EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
072 - 1(4): Overhaul of Liquor Legislation (McLean) 369
073 - 1(4): Recreational Facilities Update (Nutarak) 371
074 – 1(4): Status of Gjoa Haven Funding Proposal (Puqiqnak) 372
075 – 1(4): Cultural Training for Mental Health Workers (Alakannuark) 373
076 - 1(4): Holistic Approach in Treatment Programs (Tootoo) 375
077 - 1(4): Traditional Clothing Modelling (Iqaqrialu) 379
078 - 1(4): Assistance by Laypersons in Dealing with Social Issues (Nutarak) 380
079 - 1(4): Rodent Infestation at Ublivik (McLean) 381
080 - 1(4): Nunavut Historical Advisory Board (Puqiqnak) 384
081 - 1(4): Grants & Contribution Application Process (Tootoo) 385
082 – 1(4): Certificates for Elders (Iqaqrialu) 385
005 - 1(4): Pond Inlet Arena / Community Hall Complex (Nutarak) 387
Bill 3 – An Act to Amend the Statutes Revision Act (Okalik) 408
Bill 4 – An Act to Amend the Land Titles Act (Okalik) 409
Bill 7 –Legislative Assembly Members Removal and Disqualification Act (Okalik) 409  Thursday November 2, 2000
Mr. Olayuk Akesuk, Mr. Ovide Alakannuark, Mr. James Arvaluk, Mr. Donald Havioyak, Mr. David Iqaqrialu, Mr. Enoki Irqittuq, Honourable Peter Kattuk, Honourable Peter Kilabuk, Mr. Glenn McLean, Mr. Jobie Nutarak, Honourable Kevin O'Brien, Honourable Paul Okalik, Honourable Ed Picco, Mr. Uriash Puqiqnak, Honourable Manitok Thompson, Mr. Hunter Tootoo.
Speaker (Mr. O'Brien): I would like to call on Mr. Kattuk to say the opening prayer.
Speaker: Ullukkut, good afternoon, Mr. Premier, members.
It is nice to be back in the House after five days stranded by weather, planes going mechanical and etc.
On to item 2. Ministers' statements.
Minister's Statement 030 – 1(4): Ministers' Absence from House
Hon. Paul Okalik: Merci, Messieur President.
Nice to see you back in one piece.
I would like to thank Uriash Puqiqnak for acting as Speaker.
(interpretation) I am very glad that we now have our new minister, Mr. Olayuk Akesuk back and we send our condolences and are thinking of your people. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform members that the Honourable Kelvin Ng and the Honourable Jack Anawak will be absent from the House today, Thursday November 2, 2000, to attend meetings in Cambridge Bay.
Speaker: Ministers' statements. Ms. Thompson.
Minister's Statement 031 – 1(4): Eastern Arctic Sealift
Hon. Manitok Thompson: Thank you Mr. Speaker, and welcome back.
I know people are getting tired of watching me on TV, I seem to be on TV a lot these days.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today, to inform you of the progress that has been made in the transfer of responsibility for the Eastern Arctic Sealift from the Canadian Coast Guard to the Government of Nunavut.
The Federal Government has had the responsibility of providing sealift services to communities in the Eastern part of Nunavut for more than 30 years.
I am pleased to confirm that after this year's shipping season, the Government of Nunavut will be ready to take on this important responsibility.
In preparation for this transfer, the Department of Public Works and Services is now in the process of reviewing proposals received from the business community to provide services for the sealift.
We anticipate that contracts for marine transportation, marshalling and packaging, as well as other services related to the sealift, will be in place in November.
Thank you Mr. Speaker for the opportunity to provide you with this update.
>>Applause  Speaker: Thank you Ms. Thompson.
Minister's Statement 032 – 1(4): Nunavut Mining Symposium & Nunavut Arts Festival
Mr. Speaker, this year a remarkable event is taking place that involves collaboration between two important economic sectors in Nunavut.
From November 10 to 15, Rankin Inlet will host the Nunavut Arts Festival 2000 and the Nunavut Mining Symposium.
Events commence on Friday evening, November 10 with the opening ceremonies for the second annual Nunavut Arts Festival.
This event is organized by the Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association and with the support of the Department of Sustainable Development, a variety of artists from every Nunavut community will be able to attend.
Also during this festival we will be providing an opportunity for many of our artists to share ideas and discuss issues of importance to this very important sector in our economy.
On Sunday evening November 12, I will be present to open the Nunavut Mining Symposium.
This forum brings together businesses, communities and the people of Nunavut with the mineral exploration and mining industry.
Appropriately the theme for this year is "Working Together to Make it Happen".
Both events conclude on Tuesday November 14, with closing ceremonies.
Mr. Speaker, I think it is significant that the Nunavut Mining Symposium and the Nunavut Arts Festival, each dedicated to a key sector in the Nunavut economy are going to take place at the same time and in the same community.
However, this linkage is more than symbolic, and the two groups will hold one joint session on topics of mutual concern.
Mr. Speaker, I am sure the Nunavut Mining Symposium and the Nunavut Arts Festival will make significant contributions to the economic sectors they represent and to the development of the Nunavut economy as a whole.
This kind of integration is what the future is all about and I look forward to reporting back to this House on these important events.
Minister's Statement 033 – 1(4): PW&S Representing Nunavut in the Development & Implementation of Mechanical & Electrical Safety Codes
Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned in a statement I gave in the Legislative Assembly on October 31st, the Department of Public Works and Services has, in the last 18 months, been successful in reducing its reliance on the GNWT for asset management support services.
This has been made possible through the aggressive recruitment and training of technical staff.
Increasing technical expertise within the department not only reduces the costs associated with the agreement with the GNWT, but also ensures that decisions are made in Nunavut for Nunavummiut.
At this time, I would like to advise my colleagues that Nunavut has now taken its place with other Provincial and Territorial Governments in the regulation, development and implementation of various Mechanical and Electrical Safety Codes to ensure the safety of the citizens of Nunavut.
Through an extensive training and examination process we now have a Chief Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspector who will soon be a member of the National Board for Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors.
I don't know how that has been translated into Inuktitut but it sounds like pretty complicated interpretations.
The department also holds memberships with the Power Engineer’s Examination Committee and the Interprovincial Power Engineers Curriculum Committee.
In addition, we have recently acquired a membership on the Board of Directors for ACI Central Incorporated, a non-profit organization that performs boiler and pressure vessel design testing.
Through our affiliation with ACI Central, all devices regulated under the Nunavut Boiler and Pressure Vessels Act and offered for use in Nunavut after January 1st, 2001 will bear the letter designation “N” to reflect its compliance with our regulations.
By gaining acceptance in these organizations, Nunavut will now be able to issue a nationally accepted examination and certification program for Stationary Engineers to qualified Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, since the creation of Nunavut only 18 months ago we have taken our place beside the other Provinces and Territories in many organizations dedicated to the safety of our citizens.
My staff and I will continue to bring a Nunavut perspective to issues of safety for our citizens and for all of Canada.
Speaker: Thank you Minister. Ministers' statements. Mr. Premier.
Minister's Statement 034 – 1(4): Appointment of Kathy Okpik
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Kathy Okpik as Assistant Deputy Minister of Education, Field Operations and Adult Programs.
(interpretation ends) Ms. Okpik brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to the position.
She holds a Bachelor of Education degree and a teaching certificate from McGill University.
Her experience spans all aspects of education: from kindergarten to adult education.
Notably, Ms. Okpik has created thematic units in Inuktitut using Inuuqatigiit and Piniaqtavut.
(interpretation) Ms. Okpik comes to the Department of Education from the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, where she was the Assistant Executive Director.
Since her appointment in late October, she has taken on the full responsibility of ADM Field Operations and Adult Programs.
Mr. Speaker, I would like my colleagues to join me in welcoming Ms. Okpik to her new appointment.
Speaker: Ministers' statements.
Item 3. Members' statements.
Member's Statement 068 – 1(4): Recognition for Volunteers
Uqaqti I would like to thank the Minister of Sustainable Development today for his minister’s statement regarding the mining symposium and the Nunavut Arts and Crafts Festival that is being held in Rankin Inlet.
Holding these two functions at the same time will bring a lot of people together.
It will bring government and industry and private sector people together and hopefully as a result of that, we will have some sales in the arts and crafts side of it and also create a lot more interest in the mining sector.
Uqaqti, I would like today to recognize an important segment of our population.
These are the energetic and dedicated individuals who give up their time and energy to facilitate and support activities in their communities.
In the true spirit of volunteerism, volunteers are those individuals who organize sporting activities, coach hockey, bake bannock and cookies for school events, run Brownies, Cubs and Cadet programs, spend an evening every week teaching sewing skills or carpentry or answering a crisis line.
There are many more examples of volunteer efforts across Nunavut.
Our communities would be much poorer in spirit and well being if it weren't for the dedicated efforts and initiatives of these people.
I think Uqaqti, that we must do more to recognize these efforts of volunteers across Nunavut.
Even though these individuals do not ask for payment or compensation, everyone likes to be appreciated for what they do.
I feel that we, as a government, have to match the dedicated efforts of our volunteers by recognizing the valuable contributions they make to our lives and well being of all our communities.
Members' statements. Mr. Nutarak.
Member's Statement 069 – 1(4): Upgrading of Recreational Facilities
Mr. Speaker, we are going to be seeing our first Arctic Winter Games since the creation of Nunavut.
I would like to suggest that during this appropriate time our recreational facilities be upgraded.
That way we will see more of our young people using and benefiting from these recreational facilities.
I think it is an appropriate time for the Nunavut Government to look at upgrading these recreational facilities.
Members' statements. Mr. Alakannuark.
Member's Statement 070 – 1(4): Elders' Healing Abilities
Today I rise to take this opportunity to talk about Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and what it was like in the past.
Today our youth are much more numerous than the elders are.
The young people out there form the majority of the population.
There are many youth who are hurting mentally, physically and that effects them in their everyday lives.
Because of this I think that we as Nunavummiut and as members should be giving more support to the young people, especially the elders who have the wisdom and healing knowledge and who know better lifestyles because of their past experience.
The elders have gone through a lot in their lives and what they have gone through has hurt them physically and mentally as well.
So what I am suggesting is that there should be healing circles and healing programs set up at the community level using our elders.
We see a lot of Nunavummiut who are going through life problems, so I would strongly suggest that we deal with this.
Member's Statement 071 – 1(4): Support for Alcohol Committees
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to comment on the Community Alcohol and Drug Committees.
Some of these committees are neglected and are running on their own without any funding.
I know that Alcohol and Drug Committees are beneficial to the communities and at times have to work with individuals on their personal problems.
For that reason we have to look at ways to give them more support at the local level because they are the ones that bring the crime rate down and other social problems.
They should be given more funding as they work as volunteers because they want to protect individuals and deal with social issues.
Member's Statement 072 – 1(4): Passing of Annie Palluq
Hon. Ed Picco: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and welcome back to the Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut recently lost one of its respected citizens, Annie Palluq.
Annie became well known throughout Nunavut early on as she worked as one of the first interpreter-translators for the Federal Government on the medical ship the CD Howe.
Mr. Speaker, Annie went on to many firsts.
She was the first Inuk stewardess with Nordair back in 1959 and 1960.
She was also one of the first Inuk broadcasters, announcers and writers back with CBC radio.
Mr. Speaker, Annie took her love of the Inuktitut language with her as she worked for ten years as an Inuktitut instructor with the Divisional Board of Education.
Her passion Mr. Speaker, was her art.
Annie became renowned throughout the eastern arctic and the south for her drawings and her art work.
Mr. Speaker, her art demonstrated the strength of Inuit culture and Mr. Speaker, her art demonstrated the warmth and compassion of the arctic.
Mr. Speaker, Annie was a well respected artist, communicator, educator and interpreter – translator.
She will be missed by her family and the people of Iqaluit and Nunavut.
Member's Statement 073 – 1(4): Recognition of Ugyuk, Ullulaaq and Takijuk
We as Inuit do whatever we have to, to survive in the north.
As an example, carvers have an important role in providing for their families when there are few options.
I know that we now have renowned carvers who have become famous through carving and handicrafts and I would like to remember them today.
For example for people in the Nattilik riding there are a couple of brothers, Charlie Ugyuk who is older and the late Lucassie Ullulaaq, and Nelson Takijuk, these brothers were very well known carvers.
They have all passed away, just one after another.
Mr. Speaker, they have children and grandchildren and I see their family members often.
In my own family one of their grandchildren is my own child and also carves too.
Some of their other relatives carve following in the footsteps their grandfathers.
So today I would like to acknowledge the carvers of Nunavut, and I would like thank the Minister for Sustainable Development for going down to the Arts and Crafts festival in Rankin Inlet.
Member’s Statement 074 - 1(4): Staffing Levels Inadequate
Mr. Speaker, today I would like to raise something that I think is very important.
I’d like to raise it as an issue and that is something I campaigned on and said and believe in, and that is our people are our most important resource.
Mr. Speaker, here I’m talking about our people, people who work for this government, the Public Service of this government.
Mr. Speaker, during the first six months of this year, the staffing levels of all the departments range anywhere from 41% to 84%.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the effort by those people who are working in the departments right now, knowing that they are very understaffed, and overworked, and I’d like to ask all of us, as a government to look at it.
The Minister of Human Resources indicated earlier this session, that in the first quarter 83 competitions were held and they said they’d been aggressive in initiating 83 competitions.
The total number of employees has increased in the first six months of this year by only 15 employees.
Mr. Speaker, it’s an alarming number, and I think it’s something that this government needs to take a look at in finding ways that we can remedy this and help insure that we get a strong stable Public Service and have it so that it’s a choice that a government job is a job someone would want to come to, and enjoy working and staying in.
Member’s Statement 075 - 1(4): Dustin McDonald at Training Camp
Hon. Manitok Thompson: Thank you again Mr. Speaker. I would like to quote from an article that was written by Mr. Darrel Greer of Kivalliq News on October 25, about one of my constituents, Rankin Inlet goaltender Dustin McDonald.
I know Dustin McDonald very well, he played with one of my boys.
I’ve known him since he was a little kid, putting on his skates for the first time, and I’m a very good friend of his parents.
We were reading this article with the boys at home, and my boys are missing their friends in Rankin Inlet, I would just like to say hi to their friends on behalf of them.
But anyway Dusty has put in a strong showing at this training camp of the Western Hockey League Red Deer Rebels.
More than 60 players attended the camp run by team owner and head coach Brent Sutter a formal NHL player and coach.
The Rebels director Carter Sears says McDonald who is only 15 years old had a good showing and has been invited back for next year.
Dustin McDonald says and I quote “we have an awful lot of really good players in Rankin Inlet.
We just do not get the same exposure”.
He plans on working very hard this season to further enhance his reputation but he says Rankin Inlet’s short season restricts how much a player can accomplish in one year.
I know he is talking on behalf of the people in Rankin Inlet; parents, hockey parents and other players when he says and I quote “it is frustrating with our short term season in Rankin. If we had artificial ice it would be better for everyone not just the really skilled players”.
I would just like to thank Mr. Greer for recognizing our youth and for an excellent article.
Returns to oral question.
Return to OQ 43 - 1(4): Gjoa Haven Development Corporation Correspondence
I had so many statements today.
I could not figure out which one it was.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide a response to a question posed by Mr. Puqiqnak on October 27, 2000.
The member raised the issue of Gjoa Haven Community Empowerment Agreement and asked why the government is taking work away from the private sector as a result of this agreement.
Mr. Speaker, the Gjoa Haven Development Corporation first entered into a maintenance contract with the Department of Public Works, Telecommunications & Technical Services in September of 1998, when the local maintenance supervisor suddenly resigned.
The contract was considered to be a temporary measure until such time as the Hamlet council had made a decision as to whether or not they wanted to proceed with the Empowerment Agreement.
Under the terms of the agreement it is up to the Hamlet to decide how much work they wish to contract out to the private sector.
The agreement provides the community great capacity and autonomy to determine their own affairs as mandated by the Bathurst Mandate.
Question 070 - 1(4): New School for Clyde River
I will direct my question to the Minister responsible for Education.
Last year we ran into problems with our school in Clyde River.
We expected a new school last summer but that did not come to be.
I want to know if there are any plans laid out to build a new school in the year 2001.
Last year we had to defer the project to another year because of problems that arose.
We will be working on this plan because the Clyde River situation is considered a priority.
Now we are working on the plans and they will be submitted to a committee for next year.
Question 071 - 1(4): Update on Global Warming
I want to direct my question to the Minister of Sustainable Development.
I want to say that we are identically attired today.
So when he happens to see us both on TV later on the only difference we have is our ties. Some may think that you are my younger brother.
I would like to ask the Minister of Sustainable Development a question regarding global warming.
Do you have any information on global warming that you can pass on to us because what we hear is sometimes confusing.
Thank you to the member that asked this question.
What I will be stating now are just estimates for the future.
We are not looking at just the short term but we are looking at the long term.
After 80 years it is estimated half of Nunavut's climate will change by 15-20 degrees.
And the winters will not be as harsh because of the 15-20 degree difference.
Question 072 - 1(4): Overhaul of Liquor Legislation
Uqaqti my question today is to the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Liquor Board.
Uqaqti, it is no secret in this Territory that we do have problems with alcohol and drug abuse and I know that the other government departments are very proactive in trying to combat it and deal with it.
My question today is if the minister responsible is looking at any overhaul or total review of the liquor legislation in Nunavut.
I will ask the Premier to address that question.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Ma'na Uqaqti.
I believe the minister responsible has initiated the issue of a review.
There is the liquor board that is in place now and he cc'd me on one of his letters to the Chairperson asking that the liquor board commence the review by early next year at the latest, at the very latest.
So that is the only issue that I am aware of right now.
But I could talk to the minister further on the matter.
I like that Kivalliq influence that we are getting.
Uqaqti now that I know they are in the process of a review, I know that the minister will be looking at certain issues like bootlegging.
That seems to be rampant in some communities in Nunavut.
I do not want to start mentioning names because they will feel that I am picking on them.
But also about the drug abuse and the drug peddlers and we know there is no shortage of them in this Territory either. But the issue here is, in the Yukon Territory and I do not want to compare us to other Territories, but we do have problems with F.A.S., Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and the other things that happen with abuse with this substance of alcohol.
Would the minister responsible consider like they do in the Yukon, of putting in the two cents a drink tax on alcohol products in Nunavut, and take that money and directing it toward those programs.
Hon. Paul Okalik: Ma’na Uqaqti. I will convey that to the Minister of Finance as he’s in charge of the financial and taxation issues, so I will deal with that minister.
But I agree with the member, there has to be some stronger laws in place for bootleggers.
As for drug abuse the Federal Government has jurisdiction over drug abuse issues through the Narcotic Control Act, so we can’t really control that but we are doing something about that too, by introducing Jack shortly, the dog that the minister mentioned recently. We’re trying to do our part wherever possible, Ma’na Uqaqti.
Speaker: Ma’na, Mr. Premier.
Those are the answers I like to hear. On the subject of Jack, I know Jack is the newest crime fighter in Nunavut.
Could the minister responsible commit to sending Jack out to the communities that they feel have a drug problem and help us out with our little situations.
Speaker: It is a different question, but I believe the Premier is itching to answer it, so Mr. Premier.
I believe that was one of the things we were discussing with the minister, and the minister is reviewing the matter, how it could be done, logistically of shipping Jack around the Territory.
Mr. McLean: Ma’na Uqaqti, I hope Jack doesn’t have a fear of flying, like I do.
On a more serious note on the tax on alcohol and beverages and things like that.
Can the minister agree to direct his staff, or would he confirm that the money raised if they did implement this drink tax, would that be directed right to the Minister of Health so he could act on some of these programs.
Speaker: Thank you. Mr. McLean. I almost called you Jack, since he’s been talked about so much today.