EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, making policy changes behind the scenes puts an additional burden on our hard-working health care workers. It falls to them to explain changes to the policy and address the confusion or misunderstandings that result from having a new set of criteria to follow. That task should have fallen on the headquarter administrators.
Mr. Speaker, we are all aware that medical travel and the related costs for escorts, accommodation, and extended stays amount to a significant drain on the government’s purse.
I agree that steps are necessary to improve the situation. I encourage the government to keep Nunavut’s residents informed, in a clear and accountable manner, of the efforts that are being made to deliver services more effectively and economically.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Members’ Statements. (interpretation) Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak, Monica Ell.
Member’s Statement 025 – 4(1): 35th Anniversary of Iqaluit Rotary Club (Ell)
I say “good afternoon” to people in Iqaluit-Manirajak and my fellow MLAs.
I welcome all of you to come to meet at my constituency.
Mr. Speaker, (interpretation ends) I am pleased to inform the members and Nunavummiut that we are celebrating the 35th year of the inception of the Iqaluit Rotary Club.
Rotary International is a service organization that was established in 1905. The Rotary Club’s primary purpose is to bring together business, professional, and community leaders to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build good will and peace in the world.
Mr. Speaker, Rotary is a secular organization open to all persons regardless of race, creed, colour, religion, gender, or political preference.
There are 34,282 clubs and over 1.2 million members worldwide.
During their 35th year of existence and with a membership of 35 members, Iqaluit Rotary has raised and distributed over $2.5 million throughout the community.
Mr. Speaker, some of the activities and events financially sponsored by the Iqaluit Rotary Club include:
The creation of the Rotary Park in Apex;
Operating an annual fall fair for the children and parents of Iqaluit;
Offering an annual community brunch;
Awarding annual scholarships and bursaries for high school students, including graduation photo packages distributed to all Inuksuk High School grade 12 students; and
Financial supports for other worthy organizations, such as the Kamatsiaqtut Nunavut Help Line, Habitat for Humanity, and the Food Bank.
In addition, Rotary also holds an annual elders’ supper.
Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would ask members to continue my Member’s Statement.
Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, members.
In addition, Rotary has also hosted an annual elders’ supper that feeds and provides entertainment for approximately 130 elders each year, recently held on February 15, 2014.
Mr. Speaker, Peter Tumulty, a [constituent] of mine and Iqaluit Rotary Club’s current president, has provided pins for each Member of the Legislative Assembly to celebrate Rotary’s 35 years.
These pins are worn to celebrate the support provided to Rotary by the Iqaluit community.
Mr. Speaker, Iqaluit Rotary demonstrates how volunteerism is at the heart of a healthy community, and I am proud to say that the Iqaluit Rotary Club has a positive impact on my community.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Members’ Statements. (interpretation) Member for Arviat South, Mr. Savikataaq.
Member’s Statement 026 – 4(1): Arviat Resident Walking for Suicide Awareness (Savikataaq)
Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish Tony Uluadluak of Arviat good weather and good health on his anti-suicide walk from my community of Arviat to a lake close by called Dion Lake.
Mr. Speaker, suicide is a major problem in our territory of Nunavut and any action, no matter how small, will help in dealing with this large problem that we have in our territory.
Mr. Speaker, I commend Tony Uluadluak for doing his part of bringing the issue to people’s minds by walking for life.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Members’ Statements. (interpretation) Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes.
Member’s Statement 027 – 4(1): Sessional Priorities (Hickes)
I would like to welcome all residents from the Iqaluit-Tasiluk Riding.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to look ahead to our coming sitting.
Mr. Speaker, it has been a very busy and productive few months since we held our first sitting of this Assembly.
During that time, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with many of my constituents in the Iqaluit-Tasiluk Riding, and I can say that the feedback that I have received has been extremely valuable as we move forward together in our new roles.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, our recent caucus retreat in Kugluktuk was an extremely productive gathering.
The priorities that we announced in our communiqué reflect a strong consensus on a number of strategic issues, and I am very much looking forward to hearing the upcoming Commissioner’s Address articulate in detail the government’s plans for implementing our vision.
Mr. Speaker, in the days ahead, I will be addressing a number of important issues during our proceedings.
As I noted in my first Member’s Statement that I made on the occasion of our first sitting, such issues as support for homeowners, the need for new marine infrastructure in Iqaluit, and the importance of reducing our dependency on fossil fuels are all priorities that my constituents are expecting us to take action on.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my hard-working constituency assistant, Jessica Patterson, for her hard work since coming onboard with me.
Both Jessica and I are available to meet any time with constituents, and I also look forward to welcoming residents of Iqaluit to our Visitors’ Gallery.
Mr. Speaker, I am optimistic that this will be a productive sitting of the Assembly, and I can’t wait to get started.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Members’ Statements. (interpretation) Member for Aivilik, Mr. Mapsalak.
Member’s Statement 028 – 4(1): Looking Forward to Working with Other MLAs (Mapsalak)
I rise today to thank my constituents once again for choosing to have me as their MLA.
Mr. Speaker, I want to reaffirm what I had stated that I would be available to my constituents here.
I am more than happy to be contacted, and I am happy to be here with my fellow members and the cabinet. I look forward to working together as Members of the Legislative Assembly for the next four years.
Also, I want to remind my colleagues that we will face difficult situations from time to time and that we all won’t always agree on issues. However, I am aware and fully believe that we can work as a team to provide good governance here in Nunavut and to represent Nunavummiut properly.
That is what I wanted to indicate. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Members’ Statements. (interpretation) Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Mikkungwak.
Member’s Statement 029 – 4(1): Support for Educational Initiatives (Mikkungwak)
Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
I rise today to address an issue which I brought up during my campaign: the importance of educational programs which support culture and the traditional way of life.
Mr. Speaker, I have always supported youth initiatives and I believe they are important to develop leadership and opportunity.
I believe in further education. Learning does not start and end at school. It is something that extends through our families and our communities.
Mr. Speaker, having a good basis of knowledge in our culture and developing the skills and the adaptability that our elders have demonstrated in their lives gives us a stronger foundation from which to build our future.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I encourage the government and specifically the Department of Education to support and encourage the inclusion of cultural programming in the curriculum, in policies, and in the structure of programs and initiatives across Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, as I work through my term in this Fourth Assembly, I will continue to support the traditional way of life. We must all strive to maintain our cultural integrity, even as we welcome the benefits of the modern world. (interpretation) Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
Member for Quttiktuq, Mr. Shooyook.
Member’s Statement 030 – 4(1): Marine Infrastructure in Arctic Bay (Shooyook)
Firstly, I rise today to voice pride in my colleagues sitting in this House. I wanted to say that first of all.
As the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Quttiktuq, I have the responsibility of speaking on behalf of the three communities that I represent in the Legislative Assembly: Arctic Bay, Resolute Bay, and Grise Fiord.
During my time in office, I intend to advocate for the needs and priorities of all three communities.
Mr. Speaker, my statement today will focus on the need for improvements to marine infrastructure in Arctic Bay.
Mr. Speaker, Arctic Bay’s integrated community infrastructure sustainability plan was developed in 2003.
This document outlines a number of issues and priorities for the community.
The plan indicates that Arctic Bay’s breakwater, which was constructed over two decades ago, is “too small to accommodate all the boats that need to be sheltered” and that it requires “an addition to accommodate and prevent damage to boats.”
It also indicates that the community’s sealift area “needs to be moved as it poses a safety hazard in a high road traffic area.”
Mr. Speaker, the plan also indicates that one of the community’s long-term goals is to construct a new small craft harbour, which is “required to support the HTO’s development of a local turbot fishery through the Arctic Fisheries Alliance.”
There are none. (interpretation) You may proceed, Mr. Shooyook.
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, the construction of modern and appropriate marine infrastructure in our communities is an issue that a number of my colleagues in this House have also addressed.
Mr. Speaker, modern marine infrastructure is necessary for protecting lives and property. It is also necessary for supporting our transportation and economic development goals.
Mr. Speaker, I will have questions on this issue for the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation at the appropriate time today.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Members’ Statements. (interpretation) Member for Pangnirtung, Mr. Mike.
Member’s Statement 031 – 4(1): Effects of Climate Change on Pangnirtung Hunters (Mike)
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I also thank my colleagues, and furthermore, I thank my constituents who are listening in or watching the session on TV. Thank you to you all.
First of all, I wish to extend a welcome to Alex Sammurtok, who has spent quite a few months awaiting his chance to sit in the House as a Member of the Legislative Assembly, perhaps three months. I want to welcome you to the House and I look forward to working with you on issues we may have to resolve.
Additionally, I also extend my gratitude to the member you ousted, Lorne Kusugak, as well as his wife, who is my niece.
I thank both of them immensely. If Lorne happens to be watching or listening, I thank you very much and to inform you that the house you occupied is now under my care and it seems to befit me as a home.
Indeed, ever since my election to this position as the Member of the Legislative Assembly, my old lifestyle has completely changed to the point where I can’t even compare them, as certain parts are quite challenging and like others here, I have gone through life’s ups and downs.
I used to be primarily a hunter and fisherman for many years, and sometimes spent a lot of time on the land outside of the community of Pangnirtung. Ever since I was elected, I haven’t been able to go and see the land outside of Pangnirtung or practise my old lifestyle.
That’s fine at this time, even if that is the case now.
I want to inform my constituents in Pangnirtung that, just like the members here, the residents have expectations from this government, which is the fourth government since inception of the territory.
This issue, which is familiar with most of the members, relates to the changes to our arctic climate, as the weather keeps changing and no person can rectify this situation.
We are also finding that our old hunting grounds are no longer accessible, which our ancestors used and occupied, due to the changing ice conditions. The people of Pangnirtung, like their fellow Inuit, tend to hunt when the ice has formed and when the ice is at its thickest, as this is the best time to hunt and this is part of their cultural traditions.
The area I refer to used to be reached when the ice formed, but current conditions are such that the sea isn’t icing up, but remaining open and creating a barrier to our hunters to reach that traditional area. They can’t reach these traditional areas with plentiful animal resources as the access route is blocked. They can’t reach as far a field as they once did due to the changing conditions of these routes, primarily due to the warming weather patterns.
I would like to ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement. I apologize for not paying attention to the time.
There are none. Please proceed Mr. Mike.
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and my colleagues, for providing this opportunity by your consent.
Indeed, in discussing the changing climate, it has become quite noticeable in our community of Pangnirtung. Last winter, the hunters went through difficulties trying to access hunting areas due to the lack of snow cover, both the landfast ice and the land in particular.
The landscape around Pangnirtung is quite rugged with no lowlands. Due to the rugged terrain, hunters, fishermen, trappers, or even those who just go out to be on the land need to have proper access routes to these areas.
They require access that isn’t complex or dangerous.
Some of the routes which were used in the past are no longer safe to travel on and we may need to consider building an access road on land to reach these sites. The community of Pangnirtung is currently facing this challenge. Due to these reasons, our traditional hunting areas could be reached, but only by using an overland route.
The immediate foreshore area is iced up close to the shore, but the offshore that used to ice over in the past is still open and creating this barrier I am alluding to. It no longer ices up.
Due to this reason, when our hunters, fishermen, and trappers get up to prepare for their daily trips to collect sustenance, they tend to return with enough for themselves and their fellow residents.
This is reason enough to convey our pride in our people who practise this lifestyle, practising the traditional Inuit cultural activities, as they are the ones keeping it alive.
Furthermore, exploring economic development opportunities or even animal population studies is something that the people of Pangnirtung appreciate, as it impacts them currently. Most residents don’t oppose research, especially if it can create more benefits to our hunters and fishermen.
This is another priority we will have to work harder on.
Also, the current subsidy support of sealskins or other fur products have to be set higher so that more benefits can accrue to our hunters. The current fur prices aren’t even close to the expenses incurred by our hunters, so we have to look at increasing costs.
Also, we must not forget our private homeowners, particularly our older homeowners, who require further financial assistance to meet their needs, and I think all members are aware of the challenges they face.
These are the issues identified by my constituents to me and this is why I am rising to voice them at this time.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Members’ Statements. (interpretation) Member for Netsilik, Ms. Ugyuk.
Member’s Statement 032 – 4(1): Appreciation to Constituents and Iqalummiut (Ugyuk)
Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Yes, Nujaqqiq from Gjoa Haven is in our thoughts. Further, a resident of Taloyoak, Annahaaq Tuutalik and family, are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mr. Speaker, when the calendar rolled over to this month, we held a cabinet retreat in Kugluktuk. I want to express my thanks to the hospitality and welcoming we received from the residents of Kugluktuk.
The cabinet spent some time there to meet over our priorities for the upcoming years, specifically related to our government operations.
The mayor and councillors welcomed us to their community, and they even held a community feast. Also, within the school, we were welcomed quite passionately as the students sang a welcome song and they were quite skilled.
I thank the school for welcoming us and letting us use their gymnasium. I thank the students and the public and I also say “thank you” to the people of Netsilik for welcoming us as ministers when we were there.
Lastly, I would like to say “thank you” to the people of Iqaluit for welcoming me and my husband when we moved here. Thank you very much for welcoming us.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Members’ Statements. (interpretation) Member for South Baffin, Mr. Joanasie.
Member’s Statement 033 – 4(1): Living with Hope - Suicide Awareness (Joanasie)
I rise today to talk about a very difficult issue, which is suicide. It causes a great hardship and it’s something I cannot come to terms with.
Mr. Speaker, 45 Nunavummiut cut their lives short last calendar year. Most of them were likely under the age of 30.
Mr. Speaker, there is a saying in Inuktitut called Ajurnarmat. My interpretation of this means “It is hopeless.”
This saying is used when all things have failed and nothing else can be done. Those 45 individuals and many others before them, I believe, were in a state of Ajurnarmat and unfortunately acted out in nobody’s favour.
Mr. Speaker, I’m here today to speak up for a better future for everyone, especially those who feel like it is hopeless.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavummiut need to know that at your most desperate times when we have heavy hearts or clouded thoughts, suicide does not help. Suicide will not help.
The hardships we experience will always come to pass as our lives do not stay still.
Mr. Speaker, I’m here to spread hope, to help reinstate a sense of possibility, and to say “Ajurnanngimmat,” (interpretation ends) it is not impossible. (interpretation) As a young Inuk man from Nunavut, I faced the odds of committing suicide, yet look where I stand today because it is not impossible.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement. I just have a few more words to say.
Mr. Joanasie, please continue.
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, my colleagues.
In conclusion, I would like to say that I’m appealing to each and every one of my colleagues to help me lead this territory onto a better path.
I am also appealing to Nunavummiut to talk to each other, take care of each other and ourselves.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavummiut have to be helped, to be listened to, and to have something to live for.
Returns to Oral Questions. There are none.
Ms. Angnakak.
Ms. Angnakak: I would like to recognize my husband, Archie Angnakak, (interpretation) easily the handsomest man here, as Jeannie had previously said of her husband. Further, Joanne Taptuna (interpretation ends) is a really good friend of mine. Also, Virginia Lloyd is a constituent.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Premier Taptuna.
I would like to recognize my wife, Joanne Taptuna, who has been here living with me in Iqaluit for the last five years and I hope that she will stay here for another four years.
I wish to recognize my maternal cousin, who happens to be the President of NTI, Cathy Towtongie. Welcome.
I also welcome some of her staff who were mentioned by one of our colleagues, as well as Malaya Mikidjuk, who is also my niece.
Speaker: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. (interpretation) I don’t think there are any more.
Mr. Quassa.
I rise again to this more appropriate agenda item, as I wish to recognize my daughter Natasha Angiliq, and my grandchild, Pilakapsik Kuttikuttuk, and my son Sandy Quassa.
I appreciate their being here today.
To the visitors in the Gallery who were recognized earlier, I wish to recognize them as well, specifically the president of NTI and her staff who are present.
Speaker: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Mr. Sammurtok.
Mr. Sammurtok: Qujannamiik, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) I would like to recognize (interpretation ends) one of my constituents, Cathy Towtongie. (interpretation) Thank you.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. (interpretation) I would like the people who were recognized to be acknowledged. Furthermore, my mother is present, Kutsikkuttuk, and her future husband, Qulaut, is also here.
I wish to welcome them all, including my father.
I would like all the people who were recognized to be acknowledged properly.
As there are no more names on my list, we will go to (interpretation ends) Item 6.
Okay, this is where I need help.
An Hon. Member: First come first served.
Speaker: Okay.
Member for Qamani’tuaq, Mr. Mikkungwak.
Question 001 – 4(1): Baker Lake Housing Issues (Mikkungwak)
Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, as the minister will recall, on January 28, the Baker Lake Housing Association sent a letter of invitation to both of us to discuss a number of housing-related issues.
Can the minister indicate if he has responded to this letter of invitation and, if so, has he set a date to meet with the Baker Lake Housing Association?
Speaker: Hon. Member for Housing, Mr. Kuksuk.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to thank my colleague for posing that question.
I understand your question. I had responded previously to the member if I can meet with the Baker Lake Housing Association.
Speaker: Your first supplementary question, Mr. Mikkungwak.
As we all know, in March of last year, the federal government announced its intention to provide Nunavut with $100 million in funding for the construction of new public housing units.
I was very pleased with this announcement and look forward to receiving updates on the construction of these new public housing units.
However, there are a number of issues with existing public housing units.
Can the minister explain what his corporation is doing to ensure our current public housing units are properly maintained?
Speaker: Hon. Minister of Housing, Mr. Kuksuk.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
We are going to use that money for new public housing units, as well as the renovation of existing units. We have guidelines regarding renovations to existing housing. We also have criteria set up for the use of the $100 million in funding for the new public housing units.
Speaker: Your final supplementary question, Mr. Mikkungwak.
I would also like to formally invite the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation to discuss Baker Lake’s housing issues.
Will the minister commit to meeting with the Baker Lake Housing Association and me at the earliest opportunity?
I had written a letter to the Baker Lake Housing Association and the member.
I responded to that letter, but I didn’t indicate what date would be most convenient for us. I would like to assure the member that I will respond and give you a date on when it would be convenient for us to meet.
Member for Rankin Inlet South, Alexander Sammurtok.
Question 002 – 4(1): 24-Hour Care Facilities (Sammurtok)
Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, I am confident that many of my colleagues would agree that when individuals need more support and assistance with their daily living needs, they would hope to remain close to their family and community.
Can the minister provide an update on what plans are being considered by her department to ensure that there are adequate facilities to provide 24-hour care in Nunavut to those who need it? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker: The Hon. Minister of Health, Ms. Ell.