EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
016 – 4(1): Long-term Service Awards - More Than 30 Years of Service (Taptuna) 166
017 – 4(1): A Profile of Homelessness in Nunavut (Ugyuk) 166
018 – 4(1): NHC Progress on $100 Million Economic Action Plan Funding (Kuksuk) 167
019 – 4(1): Development of a Polar Bear Management Plan for Nunavut (Mike) 168
052 – 4(1): Recognizing Constituents for Long-term Service (Angnakak) 168
053 – 4(1): Calling for a Review of Medical Benefits (Mikkungwak) 169
054 – 4(1): Kivalliq-Manitoba Hydroelectric Development (Savikataaq) 170
055 – 4(1): Recognition of a New Business – I Like Cake (Ell) 170
056 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected (Sammurtok) 171
057 – 4(1): Pangnirtung Turbot Fishery (Mike) 172
058 – 4(1): Long-term Service Awards (Hickes) 172
Return to Oral Question 008 – 4(1): Hudson Bay Neighbours Regional Round Table (Sammurtok) 173
035 – 4(1): Recreational Facilities for Aivilik (Mapsalak) 175
036 – 4(1): Status of Swan Lake Bridge (Akoak) 175
037 – 4(1): Calling for a Review of Medical Benefits (Mikkungwak) 176
038 – 4(1): Meeting Medical Travel Costs (Sammurtok) 178
039 – 4(1): Kivalliq-Manitoba Hydroelectric Development (Savikataaq) 180
040 – 4(1): Status of Decentralization Action Plan (Angnakak) 180
041 – 4(1): Mobile Airport Equipment (Enook) 181
042 – 4(1): Human Rights Tribunal (Hickes) 183
043 – 4(1): Status of the Cape Dorset Sewage Lagoon (Joanasie) 184
044 – 4(1): Funding for Community Access Roads (Mapsalak) 186
045 – 4(1): Medical Travel for Unilingual Clients (Enook) 187
046 – 4(1): Species-at-Risk Act and Polar Bear Management (Savikataaq) 188
015 – 4(1): Government of Nunavut’s Nunavut Lottery Financial Statements, March 31, 2013 (Sammurtok) 190
Bill 02 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2014-2015 – Community and Government Services – Consideration in Committee 190
Mr. Tony Akoak, Ms. Pat Angnakak, Hon. Monica Ell, Mr. Joe Enook, Mr. George Hickes, Mr. David Joanasie, Hon. George Kuksuk, Mr. Steve Mapsalak, Hon. Johnny Mike, Mr. Simeon Mikkungwak, Hon. Paul Okalik, Hon. Keith Peterson, Hon. Paul Quassa, Hon. George Qulaut, Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Mr. Alexander Sammurtok, Hon. Tom Sammurtok, Mr. Joe Savikataaq, Mr. Isaac Shooyook, Hon. Peter Taptuna, Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk.
Speaker (Hon. George Qulaut) (interpretation): Ms. Ell, can you say the opening prayer, please.
Speaker (interpretation): Good afternoon, Nunavummiut, Members, Ministers, and visitors.
Going to the Orders of the Day. (interpretation ends) Item 2. (interpretation) Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Member for Finance, Mr. Keith Peterson.
Minister’s Statement 015 – 4(1): Long-term Service Award Recipients – 25 Years (Peterson)
Last night, I joined the Premier and colleagues from this House to recognize a number of government employees for their long-term service to our government.
Last night’s reception was for employees who have completed more than 20 years of service.
Mr. Speaker, these long-term employees were here to see the creation of Nunavut and they continue to contribute to the growth of our territory.
Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honouring these individual employees who have provided more than 25 years of dedicated service to our government.
On behalf of the government, I want to extend congratulations to:
David Akoak (EIA)
Meeka Alivaktak (Education)
Christopher Clarke (CGS)
Claudette Girouard-Qamanirq (Health)
Mark Gordon (CGS)
Patty Greenley (CGS)
Rebecca Kudloo (Education)
Rosie Kudlualik (Health)
Scott Marriott (Finance)
Darlene Nuqingaq (Education)
Eva Ohokak (Finance)
Judith Paradis-Pastori (Nunavut Arctic College)
Michael Shouldice (Nunavut Arctic College)
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Taptuna.
Minister’s Statement 016 – 4(1): Long-term Service Awards - More Than 30 Years of Service (Taptuna)
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend the long-term service awards and thank employees who have provided us with more than 30 years of service.
Many of those individuals are in the House today, and I want to extend my gratitude and appreciation for serving and committing their time to the public service.
Mr. Speaker, in addition to employees in Iqaluit, we also awarded recipients from Kimmirut, Qikiqtarjuaq, Rankin Inlet, and Arviat.
Awards recipients came from a broad spectrum of our workforce.
This long-term service of our employees is an example of strong leadership from within our own workforce.
Mr. Speaker, as our government matures and continues to expand our training and mentorship programs, I am confident that we are going to continue seeing positive results and a growing workforce that is committed to growing with us.
Mr Speaker, today, I recognize those with more than 30 years of service:
Tommy Akavak (Environment); Annie Buchan (Health);
Saa Pitsiulak (Nunavut Arctic College);
Marie Tiktak (Health);
Nancy Tupik (Office of the Legislative Assembly); and
Joe Savikataaq (formally Environment)
Those with more than 35 years of service:
Alice Barrieau (Finance);
Sam Willy Killiktee (CGS)
Last, but not least, please help me in commending our very own Clerk of our Legislative Assembly, John Quirke, for serving 40 years to the public service and to the Nunavut Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, once again, I extend a great appreciation to our dedicated workforce here in the Government of Nunavut.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Member, Minister of Family Services, Ms. Ugyuk.
Minister’s Statement 017 – 4(1): A Profile of Homelessness in Nunavut (Ugyuk)
Homelessness is a concern for the Department of Family Services, as we aim to address the needs of Nunavummiut who are at risk.
Today, I am announcing the first comprehensive “Profile on Homelessness” being conducted in Nunavut.
The first stage of the project has now been completed.
Homelessness counts were conducted in all communities, including in person in Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, and Cambridge Bay. In addition, interviews were conducted with service providers, stakeholders, and Nunavummiut experiencing homelessness.
Mr. Speaker, this work involves more than a survey of the numbers.
This effort will add the voices of those who experience or have in the past experienced homelessness in Nunavut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, we expect that the profile will significantly improve our understanding of the characteristics of homelessness in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, this work will help us identify what information gaps we should be addressing in the subsequent monitoring of homelessness as we move forward on this issue.
We expect that with this approach, we will arrive at better policies and build upon a sound plan of action on this issue.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Family Services remains a committed participant at the Nunavut Round Table for Poverty Reduction, and we will continue to actively contribute to collaboration towards a homelessness action plan for Nunavut.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of the Housing Corporation, Mr. Kuksuk.
Minister’s Statement 018 – 4(1): NHC Progress on $100 Million Economic Action Plan Funding (Kuksuk)
Good day, my fellow residents of Arviat and Whale Cove, as well as Nunavummiut. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, in March of 2013, the federal government announced a commitment of $100 million in Economic Action Plan (EAP) funding to help address the very real need for new affordable housing construction in Nunavut.
The $100 million in funding is a welcome sign that our persistent efforts to demonstrate Nunavut’s unique needs to the federal government are being recognized, and I am pleased to update my colleagues in the Legislative Assembly on the progress of construction under this funding.
Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut Housing Corporation is ahead of schedule in meeting its construction deadlines and has already awarded contracts for 123 units in Iqaluit, Arviat, Coral Harbour, Baker Lake, and Repulse Bay.
Tenders for another 80 units have now been advertised for construction in Cambridge Bay, Kugluktuk, Taloyoak, Rankin Inlet, and Clyde River, with a closing date of March 20, 2014.
Another 10 units in Whale Cove and Igloolik with go out to tender in April of 2014.
Construction for the majority of these units is to be completed by summer of 2015, providing 213 new homes for Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to updating this House with the progress of the new public housing construction undertaken with the $100 million in Economic Action Plan funding.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of Environment, Mr. Mike.
Minister’s Statement 019 – 4(1): Development of a Polar Bear Management Plan for Nunavut (Mike)
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you. Good afternoon to everyone.
The families are in our minds, both my fellow Pangnirtung residents as well as here in Iqaluit, as another family just lost a loved one.
I send love to you all.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform my colleagues that my department is leading efforts to develop a Nunavut polar bear management plan that will build upon the successes of our existing and highly effective polar bear management system.
Members of my department, together with individuals from each regional wildlife organization (RWO) and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI), formed a joint working group to oversee the planning and development of this new Polar Bear Management Plan.
This new plan is a high priority for my department, as it will address issues of public safety, economic development, and maintaining sustainable polar bear populations.
Community consultations started in February and will continue throughout the spring to not only make Nunavummiut aware of this new plan, but to ensure that they play a central role in its development.
(interpretation ends) Uqaqtittijii, the Polar Bear Management Plan will outline management approaches that meet the needs and preferences of the harvesters in a manner that is consistent with the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and the Nunavut Wildlife Act, and that is linked to the objectives of Canada’s National Polar Bear Conservation Strategy. (interpretation) In addition, the new plan will replace the existing polar bear memoranda of understanding between Nunavut’s hunters and trappers organizations (HTO) and my department, (interpretation ends) linking our Nunavut plan with a future national management plan for polar bears under the Species at Risk Act.
Uqaqtittijii, I am confident that we will have a strong, “made in Nunavut” polar bear management plan prepared by early fall of this year that can be presented to the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board for approval. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I have no more names on my list. (interpretation ends) Item 3. (interpretation) Members’ Statements.
Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, Ms. Angnakak.  Item 3: Members’ Statements
Member’s Statement 052 – 4(1): Recognizing Constituents for Long-term Service (Angnakak)
I, too, would like to rise today and take the opportunity to recognize a number of my constituents from the Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu Riding who were awarded long-term employment service awards last night.
Mr. Speaker, last night’s ceremony was, indeed, a celebration of gratitude for and recognition of the contributions made by the following people:  Regilee Adla for 20 years of service;
Steve Pinkson for 20 years of service;  Cindy Cowan for 20 years of service;
Kathy Okpik for 20 years of service;
David Akoak for 25 years of service; and  Our very own John Quirke, Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, for 40 years of service.
In closing, I think I speak on behalf of all of my colleagues here today in offering our congratulations and appreciation for a job well done.
Member’s Statement 053 – 4(1): Calling for a Review of Medical Benefits (Mikkungwak)
Today I rise happily to mention the long service awards handed out throughout Nunavut, and I share in their sense of accomplishment. I also wish the residents of Baker Lake a good afternoon.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to begin to address an issue that seems to be of concern to all of our constituents: the status of our medical benefits.
Mr. Speaker, in my first few sitting days as a Member of the Fourth Assembly, I have noted that issues such as medical travel are of concern across many constituencies.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that the medical benefits provided to Nunavut residents need to be reviewed.
Mr. Speaker, medical travel is an ongoing issue, not just in travelling to the regional centres or to other jurisdictions but also at a local level.
For example, local transportation for medical clients getting to and from the airport is a long-standing issue in Baker Lake.
Local transportation for our relatively large elderly population to get to and from the health centre is also a concern.
Mr. Speaker, over the first few days of this sitting, the issue of medical travel escorts has come up and this is also an area of concern that has been raised by my constituents.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, as we begin our work during our term as the Fourth Assembly of Nunavut, (interpretation ends) I encourage the government and especially the Minister of Health to take every opportunity to review, revise, and improve the way medical benefits are provided to the residents of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, this is the beginning of my term of office, and I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Minister of Health to make sure that Nunavut’s residents have all the medical benefits that they need when they need them. (interpretation) Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 054 – 4(1): Kivalliq-Manitoba Hydroelectric Development (Savikataaq)
I rise today to address the issue of making progress in the area of renewable energy co-operation between Nunavut and Manitoba.
Mr. Speaker, as you will recall, this was one of the issues that I raised during our recent leadership forum.
Mr. Speaker, we all recognize that our territory’s dependency on fossil fuels is unhealthy, expensive, and unsustainable.
Mr. Speaker, a long-standing goal in the Kivalliq has been to connect our communities to northern Manitoba’s power grid.
Mr. Speaker, 12 years ago, in the year 2002, the governments of Nunavut and Manitoba signed a Memorandum of Intent on a Northern Energy Strategy.
Under this agreement, the two governments agreed to examine the potential for hydroelectric development between northern Manitoba and the Kivalliq, including the feasibility of an electrical transmission line.
Mr. Speaker, as you may be aware, Manitoba Hydro already has excessive generating capacity and could sell power to us in the same way that utilities in other parts of the country sell electricity.
Manitoba Hydro’s existing infrastructure in Churchill is the logical starting place to build connections into the Kivalliq.
Mr. Speaker, in 2010, the two governments signed another memorandum of understanding, which included a commitment to “sharing best practices and technology” in the area of renewable energy.
Last year’s meeting of the Hudson Bay Neighbours Regional Round Table included a representative from Manitoba Hydro, which reflects the importance of this issue to the communities of the Kivalliq.
Mr. Speaker, although we all recognize that the initial costs of development in this area would be significant, the long-term economic and environmental benefits of moving away from the burning of fossil fuels are undeniable.
Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of Energy on this issue at the appropriate time.
Member’s Statement 055 – 4(1): Recognition of a New Business – I Like Cake (Ell)
I send good afternoon greetings to the residents of Iqaluit-Manirajak.
It is for them that I am also rising today to speak to awards banquet recognizing long-term service amongst the public service.
I thank each and every one of them for their long-term commitment to their positions and have their accomplishments recognized, especially by younger public servants, as they have committed to living in Iqaluit and Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, the reason why I rise today is to share in congratulating an individual who was one of the recipients of the best business awards in Nunavut, and her business is located in my riding, and her company name is “I Like Cake”.
Mr. Speaker, on January 23, 2014, the businesswoman, Sadie Vincent-Wolfe, who is actually a constituent of my colleague, Paul Okalik; however, her business is in my riding and it was recognized at that location.
She received an award for best new business in Nunavut and she won the first award for new businesses. She created a business that is in a new sector. She has created quite a few baked goods that are drawing in a lot of customers into her business.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, Sadie Vincent-Wolfe has proven that with determination and hard work, we can be successful working at what we love.
She has turned her creativity and baking skills into a business that she can be proud of. Her family has also provided the necessary support and encouragement to help ensure her success.
Mr. Speaker, Sadie was also highlighted on Pauktuutit’s Inuit Women in Business Network Website as an up-and-coming entrepreneur.
I firmly believe that she is a role model for women, youth, and other potential Nunavut entrepreneurs.
Congratulations to Sadie Vincent Wolf and “I like Cake.” I encourage all members to drop by Tumiit Plaza and try out her baked goods and light lunches if they get a chance.
MLA for Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Sammurtok.
Member’s Statement 056 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected (Sammurtok)
I rise today to thank my fellow residents in Rankin Inlet North and my constituents in Chesterfield Inlet for supporting me during my campaign, so I start with this gesture of appreciation.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, there were many people who helped out one way or another, either by encouraging me to put my name forward as a candidate, helping me work with my election platform, supported me and worked with me during the campaign, and went out on Election Day as a voter to have their voice heard.
(interpretation) I wish to thank each and every one who supported me; however, I can’t thank them all singularly. Due to that reason, I send out my appreciation and thanks to all of my constituents in Rankin Inlet North as well as in Chesterfield Inlet.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I look forward to their continued support as they encourage me, work with me, and give me guidance as I represent them for the next four years. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 057 – 4(1): Pangnirtung Turbot Fishery (Mike)
I also thank my fellow Pangnirtung residents, and I wanted to voice my condolences to those who lost a loved one.
Like other communities, the Inuit of Pangnirtung are very supportive of families who lose loved ones, by providing care and support and by just being present during their hardships.
I thank all the people of Pangnirtung for their support.
Mr. Speaker, the other reason why I rise today is to speak about the winter turbot fishery that occurs in Pangnirtung.
The turbot fishermen started fishing last month, I believe, and ever since the start of the fishery, they have caught about 250,000 lbs. of turbot which has been processed at the fish plant.
The tonnage caught employs a lot of fishermen, and I want to acknowledge the fishermen’s contribution to the economy of Pangnirtung.
The reasoning is this: the fishery creates a lot of employment opportunities, along with income generation for the people involved.
The catch to date, totalling 250,000 lbs., equates to local revenues accruing to the residents of about $300,000, which is a tangible benefit to the community.
Due to those reasons, I want to start with expressing my appreciation to the people who created the turbot fishery, as this was at the time when sealskins and other fur prices fell through the floor.
We can never forget that when the people of Pangnirtung were faced with hopelessness, especially in generating income for our hunters, the turbot fishery provided a great alternative.
Furthermore, when the fishermen are generating income from this fishery, it impacts both levels of government, as less assistance is required for their citizens.
The fishermen are creating good incomes from this fishery. I wanted to express my thanks for the development of this turbot fishery, especially our turbot fishermen who make this fishery a success.
Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes.
Member’s Statement 058 – 4(1): Long-term Service Awards (Hickes)
It was with great honour last night that I attended the long-term service award dinner here in Iqaluit.
I was a little bit overwhelmed by the amount of leadership from this government that was in that room all together. There were a number of people whom I have worked with and for in the past in previous career paths that I’ve had.
I want to individualize out a couple of my constituents that were there accepting awards, Okalik Curley, and I am very proud of the following constituents:
David Gunn;
Judith Paradis Pastori;
Darlene Nuqingaq; and
Saa Pitseolak, whom I see in the audience here in the Legislative Assembly today.
It was a very nice dinner and I feel very honoured to even have been a part of it.
I understand that it’s part of our role as members of this great legislature, but I just felt very honoured to be in the presence of a lot of the people there.
I have no more names on my list for Members’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Item 4.
The Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Tom Sammurtok.
Return to Oral Question 008 – 4(1): Hudson Bay Neighbours Regional Round Table (Sammurtok)
Hon. Tom Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) This is a return to an oral question (interpretation ends) asked by Mr. Savikataaq, MLA for Arviat South, No. 8 – 4(1), (interpretation) which he asked on March 6, 2014. (interpretation ends) The subject was the Hudson Bay Neighbours Regional Round Table.
Mr. Savikataaq asked the question:
“One of the issues that were discussed at last year’s meeting of the Hudson Bay Neighbours Regional Round Table was the plan to develop a winter road between northern Manitoba and Kivalliq.
Can the minister update the House today on the status of this issue?”
The Hudson Bay round table provides an opportunity for Manitoba and Nunavut to meet and discuss the issues that both jurisdictions are facing.
The next meeting of the Hudson Bay regional round table will take place on April 16 to 17, 2014 in Churchill, Manitoba.
Delegates from the Government of Nunavut will be in attendance at that time.
The meeting will include other provincial and territorial ministers, as well as community mayors, Nunavut beneficiary organizations, and Manitoba regional groups.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Item 5.
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. (interpretation) Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak, Ms. Ell.
I wish to recognize some of my constituents currently in the Gallery and I will start off with recognizing Sen. Dennis Patterson. Welcome to the Gallery.
Furthermore, although this person is always present, I rarely acknowledge this person from my riding, so I wish to recognize her long-term service over 30 years as she was one of the recipients in last night’s awards, Nancy Tupik.
I now recognize my constituent.
I am quite pleased today to recognize a visitor to the Gallery, my relative who is the child of my niece who is present. She is also has the name of my grandmother. Natasha Nakashuk, welcome to the Gallery.
Further, another niece’s husband who was acknowledged last night for long service awards, my niece’s husband, Tommy Akavak. He is also present, so welcome to the Gallery.
Although this person was already recognized earlier, I wanted to acknowledge Sen. Dennis Patterson.
As most people are aware, he was an important piece of the team fighting for Nunavut just prior to the establishment of the Nunavut territory.
As a matter of fact, he was one of the signatories in the 1990 AIP signing ceremony. I recall that vividly, and I wanted Sen. Dennis Patterson to be acknowledged for his contribution.