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I am pleased to inform my fellow members about recent training offered by the Department of Education for district education authority office managers.
Mr. Speaker, my department is committed to helping DEAs and communities gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to administer their organizations effectively and efficiently.
In response to DEAs’ needs, the department hosted a four-day “Financial Training for Non-Financial Managers” course for 18 DEA office managers, March 19 to 22, 2013 in Iqaluit.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the course centred on the concept that you do not need to be a financial expert in order to understand the monthly or quarterly reports from bookkeepers.
The trainer spent a lot of time talking about the types of reports DEAs should be seeing, understanding various contribution agreements, and how to code expenses to these agreements to maximize the funds available.
Mr. Speaker, the trainer also talked about setting up schedules and office procedures, basic tasks, such as minute-keeping, and purchasing goods and services using purchase orders.
There was also an evening session for participants on legislative process and audit preparation, co-hosted by the Coalition of Nunavut DEAs.
This type of professional development is essential in developing capacity at the community level and in helping our DEAs excel in their important roles. Mr. Speaker, this training opportunity was met with an overwhelmingly positive response, and office managers were very happy to have the opportunity to come together and build their confidence. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister’s Statement 280 – 3(3): Fur Production and Design Students Receive Awards (Shewchuk)
I am pleased to rise in the House today to inform my fellow Members of the Legislative Assembly that three Nunavut Arctic College Fur Design and Production students received awards at the North American Fur and Fashion Exhibition in Montreal this April.
Mr. Speaker, this year’s “Fur Re-invented” designer award in women’s wear was presented to Igloolik student Stella Awa. Stella was recognized with a “Fur Re-invented” designer award in women’s wear for her women’s poncho.
In the men’s wear category, I am pleased to announce Coral Harbour student Mona Netser was recognized with an award for her sealskin men’s jacket.
Additionally, Mr. Speaker, Iqaluit student Mary Wilman was presented with an award in the accessories category for the sealskin belt she created.
Mr. Speaker, the excellent performance of our students at this high-profile event is an indication of the high level of dedication and professionalism on behalf of both the students and their instructors.
Since the program was first established in 2006, Nunavut Arctic College has gained recognition in the fur design world as a leader and innovator, particularly in sealskin design.
This is the sixth year our students have participated in this exciting contest and we are grateful to the festival organizers and the Fur Council of Canada supporting our students with the opportunity to participate.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate fur design and production students Susie Akpalialuk, Stella Awa, Christina Ijjangiaq, Mary Natsiq, Mona Netser, Kitty Pearson, Margaret Pudlat, Mary Wilman, and their senior instructor, Meeka Kilabuk, on a job very well done.
Each of these incredible Inuit women have created original sealskin garments and accessories while, at the same time, helping to revive the importance of seals on the national and international stage.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage our current and future fur designers, seamstresses, hunters, and indeed all Nunavutmiut who rely on sealing and fur to continue supporting this important and irreplaceable aspect of our economy and culture.
Speaker: Congratulations and Ma’na, Minister Shewchuk.
Member’s Statement 463 – 3(3): The Importance of School Attendance (Rumbolt)
I rise today to address one of the most critical factors affecting the success of Nunavut’s students and that is their attendance at school.
Mr. Speaker, I recognize that much work has been done to improve the curriculum that our students learn. I appreciate the ongoing efforts to make that curriculum more relevant and useful to life in Nunavut.
I agree that making sure that all students have basic reading, writing, and math skills is essential. And I respect the teaching of language and culture so that our students gain a sense of pride and self-worth in who they are and where they come from.
However, Mr. Speaker, all of these factors are worthless if students are not in the classroom to start with. Our students deserve the best education that Nunavut’s system has to offer, but they must go to school in order to get it.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I spoke of just one initiative provided to Sanikiluaq students who have good attendance rates, which was a new pair of runners donated by the Najuqsivik Daycare Society.
For the month of May, Paatsaali School will be awarding solar backpacks to the top five attenders and the five most improved school attenders.
These solar backpacks have a pocket with a USB port that can charge cellphones, iPods, and GPS units while out on the land.
Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to note that attendance rates at the Sanikiluaq schools are steadily increasing, although there is still room for improvement.
I applaud the efforts of the school and staff and community groups to get more students attending school.
I encourage all students and the parents and guardians of all students to make school attendance a priority. As I mentioned earlier, there are some great prizes being offered to Sanikiluaq students for improving attendance rates. But the biggest prize of all, Mr. Speaker, is to have a good education that will help you to achieve success in the future, and in order to reach that goal, you have to attend school.
Member’s Statement 464 – 3(3): Coral Harbour’s Girls Soccer Champions (Ningeongan)
I very proudly rise today to congratulate the Under 14 Girls Soccer Team from Coral Harbour on their gold medal win at the Super Soccer Tournament recently held in Yellowknife.
Mr. Speaker, Coral Harbour’s Under 14 Girls Soccer Team was the smallest team to attend this event, but out of the 14 teams in their division, they came out on top.
Over the tournament weekend, they played a total of eight games, losing only once and that was to the team that they finally beat to win the gold medal.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate
Team Captain Vivian Paniyuk;
Assistant Captain Dayna Kalai;
Goalie Chelsea Kadlak;  and players
Desiree Pameolik;
Ashley Ningeocheak;
Christa Emiktowt;
Christine Shapangak;
Nichole Pootoolik; and
Janae Angootealuk on their success.
To coach Doris Bruce and assistant coach Benita Shapangak I also extend my congratulations for their success and my appreciation for their efforts to support the youth of their community.
Mr. Speaker, I am confident that my colleagues will agree that encouraging our youth to be involved in sports and to work hard to succeed can bring them many wonderful opportunities.
The generous support and efforts of our community volunteers make this possible.
Mr. Speaker, the team has been invited back to Yellowknife next year to defend their title and, hopefully, to enjoy more success.
I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Coral Harbour Under 14 Girls Soccer Team on winning the Super Soccer gold medal.
I know a couple of hockey teams that could learn a lesson from the example of those young ladies.
Member’s Statement 465 – 3(3): Baker Lake Prenatal Nutrition Project (Aupaluktuq)
I rise today to acknowledge and commend the good work of the Baker Lake Prenatal Nutrition Program in improving the health of Baker Lake mothers and their children.
Mr. Speaker, the Baker Lake program has been up and running since 1995.
I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the hard work and dedication of Betty Natsialuk Hughson, one of the founders of the program who recently passed away after a courageous battle with cancer.
Mr. Speaker, since its beginnings, the Baker Lake Prenatal Nutrition Program provides support to approximately 75 different individuals every year.
The program delivers educational and practical programs, such as nutrition education, prenatal classes, contacts between mothers and elders, food hampers, and weekly cooking programs.
The cooking classes focus on using both traditional food and store-bought food. A popular lesson is how to grind caribou meat.
Mr. Speaker, there are often guest speakers at the sessions, such as elders, a nutritionist, dental therapist, and so on.
Child care is provided on site so that mothers with infants can also attend.
Occasionally the program runs special projects, such as the development of its own cookbook and the making of FASD awareness sealskin pins.
Mr. Speaker, programs such as this rely on the support from the community.
Currently, the program is fortunate to be able to run its operations out of the hospice building which is the old nursing station.
Funding is provided through the federal government’s Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program.
Mr. Speaker, it is often said that it takes a community to raise a child. I am very pleased that initiatives such as the Baker Lake Prenatal Nutrition Program help our community to take such a proactive stance in ensuring that Baker Lake’s newest residents come into this world as healthy as possible.
Member’s Statement 466 – 3(3): Pangnirtung’s Winter Fishery Season (Oshutapik)
I am thinking of you today, although I can’t be there with you.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform the House about this year’s successful winter fishery season in Pangnirtung.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that over half a million lbs. of turbot have been delivered to Pangnirtung Fisheries’ processing plant since the season began in January.
Mr. Speaker, although the winter storm that occurred in March impacted fishing conditions, residents are pleased with how the season went, with half a million lbs.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, I have spoken on many occasions about the importance of the fishery to Pangnirtung’s economy and the well-being of my constituents.
During our recent sitting, I asked a number of questions concerning such issues as support for the fishing industry in Pangnirtung and the status of Pangnirtung Fisheries as a subsidiary of the Nunavut Development Corporation.
Mr. Speaker, (interpretation) I have spoken on many occasions about the importance of the fishery to Pangnirtung’s economy and I will be raising these issues again later in our sitting.
Member’s Statement 467 – 3(3): Nutrition North Canada Program not Benefiting Nunavummiut (Elliott)
I continue to try and assist constituents in the High Arctic who have to face the high cost of living on a daily basis.
In regard to the Nutrition North Canada Program, I have tried to explain it clearly so that all will be able to see some of the flaws that exist. It is a very complex program.
It is for that reason I continue to push for more transparency in the program.
In 2011, Mr. Stephen van Dine from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada came before Full Caucus in this Legislative Assembly and told us that the Nutrition North Canada Program is a market-driven program and that the market will correct itself.
Well, Mr. Speaker, on April 22 of this year, the Toronto Star, in a story on the record-high trading of the North West Company, a fund manager who manages $6.7 billion, including North West shares, was quoted as saying, “There is no competition where it (the North West Company) operates.”
I have asked and continue to ask how does a market-driven program work where there is no market.
Recent announcements show that northern retailers are chartering airlines to carry their food freight from southern locations to Iqaluit and then to the communities.
Mr. Speaker, this raises yet another question.
If the Nutrition North Canada subsidy is provided on healthy, nutritious food at a per kilogram subsidy rate, how is that being calculated when the retailers are using charters?
Charters are based on a fixed cost for the aircraft, not a per kilogram rate.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I tabled a photograph of a pork shoulder roast sold in Arctic Bay for $27.19.
Mr. Speaker, I did a little research and I am able to purchase that 1.1 kilogram pork shoulder roast for $8.86, which is that on the chart there. The freight cost, including surcharges and the Nutrition North Canada subsidy, would be $2.35 landed in Arctic Bay.
Remember, the cost for products is a retail price, not a wholesale price, and the freight charges are not the premium discount rates that the northern retailers will be receiving.
So again, $8.86 for the product and $2.36 to get it is what I am able to do, so a total of $11.21 to get it landed in Arctic Bay.
That means that our northern retailer, and this is the biggest side of the pie chart right there, $15.98 is what the markup is, which is more than the product that I would be able to get on my own.
That means the northern retailer is putting a markup of over $15.98 because they would be able to purchase the products at a wholesale rate and would have a preferred freight rate.
Mr. Speaker, the bottom line is that the Nutrition North Canada Program is not benefiting the people it was intending to assist and we are paying way too much for our basic needs.
Mr. Speaker, our MP has promoted the Nutrition North Canada Program since its inception.
She has stated, and I quote, “Food Mail was a great program for the working class if you spoke English and had a credit card, but not for those who needed it most.”
She said she’s committed to making sure Nutrition North benefits the people who need it most.
Mr. Speaker, to me, the Nutrition North Canada Program seems to alienate people on income support, fixed income, elders, and unilingual speakers because their choices, through the use of federal funds, limit them to shopping to two major northern retailers…
…who feel it is okay to have a markup of over $15.98 on items such as meat.
So as to who is really benefiting from the program, I would say it is not the people it is intended for.
Member’s Statement 468 – 3(3): Tuberculosis in Nunavut (Ningark)
The issue of health is very important and we never spend enough time talking about it in this House and in the communities.
During the mid 1950s, hospital ships would come to examine our lungs and take X-rays.
Elders diagnosed with tuberculosis would be sent out to hospitals without a clue, leaving their families and children behind.
Some were away for just brief periods before returning.
Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami has put together a strategy, but after tuberculosis was mostly eradicated, it appears to be making a comeback. In 2010, TB cases surfaced in Nunavut.
At the appropriate time, I will be posing questions to the Minister of Health on this issue, particularly on prevention, control, and care for Inuit within Nunavut.
Yes, when diseases arrive, they don’t announce themselves and we don’t know either. This helps explain why we spend enormous amounts of money because it becomes necessary to do so.
Nevertheless, prevention and control have to be there at all times as a priority.
So when we get to question period, I will ask about the return of TB to the government and to let the minister know in advance of that through you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 469 – 3(3): Skills Competition Winners from Arviat (Shewchuk)
I rise today to recognize a very talented group of students who competed recently in the Nunavut Territorial Skills Canada Competition held here in Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker, a total of 12 medals were won by the students from the John Arnalukjuaq School in Arviat.
Ramon Kaviok got the bronze medal and Jonathan Kigusiutnak got the silver medal in the cooking competition.
Their coach was Mike Johnson.
In the baking competition, Vayda Kaviok got the gold medal and Anne-Renee Angalik got the bronze medal.
Their coach was Susie Johnson.
Innosar Isakiak and Shelton Nipisar teamed up to win the gold medal in the TV/video production.
Their coach was Gord Billard.
Gwendolyn Ishalook and Kimberly Dymond won the silver and bronze medals in the hairdressing competition.
Avis Mukyungnik and Amanda Pingushat won the gold and silver, respectively, in the photography competition.
Their coach was Steven Penney.
April Kablutsiak and Sherilyn Sewoee won two gold medals in the cosmetology competition.
Their coach was Annette Atkinson.
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to say that Vayda, Shelton, and Innosar will be now attending the national competition soon to be held in Vancouver.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to wish them all well and to all the competitors and the winners, I again say how proud we are of you.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Shewchuk. I, too, join in the congratulations to those grand folks.
Member’s Statement 470 – 3(3): Tribute to Justice Leonard Mandamin (Curley)
I would like to make a brief statement. At the conclusion of our sitting yesterday, I was told by this person that I had left my cellphone behind, so I went back to retrieve it.
He mentioned that he first met me in 1971.
I replied that I wasn’t even born then, so I didn’t remember.
Later, I learned that Tony, who was involved in fundraising for Inuit Tapirisat of Canada from the Department of Secretary of State, who at the time was headed by Ernie McEwen under Robert Stanbury as minister, worked hard behind the scenes.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, on a serious side, I rise today to pay tribute to the Hon. Justice Leonard Mandamin, who was a guest yesterday in our Visitors’ Gallery.
Mr. Speaker, Justice Mandamin is visiting Iqaluit this week as a guest of the Nunavut Branch of the Canadian Bar Association and the Law Society of Nunavut.
He will be delivering a talk today on the subject of aboriginal restorative justice, which I anticipate will be quite fascinating.
Mr. Speaker, Justice Mandamin currently serves on the Federal Court of Canada and is an ex officio member of the Federal Court of Appeal.
Justice Mandamin, who is a member of one of Canada’s First Nations, was called to the Bar in 1983.
During 1971, he was simply known as Tony.
Member’s Statement 471 – 3(3): Igloolik Co-op’s 50th Anniversary (Tapardjuk)
First, I would like to pay tribute to Stella from Igloolik. I am so proud that you won an award.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about Inuit not having been involved with business ownership for a very long time.
The Co-operative movement has been around for a long time. On April 25, the Co-op in Igloolik celebrated their 50th anniversary. This is an Inuit owned and operated business and their surpluses are redistributed back to its members.
As such, it has been a tremendous benefit to this day.
I am particularly proud of the Igloolik Co-op during their anniversary celebration this year. Our grandchildren and great-grandchildren will benefit should the Co-op continue to succeed by becoming familiar with private ownership and, in turn, become able to provide the kind of support necessary.
I truly am proud of the contributions made by co-ops in Nunavut.
Member’s Statement 472 – 3(3): High School Graduates in Constituency (Ugyuk)
I say “hello” to my fellow Nunavummiut. I am thinking of my family and friends.
Mr. Speaker, last fall when I was in Gjoa Haven, I had the opportunity to attend the adult education students graduation. The family and friends attended the convocation ceremony.
I asked the school principal how many students failed to complete their studies this year.
The principal replied that 16 students are expected to graduate if they meet or exceed their attendance requirements.
I have now been invited to attend a graduation ceremony for two who will complete their studies in Gjoa Haven.
I am deeply honoured because, as representatives in the government, we constantly encourage students to complete their studies.
I will have questions on the attendance requirements to the appropriate minister at the appropriate time.
As I said before in my Minister’s Statement, I am very proud to have students with us today. I would like to recognize the Nunavut Arctic College Fur Design students that are here.
Mr. Speaker, I would ask that they rise when I call their names.
Mr. Speaker, the senior instructor, Meeka Kilabuk, student Mary Natsiq, student Margaret Pudlat, student Stella Awa, and student Christina Ijjangiaq.
Speaker: Thank you, Minister Shewchuk. Welcome to the Gallery and congratulations again.
Although these individuals were already recognized, I am very proud of these Arctic College students, Stella Awa and Christina Ijjangiaq. I am pleased with your work here. I also recognize these individuals.
Question 605 – 3(3): Tuberculosis in Nunavut (Ningark)
My questions are for the Hon. Minister of Health.
The Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami recently released an Inuit-specific tuberculosis strategy.
This strategy reports that in 2011, the rate of TB disease for Inuit was “almost 254 times the rate reported for Canadian-born non-Aboriginals and roughly 38 times the rate reported for Canada overall.”
Mr. Speaker, my question is this: can the minister indicate how his department is using the information in this report to support the GN’s tuberculosis program?
Mr. Speaker, actually, I believe the rates of tuberculosis are higher in Nunavut than what he mentioned, 304 cases per 100,000 in population in 2010.
That’s the highest rate in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I believe our department, through our chief medical officer of health for Nunavut, uses that information and all information to assist us to diagnose and treat TB cases in Nunavut. The highest rates are in the Qikiqtani region.
Our chief medical officer of health has worked with her colleagues across Canada.
In January, when they had a conference here in Iqaluit, I had an opportunity to meet with them and talk about TB. I am very appreciative of the work that they are doing to assist our officials to treat this disease.
First supplementary, the minister has indicated about testing and diagnosing the TB disease.
Recent news reports concerning TB in Nunavut have indicated that the Qikiqtani General Hospital has acquired new equipment for TB testing.
Can the minister indicate if this equipment is being fully utilized?
Thank you.  Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ningark.
Mr. Speaker, I was very honoured last year to be with our Member of Parliament at the hospital to introduce that equipment and work with the hospital. It’s new technology; it’s still in the evaluation process.
We’re hopeful that it will assist us to eventually speed up the testing so that we can identify TB cases earlier and start to treat people.
I believe there is a program called Taima, Taima meaning that’s it.
The “Taima TB” program is intended to fight the devastating disease.
Can the hon. minister indicate how successful this program has been?
Mr. Speaker, I can’t give specific information in answer to his question. I do know that it has raised awareness of TB in Iqaluit and some of the other communities.
I was at a function last year where there were a number of people, families, younger people, and other officials who were there to raise awareness and speak about some of the results.
A lot of the work through the Taima TB program was to raise awareness of TB and encourage people that they should go into health centres and seek medical attention.
So if, indeed, they do have any symptoms, then we can diagnose them early and start treating them earlier.
Question 606 – 3(3): ASIST Training for Educators (Aupaluktuq)
My questions are for the Minister of Education, Madam Premier.
I was very pleased yesterday with the Minister’s Statement in which she announced enhanced ASIST training for Nunavut teachers.
In her statement, the minister indicated that training will be offered “in all communities over the next two to three years.”
Can the minister clarify how the government will determine the order in which communities will receive this much needed training?
The funds that were distributed from the teachers union of $150,000 will definitely be put to good use for suicide prevention training.
We work closely together, the Department of Education and Nunavut Arctic College, to determine how to run the program through a contribution agreement.