EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, it is our responsibility to keep children out of trouble that is why the government must take every opportunity to invest in our children.
I am not just talking about money, but about our time and commitment.
When we spend time with our children we show them how important they are.
Mr. Speaker, I am just about done.
I am seeking unanimous consent to conclude.
Mr. Puqiqnak (interpretation): Thank you, colleagues and Mr. Premier.
I stated earlier that we need to spend more quality time with our children and show them how important they are both to our future and our hearts.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that as a government we can show the children and the youth how important they are to the future of Nunavut.
We can accomplish this by creating programs that encourage youth to pursue excellence, whether it is academic, sports or art.
This includes recreation and outreach programs targeted at the enthusiasm and energy of youth.
Mr. Speaker, our youth are an untapped underutilized resource in our territory and as such I strongly urge all government departments to work together to institute programs aimed at providing opportunities for youth to play together, work together and to be mentored by all community members.
Member’s Statement 158 – 1(6): Contamination of Country Food
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the fact that my colleagues here and other Inuit today still eat a lot of country food - marine mammals, fish and land mammals. We all know about how important they are to our diet and that they are affected by the pollution coming into Nunavut and this has an effect on our people’s health as well.
Mr. Speaker, there is pollution brought north from vast distances throughout the world through the air and, according to what I have heard, through the marine channels and our wildlife can be affected.
Mr. Speaker, our wildlife can be affected by pollution which we depend on for our sustenance as Nunavummiut.
Our wildlife is being polluted to a point where we do not know the consequences.
The government has to work together to protect our wildlife and our environment.
Member’s Statement 159 – 1(6): Visit of the Governor General to Kugluktuk
I rise today to inform members that the Governor General visited Kugluktuk and it was an honour to have accompanied her.
We went to the schools and had a celebratory feast with the people of Kugluktuk at the community hall.
The Governor General and her husband were very happy to be in Kugluktuk and they enjoyed the festivities in our community.
I need to stress for those volunteers in Kugluktuk, I thank them very much for putting a big effort into making the Governor General very welcome.
Today may be our last day in session. If all the members are going to be flying, then fly safely.
Member’s Statement 160 – 1(6): Recognition of Student Exchange Trip to Pangnirtung
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize twelve students in Pangnirtung who will be going to Grand Menan Island in New Brunswick on June 7.
They will be down there for ten days with their teachers Denisa Dixon and Debra Price.
These students are participating in a student exchange and the students who visited from the south from May 2-10 experienced fishing and dog team rides to the Arctic Circle and they were able to go on numerous skidoo rides.
On the student exchange to New Brunswick are; Rosaline Akulujuk, Anita Evic, Annie Nakasuk, Shelley Qarpik, Martha Veevee, Nancy Sokoolaaq, Alex Kilabuk, Dean Qaqasiq, Joshua Kakkik, Janice Kugluguktuk, Paulette Metuq and Debbie Dialla.
I hope they have a great time on their trip.
Member’s Statement 161 – 1(6): Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Preparation in the GN
I often struggle to represent my constituents because I want to see economic development in my constituency, especially in communities where departments haven’t been decentralized.
I strive for economic development which supports our constituents either through outpost camps, sports fisheries or tourism.
There are other areas that I would like to see improvements in housing, fuel re-supply, highway development, and so on.
These are things the Inuit of Nunavut want to see being developed in their communities.
When we are dealing with the budget we have to start thinking about what the communities need, we have to consider the priorities of the communities.
Because we often deal with the departments first and their development, but we have to think about what our communities need to meet the challenges they are facing. We have to priorize our own communities and I believe that they should be first when we are debating future allocations.
Mr. Speaker, I want to say a few things that I want indelibly etched in the bureaucracy’s mentality…(interpretation ends)…I would like to make a short statement about Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit that the government in its next estimates preparation will have to remember.
This was told to me by an elder in Pond Inlet, Elisapee Ootovak, and I quote.
“You don’t have to be old to be an elder.
You just have to earn, and I stress earn, the title.”
Member’s Statement 162 – 1(6): Anglican Ministers Conference in Rankin Inlet
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about a conference of the synod that will be held in Rankin Inlet.
The Anglican Church will be meeting in Rankin Inlet to select a bishop during their conference in Rankin.
I would just like to say that at present, we have two Inuit bishops and how much I respect them for the work that they do helping and assisting their congregation and the other work that they do.
Mr. Speaker, I would like my colleagues to join me in wishing the Anglican ministers a good stay in Rankin and to encourage them since they are going to be electing a new bishop we will have to pray for them to elect an individual who is the most appropriate for the job.
Member’s Statement 163 – 1(6): Support Small Businesses
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the main estimates in front of us today.
During our session it was good to see the work that is being done.
As the Government of Nunavut, I want to state that in the communities there are different job opportunities and I would like the government to support businesses in smaller communities so that these companies and communities can develop and build their capacity.
The contracts that are put out, some of them will be large contracts and we will be aware of who is getting these contracts.
So I want to encourage the government to support the smaller businesses and the businesses that are trying to grow in small communities that have not benefited from decentralization by granting them some portion of these contracts.
We have to support those communities because private businesses provide jobs to Inuit when contracts are awarded to communities.
So I just wanted to point this out.
Member’s Statement 164 – 1(6): Wearing the Same Clothing
Mr. Speaker, I live in a community where there is decentralization but we still lack jobs, just to inform my colleague here. Once the positions have been filled, they remain that way.
Since today is the last day we have a dress code and when we come into the House we have to wear a tie or traditional outfits.
When we come into the Legislative Assembly we have to change into a suit, so I will be wearing the same clothes tomorrow.
Member’s Statement 165 – 1(6): Baker Lake Art Collection
Uqaqti, I really appreciate my surroundings.
Not everyone is so lucky to work in such a beautiful building surrounded by such beautiful works of art.
I would like to thank the Inuit Heritage Centre in Baker Lake and the Art Gallery of Ontario for organizing the Baker Lake collection that has been showcased in the Hall during the session.
Mr. Speaker, I ask members to bear with me as I recognize each carver represented by this collection: Silas Aittauq, William Anautalik, Joseph Angatajuak, Mathew Aqigaaq, Yvonne Kanayuk Arnakyuinak, Barnabas Arnasungnaaq, Luke Iksiktaaryuk, David Ikuutaq, Janet Nipi Ikuutaq, Tuna Iqulik, Francis Iyago, Francis Kaluraq, John Kavik, Dominic Kingilik, Rosa Kingilik, Mathew Kunangnat, Marie Kuunnuaq, Vital Makpaaq, Eric Niuqtuq, Josiah Nuilaalik, Thomas Oovayuk, Nancy Pujirngnak,Tomas Qaqimat, Miriam Qiyuk, Peter Sevoga, Norman Singaqti, Tomas Sivuraq, George Tatanniq, Martha Tickiq, David Tiktaalaaq, Paul Toolooktook, Lucy Tikiq Tunguaq and Luke Tunguaq.
Mr. Speaker, I would especially like to thank Samuel and Esther Sarick for donating their collection out in the hallway and thank all those who support of the project to show this collection in our beautiful capital.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank John Quirke, the Clerk of the Assembly for ensuring that local arts and crafts…
….are purchased from all of Nunavut.
I would like to draw your attention to the beautiful applique behind me.
These are from the following Baker Lake artists: Irene Avalaaquaq, Naomie Ityi, Simona Scottie and Nancy Sevoga and they are all for sale.
I would like to commend the Legislative Assembly for their support of all Nunavut artists and encourage the Assembly to continue showcasing art from all across this beautiful territory and from all the communities.
Mr. Speaker, this may be our last day and no I do not know Japanese, but Sayonara.
Member’s Statement 166 – 1(6): Keeping Arnaitok Centre Open
I would like to begin by wishing Mr. McLean a very big sayonara.
Mr. Speaker, through the hard work of the youth wing of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and the youth worker Miali Coley, the QIA opened a new youth centre for Iqaluit with a regional, Mr. Speaker, as well as a local focus last week.
This will enhance the youth infrastructure already in place at the Arctic Winter Games facility on Apex Road.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Miali and QIA on this initiative.
Mr. Speaker, for youth downtown to go to the Arctic Winter Games Youth Centre, it would cost ten dollars up and back, or return.
If parents had to send two or three kids, it could be thirty, forty, fifty dollars.
Mr. Speaker, this is one of the reasons that many parents have requested to keep the old arena or Arnaitok Centre open.
Our community is growing and without public transit it is very difficult and costly for residents to be able to commute to community facilities, such as the arena and youth facilities.
Now, Mr. Speaker, I wrote to the City Council about looking at the opportunities presented by the Arnaitok Centre and to reconsider closing the old arena.
Mr. Speaker, I hope to meet with the City Council again on this opportunity for the new arena over the coming weeks as well as, Mr. Speaker, the opportunity that presents itself when we looked at the Arctic Winter Games and we had a form of public transit.
I believe Mr. Speaker, there may be an opportunity for public transit to facilitate some of the infrastructure that is lacking right now in the community of Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring that suggestion to the Council and work with them in the opportunity to present a possible public transit system for Iqaluit.
Return to OQ 071 – 1(6): Contribution to Ekaluktutiak Hunters and Trappers Organization
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk: Good morning.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to make this return to an oral question 071 – 1(6) asked by Mr. Arvaluk on May 1, 2002.
The annual muskox hunt in Cambridge Bay has been very successful in the last several years.
This project has provided employment opportunities for the harvesters and meat plant workers in Kitikmeot Foods.
The product is in demand and shipped to various southern locations and across Nunavut.
The handling and transportation of food must be carefully dealt with and certain rules and guidelines must be met.
This is to ensure that food is safe for consumption.
The Ekaluktutiak Hunters and Trappers Organization, in consultation with Kitnuna, the equipment supplier, decided that the field camp and abattoir could not be improved to meet the Canadian Food Inspection Agencies’ sanitation guidelines.
This was a local community decision that I commend and support.
The Department of Sustainable Development, through the Nunavut Development Corporation will work with the Ekaluktutiak Hunters and Trappers Organization this upcoming fiscal year to ensure that the Canadian Food Inspection Agencies’ sanitation guidelines are met for the March 2003 harvest.
This work will also be conducted with other harvesters in Nunavut.
During fiscal year 2001-2002, Ekaluktutiak Hunters and Trappers Organization approached the department for funding of 15 thousand 495 dollars to purchase equipment for the harvest.
With the decision to cancel the harvest the funding request was deferred and will be provided in fiscal year 2002-2003.
Return to OQ 058 – 1(6): Nunavut Arctic College Core Programs
This is a return to an oral question asked by the Member for Iqaluit Centre, Mr. Tootoo, regarding core funding programs of Nunavut Arctic College.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to respond that the Nunavut Arctic College delivers eight core funded certificate or diploma programs throughout Nunavut.
These programs are delivered primarily for students from across Nunavut at the college’s three main campuses.
Each college campus hosts at least one base funded program as follows:
Nunatta Campus in Iqaluit delivers Nunavut Teacher Education Program, Environmental Technology, Fine Arts and Language and Culture Programs;
The Kivalliq Campus in Rankin Inlet delivers the Management Studies and Community Administration Programs;
The Kitikmeot Campus in Cambridge Bay delivers the Social Work and Drug and Alcohol Counselling Programs
These programs are delivered annually at their host campuses but portions can be delivered periodically at other locations in response to regional and community needs and where third party funding permits.
I would like to recognize and acknowledge the students from the RCMP Academy.
Joana Jaco from Taloyoak; Alice Kavvik from Sanikiluaq and also from Baker Lake, Christina Nikaksik, Devon Kilulaq they are from Baker Lake.
Also from Iqaluit Tyson Kalluk, Roseanne Qakasik.
From Pond Inlet Bernard Maktak. From Grise Fiord Paul Akeeagok.
From Igloolik Justin Mickie.
From Cambridge Bay Robert Maksagak, and from Kugluktuk Leslie Harvey and lastly Daniel Kilabuk. Welcome.
It’s not very often I can stand to recognize people from my home community of Baker Lake, but it gives me great pride to recognize Christina Nikaksik and Devon Kilulaq from Baker Lake.
But on the tail end of that Mr. Speaker, I want to applaud the RCMP in Nunavut for bringing young people from all over Nunavut and giving them a taste, not a taste, but giving them the experience of working in their communities to help police and to keep our communities a safer place.
I wish the Government of Nunavut would take note of that and hire some students in all of the communities of Nunavut and give them summer employment opportunities.
I just wanted to recognize someone from Kugluktuk.
As you have heard, the soldier that is in Afghanistan, his sister is here, Tommy Harvey is serving in Afghanistan and his sister is here, Leslie Harvey from Kugluktuk.
There has been recognition already of the cadet from Sanikiluaq.
I would like to recognize Alice Kavvik my niece from Sanikiluaq and I would also like to recognize some of the people from Sanikiluaq.
Maybe I will give a little preamble before I introduce them.
In the springtime this individual used to get very tanned. But when he was an MLA with the previous government in the spring he would be at the meetings so often that he would be the only one without a tan.
I would like to recognize Mosesie Apakak.
I have quite a lot of work to do this morning for a change. (interpretation) It is not often Mr. Speaker that we get to stand with such a force to back us up.
I would like to recognize a constituent of mine from Pangnirtung who is taking part in this, Mr. Daniel Kilabuk.
Also I would like to recognize another member from my riding, Johnny Mike, President of QC. Welcome to the Gallery.
Also I wouldn’t feel complete if I didn’t thank our tireless interpreters that have stuck with us throughout the sitting.
So I would like to recognize all of our interpreters and thank them for the wonderful job they have done.
I would also like to recognize an individual from Pond Inlet who is one of the cadets.
Bernard Maktak, who by the way is my wife’s younger sister’s son.
Also another individual from Pond Inlet one of the elders from my community, Arnadkadlak is an individual that we always use as an advisor.
I too would like to join my colleagues in recognizing an individual from Cambridge Bay who is here with the RCMP program, Robert Maksagak.
Hon. Ed Picco: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, first of all I would like to welcome to the gallery a guy who has already been introduced.
He has been working very diligently on the new hospital construction for the Qikiqtani Region of Nunavut, through the auspices of the Qikiqtaaluk Corporation, Mr. Johnny Mike.
And Johnny has assured me that this year, this summer to the naysayers out there; there will be some work on the lot for the new hospital.
So I would like to give a very warm welcome to Johnny Mike to the Legislative Assembly.
I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome to Mr. Kadluk from Iqaluit for the RCMP as well as Roseanne Kakasuk Vachon.
Roseanne’s father and I are very good friends, Guy Vachon, a well known Arctic Cat dealer and I wish Roseanne all the best in the RCMP.
I know it is a tough role and like Mr. McLean said earlier, I think the RCMP deserves not only our support but our recognition for the work that they do in communities and here in Iqaluit.
I think sometimes people see the RCMP as, I wouldn’t say the enemy, but someone to be wary of and when I was growing up my parents always told me that the RCMP or the police are always there to help you.
That’s always something that I have always told my kids and I believe that strongly so I would like to welcome the cadets and if you are successful in your RCMP endeavours and training you couldn’t ask for a better career.
So good luck and welcome to the gallery.
It is not very often that I recognize individuals because my riding is so far from here, but at this time I would like to recognize the cadet, first of all Paul J. Akeeagok from Grise Fiord.
His big brother is now in Regina at the Academy and I believe his little brother got envious and decided to join the force.
He is the grandson of Mike Gardener.
The other one I would also like to recognize in the House is an artisan from Arctic Bay, Tyson Kadluk, from Artic Bay.
He is presently in Iqaluit doing the training.
I would also like to recognize an individual from my riding.
His father and I are very good friends because we are of the same age, Justin Mickie, who is sitting over there in the gallery.
I would also like to recognize a person that used to be on the same board as I before I was elected as an MLA.
This is not the first time that I have had a hard job; there were times when people were crying because we were working so hard.
Mosesie Apakak and Johnny Mike, I would like to recognize those two, they have extremely hard jobs.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize two individuals who are from Taloyoak, I am extremely proud of this individual Danny Jayko, if he would stand up please.
Also another individual that I would also like to recognize who has been extremely supportive of me and I wouldn’t be doing as well if she wasn’t around, Nee Porter.
I would like to recognize one of my constituents from Rankin, or actually Jack’s constituent, Paul Murphy is sitting over there.
I worked with Paul; we were staffed under my husband Tom when we both worked under the Department of Education in the Keewatin Region.
He was the Director of Finance around 1993 or 1994.
And at this time since I am standing Mr. Speaker, I would like to say happy anniversary to my husband.
I would like to recognize an individual from my community, actually there is nobody here, but I would like to say that we are very proud of the young people who are in the Academy m. When you are a young person everything is a burden when you are trying to get adjusted to life.
I would like them to keep their determination and persevere in their goal to become full fledged RCMP.
It is extremely rewarding when you complete something that you are trying to do.
So I would like to urge the cadets to keep going and to urge all of the young people of Nunavut and to tell them that they are loved by the people of Nunavut.
They will be taking our place when they grow up.
We were at that stage at one point when we were youth and if you persevere you can become anything.
We didn’t think that we would be sitting in the House as Members of the Legislative Assembly, but anything is possible when you have a goal and you achieve it in the best way you can.
Speaker: Is there any further Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery?
Question 184 – 1(6): Subsidy for Hunters and Campers in Nunavut
After my question to the Minister of Sustainable Development there was a return to my question.
But it seems there is no response to the actual question that I raised.
It was about the campers and the people that go out camping.
It is an ongoing concern especially since September 11.
Once again we are going to go out hunting or camping by boat.
My question to the Minister of Sustainable Development is whether there is going to be a subsidy to the people that are going out camping and if they do get subsidies once they become members of the Tourism Association.
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk (Interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
If you become a member of the Nunavut Tourism Association there would be subsidies because of the blanket insurance policy they are able to attain as an entity.
I would say yes to the member for Nanulik.
There is a subsidy if you become a member of the Nunavut Tourism Association.
That is for the outfitters out there.
Speaker: Just a reminder to the members that we have agreed to…we still have 30 minutes.
The minister didn’t say how much the subsidy is.
If it is possible I would like the minister to say the amount.
Are you and I mean figuratively, as a government going to be informing the communities that there is a subsidy available to the outfitters in Nunavut?
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk: Thank you Mr. Speaker.
I hope I have the whole 30 minutes of this show. (interpretation) I can’t tell you the amount or the percentage of the subsidy but I could inform the member for Nanulik once I have the figures and also once the funding is approved as we have also increased the amount that is given to the Nunavut Tourism Association.
I am sure that it will be beneficial to the outfitters out there, but if it is not, we will review the matter.
I could inform the member about the percentage of the subsidy today.
How much does it cost to become a member of the Nunavut Tourism Association?
There are different scales for the various types of businesses out there; there is a set amount of membership fees for individuals or businesses. There are different rates set and I don’t have the figures in front of me, but there is a scale set for businesses or others, based on their ability to pay.
There are different scales which I don’t happen to have in front of me that outline the different fees if you want to become a member of the Nunavut Tourism Association.
The minister stated that they have to pay an annual fee following their policies or regulations.
For the outfitters and especially the summer outfitting boaters, they only operate this side of their business for three months out of the year.
Can your department review this situation to see if it is possible for these outfitters to pay for only three months instead of an annual fee?
Are you able to prorate it so they only pay for three months?
We could look into it, because of course the insurance fees are set by the insurers, but we could talk to the Nunavut Tourism Association about this matter because I think there are different rates set for boat operators.
There is a different fee for little boats and others like Peterheads.
So we are looking into it closely and we will determine what we can do so that we can better assist the individuals out there in Nunavut.
Question 185 – 1(6): Helping Children
Mr. Speaker, today in my Member’s Statement I was talking about assistance for children.