EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, I feel deeply for the residents of Kugaaruk as they will need tremendous support to avoid delays to the students’ education.
My message is that, even though this is tragic, do not lose hope during this trying time.
Mr. Speaker, as Minister Quassa stated, I wish the firefighters, emergency first responders, the Department of Education, the Department of Community and Government Services, teachers, the Department of Health, hamlet officials, teachers, school staff, parents, and especially the students a seamless path forward.
I feel for my colleague from Netsilik and I will be thinking of you.
Member’s Statement 484 – 4(3): Order of Nunavut Recipients (Shooyook)
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good afternoon” to my colleagues and my children whom I have left behind in our community, my wife, the residents of Quttiktuq, and those watching the proceedings.
Last night I experienced immense pride at the investiture ceremony in listening to the backgrounds of the people who were recognized.
I am quite proud of the achievements of these recipients.
There were two recipients who spoke about using Inuit cultural knowledge to reach the level they are currently in, where they were assisted by local Inuit.
This showcased the depth of Inuit skill and I take great pride that there are people who want to assist us.
This is part of the reason why Inuit knowledge and practices are constantly discussed.
I was extremely proud of the work, especially the person who helped find the ship wrecks using Inuit traditional knowledge, and he compiled the elders’ knowledge and stories. That is how they found the first ship wreck.
This is something I take great pride in. Today let us work harder to incorporate the strengths of Inuit knowledge.
The ceremony last night was quite enjoyable and it was a very happy occasion.
Member’s Statement 485 – 4(3): Collapse of the Sealing Industry (Mike)
I say “good day” to my fellow residents and relatives in Pangnirtung.
I, too, felt pride when we heard the backgrounds of the recipients during the investiture ceremony.
In listening to the comments of the recipients, one of them started way before I was born.
This person came up north prior to my birth and they have stayed in the north to this day.
I felt quite proud as I listened to the stories from the recipients, especially related to the sealskin market crash of the late 70’s as this was very personally relevant as I shared in the loss of freedom.
The recipients were aware of the reasons for the crash, and I listened to the experiences of Louie Kamookak, Ellen Hamilton, and Mr. Pedersen.
Mr. Pedersen was in Pangnirtung when I was a youth, and I occasionally recognize him.
To touch on the sealskin crash back then, the prices were quite high for sealskins and within a couple of years, sealskins became worthless.
Shortly thereafter the Inuit lifestyle really started to change at that time.
This occurred when government was in the north.
Basically the Inuit traditional practices have been under attack for many years, especially related to our ancestors’ usage of furs and skins.
It seems that many of the social ills that Inuit suffer today started right at that time as Inuit lost their only means of income due to outsiders.
This is something I have noted personally.
At that time I believed my future was set as a seal hunter who could support his family like my own father or to occasionally trap for furs. As it turned out, that future was cut off prior to becoming an adult.
Last night’s ceremony helped open my eyes on a subject I seemed to have forgotten.
We must never forget how our lives were deeply impacted and that Inuit culture was almost destroyed.
The social ills stem from the time when many Inuit hunters underwent a stressful period as they lost their only means of supporting their families and outpost camps, as well as in the communities. I, too, felt great pride in this story when it was related how the crash affected Inuit.
I am very proud of the three recipients. Their stories were very interesting and they made you wish you could mirror them.
Good afternoon, my colleagues, people of Arviat and Whale Cove, as well as all Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, it is a very rare occasion for me to stand and recognize people.
I am pleased to recognize an individual who is very well known, especially in the Kivalliq region.
Some members know him.
I had breakfast with him this morning.
He has been my friend for many years and I have also worked with him on occasion in the Kivalliq and in parts of Nunavut.
I would like to recognize Patrick Tagoona, who is well known.
He is from Baker Lake, but he is now living in Rankin Inlet.
He is here on business. Welcome to the gallery.
Mr. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day to the people of Chesterfield Inlet and Rankin Inlet.
I would also like to recognize a person who was one of the executive members of the Kivalliq Inuit Association.
He was also the president of Sakku Corporation and is now one of the directors of a private corporation.
I would like to recognize Patrick Tagoona.
It is very rare that I stand up to recognize individuals in the gallery.
Although he has already been introduced by Members of the House who are older than me, he has many relatives and friends in Baker Lake and I would like to welcome to the gallery Patrick Aaruatsiaq Tagoona.
Question 630 – 4(3): Response to Kugaaruk Fire (Qirngnuq)
Firstly I wish to extend my thanks to the minister for his statement earlier about the tragedy causing hardship to our community.
I also wanted to extend my thanks to the local firefighters who fought the fire but were unable to douse it. They are very dear to us and I thank them for their dedication.
I have a question for the minister. Can the minister confirm whether he has been able to speak directly with the mayor and other community leaders, including the school principal and chairperson of the district education authority?
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my colleague for seeking more information on that.
What I can state at this time is that the school principal was not in town.
Actually the principal and another teacher were attending a training course.
They will return to Kugaaruk as soon as possible.
We haven’t had a chance to discuss this with the local groups or teachers, but our department is fully prepared and a delegation has been identified that will travel to Kugaaruk.
They are making the preparations to travel immediately to Kugaaruk.
This will include a representative of the Department of Education who will meet with all relevant groups to discuss the issue with them. It seems obvious that they will gather the information by welcoming the groups.
Plans are now being worked on to deal with this incident after the school fire.
This includes the teachers and other groups, although no conversations have taken place. However, plans are underway to go to the community.
The minister responded to some part of my question.
I would like to know if the minister can confirm when the government’s team is scheduled to arrive in the community.
That’s my next question.
At this time they are planning and getting their charter scheduled.
We already know who will be going there and they will be leaving tomorrow.
I would also like to ask the minister if he can confirm what the team’s first steps will be.
I would like to ask the member to rephrase his question so that I can respond accordingly.
Speaker (interpretation): Member for Netsilik, Mr. Qirngnuq, please clarify your question.
Can the minister confirm what the team’s first steps will be?
There have already been some conversations with the hamlet council.
They had a teleconference this morning and they will have face-to-face meetings with the hamlet council.
As soon as they arrive, they will look at what buildings are available that can be used in the meantime.
They will also inspect the area where the fire was. We will also have the fire marshal go in to do an investigation on the fire and what started it.
Those will be the first steps taken by the team that is flying in tomorrow.
Question 631 – 4(3): Residual Heat Study in Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt)
Mr. Speaker, my questions today are for the Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation.
One of the ways in which the QEC has been working to reduce fossil fuel consumption is by undertaking residual heat projects. These are currently in operation in Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, Arviat, and Kugluktuk.
For a period of time the elementary school in Sanikiluaq was connected in this way, but the system has encountered technical problems.
The QEC’s 2014-15 annual report indicates that the corporation worked with the Municipality of Sanikiluaq in 2014 to conduct a feasibility study to connect both schools in the community to the district heating system.
Can the minister confirm what the results were of this feasibility study?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Hon. Johnny Mike.
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, the QEC board fully supports this study on reusing the residual heat from the power plant by diverting the hot coolant fluids. That is how Inuit would practically describe the concept of this study.
This study is supported by the corporation.
This practice is becoming more commonly used in Nunavut. Currently Iqaluit is where we have mainly focused.
For that reason, the project specific to Sanikiluaq is something I will have to look into at this time. The previous study results will determine which buildings are serviced in Sanikiluaq.
I do know that in other communities the schools and other public facilities are heated by residual heat or other closer units.  The residual heat is used within the community, but some of the previous systems are no longer in use.
Once I have more details on this matter, I will be able to provide a more detailed response.
Mr. Speaker, this is the response I can provide at this time.
When buildings such as schools are in close proximity to power plants, there could be huge cost saving to the government by having the buildings heated with residual heat.
The system in Sanikiluaq has been down now for over ten years and the study that was done was in 2014.
Can the minister explain why it’s taking so long to move forward with this project?
If the study was completed in 2014, I will have to look into it.
The Qulliq Energy Corporation board supports such projects fully and I want the member to understand that, but this is the first I have heard that Sanikiluaq has waited that long, for ten years or more.
I will look into the details and report back to the member for Sanikiluaq on the question he raised.
The community has been waiting for 10 years. There was a system in place and it has been broken down for 10 years. It has taken this long for the QEC to get it back up and running.
Also, as I stated earlier, there are only four communities that have residual heat programs in place at the moment.
Does the QEC have any plans to expand the residual heat programs to other communities in Nunavut?
Yes, what he’s saying is true.
I know right now the communities that are presently using the residual heating system from the power plants.
We are aware of that and I have been informed that they have saved a lot of money on fuel. When I worked for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, I witnessed its usefulness myself in Pangnirtung when they used that system.
That’s why I’m saying, especially for Sanikiluaq, I will look into it as soon as possible, Mr. Speaker.
Question 632 – 4(3): Support for Shelters (Angnakak)
Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) Good afternoon as it is the afternoon.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would like to direct my questions to the Minister of Family Services, who is also the Minister responsible for Homelessness.
Mr. Speaker, it is a sad truth that a number of Iqaluit residents do not in fact have a home to reside in.
The Iqaluit men’s shelter struggles financially to provide a safe and comfortable place where homeless men can spend the night.
In 2016 the government reduced the amount of funding it provided to the shelter.
Can the minister provide an update on what consideration has been given to providing additional support to the Iqaluit men’s shelter, not just in terms of funding but also with services like counselling and outreach?
Minister responsible for Homelessness, Mr. Johnny Mike.
Yes, the Department of Family Services is involved in homelessness because there are homeless people, especially here in Iqaluit.
It’s the same situation all over Nunavut.
We are fully trying to support them as the Department of Family Services through funding or agreements.
Yes, I know we have to strengthen the support for services to homeless people in Nunavut when we witness homelessness and people who are in danger of becoming homeless.
We have wanted to make improvements on how we can give more support to homeless people or in other areas where we can provide more benefits to them. We are presently working on a strategic plan.
Mr. Speaker, many of the clients who stay at the Iqaluit men’s shelter need assistance and support in accessing services in such areas as housing applications, wellness counselling, mental health counselling, or finding productive choice opportunities.
Can the minister describe how his department works with other agencies to ensure that these clients do not fall through the gaps in receiving the necessary services?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister responsible for Homelessness, Mr. Mike.
Our colleague has mentioned the Uquutaq shelter on more than one occasion.
Yes, we also work with (interpretation ends) the City of Iqaluit (interpretation) on this issue.
They are also trying to provide assistance with how best to deal with homelessness as this is a very important issue.
For this reason, what I can state is that wherever improvements can be made to alleviate homelessness that depends on the homeless shelter, we are working with various agencies and organizations on how best to provide assistance for any mental or physical needs or any way to provide assistance to homeless people, but only if they want to receive assistance.
We are trying to improve their situation by helping them develop skills.
I know for a fact that the organizations that make arrangements for homeless people in Nunavut are working collaboratively, which includes the City of Iqaluit working with the Uquutaq shelter, and we are working closely with them on this issue.
It includes life skill improvements and training opportunities to pull themselves out of their situation, whether it is through employment or other types of services that can be provided. It can include working towards getting housing. These are all included.
However, we face difficulties even with the current situation. The groups work together to deal with the challenges of homelessness.
Following the concerns expressed, we want to improve this aspect as the Department of Family Services. Further, the Sivumut Abluqta mandate is part of the reasoning to try to improve the situation of homeless people in Nunavut, either those on the verge of losing housing or actual homeless people.
That is how it is currently set up.
Based on the developments as well as other ideas to combat homelessness, some are brand new while others have been worked on for several years.
It is obvious that in the coming days the results will show how much work the organizations have put into this challenge as prepared plans will eventually be submitted.
Homelessness often afflicts those who also suffer from mental health problems or substance abuse problems.
In fact it has been brought to my attention that the Iqaluit women’s shelter will not admit clients for the night if they might be under the influence.
Some jurisdictions, such as our neighbours to the west, are considering opening wet shelters where a homeless person who has been drinking can go to sober up in a warm place.
This is something I think I have also brought to the House; an issue I have asked before.
Can the minister provide an update on what consideration, if any, has been given to establishing a wet shelter in Iqaluit?
Minister responsible for Homelessness, Mr. Mike.
In looking at this from the homeless perspective, to respond to that, this is currently under review by the department and it is also being prepared as a statement.
Yes, I can look into the subject the member raised in her question on the situation today and I can provide an update before the end of this session.
Question 633 – 4(3): Arena Upgrades under the Small Communities Fund (Akoak)
Mr. Speaker, as the minister will recall, he participated in the February 29, 2016 announcement that more than $19 million in federal and territorial funding would be made available for “upgrading community arenas” under the federal Small Communities Fund.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to read some quotes from that news release.
A quote from the Hon. Premier of Nunavut: “Upgrading community infrastructure is a priority of the Government of Nunavut.
We continue to work with Canada to see that investments are made to benefit all of Nunavut.
Today’s contributions will have long-term benefits for communities as they use these spaces for activities that often move beyond the daily operations of a facility.”
A quote also from the Minister of Community and Government Services: “It is very encouraging to see support for infrastructure projects that improve our access to cultural and recreational facilities.
These projects will add positive value to community wellness throughout the territory for many years to come.”
My question is: can the minister tell us how much of that funding has been spent to date, and can he indicate what specific projects have been funded thus far?
The assessments of the arenas that will be fixed up have been done, but up to date no actual funds have been expended to fix up these arenas, just the assessments on what is wrong and what needs to be done to correct them or to make them better.
As the minister will recall, I asked him a number of questions concerning this program.
Specifically I asked the minister how communities can apply for funding under this program.
In his response on October 24 of last year, the minister stated that, and I quote, “We’re still working on that and the application process will be through my department.
I believe there’s no [actual] application form right now and we’re working on that.”
Can the minister tell us today: what specific steps must a municipality take in order to apply for funding for community arena upgrades under this program?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Hon. Savikataaq.
It’s my understanding now that the arenas that are in most need will be the ones that will be worked on, renovated, or fixed up.
As of right now there will be no application process in terms of each community competing against another community.
Once we assess which community arenas are the most needed, those are the arenas that will be selected to be renovated and fixed up.
Can the minister describe the specific types of arena upgrades that will be eligible for funding under this program?
As with most government funding, safety and health hazards will be one of the ranked highest criteria for any arenas that need renovations.
One of the major ones too is any arena that does not have a concrete pad or floor and no thermosiphons. Those will be targeted first because that is one way to extend the ice season or the arena season in those communities.
Those are the two main criteria that will be used to select which arenas will be worked on.
Question 634 – 4(3): Addressing Trauma and Healing (Joanasie)
Mr. Speaker, I guess four days of Committee of the Whole wasn’t enough. I wanted to ask a few further questions in relation to how his department allocates resources to target and address trauma and healing.
I noted this January it was announced that the federal government will be contributing an additional $500,000 a year for mental health initiatives in Nunavut.
Can the minister clearly describe how his department focuses on helping Nunavummiut who are suffering from past traumas and ongoing personal struggles to get on a path towards healing?
Even after four days of answering questions in Committee of the Whole, I’m still more than willing and able to continue to help educate my colleagues on what services are available through the Department of Health.
The member’s question specifically mentions the investment that the federal government is putting to mental health services, and he’s correct that it’s approximately $500,000 per year for the next 10 years.
Mr. Speaker, last year we spent almost $15 million, if not more, on mental health, so you can imagine the impact that $500,000 will make.
That being said, the reason we have been expending substantial dollars in this line category is because people are accessing the services on a more frequent basis.
There has been a lot of information being shared at the community level, even up to the national level on the importance of addressing mental health.
I commend the member for continuing to highlight this important initiative.
When somebody feels that they need to access mental health services or a family member wants to enquire about services that are available for a loved one, the initial step would be to contact their health care facility to obtain an appointment with one of our psychiatric nurses or another one of our community health workers in the community to do a one-on-one assessment of what types of services may be required for that specific individual.
Those services are quite varied across the territory.
I do invite any of my colleagues or members of the public to visit our website if they have Internet access or to contact our patient relations office if they have specific questions or to schedule an appointment with one of our mental health workers in the community to be able to describe what services are available.
I commend the department for dedicating such resources towards mental health and putting an emphasis on how our residents can access services.
Mr. Speaker, trauma from past experiences can become a serious problem which affects an individual’s ability to lead a healthy life in the future.
I would like to get a sense from the minister; he explained, for example, trying to access psychologists either in person or through telehealth.
How many psychologists does the department have on staff and how many clients or people who would want to see a psychologist, are there in the territory?
I spoke earlier of a workshop that is occurring here in Iqaluit today and tomorrow.
One of the topics of one of the keynote speakers that I attended to this morning, the president of ITK, talked about this very issue.
It was met with a lot of interest from different delegations attending.
Even if a person is in a loving, healthy home, there are still implications of historical trauma that can put people’s mental health at risk.
They can be in a good home with a good source of food and loved ones and supports and education, but it doesn’t mean you are immune to have some of these challenges.
I think just the fact that mental health itself isn’t such a stigma anymore, it is becoming more recognized.
With regard to the specifics of the member’s question, it’s a fluctuating number. Our psychologists are here on a contract basis, sometimes at the community level and sometimes designated at the hospital here.
There are services available.
One of the specific examples, and I believe I mentioned it during Committee of the Whole, we have a very good relationship with the Sick Kids hospital in Toronto where they assist some of our children and youth through telepsychiatry, but that is done in conjunction with services that are available locally.
It’s not the only service that a child or youth or an individual would access. A number of the services are used collaboratively together.