EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
The government looks forward to continuing to work with Nunavut Tunngavik to implement the objectives of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
In reconfirming this relationship, the government and NTI recently developed and signed a protocol called Iqqanaijaqatigiit - Working Together.
It provides a framework for working effectively on areas of mutual interest.
This agreement reflects lessons learned over the past several years and helps the organization better deal with issues.
By working with Nunavut Tunngavik, the government reviewed and amended its contracting policy, commonly known as NNI.
The amendments will increase participation of Inuit within the Nunavut economy.
This was done by adjusting preferences in favour of Inuit-owned, local, and Nunavut-based businesses.
(interpretation ends) Tomorrow, the government will outline the current fiscal situation and present the capital budget.
(interpretation) This government has not and will not stand still in the face of the many challenges that we face in Nunavut.
As I have outlined, it is addressing many urgent issues and needs. (interpretation ends) At the same time, the government must deliver its programs and services within its financial means.
There are many serious pressures, and every dollar counts. (interpretation) Even with additional federal funding from the recent First Ministers’ meetings, the government cannot afford to address all the urgent needs immediately.
(interpretation ends) To ensure careful on-going prudence and accountability, the government is implementing the recommendations of the Auditor General and Legislative Assembly standing committees.
The government will also explore overarching legislation to govern the accountability of public bodies in the territory.
(interpretation) As it moves forward to secure economic development and strengthen our culture, the government will engage in open consultations with Nunavummiut.
Your government will continue to work for your support as members of the Legislative Assembly and the support of Nunavummiut so that we proceed with confidence and strength with the implementation of its priorities during this mandate.
This is your government, and only by working together, listening, and acting appropriately can we create a Nunavut that we envision for ourselves and for our children.
The path is clear and I wish you every success.
Thank you, Commissioner of Nunavut.
Before we go back to the orders of the day, I would like to invite everybody in the House for refreshments.
We will take a one-half hour break before we resume.
Sergeant-of-arms.
>>House recessed at 14:59 and resumed at 15:34
Since there are no ministers’ statements, will go on to item 4. Members’ statements.
Member’s Statement 001 – 2(2): Lobby the Government on Family Violence
I would like to welcome everyone back to this House on this first day of our second session.
I am sure that it was a busy summer, and I know that all my colleagues have been working hard over the past few months with their constituents in addressing their issues.
I look forward to a very productive session ahead of us, over the next three to four weeks, and to some very good discussions taking place.
Mr. Speaker, on this first day, I rise to challenge the government to adopt a firm and proactive stance on the issue of family violence.
I applaud the government’s comments in the Commissioner’s address in regards to bringing in legislation for victim assistance programs, and I think we need to take a stronger stance.
We need to stand together, united, to speak out against violence and to denounce violence against women in particular.
Not one of us remains untouched by domestic violence.
There are co-workers, friends, partners, children, and family members; we all suffer from the loss.
When a person is taken from us by violence, that loss has far-reaching consequences.
A total of three spousal homicides have occurred in Nunavut since its creation in 1999.
In fact, since 1999 Nunavut has experienced two or three homicides every year, and for the past five years, except for 2002, the homicide rates in our territory have consistently been the highest across Canada.
Last year it was almost ten times the national average.
At this very moment, residents in all three of our regional centres are living through the aftermath of a needless and senseless murder.
These murders are not isolated incidents.
These acts are the end result of a long chain of violence and destructive behaviour, behaviour that seems to run unchecked despite court appearances, despite community service, and despite jail time.
The system is failing us and is failing the victims of violent crime.
Speaker (interpretation): Mr. Tootoo is asking for unanimous consent to conclude his member’s statement.
Since there are no nays, Mr. Tootoo, you may continue.
I realize that the criminal code is upheld through a system that is not directly under our control.
This does not mean that we have to sit silently by as violent offenders get another slap on the wrist, a lesser sentence, or a reduction in time to serve.
I have tried but still fail to comprehend why continued acts of violent behaviour are not taken seriously until someone is killed.
I fail to comprehend why repeat offenders are given the chance again and again to inflict harm and lifelong emotional scars upon their partners, their children, and the families.
Their victims often do not get another chance.
I call upon our government to take a stand and lobby the federal government to tighten the guidelines for judges’ decisions, to urge prosecutors to ask for tougher sentences, and to push for rehabilitation programs that really work.
I urge my colleagues to become involved by nominating individuals to the Nunavut Criminal Code Review Board to advocate on behalf of victims and to speak out against violence.
At this time, I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in a moment of silence for the memories of the victims who have lost their lives.
>>Silence Observed
I understand that one of my colleagues will be posing a series of written questions during the session regarding the rehabilitation and recidivism of Nunavut offenders, and I look forward to reviewing that information when the government reviews the details.
By establishing the facts of the situation, we can begin to take action towards addressing them.
Member’s Statement 002 – 2(2): Cost of Living Increases
I would like to thank the members for giving us a welcome reception, and the people of Iqaluit, I thank you very much.
First of all, before I start, I would like to recognize that Barnabas Peryouar passed away recently in Baker Lake, and I send my condolences to his family.
Mr. Peryouar has made a huge contribution to his community and has been a great help to the RCMP and to other people.
It was a great loss for the community of Baker Lake.
Survival in the arctic is getting harder and harder and the cost of living in Nunavut is getting extremely hard to keep up with, with the rising cost of fuel for homeowners, for hunters, and for everybody who maintains a home here in Nunavut.
I know that the cost of living will increase with the price increase of petroleum products.
The cost of travel will increase, and again this year, we will see increases in the prices of consumer products.
There will be a domino effect that we will see with the increase in the price of fuel.
The present system that we have doesn’t work anymore, so we have to review everything within the operations of the government.
If we keep the status quo, we will not be able to keep up with the cost of living.
There are single parents, there are people who own their own homes who will not be able to keep up with the cost of living.
While we’re on the subject, there are hidden costs that we will see rise.
There is transportation, which will have to be reviewed again by the government.
We can’t wait for the government in Ottawa to help us on these issues anymore.
The government will have to do a total review and see what they can do to improve the situation.
Also, we’ll have to look at the hunters’ support program and have discussions with the federal government and NTI on these issues.
Member’s Statement 003 – 2(2): Need for More Infrastructure in the High Arctic
I would also like to welcome my colleagues and thank the people of Iqaluit, who welcome us very warmly.
I am pleased to rise on our first sitting day of the second session to raise a number of issues of concern to my constituents in the High Arctic.
In the weeks following our September full caucus retreat in Arviat, I had the opportunity to travel to all three of the communities that I represent, in order to listen to the concerns of my constituents, (interpretation ends) to the common themes in Arctic Bay, Resolute and Grise Fiord.
The infrastructure in my communities continues to crumble.
During the last session I alerted this House to the fact that federal regulators are putting increased pressure on hamlets to comply with strict regulations.
In many cases, our hamlets do not have the resources to fix the problem alone.
In the last session I tabled information in the House which revealed the terrible conditions of the Arctic Bay health centre.
I’ve been advocating for a new health centre for some time.
I hope to see action in the coming capital estimates.
One of the community goals that we committed to achieving at the Arviat full caucus retreat was to extend access to 24-hour care facilities for elders across the territory.
In Resolute, people have told me that they want to see such a facility in the community so that loved ones do not have to relocate to Iqaluit in order to receive necessary care.
The community of Grise Fiord is unique in Canada in being the most northerly inhabited settlement in the entire country, however the community continues to feel its voice is not heard.
One of the major concerns that I hear from Grise Fiord is the complete lack of apprenticeship programs for youth.
(interpretation) I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Mr. Barnabas (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and my colleagues.
Our communities suffer from high unemployment and our residents want the opportunity to contribute to their communities and earn their own way.
Mr. Speaker, the price of fuel and the cost of power has become an issue for all of our communities, but I recognize that there are no easy answers.
We must do what we can to protect our most vulnerable residents and communities.
Throughout this session I will be raising issues of concern to the High Arctic and posing questions to the appropriate ministers.
Member’s Statement 004 – 2(2): Kugluktuk Healing Facility
I would like to welcome all of my colleagues, along with the ministers.
I rise today to say how pleased I am, and I would also like to help my constituents as well.
I just want to make a statement about the men’s healing centre that will soon be opening in my constituency.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, this facility is much needed in the Kitikmeot to bring offenders closer to home, to repatriate some inmates from the Northwest Territories, freeing up much needed space in the Baffin Correctional Centre here in Iqaluit.
This also creates training and employment opportunities for residents of Kugluktuk.
I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Ilavut Centre trainees for completing their recent seven-week course in Iqaluit.
They are: Amy Joss, Judy Hayohok, Bessie Sitatak, Paulin Plamondon, Valerie Meyok, Jennifer Manigyogena, Bobby Apatok, Ken Mulgrew, Richard Plamondon, Sammy Angnaluak and Thomas Angoshadluk.
Kugluktuk also looks forward to welcoming Helen Larocque back to the community where she will assume her new responsibilities as the new manager of the facility.
I am pleased that the centre will emphasize healing, use elders and stress on-the-land programs.
I believe that these types of programs will have great benefits for the inmates in terms of re-integrating them to society and helping them from re-offending.
I look forward to the final opening of the centre and at the appropriate time I will be asking the minister some questions.
Member’s Statement 005 – 2(2): Infrastructure in the Kitikmeot
As did my colleagues from the Kitikmeot, I would like to welcome my colleagues back to Iqaluit for three weeks of hard work.
I don’t know if I have been spending a lot of time here, but since I have been here, yesterday, people have been welcoming me home.
I don’t know if that is a good sign or a bad sign.
I rise today to inform the House that in the last five months in my constituency... . You indicated that they have been very informative and productive.
I would like first to take this opportunity to thank the Premier for visiting our community in July, along with the other ministers, for finding time in their busy schedules to visit.
We, in the Kitikmeot, look forward to more visits from members of cabinet in the months ahead.
In the Kitikmeot it is a long and expensive trip from the capital.
It is important that cabinet ministers visit our communities to gain a better understanding of issues that are important to our constituents.
As all members of the House know, the communities in the Kitikmeot are now a lot further from the seat of government than they used to be, and it is important that the Iqaluit-based decision makers reach out to them.
I have also formally invited the Prime Minister and two of his senior ministers to visit my riding and the Kitikmeot.
When they look at a map of Nunavut, it often seems that the federal ministers think that Nunavut is Iqaluit, and Iqaluit only.
We encourage them to visit every part of Nunavut.
Over the summer, Cambridge Bay had its new water line installed.
When it is operational, it will significantly improve our municipal and protective services.
In addition, the new Kitikmeot health facility is nearing completion, and everyone is looking forward to its grand opening in 2005.
Mr. Speaker, in Umingmaktuk a contractor is currently renovating several houses for the residents of the community.
And, I am pleased to be able to say that a solution was found to assist Umingmaktuk and Bathurst Inlet to receive support to purchase fuel products over the coming year.
It is good to see that in this case, even our two smallest communities are important to the government.
I have had the opportunity to listen to elders, youth, parents, municipal leaders, KIA delegates, business people, and many others since last session and since our September caucus retreat where we agreed to new important goals for this government’s term in office.
They have asked me to encourage my colleagues to continue to work hard to find solutions to many of our problems that are making life more difficult to our citizens.
Mr. Speaker, some of the issues and concerns that I will be raising on behalf of my constituents during this session include: the discouraging of violence against women, children and men; the risks to our communities posed by dangerous or repeat offenders; the territory’s ongoing housing crisis; the needs of children in foster care and the Children’s Advocate Initiative; the economic and employment opportunities offered by mineral extraction and other resource development; and the issue of power rate increases.
I will be asking questions on these and other issues at the appropriate time.
Member’s Statement 006 – 2(2): Investigation of Fuel Spills in Nunavut
I would like to thank the people of Iqaluit for welcoming us.
If you are listening, my adopted one, I love you.
I rise today on an issue of serious concern to all Nunavummiut about oil spills in our waters. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, we know how important the environment is for our survival.
We have a long history of subsistence harvesting.
It is important that the animals and their habitats are healthy.
That is why I was extremely upset by the fuel spill that occurred in this recent fuel re-supply in Coral Harbour.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I was there when they were doing the clean-up of the spill in Coral Harbour.
There have been two incidences of fuel spillage in that community.
One last year, and this fall.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, despite re-assurances made by the company and by the minister, fuel continues to make its way into our waters and it is not always cleaned up.
It was reported that the fuel spill in Pond Inlet was not recovered and was instead swept away by the ocean currents.
Mr. Speaker, this is unacceptable.
I urge the minister to work with Transport Canada to investigate the reasons for the spills and to ensure that no more fuel enters into our waterways.
In addition, I urge the minister to be extremely detailed in his review of the fuel transportation contract and to give extra weight to the performance and safety records of the vessels and, I can say, maybe the incompetence of the crew.
(interpretation) I was watching the crew during the clean-up. The ship had to be docked because of the weather, and they just left the pipe out there in the water.
I watched it and I saw it with my own eyes and I wasn’t the only witness at that time.
After the ice crumbled over and once the weather calmed down, they had a boat go in there to look for the pipe.
So, maybe it was the incompetence of the staff. I believe that it is up to the government to make sure that they are competent.
Please proceed, Mr. Netser.
Mr. Netser: Thank you. Mr. Speaker. One accident can be explained, the causes determined, and the problems fixed, but when there are multiple accidents involving the same vessel, the question is: is it an accident, or is it negligence or maybe incompetence on behalf of the company that delivers fuel to our communities?
I believe that it is an important question for the minister to answer through his review of the fuel transportation contract, and it will be important for the minister to reveal the results of his review to the Legislative Assembly and the public as soon as possible.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I will be asking questions to the appropriate minister at the appropriate time.
Member’s Statement 007 – 2(2): Relocations to the Settlements
We feel very welcome here in Iqaluit.
But in regards to a statement that was made... . I also have a statement in regards to that.
Back then when the government started the settlements, I was one of the people at that very time when the camps were being moved to the settlements.
Although we lived in an outpost camp, we were surviving.
That is what the government had stated.
To date, even though that statement was made, Nunavummiut are suffering.
The federal government never said that you will have to pay for your fuel and everything else.
The homeowners, who are no longer in the workforce, are suffering.
Last week in my constituency there was a person who went on the local radio station saying that their house ran out of fuel; they couldn’t even reheat the house anymore because they ran out of fuel.
We expected to see better improvement in the services when we created Nunavut.
That is what we were told before the creation of Nunavut.
It was not good to hear this fall, as it is really cold out there now.
To hear about someone with no heat in their home is uncomfortable, because although it is not too cold during the day, when the night comes, it gets really cold.
I don’t know how many days and nights that that house was out of fuel, without any heat.
Also, the government when they constructed units, when the federal government started the settlements, they said to move to the settlements, although we were surviving.
Perhaps after two years later on, they said that after we have been settled in the community that you will have to pay $32 for your housing rent.
That is what they stated.
Speaker (interpretation): The member is asking his colleagues to conclude his member’s  statement.
Mr. Kattuk, proceed.
Mr. Kattuk (interpretation): Thank you, my colleagues.
Also we hear today that the fuel prices are going to increase from the Nunavut government.
I believe what we have to focus on, if we want to be a good government, is that we have to work with the public to make sure that we create a system that is not alien to them.
That way the Nunavut government will be a good government for the public.
If the government just looks at its own affairs, then it would not be a good government when the public is suffering.
When the constituents are suffering, that government can’t be a good government, although we may call them our government, but the whole of Nunavut should not be suffering.
They should be living comfortably; we should make them comfortable.
The last one my list, Mr. Picco.
Member’s Statement 008 – 2(2): Congratulate Elisapee Davidee
I, too, would like to begin by welcoming the members back here to Iqaluit.
I know from Mr. Peterson, being able to come back home to Iqaluit as opposed to Iqaluttuuttiak, it must be a nice feeling for him to have a warmer climate.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate a lifelong Nunavut resident and social advocate and constituent, Ms. Elisapee Davidee, who has been selected by Pauktuutiit as their Woman of the Year.
It’s important to point out, too, that this is Elisapee Davidee’s second major award this year.
This past spring, Elisapee was selected as our honorary Toonik, during our Toonik Tyme, for her dedication and work for the community of Iqaluit.
Here in Iqaluit, Elisapee is a dedicated, tireless worker for family values and issues.
She has worked on the front lines for many years dealing with many difficult problems and helping promote community wellness across Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I would ask that you and this House join me in congratulating Elisapee Davidee, Pauktuutiit’s Woman of the Year.
I would like to recognize the people from Arviat who are pages in the House.
Our young individual down there Kelly Palaanaqtarjuaq Aqallak from Arviat.
Also, the one to his right, Ivan Kimaliarjuk Mamgark, also from Arviat.
So these two individuals are experiencing something new, and I’m sure they’ll never forget this experience, and also my constituency assistant in Arviat, she’s escorting these two young people.
Back the Orders.
Question 001 – 2(2): Programs to Stop Domestic Violence
It is no secret, after my member’s statement, that my question is for the Minister of Justice.
Earlier I referred to some statistics relating to domestic violence in Nunavut, in my member’s statement.
I would like to ask the Minister of Justice what specific initiative are underway in his department to directly address the very serious issue of violence against women.
No, government can’t stop violence. All we can try and do is minimize the effects, and hopefully end it one day.
But we’ve been working with all the departments within our government in making sure that whatever programs we offer are consistent throughout the board and all the resources that we have are disposed or utilized.
So we have been working with other departments in making sure that the programs that we offer are appropriate and adequate.
As I said, it’s a very difficult issue to deal with.
We don’t have all the tools as a government.
The offenders are charged under a criminal code which is a federal matter.
So, it’s not one area that one government can deal with. It requires cooperation with other governments, and we are trying to work with the federal government in making sure that we try and find solutions for this very difficult issue.
Speaker (interpretation): That was the first oral question.
I acknowledge, agree with the minister on his comment that it is something that we can’t stop and that it’s something that we can’t do on our own.
I’m just wondering... . The minister mentioned he has been working with his federal counterparts.
I’m wondering if he’ll just let us know any discussions that he’s had with them with respect to sentencing of individuals found guilty in cases of domestic violence.
I was hoping that we would discuss this matter at a federal-provincial-territorial justice ministers’ meeting which was postponed until January; it was supposed to take place last month.
So, unfortunately it’s been put off until January.
So, we have put it on the agenda for all ministers in the coming months in January, when we meet as ministers.
I’m very pleased to hear that.