EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
(interpretation end) Mr. Speaker, I would like to raise a concern today about the way in which our income support system operates.
Mr. Speaker, I understand the income support system is one of last resort.
I know that it is there to assist those people who have tried every other means to support themselves and their families.
But, Mr. Speaker, when someone does need to turn to the system to get assistance, their financial situation should be given proper consideration and I am concerned that this is not the case, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, almost exactly two years ago, the Minister of Education announced that the review of the income support policy was under way.
In June of 2002, the Minister finally announced one positive change in the income support policy, that the level of exemption would be increased.
Mr. Speaker, the changes should not have ended there.
It is important that the types of money considered as income be reviewed as well.
To take child support as an example, I do not think that an entire family should suffer because of funds provided for the support and maintenance of one child are considered by the income support worker as income for the entire household.
As a result, the whole family suffers from the lack of sufficient funds because money is provided for only one member of that family.
Mr. Speaker, a number of my colleagues have raised a similar concern with what income support workers consider to be client income.
I would like to urge the current Minister of Education to review this act of the income support policy regulations as soon as possible, Mr. Speaker, Thank you.
Member’s Statement 701 – 1(6): Recalling the Past
I would like to make a comment about good things I recall.
If I could show you this picture, the Elder beside me was very old and his name is Akesuk.
It was Olayuk Akesuk’s father and what you can see in this booklet is some of the traditional knowledge he knows.
Inuit of today are different from the Inuit of the past.
From 1930 to 1950, we lived on subsistence hunting.
We went through hard times and other times where it was not as hard, but even though that is the case, we had a happy life, whether or not animals were scarce.
We lived in snow houses and when you woke up in the morning it was extremely cold because there was no heating.
Our kamiks were frozen and when you first woke up in the morning, the top of your sleeping bag was frosted with ice.
In the winter, you had to wait over the ice hole in order to catch the food of the day.
Mr. Speaker, what we use today is different from the years before.
From the 1970s to 2000 we now live in heated homes and when you wake up in the morning, you turn on the coffee and hot beverages are served.
We have fast modes of transportation, but then again, we are still concerned about our day to day existence.
We have to worry about the money, we worry about making ends meet on a monthly basis.
What is it going to be for our future and what it is going to be for the future of our children?
Those are some things that we have to think about today and talk about.
I do know that this individual took very good care of his children and one of them is now a Minister in the Nunavut Government.
Member’s Statement 702 – 1(6): Pangnirtung Trip Concerns of Pangnirtung Residents – Rent and Power
Mr. Speaker, I smile at you, I think you will be nice to me today.
I rise today to thank Mr. Peter Kilabuk, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Pangnirtung, who brought us up with him on Saturday.
I would like talk about people in his Constituency.
We met quite a lot of people up there and the people of Pangnirtung were concerned about the fish plant and the high rental rates with the housing association units and because of this, increasingly people do not want to work at the fish plant.
I also heard some of the issues and one was in regards to the power rates, where the people of Pangnirtung cannot keep up with their monthly bills.
There are some people who have already received notices about getting their power cut.
Those were some of the comments that I heard from the residents of Pangnirtung and I am sure the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Pangnirtung will be making additional comments on this.
Member’s Statement 703 – 1(6): Launching of Rocket – Concern of Communication
Good afternoon and I send my regards to the people in my Riding and I give them a smile.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reiterate some of the issues that I talked about on Friday regarding the launching of a rocket.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the communities that I represent have been in contact with me to express their concerns about this situation, especially the uncertainty regarding any potential environmental damage that might occur as a result of the incident.
Mr. Speaker, incidents like this remind us of the need for clear communication with our communities.
I would just like to quote one line from Community Government and Transportation to the hamlet of Grise Fiord; this is just information for them.
OCIPED Operations is in contact with DND, NDCC and D3 Continental TC and EC to share information and consider follow options.
I don’t know what that means but that sounds really bad.
Mr. Speaker, I understand that the government has been monitoring this situation and is keeping contact with the hamlet, but that was some of the information that was provided to the hamlet of Grise Fiord.
I also appreciate the efforts of our Member of Parliament in this situation.
Mr. Speaker, I want to see better communication with our communities regarding these situations in the future, especially when situations arise and might confuse or frighten our elders and unilingual residents.
The community needs to know 100 percent that there is no danger to the environment.
Member’s Statement 704 – 1(6): Suicide in Nunavut Higher than Ever
Mr. Speaker, Monday morning, I turn on the radio after a long weekend in Iqaluit, the third weekend away from my family and I hear bad news.
I’ve been in a bad mood most of the day until I walked past that poster there and saw my son’s poster, “Keep the culture alive”, so that cheered me up a bit.
Mr. Speaker, suicide numbers reach a new high in Nunavut.
In Nunavut, the number of deaths by suicide is higher this year than it’s ever been.
So far, Mr. Speaker, 31 people have taken their own lives in 2003.
This is the worst year yet.
We have 31 and we have 2 months to go says Tim Neilly, the chief coroner of Nunavut.
He says the government has kept records of suicide since Nunavut was created and this year is the worst he’s seen.
Since 1999, Nunavut has seen a total of 128 suicides.
The group that is at the highest risk is the age group between 14 and 15 to 23 to 24.
Probably 85 percent of those are males in that age group he says.
Mr. Speaker, we stood up in this House and we made motions.
Mr. Speaker, we stood up in this House and we talked.
Mr. Speaker, as of today, that’s all we’ve done.
And the statistic that we don’t see and I could probably say is that in our graveyards in Nunavut today, the young people who are supposed to be starting their life cycle are outnumbering the older people at the end of their life cycle.
I’m sure the Minister is going to table his report.
We as politicians are helpless.
We as parents, our hands are tied.
We as civil servants, what can we do?
Until this government and this territory recognises that we can’t deal with this and get past this pride of asking somebody someplace, in the world, in the United States, United Nations, World Amnesty, or something like that to come in and help this territory deal with this issue some way, Mr. Speaker, I hate to say this but a friend of mine told me in Rankin Inlet, Glenn the bodies are going to pile up.
Member’s Statement 705 – 1(6): NTI Annual General Meeting in Sanikiluaq
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my appreciation and also to welcome Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated’s Annual General Meeting this week.
I would like to welcome the delegates from NTI.
I know that residents of Sanikiluaq will be great hosts.
I am sorry that I am unable to make it to my community but I will be going home sometime this week.
I want the residents of Sanikiluaq and the delegates to know that I will be home later in the week.
Member’s Statement 706 – 1(6): Fund Raising Program for Joamie School Cultural and Land Program
Mr. Speaker, and good afternoon.
Mr. Speaker, there was an exciting event that happened at the Northmart, here in Iqaluit.
Northern hosted an on site live radio broadcast featuring Glenn Craig, from CKIQ Raven Rock.
Mr. Speaker, the main focus of the live broadcast was to announce the launch of a fundraising campaign to benefit the cultural and land activities program at our Joamie School.
We know that all the camping gear, the drums, the amautiit, etc., were lost in the Joamie School fire.
Our Northmart has been given the support of Mr. Edward Kennedy, the President and CEO of the Northwest Company, to run a fundraising program, Mr. Speaker, to a final earnings target of $50 thousand.
Mr. Speaker, this amount will be raised by the donation, Mr. Speaker, of 1% of all Northmart customer purchases from November 1st, to December 31st . As well, they will be hosting and putting on a ‘Be a Friend of Joamie School Promotion’, that they will add in the month of December.
Mr. Speaker, the recent fire at Nakasuk School, has again cancelled classes for Joamie and Nakasuk School students today.
This is indeed tragic.
The fire was deliberately set and we, as parents need again to reinforce that vandalism, that vandalism of any sort will not, Mr. Speaker, not be tolerated.
Hopefully students and staff will be able to return to school tomorrow.
Mr. Speaker, we have been overwhelmed, overwhelmed by the support of Iqaluit and Nunavut residents and businesses in support of our Joamie School.
I would ask that, Mr. Speaker, you, and this House, join with me to thank Mr. Glenn Cousins, the Manager of Northmart, the staff and the people at Northern Stores for their generous offer to support Joamie School’s rebuilding project.
Member’s Statement 707 -1(6): Pangnirtung Trip
As my colleague stated we went to Pangnirtung for the weekend and I would like to thank my colleagues for coming with me to Pangnirtung; Davidee Iqaqrialu, Ovide Alakannuark, and Minister Peter Kattuk.
We went to visit Pangnirtung, and I would like to extend my appreciation on behalf of my constituents; I would also like to thank them for coming into Pangnirtung.
During our visit to Pangnirtung, they took part in a constituency meeting that I held.
We also toured the community; we visited the fish plant, and also the water treatment plant.
While we were there on Sunday morning we went boating and went to the fiord and went to look at the construction of the road there.
It became evident that the construction workers are very good workers and it was very interesting to see the construction there.
They are constructing a trail for the fisherman and hunters.
Jaypeetee Qappik, I would like to extend my appreciation and the work that they are doing is going to benefit many hunters.
And also, Mr. Speaker, Jaypeetee, and his wife, and Meeka Alivaktak, Adamie, and Geeboa, Manasaa, and Iga, Mary Sukkulaaq, Padluq Kilabuk, Jayko Qaqqasiq, Poasie and Regilee and their children, Olee.
These are some of the people who went over there along with my wife Rosie, my daughter Jenna and my son Joseph.
We went to tour the place where they are constructing the trail.
Once the ice freezes up, they will be able to utilize that trail from Kuulik.
The road builders had to go through a very steep area, so I would like to thank the crew from Pangnirtung. Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the Coral Harbour wrestlers and join with Mr. Netser in being proud of their achievements.
Return to Oral Question 598 – 1(6): Update on Fuel Situation in Hall Beach
Hon. Peter Kattuk (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide a response to a question posed to me by Mr. Enoki Irqittuq on October 22nd regarding the quality of gasoline in Hall Beach.
(interpretation ends) During the second week of July, the general contractor responsible for upgrading and expansion of tank farms and for gasoline from old and used tanks found some of the gasoline contained excess water.
As soon as it was discovered that gasoline contained excess water, my officials airlifted 44 thousand litres of gasoline.
The Member requested that the Government of Nunavut provide compensation for the damages caused by the gasoline that contained an excess of water.
To date, my officials have not received any complaints from communities regarding issues with the mixed gasoline.
Mr. Speaker, with regards to the gasoline in question, it has been transferred to isolated areas, in separate horizontal tanks.
My officials will be making arrangement with Woodwards to dispose of the fuels during next year’s resupply.
As well, the contractor in the community has been made aware that fuel is not to be mixed or sold.
Moving onto Item 5.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize an individual from Repulse Bay; he is the Chairman of the Mayor of Repulse Bay, Steven Maksagak.
Speaker: Welcome to the Gallery, Steven.
Mr. Anawak (interpretation): I am sorry.
Although Steven Maksagak was already recognized, I would like to introduce Steve because he is also from my hometown community of Repulse Bay.
When he was a small child, he was mulled by dogs and he is okay today. He is a hunter in Repulse Bay and he is also a tourism outfitter.
I would like to congratulate him for being really good.
Mr. Speaker, I am quite happy today; I do not know why I am grinning today.
Perhaps I am full of gratitude today.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognise an individual from Qikiqtarjuaq, Stevie Audlakiak.
He’s been a full time hunter and he works very hard and diligently with his hunting.
During the Rankin Inlet session he was the first individual to write any correspondence to me in regards to diving for clams.
As he is a diver he wrote a letter to me regarding his proposal.
Ever since his proposal, they’ve been working very hard and he has trained quite a few people in diving in Qikiqtarjuaq.
We encourage them to keep on diving for clams and we would like to congratulate him for completing his diver training course.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognise an individual whom I saw yesterday.
It is very rare that I have the opportunity to recognise anyone in the gallery.
I would like to recognise our former Sergeant-at-arms, Jayko Isullutaq from Pangnirtung.
I would like to welcome him to the chambers.
I would also like to recognise our former Sergeant-at-arms.
He is a very good hunter and everyone knows him because he’s a very good carver.
He has been able to sustain himself as a carver and a hunter all his life and he has provided for his family very well.
I would like to recognise our former Sergeant-at-arms, Jayko Isullutaq.
I would also like to welcome Steve Maksagak and Stevie Audlakiak.
Question 676 – 1(6): Art Classes for Students
When you are a young person you have to go to school to learn about language, sewing, arts and crafts.
As a young person you have to learn how to do things because you do not possess the skills or knowledge.
Today’s youth, are being taught by the elders and by the women how to sew and by men how to carve.
Could the Minister introduce curriculum for learning how to create things such as qamutiks or things you have to create with your hands for the future that would be accredited with some form of recognition?
Hon. Peter Kilabuk (interpretation): Yes I’m sorry.
There are many things that I signed that recognise people when they have taken some courses when they complete them.
If the Member here or my fellow Members know of any individuals who have to be recognised or given an award for art work, I would like them to inform me.
When we first became Members of the Legislative Assembly, it was hard to ask questions and we had to learn how.
I am pleased that the Minister gave me an excellent response, to which I would like to ask another question.
Who would the awards go to? Is the award given to that individual or is it awarded in a different way?
We give out the awards and give recognition to the participants or students and we send them out to the communities where these individuals are.
We try to make sure that we know the names of the individuals and the courses that they completed.
We use Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtut as working languages in the Legislative Assembly and push to have it recognized with the Nunavut Government.
I was wondering if there could be similar recognition of the people who do art work such as sewing and carving in the future, or is that in the plans for the future?
We are aware that Nunavut Arctic College has given out those courses, but if there is going to be a course in a community, they can apply to my Department to recognise those individuals.
What about people taking jewellery making and literacy programs?
When they complete their courses, they usually work on the course that they took and they are recognized by the college or by the school.
Sometimes there are women out there who teach traditional sewing and tailoring.
Do you have to apply to Nunavut Arctic College before those individuals are recognised who teach traditional sewing and crafts?
The instructors who teach the students how to sew and do carvings and other things, as long as you apply to my Department, and then they can be recognised.
We will work along with the Department of Education.
Question 677 – 1(6): Late Payments for Power Bills
I will be elaborating on the question that I asked before to the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Power Corporation.
In his response, the Minister stated that the problems due to billing and late payments have been resolved.
Unfortunately, when listening to what is coming out of the communities it has become more confusing and uncertain than before and some individuals are now denied service.
What action will the Department finally take to resolve the issue of bills that have to be paid to the Nunavut Power Corporation?
As the Member knows, it is not a new issue.
We have had to pay the power bills since the Northern Canada Power Commission, NCPC, and then NWTPC and now Nunavut Power Corporation came into existence.
Mr. Speaker, there is a Policy there on the collection of accounts that are under standard financial practises and Mr. Speaker, I want to ensure the Member that every effort is being made to help clients and customers when they cannot meet the obligation of their power bill; as we stated in the House before, Mr. Speaker, the cut-off is a last option.
Over the last few days we have been made aware of several instances where people have not been able to pay their power bill.
I had a conversation, for example, the Mayor from Igloolik on the issues up there in Igloolik raised by the Member of the Legislative Assembly from Amittuq and Mr. Speaker, we would be proactive in working with the clients to make sure that at the end of the day that the bill payable, that the accounts payable situation is resolved.
Yes, I appreciate the Minister’s response.
Some people are starting to say that their power bill comes in and they have to pay it the very next day and that is what was mentioned in Pangnirtung.
I am not sure how to describe it; it just seems like we are just slaves to the Power Corporation because we have to pay it right away.
There should be a way where the Power Corporation have an agent that has a computer or though payment agents.
Is it the computer’s fault; is it too slow? Can you make sure that this is ratified, be it a slow computer that causes peoples’ bill payments to be applied late.
Can this be looked into?
Mr. Speaker, there have been concerns raised where people have paid their bill, for example, on a Monday and if they have to pay money, and I will use Northern as an example or Co-Op.
Sometimes, Mr. Speaker, people could pay their bills at Northern or Co-Op, they go in, and they pay the bill on a Monday, the Co-Op or Northern may not fax out immediately on Monday afternoon at 5 ‘O’ Clock everyone who has paid, they may wait until the end of the week when they have had 13 or 15 or 20 people pay.
So, Mr. Speaker, there has been a concern raised by some clients that even though they paid on Monday, because the payment was not faxed in until Friday and then maybe not put under the account with the following Monday when they received their bill, it shows that it is in arrears and that they actually have not paid.
That is why, Mr. Speaker, we have told people that they have a copy of the receipt or invoice when they have paid the bill, then we could go back and credit any of those charges that have been on the bill because of those standing errors.
In some cases, Mr. Speaker, people have not been able to pay their accounts.
In those cases, Mr. Speaker, they may be 90 days overdue or 50 days or 30 days.
In those cases, Mr. Speaker, a disconnect notice is given to a client and at the same time, Mr. Speaker, the power plant operator or a staff person in each individual community communicates with the client and says look, this is what your bill is, can you pay it?
In most cases, Mr. Speaker, we are able to reach an agreement or an arrangement where a person can come in and pay $50, $60, $70, $100 dollars to try to get their bill down.
At the same time, Mr. Speaker, instead of allowing the bills to continue, the Power Corporation sometimes put a regulator or a limiter, a load limiter onto that person’s house so that power is not cut off, but limits their ability to have electricity in the house so that, Mr. Speaker, their bill does not go up.
Yes, I understand the Minister’s response and it’s very interesting to hear but when we were in Pangnirtung over the weekend, someone said that when it’s almost 5 o’clock and it’s a Friday and an individual does not have the money, he is going to get cut off the very next day; those are the types of things that they have problems with.
Because it happens on the weekend and they’re going to get cut off on the weekend and it’s almost 5 o’clock on a Friday and the individual is going to get cut off on a Saturday.
I wonder if the Minister can tell if the Nunavut Power Corporation Board will look at it again to make sure that there is a better system that can be put into place.
Mr. Speaker, that’s something that I’ve asked the senior management of the Corporation to do, is review the situation around the billing and again Mr. Speaker, the Power Corporation is owned by all residents of Nunavut.
It shouldn’t be in a position where we’re causing heart ache but at the same time Mr. Speaker, the Corporation needs to have bills paid to stay in operation. We know some of the concerns that have been raised in this House with the financial stability with the Corporation, so we have to be able to balance both of them.
So, I can confirm with the Member that one of things that we’re looking at is the way that the accounts receivable are dealt with.
Are you just going to be doing a review and not do anything to fix it?
No, Mr. Speaker, I think it’s important to point out that a lot of people are dealing with this issue, not just in Pangnirtung but in some of the other communities.
I asked, again, on the weekend for an update. I met with my Power Corporation guys over lunch today to discuss it again.
Mr. Speaker, what occurs is this; there is 30 day, 60 day and 90 days, so if a bill, Mr. Speaker is 90 days, three months over due and it’s over $50 dollars, then a 48 hours to disconnect is given to the home owner or the person who has the bill.
Mr. Speaker, if there’s a large amount owing, then we try to set up a payment plan.
So there’s a lot of work that goes into working with the residents at the community level.
And I want to point out Mr. Speaker, the people who are dealing with the Power Corporation at the community level, also live in the community and they are aware of the situation of the people who live there.