EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Think hard about the consequences before you post comments, photos, or videos that may affect others in a harmful way.
If you notice harmful content on a particular site, it is your responsibility to report that content to the site administrators, if possible.
I would also like to remind our viewers that any statements that we may post on the Internet will not be private and may represent how the world perceives us indefinitely.
Mr. Speaker, I recognize that the government and law enforcement agencies have limited control over what content may or may not be shared by an individual on the Internet.
However, I would like to encourage the government and Royal Canadian Mounted Police to increase their efforts to educate the public on how to use the Internet and social media in a safe and responsible manner.
Mr. Speaker, I ask to conclude my member’s statement.
I also encourage all Nunavummiut to remain vigilant in keeping our communities safe in both the physical and virtual worlds.
Member’s Statement 582 – 4(3): Congratulations to Pangnirtung’s 2017 High School Graduates (Mike)
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also wish to welcome visitors to the House.
I, too, wish to talk about education and the upcoming graduation ceremony in Pangnirtung. As well, this will highlight Pangnirtung’s longstanding education focus so that others may become aware of it.
This document I have relates to the festivities in Pangnirtung for the (interpretation ends) Pangnirtung class of 1932. (interpretation) This document is one I wish to table when it is the appropriate time to table it, as I want people to know this fact.
Today I have been invited to attend to the ceremony which states, “You have been invited to attend the 2017 graduation ceremony on Friday, June 16, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. in the Attagoyuk gymnasium. Dress your best and come celebrate with us!”
Yes, I accept this invitation sent to my attention.
I wish to also name the graduates.
These young people I will name have graduated from grade 12, whom are all able to hunt. They do hunting and fishing, and indeed they are proficient in sewing skin. They have stitched together pants, parkas, and mitts.
These graduates whom I will now name are:
Billy Akulukjuk
Mary Angmarlik
Jonas Aningmiuq
Joshua Angnakak
Lana David
Leanne Evic
Leslie Karpik
Annie Kuniliusie
Elisapee Maniapik
Sean Michael
Robert Mike
Jeremiah Nakashuk
Christa Nowdlak
Martha Nowdlak
Jeannie Qaqasiq
Robin Qaqasiq
Seemee Qaqasiq
Yes, this list comprises the graduating students from Pangnirtung who will celebrate their graduation ceremony in the community. They have informed me that they had their invitation to attend the ceremony accepted by the Minister of Education, Minister Quassa.
Return to Oral Question 732 – 4(3): Tourism (Ell-Kanayuk)
Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Return to oral question asked by Pat Angnakak, MLA for Niaqunnguu, on May 31, 2017 on the subject of tourism.
Mr. Speaker, on May 31 MLA Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu Pat Angnakak asked, “Earlier this year the Legislative Assembly approved a budget increase for her department’s Tourism and Cultural Industries Division, an increase which included funding for 10 positions.
As of today, what is the status of filling these 10 positions?”
Mr. Speaker, the current status of the 10 new positions is as follows:
Three visitor centre coordinator positions are filled in Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, and Pangnirtung.
The Cambridge Bay Visitor Centre coordinator position will go to competition once the manager of the visitor experience position, to which it reports, is filled.
Two positions, the marketing manager and divisional assistant, were posted and the job ads for both closed on June 2. These positions should be filled by this summer.
Four positions were sent to staffing earlier this year: the market and research analyst, the manager, visitor experience, as well as regional tourism coordinators in Kugluktuk and Iqaluit. These will be posted as soon as possible.
Hon. Joe Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I don’t get to recognize people from Arviat too often here. Arviat is far away and it is always nice to see Arviarmiut faces here.
I would like to recognize a few people.
One behind me is Tommy Owlijoot. Over on the other side is Norma-Jean Kablutsiak. There is one more over there, Sheila Napayok.
She is not from Arviat, but once you grow up and live in Arviat, even when you leave, you’re considered Arviarmiut forever, so I would like to acknowledge her too.
Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize a person from Kugluktuk.
In fact we go back a long way. He used to be my Cub leader.
That’s going back quite a ways.
He is no stranger to this House. He has been here before and he sat here representing Kugluktuk and did a very good job. I want to recognize Donald Havioyak from Kugluktuk.
Today I would like to recognize someone from Baker Lake I am very pleased to see.
He owns a business and he has hired many people.
I would like to welcome Al Lahure to the House. I hope that he feels welcomed and that he is welcomed as well.
I wish to first acknowledge a resident from Iqaluit-Manirajak, Nikki Eegeesiak. Welcome.
Also, several of my cousins are here in the gallery, but I’ll mention in particular Donna Adams.
I wish to recognize numerous people who are visiting this House as board members of the (interpretation ends) Nunavut Business Credit Corporation. (interpretation) They are here to approve their (interpretation ends) annual audited financial statements (interpretation) along with the annual report outlining their accomplishments and news.
I will start with the chairperson, Marg Epp. Welcome. Elijah Evaluarjuk from Igloolik is the vice-chairperson and he is also the chairperson of the (interpretation ends) Qulliq Energy Corporation.
(interpretation) Donald Havioyak is well known.
He is also the chair of the (interpretation ends) Nunavut Development Corporation. (interpretation) Also Greg Cayen, Al Lahure is here, and Tommy Owlijoot. Tracy Wallace is a very capable person. She is the secretary treasurer and has become a board member of the Atuqtuarvik Corporation.
I also wish to recognize their staff. From Iqaluit-Manirajak is Peter Ma, who is my neighbour. In the gallery is Angela Barkhouse, the senior advisor of business services.
Dushyenth Ganesan used to live in Iqaluit-Manirajak, but I believe he has moved. He is also the accounts manager. Also, Damien Lachance, welcome to the gallery.
He’s their compliance officer. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Alexander Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) I rarely ever get to recognize people from Rankin Inlet in the gallery.
I would like to recognize Sandra Oolooyuk, Sally Kusugak, Tracy Wallace, (interpretation ends) and Donna Adams.
Mr. Speaker, I also share in the joy of seeing our fellow residents of the Kivalliq here in the gallery. When they visit, it is nice to recognize people you know. I, too, will acknowledge several people who are in the gallery today.
Mr. Speaker, I will start first with the visitors sitting across from me. Among them is a long-time fellow resident of Arviat, so I wish to welcome Norma-Jean Kablutsiak.
Also, although some of the following people I will recognize have moved away from Arviat, we still view them as Arviarmiut. Sheila Napayok is here.
Welcome, along with Donna Adams and Sally Kusugak. Welcome to all of you.
As well amongst the visitors sitting on this side, I would like to acknowledge and welcome Mr. Tommy Owlijoot from Arviat.
I would first of all like to acknowledge the chair of the coalition of DEAs.
Although she was already acknowledged, I would like to welcome Donna Adams and one of the DEA coalition staff members, Nikki Eegeesiak.
Although they were acknowledged, I would like to recognize them. I congratulate them for working very well on education.
I would also like to acknowledge a person from my community, Elijah Evaluarjuk. Welcome, as well as to the rest of the visitors.
I, too, would like to recognize an individual from Cambridge Bay. It is not very often I get to do that.
I think people from Cambridge Bay have a longer trip than people from Arviat.
We have to go to another territory to come here.
I would like to welcome Marg Epp from Cambridge Bay.
She’s doing a great job as the chair of the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation.
Speaker: Welcome to the gallery. (interpretation) Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. I have no more names on my list.
I think I raised my hand first.
People of Chesterfield Inlet, Rankin Inlet, and Nunavut, please have a good day.
I would also like to recognize two people whom Minister Quassa already mentioned.
(interpretation ends) First of all I would like to recognize the Chair of the Coalition of DEAs, Donna Adams, and the Executive Director, Nikki Eegeesiak.
I would also like to recognize from, I believe, Arctic College, Sheila Napayok, Sharon Qiyuk, also a good friend of mine who is a long-time northerner, Al Lahure, welcome, and my niece, Tracy Wallace. Welcome to the House.
(interpretation) Also, Sandy Oolooyuk (interpretation ends) from Arctic College and Sally Kusugak.
Welcome to the House. (interpretation) Thank you.
This person was also already recognized as a former constituent of Minister Ell-Kanayuk, and I just wanted to make sure that I know that I’m aware of where he currently lives, in the Tasiluk riding.
I would like to again welcome Mr. Dushyenth Ganesan to the gallery.
I, too, wish to acknowledge a person and the father of the person I would like to recognize was the late Mark Evaluarjuk, who was a long-time MLA. I am very grateful to see his son now visiting our Chamber. I wish to recognize Elijah Evaluarjuk.
He is from my constituency. Please feel welcome.
(interpretation ends) I also would like to recognize Aon Hewitt from Calgary, Mr. Steve Windsor, and Bob, if I don’t pronounce it correctly, forgive me, Mrazek. (interpretation) I want to recognize them.
(interpretation ends) Okay. (interpretation) Member for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, Ms. Pat Angnakak.
Some Hon. Members: Oh!
Question 763 – 4(3): Out-of-territory Support Services (Angnakak)
Yes, I know, ladies first.
Mr. Speaker, the minister may recall that in October of 2016 he indicated that he would provide further detail on contracts negotiated with organizations in other jurisdictions which provide assistance and support services for Nunavut medical clients.
As I never did receive the detailed information that the minister said he was going to provide, I would like to take this opportunity now to follow up on this issue.
My first question is: can the minister provide an update on the current status of contracts with such entities as the Ottawa Health Services Network, also known as OHSNI, which provide services to Nunavut medical clients when they travel outside of the territory?
First I must apologize to the member. I must have obviously neglected to follow up with the member and I’ll make a note of that.
With the Ottawa Health Services Network Incorporated, the end date of that current contract is April 1, 2021. There are five years of extension available.
I’m still mulling that number over in my head. That’s a long contract.
Mr. Speaker, medical clients from the Qikiqtaaluk region generally travel to Ottawa to receive health services that cannot be provided in Nunavut.
OHSNI provides a number of services to assist with this process.
Can the minister identify which entities are responsible for providing similar services for Nunavummiut who travel to Winnipeg, Edmonton, and Yellowknife?
Basically in a nutshell, we don’t have any other jurisdictions that provide or have the services provided such as OHSNI provides for (interpretation) residents of Baffin (interpretation ends) that go down to Ottawa.
It’s kind of piece-worked together. Basically the boarding homes look after a lot of the services on medical, not just boarding but transportation to and from their appointments, and interpretation services available through those facilities. An all-encompassing contract does not exist for the other two regions.
As the minister will recall, in October of 2016 he stated that he would provide details regarding all the contracts with out-of-territory entities which provide services to medical clients who travel to other jurisdictions for health care.
Will the minister commit to providing that information to Members of the Legislative Assembly at the earliest opportunity?
Yes, I’ll go through the contract information that I have available and will provide it to the members.
Question 764 – 4(3): Grise Fiord Municipal Complex (Shooyook)
Last month the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and the Commissioner of Nunavut visited Grise Fiord.
The mayor and the municipal council hosted a community feast for our visitors.
This successful event was held at the municipal complex, which includes the community’s gymnasium.
The community is grateful for the new municipal complex, which was opened in 2014.
However, concerns have been raised that the facility lacks an adequate sprinkler system.
Can the minister confirm what his department is doing to address the concern?
Hon. Joe Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my colleague for asking that question.
With respect to the building that my colleague is referring to, the sprinkler system was not included when the building was designed and built.
It is being looked at right now to see if the sprinkler system can be installed in the building.
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for saying that some thought has been put into this matter.
Can the minister indicate how often the facility is inspected by officials to ensure that it meets with all fire code requirements?
I would like the member to repeat the question. I believe he’s asking about inspections by fire officials.
Can he please repeat the question?
Member for Quttiktuq, Mr. Shooyook, please rephrase your question.
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): As I stated, can the minister indicate how often the facility is inspected by officials to ensure that it meets with all fire code requirements?
Facilities such as daycares, schools, hamlet offices, and buildings that are not privately owned like (interpretation ends) commercial buildings (interpretation) are supposed to be inspected annually.
I can’t tell the member right now if they have actually been inspected every year, but they are supposed to be inspected every year.
Concerns have also been raised that the facility’s heating system is not working properly in all areas of the building.
My apologies. Can the member specify which building he is referring to that has a heating system not working properly?
Is it the municipal complex that he referred to, the community hall?
Can he please indicate which building he is referring to?
Member for Quttiktuq, Mr. Shooyook, please clarify.
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You already understood my question.
I am referring to the hamlet complex which also has a gym.
The heating system in that building is not working properly.
I hope you understand that now.
The hamlet buildings are handled by the hamlets and their maintenance workers deal with that, but I can tell the member that I will look into this matter. However, it is a hamlet building, so the hamlet is responsible for that.
Question 765 – 4(3): Contracting and Procurement (Sammurtok, A)
I want to revisit the issue of contracting and procurement. As the minister is aware, concerns have been raised about his department’s awarding of certain as-and-when maintenance contracts to companies located outside of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, contracts that are issued by the Nunavut Housing Corporation can include minimum Inuit labour requirements.
Can the minister indicate whether or not the as-and-when maintenance contracts that are issued by his department include a requirement for southern companies to hire a minimum number of local workers?
I can inform the members that the as-and-when contracts do have minimum Inuit requirement conditions. Depending on the contract, the minimum percentage of Inuit employment can be different.
In short, yes, there is a minimum requirement for all as-and-when contracts.
Contracts that are issued by the Nunavut Housing Corporation can include requirements for companies to fund training for Inuit workers.
In fact the Nunavut Housing Corporation provides money to the contractors to fund training.
Can the minister indicate whether or not as-and-when maintenance contracts that are issued by his department include a requirement for companies to provide training to local apprentices and/or students?
I’m not aware of any as-and-when contracts where it’s a requirement that they have to train anyone.
As the contract states, it’s as and when. You’re not sure when you’re going to get work, how much work you’re going to get, and when it’s going to be. I know of some contractors that do have as-and-when that do have apprentices.
I would think that in part of the evaluating process, all of that would be looked at, but I don’t know for sure if there are any requirements that they have to have a training component. In fact I would say that there probably isn’t, but I can get back to the member on that.
As the members of Rankin Inlet North and Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu have both pointed out in recent days, the government’s new NNI Policy now provides for additional bid adjustments for Inuit firms with higher Inuit ownership levels.
However, neither the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation nor the Minister of CGS appear to have been provided with an updated list of Inuit firms by NTI which includes their new ratings.
My question to the minister is this: how can the government calculate bid adjustments when awarding contracts if it has not been provided with this new information?
I think a lot or most of the as-and-when contracts that were just issued were all issued on the old NNI Policy. That list of the old NNI Policy would have been current until the end of March 31, 2017.
The new NNI Policy was effective April 1, 2017.
Any contracts that were going to be in the fiscal year from April 1, 2017 until March 31, 2018, the tenders would have been out and given out when the old NNI Policy was still enacted. Those bids would be under the old NNI Policy.
Question 766 – 4(3): Supports for Parenting (Joanasie)
Good afternoon to my colleagues, people of Cape Dorset and Kimmirut, and Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, today I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Family Services.
Mr. Speaker, various events in the recent history of the people of Nunavut have resulted in major disconnects between generations and the loss of traditional family roles often leads to a lack of understanding of family dynamics.
I would like to ask the minister if he can provide an update on what kinds of supports and services his department makes available to parents, especially young parents, who are struggling with raising their children.
Yes, this issue of parental responsibility offered through the Department of Family Services is what we have focused on through the Inunnguiniq stream, as it is called.
It is geared towards teaching proper child rearing practices, including the roles of the father and mother in raising their children. This includes various stages of child growth.
The Department of Family Services was engaged in this course due to the reason of teaching cultural steps through the Inunnguiniq program. Due to this fact, our department provided training on the Inunnguiniq program last year to ensure younger parents can raise their children properly.
This program training was successful and it taught child rearing and parental responsibilities to the facilitators who will provide the training for the parents.
That is what we have attempted as the Department of Family Services to date.
As well, this is considered important due to the Inuit who wish to incorporate traditional rearing practices as an independent family.
Yes, I can indicate today that that’s the work we have done in the Department of Family Services.
Mr. Speaker, a serious issue that is faced by many parents is how to discipline their children.
Can the minister clarify whether or not his department creates, publishes, or makes available any resources or programs to help young parents address discipline issues with their children?
If I understood his question correctly, yes, the Department of Family Services has tried to offer two avenues due to this issue.
It is up to local organizations that wish to be involved that can apply for funding under this subject related to child rearing in a culturally appropriate manner.
The second area involves the researchers who are studying health issues related to child rearing.
Due to this reason, this Inunnguiniq training will result in capable advisors within Nunavut.
This is how we try to ensure training in child rearing is provided.
It is a sad fact that a number of youth in Nunavut suffer from behavioural challenges.
This is seen in our schools, in the rates of vandalism and arson, and in those unfortunate incidents where situations escalate out of control.
Will the minister commit to reviewing the statistics, the reports, and the testimony of frontline youth workers and bring forward supports and resources to help parents with children who have behavioural challenges?
As per my previous comment, work has progressed but is still required for 2017-18 on completing this work due to the reason of including Inunnguiniq. This is under the mandate of the Department of Family Services.
Regarding the member’s suggestion, I can agree to try to provide an analysis of the issue that he raised related to social interactive programs such as child rearing and so on.
With the loss of the traditional teaching platforms, we notice, for example, the case of the Cape Dorset arson committed at the school.
The Department of Family Services is involved with this program, along with other departments to try to resolve this issue, at least that I am aware of.
To elaborate, what we are dealing with here as a department is more on child rearing practices under Inuit cultural stages. Due to these reasons, we must ensure Inuit culture is believed, that the knowledge is founded on proven principles of raising a properly socialized Inuk.
As per my earlier comments, the facilitators will receive further training during this fiscal year.
It seems obvious to me that we will find more information as we push to implement these principles or to ensure that recommendations submitted regarding concerns are the reason for cultural training of becoming an Inuk and proper child rearing techniques for fathers or mothers.
Question 767 – 4(3): Effects of Mould on Tenants’ Health (Okalik)
I was out of the territory recently for several days. This trip served as a lesson on issues we should be aware of in our homes as what we experience teaches us new methods.
Mr. Speaker, one of the places we stayed at unknowingly resulted in my physical condition changing in an experience I have never had before, so I learnt from that experience.
I unknowingly experienced headaches and loss of breath, which I have never felt previously.
It was only when we left the room that I found out that it was due to being exposed to mould.
I have heard about people getting headaches.
I researched this subject where I found if you breathe in mould, it can cause headaches and it can enter your lungs.
Apparently mould thrives on flour and sugar.
If it enters your body, it can grow inside.
If you stop eating food containing flour and sugar, the mould starts dying off.
The Member for Gjoa Haven asked the minister questions on how the remediation of mould would be undertaken by the housing corporation.
I would further encourage the minister and ask him this question. Have the tenants currently residing in mouldy units been advised of the potential health impacts of mould and how it can result in toxicity or sickness? That is my first question to the minister.
We are aware of the importance of the issue the member raises. Our partners who own these public housing units are the local housing organizations.
Our corporation and the LHOs have maintained contact on this health concern.