EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Member’s Statement 340 – 2(3): Armed Forces Training Centre for Cambridge Bay (Peterson)
I rise today to alert the House about an issue of great concern to my constituents in Cambridge Bay.
Mr. Speaker, during his national ‘Stand Up for Canada’ election campaign, Prime Minister Stephen Harper delivered a speech on December 22, 2005 in which he promised that, “We will establish a new arctic army training centre with around of 100 regular force personnel in the area of Cambridge Bay on the Northwest Passage.”
Mr. Speaker, Cambridge Bay was very proud that a national leader recognizes the strategic value that the West Kitikmeot could make to Canada’s arctic sovereignty claims and to Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, we since learned that the federal government is having second thoughts about Cambridge Bay in the location of the armed forces training centre.
Mr. Speaker, the federal government apparently believes that we are not a suitable choice as part of a strategic location on the Northwest Passage, despite our 60-year association with the Canadian and U.S. military since the second World War, despite our existing north warning system infrastructure, despite our north/south/east/west transportation infrastructure, despite our community infrastructure, and despite our Canadian Rangers annual training exercise with the military.
Mr. Speaker, this does not make any sense at all.
The mayor and I have written a number of letters to the Minister of National Defence and the Prime Minister of Canada and expressed our deep concern over their apparent change of mind.
As you can appreciate, when a national leader makes a promise to do something and then becomes the Prime Minister of Canada, we should be forgiven for believing that it’s important that he deliver on that promise.
Mr. Speaker, I understand that the Premier has spoken to the National Defence Minister O’Connor about this situation and reminded him about the promise he made to Cambridge Bay.
I urge him to also take up this issue with the Prime Minister of Canada as well.
Mr. Speaker, I call upon the House to support Cambridge Bay to be selected by the federal government as its location for the armed forces training centre in Nunavut.
Member’s Statement 341 – 2(3): Reinstating Arctic Weather Forecasting Station in Iqaluit (Picco)
I too would like to talk about the situation in regard to the federal government and commitments being made and commitments being kept.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to update the House on the status of my on-going request to Environment Canada put the Arctic weather forecasting centre back here in the Arctic and not in Edmonton, Alberta 2,000 miles away.
It was good news for Newfoundland when Gander weather office was re-opened because they said at that time that Halifax 450 miles away was too far away to be able to accurately forecast weather for a maritime province. In our case the weather forecasting centre is more than 2,000 miles away.
Mr. Speaker, I have written the Minister responsible, the Honourable Rona Ambrose and I’ve also written the Prime Minister and I’ve had correspondence back from both.
I’ve also met with Minister Ambrose during an Energy Ministers meeting in Saskatchewan and broached the subject with her.
In the meantime I have again reiterated our concerns in a follow-up letter in the last two weeks with the Prime Minister about our serious concern with the quality, the accuracy and the safety concerns of weather forecasting and I want to give you an example of what has happened in the past month.
Mr. Speaker, this past month over a period of three days we had weather warnings, blizzard warnings, strong winds advisories - all were issued.
Luckily the advisories were all wrong; the wind topped out at 52 kilometres an hour - a far cry from the forecasted 80 kilometres plus.
Actually in one forecast, on one given day they were talking about 90-110 kilometre an hour winds.
Mr. Speaker, reliable weather forecasts are essential and here in the Arctic it is a necessity.
Our federal government has heard this concern and we wait for a positive response in the new year.
Member’s Statement 342 – 2(3): Taloyoak Youth Soccer Team (Aglukkaq)
Today I want to congratulate the Taloyoak youth soccer players.
Taloyoak youth won the gold, silver and the bronze in the recent competition in the Kitikmeot.
I want to congratulate the students and I want to identify the individuals.
The Under 18 Boys who won the gold congratulations goes out to Simon Tologialik, Dennis Lyall, Peter Aqqaq, Peter Totalik, Ernie Lyall and DJ Niviaqsiaq, Sam Alookie, Mathew Uttaq and Freddie Manilaq.
The Under 18 Girls that won the bronze are: Delphine Peetooloot, Lindsay Anaija, Ashley Totalik, Margaret Niviaqsiaq, Vanisa Totalik, Niomie Alookee, Francis Alookee, Christina Mannilaq and Coach Gina Pizzo Lyall.
And finally the Under 14 Girls that won the silver.
I’d also like to congratulate: Patricia Lyall, Sandra Aqqaq, Daisy Qamukkaq, Mary Anne Qayutinuak, Cindy Aijaut, Tommy Aqqaq and Annette Jayko, and Vanelda Eetoolook.
Mr. Speaker, I also want to wish the Taloyoak hockey players that are going down to Hay River this weekend good luck in their tournament. Best wishes also go out to Sam Alookee, Ernie Lyall, Peter Aqqaq and Anthony Paniloo and DJ Niviaqsiaq and Simon Tologialik and their coach from Cambridge Bay, Dave Smith.
And I also thank Dave Smith from Cambridge Bay for providing assistance to the youth of Taloyoak.
Member’s Statement 343 – 2(3): Sunken Boat Near Sanikiluaq (Kattuk)
The people of Sanikiluaq have a concern in regard to the environment.
We have just heard recently that the motion; a transport went in the water in the James Bay area. James Bay is very close to Sanikiluaq and there’s a current going by our island.
At the appropriate time I will be directing this question to the Minister of Environment.
Speaker (interpretation): Before we begin on behalf of the Members I would like to recognize the individuals in the House.
Once I say your name please rise.
I would like to welcome Pat McDermott.
Pat McDermott’s grade nine class: Patrick Awa, Marlene Idlout, Elisa Ipeelie, Danny Ishulutak, Joshua Kilabuk, Linda Korgak, Simon Kullualik. Judy Laisa, James Nashook, Marion Ningeok, Cindy Peter, Minnie Sageatook, Margaret Sikkinerk, Paul Unhah, and Kevin Unuiqsaraq.
I apologize if I missed your name.
I would also like to welcome Kelly Lybeth, the teacher, Ms. Arlooktoo, Charlie Awa, Hannis Braun, Joseph Dialla, Jackie Eegeesiak, Aluki Itorcheak, Isaiah Kalluk, Imo Natsiapik, Davidee Nauyuk, Simeonie Philip, Chico Kaunak, Todd Ryan, and Grace Tatty. Welcome to the Legislative Assembly.
I would like to acknowledge individuals from my home community in my riding, along with Mr. Curley’s riding.
Joe Kaludjak, his Inuk name is Tiriganiaq, he’s very well-known because he had many relatives.
His late mother, Ikualaaq was very well-known because she had many sons.
I grew up with their family and also Tiriganiaq, is the name of my father-in-law.
One of my grandchildren’s names is Tiriganiaq, so there are three Tiriganiaqs now.
So I would like to welcome you Tiriganiaq, because it is a great name.
Also, the one sitting beside him, Luis Manzo from Rankin Inlet.
Welcome to the Legislature.
It gives me great pleasure today to welcome the students to the Gallery. I believe they have an opportunity to see what happens in the House as opposed to when they see it on TV.
At this time I would like to welcome to the Gallery two distinguished gentlemen.
First in the Gallery is the President of Nunavut Arctic College, Mac Clendenning, and most members know Mr. Clendenning.
Next to Mac is probably one of the most famous marine biologists, the person involved in the Marine Institute, internationally recognized scientist and having him here working with the college brings great accolades to the college, Mr. Gerald Anderson.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Minister. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery.
We acknowledge each and every one of the people who are in here, and even to the people who we didn’t mention.
Question 389 – 2(3): Implementation of Medical Client Travel Policy (Mapsalak)
I would like to direct my questions to the Minister of Health and Social Services.
For some time my colleagues and I have been raising concerns about the implementation of the department’s medical client policy, travel policy.
At one point a commitment was made to carry out a public information campaign on what the policy covered.
Since then the minister has indicated the medical client travel policy was being reviewed.
Can the minister provide an update on the current status of the medical client travel policy, and when members will receive a copy of the review?
Yes, the member is correct, I had made a commitment to do an information session related to the client travel policy, and I had made that commitment over the summer months.
During the summer, I was also asked by this House to review whether, in fact, we can include seniors in the policy with the age of 55 or 60 for an automatic escort.
I have had to come back to the department to review that direction from this House in addition to developing the client travel policy so that delayed our completing the plan as is.
We have a draft in place which I still have to go forward to cabinet and Financial Management Board approval and we have done some research around the review that I was asked to do.
That information has to go to Financial Management Board before I am able to go forward in developing the revised client travel policy.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Madame Minister. Your first supplementary, Mr. Mapsalak.
Once this policy is completed on medical travel, when the new version of medical client travel policy is finished, will the minister commit to undertaking a public information campaign to ensure that Nunavummiut are aware of their rights and responsibilities under the policy?
Will the minister commit to have a public information campaign?
I will share the information with all the members as well as Nunavummiut and do a promotion on it.
We have had to do a lot of research just to consult with our stakeholders and our staff throughout the regions in developing this.
It has been a slow process and we are trying to move forward on it.
I was hoping that it would be done before session and for a number of reasons there was a delay.
We do have a draft and, again, once it’s done I will provide that but please keep in mind the current policy as it is right now is there in place and that is still being used. What we’re looking at is trying to further clarify that policy so people are better informed as to what that guideline and policy means.
Does the minister know how soon this will be completed?
I can only say within the next few months. I’ve said that this summer as well, and we’ve had to go back and review further recommendations from members.
So as soon as the information is done, I will share it with the members and communicate that revised policy.
I said earlier, I still have to go back to Cabinet, as well as Financial Management Board on that file. So once we’ve done our review on it, it will go forward, and once a decision has been made on that policy, I will share it with the members as well.
In the past, the minister and her officials have discussed the establishment of a client service coordinator position, whose duties would include addressing these kinds of issues.
Has this position been established, and if so, has it been filled?
I don’t know if the position is filled at the moment, but perhaps an explanation in terms of how the policy’s implemented: at the community level when a nurse decides a person has to travel, that person makes that decision to send the patient out of the community at which time, the regional travel coordinator makes the travel arrangements for this person and for the escort as well.
We have an appeals coordinator that’s located in Arviat for any decision around escorts where a person can appeal a decision of the nurse in charge at the community level.
So we have those positions in place. In terms of the position that you are referring to, I don’t know if, at this point in time, that position has been filled.
Question 390 – 2(3): Satellite Campus for Cultural School in Kugluktuk (Evyagotailak)
Two days ago I tabled a letter from the Mayor of Kugluktuk. The mayor expressed the community’s strong wish to see the third satellite campus of the Piqqusilirivik School be established in Kugluktuk.
This would benefit and preserve the endangered and distinct culture and language in the Kitikmeot.
Mr. Speaker, my question to the minister is this: will he ask his department to consider establishing the third satellite campus in Kugluktuk to serve the Kitikmeot?
Minister of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth, Minister Tapardjuk.
After reading the letter...there is a working group that is reviewing all of the Inuktitut programming that will be in the Clyde River satellite campus, as well as in Igloolik and Baker Lake.
The working group consists of our department, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and the Department of Education. They are reviewing all of the programs.
Perhaps our report would come out in January stating what kind of Inuktitut programs would be taught for the Kitikmeot. We’re also going to hold a meeting in Cambridge Bay on December 5 with an invitation to Kugaaruk on how we can best address the Kitikmeot concerns.
I can state now that the three satellite campuses, we don’t have any plans to make additional satellite campuses until we receive the report.
After we receive the report we will make a decision what we are going to do with the Inuktitut programming.
And also thank you, Mr. Minister.
Can the minister tell me today how exactly Piqqusilirivik will include programs to preserve and enhance the Inuinnaqtut language and our distinct culture?
Yes, we have considered all of those. There’s going to be a language policy that is being drafted right now.
They’re asking the public to find out from them what it will consist of in that Inuktitut language and who will be the instructors. That’s what we’re planning right now and we have considered it.
I also said that the people that are in the committee to deal with the Cultural School will be writing down all the language instruction books in Inuktitut, as well as Inuinnaqtut. When that information comes about then I’ll be giving the information to the members.
Thanks again, minister. If the committee is discussing to put up a satellite campus in Kugluktuk, can the minister commit to ensure that Piqqusilirivik will include language and cultural instructors who speak Inuinnaqtut and are from the Kitikmeot?
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just to let you know that there would be a school in Kugluktuk, but like I said, the committee that is looking into the cultural school to what kinds of stuff they’re going to be doing in Clyde River and they’re looking at things that will be done in the Kitikmeot region. I am awaiting the reply from the committee that will have to go though the Executive Committee first before it is brought into the House.
I feel that the committee will be looking into everything and we will be including the people who speak Inuinnaqtut, but I’m not saying that there’s going to be a school in Kugluktuk.
Thanks again, minister.
If this committee had completed their report, can the minister ensure the committee send their report also to the Mayor of Kugluktuk?
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Yes, to that. I can say yes to send it to the Mayor, but after it’s been reviewed by the Executive Committee.
But for the people of Kitikmeot, I would like to say that Kitikmeot people will be included because we wrote a letter to the youth council and the elders’ council to ask them for their opinion on what they would like to see.
I have not heard from them up to today.
So after it’s been brought to the executive council, that report, then we will be able to send it out to the mayor.
Question 391 – 2(3): Allocation of Police Services in the Territory (Barnabas)
Mr. Speaker, the community of Arctic Bay has been very pleased with the service of the two RCMP officers in the community. However, the hamlet has expressed some concerns about night time problems such as vandalism and joyriding.
Last year, during the review of the 2006-07 main estimates, this house approved over $21 million under the Territorial Policing Agreement for the provision of RCMP services.
Can the minister clarify for this House how his department works with the RCMP in allocation of policing services and resources to each community?
I know that under the agreement, each and every community has at least two officers regardless of size so that’s one requirement that we follow for safety reasons and depending, if there are larger communities that require additional officers that’s another criteria that we use with the RCMP.
So right now we have a pretty good complement of officers, but as I said in the past they’re looking for more Inuit officers in the RCMP and I look forward to working with the RCMP making sure that we get more officers and do a recruitment drive to recruit more Inuit.
The Hamlet of Arctic Bay has requested night time patrols in the community to reduce the amount of night time activity.
Can the minister clarify for this House how additional services such as night time patrols are taken into consideration during the negotiation of the territorial policing contract?
I know that the police are available 24/7 depending on emergencies, and that they’re always available in the event of urgent situations.
I will pass this request on to see what they can do in the given community but I think we also have to take initiative as citizens when we realize that there’s violence being committed it’s also a civic duty to report those situations, so I urge that residents everywhere in Nunavut do the same, and do their part in assisting the RCMP in reducing crime throughout Nunavut.
They always have to phone Iqaluit when there’s crime being committed in the communities, and they are unilingual. (interpretation ends) Will the Minister of Justice commit to speaking to his counterparts in the RCMP presenting a case in support of establishing night time patrols in Arctic Bay, yes or no?
Yes, I know that the telephone system for the RCMP is a concern to all the members and I would urge the members to go and see the telephone system that we use at the RCMP here in Iqaluit. I would also like to say that the mayors were here and they went and took a look at the telephone system and they were a lot more comfortable.
We are always looking for Inuktitut-speaking operators to man those RCMP telephones.
I would like to get some assistance from the members if they can help me to find people to man those RCMP telephones.
(interpretation ends) On the issue of making sure that there are no night time patrols, I’ll make sure that’s communicated to the local detachment, but there are also initiatives in place that citizens can do; something that my colleague for Iqaluit East has impressed upon his electorate to set up a neighbourhood watch, so that’s something that can be examined as well.  They’re not just trying to find ways to make the police work more, but also taking the initiative to reduce crime in their neighbourhoods.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Premier. (interpretation) Oral Questions.
Question 392 – 2(3): KBDC Process to Resolve Legal Issues (Tootoo)
I am sure the minister is well aware now, the document that I tabled yesterday that was obtained through an access to information request.
In that document, I’m sure that the minister is aware of now that this is a case that has been going on for about seven years and it ended in the personal bankruptcy of the individuals involved.
His predecessor and he have indicated here in the House that other alternatives are usually tried to be found in order to resolve issues like that before legal action is taken on individuals.
I’m just wondering if the minister could inform us or me if he is aware of why different alternatives, I understand early in 1999 there were initiatives or offers to resolve which would have resolved the situation, if he is aware of why they were not accepted.
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) These were done by KBDC, but I’m not really sure what the letter consists of.
So I will get my staff to get some information from KBDC as to what the progress they had made. My staff is working with KBDC to find out exactly what was happening at that time about that case.
I will commit to letting the member know as soon as my staff have done their work.
Again, according with this file, as I said, it has been a long arduous, painful experience for the individuals involved; the end result could potentially put a family of five out on the street.
Mr. Speaker, again last March I asked the minister if, at some point, they look at whether the legal fees that they’re spending on pursuing a case is something that’s taken into consideration.
My question to the minister, and he had indicated that KBDC was the only group involved in here and my question to him is: is he aware that Nunavut Business Credit Corporation spent over $112,000 in legal fees on this case in which I think the final outcome, was they were on hook for $5,500 that was being paid down.
Also, is he aware that the KDBC spent close to a quarter of a million dollars in legal fees to push these individuals into bankruptcy for a $90,000 debt?
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don’t have the figure for the money that has been spent up to date because at this time it is still being worked on by our staff and he indicated that and there is still quite of work to do.
Once I get more information, because my staff is presently working on this, I will let the member know once I get all the figures.
Again last March I questioned the Minister responsible about if they were informed if legal action was going to be taken and he indicated that these organizations use the lawyers from the Department of Justice.
I was wondering if he was notified if and when legal action was taken in this case.
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, probably a lot of clients have gotten loans, but at this time I am not too sure.
Like I stated earlier once I get all the information, because it is still being worked on, I will let the member know to see what has happened.
I guess I am a little puzzled.
I know that I formally informed the minister responsible a number of months ago about this particular case and the fact that there is still no information there; that is a little concerning.
But my final supplementary is: when was the minister first aware of this situation?
I believe that was done after I talked to the member because I have to work with KDBC.
Once we get all this information, then we’ll be able to…like when I first found out about it, it was the time that I talked with him this year. Not too many months ago, that was the first time I heard about it.
Question 393 – 2(3): Delegation to Aboriginal Health Summit (Arvaluk)
Earlier today I spoke in recognition of efforts made by the Inuit delegation at the Aboriginal Health Summit held earlier this week in Vancouver.
The delegation was led by ITK President Mary Simon and included representatives from Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, Health and Social Services, Nunatsiavut Health and Social Services and an Inuvialuit health advisor.
Can the minister indicate to this House whether there were also representatives from the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut’s Department of Health and Social Services in this important summit and if not, why not?
Two individuals from the Department of Executive went down to the summit and I had asked someone from my department to also attend that conference.
I’m not aware whether that person went or not, so I don’t know if there was an actual person present at that conference, but I did direct the deputy to send a person from Health and Social Services to the summit.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Madame Minister. Your first supplementary, Mr. Arvaluk.
Mary Simon and other Inuit leaders are calling for the creation of the Inuit Health Directorate within Heath Canada.