EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I think that we got as far as B-10, in there is also Senior Personnel Secretariat and I know in opening comments to the Standing Committee and during last year’s review on the report of the Auditor General, the government stated that the Senior Personnel Secretariat has been directed to enhance the deputy ministers’ mandate letters to provide additional focus on their accountability for results in the management of financial resources.
I’m just wondering if the minister could indicate has this initiative achieved its objective and what other new priorities will be included in the mandate letters to the deputies this year.
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Tootoo. (interpretation) I will let Mr. Tootoo have that last question before we adjourn. Mr. Premier.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) The financial accountability is considered standard instructions for all deputies for some time and will continue to be so, and it forms part of the analysis of all deputies in our evaluations.
In terms of adding new priorities, I think I must say that the primary instruction for this year will be to complete what we set out to do for the duration of this term, which is meeting Pinasuaqtavut and that will be the main focus this year.
At this time, there has not been a motion to adjourn.
So, according to our Rule 6(1), I would like to recognize the clock at this time, and to report progress.
Thank you, Mr. Premier, and your staff.
Your committee has been considering Bill 1 and the main estimates, and would like to report progress.
All in favor of the motion.
The motion is carried. Thank you.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Peterson. If I understand the member correctly, he is seeking unanimous consent to go back to Item 5 in our orders of the day.
There are no nays. Go ahead.
I thank my colleagues for the unanimous consent.
I was a little worried there for a moment when I saw a note flash across the floor there.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome some former residents of Cambridge Bay to the Gallery today.
They are on their way to Cambridge Bay for a visit. Mr. David Pelly and his son Eric.
They lived in Cambridge Bay for quite a few years, and Mr. Pelly is a well known writer for the Above and Beyond Magazine, and he’s the author of many books about the north.
So, welcome to David and son today.
Thank you. Orders of the Day. Item 22.
Orders of the Day for Monday, March 12:
This House stands adjourned until Monday, March 12, at 1:30 p.m.
>>House adjourned at 14:10
Monday, March 12, 2007
Pages 157 – 221
Speaker: The Honourable James Arreak, M.L.A. Legislative Assembly of Nunavut
Opening Prayer 157
Ministers’ Statements 157
Members’ Statements 160
Oral Questions 167
Tabling of Documents 184
First Reading of Bills 185
Second Reading of Bills 186
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 187
Report of the Committee of the Whole 220
Orders of the Day 220
Monday, March 12, 2007 157
014 – 2(4): Apprenticeship Training under the Nunavut Housing Trust Initiative (Akesuk) 157
015 – 2(4): Mentors for New Nurses (Aglukkaq) 158
016 – 2(4): Medium Resolution Satellite Imagery Project (Netser) 159
026 – 2(4): Canada Winter Games Medals in Dene Games (Barnabas) 160
027 – 2(3): Hunting Accident (Kattuk) 161
028 – 2(4): Former Governor General’s Official Parka (Aglukkaq) 161
029 – 2(4): Members’ Participation in “Fatal Passage” Film Production (Curley) 162
030 – 2(4): Names of Hockey Players in Arviat (Alagalak) 164
031 – 2(4): Congratulations to Inuit Games Participants (Brown) 164
032 – 2(4): Congratulations to Canada Games Medal Winners (Netser) 165
033 – 2(4): Canada Games Medal Winner (Mapsalak) 165
034 – 2(4): Canada Winter Games Ceremony (Okalik) 165
035 – 2(4): Thank the People of Iqaluit and Individuals (Picco) 166
031 – 2(4): Streamlining Regulatory Processes in Nunavut (Mapsalak) 167
032 – 2(4): Recentralization of GN Positions (Tootoo) 169
033 – 2(4): Offices of HTOs (Barnabas) 171
034 – 2(4): Transfer of 4 Positions to Department of Finance (Peterson) 172
035 – 2(4): Apprenticeship Training (Alagalak) 174
036 – 2(4): Update on Qangualuk Abduction in 1945 (Curley) 176
037 – 2(4): Update on Medical Travel Contract (Kattuk) 178
038 – 2(4): GN Requirements for Scheduled Flights (Arvaluk) 182
024 – 2(4): US Accused of Silencing Experts on Polar Bears – sfgate.com article March 9, 2007 (Netser) 185
025 – 2(4): Governor General Adrienne Clarkson Wearing Taloyoak Parka – Photos of Official Portrait by Mary Pratt (Aglukkaq) 185
026 – 2(4): Nunavut-Manitoba Road – Selection of Preferred NU-MB Route (Alagalak) 185
Bill 02 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act #3, 2006-07 – First Reading 186
Bill 03 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act #3, 2006-07 – First Reading 186
Bill 02 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act #3, 2006-07 – Second Reading 186
Bill 03 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act #3, 2006-07 – Second Reading 186
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2007-08 – Consideration in Committee – Executive & Intergovernmental Affairs 187
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2007-08 – Consideration in Committee – Community & Government Services 203
Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Honourable Olayuk Akesuk, Mr. David Alagalak, Mr. James Arreak, Mr. James, Arvaluk, Mr. Levi Barnabas, Honourable Levinia Brown, Mr. Tagak Curley, Mr. Peter Kattuk, Mr. Steve Mapsalak, Honourable Patterk Netser, Honourable Paul Okalik, Mr. Keith Peterson, Honourable Edward Picco, Honourable David Simailak, Honourable Louis Tapardjuk, Mr. Hunter Tootoo.
Speaker (Hon. James Arreak)(interpretation): Good afternoon.
Good afternoon, Premier, Ministers, and MLAs. (interpretation) Item 2.
Minister’s Statement 014 – 2(4): Apprenticeship Training under the Nunavut Housing Trust Initiative (Akesuk)
Good afternoon. Good afternoon to Mr. Picco, welcome back, and Mr. Kattuk, welcome back.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about exciting new training opportunities for labourers and the principal developers through the Housing Trust Initiative.
Our Housing Delivery Strategy, which was tabled in the legislature last year, presents a plan to increase the number of skilled local tradespeople and labourers, and thereby provide jobs, build local economies and local capacities, and ensure that there are qualified professionals to build, repair, and maintain housing in Nunavut.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, supporting the completion of training for 35 to 40 new journeymen is a key objective of the Housing Trust Initiative.
To support this goal, the Nunavut Housing Corporation is introducing a two-phase construction schedule for Housing Trust projects, which provides a built-in break for training during the coldest winter and spring months.
During this break, labourers can take pre-trades training and apprentices can take technical training.
The two-phase construction schedule will begin in the fall of 2007.
(interpretation ends) We believe that these training opportunities, as well as the more reasonable hours of work and improved wages offered for the Nunavut Housing Trust projects will attract local workers and encourage continuing learning.
Mr. Speaker, the Housing Corporation will be focusing on the construction of its cost-efficient, energy-efficient five-plex design for the two years of Housing Trust delivery.
The construction of one five-plex will provide jobs for approximately four apprentices and four labourers. Two or three more jobs will be available for every additional five-plex being built at the same time and some labourers and apprentices will be able to work on more than one project.
All Nunavut communities will see a relatively dependable level of construction activity for the next three or four years, allowing apprentices to build up their hours and progress towards journeyperson certificates.
The Housing Corporation is actively promoting apprenticeship, trades training, and construction jobs through the Nunavut-wide poster campaign, ongoing meetings with local partners, trade show attendance, and community radio announcements. Local Housing Organizations and the Housing Corporation district staff are currently organizing application intake sessions for people interested in trades training and construction.
People interested in Housing Trust jobs and training need to fill out a Housing Trust application form to be considered for a position.
The Housing Trust application form is available in English and Inuktitut and can be obtained from local housing organization offices.
I am looking forward to an exciting and challenging year as we work to implement and innovate construction and training components of the Housing Trust delivery strategy.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Akesuk. Ministers’ Statements.
Minister’s Statement 015 – 2(4): Mentors for New Nurses (Aglukkaq)
We are all proud of the Nunavummiut who are training to be registered nurses.
To date, nine nurses have graduated with a Bachelors of Science and Nursing degree from the Dalhousie University program offered at the Nunavut Arctic College.
A further four student nurses will graduate this year.
Nurses in our hospitals and community health centres need to be experienced, however.
It would be unfair to both our graduates and to their clients to place them in positions without appropriate support.
The Department of Health and Social Services put mentorships in place last fall for the five nurses who graduated in 2006 and one nurse in the class of 2005.
Mentorship involves not just a mentor but also a learning plan and regular evaluation. This means a new nurse not only has a full-time position but also one-on-one support for the first six months of their employment.
We have learned from this first round of mentorship. We can ensure the next group of graduates we hire, and we plan to hire all four of them, will have a good learning experience as nurses for the Department of Health and Social Services.
I also want to commend the commitment of our new nurses and their mentors. Not every nurse can be a mentor. To be a mentor a nurse needs to have experience, strong clinical and teaching skills, and a desire to share their knowledge and skills with new nurses.
The Government of Nunavut sees the employment of health care workers as the strongest possible foundation for Nunavut’s health system.
My department is prepared for the foreseeable future to offer graduates of the Nunavut nursing program a job in our health system.
We are now making contact with the potential graduates to discuss the jobs we can provide. Nurses, community health representatives, x-ray technicians, dental therapists, and mental health workers are just some of the professions Nunavummiut can train for in Nunavut.
We are working in partnership with Dalhousie University, Nunavut Arctic College, and other post-secondary educational institutions to make sure the training is relevant and the graduates are prepared for work in Nunavut.
Minister’s Statement 016 – 2(4): Medium Resolution Satellite Imagery Project (Netser)
I would like to inform the Members of the Legislative Assembly of the completion of an important partnership that will greatly benefit the people of Nunavut.
My department has been successful in partnering with the federal government, and the provinces and territories, for the acquisition of new medium resolution satellite imagery.
With an investment of $80,000 we have been able to leverage an additional $2.5 million to complete new digital satellite mapping.
The resolution of the new satellite imagery is of a much better quality than was ever available before.
Once completed, this new satellite imagery will significantly upgrade and improve the accuracy of existing topographic maps of Nunavut.
It will improve navigational aids that play an important role in search and rescue, and general safety on the land.
Boaters during the summer will be able to, before they leave, have an idea how the ice conditions are around Nunavut, and will improve our capabilities for habitat mapping, land use planning, environmental assessment, and park planning management.
Through these types of partnerships, we are able to take advantage of outside resources and expertise, and continue to build a high quality of geomatic resources for Nunavut.
Member’s Statement 026 – 2(4): Canada Winter Games Medals in Dene Games (Barnabas)
I rise today to congratulate a group of fine young athletes from Arctic Bay for their success at the Canada Winter Games in Whitehorse.
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud of these young athletes who brought home nine medals in the Dene Games.
Roxanne Kigutak and Mathew Akikulu both won several in the Finger Pull event. In the Snow Snake event, Marie Barnabas, my daughter, won two gold...
… Benita Ejangiaq won silver, and Joe Audlakiak won bronze.
Tom Naqitarvik won gold in the Stick Pull event. In the teams event with team-mate Steve Oqallak, Team Nunavut brought home gold in Hand games, gold in the Male Pole Push event, and bronze in the Female Pole Push event.
Mr. Speaker, the Arctic Bay athletes trained very hard for these events under the coaching of Thomas Levi.
In the darkness of the High Arctic winter, they spent hours outside with lights set up to train and prepare themselves for these events and their hard work paid off.
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud of these athletes. They continue to show us how hard work and determination can lead us to success.
I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating them.
We are proud of them as well.
Member’s Statement 027 – 2(3): Hunting Accident (Kattuk)
I am proud that I am able to attend the meeting here, and I would like to say that it’s been hard, but everything is fine in my home community.
But, I also hear something different that I have never experienced before, perhaps to do with climate change. I have been going out on the land hunting for quite a long time. There was something different that I experienced.
Last winter I went out seal hunting. At night, when I wanted to go back home, I found out that there was open water right in front of me, and the ice started breaking up right in front of me.
I would like to thank the people that came to pick me up by boat past the floe edge.
During the same winter, I also experienced and have known the conditions of the ice when I go out hunting, but something unexpected happened: I fell into the water.
I was down in the water for about 10 minutes. Although the other individual who went out hunting with me was very afraid, he was able to save me, and that’s why I am here today.
Member’s Statement 028 – 2(4): Former Governor General’s Official Parka (Aglukkaq)
Although it may have slipped by unnoticed, a significant article appeared in a number of newspapers across Canada on February 16, 2007.
This was the date the official portrait of the former Governor General; Adrienne Clarkson was unveiled at Rideau Hall.
Mr. Speaker, I am sure that many northerners may have seen this in the Globe and Mail, Ottawa Citizen, or National Post, and would have noticed an important aspect of this painting.
Specifically, the former Governor General’s portrait shows her wearing a made in Nunavut parka.
In fact, Mr. Speaker, the parka she is wearing was designed and made in my constituency of Taloyoak in the mid 70s. There is a photo I’ll table later today.
The parka was designed and made by Arnaoyok Alookee of Taloyoak, and she now has the pleasure of knowing it will be a significant part of the portraits hanging in Rideau Hall for many years.
Arnaoyok indicated that the particular parkas were made using traditional sewing techniques and natural dyes, which is one of the reasons they are still so bright and colourful after many years of use.
Mr. Speaker, the individual that painted the portrait of the former Governor General went as far as having the parka shipped to her by Adrienne Clarkson so that she could make sure she was able to capture the colours and textures in such great detail.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, you’ll be interested to know that this is the first portrait of a Governor General in a traditional parka, standing in snow since the tradition of painting Governor General’s portraits began in 1867.
Member’s Statement 029 – 2(4): Members’ Participation in “Fatal Passage” Film Production (Curley)
Mr. Curley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am very pleased to rise today in order to inform the House and Nunavummiut about an important step forward in our collective understanding of Inuit and Arctic history.
Mr. Speaker, the third John Franklin Northwest Passage Expedition was one of our most tragic historical events. Numerous books and articles have been written on this subject.
Some have been written from a scholarly perspective; others from a desire to simply entertain the reader.
To this day, the important question remains about the Northwest Passage expedition. Mr. Speaker, the renowned Canadian filmmaker, John Walker, is currently producing a docudrama based on the book, Fatal Passage, by noted author, Ken McGoogan. This book sets the historical record straight with respect to the role of Inuit in this chapter of the history.
Mr. Speaker, history tells us that when news of the fate of the Franklin expedition reached London from the discoveries and reports of Hudson’s Bay physician and adventurer, Dr. John Rae, the Victorian society of the day did not want to accept the unpleasant truth about what happened to Franklin and his crew.
Dr. Rae trusted the accounts of the Inuit hunters and other aboriginal First Nations, with whom he worked closely.
His own findings supported the conclusion that some members of the expedition resorted to the cannibalism of their own dead in a desperate attempt to save their lives.
He faithfully reported these facts to London.
Mr. Speaker, Victorian society could not accept the simple fact that had Franklin trusted the Inuit, he might have survived, or one of them.
Instead, Mr. Speaker, a vicious campaign of lies and disinformation was initiated by Franklin’s widow, Lady Jane Franklin. She was able to enlist the services of none other than Mr. Charles Dickens in this dark and dishonourable venture.
Speaker (interpretation): The member is asking consent to conclude his statement.
There are no nays. Please proceed, Mr. Curley.
Mr. Curley: This author whose extraordinary talent for literature helped to create the myth that Inuit, whom he dismissed as savages, were responsible for atrocities.
Mr. Speaker, in January of this year, I had the privilege of being invited to London, England, at the invitation of the filmmakers in order to be interviewed on camera for the production, which aims to make clear the true role of Inuit in this part of history.
I believe that I may have been the first Inuk to set foot in the historic Admiralty House in the heart of London.
When I was there, I formally met with Gerald Dickens, the great-great grandson of Charles Dickens.
Mr. Dickens personally apologized to me and all Inuit for the untruths that were told about us. I was proud to have been able to accept this apology.
Mr. Speaker, the film production of ‘The Fatal Passage’ will be broadcast on History Television and the BBC.
I ask members to join me in applauding the correction of the historical record.
Member’s Statement 030 – 2(4): Names of Hockey Players in Arviat (Alagalak)
Thank you to the residents of Sanikiluaq for helping their MLA.
Mr. Speaker, I would briefly like to point out something about the children who were playing hockey in Baker Lake.
I would like to say the names; a lot of them are named after our elders, so I want them to be recognized.
They won gold, even though they weren’t in Alaska or the Yukon, I was especially proud of them.
So I would like to recognize Wade Suluraayuk, Joe Curley, Martha Pingusaq, Ides Anne Pingusaq, Johnny Qaviuq Jr., Jimmy Tattuinee-Ishalook, Johnny Amardjuak, Keisha Karetak, Mathew Curley, and he’s named after an elder, Juralak, Manuel Okotak, Kunuk Gavin, Kyle Mikeeuneak, and the coaches, Gavin and Alex Ishalook, and Suzanne Karetak.
I would like to recognize these hockey players and they really enjoyed them in the Keewatin.
Member’s Statement 031 – 2(4): Congratulations to Inuit Games Participants (Brown)
I’m very happy that Peter is here, and during our session, one member from Rankin Inlet was not here, so everybody’s here now welcoming our colleague Mr. Picco.
I’m happy they are back; you’re very strong.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a young lady from a small community of Whale Cove who has won not one, not two, but three medals for Inuit Games in Whitehorse, Yukon.
Malaya Inuapik, who is just 17 years old, won the medals in the following categories:
Silver for Women’s Two-Foot High Kick
Bronze for Women’s Arm Pull
Bronze for One-Foot High Kick
I also wish to acknowledge Malaya’s coach and chaperone, who is a popular teacher in Whale Cove, Christa.
Please join me to congratulate Malaya Inuapik. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 032 – 2(4): Congratulations to Canada Games Medal Winners (Netser)
Young athletes from Chesterfield Inlet dominated the Inuit Games events, which were held as a demonstration sport at the Canada Winter Games in Whitehorse.
Blair Tautu, who is 22 years of age, won the gold for the Women’s Alaskan High Kick and the Women’s Two-Foot High Kick, and silver for the Women’s Arm Pull and One-Foot High Kick.
Rebecca Sammurtok, who’s 19 from Chesterfield Inlet, won gold for the Women’s Kneel Jump and bronze for the Women’s Two-Foot High Kick.
James Qajaarjuaq-Tautu, who’s age 20 from Chesterfield Inlet as well, won gold for the Men’s Alaskan High Kick, gold for Men’s Kneel Jump, and silver for the Men’s Two-Foot High Kick.
(interpretation) We are very proud of the people from Chesterfield Inlet. Thank you.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Members’ Statements.
Member’s Statement 033 – 2(4): Canada Games Medal Winner (Mapsalak)
I rise today to congratulate a resident of Repulse Bay who was at the games, Joshua Bruce. He won a gold medal in Two Foot High Kick.
He won gold and one silver for One Foot High Kick.
I am very proud of him because he is very capable and he has been at many games and has won many medals when he participates.
Member’s Statement 034 – 2(4): Canada Winter Games Ceremony (Okalik)
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): I would like to welcome you while you are sitting at the Speaker’s Chair.
I just want to mention that I went to the Canada Winter Games ceremonies and the Northwest Territories Premier and I made a bet at the beginning of the Inuit Games.
I also told people that we used to have to represent Northwest Territories, so I asked the Northwest Territories Premier to use a Nunavut uniform if they lost.
There were going to be three games on that particular day, so I made a bet with him and he agreed.
It was going to either I wear the Northwest Territories uniform or he wears the Nunavut uniform. So when we beat Northwest Territories, the next morning he showed up wearing the Nunavut uniform.
The Northwest Territories Premier was displaying the Nunavut uniform very nicely. The ladies who were doing the demonstration were very proud. They won gold, silver, and bronze.
I was very proud of them because Nunavummiut are very capable and I was very proud of them when I was watching them.
Mr. Picco.  >>Applause
Member’s Statement 035 – 2(4): Thank the People of Iqaluit and Individuals (Picco)
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Iqaluit, the House, the Members, and the public and the staff here at the Legislative Assembly who sent me cards and good wishes, get-well baskets, and said prayers for me during my recent surgery.
I also want to make note and appreciate the many calls from Mr. Barnabas checking up on me and several calls, of course, by the Premier as well as the Premier’s very nice gift basket, I think was about 30 pounds. It gave one of the nurses a hard time bringing it to my bed.
The hospital referral staff here in Iqaluit and the special aid clinic was also very professional and expedient. I want to take this opportunity to thank them.
The past several months waiting for surgery have at times been very difficult and stressful.