EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, I have been a member of the major league for many good years. I don’t mean the Boston Bruins or the Montreal Canadiens, but I mean the MLA Sharks.
It has been a privilege.
Mr. Speaker, I am stepping aside in the fall for someone younger and a more energetic individual to run in the territorial election.
Like I said before, I had good many years doing that.
Perhaps, after the election, Mr. Speaker, I’m not just going to lie down and go to sleep and never wake up again. That’s not my plan.
What I plan to do is that I’ll still be prowling out there looking for a good meal, perhaps in a more sympathetic nature.
Best of luck. I’m sure you will have no problems in whatever you look at doing instead of napping after next fall.
Member’s Statement 513 – 3(3): 12 Cambridge Bay Elders Receive Teaching Certificates (Peterson)
I rise today to acknowledge a very special group of elders in Cambridge Bay.
Mr. Speaker, in a recent ceremony hosted by the Ikaluktutiak District Education Authority, 12 elders received their certificates as master teachers and will be considered as members of the school education staff.
Each elder is now certified as experts in their specific areas to assist in the instruction in the education program.
Mr. Speaker, the elders are:
Annie Atighioyak
Mary Avalak
Amy Kamoayak
Lena Kamoayak
Mary Kaniak
Mary Kilaodluk
Noah Kuptana
Mabel Etegik
Margaret Okhina
Susie Koaha
Susie Maniyogina, and
Matthew Nakashook.
Mr. Speaker, each elder has a different set of skills, knowledge, and abilities relating to Inuit culture and traditions.
Mr. Speaker, some of their areas of expertise are:
Traditional games and celebrations, storytelling, and oral traditions
Assistance with biology by advising on traditional and medicinal uses of plants, environment issues, and weather
Art, tool-making, throat singing, and drum dancing
Fishing, hunting, weir building, and igloo building
Traditional parenting and governance, and
Providing assistance and counselling to students
Mr. Speaker, at the ceremony, the elders were very proud to receive their certificates in front of their families and members of the community.
I was very privileged and honoured to be invited to participate in their special evening.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all Members of the House to join me in congratulating the elders on receiving their master teacher certificates and wishing them well in the years ahead when they work in the schools with our young people.
I congratulate the elders as well.
Member’s Statement 514 – 3(3): Happy Long Weekend to Constituents (Elliott)
With this, our final sitting day of the spring sitting, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of my constituents for their continued support.
It is hard to believe that it has been over four years that we have been working in this House towards realizing the Tamapta Mandate.
Mr. Speaker, I wish all of my constituents a very safe and happy long weekend as each of the three High Arctic communities head out on the land to participate in fishing derbies.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to heading home to visit with everyone.
Member’s Statement 515 – 3(3): Appreciation for New Public Housing Funding (Ugyuk)
Firstly, I wish to congratulate the high school graduates who will be graduating tonight at a ceremony in Taloyoak.
However, I rise today to speak to the issue of housing because we may be focusing it.
I want to speak about housing briefly and thank our federal government for providing the Nunavut government with $100 million specifically for housing for Nunavummiut.
Yes, I do understand that a process was followed with the identified communities, but not all communities were included and only the communities that were allocated units will be happy. That is what Nattilik people would comment about this issue.
When I first became a Member of the Legislative Assembly in 2010, we were informed that the Nunavut Housing Corporation was in deficit with a $15 million shortfall and cuts would have to be made.
Also, during last fall’s session, I recall hearing that we would be looking at a similar amount that would have to be cut back.
I am homesick. I want to state that I am quite unhappy and to complain that it is very depressing to have to make such a large cutback in government funding.
I actually felt like hiding and wondered how I could deal with this when deliberating about these cutbacks. However, when we run in elections for MLA positions, we agree to represent our people, even if the going is rough or during more pleasant times, and to be involved with the process.
I really wanted to voice my gratitude to the federal government for this funding allocated to our government and for including Taloyoak.
I can also relay a story of an actual example. When the housing units being constructed in Taloyoak were completed just prior to Christmas, the new tenants were able to move into these units who were mainly young people.
When they were on the radio to express their appreciation, apparently one tenant stated that they had actually cried when they were told that they had been allocated a unit.
Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): As per my earlier statement, this young person who had been waiting for many years on the waiting list is no longer quite so young now.
However, when this person was informed about their selection, they started to cry, overwhelmed by gratefulness for finally receiving housing.
That is how much Nunavummiut suffer due to the extreme housing shortages in our communities.
Taloyoak was named as one of the communities allocated ten units when the housing minister made the announcement last week. Taloyoak residents are now eagerly anticipating these new units.
Member’s Statement 516 – 3(3): Support for Canadian Guide Dog Program (Ell)
I send my regards to the residents of Iqaluit West. I wish to congratulate the graduates at Arctic College, particularly the graduates of the fur production program. I am especially proud of the instructor of the program, Meeka Kilabuk.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to share an important event that will be taking place on May 26 here in Iqaluit.
The Nunavummi Disabilities Makinnasuaqtiit Society and the Iqaluit Humane Society are hosting an event to help support the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind.
As you may have heard not too long ago, Noah Papatsie from Iqaluit is probably the first Nunavummiuq to receive a guide dog. Noah’s dog, as you know, has helped him gain his independence and mobility.
Noah is a board member of the Nunavummi Disabilities Makinnasuaqtiit Society.
Teamed up with the humane society, they are inviting everyone to join the Walk, Wag & Roll and celebrate Access Awareness Week.
This event starts at one o’clock on May 26 at the Francophone Centre and we will walk, wag, and roll through Iqaluit to raise awareness of issues that face people with disabilities.
I urge everyone to please join us and show your support to this inspiring and important cause, and I will be walking with my dog Bernie.
Member’s Statement 517 – 3(3): Commissioner’s Awards in Rankin Inlet (Kusugak)
Good day to all the residents of Rankin Inlet.
I am extremely pleased to be returning home tomorrow after our session ends today.
Firstly, I want to express my thanks to the wonderful people of Iqaluit, as they are always hospitable to us, and as ministers, we reside in Iqaluit for the entire winter.
We are shown great hospitality as a family, so I thank Iqalummiut.
I say “hello” to Ipkanerk.
Mr. Speaker, the people of Rankin Inlet are in my thoughts as they are currently searching for several people. There is a search party for a person from Whale Cove, an elder from Baker Lake, and now a person from Rankin Inlet.
They are in our thoughts and we wish them success.
In Rankin Inlet, the Commissioner held a recognition awards ceremony that I wanted to speak to. On May 7, there were several residents honoured in Rankin Inlet and I would like to report on these people and their stories.
(interpretation ends) Mary-Lou Angidlik has won the Commissioner’s Award for Youth Achievement in Rankin Inlet on May 7.
She has competed in the Canada-wide science fair twice so far and she was recognized for her efforts in learning science.
Her projects on medical plans and diabetes were very well researched and thorough.
She is a very good example for youth that learning never ends and that putting efforts into your studies or work is very rewarding.
(interpretation) While we are speaking of celebratory matters, there were also bravery awards given to Joseph Jr. Kaludjak, Tiriganiaq’s son.
The year prior during Christmas season, Linda Misheralak was walking her dog on the sea ice and she didn’t notice a bear approaching her.
When she started to run away from the bear, Joseph Jr. Kaludjak ensured her safety by barring the bear and offering himself instead.
We are very grateful to him for that and he has now been recognized for his actions.
There were also several other people. Kyra Nokkitok and Darlene Nilaulak were also recognized.
The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are none.
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, my colleagues, for your approval.
As I was stating, Kyra Nokkitok and Darlene Nilaulak were also recognized for their bravery. In July 2010, there was a dinghy that flipped over holding four men and these two ladies were able to bring them to shore.
They were recognized for their efforts.
Further, Marvin Dion and Pelagie Nokkitok came across a person who couldn’t breathe in Rankin Inlet, in May 2012, where they resuscitated the person before the ambulance arrived.
These two individuals were recognized for their efforts.
Finally, another person who was recognized but has since passed on was Charles Schweder. His granddaughter Nina Schweder received the award on behalf of the family.
Charles Schweder was instrumental in assisting many families in the 1950s, the Ahiarmiut clan members, when they were undergoing a famine episode.
These people were recognized for their efforts to assist their fellow citizens.
I would like to congratulate them and I want my colleagues to share in congratulating them.
There are still many people in our territory that will be recognized for their efforts to assist their fellow citizens and it is gratifying to know they are around.
Member’s Statement 518 – 3(3): Appreciation to Constituents of Baker Lake (Aupaluktuq)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today as we conclude our session and we will be returning home in time for spring. I am very happy that I will be able to go home soon.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank my fellow residents of Baker Lake, those who write, call, or visit me asking for assistance or who provide direction on an issue.
As Members of this Legislative Assembly, we are representing Nunavummiut. I want to express to my fellow Baker Lake residents that I sometimes need direction by and the organizations in Baker Lake.
This is my foundation and I tried to identify the needs that they have referred to my attention.
Mr. Speaker, our job is to represent our constituents. I have learned a great deal on how to properly represent my constituents and what I still need to learn.
To my Constituency Assistant, Michael Mautaritnaaq, I am indebted and thank him profusely for identifying the issues and the places I need to be at, and when I had been invited to attend to meetings.
They usually just call Michael and he is very sociable to our residents, especially to the youth and students who are graduating. They have also learned how to utilize the Legislative Assembly in our community.
They remind us of who we represent as they watch the daily proceedings.
I thank the elders very much for advising me on issues.
Quite a few elders have visited and called our office. They are very helpful in their advice.
I thank all Baker Lake residents for their assistance.
Have a great spring.
Member’s Statement 519 – 3(3): Congratulations to Two Constituents (Aariak)
We’re going to take a summer break. I would like to thank my Constituency Assistant, Adamie Itorcheak, who works very hard. I wish my constituents a really great spring, especially to get a nice rest for those who are employed, as we will be resuming again in the fall.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize two of my constituents.
Many will know Johnny Issaluk as an athlete and expert in traditional Inuit games, who has competed, performed, and taught Inuit games across the country.
Mr. Speaker, Johnny Issaluk can now add author to his long list of accomplishments.
Johnny has written a book which was recently published by Inhabit Media called “Games of Survival: Traditional Inuit Games for Elementary Students.” With clear written instructions and beautiful photos taken by Nunavut’s Ed Maruyama, it will help children and youth to test their physical fitness and, at the same time, learn and appreciate Nunavut’s unique culture.
Mr. Speaker, the second constituent I would like to recognize is this year’s Honorary Toonik, Laakkuluk Williamson-Bathory.
The tradition of choosing an Honorary Toonik dates way back to 1965 and has included former Prime Ministers, Governor Generals, Commissioners, elders, and many of our members of the community. The honour goes to an individual who is considered to be an outstanding volunteer, who demonstrates exceptional community spirit.
Laakkuluk is no stranger to Iqaluit. She is known for her Greenlandic mask dancing, her love of the arts, and an active community member. She also chaired the Qaggiavuut Society for a while for Nunavut Performing Arts.
Mr. Speaker, I invite all the members to join me in congratulating both Johnny Issaluk and Laakkuluk Williamson-Bathory.
Return to Oral Question 626 – 3(3): Status of Pond Inlet Resource Centre (Aariak)
Hon. Eva Aariak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) I have a Return to Oral Question 626 – 3(3), asked by the Member for Tununiq on May 10, 2013, concerning the status of the Pond Inlet Resource Centre.
Mr. Speaker, the return is quite detailed, so I ask that it be entered into the record as read.
Media and Inuktitut resource services continue to be a valuable resource for the Department of Education.
Many books in the Inuit languages in Nunavut schools and libraries today are the result of the work of these centres.
As for the staffing, two positions in the resource centre in Pond Inlet are currently vacant.
An unsuccessful competition for similar jobs in Iqaluit and Arviat was held in early 2012.
Lack of suitable candidates for this competition indicated the need to make some changes in the kind of work the positions do.
The new scope of work of this section has required a change to current job descriptions that will result in new competitions for all vacant positions, including the ones in Pond Inlet, in the fall of 2013.
The organizational structure is also being updated to ensure positions better reflect the skills, knowledge, and abilities needed to fulfill the increased scope of work and meet expanded departmental objectives.
Are you ensuring that the resource centre will not be closed down in Pond Inlet?
There are no plans to close down the resource centre and every effort will be taken to ensure that it continues to be a success.
Originally established between 1985 and 1989 in the eastern Arctic by Inuit teachers to develop storybooks and readers in the Inuit language, the mandate and scope of work has evolved considerably from its original function.
The media and Inuktitut resource services section has primary responsibility for the design, publication, and distribution of all divisional documents, such as handbooks and foundation documents, curriculum, teaching resources, and student learning materials to support teaching and learning in Nunavut schools from kindergarten through to grade 12, in the Inuit language and English.
As a result of this broad scope of work, the need for qualified media coordinators in the Inuit language continues to be a high priority.
While job descriptions for vacant positions will be rewritten, the two positions will remain in Pond Inlet.
I thank the minister for indicating that she is unaware of any learning centres that will be closing down. For that reason, when do you plan to fill the jobs that have been vacant for a very long time?
It is anticipated that job descriptions will be ready for evaluation at the end of Jun e 2013.
Once this process is complete, positions will go out for competition (likely early fall 2013).
The priority is to staff positions in Pond Inlet, Kugluktuk, and Arviat, depending on availability of housing in each community.
The return to oral question will be entered into the record.  Moving on in our orders of the day.
It’s not too often that I get to do this. I have been here for almost five years and I still can count them on one hand.
Mr. Speaker, later on this afternoon, I’m going to be tabling Tunngasaiji, Nunavut’s Tourism Strategy.
I want to recognize the folks behind me who did a lot of work. There are some folks from NTI who aren’t here, but I want to recognize the folks who put a lot of effort, time, meetings, and collaboration to get the strategy ready for Nunavummiut. Behind me are:
Colleen Dupuis
Cheri Kemp-Long
David Monteith, and
Karen Kabloona.
I want to thank these folks for all their hard work and effort into making the document that Nunavummiut desperately need when it comes to tourism.
I would like to welcome our Senator, Dennis Patterson, in the Gallery here.
Welcome to the Gallery, Mr. Patterson.
Question 666 – 3(3): New Public Housing Construction (Enook)
Good afternoon, people of Pond Inlet.
My thoughts are with the family members who have just been left behind by a loved one. You are in our thoughts.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation made an announcement during his Minister’s Statement about the public housing units to be constructed in the future.
Within his statement, Mr. Speaker, he alluded to the numerous factors that are needed to be considered when they are looking to allocate public housing units, such as the need for extra capacity in power generation, fuel tanks, water reservoirs, lot availability, and so on, obviously.
Mr. Speaker, the announcement from the Nunavut Housing Corporation included details on how many people wanted housing and the people on the housing waiting list, so I perused the figures. In Pond Inlet, the figures are higher than quite a few other communities.
As of yesterday, there were 61 people on the housing waiting list, yet Pond Inlet won’t receive even a single unit.
With these 61 people currently on the waiting list, these numbers are higher than several other community waiting lists.
Mr. Speaker, I want to ask this question. Some of the factors included for the decision on the communities are limited water reservoir capacity or resources and lacking housing lots.
Which of these factors caused the community of Pond Inlet to miss out on this new allocation?
Further, Mr. Speaker, how many other communities were also not allocated the housing units due to their limitations in these areas? I’m referring to the communities that are not on that list.
If I understand the question correctly, I know of one community that wasn’t allocated any units due to the lack of power generating capacity.
That’s one community, I understand, in the Baffin region.
Again, the allocation method used was approved by the Nunavut Housing Corporation board. As you will recall, Mr. Speaker, in the past, with all the difficulties that the Nunavut Housing Corporation had in over-expenditures, this House had requested that a board be formed for the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
That’s exactly what has happened in the past. They developed a methodology there for allocating units.
One of the practices, of course, that are constant is that if the community is not capable of any more infrastructures, even for housing, due to the lack of power generating capacity, that’s a problem that we all face in Nunavut. If a community is maxed out in their power generating capacity, there’s no way any infrastructure or units can go into a certain community.
Also contained within the Minister’s Statement yesterday was his announcement that there were 210 units that would be constructed in 12 communities.
When these communities were being picked, who made the decision on which community would get housing, including the number of units that each community would receive?
Was it solely the decision of the Nunavut Housing Corporation board and was this decision final?
The Nunavut Housing Corporation was tasked to find a methodology that was the fairest, transparent, and fairest to all communities in Nunavut, and that’s the method that was used.
They did make a draft allocation list that went to the cabinet that explained to my colleagues in cabinet that this draft list of allocation was done based on needs, no political interference or anything else otherwise.
It was strictly based on needs.
If there is more funding from the federal government, absolutely, we will look into getting more units for the communities. Mr. Speaker, we’ve got to understand that this money, $100 million, does not include Government of Nunavut money. It is all federal money.
The agreement is going to be done up from the federal government through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to this government.
As members can recall, on March 31, the $100 million was announced for public units to be constructed in Nunavut. Along with the announcement, the federal government indicated 250 units.
We’re not going to get to that amount, but we’re going to do our best to get to that number. We have to find a way to maximize the amount of units for Nunavummiut as much as possible.
Qujannamiik, hon. member. (interpretation) Again, in the Minister’s Statement of yesterday and as he just indicated again, the Nunavut Housing Corporation made the preliminary list.
My question is: were these recommendations that came from the Nunavut Housing Corporation changed by the cabinet or were they changed by the Financial Management Board?
The Nunavut Housing Corporation board found the methodology, the fairest, most transparent, accountable method of allocating units. That method was used; they devised that method. It went to the housing corporation and then to cabinet.
I got cabinet meetings and FMB meetings that are confidential, but I’ve got to say that when I showed the list initially to my cabinet colleagues, they agreed with it without hesitation. There was no political interference.
It’s all based on needs. The way we’re going to allocate the units is in the fairest, transparent, and open way possible because we’ve got to maximize the number of total units that are going out there to benefit Nunavummiut who desperately need housing.
Question 667 – 3(3): New Public Housing Construction (Rumbolt)
My questions are also for the minister of the housing corporation.
The Minister’s Statement yesterday indicated that the recently announced federal funding will be used to construct new public housing units in 12 Nunavut communities.
This means that 13 Nunavut communities will not receive new public housing units.
What message does the government have for the residents of those communities that will not receive any new public housing units?
Mr. Speaker, again I’ve got to say that this money comes directly from the federal government and we do have to abide by the agreement that they’re going to be putting through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. We intend to maximize the number of units built in Nunavut.
We’re not going to go through the fiasco that was started in 2006.
I’m not even going to go there and talk about it. We do have to be accountable to the funders and they want the most impact for the investment that they’re making to our government and Nunavummiut.
That’s exactly why we intend to do that.
We want to maximize the number of units going into Nunavut, the number of units that are being constructed for Nunavummiut families. I’ve got to say that if we do not do that, the message to our funders and investors is not going to be very good.
This government does not want to risk waiting two, three, four, or five extra years to get extra funding to build more units in Nunavut that Nunavummiut desperately need.