EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I move, pursuant to Rule 6(2), that we extend our sitting hours so that we may conclude our review of the matter at hand and report progress.
Chairman: We have a motion on the floor to sit beyond the daily adjournment to conclude the matter under discussion.
The motion is not debatable or amendable.
All those opposed to the motion, raise your hand.
The motion is carried. We shall now resume concluding the matter under discussion.
As per my colleague’s comments from the Nanulik riding, I, too, find it uncomfortable dealing with Iqaluit local matters, especially since we do not reside here. I agree with his comments about non-residents meddling in local affairs.
Furthermore, Mr. Okalik has shown that a bridge built across the river could benefit many residents and he believes that a multi-purpose bridge would better meet the needs of local residents. I totally believe in the reasons behind that.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Chairman, I agree with my hon. colleague from Nanulik when he spoke about this issue in front of Iqaluit.
Therefore, it does need some work here in this community, especially from the city council.
I also believe strongly in the comment made by my colleague, Mr. Okalik. This issue is something that, as a hunter, I can relate to.
We have two bridges in my community and both are able to accommodate trucks, ATVs some time in the fall or spring thaw-out, and snow machines.
While I’m here in Iqaluit, just about every time I go out to restaurants or public places, I see people who are trying to sell artwork. Every time, Mr. Chairman, I wish I could do something for them. Mr. Chairman, I wish I could buy their carvings.
The reality is that I have a family to feed. I am sure my colleagues around the table have a similar experience with people trying to sell their carvings. Sometimes I buy a piece or two, but not every time.
When the pedestrian bridge is hopefully in place, tourism will increase in the community.
Those people who I talked about, who are soliciting to sell their carvings, trying to support their family, hopefully their sales will increase.
I know there are people out here, I have not spoke to any of them nor do they approach me, except my hon. colleague, Mr. Okalik, and the letter that he presented from the HTO, but in light of what I’ve said I wished at the time that I could do something for carvers, young people, men, women, and sometimes really young people.
So I am hoping that when the bridge is opened for pedestrians, the tourism will increase in the community and those young people who are looking for a place to sell their carvings will benefit from the increase in tourism.
So therefore, I will not support the motion.
Does the mover want to make a last comment?
Yes, we have been dealing with this issue for quite some time and my constituents have been working very hard for a very long time even before I moved here the elders wanted to get the bridge.
So I am sorry to my constituents because we have been working very hard to push for it and I apologize if the motion does not go through.
If I look at the petition and they don’t even… . (interpretation ends) Salt Spring Island, British Columbia; Comox, British Columbia; Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. (interpretation) These are the individuals who signed the petition.
That’s where they came from and they’re telling us how we should be living and the Inuit of Iqaluit.
It seems like they don’t want the Iqaluit residents to get their own bridge so that those outsiders could use them.
I’m not even considering the southerner, I’m working on behalf of my constituents and I they’ve asked me to do this and I need to support them. Yes, I can tell different stories about this because we have been dealing with this for quite some time and it started changing from that time and there is a report from QIA and they still haven’t even asked what their feelings are about this.
Last spring and summer my community residents were going through hardships because they couldn’t find any caribou anywhere near the community and they’re across the river, and you could see them across the river.
If you had a four-wheeler you could go over there but it’s impossible to cross the river today and there have been some statements made that it’s a territorial park and they’re allowed to go out hunting, Inuit beneficiaries can go out hunting anywhere whether it be in park or not.
They are concerned because there will be too many people going over there.
If any one of you hunts once a day, you could go there once then you’re not going to hunt animals over there.
You can’t find animals there you have to cross the river and go to the bay.
See this territorial park, they’re concerned about the territorial park and I don’t believe that is a concern, they only passed through there because that’s the only access road because there’s no other place when they go out hunting to feed their families.
For that reason, when we’re told about their concerns, I truly don’t believe in their concerns.
So I am very sorry and regret about the fact that we need to deal with it and we want it to be reviewed so that the concerns of the Inuit can be heard and put into consideration.
If outsiders are going to be running our lives, it’s going to be useless. So therefore, I am very sorry and I had to be here when we were dealing with this motion.
Maybe take that off and then re-review it.
If we just agree to this, the public of Iqaluit will have no room for their voice.
For that reason, I urge the members to support our people and vote for this motion.
Obviously, it was the last name on there.
All those in favour, please stand and then sit down when I call your name.
I took my glasses off, I guess.
We will start all over.
I’ll get it right, yes.
Mr. Kuujaak… Mr. Kusugak, sorry, I got his name right, but I got yours wrong today.
All the ones who are abstaining, please stand.
The motion is defeated and I will now rise to report progress.
Speaker: Thank you. Going back to the orders of the day.
All those in favour, raise your hand. Opposed. The motion is carried.
Motion 13 – 3(2)
This House stands adjourned until Friday, December 4, at ten o’clock in the morning.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Pages 936 – 999
Opening Prayer 936
Ministers’ Statements 936
Members’ Statements 938
Returns to Oral Questions 941
Oral Questions 942
Tabling of Documents 959
Notices of Motions 959
Motions 960
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 965
Report of the Committee of the Whole 997
Friday, December 4, 2009 936
078 – 3(2): December 6 – National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women (Aariak) 936
079 – 3(2): CD Launch Nunavut at 10 – Song Competition (Tapardjuk) 937
080 – 3(2): The Francophone Community’s Contribution to the Adoption of the Official Languages Act (Tapardjuk) 937
112 – 3(2): Climate Change Awareness Vigil in Pond Inlet (Arvaluk) 938
113 – 3(2): Support for Traditional Activities (Ningark) 939
114 – 3(2): Nunavut Mining Symposium (Pauloosie) 939
115 – 3(2): Best Wishes to Constituents in Arviat (Shewchuk) 940
116 – 3(2): Rankin Inlet Bowhead Hunters (Kusugak) 940
117 – 3(2): Recognition of Quttiktuq Mayors (Elliott) 941
Return to Oral Question 147 – 3(2): Number of School Buses in Pond Inlet (Tapardjuk) 941
170 – 3(2): Transportation for Medical Clients (Aupaluktuq) 942
171 – 3(2): Status of Apprenticeship Training (Elliott) 944
172 – 3(2): Old RCMP Detachment in Repulse Bay (Ningark) 945
173 – 3(2): Nunavut Mining Symposium (Pauloosie) 945
174 – 3(2): Bridge for Hunters on Sylvia Grinnell River (Okalik) 946
175 – 3(2): Hiring Practices of the Department of Human Resources (Elliott) 948
176 – 3(2): Larger Recreational Facility for Kugaaruk (Ningark) 950
177 – 3(2): Department of Human Resources Reaching Goals (Elliott) 951
178 – 3(2): Donation of Sealskin Clothing to G7 Members (Okalik) 952
179 – 3(2): Polar Bear Populations (Ningark) 953
180 – 3(2): Bootlegging in Pangnirtung (Komoartok) 955
181 – 3(2): Internship Program (Elliott) 956
091 – 3(2): One Year Assessment of Fuel Consumption Performance for Government Ford Escape Hybrid SUV (Kusugak) 959
092 – 3(2): Supporting People to Succeed: A Council of the Federation Symposium on Labour Force Participation (Tapardjuk) 959
093 – 3(2): 96th Meeting of Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC) (Tapardjuk) 959
014 – 3(2): Extended Adjournment – Notice (Ningark) 959
013 – 3(2): Renewal of the Territorial Health System Sustainability Initiative (Okalik) 960
003 – 3(2): Addition of $50,000 to the 2010-2011 Capital Estimates of Nunavut Arctic College (Peterson) 975
004 – 3(2): Addition of $100,000 to the 2010-2011 Capital Estimates of Nunavut Arctic College (Peterson) 978
005 – 3(2): Bill 8, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2010-2011 - Amend Item 2 of the Schedule (Peterson) 996
006 – 3(2): Bill 8, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2010-2011 - Amend Item 3 of the Schedule (Peterson) 996
007 – 3(2): Bill 8, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2010-2011 - Amend Total Capital Schedule (Peterson) 997
008 – 3(2): Bill 8, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2010-2011 - Amend Subclause 3(2) (Peterson) 997
Bill 08 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2010-2011 – Environment – Consideration in Committee 965
Bill 08 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2010-2011 – Nunavut Arctic College – Consideration in Committee 971
Bill 08 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2010-2011 – Health and Social Services – Consideration in Committee 980
Bill 08 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2010-2011 – Legislative Assembly – Consideration in Committee 992
A very good morning, Premier, Ministers, Members of the Legislative Assembly, and all of Nunavut. Have a very good morning.
Going to the first item on the Orders of the Day.
Minister’s Statement 078 – 3(2): December 6 – National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women (Aariak)
Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and a very good morning to you.
Mr. Speaker, as Minister responsible for the Status of Women, I rise today to remind all Members of the Legislative Assembly that December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women was established after the tragic death of 14 young female students in Montreal.
This day represents an opportunity for Canadians to commemorate the loss of these young women.
For us, it is also an opportunity to reflect and commemorate those women who lost their lives through violence in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut continues to have some of the highest levels of violence against women in Canada.
As a government, as communities, and as individuals, we are trying to meet the challenge of building strong, vital communities in which everyone can live free from violence.
We owe this to our children, who may be affected by violence now and in the future.
It is essential to the lives of our loved ones, the prosperity of our territory, and the future of our children.
(interpretation ends) As the Premier and Minister responsible for the Status of Women, I am committed to equality and to all Nunavummiut living free of fear and violence.
The Qulliit Status of Women Council has planned a ceremony on that important day, December 6, at three o’clock at the Parish Hall here in Iqaluit.
I strongly encourage you to participate in that event.
Let’s remember to first mourn the lives we have lost to violence and then work for change in memory of all the girls and women who have been victims of violence in Canada (interpretation) so that changes can be made. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister’s Statement 079 – 3(2): CD Launch Nunavut at 10 – Song Competition (Tapardjuk)
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you. I say “hello” to my constituents this morning.
My Annuraaqatik, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce the launch of Nunavut’s 10th Anniversary Song Competition CD. The disc contains professional recordings of the three winning entries to the competition.
First prize went to Madeleine Allakariallak for her song “Nunavut”; second prize to Leena Evic and Ellen Hamilton for “Pinnarivara Nunavut”; and third prize to Solomon Uyarasuk for “Angirravut.”
I would like to invite my colleagues, visitors in the Gallery, and the general public to join us in the lobby of the Legislative Assembly for the launch later today.
Minister Louis Tapardjuk will have French interpretation and it will be on channel 4.
Minister’s Statement 080 – 3(2): The Francophone Community’s Contribution to the Adoption of the Official Languages Act (Tapardjuk)
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Well, I won’t be speaking in French because I can’t.
I stand today in this House to recognize the instrumental contribution of the francophone community of Nunavut to the adoption of Nunavut’s Official Languages Act.
This past June, I led a delegation from Nunavut before the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs to seek and obtain parliamentary concurrence for the Official Languages Act, as required by the Nunavut Act.
As a result and at the right time, the Government of Canada agreed to accept the recognition of languages enshrined in the Nunavut Act.
The Association des francophones du Nunavut (Katujjiqatigiit Uiviinut Nunattinni) was well represented by Mr. Daniel Cuerrier.
When asked by the Hon. Senators what it meant to be a francophone in Nunavut, Mr. Cuerrier simply replied:
“It means an opportunity to work differently.
It means an opportunity to listen more to the people around you, and it means an opportunity to show that Canada can work if we decide to stop fighting one another and to work together instead. (…) That is the spirit in which I want to work, I want to work in a place with three languages and three cultures that can live together in harmony and that can help one another and ensure their mutual development.”
The Hon. Senators were impressed with Mr. Cuerrier’s candour and open-mindedness, and Members of this House should be as well.
While small in number, the francophone community of Nunavut has relentlessly and successfully pursued one ideal: the promotion, safeguard, and vitality of the French language.
For nearly 30 years now, the AFN has provided the necessary leadership in building a vibrant and dynamic francophonie in our territory.
It is now our collective duty as Members of this House to ensure that all obligations under OLA are met, not only as a matter of law but as a matter of respect for the culture of our friends and neighbours.
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Cuerrier has recently stepped down after nearly 12 years as Director General of the Association des francophones du Nunavut.
Please join me in wishing Mr. Cuerrier all the best in his future endeavours and in recognizing the francophone community’s contribution to the adoption of the Official Languages Act.
I had made an error. French is on channel 5.
If there are no more, we will go on to Item 3.
Member’s Statement 112 – 3(2): Climate Change Awareness Vigil in Pond Inlet (Arvaluk)
Yesterday, the Member for Pangnirtung informed the House about a group of students who will be travelling to Denmark for next week’s United Nations Climate Change Conference.
I am pleased to rise today and highlight some activities that have taken place in my home community of Pond Inlet. (interpretation ends) Yesterday, the community centre in Pond Inlet hosted a climate change awareness vigil.
This vigil was organized by staff at the new learning centre to raise awareness of the importance of this issue to Inuit living in the circumpolar world.
(interpretation) Elders, youth, and other residents gathered at the learning centre to light Qulliit and candles to express their unity.
Seven Qulliit were lit by elders and young women to symbolize the community’s respect for our arctic environment and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, this event coincided with Canada Live Vigil being held by approximately nine other groups in over 90 countries.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to pay tribute to the efforts of Carrie Nutarak, Alice Panipakoocho, Carey Elverum, Martha Fenwick, and Monica Ittusardjuat in organizing this event.
Member’s Statement 113 – 3(2): Support for Traditional Activities (Ningark)
Good morning. I rise today to bring attention to the importance of keeping the tradition of handicrafts and sewing alive.
In Repulse Bay, I have been approached by my constituents a number of times concerning the importance of teaching young women to learn these traditional skills. The intergenerational transmission of Inuit skills is a key factor in keeping Inuit traditions alive.
For a number of families across Nunavut, sewing products created by women provide a significant source of income. I am pleased that traditional skills continue to be used as part of the livelihood for some Nunavummiut.
As my colleague noted yesterday in the House, the Department of Economic Development and Transportation’s strategy for growth in Nunavut’s arts and crafts sector brings attention to the importance of arts and crafts in Nunavut’s economy.
In order to support the ongoing practice of traditional activities, I encourage all of my colleagues to keep abreast the availability of space in their constituencies for this purpose, Mr. Speaker.
I was recently made aware that the constituents who organize the sewing activities in Repulse Bay are in need of a building in which to teach sewing and to complete similar traditional projects.
One building in Repulse Bay that is not in use is a former RCMP detachment. Whether this particular building is available for use remains to be determined, Mr. Speaker.
Given the importance of passing on traditional skills, I encourage the Government of Nunavut to support these activities.
Member’s Statement 114 – 3(2): Nunavut Mining Symposium (Pauloosie)
I rise today to address an issue concerning economic development in our territory.
As members are aware, the Nunavut Mining Symposium is an important annual event that brings together representatives from the mining industry, various levels of government, regulatory agencies, and Inuit organizations.
Mr. Speaker, the 2010 mining symposium will be held from April 13 to 15 in Iqaluit.
Where was the 2009 event held? In Iqaluit.
Where was the 2008 event held? In Iqaluit.
Where was the 2007 event held?
In Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is time for the Nunavut Mining Symposium to be held outside of Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker, as members know, there are exciting mining and natural resource developments taking place in the Kitikmeot and the Kivalliq, including the Meadowbank project and the Bathurst Inlet Port and Road Project.
Mr. Speaker, it’s time that the organizers of the Nunavut Mining Symposium begin the practice of rotating this event between the regions.
Mr. Speaker, in addition to providing more communities with the opportunity to host the event, I believe that this would also help to raise public awareness and understanding of the mining sector and its importance to our economic future.
Member’s Statement 115 – 3(2): Best Wishes to Constituents in Arviat (Shewchuk)
I would like to rise today and acknowledge all of my constituents of Arviat. I would like to wish each and every one of them best wishes for the Christmas holiday season and the best wishes into the New Year of 2010.
I would specifically like to recognize my Constituency Assistant, Mary Pameolik, for her hard work in dealing with constituency issues as they arise and advising the community of the happenings of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut.
All the best to the people of Arviat.
Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, Mr. Lorne Kusugak.
Member’s Statement 116 – 3(2): Rankin Inlet Bowhead Hunters (Kusugak)
Good morning as well to the people of Rankin Inlet and Whale Cove. I am very pleased that it’s Friday again.
This fall, I would like to say that Rankin Inlet had an opportunity to hunt bowhead. Unfortunately, we can’t do anything about the weather.
Because of the weather, the whale hunters were out on the land for three weeks and I would like to congratulate these individuals.
Their captain was Paul Kanayuk and the second harpooner was Ross Tatty.
In the first boat were Arsene Karlik and our Member for Rankin Inlet North, Mr. Tagak Curley.
In the second boat were Harry Ittinuar, Makkigak, Gabrielle Nirlungayuk, and Jack Kabvitok. In the third boat were Peter Kapuk and his sons.
Some of them had to return home because of the length of time that they stayed out at sea and other commitments.
I would like to thank the Department of Environment and the Department of DFO for giving support to the bowhead whale hunt. Also, the conservation officer, Norman Ford, Jr., was of tremendous help during the time of the bowhead whale hunt.
On behalf of all of the people of Rankin Inlet, I would like to thank the hunters, the people who were doing the planning and who participated in the plan, and thank you for giving us Mattaaq.
Member’s Statement 117 – 3(2): Recognition of Quttiktuq Mayors (Elliott)
I want to start by apologizing for a mistake in introducing one of our fine youth here today. When I introduced the Junior Canadian Rangers who are paging for us, I mispronounced one of their names.
I had said Valerie Amaruk and I wanted to say Valerie Amarualik.
So I’m sorry, Valerie, wherever you are.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the hard work and support of the three mayors in my constituency of Quttiktuq.
Mr. Speaker, municipal elections are coming up soon and, as any politician knows, working on behalf of your community and your constituency is not always easy.
I would like to recognize and thank Meeka Kiguktak from Grise Fiord, Saroomie Manik from Resolute Bay, and Andrew Taqtu from Arctic Bay for all of their hard work.
Mr. Speaker, during my term, these mayors and the hamlet SAOs have often been my first point of contact in the communities of my constituency.
They have been very supportive in helping me to address issues and concerns.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank these mayors for their help in organizing the High Arctic Council back in February.
Their involvement helped make that initiative a success.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to wish everyone the best of luck in the upcoming municipal elections.
Return to Oral Question 147 – 3(2): Number of School Buses in Pond Inlet (Tapardjuk)
I have a Return to Oral Question 147 – 3(2) asked on December 1, 2009 regarding a request for two small school buses for Pond Inlet.
My response is:
Pond Inlet DEA requested a bus by a letter on February 20.
On the 24th, the DEA requested instead two small buses with a DEA motion, as Mr. Arvaluk noted.
There were two other communities requesting buses as well, with a total of six buses requested. There was only enough available funding for three buses. Three buses were purchased, one of which went to Pond Inlet.
The Department of Education staff is available to assist the DEA in a review of scheduling to help maximize the use of the bus.
Once reviewed, if an additional bus is still required, the Department of Education will look at an additional bus in keeping with the Pond Inlet DEA’s motion.
Question 170 – 3(2): Transportation for Medical Clients (Aupaluktuq)
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Health and Social Services, Hon. Minister Tagak Curley.
Mr. Speaker, constituents from the community of Baker Lake have raised a number of questions with respect to transportation for medical clients. As the minister is aware, the airport is a long distance away from the community, and medical clients need to be able to get to the airport, get on their flight, and make it to much needed appointments.
Some can’t even make it to the health centre in our community, as there are many without ATVs, snowmobiles, and vehicles.
Can the minister confirm whether or not his department has received a request for an ambulance vehicle or a contracted ambulance services for the community of Baker Lake?
I would like to thank the member for posing his question. This is a concern for a lot of the Nunavut communities.
But first of all, I would say that I would require additional information because his question is on whether we received a request for an ambulance vehicle.
We haven’t received an official request from anywhere.