EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Ministers’ Statements 4909
Members’ Statements 4912
Returns to Oral Questions 4920
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 4920
Oral Questions 4921
Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills 4943
Tabling of Documents 4944
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 4945
Report of the Committee of the Whole 4978
Revert to Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 4978
Orders of the Day 4978
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 4909
217 – 2(4): Youth Funding Resources Calendar (Tapardjuk) 4909
218 – 2(4): Appointments to Elders Advisory Committee on Environment (Akesuk) 4910
219 – 2(4): Inuit Sign Language (Tapardjuk) 4911
220 – 2(4): Congratulations to CGA Students (Tapardjuk) 4912
535 – 2(4): Baffinland not Hiring Workers from Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq (Arreak) 4913
536 – 2(4): Thanks to People Who Offered Help and Kindness During Hardship (Alagalak) 4913
537 – 2(4): Problems with Canada Post in Baker Lake (Simailak) 4915
538 – 2(4): Benefits for Nurses (Tootoo) 4916
539 – 2(4): Farewell to John Jamieson (Kattuk) 4917
540 – 2(4): Importance of Aeroplan to Nunavut Travellers (Curley) 4917
541 – 2(4): Walk to End Breast Cancer (Peterson) 4918
542 – 2(4): Happy Anniversary to Bobby and Sandy Oolooyuk, Happy Birthday Rose Tootoo (Brown) 4919
Return to Oral Question 631 – 2(4): Use of Foreign Vessels in Nunavut Waters (Brown) 4920
664 – 2(4): Inuit Representation on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (Curley) 4922
665 – 2(4): Medical Travel Office in Pangnirtung (Arreak) 4925
666 – 2(4): Additional Benefits Package for Nurses (Tootoo) 4926
667 – 2(4): Who Owns the Dock in Baker Lake (Simailak) 4928
668 – 2(4): New Nunavut Arctic College Campus for the Kitikmeot (Peterson) 4930
669 – 2(4): Help for Homeowners with Home Heating Costs (Kattuk) 4933
670 – 2(4): Update on New Health Centre for Repulse Bay (Mapsalak) 4935
671 – 2(4): Update on Broken Power Generator in Pond Inlet (Arvaluk) 4937
672 – 2(4): Was Premier Invited to Greenland Meeting of Arctic Nations (Curley) 4938
673 – 2(4): Polar Bear Management (Kattuk) 4942
674 – 2(4): Bridge Closure in Arviat (Alagalak) 4943
021 – 2(4): Bill 41, Forgiveness of Debts Act, 2008-2009 (Tootoo) 4944
284 – 2(4): Ministerial Meeting Report – F/T Northern Premiers’ Meeting with the Prime Minister, August 28, 2008 from the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs (Okalik) 4944
285 – 2(4): Nunavut Youth Committees Funding Resources Calendar 2008-2009 (Tapardjuk) 4944
286 – 2(4): Public Accounts Non-Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) and Consolidated Financial Statements March 31, 2007 (Tapardjuk) 4944
287 – 2(4): Youth Parliament 2008 - Hansard (Speaker) 4945
Bill 07 – Inuit Language Protection Act – Consideration in Committee 4946
Honourable Olayuk Akesuk, Mr. David Alagalak, Mr. James Arreak, Mr. James Arvaluk, Honourable Levi Barnabas, Honourable Levinia Brown, Mr. Tagak Curley, 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.
I wish to advise all members that I have received a communication from Ms. Leona Aglukkaq.
Ms. Aglukkaq has advised me that she has resigned from the Legislative Assembly effective 1:00 p.m. on September 15, 2008.
My colleagues, before we proceed with the Orders of the Day, on behalf of all my relatives, I would like to thank all those who supported us during the recent loss of one of my family members.
On behalf of my brother-in-law, I also would like to thank everyone for their tremendous assistance and for their words of comfort.
I also thank all those who are listening to the proceedings.
Minister’s Statement 217 – 2(4): Youth Funding Resources Calendar (Tapardjuk)
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and welcome.
I am happy to see you back here again, I missed you. I also give my condolences to Mr. Alagalak.
Mr. Speaker, during the Youth Strategy update meeting held in Iqaluit in March 2008, representatives from Nunavut’s youth committees made it clear to the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth that in order to undertake the activities they plan, Nunavut youth need “increased funding opportunities for local youth committees.”
It is evident by their commitment to the committees that youth are passionate about their identity, language, and culture.
They value highly the importance of traditional knowledge and encourage its practice within their communities.
Mr. Speaker, my staff has prepared the Youth Funding Resources Calendar, which I will be tabling later today, to encourage Nunavut’s youth committees to look wide and apply for funding from the many sources available to them.
In this document, many organizations and foundations are listed as well as programs and useful websites from both Nunavut and across Canada.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to emphasize that the Youth Funding Resources Calendar was produced with the values and ideas of Nunavut’s youth in mind as they were brought forward during the youth meeting.
I would also like to voice my appreciation to the Alianait Arts Festival for allowing CLEY to reproduce its bright, whimsical mural for this calendar. I think it speaks to the energy of youth in Nunavut, for whom we hope this calendar will be useful.
Minister of Environment and Health and Social Services, Minister Akesuk.
Minister’s Statement 218 – 2(4): Appointments to Elders Advisory Committee on Environment (Akesuk)
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
Good afternoon, my colleagues and the people of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to advise the members that the Elders Advisory Committee on Environment is not only a legislated requirement under Nunavut’s new Wildlife Act, but also a vital source of knowledge for the Department of Environment and the GN. The role of the committee is to provide advice and recommendations to the Minister of Environment on the administration of the Wildlife Act, especially as it relates to incorporating the principles and concepts of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit into wildlife management, conservation, and environmental protection in Nunavut.
Each member must be a person recognized by the minister as a Qaujimanilik/Ihumatuyuk with appropriate wildlife expertise.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to advise the House that I have appointed the following Qaujimanilik to the first Elders Advisory Committee on Wildlife: Guy Kakkiarniun of Kugaaruk, Bob Konana of Gjoa Haven, Tommy Pigalaak of Kugluktuk, Laisa Ningiuk of Grise Fiord, Paniloo Sanguya of Pond Inlet, Quvianatuliak Tapaungai of Cape Dorset, Peter Alageak of Arviat, Jacob Ikinilik of Baker Lake, and John Kaunak of Repulse Bay.
I am very pleased with the calibre of this committee. I believe their background, years of experience, and intelligence will help guide the department into making wise decisions regarding Nunavut’s environment.
Minister’s Statement 219 – 2(4): Inuit Sign Language (Tapardjuk)
I rise today to inform my colleagues of a very important project aimed at documenting for the first time ever the development and use of Inuit Sign Language in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms provides a high standard to accommodate the use of sign languages in government services.
Through policies, programs and services, we can promote the use and culturally appropriate development of Inuit Sign Language in Nunavut.
The Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth also recognizes the uniqueness and importance of Inuit Sign Language.
It is different from any other known sign language and virtually no resources exist for it.
With thanks to the Department of Justice for initiating this project, I would like to especially thank the minister on my left for that, for the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth provided funding to the Canadian Deafness Research and Training Institute to promote the use of Inuit Sign Language by way of its 2007-08 and 2008-09 Grants and Contributions Program.
Mr. Speaker, I would like my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Project Lead, Jamie MacDougall, and his colleagues as well as key Nunavummiut who participated in this project:
Bobby Suwarak Baker Lake
Yvo Samgushak Rankin Inlet
Philip Ugjuk Rankin Inlet
Louisa Ugjuk Rankin Inlet
Kawtysie Kakee Pangnirtung
Johnny Umingmak Taloyoak
Clayton Ungungai Baker Lake
Rhoda Idlout Taloyoak
Mr. Speaker, this is also a historic day for this Legislative Assembly as we are providing for the first time interpretation of our proceeding in sign languages.
Deaf Nunavummiut will gather in Iqaluit from September 15 to 19, 2008, to launch and learn how to use the new CD-ROM, glossary, and story book.
These resources will be used for teaching and training. Once again, I congratulate them for their achievements.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Minister and your staff.
Minister’s Statement 220 – 2(4): Congratulations to CGA Students (Tapardjuk)
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, two of my staff at the Department of Finance graduated from the Certified General Accountants Program of studies.
Not only is this a very proud moment for them, it is a proud moment for the government.
Accountants perform many important functions in our government, including financial planning, risk and financial management, as well as budget and tax planning among many other things.
It is very important to have trained accountants working for the Government of Nunavut.
The Certified General Accountants Program, or CGA, is very demanding and requires dedication and sacrifice.
I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing my warmest congratulations to Ling Yang and Grace Wilk...
... on their recent graduation from the CGA program.
If there are no more, Item 3. Members’ Statements.
Members, before we proceed with Members’ Statements, I would like to thank Mr. Arreak, who acted in my stead during my absence and he did a masterful job, so I would like to begin with Mr. Arreak.
Member’s Statement 535 – 2(4): Baffinland not Hiring Workers from Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq (Arreak)
Thank you as well, along with my colleagues. Further, after undertaking the Speaker’s role, I no longer covet that position as I became envious of the members who rose to speak.
Mr. Speaker, we were notified on Friday, I believe, by the Minister of Education that Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation, which is currently developing their mineral deposit in the interior of Baffin Island, close to Pond Inlet and within reach of Clyde River, have come to a training agreement.
I am appreciative of any and all efforts to train Inuit in the outlying communities for jobs in the mining sector.
However, the one aspect which I am not so proud of today is that there are hardly any employees hired from Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq for the positions at Mary River.
Although the positions at this mining exploration camp are gearing up, they still have not hired anyone from the communities and I urge them, especially with the assistance from the Government of Nunavut, that they hire more people from the outlying communities.
Many of my constituents in both communities are actively looking for jobs and more of them want to become self-sufficient and not depend on handouts from the government. They would like to hold down a steady job to enable them to stand on their own two feet.
The reasons are not necessarily due to the complexity of the travel requirements, at least in my opinion, because all of this spring and summer, many flights have gone back and forth to Mary River. As well, there is a daily flight that goes to Pond Inlet as well as a daily flight from Iqaluit to Mary River. It is definitely not due to the travel complications, so it behoves me as to why they are not hiring more people from other communities and why they are only hiring from specific communities during this start-up stage.
Additionally, I would like them to understand that in Nunavut, all employers are not to discriminate against unilingual Inuit when they are canvassing communities for potential employees.
The Inuit language is one of the official languages of Nunavut and we are working on making it a requirement and we are working to protect our language.
Member’s Statement 536 – 2(4): Thanks to People Who Offered Help and Kindness During Hardship (Alagalak)
I would like to express my gratitude and immense thanks to this House and to my colleagues who submitted gifts, especially those people who called us at our home to express their condolences, to offer their sympathy, and to let us know that we were in their thoughts and prayers.
We are beholden to all the people who assisted us. If we had been alone, it would have been nigh impossible for my wife and I to properly care for our loved one. When this happens in a family, it is extremely difficult.
I would personally like to thank the previous Minister of Health, Ms. Leona Aglukkaq, who called to let us know that whatever assistance we required, where she could assist us, to let her know how she could help us. This touched my heart, along with the professionalism of her departmental staff, especially the nurses and the doctors, who supported and assisted us during this difficult time and they did everything they could to accommodate us. I especially wish to extend a heartfelt thanks to all of them.
We underwent a stressful period this summer and although I would have liked to be here at the start of the session, including our work on the subcommittees, I could not leave my family. I had to be with my family during this time of hardship and it was extremely hard to experience.
I also would like to express our immense gratefulness to the people of Arviat. At times, it seemed that the entire populace of Arviat was either at our house, visiting, calling, or looking after our daily chores. There were people who would drop off supplies for the visiting people and those that cooked meals for us and generally did most of the work.
When one is experiencing this firsthand, it is difficult to express the gratitude that wells up inside oneself because of all the assistance offered and given. Sometimes people don’t want to be thanked and it feels strange to be in that situation. That is what we have experienced and I wanted to rise and make my statement to that effect.
Further, I would like to thank the Premier personally for his assistance, as well as those of his staff who also sent their condolences and I thank each and every one of them. I also thank our Speaker for his assistance.
Be it as it may, when one undergoes a difficult hardship, it seems that the whole world is looking out for you.
Further, we also got calls from outlying communities and even overseas, and this makes you feel humbled and you become beholden to everyone for their support. Our family is extremely indebted to all of the people who offered their support and assistance during our time of hardship and on behalf of all our relatives in Arviat, I wish to extend a heartfelt thanks.
Further, the nurses would come in the evening and this included some nurses who had graduated from the Nursing Program here in Iqaluit.
They assisted us greatly with their work and it proved to me the tangible benefits of these programs, and I encourage more youth to take these courses. Sometimes young people seem to be ineffective prior to our needing them, but these young people were able to assist us in their chosen field as graduates of the Nursing Program.
Member’s Statement 537 – 2(4): Problems with Canada Post in Baker Lake (Simailak)
I also wish to state my happiness of your return, as well as that of our colleague.
I am happy that you are both back in the House and I am pleased that both of you were able to attend to personal issues.
Firstly, Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my delight of an event that occurred.
First, Jacob Ikinilik from Baker Lake will now be a member of the Elders’ Committee, as per the Minister of Environment’s announcement earlier. I am happy and proud of his choice for that position.
Secondly, these two individuals, Bobby Sivuaraq and Clayton Angangai, who unfortunately cannot listen in due to their responsibilities, were able to provide assistance and I am proud of their hard work.
One of their mothers was here earlier, but she apparently left.
She is Clayton Angangai’s mother and she was just here.
Mr. Speaker, I wanted to make a statement on an issue that is causing some consternation for Baker Lake residents and it revolves around the post office.
For many years, the post office resided in the Co-op building. However, this spring, they lost the contract and there was an RFP for a new post office to be located in Baker Lake.
The Co-op lost the contract and it was let to the Northern Stores where it is presently situated.
The post office boxes are located right in the entrance of the building.
They are right near the doorway adjacent to the Quickstop eatery.
It is a crowded and tiny space for people trying to get their mail, especially when people are coming and going.
To top this off, the general office for the post office opens at ten o’clock in the morning and closes at 5 p.m., and it is adjacent to the Northern office.
The current setup is not in the best interest of Baker Lake residents, especially with the growth of our community and all of the developments in our vicinity.
When we have to undergo difficulties in getting mail, it causes residents to question the choice that was picked.
We know that this may have to be revisited in the future, especially by Canada Post as they were the ones who made that choice.
I don’t place the blame on the local Northern Store nor their staff but on the headquarters situated in Winnipeg that make all of the decisions.
They were the ones that responded to the RFP and when they offered only a small space for our post office, which was approved, it didn’t meet our needs.
This issue will also have to be revisited for other communities down the road.
Member’s Statement 538 – 2(4): Benefits for Nurses (Tootoo)
I rise today on behalf of a small group of highly qualified and experienced nurses who seem to have been left out of the recent benefit negotiations between the Nunavut Employees Union and the government.
Mr. Speaker, a number of nurses who began their northern careers on the frontlines have been recruited to administrative and managerial positions within the Department of Health and Social Services.
These nurses now use their expertise, knowledge, and experience of working in Nunavut to provide support and guidance to their fellow nurses working on the frontlines.
Unfortunately, however, their role has not been recognized in the latest union negotiations.
They will not receive the new benefits that have been hard won and very much deserved by all other nurses working in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, it may, I hope, have been an oversight on the part of the negotiating bodies.
However, I feel that Nunavut’s nurses who have demonstrated their competence through work on the frontlines here in Nunavut should be guaranteed inclusion in the benefits package.
As in many professions, but especially in education and health care, it is of great benefit to have individuals who have seen, experienced, and developed an understanding of the issues faced by their colleagues on the frontlines to be the ones who provide administrative and managerial support.
Organizations themselves benefit from the retention of corporate memory and experience. The individuals providing that experience should receive benefits as recognition of their long-term commitment.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the government to reconsider the criteria for nursing personnel in the negotiations for nursing benefits. If that doesn’t happen, we risk seeing those knowledgeable and experienced managers move on.
Without the relevant benefits, other Nunavut nurses will be less likely to take up positions in the administrative sectors and once again, staff will be recruited from the south with no real knowledge or experience of working in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I urge the government to work with the union to resolve the status of which Nunavut nurses will receive benefits under the most recent negotiations.
I am confident that this will not represent a huge change and expense as it is only a few individuals who have slipped through the cracks.
I’m almost done.
Mr. Speaker, these committed and dedicated staff deserve the same recognition and incentives that are provided to all other Nunavut nurses.
Member’s Statement 539 – 2(4): Farewell to John Jamieson (Kattuk)
Before I begin, I would like to send happy birthday wishes to my son. It’s his birthday today.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to touch up on an issue regarding a long-serving teacher in our community who left recently.
The ministers know him very well. John Jamieson has been in Sanikiluaq for a very long time, he was the principal for a long time, and he was very helpful to our community and to the teachers and students.
We regret him leaving, but it’s up to each individual to move on whenever they wish. We didn’t want to see him leave, but he has now moved to the south.
We wish him the very best in the future.
Member’s Statement 540 – 2(4): Importance of Aeroplan to Nunavut Travellers (Curley)
I rise today to speak about the importance of access to the Aeroplan program for Nunavut travellers.
Mr. Speaker, all Members of the House are well aware of the high cost of flying for northern residents.
Let me illustrate this with an example. I went online at lunchtime today and looked at the prices for various routes.
It is shocking to me that while it cost over $1,400 for a round trip ticket between Iqaluit and Ottawa, a round trip ticket from Vancouver to Tokyo, Japan, leaving on exactly the same day, can be purchased for approximately $1,100.
Mr. Speaker, the fact that it costs less to fly halfway around the world than it does to take a three-hour trip tells us all that we need to know about the financial challenges facing Nunavut travellers.
Mr. Speaker, the Aeroplan program has become an important part of the lives of northerners. Access to the program has helped Nunavummiut come together for family reunions, bereavement travel, special occasions, such as weddings and the birth of a grandchild.
Mr. Speaker, a few years ago, an attempt was made to arbitrarily increase the number of points required to travel between certain Kivalliq communities and the south.
A public outcry resulted and the decision was withdrawn.
Mr. Speaker, concerns are again being raised about access to Aeroplan travel in the Keewatin based on news we heard this summer. Apparently, Calm Air no longer wishes to allow Aeroplan points travel on their flights.
I urge Calm Air to address this issue immediately.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that when the government issues its contract award for medical travel and other business, it should take into consideration the extent to which the airlines provide benefits such as Aeroplan to the travelling public.
Mr. Speaker, due to this reason, our constituents are in a difficult situation and they require our assistance today.
Member’s Statement 541 – 2(4): Walk to End Breast Cancer (Peterson)
Mr. Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and welcome back to the House.
We missed you while Mr. Arreak did a fine job sitting in your chair.
I am very proud to rise today to inform the House about the latest inspirational activity of my constituent, Ms. Angela Phillips, whom I spoke about last fall.
Mr. Speaker, last year, I informed the House that Ms. Phillips and her friend participated in the Edmonton “Walk to End Breast Cancer.” They raised over $13,000 to fund cancer research and provide resources to help breast cancer patients.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to tell you that Ms. Phillips is doing very well in her post-diagnosis of breast cancer and ongoing treatment.
Although the first year after diagnosis was difficult, she persevered with the love and support of her husband, Rudi, and the encouragement of her many friends in Cambridge Bay. She refused to let breast cancer keep her down.