EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Your committee has been considering Bill 24 and the main estimates, and would like to report progress.
Thank you, Mr. Enook.
As you said, your name is on the record. You’re going to go first for questions tomorrow too.
A reminder that there’s a meeting of the Management and Services Board tomorrow at nine o’clock in the Tuktu Room.
This House stands adjourned until Wednesday.
Adjourned, that’s something we won’t be able to sit again, we have been for the last four years, and we won’t for another four years, is it’s adjourned until Wednesday, February 29, at 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Pages 1874 – 1937
Opening Prayer 1874
Ministers’ Statements 1874
Members’ Statements 1876
Returns to Oral Questions 1885
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 1885
Oral Questions 1886
Written Questions 1902
Tabling of Documents 1903
First Reading of Bills 1904
Second Reading of Bills 1906
Revert to Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 1907
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 1907
Report of the Committee of the Whole 1936
Orders of the Day 1937
Wednesday, February 29, 2012 1874
127 – 3(3): Government Liaison Officers Conference (Aariak) 1874
128 – 3(3): Tourism Strategy for Nunavut (Taptuna) 1875
129 – 3(3): Increase in Licensed Preschool Programs (Aariak) 1875
180 – 3(3): Baker Lake Athletes and Coaches Attending Arctic Winter Games (Aupaluktuq) 1876
181 – 3(3): Arviat Junior Canadian Rangers (Shewchuk) 1877
182 – 3(3): Happy Birthday Mr. Noolook (Curley) 1878
183 – 3(3): Athletes and Coaches of Rankin Inlet at Arctic Winter Games (Kusugak) 1878
184 – 3(3): Coordination of Initiatives for Adult Learners (Elliott) 1880
185 – 3(3): Strengthening Inuktitut Language Use in Kugaaruk (Ningark) 1881
186 – 3(3): Tribute in Memory of Leonard Putulik (Ningeongan) 1882
187 – 3(3): Appreciation to Iqaluit Mayor, Firefighters, and Community Volunteers (Ell) 1883
188 – 3(3): Pangaggujjiniq 2012 - Nunavut Quest (Tapardjuk) 1884
Return to Oral Question 240 – 3(3): Nunavut Marine Council (Arreak) 1885
280 – 3(3): Contracting Process for Air Ambulance and Scheduled Medical Travel Services (Curley) 1886
281 – 3(3): Igloolik School Closures Due to Extreme Cold (Tapardjuk) 1888
282 – 3(3): Climate Change (Ningark) 1891
283 – 3(3): Filling of GLO Positions (Rumbolt) 1891
284 – 3(3): Programs for Adult Learners (Elliott) 1893
285 – 3(3): Status of Collective Bargaining (Ell) 1895
286 – 3(3): Contract for Optometrist Services in Pangnirtung (Oshutapik) 1896
287 – 3(3): Definition of Tamapta and Self-reliance (Ningark) 1898
288 – 3(3): Role of GLO in Applying for Firearms Licence (Elliott) 1900
014 – 3(3): Suicide Prevention Activities (Elliott) 1902
157 – 3(3): Letters from Pond Inlet Youth on the Issue of Suicide (Enook) 1903
158 – 3(3): 2010-2011 Annual Report of the Nunavut Public Library Services (Arreak) 1903
159 – 3(3): Exchange of Emails Concerning RFP Process for Medical Travel (Curley) 1904
Bill 25 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 6, 2010-2011 – First Reading 1904
Bill 26 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 3, 2011-2012 – First Reading 1904
Bill 27 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2012-2013 – First Reading 1904
Bill 28 – Write-off of Assets Act, 2011-2012 – First Reading 1905
Bill 29 – Write-off of Assets Act, No. 1, 2010-2011 – First Reading 1905
Bill 30 – Building Code Act – First Reading 1905
Bill 31 – An Act to Amend the Consumer Protection Act – First Reading 1905
Bill 32 – An Act to Amend the Legal Services Act – First Reading 1905
Bill 33 – An Act to Amend the Labour Standards Act – First Reading 1906
Bill 25 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 6, 2010-2011 – Second Reading 1906
Bill 26 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 3, 2011-2012 – Second Reading 1906
Bill 27 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2012-2013 – Second Reading 1907
Bill 24 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2012-2013 – Health and Social Services – Consideration in Committee 1908
>>House commenced at 13:31
Before we get started, I would like to ask Mr. Taptuna to lead us off with a prayer, please.
Speaker: Good afternoon, members.
We will move on in our orders of the day. Item 2. Ministers’ Statements.
Minister’s Statement 127 – 3(3): Government Liaison Officers Conference (Aariak)
Good afternoon, people of Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker, a few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to meet and address our first group of government liaison officers during their first conference and training session in Iqaluit.
We spoke of the need for greater knowledge of our government programs in the communities and a stronger government presence that could assist our citizens in accessing those programs.
Mr. Speaker, I am impressed with our first group of GLOs.
They bring a wide range of experience to these important positions in their communities.
They are knowledgeable and willing to learn new things.
I know they are providing that extra support and connection to our government that all Nunavummiut deserve.
This conference allowed our GLOs to meet with GN staff to learn more about our government.
They also spent time with Service Canada learning how to assist with many of the federal programs that all Canadians are entitled to.
Mr. Speaker, our new government liaison officers were able to share their experiences and meet each other face to face for the first time.
This gathering provided an opportunity to discuss individual responses to many different and sometimes difficult questions and to learn patience to help and support people who deal with an increasingly complex way of life.
We anticipate another five government liaison officer positions will be filled in the short term and there will be additional conferences and training sessions as this vital network grows stronger to serve our communities.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank our first eight GLOs who have taken on this exciting and important role in our communities.
We are well on the way to improving the flow of information about government services to better serve our residents.
Minister’s Statement 128 – 3(3): Tourism Strategy for Nunavut (Taptuna)
Good afternoon, colleagues, Kuglukturmiut, and Nunavummiut. Mr. Speaker, as my colleagues are aware, we have been working with the tourism industry, Inuit organizations, hamlets, and other stakeholders to draft a strategy for Nunavut.
At this time last year, through consultation with communities on tourism, we heard enthusiasm for tourism potential, development, and promotion in Nunavut. We also heard that Nunavummiut need training, support, and better communication to take advantage of opportunities in the tourism sector.
Communities want to be prepared for cruise ship visits and our artists want more places to promote and distribute their work.
Through Tamapta, we are committed to supporting community-based sustainable economies, where we all have an opportunity to take care of our needs in ways that are consistent with our cultural values and current realities.
With tourism, the reach goes further.
Mr. Speaker, tourism also strengthens our arts and cultural industries: tourists, art collectors, and gallery owners travel across Nunavut and visit our renowned artists.
They visit seamstresses, printmakers, carvers, and video artists in Baker Lake, Cape Dorset, and Gjoa Haven, just to name a few.
Mr. Speaker, tourism and cultural industries make important contributions not only to our economy but also to our quality of life and the preservation of our language and culture.
Mr. Speaker, these are some of the themes which will be part of Nunavut’s new tourism strategy, which I look forward to tabling in the coming months.
Minister responsible for the Department of Education, Madam Minister Aariak.
Minister’s Statement 129 – 3(3): Increase in Licensed Preschool Programs (Aariak)
I am pleased to announce today that the Department of Education District Education Authority Early Childhood programming funding has led to an increase in licensed preschool programs within Nunavut.
Under section 17 of the Education Act, district education authorities must provide early childhood education programming that enhances the fluency of the Inuit language and knowledge of the Inuit culture.
The Commision scolaire francophone du Nunavut has the mandate to allow them to provide early childhood education programming that enhances French language and culture.
Mr. Speaker, to help DEAs meet this requirement, the Department of Education has funding available.
I am pleased to announce that this year with this funding, we’ve had two new preschools become licensed and operational and we have two more preschools that are in development.
The Arviat Head Start Program has licensed an additional space for 17 more preschoolers and the Ecole des Trois Soleil – Francisation Program in Iqaluit has been licensed for nine preschoolers.
Qarmartalik School Early Childhood Readiness Program in Resolute Bay is hoping to be licensed and operating early next month for eight preschoolers and the Joamie Language Nest in Iqaluit is in the process of applying for their licence.
Mr. Speaker, many other district education authorities are meeting the requirements of section 17 of the Education Act by supporting existing early childhood programs to enhance their Inuit language and cultural programming by hiring elders and developing resources.
Mr. Speaker, we are pleased to provide this funding for early childhood programs that help our youngest citizens develop a strong foundation based on Inuit language, culture, and values.
Member’s Statement 180 – 3(3): Baker Lake Athletes and Coaches Attending Arctic Winter Games (Aupaluktuq)
I rise today and it gives me great pleasure to acknowledge our Baker Lake Blizzards athletes who have worked hard to attain excellence in academics as well as athletics.
These students and youth had to meet academic integration levels to continue attaining standards as set by the Jonah Amitnaaq School.
With the support of the school staff, teachers, coaches, the Baker Lake DEA, parents, and the dozens of volunteers who participate and continue to contribute to our youth, these incredible young men and women will proudly represent hometown and Nunavut at the upcoming Arctic Winter Games.
In arctic sports:
Rebecca Penney
Candice Kabloona
Shirley Nakoolak
Brandon Qiyuk
In basketball:
Arnold Arngna’naaq
Katrina Mautaritnaaq
Surya Angatajuak
My niece Rachael Aupaluktuq
Robin Iqqaat
Charmaine Kasaluak
In badminton:
Chesley Haqpi
In hockey:
Jarrett Seeteenak
Myles Pupik
Judy Mariq
Virginia Ullyot
Alanah Ikinilik
Coach Steve Paterson
For soccer:
Eli Nateela
Robert Iqqaat
In volleyball:
Wamy Kreelak
In wrestling:
Patrick Angoyuaq as coach.
It gives me great pleasure to acknowledge these young people. I’m sure that they have worked hard to attain their standards of excellence.
I’m glad that they have an opportunity to be able to be rewarded to represent our hometown as well as Nunavut. So congratulations to all the young people.
I’m sure all members join you in wishing them the best of luck in the Arctic Winter Games.
Member’s Statement 181 – 3(3): Arviat Junior Canadian Rangers (Shewchuk)
I rise today to recognize an incredible program that is taking place in my community of Arviat.
Mr. Speaker, with the partnership of the Canadian Military, the Arviat adult rangers, and the community of Arviat, there are 169, that is right, 169 junior Canadian Rangers enrolled in the Junior Canadian Ranger program in Arviat.
They are led by youth, leaders, Sergeant Andrew Kuksuk, and Master Corporal Meagan Netser.
Sergeant David Ukutak Jr. is a patrol leader of the Arviat Canadian Rangers and the Arviat Junior Canadian Rangers.
Under this leadership, there are approximately 27 adult rangers who volunteer their time to work with the youth on their twice a week activities, which includes sports as well as training sessions and training on the land.
The program is supported by the Canadian Army.
They held a winter survival exercise a couple of weekends ago, which included traditional land skill activities, such as igloo building, stove and lantern maintenance, qamutik usage, and first aid. They are also running a program on living with others without bullying. They are now in the midst of planning a spring and summer land trip, supported with the equipment from the Armed Forces.
Several youth members just attended a weeklong enhanced training session in Calgary.
This is an exciting program for the community and we appreciate the efforts of so many adult rangers working with our youth.
Member’s Statement 182 – 3(3): Happy Birthday Mr. Noolook (Curley)
The reason why I rise today is to speak to an issue that we are all aware of. This day is the reason why I stand to make my statement regarding a person of whom I am very proud of.
Further, I want to inform you that daily, this person exemplifies good living and he welcomes everyone.
Many of us here as well as in Nunavut all know that the majority of people celebrate their birthdays annually and on these days, our relatives celebrate with us on these special days.
However, some individuals who were born on February 29 apparently don’t have this opportunity. Due to this reason, the individual who happens to be one of my constituents, an elder who lives right on the dividing line, Philip Noolook, is celebrating his birthday today.
Residents of Rankin Inlet appreciate Mr. Philip Noolook, our esteemed elder. He is a very nice person and offers advice freely.
His advice is quite clear and comprehensive, whether it is advice to one of his children or grandchildren.
Further, he is adored by his grandchildren since he lives a healthy lifestyle and offers advice on life to his children and grandchildren.
Whenever one of them starts to stray from a healthy lifestyle, he will take them aside and return them back to the proper lifestyle. This man leads an exemplary life and he is a good role model.
Mr. Noolook, if you happen to be listening to the proceedings, I would like to wish you a happy birthday.
He’s lucky he ages four times slower than the rest of us.
Member’s Statement 183 – 3(3): Athletes and Coaches of Rankin Inlet at Arctic Winter Games (Kusugak)
Mr. Noolook, I believe, is now 15 years old.
Mr. Speaker, I also share in celebrating his birthday today, as per my colleague’s statement.
I want to acknowledge the many athletes who will be representing Nunavut at the Arctic Winter Games.
We are very proud of their accomplishments.
I will name the athletes who will be going to the games, including their coaches and chaperones, especially because without coaches and chaperones, many athletes would not be able to participate in these games.
So first of all, I thank these individuals who work many hours and are very dedicated in teaching skills to our youth.
These are the athletes who will be representing Nunavut from Rankin Inlet and there are 48 of them.
The athletes who will partake in arctic sports are:
Brenda Tagalik
Natalie Putulik
Angelina Tiktak
The basketball athlete is Keith Sigurdson.
The curling team is comprised of these individuals:
Kevin Bussey
Jamie Airut
Connor Faulkner
Brandino Airut
David Kakuktinniq
The dog mushers who are going to the AWG are:
Shawn Maley
Tristen Dias
Tyrese Dias
Shawna Dias
Jeremy Maley
Sidney Nichol
Israel Aliyak
These are the people who will partake in the dog races.
The athletes who will be going for gymnastics are:
Lisa Kresky
Desiree Autut
Annette Paniyuk
Jayda Rose Pilakapsi
Shanti Dias
The hockey players, since our community has ardent players, are:
Joshua Tartak
Samuel Pameolik
Joseph Sabourin
Lennox Airut
Darrian Pilakapsi
Ian Paniyuk
Billy Strickland
Reuben Aliyak
Layla Autut
The soccer players are:
Lisa Tatty
Keisha Aliyak
Lukisha Tatty
Alayna Ningeongan
Paul Stroeder
Isaiah Ignerdjuk
Braden Nakoolak
Darren Saumik
Jakob Voisey
Please proceed, Mr. Kusugak.
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, my colleagues.
I shall reciprocate by withholding my “nay” when my colleagues ask for unanimous consent.
The athletes who will participate in volleyball representing Rankin Inlet are currently in Iqaluit practising and preparing for the games.  The volleyball players are:
Simeonie Noolook happens to be a grandson of Philip Noolook, who was just mentioned as celebrating his birthday, and who is billeting with our family. On behalf of Simeonie, I send happy birthday greetings to his grandfather.
Ronald Anawak Jr.
Cory Samok
Seamas Ayaruak
For wrestling:
Douglas Rob Kakuktinniq
The mission staff are Lisa Oolooyuk and Doug McLarty.
Although I am quite proud of these athletes, I also represent Whale Cove. Mr. Speaker, several athletes are also coming in from Whale Cove.
For arctic sports:
Marianne Hapanak
Benjamin Hapanak
Benji Hapanak Jr.
Simon Enuapik Jr.
Joleen Adjuk
Loranda Ekwalak
In Whale Cove, a hockey player is also going and her name is Barb Ulurksit.
Mr. Speaker, these athletes are from my constituency.
I know that they will be representing Nunavut to the best of their ability.
Irrespective of whether they win or not, I hope that they represent Nunavut faithfully and that Nunavummiut will be proud of their representation.
Member’s Statement 184 – 3(3): Coordination of Initiatives for Adult Learners (Elliott)
I rise today to raise my concerns regarding the coordination of initiatives for adult learners.
Mr. Speaker, I recognize that our government is making a positive effort to support more adults in achieving their educational and career objectives.
Mr. Speaker, I have spoken to many individuals in my constituency who want to go back to school, who want to improve their basic levels of education, and who want to improve their chances for the future.
Mr. Speaker, government documentation, such as business plans and strategies, refers to “adult learners,” but it is not clear to me that we have a working definition of what an “adult learner” is.
Our new Education Act provides for individuals up to the age of 21 within our school system.
However, it is well known that the learning styles and expectations of adolescents, teenagers, and adults differ greatly.
There are a number of new program options for adults through Nunavut Arctic College, through distance education and community learning centres.
The new adult mature graduation option is one such new program to be delivered.
Mr. Speaker, with the Department of Education’s new Adult Education Division, which used to be the division of adult learning, I am concerned that gaps in the coordination and delivery of adult programs, in conjunction with Nunavut Arctic College, will leave some adult learners to fall between the cracks.
Mr. Speaker, I am concerned that there is no mechanism to coordinate the delivery of programs and to ensure that adult learners are able to take advantage of all the opportunities that should be available to them.
Mr. Speaker, I am concerned that adult learners who wish to acquire the basic skills to move forward will be held up because of a bureaucratic lack of coordination, in a manner similar to what has happened to many of our apprentices.
I encourage the government to ensure that all parties are working together to coordinate the delivery of adult education programs and to ensure that all the necessary supports are in place, from funding to infrastructure to personnel who can provide assistance.
Member’s Statement 185 – 3(3): Strengthening Inuktitut Language Use in Kugaaruk (Ningark)
With respect to those people who are celebrating a birthday today throughout Nunavut, I share in their celebration.
Perhaps it is a good analogy for us MLAs as we too get elected once every four years, so please enjoy your special day today.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak to this issue and I rise to speak about this matter. Although February 6 to 10 has already come and gone, specifically the designation of Language Week for that period, I want it remembered throughout Nunavut.
However, we know and I want my fellow Inuit to know in Nunavut that language has to be practised daily and there is no limit to practising one’s language.
Furthermore, I want to express my thanks and acknowledge the Minister of Languages, the Hon. James Arreak, as well as the Government of Nunavut for designating that week as Language Week.
Additionally, I want to acknowledge two teachers in Kugaaruk and I have their names written, which I will table later to the pages.
These teachers are Ludgarde Angutingunirk and Margaret Inaksajak, and I will ensure to pass the proper spelling. They teach the younger classes our language.
During Language Week, they held a radio show for the residents of Kugaaruk, where their students spoke in Inuktitut showcasing their language skills. They represented the school in Kugaaruk. As well, elders went on the local radio daily from February 6 to 10 using the dialects used in Kugaaruk, both the Kuugaarjungmiut and Arviligjuarmiut dialects.
Let us remember the practice we had during that week. Although Language Week has already come and gone, we have to practise our language daily. So I want to express my gratitude as I am able to rise and speak in our language in the legislature and to remind people that it is intrinsic to our culture, so we have to practise it.
I am proud of all Nunavummiut as we also heard daily shows on the regional radio show programs.
Member’s Statement 186 – 3(3): Tribute in Memory of Leonard Putulik (Ningeongan)
I rise today to pay tribute to the memory of Leonard Putulik.
Mr. Speaker, Leonard Putulik was one of my constituents and a respected elder in the community of Chesterfield Inlet.
Mr. Putulik was born in 1934 near Chesterfield Inlet.
At the age of 15, he began working for the Roman Catholic Mission.
He retired from his position with the church in the year 2000, following a career that spanned half a century.
In 1951, he married Leonie Pittausaaq.
During their long and happy marriage, Leonard and Leonie had over a dozen children. Over the years, they became proud grandparents and great-grandparents.
Mr. Putulik was an early entrepreneur in Chesterfield Inlet and a founding member of the Keewatin Chamber of Commerce.
His commitment to the community of Chesterfield Inlet was reflected in his distinguished record of public service.
He served numerous terms of office with the Municipality of Chesterfield Inlet, the local hunters and trappers association, and the local housing association.
Following a long and courageous struggle with illness, Mr. Putulik passed away in January of this year in his home of Chesterfield Inlet.
I wish all of his descendants well.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in paying tribute to the memory of Leonard Putulik and to share the sense of loss felt by the people of Chesterfield Inlet.
Member’s Statement 187 – 3(3): Appreciation to Iqaluit Mayor, Firefighters, and Community Volunteers (Ell)
At this time, I would first like to note that my relatives are in my thoughts, especially my sister-in-law and their family, as they are conducting a funeral for one of their family members.
I rise today to speak about this event that all members are now aware of. On Sunday, a fire erupted in Iqaluit that resulted in 22 units being destroyed and many families lost their homes and all their belongings.
Further, it has been confirmed that there were two deaths as a result.
Your families are in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time and we will keep you in mind and we hope you will be assisted spiritually.
At this time, I want to express gratitude and to note the skill and abilities of the residents of Iqaluit.
First and foremost of the people I want to thank is this individual who has kept the community updated, especially on developments occurring in Iqaluit. She has worked really hard in assisting Iqalummiut and that is our mayor, Madeleine Redfern.
I want to thank her firstly as she has worked tirelessly to deal with events.
I would especially like to thank Fire Chief Chris Wilson and every one of the firefighters who fought the fire on Sunday evening.
They started fighting the fire Sunday evening and didn’t stop until Monday afternoon trying to extinguish the fire.