EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Members will recall from my appearance last week that the CT scanner has allowed the Department of Health to triple the number of scans, provide same-day diagnostics, and save on medical travel costs for diagnostics.
The CT scanner became operational on February 3, 2014.
Mr. Speaker, the department is also improving diagnostic services in other communities.
The outdated standard X-ray units in community health centres will be replaced with modern digital X-ray machines.
The digital format will allow staff to electronically transmit the images to radiologists for assessments within 24 hours.
Installation of the new digital X-ray units are planned for the fall of 2015 in Cambridge Bay and Rankin Inlet.
The rest of the community health centres will have digital X-ray capability the following year.
Mr. Speaker, improving diagnostic services in our communities will greatly improve the chances of a positive outcome through early detection and treatment.
The moderization of our health care equipment is ongoing and will better equip our centres to provide timely and efficient service to our clients and, in many cases, eliminate the stress of having to travel out of the territory for diagnostic services.
Minister’s Statement 116 – 4(2): Territorial Parks Projects Move to Master Plan Phase (Mike)
I would like to inform my colleagues of the progress being made on three territorial park projects currently underway.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that all three parks have progressed to the master plan phase of the park establishment process outlined in Umbrella Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement for Territorial Parks.
When completed, the master plan phase will provide sufficient detail to make a final decision on each of these projects.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, the first project is for a park adjacent to the community of Sanikiluaq.
Since 2010, officials from my department have been working with the community to identify a potential park situated within the unique landscape of the Belcher Islands.
(interpretation ends) A second project is looking at the Nuvuk area near Arviat. (interpretation) The Department of Environment initiated a study in 2011 to determine potential sites for a territorial park in response to consultations with the hamlet and reports of its adventure tourism potential.
We will also be looking at a proposed park for the Geodetic Hills on the Axel Heiberg Island.
We have been working closely with the associated communities of Grise Fiord and Resolute Bay on this project which aims to protect the globally significant Fossil Forest.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I am happy with the progress my department has made to date. (interpretation) I would like to thank the communities that provided direction for each of these projects and the regional Inuit associations and the Department of Culture and Heritage for their support.
Member’s Statement 249 – 4(2): Google Maps Streetview in Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform the House about a new way in which Sanikiluaq is being put “on the map.”
Mr. Speaker, as you may be aware, the communities of Cambridge Bay and Iqaluit were added to the Google Maps Streetview feature in 2012 and 2013.
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to inform the House that last week, the Google Maps team and members of my constituency began the mapping process in and around Sanikiluaq.
This feature will allow anyone in the world with Internet access to explore a panoramic view of the unique and beautiful landscapes of Sanikiluaq from the comfort of their own home.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that initiatives like this will help to promote Sanikiluaq and Nunavut as a destination for visitors.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to acknowledge Mr. Joel Heath, the Hamlet of Sanikiluaq, and the Google Maps team for their work on this initiative.
Member’s Statement 250 – 4(2): Congratulations to Charlene Ukutak (Savikataaq)
I rise today to congratulate a resident of my community. Ms. Charlene Ukutak recently received an Outstanding Young Woman Award from the Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council.
Ms. Ukutak has been volunteering in Arviat for many years. Her approach to suicide prevention focuses on motivating youth to develop their skills and talents.
Ms. Ukutak’s efforts continue to encourage Arviarmiut to persevere through hardship and celebrate life.
Mr. Speaker, community volunteers provide a very important service in many Nunavut communities. They organize recreational events and arrange entertainment to bring together residents of all ages.
I am very grateful for Ms. Ukutak’s many contributions to my community and I commend her on receiving this well-deserved award.
I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Ms. Charlene Ukutak.
Member’s Statement 251 – 4(2): Congratulations to the Rankin Inlet Bantam Hockey Players (Sammurtok)
I rise today to congratulate the Rankin Inlet Bantam Hockey Team on winning the gold medal at the Bantam Territorial Hockey Tournament held here in Iqaluit this past weekend.
Mr. Speaker, seven bantam hockey teams from across Nunavut competed in this tournament.
There were players from Arctic Bay, Arviat, Baker Lake, Cape Dorset, Chesterfield Inlet, Gjoa Haven, Pangnirtung, Repulse Bay, Whale Cove, and Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker, the value of sport cannot be underestimated. Not only does it foster individual fitness, discipline, and good sportsmanship, but at the community level, it brings people together, youth and adults alike.
While I am very pleased that Rankin Inlet will be bringing home the gold, I believe that all the participants are winners.
Member’s Statement 252 – 4(2): Baker Lake Artists Recognized in the UK (Mikkungwak)
I want to start off firstly with birthday greetings to my mother-in-law, Mercy Tiktak-Kunangnat, as she is celebrating her birthday today. I wish her a very good birthday today.
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to rise today in recognition of the achievement of Baker Lake Artist Irene Avaalaaqiaq Tiktaalaaq in having her art currently displayed in Canada (interpretation ends) House on Trafalgar Square, London, England.
Mr. Speaker, Ms. Tiktaalaaq’s embroidered wall hanging illustrates an Inuit tale from Kivalliq traditional culture. It depicts a fish creature that turns into a bird-like human so that it can escape from the faces around it.
It is a beautifully embroidered wall hanging.
Mr. Speaker, Ms. Tiktaalaaq’s art is one of a number of pieces from the Canadian Arctic that are being displayed as part of the Canadian High Commission’s revitalization of its diplomatic mission to the United Kingdom.
It is an honour to have Ms. Tiktaalaaq’s work be part of this display and I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating her on her international success. (interpretation) Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 253 – 4(2): Recognition of Youth Programs (Angnakak)
I rise today to recognize a number of organizations that engage and empower youth in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to say that I have been hearing much success stories related to youth and youth programs over the last few weeks.
Earlier this year, a resident of Iqaluit, and my niece, Kyra Flaherty, returned from a “Students on Ice” expedition that took her from her home in the Arctic way down to the Antarctic.
Kyra’s experience involved persistent fundraising, long hours of travel, workshops on ecology and other subjects, and extraordinary tours of wildlife and scenery.
I am very proud of her accomplishments and I look forward to hearing about her future endeavours.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to remind the youth in Nunavut that there are many opportunities available to them.
These programs include but are not limited to Students on Ice, Northern Youth Abroad, Canada World Youth, Cadets, Nunavut Sivuniksavut, and Mr. Speaker, even your own Youth Parliament program.
Mr. Speaker, these types of programs provide youth with the opportunity travel and gain new perspectives of the world beyond their communities, to learn about different cultures, and to develop a stronger appreciation for their own culture.
I would like to express my gratitude to all those involved in delivering and supporting youth programs for Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, when we invest in these types of programs, we invest in our future.
Our government must remain committed to supporting these types of programs and to empowering youth who will become the confident, motivated, and skilled leaders of this territory in the future.
Member’s Statement 254 – 4(2): Iqaluit’s Outstanding Principal – Sonja Lonsdale (Hickes)
I rise today to acknowledge the recipient of the 2015 Canada’s Outstanding Principal Award.
Mr. Speaker, when I was first asked if I would provide a letter of support for Sonja Lonsdale, I agreed without hesitation.
While I don’t normally have a lot of professional interaction with Ms. Lonsdale, I have heard numerous constituents mention the positive path she has taken Joamie School on here in Iqaluit.
When I saw the list of categories from which the review committee would be basing their decision on, I knew that I would have to do a bit of research.
This list included student achievement, innovative leadership, instructional leadership, professional learning, family and community partnership, and personal growth.
Mr. Speaker, to accomplish this research, I spoke to parents of children attending Joamie School as well as some of her colleagues.
What I found, not surprisingly, was that I could fully get behind the nomination for Sonja as one of Canada’s outstanding principals.
Mr. Speaker, just some of the projects that I was informed of include advocating for more student support assistants to meet the needs of students, encouraging a collaborative team effort atmosphere, working with new teachers to encourage best practices, implementing grade level teams to discuss strategies, and how to achieve improvement: all of which lead to a positive learning environment for our students.
I personally think that the most critical part of Ms. Lonsdale’s success is how she has led family and community engagement.
Mr. Speaker, of 40 recipients of this national award, three were asked to speak to this topic on a broadcast recently of Canada AM.
Sonja was one of these and represented her school and education in Nunavut very admirably.
In Nunavut, there is a constant desire to have our parents and community engaged in the education of our youth.
Mr. Speaker, her initiation of the Joamie Parent Committee enables parents to contribute to the education of their children by sending monthly memos, encouraging parents to participate in the school, having elders available every day, and her promotion of outside performers and guest speakers prove her commitment to the students and their families.
The leadership she has shown by fundraising for new technology has not gone unnoticed by parents.
Providing SMART boards, iPads, and other technology to students and her encouragement to teachers to pursue clubs that will engage students has been exceptional.
Mr. Speaker, some of the most supportive comments I received were from her colleagues. The encouragement of professional development and discussions led discussing educational pedagogy and various other topics with staff have been invaluable.
Also worth noting is the fact that staff meet weekly to promote the new mandate of guided reading to ensure staff are coordinated in its use.
In conclusion, it was without the slightest hesitation that I wrote a letter of support for Sonja Lonsdale in the nomination for her to be considered as one of Canada’s outstanding principals and commend the review committee’s decision to identify her as one of these outstanding principals in all of Canada.
I ask that all members recognize this accomplishment and congratulate Ms. Lonsdale and the Joamie School team for all the hard work that they have done to help her get this deserved honour.
Member’s Statement 255 – 4(2): International Women’s Day (Joanasie)
Good afternoon, colleagues and all Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, as everyone is well aware, yesterday was International Women’s Day.
This event celebrates women annually by highlighting their achievements.
Further, in the House, there will be a showing of Nunavut artists, specifically our women artists. I would like to acknowledge these artists and extend my appreciation to the Legislative Assembly for compiling the artwork for this showing.
The artwork is from the following women artists: firstly, Victoria Mumnguqsualuk, Shuvenai Ashoona, Pitaloosie Saila, Okpik Pitseolak, Mary Pudlat, whom I recognized as my sister-in-law, Lucy Qinnuayuak, Kenojuak Ashevak, Elisapee Ishulutak, Germaine Arnaktauyok, and Abigail Ootoova.
This showing will be available for viewing until March 31 in the Legislative Assembly.
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. (interpretation) Member for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, Ms. Angnakak.
I would like to take this time to recognize three very important people in my life, the first one being my husband, Archie Angnakak, and beside him is Kyra Flaherty, who is my niece and also my goddaughter, and my older sister, Susan Gardner.
I would like you to help me welcome them to the House.
At this time, I would like to stand up and recognize Sonja Lonsdale, who took time out of her busy workweek to attend these proceedings and her husband, Steven Lonsdale, whose son is turning out to be quite the goaltender on my daughter’s hockey team.
This person was just recognized, but I wanted to acknowledge her further and that is Sonja Lonsdale.
She is one of the foremost leaders within our school system.
As per my Minister’s Statement, she was just recognized for her work by her peers, with over 40 principals from all over Canada recognized and she represented Nunavut. For her success, we are proud of her accomplishments.
Her work is quite beneficial to our schools and in particular, to the Joamie School.
Member for Rankin North and Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Sammurtok.
I wish to recognize two people in the gallery today.
The first is Mr. Shawn Maley (interpretation ends) who is the CEO of the Northern Employee Benefits Services, and Ms. Nicole Pintkowsky, Director of Operations for the Northern Employee Benefits Services.
Mr. Maley and Ms. Pintkowsky participated with me and my staff earlier today in the standing committee review of Bill 1.
Their presence here today and that committee is further proof of the strong and cooperative relationship between NEBS, GN, and GNWT in bringing forth this very important legislation that will protect and enshrine pension benefits for municipal and non-government public sector employees in the north.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, (interpretation ends) Mr. Maley is a familiar face in this legislature, having appeared here numerous times over the years in his former position of assistant deputy minister at CGS. (interpretation) Thank you.
Question 408 – 4(2): Kitikmeot Language Framework Project (Akoak)
Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) Good day, Inuit, people of Nunavut and Gjoa Haven, as well as my colleagues.
(interpretation ends) My questions are for the Minister of Languages.
Mr. Speaker, the minister will recall that on February 25, 2015, I tabled a number of resolutions that were passed at the most recent Kitikmeot Inuit Association Annual General Meeting which was held in Cambridge Bay.
One of the resolutions that were passed concerned a language framework project for the region.
Uqaqtittijii, the Kitikmeot Inuit Association (interpretation) recognizes that “there continues to be Inuit language loss in all five Kitikmeot communities and in particular the two Western communities of Cambridge Bay and Kugluktuk.”
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, while I recognize that there has been a reorganization of government programs specific to the Inuit language, can the minister explain what his department is doing to address the serious issue of Inuit language loss in the Kitikmeot?
I also thank my colleague for asking the question about the Inuit language.
Mr. Speaker, this government considers the Inuit language as a very important issue, especially within the government, within Nunavut as well as outside.
In the regions such as the Kitikmeot, Baffin, or wherever else in Nunavut, the feelings of language inviolability abound, including the need to preserve our language in our schools or our workplaces.
The priority is to strengthen the usage of the language and this is a departmental objective.
As an example, the member spoke about the need to preserve the Kitikmeot dialects and asked if any initiatives were forthcoming to protect their dialect. Wherever a workplace or some other focal gathering point for the local Inuit is to be used, we try to provide the written dialect for those places. We are adamant about preserving the language and we will continue to do that.
As the minister is aware, KIA’s resolution indicates that “there continues to be a major gap in Inuit language revitalization efforts, regardless of other initiatives underway.”
It further indicates that “it is unlikely that Inuit language revitalization will succeed in the region unless new initiatives are launched and supported.”
Mr. Speaker, these concerns should be taken very seriously and Inuit language revitalization should be a priority.
I recognize that the government has invested in Inuit language programs. However, this resolution indicated that there are concerns about their effectiveness.
Mr. Speaker, can the minister explain how his department evaluates the success of its language revitalization programs?
Mr. Speaker, as per my earlier comments, when I spoke about languages and the Inuktitut language in particular, there are various initiatives to protect the language through our schools or in the workplace.
Mr. Speaker, with respect to the usage of the Inuit language and the funds to protect the language, there are various departments that have to collaborate on implementing the recommendations as this is ongoing within government operations and departments.
With respect to his question about evaluation and measuring success and what the department has undertaken, I can’t provide details at this time. However, if my colleague understands my response, his request on the status will require some research.
If my departmental officials have that information, I will get the information and provide it to the member, just not today.
The resolution for a language framework project encourages KIA and the Government of Nunavut to work “towards establishing a language promoter pilot project in at least three Kitikmeot communities.”
Will the minister commit to working with the Kitikmeot Inuit Association on this initiative?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Languages, Mr. Kuksuk.
Absolutely, irrespective of whether you live in the Kitikmeot or wherever, whether it is the Kivalliq or the Baffin region, wherever our language requires revitalization, I want to work with all of the regions to move this issue forward and try to preserve the language with the bodies the member spoke about.
Question 409 – 4(2): Medical Escorts for Elders (Mikkungwak)
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I was very pleased to hear the minister’s announcement regarding a change in the Medical Client Travel Policy that will now allow escorts for all unilingual elders over the age of 65, if they want.
In his statement, the minister recognized that “escorts for unilingual elders participate in the continuum of care for elders.
This includes reducing stress during travel and ensuring comfort before and after appointments.”
I would think that this important role applies to all escorts for our elders over the age of 65.
Can the minister clarify whether bilingual elders over the age of 65 will also be entitled to an escort if they want one?
This was more specific towards elders who are unilingual Inuit with no English-speaking skills. Sometimes you see confused elders with no escorts loitering in the terminals, especially when there are connecting flights.
Their plight is unimaginable and one has to sympathize with elders in that situation.
This program was specifically towards unilingual elders who can’t speak English as they also require assistance during their travels.
Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) An escort can provide assistance to a medical client in many important ways, not necessarily just to help interpret for a unilingual elder.
Some elders may need assistance with their luggage, transportation, or may have had a medical treatment that prevents them from lifting anything.
Can the minister clearly explain whether these criteria are taken into consideration when allowing escorts for elders who are bilingual?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) The policy already covers those who may have physical challenges and may need assistance in taking medication during their treatment, so those things are already covered in the policy.
The change was to address language barriers faced by elders. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
It is certainly a good step for the government to recognize the needs of Nunavutmiut and change the policy accordingly.
Can the minister confirm whether or not his department held any public consultations on this issue before changing the policy?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I don’t think we needed to do consultations to determine that our elders need help when they are travelling and when they are struggling.
In terms of trying to understand which flight they are supposed to go on, it was something that was very evident that we need to change this policy to make sure that our elders are looked after properly when travelling in our territory and outside. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 410 – 4(2): Status of the New Wastewater System for Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt)
Mr. Speaker, the new sewage lagoon for Sanikiluaq has been delayed several times due to a number of issues, such as location and geotechnical investigations.
Back in October, the minister informed the House that a decision could be made in February of 2015 on when this project could go ahead.
Can the minister update us today on the status of the sewage lagoon project for Sanikiluaq?
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) The geotechnical and geophysical investigations have been completed and we are hoping to have the designs completed by the end of March. (interpretation) Thank you.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your first supplementary, Mr. Rumbolt.
Can the minister indicate what his department’s timeframe is for the beginning of construction of this new sewage lagoon and when it will be completed?
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) We expect to start minor works on this project this coming summer and complete by next year, 2016. (interpretation) Thank you.
Question 411 – 4(2): Progress on Capital Plan (Sammurtok)
Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Community and Government Services.
Mr. Speaker, as you will recall, in the fall, we approved the government’s capital plan for 2015-16.
I recognize that the approval is done early in order that tenders and requests for proposals can be issued in a timely manner, supplies can be ordered and purchased ahead of time, and so on.
As my colleagues will all be aware, I am very disappointed that the children’s group home in Rankin Inlet is going to be renovated into a mental health transition centre.
Can the minister provide an update on when the work on the renovation will begin and how long it will take to complete?
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) This project is, of course, being led by the Department of Health and we are in discussion with them at this point.
Once we come to an agreement, I would be able to properly respond to the member’s question. (interpretation) Thank you.