EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, our youth’s biggest role model today is Jordin Tootoo.
Mr. Speaker, last March, Team Nunavut represented our Territory at the Canada Winter Games for the first time.
Two athletic teams competed in short-track speed skating and badminton and Mr. Speaker, five of our athletes were able to set personal best times at these games, which is quite an accomplishment.
Mr. Speaker, our athletes have so much potential and they need this and it gives them joy; it keeps them busy, and it makes them feel good about themselves.
This, Mr. Speaker, can also be a big help in the prevention of suicide for our youth.
Mr. Speaker, this is for their good, and we need the infrastructure in smaller communities so all youth can participate and get involved in sports.
Mr. Puqiqnak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Colleagues.
We would like to see our youth, all youth participate and get involved in sports.
If we do not have gymnasiums, arenas and community halls, where will our athletes practise and get in shape for these games?
How will other athletes improve their skills and dreams of going to these kinds of games?
Mr. Speaker, if communities are offered assistance for infrastructure from outside agencies, we should accept them with open arms.
Otherwise, if the Government does not have the adequate funding for these buildings, our athletes and future athletes will suffer.
We should provide them with full support, adequate facilities and places to practise so they can get involved in athletic competitions in Canada and with the rest of the world.
Member’s Statement 711 – 1(6): Nunavut Government in the Last Four Years
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to show my appreciation to the people of Clyde River and the people of Qikiqtarjuaq and the people of Nunavut.
I would like to thank them very much.
Mr. Speaker, it has been four years since we became the Government of Nunavut.
In those four years, Mr. Speaker, we have accomplished quite a bit and it’s visible now that some of things that we need for the people of Nunavut are starting to appear.
But Mr. Speaker, looking at our future, we have to be able to have some time for the young people as a government and we have to plan for them.
There are many things that we can plan for the young people and they have not been accomplished to date.
Mr. Speaker, as the people of Nunavut, we wanted to get our own land to be able to see things that we want done here in Nunavut and for the people of Nunavut.
What we have expected is now here.
We have the opportunity to do things that we wanted to do but we have not provided much for the people of Nunavut and we have not improved the government system to date.
We have to be able to provide some assistance to the people of Nunavut and we should be working towards meeting the needs of the people of Nunavut.
We would like to welcome all people that are non-Nunavummiut to our land and to be able to provide them with their needs as well.
Mr. Speaker, we can do it.
We can accomplish this.
Today we have legislation.
Mr. Speaker, what are the visions of Nunavummiut?
As the people of Nunavut, what do we need and what do we want to accomplish?
What is in our hearts as people of Nunavut?
We want to be able to accomplish what comes right from our hearts for the people of Nunavut.
We don’t want to just rubber stamp legislation that is not relevant to the people of Nunavut and we have to make changes to those things that we don’t like.
Mr. Speaker, I know that the people of Nunavut need assistance from the Members of the Legislature.
I am very serious Mr. Speaker, Nunavummiut need to have their needs met.
Member’s Statement 712 – 1(6): People Opposed to the Human Rights Act
Mr. Speaker, we are starting to deal with Bill 12, the Human Right’s Act and we have heard from the people of Nunavut out there that there is opposition to that legislation.
It is called the Human Rights Act.
It deals with the rights of the people.
When I was growing up, I grew up with the elders and they were in support of human rights at all times.
Some people think that there is no such thing as same sex marriages and things of that nature but they’re out there.
There are many people out there who are of the same sex who are with each other.
I am not opposing the legislation in general.
We have to treat all humans the same.
I am not like that.
But, years ago we were told by our parents and our ancestors that we have to be able to treat everybody the same, and there are those that are transsexuals and transgendered and we have to except that.
When the non-native people first came to our land, we started seeing different races.
They are going to be here all the time and we have to be able to understand that the church and the Government are separate.
We as a Government treat everybody the same and we will have the opportunity to talk about this a little bit more when we deal with the Human Rights Act and Mr. Speaker, and I will elaborate a little more on that when we discuss the Human Rights Act.
I am in support of promoting equality.
Member’s Statement 713 – 1(6): Nunasi Corporation
Today, I would like to speak about an important partner who has been working for more than twenty five years to help develop and secure the economic future of Nunavut.
Long before us, this Corporation was hard at work ensuring that Nunavut could take its rightful place in the Canadian world of business.
Of course, Mr. Speaker, I am speaking about Nunasi Corporation.
Nunasi is a birthright Development Corporation fully owned by the Inuit of Nunavut.
It was formed in 1976 by the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and they are to be commended for the work they have done since then on behalf of their shareholders.
The Board of Directors and staff have dedicated themselves to furthering economic training and employment opportunities for their Inuit beneficiaries.
We all know from our own experience here that finding a winning balance between economic development and respecting the cultural, environmental and social wellbeing of our Territory and its people can be difficult.
To Nunasi’s part, they have found an approach that works and they are to be commended on that.
With a mandate to maximize profit for their shareholders, they have created numerous value added opportunity including retail outlets, service providers and developers of infrastructure while investing in the future of this Territory.
The Corporation has established an unprecedented list of interest and now employ hundreds of people in the many businesses that they either own or are partners.
Some of these companies such as Arctic Spirits Sport Rack, or Nunasi helicopters are completely owned by Nunasi, while others such as Top of the World 2000, Baffin Optical and Larga Services are strategic joint ventures with other Nunavut Inuit Organizations and Nunavut owned businesses.
Another joint venture they are involved in deserves a special mention is Canadian North, which employ 38 Nunavut residents, many of them living right here in Iqaluit.
This, Mr. Speaker, is what we need to see more of.
Inuit owned and Nunavut based businesses, corporations and other initiatives putting Nunavut residents to work.
The Board of Directors represents all regions of Nunavut and have been given a strong mandate to move the Territory and its shareholders forward into the future so that we all benefit. Recognizing this significant task, Nunasi Board and Executive aggressively seek opportunities and new partnerships for further development as they strive to secure a solid, strong economic future for our benefit and our children’s benefit.
But it is not all about business with Nunasi Corporation.
They also recognize the importance of social development within our communities and have been strong supporters.
For example, they provide $500 dollars each year to each one of our communities for their annual Christmas Feast and celebrations.
They contributed to the arena here in Iqaluit, built for the 2002 Arctic Winter Games.
These are just a couple of examples of the recent investments in Nunavut that Nunasi has made.
They are a true partner in developing our Territory and I for one, Mr. Speaker, would like to congratulate Board Chairperson Peter Tatty and Mr. Fred Hunt, President and CEO and the rest of the Nunasi Board for their continued effort…
Speaker: I would like to remind Members to try to stay within the time frame.
Member’s Statement 714 – 1(6): Human Rights Act
Mr. Alakannuark (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues.
I would like to talk about a happy event and it’s a good information item for the Members.
I would also like to send my regards to the people of my riding and I would like to remind them of the things that they have been expecting.
The Human Rights Act that we have been talking about is dealing with the rights of every human being in the world but because there is a but, Mr. Speaker, we’re planning for the needs of the people of Nunavut, and if we pass the Human Rights Act, I feel that we’re on dangerous ground and I will not support it.
I will be opposing it because I am representing the views of my constituency.
I cannot do it by myself. I have to do what’s right for the people of my riding so I will be opposing that Human Rights Act at this time because the elders in my riding have to be represented and I’m their representative so I will be opposing it.
There might be a problem in the legislation if we pass it.
Perhaps in the years coming, in about 10 years or more, a problem might arise.
I oppose passage of this legislation at this time.
Member’s Statement 715 – 1(6): Same Sex Marriages
A couple of days ago, our Premier, Paul Okalik, made a Minister’s Statement regarding Human Rights Legislation.
There has been a lot of confusion regarding the issue surrounding same sex marriage.
It is not the intent of this Bill and I’d like to rise today regarding Kautaq, from Arctic Bay who is here.
She was present during the public meeting I held in Arctic Bay regarding the issue surrounding same sex marriage.
Mr. Speaker, I’d like to state today that the residents of Nunavut will not be agreeing with the passage of this Bill.
We are here to speak on behalf of our constituents and we should not be passing legislation without input from our constituents and we should not just be riding on the coat tails of the Federal Government.
So, Mr. Speaker, we should note that the Bill today, its intent is very good.
I’m a part of the standing committee that reviewed this Bill and its intent is to ensure that there will be no discrimination regarding the employment and different issues on the legislation.
But the issue surrounding same sex marriage has been confused with the intent of this legislation.
The people of Nunavut are opposed to that idea and I would like to say to the people of Nunavut that this is not an Act of Nunavut yet.
Member’s Statement 716 – 1(6): Fair Legislation for Nunavummiut
(Member spoke in Cantonese) I said, “Ladies and gentlemen, I know that you do not know what I am saying.”
I have the right to speak in my language, and as a minority in this country, that is one of the things that I grew up recognizing.
We have a right and a responsibility as a Government to protect minority rights in our Territory, as legislators.
It is a fundamental responsibility that we have and that we must take seriously, in protecting those most vulnerable in our society.
I know that there have been some discussions late, again the Committee of the Whole discussion on Human Rights Act that we will be debating later on.
The Government of Canada has the Charter of Rights.
All Territories, besides ours, all Provinces, in this country, with the exception of Nunavut, has a Human Rights Act to protect those minorities.
We have an obligation; I know that there is a difference of views amongst Members here, it has been debated in the past, in our caucus, in the Committee meetings, and obviously, from some of the discussions today those different views will be debated later on.
The point is, Mr. Speaker, is that we have an obligation to resolve this issue, either for or against the Human Rights Act that this Government has proposed.
I believe that even in Cabinet, there have been some discussions on that and the Premier will speak about what he is doing in respect to the Cabinet Members on this.
So, Mr. Speaker, I guess, the bottom line of what I am trying to say is as legislators we have an obligation to be objective in looking at the Human Rights Act.
Yes, we have our personal views, yes, the constituents have their personal views, and yes, some of us are running for re-election and others are not, but the bottom line is as legislators, we have a responsibility to be fair and objective for all Nunavummiut when considering legislation in this House.
Member’s Statement 717 – 1(6): Protecting the Inuktitut Language
During Members’ Statements we speak on different topics, and today I rise regarding the need for protection of our Inuktitut language.
We used to have different symbols, known as the ai, pai, tai, and they were taken out.
The writing system we use today in Inuktitut is longer because those symbols were taken out.
They were like short cuts to writing in Inuktitut, and that is how we learned to write in Inuktitut through the Bible with those syllables.
We need to protect our language; I think that the elders would be happy to see the reintroduction of these symbols.
If we are going to stay with the status quo, I think we are on the road to losing our language, and with the translated versions into Inuktitut of these Bills, there are usually quite a few mistakes and typos.
In these Bill, once you have read it, and back translate it, the meaning usually changes.
I think that when Bills are being translated we have to ensure the accuracy of the translated version into Inuktitut.
Perhaps the Minister of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth can accommodate my request.
Member’s Statement 718 -1(6): Different Definitions of Love
I will speak today about the need for love and that love welcomes everybody.
Mr. Speaker, I can use children as an example, because they are loved so much; we spoil them to the point where their teeth are rotten.
Mr. Speaker, at times, some parents almost say they do not mind their children smoking because they love their child so much, and Mr. Speaker, we can make mistakes surrounding the issue of love.
So, Mr. Speaker, because love’s intent is to welcome other people, it is also used as a good parenting skill.
Mr. Speaker, we are trying to send the message of using common sense in this world and that is our purpose in life, some of us anyway.
Mr. Speaker, because we love our children so much, we shouldn’t be letting them get away with things because the message of love and welcoming could be misunderstood.
Mr. Speaker, we welcome everybody into Nunavut.
We have peace with everybody, no matter where they come from, either through business or socializing and there are many people who have benefited from this love that we have given to outsiders and so, Mr. Speaker, we have to understand what type of love are we giving.
At times, we disrespect the issue of being a parent because Mr. Speaker, even if the child does not have a driver’s license and is 10, 12, or 14 year old, we allow them to drive ATVs without a license, without thinking about the consequences and so I think we should really rethink what our priorities are regarding love.
Member’s Statement 719 – 1(6): Snow Challenge March 2004
Mr. Speaker, I’m going to take this opportunity to update the Members of the House and the people of Nunavut regarding the progression of an excellent opportunity to showcase Nunavut.
That excellent opportunity Mr. Speaker is the Nunavut Snow Challenge.
Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut Snow Challenge is scheduled to take place in Iqaluit on March 27, 2004.
This event Mr. Speaker, for the first time ever in Nunavut, has secured television rights with the Outdoor Life Network and as a result Mr. Speaker, will be rebroadcast nationally across Canada.
James Patterson and Thomas Bregard recently attended the World Snowmobile Show on October 25th in Toronto.
This event allows the organizers of the Nunavut Snow Challenge to hand out demo videos and brochures of events to companies such as Arctic Cat, Bombardier and Yamaha.
Mr. Speaker, the trade show allowed them to showcase the event in Nunavut as one of the most extreme snowmobile races available anywhere Mr. Speaker, in North America.
The interest of potential sponsors was overwhelming.
In 2003, this Nunavut Snow Challenge attracted 42 racers from Northern Quebec, Rankin Inlet, Arviat, Kimmirut and here in Iqaluit.
This year, we estimate that over 60 racers from across Quebec, Ontario and Nunavut will be participating.
The record time Mr. Speaker, for the event was 3 hours and 2 seconds and was set by Jimmy Gordon of Kuujjuuaq of Quebec.
Mr. Speaker, the 2004 event marks the first year on national broadcast of this event that will take place.
The Outdoor Life Network will showcase not only the race but will be showcasing the people, the culture and the traditions of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, any persons wishing to participate in this event can go online at www.nunavutsnowchallenge.com or Mr. Speaker, to see an 8 minute demo of the 2003 race, they can call or Mr. Speaker, go online at NSC2003@nunavutproductions.com.
Mr. Speaker, I would ask that you and this House join with me to wish the organizers of the Nunavut Snow Challenge the best in success in March of 2004 for this very exciting opportunity to showcase Nunavut and our extreme weather conditions.
If not we will move onto Item 4.
Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure today to recognize in the Gallery members of the Task Force, the Inungi Sapujiijiit Task Force that we talked about earlier in the House.
Mr. Speaker, they have joined us in Iqaluit from all over Nunavut and I would like to ask them to stand up when I say their names. Mr. Speaker, I would like to start off with a well-known Elder, a respected Inuk leader, a good friend of mine from Arctic Bay Mr. Kautak, Joseph Kautak.
From Pangnirtung, Mr. Speaker, from Pangnirtung, a very good person, has done the yeoman service on this Task Force, Mr. Norman Qumanaqtuq, and Norman.
Also, Mr. Speaker, from Gjoa Haven.
From Rankin Inlet, Bernadette Saumik.
Mr. Speaker, one of the younger people of the Task Force and actually became one of the co-chairs, Mr. Brian Simonie from Pond Inlet, Brian.
Also, Mr. Speaker, from Pangnirtung, Meeka Arnakaq and Mr. Speaker, from Kugluktuk, Ahme Angunaq, Ahme, beautiful jacket and Mr. Speaker, I would like to introduce from Kugluktuk, Teresa Hakunia, Teresa.
And I believe Mr. Speaker, Adrienne Sammortok from Baker Lake is not available to be with us.
So I would like to thank her for the work she did also on this.
I too would like to welcome to the Task Force members.
I would like to recognize today, the Akitsiraq Law School Program professors and students.
First of all, the elder advisor on Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, Lucien Ukaliannuk, welcome to the House.
One of the professors, a judge in the south, Justice Connie Hunt, welcome to the Legislative Assembly.
As well, an instructor from the south, temporarily in Nunavut, Steve Kirk, welcome to Nunavut.
He is from the University of Victoria and their Northern Director, Professor Shirley Wright, welcome to the House.
And to the students of the Akitsiraq Law School, who will some day catch up to me, first of all, Aaju Peter, welcome.
Madeline Redfern, welcome to the House.
Qajaaq Robinson is here as well, welcome.
Sandra Inutiq, welcome to the House.
Connie Merkosoak, welcome.
Lillian Aglukkaq, welcome.
Henry Coman, welcome.
As well, Susan Inuaraq is also here.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize from my home community, a well-known athlete and he is also part of the Recreation Committee and is also the Deputy Mayor and has been a very active member of sports in my community, Raould Amundsen’s grandson, Bob Konana.
I would like to recognize the following people from Hall Beach. Hersha Curley, she is one the pages this week, and the next one that I would like to also recognize, I am sorry, I forget his name, Joapie Kupaaq.
Again, from Igloolik, we have two other individuals, Tracy Uttak, and Jessie Ullatitaq.
These pages are going to be working with us and they are also from Igloolik.
I recognize all the people in the Gallery, but I would like to specifically mention Kautak Josephie.
I worked with her. When I was a social worker I used to work with her, she is tireless, and she speaks in English.
I would also like to recognize and welcome Martha Flaherty, who I used to work with in Churchill and we roomed together.
She is an excellent person.
And also her partner who she is here with.
Mr. Havioyak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is not too often that I recognize visitors in the gallery.
I have two constituents who are here in the Gallery.
I want to recognize the first person.
She is also a schoolteacher, and she works at KPE.
She helps a lot in the community.
I want to recognize Millie Kuliktana.
And also, our elder from Kugluktuk, I am very pleased to recognize Amie Aigonak from my constituency.
I welcome them to the Gallery.
These two individuals were recognized, but I would like to start off with an individual who is very well known for counselling and she is one of the leaders in counselling, Meeka Arnakaq.
I would like to welcome her to the Gallery.
And also Norman Komoartuk who was here just a minute ago, again from Pangnirtung.
He is a small business owner, and is also one of the Board Members.
I welcome them all.
And again, I think that it was a few days ago our Premier made some comments about his golfing incident that was in Ottawa.
He and I were also golfing but I can tell you that I am better than he is.
And again there was Martha Flaherty, who was down with us at that time. And I welcome her to the Gallery.
The House is quite full and it is nice to see, I welcome you all and Kevin in Qikiqtarjuaq, I would like to acknowledge my son.
Hon. Manitok Thompson: I would like to recognize the education staff, Peter Geikie, Assistant Deputy Minister for Education, he is right over there.
Millie Qulittaana, (interpretation) Director for Kitikmeot.
Cathy McGregor and Charles Banfield who is the Director of Baffin Schools, School Operations and again, Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the Women’s Auxiliary from the Anglican Diocese and Sammie and his wife who are here listening to the proceedings and also to listen to the debates on Bill 12 and my little sister, the youngest one, Mona Natsiq who is here.
I would like to recognize an individual from my community.
This individual works in the nursing station and is involved in all activities.
She is a good friend of my sister, Teresa Kanayuk.
It is very, it is on very rare occasions that I recognize people in the House.
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Brian Simonie, who I am very proud of.
He is a young individual and is doing excellent and participates in all activities and it is a learning process for him.
And also Connie Merkosoak, who now lives in Iqaluit, but she is here going to school in Iqaluit.
I just wanted to say, I want to be the one to make judgement when she becomes a lawyer.
I recognize a whole lot of people in the Gallery and I welcome you all, every single one of you.
I would like to recognize three people, Susan Inuaraq, who is from Clyde River and Sandra Inutiq, again, from Clyde River and Brian from Pond Inlet who is again, coming from Clyde River.
I especially would like to welcome these three individuals and to all of the other people in the Gallery, I welcome you, I am sorry we do not have tea to serve you.
As has been mentioned here earlier, I am very pleased to see the Gallery; it is full of people and I especially would like to acknowledge all of the elders who are here in our Assembly.