Roles

In the Legislative Assembly

Elsewhere

Historical Information Manitok Thompson is no longer a member of the Legislative Assembly.

Last in the Legislative Assembly March 1999, as MLA for Aivilik

Won her last election, in 1995, with 46% of the vote.

Statements in the House

Importance Of Community Radio Stations June 19th, 1995

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Community-run radio stations are a lifeline for most remote settlements in the Arctic. They rely heavily on these stations to provide them with local, national and international news. For many people, especially unilingual Inuit, the radio is the only source for news and information.

The Government of the Northwest Territories has been an important player in ensuring that even the smaller communities have basic radio service; however, in many of these communities, the equipment is outdated and, as a result, there are frequent interruptions in service. The company contracted to keep these stations operational and to repair equipment has a local contact person in most communities who has received basic training on the equipment by the contractor. However, Mr. Speaker, the training provided is so basic that often the individual is not able to make even basic repairs. Locating parts for such old equipment and delays in shipping can often lead to a community having to go without radio service for weeks, sometimes months.

I realize that delivering such a service to a small community is a complex and costly venture, but if the Government of the Northwest Territories is going to remain involved in funding these stations, better coordination is needed to ensure that the best possible service is provided. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Committee Motion 75-12(7): To Defer Consideration Of Clause 10 Of Bill 25, Carried June 19th, 1995

I understand what you're saying. So, it will be up to the CEC if they want to fine $10, right? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Committee Motion 75-12(7): To Defer Consideration Of Clause 10 Of Bill 25, Carried June 19th, 1995

My question, Mr. Chairman, is, in a small community like Repulse Bay, I have seen students who quit school at 14 or 15 years old; they don't attend school again. I am just taking Repulse Bay as an example of what happens in a smaller community. What happens when a student quits school when he's 14 or 15 years old? Does he get registered and become a non-attender for the rest of the year, getting charged $500 according to section 28 of the act?

I think that is a concern of the parents. A lot of parents in small communities don't have any employment, and I don't think that is a very acceptable situation, to be charged for not registering your children. It just doesn't seem to make sense for a small community. If it was community work, instead of fines, it would probably make more sense; volunteer work as a punishment. So my question is, what happens if a child quits school at 15 years old or 14 years old? Does the parent register them and they then become a non-attender for the rest of the year? What happens in that case? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Committee Motion 75-12(7): To Defer Consideration Of Clause 10 Of Bill 25, Carried June 18th, 1995

Mr. Chairman, the question I was going to ask is who will initiate charges, and it's already been answered. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Question 629-12(7): Availability Of Caribou Sport Hunting Tags June 15th, 1995

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is, will the Minister provide direction and encouragement to my constituency in caribou sports hunting? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 629-12(7): Availability Of Caribou Sport Hunting Tags June 15th, 1995

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a question directed to the Minister of Renewable Resources. I know that the Minister of Renewable Resources is also aware that the sport polar bear hunters who come into the communities go to Repulse Bay and Coral Harbour to hunt polar bears. This has been running smoothly for a long time, and the guides and outfitters are paid well by these sport hunters who are coming to these communities. All the men and women in the communities benefit from those sport hunters who are coming to the communities, especially to Repulse Bay and Coral Harbour. The hunters are able to make some extra money by taking them out; and the women who make the clothing for those hunters, are paid well for the work they do by making the outdoor clothing for these sport hunting. So, sport hunting for polar bears has been one of the programs that has operated very well in the north, and everyone is aware of that.

As our Minister knows, the Department of Renewable Resources has said in Coral Harbour there are a lot of caribou on Southampton Island at this time. My question is regarding the sport hunting of polar bears, as it has operated very well in the past. I'll ask my question in English. (Translation ends)

My question is to the Minister of Renewable Resources. Building on the success of polar bear sport hunting, will the Minister provide direction and encouragement to his officials to find a way to make caribou sport hunting tags available for a much-needed economic opportunity to my constituents? Thank you.

Disturbing Winnipeg Free Press Article Re Inuit Art June 14th, 1995

Secondly, Inuit should be able to take advantage of better and new technology to improve their craft. We have proven that we are very capable and adaptable people. Inuit have combined the traditional ways of the past with the modern techniques of today to provide the world with some of the most outstanding art available. His reference to Inuit art being "sleeker" is an insult to my people.

Mr. Speaker, the article states that Mr. Swinton travelled to Arviat in May, "in an effort to help repair the declining quality of Inuit carving in the region." This type of paternalistic attitude towards Inuit is not welcome. Inuit do not need people from the south telling them how to carve and what to carve. I find the comments made in this article to be inappropriate and an unwarranted attack on my people and their way of life. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Disturbing Winnipeg Free Press Article Re Inuit Art June 14th, 1995

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On Tuesday, June 13th, an article appeared in the Winnipeg Free Press on the perceived decline of Inuit art in the north. The individual responsible for these comments is Mr. George Swinton, a Winnipeg artist and a semi-retired professor. He argues that the pace of change over the past 50 years has been so swift that Inuit carving has suffered, as a result. Mr. Swinton also argues that the introduction of workshops and power tools has lead to the creation of nouveau Inuit art which is more detailed and naturalistic compared to the old, almost prehistoric look of the original art.

Mr. Speaker, I find this article disturbing for several reasons. First, the Inuit culture will continue to evolve over time. This is a natural process that cannot be halted. Inuit cannot close themselves off from the rest of the world and live isolated in the past. I am very confident that our language and our culture is still strong and will continue to survive even in the rapidly-changing world in which we live.

Item 6: Oral Questions June 13th, 1995

I don't think the Minister of Health and Social Services knows that there are no taxis in Repulse Bay. I guess my question is, will the Minister undertake to make sure that a solution can be found so that the nursing station can have access to a van or have a van to transport patients who are seriously ill, so they don't have to depend on a four wheeler or a skidoo to transport them back and forth or on pick-up trucks that are available in the community? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 600-12(7): Departmental Policy On Transportation Of Patients June 13th, 1995

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today in my Member's statement, I referred to the serious problem experienced by sick people in Repulse Bay who need safe transportation to the health centre or to the airport. My question is for the Minister of Health and Social Services. Is it an approved practice of your department to transport seriously-ill patients on sleds or in the back of pick-up trucks?