EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Hon. Leona Aglukkaq, Hon. Olayuk Akesuk, Mr. James Arreak, Hon. Levinia Brown, Mr. Tagak Curley, Mr. Joe Allan Evyagotailak, Mr. Peter Kattuk, Mr. Steve Mapsalak, Mr. Patterk Netser, Hon. Jobie Nutarak, Hon. Paul Okalik, Mr. Keith Peterson, Hon. Edward Picco, Hon. David Simailak, Hon. Louis Tapardjuk, Mr. Hunter Tootoo.
Speaker (interpretation): Welcome and good afternoon.
I have received the following letter addressed to Hon. Jobie Nutarak, Speaker: “I wish to advise that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut the passage of the following Bills during the Second Session of the Legislative Assembly: Bill 16, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act 1, 2005-2006, Bill 17, Supplementary Appropriation Operations and Maintenance Act 1, 2005-2006.
Signed by Ann Mikidjuk Hanson, Commissioner of Nunavut.”
Minister’s Statement 100 – 2(2): Minister Kilabuk Absent from the House
Hon. Leona Aglukkaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and welcome back everyone.
I would like to inform the House that Minister. Kilabuk will be absent from the house today.
Minister’s Statement 101 – 2(2): Education Week 2005
Hon. Ed Picco (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and welcome everyone. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to announce that the Department of Education is celebrating education this week until Friday the 29th.
The theme this year is ‘Education is the Key to Your Future’.
Nunavutmiut young and old are affected by education, whether they are in a licensed daycare or at a school or on the land or at home.
Mr. Speaker, not only trained educators are to be recognized this week - sisters, brothers, fathers, and mothers are teachers in life.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education is working together with our partners in learning to build an environment that is accessible and meaningful to learners of all ages.
We want to inspire learners and educators alike.
Education is the engine of our economy, promoting personal and community wellbeing. It’s a key priority for our government.
Mr. Speaker, we are beginning a fundamental shift in all aspects of education here in Nunavut and that shift began in a large measure last month with the passage of the budget.
Mr. Speaker, lifelong learning begins at home, it’s found at work and at play.
This week, join with me in celebrating education across Nunavut.
Minister’s Statement 102 – 2(2): Wildlife Act Regulations
I am very pleased to be back in the House, and I would also like to acknowledge the community of Cape Dorset and Kimmirut.
Mr. Speaker, I am please to announce that the draft Wildlife Act Regulations have been completed and are ready for discussion and consultation with Nunavummiut.
(interpretation ends) The Nunavut Wildlife Legislation working group has been working on this project since the new Wildlife Act was passed in December of 2003.
Representatives from Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board and the Government of Nunavut have worked with executive members of each of the Regional Wildlife Organizations to bring forward the drafted regulations for review.
These regulations have been designed to meet the needs of Inuit harvesters and of all Nunavummiut, and are compliant with the spirit and intent of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
I believe they serve and promote long-term, economic, social, and cultural interests of Inuit harvesters, and avoid unnecessary interference in the exercise of the Inuit right to harvest wildlife.
At the same time, these regulations ensure that a balanced approach is taken and our wildlife is managed in a sustainable way.
I would like to thank the working group for their outstanding efforts and many hours they have put into creating a draft regulation. A few policy subjects remain outstanding and will be resolved after we hear from Nunavummiut.
Then again, the working group has made a real contribution to wildlife management in Nunavut, and I applaud their hard work.
Consultations at both the community and regional levels are an important next step in the process of regulatory development.
Those consultations will be scheduled as soon as the translated documents are completed and have been provided to all interested parties.
I encourage Members of the House to take part in the consultation and to work with their Hunters and Trappers Organizations and to bring any comments or issues forward at that time.
Mr. Speaker, the new Nunavut Wildlife Act is the most modern wildlife legislation in Canada, unique because of its recognition of co-management principles under which this government operates.
The Government of Nunavut will be meeting our commitment to bring the new Wildlife Act into force on July 9, 2005.
Minister’s Statement 103 – 2(2): Nunavut Prospectors’ Program
It gives me great pleasure to announce that the Nunavut Prospectors’ Program has been renewed for another five years.
This program reaffirms our commitment to the development of a strong and vibrant mining industry in Nunavut along with building the capacity of Nunavummiut to be effective and meaningful participants within the mining industry.
The intent of this program is to train Nunavummiut to be able to be effective prospectors and provide important financial assistance to carry out prospecting activities.
The independent community based prospector is a critical link in building a strong and vibrant mining industry.
Over the past five years of the Nunavut Prospectors’ Program, our department has delivered an “Introduction to Mineral Prospecting Course” in every community in Nunavut with a total of over four hundred graduates.
This past summer the course was delivered in eight communities with a total of fifty three graduates.
To be eligible for financial assistance under the Nunavut Prospectors’ Program, a person must be a resident of Nunavut, have a valid prospector’s license, be an experienced prospector, or be a graduate from the “Introduction to Mineral Prospecting Course” provided by my department.
In addition to the renewal of the program, I am pleased to announce that the maximum contribution allowed has increased from five thousand to eight thousand per year to better reflect the cost of prospecting in Nunavut.
This past year, twenty four prospectors received financial assistance for a total of twenty five projects.
In addition, one prospector received additional funding due to outstanding findings.
With the continuation of this program we can look forward increased participation of Nunavummiut in the mining industry with increasing success.
Minister’s Statement 104 – 2(2): Resident Deputy Workers’ Advisor
Mr. Speaker, during the last session of this Legislature I advised that the Workers' Compensation Board, having heard our concerns, set aside resources for Nunavut Deputy Workers’ Advisor.
A request for proposal was released on February 28 and closed with no submissions. So, the request for proposal has been reissued with a closing date of April 29.
Again, I encourage Nunavummiut to apply for this position.
This number allows our Nunavut workers to leave messages in Inuktitut thereby making this initial process for them easier.
For the record, the toll-free number is 1-866-727-3830.
Member's Statement 271 - 2(2): Skating Under the Northern Lights
Welcome back to our beautiful capital city to all the members.
I rise today to praise the residents of Iqaluit who organized the recent ‘Skating Under the Northern Lights’ event.
This spectacular performance was made possible by the Iqaluit Figure Skating Club and was held here in Iqaluit earlier this month.
I hope that the spectators who went to see this event enjoyed it as much as I did.
The coaches for this event were Jennifer Billard, Kim Sokach, Rae-Lynne Patterson, Nikki Smith, Maria O’Hearn, Shauna O’Hearn, Amy White and Amber Jackson
The volunteers were, Sherry MacNeil-Mulak, Lori Hoffe, Linda Moore, Leigh Genge, Kerry Wright, Jennifer and Al Hayward, Eric Kan, Laura Hepditch, Mark Thompson, Brad Sokach, Elayne Wyatt and Heather Omilgoitok.
Mr. Speaker, skaters Kristy Wyatt, Miranda Kirk, Andrea Omilgoitok, Eden Tootoo and Sarah Ali performed very impressive solos during the event.
In fact, all the skaters are extremely talented and they should all feel very proud of themselves.
I encourage them to continue their efforts in this sport.
Mr. Speaker, I’ve been watching some of these kids, the youngest ones are four years old to thirteen.
It’s just amazing to see how they’ve improved over the years; I’d like to give a fine salute to the great dedication and coaching of the figure skating club.
I also like to send out a special thank you goes to the sponsors who make events such as this event possible; North mart, Fantasy Palace and the Astro Theatre.
Mr. Speaker, at this time I’d like ask all Members to join me in saluting the people who made this occasion possible and the young athletes who participated in it.
Members’ Statements. Mr. Peterson.
Member’s Statement 272 - 2(2): Nunavut Arctic College Kitikmeot Graduates
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to inform the House about the Nunavut Arctic College Kitikmeot Campus Graduation and Student Recognition Ceremonies held in Cambridge Bay on April 12, 2005.
Mr. Speaker, graduation ceremonies are always happy occasions where families and friends come out to witness hardworking students receive their diplomas and awards.
I witnessed many tears of happiness.
It is always an honour and privilege as MLA to be invited to speak to the graduates on behalf of the Legislative Assembly and as one of the leaders in our communities.
There were twenty eight graduates from the Human Resources I Certificate Program; the Human Services II Diploma Program; the Inuinnaqtun Language & Culture Certificate Program; and Adult Basic Education.
Mr. Speaker, the valedictorian speeches by the students were quite touching and heartfelt.
They thanked their instructors for teaching and supporting them; they spoke about the support they had from their families and communities and they spoke about their dreams for the future.
The graduation ceremonies were highlighted by the presentation of awards to students in each program for academic achievement and most improved student.
Mr. Speaker, it must have been a difficult selection process.
Nunavut Arctic College is a vital educational institution for the people and communities of Nunavut, as demonstrated by the personal achievements of the 2005 Kitikmeot Campus graduating class.
The work of our Standing Committee during its upcoming public consultations on Nunavut Arctic College will provide Members of the Legislative Assembly with valuable public input that will enable us to make decisions to make the college a stronger post-secondary institution.
Mr. Speaker, I also would like to take this opportunity to encourage the Standing Committee to come to Cambridge Bay to hold a public hearing in our community.
Members’ Statements. Mr. Evyagotailak.
Member’s Statement 273 - 2(2): Official Opening of the Healing Centre
I rise today to tell the House about the very successful official opening of the Kugluktuk Ilavut Healing Centre earlier this month.
The opening of the Ilavut Centre was a cause for celebration.
For many years, the residents of the Kitikmeot have been calling for a facility at home.
(Interpretation ends) A facility where offenders can heal, be close to home and be prepared to successfully re-enter our communities.
As the MLA for Kugluktuk I have been vocal in my support for this facility.
Mr. Speaker, close to one hundred residents of the community took part in the opening ceremonies and festivities.
We were very pleased that the Premier and Minister of Justice took the time to be with us.
I also want to thank the government for being sensitive to the concerns of the community with respect to issues of public safety.
Mr. Speaker, a number of offenders has already been moved to the healing centre.
Many residents of Kugluktuk will be working at the Ilavut Centre.
I know that Helen and her staff are fully committed to the job ahead and I want to assure them as my support.
Members’ Statements. Ms. Aglukkaq.
Member’s Statement 274 - 2(2): Nattilingmeot Graduates
I, too, would like to recognize graduates from the Nattilikmeot area today.
After three years, on Tuesday April 19, I had the opportunity and the pleasure to attend the graduation for the students of the certification program in Inuit Childcare Services which took place in Taloyoak.
As we have always mentioned, Mr. Speaker, continuing education and improving our skills are important ways to increase employment opportunities for Nunavummiut and for the betterment of our communities.
I would like to congratulate Vaha Pauloosie, Jennifer Karoo, and Lyn Kanguaq of Taloyoak; and Maggie Iqujuittuq and Sheila Arnaittuq of Kuugaarjuk on their graduation.
I would also like to thank Carmen Fillop for her efforts in the delivery of the program in Taloyoak and she was also the person that delivered the program I believe in Gjoa Haven and other communities in the past.
Member’s Statement 275 - 2(2): Coral Harbour Road to the Airport
I rise today to speak on the issue of great concern in Coral Harbour.
Earlier this year, I rose in the House to praise the work of volunteers in ensuring that a medical evacuation flight could land at the airport.
Mr. Speaker, as members know, the road to Coral Harbour’s airport is probably one of the longest, if not the longest, in all of Nunavut.
The length of the road in combination with the trucks handling heavy snowfalls and accumulation this year has lead to significant problems.
Mr. Speaker, the hamlet has been overwhelmed by the amount of snow removal that is required and the snow removal budget was not adequate to deal with the snowfall.
The hamlet, however, has received some assistance from the Department of Economic Development and Transportation; this support has not been enough.
Mr. Speaker, on April 6, another frightening situation arose; a patient who was scheduled for a medical evacuation spent two hours in transit to the airport because of dangerous road conditions.
The drive to the airport normally takes less than 20-minutes.
When I arrived in Iqaluit yesterday, I thought about how lucky the people landing in Iqaluit are; the airport here is within walking distance from town.
Two-and-a-half minutes after stepping off the plane, you can be in a coffee shop.
Mr. Speaker, I have written two letters to the minister responsible for this issue and to date I have had no response.
Minister Simailak confirmed to me that he landed in Coral Harbour yesterday he saw the snow over there and he knows what we have been talking about or we have been saying.
Maybe, Mr. Speaker, he will respond to my letter now.
I will be directing issues on this question to the Minister of Community and Government Services when he appears.
Member’s Statement 276 - 2(2): Same Sex Marriage
First of all, I send my condolences to the residents of Pangnirtung for their loss of two elders.
I would like to thank Mr. Kilabuk, who was very receptive when I was there.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge that a lot of Nunavummiut were surprised when our Member of Parliament voted in support of same-sex marriage.
A lot of people were very surprised and there have been a number of comments on the radio; there have also been several petitions.
In fact, in Rankin Inlet, there were over seven hundred signatures in the petition urging our Member of Parliament that a marriage is between a man and a woman.
Mr. Speaker, many Nunavummiut have stated that the Prime Minister’s support towards this is not acceptable to us because traditional marriage must be recognized, it should not be compared with other marriages.
If there is a non-confidence vote in Ottawa then we might have an election soon.
If the vote is to happen I urge all Nunavummiut to vote someone who will support a marriage between a man and a woman.
So I am urging all the members to support the new government.
Member's Statement 277 - 2(2): RCMP Emergency Responses
Before I start, I would like to congratulate the new Commissioner, Ann Mikidjuk-Hanson.
I congratulate her on her new position as a Commissioner.
I rise today in regards to the RCMP emergency responses.
When there is an emergency in the communities, particularly in the smaller communities, they will call only if it is a real emergency within the communities.
When they call to the number, it takes a long time to get a response.
They have to call Iqaluit and once they call Iqaluit, whoever answers the phone cannot speak Inuktitut anyway.
This is not acceptable to the people of Nunavut.
There definitely needs to be improvements because we often hear that the RCMP better co-operation with Nunavummiut and that they want to be able to work closer together to assist the communities or the people.
If there was a real life or death situation, there might have been a death already with a system that we have right now. So, I urge the members and the communities that they have request to have direct access to the local detachment.
Member's Statement 278 - 2(2): Pakallak Time in Rankin Inlet
Welcome everyone, it is nice to see you again.
I envy the people who have nice tans.
I haven’t gone out fishing so I didn’t get a tan.
In Rankin Inlet there is a particular time during Hamlet Days and it is called Pakallak, Debbie Pilakapsi was the one who named it.
What an appropriate name it is and I wish them to have fun.
I am sure that there are many visitors in Rankin Inlet.
I envy them for being there.
Unfortunately, I cannot be there due to this sitting.
I wish the Mayor and the Councillors the best for putting aside a date to celebrate such an occasion.
Member's Statement 279 - 2(2): Toonik Tyme Activities
Hon. Ed Picco: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Toonik Tyme began over forty years ago.
This annual celebration has become nationally and internationally well known.
This year’s activities are among the best attended ever.
The opening ceremonies, featuring Inuk singer and Juno Award winner, Elisapee Isaac, had a standing room only crowd, enthralled by her performance in Inuktitut, English and French.
Iqaluit’s Fear Factor competition again was held in front of a packed house.
Traditional games, activities for the kids and a giant bingo were also well attended.
The highlight for many was the annual senior men’s hockey tournament, which draws teams from across Nunavut and Northern Quebec.
The games were played to sold out crowds almost every game.
The championship game, featuring Rankin Inlet and Kuujuak, was packed solid.
I was cheering for Area six.
Toonik Tyme is a result of many volunteers.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the City of Iqaluit, businesses, volunteers and the people of Iqaluit for another successful Toonik Tyme.
I would also be remised if I didn’t mention the golf game, the highlight of Toonik Tyme every year.
The golf game included the Mayor Sheutiapik, Premier Okalik, Mr. Tootoo and me, I competed again this year.
A film crew followed us around the ice.
My putt in the fifth hole not only enthralled the camera crew from England, but brought Mr. Tootoo and Mr. Okalik to their feet for a standing ovation.
So I thank Mr. Tootoo and Mr. Okalik for that.
The Toonik Tyme is a special event.
We look forward to Toonik Tyme in 2006.
I also want to take this opportunity to congratulate the Honorary Toonik this year, Mr. Dick Smith.
Mr. Dick Smith is a long time educator, teacher and volunteer.
Member's Statement 280 - 2(2): Sanikiluaq Festivities
I don’t think I had brought this up before in the Chambers of the Assembly but I fully support Mr. Arreak’s statement, that is also the case in our community.
For the residents of Sanikiluaq a lot of time the teams are invited to other communities such as Povingnituq in March 23, they were invited to go there until March 28.
They won during the competitions.
There were two people who won the first place in the sculpture making event.
The seven miles marathon, Winnie Arragutainnaq, third place.
Basket making, Annie Imiqqutailak, second place and Anne Imiqqutalilak third.
She won the two.
For carving, Jimmy Iqaluk, second and third, again, was Jim Iqaluk.
For ice sculpture, Joe Saniki Imiqqutailak, one hundred dollar prize; they also have tea boiling contests for the men.
Harry Saala won first place and the second in womens, Caroline Tookalook Jr.
There were also a hockey tournaments in Kuujuaraapik for ages of thirty and up.
The Sanikiluaq team placed second place, we were happy with that.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to seek unanimous consent to conclude my Member’s Statement.
The Members is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement.
Mr. Kattuk (interpretation): Thank you my colleagues.
The Sanikiluaq team was in second place during the hockey game.
There was also floor hockey and basketball, they all won first place in those categories.
That is where they stood last month during the tournaments.
They did really good even though it was in another community.
Member's Statement 281 - 2(2): Nunavut Quest
I would like to recognize that in Nunavut we have different types of dogs.
Every year there is a dog race in Nunavut called the Nunavut Quest.
There was a race from Pond Inlet to Hall Beach.
From my constituency there was Solomon Qanatsiaq of Hall Beach came in first, Teeman Avingaq of Igloolik was second, and Sam Anguiliannuk from Hall Beach came in third practicing the traditional dog races.
This is a good promotion of how we used to travel, of how our ancestors used to travel and I am proud of them for that and am happy for them on their victories.
I am happy to recognize Jason Palluq from Clyde River, he also entered the dog race from Arctic Bay to close to our community.
He came quite a long ways from Arctic Bay, my constituency assistant, Gary Ipeelie.
Speaker (interpretation): Welcome to the assembly.
I rise today to recognize Sandy Kusugak.
I know that you have been working with the Nunavut elections.
Question 349 – 2(2): Complaints in the Workplace
My question is for the Minister responsible for Human Resources.
As we know from time to time, employees working for the government may become aware of wrongdoing in the workplace.
As everyone knows, it is not an easy thing for an employee to handle this kind of situation, especially when the wrongdoing is done by the employee’s supervisor, superior, or relative; it is a very small territory and everyone knows everyone.
I would like to ask the minister if he could explain to this House what a Government of Nunavut employee can do if he or she becomes aware of a wrongdoing in the workplace and what policy protects our whistleblowers from retribution.
With regard to the question asked by the member in the event of a wrongdoing, we have a policy in place that emphasizes co-operation among employees.
The Department of Human Resources works with various departments on this policy, as well as with the Nunavut Employees’ Union and with the teachers’ union.
We work with these organizations when dealing with workplace issues.
We usually review who has done wrong and screen the employees.
At the moment we are still screening and reviewing the policy process, how we could better improve the workplace in the departments, and what types of problems they are encountering with the employees in the Government of Nunavut.
At the same time, we’re looking at how we could improve all the problems pertaining to the policies, rules, and regulations within our own departments.
We’re trying to come up with ways to improve and how to appeal or make complaints in regard to this.
But at the same time, Mr. Speaker, they usually have different cases or different complaints.
We usually review each case separately; not one has the same complaint or problems that arise within employees.
I know in the business plan it talked about reviewing these policies, as the minister indicated, and trying to find ways to improve it.
But, given the policy that is in place right now, say an employee working in a department in a management level or officer level or anybody encounters something that they feel is a wrongdoing in the workplace, whether it be a conflict of interest or workplace harassment or threat or anything like that.