EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
As I have said many times in this House before, investments in infrastructure help to build healthy communities, and I look forward to more action on the part of the government in this area.
I would like to ask all members to join me in congratulating these young Iqaluit athletes.
Member’s Statement 020 – 2(1): Constituency Issues and Concerns (Barnabas)
I am very pleased to be back in the House and I look forward to working with all of the members to make life better for Nunavumiut.
I am also anxious to start working on issues that are of concern to my constituents.
I rise today to talk about the needs of our elders.
It is often said that we need to gather the knowledge of our elders before they pass on and before it is too late.
We need to collect oral history from them for our children and for future educational purposes.
As a previous member once said, our elders are one of the most valuable resources we have in Nunavut.
If we are to keep a link to our traditional past, we must talk to our elders. A quote by Jack Anawak.
Some of the elders in my constituency have expressed to me that the assistance provided to them is not enough.
They can barely get by with a $292 monthly food allowance because of the high cost of living in the High Arctic.
If I could ask, Mr. Speaker, permission to conclude my statement.
Speaker (interpretation): Mr. Barnabas is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement.
There are no nays, Mr. Barnabas.
Mr. Barnabas (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, colleagues.
Many of our elders are also widows; they were brought up on country food and prefer country food, but most widows have no one to hunt for them.
The quality of housing is also a concern, as so many homes are in need of extensive repair.
We cannot expect our elders to be able to fix those problems on their own.
Another concern I have heard from my elders is how they are used by community justice committees but are not always getting compensated.
It is a thought that there are not enough facilities for elders in Nunavut.
Although there are major facilities in the bigger communities, the smaller communities do not have enough.
Mr. Speaker, building elders’ facilities should be a priority of this government.
These facilities should be combined with youth where possible so that elders can teach youth culture and family values.
I am very pleased that the Premier employs an elder in the Department of Justice to provide advice; I commend him for this.
We must utilize our elders in any way possible, as they are here to help us.
At the appropriate time, Mr. Speaker, I will be asking some questions.
Member’s Statement 021 – 2(1): Mother’s Day (Curley)
I understand the reasons why David Simailak is not here: he has lost a relative and an elder has passed away.
He was an uncle of my wife.
We know that a lot of elders are dying and we have to get their wisdom while they are still alive.
He was a family man.
He was a hunter.
I would like to say that he was always a very happy man.
He had many children; one of them has passed away.
David is the uncle.
I would like to say happy Mother’s Day to all of Nunavut’s mothers.
It is not too late.
Because they are the key: they are the home makers.
They are not just homemakers but they are the ones that make the family stick together and teach them about our compassion.
Also, Father’s Day will be coming very shortly.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to say that here in Nunavut, there has to be a Family Day.
It would be an ideal thing to have so that fathers and mothers will re-unite.
It is very difficult these days, when we are lacking in housing. We would like to go out to the land with our families.
That is what we did in the past and today, when you need something… There should be a Family Day in Nunavut so that we can have good, loving families, not broken up families.
Mr. Speaker, I would like your support on these. I will speak to you again on this issue.
Member’s Statement 022 – 2(1): Lady of Lights Church Burned Down (Evyagotailak)
I would first like to thank my constituents.
I am very happy to be here in the House. (interpretation ends) I rise today to talk about our Lady of Lights, the church in Kugluktuk that burned to the ground on April 13, 2004.
It was indeed a tragedy for Kugluktuk, as it was one of the community’s original buildings and therefore considered a historic site for our Kugluktukmiut.
There were numerous irreplaceable items in the church. Those included the beautiful sealskin tapestry, At the Last Supper, and other priceless Inuit artifacts.
Items such as those were handcrafted by elders who are passed away.
Our artifacts are lost, Mr. Speaker. The church was indeed beautiful: when we entered, it was like being inside an igloo. The ceiling was all white.
We have to be strong in faith and united in spirit.
We need to have a place to gather and to worship.
I understand that it is not the place of the government to fund religious activities; however, I can voice the concerns of my constituency as a member of this House. Mr. Speaker, the people of Kugluktuk are requesting donations from Nunavummiut to rebuild this church. All donations that are made will be tax deductible.
Any assistance that can be provided to the rebuilding project will be extremely appreciated. As all members know, the cost of building materials in Nunavut is very expensive.
I would like to urge the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth to look into this, preserving our historic legacy.
We have many fine historic churches, such as the igloo-shaped cathedral here in Iqaluit and also churches in Kuugaruk, Igloolik, and Cambridge Bay.
Member’s Statement 023 – 2(1): Annual Nunavut Trade Show (Picco)
First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all Nunavummiut a very happy Mother’s Day.
For many of us in the Assembly, it is not possible to do our work; I know that for myself, as a Member of the Nunavut Assembly for a while, if we do not have the support at home.
So on behalf of myself and my family, I would like to wish my wife and indeed my Sakiq, Ningiuraapik Arnakkak, in Kangirlugaapik, a very happy Mother’s Day also.
Mr. Speaker, last week, Iqaluit hosted the annual Nunavut Trade Show.
This event has been getting bigger and better every year.
This year companies, organizations, as well as government departments had booths ranging from the sale of goods and services to IBC’s wonderful display of new and upcoming TV programs.
The well-known Ooleepeeka Veevee’s new TV show, featuring outtakes in Inuktitut of people who are Qarittuk, like the Premier Paul Okalik, will be featured this fall, as well as, Mr. Speaker, my singing talent.
The highlight of the trade show every year is the annual banquet and charity auction.
This year several works of Nunavummiut, carvings, prints, and products, were available for bids.
The delegations from southern Canada and Labrador were very impressed with the hospitality and professionalism shown during their visit to Nunavut by the organizers, staff, and the people of Iqaluit.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Steve Cook and his team for their excellent work in organizing the trade show and making it, again, a very successful year.
I would like to recognize a Nunavut Sivuniksavut student who is in the second year: David Joanassie is here.
Although you have already recognized the newly elected President of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, Paul Kaludjak, and also Simon Kilabuk.
Speaker: Sergeant-at-Arms.
Going to Item 6.
Question 001 – 2(1): Cleanup of Contaminants in Nunavut (Arreak)
I am pleased to direct my first question of this Legislative Assembly to the Minister of Environment.
The issue of contaminated sites is a major concern for my community.
There are three sites in particular that I am concerned about: Old Clyde River, Cape Christiansen, and Port Burwell.
The March federal budget contained the welcome news that $3.5 billion will be provided over ten years for major multi-site cleanups; 60 percent of this is set aside for the North.
My question for the minister is: what is the Government of Nunavut doing to make sure that their priorities in this area are made as clear to the federal government as possible, as has been stated in the past?
Speaker: Minister of Environment, Minister Akesuk.
Thank you for your first question. I am the first minister to be addressed this in this Second Assembly.
Yes, we are working on these issues.
The funding that is available will be $3.5 billion in Canada.
We are going to be negotiating this in the very near future. And the concerns that you have about contaminants: we do have all that information within our government and this is one of our first priorities from 2003 when we started working on this.
We have all the files on this and for the contaminants, especially for the communities that have contaminants in them, or the old sites that you were talking about, places like Old Clyde River.
Yes, we will be working on these issues and we will inform you as we proceed with the contaminants issues in the North.
Also, we will be working with other land claims organizations about cleaning up the contaminated sites.
Speaker (interpretation): Member for Uqqurmiut, your first supplementary, Mr. Arreak.
Mr. Arreak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I do have a second question.
I would like to know when the clean up will begin.
I apologize; I did not hear you right away.
Yes, we do have these files, like I said.
If you are talking about Old Clyde River, yes we are in preparation and working with them right now. The CGS will be a part of this and we may be able to begin discussions in the early fall on what we are going to do on this issue.
There are two or three questions that you talked about.
We have been working on this issue; like I said, we do have the files on this.
Speaker (interpretation): Your second supplementary, Mr. Arreak.
The last question: I would like to know what is being done to make sure that Inuit have the opportunity to take part in the cleanup.
Speaker (interpretation): Minister of Environment, Minister Akesuk.
Right now they are working in the Qikiqtarjuaq DEW Line cleanup; there are Inuit that are employed.
We are looking at getting more Inuit to work at the cleanup site.
Yes, definitely we will be making sure that Inuit have an opportunity to take part in the cleanup.
Question 002 – 2(1): Priorities for Elders (Barnabas)
I would like to ask the Minister of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth what the first priorities will be for the elders of Nunavut.
What are the first three priorities?
Speaker (interpretation): Minister of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth, Minister Tapardjuk.
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the Quttittuq MLA.
If I understand your question correctly, you are asking us what our first priorities will be for elders.
Right now we are in preparations for the elders in Nunavut on how we can have better protection for them, so we can utilize elders and support them.
It is called the Elders’ Strategy that we are working on.  Also, we will be prioritizing the language of Inuktitut within Nunavut: it has to be legal.
The Inuktitut language is one of our first priorities while we are here at the House.
You asked me about the three priorities that we have for the elders.
We are working on the elders’ issues as I stated, and right now our first priorities will be the elders, to make sure that they are taped on traditional values. Right now we are. This year we will be continuing to work with certain communities where we will be taping the elders.
We are trying to do our best to make sure that we keep our elders’ knowledge.
I hope that I have answered your questions.
Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Barnabas.
Mr. Barnabas (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you for your answer.
In the smaller communities, as I stated, since we are lacking elders’ facilities in most of the communities, I’m asking you if your department will be building elders’ facilities in some of the communities in the near future.
Speaker: Mr. Tapardjuk
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
For our elders and youth and heritage, facilitating elders, they are able to find buildings for the elders, this is already in place and it’s already a regulation to get elders’ and youth facilities.
Yes, Mr. Speaker, there is something like this available within the communities for the elders.
Speaker: Your second supplementary, Mr. Barnabas
My last question. A lot of elders do not really have any support, like hunters, and hunters do get help from the communities, especially for the elders who do not have any equipment to go out hunting, that they do get help from the younger people. From your programs: is there any funding available for the elders to take out the youth to learn how to hunt and be out on the land?
Speaker: Mr. Tapardjuk.
Yes, there are a number of programs that we have.
We are able to give grants and support.
If we give them a contribution, they have to give us a report, especially on issues of traditions and values of Inuit, out on the land.
Also, we do go through every year that we are able to give funding if you apply for it. This fall will be a new time to get various funding available for the kinds of programs that you are talking about. I will direct my staff to give you more information.
Speaker (interpretation): In our Orders of the Day.
Question 003 – 2(1): Utility Rate Review Council Requests (Tootoo)
My question is for the Minister responsible for the Utilities Rates Review Council.
Section 12(2) of the Utility Rates Review Council Act states that within 15 days of receiving a request by a utility to impose a rate or tariff, the Utility Rates Review Council shall be asked to provide advice on the matter to the minister responsible
My question for the Minister responsible for the Utility Rates Review Council is: since January 1 of this year, has the Utility Rates Review Council been formally asked under the provisions of the Utility Rates Review Council Act to provide advice on any request by a Nunavut utility to impose a rate or tariff?
Speaker (interpretation): Mr. Premier Okalik.
I am not aware of any requests at this time.
Speaker (interpretation): Your first supplementary, Mr. Tootoo.
I am sure that you recall, and many of the public recall, and all members here probably recall, and as the ministers are probably quite familiar with and aware, last year there was a request brought forward by a utility and it was declined or rejected by the previous government.
I would like to ask the Minister responsible for the Utility Rates Review Council if he plans on when anticipated requests will be coming forward to the Utility Rates Review Council.
I think there are two processes in place currently, and there was the issue of the fuel rider which does not really relate to the general rate application.
Hopefully, that process might come into play this fiscal year, but that will require hearings and reviews by the Utility Rates Review Council.
So, I will make sure that members are well aware of any process that is put in place.
Speaker (interpretation): Your second supplementary, Mr. Tootoo.
Another section of the Act is 12(3): it is a notice to the officials of the minister responsible to be able to notify and provide the mayors and the Members of the Legislative Assembly, who represent the communities, with the decision or the advice on the request that has been indicated by the utility.
Will the minister commit to doing that as soon as possible?
As required by the law, we will follow the necessary steps. As I have said there, the general rate review application has not started yet, and as soon as that process starts we will make sure that all members and the members of the public will be notified.
Member for Rankin North, Mr. Curly.
Question 004 – 2(1): Nunavut Power Stabilization Rider (Curley)
I would like to direct my question in support of the Member for Iqaluit Centre.
As I understand, when we were dealing with this issue at the committee level, when we were dealing with the Power Corporation and the fuel rider, the Cabinet approved last fall $5 million for fuel and to be given to, fuel rider, and to be given to Qulliq Corporation.
This coming week, there is an additional $10 million.
There is a fuel stabilization; the allocation has been approved.
The way we understood it, when the Power Corporation couldn’t go through the rate review, they went through the cabinet and they changed it.
But we understand that they borrowed $15 million.
It will increase the prices for consumers.
On that, I would like to ask the minister responsible if that’s the case.
This is very close to the main estimates which we haven’t dealt with yet, therefore I am not able to respond to that question.
Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Curley
I would like to ask the minister responsible about this $5 million, last November, that was approved as fuel stabilization.
When we spoke with the prior corporation’s president, when we asked him questions, because we have to take the money back… Since the government borrowed that money it will have to be returned; that $5 million is complete.
Would you be able to make a briefing note or correspondence about if this is going to be paid for by the power consumer?
That’s the only way they could get the money back because they couldn’t increase the power, so therefore the government already allocated the funds.
The estimates that we are going to see, they will be receiving $10 million for the fuel rider.
I would like to ask the minister to make a report especially when most of the communities have capital estimates, and this $5 million was already approved in the November session.
Last year, that was approved; that was for that year.
They were going to…limited funds, that’s why we had helped financially the Nunavut Power Corporation.
Therefore, I am unable to respond to his questions, but when we start dealing with the main estimates, then I will be able to respond at that time.
Speaker: Back to Orders of the Day.
Written Question 001 – 2(1): Regional Health Facilities (Tootoo)
My question is directed to the Minister of Health and Social Services, and it has to do with the regional health facilities:
Part 1: Qikiqtani General Hospital
As of April 1, 2004, what is the total projected cost for the construction of the new Qikiqtani General Hospital?
As of April 1, 2004, what are the projected timelines for the construction and completion of the new Qikiqtani General Hospital?
As of April 1, 2004, what is the status of the hiring and training of Inuit by the contractors responsible for constructing the Qikiqtani General Hospital?
What is the Inuit employment component of each contract for this project?
How is the Inuit employment component calculated and monitored?
How many Inuit employees are working for contractors on this project?
What training and apprenticeship initiatives have been provided by the contractors?
What further training and apprenticeship initiatives have been committed to by the contractors?
As of April 1, 2004, what are the projected yearly operation and maintenance costs for the new Qikiqtani General Hospital?
As of April 1, 2004, what are the projected new full and part-time staffing requirements for the new Qikiqtani General Hospital?
As of April 1, 2004, what are the projected Inuit Employment targets for the new Qikiqtani General Hospital?
Part 2: news of the Kivalliq Health Centre
As of April 1, 2004, what are the total project costs of the new Kivalliq Health Centre in Rankin Inlet?
As of April 1, 2004 what are the projected timelines for construction and completion of the new Kivalliq health centre in Rankin Inlet?
As of April 1, 2004 what is the status of the hiring and training of Inuit by contractors as possible for the construction of Kivalliq health centre in Rankin Inlet?
And specifically:
What is the Inuit employment component of each contractor’s project?
How many Inuit employees are working for the contractors on this project?
As of April 1, 2004 what are the projected yearly operation and maintenance costs for the new Kivalliq Health Centre in Rankin Inlet?
As of April 1, 2004 what are the projected new full and part-time staffing requirements for the Kivalliq Health Centre in Rankin Inlet?
As of April 1, 2004 what are projected Inuit employment targets for the new Kivalliq health centre in Rankin Inlet?
Part 3 is for the Kitikmeot Health Centre:
As of April 1, 2004, what are the projected costs of the construction of the new health facility contract (the health facility in the Kitikmeot Health Centre in Cambridge Bay)?
As of April 1, 2004, what are the projected timelines for the construction and completion of the Kitikmeot Health Centre in Cambridge bay?
As of April 1, 2004 what is the status of hiring and training of Inuit by contractors responsible for constructing the Kitikmeot Health Centre in Cambridge Bay?
What is the Inuit employment component for each contract of this project?
How is Inuit employment calculated and monitored?
What further training and apprenticeship have been committed to by the contractors?
As of April 1, 2004 what are the projected yearly operation and maintenance costs of the Kitikmeot Health Centre in Cambridge Bay?
As of April 1, 2004 what are the projected new full and part-time staffing requirements for the Kitikmeot Health Centre in Cambridge Bay?
As of April 1, 2004 what are the projected Inuit employment targets for the new Kitikmeot Health Centre in Cambridge Bay?
Speaker (interpretation): Written Questions.
Item 7 in the Orders of the Day.
Member for Cambridge Bay, Mr. Petersen.
Written Question 002 – 2(1): Nunavut Payroll Tax (Peterson)
My Written Question is for the Hon. Leona Aglukkaq, the Minister of Finance.
It is regarding the Nunavut Payroll Tax.
For each of the following fiscal years, how much revenue was collected by the Government of Nunavut pursuant to the Payroll Tax Act, 1993, Nunavut, in:
a. 1999-2000; b. 2000-01; c. 2001-02; d. 2002-03; e. 2003-04?
For each of the following fiscal years, approximately how many individuals paid for the amount for the Nunavut Consilidated Revenue Fund pursuant to the Payroll Tax Act, 1993, Nunavut, a. 1999-2000; b. 2000-01; c. 2001-02; d. 2002-03; e. 2003-04?
With respect to the individuals who paid Nunavut’s Payroll Tax for each of the following fiscal years, how many were deemed to be residents of Nunavut for federal income tax purposes; and how many were not residents of Nunavut: a. 1999-2000; b. 2000-01; c. 2001-02; d. 2002-03; e. 2003-04?
Are residents of Nunavut who received renumerations from the Government of Nunavut, boards, and or agencies, and or crown corporations on a contractual or consultancy basis liable to pay an amount under the Payroll Tax Act, 1993, Nunavut?
Are non-residents of Nunavut who received renumerations from the Government of Nunavut, boards, and or agencies, and or Crown corporation on a contractual or consultancy basis liable to pay an amount under the Payroll Tax Act, 1993, Nunavut?
Is the Government of Nunavut one percent Payroll Tax applied to monies paid to persons who received settlement payment from the Government of Nunavut subsequent to the termination of employment as members of the public service?
What is the approximate annual cost to the Government of Nunavut for the administration of the Nunavut Payroll Tax?
What is the average annual cost to a private sector employer for complying to the provisions of the Payroll Tax Act, 1993, Nunavut?
In what circumstances can a resident of Nunavut receive a rebate pursuant to the Nunavut Payroll Tax Act, 1993, Nunavut?
Speaker (interpretation): Item 7.
Written Question 003 – 2(1): Physician Services (Tootoo)
It is a much shorter written question.
It is again for the Minister of Health and Social Services, the Honourable Ms. Levinia Brown.
The subject of this one is physician services.
Between April 1, 2003 and March 31, 2004, how many physicians were engaged on a full time contractual basis to provide services: a. within the Baffin region; b. within the Kitikmeot region; and c. within the Kivalliq region?