EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Although other communities have longer use of their hockey arenas and our hockey arena can only be used for a month at a time, this is quite an achievement.
In my community the weather is starting to warm up so we won’t be able to use our arena at the end of this month and I expect we won’t be able to use the arena again until next year.
Recreation and sports is very good for the mental and physical health of the youth.
Recreation can help you to be mentally more healthy…
>>Loud snowmobile in background
…it’s all right, it’s just a skidoo.
I guess the gasoline is all right after all.
>>Laughter, Applause.
I was trying to say that the warm weather is literally ruining our hockey arena in our community.
We can’t use the hockey arena for a long period of time due to the weather.
We are in support of the Arctic Winter Games here in Iqaluit and we would like to see Team Nunavut win many medals.
Member’s Statement 497 – 1(5): Inuktitut Speaking Reporters Work With Unilingual MLAs
Excuse me I’m laughing, I apologize, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about our interpreters who are very capable.
I know that we have received a lot of assistance from the interpreters especially for those who are unilingual.
I am very proud of our interpreters.
But, Mr. Speaker, when we hear about ourselves through the media which is different to what we have said, it is disturbing.
This might give rise to conflicts between the media, the interpreters and also the Members of the Legislature, especially for those of us who are Inuktitut speaking unilingual members.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to make a point to those media people who understand Inuktitut to very carefully listen to Inuit Members of the Legislature speaking their own language and pay close attention to the unilingual members’ comments.
I ask them to try harder.
We praise the media for bringing out the information to the residents of Nunavut, especially in the proceedings of this House.
For that reason, the Inuit residents, Inuit people who are working in the media should work harder to reflect what we say in Inuktitut.
Member’s Statement 498 – 1(5): Letter from Minister of DIAND Regarding Grave Relocation Work
Today the thoughts of my relatives that have passed on are with me.
Mr. Speaker, my stepdaughter who is our oldest, is celebrating her birthday today and she may see me on television so I wish her a very good day.
I would like to make that point first.
I still haven’t given up on the issue of the grave relocations and I would like to make a comment on that issue.
I want to be very clear about this.
When we work, no matter who you are, if you have done some work and you haven’t been paid it is really difficult.
You want to be paid.
I would like to talk a bit about the document that was tabled by the Premier.
It was tabled yesterday and the Minister of DIAND, Robert Nault, wrote “I understand your community is planning a community feast to honour those individuals who relocated these graves.
I expect that DIAND will respond positively sometime in the near future”.
This letter says sometime soon, so I hope they respond positively.
This was written by the Minister of DIAND and it says it will happen hopefully soon.
This was dated October 19, 2001.
It has been many months since this letter and I haven’t heard anything else about it.
I don’t know how this is proceeding.
I would like to get unanimous consent to complete my statement, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Irqittuq (interpretation): Thank you colleagues, Mr. Premier, Mr. Speaker.
Regarding the correspondence received from the Federal Government about the people who worked on the relocation of the gravesites, I would like the workers to receive a response before they all pass away.
Some of them already have passed on.
I have worked with many people and I know what it’s like to work for wages and if we know that we have been docked pay for so many hours, then we demand to know why pay has been deducted from our wages.
If you are a contractor and you know how much you are going to be getting after you complete your job, and they only give you half of it, then you get very upset.
This is the right of individuals nowadays to be compensated for their work.
But for these people that haven’t been paid yet, I feel for them and they don’t know about their rights.
They should be able to demand payment but they have no avenue to complain.
They don't know which department they should demand it from or which government they should demand it from.
Some of them don't know what NTI does and some don't know what the government departments in Nunavut do sometimes.
These ordinary people don't know these things but they would like to be compensated and I would like everyone to know about that.
They have the right to be compensated.
Member’s Statement 499 – 1(5): National Aboriginal Achievement Award - Uqittuq Ashoona
First of all, I would like to say a happy birthday to my wife because we have the same birthday.
In following the statement made by Mr. Picco, there is also an individual in my constituency that has been nominated through the Aboriginal Achievement Award.
A lot of people do carvings in Nunavut, this carver has been carving for quite some time, and he makes very excellent carvings.
He has done that for many years and has promoted carving in Canada and the rest of the world.
He was born in Cape Dorset, he is 49 years old, and he will be recognized through the Aboriginal Achievement Awards.
His carvings have been displayed in Chicago, in 2000.
And in Vancouver, Toronto and Yoko Ono has some of his carvings.
Also the National Hockey League has received some of his carvings.
Also the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Winnipeg Art Gallery has Uqittuq Ashoona's carvings as well.
He is also a respected hunter from Cape Dorset.
He use to live in an outpost camp outside of Cape Dorset and his father was also an excellent carver and is recognized world wide as well.
On behalf of the all MLAs here I would like to congratulate him for receiving the National Aboriginal Achievement Award.
Member’s Statement 500 – 1(5): Rankin Inlet / Whale Cove Meeting with Minister & International Women’s Day
We have lots of Members' Statements out due to this being our last day.
Mr. Speaker, first of all I would like to thank our Premier Paul Okalik for his comments about Monica Ell's Arctic Creations shop.
I also would like Monica to continue her work in her store.
I would like to thank the Mayor of Rankin Inlet Jack Kabvitok, Councillor Louis Taparti, David Ningeongan, elder Ollie Ittinuar and David Kritterdlik Mayor of Whale Cove.
These people that Mr. Anawak and I represent were able to meet with us along with some of the ministers and the Premier.
I would like to thank the Premier for letting them voice their concerns.
I would like to also say thank you to Mr. Kattuk and thank myself …
Mr. Speaker I would like to say thank you to Mr. Picco, Minister of Finance Kelvin Ng and Minister Akesuk for being able to meet with our constituents.
Minister Kilabuk could not meet with them because they had to leave early.
I would like to thank my colleagues, the ministers and the Premier for giving my constituents the opportunity to voice their concerns.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would just like to say thank you to my Executive Assistant and my secretary Leah for putting up with my demands, for co-ordinating the meetings very well.
I guess I can also say at this time that I will be tabling two documents from those two communities today.
Mr. Speaker, I was acting as an MLA at the same time as an interpreter.
So I know it is frustrating at times and I wasn't as good an interpreter as the interpreters we have.
I get frustrated very easily with that.
Mr. Speaker, if you will allow me I just have a few closing remarks.
Speaker: The member is seeking consent to conclude her statements.
I know that we can't talk about two different topics at the same time.
If you don't mind I just wanted to mention the International Women's Day that will be happening on March 8th and commend Minister Jack Anawak for announcing that today.
We have to celebrate the accomplishments and the victories of women in our society.
We have a lot of our mothers and our grandmothers that have done a lot of good work for our society in Nunavut.
And I’d like to recognize them.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker I would like to thank my mother and grandmother and my great grandmother.
My mom is from Wager Bay and she moved to Coral Harbour after she married my dad. She didn’t have any relatives.
Most of us were girls in the family.
We didn't have very many brothers and she always told us to try and do the best that you can for yourself because nobody else will help you.
So this is the advice that I got from my mother and that is the way I am today.
We have to be able to stand up for ourselves and to listen to the advice that we got from our ancestors such as our mothers and grandmothers who were able to survive in a harsh climate.
They had the know-how to keep us warm along with the first Europeans that came to our land.
Member’s Statement 501 – 1(5): Gratitude to MLAs and Ministers
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank my colleagues.
Especially I'd like to thank on behalf of Kugaaruk the Ministers of Education and Health.
The Minister of Education worked very hard to put a school into our community.
I'd like to thank the Minister of Culture, Language, Elders & Youth for the work that they have done for my constituency and for the assistance that they have given me.
I'd also like to thank the Premier for his assistance.
It is very important to show our appreciation.
When we were children, I remember that being said by my mother and I really appreciated that but I also really appreciate the assistance that I get from my colleagues.
I appreciate the work on the access roads, it helps the hunters in my community.
Member's Statement 502 - 1(5): Nunavut Athletes and Volunteers at Arctic Winter Games
Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues support Team Nunavut for the Arctic Winter Games.
Many of our young people and our elders will be representing Nunavut.
I’m happy to say that this is going forward and I know it takes a lot of work to put together such an event.
The Government of Nunavut has provided schools and arenas for this event.
We heard earlier today that the arena in Sanikiluaq is finally open.
Earlier I talked about the schools that will be upgraded.
I hope the athletes do well and I support their participation and if the members are going to be here during the Arctic Winter Games, I encourage them to observe the activities and events.
I encourage the members to support the staff and the athletes during the Arctic Winter Games.
I will be volunteering as an announcer at hockey games and as a driver.
I encourage all of you to join in.
Member's Statement 503 - 1(5): National Aboriginal Achievement Award - Jordan Tootoo
Mr. Speaker, this coming week, on Sunday, the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards will be held and there is an individual from Rankin Inlet who will be recognized.
His name is Jordan Tootoo.
This person is a young man and he has set an example for our youth.
I know that his parents are very proud of their son for his achievements and our young people look up to Jordan Tootoo.
He grew up in Rankin Inlet and he used to skate at the arena during the coldest months of the year.
I think that Community Government and Transportation Minister has to work towards putting in artificial ice in the community because we produce individuals like Jordan in our community.
Return to Question 460 - 1(5): Police Officer / Grise Fiord
Hon. Paul Okalik: Merci Monsieur President…(interpretation unavailable)… I wish to advise the member that the housing arrangements for the RCMP detachment in Grise Fiord are not yet finalized.
Senior RCMP personnel will be visiting the community next week and it is intended that arrangements will be finalized after that.
I’ll be free to provide a note to the member to advise her of the plans once they are concluded.
Speaker: Merci Beaucoups, Monsieur Premier.
Return to Question 466 - 1(5): Update on Filled Positions in Decentralized Communities
The Member for Baker Lake asked what percentage of jobs in the decentralized communities is filled.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to update the House that the jobs that are in decentralized communities are at 61 percent capacity as of December 2001.
Question 505 - 1(5): Consider Sunset Clause - Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti Policy
Mr. Speaker, today my question is to the Minister of Public Works and Telecommunications regarding a written question that I had submitted on February 25th and the response I got today.
Mr. Speaker, he didn’t answer the question that I asked.
And the question that I asked, and I’ll pose it in the House today.
Will the government consider extending the transition period until March 31, 2003 on the sunset clause for the NNI policy for companies?
I thought I had responded to all your questions.
But, I will take this as notice and get the response to the member before he leaves.
Speaker: The minister has taken the question as notice.
Question 506- 1(5): Elder’s Assistance to GN
Mr. Speaker, I’d like to direct my question to the Premier.
I hope that my question is clear.
My question is, in Nunavut, are they putting together an elder’s assistance program in Nunavut, in any sort of capacity.
We are presently working on an elders’ support program because we have received a lot of assistance from elders so I am working with Mr. Anawak in putting together an elders’ support program.
How about elders that are not receiving support? The elders that are staying at home, what kind of assistance would they provide for elders that are not so visible in the community.
Speaker: Mr. Premier.  Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I am not sure how to respond to that question. The Minister for Culture, Language, Elders & Youth and I are working together as to how we can provide more support for elders in the communities. This is something that is being done presently.
Is there not an elders’ support program presently in the government?
Yes, this is something that we are working towards and we will be able to keep the members updated on the work that we are doing.
We haven't dealt with the budget yet as to how we would support the elders but we are working towards this.
Mr. Speaker, I didn't get the response that I was looking for.
Was there a plan in the past that they could use to put the program together?
We are just putting together different programs presently.
We are working with the elders.
We have received a lot of support from elders telling us what more we can do in the communities.
We are collecting information, I am doing this with Mr. Anawak, and these programs will be made available under the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit task force.
But we are working on this and hopefully it will be together as soon as possible.
Question 507 – 1(5): Recommendation By Health and Social Services Regarding Consent Forms
Mr. Speaker, I’d like to direct my question today to the Minister responsible for Health and Social Services.
Mr. Speaker, I am sure the Minister of Health is aware of the recent media reports regarding a new consent form, related to the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program that will have to be filled out by Inuit across Canada.
This consent form will allow for the release of personal health information and concerns have been raised about access to information being collected.
Can the minister tell this House whether his department has made any recommendations to Health Canada regarding the new consent forms being drafted for Inuit beneficiaries under the NIHB program?
Mr. Speaker, I can’t as the member knows, comment on what’s being published in the media.
Mr. Speaker, there has been some contact with Health Canada on certain items that they’re bringing forward including information being requested by them on the NIHB. Now the NIHB, Mr. Speaker, the member knows and the House knows, is a federally funded program.
As a federally funded program, Mr. Speaker, the Federal Government has a right to ask for certain information to the people who apply to that program.
At the same time Mr. Speaker, there are laws in Canada, which guard privacy and so on and those are some of the concerns that we have been in discussion with Health Canada about.
Mr. Speaker, I’m glad to hear that the Department of Health and Social Services has been in contact with Health Canada on this issue.
I’m wondering if the minister could inform the House as under what conditions he or his department would support the existence of consent forms that ask for Inuit to release their personal health information.
Hon. Ed Picco: Mr. Speaker, like any other government or jurisdiction we would appreciate and support the release of information that follows all the guidelines, rules, regulations, and laws including, Mr. Speaker, the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms as well as the Privacy Act that’s in place.
That would be brought forth by the Federal Government in their information request.
Mr. Speaker, I’d like to ask the minister if he can provide any information on how the department will be involved in making the Inuit of Nunavut aware of what they’re signing in this consent form and what it’ll mean to them.
Mr. Speaker, when and if the Federal Government brings forth the information paper as reported, and I can’t comment on the veracity of a media report that the member saw in the newspaper.
I can only comment on the official contacts that we have had with Health Canada.
And as the member has rightfully pointed out this is information that’s being requested from all people across Canada that are involved in the NIHB Program.
So, Mr. Speaker, with that type of contact, with my cabinet colleagues, with the Department of Justice, to make sure any information request follows the guidelines, rules and regulations of the government and of the Federal Government.
Then Mr. Speaker, we would have look at that opportunity once it presents itself.
I’m glad that we have a very thorough Minister of Health and Social Services who is going to make sure that a lot of these other government departments for their responses and look at whether this information can get out or not.
But again, Mr. Speaker, I’d like to ask him, you know, will his department go through some type of publicity program or campaign to inform the Inuit of Nunavut what this change will mean to them so that they are aware of the type of, what they’re signing on this consent form and what it will mean to them.
Mr. Speaker, when and if the Federal Government proceeds with their plan as identified in various reports the member has talked about.
At that time Mr. Speaker, as a government, it would behoove us Mr. Speaker, to make sure that is again in all the Acts, regulations and rules that are in place.
That information that is being provided to the Federal Government is used in a proper and accountable way.
And at the same time Mr. Speaker, we would be informing the people of Nunavut about their rights, under said requests for information from the Federal Government.
So we would do that as a matter of course.
Question 508 – 1(5) Review Remediation of Mine Site
I will direct my question to the Minister of Sustainable Development.
Yesterday on March 5, you made a statement and I will be referring my question to that statement you made yesterday.
In regards to the closure the two mines, you stated that there was a Nanisivik Working Group and a steering committee of Government of Nunavut managers.
Now that you have these two working groups, which one will be reviewing the remediation of those mine sites?
In regards to the remediation of those sites, the Nunavut Water Board and the Federal Government are going to be working on the clean up of the Nanisivik Mine and the Government of Nunavut will be sending a person from DSD who will be working with these two.
What I’m trying to tell the member is that the Nunavut Water Board and the Federal Government will be working on this issue much more than the Nunavut government and I’m sure that they will be working closely with the member representing the high arctic.
At the meeting that we had up there, the Nunavut Water Board was going to be setting up their own working group with representatives from the community and the Government of Nunavut stated that they are willing to work on this project.
We can also put a representative of the Government of Nunavut on the working group but the Nunavut Water Board was going to be setting up their own group.
But the Government of Nunavut is more than willing to participate if they should be asked to do so.
Do I understand then, on behalf of my constituents that the GN DSD is involved on the environmental aspects of it because they have a division?
For my understanding and for my constituents, the Nunavut Water Board and the Federal Government are the only ones who are going to be working on this project while the Government of Nunavut just stands as onlookers.
I believe the member asked that same question not too long ago.
Our government, the Department of Sustainable Development has an environmental protection division to protect the environment.
As the Government of Nunavut, we will have to make sure that the lands, not only Nanisivik, I could also use Clyde River, Kugaaruk, Cape Dorset as other examples, to make sure that the environment is safe for the communities.
I know that they will do a good job, because that’s what they do.
I am sure that the regulations will be adhered to by the Nunavut Water Board and the Federal Government.
We are not just going to be sitting on the sidelines as observers, we will participate, because of course we are here to protect our environment.
We are not just going to stand on the sidelines.
But if they should ask us for support, we are more than willing to do so and more than capable of doing that.
We are not just going to be sitting on the sidelines.
But the Nunavut Water Board and the Federal Government are working on the process and I know that they will do a good job.
Only after the government knows exactly what is happening will they finally give their support.
I am not asking whether they are going to be doing a good job or not, but who will be reviewing the plans that have been set for the remediation of the mines.
The Department of Sustainable Development has different divisions.
We have Wildlife, Environment, Energy and so on.
The Director of the Environment I am sure will do a thorough review of the plans that have been developed for Nanisivik Mine.
I will also be traveling to Arctic Bay within six months, possibly within the spring to see what has been done at that point with the mine.
Before I go I will be keeping a close eye on what is happening during the closing phase of the mines.
The mines that are coming up in the future will have to close eventually and I know that we will do the best that we can to deal with the closure of the mine in Nanisivik.
I understand your response and I am pleased that the minister will be going up to Nanisivik.
The mine will be closing in six months and I am sure the communities up there will be looking forward to the ministerial visit before the six months are up.
I also know that he has a staff person who will be working on this closure and that there is also one in Arctic Bay.
Will you only be going up in six months or prior to that?
In January I said 6 months.
I can now say 4 months.
I've got it slated for July but I don't have the date pinpointed yet.
I will be visiting the mine and I am sure a lot of people will be out on the land.
But I am sure they will welcome me with open arms and the MLA who represents the community.
I'll be looking forward to working with her and also go up for that visit.
Question 509 – 1(5): Sealskin Rebates Information – Northern & Co-op Stores
Yesterday we spoke about a rebate on sealskins and I asked questions about that.
He stated that he would give me a copy of the list of those individuals who had harvested or sold sealskins.
Yet at times we sell our skins to the Northern and Co-op stores.
I was wondering if you could include these individuals who sold their skins to these companies.
Yes whether it is a Northern store or a Co-op store, they do purchase our sealskins.