EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I do understand your concern and I do know what you are saying, that it would be nice to have the curriculum set so that they can apply early for FANS funding.
So I will take your comments, Mr. Enook, and speak to my officials and see how we can deal with this.
Question 642 – 3(3): Funding Request from Gjoa Haven Community Freezer (Ugyuk)
My question is for the Minister of ED&T. (interpretation) I say “good day” to the residents of Taloyoak and Gjoa Haven.
(interpretation ends) The question I have for ED&T is the community of Gjoa Haven has applied for a community freezer program fund.
Can the minister give me an update on where the application stands for the community of Gjoa Haven?
At this time, I do not have the information available in front of me, but I will surely get back to the member with the request that she has put forth here.
Oh, you’re finished? Okay.
Committee Report 030 – 3(3): Bill 44, An Act to Amend the Justices of the Peace Act (Ningeongan)
I wish to report that Bill 44, An Act to Amend the Justices of the Peace Act, has been reviewed by the Standing Committee on Legislation and that the bill, as amended and reprinted, is ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to waive Rule 68(6) and have Bill 44 immediately moved into the Committee of the Whole.
There is a request for unanimous consent to waive Rule 68(6) so that Bill 44, as amended and reprinted, can be immediately referred to the Committee of the Whole.
Bill 44, as amended and reprinted, is immediately referred to the Committee of the Whole.
Committee Report 031 – 3(3): Bill 57, Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2013 (Ningeongan)
I wish to report that Bill 57, Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2013, has been reviewed by the Standing Committee on Legislation and that the bill is ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to waive Rule 68(6) and have Bill 57 immediately moved into the Committee of the Whole.
There is a request for unanimous consent to waive Rule 68(6) so that Bill 57 can be immediately referred to the Committee of the Whole.
Therefore, Bill 57 is immediately referred to the Committee of the Whole.
*See Appendix for full text of Committee Report 33 – 3(3) filed with the Clerk.
Committee Report 032 – 3(3): Bill 60, An Act Respecting the Nunavut Law Foundation (Ningeongan)
Thank you, members, once again.
I wish to report that Bill 60, An Act Respecting the Nunavut Law Foundation, has been reviewed by the Standing Committee on Legislation and that the bill, as amended and reprinted, is ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to waive Rule 68(6) and have Bill 60 immediately moved into the Committee of the Whole.
There is request for unanimous consent to waive Rule 68(6) so that Bill 60 can be referred immediately to the Committee of the Whole.
There is none. Therefore, Bill 60, as amended and reprinted, is immediately referred to the Committee of the Whole.
Committee Report 033 – 3(3): Report on the Review of the 2011-2012 Annual Report of the Languages Commissioner of Nunavut (Elliott)
I rise today to present the report of the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts on its review of the 2011-12 Annual Report of the Languages Commissioner of Nunavut.
As you will recall, Mr. Speaker, the Languages Commissioner’s annual report for 2011-12 was tabled in this House on October 26, 2012.
Mr. Speaker, Ms. Sandra Inutiq is the new Languages Commissioner for Nunavut. She assumed her duties as Languages Commissioner on January 14, 2013, and is at the very beginning of her term.
The standing committee recognized that the Languages Commissioner’s annual report described activities conducted in 2011 and 2012 under the tenure of her predecessor.
Committee members appreciated Ms. Inutiq’s willingness to update the committee on the status of many of the office’s activities over this period as well to discuss her own plans for the future.
The standing committee held its hearings on the Languages Commissioner’s 2011-12 annual report from April 16 to 17, 2013. The hearings were open to the public and news media to observe and were broadcast on local cable television.
The standing committee’s report provides a number of observations on issues that emerged during its hearings on the Languages Commissioner’s 2011-12 annual report and makes five formal recommendations.
Mr. Speaker, in its earlier report on the review of the Languages Commissioner’s 2010-11 annual report, the standing committee made several recommendations with respect to the presentation and analysis of information included in the report.
While the standing committee notes that the latest annual report has made significant improvements in this area, members were of the view that further work could be done in the area of performance measurement.
The standing committee’s first recommendation is that the Languages Commissioner work to improve the benchmark criteria for the specific objectives listed in her annual report’s work plan for the following year.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, the Languages Commissioner’s duties are established under Nunavut’s language legislation. The standing committee has raised the concern that the development of various guidelines, policies, and parameters for implementing the law falls to the Languages Commissioner.
Committee members were of the view that the Government of Nunavut should bear some responsibility for establishing the necessary criteria by which to implement aspects of Nunavut’s language legislation.
The standing committee’s second recommendation was that the Languages Commissioner work with representatives from the Government of Nunavut, and specifically with the Minister of Languages, to develop and establish the necessary guidelines and policies by which her office can most effectively monitor the implementation of Nunavut’s language legislation.
Mr. Speaker, throughout the course of our hearings, members raised a number of questions regarding the obligations of federal agencies with respect to Nunavut’s language legislation.
The standing committee remains somewhat unsure of the Languages Commissioner’s position on this issue and recommends that she be more fully prepared to substantively address issues relating to the delivery of services in the territory’s official languages by federal and federally-regulated entities and federally-affiliated organizations.
Mr. Speaker, language plays a very important role in the history, culture, and identity of Nunavut and its residents.
While the standing committee fully recognizes that the responsibility for many aspects of language promotion and use across Nunavut does not fall under the mandate of the Languages Commissioner, members are of the view that the success of her office will be very much affected by developments in these areas.
The standing committee therefore recommends that the Languages Commissioner work closely with entities such as the Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit (the Inuit Language Authority), the Minister of Languages, Nunavut Arctic College, and affected government departments to address those areas which will most directly affect how legislated language service obligations are met.
Mr. Speaker, the standing committee applauds the Languages Commissioner’s enthusiasm and determination to address the issue of language learning in early childhood and further appreciated the Languages Commissioner’s recognition of the specific needs and concerns of elders with respect to language rights and issues across Nunavut.
The standing committee’s final recommendation is that the Languages Commissioner collaborate with territorial, municipal, and regional entities to address language issues which directly affect target groups, such as young children, youth, and elders.
Mr. Speaker, language can be an emotional and sensitive topic.
I would like to thank my colleagues for their informative interventions and thoughtful questions during the standing committee’s hearings.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage Ms. Inutiq in her role as Nunavut’s Languages Commissioner over the course of her term.
Do members agree that pursuant to Rule 91(2) that the report of the standing committee be received by the House and entered into the record as read?
Speaker: There is agreement and as such, the report has been received and will be entered into the record as read.
Tabled Document 360 – 3(3): Copy of the Memorandum of Understanding Concerning the M’Clintock Channel Polar Bear Population (Ugyuk)
Ms. Ugyuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table today a copy of the 2003 Memorandum of Understanding Concerning the M’Clintock Channel Polar Bear Population.
This memorandum of understanding was between the hunters and trappers organizations for the communities of Cambridge Bay, Gjoa Haven, and Taloyoak, the Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Board, and the Department of Sustainable Development, which is now the Department of Environment.
Tabling of Documents. Minister of Environment, Minister Arreak.
Tabled Document 361 – 3(3): A Homeowner’s Guide to Permafrost in Nunavut: Keep your House on Solid Ground (Arreak)
I am pleased to table A Homeowner’s Guide to Permafrost in Nunavut titled “Keep your House on Solid Ground.”
Tabled Document 362 – 3(3): Excerpt from the House of Commons Hansard of May 10, 2013 (Ningeongan)
I am very pleased to table today an excerpt from the House of Commons Hansard of May 10, 2013.
Members will note that a petition signed by Nunavummiut and other Canadians was presented in the House of Commons last Friday calling on the European Union’s application for observer status of the Arctic Council to be rejected until such time as the seal product ban is lifted.
Tabled Document 363 – 3(3): The GN Long-term Comprehensive Housing and Homelessness Strategy (Taptuna)
Tabled Document 364 – 3(3): Igluliuqatigiilauqta “Let’s build a Home together” (Taptuna)
I am pleased to table the Government of Nunavut’s Long-term Comprehensive Housing and Homelessness Strategy: Igluliuqatigiilauqta, Let’s build a Home together.
Another document is the Framework of the Government of Nunavut’s Long-term Comprehensive Housing and Homelessness Strategy.
Tabled Document 365 – 3(3): Correspondence of May 7, 2013 from the Mittimatalik Hunters and Trappers Organization to the National Energy Board (Enook)
I wish to table today a copy of the May 7, 2013 correspondence from the Mittimatalik Hunters and Trappers Organization to the National Energy Board concerning the issue of proposed seismic testing in Baffin Bay.
I encourage all members to review this correspondence with care.
Tabled Document 366 – 3(3): Article from May/June 2013 Edition of Above and Beyond Magazine: Focus on Food Security (Elliott)
Tabled Document 367 – 3(3): Student Essay on Youth Facilities (Elliott)
I have two separate documents to table today.
I am pleased to table a copy of an article from the current edition of Above and Beyond magazine titled “Focus on Food Security.” The article was written by a young resident of Nunavut and I encourage all members to review it with care.
The second is a student essay on youth facilities across the territory. It was written by Inuujaq School student Cherita Kalluk of Arctic Bay.
Mr. Speaker, I believe this young lady has a future as minister with the Government of Nunavut.
Her essay was written on “What would be your biggest priority if you were a Member of the Legislative Assembly and why?”
Mr. Speaker, I just want to read a small portion of her essay. She writes, “…it’s time to start the ‘Kids’ Centre’ where they can do whatever it takes to keep them out of trouble. I would want this for all communities so it would need a lot of funding because it would be all of Nunavut.
Companies that are interested can fund it. Government departments like CLEY and Inuit organizations like QIA and other supportive companies that are interested can help fund it. The territorial government would be involved in this kind of thing because the ‘Kids’ Centre’ would be for all of Nunavut.
I don’t really know how much exactly it would cost, but there would have to be investigations to be done.”
Mr. Speaker, if that doesn’t sound like a minister, I don’t know what does.
I trust that all members will eagerly read this essay.
Bill 64 – An Act to Amend the Liquor Act – Notice
Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Wednesday, May 15, that Bill 64, An Act to Amend the Liquor Act, be read for the first time.
Bill 63 – An Act Consequential to the Government Reorganization of 2013 – Second Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 63, An Act Consequential to the Government Reorganization of 2013, be read for the second time.
Mr. Speaker, this Act amends several Acts and regulations to accord with the government reorganization on April 1, 2013.
The motion is carried and Bill 63… .
Pursuant to Rule 67(2), I request unanimous consent to order Bill 63 into the Committee of the Whole for consideration.
The minister is requesting unanimous consent to order Bill 63 directly into the Committee of the Whole.
There are none and as such, Bill 63 is referred directly and immediately to the Committee of the Whole.
Bills 44, 57, 60, and 63 with Mr. Enook in the Chair.
Before we proceed with the Committee of the Whole, we will take a 22-minute break.
Chairman (Mr. Enook)(interpretation): Good afternoon, Nunavummiut watching our televised proceedings or listening to the radio broadcast. Welcome.
At this time, prior to commencing our committee meeting, I wish to welcome this person to Nunavummiut as well as this House, Ms. Sheila MacPherson. Welcome to the Chambers. She will be fulfilling the role of the Law Clerk for our proceedings this week.
At this time, I would like to call the committee meeting to order.
In Committee of the Whole, we have the following items to deal with: Bills 44, 60, 57, and 63.
We wish to commence with the review of the following bills: Bill 44, Bill 60, Bill 57, and Bill 63.
Are we in agreement to first deal with Bill 44?
Bill 44 – An Act to Amend the Justices of the Peace Act – Consideration in Committee
I would like to ask the Minister of Justice, Minister Shewchuk, to go to the witness table to make his opening remarks.
Minister Shewchuk, welcome and you may begin your opening remarks whenever you’re ready.
I am here today to discuss An Act to Amend the Justices of the Peace Act.
This bill establishes a committee to make recommendations on appointments and remuneration for justices of the peace. It also amends the complaints process.
We are committed to maintaining and strengthening the independence of Nunavut’s judiciary. This amendment will provide for an independent committee to recruit and hire justices of the peace.
JPs provide invaluable community services, and ensuring they are hired and compensated appropriately is in the interest of all Nunavutmiut.
The complaints process found within the Justices of the Peace Act is also to be amended to better identify rights and responsibilities of justices of the peace within the judicial system.
Mr. Chairman, I thank you and I would be very happy to answer any questions that you or the committee might have.
Chairman: Thank you, Minister Shewchuk. (interpretation) Do you have any witnesses that you would like to bring to the table? Minister Shewchuk.
Minister Shewchuk, for the record, please introduce your witnesses. Minister Shewchuk.
To my right, I have Dwayne Twerdin, who is the Acting Director of Court Services, and to my left, I have Philip Grassie, who is Legislative Counsel for the Department of Justice.
At this time, I would like to ask the chair of the standing committee if he has any opening comments.
Mr. Ningeongan. (interpretation ends) Please.
As Chair of the Standing Committee on Legislation, I am pleased to make some opening comments as we begin consideration of Bill 44, An Act to Amend the Justices of the Peace Act.
Mr. Chairman, as you will recall, Bill 44 received second reading on October 26, 2012 and was subsequently referred to the standing committee for consideration.
The standing committee is very mindful of the important role that justices of the peace play in our territory’s justice system and communities.
This importance was well-articulated in a past annual report of the Nunavut Court of Justice, which noted that the individuals who are appointed as justices of the peace must be “…prepared to accept the onerous tasks required of a Justice of the Peace, including swearing-in municipal officials, conducting marriages, swearing court charges with police or by-law officers, and conducting bail and sentencing hearings…Justices of the Peace are the connection between the travelling court and the communities.”
Over the past several months, the standing committee has engaged in a productive dialogue with the sponsoring minister concerning Bill 44 and matters related to the administration of the Justices of the Peace Program.
During the minister’s recent appearance before the standing committee on the occasion of its clause-by-clause consideration of Bill 44, a number of amendments were passed to the bill.
These included provisions to ensure that an individual must be a resident of the territory for at least 12 months prior to being eligible for appointment as a justice of the peace.
This is consistent with residency requirements for voting in territorial elections. Other amendments established a residency requirement for appointment to the Justices of the Peace Appointment and Remuneration Committee in addition to amendments clarifying the appointment process for the territory’s senior justice of the peace.
Mr. Chairman, given the importance of the Justices of the Peace Program, the standing committee looks forward to future annual reports of the Nunavut Court of Justice accounting in detail for the program’s operations, including the activities of the Justices of the Peace Review Council and the new Justices of the Peace Appointment and Remuneration Committee.
Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening comments. The standing committee recommends the passage of Bill 44 to all members.
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Ningeongan. (interpretation) Before we go to the general comments, I would like to remind all members, because it has been a very long weekend, that according to Rule 77(1), you have 10 minutes to speak, and according to Rule 77(2), subject to the discretion of the Chair, a member may speak more than once to a matter under discussion but not until every member wishing to speak has spoken.
In the opening comments of the hon. minister, third paragraph, and I read, “We are committed to maintaining and strengthening the independence...” I would like to underline that term “independence.” “…of Nunavut’s judiciary.
The amendments will provide for an independent committee.” Again I would like to underline the term “independent.” “… independent committee to recruit and hire justices of the peace.”
Now, prior to this bill which we will amend, and I will be supporting the amendments, how did we recruit or hire justices of the peace in Nunavut?
Are we following the inherited Justices of the Peace Act or statutes from the NWT?
Again the question is: how did we recruit and hire prior to this bill, when we were hiring and recruiting justices of the peace in Nunavut before the committee was struck, I believe?
Hon. Daniel Shewchuk: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank Mr. Ningark for the very important question.
At present, you’re right, we’re adopting the NWT system of recruiting justices of the peace and that is based on recommendations from the community or hamlet and the council and the community all involved.
With this amendment, what we are planning to do here is it will strengthen and give structure to the way that we recruit justices of the peace.
No disrespect or offence to the hamlet, but when you live in a small community, it’s very hard to be unbiased. I believe this is in order that we at least have an independent committee to ensure that we hire and recruit justices of the peace no matter where you live, a small community or a larger community, where the real meaning of the justices of the peace for the community is there.
It’s only a comment, but I think this bill is a long time coming, especially for the smaller communities across Nunavut.
Again, no disrespect or without prejudice, I say that.
If there are no more general comments, we will now review Bill 44.
I will just follow the English version. (interpretation ends) Bill 44.
Reprint. An Act to Amend the Justices of the Peace Act.
Chairman (interpretation): Turn the page. Page 3.
Clause 4.1.
Chairman (interpretation): Clause 6.1.
Are we in agreement that Bill 44, as amended and reprinted, is now ready for third reading?
Minister Shewchuk, the bill can now be read for the third time. Do you have any closing comments?
I thank you and your committee for reviewing this very important bill.
I would really like to thank you and your committee for the input that you had and the dialogue that we had since last fall in regard to this bill and enhancing it to ensure that it serves Nunavutmiut and the citizens of Nunavut as best it can.
I would like to thank my staff very much for all of their hard work that went into this bill too and we look forward to the continued support of our justices in Nunavut.
Chairman: Thank you, Minister. (interpretation) Sergeant-at-Arms… .
I apologize, Sergeant-at-Arms. I would first of all like to ask the minister: as we are going to be dealing with Bill 60 and that’s under your portfolio, will you have the same witnesses with you?
Bill 60 – An Act Respecting the Nunavut Law Foundation – Consideration in Committee
I will be switching one of them.
One of them will be staying at the table and one is going to be switching.
Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort one of the witnesses out and bring in another witness for the minister. Thank you.
To my right, I have my new witness, Deputy Minister Norman Tarnow with the Department of Justice, and to my left, I have Philip Grassie, again, the Legislative Counsel for the Department of Justice.
Minister Shewchuk, you may now proceed with your opening comments on this bill.
I am here today to discuss An Act Respecting the Nunavut Law Foundation.
The Nunavut Law Foundation is established by the Legal Professions Act. The foundation’s mandate is to use the interest that accumulates in lawyers’ trust accounts to support access to justice and education projects.
This bill forgives the tabling requirement for the annual reports of the foundation for the years 2003, 2004, and 2005.
It also amends the Legal Professions Act to expand the objects of the foundation and provides protection from liability for the board of the foundation for actions done in good faith.
These changes will give the foundation greater flexibility to more effectively use its funds to advance access to justice in Nunavut.
This bill will also allow the Nunavut Law Foundation to come up to date in its annual reporting requirements.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would be happy to answer any questions that you or your committee might have.
As Chair of the Standing Committee on Legislation, I am pleased to make some very brief opening comments as we begin consideration of Bill 60, An Act Respecting the Nunavut Law Foundation.
The standing committee recognizes that Bill 60 makes a number of non-contentious amendments to the Legal Professions Act. For example, Bill 60 expands the objects of the Nunavut Law Foundation that are provided for in section 51 of the legislation to include such matters as the awarding of bursaries and scholarships for the study of law.
The provisions concerning the tabling of FANS annual reports of the foundation are similar to those which were contained in Bill 16, which was passed by the Legislative Assembly in 2011 in respect to past annual reports of the Liquor Licensing Board.
The standing committee recommends the passage of Bill 60 to all members.
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Ningeongan. (interpretation) Are there any general comments on the opening comments?
Again I would like to support the passage of this bill.