EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, I ask members to join me in congratulating Team Nunavut 2000 and wishing them good luck.
Go, Nunavut, go.
I would like to notify all the Members of the Assembly that I will be providing a supply of miniature Nunavut flags, coats of arms and flag lapel pins to you to give to all those participating in the Arctic Winter Games.
Minister’s Statement 72 - 1(3): Climate Change
Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak today to express a growing concern of Nunavummiut.
I am referring to the topic of climate change and the effects it will have on Nunavut and Nunavummiut in the years ahead.
Mr. Speaker, when we hear people talk about climate change, they are referring to the build up of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, and these gases interfere directly with our climate.
People who have studied climate change believe that human activities are upsetting a natural balance that has existed in our atmosphere for thousands of years.
The source of this problem lies with the world’s heavy use of energy.
The burning of oil and gas to heat our homes and our cars and the heavy reliance of our industries on fossil fuels, results in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases being released into the air, eventually accumulating in the atmosphere and causing the earth to heat up.
Attached to my statement today are two charts that I saw for the first time when I attended the Canadian Council of Environment Ministers meeting in Alberta in December.
Environment Canada scientists have developed projections on climate changes in Canada over the next 80 years based on our energy consumption levels continuing at today’s level.
Mr. Speaker, these tables show that in roughly half of the Nunavut Territory, the average winter temperatures over the next 80 years are projected to increase between 15 and 20 degrees.
Although Nunavummiut have heard little of the science of climate change up until now, I know they will quickly understand the implications of a 15 to 20 degree change by the time their grandchildren and great grandchildren are adults.
Scientists are also predicting that rain and snowfall will increase in Nunavut as a result of climate change.
It is estimated that Nunavut accounts for less than 1% of the national greenhouse gas emissions for Canada.
So we have a unique point of view on climate change.
We are one of the smallest contributors to the problem, but one of the biggest recipients of its impacts.
Mr. Speaker, I have asked my department officials to begin working with other agencies in Nunavut on a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy.
We will also be accessing the Government of Canada’s Climate Change Action Fund to increase public awareness in Nunavut on climate change.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, in March I will be participating in a meeting of Canada’s Energy and Environment Ministers.
This is the forum where Canada’s plans for addressing climate change are discussed.
In the days ahead, this House can expect me to report back on our progress on all three initiatives.
Minister’s Statement 73 - 1(3): Expansion of the Rankin Inlet Birthing Centre
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to rise today to inform you of our plans to expand the Rankin Inlet Birthing Centre to enable it to provide regional birthing services for families in Kivalliq communities.
Mr. Speaker, at the moment, the midwives and maternity workers in the Rankin Inlet Birthing Centre give care to all pregnant women in Rankin Inlet.
That is an average of 60 clients per year.
They are able to deliver about 30 babies per year to those women whose pregnancies are considered low risk.
Mr. Speaker, until now the birthing centre could accept only a few women from other Kivalliq communities for care, but the demand for more women to receive care and possibly deliver in Rankin Inlet has been increasing.
I am pleased to tell you Mr. Speaker, that plans are now underway to enable the birthing centre to meet those demands and we believe that we will be ready to offer services to more women outside of Rankin Inlet by May 2000.
Also I am very excited to tell you that the birthing centre has developed a formalised teaching program, which is being given to the two Inuit maternity workers presently working with the midwives in the Centre.
When they complete their training, which should take about 3 to 5 years, these individuals will then be ready to become registered midwives, whose qualifications will be recognized across Canada.
I want to take a moment to offer my encouragement and support to Nowyah Williams and Diane Tiktak as they pursue their dream of becoming registered midwives.
Mr. Speaker, throughout history, midwives have played an important part in the birthing process for women and their families in many cultures including Inuit.
There is no doubt that doctors and hospitals offer important life saving equipment and skills necessary during crisis deliveries.
But Mr. Speaker, the services provided by midwives go far beyond the moment that the baby is born.
They begin their work early in a woman’s pregnancy and they continue to provide care after the baby is born.
Midwives work to promote and protect women’s health while providing care, support and education to the women and their families.
Mr. Speaker, in only a few years the Rankin Inlet Birthing Centre has grown from a pilot project serving one community to become a midwife service for the Kivalliq.
Mr. Speaker, this centre has been recognized nationally by other professionals as an excellent model of community based midwifery.
I commend everyone at the centre and the Keewatin Regional Health & Social Services Board for their commitment to this program.
We will continue to observe the Rankin midwifery program and expect this to be an excellent model for future projects across Nunavut.
Member’s Statement 161 - 1(3): Appreciation for Sessional Support
Since today is our last day in the Rankin Inlet session, I would like to thank all the staff of the Legislative Assembly and John Quirke and his staff and also the co-ordinators and the Principal of this school.
Also all the residents of Rankin Inlet, for their hospitality was incredible.
We keep saying that we want to be more open to the people and that we want to have closer relationships with all the constituencies and I am very glad that we are able to speak to the residents of Rankin Inlet openly.
To our families who are still at home, I thank them, although we are not with them, I want to thank my wife Rosie and I thank my children for being patient and also my constituency I would like to thank them for giving me their support.
With their support we can move forward and I would also like to thank the Members of the Legislative Assembly because this is a learning experience.
Lastly I would like to thank our tireless interpreters, for they work very well together and especially the ones that have been interpreting, Mary and Blandina, I acknowledge them for their work in partnership which each other.
With these interpreters we can be heard nation-wide, perhaps without them nobody would understand what is happening in the House.
Member’s Statement 162 - 1(3): Appreciation for Support during Session
Today I rise to thank the people of Rankin Inlet for their outstanding hospitality and especially Shawn Maley and Sandy Kusugak for their tireless hard work in organising this event.
The two weeks we have been here has made me realize that the Nunavut Government is definitely closer to the people.
The busy social schedule was great, even though I could not attend all the events.
It was great to hear the concerns of the elders, youth and hockey players.
My observations of my fellow colleagues, they seem to have enjoyed themselves and the Kivalliq is a warm place, weather aside.
I want to thank the Premier, Cabinet, fellow MLAs for agreeing to sit in Rankin Inlet.
I had an opportunity to see a lot of old friends.
Mr. Speaker, I hope the practice of moving the Legislative Assembly at least once a year to another community continues, so we can hear the concerns of the people of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to say that a few announcements were made during this session that are very important to the citizens of Nunavut.
Manitok Thompson, Minister of Housing, on the continuing efforts of the Housing Task Force.
Minister Kilabuk on his efforts on community mobilization.
Minister Ng, on his surplus and his Inuit Employment Plan.
The Premier’s statement on decentralization and training.
Minister Havioyak, his statement on the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Task Force.
Minister Arvaluk, which is important, now we get SFA twice a month, and Minister Anawak on the three JP’s.
Last but not least, Minister Picco’s statement on our very own Nunavut Power Corporation.
Mr. Speaker, these may not be ground breaking announcements but they affect all the citizens and the people of Nunavut.
Last but not least as was stated in the announcement by Minister Anawak, I want to wish the whole 249 members of the first Team Nunavut going to the Arctic Winter Games, Godspeed and good luck.
Member’s Statement 163 - 1(3): Nattilik Arctic Winter Games Participants
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about something that I am quite proud of, that Nunavut was established and we should have representatives of our own.
Mr. Speaker, there are two representatives going to Whitehorse to the Arctic Winter Games, and I am very proud of these athletes.
These athletes come from Taloyoak, Mark Lyall, Hanna Manilaq, Collin Tucktoo, Tariya Avak, I apologize for mispronouncing your name.
Also from Gjoa Haven, Nancy Ilisituk, Sheila Kamookak, Cheryl Anne Puqiqnak, Flora Ruben, Paula Porter, Austine Porter.
Mr. Speaker, since this is our first Team Nunavut, we are very proud of these athletes and also my colleague from Rankin West has stated that she would like to encourage all the Members of the Legislative Assembly to congratulate all the athletes going to Whitehorse.
We are so proud of these athletes representing Nunavut.
So these are the athletes going from the two communities in my constituency going to Whitehorse as part of the 249 athletes.
Members’ Statements Ms. Thompson.
Member’s Statement 164 - 1(3): Rankin Inlet Birthing Centre
I wanted to say how happy I am in regards to Mr. Picco’s statement on the expansion of the birthing centre and I would like to thank the Minister of Health and Social Services, Minister Picco for working very hard to support the birthing centre in Rankin Inlet.
Since midwifery is part of traditional way of life and it has been the practice for a long time, we have used traditional midwifery in the past, but in this current year there are many, many people from the Kivalliq area who have been born in Churchill, Manitoba and there have been many pregnant women going down to Churchill, Manitoba and Winnipeg for their maternity leave.
Sometimes they would stay away from home for two months or more and would leave their family behind to go have their baby down there even though they were very healthy.
There are many people who have been born in Manitoba from the Keewatin Region so therefore, I would like to thank the Minister and Keewatin people for supporting the Kivalliq birthing centre.
We are very appreciative of getting the birthing centre.
I would also like to thank the stewards taking the midwifery training course.
In this way we can regain our traditional way of life.
I would like to thank the Minister of Health and Social Services and the staff at the nursing station and the midwifery centre and the elders for the training part of it.
Member’s Statement 165 - 1(3): Hamlet of Clyde River Financial Status
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): Before I go on to my statement, I would like to thank the residents of Rankin Inlet for their hospitality and their suggestions and their concerns that they have passed on to us.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw the House’s attention to this serious financial situation facing the Hamlet of Clyde River.
This morning I received a letter from the Senior Administrative Officer at Clyde River, concerning the Hamlet’s deficit position.
Mr. Speaker, I will be tabling this letter today and I would encourage the Minister of Community Government and Transportation to consider it seriously.
Mr. Speaker, we hear a lot about capacity problems in the Territorial Government.
But we cannot forget the capacity problems facing the Hamlets.
These problems are not of their own making, and the residents of the smaller communities should not have to suffer simply because they want to live in their home communities.
Mr. Speaker, the letter to me asks the Government to review the municipal funding formula and the water and sewage subsidy program, so as to improve the financial capacity of Clyde River to provide the programs and services that the people need.
Member’s Statement 166 - 1(3): Inuinnaqtun Language
Hon. Donald Havioyak (interpretation): I would like to make some comments in regards to speaking in my language of Inuinnaqtun.
During question period I was told to talk in the English language and I wasn’t pleased with this.
I want to point out to you that from Kugluktuk and in western Kitikmeot, we speak Inuinnaqtun, it is our language.
I will continue to use my language seriously, and you should be aware as the members here we have Inuinnaqtun language in our communities, in our region and we will continue to use this language and our written language.
I want you to know that sometimes we have difficulty with our own language as yet, west Kitikmeot.
But we are proud of this language and I want this western Kitikmeot language of Inuinnaqtun to be known.
When I’m talking in my own language Inuinnaqtun in the House, I will continue to talk so that my people of constituency will know that what I am saying, or understand what I am saying in the House.
In closing, I would like to thank the Rankin Inlet community where we are treated just like being at home and it is nice to see some of the people that I haven’t seen.
In regards to the other item, last night they put up a talent show and I was proud of that and we saw lots of people who were drum dancing and singing.
Member’s Statement 167 - 1(3): Appreciation to Rankin Inlet Residents
I know there was a lot of work here and I’d like to thank the people who made it possible by organising it.
I’d like to thank Shawn Maley, Regional Superintendent, CGT, who was the head co-ordinator for Rankin Inlet staff in setting up the session.
Ralph Ruediger and Ed Rempel from DPWTTS.
Margo Aksalnik, Principal of Maani Ulujuk School for letting us use her school for two weeks.
Cheryl Forbes, Clare Harington, Sara Ayaroak, Leo Ussak for the great singing at the opening and signing of the MOU with Manitoba.
The Nunavut song is great.
Liz Courtney and the grade two class for their presentation to the Minister of Health about being tobacco free.
The young choir for singing at the airport.
Mr. and Mrs. Aupilardjuk, and their grandson for their prayers, qulliq lighting and drum dancing.
Darcey Scobie and Ben Porter for all their hard work.
Wendy Scobie for the great treats in the coffee room.
I’d like to thank Theresa Tungillik for organising the talent show and the fashion show.
I would like to thank Cathy Towtongie who also organized the event.
Ray Mercer for his help during the unveiling of the Nunavut logo.
Harry Adams for all his assistance in the school, and Maani Ulujuk School staff and students for allowing us the use of the gym in the school. And of course the High School staff and students for the use of their school and the volleyball games.
The camera crew, Luke Angidlik, Sam Iqillik, Joe Hidalgo for their hard work on making sure our sessions were broadcast.
I also appreciate the hard work of Sandy Kusugak.
I’d like to recognize our staff member for the Legislative Assembly, Erie Leighfield, she is a very hard working and patient woman to work with.
I’d like to thank the residents of Rankin Inlet for allowing our members to feel welcome.
Member’s Statement 168 - 1(3): Appreciation of Support
Yesterday I did thank the residents of Rankin Inlet but I wanted to recognize the Minister of Education for allowing us to use the facilities here at Rankin Inlet.
I’d like also to thank my family back home for being patient with me and Joanna Nutarak, my wife.
Of course, they have to endure to the end, as we have to finish our work wherever we have to meet and I’d like to thank them for their patience.
Member’s Statement 169 - 1(3): Appreciation to Rankin Inlet Residents
I rise today along with the Members of the Legislative Assembly for the great hospitality Rankin Inlet residents have shown to us.
I’d like to thank all the people who have done a lot of work for us in order to have this Assembly here.
We have to work hard in order that in the future our younger students’ children will be able to carry on the work that we started for them and I never thought that I would become an MLA myself.
For my children and my wife, I’d like to thank them because they have been very patient with me and they are very understanding.
I’d like to thank the rest of the MLAs.
It seemed like I’m sitting way alone in the corner and I’d like to thank all the residents of Rankin Inlet and the MLAs.
Member’s Statement 170 - 1(3): Appreciation to Rankin Inlet Residents
I would also like to thank the people of Rankin Inlet for their hospitality and especially their warmth.
I would especially like to thank Ron and Gretty Roach, and Howard Green and Joyce for inviting me for supper and a trip to their cabin on the land.
Mr. Speaker, a special thanks John Patterk and his wife Marina for their hospitality and excellent caribou stew.
The Legislative staff and translators and our EAs and those fine Siniktarvik staff.
Mr. and Mrs. Forbes on behalf of the Premier and me for an excellent meal and a good time.
And Mr. Speaker, a special hello to my wife and kids home in Iqaluit, daddy is coming home.
Member’s Statement 171 - 1(3) Rankin Inlet Session Progress
Hon. Kelvin Ng: I never thought you would get to me Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to just summarise first of all the past two and a half weeks while we have been sitting here in Rankin Inlet for House business.
As you know we’ve carried out three pieces of legislation, we’ve dealt with the Ikuma Report, we’re into substantive discussions now on POL pricing.
For other business outside the House, we’ve had the opportunity to meet with the Keewatin Mayors, the Keewatin and the Rankin Inlet Chambers of Commerce, with elders, we have signed the MOU with Manitoba, we’ve had the unveiling of the official Government of Nunavut logo, and meetings with the Nunavut Youth Abroad.
This is in addition to the many other meetings that ministers I know undertook with other groups and organizations and one of the Standing Committees also had some public hearings, I believe on the Electoral Boundaries or the Elections Report while they were in Rankin Inlet.
We have also had an opportunity, many of us to go to some other communities, Whale Cove, Repulse, and Chesterfield Inlet afforded us that opportunity through the host MLAs.
On the social side of things, there has been old timers hockey, there has been square dances, a fashion show, volleyball with the students and I have been fortunate to be able to attend all of those Mr. Speaker.
I think we have all recognized we have been received with warmth and with hospitality from the residents of Rankin Inlet.
I’d like to recognize and thank also the school for us imposing on them using this fine facility, to the Legislative Assembly staff, to the government staff, the interpreters, the Sinktarvik staff that have had to put up many of us for two and a half weeks and to the residents and the Mayor Simon Upatauyak, and specifically I want to mention both Shawn Maley and Sandy Kusugak who many of us have spent a lot of time prior to our coming here and assisting the Leg staff Mr. Quirke in making the arrangements and organizing things on our behalf.
On a personal note, I would like to also recognize and thank both Leonard and Cheryl Forbes for opening up their home to me.
I hope that one day Mr. Speaker, in Cambridge Bay we will have an opportunity to attempt to match the hospitality and organizational efforts that have been put in place while we have been here in Rankin Inlet.
As you know, I have been one of the advocates of holding sessions outside of Iqaluit, and I would ask all members to join me in congratulating the residents of Rankin Inlet, they have proved to us that it can be done successfully.
And also, on a final note, the Premier had to go to a conference call and he asked me to convey his best wishes and thanks to the residents of Rankin Inlet, Whale Cove, Repulse Bay and Chesterfield Inlet for the warm welcome that he received while he attended those functions in those communities.
Member’s Statement 172- 1(3): Appreciation to Rankin Inlet Residents
Mr. Ng said all the words that I wanted to say so I will sit down again.
Well, Mr. Ng forgot some, first of all I would like to thank the communities of Chesterfield Inlet and Repulse Bay for welcoming us, and the government will now be open to the concerns of the communities.
I would like to mention the school, the Maani Ulujuk school teachers, I would like to thank them very much for accommodating us.
I would also like to say that Coral Harbour is one of the smallest communities in Nunavut but for this year, there are quite a number of people that are going to the Whitehorse Arctic Winter Games, I am not going to be saying all the names, but there are twenty two athletes that are going to be going to Whitehorse for the Arctic Winter Games, and I wish them well from the people of Nunavut.
It shows you that even if you’re the smallest community in the whole of Nunavut, you can still be a part of the activities.
And also to the elders and the people who participated in the opening ceremonies and in other activities, I recognize them all, and also the people of Whale Cove who we were able to have a meeting with us this morning.
There was also a scholastic book award for "The Lonely Inukshuk", that we recognized this morning, and I am very glad that I was able to participate on behalf of the Premier.
We have quite a lot of activities that we have had to do over the past two and a half weeks and I would like to mention my wife who I believe is very patient.
She left for Greenland today and I will be arriving into Iqaluit tomorrow so I don't believe I will see her for a month and myself too for our patience.
Member’s Statement 173 - 1(3): Rankin Inlet Session
Mr. Speaker I rise today on this, the last day of the Rankin Inlet sitting of the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, we began this sitting during a week of cold winds and grey clouds.
Perhaps it is an omen that we conclude under the light of a clear afternoon and a blue sky that heralds the imminent return of spring.
I would like to thank the people of Rankin Inlet once again for their hospitality to us all and for their interest in our proceedings and for their community events that we all enjoyed.
This has been a memorable experience for us all.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to mention the elders group that spoke so eloquently at the hearing of the Standing Committee Ajauqtiit on the review of the Elections Act.
Once again, Mr. Speaker the comments we heard that day remind us all that the wisdom of the elders can guide us on these issues.
This was Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in action.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to conclude by thanking you for presiding over a spirited sitting here in Rankin Inlet.
As an Assembly we've discussed and brought into the open a number of initiatives and issues.
It has been gratifying to see the public has been in frequent attendance.
We now look forward to reconvening in Iqaluit in just three weeks time to begin the budget session which I am confident will be a lively one.
Mr. Speaker, while having been here has allowed me to visit with relatives and friends, it will be good to go home tomorrow to my family and constituents, as I'm sure it will be for all of us.
It has been a long time for many members of this House to go without the support of their loved ones.
Member’s Statement 174 - 1(3): Appreciation to Rankin Inlet Residents