EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
The theme for Emergency Preparedness Week is: “72 Hours…Is your family prepared?”
By taking a few simple steps, you can become better prepared to face a range of emergencies. It is important to:
Know the risks – Whether it’s a severe storm, blizzard, power outage, fire, or accident, knowing what precautions to take and what to do during an emergency is important to your family’s safety and security.
Make a plan – Every household needs an emergency plan. Make a list of emergency contact numbers.
Practise how to safely exit from your home.
Designate a meeting place to reunite with family in case of emergencies.
Get an emergency kit – Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours in an emergency. Keep an emergency kit that includes extra water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, radio, extra medication, and extra cash.
Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere.
I encourage all Nunavummiut to “Get Prepared and Be Prepared” to ensure their family’s safety and security in the event of an emergency.
Minister responsible for the Department of Family Services, Minister Ell.
Minister’s Statement 273 – 3(3): Department of Family Services Inuktitut Translation (Ell)
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I say “good afternoon” to the people of Iqaluit West.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform my colleagues that after much lively debate, the Inuktitut translation for the new Department of Family Services has been finalized.
Consultations were held with staff from Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit (IUT) and it has been decided that the term “Inulirijikkut” (ᐃᓄᓕᕆᔨᒃᑯᑦ) will be used.
The term “Inulirijikkut” is already widely known and accepted across the territory.
We believe that it will be less confusing by keeping the literal translation.
Minister’s Statement 274 – 3(3): Enhanced ASIST Training for Teachers (Aariak)
I rise today to share exciting news about the Department of Education’s commitment to the ASIST program.
This commitment involves the partnership of Nunavut Arctic College, who will deliver ASIST training, the Nunavut Teachers’ Association, who has committed $150,000 in professional improvement dollars to the department, and our school staff, who will be active participants.
Mr. Speaker, the department will work closely with Nunavut Arctic College to develop a rotating training schedule so that we offer training in all communities over the next two to three years.
This will ensure that all our schools have trained teachers to help recognize and prevent the immediate risk of suicide.
Far too many Nunavummiut have been affected by the devastating consequences of suicide. This pain touches us all.
My department has pledged to help in whatever way we can.
Mr. Speaker, the key to suicide prevention is to have trained caregivers ready, willing, and able to get involved with each and every at-risk person.
These caregivers are not just teachers. I encourage all my colleagues, as well as Government of Nunavut staff and community members to look into the ASIST training.
It is our collective responsibility to recognize individuals who are at risk and help prevent the risk of suicidal thoughts turning into suicidal behaviours.
Minister responsible for the Department of Health, Minister Peterson.
Minister’s Statement 275 – 3(3): Nunavut Celebrates National Nursing Week May 6 to 12, 2013 (Peterson)
I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing our nurses during National Nursing Week, May 6 to 12. This year’s national theme is “A Leading Force for Change.”
We are proud of our nurses and the medical care they provide to Nunavummiut and we want to thank them for their care, compassion, and commitment.
Nursing in our rural and remote communities is often challenging work.
Our nurses work long hours and make many sacrifices to better serve the health care needs of Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, this year’s honourees, Joanne Dignard of Grise Fiord, who is being awarded the Excellence in Nursing Practice, Candice Waddell of Cape Dorset is awarded the Excellence in Nursing Leadership, and Judith Clarke of Pond Inlet is awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Mr. Speaker, Joanne, Candice, and Judith embody the professionalism, dedication, and commitment we celebrate during National Nursing Week.
I join you in thanking all our nurses across the territory.
Member’s Statement 452 – 3(3): Najuqsivik Society Supports Sanikiluaq Schools (Rumbolt)
Good afternoon to the people of Sanikiluaq, who are presently enjoying the return of the spring goose hunt.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the wonderful support that Sanikiluaq’s Najuqsivik Daycare Society has given to our local schools.
Earlier this spring, the Najuqsivik Society donated over 200 pairs of brand-new running shoes to schools in Sanikiluaq, with 96 pairs going to Paatsaali School and 126 pairs going to Nuiyak School.
Mr. Speaker, to be eligible to receive a free pair of sneakers, students had to have a cumulative attendance rate of 50 percent or better.
This is a very positive incentive for our youth to go to school.
Mr. Speaker, the Najuqsivik Society didn’t stop there.
Just recently, they donated two automated external defibrillators to the schools as well.
In February, staff and some students received training on how to use these important life-saving devices.
Mr. Speaker, the Najuqsivik Society is a wonderful example of how a community group can make a big difference in the well-being of the community.
Mr. Speaker, I join the students and staff from Sanikiluaq’s two schools in thanking the Najuqsivik Society for its efforts.
Member’s Statement 453 – 3(3): Support for Pilot Project to Benefit Hearing Impaired Nunavummiut (Aupaluktuq)
Mr. Aupaluktuq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) I send my regards to the people of Baker Lake. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the right to be understood by one’s fellow human beings is a fundamental right, which is why I am pleased to rise today in support of a recently-announced pilot project to benefit the hearing impaired in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, Baker Lake is one of six Nunavut communities that have been selected to participate in a pilot project to “test videoconference equipment that will better facilitate communication for the deaf.”
This project has been made possible thanks to a partnership between the Government of Nunavut, the Government of Canada, the Nunavut Broadband Development Corporation, and the Canadian Deafness Research and Training Institute.
Mr. Speaker, this innovative project will involve the use of Inuit Sign Language interpreters and is expected to help improve services to the hearing impaired in such areas as health care delivery.
I am pleased to note that the project has the support of the Nunavummi Disabilities Makinnasuaqtiit Society.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that one of the most important responsibilities that we have as Members of the Legislative Assembly is to represent those people who have been previously marginalized and left without a voice.
Initiatives such as this represent an important step forward towards a more inclusionary and welcoming society for all of our people.
Member’s Statement 454 – 3(3): Implementing the Ilagiitsiarniq Family Violence Prevention Framework for Action (Ugyuk)
Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): Pardon me, Mr. Speaker.
My amautiq was catching onto something.
I say “good afternoon” to the residents of Gjoa Haven and Taloyoak.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the draft Ilagiitsiarniq Family Violence Prevention Framework for Action, which was tabled in this House on March 19, 2013.
Mr. Speaker, I have had an opportunity to review this document. This long-awaited framework to prevent family violence is a plea for help from all sectors of Nunavut society to address this serious issue.
Mr. Speaker, as politicians, our work is cut out for us and for those who will be stepping into these shoes in the future.
We can no longer put this problem on the backburner and let it continue to simmer.
Mr. Speaker, the impact of family violence across Nunavut has caused people to do drastic things.
There is trauma in our daily lives. We are losing our loved ones.
Mr. Speaker, with this framework in place, it is my hope that we will begin to see a drastic decrease in the number of incidents of family violence across Nunavut.
However, the only way that will happen is with the help of our dedicated frontline workers, hamlet council members, as well as community members helping with the healing and self-care initiatives.
Mr. Speaker, I feel very strongly about this issue.
The Ilagiitsiarniq Family Violence Prevention Framework for Action is a step towards taking real action towards making a real change in the lives of those around us.
Member’s Statement 455 – 3(3): Economic Diversification in Nunavut (Elliott)
I rise today to speak about the issue of economic diversification in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, during our sittings this year, I have addressed a number of the initiatives that are taking place to help prepare our residents and communities for opportunities in the natural resources sector of our economy, which includes mining and the fisheries.
However, Mr. Speaker, it is also important for us to be mindful of the cyclical nature of these industries.
As we have seen recently with potential changes to the scope of the Mary River project, global economic factors beyond our control can have a significant impact on development in these areas.
Mr. Speaker, when we look at other regions of the country, the situation is not much different.
In western Canada, the boom and bust nature of the oil and gas industry has been a significant characteristic of the regional economy.
That’s why the federal government established regional economic development agencies to help diversify the economy.
Mr. Speaker, the establishment of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency was much welcomed throughout the north, as we were the last region of the country without such an agency.
Mr. Speaker, the nature of our environment and the small size of our communities pose challenges to economic diversification.
However, I don’t believe that they are insurmountable.
Mr. Speaker, earlier this year, the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation announced that work is underway to develop an updated economic development strategy for Nunavut that will take us into the next decade.
I applaud this partnership and encourage all partners to be mindful of the importance of looking at areas in which strategic action can help to broaden and diversify our economy.
Mr. Speaker, the complexity of the challenge certainly cannot be underestimated.
For example, it has been suggested that one of our territory’s most untapped resources is our abundant supply of fresh water.
In the years to come, this resource is likely to only increase in value as shortages elsewhere create demand for it.
We only have to look at the high prices that are currently charged in our stores for imported bottled water from Europe and elsewhere to know that this most basic of commodities can be very valuable.
At the same time, our country has always been cautious about permitting the bulk export of water and we must, of course, ensure that our environment does not suffer.
Mr. Speaker, I would suggest that these are the kinds of issues and ideas that need to be examined as work moves forward to build a sustainable economic future for our territory.
Member’s Statement 456 – 3(3): Polar Bear Management (Curley)
Mr. Curley (interpretation): Good afternoon, people of Rankin Inlet. I’m homesick when it’s springtime.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to again address the issue of polar bear management.
Mr. Speaker, as you will recall, I spoke during our recent winter sitting about the successful efforts of the Canadian and Inuit delegation at the recent meeting of the Conference of the Parties of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species that took place in Bangkok, Thailand.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, the American proposal to up-list polar bears was soundly defeated thanks to the efforts of the Government of Nunavut, the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the Inuit Circumpolar Council, and the Government of Canada.
Mr. Speaker, one of the countries to have supported the American proposal was Russia.
I believe that it is important to clearly state that when it comes to the issue of responsible wildlife management, that country has absolutely no credibility.
Mr. Speaker, the Inuit and Canadian position in Thailand was perfectly clear: the harvesting of polar bears in our country is undertaken in a responsible and sustainable manner that balances traditional Inuit knowledge about wildlife with modern management practices.
Mr. Speaker, it was quite astounding for me to hear Russia criticize our successful system of co-management.
It was quite astounding for me to hear Russia criticize our successful system of co-management.
Mr. Speaker, this is a country whose regime recently took steps to shut down the Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North.
Mr. Speaker, a recent submission to the United Nations Human Rights Council clearly exposed the violations of the rights of indigenous peoples in Russia, including their right of access to hunting and fishing resources.
Mr. Speaker, when it comes to the responsible and effective management of our natural resources and animals, we do not need any lessons from Russia.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to again join me in paying tribute to the Canadian and Inuit representatives from the Inuvialuit region, the Kitikmeot, the Kivalliq and Baffin regions, Nunavik, and Labrador who successfully stood up in Thailand and told the world the truth.
Member’s Statement 457 – 3(3): 25th Anniversary of Rankin Inlet Dog Racing (Kusugak)
Having a dog team in the Kivalliq region became almost nonexistent. In 1988, I believe, an organization was created in the Kivalliq and the Inuit came together.
They wanted to have dog team races.
I do recall that at that time, David Oolooyuk, Robert Tatty, Hugh Ungungai, and Mr. Ivu got together and they wanted to retain having dog teams.
In April 1988, they started having dog team races. This organization has been in existence for 25 years.
Last week, when I was in Rankin Inlet, I went to observe the dog teams. It was very pleasant to watch them. That was the 25th anniversary of the annual dog team race.
Some of those people who had dog teams in 1988 are no longer alive, but I do want to recognize the ones who sat with me as board members. The following people were the first ones who signed:
Nukituq
Louis Inukshuk
Peter Kadlak
Tooma Saumik
Amaruq
John Tatty
Nakoolak
Luke Eetuk
Hugh Ungungai
Jack Kabvitok
Moses Aliyak
Harry Towtongie
Paul Mallikie
Samson Arnauyok
Leo Mimialik
Eli Kimmaliardjuk
Moses Siusangnark
Robert Inukpak
Arden Nibgoarsi
Steven Neigo
Harry Ittinuar,
David Oolooyuk
Jake Pissuk
Dominic Pinguqsat
John Tinashlu
Sam Aarualaaq
Bernard Krako
Michael Ivu
Andy Kowtak
Reverend Jimmy Muckpah
Victor Kaludjak, and
John Macleod.
The individuals that I just named were the first dog team owners in the Kivalliq region and from that time to date, they still have their dog team races.
Sometimes we had to wait a long time for the dog teams to arrive. Other times, when they would just be going for a short time, while we would have tea made from ice water and while we were still eating, they would come back as their dogs were becoming very fast. I commend their owners.
This year also, they had good races. The first one to arrive was David Oolooyuk, the second was his younger brother, Harry Towtongie, the third to arrive was Harry Ittinuar, and Shawn Maley was fourth.
I am proud of them. We will see them again next year.
Member’s Statement 458 – 3(3): Tribute to Jimmy Flash Kilabuk (Ell)
I wish to again say “good afternoon” to the residents of Iqaluit West.
I rise today as I wish to pay tribute to an individual. As a lot of my constituents are elders, I wish to remember their lives and I wish to acknowledge one of them.
It helps to recognize those who have contributed so much in our communities.
I wish to pay tribute to this individual who also passed away, Jimmy Kilabuk. He was well known and some people nicknamed him Flash.
He earned his nickname after winning several snowmobile races during the annual Toonik Tyme Festival, which is held every spring in Iqaluit.
He often broke time records and he was always in first place.
The reason I wanted to pay tribute to Jimmy is that for the last 35 years, he has been giving back to Iqaluit, making him one of the longest-serving individuals in our community.
In the ‘60s, Jimmy was a volunteer firefighter and fire chief.
He was first elected to town council in the ‘70s.
Since then, at various times, he has served as councillor, deputy mayor, and mayor of Iqaluit from 1997 to 2000.
Jimmy stayed involved in the community over the years, right up until his final days.
Jimmy was elected to the council during the last city election recently.
His willingness to continue serving as city councillor showed us how committed he was to serving Iqalummiut.
His commitment and efforts had made our community a worthwhile place to continue on and be an example for all of us.
The time Jimmy gave and the life he lived is one to celebrate and remember. Be grateful and remember his life.
Member’s Statement 459 – 3(3): Veda Kaviok – NTI’s President for a Day (Shewchuk)
First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to say “hello” and send greetings to all of my constituents in Arviat.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of my young constituents from Arviat. Mr. Speaker, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated President Cathy Towtongie announced on May 5 that Arviat student Veda Kaviok, a grade 12 student at the John Arnalukjuaq High School, won the NTI President for a Day Contest.
Veda also served as a page in this House in our March 2012 sitting.
Veda will deliver her winning speech during Nunavut’s festivities and will help Towtongie in presiding over the Iqaluit celebrations.
NTI launched the contest earlier this year as part of the celebrations around the 20th anniversary of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement on July 9, 2013.
Veda, we look forward to hearing your winning speech at the Nunavut Day festivities.
It is young leaders like you who brought the territory to where we are today and we look forward to your leadership now and in the future.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Arviarmiut and as MLA, I would very much like to express my pride and congratulate Veda and her family for her efforts and achievements in winning this contest.
Member’s Statement 460 – 3(3): Recent Deaths in Igloolik (Tapardjuk)
I am glad that we are able to have a session again.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to show my appreciation to the Inuit who deal with social issues.
We have often been informed that in Nunavut, there are a lot of problems, but a lot of people in Nunavut are truly good at helping others.
Recently, I just wanted to mention that in our community of Igloolik, there were five people who passed away last month.
Yesterday, one of our close relatives had to be buried.
When there was a dog quest that arrives to Igloolik to other celebrations, it was not only a dog race, but they were apparently sent there to help people who were heavily burdened.
I’m truly grateful for the dog team owners.
Mr. Speaker, I can say there were 11 dog teams that went to Igloolik and I can truly say that they have all won.
Yes, there were only three winners, but all the dog teams got first place.
Mr. Speaker, even though we had some problems by one of the people, a person from Hall Beach suddenly passed away.
That was unfortunate and I truly feel for the family members in Hall Beach and I want you to also remember them.
It’s evident that they will get through this tough time.
In Nunavut, there are a lot of people who are willing to help other people. Not all of us are bad people.
A lot of people are really good people and willing to help others and I want to thank them. So that is why I rise today, Mr. Speaker. Let me be proud of the people of Igloolik and Amittuq who won again during the dog team race.
Member’s Statement 461 – 3(3): Pond Inlet Graduates of Community Learning Centre (Enook)
As the school year curriculum is winding down, I would like to recognize in our community the school year is winding down.
Education is continuing within the school and outside of the school.
Sometimes a lot of us tend to forget the adult learning centres in the smaller communities.
They are very efficient and to date, a lot of people utilize them to teach adults.
At this time, I would like to recognize the two classes that were undertaken in Pond Inlet.
First of all, the students who completed the Office Administration Program are:
Amy Pitseolak
Donna Kublu
Leah Kippomee
Debbie Nutarak
Jerold Koonark
Timothy Akoomalik
Martha Suqslak, and
Jennifer Kautainuk.
The other graduates of the Fur Production and Design Program are:
Suzanne Killiktee
Monica Simonie
Angnowya Kilukishak
Elisapee Inuarak
Rosie Katsak, and
Masiva Pewatoalook.
Mr. Speaker, I want to be proud of them, especially the staff and instructors at the adult learning centres in the communities. We should be grateful as Nunavummiut because they are able to continue to help others.
Member’s Statement 462 – 3(3): Opening of New Repulse Bay Health Centre (Ningark)
I say “good afternoon” to Repulse Bay and Kugaaruk.
I rise today to talk about the opening of Repulse Bay’s new health centre.
Mr. Speaker, on Friday of last week, the Hon. Minister of Health travelled with me to attend the grand opening of Repulse Bay’s new health centre.
Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, bad weather prevented us from landing in the community, despite making a number of attempts.
Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to express my personal appreciation to the Minister of Health for having made the effort to personally accompany me to the community for this important scheduled event.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, the community of Repulse Bay has been eagerly awaiting the opening of the new health centre.
The expanded and modern new facility will enable a higher standard of service to be provided to the community’s residents.
It will also be a better working environment for our nurses and other staff.
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to have had the opportunity to talk about Repulse Bay’s new health centre during National Nursing Week.
(interpretation ends) I ask all members to join me in paying tribute to the nurses and other health care professionals in Repulse Bay and Kugaaruk.
Return to Oral Question 565 – 3(3): Article 24 of NLCA Binding on QEC (Clerk)
I wish to table the Return to Oral Question 565 – 3(3) that was taken as notice during the winter 2013 sitting.
I rise today to recognize two of my constituents.
The first one is Paul Irngaut, who works for Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, and also my daughter, who is my great helper, Karliin Aariak.
*See Appendix for full text of Return to Oral Question 565 – 3(3) filed with the Clerk.
Good afternoon to the people of Pangnirtung. I would like you to join me in welcoming our pages.
Unfortunately, the two pages are not here at this time. I am very proud of the fact that these two pages are from my community. Unfortunately they weren’t able to arrive the first time, but they were able to come to Iqaluit.
I am going to call out their names. The first one is Angela Duvall. There she is.The second one is Annie Nakashook.
Their chaperone, who is also from my constituency, is Lucy Young.
I want to show my appreciation for that fact.
We all thank them too. Hopefully they find it an enjoyable and an educational experience paging.
I rise today to recognize three individuals from Sanikiluaq.
Mr. Speaker, Suvvaki Novalinga and Akinisi Kavik, who are students from the Paatsaali High School, who are here to participate in the page program. Also, I would like to recognize Nellie Meeko, who is the chaperone for the students.
I’ll just remind members that you only have two supplementaries this time around.
Remember, just two.
Question 595 – 3(3): Update on Qangualuk Abduction (Curley)
Mr. Curley: Thank you. (interpretation) Oh, really?
Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of Culture and Heritage.
I feel that this matter should be dealt with and I have often posed this question.