Oral Questions
Uqaqtittiji, successive Liberal and Conservative governments have bungled fighter jet procurement for decades. Now, with Donald Trump threatening Canada's sovereignty and our NATO allies, New Democrats call on the Prime Minister to cancel all F-35 contracts and commit to purchasing the Swedish Saab Gripen. The Prime Minister promised to make Canada less reliant on the American military. Will the P…
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Uqaqtittiji, Nunavummiut are seeking reassurance from the government. Nunavummiut deserve to know how they will be engaged in keeping the Arctic secure. They deserve to be protected and to participate in their own safety. Inuit have the expertise, knowledge and skills to do so. The federal government creates too many barriers, such as not investing in housing and not feeding families, which is kee…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Uqaqtittiji, please join me in welcoming the new Government of Nunavut, Premier Main and his cabinet, to Ottawa this week. Canada's Arctic security is particularly important. Liberals meeting with the Government of Nunavut can show that Arctic policy is more than language in a throne speech. Parliament must look beyond megaprojects in the south. Decades of chronic underinvestment means northerners…
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Uqaqtittiji, the Quw’utsun Nation aboriginal title case is an important decision affirming first nations' rights. Let us be clear: This decision is not about taking land from private owners. The federal government must focus its efforts on reconciliation and the honour of the Crown. Will the minister convene negotiations with all affected parties to ensure an orderly transition toward respecting t…
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Uqaqtittiji, options for housing in Nunavut are limited. Mould leads to chronic illness, and overcrowding leads to abuse of women already in unsafe conditions. There are 3,700 families on the waiting list, according to Nunavut Housing Corporation. Once these houses are built, it will cost over $3 billion to maintain them. This government has only promised 700 new homes. Why are the Liberals not fu…
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Uqaqtittiji, living downstream from the oil sands, the Mikisew Cree First Nation has higher rates of cancer, yet the government is developing regulations to allow affected water to be released into the Athabasca River. UNDRIP and the environmental racism act must be implemented to protect the health of first nations. How can the Liberals proceed with regulations knowing that the Mikisew Cree First…
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Uqaqtittiji, Bill C-10 is a reproduction of Bill C-77, which was originally tabled in the last Parliament. As we did at that time, we support this bill in its current form, as it is a reproduction. I would like to thank, first of all, Aluki Kotierk, who was the former president of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated. She worked hard to ensure this bill would be introduced to help make sure that modern …
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Uqaqtittiji, I share my sense of friendship with the MP as well. What we have seen from the Liberal government, for example in working with the Conservatives on expediting Bill C-5, is that there are real concerns that any government will continue to violate the rights of indigenous peoples, including the right to free, prior and informed consent. We saw that most recently with the Prime Minister'…
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Uqaqtittiji, I would like to ask the member about how important it is that this issue be a non-partisan issue, especially given that organizations like the Land Claims Agreements Coalition have been working hard for 20 years to make sure this bill is introduced, because it would, for example, honour UNDRIP and implement a portion of UNDRIP for indigenous peoples. Taking a non-partisan approach to …
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Uqaqtittiji, this summer a cargo ship went aground in the Franklin Strait, a rare occurrence. With climate change, the Northwest Passage has become more accessible. Nunavut relies heavily on shipped diesel, and the risk of damaging the pristine waters is increasing. Mapping the sea floor would ensure more predictable navigation. Will the minister commit to funding Arctic bathymetry as a multi-use …
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Uqaqtittiji, I am just as disgusted with the Liberal parliamentary secretary and agree about the hypocrisy of the Liberals' so-called mandate for reconciliation, which we know is not sincere. I wonder if the member agrees that because we have an important role in the Auditor General, which does make sure that there are audits going on with government operations, maybe we need the role of the commi…
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Uqaqtittiji, I do not think the member understood my question, so I will ask it again. I was asking about how to resolve disputes. Currently, there is no other mechanism to resolve disputes between modern treaties and the federal government. The only system is through the courts. I wonder if the member agrees that a better way to resolve disputes between the federal government and the first modern…
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Uqaqtittiji, other than the concern about increasing bureaucracy, I do not hear any real concerns from the Conservatives about what the problems with Bill C-10 are. Currently, the only way to make sure that the implementation of modern treaties is resolved is through court cases. I wonder if the member agrees that having a commissioner to monitor the implementation of legal treaties is a much bett…
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Uqaqtittiji, Bill C-10 is particularly important, because both Liberals and Conservatives, having been governing parties, have not fully implemented their obligations to treaty implementation. We need someone outside the Auditor General's office for that. The Auditor General does important work to make sure that operations are being held accountable, yet their work is only focused on what can be s…
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Uqaqtittiji, I wonder what the member has to say to the over 130 indigenous groups that helped co-develop this bill in its original form, Bill C-77, of which Bill C-10 is a carbon copy. What does she say to them about the hard work they did to ensure that Bill C-10 could reach the stage that it is at? Indigenous groups have been asking for the role of the commissioner to be created so they can see…
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Uqaqtittiji, there would be no delegation to the commissioner regarding that. I do hope the member educates himself in a better way, to make sure that the commissioner and the office of the commissioner would investigate, would analyze, and would look at what is being implemented by the federal government, whose sole responsibility is to ensure that the honour of the Crown is being met by all gove…
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Uqaqtittiji, I wonder if the member can share with us how the Conservatives were protecting the rights of indigenous peoples when they worked with the Liberals to help expedite the passing of Bill C-5.
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Uqaqtittiji, on September 19, I asked a question about funding the hunters and trappers organizations in Nunavut, and the government could not provide any answers. Are the Liberals not aware of their legal obligation to ensure that the Nunavut Agreement is implemented and that there is adequate funding for hunters and trappers organizations? The Nunavut Wildlife Management Board funds the hunters …
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Uqaqtittiji, I am glad to see the Liberal government understands that it has legal obligations under the Nunavut agreement. Unfortunately, some of the increases in investments are still not enough, as I mentioned earlier. I have met with all 25 hunters and trappers organizations, as I said earlier. Some of them are in offices that should be condemned, and we need to make sure that they have proper…
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Uqaqtittiji, I think we all know in this room and in the rest of Canada that indigenous and racialized people have some of the highest incarceration rates in Canada. I wonder if the member can share with us how the bill on reverse onus will have an impact on those who are most marginalized and how their justice will be protected in the bill.
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Uqaqtittiji, I am honoured to speak to Bill C-14 as the NDP justice critic, and I acknowledge that there is huge public concern about the bail system and that Canadians want to feel safe. The New Democrats, having read through this bill, have concerns. There are real challenges in our bail system. Some examples include the high detention rate of those charged and awaiting trial. One-third of those…
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Uqaqtittiji, the John Howard Society recently called on Ontario to expand its bail system and make it stronger. The society has a 96% success rate in ensuring that bail conditions are met. I wonder if the member agrees that the work of community-based supervision programs, like the 17 programs across Canada, should be expanded.
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Uqaqtittiji, I mentioned already that we all know about the overrepresentation of indigenous and racialized people in the correctional system. This bill would broaden the reverse onus on many of the categories that are indigenous and marginalized people. I wonder if the member can share what supports will be established for those who are still quite oppressed under the current system.
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Uqaqtittiji, I do agree it needs to reach committee so there can be deeper consultations and conversations about this bill.
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Uqaqtittiji, I welcome the new member to the House. As a potential effect of the bill, it could eventually result in placing more people in detention. From what we have heard from the Liberal government, we are going to have an austerity budget. I wonder if the member could share with us how the government expects provinces and territories to meet the potentially increased demands without the incr…
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Uqaqtittiji, as I said, we are quite cautious in our approach. I am very concerned, especially about the reverse onus sections of this bill. We know that, for example, even the former ministers of justice David Lametti and Arif Virani did not agree with the reverse onus. They felt that it did not increase public safety. I am quite concerned about it.
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Uqaqtittiji, I do hope there are more consultations with the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, with the BC Civil Liberties Association, with indigenous groups and with women’s groups, because it is those groups that are not feeling heard with how this bill was tabled. I do hope there will be more work done to hear from those most marginalized communities.
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Uqaqtittiji, I am thankful for the important question because I do agree. As I mentioned in my speech, I am quite concerned that if these amendments go through, it will leave the provinces and territories without the resources they need to be able to take care of the people they have to take care of, and they will not be able to. I mentioned the fact that Nunavut has 25 fly-in communities. It has …
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With regard to the Black Class Action Lawsuit (Nicholas Marcus Thompson et al. v. His Majesty the King (T-1458-20)), broken down by department: (a) what is the total amount spent to date by the government on this lawsuit; and (b) what is the total amount paid to Fasken, the law firm representing the Crown in this case?
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With regard to the continuing designation of the United States of America as a safe third country under section 102 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act: (a) how many reports have been produced to date pursuant to the directives for ensuring a continuing review of factors set out in subsection 102(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act with respect to countries designated under …
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With regard to the Hamlet Food Voucher Program funded through the Inuit Child First Initiative and delivered by Indigenous Services Canada: (a) broken down by hamlet and fiscal year since 2019, what is (i) the number of Inuit children or families served by the program, (ii) total amount of funding allocated to the program; and (b) what indicators does Indigenous Services Canada use to demonstrate …
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-253, An Act to develop a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income. Uqaqtittiji, I am pleased to introduce a bill to address severe poverty and food security in Canada. I thank my seconder, the member for Winnipeg Centre, for her fierce advocacy in originating this work. Nunavummiut are experiencing the worst food security crisis in Canada. In Iqa…
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With regard to measures taken by the government to prevent the import of alcohol and drugs into Nunavut, broken down by community and by fiscal year since 2020-21: (a) what specific measures are in place to ensure that mail and other packages entering Nunavut via Canada Post do not contain alcohol or drugs; (b) if screening facilities are used for this purpose, where are the screening facilities l…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Uqaqtittiji, I congratulate the newly elected and re-elected MLAs in Nunavut. My deepest respect goes to all those who put their name on the ballot. Qujannamiik. I encourage the MLAs to remember the people they represent. The dream of Nunavut is for Inuit self-determination. MLAs must keep their communities at the forefront of their work. Their communities have great solutions to offer. MLAs must …
Read full speech →Oral questions
Uqaqtittiji, Iqaluit residents are protesting high grocery prices. In Cambridge Bay, even with the subsidy of $7.39, 12 bruised oranges cost $26.76. No one can afford these prices. The North West Company is profiting from our tax dollars while Inuit families are going hungry. Will the minister accelerate the nutrition north review so that Inuit families can finally afford food?
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Uqaqtittiji, the cost of living in Nunavut is grossly unfair. I have sought answers from the Minister of Indigenous Services and have not heard back. To my questions related to this late show, the minister has responded by citing the Canada child benefit. I am sorry. I have the wrong document. Can I have a quick minute?
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Uqaqtittiji, families in Nunavut have so few economic opportunities that many families end up relying heavily on government programs. Many are on income support. Indeed, some have supplemental benefits like the Canada child benefit, which is not sufficient to meet the high cost of living. Even when the Liberals offer programs like the nutrition north program, it fails to feed families. Why? It is …
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Uqaqtittiji, Michael Janke from Cambridge Bay recently compared the prices of oranges and sugar. He found that oranges are more expensive than sugar and explained that this is why Nunavummiut choose to buy groceries that are junk food as opposed to healthy foods; it is cheaper. The Liberals love to brag about Canada's place among the G7 countries. They love to brag about its credit rating. Indeed,…
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Uqaqtittiji, I mentioned in my speech that there was a promise three years ago about that transfer, and more than half of the cases have not been transferred. We also need to question what would happen for processes that happen outside Canada as the bill relates only to offences happening within Canada. With the military police not investigating or prosecuting domestic offences, we must ask, will …
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Uqaqtittiji, the biggest change we will need to discuss at committee is the appointment of a victim liaison officer. At this point, the appointment process would remain with the commanding officer, which is not the form of culture change we need to see. To support victims, who would be most impacted by this legislation, we need to make sure that support for them comes from outside of the system th…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Uqaqtittiji, in response to the throne speech, I asked if the minister would reverse the government's colonial approach or if indigenous rights would be violated. The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations replied with promises about nation-building projects, a stronger economy and a stronger Canada. I do not see how Canada can become stronger when the rights of indigenous peoples are being violat…
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Uqaqtittiji, we want to see amendments regarding investigations or incidents that happen abroad. As we know and as we have heard, even domestically some investigations have victims from one territory and witnesses from other provinces or even abroad. There should be better supports to ensure that these cross-jurisdictional issues can be streamlined.
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Uqaqtittiji, it is clear that the Liberals have no concern for indigenous peoples and their rights. Their so-called consultations were nothing more than a publicity stunt to limit backlash. The Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the Assembly of First Nations and Métis nations expressed their concerns regarding Bill C-5. However, it was still rushed through to become law. At the same time, the Liberal govern…
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Uqaqtittiji, I will start by sharing that the NDP supports Bill C-11. I dedicate this speech to the victims of abuse in the military, who deserve justice. Canadians who serve and have served in the armed forces and reserves deserve our respect and gratitude. Women, men, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, indigenous people and racialized minorities have all served in our military. Too many of the…
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Uqaqtittiji, I welcome the new member to the House of Commons. We have heard from survivors that the government does not consider the transfer of cases to the civilian justice system enough. Many have argued that if, for example, a victim is from Alberta, an accused lives in British Columbia and witnesses to an assault are from Quebec, local police units are not adequately resourced or equipped to…
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Uqaqtittiji, I appreciate the minister's presentation. We know the legislation is sorely needed, and we have noted that the victim liaison officer's position would be appointed through the chain of command. I wonder if the minister would be amenable to making sure this appointment is outside the chain of command so that victims can truly be heard.
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Uqaqtittiji, I join this debate on Bill C-9, the combatting hate act, as the voice of Nunavut and as a member of the NDP. The NDP believes the federal government must take comprehensive action to fight the rising tide of hate in Canada. Almost 5,000 hate crimes were reported in 2024. Police-reported hate crimes motivated by race or ethnicity are up 19% from 2022. Yes, we need to combat hate, but w…
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Uqaqtittiji, as I said in my speech, we are in quite interesting times. The American influence is quite strong. As rightly pointed out, the “freedom convoy” was the biggest indicator of that. We saw how unsafe we all felt during the “freedom convoy” and how American influence seeped so deeply into Canadian discourse. We need to make sure that we continue to fund news like the CBC that gives us fac…
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Uqaqtittiji, I am concerned about a lot of things. Being Inuk, I know that religion was used against me and my people to take my language and culture away, so my views on religion might not be the same as what is in my colleague's question. I know that when we are talking about making a better future for our children and our grandchildren, we need to base that on having faith in knowing that the d…
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Uqaqtittiji, I am not too sure what the question is, but I will quote what one of the member's Conservative colleagues said: “It is time to jail the haters.” We need to be careful about what we discuss and do as lawmakers. We need to make sure we address hate by having discussions, public conversations, about why we need to support each other, not spread hate about each other.
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