EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
There are a number of different training programs that we have and I just wanted to make sure that I was talking about the right one.
When we’re discussing the educational upgrade program, it’s for Nunavut Inuit public health staff.
We want to make sure that we’re developing an upgrade program to support Inuit and Inuit employment in public health positions across the territory.
This is in direct response to Article 23 from the NLCA, which mandates the government to look at impediments in place and to look at ways to mitigate those. We want to continue to develop initiatives to increase Inuit employment.
We want to make sure that we’re getting the representative level.
Like I had mentioned, I believe, the first day here when we were talking about Inuit employment numbers, we’re on target right now or a little even above target.
Personally I’m not satisfied with that. We need to continue programs such as this so that when we’ve got people that… .
We have amended academic entry into certain positions, an example, a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Sciences to a High School Diploma, but willingness for candidates to commit to these educational upgrade programs so that they can learn as they develop on the job.
We’ve got 19 students enrolled in the preparatory course just from October to December of 2016.
Of those 19, 15 students completed the course.
Those are some types of initiatives that we want to not just focus because we need to make sure we have Inuit employment, but it’s not like when we’re dealing with health. You’ve got to make sure that you’ve got somebody that’s capable of doing that work. We’re putting as many options available to people so that there are resources available to help them develop into the roles so that they can not only assist themselves but so they can be very productive to the health care team.
It sounds like great things are going on in that area.
I think you should do a minister’s statement on it. Share the good news with everybody. We need more good news these days.
My last question is on page 126 of the last bullet. You say, “Monitor the implementation activities of the updated Tobacco Reduction Strategy.”
I always wonder how do you really determine and what kind of time frame do you need to determine if a strategy is working or not.
For example, the number of people smoking in Nunavut has only continued to rise, yet I know that the department does have some initiatives that they have in place and have for some time.
An updated one, does that mean that you have changed the strategy that you had?
If you can just elaborate a little bit more on what is going on in that area.
The member is correct. I think there are times where we don’t celebrate enough of what we are doing.
One thing that I have learned since taking over this role and this responsibility that was entrusted to me by the Premier is it seems there are always fires to be put out.
Sometimes we get caught dealing with issues and making sure that we are working on the day-to-day needs that need to be addressed that we forget to take a step back sometimes and celebrate the successes.
I do have some ministers’ statements coming up in the next couple of weeks that will highlight some of the successes we’re doing, but I appreciate the member’s recognition because there really is a lot of good things that the Department of Health is and has been doing. It’s not just since I’ve gotten there. I’m just one small part of the guidance and direction of the department.
Previous ministers have pushed a number of great initiatives and the staff.
We’ve got a really good senior management team right now that is really continuing to push the boundaries and to push the limits of the system to its maximum effectiveness.
I appreciate that for one. Thanks for indulging me on that, Mr. Chairman.
With regard to tobacco reduction, any time we have a strategy like that, it is always a fluid type document where there may be best practices that are identified, things that are working or aren’t working so that we can adjust our programming and our education focuses on.
Specifically when we look at measurables, one of the few ways we have to measure is by the amount of tobacco that is sold in the territory.
That is where we would see our results and through community consultations and visits.
Community wellness groups have put on different smoking cessation programs.
We’ve got a fantastic team here in Iqaluit that has put on campaigns here in the legislature. There are no-smoking grounds at QGH and a number of different initiatives where we’re still fighting the fight on tobacco reduction.
We’re targeting right now a lot of youth so that people don’t start smoking. It’s difficult to stop once you have started.
There is still the smoking cessation programming available to people of all ages across the territory.
There are different methods, patches and gums and things like that, that are provided to people.
It’s an important initiative and we have a really great team that is working very hard to make progress in that, but it’s a difficult one to measure other than, again, community consultations or through numbers of tobacco sales.
I have a couple of more questions. I do recognize the clock up there.
Has the department ever... ? This is something I don’t know anything about but I have just heard about, but it’s the issue of radon.
Apparently it causes or the target is lung cancer.
I was told by somebody that we have the highest lung cancer rates in Nunavut in Iqaluit.
I’m sorry, when we’re talking about the budget process, I just don’t have that level of detail in front of me right now.
If the member wanted to follow up with me, I’m sure that is something I can get more information on.
We just don’t have that readily available here today.
Recognizing the clock, I would like to move a motion to report progress.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) There is a motion on floor. Is there a seconder?
Third Reading of Bills. (interpretation) Item 23.
Just a reminder that the Standing Committee on Legislation is meeting in the Nanuq Boardroom this afternoon at half past one and also tomorrow morning at nine o’clock in the same boardroom.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until Monday, February 27, at 1:30 p.m.
>>House adjourned at 11:54
Monday, February 27, 2017
Pages 3337 – 3413
Opening Prayer 3337
Speaker’s Statement 3337
Ministers’ Statements 3337
Members’ Statements 3340
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 3347
Oral Questions 3347
Tabling of Documents 3362
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 3363
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 3363
Report of the Committee of the Whole 3412
Orders of the Day 3412
Monday, February 27, 2017 3337
243 – 4(3): Government of Nunavut Signs MOU with Dalhousie University (Taptuna) 3337
244 – 4(3): Omingmak Emergency Men’s Homeless Shelter (Mike) 3338
245 – 4(3): French Language Instruction (Quassa) 3339
246 – 4(3): Conservation Officers’ Conference (Savikataaq) 3339
247 – 4(3): Uqausirmut Quviasuutiqarniq 2017 (Kuksuk) 3340
458 – 4(3): Recognition of Pond Inlet Youth (Enook) 3340
459 – 4(3): Nutrition North Canada Public Meeting in Baker Lake (Mikkungwak) 3341
460 – 4(3): Naujaat Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps (Mapsalak) 3342
461 – 4(3): Nation-building (Sammurtok, T) 3342
462 – 4(3): Congratulations to Graduates of Underground Mining Program (Sammurtok, A) 3343
463 – 4(3): Qikiqtarjuaq Marine Infrastructure (Keyootak) 3343
464 – 4(3): Condolences to Family in Constituency (Qirngnuq) 3344
465 – 4(3): Successful Fundraising for the New St. Jude’s Anglican Cathedral (Angnakak) 3344
466 – 4(3): Study of Beluga Whales in Cumberland Sound (Mike) 3345
467 – 4(3): Recent Achievements of Constituents in Education (Joanasie) 3346
610 – 4(3): Qulliq Energy Corporation Activities in Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt) 3347
611 – 4(3): Addressing Social Passing in Our Schools (Joanasie) 3347
612 – 4(3): Status of Trades Programs in Rankin Inlet (Sammurtok, A) 3350
613 – 4(3): Departmental Vacancies (Enook) 3351
614 – 4(3): Nunavut Housing Corporation Capital Plan (Mikkungwak) 3352
615 – 4(3): 2017 Budget (Angnakak) 3354
616 – 4(3): Status of New School for Coral Harbour (Mapsalak) 3356
617 – 4(3): Dust Control in Nunavut (Sammurtok, T) 3357
618 – 4(3): The Inuit Language Protection Act and the Private Sector (Okalik) 3359
619 – 4(3): Nunavut Emergency Management (Rumbolt) 3359
620 – 4(3): Fur Freight Subsidy Pilot Project (Mikkungwak) 3361
260 – 4(3): Graduates of Underground Mining Program (Sammurtok, A) 3363
Bill 36 – An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act – Notice 3363
Bill 42 – An Act to Amend the Tobacco Tax Act – Notice 3363
Bill 34 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2017-2018 – Health – Consideration in Committee 3364
Bill 34 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2017-2018 – Education – Consideration in Committee 3403
Speaker (Hon. George Qulaut) (interpretation): Mr. Isaac Shooyook, can you say the opening prayer, please.
(interpretation) Before we start, I have a letter to read.
During Friday’s sitting of the House the member responsible for Nunavut Arctic College made a statement concerning the partnership between the college Interpreter/Translator Program and the Legislative Assembly.
I am very pleased to inform the members that the students are taking their next step forward today.
For today’s sitting our Members’ Statements will be interpreted by our students.
I ask all members to stay within the speed limit when making their statements today.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister for Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Peter Taptuna.
Minister’s Statement 243 – 4(3): Government of Nunavut Signs MOU with Dalhousie University (Taptuna)
Hon. Peter Taptuna (interpretation): Good afternoon, my colleagues, Nunavummiut, and Kuglukturmiut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform my colleagues about an exciting development with regard to our government’s Hivuliqtikhanut Leadership Development program.
As I have previously mentioned in the Assembly, Hivuliqtikhanut aims to strengthen Nunavut’s public service and provide the necessary tools and skills for our employees to become effective future leaders.
Mr. Speaker, on February 16, Deputy Premier Ell-Kanayuk, on behalf of the Government of Nunavut, and officials from Dalhousie University signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish the accreditation offered to graduates of our Hivuliqtikhanut supervisors’ and senior managers’ series.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that thanks to this newly signed MOU, Dalhousie University is offering pathways to degrees in three of their graduate programs.
Hivuliqtikhanut supervisor and senior manager series graduates can now receive six credits towards a Master of Public Administration Degree, four credits towards a Master of Information Management Degree, or three credits towards a Master of Business Administration Degree.
Mr. Speaker, 34 GN employees, including 19 Inuit, have graduated since the start of the Hivuliqtikhanut leadership development program in 2015.
There are another 47 students currently taking the program, including 27 Inuit, 18 of whom are in the first emerging leaders’ series.
Mr. Speaker, this program is based on the Government of Nunavut’s leadership competency model, which is created with Inuit societal values as its basis.
I am thrilled to be able to offer this experience and education to our public servants and look forward to seeing the benefits in departments across the territory.
Minister of Nunavut Family Services, Mr. Johnny Mike.
Minister’s Statement 244 – 4(3): Omingmak Emergency Men’s Homeless Shelter (Mike)
I am pleased to share that the Omingmak Emergency Men’s Homeless Shelter opened in Cambridge Bay on December 6, 2016.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, there are individuals and families within our communities who are without a safe place to sleep, who lack the stability and security of a home, and who struggle from day to day just to survive.
Many of these individuals are taken in by friends or families, resulting in overcrowded homes, while others are forced to seek shelter in places not meant to be housing.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, the Omingmak Emergency Shelter is managed by the Cambridge Bay Wellness Centre and has an (interpretation ends) eight (interpretation) bed capacity.
It will provide a safe place to sleep, shelter from the cold or a place where men can re-find stability and take steps forward towards independent living again.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, my department supports homeless shelter services in the territory through contribution agreements.
We are advocating on behalf of individuals who find themselves homeless and are working to implement the Angirraqangittuliriniq Framework for Action for Nunavut’s Absolute Homeless.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the staff and volunteers of all of our territory’s emergency homeless and family violence shelters for their hard work, compassion, and dedication to supporting Nunavummiut who find themselves in a crisis.
They are truly invaluable.
Minister’s Statement 245 – 4(3): French Language Instruction (Quassa)
I wish to share about French language instruction for Nunavummiut in my department.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, my department offers French first language instruction to students in Iqaluit.
Eighty-four students are currently enrolled in our French First Language program at the Trois-Soleils school.
We also service francophone Nunavummiut from outside of Iqaluit by providing support to parents wishing to offer home schooling to their child.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker we also have an after school French program offered at Nakasuk School and Joamie School.
The program aims to offer greater exposure to French for students who are interested in learning the language.
Theme-based activities in French are linked to arts, sports, games, technology, and music to facilitate learning.
Mr. Speaker, the after school program is open to all grades 4 and 5 students.
(French interpretation) Mr. Speaker, my department also offers French as an Additional Language program to students whose mother tongue is not French.
I am very happy to say that my department noted a total 53 percent increase in the number of participants in the past three years with 103 students participating in 2013 to 158 participants in 2016.
(French interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, French as an Additional Language is offered in all Iqaluit schools.
Students from grades 4 to 12 can take French language classes within the regular school day.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, our territory has four official languages and the French language programs that my department offers gives our students who wish, the opportunity to learn one of our four official languages in Nunavut classrooms.
I’m sorry. Joe Savikataaq.
Minister’s Statement 246 – 4(3): Conservation Officers’ Conference (Savikataaq)
Today I would like to bring to your attention the recent successful completion of our annual conservation officers’ conference, which was held during the first two weeks of February.
This annual conference is an opportunity for our officers from all across the territory to learn new skills that will enable them to provide better services to Nunavummiut.
Some of the training courses that were delivered this year included a session on verbal intervention and de-escalation of conflicts.
This will help our officers to deal effectively with conflicts that may face them in their day-to-day jobs. There were also sessions on Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit held with local elders.
In addition, officers received training in the use of new environmental protection equipment. This equipment will enable them to deal more effectively with spills in their communities.
Mr. Speaker, my department is committed to providing all our conservation officers with the very best training possible so that they can have the skills and tools they need to ensure both their safety and that of the communities that they serve.
Minister’s Statement 247 – 4(3): Uqausirmut Quviasuutiqarniq 2017 (Kuksuk)
Good day, my fellow Nunavummiut and good afternoon to my colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to tell you about Uqausirmut Quviasuutiqarniq, Nunavut’s annual celebration of Inuktut taking place throughout the month of February.
(interpretation ends) This year’s theme is Unikkaaqtuat/Ittarnitat (legends).
Traditional and contemporary Inuit legends are an important form of art and cultural expression, conveying our connections and perceptions of the world through our language.
The Department of Culture and Heritage provided Inuktut resources to every school, daycare, and library in Nunavut, including legend books, activity books, and posters.
The department produced several resources, including an activity book on legends, a family literacy handbook on Inuit clothing, and much more.
Mr. Speaker, I call on all Nunavummiut to celebrate this important part of our culture and to use Inuktut everyday.
Unikkaaqtuat upigilavut ammalu uqausivut quviasuutigilavut! (interpretation) Let’s be proud of our legends and let’s be happy about our language.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Thank you.
Moving on. Item 3.
Member for Tununiq, Joe Enook.
Member’s Statement 458 – 4(3): Recognition of Pond Inlet Youth (Enook)
First of all I say “good day” to my wife, Mary. Let’s have a good day.
Before I make my statement, I understand there are two young interpreters in the booth who are new. I am proud of you and I hope you enjoy your time here.
It is quite daunting to be an interpreter and I am glad to see that you are not intimidated by the job.
I would like to recognize another young resident of Pond Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, as you will recall, two constituents whom I have recently recognized are Rachel Smale, who has been appointed a member of the Prime Minister’s Youth Council, and Michael Milton, a young entrepreneur.
I would also like to take this opportunity to note that the Prime Minister’s parliamentary secretary for youth just recently took the time to visit Pond Inlet in person.
Mr. Speaker, today I recognize Patricia Kunilusie.
Patricia is another young resident who has taken part in the Inspire Nunavut Program.
Let me share with you how the program has described her initiative:
“Patricia’s challenges trying to find affordable clothing for her children inspired her to start the Annuraaqtaarvik - a thrift store in Pond Inlet.
The Annuraaqtaarvik offers options for all ages and for every budget.
Patricia is filling a large gap in the Pond Inlet clothing market as there are currently very limited clothing options available.
The store carries new and second-hand inventory.
Part of the profits is donated to the local food bank.”
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut needs the energy and enthusiasm of young people like Patricia, Michael, and Rachel.
I am very proud to call them my constituents and I ask all members to join me in acknowledging them.
Member’s Statement 459 – 4(3): Nutrition North Canada Public Meeting in Baker Lake (Mikkungwak)
I rise today to express my appreciation and thanks to the many residents of Baker Lake who took the time last month to participate in a public meeting concerning the federal Nutrition North Canada Program.
Mr. Speaker, as my colleagues are very well aware, the Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board has been holding public meetings across the north over the past several months.
January’s meeting in Baker Lake was originally scheduled to be held last year but was postponed due to the weather in Baker Lake and the Kivalliq.
Mr. Speaker, over 100 of my constituents took part in the meeting that was held last month in January.
This was an excellent opportunity for residents to express their concerns regarding the Nutrition North Canada Program., food security, and other related issues.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to reviewing the final report from this consultation process and I encourage the federal government to listen closely to what they heard from my constituents and other northerners.
Member’s Statement 460 – 4(3): Naujaat Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps (Mapsalak)
Good day to the people of Naujaat, Chesterfield Inlet, and Nunavut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps in Naujaat.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, Canada’s national cadet program includes the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets, the Royal Canadian Army Cadets, and the Royal Canadian Air Cadets.
Mr. Speaker, the 3055 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps in Naujaat plays an active role in the community.
In addition to taking part in the program’s training and citizenship activities, cadets contribute to such initiatives as community cleanups.
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to note that the 3055 was named Nunavut’s top cadet corps last year, and I pay tribute to Lloyd Francis for his leadership as its commanding officer.
Mr. Speaker, on a personal note, I also want to take this opportunity to congratulate Warrant Officer Terrance Mapsalak, my grandson, for having been selected to participate in an international exchange that has taken place in Chile.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in saluting our Nunavut cadets and instructors for the positive example that they set for our youth.
Member’s Statement 461 – 4(3): Nation-building (Sammurtok, T)
Mr. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I rise today to again speak about the importance of nation-building at a time when we mark 150 years of Confederation.
Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to note that the Minister of Finance’s recent Budget Address made reference to the proposed Kivalliq-Manitoba road.
At a time when we are moving forward to opening the new Meliadine mine near Rankin Inlet, it is essential that we continue to work closely with our Manitoba partners to maintain momentum on this initiative.
Mr. Speaker, I asked questions last week on the status of this initiative. In his responses to me, the responsible minister indicated that he had not received clear replies from his federal counterparts regarding our efforts to demonstrate the strategic importance of finally connecting this part of the nation to the rest of Canada.
Mr. Speaker, that’s disappointing.
Mr. Speaker, it’s becoming more common to hear people speak about Canada being a nation that extends from coast to coast to coast.
Let’s make that a reality during this important anniversary year.
Member’s Statement 462 – 4(3): Congratulations to Graduates of Underground Mining Program (Sammurtok, A)
Mr. Alexander Sammurtok (interpretation): Good day to the people of Rankin Inlet, Nunavummiut, and (interpretation ends) colleagues.
I rise today to extend my congratulations to the recent graduates of the Introduction to Underground Mining Program at the Nunavut Arctic College’s trades training centre in Rankin Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, I know I do not have to explain to you or my colleagues the importance of providing the kind of training that will lead directly to employment and career opportunities across Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I was very pleased to have recently attended the graduation ceremony for:
Devon Kannak;
Kyle Power;
Wayne Tattuinee;
Richard Nattar;
Simeoni Samok;
Dean Nahalolik;
Lloyd Sammurtok; and
Clark Adams.
I wish them the best of luck in their future careers.
I would also like to acknowledge the hard work of the program instructor, Robert Kenney.
At the appropriate time, Mr. Speaker, I will be tabling a photograph of the graduating class.
I also would like to extend my congratulations to Brandon Laalu Oolooyuk, who completed, passed, and was awarded his journeyman status as an electrician, including receiving his Red Seal this past December.
Member’s Statement 463 – 4(3): Qikiqtarjuaq Marine Infrastructure (Keyootak)
I rise today to again address the issue of developing a new marine facility for Qikiqtarjuaq.
Mr. Speaker, I asked a number of questions last week to the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation on this issue.
Mr. Speaker, I was pleased with some of her answers but disappointed with others.