EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
When you have properly planned the future of the local government, it makes it a lot easier to administer the community and as we all know, the local hamlets are the planners for their communities. They don’t just plan the future; they also plan the capital purchases which are integral to community operations and maintenance. In addition, the equipment is used for local construction projects.
Many communities have too many unemployed residents. Repulse Bay and Kugaaruk are in the same boat. These projects, especially those required by the community such as the local health centre in Repulse Bay, are what the community would like to find out about.
I will be asking questions on this matter to the appropriate minister during Question Period.
Member’s Statement 061 – 3(1): Congratulations to Sanikiluaq Constituents (Rumbolt)
First, I would like to congratulate my sister-in-law, Ellen Rumbolt, for her achievement in education. First, I thought I was getting one, but...
... that’s my sister-in-law.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a number of young students and their teacher on a very successful presentation at the Community Economic Development Tradeshow in Igloolik last week.
Mr. Speaker, the tradeshow is sponsored by the Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce and allows young people in the region to learn about various businesses, to meet the people involved, and to learn about activities and opportunities.
Mr. Speaker, four students, Louisa Sala, Debbie Kavik, Mick Appaqaq, and  Chris Kittosuk, with support from their teacher, Cindy Goodyear, presented E-Spirit, a business planning exercise in which young entrepreneurs plan a business.
Mr. Speaker, the students had a wonderful learning experience. I am very pleased that their presentation was such a success and I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating their young people and their teacher on a job well done.
Member’s Statement 062 – 3(1): Successful Leaders’ Visit to Pond Inlet and Mary River (Arvaluk)
I tend to take my glasses off when I am reading because they are just like our ear pieces.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform the House of this past weekend’s successful leaders’ visit to Pond Inlet and Mary River. I would like to thank Premier Aariak, Minister Taptuna, Minister Shewchuk, and their officials for taking the time to accompany me back to Pond Inlet following our sitting of last Friday.
This visit accomplished a number of goals.
On Friday evening, Mayor Abraham Kublu, my cousin, and residents of Pond Inlet attended a Nunavut at 10 event at our new community hall. This occasion was highlighted by a performance by the renowned Pond Inlet Theatre Group.
(interpretation ends) A number of events were held to mark the evening, including traditional games and square dancing.
However, Mr. Speaker, I can assure you and other leaders that I will not be tabling any photographs of MLAs dancing and their dancing moves.
Mr. Speaker, as all members are aware, I have been a strong advocate for investments that serve to strengthen our community wellness. Our new community hall will provide my constituents with a gathering place that we will be able to use for years to come.
Mr. Speaker, I now continue to look to progress being made towards the funding, construction and opening of the new arena. I think the Premier already heard from the council that this is one of their priorities.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, on Saturday...
Speaker (interpretation): Mr. Arvaluk, if you would like to conclude your statement, you must seek unanimous consent.
When I get excited, I forget about the timer.
You may conclude your statement, Mr. Arvaluk.
On Saturday morning, the leaders’ delegation travelled to Baffinland’s iron ore project at Mary River.
As members are aware, this major project has had a tremendous impact on the local economy and community.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the visit to the Mary River project provided the opportunity to engage in dialogue with senior company officials on a wide range of issues, including the current state of the global economy, the company’s plan for exploration in 2009, the status of the regulatory review of the project, and initiatives to provide training and employment opportunities to residents of Pond Inlet.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, as you are probably aware, we had made a legislative amendment to change the spelling of Tunnuniq to Tununiq.
The Premier was still using the old spelling, so I urge the Premier to use the proper spelling with one “n.”
Mr. Speaker, productive meetings were held with the hamlet council and our local elders. These provided the opportunity for local leaders to raise a number of issues of concern with us. But I want you to know that the issues that I brought into the House, such as the need for an arena and other infrastructure, including the transportation office in Pangnirtung, were also the same issues raised by the Hamlet of Pond Inlet.
So the Premier and the ministers now know that as a representative of Pond Inlet, I make statements on behalf of what our residents have mentioned.
Mr. Speaker, I want to close by acknowledging the hard work by employees of the hamlet, GN, and Baffinland that went into making this visit a success. I want to again thank my colleagues, the three ministers in particular, for taking the time to demonstrate their commitment to the future of Pond Inlet and its people.
I know that the Premier said that she would like to visit all the communities of Nunavut within the first four years, so please welcome her and as well, the people of Pond Inlet said that they will be welcoming her.
Member’s Statement 063 – 3(1): Ambrose Karlik, Rankin Inlet’s New Fire Chief (Kusugak)
Before I make my statement, I would like to extend my condolences to the residents of Rankin Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased, on another note, to rise to make a statement on Rankin Inlet’s firefighters. The fire chief will be an Inuk and I am very proud of him.
I am sure that Mr. Curley is also very proud of him.
Ambrose Karlik of Rankin Inlet, who has been a firefighter for over 16 years, is going to be the new fire chief.
I know that he will be taking the training now because Fire Chief Al Stubbing will be resigning within two weeks.
Before the fire chief resigns, they will both collaborate on the fire chief training.
Although Ambrose Karlik may be a young person, he has a lot of experience in fighting fires. He has undertaken three six-day firefighting courses that are offered to community firefighters and he completed all of them.
He has also completed the training required for ascertaining the cause of fires.
Ambrose has worked at the firefighters’ office in Rankin Inlet since 1993.
As my colleagues are aware, along with our fellow community members, firefighters are quite committed even though they serve on a volunteer basis.
They protect and keep a close eye on our homes, and whenever a member of our community is undergoing the stress of a fire, they are the first ones to respond.
We extend our appreciation to all the firefighters in Nunavut for their selflessness in assisting their fellow community members.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to express how proud I am, along with his father, Mr. Karlik, of Ambrose Karlik, who will now become the fire chief in Rankin Inlet.
Member’s Statement 064 – 3(1): Extinguishment of Aboriginal Title (Curley)
Hon. Tagak Curley (interpretation): Thank you, Mister Speaker.
I, too, would like to rise to acknowledge the residents of Rankin Inlet as they are going through difficulties at this time.
I know Ambrose Karlik and his father personally.
We are very proud of that individual because we know that he is a capable and hard worker.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to state that I know Nunavutmiut are starting to realize and are proud that the Nunavut government will be celebrating its 10th anniversary on April 1.
We have already heard about our executive members who kicked off the celebration in Pond Inlet. Members of the Executive Council will be asked and have already been asked by our Premier to start visiting the communities within this current fiscal year.
I would like to state how proud I am of Nunavutmiut and of the many individuals who worked very hard on the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
It was not the only avenue and James Arvaluk recalls this as he replaced me as the President of ITC during those years.
There are also other entities that were established prior to Nunavut being divided and many individuals who were part of the process towards establishing Nunavut. In particular, the people who worked on land claims.
The reason why I rise today is to make sure that everyone understands because we have heard about our Inuit rights being extinguished. I want it known that the extinguishment of Inuit rights is not applicable for the Nunavut government.
Article 4 does not contain the extinguishment clause in its provisions.
The extinguishment clause is meant only for the rights that Inuit gave up in exchange for the land claim. The new rights contained in the land claims agreement are what we exchanged for.
It does not form part of the creation of the Nunavut government and that is what I wanted to clarify.
As members of this government, we have to be proud of the creation of the Nunavut government no matter who is elected.
We don’t want to state that the electors are wrong in choosing their representatives.
When they elect their representative, those elected assume the rights and powers of their positions.
This is why I rose today because I am proud of that right. When we campaign, it is completely different.
Speaker (interpretation): Mr. Curley, your time is up.
Hon. Tagak Curley (interpretation): I don’t have very much left to say and I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Mr. Curley is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement.
I wanted to say in closing that during the 35-year negotiation, there were other entities that tried for aboriginal self-government.
At the time, First Nations were fighting for a long time to get their own land claims settled, but Inuit were also fighting for a long time.
Most of the support came when some of us requested a public form of government and due to that, we can now stand in this House regardless of our affiliations.
As April 1 is fast approaching, we need to plan together for the celebrations and I welcome any ideas from members.
Member’s Statement 065 – 3(1): Importance of Addressing Substance Abuse (Schell)
It sure doesn’t seem like it’s been two and a half hours since the Hon. Tagak Curley made his Minister’s Statement, but I believe it’s the afternoon now.
I rise today to address an issue that affects every single community in Nunavut, including those that I represent in the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that we are all aware of the harm that substance abuse causes to our constituents and to our families. Substance abuse is a root cause of many serious problems, including crime, suicide, FAS and FASD.
Mr. Speaker, the issue of drug and alcohol abuse is one that has no easy answers. When it comes to stopping the flow of illegal drugs into our communities, we need to support the enforcement efforts of the RCMP. I was pleased to note that in September of last year, the government tabled a copy of the Shared Directional Statement that was developed by the GN and the RCMP.
One of the sections in this document indicates that “The RCMP will deliver education programs designed to reduce substance abuse and the number of violations related to substance abuse.
In addition to delivering education programs, enforcement remains a priority.”
I urge the territorial government to coordinate its own efforts in this area with those of the RCMP so that both parties make the best use of scarce resources.
Mr. Speaker, as a former member of my community’s alcohol education committee, I am very aware of the challenges that communities face when it comes to trying to control access to alcohol. I believe that it is time that we review how the government approaches this issue. We need to carefully consider which organizations are best equipped to focus on matters of control and enforcement and which are best suited to issues of education and treatment.
Mr. Speaker, I have been pleased to hear the Premier discuss the need to develop suicide prevention programs and strategies. The tragedy of suicide is something that we cannot ignore. I believe that initiatives to address substance abuse must be a part of our efforts in this area.
Members’ Statements. (interpretation) There being none, (interpretation ends) Item 4.
Returns to Oral Questions. (interpretation) Premier of Nunavut, Eva Aariak.
Return to Oral Question 014 – 3(1): Federal Initiatives in the High Arctic (Aariak)
I will be making this response in English and it’s in regard to the question asked by the Member for Quttiktuq on whether the government has made a formal recommendation to Ottawa concerning the location of Canada’s new High Arctic Research Station.
(interpretation ends) The announcement by Mr. Strahl, federal Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, on February 20, 2009, was very good news for Nunavut. INAC had shortlisted the location of the proposed High Arctic Research Station to three communities in Nunavut. That ensures that a world-class facility for research in Canada’s Arctic - and the Canadian and international scientists and three researchers - will call Nunavut home within the next seven to ten years.
We have been working with the officials at INAC and especially at the new Arctic Science Policy Branch as they develop the planning and implementation of the proposed initiative. INAC spent almost a year on preliminary work to look at remote research centres in other countries and Antarctica, and to determine the priority research areas for Canada.
They began consultation with the three territorial governments and other interested parties in the middle of last year. We had provided input at that stage on possible sites for the facility and we were very happy with the all-Nunavut roster of three communities making it on the shortlist.
In the last federal budget, INAC was allocated $2 million to establish preliminary costs and design needs of the facility and to evaluate the potential locations.
They will undertake investigations over the next few months. We are advised that INAC officials plan to visit each of the three communities to introduce their planning process and discuss their criteria for selection.
Our government will continue to assist at the community level within our research network and through our intergovernmental relations.
The location is ultimately a federal decision.
We have not made any further formal recommendations to Ottawa on the specific location. We are just happy that they already selected Nunavut.
I would like to acknowledge my wife, Sally Kusugak, and welcome her to the Gallery.
Question 047 – 3(1): Capital Project Plans for Repulse Bay (Ningark)
I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Community and Government Services, Hon. Kusugak, which I alluded to in my Member’s Statement.
I received correspondence from the Hamlet of Repulse Bay in regard to the five-year capital plan and my question to the minister is: will the minister be able to provide a copy of the capital plan?
I do not require an answer in this House but I would like to get a copy before I leave for that community.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister of Community and Government Services, Hon. Lorne Kusugak.
Yes, our department can provide you with a copy of the five-year capital plan prior to your departure.
Question 048 – 3(1): Nunavut “Liquor Act” and the Role of Alcohol Education Committees (Schell)
My question is for the Minister of Finance, who is responsible for the activities of the Nunavut Liquor Commission.
As I noted in my Member’s Statement today, the issue of substance abuse affects all of our communities. I recognize that the minister’s department recently distributed a new guide for alcohol education committees.
Can the minister indicate to the House what new initiatives he is planning in the area of support to alcohol education committees?
I thank the member for that very good question, I used to ask those questions when I was on that side.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Finance continues to support the work of the alcohol education committees. There are 13 alcohol education committees in Nunavut and through consultation with those committees, we are prepared to offer them whatever assistance we can provide them to help them do their jobs better.
Your first supplementary, Mr. Schell
The 2008-09 Business Plan for the Department of Finance indicates that one of its ongoing goals has been to undertake a comprehensive review of the Liquor Act.
Can the minister update the House on the status of this initiative and indicate when community consultations will begin?
I again thank the member for that question.
Mr. Speaker, an interdepartmental working group has been formed to undertake a review of the existing legislation. I can’t give a definite date when they will go out to a public consultation, but I can assure the member that that is a priority for the Department of Finance.
In May of 2007, a letter was tabled in the Legislative Assembly which suggested that revenues raised from fines levied under the Liquor Act were earmarked for substance abuse treatment and education programs. This letter was written and tabled by the Member for Cambridge Bay. Can the minister advise the House if he will take action to implement this idea?
Of course, as the Minister of Finance, I recognize the importance of that initiative. I have asked our Department of Finance officials how it is possible that we can implement something like that and they are reviewing it. So hopefully, through that mechanism or another mechanism, we can get some funds out to the folks that deliver the substance abuse programs.
Thank you, Mr. Schell.
Question 049 – 3(1): Legacy of the High Arctic Exiles (Elliott)
My question is directed towards the Premier and I would like to thank her for returning the answer to the question I asked the other day.
Mr. Speaker, on March 17, 2009, in my Member’s Statement, I touched on the issue of what I consider to be the federal government’s moral responsibility with respect to the legacy of the High Arctic exiles, including measures to address the unbearably high cost of transportation to and between our nation’s most remote communities.
Can the Premier tell the House today whether she has had the opportunity to raise this issue directly with the Prime Minister?
This is a very important subject and I will make sure that we have this discussion so that we can bring it up with my federal counterparts.
(interpretation ends) Your first supplementary, Mr. Elliott.
I would just like to ask again if the Premier could make a commitment as to when, if possible, dates or a timeline.
Speaker: Premier Aariak.
Once I get the information as to the timeline, I will make sure that I let him know. I will also give him regular updates as it’s not going to be dealt with all at once.
The Premier is well aware that the issue of arctic sovereignty is a top priority for the three communities in my constituency.
In my Members’ Statement of March 17, 2009, as well, I informed the House of the recent establishment of the High Arctic Council which includes the mayors and the SAOs from each of the communities, an initiative that will help to coordinate my community’s concerns and ideas.
Will the Premier commit to formally consulting with the High Arctic Council as the GN develops its own position and policies on the issues related to arctic sovereignty, yes or no?
I will be very pleased when I’ll be able to have meetings with them.
Question 050 – 3(1): Employment Opportunities for Local People (Okalik)
I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Human Resources and it’s in relation to a question that the Member for Tununiq asked about last week.
This issue was raised like this: why these Inuit from the original communities and indeed all Inuit who apply are being bypassed for employment by emerging job opportunities by non-Nunavut residents. This situation also applies here in our city and as a matter of fact, an Inuk, one of the original Inuit families who settled Iqaluit, asked me to look into this matter.
For our decentralized offices of our government in these original communities, this issue of human resources allocation has to be reviewed, especially for positions in them.
That’s my first question, to see if that review can also be conducted for Inuit employment figures in Iqaluit.
Hon. Daniel Shewchuk: Mr. Speaker, I did not understand the question. Could I have the question repeated, please?
Please clarify your question, Mr. Okalik.
As I stated, this is in relation to my erstwhile colleague from Tununiq’s earlier question who urged this government to conduct a review of how government employees are hired since there are so many discrepancies between Inuit and others.
I would like this to also be included for Iqaluit’s own Inuit, to be included as part of the review of local employment of Inuit into the government’s employment hiring practices.
My understanding is: what job opportunities are out there in communities? There are several job opportunities in communities and they’re all advertised through the open competition process. At this time of year, there are going to be more job opportunities as our summer student program is going to be initiated very soon.
I urge the minister further to do this as it would decrease the costs that are incurred by the government and cut down the cost of transporting new non-Nunavut personnel to the communities. It can really lead to cost savings if the government hires locally and I urge that this review be conducted.
I urge this government to conduct a comprehensive review of employing more local Inuit and how best to use training to allow these local Inuit to become proficient in these positions and to use this practice instead.
The member brings a good question. Through our employment process, our priority hiring is for beneficiaries and that is in place right now. So we do target beneficiary hiring and again, I advise that our summer student program where that’s going to be initiated and that primarily is for beneficiary hires too.
Yes, we know this policy and we are in full support of it.
Just like my colleagues, I have been asked by a constituent to look into the matter about local beneficiary hiring. Indeed, if this were looked into, it would really help the local population. So I would like this review conducted in the near future.
As I indicated before to members, we are looking at our Department of Human Resources and we are going to review the process and how our operational/organizational structure is in place at this time.
I would also like to thank the minister as I believe it’s very important to do a review of this issue.
Perhaps when we have our next sitting in June, the minister can report on the progress he has made with respect to this matter and we would really be appreciative of any plans to conduct such a review.
I assure the member that I will keep everybody updated on this particular question.
Question 051 – 3(1): Inuit Accounts of Henry Larsen Voyage through Northwest Passage (Arvaluk)
In the Second Assembly, I asked questions in regard to the St. Roch, which went through the Northwest Passage and down to Vancouver with Captain Henry Larsen.
Those are very important stories.
I have talked to Panipakoocho, Qajaaq, and other elders and their stories are totally different from what the historians have put together.
I have asked questions in regard to this and I would now like to ask the new government.
A woman who participated in that trip is in her 90s, possibly even 96 years old.
We will never verify the facts in the story because the people who participated in that trip are dying off.
This woman used to do the cooking, made their clothing, and warmed up their feet with her stomach.
I would like to ask the Minister of CLEY: is it possible for the Department of CLEY to get the facts together and to complete the St. Roch journey before all the participants are gone?