EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Members are supportive of the department’s innovative procurement strategies to minimize the costs of materials and encourage efforts to gain the cooperation of the business community in Nunavut in keeping costs as low as possible.
During last year’s Committee of the Whole review of the Department of Education’s capital budget, a motion was carried recommending that the Inuksuit High School addition project in Qikiqtarjuaq be moved forward in the Government of Nunavut’s five-year plan.
The following March, the minister indicated that he would instruct his capital planners to try to move the project up in the capital plan.
Members were disappointed to see that this project remains deferred until 2010-11.
The Department of Education faces the difficult challenge of prioritizing its capital investments between school and adult education facility needs.
The committee believes that the department’s proposed capital budget for 2007-08 demonstrates a good balance in this regard.
Members encourage the department to continue with efforts to address the range of community needs within specific projects.
For example, the committee encourages the department to find solutions for establishing dedicated Community Learning Centres for adults, especially in communities such as Grise Fiord and Whale Cove, where facilities are no longer available in part due to growing needs within the kindergarten to grade 12 school system.
With respect to the Nunavut Trades School, the committee has been given to understand that capital planning for trades training is underway in three separate locations; Rankin Inlet, Cambridge Bay and Iqaluit.
The trade school’s programs will be conducted under the general governance of the Nunavut Arctic College.
The committee continues to support the department’s plans to provide accommodations for students enrolling in post-secondary programs at Nunavut Arctic College.
The committee will be closely monitoring the construction progress of the new Arctic College housing units in Iqaluit to ensure that this project will not be delayed due to the transfer of current year project funds to another project.
Committee members urge the minister to monitor the demand for student housing carefully, especially if more individuals are taking advantage of available trades programming.
During its review of Nunavut Arctic College, the committee heard from the public that trades training will be increasingly important for addressing upcoming employment opportunities.
In the past years, the issues of school bussing services for communities have been concerned, while the committee is pleased to see such purchases openly accounted for within the department’s capital budget documents, members were surprised to note that new bus purchases are being proposed for the communities of Cape Dorset and Pangnirtung; even though these communities received new busses a relatively short time ago.
It is not clear why new busses are once again necessary for these two communities.
Members also question why the five communities identified in last year’s capital plan as requiring school busses on a priority basis have been replaced in the current proposed budget by a different five communities.
The committee would appreciate a candid clarification on how student transportation arrangements are being prioritized and provided for all Nunavut school communities.
It is important that communities and Members of the Legislative Assembly have the clear understanding how student transportation arrangements are organized.
Is that a motion? Mr. Peterson.
Mr. Peterson: Yes, that is a motion.  Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Peterson.
We have a motion on the floor to report progress, and the motion is not debatable.
All those in favour of the motion, please raise your hand. All those opposed.
Your committee has been considering Bill 26 and the Capital Estimates and would like to report progress. Also Mr. Speaker, I move that the Report of the Committee of the Whole be concurred with.
Is there a seconder to the motion? Mr. Netser.
There is a motion that is in order.
A reminder for events for tomorrow; at 8:30 in the morning the Standing Committee Ajauqtiit is meeting with and getting a briefing from the Chief Superintendent of the RCMP in the Nanuq Boardroom and all members are invited to attend.
A reminder tomorrow also at 10:30 we have a tour of the Qikiqtani General Hospital by the Minister of Health and Social Services, who is providing transportation.
>>House adjourned at 17:57
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Pages 2283 – 2355
Ministers’ Statements 2283
Members’ Statements 2286
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 2297
Oral Questions 2302
Tabling of Documents 2320
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 2321
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 2322
Report of the Committee of the Whole 2353
Orders of the Day 2354
Thursday, November 23, 2006 2283
118 – 2(3): Minister Brown Absent from the House (Picco) 2283
119 – 2(3): Recruitment DVD (Netser) 2283
120 – 2(3): Nunavut Turbot Fishery (Akesuk) 2284
121 – 2(3): Increase in Student Graduation Rates (Picco) 2285
122 – 2(3): Eight Graduates of Nunavut CARS Training (Akesuk) 2286
298 – 2(3): Standing Committee Ajauqtiit Meeting with Superintendent of RCMP “V” Division (Mapsalak) 2287
299 – 2(3): Mining in Baker Lake (Simailak) 2288
300 – 2(3): Kitikmeot Reads Program (Peterson) 2288
301 – 2(3): Annie Pootoogook Wins Sobey Award (Akesuk) 2289
302 – 2(3): The Important Role of Grise Fiord in Canada (Barnabas) 2290
303 – 2(3): Dock for Pond Inlet (Arvaluk) 2291
304 – 2(3): Congratulations to Nunavut Youth Parliament Participants (Tootoo) 2292
305 – 2(3): Need for Social Workers in Kugluktuk (Evyagotailak) 2294
306 – 2(3): Thank Iqalummiut for Hospitality (Okalik) 2294
307 – 2(3): Congratulations to Gjoa Haven and Taloyoak Graduates (Aglukkaq) 2294
308 – 2(3): Recognition of Sylvia Enuaraq in NTEP (Netser) 2295
309 – 2(3): Opposition to Fuel Price Increases (Kattuk) 2296
310 – 2(3): Status of New Anglican Church in Iqaluit (Picco) 2296
311 – 2(3): Congratulations to New Lawyers (Arreak) 2297
343 – 2(3): Payroll Tax Increase (Tootoo) 2302
344 – 2(3): Federal Administration of Food Mail Program (Peterson) 2305
345 – 2(3): Funding for More Social Workers and Mental Health Workers (Evyagotailak) 2307
346 – 2(3): Turbot Fishing (Arreak) 2308
347 – 2(3): Arctic Sovereignty (Barnabas) 2310
348 – 2(3): Research Study on Climate Change and Polar Bears (Kattuk) 2311
349 – 2(3): Payroll Tax Increase (Tootoo) 2313
350 – 2(3): Bathurst Inlet Port and Road Project (Peterson) 2315
351 – 2(3): Update on the Wildlife Act Amendments (Barnabas) 2318
163 – 2(3): State of Inuit Culture and Society 2003-04 &2004-05 – NTI Annual Report: Housing in Nunavut – The Time for Action is Now – Iniksaqattiarniq (Okalik) 2320
164 – 2(3): Army Training Centre – Correspondence with Honourable Gordon O’Connor, Minister of National Defense (Barnabas) 2320
165 – 2(3): Conservation Officer Recruitment DVD (Netser) 2321
166 – 2(3): Response to the Standing Committee on Health and Education in its Report on the Review of Nunavut Arctic College Submitted by NAC Board of Governors (Picco) 2321
167 – 2(3): Masters of Education Program – Letter of Appreciation to Minister (Picco) 2321
Bill 27 – An Act to Amend the Pharmacy Act – Notice 2321
Bill 23 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act #4, 2005-06 – Notice 2322
Bill 24 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act #2, 2006-07 – Notice 2322
Bill 25 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act #2, 2006-07 – Notice 2322
Bill 26 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2007-08 – Review in Committee – Education 2323
I ask that Mr. Simailak lead us in a prayer.
Welcome to the House, Premier.
Minister responsible for Education, Mr. Picco.
Minister’s Statement 118 – 2(3): Minister Brown Absent from the House (Picco)
I wish to advise members that the Honourable Levinia Brown will be absent from the House on November 23, 2006.
Minister’s Statement 119 – 2(3): Recruitment DVD (Netser)
We have been asking as a department and as a government to get conservation and wildlife officers. (interpretation ends) I rise today to make this House aware of an initiative the Department of Environment has been working on for some time.
And, later on today I will table in this House a DVD which will be used to recruit Nunavummiut to a career as a conservation officer.
The DVD, called; Conservation Officer Recruitment Video is featured in both Inuktitut and English. It was filmed using our own staff, real client situations, in a real Nunavut setting.
It contains an accurate overview of the important role that a conservation officer has and provides information about what it takes to become one.
It also shows why this would be a fantastic and interesting career for young Inuit and Nunavummiut to pursue.
The DVDs are already being put to use. They have been sent to conservation officers across Nunavut who will be showing it to the senior classes in all local schools.
In addition to schools, we will also be using the DVD at career fairs, tradeshows, or other special events attended by officials from my department.
It is my hope that one day, every community in Nunavut will have at least two conservation officers serving it.
I believe this DVD and hard work will help make that hope come true.
Minister’s Statement 120 – 2(3): Nunavut Turbot Fishery (Akesuk)
Hon. Olayok Akesuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker and my colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to announce a successful year in Nunavut turbot fishery.
As of November 14, 2006, Nunavut vessels have successfully fished their entire turbot quota in the offshore Division 0A.
Turbot landings were larger, faster and more efficient than previous years.
This clearly justifies Nunavut receiving increases in offshore fish quotas in Division 0B, and sends a clear message that Nunavut is a serious player in the Atlantic fishery.
(interpretation ends) Nunavut successfully lobbied for a 2,500 tons turbot quota increase for the Division 0A.
This has provided Nunavut fishing interests with an increase in revenue and proved that Nunavut has an ability to drive and expand its fishing industry.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, this has been a good year for the Nunavut offshore fishery, a sign of its future potential and its successful development.
I would like to congratulate all of our stakeholders, and we look forward to working with them to continue to develop the Nunavut fishery, for the benefit of Nunavummiut.
Minister for Education, Mr. Picco.
Minister’s Statement 121 – 2(3): Increase in Student Graduation Rates (Picco)
I rise today to inform the House about the increasing number of our students succeeding in their selected educational programs.
More Nunavut students are not only graduating from certificate and diploma programs, they’re also graduating with degrees at the Bachelor, the Masters and indeed, the PhD level.
Mr. Speaker, in the House today we have over 27 students doing their Masters program.
To point out a few of these success stories, I’d like to give some examples of the degrees earned by Nunavut students just in the 2005-06 school year.
Mr. Speaker, there have been 11 students that earned their Bachelors Degree in such areas as Science in Nursing, Education through the NTEP Program, Bio-Medical Science and Commerce.
Four Nunavut students have earned Masters Degrees in Teaching, Leadership, Northern Resources, as well as Mechanical Engineering.
There has also been a PhD, a doctorate granted to a Nunavummiut in Educational Psychology, and yesterday many of the members also participated in the second Inuk going before the Bar here in Nunavut.
These are good stories.
Mr. Speaker, these are only some examples of students’ success stories.
There are many others who have completed their programs and have gone on to other programs or advanced education or have successfully joined the Nunavut workforce.
Mr. Speaker, according to our staff, the number of students applying for funding through FANS has almost doubled since 2002.
For example in 2002-03 the FANS office processed 815 applications, compared to 1,292 in 2005-06.
That is a huge success.
Mr. Speaker, I’m sure we can all agree that these students deserve our congratulations on their hard work and determination in successfully completing their programs of study.
Minister’s Statement 122 – 2(3): Eight Graduates of Nunavut CARS Training (Akesuk)
I rise to advise the Members of this House of a recent development in the Nunavut Community Aerodrome Radio Station Training Program.
As members will recall in April 2006 the CARS school was moved from the Northwest Territories to Nunavut. Rankin Inlet was chosen for the training facility because of its regional transportation hub of the Kivalliq and the operational headquarters of Nunavut Airports Division.
A feasibility study further indicated that this location was most suitable because it had existing and under-utilized facilities at Nunavut Arctic College that are ideal for CARS training.
A proposal was made to NAV CANADA identifying potential avenues for improving the quality and effectiveness of CARS training, including cost effectiveness and potential success rates in training Nunavummiut to be observer communicators.
Mr. Speaker, the success of this school has begun to show. On November 9 of this year, Nunavut Arctic College, along with Nunavut Airports Division, proudly recognized eight successful graduates for the CARS Program. This is a 100 percent success rate and a milestone in the history of the CARS Program since creation.
I would like to invite the House to join me in congratulating John Ussak of Whale Cove, Stephen Glawson of Cambridge Bay, Robert Aneroluk also of Cambridge Bay, Cory Buott of Resolute Bay, Paul Onalik of Kimmirut, Eugene Poulin of Gjoa Haven, Lenn Schultz also of Gjoa Haven, Matiasie Attugutsiak of Nanisivik.
Mr. Speaker, all these graduates have been site certified by our Aviation Program Officers and are now enjoying a fruitful career as key members of Nunavut’s Aviation Industry.
Mr. Speaker, we will continue to work to improve this program and set high goals for greater success to ensure that this very important Aviation Safety Training Program is available to all who wish to contribute to their community.
I am sure all the Members join with me to congratulate those CARS graduates.
Member’s Statement 298 – 2(3): Standing Committee Ajauqtiit Meeting with Superintendent of RCMP “V” Division (Mapsalak)
I rise today to express my appreciation to Mr. Marty Cheliak, the new Superintendent of the RCMP “V” Division in Iqaluit.
This morning, the Standing Committee Ajauqtiit and some of the members had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Cheliak to express some concerns with respect to the RCMP’s operations in our communities.
He also gave us the opportunity to ask him some questions.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, it was obvious that some of the major concerns from members were the use of illegal drugs, drug dealers, bootlegging, and the RCMP’s telecom automated system and the need for new RCMP members to receive orientation on Inuit culture and the northern environment.
The telecom system is a major concern, especially for unilingual people and elders in our communities. When there is an emergency after hours, the calls are automatically directed to the Iqaluit dispatch.
The person answering the phone is not always a bilingual person and this is where the problem is.
Mr. Speaker, ideally, we would feel a lot safer if RCMP officers were available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in our small communities, but we know this isn’t possible.
We need to work with our local hamlets to see if there is the possibility of cost sharing in the hiring of a person to answer the RCMP phone after hours locally.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask consent to conclude my statement.
The member is asking consent to conclude his statement.
Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and my fellow colleagues.
(interpretation ends) This was one of the suggestions from the Superintendent.
Mr. Speaker, the RCMP policies for investigations are very stringent. For example, many people would like to provide tips to the RCMP of known dealers.
However, there needs to be solid evidence in order for them to proceed with the investigations.
People are also afraid of appearing before the courts to testify against them and this is a necessary step if charges are to be laid.
Mr. Speaker, we need to work together if we are to combat drugs, bootleggers and to improve our relationships with the RCMP.
This meeting was a good starting point.
Member’s Statement 299 – 2(3): Mining in Baker Lake (Simailak)
It is with a great deal of pleasure that I rise in the Assembly to speak of the recent approval of the Meadow Bank Gold Mine.
Late last week the Federal Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs approved what so many of my constituents have waited for, for such a long time, the beginnings of a new mine 70 kilometers outside of Baker Lake.
With this new mine it will bring hope and opportunity for the future. Cumberland Resources and the Kivalliq Inuit Association reached an Inuit Impact Benefits Agreement earlier this year that will provide opportunities for Inuit of my constituency and to the communities in the Kivalliq.
Building a mine in the arctic is no small undertaking. An all-weather road will be constructed this winter to bring material, equipment, and fuel to the construction site.
Over the course of the construction of the mine, it is estimated that approximately 300 people will be needed.
Many of those workers will be Inuit.
This mine will also lead to increasing business activities for the people of Baker Lake, and throughout the Kivalliq.
In Baker Lake we have many skilled and established businesses that are positioned to do their part to help bolster Nunavut’s growing economy.
Yet, in order for all this potential to be fully harnessed, all levels, both business and government must come together. We must all work together to ensure that Inuit have the skills they need to fill those jobs both at the mine, and in other businesses.
Member’s Statement 300 – 2(3): Kitikmeot Reads Program (Peterson)
I rise today to inform the House about an important event that took place in the Kitikmeot in September 2006, which will help our school kids for years to come.
Recent federal budget cuts to literacy funding have seriously hurt our territory and is jeopardizing the future of the Nunavut Literacy Council.
We hope that the federal government reverses its decision before the effects become irreversible.
We recognize that literacy and education for Nunavummiut is a priority and our residents are our foundation upon which the future of Nunavut will be built.
In times like these, it is fortunate that we have good corporate citizens who are committed to education and literacy and who support life-long learning. Two of these corporate citizens are the Kitikmeot Corporation and Nunasi Corporation.
Mr. Speaker, these two companies have created a “Kitikmeot Reads” program that is intended to benefit students in Kitikmeot between K and 12. The program offers to all students in the Kitikmeot the opportunity to select $30 in free books from a catalog that was created exclusively for them. The books are for the students’ personal use at home and at school.
Mr. Speaker, I was honoured to be invited by the Kitikmeot Corporation and by Nunasi Corporation to attend the recent school events in Cambridge Bay when they distributed the books to the students. All the elementary school kids were funny. When I asked them if they knew what I do as an MLA they replied I read a lot of books.
Mr. Speaker, I hope I didn’t scare them when I mentioned all the binders as well. They don’t know how close to the truth they are. My eyes ache already this week from reading all the materials and the reports the MLAs have to read to stay on top of issues and budgets.
Mr. Speaker, the “Kitikmeot Reads” initiative is very important to our children and goes a long way towards supporting and encouraging them to stay in school, get a good education and develop a love of reading that will last a lifetime.
Mr. Speaker, I would like the Legislative Assembly to join me in thanking the Kitikmeot Corporation and Nunasi Corporation for their support to our children in the Kitikmeot.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Peterson. Member’s Statements.
Member’s Statement 301 – 2(3): Annie Pootoogook Wins Sobey Award (Akesuk)
I would like to rise to congratulate one of my constituents, Ms. Annie Pootogook, on her recent success in the art world.
Mr. Speaker, Annie Pootoogook is a resident of Cape Dorset in my constituency. Her work is known for showing traditional scenes within a modern style of drawing. She is one of many great Cape Dorset artists who share our stories with the world.
Although she is just 37 years old, Ms. Pootoogook is from the third generation of family artists.
Her grandmother Pitseolak and her mother Napatsie also produce wonderful art.
Mr. Speaker, just over a week ago Annie Pootogook was at the Montreal Museum of Fine Art with a number of other artists to hear the final decision of the Sobey award jury.
Mr. Speaker, the Sobey Art award is Canada’s top award for young artists.
I’m very proud to announce that Ms. Pootogook won this very prestigious award. Ms. Pootogook will soon be traveling to Germany to show more of her work.
I am confident that she will be a great success over there as well.
I would like to ask all Members of the House to join me in congratulating Ms. Pootogook on her outstanding achievement.
Member’s Statement 302 – 2(3): The Important Role of Grise Fiord in Canada (Barnabas)
Mr. Barnabas: Good afternoon.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the important role that the community of Grise Fiord plays in Canada.
Mr. Speaker, a few nights ago, CBC’s “The National” aired a short documentary on life in the small community of Grise Fiord, Canada’s most northern community and one of the three communities in my constituency.
Mr. Speaker, this documentary reveals a glimpse of life in the far north and some of the unique challenges faced by my constituents who live there.
The program was filmed during the sealift season and provided some insight into the preparations we take for the long and dark winter ahead.
By showing the open water in front of the community leading to the Davis Strait and to the Northwest Passage, the role that this community can and does play in defending Canada’s sovereignty was also highlighted.
Mr. Speaker, the issue of sovereignty was also highlighted in the historical sense through interviews with the local residents, some of whom were relocated to this area as children when the federal government moved their families in order to establish a formal presence in the High Arctic.
Mr. Speaker, I, too, have been active with respect to how the High Arctic communities can continue to play an important role for sovereignty.
There has been much discussion on how Canada can train and prepare its military to have an active presence in the Arctic and in a region where international marine traffic will steadily be increasing. Later today I will be tabling correspondence between the Minister of National Defense and myself on this issue.
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud that Grise Fiord had the opportunity to showcase the community and to raise national attention to the unique experiences of its residents.
I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this achievement.
Member’s Statement 303 – 2(3): Dock for Pond Inlet (Arvaluk)
I would like to raise an issue on capital estimates in regard to docks because I truly believe the capital estimates...they have to be the capital items that the communities want and have to be raised by the communities.
It has always been where the government prioritized what the communities need because I truly believe that the communities...it should be up to the communities to prioritize what they want.
We are not asking that the Government of Nunavut pay.
What we are asking is for their support to the federal government if this can be constructed.