Levi Barnabas

Roles

In the Legislative Assembly

Elsewhere

Historical Information Levi Barnabas is no longer a member of the Legislative Assembly.

Last in the Legislative Assembly March 1999, as MLA for High Arctic

Won his last election, in 1995, with 34% of the vote.

Statements in the House

Travel Delays For High Arctic Medical Patients February 15th, 1996

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my statement today is about medical patients from Grise Fiord, Resolute Bay and Arctic Bay, who have experienced delays getting home following treatment or going to the hospital in Iqaluit. I have heard several complaints that people from these communities are approved to return home, go to the airport to travel on a scheduled flight and end up being very disappointed and inconvenienced when they are told they cannot have a seat on the plane.

This is especially frustrating for my constituents, since there are not very many scheduled flights going to my constituency from Iqaluit anymore. This concern has been expressed by the mayors of those three communities and was discussed at a recent Baffin leaders' summit meeting. In attempting to solve this problem, I have approached senior officials with First Air and I have also written to the chair of the Baffin Regional Health Board to ask the health board to assist in solving this problem. I am hopeful with better communication between health officials and the airlines, this frustrating problem for my constituents will soon be resolved. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 37-13(2): Training Session For Justices Of The Peace February 14th, 1996

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister, Mr. Kakfwi. The justices of the peace in my constituency haven't had training in three years. They are very beneficial and of great assistance to the communities. Can the Minister tell us if they are prepared to hold a training session for JPs? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 14-13(2): Request For Rcmp Detachment In Arctic Bay February 13th, 1996

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'll speak in Inuktitut at this time. I have a question to be directed to Mr. Stephen Kakfwi, the honourable Minister of the Department of Justice. Probably two months ago, he said he would try to look into getting an RCMP detachment in Arctic Bay. The mayor wrote to the Department of Justice and has not received an answer, Mr. Speaker.

Question 3-13(2): Status Of Funds For New Hospitals In Iqaluit And Inuvik February 13th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Health, the Honourable Kelvin Ng. Mr. Speaker, the Baffin leaders' summit passed a motion in January asking for meetings between the federal Health Minister and the chair of the Baffin Regional Health Board, with the MLA for Iqaluit. Mr. Speaker, will the Minister update this House on discussions to date concerning this meeting and the situation regarding funds for the new hospitals in Iqaluit and Inuvik? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Need For New Airport Terminal In Resolute Bay February 13th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since the new Nunavut government is due to be established on April 1, 1999, I believe that it is important this project be concluded well in advance of the establishment of the Nunavut government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Need For New Airport Terminal In Resolute Bay February 13th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I wish to speak about the need for a new airport terminal in Resolute

Bay. The replacement of this aging passenger terminal in my constituency is a very high priority for me and the community I represent. Our airport is very important to us in several ways. It is a vital facility for our growing tourism industry. Tourists and other visitors to Resolute Bay and the High Arctic must have a good impression when they arrive.

Resolute Bay is the gateway to the Arctic Islands, the new national park on Ellesmere Island, it is also the hub for the polar scientific activities. It is also the hub for employees' rotations and supplies for the Polaris Mine. It is also the terminal through which we receive the supplies we require from the South. There have been times, in the recent past, when Resolute Bay Airport was one of the busiest in Canada. It is my belief that in some time in the future when world-wide demand for natural gas and oil pick-up, this airport will once again become a very busy stage ground for oil and gas activities.

The current airport terminal was built in the early 1950s. One end is owned by Kenn Borek Air and the other end has an addition which was built by Pacific Western Airlines. The building is small and worn out. Mr. Speaker, I understand that the Government of the Northwest Territories took over responsibility for the Resolute Bay Airport and other A airports last year. I also understand that funding was built into the transfer agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories to allow the construction of the new terminal.

Mr. Speaker, I'm also looking forward to working with the Minister of Transportation, the Honourable Jim Antoine, and other Members of the Assembly to ensure that this very important, long-awaited project which has been built into the funding for the transfer of Arctic A airports proceed in a timely manner. Since the new Nunavut government is due to be established on April 1, 1999...

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude.

Question 9-13(1): Request For Police Services At Arctic Bay December 13th, 1995

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Justice. My Speaker, the hamlet of Arctic Bay is concerned about not having any police in their community. Arctic Bay is at least half an hour away from the RCMP detachment in Nanisivik by a very narrow and steep road. The road is sometimes closed due to the weather and the mining community has very few policing problems compared to the problems that occur in Arctic Bay. I would like to ask the Minister if he is aware of the request from Arctic Bay that RCMP be located in the community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Opening Of New Arctic Bay Arena December 13th, 1995

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My last comments are that I would like to say to my colleagues to have a merry Christmas and to my constituents in High Arctic. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Opening Of New Arctic Bay Arena December 13th, 1995

Sorry. I am asking for unanimous consent.

Opening Of New Arctic Bay Arena December 13th, 1995

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was very happy to attend the official opening of the new Tununirusuq Arena in Arctic Bay on December 1st. It was a very happy event.

I would like to thank our former MLA, Ludy Pudluk, for his hard work and dedication to getting this project completed. The new arena is also a credit to our former mayor, Juda Taqtu, and the council of the hamlet of Arctic Bay.

(Translation) I would also like to thank the Honourable Manitok Thompson, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, who sent a message which I was happy to deliver on her behalf and a plaque which I was pleased to present to the community. I very much appreciate the Minister's efforts to extend her congratulations to Arctic Bay, since I know that she had only just been appointed when the arena was opened. (Translation ends)

The new arena was full of Arctic Bay residents when it was officially opened. It was very exciting when everybody went out on the new ice to skate together and enjoy the new facility. There were even people who went out on the ice who had never skated before. I want to also make special mention to thank Mr. Shorty Brown of Yellowknife, whose generous program provided skates for many people who would not otherwise have been able to skate.

I am pleased that the arena is already well used and has a busy schedule. I know that wonderful new facility will be enjoyed by Arctic Bay residents and will also be very beneficial to our youth who now have a much-needed place for healthy recreation and are grateful.