EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
That’s due to some of the cumulative deficits that we actually had in that line item within the budget and it goes back to 2004-05.
I think it’s clear that every year, food prices, rent, and prices of clothing continue to increase. Every year, it increases and people have to purchase winter clothes.
Those things are understandable but it doesn’t seem to make much sense when the government is tight on money. This past winter, there hasn’t been an increase, considering the fact that the price of food or other supplies have increased. Why is that?
The minister indicates that there’s an increase in the budget, but I see no increase for Income Support and it’s evident that people on income support are falling further and further behind with food price increases and rising prices for clothing because they haven’t had an increase in the monthly amount they receive since last year.
So it makes me wonder that this hasn’t been looked at much closer with a view to finding real solutions.
We have, in the life of this government, so since 2004, I believe it was 2005-06, in the last two years, increased the amounts by 15 percent. The uptake on the program itself, we had 131 more cases throughout Nunavut for this fiscal year; 131 new case files opened.
The member is correct that we need to go back now and look at some increases to the amount of income support that’s available. We have, for example, increased the subsidies for elders, as the members know and we actually spoke about that in the opening comments.
It’s clear that everything is increasing.
We keep debating here in the House about costs rising for everything.
Employees need their raises and it’s reaching to a point where it’s becoming painful to hear how the negotiations are going and how employees are not earning enough money to keep up.
As one said, his earnings weren’t adequate enough for him to get the gas he needed.
It seems like we are doing that.
Income support should be considered seriously. People who don’t have much money are going through hardship and it would be good if you can find more funding in the budget to increase it. We have the $89.1 million in contingency funds.
If only we could just keep up with the rising prices, if you can figure out what percentage and if they can be increased by that percentage.
What would the minister think of that?
We have been doing some work on the amounts. If we increased the income support by another ten percent, let’s say, then that would be a cost of about $2 million extra to the government.
Mr. Alagalak (interpretation): Thank you very much.
I will support you if you bring something like that forward because Inuit in Nunavut are known as being very compassionate and it will add substance if you meet with your counterparts from the federal government.
This is just a comment, Mr. Chairman.
Thank you. I would also like to thank Minister Picco.
I changed my mind. I believe it’s on G-10 in regard to Income Support, the $30,977,000 that Mr. Alagalak was talking about. I had a question there but I was lost for a while.
They were dealing with Income Support on page G-7, but I was in the wrong place because this is for Corporate Services and these are for the three regions that are on page G-10. I’ll ask that question when we get to that page.
(interpretation) I’m sorry. (interpretation ends) I’m glad the committee is quite awake. Just to let you know, every time I’m right there, Arvaluk and Alagalak are close together when their names come up.
While we’re on this page, I would like to move to report progress.
Mr. Speaker, I move that the Report of this Committee of the Whole be concurred with. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Clerk. This House stands adjourned until Friday, March 7, at ten o’clock in the morning.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Pages 3461 – 3563
Opening Prayer 3461
Ministers’ Statements 3461
Members’ Statements 3463
Point of Order 3472
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 3474
Oral Questions 3475
Tabling of Documents 3492
Second Reading of Bills 3493
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 3494
Chairman’s Ruling 3497
Report of the Committee of the Whole 3562
Orders of the Day 3562
Friday, March 7, 2008 3461
164 – 2(4): Scratch and Win Contest (Picco) 3461
165 – 2(4): A Public Report on the Results from the Government of Nunavut Employee Survey (Tapardjuk) 3462
166 – 2(4): Update on Hudson Bay Summit (Akesuk) 3463
384 – 2(4): Rita Nashook’s Birthday (Okalik) 3463
385 – 2(4): Arviat Athletes at 2008 Arctic Winter Games (Alagalak) 3464
386 – 2(4): GN’s Response to Grant Applicants (Arreak) 3464
387 – 2(4): Fuel Delivery Services in Sanikiluaq (Kattuk) 3465
388 – 2(4): Kugluktuk Women’s Shelter (Evyagotailak) 3465
389 – 2(4): Rankin Inlet – Hockey Centre of Nunavut (Brown) 3466
390 – 2(4): The Inukhuk: Our Symbol, Our Pride (Peterson) 3467
391 – 2(4): Baker Lake Athletes at 2008 Arctic Winter Games (Simailak) 3468
392 – 2(4): International Women’s Day Event (Tootoo) 3469
393 – 2(4): Comments on Transparency of Inuit Organizations (Aglukkaq) 3470
394 – 2(4): Integrity Act Guidelines Not Relevant to Inuit Organizations (Curley) 3472
485 – 2(4): Fuel Delivery Service in Sanikiluaq (Kattuk) 3475
486 – 2(4): Simplification of Fuel Tax Rebate Applications (Tootoo) 3477
487 – 2(4): Determination/Definition of a Hunter (Kattuk) 3479
488 – 2(4): Fuel Tax Rebate Program (Barnabas) 3480
489 – 2(4): Consumer Price Review (Curley) 3482
490 – 2(4): Separate Negotiations on Devolution (Peterson) 3484
491 – 2(4): Elders’ Involvement with Decision-Making (Peterson) 3486
492 – 2(4): Coroner’s Inquest (Curley) 3489
493 – 2(4): NDC Officials’ Attendance at Olympic Signing (Tootoo) 3491
202 – 2(4): Photographs of Inukhuit (Peterson) 3492
203 – 2(4): Government of Nunavut Employee Survey November 2006 (Tapardjuk) 3493
Bill 28 – An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act, No. 3 – Second Reading 3493
Bill 23 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2008-2009 – Consideration in Committee – Education 3494
Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Honourable Olayuk Akesuk, Mr. David Alagalak, Mr. James Arreak, Mr. Levi Barnabas, Honourable Levinia Brown, Mr. Tagak Curley, Mr. Joe Allen Evyagotailak, Mr. Peter Kattuk, Honourable Peter Kilabuk, Mr. Steve Mapsalak, Honourable Patterk Netser, Honourable Paul Okalik, Mr. Keith Peterson, Honourable Edward Picco, Mr. David Simailak, Honourable Louis Tapardjuk, Mr. Hunter Tootoo.
Speaker (interpretation): Good morning, Premier, Ministers, Members, and our visitors.
Minister’s Statement 164 – 2(4): Scratch and Win Contest (Picco)
Hon. Ed. Picco: Ullaakkut, Mr. Speaker. I am very pleased to announce to the House about an ongoing initiative towards energy conservation started by our Power Corporation, the Qulliq Energy Centre Scratch and Win Contest.
Mr. Speaker, members may have noticed the scratch and win cards in their monthly power bills. I would like to point out, in aid of our work towards Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun being official languages, that this Scratch and Win Contest is fully compliant with our proposed language legislation.
The main goal of this information campaign is to encourage conservation of electricity and fossil fuels. The secondary goal, Mr. Speaker, is to minimize our power bills by using less energy, and by possibly getting a lucky break on our energy costs.
Mr. Speaker, the scratch and win cards were developed as an educational tool. Each card contains a fact about energy efficiency and conservation, and questions with three possible answers.
Mr. Speaker, Qulliq Energy is giving back to its customers for efficient use of energy.
Qulliq Energy has received 49 winning entries to date, and of those entries, has awarded five grand prizes worth $200 off the customer’s power bill, and 44 secondary prizes worth $50 off the customer’s power bill.
Mr. Speaker, the program is nearing completion, with only one month left, so I encourage all Nunavummiut to continue to scratch, and possibly to win, and join with me, Mr. Speaker, in congratulating all those who have won to date. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister of CLEY and Finance, Minister Tapardjuk.
Minister’s Statement 165 – 2(4): A Public Report on the Results from the Government of Nunavut Employee Survey (Tapardjuk)
I am pleased to announce the release of the “Government of Nunavut Employee Survey.”
This survey is part of the government’s commitment to building an effective, functional and skilled public service.
Mr. Speaker, my department has been working in cooperation with the Nunavut Bureau of Statistics to deliver a survey to all Government of Nunavut (GN) employees about their job and workplace satisfaction.
This comprehensive survey was delivered in Inuktitut, Inuinnaqtun, English and French in the summer of 2006.
Mr. Speaker, the survey provides valuable insight into the level of employee interest and concern in areas such as job and workplace understanding and satisfaction, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, and recruitment and retention practices.
Mr. Speaker, the results of the survey show that more than two-thirds of the respondents indicated that they were provided with an orientation to their workplace and that they are happy in their job. When asked what employees liked about their current job, 74 percent of respondents cited the type of work they did, followed by the people they work with and their pay.
Mr. Speaker, approximately four out of five participants indicated that they felt Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit was being considered by their department, while half of those responding to the survey indicated their knowledge and experience was valued by the Government of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, the report outlines both the positive areas and the areas that require improvement with respect to employment with the GN. This data will be used as a baseline for future surveys and in promoting retention practices.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Nunavut employees survey demonstrate that as an employer, the GN recognizes the value of listening to the opinions of our employees and learning from their experience and in turn, responding to this through improvements to our programs, services and operations.
Minister’s Statement 166 – 2(4): Update on Hudson Bay Summit (Akesuk)
Mr. Speaker, over the last five years, my department has financially supported and participated in the activities of Nunavuumi Tasiujarjuamiuguqatigiit Katutjiqatijiingit, or NTK, the Hudson Bay Interagency Working Group studying the implications of development on Hudson and James Bays.
Climate change, hydro development projects, potential oil and gas exploration, and other pressures may have substantial impacts on these ecosystems.
The Government of Nunavut has been participating with NTK to ensure Sanikiluarmiut, Nunavummiut and GN concerns are addressed.
Through additional Northern Strategy funding, we are helping support NTK’s proposal for a Hudson Bay Summit to be held in 2009.
This will be a forum for communities, aboriginal groups, scientists and politicians to present concerns, issues and research on the Hudson Bay ecosystem.
Participants will be able to discuss the changes happening in Hudson Bay and the present and potential impacts arising from them.
Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that other agencies will join us in funding and supporting this very worthwhile project.
Member for Iqaluit West, Premier Okalik.
Member’s Statement 384 – 2(4): Rita Nashook’s Birthday (Okalik)
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Good morning. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
As it is Friday today, we again won last night; I think we’re the best competitors in the eastern part of Canada.
It is a very beautiful day, and my constituent is celebrating her birthday today and everybody knows her, Rita Nashook, Mary Nashook’s mom.
She has turned 75 today. Have an excellent day on this beautiful day.
Paniluk please have an excellent day.
Member’s Statement 385 – 2(4): Arviat Athletes at 2008 Arctic Winter Games (Alagalak)
Mr. Alagalak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I rise today to congratulate and support Arviarmiut who are participating in the Arctic Winter Games.
For all of our participants, (interpretation) I congratulate you.
There are 15 participants in the Arctic Winter Games. (interpretation ends) For the Juvenile Under 14 Soccer; Elaine Gibbons, Rose Irniq, Christine St. John, and for Wrestling; Roxie Irniq, Qaunniq Makpah, Joe Karetak Jr., Danielle Fitzerald, and mission staff; Cody Prosky, and for Bantam Hockey; Douglas Ollie, Calvin Pameolik, (interpretation) my grandson (interpretation ends) Garry Quksuk Jr., for Female Hockey; Charlotte Karetak, Jolene Kukik-Karetak, Gia Gavin, Jolene Kigusiutnaaq. (interpretation) I give you my full support and I congratulate you in participating in the Arctic Winter Games, and please bring gold and silver medals back to Arviat.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Alagalak. Members’ Statements.
Member’s Statement 386 – 2(4): GN’s Response to Grant Applicants (Arreak)
I would like to wish happy birthday to our youngest child, Christie. I am wearing this tie that was made by her.
I would like to wish happy birthday to Ms. Nashook.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Nunavut has grants and contributions made available to businesses or individuals.
When the individuals or businesses apply for grants, they expect to get a response to see if they have been approved or not, but the Nunavut Government doesn’t respond and when they don’t respond, the individuals are still expecting one.
I would like to urge the government to respond to the applicants who apply for the Grants and Contributions Program so that they don’t needlessly anticipate getting any.
Member’s Statement 387 – 2(4): Fuel Delivery Services in Sanikiluaq (Kattuk)
Before I go to my statement, the people of Sanikiluaq are still looking for an individual.
The people of Sanikiluaq are going to be fundraising so that the mother of this individual could be flown in from Pond Inlet, so I’m asking you to donate to the cause.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to your attention a concern raised by my constituents in Sanikiluaq.
Mr. Speaker, the fuel delivery truck in Sanikiluaq has broken down a number of times.
At the moment it cannot be used at all.
These days, homeowners have to fill their own fuel tanks using jerry cans.
Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that the government owns the vehicles that are used to deliver fuel in our smaller communities.
Mr. Speaker, in my view community residents should not have to be the ones filling their own fuel tanks. There are too many risks involved.
Mr. Speaker, the government enters into contracts for fuel delivery services and it is their responsibility to ensure that the provisions of those contracts are met.
Our constituents should be receiving safe and adequate fuel delivery service.
Member’s Statement 388 – 2(4): Kugluktuk Women’s Shelter (Evyagotailak)
I rise today to inform everyone that tomorrow is International Women’s Day and to share some important news from my constituency of Kugluktuk.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, as you will recall, I have risen in this House on many occasions in support of the Kugluktuk Women’s Shelter.
I am very pleased to inform you that after being closed for such a very long time, Kugluktuk’s Crisis Intervention Centre will soon be open again.
Mr. Speaker, it is unfortunate that the Department of Health and Social Services was unable to provide the level of assistance that was necessary to get this facility up and running again.
It is through the hard work of the Hamlet of Kugluktuk that the contribution agreement has been reached with the Aboriginal Healing Facility to provide funding to re-open the Crisis Intervention Centre.
Mr. Speaker, the centre will provide a safe shelter for women, children, and others who are in crisis.
It will be a safe and healthy environment to promote healing and counselling, advocacy, and needed programs.
Mr. Speaker, this is indeed good news for the community of Kugluktuk.
As International Women’s Day approaches, I encourage my colleagues to reflect on the many unfortunate reasons why crisis shelters are needed in our communities.
At the same time, I ask members to join me in applauding the hard work of the many individuals involved to ensure that this much needed service will again be available.
Member’s Statement 389 – 2(4): Rankin Inlet – Hockey Centre of Nunavut (Brown)
First of all, I would like to make a comment to all the women because tomorrow is going to be International Women’s Day and I think that Mrs. Patterk is the eldest woman in Rankin Inlet and I love you, Okpik, very much if you’re listening.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rankin Inlet as the hockey centre of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, as you know and all the Members of this Assembly are aware, Rankin Inlet is absolutely crazy about its hockey.
From the senior men’s league being played in front of 300 fans on Friday night to minor hockey games, practices, and tournaments, Rankin Inlet just loves hockey.
Our hockey claim to fame, Mr. Speaker, as you are aware, is Jordin Tootoo of the Nashville Predators. Jordin has recently signed another two-year contract with Nashville and is doing very well. We also have other Rankin Inlet natives playing professional hockey: Max McDonald is a goalie playing for the Mon Valley Thunder in the U.S.A. Mid-Atlantic League, while Justin Todd is playing for the Indiana Ice Miners of the same league.
Mr. Speaker, this past weekend in Rankin Inlet, the annual Avataq Hockey Tournament took place with nine teams competing from around the Kivalliq region. This tournament was won by Rankin Inlet Miners over Coral Harbour in a very exciting final game before a full house.
Hon. Patterk Netser: Boo.
Hon. Levinia Brown: Mr. Speaker, the Rankin Inlet Peewee will be traveling to Iqaluit for the Toonik Tyme Tournament where the bantams are going to Man Cup in Thompson and to a tournament in Baker Lake.
The bantams are going to Baker Lake and the seniors are going to tournaments in Arviat and Northern Quebec.
Mr. Speaker, Rankin Inlet is proud of its hockey heritage and I would like to recognize this hockey heritage today. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 390 – 2(4): The Inukhuk: Our Symbol, Our Pride (Peterson)
I rise today to congratulate Premier Okalik on signing an agreement with the Vancouver Olympic Committee to supply Inukhuit to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Para-Olympic and Olympic Games.
Mr. Speaker, I have been fortunate in my life to have had the opportunity to travel throughout Canada and around the world.
In my travels, I have discovered Inukhuit in places where you might not initially expect to find them.
Mr. Speaker, in February of 1999, during the first Nunavut election, I stood on the balcony of the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo with my friend Charlie Lyall. While talking about home, we admired the Inuksuk which graced the embassy grounds.
In 2003, I stood in the United Nations complex in New York with my family. Our pride in being Northern Canadians as reinforced when we saw the Inukhuk gift from Canada that had been sculpted by a carver from Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker, a large Inukhuk has stood on the shores of English Bay in Vancouver for many years.
Whenever we visit friends and business partners in Vancouver, it reminds us of home.
Last year, I was in a gondola heading to the summit of Whistler Mountain when I was pleasantly surprised to spot a lonely Inukhuk standing halfway up the mountain side.
They have much in common with our Inukhuk that stands on the shore of Victoria Island overlooking the Northwest Passage. You get a good feeling when you see them.
Mr. Speaker, the Atienza Family of Cambridge Bay, who are friends of mine, and originally from the Philippines, visited their former country over the Christmas holidays.
They sent me pictures of themselves standing beside an Inukhuk in the Mall of Asia, the largest mall in the Philippines and the third largest in the world. They were very proud that this powerful symbol of Inuit culture and Canadian national identity was so prominently displayed.
Mr. Speaker, I cannot think of a better ambassador for Canada and Nunavut than the Inukhuit.
It is recognized everywhere as a representative of Inuit culture and homeland in the Arctic.
I have no doubt that many visitors to Canada will be proud to take a small part of Nunavut home with them to remind them of our great country and territory.
Mr. Speaker, when the 2010 Vancouver Olympics begin I sincerely hope that all Nunavummiut have an opportunity to visit the city and enjoy the sports and cultural experiences.
Mr. Speaker, later today, I will table pictures of some of the Inukhuit that I mentioned in my Member’s Statement.
Member’s Statement 391 – 2(4): Baker Lake Athletes at 2008 Arctic Winter Games (Simailak)
I am very proud to rise today in the House to say that there are going to be some Arctic Winter Games’ participants from Baker Lake. I would like to mention their names and congratulate them.
(interpretation ends) Open Male Inuit Games: Tootoo Tanuyak.
Junior Male Inuit Games: Shawn Uqurtuq.
Open Female Inuit Games: Kelly Qinalugaq.
Male Volleyball: Sebastian Noah.
Soccer Under 14 Boys: Troy Uvingayaaq, Sylvain Singarti, Greg Tanuyak Jr., and Coach Glen Ullyot.
Soccer Under 16 Boys: Trent Taksauniq.
Soccer Under 18 Girls: Kaya Hashy.
Badminton Junior Girls: Paula Ataguyuaq.
Male Coach Badminton: Brad Mains.
Basketball Junior Female: Miranda Uqayuituq.
Basketball Junior Male: Shane Niego, Paul Niego, Lawrence Uvingayaaq, Zachary Niuqtuq, Neil Utatnaaq, and Francis Ayagaq, along with Coach Bill Olsen.
Hockey Female: Candace Qablunaaq and also Florence Nagyugaliq, along with Coach Jason Fesyk.
Hockey Bantam: D. H. Inukpak.
(interpretation) We are very proud of them, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 392 – 2(4): International Women’s Day Event (Tootoo)
Like a couple my colleagues earlier, before I start my statement, I would just like to wish someone a very happy birthday and it’s my daughter, Teia, who is turning 13 today.
I don’t know if I’m happy or not that she is turning into a teenager. I love you very much, my girl, and I look forward to having dinner with you this evening.
Also, Mr. Speaker, a constituent of yours whose birthday is today, Naimee, she is sitting in the interpreter booth back there, a happy birthday to her as well.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend an invitation to you and my fellow colleagues in this House to attend an event in celebration of International Women’s Day.
Mr. Speaker, at seven o’clock this evening, a series of short films by Arnait Video Productions, a well-known women’s video collection from Igloolik, will be shown at the Iqaluit Inuktitut Daycare.
This event will raise money for the daycare and also for the Qimaavik Women’s Shelter.
Mr. Speaker, this event is a celebration of institutions in our community that provides support to women and families.
The three short films are unique and beautiful.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage you, my colleagues, and members of the public to attend this event and donate generously, meet members of the community, and enjoy the films, as well as participate, and I know there are other events over the weekend.
Member’s Statement 393 – 2(4): Comments on Transparency of Inuit Organizations (Aglukkaq)
I am hopeful Members will attend the International Women’s Day activities on Saturday afternoon at the Nakasuk School.
Today I would like to talk about the comments that I had made as a Member of this Legislative Assembly and as MLA for the Nattilingmiut riding, as it relates to comments I made about transparency in our Inuit organizations.
I want to first of all make it very clear, as a beneficiary, I spoke up on my thoughts around transparency of the Inuit organizations that represent me as a beneficiary of the organization.
I want to first of all, before I say anything, thank all the people that have called me and emailed me thanking me for making those comments through this work that I do and encouraging more people to speak about transparency. (interpretation) I thank those who have supported me from Tunngavik, (interpretation ends) regional Inuit organizations, and so on.