EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
We’ve had a great number of people in the Department of Health take it, not just here in Iqaluit but we’re rolling it out across the territory.
We want people to know and word of mouth is the best way of advertising. I want people to know that the Department of Health is the place to be.
In a nutshell that’s maybe not a plan that’s down on paper, but in my mind that’s the way we’re going to really boost our numbers in a dramatic fashion.
I don’t just want to meet targets that we’re establishing; I want to blow them away.
Mr. Joanasie has indicated that he’s done.
Recognizing the clock, I move to report progress.
Your committee has been considering Bill 34 and the main estimates, and would like to report progress.
(interpretation ends) Item 23.
Third Reading of Bills. Item 24.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until Thursday, February 23, at 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Pages 3228 – 3295
Opening Prayer 3228
Ministers’ Statements 3228
Members’ Statements 3230
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 3238
Oral Questions 3239
Tabling of Documents 3256
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 3257
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 3257
Report of the Committee of the Whole 3294
Orders of the Day 3294
Thursday, February 23, 2017 3228
234 – 4(3): 34th Annual Meeting of Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women (Ell-Kanayuk) 3228
235 – 4(3): Outstanding Principal 2017 (Quassa) 3228
236 – 4(3): 2017 Northern Perspectives Conference (Taptuna) 3229
237 – 4(3): Nunavut-wide Climate Change Adaptation Workshop (Savikataaq) 3230
438 – 4(3): Incorporating Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (Shooyook) 3230
439 – 4(3): Rankin Inlet Elder and Youth Centre (Sammurtok, T) 3232
440 – 4(3): Federal Funding for Recreational Facilities (Mapsalak) 3233
441 – 4(3): Congratulations to Nunavut’s 2017 Badminton Team (Rumbolt) 3233
442 – 4(3): Installation of Solar Panels in Kugluktuk (Taptuna) 3234
443 – 4(3): Constituency Visit with Ministers (Joanasie) 3235
444 – 4(3): Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary Training for Gjoa Haven (Akoak) 3235
445 – 4(3): Housing Issues (Qirngnuq) 3236
446 – 4(3): Public Health Issue Caused by Ravens (Keyootak) 3236
447 – 4(3): Update on Sailivik Society’s Elder Facility (Angnakak) 3237
448 – 4(3): Attending a High School Event (Okalik) 3238
592 – 4(3): Carbon Pricing (Mikkungwak) 3240
593 – 4(3): Federal Funding for Recreational Facilities (Mapsalak) 3241
594 – 4(3): Activities of the Hudson Bay Regional Roundtable (Sammurtok, T) 3244
595 – 4(3): Status of New Housing Construction in Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt) 3245
596 – 4(3): Blueprint for Action on Housing (Qirngnuq) 3246
597 – 4(3): Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreements (Okalik) 3247
598 – 4(3): Status of NTEP Program (Joanasie) 3248
599 – 4(3): Fuel Prices in Nunavut (Angnakak) 3250
600 – 4(3): Activities of the Hudson Bay Regional Roundtable (Sammurtok, A) 3252
601 – 4(3): Child Apprehension Practices (Shooyook) 3253
256 – 4(3): FPT Meeting of Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women, September 14 to 15, 2016 (Ell-Kanayuk) 3256
257 – 4(3): Correspondence from Ikajutit Hunters and Trappers Organization (Shooyook) 3256
258 – 4(3): Natural Resources Conservation Trust Fund Annual Report 2015-2016 (Savikataaq) 3256
Bill 32 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 5, 2015-2016 – Notice 3257
Bill 33 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 3, 2016-2017 – Notice 3257
Bill 35 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2017-2018 – Notice 3257
Bill 34 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2017-2018 – Health – Consideration in Committee 3258
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of the Status of Women, Ms. Monica Ell-Kanayuk.
Minister’s Statement 234 – 4(3): 34th Annual Meeting of Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women (Ell-Kanayuk)
I am pleased to share that I was in attendance at the 34th annual meeting of federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) ministers responsible for the status of women this past September in Edmonton, Alberta.
Status of women ministers from across Canada agreed to take action to address priority issues for women and girls, including ending gender-based violence.
Ministers shared updates on their own jurisdictions’ actions to reduce and prevent violence against women and girls, and agreed to identify further opportunities for collaboration on provincial-territorial strategies.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Nunavut is committed to gender equality and will continue to support the federal government’s efforts in developing the Federal Strategy against Gender-based Violence to build safe and healthy communities for women and girls.
Mr. Speaker, today I table the agenda and communiqué from that FPT meeting and I look forward to attending the next meeting of the FPT ministers responsible for the status of women in June 2017.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of Education, Mr. Paul Quassa.
Minister’s Statement 235 – 4(3): Outstanding Principal 2017 (Quassa)
Good day to residents of my community and colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my fellow members to join me in congratulating Aubrey Bolt, a principal in Naujaat, who was selected as one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals in 2017.
He now joins the ranks of 400 members of the National Academy of Canada’s Outstanding Principals.
Mr. Speaker, Aubrey Bolt leads a K to 12 school and his commitment to improving school attendance is one of his greatest accomplishments.
Mr. Bolt became the principal at Tusarvik School in Naujaat in 2009.
Under his school leadership for the past seven years, attendance at Tusarvik School rose from 53 percent in 2009 to 81 percent in 2016.
Mr. Speaker, Aubrey Bolt is a strong advocate of the breakfast program, which he believes contributes to improved attendance.
Mr. Speaker, Canada’s Outstanding Principals program was developed by the Learning Partnership and was launched in 2005.
We are certainly proud of Aubrey Bolt’s achievement.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Ministers’ Statements. The Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Taptuna.
Minister’s Statement 236 – 4(3): 2017 Northern Perspectives Conference (Taptuna)
Hon. Peter Taptuna (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, my colleagues and Nunavummiut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide an update on the Northern Perspectives conference I attended in Winnipeg in early February.
Mr. Speaker, the conference was sponsored by the Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Kivalliq Chamber of Commerce, and the Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association in partnership with the Winnipeg Art Gallery.
Mr. Speaker, Northern Perspectives was a business and cultural showcase of Nunavut, with a focus on expanding our economic opportunities and partnership opportunities with businesses in Manitoba.
The Government of Nunavut is committed to working to remove the barriers that prevent us from accessing the resources we need to quickly export our goods to southern markets in a cost-effective way.
Mr. Speaker, the governments of Nunavut and Manitoba re-signed our memorandum of understanding in 2015 to recognize our long history of cultural, trade and transportation ties.
I met with Manitoba’s Premier Pallister during my time at the event.
We spoke about the importance of this MOU and the potential of a winter transportation link between the Kivalliq and Churchill.
In fact I have invited Premier Pallister to Rankin Inlet to continue discussions on this very issue.
Mr. Speaker, we are very interested in supporting growth across all sectors of our economy. Strengthening the tie between Nunavut and Manitoba will help us lay the groundwork for increased and improved business relationships with suppliers and clients. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister’s Statement 237 – 4(3): Nunavut-wide Climate Change Adaptation Workshop (Savikataaq)
Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am very pleased to inform the members that at the end of January, with close collaboration from Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, my department delivered a highly successful consultation workshop on climate change adaptation here in Iqaluit.
This workshop brought together many stakeholders from every community in Nunavut to discuss adaptation issues across the north, making it the largest adaptation event ever to be held in Nunavut.
This was a great opportunity to ensure that the voices of Nunavummiut will be heard at the national level, as the outcomes of the workshop will directly inform Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy.
It was also a successful showcase of how well the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated work together to promote and address our shared issues and concerns.
I would like to express my thanks to everyone who took the time to participate in this workshop, especially the elders who shared their wisdom with us. By applying the knowledge gained at this workshop, we will be able to better understand local needs and plan for a resilient future for Nunavut.
Member’s Statement 438 – 4(3): Incorporating Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (Shooyook)
Good day to my colleagues, the Premier, those watching our proceedings, and my fellow community residents. I welcome Nunavummiut to the House.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address something I have been pushing hard for, which is Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit. The Inuit elected us in Nunavut in expectation that Inuit traditional knowledge that has been missing in their lives will be showcased in this House and their laws recognized.
The Inuit way of counselling is what parents and elders have been calling for to this day.
They no longer have anywhere to turn to. It is because they no longer have control over their children after their own lives were broken.
Mr. Speaker, I will use a very important example.
Young people used to be sent out to school and leave their parents behind.
Their lives were ruined in the process and they’re not the same to this day.
Some even lost the opportunity to learn the knowledge and skills they would have acquired otherwise.
This is very important. It is important enough that it has become a lifelong dedication to ensure future generations will live a good life.
Mr. Speaker, today our children and families find themselves broken apart and destroyed.
From a social standpoint, their children are at risk and that is why I want to see laws changed, which no one seems to care about.
No one appears to be concerned about the effects of laws that are presently implemented.
This is very alien to Inuit and it needs to be changed in the House here.
Speaker (interpretation): The Member for Quttiktuq is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement.
There are no nays. Mr. Shooyook, please proceed.
To reiterate, this is a key issue where our lives are controlled in an alien manner to the point where suicide has become widespread.
This is regrettable as we are now powerless as fathers. If we take disciplinary action with our children, we risk having them taken away from us.
That is not good at all.
Yes, I know that we could be held responsible for our actions, but on the other hand, when the authorities claim to act properly, it is causing a widespread breakdown of our lives.
Mr. Speaker, today the Department of Family Services apprehends many children and it is resulting in our precarious situation.
I know what I’m saying is true.
As I said earlier, those who went to residential school have received apologies and are receiving treatment for their mistreatment. In thinking along those lines, today the Nunavut government has to prepare for the future.
Some of these children currently in foster care have their lives are turned upside down when they no longer are in the care of their parents. In looking at the residential school experience, they formed a group to request an apology.
When these apprehended children grow up, we may become liable as a government, but we have no funds set aside. When these children grow up, they may sue for damages to their lives, including apologies for the actions of this present government. With no funds set aside and if these children form a group action, how will the government resolve that challenge?
This is part of the risks we are taking, which is why this initiative is so important to me.
While this generation of elders is still alive and while we have a chance, collection should be done of their knowledge in the Kivalliq, Kitikmeot and Baffin regions.
We should fund work on collection of this knowledge, especially social customs and counselling levels practised when Inuit were still largely self-governing, as well as collecting and incorporating traditional social resolution techniques in relevant departments.
Mr. Speaker, I continue to advocate for Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit especially related to our departments such as Education, Family Services, Justice, and so on. They should incorporate the social rules and resolution techniques and have Inuit experts.
I tend to get this common refrain from our government representatives that training is required firstly prior to this work.
Inuit have thousands of years of practice in social interactions and social resolution techniques practised over many generations.
There are many knowledgeable elders in the Kivalliq and Baffin regions.
With that being the case, with our society in danger of collapse today, how will we govern?
Will we never listen to the wishes of our constituents?
As this is the case we face today, we have to make a collaborative effort to resolve this.
As a father, I have seen my authority eroded away and I receive very little support from some of my colleagues here.
However, I urge the voters to take this issue seriously and make sure it is recognized, and the funding I mentioned earlier be allocated, along with the hiring of Inuit counsellors.
Member for Rankin Inlet and Chesterfield Inlet, Tom Sammurtok.
Member’s Statement 439 – 4(3): Rankin Inlet Elder and Youth Centre (Sammurtok, T)
Mr. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I rise today to acknowledge with appreciation a recent investment in the community of Rankin Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, on Friday of last week the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency announced that it will be investing $442,650 into a project to renovate Rankin Inlet’s elders and youth centre as part of the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program. I have a copy of that press release here.
Mr. Speaker, the announcement indicates that, and I quote, “This investment will support renovations to expand the size of the Centre by adding a meeting room and office space. The renovations will include clean technology upgrades by installing LED lighting and repairs to walls, windows, and doors to increase the energy efficiency and improve the quality of the building.”
Mr. Speaker, the announcement also indicates that the Municipality of Rankin Inlet will be contributing $100,350 to this project.
I would like to pay tribute to the mayor and council for their hard work on behalf of the community.
Mr. Speaker, the announcement also indicates that the Government of Nunavut is adding $50,000 to this project.
I encourage the appropriate minister to update the House at the appropriate time on which projects of this nature the GN has been supporting across the territory.
Mr. Speaker, the 150th anniversary of Confederation is a time for both reflection and celebration.
Investments such as this one help to bring different generations within the same community closer together and they help to foster intergenerational healing and learning.
Member’s Statement 440 – 4(3): Federal Funding for Recreational Facilities (Mapsalak)
I rise today to speak about an issue that I have raised in this House on numerous occasions.
As we are all aware, most communities in Nunavut do not have a swimming pool.
Mr. Speaker, my constituents in Coral Harbour and Naujaat continue to express their wishes to see swimming pools opened in their communities.
I recognize that funding for recreational facilities and swimming pools are not the top priority for most communities in Nunavut, many of which must focus on meeting infrastructure needs related to educational, health and municipal services.
However, I believe that access to high-quality recreational facilities has the potential to increase the quality of life in our communities.
Take for example the recent opening of the aquatic centre here in the city of Iqaluit. According to information provided by the city, many residents have been visiting the facility on a daily basis, enjoying its many benefits.
I have no doubt that the individuals who take the opportunity to use this facility will begin to see improvements in their health and wellness.
Mr. Speaker, while I understand that the government’s capital funds are mainly focused on higher priority infrastructure projects, I believe that our government can play a larger role in assisting municipalities to access federal funds and avenues of funding, which would allow them to construct new and much-needed recreational facilities in our communities.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I will have questions on this issue for the appropriate minister.
Member’s Statement 441 – 4(3): Congratulations to Nunavut’s 2017 Badminton Team (Rumbolt)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the athletes selected to the badminton team which will represent Nunavut at the North American Indigenous Games to be held in Toronto, Ontario in July.
Mr. Speaker, the community of Sanikiluaq hosted the tryouts and over 20 competitive athletes battled hard for the eight positions on the team. It was very nice to see everybody come together.
Mr. Speaker, we were also very fortunate to have Mr. Calvin Halobav from Vancouver, British Columbia travel to help coach at the event and assist with the athlete evaluations.
Nolan Kiguktak and Daryl Iqaluk, who will represent us in the male under 19 category;
Sappa Cookie will be the alternate in this under 19 event;
Anna Lambe and Mina Mannuk will represent us in the female under 19 category;
Sharon Kokseak and Lucy Jo Appaqaq will represent us in the female under 16 category; and
Mike Kavik and Davidee Kudluarok will represent us in the male under 16 category.
Mr. Speaker, these athletes come from Iqaluit, Qikiqtarjuaq, Grise Fiord, and Sanikiluaq and I am confident that they will be wonderful athletic ambassadors for Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing these athletes all the best in their training to prepare for success at the upcoming 2017 North American Indigenous Games.
Member’s Statement 442 – 4(3): Installation of Solar Panels in Kugluktuk (Taptuna)
Many of our communities are looking at ways to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions and to try to save money when it comes to our electrical bills.
Mr. Speaker, in Kugluktuk the hamlet installed solar panels on our recreation complex. The panels were purchased from a grant provided by the federal government. Mr. Speaker, it is another example of one of our communities being proactive and looking for solutions and making decisions on their own.
The solar panels were estimated after installation in June of saving the hamlet over $2,000 in diesel-generated power in the first month of operation.
The hamlet will evaluate the costs and savings of the panels over the coming months, and it will be interesting to see what the potential savings were in that time frame.
Mr. Speaker, solar panels are one option that may be of use to our communities in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and saving money at the local level.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the hamlet and council of Kugluktuk for their proactive work in looking for solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Member’s Statement 443 – 4(3): Constituency Visit with Ministers (Joanasie)
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, colleagues, visitors in the gallery, and those who are listening to our proceedings.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share a brief report from a recent visit to Kimmirut made by two of my colleagues from across the floor, the Minister of Education, Minister Paul Quassa, and Minister of Culture and Heritage, Minister George Kuksuk.
Mr. Speaker, last month from January 16 to 19, I had the pleasure of hosting both ministers in my constituency community. We had an open house and invited residents of Kimmirut to meet and greet our senior government representatives.
Mr. Speaker, in addition, we were able to meet with the Hamlet of Kimmirut, the local district education authority, and the housing association.
We also visited and toured the community learning centre, daycare, and the Katannilik Visitor Centre. We also visited the government offices.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Kimmirut, I would like to thank the ministers for their time and eagerness to hear from residents of Kimmirut firsthand.
I would also like to thank the people Kimmirut for welcoming the ministers during their visit.
Member’s Statement 444 – 4(3): Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary Training for Gjoa Haven (Akoak)
I rise today to acknowledge a number of my constituents who are currently taking part in a valuable training initiative.
Mr. Speaker, the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Central and Arctic Region is providing a training program this week for a number of Gjoa Haven residents who are taking courses concerning marine search and rescue.
Mr. Speaker, this is a valuable initiative that contributes to the safety of our people and communities.
Mr. Speaker, the residents of Gjoa Haven who are taking part in this program are:
Adam Ukuqtunnuaq;
Susie Hiqiniq;
Wayne Angnaluak;
Benny Porter, Jr.;
Paul Ikuallaq;
John Keknek;
Kenneth Puqiqnak;
Leonard Teelktak;
Sarah Kamimmalik;
Chris Kikoak;
Winnie Hatkaittuq;
Nicholas Okpik;
Robert Porter;
Lee Qingnatuq; and
Peter Aqqaq.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me acknowledging this positive initiative and I ask all members to join me in paying tribute to the many Nunavummiut who participate in search and rescue activities.
Member’s Statement 445 – 4(3): Housing Issues (Qirngnuq)
I say “good day” to the people of Arvilijjuarmiut and Taloyoak.
I also say “good day” to my colleagues and our Premier.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the issue of housing.
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Finance’s Budget Address yesterday spoke very clearly about the housing crisis and the poverty crisis in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, the cost of living in our small and remote communities is very high. I agree with the minister that we must do everything we can to reduce poverty, and I agree that the best anti-poverty program is a job.
Mr. Speaker, the previous government introduced a new public housing rent scale in the year 2013.
One of the goals of the new public housing rent scale has been to, and I quote, “reduce disincentives to employment and to support the goals of poverty reduction...” Mr. Speaker, it is not clear to me how effective the new public housing rent scale has been in this regard.
Mr. Speaker, I recognize that individuals and families with high incomes need to pay a greater share.
However, the rent scale itself should not be a disincentive for people, especially young people, from going out and looking for work.
Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the appropriate minister on this issue.
Member’s Statement 446 – 4(3): Public Health Issue Caused by Ravens (Keyootak)
I rise today to speak to something that many of you may not have thought about, although it has been my concern for a long time and it has been a concern for some people.
Today illness seems to pop up and the number of people who get terminal illness seems to be increasing. Sometimes it’s impossible to tell how a person gets ill, but it has become a real concern to me.
I don’t think much thought has been given to the possible impact of ravens. There are just too many ravens in my community, probably more so than anywhere else in the Baffin. There’s no question that we step on ravens’ feces and track it in with us while entering buildings.