EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
On March 24, 2003, the Government of Nunavut announced the establishment of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit (IQK), an external and non-governmental body with the mandate to monitor the government’s initiatives to incorporate Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit into its laws, policies, programs, and services.
As an advisory body to the government, the IQK meets with departmental officials on a regular basis to assess the government’s initiatives related to the integration of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
On June 1, 2015, the Legislative Assembly passed a motion to amend the terms of reference of the standing committee to “explicitly address the integration of Inuit societal values and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit into the laws, policies, programs, and services of the Government of Nunavut, including the holding of public hearings on the annual reports of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit.”
On September 23, 2015, representatives from the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit (IQK) made their first-ever appearance to present the most recent annual reports of that body.
During her September 28, 2015, appearance before the standing committee, the Information and Privacy Commissioner engaged in a thoughtful dialogue with Members concerning privacy rights and the obligations of government in the unique cultural context of Nunavut.
This dialogue took place against the backdrop of the recently-completed coroner’s inquest into suicide in Nunavut, a process which has led to recommendations for amendments to statutes such as the Mental Health Act.
The Standing Committee recommends that the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Nunavut meet in person with representatives from the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit on at least one occasion during the 2015-2016 fiscal year in order to exchange perspectives on issues related to access to information and protection of privacy.
The Standing Committee further recommends that the Information and Privacy Commissioner’s 2015-2016 annual report to the legislation account, in detail, for her discussions with the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit.
Issue: Government of Nunavut Responses to the Information and Privacy  Commissioner’s Review Recommendations
The Information and Privacy Commissioner’s annual reports to the Legislative Assembly include summaries of each formal review recommendation that she made during the period of time covered by the annual report.
The standing committee applauds the Information and Privacy Commissioner for ensuring that the full text of each review recommendation is publicly available on her office’s website.
These review recommendations contain detailed analysis and commentary on each matter that formally comes before her during the course of the year, and are invaluable for achieving a full understanding of the complexities of the issues that her office addresses.
Section 68 of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act provides that:
“The Information and Privacy Commissioner shall, by July 1 in each year, submit  to the Legislative Assembly an assessment of the effectiveness of this Act and a report on the activities of the Information and Privacy Commissioner under this Act during the previous year, including information concerning any instances where recommendations made by the Information and Privacy Commissioner after a review have not been followed.”
During her September 28, 2015, appearance before the standing committee, the Information and Privacy Commissioner noted that her recommendations “were not accepted in two instances” during the 2014-2015 fiscal year.
It is the position of the standing committee that it is incumbent on both the government and the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner to ensure that the public also has access to the government’s formal responses to each review recommendation made by the Information and Privacy Commissioner.
The standing committee further notes that this would be consistent with the manner in which government responses to reports and recommendations of standing committees are made available to the public.
The Standing Committee recommends that the Government of Nunavut’s formal written responses to the Information and Privacy Commissioner’s review recommendations be made publicly accessible through posting on the website of the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner.
In its October 28, 2014, report to the House, the standing committee recommended that the Government of Nunavut:
“… co-operate with the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner in undertaking at least one formal privacy audit of a department, Crown agency or territorial corporation during the 2015-2016 fiscal year, and that the results of the privacy audit be tabled in the Legislative Assembly as soon as practicable.”
“… welcomes all tools that can help to improve the privacy of our programs.
The Information and Privacy Commissioner can expect full compliance with any privacy audit conducted within the Government of Nunavut.
We consider this an opportunity to improve internal processes as well as a learning experience for our employees.”
During her September 28, 2015, appearance before the standing committee, the Information and Privacy Commissioner was asked to provide an update on the status of this initiative.
“I’m playing catch-up right now since coming on full-time.
The fact is that prior to January 1, I was probably spending 60 percent of my time on these matters on access and privacy and only 40 percent of my time on my private law practice.
Now I’ve got 100 percent of the time, but it’s not like it’s double the time or anything like that.
I’m still catching up.
I still have that on my radar.
Hopefully by this time next year I’ll have a plan in place and we will be working towards that or maybe even completed one.”
Standing Committee Recommendation #11:
The Standing Committee recommends that the Information and Privacy Commissioner undertake at least one formal privacy audit of a Government of Nunavut department, Crown agency or territorial corporation during the 2015-2016 fiscal year, and that the findings of the audit be accounted for, in detail, in the Information and Privacy Commissioner’s 2015-2016 annual report to the Legislative Assembly.”
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Pages 671 – 758
Opening Prayer 671
Assent to Bills 671
Ministers’ Statements 672
Members’ Statements 677
Returns to Oral Questions 687
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 688
Oral Questions 692
Written Questions 709
Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters* 710
Tabling of Documents 721
Motions 724
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 733
Report of the Committee of the Whole 757
Orders of the Day 757
Thursday, November 5, 2015 671
045 – 4(3): Congratulations Nunavut Member of Parliament on Cabinet Seat (Taptuna) 672
046 – 4(3): Nunavut’s Literacy Award Winner Elijah Tigullaraq (Taptuna) 672
047 – 4(3): Nunavut Land Referendum (Mike) 673
048 – 4(3): Congratulations to Long-term Service Award Recipients with More Than 20 Years of Service to the GN (Peterson) 674
049 – 4(3): Congratulations to Long-term Service Award Recipients with More Than 30 Years of Service to the GN (Taptuna) 675
050 – 4(3): Northern Lights (Ell-Kanayuk) 675
051 – 4(3): Qilaut, Nunavut’s Inuktut Songwriting Contest Winners (Kuksuk) 676
052 – 4(3): Correction: Team Nunavut at 2016 Arctic Winter Games (Mike) 677
106 – 4(3): Recognition of Heather Putulik (Mapsalak) 677
107 – 4(3): Administration of Justice (Enook) 678
108 – 4(3): Happy Anniversary to Airo and Mary Pameolik (Savikataaq) 679
109 – 4(3): Recognizing Sanikiluaq’s Badminton Coach (Rumbolt) 679
110 – 4(3): Congratulations to Iqaluit’s New Council (Hickes) 679
111 – 4(3): Happy 30th Anniversary to Wife, Annie (Akoak) 680
112 – 4(3): Archaeological Sites near Kugluktuk (Taptuna) 680
113 – 4(3): Happy Birthday to Son, Warren Kuksuk (Kuksuk) 681
114 – 4(3): Grateful for Son-in-law (Ugyuk) 683
115 – 4(3): Recognizing Two People from Constituency (Joanasie) 683
116 – 4(3): Congratulations to Recipients of Long-term Service Awards (Angnakak) 684
117 – 4(3): Recognizing Olayuk Simeonie (Shooyook) 685
118 – 4(3): Recognizing the Work of Jaco Ishulutak (Mike) 686
119 – 4(3): Reminder to All Hunters to be Well Prepared (Mikkungwak) 687
Return to Oral Question 113 – 4(3): Plans to Repurpose Building 534 in Iqaluit (Mike) 687
136 – 4(3): Economic Development Initiatives (Angnakak) 692
137 – 4(3): Update on Building 534 in Iqaluit (Hickes) 693
138 – 4(3): Kivalliq Regional Visitor Centre (Sammurtok, T) 694
139 – 4(3): Addressing Mental Illness and Suicide (Keyootak) 695
140 – 4(3): Status of Search and Rescue Organizations and Societies (Mikkungwak) 697
141 – 4(3): Legal Services Board (Akoak) 699
142 – 4(3): Administration of Justice in Nunavut (Enook) 700
143 – 4(3): Vacant Position in Arviat (Savikataaq) 702
144 – 4(3): Follow-up on Cancellation of CARS Agreement with NAV CANADA (Sammurtok) 703
145 – 4(3): Status of Operational Audit (Joanasie) 704
146 – 4(3): Repurposing Building 534 in Iqaluit (Hickes) 705
147 – 4(3): Management of Muskox Populations in the Kivalliq Region (Mikkungwak) 707
006 – 4(3): Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training Course for Trainers (Joanasie) 709
Committee Report 008 – 4(3): Recommendations for Amendments of the Rules of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut and Other Matters (Enook) 710
Committee Report 009 – 4(3): Report of the Special Committee to Review the Education Act (Hickes) 712
047 – 4(3): Public Accounts 2014-2015 (Peterson) 721
048 – 4(3): Grants and Contributions 2014-2015 Annual Report (Peterson) 721
049 – 4(3): Interim Financial Report (Unaudited) March 31, 2015 (Peterson) 721
050 – 4(3): 2015 Council of the Federation Summer Meeting July 15, 2015 (Taptuna) 721
051 – 4(3): National Aboriginal Organizations (NAO) and Premiers’ Meeting July 15, 2015 (Taptuna) 721
052 – 4(3): Northern Premiers’ Forum, Kugluktuk, Nunavut, June 15 to 16, 2015 (Taptuna) 721
053 – 4(3): Quebec Climate Change Summit, April 4, 2015 (Taptuna) 721
054 – 4(3): Nunavut Arctic College Annual Report 2014-2015 (Quassa) 722
055 – 4(3): 20th Ministerial Conference on the Canadian Francophonie “Raise High and Bright the Flame of the Canadian Francophonie” June 17 to 18, 2015 (Kuksuk) 722
056 – 4(3): FPT Ministers Responsible for Culture and Heritage July 14, 2015 (Kuksuk) 722
057 – 4(3): Third Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit Summary Report 2009-2012 (Kuksuk) 722
058 – 4(3): Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit Summary Report 2013-2015 (Kuksuk) 722
059 – 4(3): Inuugatta: Summary of Presentations and Recommendations, A Conference Held in Iqaluit, Nunavut, February 24 to 26, 2015 (Kuksuk) 722
060 – 4(3): Copies of Submissions to the Special Committee to Review the Education Act (Hickes) 723
061 – 4(3): Photograph of Monument at Pangnirtung Harbour (Mike) 723
062 – 4(3): 2014-2015 Annual Report of the Chief Electoral Officer of Nunavut (Speaker) 723
063 – 4(3): 2014-2015 Annual Report on Members’ Indemnities, Allowances, Expenses, and Benefits (Speaker) 723
064 – 4(3): Report of Members’ Absences from Sittings of the House and Meetings of Committees and Caucuses for the Period April 1, 2015 to June 30, 2015 (Speaker) 723
065 – 4(3): 2014-2015 Audit Report and Financial Statements for the Retiring Allowances Fund (Speaker) 723
066 – 4(3): 2014-2015 Audit Report and Financial Statements for the Supplementary Retiring Allowances Fund (Speaker) 723
067 – 4(3): Speaker’s List of Outstanding Statutory Tabling Requirements (Speaker) 723
068 – 4(3): Nunavut Housing Corporation’s 2014-2015 Annual Report (Kuksuk) 724
007 – 4(3): Extended Adjournment (Mikkungwak) 724
008 – 4(3): Referral of Tabled Documents 73 – 4(2), 116 – 4(2), and 140 – 4(2) to the Committee of the Whole (Angnakak) 725
009 – 4(3): Promoting Green Energy in Nunavut (Hickes) 726
010 – 4(3): Invitation to Representatives from Northern Airlines to Appear Before the Full Caucus of the Legislative Assembly (Quassa) 732
Tabled Document 107 – 4(2): Agreement used for the Management and Administration of Local Housing Programs – Consideration in Committee 733
Speaker (Hon. George Qulaut) (interpretation): Can you say the opening prayer, please, Ms. Ell-Kanayuk.
(interpretation ends) Before we proceed with the orders of the day, Mr. Clerk, will you please determine if the Commissioner of Nunavut is prepared to enter the Chamber to give assent to bills.
Commissioner Nellie Kusugak (interpretation): Please be seated, Members.
As the Commissioner of Nunavut, I am pleased to give assent to the following bills:
(interpretation ends) Bill 1, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 3, 2014-2015;
Bill 3, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2016-2017;
Bill 4, Write-off of Assets Act, 2014-2015;
Bill 5, An Act to Amend the Safety Act;
Bill 6, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2015-2016;
Bill 7, An Act to Amend the Labour Standards Act (Minimum Wage);
Bill 8, Legislative Assembly Statutes Amendment Act; and
Bill 9, An Act to Amend the Nunavut Elections Act and the Plebiscites Act.
(interpretation) Although our days are growing shorter and our nights are getting colder, the warmth of the Christmas season draws near. I wish you all a safe return to your families and your constituents.
I also am deeply gratified to see the hard work you undertake to represent the people of Nunavut and on their behalf, I thank you all.
Minister’s Statement 045 – 4(3): Congratulations Nunavut Member of Parliament on Cabinet Seat (Taptuna)
Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend congratulations to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his newly appointed cabinet.
I commend Member of Parliament Hunter Tootoo on his appointment as Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, and for representing us in Canada’s cabinet also as the Northern Regional Minister.
This is the second time in Nunavut’s history that we have had representation at federal cabinet. As a territory, this means a great deal, and it also continues to establish our base in the Canadian agenda as a jurisdiction that contributes to nation building and the national economy.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to recognize and congratulate Carolyn Bennett to her new portfolio as Minister for Indigenous and Northern affairs.
She has been an advocate for many years on indigenous affairs. I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting her a few times, and I look forward to that continued relationship.
It is also extremely exciting to see First Nations leader Jody Wilson-Raybould appointed as Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada.
She is a competent former Crown prosecutor and known for building consensus.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working closely with the Liberal government on Nunavut’s priorities to ensure our territory continues to grow and prosper.
We have already begun to reach out and foster a strong relationship with our federal counterparts.
Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly, please join me to applaud our new leaders, our Prime Minister, and a new page for Canada.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Taptuna.
Minister’s Statement 046 – 4(3): Nunavut’s Literacy Award Winner Elijah Tigullaraq (Taptuna)
I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the efforts of Elijah Tigullaraq, an educator from Pond Inlet who recently won the 11th annual Council of the Federation Literacy Award for Nunavut.
Established in 2004, the Council of the Federation Literacy Award recognizes the successes of adults that have undertaken literacy training and celebrates the valuable contributions made by Canadians across the field of literacy.
Mr. Speaker, each year, the Council of the Federation celebrates achievement, innovative practice, and excellence in literacy.
The annual award is presented to educators, volunteers, learners, community organizations, non-governmental organizations, and businesses in each province and territory.
Each award recipient receives a certificate signed by the premier of their province or territory, as well as a Council of the Federation Literacy Award medallion.
Mr. Tigullaraq was selected for his leadership in literacy over 35 years and for his dedication to teaching diverse learning groups with methods inspired by Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
Mr. Speaker, as an outstanding and dedicated educator, Elijah has not only inspired numerous students but also his co-workers. On behalf of our government, I would like to express my sincerest appreciation of Elijah’s important contributions to his community and to encourage him to continue his work in strengthening literacy in our territory.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in extending my congratulations and appreciation for all his work here in Nunavut.
Minister’s Statement 047 – 4(3): Nunavut Land Referendum (Mike)
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.
Good day, Nunavummiut and the people of Pangnirtung, as well as everyone who is here. Welcome to the House.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to advise my colleagues that the Department of Community and Government Services has been designated the plebiscite authority for the upcoming territorial wide land referendum.
(interpretation ends) Article 14.8 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement required a referendum on the alienation of municipal lands within the first and second year after ratification of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
A referendum was held on April 10, 1995, which resulted in a no vote, meaning municipal lands would continue to be disposed of on a leasehold title basis.
Under Article 14.8.4 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, after 20 years, the “municipal voters” may elect by referendum to remove the restriction on alienation.
Therefore, any time after April 10, 2015, a referendum may be held on removing the municipal lands restriction
(interpretation) It has been decided that the land referendum will take place on May 9, 2016.
The Department of Community and Government Services is currently working with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and Nunavut Elections to develop a plan for proceeding with the plebiscite.
Over the coming months, the Department of Community and Government Services planning and lands staff will be conducting community meetings throughout Nunavut to ensure that people are informed about the issues prior to the vote.
Minister’s Statement 048 – 4(3): Congratulations to Long-term Service Award Recipients with More Than 20 Years of Service to the GN (Peterson)
Good afternoon to my constituents in Cambridge Bay and the people of Nunavut.
Nancy Hart (Community and Government Services)
John S. Hawkins (Economic Development and Transportation)
Wendy Bolt (Economic Development and Transportation)
Bill Cooper (Education)
Ann Rose Ell (Education)
Murray Horn (Education)
Elijah Kaernerk (Education)
Madeline Kappi-Sandy (Education)
Donald Mearns (Education)
Richard Mackenzie (Family Services)  Simeonie Kopak (Health)
Catherine Spence (Health)
Mary Mikoe Young (Health)  Christine Klazinga (Nunavut Housing Corporation)
Jamie Flaherty (Qulliq Energy Corporation)
Steven Inukshuk (Qulliq Energy Corporation)
Holly Mercer (Qulliq Energy Corporation)
Imooshee Nutaraqjuk (Qulliq Energy Corporation)
Shoopee Kooneeloosie (Education)
Pat Netser (Education)
Mukshowya Niviaqsi (Education)
Inookie Noah (Education)
Pitsiulak Pitsiulak (Education)
Bill Fennell (Family Services)
Goretti Roach (Finance)
Rosemary Keenainak (Health)
Leesa Mikijuk (Health)
Maryann Noulaq (Health)
Pauloosie Nuyalia (Justice)
Sandra Mae Oolooyuk (Nunavut Arctic College)
Marcelo Parungao (Nunavut Arctic College)
David Crockatt (Nunavut Housing Corporation)
Don Coughlin (Qulliq Energy Corporation)
Adam Crout (Qulliq Energy Corporation)
Lodie Ipeelie (Qulliq Energy Corporation)
Joatamie Qillaq (Qulliq Energy Corporation)
Minister’s Statement 049 – 4(3): Congratulations to Long-term Service Award Recipients with More Than 30 Years of Service to the GN (Taptuna)
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend the long-term service awards and thank the employees who have provided us with more than 30 years of service.
Many of those individuals are in the House today and I want to extend my gratitude and appreciation to these people for their years of public service to the citizens of Nunavut.  Mr. Speaker, award recipients come from a broad spectrum of our workforce throughout the territory.
Mr. Speaker, today I recognize those employees with more than 30 years of service and they are:
Lucy Magee (Community and Government Services)
Gary Maksagak (Community and Government Services)
Ralph Ruediger (Community and Government Services)
Annie Jane Kamingoak (Health)
Sally Gunn (Justice)
Mr. Speaker, I am also proud to recognize the following employee with more than 35 years of service:
Shuvinai Joamie-Mike (Culture and Heritage)
Minister’s Statement 050 – 4(3): Northern Lights (Ell-Kanayuk)
Good afternoon to the people of Iqaluit-Manirajak and the visitors in the gallery.
Mr. Speaker, as they do every two years, the Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce are once again putting on the Northern Lights Conference in Ottawa.
Northern Lights is a high-profile business and cultural showcase focusing on emerging opportunities in Nunavut, Nunatsiavut, and Nunavik.
It includes conferences, a trade show, workshops, and various displays of arts and culture from the regions.
The 2016 event will take place at the Shaw Centre in Ottawa from January 27 to 30.
Mr. Speaker, the four-day event is expected to attract 200 exhibitors and 1,200 delegates.
The Department of Economic Development and Transportation will be there, and we look forward to showcasing Nunavut to the rest of Canada and the world.
Minister’s Statement 051 – 4(3): Qilaut, Nunavut’s Inuktut Songwriting Contest Winners (Kuksuk)
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I say “good afternoon” to my fellow Nunavummiut and residents of Arviat and Whale Cove.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report on Qilaut, Nunavut’s new annual Inuktut songwriting contest, which was launched on August 9, 2015.
Qilaut was created to celebrate Nunavut’s vibrant Inuktut music scene and promote the use of Inuktut in all areas of daily life.
By singing in Inuktitut, Nunavummiut are contributing to strengthen and enhance the use of Inuktut in our daily lives.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Culture and Heritage received a total of 24 song submissions from Nunavummiut by the deadline of October 9, 2015.
It was not an easy task to select the top best songs. So many good songs were, indeed, submitted.
I would like to particularly thank the judges, being themselves well-known artists, for their time: Julia Ogina, Kevin Kablutsiaq, and Etulu Aningmiuq.
Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly, I am pleased to announce the top three winning songs:
1st place: Inunguqpunga by Mary Poisey;
2nd place: Ataatama Anaanama by Looee Arreak, and
3rd place: Alianait Inuuniratta by Tim Evik.
Mr. Speaker, each top three winners will respectively receive $5,000 for the first prize, $2,500 for the second prize, and $1,500 for the third prize.
The seven runners-up songwriters will also each receive $500.
Mr. Speaker, these songs will be recorded professionally. A CD will be released during the 2016 Uqausirmut Quviasuutiqarniq, Nunavut’s annual celebration of Inuktut and Inuit culture next February.
I would like to thank all entrants for their participation, and I look forward to listen to more Inuktitut music this year!
Minister’s Statement 052 – 4(3): Correction: Team Nunavut at 2016 Arctic Winter Games (Mike)
I would like to correct a Minister’s Statement read in the House yesterday regarding Team Nunavut’s participation at the upcoming Arctic Winter Games.
Speed skating is not an event at the 2016 Arctic Winter Games and as such, Team Nunavut will be participating in 10 events, not 11, as stated yesterday.
Please excuse any confusion this error may have caused.
Member’s Statement 106 – 4(3): Recognition of Heather Putulik (Mapsalak)
I rise today to recognize a young resident from Naujaat who recently had the opportunity to meet with our new Prime Minister.