EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Therefore Mr. Chairman, it is being brought forward in a supplementary appropriation as an unbudgeted item in our budget.
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you Minister of Health and Social Services for a very brief response.
Total Department Special Warrants. 362 thousand.
Chairperson (interpretation): Page 9 Department of Legislative Assembly, Capital.
Not previously authorized 32 thousand.
Any comments or questions to this item.
If there are no questions or comments, do you agree?
Total Office of the Clerk 32 thousand.
Not previously authorized – do you agree?
Total Department not previously authorized 32 thousand.
Chairperson (interpretation): On page 10, Finance and Administration.
Subject: Capital.
Not previously authorized 250 thousand.
Total comptrollership, not previously authorized 250 thousand – do you agree?
Total Department not previously authorized 250 thousand – any comments, do you agree?  Some Members: Agreed.
Chairperson (interpretation): If you can come back to page 2 – Schedule 1: Operations and Maintenance.
Operations and Maintenance Appropriation 2 million, 580 thousand - do you agree?
Page 3 - Schedule 2: Capital.
Total Appropriation 2 million, 862 thousand – do you agree?
Chairperson (interpretation): Getting back to this item Proposed bill 8, Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 2, 1999/2000.
Come to page 1 – definitions.
In page 1, do you agree with the definitions?
Chairperson (interpretation): Page 2 – This act shall be deemed to have come into force.
Chairperson (interpretation): Part 3 – Page 3 – do you agree?
Chairperson (interpretation): Page 4, do you agree?
Chairperson (interpretation): Page 5, do you agree?
Chairperson (interpretation): Page 6, do you agree?
Chairperson (interpretation): Page 7, do you agree?
Chairperson (interpretation): Bill 8, Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 2, 1999 – 2000 – do you agree?
Chairperson (interpretation): Bill 8 is ready for third reading.
Right now we are almost out of time.
Do you want to proceed or what is the wish of the committee.
I would like to thank the Minister of Finance and also his Assistant Deputy Minister for making this presentation to the Assembly.
You may go back to your chairs.
Motion to report progress.
The motion requires no seconder, so the Speaker can come back to his chair.
Speaker (interpretation): Getting back to the Orders of the Day.
Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering bill 8, and would like to report progress.
Mr. Speaker, I move that bill 8 is ready for third reading and that the report of the committee of the whole be concurred with.
Speaker (interpretation): Motion is on the floor.
Seconder Mr. Ng. All those in favour.
Bill 8 is ready for third reading.
Clerk (Mr. Quirke): Thank you Mr. Speaker , Orders of the day for Monday, February 21, at half past one.
Notices of Motion
Notices of Motion for First Reading of Bills
Bill 9, An Act to Amend the Judicature Act and Other Acts in Relation to Judges
Bill 10, An Act to Amend the Boards of Management Dissolution Act
Bill 11, An Act to Establish Nunavut Day as a Holiday
Bill 12, An Act to Amend the Divisional Councils Dissolution Act
Speaker: Before I adjourn the meeting I would like to recognize our Member of Parliament for Nunavut, Nancy Karetak-Lindell.
Speaker (interpretation): This afternoon at 3 p.m. the members will be playing volleyball at the school.
At this time I adjourn the meeting until Monday, February 21, 2000 at 1:30 p.m.
>>Assembly Adjourned at 2:00 p.m.
Monday, February 21, 2000
Pages 468 - 491
Opening Prayer 468
Ministers’ Statements 468
Members’ Statements 471
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 478
Oral Questions 481
Orders of the Day 490
Monday, February 21, 2000 468
47 - 1(3): Nunavut Transportation Strategy (Anawak) 468
48 - 1(3): Traditional and Handmade Fashion Show (Kilabuk) 469
49 - 1(3): Intergovernmental Partnerships (Okalik) 469
101 - 1(3): Support for Smaller Communities (Iqaqrialu) 471
102 - 1(3): Nunavut/Manitoba Road and Power Links (O'Brien) 472
103 - 1(3): Rankin Inlet Family Violence Project (Anawak) 473
104 - 1(3): Letter Regarding Rankin Inlet Athletes (Thompson) 474
105 - 1(3): Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (Irqittuq) 474
106 - 1(3): Gjoa Haven Water (Puqiqnak) 475
107 - 1(3): Michael Savard (Tootoo) 476
108 - 1(3): Qikiqtani Inuit Association Meeting (Kattuk) 477
109 - 1(3): Pressing need for Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (Allakauark) 477
110 - 1(3): Whitehorse Arctic Winter Games (Kilabuk) 477
175 - 1(3): Support for Smaller Communities (Iqaqrialu) 481
176 - 1(3): Health Board Defecits (O'Brien) 482
177 - 1(3): Payment for Grave Workers (Irqittuq) 483
178 - 1(3): Taloyoak Youth Centre (Puqiqnak) 484
179 - 1(3): Health Board Deficit Offset (Tootoo) 485
180 - 1(3): Liability for Deficits (McLean) 487
181 - 1(3): Approval of Funds for Deficit (O'Brien) 488
6 - 1(3): Motion to Adjourn for the Day (Iqaqrialu) 490
Monday February 21, 2000 Nunavut Hansard Page  Rankin Inlet, Nunavut
Speaker (interpretation): I would like to ask Mr. Irqittuq to say the opening prayer.
Thank you Mr. Irqittuq for opening the session with a prayer.
Going to the orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' Statements. Mr. Anawak.
Minister’s Statement 47 - 1(3): Nunavut Transportation Strategy
I would like to inform the Members of the Legislative Assembly that the Department of Community Government and Transportation is proceeding with the request for proposals for the development of the Nunavut Transportation Strategy.
Once completed, Nunavut will have a comprehensive multi module Transportation Strategy that promotes the economic and social well being of all Nunavut residents.
The long term objective of the Transportation Strategy is to develop a realistic transportation system for Nunavut for the year 2020.
It will support the Bathurst Mandate initiatives with the improvement of social and economic conditions for Nunavummiut through strong transportation and communication links and improve access to land and water.
It will also offer a strategic plan that will lead to the attainment of this vision.
This development process will consider a wide range of issues including the Manitoba – Nunavut Transportation assessment study and the Slave Geological Province transportation studies.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to reassure the members of the Legislative Assembly that they along with the Hamlets and Nunavummiut in general will be consulted during the process.
I’m sure that by working together we can achieve a modern transportation strategy for Nunavut that meets the needs of all Nunavummiut alike.
Minister’s Statement 48 - 1(3): Traditional and Handmade Fashion Show
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have this opportunity to remind members of this House of a special show of traditional and hand made fashions.
The show will take place tonight at 7 o’clock at Alaittuq High School.
I know that members will want to attend and join the Manitoba delegation and the public celebration of this creativity of our sewers in Nunavut.
You will see clothing made here in Rankin Inlet, of course, and clothing from several other communities throughout Nunavut.
The show will feature traditional designs, modern fashions and examples of clothing produced by some of the community based businesses with support from the Nunavut Development Corporation.
Members will be particularly interested to know that our models for the show will be twelve young people from Alaittuq High School here in Rankin Inlet and I think it is notable that whenever we see a show of our traditional and hand made clothing young people are involved.
Young people today can take pride in making traditional clothing and in the arts and crafts.
Our young people want to see how we can use the resources of the land and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit to create opportunities for the young generation and for the generations that will follow.
This commitment should give us all great hope for the future.
I urge you to show these young people your support and spend an enjoyable evening as their guest at the show of traditional and hand made fashions.
Minister’s Statement 49 - 1(3): Intergovernmental Partnerships
Mr. Speaker, our government is developing partnerships with jurisdictions across Canada.
During the past six months the Government of Nunavut has participated in a series of Federal, Provincial and Territorial conferences.
In early August, we played host to the First Annual Northern Leaders Forum establishing a plan to develop a vehicle for addressing issues of common concern among the Governments of Nunavut, NWT and Yukon.
I joined the Provincial and Territorial Premiers in Quebec City at the Annual Premiers' Conference.
Ministers have participated in a wide range of National meetings with their counterparts from the territories and provinces, as well as the Government of Canada.
A series of meetings are ongoing considering the Social Union Agreement and how it can be used as a guide to enable the Governments to better address the needs of their residents.
In December I participated in a meeting of Aboriginal and National Political leaders to discuss Aboriginal input into the social policies of Canada.
Mr. Speaker, as a Premier I have had the opportunity to visit a number of provinces in the fall.
I was a guest of Premier Tobin of Newfoundland where we had the opportunity to discuss issues of common concern.
In November, in conjunction with the major mining conference attended by many of the mayors from Kivalliq in Winnipeg, I had the opportunity to meet Manitoba Premier Gary Doer.
In all of these meetings Nunavut has been welcomed as the newest partner.
Our representatives are being given equal opportunities with their colleagues to raise issues of political importance to our people and reflective of our unique situation.
Our distinct challenges and unique experiences are something that our colleagues and other Governments are eager to learn about.
Last year in June, our Government recognized the need to increase co-operation with our neighbours.
(interpretation ends)We have since signed agreements with Greenland, Yukon and the Northwest Territories to discuss mattes of common concern and understanding and together we will sign a MOU between our Governments.
This MOU will prepare the way for wide-ranging co-operation between Nunavut and our neighbour to the South, as together we will confirm our close ties.
Next month in conjunction with the Arctic Winter Games, I will travel to Whitehorse to attend the second Annual Northern Leaders Forum.
As Territorial Leaders, we will continue to work together to achieve a series of Pan-Territorial goals including the devolution of powers from the Federal Government. (interpretation) We can learn from our provincial partners and Mr. Speaker, we have received a great deal of support and good will from them in our first year of Government but we have much to offer, our style of Government is like our geography – unique.
It respects and blends the best of Inuit and non-Inuit culture and makes our community stronger.
During the coming months there will be a number of intergovernmental meetings including the Western Premiers Conference in Brandon in May and our annual Premiers' Conference in Winnipeg this August. (interpretation ends) Let me emphasize that participation in such a wide range of meetings is of great importance to our Government.
While Nunavut has distinct challenges, there are a number of concerns that we share with other provinces and territories and together we are forging stronger working relationships to manage these issues.
The experience gained from these meetings and the strong relationships built between Governments are valuable in developing a strong presence for Nunavut on the National scene. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I wish to assure all members that following the Bathurst Mandate our government is beginning to take its place and develop its role as a committed and active participant in the life of Canada.
Going back to the Orders of the Day. Item 3, Members’ Statements.
Member’s Statement 101 - 1(3): Support for Smaller Communities
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express the concern of my community and my constituency.
Mr. Speaker, all the communities of Nunavut are growing in population and size annually.
Mr. Speaker, in view of the future in Nunavut it seems bleak since everything is getting to be expensive, and the cost of living is being increased all the time now.
Recent examples of increases which have been very hard on my constituency are: the postage rate increase for parcels: fuel prices have increased on New Year's Eve, airline tickets have been increased by First Air.
In Clyde River we face challenges with possible power rates increases to pay for the new power plant, Mr. Speaker.
All the Nunavut communities have to have adequate operational funds.
When I visit the Capital of Nunavut in Iqaluit, regional centres such as Cambridge Bay and Rankin Inlet, I see Government infrastructure growing and the government staff are increasing in the larger communities in Nunavut.  Larger communities in Nunavut are also growing with government offices, government housing and government staff.
I know that all this growth takes a lot of money from the budget of the Government of Nunavut.
My constituents live in two small communities, Clyde River and Broughton Island.
There are many small communities in Nunavut today.
I have asked the Government not to forget the smaller communities because I am very concerned about the smaller communities being that there might not be adequate operational funds.
Mr. Speaker, in view of that, the Nunavut Government should be very careful in dealing with this.
I was pleased that our Premier told me in his response to my question last week that the Government will not forget the small communities and I would also like to see that these small communities benefit from this.
Mr. Speaker, today during oral question period, I will be asking the Premier about this very important concern.
Speaker (interpretation): Members' Statements.
Member’s Statement 102 - 1(3): Nunavut/Manitoba Road and Power Links
Mr. O'Brien: Thank you, Mr. Speaker I rise today to speak about a subject that is a very important priority in my constituency and this region.
That is the building of roads and power links between Nunavut and Manitoba.
Mr. Speaker, this exciting project is about building partnerships with other Governments to build our future in Nunavut.
It is about creating jobs for our people in road construction and maintenance, in tourism and resource development.
It is about reducing our heavy reliance on expensive oil and reducing pollution produced by fossil fuel.
It is about linking Nunavut with Canada.
Mr. Speaker, this project is also about common sense investing in lowering our very high cost of living and building our economy.
For years now, northern governments have been committed to looking at the feasibility and benefits of North/South highway and transmission links.
Mr. Speaker, in June 1996, the Government of NWT and Manitoba agreed to work together on transportation and energy links.
The report was produced in November 1999 on road corridors.
The study also looked at both winter road and all weather road options.
Mr. Speaker, five possible routes were identified between Nunavut and Manitoba.
The road would begin in Churchill, Gilmorden Lake.
The options include links to Arviat, Whale Cove, Chesterfield, Rankin and Baker Lake.
The first step, Mr. Speaker, would be to build a winter road which would also be the base for the construction of an all weather road.
Another major study was undertaken on behalf of the NWT Power Corporation and Manitoba Hydro.
Two possible routes for transmission lines have been mapped out between Churchill and Rankin Inlet.
Arviat being the closest community would also be served from this line.
As all the members know, Manitoba has an excess of hydro power which costs about one tenth the cost of our diesel and generated power.
The Manitoba power grid also already goes all the way to Churchill which is only about two hundred miles from my home community of Arviat.
Every year, Mr. Speaker, our southern neighbours in Manitoba export about 300 million dollars worth of goods and services to this region.
I know that the province of Manitoba puts a high value on this trade.
I also believe that the province of Manitoba would like to do its part to strengthen these links of trade and friendship.
The province of Manitoba shared the cost of these major studies with the Government of Canada.
Today we have further proof of their commitment to working with us with their presence here in Nunavut, the Honourable Gary Doer, the Premier of Manitoba and his distinguished delegation.
I believe Mr. Speaker, that working together we can persuade the Government of Canada to support the building of links between Nunavut and Canada.
Nunavut is the only jurisdiction in Canada which does not have a link to the rest of the country.
Mr. Speaker, this project requires boldness and vision.
I want to commend our Premier for his early and strong commitment in exploring and developing stronger links between our territory and our neighbouring province.
I also look forward to working with the Honourable Ed Picco, Minister responsible for the Power Corporation to examine options for how we can restructure the new Nunavut Power Corporation.
We must also pay attention to the potential to develop alternative sources of energy.
Mr. Speaker, the world price of oil went over thirty dollars a barrel just recently and we are in a very vulnerable situation.
Mr. Speaker, also we would like to thank the Honourable Jack Anawak, Minister of Transportation for his support and attendance at the meeting in Winnipeg last fall where these reports were unveiled.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working with the minister to develop a long range plan for the winter road and permanent road from Nunavut to Manitoba.
Mr. Speaker, I know that these are major challenges, that size and the impact of this project is daunting.
However, Mr. Speaker, if we move in small steps we can accomplish this.
Mr. Speaker, in closing, this great country was not built by leaders who focussed on why you could not do something.
It was built by leaders who said “we can do it – lets find a way”.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to making continuous progress on this exciting project.
I would like to advise all the members not to exceed two and half minutes on your statement.
Members’ Statements. Mr. Anawak.
Member’s Statement 103 - 1(3): Rankin Inlet Family Violence Project
Hon. Jack Anawak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker I rise today to speak of a project started here in Rankin Inlet.
This project involves trying to deal with family violence.
We have some individuals who are here that are working on this project.
Valerie Stubbs from our department of Justice, we have Bonnie Tulloch, we also have Judge Browne from the Nunavut Government Justice Department.
They have had quite a number of meetings with people in Rankin Inlet.
They first tried this out as a pilot project to find out what they could do in counselling people going to court for family violence.
There will be counselling provided to the abusers and the counsellor will know about traditional values and know how to talk to the abuser and the victims and the witnesses.
Mr. Speaker, I think it will be a tremendous help to get the communities going in helping themselves when it comes to family violence.
There are going to be some people at the community level, and also the employees and the counsellors who have to be willing to work hard.
Mr. Speaker, if we can do that then maybe we can lessen family violence at the community level.
When there is a decrease we will see fewer people in the penitentiaries and the correctional centres and so on.
Member’s Statement 104 - 1(3): Letter Regarding Rankin Inlet Athletes
Hon. Manitok Thompson (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, my statement is regarding the students who went down to Iqaluit for a soccer tournament for tryouts for the Whitehorse Arctic Winter games.
Principal Donald Clark received a letter from Mindy Willet of the Kugluktuk team.
The letter states:
“Dear Hon. Manitok Thompson , February 8, 2000. I felt compelled to write to you and tell you how impressed I was with the youth from your community and your school.
We played against your boys' team and although they had superior skills they felt no need to blow us away.
They played hard but fair and were excellent sportsmen, even when they didn't win.
I enjoyed all their company on and off the court.
They were respectful, polite and had a great sense of humour.
Obviously, you are setting a good example over there in Rankin Inlet as a whole community.
Your coach was very caring and generous to the boys.
What a role model.
They all respect your community well.
Cheers, Mindy Willet”
Here are the soccer boys and their coach.
Their coach was Eddy Sandy he has been volunteering for the last fourteen years for this community.
The players were Colin Mukphah, Johnathan Kaludjuak, Richard Sharpe, Nayuk Kusugak, Moses Aupiladjuk, Loreen Tagoona, Adam Tanuyak and Johnny Kapuk.
Member’s Statement 105 - 1(3): Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit
Mr. Irqittuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I rise today about our traditional knowledge - Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
On Friday I asked a number of questions to the Minister of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth.
Mr. Speaker, I would just like to make a further reiteration that before all our elders pass away, we must get from them knowledge on how to maintain traditional values and principles.
We know that only a small number have complete knowledge of hunting skills for example.
We have been given responsibilities.
We have left our families to do our jobs so we cannot pass on our own knowledge to our children.
A lot of parents today have to worry about trying to make ends meet and because of this we are not teaching our children.
It is our responsibility to teach our young children about hunting skills and traditional skills and knowledge like sewing, skinning and making garments of traditional clothing.
This is how our ancestors lived and how we coped with the harshness of the weather.
There are a lot of people who know how to go out and read the weather patterns and find out what the weather patterns will be.
There are a lot of people who are striving and I think we should work hard in order to produce and come up with traditional curriculum standards.
I think we have to work immediately.
I realize Nunavut Tunngavik and other Inuit organizations are working and pushing this issue.
So we must push ahead because a lot of elders are passing away quickly and we are losing a lot of their knowledge.
I feel this is a very important issue.
This should be our first priority.
Next time I will remind you again please do not go over your 2 ½ minute limit.
Next time I will stop you.
Member’s Statement 106 - 1(3): Gjoa Haven Water
Mr. Puqiqnak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I will once again discuss the water reservoir.
We believe this water is not safe for consumption.
Though we realize the department is working on this issue, my constituents are concerned about this water situation.
I hope that this problem will resolved as soon as possible.
Last week the Minister of Health and Social Services stated that he would work in addressing this concern and that the water was safe.
The community government has been consulted and I asked in the Legislative Assembly about this problem and Mr. Anawak stated he would deal with this as soon as possible.
He said it would be a first priority concern.
Mr. Speaker, I told him my concerns and he said they would make a plan to address this problem.
I was very pleased to hear when the minister stated that he would work very closely with us in this very important matter.
Mr. Speaker, I .
Speaker (interpretation): You are over your time limit.
You must ask to get consent from the members to go over your time allotment, and finish your statement.
Mr. Puqiqnak (interpretation): Mr. Speaker.
I was just going to finish my speech and I would request approval to conclude my statement, Mr Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Mr. Irqittuq is asking for consent from the members to finish his statement.
There are no nays, go ahead Mr. Puqiqnak.