EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Historical Analysis of Sea Ice Conditions in M’Clintock Channel and the Gulf of Boothia, Nunavut: Implications for Ringed Seal and Polar Bear Habitat.
University of Manitoba, Centre of Earth Observation Science.
Quota Sharing
As a result of the moratorium that was placed on hunting polar bears in M’Clintock Channel in 2001/2002 the department worked with the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board to obtain a small number of tags to allow Gjoa Haven residents to hunt in the neighboring Gulf of Boothia polar bear population.
In 2002 the Department of Sustainable Development and the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board announced that Gjoa Haven would receive a temporary quota of three (3) tags to hunt polar bears in the Gulf of Boothia.
The total allowable harvest was later increased to five (5) tags annually.
The moratorium on M’Clintock Channel harvesting was lifted in 2003/2004 and a very small harvest of three (3) tags was allowed for M’Clintock Channel, split between Cambridge Bay and Gjoa Haven with the extra tag allocated to each community on alternating years.
Meat Sharing
The GN’s Community Organized Hunts Program, which can be used to transport polar bear meat between communities, was available to the M’Clintock Channel communities through an application driven process.
Our records indicate that none of the M’Clintock channel communities applied for funding from this program.
Discussions with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
The GN negotiated with the US Fish and Wildlife Service on an on-going basis for several years in relation to allowing products from approved polar bear sport hunts from the Gulf of Boothia and M’Clintock Channel into the US.
However, in 2008 polar bears were listed under the US Endangered Species Act, resulting in a prohibition on importing any polar bear products from any subpopulation into the US, making any further negotiations about access for products from the M’Clintock or Gulf of Boothia subpopulations futile.
As noted above, detailed records from over a decade ago are not available, but we do have information indicating that the Hunters and Trappers Organizations in the three communities accessed money directly through the Government of Nunavut’s Special Economic Initiatives Fund.
To reiterate, the funding provided was:
Cambridge Bay - $66,666.66
Gjoa Haven - $62,666.66
Taloyoak - $37,340.62
Petition 6 – 3(3): Gjoa Haven Sewage Lagoon
Petition tabled by: Ms. Jeannie Ugyuk, MLA (Nattilik)
Date: May 14, 2013
The CGS project team, in consultation with the Hamlet Council discussed site options which were based on the engineering of a new two-cell lagoon.
On September, 18th, 2012 Hamlet council approved “Kudlik Construction application for quarry permits and the development for a new sewage lagoon and to fix the roads”- Hamlet Council motion #09-18-2012.
Therefore, the Hamlet – by way of Council, were consulted with respect to the lagoon project, including the scope and location.
Construction is currently underway and the lagoon has an expected completion date of October 2013.
Changing the location of the project at this time would require site investigations, topographical surveys, geotechnical assessments, additional consultation, new permit and licensing applications, and the complete re-design of the facility.
Any change to the project scope, at this point (including a change in location), would significantly impact the project costs.
As well, this would result in a considerable setback in the project schedule and ultimately result in several more years of ineffective sewage treatment for the community.
The current location was carefully chosen to take advantage of existing infrastructure and treatment wetlands to ensure effective treatment of sewage waste and improved quality of wastewater effluent.
We are confident the new sewage lagoon will meet the communities long term waste water treatment needs.
DAY 86
Friday, September 6, 2013
Pages 4743 – 4768
Opening Prayer 4743
Ministers’ Statements 4743
Members’ Statements 4744
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 4749
Oral Questions 4749
Tabling of Documents 4765
Motions 4767
Orders of the Day 4768
Friday, September 6, 2013 4743
309 – 3(3): Firefighter Competitions (Kusugak) 4743
528 – 3(3): Overcrowded Housing in Repulse Bay (Ningark) 4744
529 – 3(3): Successful Bowhead Whale Hunt in Pangnirtung (Oshutapik) 4744
530 – 3(3): Measuring the Success of Nutrition North Canada Program (Elliott) 4745
531 – 3(3): Marine Infrastructure Crisis in Pond Inlet (Enook) 4746
532 – 3(3): Theft of Motor Vehicles in Rankin Inlet (Curley) 4747
533 – 3(3): High School Graduates of Rankin Inlet (Kusugak) 4748
688 – 3(3): Kivalliq Mayors’ Meeting (Aupaluktuq) 4750
689 – 3(3): Fuel Distribution Services in Taloyoak (Ugyuk) 4751
690 – 3(3): Law Enforcement Issues in Rankin Inlet (Curley) 4753
691 – 3(3): Update on Federal-Territorial Relations (Elliott) 4754
692 – 3(3): Collection of Fines (Schell) 4756
693 – 3(3): Marine Infrastructure Crisis in Pond Inlet (Enook) 4756
694 – 3(3): Severe Overcrowding in Repulse Bay Public Housing (Ningark) 4758
695 – 3(3): Equipment Shelter for Chesterfield Inlet Airport (Ningeongan) 4760
696 – 3(3): Implementing IQ in Child and Family Services Act (Tapardjuk) 4761
697 – 3(3): Employment Opportunities for High School Graduates (Oshutapik) 4761
698 – 3(3): HTO Compensation for Taloyoak (Ugyuk) 4763
699 – 3(3): Airport Infrastructure in Nunavut (Schell) 4764
385 – 3(3): 2012-2013 Annual Report on the Operation of the Medical Care Plan (Peterson) 4766
386 – 3(3): Article from Hill Times: Three Arctic Ports Needed (Elliott) 4766
387 – 3(3): Food Price Statistics (Elliott) 4766
388 – 3(3): 2012-2013 Annual Report on the Administration of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Aariak) 4766
389 – 3(3): Response to the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts’ Report on the Review of the 2011-2012 Annual Report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Nunavut (Aariak) 4766
390 – 3(3): 2013 Annual Report Utility Rates Review Council of Nunavut (Arreak) 4767
391 – 3(3): Report of Members’ Absences from Sitting of the House and Meetings of Committees and Caucuses to the Members of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut for the Period April 1, 2013 to June 30, 2013 (Speaker) 4767
392 – 3(3): Report to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut Office of the Legislative Assembly Contracts with a value of $5,000 and Greater for the Period April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013 (Speaker) 4767
393 – 3(3): Pension Administration Report – Retiring Allowances Act and Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act March 31, 2013 (Speaker) 4767  F.
053 – 3(3): Early Adjournment (Rumbolt) 4767  Friday, September 6, 2013
Speaker (Hon. Hunter Tootoo): I would like to ask Mr. Curley to lead us off in a prayer, please.
Item 2 in our Orders of the Day. Ministers’ Statements.
Minister of Community Government and Services, Minister Kusugak.
Minister’s Statement 309 – 3(3): Firefighter Competitions (Kusugak)
Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Ullaakkut, Mr. Speaker.
I rise in the House today to congratulate the participants of the recent firefighting competitions that took place in Rankin Inlet and Ontario this August.
Eleven of Nunavut’s most skilled firefighters competed at the Nunavut Firefighters Competition held in Rankin Inlet from August 13 to 18.
The Nunavut Firefighters Competition is hosted in partnership by the Department of Community and Government Services and the Municipal Training Organization.
Mr. Speaker, the firefighters trained and competed in obstacle courses, skills exercises, and time trials that simulated the actual conditions of fighting a fire.
The participants at the Nunavut Firefighters Competition were:
Iqaluk Toonoo from Cape Dorset,
Pauloosie Kowmageak from Cape Dorset,
Steven Iqalukjuak from Clyde River,
Jerome Nutarakittuq from Igloolik,
Atsaina Eeyeevadluk from Kimmirut,
Pitsiula Michael from Kimmirut,
Jonathan Ningark Jr. from Kugaaruk,
Jollie Enoogoo from Pond Inlet,
George Aksadjuak from Rankin Inlet, Troy Innukshuk from Rankin Inlet, and Abel Kingatook from Taloyoak.
Six firefighters were chosen by their peers to continue on to the National Aboriginal Firefighter Competition in Walpole Island, Ontario from August 21 to 24. Atsaina Eeyeevadluk, Troy Innukshuk, Steven Iqalukjuak, Jollie Enoogoo, Iqaluk Toonoo, and Pauloosie Kowmageak were the six chosen.
Mr. Speaker, for the third consecutive year and sixth time overall, the firefighting team for Nunavut were awarded the Max McNiel Award for Most Sportsmanlike Team.
Mr. Speaker, I would like my colleagues to join me in congratulating all of the firefighters who competed in this year’s events.
We appreciate their dedication and commitment to excellence in fire safety services.
Member’s Statement 528 – 3(3): Overcrowded Housing in Repulse Bay (Ningark)
I extend good morning greetings to the residents of Repulse Bay and Kugaaruk.
I was recently in Repulse Bay, albeit for only one night, on September 2 and left the following day on September 3 to go to Iqaluit.
I went to inspect a unit which illustrates overcrowding as it exists in Repulse Bay and this is an issue well known to the Repulse Bay Housing Association. Further, Mr. Speaker, I spoke to a social worker who was aware of the situation in this unit.
The unit has four bedrooms and those four bedrooms house 21 individuals. Additionally, I was told it reached 24 at one time.
This is a four-bedroom unit. The unit has 13 children.
Furthermore, we heard and perhaps my colleagues may have heard about a young person committing suicide this summer in Repulse Bay.
This youth came from this vastly overcrowded house.
That tweaks one’s heart.
Also, the family who lives in this unit, although I will not mention the unit number, the local housing association and social worker are aware of this situation. The overcrowding is so prevalent that the porch has been converted to a bedroom.
This highlights the need for government assistance needed by Repulse Bay. The housing association can be a partner, but I personally would like this family provided immediate assistance. Let’s proceed then.
(interpretation ends) Four bedrooms, 21 people are living in those bedrooms, of which 13 are children, and couples sleep in the porch. That’s extreme overcrowding. Later today, at the appropriate time, I will be asking the lead Minister for the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
Member’s Statement 529 – 3(3): Successful Bowhead Whale Hunt in Pangnirtung (Oshutapik)
Good morning to my community and to the people of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the many residents of Pangnirtung who took part in this summer’s successful bowhead whale hunt.
Mr. Speaker, this summer’s bowhead whale hunt was the first to be held in 15 years.
Several dozen residents took part in the hunt, which was led by co-captains Simeonie Keenainak, who is well known across Nunavut, and Charlie Qumuatuq.
If it wasn’t for these two people, this bowhead hunt would not have been successful.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, this historic hunt would not have been possible without the efforts of the Pangnirtung HTO and the Sarpigait Planning Committee.
Mr. Speaker, the bowhead whale that was harvested on August 6 was almost 12 metres in length.
On August 9, the community held a feast to celebrate the successful hunt. This event brought together all generations in the community. I am confident that the experience of the hunt provided many valuable lessons for our youth.
Mr. Speaker, a number of Nunavut communities have held successful bowhead hunts in recent years. I am very proud that Pangnirtung was able to have one this summer.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in paying tribute to the many residents of Pangnirtung who made this year’s bowhead hunt successful.
Member’s Statement 530 – 3(3): Measuring the Success of Nutrition North Canada Program (Elliott)
I rise today to give credit where credit is due and reflect on some of the changes brought about by the Nutrition North Canada Program.
Mr. Speaker, as you and many of my colleagues will know, I have paid particular attention to the implementation of the Nutrition North Canada Program over the past couple of years.
I have monitored the changes of products in the communities in my constituency and provided input whenever I could.
Mr. Speaker, cost information collected in 2011 for a fixed list of items established by the GN’s Niqittiavak Committee compared to the costs of those same items in 2013 does show a decrease in costs for some meat, dairy, fruit, vegetable, and grain products. However, for other items, there are substantial increases.
Of particular note, Mr. Speaker, the costs for non-food essentials, such as toilet paper, shampoo, and laundry detergent, to name a few, have increased substantially.
Mr. Speaker, the Nutrition North Canada Program does seem to have brought about some positive changes, but we still need to work together to improve how the program is being implemented and bring down the high cost of living in our northern communities.
Mr. Speaker, this August, Nunavut’s Bureau of Statistics released the results of the Pilot Nunavut Food Price Survey. The results of this survey are interesting and informative, but most interestingly, they show that the Nutrition North Canada Program still needs some work.
At the very least, community-based subsidy rates need to be reviewed and modified. For example, of the communities surveyed, the community of Gjoa Haven had the highest cost of a sample food basket, 18 percent higher than the cost of the same basket in Iqaluit, with the communities of Pangnirtung and Arctic Bay close behind.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will table some informational items so that you and my other colleagues can have an opportunity to review the food price statistics for yourselves.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, when we look at the changes that have been brought about by the Nutrition North Canada Program, one cannot overlook the fact that this one program has, in many ways, shifted our transportation system.
For years, Ottawa has been the leaving point for products coming north. Through Nutrition North Canada, there has been a shift in movement of goods leaving Ottawa to having them now leave from Winnipeg.
Mr. Speaker, we were told by federal government officials in this House that Nutrition North Canada is a market-driven program, and it is interesting to see how the market is correcting itself.
Member’s Statement 531 – 3(3): Marine Infrastructure Crisis in Pond Inlet (Enook)
Good morning to the residents of Pond Inlet and Nunavummiut. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to again address the ongoing marine infrastructure crisis in Pond Inlet.
Mr. Enook: Mr. Speaker, as you will recall, I tabled a number of shocking photographs in the House yesterday that clearly depict the extensive damage that occurred in Pond Inlet this summer.
Mr. Speaker, the devastating windstorms that hit Pond Inlet last summer resulted in the destruction of tens of thousands of dollars worth of my constituents’ boats and other property.
In many cases, the equipment was owned by hunters who work hard to put food on the tables of Pond Inlet families.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, I have been raising concerns about the lack of adequate marine infrastructure in Pond Inlet since the day that I was elected to serve the people of Tununiq in this House.
Mr. Speaker, I have made it perfectly clear that Pond Inlet does not expect the federal government to build a major port that costs tens of millions of dollars.
The current federal policy that restricts small craft harbour funding to projects that are related to large-scale economic activity is not appropriate for our circumstances, and I again publicly call on our government to work with our federal Member of Parliament to change this approach.
Mr. Speaker, the people of Pond Inlet have been praying for help to construct appropriate marine infrastructure that will protect lives and property. In our case, it is clear that while a floating dock would not be appropriate, I again emphasize that the community wants to work with the GN and the federal government to identify a practical and affordable solution.
Mr. Speaker, I want to seek permission to conclude my statement.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I have also made it clear that if federal dollars are not forthcoming, the Government of Nunavut has a moral obligation to resolve this situation.
Mr. Speaker, if we’re willing to commit to a quarter-billion dollar airport project for Iqaluit, we should also be willing to commit to protecting lives and property in our smaller communities.
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I will be asking questions to the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation on this issue later today.
Mr. Speaker, I will also have questions and comments for the Minister of Environment during this sitting concerning the government’s policies respecting compensation for hunters who have lost equipment due to natural disasters.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in expressing support for the people of Pond Inlet who have had to endure so much suffering as a result of years of neglect.
Member’s Statement 532 – 3(3): Theft of Motor Vehicles in Rankin Inlet (Curley)
Mr. Curley (interpretation): Good morning, residents of Rankin Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to initiate discussions on this matter. I’m specifically referring to our elders as well as Inuit who don’t hold regular positions, as they are becoming inundated with hardships. They try their utmost to accrue some savings in order to purchase equipment that will allow them to hunt for their food.
Some of the equipment is used for hunting. Here in Iqaluit, they are called ATVs, but in the Kivalliq region, we call them Hondas or four-wheelers for use on the land. Most of us now utilize them to go hunting in the summer months.
Currently, in our community, the upsurge in theft and vandalism is becoming obvious.
I am not stating that this or that person is a thief.
Theft of personal property has increased substantially, particularly in the wee hours of the night.
Joyriding of stolen ATVs during the night is becoming aggravating, as it is quite loud when they pass by at full throttle. Some vehicles are even being hot-wired, as well as our ATVs. They hot-wire the equipment and take off.
Apparently, the enforcement workers know the main perpetrators and who they are.
What I want to speak to is about our elders and their need to feel welcome and safe in their communities. Our local councillors, RCMP, and the various enforcement officers have to collaborate on this matter and to have regular meetings to brainstorm on possible solutions.
I believe this discussion can take place anywhere. However, if we are to resolve this issue, it requires further discussion in our community and to have more alternative solutions to combat this dilemma we face.
Further, our vehicles, including ATVs, require expensive insurance to operate them on roads. Even if you have insurance on the vehicle, it doesn’t include repairs if your vehicle breaks down. There are not enough vehicle repair services available in our community and many vehicles can’t be repaired.
We often hear on the local radio about a stolen vehicle that was broken down and it can’t run anymore.
They are insured, but it’s only for collision coverage.
Mr. Speaker, I will ask questions on this matter at the appropriate time.
Member for Rankin Inlet South-Whale Cove, Mr. Kusugak.
Member’s Statement 533 – 3(3): High School Graduates of Rankin Inlet (Kusugak)
Yesterday, I was at the high school graduation. There were a lot of grade 12 graduates in Rankin Inlet, 23 of them, and they are:
Sam Adams,
Eernest Akerolik,
Candace Anawak,
Brent Ford,
Colton Graham,
Joseph Hamilton,
Loren Kaludjak,
Wendel Kaludjak,
Maria Kasaluak,
Arnaujuq Kowmuk,
Jamie Maley,
Angela Misheralak,
Lee Jordan Nauya,
Shelley Nichol,
Brandon Oolooyuk,
Sheena Panika,
Mason Putulik,
Ian Sammurtok,
Lewis Sammurtok,
Joshua Tartak,
Lisa Tatty,
Melissa Tatty, and
Gail Wallace.
We are very proud of these youth.
Good morning to my constituents in the riding of Iqaluit East along with the people of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, every year, there is an annual award presented by the executive members of the Council of the Federation Literacy through nominations. (interpretation ends) Every year, Council of the Federation Literacy awards are given to deserving individuals in each province and territory by nomination.
Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to recognize Catherine Hoyt of Iqaluit to the Gallery.
Mr. Speaker, today, I will be presenting Catherine Hoyt with a special award to recognize her achievements in increasing literacy in the city of Iqaluit, I invite all MLAs and my colleagues here to join us in the lobby after the morning sitting for a short presentation.
Welcome to the Gallery, Catherine.
This morning, as I welcome a person to the Gallery, I want my colleagues to share in this acknowledgement of a person from my constituency community.
Let me first provide some background. I have worked with this person for a number of years, as I used to be a maintenance worker for the local housing authority, and I worked with this individual prior to being elected to this position. Previously, I was also elected the same year as he was to our local hamlet council.
Currently, this individual has his hands in many places, and like myself, he is an oil burner mechanic and he provides services to locals who are having furnace issues and keeps them from suffering cold nights by repairing their furnaces. This sometimes means emergency night repairs. He is still working in this field.
He has also worked on other things. Even though most of you are aware of his obvious talents, I would like to further publicize his tremendous photographic abilities. He is a talented photographer and if you want portraits, you can go and see him.
Please welcome David Kilabuk from Pangnirtung.
Question 688 – 3(3): Kivalliq Mayors’ Meeting (Aupaluktuq)
Next week, mayors from across the Kivalliq will gather together for a meeting in Rankin Inlet. Can the Minister of CGS confirm that the Government of Nunavut will have a presence at this meeting?
Mr. Speaker, I can’t speak for other departments that may or will be attending the conference of the Kivalliq mayors, but I could assure my colleague that we will have a full contingent of employees from Community and Government Services that will be able to field any of the questions and concerns that they may have. We will have all our staff there from Community and Government Services.
As the minister is aware, he also attended a meeting with the hamlet in Baker Lake. I applaud the minister for informing the mayor as well as the hamlet on their infrastructure needs as well as the process. I just want to ask that for the record as well to confirm that the Baker Lake issues are being addressed.
Mr. Speaker, a major issue in the Kivalliq has been the concept of building a road to Manitoba.
During the spring sitting of this House, the minister responded to questions concerning the question of whether this will be an “all-weather road” or a “winter road.” Can the minister update this House today on the status of the Nunavut-Manitoba road project?
As my colleague is aware, I am not the Minister responsible for Transportation, which would be the appropriate minister to deal with the question of whether it’s an all-weather road or the progress of it.
My colleague, I’m sure, knows that I’m very keen on the progress of the road. At this point, I’m not aware of any progress from the last session.
The question that I did ask as well was in regard to the Nunavut-Manitoba road because it is a big concern for all Kivallirmiut who want to have better access to resources as well as to enhance quality of life by having access to infrastructure. The road would be dynamic as well and that’s why I had asked that question in regard to infrastructure.
In relation to this, I want to ask as well, during this Legislative Assembly, I have raised a number of issues concerning the need for new infrastructure in Baker Lake.
Can the minister indicate if the issue of capital planning will be on the agenda at next week’s meeting?