EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Before we came here on May 16, they have been in operation and will still be able to continue with their work.
For the first time, young people were able to make a presentation to their fellow citizens.
Christian Tapatai Tagoona, Kelsey Atangalaaq, Dwayne Parker, and Kelly Nasaujaittuq started their opening ceremonies with drum dancing.
Secondly, with my fellow MLA and Nunavummiut, I would like to recognize Nelson Tagoona, who actually gets to perform overseas.
Through his singing, called throat boxing, Nelson is giving suicide prevention messages to his fellow youth. I am very proud of him for that and commend him for his leadership on this issue.
During the last evening of this special event, another aboriginal person was able to come to Baker Lake, who is a comedian, Don Burnstick. Even the young people were very happy and were in merriment.
I am very happy with my fellow Baker Lake residents for having organize that festive event, so I want my fellow Inuit to enjoy life too like they did.
Members’ Statements. Member for Pangnirtung, Mr. Mike.
Member’s Statement 036 – 4(2): Recognition of Elisapee Ishulutaq – Order of Canada (Mike)
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to share my pride with all the MLAs here and my fellow residents in Pangnirtung that are aware.
Another person who was presented with the Order of Canada by the Governor General of Canada is Elisapee Ishulutaq.
Elisapee is an artist promoting our culture through drawings, printmaking, and carvings. She produces things that we’re no longer able to see in our lives today from her previous life. She has helped promote Inuit culture through printmaking, drawing, and sewing.
She has been involved for over 40 years.
She was one of the recipients of the Order of Canada, and I want to share my pride and happiness on behalf of her. Elisapee Ishulutaq from Pangnirtung received the Order of Canada, recognition from the Queen.
I would like to mention another person who doesn’t live in Nunavut, but he’s another recipient of the Order of Canada. My relatives, cousins, and daughter were part of Nunavut Sivuniksavut and one of the teachers, Morley Hanson, has helped many Inuit since 1988 to date. The young Inuit people he has helped were trained by him to be able to get into careers in Nunavut.
(interpretation) There are no nays. Please proceed.
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my colleagues.
Morley Hanson has helped a great deal.
People like us up here in Nunavut, although we live in Nunavut, he has helped in ways that we are unable to. I would like to recognize him for receiving the Order of Canada. Even though he’s not a resident of Nunavut, he’s done great work for Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I’ll have a statement about recreation in Pangnirtung tomorrow and also marine matters.
Member’s Statement 037 – 4(2): Kugaaruk Fishing Derby (Ugyuk)
Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to the people in my community and in Taloyoak and Kugaaruk. To my grandchildren in Taloyoak, I say, “I love you.”
Last weekend in Kugaaruk, they were trying to catch the biggest, heaviest fish. The Adluat Committee held a fishing derby. There were 15 prizes.
The first prize was a four-wheeled Honda and it went to Alexandro Inutuinaq.
The second prize, which is an outboard motor, went to David Illuitok.
The third prize went to Niptayuk, a floe edge boat.
The fourth prize went to Columban Pujuardjok, a queen-size mattress. I’m sure she had a good sleep after winning that mattress.
Maria Pia Inutuinaq got a washer.
Sixth prize was a sewing machine and it went to Lionel Tigvareak.
The seventh prize went to Maria Pia Inutuinaq and she won a table and chairs.
The eighth winner who received a dryer is Gaetan Apsaktaun.
The ninth winner was Jerome Kakkianiun and he got a 3-burner stove.
The 10th prize went to Alexandro Inutuinaq, who got first prize, and he got a rechargeable stove.
Kenneth Illuitok won a 1-burner stove and a backpack.  Guido Tigvareak… .
Speaker (interpreter): Thank you. (interpretation ends).
The member is seeking unanimous to conclude her statement. Are there any nays?
(interpretation) I don’t hear any nays. Ms. Ugyuk, please proceed.
Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): The 12th prize went to Guido Tigvareak and he got a fishing rod.
The 13th prize went to Angela Qavvik and she got a thermos bottle.
The 14th prize went to Johaulli Inutuinaq and he won a bicycle.
The 15th prize was another bicycle, a smaller bicycle and it went to Rodney Sigguk.
The people who didn’t go fishing had a sculpin fishing contest with a $200 prize and they are: Tannis Kukkuvak, Rhoda Nasalik, Colin Jr. Inuksaq, George Kakkianiun, and Annie Aleekee.
I thank the Adluat Committee for holding these fishing derbies in Kugaaruk.
Member’s Statement 038 – 4(2): Cambridge Bay High School Graduates (Peterson)
I rise today to inform the House of a significant milestone for 11 youth in my community.
This past Saturday, 11 high school students in Cambridge Bay celebrated their grade 12 graduation with their parents, elders, families, and friends at the Kiilinik High School.
Mr. Speaker, I know many of these young people personally and I know how hard each of them worked to reach their goal.
One of the young men in the class could teach us all a lesson in dedication.
He underwent open-heart surgery last fall, and I’m very proud to say he persevered through that challenge to reach this landmark.
Mr. Speaker, all of these graduates are role models for the younger children in our schools.
I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating:
Kelsey Barton
Siobhan Bligh
Cecily Evalik
Chanda Evalik
Amos Fletcher
Nathan Gray
Donna Lyall
Jorden Lyall
Mia Otokiak
Amy Pike, and
Presley Taylor.
Mr. Speaker, these students now have one of those valuable treasures we can give our youth: an education.
With their diplomas, they now have a greater opportunity for jobs and can enter college, trade school, or university of their choice.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, let’s recognize the dedicated teachers, parents, family members, and friends who motivated and encouraged these children and youth along from kindergarten to grade 12. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member Pat Angnakak for Niaqunnguu.
I would first like to recognize my constituent, Virginia Lloyd.
I also represent my nephew, Pauloosie Akeeagok, and I would like to further recognize… . (interpretation ends) I am very pleased to have this opportunity to recognize a number of visitors in the Gallery today who have joined us from the Parliamentary [Internship] Program of the House of Commons.
My colleague Joe Savikataaq and I had a great time yesterday talking about Nunavut and about this great Legislative Assembly.
These young Canadians are currently working in the offices of Members of Parliament and are in Nunavut this week for their annual study tour.
Adam Casey, perhaps you can stand.
Robyn Gibbard
Christine Guyot, sorry if I mispronounced your last name.
Sarah Hunter
Olivier Jacques
Avalon Jennings
Ivan Narvaez, sorry.
Jonathan Paradis
Andrea Stuart, and
Tim Styles.
Speaker (interpretation): Welcome to all the visitors.
It’s with pleasure that I am able to recognize a couple of my constituents here this afternoon.
Ms. Navarana Beveridge eluded my recognition the first time she happened to be in the House, so I am very happy to recognize her.
Also, Mr. James Arreak, I would like to recognize him as well.
I would also like to thank him for bringing my brother up from his new position in Ottawa.
My brother Brad is here with NTI. He is working out of the Ottawa office.
His life took a little bit of a fork in the road, and I am very happy that he is back in Iqaluit, even if it is only for a few days.
As soon as I stopped looking at them, the people I want to recognize left the building.
Maybe you will recognize their faces when they come back. I would like to acknowledge Zacharias Kunuk.
He was just here a minute ago. He may have been recognized, although he is quite tanned. His younger brother Paul Irngaut was here as well.
I don’t see them anymore, but I would just like to welcome them. I remind my colleagues that they are brothers.
I’m sure you all know Zacharias Kunuk, who is the filmmaker of Atanarjuat and other productions. He is a professional filmmaker in Igloolik.
I’m sure you know that my community of Igloolik as the (interpretation ends) “Hollywood of the North” (interpretation) now. That’s what I wanted to say.
Welcome to them both, although they’re no longer here.
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. (interpretation ends) Premier Taptuna.
It’s not often that I stand up to recognize anybody in the House, but I want to recognize Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated President Cathy Towtongie, who has been working very hard on a number of key initiatives.
Sen. Patterson is no longer sitting here, but I would like to recognize him also.
Speaker: NTI president, (interpretation) please feel welcome and your staff, Virginia Lloyd.
Mr. Sammurtok, Tom.
Hon. Tom Sammurtok: Qujannamiik, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) The Premier beat me to the punch on this one.
(interpretation) I would like to recognize (interpretation ends) my constituent in Rankin Inlet North, who is also the President of NTI, Cathy Towtongie. (interpretation) Thank you.
Speaker (interpretation): Welcome to the Gallery again.
Question 032 – 4(2): Need for Continuing Care Facilities (Sammurtok)
I would like to direct my question to the (interpretation ends) Minister of Health.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, Nunavut’s population (interpretation ends) is growing steadily, with over 15 percent increase in just seven years. Since 2006, our population of elders over the age of 65 has grown by over 400 individuals.
The need for long-term care and support is growing.
As the minister is aware, Nunavut has two 24-hour continuing care facilities, one in Gjoa Haven and one in Igloolik. There is also a facility in the community of Iqaluit.
Can the minister provide an update on what consideration has been given by her department and in collaboration with her counterparts in Family Services, Community and Government Services, and the Nunavut Housing Corporation to opening another continuing care facility in Nunavut?
As I have said, the Department of Health is doing a needs assessment to find out the people who need long-term care in Nunavut. That’s what we’re working on right now.
Mr. Sammurtok: Mr. Speaker, I am confident that the minister will agree that it is much better to keep our ailing and elderly Nunavummiut closer to home, family, and community instead of sending them away to an unfamiliar and lonely environment.
Can the minister provide an update on how many individuals are currently receiving care in Nunavut’s continuing care facilities and how many Nunavummiut are receiving a similar level of care outside of the territory?
The Department of Health has two things that the member talked about, continuing care facilities in Igloolik and Gjoa Haven. It’s presently in operation. There are over 10 rooms for long-term care in the facility.
There are some people on the waiting list for continuing care and they have to be looked after in their own home and they have to be near their community to receive treatment.
We’re looking at doing a needs assessment for long-term care facilities in Nunavut.
Will the minister commit to working with her cabinet colleagues to consider building and staffing another continuing [care] facility in Nunavut?
Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) The Department of Health has been brainstorming with the housing corporation, for example, units for elders that are suitably served so that elders can stay home longer, which is called assisted living. We also work closely with Family Services.
Question 033 – 4(2): Government Liaison Office (Joanasie)
As the minister will recall, I asked him questions on March 10 of this year regarding concerns that had been raised with me regarding the condition of equipment that is presently located in our communities, including the communities of South Baffin that I represent in the Legislative Assembly.
Can the minister update the House on what actions his department’s Government Liaison Office has taken in response to the concerns that I raised earlier this year?
I would like to defer that question to the minister responsible for the issuing of driver’s licences and ID cards.
Speaker: The Hon. Minister, Mr. Kuksuk.
If I understood his question, it was asked by some of the Members of this House.
I can say again that issuing of driver’s licences or general identification cards for the people in Nunavut is the responsibility we have in my department.
There has been a complaint that these are too slow. We are dealing with the problems at the present time. As soon as this has been resolved, I will respond to the question.
A number of my colleagues have also raised concerns about access to general identification cards and driver’s licences, which are issued by the Department of Economic Development and Transportation.
Can the minister indicate what specific actions his department’s Government Liaison Office is taking to work with the Department of EDT to improve these services?
As I said earlier, the people who take photographs for passports and driver’s licences are delayed at the present time.
There are several things that have been delayed and because they want to have new things that we would like to begin, we are training the people.
The GLOs at the present time and my department are looking at how to improve services to take photographs for identification cards, for instance, the same as having a health care card. I know that this improvement will be made shortly to the services that we provide.
I will be able to provide an update as soon as those things are resolved.
It would be very helpful to both the government and communities if we had a comprehensive and current inventory of photography equipment in each community.
Will the minister commit to having his department’s Government Liaison Office work with the departments of EDT and CGS to undertake this work over the coming summer?
As I said earlier, this is being done at the present time. The hamlets are helping our department. This has to be resolved because there are many problems and I agree with the member, but at the present time, I’m not really sure exactly when this will be resolved.
I expect that we will be working on this rigorously.
Question 034 – 4(2): Follow-up on Constituents’ Correspondence (Shooyook)
My question is for the Minister of Health and it’s in relation to a question about health.
I have been asking the minister various questions and I will not stop asking questions in relation to a couple until I get an answer I can understand.
Last March, when I was here, I had provided a letter to the Minister of Health and I indicated to them how they can be assisted in two communities.
The couple has never received an answer as to what kinds of services they could obtain.
I would like to know whether or not you have done any follow-up because of the fact that the couple has never received their answer in relation to people who require assistance with living.
This question, I think, is directed to Family Services.
Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the Member for Quttiktuq for that question.
I had provided a written reply. I imagine he has not received it yet. We should not be talking about one issue endlessly, but I will undertake to look to see what happened to that letter.
Oral Questions. Member for (interpretation ends) Hudson Bay, Mr. Rumbolt.
Question 035 – 4(2): Status of Public Housing Construction in Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt)
I would like to direct my questions to the minister of the housing corporation.
As the minister is aware, the Nunavut Housing Corporation plans to build a new five-plex unit in Sanikiluaq as part of the corporation’s 2014-15 public housing construction season.
Can the minister confirm if the Nunavut Housing Corporation has finalized the tender process for this construction of the new five-plex and awarded the contracts for the new public housing units?
Yes, I would love to inform the member from Sanikiluaq in regard to the question.
I don’t think this is my first supplementary because he didn’t answer my first question.
Mr. Speaker, I asked the minister if he could provide an update on the tendering process for the construction of the five-plex in Sanikiluaq.
Speaker: The Hon. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kuksuk.
Mr. George Kuksuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The tenders for the construction for the Sanikiluaq housing project have just closed on May 16, I believe. Things are rolling along fairly smoothly.
Concerns have been brought to my attention that the length of time that the Nunavut Housing Corporation allowed for this tender was very short, which impacted the ability of local companies in Sanikiluaq to bid on the project.
Can the minister indicate how the Nunavut Housing Corporation works with local companies in Nunavut to ensure that they have adequate time to submit bids on construction tenders?
The process that the housing corporation uses when tendering construction projects in Nunavut is pretty much standard across Nunavut.
I believe it was handled the same as it would be in other communities in the community of Sanikiluaq.
Now, all I have at the moment that I can answer to the question is I have the closing date, which was May 16.
I would have to look up when and how long the tenders were open and, if the member wishes, I can get back to him at a later date.
Another concern that has been raised with me relates to the housing corporation’s design for new units in Sanikiluaq.
As the minister is aware, our location results in Sanikiluaq having a warmer climate and less permafrost than other Nunavut communities. Consequently, there have been problems with the use of steel piles in construction, including significant shifting of buildings, with much added cost in repairs. Can the minister indicate if the Nunavut Housing Corporation has taken these concerns into account in the design of Sanikiluaq’s new five-plex?
Mr. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
When these houses are delivered to the community, various issues are raised as to the appropriateness.
There were discussions about the pros and cons of using piles versus gravel or what kind of designs needed to be made. There are issues that relate to appropriate ventilation in buildings, for example. All of these things were discussed.
Question 036 – 4(2): Community Justice Committees (Angnakak)
Ms. Angnakak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) My questions are for the minister celebrating a birthday today, the Minister of Justice. Happy birthday. This is my birthday present to you.
Mr. Speaker, as I stated during Friday’s sitting, I attended a community meeting for the development of Nunavut’s Crime Prevention Strategy earlier this month in Iqaluit. The minister will recall that I warned him that I would have questions for him on this subject.
Mr. Speaker, community justice committees provide intervention alternatives for criminal offenders who may be entering or re-entering criminal prosecution. In some cases, intervention in the form of counselling, cultural activities, or mediation have prevented the prosecution of offenders and, arguably, the individual’s future involvement in criminal activity.
Mr. Speaker, it is recognized that engaging communities in the development of a crime prevention strategy will require collaboration with community justice committees and their outreach workers, coordinators, and specialists.
Can the minister indicate what communities, if any, currently do not have a fully operational community justice committee?
Most of the communities have community justice committees. There used to be one in Iqaluit, but it’s not functioning anymore due to various impediments. There are efforts being made to have the justice committee revived in Iqaluit and our staff has been initiating and having discussions about how committees like this could be revived in Iqaluit.
Community justice committees are comprised of community volunteers, whose meetings and activities are coordinated by a paid community justice committee coordinator or outreach worker.
A recent report published by the federal Department of Justice indicates that there has been a lack of funding for the training and salaries of community justice committee coordinators.
Can the minister indicate what specific actions his department is taking to enhance the resources and capacity of community justice committees?
We will be discussing how we can implement the recommendations, especially in relation to such issues as counselling, and hopefully, people will begin to lead better lives. When these kinds of things begin to be implemented, there is less crime at the end of it. Those are the kinds of things that we will be striving for.
Speaker (interpretation): Your final supplementary, Ms. Angnakak.
The government’s annual reports on its Community Justice program describe the number of cases received, community activities, and measures taken for crime prevention by each committee.
The annual report for the 2010-11 fiscal year was tabled in the Legislative Assembly on May 16, a year ago, 2013.
Will the minister commit to tabling the 2011-12 and 2012-13 annual reports before the end of the current spring sitting?
I’m sorry I was not a minister then or a member in those years. However, I will undertake to see what the conditions of those reports are at.
Question 037 – 4(2): Temporary Social Workers (Mapsalak)
Mr. Speaker, social workers visit various communities. They come to the communities that I represent and they do not spend a very long time there. Once you see them and then you don’t.
I wonder if the minister can answer as to what they do once you see them, then you don’t. I wonder if the minister can answer why there cannot be full-time social workers that could provide services to communities. Is it because the communities don’t have that many people who require their services?
I thank my fellow MLA for that question in relation to communities.
We don’t have too many employees in this field of social services, but they are trying to address this issue.
We are working with Arctic College so that there could be more people working in Family Services that could gain appropriate qualifications to be able to work in this field. It is preferable to have beneficiaries who have lived in the north because, as we all know, people who move in from the south do not stay very long and the turnover is high.
That is all we are doing to try to address this issue in relation to family services.
They do important work; they are missed when they do not visit and when they do not come to provide services. It is unfortunate that people who work in this field only stay for a few months.
We do know why they do not spend a long time. Maybe the workload is too much or they aren’t getting appropriate services.
Perhaps the minister can provide me with an answer.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of Family Services, Ms. Ugyuk.
Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my colleague for that question. Yes, we know that many social workers do not stay here.
They find their workload too difficult. We are trying to keep that in mind.
They get overworked. That’s usually one of the reasons they do not stay. It’s because they are not in their own land and they usually go back to their own land.
We need to have more Inuit social workers. For that effort, we have been training social workers in Cambridge Bay to try and strengthen our workforce. We are trying to correct it properly.
Has the minister reviewed or checked into… ? As you just stated, social workers have very difficult jobs. Have you looked into any ways to support social workers so that they end up spending longer times in the communities?