EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
My family is my foundation.
I would like to take this time to especially thank my wife, Joanne, for being at my side throughout my time here in the House.
Joanne, I thank you very much for your support and guidance.
Of course, a lot of my gratitude goes out to my children, grandchildren, and sons-in-law.
Without our family’s support and guidance, the job would be a lot harder than what it is already.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to give special thanks to my Constituency Assistant, Helen Himiak, and my executive staff, Pat Angnakak and Annie Joannie, who were there on a daily basis to provide me with support to do my job here.
Their loyalty and dedication to help me get the job done is critical and I would like to say “thank you” for a job well done. I appreciate your support and help that all of you have provide me over the years.
Mr. Speaker, one thing I have never done enough of is to thank the many people of Iqaluit who have been very kind and welcoming to my family and I. Thank you, Iqalummiut, for helping Joanne and I feel welcome in your community.
I want to continue to see progress made on many initiatives started and carried forth by this government. Also, it’s important that we have new ideas and initiatives to be brought forward by the next government.
In light of this, I have decided that I will be declaring by candidacy for the upcoming general election.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Nunavummiut, especially my home community of Kugluktuk, for their ongoing support, and I hope that once again, I can stand in the House to represent them the next time around.
Member’s Statement 591 – 3(3): Reflections on Representing Uqqummiut (Arreak)
I also would like to make a statement of thanks.
In 2004, when I first got elected on February 14, we sat down in this House and I appreciate my constituents in Clyde River. There is one person in Qikiqtarjuaq who believed in me and to put me here as an elected member and I appreciate that because of his belief that he would be represented by me.
I will be seeking another term. I appreciated them in 2008 and I also appreciate the people who wanted me to represent them in Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq.
I have sat here in this House since 2004, first as a regular member and later as a cabinet member. Those other types of things that we would like to acknowledge because we have worked together.
I would like to also thank Mr. John Quirke and his staff for their assistance.
I also wish to thank Mr. Simon Awa and his entire staff for giving me full support, as well as Mr. David Akeeagok and his staff.
If it weren’t for these dedicated people, I would not have been able to provide the kind of answers you asked of me.
I also wish to express my gratitude to the staff of URRC and the Inuit Language Authority for continuing to do great work that is still ongoing.
I also want to mention Martha Nowdlak, my constituency assistant, for all the help she has given me and my office assistant who is enjoying her birthday, Elisapee Nowdlak. I wish her a good and happy birthday.
The people of Iqaluit are ceaselessly receptive and welcoming and I thank them very much, as well as the congregation of the Anglican Church, for always showing their open arms.
I also sincerely wish to thank those who take the time to approach me for assistance.
Hon. James Arreak (interpretation): Thank you for allowing me to continue.
I, too, wish to thank my children, my daughters and their spouses, who have given me tireless support and having us over for meals. Thank you very much.
I also wish to thank my supporters in my community. They have been my connection to my constituents.
Lastly but not least, I wish to thank my wife for supporting me, for always approving of what I want to do, telling me that I need to represent our people, trying to guide me in whatever I need to do, and encouraging me to help others.
I would also like to thank all the members of the legislature who helped out the members.
I thank everyone, not just for myself.
When I became a minister, there were those who elected me to cabinet membership. I thank the departments of Environment and Culture and Heritage.
As a member, you have a lot of work to do. At times, you lose sleep because of what you have to do.
I thank everyone for being able to put me as a Member of the Legislative Assembly and for the people among my constituents who encouraged me to run again.
When I hang my tie today, I will not be running again.
Mr. Speaker, I will not be running in the next election.
Member’s Statement 592 – 3(3): Reflections on Representing Cambridge Bay (Peterson)
I rise today to thank my family and all of my constituents for granting me the privilege and their confidence to represent the Cambridge Bay Riding in the Nunavut Legislative Assembly for the last five years.
Mr. Speaker, my constituents have given me tremendous support, encouragement, and advice over all the years in our challenging work to improve their lives and the lives of all Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, when they see me leaving Cambridge Bay at the airport, a lot of them ask me if I’m going home to Iqaluit.
My response to them is, “I’m commuting to Iqaluit to work.” Iqaluit’s a nice city. I like living here.
I thank everybody, but Cambridge Bay is home.
Mr. Speaker, I thank all of my colleagues in this House for their support and friendship to accomplish many wonderful things for Nunavut.
There’s a lot more to do, but I believe we’re headed in the right direction.
Mr. Speaker, I’m always proud to explain to people and visitors to Nunavut and when I’m travelling elsewhere in Canada how our consensus government works. They really like our way of doing government.
Mr. Speaker, I express my gratitude to all my many dedicated staff in the departments of Finance, Justice, and Health twice, if you can recall the history, who supported me in the hard work to deliver Government of Nunavut programs and services to Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, the heavy briefing binders that they prepared me with over the years, some as heavy as 10 to 12 lbs., I usually carry three or four, have helped keep me in shape.
I am proud to say I am 8 lbs. less today than when I started. I can do 30 to 40 pushups with ease.
You have to stay in shape to be an MLA, I think. Sometimes the briefing binders are heavy, but we have iPads these days to help us.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my Constituency Assistant, Irene Amagonalok in Cambridge Bay, who keeps me grounded back home. When Irene yells, everyone listens, even me.
Finally, I would like to thank my loyal, trusty sidekick upstairs, Nick Pashkoski, and my Executive Assistant, Annie Akoak.
It’s much appreciated for all you guys do for me over the years.
I thank my colleagues for allowing me the extra time.
As I was saying, I would like to thank my staff upstairs, Mr. Nick Pashkoski and Annie Akoak, for all they do for me. They keep me well organized and briefed. They give me lots of good advice on stuff I have to do in the House and in my meetings with my colleagues.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank you and all of your officials in the Legislative Assembly for your support over the years as well. It’s much appreciated.
Member’s Statement 593 – 3(3): Reflections on Representing Inuit for 40 Years (Curley)
I say “good morning” to the people of Rankin Inlet. I would like Sally to watch the proceedings of the House.
This a perfect morning and an appropriate moment for me to stand here once again with my wife, Sally, whom I hope is watching at home on this last sitting day of the Third Legislative Assembly.
It’s an appropriate time today for everyone.
Mr. Speaker, I stood up as a young man and I can’t return to being a young man, but as a young man, I stood up 40 years ago after many hours of speaking with our Inuit elders and friends to begin the long journey of hope, restoring Inuit culture, self-determination, pride in our own language and identity.
Mr. Speaker, it has been a remarkable, challenging, and rewarding journey working with Inuit leaders.
Many have passed away as we defined our destiny, creating and building our institutions needed to protect our unique culture, social, and not just political and economic goals.
Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and (interpretation ends) my colleagues.
(interpretation) This historic journey was not just about strengthening our culture; it was also about a public government, a public government which would be closer to home, which would involve more Inuit in the decision-making process, and elect leaders directly from Nunavut communities, hopefully.
About 40 years ago, most would be more understanding about our challenges locally.
I can also recall maybe if we were to be put in a position that we would be able to help our people.
I remember being a lone advocate seeking support for dividing the NWT and working towards this goal for years.
No one lined up to take the honour of being on the front lines to receive and reflect the first negative, discouraging shots of many experts. For instance, in English, they would say that (interpretation ends) that’s a noble idea.
That means it’s not likely going to happen. (interpretation) However, I wasn’t going to let this slip from my mind and hands.
The snowball, once rolled, never stays the same size. The rest is history.
The moment has arrived for me.
Even though we had hard times, I could say that the moment has arrived for me to speak to my constituents, elders, and youth of Rankin Inlet North that my wife, Sally, and I have been honoured to represent and serve you for many years. You have been most supportive and understanding, not only to me as well as my wife.
When I didn’t want to come back to politics in 2004, I was encouraged by the elders.
For two years, I didn’t agree, but my wife and I can say “thank you” and I’m very grateful.
While I have some energy, strength to think, work, and stand, I ask my constituents of Rankin Inlet to allow me to stay closer to my family, our grandchildren, our daughters, and our sons. We want to be able to have some time for ourselves.
For that reason, I would like to say that I have discussed this with my wife, Sally, and close personal friends. We prayed together to get some guidance on that.
I could say today that they will be electing a candidate for Rankin Inlet North. I will not be running.
I would like to also say “thank you” to all the people that I have worked with when there were a lot of challenges. I would like to say “thank you” to the ministers. Privately, we make sure that things we want are done.
I would like to say “thank you” to Lorne Kusugak, as well as James Arreak, not just here, but also from the NWT days.
I thank our Premier for assisting us and to want to assist the people of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to say that Sally and I were here for about five years and before that, in 1999, and we were welcomed by the people.
The elders from Iqaluit looked after us.
We have made friends. I was told in a store by an elder, “I missed you very much.”
We appreciate their support, including Sammie and Oolootie.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank your staff and Mr. Quirke, as well as research staff and all the staff of the Legislative Assembly, as well as the administration people on the third floor. In particular, I would like to thank the interpreters. They do a very hard job and have made our work easier.
Lastly, I would like to thank my constituency assistant in Rankin Inlet. I would instruct her to welcome anyone who walks into the office.
Bernadette Dean is always receptive whenever we meet there, whenever I’m in town, and whenever anyone walks in.
That makes all of us happy, and I thank Bernadette for always being welcoming with open arms.
The day has arrived, Mr. Speaker, when being elected in Nunavut is not the only job that has to be done, so I’ll take the opportunity to be more relaxed. I want to say to the people of Rankin Inlet that they will be voting for a slate with more than one candidate and that Sally and I will also vote there.
We both wish to say “thank you” to all of you. This legislature in Nunavut is unique in Canada and very young. It is still a work in progress and I thank all of you.
Return to Oral Question 702 – 3(3): Pangnirtung Airport Relocation (Taptuna)
This question was asked by the hon. member from Pangnirtung, No. 702 – 3(3), on September [9], 2013, on the Pangnirtung Airport relocation.
The question asks me, “Can the minister indicate how the department will be spending the approved carryover funding during the current fiscal year?”
The carryover funding will be spent to explore further options for the possible relocation or expansion of the Pangnirtung Airport runway.
A comprehensive study was previously undertaken which assessed all the available sites for a community airport, including expansion of the current site. Only one site was found to meet all criteria and to achieve significant improvements over the current airport site.
Since then, the site known as Site #5 on the plateau has undergone an extensive weather data collection and analysis exercise. Based on the wind data obtained, the proposed Site #5 did not present a suitable runway orientation to achieve acceptable levels of runway availability.
We will investigate an alternate airport site location that the consultant has recommended to determine the feasibility of developing an airport at that location. This site is also located on the plateau and is known as Site #8.
Before proceeding with another study, we propose to meet with hamlet officials and the community to discuss any other options that they may have for the airport’s relocation or expansion.
It is unlikely that the entire carryover amount will be expended during this fiscal year. Any unspent funds will be carried over to fiscal year 2014-15.
In the meantime, Nunavut Airports has proceeded with a plan to replace the fencing around the airport, designing a new airport security system, and has procured gravel to do a partial resurfacing of the existing runway.
It gives me great pleasure to recognize a constituency of mine.
Mr. Speaker, my wife, Joanne, and I will be having our 36th wedding anniversary in January.
Throughout those times, we have gone through a lot of great happy times, a lot of sad times, and a lot of tough times. Mr. Speaker, we have also gone through a lot of pots and pans. She loves my cooking.
I’ll let you know that prior going into Item 6, Oral Questions, we will continue until 12:00 and wherever we’re at in question period, I’ll stop the clock and we will break for lunch at 12:00.
Question 766 – 3(3): Bulk Fuel Storage Facilities in Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt)
Mr. Rumbolt: Not many hands flying today.
As the minister is aware, three temporary fuel storage tanks were installed in Sanikiluaq last year in order to ensure that the community would not run out of heating fuel.
However, it is my understanding that when the initial fuel resupply arrived in the community this summer, the tanks were not filled to capacity. Can the minister explain why this occurred and can he confirm that the fuel resupply ship will return to Sanikiluaq this fall to top off the tanks?
I thank my colleague for the first question of the last day.
Mr. Speaker, I don’t have the details as to why they were not filled to the top.
As for going back and topping them up at the end, I’ll have to find out if the fuel that is delivered there is actually sufficient for the rest of the year. If not, I’ll get the specifics on the matter.
Last fall, the Legislative Assembly approved $300,000 in capital funding for an increase in the capacity of Sanikiluaq’s bulk fuel storage facility.
In January of this year, the Department of Community and Government Services issued a request for proposals for the design of upgrades to Sanikiluaq’s bulk fuel storage. The RFP indicated that the successful proponent was required to complete the design and construction-ready documents by June 30 of 2013.
Can the minister update me today on the status of this project?
I’ll gladly update my colleague.
The planning and design stage is expected to be completed now in November of this year. Once that is complete, we anticipate the construction after the sealift of 2014.
Question 767 – 3(3): Study of Narwhal Stock in Jones Sound Area (Elliott)
On June 5, 2012, a CBC news story titled “Federal narwhal tusk ban lifted in most of Nunavut” indicated that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans had lifted the international trade ban on narwhal tusks in all Nunavut communities except one, Grise Fiord. It also indicated that Grise Fiord was not included because DFO stated that there is no scientific evidence of narwhals in the area surrounding the community.
My question for the minister is: how is the minister’s department working with the community of Grise Fiord and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans on gathering scientific and traditional knowledge concerning narwhal stocks in the Jones Sound area?
I would like to thank the Member for Quttiktuq.
This is under the responsibility of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. We have been working with the federal department in regard to the Grise Fiord issue and we’re doing all we can. We’re going to keep working with them until we conclude this issue.
Since 2012, has anything changed in regard to the international trade ban for Grise Fiord?
Only after we have concluded the scientific facts will we open the ban on narwhal tusks.
Has a timeline been established on when this information will be collected or on when a decision will be made?
This summer, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans did a population count on whales, but I don’t know when that study will be completed. I can say that during the time, there’s going to be a close working relationship between DFO and the Nunavut government.
Question 768 – 3(3): 2013 Activities of the Nuliajuk Research Vessel (Oshutapik)
I had forgotten to thank CG&S for putting money aside for improvements to our arena.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Nunavut acquired the Nuliajuk Research Vessel to support science-based conservation and sustainable development of Nunavut fisheries.
Can the minister update us today on the activities of the Nuliajuk Research Vessel during its 2013 season?
I also thank Mr. Oshutapik.
The research activities of the fishery over the past three years have been carried out for halibut, turbot, and sharks and how they can be harvested.
They have also researched on the topography of the seafloor, focusing primarily on the Baffin offshore near the three communities of Pangnirtung, Qikiqtarjuaq, and Clyde River, all the way close to Pond Inlet.
The research project is currently working on future research activities for Nuliajuk.
Thank you, minister, for that response.
On June 7, 2012, a colleague of mine asked the minister if the department had a long-term plan for the research vessel. The minister indicated that “At this time, we don’t have any particular details, but once we do have a plan available, I will table it in the House.”
Can the minister update us on either his department has completed a long-term plan for the research vessel?
If so, will the minister commit to tabling the plan in the House?
The research team is still working on the Baffin region activities.
We still haven’t decided which communities would have research carried out. I still am unable to provide that information regarding the plans for the Nuliajuk Research Vessel.
Once those are completed and where research will be done is identified, an update will be provided.
I hope we will still be here when the minister is ready to give an update.
Mr. Speaker, can the minister provide information on what specific activities or plans will be undertaken? Research activities are conducted at any given time.
Will the mapping of the seafloor topography be included?
Research of the fisheries is an ongoing effort and I mentioned that mapping of the seafloor topography will be carried out which will determine the safest and deepest areas as well as to identify shallow areas.
Those kinds of research are ongoing and continue to be carried out by the Nuliajuk Research Vessel.
Question 769 – 3(3): Activities of Custom Adoption Commissioners (Curley)
Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a different line of questioning today for the Minister of Family Services.
Section 4 of the government’s Aboriginal Custom Adoption Recognition Regulations provides that a custom adoption commissioner may receive an honorarium for his or her work in administering the provisions of the Act.
I think there are two main ones.
I have heard concerns from custom adoption commissioners that they are not receiving the payments to which they are entitled.
Will the minister commit to reviewing this matter?
I’m not sure if I fully understood the member’s question on who is entitled for payment on custom adoption. The documents I have with me are not clear on the issue. Can he clarify his question?
Madam Minister, are you asking the member to clarify his question?
Thank you. Mr. Curley, can you please clarify your question for the minister.
I think I’ll proceed with my supplementary because this will probably explain it clearer.
Mr. Speaker, at present, custom adoption commissioners are paid on a per case basis.
That means the Act, in a way, stipulates that they either have to succeed in registering an adoption through the Supreme Court or the Nunavut Court or the commissioner rejects an application. There are two cases on per case basis.
In my view, this causes problems.
Will the minister commit to reviewing the system of compensation for custom adoption commissioners with a view to providing them with an annual stipend?
Yes, I will have my officials review this issue on how it can be remedied. Custom adoption commissioners are paid a small amount for paperwork. My officials are listening as we speak and where the matter can be resolved, it will be investigated and I shall instruct my staff to do so.
Your next question, Mr. Curley.
Mr. Speaker, I think it’s really quite important. I have received correspondence and letters from commissioners who have not been paid, even though they have submitted their statements to the government, which involved quite a bit of time for a number of adoptions that they have dealt with.
Can the minister clearly indicate what types of support training are provided by her department to custom adoption commissioners?
Training is provided on the individual needs of the custom adoption commissioners. I am not aware of the specific training that is made available. I don’t have that in writing either with me.
I can say that my department provides full support to these commissioners, whether it is on the required documentation for custom adoption in Nunavut. The needs of the child to be adopted determine how that will proceed. The legal aspects of the legislation are also reviewed regularly.
I can investigate to determine how training is provided to pass on to the member once I have that information.
Speaker: Thank you, Minister Ell. (interpretation) Is that all?
(interpretation ends) Before I go to the next name on my list, I recognize the clock. We will break for lunch and return at 1:30.
>>House recessed at 11:56 and resumed at 13:31
Continuing on where we left off.
Question 770 – 3(3): ASIST Training (Elliott)
Recently, Nunavut Arctic College has taken on the responsibility of providing the ASIST training, the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, or I believe in Inuktitut, it’s called the Uqaqatigiigluk! training, from the Department of Health.
Can the minister outline what training will occur this training year?
I thank the member for that very important question in regard to the ASIST training.
He is right in that Arctic College is now the lead in providing this training across the territory in partnership with the Department of Health and Department of Education and their support.
As we speak, there is a tentative schedule. A coordinator has been hired.
There is a tentative schedule that has been made for the Kivalliq region, and the Kitikmeot and the Baffin regions are very close to being finalized. Once this is all done, it will be placed on the Nunavut Arctic College website.
How do individuals or communities access this training?
Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, Mr. Shewchuk.