EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Earlier when I was trying to acknowledge people earlier, this person was hidden from my sight. Elisapee Johnston lived in Igloolik for many years. As you may well know, Anguti Johnston is the host, Inuk Qablunaaq, on the IBC show that our youth enjoy.
She is the mother of that popular host. I wish to welcome her.
Committee Report 041 – 3(3): Bill 58, Public Service Act (Ningeongan)
I wish to report that Bill 58, Public Service Act, has been reviewed by the Standing Committee on Legislation and that the bill, as amended and reprinted, is ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole.
Bill 58 will be placed on the order paper for September 16.
Member from Cambridge Bay, Mr. Peterson.
Tabled Document 406 – 3(3): March 2008 Nunavut Leadership Forum Candidate Responses (Peterson)
Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, I am tabling a copy of responses of all three leadership candidates to the March 2008 Nunavut Leadership Forum question concerning the status of an independent child and youth advocate.
As we move forward with Bill 40, representative for children and youth, in Committee of the Whole, I strongly encourage all members and Nunavummiut to review the responses from all three leadership candidates.
Tabled Document 407 – 3(3): UNICEF Canada Letter in Support of Bill 40 (Elliott)
Tabled Document 408 – 3(3): Second CMAJ Article on Suicide (Elliott)
Mr. Speaker, I would like to table a letter from UNICEF Canada expressing that organization’s support for Bill 40.
As members will recall, I discussed the contents of this letter in my comments yesterday during our deliberation on Bill 40.
Of note, this letter states that Bill 40 could serve as a model for other Canadian jurisdictions based on its comprehensiveness, internal cohesion, and rights based on legal analysis.
As we continue to review Bill 40 in Committee of the Whole, I urge all colleagues to read this letter and to support the bill.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to table another article from the Journal of the Canadian Medical Association which addresses the issue of suicide prevention in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to read this article. It is a testament to the effectiveness of the ASIST program, the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training Program.
It offers messages of hope for the future.
Tabled Document 409 – 3(3): Victims Assistance Committee’s Annual Report for the Period April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013 (Shewchuk)
I am pleased to table the Victims Assistance Committee’s annual report for the period April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013.
Tabled Document 410 – 3(3): Nunavut Liquor Commission’s Annual Report for 2010-2011 (Peterson)
I am pleased to table the Nunavut Liquor Commission’s annual report for 2010-11.
Tabling of Documents. No more documents to be tabled.
Motion 055 – 3(3): Adjournment for the Day (Ningeongan)
The motion is carried and as such, we will proceed to Item 22 in our Orders of the Day.
Orders of the Day for September 13:
Just a reminder that I invite all members to join me at five o’clock here in the Chambers for the Order of Nunavut Investiture Ceremony.
This House stands adjourned until Friday, September 13, at 9:00 a.m.
>>House adjourned at 15:08
DAY 91
Friday, September 13, 2013
Pages 4962 – 5003
Opening Prayer 4962
Ministers’ Statements 4962
Members’ Statements 4966
Returns to Oral Questions 4972
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 4973
Oral Questions 4974
Revert to Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 4994
Tabling of Documents 4995
Notices of Motions 4996  Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 4996
Report of the Committee of the Whole 5002
Orders of the Day 5003
Friday, September 13, 2013 4962
331 – 3(3): Arviat Anti-bullying Plays (Aariak) 4962
332 – 3(3): Bessie Sitatak from the Kugluktuk Ilavut Centre (Shewchuk) 4962
333 – 3(3): Proposed 1,500-tonne Increase in NAFO Area 0A Turbot Quota (Arreak) 4963
334 – 3(3): Retirement of Ainiak Korgak (Peterson) 4964
335 – 3(3): NHC Progress on Implementation of $100 Million Federal Funding for New Social Housing (Taptuna) 4965
336 – 3(3): Orange Day (Ell) 4965
337 – 3(3): Parks Canada CEO Award of Excellence for Douglas Stenton (Arreak) 4966
559 – 3(3): Tundra Fire Preparedness in Nunavut (Ningark) 4966
560 – 3(3): Gjoa Haven Bowhead Whale Hunt (Ugyuk) 4967
561 – 3(3): Congratulations to Davidee Arnakak (Oshutapik) 4968
562 – 3(3): Whale Cove High School Graduates (Kusugak) 4968
563 – 3(3): Appreciation to Qikiqtaalungmiut (Ningeongan) 4968
564 – 3(3): Transparency and Accountability (Curley) 4969
565 – 3(3): Inuit Societal Values (Tapardjuk) 4970
566 – 3(3): Not running in the Next Election (Shewchuk) 4971
Return to Oral Question 696 – 3(3): Implementing IQ in Child and Family Services Act (Ell) 4972
Return to Oral Question 698 – 3(3): HTO Compensation for Taloyoak (Arreak) 4973
743 – 3(3): Tundra Fire Preparedness in Nunavut (Ningark) 4974
744 – 3(3): Funding Agreements with the Government of Canada (Enook) 4976
745 – 3(3): Toolkit to Address Homelessness Funding (Ugyuk) 4977
746 – 3(3): Foxe Basin Polar Bear Subpopulation (Tapardjuk) 4978
747 – 3(3): Elders’ Difficulties Visiting Health Centres (Curley) 4980
748 – 3(3): Anti-bootlegging Enforcement Initiatives (Schell) 4982
749 – 3(3): Medical Appointments at Health Centres (Ningark) 4984
750 – 3(3): Caribou Management Issues – Food Security (Oshutapik) 4985
751 – 3(3): Orientation for Decentralized Employees (Enook) 4989
752 – 3(3): IQ Values in Child and Family Services Act (Tapardjuk) 4990
753 – 3(3): Mould in Public Housing at Kugaaruk (Ningark) 4992
411 – 3(3): 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 Education Act Annual Reports (Aariak) 4995
412 – 3(3): Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment: Council of Ministers Meeting, October 11, 2012 Lake Louise, Alberta (Arreak) 4995
413 – 3(3): Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture (CCFAM) and Atlantic Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture (ACFAM), September 5-6, 2012 – Victoria, British Columbia (Arreak) 4995
056 – 3(3): Extension of Oral Question Period (Tapardjuk) 4990
057 – 3(3): Extended Sitting Hours and Days – Notice (Kusugak) 4996
Bill 40 – Representative for Children and Youth Act – Consideration in Committee 4996
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Taptuna. (interpretation ends) We will move on with our orders of the day.
Minister of Education, Minister Aariak.  Item 2: Ministers’ Statements
Minister’s Statement 331 – 3(3): Arviat Anti-bullying Plays (Aariak)
Good morning, my colleagues, Iqalummiut, and my constituents.
I wish you an enjoyable weekend.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform my colleagues about an important event that took place in Arviat just before the end of the school year.
Drama students from John Arnalukjuaq High School in Arviat presented six short plays on anti-bullying to their community.
Mr. Speaker, computer technology has changed the nature of bullying.
In many cases, it happens online, not just at school or on the streets of our communities.
It is important that our young people, who are very connected to information technology and the Internet, have the knowledge and skills to combat this problem on their own terms.
The Arviat drama students worked closely with Teacher Gord Billard for five months to produce these plays.
The students helped four community performances to demonstrate that bullying is a complex issue, that it can happen in many different settings, and that it takes all of us to break the cycle.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the students for their initiative, hard work, and dedication to build a better understanding of bullying and inspire others in their community to take action.
Minister’s Statement 332 – 3(3): Bessie Sitatak from the Kugluktuk Ilavut Centre (Shewchuk)
As Minister of Justice, it gives me great pleasure to recognize Ms. Bessie Sitatak of Kugluktuk, who has retired from public service.
Ms. Sitatak has been with the Corrections Division of the Department of Justice for the past nine years and was one of the original staff hired when the Kugluktuk Ilavut Centre first opened.
During Bessie’s time at the Ilavut Centre, she has held a variety of positions and was ultimately promoted to operation and programs supervisor.
Ms. Sitatak’s extensive knowledge of local Inuit traditional culture and her leadership have been instrumental in the success of the centre and the rehabilitation of many inmates at the Ilavut Centre.
Ms. Sitatak has provided guidance and support for all staff and residents at the Ilavut Centre and she will be greatly missed.
I and the staff of the Department of Justice wish Ms. Sitatak all the best in her retirement.
Minister’s Statement 333 – 3(3): Proposed 1,500-tonne Increase in NAFO Area 0A Turbot Quota (Arreak)
Hon. James Arreak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning to the people of Clyde River.
I send my condolences to the people of Clyde River and they are in my thoughts.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to provide my colleagues with an update on turbot quota levels in Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) fishing area 0A in Baffin Bay.
Nunavut currently holds 100 percent of the 6,500-tonne turbot quota in 0A.
This area is fished by Baffin communities in the inshore zone and offshore by four Nunavut companies, who fished their entire quota in 2012.
The Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization Scientific Council recently recommended that the 2014 total allowable catch for turbot in Division 0A and 1AB be increased from 13,000 to 16,000 tonnes.
As this stock is shared between Canada and Greenland, this would likely result in a 1,500-tonne increase for Canada and Nunavut, a significant boost for our developing industry.
The Department of Environment believes that the low exploitation rate combined with the high level of management in the 0A turbot fishery warrants this increased quota.
NAFO’s recommendation is further supported by industry catch data and the results of ongoing turbot stock surveys that were conducted by Fisheries and Oceans Canada with support and investment from Nunavut stakeholders.
Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board will be considering this possible increase in 0A quota at their upcoming September meeting, and we look forward to a positive response.
We will continue to work closely with our co-management partners and industry to further develop this multimillion-dollar fishery, which provides employment and income for Nunavut residents and communities in a sustainable manner.
Minister’s Statement 334 – 3(3): Retirement of Ainiak Korgak (Peterson)
Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Ainiak Korgak on his retirement after more than 35 years of dedicated service to the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Government of Nunavut.
Ainiak’s career in public service began in 1978. He was one of the first graduates of the Government of Northwest Territories’ Management Development Program.
He recently told me, during the early days of working in the public service, the fax machine was considered high-tech and the Teletype was still in use.
He also mentioned that an ashtray on every desk was standard government use.
Mr. Speaker, everyone who has had the pleasure of working with or knowing Ainiak knows just how vibrant, outgoing, and positive he is.
He has rightly earned a high level of respect from his colleagues, government partners, and all Nunavummiut.
He is the type of person who welcomes new staff with open arms and fosters their growth and development while sharing stories about his culture.
These past 35 years are a testament to Ainiak’s dedication, commitment, and the tremendous value he has brought to our government, its programs and services.
Ainiak leaves us as a manager within our population health portfolio, which he has guided and shaped for many years. He has led the tobacco reduction team and has been directly involved with developing and promoting the “Tobacco Has No Place Here” campaign.
Having been a former smoker, Ainiak feels strongly about reducing the rates of tobacco use and associated preventable diseases.
His passion and loyalty to this multi-year project are instrumental to its success.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the government, I want to thank Ainiak for his many years of service and valuable contribution to our government. We know that Ainiak will be busy devoting his free time to what he loves: his wife, Martha, and family and of course, getting out on the land ice fishing and boating.
Ministers’ Statements. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Minister Taptuna.
Minister’s Statement 335 – 3(3): NHC Progress on Implementation of $100 Million Federal Funding for New Social Housing (Taptuna)
Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ullaakkut, colleagues, Kuglukturmiut, and Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give my colleagues in the House an update on the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s progress with its implementation plan for the $100 million for additional public housing in Nunavut announced by the federal government this past March.
Mr. Speaker, I am happy to announce that next week, the Nunavut Housing Corporation will be signing the first of two agreements with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to secure the first $30 million.
Another agreement for the remaining $70 million is currently in the works.
Without revisiting it in too much detail, you will recall, when I introduced the implementation plan for the $100 million federal funding reviewed and approved by the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s board of directors, that this plan was based on prudent project management principles and incorporated the major lessons learned from the Nunavut Housing Trust.
As such, I am pleased to report that the first step of the implementation plan is well underway. Over 40 lots have been acquired and prepared, including alternate locations selected for allocation under the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s newly established allocation methodology.
Further, as anticipated, an initial round of supply, ship, and erect tenders for 115 units are drafted and ready for posting.
The tenders for the remaining units will be ready for January 2014.
These tenders will be posted with enough time to review bids and determine alternate courses of action should they not meet established budgets.
Staff will ensure the procurement process is appropriately followed with better tracking of change orders and other logistical issues which could impact the construction timelines and budgets.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the staff and the board of directors of the Nunavut Housing Corporation for producing a plan that maximizes the number of units while also balancing the major risk factors of undertaking construction projects in the north.
Ministers’ Statements. Minister responsible for the Status of Women, Minister Ell.
Minister’s Statement 336 – 3(3): Orange Day (Ell)
The Department of Family Services supports the Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council in developing public awareness of issues affecting the status of women in Nunavut.
Recently, the council held their annual general meeting in Baker Lake, where it was announced that the council would be launching a campaign called “Orange Day,” which was initiated by the United Nations in 2012 to end violence against women and girls, highlighting the fact that violence against women and girls is a violation of human rights and calls for its eradication.
Mr. Speaker, the 25th of each month will be marked as “Orange Day.”
On this day, the Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council encourages Nunavummiut to wear orange and support the end of violence in our territory.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to offer my sincere congratulations to the Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council on the launch of the Orange Day campaign and wish them success in their work under this new initiative.
Minister’s Statement 337 – 3(3): Parks Canada CEO Award of Excellence for Douglas Stenton (Arreak)
I wish to take this opportunity to announce that on June 10 last, the Director of Heritage, Douglas Stanton, was honoured by the Chief Executive Officer of Parks Canada, Alan Latourelle, with the Award of Excellence as an engaging partner through his work on the Finding Franklin Project.
Since 2005, Douglas Stanton has worked with Parks Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard on the archaeological study and search for the ships of the 1845 Sir John Franklin Expedition, the H.M. ships Erubus and Terror.
His involvement demonstrated the Government of Nunavut’s position as the responsible authority over matters of archaeology in the region.
Furthermore, new information about the condition of Franklin sites in the vicinity of King William Island, including artefacts he discovered in 2012, has increased the public’s understanding of the local history connected to Franklin, all of which is important to the government’s responsibilities for archaeological resource management.
Mr. Speaker, Douglas Stenton’s honour came on National Public Service Week.
Dr. Stanton is also to be commended for his 20 years of service for the Government of Nunavut.
Member’s Statement 559 – 3(3): Tundra Fire Preparedness in Nunavut (Ningark)
I say “good morning” to my family back home.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to make a short statement about the need to be prepared to fight fires.
Mr. Speaker, in this case, I am referring to incidents such as the one that occurred recently near the community of Chesterfield Inlet.
According to news reports, the fire was ignited by a lightning storm.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Community and Government Services works well with municipalities and I would like to underline that observation and perception.
I appreciate the minister and his department. Again, the Department of Community and Government Services works well with municipalities to ensure that our volunteer firefighters are ready to fight fires in our communities.
The recent tundra fire that occurred near Chesterfield Inlet reminds us of the importance of being prepared to respond to these kinds of incidents, whether it’s about global warming recycle, but the threats are serious.
Member’s Statement 560 – 3(3): Gjoa Haven Bowhead Whale Hunt (Ugyuk)
To my constituents, I would like to send good morning greetings in both Gjoa Haven and Taloyoak.
A number of Gjoa Haven residents have travelled to Taloyoak on their way to hunt a bowhead whale in the [Gulf of Boothia].
Yesterday morning, the hunting party gathered with the residents of Taloyoak to conduct a prayer for a successful hunt. They also expressed their gratitude for the tremendous assistance of Taloyoak residents as they prepare to travel overland, through lakes and rivers. Is some places, they will have to portage their boats with trailers as that is the only way to reach the waters where they will conduct their bowhead whale hunt.
The hunting party will have to travel through lakes and rivers, which is hard work.
With that in mind, I wish them every success in their bowhead whale hunt with the assistance of Taloyoak residents, their Hondas or ATVs and boats, as well as by hunters familiar with the overland route to the [Gulf of Boothia]. I wish the whaling crew well and I hope they succeed in their hunt.
The Gjoa Haven whaling crew is comprised of young hunters and I am unsure if an elder is involved in this particular hunt.
That is what they are attempting at any rate and I hope they have a safe, successful hunt and that they return home safely to Gjoa Haven. If they are unable to harvest a whale or lose one or if their hunt is successful, I just wish them well in their bowhead whale hunt in the [Gulf of Boothia].
Member’s Statement 561 – 3(3): Congratulations to Davidee Arnakak (Oshutapik)
I say “good morning” to my constituents who are now able to watch the proceedings of this House, which I am very pleased about.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my formal congratulations to Davidee Arnakak for being awarded the Order of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, please allow me to also offer my thanks to you and Her Honour, the Commissioner of Nunavut, for the wonderful ceremony that you held last evening in this Chamber to recognize this year’s recipients of the Order of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I have known Davidee Arnakak all of my life. He is also a former mayor of Pangnirtung.
As the official citation for his award noted, Davidee Arnakak was the founding chair of the Nunavut Disabilities Makinnasuaqtiit Society.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the entire community of Pangnirtung has been extremely proud of Davidee. His life and work have been an inspiration to all of us in all of Nunavut. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 562 – 3(3): Whale Cove High School Graduates (Kusugak)
Good morning, people of Nunavut, Whale Cove, and Rankin Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, this past summer, we had many graduates throughout Nunavut.
Whale Cove, being one of the smallest communities, still managed to produce a fair number of graduates. I am extremely proud of their accomplishment. Even though it is a small community, the residents are very adept.
I wish to share with my colleagues and all of Nunavut in congratulating the following:
Barbara Ulurksit
Molly Okalik
George Okalik Jr.
Gordon Okalik Jr.
Megan Angootealuk
Samson Taipanak
Wayne Putulik, and
Ethan Kendrew.
We congratulate the students from Whale Cove who have just graduated this year.
Member’s Statement 563 – 3(3): Appreciation to Qikiqtaalungmiut (Ningeongan)
As we are heading towards the end of the session, while I still have an opportunity now, I would like to express my sincere thanks to Iqalummiut along with the residents of Baffin Island.
Throughout my trips here over four years, the hospitality and welcoming spirit of the residents here has been tremendous although I am not from this region. I am from the Kivalliq region, but I am treated just like one of their own here both as an Inuk and a fellow Nunavummiuq. I really felt humbled by this hospitality.
As a matter of fact, people I have never met who were watching the televised proceedings would offer their support. This show of support raised my spirit and energy to deal with difficult issues and hardship. This show of support is tangible and I want to express my gratitude to the people who offered me their support.
On a personal note, even though I am a visitor here, as I have to leave my hometown to attend to these sittings, the stress of being away from home was alleviated by people who provided support and advice. The residents of Baffin Island are very hospitable.
I will be expressing further acknowledgements next week to my constituents who elected me to represent them, both the residents of Coral Harbour and Chesterfield Inlet, when I have an opportunity next week.
However, the hospitality and welcoming spirit of Baffin Island residents has touched my heart. The people here have treated me very well throughout my tenure as a MLA up to this point where we are almost done with this mandate.
I sincerely thank each and every one who welcomed me during this time.
Member’s Statement 564 – 3(3): Transparency and Accountability (Curley)
I rise today to speak to two issues in particular.
With respect to the statements made just now by the Member for Nanulik, I completely concur with his opinion, as the people of Iqaluit are very hospitable wherever we may go in this city while we’re here for our sessions here in the Legislative Assembly. The people of Iqaluit are very warm to us. I also thank the public service working with us here.
Mr. Speaker, the fight for the Nunavut territory didn’t end with the creation of Nunavut. Nunavutmiut have to work harder to accomplish more, even without the assistance of this government. Many people are capable of succeeding without any support from the government and they continue to stand on their own, supporting their families by using the Inuit traditional value of being independent.
Mr. Speaker, I am becoming more concerned about this issue ever since Nunavut was created, which is our right to speak our mind on various issues, particularly the right to negotiate with the public, the business sector, large businesses, the federal government, or with the ministers, as well as the department heads. Nunavutmiut have to be able to discuss issues without feeling threatened.