EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I wish to advise members that the Hon. George Kuksuk will be absent from the House for the rest of the sitting due to medical reasons. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Taptuna.
Minister’s Statement 065 – 4(3): March 2016 First Ministers’ Meeting of Canada’s Premiers (Taptuna)
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to tell my colleagues about the upcoming meeting of Canada’s Premiers in Vancouver on March 3 of this year.
At this meeting, I look forward to speaking with my provincial and territorial counterparts to establish a pan-Canadian framework for combatting climate change.
We promised to meet within 90 days of the Paris Conference of the Parties 21 to do this and I am proud to fulfill this commitment.
Mr. Speaker, we must take steps to mitigate climate change in order to ensure future generations can enjoy the land as we have.
I will be travelling to Vancouver to emphasize this and will stress that the effects of climate change disproportionately impact the north.
Mr. Speaker, my aim at the First Ministers’ Meeting is to be clear that climate change mitigation and adaption needs to go hand in hand with responsible economic development, particularly in our territory of Nunavut.
As well, I will raise the issue of a pan-Canadian price on carbon. Right now, it does not factor in the challenges of living in northern and remote communities.
Without flexibility, a blanket price on carbon will increase the costs of basic necessities throughout Nunavut and it will make it more difficult for people to do business in our territory.
At the First Ministers’ Meeting, I will make it clear that flexibility in meeting our climate targets is essential to ensuring both the economic success of our territory, our ability to adapt to the changing environment, and our eventual transition to a green, carbon-neutral economy.
Minister’s Statement 066 – 4(3): Team Nunavut Headed to Arctic Winter Games 2016 (Savikataaq)
Team Nunavut is participating in the 2016 Arctic Winter Games (AWGs) to be held in Nuuk, Greenland, from March 6 to 11; with the bantam boys and junior female hockey competitions taking place in Iqaluit from March 7 to 10.
Team Nunavut is made up of 186 participants, including athletes, coaches, managers, mission staff, and cultural performers who will represent Nunavut on the world stage. Our athletes will participate in the cultural program and nine sports and these sports are Arctic Sports, badminton, basketball, Dene Games, hockey, futsal, which is soccer, table tennis, volleyball, and wrestling.
In their preparation for competition, our athletes have demonstrated the Inuit societal values of Pijariuqsarniq in the continuous development of skills through observation, mentoring, practise, and effort; and Pijitsirniq in their service and dedication to their families and communities.
Of course, their success is due in a large part to the parents, coaches, volunteers, and staff of territorial sport organizations that continue to support them.
Mr. Speaker, I know all Nunavummiut will feel a great sense of pride when the Nunavut flag is raised at the opening ceremonies in Nuuk.
This is the first time Arctic Winter Games competitions have been hosted here since 2002.
In Iqaluit, for hockey, we look forward to welcoming teams from Alaska, Northern Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and the Yukon.
The hockey event is being hosted through cooperative agreements between the Greenlandic Host Society, the City of Iqaluit, the Government of Nunavut, the Iqaluit Amateur Hockey Association, and the Iqaluit District Education Authority.
Mr. Speaker, I invite all Members of the House to join me in the foyer at break time to greet our Team Nunavut athletes and take part in the uniform unveiling and pin presentation ceremony.
Minister’s Statement 067 – 4(3): Restorative Justice Training (Okalik)
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, have a good day.
The Department of Justice has provided training to community justice specialists and outreach workers and is now providing training to community justice committees to increase the capacity of the restorative justice program.
Restorative justice is a response to crime that seeks to include all those involved in efforts to meaningfully address the harm and repair trust.
It focusses on teaching and healing rather than isolation and punishment.
Restorative justice also promotes Inuit traditional values of justice by addressing the impacts of crime on communities as a whole.
The training includes role plays and open dialogues about how to bring a victim and offender together in a safe environment.
This work is being done with justice committee members, members of the RCMP, social workers, and mental health workers.
To date, the department has completed training in Iqaluit, Arctic Bay, and Clyde River.
Coral Harbour and Gjoa Haven will be trained by the end of March 2016.
Communities that have not been trained will be trained with the assistance of their community justice outreach worker and community justice specialist.
Minister’s Statement 068 – 4(3): Sivuliqtiksat Internship Graduates (Taptuna)
I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of three members of our public service.
Today, Sarah Papatsie, Shane Papatsie, and Arsene Sivanertok will celebrate their graduation from the Sivuliqtiksat Internship Program.
Mr. Speaker, Sarah started her internship with the Department of Justice in Iqaluit in October 2014.
Through the guidance and support of Sarah’s trainer, Danielle Lepage, Nunavut Official Editor/Territorial Printer, Sarah successfully completed her internship as the manager, translator – Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun on October of 2015.
Through hard work and dedication, she was placed into the intern position, which gave her the opportunity to grow as a manager.
Mr. Speaker, Shane began his internship with the Department of Community and Government Services in Iqaluit in December of 2013.
Through the guidance and support of Shawn Watchorn, Records Analyst, he successfully completed his internship as a records analyst in December of 2015.
Records analyst is specialized to Community and Government Services, and Shane benefited from workshops and courses that are directly related to the field.
Mr. Speaker, Arsene started his internship with the Department of Economic Development and Transportation in Cambridge Bay in February 2013. Through the guidance and support of Wiz Mohammed, Manager Transportation Programs for the Kitikmeot Region, Arsene successfully completed his internship as the transportation programs officer in February of this year.
Transportation program officers are specialized and highly sensitive positions.
Arsene will now provide functional and technical advice to Nunavut Airports headquarters staff to ensure safe, effective and efficient operation, maintenance, and management of airport facilities and services.
Mr. Speaker, the Sivuliqtiksat Internship Program is an excellent example of our government’s work to increase Inuit employment in the territory’s public service.
Please join me in congratulating these new graduates.
Minister’s Statement 069 – 4(3): Tell Me a Story Book Bags (Quassa)
Our government has made education our top priority.
As we develop education programs and services, it is important to recognize that a child’s learning begins at birth and parents and families are a child’s first and most important teachers.
With funding support from the Department of Culture and Heritage, my department has developed the project, Tell Me a Story.
We have purchased a series of 11 culturally relevant books in Nunavut’s official languages, presented in a tote bag that will be given to parents who have infants.
Research shows that reading to your children more than once a day when they are young has a positive impact on their future academic success. We want to give parents the tools they need to help them develop a strong teaching and learning relationship with their children as early as possible.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Health has helped us connect with Canadian Prenatal Nutrition Program staff in the communities who will distribute the book bags to new parents.
My department is also sending the Tell Me a Story book bags to all licensed early childhood facilities in Nunavut as well as the public libraries.
Mr, Speaker, we have distributed 995 Tell Me a Story book bags and the information sheets that go along with them.
This represents over 10,000 books to help us promote the importance of literacy to families and emphasize the benefits that reading brings to young children.
That’s the statement that I wanted to make.
Member’s Statement 142 – 4(3): House Fire in Arctic Bay (Shooyook)
I say “good day” to the people of Nunavut who are watching the proceedings, my fellow community members, and those who are listening. Welcome. My colleagues and ministers, welcome to the House this afternoon.
The reason why I rise today, which I believe you already are aware of this incident, is that I have to make a statement as the representative.
Just this last weekend in our community, a house caught fire that housed a family.
I believe some of the members may know the individual, especially those living in Igloolik.
Levi Laisa, who has a physical disability, is currently in Igloolik receiving assistance there.
His private home was being house-sat by his grandchild and the fire started accidentally causing the house fire.
Nobody was injured, by that I mean there were no deaths resulting from the fire.
The fact that it burned is secondary. It is unfortunate that the house caught fire.
Mr. Speaker, I went to see the individual who was house-sitting and he conveyed that as he was trying to extinguish the fire, his hands were badly burnt.
He was emotional; perhaps he felt responsible and sorry for the loss of the home. He also has two small children. Just this winter, his spouse passed away.
Perhaps he was worried about the loss of the unit to go to and that may have caused his grief. I felt a lot of compassion for my constituent.
He is fine other than his burns and nobody passed away due to that incident, so I am sharing that event with my colleagues, as this event occurred suddenly in Arctic Bay.
Member’s Statement 143 – 4(3): Congratulations to Laura Arngna’naaq (Mikkungwak)
I rise today to congratulate another individual who has made Baker Lake proud.
Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, the 2016 Indspire awards were presented at a gala event held in Vancouver.
Mr. Speaker, Indspire is an indigenous registered charity that invests in education of indigenous people for the long-term benefit of these individuals, their families, their communities, and Canada.
Mr. Speaker, this year’s recipient of the Indspire award for Inuit youth was Laura Arngna’naaq.
Mr. Speaker, Laura is the daughter of Silas Arngna’naaq, who was a former MLA for Baker Lake prior to division, and Terri Thayer.
Mr. Speaker, Laura graduated from Trent University with a Bachelor of Business Administration.
She subsequently graduated from the University of Toronto with a Masters of Management and Professional Accounting Program.
Laura has served as secretary treasurer on Tungasuvvingat Inuit’s board of directors.
Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss if I did not note that Laura’s sister, Sarah, who is another role model for our youth, is also pursuing a challenging career as a lawyer for the Public Prosecution Service of Canada.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Laura Arngna’naaq for being one of this year’s Indspire award recipients.
Member’s Statement 144 – 4(3): Rankin Inlet Hockey Tournament (Sammurtok, A)
Mr. Alexander Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Good day, my fellow Rankin Inlet residents, Nunavummiut, and my colleagues.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the winners of the 2016 Challenge Cup, which was held in Rankin Inlet on February 25 to 27.
The tournament against the Kivalliq Canucks and the Baffin Blizzards, both of the junior team program, the winner of this tournament were the Kivalliq Canucks.
Congratulations! The following is the list of names:
Josh Tartak
Conner Faulkner
Ethan Matoo
K.J. Putulik
Kaelan Collier
Lenny Emiktowt
Sandy Jr. Saviakjuk
Jon Maktar
Craig Nanordluk
Devon Siutinuar
Keegan Burton
Jacob Nakoolak
Rueben Saviakjuk
Stephane Nukapiak.
The coaches were Donald Clarke, Steven Faulkner, and David Clarke.
Last but not least, the tournament sponsors were Junior Team Program, Hockey Canada, Calm Air, and Hockey Nunavut.
Congratulations to the Kivalliq Canucks. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Member’s Statement 145 – 4(3): Tribute to the Late Paul Kanayok Sr. (Sammurtok, T)
I rise today to pay tribute to Paul Kanayok Sr., who passed away earlier this month.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, Paul Kanayok was born in the Chesterfield Inlet area in 1942.
Paul began providing for his family at a very early age following the passing of his own father.
A lifelong hunter and trapper, Paul was well known throughout the Kivalliq as a tireless volunteer with his community’s hunters and trappers organization and the search and rescue organization.
He was also a volunteer firefighter and a member of the Canadian Rangers.
Mr. Speaker, Paul Kanayok’s contributions to the community and region span a number of decades.
Following a stint at the Rankin Inlet North nickel mine in the 1950s and the merchant marines in the 1960s, he returned to Rankin Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, people say that Rankin Inlet is what it is today because of Paul Kanayok’s many years of work in helping to construct our community’s infrastructure.
Mr. Speaker, Paul Kanayok was also well known for hauling freight by sea between Churchill and Rankin Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in paying tribute to the late Paul Kanayok Sr., who was a true giant in the Kivalliq. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 146 – 4(3): Igloolik Neighbourhood Watch (Quassa)
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “hello” to my fellow community members and Nunavummiut.
I rise today to speak of an initiative that was just recently started in Igloolik.
Wherever we live in our communities, there are many activities locally. Some communities band together to create initiatives and by working together, they are able to successfully complete them.
Now, this initiative which is called (interpretation ends) neighbourhood watch (interpretation) in English is a neighbourhood getting together to form a watch in their area, keeping an eye out for any kind of illegal activities.
This initiative was recently started in Igloolik.
I want to acknowledge this person, although there were quite a number of individuals involved.
Nonetheless, the person who started this initiative was Buffy Angutirjuak.
I wanted to acknowledge this person here in the House as it shows that when a community works as a singular unit, they can have very successful initiatives.
We have seen various success stories from other communities.
I wanted to encourage our community and others to consider this (interpretation ends) neighbourhood watch (interpretation) as a program they can initiate for some of their neighbourhoods. This program watches out for the neighbourhood to ensure illegal activities do not occur.
I urge other communities to consider that as this program has already provided benefits to our community.
I wanted to share this piece of good news with my colleagues about this event and I encourage our fellow communities to consider that type of program in Nunavut.
Member’s Statement 147 – 4(3): Black History Month in Iqaluit (Okalik)
Today, I also wish to share some celebratory news. The month of February is ending.
This month is Black History Month and they shared stories about their history.
As some members may recall from long ago, there used to be one black person living in Iqaluit and his name was Lionel Jones. From that beginning, the number of black citizens in Iqaluit has increased and I wanted to recognize them.
This is their third year celebrating this event. Although they have various times throughout the year to celebrate events, this was only the third year here for commemorating Iqaluit’s black citizens and they chose February as their month.
They had festivities that were very engaging, as they had prepared an entire month’s worth of activities, with different events taking place like storytelling and presentations on black cultural history in Canada.
I was just planning to peek in to the festivities and their shows, but I ended up staying the whole afternoon because I so enjoyed the atmosphere and it was very interesting to see their dances, singing, as well as their dietary offerings to the public.
I wanted to express my appreciation to the following organizers of Black History Month: Adrian Allder, Cedric Rusike, Lekan Thomas, Sharon Blades, Stephanie Bernard, Jude Lewis, Gillian Lewis, Alan Webb, Miali Coley, Teegee Akande, Shola Egbuna, and Stephan Willick.
They worked very hard to prepare and set up the month recognition and it was very good to see.
I urge everyone to attend these events next year.
Member’s Statement 148 – 4(3): Constituents Attend Volleyball Tournament (Keyootak)
I rise today to congratulate individuals that came to play in a volleyball tournament.
Although they didn’t win, I am very proud of them for participating.
Their names are: Rosemary Metuq, Pasha Kuniliusie, Karen Kuniliusie, Lucy Kuniliusie, Gina Aliqatuqtuq, Gina Iqqaalik, and Nicki Walkley. I would like to congratulate these individuals for taking part in the volleyball tournament in my community.
I am very proud of our athletes who play in tournaments.
We should be proud of them because it encourages and helps support good, healthy living.
Member’s Statement 149 – 4(3): Constituency Meeting in Kugluktuk (Taptuna)
One of the most important roles as an MLA is to ensure that we keep in contact with our constituents and we meet with them on a regular basis.
In many constituencies, it is done by hosting calls on programs on local radio. In some communities, it’s a meeting; meetings held regularly with the hamlet council or with the constituencies themselves.
Mr. Speaker, I recently held a constituency meeting in Kugluktuk. Of course, as we all know as MLAs, it is important to listen and to hear from our constituents. Several excellent points and questions were raised, Mr. Speaker.
It almost felt like it was question period in the House at my meeting. Mr. Speaker, I have taken note of what was asked and the questions made and I will be raising many of these issues brought forward at the meeting in the coming days with my colleagues.
I want to take this opportunity to thank the many Kuglukturmiut who attended the meeting and provided very good feedback to me as their MLA.
Member’s Statement 150 – 4(3): Kugaaruk and Taloyoak Housing Authorities (Qirngnuq)
I would also like to say “good day” to the people of Kugaaruk and my colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to make the following statement: (interpretation ends) I rise today to acknowledge the important work that is done by the members of our local housing authorities and associations.
Mr. Speaker, both Kugaaruk and Taloyoak have housing authorities.
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the individuals in both communities who were recently appointed to serve on these authorities.
The new members of the Taloyoak Housing Authority are: Jonah Johnson, Christine Kamingoak-Lyall, John Mannilaq, Becky Ugyuk, Deena Pauloosie, Dora Uqaiyaut, and Iola Takolik.
The new members of the Kugaaruk Housing Authority are: Ilisiusi Alakannuark, Murray Anguti, Rachel Illuitok, Randy Inutuinaq, Barthelemy Nirlungayuk, Brenda Qarulaaq, and Katrina Qirngnuq.
Mr. Speaker, the members of our local housing authorities have important and challenging responsibilities with respect to ensuring that public housing allocation decisions are made fairly, ensuring that public housing rents are collected, and ensuring that the concerns of the community are communicated effectively to the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
Mr. Speaker, in reviewing the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s most recent annual report, I note that strong improvements have been made in recent years in both communities with respect to collection rates.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in acknowledging the important work of the members of our local housing authorities and associations.
Member’s Statement 151 – 4(3): Funding Announcement for Cape Dorset (Joanasie)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share the significant announcement made this morning regarding the Cape Dorset Kenojuaq Cultural Centre.
Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to thank the Hon. Member for Parliament for Nunavut, Hunter Tootoo, for joining Hon. Premier Peter Taptuna and Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services Joe Savikataaq to announce funding for this important project.
Mr. Speaker, Cape Dorset’s art is world-renowned.
As such, it gives me great pleasure that our governments are helping to recognize the strength of our communities.
Mr. Speaker, the $2 million identified for the Kenojuaq Cultural Centre will go a long way to making the project a reality.
I would also like to thank the wonderful support of the fundraising committee backed by the Cape Dorset municipal council who are pushing this project forward.
I also give special recognition to Nunavut Senator Dennis Patterson for highlighting this important project in a statement last week in the Senate.
Mr. Speaker, join me in celebrating the exciting news for the Kenojuaq Cultural Centre for which Cape Dorset and Nunavut are proud.
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. The Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Taptuna.
It gives me great pleasure to stand up twice in a row in recognizing some very special people here.
Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize Sarah Papatsie, the Sivuliqtiksavut graduate that I spoke about earlier. She’s from Iqaluit. She has completed a one-year internship to become a manager in translations, Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun.
She’s with the Department of Justice. Sarah’s trainer is Danielle Lepage. She just left.
Of course, she’s from Iqaluit.
Shane Papatsie, Sivuliqtiksavut graduate from Iqaluit, completed two years of internship to become a records analyst with the Department of Community and Government Services.
Shane’s trainer is Shawn Watchorn. I’m not sure if I’m pronouncing that right.
She’s from Iqaluit and is currently the records analyst for CGS.
Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to recognize these folks who have put a lot of effort and hard work into succeeding in their internship.
Speaker: Welcome to the gallery. (interpretation) Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. I have no more names on my list. Moving on.
Question 178 – 4(3): High Arctic Transportation Strategy (Shooyook)
There are many challenges facing the residents of the High Arctic with respect to affordable and accessible air travel.
Can the minister indicate whether or not her department is currently working on an updated High Arctic Transportation Strategy?
Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my colleague for that question.
The past (interpretation ends) High Arctic Transportation Strategy, (interpretation) which is the proper title, was the study done for the High Arctic. The study was initiated many years ago, but it wasn’t completed.
The past studies of the flight schedules and communities were completed, but I have directed my departmental staff to focus on a new strategy for the High Arctic instead. The information is already outdated from these past studies, so we have restarted that process.
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister for providing a response that I wanted to hear.
Mr. Speaker, it can cost over $6,000 to fly between Arctic Bay and Ottawa.
Last week, the Premier publicly stated in this House that, and I quote, “we determined that the only way to bring the costs down was through subsidies from the federal government.”