EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
This has resulted in the change in the way that they are processed and printed. Driver’s licences and identification cards will no longer be issued over the counter, even in automated stations such as in Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, and Gjoa Haven.
Mr. Speaker, all licences and general identification cards will now be printed by the Canadian Banknote Company in Ottawa and mailed directly to the cardholder.
This is the way other jurisdictions, including the NWT, or the Northwest Territories, are now issuing their cards. Under this system, all Nunavummiut can expect their licences and identification cards within a period of four to six weeks from the time they apply.
Mr. Speaker, all of us have heard of incidents where Nunavummiut have been stuck without proper identification following a medevac or an unexpected trip to southern Canada.
To avoid this, I would like to take this time to encourage all Nunavummiut 12 years and older to get either a general identification card or a driver’s licence through the Motor Vehicles issuing office in their community even if they’re not planning to travel in the near future.
Minister’s Statement 008 – 3(1): Enhancement to our Search and Rescue Capabilities (Kusugak)
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I rise today to provide members with information on the awarding of funding approved by the federal government as part of the International Polar Year.
Protection Services identified a need for specialized vehicles that could be used for search and rescue during the spring when travel by snow machine becomes impossible.
Knowing the many challenges our government faces financially, we looked for what funding might be available through various federal programs.
Mr. Kusugak is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement.
You may conclude your statement, Mr. Kusugak.
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you.
Mr. Speaker, we submitted a proposal to the International Polar Year entitled “Enhancing Ground Search and Rescue in Nunavut.”
Our proposal was for the purchase and shipping of nine Avenger all-terrain vehicles.
The vehicles are amphibious and are able to travel on snow, mud, and in the water, and can be equipped with tracks should the need arise.
These vehicles can also be transported by air so that we may move them throughout the territory.
Mr. Speaker, I’m happy to say that the Government of Canada found merit in our proposal and awarded our government funding in the amount of $287,150.
This is good news and I wish to thank the Government of Canada and the International Polar Year committee for supporting this worthwhile proposal.
The tender for the Avenger is currently being advertised for delivery on the 2009 sealift.
They will be shipped to nine selected communities with the intent to have them available to other communities on an emergency basis.
Member’s Statement 017 – 3(1): Recent Deaths in Constituency and Nunavut (Okalik)
I would like to welcome my colleagues who have travelled here to our community of Iqaluit.
My colleagues, it has been quite a difficult winter for my constituents here in Iqaluit, particularly with the loss of what seems to be far too many loved ones, and some passed on during the Christmas holidays.
I particularly recall the passing of Oolahnee Coman, who was one of my constituents.
She worked really hard in all her endeavours and she was an avid participant in election campaigns.
She was also very funny and seemed to have a bottomless well of jokes. She will be dearly missed and I am proud to have represented her. I also extend my condolences to her family.
Last week, we buried a respected elder, Henry Boaz, and this was also regrettable. He will be remembered for his involvement in our community.
On Friday, we also laid to rest Marge Lalonde, who was a tireless volunteer for our community and did a lot of work.
We will all miss her here in Iqaluit.
(interpretation ends) Over the weekend, I learned of the loss of our first commissioner, Helen Mapsagak.
I first met Helen in the winter of 1986 as a researcher and negotiator.
That winter, I had to consult the Kitikmeot Hunters and Trappers Association during their AGM.
There was no hotel space during that week, so John and Helen took me in during my first visit ever to Cambridge Bay.
They spoiled me during that time. They fed me frozen trout for the first time and I felt like I never left their home. So whenever I went to Cambridge Bay, I was always welcomed and I felt right at home.
During my first term as the Premier of the territory, I had the great fortune of having a commissioner that had been there before. She gave me wise counsel and advice. The advice she gave me gave me confidence and strength, which definitely assisted me in my challenges that were coming in before me.
The whole territory benefited from her wise counsel and for that, we are truly grateful.
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and my colleagues.
(interpretation ends) John and Helen’s children have become true friends for me like siblings, from Harry providing me with a snowmobile and Gary being my guide for my successful hunts in Cambridge Bay.
So to all of her children, you are like my brothers and sisters and will definitely miss your mom. I will definitely miss her great baking as she baked some great goods and I went for tea at her house.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and for all of Nunavut.
(interpretation) I wanted to let the relatives of all those who passed away know that they are in my thoughts. I extend my condolences to all those who have lost a loved one here in Iqaluit. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who just lost their loved one in Cambridge Bay.
Member’s Statement 018 – 3(1): Representing Tununingmiut (Arvaluk)
I wish to express my gratitude to the members who nominated me for a position on the Executive Committee, even though I was defeated by my partner in crime, Tagak.
I have absolutely no regrets or concerns and as a matter of fact, I’m rather proud of his appointment and his successful attempt for a position.
I would like to thank my partner, Lisa, whom I rarely mention, for always providing me with support.
My constituents encouraged me to run for a ministerial position and that’s why I agreed to the nomination. I also wanted to work on the issues facing us, but I will not be going anywhere and I have not given up on representing our government. If, in the future, a Member of the Executive Council gets tired or leaves, then I may try again next time.
However, I wish to inform my constituents in Pond Inlet that I will be working hard for them by raising questions and making Members’ Statements.
I look forward to working with my colleagues on the standing committees as there will be a lot of work, especially on the financial bills that are put forward. There will also be quite a number of bills we may have to review, such as the custom adoption issue as well as others, that will require careful deliberation. We will have a lot of work ahead of us, so my expectations are that I will be getting to work immediately.
I will be raising questions today, especially in regard to the airlines and the decision to cut routes, such as Kenn Borek’s decision to cut the High Arctic route via Pond Inlet that allows us to visit our relatives in Arctic Bay, Resolute Bay, and other places. That has already impacted us in Pond Inlet.
So I will be raising questions to the Minister of Transportation at the appropriate time.
Members’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Member for Quttiktuq, Mr. Elliott.
Member’s Statement 019 – 3(1): Isolation and Opportunity in the High Arctic (Elliott)
I rise today to inform the House of the results of my recent community consultation in Arctic Bay, Grise Fiord, and Resolute Bay.
Mr. Speaker, the months of December and January provided me with the opportunity to meet in person with local community leaders and residents. I appreciate the willingness of my constituents to speak frankly with me on issues of concern.
Mr. Speaker, I was particularly struck by a comment that I heard from my constituents who told me that residents often feel that they are prisoners in their own communities.
The remote location of our communities results in an unbearably high cost of living. Problems with food mail programs, reduction in airline services, and ongoing infrastructure deficits are all issues of concern. I look forward to addressing many of these topics during the months ahead.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to say that there are also exciting opportunities before us. As you know, the Arctic Fisheries Alliance is working hard to get a fair share of Nunavut’s turbot quota.
The alliance is committed to providing much needed training and employment opportunities for Inuit, and I support their efforts wholeheartedly.
The High Arctic communities which I represent are increasingly in the national spotlight as our country becomes increasingly aware of the importance of arctic sovereignty.
In December, I had the opportunity to welcome representatives from the Canadian Forces Joint Task Force North to Arctic Bay.
As a long-time volunteer with Arctic Bay’s cadet movement, I was very gratified at the level of support expressed by Brigadier General Miller’s office for our local cadets, junior rangers, and the ranger patrol.
Mr. Speaker, recent federal announcements on initiatives concerning the High Arctic are of tremendous importance to my constituents. I see a need for federal, territorial, and local leaders to work closely together on such issues as infrastructure development and youth.
I also urge appropriate parties to work together to address the need for access to affordable airline service. I believe that the legacy of the High Arctic relocation means that the federal government has a responsibility in this matter.
Mr. Speaker, the upcoming visit of President Obama to Canada is an excellent opportunity for our federal government to vigorously pursue an arctic sovereignty agenda that takes into account the aspirations and needs of the people who live in the North.
I have personally written to the Prime Minister on this matter and I look forward to his reply.
Before I conclude, I would like to take a moment to note for the record the accomplishments of two very well-known northerners.
Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to ask for unanimous consent to continue with my Member’s Statement.
At this time, the member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement.
You may conclude your statement, Mr. Elliott.
On March 6 of this year, a ceremony to mark the 16th Annual National Aboriginal Achievement Awards will be held in Winnipeg.
Two of this year’s recipients are Mr. Paul Okalik and Ms. Carol Morin.
I ask all members to join me in paying tribute to these deserving individuals.
Member’s Statement 020 – 3(1): Becoming a Member of the Executive Council (Curley)
Mr. Curley (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today and first of all, I want to say how happy I am to see you sitting up there, although you were there last fall.
Mr. Speaker, I wanted to mention two things as I stand here. We also lost two people in Rankin Inlet last fall and they’re in my colleague’s riding.
An individual who was considered a real man and hunter, who was relatively young and not quite an elder, suddenly passed away last fall. A woman also passed away from an illness.
As a result, the residents of Rankin Inlet have become orphaned in a way.
My colleague will be able to announce their names as they are from his riding.
The other matter I wanted to talk about is my fellow nominees in the election we had for a Cabinet position. I want to thank Mr. Arvaluk and his sense of history. I want to take to heart the things he said and I will want to revisit them.
I also want to say how much I enjoyed listening to what Mr. Schell had to say and I think we should not forget what we need to do for our youth.
He was very articulate in how young people go through difficulties. Both Mr. Arvaluk and Mr. Schell are very capable and should they seek to join the Cabinet in the future, I would not hesitate to support them.
Mr. Speaker, I first want to thank the people of Rankin Inlet for the way they are always friendly and welcoming after the Third Assembly had been elected.
Many of those who provide support are listening and we know them quite well. We want them to feel free to let us know when they want to hear from us.
Now that I am in the Cabinet, I want to let the Premier know that I will use all my abilities and strengths in serving her and I look forward to working closely with her for the benefit of Nunavutmiut. It is especially important now that Canada is experiencing financial difficulties.
Mr. Speaker, I would to ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
You may conclude your statement, Mr. Curley.
As I was saying, I want the Premier to know that Nunavut will be touched by financial hardship that is spreading across Canada and indeed around the world.
I am aware of the responsibilities of Cabinet and the activities they have been undertaking for Nunavut. We must look forward and positively that the work they do will have a positive impact and we will have to work together.
Mr. Speaker, we will undoubtedly experience hardship and we will have to be as proactive as possible in seeking the best possible solutions. I want to work as closely as possible with my Cabinet colleagues.
Lastly, although I’m not passing on my greetings to those who are here, I am quite proud of my colleagues whom I worked with on the standing committees and we will listen to the questions that they pose. I would also like to recognize the hard work of the Clerk and his staff and thank them while I have the opportunity.
Further, I wish to thank my wife and all my relatives who are listening to the proceedings on the radio in Rankin Inlet.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Curley. (interpretation ends) Members’ Statements.
Member for Iqaluit Centre, Mr. Tootoo. (interpretation) I apologize; I saw a raised hand and I thought it was you. (interpretation ends) Member for Rankin Inlet South-Whale Cove, Mr. Kusugak.
Member’s Statement 021 – 3(1): Artwork by Constituent Susan Shirley on Display in the Assembly (Kusugak)
With respect to Mr. Curley’s comments regarding the loss of Nuqittuq in Rankin Inlet, it was extremely hard at that time as it occurred during Christmas festivities.
The other person we lost during this time was Margaret Anawak. She passed away around the same time and we wish to extend our condolences to the relatives who were left behind. They are in our thoughts and prayers.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would like to draw the attention of my colleagues and the general public to the current display of artwork in the lobby of the Legislative Assembly. The artwork was done by Ms. Susan Shirley of Rankin Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate and thank Susan for sharing her artwork with us.
As fellow residents of Rankin Inlet, I know the Shirley family very well and they have their art gallery right beside my house.
One of the common themes in the family is art.
As most people from the community are aware, this is a very talented family when it comes to all forms and types of art.
In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to encourage the general public and all the Members of this Assembly to enjoy the fine display in the lobby, and I would once again like to congratulate Susan Shirley on a very beautiful display.
Member for Iqaluit East, Ms. Aariak.
Member’s Statement 022 – 3(1): Constituency Office Location/Condolences to Helen Maksagak and Family (Aariak)
I rise today to take this opportunity to thank the people who voted for me in Iqaluit East. They provided a tremendous amount of support last October during my campaign. I will do my utmost to try to make their expectations become realities during our term as an open government.
I also wish to make an announcement, Mr. Speaker, that my constituency office is now located at 208 Quliruaq Building on Sinaa Street. My constituents are welcome to come to my office and ask questions or call me directly by phone.
I wanted to notify my constituents about that, Mr. Speaker.
I also wish to take this opportunity to recognize certain individuals who supported me as I am not alone in this.
I thank all of my relatives and the communities that have supported me. I would like to thank my children, especially my daughter, Karliin, who has provided me with her undying support, as well as my sons, Jordan, Shawn, and Gerry. I wanted to state their names.
I would like to express my gratitude to all those people who supported me in my campaign even though it was quite cold and there were many dogs that made it difficult to visit some of the houses. So I wish to thank those who worked with me during that time. One of my workers was almost bitten as well.
I wanted to thank them for their continued support by mentioning them.
And I wish to add that we are keeping Madam Helen Maksagak in our thoughts. I had an opportunity to visit her in November when we went to the Kitikmeot to attend a meeting held by Nunavut Tunngavik and that was the last time I was to see her. I wish to let her relatives know that they are in our thoughts and prayers.
Member for Nanulik, Mr. Ningeongan.
Member’s Statement 023 – 3(1): Messages to Constituents/Condolences to Helen Maksagak and Family (Ningeongan)
I know that from time to time, we will have to deal with difficult issues in the House.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to make a celebratory announcement regarding my community.
There will be a wedding held this evening for Geraldine Stanley and Jonathan Imiqtaut. I wish to extend my congratulations on behalf of my relatives and community. I received an invitation to attend to their matrimonial event.
Unfortunately, I cannot attend as I am in Iqaluit, so I would like to apologize for that.
I wish to extend my best wishes to my constituents in Chesterfield Inlet and Coral Harbour. I would like to take this opportunity to inform them that I will voice some of their concerns, not necessarily in this House but via other avenues, and that they can expect me to bring back some answers.
As well, I offer my condolences to the relatives left behind by the former Commissioner of Nunavut, Ms. Helen Maksagak, and praise her dedication on behalf of Nunavummiut. Even though we were not from the same community, it was easy to see her commitment and hard work. I wish to let her relatives know that they are in my thoughts and prayers in their time of difficulty.
Member for (interpretation ends) Baker Lake, Mr. Aupaluktuq.
Member’s Statement 024 – 3(1): Messages Regarding Constituency/Update on Constituency Office (Aupaluktuq)
Mr. Aupaluktuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
It’s obvious that we will be working together as a government and that we will face some challenges. Today, I wish to notify all Nunavummiut listening to the proceedings that the matters we are dealing with are not easy and that we have to work really hard. It’s also quite obvious that most of the people listening in are learning about government operations, understanding the connections between the levels of government, and getting to know how the Legislative Assembly works.
I wish to acknowledge several people in Baker Lake who passed away between our meetings. Orin Durey was a teacher in Baker Lake and most of the students enjoyed being his pupils.
Several elders passed away this winter. Inukpak and especially Gideon Koo, I have never forgotten Koo ever since I was a child because he was always working.
He had to retire, but he preferred to keep working. He was a role model for us as we always saw him working and I will never forget him.
As well, I wish to thank Baker Lake residents for having elected me to this position.
I will be writing to the people, but they are not in Baker Lake at this time. I would like to state that I was unable to attend due to an illness. I had to visit a doctor and I thank the doctor for assisting me.
With respect to recognizing constituents, there is a person who I recognize sitting immediately behind me, Donat Nivingajuq, who is from Baker Lake. My colleague, Lorne Kusugak, made a statement about Susan Shirley’s artwork and I wanted her art recognized as well.
I went to high school in Rankin Inlet and I was in school with their son.
Finally, I wish to let the ministers know that I support them.
However, it is also obvious that members will have many questions. I want them to be aware that I will keep raising questions, especially with respect to health. There are quite a number of people who wish to raise questions about health care and how it can be managed better in Nunavut.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Aupaluktuq. (interpretation ends) Members’ Statements. (interpretation) If there are no more, (interpretation ends) I’m sorry.
Member’s Statement 025 – 3(1): Thanks to Constituents (Shewchuk)
I would like to thank the constituents of Arviat and advise them that I am here in the Legislative Assembly first and foremost to represent them.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to congratulate Mr. Curley on his being elected to Cabinet as a minister.
I would like to say to all my colleagues in the House that I look forward to working with each and every one of you to make Nunavut a better place to live.
Members’ Statements. (interpretation) If there are no more, (interpretation ends) Item 4.
Returns to Oral Questions. There being none.
It gives me great pleasure today to recognize an individual who I’m sure is no stranger to everyone here in the House now anyway after the election and that’s our Integrity Commissioner, Mr. Norman Pickell. I would like to welcome him here to the Gallery.
Mr. Pauloosie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I would like to recognize Sammy Pauloosie, my brother from Taloyoak.
He’s here to play music on Saturday, so he will be playing guitar for us on Saturday night.
Question 001 – 3(1): George W. Bush Claims the Northwest Passage is International Waters (Okalik)
I am giddy with delight since I’m now able to pose questions freely and I will not be fearful of anyone.
It is an honour to pose the first question and I wish to thank you for that opportunity.
I wish to pose a question to the Premier on how they dealt with an issue that the outgoing President of the USA brought to bear regarding the Northwest Passage. They want freedom to use the Northwest Passage and they maintain this is an international waterway and therefore, not under the jurisprudence of Canada even though it’s within our waters.
I would like to ask the Premier what she has heard with respect to that issue.
Premier of Nunavut, Ms. Aariak.
Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you for asking that question.
With regard to the issue he just raised, it was news to us as well when it was brought up.
With regard to the High Arctic and the Northwest Passage, this issue may emerge as a very important one over the next few years and I am quite happy that our federal government appointed Bruce Rawson to work on the devolution file.
They just hired this person and this is all part of the negotiating process towards devolution.
The sovereignty of our waters in the High Arctic is a very important issue which we will work hard to address and I will commit to keeping this House informed on any developments with regards to the Northwest Passage.
Many of our residents don’t know how it would affect Nunavut and our position is that these are our inland waters.
Inuit have lived in those lands and waters for many generations, our ancestors’ bones lie all over those areas, and we believe it to be our land.
The whole matter requires that we inform the rest of the world about these issues either through our federal government or via other agencies.
Your first supplementary, Mr. Okalik.
I thank the Premier for her answer. This matter is indeed a matter that could have dire consequences for all of Nunavut and indeed for all of the members here if it ever becomes an international waterway as per the American position.
That would mean that passage would be undertaken at any time without notifying Canada and it would have many adverse impacts on our environment.