EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
It was a very enjoyable trip when we went down to Sanikiluaq and I think today might be the last day of the session before we resume again in February.
I hope to see the people in Pond Inlet soon.
Member's Statement 382 - 1(5): Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Prevention
Today I would like to focus my member's statement on an issue that I think a lot of us don't realize is an issue and I think that a lot of from Nunavut should be aware of it and try to do something about it.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, what I would like to speak about today is an issue facing the students especially.
Since the Europeans started coming up north, I am sure it did not start right away, but recently babies are sometimes born with disabilities.
Some babies are born with FAS, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
If a woman is pregnant and drinks during the pregnancy, the alcohol that she consumes effects the baby.
I think we, as a government should do something about FAS and not depend on one particular department to deal with it.
There are some very young mothers out there and I think we should get the information out there because Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a preventable illness.
I think we, as a government should work harder because the when children start going to school, sometimes go through extremely hard times.
Their minds are under-developed and they have an extremely hard time during their school years if they affected by FAS.
We as a government should be getting this information out there and especially educate the young girls because they have to be aware that whatever they eat and drink goes to the baby in the womb.
I appreciate that the Department of Health & Social Services is doing what it can to deal with this.
I am making this statement because I think we all have to work together to prevent Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
Member's Statement 383 - 1(5): Iqaluit Hot Meal Program
Mr. Speaker, good afternoon.
Mr. Speaker, a volunteer group of Iqaluit residents recently came together to help facilitate a hot meal program for Iqaluit's homeless and families in need.
Mr. Speaker to date, with moral and verbal support from many individuals, groups, businesses, and organizations, the volunteers hope to begin the hot meal program on December 9th.
Mr. Speaker, with Christmas approaching and the cold weather already here, this initiative will be well welcomed by the many residents who need help this coming winter.
I would like to ask you Mr. Speaker, and this House to join with me in thanking the many volunteers, organizations and businesses for undertaking the hot meal program.
Member's Statement 384 - 1(5): Remembrance of Siusarnaq Family
Mr. Speaker, today I am wearing a jacket that I just received from Repulse Bay.
The person who made this jacket is Susan Siusarnaq.
Susan was a little girl when her dad Siusarnaq and his brother died in a plane crash near Coral Harbour some years ago, going to Coral Harbour for a bible study.
Mr. Siusarnaq was my assistant pastor when I was pastoring in Repulse Bay.
So, Mr. Speaker, I would like to remember Mr. Siusarnaq and his family I will wear this beautiful jacket when I am in session.
Member's Statement 385 - 1(5): Recognition of Interpreters and Pangnirtung
As one of my colleagues stated today might be the last day of the session.
I would like to thank the people of Pangnirtung first of all for giving me support and advice.
And if today is our last day, I would like to also thank our interpreters who work tirelessly throughout the whole session.
It is not an easy job and also I will see the people of Pangnirtung when we take a break for Christmas.
Member's Statement 386 - 1(5): Establishment of Nunavut
Jobie said he was in Sanikiluaq and he was also told by a woman to say hi to her and I didn't hear that.
As well, David was asked what do you call women when you refer to them.
He said that I call them Mom.
That points out that our dialects are quite different between Baffin and our dialect.
In 1999, we were working to establish the Nunavut Government.
We were unsure as to how exactly the Government of Nunavut would be.
At that time we were just starting to be aired on television and the people of Nunavut of course would be watching all of us and they could hear all the words that we are saying.
What I am trying to say is that today everything is open to the Inuit of Nunavut and the public in general is now involved through the media, radio and other services.
I think some people from the general public might start thinking that if this MLA does this or says that it might be more appropriate.
I think there are some members of the general public out there, just people of Nunavut that want to have their say.
As well I am thankful to the media for keeping our proceedings open to the public.
Member's Statement 387 - 1(5): Session at Igloolik
I think today is our last day even though we would like to go on and on and keep on meeting.
I understand that we will be meeting again in February.
I was starting to worry about what I thought my colleague was going to say.
However, the people of Igloolik are well informed as to where we travel and I think our Clerk has received a letter from Igloolik.
They would like the Legislative Assembly to meet in Igloolik this spring, they even have started some preparations.
They have two hotels and it is going to be nice weather in Igloolik, just think about that.
Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to introduce the new Nunavut Liquor Board who are meeting for the first time this week in Iqaluit.
Behind me I have Raymond Kamookak, the chair from Gjoa Haven.
Darrell Ohokannoak from Cambridge Bay.
Frank Ekpakohak from Kugluktuk.
And across on the other side we have Louis Taparti from Rankin Inlet.
Mary Inuktaluk from Sanikiluaq and Rosie Ellsworth from here in Iqaluit.
Mr. Ng recognized a person from Sanikiluaq, but I would like to welcome Mary Inuktaluk and next to her is a lady named after my mother, Alice.
>>Applause  Speaker: Mr. Kilabuk.
I would like to recognize people from the Sivuniksaliurniq group.
These students are going to be involved with the carpentry course and some taking cooking courses that provide snacks for us in the mornings.
These students also make available the lunches and at 5 pm meals for the homeless on a volunteer basis.
I will be naming them individually.
I would like them to stand up as I say their names.
In the carpentry program; Eliyah Siakuluk from Hall Beach, Michael Kakee from Grise Fiord, Robert Arnatsiaq from Pond Inlet, James Maktak also from Pond Inlet, Nancy Sanguya from Pond Inlet and Larry Poisey from Qiqitarjuaq, Josie Kanguk from Qiqitarjuak, Jacoposie Idlout from Clyde River, Jason Aulayut from Coral Harbour, Gee Audlakiak from Kimmirut, Flora Ipeelie from Iqaluit, Teta Malakie from Hall Beach, Dennis Amaaq from Igloolik and Jolly Maktak from Pond Inlet.
These are the students for the carpentry program.
Their teacher is Pierre Brenon.
From the cooking program; Nuqingak Etuangat from Pangnirtung, Malakie Aqiaruq from Hall Beach, Philip Angurarasiak from Hall Beach, Rose Pukiuq from Arctic Bay, Paul Inualuaq from Pond Inlet, Rose Judea from Kimmirut, Peter Mark of Iqaluit, Jolly Kelly also from Iqaluit, and Charlene Samutuq from Chesterfield Inlet, Eva Inukuluk of Pond Inlet, Leesee Alookie who is not present as well.
Also Akutuk Ipiaq from Chesterfield Inlet.
Also taking academics; Billy Atagoyuk of Iqaluit, Peter Ululiuq Iqaluit, and their teacher is Shaun Gee.
Please feel welcome to the Assembly.
These are the students that are taking their respective course.
And if I didn't anyone else please feel welcome to the House.
Mr. Speaker I would like to recognize before Manitok does, Louie Taparti from my riding.
I would like to thank him for being here. As well, Frank Ekpakohak is here from Kugluktuk and a relative of mine, Jason Alajut.
I would like to recognize some of the people that the Minister of Education has recognized from Pond Inlet.
I would like to welcome Inuk Maktak of Pond Inlet, Qumangajuk Maktak.
I would like to let you know that they are twins from Pond Inlet.
Also Robert Arnatsiaq, Eva Inukuluk over there and Paul Inualik and Patrick Sanguya.
And I would like to say that I am very proud of them as well, Mr. Speaker.
I would like to recognize all the students as well Erin Naqitaqvik from my riding.
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, looking at all the students here I feel very proud of them all.
I would also like to recognize some people from my riding.
Samantha Audlakiak attending a course in Cambridge and Andy Aipelee who is also attending a course in Cambridge Bay.
Lorna Iqalujuak was just in Cambridge Bay as well for sports.
Also First Air employee JC Tigularak.
Also over there from Qikiqtarjuaq please stand up both of you.
Next to the person from Qikiqtarjuaq a person from Clyde River, I recognize him as well.
I would like to recognize another person who was involved in a tragedy last year and froze part of his body, Simon Nattaq.
Perhaps if the Inuit way of survival was used this might not have happened where he might not have lost part of his body.
I would like to recognize Simon Nattaq.
Also even if we are not meeting at the session, I am going to continue to push for what I support.
Speaker: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Mr. Irqittuq.
Mr. Irqittuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. These people were already recognized but I am also very proud of them, the students that are taking different courses from Hall Beach, there is no one from Igloolik.
Elijah Seakuluk is the first one I would like to recognize.
Paula Malliki, I will be using their Inuktitut names.
Phillip Angunatsiark Saumik.
Malakie Aqiaruk.
I would like to welcome them to the chamber.
Hon. Ed Picco: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Education has already introduced many of the Iqaluit residents so I will try to mention some that he hasn't already mentioned.
First of all Mr. Speaker, a very well respected elder from all over Nunavut, and also the mother of one of our interpreters, Mary Nashook, I would like to introduce Paniloo Nashook to the gallery.
Also Mr. Speaker, a lady who makes fantastic Uuyuk, and she is a constituent of mine and a friend and I should also point out that she was just appointed to the Liquor Board, Ms. Rosie Ellsworth.
Welcome Rosie to the Gallery.
Also, Mr. Speaker, as Mr. Iqaqrialu just mentioned Mr. Simon Nattaq.
I have known Simon for a long time.
Simon has been a very strong voice for Iqaluit on our City Council for a long time so I would like to welcome our good friend, a former Sergeant-At-Arms, Simon Nattaq to the Gallery.
Also Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome one more person and that is Cecilia Erkidjuk.
Cecilia's company T. Fox Graphics played a major role in the development, as well as the work that was put into the Arctic Winter Games gear, that was just demonstrated.
I’d like to welcome Cecilia to the Gallery.
We have a full gallery here today, it wasn't like this every day that we were in session.
It is good to see Nunavummiut come here to see what happens here in the House.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognise an old friend of mine that is visiting here from Rankin Inlet, Mr. Louie Taparti.
Louie and I shared many adventures together when we were younger in high school in Yellowknife.
So welcome, it is always good to see him.
Please help me in welcoming him into the gallery.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to recognise a person that has already been recognised a couple of times and that is Mr. Simon Nattaq.
I think that we are all aware of the ordeal that Mr. Nattaq went through in the last year, and I think that the courage and strength that he has shown in getting through that is an inspiration to all of us.
I would also like to welcome him here to the Gallery, Mr. Speaker.
Also Mr. Speaker a new constituent of mine and I know that he has been very busy cooking things up since he has gotten here, and I also would like to warn his students that I hear that he has a very good raven recipe, so be aware of that, Mr. Tangee over there, I would like to welcome him to the gallery.
Also Mr. Speaker as Mr. Picco recognised an elder sitting in the gallery Ms. Nashook.
Ms. Nashook provided my Anaanachiak when she was here with ujuk hide and she is still very happy and every time that I talk to her she says to say hello to her, so I am very happy to see her here in the gallery.
Another person I would like to recognise Mr. Speaker, is sitting in the back over there and that is Carla St. Louis.
She works in my riding with the Department of Education and is responsible for trades, so I imagine a lot of these students are here are as result of her hard work.
Question 391 - 1(5): Income Support Recommendations by Standing Committee
I would like to direct a question to the Minister of Education.
On November 29th I asked him a question about the Health and Education Committee’s recommendations about income support.
The income support policies that are in place were brought to us in Cambridge Bay when we met in May.
Also we made recommendations on November 27th and I wondered if he had a chance to look at them.
He stated that on November the 30th he was able to look at the recommendations that we made as a committee.
There are seven recommendations that we made.
I would like to ask the minister whether he brought up the recommendations on the 22nd of November.
I would like to ask the minister what his next move is in regards to our recommendations from the committee.
The response that I made before about the member's committee, I would like to tell the member that we have their recommendations under consideration at this time.
We will look at them carefully and consider them.
I just want the minister to clarify whether they are going to be reviewing them and exactly what that means.
I have said here in the House what our plans are for the future.
So we will be discussing them and we will also discuss them here in the House.
We will review them within the Department of Education as well.
Question 392 - 1(5): Policy to Split Prescriptions - Iqaluit
Mr. Tootoo: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my first question today is for the Minister Responsible for Health and Social Services.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday I was asking the minister how they distribute prescription drugs throughout the Baffin region and Mr. Speaker, the minister indicated that they go for the best value that they can get.
Mr. Speaker, I understand, or I wonder if the minister can clarify whether it is a policy of his department to split business for those in the region where there is more than one, we have now two pharmacies here in town.
Is it the policy of the department to split the business up between the two qualified businesses in town.
Hon. Ed Picco: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the member is referring to some correspondence as well as some concerns that have been raised by the owner of the first business in town for the last few years and before that there was another business selling drugs, prescribing drugs in Iqaluit for the Baffin region.
What we have here Mr. Speaker, is that another company has come in and Mr. Speaker, my understanding is that the department has reviewed the correspondence from Valupharm and we are looking into his concerns right now.
Mr. Speaker, there is no set policy as such for the distribution of drugs.
There seems to have been some verbal notification to the complainant about the sale of drugs and so on.
So if the minister is stating that there is no such policy for splitting up the business then there is no way that he or any of his staff would have indicated such to anyone.
Can he indicate that is in fact the case.
That there is no policy like that and that he or any of his staff that he is aware of haven't provided information to anyone stating the opposite of that.
Hon. Ed Picco: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, what I said is this.
Is that a few months ago a new business opened up in Iqaluit.
In the past there was only one business here.
There is no policy written down saying that supplier A gets preference over supplier B. Mr. Speaker, as I said the concerns that have been raised by the owner of Valupharm are being addressed and are being looked into.
The minister keeps referring to correspondence.
I am just asking a general policy question and I don't believe that the minister answered it. So I’d like to ask the minister that if they don't have any set policies there should be no mention by him or any of his department staff that there is a such a policy in place to anyone that may inquire.
I believe the minister did indicate that there was no policy.
Minister if you wish to expand on that.
Mr. Speaker, Thank you for the clarification.
You are correct Mr. Speaker.
What I am trying to say here is that there are policies of government.
For example, under the Department of Health and Social Services we have a client travel policy.
The client travel policy explains when a person travels and so on and so forth.
We don't have a policy per se for the dispensation of drugs government wide. What has happened here Mr. Speaker, is that when the Department of Health and Social Services integrated the Baffin Regional Health and Social Services Board they may have had an agreement.
A verbal contract with the supplier Mr. Speaker.
We are looking into that right now Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, I know the minister has stated right from my first question that there was no policy.
Since then I asked if his department or if he is aware if he or any of his department would have indicated anything different than that should someone have enquired.
I still haven't got an answer and certainly would like one.
Minister Responsible for the Department of Health and Social Services.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Health and Social Services follows the policies of the Government of Nunavut.
Whether they are the purchasing policy, appropriation policies and so on and so forth.
In this case in particular, a second business has come to town and they set up shop.
All I've been trying to say Mr. Speaker is that the some of the concerns that have been raised by the owner of one particular business are being looked at and being referred to in the context of what has happened in the past when the health board was set up and what has happened now since it has been taken over.
At the end of the day Mr. Speaker, what we want to be able to do is put in place the best program or policy for purchasing supplies.
In this case, medication that is efficient and essential and beneficial to the people of Nunavut.
Question 393 - 1(5): Implementation of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit for Traditional Treatment
This is a question directed to the Department of Health and Social Services Minister.
I made a reply to the Commissioner's Opening Address saying the Inuit traditional way of doing things such as First Aid, resuscitation and other things that we do as Inuit people should be taught more in the Nunavut area.
Not just in Nunavut but the whole of Canada.
I just wondered whether the Minister of the Department of Health and Social Services is going to be providing the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit way of doing First Aid.
Mr. Speaker, I think the member is demonstrating very well and articulating very well, something that most of us in Nunavut know and that is Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and Inuit traditional knowledge is being used right now across the world.
For example, we see kayaks, which are an Inuit invention and are used in places in Europe, Asia, South America, all over the world.
It is used in the Northern Games.
Mr. Speaker we see the use of the harpoon all over the world.
That is traditional knowledge invented by Inuit.
On the first hand evidence for First Aid for emergency procedures and so on, there is an excellent book that just came out on Inuit traditional health healing and measures.
Mr. Speaker, if there are traditional health healing measures that can be introduced or used for example in the Department of Health and Social Services that is something that we would be willing to look at. Mr. Speaker, that is one of the reasons why we involved elders this past business planning cycle and session in reviewing the business plan for the Department of Health and Social Services.
Oral Questions. Supplementary. Mr. Iqaqrialu.
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If there were to be requests for funding from individuals or groups for Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, would there be some funding available from your department.
Hon. Ed. Picco: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I haven't seen a proposal or anything like that to date.
We have used for example Mr. Speaker, traditional healing practices and counselling practices in some of our programs that we've run.
For example, the program in Clyde River incorporated some of those practices.
Mr. Speaker, if there was a proposal brought forward we would entertain it.
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am very glad to hear his response but I do want to ask him another question.
I know that Inuit knowledge has not been incorporated and now we have to start making it viable and in view of my reply to the Commissioner's Address, I was wondering if the minister would be willing to come up with funding for traditional treatment methods.
Mr. Speaker, we are already like I said incorporating some traditional health in our mental health programs.
Some traditional Inuit practices of counselling, peer guides and so on.
At the same time like I said, if there was a proposal brought forward we would entertain it in the Department of Health and Social Services.
Again we would have a look at what has been proposed.
It is hard to commit to something when I haven't seen a proposal or haven't had an opportunity to discuss it or see it.
I feel like he is trying to stop me from pursuing it.
I don't want him to be a stumbling block to pursuing it because we need to pursue it as many Inuit people who are alive today are very knowledgeable about it but they just haven't started practicing it.
I was wondering if you could commit to me if we can get this going.
At least start the initial stages.
I am sure you can find elders who are quite knowledgeable to make this more visible.
I was wondering if the minister is willing to do more work on that.
Hon. Ed. Picco: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am willing and the department is willing to move forward on some opportunities that may be there for traditional healing as well as human practices.
Like I said there is an excellent book that has been just put out by several elders with a compilation of traditional healing practices, health practices and so on.
So, Mr. Speaker, I think there is a beginning there and again if something comes forward then we would be willing to take a look at it.
If the member has a specific issue or item he has maybe some ideas from his community then we would be able to look at it with his health committee.
Question 394 - 1(5): Igloolik Fuel Delivery Contract and Purchase of Truck
Mr. Speaker, my question today is for the Minister of Public Works & Services.
We are concerned that there may be a problem with what we were experiencing this spring.
The department awarded fuel distribution contracts in the Baffin region.
This is not because I am opposing the department's choice of contractor, but because my constituents would like me to ask this question.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister of Public Works & Services if she could tell the House if the department knows what was purchased in Igloolik.
Perhaps the member could elaborate a bit on what incident he is speaking about.
Perhaps I will ask this question so that I won't run out of supplementaries.
The fuel delivery contractors changed and the department had to deliver fuel trucks to that community.
The fuel trucks had to be purchased from the Baffin contractors.
My question is, since the contractors did not have fuel delivery trucks and they had to buy these trucks from another community and transport them from one community to another by Hercules, how much did this cost the department.
Because the awarded it to a contractor who didn't have proper delivery trucks.
I thank the member for clarifying his question.