EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
For example, one of the priorities in the department’s 2009-2010 business plan is an initiative to recruit five Inuit special constables for a training program starting this fall.
The minister stated that the department’s goal is to add more Inuit special constables on an annual basis in order to ultimately achieve a total of 32 Inuit special constables at some point in the future.
Mr. Chairman, the idea of establishing an ombudsperson in Nunavut was raised.
The minister indicated that he would discuss the concept with his officials.
Members are aware that this issue is addressed in the 2009-2010 Business Plan of the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs.
Mr. Chairman, members continue to be concerned with the resources that are available to provide legal aid services to Nunavummiut.
The standing committee encourages the minister to work with its provincial and territorial colleagues to make the case for more legal aid funding from the federal government.
During his appearance before the standing committee, the minister indicated that he recognizes the need for a more representative legal community in Nunavut.
Members recognize that a number of students graduated from the Akitsiraq Law School. The minister indicated that he is committed to seeing more Inuit lawyers in Nunavut and members support efforts to enable more Inuit to enter the profession.
Mr. Chairman, although the department’s business plan states that “Many factors could help explain the high rate of crime in Nunavut” and “New sources of information will be needed to develop a better understanding of the risk factors that lead to crime in Nunavut communities,” no specific initiatives to address these issues are identified in the business plan.
Although the minister referred to soliciting cooperation from Statistics Canada to obtain new sources of information on crime, the standing committee would like to see more initiative from the department on this matter.
The standing committee recognizes the importance of achieving a more complete understanding of the factors that cause crime rates in Nunavut to be so high.
Mr. Chairman, it is a tragic fact that Nunavut suffers from high rates of suicide as well.
The standing committee recognizes that suicide prevention is not just an issue for the Department of Justice. However, members are pleased to note that the department is recognizing its role in the issue of suicide prevention.
For example, the shared directional statement that was noted earlier indicates that “the RCMP will work diligently towards identifying and resolving issues that lead to suicide.”
The listening public is aware of the high crime and suicide rates in their communities. The standing committee recognizes that it is important to compile and communicate information on why crime and suicide rates in Nunavut are so high.
Members believe that the more information that can be gathered on the factors that lead to crime and suicide, the more able Nunavummiut are to be critically aware of those factors.
Mr. Chairman, this concludes my opening remarks. I anticipate that individual members will raise their own comments and concerns on the department’s 2009-2010 main estimates and business plan.
Mr. Rumbolt: Mr. Chairman, at this time, I would like to move to report progress.
A reminder of a meeting tomorrow morning at nine o’clock for the Standing Committee on Legislation.
Orders of the Day for June 11:
This House stands adjourned until Thursday, June 11, at 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Pages 297 – 354
Opening Prayer 297
Ministers’ Statements 297
Members’ Statements 300
Returns to Oral Questions 306
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 307
Oral Questions 307
Point of Order 321
Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills 326
Tabling of Documents 326
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 327
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 327
Report of the Committee of the Whole 354
Orders of the Day 354
Thursday, June 11, 2009 297
021 – 3(2): Sivuliqtiksat Internship Program Graduate (Curley) 297
022 – 3(2): Nunavut Arctic College Graduate Lucy Idlout Receives Governor General’s Award of Academic Excellence (Shewchuk) 298
023 – 3(2): Report Card Project (Aariak) 298
024 – 3(2): Day Hospital Programs in Kitikmeot and Kivalliq Regions (Curley) 299
025 – 3(2): Improvements to the Young Parents Stay Learning Program (Tapardjuk) 300
032 – 3(2): 2008-2009 Graduates of Atagoyuk High School in Pangnirtung (Komoartok) 300
033 – 3(2): Nunavummiut with Disabilities Lack Support (Elliott) 302
034 – 3(2): Funding for Sports in Nunavut (Ningark) 303
035 – 3(2): Lorne Kusugak’s Boston Bruins Necktie (Shewchuk) 303
036 – 3(2): Canadian High Commission; Arctic Obsession (Curley) 304
037 – 3(2): Jordin Tootoo (Kusugak) 304
038 – 3(2): Nunavut Arctic College Graduates of 2009 (Aariak) 305
Return to Oral Question 001 – 3(2): Health Care Concerns in Akulliq (Curley) 306
Return to Oral Question 012 – 3(2): H1N1 Flu Virus (Curley) 306
054 – 3(2): Telehandler Purchase (Schell) 307
055 – 3(2): $2 Million Training Fund (Elliott) 309
056 – 3(2): Suitability of Telehandlers for Arctic (Okalik) 312
057 – 3(2): Daycare Space in Chesterfield Inlet (Ningeongan) 315
058 – 3(2): Rules for Use of Health and Social Services Vehicles in Communities (Elliott) 316
059 – 3(2): Bridge for Sylvia Grinnell River Update (Okalik) 317
060 – 3(2): Telehandler Purchase (Schell) 319
061 – 3(2): NHC’s Purchase of Telehandlers (Elliott) 324
001 – 3(2): Bill 4, An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act (Ningeongan) 326
025 – 3(2): Government of Canada Supports Sylvia Grinnell Bridge (Okalik) 326
026 – 3(2): Annual Report on the Administration of the Government of Nunavut’s Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009 (Aariak) 326
027 – 3(2): 2008-2009 Annual Report for Nunavummit Kiglisiniaqtiit (Aariak) 326
028 – 3(2): Office of the Fire Marshal 2008 Annual Report (Kusugak) 327
029 – 3(2): Towards a Representative Public Service Statistics as of March 31, 2009 (Shewchuk) 327
Bill 03 – Western Canada Lottery Act – Notice 327
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2009-2010 – Justice – Consideration in Committee 328
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2009-2010 – Nunavut Housing Corporation – Consideration in Committee 334
Honourable Eva Aariak, Honourable James Arreak, Mr. Moses Aupaluktuq, Honourable Tagak Curley, Mr. Ron Elliott, Mr. Adamee Komoartok, Honourable Lorne Kusugak, Mr. John Ningark, Mr. Johnny Ningeongan, Mr. Paul Okalik, Honourable Keith Peterson, Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Mr. Fred Schell, Honourable Daniel Shewchuk, Honourable Louis Tapardjuk, Honourable Hunter Tootoo.
Have a very good afternoon, Premier, Ministers, and Members. Thank you, Iqalummiut, for always making us feel welcome in your community.
Going to Item 2 in the Orders of the Day. Ministers’ Statements.
Minister’s Statement 021 – 3(2): Sivuliqtiksat Internship Program Graduate (Curley)
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and congratulate Harry Niakrok of Rankin Inlet for successfully completing a three-year on-the-job training program.
Harry was appointed on May 15, 2009, as the Kivalliq Regional Director for the Department of Health and Social Services.
Mr. Speaker, Harry was a participant of the Sivuliqtiksat Internship Program, which is funded by the Department of Human Resources.
This program provides opportunity for Nunavut Land Claims beneficiaries to develop in leadership positions within the government.
Mr. Speaker, mentorship is an integral part of any on-the-job training experience, including Sivuliqtiksat.
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank Norm Hatlevik of the Department of Health and Social Services for all of his time, effort, and expertise provided to Harry throughout his internship.
His commitment to continuous learning and the department is commendable.
Mr. Speaker, Harry undertook a challenging training program as an intern and he has an even more challenging job ahead of him as regional director within a very large and complex department.
I am confident that Harry will rise to the challenge and provide experienced professional leadership in the Kivalliq region.
Mr. Speaker, internships are an excellent way to increase beneficiary representation in our workforce and Nunavutmiut can be proud of Harry Niakrok, who was born and raised in Chesterfield Inlet.
Minister’s Statement 022 – 3(2): Nunavut Arctic College Graduate Lucy Idlout Receives Governor General’s Award of Academic Excellence (Shewchuk)
In 1873, Lord Dufferin created the Governor General’s Academic Medals to encourage academic excellence across the nation.
Over the years, they have become the most prestigious award that students in Canadian schools can receive.
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to inform the Hon. Members of this Assembly that on May 31, Ms. Lucy Idlout was awarded the Governor General’s Award for Academic Excellence.
Ms. Idlout graduated from the Nunavut Arctic College hairdressing program in 2008.
As a successful young entrepreneur, she currently operates her own hairstyling studio.
As a two-time national silver medalist in hairdressing at the Canadian Skills Competition with Skills Canada, she has consistently proven her abilities as one of the top hairdressing students in our country.
Even though she’s graduated, she continues to volunteer her time as a role model teaching her skilled trade to hairdressing students with Skills Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, Lucy received her medal from Her Excellency, the Right Hon. Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, during her recent visit to Nunavut.
We are very proud of her.
Please join me in extending our congratulations to Ms. Lucy Idlout for her outstanding accomplishments.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation) Premier of Nunavut, Ms. Eva Aariak.
Minister’s Statement 023 – 3(2): Report Card Project (Aariak)
I rise today to inform my colleagues and all Nunavummiut about the progress of the ‘Qanukkanniq?’ Report Card project.
This government committed to completing a report card on government programs and services to understand what is working well, what needs improvement, and what is not working at all.
These findings will help to guide the development of this government, including starting changes to government programs and services over the coming years to better serve Nunavut.
The external reviewers, which include Nunavummiut, are well experienced in government operations, public policy development, and particularly in the public consultation process required to ensure the success of this project.
I am pleased to report that community consultations have begun this week to meet with members of the public, Government of Nunavut employees, Inuit organizations, and other stakeholder groups in Nunavut.
To encourage open discussion, all submissions will be confidential and no names will be included in the reports.
Over the coming months, Nunavummiut will have opportunities to participate through a 1-800 telephone number, through written questionnaires, online surveys, through community radio, and through community meetings.
I appreciate that Members of this House have agreed to help spread the message to their constituents about this important exercise.
The report card will be completed by October 1, 2009.
At the conclusion of the report card, I will invite all Members of the Legislative Assembly to review the findings so that they may help guide the future direction of this government.
The report will inform our discussions on an action plan which will complete this government’s mandate under Tamapta: Building our future together.
While we cannot do everything, by listening to Nunavummiut and working together with them, we will be able to make progress toward achieving our vision for Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to conclude my statement by thanking my colleagues for their participation in this important work.
I look forward to working with them to ensure that our work for a vibrant future for Nunavut is positive and effective.
Minister’s Statement 024 – 3(2): Day Hospital Programs in Kitikmeot and Kivalliq Regions (Curley)
I am pleased to rise again today to inform my colleagues that both the Kitikmeot and the Kivalliq regional health facilities have expanded medical services to include day hospital programs.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Health and Social Services is committed to enhancing the health and well-being of Nunavutmiut by providing the best possible care at all times.
Mr. Speaker, our day hospital programs allow for treatment and observation of patients who require a stay at the health centre for periods longer than can normally be accommodated in the clinic.
Patients admitted to a day hospital are assessed throughout their stay to determine whether plans will be made for a medical evacuation or a return to their home.
I can say today that on April 1, 2009, services at the Kitikmeot Regional Health Facility were expanded to accommodate a day hospital program, operating Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. There have been 35 admissions since the opening and we believe that at least one medical evacuation has been avoided by having this extended service available.
Mr. Speaker, the day hospital program in the Kivalliq Health Regional Facility opened on May 19, 2008, ahead of schedule and we are confident that it has reduced the cost of medical travel by providing a longer monitoring period in a safe and controlled setting in some low-risk situations.
We are in the process of increasing the staff complement to accommodate the high demands of the day hospital program and will continue to build the capacity of our regional health facilities, Mr. Speaker.
Minister’s Statement 025 – 3(2): Improvements to the Young Parents Stay Learning Program (Tapardjuk)
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Good afternoon, my colleagues. I say “hello” to the residents Igloolik and Hall Beach.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform my colleagues of recent improvements to the Young Parents Stay Learning program.
This program is geared towards helping full-time students with the cost of child care while they continue their education.
The Department of Education has expanded this program so that all students, not just those under the age of 18, in elementary, middle, or high school who need child care are eligible.
The program will now also cover unlicensed care when licensed care is not available.
Students under the age of 18 who are attending post-secondary education courses here in Nunavut will also be eligible for the Young Parents Stay Learning program.
Mr. Speaker, these improvements will allow Nunavut’s young parents to stay the course of their education without having to apply for social assistance.
I hope that young parents will take advantage of this opportunity and make completing their schooling a reality.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education is committed to offering programs that remove barriers and allow Nunavummiut to access the educational possibilities available to them.
Member’s Statement 032 – 3(2): 2008-2009 Graduates of Atagoyuk High School in Pangnirtung (Komoartok)
It’s perfect timing as I wanted to make my statement right after the Minister of Education.
I rise in this House today to inform my colleagues, Nunavummiut, and my fellow community members that there were quite a number of graduates from the Atagoyuk High School for the 2008-09 school year in Pangnirtung.
I received correspondence related to this matter today and there will be 16 graduates on June 19.
The graduation rate was 75 percent and it has been mentioned that it has been at 25 percent throughout Nunavut.
Looking at Nunavut as a whole, it’s evident that the drop-out rate is decreasing. There are some factors that have allowed students to continue their education.
One of the biggest reasons for this success is our daycare centre at the high school. It keeps young parents in school and they have their children taken care of by the daycare centre. This has been very beneficial to our community and to young parents who wish to stay in school.
I urge that this daycare system be adopted everywhere so that our children can complete high school as it has been proven today.
I also wanted to acknowledge the parents and families who helped get those students up in the morning, which probably caused difficulties to some.
At most graduation ceremonies, many graduates make reference to the fact that their graduation was a result of their parents waking them up in the morning to get ready for school.
Parents reciprocate stating that they will no longer have to wake up that child for school. That is if they don’t enter courses requiring their attendance in the mornings.
Even so, we encourage all students to stay in school and to complete their education in order to graduate.
We have observed over the years that Nunavut still lacks its own educated people in professions such as nurses, doctors, and accountants, so we urge Nunavummiut to continue their education so that they can take on these professions.
Also, I would like to acknowledge the graduates as we are very proud of them and the young people’s names are: Lucy Akpalialuk, Annie Akulujuk, Clara Akulujuk, Joshua Alivaktuk, Jennifer Angmarlik, Stanley Atagoyuk, Matthew Dialla, Patrick Evic, Joy Joanasie, Aksayok Kilabuk, Donna Kilabuk, Daniel Mike, Gina-Mary Mike, Meghan Mike, Tina Tautuajuk, and Cole Winsor.
Those are the graduates.
The teachers…
If you wish to conclude your statement, you must ask for unanimous consent.
Mr. Komoartok (interpretation): I don’t have much left to say, so I would like to conclude my statement.
Mr. Komoartok (interpretation): Thank you for allowing me to conclude my statement.
I would like to thank the teachers in both the elementary school and the high school, particularly the teachers who take the students out on the land to teach Inuit customs and skills.
This has helped a lot of students stay in school.
So I thank you very much for allowing me to complete my statement, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 033 – 3(2): Nunavummiut with Disabilities Lack Support (Elliott)
I rise today to once again urge the government to take a stronger stand in addressing the needs for people with disabilities.
Mr. Speaker, the answers received from the Minister of Health and Social Services in regard to the issue of people with disabilities are not being taken seriously.
The government’s own vision statement, Tamapta, speaks of helping those Nunavummiut who are most at need.
Mr. Speaker, I just don’t see it.
Mr. Speaker, many Nunavummiut with disabilities continue to struggle on a daily basis to have their basic needs met.
I am finding, in speaking with many Nunavummiut, that there is no places for them seek advice, assistance, or support.
There is no place to share their concerns, no network of support, and there is no means for having their concerns addressed.
In many regards, they must feel really lonely and isolated.
They and their families need professional care and professional support in order to be able to live their daily lives without unnecessary difficulties and barriers.
Mr. Speaker, I continue to raise questions in the House in this regard but seem to be not getting anywhere.
The Nunavut Disabilities Society seems to have their hands tied.
They are unable to properly service the needs of people in Nunavut with disabilities because they are not given the proper resources to do this.
In this fiscal year, the Department of Health and Social Services’ budget included a contribution agreement of $90,000 for the disability society. This figure has remained the same since the inception of the organization back in 1998.
I find it alarming that as we sit through our O&M deliberations, we hear the ministers continually saying that they are increasing their budgets annually because they need more PYs to meet their demands and they need more resources to do their jobs effectively.
Yet, Mr. Speaker, they expect this non-profit organization to continue to work within a budget that was sufficient back in 1998.
I wonder if any of our government departments could effectively operate under such restrictions.
Mr. Speaker, in regard to individuals in wheelchairs, there are regulations that buildings within the Government of Nunavut have to comply with and there are laws for wheelchair access.
In homes, people are given money through the Nunavut Housing Corporation to make their homes wheelchair accessible.
Mr. Speaker, at this time, I seek unanimous consent to continue with my Member’s Statement.
I thank my colleagues for allowing me to continue on with something that I continue to talk about daily.
We have these laws in place and at the same time, the Nunavut Housing Corporation provides funding for different things, such as wheelchair ramps and lowering of cupboards and whatnot, yet, these people are confined to their homes 24/7.
There is no way for them to get from their homes to these locations that the requirements allow them to be built. So I’m wondering why that’s allowed to happen.
Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge the Premier, the Minister of Health and Social Services, and the Minister of Education in this government to look at how we provide services to our residents with disabilities.
Member’s Statement 034 – 3(2): Funding for Sports in Nunavut (Ningark)
When I was in Repulse Bay, I met with the recreation committee because they had requested to meet with me. I also talked to a recreation coordinator in Kugaaruk.
As you all know, here in Nunavut, we send athletes out for sports to other communities and I believe that we are all aware that there’s always a shortage of funding, especially in smaller communities.
They lack funds at the community level, so they have requested further support from the Government of Nunavut for athletes to play hockey, volleyball, or other games in the regions.
No wonder, Mr. Speaker, when they play sports during celebrations like Christmas and other events such as spring festivals, they lack funds to purchase prizes, awards, and to also pay for community feasts, especially in smaller communities where they have little opportunity to raise funds.
I will be asking a question to the minister responsible at the appropriate time once I have found out further about which minister is responsible. I will be asking about financial support for residents of smaller communities, especially for recreation coordinators.
Member’s Statement 035 – 3(2): Lorne Kusugak’s Boston Bruins Necktie (Shewchuk)
On the lighter side of things, I wish to rise today and acknowledge my colleague, the Minister of Community and Government Services, the Hon. Lorne Kusugak.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise the House and all Nunavut watching today on TV the excellent taste in ties that Mr. Kusugak wears.
Mr. Speaker, today you will notice he is wearing a beautiful Boston Bruins tie. This is a direct result of the Boston Bruins beating his beloved Montreal Canadiens in this year’s Stanley Cup playoffs.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to say that this tie was not easy to acquire and after many attempts, mostly because these ties seem to be sold out across North America because of its demand, it was finally acquired directly from the Boston Bruins organization and I am grateful for them helping me with this request.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. minister for honouring his side of our agreement and wearing this beautiful tie today. And I expect to see him wearing it in our spring session next year.
Member’s Statement 036 – 3(2): Canadian High Commission; Arctic Obsession (Curley)
I recently travelled to London, England, as a guest of the Greenwich Maritime Museum. They sponsored an exhibition on the Northwest Passage failed expedition titled “Arctic Obsession.”
Mr. Speaker, I will have more to say on this but it can wait because the “Arctic Obsession” continues.
Today, Mr. Speaker, I would just like to thank the Canadian High Commission for all of the arrangements that they had made for the events; there were a number of events. They also organized specific events for me to speak about Nunavutmiut, the global warming issues that we are facing, as well as the many challenges that we face as a new government during the last ten years. So it was not only one event, Mr. Speaker.