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Mr. Speaker, it is extremely painful to be left behind by a person committing suicide, and this is the reason why I rise today to speak out against it and to try to stem the tide.
I believe that we are all capable of overcoming our challenges, fears, relationship issues, and other life problems.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that Nunavummiut must make time to deal with the issues of suicide together.
I cannot combat this issue alone.
Mr. Speaker, I need the help of Nunavummiut. I need the help of everyone, from parents, community leaders, and the government.
We all have a role to play to combat suicide.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that by working together and caring more for each other, we will assist people who are in great need of a lifeline.
Additionally, we need to align resources that strengthen problem-solving skills and coping mechanisms for those at risk and empower them to face their problems.
Mr. Speaker, we must make time to learn more and understand the reasons and impacts of suicide so that we, as a collective, can address this issue.
Mr. Speaker, instead of observing a moment of silence, as we have been too silent for too long, I would like to hear some noise here in the House today to show your support for me and I hope we can all take time in our lives to help end suicide.
Member’s Statement 125 – 4(2): Recent Home Fire in Arctic Bay (Shooyook)
I say “good day” to Nunavummiut.
I will be speaking directly without any written materials for the benefit of my colleagues.
I am unable to read the small print since the printout uses a small font.
I believe my colleagues are aware of an incident a couple of weeks ago in our community of Arctic Bay, specifically a house fire.
Yesterday, during our meeting, we also received unexpected news that no one wanted to hear. Even though it happened in a faraway place, it pained our hearts to hear about this incident and it was also quite worrisome.
Much like yesterday, in the early evening, I was informed by a child that there was a house on fire.
When I glanced out, I saw flames flickering from the building. It was disconcerting knowing the family as they have small children, but luckily none of them were home when the fire started.
Apparently, there had been two small children in the house who went into the empty house and started playing with fire. Perhaps there were combustible materials close by that caught on fire or they may have had a lighter. Fortunately, they were able to exit the house before the flames could burn them.
This was the only saving grace in this incident.
I wish to commend our local firefighters who worked extremely hard to fight the fire in the house.
They were able to extinguish the fire before the house totally burned down. The gratifying thing in this situation is that no one was hurt. However, they’re in emotional distress due to losing their home and there is no alternative housing available.
They also lost everything in the house.
Prior to the house burning to the ground, the firefighters were able to put out the fire and we are proud of their capabilities as firefighters.
I also wish to extend our gratitude to Nunavummiut who heard about the fire and provided support from all over Nunavut.
There is still an opportunity to provide assistance if anyone wishes to provide more donations, as they lost everything. If people want to provide assistance, they can do so.
Member’s Statement 126 – 4(2): Addressing Poverty (Mikkungwak)
I rise today to talk about an issue, but my statement would only be understandable to the residents of Baker Lake if I speak in my dialect. Therefore, I will continue my statement in English in order to have everyone understand. Due to the various dialects spoken here in the Legislative Assembly, it is sometimes difficult to understand other members.
To ensure everyone comprehends the statement, I will conduct my statement in English today.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend the people across the territory of Nunavut.
These people I recognize today are the volunteers, some of which are on media and some of which are not recognized on media.
Although all of these volunteers put forth tireless efforts, these volunteers that I’m referring to focus on operating soup kitchens or food banks on a monthly or weekly basis across the territory.
These volunteers operate by donations, by private sector or organizations, and on the same token, they also put a lot of their voluntary time on fundraising events.
As we all know, these volunteers put in a lot of time and effort so that the needy people could have something to bite on that particular month or that particular week, whatever the time that is put forth by the volunteers.
Mr. Speaker and all of my colleagues, we all know this invigorates some of the lives of Nunavutmiut by all the volunteers across the territory.
My questions later on today will reflect this statement.
Member’s Statement 127 – 4(2): Western Hudson Bay Polar Bear Management (Savikataaq)
I am going to talk about something that is a big concern to the people of Arviat: too many polar bears!
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the issue of polar bear management in my community of Arviat has been a longstanding concern for its residents.
In previous years, it was normal to expect polar bears to wander into the community during the fall season. However, this past summer, polar bears were seen in the community as early as July and their numbers are only increasing.
Mr. Speaker, Arviat is currently on heightened alert for polar bears in town.
The hamlet has recently decided to hold Halloween festivities in the community hall to discourage children from walking outside in mass numbers.
Mr. Speaker, it is unreasonable to expect the residents of Arviat to spend months at end in their houses and afraid for the safety of their lives and property.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to emphasize that the hunting of a polar bear is very resourceful and therefore an important practice in my community.
In a territory where food security and employment are a daily struggle for many households, harvesting a polar bear can provide a significant amount of meat, fur, and income to a hunter’s family.
Mr. Speaker, Inuit do not take pride in having to kill a problem polar bear. I hope that a solution can be determined to ensure that hunters are given the opportunity to decide the circumstances under which they harvest a polar bear, meaning, when a polar bear is killed in defence, it is not by the hunter’s choice; it is a necessity.
I further hope that this solution allows the harvest to occur in an environmentally sustainable manner.
Mr. Speaker, it goes without question that the government’s polar bear management plan and the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board’s upcoming hearing must address the issue of polar bear management to prevent the need for defence kills. One way to do this is to increase the total allowable harvest of polar bears.
Member’s Statement 128 – 4(2): Safe Arrival of Sons by Boat to Pangnirtung (Mike)
Thank you to the people of Pangnirtung who are watching the proceedings. I send my greetings to them and to other people from Pangnirtung who are in the hospital in Ottawa.
I would like to tell you something that I am very happy about. It’s coming from me as an MLA.
This past Sunday, my sons Norman Okalik Mike and Ethan Paul Makittuq Mike and my grandson, Nate, left Iqaluit by boat last Sunday to head towards Pangnirtung at night. They arrived there last night. I am very happy about that.
We know that boating is a lot more difficult in the fall when there are more high winds and fewer periods of calm. Even though we’re in that time of year, they were able to get to Pangnirtung right away.
This route has been used by our ancestors and due to that, I am also proud of my sons for their interest in pursuing hunting, even though they are young men.
Due to their interest and ability, they enjoy hunting. I know for a fact that many young people also love to go hunting to the areas they enjoy.
I can also make a similar statement like my colleagues about polar bears and want to relay their experiences in this area that has an abundance of polar bears.
They were hunting walrus at that time and when they started butchering the walrus, a polar bear arrived, causing them to kill the bear in self-defence.
Shortly after killing the bear, another polar bear arrived and this bear took away their walrus and the bear that had just been killed.
It started cannibalizing the dead bear. These types of incidents happen all the time that we experience up here.
I just wanted to clarify what happened during their hunt and also to express my pride in my sons. I also wish to convey my pride in other young men who are passionate about hunting wherever they may be in Nunavut for continuing our traditional hunting practices.
They are utilizing our forefathers’ knowledge and traditional practices and as long as they continue to do so, the Inuit language and culture will stay alive.
I have no more names on my list. (interpretation ends) Item 4. Returns to Oral Questions.
Item 5. (interpretation) Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. (interpretation ends) Premier Taptuna.
I have done this twice in a row, so I am quite pleased, recognizing folks in the Gallery.
Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize our chief negotiator, Mr. Simon Awa, and our deputy negotiators for Nunavut, Alex Buchan and Robert Carson, also, Brian Dominique, chief federal negotiator for Canada, and Mr. Speaker, I may not pronounce this correctly, Harmit Bajaj, deputy chief negotiator for Canada, Colin Ground, second deputy chief negotiator for Canada, and Udloriak Hanson, chief negotiator for Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated.
Earlier, I spoke about the youth who are in town to attend to meetings.
I would like to recognize the delegates.
First of all, Daniel Novalinga, who is from Sanikiluaq, please rise; Joshua Kalluk from Resolute Bay; Lila Onalik from Kimmirut; Celia Aglak from Pond Inlet; Jerry Laisa from Pangnirtung; and Rebecca Kilabuk from Iqaluit, who is the assistant.
I, too, would like my colleagues to join me in recognizing visitors in the Gallery.
They are current board of governors for Nunavut Arctic College and represent Nunavummiut.
They are: Martha Main, who is currently the acting chairperson from the Kivalliq region; Donna Smith, who is also from Kivalliq; Elizabeth Ryan from the Baffin region; Alison Coman, who is the student representative; as well as Jason Carpenter, who is the staff representative on the board.
They are here in the Gallery.
From Pangnirtung, I would like to recognize Jerry Laisa.
He has a lot of duties in the community of Pangnirtung as well as outside of the community.
Thank you. (interpretation ends) Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery.
I frequently do get constituents in this, but Mr. Solomon Ryan, who is the brother of Elizabeth Ryan, I would like to recognize as a constituent as well as Mr. Mark Thompson, who is part of the devolution negotiation team.
I would like to make special recognition of somebody who has recently moved away from Iqaluit and now, although he’s back here only for a day, I would like to welcome my brother Bradley Hickes to the Chamber.
In recognition of youth who have already been recognized, my son’s great friend, Solomon Ryan, is also a hockey teammate to my son and I would like to welcome him to the Gallery. As well, Rebecca Kilabuk, who was already recognized, I welcome you.
As well, my neighbour and constituent is also here, Peter Ma. I will recognize three former co-workers from Nunavut Tunngavik who were recognized already, my colleague’s brother, Brad Hickes, welcome, Alastair Campbell and Uloriak Hanson.
Welcome to the Gallery. There is also a young person from Arctic Bay, Cherita Kalluk. Welcome to the Gallery.
Ms. Angnakak
Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) I would like to welcome my two nephews, Russell Akeeagok and Pauloosie Akeeagok.
Speaker (interpretation): I would like to welcome each and every visitor to the Gallery.
I have no names on my list, but I do want to acknowledge individuals from my constituency, Ms. Joanna Quassa and Terry Uyarak.
(interpretation ends) Thank you, members.
Before proceeding to Oral Questions, I wish to take this opportunity to remind all members that the Rules of the Legislative Assembly contain detailed guidelines concerning the use of electronic devices during sittings of the House and meetings of its committees and caucuses.
These guidelines provide that smart phones, BlackBerrys, and other electronic devices may not be used during Oral Questions for the purpose of sending text messages or other forms of communication.
This is to allow all members to give their full attention to our proceedings.
I would note that these rules also apply to me as your Speaker, and I apologize for having not muted my own device during yesterday’s proceedings.
Speaker (interpretation): I thank all members for their cooperation.
We will move on. (interpretation ends) Item 6. (interpretation) Oral Questions.
Question 195 – 4(2): Blood Tests (Akoak)
Mr. Speaker, as the minister is aware, Gjoa Haven is a remote community without a specialized lab to do medical testing.
Medical samples such as blood samples have to be sent out. Sometimes a delay in flights, a lack of medical staff, or a misinterpreted test result can lead to a medical client not receiving medical services in a timely manner.
Over a month ago, I sent a communication to the Minister of Health asking for some clarification on the process to be followed when a medical client requires repeat blood tests so that they can get the appropriate medical treatment.
I hope that the minister has had enough time to look into this issue and is now able provide some answers.
Can the minister clarify what process is followed when, for reasons beyond their control, a medical client’s blood test results need to be repeated?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister of Health, Hon. Ms. Ell.
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my colleague for asking questions on this matter.
Yes, I recall the previous question.
With respect to blood tests in the Kivalliq region, if I were to call it regionally segregated communities where communities in the different regions are visited, the sampling process is continually reviewed for improvements.
This applies to many other matters requiring review and this is one of them.
We look at how the work can be processed more quickly and we also look at how the community can be serviced better to ensure we offer the best services to all communities.
This is usually brought up.
Currently, in the Kivalliq region, there is a review of the blood test protocols and they can be sent to Cambridge Bay or Kugluktuk.
Perhaps if I state the rest in English, it will be clearer.
(interpretation ends) The Kitikmeot regional laboratory is currently processing core specimens for Cambridge Bay and Kugluktuk. The three remaining communities will be sending their specimens to Cambridge Bay by mid-September.
We are increasing lab capacity in the Kitikmeot regional laboratory and are improving results processing time and reducing reliance on out-of-territory lab services.
I think the minister saw my other two questions somewhere.
She answered my questions.
Question 196 – 4(2): Poverty Reduction (Mikkungwak)
I sure hope I don’t get the same answer as my colleague.  Mr. Speaker, my questions will be for the Minister of Family Services, as I had asked questions yesterday regarding poverty reduction.
Today, as I indicated in my Member’s Statement, there are a lot of organizations and volunteers across the territory that volunteer a lot of their time to ensure that food banks and whatnot operate.
Mr. Speaker, my question will be to the Minister of Family Services today.
2014-15 approved $2,179,000 for poverty reduction.
My question to the minister today is: would the government consider using some of the money allocated towards addressing poverty in Nunavut to be given as grants or contributions to help support community efforts to directly address the needs of Nunavut residents who struggle every day to have enough to eat?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister of Family Services, Hon. Ms. Ugyuk.
Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my colleague for that question.
The subsidy is provided to the food banks in communities that have them.
Next month, while we are still sitting, they will be having a meeting to review these issues.
However, during our spring sitting in Rankin Inlet, this topic was concurred with.
Under the Inunnguiniq program, parenting courses were offered to teach parents to take proper care of their children.
This was agreed to at the meeting. The funds have not been allocated with a specific theme in mind, but it will be decided after the next meeting where a five-year plan will be developed. That is all I can respond with.
I believe that my question was not answered in any way, shape, or form, so I guess my question here now would be a follow-up to this $2,179,000.
As there have been studies and meetings that have been ongoing in the five-year Makimaniq Plan, how much of this money has been used to date?
I called you the Chairman and I apologize for that.
My colleague is asking how much money has been used to date. I don’t have that answer as the process is ongoing through the Poverty Reduction Strategy.
Income Support provides funding for purchasing groceries, including a clothing allowance.
However, with respect to the Makimaniq program and how we can provide further support to our communities to reduce poverty, this was a subject of study by our government on reducing poverty.
My questions are, out of the $2,179,000, all of that money that was approved in the last fiscal year and which is being used to date, some of which I understand is used by income support assistance.
Seeing that we have a lot of volunteers across the territory who put their tireless efforts so that they could have a food bank operating, whether it be by donations or contributions by private sector or private organizations, my question here today is: out of that $2,179,000, if that money is still going to be utilized for studies and further meetings, will the status quo remain for volunteers to receive ongoing donations from the private sector to operate these food banks or soup kitchens across the territory?
I would also like to thank my colleague for asking questions in regard to the $2,179,000, but I cannot provide a concrete response today because this funding is used for various programs, such as for cost analysis of groceries through the Nunavut Bureau of Statistics, and it’s also used for nutrition programs. The Makimaniq program is also included in there.
This funding was expended for many various programs.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Oral Questions. (interpretation) Member for Arviat South, Mr. Savikataaq.
Question 197 – 4(2): Western Hudson Bay Polar Bear Management (Savikataaq)
On October 10, the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board issued a news release stating that it will be holding public hearings in December to discuss the new total allowable harvest of the western Hudson Bay polar bear population.
The board also indicated that it will be accepting submissions on this issue until November 12, 2014.
Arviat has previously had to use all of its polar bear tags for defence of life and property kills.
These types of kills prevent hunters and wildlife management from making important decisions regarding the harvest of polar bears.
Will the minister commit to providing a submission to the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board for an increase in the western Hudson Bay’s total allowable harvest, the quota, to address the current situation of polar bear management in Arviat?
There are just too many bears around Arviat right now.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister of Environment, Hon. Minister Mr. Mike.
I would also like to thank my colleague for asking questions in regard to this issue.
The Nunavut Wildlife Management Board has been working diligently on polar bear issues. In addition, the HTOs and wildlife agencies have been working on the polar bear issue for quite some time.
The management of the western Hudson Bay polar bear population is also done by the Province of Manitoba. This is a joint management. The polar bear management is set up whereby we jointly manage with the Province of Manitoba, the Department of Environment, and NTI.
The Nunavut government will hold a hearing and will be providing submissions at that time.
At that time, we will have a better idea of what kind of submission we will be providing to the polar beer management hearing and I am sure that the polar bear quota will be discussed at that time.
On March 18, 2014, I had asked the minister a number of questions regarding the management of the western Hudson Bay polar bear population.
At that time, the minister stated that his department’s position was “to have a total allowable harvest of 45 bears” from the southern Hudson Bay subpopulation, which has roughly the same number of bears as western Hudson Bay, but he did not indicate his position on the western Hudson Bay’s population.
As the minister is aware, the current total allowable harvest of 24 for the western Hudson Bay may change after the upcoming meetings of the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board.
Can the minister indicate what his department’s position is on the total allowable harvest for the western Hudson Bay polar bear population?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister of Environment, Hon. Minister Mr. Mike
As long as we don’t change the polar bear management plan for Nunavut, the quota for polar bear, while we are doing the review and prior to the polar bear management hearing, I cannot give you detailed information on that because the decision is still pending.
If the polar bear management plan is adhered to or if they understand it, they would develop an enhanced community.
Some communities are managing their polar bear management plan, even though they live in an overly populated area.
As long as the Nunavut polar bear management plan does not change, it will stay status quo until the hearing is over.
I know that in Arviat, the people with polar bear deterrents are helping to keep people safe, which I am very happy to say.
However, I cannot tell you for the western Hudson Bay polar bear management plan because of the way it is.
I cannot tell you whether we can reduce or increase the quota for polar bear, Mr. Speaker.
In the 2014-17 Business Plan of the Department of Environment, the department indicated that one of its priorities for the 2014-15 fiscal year was to “Finalize and begin [the] implementation [of] a polar bear management plan for Nunavut.”
Can the minister indicate if this management plan has been finalized and, if so, what specific actions has his department taken to implement this plan to date?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Environment, Hon. Minister Mr. Mike.
Yes, there is a Nunavut polar bear management plan. The member was asking about the finalized legislation and the beginning of implementation within the new fiscal year.
In January, we want to submit a document to the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board on this issue on the new polar bear management system.
It is currently being worked on in trying to complete the document and that is what I can divulge at this time.
Question 198 – 4(2): Laboratory Service Contracts (Mapsalak)
I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Health, which is the same line of questioning as my colleague from Gjoa Haven.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, Nunavut communities are small and the ability to deliver specialized services is limited.
In order to protect our health, we need to contract specialized services, such as laboratory services, to test blood samples from medical tests or to test food samples to make sure that certain country foods are safe to eat.
Contracts for these types of services were established for many years and the system worked well.