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

Congratulating Repulse Bay Grade 10 Graduates And Urgent Requirement For School Expansion June 6th, 1995

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to extend my congratulations to 10 members of the first community-based grade 10 high school program to graduate from Repulse Bay.

I am sure that without this program, many students would have chosen not to leave the community to continue their education. With the addition of grade 11 this fall, and grade 12 in the fall of 1996, these students will now be able to stay in their home community with their families and friends, to complete their high school education.

Mr. Speaker, my thanks and congratulations goes out to the staff of Tusarvik School for their hard work and dedication to the students of this community. Even with the limited space in their school, they are still able to provide a quality education to the students. However, the problem of overcrowding in Tusarvik School is beginning to have a negative impact on both staff and students. Due to the lack of space in the school, they were forced to use the library as a classroom and a computer lab. Next year will be even worse with the addition of grade 11. Both grades 10 and 11 will have to share the library space. To compound the problem even further, 22 new kindergarten students will be enroling in the fall of 1995.

Mr. Speaker, this is why the residents of Repulse Bay are asking to have the expansion of Tusarvik School identified in the government's five-year capital plan moved from 1998-99 to the 1996-97 fiscal year. It is my hope that the government will take action on this matter so that the education being provided to the students of this community will not be compromised in any way.

(Translation) Mr. Speaker, I wanted to make this statement and I thank you, Mr. Speaker. The students who graduated in Repulse were the first in that community once higher grade levels were introduced within those communities. Had they not attended school within their home community, I doubt that they would have completed grade 10 or the higher levels. With the introduction of grade 11 within those communities, and eventually grade 12 in 1996, this is joyous to see. It's good that young people will be able to stay within their own communities to be amongst their friends and their own people and complete their education at higher levels.

Mr. Speaker, I'm very grateful and I'm very proud of those people who were involved in teaching these students.

--- Applause

Concerns Re Proposed Federal Gun Control Legislation June 5th, 1995

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to discuss an issue which is of great concern to the people of my constituency. The proposed Act Respecting Firearms and Other Weapons, Bill C-68, quite clearly does not respect the agreements signed in May of 1993 between the Inuit of Nunavut and the federal government. This agreement states that the Inuit have the right to harvest wildlife without any form of licence or permit and without imposition of any form of tax or fee. Bill C-68 does exactly the opposite. It imposes a monetary burden on Inuit people who rely on harvesting wildlife

to support their families. This is part of our culture and our traditional way of life.

In addition, Mr. Speaker, the consultation process, as we heard yesterday from Mr. Patterson, was completely inadequate. Communities in the north have not been consulted adequately, and Inuit are left without any information on how this bill will affect their lives. The federal government has not taken the appropriate measures to ensure that concerns at the community level have been addressed.

Once again, we see the federal government acting in a manner that does not reflect the current realities of our people or our values and beliefs. This gun control legislation should not and must not be imposed on the Inuit of Nunavut. I would encourage the federal government not to proceed with this bill until the matter is settled. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Item 10: Petitions June 4th, 1995

Mr. Speaker, I would like to present Petition No. 10-12(7) dealing with the matter of Chesterfield Inlet's request for a second nurse. Mr. Speaker, the petition contains 182 signatures and, Mr. Speaker, the petitioners' request reads as follows: "We, the residents of Chesterfield Inlet, hereby petition the GNWT and the Keewatin regional health board to appoint a second nurse to be stationed in Chesterfield Inlet."

---Applause

Question 496-12(7): Plans For A Resident Rcmp Officer In Chesterfield Inlet June 4th, 1995

My supplementary question is, the by-law officer, Johnny Sammurtok of Chesterfield Inlet, has been acting on behalf of the RCMP and has dealt with issues which don't relate to his job as a hamlet by-law officer. When is this review going to be complete?

Question 496-12(7): Plans For A Resident Rcmp Officer In Chesterfield Inlet June 4th, 1995

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Justice. I know that the Minister is aware that there has been correspondence in the past regarding policing in Chesterfield Inlet. As of today, there still isn't a resident RCMP officer. Are there any plans for a resident RCMP officer in Chesterfield? Thank you.

Election To The Legislative Assembly June 4th, 1995

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is with great pleasure that I rise in this House today as the newly-elected Member of the Legislative Assembly representing Aivilik. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my constituents in the communities of Chesterfield Inlet, Coral Harbour, and Repulse Bay for their support and faith in my ability to represent their interests. I can assure them that I will work extremely hard as their MLA to ensure that their needs are met and their concerns are addressed by this government.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank the Honourable John Todd for looking after the interests of Aivilik while the seat was vacant.

---Applause

Taking on this additional responsibility was very much appreciated by the citizens of my constituency.

To all Members of the Legislative Assembly, thank you for your warm welcome and your very kind offers of assistance should I have any questions or concerns. I look forward to working closely with all of you during this session. A special thank you is extended to David Hamilton for the time he has spent with me

Mr. Speaker, I recognize the challenge that lies before me, and I greet it with an open mind and the determination to succeed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause