EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Its planned life span was twenty years with a maximum shelf life of thirty years.
We have gone well beyond those expectations.
Our sewer pipes are so corroded that they are patched with tar to stop leakage.
One major fire in this community could compromise the quality of drinking water.
We can't afford to ignore the disastrous consequences of faulty systems in places like Walkerton and North Battleford.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask unanimous consent to complete my statement.
Speaker: The member is seeking consent to conclude his statement.
Mr. Speaker, in Iqaluit resident taxpayers already pay eighty percent of the costs to the municipality for municipal services.
I would like to hear and find out what the costs to the other municipalities within Nunavut are and how much of a savings that is to our territorial government.
Without support, the city may have to resort to doubling taxes in its struggle to meet costs.
Mr. Speaker, we are surviving on borrowed time.
Iqaluit was chosen to be the capital of all Nunavut, we should all be proud of that fact and our pride should be reflected in its appearance.
Visitors and tourists to our territory should not be welcomed by a smouldering and smoking dumpsite, a deteriorating water system and crumbling roads.
Residents of Iqaluit should not be living under the cloud of an impending disaster.
Mr. Speaker, I urge the Minister of Community Government to do his utmost to provide support to Iqaluit, the capital city of Nunavut, to meet the desperate infrastructure needs.
Member's Statement 350 - 1(5): Four Year Plan for Pond Inlet Airport
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the issues of tourism and transportation in North Baffin.
Mr. Speaker, when the Standing Committee on Community Government and Sustainable Development held its public meeting in Pond Inlet, a major issue raised by community residents was the need for a new airport development in Pond Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, the Hamlet of Pond Inlet has developed an initial four year strategic plan for a new jet capable airport in Pond Inlet.
Later today I will be tabling the plan and I encourage all members to review it.
Mr. Speaker, the plan clearly identifies the benefits to the region's tourism potential from the development of a new airport.
The strategic plan states that the lack of adequate inter-community flights prohibits the development of potential co-operative tour packages by local operators.
For example, tourists that could combine walrus watching in Igloolik with Narwhal watching in Pond Inlet.
Lower airfares and improved inter-community connections will increase the numbers of tourists and the amount of money they have to spend on services provided by local entrepreneurs.
Mr. Speaker, my constituents in Pond Inlet have a lot of experience with the tourism sector.
They have the energy and determination to make tourism work for the benefit of the community.
I am almost finished Mr. Speaker, I would like consent to conclude my statement.
I encourage the government to work with them on this important priority.
Member's Statement 351 - 1(5): Kitikmeot Inuit Association Youth Workshop
Mr. Speaker, I am honoured on behalf of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association President Charlie Evalik, to speak about their association's efforts in assisting youth.
As a result of youth concerns raised at their annual general meeting, KIA hosted and funded a three day workshop held October 23 to 26 in Cambridge Bay.
Each community was represented at the workshop by a youth and the communities’ liaison officers.
The end result of the workshop is a report and a regional and community specific community action plan to address youth issues.
Mr. Speaker, goals of improving the overall wellness of elders and youth, of providing youth activities and programs to make positive changes in our communities, to reduce teen suicide, substance abuse and isolation, to reduce teen pregnancies, and to preserve traditional knowledge are all goals resulting from the conference.
Mr. Speaker, over the next several months the youth and KIA will be looking for feedback and assistance as they move towards implementing the action plans to deal with their goals and objectives.
I look forward to hearing about their progress and believe that their report and action plans may be a model that our youth, communities, and organizations can use.
Later today I will table the 2001 Kitikmeot Youth Conference Report and Action Plan.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in recognizing and commending KIA and the workshop participants for their leadership in taking a major step towards addressing youth issues.
Speaker: Thank you. Members' Statement.
Member's Statement 352 - 1(5): Construction of Healing Facility in Kimmirut
I have some good news from a community in my riding.
The late Saimata Pitseolak and his wife, my constituency assistant Geela, had a plan for their community.
They are now building a house that will be used for youth and to take people out on the land for healing circles and also to stay out there.
This building is in Ittinaapik south of Kimmirut.
This cabin is currently under construction and something that we are looking forward to.
They have been supported by many people in order to get this facility going.
There has been a lot of support from Kimmirut, some private businesses and from individuals.
They have provided free labour and volunteer work.
They have also received support from people in southern Canada and outside of Canada.
This project is not completed yet but it will be something that will be very beneficial for the people of Kimmirut.
They have also been getting a lot of support.
They have received approximately 90 thousand dollars from outside of the government to go ahead with their project.
It was their own plan and I will give them my full support during the project.
Once it is finished, this facility will be used by the youth who would like to improve their lifestyle and also learn about the traditional culture of the Inuit.
I would like to thank the people who gave support to the couples and I wish everyone the very best in the building of this facility.
Member's Statement 353 - 1(5): Up Here Magazine Advertisement
Juicy fruit is chewy.
It would make you believe if you chew enough of it you can ski down the slopes of Aspen or Whistler.
Kokanee beer would have us believe that it’s so cool like the river and makes you cool by the time you get it.
I am just talking about the more ridiculous advertisements that appear on TV and in the paper.
I want to talk about that this closer to home. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, as people from Nunavut we know that our ancestors provided their families fur clothing, whether it be seal or caribou.
In my honourable colleague’s home, Sanikiluaq they had their own kind of clothing made from eider duck skins.
I was speaking earlier about some ridiculous advertising that we see today.
It is quite funny in a way but when they go overboard it is no longer that funny.
In the Up Here magazine you are able to see an advertisement on Canada Goose Parkas and it states that when you have a jacket like this it is the best kind of jacket, a goose down jacket.
Right beside this man with the goose down jacket, is a little boy who I know is a lot warmer than this man, he is able to survive more than the other person in the advertisement.
He is wearing an Inuk outfit.
This is a misrepresentation of facts.
Perhaps this will have an influence on our young people.
I believe that in northern magazines, we should encourage Inuit outfits to be advertised.
Member's Statement 354 - 1(5): Elders Teaching Land Skills
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about a positive situation in our community.
We have individuals that are taking our youth out on the land and teaching them our traditional Inuit skills.
Some of these people I wish to name are Josie Angutingnirk, Gino Akkak, Mary Angutik, Jacqueline Nalungiaq.
There are other people that were involved in teaching our youth land skills as well and I wanted to recognize them all.
Member's Statement 355 - 1(5): Bishop Sperry's Autobiography
Mr. Speaker, the MLA for Kugluktuk just mentioned that Bishop John Sperry has recently published an autobiography on his life in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, Bishop Sperry is well known all over Nunavut, having married and confirmed many residents, including my wife.
Mr. Speaker, Bishop Sperry traditionally holds a Christmas open house in his home in Yellowknife.
Last Christmas on my way home from Yellowknife on my way home from meeting with Nunavut Power Corporation Chair Simon Merkosak from Pond Inlet, we stopped in and visited Mr. and Mrs. John Sperry and joined their traditional open house in Yellowknife.
Mr. Speaker, there were so many people from Nunavut, neighbours, relatives, that instantly Simon and I felt at home at Mr. and Mrs. Sperry's house in Yellowknife.
Mrs. Sperry passed away suddenly earlier this year.
She will be well remembered by all who knew her.
Mr. Speaker, I too would like to join with Mr. Havioyak to congratulate Bishop Sperry on his book and wish him good health and healthy sales.
Also Mr. Speaker, I would like to pass on our condolences to Bishop Sperry and wish him all the best from all his friends here in Iqaluit.
Member's Statement 356 - 1(5): Nunamiut Lodge Opening in Baker Lake
Uqaqti, later today I will be presenting a report of the Standing Committee Empowerment and Sustainable Development Community Consultations on the Future of Tourism in Nunavut.
In my member's statement today I would like to give an example of the kind of energy and initiatives that we are seeing in our communities to develop a vibrant tourism profession in Nunavut.
The recent opening of the Nunamiut Lodge in Baker Lake was good news for the community.
At a time when lodges across Nunavut are facing a climate of extreme economic uncertainty, it is encouraging to see local people having the confidence to make a significant investment within their own communities.
Mr. Speaker, the Killulark, Hart and Hughson families have deep ties to the community of Baker Lake.
They have committed to developing a local tourism industry that stresses local employment and local opportunities.
Mr. Speaker, I rose last week in the House to inform members about the effort the community has made to build a presence on the World Wide Web to help promote Baker Lake, its history and its art.
When communities pull together and with some help from our government as their partner, we can do wonderful things and build a future for our young people who are crying out for economic opportunities.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. McLean. Members' Statements. Members' Statements.
Return to Question 271 - 1(5): Baker Lake Learning Centre - Insurance
Another long awaited response.
This one is on the Baker Lake community learning centre.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to provide a response to a question posed to me on November 19th by the Member from Baker Lake, Mr. McLean, on the Baker Lake community learning centre facility insurance for that particular facility.
As a Government of Nunavut solely owned education facility, there is property insurance coverage on the Baker Lake community learning facility.
But at the same time Mr. Speaker, it is important to emphasise and recognize that in the specific instance of the Baker Lake community learning centre closure, the fire damage in the furnace area was minimal and we did not lose this building to fire.
However, a new facility is required and I would like to assure you that I am looking at ways to hasten construction of a replacement.
Speaker: Thank you. Item 4.
Speaker: I'll start off. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome to the Assembly Angela Nutarak from Pond Inlet.
I believe she has a very close relative here in the Assembly.
And also Billy Katalik from Igloolik.
Angela and Billy are 2nd year Interpreter / Translator students who will be working in the Assembly for the next few weeks.
Hon. Jack Anawak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Firstly, I would like to recognize Susie Arnaquq who works in this Assembly.
I also would like to recognize sitting beside Susie is my constituency assistant and my niece, she is very capable in her job and she is an artist, Andrea Duffy.
Hon. Jack Anawak (interpretation): I apologize. She is formally Andrea Duffy but now Andrea Taparti.
Mr. Havioyak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize a resident from Kugluktuk.
This is my constituency assistant.
She is now here and I am very happy because she organized my office.
I want to recognize Doris Nancy Ivalu.
Mr. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, since November I have been recognizing only a few people.
I would like to recognize my daughter Angela who is here in the Gallery and Leelee Qatalik who is sitting with my daughter.
My daughter is on the left, Leelee is on the right.
Mr. Irqittuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd also like to recognize Leelee Qatalik who is formerly from my constituency.
She is here taking the Interpreter / Translators program and I hope she has a good future.
I hope she is seated in one of the Inuktitut booths in the near future.
So I’d like her to stand.
Question 359 - 1(5): Infrastructure Crisis in Iqaluit
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister Responsible for Community Government.
As I’d indicated in my member’s statement the City of Iqaluit is basically in a crisis for infrastructure.
This includes things like a water treatment facility that is not on the books for another two or three years.
Things like the open burning at the dump that the water board has condemned as an environmental hazard and a health hazard.
Aging water and sewer systems that are crumbling and getting tarred together.
Roads that desperately need repairs and an old dumpsite, dump sites all around the city that need to be cleaned up and restored.
Mr. Speaker, this isn’t a list of all the things that need to be done here but these are some of the critical ones and some of them deal with basic needs.
I’d like to ask the minister responsible what does he plan to do to support the City of Iqaluit in this time of a financial infrastructure crisis.
Hon. Jack Anawak: Qujannamiik, Uqaqti.
Iqaluit is a tax-based municipality and therefore has a lot more autonomy in how it operates its finances than all other Nunavut communities in Nunavut.
However, we have had discussions with the City Council, the Mayor John Matthews as well as continued discussions with the SAO.
Some of the problems that are existent today were there when April 1 came around.
Unfortunately, we did not have enough infrastructure dollars or capital dollars to try and do more for the capital of Iqaluit.
But rest assured that we have offered the City of Iqaluit any assistance we can within the bounds and limits of our financial shortfall for capital dollars.
But again I point out that in all of Nunavut there are an awful lot of communities outside of Iqaluit who are in need of infrastructure dollars and it will be a stretch to try and make sure that everybody benefits from the infrastructure program.
But we will offer any support to Iqaluit as they are pursuing the concept of burning their garbage through incinerators or doing more under the infrastructure program with regards to the roads.
As a matter of fact, one program that Iqaluit will benefit from will be when we get the 4.3 million dollars over four years and spread it evenly across all the Nunavut communities and therefore might be able to do more with the Mayor in terms of working on the road.
But again we are working very closely with the City of Iqaluit.
I know our Deputy Minister or my executive assistant are always talking to Rick to see what more we can do.
So with the shortage of capital dollars, when we can offer to help in kind we will do that for the City of Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker, the minister indicated that the City of Iqaluit is much more autonomous because it is the only tax based community in Nunavut.
Is he therefore indicating that Iqaluit is on its own to solve its problems.
That is what I hear from that Mr. Speaker. To me that is not acceptable.
Offering assistance and support in kind help, that is not going to solve the problem.
We need to find a way to solidify getting some of these problems solved. We see and I understand the infrastructure crisis here in Iqaluit and throughout Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, earlier this year some emergency projects moved ahead.
It had to do with a couple of other communities in Nunavut as a result of their lagoons and their drinking water.
Those are urgent things that need to done.
They've got to be addressed right away.
When are we going to see these issues addressed here in Iqaluit.
The member should not try and second guess what I am saying.
I just said that we will offer in kind what we can do to for the community of Iqaluit.
Understandably coming from Iqaluit he has to worry about the community.
Again, I point out that there has been in the past, there has been assistance to Iqaluit that has not been adequately addressed afterwards.
I know the City of Iqaluit and I've personally talked to them, don't begrudge our offer of in kind.
As a matter of fact I am sure that they are very thankful for what we are trying to do.
All I am saying is that the infrastructure needs of Nunavut are such that the lack of infrastructure dollars, anything that we get has to be spread out evenly including Iqaluit.
May I point out that yes, there are some problems in Iqaluit in terms of the areas of responsibilities that the city has.
But bear in mind that some of those same problems exist in a lot of the other communities in Nunavut who don't have the same kind of access to a, maybe the people that can do the work in their community.
So I know that the city is appreciative of what we are trying to do and we will try to keep what we can for the City of Iqaluit within the bounds of what we get from the federal government in terms of either infrastructure dollars or capital dollars.
Doing what we can, Mr. Speaker, one of the things that I mentioned in my preamble is the water treatment plant.
If we have one fire here that plant is already operating over-capacity.
If there is a major fire here we can pump water through the system.
But the quality of the water will be in question after that.
The City will not be able to say that the water is safe because of the volume and how fast the system is pushing more water through it than it can handle.
Again I would like to ask the minister, what are his plans other than we want to work with them.
Do they have any specific plans on how the department plans to work with the City of Iqaluit to solve these problems.
The City Council basically is the municipal government for the City of Iqaluit.
We are not going to go in and say well this is what you should be doing.
We are going to be working with the City of Iqaluit to ensure that we address their priorities as much as we are able to, bearing in mind that some of the areas that they want to focus on may have to wait for a few years down the road because of the lack of either capital or infrastructure.
But, it is very simple, the City Council will determine its priorities and we will try to address those priorities in the areas where we do offer assistance as a government to the City.
But we are not going to push ourselves into the faces of the City Council, keeping in mind that it is a municipal government and as such, will have to ensure that it feels comfortable with these priorities.
Mr. Tootoo: That's the word that I was waiting to hear Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, the minister indicated that he doesn't want to push onto the City of Iqaluit.
The City of Iqaluit I know has made clear it is very comfortable with stating what its priorities are Mr. Speaker, and as I indicated earlier, the water treatment plant is one of them.
That's a basic necessity that could have huge consequences for the City, to this government and to his department if it is not addressed.
Given the fact that he keeps saying that we will do what we can, the City is a tax based community, as I indicated, the taxpayers of this community already pay for 80 percent of the municipal services that are provided by the City.
That is something that doesn't happen in any other community in Nunavut.
So again, I would like to ask the minister and I still haven't heard an answer, is what specific plans does he and his department have to work with the City of Iqaluit to solve these problems.
We are not going to push ourselves in the face of the City Council.
Here is some information that the member might wish to discuss with the rest of his colleagues in the Baffin region.
Twenty five percent of our capital dollars are being spent in Iqaluit.
Two point six million dollars for solid waste management, 200 thousand dollars for paving roads and 320 thousand dollars for a wheeled dozer.
Again, this is not enough for the City of Iqaluit, but we are spending capital dollars here in Iqaluit which total 25% of our capital for next year.
Question 360 - 1(5): Update on Community Harvester Program
Mr. Speaker, my question today is directed to the Minister of Sustainable Development.
Mr. Speaker, coming from a larger community compared to other communities in Nunavut, there is a very big dependence of people living on the land.
Caribou is a staple of the diet in Baker Lake, and people like to eat it because it is healthy and it’s nutritious.
I was advised by the local Hunters' and Trappers' Association yesterday that the Community Harvesters' Assistance Program seems to be out of money.
Can the minister update me on this program.
This is fairly new to me, so I will be looking into this further and get back to the member.
I didn't want to catch the minister off guard on this one, I was just wondering if he could check into it and advise me if this program is indeed available to community HTOs to provide a small amount of funding for people less fortunate. To buy bullets, gasoline and to hire people to go out and do some hunting for the elders and the widows in the community.
I will provide that information once I receive it.
Question 361 - 1(5): Contributions for Drum Dancing
Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the Minister of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth.
Mr. Speaker, during this year and 2002, there have been cultural activities such as drum dancing in the communities and money has been made available through your department.
How much money have you provided for these drum dancing activities in our communities that travel back and forth amongst communities.
Is he speaking about his community only or is he speaking about all the communities in Nunavut.
I would like some clarification on this.
I am talking about Nunavut wide contributions.
For example there will be a drum dancing activity in Repulse Bay in 2002 and all the communities of Nunavut will be attending this drum dancing event.
They will be celebrating cultural activities.
I wanted to find out what Culture, Language, Elders and Youth puts towards these activities.
I don't have any information with me about the applications he is speaking about, but I can provide that information to him at a later date when I receive it.
Mr. Speaker, if there are going to be Nunavut celebrations, there is a youth group that tried to do their own fundraising through bake sales and some of them ran bingoes.
In one of the communities in my riding, there is a group called Qubliniq Dancers, in Taloyoak who specialize in drum dancing activities and they are asking for funding from the government.
They have collected some money but travelling is very expensive.
They have requested assistance from the government.
I would like to find out when I will be receiving a response to my questions.
Regarding the applicants the member is talking about.
The applicants usually have a deadline of the end of February but after February some applicants do try to apply for funding when this funding has passed its deadline.
Sometimes it is difficult to respond to applicants.
I am not sure if I have the particular application that he is talking about when he is talking about Taloyoak.
I will be looking into this and getting back to him.
Speaker: Has the minister taken this as notice.