EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
As Speaker, it my duty to uphold the rules of this House in an impartial and constant fashion.
Having sat as a Member of this Assembly for almost a year now, I know how important it is to have a Speaker to uphold the position of neutrality.
I will endeavour to do so at all times, and serve you as a representative of dignity and integrity.
Members, I want to thank all of you for supporting me, and electing me to this position.
I sit here with great pride; I’m humbled by your trust in me.
I will do my best to ensure that I am impartial.
After having sat in both the NWT Assembly and this Assembly, I believe that I have a fairly good understanding of how the system works, and I will endeavour to make sure that I treat all members, both on Cabinet side and the regular members side, as fairly as possible.
I believe that we have some hard work to do over the next few years, and I believe all of us are committed to do just that.
As we approach April 1, the eyes of Canada and the world are once again upon us.
Tomorrow we will be graced by the presence in this House, by their Excellencies the Governor General of Canada Ms. Adrienne Clarkson.
This House embodies the traditions and aspirations of Nunavutmiut.
It is an honour to serve all of you.
Moving to Item 2.
Minister’s Statement 88 - 1(3): Youth Facilities Clarification
Hon. Donald Havioyak: Thank you Mr. Speaker during oral questions yesterday I may have misunderstood through the interpretation of the Honourable Member’s question on youth facilities capital project for the fiscal 2001.
I wish to clarify this issue through my statement.
Mr Speaker, my department has committed $500,000 for youth facilities capital funding for year 2002/2001 fiscal year.
This capital funding once approved by the Legislative Assembly will initiate youth facilities projects or existing facilities renovations.
In order for the youth groups to access this initiative, our department will establish a policy through the cabinet for the funding to be administered fairly and appropriately.
Mr Speaker, as for the operation and maintenance of the youth centres, our department does not provide funding.
However, it is desirable that we do provide funding in that the youth centres are successful and continue to operate.
Our department is exploring this matter, and we’re hoping to find ways to address this.
Speaker: Ministers’ Statements Mr. Havioyak.
Minister’s Statement 89 - 1(3): Youth/Elders Conferences
Hon. Donald Havioyak (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The statement I’m going to make is quite lengthy.  I rise today to speak to the House about Nunavut’s most recent Youth/Elder conferences.
My Department helped organize and participated in the three Regional conferences.
The Qikiqtani Youth Annual General Meeting was held from November 29 through December 3, 1999.
The Kivalliq Youth and Elders Conference was held from December 15 to the 18, and the Kitikmeot conference was held from January 18 through to the 21, 2000.
Elders and Youth participated from each of the communities to discuss and evaluate youth issues.
My Department used these opportunities to learn from the Youth and Elders, asking them what their concerns were and what direction they felt their government should be taking.
It was very informative to hear the elders concerns about youth as well as their advice.
It was encouraging to find that there was a great deal of consensus and focused direction amongst our youth.
These were the main concerns identified at all of the conferences:
Lack of youth facilities for meetings, various projects and drop-in centres.
Lack of or no access to communication tools for youth groups, for example telephones, computers and fax machines.
Youth school dropout rate is very high.
Suicide and other health related issues are not adequately addressed in most Nunavut communities, for example alcohol, drug and solvent abuse.
Healing groups or workshops are not easily accessed by youth and youth are often not comfortable participating.
Some youths are not motivated to join in youth councils or programs.
Lack of or limited access to funding on youth or elder/youth programs and/or training.
Lack of community involvement on youth issues, for example Hamlets or Churches.
Youth hesitate to approach elders due to lack of language skills or are intimidated by elders or adults.
Lack of further education programs both in English or Inuktitut/ Inuinnaqtun in most smaller communities than regional centres.
Lack of Inuktitut/Inuinnaqtun language or cultural programs in or out of schools.
Mr. Speaker, we are treating these concerns very seriously and they are shaping my department’s youth policy.
It is important to note that theses concerns are similar to the concerns that emerged from the pre-budget consultations.
This clearly indicates a direction for our government to follow.
The following were recommendations that the Elders and Youth made together in response to the concerns.
Establish youth drop-in centres or facilities.
Educate youth on operating the facilities and other programs run by youth groups, for example bookkeeping.
Create an access centre for various funding programs Federal or Territorial in the communities.
Establish communication links between communities and regions using existing resources, for example Hamlets, schools or youth organizations.
Equip youth organizations with communication tools.
Promote and enhance language and cultural programs in and out of schools.
Educate youth and children on healthy lifestyles in regards to alcohol drug and solvent abuse, marriage/family break-ups and to promote healing seminars.
Create youth programs to get youth interested/motivated on youth issues, meetings, cultural programs, language enhancement and politics.
Have more youth/elder and youth/parent involvement in existing and up-coming programs.
Youth and elders should assist each other on cultural and modern programs on planning, organising and executing such programs.
Suicide prevention workshops should be offered where training, healing and grieving are each part of the healing process.
Youth should be actively encouraged to finish high school and the benefits of completion should be discussed with the youth regularly.
Record, document and archive knowledge of the elders before the knowledge goes with the passing of the elders.
Mr. Speaker these recommendations are clearly a government wide concern and we have begun to work with the affected departments to share these very important concerns and recommendations.
Mr. Speaker, we are also designing our youth division’s priorities to reflect these consultations as well as the pre-budget consultations and Pinasuaqtavut.
We have gained a great deal of direction for these conferences and I would like the House to know that my department is working very hard on supporting Nunavut’s youth and having their concerns heard and acted on.
The consultations we carried out during these conferences showed me that although there is a long way to go, it is clear that our youth and elders are dedicated to working together.
Speaker: Thank you Minister.
Ministers’ Statements. Mr. Arvaluk.
Minister’s Statement 90 - 1(3): Nunavut Arctic College Annual Report 1998-99
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to table to the House in a little while the annual report of the Nunavut Arctic College.
The full printed copy in Inuktitut and English is now available for your information.
The College’s Annual Report contains interesting information about the colleges’ successful 1998/99 year of program services delivery.
Details of the programs provided by each campus and the Nunavut Research Institute are also included.
An important highlight of the report is that during the past academic year 80% of college students were able to register for courses including advanced certificate and diploma programs delivered in their home community.
(interpretation ends) The second major highlight of the report is that Nunavut Arctic College has been able to clear all deficits carried forward since 1997.
The college, under the leadership of the President Johnny Kusugak, with the support of the dedicated college staff has been able to revise its budgets and generate a surplus of 1 million 169 thousand dollars for the 1998/99 fiscal year.
Mr. Speaker this is a significant achievement for the college.
I am pleased to report that on the recommendation of the Board of Governors and advice from the Auditor General’s office, this operating surplus is appropriated over a multi-year period to fund future college initiatives.
These initiatives include the following: information systems development, the college revitalization plan and one time only improvements to the College’s operational budget.
Part of the surplus will be used to acquire and install new computer hardware, software and applications to modernise the college’s administrative and records functions.
Some of the surplus will be fund the college’s revitalization initiative which is part of the college’s corporate plan for the period 2000 – 2005.
Under this initiative, the administrative structure of the college will be revised so that it can better provide support for the delivery of the programs and services equitably throughout Nunavut.
Finally, funds will be used for base budget operations to cover the costs of one time only initiatives.
These are items such as completion of the college’s electronic information system, review and updating of the college’s financial administrative and educational policies and procedures, and the re-engineering and implementation of financial processes that will improve systems of internal control and accountability.
Minister’s Statement 91 - 1(3): Nunavut Senior Assignment Program
Mr. Speaker, it is a great pleasure for me to rise today to congratulate those who have made our Nunavut Senior Assignment Program such an incredible success.
Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut Senior Assignment Program was co-ordinated by the Department of Human Resources and was funded under the Nunavut Unified Human Resources Development Strategy.
This program, Mr. Speaker, is a great example of working together.
The Government of Canada, the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, mentors and trainees.
Mr. Speaker, this program provided Nunavut Land Claims beneficiaries with the opportunity to enhance their management, leadership and specialized skills while training and co-managing under the guidance of GN senior managers.
Mr. Speaker, the time and dedication of these mentors is most commendable.
Mr. Speaker, the achievements of this program’s participants are also most commendable.
Of the original fourteen trainees, nine have successfully completed the program and will be appointed to their target positions effective April 1.
Up until now, one trainee was appointed early, two will continue with their training for an additional six months, one participant left the program and unfortunately, one participant passed away.
Inuit participants in the program came from all three regions of Nunavut play an important role in helping the Government of Nunavut establish a public service that is representative of our population.
Mr. Speaker I certainly hope that all members of this House are able to join us this evening for our ceremony of achievement, where we're going to be recognising the participants of Nunavut's most successful training initiative.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Ng. Ministers’ Statements.
Member’s Statement 223 – 1(3): Gjoa Haven Hamlet Representatives
Mr. Puqiqnak (interpretation): I'm glad to be able to stand up to speak.
Today I wish to rise on behalf of my Gjoa Haven residents and to congratulate them for when they were here.
From March 14 to 17th, they were here representing the Hamlet of Gjoa Haven.
There are three people: Michael Anguttitauruq, Mayor of Gjoa Haven, and Hamlet councillors, and Director Raymond Kamookak, director of finance.
While they are here will be meeting with three departments.
They met with Health and Social Services department and they also met with the Education Department to express their concerns in regards to the two schools that are in our community.
Primarily they were more concerned about the elementary school.
The other is the high school.
They also have their principal along with them.
However, they have some concerns that have been raised by these people.
Because they have been running into problems in the school cause these two schools have one cafeteria and they also have one library which have been used by both elementary and high school students.
The two schools are overcrowded.
There has been some health problems in these schools because of overcrowding.
They want to have their own gymnasium as well and a dining area.
That is why these delegates from Gjoa Haven are here to meet with the departments to voice their concerns.
Mr. Speaker they also with the Minister of Health and Social Services to voice their concerns regarding community health committees in the community.
They also would like to have their own secretary manager for the Health and Social Services committee.
I'll be asking questions on this issue in the House.
Speaker: Your time has expired.
Do you wish to continue with your statement.
I am requesting permission to complete my member’s statement.
Speaker: The member has asked to continue his statement.
Are there any nays. There are no nays.
They have also met with the department of Community Government, Housing & Transportation to also to raise their concerns.
Their main concern was they don't have enough of water delivery services or a reservoir in their community.
They also have a concern about their airstrip which will probably need repairs.
Sometimes we get seven flights in one day.
We have been receiving daily flights coming into this very small airstrip.
This has been a safety concern as well.
The community of Gjoa Haven has a population of over a thousand.
So, I think we should be one of the priorities when it comes to airport enhancements.
Mr. Speaker these concerns have been raised also when it comes to government decentralization.
For these reasons, my constituency has some concerns about these.
So I will be asking questions during question period to address some of these concerns, and Mr. Speaker I would like to thank all departmental officials who met with us.
Speaker: Members I did allow the member to go on in length.
I felt at least we owe him, given the fact that he was sitting for the last 2 weeks and was not able to make any statements.
Speaker: Members’ statements.
Member’s Statement 224 – 1(3): Sanikiluaq Men’s Hockey Team
I am going to elaborate more on my member’s statement yesterday.
The Sanikiluaq hockey men’s team has been invited to play a hockey tournament in Nunavik.
Now I think it would be very appropriate if a hockey team from Nunavik would be invited to Nunavut.
The Sanikiluaq hockey team came in second place and they were trying to achieve the Hudson Bay trophy.
I'm very proud of the hockey team who represented Sanikiluaq.
I would like to recognize team members Qupapik Inutsiaq, Inuk Inutalook, Tyler Qitusiq, Peter Nuvalingaq, Simon Nuvalingaq, Luke Appaqqaq, Jordon Qaviq, Jobie Meeko, Larry Iqalook, Sam Cookie, Moses Takutak, and Markosie Salla.
They won the silver medal and I would like to congratulate these people.
Mr Speaker I have been talking quite a bit about the arena in Sanikiluaq.
It has been utilised for a few months now, since January 21 but then last week they decided to close the arena.
They use this particular arena for two months so I will be requesting an icemaker for the arena during this budget process.
Member’s Statement 225 – 1(3): Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit
Thank you Mr. Speaker. congratulations for becoming the new Speaker.
Mr. Speaker members travelled to communities for budget consultations.
During our visits to the three regions, it became evident that before all the elders pass away we need access their traditional knowledge.
There is a lot of traditional knowledge that will just go to waste if we don't start communicating with our elders.
I would like to speak on this issue.
As a member of the Legislative Assembly representing my constituents, I told them that I would work towards working with elders.
I think its becoming more evident that we have to deal with elders and youth before all our elders pass away.
When they do pass away their knowledge dies with them.
For that reason Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit will have to make some concrete decisions if we want to make this a priority at the community and government levels before all our elders pass away.
Although we don't have any curriculum in the schools, we can still learn a lot from our elders.
In addition, I think this has to be a priority for us.
We have to push towards communicating with our elders and during question period Mr. Speaker, I'll be asking questions about this.
Hon. Donald Havioyak.
Member’s Statement 226 – 1(3): Resignation as Minister
I stand today in front of my colleagues and as well for the visitors and the people of Nunavut to make a difficult announcement.
Today, I am resigning as Minister.
I want to let you know the work that I have been doing with community of Kugluktuk will be very complicated.
I want to focus more on the well being of my community.
The work that has to be done in terms of getting my community to become a well community is too important.
I want to work more closely with the people of Kugluktuk.
They are the people I'm representing.
I want to inform you that I am resigning so that I can work closely to focus more on the problems that we have in our community.
Right now, I just want to say to my colleagues and to the people of Iqaluit that I am very thankful for the hospitality here.
It seems I have been living here a long time.
I want to thank the people of Iqaluit and for my colleagues as well for helping me so much.
This is very hard for me to say but I want to concentrate on my community’s well being.
Thank you Uqaqti.
I sure with regret that by all the members that we accept the minister's resignation.
With that, I believe we should take a fifteen break.
>>House recessed for 15 minutes
Speaker: The House will come back to order.
Member’s Statement 227 – 1(3): Congratulations to New Commissioner
When I was a Member of Parliament, I think it was in 1994, when the Northwest Territories got their Inuk commissioner for the first time Mrs. Helen Maksagak.
We were quite proud of because we got a Nunavut resident as commissioner.
On Saturday we heard from the Minister responsible for the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development that Nunavut will be getting our own commissioner, Mr. Peter Irniq.
I was looking for him in the gallery, but he is no longer here.
I have known Peter Irniq for some time and I know that his main priority will be language issues, cultural issues and traditional values, and he understands very well the Inuk traditional values.
Every where we travel he knows people in all the communities, especially the elders.
He will be a great Nunavut ambassador as a commissioner and I would like to make my congratulations to him and I have known him since we were growing up in the centre of the world in Repulse Bay, right along the arctic circle.
I grew up with him, I went to school with him, and I know that he is a hard worker and I know that he will enhance the traditional values.
I just wanted to thank him and congratulate him.
Member’s Statement 228 – 1(3): Congratulations to Speaker & Deputy Speaker
Congratulations Mr. Speaker.
I would like to acknowledge the fine job that the honourable member from Gjoa Haven did as the deputy speaker throughout his time and I just want to let the member know we all appreciate the job he did.
Member’s Statement 229 – 1(3): Congratulations to New Speaker
First, I would like to congratulate you on your recent appointment as Speaker of the House.
It is going to be a little quieter on this side and a few less notes but I’m sure some of the other people will pick up the slack.
It is nice because I am in a good mood today to see my colleague from Gjoa Haven happy to be back in his position so we can wink at each other again and give the hands up.
I just was glad to see my colleague where I can acknowledge him.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. McLean for your kind and encouraging words.
Return to OQ 286 – 1(3): Municipal Legislation Review
Mr. Speaker, I rise to respond to a question put to me on Monday by the member from South Baffin regarding the Municipal Law Review.
(interpretation ends) As I will detail in my presentation to the Committee of the Whole in a few days, I will be seeking your support for the Municipal Legislation Review which the Department of Community Government and Transportation will be undertaking in partnership with the Nunavut Association of Municipalities.
This review flows from the Bathurst Mandate, which directs the Government of Nunavut to work with the Nunavut Association of Municipalities to create new municipal legislation that responds to the need for local options and opportunities for governance.
This review will examine legislation to determine what parts require updating in order to conform to Nunavut’s particular needs and circumstances.
It will help the government fulfil its Bathurst Mandate obligations to promote self-reliance within our communities like giving councils the ability to make decisions where they matter most: at the local level.
Such an undertaking will require enough time to review existing legislation as well as review the study already taken by the Government of the Northwest Territories and the NWT Association of Municipalities.
We will determine what can be used by Nunavut, what can be adapted and what needs to be redrafted.
Time will also be required in order to complete a full consultation process.
This process will include six to eight months of consultations with members of the Legislative Assembly, the municipalities and other interested parties.
It will also involve consultation with other jurisdictions that have held similar legislation reviews in the past.
(interpretation) This review will be undertaken in co-ordination with Maligarnit Qimmigujiit’s government-wide review of all legislation that is currently under way.
Once the consultations and review of municipal legislation has been completed, we will be in a position to move ahead with any required redrafting of relevant legislation.
Mr. Speaker, while I cannot commit to a specific time frame of this review I can assure the members that the bulk of the consultations will be completed in this fiscal year.
Furthermore Mr. Speaker, as minister, I can assure the member that I am prepared to move ahead with a number of minor amendments that will clear up certain problem areas identified by Mayors, Senior Administrative Officers, Housing Managers and others at the Nunavut Consultation Conference held just over a year ago here in Iqaluit.
These amendments, which can be done concurrently with the full legislation review process, will address some of the easier changes that can be made.
I am hopeful Mr. Speaker, that these first amendments will allow us to address some of the legislative issues that are important to the municipalities without having to wait for the entire review process to be completed.
Mr. Speaker unfortunately we had the large majority of the Nunavut Senior Assignment Program Managers and their mentors here, but many of them had to leave to go back to various duties.
But they will be recognized in tonight’s ceremonies.
Mr. Speaker, there are five graduates that are still here with us and their mentors, and I ask that they stand to be recognized once I call out their names, please.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Jacqueline Shouldice and her mentor was Marion Love; also Paul Pemik and his mentor was Gordon MacKay; Sandra Inutiq and her mentor was Hugh Lloyd; Andrew Tagak Jr. and mentor Kimberly Bain; and last but not least Shawn Ittinuar and mentor Gavin Nesbitt.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Ng. Recognition of visitors in the gallery.
Last week I stated we are now working on school curriculum and just this week we were working on Inuktitut school curriculum for grade 7 and 12, especially for students and the teachers so that we can enhance the training programs for languages.
So this is the second meeting they have held so far.