Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate International Women’s Day. While this day commemorates the social, political, and economic achievements of women across the globe, it also highlights the ongoing work towards gender equality; to the need to break the gender biases in our society, and to the fight to stop violence and abuse towards women and girls.
On this day, I would like to recognize the strong, resilient, successful women in Nunavut who made and continue to make a difference.
I want to begin with our Commissioner, Eva Aariak. Ms. Aariak has had a distinguished career in politics… read more.
Mr. Speaker,
I rise today to share that I am now the proud owner of a Toronto Maple Leaf’s jersey gifted to me by the Honourable Premier of Ontario Doug Ford.
While I won’t comment on my sports loyalties today, Mr. Speaker, I can say I am thrilled to share that during my visit to Toronto on August 3rd, Premier Ford and I signed a Memorandum of Understanding between our jurisdictions.
Mr. Speaker, through this agreement, Nunavut and Ontario have a new platform to explore areas like health care, transportation, infrastructure, training, and Indigenous relations.
Nunavut and Ontario have a… read more.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform my colleagues about the February 4 Council of the Federation (COF) meeting I attended via video conference.
Mr. Speaker, the Council of the Federation provides a forum where Canada’s Premiers meet to advance their priorities, by working collaboratively on key issues of common interest. Throughout the meeting I was impressed by the dedication, energy, and passion each of my colleagues demonstrated, not only for their respective jurisdictions but also for the challenges we collectively face.
Mr. Speaker, our discussions focused on an urgent and essential… read more.
Mr. Speaker,
I continue to be awed by the beauty of our territory’s western region. My recent visit to the Kitikmeot community of Gjoa Haven was no exception.
On your invitation Mr. Speaker, I visited Gjoa Haven on August 1st and 2nd. I wish to thank you and your wife Annie for your hospitality.
In Gjoa Haven we were greeted at once by Mayor Megan Porter. It was hot and sunny, and I was honoured to be able to serve burgers and hotdogs to residents who came out for a feast.
Mr. Speaker, through your coordination I appeared before the hamlet council to listen and answer question. I sat down… read more.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about my recent meeting with Prime Minister Trudeau about the Katujjiluta mandate.
On May 12, I met with the Prime Minister for the third time since becoming Premier. This meeting was focused on joint priorities outlined in our mandate.
Mr. Speaker, in our meeting we emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, and other Inuit organizations on issues such as housing in the North. The Prime Minister and I agreed on the urgency of closing the housing gap in Nunavut and its connection to other… read more.
Mr. Speaker,
On September 30, several Ministers and I attended the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events in Iqaluit organized by the Qikiqtani Inuit Association. I rise today to honour the children who were taken and placed in Canada’s numerous Residential Schools, as well as their families and communities.
Here in the capital, and across the territory, we now officially observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This government passed legislation in 2022 to ensure September 30 receives equal weight with other designated statutory days.
Mr. Speaker, before the Canadian… read more.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the Minister of Northern Affairs, the Honourable Daniel Vandal’s recent visit to Iqaluit.
On April 12 and 13 I had the opportunity to meet with Minister Vandal as he travelled to Iqaluit to discuss Budget 2022 investments in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, during his Iqaluit visit, Minister Vandal and I toured one of the recently constructed Government of Nunavut social housing units. The unit was an accessible home made to accommodate an individual with mobility issues, such as an Elder. That unit is one of over 100 newly constructed homes in Nunavut, built… read more.
Mr. Speaker,
When I am invited to communities, I try to take every opportunity possible to engage in conversation with people I meet along the way. This is how I learn about the differences in each community.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge our colleagues who work hard for the communities I visited this fall – MLA for Kinngait and Kimmirut, Minister David Joanasie; MLAs for Rankin Inlet Minister Lorne Kusugak and Alexander Sammurtok; and MLA for Baker Lake Craig Simailak.
Mr. Speaker, when in communities, I do my best to meet with hamlet mayors and councilors, with educators, with… read more.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the Council of the Federation Literacy Award.
Mr. Speaker, this award celebrates the valuable contributions made by Canadians in the field of literacy. In Nunavut, this award recognizes individuals who support and inspire others to use Inuktut and develop literacy skills through oral, written, or artistic expression.
On September 8, I was honoured to announce the Council of the Federation Literacy Award went to Jeela Palluq-Cloutier.
This award recognizes Jeela’s tireless work towards revitalizing and strengthening Inuktut languages for many years… read more.
Mr. Speaker,
I am excited to share that Nunavut is the chair of the Northern Premiers’ Forum for 2024.
The forum was established in 2003. The chair is assumed on a rotational basis between Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.
I thank the former Premier of the Northwest Territories Caroline Cochrane for her role as chairperson in 2023. I welcome the new premier, R.J. Simpson to the table.
The forum is an excellent opportunity to work together to ensure that our unique and shared northern needs can be brought forward effectively. A united voice is a powerful tool to express the… read more.