EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Under community support, I have a question on Page J-7. There used to be an emergency fund for the hamlets.
There was one last year, and it has been taken out from the budget altogether. But, I believe that there has to be a contingency fund set aside for the hamlets, and I would like to tell your department to seriously consider reinstating that pot of money.
The reason why is that there are unexpected expenditures. I feel that in this coming year, we have to make sure that there is funds available to be used for safety-related issues.
And, usually what we see now is contaminants in the building materials or on the sites where they are proposing to build houses.
Usually, we see contaminated materials, or spilled oil, on the proposed lots.
Usually, when that happens the hamlets have to have emergency funds and use their own equipment to have the studies done and to clean up the lot.
Could the minister tell us if there is an emergency pot of money made available, or is there a contingency fund that the hamlets can access to do those types of work?
There used to be $130,000 in 2003-04. 2004-05 will no longer have that pot of money.
We never depleted that pot of money that was made available to the hamlets; usually, that money was used for other purposes.
After we have taken it out of the budget, we just increased the amount of the monies that are made available to the hamlets.
Chairman (interpretation): Mr. Alagalak.
If that is the case, have you informed the hamlets that there is money available for emergency purposes?
Are you going to be giving additional dollars to the hamlets if they should acquire expenditures for these purposes?
Hon. Peter Kilabuk (interpretation): Since it is no longer in the budget, and if I use an example of an emergency case for unexpected expenditures…. They are now under the responsibility of the regional offices.
Again, under the regional offices there are funds set aside for such purposes.
Mr. Netser (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman.
I have a question under J-7, “Senior citizens’ and disabled persons’ grants.”
In Coral Harbour, we have more than one senior who pays property taxes and who is a homeowner.
They are senior citizens and they have limited incomes.
They have a hard time paying for the operations and maintenance for their houses and taxes.
How do the senior citizens access these monies, and for what purpose?
Hon. Peter Kilabuk (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman.
Under the senior citizens’ and disabled persons’ grants, they were to provide property taxes for residents of Iqaluit. But, people outside Iqaluit can access these monies to be used for these types of purposes.
Mr. Netser (interpretation): Thank you very much for the information.
I will inform those senior citizens in my community that there is accessible money.
Thank you, I will leave it at that.
Mr. Kattuk (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman.
I have a question that is related to Mr. Alagalak’s comments.
In 1972 we had an emergency situation, and we had the same problem this year.
I think that there will be hamlet councils who will want additional dollars to deal with emergency situations.
This winter, with no money set aside…. From what I heard, there might be some monies available for these purposes.
My question is, then, would the hamlets be able to access dollars for emergency cases?
Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Minister.
If I understood your question correctly, we will only deal with the capital projects once we go into the capital estimates.
If you would like my officials to respond, they are available.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Kattuk.
Mr. Kattuk (interpretation): I don’t think you understood my question.
Would the hamlets be able to access additional dollars for emergency cases? For example, snow removal. I’m not talking about the snow removing material, I’m talking about removal of the snow, from the community boundaries to outside.
We know that there has been a lot of snow this year. You have to clear up the snow in order to maintain the roads properly, you have to remove the snow in order to avoid potholes and drainage ditches.
The hamlets thought that they would be able to access funds for snow removal and road maintenance.
I just want to let my colleague know that for snow removal there are monies available to the hamlets.
We will have discussions one-on-one and get into the details.
Mr. Curley (interpretation): I wasn’t expecting that at this very moment.
But, going to “Community support” on page J-6; my question is in relation to land use.
There has to be ongoing training and development opportunities for community planning lands.
There was one project that couldn’t be completed, in the building of the five-plex unit that was being built, because it was outside of the property boundary.
The lands officers have to zone the lots accordingly prior to giving building permits to whoever is going to be developing the lot.
With that, is it possible for the lands officers to be given ongoing training?
The reason why I’m saying is that: there are land leases, and they have to be assigned to the companies because they are going to be using it to deliver lever funds from the banks.
And the land officers have to know how to deal with the legal documents, the property transfers, and so on.
I believe that the lands officers should get ongoing training because it doesn’t only relate to land use; it also involves banks, and everything else.
I think we have to take a holistic approach to teaching the land officers.
Do you have anything planned?
You have less than two minutes to respond to that question, Mr. Minister.
I was talking about the MTO, the Municipal Training Organization, and I’m pleased to make an announcement that training has been initiated and it is going to be on an ongoing basis.
We have covered most of the concerns that were outlined regards to training municipal employees.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Minister, and I would also like to thank your officials.
At this time I would like to recognize the clock and report progress.
Chairman (Mr. Arreak): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your committee has been considering Bill 2 and the main estimates and would like to report progress.
Also, Mr. Speaker, I move that the report of the Committee of the Whole be agreed to.
The Premier.
Orders of the day for Friday May 28.
Speaker (interpretation): This House stands adjourned until Friday, May 28, 2004 at 10:00 a.m.
>>Session adjourned at 17:57  Nunavut Canada
Friday May 28, 2004
Pages 570 – 631
Opening Prayer 570
Ministers’s Statements 570
Speaker’s Ruling 572
Members’ Statements 573
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 581
Oral Questions 581
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 599
Report of the Committee of the Whole 629
Orders of the Day 630
Friday, May 28, 2004 570
031 – 2(1): Iqqanaijaqatigiit (Okalik) 570
032 – 2(1): Protecting Nunavut’s Archaeological Heritage (Tapardjuk) 571
033 – 2(1): Sivuliqtiksat Internship Program (Tapardjuk) 572
117 – 2(1): Signing Ceremony (Evygotailak) 573
118 – 2(1): GREC Reunion (Okalik) 573
119 – 2(1): Cape Dorset Celebrating Grade 12 Graduates (Akesuk) 574
120 – 2(1): Recognizing Arctic Bay Elder (Barnabas) 574
121 – 2(1): Thank and Appreciate Family Members (Kattuk) 575
122 – 2(1): Housing Shortage in Arviat (Alagalak) 576
123 – 2(1): Reply to Speaker’s Ruling (Tootoo) 576
124 – 2(1): Question on Minister Responsible for Energy (Curley) 578
125 – 2(1): Fishing Industry in Pangirtung (Kilabuk) 579
126 – 2(1): Baker Lake Dog Team Race (Simailak) 579
127 – 2(1): Renaming of Cambridge Bay to its Original Name (Peterson) 580
129 – 2(1): Summer Student Hiring Delays (Tootoo) 581
130 – 2(1): Housing Shortage (Alagalak) 584
131 – 2(1): Plans to Expand Kugluktuk Police Detachment (Evygotailak) 586
132 – 2(1): Update on Airport Safety Issues (Tootoo) 587
133 – 2(1): Power Bills in Inuktitut (Kattuk) 589
134 – 2(1): Arctic Bay Proposed Hotel (Barnabas) 589
135 – 2(1): Housing Issues (Peterson) 590
136 – 2(1): Plans on Constructing Houses (Curley) 592
137 – 2(1): New Billing System (Tootoo) 593
138 – 2(1): Financial Support for Beluga Hunting (Barnabas) 594
139 – 2(1): Update on Funding Available for Contaminant Clean-up (Netser) 595
140 – 2(1): Grading of Sealskins (Kattuk) 596
Friday, May 28, 2004
Speaker (interpretation): Mr. Barnabas, can you start the opening prayer?
Speaker (interpretation): Orders of the day. Item 2.
Minister’s Statement 031 – 2(1): “Iqqanaijaqatigiit”
I rise today to inform members of an agreement signed this morning between the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated.
The agreement, named Iqqanaijaqatigiit, is designed to guide the working relationship between our two organizations.
As you know, in 1999, the Government of Nunavut signed the Clyde River Protocol with NTI.
The protocol was designed to govern the working relationship between the two largest and most broadly representative organizations in the newly created territory of Nunavut.
(Interpretation.) It has been five years since the original protocol was signed.
Both the Government of Nunavut and NTI have experienced a number of changes, along with growing responsibilities, and the need to renew our commitment to work together so as to maximize the benefits for all Inuit and residents of Nunavut.
I am happy to report that after consulting with my cabinet colleagues and NTI, we have agreed to a new protocol to enhance our relations for the benefit of Nunavummiut.
The new agreement, Iqqanaijaqatigiit, was signed today with the president of NTI, Paul Kaludjak, and myself.
Translated, “iqqanaijaqatigiit” means working together.
Both the Government of Nunavut and NTI are committed to working together.
It is in the best interest of all residents of Nunavut for our two organizations to work together on a number of issues, like devolution and land claim implementation.
This government is committed to working with NTI.
In particular, I would like to thank Paul Kaludjak, the NTI board of directors, and my cabinet colleagues for agreeing to this working relationship.
As the Government of Nunavut and NTI move forward and work together, I am hopeful that we can accomplish a great number of things for the benefit of Nunavummiut.
At the appropriate time I will table the new agreement.
Minister’s Statement 032 – 2(1): Protecting Nunavut’s Archaeological Heritage
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, Nunavut’s archaeological sites and artifacts represent more than 4,000 years of human history, and are the irreplaceable cultural legacy of generations of Inuit.
As Minister of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth, I feel it is critical that we work together with communities to protect our heritage and archaeological sites.
In recent years, several sites have been disturbed and some artifacts have been removed.
When this happens, our cultural legacy is threatened.
The department has worked in partnership with Inuit Heritage Trust and with Mirnguiqsirviit-Nunavut Parks in the Department of Environment to develop a poster designed to increase public awareness.
The poster explains how all archaeological sites in Nunavut are protected by law and explains the importance of not disturbing these sites or removing artifacts.
We have distributed posters to all communities.
Mr. Speaker, we have more than 7,000 documented archaeological sites in Nunavut; all Nunavumiut have a role to play in their protection and preservation. Public education and awareness is critical to the successful management of our cultural legacy.
I would like to invite all members to view some replicas of the artifacts, as well as our new posters, in the gallery.
Minister’s Statement 033 – 2(1): Sivuliqtiksat Internship Program
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to update the my colleagues about the Sivuliqtiksat Internship Program for beneficiaries.
This program creates 14 internships in departments and agencies of the government across Nunavut.
During their tenure interns are exposed to many training and learning experiences.
They develop their skills under the guidance of Government of Nunavut senior managers.
At this time, there are nine interns in various departments.
The positions are located in communities across Nunavut including Cambridge Bay, Pond Inlet, Rankin Inlet, Gjoa Haven, and Iqaluit.
Due to strong continuing interest, we are planning to broaden the program to include not only directors but program coordinators and middle managers.
This will ensure there is a full intake of 14 interns.
This change will take place in the fall of 2004.
The internship program is an example of an on-the-job training initiative which demonstrates our commitment to the fulfillment of Article 23 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and to the Bathurst Mandate, which reflect the principles of lifelong and continuous learning.
The internship program is playing an important role in helping the Government of Nunavut achieve a public service representative of the Nunavut population.
Just before we go to Item 3, I would like to make a comment.
Yesterday I indicated that following the review of the Hansard, I would rule on a point of order raised by Mr. Tootoo.
During the proceeding of the Committee of the Whole on Wednesday May 26, various members asked questions regarding student financial assistance and the benefits available to beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries.
Yesterday in the Members’ Statements, the Premier discussed the same issue.
I have reviewed the Hansard and the member’s statement. If there are different views between members on the merits of the government’s policies, and it is not clear that there are, those differences are a legitimate topic for debate and discussion.
I find that there is no point of order, while reminding the member who raised it that he may wish to avail himself at the appropriate time of the opportunity to articulate the position on the issue under discussion.
Member’s Statement 117 – 2(1): Signing Ceremony
This morning I’m very happy to witness the signing as a member for this Legislative Assembly within the last five years.
The first signing was a first step in 1999, and I witnessed the signing at the residence in Iqaluit when NTI had their annual general meeting in Iqaluit. At that time I was a board member for KIA and witnessed the signing. Now, as a member of the Legislative Assembly witnessing the signing this morning, I am very happy to have witnessed the signing from both sides.
The elders have also mentioned that we have to work together. I know we have to work together in order to achieve what we want for the future.
Member’s Statement 118 – 2(1): GREC Reunion
As a former member of GREC and Ukiivik resident I am proud to announce in this Assembly the first ever GREC reunion this coming July 5 to July 9, 2004.
The Gordon Robertson Educational Centre reunion will reunite former students, former teachers, and staff of the high school and Ukiivik residents from all over.
A full week of celebrations will include a welcoming reception on the night of the 5th, a surprise auction, a talent show, an arts and crafts show, and a sale and a gala banquet on Nunavut Day, July 9.
Former students from some communities including Iqaluit have been fundraising for the past few months to bring as many students as possible. A shining example, I understand, is Sanikiluaq, where former students have raised over $40,000.
There have been a few students coming from Sanikiluaq at any given year in Ukiivik and GREC from the 1970s to 1991, but there will be quite a few, I understand.
Former students of Iqaluit are doing their own part.
They have been hosting bands at the Cadet hall, and this coming Saturday there will be another dance from 8pm to 1am.
Games and door prizes will be available and everyone is welcome.
I know personally: our own George Mettuq, who is the best DJ in town, will be carrying out the 1970s to 80s music.
Tickets are available from George for $10 for this Saturday.
I’d like to see all of you there.
So, for all those students, I look forward to enjoying the time with them in the week of Nunavut Day.
Member’s Statement 119 – 2(1): Cape Dorset Celebrating Grade 12 Graduates
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk (interpretation): Good morning to all of my constituents in Cape Dorset and Kimmirut.
In Cape Dorset today, they will be celebrating at Peter Pitsiulak School the graduation of grade 12 students at 8:30 tonight. We are so pleased to have that ceremony.
There are quite a few students who have graduated and these individuals are Pitsiulaaq Akesuk — this individual’s last name is Akesuk, my older brother’s daughter.
Uttuqi Annirmiuq, Sarah Ashoona, Megan Constantino, Joanasie Jaw, Ikajuqtaq Jaw, Ittusaarjuk Manning, Sam Maathiusie, Mary Mikiguq, Tappaungai Qatsigaq, Pitseola Qiniqti and Makittu Tappaungai, also my sister’s daughter.
I thank all of these individuals and I also congratulate them.
If the weather permits, I will be attending the ceremony tonight. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate these graduating students on behalf of the Legislative Assembly members.
Because the parents were very supportive of these students when they were trying to complete their grade 12, we have to show our gratitude to the parents for giving support to their children during their education.
Member’s Statement 120 – 2(1): Recognizing Arctic Bay Elder
I rise today to recognize an elder in Arctic Bay, but the individual is unable to be here because of illness.
Makpa Pauloosie, I would like to recognize him.
When Arctic Bay was starting to be settled, he was one of the first individuals to move to Arctic Bay and has helped develop the community.
There are many individuals out there that he has supported and he gave assistance many times voluntarily, yet he is hardly ever recognized.
He is also an assistant lay person in the church and was also recently ordained as a deacon.
He helps young people and he also initiated a youth committee.
This youth committee advises young people with problems.
Pauloosie tries to help young people, to help in the prevention of suicide.
He has helped so much in our community and I would like to take this opportunity to recognize him.
When we were a legislature with the government of the Northwest Territories, Mr. Evaluarjuk advised me to recognize individuals who are not deceased yet.
Member’s Statement 121 – 2(1): Thank and Appreciate Family Members
Since today is Friday, I am going to be a little more relaxed as I make my statement.
I would also like to thank and congratulate, while I am here in Iqaluit, my two younger brothers who are taking care of our father. I would like to thank them.
They also are taking care of our sister and my wife Aalasie. She is very good while I am away from the community. So, I send my greetings to her and also to our daughter Annie.
She takes care of our house and cleans our house and our youngest one, Melton, listens to his mother and I’m very proud of him.
Also, our eldest child lives in Kuujjuaraapik. I send my love to him for taking care of his spouse and his children. And also Ipu, my small son, who is 13 years old.
I’ve never thought about this when I was away, that he would go out hunting. He’s gone out hunting during the session here and arrived back to the community with a successful harvest. I’m very proud of Ipu for providing food for his family.
This morning when I called, I asked him and he said that during the weekend he is going to take his mother out camping and fishing.
I’m very proud of Ipu for doing all those things. Also my father, I send my love to him. And also, my eldest.
Mina Inuqqutaillaq, our elder. I too, when I was a small child …. She used to breastfeed me.
She helped raise me.
Members’ statements, Mr. Alagalak.
Member’s Statement 122 – 2(1): Housing Shortage in Arviat
I rise today to make all my colleagues aware that this past winter was very cold.
I’m sure all the Nunavut communities felt the difference because it has really been a cold, harsh winter.
This is what I’ve heard from all the communities, from one end to the other.
It gets so cold in wintertime that we can’t go out hunting anymore and blizzards were very frequent.
The wind squalls were very strong.
At times, with the wind chill, vehicles froze and many people ended up walking.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to talk about Arviat.
Since the Nunavut government was established, the Arviat population has increased.
We are happy that there are more employment opportunities and also that other people have moved to Arviat — some are Inuit and some are non-native.
I’m sure that when the majority of our family moves to another community, we have a tendency to follow them to that community.
What I’d like to say is that decentralization is causing a shortage of public housing.
It indicates that many family members follow when they move.
That helps to aggravate the housing situation.
Just outside of Arviat, there was a family trying to live in a shack.
The entire family lived in the shack, built due to the housing shortage.
I want everybody to be aware of that, and I will be asking a question on that to the appropriate minister at the appropriate time.
Members' statements, Mr. Tootoo.
Member’s Statement 123 – 2(1): Reply to Speaker’s Ruling
This is an appropriate time to articulate my position as you suggested in your ruling.
I rise today to set the record straight with respect to comments made in this House.
I believe that one of the most important obligations as legislators and leaders is to be forthright and frank with our constituents.
We must be prepared to clearly explain and justify the decisions that are taken by the government and by the Legislative Assembly.
Yesterday in this house there was a clear implication made in the questions that I raised concerning the eligibility of different categories of students for different levels of assistance under the FANS program. They somehow meant that I was accusing the government of practising discrimination.
Let’s take a look at what was actually said.
The word “discrimination” never actually left my mouth.
It certainly is not a word that I would want to have cause to use.
Mr. Speaker, I respect the Premier’s willingness to make a strong and clear defence of the supplementary benefit for Inuit students.
What I’m not so impressed with is what took place here earlier in our session during Committee of the Whole.
At the time, as members will recall, it was like pulling teeth to get the government to come out and clearly say for the record that there are benefits under FANS that non-Inuit students from Nunavut are simply not eligible to receive.
The government’s own documentation itself states clearly, and I quote, that “FANS eligibility are criteria are based on ethnicity.”
Frankly, it took persistence from this side of the House to get that fact out in the open and on the table.
Mr. Speaker, I recognize that this is a loaded issue.
Whenever we talk about addressing the problems from the past by giving extra support to today’s generation, the issue of race comes up.
I happen to support the idea of providing supplementary grants to beneficiaries.
The reality in our community is that Inuit students clearly did not come from families with means, and that extra level of support can make a difference between the success story and another dropout in the statistics.
Speaker (interpretation): The member is asking unanimous consent to complete his statement.
Mr. Tootoo, please proceed.
We can leave for a later date the question of whether such supplementary support should be provided to any student of any ethnicity who comes from a family with a comfortable income.
For my part I’m not going to apologize either.
I’m not going to apologize for asking questions that sometimes cause discomfort.
The ducking, dancing, and evasion that I often hear remind me that it is a necessary undertaking.
Mr. Speaker, I want to conclude by saying that we owe it to our constituents to give them straight answers.
I have been asked by many voting residents throughout Iqaluit why their government is taking the position that their children are ineligible to receive a supplementary benefit underhand because of their ethnicity.
That is a fair question and they deserve a frank answer.