Question 64-12(6): Information On Photoflashes In North Baffin

In the Legislative Assembly on October 6th, 1994. See this topic in context.

Question 64-12(6): Information On Photoflashes In North Baffin
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 122

Titus Allooloo Amittuq

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Last year, in November or December, I asked the Premier to get some information about photoflashes that took place in the north Baffin, as my colleague to my right knows very well. The government committed that they would try to find out some answers. Since I didn't get a response by April 7, 1994, I asked the same question and the Premier answered that she would make sure the Members would get the information. She said, "I can assure the Member that the issue is being actively worked on."

Since then, I haven't heard any more information to supplement what I knew a year ago, or even 20 years ago. I wonder if the Premier has any more information on the activities that took place during the 1950s in the north Baffin? Thank you.

Question 64-12(6): Information On Photoflashes In North Baffin
Item 6: Oral Questions

October 5th, 1994

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Madam Premier.

Return To Question 64-12(6): Information On Photoflashes In North Baffin
Question 64-12(6): Information On Photoflashes In North Baffin
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 122

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Madam Speaker, there has been quite a bit of research done to try to find out some answers to the concerns that Members have been expressing. Although quite a bit of information has been sought, basically, according to all the work that has been done -- and I can provide the Member with that information -- including seeking the help of other agencies, I don't believe we are any further ahead than we were originally, although we do have some information about the possibilities of what happened in different areas, like Manitoba, Alaska or the United States of America.

But, I'm afraid, even with all the information seeking and work that has been done, we are not any closer to a clear explanation to what happened during the 1950s or any closer to answering the concerns that have been raised. Thank you.

Return To Question 64-12(6): Information On Photoflashes In North Baffin
Question 64-12(6): Information On Photoflashes In North Baffin
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 122

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Allooloo.

Supplementary To Question 64-12(6): Information On Photoflashes In North Baffin
Question 64-12(6): Information On Photoflashes In North Baffin
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 122

Titus Allooloo Amittuq

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I appreciate the work that has been done by the Government of the Northwest Territories to find out, on behalf of the people of the north Baffin, what happened during the 1950s. Earlier in the spring, Madam Speaker, I was able to work with the Premier's staff to try to get information. I haven't heard from them since the spring. I gave them the name of an RCMP and Hudson Bay managers from that time, who are still alive today. I hope they were able to contact them since those people knew what products were being brought to the community by hunters, parts of whatever it was. These things were brought to the RCMP.

I wonder if the Premier is still pursuing the issue and is trying to find out what things were being brought to the RCMP and Hudson Bay managers during that time?

Supplementary To Question 64-12(6): Information On Photoflashes In North Baffin
Question 64-12(6): Information On Photoflashes In North Baffin
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 122

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Madam Premier.

Further Return To Question 64-12(6): Information On Photoflashes In North Baffin
Question 64-12(6): Information On Photoflashes In North Baffin
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 122

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Madam Speaker, the work continues to take place. I have not given anyone a reprieve on our commitment to try to find out what happened and put it down to more detail. Even though there has been a

considerable amount of searching going on, I can't give any further information or conclusion other than what the Members already know. But we will continue to try to pursue the matter until we come to some conclusion. So it's still an active file, Madam Speaker.

Further Return To Question 64-12(6): Information On Photoflashes In North Baffin
Question 64-12(6): Information On Photoflashes In North Baffin
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 123

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Yellowknife South, Mr. Whitford.