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Our heavy reliance on workers from the south will not lessen until we have adequately educated Nunavummiut who can fill those same positions.
Mr. Speaker, it gravely concerns me that one of the objects of this bill is to severely weaken the role of the District Education Authorities.
We have worked very hard over the past few years to strengthen the roles and responsibilities of community-level bodies.
We have recognized that one of the keys to self-reliance at the local level is to devolve responsibilities to the local level – not strip them away.
Bill 1 even seeks to take away a number of rights and choices that parents and students currently have.
Not only does Bill 1 take us further away from self-reliance but it proposes to do so in a less open and transparent manner than ever before.
As an example of the direction in which Bill 1 is leading us – the new Act states that the Statutory Instruments Act would not apply to the directions of the Minister.
One of the main purposes of that Act is to ensure that the public has access to information on changes to regulations, appointments and certain directives, by requiring the government to publish those instruments in the Nunavut Gazette.
If the Minister and his department are no longer bound by that law, how can we be assured of an open and transparent governing of our education system?
Currently, the members of every community’s DEA are democratically elected by the community they serve.
In most cases representation on the DEA is reflective of the community population.
This Bill seeks to change that process.
What are the principles on which this Bill is based?
One central principle behind this bill, it seems to me, is to remove control and authority from community-based elected bodies and put it all in the hands of the Minister and departmental bureaucrats.
Some of my constituents have already asked me, “Under this new Bill, what is the point of having a District Education Authority at all?”
I believe that the roles and responsibilities of District Education Authorities deserve very careful consideration.
Under the current Act, DEAs have the power to monitor, evaluate, direct and deliver the school programs.
Under Bill 1, it is the minister who directs or approves any such activity.
Under the current Act, DEAs can enter into agreements for the delivery of programs and services, supervise the employment, discipline and dismissal of staff, administer and manage the educational affairs of the education body.
Under Bill 1, these responsibilities are no longer the preview of the DEAs.
Instead, the DEAs are left the task of assuring attendance at school – an area DEA representatives could not possibly have any control over.
I fear that under the new Act our DEAs will just end up being scapegoats.
They will have no real control or authority over what goes on but when thing go wrong they will be left holding the bag.
Mr. Speaker, to the merits of the Bill.
Nunavut’s Education Act is one of our most important pieces of legislation.
I don’t think that any of us can afford to underestimate the importance of a good, sound education system.
The success of this piece of legislation affects our future tomorrow because it affects our children today.
Education covers a wide spectrum.
Preschool programs should be in place to prepare young children to enter the school system when they reach the appropriate age.
Resources must be available for programming in the classroom.
Schools must be adequately funded to deliver their programs.
Class sizes should not overwhelm our teachers and pupil-teacher ratios should be set to a manageable number.
Why do we continue to fund per capita when this government has been arguing against that kind of formula on many other fronts?
Students must have the opportunities to attain the level of education that will allow them to follow their dreams whether they wish to follow a trade program or continue on to post-secondary academic studies.
Language issues cannot be overlooked.
I am concerned that one of the objects of Bill 1, to address the language needs specific to Nunavut, does not go far enough.
Not only must our Education Act provide for first language education needs for the Inuktitut, Inuinnaqtun, English and French speaking communities, it must also address second language needs.
Bill 1 does not adequately address the needs of second language learners of English, Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun and it does not provide all for the second language learning of French.
We may discover that this Bill because of that could end up being unconstitutional.
Rule 67 of the rules of the Legislative Assembly says we can talk about the expediency of the bill in second reading.
Why do we want to rush this new Education Act?
Or, to phrase it another way, can we afford to rush this act through to reach a short-term objective and risk getting it wrong in the long-term?
By hastily adopting something now we run the risk of throwing out something that works, recognizing that it needs improvement, and replacing it with something that is worse.
I feel that it is crucial to take the time to consider this Bill very carefully.
Mr. Speaker, the Education Act is a statute and it is accompanied by a great number of regulations.
For every community there is at least one set of regulations relating to a DEA.
So for 26 communities, there are 29 regulations.
There are a further 13 regulations dealing with technical aspects of the delivery of educational services.
Newly drafted regulations will be required to accompany the new Act.
Members of the Legislative Assembly and stakeholder such as DEAs should have an opportunity to have input on the review and review any changes to the regulations that may result from Bill 1.
Mr. Speaker, I am concerned that the consultation process followed by the Department of Education to develop Bill 1 has been somewhat less than transparent.
For example, despite the very public announcement of a GN-NTI Working Group to review the Education Act, the only consultation input they made available has been a list of the Working Group’s recommendations.
The ability to consider the results of all of the Department’s consultations would at least help to inform us why and where changes were made to the current Act.
In sum, Mr. Speaker, I have some very serious concerns with Bill 1.
However, I fully support the development of a made-in Nunavut Education Act.
I will vote in support of second reading.
I encourage Members of the Standing Committee to be innovative and broad-minded during the review process.
I look forward to contributing my views and opinions and I encourage all Nunavummiut to participate in the consultation process in the coming months.
I encourage parents to take the time to look through Bill 1.
Discuss it with each other, other parents, educators and DEA representatives.
Members of the Legislative Assembly will be asking for your views and opinions and it is important that constituents are ready to present them.
This input will be vital to make the necessary changes to Bill 1 so that it becomes an Education Act that we all want.
It is your children’s future.
It is the future of Nunavut.
We cannot afford to let another opportunity slip away.
Mr. Speaker, I’m very pleased today to take this opportunity to speak to the principle of Bill 1 in proposed Education Art.
Mr. Speaker, in the early days of this first legislature the government set out our hopes and plans for the future of Nunavut.
To reach a vision four priorities were established: healthy communities, simplicity and unity, self-reliance, and continuing learning.
These priorities form the basis of the Bathurst Mandate.
Mr. Speaker, the made in Nunavut Education Act could play one of the most important roles in achieving the vision that the Bathurst Mandate describes.
As we consider the principles of Bill 1, the proposed Education Act, we must keep in mind the underlying priorities for the future of Nunavut.
It is important that we work to support and improve community initiatives.
It is important that we work towards community empowerment.
It is important that educational services and programs are delivered based on community by community needs.
We need to work towards these goals if we want our legislation to meet the needs and wishes of Nunavummiut.
In the coming months, Member of the Legislative Assembly will be reviewing Bill 1.
I look forward to hearing views from all Nunavut communities on this important bill.
The Bill has had Second Reading and accordingly stands referred to a committee.
As there are no items in Committee of the Whole, we will go to the next item on the Order paper.
Orders of the Day for Thursday April 25th, 2002. 1:30 p.m.
Report of Standing and Special Committees
Report of Committees on the Review of Bills
Report of Committee in the Whole.
This House stands adjourned until Thursday April 25th at 1:30 pm.
>>House adjourned at 4.07p.m.  Nunavut Canada
Thursday April 25, 2002
Pages 70 - 98
Opening Prayer 70
Ministers’ Statements 70
Members’ Statements 72
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 79
Oral Questions 79
Revert to Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 96
Petitions 97
Tabling of Documents 97
Orders of the Day 97
Thursday April 25, 2002 70
007 – 1(6): Recognition of College Students Graduating from Programs (Kilabuk) 70
008 – 1(6): New Sealskin Grading System (Akesuk) 71
028 – 1(6): Concerns About Suicides in Nunavut (Alakannuark) 72
029 – 1(6): Private Harvey of Kugluktuk: Princess Patricia Battalion (Havioyak) 72
030 – 1(6): Air Canada’s Definition of Short Haul Flights (McLean) 73
031 – 1(6): GN Assistance to Kitikmeot Employment Opportunities (Puqiqnak) 75
032 – 1(6): Geese Arrive in Sanikiluaq (Kattuk) 75
033 – 1(6): Ulu Winners 2002 AWG From Nanulik Riding (Arvaluk) 76
034 – 1(6): Meeting with Nunavut MP and INAC Minister (Irqittuq) 77
035 – 1(6): Military Accidents and Prevention of Suicides in Nunavut (Iqaqrialu) 77
036 – 1(6): 2002 Toonik Tyme Success (Tootoo) 77
037 – 1(6): Rev. Mike Ferris’ Retirement from the GN (Picco) 78
021 – 1(6): Gasoline for Kugaaruk (Irqittuq) 79
022 – 1(6): Date of Implementation for New Sealskin Grading Program (Nutarak) 80
023 – 1(6): Training Allowances for Weather Observers (Iqaqrialu) 82
024 – 1(6): Transportation Funding for Mine Employees in East Kitikmeot (Puqiqnak) 83
025 – 1(6): Medical Travel Policy (McLean) 85
026 – 1(5): Consultations on Proposed Education Act (Tootoo) 87
027 – 1(6): Number of Students Graduating from Programs (Williams) 89
028 – 1(6): Update on St. Theresa’s Hospital (Arvaluk) 90
029 – 1(6): Kugluktuk Breakwater Construction Update (Havioyak) 93
030 – 1(6): Community Consultations on Proposed Education Act (Iqaqrialu) 94
01 – 1(6): Unfair Application of Aeroplan Rules to Baker Lake (McLean) 97
04 – 1(6): Statutory Requirements for the Tabling of Reports and Other Documents in the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut (Speaker) 97
Honourable Olayuk Akesuk, Mr. Ovide Alakannuark, Mr. James Arvaluk, Mr. Donald Havioyak, Mr. David Iqaqrialu, Mr. Enoki Irqittuq, Honourable Peter Kattuk, Honourable Peter Kilabuk, Mr. Jobie Nutarak, Mr. Glenn McLean, Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Honourable Paul Okalik, Honourable Ed Picco, Honourable Manitok Thompson, Mr. Uriash Puqiqnak, Mr. Hunter Tootoo, Ms. Rebekah Williams.
Speaker: I would like to call on Mr. Alakannuark to say the prayer.
Good afternoon Mr. Premier, members.
Are there any Ministers’ Statements?
Minister’s Statement 007 – 1(6): Recognition of College Students Graduating from Programs
Today is Thursday. (interpretation ends) I rise today to ask my fellow members to join me in recognizing the achievement of students of Nunavut Arctic College who have and will be graduating from various degree, diploma and certificate programs offered through the college campuses and learning centres.
These graduations will be taking place over the next several weeks on location throughout Nunavut.
They are an important occasion not just for the students but also for their families and their communities.
Mr. Speaker, we are all aware of how important education is for the future of our new territory.
We also recognise the sacrifice that the students and their families make and the hard work required to complete their programs to graduation.
For many it will be a point of change in their lives either going on to employment in Nunavut, or on to further education.
Mr. Speaker, these graduates are our future.
On behalf of my colleagues, I’d like to express our support for our graduating classes and to give our graduates our best wishes and prayers for their future endeavours.
Congratulations graduates.
Minister’s Statement 008 – 1(6): New Sealskin Grading System
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Over the past couple of years, my department has made significant progress in revitalising the sealing industry within Nunavut.
Through our efforts we have seen the market for sealskins increase by more than 100% over the past two years…
…as well as an increased public awareness of our lifestyle and the cultural significance of sealing in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, in an effort to provide support to our harvesters I rise today to announce the implementation of a new sealskin grading system.
Under this new system, for this year, harvesters will receive for the highest quality skins, a top price of 60 dollars per skin and for the lowest acceptable quality sealskins 25 dollars.
These prices are based on current market demands and will be reviewed annually to reflect market changes.
Over time this new system will result in harvesters bringing in the best quality skins possible resulting in a higher income to support their activities.
Our community wildlife officers who have tirelessly promoted the development of our fur industry over the years will implement this new system. As well, they have conducted consultations with the HTOs to ensure that they are aware of the coming changes.
To assist with the implementation of this new system our department has produced a grading manual and video. The new video goes over the main points of maximizing quality of sealskins through all steps from harvesting to shipping and marketing.
We are currently making final preparations for the implementation of this new sealskin grading system and anticipate a start date of May 13, 2002.
Member’s Statement 028 – 1(6): Concerns About Suicides in Nunavut
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about an issue that I am concerned about.
I will talk about suicide in Nunavut.
I want to begin by telling our youth that there is no greater, or more precious gift than human life, any where in the entire universe.
Mr. Speaker, having had on many occasions the opportunity to talk and listen to many Nunavummiut and politicians about suicide in Nunavut, I found no one to blame or solution to remedy the unfortunate case of people taking their own lives.
There is no one reason why people commit suicide.
What is it that drives healthy people to kill themselves?
That is the unseen psychological question we must tackle.
However, Mr. Speaker, the unforeseen forces that cause people to take their own lives must not go unchallenged.
We the parents, spiritual leaders, teachers, community leaders, and politicians, must not only preach but lead by example.
We all must show our youth that we love them.
We must do our utmost to communicate the inner care we have for them at home, on the street, out on the land, and anywhere on the face of the earth by well meaning greetings.
Mr. Speaker, communicating with our youth, showing that we are there for them and noticing and commending their efforts and achievements can sometimes make a difference in the dark moments of life.
No one can be blamed for the unseen forces that cause people to take their own life, but by showing that we care as a society of people, we can make life worthwhile living for all Nunavummiut in Nunavut and elsewhere.
I think it is only fair that I remind members to stay within their time frame.
It seems I am always picking on Mr. Puqiqnak for going over.
Actually he has been quite good lately.
So just to remind the members to mind the clock.
Member’s Statement 029 – 1(6): Private Harvey of Kugluktuk: Princess Patricia Battalion
Mr. Speaker on Thursday April 18 our nation held its breath while we were waiting to find out who our fallen soldiers were.
We knew they were part of the Fifth Battalion of Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry who were killed by friendly fire.
Mr. Speaker what we didn’t know was if one of the fallen was one of our fathers, sons, sisters, brothers, cousins or neighbours and so as a nation we held our breath hoping in the midst of the tragedy our close ones were not among the dead.
When the names were released there was a sigh of relief and there were tears of grief.
Mr. Speaker, this terrible tragedy has reminded us of the constant danger faced by the Canadian troops in Afghanistan.
It has reminded us that for them there is not a minute in the day when they can put down their guard.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to recognize one of my constituents who is serving in Afghanistan, Private Tommy Evikhoak Harvey who is 24 years old, grew up in Kugluktuk, and chose to serve his country by joining the Canadian Armed Forces.
He is serving with the Third Battalion of the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry in Afghanistan.
Mr. Speaker, I was speaking with Tommy’s father Dan earlier this week and he told me something very interesting.
He told me of that the flag of the home province of each soldier is flown in Afghanistan but there was no Nunavut flag.
Mr. Speaker today Dan will be sending a Nunavut flag to fly in Afghanistan.
When I spoke with Dan Harvey he made clear that the thoughts of all Nunavummiut were with him and his family as the Canadian deaths were reported.
Many people, even some they didn’t know, phoned to see if Tommy was ok.
I would like to ask the members to conclude my statement.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to count Private Harvey as one of my constituents and I want the family to know that my thoughts and prayers are with him and his comrades in their daily fight to protect the freedom we as Canadians often take for granted.
Member’s Statement 030 – 1(6): Air Canada’s Definition of Short Haul Flights
Bear with me today, I may go a little longer than I have to.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to mention today that April 1st has come and gone, without much fanfare and publicity.
Mr. Speaker, it will take me a few seconds to say remember the people that made this happen.
The John Amagoaliks, the Tagak Curleys, the Josie Kusugaks, the Michael Amaruks, and I don’t know everyone involved, but we should remember everyone who was involved in the make up of Nunavut.
I would like to thank the person who mysteriously left me with a copy of the Charter of Rights, it is twenty years old today, and I lost my original copy.
I want the members in this House to remember the freedom, and Nunavut was sort of built around that freedom, or I would not be standing here today.
Now the second part of my statement is on something more critical.
Mr. Speaker, in November of last year in this House I raised an issue of great importance to all Nunavummiut.
At that time, I urged the government to take a stand against Air Canada’s unilateral decision to increase the number of Aeroplan points needed to fly between Nunavut communities and major southern airports.
Since then, Air Canada has redefined flights from Iqaluit and Rankin Inlet to the south as short haul flights.
Mr. Speaker, I believe this is due in part to the very vocal stance of the Yukon government – a government that took action when Air Canada decided to take advantage of the Yukon people.
Mr. Speaker, my constituents in Baker Lake are still being held hostage by Air Canada.
And so, Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of their petition requesting that Baker Lake to Winnipeg be defined as a short haul reward.
As Nunavummiut, we are all dependant on air travel, and the airlines are well aware of this fact.
And they take advantage of our isolation by treating us like second-class citizens in Canada.
As consumers of air travel in Canada, we have few options open to us.
There is no real competition and so we suffer the consequences of this near monopoly.
Mr. Speaker, as we struggle with this monopoly, our government, in their Transportation Strategy, continues to dabble with the formation of an airline monopoly in the territory by choosing a “preferred” or “dominant” carrier for Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, what good can possibly come of deliberately creating a monopoly in any industry?
It’s no secret that the creation of a monopoly limits consumer choice.
Mr. Speaker, you mustn’t lose sight of the fact that those consumers are also our constituents.
Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to reinforce my earlier statements and urge the Minister of Community Government and Transportation to consider, with all due caution, the results of any action taken with respect to air service in Nunavut and I again urge the Minister of Sustainable Development to support the Tourism Industry in Nunavut by demanding that consumers have access to our territory at a competitive rate.
This means supporting Baker Lake’s petition on Air Canada’s policy.
Just a reminder to the members that you should stick to one topic.
I noticed Mr. McLean tried to tie this in with his freedom of speech and freedom of rights statement, but we have our own rules in this House Mr. McLean.
Member’s Statement 031 – 1(6): GN Assistance to Kitikmeot Employment Opportunities
Mr. Speaker, you could just let me know when my time is up so I can keep track of the time.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about February 26, 2002 when I made a Member’s Statement regarding the problem that my communities faced when residents of Gjoa Haven and Taloyoak went to work at mine sites in the Western Arctic.
These communities are not considered by the mining companies to be points of hire.
Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to hear that during the Nunavut Mining Symposium, that was held recently in Cambridge Bay, the Kitikmeot Employment and Training Partners called for the negotiation of a travel subsidy agreement to allow Kitikmeot Inuit from the eastern communities to more easily get to point of hire locations.
Mr. Speaker, this is indeed good news for the people of Kitikmeot that continue to seek employment in the mines.
It is also good to hear that 60 out of 66 students, residents from the five Kitikmeot communities have completed their training programs.
I would like to stress again Mr. Speaker that airfares within our communities are not cheap and that with our high unemployment rates, job seekers do not need yet another barrier to seeking work.
I call on our government to assist in whatever ways are possible.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I will be asking the minister questions.
Member’s Statement 032 – 1(6): Geese Arrive in Sanikiluaq
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about my constituency and some information that I’ve received from our community.
There were geese seen and the geese are starting to come in close to the community.
A lot of our hunters will be going out to catch some geese. I envy them for being able to do that.
These individuals go out on the land and carve and wait for the geese to fly over.
They are there to hunt in order to feed their families. This is what’s happening in our community and I just wanted to recognise what our hunters are doing.
Member’s Statement 033 – 1(6): Ulu Winners 2002 AWG From Nanulik Riding
I would like to rise today to congratulate a number of Coral Harbour and Chesterfield Inlet youth who performed extremely well at the 2002 Arctic Winter Games.
Mr. Speaker, the athletes from my constituency demonstrated a high level of commitment and effort throughout the Games, and their communities are extremely proud of them.
Mr. Speaker, the Gold Ulu winners were:
Johnny Issaluk from Chesterfield Inlet in the Head Pull event; Joseph Nakoolak from Coral Harbour, who won 2 Ulus in wrestling; and Noel Kaludjak, Jr. in the 2000m relay.