EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Hon. Patterk Netser (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Members of this House are aware of the recent news that the federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, the Honourable Loyola Hearn, made a decision at the end of January to transfer quota for fish in our adjacent waters to commercial interests in Atlantic Canada.
I want members to be aware that, as the Minister responsible for Nunavut’s Fishery, this is very disappointing.
Mr. Speaker, I also want to express in this House the government’s ongoing commitment to extending our access to fish quota in our adjacent waters as recently as January 29, 2008. As I reported in this House earlier this week, I wrote to the honourable minister to express my concern about this very issue.
Mr. Speaker, our position is clear: Nunavut should enjoy the same privilege as other fishing regions and this means that we should have access to 80 to 90 percent of our adjacent fisheries resources.
In Area 0B, where this quota is located, on the eastern shore of Baffin Island, Nunavut holds 27 percent of the commercial turbot quota.
Hon. Patterk Netser: If the 1,900 metric tonnes of quota is allocated to Nunavut’s interests, this will increase our share to approximately 62 percent.
This will lead to the creation of jobs and economic opportunities for Nunavummiut, especially in communities along the east coast of Baffin Island.
Mr. Speaker, the decision was a missed opportunity to move forward on an outstanding issue for Nunavut.
This decision was made in spite of lobbying by Nunavut stakeholders and without consultation.
I would like to acknowledge that Nunavut has benefited greatly when the quota allocation in Area 0A was given solely to Nunavut interests a couple of years ago. This is what we want to continue to see for Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I am committed to continuing to work and lobby on behalf of Nunavummiut on this issue and I will be bringing it up at the earliest opportunity with Minister Hearn, along with our continued interest in the implementation of the Small Craft Harbours Report.
Minister of Finance and CLEY, Minister Tapardjuk.
Minister’s Statement 129 – 2(4): International Mother Language Day (Tapardjuk)
I am not too sure how we will say this in Inuktitut but I’ll give it a try.
It is in regard to today being International Mother Language Day.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform my colleagues that today is the International Mother Language Day.
This is particularly significant as the United Nations has also declared 2008 as the International Year of Languages under the slogan, ‘Languages Matter.’
Mr. Speaker, our mother language, the Inuit language, is vital to who we are as people and as Nunavummiut. Its protection and enhancement is all our responsibility, including educators and community organizations.
The Government of Nunavut is also committed to take actions now to ensure that our Inuit language is, and remains, at the centre of work, education, and daily life in Nunavut, while responding to the needs identified by the minority Francophone community and respecting the language rights of those who speak English.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut can play its part on the world stage by promoting and fostering respect for linguistic and cultural diversity, and ensuring that the Inuit language takes its rightful place in all aspects of our daily lives.
During the break, I will be launching a new set of flash cards to promote the Inuit language among preschoolers – the children of Tumikuluit, Saipaaqivik and Le Petit Nanook Daycares will join us with some very special guests from Takuginai.
Please join me later in celebrating this occasion.
Member’s Statement 297 – 2(4): Poverty in Nunavut (Peterson)
I rise today to raise an issue that should be of great concern to all of us: the critical state of poverty in our territory.
Mr. Speaker, trying to measure poverty is like trying to measure health. There’s no one indicator that tells us, without question, where we rate on the scale. It’s no secret that these two aspects of our wellbeing are closely related.
Mr. Speaker, Statistic Canada’s most recent report on spending patterns in Canada shows that the average Canadian household spent an average of $7,140 in food in 2005. That’s 10.7 percent of total household spending. Nunavut, on the other hand, reported the highest average spending on food – $12,820, or 20 percent of the average total household budget, which is almost double what the Canadian average household spends.
Mr. Speaker, as I noted yesterday, the federal Department of Indian and Northern Affairs briefly conducted an extensive survey on the cost of food across our northern regions.
That survey showed that in 2006, a northern food basket for a family of four in Cambridge Bay cost $382, compared to $206 in Yellowknife, or $202 in Edmonton. Over the course of the year, a family in Cambridge Bay spends almost $20,000 on food alone and many are unable to do so.
Mr. Speaker, it should come as no surprise that many of our northern families have difficulty being able to afford putting food on the table, not to mention the other expenses such as food, clothing, shelter and power.
Mr. Speaker, a 2006 report by the National Council of Welfare indicates that between 2004 and 2005, the number of people receiving welfare in Nunavut increased by a startling 60 percent from 8,600 to 13,800 Nunavut residents.
Mr. Speaker, these numbers tell a sad tale.
However, I am confident that many of my colleagues in this House have heard even sadder tales directly from their constituents; the hardships that they suffer.
Mr. Speaker, it is becoming increasingly important to address poverty at all levels of our society. The ability to put food on the table is one basic measure but there are many more.
Mr. Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and I thank my colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, if we take a good hard look at statistics on employment, housing, education, training, childcare, disabilities, legal aid, and care for our elders, I’m sure that the numbers would tell a similar story.
Mr. Speaker, I urge the government to consider establishing an Anti-Poverty Strategy for Nunavut with a long-term vision and clear measurable targets and timelines.
Member’s Statement 298 – 2(4): Polar Bear Migration Patterns (Alagalak)
Mr. Alagalak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I rise today to raise concerns from my constituency regarding the migration patterns of the polar bear population in Western Hudson Bay.
Mr. Speaker, I am concerned that the traditional migration pattern of our polar bear population has been altered over the years.
One of the potential causes for this change has been identified as certain practices of tourism operators in the Churchill area.
I have heard concerns that the bears are attracted to mobile tourist camps by the smell of food.
As a result, they linger in the vicinity for significant periods of time, rather than beginning their natural journey northwards.
Mr. Speaker, my constituents have observed that the appearance of bears in our region is changing.
Their weight and fat content are diminishing. This is a disturbing trend.
Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that the Department of Environment is working to complete polar bear co-management agreements with other jurisdictions.
I encourage the minister and his department to work with the Manitoba Government and the tourism industry in our region to identify ways of promoting responsible practices that do not impact on the natural behaviour and migration patterns of our polar bear population. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 299 – 2(4): Congratulations to Literary Prize Winners (Mapsalak)
Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I rise today to applaud the Department of CLEY’s 2008 Titiraliritti Literary Prize Winners.
Mr. Sakiasee Qaunaq from Arctic Bay, who got first prize of $5,000 for his story titled, Umiakkut Kamanaqtukuluulaursimanivimininga, Mr. Jake Ikerperiaq from Hall Beach, for his story, Unikkaara Kamanaqtuq, and John Ivalutanar, Sr., who is a constituent of mine and won the second prize for his story titled, Tatamikasannira, which in Inuktitut means, “Scared the Life out of Me.”
Mr. Ivalutanar won $3,000 for his story.
I would also like to congratulate the youth winners Eunice Panigayak from Taloyoak and Imelda Angootealuk from Coral Harbour.
Mr. Speaker, I strongly support the department’s literary prize. It promotes the use of Inuktitut, especially in the areas of reading and writing. Both unilingual and bilingual Nunavummiut can also participate.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Nunavummiut to write their stories in Inuktitut and submit them.
Member’s Statement 300 – 2(4): Soldier from Kugluktuk Heads to Afghanistan (Evyagotailak)
Even though it is not quite Friday, I am wearing red today to show support for one special member of our Canadian Forces who recently left Canada to serve an eight-month mission in Afghanistan.
Mr. Speaker, Master Corporal Tom Harvey, who is originally from Kugluktuk and went to school there, is returning to Afghanistan for a second tour of duty.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, Tom grew up in Kugluktuk and still has family there as well as in Holman Island in the NWT.
Although he is currently living in Edmonton, we still think of him as one of our own. The community is extremely proud of him, although, of course, many worry about his safety.
Mr. Speaker, Tom last went to Afghanistan six years ago. Since then, he has married and has had another addition to his family, a lovely daughter.
Leaving his family is a difficult sacrifice but he has accepted it as part of his duty.
Mr. Speaker, whatever one thinks of the wars in other parts of the world, it is important that we show our Canadian Forces soldiers that we support them and pray for their safe return.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in showing our support of Tom and other Canadian troops who are serving in zones of conflict across the world.
Member’s Statement 301 – 2(4): Fighting Poverty in Nunavut (Tootoo)
I rise today to address the issue of poverty in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, the tragedy of poverty is an issue that we cannot ignore. Too many of our constituents live below the poverty line, including, in a lot of cases, the working poor and civil servants working for this government.
They struggle each and every day just to put food on the table.
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased that a number of Nunavummiut are taking the time today to make a difference.
As you know, the Committee of the Senate of Canada has been holding hearings across the north to address the issue of poverty in the rural and remote regions of our nation.
Hearings are being held today at the Navigator Inn. A number of Nunavut organizations and activists are scheduled to make presentations to the Senate Committee.
I hope that their words are clearly heard, and their message is taken back and listened to in Ottawa.
I would like to acknowledge the efforts of Bill Riddell, Dave Wilman, Elisapi Davidee, Kathy Hanson, Paul Nettleton, Paul Quassa, Carol-Anne Scott, Cyrus Blanchet, Kathy Okpik, Monica Ell, Glenn Cousins, Janelle Budgell and Stephanie Williams, just to name a few.
Mr. Speaker, a number of my colleagues have made important statements in the House on the issue of the high cost of living in Nunavut.
I am very pleased that this reality is now being increasingly recognized at all levels of government.
Earlier this month, a court proceeding in the Nunavut Court of Justice resulted in an important change in the way household exemptions are calculated. The judge in the case determined that the applicants’ surplus income should be calculated on the basis of Yellowknife costs plus 50 percent. This decision will make a real difference for the families and individuals involved.
In his decision, the judge cited several studies that reveal the reality of living in Nunavut.
Our households spend 84 percent more on food per week than southern households, and food costs make up over 20 percent of all expenditures for Nunavut households, compared to around 11 percent for most Canadian households.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask for unanimous consent to complete my statement.
Mr. Tootoo: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I was worried.
Housing is 46 percent more expensive in Nunavut than the rest of Canada. Our households spend more than double the costs of southern households on home heating, utilities and electricity.
Our households spend 84 percent more on basic supplies and essentials.
Mr. Speaker, I could go on, but I believe that my point is clear. We must recognize the reality of poverty in our communities, and I will continue to advocate for measures that directly and decisively help our constituents and our employees to live dignified and decent lives.
Member’s Statement 302 – 2(4): State of Local Emergency in Rankin Inlet (Curley)
I rise today in response to the Minister of Energy’s Minister’s Statement.
As the Energy Minister was saying, Rankin Inlet has declared a local state of emergency. The mayor again has closed the schools, the government offices, and private businesses.
In regard to the generators that had failed, Mr. Speaker, for the past three days it has been extremely for the people of Rankin Inlet.
After talking to the citizens and also to the local businesses, and also the public services under the Nunavut Government, the hamlet offices also closed, all of the schools are closed, but I would like to say, Mr. Speaker, that in this time of need, it seems like we’re coming to an end.
I would also like to thank the people, the Minister of Energy, for his lack of sleep in trying to help the community and the Minister of Community and Government Services.
I would also like to thank the people of Rankin Inlet, who listened to the advisory that was given out to the community and in trying to keep up with the advisory.
Again, the people of the department were looking for a generator and looking for charters.
They called Thompson, Manitoba, and other places looking for an alternate generator.
Mr. Speaker, again, I would like to say that in this time of need, thankfully it wasn’t very cold outside in Rankin Inlet.
We still have to deal with other issues and I think the four generators almost failed all at once.
Member’s Statement 303 – 2(4): Alcohol & Drug Usage Diseases in Nunavut (Arreak)
I would like to say this properly but I would like to state a concern I have and it is also a concern of one of my colleagues.
Before we were born, people from overseas used to come to the North and bring illnesses or sicknesses that were foreign to the people here. They caused tragic deaths and altered their lives.
Some of the camps became extinct because they died from diseases.
We now have proper treatment and medicines for the various diseases.
But again, there is still one. There is alcohol which is also a disease and illegal drugs which is also a disease. We need help from the government to combat these substances that are abused.
We would like to see wellness brought back to our communities and to diminish the diseases and the illnesses.
Again, there is another disease out there where people die from untimely deaths due to alcohol, drugs, and suicide. Those are untimely deaths that can be avoided. There are people out there who are working extremely hard to combat these diseases.
We know that there is something that we can do about it.
I would like to thank my colleagues.
This is something that is extremely important to me; there are a lot of people from Nunavut who have lost relatives and family members due to these diseases.
This should be a priority of this House.
We need to give the support and help to people of Nunavut.
Member’s Statement 304 – 2(4): Relocated Inuit Owed Recognition & Apology (Barnabas)
I rise today as we are all aware that there were people who were moved to Grise Fiord and Resolute Bay.
There was an apology from the federal government to the people who were transported from Northern Quebec to the High Arctic. We have subsequently learned, however, that this process is still ongoing.
Mr. Speaker, of those who were moved to High Arctic came not just from Northern Quebec. Some of these people have long since passed on.
There were five people from Pangnirtung moved to Arctic Bay, people from Cape Dorset to Arctic Bay, and people from the Sanikiluaq area also moved to Baffin Island.
Some of them have never seen their relatives before passing on.
In those times, the transportation wasn’t as available as it is today, and it’s getting more and more expensive to fly to the communities to see relatives.
Those that have been moved to the High Arctic are still alive and are elderly have not been given any apologies whatsoever and it is affecting their descendents.
Mr. Speaker, those that have been relocated to the High Arctic have to be recognized and considered because they were moved to a totally foreign land that they weren’t used to. Yes, it is good they have relatives now in this area and they’re able to hunt in that environment, but I feel that the federal government has not completely dealt with the people that were relocated to the High Arctic.
Member’s Statement 305 – 2(4): Tranquilization of Polar Bears (Kattuk)
I rise today to again raise the polar bear issue.
The study and tranquilizing of polar bears for research purposes, to me, is unacceptable because it is not part of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
Because of my knowledge, I don’t need to use a helicopter to put a polar bear to sleep; I can put them to sleep very quickly by approaching them and knocking them out.
For that reason, I am against the use of helicopters to go after polar bears. I am also against the tranquilizing of polar bears because this is our food. They have been put on the land for Inuit to use.
For that reason, I’m stating that the tranquilization of polar bears ruins the meat so much so that it’s not safe to eat.
There shouldn’t be any tranquilization of polar bears for the purpose of research in our communities and it would also be best for our people.
As I stated that using my knowledge, I can put them to sleep very quickly by approaching them and knocking them out.
I stated that because polar bears shouldn’t be tranquilized.
Mr. Speaker, what I’m trying to say is that the tranquilization of polar bears and research should be ended.
The research of polar bears is depleting their population. So perhaps, if we don’t use those practices, it will be just fine.
Member’s Statement 306 – 2(4): New Hamlet Councillors at Gjoa Haven and Taloyoak (Aglukkaq)
Today I would like to say hello to the people from Gjoa Haven and Taloyoak, especially to the elders in Gjoa Haven and Taloyoak.
I would like to give a message for my mother; I tried calling you yesterday but I couldn’t get a hold of you, so I’ll try to call you again tonight.
Today I would like to recognize the newly elected Taloyoak and Gjoa Haven Hamlet Councils. They just elected the new members of the hamlet councils last December.
I’ll start off with the new Members of the Hamlet Council of Taloyoak: Aiolah Takolik, Rebecca Aklah, Koonook Oleekatalik, and Sandra Lyall.
They were just elected and the new mayor, who is well-known in Nunavut, is also a big supporter of mining companies and economic development.
I am very happy to say that the new Mayor is Charlie Lyall.
Also, the new Mayor of Gjoa Haven is Uriash Puqiqnak. If you’re listening, I would like to thank you for your ongoing support and I appreciate your calls.
I am grateful that you are again the Mayor for Gjoa Haven.
I would also like to recognize your colleagues: Allen Aglukkaq, James Qitsualik, David Siksik, Donald Angoyoak, Gideon Qitsualik, and Michael Angutititauruq.
They are all returning to the hamlet council, so I’m very happy to see that and wanted to recognize them today.
Member’s Statement 307 – 2(4): Live Broadcast of Assembly Proceedings (Tapardjuk)
First of all, when we started our House sitting, we were told that we’re going to be broadcast live to the communities during our session.
All of us thought that we were going to be live to the communities but some of the communities could not receive it.
I received a letter from one of my constituents that the staff wanted to watch the live session but he was not able to.
They wanted to watch me yesterday when I delivered my Budget Address.
That problem has been fixed, so I would like to express my thanks.
I would also like to thank my colleague for Repulse Bay mentioned that one of my constituents won an award for literacy, Jake Ikerperiaq, who was also my CA in Hall Beach, so I’m very proud of him and also encourage him to keep writing.
I also want to say hello to my relatives who are probably watching. I will be away from my wife for a while, so I wanted to send my regards to her.
I would like to recognize Moses Oyukuluk and Terry Manik.
Moses Oyukuluk has his own business and is very supportive to the community. His father-in-law also supports him and also works here.
I would also like to recognize a visitor from my constituency who is here in the House, Gideon Taqaugaq, also known as Amaaq, which gets confusing as we know him as Taqaugaq.
He works in the nursing station and they work very hard in the community. He’s the Chairman of the Committee, who is here in Iqaluit, Gideon Taqaugaq.
I would like to welcome him to the Gallery.
I would also like to recognize a visitor who is a Member of the Iqaluit City Council.
I have been representing him, although he might have moved by now but I enjoyed his company during election time because he is always welcoming, David Alexander.
I would like to welcome him very much to the Gallery.
I am happy to recognize a visitor from Clyde River who works in Wildlife. A longstanding HTO Member and also has been a Chairman of the HTO, who also worked with the Baffin Fisheries Coalition, Manasie Audlakiak, who is sitting in the back.
It gives me great pleasure today to introduce in the Gallery an internationally known fishing resource expert, who has worked not only on the east coast but also on the west coast, and indeed, in the arctic waters. It gives me great pleasure to welcome from the Baffin Fisheries Coalition, Mr. Jerry Ward.
I would like to welcome all visitors to the Gallery.
Question 375 – 2(4): Status of Small Craft Harbours for Nunavut (Arvaluk)
As the minister is already aware, there continues to be a need for small craft harbours in Nunavut. The seven communities, especially Pond Inlet, have been identified as our greatest priorities. This is Pond Inlet’s greatest priority.
Can the minister update me today on the status of his efforts to obtain federal support for the seven small craft harbour projects that have been identified as priorities for Nunavut?
In regard to the member’s question, we have been continually working on this very hard and I also made a Minister’s Statement in this regard.
We’re still waiting for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans for this $40 million that we have requested to be used for small craft harbours in seven communities.
We still have not got a response from the federal government on this.
As the minister stated that they’re still waiting for the response from the federal government, the former Minister of Economic Development and Transportation went to present before the Senate Committee to present Nunavut’s case for more federal funding for small craft harbours.
Can the minister tell me today whether he has discussed this issue with his federal counterpart, and if so, what response did he receive?
As he stated that he’s still waiting for a response, so what is the status of it now?
I have not personally spoken to them but our officials, Mr. Speaker, have been making plans if the funding for the seven communities is agreed to. We wanted to be prepared ahead of time in the event we got approved for funding. The plans are ready; we’re just waiting for the federal government now.
Last year, the GN Capital Estimates for 2008-09 include $1 million in funding for small craft harbour contributions.
This represents our 10 percent contribution towards small craft harbours.