EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
It has taken me two days and two nights to travel back to Iqaluit to show the members of this House this water and to show that bloodworms continue to infest the water supply.
The Gjoa Haven water has finally reached the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the efforts that the Honourable Jack Anawak has been making to address this situation as a priority.
I urge him, Mr. Speaker, and his department to ensure that the public in Gjoa Haven is kept well informed about the work being done to fix this problem.
Mr. Speaker, when a situation like this occurs it is important that the public has confidence that every necessary step is taken to protect their well being and safety.
Member's Statement 295 – 1(3): Toonik Tyme Festival
Hon. Ed Picco: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and good afternoon.
Uqaqti last week through the good efforts of many volunteers, our annual Toonik Tyme spring festival was held.
Let me say Mr. Speaker, that many residents, including yours truly, thought that this year's Toonik Tyme was one of the best ever.
Mr. Speaker, many of the members of this House and people from all over Nunavut and the south were in town to participate in the games, feasts, hockey tournaments and enjoying the entertainment.
The Native Kehewin Performers came from Bonneyville, Alberta, a Tribute to Garth Brooks came from Moncton, New Brunswick and the Paul Irksaq Family Band, which Mr. Speaker, were representing your home town, came from Arviat and were the hit of the week.
The Technicolor Dream Coat play should also get special mention for the quality and the enthusiasm of the actors and all the participants.
The airfares for the Aboriginal Dancers came from the Canada Council, the other airfares came from Canadian North, Calm Air and NTCL.
Accommodations and meals for the dancers and Garth people were at the Ukkivik Residence and donated by Nunavut Arctic College and Paul Irksaq and his family stayed with Lesley and David Serkoak.
Mr. Speaker, ISH was brought in courtesy of Canadian North and the Elks.
The Cerfs-Volants Vent en Fete, the Kite people Mr. Speaker, were brought in courtesy of Canadian North and Reynald Icart.
You should know Mr. Speaker, that the Kehewin Native Performers, ISH, the fiddlers and the Kite People went to every school in Iqaluit to perform.
They also performed at the day cares and the racquetball club.
The fiddlers also performed for the Rotary, the Royal Purple and the elders as well.
The Kite people did a parent and tots workshop at the Francophone Centre on Saturday morning and Mr. Speaker, the Indian performers even performed at night at the dancing and games as well as did a little show at the residence.
Garth Brooks also did a show at the residence and at the Joamie School on Friday afternoon.
Mr. Speaker, Toonik Tyme would not have been such a success without the financial and in kind assistance of so many different businesses and organizations and volunteers.
The organizers and volunteers deserve special recognition and I hope that I do not miss anyone when I try to give their names here today.
Mr. Speaker, they included David and Lesley Serkoak, Patricia Bell, Stephanie Yung-Hing, Joe Tikivik, Daniel Malo…Mr. Speaker I would seek unanimous consent to continue my statement.
Speaker: The member is seeking consent to continue his statement.
Please proceed, Mr. Picco.
Hon. Ed Picco: Thank you Uqaqti, and thank you colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, the organizers and volunteers again.
Patricia Bell, Stephanie Yung-Hing, Joe Tikivik, Daniel Malo, Jacopoosie Tiglik, David Kunuk, and especially Mr. Speaker, our Mayor "Flash" Jimmy Kilabuk.
Annie Ford, Sherri Robertson, Doug Lem, Carla St. Louis, and a special thanks to that wonderful Toonik Tyme catalyst Shanni Watts.
Mr. Speaker, the skidoo events which are always very popular, were organized by Jerry Ell and Guy Vachon with the assistance of Mike Sherman and the Honorary Tuniit this year were Hanna and Simanik Kilabuk.
Mr. Speaker, I competed in the harpoon contest and the harpoon toss as well as the golf tournament with member Tootoo and our Premier.
Mr. Speaker, I shouldn't probably mention here that although I am quite a good golfer and an excellent harpoon tosser, I failed to win anything.
Mr. Speaker, I did however and my family enjoy another very successful Toonik Tyme and I would ask that you and this House join me in thanking the good people of Iqaluit and all the volunteers and businesses that helped make Toonik Tyme such a success.
I would kindly ask you to remove the water from the desk in case it is mixed up with somebody else's water.
Member's Statement 296 – 1(3): Nunavut Quest 2000
Nunavut Quest 2000 started last year with the celebration and the birth of Nunavut.
Last year the race was from Arctic Bay to Igloolik.
This year the race began from Pond Inlet to Arctic Bay and it started on March 31, 2000 and finished on April 7, 2000.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I would like to say that Nunavut's Quest 2000 committee included: Joeli Qamanirq, Tommy Kilabuk, Kigutikajuk Kilabuk, Piuyuq Enoogo, Niore Iqalukjuaq, Jonah Oyukuluk, Jopee Atitaq.
This committee arranged the Nunavut Quest 2000.
I would also like to recognize the people that sponsored the Quest: Northern Stores Incorporated, Kenn Borek Air, Ikajutit Hunters' and Trappers' Association, Hamlet of Arctic Bay, Qikiqtani Inuit Association, Canarctic Shipping Ltd., Arqvaqtuuq Services Ltd.
Those were the people that were sponsors of this Nunavut Quest 2000 and I would like to recognize that there is a winner from Arctic Bay for the second time, Jopee Issigaituq, from Arctic Bay.
He took 33 hours and 4 minutes.
I would also like to mention the others that were involved.
Panoele Okango of Pond Inlet, 36 hours and 24 minutes.
Andrew Taqtu of Arctic Bay was third at 37 hours and 40 minutes.
All the other participants were Jacopie Avinga of Igloolik, Peter Arnatsiak of Igloolik, Ike Ungalaq of Igloolik, Junior May from Kuujjuaq, Joshua Illauq of Clyde River, Sam Ingnirjuk of Hall Beach, Herve Paniaq of Igloolik, Natalino Piugatuk of Igloolik and Olayuk Barnabas of Arctic Bay.
Each of the dog teams had their own snowmachine drivers who set up camp and carried their gear and food.
There was another leg of the race at the last 33 miles to Arctic Bay from Iqalulik to Arctic Bay within the race.
First place was to Jobie Issigaituq, second Panoele Okango and third Herve Paniaq.
Member’s Statement 297 - 1(3): Solutions Needed for Suicide
First I would like to say happy 19th birthday to my constituency assistant’s son Akeagok Ilupaalik.
Mr. Speaker I would like to ask members to join me in celebration because one of my constituents, the son of Augustine Taqaugak, will be returning home in much better condition from an Ottawa Hospital.
This is connected to a very difficult issue, one we have to deal with.
This is the issue is of suicide.
I have to urge the Minister of Health, once again, to work harder on this issue.
Everyday we still hear of attempted and sometimes unfortunately, successful suicides.
I urge all members to help me work on this issue.
Speaker Thank you Mr. Irqittuq.
Member’s Statement 298 - 1(3): Awards to Elizabeth Haqpi and Vannesa Kalist
I rise today to commend two residents of Baker Lake.
A tragedy was prevented by quick action of two jail guards in Baker Lake recently.
The guards Elisabeth Haqpi and Vanessa Kalist were presented with accommodation for their actions in early March.
Elisabeth Haqpi was awarded with a Detachment Commander’s plaque while Vanessa was presented by the Commanding Officer letter of appreciation.
Baker Lake RCMP Corporal Tim Walton who presented the awards says the quick action of the guards prevented two inmates from doing harm to themselves.
The two guards know that something was wrong and their quick action prevented harm from happening.
Haqpi has been a guard in Baker Lake for two years and enjoys her duties.
Haqpi recently attended the RCMP training Academy in Regina Saskatchewan to help update guard training in Nunavut.
She was only one of two guards chosen from the North.
Her quick actions prevented an almost near tragedy in Qamanittuaq.
Member’s Statement 299 - 1(3): Education Capital Plan
Mr. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you Speaker, Over the past week in the House, Members have raised a number of concerns about the capital plan for the Department of Education and in particular the new High School in Cambridge Bay.
My statement is a little long, so I ask the indulgence of the House.
Members have been asking questions in the House and in Standing Committee meetings over the last several months on this project, and have been frustrated that answers have often been vague, evasive and unsatisfactory.
As a result, members felt compelled to bring forward a number of motions in the House.
I would like to summarise the concerns of the Members so that it is very clear what the concerns are.
First, members would like priority to be placed on those school projects which have health and safety or maintenance needs that have resulted in school closures, overcrowding or the lack of basic facilities such as gymnasiums and libraries within schools.
Priority means that these projects should be addressed first and that steps be taken to move these projects forward as much as possible in the coming fiscal year.
That seems to be a very basic request about meeting basic needs first.
I seek unanimous consent to conclude my member’s statement.
Speaker :The Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement.
Proceed Mr. Nutarak.
Mr. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you Speaker.
Second, members are aware that the capital budget for projects is limited.
Members want to see the 20-year plan that the Department has committed to bringing forward so that the communities can all see when their priority needs will be met.
In addition to their larger wish lists because we know they can not all be done in one or two years.
This also seems to be a very basic request about good planning and clear expectations.
At the moment many communities are frustrated with the uncertainty surrounding their own needs.
Third, a limited capital budget means that some project Items such as larger gyms and heritage centres in schools may need to be funded in some other way until priority projects that address the lack of basic needs in so many communities have first been completed.
Members know that some communities will want these Items now and we support their aspirations.
But unless there is a pressing education reason for such a project we want the Department of Education to encourage and help communities find other sources of funding for such projects outside our Government.
Perhaps other groups that are interested in sport, conferences, and heritage will be able to help fund such projects and the Education capital budget can be used for the priority education projects I mentioned earlier.
This seems to be a very basic idea about priorities and support.
Fourth, the Minister has stated that the reason that Cambridge Bay is getting a larger gym is because there is great community interest and the community is willing to raise 25 percent of the extra cost to pay back the government.
Members know that there will be some projects that communities feel so strongly about that they are willing to help raise some of the money.
This will be an important consideration for the government and members agree that community support should be considered in establishing priorities.
However members want to have some assurances that all communities will be treated fairly and that if they too want a larger gym for sport events or conferences that if they raise the 25 percent the Government of Nunavut will pay the remaining 75 percent as they plan to do for Cambridge Bay.
This does not require that all communities must raise 25 percent of a larger gym.
If there is a pressing education reason then it may be that the Department would pay for all of it such as where a gym may be needed for two schools.
If a smaller community can justify a larger gym for sport or conference reasons perhaps the government would accept a lower contribution from that community.
But the principal is that if a community will commit to raising the 25 percent over time then the government will consider this in planning priorities for allocating projects.
This seems to us a very basic request about fairness.
Lastly, members know that certain architectural designs and extra inclusions will make a project very expensive.
The Cambridge Bay new High School is more expensive than other new schools in Nunavut.
Members have asked the Minister and his officials about the design implications for the budget but have not received adequate answers and so members have asked to look at the design themselves.
We do not need experts to tell us if it is an expensive design.
We will be happy to hear from Government of Nunavut officials and ask them about the design implications on the budget for this project.
At a time when other priority school capital needs can not be met, members have given a list of other projects for consideration by the Minister.
Should he be in a position to re-profile any of the funds from one very expensive project to other projects we have recommended such alternatives.
Members feel their concerns have been very clearly stated and Members are looking forward to clear answers and clear leadership by the Minister of Education.
Just a few comments before we proceed.
Just to remind Members that the allocated time for Members statements is two and a half minutes.
I think the understanding is when you ask for consent to continue you will probably be talking about 30 or 40 seconds.
I know that his topic is important to the Member and his riding.
But it may be better delivered in Committee of the Whole.
Member’s Statement 300 - 1(3): Snowmobile Racer Ross Tatty
Hon. Manitok Thompson (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Speaker I want to say a few words about the Toonik Tyme snowmobile race from Iqaluit to Kimmirut and return.
For the first time there was a participant from my constituency of Rankin Inlet and Whale Cove, Ross Tatty the son of Sally Curley.
He was the first but surely not the last.
I expect him to return for next year’s race.
He did not win this time but I wanted to thank everyone who made him feel welcome.
I also wanted to thank Tagak and Sally Curley.
Member’s Statement 301 - 1(3): Coral Harbour Hockey Team
Hon. James Arvaluk (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the hockey team from Coral Harbour that participated here during the Toonik Tyme tournament this weekend.
They had only two substitute players and had to work that much harder than the other teams.
The schedule was also changed half way through and they ended playing four times in one day, with only two lines.
We are very proud of them because even with rubbery legs they were able to come in fourth place.
There was also Rodney Tarparti from Coral Harbour who was named MVP for the tournament.
We were also pleased to see the Iqaluit All Stars win the top prize but I want to warn them that the Coral Harbour team will be back next year with 3 lines so they better watch out for them.
We will allow you to go first in tomorrow’s program.
Member’s Statement 302 - 1(3): Cambridge Bay Health Social Services and Wellness Committee
Mr. Speaker last week under the leadership of Mayor Keith Pederson the community of Cambridge Bay held it’s inaugural meeting of its Health Social Services and Wellness committee.
Mr. Speaker the committee is made up of twelve members including representations from elders, from youth, Health and Social Services, from the Wellness Centre, Hamlet council and the school.
They represent a very broad spectrum of the community.
All committee members are enthusiastic and looking forward to the challenge of assisting the committee to get off to a good start.
Health and Social Services is currently finalizing work of training manuals and will be providing training to the committee in a few weeks.
The next meeting is scheduled for April 19.
The committee members themselves recognize that this will require a lot of hard work, commitment and dedication and a co-operation from all parties to this process to make it work for the residents of Cambridge Bay.
Mr. Speaker the members of the committee are Stella Van Rensburg who is the Chairperson, Elik Tologanak the Vice-Chairperson, Jessie Lyall the Secretary Treasurer, Sarath Chandra Sekere is a member, Julia Ogina, Ruth Wilcox, David Kaniak, Mabel Angulalik, Clara Crockatt, Laura Heal. Paul Schmidt.
In addition, there is room for a student from High School who is yet to be named.
Mr. Speaker I wish them all well as they accept their challenge in taking on these important initiatives dealing with Health and Social Services and Community Wellness issues on behalf of residence of Cambridge Bay.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Ng. Item 3 Members’ Statements.
Member’s Statement 303 - 1(3): Molson Prize in the Arts Award
Mr. Akesuk (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Speaker, first I would like to apologise to the residents of Cape Dorset for not being able to attend the Molson Prize in the Arts Award presentation there.
The Canada Council is there to present Kiugak Ashoona with the award.
There were a number of events planned including a community feast and a show for the students.
I would like to express my pride for Mr. Ashoona for receiving this prize.
Member’s Statement 304 - 1(3): Pangnirtung Snowmobile Event Winners
First let me mention that a group of young people were supposed to be here today but were delayed in Pangnirtung due to bad weather
During the snowmobile race to Kimmirut, a young individual from Pangnirtung, my nephew Ricky Kilabuk, came in second place and I wanted to say how proud of him I was.
Also during the uphill race near the hospital, two Pangnirtung residents were also winners.
I am proud to recognize Jimmy Keenainak and Joe Kilabuk who were two of the top finishers in this event.
Item 4. Returns to Oral Questions.
Hon. James Arvaluk (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Speaker, before you all start wondering, the pages we have today are selected from Sakku School in Coral Harbour; Shelly Etuk, Dominique Putulik, Madeline Shaimaut and Jenny Kolik.
Mr. Havioyak: Thank you Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize constituents for Kugluktuk who will be with us until Friday, Chris Ekpakohak and Leslie Atatahak.
I would like to welcome them and thank them for helping us out.
Hon. Ed Picco: Thank you Mr. Speaker I am wearing my Toronto Maple Leaf tie.
The Chicago Blackhawks are out of the playoffs.
It is also the recognition of the Iqaluit all-stars.
That fantastic hockey team that did so well over the weekend in the hockey tournament.
Mr. Speaker I would like to welcome to the gallery a huge Toonik Tyne fan.
An entertainer, a mother, formally from Pangnirtung and from Iqaluit.
And now from Quebec City Ms. Rebecca Veevee over there in the corner.
Next to Rebecca is Shaun.
Shaun is visiting from Montreal and he is no stranger to many people in the Baffin.
He is the former van driver for the Baffin House in Montreal and I would be remiss if I did not mention my Brother-in-law who in the gallery behind Mr. Iqaqrialu.
Mr. Jaypetee Arnaqaq who is an excellent help Mr. Speaker when putting in a bunk bed.
In that case I would like to recognise someone from my home community.
A good friend of mine Vinnie Karetak.
Speaker: Item 6. Oral Questions.
Question 416 - 1(3): Responses to Committees Recommendations
I wish to direct my question to the Minister of Education.
My fellow colleague's statement, I will rephrase a few of the statements he made today regarding social program recommendations.
When will he be reviewing the recommendations we presented to him.
Hon. James Arvaluk: …comment inaudible…thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker: Would you please clarify Mr. Barnabas.
My question is directed towards the Minister of Education.
I would like to know when he would deal with the recommendations from the Social Programs Committee.
Mr Arvaluk.
Mr. Speaker, I'm not sure just what the member is asking.
Is he talking about the Nunavut Social Development Council review or the Income support review.
Can I get the right title for that.
Speaker: Can the member rephrase the question and identify the issue.
I do not recall giving the minister any other recommendations that came from other committees.
I do not know of any other recommendations given to the minister.
I think the Minister is aware of what I am talking about, regarding the Department of Education recommendations.
Speaker: Minister, I hope that you can provide an answer.
Hon. James Arvaluk (interpretation): Mr. Chairperson, the committee of the whole or the standing committee on the review of social programs.
What did the recommendations say.
Speaker: Thank you Minister, let us try this again.
Mr. Barnabas: I'm surprised too, Mr. Speaker.
During our committee of the whole, social programs came up with four recommendations.
When will he deal with those four recommendations dealing with the schools and gymnasiums for the communities of Nunavut.
Speaker: Mr. Arvaluk, I think the question is about the four recommendations that were put forth in the committee and the member is asking if there has been any movement on these recommendations.
I am already in the committee of the whole.
I will be speaking to them during the committee of the whole during which the motions were put forward so that we can answer back in the committee of the whole.
We will be coming back to them today and we will be prepared to speak to them during the committee of the whole.
Does the member wish me to answer that know.
I think the issue may be best dealt with in the committee of the whole.
We will move on to the next member for oral questions.
Question 417 - 1(3): Income Support Review
As the Minister stated through his Minister's statement regarding income support programs that would be reviewed by the end of April, and they will travelling to Kugluktuk, Arviat, Baker Lake, Coral Harbour, Igloolik, Arctic Bay and to Iqaluit.
He also indicated two other communities.
He stated that two communities had been stated to the original plan which were Arviat and Arctic Bay.
During that time I asked the Minister if Pond Inlet would be included in the community visits, and he indicated that Igloolik would be one of the communities to be visited.
I just want to ask the Minister why he didn't include Pond Inlet in here, as there are 2 communities, Arviat and Arctic Bay, that are included in the plans and not Pond Inlet.
Twenty-six communities would have to be visited.
Due to our budget we cannot travel to every community in Nunavut.
However, when I was meeting with the standing committee or special committee I indicated to them that we would be open to suggestions and recommendations.
That is why, as I indicated before, as Mr. Barnabas had made a statement that there are no people or councils in Arctic Bay and in the high arctic.
That is why we decided to include the Arctic Bay into our original plans.
That is why we also put in Arviat because it also has shortages of work in that particular community, and we wanted to see if there were many differences in the high arctic communities and the communities that are closer to the Hudson Bay area.
Arctic Bay and Igloolik are close to his community so I can probably say that I think I can ask the development council to also hear from Pond Inlet although we will not be able to visit the community we will give input from Pond Inlet.
Yes I guess the Minister indicated the Nunavut Social Development Council would participate on the review and I think the Minister indicated to the council to decide what places they wanted to go to and that it would be up to them to decide what communities would be visited.
I am very happy the Income Support Review Committee will be visiting the communities and I just want to ask the Minister if he can indicate from the council to visit Pond Inlet.
Like I indicated, I wanted the income support policy reviewed, and I asked the Nunavut Social Development Council if it would be too hard to visit all the communities.
However, they indicated that perhaps it would be best if they could travel to the communities that need income support policy review in an urgent matter.