EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, as we move forward into the fourth mandate of our government, we are committed to supporting successes and enhancing education and training opportunities for our students.
We encourage youth to learn about a variety of career opportunities in Nunavut, including those related to science, technology, engineering and math.
Mr. Speaker, I.G.N.I.T.E. stands for “Igniting Interest in Technology and Engineering”.
An I.G.N.I.T.E. camp was offered to students between the ages of 8 and 14 in Igloolik on February 24 and 25, and in Hall Beach from February 26 to 28.
This camp has now been offered five times in Nunavut, most recently with 10 young people participating from Ataguttaaluk Elementary School in Igloolik and 11 participants from Arnaqjuaq School in Hall Beach.
The facilitator assisted students in exporing science, technology and engineering activities while working together in groups to build their technical skills.
The youth also learned about the importance of staying in school and working hard to expand career opportunities for the future.
Mr. Speaker, this camp was a partnership between the Department of Education, Qikiqtani School Operations, N-CAP, Ataguttaaluk Elementary School and Arnaqjuaq School.
I would like to acknowledge IBM and SNC Lavalin for their donations of equipment and resources that this program to continue to be offered for youth in Nunavut.
We look forward to working with our youth to promote further skills development and training in the future.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Item 2. (interpretation) Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Member, Mr. Okalik.
Minister’s Statement 039 – 4(1): Retraction of Territorial Power Rates (Okalik)
Good afternoon. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform Nunavummiut, businesses and members of the House that I have given instructions to the Qulliq Energy Corporation to retract the planned territorial power rate, which was to take effect next month.
Two years ago, a plan for changing rates annually was announced and scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2014.
The plan was called territorial rate re-balancing and it was to have been accompanied by an evaluation of electrical subsidy programs.
During the recent territorial election, Nunavummiut voiced their concerns regarding the planned move towards a territorial-wide power rate.
Homeowners in all communities and businesses in Rankin Inlet, Igloolik, Iqaluit, Cape Dorset and Pangnirtung would have borne the brunt of the new territorial rate.
These ratepayers would have seen annual increases of up to 5 percent for as many as five years, with ripple effects on private homeownership and the price of goods and services.
As the proposed rates would have seen no additional revenue for the corporation, I have given instruction to the Qulliq Energy Corporation to retract the territorial rate and include, as phase 2 of its next general rate application, cost of service options for consideration.
This application is expected to occur in 2018.
Mr. Speaker, system-wide changes to rate structures will not be considered until its effects, such as the cost of living, subsidies and northern allowances, are evaluated and impacts to Nunavummiut are minimized. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Item 2.
The Hon. Member, Mr. Quassa.
Minister’s Statement 040 – 4(1): ABE Essential Skills Program Recognized in New Online Inventory (Quassa)
Nunavut Arctic College’s new Adult Basic Education Essential Skills program was recently selected as a case study to be included in an online inventory of essential skills initiatives aimed at First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
The First Nations, Inuit and Métis Essential Skills Inventory Project (FIMESIP) recently announced the launch of its website, and I quote, “www.fimesip.ca.”
Mr. Speaker, the Canadian Career Development Foundation, in partnership with Employment and Social Development Canada’s Office of Literacy and Essential Skills, the Assembly of First Nations, the Métis National Council and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami have worked together on this project to develop a comprehensive inventory of essential skills initiatives aimed at First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
Of the 72 submissions, Nunavut Arctic College’s ABE Essential Skills program was selected among 12 for further research as a case study.
Mr. Speaker, Trina Bucko was contracted on behalf of CCDF to conduct on-site interviews with the project developers, instructors and students in this program in Iqaluit in October 2013.
Mr. Speaker, the goal of FIMESIP is to gain a better understanding of the state of practice with respect to essential skills initiatives tailored to First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth and adults living in diverse communities throughout Canada and to share these insights and lessons learned with a larger community of practice.
The case study research will provide other practitioners with tips, tools, techniques, resources and lessons learned for integrating these practices into their work.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank our partners from the federal government and our national aboriginal organizations for their strong support in making this collaborative project a success.
This initiative would not have been possible without the financial support of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency of Canada.
I would like to congratulate our staff with the college’s Community Programs Division for their strong commitment and dedication to advancing the quality of our adult basic education essential skills offerings for adult learners in our territory. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister’s Statement 041 – 4(1): Novel and Non-invasive Techniques for Studying Wildlife in Nunavut (Mike)
The statement that I will be making comes from my office regarding novel and non-invasive techniques for studying wildlife in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to provide my colleagues with an overview of the different non-invasive techniques my department is using to study polar bear and other wildlife populations in Nunavut. (interpretation ends) These novel methods demonstrate our commitment to addressing the concerns of Inuit, who have asked that we limit the degree to which we handle wildlife for research purposes.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, my department recently completed the third and final season of field research focused on surveying the Baffin Bay polar bear subpopulation. (interpretation ends) Unlike previous surveys, which relied on physical mark-recapture methods, the 2010-13 study employed the use of biopsy darts to remotely collect DNA samples from bears.
The small samples collected over the three-year period have been sent to a lab for analysis, identifying a genetic tag for each bear that is equivalent to the ear tags and lip tattoos applied during capture-based studies.
I look forward to sharing the final results from the Baffin Bay survey with you in the coming months.
(interpretation) Again, my department listened to the concerns of hunters and community members (interpretation ends) when using aerial surveys, another non-invasive technique, to conduct polar bear research in Foxe Basin and western Hudson Bay.
A recent report about the western Hudson Bay study and a number of other research projects that have started since it first began show that aerial surveys can be a useful and reliable alternative method for estimating polar bear population size.
Results from the western Hudson Bay survey, the first study to cover the entire management unit, suggest that the population has remained stable.
My department is using the same methods to survey polar bears in the McClintock Channel management unit this spring.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, my department is working with researchers from the University of Minnesota (interpretation ends) to develop a remote monitoring technique that uses high-resolution satellite images to count polar bears in particularly remote areas of Nunavut.
Researchers completed a pilot study using the images to count bears on Rowley Island in Foxe Basin and compared their results with those from an earlier aerial survey. While the technique is still being tested, the initial project was a success, as both surveys yielded similar results.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, my department works hard to ensure that the values and recommendations of Inuit are reflected in all of our wildlife research efforts.
I am very proud to say that we continue to explore new, non-invasive methods to study Nunavut’s valuable wildlife populations.
Item 2. Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Member, Mr. Kuksuk.
Minister’s Statement 042 – 4(1): Retirement of Brian Zawadski (Kuksuk)
I say “good day” to my fellow Nunavummiut. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Brian Zawadski on his retirement from the Nunavut Development Corporation.
Mr. Zawadski joined NDC in 1999 and in his years with the corporation, he wore many hats, from vice-president, business advisor, corporate secretary, and code of conduct advisor.
Mr. Speaker, Brian’s accomplishments with the corporation are many. He was instrumental in the development of Nunavut’s “Truly Wild” Brand for arctic char, and he led NDC’s Inukshuk initiative for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
But his greatest legacy will be the support and leadership he provided to NDC’s food processing companies and his knowledge of our commercial harvesting sector in general.
Mr. Zawadski spent a lot of time providing business, regulatory and strategic support to Kitikmeot Foods in Cambridge Bay, Kivalliq Arctic Foods in Rankin Inlet and Pangnirtung Fisheries Limited.
Mr. Speaker, I am sure that I speak for the entire staff and board of the Nunavut Development Corporation when I say “thank you” for your commitment over the past 15-years, not only to the corporation, but to Nunavut’s hunters, fishers and plant workers alike.
Your contributions are both recognized and highly appreciated.
Member’s Statement 096 – 4(1): Apex School Breakfast Program (Angnakak)
I rise today to speak of our visit to Nanook School in Apex.
Mr. Speaker, the day before yesterday, I invited the Premier, the Minister of Education and the Minister of Family Services to accompany me in visiting Nanook School to learn more about a very important initiative that Nanook School and many other schools have in place, the breakfast program.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Premier and the ministers for joining me on the school visit, and I appreciate their willingness to be available to learn more about the challenges that schools and students face on a daily basis.
Mr. Speaker, I think it is safe to say that many elementary schools serve a meal to their students. They do this every school day because, Mr. Speaker, children come to school hungry.
A breakfast program ensures that children get at least one nutritious meal per day.
It is also an incentive for children to come to school and it’s a way for staff to interact on a more informal level with their students to see how each student is doing in general.
Mr. Speaker, presently, teachers and support staff do all the fundraising, buying the food and preparing the meals. This is in addition to their regular jobs as principals, teachers and support staff.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to encourage this government to support this worthwhile initiative through the allocation of dedicated funds in the upcoming budget for school operations.
I would also like to thank all those that contribute to the breakfast program. My thanks to Principal Mathew Knicklebein and the staff of Nanook School and also to all the ministers once again, the Premier and Minister of Family Services and Minister of Education, thank you very much for coming with me on our visit.
Member’s Statement 097 – 4(1): The Retirement of Phil Bordeau (Ell)
I rise today to acknowledge the pending retirement of a constituent of mine, who also happens to be my executive assistant for the last five months; Phil Bordeau.
Most Iqalummiut would probably recognize him as the guy who walks around a lot.
Mr. Speaker, Phil has been a member of the GNWT and the GN workforce for 30 plus years.
He began his career as a member for the public works crew and spent extended periods of time in the communities.
Phil then worked in the Petroleum Products Division serving the Baffin region for approximately sixteen years, followed by the last fifteen years as an executive assistant to four different ministers.
Mr. Speaker, Phil’s last day of work will be March 31.
Following that, he will be relocating to Kemptville, Ontario.
Apparently almost all of his friends in the Kemptville area are former northerners, some of whom still have ties to Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to wish him the best.
I know he will be missed by friends and co-workers in Iqaluit and in Nunavut. I would also like to welcome Chris Scullion, another constituent of mine, as my new executive assistant.
Member’s Statement 098 – 4(1): Against Family Violence (Joanasie)
I say “good day” to my fellow members and to the people of Nunavut.
I rise today to say that violence has no place in the home and within the family.
Mr. Speaker, as you may be aware, many Nunavummiut, especially women and children, experience violence all too often at the hands of an angry spouse, family or community members.
These victims feel like they have no one or nowhere to turn to for help.
Mr. Speaker, as Nunavummiut, we must not accept violence as part of our daily lives.
Hurting the body is hurting the mind and this has been an ongoing cycle for too long. Whenever your physical body is abused, your mental state also suffers from anguish and this particular issue has been allowed to fester too long.
Mr. Speaker, many studies point out that violence in the family starts at home, however, it is my belief that once started, the violence doesn’t stay in the home. It moves silently out into the schools, our workplaces and across the entire community. Violence moves throughout our communities, and the victims of family abuse are carrying stress, sorrow and anguish.
And, as I mentioned before, they may feel like they have no options to get assistance or to be comforted.
Mr. Speaker, I am speaking to all Nunavummiut when I say this phrase: let us not hurt each other. There are ways to deal with violence and better solutions to resolving problems.
Mr. Speaker, although violence is a very personal issue... .
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, including my colleagues.
And the whole community feels the pain these victims are carrying.
I also would like to thank the government.
Mr. Speaker, I understand that the Government of Nunavut has been working on a family violence prevention strategy called “Ilagiitsiarniq.” At the appropriate time, I will have questions for the minister responsible for this strategy.
Member’s Statement 099 – 4(1): Concerns Regarding Shortage of Nursing Staff (Akoak)
Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and the community of Gjoa Haven.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my concern about the shortage of full-time nurses in our community health centres.
Mr. Speaker, I know that the community of Gjoa Haven is not alone in having too few nurses working at our community health centres.
I appreciate the agency nurses and casual hires who come in to fill in on a temporary basis, however, this is not a solution to the problem.
Mr. Speaker, our nurses are overworked, they get tired and can only see patients on an emergency basis. This is unacceptable.
This is not only the health of our community and residents that is at risk, but the health of our nurses as well.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage the minister to work with her department to increase the number of full-time nurses working in our community health centres.
Member’s Statement 100 – 4(1): Harmonizing and Updating Eligibility Criteria for GN Programs (Mikkungwak)
Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker.
I rise today to address (intrepretation ends) the issue of harmonizing and updating the eligibility criteria for the government’s different programs to assist Nunavummiut.
During our sitting, many questions have been asked concerning the eligibility criteria for the government’s various programs, including the Seniors’ Fuel Subsidy Program, the Nunavut Downpayment Assistance Program, the Homeowner Fuel Rebate Program and other initiatives.
Mr. Speaker, an important concern that has emerged during the sitting relates to the different eligibility criteria for these programs. This can be very confusing for Nunavummiut.
For example, there is a sliding scale to determine eligibility for the Seniors’ Fuel Subsidy Program, but the recently announced Homeowner Fuel Rebate Program is more open.
Mr. Speaker, concerns have also been raised regarding the extent to which the current eligibility criteria for different programs remain appropriate.
For example, we all agree that we need to encourage homeownership in Nunavut and reduce dependency on public housing and staff housing.
However, the current eligibility criteria for such programs as the Nunavut Down-payment Assistance Program may be outdated.
Mr. Speaker, there has also been confusion about the extent to which benefits provided to residents under some programs, such as the Seniors’ Fuel Subsidy Program, may impact their eligibility for other assistance.
Mr. Speaker, we need a coordinated approach to addressing this issue. This is why I am calling on the Financial Management Board to undertake a government-wide initiative to harmonize and update the eligibility criteria for the government’s different programs to assist Nunavummiut.
There are none, you may proceed, Mr. Mikkungwak.
At the appropriate time, I will have questions on this issue for the Minister of Finance.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Item 3.
Member’s Statement 101 – 4(1): New Travel Arrangements for Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt)
Before I begin my Member’s Statement, I would like to wish my grandson a very happy birthday. His name is Jaden and has already become a very good hockey player who has discovered that slashing is something he can get away with.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to encourage the government to take a proactive role in assisting the residents of Sanikiluaq to acquire government-issued photo ID.
Mr. Speaker, beginning this April, Calm Air will be the new air transportation provider between Sanikiluaq and Winnipeg. As of April 2, passengers on Calm Air flights to and from Sanikiluaq will now be required to go through full security screening at the Winnipeg International Airport, instead of travelling directly to and from an airline hanger as they did in the past.
As my colleagues will be aware, from my past questions in the House, getting government-issued identification for residents of Sanikiluaq has been a long-term problem.
Mr. Speaker, in order not to run into problems with medical clients and other passengers travelling to Winnipeg, I encourage our government to work with the GLO in the community to ensure that all residents have the appropriate identification as soon as possible.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will have questions for the Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs on this issue.
Member’s Statement 102 – 4(1): School Breakfast Programs (Ugyuk)
I would also like to thank the Member for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu for the invitation to visit her community.
I was very pleased to be involved in that visit.
Yes, they do have breakfast programs for school children in our community and there are a lot of young children to come to take part in the breakfast program.
I would like to thank the teachers, who take turns providing and cooking for those children over and above their duties.
I thank them very much for their dedication.
Also, another organization that is continually mentioned is the Qikiqtani Inuit Association who provides funds for breakfast foodstuffs and for their contribution.
I send them my appreciation.
Thank you for allowing me to speak to this issue, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 103 – 4(1): Waste Management (Savikataaq)
Mr. Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I rise today to address the issue of waste management.
Mr. Speaker, significant attention has been paid to the issue of waste management during the current sitting of the Legislative Assembly. This is very important to the community of Arviat, which continues to work towards solutions for its situation.
Mr. Speaker, Arviat’s integrated community infrastructure sustainability plan was undertaken in 2011.
The plan, which confirmed that the community’s existing landfill site was at capacity, recommended a number of actions to address the situation.
One of the actions included determining an appropriate location for a new landfill site.
As you may be aware, Mr. Speaker, the current site cannot just be expanded, due to a number of factors, including its location along the flight path into the community’s airport.
Mr. Speaker, the integrated community infrastructure sustainability plan also recommended the introduction of an incinerator, which is an initiative that I strongly support.
Return to Oral Question 051 – 4(1): Cape Dorset Housing Authority (Kuksuk)
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) The following question was raised on March 12 by the MLA for South Baffin:
“In 2011, the Cape Dorset Housing Authority was formally established by way of a ministerial order made under the Nunavut Housing Corporation Act and prior to this time, local association matters were being administered by the municipality.
Concerns have been raised with me that there are a number of unresolved issues resulting from this transition, including concerns related to the municipality incurring a deficit as a consequence of funds being held back by the Nunavut Housing Corporation that were intended to support local housing operation.
Can the minister indicate if he had been made aware of this situation?”
Mr. Speaker, I am now aware of the situation referenced by the member from South Baffin. My officials inform me that this matter is ongoing.
NHC officials are prepared to meet with the municipality, the local housing organization and CGS to discuss the concerns further.
LHOs are audited on an annual basis as part of year-end consolidation with NHC’s audited financial statements. Further, LHOs provide regular reporting to our district office, whose staff provides ongoing guidance and support to LHOs in regard to financial and operational issues.
The directorate will continue to work with the LHO and municipality to come to a resolution on the disputed amounts.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Item 4.
Return to Oral Question 052 – 4(1): Natural Resources Conservation Trust Fund (Mike)
This is a return to an oral question asked by Allan Rumbolt regarding the Natural Resources Conservation Trust Fund.
The question asks:
(interpretation ends) “Can the minister explain if his department has funded any projects under its Natural Resources Conservation Trust Fund?”
(interpretation) I can respond to the question now. (interpretation ends) The Department of Environment has not funded any projects under the Natural Resources Conservation Trust Fund. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Return to Oral Question 054 – 4(1): Purpose of Acquiring Old Health Centre (Quassa)
On March 12, 2014, Steve Mapsalak, Member for Aivilik, asked a question regarding Repulse Bay’s old nursing station. He wanted an update.
With that, I can respond to the member, even though he is not in the House, that Education is currently using the four apartments at the station for teacher staff housing to reduce the number of teachers who have to share accommodations in Repulse Bay.
The lower level floor of the apartment building will be used as a program area.
Education is currently working with the Nunavut Housing Corporation to have these units allocated for teacher staff housing, possibly through a memorandum of understanding where Education will have sole use of the four apartments for a period of five years.