EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
These funds are administered and approved by a panel consisting of the three chairmen of the HTOs and our Regional Director in the Kitikmeot.
To date, this panel has approved projects totalling 133 thousand 333 dollars and 33 cents.
A Member (interpretation): Where does that 33 cents go…
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk (interpretation ends) In Gjoa Haven, a ground survey of musk-oxen on King William Island was approved to determine a population estimate to be used to develop a workable quota for both economic and community benefits.
A second initiative was approved for increasing sport hunts for musk ox and caribou.
This includes in its structure development plans to provide support for hunters, eco-tourism, and polar bear photographers for erecting a number of permanent structures around each of the management zones with equipment and gear.
Mr. Speaker, the final initiative approved was a sport hunt and eco-tourism marketing strategy in Cambridge Bay.
The HTO was taking a new approach to planning and operating a yearly commercial musk ox harvest as a long-term business venture through the HTO.
This year the HTO decided that their share of the economic initiative fund will be directed towards this initiative. Kitikmeot Foods of Cambridge Bay utilizes the meat in their meat and fish plant.
The hides are used by the Nunavut Development Corporation for leather and their hair is currently being utilized by the Kitikmeot Hunters’ and Trappers’ Association as part of a pilot project to develop the fledgling industry.
As well, community based projects to expand Neilson Hills Sport Hunt and enhancing the Ellis River Sport Hunt by providing infrastructure for the comfort and safety of its users was approved.
Mr. Speaker, at this time, the HTO in Taloyoak is finalizing their proposals to develop expanded polar bear and muskox sports hunts with the Gulf of Boothia.
Taloyoak is proposing a new sport fishing lodge and marketing plans aimed at selling the Hamlet as a destination for eco-tourism.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to say that, in the course of implementing this fund in partnership with the effected communities, the department has respected the communities’ wishes to identify plans and implement initiatives developed at the local level.
We have worked closely with communities to develop strategies that are effective and have provided a forum that has allowed decision making to remain with the community.
(interpretation) I am pleased to have the opportunity to publicly acknowledge the efforts made by the three HTOs and Hamlets in developing these projects.
I see the development of these exciting new opportunities as a step forward in expanding the sustainable capacity of all communities within Nunavut.
I should mention that we have a birthday boy in the House today.
And it’s not Mr. McLean, because he probably had two birthdays this year.
It’s Mr. Akesuk.
Minister’s Statement 172 – 1(5): Social Work Week; March 24 – 31, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I too would like to take this opportunity to wish Mr. Akesuk a happy 48th birthday.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to announce that my department is hosting a workshop for Custom Adoption Commissioners in Rankin Inlet between March 12-14th.
Mr. Speaker, this workshop will bring together commissioners from the Kivalliq and the Kitikmeot regions to discuss among other things, the role of the Custom Adoption Commissioner and the Aboriginal Custom Adoption Recognition Act.
Mr. Speaker, elders have been invited to attend and will be a very important part of this group.
Mr. Speaker, “Social Work for Social Justice”, is the theme for national social work in Nunavut, between March 24-31st.
It is important Mr. Speaker that we set aside this time each year to recognize the tremendous contributions social workers make to our society.
In Nunavut, they work in the communities to help individuals and families with the challenges Mr. Speaker, and difficulties some face in dealing with our quickly changing world.
Mr. Speaker, working in the areas of mental health, wellness, child protection, adoption, corrections, adult and children residential services and Mr. Speaker, adult services, social workers in Nunavut work with the communities to build healthy and stable environments in which our adults can live and where our children, Mr. Speaker, can go.
Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and this House join me in recognizing March 24-31, 2002, as Social Work Week here in Nunavut.
Minister’s Statement 173 – 1(5): International Women’s Day; March 8th
March 8 marks International Women’s Day.
This is the day that millions of people around the world celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of women to our society.
(interpretation ends) The Canadian theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is “Working in Solidarity, Women’s Human Rights and Peace”.
This theme recognizes the important role of women in seeking social justice.
The tragic events of September 11 made visible the situation of Afghan women and opened our eyes to the abuse of human rights that millions of girls and women throughout the world live with daily, just because of their gender.
In honouring women, we must ensure the protection of human rights and the elimination of violence against women.
We must work together to create a peaceful, non-violent society where all rights are respected and honoured and full equality is achieved.
We must eliminate the barriers that prevent women from achieving their full potential.
We must ensure that a woman’s right to contribute to society is not diminished by an abuse of her individual human rights simply because she is a woman.
(interpretation) In Nunavut, our government is working to establish a Human Rights Act that promotes and protects human rights for all.
It is important to remember that traditionally Inuit women were more than the lighters of the qulliq and keepers of the flame.
They were providers of warmth, clothing, shelter and food.
And they were the keepers of the peace.
They kept the family together as leaders of the community.
Mr. Speaker, on Friday March 8, the Nunavut Council of the Status of Women and the Iqaluit Music Society will be holding a coffee house at 7:30 p.m. at Inukshuk High School.
I invite all of you who can attend to take part in this musical celebration of women and congratulate the council of the Status of Women and the Iqaluit Music Society for this initiative.
March 8 marks the one day of the year when we officially recognize the contribution of women to our society.
Although it is important to celebrate this day, we must not fall into the trap of forgetting about women’s issues the rest of the year.
The health and wellbeing of women is something we should work towards every day of the year.
The health and well being of our society depends on it.
(interpretation ends) They are our mothers, our daughters, our spouses, our leaders, and our role models.
I join my colleagues in this government in recognizing March 8, 2002 as International Women’s Day in Nunavut.
Let us be sure not to forget about them the next day.
Minister’s Statement 174 – 1(5): Extension of Priority Hiring Policy
Mr. Speaker, before I begin, on behalf of the Speaker, I’d like to send greetings to his constituency as he has less opportunity than we do to say such things.
Mr. Speaker, it is a great pleasure for me to rise today to inform my colleagues that the Government of Nunavut’s Priority Hiring Policy through the work of the former minister has been extended for 5 years.
The original policy was approved in August 2000, with a sunset date of December 2001.
The policy plays an important role in helping the Government of Nunavut establish a competent public service that is representative of the Inuit population.
Mr. Speaker, the Priority Hiring Policy is consistent with Article 23 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
Mr. Speaker, beneficiaries who meet the qualifications of a position and have identified their status are given priority consideration over all other applicants for Government of Nunavut job competitions.
The Priority Hiring Policy is practiced by all GN departments and is applied to all occupational categories.
In response to the concern that beneficiaries were not identifying themselves when making applications, a communication strategy is being developed to ensure that beneficiaries are aware of how job competition works and that it is important for them to identify themselves at the time they make applications for specific jobs.
Mr. Speaker, to ensure the effectiveness and relevancy of the policy, the Department of Human Resources will conduct a policy review in 2003 and 2005.
I look forward to sharing the results of the review with my colleagues in the future.
Minister’s Statement 175 – 1(5): Selection of Team Nunavut for the 2002 Arctic Winter Games
I am delighted to report that the selections of participants for Team Nunavut has been completed for the upcoming Iqaluit-Nuuk Arctic Winter Games taking place from March 17th to March 23rd.
Team Nunavut is made up of 273 people.
This number includes athletes, coaches, mission staff and cultural delegates.
Our 207 athletes are participating in 16 events taking place in Iqaluit and Nuuk.
I would like to make a special mention of Team Nunavut’s 28 athletes who will be participating in Arctic Sports.
Team Nunavut will be sending our contingent of 107 people to Nuuk to participate in a number of events ranging from Alpine skiing to volleyball to cultural gatherings.
Mr. Speaker, these participants have shown hard work and dedication in their pursuit of excellence in their fields.
I congratulate all members of Team Nunavut and I am sure that all members join with me in wishing them good luck in these historic games.
Minister’s Statement 176 – 1(5): Ikajuruti Inungnik Ungasiktumi Network (Telehealth) Update
Mr. Speaker, you and the members of this Assembly have been very supportive of our efforts to develop the IIU Tele-health Network.
I want to report to you today and update you on my department’s progress on this very important initiative.
Mr. Speaker, as you know last year my department submitted a funding proposal to the Canadian Health Partnership Program or CHIP, sponsored by our friends at Health Canada.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut received the third highest award in Canada for Tele-health expansion.
Health Canada is contributing up to 3.7 million dollars Mr. Speaker to Nunavut.
And we will have to contribute an equal portion.
Mr. Speaker, we are well on our way to reaching our goal of putting Tele-health technology into ten Mr. Speaker, additional communities by March 31st, 2003.
At this point, the Tele-health project team has completed a technical assessment of all health centres in Nunavut as well as a needs assessment of those communities.
Mr. Speaker, members of the team continue to visit communities throughout Nunavut to ensure that their needs are met.
For example Mr. Speaker, during the month of February, visits were made to Cambridge Bay, Gjoa Haven and Kugluktuk.
The team will be traveling to Sanikiluaq in March to continue their work.
Mr. Speaker, the department is also developing an education and training package including an instructional video that will be ready by the end of May.
The package is aimed at meeting the needs of community site technicians, regional Tele-health coordinators, and those in the community who will use our Tele-health services.
Mr. Speaker, as you know the vastness of Nunavut presents health care providers with challenges in the delivery of services unlike anywhere else Mr. Speaker in Canada.
We face tremendous costs in medical travel.
Even more important Mr. Speaker, there is a social cost of separating families during time of illness or injury when family and community support is most often needed.
Mr. Speaker, I continue to believe the use of Tele-health technology in our communities will provide us with better access to quality health care services for all Nunavummiut and Mr. Speaker I will keep this House informed as this important initiative proceeds.
Member’s Statement 488 – 1(5): Reuniting with Family and Constituents
As Members of the Legislative Assembly we bring ourselves to the House to deal with the business at hand.
Usually we leave our family and our children for extended periods of time, because we have committed ourselves to do the business of the government.
Since we’re going to be coming to the end of this session, our sitting seems to be getting more enjoyable.
My wife and children are looking forward to my coming home, as am I. I will also be seeing the people in my constituency this week.
Member’s Statement 489 – 1(5): Coppermine River Nomination as Heritage River
I would like to speak in support of the nomination of the Coppermine River as a heritage river.
The community of Kugluktuk is in support of this project and has extended thanks to Minister Akesuk for his past support as well.
(interpretation ends) The Coppermine River has all the values which would make it an ideal heritage river.
It has natural heritage, being rich in wildlife and geological features.
It has a human heritage supporting the subsistence life of both Dene and Inuit groups.
It has a rich cultural heritage and a recreational heritage.
Mr. Speaker, it has the distinct features of being a river system that flows into the Arctic Ocean - something no other Heritage River does.
I understand the decision regarding the nomination of the heritage river will be made shortly.
At the appropriate time today, I will be tabling a document on the Coppermine River Nomination Project.
I encourage the members to take the time to look through it and I am sure you will appreciate why I give this nomination my whole-hearted support.
Member’s Statement 490 – 1(5): Media Informing Public
How do I say this?
I would like to congratulate the members and this Assembly for the extensive news coverage we have been receiving, especially yesterday and all morning.
I’m sure there’s going to be more media coverage on Friday after the release of the newspapers regarding Bill 21.
One thing that struck me in listening to the talk back shows, I heard only one or two people express negative opinions about our actions on Bill 21, from Nunavummiut.
I realized yesterday that the media are very able when motivated to talk about specific issues that we deal with in this House.
I encourage the media, be it the radio or the newspapers, to cover stories that are of more interest to the 85 percent of the people out there.
I am talking about the Department of Sustainable Development initiatives, about the Nunavut teachers, about economic development, about Health and Social Services and the Minister’s Statement this morning.
We have discussed the group home and the progress of that project.
The new Hamlet Act will have an impact on every community in Nunavut.
In addition, we have been hearing on an ongoing basis about the shortage of housing.
We all know that for many of our people in Nunavut, hunting is their full time employment and the majority of the Inuit hunters take on that occupation…
Mr. Arvaluk: Mr. Speaker, could I have unanimous consent to complete my statement.
Mr. Arvaluk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank you Members of the Legislative Assembly.
There are a lot of hunters in Nunavut and they use gasoline for their equipment.
With the debate that has been going on this week about the quality of gasoline I think we spent one entire afternoon directing questions to the Petroleum Products division and never getting a direct response.
So what did the media do to find out what is being said between the lines?
We didn’t hear anything about it.
The newspaper and the radio people should, like we MLAs do, keep in mind the needs of the Inuit, which is 85% of the population.
Member’s Statement 491 – 1(5): Community Hall and Airport Terminal Inadequate
I rise today to talk about a concern of my constituents in Gjoa Haven.
These concerns relate to the fact that capital spending has not kept pace with the growth of the community.
Mr. Speaker, I am specifically concerned about the terminal building at the airport and the community hall.
Neither is large enough to adequately serve the needs of the community.
This is also a safety issue as passengers must wait for flights in an over crowded area.
I’m talking about the airport terminal and also the community events over crowd the community hall.
Mr. Speaker, I was pleased two weeks ago when the Minister of Community Government and Transportation committed to initiating talks with the Federal Government regarding airports and terminals in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I was also pleased on Monday when the minister recognized the need for new community halls in many communities across Nunavut, including Gjoa Haven.
Mr. Speaker, it is clear to me that the minister recognizes the priority placed on community halls by the Mayor of Gjoa Haven.
I appreciate the minister’s commitment to bring this issue in front of her colleagues at the national level and to lobby the Federal Government on this issue as well.
I have almost concluded my statement. I would like to receive unanimous consent to continue.
Mr. Puqiqnak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank you Members of the Legislative Assembly.
However Mr. Speaker, I remain concerned because there is presently nothing in the 5-year Capital Plan that will address these problems.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that the needs of my constituents are met.
I recognize the minister’s commitment to determine the priorities of each community.
I urge the minister to further investigate these concerns and work towards a Capital Plan that will address these needs.
Member’s Statement 492 – 1(5): National Aboriginal Achievement Award - Jonah Kelly
Mr. Speaker, on March the 10th, a friend and a constituent of mine will be honoured with the National Aboriginal Achievement Award for Media and Communications.
Mr. Speaker, from the NAAA website, I would like to give an overview of Jonah Kelly's considerable contributions to Inuit, Nunavut and indeed Canadian broadcasting.
Mr. Speaker, you could call Jonah Kelly the voice of the Arctic.
After working on air for more than 35 years for CBC North, he has definitely earned this title.
During his lengthy and distinguished career, Jonah proved to be instrumental in the development and evolution of Inuktitut broadcasting in the north.
Very early on he recognized the powerful role broadcasting could play in keeping Inuit people strong and in touch with one another.
His firsts in northern broadcasting are legion Mr. Speaker.
Jonah Kelly inaugurated the first Inuktitut coverage of the Northwest Territories’ Legislature.
He was appointed CBC's Senior Inuktitut Language Programmer Mr. Speaker, in 1974 and developed CBC North's flagship Inuktitut program Tausoni in 1978.
His former colleague Witt Fraser, remembers Kelly during that terrible day Mr. Speaker, the terrible day in 1968 when Martin Luther King was shot.
Mr. Speaker, Jonah produced and performed one of the most amazing radio programs I have ever heard said Mr. Fraser.
He was a one-man band providing with the most basic tools available, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Fraser also went on to say, in a voice that matched the passion and the timber of Martin Luther King’s great “I have a dream” speech, Jonah Kelly related the plight of the black people in the United States and the growing colonizing inequality emerging in our Canadian North.
When he was starting out at CBC, Mr. Speaker, Jonah Kelly and his listeners soon discovered he had the necessary skills to bridge the new and old ways.
While reporting on the Apollo moon landing Mr. Speaker, he compared them with the traditional legends which were quite similar.
A unique and very successful style was born, Mr. Speaker, and a whole generation of Inuit broadcasters has followed in our friend Jonah Kelly’s footsteps.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to ask that you and this House join with us today, to congratulate Mr. Jonah Kelly on his nomination and his continued success here in Nunavut and with the Aboriginal Achievement Award at the National Ballet in Winnipeg next week.
Member’s Statement 493– 1(5): Non-Participation in Supplementary Retiring Allowances
I rise today to express my regret to the Members of this House that I was unable to attend all of yesterday’s sitting because of illness.
Mr. Speaker, I do not wish to reflect on decisions made by this House, however I want to confirm to my constituents in the High Arctic that I will not be participating in the Supplementary Retiring Allowances Plan that has been adopted.
At the appropriate time, I will be tabling my correspondence to the Speaker that indicates my decision to opt out of the plan.
Member’s Statement 494 – 1(5): Inadequate Food at Kivalliq Boarding Home and Treatment on Airplane
Mr. Speaker, it’s nice to hear the Minister of Health and Social Services and his statement, it was a very good statement today.
And I think it’s a statement that should be made more often in this House.
But it was interesting the part he was talking about, inequality, in the north.
And today Mr. Speaker, I’m angry about something about the inequality in the north.
Today I’m angry about the treatment over how a number of my constituents were treated last week while travelling to the Kivalliq Medical Boarding Home in Winnipeg.
Uqaqti, I happened to be on the flight from Baker Lake to Winnipeg last week, with a half a dozen Baker Lake residents enroute to the boarding home.
Uqaqti, three of the constituents were elders and a couple of them were infants.
Mr. Speaker, yourself, you know how long the trip is from Baker Lake to Winnipeg.
You have to stop in Rankin Inlet, Whale Cove, Arviat, Churchill and Thompson before arriving late at night at your destination.
The flight has an average time of six to eight hours.
Uqaqti, the only thing that my constituents got to eat was something that resembled a bag of dried pretzels.
Mr. Speaker, I got off the phone less than an hour ago with one of my constituents who is presently in the Kivalliq Hall.
I asked him what he and the other patients got to eat when they arrived at the boarding home.
Mr. Speaker, do you know his answer was?
That’s right, leftovers.
Uqaqti, I am outraged at this.
And at the appropriate time I will be asking the minister responsible about what action his department will take to ensure that patients at the Kivalliq Boarding Home are fed properly and on the aircraft, on their way home.
By the way, Mr. Speaker, the return airfare is over 24 hundred dollars.
Think of what this kind of money would buy in southern Canada and would our people, Canadian citizens, get treated this way in southern Canada.
I think not Mr. Speaker, and his department should act on this immediately.
Member’s Statement 495 – 1(5): Non-Support of Arctic Creations by Qikiqtaaluk Corporation
Today I heard some news that is not too pleasant from my constituency.
You all know Monica Ell, who owns a store called Arctic Creations selling traditional clothing, craftwork and materials at the QC building.
I have been at her store many times and many Inuit women have bought their sewing materials from that store.
I was very disappointed to hear that the store was closing.
QC is supposed to be helping the Inuit businesses, but there were complexities encountered in their relationship.
This is not pleasant to see.
As an Inuk, I hope that she will be given more support for her business.
I spoke with Monica Ell earlier on, she will try and re-open her store some time in the future but she won’t be located in that building.
Although this is hopeful news, I’m not very pleased to hear that her store is being closed down.
I would like to see an improvement on how we all support businesses in the future.
Member’s Statement 496 – 1(5): Utilization of Sanikiluaq Arena
Today, I will be making some comments on a concern I have.
As a Member of the Legislature, I have made statements regarding our hockey arena.
Just recently, last winter at the end of January, on the last Wednesday we were finally able to use the arena due to the warm weather.
I’m very proud of the fact that during the Arctic Winter Games one of my constituents will be with Team Nunavut.