EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
They must not be forgotten as other communities reap the benefits of jobs and economic opportunities that come with decentralization.
This government must and will do more to assist these communities.
We have the tools to assist their development and we have already begun to see this as a priority.
Minister's Statement 139 – 1(3): Nunavut Power Corporation Implementation Update
Mr. Speaker, as you know the Nunavut Power Corporation will begin operations on April 1, 2001.
Today it is my pleasure to share with this Assembly some of the progress that we have made in setting up the Nunavut Power Corporation.
Over the summer I appointed and met with the first Board of Directors of NPC.
They are Mr. Simon Merkosak of Pond Inlet, Mr. David Simailak of Baker Lake, Ms. Elisapee Sheutiapik of Iqaluit, Mr. Dennis Lyall of Taloyoak and Mr. Rick Blennerhassett the President of the NPC.
Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity to join the first NPC Board meeting in September in Baker Lake.
At that meeting the NPC Board of Directors approved a 2001/2002 NPC budget of 49.7 million dollars for operations and a capital budget of 7 million dollars.
I am also pleased to tell you that Nunavut is experiencing a higher than expected customer growth rate.
Therefore, although NPC is effected by increased fuel prices like everyone else, our increased revenue projections for 2001/2002 will allow the NPC to absorb the additional cost of fuel without any impact on the charge to customers.
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Blennerhassett and I have enjoyed the support and assistance of Mayor Jacob Ikinilik and the Hamlet Council and of course, Mr. McLean, to successfully set up our NPC head office in Baker Lake.
It is now equipped and functioning in its new building.
Mr. Speaker, I am extremely pleased with the progress of our comprehensive training program underway in Baker Lake.
As Mr. McLean mentioned in his member's statement on October 18, 15 trainees are now one month into the courses that will prepare them to assume head office positions ranging from Human Resources, Pay and Benefits, Purchasing, Accounts Payable and Billings.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that the Nunavut Power Corporation's approach to staffing the Baker Lake head office demonstrates a deep commitment to the principles of decentralization in Nunavut and I want to commend NPC President, Mr. Rick Blennerhassett and Mr. Peter Scott, the Director of the Nunavut Power Corporation Implementation Secretariat, for their swift action on this important initiative.
Mr. Speaker, finally, I want to take a moment to recognize the vision and fierce dedication of Laura Gauthier to the development and the implementation of our Nunavut Power Corporation.
Tragically Mr. Speaker, Laura passed away this summer.
Much of what we have accomplished and what we will accomplish is because of her work and dedication.
We are deeply grateful to her.
She is deeply missed.
Minister's Statement 140– 1(3): Asuilaak - The Living Dictionary
It is with great pleasure that I announce the launch of Asuilaak.
Finally. It’s here.
The Living Dictionary.
(interpretation ends) In response to cultural needs for language preservation and promotion, the Department of Culture, Language, Elders & Youth have funded a unique project headed by Multilingual E-Data Solutions - Multedata.
As its interactive database invites users to discuss and make additions to word definitions, the Living Dictionary gives recognition to the celebration of Inuktitut diversity and language.
It is a powerful tool for interpreters, translators, educators, Government of Nunavut staff and others interested in the active use of Inuktitut.
(interpretation) The user interface is displayed in three languages, Inuktitut, English and French and is accessibly in Roman Orthography and Syllabics.
(interpretation ends) The technological design of Asuilaak is a reflection of the evolving culture that surrounds an evolving language.
It is keeping pace with the speed of the world’s technological advancements.
The Living Dictionary brings words and phrases used by our elders alive for our youth.
(interpretation) Asuilaak respects the words of our past, shares the words of today and recognizes the words of change we will speak tomorrow.
(interpretation ends) At this time I would like to invite Members of the Legislative Assembly to the Legislative Library from 4 pm to 5 pm for online demonstrations of the Living Dictionary.
Together we will witness the power of communications sharing Inuktitut on the world wide web. www.livingdictionary.com will be a site dedicated to sharing.
Minister's Statement 141 – 1(3): RCMP Drug Detection Dog
Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform the Legislative Assembly of a new program put into place by RCMP V Division here in Iqaluit.
We have authorized the Commanding Officer to establish a drug detection dog position for Nunavut.
The commanding officer has selected an experienced officer who already resides in Iqaluit to take the drug detection dog handlers’ course.
The dog has been selected by experts in the field and is also undergoing training.
We anticipate that the handler and the dog will be ready to begin their duties early in the new year.
Mr. Speaker, this is an important initiative in Nunavut.
We are all aware of the easy access to drugs in Iqaluit and even in our smaller communities.
We are also painfully aware of the terrible costs to individual Nunavummiut, their families and communities as the direct result of illegal drugs.
We must address the problem in a variety of ways.
A drug detection dog is a strategy that has proved to be effective elsewhere and that the RCMP believe will also help in Nunavut.
(interpretation ends) The duties of the handler Mr. Speaker, and the dog will involve drug detection 50% of the time, but I want to stress that the other 50% of their time will be spent doing educational presentations in schools and to concerned groups across Nunavut.
These presentations will address all aspects of drug abuse and its prevention.
These educational and preventative roles are extremely important.
We must ensure that our children are made aware of the dangers of drug use and the ways in which they can avoid getting involved with drugs.
We believe that a specially trained police officer will be effective in this regard, especially as he will be accompanied by the dog.
From the perspective of children in school, the dog will provide an added element of interest that will make the presentations more effective.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I believe that this is a very important initiative being taken by the RCMP.
It is critical that we educate Nunavummiut and work with them on preventative measures.
This applies especially to our children.
Mr. Speaker, I feel especially confident that the drug detection dog will meet the highest standards and will carry out his duties in an exemplary manner.
I know that Mr. Speaker, because the dog's name is JACK. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member's Statement 443 – 1(3): Qallunaat Qaujimajatuqangit
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Uqaqti, I stand here today, and as today is Friday, and my colleague Mr. McLean, please don’t think that I’m singling you out, I would like to say something that I find very funny.
I have many friends, it doesn’t matter where they’re from and yesterday I had the occasion and noticed that one of my colleagues had hair that turned white, and I asked him where the white hair came from and he told me that it came from Qallunaat Qaujimajatuqangit.
>>Laughter & applause
Member’s Statement 444 - 1(3): National Co-op Week & Credit Union Day
Mr. Tootoo: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the week of Oct. 15 to the 21st, as National Co-op Week.
This week the co-operatives across Canada celebrate their contribution to Canadian society.
A co-operative system was established in the north just over 40 years ago, and Mr. Speaker I believe the Koomiut Co-op in Kugaaruk was the first legally incorporated co-operative then in the NWT.
Co-operatives have continued to contribute to the growth and development of many of our northern communities.
There are currently 25 active co-operatives throughout Nunavut serving the commercial needs of the people.
Local staff have received business experience and training through these co-ops and over 12 million dollars annually Mr. Speaker, has been paid out in wages. Co-operative play a significant role in our northern economy from selling merchandise, building stores, and hotels through marketing arts and crafts, as well as being involved in investment and other ventures.
Mr. Speaker, I am a strong supporter of the co-operative movement and I encourage local efforts to establish and operate co-operatives in all communities across Nunavut.
The co-operative system shares many of the basic principles that we know are key for the successful northern society, the principles of self help, self responsibility, and the spirit of co-operation. Co-operatives offer a really good example of northern community empowerment by giving local consumers a role and voice in the business to provide them with services and supplies.
There are almost 10 thousand co-op members in Nunavut, representing roughly 38 % of our population.
Nunavut co-op members have attended annual meetings, have voiced their ideas on how things were done, they served as directors and been employed as managers and staff.
Mr. Speaker, coinciding with the celebration of National co-op week was the celebration of National Credit Union day yesterday, on the third Thursday of October, I look forward to the day that we will see an opening of a Credit Union type financial institution in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I ask members to join me in recognizing National Co-op Week and National Credit Union day.
Member’s statements.
Member's Statement 445 – 1(3): Help for Stranded Inuit Hunters
Mr. Puqiqnak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First of all we have something in front us that looks very nice.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker I rise today to congratulate the people of Gjoa Haven, my constituents. This past summer on September 4, there were some hunters stranded due to gale force winds.
There were 11 of them and the winds went up to 80 kilometres an hour.
They had a 24 foot boat with a 115-horse power motor but the winds flipped the boat upside down due to the strong winds.
No one was able to make contact with them and they were running out of food.
No aircraft were able to supply with them with food because of the wind and the tides.
When it is windy it is very difficult because it is an island they have to travel a great distance.
Mr. Speaker, therefore the people of Gjoa Haven started raising some funds to help the stranded people.
They came up with about 2 thousand dollars so that the searchers could charter a plane to bring in supplies and they were able to get their supplies.
The people of Gjoa Haven tried their best to help the hunters and for that, I wish to express my gratitude and congratulate them on their efforts to raise money.
Mr. Speaker, Inuit pulled together and helped each other even though they might not have adequate money personally, they tried to help any way they could.
We are supposed to help our fellow Inuit.
I hope that this kind of kindness will continue.
Member's Statement 446 – 1(3): Traditional Songs by Elders Available on CD
In 1998, Martha Talerook was very concerned that the traditional music of Baker Lake would be lost when the older generations passed away.
Martha Talerook, Sally Webster, Jean Simailik, Winnie Owingayak discussed what they could do to preserve the music.
It was decided to meet with interested elders and suggest to them that they produce a CD of their music.
Twenty-eight elders met and they were very excited about the idea.
Sally Webster and Winnie Owingayak organized practice sessions over a 2 month period.
When they were ready a professional recording company came to Baker Lake and recorded their songs.
From this recording session enough music was taped to produce both CDs that can be purchased at the Inuit Heritage Centre in Baker Lake.
Sally and Winnie interviewed each elder about their song, when they wrote it, what the meaning was, etc.
From this, a report was produced which is in the research centre at the Inuit Heritage Centre in Baker Lake.
Mr. Speaker, profits from the sale of the CDs are shared between the elders who were involved with the project.
This also shows that elders can be resourceful and profit motivated and this project is an excellent example of preserving a traditional culture and oral history.
And on that note Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues from Clyde River and Cape Dorset will play these tapes instead of that rock and roll headache music that they have blaring all the time on the first floor.
It is like having two noisy teenagers in the House.
>>Laughter, applause
Member's Statement 447 – 1(3): Passing of Mr. Taparti
Honourable Jack Anawak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Even though elders pass away it is very niceto see projects such as these, especially when they produce something.
They passed on their knowledge to us when we were growing up as teenagers.
I would like to congratulate my friend Taparti who passed away in Rankin Inlet.
I believe he first started working at the mine when they had a mine there and then he went to Yellowknife to Lynn Lake to work in the mines there.
He would bring his family.
Then he returned to Rankin Inlet and he was working on different things.
For example, he worked for the Hamlet as a by-law officer.
He did a lot of volunteer work in the community especially counselling on suicide prevention.
There is a book on suicide prevention and he is quoted in there too.
Taparti went through hard times because he lost two sons who committed suicide.
They both committed suicide.
As Inuit, our elders encountered the first ways of Qallunaaq.
I was very proud of Taparti because although he was an elder, he was involved in local politics.
A couple of times when I was elected as the Member of Parliament he used to be my assistant.
I would like approval to finish my statement Mr. Speaker.
Honorable Jack Anawak (interpretation): He also worked with the RCMP in Rankin Inlet guiding them.
They put up a plaque to recognize him.
He was almost mauled by a polar bear but fortunately, he was okay.
In 1998, he went out hunting with his wife and an in-law and when they did not return a search party went looking for him.
Apparently, he had hurt himself, had broken his pelvis and injured his head and was trying to return to the camp.
I am not sure what the exact details are but he made it as far as the kamotik.
On March 12, 1998, unfortunately he passed away.
I am very proud that he had gone out of his way to help people not just in Rankin Inlet but also in Repulse Bay.
Therefore, I would like to send my condolences to his wife and their children and grandchildren and there are many more.
The reason I feel for this is because he was not hesitant to say anything and he was willing to help others who needed his help.
He was a very kind man and we will always remember his words.
We will not forget him.
Member's Statement 448– 1(3): Inukjuak Music Festival
I rise today to talk about an event that occurred this past summer in Inukjuak, Nunavik, a music festival.
While I was there, I told the people that during the fall session that we would have to publicly thank the people of Inukjuak, Nunavik.
Their music festival went very smoothly and everybody welcomed us.
They all said that they also watch us on television over there, especially Emily Epoo.
I hope she is watching, and her and her spouse are okay.
Everybody is okay here and I was welcomed to make a small presentation and they recognized me as a minister in Nunavut. I was very happy that they treated me like that and recognized that I am a minister.
I would like to thank the Inuit.
They are very intelligent and can overcome anything although they have gone through very difficult times.
There are a lot of things that are available that can prevent us from leading a good life but we can overcome them.
For those people who organized the music festival in Inukjuak, I thank them.
Member's Statement 449 – 1(3): World March of Women 2000
Mr. Speaker, on Sunday past I joined with over 50 women and men to participate in the World March of Women 2000.
The marchers joined with thousands all over the world to bring forward principles of fairness and equity.
The marchers also sent cards to his excellency Kofi Annan, the Secretary-General of the United Nations asking the UN and its member states to take concrete action to eliminate poverty and ensure a fair distribution of the planet's wealth between rich and poor and between men and women.
Mr. Speaker, the marchers also asked the UN to help eliminate violence against women and ensure equality between women and men.
Mr. Speaker, violence against women and equality for women needs to be addressed in a proactive way as demonstrated by the marchers here in Nunavut and around the world.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the organizers of the walk and would like to present the marchers’ banner, by their request, to you Mr. Speaker signed by the marchers to be displayed by this House in the lobby as an indication of our support, the Legislative Assembly, for women and the marchers.
Member's Statement 450 – 1(3): Residents of Pangnirtung in Hospital
Hon. Peter Kilabuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and good morning.
Coming from Pangnirtung, we have two persons from my constituency who are at the hospital here, David Arnakaq and Elisapee Kunilusee.
I want to inform you that Elisapee Kunilusee is the sister of our Premier. On behalf of Mr. Okalik and myself, I want to extend our gratitude to the excellent staff of our Health & Social Services Minister Mr. Picco.
The individuals I referred to are doing much better due to the great care given by the nurses.
We hope that they will get well soon, and return to their families.
Turning to another subject, my colleague Peter Kattuk was talking about strong winds that were reaching up to 80 kilometres an hour, that is pretty strong but in Pangnirtung every month we have 80 kilometre per hour winds and sometimes they reach up to over 100 kilos an hour.
With that in mind I will have a discussion with him about winds later.
Moving on to item 4. Returns to oral questions.
Return to OQ 231 - 1(3): Nunavut Seat on Canada Post Board and Council
Hon. Paul Okalik: Thank you. Mr. Speaker, at the Northern Premiers’ Forum last spring it was agreed that Nunavut would take the lead on insuring the appointment of a northern resident for the board of directors of the Canada Post Corporation. Since that time, on behalf of northerners inall three territories, I have met with and written to both Prime Minister Chretien and Alfonso Gagliano, the Minister for Canada Post, concerning this matter and indicating the need to have the board of directors reflect the entire country.
I’m pleased to announce that yesterday the Federal Government appointed Mickey Akavak formerly a resident of Kimmirut and now residing in Baker Lake, to the Board of Directors of Canada Post Corporation.
Mr. Akavak will bring a unique perspective to the Canada Post Corporation, and will be able to further the understanding of Canada Post to the needs of northerners, thank you.
Moving on to item 5. Recognition of visitors in the gallery.
Hon. Peter Kattuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I usually do not have anybody to recognize, but today I do.
There are some people from Sanikiluaq who have come to visit their children here in Iqaluit at the handicapped care facility. One is my cousin Elijah Kavik and Annie Kavik, the person in the middle is my wife, thank you.
Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Okalik.
Although we have sessions in my riding, I rarely get the opportunity and the pleasure of recognizing visitors in the gallery from my constituency.
Today I would like to recognize a constituent; a long time northerner and well read and writes weekly articles in our newspaper, Nunatsiaq News.
Mr. Jim Bell is with us here today. I would like to recognize him and welcome him to the legislature.
Speaker: Welcome to the gallery Mr. Bell.
Hope you're in a good mood today.
Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Ms. Thompson.
I would just like to recognize the PPD staff from Rankin.
Roy Green as everybody knows now who he is, he is a famous guy from the last session in Rankin and you guys should know him.
Maybe everybody should shake his hand afterwards before my prices increase.
Gail Alexander is one of the other staff at the department there in Rankin.
Also Dorothy Merritt who is also my cousin.
Her mom is my mom's stepsister.
They are from the PPD office in Rankin and are just passing through.
Just before moving on, today is Friday and although we have many important issues to discuss, it is also known to be one of our lighter days.
You will note that in front of each member is a nameplate.
Just a reminder that these are for your offices not for the chamber here.
That is just a memento of your time here as a member and the family that we have here in this chamber.
I believe that everybody will find a nameplate with the exception of Mr. Picco.
As you look down to your lower shelf Mr. Picco, you will find your nameplate.
>>Applause, laughter
Having said that, moving on to item 6.
Question 614 – 1(3): Nunavut Arts & Crafts Association Meeting
I did not want to be first but thank you Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, when we had a meeting here a couple of days ago I stated that I would be mentioning Nunavut artists.
That is an issue that I will continue to keep bringing up.
I know that this is not the only issue but it is still an issue up in the air.
I would like to ask the Minister of Sustainable Development about the Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association.
They will be holding a conference very soon during the Nunavut Arts Festival taking place in Rankin Inlet next month Mr. Speaker.
I know this funding is available both at the Territorial and Federal level for artists but they are having great difficulty accessing it.
Mr. Speaker, will the minister be able to attend this forum and use this opportunity to push forward a one-window approach for Nunavut artists to provide funding and information.
Concerning your question about whether I will be attending this forum.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind the member and my colleagues that the Nunavut Arts and Craft Association is funded by the Department of Sustainable Development for their operations and maintenance.
As this is the case we have agreed that the Nunavut Arts and Craft Association is a stand-alone association and they have access to other funds outside of the Nunavut Government.
It is up to the Nunavut Arts and Craft Association to access outside funds and since that is the case when I go to their annual general meeting I would like Nunavut Arts and Craft Association to run smoothly.
If I can recall there are also people I believe who are recognized.
I think you know what I am referring to but I asked a question a few days ago about the Arts and Craft Association.
They are not running properly at the community level.
They are having a hard time accessing funds and marketing their crafts.
As the Minister of Sustainable Development, you have stated that you will provide funding for the Nunavut Arts and Craft Association.
Mr. Speaker, since the minister is representing the Territory of Nunavut, he could possibly lobby on behalf of the artists so that they could be provided additional funds.
I have always stated as a rule that the Nunavut Arts and Craft Association should be well represented.
We will be working closely with this association today and in the future.
For your information, we are making changes in the way we work with the Arts and Crafts Association.
We hope that they will be properly represented.
Communication is a big part of this policy and in marketing crafts.
We are working closely with them.
Gjoa Haven, Sanikiluaq, and Repulse Bay go to Toronto where they have a marketing outlet.
But I think that our department will properly support each community in Nunavut.
Also thank you to the Minister of Sustainable Development for giving his full support.