EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, for many ministers, this was their first time in the eastern Arctic. Many delegates commented that this was one of the best CMEC meetings ever.
As Nunavummiut work to improve our education system, we face many common challenges with educators throughout Canada.
As ministers of education, we discussed how to improve student achievement, with a particular focus on education for Inuit and First Nations communities.
Evaluating education systems and student assessments is a part of the council’s work, so our discussions with educators from other territories and provinces were helpful.
Mr. Speaker, at the meeting, I was very pleased to present the curriculum on residential schools that was developed by Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.
There was a commitment at the meeting to include learning about residential schools in the curriculum taught in all provinces and territories.
In this way, our work in Nunavut is a model to all Canadians on how to promote healing, reconciliation, and better understanding among cultures.
Everyone agreed that we need to deal with the effects of residential schools in today’s society by making sure our education systems celebrate diversity and respect language and culture.
Mr. Speaker, CMEC gives us an opportunity to work together to identify and share best practices on innovative teaching and learning strategies.
We set an example for learners everywhere by learning from each other.
>>Applause  Speaker: Thank you, Minister Aariak.
Minister’s Statement 317 – 3(3): Skills Canada Nunavut (Ell)
As I mentioned during the last session, Skills Canada Nunavut, who are in their ninth year of operation, is a non-profit organization that promotes the skilled trades and technology sectors as a career choice for youth.
Skills Canada Nunavut hosted a very successful territorial skills competition in April 2013, where over 30 students competed in 10 different trade and technology events.
Qualifying gold medal winners were invited to the 19th Skills Canada National Competition in Vancouver, BC in June. Students from Arviat, Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, and Taloyoak attended this national competition.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, in the eight years of competing at that level, Team Nunavut has won three silver medals, two bronze medals, and 22 finishes in the top six.
Prior to having our own organization, we competed jointly as Team NWT/Nunavut where a student from Nunavut won a coveted gold medal.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, for the second year in a row, Skills Canada Nunavut has earned the Team Spirit Award.
It is a sought-after award that is won by the region and has the most engagement with social media and enthusiasm on the competition floor.
The initiatives of Skills Canada Nunavut expose Nunavut youth to the different skilled trades and technology opportunities.
These activities help to encourage students to stay in school, find a career that they love, and be able to work in their hometown.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Family Services is proud to sponsor Skills Canada Nunavut.
I would like to recognize the other gold sponsors: Service Canada, Qulliq Energy Corporation, Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission, First Air, and Nunavut Arctic College.
I would also like to recognize the employers who allowed their apprentices to compete for the territory and were so generous in their support.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate all our students and volunteers in skills clubs across the territory.
We also invite industry, business, labour, and individual professionals to partner with Skills Canada Nunavut in guiding our youth towards the exciting and challenging career options in skilled trades and technologies.
Minister’s Statement 318 – 3(3): Investment in Community Marine Facilities (Taptuna)
I rise today to report on improvements made to marine infrastructure in many Nunavut communities over the past several months. As my colleagues know, it is essential that Nunavummiut have safe and accessible marine facilities. These facilities play an important role in the harvesting activities of Nunavummiut.
Marine infrastructure also helps to strengthen our economy by improving the efficiency and safety of sealift operations.
In recent years, while reviewing the capital plan of the Department of Economic Development and Transportation, my colleagues have questioned the capital carryover for our Small Craft Harbours Program.
Today, I am happy to report that the understanding and trust my colleagues showed by deciding to vote for these carryovers was not misplaced.
Mr. Speaker, at the beginning of the fiscal year, all communities were encouraged to submit proposals to the Department of Economic Development and Transportation for projects that would improve existing marine facilities.
I am pleased to announce that 19 communities took advantage of this program.
To date, $1.6 million has been committed for a variety of projects, including dock upgrades, dredging, boat launches, the installation of floating docks, and the upgrade of sealift areas.
Mr. Speaker, these projects will improve the capacity of our existing facilities, but they also send a strong message to the federal government. Nunavut is committed to allocating resources for marine infrastructure. The Government of Canada must also embrace its clear mandate to make the significant and sustained investment in ports and harbours which are desperately needed in our communities.
Member’s Statement 544 – 3(3): Congratulations to Akulliq Graduates (Ningark)
I rise today to congratulate this year’s graduates in my constituency of Akulliq.
Mr. Speaker, both Kugaaruk and Repulse Bay have held graduation ceremonies this year, at which a number of our communities’ young people took an important step forward in their lives.
Mr. Speaker, this year’s graduates in Kugaaruk are:
Rosemary Apsaktaun;
Geraldine Illuitok;
Charlene Immingark;
Travis Nalungiaq;
Gwendolin Ningark;
Kevin Ningark; and
Henry Qagutaq.
They don’t make papers like they used to, so I’m having trouble with this.
Mr. Speaker, this year’s graduates in Repulse Bay are:
Calinda Nimiqtaqtuq;
Charlie Uttak;
Craig Nanordluk;
Chico Qaunaq; and
Eric Nanorak.
Mr. Speaker, the fundamental importance of education to our territory cannot be over-emphasized and every new graduate that we produce is a success story.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in congratulating this year’s graduates in Akulliq.
Member’s Statement 545 – 3(3): Improving Cancer Screening in Nunavut (Oshutapik)
Good afternoon, people of Pangnirtung and Nunavut. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the need for improved screening and detecting cancer.
Mr. Speaker, many of my colleagues have raised this important issue.
Far too many of us have lost loved ones and family members to this terrible disease.
Mr. Speaker, I am aware that community health centres hold Well Woman and Well Men clinics.
There are programs encouraging self-examination for lumps that may be a sign of breast cancer.
However, it appears that our territory is not being as proactive as it should be to screen for breast cancer.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, every jurisdiction across Canada, except for Nunavut, allows women who have detected a breast lump through self-examination to request a mammogram.
In Nunavut, despite the hard work and dedication of a group of women over many years to persuade the Department of Health to purchase a mammography machine, access to mammograms is very limited.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I have heard that only doctors can refer a woman in Nunavut to have a mammogram and even when a patient explains that they have found a lump, the doctor may refuse the screening.
Mr. Speaker, (interpretation) I would like unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
I thank the members for giving me unanimous consent.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I recognize that statistics show that the current rate of breast cancer in Nunavut is low.
There may be many reasons for this, such as diet and lifestyle.
However, as we have heard in other debates, our diet is changing, our lifestyle is changing, and the population of Nunavut is going through many changes.
Mr. Speaker, in all other jurisdictions in Canada, women of a certain age, women with a family history of breast cancer, and women who have detected a lump in their breast are able to request the breast screening procedure.
Nunavut should be offering the same level of care.
Mr. Speaker, mammography is an important cancer screening method.
We should be using it more. We could be saving lives.
At the appropriate time, I will ask a question on this issue.
Member’s Statement 546 – 3(3): Nunavut’s Bilingual Education Models (Elliott)
I rise today to bring forward concerns that parents in my constituency have raised with respect to the implementation of bilingual education models in our schools.
Mr. Speaker, as many of my colleagues have noted, education is one of the most important keys to unlock the doors to success. We must acknowledge that our education system has moved forward and advanced considerably over recent years.
It is equally important to recognize the roles that parents, family members, and communities can play in supporting our youth in taking advantage of the educational opportunities that are available.
Mr. Speaker, learning is not a passive activity.
Every student, young or old, must also take personal responsibility for working towards learning those skills that they need for their lives ahead.
Learning is a lifelong activity and educational systems should facilitate that activity.
Mr. Speaker, I have heard concerns that the bilingual education model chosen for the schools in my constituency is not facilitating the learning process for many students.
In fact, one parent feels so strongly about the model’s ineffectiveness in her community that after failing to convince the principal and the DEA to reconsider the school’s approach, she is considering leaving the community to seek a better educational system for her child elsewhere.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that we all work together to address the issues that can affect the future of our children, our communities, and Nunavut as a whole.
At the appropriate time, I will be tabling a letter from one of my constituents as an example of a parent who is making every effort to ensure that her child is able to get the best educational opportunities possible.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that the voices of our concerned parents be heard and responded to when considering the implementation of our education system.
Member’s Statement 547 – 3(3): Funding for Improving Roads in Nunavut (Curley)
Mr. Curley: Thank you, Uqaqtii. (interpretation) Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker and the dear people of Rankin Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, I have a short statement to speak to today. As I am thinking of the ending of this government’s mandate, Nunavut isn’t ending as a territory, especially the many ongoing challenges we face as a government.
If we looked at every one of our communities, the community roads aren’t being maintained and repaired. All the while, funding is always at a premium with shortfalls everywhere for the hamlets and towns in Nunavut.
However, if we were to review this from a southern perspective based on the number of vehicles using the roads, as well as vehicles requiring insurance just like our southern neighbours, it is becoming a costly luxury even for ATVs. It is very expensive to get insurance.
Our roads are full of potholes, which are becoming a safety concern. Some of the potholes force you to manoeuvre and drivers have had accidents trying to avoid the pothole with oncoming traffic in the other lane.
Potholes have caused accidents in Rankin Inlet. These roads have been in a state of disrepair for a long time and some of them are quite deep since they haven’t been repaired. The hamlet states that they have no funds to repair them.
I believe that the government has to set policies, not just for cities, but for towns specific to public works. If the tax-based communities want further funding to repair their roads, they should be provided funding to alleviate the dangerous state of the roads, especially for our elders who drive ATVs around our towns.
This has to be the centre of focus.
There is funding available from the government that is being wasted. Some of these non-priority items are being funded by the government.
In my mind, it is a waste. Due to this reason, the people who will be campaigning for this upcoming election will have to include this in their platform. I hope people debate this issue if my colleagues want to be re-elected.
Member’s Statement 548 – 3(3): Recent Achievements of the Hamlet of Arviat (Shewchuk)
It is with great pleasure that I rise in the House today to acknowledge the recent achievements in the Hamlet of Arviat, which I have the pleasure of representing in this legislature.
Mr. Speaker, the Hamlet of Arviat has recently received its first visits from a cruise ship in over ten years. The Silver Explorer owned by Silver Seas visited Arviat twice in late August with approximately 120 passengers each time.
The passengers were met with organized tours, visits to the Kiluk Sewing Centre, storytelling, a demonstration of traditional Inuit tools and clothing, and traditional performances. Many community members worked hard to make this visit a success and I especially would like to thank Arviat Tourism Coordinator Olivia Tagalik for her work in organizing this visit.
The economic benefits of the cruise ship visits are important to Arviat’s small but growing tourism industry.
The response from the visitors was overwhelmingly positive and we hope to see a visit from the Silver Explorer again next year.
Mr. Speaker, I have spoken before in the House about the training programs that the Hamlet of Arviat has developed. The hamlet is continuing to develop programs to improve Arviarmiuts’ employment opportunities both locally and in the mining industry.
In July, the hamlet celebrated the fourth graduating class of the Arviat Diamond Drillers Helper Training Program.
Mr. Speaker, the Arviat graduates are Evano Aggark, Gabrielle Anowtalik, Brian Aruluaq, James Aulajut, Robert Gibbons Jr., Romeo Ikakhik, Danny Ilungiayok, Jonah Kinak, Terrence King, Norman Kirkwa, Jonah Sewoee, and Andy Ulayok.
Mr. Speaker, in response to the industry request, the hamlet is now offering a three-week readiness program and continuing to offer driver training, as well as developed a welder’s helper program.
These programs are strong examples of the positive results developed from partnerships between the municipal and territorial governments and the mining industry.
I wish to particularly acknowledge the support of Kivalliq Partners in Development, the Kivalliq Mine Training Society, Agnico-Eagle Mines, and the Government of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the community of Arviat and the Hamlet of Arviat, mayor, council, and staff in their continued achievements.
You gave me a scare there. Some of the names of those individuals graduating, I remember them as infants and that’s how long ago I was there.
Member’s Statement 549 – 3(3): The Success of Kitikmeot Foods (Peterson)
I rise today to recognize and appreciate the staff at Kitikmeot Foods in Cambridge Bay, who work very hard to produce the world-famous char and muskox products in our community.
Mr. Speaker, this summer, the Kitikmeot Food staff invited me on many occasions to join them at their plant for coffee, a staff barbeque, and to talk about work to do with producing their products.
I must say that I was very impressed with the products, and I think they make the best coffee in Cambridge Bay as well.
Mr. Speaker, I must say that they’re a very hard-working team, from the fishermen who net the fish at our local lakes and rivers to the staff who work at the plant, who make the delicious product, to the management who oversee the operations.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the Kitikmeot Foods folks for their hospitality and friendship, and wish them continued success in producing their wonderful products that cruise ship tourists, investors, business travellers, and other visitors alike always look for when they’re in Cambridge Bay.
Member’s Statement 550 – 3(3): The Habitat for Humanity of Iqaluit (Aariak)
I send good afternoon greetings to the residents of Iqaluit East.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge some people in my statement today about an organization that has provided much needed assistance through voluntary work and specifically (interpretation ends) Habitat for Humanity in English. (interpretation) They have been working in Iqaluit and they are constructing a house through Habitat for Humanity.
This organization is a voluntary housing construction entity that builds houses without any pay, specifically housing for people without the means to build their own houses. That is their mandate.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the great work of Habitat for Humanity in Iqaluit. The mission of this volunteer-run organization is to mobilize volunteers and community partners to build simple, decent housing for working families, providing them with access to affordable homeownership.
Mr. Speaker, many Iqalummiut will have noticed the new homes being built in my constituency in Apex, the fourth Habitat home to be built in Iqaluit. In fact, many Iqalummiut have even picked up a hammer and lent a hand. Thank you very much to those people who have come out and helped.
I understand that this year, local participation has been at an all-time high.
Mr. Speaker, this year’s build has also attracted a total of 60 Global Village volunteers. These are volunteers from all over Canada who use their own time and money to spend a week in Iqaluit to help build homes and build hope.
Since 2007, there have been over 150 Global Village volunteers visiting Iqaluit as part of this program.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the 14 hard-working members of the board of directors of Habitat for Humanity, the local and Global Village volunteers, the Nunavut Housing Corporation, the City of Iqaluit, and the support of local businesses, particularly First Air and Nunavut Construction Corporation.
I also would like to congratulate Joanna Awa, along with her daughter Jenna, who will eventually call this house a home.
As part of the Habitat agreement, the future owner of the house must invest many hours of sweat equity.
Having seen photos of Joanna insulating the bottom of her house-to-be in high winds, it looks like she has met this requirement with great enthusiasm.
If anyone is interested in volunteering… .
I would like to get consent to conclude my statement.
Are there any nays? There are none. Please proceed.
Hon. Eva Aariak: Thank you, my colleagues, for allowing me to continue.
If anyone is interested in volunteering, donating, partnering, or applying for a Habitat for Humanity house, please check out the Habitat for Humanity website, Facebook, or Twitter page, or contact them at 979-7810. (interpretation) These groups help out a lot on a volunteer basis and I thank them.
I would like to recognize in the Gallery with us today Ms. Madeleine Redfern and Mr. Mark Mossey, both from the Legal Services Board.
Question 711 – 3(3): The State of Housing in Nunavut (Curley)
Mr. Curley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) Yes, I believe that Habitat for Humanity will be assisted by me as soon as they start coming to Rankin Inlet. I’m sure I will be volunteering, not just in Iqaluit.
It should be across Nunavut communities.
I would like to ask the minister for the housing corporation, Mr. Speaker.
I know that there has been a lot of improvement with respect to the housing corporation’s mandate.
We still have a lot of concerns because there are too many families living in one house. There is a lot of overcrowding and there are a lot of people on the waiting list. Some of these people occupy a house that is too old and mouldy.
We already heard from the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
Some of our concerns are being rectified, but can the minister inform this House if Nunavutmiut are going to get houses? They have to make sure that the houses are built properly, such as homeownership.
Can the minister inform us what kinds of plans are in place for the homeownership programs to get them more assistance from your department?
Yes, Mr. Speaker, we modified and upgraded the homeownership program and we’re hoping that we’re going to get more candidates for homeownerships throughout Nunavut.
As the member is well aware, the cost to the government for maintaining and operating a public unit is $23,000.
Through this program of homeownership, we hope that we can get more Nunavummiut involved in owning homes. That’s one of the ways we see that it can be sustainable.
As the member is well aware, 210 units are being built now with the $100 million. It’s going to cost this government well over $5 million just to operate and maintain the homes.
So we encourage homeownership for Nunavummiut. We do the best we can to assist them through our regional offices, to assist any potential homeowners, and we do the best we can. We try and encourage homeownership throughout all three regions and that’s one of the things that we want to promote more.
We want to advertise and get this message out that there are programs there for homeownership that will suit individual families.
Of course, once the buildings are approved for construction, there is a process there where inspections take place, whether it’s for the flooring, the framing, electrical, and plumbing.
Those processes are there all the time, Mr. Speaker.
I think all of us understand pretty well the challenges that the Nunavut Housing Corporation faces.
I particularly want to see some indication whether or not the current homeownership policies are being reviewed. I believe, in some respects, the current programs that the Nunavut Housing Corporation offers are outdated.
For instance, you do have a financial subsidy that the banks may welcome in terms of getting a mortgage, but the cost of attaining lots is staggeringly difficult in Nunavut.
Therefore, on that basis, is the government or the minister prepared to see if he can modify the program to ensure that, despite the other good incentives, the government’s own program is not hindered by the high cost of attaining lots in Nunavut?
Absolutely, at the Nunavut Housing Corporation, we aim to try and improve on the existing programs that are out there, and we did just that with the Nunavut Down Payment Assistance Program.
By August 23 of this year, we approved 39 applicants for homeownership and we did spend $1.4 million on that.
We are aware that some of the other programs may need modifying to suit Nunavummiut, but that’s work in progress.
Question 712 – 3(3): Access to Information and Protection of Privacy (Aupaluktuq)
Last week, the minister tabled the Government of Nunavut’s formal response to the report of the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts concerning its review of the most recent annual report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner.
As the minister is aware, I have spoken strongly in this House in favour of Nunavummiut having a statutory right of access to information and protection of privacy at the municipal level.
The government’s response to our report indicates that the GN will “examine options for ensuring municipalities meet requirements for transparency and openness as expected of any level of government in Nunavut.”
Can the minister indicate when the government expects to be in a position to take action on this issue?
The Government of Nunavut believes in the principle of confidentiality and to be able to conduct investigations into the matter that requires (interpretation ends) access to information in English.
(interpretation) We believe it has to be conducted in that manner when we are talking about municipal governments and hamlets.
However, at this time, when referring to the capacity level, they aren’t quite at that level based on the information we have been provided by the hamlets.