EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the department's Critical Incident Stress Management Team, provides stress management support for those in the communities who first respond to an emergency situation.
This often involves hamlet staff, nurses, RCMP, teachers and search & rescue personnel.
Our actions, which are supported by other programs administered by the Department of Health and Social Services, allow the community support mechanisms already in place to function more efficiently.
For example, during the most recent suicides in Hall Beach, the RCMP requested assistance from the Critical Incident Stress Management Team.
The Team's initial response involved debriefing those who first responded to the incident and creating a circle of support for individuals, who in turn support the community.
Mr. Speaker, during our recent visits to Baker Lake and Hall Beach we worked with the communities so that they were better able to manage their stress and share their experiences with one and other.
When emergency responders are faced with a community tragedy such as this, it is important that they receive the same kind of support they offer their communities.
Mr. Speaker, most of what Nunavut Emergency Management does is directed by legislation.
Although critical incident stress management is not one of these, it is a service that is crucial to the well being and health of our communities.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I have previously spoken of how departments should be thinking outside the box when it comes to wellness and suicide prevention.
Our Nunavut Emergency Management activities are a response to those beliefs and are being carried out in partnership with community services we aim to support.
Minister's Statement 132 - 1(5): Minister's Absence
Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise members that the Honourable Olayuk Akesuk will be absent from the House today to attend meetings in Ottawa.
Minister's Statement 133 - 1(5): Tobacco Reduction Campaign
Good afternoon and welcome to the delegation from Saskatchewan and thank you very much on behalf of the people of Nunavut for that very interesting and lovely gift.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to take this time to update the House on our tobacco reduction program in Nunavut.
I am pleased to report that the government at all levels, national, territorial as well as municipal, are now becoming more and more active in this area.
Even most smokers now support efforts to ensure safe, clean, indoor environments for all and especially for our children.
Mr. Speaker, it was last fall when the department announced a media campaign using radio as well as TV public service announcements on the harmful effect of tobacco use, as well as a series of posters and handout materials.
Because Mr. Speaker, the commercials were on the APTN network, they were seen across the country and we had feedback from different jurisdictions on them.
We are in the production now Mr. Speaker, for several new TV and radio PSAs and we will be releasing a new series of posters for distribution in January, to coincide with National Non-Smoking Week.
In the coming year Mr. Speaker, members will be seeing posters and calendars developed by our children in our schools.
Mr. Speaker, we want to help young people avoid starting to smoke, but Mr. Speaker, we also want to help smokers quit smoking.
To this end we have contracted Pauktuutit to train over 40 Nunavummiut for ongoing tobacco reduction and cessation activities across Nunavut at the community level.
Also Mr. Speaker, Health Canada has helped out in several ways.
For example, they now have introduced Zyban and the patch to a list of drugs covered by the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program, which is used here in Nunavut.
Health Canada will also be working with us on training strategies to help communities enforce and better enforce Mr. Speaker, the federal law prohibiting tobacco sales to minors.
Mr. Speaker, in 1999 over 62% of Nunavut still smoked and the rates were even higher among our young people.
Mr. Speaker, we intend to include questions on smoking in the 2003 Nunavut Household Survey to see what the trends are.
In the meantime Mr. Speaker, the staff will be working with Executive & Intergovernmental Affairs' Evaluation and Statistics Division and our other partners to design some specific evaluation measurements that will help us to direct our resources to where they will have the most impact.
Minister's Statement 134 - 1(5): Department of Finance's Qikiqtaaluk Office
Mr. Speaker, I too would like to welcome Speaker Kowalski and the delegation from Saskatchewan and thank them for their gift.
Mr. Speaker, today I have the honour of updating Members of this Assembly on the efforts of the Department of Finance to establish an office in Igloolik.
As part of our government's decentralization plan, the department will open a new office for the Qikiqtaaluk region in Igloolik.
This initiative creates seventeen permanent full time positions and will generate other economic benefits for the community.
I am pleased to announce that as a result of a recent job fair in Igloolik, thirteen beneficiaries from the community have accepted positions with the department.
These individuals are now working with headquarters staff to become familiar with the duties and responsibilities of their new jobs.
It is the department's goal to have the office operational by the end of the current fiscal year.
Mr. Speaker, we are impressed with the levels of experience, training and the overall abilities of all the successful applicants.
I am certain that this initiative will be a success and that our new employees will make a valued contribution to the department, our new government and Nunavut.
The new employees are here with us today and I will later ask my honourable colleague, Mr. Irqittuq, to introduce some of our newest employees from his constituency.
I ask all members to join me in welcoming them to our Assembly and to our new government.
Minister's Statement 135 - 1(5): Housing Ministers' Agreement on Affordable Housing
I am glad to be back Mr. Speaker, and I finally came back with hardly any members present here today.
Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to inform the members about the historic agreement on affordable housing that was reached last Friday, November 30, 2001, in Quebec City at the meeting that I attended.
Using the consensus style that we know so well, my colleagues and I in all ten provinces, three territories and the Federal Government, agreed on a framework to increase the supply of affordable housing across Canada.
This is the first time since 1993 that the Federal Government has allocated money to build social housing units in Nunavut.
This means additional social housing units for Nunavut Mr. Speaker.
A modified per capita formula was negotiated with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to ensure remote areas were fairly treated under this program.
With this allocation method, Nunavut will receive 4.96 million dollars.
I plan to use it all to build more social housing units next summer.
This is in addition to the 52 units that I already announced through our Nunavut Housing Corporation's Capital Estimates.
We welcome the affordable housing program as an important acknowledgement of our housing crisis, and a good first step in addressing our needs.
Minister's Statement 136 - 1(5): International Year of the Volunteer
December 5 marks the International Day of the Volunteer.
As members are aware the United Nations has declared 2001 as the International Year of Volunteers.
I would like to announce that December 5 will be officially recognized by this government as Nunavut's Volunteer Day.
A series of public announcements will inform Nunavummiut about the volunteer day and the importance of volunteering.
(interpretation ends) My department has also developed a volunteer recognition program to help communities promote and recognize volunteerism.
Consultation with the recreation co-ordinators took place during the department's professional development workshop held in October here in Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker, the program is comprised of two phases.
During the first phase, recipients will be selected for a Nunavut wide award. (interpretation) Awards will be designated in the following categories: elders, youth and adult.
Usually we talk about our elders but we mean as old as Jobie I should say.
Also adults, family or group categories.
Their spouse and their children.
Communities will make one nomination for each category and I will announce the four winners from this nomination list during next year's volunteer week in May.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the second phase of the program is an awards initiative where certificates of appreciation will be given to honour worthy volunteers in each community.
The recognition of volunteers and volunteerism in Nunavut is an important initiative and my department is taking steps to see that the International Year of the Volunteers is celebrated throughout Nunavut and that the tradition is carried on into the future.
This recognition and awards program is made possible with support from hamlets' recreation co-ordinators and I would like to thank them for their participation in our volunteer initiatives. (interpretation) We should be proud of and grateful to individuals who take the time to help their fellow Nunavummiut.
They contribute to self-reliance and healthy communities in Nunavut and we all have something to learn from people who volunteer their time and energy.
Member's Statement 369 - 1(5): Donations for Compassionate Travel
Mr. Speaker, as residents of Nunavut our communities are quite a distance from each other and the cost of transportation is very expensive.
Often the only time residents can afford to travel to other communities is when they lose a family member because of discounts for bereavement travel.
I would like to thank, on behalf of Moses Kownirk from Iqaluit and the Qikiqtarjuaq family who lost a family member a couple of day ago, Aina and Moses Sangoya who were very instrumental in trying to help the family.
They collected a total of 1 thousand 942 dollars and 45 cents towards the cost of travel.
Grateful family members are Susan Mosesie, Eena Oleesee, and Ronald Kownirk, who were able to see their relative Seetanie Kaunaq who had requested to see them before he died.
The groups that donated were the Housing Corporation's Leonie Nutaralaaq, Northern Store's Joshie Kooneeloosie, Alice’s Little Store's Mina Kooneeloosie and their family, and the RCMP, Ragilee Arnaquq from the Ladies’ Auxiliary, Leetia Kooneeloosie, Phillipoosie and Ina’s Corner Store, Piqalujak Corporation, teachers, and also the HTO, the Fire Brigade, Nutaraiq Irnait Illisarvinga, Simon Audlakiak, Mary Ayaguak, William Iqaalik, Appa Keyooktak, Moses Qillaq, and also Rhoda Illisaiji, Johnny Kooneeloosie and also this individual who helped very much is Joanasie Kooneeloosie and Ina, who did fund raising so that the family members from the other communities could attend the funeral services.
Also I would like to say hello to the Sanikiluaq residents. I am wearing a shirt that was made in Sanikiluaq and given to me, the community is very scenic, the residents were very receptive, so you are welcome down there Mr. Speaker whenever you want.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Iqaqrialu, I’ll take you up on that offer. Members’ Statements.
Member's Statement 370 - 1(5): Training for Midwives
Ms Thompson (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I held a constituency meeting in Rankin Inlet.
I have the minutes from that meeting and I will table them under item 13, tabling of documents.
We had a meeting on October 25 and on November 22nd. One of the topics was on midwifery in Rankin Inlet, because they have a concern about midwifery.
Discussion included why some children are born outside of the Nunavut Territory even though we have this midwifery centre in Rankin Inlet.
It was opened in October 1993 and still pregnant women go outside of Nunavut to have babies.
The residents of Rankin Inlet are quite concerned that the midwifes should be given more opportunities for training.
We are quite concerned that these midwives who work in that centre are very capable and are not being utilised to the fullest.
I would like to thank the Minister Responsible for Health and Social Services, Mr. Picco, who is very understanding about it.
I spoke to him this morning and I thanked him for agreeing to work on this issue.
Again Mr. speaker, my constituency is quite concerned about this.
This is not a new concern, it has been an ongoing issue in the past.
We need to have the birthing centre used as much as possible.
Member's Statement 371 - 1(5): Encouraging Use of Inuktitut
We recently held a meeting about heritage issues and agreed that Rankin Inlet would be the right choice for the location of the heritage centre, because it is literally in the centre of Nunavut.
I would also like to speak about the issue of language.
Some of us I know for sure especially our children, regret not having taught our children the Inuktitut language in Nunavut.
When I was elected in 1988 to the Parliament of Canada for a little over eight years, every time I had to speak I tried to use Inuktitut in that House and it was usually a problem.
Twice I can recollect in the House of Commons that I ran a bit into a bit of trouble because of speaking Inuktitut.
The Reform party, now known as the Canadian Alliance, wasn't too happy about me speaking Inuktitut in the House.
I told them I would not stop speaking Inuktitut in the House because it was my language.
The Bloc Quebecois also tried to stop me from speaking in Inuktitut.
I don't know if the individual is still a member or not but she stopped me from speaking Inuktitut and she was not very happy.
Mr. Speaker, I ask for more time to conclude my statement.
Speaker: The member is asking to conclude his statement.
As I was speaking she told the Speaker that she could not understand a member speaking in a strange language.
I wasn't too happy that Inuktitut was called a strange language in Canada.
So therefore, I think we should be encouraging our children and everyone else and we should be teaching Inuktitut and at times I regret not teaching my children more Inuktitut.
To this lady who said that the Inuktitut language was a strange language, I told her that it is my Canadian language.
I told this person that my language goes back about four or five thousand years in Canada and perhaps the French language has been here for a lot shorter time.
Many of my colleagues in Ottawa didn't mind me speaking Inuktitut.
I just want people to understand that perhaps our language is a minority language, but a lot of members here in the House should encourage and practice the Inuktitut language and use it.
Member's Statement 372 - 1(5): Iqaluit Music Society Wizard of Oz Show
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a whole bunch of hardworking characters.
As members may know, this coming weekend will be the debut of this year's musical play The Wizard of Oz, by the Iqaluit Music Society.
I want to ask all members in this House to join me in wishing them a good performance.
I know that it has taken a lot of hard work and they have been practicing for months trying to get this performance down.
I know last year they did Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Elvis even made an appearance there and it went over quite well.
I know Mr. Speaker this year there are two little munchkins that I would especially like to congratulate and say that I am very proud of their part in this performance, that is my two daughters.
They are participating in the play as two little munchkins.
So I would like to ask all members if any of you are here to come and enjoy this performance. I also ask all members to join me in congratulating them for all the hard work that they put into this.
Member's Statement 373 - 1(5): Pre-Christmas Craft Sale
Hon. Ed. Picco (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, first of all I would like to say thank you to all the people of Sanikiluaq. (interpretation ends) This past weekend the Annual pre-Christmas craft sale was held here in Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker as you know, for many residents it is one of the highlights of our pre-Christmas shopping season.
The volunteer effort which raises funds for many individuals, organizations as well as charities by all accounts was the most successful to date, Mr. Speaker.
I'd like to take this opportunity Mr. Speaker, to thank the many organizers and volunteers and mostly the residents of Iqaluit and visitors who again came out in record numbers to support this annual and very important fund raising event.
Member's Statement 374 - 1(5): Planning for Recreation Centre
Mr. Speaker, as you probably know we are winding down the session.
Looking into the 2002-2003 main estimates, we have a concern in the communities of Igloolik and Hall Beach.
They have a deep concern about the recreation centre up in Igloolik.
As you probably know it is one of the decentralized communities and there has been forced growth.
They can't keep up with the services for the community
When we are going to be dealing with the main estimates for 2002-2003 I think that the government should seriously think about increasing the size of these facilities and I will be asking questions on this topic during question period.
Member's Statement 375 - 1(5): Future of Transportation
Mr. Speaker, I am going to have to wear a bright yellow sport coat to get some attention.
Long day already.
I'd like to welcome our Saskatchewan visitors and he usually treats me this way.
I had my hand up first.
I am always recognized last in Question Period and things like that.
Mr. Speaker, I want to talk today about the future of transportation in Nunavut.
Over the weekend I took the time to review the documentation that was provided to members from the Minister of Community Government & Transportation regarding the Nunavut Transportation Strategy.
Mr. Speaker, the need for vision in this area is very clear.
We need a transportation strategy that will help us to develop our natural resource potential and for most economic development and tourism.
I was pleased to see the government’s vision document looks ahead 20 years to a Nunavut where I quote "Important new service transport routes between the Kivalliq region and Manitoba and possibly Saskatchewan and between the Kitikmeot region mining properties and Bathurst Inlet.
These are all weather routes where resource development projects are able to contribute substantially to the required funding”.
Mr. Speaker, it is no secret that the government is making investments in the very promising Kitikmeot region.
I also compliment the KIA for their efforts in this area.
However, it is vitally important that we continue our momentum in the Kivalliq.
Mr. Speaker, you yourself have been vocal about the need to preserve the hydroelectric potential in the Kivalliq region.
Mr. Speaker, our greatness can only be realized if we have the boldness of vision to press forward with the dream of a permanent land link with the rest of Canada.
Such a link will spur economic growth and opportunities for all of Nunavut.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. McLean. Excellent statement by the way.
Member's Statement 376 - 1(5): Sanikiluaq’s Concerns Over Quebec Agreement
First of all, I would like to thank the members who took the time to go down to Sanikiluaq this weekend.
We had an excellent journey going down.
This visit was much appreciated by the people of Sanikiluaq.
There were a lot of people who welcomed the delegation, even though the weather was very good.
I would like to thank Mr. Iqaqrialu, Mr. Nutarak, Mr. Picco and all who attended.
The harpoon heads that I made were all taken so I'll have to make some more.
While we were in the Hamlet of Sanikiluaq, I would like to comment on something that was brought up.
The Hamlet of Sanikiluaq is concerned about the agreement that was signed by the Government of Quebec and the First Nations' people on hydro development.
If we look at the Island of Sanikiluaq it is right in the middle of currents that are passing through from all directions and it will be adversely affected by hydro development.
We did a study in the Hudson Bay area and looked at the currents and directions, the ice formations and the directions that they are flowing, where they originate from and where their destination is.
We also did a study of the migratory routes of the seabirds.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to conclude my comments.
Hon. Peter Kattuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues.
The people of Sanikiluaq live on the ground fish and marine mammals that surround the island.
Of course they are concerned about what the impact would be from these kinds of projects.
It would have a huge impact.
This is the reason the people of Sanikiluaq are concerned about those proposed projects that are currently being discussed.
The agreement that I mentioned earlier between the Federal Government and the First Nations will have a huge impact on the people of Sanikiluaq and we will oppose it.
>>Applause  Speaker: Thank you.
Return to Question 329 - 1(5): Culture, Language, Elders and Youth Staffing
I have a return to a question asked by Jobie Nutarak on Friday November 23, 2001.
This was a question about the department's staffing numbers.
There are 29 Culture, Language, Elders and Youth's positions of 40 filled at this time Mr. Speaker.
In Iqaluit, 14 of 17 positions are staffed.
In Igloolik 9 of 14 positions are staffed.
In Kugluktuk six of nine positions are staffed.
Overall the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth is 73% staffed and I am proud to say the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth is 79% staffed by Inuit.
Speaker: Item 4.
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Finance introduced the new Government of Nunavut staff and I would like to recognize them also.
From the Department of Finance in Igloolik, our staff currently in Iqaluit training, first of all Buffy Otak, Jolene Ungalaaq, Tom Awa, David Arnatsiaq, James Ungalaaq, Steven Inukshuk, Malaya Kublu, Durant Vincent, Angeline Ujarak, Carmen Ujarak, Malaya Kinguk, I apologize, Malaya Kipanik, Daniel Angout and Laura Akittuk also her friend here, what is your name, Olayuk.
I congratulate all these trainees from Igloolik who have been hired to work in the Finance Department.
Mr. Speaker, accompanying the new employees is also Bill Neish who is the Director of Baffin Regional Services for the Department of Finance.
Hon. Ed Picco: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, first of all I would like to welcome to the Gallery a person who is well known all over Nunavut, a long time employee of Nordair and later Canadian North's representative here in Iqaluit and also a representative in the Northwest Territories too and wherever Canadian North flies, Eva Onalik, welcome to the gallery Eva.
I also want to congratulate and commend Mr. Irqittuq, he’s hardly forgotten any names, he knew every one of them, so I think that is a good job Enoki.
I recognised some faces but forgot some names.
I would like to start off Mr. Speaker, by welcoming an old friend of mine.
He used to be in Hall Beach at one time with CBC.
He works here at the Legislature, Mr. Steven Inukshuk, and also Bill Neish.
He used to be the secretary for the FMB at one time a few years ago.
Mr. Ng hardly recognised Bill.
I would like to welcome also an old friend of mine, who has a very successful company and a more famous mother-in-law Marg Lalonde’s daughter in law, Noolee Iou.
We welcome Noolee to the gallery.
I recognised the Manitoba delegation when they came to make a presentation and at that time I made a comment about building a highway to Igloolik.
I would like to recognise the delegation and ask them if they could make a financial contribution to that highway that we are currently proposing to build.
I would also to recognise Pauloosie Kooneeloosie from Qikiqtarjuaq, who has his own private business.
First of all I thought winter was just around the corner so I finally put my kamiks on for the first time.
First of all, I would like to recognise the people originally from Repulse Bay, Marie Kipanik, welcome to the gallery and also my friend Pauloosie Kooneeloosie whom I used to have discussions with all the time but not lately.