, and
Anita Paniga.
Once again, congratulations to you all.
Qujannamiik. Thank you.
Member’s Statement 121 – 4(2): Incident in Ottawa (Ugyuk)
As the Member for Netsilik, our MP Leona Aglukkaq is in a lockdown today, so we’re thinking of her. She grew up in Gjoa Haven and Taloyoak. We learned that she is okay and fine this morning, and we’re thankful that she is safe.
As Members of the Legislative Assembly and cabinet, I am thankful that we are given a government with certain powers and privileges.
She works within the government and has relatives in Gjoa Haven and Taloyoak.
I would like to thank her for that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member for Pangnirtung, (interpretation ends) Hon. Mr. Mike.
Member’s Statement 122 – 4(2): Pangnirtung HTO Activities (Mike)
I wish my fellow residents of Pangnirtung and Nunavut a good day.
Before I make my statement, we went to Whale Cove last week for a meeting and the reception was very good over there. I thank the people and the mayor and council of Whale Cove for receiving us well and I send my greetings to them.
We were very well taken care of during our stay there.
I also wish to extend a big smile to all my relatives wherever they may be.
I rise today to talk about the Pangnirtung HTO’s experience since this spring.
Nowadays, it’s often difficult to acquire country food, especially with the growing population in the communities, particularly for the people who require assistance in obtaining country food.
The Pangnirtung HTO has established a very good practice within the community.
The HTO board has set up a program where they purchase seal meat.
As of today, they have purchased over 6,370 lbs. from the hunters or harvesters and also have paid out over $11,000 to the harvesters. There are close to 60 harvesters who work within that program. To date, this is very beneficial and I would also like to congratulate the Pangnirtung HTO.
I also know that this program would not be able to go ahead in Pangnirtung if it wasn’t for the assistance of the HTO board.
They have been working very hard on marine fisheries from turbot and shrimp fisheries and with the money they made from their profits, they purchased country food and distributed them for free.
It was in May 2014 that this program was started and it’s continuing today.
This program was set up by the HTO, whose board is also a member of the Baffin Fisheries Coalition.
Are their any nays?
There are no nays. Please proceed, (interpretation ends) Hon. Mike.
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you for allowing me to conclude my statement.
This is a very interesting program. As I stated, the HTO of Pangnirtung is a member of the Baffin Fisheries Coalition and if it wasn’t for them, I am sure that this program would not be able to go ahead.
I would also like everyone to note that the Pangnirtung HTO board members are also full members of the Baffin Fisheries Coalition and they make their profit through that.
Mr. Speaker, that is the only program I am talking about.
There are other programs for caribou and fish, but I just wanted to talk about this issue because it is very interesting to hear that Pangnirtung residents can eat fresh country food.
We will proceed. (interpretation ends) Item 4.
Item 5. (interpretation) Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery.
First of all, I would like my colleagues to join me, as I made my Minister’s Statement, the first Early Childhood Education Program students are here and this program is being offered in seven communities.
First of all, I would like to welcome Ellen Hamilton. She is director of the Early Childhood Education Program at Arctic College.
Please rise when I call your name.
The instructors include Michelle McConkey, Shiloh Minor, and Aaju Peter.
There are16 students taking this program from various communities in Nunavut.
This is their first program. Please rise when I call your name.
Helen Mautaritnaaq from Baker Lake, probably not here;
Rhoda Hiqiniq from Baker Lake;
Austin Robinson from Cambridge Bay; Goota Jaw from Cape Dorset;
Rachel Bell from Cape Dorset;
Sileema Tunnillie from Cape Dorset; Noodloo Peter from Iqaluit;
Brenda Kuniliusee from Iqaluit;
Sarah Arnauyumayuq from Iqaluit; Kristen Tologanak from Kugluktuk; Millie Hikok from Kugluktuk;
Rebecca Karoo from Taloyoak; I’m sorry if I’m not pronouncing your name properly;
Julia Nauyuk from Pangnirtung;
Meeka Eeseemailie from Pangnirtung;
Cynthia Sammurtok from Rankin Inlet; and
Donna Makayak from Rankin Inlet.
These are the first students taking the Early Childhood Education Program.
As I stated earlier, this program will be done in seven other communities and Iqaluit is the first to take this program.
I would also like to acknowledge an individual from Igloolik, Josiah Kadlutsiaq and also his son Alex Kadlutsiaq Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I rise today to break one of the House rules. I’m going to recognize from my constituency in Kugluktuk, Kristen Tologanak, who is taking a Nunavut Arctic College course, and Millie Hikok from Kugluktuk.
Mr. Speaker, it’s not too often I get to rise to recognize people from my hometown, so I’m taking this opportunity.
I would like to welcome each and every one of the visitors to the Gallery.
Question 184 – 4(2): Telecommunications Services (Enook)
In my Member’s Statement today, I raised serious concerns about the ongoing problem of recurring telecommunication outages in Pond Inlet.
As I noticed, this has been going on for over two years now and has had a serious impact on the delivery of essential and emergency services to my constituents.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the minister: can the minister tell me if his department has formally raised this matter with NorthwesTel?
Within our government, this is our responsibility as the Department of CGS.
CRTC held hearings in Inuvik on June 17, 2013. Sorry, my mistake. It was in March 2014.
We spoke with CRTC about telecommunications in Nunavut.
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don’t think that answers my question, so I’ll ask it again.
In Pond Inlet, for the past two years, we’ve had telephone outages that have caused a lot of problems for us and it has affected the nurses. They’ve had to sleep at the nursing station so that they will be available for emergencies.
My question to the minister was: have you brought this bad problem in Pond Inlet up with NorthwesTel?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister of Community and Government Services, Hon. Mr. Sammurtok.
Pond Inlet is not the only community in that situation; other communities also have the same problem.
We have been trying to communicate with NorthwesTel through CRTC and they have told us that they will be updating their equipment. However, their plans don’t go far enough and we have been telling them to fix it better.
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I stated earlier, this is a very critical matter and it affects the RCMP.
I believe there should be emergency planning done in case of an emergency or if problems arise where dangers occur. I feel there should be a plan where they know what to do if there are no phones available in Pond Inlet, for example.
Mr. Minister, can you tell me that you have done this already? Can you tell me that I should not be worried anymore? If we lost all the telecommunications, do you have a contingency plan in place?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister of Community and Government Services, Hon. Member Mr. Sammurtok.
I am not aware of any other communication devices available in Pond Inlet, but I can tell the hon. member that if an emergency occurs and if there is a great need to inform people, there are other phones available.
The RCMP has their own phone systems that we could use.
Question 185 – 4(2): Staff Housing Shortage in Arviat (Savikataaq)
Concerns have been brought to my attention that there is a shortage of government staff housing in Arviat.
It has now reached the point where GN employees are being asked to share units.
Can the minister confirm what the current staff house shortage is in Arviat? How many staff houses are they short currently in Arviat?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kuksuk.
In regard to my colleague’s question about staff housing, I know it’s obvious within Nunavut, in the communities not just in Arviat, that the shortage of staff housing exists.
We have been trying to find solutions to this problem. That is what I can tell my colleague at this time.
Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’ll ask my same question again, as I did not receive an answer at all.
Can the minister let the House know how many government staff houses are they short in Arviat currently?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation, Hon. Member Mr. Kuksuk.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I stated earlier, we are working on this in the communities, including Arviat.
For Arviat, I would have to get the actual number from my department. Right now, I can’t tell you how many staff houses we are short, but I will be able to give you the information for Arviat once I get it.
I have also been notified that due to the shortage of staff housing, there are some government jobs that cannot be advertised, so it is an important issue.
We have a hard enough time filling jobs without another problem.
I recognize that the government doesn’t have an unlimited budget in which to construct new staff housing in every community, but will the minister commit to having his department, the housing corporation, enter into discussions with a private landlord in Arviat?
I have also been informed that there is housing available, but it is not staff housing.
Will the minister be able to confirm that he can go into discussions into leasing more staff units?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Hon. Member Mr. Kuksuk.
Yes, we have started talks with private homeowners and prospective lessors that could lease to government. I can tell you that my department, the Nunavut Housing Corporation, is working on this. Once we have all the information, I will be able to give you more details on the matter.
Question 186 – 4(2): Property Taxes (Rumbolt)
In April of this year, the government approved amendments to the Property Assessment Regulations made under the Property Assessment and Taxation Act.
These amendments, which were recommended by the minister, increased the regional base rates for developed parcels, which resulted in increases to the assessed value of land parcels. A number of my constituents have noted increases to their property tax bills.
Can the minister explain the government’s reasons for approving increases to the regional base rates for developed parcels under the Property Assessment Regulations?
Property assessment is the responsibility, actually, of my department. The actual assessments are done by my Department of CGS.
However, the mill rate is set by another department in this government.
If I may, Mr. Speaker, I lost the question that the member asked. Maybe he can ask the same question again.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Can you please repeat your question. Mr. Rumbolt.
Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I sure can.
My question was, a number of my constituents have noted increases to their property tax bills.
The assessed values haven’t been increased for the last ten years.
However, the mill rate for 2014 remains the same.
I was trying to find out the reasons why it was increased.
I understand that it hasn’t been increased in ten years.
It leads to my next question. How often does the government review these regulations and recommend increases?
The property assessments are reviewed periodically and certainly within a ten-year period, and then based on the review, that’s when assessments are done and the property taxes are determined from that.
Speaker: Your final supplementary, Mr. Rumbolt.
As the minister is aware, a plebiscite will be held in 2016 concerning the issue of the sale of municipal lands.
Can the minister clarify if any other amendments to the Property Assessment and Taxation Act or its regulations will be made before the plebiscite is held?
Again I apologize.
I didn’t have my earpiece in when he asked the question.
Maybe the member can ask the question again.
Speaker: Mr. Rumbolt, you have a second chance. Please proceed.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) I must ask all members not to use your cellphones at this time because it is delaying a lot of questions.
Minister of Community and Government Services, Hon. Member Mr. Sammurtok.
In short answer to the member’s question, we have not made that determination as of yet within my department.
Question 187 – 4(2): Waste Reduction in Nunavut (Angnakak)
It seems like we have the Minister of CGS on the hot seat today.
Mr. Speaker, as I noted in my Member’s Statement earlier, I am very disappointed that our government lacks the leadership in the area of waste management, especially when it comes to recycling materials such as cans, bottles, plastics, metals, and others and reusing salvageable materials such as wood, furniture, office furnishings, and other items.
Can the minister describe how his department has been working with hamlet councils to implement recycling programs across Nunavut and, if those discussions have not yet taken place, when will they begin?
We are currently developing a solid waste management strategy that will provide guidelines to ensure solid waste facilities are properly managed, including segregation of hazardous materials, bulky metals, and recyclables.
I thank the member for that answer.
Mr. Speaker, many communities do not have the means or the capacity to start recycling programs by themselves.
Not all local retailers such as the Co-Op stores or NorthMart have taken the initiative to address their own role in community waste management.
Can the minister clarify what support and resources are available from within his department to assist communities, retailers, and other entities in addressing local waste management issues?
In consultation with municipalities and other stakeholders, we are developing standard operating procedures to assist municipal staff and also stakeholders to educate and provide public awareness for other organizations to be able to take part in the proper segregation, hazardous waste management, and other opportunities with respect to waste management.
I think I got half of an answer there, but I’m going to go on.
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate that a certain amount of planning has to go into organizing the Nunavut-wide waste management program, whether it focuses on recycling, reusing materials, or the whole gamut.
Earlier this year, the minister’s department issued a request for proposals for potential planning for solid waste management methods for the Nunavut territory.
Can the minister provide an update on the status of the RFP, including information on the successful contractor, when the work will begin, and most importantly, when we can anticipate a territorial plan being put into place?
The member is right. We do have a contractor working with us on this.
However, at this point, I would be happy to provide the member with information once I’ve had further discussions with my department.
Question 188 – 4(2): Canadian Heritage Rivers (Mikkungwak)
My question today is directed to the Minister of Environment.
(interpretation ends) As the minister will recall, I asked him questions during our spring sitting concerning the issue of Heritage Rivers in Nunavut.
At that time, the minister indicated that there had been delays in reaching an umbrella Inuit Impact and Benefits Agreement for Canadian Heritage Rivers in Nunavut.
On June 10, 2014, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated announced that it would be formally requesting the appointment of a conciliator to resolve this matter.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister of Environment, Hon. Member Mr. Mike.