EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, at this time an extensive investigation into the alleged incident in Kinngait has taken place to ensure that all those with knowledge of the matter have had an opportunity to go on record so that we can obtain a thorough understanding of the events that took place.
I want to assure everyone that the events described last Tuesday were unfounded and that no student was discouraged from speaking Inuktitut or punished for doing so.
This incident has, however, brought greater attention related to bullying and acceptable school behaviour.
On this, I wish to state that bullying in any language is unacceptable and that we will take further action along these lines.
Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to remind my colleagues and the public that should they learn of an incident occurring within our schools, they take their concerns first to the school and the district education authority and to escalate these concerns to the department or even myself if they are not satisfied with the response.
I wish to also go on record in our legislature to state clearly that our government supports and encourages the use of our official languages within our schools.
Inuktitut, which is the mother tongue of the majority of our territory’s population, continues to be spoken in our homes, in our schools, and in our places of work.
We must and will do all that we can to support the living language that is Inuktut.
Minister’s Statement 206 – 4(3): Summer Employment for Nunavut Students in the Private Sector (Mike)
Nunavummiut and residents of my community, as well as the visitors in the gallery, welcome to the House.
Mr. Speaker, this past summer my department piloted a new work experience program for high school and post-secondary students called the Summer Employment for Nunavut Students program.
Thirty students and six employers participated in the program in Arviat, Cape Dorset, Iqaluit, and Rankin Inlet, an uptake that was five times greater than our initial goal.
(interpretation ends) While there are several summer employment experience programs in Nunavut for post-secondary students, including the Government of Nunavut’s Summer Student Employment Equity Program, (interpretation) there are no programs that target high school youth or private sector employers in our communities.
The Summer Employment for Nunavut Students program addresses this gap by providing high school students with work experience with a local private sector employer, non-governmental sector employer, or hamlet.
My department is proud to offer the program again in summer 2017 and we look forward to increasing on-the-job training and mentorship opportunities for young Nunavummiut who wish to further their career goals.
Minister’s Statement 207 – 4(3): Kivalliq Regional Visitor Centre (Ell-Kanayuk)
At present the Kivalliq is the only Nunavut region without a full visitor centre.
I am pleased to provide my colleagues with an update on the progress on the Kivalliq Regional Visitor Centre in Rankin Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, planning took place in 2014-15 and the construction of the visitor centre began this past spring and will be completed in December 2017.
This is new centre will provide important visitor support for the Kivalliq region.
Visitor centres are attractions in their own right, but they also help communicate information about the tourism services available in the region.
For these reasons, this visitor centre will support the implementation of Tunngasaiji: A Tourism Strategy for Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, the department continues to meet with Kivalliq communities to ensure each community has input into the exhibits and information to be displayed in the visitor centre.
I look forward to the opening of the Kivalliq Regional Visitor Centre in Rankin Inlet and I am sure it will make an important contribution to tourism in the Kivalliq region.
Minister’s Statement 208 – 4(3): Aboriginal Language Revitalization (Quassa)
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I rise in the House today to announce the delivery of the Certificate in Aboriginal Language Revitalization Program that will be offered in Cambridge Bay this month, October 2016, through Nunavut Arctic College.
A partnership was established with the University of Victoria in 2014 and we have been running the program every year ever since.
Mr. Speaker, in 2014 the executive director of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association reported that there are fewer than 400 Inuinnaqtun language speakers.
I am very pleased to inform you that Nunavut Arctic College is working very hard to ensure the survival of Inuinnaqtun and Inuktut are supported.
With a program such as the Certificate in Aboriginal Language Revitalization, it enables Inuit to become strong advocates of Inuktut and actively support effective language learning strategies within their home communities.
Mr. Speaker, upon completing the certificate, the students will have learned the reasons why people stop speaking Inuktut and choose instead to speak English.
They will also learn about what is done today across Canada and the world to ensure the use, revitalization, and protection of indigenous languages.
Students will learn on how individuals, families, and communities can work together to strengthen the use of Inuktut every day.
Mr. Speaker, using Inuktut is an effort all Nunavummiut must make to ensure the survival of our language.
Mr. Speaker, we have had a total of 17 students enrolled since the program began in 2014 and 9 are now registered for the October courses.
I would like to thank the Department of Culture and Heritage for supporting and enabling Nunavut Arctic College, through the Inuit Language Implementation Fund, to deliver this successful Certificate in Aboriginal Language Revitalization. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 378 – 4(3): The Development of Diabetes in Nunavut (Angnakak)
Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) Good afternoon. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address a growing concern across Nunavut: the development of diabetes.
Mr. Speaker, I have been recently diagnosed with diabetes, and I know from personal experience that diabetes is something that could sneak up on you, take you by surprise, and force sudden changes in your diet, lifestyle, and activity level.
Mr. Speaker, diabetes is a growing concern in northern populations, where diets have changed rapidly from generation to generation, and the choice of foods we now eat are largely determined by what’s on the shelves in our stores and what’s affordable.
As we know, the issue of affordability and nutritious food is one that affects northerners deeply.
Mr. Speaker, my colleague from the High Arctic noted concerns raised by his constituents who travel away from home for medical reasons that are finding that their dietary restrictions are not accounted for when they stay in the medical boarding homes.
Mr. Speaker, in order to combat diabetes, we need resources and supports such as dieticians and nutritionists, counselling for addressing lifestyle changes brought on by a diabetes diagnosis, and appropriate guidance for monitoring blood sugar status and treatment options.
Since my diagnoses, I have met other Nunavummiut who also have diabetes and often I hear them tell me how frustrated they are because they don’t know where to turn to for support or advice on how to manage their sugar levels or, for that matter, what to eat.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude her statement today.
(interpretation) I don’t hear any nays. Please proceed, Ms. Angnakak.
Mr. Speaker, when you become a diabetic, you find out very fast that everything has sugar.
Even the foods that you thought were healthy are, in most cases, full of sugar.
Mr. Speaker, diabetes is a relatively recent occurrence in our population, but it is fast becoming a disease of great concern.
Diabetes should be a great concern for it is a disease that displays little symptoms yet is dangerous enough to cause death.
Those with the disease are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, meaning a stroke or heart attack, nerve damage due to excess amounts of sugar, and kidney, eye and lower extremity damage.
Member’s Statement 379 – 4(3): Supporting Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Principles (Shooyook)
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day to the people of Nunavut, residents of my community, and my colleagues.
I rise today to show my gratitude and happiness regarding something that I have worked hard on and I finally realized that.
I woke up unexpectedly very happy about it this morning.
I will be elaborating more about this issue that is near and dear to my heart.
Mr. Speaker, after I was elected and from the time I sat in the Legislative Assembly, I have worked very hard to make sure that Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (Inuit traditional knowledge) is fully recognized within the government.
It is also something that must be implemented.
Traditional counselling is very important. It has strength within this House.
Mr. Speaker, there were some young people sitting over in the gallery who were working very hard on this issue and rightly recognized for it.
This government has to make sure that Inuit traditional knowledge is fully recognized in the workplace in a serious and proper manner.
Those who commit suicide do so out of an overpowering sense of loss and disorientation.
We must find ways to treat this issue not as a sickness. It is only if we provide counselling that we can treat this tragedy.
We have to place it as a priority.
Otherwise we will continue to run around trying to find solutions.
Let’s give it a whole new review.
As I am running out of time and there are a number of things I would like to say, I would like to ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my colleagues for their show of support.
Mr. Speaker, as I indicated earlier, I have been very diligent about bringing up Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and the implementation of it within the government.
Mr. Speaker, I am very approachable if anybody has any questions about why Mr. Shooyook is working very hard to implement Inuit traditional knowledge.
The reason why I am so committed is that our lives are administered by another culture, thereby usurping the power of the parents of the children.
That is part of the reason why lives are being destroyed, with no seeming understanding of the impacts.
I now understand that this is part of the reason why Inuit are having such difficulties.
I am not belittling any of the ministers and I fully support them, but what I oppose is the cultural ambivalence of their departments. They must acknowledge traditional knowledge through your ministerial portfolios and incorporate it into departmental operations.
During the sittings of the House I urge the ministers to recognize and implement Inuit traditional knowledge.
The ministers respond by saying they fully support it and then I feel that it is going to be implemented within this government.
Within the four years I have not seen any implementation of the Inuit traditional knowledge nor the resources provided to make sure that it is utilized.
Mr. Speaker, traditional counselling is also not being utilized, which is part of the problem.
Can we at least try to utilize Inuit traditional knowledge without punishment for disciplining our children?
What do we have to do so that there is full recognition and inclusion of Inuit knowledge within the government?
There are very few people left who know the traditional way of life.
Who are we going to ask after they have passed away?
I am urging the government while I’m still on this planet to make sure that the traditional knowledge is recorded and documented.
I urge the ministers to implement Inuit traditional knowledge and to put the old and the new together.
This is something that is very close to my heart and we only have 10 months left before the end of our term.
We don’t even have a year left.
With that, let’s come to an agreement so that we can start implementing it from 2017 and on.
During my term this will be my last statement regarding Inuit traditional knowledge, so I’m going to be looking forward to your support for IQ. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 380 – 4(3): Suicide Prevention (Qirngnuq)
Good afternoon, fellow residents of Kugaaruk and people of Taloyoak, as well as my colleagues in the House.
I will start with a preamble prior to commencing my statement.
An individual I represented in Taloyoak just passed on yesterday, who was an elder, Peeteekootee Tucktoo.
I send my condolences to her family and children and we shall remember them in our prayers.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my campaign platform when I ran and during the by-election part of my reasoning was to support youth, as my colleague alluded to earlier, who are at risk for suicide.
As I campaigned in Taloyoak, I went on the radio with a phone-in show. It was also open to non-aired questions.
One woman called and stated, “If you are elected, I want you to champion suicide and prevention at the legislature during your term.”
She asked me that because of her compassion towards youth and now that lady is no longer with us as she passed away shortly after I was elected.
Just last week prior to the weekend a large conference was held in Iqaluit on this theme and prevention, and it was obvious it was a heavy subject as it isn’t a little subject.
I would ask those involved to ensure they take breaks when dealing with clients as it will be very difficult and hard, but to continue supporting them to have good lives.
I sincerely appreciate people in this field who can counsel others, and I know this issue was debated and discussed prior to my own election.
I thank the people who are working on behalf of this.
I have run out of time, so I will just thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 381 – 4(3): Sharing Responsibility (Joanasie)
Good afternoon, my colleagues, residents of Kimmirut and Cape Dorset, as well as Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the need for us all to work together as community members, parents, and responsible citizens to find answers and solutions to social challenges.
Mr. Speaker, I have spoken before of the need to relearn our traditional roles and responsibilities.
The current need for responsible parenting skills can be attributed to the impact of historical events, which has affected many generations of Inuit.
Mr. Speaker, it is important for the safety of our children and of our community that we work to regain the skills and strengths in parenting.
Mr. Speaker, there are a number of potential routes we can take.
Working with our local district education authorities, we can set up parent associations to promote parental engagement.
We can use resources such as those published on the government’s culture and heritage website, which provides guidelines for those in counselling roles for fellow Inuit. We can introduce and share traditional concepts by distributing short documents or reading out information over the local radio.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage the government to work together with community groups and agencies to support initiatives which foster local self-empowerment. I believe that by working together, we can find solutions and improve our social well-being.
Member’s Statement 382 – 4(3): Death of an Elder in Taloyoak (Akoak)
Good afternoon to my colleagues, ministers, Premier, Nunavummiut, (interpretation) residents of Gjoa Haven, and those watching the proceedings.
(interpretation ends) Yesterday the community of Taloyoak lost an elder, as mentioned by my colleague.
She was a mother, grandmother, aunt, and sister-in-law to many.
My condolences go out to the family of the elder. Mr. Speaker, she is also the sister-in-law of my wife.
I was not in Gjoa Haven to comfort my wife and I wish I was.
Mr. Speaker, as in every small community, people will go to the person that has lost a relative.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to say “thank you very much” to the people that went to my wife to comfort her at the time of her in need.
Again I would like to say “thank you” to the community members of Gjoa Haven.
Member’s Statement 383 – 4(3): Support for Clyde River in Seismic Testing Case (Keyootak)
I rise today to express my support for the community and people of Clyde River.
Mr. Speaker, on the 30th of this month, just a few weeks from now, the Supreme Court of Canada is scheduled to hear Clyde River’s appeal regarding the issue of seismic testing in the waters near the community.
Mr. Speaker, let me take a moment to read into the record the official Supreme Court summary of this case:
“The respondents applied to the National Energy Board for authorization to undertake a marine seismic survey program in coastal waters in Nunavut.
Local Inuit groups and communities objected to the project.
The NEB issued the requested authorization to the project proponents, on specified terms and conditions.
The NEB also provided an environmental assessment report which outlined the consultation steps and activities undertaken by the project proponents and by the NEB itself.
The Inuit of Clyde River brought an application for judicial review of the authorization, on various grounds including inadequate consultation.”
Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that a number of entities, including Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board… .
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement, although I’m almost finished.
The Nunavut Wildlife Management Board has been actively seeking intervener status.
Mr. Speaker, this is an important matter and I support my community and constituents.
Member’s Statement 384 – 4(3): Elections in Inuit Organizations (Okalik)
As people may know, this week is when nominations will close for the position of the NTI president.
I encourage individuals contemplating running and being elected for positions to this Inuit organization. I will appreciate all Inuit who run for putting their names forward as they are committed to serving fellow Inuit.
The land claims agreement we are abiding by took many years to negotiate and it was not a breezy affair as many issues were very complicated. The land claims agreement also requires this government to implement certain parts. Some parts have been implemented properly, yet we have areas that are not even implemented.
I further encourage all those Inuit interested in running for the position and to see if the NLCA can be further improved not just as Inuit for Inuit, but to benefit Nunavut as a whole.
I will provide my support to all who run, just as I assist my fellow Inuit.
Member’s Statement 385 – 4(3): Appreciation of Ilisaqsivik (Quassa)
My colleagues, I just want you to be aware that the Ilisaqsivik Society goes out to the communities to provide services to other communities, of which I am quite proud of, so I want to mention them to my colleagues.
The society recently travelled to Arctic Bay and I appreciate the hospitality of Arctic Bay residents as they went to the meetings offered to the community. They were very supportive.
The group enjoyed the residents’ involvement and it was quite easy to see the contribution of the group.
I want to extend further thanks to the residents of Arctic Bay for being so welcoming and receptive to the delegation that travelled to their community.
I just wanted to speak to the success of the Ilisaqsivik Society as they are very dedicated with tangible benefits and I am even more grateful for that.
Further, the fact that they travel to communities throughout Nunavut is another source of pride.
I again express my thanks to the Arctic Bay residents for their hospitality and warm welcome.
I just wanted to speak to this event for my colleagues’ benefit and to fellow Nunavummiut.
Member of Economic Development and Transportation, Ms. Monica Ell-Kanayuk.
Return to Oral Question 418 – 4(3): Community Transportation Initiatives Program – Correction to Information Provided (Ell-Kanayuk)
Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Return to oral question asked by Tom Sammurtok, MLA for Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet, Question No. 418 – 4(3) on October 20, 2016 on the Community Transportation Initiatives Program – Correction to Information Provided.
I was very pleased to note that a total of $150,000 was provided during the 2015-16 fiscal year for the community access road projects in Rankin Inlet and Chesterfield Inlet.
The Department of Economic Development and Transportation’s Community Transportation Initiatives Program funding levels in fiscal year 2016-17 for Chesterfield Inlet was approved for $100,000 in funding under Schedule A of the Community Transportation Initiatives Program, which is for community access roads funding.
Rankin Inlet was approved for $70,000 of community access road funding and an additional $17,200 in funding under Schedule B of the policy, which is the small craft harbours capital program.
The government’s Community Transportation Initiatives Program Policy states that an annual call for proposals will be sent to all municipalities before the beginning of a new fiscal year.
With regard to the deadline for proposals for the 2017-18 fiscal year, each March the department sends letters to all Nunavut municipalities seeking applications under this program.
These letters set out a submission deadline, which is usually in the latter part of April.
For the 2017-18 fiscal year the deadline is likely to be in April 2017.
Return to Oral Question 446 – 4(3): Maintaining Dental and Medical Equipment (Hickes)
I would like to respond to an oral question asked by Mr. Alexander Sammurtok, MLA for Rankin Inlet South, whereas he had asked me:
“I am certain that most specialized medical or dental equipment requires a specific maintenance regime.
Can the minister describe what contracts or arrangements are in place to ensure that specialized medical or dental equipment is inspected and repaired on a regular basis?”
Mr. Speaker, at the time I provided the member with some general information. I would like to provide a more detailed response, as I committed to.
The Department of Health has a territorial procurement committee to look at replacing old equipment and set standards for the replacement process to ensure any new equipment purchased has preventative maintenance included.
Inspection of dental equipment is an ongoing process.
There are a number of dental providers who service, repair, and install dental equipment as it is required across the territory.
After a dental team visits a community, a trip report is submitted to the Department of Health that outlines the status of each piece of dental equipment in the clinic.
There is also a capital survey given to all dental providers visiting the community to verify the make, model, serial number, and inventory tags of the equipment.
The results of the survey help to determine if the equipment has to be repaired or replaced.
In terms of medical equipment, the Department of Health has multiple preventative maintenance contracts in place for key medical equipment, such as CT scanners and ultrasound machines, and continues discussions with manufacturers on all medical equipment assets.
The Department of Health makes efforts to address medical equipment needs. An RFP to purchase and install digital radiography equipment in community health centres is now in the evaluation phase. Updated diagnostic equipment will improve patient care, decrease wait times, and reduce waste products and chemicals associated with film X-ray machines.
Return to Oral Question 465 – 4(3): Inuit Language Implementation Fund (Kuksuk)
I have a return to an oral question that was asked by MLA for Niaqunnguu, Ms. Angnakak, the number is 465 – 4(3), on Wednesday, October 26, 2016, and the subject is Inuit language implementation.
“Can the minister indicate when the government plans to bring [sections 3 to 5, 9, and 10] of the Inuit Language Protection Act into force?”
My response: