EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I am sure they are going to do an amazing job representing our territory at the Arctic Winter Games in Alaska next week.
Members, please bear with me as I would like to recognize the following athletes and coaches by name:
From Whale Cove:
Elizabeth Voisey;
Marianne Hapanak;
Benji Hapanak;
Chris Jones;
Mike Okalik; and
Keisha Jones.
(interpretation) From Arviat:
(interpretation ends) Manuel Akat;
Tapisha Tattuinee;
Manuel Kutaq;
Scott Alaralaq;
Darren Natilaaq;
Shelby Angalik;
Jillian Kaviok;
Johnny Kaviok;
John Uuli;
Ryan O’Connor;
Connor Fudge; and lastly
Daniel Fitzgerald.
(interpretation ends) Lastly, I would like to say, “Go, Team Nunavut, Go!”
>>Applause  >>Laughter
Member’s Statement 078 – 4(1): Recognizing AWG Athletes and Coaches of Rankin Inlet North (Sammurtok)
I would like to recognize these individuals from my constituency.
They will be going to Fairbanks, Alaska to participate at the Arctic Winter Games.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the athletes, coaches, cultural performers, mission staff, and volunteers from my constituency of Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet who will be travelling to Fairbanks, Alaska to represent Team Nunavut at the 2014 Arctic Winter Games.
The Arctic Winter Games are a great opportunity for our youth to represent our territory, make friends, and compete at an international event. I wish them all great success at the Games.
Good luck, Team Nunavut.
Member’s Statement 079 – 4(1): Recognizing AWG Athletes of Pangnirtung and Long Service Awards (Mike)
I would also like to congratulate more than one individual.
I would also like to congratulate the athletes who will be participating in the Alaskan Arctic Winter Games.
I would also like to commend the parents of those athletes.
I would like to acknowledge some individuals from Pangnirtung who will be participating:
For badminton:
Lynzie Qaqasiq.
For hockey, boys and girls:
Corey Alivatuk;
Rosy Etuangat;
Krista Kullualik; and
Jane Nakashuk.
For volleyball:
Mary Kelly Ataguyuk;
Joanasie Dialla;
Sheema Ishulutak;
Joey Nowyuk;
Rita Claire Mike; and
Brandon Oolayou.
I would also like to include for the cultural team my grandchild, Jasmine Ulaajuk, who is sitting right over there as one of the pages.
I congratulate these participants and I am very proud that they are going to be participating. I would like to congratulate these individuals on behalf of the people of Pangnirtung.
For part two, Meeka Alivatak has been working for 25 years with the government. I congratulate her and her husband and their children.
Member’s Statement 080 – 4(1): Greetings to Constituents (Ugyuk)
I say “good morning” to the people of Netsilik. It’s very early over there.
Since it is Friday, I wish all the employees a good morning and wish them a good weekend.
I think about the people of my community. We have an individual who is very ill. I send my prayers to this person and to the family.
My mother, my older siblings and younger siblings, I say “good morning” to you and also to my grandchildren, have a very good and safe weekend.
Member’s Statement 081 – 4(1): Recognizing AWG Participants of South Baffin (Joanasie)
I rise today to wish Team Nunavut farewell and to enjoy the Arctic Winter Games in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Mr. Speaker, as a past participant in the Games, both as an athlete and mission staff for Team Nunavut, I know how exciting and exhilarating it is to be at the Arctic Winter Games.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a few of the athletes from my constituency:
Jordan Akavak-Flaherty;
Alisa Allooloo;
Natasha Reid;
Rose Rowsell;
Susan Rowsell;
Noah Michael; and
My sister-in-law’s daughter, Papatsi Anrango Kotierk.
I would also like to recognize the coach Andre Sampson and chaperone Heather Penney.
Thank you for taking the time to assist our youth in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, in closing, I wish the entire Team Nunavut a wonderful week ahead and enjoy the friendly competition and to bring back some Ulus.
Go Team Nunavut!
Member’s Statement 082 – 4(1): Recognizing AWG Participants of Igloolik (Quassa)
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning to the people of Igloolik. The people of Igloolik and Hall Beach are very glad that they were able to find the young man who was lost for almost a week.
This morning, I rise to acknowledge our athletes who will be going to the Arctic Winter Games in Fairbanks, Alaska.
I have great admiration for all those youth and their coaches who have worked so hard over the years to prepare for this moment.
Now the time has come to show Nunavummiut how well they can do in representing Nunavummiut.
With so many athletes going, I want to recognize some of the athletes who will be going from my constituency and also from the Amittuq Riding.
I want to recognize Monica Qattalik, who will be on a hockey team, Tessa Kunuk and Marcus Angutiqjuaq, who will be part of the wrestling team, and from the Amittuq Riding, Casandra Iannuci, who will be part of the mission team, who is in our Speaker’s riding.
I congratulate them all for their time to go to Fairbanks, Alaska.
I have no more names on my list. Item 4. Returns to Oral Questions.
As I mentioned in my Member’s Statement this morning, I would like to welcome my father, George Hickes Sr., former politician from Manitoba who worked very hard throughout his career, not only to educate his counterparts in Manitoba on the way of life we live up here, but greatly enhanced the relations between the Manitoba government and the Nunavut government.
Speaker: Mr. Hickes Sr., welcome. (interpretation) Item 5.
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Mr. Quassa.
Although this person was previously already recognized, I wish to also recognize this person as he is my paternal cousin, George Hickes Sr.
I just want my colleagues to know that his late mother, who was quite capable, and my father were siblings.
They were brother and sister. That is why I hold additional respect. Furthermore, I had heard constantly that he held the portfolio of Speaker in the Manitoba legislature and he has the distinction of being the longest-serving Speaker in that House.
I am quite proud of his accomplishments, and we are literally following in his footsteps, particularly his son, who is here as an MLA.
I am expressing my pride and ask that he be further recognized.
Recognition of Visitors to the Gallery, Mr. Sammurtok.
I, too, wish to recognize George Hickes Sr., as I have known him for many years and furthermore, he is my maternal cousin.
Item 5. Recognition of Visitors to the Gallery, Ms. Ugyuk.
Yes, as per our Inuit traditional customs, the person who was just recognized is also a Speaker, as you are our Speaker here in this House. I would ask that you coin him with an endearment term as per our Inuit customs, as we are asked to follow this custom.
I wish to acknowledge your “Speaker twin” at this time.
We totally recognize the man and please feel welcome in our Gallery, Mr. George Hickes Sr.
(interpretation ends) Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. (interpretation) All visitors recognized thus far, welcome to the Gallery and we acknowledge their presence.
Question 071 – 4(1): European Union (Savikataaq)
As we all know, the European Union seal ban has been extremely harmful to Nunavut.
On November 25 of last year, the Premier issued a public statement expressing disappointment in the World Trade Organization’s response to the federal government’s challenge to the EU seal ban.
Can the Premier update the House on what the next steps in this process are?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Taptuna.
Mr. Speaker, the appeal is ongoing.
It is led by the Government of Canada, and we support the Government of Canada in their appeals to the World Trade Organization.
It is my understanding that the European Union ambassador to Canada was recently in Iqaluit for an official visit.
Can the Premier indicate what issues he raised with her during their meeting?
Speaker (interpretation): Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Taptuna.
There were a number of issues raised in my private meeting with my ambassador to the EU.
Through the Arctic Council, there are a number of initiatives that are ongoing.
We looked at mental health, the overall situation with the Arctic Council and other things.
There were a number of things that were discussed, including the appeals of Canadian government on the seal trade ban.
As you know, Mr. Speaker, the appeals were overturned based on emotional feelings of the European Union rather than on facts, which makes it very difficult.
We support the Canadian government on their appeals to the World Trade Organization.
Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I commend the Premier on working hard for the people of Nunavut to battle the seal ban.
The Government of Nunavut has previously opposed granting the EU official observer status at the Arctic Council until such time as the seal ban issue is resolved.
Can the Premier confirm that this is still the Government of Nunavut’s position?
The decision is made by a number of participants in the Arctic Council. The Hon. Leona Aglukkaq, as Chair of the Arctic Council, we do communicate our feelings of the issues that are brought forth.
This government does support Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami in their appeals to have the ban lifted on sealskin. We also support Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated to have our rights realized by the European Union.
The work is ongoing.
Again, I have to say that the appeals are going forth with the Government of Canada.
Question 072 – 4(1): Minimum Wage Rate in Nunavut (Hickes)
Since the minister was so efficient in responding to my request that he table the most recent annual report of the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal, I thought that I would try again today on a different issue.
The territorial Labour Standards Act requires the government to review the minimum wage in Nunavut on annual basis.
However, a report has not been tabled in the House since the spring of 2012.
Will the minister be tabling the next annual report before the end of our current winter sitting?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) On this one, I’m afraid the report is not ready at this time. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
For the benefit of the public record, can the minister confirm what the minimum wage rate in Nunavut currently is?
Speaker (interpretation): Hon. Minister of Justice, Mr. Okalik.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I am trying to go through my wonderful technology, but I can’t find it at the moment.
I believe it hasn’t been changed for some time and that we are tied with Ontario at the moment, at $11, I believe. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your final supplementary, Mr. Hickes.
Yes, it is $11.
Although Nunavut’s minimum wage of $11 per hour is among the highest in the country, I think that we can all agree that it’s still not a lot.
Mr. Speaker, the minimum wage in Nunavut hasn’t gone up since January 1, 2011, just over three years ago.
Does the minister agree that it’s time for a raise for minimum wage workers in Nunavut?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) As the legislation commits all businesses and the people in the private sector, some discussion will have to take place before any commitments are made for increasing the rate at this time.
Question 073 – 4(1): Firearms Initiatives (Mikkungwak)
In March of last year, the most current shared directional statement between the Government of Nunavut’s Department of Justice and the RCMP’s “V” Division was tabled in the Legislative Assembly.
This document indicates, and I quote, “A firearms safety and education program will be implemented to focus on enhancing public safety and community wellness.
Partners and stakeholders will include the Government of Nunavut, the RCMP, federal agencies, hamlet councils, Hunters and Trappers Organizations, community justice committees and other stakeholders.”
Can the minister update the House today on the status of this initiative?
The RCMP has trainers for the firearm safety program in Nunavut.
As you know, in order to legally purchase a firearm and ammunition, you need a firearms possession licence.
In order to get a firearms possession licence, you need to take a safety course that is taught by a federally-certified instructor.
However, in my community of Baker Lake, these courses are not offered very frequently.
Can the minister indicate if he has raised the idea with the RCMP’s “V” Division of having local officers get the necessary certification to teach these courses?
I have spoken to our partners in the federal government and told them the legislation in force today continues to violate the Nunavut land claims agreement.
That agreement states that Inuit do not require licenses, so that law is in conflict with that provision in the land claims agreement.
I have spoken with our counterparts to see how we can better apply the firearm licence rules in Nunavut, particularly as it pertains to Inuit.
Clearly, there is a need to amend that law so that it conforms with the provisions of the land claims agreement as it is protected by the Canadian Constitution.
Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Although the federal government’s long gun registry has been abolished, there are still concerns in our communities about the difficulties that Inuit, especially hunters, face in acquiring firearms possession licences and purchasing the ammunition necessary to go hunting and feed their families.
Can the minister update the House today on what the Government of Nunavut’s position is on the issue of the federal government’s approach to regulating firearms?
Yes, as I said earlier I have discussed this matter with our Member of Parliament about that this legislation needs to be amended and conform to the land claims agreement since it has greater legal status than legislation passed by Parliament.
We will continue to lobby this point until that law is amended, especially for the benefit of Inuit since their rights are constitutionally protected through the land claim agreement.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Item 6. Oral Questions.
I rise today and I am pleased to make some opening comments on behalf of the Regular Members’ Caucus in Committee of the Whole regarding the 2014-15 capital estimates… .
Yes, indeed, I made a mistake.
I have no comments to make at this time.
Speaker (interpreter): That is the case.
Question 074 – 4(1): Solid Waste Management Initiatives (Angnakak)
I want to revisit the issue of solid waste management on this beautiful and very cold Friday morning.
In 2010, the Government of Nunavut completed a pilot project for recycling beverage containers.
However, the government indicated, and I quote, “the infrastructure costs to support recycling are very high and the benefits of recycling in Nunavut are minimal.”
More recently, the minister’s department issued a Request for Information for Potential Planning for Solid Waste Management Methods.
Can the minister confirm that the government is going to take a second look at recycling for all of the Nunavut communities?
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) We currently have an RFP out as of this moment to examine the feasibility of reintroducing the recycling program.
In reviewing the department’s Request for Information for Potential Planning for Solid Waste Management Methods, I noted that it indicates that, and I quote, “The logistical challenges of transporting recoverable materials makes it very difficult to implement programs such as recycling of bottles, cans, paper products and metals, and proper hazardous waste treatment.
Individual communities do not have the capacity, nor is there enough government funding, to implement these types of programs in each community.
Mr. Speaker, can the minister confirm that the government is looking at designating Iqaluit as a regional processing centre for such materials?
Once the RFP closes, I’ll be able to provide more information.
Thank you to the minister for answering that question.
It’s my understanding that the City of Iqaluit recently adopted a new waste management plan that includes acquiring an incinerator.
Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to pay public tribute to the city’s leadership on this issue.
Can the minister indicate if his department will be providing financial or technical assistance to the city as it moves forward with its new waste management plan?
Again, once the RFP closes, I’ll be able to provide that information.
Question 075 – 4(1): Utilizing Trades Training Centre (Hickes)
I would like to ask a question to the Minister of Education, or Nunavut Arctic College.
In his Minister’s Statement this morning, he talked about some of the successes going on with the trades program at the trades training centre in Rankin Inlet.
As all members are aware, current and upcoming trades opportunities are very high.
I noted that there are a number of programs that are available through the trades training centre in Rankin Inlet, and unfortunately, I haven’t had the privilege of touring the facility myself.
Can the minister answer whether the full space is being utilized for all trades training programs?
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for the question.
As mining and other activities increasingly take place in the communities, the trades training centre in Rankin Inlet is indeed relevant. I can say to the member that the trades training centre offers excellent courses.
We have plans in place for the students to take trades training for the mining sector and other trades. In addition, current courses are fully implemented.
Mr. Hickes: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
That’s kind of where I was getting to with my supplementary question, as most of us know that with most trades programs, there is a work component to achieve hours available that necessitates the next level within their Red Seal apprenticeship.
One of the things that I would like to see, as the minister mentioned, a number of further trades opportunities in numerous aspects of the field and to maximize the benefits of when some trades apprentices are in the field to put secondary classes through for the educational academic component of the trades training.
Can the minister answer whether that has been a subject of discussion with Nunavut Arctic College?
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to the member for that question.
As I mentioned earlier, apprenticeship will be an important component this year. We have always treated apprenticeship with importance.
When I make my next Minister’s Statement with respect to adult learning centres, I will provide more details on that very issue. I do, however, wholeheartedly agree with the member that this is important and we will certainly follow through with the issue the member raises.
Also in the Minister’s Statement, he mentioned that the Housing Maintainer Program for provincial certification is not a Red Seal program.
Can the minister answer whether that gives a successful graduate of that program access to other Red Seal trades if they get credit for time and hours served within their field?
Nunavut Arctic College continually seeks to pursue improvements to their courses.
With respect to the member’s question, I should be able to give a much more detailed response. As I mentioned earlier, the adult learning centres are continually pursuing new courses.
In addition, we closely consult with the communities to determine what other training need to provided and what courses should continue to be provided at local adult learning centres.
Oral Questions. Member for Quttiktuq, Mr. Shooyook.
Question 076 – 4(1): Breakwater at Arctic Bay (Shooyook)
My questions to the minister are in regard to the issue I raised the other day about the small craft harbours.
Based on what I learned, I wish to ask further a question on the small craft harbour in Arctic Bay.
It has become old and inadequate and four years have passed since. That small craft harbour is nearly unusable during low tide, with loose lying rocks that are increasingly large.
I would like to ask if there is a plan in the future to do improvement work on the breakwater. Do we have to wait another five years before improvements on our breakwater will be started?
I would like an answer to my question on our small boat harbour.
In regard to the breakwater, harvesters in the community use the breakwater for landing or launching their boats.
The community is eligible to apply for improvement work on their small craft harbour.
I just wanted to let the member know that.
Yes, I am asking about the breakwater for small craft, especially during windy weather.
It has become inadequate. My constituents in the community have become quite adamant about its inadequacy.
What is the date when work will start for improvements, in what year?
That is the only question I wish to have clarified.
As I stated earlier, for minor capital and also for breakwaters that are being used by hunters, such as when they go out hunting for seal on a daily basis.
If there is a problem and if it requires some work to be done, there is funding available for all communities. The community can make applications for funding to make improvements on their breakwaters at any time.
Question 077 – 4(1): Harvesters’ Assistance Program (Joanasie)
In the Government of Nunavut’s 2013-16 business plan for the Department of Environment, $265,000 will be provided this 2014-15 fiscal year for wildlife community support and contribution in the communities.
I would like further clarification as to how much funding is allocated to the communities for community hunts and disaster relief?
The funding allocations for hunting activities, and I understood his reference to the Disaster Relief Fund due to damage from severe weather or hunters who lose equipment due to ice break up, that fund is fully financed.
I am unsure exactly what the other question the member was asking about, so I’d like to ask for clarification on that. There are a variety of programs specific to hunters. The one that came to mind is something I didn’t want to mention without fully understanding which program he was asking about.
There is the (interpretation ends) Community Harvest Assistance Program, (interpretation) which I thought he referred to. Which program was he alluding to? Can I get clarification on that please?
Speaker (interpretation): Your first supplementary, Mr. Joanasie.
Yes, that is exactly what I am talking about.
I was wondering if there was a policy for harvesters program to compensate harvesters. I would like to know if your department has a policy available for harvesters’ compensation.
Yes, as long as you are a beneficiary of Nunavut and you reside in Nunavut and you have a hunting licence, you are eligible for the harvesters’ compensation program.
That is the criteria for that policy say.
Applications for equipment loss or damage due to weather, the local HTO has to approve those applications first.
Applicants have to be approved by the HTO level first and then the application is forwarded to my department.
Question 078 – 4(1): Heavy Equipment Operator Training (Savikataaq)
My questions today are for the Minister of Education.
In his Minister’s Statement today, he said that 12 people passed and it represents 10 percent of the students [across Nunavut].
I’m glad to hear that we have 120 apprentices in Nunavut, and that is a lot.
As the minister is aware, my community of Arviat is proactive in training. The hamlet there has put on a core drilling course and has been successful and people have gotten employment. They currently have a welding course on right now and it’s running smoothly.
Would the Minister of Arctic College consider using Arviat as a satellite community, having a heavy equipment training centre there, not just a one-time training program but either a regional or territorial training place for heavy equipment?
Mining is coming on, mines need heavy equipment, and would the minister consider putting a heavy equipment training that would make journeymen heavy equipment trainers in Arviat?