EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
002 – 4(1): Appointment of Deputy Chairpersons of the Committee of the Whole (Savikataaq) 33
003 – 4(1): Appointment of Premier (Hickes) 34
004 – 4(1): Appointments to the Executive Council (Hickes) 34
005 – 4(1): Appointments to the Management and Services Board (Enook) 35
006 – 4(1): Appointment of the Striking Committee (Shooyook) 36
007 – 4(1): Extended Adjournment (Rumbolt) 36
Mr. Tony Akoak, Ms. Pat Angnakak, Ms. Monica Ell, Mr. Joe Enook, Mr. George Hickes, Mr. David Joanasie, Mr. George Kuksuk, Mr. Steve Mapsalak, Mr. Johnny Mike, Mr. Simeon Mikkungwak, Mr. Samuel Nuqingaq, Mr. Paul Okalik, Mr. Keith Peterson, Mr. Paul Quassa, Mr. George Qulaut, Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Mr. Tom Sammurtok, Mr. Joe Savikataaq, Mr. Isaac Shooyook, Mr. Peter Taptuna, Ms. Jeannie Ugyuk.
>>House commenced at 13:30  Item 1: Opening Prayer
Before we proceed, I will call on Looee Mike to lead us in a prayer. Reverend Looee Mike, please.
It is my duty to inform the members that the Commissioner of Nunavut will not enter the Chamber until members have appointed the Speaker.
Is there a motion to appoint the Speaker?
Member for Netsilik.
Motion: Appointment of Speaker (Ugyuk)
Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Clerk.
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, that George Qulaut, Member for Amittuq, do take the Chair of this House as Speaker.
Clerk: The motion is in order.
May I ask the mover and the seconder of the motion to escort the Speaker to the Chair.
Speaker (Mr. George Qulaut) (interpretation): Thank you.
I call upon the Sergeant-at-Arms to raise the mace.
As Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut, I am very pleased to welcome our elders, distinguished guests and visitors to the House for the first sitting of the Fourth Legislative Assembly.
(interpretation ends) I would like to express my appreciation to all members for the trust and confidence that you have placed in me by selecting me to serve as your Speaker.
I would also like to take this opportunity to publicly thank my constituents in Igloolik and Hall Beach for their support during the recent election.
As Speaker, I am committed to upholding the rights and privileges of this institution and its members.
All members can be assured that I will approach my responsibilities in a manner that is consistent with the office’s obligation to demonstrate fairness and impartiality.
I look forward to working with all of my colleagues during our term of office on behalf of our territory and residents.
(interpretation) I also wish to express my appreciation and love for my wife, Patricia, our sons, John Paul Aapak Evaluarjuk and Silas Qulaut, and our children and grandchildren who are not in the Chamber.
Their support is my strength.
(interpretation ends) Finally, I am very pleased to take this opportunity to say a few words about our Chamber’s new qamutiik that has been generously donated to the Legislative Assembly by the Tukisigiarvik Community Wellness Centre in Iqaluit.
This example of a traditional qamutiik was made by Lucassie Kootoo, Nash Sagiatook, Jimi Davidee, Mosesee Atagoyuk, and Noah Alookie.
I would note that the sliders on the bottom of the qamutiik are made from baleen harvested from the bowhead whale that was taken by Iqaluit hunters in August 2011.
On behalf of all members, I express our appreciation for this beautiful piece.
At this time, I will ask the Clerk to determine if Her Honour the Commissioner of Nunavut is prepared to enter the Chamber to deliver the Opening Address.
We’re back here again. Everybody is here, even though we have very bad weather out there.
Mr. Speaker, elders, Premier, ministers, members, and Nunavummiut in the visitors’ gallery and at home, welcome to the First Session of the Fourth Legislative Assembly of Nunavut.
First, please allow me to congratulate Speaker Qulaut on your election as Speaker.
As Speaker you are the guardian of the centre of democratic government in Nunavut.
This Assembly is where 22 Nunavummiut, chosen by their fellow citizens, come together to make law, approve budgets, and hold the government accountable to the benefit of all Nunavut.
Congratulations to all of the members. You have earned the trust and confidence of your constituents.
They now rely on you to act wisely and prudently on their behalf.
Congratulations to Premier Taptuna and the members of the new cabinet.
You are the Fourth Executive Council of Nunavut. Nunavut relies on your foresight and leadership to increase opportunities for this generation and build a strong foundation for the future generations.
I trust that this Assembly will always be guided by Inuit societal values. In particular, please keep Aajiiqatigiinniq – decision-making through discussion and consensus – foremost in your minds.
Through discussion and consensus, Inuit have exercised governance over themselves for centuries.
Let it be your guide through the following years.
The development and approval of the fourth mandate will require much discussion and consensus.
I encourage you to think of the future when doing so; a future of self-reliance, a future of Inuit retaining control over their lands and themselves.
It is very appropriate that in our 15th year as a territory, we begin taking strong steps forward to that future. It is clear from the October Throne Speech that the Government of Canada is ready to begin negotiating devolution with the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated. We all look forward to the outcome.
For the following years, you have the task to keep building Nunavut. In the next sessions, the government will bring forward the capital and operating budgets.
Please use our resources prudently.
The government will also begin to bring forward new legislation and amendments to existing legislation. Please make wise law.
As Members of the Assembly, each of you bears the responsibility of representing your constituents and ensuring that the government serves the best interests of all Nunavummiut.
I am confident that you will serve the people of Nunavut to the best of your abilities and that you will contribute to building a stronger Nunavut.
I extend my best wishes to all of you.
I now declare open the First Session of the Fourth Legislative Assembly of Nunavut.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) We will return to the orders of the day.
As we have not yet sworn in our ministers, there will be no Ministers’ Statements today. (interpretation) Thank you. (interpretation ends) Item 4.
The Hon. Member for Tununiq, Joe Enook.
Member’s Statement 001 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Re-elected to Represent Tununiq (Enook)
I rise today to express my deep gratitude to the people of Pond Inlet for the trust and confidence that they have again placed in me to represent them in their Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, as you will appreciate, it is essential at times like this that we pay tribute to our families and loved ones.
I have been blessed with the unwavering support of my wife, Mary Kilabuk, and our children and my family, and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take this opportunity to formally congratulate you on your selection as our Speaker. I very much look forward to working closely with you during our term of office together.
Mr. Speaker, a little over two years ago, I had the opportunity to make my first Member’s Statement in this House.
Since that time, I have listened closely to the concerns and issues raised with me by the residents of Pond Inlet.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to note that voter turnout in Tununiq increased significantly at the recent general election.
Over 500 residents of the community exercised their right to choose their elected representative.
Mr. Speaker, this high level of participation clearly demonstrates that Nunavummiut are engaged and committed to ensuring that their institutions of governance are responsive and accountable.
Mr. Speaker, although it also shows that our constituents have confidence in the ability of public institutions and representatives to achieve change and progress, we must be mindful of our responsibility to live up to this confidence.
Mr. Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement today. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, my colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, when I first took my seat in the Legislative Assembly, I made a solemn promise to serve as a forceful and vocal advocate for the needs and goals of the constituency.
Mr. Speaker, I renew that promise today.
Mr. Speaker, during the recent election campaign, I heard a number of very clear messages from my constituents as to what they expect the new government to achieve.
The need for modern marine infrastructure in Pond Inlet continues to be critical.
As my colleagues who sat with me in the previous Legislative Assembly will recall, this has been an issue that I have raised in the House at every possible opportunity.
Mr. Speaker, I can assure whoever will be serving as our new Minister of Economic Development that he or she can look forward to answering some questions from me on this issue at our first full sitting.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, these are exciting times for the residents of Pond Inlet and its neighbouring communities.
Two years ago, my first Member’s Statement in this House addressed the issues of economic growth and self-sufficiency.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the recent signing of the Mary River Project Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement between the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation is another major step forward towards achieving these goals.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to continuing the important work of ensuring that our territorial government takes complementary and decisive actions in this area.
The formal designation of Pond Inlet as the hub airport for the High Arctic is one such action, as is the negotiation and signing of a formal development partnership agreement between the GN and Baffinland.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, although there are many other issues that need to be addressed during our term of office, I will conclude my Member’s Statement today by reflecting on the importance of achieving change and progress.
Mr. Speaker, this does not mean that we will always agree with each another on every single issue that comes before the House.
Indeed, a level of vigorous and respectful debate should be welcomed as a healthy and important component of a transparent and accountable legislature.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working with both returning and newly elected Members of this House for the good of our territory and its wonderful people.
Member for Baker Lake, Simeon Mikkungwak.
Member’s Statement 002 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent Baker Lake (Mikkungwak)
Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
First of all, I send my thoughts to the people who are doing search and rescue in Baker Lake at this time.
Mr. Speaker, I will begin by offering praise to our Lord and Saviour.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank the people of Baker Lake for allowing me the privilege of serving them in the Legislative Assembly.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, there are a number of people whom I wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge. (interpretation ends) First and foremost is my family, whose support and strength I rely on every day.
I am blessed that my wife, my mother, and other close relatives have been able to join us for this special occasion.
Mr. Speaker, the recent election campaign was an excellent experience.
I want to congratulate my fellow candidate, Karen, for also putting her name forward.
Mr. Speaker, I could not have been successful in the election without the hard work of my campaign team.
I want to pay special tribute to my campaign manager, Richard Aksawnee, and my financial agent, Robert Seeteenak.
Mr. Speaker, over 600 residents of Baker Lake voted in the recent general election.
I want to thank each and every one of them.
Mr. Speaker, I am committed to working closely with all Members of the Legislative Assembly during our term.
(interpretation) As you know, Baker Lake has been experiencing unprecedented economic growth in recent years as a result of the booming mining sector in our region.
As we move forward, I will be consulting closely with municipal leaders and ordinary residents on the issues that affect our families.
Mr. Speaker, (interpretation ends) such issues as improving health care, fostering economic diversification, and strengthening education require our attention, our energy, and our commitment.
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate our new Premier and cabinet for their success, and I look forward to the work lies ahead of all of us. (interpretation) Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
Member for Gjoa Haven, Tony Akoak.
Member’s Statement 003 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent Gjoa Haven (Akoak)
Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I rise today to thank the people and community of Gjoa Haven for their support.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, the recent changes to Nunavut’s electoral boundaries have resulted in the community of Gjoa Haven now being a standalone constituency.
I want to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to my friend and colleague from Netsilik, Ms. Ugyuk, for having represented Gjoa Haven in the previous Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, there are a lot of people to acknowledge and thank today.
I would like to first thank my wife, Annie, and our two children for their support.
Although I am not looking forward to the time that I will have to spend away from home, I am looking forward to doing my best to make Nunavut an even better place for my children and grandchildren.
Mr. Speaker, there were a number of people who volunteered long hours on my behalf during the recent election.
I would like to pay special tribute to my financial agent, Helen Tungilik.
Mr. Speaker, as one of this Legislative Assembly’s members from the Kitikmeot, I am very pleased to extend my congratulations to our new Premier as well as our new ministers.
Mr. Speaker, there will be a lot of work ahead of all of us. The issues of housing and education are key to moving forward.
As a newly elected member, I look forward to maintaining open lines of communication with all of my constituents, and representing their interests and goals to the very best of my ability.
Member for Aivilik, Steve Mapsalak.
Member’s Statement 004 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent Aivilik (Mapsalak)
First of all, I would like to thank my wife because I wouldn’t be here if she wasn’t here, but she couldn’t make it to the Assembly.
I would also like to thank the people who assisted me from Repulse Bay and Louie Bruce from Coral Harbour.
I appreciate and thank all the people of Repulse Bay and Coral Harbour.
Mr. Speaker, we promised to represent our constituents and our responsibility and what I’m going to do for my people won’t be coming from me, but from my constituents, any questions that I may pose.
I am very pleased that I am able to come back to the Legislative Assembly. I was a previous MLA in 2008.
I also appreciated that.
Last year, on November 5, my wife and I fell in water.
We got into a bad accident.
If there was no search and rescue, we wouldn’t be here today.
At that time, the search and rescue personnel who were involved were John Tinashlu, his son Josie Tinashlu, his other son John Tinashlu, his in-law, Johnny Tagornak, Stephan Siusangnark, and Darrel Siusangnark.
Mr. Speaker, I thank these people very much. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be standing here with you.
I know that we have some responsibilities and some work to do.
(interpretation) There are no nays. You may proceed.
I would like to thank those people who saved us.
Also, I will work just as hard as my colleague from Pond Inlet and ask questions. I know that we won’t agree with the government all the time.
We have a big responsibility and work ahead of us. People in the communities need and want different things. As MLA for four years, I will try to work and represent the people.
Member for Arviat, Joe Savikataaq.
Member’s Statement 005 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent Arviat South (Savikataaq)
Mr. Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I rise today to thank the residents of Arviat South who have placed their trust and confidence in me to represent them in the Legislative Assembly.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to formally join with my colleagues in congratulating you for having been elected to serve as our Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, I could not have been elected to this House if it were not for the tireless efforts of my campaign managers and team.
I would like to make special mention of my campaign manager, Joe Manik, and my financial agent, John Tugak.
Mr. Speaker, none us would be able to sit in this House without the support of our families.
I want to pay special tribute to my wife, Susan, our three children Joe Jr., Jamie, and Wendy for their support, and my father, Glen Halloran, and brother, Darrel Halloran, who came a long way to be here from Quebec and New Brunswick.
Mostly, I would like to thank my granddaughter, Jill Naujaaq Panaainaaq, who campaigned with me. She was with me every day of the campaign and if wasn’t for her, I probably would not be here.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, the community of Arviat is now represented by two Members of the Legislative Assembly.
Having had the privilege of serving on Arviat’s municipal council for close to 20 years, I know that the community’s local leadership is excited about the strengthened representation that we now have in this House since we now have two MLAs.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my best wishes to the 21 candidates who are running for positions on our municipal council and the 8 candidates who are running for the position of mayor.
The significant interest clearly shows that our community is active and engaged in the democratic process.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to say that my door will always be open to any resident of the community of Arviat, and I am very much looking forward to working closely with my friend and colleague from Arviat North during the life of this Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, it was an honour to participate in last Friday’s leadership forum, and I congratulate our new Premier and all of his cabinet colleagues on their selection.
Member for Hudson Bay, Allan Rumbolt.
Member’s Statement 006 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Re-elected to Represent Hudson Bay (Rumbolt)
Before I begin my Member’s Statement, I would like to thank my daughter for the sealskin bowtie that I’m wearing today, which was made by her friend, Emma Kruger.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank the people of Sanikiluaq for again entrusting me with the responsibility of serving them in the new Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, I would not be here today with you and all of my colleagues if it were not for the strong support that I have received from my family over the past five years.
Mr. Speaker, I want to again pay tribute to my family for their support, their love, and, most importantly, their patience over the past five years.
Mr. Speaker, five years ago, I rose in this House for the first time to express my appreciation to the community for their confidence in me, and to promise that I would represent the constituency to the best of my ability.
Mr. Speaker, I make the same commitment today.
Mr. Speaker, I will continue to voice the concerns of the community regarding such issues as the high cost of living, the need for new infrastructure and housing, the need for effective programs and services, the need to support our hunters, the need to protect the unique environment of Hudson Bay, and the need for economic development.
At the same time, I also look forward to working with members on both sides of the House on issues that affect all of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, although some of the issues facing Sanikiluaq are unique to our location, others are very similar to those faced by my colleagues’ constituents and communities.
Mr. Speaker, those members who have served with me in this House over the past number of years know that although I prefer cooperation to confrontation, I won’t hesitate to stand up against unfairness or prejudice.
I strongly believe that if we approach the issues that come before us in this House with a spirit of cooperation, fairness, and practicality, we will make real progress in the years ahead.
Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, George Hickes.
Member’s Statement 007 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent Iqaluit-Tasiluk (Hickes)
Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I rise today to thank the residents of Iqaluit-Tasiluk who have given me the opportunity and the privilege to serve them in this House and to thank the members of my campaign team who helped put me in this seat.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by offering my congratulations to you for being chosen to take the Chair and preside over our deliberations.
Mr. Speaker, it’s no secret that there have been a number of Speakers in my own family.
I very much appreciate and recognize the importance of the position that you hold and the confidence that the Members of this House have shown in your sense of fairness and duty.
Mr. Speaker, it’s also no secret that our families are what give us our strength. My wife, Signi, and our daughters Lily and Sara are the three most important people in my life.
I would not be here today without their love and support.
Mr. Speaker, I learned from my father, the Hon. George Hickes Sr., that seeking public office is an honourable calling. In recent weeks, I have been reminded of that lesson every day.
Mr. Speaker, hearing directly from the residents of Iqaluit-Tasiluk about their concerns was an extraordinary experience.
I am particularly pleased to note that voter turnout in Iqaluit-Tasiluk was over 70 percent; the highest in the city of Iqaluit.
I pay tribute to all of the residents who exercised their right to vote, and I pay tribute to the commitment of my fellow candidates in standing for office.
Mr. Speaker, the amazing growth that our territory’s capital city has experienced over the past 15 years has made it more important than ever that Iqaluit have a strong voice in the Legislative Assembly.
I am very much looking forward to working closely with my fellow Iqaluit MLAs on both sides of this House to ensure that the territorial government makes the necessary investments and resources available for our capital to continue to grow in a sustainable manner.
Mr. Speaker, my constituents in Iqaluit-Tasiluk identified many important priorities during the recent election campaign, some of which I had the opportunity to raise in this Chamber during our leadership forum, including the need to improve health and palliative care for our constituents, especially our elders.
Mr. Speaker, that we need to continue building a rigorous education system that truly challenges our students is an issue that clearly unites the Members of this House.
Mr. Speaker, Iqaluit is a focal point of economic growth and that growth benefits all of our territory.
However, we need to get serious… .
Sorry. Mr. Speaker, I would like to seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and all members.
As I was saying, Mr. Speaker, Iqaluit is a focal point of economic growth and that growth benefits all of our territory. However, we need to get serious about reducing our dependency on fossil fuels and investing in such initiatives as hydroelectric development.
We also need to get serious about taking advantage of our unique location and work towards a real deep sea port, which will greatly enhance the entire shipping system for our region.
Mr. Speaker, as a father and homeowner, I know that it can be tough for families to make ends meet. Although the state of Nunavut’s housing crisis is such that it cannot be solved overnight, we have the opportunity during our term of office to make measurable progress towards expanding the range of affordable housing options for Nunavummiut and reducing the harm that is caused by overcrowding.