EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, the tireless teachers, instructors and other staff of the program over the past 25 years, like Mr. Noel McDermott, Mr. Dave Wilman and many other have contributed to the success.
Mr. Speaker, I would like my colleagues to join with me in congratulating, once again, all the graduates of the Nunavut Teacher Education Program since 1979.
Minister’s Statement 117 – 2(2): Climate Change and Our Arctic Warning
Good afternoon, my colleagues. (interpretation ends) On International Earth Day, April 22, about 1,000 Nunavummiut and invited guests gathered on the sea ice near Iqaluit to “Put a Human Face on Global Warning.”
We formed a massive image in the shape of a drum dancer, with the words “Arctic Warning” in English and “Naalagit” in Inuktitut.
(interpretation) An aerial photo was broadcasted globally to draw attention to the issue of climate change and the challenges it brings to the people of the Arctic.
International Earth Day was an appropriate day for this meaningful event.
It was also an appropriate day to congratulate Ms. Sheila Watt-Cloutier for being awarded the Sophie Prize for Environmental Leadership
And for being named one of the world’s seven Champions of the Earth by the United Nations for her hard work on climate change and other environmental issues.
(interpretation ends) As Inuit, we have first hand knowledge of environmental conditions and are now witnessing the impacts of climate change in Nunavut, its land, wildlife and environment.
It is critical that people around the world realize that we, in the north, are already experiencing changes.
These changes will increase in the years to come unless we take significant corrective action now.
I would like to acknowledge everyone who participated in this Arctic Wisdom event, including Inuit Circumpolar Conference, Global Green USA, Natural Resources Defense Council, Union of Concerned Scientists, Rainforest Action Network, The Loreto Group, The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, Kyoto USA, and actors Selma Hayek and Jake Gyllenhaal.
Thanks to all of you, we are bringing our message of concern to the rest of the world.
Minister’s Statement 118 – 2(2): Hairdressing Program – Territorial Skills Competition
It gives me great pleasure today to speak a little about the Hairdressing Program run here in Iqaluit at Nunatta Campus of Nunavut Arctic College.
Students from across Nunavut have been studying Hairdressing here in Iqaluit under the guidance of Instructor, Suzanne Laliberté for the past two years.
Students from the Hairdressing Program recently competed in the Territorial Skills Competition in Yellowknife.
Mr. Speaker, I would like my colleagues to join me in congratulating Sheila Aoudla, from Iqaluit, who won gold; Jennifer Twerdin, High School student from Iqaluit who trained with the Hairdressing Class and won Silver; as well as Matilda Kaput, from Rankin Inlet, who won bronze.
This demonstrates the high quality of the Hairdressing Program offered at Nunatta Campus of Nunavut Arctic College.
Mr. Speaker, I would ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Sheila Aoudla and Jennifer Twerdin the best of luck when they attend the National Skills Competition in Edmonton in June 2005.
Minister’s Statement 119 – 2(2): Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit
As Members of this Assembly and as Nunavummiut, we often speak of the role of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in Government.
We know that as a part of Canada, under laws, rules and a Constitution that are certain processes and procedures we need to follow.
We also know that there are many areas where the Government of Nunavut does have control over what we do and how it is done, and in these cases we would like to see Inuit Societal Values guide our activities.
Since September 2003, the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit, a group of wise and talented people from outside of government, have been serving us well and have contributed greatly in the progression of Inuit Societal Values in the administration of Nunavut.
They have been available and have been invited to comment on and respond to Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit issues within the Government of Nunavut.
The appointment of the members of this prestigious group will now come to term in July 2005.
As it is the Government of Nunavut’s desire to have Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit as a continuing and living part of all the work we do.
Shortly, I will send out a letter to my colleagues, Hamlets and Inuit Organizations, asking to nominate potential new or current member of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit.
Mr. Speaker, I cannot emphasize enough on the value of this group and I could not thank them enough for the contribution they have made to this government.
In particular, I would like to acknowledge the recent passing of an important member of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit: Albert Nuvviaq who was a respected Elder in his community of Hall Beach and a valuable contributor to the Government of Nunavut.
We will miss him greatly.
Minister’s Statement 120 – 2(2): Crown Agency Letters of Expectation
At the appropriate time I will be tabling the “Letters of Expectation” from the five Government of Nunavut Crown agencies: Qulliq Energy Corporation, Nunavut Arctic College, Nunavut Housing Corporation, Nunavut Business Credit Corporation and Nunavut Development Corporation.
Letters of expectation are an important means by which the Government, as the key shareholder, provides direction to its corporations in meeting government priorities.
They set out both corporate and financial objectives and will serve as important performance benchmarks on Crown agency activities and accomplishments.
This is the Government’s first tabling of such letters, which will be undertaken on an annual basis.
Mr. Speaker, these letters respond to recommendations from the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Accountability as well as from the Auditor General of Canada.
While Crown corporations are set up to function more at arms-length from the Government than regular departments, they are still subject to direction from the responsible Minister and maintain important statutory requirements in following Government policies and guidelines.
The Government of Nunavut is committed to providing sound guidance on the corporate, statutory, human resource and financial practices if its Crown corporations.
Mr. Speaker, that is why we established the Crown Agency Council.
Among its mandates, the Council plays an important role in advising Government of Nunavut ministers and senior officials on the activities of Crown agencies.
As a means of streamlining Government oversight of Crown agencies, it has recently undertaken a review of all Government statutes and policies to determine their applicability to our corporations.
As I mentioned in the Legislature last week, the Government of Nunavut recognizes that an on-going commitment to sound financial management is needed to achieve the objectives of an accountable government.
Providing clear and transparent directives to its Crown agencies is an important part of achieving this goal.
Minister’s Statement 121 – 2(2): North American Occupational Safety & Health Week
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk (interpretation): Thank you, again Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker.
North American Occupational Safety & Health, or NAOSH, Week will be held from May 1st through 7th this year.
The goal of NAOSH Week is to focus the attention of employers, workers, the general public and all partners in occupational safety and health on the importance of preventing injuries and illness in the workplace and at home.
NAOSH Week was first launched in June 1997, marked by an agreement between Canada, the United States and Mexico.
For many years, responsibility for NAOSH Week activities in the North fell to the Workers' Compensation Board.
Six years ago, the Workers' Compensation Board extended an invitation to business, labour and government to join them in promoting this important event.
I am pleased to report that is partnership has proven to be very successful.
These organizations, along with members of the youth committee, have brought new perspectives and fresh ideas to the event and it continues to grow in importance.
In 2004, our own Nunavut Arctic College placed first in the safety competition for their efforts during NAOSH week and throughout the year by promoting a safer workplace.
The theme for this year’s NAOSH Week, “Equip, Educate, Empower” draws attention to the ever-present need for ongoing safety and training in the workplace.
This is especially critical in the North with our young and ever increasing workforce.
The 2005 NAOSH Week organizing and youth committees have several exciting events planned – an employer contest, video launches and safety demonstrations, to name a few.
May 2nd will mark the first National Launch of NAOSH Week North of 60.
I encourage all members to get involved in NAOSH Week this year and strengthen their commitment to occupational safety and health.
Member's Statement 306 – 2(2): Congratulations to Isuma Productions
I would like to make a statement in regards to the community of Iglulik.
Isuma Productions has been instrumental in promoting Inuit culture in Iglulik and throughout Nunavut Territory as a whole.
Everybody is now aware that they were the producers of the film, Atanarjuat and they are now currently working on a new film about when Greenlanders first came to Nunavut.
They are currently in production and they will contribute over $1.5 million to the community’s economy through actor’s wages and perhaps another million to other communities.
I was pleased that this past Friday, Isuma Productions received the Industry Recognition Award by the Nunavut T.V. and Media Association.
I urge my fellow colleagues to congratulate along with me, Isuma Productions for their endeavours and I wish them success in their new production.
Member’s Statement 307 - 2(2): Education System in Nunavut
I say hello to my constituents.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about opportunities.
Mr. Speaker, the youth of Nunavut deserve every opportunity to receive a good education, to graduate from high school and to go onto post-secondary education.
The youth of Nunavut are the next generation of professionals.
Mr. Speaker, last week, the Minister of Education announced the addition of 82 new positions in Nunavut schools.
He mentioned that his department is working towards a 20:1 people/teacher ratio.
I commend the Minister for his work in addressing some of the issues that are facing our education system.
Mr. Speaker, in the smaller communities such as those within my constituencies, changing the people/teacher ratio isn’t going to mean a lot.
In the community of Grise Fiord, for example, there are fifty five students in four classrooms.
Currently there are only four teachers.
There are four teaching positions.
Establishing a 20:1 people/teacher ratio isn’t going to change anything.
We do need new staffing positions to meet the needs of our students.
Mr. Barnabas (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and my fellow colleagues.
As I was saying, even though they will be creating new staffing positions,  (interpretation ends) especially when there are less than ten students in one grade level.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that a teacher is able to provide the necessary attention to those children who are just beginning their education in the Kindergarten class.
Mr. Speaker, at the other end of the spectrum, it is very difficult for our Grade twelve students to work on the appropriate level of a subject such as math or language arts, and get the necessary teacher support when they are sharing a teacher with Grade nine and ten students.
Academically and socially, there is a big different between a student in Grade nine and a student in Grade twelve.
Both of their needs cannot be adequately met during the same teaching session.
Mr. Speaker, these circumstances greatly affect the potential success of our Grade twelve graduates.
They are not getting the opportunities they deserve.
Mr. Speaker, I urge the government to be flexible and creative when it comes to making changes, especially in our smaller communities.
The number of students in Grade twelve or Grade eleven not be great but their needs are just as important as their peers in the larger communities.
Their opportunities for continuing with their education should be the same.
At the appropriate time, Mr. Speaker I be asking the appropriate Minister on this issue.
Member's Statement 308 – 2(2): Fund Raising Event in Kugluktuk
Last week there were games called Natiq Frolics in Kugluktuk.
I send my regards to the people of Kugluktuk at the games.
In the fund raising event, there were many volunteers.
First of all, I would like to thank the many volunteers.
They would serve breakfast in the mornings, eggs and bacon during the Natiq Frolics.
I do not have their names and I apologize for that, they are too numerous to name.
On behalf of Kugluktummiut I would like to thank everybody for the King and Queen Fund Raising event during the Frolics.
Adam Qaqpak and Jolene Titaluk were crowned king and queen.
Also, during the Frolics, whenever these frolics are held, the man who wins the most events is titled Mr. Coppermine and that was David Inugaluak and in the female categories, Mona Himiaq was named Ms. Coppermine.
In the seal hunting event, Frankie Pakuhak was the first to return.
Jimmie Rasmiut came in second.
Collin Adjun came in third.
In the lady’s seal hunting event, Millie Dupont was the only female seal hunter in this category.
(interpretation end) Mr. Speaker, Ryan Evanaluk has won consecutive races, he came in first in all races with the exception of team relay on 340 cc and 440 cc races; for those events he came in second, team relay.
The first place winner was Don Qamarjuk, Valerie Mijuk.
The team relay first place winners were Don Qumujuajuk, Valerie Mijuk, Monica and Ronald Anguhiatuk.
The Snowmobile drag race first place winner for 340cc and 440cc was Bobba Pattuk .
Also for the little snowmobile race, there were two names that were written down were Keith Qaturina, who came in first place, and my grandson, Darien Evyagotailak who came in second.
Also, there were a lot of other snowmobile races that were not mentioned here.
Valerie Mijuk was one of the winners for the snowmobile long distance race.
Ryan’s wife came in second place.
I forget who the other name was.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker for allowing me to make my statement.
Member's Statement 309 – 2(2): Language of Instruction
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to praise the District Education Authority of Coral Harbour for the care and thought that they have put into finalizing the Language of Instruction model for our community.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Minister of Education for meeting with my constituents to discuss the community’s options for language of instruction in its schools.
I am sure that by now, he will have received the relevant correspondence from them and I encourage him to give full consideration to the plan that they have brought forward and I ask him to be responsive to their requests.
Mr. Speaker, the Coral Harbour District Education Authority has recommended that K to twelve English with Inuktitut as a subject be the model for schooling in the community.
The District Education Authority has brought forward a comprehensive implementation plan, beginning in the 2005/06 school year and finalizing the transition by the 2008/09 school year.
Mr. Speaker, the members of the Coral Harbour District Education Authority have worked long and hard on this issue and they have recognized the needs and wishes of the community.
They have taken into consideration the resources and support that will be necessary to make this plan a reality.
They have presented the package to the Minister of Education and look forward to the promise of the future.
Mr. Speaker, all levels of our educational system play important roles in ensuring that our children have the tools and means available to get the best education possible.
At the same time, Mr. Speaker, I cannot stress enough the important role that we as parents play in the education of our children.
A strong foundation in our mother tongue comes first from our mothers and fathers.
A sense of pride and knowledge of our culture is passed down from our parents, our grandparents and the Elders in our community.
We are educators in the home as well.
Member's Statement 310 – 2(2): Iqaluit Swim Team
Today I would like to bring Member’s and the public’s attention to a very wet group of young individuals and that’s our Iqaluit swim team.
This extraordinary group of young athletes will be participating in a swim meet in Ontario in the coming months and have been actively fund raising to try and raise the money that they need to be able to travel down and to participate in this meet.
Some members will recall a little while ago, I was going around selling chocolate bars and I still have some if Members would like to go and buy some.
They can go and see Amanda in my office.
They are $3 each or two for $5.
I have some right here and they’re very good.
Another fundraising activity that they are doing is a raffle.
The raffle tickets are; for the first prize is a trip for two to Ottawa from Iqaluit, compliments of First Air; the second prize is a Jordon Tootoo autographed Nashville Predators jersey, donated by Jordon; third prize is a dozen roses from Aakuluk Flowers; and fourth prize is a gift basket.
So if you don’t win the jersey, it is not the one that is hanging in my office, it is a different one.
The flowers; it might be a good time to get them for Mother’s Day coming up next week.
I urge all members if they can drop in and see Amanda in my office, or any member of the swim team, or the parents or the staff of the pool, to buy some tickets.
I wish them the best of luck in their fundraising and at the meet.
I would like to ask all Members to join me in wishing the best in this great endeavour that they are going to participate in.
Speaker (interpretation): I would like to welcome Mr. Alagalak to the House.
Welcome Back.
Member’s Statement 311 – 2(2): Panniqtuuq Students Land Trip
I would also like to welcome Mr. Alagalak, first of all, we have someone who has a birthday, Amy Alivaktak, “Happy Birthday.” I would like to say hello to Kevin in Broughton Island, also to my grandchild Allison.
I rise today to inform the House about an annual event that was coordinated by the teachers and the students in the schools.
It’s usually a very happy event.
This year they were sent out to Nasaujaq; it’s usually an overnight event for the bigger students.
I would like to thank the Education Authority in Pangnirtung, the principals of the schools, and also to an organization that makes a very huge contribution in regards to their food and equipment that is required for that number of people.
When the students are out on the land they are taught how to prepare for to go out on the land, what equipment to bring and they are taken hunting as well as fishing.
They are also taught survival techniques on the land that you can’t teach in a school.
I am grateful that they are able to teach this and I wish them a good trip.
Member’s Statement 312 – 2(2): Photo Shoot on the Ice
Earlier, Mr. Akesuk mentioned the massive image that was made from volunteers, including adults, elders, students and young people from Iqaluit on the sea ice near Apex.
Mr. Speaker, that image has been broadcasted and shown across the world in newspapers, TV and on the internet.
The day of the photo shoot was windy and very cold.
Some participants were in the sea ice for most of the afternoon.
Mr. Speaker, with my son, Paka, we participated and I would like to thank all the people from Iqaluit, who took the time to participate in this photo shoot.
It was a huge undertaking of logistics with helicopter and people coordination.
Ms. Sheila Watt-Cloutier, city officials and staff, Mayor Sheutiapik and her team are to be congratulated for putting a human face on global climate change.
It wouldn’t have happened without our local volunteers.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all involved, especially our young people and our elders, who stayed on the ice all afternoon until the photo shoot was finished.
Member’s Statement 313 – 2(2): Back in Iqaluit
I am very pleased to be here in the House.
I did not do this intentionally.
We usually have a five day blizzard, but this turned out to be a ten day blizzard.
It has been awhile since I last saw you.
To further supplement, a long time ago when the only mode of transportation was by dog teams, on the long trips, some of the dogs used to come back limping; now that I am here I have arrived limping.
I am looking forward to having meetings with you this week.
Item 5. Recognition of the Visitors in the Gallery.
I would like to recognize two individuals today.
First of all, from my riding, our hairdresser, Madam Suzanne Laliberté.
Secondly, is someone you all know, he has been to the House before, this individual is very well known throughout Nunavut and has represented all the people of Nunavut, he has also signed the land claims agreement back in 1993, and that is the reason we are here today.
I began working with him in February 4, 1985.
He has been elected three times to represent the people of Nunavut.
I have only been elected twice, so I will have to catch up with this individual to whom I am referring to, Mr. Paul A. Quassa.
Welcome. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Mr. Tootoo.
Mr. Speaker, I too would like to recognize a few individuals in the gallery.
First of all, as our Premier pointed out, thanks to his hard-work and dedication that we are here today.
Mr. Quassa, as many Members will know, is a relative.
His relative is a great uncle, I do not know how the exact terminology would be for it, but his father and my grandmother were brother and sister.
One thing that I treasure very much is a pair of kamiit that belonged to Paul’s father.
Whenever I wear those, it reminds me of where we come from and where we are going.
I am very glad that he is able to join us here in the gallery today.
Secondly, Ms. Laliberté, a good friend of mine and I believe it is her sister who is up here visiting her from the south.
I would like to welcome her to Nunavut and to the gallery as well.
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Mr. Akesuk.
I would like to introduce our pages; they are from Cape Dorset and Kimmirut.
On my left is Pasa Oqutaq and Louisa Jaw from Cape Dorset.
On my right is Robert Ikkidluak and Mary Ikkidluak from Kimmirut.
They are students at their high schools.
Member for Iqaluit Center. Mr. Tootoo.
Question 388 – 2(2): Number of Reports on Workplace Harassment
Last week the Minister of Human Resources, in response to a question I posed on workplace harassment, had indicated that if employees felt that there was a wrongdoing or breaches of policy, procedure and practices that were monetary or other things that didn’t comply with policies and practices of the government, that employees could confidentially report that to the Internal Audit Division of the Department of Finance.
My question to the Minister of Finance is: how many, if any, reports of the audits that have been made by the Internal Audit Division have been carried out as a result of information received from employees within the government?
Last fiscal year, Internal Audit conducted fifty three audits, and eighteen audits that are still ongoing.
As far as his question is concerned, I am aware of one case.
The Minister indicated that she was aware of one case.
Does that mean that all the rest of the audits, for sure; are just routine audits that the Internal Audit Division decides to do on their own?
There may be more than that; I am aware of one.
I can get back to the Member as to how many more audits there were as a result of someone going forward to Internal Audit to investigate findings.
Can the Minister, while she’s looking that up, also determine and report back as to what, if any, disciplinary actions were taken as a result of those audits.
Speaker (interpretation): Last supplementary. Mr. Tootoo.
I look forward to hearing the results.