EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
The survival of our unique way of life, our culture and language is what the creation Nunavut was and is still all about.
Mr. Speaker, a lot of very good information was presented and shared at the summit.
It is my duty as Minister of Languages to consider all of the input received so far from Nunavummiut and all territorial institutions to develop a comprehensive implementation plan that will reflect our aspirations and linguistic goals.
Input received will guide the government in refining the final version of the plan, and I can reassure you that my department and I are working very hard to have it tabled during the fall sitting.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation) Item 3.
Member’s Statement 167 – 3(2): Constituents Concerns (Aupaluktuq)
I rise today to remind my constituents and the community of Baker Lake that my constituency assistant and I have repeatedly gone on the radio to remind organizations, committees, councils, associations, agencies, and all current and past members included of each entity are welcome to share, educate, and inform all community concerns with your MLA office and all views are welcome.
With that, though I can’t do my job without family support, I ask that family members in my community not be directed with community concerns. It is a kind reminder to my community of Baker Lake and all of my constituents that any and all matters are to be directed to the MLA office where my assistant works. With respect, I sincerely thank (interpretation) all residents of Baker Lake.
Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 168 – 3(2): Condolences to the Fraser Family (Rumbolt)
I rise today to extend my deepest sympathies and condolences to the Fraser family in Sanikiluaq for their loss.
Mr. Speaker, Bill Fraser was a well-respected and long-time resident of the community.
Bill was a businessman who made many significant contributions to not only Sanikiluaq but to several communities throughout Nunavut.
He will be missed by all of us.
Member’s Statement 169 – 3(2): Broadcasting in the North (Elliott)
I rise today to offer some reflections on broadcasting in the north.
Mr. Speaker, it has been said that while the first major project to connect the nation was the railway, the second thing was the CBC.
Mr. Speaker, I have always believed that a strong public broadcaster is essential to the identity of our country. It is particularly important in the north, where our communities are not connected by roads or railways.
Mr. Speaker, for many years now, the first thing I do in the morning is to turn on the radio and listen to CBC North.
I want to pay tribute to the hard-working journalists at CBC North.
They can make our lives hard at times, but they’re doing an important job.
Mr. Speaker, I do want to take this opportunity to note that one of CBC’s longest serving journalists, Sean Rombough, left Nunavut last month after 11 years here in the territory. Sean has been a dedicated community volunteer and we wish him well.
Mr. Speaker, my constituents tell me that they very much appreciate CBC North’s use of the Inuit language.
Hearing the Inuit language being used on the radio and television every day plays a tremendously important role in preserving and promoting the language.
Mr. Speaker, I think that it’s critical for CBC headquarters in Toronto to ensure that its northern operations are adequately resourced. For example, I think that CBC needs a full TV production studio here that will allow more Inuit language programming to be made here in Nunavut.
I also think that CBC needs to ensure that young Inuit see the broadcaster as a good career choice. I know that many young journalists gain experience at CBC and then leave after a couple of years for jobs in government.
Mr. Speaker, using modern communication tools to tell our people’s stories in their own language does not stop with the daily news.
We all know of the excellent work done by the Inuit Broadcasting Corporation and Igloolik Isuma Productions.
Mr. Speaker, the government’s Budget Address indicates that the GN will contribute $175,000 in the coming year to the Nunavut Film, Television and New Media Program.
I hope that this money will be used for productions and not consultants.
Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to request unanimous consent to continue with my Member’s Statement today.
Mr. Elliott is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays?
Mr. Speaker, I know that our Premier has a background in broadcasting and I believe that she is committed to these issues.
I hope that she will use her position to advocate strongly for a strengthened public broadcaster in the north and I look forward to asking her questions later in our session on the government’s support for our cultural industry.
Member’s Statement 170 – 3(2): Thanks to Minister of Health (Ningark)
I would like to thank the Minister of Health for giving me the information yesterday about a complaint from my constituency.
After our sitting, past six o’clock in the evening, I was able to send that fax. I wish that every minister would be as expeditious about remedying those types of problems.
I thank the Hon. Tagak Curley very much, Mr. Speaker.
Members’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Member for Iqaluit East, Eva Aariak.
Member’s Statement 171 – 3(2): Proud to Serve Nunavummiut (Aariak)
I would also like to say “good afternoon” to my constituents in Iqaluit East.
I am very proud of the people of Nunavut for having elected me.
Mr. Speaker, the people of Nunavut are guided by Inuit values and live in Inuit communities.
Ours is a public government and it is working hard to represent all of the people of Nunavut.
We also believe, as elected representatives, that we have to make accomplishments and achievements and to become more self-sufficient.
I am also proud of the people who are working together, men and women, assisting others, women’s and men’s associations which are being created in more communities with the purpose of assisting their fellow Inuit.
These types of volunteers are people whom we ought to be proud of. When they are fulfilling their mandate, they are assisting their communities as well. By utilizing their traditional knowledge to younger generations, it assists them in attaining pride in themselves as well as self-confidence.
Additionally, I am extremely proud of hunters’ role in our society and I do not judge them or state that they are less capable than other Inuit, or that they possess any lesser skills or abilities simply because they may not be bilingual, or speak English or French. That in no way diminishes their immense set of skills, knowledge, and abilities that they employ to harvest food or manage businesses.
Even I know of an individual who owns their own business in their community and that business is amongst the most successful.
This individual is a hunter and is functionally unilingual and does not speak English, but yet, he operates his business successfully.
Mr. Speaker, we cannot allow ourselves to be wallowing in self-pity simply due to our inability to speak English.
Speaker (interpretation): At this time, we will go back to our orders of the day.
Members’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Member for Rankin Inlet North, Mr. Curley.
I wish my constituents in Rankin Inlet a very good day, along with my colleagues’ constituents.
Speaker: A Point of Order has been called.
I am trying to ensure that we are following proper parliamentary procedure by using my rights and responsibilities as a Member of the Legislative Assembly.
When someone is just making fun of another member, it lessens the seriousness of our session and it does not make for good optics. That is why I would like a Point of Order raised.
We will look into your Point of Order and make a ruling.
You didn’t specify what you want ruled as a Point of Order. Can you please elaborate on your reason, Mr. Okalik.
I was using my rights and my privilege to state a nay.
I happened to look across the table shortly thereafter and I happened to see my colleague, Mr. Tootoo, gesturing by sucking his thumb and pointing at me.
That is a very unparliamentary action in the House.
We have to ensure that we are following proper parliamentary procedure in the Legislative Assembly and someone mocking another member is not very proper.
Thank you. (interpretation ends) To the Point of Order.
I think one of the things that I have always said in this House is that we may not like what each other has to say all of the time, but each of us has a right to say what we want.
That is the first time in the history of Members’ Statements here in Nunavut, I believe, that there has been a nay.
It is just very un-courteous. One would just question why the hon. member would nay such a… I think every one of us has a right.
I have never, to my recollection, seen a Member’s Statement be nay’d, whether I agreed with it or not.
I’m sorry it seems like that’s using his rights in what I may view as my own view as a childish manner.
That’s my view on it and if he took offence to that, I’m sorry.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Curley…
Mr. Okalik and Mr. Tootoo.
The Point of Order was taken and I suggest, Mr. Tootoo, that you apologize to the House for an unparliamentary gesture that was conducted in the House.
I’m sorry, that was a mistake on my part.
I guess I didn’t hear you apologize.
(interpretation) That is over.
Mr. Curley, you can resume with your statement.
Member’s Statement 172 – 3(2): Rankin Inlet Residents Beginning to Lose Excess Weight (Curley)
I would like to extend a good day greeting to all Rankin Inlet residents and my colleague, and I keep in mind all Rankin Inlet residents.
Mr. Speaker, what I would like to make a statement about is with respect to an event that occurred in Rankin Inlet when winter arrived.
There was a body of local residents that were concerned about health and some members made New Year’s resolutions to initiate change in their lives.
The group met several times to discuss issues. A recommendation was made that perhaps an event could be planned that could make an impact and be personally beneficial to their lives and contribute to healthy lifestyles.
As members are aware, we have two constituencies in Rankin Inlet. Constituents from both constituencies met several times to discuss health matters.
They reached a consensus to initiate a personal event and this was with respect to a weight loss program. The statement made was this: perhaps we can instil more pride in a healthy lifestyle if some of us voluntarily go on a diet.
When this resolution was passed, 27 individuals signed up for this program. I am very proud of their efforts to make change.
Although the group has now shrunk to 15 individuals, the total weight lost among the participants has reached 110 lbs. This group has instituted a weekly prize for the individual who has lost the most amount of weight and there is a prize handed out on the designated day.
The group has stated that this voluntary program will end on May 25.
If more initiatives were undertaken in all of our communities, such as the one that occurred in Rankin Inlet, it would allow more of our residents to benefit from them. Benefits such as better fitness levels and health benefits, including fewer visits to the health centre, are just some examples I can cite.
I am very proud of these individuals and I have been in discussions with my colleague on how best to acknowledge them. We will announce who these participants were in this challenge on May 25.
I am very proud of these participants today, Mr. Speaker, and I would also like Rankin Inlet to be proud of these individuals because of their commitment to leading healthier lifestyles.
Return to Oral Question 204 – 3(2): Teaching Positions Created by New Education Act (Tapardjuk)
The Member for Akulliq, Mr. Ningark, asked Question 204 – 3(2) on March 4, 2010.
His question was with regard to teaching positions created by the new Education Act.
All new positions created under section 123 of the Education Act will be assigned to schools in Nunavut.
Based on the current enrolment statistics, 49 new educators will need to be hired to meet the requirements of section 123 of the Education Act.
Return to Oral Question 212 – 3(2): Problems with Sanikiluaq District Education Authority (Tapardjuk)
Mr. Elliott, MLA for Quttiktuq, asked Question 212 – 3(2) on March 4, 2010 and it was with respect to DEAs, if DEAs other than the Sanikiluaq DEA are experiencing these types of problems or if any of them are experiencing financial deficits.
Currently, there is no other district education authority that I am aware of that is having cash flow difficulties due to overspending.
I agree that centralized financial management can help with DEA finances.
I strongly recommend DEAs use centralized accounting services and most DEAs in Nunavut do.
DEAs are responsible for managing their finances and for producing financial statements.
This includes the appointing of a financial officer and an accounting agency.
It is important for the Department of Education to support DEAs and so new regional positions are being created to increase financial support to DEAs.
This is day 4 of having our 795 Air Cadet Squadron with us doing the paging.
Today, we have: Flight Corporal Johnny Anautak, Flight Corporal Cassandra Coman, Leading Air Cadet Christopher Watsko, and Warrant Officer Second Class Thomasie Murray.
I think I missed one, Warrant Officer Second Class Colin Gunn.
Question 259 – 3(2): Status of Devolution (Aupaluktuq)
The recent federal Speech from the Throne indicated that the Government of Canada will and I quote, “continue to give northerners a greater say over their own future and take further steps toward territorial devolution.”
However, this week’s Budget Address that was delivered by our Minister of Finance stated that and I quote, “From our conversations with the federal government, we understand that they have not seen clearly that we are prepared to handle additional responsibility.”
Can the Premier explain exactly how she will convince Ottawa that we are ready for devolution and get the federal government to come to the negotiating table?
I also thank the member for raising that question as this matter of devolution is a very important aspect of my perspective on that issue.
It is also a priority of this government to work towards that goal.
This government believes fully in the principle of devolution and that it has to be concluded in a structured and proper manner.
This is a goal that this government keeps trying to attain.
Ever since my selection as the Premier, I have brought up this matter at every meeting with the federal government.
I have also raised it with the Prime Minister when we have held a meeting as well as when I meet with our federal representative, the Hon. Leona Aglukkaq. I continue to raise this matter at every opportunity whenever we have held a meeting with the Minister of DIAND and every time I meet with a Senator. We talk about how devolution is very important to us.
I would like to thank Madam Premier for that response.
I’m glad to see that there are some enhanced partnerships and discussions going on for the betterment of all of Nunavut on what the core issues are and I hope the federal government will be able to identify that with lobbying on our behalf. I look forward to more of that as well.
Mr. Speaker, three years ago, a report commissioned by the federal government raised concerns about Nunavut’s capacity to handle the increased responsibilities that come with devolution.
This week’s budget indicated that the GN still has over 900 vacant positions.
We all know that there are many unresolved issues related to Nunavut’s financial management practices.
How is the government going to resolve these issues in a way that will make it clear to Ottawa that we’re ready for devolution negotiations to begin?
Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With regard to the government’s vacant positions, though they may be many, we continually prepare to hire and fill vacant positions.
We have to be ready for devolution negotiations in that regard. We usually talk about the importance of education and on-the-job training in our planning to fill vacant positions.
I am also pleased that the new Education Act has been passed and we would like to complete the work that we need to do from the bottom up.
It is evident that the provisions in the Education Act are now being implemented and it’s going to be very beneficial.
Our government is now working on the main estimates. We have increased the training-on-the-job positions.
Further, the federal government is responsible for the vacant federal positions.
The other question I would like to ask Madam Premier is that the Premier is aware that the Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated will be the third party in any devolution talks that may occur.
However, we all know that NTI is presently in court suing the federal government for $1 billion.
In the Premier’s discussions with federal officials and NTI’s leadership, have they indicated that they are willing to begin formal devolution negotiations while this lawsuit is still ongoing?
The Government of Nunavut is ready to start devolution discussions. The Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated stated that they are available and ready to begin devolution negotiations. We are just waiting for the federal government to start the negotiations.
I thank Madam Premier for that response.
I’m sure that all of Nunavut is going forward to it as well and I’m sure that this government will have its role to play as well to make sure that the best interests of all of Nunavut is at play here.
My third and final supplementary, Mr. Speaker, is that on December 28, 2005, the Government of Nunavut announced the appointment of former Yukon Premier Mr. Tony Penikett as Nunavut’s chief negotiator for devolution talks with the federal government.
As of today, is he still our chief negotiator and if not, who is?
Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, as of today, he is still our chief negotiator.
Question 260 – 3(2): Government of Nunavut Lobbyist for Devolution (Okalik)
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I want to follow up on my colleague’s questions on the issue of devolution.
In this week’s edition of the Hill Times, they’re reporting that the Government of Nunavut is now using the company Samdan Consulting, which has been hired to act as a lobbyist in Ottawa to represent us with the federal government.
The founder of this company is a former Liberal Cabinet Minister, Robert Nault.
Given that we have a Conservative government which is in power today, what was our Premier thinking?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Okalik. You didn’t tell me who you’re directing the question to. Mr. Okalik.
Mr. Okalik: My question is directed to the Premier. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Premier of Nunavut, Hon. Eva Aariak.
Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I didn’t quite understand. (interpretation ends) He said what was I thinking, he didn’t ask me what I was thinking about. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker: Thank you, Premier. (interpretation) She would like you to rephrase your question, please.
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I think the question is quite obvious.
Given that we have a Conservative government, hiring a Liberal lobbyist doesn’t appear to be very effective and productive in the interests of Nunavut.
Why did the government hire a Liberal consultant to lobby on our behalf with a Conservative government in power?
Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are not lobbying yet. Tony Penikett is our chief negotiator.
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker (interpretation ends) I’ve got a copy of the lobby registry which I will be tabling at the appropriate time.
My question is: how did we hire a Liberal lobbyist to represent our interest on this matter?
Devolution is very important to us. My officials in the government are now rebooting this.
I’m not talking about who they represent, but I’m talking about the increasing importance of devolution, especially today.
We have not started our lobby yet; we are at the initial stage.
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I would like an explanation as to why we are using a Liberal lobbyist to lobby on our behalf. I don’t think it will be very effective with this current government on our devolution matters.
Could we please get an explanation from the Premier why this lobby firm was selected?
We are not allowed to say, “Because you work for a political party, we are not able to see you.”
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) I’m asking for some accountability, as elected officials, as to why a lobby firm affiliated with a certain party was hired to handle a very important matter.
We want the best for our territory and have the best representation in dealing with the federal government on these matters.
Why did this government hire a Liberal consulting firm when there is a Conservative government in power?
Hon. Eva Aariak: The topic of devolution is indeed very important to us and that is why we are trying to move the discussions and feedback back to the federal government. It is important that everyone understands what devolution is and the fact that this government is very much interested in moving forward with it.
Thank you very much, Uqaqtittijii.
Question 261 – 3(2): SPOT Locator Devices (Rumbolt)
My questions are for the Minster responsible for Community and Government Services.
Before I start my question, Mr. Speaker, yesterday, when the minister responded to my final question, Mr. Kusugak referred to me as the minister.
So I was thinking that maybe I was entitled to a pay raise, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I posed questions to the minister on the SPOT locator devices that his department has purchased.
Some time ago, similar devices were made available in communities. Hunters wishing to use them could sign them out in the morning. However, the devices were not always available when hunters actually go out on the land, which is very early in the morning.
In his statement on March 9, the minister indicated that the SPOT devices would be available from hamlet offices.
Will the minister’s department work with municipalities to make these devices readily available to hunters, for example, by allowing them to be signed out the day before they plan to go out on the land or keep the units for a longer period of time?
I apologize to my hon. colleague for calling him a minister.
I hope I answered the question correctly nonetheless, whether I addressed him as a minister or not. Again I apologize.
The SPOT devices that he is referring to will be available, as I said, at the hamlet offices. I didn’t mean to mislead you, but I believe they will be available through the local search and rescue committees. They will make arrangement as to where they will be available, if it is at the hamlet office or through their offices.
What we would like to see is that they could be signed out.
Upon completion of their hunt, at an appropriate time, they would be able to return them at an appropriate time so that somebody else will be able to access them should they need to sign them out.
So that is the plan.
We’re hoping that people will sign them out and that upon completing their hunt, they will bring them back and somebody else will have access to them.
These devices are designed to send messages to predetermined email addresses when activated. Can the minister indicate to where these messages will be sent when the device is activated by its users throughout Nunavut?
I thank the Hon. Member for Hudson Bay for that question.
Yes, they are programmed so that when you press a button, you say that you’re okay or you press one of the other buttons, it says, “I need help,” the help button, or they all could be sent to three Blackberry email addresses and those people are in this fine city of Iqaluit.