EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
The Act is a draft and it is going to be scrutinized by this legislature when it comes before the House.
So we are here to discuss the budget and not some sort of Act that has yet to be revised in the future.
So Mr. Chairman, could we go back to the budget please.
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you. We're moving on with the main estimates.
Education branch summary, school operations page 9-20.
We're on the budget, please try to keep on the topic. Any further questions.
Please speak to the estimates, Mr. Tootoo.
Mr. Tootoo: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman I guess I was skirting around to get back to an issue that the minister brought up, as he indicated that they are doing a review on how the schools are funded and that's directly to the budget that we're looking at.
I was saying that one of the problems that has been identified in the past was the fact of more and more PTR problems that we see in the school as the result of a formula that doesn't work for us.
And that more administrative duties are being given to principals who are supposed to be our funded teaching positions.
If they’re not getting the opportunity to be able to teach in the classrooms then I don't think that those teachers or those positions should be funded as teaching positions, in the formula.
I just want to point that out Mr. Chairman, that there's a problem with the formula right there.
If someone wants to go home, I am not making them stay here.
It wasn't me, Mr. Chairman that decided that we're going to finish this department today.
Just that I have some questions that I’d like to ask and I'd like to get my questions answered.
Chairperson (interpretation): Can you keep order please, keep order. We're on 9-20, page 9-20.
The contents as well as the details on 9-21 and 9-22. These are just information items.
Try to keep your questioning to the subject.
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Our session today has a purpose.
As regular MLAs, we should be able to ask questions if we feel that we need to get answers.
I also wanted to finish the Department of Education but we seem to be losing it, losing our direction.
Therefore I move that we report progress.
I will ask for a vote.
There's a motion on the floor to report progress.
I want people to raise their hands who are in favour of the motion to report progress.
We will continue on with the review of the department.
We are on page 9-20.
We were talking about the Capital Estimates, even though we had mentioned the Education Act, we are not speaking on it, that is not the subject we are talking about.
We are on page 9-20, please try to stick to the subject.
Does anyone have comments on 9-20.
Mr. Tootoo: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In the review that the minister indicated that is in process, will they be reviewing the way that the schools are staffed and how principals are treated as teaching positions as opposed to administrative positions in the formula.
Yes, that will be in the same review.
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you. 9-20.
Mr. Chairman, also I remember talking about in this area how schools are funded.
I am sorry if some members aren’t happy with the questioning, but I think this is probably one of the most important areas that we are going to be dealing with during the session, is our schools and how they operate and that.
If some members don’t feel it is important, I am sorry that they feel that way.
When we talked about how schools are funded, I know that a number of schools have to…
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Point of Privilege.
Point of Privilege  Chairperson: Order.
We are under 9-20. (interpretation) We have a point of privilege.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: The member is implying that the cabinet is not interested in listening to questions, or not interested in the debates of the members and that’s not the case.
I ask you to check the Hansard and rule on that, Mr. Chairman.
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Ng. I agree with you.
For the member raising a point of privilege and also the other side, the wording will be looked at tonight.
We will consider it according to the rules.
After Hansard is reviewed a ruling will be made and you will hear about it tomorrow.
Mr. Chairman, I would like to first respond, Mr. Chairman.
I never at one point, do I recall indicating a cabinet member or anyone on cabinet, Mr. Chairman.
I ask when you review the Hansard you show that I just said “if some members”.
I never indicated whether they were cabinet or not.
So I would like you to take that into consideration in your review.
Getting to my question, relating to this page on how schools are funded, Mr. Chairman, I am wondering as I was saying earlier, we all know that all our schools in our communities have to do a fair amount of fund raising in order to provide supplies to the students in the classroom.
I am just wondering if there is any increased funding for the provision of school supplies to the students in this budget.
Before your question is answered I want to clarify to my colleagues that, regarding the point of privilege, I said that tomorrow we would make a ruling on that.
For the member who has raised the point of privilege as well as to the member that it was directed at, we will leave that for now.
Would the minister like to respond to the question.
In regards to the communities that have been fundraising for their schools, I am happy for them as it shows their commitment to education.
Specifically to your question, no there is no increase.
But we are willing to consider specific proposals from schools.
Mr. Tootoo: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So I can determine from the minister’s answer then that there are no additional resources being given to the schools to put supplies in the classrooms. That’s all I asked.
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you. Minister.
Page 9-20.
Chairperson (interpretation): Total expenditures, 79 million 877 thousand.
Chairperson (interpretation): Back to page 9-5.
Total operations & maintenance, 145 million 473 thousand.
Chairperson (interpretation): Total expenditures, under 9-5, 174 million 793 thousand.
Chairperson (interpretation): This portion of the Main Estimates for 2001-2002 under 9-9 is completed.
What is your wish.
Mr. Havioyak (interpretation): Once that's done we want to proceed with the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
Chairperson (interpretation): I suppose we can get the minister to read her opening remarks but her officials are not here.
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman I think we should stop now and start a new department tomorrow.
I'd like to report progress.
Chairperson (interpretation): Mr. Iqaqrialu could you repeat your comment.
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): We have completed the Department of Education and I'd like to report progress at this time.
Chairperson (interpretation): There's a motion to report progress, do you agree.
Are you going to stay up all night.
I'd like to thank the minister and his witnesses for appearing in front of the committee.
If you have any last comments.
I'd like to thank the members, for their time and we will be working on the issues that were raised and we know this is a very important department and there were very good comments.
So, Mr. Chairman, as Minister of Education, I have a lot of work ahead of me and I will work hard to deal with the areas that were raised.
I'd also like to thank my staff Mr. Chairman, for putting my materials together.
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Minister and your officials, Mr. Moody especially.
I think you will be leaving so I wish you well.
I’d like to ask the Speaker to come back to the House at this time.
Did he fall asleep.
Report of Committee of the Whole. Mr. Puqiqnak.
Your committee has been considering Bill 1.
Bill 1 is still under consideration and I would like to report progress and Mr. Speaker, I move that the Report of the Committee of the Whole be concurred with.
Meeting of Regular Caucus tomorrow morning at 9:00 am.
Orders of the Day for Wednesday March 7, 2001:
In a rush to get out of here I did bypass item 22. Third Reading of Bills.
The House will adjourn until March 7th at 1:30, tomorrow afternoon.
I believe we have a birthday in the House.
Mr. Akesuk, happy birthday.
>>Singing of Happy Birthday
>>Assembly adjourned at 10:15 p.m.
Wednesday March 7, 2001
Pages 430 - 493
Wednesday March 7, 2001 4
023 - 1(5): Community Economic Development and Development Corporations (Akesuk) 4
081 - 1(5): Gjoa Haven to Taloyoak Sled Dog Race (Puqiqnak) 4
082 - 1(5): Building a Solid Foundation (Alakannuark) 4
083 - 1(5): Igloolik Nurses Overworked (Irqittuq) 4
084 - 1(5): Alookie School Letter Exchange (Kilabuk) 4
085 - 1(5): Appreciation to RCMP (Anawak) 4
086 - 1(5): Cecil Clarke’s Election to Nova Scotia Legislature (Picco) 4
087 - 1(5): William Noah’s Art Exhibit in Phoenix Arizona (McLean) 4
083 - 1(5): Property Tax Rebate in Inuktitut (McLean) 4
084 - 1(3): Igloolik Health Centre Staffing Shortage (Irqittuq) 4
085 - 1(3): Funding Assistance for Sled Dog Races (Puqiqnak) 4
086 - 1(5): Allocation of Fuel Subsidies (Iqaqrialu) 4
087 - 1(5): Rent Scale Review (Nutarak) 4
088 - 1(5): St. Theresa’s Home in Chesterfield Inlet (Arvaluk) 4
089- 1(5): Inuktitut Forms in Baffin Regional Hospital (Williams) 4
090- 1(5): Term Employment on Geo-science Project (Havioyak) 4
091 - 1(5): Doctor for Baker Lake (McLean) 4
092- 1(5): Education Program Review (Tootoo) 4
093- 1(5): Payment for Hall Beach Gravesite Relocations (Irqittuq) 4
Bill 2 - Supplementary Appropriation No. 2, 2000-2001 – Notice (Ng) 4
Wednesday March 7, 2001  Nunavut Hansard
Before we proceed with the Orders of the Day.
I am hoping that before the day is out, I will have the information to provide a ruling on the Point of Order that was raised in yesterday's meeting, in Committee of the Whole.
So hopefully we'll have that the before the day is out.
Minister's Statement 023 - 1(5): Community Economic Development and Development Corporations
Good afternoon. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker I want to bring to the attention of this House, a community economic development project initiative by the people of Clyde River.
(interpretation ends) Two years ago the Department of Sustainable Development was asked to support the creation of a community development corporation in Clyde River.
This form of community-based business has been used only once or twice before in Nunavut and my department agreed to support the Clyde River proposal as a pilot project.
The Aaruja Development Corporation of Clyde River was incorporated in 1999.
The Board established challenging but realistic goals. To quote from Aaruja business plan:
“The Corporation can be the main force for economic development within Clyde River, creating and keeping many millions of dollars that would otherwise be lost and/or never generated in the community”.
Today the Aaruja Development Corporation of Clyde River has developed a retail food store, a fast food service, successfully completed a major contract to improve the road to the airport, and the company leases and operates a hotel.
The Aaruja Development Corporation is profitable and there are plans for future expansions, including heavy equipment contracts and the establishment of a mini mall that will house other community businesses and organizations.
When these plans are in place, Aaruja will create or maintain at least 24 jobs for community residents and they expect more jobs and income opportunities from future contracts.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the Department of Sustainable Development has been able to support this community economic development initiative and contribute to its success.
Economic development depends on partnership between community initiatives and a responsive territorial government.
The progress of Aaruja Development Corporation in Clyde River over the past two years shows what can be accomplished when the community and the government work together towards a common goal.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the board and staff of the Aaruja Development Corporation of Clyde River for their vision and for their ability to follow through on that vision.
If there are no further Ministers’ Statements.
Member's Statement 081 - 1(5): Gjoa Haven to Taloyoak Sled Dog Race
Mr. Speaker I rise today to congratulate the people of my community, in particular the members of the David Kaviqatak Board of Directors.
Mr. Speaker, the David Kaviqatak Board is in place to promote the usage of husky dog teams.
They will be having a race from Uqsuqtuq to Taloyoak and return.
This event will be held around the Easter holidays in April 2001.
Mr. Speaker, my constituency has numerous husky dog teams and they have been used for polar bear sports hunts.
But today since they are not being used for polar bear hunts due to the recent quota reduction, the owners want to keep them active.
They want to promote the proper maintenance and usage of dogs.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud that my constituents are keeping the tradition of using husky dog teams alive.
With that in mind Mr. Speaker, during question period I will be directing questions on this subject to the government.
Member's Statement 082 - 1(5): Building a Solid Foundation
I would like to say something from my own personal point of view.
Firstly, I want to say that it is an honour for me to participate in this session.
During the session, I see that we are progressing very well.
I would like to see our territory well planned for the future and also for our children.
We were making plans for the progress of our children and ourselves.
In order to do that there has to be good communication between us.
This is the way we were brought up traditionally, when we were still with our parents, and that is why we are doing well today.
I was elected to represent my communities of Kugaaruk and Repulse Bay, and I would like to say thank you to the people of my constituency.
I hope to see us have a solid foundation for the children of tomorrow.
That is what I wanted to say, Mr. Speaker.
Member's Statement 083 - 1(5): Igloolik Nurses Overworked
I rise today representing the people of my constituency of Igloolik.
I was called this morning by a member of the community and was told how the nurses are being overworked.
There are only three nurses in the community of Igloolik for over one thousand residents.
The person who called me this morning told me that the health centre was occasionally closed during the day because they have worked all night the previous evening.
In order to get the nurses a rest during these periods, they are only open for emergency cases.
With that in mind, I will be directing questions to the Minister of Health & Social Services during question period.
Member's Statement 084 - 1(5): Alookie School Letter Exchange
I would like to take this opportunity to talk about a letter that I received from the grade 5 students at Alookie School in Pangnirtung.
I will read the contents. (interpretation ends) “We the grade 5 class of Alookie School are doing a letter exchange program with a school in Clovertown, Newfoundland.
While we are doing this project we were asked if you were sitting in a sealskin chair given to the Nunavut Legislature by the Province of Newfoundland”.
They say this project will last until the end of March.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the receipt of this letter and say a big thank you to Gina Mary Akulukjuk, Amie Pia Alivaqtaq, Rita Susie, Patrick Naujuk, Levi N, Geela Mosesee, Geela Keenainak, Patrick Evic, Paul, Dennis, Alex and Paul Metuq.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Kilabuk. Members' Statements.
Member's Statement 085 - 1(5): Appreciation to RCMP
When we were growing up in the 1950s, 1960’s we had no idea that one day some of us would become lawmakers.
There was a time then, when we first started working with the RCMP.
There were some difficult times, but as community residents and legislators, we now have a much better working relationship with them and I would like to express my appreciation to them.
When we were younger, as Inuit, we were somewhat afraid of them.
Perhaps we did not appreciate the fact that they were just people like ourselves.
We are now working well with them today and we all hope that this continues.
In the past, we used to look at the RCMP as people that take people into jail but...(interpretation ends)…Mr. Speaker, as I was just saying in Inuktitut, when we first came in contact with the RCMP, our relationship was not always at it's best in the past.
But it's improved an awful lot over the years, to the point where I've always sort of considered them unsung heroes for doing the kind of work they do in our communities, without asking for a lot in return.
I think it's important for us to continue that very good working relationship we have with the RCMP, by making sure that they understand how profoundly sorry we are for the incident that occurred just recently.
I would just like to again reiterate as a member who, having grown up in the '50's and the '60's where our relationships were quite different and today the relationship is now very, very good with members, especially up here with our Premier the Minister of Justice.
I just want to reiterate the importance of ensuring that we continue the good work that the RCMP has been doing with the people of Nunavut as well as and in conjunction with the Nunavut Government.
I just cannot emphasize enough the need to keep that good working relationship in order to make Nunavut a better place to live.
Member's Statement 086 - 1(5): Cecil Clarke’s Election to Nova Scotia Legislature
Mr. Speaker, yesterday a former Iqaluit resident and my 1995 campaign organizer, Cecil Clarke, won a convincing mandate in a provincial by-election in Nova Scotia.
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Clarke defeated, I'm sorry to say Mr. Speaker, his Liberal opponent and the Nova Scotia NDP leader, in winning his mandate in Cape Breton North.
Known as an animated and loud speaker by the Nova Scotia press, Cecil brings with him his Nunavut experience to the Nova Scotia Legislature.
On behalf of my family and Cecil's many Iqaluit friends like Hughie McLellan and Sue Coogan and many more, Mr. Speaker, we would like to wish the best for Cecil in his new role.
Member's Statement 087 - 1(5): William Noah’s Art Exhibit in Phoenix Arizona
“Baker Lake drawings featured in the Arizona Museum - Baker Lake’s William Noah builds an Inukshuk in the American Southwest”.
Drawings of bannock, animals, Arctic landscapes, and Inuit traditions are currently on display at a museum in Phoenix, Arizona.
The exhibition, “Qammaniqjuaq - Where the River Widens”, drawings by Baker Lake's artists is a collection of 77 drawings by Inuit artists.
The Qammaniqjuaq show includes the works of William Noah, his three siblings and his mother Jessie Oonark a renowned print-maker.
Other artists for Baker Lake have their drawings featured at the Herd Museum in Phoenix as well.
Noah said that he tries to reflect the Inuit way of life in his drawings.
He said one drawing of a picture of bannock and a cup of tea tries to capture the friendliness and welcoming nature of Inuit.
Each drawing in the exhibit comes with a description of its history or meaning.
In this way, Noah said people get a clearer image of Inuit culture and Nunavut landscapes.
“I guess most people have no idea how we used to live and how we live now.
It is a great privilege for me explain all this in my drawings”, he said.
Noah, who concentrates on drawings and oil painting, has been heavily involved in that art scene for quite some time.
For the past 5 years, he's traveled with exhibitions of Inuit art.
Now he is one of curators of the Qammaniqjuaq exhibit.
The drawings in the exhibit illustrate the interconnection between three elements, family, animals and the spirit world.
The Herd museum, widely known for it's native art, will feature the Baker Lake drawings.
The drawings are originally from a collection at the McDonald Stuart Art Centre in Guelph Ontario.
Along with the Baker Lake drawings, the museum is featuring an Inukshuk designed by Noah.
The Inukshuk, which stand about 4 meters high, is permanently installed on the grounds of the museum.
Noah traveled to Phoenix early this spring to design the Inukshuk.
It took two and a half days to construct.
Noah said the light brown coloured rocks used for the structure came from the countryside in Arizona.
Noah supervised the project as a group of men actually drilled the rock together.
Noah said he had mixed feelings about building an Inukshuk in the United States.
Noah said he thinks the Inuit drawings and the Inukshuk will help cultures in other countries have an appreciation for Inuit people.
It is like closing the gap between Inuit and non-Inuit, Canadians and Americans.
Congratulations to my friend William Noah.
If there are no further Members' Statements we will move on.
I'd like to recognize and welcome His Worship John Matthews, the mayor of the capital of Nunavut.
Speaker: Welcome to the gallery Mr. Mayor.
Question 083 - 1(5): Property Tax Rebate in Inuktitut
Mr. Speaker, my question today is to the Minister of Finance.
Mr. Speaker, property tax notices have arrived in mailboxes all across Nunavut to homeowners.
As the minister is aware, senior citizens and disabled people are eligible to apply for a property tax rebate.
However, I haven’t seen the applications in Inuktitut.
Can the minister advise me if they are in Inuktitut.
Mr. Speaker, I don't know but I could commit that if they are not, we will ensure that they are available in Inuktitut.
That is good that the minister is committed to looking into that.
My supplementary to that is, who can unilingual Inuktitut speaking people contact to get assistance in dealing with the paperwork for this program.
Does the department have a number that people can contact.
Probably their local MLA or the offices of the local MLA.
I got on the phone and I did call the office and it was a unilingual English speaking person that answered the phone.
I asked that exact question.
They said that they would call me back about the forms.
Can the minister when he is inquiring about this really emphasize that most people that are seniors in Nunavut are unilingual speaking and that they need this Inuktitut speaking person to help in filling in the forms.
Speaker: Thank you. Minister Ng.
Minister Ng: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The member raises a very good point.
Question 084 - 1(3): Igloolik Health Centre Staffing Shortage
I’d like to direct my question to the Minister of Health and Social Services.
If a community has a population of over one thousand people, how many nurses are required in that community.
Speaker: Minister responsible for Health and Social Services. Minister Picco.
Mr. Speaker, there isn’t a ratio as such in place saying that if a community has X number of people that they should have a certain number of nurses.
It depends on each community, Mr. Speaker, on the caseload of each community and the sickness and the status of the community itself.
That’s the basis for nursing staff.
With that response, I’d like to ask, in Igloolik, some of the nurses are overworked and because there is a lot of illness, would he be willing to send in an extra nurse over there.
Yes, the answer is yes.
When would he be sending an extra nurse over to Igloolik.
Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding, for Igloolik, we have 6 staff positions, there’s 4 community health nurses, there’s one supervisor of health of programs that’s also a nurse and it is my understanding also Mr. Speaker, we have a regional nurse that could be based out of Igloolik.
The member raised a good point earlier in his statement about the situation of overwork of the health centre staff and I’ve sent a note upstairs Mr. Speaker, to check the staff to see exactly what we can do to help alleviate that situation in Igloolik, as soon as possible.
First he agreed to send a nurse over to Igloolik and now he is going to look into this, could he clarify his response.
Mr. Speaker as I just said, when I heard the member’s statement, I asked the department to look at the situation right now in Igloolik, and based on operational requirements, put a nurse in there if there is a problem with stressing.
I haven’t heard that.
I haven’t had any communications from Igloolik, no one from the department has contacted me.