EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to update my colleagues on the status of the pan-Canadian climate change framework and the important work surrounding initiatives in this area.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, First Ministers met on December 9, 2016 and finalized the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.
Every part of Canada must stand together to combat climate change if we are to see real progress. Nunavut is not a significant producer of greenhouse gases. However, we directly feel the impacts of climate change.
Mr. Speaker, we recognize the role of carbon pricing in the Pan-Canadian Framework for Clean Growth and Climate Change.
Given Nunavut’s particular circumstances, the Government of Canada and the Government of Nunavut are working to assess the implications of carbon pricing in the territory for its economy, communities, and people, including energy costs.
This will be an important consideration and one we will be sure to weigh in as we develop, implement, and administer a carbon tax in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, we need the support of the federal government and action by all provinces if we are to make real progress.
As a government, we are also ready to do our part, and I look forward to productive discussions and actions as we address climate change in Canada together. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 449 – 4(3): Chesterfield Inlet Qajaq Program (Sammurtok, T)
I rise today to inform the House of another positive initiative taking place in my constituency.
Mr. Speaker, earlier this year I had the pleasure of writing a letter of support for the Qajaq Program in Chesterfield Inlet.
This long-standing initiative in the community has been led by my constituent, Glen Brocklebank, who is a past recipient of a Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence.
The program brings together elders and youth in a manner that supports the intergenerational teaching of knowledge and values.
Mr. Speaker, the Qajaq Program is looking forward to its 11th year on the water.
I have been advised that in addition to repairing a number of older qajait in the fleet, participants are looking forward to building a number of new boats.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing this positive initiative. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 450 – 4(3): Mamaqtuq Nanook Cooking Club (Angnakak)
Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) Good morning. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide an update on the activities of the Mamaqtuq Nanook Cooking Club, which is run out of Nanook School in Apex.
Mr. Speaker, this is the third year that the free after-school program has been running. It was started by Apex resident Kerry McCluskey as a way to help teach Niaqunnguut children how to cook healthy meals from scratch and on a tight budget.
Every Friday, Kerry and Kootoo Alainga work with 20 to 30 children - that’s a lot of children in the kitchen - to prepare and then eat a nutritious meal.
This year the club has an added emphasis on literacy with the children keeping track of recipes to take home in their own cookbooks.
Mr. Speaker, the children have had many guest speakers and cooks so far this year, including Qajaaq Ellsworth and his famous palaugaaq, which I haven’t had yet, Franco Buscemi and Taha Tabish of the Qanak group, and later on today Donika Jones will be visiting the club to teach the children how to make jerk chicken and festival bread in recognition of Black History Month.
Mr. Speaker, with a small budget provided under the Brighter Futures program, this club is a success by any standard and deserves our applause.
Mr. Speaker, as the club also relies on the generosity, participation, and support of community residents and businesses, the children make sure to give back to the community. They have visited the Qayuqtuvik Food Centre and the Uquutaq Men’s Shelter to prepare food for the clients there.
I encourage my colleagues to drop by the Mamaqtuq Nanook Cooking Club at Nanook School. If you time your visit just right, I know they will invite you to even stay for a meal. A warning though: you will need to sing for your supper.
Be prepared to speak to the club participants about your role as an MLA.
Member’s Statement 451 – 4(3): Baker Lake Long-term Service Awards (Mikkungwak)
I rise this morning to recognize the dedication and hard work of our government employees in Baker Lake.
Shortly after our last sitting I was honoured to be present at the long-term service awards ceremony in Baker Lake.
I would like to recognize those Baker Lake residents who have provided important services to our community.
Mr. Speaker, for working in the Department of Education for five years, I acknowledge the service of Sonia Osbourne, Sarah Iksiktaaryuk, and Shelly Pepler.
A longest-serving employee of the Department of Education is Uliut-Elizabeth Iksiktaaryuk. She has worked for 40 years as a teacher and she was also my Inuktitut teacher.
I would also like to acknowledge an employee of the Department of Culture and Heritage for 10 years, Sarah Sevoga, as well as employees of the Department of Health for 10 years, Robyn Priva and Gretchen Rama.
Working in the Department of Community and Government Services for five years is David Penney.
Also working in the Department of Community and Government Services for 15 years are Leah Aupaluktuq and Kyle Seeley.
(interpretation) I don’t hear any nays. Mr. Mikkungwak, please proceed.
I was very pleased that many individuals were recognized.
An employee who was recognized for working at the Qulliq Energy Corporation for 10 years is Ryan Ramaglia.
Also working at the Qulliq Energy Corporation for 15 years are Anna Aittauq, Katherine Bodner, Douglas Iglookyouak, Craig Simailak,  Ruth Stoddart, Ruth Tapatai, and Rosie Iyago.
Mr. Speaker, I am very happy and proud that I was able to attend the awards ceremony in Baker Lake when they recognized employees for their dedication and service to the residents of Baker Lake and Nunavut.
I congratulate all of them this morning.
Member’s Statement 452 – 4(3): Marine Infrastructure (Qirngnuq)
Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning to my fellow residents of Kugaaruk as well as the residents of Taloyoak, my colleagues, and our Premier.
I rise today to talk about marine infrastructure.
Mr. Speaker, as you may be aware, Kugaaruk’s annual sealift is uniquely challenging.
Our location and lack of marine infrastructure has meant that the community’s annual sealift is normally first routed to Nanisivik by a commercial carrier and then transported to the community by the Coast Guard.
In 2014 severe ice conditions prevented a significant volume of cargo from being [delivered] to the community, and supplies were diverted down south and subsequently airlifted to the community.
Better marine infrastructure for the community would help to address community needs.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Economic Development and Transportation’s Community Transportation Initiatives Program provides up to $300,000 for projects that support local community marine infrastructure.
In the 2015-16 fiscal year the municipality received $32,000 for dredging and harbour repairs.
I encourage the municipality to work with the department to identify what resources would be required to achieve significant improvements to the community’s marine infrastructure.
Member’s Statement 453 – 4(3): Recognition of Firefighter Pauloosie Qaumagiaq (Joanasie)
Good morning to my colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to say how happy and proud I am of the recent recognition of the fire chief in Cape Dorset.
Mr. Speaker, Pauloosie Qaumagiaq was recognized on February 14 for his many years of service as a firefighter and received his 30-year service medal. He also received certificates from the Governor General of Canada and the Nunavut government for 20 and 30 years respectively for his service.
I would also like to recognize the volunteer firefighters in Nunavut who give their time and energy to provide this service.
I thank the Office of the Fire Marshal and the mayor of Cape Dorset for recognizing Pauloosie Qaumagiaq.
I ask you to join me in congratulating Pauloosie Qaumagiaq and all the volunteer firefighters in Nunavut for their service.
Member’s Statement 454 – 4(3): The Nunavut Agreement Not Being Implemented (Keyootak)
Good morning to the residents of my community, my constituents in Qikiqtarjuaq, and my colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to raise a concern I’ve had in some ways.
Mr. Speaker, as Members of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut, we all know that this government was created with the passage of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
Many of us here were part of the struggle for the creation of Nunavut in order to achieve self-government.
We must never forget that the land claims agreement enabled us to be here today.
Mr. Speaker, my question is: are we all in support of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement?
Mr. Speaker, maybe there is some underlying doubt and things that are hindering the expectations of the Inuit.
It seems we pay the least attention to those who voted for Nunavut, including those who are no longer with us.
Some no longer want to participate in the voting process.
Mr. Speaker, as a result of the expectations of Inuit in favour of Nunavut’s creation being ignored, we instead spend more time on climate change that we hear so much about in the news.
Mr. Speaker, our constituents’ expectations for Nunavut are not being expressed.
Mr. Speaker, our colleague here who also is our elder struggles hard to have Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and capability incorporated within government.
The issues that the distinguished member raises are the things that Nunavummiut clamoured for with the creation of Nunavut.
Many are tired of waiting for overdue action.
The Member for Uqqummiut is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement.
Are there any nays? There are no nays. Mr. Keyootak, please proceed.
Mr. Speaker, we worked extremely hard to try to get Nunavut so that Inuit can make positive progress within government.
We did not want Nunavut without a government; we wanted it to have a government.
One of the reasons I know and perhaps all of us clamoured for Nunavut was so that… . We were part of the NWT, which had its own legislature before we got Nunavut. We had our own representatives in the NWT legislature.
Because Inuit are marine people, except for Baker Lake, the regulations dealing with marine life are not designed for Inuit. That is why Inuit wanted the creation of Nunavut so that they can establish their own laws which are more tailored to our marine lifestyle and more Inuit-friendly.
The other thing that I understood why people wanted Nunavut is that Inuit knowledge and abilities were not part of the government’s structure.
This provided the main thrust for our push to create Nunavut. I believe we forget that all too often today.
Inuit who voted for Nunavut should be given more priority in appreciation for Nunavut’s establishment.
In addition, we hear nowadays about many people who don’t want to vote in elections anymore, saying that nothing will be achieved once more.
This is sadly regrettable.
We know that in earlier days turnout used to be very high in hopes that their votes will count.
Today the voter turnout has dramatically dropped, with many feeling remorse that their votes don’t produce expected results.
We need to be more responsive to that sentiment as lawmakers and make true the words that our own elder here continually insists, which is to fully entrench Inuit knowledge and abilities into the government.
Member’s Statement 455 – 4(3): Celebrating Black History Month (Okalik)
Thank you, my fellow Pauloosie.
It’s Friday today and occasionally we tell humorous stories on Fridays.
You all know I really support my Montreal Canadiens, but today I try to wear only blue because I’m tired of being beaten. I thought maybe if I wear blue today, we will win more, but we will see. I’m trying to be very blue in colour today.
When I was a teenager in our community, my older brother Joelie got his first job at the store and he was happy because there were very few jobs in our community.
After he started working, it was the very first time he ever gave me a Christmas present. When I opened it, it was a Toronto Maple Leaf jacket. I told him, “I can’t wear that.
It’s that team. I can’t really support that colour. I only support the Montreal Canadiens.”
He then told me, “I’ll never give you another present again.” Up to this day he has never given me another present.
Although they are more than capable most of the time, they need assistance every now and then.
Here in our community this coming Sunday we will be asked to attend an event as neighbours at the Cadet Hall. The local black community will be celebrating their history and wish to share their celebration with us. I have experienced nothing but good things whenever I associate with the black community.
Their celebration will start at 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. and it’s free. They will be presenting their ways of dancing, tell stories, and offer their own special food.
I invite all of you because they will be welcoming us and we thank them.
Member’s Statement 456 – 4(3): Snowmobile Shipped to Wrong Community (Mike)
Good morning, people of Nunavut, residents of my community, and my colleagues. To the people who are grieving in Pangnirtung, you are in my thoughts, especially my maternal aunts.
I rise today as I recently mentioned that during last Christmas we had some bad news.
Normally as we head home around Christmastime, we go to be with our family and go hunting, which is an important pastime.
I have a skidoo in Iqaluit and I tried to send it to Pangnirtung because I would want to hunt and I would want to have a skidoo while I was there.
I had to come back to Iqaluit in January, yet that snowmobile never arrived in Pangnirtung.
I tried to go to the cargo to pick up my snowmobile at the warehouse.
When I requested it, they told me it wasn’t there and that it wasn’t in their possession, so it was lost. They finally tracked it down in Hall Beach.
It was addressed to Pangnirtung. I asked for it because even around here in Iqaluit I hunt once in a while when I have the opportunity.
Mr. Johnny Mike, please proceed.
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, colleagues.
When they finally found it, it was in Hall Beach and in possession of the Northern Store there. I thought maybe I’m not the only one who has experienced this. People sometimes lose things.
Some people going from Pangnirtung to Iqaluit have tried to bring country food and their cargo has gone missing. It’s just less than an hour flight from Pangnirtung to Iqaluit and they have lost cargo.
I also found out sometimes when we’re leaving Iqaluit, we have to fly to Qikiqtarjuaq to get to Pangnirtung.
If we’re going to Iqaluit from Pangnirtung, we sometimes have to go to Clyde River to get to Iqaluit.
Our flight that is less than an hour if it’s a direct flight turns into three hours.
I also discovered on my own and the airline executives are aware that there was a medical travel patient from Iqaluit who was deplaned in Qikiqtarjuaq.
I notified the airline executives of that. We have been apologized for that and I’m grateful for that.
It is something that you don’t want to see happen again. I’m very happy that on May 17, 2017 the airlines will go back to the old way.
With the new system there will probably be more lost cargo and more confusion. I hope that these kinds of incidents don’t happen again.
I really lost a major hunting item at that time because I like to hunt and eat fresh meat from the land and sea.
Member’s Statement 457 – 4(3): Ordering Vehicle Parts from Ontario (Kuksuk)
Today is Friday and listening to my colleagues here, it’s good when you hear humorous stories. When we get closer to the weekend, we like to lighten things up and laugh with each other since we do a lot of serious work.
Mr. Speaker, my colleague right beside me just reminded me, so I would like to tell a short story.
Sometimes I look for cheap car parts and I found what I was looking for in Ontario while I was in Arviat.
I told them they would have to send it to Arviat and I told them the route. It would be trucked from Winnipeg to Churchill.
I was expecting it and after two weeks there was no news. I tried to check on it to see where my car part was now.
I called the distributor and they were going to check into it and get right back to me.
I said yes and they called me about two days later.
They asked, “Are you near Aklavik?”
I asked them, “What?” “Is your community close to Aklavik?” “No, that’s on the other side of the country (interpretation ends) from where I am. (interpretation) I’m in Hudson Bay and Aklavik is over there on the other side of Canada.”
They said that the part that I ordered is over there now.
They told me, “Don’t worry. You don’t have to pay any more.
It will be sent through Edmonton.” Mr. Speaker, I didn’t expect to hear that at all. It’s just a car part that I ordered.
It was quite heavy and it needed to be trucked first.
It ended up in Aklavik and it was so far from me.
In conclusion, as we’re coming to this weekend, there’s a youth hockey tournament in the Kivalliq that started yesterday evening.
There are teams from Arviat, Chesterfield Inlet, and other communities.
I was informed last night that the teams from Whale Cove and Arviat both won their first games. I’m very proud of the Arviat and Whale Cove hockey teams. I hope that you will be just fine and have a great competition in Rankin Inlet with the other communities in the Kivalliq.
Question 602 – 4(3): Construction and Purchase of New Public and Staff Housing Units (Sammurtok, A)
Mr. Alexander Sammurtok (interpretation): Good morning, people of Rankin Inlet and Nunavut, as well as my colleagues.
Earlier this year News/North reported that the Nunavut Housing Corporation recently spent $14.3 million to purchase 62 new housing units in Iqaluit from a private developer.
For the benefit of the listening public, can the minister clearly explain today why this purchase did not require approval by the Legislative Assembly through a supplementary appropriation request?
Speaker: The Hon. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. George Kuksuk.
In regard to the member’s question, it’s true that we had purchased the housing units in Iqaluit from a private developer. They dealt with this in accordance with prescribed procedures.
The minister of the day dealt with that.
Once I became a minister, I saw the process of how this was purchased.
There are procedures that we follow in the government or the housing corporation. Whenever we have to purchase private units, there is a policy that guides us in how we go about it.
That is what we followed to purchase private homes in Iqaluit.
Before the purchase of the 62 new units took place, the Nunavut Housing Corporation already planned to construct 20 new public housing units in Iqaluit between now and the end of the 2018-19 fiscal year.
If my math is correct, this is a total of 82 new public and staff housing units for the capital. However, not a single new public or staff housing unit is planned for Rankin Inlet during this same time period.
Mr. Speaker, even 10 percent of this total number would be a real help for Rankin Inlet.
Will the minister commit to reallocating a portion of this total so that Rankin can see at least some new public or staff housing construction take place over the next two years?
In regard to the question of Rankin Inlet getting units, we at the Nunavut Housing Corporation have continually stated that we follow the allocation methodology where housing units are allocated to the communities in the most need.
We still use that methodology today.
That process is used to determine which communities will be allocated housing in partnership with the local housing authorities.
Mr. Speaker, for example, in my colleague’s constituency community of Rankin Inlet, their need is at 30 percent compared to all other communities in Nunavut.
In regard to the other question, if some units can be reallocated to Rankin Inlet, we will have to follow another process. Mr. Speaker, we have look at another policy carefully when we take that process.
The policy requires that we look at the allocations and which communities have what and what their need level is. We will examine what effect it would have if their allocation was transferred elsewhere. We can’t just transfer units under this policy.
We would have to look closely at the need level in the community that would have their allocation transferred.
We would also have to reassess those needs between the communities where the transfer would take place. The overarching rule is which community has the most need.
Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) The minister of the housing corporation indicated that Rankin Inlet required 30 percent, but if he remembers right, I had an argument with him last March and it was with the listing and information that I got from the local housing association. It was 37 percent.
The Legislative Assembly approved the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s capital estimates during our recent fall sitting, shortly before the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s purchase of the 62 new units in Iqaluit was finalized.
I have a very simple question for the minister: why did he not mention at that time that the Nunavut Housing Corporation was planning to make such a major purchase of new housing units?
Hon. George Kuksuk: Mr. Speaker, again my answer is very simple like I answered the member earlier.
(interpretation) We followed our policy to the fullest, the same purchasing policy used by the GN. That’s the only response I can provide to the member.
Question 603 – 4(3): Staff Housing for Nurses (Shooyook)
As the minister is aware, Arctic Bay’s new health centre will be opening very soon.
This is very good news. However, I have heard concerns about the need to ensure that there is adequate staff housing in the community for nurses at the community health centre.
Can the minister confirm how many staff housing units will be available for nurses once the new health centre opens?
I thank the member for that question. It brings up an opportunity to talk about some of the ways we have managed to save money in the construction for the health centre in Arctic Bay.
What we did was we removed the staff housing from the actual health centre infrastructure.
Now there are five staff housing units that are being constructed right beside the health centre that is designated for medical staff housing.
I don’t have the information in front of me of how many staff housing units are already in use, but these would be five units that are being specifically constructed with the assistance of the Nunavut Housing Corporation for medical staff housing specifically for that facility.
I also thank the Minister of Health for his response.
It is important that our nurses, who work long hours under great pressure, have proper housing.
Will any of Arctic Bay’s nurses be required to live in shared housing units once the new health centre opens?
As all members are aware, when we’re talking about housing across the territory and as to the previous question, the Minister of the Nunavut Housing Corporation recognizes how critical this need is.
When we’re trying to find a balance as a government of creating staff housing and public housing, there are strains on both sides of it.
On occasion we are forced as a department to request our staff to share accommodations.
With these five units coming on board, I can’t answer the member’s question directly. It depends on the staffing levels.
We’re doing to a lot of great work into making sure that we’re hiring indeterminate staff for our community health centres, but there are occasions where we’re still forced to use casual nurses or casual staff in addition to, on some occasion, agency nurses.
The housing needs fluctuate in some communities on a monthly basis, but we are working very hard with our HR division to stabilize our indeterminate nurses so that we have a very clear picture of what our housing needs are on an ongoing basis.