EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I’m sure there are going to be some concerns raised because part of the utilidor system is still freezing and busting up because there was no operational power available daily, so we’ll get the details.
I would like to thank the people who have been working in Iqaluit and also the Emergency Coordinator, Mr. Ed Zebedee, went to Rankin Inlet and he was very supportive and helpful, and Mr. Speaker, the people who were affected have been keeping us informed of what has been happening.
Mr. Speaker, I want to raise the issue of airlines not coming in on schedule, so I believe the scheduling of flights has to be resolved.
The military aircraft were made available from Winnipeg, and the parts that we were ordering were very heavy and they could not even be loaded into commercial airplanes but they had to be taken to the airport because they had to dismantle parts of the engines so that they could be sent to the community.
I would like to look into why they didn’t get a larger airplane right away and the way they coordinated the airlines and the weather.
The weather is getting bad in Rankin Inlet; visibility is less than a quarter of a mile and the weather is getting even worse.
For that reason, Mr. Speaker, we know that the community of Rankin Inlet was very patient, especially the elders whom Levinia and I visited, and the Mayor of Rankin Inlet is working very hard, and they continue to take part in emergency meetings.
Mr. Speaker, I wanted to express my gratitude for that.
Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, Minister Brown.
Member’s Statement 324 – 2(4): State of Emergency at Rankin Inlet (Brown)
First of all, I don’t know how your receivers are working but mine is breaking up.
I rise today to state that, first of all, we have to be approachable and receptive as elected people.
It’s my brother’s birthday today, Kiviuq Norman Ford, Jr., have a great day.
Yesterday, Martha Hickes, whom I didn’t mention yesterday, although I tried to go through the local radio station but couldn’t get through, I send my greetings to you today.
Mr. Speaker, my colleague, Mr. Curley, mentioned it and I thank him for making that statement.
Yes, we just visited Rankin Inlet.
They still don’t have full power in Rankin Inlet but I believe they will have full power some time soon.
I saw many people while visiting the community.
As the Minister for Community and Government Services, I sat in emergency meetings along with Mr. Curley.
We also had a meeting this morning with the Minister of Energy and also the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation, Minister Netser, and his staff.
We still have some concerns and we’ve heard that the weather is getting worse in Rankin Inlet.
I hope that all the parts they need to repair their equipment make it over there because sometimes we cannot get into Rankin Inlet due to bad weather.
I want the residents of Rankin Inlet to know that the Government of Nunavut is providing help, and they are also providing help to the local business people too, and also to the private homes that are frozen.
Public housing is being maintained by the housing association.
The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude her statement.
Please proceed, Minister Brown.
I would like to thank all of the people of Rankin Inlet for being very patient.
They understand very well and they also discipline their children to listen.
Mr. Speaker, when I got to that community, during the evening I saw the whole community still dark. The power is not at 100 percent capacity yet.
Dishes were piling up and I tried to run the hot water tap but there was no hot water because we tried to listen to the advisory.
If possible, this coming weekend, I would like to go visit the community of Rankin Inlet if the weather is good.
I would also like to thank the elders because I was given advice: during the state of emergency, it will be dealt with properly by the ones responsible for them.
We do have someone who will be working on that and the elders advised us to be patient and listen carefully.
The majority of the statements that I wanted to make were already made by my colleague and I thank him for that.
Member’s Statement 325 – 2(4): Lack of Mental Health Workers (Barnabas)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about metal health workers.
In Nunavut today, we lack mental health workers and they are overworked.
I thank the elders and the caregivers in the communities, especially in the smaller communities because they are able to provide help even though our mental health workers are not in our community.
Mr. Speaker, we need to provide assistance and help to our youth, and to resolve their situation before it gets worse.
The mental health worker visits the communities that I represent only periodically. One of my constituencies definitely will require a visit from the mental health worker within this week.
Not only do they have to provide services to the young people but also to the adults in the community.
This issue is very difficult to deal with, especially when you don’t have a mental health worker in the communities.
At the appropriate time, I will be asking the Minister of Health and Social Services questions with regards to this issue.
Member’s Statement 326 – 2(4): Iqaluit Curling Furspiel (Tootoo)
As the Minister of CLEY mentioned in his Minister’s Statement, the 2008 Arctic Winter Games are almost here and I am very pleased to rise today and inform the House of recent excitement on the curling ice here in Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker, as you may be aware, Nunavut is sending two junior curling teams to the upcoming Arctic Winter Games and we wish them every success.
This past weekend, the Iqaluit Curling Club held one of its annual open events, called the “Furspiel.”
Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the hard work that the event’s organizers put into the event and I would like to pay tribute to the generosity of the businesses and individuals that helped sponsor the event. These include: First Air, Squeeky Clean, Sikitu Sales, Baffin Gas Bar, the Frobisher Inn, the Nova Inn and Mr. Tim Neily.
Mr. Speaker, some rocks thundered down and some rolled down the ice this past weekend and a good time was had by all participants. I’ll go over the results of the Bonspiel this weekend.
Mr. Speaker, the winners of the bonspiel, the A Event, was Saddleberg Rink, consisting of Ed Saddleberg, Beth Gregory, Greg Walsh, and Steve Sharp.
The runner up in the A Event was the Neily Rink, consisting of Tim Neily, Peter Geikie, Denise Hutchings, and Jotanie Davidee.
The winner of the B Event was the Kingdon Rink, consisting of Wade Kingdon, Greg Howard, Greg Kinloch, and Crystal Qaumariaq.
And, Mr. Speaker, the runner up in the B Event that didn’t get anything other than being dubbed the runner up for the B Event was my rink, and I would like to thank the curlers that curled with me: Ms. Eva Arreak, Irene Tagoona, and Mr. Ed North, and we all had a great time.
Mr. Speaker, the junior teams that are heading to the Arctic Winter Games include Teresa Tufts, Carrielle Mackey, Sarah Tufts, and Stephanie Matthews for the ladies, and for the young men is George Mackay, Ryan Geikie, Louis Mackay, and Keegan Mackey.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Tootoo. The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement.
Mr. Speaker, these junior teams were the big winners in almost everybody’s eyes at the bonspiel this weekend. Everyone was very impressed and every opponent that they played was also very worried at the calibre of play that they exhibited and performed over the weekend.
Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss if I did not update the House on the results of the skills competitions. The five finalists in the Skills Competition were Wade Kingdon, Ed Saddleberg, Ed North, Teresa Tufts, and I.
Mr. Speaker, the third place finisher in the Skills Competition was Wade Kingdon, the second place winner in the Skills Competition was Mr. Ed Saddleborg, and Mr. Speaker, the first place was an individual that you know all too well, it’s none other than myself, and I can say that luck had a lot to do with it; it pays to go last sometimes.
Mr. Speaker, I can inform the House that I look forward to the opportunity some day to organizing a Legislative Assembly Bonspiel where Members of both sides of the House can throw granite at each other.
Mr. Tootoo: Mr. Speaker, the Iqaluit Curling Club helps contribute to a healthy community, and I ask all members to join me in wishing good luck to our Arctic Winter Games participants and also thanks to all participants of the Furspiel this weekend.
Member’s Statement 327 – 2(4): Metal Waste Dump (Peterson)
I rise today to inform the House about a serious problem in Cambridge Bay that grows larger by the month.
Mr. Speaker, this is not a problem that is isolated to Cambridge Bay. I suspect that it is the same in every Nunavut community.
Mr. Speaker, our growing problem is the metal waste dump.
The metal waste dump has been in its present location for many decades. Indeed, a visit to the metal waste dump is like a trip down memory lane. You can see vehicles from the early 1960s sticking out from under the carcass of the high school that burned down in 1998.
Mr. Speaker, there are used propane tanks, batteries, washing machines, refrigerators, fuel barrels, tires, computers, and countless other items in the metal waste dump.
There could be accumulated petroleum waste products, PCBs, and other dangerous chemicals that pose serious health and environmental issues for the community.
Imagine the disaster if the dump caught fire.
Mr. Speaker, years ago the hamlet and the Government of the Northwest Territories’ solution to deal with the accumulation in the metal waste dump was to construct a gravel berm wall around the dump so passers-by would not be bothered by the mess from the road.
However, the metal waste is now piled three to four metres above the top of the berm in some areas.
The out-of-sight, out-of-mind logic did not address the underlying problem of how to properly dispose of metal waste in Arctic communities.
Mr. Speaker, I do not believe that we can continue to ignore the metal waste and other items that are accumulating in Cambridge Bay and other Nunavut communities.
The problem will continue to grow for future generations and hamlets unless senior levels of governments work with communities to find a satisfactory solution.
Mr. Speaker, I urge the Government of Nunavut to take this issue seriously and work with hamlets and the Canadian Government to find an adequate solution to disposing of metal waste in Arctic communities.
Member’s Statement 328 – 2(4): Hamlet of Clyde River’s 30th Anniversary (Arreak)
I am very proud about an issue that was brought up by the Minister of Community Government and Services.
It was in 1978 that we became a hamlet, when I was just a young man and I used to work there.
At this time, I have two daughters who are hamlet councillors, of which I am very proud of.
Even though it’s hard at times and even though there are times when we need help, I am very pleased that the hamlets have stabilized to date.
On July 1, we will have a celebration in the Hamlet of Clyde River, and again, we urge the government to give full support to their communities.
Member for Iqaluit East and Apex, Minister Picco.
Member’s Statement 329 – 2(4): Iqaluit Speed Skating Athletes (Picco)
To be successful at the local, the regional, the territorial, or even at the national level, athletes need, first of all and foremost, good coaching and a lot of practice. Our speed skaters, Mr. Speaker, are a good example.
This past Saturday in Peterborough, Ontario, four skaters from the Iqaluit Speed Skating Club participated in the Eastern Ontario Regional Ability Speed Skating Competition.
They were a small team, Mr. Speaker, but they got big results. In a field of approximately 100 skaters, the Nunavut skaters did very well.
Halina Crowley and Aloka Wijesooriya posted personal best times, while Alashua Crowley won a bronze medal, and my young constituent, seven year old Yiliya Clay, brought home the gold.
Mr. Speaker, the good news doesn’t stop there with our speed skaters.
Iqaluit’s own Sarah Ali, who was a page here last week in the Legislative Assembly, had had her video on Canada’s best speed skating story moved into the semi-final nationally on voting online at www.ingspeedskatingchallenge.com.
Mr. Speaker, we look forward to our speed skaters doing very well in the upcoming Arctic Winter Games in Yellowknife.
And, Mr. Speaker, I think it’s very important to point out that all of these young speed skaters are coached by volunteers; that people have put in a lot of their own time and effort after hours.
In Peterborough, the competition with over 100 skaters from all over Eastern Ontario, acknowledged and said that our speed skaters were probably some of the best trained at the competition.
So that’s a big applause and a big kudos to our coaches.
I would like to welcome everyone here and I would also like to recognize the representatives of Canada.
First, (interpretation ends) Her Excellency Alexandra Volkoff, Ambassador to Sweden. (interpretation) Welcome to the Gallery.
(interpretation ends) Her Excellency Jillian Stirk, Ambassador to Norway. (interpretation) Welcome to the Gallery.
(interpretation ends) Her Excellency Anna Blauveldt, Ambassador to Iceland. (interpretation) Welcome to the Gallery.
(interpretation ends) Her Excellency Fredericka Gregory, Ambassador to Denmark.
(interpretation) Welcome to the Gallery also.
Again, behind me, (interpretation ends) His Excellency Scott Frasier, Ambassador to Finland. (interpretation) Welcome to the Gallery.
His Excellency Ralph Lysyshyn, Ambassador to Russia. (interpretation) Welcome to the Gallery.
And again, (interpretation ends) Counsellor for the Consulate in Anchorage, Karen Matthias. (interpretation) Welcome to the Gallery.
Please feel welcome to our Gallery.
It gives me great pleasure to stand up today in the House. (interpretation) I would like to recognize the conservation officers from communities in Nunavut.
They are down here for training and meetings for the next two weeks.
Thursday will be their last day and they’ll start going home on Friday, and we hope that they have a safe journey.
Mr. Speaker, I will recognize the conservation officers and their communities. I’m very pleased that 76 percent are Inuit who are working for environment.
I’m sure that we will see this number increase as we have been training our conservation officers for the past three years.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the following individuals who are here: Tivi Qiatsuk, Cape Dorset; Andrew Nakashuk, Kimmirut; Bruce Jerry Hainnu, Clyde River; (interpretation ends) Teema Palluq, Arctic Bay; Johnny Nowdlak, Iqaluit; (interpretation) Sakiasie Sowdlooapik, Pangnirtung; George Koonoo, Pond Inlet; (interpretation ends) Jeffery Qaunaq, Grise Fiord; Andrew Qaunaq, Hall Beach; Collin Adjun, Kugluktuk; Allan Niptanatiak, Kugluktuk; Gerry Atatahak, Field Officer Trainee, Kugluktuk; Joe Ashevak, Taloyoak; Jacob Keanik, Gjoa Haven; Joani Kringayark, Repulse Bay; Peter Kattegatsiak, Chesterfield Inlet; Raymond Mercer, Rankin Inlet; Johanne Coutu-Autut, Rankin Inlet; Rob Harmer, Cambridge Bay; Kimball Nogier, new officer moving to Sanikiluaq; Tommy Akavak, Kimmirut; David Vetra, Igloolik; Russell Brandon, Igloolik; Alden Williams, Iqaluit; Joel Rose, Baker Lake; and Curtis Didham, Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to recognize the Regional Managers of Wildlife and the Director of Wildlife: Seeglook Akeeagok, Regional Manger for Baffin; Dan Shewchuk, Regional Manager for Kivalliq; Shane Sather, Acting Regional Manager for Kitikmeot; and Dustin Fredlund, Acting Director of Wildlife. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I am very pleased to rise today to recognize our visitor to the Gallery.
First of all, he has been a leader and I worked with him when we were trying to form the organization; he is Celestino Makpah from Rankin Inlet.
He was a long-term employee with the Northwest Territories and he knows all about power plants. He is here with his wife, whom I’m very proud of and I may be related to her father; Blandina Makpah.
Mr. Speaker, they are my neighbours in Rankin Inlet and they are relatives. A lot of relatives are working for the government. At this time, I would also like to recognize representatives from Canadian North, Tracy Medve, if you could stand up.
Kelly Kaylo, the Vice-President of Sales and Marketing. Welcome.
Also, Lorraine Bonner, Vice-President of Commercial Planning and Cargo.
Also, Christie Sinclair, the Director of Northern Business Development.
And, I don’t think she needs any introduction, Eva Onalik, welcome.
I would like to recognize today the Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated President, Paul Kaludjak. I have known him and his wife for quite a long time. Welcome to the Gallery, Paul.
Also, Mr. Speaker, just very briefly, for those people who were recognized previously, I’ve known them all my life, Makpah and his wife.
They are not much older me.
I’m catching up to you.
I’ve known them in Chesterfield Inlet, and they were very nice people. They’re all very nice people.
It does give me great pleasure today to introduce to the Gallery, as you just mentioned a resident of Apex and a colleague of mine; about 20 years ago when he was in Resolute Bay, he was an adult educator there and I was the adult educator in Hall Beach, Mr. Jack Hicks.
And, with Jack we have two members of a very important team who’s doing the suicide trace back study through the auspices of McGill University and they’re travelling to the Kivalliq. I would like to introduce with Mr. Hicks, Isabelle Dingemans as well as Dr. Astrid Soechting, who are with Jack doing this important work.
Also, Mr. Speaker, I wanted to note that Kelly Kaylo is in the House today watching the Tournament of Hearts on the TV over the last few days, which brings back memories of Kelly representing us at the national scene during the curling bonspiel, the Tournament of Hearts.
So welcome to the Gallery to all of them.
Welcome to the Gallery. I would like to welcome the viewers.
Question 406 – 2(4): Suicide Prevention Implementation Plan (Tootoo)
I would like to direct my question to the Premier, the Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs.
Mr. Speaker, in June 2007, and I think this Friday it will be eight months ago, the government released its Suicide Intervention and Prevention Strategy which called for the establishment of a GN office for suicide intervention.
Can the minister provide an update on his department’s office for suicide intervention on whether it is open, fully staffed, and where it is located?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) At this time, our officials are working together and preparing a document to present to Cabinet hopefully in the next little while. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I’m sure the minister will recall that when his new Suicide Prevention Strategy was announced, some frustration was expressed by other Nunavut organizations that had not been consulted or informed about this latest initiative.
Can the minister explain what steps have been to establish working relationships between the different organizations working on suicide prevention in Nunavut?
Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, Minister Okalik.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) It doesn’t matter what we do sometimes; sometimes whatever we do, somebody finds a way to criticize it.
So we’re trying to find a way to make sure that we have an effective bureaucracy that can respond in a positive way.
So we’re not looking to pick fights or anything; we’re trying to find ways to work together. So that’s been our focus and that’s why it’s taking a little longer than what we would like to see immediately. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
An enlightened message coming from the Premier.
Mr. Speaker, in October of 2007, my colleague from Cambridge Bay addressed the importance of community organizations, frontline workers, as well as youth, elders’ and women’s groups on how to deal with suicide issues at a local level.
Can the minister provide an update on what has been done to date to communicate with community groups on the Suicide Intervention and Prevention Strategy?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) As I said, we’re preparing a document for Cabinet at this time, so it would be premature for me to discuss all of the particulars at this time. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The government’s Suicide Intervention and Prevention Strategy is available on their website, and the strategy lists six main objectives and sets timelines for the implementation.
Can the minister confirm that there is actually an implementation plan for the strategy, and if so, when will he commit to tabling a copy here in the House?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) As I said, we’re working on it. We’re going to get it to Cabinet and then we will release it at that time. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 407 – 2(4): Problems with Proposed Education Act (Curley)
My questions are for the Minister of Education.
Mr. Speaker, 25 years ago next month, I had the honour of presenting a report to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories titled Learning, Tradition and Change.
This comprehensive report was prepared by the Special Committee on Education that I co-chaired. It contained many valuable recommendations for education reform.
Mr. Speaker, a quarter of a century has now passed and we are still trying to establish an education system that truly meets our needs.
My first question for the minister is this: when he drafted Bill 21, did he really think that the public and the Members of this House would not notice that his proposed legislation actually keeps all real decision making powers in the hands of the minister, rather than devolving them to locally elected authorities – yes or no?
The member is correct. The new Education Act, Bill 21, for the first time ever, puts more responsibility to our local District Education Authorities in the areas of policy development, as well as the administration for principals and school activities.
There is also the commitment in the Act to set up a DEA Coalition, fund the DEA Coalition, give them administrative, give them logistic, and give them financial support to be able to bring forward policy issues around education, local controls, curriculum resources and so on.
So the answer to the member is a resounding yes.
I read it from the front to the end and I omitted to go read that section.
Maybe I don’t understand it anymore.
For that reason, I would like to tell the minister that it’s important to be candid with Members of this House about the government’s own position.
Can the minister answer a simple question: if his bill is so perfect, then why are so many organizations, such as NTI and the DEA Coalition, and individuals not pleased with Bill 21?
We could debate the bill right here and right now if the member would like. Question Period is usually to ask specific questions on the bill.
If the member chooses not to like the bill, then so be it.
The response that we’ve had from letters, faxes, emails, phone calls; last Friday we had the deputy minister participate in a radio phone-in show, and again, overwhelmingly, people are, I would say right now, 90 percent behind the bill. It will put over $14 million of new money into education in Nunavut.
There are two concerns with the regional Inuit organizations and NTI.
First and foremost, they would like for us to bring back regional education boards because they suggest it gives more control to the community.
We do not agree with that. We’re saying give more control where education should be and that’s at local control with the local DEA. Give the DEA more control.
A stronger DEA means stronger education.
Where would having one member from Rankin Inlet, one member from Whale Cove, one member from Baker Lake on a regional board give Whale Cove or Rankin Inlet more power on education for that region?