Nancy Karetak-Lindell

[Nunavut, March 25th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, today I speak for the last time as a member from the Northwest Territories. When I return to the House I shall be the member from Nunavut, Canada's third territory, and the map of Canada will have been redrawn to show the new boundaries.

Last night friends enjoyed a small preview of what the festivities will be like throughout Nunavut next Thursday, April 1. My Nunavut celebration was an evening of throat singers, country food, drum dancers, and traditional games and clothing. I thank everyone who participated in making the evening so special, and most of all for their continued support throughout the process.

I look forward to next Thursday and I know Canadians will welcome their third territory with open arms. It is a momentous occasion of which all Canadians can be proud as we begin to make footprints in new snow.

[Nunavut, March 18th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, this weekend a Nunavut women's conference will be held in Rankin Inlet.

Women from all over Nunavut will discuss current women's programs, women's representation by and to government, and ways to support and develop women in leadership roles. They will make recommendations for consideration by the Nunavut legislative assembly. I am pleased to be a participant in this important event.

April 1 is fast approaching and I know Nunavut residents are excited about the new public government which will be in place.

I look forward to working with the premier elect, Paul Okalik, his cabinet elect and the new Nunavut legislature on the challenges facing our residents.

[Hockey, March 15th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House to join others in taking the opportunity to congratulate Team Canada winners at the 1999 Women's World Hockey Championship.

Team Canada won its fifth straight world championship this past weekend spanning back to 1991. Led by five time world team leaders, France St-Louis of Saint-Hubert, Quebec, and Geraldine Heaney of North York, Ontario, the team went through the tournament undefeated and now own a perfect 25-0 record in world championship competition.

The 20 women who compromise Team Canada 1999 are remarkable role models for the thousands of young girls and women taking up the game of hockey in this country. I know all hon. members and Canadians everywhere join me in congratulating Team Canada.

[Nunavut, March 10th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the government-elect of Nunavut: Paul Okalik, the premier, and cabinet members Jack Anawak, James Arvaluk, Donald Havioyak, Peter Kilabuk, Kelvin Ng, Edward Picco, Manitok Thompson.

The eyes of the world are upon Nunavut and I know these dedicated people will serve their constituents and Canada with wisdom. I wish them every success.

[Aboriginal Affairs, February 16th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.

Poor social conditions, lack of housing and high unemployment rates are at the root of what plagues northern communities, especially those in the Eastern Arctic.

What is the minister doing to ensure that these Canadians have access to shelter and the basic services they need to create a brighter future?

[Nunavut, February 16th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday was an exciting day for the people of Nunavut and a significant moment in Canada's history.

The residents voted in their first Nunavut territorial election. The election took place on February 15 so that Nunavut will have an elected government in place when the territory is formally created April 1.

According to the chief electoral officer, voter turnout was 88%, extremely high. This reflects the commitment that the people have in shaping a government that is responsive to their wishes and reflective of their culture and traditions.

This election is a very special moment not just for the 19 winners and voters but for all Canadians. Very few countries in the world are able to create new governments in a democratic and peaceful fashion. Canada is one of those countries and we all have reason to be proud.

I congratulate the residents and all the candidates who played a part in this historic event. This day marks the beginning of a new chapter in our nation's history.

[Nunavut, February 12th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, Monday, February 15, is election day in Nunavut. There are 71 candidates competing for 19 positions as members of the first legislative assembly of Nunavut.

The government of Nunavut will be responsive to the unique needs of the residents of Nunavut. The Nunavut election is not party based. In fact the new government will be a consensus one.

I am sure the voter turnout will be very high, an indication of how excited Nunavut residents are about this historic vote. I wish good luck to all candidates on Monday and I will be listening as the results come in.

[Aboriginal Affairs, February 11th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Secretary of State for Children and Youth.

Inuit communities across the north suffer from among the highest rates of unemployment in Canada. Can the Secretary of State for Children and Youth tell this House what is being done to help Inuit find and keep jobs?

[Sarah Wheaton, February 8th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Sarah Wheaton, age 11, from Nakasuk school in Iqaluit, the future capital of Nunavut. She is one of the winners of a contest that tested space related knowledge of Canadians.

Sarah Wheaton, along with other Canadian contest winners, will watch on March 13 Canadian Space Agency astronaut Julie Payette's launch on site at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. This mission marks Canada's first participation in an assembly flight of the international space station, an ambitious scientific engineering project to create the world's largest orbiting laboratory.

I congratulate Sarah and her fellow grade six classmates for participating. Bon voyage to the contest winners.

[Committees Of The House, December 8th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 7th report of the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans. In accordance with Standing Order 108(2) the committee undertook a study of fisheries issues in Nunavut.

I would like to thank all the committee members who took the time to go to my riding and learn about our fisheries issues.

Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee requests a comprehensive response to this report within a 150 days.