EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
It also addresses the long term issues of energy conservation and alternative energy strategies and approaches for our territory.
A key recommendation is the creation of a Qulliq Energy Corporation, to be responsible for both electricity and fuel in Nunavut.
It is purposed that the Qulliq Energy Corporation have two major subsidiaries: the existing Nunavut Power Corporation and the proposed Qulliq Fuel Corporation.
Mr. Speaker, Qulliq Fuel Corporation is designed to hold the assets and take on the responsibilities currently managed by the Petroleum Products Division of the Department of Public Works and Services.
In effect this existing branch of government will become a new crown corporation.
Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut Power Corporation, established under the Qulliq Energy Corporation, would operate much the same way as it does now.
However, the major difference will be that they will no longer be involved in fuel purchasing, fuel storage and pipelines.
This now will be the responsibility of Qulliq Fuel.
The implementation of this plan and transition for all involved will be a joint effort between the Petroleum Products Division of Public Works and Services, as well as the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, and the existing Board of Directors of our Nunavut Power Corporation, which we look forward to working with in the future as the new Board of the Qulliq Energy Corporation.
Mr. Speaker, the framework for the purposed energy delivery services will be founded in legislation that will be reviewed by this House between now and the end of March 2003.
Mr. Speaker, I am looking forward to providing members with additional details and to engaging in lively dialogue as we move forward to implement this significant initiative.
Minister’s Statement 065 – 1(6): 2001-2002 High School Graduation Statistics
I am especially pleased to announce this while we are having a meeting in the school.
A total of 131 students graduated from our high schools as of June 2002 and this continues the strong trend of the past three years.
Given our small population, variations from year to year is normal.
Further, Inuit continue to make 83% of the graduates over the last four years, which is excellent news for Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, 10 years ago there were only 47 graduates from 1992 across Nunavut.
Ten years later we have approximately three times that many.
The increase in graduates is a positive trend and indicates that Nunavut is headed in the right direction.
Our young people are staying in school longer and are achieving higher than in the past.
This is a direct result of a change of policy 12 years ago that started implementing senior high school grades in all Nunavut schools.
Mr. Speaker, as Nunavut continues to grow we will need individuals that have increased levels of education.
I am optimistic with the current trends and look forward to an increasing number of high school graduates each year.
Minister’s Statement 066 – 1(6): New Fuel Contracts
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to update the members on the new fuel contracts for Nunavut.
The Department of Public Works and Services is currently finalizing the contract for the supply of Bulk Refined Petroleum Products with Shell Canada for Baffin and Kivalliq communities and with Imperial Oil for Kitikmeot communities.
Mr. Speaker, these new supply contracts, for three years plus extension options, represents significant savings to the Government of Nunavut.
(interpretation ends) The tender for the transportation phase closed on October 17, 2002 and the evaluation will be completed within the next two weeks.
I look forward to sharing more information with you when those contracts are finalized.
Minister’s Statement 067 – 1(6): Expansion of The Turbot Fishery and Baffin Fisheries Coalition
Good afternoon everybody.
Congratulations to the new Minister of Energy.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to advise members of this House on some recent developments that have taken place in Nunavut’s turbot fishery.
Turbot is the only ground fish species available in Nunavut to harvest.
The offshore turbot fishery is a rapidly expanding area of our economy.
Mr. Speaker, during last year’s session I had an opportunity to introduce the members to the newly formed Baffin Fisheries Coalition.
This group consists of all the stakeholders that have been actively involved in Nunavut’s offshore fishing industry.
The long term objectives of the Coalition are to develop the capacity of Nunavut’s fishing interest to harvest the resources in the waters adjacent to Nunavut, develop the credibility of Nunavut fisherman in the Atlantic fishing industry and to maximize fisheries development over the next five to ten years.
Mr. Speaker, I am please to announce that the Coalition has made significant progress since it’s formation last year.
In 2001 the Coalition harvested in excess of 2,500 tons of turbot from NAFO Division 0A (Davis Strait/Baffin Bay).
More than 200 tons of this quota was landed here in Pangnirtung for further processing creating and extending significant employment opportunities.
This year the Coalition has a quota of 4,000 tons and to date has harvested more the 2,400 tons.
Again this year a significant amount of this quota will be landed in Pangnirtung.
The Coalition has now completed a detailed business plan to guide it’s development over the next five years.
Key priorities for the Coalition for 2003 are to develop a trained workforce to enter into the offshore fishery as well as to pursue vessel investment opportunities.
The Coalition is also investing into inshore developmental fisheries such as the test fishery conducted in Cumberland Sound this past summer.
Such initiatives will ensure that the long term benefits of this industry will to the residents of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, my department fully supports the activities of the Baffin Fisheries Coalition.
In this respect I have signed a partnership MOU with the Coalition to assist and support it’s organizational development over the upcoming years.
I view the formation and the emergence of this new industry group as the logical next step in the development of fisheries capacity in Nunavut that will provide lasting and sustainable economic benefits for the region.
Mr. Speaker, I am also please to announce that Nunavut’s fishery industry will experience another significant increase in it’s quota for 2003.
Earlier this year the North Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Scientific Council recommended that a quota increase of 4,000 tons should be implemented in NAFO Division 0A + 1A in 2003 based on research carried out in the area in 2001.
This is in addition to the current 4,000 ton quota that already exists in this area and will result in a total quota of 8,000 tons for 2003.
As you are aware the offshore turbot stocks in Davis Straight and Baffin Bay are shared with Greenland.
The actual sharing arrangements for this new quota will be discussed during the upcoming bi-lateral consultations with Greenland to be held in Ottawa this December.
The Government of Nunavut, along with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board will be attending these meetings on behalf of Nunavut.
I am quite confident that we are in a good position to claim a major share of this new quota based primarily on adjacency and historical attachment.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to providing you with a further update in this new quota following the conclusion of the bi-lateral meetings with Greenland.
Minister’s Statement 068 – 1(6): Flash Cards
Mr. Speaker, as part of this year’s Literacy Week, which took place at the end of September, the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth developed a series of flash cards for distribution to daycares across Nunavut in Inuktitut. The purpose of these flash cards is to help young children enjoy learning Inuktitut.
If we hope to preserve and promote the use of Inuktitut across the territory, we must begin with the youngest members of our society.
There is no substitute for learning a language as a child.
Teaching our children Inuktitut from the start will ensure that Nunavut turns into an Inuktitut speaking territory with the development of our children.
Mr. Speaker, we must provide our children with the tools they need to make Inuktitut a central part of their upbringing.
Although the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth can help through initiatives like this, it is essential that we as parents take the lead.
Learning begins in the home.
Without this support, Inuktitut will not thrive.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to provide the Members of the Legislative of Assembly with their own set of flash cards.
These cards are one of the examples of how the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth is supporting the preservation and promotion of our Inuktitut language and culture.
Minister’s Statement 069 – 1(6): Rankin Inlet Birthing Centre Expansion
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce the expansion of the Kivalliq Birthing Centre to a regional services facility.
As of October, the permanent staffing complement is in place with two Registered Midwives and one maternity worker.
Two others will be hired over the next few months, as well as a receptionist.
Mr. Speaker, a third maternity worker (level three) position has been approved and staffed.
This position will focus in training and maternity workers liaising with all communities in the Kivalliq, an exercise that promotes continuity of care as well as teaching for the nurses in the Health Centres.
The department will be involved in developing education curriculum for community midwives in partnership with the Nunavut Arctic College.
Mr. Speaker, this will be done in consultation with elders who have knowledge of traditional birthing practices, and will lead them being registered Midwives in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, as you know the re-introduction of midwifery into Nunavut is a long desired goal and is a concrete example of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in action.
Mr. Speaker, This expansion of the Kivalliq Birthing Centre to a regional service is a first step towards bringing midwifery back into more of our Nunavut communities in the future.
Speaker: The time allocation for Ministers’ Statements is now over.
We’ll go to Item 3.
Member’s Statement 204 – 1(6): Required Boating Safety Regulations
Mr. Speaker, I rise today since my constituencies always want to get us to represent them.
Mr. Speaker, I know that my Member’s Statement is quite lengthy so you can stop me when time is up.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express concern about boating safety.
Mr. Speaker, there are over 2 hundred boating deaths every year across Canada.
Most of them are avoidable. For example, this summer there was a tragedy in Repulse Bay, where two young lives were needlessly lost.
Mr. Speaker, federal legislation is currently in place that covers the use and operation of boats.
In fact, new federal regulations were brought in recently.
Mr. Speaker, these regulations state the minimum requirements for the safe operations of all kinds of watercraft, including kayaks.
Mr. Speaker, for kayaks and other small un-powered craft, the required equipment includes an approved personal flotation device or life jacket. A floating line of 15 meters, a watertight flashlight, approved flares, a signalling device, a paddle or an anchor and means of towing your vessel.
Mr. Speaker, currently there are official age restrictions on the use of powered vehicles and regulations on pleasure craft operator competency.
However, they do not apply in N.W.T.
Speaker: The member’s seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement.
Mr. Puqiqnak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank you my colleagues.
However, they do not apply in N.W.T. and Nunavut because the legislation was being brought forward at the time of the creation of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans is planning consultations for the Spring of 2003 on this and other issues.
I’m aware that they would like to work with us on the issue of legislation in this area.
Mr. Speaker, the regulations are under the Canadian Coast Guard, however, they’re not an enforcement agency.
They are a safety agency.
When the new regulations were brought forward, local Fisheries and Oceans officers and RCMP went on joint patrols in the bay outside of Iqaluit and handed out booklets.
Earlier, we were given a flashcards these were exactly the same size.
Mr. Speaker, alcohol and boating do not mix.
During any outdoor activity, alcohol greatly increases the risk to yourself and others.
In the Arctic this is more relevant as the risk of hypothermia is even greater.
Mr. Speaker, operating any vehicle while under the influence of alcohol is against the law and falls under the criminal code, which is enforced by the RCMP.
Mr. Speaker, where can communities, schools, youth organizations, like Junior Rangers, Hunter's and Trapper's Organisation, Renewable Resource Officers do to help make people aware of both safety issues and relevant applicable regulations.
Generally, the RCMP does boat safety awareness in Nunavut and the Canadian Coast Guard Boat Safety Office in Yellowknife offers educational programs for schools and others.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Nunavut Emergency Measures Office also has a Boat Safety Awareness Program.
Mr. Speaker, we need to prevent any further senseless deaths.
Mr. Speaker, later on I’ll be asking questions to the appropriate Minister on this issue.
Just to remind members that whenever you go over your allotted time, it does take time from other members.
For example, Mr. Puqiqnak’s statement was 7 minutes long, as opposed to 2 ½ minutes that is allocated, although it was a very important message.
Member’s Statement 205 – 1(6): Mining and Inuit Employment Training Initiatives
Mr. Havioyak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I rise today on the issue that I have raised many times before in this House.
I’m talking about the incredible potential of mining in Kitikmeot and Kivalliq.
It is clear that tremendous potential exists for many industries in Nunavut.
We have various mineral deposits here.
Exploration is ongoing and it is only a matter of time before a new one begins operating in our territory.
In fact, Mr. Speaker, it seems like we hear news everyday on a new diamond find in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that we work together to ensure that the economic benefits produced by mining are kept in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, keeping the money here means several things.
It means developing a market for companies to purchase supplies for exploration, including fuel.
That is why, Mr. Speaker, I am in full support of developing a large fuel storage facility in Kugluktuk to take advantage of the demand for fuel by mining companies.
Mr. Speaker, keeping the money in Nunavut also means ensuring that employment in the mining companies is accessed by Nunavummiut.
That is why I’ve spoken many times in the Assembly on the importance of training to people, to prepare people for jobs in mining.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to note the recent job postings with the Department of Sustainable Development in Kugluktuk for a training position.
Mr. Speaker, this is a positive step towards Inuit employment and I would like to see the other departments create similar positions.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to stress my continued support of training initiatives aimed at preparing my constituents and the residents of Kitikmeot for employment in the mining sectors.
Mr. Speaker, in order to utilize these benefits, we must make Nunavut an attractive place for companies to do business.
Mr. Speaker, I’m talking about improving infrastructure that will make it possible for affordable mining to occur.
I will take this opportunity to express my disappointment with the level of support provided by the Federal Government with respect to funding large scale infrastructure projects such as Bathurst Inlet for road projects.
Some Members: Shame on the Federal Government
Mr. Havioyak: Mr. Speaker, without adequate transportation infrastructure, it will be difficult to attract investment in our territory.
I encourage our government to continue to press the Federal Government on this important issue.
Mr. Speaker, many opportunities exist for mining in Nunavut and Nunavummiut must be prepared to take advantage of those opportunities.
I will be asking questions to the minister at the appropriate time.
Member’s Statement 206 – 1(6): Financial Support for Youth Counselling
I’ll make a very brief Member’s Statement coming from my heart.
Our young people today are the majority of our population in our communities or throughout Nunavut.
How can we find support and some assistance to our young people so that they can proud of who they are and to attain self-respect so that we can prevent suicides.
I often wonder about the root causes because our young people nowadays no longer know the traditional methods, perhaps us adults who should be responsible for teaching our young people the traditional ways are not doing it.
And at times we should value the lives of young people and suicide is generally attempted when the young people get confused.
So, how as older people and elders, can we give more support to our young people?
We require funding urgently to resolve this situation even though funding will not solve everything.
I believe that it’s the advice and counselling that saves lives and which will resolve some of the problems in life and that’s how I see it.
I am very passionate about it and I would like to encourage the public so that we can give support to young people so that they can value their own lives too.
For that reason, we were taught to value our lives by our elders and we have to pass on these values if we want them to live and that’s how us older people should be contributing.
We value these lives and we should work with them.
Whether you are young or old you can have problems and you can experience mental anguish, so we should ask ourselves how we can be more receptive to our youth and contribute to their lives more positively.
Member’s Statement 207 – 1(6): Human Rights In The Health Department
I didn’t think my name was going to be called yet. I didn’t expect it.
I really don’t know how to start this statement, Mr. Speaker because there are some people who lose their lives unexpectedly.
Even myself for example, I can lose my life, by drugs if I overdose myself.
Perhaps I may still be alive after the incident, but I would not be normal and I’m sure it happens that there are some who turn out that way In Canada and the world.
We also have those individuals who are no longer mentally capable….and I am talking about human rights for everyone.
What I’m talking about are these individuals who need special care and who are mentally incapable because human rights are not used by the health centres.
For example, if my son was mentally handicapped I would need to look after him, and if I wanted to have a rest, then they would have to send him out.
They would ask the person if they wanted to leave, but if they do not wish to leave, then it becomes impossible.
So, these mentally handicapped should be looked after and given special assistance because all the community residents know who the mentally handicapped people are because they don’t live the normal life like they used to.
I would really appreciate it if we can give special support or assistance to these people and I’m sure that we’ll need to reconsider this how we can give support and assistance to these kind of people.
Member’s Statement 208 – 1(6): Fuel in Nunavut
I stand today to say regarding the fuel. For the past three years it has been problem in one of my communities.
Especially for one of my constituent communities of Qikiqtarjuaq, last year the fuel tanks that were supposed to be constructed were not completed in time.
Although today it has been completed, last year the community ran out of gasoline as well as fuel oil.
After the review of the accident that occurred in Clyde River, we expect that as a result of the spill, we are going to run out in April with the fuel oil.
I wonder why the contractors for the oil distribution don’t fill up the tanks, I guess the measured amount is only what is needed and that is what is delivered.
When we run out of fuel, especially for airplanes, it’s dangerous and the weather is unpredictable in some of our communities.
It is very dangerous for airplanes when there is a shortage of fuel delivered to some of the communities and it can also be hazardous for our lives as well.
If that’s the way it’s going to be applied in the future, then it needs to be corrected.
I will ask a question at the appropriate time later on.
Member’s Statement 209 – 1(6): Compactor in the City of Iqaluit
Mr. Speaker, first of all I would like to begin my member’s statement by wishing all the people in Nunavut, Nunavummiut a very, very happy Halloween.
I mentioned to my youngest son Pakka in Iqaluit not to eat all his candies in one night.
Mr. Speaker, today is Halloween and I would like to speak briefly on a very serious, a very serious, Mr. Speaker, and a very scary, a scary issue that has been ongoing in Iqaluit for sometime.
Mr. Speaker over the past several years with the increase in Iqaluit’s population and increased construction, open-burning at the town dump has been an abomination on our community.
It is my understanding now, Mr. Speaker, that over the next three weeks, the open burning at the Iqaluit dump will finally Mr. Speaker, will finally end.
The City will be using a compactor to dispose of much of what today is burned, the issue of open burning in Iqaluit has been much debated and it would finally seem, it’s at an end.
Mr. Speaker I want, Mr. Speaker I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the mayor and the council in Iqaluit for the effort and good work put into finally eliminating the eyesore of open burning at the Iqaluit landfill site.
Qujannamiik Uqaqtii.
Speaker: Thank you, Minister Picco and I would like to acknowledge your very flamboyant necktie.
Member’s Statement 210 – 1(6): Future Meetings in Sanikiluaq
I want to say on behalf of my constituents, sometimes people come to Sanikiluaq for meetings and people who come in are welcomed.
I want to say that there were two Inuit who I wish to thank for coming to Sanikiluaq.
Premier Paul Okalik came to our community and he received a warm welcome in Sanikiluaq and a little bit later on, our colleague, the Minister of Community Government and Transportation was able to come to our community and she also received a warm welcome.
And whenever the other Ministers wish to visit, the other Ministers are welcome and they should come to Sanikiluaq as well.
Member’s Statement 211 – 1(6): Fish Plant in Pangnirtung
I stand up today, it’s my time up.
Mr. Speaker, I’m happy to say that I was at the fish plant this morning and that we were able to see the activities.
Unfortunately, the others were too busy with the duties and this morning the fish catch was viewed during the flensing.
These fish were caught in the Davis and Baffin bays.
The turbot will provide employment throughout this winter.
Not all the workers were there this morning, but this winter, the full complement of workers will be coming totalling about fifty workers and this is a very important economic venture for the residents of Pangnirtung.
I have always worked towards improving the fishery, to keep it afloat and to ensure that it is not adversely affected by outside influences.
It has been a lot of work over many years to bring it to where it is today.
My fellow ministers and members know that I will always work towards the fish plant because we worked very hard to attain our present level.
I thank those members again for coming to the fish plant this morning and Mr. Speaker; if Kevin who I hope is watching us from Qikiqtarjuaq, I say a big hello.
Member’s Statement 212 – 1(6): Support for Inuit Midwifery
Today as a MLA, I wish to thank the Minister of Health and Social Services, he spoke today regarding the proposed midwifery centre in Rankin Inlet.
I support this idea so much.