EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
On behalf of the Government of Nunavut, I would like to congratulate this year’s Technical Professional Studies Scholarship recipients and wish them the best of success in their studies.
Minister Mr. Mike.
Minister’s Statement 064 – 4(2): Nuliajuk Addressing Coastal Arctic Mapping Challenges (Mike)
I say “good day” to the people of Nunavut and Pangnirtung.
I will be making a statement about the Nuliajuk.
Mr. Speaker, the Nuliajuk is Nunavut’s first and only research vessel dedicated to inshore fisheries and marine research.
The research being done on this vessel is vital for supporting the sustainable use of Nunavut’s renewable resources.
Mr. Speaker, as the Nuliajuk completes its fisheries research, the vessel is also providing critical information on marine habitat, geo-hazards, tides, currents, safe anchorage sites, and safe passages for inshore vessels.
Prior to the Nuliajuk’s mapping program, there was limited information available on the depths, currents, and physical characteristics of the seafloor in these areas.
Through research programs conducted from the Nuliajuk, we have been able to provide hundreds of chart corrections to the Canadian Hydrographic Service, including the discovery of a potentially new and better shipping corridor into Iqaluit for large ships.
We have also provided these results back to adjacent communities to increase safety for community boats and harvesters.
(interpretation ends) In addition, the Nuliajuk’s habitat mapping program has now identified greater areas of clam and turbot habitat around Qikiqtarjuaq, which will inform fisheries development in that area.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, the Nuliajuk is an important resource to Nunavut and will continue its marine research in Nunavut for years to come.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Item 3. (interpretation) Members’ Statements.
Member’s Statement 143 – 4(2): Reopening of Jonah Amitnaaq School (Mikkungwak)
I rise today to pay tribute to the many people in Baker Lake who have recently been working hard to ensure that students at Jonah Amitnaaq School have continued to attend classes despite the recent closure of the school.
Mr. Speaker, as you will be aware, an incident in September involving a fuel spill at the school forced the closure of the facility for a number of weeks. I am pleased to note that the school has recently reopened its doors and classes have resumed as normal.
Mr. Speaker, I want to pay tribute today to the school administration, the Municipality of Baker Lake, the district education authority, the Department of Education, and the Department of CGS for working together to find temporary space for the students during the recent period of closure.
Most of all, I want to pay tribute to the students who continued to attend class and study hard despite the less-than-ideal circumstances.
Mr. Speaker, although the temporary placement of classes at the community hall resulted in the disruption of some events, it is important to remember that education is our first priority, and I am glad that finding space for students was the first priority of all parties.
Mr. Speaker, the incident also serves as a reminder of the importance of a close working relationship between the Department of CGS and the Department of Education with respect to the maintenance and inspection of schools across the territory.
There are none. Please proceed, Mr. Mikkungwak.
As I was saying, the incident also serves as a reminder of the importance of a close working relationship between the Department of CGS and the Department of Education with respect to the maintenance and inspection of schools across the territory.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in paying tribute to everyone in Baker Lake who pulled together on behalf of our community’s students.
Member’s Statement 144 – 4(2): Rehabilitation of Inmates in Nunavut (Angnakak)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for the establishment of a wellness court within Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I recognize that in his response to my questions on this issue, the Minister of Justice indicated that he is working with the Department of Health to determine ways to assist inmates who suffer from mental illness.
Mr. Speaker, I agree with the minister’s decision to incorporate Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit within such initiatives and I would like to note that traditional Inuit practice places importance on addressing underlying issues before disciplining an offender for their behaviour.
Mr. Speaker, during yesterday’s proceedings, I made reference to the wellness courts that have been established in Yukon and in the Northwest Territories.
These courts divert offenders who suffer from mental illness, addictions, or cognitive impairments away from standard sentencing.  In this system, offenders must take responsibility for their actions and express their willingness to work with service providers to address their own challenges.
Relevant services and treatments are provided according to individualized wellness plans, which often include life skills development elements to promote self-sufficiency and confidence.
Afterwards, the offenders would return to court for sentencing, where consideration would be given to an offender’s participation in programs and therapeutic services.
Mr. Speaker, the establishment of a wellness court in Nunavut would allow the justice system to implement culturally relevant solutions to criminal activity in the territory.
Mr. Speaker, in a territory where 74 percent of criminal offenders are returning to the correctional system, I believe that it is time for our government to consider a new approach in inmate rehabilitation.
Member’s Statement 145 – 4(2): Concern Regarding Nunavut Medical Clients Receiving Health Care in Other Jurisdictions (Sammurtok)
Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Fellow residents of Rankin Inlet and Nunavut, I wish you a wonderful day.
I rise today to express my concern about how the Government of Nunavut is treating Nunavut residents who require medical treatment that is only available in the south.
Mr. Speaker, the minister will have received correspondence regarding a specific individual from my constituency, but they are not the only person in this situation.
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate that there is a considerable expense in providing frequent medical travel escorts and ambulance services to Nunavut residents who require ongoing medical care in the southern locations.
I further appreciate that it may make economic and medical sense to locate Nunavut residents in the south so that they have better access to the care they need.
However, it does not seem right that the Government of Nunavut should then declare that this individual is no longer a Nunavut resident and transfer the responsibility and costs of their care to another jurisdiction.
Mr. Speaker, it is a fact that Nunavut doesn’t have facilities that can provide all of the specialized services that are necessary to treat certain medical conditions.
Nunavut residents who must leave their homes, families, communities, and culture to receive necessary medical care do not deserve to be deprived of their status as Nunavut residents simply because these services can only be provided in another place.
Member’s Statement 146 – 4(2): Rising Crime Rates in Nunavut (Joanasie)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address an issue that affects Inuit throughout Nunavut and Canada.
Mr. Speaker, the rate of crime in Nunavut has more than doubled since the territory’s official establishment in 1999.
However, as my colleague, the Hon. Member for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, has recently noted, the government still does not provide adequate services to address issues such as trauma, mental illness, and addictions.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated recently released its 2013-14 Annual Report on the State of Inuit Culture and Society, which focuses on the justice system in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I read this report with great interest and I believe that it addresses a number of important issues that could benefit from being highlighted in the House today.
The report recognizes that the majority of people who experience childhood abuse or neglect do not become violent offenders. However, the report also states that “a large proportion of those who are perpetrators of violence have experienced adversity in their lifetimes.”
Mr. Speaker, it stands to reason that addressing social challenges among at-risk individuals before they resort to violent and illegal activities is the key to preventing crime in Nunavut.
There are no nays. Please proceed, Mr. Joanasie.
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that the rate of crime in this territory will continue to increase until every Nunavummiuq, young and old, has the necessary resources and services to help them cope with adverse life experiences.
Mr. Speaker, I also recognize that these issues cannot be addressed by the government alone. Partnerships must be formed between organizations, governments, local councils, elders, and families in order to prevent crime.
Member’s Statement 147 – 4(2): Inspirational Workshop in Kugluktuk (Taptuna)
Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, colleagues, Nunavummiut, and Kuglukturmiut.
Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the organizations in my hometown of Kugluktuk that hosted a weekend-long event at the end of September to celebrate self-growth with stories, photos, and song.
Mr. Speaker, Susan Aglukark, the renowned Canadian recording artist who has won a Juno Award for her work, along with Ariel Tweto, a well-known Alaskan Inupiaq reality TV actor, were in Kugluktuk at the events as motivational guest speakers.
Susan Aglukark was part of a goal-setting workshop that involved youth and adults at the new youth centre.
She also made a number of home visits and appeared on the local radio in a special talk show that incorporated her music.
Susan’s last visit to Kugluktuk was in the mid-1990s. Her return brought out over 300 Kuglukturmiut to attend the various activities that the community had planned.
Mr. Speaker, as well, Ariel Tweto completed all the Kitikmeot community tour by coming back to Kugluktuk to talk about what she saw and learned about the region.
Ariel gave a motivational talk to over 200 people.
Mr. Speaker, Healthy Kugluktuk worked with Ariel to ensure every community in the Kitikmeot had the same opportunity to share in a meaningful and unique growth experience.
Ariel and her tour manager had visited the Kitikmeot in March of this year and had been working since then with Healthy Kugluktuk to plan the next steps.
Mr. Speaker, the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, Sabina Gold and Silver Corporation, and Healthy Kugluktuk all came together to sponsor Ariel’s all community Kitikmeot tour.
Healthy Kugluktuk’s work is sponsored by Health Canada through Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
Many communities throughout Nunavut were also inspired about Ariel and Susan doing the Kitikmeot tour to promote self-growth, suicide prevention, and wellness.
The event was very positive for all age groups.
I would like to thank the society for building a healthy Kugluktuk, for making this happen, and all those involved who selflessly volunteer their time to the wellness in the community.
Member’s Statement 148 – 4(2): Representing Nunavummiut (Enook)
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker and the people of Pond Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about representing Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, earlier this year, my colleague from Iqaluit-Tasiluk made an important statement concerning the issue of representing Nunavummiut in this House without fear or favour.
Mr. Speaker, I find myself in the unfortunate position of having to make a similar statement today.
Mr. Speaker, I strongly believe that no resident of our territory should be afraid to approach elected Members of the Legislative Assembly from time to time in order to ask questions and raise concerns.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, in a very small jurisdiction such as ours, it is inevitable that all of us in this House have relatives and friends who are employed by the government in some capacity.
Mr. Speaker, the idea that a resident of this territory who works as a public servant could be punished by his or her employer for confidentially raising concerns with an elected MLA to whom they may be related or acquainted is offensive to me, and it should outrage all of us Members in this House.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I want to be very clear today.
We all recognize the need for appropriate rules and guidelines to be in place to guide the conduct of public servants.
However, all Nunavummiut are entitled to representation in this House, and I join with my colleagues in again saying that muzzles and gag orders have no place in our democracy.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, as we know from the many important questions that have been asked by my colleague from Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, the government’s new ethics officer is not yet in place.
Although I am hopeful that this position will be effective in addressing concerns raised by public servants about issues in their workplace, we all have a responsibility as MLAs to hear the concerns that are brought to our attention by residents, and I want to make sure that I am going to continue to do that.
Mr. Speaker, (interpretation) I am calling on our Premier and the minister responsible for the Public Service Act to issue a clear reminder to senior managers in the government that all of our employees have democratic rights, including the right to speak with any elected Member of this House, without fear of reprisal, punishment, or retaliation.
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my colleagues. Good day to the people of my community and Nunavut.
Today, I would like to recognize two individuals from the University of Regina. For your information, they help out with NTEP.
They are with us here in the House and I would first like to recognize Dr. James McNich, (interpretation ends) Director of Saskatchewan Instructional Research and Development Unit, Faculty of Education, University of Regina.
Dr. Twyla Salm, Faculty of Education, University of Regina.
(interpretation) From here, (interpretation ends) Dr. Brian Manning, who is our Director of Education Programs, Nunavut Arctic College.
And Andrea Burry, Nunavut Teacher Education Program Manager, Nunavut Arctic College.
(interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.  Speaker (interpretation): Thank you.
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Aivilik, Mr. Mapsalak.
I would like to recognize the students and I am sure they are the very best students who are here paging.
We have over there Christopher Eetuk from Coral Harbour and Benoit Malliki from Repulse Bay. I would like to welcome the two pages to the Gallery.
I would like to recognize Mr. Jacque Larabie to the Gallery. Mr. Larabie is sitting right behind me.
Mr. Speaker, Jacque is a former resident of Cambridge Bay. He moved to Iqaluit several years ago with his family, wife and two kids. He currently works in Iqaluit as an accountant with a lot of our non-profit organizations.
I bump into him occasionally at Tim Hortons. We have good conversation about the need for bookkeepers and accountants, and the importance of all of our non-profit organizations to be in good standing to get their funding.
I invited Jacque to come to the House today to get an opportunity to see how we conduct our affairs, and I would like to ask you all to give the man a welcome to the House.
I welcome all the visitors to the Gallery. (interpretation ends) Item 6. (interpretation) Oral Questions.
Question 228 – 4(2): Conditions at the Winnipeg Medical Boarding Home (Mikkungwak)
Mr. Speaker, I have heard from a number of constituents about the conditions at the Winnipeg boarding home, the Kivalliq Inuit Centre. My constituents have raised a number of complaints about the furniture, particularly the size of the beds. At the Kivalliq Inuit Centre, medical clients have complained that the beds are too narrow, small, and too hard to sleep on.
Some of them are too high.
Can the minister indicate whether she is aware of this concern and, if so, has she looked into the possibility of having double beds for medical clients instead?
I would like to thank Mr. Mikkungwak for posing those questions.
Usually, with the medical boarding homes, the facilities provided are provided by contractors. We don’t tell them to get certain types of beds for the medical clients. Maybe it’s best if you ask that question to the people who have the contract to run the Kivalliq Inuit Centre.
Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I recognize that the boarding home services are provided under contract.
Can the minister describe how her department addresses concerns about the boarding home facility, such as small beds, chairs in the lounge becoming increasingly uncomfortable and having a bad odour, and the fact that the springs on the doors at the facility are difficult for patients to open them, especially those recovering from surgery?
Speaker (interpretation): Minister of Health, Ms. Ell.
As I indicated earlier, in the southern medical boarding homes in Yellowknife, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Edmonton, and Iqaluit, the services are provided by contractors. What we are trying to do at this time is we are going to be having an individual who will be looking at these boarding homes to see if they are appropriate.
Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I recognize that boarding home contracts are set for a number of years. However, it is important to ensure that the promised conditions of the contract are being met on an ongoing basis.
Will the minister commit to looking into these issues and having them addressed as soon as possible?
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my colleague for his question.
As I indicated earlier, we are going to be looking into these boarding homes and see if they are appropriate.
Question 229 – 4(2): Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Property Tax Relief (Angnakak)
My questions are for the Minister of Finance, whose department administers the provisions of the Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Tax Relief Act.
It’s a long name. The important legislation provides property tax relief for senior citizens and disabled persons in Nunavut.
Can the minister indicate approximately how many residents of the territory are exempted on an annual basis from paying property taxes under the provisions of this legislation?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister of Finance, Hon. Minister Mr. Peterson.
I appreciate that she’s concerned for the senior citizens and disabled of our territory.
Unfortunately, I just don’t have that level of detail in my information today.
Let me try number two and see if we can get some information here.
Can the minister indicate approximately how much property tax revenue the government forgoes on an annual basis as a consequence of granting exemptions?
Speaker: Minister of Finance, Hon. Minister Mr. Peterson.
She’s really testing my memory today and unfortunately my memory isn’t that good when it comes to knowing exact figures.
I can request that information from my department and provide it to Ms. Angnakak as soon as possible.
Information that is currently on the Department of Finance website indicates that disabled persons and senior citizens are eligible to apply for property tax relief in each taxation year to be considered exempt.
Senior citizens who turn 65 years or older at any point within the relevant taxation period for which they are applying are eligible for a senior citizens property tax relief.
Mr. Speaker, I’m sure that the minister will agree that once you reach a certain age, you don’t get any younger.
Can the minister clarify if senior citizens are required to reapply each year for property tax relief under the provisions of the legislation or are seniors deemed to be eligible for the remainder of their lives once they reach the age of 65?
That’s a loaded question.
Of course, we’re not getting any younger, unless someone in here has found the fountain of youth somewhere.
Again, I just don’t have that level of detail and I’ll have to get back to Ms. Angnakak with that information.
Question 230 – 4(2): Crime Prevention Initiatives in Nunavut (Joanasie)
On March 1, 2013, the minister of the day tabled the 2012-14 shared directional statement between the minister and the Nunavut RCMP commanding officer.
This statement indicates that “the GN and RCMP will collaborate to find ways to prevent youth crime and address the challenges of young offenders.”
I recognize that the department is currently reviewing information for Nunavut’s Crime Prevention Strategy.
Can the minister specify what additional initiatives his department is currently undertaking to prevent crime amongst youth in Nunavut?
Yes, as per my earlier statement, our staff conducted a tour of communities throughout Nunavut in searching for ideas on decreasing the crime rate.
They have gathered the information and are now formulating a report.
I just don’t know when the report will be completed, so I can’t answer that question. However, they are working on a plan to reduce crime.
The shared directional statement also indicates that “a firearms safety and education program will be implemented to focus on enhancing public safety and community wellness.”
Can the minister provide an update on the development of this education program?
Yes, I have been advised on this matter regarding the community of Kimmirut in particular.
There have been courses on firearm safety and in applying the gun locks and the dangers of firearms.
However, nothing has been implemented in other communities.
I recognize that the department is committed to an ongoing partnership with the RCMP to address a number of issues in Nunavut. As the minister is aware, partnerships among a number of different departments and organizations will be necessary to ensure that all aspects of crime prevention are incorporated.
Such aspects include, but not limited to, the promotion of health and mental wellness, parental support, and educational programs.
Mr. Speaker, can the minister indicate if his department has initiated any discussions with other offices concerning the development of crime prevention programs within Nunavut and, if so, can he specify which organizations and departments he has had discussions with?
As I stated earlier, our staff conducted a tour of all the communities in Nunavut.
Upon the conclusion of their report, we will be able to start anew from that point and determine the best course of action for all of Nunavut.
Question 231 – 4(2): Concerns Regarding Nunavut Medical Clients Receiving Health Care in Other Jurisdictions (Sammurtok)
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, earlier today, I spoke about the situation where a Nunavut resident is forced to relocate to a southern location in order to receive health services which are not available in Nunavut.
Can the minister clearly explain the Government of Nunavut’s policy with respect to the long-term residency of medical clients from Nunavut who are forced to relocate to another jurisdiction to receive health care?
Minister of Health, Hon. Minister Ms. Ell.
Mr. Speaker, I’ll take the question as notice.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The minister has taken the question as notice and I shall proceed to the next member. (interpretation) Oral Questions.
Question 232 – 4(2): Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti Policy (Shooyook)
I say “good day” to Nunavummiut who are watching the proceedings.
My questions are for the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, whose department is responsible for the government’s Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti Secretariat.
As the minister is aware, the central goal of the Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti Policy is to “maximize the participation of Nunavut, Inuit, and community-based businesses in Government of Nunavut contracting.”
A number of my constituents in the High Arctic have raised concerns with me about companies that have been awarded GN contracts, but do not appear to hire Inuit employees.