EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
We have been working with NTI on a comprehensive public engagement process that will provide everyone in Nunavut, in each of our communities, with the opportunity to get involved in poverty reduction.
Mr. Speaker, Deputy Premier and Economic Development and Transportation Minister Taptuna will lead the poverty reduction initiative for the government and shortly he will make an announcement in the House about the details of this process.
Yesterday, Minister Taptuna announced, with NTI Executive Member Okalik Eegeesiak, the first stage of our public engagement process.
Representatives from the non-profit sector and from our business community also joined the minister in this announcement.
Mr. Speaker, the government has a vision of Nunavut in which no child or family will go hungry, in which Nunavummiut will continue to have a highly valued quality of life, and a much better standard of living for those most in need.
All of us believe in Nunavut and its vibrant communities.
We know that if we work together, if we involve everyone in Nunavut, we have the strength to defeat poverty. We all share the poverty problem and each one of us can be part of the solution.
There being none, we will go to Item 3.
Member’s Statement 288 – 3(2): Cape Dorset Unites (Schell)
I rise today to stand with the people of Cape Dorset who are uniting in the face of great tragedy. As Members of the Legislative Assembly are aware, a number of violent incidents have recently occurred in the community.
Last week, I joined with dozens of community leaders and concerned residents at an emergency meeting to identify a path towards solutions.
Mr. Speaker, I want to pay tribute to the efforts of the men and women of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police who put their lives on the line for us.
I want to say to these men and women that the community is grateful for your efforts and that they are part of the solution.
Mr. Speaker, there are no quick fixes to the problems that the community faces. The long-term solutions to such issues as substance abuse depend on individuals making the right decisions.
As a community and government, we need to ensure that those individuals who have decided to make a positive change have access to appropriate support mechanisms and programs.
Mr. Speaker, personal responsibility and community support go hand in hand.
Individuals who are facing personal demons cannot overcome them unless they truly want to change and communities cannot expect to heal unless they provide support to their most vulnerable members.
Mr. Speaker, an interagency meeting that has been held last week made it clear to me that action must be taken to improve firearms safety in the community.
The simple precaution of storing your firearms and ammunition separately just makes common sense.
Mr. Schell: I have personally raised this issue with the Minister of Justice and I am hopeful that his department will be in a position to help. If not, I have personally offered to provide help to any resident of Cape Dorset or Kimmirut who cannot afford to purchase trigger locks for their firearms and I make this offer publicly today.
Mr. Speaker, alcohol abuse has become a threat to the community.
As a member of the government’s task force on the Liquor Act, I have had the opportunity in recent months to attend public meetings in a number of communities.
I know that there is no easy solution to this issue.
Prohibition does not necessarily work, but neither does a situation where access to alcohol is completely uncontrolled.  Mr. Speaker, I have called on our airlines to demonstrate a greater commitment to social responsibility by working more closely with our…
Speaker: I am sorry, Mr. Schell, but your time is up.
If you wish to conclude your statement, you may ask for it.
Mr. Schell: I seek unanimous consent to continue with my statement.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Schell would like to conclude his statement.
There are no nays. You may conclude your statement, Mr. Schell.
Mr. Schell: Thank you.
Mr. Speaker, I have called on our airlines to demonstrate a greater commitment to social responsibility by working more closely with our government’s Liquor Commission to ensure that smaller communities, such as Cape Dorset, do not experience sudden and overwhelming influxes of alcohol.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all of the members to join me in sending a message to the people of Cape Dorset: we stand with you today.
Member’s Statement 289 – 3(2): Appreciation for Air Inuit’s Ilaujuq Program (Rumbolt)
I rise today to express my appreciation to Air Inuit for extending its Ilaujuq Program to the residents of Sanikiluaq.
Mr. Speaker, this program entitles beneficiaries in Sanikiluaq to receive a discounted airfare ticket or a discounted cargo rate through Air Inuit on an annual basis.
Mr. Speaker, this program was originally only for beneficiaries from Nunavik, but because Sanikiluaq is served by this Nunavik airline, Air Inuit has generously included beneficiaries in Sanikiluaq.
Mr. Speaker, as we all know, the cost of travelling in the north is extremely high, and I thank Air Inuit on behalf for my constituents for including them in this valuable program.
Members’ Statements. Member for Arviat, Mr. Shewchuk.
Member’s Statement 290 – 3(2): Congratulations to Arviat Graduates (Shewchuk)
I would first like to say “hello” to all of my constituents in Arviat and to all of the residents of this wonderful territory of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the 2010 graduating class of the John Arnalukjuak High School in Arviat. Mr. Speaker, I, accompanied by the Hon. Premier, Eva Aariak, had the honour of attending and speaking to one of the largest graduation classes in the history of Nunavut on August 28, 2010.
Hon. Daniel Shewchuk: Mr. Speaker, 34 graduates were recognized and were accompanied by their proud parents and family members attending the event.
Graduates are, Mr. Speaker: Evano Jr. Aggark, Tony Alagalak, Anthony Andrews, Dorothy Anoee, Laura Anowtalik, Ann Rose Owlijoot, Jordan Copland, Leah Inuujaq, Gavin Gibbons, Danny Illungaiyok, Dorina Irkok, Glenn Irkok, Chantelle Kablutsiak, Shawn Kablutsiak, Joe Jr. Karetak, Amanda Kigusiutnak, Jolene Kigusiutnar, Sheryl Kinak, Martha Koomak, Simon Koomak, Mandy Mumgark, Robert Mukyunik, Rosemary Mukyunik, Teresa Nutarsummigak, Deidre Osborne, Amy Owingayak, Calvin Pameolik, Wendy Shamee, Jordan St. John, Terrance Suwaksiork, Manasie Thompson, Katelene Yukutak, Caleb Ulayok, and Ceporah Ussak.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate all of the graduates and wish them all of the best in their future endeavours, and Nunavut is proud of you.
Member’s Statement 291 – 3(2): The Death of Billy Diamond (Curley)
I rise today to state what I know everyone listening is aware of as we already heard about it, but Canada just lost a great leader just recently.
Mr. Speaker, I stand today to acknowledge and congratulate the Grand Cree Nation Leader from James Bay, Billy Diamond, who passed away at the beginning of September.
Mr. Speaker, I can tell you that he was a great leader during the land claims negotiations in James Bay Cree.
There is a lot of development happening in that area and they are damming the rivers.
Billy Diamond seemed to be alone and he stood by himself when he wanted that development to stop and he went through the court to stop the hydro project in James Bay in the early 1970s.
Because of his efforts, they were able to settle the James Bay Cree and Inuit land claims in which they followed right after the Cree land claims.
For that reason, Mr. Speaker, we would like to acknowledge his help and courage.
When you saw him, it was visible that he was a great leader, and I have seen him personally a number of times.
Before he passed, he told his son that he was going to die soon.
He wanted his gravestone to read the following: Gone to a meeting, will be back soon. (interpretation ends) He requested his son recently before he died that if he dies, he would like the following sign to be read, “Gone to a meeting, will be back soon.” I look forward to seeing him when he comes back.
Member’s Statement 292 – 3(2): Reflections on Reconvening of Session (Elliott)
I would like to begin by expressing my condolences to Judas Oqituq for the recent loss of his son, Bobby, in Arctic Bay.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this time of grieving.
Mr. Speaker, I am glad to be back in session after a very busy and productive summer.
Since this is the first day of our fall sitting, I thought that it would be nice to share with the House a piece of literature which seems appropriate for this occasion.
Mr. Speaker, we have been in office as MLAs for two years now. At times, I find that in order to be more effective in this job, you need to sit back and reflect. In addition, with the upcoming leadership review on the horizon, perhaps this will set the tone.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to share with everyone today a poem by Robert Fulghum entitled “All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten.” It goes like this:
Most of what I really need  To know about how to live
And what to do and how to be
I learned in kindergarten.  Wisdom was not at the top
Of the graduate school mountain,
But there in the sandpile at Sunday school.  These are the things I learned:
Share everything.
Play fair.
Don’t hit people.
Put things back where you found them.
Don’t take things that aren’t yours.
Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody.
Warm cookies and [cold] milk are good for you.
Live a balanced life -
Learn some and think some
And draw and paint and sing and dance
And play and work everyday some.
Take a nap every afternoon.
When you go out into the world,  Watch out for traffic,
Hold hands and stick together.
Be aware of wonder.
Member’s Statement 293 – 3(2): Appreciation to Taloyoak Hunters (Ugyuk)
I say “good day” to the people of Nattilik.
As well, I say “good day” to the people of Taloyoak and Gjoa Haven.
I would like to thank a wildlife officer in Taloyoak. Last fall, they harvested over ten caribou in our area and they were shipped up to the Resolute Bay HTO to be sold over there.
The HTO in those communities did very well. The ribs and the hind legs were not allowed to be thawed out before they were sent up north.
That’s how the HTO is working very well in our community and I would like to appreciate them for their work because they work very hard. I want the Nunavut public to know about the fact that they were able to send caribou meat up to the High Arctic.
Member’s Statement 294 – 3(2): Successful Meeting of Kivalliq Mayors (Ningeongan)
I rise today to inform the House about the successful meeting of Kivalliq mayors that I attended last week in Rankin Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, many of us in this House are former mayors and municipal councillors and all of us are aware of the important role that local governments play in delivering essential services to our residents.
Last week’s meeting in Rankin Inlet provided an opportunity for mayors to meet with a number of ministers, MLAs, and other partners to discuss issues of concern to the region and its communities.
Some of the issues that were addressed included transportation and economic development.
All participants enjoyed a productive exchange of views.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to those ministers who were in attendance at the mayors’ meeting giving their reports to the House on what actions their departments are taking to respond to the concerns raised by mayors. I will also be expecting to see their response, whether it be through motion.
So therefore, I am very pleased to say that the hospitality was very good during that meeting.
Member’s Statement 295 – 3(2): Open to Pond Inlet Constituents (Okalik)
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and my colleagues. I would like to welcome my colleagues to Iqaluit.
First of all, I would like to state that the MLA for Tununiq is not able to attend the meeting because he is in the hospital and I believe that he is going to be in there for quite some time.
I don’t want him to be overly concerned about his constituents.
I want the constituents of Pond Inlet to know that they can send in their concerns during the session. If they want anything to be tabled, I could do it for Mr. Arvaluk.
My phone number is 979-5807 and facsimiles can be sent to 979-2226.
I am available to any one of the residents of Pond Inlet who want to call. If you want to send an email, my address is pokalik@assembly.nu.ca.
We all know that Mr. Arvaluk would be here if he was healthy enough to attend. He is not in a critical situation right now, and I have told him not to worry about his constituents because I wanted him to be with his family and friends while he is healing.
When I am asking questions to ministers on any matter, I will try my best to represent the people of Pond Inlet.
Member’s Statement 296 – 3(2): The Importance of Education (Aupaluktuq)
I send my regards to Baker Lake, my mother, and the elders.
I am very pleased to be back.
I rise today to make a statement in regard to Minister Shewchuk’s comments. I would like to congratulate the graduates. Education is very important to the Members of the Legislative Assembly.
For example, as Mr. Ningeongan had stated, education is very important and we need to support it and use it as our foundation.
The parents have to wake their children up to attend school, they have to cook for their children so that they can have good meals, and they need to help with their children’s homework.
I rise today, Mr. Speaker, to say that education is very important and that we need to use it as our foundation.
Also for the Nunavut Sivuniksavut students and other students in Ontario, Winnipeg, and Edmonton, I wish them well and I encourage them to complete their education and to work hard. Please don’t quit your education or schooling.
Members of the Legislative Assembly say that education is the foundation of our future.
I support the Baker Lake District Education Authority. For example, we usually use our language as a foundation and manage our language.
I give my full support to the parents to encourage their children to go to school.
We need not to forget that and I just wanted to mention that again.
Members’ Statements. Member for Pangnirtung, Mr. Komoartok.
Member’s Statement 297 – 3(2): The Impact of NHC’s Financial Shortfall (Komoartok)
Mr. Komoartok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, my colleagues, for coming back to the session.
I would like to make a statement today to my constituents of Pangnirtung and I will not forget them.
Before I start, I would first like to say that there is an individual here attending the Nunavut Arctic College who had just passed away in our community.
A burial service was held last Saturday and we send our condolences and prayers to the family.
When we lose a young person in our community, we feel a big loss, whether it is in our community or any one of the communities in Nunavut.
I know that we do not wish to see that occurring in our communities, but it happens all of the time.
However, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to raise the issue that I have heard about from our constituents in regard to the Nunavut Housing Corporation. They were given funding in 2006 and 2009 to construct units so that they can construct units up north.
However, we have heard since April that there is a shortfall in order to complete the construction of the units due to weather issues.
It’s evident now that within this year or the next fiscal year, they will have an impact on government programs and services in order to construct the units. $110 million is a huge sum of money.
In our community, we have been developing in some areas. If the funding had been given to our community, I am sure that we would have used it to move our airstrip, renew our recreation hall, get an incinerator, and built more homes in our community.
Using that $110 million would have been very beneficial to my community and it would have developed a lot of programs and services in our community.
These are the issues that we have heard in this fiscal year or the next fiscal year.
We will have to find funding to fill out the shortfalls, but Nunavummiut are still waiting and the public is asking questions as to why this has happened.
Speaker (interpretation): Mr. Komoartok, I am sorry. If you want to conclude your statement, you will have to seek unanimous consent of your colleagues.
I only have a few more words to day, so I would like to seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
There are none. You may conclude your statement, Mr. Komoartok.
Yes, as I stated earlier, as we have heard during this session and this coming fall that it will be clearer where we could find the funds to complete the construction of units, we will be waiting patiently and we will be asking questions in regard to this issue while we are in session.
If there are no more, we will move on to Item 4. (interpretation ends) Returns to Oral Questions.
I would like to recognize my wife, Joanne Taptuna, from Kugluktuk.
Question 429 – 3(2): Status of the Nunavut Housing Trust (Schell)
My questions are for the new Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
Buckle your seatbelt, Minister.
On June 1 of this year, Members of the Legislative Assembly were told that the Nunavut Housing Corporation had engaged the accounting firm of Deloitte and Touche to audit the Nunavut Housing Trust.
The accounting firm’s report has now been finished and I see that it is available to the public on the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s website.
Mr. Speaker, I was concerned to read that the accounting firm’s report stated that, and I quote, “Our work does not constitute an audit as defined by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants.
Consequently, said work, and the resulting report, does not constitute an auditor’s opinion.
Further, our work cannot be used to provide assurances that it revealed all errors, omissions, or irregularities.”
Can the minister clarify whether or not this review met the government’s expectations that it would receive an audit report?
Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Hon. Tagak Curley.
I would like to thank you for reminding me.
I thought he had forgotten that and he still remembers, so I have no choice but to respond to his question.
Mr. Speaker, in regard to the member’s question, before I respond to that question, there were two audits in that report.
The first one was an audit of the finances of the corporation.
They were using the standards. With the standards, the financial audit was okay.
There is another report. I would like my colleagues to read that other report.
The second one was the management report in regard to what you just stated.
We expected to see more, whether they found errors or irregularities.
The member had responded to himself because they did not review errors, omissions, or irregularities, but I am sure that they were looking over everything, lifting rocks and looking under them.
That’s why we’re here. At this time, I cannot provide any further support.
I think it’s better if you forget about it.
I don’t think we’re going to forget about it, but it’s a good thought.
The report that was submitted by the firm indicates that its staff “… conducted interviews with relevant NHC staff who are involved in the process, at Headquarters, Directorate & Corporate and District Offices...” Can the minister indicate whether or not the accounting firm’s staff actually travelled to Nunavut to conduct their field work in person or did they conduct their interviews and other work by phone and email?
Hon. Tagak Curley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I stand to be corrected. My understanding is that they did telephone interviews as well as interviewing the headquarters staff on the audit process.
My understanding at the moment is that they did not travel around to places, but they had a fairly good understanding of the district operations through the corporate staff at headquarters here. That’s my current understanding.
If there is any further information that comes from the corporation, I would be pleased to provide it, but my understanding is that it was mainly a headquarters interview process through telephones and so on.
According to recent news reports, the minister has been quoted as saying that he has ordered seven financial management positions that are currently located in the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s Arviat headquarters to be transferred to Iqaluit.
As the MLA for South Baffin, I clearly remember that when the government decided to move the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation’s offices from Cape Dorset to Iqaluit, that was a decision made by the cabinet as a whole.
Can the minister confirm when the current cabinet made the decision to move these Nunavut Housing Corporation positions to Iqaluit and can he indicate how many employees are involved?
I think we can go back in history and go through some of the examples of whether or not some of the regional decentralized positions that were moved were actually cast in stone for perpetuity.
But my recollection at one point is that the Department of Finance positions were, at one point, located in one of these communities. In view of the financial situation of the government in the early 1990s and the early 2000s, and so on, the experience was that… . The Auditor General of Canada found so many flaws and problems with the financial resources that they had to be moved to the headquarters here.
The cabinet, at the moment, has not made a decision.
We have provided the information packages to my colleagues, but the decision, at the moment, has not been made, but we have made it a point that the audit report that the member referred to indicated that that may be one of the weaknesses: not having the finance services at the directorate personnel.
So for that reason, before long, the cabinet will be considering that issue and hopefully scheduling mainly the problem at the moment.
In May of this year, MLAs were informed that the government will be placing a senior official on the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s corporate executive committee to help improve the accuracy and timeliness of information that it provides to the government.
Can the minister state for the record today who is appointed to the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s executive committee?
Hon. Tagak Curley: Mr. Speaker, I would have to take that particular question as notice, or the member from the Nunavut… .
I think that position is called one of the executive members of the executive personnel. The Deputy Minister of CGS has been appointed by the cabinet. I believe that my colleague is able to respond further to that, but Kathleen Lausman is actually one of the deputy ministers assigned to the executive committee of the Housing Corporation.
Question 430 – 3(2): Government of Nunavut Position on Seismic Testing (Okalik)
Near the end of July, the Government of Nunavut announced that a licence had been issued to allow the federal government to proceed with its plan to conduct seismic testing in our waters north of Baffin Bay.
We all know that Inuit who live in that region don’t have many terrestrial animals and they heavily depend on marine mammals as their source of food.
The Qikiqtani Inuit Association successfully obtained a court injunction to stop this testing from going ahead.
We also know that both the Government of Canada and the Government of Nunavut were defendants in this matter to have this testing proceed.
Therefore, I would like to ask a question to our government’s leader: why did you take the federal government’s side in this matter and oppose the wishes of Inuit in the affected communities?
Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my colleague for asking the question.
There were many people who spoke to this issue and the federal government has been working on this issue for quite some time.
The Nunavut government reviewed this matter following the recommendations made by the Department of Environment, after they gave us some information.
In spite of that, as a government, we have to represent the Inuit people because the entities from outside are not governing us.
For that reason, Inuit of Nunavut are very concerned about seismic testing.