EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
010 – 4(1): Minister Absent from House (Ugyuk) 110
011 – 4(1): Leah Otak (Quassa) 110
012 – 4(1): Plan to Return Home Safely (Sammurtok) 111
013 – 4(1): Social Workers’ Month (Ugyuk) 111
014 – 4(1): Early Childhood Cultural and IT Resources (Quassa) 112
045 – 4(1): Senior Fuel Subsidy Program (Mikkungwak) 113
046 – 4(1): Battling Bootleggers (Savikataaq) 114
047 – 4(1): Supporting a Diverse Community (Hickes) 115
048 – 4(1): Congratulations to Tommy Akavak (Joanasie) 115
049 – 4(1): Grise Fiord Water Supply (Shooyook) 116
050 – 4(1): Support for Homeless Shelter Project in Gjoa Haven (Akoak) 116
051 – 4(1): The Ilisaqsivik Society of Clyde River (Ugyuk) 117
024 – 4(1): The Need for a Boarding Home in Rankin Inlet (Sammurtok) 119
025 – 4(1): Passport Photographs (Joanasie) 120
026 – 4(1): Grise Fiord Water Supply (Shooyook) 121
027 – 4(1): Implementation of the Public Service Act (Angnakak) 122
028 – 4(1): Implementation of Amendments to the Liquor Act (Hickes) 124
029 – 4(1): Interpretation Services for Medical Travel Clients (Rumbolt) 126
030 – 4(1): Anti-bootlegging Initiatives (Savikataaq) 126
031 – 4(1): Anti-homelessness Initiatives (Akoak) 128
032 – 4(1): Senior Fuel Subsidy Program (Mikkungwak) 129
033 – 4(1): Incorporating Inuit Societal Values into Child and Family Services Legislation (Enook) 131
034 – 4(1): Escorts for Clients Travelling for Surgery (Mapsalak) 133
001 – 4(1): Salary Disclosure for the Senior Public Service (Enook) 134
002 – 4(1): Enforcement of the Liquor Act (Savikataaq) 135
014 – 4(1): Federal/Provincial/Territorial Meeting of Ministers of Local Government, July 2013 (Sammurtok) 135
Bill 02 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2014-2015 – Economic Development and Transportation – Consideration in Committee 136
Mr. Tony Akoak, Ms. Pat Angnakak, Hon. Monica Ell, Mr. Joe Enook, Mr. George Hickes, Mr. David Joanasie, Hon. George Kuksuk, Mr. Steve Mapsalak, Mr. Simeon Mikkungwak, Hon. Paul Okalik, Hon. Keith Peterson, Hon. Paul Quassa, Hon. George Qulaut, Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Mr. Alexander Sammurtok, Hon. Tom Sammurtok, Mr. Joe Savikataaq, Mr. Isaac Shooyook, Hon. Peter Taptuna, Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk.
>>House commenced at 13:29
Speaker (Hon. George Qulaut) (interpretation): Mr. Quassa, can you say the opening prayer, please. Mr. Quassa.
We will go to the orders of the day.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Ms. Ugyuk.
Minister’s Statement 010 – 4(1): Minister Absent from House (Ugyuk)
I would like to inform my colleagues that the Member for Pangnirtung, the Hon. Johnny Mike, is not going to be in attendance today.
One of his relatives has passed away and that’s why he’s not going to be able to come to this session today.
Oh, my apologies. Let us go back to Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Member for Aggu, Mr. Quassa.
Minister’s Statement 011 – 4(1): Leah Otak (Quassa)
It is with sadness today that I rise in this House to acknowledge the loss of a long-time and valued employee of Nunavut Arctic College, Leah Otak. Mr. Speaker, Leah passed away on Friday, March 7, 2014.
Leah Aksaajuq Otak’s entire working life was one of dedicated service to her people, and over her long career, she served in numerous ways.
She began as an Inuktitut broadcaster in the early days of CBC North, medical interpreter, administrator, and scientific field coordinator.
For the last 20 years, she was a historian caring for Igloolik’s extensive archives of Inuit elders’ interviews. In addition, she was editor and translator of several children’s books.
Aksaajuq cared deeply about Inuit language and culture.
She was especially respected for her expertise in Inuktitut, always trying to keep our language alive.
Her vast knowledge of traditional Inuit clothing and skin preparation was internationally recognized through the key roles she played in the success of arctic clothing expeditions at the British Museum in London, England, and at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC.
Mr. Speaker, my sincerest condolences go out to Leah’s family, past co-workers, friends, and colleagues, and they will be in our thoughts and prayers on this day.
Also, the Member for Amittuq worked with Leah. I encourage everyone to remember this fine woman, and I stand today to speak with reverence about her. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
These two individuals recently mentioned will be in our thoughts and I hope we do, as we were asked to remember.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Member, Mr. Sammurtok.
Minister’s Statement 012 – 4(1): Plan to Return Home Safely (Sammurtok)
What we will be talking about today is an encouragement and a reminder.
I will read them in English at first and then proceed in Inuktitut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, it is that time of year again when many people head out on the land for hunting and recreational activities.
The Government of Nunavut would like to remind all Nunavummiut to take these safety precautions before travelling on the land:
Never travel without an emergency communications device.
Sign out a free SPOT device at your hamlet or local search and rescue office;
Tell family and friends where you are going and when you will return;
Prepare for 72 hours on the land. Bring extra fuel, food, clothing, and equipment, even on day trips.
If you get lost, stranded, or have an emergency while on the land, remember to:
Stay with your equipment and your travel companion;
Press “Help” on your SPOT device if you are stranded or lost; or
Press “911” on your SPOT device in the event of a serious emergency.
(interpretation) Being prepared can save your life. Plan to return home safely when travelling on the land this winter.
The Hon. Member for Netsilik, Ms. Ugyuk.
Minister’s Statement 013 – 4(1): Social Workers’ Month (Ugyuk)
Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation) Thank you Mr. Speaker.
March is National Social Work Month, an opportunity to recognize the many contributions social workers make to society.
Social workers are motivated by their desire to help others and by the social vision that values well-being for all.
This year, the Canadian Association of Social Workers is celebrating under the theme “Social Workers Providing Equality for a Stronger Canada.”
Mr. Speaker, equality of opportunity strengthens individuals, families, and communities.
Access to education and training improves equality of opportunity to grow and develop as individuals and members of society.
In my role as Minister of Family Services, but particularly as a former community social services worker, I am honoured to have this opportunity to acknowledge and to thank our social workers, my former colleagues.
They are first responders in times of crisis, and we value their commitment and dedication to serving Nunavummiut in their times of need.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Member for Aggu, Mr. Quassa.
Minister’s Statement 014 – 4(1): Early Childhood Cultural and IT Resources (Quassa)
To improve education outcomes, it is important to provide resources and culturally relevant learning opportunities to our youngest learners.
We want to help our youngest citizens develop good learning skills by providing early childhood programs and activities that support Inuit language and culture and give them the tools they need to succeed in the school environment.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, a partnership with Culture and Heritage allows us to use 2013-14 funds to purchase more resources to provide our young learners with culturally relevant learning opportunities.
These resources will encourage play-based learning that reflects Nunavut’s unique environment and traditions.
We are investing in new resources, which include flashcards featuring arctic animals and clothing for learning colours and letters, an arctic animal memory game, and an Inuit art colouring book.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, the new resources will be distributed to all licensed daycares and kindergarten classrooms in Nunavut.
This project is an important part of our Literacy for Life Initiative to increase the literacy levels of Nunavummiut at all ages.
Also, to help all licensed child care organizations operate more efficiently, we have purchased computers and printers for their offices.
This equipment will help the facilities update policies and procedures, keep track of finances more easily, and provide clearer reports to our offices.
Mr. Speaker, culturally relevant learning resources will help early childhood educators and parents give our youngest learners the tools they need to develop strong literacy skills so that they will always enjoy learning.
That is what I had to announce.
Members’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Member for Qamani’tuaq, Mr. Mikkungwak.
Member’s Statement 045 – 4(1): Senior Fuel Subsidy Program (Mikkungwak)
I rise today to address the need for enhancements to the government’s Senior Fuel Subsidy Program, which is currently administered by the (interpretation ends) Department of Family Services.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, when the government recently announced that the price of fuel would be increasing across the territory, it publicly encouraged residents to, and I quote, “take advantage of programs offered by the Government of Nunavut, such as the Senior Fuel Subsidy Program to assist elders with home heating costs.”
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, a number of my constituents who are elders followed the government’s advice and applied for assistance under this program. However, Mr. Speaker, I believe that the program’s current income threshold eligibility criteria should be updated and increased, as a number of applications have been denied due to the applicants’ declared income.
Mr. Speaker, one of the priorities in the current business plan of the Department of Family Services is to, and I quote, “secure resources to complete a comprehensive review of the government’s income assistance programs, including the Senior Fuel Subsidy Program.”
Uqaqtitsijii, I strongly encourage the Minister of Family Services and her department to review the issue of the program’s income threshold eligibility criteria as part of this review.
Uqaqtitsijii, we often hear that the government does not have sufficient resources with which to increase spending on programs and services.
Mr. Speaker, I seek to conclude my statement.
There are no nays. You may proceed, Mr. Mikkungwak.
(interpretation ends) In this case, however, there clearly appears to be room to increase the Senior Fuel Subsidy Program’s income threshold provisions without requiring a budget increase.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, for the past several years, the department’s budget for the Senior Fuel Subsidy Program has not fully been spent.
For example, the budget for the program in the 2011-12 fiscal year was $478,000. However, the department only spent $230,471 from this budget.
Almost a (interpretation ends) quarter of a million dollars went unspent.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, increasing the Senior Fuel Subsidy Program’s income threshold provisions would allow more residents to successfully apply for assistance under the program, and it wouldn’t cost the government any (interpretation ends) more than it currently budgets for the program.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the (interpretation ends) Minister of Family Services (interpretation) on this issue at the appropriate time.
Member’s Statement 046 – 4(1): Battling Bootleggers (Savikataaq)
I rise today to address the need for strong action against bootleggers in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, in November of 2012, the Final Report of the Nunavut Liquor Act Review Task Force was tabled in the Legislative Assembly.
This report was the product of extensive community consultations and contained a number of important findings and recommendations.
Mr. Speaker, one of the most disturbing findings of the task force concerned the extent to which bootlegging has infected our communities.
The report noted, and I quote, “The Nunavut Liquor Commission estimates that approximately 50% of the spirits sold by the Commission are resold illegally.
This represents approximately 33,500 1.140ml bottles of hard liquor. At an average bootleg-price of $300 per bottle, the economic value of bootlegging in Nunavut is in excess of $10,000,000 per year.”
Mr. Speaker, although these figures are very disturbing, they are not surprising. All of us are very aware of the way in which bootleggers operate in our communities, and all of us are very aware of the frustrations that law enforcement authorities and regular citizens face in trying to shut down their operations.
Mr. Speaker, although I recognize that the fines for offences under the Liquor Act have been increased in recent years, harsher penalties for bootleggers are required and law enforcement authorities must have the tools in which to effectively combat bootleggers.
Mr. Speaker, one of the key recommendations in the final report of the task force was that the government should, and I quote, “strengthen search and seizure provisions under the Act and introduce strong civil forfeiture legislation.”
The report of the task force noted that, and I quote, “Today, in Canada, seven provinces have civil forfeiture legislation. The Government of Nunavut’s Department of Justice made a presentation to the Task Force on its interest in civil forfeiture legislation and programs.”
There are none. You may proceed, Mr. Savikataaq.
To continue, “The Task Force supports the Department of Justice in this matter and recommends the urgent introduction of strong civil forfeiture legislation as a critical tool to fight the unlawful possession and illegal sale of alcohol, among other objectives.”
Mr. Speaker, in its official response to the report of the task force, the government indicated that, and I quote, “The GN acknowledges that in order to end bootlegging, the proceeds and the property used in the commission of crime must be confiscated, and the GN will continue exploring the possibility of introducing civil forfeiture legislation that will further deter bootleggers.”
Mr. Speaker, the time to explore this issue has ended and the time to take action has begun.
Mr. Speaker, I will have questions on this issue later today.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes.
Member’s Statement 047 – 4(1): Supporting a Diverse Community (Hickes)
As elected Members of this Assembly, one privilege and responsibility we have is to give a public voice to issues that concern our constituents.
Mr. Speaker, in the past week, there have been some controversial statements made around this community about discrimination.
One of the things that I think we really need to do is celebrate our individuality and keep an open heart to all people regardless of different beliefs and lifestyles.
Mr. Hickes: Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride today that I wear this rainbow-coloured tie in support of some of the controversy that is going around this community. I look forward to standing up in this House and defending all rights of our populace.
Members’ Statements. Member for South Baffin, Mr. Joanasie.
Member’s Statement 048 – 4(1): Congratulations to Tommy Akavak (Joanasie)
Good afternoon, my colleagues, the people of Cape Dorset, Kimmirut, and Nunavut, as well as the listening audience in Nunavut.
I rise today to recognize and share in celebrating one of my constituents in Kimmirut.
Mr. Tommy Akavak has been a long-term employee of the Nunavut government, having been employed for a period of over 30 years, and will be presented with the Long Service Award later on this evening. This award is in recognition of his services for the Katannilik Territorial Park.
I want everyone to know that I take great pride in his accomplishments, although he was one of the candidates for the riding.
However, in representing the riding, I can now recognize and share in congratulating him on his accomplishments. Mr. Speaker, that is all I have to make a statement on. Thank you.
Member’s Statement 049 – 4(1): Grise Fiord Water Supply (Shooyook)
First of all, I would like to say “good day” to Arctic Bay and Resolute Bay.
Mr. Speaker, my Member’s Statement today will focus on the issue of Grise Fiord’s water supply.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, the Inuktitut name for Grise Fiord is Ausuittuq, which can be translated to mean “the place that never melts.”
However, just a few years ago, the magazine Canadian Geographic brought national attention to the issues facing the community as a result of climate change.
The article in the magazine indicated that “The glacier is Grise Fiord’s main water supply.
Fragmentation is accelerating its retreat into the hills. Last summer, the runoff didn’t fill the reservoir.
In spring, when the hamlet ran out of water, officials dispatched a front-end loader to chip off chunks of an iceberg just offshore.”
Mr. Speaker, Grise Fiord’s integrated community infrastructure sustainability plan was completed in 2011.
I was given concerns about the shortage of water tanks to provide adequate quantitites of water.
Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of Community and Government Services on this issue at the appropriate time.
Member for Gjoa Haven, Mr. Tony Akoak.
Member’s Statement 050 – 4(1): Support for Homeless Shelter Project in Gjoa Haven (Akoak)
I rise today to express my support for an initiative in Gjoa Haven to address homelessness.
Mr. Speaker, as you will recall, I indicated in my first Member’s Statement that the issue of housing would be one of my top priorities as the MLA for Gjoa Haven.
As of last month, approximately 50 families in Gjoa Haven are on the waiting list for housing.
Mr. Speaker, Gjoa Haven is one of many Nunavut communities that lack a shelter for homeless residents.
As a result of this need, the local housing association is looking into renovating an abandoned home for the purpose of converting it into a homeless shelter.
The association is hopeful that the Nunavut Housing Corporation will purchase the unit and transfer management responsibility to the association.
Mr. Speaker, I strongly support such community-driven initiatives to address homelessness, and I strongly encourage our government and the federal Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to work with the local housing authority to ensure that it obtains the necessary resources to accomplish this project.
Mr. Speaker, earlier this year, our government announced that it would be undertaking a “point-in-time homeless count.”
This initiative is intended to obtain information that the government can use to develop programs to address homelessness.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in expressing support for the efforts of my constituents in Gjoa Haven to address homelessness.
Member for Netsilik, Ms. Ugyuk.
Member’s Statement 051 – 4(1): The Ilisaqsivik Society of Clyde River (Ugyuk)
Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to the people of Netsilik.
Mr. Speaker, I want to express my gratitude to several communities, as some communities create initiatives around social services to provide assistance to their fellow residents.
The community of Clyde River is one community I wish to thank for their social issues training program which is administered by the Ilisaqsivik Society. This society was created in 2007.
The training program is conducted entirely in Inuktitut, using materials written in Inuktitut, which is used to train people in the Qikiqtaaluk region.
Within the past two weeks, they have held training sessions for over 20 participants who graduated from this program. I am very grateful that the society is focused on social issues and training residents, especially in light of this month being Social Work Month, so a special thank you goes to this society.
Another group, which is a men’s group to protect men’s interests, was originally created in Coral Harbour and this group is still providing services. Just recently this fall, they offered a program in Gjoa Haven which is also focused on social issues, and I appreciate their efforts.
This group is led by Noel Kaludjak.
Their experience was utilized by another men’s group established in Taloyoak and the community now has a men’s advocacy committee. The current leader is Jojo Aasivak. We appreciate their efforts to work with their fellow residents on social issues.
This past February, I was in Cambridge Bay. There is a (interpretation ends) wellness centre (interpretation) providing counselling services and we met with the staff. My deputy minister and I met with the staff and several staff members were Inuit social workers.
I am very proud of this group of workers and I wholeheartedly support their efforts in providing assistance to their fellow residents of their communities. The residents of Nunavut have many social issues that create social tensions and problems that end up requiring social workers to resolve the issues, so I thank them for their dedication.
Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, my colleagues.
I sometimes forget the months we are in, so I apologize for that.
However, I wanted to offer my gratitude to these groups who have led local initiatives to offer social programs and to deal with social issues. Their reasons are that they want to provide help to their children to ensure that a brighter future awaits them, especially to ensure their youth have a bright future. That is generally the reason for these local initiatives.
Members’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Returns to Oral Questions.
Item 5. (interpretation) Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Member for Aggu, Mr. Quassa.
I believe this is the appropriate time to recognize an individual in the Gallery.
I wish to acknowledge a visitor to the Gallery whom I believe is quite well known now by most Nunavummiut.
Murray Angus is here and he is an instructor with the Nunavut Sivuniksavut program in Ottawa.
He started in 1985 and over the 29 years he has spent in that institution, it is obvious that he has taught well over 500 students from the various Nunavut communities, mainly youth.
Furthermore, I believe we are all aware of previous students who graduated from the Nunavut Sivuniksavut program now working for the Nunavut government in the public service. Many students are quite capable in their positions.
Through this program, the students are a constant source of pride, as all of them are from Nunavut’s communities. I think all the members here know someone who has graduated from this program.
I wanted to comment further that the Nunavut Sivuniksavut Alumni Committee is meeting in Iqaluit this week. I want everyone to welcome Murray Angus as well as all past students from the Nunavut Sivuniksavut program.
Mr. Hickes: Mr. Speaker, with the House’s indulgence, I would like to recognize a graduate from the fur program/sewing program at Nunavut Arctic College who took the time last night to make this tie for me, Carol Tootoo. I realize she is not here, but she is here in spirit.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. (interpretation) I welcome the visitors to the Gallery. (interpretation ends) Item 6. (interpretation) Oral Questions.
Member for (interpretation ends) Rankin Inlet South, Mr. Sammurtok.
Question 024 – 4(1): The Need for a Boarding Home in Rankin Inlet (Sammurtok)
I would like to direct my question to (interpretation ends) the Minister of Health.
Mr. Speaker, with the opening of a regional health centre in Rankin Inlet, the Department of Health now has the capacity to offer more medical services within the territory, with more and more medical clients travelling into the community for medical diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.
Can the minister describe what arrangements are currently in place to accommodate all of the medical clients who travel from their home communities and stay in Rankin Inlet while receiving medical services?
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Good afternoon. Thank you, my colleague, for the question.
At this time, I can say that the Department of Health, along with Health Canada, has started discussions to see how we can plan boarding homes for these people in Rankin Inlet and Cambridge Bay.
Your first supplementary, Mr. Sammurtok.