EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
The only changes that have been incorporated into the rates have been the Fuel Stabilization Riders that have been added on outside the rates to compensate for the cost of fuel to provide that power or provide the electricity and run the power plants and that.
I do anticipate that in the next year or two, the Qulliq Energy Corporation is planning on coming forward with a General Rate Application to look at exactly that type of thing.
But again, that would be a request by the corporation for a change in the actual rates and I can’t predetermine at this time whether it would be an increase or a decrease. But that request would be put to the Utility Rate Review Council to review and comment on.
Question 046 – 3(1): $2,500 Grant Deadline (Rumbolt)
My question is for the Minister responsible for Education. Earlier, the Premier announced $2,500 for district education authorities to help celebrate the 10th anniversary of Nunavut.
It is my understanding that some schools may not be open on April 1.
So for the benefit of Nunavut residents, I’m wondering if the minister can explain the timeframe in the spending of the $2,500.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister of Education, Hon. Louis Tapardjuk.
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to thank my colleague.
We will be celebrating the 10th anniversary in 2009 for the entire year.
It’s entirely up to the DEAs as to when they want to hold celebrations during the year 2009.
We have that funding available so that the schools and the DEAs can take part in the celebrations, but we haven’t set a date.
We haven’t specified that it can only be used on April 1. It can be used any time this year, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Oral Questions. (interpretation) If there are no more, (interpretation ends) Item 7.
Motion 018 – 3(1): Early Adjournment (Ningeongan)
Pursuant to Rule 46, I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for South Baffin, that the House adjourn for the day.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ningeongan.
The motion is carried and we will proceed directly to Item 22.
A reminder that there is a meeting of the Management and Services Board this afternoon at half past one in the Tuktu Boardroom.
Orders of the Day for March 23:
This House stands adjourned until Monday, March 23, at 1:30 p.m.
>>House adjourned at 11:24
Monday, March 23, 2009
Pages 235 – 284
Opening Prayer 235
Ministers’ Statements 235
Members’ Statements 240
Returns to Oral Questions 247
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 248
Oral Questions 249
Revert to Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 262
Notices of Motions 262
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 263
Report of the Committee of the Whole 283
Orders of the Day 283
Monday, March 23, 2009 235
027 – 3(1): Thank You to Pond Inlet (Aariak) 235
028 – 3(1): Nunavut Housing Trust Apprenticeship Program (Tootoo) 236
029 – 3(1): Than You to Camp Cook Students for their Work During the 10th Annual Kitikmeot Trade Show (Shewchuk) 236
030 – 3(1): IGNITE Program at Aqsarniit School (Tapardjuk) 237
031 – 3(1): Public Health Strategy – Community Gathering (Curley) 238
032 – 3(1): Sun Joy Harvie Maclaren Award (Shewchuk) 239
033 – 3(1): 12th Annual Nunavut Mining Symposium (Taptuna) 240
059 – 3(1): Sealing Issue (Okalik) 240
060 – 3(1): Capital Projects in Repulse Bay (Ningark) 242
061 – 3(1): Congratulations to Sanikiluaq Constituents (Rumbolt) 243
062 – 3(1): Successful Leaders’ Visit to Pond Inlet and Mary River (Arvaluk) 243
063 – 3(1): Ambrose Karlik, Rankin Inlet’s New Fire Chief (Kusugak) 245
064 – 3(1): Extinguishment of Aboriginal Title (Curley) 245
065 – 3(1): Importance of Addressing Substance Abuse (Schell) 247
Return to Oral Question 014 – 3(1): Federal Initiatives in the High Arctic (Aariak) 248
047 – 3(1): Capital Project Plans for Repulse Bay (Ningark) 249
048 – 3(1): Nunavut “Liquor Act” and the Role of Alcohol Education Committees (Schell) 249
049 – 3(1): Legacy of the High Arctic Exiles (Elliott) 250
050 – 3(1): Employment Opportunities for Local People (Okalik) 251
051 – 3(1): Inuit Accounts of Henry Larsen Voyage through Northwest Passage (Arvaluk) 253
052 – 3(1): Inuk Conservation Officer for Baker Lake (Aupaluktuq) 255
053 – 3(1): Representation at Terminology Workshop (Rumbolt) 256
054 – 3(1): Nunavut Ombudsman (Okalik) 257
055 – 3(1): Review of Harvester Support Programs (Ningeongan) 258
056 – 3(1): Energy Efficiency Program under NHC (Ningark) 260
057 – 3(1): Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission (Okalik) 261
019 – 3(1): Opposition to European Union’s Proposed Ban on the Import of Seal Products – Notice (Shewchuk) 262
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2009-2010 – Nunavut Arctic College – Consideration in Committee 263
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2009-2010 – Nunavut Housing Corporation – Consideration in Committee 276
Honourable Eva Aariak, Honourable James Arreak, Mr. James Arvaluk, Mr. Moses Aupaluktuq, Honourable Tagak Curley, Mr. Ron Elliott, Honourable Lorne Kusugak, Mr. John Ningark, Mr. Johnny Ningeongan, Mr. Paul Okalik, Mr. Enuk Pauloosie, Honourable Keith Peterson, Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Mr. Fred Schell, Honourable Daniel Shewchuk, Honourable Louis Tapardjuk, Honourable Peter Taptuna, Honourable Hunter Tootoo.
Before we proceed, I would like to ask Mr. Ningark to say the opening prayer.
Good afternoon, Premier, Ministers, my colleagues, and all Nunavummiut.
Minister’s Statement 027 – 3(1): Thank You to Pond Inlet (Aariak)
I rise at this time to thank the people of Pond Inlet.
As you are aware, on Friday, several of us went to Pond Inlet to hold a countdown celebration to Nunavut’s 10th anniversary.
On behalf of the Hon. Member for Kugluktuk and the Hon. Member for Arviat, I would like to thank the community and the Member for Tununiq, Mr. James Arvaluk, for their hospitality and for organizing the great celebration.
There was a feast of country foods, with a lot of Mattaaq, and a lively square dance.
We cut ten cakes, one for every year since Nunavut’s creation.
We helped all of the 10-year-olds of Pond Inlet celebrate the year of their birth and we recognized Tapisa Pitseolak, Pond Inlet’s Nunavut Baby, who was born on April 1, 1999.
Mr. Speaker, we also took time to thank the community of Pond Inlet for practicing Inuit societal values and working so hard to harvest the trapped narwhal last winter.
The Hon. Member for Arviat and I presented a plaque to the Mittimatalik Hunters and Trappers Association for their role in coordinating the harvest.
Saturday was also productive. We started the day with a trip to Baffinland’s Mary River project to see the deposit and their work camp.
Back in Pond Inlet, we met with the Mayor of Pond Inlet, several councillors and their elders’ representative.
Mr. Speaker, this Cabinet committed to visiting all of Nunavut’s communities to really understand local interests and to empower local solutions.
This year, the 10th anniversary of our territory and government, is the ideal time to visit the communities. Once again, thank you to Pond Inlet for hosting us for the countdown celebration.
Minister’s Statement 028 – 3(1): Nunavut Housing Trust Apprenticeship Program (Tootoo)
I rise today here in our legislature as Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation to update this house on the continued success of the Nunavut Housing Trust Apprenticeship Program.
Mr. Speaker, at the outset of the Housing Trust, the Housing Corporation established the objective of hiring and training local labourers to become apprentices in the skilled construction trades.
At present, 51 registered apprentices are working on Housing Trust job sites across the territory, among which two are women, to achieve their journeyperson certification.
Mr. Speaker, all of these 51 registered apprentices are beneficiaries of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the collaborative efforts of the Nunavut Housing Corporation, the Nunavut Arctic College, and the Department of Education in providing important opportunities to increase the skilled labour force in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut Arctic College delivered 17 pre-trades courses in 2008-09, in addition to the 10 courses delivered in 2007.
The pre-trades courses are a testament to the efforts of the college to support the apprenticeship initiative.
The Department of Education has been diligent as well in its support for these valuable members of Nunavut’s workforce.
And furthermore, Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the work of the Housing Corporation in providing the opportunities for these new apprentices to learn on the job and to begin earning their required hours necessary to move forward in their selected trades.
Mr. Speaker, as a result of these efforts, the majority of Housing Trust job sites have achieved a minimum of 60 percent Inuit employment.
The Housing Corporation, in cooperation with the Department of Education and the Nunavut Arctic College, will continue its efforts to support the development of skilled tradespeople and create long-term employment opportunities for Nunavummiut.
Minister’s Statement 029 – 3(1): Than You to Camp Cook Students for their Work During the 10th Annual Kitikmeot Trade Show (Shewchuk)
I would like to extend our congratulations to the Cambridge Bay Camp Cook students for their hard work during the 10th Annual Kitikmeot Trade Show held February 17 and 18 last month.
During the closing gala and charity auction, students Molly Kaosoni, Benedicta Kayaitok, Verna Ehaloak, Elizabeth Tegumiar, Agnes Akkikungnaq, and Typhanny Porter, along with their instructor, Mr. Andy Poisson, received rousing applause and a standing ovation from everyone in attendance.
The 10th Annual Kitikmeot Trade Show brought together representatives from federal and territorial government departments, businesses, and regional Inuit organizations from across the North.
Those of us who have had to work at these events know how much work and effort it takes, especially to feed all the participants.
Mr. Speaker, the Camp Cook program is designed to provide students with the basic knowledge and skills required to obtain employment in the food industry, mainly at mining camps and other institutional camp settings.
Through hands-on training and classroom instruction, the students are able to enter the marketplace with confidence.
The students worked all day and well into the night to make sure the hard-working exhibitors and delegates were well fed.
We are proud of their work, and on behalf of Nunavut Arctic College and all who attended this year’s trade show, congratulations on a job very well done.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce the Camp Cook program will be offered again in Cambridge Bay starting March 23, 2009.
I encourage all those who are interested in this very successful program to contact our college and apply to this popular program.
Minister’s Statement 030 – 3(1): IGNITE Program at Aqsarniit School (Tapardjuk)
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Good afternoon, my Annuraaqatik, Mr. Speaker.
I will be talking about computers. When I was a young lad, I was very scared when I first touched a computer, but what I’m going to be talking about is totally different.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to tell my fellow members about a three-day technology camp that took place at Aqsarniit School in Iqaluit last fall.
The IGNITE program, which stands for IGNiting Interest in Technology and Engineering, offers students experience in a variety of technology-related activities.
This was the second camp to be held in Nunavut; the first was held in Resolute Bay in 2006.
This program was developed in partnership with the Royal Bank of Canada and IBM as a way to spark interest in engineering and computer sciences among aboriginal and Inuit students across Canada.
Mr. Speaker, from October 8 to 10, 20 students from grades 6, 7, and 8 came together to explore technological possibilities.
On the first day, the students were given electronic circuit boards they could put together to create a number of results - turning on a light and making a door bell or a siren ring. The same day, the students took apart old computers to see how parts go together to make them work. It was quite gratifying, Mr. Speaker, to watch these very young students conduct themselves in this way.
The following day, students spent an afternoon designing their own web pages and were taught about proper web protocol and the dangers of cyber bullying, which happens quite a lot among young people. They also learned how to create and show PowerPoint presentations to the rest of the class.
Mr. Speaker, the highlight of the three-day camp for most of the students was building Lego robots they were able to program and operate by remote control. There were many times during the camp that students were so engaged with their activities that they didn’t want to go home for lunch or even after school.
It was a fun and learning-filled three days thanks to local volunteers from the Department of Education and the Iqaluit branch of the Royal Bank of Canada.
Mr. Speaker, as Nunavut grows, we need to be able to give our students new and exciting career choices of which I was petrified of in my youth.
My expectations are that engineering and computer science options for our students will ensure that Nunavut has a strong technical future.
Minister’s Statement 031 – 3(1): Public Health Strategy – Community Gathering (Curley)
Good morning, all Members of the Legislative Assembly and our Premier.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce the community representatives throughout Nunavut are gathering here in Iqaluit to discuss the Public Health Strategy implementation and the role it plays in the health of all Nunavummiut starting today until the 27th.
Represented participants include health committee chairs, youth committee representatives, community wellness workers, elders, youth, community members, political leaders, community HSS staff, youth workers, school and NAC staff, and elders from the IQ Department of Education group.
The Public Health Strategy was developed through many hours of consultation with community members, Inuit organizations, and members of our department.
Our priority is to focus on community development and collaboration.
Mr. Speaker, we want to increase the capacities of communities to reduce unhealthy lifestyles and improve the overall well-being of residents.
The five-day workshop, led by the public health implementation manager, is designed with the intent of supporting community-driven public health interventions for community identified health needs.
Mr. Speaker, we are covering topics such as culture and community relevancy in today’s context; building on success – stories from communities; and combining information and building on the public health implementation plan.
Promoting and protecting health and preventing disease and injury are integral components of the department’s vision.
The workshop focuses on the health issues facing Nunavummiut.
Through the Public Health Strategy, we are holistically improving Nunavut’s preventative health care delivery. I would like to thank all the people who are gathered here for the workshop.
Minister’s Statement 032 – 3(1): Sun Joy Harvie Maclaren Award (Shewchuk)
I would like to inform the Legislative Assemby that this year, four Nunavut Arctic College students are the receipients of the Sun Joy Harvie Maclaren Award.
The Sun Joy Harvie Maclaren awards, worth $2,500 each, are presented annually to four deserving students in good academic standing and who have made positive contributions to preserving traditional Inuit culture and leadership in their communities.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my congratulations to first year student Ellen Rumbolt of Rankin Inlet and third year student Leeveena Nuyalia of Iqaluit. Both are students of the Nunavut Teacher Education Program.
I would also like to congratulate first year student Nancy Gordon of Rankin Inlet and fourth year student Deborah Strom from Iqaluit. Both are students in the Arctic College Nursing Program.
To be eligible, applicants must be full-time students of the Nunavut Teacher Education or Nursing programs, be resident in Nunavut and intend to work as a nurse or teacher in the North upon completion of their program.
It is important to recognize, Mr. Speaker, that this award may be renewed for up to four years if the students maintain their academic standing and good grades.
Mr. Speaker, these awards validate the hard work, dedication and sacrifice our students make to complete their education, and we know that being a full-time student is not always easy.
On behalf of Nunavut Arctic College, I would very much like to thank Ms. Joy Harvie Maclaren and the Calgary Foundation for their support in making these awards possible. Thank you for supporting and encouraging our students.
If anyone else is going to make Ministers’ Statements, they will have to ask for unanimous consent to extend the time allotted.
Mr. Taptuna, if you wish to make a statement, you will need unanimous consent to extend the Ministers’ Statements period.
I seek unanimous consent to complete my ministerial statement.
The member is seeking unanimous consent to make his statement.
You may proceed with your statement, Mr. Taptuna.
Minister’s Statement 033 – 3(1): 12th Annual Nunavut Mining Symposium (Taptuna)
I want to remind members of an important annual territorial event taking place here in Iqaluit, starting on March 31 until April 2, which will be the 12th Nunavut Mining Symposium.
The Nunavut Mining Symposium attracts representatives of the mining industry from across Canada. Inuit organizations, regulatory and licensing agencies, governments, and community leaders also attend.
The theme for this year’s symposium is “Looking Forward: Translating Challenges into Opportunities.”
I want to inform the Members of this House that while the global economic slowdown is having an impact on mining activity in Nunavut, we remain optimistic about the future of the industry here.
The construction of the Meadowbank gold project near Baker Lake is on schedule and is expected to be in production by this time next year.
There will be a very positive effect on economic growth in the territory.
Other projects are continuing toward production.
The symposium will hear from the companies supporting these projects and we will discuss with them how we can ensure the maximum participation of Nunavummiut in the mining industry through training and education, business development, community engagement, and effective and efficient regulatory processes.
One of the most popular symposium events is the “Town Hall,” which will be broadcast across the territory on the Internet.
I encourage all Nunavummiut to participate and to bring their concerns to the panellists.
Mr. Speaker, we all know these are difficult economic times, but if we do our part and help ensure Nunavummiut are prepared to play a prominent role in the industry, we can expect a bright economic future.
If there is no more, (interpretation ends) Members’ Statements. (interpretation) Wait a moment, I wasn’t looking over there. (interpretation ends) Members’ Statements.
Member’s Statement 059 – 3(1): Sealing Issue (Okalik)
Over the past few days, there have been some good discussions about my agenda and do not want my message to be lost to my fellow Nunavummiut.
I want to let it be known that I’m following the oath that I took in the beginning of my term to the best of my ability and knowledge in the interest of Nunavut.
Although I swore my Oath of Office, that does not begrudge the fact that I am an Inuk, of which I am rather proud of, and I have never hid my cultural pride at any time.
The Inuit of Nunavut paid a heavy price for me to be able to stand before you today.
I, along with my fellow Inuit in Nunavut, gave a part of our aboriginal rights to our land so that we can form our own government on July 9, 1993.
We wanted our own government so that we could tackle our challenges head on and protect our language and culture for the benefit of our future generations.
Mr. Speaker, I have been very vocal about the sealing situation today, as I must in the interests of Inuit, and the Nunavut economy as a whole.
From what I had learned in Europe, the strongest case which I have known to date is that of our firsthand stories of our ties to the seal as Inuit.
So therefore, I want Nunavummiut to be able to give their best case to European Parliamentarians as no other government in our country can do that for us.
I have not asked for any Cabinet Minister to be removed from Cabinet but rather I have said that I want to have the strongest representative to present Nunavut’s case to the outside world.
You are well aware that I have stressed the fact that this government needs to undertake better practices.
As an example of presenting the strongest representative…
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues for unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Mr. Okalik is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement.
You may conclude your statement, Mr. Okalik.
As I have stated, we have to try and present the strongest position and I can talk about the previous positions we presented as a government.
With respect to the division of sealing and fisheries, I moved it to the Department of Environment.
Mr. Speaker, if you recall, this division used to be part of the Department of Economic Development and Transportation.
However, when I appointed a minister to this department at the time, he was a fellow Inuk but he happened to be from a lake and was not in the best position to present our case of the significance of the seal.
Some of my fellow Inuit felt he was too soft on his position.
That is what I wanted to clarify and to illustrate that it is not always a matter of being an Inuk but rather to show the outside world that we have the most capable government for our territory.
Mr. Speaker, it appears that I have hurt some feelings in this Assembly with some of my remarks and how our previous government functioned.
However, I wanted to state that I will never apologize for trying to do what is best for my fellow Inuit.
This is completely tied into my person.
During my tenure in elected office, which is now rather long, I have been called many things that aren’t the most flattering.
This is the unfortunate price that we pay for the positions that we hold.
So you can call me anything that you want, but I will not change my agenda.
Even if that is the case, Mr. Speaker, I represent a wonderfully diverse constituency and I am very fortunate to learn more about their stories each time I have an opportunity to speak with them.
They teach me a lot of their cultural practices.
Even though I represent non-Inuit in my riding, I have always said that my fellow Inuit are still not enjoying the same levels of benefits as the rest of our territory and country.
So my focus has been and will always be to change that so all of Nunavut can have a brighter future. (interpretation ends) Merci, Monsieur le Président.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Members’ Statements. (interpretation) Member for Akulliq, Mr. John Ningark.
Member’s Statement 060 – 3(1): Capital Projects in Repulse Bay (Ningark)
I would also like to send my greetings to Repulse Bay and Kugaaruk residents.
Mr. Speaker, I just recently received a letter from Donat Milortok, the Mayor of Repulse Bay.
They would like to plan and have already initiated the strategic plan as it is always better to have a plan for the future, Mr. Speaker.
The subject of the letter is in regard to what is planned for their community in the upcoming four years, the Repulse Bay Five-Year Capital Plan, and they would like to receive a written response on this matter.
Once our session is over, I plan on going to Repulse Bay, but I’m not sure when that is because we can extend our sittings based on requirements.
Prior to my travel to Repulse Bay, I would like to receive a written copy of the Repulse Bay Five-Year Capital Plan and I will ask questions on that at the appropriate time.