EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
To help raise awareness, my department in collaboration with the federal, provincial, and territorial governments responsible for seniors has developed posters, educational materials, magnets, and stickers for distribution across Nunavut and the rest of Canada.
I encourage all Nunavummiut to discuss this issue with their families in an effort to educate and prevent the neglect and abuse of our elders.
Nunavummiut elders form a crucial member of the family and they deserve to live safely, with dignity, and respect. They should be made to feel proud.
Minister’s Statement 106 – 2(3): Second Payment for Seal Pelts (Akesuk)
I hope this goes through the CBC regional news.
I am pleased to advise members and Nunavummiut that seal harvesters will receive a one-time second payment of $5 for every skin purchased under the Fur Pricing Program.
Cheques will be mailed by the Department of Economic Development and Transportation by August 15, 2006.
This year the average price for ring seal pelts at the Fur Auction in North Bay was approximately $70, which is close to last year’s high prices.
Almost all pelt purchased under the Fur Pricing Program were sold because they were generally high quality seal skins.
At auction, the seal pelts are evaluated by size, colour, and quality. The pelts that sell for the highest price at auctions are clean, have been stretched well, and have no stains.
This year I hope that we will receive even higher prices at the auction. I assure you that these higher prices would be passed onto harvesters.
All harvester can help to make this happened by cleaning and stretching the skins well.
The objectives of this Fur Pricing Program includes supporting harvesters, ensuring Nunavut sealskins will reach world fur markets, promoting Nunavut sealskins as a sustainable by-product of traditional harvesting practices, and encouraging harvesters to improve the quality of the skins.
Harvesting of sealskins continues to be an important practice for both our culture and for our economy.
Minister’s Statement 107 – 2(3): Technical Professional Studies Scholarship (Brown)
I am pleased to announce that the department is in the process of providing scholarships to high school achieving university and college students from Nunavut.
This is to encourage students to stay in school to complete their studies.
The students have to be enrolled in post secondary technical studies in the field of engineering, informatics, community planning, business studies, and college programs of fire fighting, training and prevention, and land administration.
Our government requires young with the appropriate training to fill technical jobs in government offices in a number of communities.
This new program addresses particular areas of need for the department and supports career opportunities in government in general.
We will be able to support at least 18 students at approximately $2,500 each per year.
Guidelines are now being developed for the implementation in the fall.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation) Going to the Orders of the Day.
Member’s Statement 262 – 2(3): Congratulations to Graduates (Akesuk)
In my other community of Kimmirut there are going to be activities happening this evening.
Two students are going to be graduating from grade 12, and I would like to congratulate these two individuals and also their parents, and the teachers.
Their names are Leo Aqpik and Robert Qimirpik. Robert Qimirpik was one of the individuals who was paging at one time. I would like to congratulate these two individuals.
Member’s Statement 263 – 2(3): Cultural Event in the Kitikmeot (Peterson)
I rise today to inform the House about an upcoming cultural initiative that will promote the Kitikmeot in the Basque country located in northern Spain.
Mr. Speaker, a representative from the Basauri City was in Cambridge Bay last month to meet with people and to arrange a cultural and historical event that would bring singers, artists, performers, and historians from the Kitikmeot to the Basque country in October. The purpose of this event is to give the local Basque people an opportunity to see and learn firsthand about the culture and history of the Kitikmeot.
Mr. Speaker, in the past, former cultural events organized by representatives of Basauri City have brought in artists and performers from the countries of Tibet, North Africa, and Japan, and the Maori People of New Zealand and the American Indians of the United States have also participated.
By all accounts, the events have been well attended by thousands of people.
Mr. Speaker, our Kitikmeot delegations will not be large but it will represent us well. The members of the group are: Tanya Tagaq-Gillis, throat singing; Inuk Charlie, carving; Attima Hadlari, drum dancing/Inuksuk and qamutik making; Miriam Aglukkaq, she will be chanting, singing Ajaajaa for Attima when he’s drum dancng; and Doug Stern, he will be presenting the history of Cambridge Bay and photo displays.
Mr. Speaker, the events such as these provide an opportunity to meet people in other parts of the world and to tell them about our unique territory and the people who live there. These are very worthy events to attend.
There will be costs associated with the Kitikmeot participation in this event. The organizers and participants are hopeful that the Government of Nunavut will provide some financial support.
Mr. Speaker, I would like the House to join me in wishing the Kitikmeot delegation success at the upcoming event in the Basque country of Spain.
Member’s Statement 264 – 2(3): Kugluktuk Graduates (Evyagotailak)
I rise today to honour students of Kugluktuk high school who have graduated this year, are: Emma Evaglok, Adam Kikpak, and David Topilak.
I’m very proud of those students and I’m sure that parents and teachers are too. Those students are future leaders.
I encourage all students from Nunavut to work toward completing their education and work toward a professional career.
Nunavut will need them to fill the positions that we often hire out of Nunavut. Congratulations to the parents and also to the teachers who worked just as hard to ensure their students completed their high school education.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating this year’s Kugluktuk students. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. We congratulate the students.
Members’ Statements. Member of Hudson Bay, Mr. Kattuk.
Member’s Statement 265 – 2(3): Hydroelectric Development Update (Kattuk)
I rise today to update the Legislative Assembly on the status of how people of Hudson Bay are responding to hydroelectric development in Northern Quebec, which has potential for a significant impact on the community of Sanikiluaq.
Last month, the Nunavummi Tasiujaqjuarmiuqatigiit Katimajingit, or Nunavut-Hudson Bay Interagency Working Group made a presentation to the public hearing in Montreal on the Eastmain-Rupert Expansion Project.
NTK, which is based in Sanikiluaq consists of representatives from Hamlet of Sanikiluaq, Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and Qikiqtani Inuit Association Inuit Association…
These groups use cooperative approaches to study and report on development in Hudson Bay and James Bay to ensure that the concerns of communities of Sanikiluaq, Nunavummiut, and the Government of Nunavut are addressed.
NTK findings are arrived at using both accepted scientific methods on Inuit matters and observations.
In 2004, I had the honour of being appointed by the Premier of Nunavut to the Environmental Representative to the Sanikiluaq Environmental Committee on the Nunavut-Hudson Bay Inter-Agency Working Group.
The Inuit of Sanikiluaq are the only permanent residents in Hudson Bay and James Bay. We take our responsibility to protect the marine environment that surrounds our homes and the Belcher Islands very seriously.
This environment is the source of much of our food and is at the heart of our culture and way of life.
My constituents depend on waters surrounding our home for belugas, seals, walrus, polar bear, water fowls, and fish.
In turn these animals depend on those waters and islands for migration, moulting, and breeding.
It is crucial that the health of the marine ecosystem is protected.
Speaker (interpretation): I apologize, member, at this time you are out of time. Mr. Kattuk.
I would like to seek unanimous consent to conclude my statements.
There are no nays, please proceed, Mr. Kattuk.
(interpretation ends) This was the key message that we brought to last month’s hearing. I’m grateful for the participation of Inuit leaders at last month’s hearing, including James Eetoolook, Lucas Arragutainak, and Peter Aatami.
Members of the REAL Panel asked a number of questions and I am hopeful that our concerns will be acted on.
Mr. Speaker, I will have to begin publishing to report further news of our processes.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Member.
At this time under Member Statements.
Member for Rankin Inlet, Mr. Curley.
Member’s Statement 266 – 2(3): High Cost of Living in Nunavut (Curley)
Nunavummiut are facing difficult challenges because of the high cost of living, especially the hunters. They really can not afford to purchase. I do not know if they can continue to live traditionally as the way they do.
Nunavummiut pay for high expensive energy costs in Nunavut.
On the recent Annual Report of the Utility Rates Review Council, which was tabled on day one to increase 6.1 percent but it has not increased yet. Right now in Rankin Inlet 38.63 per kilowatt hour is paid by a homeowner who is not working for the Government.
The businesses pay a cost of 33.0 per kilowatt hour. The most expensive kilowatt hour is in Kimmirut, 69.42 per kilowatt hour for a private home which is not staff housing, for private business a cost of 57.52 kilowatt hour.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the application has been put forward by the NPC for proposed rates.
These documents are really quite complicated and I wanted to quote only a few of them. The proposed Schedule E-1 talks about a 24-month collection period, Schedule E-2 talks about an 18-month collection period, and 12-month collection period Schedule E-3.
I believe the burden on the rate payers for Nunavut for residential is really unbearable, and I will be asking the minister that he defer any further playing with the monthly terms from 12 months, 18 months, to 24 months.
They should be across the board with single rates rather than adjusting them every six months.
Member’s Statement 267 – 2(3): Joamie School Top Fundraiser (Picco)
The Joamie School was recently recognized by UNICEF for their fundraising activities during trick-or-treats this past fall.
Mr. Speaker, Joamie School was the top fundraiser in Nunavut and all proceeds go directly to help Rwanda to help provide furniture, blackboards, and other necessities for the children through the Nelson Mandela foundation.
It is important to note that Joamie School and staff did not forget to support our own local community.
A recent food drive by the school raised over $2,000 and a Qamutik load of food for the local food bank.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Principal David Serkoak and the Vice-Principal Elee Higgins, the staff, and students of Joamie School for their generosity and support of those less fortunate here and abroad.
Item 3. (interpretation ends) Members’ Statements. (interpretation) Thank you.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Good afternoon. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I would like to acknowledge all of those visitors, but we have a visitor from overseas. From the Netherlands, Council General Jan Hessling is here along with his staff with Daisey Sowdluapik and May Belleau.
So I would like to welcome them for visiting Nunavut.
Speaker: Welcome to the Gallery. (interpretation) Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery.
I would like to recognize an individual from Hall Beach. Jake Igvigiaq, who is my CA in my constituency, is here to attend a different meeting but I have asked him to come here to get recognition.
I would like to recognize him and he is my CA from Hall Beach.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Welcome to the Legislative Assembly. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery.
I also would like to acknowledge an individual from Coral Harbour who has been our mayor for a very long time, who was the president of NAM, and he has spoken for the Department of Education to consult with the Education Act, Johnny Ningeongan to the Legislative Assembly.
I would like to recognize Simon Kulliktana who is originally from Kugluktuk and also grew up in Kugluktuk.
Mr. Speaker, I have known Simon’s parents for so many years and also I know that Iris Ajjukak, all I’ll mention is that she was also very proud that she was my nurse when I was born.
Mr. Speaker, Simon’s father, David Kulliktana, who has been working for the Government of the Northwest Territories for so many years, I just wanted to mention that also.
I would also like to rise to recognize a hard working member of the team of the Nunavut Development Corporation, and also the Chairman of the local DEA of Rankin Inlet, Mr. Darren Nichols. Welcome to the Assembly.
I wish to make one remark about the Member from Igloolik and Hall Beach alluded to a community of Hall Beach. I wanted to thank that particular member because he was very involved in helping out when my brother had a heart attack and died, and the constituent member of my colleague should be recognized for his hard work during that time.
I would like to recognize an individual from my riding, Mr. Jason Tologanak. Jason and I worked together at the Kitikmeot Inuit Association.
He worked for me at the Hamlet Council of Cambridge Bay, and Jason is now a Hamlet Councillor himself and I think he’s the Chairman of the Community Economic Development Committee in Cambridge Bay. Welcome Jason.
I would also like to take a moment to recognize Johnny Ningeongan. Johnny was the President of Nunavut Association of Municipalities when I was the Vice-President. He stepped aside and left some big shoes for me to fill.
I fill them long enough for him to come back and take over for a while. I am not sure what his plans are for the future but Johnny has done a lot of great work for municipalities in Nunavut. So welcome Johnny.
It gives me great pleasure today on behalf of, I’m sure all the members, especially Mr. Tootoo, myself, and Mr. Okalik to welcome to the Gallery a long time staff member of the Assembly, and the family, the Rose family, and the newest Rose, born on June 9, at 2:05 p.m. The little baby and the proud father are over there.
If the members could just turn immediately to your right, there he is; the little guy, Luke William Theodore Arluk-Rose. Welcome to the Gallery.
Congratulations and welcome to the Gallery.
I, too, would like to recognize and acknowledge an individual from my constituency from Whale Cove, Manu Nattiq.
Also, I knew this individual’s parents; they used to live in Rankin Inlet but now they live in Whale Cove, and I would like to recognize this individual today.
Welcome to the Gallery. (interpretation ends) Item 5. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. (interpretation) Thank you.
Question 306 – 2(3): Airline Service to Grise Fiord (Barnabas)
(interpretation ends) Last week my colleague from Kugluktuk raised an issue on airline services to the communities in Nunavut.
The minister acknowledged that communities with an air service from only one airline are at a disadvantage, when compared to communities with service from more than one airline.
Yesterday I made a Member’s Statement outlining concerns my constituents in Grise Fiord have because of the high cost, limited seats, and scheduling problems related to air travel.
Can the minister tell me what actions his department is taking to improve the level of air service available to my constituents in Grise Fiord?
Minister responsible for Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. Akesuk.
Yes, we want to work to improve this for the whole of Nunavut, for the communities who receive one airline schedule flight.
We would like to resolve this situation because this is very important. The airlines in Nunavut, I’m sure when I became the Minister responsible for Transportation, I will have to take on the responsibility to consult with them to make sure that they have scheduled flights, especially for the communities that receive one airline.
I recognize that the private sector is responsible for providing air service to all communities in Nunavut.
Can the minister tell me what role he feels that his department has to play in increasing the level of service available to all Nunavut communities?
I think we play a big role as a government to make sure that our constituents have proper transportation or access to any airlines that would want to serve the communities.
Our answer is to argue with the airlines to come up with ideas of how we can improve the transportation of community by community for our territory as our constituents.
Mr. Barnabas (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, the service that is provided to Grise Fiord is unique and different especially for those people who have to go on medical travel.
They encounter problems because they cannot travel to Iqaluit in one day and sometimes they have to overnight too.
I wonder if the minister can assure me of what he is doing with the airlines to improve the service that is provided from Resolute Bay, if they go on medical leave.
As a government, we have to make sure that we properly serve our people in Nunavut; whether go for hospital reasons, personal or business travel.
(interpretation) As a government, we have to make sure that these services are provided.
As a government, we have some agreements with some airlines and we are trying to make improvements in Nunavut to better serve our constituents. As the Minister of Transportation, I will do my best within Nunavut.
The Fuel Tax Rebate is geared toward miners, and it has been adjusted so that it can also be geared to hunters and trappers by the Department of Finance.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, what does the minister think about the idea of providing some form of Fuel Tax Rebate to airlines to encourage them to provide service to smaller communities?
I think again, I have to work with the Minister of Finance in order for us to come up with ideas of how we could serve better airlines.
Maybe with the Fuel Tax Rebate, the costs of transporting people could go down.  Again, we haven’t discussed that.
I think that we could start talking about how we could use this Fuel Tax Rebate for the airlines. Who knows what can happen in the next year or two. It is very premature to say that we’ll do it, but we could start discussing this with the Finance Minister.
Question 307 – 2(3): Fuel Tax Rebate Program (Evyagotailak)
I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Finance. I know that information on applying for the new Fuel Tax Rebate that’s available on the Government of Nunavut’s website.
Many of my constituents do not have the same access to electronic information. Can the minister tell me what communication plans have been in place to ensure that all eligible harvesters have equal access to information regarding to the program?
Informing the communities; we have worked with the Department Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs to inform the people in the communities through the local radio and we made it available through others. They’re trying to find some ways of how they can inform the public.
All the members have received this information, the hamlet councils and hunters and trappers associations have been given that information.
So that’s what we have done up to today to inform Nunavummiut.
Can the minister tell if someone has been designated in each community for the purpose of answering questions related to the Fuel Tax Rebate Program?
No, we have not designated anyone to be the communications officer sort of thing, but we have informed the hamlet councils and HTO’s and we have provided local radio stations with tapes that they can play in the local radios.
Thanks again Minister.
I think it would be very good to have someone there to answer questions for some of the unilingual Inuit.
Can the minister tell me if there is a toll-free phone number that my constituents can use to contact someone for assistance in completing their application, and access detailed information for the Fuel Tax Rebate Program?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Evyagotailak. (interpretation ends) Minister Simailak.
I’m not aware at this time of whether we have a toll-free number that can be utilized. That’s a very good suggestion and I will definitely look into this, and if we do, I will inform the members.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Your final supplementary, Mr. Evyagotailak.
Thanks again, Minister. The gas tax rebate provided assistance for mining companies. What about those people who use their own gas to get their soapstone or other source of quarry that carvers use?
People who quarry their own, I’m not aware if they are included at this time, but we’re only offering this to harvesters, hunters and trappers, and miners. I can certainly look into this and inform the member of how it is done.
Question 308 – 2(3): Territorial Formula Financing (Peterson)
My question is for the Minister of Finance, it concerns recent news and developments about the federal budget and funding for Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, a few days ago the long awaited Report on Territorial Formula Financing was released by the Federal Expert Panel which was established in 2005. Can the minister advise the House of what the next steps will be in working toward on the recommendations contained in the report, that appear to be beneficial to Nunavut and the north?
Yes, I will be tabling a document under Tabling of Documents, but I can say on June 26, 27, and 28, the Ministers of Finance will be meeting and the Federal Finance Minister will be there and we will be able to ask him questions at that time.
For the Territorial Ministers, Nunavut, Northwest Territories, and the Yukon, we will be meeting with them and also meeting with our federal counterparts. So we are currently working on this.
Mr. Speaker, the recent federal budget contains good news for Nunavut assuming the new funds for housing comes through for us; they announced $300 million and $200 million of this is for Nunavut.
The federal budget stated that it’s a one-time investment, and the Premier last week mentioned that he told the Prime Minister or the Minister of Finance that it was a good start.
So my question for the minister: can the minister tell the House what discussions he has had with his federal counterparts to include additional funds for housing in Nunavut in the future federal budgets?
I have not talked to the Federal Finance Minister in regard to this.
So at this time I have not discussed this with the federal minister.
I thank the minister for that candid answer. I hope that the minister will get an opportunity, as soon as possible, to stress to the Minister of Finance that we desperately need housing. $200 million as the Premier said last week is a good start but certainly not sufficient for our needs.
Mr. Speaker, I recall in the minister’s recent press release on the federal budget that he was disappointed that the federal government has not made any changes to the Northern Residency Deduction. I noticed last week that the Premier of the Northwest Territories publicly stated that this issue is being put on the backburner for the time being as far as the three territorial governments are concerned.
Mr. Speaker, can the minister clarify for us today what the Government of Nunavut’s position is on this issue? I believe that changes to this area could be beneficial to all Nunavut residents.
Yes, we feel very strongly, especially the Nunavummiut and I have met with the federal minister on this.
I have indicated to him and I will definitely bring this up again with him at the end of this month’s meeting.
I always bring this up when I meet with him.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Minister. (interpretation ends) Your final supplementary, Mr. Peterson.
Mr. Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank the minister for that answer. I look forward to getting an update from the minister some time this summer, hopefully by the fall session.