EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
The names were struck off the e-mail message Mr. Speaker, in order to protect the integrity and the reputation of those individuals that were involved in the e-mail.
Now I have no problems Mr. Speaker, if the member wants or the House rules, to table the actual document with the names of the e-mail, the individual that sent it and the person that it went to and the references to the individuals within the e-mail document itself.
Now, the reason why I think it is important that we all think about this and debate this issue Mr. Speaker, is that on the principles of confidentiality, the principle of protecting individuals that don't have the opportunity to speak or defend themselves in the House here.
I think it is incumbent on us as Members of this Assembly to respect that.
Now, having said that, if the member has concerns about the validity of the e-mail, individuals or those that were involved in that tabled document, then like I said Mr. Speaker, if the House chooses that takes precedence over an individual's interests then I will respect the rules of the House and your ruling and table it again with the individuals' names intact.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ng. As part of our rules and the rules of this House, Mr. Ng has the opportunity to speak to Mr. Tootoo's point of order and also any of the members that wish to speak to it should do so now.
Are there any other members that wish to speak to the point of order.
Mr. Iqaqrialu, are you wishing to speak to the point of order.
On this point of order and tabling of documents that are not signed or where the author is not named.
Ever since we became Members of the Legislative Assembly two years ago, we have received quite a lot of correspondence, I think it is up to us as a government to keep the issue of confidentiality.
Since the creation of the Nunavut Government on April 1,1999, we stated that we would treat everyone fairly and equally.
If there are going to be conflicts the differences between us are going to come out and it is going to have an effect on the way we are seen by the public.
We have to work together as people of Nunavut.
That was the reason why we created Nunavut.
There has to be co-operation between the Nunavut Government and the people of Nunavut.
We have to work together and that will make us more accountable to the people out there.
Conflicts like this can grow from seeds and we will make decisions that should be a learning experience.
From past experiences, my reference to that would be that if any member, not as a minister, not as a chairman of the committees, but as a member representing his constituency or Nunavut as a whole, can submit written or oral information, not necessarily in the full context, that's the member's right.
For example, when I reported about trappers in Coral Harbour, there were 45 trappers in Coral Harbour and there were some direct quotes in my document, in my presentation.
But I did not even have to mention that there were some names.
I simply omitted them in order to represent the community fairly as a whole rather than those individuals who were trapping and praised the government for giving them assistance of 25 dollars for their pelts.
So I don't think yesterday's statement was an exception in this case other than it might be a little bit more closer to home to some members than maybe the Coral Harbour case was, people didn't really seem to care whether I omitted those names that were directly quoted from the report.
It was pretty obvious early on that there were conflicts looming with this event.
If our employees are going to be going on a strike, we had heard about the rumours prior to the actual strike that if employees were going to be crossing the line, that they would be in some sort of difficulty.
The people that did go to work would receive correspondence and they would be ridiculed.
We also know that the author of this letter in question can also be turned on if we have the names publicly announced in the House.
So I think it would be better if we leave it confidential.
If any member is interested in seeing the names then I think it is better if they approached the Member for Cambridge Bay and ask to see them.
If the names were tabled here in the House, these individuals would probably be in trouble with some Nunavummiut and we don’t want that.
Further comments.
Yesterday when we heard the tabled document from the cabinet side, we heard that there is a serious disagreement or conflict and we understand that.
But according to my knowledge, when I was growing up in the Inuit culture we never thought about these things as young Inuit people living in Nunavut, this was not part of our way of life, our culture.
I think back around 1987 or 1989 in my community there was a strike by the union.
There was a disagreement between the union and the local government.
This was back when our population was about 500 to 600 people in Gjoa Haven.
When there was disagreement, people from the Public Service Alliance had to come up north from the south to teach the Inuit how to do union things.
They taught the Inuit workers that you have to picket and show what you are not happy about.
I am not sure if it affected every individual in the community, but it affected many of us negatively because we had never experienced or saw that before.
The actions hurt a lot of people.
But now we see it happening again today.
Some Inuit strikers in our home communities said that it is breaking up our family relationships although they don't intend to.
An Inuk individual even though he is a union individual member and even though he is on strike, he told his fellow Inuit people that he felt like he was not part of the community any more and it is true.
This conflict and rebellion is not coming from our culture.
As the Nunavut Government, since we represent our people in the legislature we have to look for ways to work together and resolve issues together rather than through confrontation.
We have to look for ways to resolve this kind of a situation.
As the Member for Uqqummiut said, back in 1999 we were happy to see Nunavut and we did not expect to see these types of things.
Yes, life will go on and we expect that this is not going to be the last time.
I just wanted to point that out, Mr. Speaker.
Just a reminder to members that the rules of the House dictate that the mover of the point of order, or point of privilege is the last one to speak to it.
So before I go to Mr. Tootoo, is there anybody else that would like to address the point of order.
Mr. Tootoo you have the last comment on the issue.
Mr. Speaker, I think it is important to clarify my point.
The comments that I have heard from members I agree with them.
It is the member's right to be able to voice the concerns of their constituents.
However, my point of order deals specifically with a document that was tabled in this House, it comes to us with no names on it, for all intents and purposes for us as a tabled document, it is an anonymous document.
I think that tabling documents like that in this House, you know, could open the door wide open to anything being tabled in here anonymously without any idea of where it came from.
It sets a dangerous precedent and I don't think that anonymous documents, whether it was anonymous before it came to this House or not, is irrelevant.
The fact of the matter is, that it got tabled in this House as an anonymous document.
For all intents and purposes, for us it is an anonymous document.
I don't think those types of documents should be given into consideration, because I know what I do with anonymous letters that I get is that if someone wants to talk to me, if they want me to look at their opinions and views, they should put their name on it.
For all intents and purposes that was an anonymous document and I am not questioning the validity of it or condoning the actions mentioned in it.
My point is that, technically speaking, for this House that was an anonymous document and those types of documents I don't believe have any place in here.
I have listened to what you have had to say and also the comments by Mr. Ng and other members.
I believe the issue here is trying to find a balance between what is confidential and also consider the issue of transparency and openness and fairness.
Given that, before the end of the day, we will consider the issue and rule on it.
At this point we will return to the Orders of the Day.
Proceed to item 2.
Minister's Statement 091 – 1(5): Tax-on-Income
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform the Legislative Assembly that beginning with this taxation year, Nunavut will adopt a “tax-on-income” approach to determining its personal income taxes.
Currently, Nunavut income taxes are calculated as a percentage of federal personal income tax.
Under the new system, called tax-on-income, Nunavut's personal income tax rates will apply directly to taxable income and not to basic federal tax.
While this concept sounds complicated it will lead to a more streamlined approach to calculating Nunavut's personal income tax and give our government more flexibility in determining its own personal tax rates and making more accurate revenue projections.
Mr. Speaker, I want to assure the House that this change will not result in any Nunavut taxpayer paying any additional personal income tax.
This change is simply a different way of calculating Nunavut's personal taxes.
All provincial governments across Canada have adopted this approach to determining personal income taxes, except the province of Quebec which has used this method since the second world war.
Both the Yukon and the Northwest Territories will also be adopting this method for the 2001 taxation year.
The Canada Customs and Revenue Agency will continue to administer Nunavut personal income tax as they do in all jurisdictions across Canada, except for the province of Quebec and they will continue to do so at no cost to our government.
Furthermore Mr. Speaker, those who file personal income taxes will continue to have the benefit of a single Canada and Nunavut tax return.
Mr. Speaker, adopting tax on income for this tax year will save the Government of Nunavut approximately 200 thousand dollars in implementation costs that would normally be required to adopt this method of determining territorial income taxes.
This is due to our co-operation with the Government of Canada in adopting this approach.
Mr. Speaker, I will be introducing legislation implementing the changes required for the Nunavut Income Tax in the fall session.
Speaker: Thank you, Minister Ng. Item 2.
Minister's Statement 092 – 1(5): Nunavut Economic Outlook
Good morning. (interpretation ends) I rise to inform this House today of a recent publication of a report by the Conference Board of Canada, "Nunavut Economic Outlook: An Examination of the Nunavut Economy".
As many members are aware this report was commissioned jointly by the Department of Sustainable Development, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.
We asked the Conference Board of Canada to conduct an independent study of the Nunavut economy, the first since the creation of the territory.
Mr. Speaker, I believe all members of this House will find this report to be of great interest.
The Conference Board of Canada provides an optimistic outlook for the Nunavut economy and they forecast a sustained rate of growth in our wage economy of 2.42 percent a year for the next 20 years.
The Conference Board points out the future development of the Nunavut economy must include a commitment to traditional economic activity as well as the sectors which they identify as having the greatest potential for growth; mining, fishing and tourism.
Mr. Speaker, the Conference Board of Canada report states that our future economic growth is dependent on four factors.
The extent to which we invest in our knowledge of our resource potential.
For example, the extent of fisheries, minerals and wildlife resources;
The extent to which we invest in the education and skills of our people;
The extent to which we support the organizational structures needed to encourage economic development; and
The extent to which we invest in the infrastructure needed to foster economic growth such as ports, roads, community harbours and waste treatment facilities.
The Conference Board of Canada also notes the future growth of the Nunavut economy is dependent on this government's ability to attract more investment.
Particularly from the Federal Government.
The Board stresses the need to establish productive economic partnerships with the federal government, with municipal governments, Inuit organizations and the private sector.
Mr. Speaker, for the first time, current information on the Nunavut economy has been assembled in one document.
Today I will table the executive summary and distribute copies of the full report to all members as soon as it is available in translation.
Over the next several months I will also ensure that all interested persons, organizations and the members of the business community receive copies of this report.
My hope is that the Nunavut Economic Outlook will encourage discussion and debate about our economic future, which will be a great assistance to this government in the development of our economic strategy for Nunavut.
Minister's Statement 093 – 1(5): Homeowners' Programs
I am also very pleased as I think this is the last day of our session and some people are leaving today Mr. Speaker, and some of us will be leaving tomorrow.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give the members an update on the Nunavut Housing Corporation's support for Nunavut's homeowners.
Mr. Speaker, the Minister's Task Force on Housing directed the Nunavut Housing Corporation to revise the current homeowner programs to access all available funding through federal government departments that assist Nunavummiut in meeting their housing needs.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce today that the Nunavut Housing Corporation has improved the existing emergency repair program, a program that enables existing homeowners to complete emergency repairs to their homes.
Also, in recognition of the higher costs in the north, this grant has been increased from 8 thousand 242 dollars to 15 thousand dollars.
Mr. Speaker, I am also pleased to announce that the Nunavut Housing Corporation will offer a renovation program for homeowners. Depending on the client's income, they may receive a forgivable loan up to a maximum of 33 thousand 750 dollars to renovate their home.
Mr. Speaker, the emphasis of the program will be on health, safety and fuel efficiency. Where eligible, those renovation programs will be partnered by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, thereby reducing the Nunavut Housing Corporation's contribution and allowing the Corporation to assist more residents.
Mr. Speaker, this is good news for Nunavummiut that would like to become homeowners.
The Nunavut Housing Corporation will continue to offer the Nunavut Downpayment Assistance Program.
We would also like to recognize the benefits of new construction in our communities for economic development, employment and increasing the number of homes in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, to encourage continued new construction in our communities, we have increased the Nunavut Downpayment Assistance Program grant for new construction to 25 thousand dollars.
Clients purchasing existing homes will still be eligible for a grant of 15 thousand dollars for their downpayment.
Minister's Statement 094 – 1(5): World No Tobacco Day – May 31, 2001
Mr. Speaker, that is a hard act to follow this morning, Minister Thompson's statements.
Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Ullakkuut, Uqaqti.
Mr. Speaker, May 31 is a very important day.
May 31 Mr. Speaker, throughout the world is World No Tobacco Day.
I have spoken many times in this Assembly Mr. Speaker, about the serious health problems caused by tobacco.
I probably do not have to tell you again Mr. Speaker, that in Nunavut more of our young people smoke cigarettes than in any other part of Canada, or that smoking causes the majority of our cancers here in Nunavut.
Instead, today Mr. Speaker, I want to talk to you about what this year's theme for World No Tobacco Day is.
The theme is: Second Hand Smoke Kills, Let's Clear The Air.
The effects of second hand smoke are many and serious Mr. Speaker, especially for our children.
Second hand smoke is associated with respiratory disease, middle ear infections, asthma attacks and sudden infant death syndrome.
But Mr. Speaker, our smoking has another hidden effect.
We teach our children to respect us and to respect the choices we make in our lives as adults.
When they watch us do good things, we expect them to follow us.
So when they see us doing things that are bad for our health, how can we expect them to understand why they should not follow our example.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Health and Social Services, and our colleagues in Education are doing what we can to combat this serious problem.
We continue to release anti-smoking ads on television, we continue to seek out informational and promotional materials for distribution to schools and to health centres in our communities.
We also Mr. Speaker, continue to work with the Department of Education on developing Mr. Speaker, a curriculum for young people.
Our schools continue to enforce policies Mr. Speaker, to ban smoking on school grounds like we see right now in Cambridge Bay, we have to smoke out on the road.
Mr. Speaker. My department can do its part by creating public awareness about the dangers of smoking but we can't do it alone.
Everyone Mr. Speaker, everyone has a role to play.
So Mr. Speaker, on World No Tobacco Day, I would challenge Nunavummiut to do whatever you can to help make our municipalities smoke free.
Member's Statement 232 - 1(5): Events During Cambridge Bay Session
As this historic first sitting of the Legislature in the Kitikmeot Region in Cambridge Bay comes to a close, I would like to acknowledge and thank a few people and individuals.
First of all, those involved in the welcoming feast, organizers and volunteers, Commissioner Irniq for his attendance and for giving Commissioner’s Awards that evening.
The Cambridge Bay dancers and drummers.
The Kitikmeot Youth Square Dancers who on several occasions got to perform for us.
The Frolics organizing committee and volunteers over the course of that first long weekend.
The Elks Lodge members for sponsoring activities and more particularly the childcare society auction.
The dinner and auction I understand raised a record 30 thousand dollars for the Childcare Society.
The Killiniq High school Vice-Principal Judy Cherniak in particular, Kullik Elementary School here, Principal Dawn Wilson.
All the teachers and students for giving up their gym time, some of their classrooms to support us.
For providing pages and generally for co-operating while we slightly disrupted their schedules.
To Mayor Keith Petersen and the SAO Elwood Johnson, all the Hamlet staff for their support in assisting with the set up and the on-going support while we are here in the community.
To the Government of Nunavut staff.
Many of them in particular Doug Crossley, Annie Kaotaluk and Brent Boddy and the Public Works staff for their assistance again in setting up offices and giving up offices for some of our colleagues while we were here.
To the Legislative Assembly staff of course.
Some of the advance team that came over to set things up and to make sure things continued on in as orderly and organized fashion as possible when you have to deal with 19 MLAs.
Over the course of the week and a half, two weeks we’ve been here Mr. Speaker, we've also carried out a lot of business contrary to some media suggestions and we had 5 Bills that were actually passed and couple of significant ones that had to be done.
The Loan Authorization Act, the Supplementary Appropriation Act to allow to capital projects to continue on this year.
The centrepiece during our the midnight sun sitting was the new Integrity Act which all members know is the first piece of legislation representative of our legislature.
Mr. Speaker, while we were here we had an opportunity, as I indicated in my opening statement, to get to out to the other parts of the region. We had an opportunity to go out east to Kugaaruk, Taloyoak and Gjoa Haven. There was another trip yesterday evening to Kugluktuk and we had an opportunity to go down to view the BHP Ekati Diamond mining operation.
We had pages come in from Nattilik, my colleagues Mr. Puqiqnak's riding. We had a Sergeant-At-Arms from Kugluktuk, Mr. Havioyak's riding.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to recognise and thank the people of the constituency for their warm welcome and hospitality they extended to all members and to all the staff, and all the visitors that were here in the session.
Finally, I'd like to thank my colleagues for their support in holding the session this far West.
I know some individuals had reservations about that but overall I think they will find that it was a rewarding experience.
Mr. Speaker, to close things off, to commemorate the first sitting in the Kitikmeot and Cambridge Bay, I’d like to bring to the Legislature a carving.
I will ask Mr. Jimmy Haniliak who is the carver to come over and to unveil it for us while I am speaking, Jimmy.
I hope when we get back to Iqaluit it'll always bring fond memories for all members of their time that they spent here in Cambridge Bay.
Member's Statement 233 - 1(5): Workload During Session
Today being the last day of the sitting, I also want to state that quite often the media will not report all of the things we did here but will only concentrate on some specific issues.
But Mr. Speaker, as the member has just stated we have done a lot of work during our stay here in Cambridge Bay.
Since March there are about 10 Bills that we have dealt with.
We have a binder full of work, perhaps three inches thick, that we have completed.
We have meetings first thing in the morning and sit during the day and while we have been in Cambridge Bay we have travelled to four communities.
Last night some members travelled to Kugluktuk.
We visited the BHP mine during this sitting.
I think people need to realize how much work we have done.
Mr. Speaker, I'd like to talk about the work that we deal with.
A lot of the work we do is overwhelming.
There are some Bills that we deal with for 6-10 months.
When we visit the communities quite often community residents express their appreciation for the work that we have done.
A lot of times we go to the communities.
People are out camping and people have to travel back to Iqaluit to do some work.
I know the communities recognise the hard work that we do.
I’d like to thank the community of Cambridge Bay for their warm welcome.
I remember the first time that I came to Cambridge Bay was about 25 years ago.
There are a lot of new faces.
At that time we didn't know where we were heading while dealing with Land Claims.
We didn't realise that we would be able to deal with Bills.
Quite often we didn't know where we were heading but I think we have done pretty well since we have been here.
I’d like unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
I am just about done.
Speaker: The Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement.
Proceed Mr. Arvaluk.
Mr. Arvaluk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues.
When we are travelling to far places, quite often we are gone for a month.
The last day is always the hardest day because you get anxious to go home.
During my trip here in Cambridge Bay, I have seen young children.
I often think of my two little boys that I dearly love.
They are the best children in the whole wide world and I miss them dearly.
So I am glad tomorrow evening I will be able to hug them.
Lastly I just wanted to say “Angigaqsipaa”, which means I yearn to go home.
Just to remind the members, we have a long day ahead of us.
So try to stay within your time frame.
Member's Statement 234 - 1(5): Cambridge Bay Youth Mock Assembly Session
I would like to recognize the contribution of Patti Bligh’s grade 7 class.
The class sat here last Thursday afternoon in a mock assembly session.
Mr. Speaker, this mock session was an excellent way for youth to experience the workings of our government.
We saw the students as cute and they were very cute.