EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
On behalf of myself and of the Member for Sanikiluaq, I am sure that members will join with me in congratulating Mr. Jamison and Mr. Furdell on their initiative and in wishing them the best of luck with the project.
Minister’s Statements 044 – 2(1): Isaksimagit Inuusirmit Katujjiqatigiit (IIK)
I am pleased to update the members on the creation of Inuusirmit Isaaksimagit Katujjiqatigiit, called the Embrace Life Council.
The formation of the council is the result of the partnership of the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, RCMP, Nunavut Help Line, Qikiqtani Inuit Association, and others over the past year.
The council’s mandate is to gather information, develop and coordinate training material, and increase awareness of individuals at risk.
The Embrace Life Council has an 11 member board of directors from NTI, RCMP, Nunavut Help Line, Kamaksiaqtiit and Nunavut Association of Municipalities, Federation of Nunavut Teachers, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit, the Face Community, Government of Nunavut, and representatives from each regional association.
As part of our commitment to this council, the Department of Health and Social Services has seconded one of our staff to serve as the interim executive director, until the end of May, and will continue to provide support until a permanent executive director is hired.
The Government of Nunavut is also working with IIK to provide financial resources and staff to council.
My department is looking forward to following up on recommendations from the Task Force on Suicide Prevention and Community Healing report.
Our words must come back to us.
We are working towards fulfilling the recommendations in association with IIK.
Through our relationship with the council, it is my sincere hope that we will reduce the number of suicides in Nunavut.
I ask that the members join in a show of support for the council, Inuusirmit Isaaksimagit Katuujjiqatigiit, because it is time to silence the whispers of shame surrounding suicide.
It is time to listen and celebrate life together.
Minister’s Statements 045 – 2(1): Telehealth Expansion
Nunavummiut live in communities that are a vast geographic distance from each other.
This week, representatives from FOA and Health Canada visited Nunavut to discuss telehealth needs.
Telephones and computers improve communications between families and I am pleased that health technology plays a role in closing the geographic gap that exists between Nunavummiut.
Through telehealth, the Department of Health and Social Services has been able to connect 201 client interactions in Nunavut communities, 997 educational interactions, 40 family visitations, and a number of administrative meetings.
This has been over the past 11 months.
Through telehealth, we have been able to provide opportunities for continuing education sessions on diabetes, women’s health, mental health, use of antibiotics, health records and coding, and more.
Providing this learning process locally saves travel dollars and will help in our retention and recruitment efforts.
Fifteen Nunavut communities are connected to telehealth services, and I am very pleased to announce that this summer, some additional seven communities will be connected, bringing the total to 22.
Three communities have yet to receive telehealth services, but the department is committed to connecting those remaining three communities.
The possibilities of telehealth and Nunavut are endless.
I have distributed a chart to the members to highlight the categories of services available to Nunavut to increase communication access to healthcare and further services in educational opportunities.
Mr. Speaker, I am sure that all members join in me in supporting this technological initiative.
Member’s Statement 142 – 2(1): Health Concern from the Old Nanisivik Mine
I rise today to voice my concern and represent the people of Nunavut.
It is in regard to the employees who worked at the Nanisivik mines, and I am made aware that there is a major concern of the past employees.
There are contaminants that might be detrimental to their health, and the people who used to be employed at the Nanisivik mine might be affected.
I have been told by more than one individual that they once had a baby that was only three and a half pounds.
Looking at these effects, those people who were past employees have been affected, and my concern is that there is a possibility of detriments to their health.
I believe it is time that we talk to those individuals who used to work there in order find out what kind of effects they have had working at the mine.
Member’s Statement 143 – 2(1): Commissioner’s Award – Recognition
I rise today to recognize individuals who received the Commissioner’s Award for acquisition in special skills on May 21.
These individuals received the Commissioner’s Award. There is Peter Qatuqqaq, who was recognized for his involvement and willingness to share his knowledge about Inuit culture, language, drum dancing, and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
He has taught a lot of individuals about Inuit all across Nunavut.
He has also been actively involved in the boards dedicated to the Inuit culture and the teaching of the language.
John Qaunnaq: through his work as mayor and councillor for many years, John shared his knowledge and used his skills and experience to help others in the community.
Many times, he has helped people with food from his hunt. He has worked with endurance and pride, and he always finds the time to welcome and cheer people up.
I would like to also recognize another one of the recipients, Charlie Tenashue.
In the fall of 1992 as he was tracking polar bear, he fell through thin ice with the snowmobile, but thanks to his survival skills and determination, he managed to pull himself out of the water and make a shelter with a tarp.
His experience serves as a model for others to learn traditional skills and to never give up.
I think that is a show of the survival skills that should be taught to the Inuit.
(Interpretation ends.) The Commissioner’s Award for Volunteers: Annie Suitinnuaq since 1984 has helped many in the community by assisting with communication through a short wave radio.
She has always been available to respond to calls from people out on the land, to coordinate in case of emergency, and keep families informed.
Alice Nanuraq: in recognition of her valuable contribution to the community through her work at the local radio since the beginning in the ‘70s.
With commitment and dedication, she has faithfully provided many years of experience, kept well-informed, and relayed information to all members of the community.
Leah Katuqqaq: in her many years of working at the Naujaat Co-op, she has always shown good judgement and kindness to others with discretion and genuine care for community members who lack financial resources and has extended credit so that their children could eat.
Her continuing assistance to the community has helped many families.
Award for Bravery, the late Gene Taguq: in 1968 while travelling on a single engine airplane with about five patients going to the hospital, the weather deteriorated and the pilot decided to turn around and go back to Repulse Bay.
Upon landing without visibility, the aircraft got severely damaged.
Against the advice of the pilot, Gene trusted his sense of observation and walked a distance of approximately 40 miles from Repulse Bay.
He got there in about two hours and informed the community about the accident.
The weather was not improving but the team set out immediately to pick up the stranded passengers by snowmobile.
Thanks to Gene’s determination and skill, all survived, preventing this accident from turning into a tragedy.
Ron Nanuqtuq: in the early hours of December 8, 2003, Ron selflessly took a risk and helped in saving the life of his grandfather, the late Philip Kipanik, and at least 13 other people who were sleeping at that time.
He reacted quickly when his grandfather lit a cigarette while using oxygen. Ron heard the explosion and saw the fire spreading on the table, quickly started stepping on the fire, and managed to put it out.
Jerry Nuluk: in the early hours of December, Jerry selflessly took a risk and helped in saving the life of his grandfather, the late Philip Kipanik, and at least 13 other people who were sleeping at that time.
He reacted quickly when his grandfather lit a cigarette while using oxygen.
He heard an explosion, turned off the oxygen, pulled the tube out, and managed to get it outside.
Noel Suusarnaaq: in May 1998 during a trip from Igloolik to Repulse Bay by snowmobile, the group had to set up camp for the day to get some sleep and prepare to travel at night again when the snow would be harder.
He woke up to find Dion Qajjik, a toddler, not breathing.
Noel woke up his uncle, reacted quickly, and managed to bring Dion back to life.
Those are the Commissioner’s Awards for bravery, special skills, and values.
Member’s Statement 144 – 2(1): Grade 12 Graduation Ceremony
Mr. Evygotailak: Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
Good morning, members.
I rise today, on the last day of the session, looking forward to the summer and spring ahead.
One special moment to look forward to is the ceremony of this year’s grade 12 graduates in Kugluktuk this August.
Six Kugluktuk students hope to achieve their final goals by earning their grade 12 diplomas.
I would like to wish April Pigalak, Jeffery Niptanatiak, Kenny Algona, Melissa MacDonald, Wynter Kuliktana, and Isa Attagutsiak the best of luck in their final exams.
I strongly encourage them to continue with their education in the future.
Mr. Speaker, we will be reconvening in this House in the next session in the fall.
Until then, I would like to wish my colleagues a pleasant summer.
I know that many of us will be taking this opportunity now to catch up on those lost times with our families, our friends, and constituents in our communities.
This will be a good opportunity for us to spend some time listening directly to the issues and concerns of our constituencies, and I am sure that many of us will also spend some time out on the land.
Mr. Speaker, I hope that you also manage to have an excellent, relaxing, and restful summer and return to your duties on behalf of the Legislative Assembly.
Member’s Statement 145 – 2(1): Arctic Bay Residents Frustrated – Mine Closure
I rise today to express the frustration of my constituents in Arctic Bay.
It was about 30 years ago that an MOU was signed to mark the start of the Nanisivik mine.
Despite the fact that the document was not written in the language spoken by the people most impacted by the mine, there were hopes that the project would mean a better future for all.
I know that there is a lot of excitement today in Nunavut about the potential for mining development, especially diamond mining.
I want to remind this House about the need to make sure that mining truly benefits our communities and constituents.
Thirty years ago, our people were not fully prepared to deal with the impact of major development projects.
Frankly, we were often taken advantage of.
Today it is important that communities be in a position to benefit fully from major projects.
The agreements between companies and communities must be clear.
NTI and our regional Inuit associations have grown stronger since the day when the federal government made its initial decisions about the Nanisivik mine.
They have an important role to play with respect to ensuring that impact benefit agreements truly benefit communities as a whole.
Arctic Bay is frustrated.
We see news reports that say that nothing will happen to benefit the community.
However, I’m not hearing anything publicly from the minister.
Mr. Speaker, in November of 2002, the former minister made a major statement regarding the Nanisivik mine closure. However, the community is feeling let down, as many ideas are not coming to pass.
It appears that a new trades school will not be going ahead.
There are questions about what will happen to the infrastructure in Nanisivik.
The Nunavut Water Board will hold hearings in Arctic Bay today.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I would like unanimous consent to conclude my statements.
There no nays.
Mr. Barnabas: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Nunavut Water Board will hold hearings in Arctic Bay today.
I know that there are outstanding legal issues in relation to the reclamation stage of the closure.
Our government must closely monitor this.
I will continue to raise my voice on behalf of the people of Arctic Bay, and I hope to hear the minister responsible address this issue decisively when we return in the fall for our next session.
I wish my colleagues an excellent summer.
Member’s Statement 146 – 2(1): Congratulate Alaituk High School Graduates
I, too, want to rise to make a statement to thank all my colleagues and to congratulate the Alaittuq High School graduates.
They already know who they are, but on August 20 they’ll be graduating.
I would be very happy if the minister could come with me to the ceremony. The graduates are expecting the minister because it will be very beneficial to our future.
I also would like to thank the parents and teachers, and I would like to congratulate the graduates for working very hard to complete their education.
August 20 is a bit far off, but I would like to send my greetings to our elders.
I know that the minister and the regular members will now be taking a short break, but we will be talking with our constituents to get their views and concerns and will bring them back to the Assembly.
On behalf of all the people in my community, I send greetings to my wife.
If you want to write to me, you can e-mail me at rankin@northarctic.ca, and my constituency office phone is 645-4900.
Member’s Statement 147 – 2(1): Kimmirut Grade 12 Graduates
I too would like to rise today to recognize my other community constituents.
Our students will be graduating in the community of Kimmirut.
Three individuals will be graduating from grade 12. I would like to congratulate the parents, too, for giving support to the children to complete their education. The students graduating are: Rosie Akavak, Anirniq Timilaaq, and Matthew Ijivalluq.
So, I congratulate the graduates and also would like to take this opportunity on your behalf to congratulate them.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Members’ statements.
Member’s Statement 148 – 2(1): Establishing a Children’s Advocate
I rise today to press on with the issue of a children’s advocate for Nunavut.
As members know, I have spoken extensively on this issue in the House during caucus meetings and in my previous role as the president of the Nunavut Association of Municipalities.
I firmly believe that establishing a children’s advocate for Nunavut is an important step forward.
Mr. Speaker, earlier in this session, my colleague from Rankin Inlet North made a motion on working together for a stronger Nunavut.
As an example of what can be accomplished through working together, I note that in the previous Assembly, members unanimously passed a motion to establish a task force on suicide prevention and community healing.
The government acted swiftly and decisively in response to that motion and established the task force, which subsequently made valuable recommendations.
Later on today, I will be tabling a draft motion regarding the establishment of a children’s advocate for Nunavut.
I would like to thank my colleague and fellow Kitikmeot member for his support in seconding this motion.
I urge all of my colleagues to give this motion full consideration.
We need a strong, genuinely independent voice to represent the young people of Nunavut.
Significant groundwork has already been accomplished on this issue.
A working group was established a few years ago, which included representatives from NAM and the Department of Health and Social Services.
Child advocacy legislation from eight other Canadian jurisdictions was reviewed.
Discussions were held with the president of the Canadian Council for Youth and Child Advocates.
I have been disappointed at the government’s slow rate of progress in resuming the children’s advocate initiative.
Just yesterday, I received an undated response from the Minister of Health and Social Services to my letter of April, indicating that this file would be put on the agenda of the committee called Nunavut’s Promise to Children and Youth.
On October 28, 2002, the Minister of Health and Social Services of the day indicated in this Chamber that draft legislation for a children’s advocate had been prepared, although the introduction of a formal legislative proposal was not possible given the timetable before the election.
The second Assembly is now sitting.
We need to pick up where we left off and get on with addressing the needs of our constituents and communities.
If there has not been any real action on the part of the government regarding the establishment of a children’s advocate by the time we reconvene in this House for the second session, I will bring my motion forward at that time.
If the minister does take action to make this initiative a reality, I will be the first one to stand up and congratulate her and her officials for a job well done.
However, if we only hear that there have been more discussions, more meetings, more reviews, more consultants flown in to study the issue, or yet another committee or working group established, then I don’t think any member of this Assembly should be satisfied with that.
It is up to us as members of this House to work together to make things happen.
I ask all members to join with me in support of this issue.
Member’s Statement 149 – 2(1): Ordination of a Catholic Priest
I say hello to my constituency.
I rise today to inform everyone and congratulate my sister, whom I call my grandpa. We use Inuktitut kinship names.
She is going to get married tomorrow. I am not concerned about her being taken away. I know that she is going to be taken very good care of by her new family.
Steven and my sister will be getting married tomorrow evening.
So, I am very proud of them, and I am happy to be giving you the information.
Second, Mr. Speaker, this coming Saturday, we are going to be holding a ceremony in Igloolik, where they will be ordaining a Catholic priest. Roman Catholic priests in Nunavut are in shortage, and I know that they will be dying off, but they have been very supportive to Inuit people to live a better life and be spiritual.
I would like to congratulate Donald Swartz from Poland, who came here to provide his services to Nunavut residents.
He will be ordained on Saturday, and we would like to congratulate him and wish him very good success in the future.
I hope he stays in Nunavut, and I hope he become totally bilingual in Inuktitut.
Member’s Statement 150 – 2(1): Thank and Recognize Innirvik Staff
Since today is the last day of our session, I say hello to Kevin, first of all. I, too, wish my children a safe summer, and I do want to thank our staff. We do need to recognize them.
First of all, we say thank you to all the interpreters.
And also about our discussions, we at times make some people work very late into the evenings, and you have heard me say hello to my sister through the Hansard.
I want to recognize the Hansard workers.
Their Inuktitut and English translators Saali Peter, Naimie Kilabuk-Bourassa, and especially, my sister Mary, Anne Marlene Kilabuk, Johnny Manning, Maaki Kakki, Sailasie Kilabuk, Mary Arnakaq, Eileen Kilabuk-Weber, and Naina Manning-Tunnu.
And also the typists Ron Petooloosie, Lucie Idlout (I’m sure everybody knows her), Madeleine Adams, Symatuk Itorcheak, Kakki Peter, Kaittaasi Peter, and also the technicians Jeremiah Veevee and Jimmy Echo.
I apologize if I missed anyone, but I do want to send my greetings for their hard work very late into the evening.
Member’s Statement 151 – 2(1): June 20 – Father’s Day
June 20 is Father’s Day.
I wish that all fathers be respectful to their wives. If our wives aren’t there, if your wife isn’t there, a part of you is missing.
On that day, please tell your wife that you love her and guide your children.
As fathers, we are making a pathway for our children.
If we want them to lead a good life, a healthy life, as fathers, we need to be good role models because we are paving the way for our younger generation.
As fathers, we need to lead a good, healthy life.
On June 20, on Father’s Day, I believe that I should have a close relationship working with my wife and be a role model for my children.
Member’s Statement 152 – 2(1): Congratulate Sanikiluaq Grade 12 Graduates
I rise today to congratulate the students who will be graduating.
And on behalf of my constituents in Sanikiluaq there are three individuals who will be graduating from grade 12: Joanasie; Johnny; and Sarah. Although they are my relatives, I would like to congratulate them.
Joanasie and Sarah, I’m sorry since we lead our own life… . Their father passed away last spring unexpectedly, and although I wanted to be there with you, I was unable to be with you during the hard times. Their father was very proud of his children, too, graduating.
So, we just tend to think that we will see each other again some time, but we are now seeing more and more grade 12 graduates in the community.
At least they can now complete grade 12 at home. In the past we had to go to different communities like Churchill to complete grade 12. I do want to congratulate these students for completing their grade 12, and I want to encourage them to get a higher education because when I am not here anymore, there will have to be other people to carry on.
Member’s Statement 153 – 2(1): Grade 12 Graduates Tomorrow in Qikiqtarjuaq
Mr. Arreak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to say hello to my children and my grandchildren and all the children in Nunavut.
I would also like to congratulate those graduating in Qikiqtarjuaq tomorrow. We will be holding ceremonies and would like to welcome the Minister of Education to the graduation ceremonies in Qikiqtarjuaq.
I would also like to congratulate the parents of those graduates and the teachers.
It is very good to have graduates from the smaller communities.
This brings about job training for them and furthers their education in other endeavours.
I would also like to ask all of the people of Qikiqtarjuaq to congratulate the graduates as well.
So, I would like to say have a very good summer to the members.
Member’s Statement 154 – 2(1): Recognition of Sheila Watt-Cloutier and Ann Hanson
Hon. Ed Picco (interpretation): Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
First of all, I would also like to thank my wife Oopah, my daughter, and my son.
(Interpretation ends.) I would like to take this opportunity to bring to this House news, good news, news about Iqaluit East constituents and their recent national recognitions.
Constituent Sheila Watt-Cloutier has represented Inuit in many different arenas over the past years.
Currently, as the chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Conference, Sheila has brought Northern and Inuit issues to the forefront of the world community.
Sheila was recently presented with the National Aboriginal Achievement Award.
Another constituent is Anne Hanson, a resident of Apex, who was honoured last month with the Order of Canada from our Governor General Adrienne Clarkson.
Anne is a former deputy commissioner, actor, writer, CBC broadcaster, business person, and community activist.
Anne is currently working on her Imax Film Project called The Inuit.
I would ask that you and this House join with me in congratulating Sheila Watt-Cloutier and Anne Mikijjuk-Hanson on their recent national recognition and awards.
Member’s Statement 155 – 2(1): Recognition of Family and Constituents
I rise today, first of all, to say hello to my husband and to my family watching on TV.
We have names for people, and my husband was named Nanuq. It was Billy Bell who named my husband. I would like to say good morning to my relatives and my grandchild, Paasa Paasa.
I think she is probably hearing this.
Paasa paasa is listening to me, and Levinia, who was named after me. There are two of them in school. Foxy Brown is in school and her daughter Rosemary.
I also have daughters in Rankin Inlet. The youngest one, who is in Rankin Inlet right now, is Qiliqti Margaret Brown.
I say good morning to you.
I think you are in school though.