EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
It was really interesting to see even the writing on the wall by some of those past occupants.
To me, buildings are also an important part.
If they played an important part in the history of the community, then I think we should try to make sure that they are preserved because they are part of the story.
I would like to go on to something else. Another thing was brought up to me and it was from a different community than Iqaluit.
The family had history where an old whaler had married an Inuk and they had an outpost camp kind of thing.
This family was worried that somebody had gone to their old camp from a long time ago and had dug up some graves and taken some stuff and things like that.
If this was the case, where would a family like this go to for help?
They have an idea who did it, but they don’t have the money to go and investigate and do all that kind of thing. In fact, this family told me that they saw their grandfather’s possessions in a book that supposedly had been buried.
When this kind of thing happens, what is the process? What should a family do? Is this where your department can help?
Can you help in this area and, if so, what does the family have to do?
I will refer your question to Mr. Cloutier so that he can respond.
Mr. Cloutier (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) What the family can do is report it to the Department of Culture and Heritage, to the director of heritage.
There are regulations with respect to archaeological sites. We are not to go around and start digging graves or potential sites that have archaeological artefacts.
If that was the case, it can be reported to the director of heritage and then the director will investigate and take action, if needed, in terms of what would be the next steps.
There are regulations that prevent digging out archaeological artefacts by anyone in Nunavut.
We have to abide by those regulations and the law. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
If you found out that somebody was digging out where they shouldn’t have and they didn’t have a licence and all that, what are the consequences of doing that? What happens?
Do they get a fine? How do you provide oversight as a department over this potential issue?
Mr. Cloutier (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) First of all, if there were things taken, they would have to be returned.
The individuals would be obligated to return any objects or artefacts that were taken out.
In terms of consequences and fines, I don’t have the specific regulation in front of me, but there would be consequences.
I mean this is not allowed, so it would be a violation of our regulations and legislation in that matter. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Somebody from your department could perhaps travel to the community, talk with the family, go see the site, and try to figure out exactly what happened.
Mr. Cloutier (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Yes, the family can contact the director of heritage and the director would follow up with the family.
It would probably start first with a conversation over the phone and eventually with a visit. We did have situations that happened like this before where staff from the department travelled to actually investigate and see what was done or what was taken. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I have one more question and that is on genealogy. In your opening comments, you talked about the program.
I just wondered how you’re going to roll out that program. How does it work? I saw it in your business plan; I’m just trying to find out where I saw it now.
Can you tell us just a little bit more about that program? How does that all work?
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Mr. Cloutier will answer that question regarding genealogy.
Mr. Cloutier (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) The intent of the project is to create a guide on how to conduct genealogical research like finding your family tree, your grandparents, your great-grandparents, and how to build an actual family tree. That’s the type of service that it is provided in different jurisdictions in Canada.
If you go to Ontario, Quebec, or other places, they have services to provide you with assistance on how to do proper research.
There are different databases or different records available with respect to Nunavut. The guide would provide information to Nunavummiut on how to go about finding your ancestors and putting names on your family tree.
This would be a guide that would be published. This is the Archives program under Heritage.
We also have elders and youth that have collected a lot of information about oral history, Inuit personal names and so on, so it’s a collaborative project between the two divisions to ensure that there is the proper process on how to conduct genealogical research, as well as taking into account Inuit oral history while doing this. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I just have one last question on this. When elders come forward with names, how is that guided? Is it something that the elders are just thinking because of who happens to be around the table or is there like a process that they’re using?
Furthermore, how is this information being used?
Mr. Cloutier (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) The guide would provide information on how to research, let’s say, the different records available at Library and Archives Canada and the Hudson’s Bay Company Archives. There’s a lot of historical information, including about families all across Nunavut, and RCMP patrol files.
There are records like this that can be accessed, such as arctic church baptismal and marriage records.
Also in Igloolik, there is an important collection of oral history.
There are interviews that were done with elders from Igloolik, but the program also administers work with different communities across Nunavut on oral history.
Those types of records and transcriptions are available for research. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Branch Summary. Heritage. Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $6,008,000.
Cultural and Heritage. Elders and Youth. Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted.
I just want to get a better sense about what kind of programs, when you say, “programs for elders” for example, what are you really talking about here?
You’re not talking about the health programs. What kinds of programs are you talking about?
I will refer this to my Acting Deputy Minister, Mr. Cloutier.
Mr. Cloutier (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) The member is correct. This is not essentially about health programs but what I would call maybe intangible heritage or culture, Inuit knowledge, Inuit oral history.
Just to give you a few examples, for instance, the Elders and Youth Program does on-the-land programs in different communities.
There is a resource available for different communities to take elders and youth together to do traditional activities and to pass on Inuit knowledge to younger generations.
Another interesting program is with respect to pattern-making workshops.
There have been different pattern-making workshops across Nunavut in the different regions that involve elders and younger generations to pass on that knowledge and those skills to younger generations.
Some other programs include regional workshops that involve elders.
There are a series of different programs that are really to ensure that traditional culture and knowledge of the elders remain alive and get passed on to the next generation. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Branch Summary. Culture and Heritage.
Very briefly, I have one question on elders and youth.
Is your department responsible for identifying how old you have to be to be considered an elder?
First of all, I can say that we don’t identify how old you have to be to be considered an elder.
We don’t have any age limits, but Mr. Cloutier will elaborate on that.
Mr. Cloutier (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) That is a very interesting question.
We debate it and we hear it often.
Depending on who we talk to, the federal government or Inuit organizations, the age seems to change.
I think, with respect to the definition of an elder, it’s really based on the experience of the individual, their knowledge, and peer acknowledgement that an individual is an expert in a particular area and will be recognized as such, an elder.
This is something that is ongoing.
I don’t think we can specifically put an age on who is an elder and who is not. It’s really, in all fairness, usually this is recognized by peers based on knowledge and experience. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
As the Department of Culture and Heritage, do you have a definition of what an elder is?
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): I’m sorry, but no, we don’t.
Chairman: Branch Summary. Culture and Heritage. Elders and Youth.
Culture and Heritage. Branch Summary.
I have some questions on this issue regarding Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
We hear quite frequently about IQ days within the departments. Do we still have IQ days in all the departments or how does it work?
That’s what I would like to find out first.
I think it’s called (interpretation ends) Cultural Immersion Day (interpretation) and also (interpretation ends) IQ. (interpretation) Thank you.
It’s good to go out clam digging. However, I think they should concentrate on learning IQ knowledge in line with their field of work.
I would first like to ask if they can look into that.
I’ll refer this to Ms. Adla.
I’ll respond in English. (interpretation ends) In the Government of Nunavut, there is a Human Resources Manual directive specifically on Cultural Immersion Day. Every department is encouraged to follow this directive.
There are provisions in there which is in detail to the point where a department can’t just decide, “Today, we’re going to implement the Cultural Immersion Day.”
To my understanding, a person has to be appointed by the deputy head to proceed with this project, which includes coming up with the budget and the type of activity the department wishes to do.
It’s not just something that the department can do at a spur of the moment.
Planning is required. Like I said, there is a process and it must be followed.
Even subsequent to the Cultural Immersion Day, a report has to be presented and brought forth to the deputy head in detail.
I don’t have a copy of that directive in front of me, but there is a process in place where each department needs to follow and decide on what they consider a cultural immersion project.
Their department takes a leadership role in Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
My question is if the activities could be geared more towards a specific department.
We know that we’re always learning new things about healing programs in Clyde River. They could even be invited.
What are (interpretation ends) social workers (interpretation) called in Inuktitut?
They can utilize the social workers for social issues. They could look into those areas. That would be more appropriate to strengthen their duties and positions within the departments.
I would also like to ask that question.
Government staff will increasingly work based on Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
They can’t just leave their communities, even if it’s just for a day.
Is this what you trying to say?
This is something worth considering and it would be useful in dealing with Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
If something like this can be developed for staff to stay in their workplace and how Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit can be implemented more in their job, we can look into that.
Further, with respect to your comment about counselling, it is also under the mandate of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit.
Perhaps I can respond as the minister here that if we have this reviewed, then it would be amenable for the purpose of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit standing by itself.
At least that is how I understood it.
Yes, it would make this much more useful, so I thank the minister for having taken that into consideration.
Now this is another matter I know of, which is identified in the business plan on page 79.
It speaks about the Tuttarviit Committee and they work out of separate offices.
Is it sufficient and do they include elders who come to the offices to collaborate with this committee?
Mr. Cloutier (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) I just hope I understood the question correctly; correct me if I’m wrong.
With respect to IQ coordinators in each department, there are currently 12 appointed IQ coordinators.
All members of the Tuttarviit group meet on a regular basis within the GN to discuss the integration of ISV and IQ in GN policies and programs. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Are they directly involved?
We would look at plans where Inuit cultural practices and needs weren’t even considered.
If they were applied more in their planning, it would be clearer.
I think Inuit needs would stand out more if the coordinators worked properly.
Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit that the member refers to is part of our future.
We need to lead the activities of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit into the day-to-day operations of the government.
The Tuttarviit Committee will be the means to do that.
Members of Tuttarviit are in every government department.
Are they running properly and where can improvements be made?
In looking at the plans that we are reviewing, they are not aimed for Inuit and one would like to add to them.
If they were part of it properly, then Inuit societal values would have been reflected.
Are there any future plans to make improvements in that area?
Mr. Cloutier (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) That’s a very important matter.
It’s probably the raison d’être, the whole meaning of having Nunavut, the dream of Inuit leaders in creating Nunavut to ensure that not only language and education but Inuit values and knowledge are fully integrated into government programs, policies, and everything.
The Tuttarviit members meet and are consulted with respect to different legislative initiatives and different policies and programs that have an impact on Nunavummiut.
Recent examples are the Department of Health consulted Tuttarviit with respect to the Mental Health Act or the Public Health Act. There is an ongoing dialogue to ensure that ISV and IQ are reflected with those important initiatives.
What I also want to mention is that as a result of the IQK appearing before the standing committee on operations, the Department of Culture and Heritage was directed to develop a framework to assist departments in better implementing Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, ISV, into their programs, policies, and services.
The framework is being worked on.
There is an interdepartmental working group that includes senior officials that are developing the framework, the step by step to help departments in doing a better job in implementing IQ and ISV in their programs. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Yes, it is desirable to assist with that as they can be a good avenue to reach the departments. I urge them so that future plans will include those things.
A great many Inuit continue to have expectations. Some people still don’t believe in Nunavut, looking at the way we operate.
If these can be incorporated into the plans in the future, we will be able to provide help.
I would just like to urge them to get more involved in this.
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): I fully agree with you that that is part of the Department of Culture and Heritage mandate for the 2016-17 fiscal year.
As a government, we will try to incorporate Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit into the government’s operations. We need to rely more on Inuit societal values.
Yes, I agree with the member wholeheartedly.
We have already identified in our business plan that we want the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit to visit the communities in Nunavut and this is part of the plans we have put together on social issues.
As I said, I agree with my colleague and I know that he’s in support.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) Culture and Heritage. Branch Summary. Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
Some of the questions I wanted to ask were already responded to, so I want to ask about this issue related to Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit for these identified positions.
When do you expect to see Inuit societal values incorporated?
Is it happening now or has this just recently been taken into consideration for our territory?
This whole concept of Inuit Qaujimanituqangit and its implementation with staffing positions is being gradually phased in.
There is no question that after some resolutions had been passed on Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit implementation, current and future staff positions are expected to follow IQ principles.
We had to first establish a foundation on how it will be implemented and there’s no question that more will be added as we gain the ability to do so.
I wanted to speak to this issue, but I might be out of line.
Perhaps it will come up later.
Chairman (interpretation): You are finished. (interpretation ends) Culture and Heritage.
Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit. Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $1,335,000.
Go back to F-3. Department Summary. Culture and Heritage.
Do members agree that we have concluded the Department of Culture and Heritage?
Chairman: Thank you. (interpretation) Thank you very much. Minister Mike, you can now make your closing remarks.
I just want to clarify two areas so that we’re on the same page with Mr. Enook’s question.
Inuit art is now displayed at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. If they were not moved there, they would just be sitting in storage. Thanks to your approval, I believe it is timely that the art is now being displayed and people can go view them.
I just wanted to point that out. I had forgotten to mention that because my colleague, Mr. Joe Enook, was asking me some very hard questions.
I’m very pleased that the main estimates for the Department of Culture and Heritage have been approved in regard to language legislation.
The Inuit Language Protection Act is unique.
No matter where you go in Canada, there’s no legislation like it.
We are the only government that protects our Inuit language. It is very unique to Nunavut indeed.
I would like to thank members for the Department of Culture and Heritage can start working on those issues because you have approved the main estimates.
As aboriginal people, our language in Canada is unique because we can make legislation as Members of the Legislative Assembly with regard to language and culture.
The Official Languages Act recognizes three different languages, with the Inuktitut language being completely protected.
I would like to state that the approval of the main estimates will be geared to this.
Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) We will take a five-minute break to prepare for the next department. (interpretation) Thank you.
>>Committee recessed at 16:54 and resumed at 17:02
Bill 13 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2016-2017 – Justice – Consideration in Committee
I would now like to ask the Minister of Justice if he has officials that he would like to appear before the committee.
Yes, I have some officials that I would like to bring to the witness table.
To my right is Bill MacKay, Deputy Minister of the Department of Justice, and to my left is Yvonne Niego, Assistant Deputy Minister of the Department of Justice.
Welcome to the House, Mr. MacKay and Ms. Niego.
Welcome. (interpretation ends) Please proceed with your opening comments, Minister Peterson.
I am pleased to appear before the Committee of the Whole to present the Department of Justice’s main estimates for operations and maintenance for the 2016-17 fiscal year.
With me today is Deputy Minister Bill MacKay and Assistant Deputy Minister Yvonne Niego.
A total of $113,855,000 is being requested for the operations of the Department of Justice in the coming fiscal year.
This is a $4,413,000 increase from the 2015-16 fiscal year.
Under law enforcement, the RCMP have requested an increase of $4,062,000 to meet the uncontrolled forced budget growth in the operations and management for pay and pension increases, the installation of closed circuit TV, housing pool, detachment and replacement costs for storage tanks.
As Minister of Justice, I recognize the ever increasing costs of our policing agreement.
I am therefore committed to exploring community-based programs and made-in-Nunavut alternatives to our current policing arrangement. This is the best way to ensure policing in Nunavut is local and fiscally sustainable.
One option I am exploring with my federal and territorial colleagues is the expansion of the First Nations Policing program to the north.
With the growing number of departmental staff, the department requests $130,000 to hire a senior financial reporting analyst for directorate to ensure the level of accuracy on reporting is maintained and $126,000 for the position of deputy chief coroner for court services to give support to the coroner and to comply with the office’s obligation under the Coroners Act.
In addition, a request for $350,000 to meet the uncontrolled forced growth in the operations and management for travel and transportation.
I am pleased to provide opening comments on behalf of the Standing Committee on Social Wellness on its review of the proposed 2016-17 Main Estimates and 2016-19 Business Plan for the Department of Justice.
The standing committee notes that the department’s proposed 2016-17 operations and maintenance budget of $113,855,000 has increased by approximately 4.3 percent since the introduction of the department’s 2015-16 main estimates.
The department proposes to add one new position to its Corporate Services Division and one new position to its Court Services Division, bringing its total number of positions to 370 in the 2016-17 fiscal year.
The standing committee notes that one of the department’s goals for the 2016-17 fiscal year is to introduce and begin implementing civil forfeiture legislation in Nunavut.
On January 6, 2016, the department issued a news release indicating that the Government of Nunavut would be holding public consultations on proposed civil forfeiture law.
According to that news release, “This new law would allow the territorial government to obtain a court order to confiscate property that is either the ‘proceeds’ or an ‘instrument’ of illegal activity.”
Members look forward to reviewing the proposed civil forfeiture legislation once it has been introduced in the House.
The department’s proposed 2016-17 main estimates indicate that $11,818,000 in funding has been allocated to the Legal Services Board for the 2016-17 fiscal year.
This amount remains unchanged from the department’s 2015-16 main estimates.
The standing committee encourages the minister to continue to work with his provincial and territorial counterparts to lobby the federal government to fund a greater proportion of the costs of criminal and civil legal aid.
The standing committee notes that the department’s proposed law enforcement budget of $40,297,000 in funding has increased by 11.2 percent since the introduction of the department’s 2015-16 main estimates.
During his recent appearance before the standing committee, the minister stated that the increase in his department’s law enforcement budget is the result of an uncontrolled forced budget growth.
The standing committee recognizes that under the Canada-Nunavut Territorial Police Services Agreement, decisions concerning human resources and training within the RCMP division in Nunavut remain within the federal jurisdiction.
However, the standing committee notes that the minister may also provide strategic direction and priorities to the commanding officer of the “V” Division through avenues such as the Contract Management Committee.
The standing committee encourages the minister to use his role on the Contract Management Committee to ensure that RCMP officers and administrative staff are provided opportunities such as Inuit language training and to ensure that detachments are adequately staffed to meet each community’s needs.