IQALUIT
At least two MLAs took the government to task last week regarding the implementation of the Nunavut Agreement, especially regarding Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ).

"The government was created because of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement. We insisted that we were to create our own government and that was part of the negotiations," said Uqqummiut MLA Pauloosie Keyootak in his member's statement Feb. 24.

"In the agreement, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit was to be a part of this government. That's what we anticipated when we signed the agreement."

Quttiktuq MLA Isaac Shooyook raises the topic every session.

"The Inuit who have elected us in Nunavut expected that what they have lost in terms of their culture and ways of life to be recognized and implemented in legislation in the house," he said.

"Voter turnout has dramatically dropped, with many feeling remorse that their votes don't produce expected results anymore," Keyootak added.

"We need ... to fully entrench Inuit knowledge and abilities into the government."

Shooyook spoke of broken and destroyed families, Inuit counseling and child apprehension practices.

"This is a key issue, with our lives controlled by a colonial society, with strange cultural practices and laws which we endure today, the act of suicide grew exponentially, and this is regrettable," he said.

Shooyook called for funding for the collection of knowledge related to social customs, counseling practices, including social resolution techniques from when Inuit were still largely self-governing.

He said he would continue to advocate for IQ in government departments, including Education, Family Services, and Justice.

Shooyook noted that some of his colleagues are contemptuous of his efforts to incorporate traditional Inuit practices.

"The voting public, comprised of an Inuit majority, want to have their interests heard. Will this government always deflect these concerns?"

He questioned Family Services Minister Johnny Mike what his department plans on doing to recognize traditional counseling services.

Mike said work has been done to implement Inuit societal values. He also noted the government works with the Ilisaqsivik Society in Clyde River.

"I also want everyone to be aware that the Government of Nunavut, not just through my portfolio, that the government as a whole, we agree that Inuit societal values will be incorporated and I can agree and say yes to the member's question that we will pursue this matter seriously."

Kivalliq worried about carbon taxing

Baker Lake MLA Simeon Mikkungwak has serious concerns about the path the territory may be taking with carbon taxing.

Mikkungwak tabled a five-page letter to Premier Peter Taptuna dated Jan. 26 in the assembly on March 1.

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd., which announced plans in February to invest US$1.2 billion in the Kivalliq region, objects to the federal government's plan to see carbon pricing mechanisms introduced in all provinces and territories.

"We have ideas that, if supported by government, would help not only Agnico Eagle but the communities around our sites move away from diesel," stated Agnico's senior vice-president of environment, sustainable development and people Louise Grondin.

"Applying a carbon tax to the North would not be coherent with the government's objective to develop the North so that its citizens have the same hopes for the future as the average Canadian."

Mikkungwak asked Taptuna if he would tabling his reply during the winter session. He responded that he would in the normal process of tabling documents.

Taptuna confirmed he has discussed carbon taxing with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He added the GN is in discussions with federal officials "to mitigate some of these negative impacts on the people of Nunavut."

Taptuna said discussion with the feds includes exemptions on heating fuel, generating power, and fuel for the airlines.

"I've invited the officials from the mining company Agnico Eagle to have a discussion on that come April when Nunavut is having their mining symposium here in Iqaluit," he said.

Language at the hospital questioned

Almost a year after Nunavut's Language Commissioner noted a number of concerns with the provision of services at Qikiqtani General Hospital in a linguistically appropriate manner, Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu MLA Pat Angnakak wants to know what's been done to improve the situation.

"It has been brought to my attention that actually quite a few times by some of my constituents that there is often a lack of Inuktitut interpreting at the hospital, especially for in-patients who have to stay there for extended periods of time," said Angnakak.

Health minister George Hickes said, regarding interpreters, numbers fluctuate.

"We have to rely on casual workers," he said, adding interpretation services are in high demand.

"I know we work very closely with Nunavut Arctic College to make sure that people are trained and able to work. There are four modules offered through the Nunavut Arctic College on medical-specific terminology on different categories. I don't have that direct information in front of me on what those categories are."

Hickes admitted he wasn't really answering Angnakak's question in terms of sufficiency, but said it's a work in progress.

Angnakak reminded Hickes of concerns about the lack of French language services as well.

"We're in the process of hiring somebody with French language ability ... to deal with patient concerns," he said, but the Health Department relies on French-speaking staff to fill the gaps.

A representative of the Auditor General of Canada will present a report on health care services in Nunavut March 7.

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