EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise today to announce that the Department of Education has taken the first steps towards ensuring that career development officers, or CDOs, in Nunavut received an outstanding foundation in service delivery training.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut’s CDOs assist clients in accessing the labour market as part of our territory’s Adult Learning Strategy.
They serve the vital role of helping Nunavummiut to realize their full potential and lead them on the course of career development.
However, Mr. Speaker, until very recently, they received no formalized training to help them in their own professional development.
This has now changed in recent months as Nunavut has embarked on a Career Development Officer Training Strategy.
A multi-year training strategy will lead to a Nunavut and possibly international level certification which is being developed by the department and the Canadian Career Development Foundation.
Mr. Speaker, initial courses have already begun with Nunavut Arctic College and the Department of Human Resources as partners.
This training strategy is intended to be multi-year in length and successful participants will be able to receive certification in the career practitioner field.
Mr. Speaker, an investment in the success of our CDOs is an investment in the growth of Nunavummiut.
This is a very positive step towards increased self-reliance and skills ability.
I am very happy that my department is involved so that the people of Nunavut can become self-reliant and have the skills ability.
Minister’s Statement 132 – 3(2): Atuliqtuq Nunavut Climate Change Partnership (Shewchuk)
I am pleased to inform members of a very successful initiative led by the Department of Environment.
Because of the achievements of the Atuliqtuq Nunavut Climate Change Partnership Project, Nunavut is at the forefront of adaptation planning in Canada.
This project consists of an innovative partnership between Natural Resources Canada, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, the Canadian Institute of Planners, and the Government of Nunavut’s Department of Environment and the Department of Community and Government Services.
Other stakeholders in this project include the Ittaq Heritage Centre in Clyde River and the Nunavut Research Institute.
Atuliqtuq has facilitated close collaboration between two levels of government, community planning professionals, Nunavut communities, and scientists.
This project has enabled communities to take a proactive role in climate change adaptation. Furthermore, it has equipped Nunavutmiut with valuable tools, resources, and knowledge needed to adapt to the uncertainties of our changing climate.
Working at the community level, the partnership is involved in the following projects:
Detailed landscape hazard mapping to identify constraints to community development
Watershed analysis of drinking water supply
Nunavut-wide sea level rise assessment
Development of community adaptation plans that are based on Inuit knowledge, local and scientific knowledge for five pilot communities (namely Arviat, Whale Cove, Cambridge Bay, Kugluktuk, and Iqaluit)
Expansion of the Nunavut permafrost monitoring network to ten communities spanning Nunavut’s three regions.
The Department of Environment looks forward to continued work with these partners for climate change monitoring and adaptation planning in Nunavut.
Minister’s Statement 133 – 3(2): Occupational Training Diploma Program Delivery in Rankin Inlet, Cambridge Bay, and Iqaluit (Shewchuk)
The Department of Human Resources is committed to delivering continuous career development opportunities at the community level for GN staff.
In October and November 2009, specific diploma programs in administration, supervisory, and human resource development commenced in all three regions.
I am pleased to announce that we have partnered with Think Training (PBBA) from Nova Scotia to deliver three diploma programs in Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, and Cambridge Bay.
In February 2010, we held two graduation ceremonies.
There were 11 graduates of whom 45 percent were beneficiaries from the Supervisory Diploma Program in Rankin Inlet and five graduates of whom 80 percent were beneficiaries from the Administration Professional Diploma in Cambridge Bay.
Graduation of the Iqaluit programs in all three specialized areas is scheduled for May 2010 with 58 anticipated graduates.
Those that were not able to complete all modules have been assured there will be future opportunities to complete.
At the end of the first year, by October 2010, we anticipate 90 graduates from all three diploma programs.
These diploma programs were specifically designed to help current GN employees who may have the experience but not the educational component with the opportunity to receive educational recognition for their knowledge, skills, abilities, and commitment to continuing education.
Four facilitators from Think Training travelled to all three communities to deliver all modules.
GN participants are required to complete group and individual exercises that provide them with applicable subject matter knowledge and practices that can be implemented in the workplace.
Administrative professionals and supervisory graduates who meet specific criteria will have future GN opportunities to attain a Canadian Administration Professional (CAP) and Canadian Professional Supervisor (CPS) designations.
The occupational training programs are open to all GN employees.
In 2010-11, it is our aim to continue this partnership and provide more training opportunities across the regions.
Most importantly, Mr. Speaker, this program is an excellent example of our commitment to Ilippallianginnarniq: Continuing Learning as an effective way to help develop our GN employees’ administrative, human resource, and supervisory skills to better serve Nunavutmiut.
Minister’s Statement 134 – 3(2): Funding Increase for Licensed Child Care Facilities (Tapardjuk)
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I announce today that the Department of Education is increasing funding for our territory’s licensed child care facilities effective April 1, 2010.
Mr. Speaker, these funds will provide an increase of $555,000 towards funding facilities for Nunavut’s youngest citizens.
We have changed the funding formula model to ensure greater support toward the operations and management of these facilities.
This money will ensure that these daycares will see an increase of at least 10 percent to their operations and maintenance program contributions funding in the next fiscal year.
Mr. Speaker, these new funds can be used for any operating expenses and will directly affect the youngest Nunavummiut.
There will also be $200,000, Mr. Speaker, available for early childhood education courses which will help provide valuable professional development in this field for our youngest population.
This is the first increase to the funding of our child care facilities since 2000.
I think we can all agree that this money is being well spent and that the improvements to early education of Nunavut’s children are an important step in enhancing the profile of lifelong learning.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of Nunavut’s early childhood educators for their valuable and selfless contributions to education.
Their efforts are not always recognized as much as teachers in the kindergarten to grade 12 school system, but their work is just as important and appreciated.
I hope they find this added funding makes a difference in their programming and centres.
Member’s Statement 194 – 3(2): Commending Community Justice Committees (Elliott)
I rise today to pay tribute to the Members of the Community Justice Committee in Grise Fiord.
At a community feast earlier this month, past and present members were recognized for their efforts to build a safer community.
Larry and Annie Audlaluk were recognized for their 21 years of service. Lymeekee Kakkik contributed his services for 11 years. And Liza Ninguik continues her work in community justice after 20 years of service.
The GN’s Director of Community Justice, Al Hartley, was invited to the feast. In his praise for community justice committees, he stated that the committees enable people in conflict to resolve their difficulties in a productive way.
I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the important work that community justice committees do in offering traditional counselling for youth and adults who commit relatively minor offences.
In diverting these less serious cases from the court system, community justice committees provide an opportunity for individuals to benefit from an approach that is more conducive to rehabilitation and reintegration than punishment.
In addition to recognizing the hard work of my constituents in Grise Fiord, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the ongoing efforts of all community justice members in Nunavut.
I ask all members to join me in applauding the many years of service put in by my community justice members and community justice members across Nunavut.
Member’s Statement 195 – 3(2): Safe Return of Ernie Etuak (Shewchuk)
I rise today to say “good morning” to all of the people in Arviat.
On March 16, Ernie Etuak left on a hunting trip from Arviat and never returned upon his scheduled return.
Search and rescue was informed and called in. I would just like to say that Mr. Etuak was found yesterday safe and sound and I am glad that everything is okay.
Member’s Statement 196 – 3(2): Problems Facing Homeowners in Small Communities (Ningeongan)
I rise today to voice some concerns regarding problems facing homeowners in smaller communities.
In my constituency, a number of private homeowners have indicated to me that they simply can’t sell their homes given the nature of the housing market in our small communities.
In some cases, these residents have had to decline job offers with the government and other employers in larger communities because they are, in effect, trapped by their mortgages and can’t leave the community.
Mr. Speaker, in my view, there are two housing markets in Nunavut: one for Iqaluit and one for every other community.
In our smaller communities, many people originally bought their homes from the government itself.
The government, in fact, encouraged people to take this step.
Mr. Speaker, I am a homeowner myself and I fully recognize the importance of going into homeownership with your eyes open.
Buying a house is the single most important purchase any of us will do in our lifetimes and people need to be clearly aware of not only the benefits but also the risks of homeownership.
Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut Housing Corporation offers assistance for first-time homebuyers.
I believe that the Nunavut Housing Corporation should provide information and counselling to applicants so that they can make fully informed decisions.
If the government is going to encourage our residents to move out of public housing and staff housing, it has the responsibility of ensuring that residents know all of the facts.
At the appropriate time, I will have questions for the minister.
Member’s Statement 197 – 3(2): Medical Appointment (Ningark)
I rise today to inform my constituents that I will be travelling to Yellowknife for medical reasons.
The appointment was booked back in February.
So keeping up with the tradition of the House, making a light statement on Fridays, Mr. Speaker, I have tried to rebook that appointment in Yellowknife for the reason that I have been eating stuff that they don’t want me to eat.
That’s the bad news. The good news is, Mr. Speaker, however, the transportation people and the health professionals said, “Do it now.” I think that’s good news because I realize that they want me to be an MLA for a little while longer.
Member’s Statement 198 – 3(2): Montreal Canadiens and the AWG Athletes (Okalik)
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Today is Friday and I would like to talk about how my Montreal Canadiens are doing.
I must say since my last statement about two weeks ago, I encouraged our athletes to not be like my Montreal Canadiens or Toronto Maple Leafs so that they can achieve and do better than our current team.
I must say that we have turned the corner just like Team Nunavut did. They got some medals and did very well at the Arctic Winter Games.
I’m very proud of them and I think our Montreal Canadiens heard them because they have been winning six games in a row so far, straight, and they’re going to win again tomorrow. I am very proud of both teams.
I welcome all of these wonderful athletes to our Assembly. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
We are celebrating the Arctic Winter Games, which is very exciting and important to our Nunavut territory.
(interpretation ends) The Arctic Winter Games is always an exciting event for all of our youth, their parents, coaches, and the communities as well.
Of course, sports and recreation being a very important part of our lives to pursue, I would like to recognize some of the athletes from Iqaluit.
Unfortunately, some of the athletes who went to the Arctic Winter Games could not make it because they have to be in school and their coaches are the teachers.
But we are proud to have the ones who are able to come here today to be introduced.
The 2010 Arctic Winter Games that happened in Grande Prairie, Alberta this month were very successful. (interpretation) The Nunavummiut are very pleased with the 49 ulus that were received by Nunavut
Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Team Nunavut athletes competed in 11 sports categories at the Arctic Winter Games in Grande Prairie.
Nunavut sent 227 representatives comprised of not only athletes but cultural artists as well. There were also 25 coaches, and the mission staff.
This morning, I would like to recognize the bantam hockey team, if you would rise, please. (interpretation ends) Todd Gardner, you can stand up.
They won the silver ulus in Grande Prairie.
We also have speed skaters in the Gallery, if they would rise, please.
For speed skating, Simon Adams was their coach and the Iqaluit speed skaters are: Angela Furjes, Alexia Galloway, Mitchell Courtney, Tyler Kirk, and Emilia Nevin.
They are the speed skaters.
For the hockey players who just stood up, Tom Gardner is their coach and the hockey players are: Mitchel Tilley, Nate Gardner, Lodie Ipeelie, Iola Sheutiapik, Max Shoo, Matt Gardner, and Ryan Bayne.
We thank them very much for their hard work.
We are so proud and appreciative of the mothers and fathers for supporting their children. (interpretation ends) Congratulations to all, we are so proud of you.
Recognition Visitors in the Gallery. Mr. Shewchuk.
I rise today to recognize a long-term resident of Arviat. Nancy Karetak-Lindell, our former MP, I welcome her very much to the House and it’s nice to see her here.
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Mr. Okalik.
I would like to recognize a couple of my constituents.
Our Mayor, Elisapee Sheutiapik, welcome to the Gallery.
And her other half, who is a Boston Bruins fan, Brian Twerdin, I thank him for supporting us.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize a young person immediately behind me, who is a fellow Iqaluit resident and who, while competing, was injured during the Arctic Winter Games.
That was an unfortunate incident, but I am pleased that he is able to be here. Sam, I want to welcome you to the Gallery.
In addition, all of the residents of Iqaluit who are visiting the Gallery; I welcome you to the Gallery. I am proud of all of you for showcasing Nunavut to the outside world.
Your Worship, welcome to the Gallery.
Perhaps due to my long tenure as a mayor, whenever I hear “Your Worship” my immediate reaction is to glance over to the person saying it.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize my sister-in-law, Nancy, and welcome her to the Gallery. As well, the person beside her is Joy Tilley, who I also welcome to the Gallery.
I am also proud that Mitchell Kukik Tilley was recognized as part of Team Nunavut.
He is named after our mother. I would also like to welcome him to the Gallery.
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Mr. Taptuna.
Being from Kugluktuk, the furthest community from Iqaluit, I just can’t recall the last time I recognized a visitor in the Gallery. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize a long-term Member of Parliament, Nancy Karetak-Lindell, and she also sits on the board of the Nunavut Development Corporation.
I would like to recognize a man that I have known since 1988. We first met in Chesterfield Inlet working for Northern and we’ve managed to keep in contact ever since and he now lives in the city of Iqaluit.
I would like to recognize Mr. Mike Courtney.
Welcome to the Gallery. (interpretation) Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Mr. Ningark.
On behalf of all of the people of Repulse Bay and Kugaaruk, it is a privilege and my honour to recognize Nancy Karetak-Lindell.
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Mr. Komoartok.
I wish to recognize and welcome my niece’s son-in-law, Salomonie Shoo. Welcome to the Gallery.
Thank you. (interpretation ends) Item 6.
Question 317 – 3(2): Status of New Power Plant for Cape Dorset (Schell)
Today, I’m going to give the housing minister a break. I won’t be asking him any questions, but I do have a question for the Minister of Qulliq Energy.
I would like to know what the status of the new power plant is in Cape Dorset.
It being Friday, I had a feeling, the way he started off, that he was up to something.
I thank him for allowing me to pick up my thinner binder.
Mr. Speaker, I know that the member asked questions on the status of the Cape Dorset Power Plant Replacement project in the past.
I had indicated then and my understanding of where we are today is that there are still some legal land issues that are being worked out on that.
Given that and while we’re waiting for that to be resolved, there is some preliminary design work moving forward on two different designs that are potentially choices, depending on which way it goes, to be able to put into the community once the land issue is resolved.
I guess my next question is: is there funding in place for the new power plant in Cape Dorset?
As I indicated, there is some funding being done for the design phase of things rights now, but we will wait until they get the land issue resolved. Once that’s resolved and the designs are finalized, I’m sure the board would be building that into the corporation’s capital budget.
And I’m just wondering with the cost of a new power plant, how that affects the General Rate Application that is going through on the power rate.
Can you explain that to me, please, Mr. Speaker?
I think it’s premature how it’s going to affect the rate, but I know one of the things is it’s been quite number of years since, and I think only once since the creation of Nunavut, there has been a General Rate Application by the corporation.
What the corporation does and will do in that process is to try to determine what its operating costs are and try to determine a rate that will assist or enable the corporation to be able to recover the cost of production. It’s not a revenue-generating process but it’s more of a cost recovery process.
I guess the next question is: is that cost borne by all of the ratepayers in Nunavut or is it just the community of Cape Dorset that will see an increase in the rate?
If memory serves me correct, I believe the way the rates are set right now are set by community. So whatever the cost of producing electricity and power in that community, those costs are used in determining what the rates are per community.
Question 318 – 3(2): Status of Conservation Office in Baker Lake (Aupaluktuq)
Good morning to all in Baker Lake and my family, my mom.
I would like to first acknowledge the efforts made by the government and its partners to defeat the US efforts to up-list polar bears.
I think it’s an exceptional job and I believe that as Nunavummiut, as Canadians, it was something that’s very symbolic in a way that our rights are indeed, in effect, of use and in practice. I would like to commend the department on that and I think it made us all Nunavummiut very proud.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that conservation offices in our communities be fully staffed.
Can the minister update me today on the status of the conservation office in Baker Lake?
As I have told all of the members in the House before, the present situation in Baker Lake is that the conservation officer situation is under investigation. However, as the member knows, we have upgraded Baker Lake into a two-man posting.
So there is a full-time conservation officer working that’s serving the community at this time and I will update the House further when the investigation is complete.
I want to thank the hon. minister for that response and we look forward to a date as to when we will be able to post that other position.
Mr. Speaker, spring is in the air and summer is just around the corner. I would encourage all Nunavummiut and especially our youth to possibly look at the employment opportunities as renewable resource officers.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, I believe it’s a privilege to be living in Nunavut and to be employed in such a position like that to administer and monitor wildlife, and also get paid to go on the land and be provided tools.
I believe any young man or woman should reconsider having a career in the renewable resource field. I think it would be an exceptional service to all of Nunavut.
Can the minister update the House today on what plans his department has to provide summer training opportunities for young people who may be interested in pursuing careers in wildlife management?
I again would like to commend the member on bringing up this topic.
As all of the members know, last year, it was a priority within my department and above mine to encourage young people to get involved in the environmental field.
We did that with great success last year.
I will encourage my department to do that again and encourage that every conservation officer in every community try and hire a summer student.
I believe, as I saw today, that the members were supplied with a summer student information package. I encourage them all to take that back to their home communities and recruit summer students to work not only in Environment but in all departments of the government.
Question 319 – 3(2): Addressing Concerns Relating to Health and Social Services (Rumbolt)
I would like to say “good morning” to the people of Sanikiluaq.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, my colleague from Akulliq asked questions about medical escorts. As I reviewed the Hansard this morning, I was very interested to note that the minister had indicated that Nunavut residents who are sent out of the territory for long-term illnesses are not only entitled to an escort but that one escort can be replaced by another.
Can the minister confirm that patients such as children or elders who are down south for long-term medical care are entitled to escorts and even a series of escorts when the patient is there over a long period of time?
Minister of Health and Social Service, Hon. Tagak Curley.
Hon. Tagak Curley (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I can indeed respond to that question: It is a policy we apply both to the Department of Health and Social Services and the Nunavut Government.
We are always on the look out for best practices of administration in order to provide the best services possible to Nunavutmiut. We do not want to short-change our residents in this area.
What I can state is that we try and resolve these issues on a case-by-case basis. It is too difficult and complex to boiler-plate these matters.
There are two types of escorts that qualify. The first is medical escorts, such as nurses or other medical professionals, but the request comes from medical personnel.
The other type is client service escort, which comes directly from the program.
If the person is emotionally/psychologically incapable, a minor, an elder, or is functionally illiterate, then they require assistant.
This type of escort does not specifically require a request from the medical profession.
Our Department administers this part.
We have a report available that outlines these different categories.