EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
On top of that responsibility, she performs another role that revolves around her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who she looks after with every ounce of her abilities.
She does this despite suffering the rigours of old age. She has looked after all her descendants and for that unceasing sense of love and care, I take immense pride in her.
Lastly, the other reason why I am so filled with pride is the fact that we have been married for 55 years now.
Member’s Statement 182 – 4(2): Tribute to the Qayuqturvik Society (Angnakak)
I rise today to recognize an organization here in the city of Iqaluit that is making a significant contribution to the welfare of our community.
The Qayuqtuvik Society operates the Iqaluit Soup Kitchen.
It provides a hot meal every day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, to people who otherwise might be alone or hungry or both.
More than 500 meals are prepared every week by volunteers who cook and serve the food. Much of the cost of these meals is offset by contributions from our local business community.
Since 2006, Captain Cyrus Blanchet of the Anglican Church Army has been a mainstay of the soup kitchen operations.
Captain Rus, as many know him, will retire at the end of this year, but he leaves a legacy at the Qayuqtuvik Society of dozens of community volunteers and a model food service.
We are fortunate in this city to have a number of charitable organizations that raise money to provide support for those in need.
Like the Qayuqtuvik Society, these organizations bring together people from different cultural and economic backgrounds, newcomers and long-term northerners, Inuit and non-Inuit, in a spirit of good fellowship and community service.
Our city is a better place because of them.
I would like to this time to thank all the volunteers who work at that organization in providing this food.
Member’s Statement 183 – 4(2): Grandson’s First Walrus (Mike)
I also thank my colleagues for this opportunity.
I wish to extend a good day wish to my fellow Pangnirtung residents and in particular, my relatives.
Actually, during the Ministers’ Statements, the Minister of Education announced that education starts from one’s home.
I was happy to hear that announced in this House.
I had the pleasure of practising that by teaching hunting skills to one of my grandchildren whom I nicknamed my “real grandson.”
His Christian name is Nate and he is six years old.
While on a boating trip with his father and uncle from Iqaluit to Pangnirtung just this fall, he caught his first walrus.
The teaching of traditional skills starts from home as well as outside of one’s home. They all start from that point. I am extremely gratified by the fact that Minister Quassa made that announcement about education beginning at home and we have to take that to heart, as we were taught by our parents both at home and outside.
Further, to all the children and youth who caught their first ever animal this year, I am proud of your accomplishments.
Member’s Statement 184 – 4(2): Movember – A Tribute to Fred Elias (Peterson)
I rise to commend the Kitikmeot Inuit Association for naming their new office building after the late Fred R. Elias.
Mr. Elias was a well-known and respected man in the Kitikmeot, having served as the SAO of Kugluktuk for many years before becoming KIA’s executive director in 1993.
I had the opportunity and privilege to work closely with Fred at KIA.
Mr. Speaker, Fred was committed and dedicated to the people of the Kitikmeot and it is a tribute to his memory that the new building now bears his name.
On April 16, 2010, employees and executives at KIA held a small gathering for Fred in their boardroom to share sincere appreciation of our friend and colleague.
Mr. Speaker, at that time, Fred was near the end of his battle with cancer, but he still carried himself with poise and was more concerned with the well-being of others.
He always put his family, friends, and community first.  On that day, he thanked everyone for working together to accomplish goals for the greater good.
Fred encouraged all of us to continue our work to serve people and make our communities and Nunavut better places to live for future generations.
Mr. Speaker, cancer of any type can have a profound impact on all of our lives.
I am proud to live in a territory where individuals, organizations, and communities volunteer and promote activities to raise awareness of cancer and raise funds to help people who are fighting cancer.
Mr. Speaker, this is the annual month for Movember, the event where men and women across Nunavut raise awareness and understanding of health issues affecting men.
You will notice many of us growing moustaches in honour of this cause to help raise funds to raise awareness and educate people on the need for further research and work towards battling cancer.
Mr. Speaker, I ask the House to join me in thanking KIA for honouring Fred Elias and thank all Nunavummiut who are helping out as volunteers and supporters to raise money for cancer research and awareness.
I encourage all Nunavummiut to get involved in any of the different campaigns of work being done across the country aimed at battling cancer.
Member’s Statement 185 – 4(2): Jordan Konek of Arviat (Kuksuk)
I say “good day” to my fellow Nunavummiut and residents of Arviat and Whale Cove.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my pride of a young person who is here to do some work from my community.
I know that many of you know who the person is because of his job.
I’m sure he has spoken with you. His name is Jordan Konek.
I would like to show my pride in him.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, Jordan is an outstanding youth who has participated in many activities during his young life.
I know him as someone who takes initiative and cares deeply for his family and community.
He is a very good support to his grandparents who reside in my constituency of Arviat North.
Mr. Speaker, Jordan was recently awarded the Indspire 2014 award for Inuit youth.
This award is given to Inuit youth who demonstrate outstanding career achievement.
Currently, Jordan is working at CBC here in Iqaluit as a reporter and editor.
Having been interviewed by Jordan since my election, I can tell the Members of this House that he has a great attitude and exemplifies professionalism.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to invite all members to join me today in congratulating Jordan on his award and wish him all the best in his future work. (interpretation) Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 186 – 4(2): Recognition of Search and Rescue Volunteer Robert Oolamik (Mikkungwak)
To the people of Baker Lake and Nunavut, I wish you all a good day. Haw.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about this individual who has made great strides that benefit Baker Lake as well as his fellow Nunavutmiut.  Just last week in Baker Lake, the local search and rescue society held a meeting and this person was recognized for his significant contributions to the society.
I was also a fellow search and rescue volunteer with him. Mr. Robert Oolamik is well known throughout the Kivalliq region, but he is also well known by his fellow volunteers by his (interpretation ends) nickname “Dubbermint.”
(interpretation) Last week, he spoke about his various roles within the Baker Lake search and rescue society, as he has served for many years as a volunteer.
However, out of passion and devotion to serving others, (interpretation ends) over three decades, he has been a volunteer. He finally put in his resignation on November 3, 2014.
(interpretation) He has substantially assisted his fellow residents by serving in different roles, such as the chair and vice-chair positions in various years. He has saved many lives as a first responder, in some cases under very trying circumstances.
However, whenever the phone rang that a search is required, he would rush to provide assistance.
Mr. Mikkungwak, please proceed.
I have been diligent in supporting the Baker Lake search and rescue society. However, hearing about his resignation touched me deeply.
He has given countless hours of dedication to serving his people, sometimes staying up all night without any sleep and sometimes even forgetting to go home or visit his relatives for several days.
His focus was entirely on the search and rescue effort underway at the time.
Regardless of the season, he would search via Honda, by truck, by boat, and even via aircraft on occasion. He undertook airplane search and rescue training to conduct air searches.
Further, since the society has a building that one can visit, he would spend his entire time all night and all day due to his compassion and devotion. Whenever a search party needed any supplies, he would check and run around until all the supplies they needed were filled.
However, due to his undying dedication to the search and rescue society, I believe it was either last year or the year before when he found out a search was underway for a person out of Arviat during the fall. He personally made his way to Arviat to offer his services to the search party.
This individual has a positive impact in his role as a first responder due to his dedication and devotion he has voluntarily served in various roles.
Upon his initiation to the Baker Lake search and rescue society, he learnt from his elders about the traditional Inuit practices which he then taught to the younger members of the search and rescue society, even though it is extremely hard.
Nonetheless, it is the continuance of the ancient ways of survival that will serve as his legacy.
I can even provide this tidbit about his undying fidelity to the search and rescue society. As usual, he was very involved in the search for a person.
Although an RCMP officer who came to visit him jokingly said that he may have to handcuff him in order to have him go home and sleep, “Dubbermint,” Mr. Robert Oolamik, immediately turned to the officer and said, (interpretation ends) “I’ll sue you.”
(interpretation) He was a dedicated volunteer ever since he joined the group and his contributions to Baker Lake didn’t go unnoticed.
He is a great supporter of all search and rescue organizations in Nunavut.
Mr. Oolamik’s retirement was very touching to many of us, as he retired on (interpretation ends) November 3, 2014, after three decades of non-stop volunteering.
I would like to ask all of my colleagues in congratulating and our heartfelt, warm thank you to Robert Oolamik, “Dubbermint,” who has volunteered all his time in search and rescue. (interpretation) Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
I have no more names on my list. (interpretation ends) Item 4. Returns to Oral Questions. Hon. Minister Ms. Ugyuk.
Return to Oral Question 252 – 4(2): Assistance for Seniors (Ugyuk)
Asked by MLA for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. George Hickes, No. 252 – 4(2), October 29, 2014, Assistance for Seniors.
One thing I’m not hearing in the response is the discussions that need to occur with the Government of Canada to recognize that the cost of living is significantly higher here in Nunavut in comparison to the rest of the country.
Can I get a little bit further clarity from the minister on the anticipation of how that dialogue with the federal government is or will be occurring?
The Department of Family Services actively participates in a number of intergovernmental working groups and committees to ensure our voice is heard by Canada.
We always take the opportunity at these meetings to bring up the high cost of living so that Canada and the rest of the country are aware of the challenges we face when delivering programs and services.
Our department provides a number of services for Nunavut seniors, including:
Senior Fuel Subsidy (SFS), which reimburses eligible homeowners for fuel costs up to a specified maximum number of litres to help offset the high cost of household heating fuel in Nunavut.
So far in 2014, 100 seniors in Nunavut have received the subsidy.
Senior Citizens Supplementary Benefits (SCSB) is a program governed by the Senior Citizens Benefit Act.
Low-income seniors in Nunavut who qualify for the federal Guaranteed Income Supplement will receive the Nunavut Senior Citizens Supplementary Benefit of $175 per month.
This is a payment jointly managed with the federal government and is included on the monthly Old Age Security cheque.
The amount of seniors who receive this benefit changes from month to month. However, in October, 477 seniors received the Senior Citizens Supplementary Benefit.
The department currently funds elders’ homes in Iqaluit, Baker Lake, and Arviat which provide level 1 or 2 (non-medical) care.
The three facilities combined have a total of 22 permanent beds and 5 respite and/or palliative care beds.
The Department of Family Services is currently reviewing the income assistance programs. Changes will be made to ensure that these programs are meeting the needs of seniors to reflect the high cost of living in Nunavut.
I would like to recognize Captain Rus, behind me, who has lived in Iqaluit a number of years and has been instrumental in running the soup kitchen in Iqaluit.
He retires at the end of the year, and I would like to wish him well and that we will miss his help very much.
I wish to recognize this individual, if he can please stand. Lew Philip, please stand.
The reason why I want to recognize him is that he served in the past as an RCMP officer and he was a capable officer who managed to complete his career without being killed.
For that reason, I am very proud of his accomplishment in that regard.
Further, I also saw a constituent of mine who lives in the northernmost community, if she could please stand to be recognized, Ms. Laisa Ningiuk.
I don’t know her too well personally, but she is currently in Iqaluit and in the Gallery.
She has served in many roles and served as a member of various committees, and for her dedication, I am very proud that one of my constituents was able to travel to Iqaluit.
I would like to recognize three individuals in the Gallery today: my Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr. Chris D’Arcy, my Treasury Analyst, Frank Skoda, who I acknowledged earlier in the speech, welcome, and from Cambridge Bay, a good friend of mine, Jimmy Haniliak, also known as “Little Jimmy,” sitting right behind me here.
Just a little background on “Little Jimmy” for folks back home who are watching, Jimmy has been involved in search and rescue since 1967.
He retired in 2012, but he still helps out where necessary. He is still actually involved in guiding.
In the summer of last year, I recall that he was protecting our community in August from a grizzly bear that got a little bit too close to town. He went out at 7:30 to eight o’clock in the morning and took care of business.
A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of recognizing a lady who was up here helping some of our early childhood education students at Nunavut Arctic College.
I have the distinct pleasure of recognizing her husband, who is here in the Gallery today, also helping educate northerners within the by-law program that is currently ongoing.
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Ken Ferguson was a long-time northerner who, a few years back, decided to move him and his family down to Ottawa. It is with great pleasure that I welcome him back to the territory of Nunavut for work.
Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize a person who is taking the by-law officer training. He comes from my favourite place 2,200 kilometres away from here, Kugluktuk…
…Mr. Colin Niptanatiak.
Speaker: Welcome to the Gallery. (interpretation) Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Mr. Mikkungwak.
Mr. Mikkungwak: And so it begins.
Today, I would like to recognize some individuals.
Since I have been elected, I’ve had the opportunity to acknowledge my wife and my children, but I haven’t had an opportunity to acknowledge my constituents.
Therefore, I am very pleased to acknowledge Hugh Tulurialik. I ask him to rise.
He is a member of the elders advisory committee. He’s here for a conference for environment.
However, I can tell you, Minister Quassa, I’m sure you have to thank him because he teaches Inuit societal values at Jonah Amitnaaq School in Baker Lake. Also, I can say that he is a singer, as well as his wife. They are performers.
I’m sure you have heard him sing.
I would like to recognize another individual and I’ll say it in English. (interpretation ends) The next person I would also like to recognize in the Visitors’ Gallery, if you could stand up, Richard Rumbolt.
He is the by-law officer in the Hamlet of Baker Lake.
As you will recall last year, when I did a Member’s Statement about the defibrillator, that was his late mother.
I would like to welcome them to the Gallery and it’s nice to see Baker Lake people in the Gallery. (interpretation) Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
My brother-in-law, I welcome you to the Gallery. (interpretation ends) Welcome to the Gallery. (interpretation) Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member Mr. Mike.
As the minister, I am very pleased to welcome and acknowledge some visitors to the Gallery today.
The members of the Department of Environment’s Elders Advisory Committee (Inutuqait Mianiksijiit Anngutiksanik) have an important role in advising my staff and myself and helping to ensure that Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit are used to guide the Department of Environment programs and services.
They are here in Iqaluit to take part in the Baffin caribou workshop as well as participating in their regular meetings.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to welcome and introduce:
Hugh Tulurialik;
Joe Arlooktoo, who was a Member of the Legislative Assembly in the past;
Lew Philip;
Laisa Ningiuk;
Jimmy Haniliak;
David Siksik; and
Barthelemy Nirlungayuk, Deputy Minister Gabriel’s father.
The two other members of the committee who were unable to be here today are Guy Alikut and Johnassie Nakoolak.
I would like to welcome them all to the Legislative Assembly.
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, also from Pangnirtung taking by-law training are Silasie Nowyook and Eric Lawlor. Welcome them to the Gallery.
Member Mr. Savikataaq.
I would like to recognize a grade 9 student from the Inuksuk High School today. His name is Hayden Ahle. He is doing job shadowing, so he is spending the afternoon here job shadowing me as MLA.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Welcome to the Gallery. (interpretation) Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery.
Member Ms. Ugyuk.
Although visitors are leaving, Kugaaruk resident Barthelemy Nirlungayuk was one of the actors from the Netsilik Eskimo Series.
He also is a layman in Kugaaruk and always helps the Kitikmeot region as a layman in the church. Barthelemy Nirlungayuk is here to attend the meeting and I am very appreciative of the fact that he helps all the time with wildlife issues.
I was going to recognize the individuals, but they have already been recognized.
I made my Minister’s Statement earlier regarding the (interpretation ends) by-law officer training. (interpretation) I would like to recognize the students who are taking the MTO training. (interpretation ends) I would appreciate it if you would stand up when I mention your name.
Dwight Tilley from Arctic Bay;
Richard Rumbolt from Baker Lake;
Terry Manik, Coral Harbour;
George Nagmalik, Hall Beach;
Elisha Edward, Igloolik;
Tyson O’Neil, Igloolik;
Colin Niptanatiak, Kugluktuk;
Eric Lawlor, Pangnirtung;
Silasie Nowyook, Pangnirtung;
Instructor Ken Ferguson from Ottawa;
Also from Iqaluit, Michelle Rheault. He is with the Municipal Training Organization.
(interpretation) I would like to recognize all the visitors.
The person I was going to recognize disappeared from the Gallery, but he has been recognized by Minister Mike, an elder from Gjoa Haven. His name is David Siksik.
Welcome to all the visitors in the Gallery.
I would like to acknowledge George Nagmalik, who is one of my constituents, and also the two individuals, Elisha Edward and Tyson O’Neil from Igloolik.
I would like to thank all of them for visiting the Gallery.
Question 299 – 4(2): Oil and Gas Development (Angnakak)
I want to follow up today on the issue of oil and gas development.
The minister indicated in his return to my earlier oral question that his department is organizing a “Nunavut Oil and Gas Summit,” which is to be held in Iqaluit in January of 2015.
Can the minister give us a sense of what organizations will be participating in this event?
In regard to the member’s question, there will be many organizations that will be participating in this event.
The Nunavut government, Inuit organizations, government officials, and third parties will be attending this event.
The current business plan of the Department of Economic Development and Transportation indicates that one of its current priorities is to “promote a regulatory regime that will attract responsible resource developers,” and the minister’s return to my earlier oral question indicated that the government “wants to make sure that companies involved in exploration activities have certainty about our regulatory processes.”
The minister also stated that the federal government “has begun work on [a strategic environmental assessment] for the Baffin Bay and Davis Strait waters.”
Can the minister indicate what the timeline is for this assessment process?
In regard to the member’s question, many people will be dealing with this.
As I stated earlier, Inuit organizations will be involved and all those communities or entities that will be impacted will be involved. Others will also start working on this issue.
Also, as a government, we will be monitoring the process and progress in regard to the member’s question.
Mr. Speaker, today, I cannot elaborate as to the timeline for the assessment. I cannot tell the member exactly when the target date is for the completion of this project. However, I can tell the member that once everything is ready and prepared, I will provide the information in the House or I can directly communicate with the member.
Concerns have been expressed in recent months regarding the issue of seismic testing in Nunavut’s waters, which is considered to be the first step towards oil and gas exploration and development.
What is the government’s position on seismic testing?
The issue the member raises in her question has also been expressed by numerous outside groups. However, what I can say is that this government’s position on this issue is if we are going to be involved in the issue, we would first consult the communities or Nunavummiut in general prior to the government moving ahead. That is what I can provide to the member today.
Question 300 – 4(2): Assistance for Seniors (Hickes)
I would like to go back to the return to oral question that Minister Ugyuk provided to me. I have some further questions for her.
Mr. Speaker, in her response, she talks about the opportunity at different meetings to “bring up the high cost of living so that Canada and the rest of the country are aware of the challenges we face when delivering programs and services.”
Mr. Speaker, I, too, every opportunity I get, try and stress with other counterparts from across the country, but unfortunately I’m not usually at a table with ministers from other jurisdictions and the country of Canada itself.
Mr. Speaker, while bringing this awareness to her counterparts, has the minister ever directly communicated the need to increase benefits to our senior population?
Up to today, I haven’t attended any of those meetings yet. However, through my office, we are talking with them.
I’m not sure where to go with this next one then.
I’ll continue on. Maybe one of my other colleagues may have some further questions regarding FPTs.
Mr. Speaker, also in her response, she talks about the Senior Citizens Supplementary Benefit and that it is a program that is governed by the Senior Citizens Benefit Act.
This program is jointly managed with the federal government to be included in the Old Age Security cheque each month for senior citizens. The amount of that is $175.
Mr. Speaker, how is that amount decided and when was the last time it was increased?
Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to my colleague for requesting that information.
According to the policy, that is how the total amount was set.
The last time it was changed was January 7, 2008.
That was six years ago. I’m pretty sure it’s time for an update.