EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Honourable Olayuk Akesuk, Mr. David Alagalak, Mr. James Arreak, Mr. Levi Barnabas, Honourable Levinia Brown, Mr. Tagak Curley, Mr. Joe Allan Evyagotailak, Mr. Peter Kattuk, Honourable Peter Kilabuk, Mr. Steve Mapsalak, Mr. Patterk Netser, Honourable Jobie Nutarak, Honourable Paul Okalik, Mr. Keith Peterson, Honourable Edward Picco, Honourable David Simailak, Mr. Hunter Tootoo.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Evyagotailak.
Minister’s Statement 034 – 2(1): Nunavut Broadband Development Corporation
The Nunavut Broadband Development Corporation has recently announced that they have secured the financing that they need to ensure that by March 2005 each and every community in Nunavut will have direct access to high speed Internet services.
This will provide an important stimulus to economic development across Nunavut and, in particular, to the economy of each of our communities.
Broadband will put local business in a much better, comprehensive position, helping them to improve customer service and to access a world-wide market.
In today’s economy, the Internet is an essential tool.
For years, we have been told that high speed Internet services were too expensive for most of our communities, that there was no way for us to travel on the information highway.
The Nunavut Broadband Development Corporation has changed all that.
Mr. Speaker, three years ago, the Nunavut Broadband task force was launched.
The recommendations of the task force included the creation, outside government, of the Nunavut Broadband Development Corporation.
By using a non-governmental organization to pursue the goal of high speed Internet services for all our communities, funding was obtained from the federal government, the Inuit organizations and the private sector, building on the support the organization received from the Government of Nunavut.
The result today will be a $9 million dollar state-of-the-art wireless broadband distribution network for Nunavut.
I know the members of this House will want to join me in congratulating the Nunavut Broadband Development Corporation on the extraordinary success they have reported in their recent announcement.
High speed Internet will be here for everyone in Nunavut.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Simailak.
Minister’s Statement 035 – 2(1): Nunavut Housing Corporation Program Information
I rise today to confirm my commitment to improved communication and to inform members of this House of the ongoing promotional and educational activities that the Nunavut Housing Corporation is providing at the community level regarding its homeownership programs.
For several years now, homeowners have been visiting our local housing organization offices to ask for information about our homeowner programs.
I am glad to say and report that we are increasing our communication efforts to make absolutely sure that homeowners and potential homeowners know as much as possible about the many programs available to them.
Over the next few weeks, information and training on all of our programs will be provided to all of our local housing organizations in communities where the Housing Corporation does not have an office..
Nunavummiut who have questions about homeownership will be able to visit their local housing organizations and receive brochures, application forms, and speak to a LHO employee or call the district office to discuss their homeownership concerns.
In the communities of Arviat, Cambridge Bay, Cape Dorset and Iqaluit, homeowners are encouraged to come into the corporation’s district and headquarters offices to discuss their homeownership questions and concerns.
Minister’s Statements 036 – 2(1): Graduation of Students from Nunavut Arctic College Programs
And welcome.
I rise today as the minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College to recognize the achievements of students graduating from college programs across the territory.
In recent weeks, graduations have been held at the regional campuses in Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, and Cambridge Bay, where students received certificates, diplomas, and degrees from a variety of programs.
In addition, ceremonies have been held in several communities to acknowledge the success of students graduating from programs offered in these communities.
I want to take this opportunity to thank the member, Mr. Mapsalak, for inviting us to go out to Naujaat on the weekend, where we had an opportunity to give out some certificates in Kugaaruk for graduating students from the college.
The graduates include our first two graduates with degrees from the nursing program and the very successful graduation held in Sanikiluaq of seven students with their Bachelor of Education Degrees from the NTEP Program.
I was very pleased to join with the Premier and the MLA for Sanikiluaq in the community to celebrate and witness the graduation.
Developing a highly skilled workforce is the key to economic development in our territory.
Nunavut Arctic College has been working closely with various partners, such as the Department of Education, regional Inuit organizations and the Municipal Training Organization to offer programs that will provide the skilled workers needed here in Nunavut.
I am pleased to say that enrollment in college programs is at its highest level in five years.
I would like to ask my colleagues in the Legislature to join me in recognizing the achievements of our students at Nunavut Arctic College who have successfully completed their program of studies this year.
For many, this will be turning point in their lives as they enter the workforce, or continue on to further their education.
Minsters’ statements.
Minister’s Statement 037 – 2(1): Minister Absent from the House
I would like to advise the House that Minister Tapardjuk will be absent from the House today and will be back tomorrow.
Going onto Item 3.
Member’s Statement 128 – 2(1): 24 Graduates in Arviat
I would like to recognize the Arviat Qitiqqut High School graduates.
There were 21 graduates on Saturday.
The number of graduates has increased and I am very proud of the fact that they have worked very hard and I am very pleased that we are the second in Nunavut with the highest graduates. Where in Iqaluit there were 24 graduates, we were in second place with the highest number of graduates.
Everybody enjoyed the graduation ceremonies. The DEA chair, Bob Leonard, and the principles and the teachers, I would like to send them my gratitude because they are very, very good at talking to the students and giving support to the students.
That’s why the number of graduates had increased.
And also, I would like to recognize four of my grandchildren who will be entering grade 11, high school.
They have gone to school non-stop, and also four other students, they will be entering high school this coming fall and I would like to recognize them.
Hi, Arviarmiut, if you are watching, I’m very pleased today, and everybody is smiling here, and I’m very pleased with you and the rest of my colleagues.
Also the kindergarten teachers, I would like to thank all the teachers for their very, very, capable hands and for encouraging the students.
They weren’t just there.
They were there to give support and encourage the students.
So, I’m very thankful for that.
And also I encourage the students to go back to school so that they could complete their school.  Mr. Speaker, thank you for giving me the opportunity to make my statement.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Alagalak.
Member’s Statement 129 – 2(1): Recognition of Haleena Workman
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and also I apologize to Cape Dorset residents for not being able to come to the community for the graduation ceremonies.
I rise today to recognize this individual behind me, Haleena Workman from Cape Dorset.
She also was one of the people who won something from CLEY for volunteering.
Haleena has worked very hard and also she has won with soccer in the two communities.
She is very outgoing and is a leader of the soccer team from my constituency, and I would like to thank her.
Also, it is evident that she is going to be a role model for the young people, to encourage and to promote activities in a positive way.
This afternoon, during our break, I invite you to recognize her in the Nanuq Board Room and present some things to Haleena and her mother, Oleesa Workman.
So, I would like to welcome you to the House.
Member’s Statement 130 – 2(1): Repulse Bay - Recognition
I rise today to tell the House about the very successful weekend we had in Repulse Bay and Kugaaruk.
I was very pleased to be able to host a visit, this past weekend, to my constituency from the Premier and a number of his ministers.
The communities of Repulse Bay and Kugaaruk often feel ignored and neglected.
They are both non-decentralized communities that have not shared in the growth enjoyed by other communities since 1999.
Our needs in the areas of housing, job creation, and education are great.
I was pleased that the Premier and his colleagues found the time to see for themselves the challenges in my communities.
(Interpretation ends.) During their visit meetings took place with the hamlet council, the housing association, elders’ groups, and youth.
These meetings were productive, and I appreciated the government’s commitment to find ways to address our needs.
A very positive event also took place this past weekend in Kugaaruk.
Seven students graduated from programs at the Nunavut Arctic College learning centre.
I want to congratulate Joyce Nartok, Margaret Nirlungayuk, Joyce Uyarrai, Angus Inaksajak, Philippe Alakannuark, Eli Qayutinnuaq.
Speaker: The member is seeking unanimous consent to proceed with his statement.
Any objections?
Mr. Mapsalak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and my colleagues.
I want to congratulate Joyce Nartok, Margaret Nirlungayuk, Joyce Uyarrai, Angus Inaksajak, Philippe Alakannuark, Eli Qayutinnuaq and Adam Krejunark on their accomplishments.
I would like to conclude by thanking Premier Okalik, Minister Picco, Minister Tapardjuk, and Minister Simailak for taking the time to come to the communities and listen to the people whom I represent in Repulse Bay and Kugaaruk.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Mapsalak.
Member’s Statement 131 – 2(1): Birthday Greetings to Lynn Kilabuk
I rise today because my daughter Lynn Kilabuk is having a birthday today.
I would like to extend my best wishes to my son Joseph and my daughter Jenna, they are the youngest ones.
Yes, we do have our children that are in our home communities and also Kevin, I would like to say hello to my children.
I think we are feeling the same way.
Member’s Statement 132 – 2(1): Fisheries in Nunavut
I, too, would like to thank my two daughters, Eden and Teah for putting up with me this weekend.
We went out camping and one machine broke down. So, thank goodness for their little Bravo; it pulled through, but it took us very long to get here though.
I am back here today, so that is a good thing.
Today I would like to rise regarding fisheries in Nunavut.
The Nunavut Economic Development Strategy stated that fisheries are one of the main opportunities for economic development of our territory.
The industry has many challenges facing it.
The Department of Environment has announced that it is developing a Nunavut Fishing Strategy.
This document cannot come too soon.
Mr. Speaker. Nunavut must develop the infrastructure to take advantage of increasing quotas in the waters adjacent to our territory.
News reports indicate that the Baffin Fisheries Coalition has been struggling over the past few months.
This is a real concern; they have been an effective lobbying voice in Ottawa in the past.
Last week, I posed several questions to the Minister of Environment regarding options for fishery-related economic development.
I believe that there are many ways to capitalize from this industry and one of those options would be to force offshore trawlers fishing in our waters to unload their catch in Nunavut.
This would require investment in infrastructure, including the construction of a deep-sea port.
I know that they’ve done a feasibility study for a deep-sea port in Kimmirut and also on Bathurst Inlet, but a deep-sea port in Iqaluit would also have many benefits.
MrI strongly urge the minister to conduct a feasibility study into the construction of a deep-sea port in Iqaluit as part of the Nunavut Fisheries Strategy.
Also, I’m aware that any infrastructure initiative would require a collaborative effort on the part of the ministers of Environment, Community and Government Services, and Economic Development and Transportation along with their federal counterparts.
I would urge the ministers to work to increase the opportunities for fisheries development in Nunavut and later on, at the appropriate time, I’ll look forward to asking the minister responsible some questions.
Members’ statements, Mr. Peterson.
Member’s Statement 133 – 2(1): Cambridge Bay Graduates
I rise today to tell the House about an important event that occurred in Cambridge Bay this past Saturday, on May 29.
Members of this House spent several days in the Committee of the Whole last week reviewing the Department of Education’s main estimates.
During our debate, several members talked about how we could encourage our youth to stay in school and graduate from grade 12.
The debate got a bit heated as the politicians talked about how to help our students so they could afford an education.
I believe that we only want what is best for all our young people.
I am very honoured that I can stand before you today and tell you about a significant milestone that fourteen high school students in my constituency achieved this weekend.
Two days ago these young people attended their grade 12 graduation in front of their parents, elders, families, friends, and other folks in Cambridge Bay.
I know many of these young people personally and I know how hard they worked to reach their special day.
A woman in my riding told me that there were many tears of joy on Saturday.
I would like the House to join me in congratulating the following young people: Jason Akoluk (Bathurst Inlet), Buddy Bachellier, Quentin Crockatt, Derek Ehaloak Allison Evetaligak, Clarissa Koblogina, Jack Kupeana, Nicolas Larabie, Neal Mala, Colleen Novoligak, Tamara Ohokannoak, Ashlee Otokiak, Justin Peters, Nicole Wilcox.
These kids are role models for the younger kids in our schools.
Ashlee Otokiak stands as a testimony to overcoming adversity in the face of hardship.
He has been blind since birth. The special needs teachers who taught him deserve a lot of credit.
Finally, we must recognize the many dedicated and committed teachers who taught these kids, and their parents and family members who supported and encouraged them to stay in school.
They gave them one of the most valuable tools that we can give a young person in Nunavut: a sound education that they can use to get a job, go to college or university, or get into a technical or trades school.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Peterson.
Going on to item number 4, Returns to oral questions.
Return to Oral Question 016 – 2(1): Ikuma II Report and Hidden Subsidies
This is in response to a question by Hunter Tootoo on May 13 regarding Ikuma II and hidden subsidies.
In response to the member’s question, I’m pleased to provide the following information.
Officials of the Qudlliq Energy Corporation have undertaken a thorough review of its billings and have determined once again that there are no hidden subsidies within the Qulliq Energy Corporation and Nunavut Power.
Nunavut Power administers customer subsidy programs for which all costs are approved by the Legislative Assembly.
Currently, Nunavut Power administers customer subsidy programs funded through the Department of Finance’s Power Subsidy Program, with an appropriation of $5 million on page C-10 of the 2004-05 main estimates.
And the Nunavut Housing Corporation appropriation of $95.1 million on page L-4 of the 2004-05 main estimates.
On the affordable house program with a contribution of $63.7 million on L-11 of the 2004-05 main estimates. The $63.7 million includes the power subsidy of $9.8 million for local housing organizations.
Examination of the costs of fuel and subsidies are part of the work going on now regarding the transfer of the Petroleum Products Division to the Qulliq Energy Corporation.
The Department of Community and Government Services is working with the Department of Finance and QEC to undertake a full financial analysis on costs associated with fuel services under the new structure.
The detailed answer cannot be given until the analysis is completed.
The Ikuma II report recommended the creation of an affordable energy fund and the financial procedures to enable an annual appropriation to fund this initiative through the main estimates process.
The general rate application that will be undertaken by Nunavut Power will take this funding requirement into consideration to ensure that it is adequately funded.
It would be inappropriate to prejudge what the funding level may be.
Return to Oral Question 062 – 2(1): Status of Five Year Capital Plans – Docking Facilities
In regards to oral questions asked by Mr. Barnabas on May 19, 2004 regarding the status of the five-year capital plan’s docking facilities.
In response to the member’s question, I am pleased to provide the following information.
Currently the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans funds all marine facilities in Nunavut, including breakwaters.
The Department of Economic Development and Transportation is currently in discussions with DFO’s small-craft harbour representatives in an effort to secure new funding to develop marine facilities throughout Nunavut.
We have not yet secured any new funding arrangements with DFO.
However, my department is planning a community visit this summer to discuss the long-term marine facilities needs in Resolute and Grise Fiord.
The results of this visit and the securing of new funding from DFO will help to develop Nunavut’s five-year capital plan for marine facilities and the placement of Resolute and Grise Fiord within this time.
Return to Oral Question 091 – 2(1): Clyde River Breakwater
To reply to the question asked by Mr. Arreak on May 25, 2004 regarding the Clyde River breakwater.
In response to the member’s question I am pleased to provide the following information.
Currently, the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans funds all marine facilities in Nunavut, including breakwaters.
We have not yet secured any new funding arrangement from DFO.
Once funding is approved and made available by the federal government, it will take two years to build this facility.
The projected timeline for this project is to start 2005-06 to 2006-07.
And, the projected cost of the project is $2 million.
The fish habitats study will be carried out this summer in our efforts to speed up this process.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Minister Simailak.
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk (interpretation): I would like to recognize the mother and daughter, Haleena and her mother, Oleesa Workman.
Question 141 – 2(1): Update on Fisheries in Nunavut
As promised, my question is for the minister responsible for environment and fisheries.
Before I start asking my questions, make a note, I did forget to mention one of these reports that there are already in Nanisivik… . A deep sea port is there right now and my colleague was quick to remind me that I forgot it.
My question to the minister today is, can the minister tell me exactly when his department’s fisheries strategy will be unveiled and tabled?
Minister responsible for environment, Olayuk Akesuk.
At this time, we are doing a report on the fisheries. The framework of what we are going to be doing is being written at this time.
So, we have been considering and reviewing what we are going to do on this matter and we will be tabling a report this fall.
Speaker: “Qujannamiik.”
Also, as I mentioned earlier in my statement, I am just wondering if the minister would commit to part of that or separate from that, to doing a feasibility study to look at the options of whether a construction of a deep-sea port here in Iqaluit or not would be beneficial to support that industry.
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk (interpretation): Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
A deep-sea port in Iqaluit will be very helpful for the people of Nunavut, the fisheries in Nunavut. I will be working with the minister from the federal government to see whether we can build or to do a study such as that.
I appreciate his willingness to work with his federal counterpart on seeing whether that is something that could be done or not.
But, surely that is something that we do not need someone from Ottawa to tell us whether we can do it or not.
With the other options that are out there that we are looking at… . We need to look at all of the options and look at what is going to end up being most beneficial for Nunavut.
So, again, I would just like to ask the minister for a commitment, whether it would be part of this strategy or independently, that a feasibility study be done for a deep-sea port here in Iqaluit by this government, not by the federal government, whether or not that would be a beneficial option to look at.
I think before we really commit anything to a deep-sea port here in Iqaluit, I think we should also look at other have-not communities that might benefit from the dock that would be seasonal or all year.
So, I think it is important to let other communities that are out there in Nunavut… . Also, I have got to work with our transportation minister from our government to make sure that we have a feasible and workable dock that would work in Nunavut.
I believe it would also have to come from the federal ministers in Ottawa to come up with more money to make sure that we have enough money to build a dock that would help us out economically in Nunavut.
I am not saying to ignore have-not communities or anything like that.
I think what we need to do in order to make the best decision possible is know what our options are and make a decision based on that.
But, if the option of having a port here is not even looked at, we would not know if it would have been more beneficial to do it here or not. If it is, I do not know if it will be or not, but if it is, then it makes much more sense to do it like that.
If that is the case with that, then maybe other things can be looked at for the other options that are there, but we need to make an informed decision. I think the only way to do that is have the information on all of the options that are available for us.
So, again, I would like to ask the minister if he could commit to doing that.
Yes, we will commit. We will have a fishing strategy by the fall and we will have more information on in which of the communities it would be more beneficial. Not just one community, we should look at other different communities that would benefit from any docks available.
Speaker: “Qujannamiik,” Minister Akesuk.
Question 142 – 2(1): Hamlet Office Move to Old Nursing Station
I would like to ask the Minister of Community and Government Services… .
We heard from Rankin Inlet that the hamlet office is very small and inadequate.
Also, the nursing station will not be utilized this coming fall in Rankin Inlet.
I wonder if the minister would have made a decision if the office could be moved to the old nursing station.
Speaker: “Qujannamiik,” Mr. Curley.
The member knows that I met with the mayor and the hamlet council of Rankin Inlet.
Just before we find out whether we are going to be moving the offices to the old nursing station, what we wanted to find out first of all was whether it would be appropriate or adequate or the best way that they can,or whether it would be cheaper to move their office from the existing hamlet office to the old nursing station.
So, what we are going to do is review it first and find out whether it would be the cheapest or the most adequate to do so.
I would like to also ask a supplementary to the minister.
I know that it would be a lot more expensive if we were to build a new office for the hamlet of Rankin Inlet.
As it stands, office space is becoming extremely cramped.