EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): We will try to be open to the conference that will be discussing these things.
Looking at it from the outside we know that in the world they weren’t having… . Let’s say for example the English writing system. They’re able to understand each other.
Within our own territory, we need to have a similar system so that everyone will be able to understand each other regardless of the differences in their languages.
I think we all know that in Greenland, they have used the same language writing system, Qaliujaqpait, Roman orthography.
Using Greenland as an example, that has one writing system. Should we not be looking at a system similar to that in order to be more up-to-date with our younger people today?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Any way we can we have to be open today.
If I want to converse with my children in Nunavut on the computer, using Qaliujaqpait is the only way.
That is the only way I converse with them.
What we are using now are different from before like if we want to speak Inuktitut to anyone we can use Qaluijaqpait, even using fax machines and chat. Everyone now communicates through the Internet using Qaliujaqpait already regardless of whether governments tell them to do that or not. So we’re already doing that.
I always try to talk to my children in Inuktitut. I mentioned the Inuit language is important to me. I will always try and use it as much as possible so that our descendents will always be able to use it.
As a father, that is how I feel, but as a government, you also have to deal with this.
(interpretation ends) Roman orthography, you can read English and Inuktitut using English symbols.
I think it would improve literacy, not only for Inuktitut, but for English for our literacy to be at the same level.
Like I said, I just wanted to throw that out. Food for thought.
(interpretation) Let me get back to page 66 in English, and in Inuktitut page 72.
The fifth bullet in the priorities for 2014-15, I guess they will be counting how many territorial services there are to communicate and provide services in all official languages.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you. This will commence this fall in September.
How will this be completed?
We will try to be finished by spring of next year.
Will we be informed about the outcome of this?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Definitely.
Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) One of your department priorities for 2014-15 will be to establish an annual songwriting contest to promote new music in Inuktitut.
How will this music be promoted once it is written?
It was started last year. It is not new and since it was so well received we wish to try it again for the upcoming year.
I thank the minister for this very good news.
How will you promote this contest in the communities?
We will be soliciting participants to this.
This will definitely be of great assistance to the youth in Nunavut.
I would like to go on to something else.
(interpretation ends) In previous business plans, the department’s priorities was to collaborate with the Inuit Language Authority to develop Inuit language proficiency assessment tools for the GN.
Has any progress been made on the development of assessment tools to assess the language skills of GN employees?
Hon. Paul Okalik: Yes, at this time, we are working with the EIA to make sure that we come up with adequate evaluation tools. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Oh, sorry. Next name on my list, Mr. Shooyook.
My colleague addressed this and our language is important.
In relation to Roman orthography and syllabics, those do not exist in my terminology. For instance, Roman orthography I refer to as Inuulingajut.
Do I understand this correctly, that if Inuit wish to use Roman orthography they can or do we have to use two writing systems?
What is being proposed here?
I know that this is not easy and especially the elders, they only know syllabics.
I believe that we will continue to use syllabics at this time.
However, in terms of the future, realistically what we use now if we need to strengthen the use of Inuktitut then perhaps we need to look seriously at whatever tool is available which is the Roman orthography or the anglicized version of Inuktitut writing using the alphabet.
Chairman: Mr. Shooyook.
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank you for the clarification.
Our language is important.
I am a full blooded Inuk and I don’t speak any English at all.
They follow our language, our dialect.
In our own homes if we our children and grandchildren hear English they will use it.
That being the case, therefore, because of the importance of the language should we be trying to hold off any encroachment on the use of English in our homes for as long as we can?
Naturally when we pass it on they will use it.
We want the Inuktitut language to remain alive so we will need to be having it modernized because the younger people will be… we have to think about the future as far as the young people are concerned.
There will be a major conference this year. We are interested in it.
We’re on page F-5. Branch Summary. Culture and Heritage.
Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $10,905,000.
Chairman: Thank you. Culture and Heritage. Branch Summary.
Heritage. Page F-6. Mr. Rumbolt.
On page 67 of the business plan under archaeology program it says, “Archaeology program promotes the protection, conservation and appropriate investigations, interpretations of archaeology sites in Nunavut.”
My first question is; how does your department go about identifying and documenting these sites throughout Nunavut?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) There’s a real good body called the Inuit Heritage Trust which has a very active role throughout the communities in Nunavut and we work with that body. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
When these sites are identified, how does your department go about regulating and investigating, making sure these sites aren’t disturbed?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) I actually have permits at my office requesting authorization to do work and I’m doing due diligence to make sure that they are fully qualified to do work on archaeological artefacts at this time. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
About four years ago, and I’ve tried for about three years. There are some sites near Sanikiluaq that are very close proximity to the gravel pit.
I have been trying to get the department to at least go look at these sites and see if anything could be done to preserve them because of their location.
To my knowledge, nobody has ever gone in to look at these sites and there are approximately 12 to 15 sites all within a couple of hundred metres of each other and they all parallel the gravel pit.
I’m just wondering if your department has any plans of going into Sanikiluaq to investigate these sites and see if there’s any way of preserving them.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Yes, we can do that.
The main vehicle that we use is the Inuit Heritage Trust that works with the communities at this time. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Next on the list, Ms. Angnakak.
In looking at the business plan on page 68, I see there’s a list of priorities that were for 2013-14 and almost every single was either not achieved or deferred.
There was $5.8 million set aside for that. I’m wondering: what was the money spent on if none of those were actually carried out?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): I’m sorry.
Those different items have been done or we will begin the process of doing those.
First of all, we have to do some planning that we want to be able to bring back our heritage to Nunavut and the first part was that some of the things that don’t need some specialized containers, such as those items in Yellowknife that are not as delicate, will be brought back to Nunavut.
We have an MOU and according to the MOU, we have to be able to work with Nunavik with respect to doing some heritage sites.
We have to take a good look at those permits before we issue them to people who want to do a study on the sites that they find. We also get some assistance from Inuit Heritage Trust.
We have to provide some information to the hamlets and the communities to find out whether these people will give us information before they start disturbing or doing heritage sites.
You’re talking mainly about the heritage and preserving and promoting our heritage stuff or products. That really accounts for $1.8 million. It’s just kind of concerning to me.
You write down all these things you’re going to do and then almost none of it is done.
In terms of cruise ship, we were talking about archaeology and stuff and heritage sites and that. What kind of involvement does your department have when it comes to the issues surrounding cruise ships and people getting out of the cruise ship and maybe disturbing heritage sites or artefacts? What kind of work do you do with that?
We usually provide information to the tour guides that the tourists should not disturb anything while they are walking about in a community.
Does anybody from this government actually go and make sure that artefacts aren’t being disturbed? How do you monitor that?
Before they go to a site there has to be an agreement in place.
Ms. Angnakak (interpretation): How do you find out that the things that have to be followed are followed?
The employees or the staff usually go to the sites to ensure that things are not disturbed.
How many people do you have that look into those heritage places to ensure that they are not disturbed?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): There are three of them.
Ms. Angnakak: The Nunavut genealogy research guide.
Was there a reason behind this starting? What were the original reasons for this being one of the areas that the department is working on?
That’s a very good question to ask.
Apparently, there are younger people that wanted to take the training and there are now elders involved in giving out the genealogy program.
Ms. Angnakak: Can you tell us what the current status is on this project?
In the High Arctic they will be having a meeting in the fall. (interpretation ends) Thank you.
Next on the list is Mr. Shooyook.
While we are talking about heritage I would like to make a comment that heritage is very important and the member for Sanikiluaq mentioned that he wanted those heritage sites protected. Near my old camp we also have near quite a few old Hudson’s Bay buildings.
Is there a rule or policy or law whereby those places are protected?
Because the army usually travels anywhere. They usually go near our place. They have already been to those sites and stuff like that near those old Hudson’s Bay buildings.
There are also ships that travel. Are you involved in protecting those sites from the people that go on cruise ships?
There is a research paper for permits that I have to sign before anything is done.
Whoever asks for a permit, after they get the permit, we have to make sure that our workers are there to make sure that sites are not disturbed within Nunavut.
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the minister for his response.
Those heritage sites have to be protected, if I was to hear or see anyone that disturbs artefacts who would I report it to?
The phone number that I provided, 1-866-684-5056. An Inuktitut-speaking person would answer the phone and would be able to help you.
We’re on page F-6. Culture and Heritage.
Branch Summary. Heritage. Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $5,917,000.
Carrying on. Branch Summary. Culture and Heritage.
Elders and Youth. Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $2,322,000. Agreed?
Chairman: Carrying on.
Culture and Heritage. Branch Summary. Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $1,157,000. Agreed?
Chairman: Back to page F-3. Department Summary.
Culture and Heritage. Detail of Expenditures. Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $25,676,000.
Chairman: Are you agreed that the Department of Culture and Heritage is concluded?
Minister Okalik, do you have any closing remarks?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank my colleagues and my staff.
Our department seems small but we have many responsibilities. Some of the things that we need to do takes a while to get done. Our staff keeps everything on par.
Please keep encouraging us. We’ll keep trying to protect our language and keep it strong. Thank you.
Before we go to the next department, we will take a five-minute break.
>>Committee recessed at 18:09 and resumed at 18:19
Bill 02 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2014-2015 – Environment – Consideration in Committee
Chairman: I would like to ask Minister Mike: do you have officials that you would like to appear before the committee?
Does the committee agree to let the minister’s officials go to the witness table?
For the record, Minister Mike, please introduce your officials.
To my left is Steve Pinksen, Acting Assistant Deputy Minister, and the Director of Finance, Niki Nweze.
Please proceed with your opening comments, Minister Mike.
Thank you to my colleagues and people who are present in the House.
Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to be here today to present the Department of Environment’s business plan and main estimates for the 2014-15 fiscal year.
The Department of Environment’s proposed budget for 2014-15 is $23,994,000.
This is unchanged from last year.
The Department of Environment works with various outside organizations and by partnering with these organizations whenever possible, we continue to be successful in maximizing the impacts of our funds.
In the 2013-14 fiscal year, we were able to leverage over $5.2 million from outside sources for various projects and we expect to be equally successful in the 2014-15 fiscal year.
Mr. Chairman, the Department of Environment’s 2014-15 business plan and main estimates are focused on the priorities and goals outlined in Sivumut Abluqta. They also uphold the Government of Nunavut’s obligations and areas of responsibility under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement that relate to the management of natural resources, as well as ensuring that the department’s many statutory obligations are fulfilled.
(interpretation ends) Avatimik Kamatsiarniq, or environmental stewardship, continues to be a key element of our departmental focus.
This includes managing our wildlife carefully and effectively, and working with governments, businesses, and industry to ensure that industrial projects in Nunavut are undertaken in such a manner that negative impacts to the environment are minimized.
Through proactive pollution prevention initiatives, inspection, and enforcement measures under the Wildlife Act and Environmental Protection Act, we will continue to monitor and protect the environment for current and future generations.
(interpretation) In the coming year, the Department of the Environment will also work to expand air quality monitoring to include the Kivalliq and Kitikmeot communities. (interpretation ends) We will continue to provide ongoing support and training to the students of Environmental Technology Program who are the future stewards of Nunavut’s environment and to Nunavut public service.
This will continue to our local capacity to manage the wide range of new development project being proposed in the territory.
(interpretation) Sustainable wildlife management in Nunavut has had many successes in 2013-14.
With support from the Baffin Island Caribou Workshop and the co-management steering committee, the Department of Environment undertook the first ever island-wide aerial survey of caribou on Baffin Island, including the northwestern area of the Baffin region.
Working together with our co-management partners, I am confident we will rebuild the Baffin Island caribou through management plan development in the coming year. (interpretation ends) As well, new management plans for polar bear and Peary caribou are in development for 2014-15 with valuable input from communities and our co-management partners.
(interpretation) Mr. Chairman, wildlife harvesting plays a critical role in our local economy, our health, food security, and our overall wellbeing as Nunavummiut. In 2014-15, the Department of Environment is committed to reviewing and realigning our hunter support and fur programs.
(interpretation ends) In the 2014-15 fiscal year, we will begin developing new management plans for Katannalik Park and Sylvia Grinnell Park and finalize land transfer for Sylvia Grinnell Park expansion. We will also work towards finalizing land tenure on Inuit owned lands it Katannalik Park and undertake a cultural landscape resource inventory for Katannalik Park.
(interpretation) the Nunavut Government research vessel, Nuliajuk completed another very successful research season in 2013. In 2014-15, we plan to complete the renewal of the Nunavut fishery’s strategy and also draft new fish processing and handling regulations for Nunavut in collaboration with stakeholders and co-management partners and we will continue to support the development of new inshore fisheries in all regions of Nunavut.
Mr. Chairman, as you can see, the Department of Environment’s 2014-15 main estimates and business plan support the obligations and priorities of the Government of Nunavut and obviously provide real benefits to the people of Nunavut.
Good evening to all the people of Nunavut.
Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to provide opening comments on behalf of the Standing Committee on Community and Economic Development on its review of the proposed 2014-15 main estimates and 2014-17 business plan of the Department of Environment.
The standing committee notes that the department’s proposed 2014-15 operations and maintenance budget of $23,994,000 remains unchanged from the introduction of the department’s 2013-14 main estimates.
The number of positions in the department remains at 128.5.
The proposed 2014-15 main estimates of the Department of Environment includes approximately $1,046,000 in harvester support programs; including core funding for hunters and trappers organizations, regional wildlife boards, the Fur Price Program and the Disaster Compensation Program.
The department’s 2014-17 business plan indicates that one of its priorities for the 2014-15 fiscal year is to “undertake a review of the department’s suite of harvester support programs, to assess effectiveness, program scope and funding levels, ensuring that the program is appropriately targeted to active harvesters and includes service standards for program delivery.”
On March 13, 2006, the final report from the joint review of harvester support programs that was undertaken by the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated was tabled in the Legislative Assembly by the Minister of Environment.
This comprehensive and detailed report contained a number of observations and recommendations that could serve as a foundation for the department’s upcoming review of its harvester support programs.
The standing committee also notes the importance of coordinating this review with the Department of Economic Development and Transportation’s review of its Country Food Distribution Program.
The standing committee also notes the importance of the department working with such entities as regional wildlife boards, Nunavut Arctic College and the municipal training organization to identify ways of providing training opportunities for local hunters and trappers organizations to strengthen their capacity in such areas as financial management, which can be anticipated to enhance their ability to effectively access and administer funding provided under the department’s harvester support programs.
The Department of Environment’s draft 2014-17 business plan indicates that one of its priorities for the 2014-15 fiscal year is to “conduct a strategic review of the department’s organizational structure in consideration of the changing pace of development and Government of Nunavut priorities.”
The Department of Environment’s draft 2014-17 business plan indicates that it will undertake a significant number of wildlife management initiatives over the next three fiscal years, including the implementation of management planning initiatives for all caribou populations, the implementation of a new polar bear management plan for Nunavut, and the development of a grizzly bear management plan for Nunavut.
The standing committee looks forward to ongoing updates on the status of these initiatives.
The Department of Environment is responsible for administering the Natural Resources Conservation Trust Fund.
One of the statutory purposes of the fund is to “promote education and training respecting IQ, safe and humane harvesting methods, harvester education, and wildlife conservation.”
The 2012-13 annual report on the administration of the Natural Resources Conservation Trust Fund was tabled in the Legislative Assembly on March 6, 2014.
Information provided by the department in response to questions asked in the Legislative Assembly on the use of the Natural Resources Conservation Trust Fund indicate that new surcharges on licences issued under the Wildlife Act “will be the largest ongoing source of revenue” for the fund.
The department has estimated that it will raise approximately $200,000 per year from such surcharges.
The new surcharges are to be brought into effect in July of this year in association with new regulations under the Wildlife Act.
The standing committee looks forward to greater utilization of the Natural Resources Conservation Trust Fund in future years.
In addition to the Wildlife Act, the Department of Environment is responsible for administering a number of other statutes, including the Environmental Protection Act.
The department’s proposed 2014-15 budget for its Environmental Protection Division is $2,649,000.
The division’s responsibilities include “enforcement of the Environmental Protection Act,” a function which includes “environmental monitoring, inspections, investigations, spill response, and, in extreme cases, enforcement action.”
Given the importance of these functions to the health and safety of Nunavummiut, the standing committee recommends that the minister begin the practice of tabling an annual report in the Legislative Assembly that accounts in detail for his department’s activities under the Environmental Protection Act.
The department’s 2009-10 business plan indicated that “a lack of modern community waste management infrastructure impacts compliance with the Environmental Protection Act.”
The standing committee notes that the draft 2014-17 business plan of the Department of Community and Government Services indicates that one of its goals for the 2014-15 fiscal year…
Mr. Rumbolt: Working now?
I will start from this page again.
The department’s 2009-2010 business plan indicated that a lack of modern community waste management infrastructure impacts compliance with the Environmental Protection Act.
The standing committee notes that the draft 2014-17 business plan of the Department of Community and Government Services indicates that one of its goals for the 2014-15 fiscal year is to develop an environmental work plan for the municipal wastewater effluence strategy, as per agreement by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment.
The Department of Environment’s proposed 2014-15 main estimates include approximately $865,000 in funding for grants and contributions for fisheries related programs including the Fisheries Diversification Program and the Commercial Fisheries Freight Subsidy.
The department’s proposed business plan outlines a number of priorities for the 2014-15 fiscal year, including the renewal of the Nunavut Fisheries Strategy, the drafting of the new fish processing and handling regulations for Nunavut, and the development of new inshore fisheries in all regions.
The standing committee notes the importance of ensuring that work in these areas is coordinated with such partners as the Nunavut Development Corporation, which owns a number of subsidiaries that process and market seafood products.