EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
As well, today, part of the reason why I have tears is that my grandchild will now live a life that is not missing anything. My grandchild is starting to speak in Inuktitut and I am extremely proud of that fact.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, my constituency is comprised of a very small population with great distances between the three communities. They are in a remote area, but we have to treat them just like any other community.
One of the biggest hurdles that I have come across, which is quite difficult to listen to, is when my constituents state that they were relocated from another area.
We have different dialects, so I couldn’t understand the other dialect when I was first elected and some words escaped me because of that. But today, I can say that I understand that dialect now and they have supported me tremendously.
I would especially like to thank the elders who have provided advice.
I had to solve my problems and used their advice, and I now know this firsthand.
I wish to thank John Quirke, his staff, our interpreters, and the staff here, who are always doing something and things operate more smoothly due to their hard work.
As well, I especially would like to thank my colleagues, Mr. Picco, Premier, and members, for helping me even when we went through hard times.
I would like to state that I am proud of the federal officials who have visited my constituents.
Nancy Lindell, Prime Minister Harper, and Peter Mackay have visited my constituency and now, it’s clear that our people and communities are not forgotten.
Indeed, many Iqaluit residents have assisted me, especially the elders who provided advice. I also thank the elders in my constituency for their ongoing support.
Mr. Speaker, I will announce whether I’m going to run or not on Monday.
I have been elected twice now and I was a bit naive about government operations and I still don’t know all of the issues.
I have been involved in planning for the future and we dealt with numerous matters during the planning, but we are progressing down the road.
I also wish to thank the previous members, some of whom are no longer with us.
I have really leaned on their support, especially when dealing with what felt like an insurmountable problem. I would ask them, “What now?”
They provided me with very good advice and for that, I am grateful.
Further, I would also like to personally thank Peter Kattuk.
Thank you for believing in me and for selecting me to be a member of Cabinet.
I thank my staff, Pat Arnakak, Annie Joannie, and Irene Willie.
I wish to thank the staff of WSCC and all of our governmental staff as they work extremely hard to deal with issues brought up in this House.
They are extremely busy during our sittings and they have continued to work hard and I thank them all for that.
Member for Uqqummiut and Deputy Speaker, Mr. Arreak.
Member’s Statement 557 – 2(4): Reflections as MLA, Thanks to Family and Constituents (Arreak)
I have people to thank as well.
I want to note that Qikiqtarjuaq is now able to watch the proceedings on TV, but unfortunately, Clyde River residents are still unable to watch our session.
I would like to thank all of my constituents, many of which pose questions about different topics, or to see if we need country food or if I need assistance. Many people have offered their assistance to me by stating that all I need to do is ask.
This continues to occur and it has for my entire term, even before I became elected. This is part of Inuuqatigiittiarniq, one of the principles of IQ, and I thank all of those who have offered their assistance.
I would also like to thank some individuals immensely. First, I would like to thank my wife, my children, my grandchildren, my siblings, and my mother, who is still alive and I am thankful that she has been able to reach this day and age.
As well, I would like to thank all of my colleagues, the Premier, and the ministers. The ministers have assisted both me and my constituency, and indeed all of Nunavut.
They put up with our lines of questioning and dealt with our numerous requests. Although they were unable to grant all of them, they were able to provide certain projects that assisted communities in meeting their needs.
The staff of the Legislative Assembly have also greatly assisted the members here in the House.
Even though we might not know all of the procedures, they would advise us. Our researchers provide us with a lot of material.
Sometimes they make us sound pretty wise even though we might not be; at least some of us are not.
I am also grateful to the interpreters as they bridge the gap between languages. Irrespective of the language we use to make our issues known, they enable all of the members here to understand the discussions.
Are there any nay?
I believe there are no nays.
Mr. Arreak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker and my colleagues.
Indeed, I have learned that it’s not always easy to be a Member of the Legislative Assembly. I especially have learned how to read a lot more, either in Inuktitut or English, so I am becoming more proficient.
We have so much material that we have to read and I am thankful for being able to read better in both languages.
Like I stated earlier, it’s not always easy to represent your constituency.
I personally experienced difficult periods where I lost about nine relatives from the time I was first elected to represent my riding.
The hardest and most difficult one to bear was my late son. He was my only son and he passed away while I was attending a session here.
However, all tragic events eventually pass and while we’re still on this Earth, we still have things to do.
I want it to be known and show that all events pass and one should not despair and give up, but to get back on and deal with it even though it’s really difficult and very painful at times.
One of my most joyous occasions was when our community of Clyde River was approved by various leaders and the Government of Nunavut to hold the Inuit cultural folk school. Many of our residents were ecstatic when they heard the news.
The folk school in Clyde River will provide much needed jobs for us and it’s something that all Nunavummiut are proud of. This is something that all Clyde River residents are proud of and thankful for having been selected.
Mr. Arreak (interpretation): When we talk about elders and their sage advice, they are too humble about their level of knowledge, but they have learned a lot throughout their lives and they are usually quite skilled at counselling other Inuit, more so than us younger Inuit.
I encourage those elders to continue to provide advice and understanding, and I hope the younger generation will respect and believe them.
I also have great faith in our young people and some of us are starting to believe in the youth, especially when we read the Youth Parliament Hansard.
There are quite a number of issues listed which are geared towards improving one’s life and they also discussed a number of threats, such as drugs, alcohol, and anti-social behaviour, which had to be dealt with, such as abuse prevention. These youth clearly identified the issues that they face these days.
It shows me that they are interested in a better and brighter future, and offers hope for our future.
Mr. Speaker, people often ask me in our community as well as here in Iqaluit if I’m going to run again in the next election.
Unlike some of my colleagues who are being coy about their plans, I don’t want to give false expectations. So I would like to state that indeed, I will agree to a nomination and I will definitely be running again.
Member’s Statement 558 – 2(4): Thank You to Spouse, Executive Assistant and Colleagues (Netser)
I also wish to paraphrase what Mr. Tapardjuk stated earlier and that is I am not tired of being in the legislature.
It seems like it was just yesterday that we got here, at least it seems that way to me anyway.
Now, we have to submit our names once again for re-election.
First of all, I would like to thank my lovely wife and children. They have assisted me tremendously.
Some days, it seems that there are no nights due to the staggering load some members are under, but it’s also a joyous place because I want to help the people of Nunavut.
First of all, I would also like to thank Mr. Picco. When we put our names in for ministerial positions, Mr. Picco nominated me for the Executive Council and I appreciate that.
I would also like to thank my colleagues, especially my assistant, Pat Best, my personal House Whip, as I call him.
He really looks after me and I especially thank him. He has done so much for me.
I have some regrets about his decision, but I would like to thank Olayuk Akesuk because he would come by my office when I became a minister to offer advice on how to act properly as a minister.
It’s totally different from being an ordinary member. It’s a completely different scenario once you’re appointed to a ministerial position.
It was very challenging to handle my portfolio, but I appreciate the patience of the ministers who helped me out in my new position and I thank all of my colleagues.
Last but not least, I would like to send my regards to my mother-in-law, who prays for me daily, as well as my thanks to my sister in Coral Harbour.
Member’s Statement 559 – 2(4): Reflections on Being MLA, Thanks to Constituents and Colleagues (Arvaluk)
I, too, would like to thank the people of Pond Inlet and the people of Nunavut.
On behalf of the residents of Pond Inlet, I wish to thank the people of Coral Harbour, Repulse Bay, and Chesterfield Inlet for providing advice to Pond Inlet residents about how hard I worked in representing my riding.
In addition to that, I wish to express my thanks to the Sowdluapik family in Pangnirtung and all of Lisa’s relatives. I would also like to send my regards to the people of Pond Inlet who have befriended Lisa and helped her out over the last four years that we have lived in Pond Inlet.
I would like to make a point, Mr. Speaker, about my favourite subject: docking facilities.
Ever since I was elected to represent Pond Inlet, I have always reiterated our desire for a docking facility.
What the Prime Minister has to understand and realize is that the families of Panipakoocho, Qajaaq, Arnakallak, and Killiktee, and many other families in Pond Inlet to Resolute Bay, which includes the Kalluk family who were relocated from Pond Inlet to Grise Fiord and Resolute Bay, were tasked with providing assistance and show that the Inuit relocated up there from Inukjuaq.
The premise behind this move was to ensure that the Canadian government had sovereignty over the High Arctic.
These Pond Inlet families were quite skilled. They had to move to another area far from their homes to train and teach survival techniques to others who had just been relocated, especially in the three-month dark season.
Why is Canada only using military or military agencies to prove that this area is Canadian soil?
Back then, Inuit were the means used to illustrate sovereignty and because of that, the federal government owes a debt to the people that they relocated to the High Arctic. This includes infrastructure, such as docking facilities and airport facilities, which assist these communities to stand on their own.
When the Canadian government relocated people from Northern Quebec in order to have sovereignty over the Arctic, the Inuit acquiesced to the request. It has been quite successful as there are two communities existing in areas that had only been used seasonally prior to the relocation of Inuit into Resolute Bay and Grise Fiord.
Further, the Prime Minister ought to pay attention...
Speaker (interpretation): I am sorry, Mr. Arvaluk, your time is up. I will give you the opportunity to ask for consent to conclude your statement.
I had almost finished my statement, so I would like to ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Yesterday, during Question Period, I raised an issue in regard to the telephone that was out of order at the medical travel office in Pangnirtung.
Although I posed questions with respect to the matter, I was not given a proper response.
I was informed, so I wish to represent the minister in announcing that the temporary telephone number is 867-473-8944 until the phone line is repaired.
Lastly, with respect to Bills 6 and 7, it was a demanding workload for the standing committee responsible for reviewing the Inuit language legislation.
My fellow committee members, Hunter Tootoo, David Simailak, and our Co-Chairs, the Member for Repulse Bay, Mr. Mapsalak, as well as Mr. Arreak, worked extremely hard to deal with Bills 6 and 7.
As soon as our committee finished dealing with those bills, we switched to Bill 21, the Education Act. I wish to thank all my fellow committee members who worked extremely hard on the bills. This includes the health legislation under Bill 20, as well as other draft legislation.
Members deliberated on issues from the bottom of their hearts to represent the Inuit of Nunavut. We had to come up with the best kind of legislation to protect our language and we had long meetings to resolve the issues.
Now that it’s winding down, I want to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues. I believe Inuit will have expectations about having a piece of legislation that is not foreign to them and in a language they can understand.
The ministers would provide clear answers whenever I posed questions on issues, so I would like to thank the ministers as well as the Premier for that.
I would like to announce that I will let the residents of Pond Inlet decide on whether they wish to have me represent them again.
Member’s Statement 560 – 2(4): Thank You Family, Constituents, Premier and Colleagues (Simailak)
I would also like to give thanks especially to all my family in Baker Lake, my wife and my sons, my parents, Aunt Lucy, and all my extended family in Baker Lake.
Indeed, I give thanks to all the people of Baker Lake because they have assisted me greatly and they have strongly advised me when I’ve had to make changes.
Mr. Speaker, I would especially like to thank the Premier very much for assisting me.
I have great respect for him because he’s got a stressful job to do.
I would also like to profusely thank all my fellow members. They have assisted me greatly during the past four years here in the legislature.
Further, I want to thank all of our staff here at the House in Iqaluit and my staff in Baker Lake as well.
I express my deepest thanks to them as it was only with their assistance were we able to deal with issues.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank our Lord, God, for assisting us. It is fortunate we do have a God who loves.
Every time people are undergoing a stressful period in their life, God is always next to them and then you can understand what his plans are for you.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank all of the people I have mentioned.
I am very happy to be going home tomorrow and I cannot wait to get together with my family.
Member’s Statement 561 – 2(4): Reflections on Serving Two Terms in the Legislative Assembly (Tootoo)
It is an honour to rise today on what’s anticipated to be our final sitting day of the Second Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, it was almost 3,460 days ago, not that any of us were keeping track, that I joined you and the Members for Iqaluit East, Iqaluit West, Tununiq, Quttiktuq, Hudson Bay, and South Baffin for the first sitting of the First Legislative Assembly on April 1, 1999.
In the nine and a half years since that historic day, we have spent a great deal of time in each other’s company here in this Chamber. And some may think it’s too much time.
Mr. Tootoo: We certainly have the hair loss to prove it.
Mr. Speaker, our first major sitting in the First Assembly was held on May 12, 1999. I still recall the nervousness and pride that I felt when I rose for the first time to make a statement. In fact, I still feel nervous doing that, Mr. Speaker.
In my first statement, I remarked and I will quote it:
“I share with the other Members the hopes that this assembly will be open, accountable, and accessible to the people of Nunavut and the goal of that is that this assembly helps people realize their dreams, at the same time, it also helps address the painful realities that many people face on a daily basis, like the lack of adequate housing and jobs, family violence, and other hardships. We’re here to do a job, to get the job done.”
Mr. Speaker, I continue to believe exactly that and I believe that I have worked to the best of my abilities to do so.
Mr. Speaker, on that same day, I asked my first-ever question. As I recall, it was directed to Mr. Anawak, the former Minister of Community Government, Housing and Transportation on the issue of Nunavut’s housing shortage.
At that time, I was very surprised that my question was taken as notice, but since then, Mr. Speaker, I have become very accustomed to that happening.
Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to express my personal appreciation to my children, family, and the constituents of Iqaluit Centre for their support over the last decade.
As the Member for Iqaluit East so eloquently - but not expediently - said yesterday, the life of an elected politician brings unique challenges and pressures.
I believe that if your goal or our goal is simply to be popular and well-liked, you will fail in your duty to your constituents.
If you can’t ask the tough questions because you’re afraid of what the answers might be, or afraid to ruffle feathers, don’t run for office.
If you’re not willing to be candid with the public and acknowledge that hard choices and difficult times lie ahead, your place is elsewhere and not here in this honourable Chamber.
Our constituents have entrusted us with the responsibility to be forthright and upfront with them.
They should be and deserve to be told what they need to hear, which is not always what they want to hear.
Mr. Speaker, I have always had profound respect for the confidence that the constituents of Iqaluit Centre have placed in me.
When this House reconvenes later this year, there will be a mixture of familiar faces and new blood.
I want to extend my best wishes to you, Mr. Speaker, and all Members of this House, regardless of what choices are made and what the immediate future brings.
Mr. Speaker, even though at times, I think one or two times, some of us have had disagreements over the years, but I really believe that each and every one of us in this Assembly and the last have all contributed strength to the whole.
I think that that’s something that’s important to recognize, that everybody brings their own unique strength here, and that’s what’s needed to keep things going.
Mr. Speaker, for my part, unlike a few other members here, I won’t leave you or my constituents in suspense. I am pleased to take this opportunity to formally state that I will again be seeking the confidence of the residents of Iqaluit Centre.
I have had many conversations with members of the public here in Iqaluit and from across Nunavut in recent months.
They have encouraged me to continue to speak out in this House on the issues that concern them here and across Nunavut.
They have told me that it is important for this community to have strong representation in the Legislative Assembly. I want to express my thanks to all those individuals who took the time to share their thoughts and concerns with me. I deeply appreciate their confidence.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to a campaign that focuses on the real issues facing Iqaluit and Nunavut as a whole.
I look forward to the public to whom we are ultimately accountable for having their say once again.
Mr. Speaker, before I go on, I would like to also acknowledge two individuals that are no longer here with us today, whose support I had in the past, even though one of them actually ran against me in the last election.
The first one I would like to acknowledge is Mr. Hughie McLennan, who everyone knows is a political junkie, and his support and belief in the system and politics in general will always be remembered.
And the other individual, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to acknowledge, after election, that did support me was Mr. Kevin McCormick, who recently passed away as well. I would like to acknowledge and thank them for the support that they gave me.
Mr. Speaker, I want to conclude today by reinforcing remarks made yesterday by my colleague opposite. Our work in this House would not be possible without the dedication and long hours put in by the officers and employees of the Legislative Assembly.
Our interpreters, who are back there, each and every one of them and also the ones that aren’t here for this sitting, ensure that we understand one another clearly and our staff ensures that we are well prepared for our sittings.
Also, Mr. Speaker, the people that you never see, they’re here everyday and watching and listening to everything we say, and that’s our technical and maintenance staff. I would like to thank them as well.
Mr. Speaker, I also want to pay tribute to the work that is done each and every day by our hard-working members of the public service to deliver essential programs to all of our constituents.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank my Constituency Assistant, Amanda Ford-Rogers, for the work and dedication that she has shown while employed by me.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to single out one individual who is keeping everyone hanging and just in case either of us isn’t here next time around, I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and dedication that the Member for Iqaluit East has put in since 1999 here to our Assembly.
He said it yesterday himself, he’s here every day and he’s noticeable, and if neither of us are here or if he’s not here and I’m here, I will truly miss what I have enjoyed for the last almost decade of our fun debates that we’ve had here in the House and commentaries back and forth.
I think we have been able to do that in a very respectful and professional manner, and I would like to thank him for always keeping it like that. It has been more enjoyable doing that.
Regardless of whatever decision he makes, I respect that decision and would also really like to say that the dedication and the hard work that he’s put in here for our territory has not gone unnoticed and I appreciate it very much.
Member’s Statement 562 – 2(4): Thank You to Residents of Rankin Inlet South, Whale Cove and Colleagues (Brown)
I rise today to speak to my first experience after I first got elected in 2004.
I was quite nervous when I first sat on the seat and if I could have, I would have hid under the table when it was my turn to speak. Fortunately, that feeling passed as most eventually do.
I wish to generously thank my constituents in Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove.
I have learned a lot more about government operations since I came here and I have found that it is one of the most stressful positions that one can take.
I believe that we also have to thank the Members of the First Assembly, who helped to create our first government.
This includes all of their staff as well as all of our present government staff. I believe that you, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Premier, Hunter Tootoo, and Mr. Ed. Picco, I probably omitted somebody, Levi Barnabas and Olayuk Akesuk, we have to thank the people that were at the inaugural Assembly.
They created a government and that was a very big step for Nunavummiut. I have noticed that more in the time that I have sat in this House.
I wish to express my immense gratitude to my husband, who has been on my side ever since... (interpretation ends) ... I especially would like to thank my husband for giving me all the support that I needed. Even sometimes, I had to leave him to travel south for the F/P/Ts.
I found those to be very hard work at times and sometimes very rewarding because we would often come back with some good news from our meetings down south with our counterparts.
My husband always stood by.
You know that song that was sung by Tammy Wynette, it says, “Stand by Your Man,” but I think today, in 2008, I would like a CD made by Mr. Ed. Picco, which would sing, ‘Stand by Your Woman,’ because this is what I feel about my husband.
If you’re listening, Ron, thank you so much for all you have done.
I never have to cook.