EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
075 – 2(1): High Cost of Air Travel (Barnabas) 297
076 – 2((1): Insurance for Outfitters (Peterson) 298
077 – 2(1): Emergency Calls from the Communities (Kattuk) 298
078 – 2(1): Fuel Resupply to the Communities (Peterson) 299
013 – 2(1): Arctic Bay Health Centre (photographs) (Barnabas) 301
014 – 2(1): Jericho Diamond Project - Letter to the Federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans (Okalik) 301
Committee Motion 002 – 2(1): Tabled Quotes Issued for Charter Airline Requirements for Sanikiluaq 325
Thursday, May 20, 2004
Speaker (interpretation): I will ask Mr. Curley to lead us in prayer.
Speaker (interpretation): Orders of the Day for today.
Minister’s Statement 014 – 2(1): Department Reorganization (Kilabuk)
Hon. Peter Kilabuk: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about how things have progressed with the formation of the Department of Community and Government Services.
It involved a very large change in a short period of time.
Because of the hard work of all the staff, the major reorganization is now complete and the new structure is in place.
(interpretation.) The Department of Community and Government Services emphasizes support for communities for a range of services, funding, and training.
We will focus on improved technical services related to capital infrastructure, information technology, and in other areas.
We will place emphasis on protection services including fire, EMO, and building inspection.
The priorities of the new department include our ability to operate using Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles and to attract and retain Inuit staff.
Community and Government Services has the lead on advancing the government’s overall approach to infrastructure planning.
We will work closely with communities and other departments on that.
We also place a priority on training and continued support to the hamlets through the Municipal Training Organization.
My department will emphasize quality service to communities and other departments.
We will continue to build our IQ skills to find ways to make things happen in a way that most benefits departments and communities; that is part of our mission to use partnerships to support economic growth and social well-being for Nunavut.
Minister’s Statement 015 – 2(1): Increase to the Income Support Food Scale (Picco)
Hon. Ed Picco: Good afternoon, “Uqaqti.”
I would like to take this opportunity to speak about the recent increases announced to the food scale rates paid to income support recipients.
Every year, nearly $21 million in benefits is paid to Nunavut residents through the income support program.
On average, nearly 2, 800 households per month receive some level of income support.
Effective June 1, 2004, the social assistance food rates will be increased by 10 percent for every community and household size in Nunavut.
It is expected that this will result in an additional $1.6 million in benefits being provided to those in most need of financial help.
This initiative will be of particular assistance to those residing in small communities.
This increase shows our government’s continuing commitment to assisting individuals by providing support as they seek to become more self-reliant.
In the coming months, other aspects of the income support program will be reviewed and updated to address the needs of Nunavummiut.
Members’ Statement 071 – 2(1): Member Questions Procedural Matter in the House (Okalik)
I was flabbergasted through the sitting yesterday as I listened to one of the members complain about procedural matters, over matters clearly intended to benefit the hard-working, tired homeowners of this wonderful territory.
Last year, I was troubled by the elderly and hard-working families that were facing the loss of their homes due to taxes owed to the city of Iqaluit.
I found that we could not do a whole lot as the government, so I began to look for ways to try to aid in avoiding these types of problems in the future.
I found that we had actually contributed to this problem through the homeowners’ education tax.
When the election was called I made this an issue as a part of my campaign, that I would look to see if this tax could be removed so that we could lighten the burden of the homeowners of this territory.
I am very pleased and happy that my colleagues in cabinet were supportive of this very positive initiative.
Yesterday, we saw that some of the members of this House also supported this very positive development.
This tax was collected by the city and was provided to our general revenues at the government and treated like any other revenue.
It generated about $500,000 for our government and does not come even close to our expenditures that we spend on education.
If we even attempted to use this to finance our schools in Iqaluit, it couldn’t even pay for one school year’s operations.
Every single tax payer of this territory should be doing their part in supporting our education system.
The hard-working homeowners of our territory should not be asked to carry an added burden just for our students.
We want to express our appreciation to our homeowners in their efforts to try and meet the high cost of living in this territory.
We will continue vigorously to support education and support our students in trying to get the best education possible.
This initiative in no way whatsoever is trying to decrease the amount of support that we provide to our students.
Member’s Statement 072 – 2(1): Kugluktuk Search and Rescue (Evyagotailak)
I rise today to thank the residents of Kugluktuk.
I am also very thankful that search and rescue did a very good job in searching for the missing person; the person’s name is Martin Roland.
They found this person May 19, at ten o’ clock in the evening.
I would like to encourage my colleagues to congratulate the search and rescue people in Kugluktuk.
We all know that it is very frustrating and tiring work, so I would also like to thank the search and rescue team.
Member’s Statement 073 – 2(1): Resolve Issue of Former Speaker (Alagalak)
I rise today to address an issue that needs to be resolved once and for all.
I sincerely hope that this is the last time that I will have to raise this matter in our session.
For some time now, the residents of Arviat have been concerned about the questionable leases entered into between the government and the former MLA for my community.
Mr. Speaker, I need to be very frank today.
It is absolutely critical that the public has trust and confidence in the honesty and integrity of their own government.
Over the past couple of years, the people of Arviat have had their trust in the government shaken by what appears to be an unfair and unjustifiable leasing deal with the former MLA.
Questions have been raised in this House over the past week with respect to this issue.
At a time when our government is lacking resources in the areas of health and education, a deal to lease houses that aren’t fit to be lived in is completely wrong and completely unacceptable.
Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge the minister responsible to do the right thing and instruct his officials to immediately terminate the leases in question.
This decision would be a step in the right direction, and clearly demonstrate to the people of Arviat that their government makes decisions for the public good, not for the benefit of any one individual.
Member’s Statement 074 – 2(1): Technical and Trade School Initiative in Kitikmeot (Peterson)
I arrive today to share with the House a good news story and show you a private-sector initiative underway in the Kitikmeot.
The Kitikmeot Corporation has taken the lead role in pursuing an opportunity to open a technical and trade school using the old Lupin gold mine, once in operation.
The Lupin gold mine began production in 1980 and for over two decades significantly contributed to the Kitikmeot and to Nunavut as a whole by providing employment training to residents and contract opportunities to our businesses.
Kitikmeot Corporation and the Kitikmeot Inuit Association met with Kimmler gold mine last November to tour the Lupin gold mine to talk about how they could acquire the assets.
The conversations, I’m told, were very productive.
Within two years Tahera Corporation will open Nunavut’s first diamond mine and Miramar Mining will open their gold mine.
A lot depends on the decision makers in Ottawa who control much of Nunavut’s destiny when it comes to a non-renewable resource.
The Kitikmeot will have two operating mines and will be on the threshold of unlocking the mineral potential, despite the geological problems of Nunavut, as the Bathurst Inlet port road looms closer to reality.
In addition to its promise as a technical and trade school, the Lupin gold mine site is strategically positioned in the Kitikmeot and is at the end of the loop of winter road situated south of Tahera’s diamond mine and east of its world-class slate deposits.
Furthermore, in addition to its trade shops, foundations, and classrooms, it has a winter observation system and a six thousand-foot runway that can handle large aircraft.
The Kitikmeot Inuit Association has benefits agreements with Diavik diamond mines and BHP Diamonds; Tahera Corporation is close to signing an agreement in principle with Miramar Mining.
To benefit fully from those agreements our communities require a trained and skilled workforce.
Otherwise, the best jobs will go to people from the south.
The trade and technical school at the Lupin gold mine will train people from the Kitikmeot and Nunavut so they can start their careers with mines or hamlets in private-sector companies.
Kitikmeot Corporation will be seeking the support of the Government of Nunavut for this exciting initiative in the Kitikmeot and Nunavut, and I will be supporting them fully in this House.
Member’s Statement 075 – 2(1): Aging Health Centre in Arctic Bay (Barnabas)
Mr. Barnabas: “Qujannamiik, Uqaqti.”
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to a very difficult working condition at the Arctic Bay health centre.
The Arctic Bay health centre was built many years ago and it is showing its age.
The conditions at the health centre affect the delivery of healthcare.
Extra stress on nurses and staff, in turn, risk the quality of health care available to patients.
There are two main areas of concern regarding this facility.
First of all, there are serious deficiencies in the building itself; many windows cannot open and others cannot properly close.
There is only one door that will allow a stretcher to go through, and it does not have a doorbell to signal for the available stretcher.
The oxygen storage room does not have a proper lighting fixture.
One staff member has already suffered an accident while trying to get equipment out of the stock room.
There are difficulties securing the doors, both the emergency doors and those between the offices and the staff apartments.
There is a constant problem with heating and ventilation, and the reinforcement on the bottom of the building is decaying and becoming exposed.
Another area of concern is that there is overcrowding in the building.
There is a lack of office space and lack of space for examining patients.
Almost all of the rooms are being used for two or three purposes.
There is no longer room for a group of health promotion activities, which are important for the prevention of illness and diseases.
When specialists come to visit, other programs may be delayed or cancelled.
Even though the health centre has purchased two storage containers to store some materials, this is not the best solution.
Mr. Speaker, the residents of Arctic Bay deserve to have a decent facility.
Their healthcare should not be put at risk by decaying standards of local healthcare delivery.
At the appropriate time I will be tabling some photos which show the conditions of which I speak.
Member for Rankin Inlet South-Whale Cove, Ms. Brown.
Member’s Statement 076 – 2(1): Recognition of Constituents (Brown)
I would like to rise today to recognize some individuals who are from my riding of Rankin Inlet South-Whale Cove.
I would like to recognize this young woman, this young lady who is only 10 years old and who won a prize for her drawing.
Her name is Caila Bruce and she is the daughter of Judy and Tommy Bruce from Rankin Inlet.
There were 7,000 people who entered this competition and her drawing was selected.
She is only 10 years old and we are extremely proud of her.
Her drawing was released as stickers or temporary tattoos.
Her younger sister Isabella should be named also, because she is very, very young.
I think that we should take the initiative of recognizing young people or children in the House because they make up a large portion of our population.
Member’s Statement 077 – 2(1): Tribute to Community Volunteers (Tootoo)
I rise today to pay tribute to volunteers who make our community a better place in which to live.
Over the past few years I’ve made statements in this house about the consistently high level of donations that Nunavummiut make each year to registered charities.
National statistics prove that Nunavummiut are a generous people.
That generosity also extends to time, energy, and commitment.
Every day hundreds of residents across the territory freely donate their time and efforts to worthwhile community activities.
Whether it is a parent coaching hockey, or a high school student volunteering at a help line, every volunteer makes a difference.
In November of 2003, a volunteers of Nunavut network initiative began.
This initiative brings together volunteers and volunteer groups.
In March of this year, the network helped a major workshop here in Iqaluit during which many valuable ideas and strategies were shared.
I am delighted to salute the efforts of people like Sheila Levy, who pulled this workshop together.
I think that everybody should volunteer at least once a month, and I am pleased that the government recognizes the role that the volunteers play in our communities.
I’d also like to congratulate, at this time, the winners of the annual volunteer award.
There was a luncheon held here with them not too long ago.
I would like to ask all members to join me in a well deserved salute to Nunavut volunteers.
Member’s Statement 078 – 2(1): Upcoming Nunavut Arts Festival in Rankin Inlet (Curley)
I would also like to rise today to make a comment about the people who carve and who do handicrafts in Nunavut.
This is a very important part of the economy of Nunavut and because of that there are going to be many individuals who will be going to Rankin Inlet to participate in activities at the arts festival.
Prior to that, I would like to say that the individuals who carve, paint, and participate in the arts can’t do it on their own; they work together and they contribute economically to the community and to Nunavut as a whole.
As one of the members stated earlier, it is something that is an achievement and it is a sustainable development for Nunavut.
We have to give support, as members of the Legislative Assembly, to these individuals, and we have to increase the marketing and the development of carving and arts.
I will read the following.
This is from Tiriisi Tungalik and it reads, (interpretation ends) “Mr. Speaker, I wish to inform you, the members of the Legislative Assembly for Kivalliq region, that the Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association will be conducting a Nunavut-wide arts festival next month in Rankin Inlet.
The festival will take place from June 18 to 25, 2004.
In support of this important economy for many of the Inuit in your riding, we at NACA would gratefully appreciate any free advertising and encouragement of participants from your constituencies.”
Please feel free to direct to me any concerns or questions you may have. (interpretation) If at all possible, please participate in that gathering or give them a little support.
Offer free advertising for this gathering that we’re going to have.
It is our show of support for the carvers and the handicraft people.
Member’s Statement 079 – 2(1): Annual Toonik Tyme Celebration (Picco)
A few weeks ago, we celebrated our annual Toonik Tyme here in Iqaluit.
When Toonik Tyme first started in the 60s, it was held around the end of May, and games were held at the present Aqsarniit School on a small pond.
We have pushed the start of Toonik Tyme from the middle of May to the middle of April.
One headache every year is the hill climb, but again this year, there was not enough snow for the climb.
Our climate, our weather has changed.
Toonik Tyme this year featured many excellent activities for all of the residents.
Our honorary Toonik this year was Elisapee Davidee-Annirmiuq. Elisapee was an excellent honorary Toonik. Toonik Tyme featured a concert for the well-known fantastic Arviat band: the Arviat Band.
Local performers included drum dancers and the amazing Vinnie Karetak. As well, we were also very fortunate to have a well-known singing star and actor, Mr. Tom Jackson, perform during Toonik Tyme.
Mr. Speaker, I too, like Mr. Tootoo, would like to take this opportunity to thank the organizers and the volunteers, and especially Elisapee for being an excellent Toonik and making Toonik Tyme another success here in Iqaluit.
I would like to recognize, from my riding, the elders sitting right behind me. They are from Hall Beach.
The Inuit have a tradition of not saying the names of people who are older, but there is my “arnaguttaasaaq,” my aunt.
I have yet to know her name; I just know her husband’s name. I cannot say the name of these elders.
My aunt from Hall Beach and her husband, Saakuluk.
These two are well known in Nunavut and are respected.
I would also like to remind the members that my department, the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth, has no elder employees.
We are a department owned by the elders.
I had mentioned this in the House, but I would like the people of Nunavut to know that we will care for the elders.
They do not work for us.
I would like to also remind the elders, and as we know, my “arnaguttaasaaq,” my aunt… . We recall the time when her relatives disappeared. It is said that they were abducted by people from other countries.
She is one of the individuals who remains of that family.
I would like to recognize an individual from Baker Lake: David Aqsarniq, who is sitting behind Levi Barnabas. (interpretation ends) David is the newly elected president of the Keewatin Wildlife Board. (interpretation) Welcome to the House.
I rise today to recognize, and I’m very pleased, an individual: my wife, who is here, Sally. And my son, who is not here.
I won’t be going home for the weekend; I’m here with my family instead.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery.
I stand today to recognize an individual from my home riding of Kugluktuk: Philip Kadlun, the President of the Kitikmeot Hunters and Trappers Association.
I would also like to rise to recognize Sally Curley who is one of my relatives, and I would also like to make a short comment on her grandmother, Atuat.
She was well known.
I don’t know whether Mani was the younger or the elder, but these two women were very good seamstresses and bead workers.
I asked my grandmother where she used to get her beads a long, long time ago.
My mother said the beads were brought in from European countries by ship.
I’m very pleased to see you here in the Gallery, Sally.
It will keep me occupied while you’re here.
Also, another individual I would like to recognize is Jimi Onalik, who used to be a young child in Rankin Inlet, and his sister is Nanasi.
They were just children when they lived in Rankin Inlet, and Jen was the therapist for the dentist at that time.
It’s been approximately 20 years and they are now grown up and have excellent teeth.
I think of Jen, who is Jimi Onalik’s mom.
I was going to recognize an individual who already has been recognized, Jimi Onalik.
I would like to recognize him; he owns an airline business and he is a pilot.
We are very, very proud of Jimi.
He used to work for me as well. He does own his own business right now and we are proud of it and him.
I would like to recognize Mr. and Mrs. Siakuluk to the Gallery and welcome Mr. Onalik.
Mr. Speaker, over 40 percent of Canada’s children live in communities with less than 100,000 people.
All children and adolescents in Nunavut, the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and PEI fit into this category.
I am very pleased today to welcome to the Gallery members from the Centre of Excellence for Children and Adolescents with Special Needs that are meeting here in Iqaluit.
I had an opportunity this morning to meet with them and I would like to introduce them.
First of all, from the Government of Nunavut: Margaret Joyce and Shirley Taqalik.
You may know that Shirley has a nice tan there from fishing in Arviat.
Also, Margaret Bone from the national office, Terry Bart, who is a consultant, and we also have several universities represented.
Alan Boyd from Lakehead University, Patricia Canning from Memorial University, Larry Courage from Memorial, Margo Greenwood from the University of Northern British Columbia, specializing in substance abuse, Kim Cadaferal from Mount St. Vincent University, who is in intervention, and we also have Julia O’Sullivan from the national office and the national director or chair.
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome them to the gallery and continue their good work on the Centre of Excellence for Children and Adolescents with Special Needs, especially here in Nunavut.
“Qujannamiik.”
Mr. Curley (interpretation): I think I would like to recognize one person; I feel this is very important.
If everybody agrees, I would like to recognize another individual.
Speaker (interpretation): I apologize.
There are no nays. Go ahead, Mr. Curley.
Mr. Curley (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, this is very important.
I am standing again to recognize… I would like to say the names.
Nujatsiakuluk, can you please stand up, from Hall Beach, and also the husband, Siakuluk.
I would like to recognize, also, Eva, their granddaughter.
In 1945, Ruth’s parents vanished.
They left by an aircraft.
We cry for a number of years when we lose our parents.
Ruth is still crying today.
She has lost her mother and father.
They were stolen, they vanished.
They were taken by the Russians; a lot of people were taken.
There was an airplane traced there, and I will be asking the government, what can we do?
I think they are still alive.
According to a lot of people at that time, Ukinnguq was 14 years old, the sister, and also Qaunnaq, the brother, were seven years old, and they had a two-year-old brother.
This individual is still alive today, and think it is about time that the government starts looking at this because Eva is still looking for her parents. They are here somewhere in the world.
Question 073 – 2(1): Allocation of School Funding (Tootoo)
Today, I would like to direct my question to the minister. I know that he has been biting his tongue over the last few days, feeling left out.
So, my question is for the minister responsible for education.
It is my understanding that there are 43 schools in Nunavut that are funded through 27 district education authorities.
The district education authorities are made up of locally elected community representatives who do their best to determine the needs for funding the schools in their communities based on the numbers of students, operational costs, and so on.
I would like to ask the minister to explain in detail how the funding is allocated to each DEA for the operations of the schools in their communities.
I’d like to go into a lot of detail on the funding formula and the way that is arranged and therefore and thus how the schools and the DEAs are funded.
Usually, when you do that type of response it would be in a written question so that you could actually not give away the House.
The short answer: as the member knows, the funding to the local district education authority is based on, number one, the school enrolment, and number two, the STE. So with that the equivalent of the school, the number of employees at each school and, for example, maybe extra funding is placed to each DEA, depending on, for example, if they have a bussing contract and so on.
There are other reciprocals in those agreements. We could get into some details again.