EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
My next question is when will the housing authorities know of this increase.
The members of the Housing Associations and the staff are already aware of the budget being passed.
The regional offices monitor the communities very well so they are already aware of the increase of fuel and also the increase in O&M dollars.
When I was in Rankin for the meeting I had with all the representatives from each community, I also talked to them that we have provided to them so that they will not be going through any hardships.
If they do, we monitor them very well and we're always of assistance to them if they need it.
Petitions. Item 11.
Tabled Document 023 - (5): A Community Plan for Fish Enhancement Near Clyde River
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’d like to table a document.
It’s from the community of Clyde River regarding fisheries and the work that was done.
It’s a report to assist Sustainable Development to do their work and my name is also included because I was involved in the work.
Tabled Document 024 - 1(5): Report on the Review of Conflict of Interest Legislation
If there are no others, I have one.
At this time I have the honour of tabling the report of the Conflict of Interest Commissioner of Nunavut, entitled, “For a Culture of Integrity - A Review of the Conflict of Interest Legislation Applicable to Members of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut”.
Moving on to Item 14.
Notices of Motions. Mr. Iqaqrialu.
Motion 006 - 1(5): Changes to Standing Committee Portfolios - Notice
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on May 24th, 2001 I will move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Kugluktuk, that Tabled Document 1 - 1(1), Terms of Reference for the Standing Committees, be amended as follows:
The Department of Justice be moved to the Standing Committee, Ajauqtiit from the Standing Committee on Community Empowerment and Sustainable Development and further;
The Department of Culture, Language, Elders & Youth be assigned to the Standing Committee Ajauqtiit from the Standing Committee on Culture, Education and Health and that the Standing Committee Culture, Education and Health be now known as the Standing Committee on Health and Education and furthermore;
The Legislative Assembly has chosen to make revisions to the membership of the Standing Committees and therefore, Rebekah Williams, Member for Quttiktuq be reassigned as alternate member to the Standing Committee on Health and Education from the Standing Committee on Community Empowerment and Sustainable Development. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Bill 7 - Integrity Act - First Reading
I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Kugluktuk, that Bill 7 - Integrity Act, be read for the first time.
Bill 8 - An Act To Amend Certain Acts Concerning Health Professions - First Reading
Mr. Speaker I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 8 - An Act To Amend Certain Acts Concerning Health Professions, be read for the first time.
First reading of Bills.
Bill 9 - Change of Name Act - First Reading
I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Baffin South, that Bill 9 - Change of Name Act, be read for the first time.
Bill 9 has had first reading.
Bill 11 - Supplementary Appropriation Act No. 1, 2001-2002 - Second Reading
I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Hudson Bay, that Bill 11 - Supplementary Appropriations Act No. 1, 2001-2002, be read for the second time.
Mr. Speaker, the purpose of the Supplementary Appropriations bill is to provide additional funding for the Government of Nunavut for the fiscal year ending March 31st 2002.
Authority is requested for a total of 22 million, 186 thousand dollars in additional appropriations.
This is made up of 160 thousand dollars for operations and maintenance and 22 million, 26 thousand for capital expenditures.
Speaker: Thank you, Minister Ng. The motion is in order.
To the principle of Bill 11.
Question had been called.
Bill 11 has had second reading.
Accordingly the bill stands referred to a committee.
Mr. Speaker I seek unanimous consent to go back to Item 2, Ministers’ Statements.
Speaker: The minister is seeking unanimous consent to return to Ministers’ Statements.
Minister’s Statement 075 - 1(5): Nunavut Employees’ Union Vote Results on Government of Nunavut Final Offer
Mr. Speaker, I have an emergency statement on the Nunavut Employees’ Union vote results on the Government of Nunavut final offer.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to report to the Legislative Assembly that the Nunavut Employees’ Union has announced their vote results on the Government of Nunavut’s final offer to its employees.
Employees across Nunavut have voiced their democratic right to vote on this agreement and have ratified the Government of Nunavut's final offer.
Mr. Speaker, by accepting this offer, it will result in the first collective agreement between the Nunavut Employees' Union and the Government of Nunavut.
The Government of Nunavut’s final offer to its public service employees is both responsible to Nunavut taxpayers and fair to its employees.
The salary offer over three years provides approximately a 9.27% increase over the life of the agreement.
It also recognizes the high cost of living and travel in our territory.
We have addressed this reality with a new formula to calculate the Nunavut Northern Allowance.
This new formula will result in increases between 15 and 59% for all union employees depending on the employee’s community of residence.
It also includes a travel component equal to the cost of four trips to a designated southern centre per employee annually.
Further Mr. Speaker, employees will have the option of taking their Nunavut Northern allowance in annual lump sum payments which will give our employees more flexibility in how they spend their earnings.
Mr. Speaker, this new agreement is also supportive of the language and culture of Government of Nunavut employees.
The new contract provides for a 25% increase in the language allowance for those employees who speak Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun.
Mr. Speaker, this will further promote the long-term goal of our government of having Inuktitut as a working language and will also work towards helping fulfill our goals under the Inuit Employment plan.
The Government of Nunavut also addressed several other issues in the final offer - issues that were discussed during several rounds of negotiation with the Union.
These include: an optional leave program to replace the existing mandatory leave program; enhancements to dental benefits; relocation assistance upon removal out that an employee would be entitled to 100% of expenses after six years instead of eight and Mr. Speaker; recognition of continuous service for service dating back to before the Government of Nunavut came into being.
Mr. Speaker, the government's final offer to its employees will result in increased costs to salaries for unionized employees of 19.4% overall during the life of the agreement.
For example, based on salaries of 100 million dollars, this would be an additional cost to the government of approximately 19.4 million dollars.
Further monetary demands would strain Nunavut's fragile financial position and would have a negative impact on programs and services.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank each member of the Nunavut Employees’ Union who voiced his or her personal opinion on the Government of Nunavut's final offer by voting.
By voting in favour of this agreement, you have spoken in volumes and have sent a very important message to the people of Nunavut that the Government of Nunavut's offer is fair and responsible.
Speaker: Thank you, Minister Ng. Returning to the Orders of the Day.
Before we go to Orders of the Day, I would just like to remind everyone there will be coffee and snacks served in the open area, down the hall after the meeting.
And now we go to Item 22.
Meeting of the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Services at 4 o'clock in the KIA Boardroom and a reminder to all members of the dinner invitation from Minister Ng starting at 6:30 at the Arctic Lodge Hotel.
Meeting of regular caucus tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock in the KIA boardroom.
Orders of the day for Wednesday, May 23rd:
>>House adjourned at 3.06 p.m.
Wednesday May 23, 2001
Pages 1424 - 1470
Opening Prayer 1424
Ministers' Statements 1424
Members' Statements 1427
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 1431
Oral Questions 1434
Tabling of Documents 1449
First Reading of Bills 1450
Second Reading of Bills 1450
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 1451
Report of the Committee of the Whole 1469
Revert to Item 18: Second Reading of Bills 1469
Orders of the Day 1469
Wednesday May 23, 2001 1424
076 – 1(5): Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Task Force (Kattuk) 1424
077 – 1(5): Income Support Policy Review Final Report (Kilabuk) 1425
078 – 1(5): Review of the Kivalliq Transmission Line Study (Picco) 1426
203 – 1(5): Taloyoak and Clyde River Youth Conference (Iqaqrialu) 1427
204 – 1(5): Twenty-third Wedding Anniversary (Nutarak) 1428
205 – 1(5): Global Warming Effects in Sanikiluaq (Kattuk) 1428
206 – 1(5): Peter Pitseolak Student Exchange (Akesuk) 1429
207 – 1(5): Kitikmeot Employment & Training Partners (Ng) 1429
208 – 1(5): Salluit Bible Study Conference – April 2001 (Thompson) 1430
209 – 1(5): First Caribou for Markoosie Joamie (Picco) 1431
234 – 1(5): Implementation of Income Support Policy Review Recommendations (Arvauluk) 1434
235 – 1(5): Income Support Review Panel Consultations (Iqaqrialu) 1436
236 – 1(5): Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Task Force Radio Show (Havioyak) 1437
237 – 1(5): Income Support Clients Training on Sewing Skins (Williams) 1439
238 – 1(5): Job Opportunities & Training in Diamond Mines (McLean) 1439
239 – 1(5): Naphtha Shortage in Pond Inlet (Nutarak) 1441
240 – 1(5): Increases in Petroleum and Heating Fuel (McLean) 1442
241 – 1(5): Purchased Fuel for All of Nunavut (Arvaluk) 1443
242 - 1(5): Update of Hunters’ Support Program (Iqaqrialu) 1444
243 - 1(5): Grave Workers Situation and Minister of DIAND (Irqittuq) 1446
244 - 1(5): DSD Minister Visit to Kugluktuk (Havioyak) 1448
025 - 1(5): Income Support Policy Final Review (Kilabuk) 1449
026 - 1(5): Kivalliq Transmission Line Pre-feasibility Status Study (Picco) 1450
027 - 1(5): 2000-01 Conflict of Interest Commissioner’s Annual Report (Speaker) 1450
Bill 10 - An Act to Amend the Labour Standards Act - First Reading (Ng) 1450
Bill 7 - The Integrity Act - Second Reading (Ng) 1450
Bill 10 - An Act to Amend the Labour Standards Act - Second Reading (Ng) 1451
Bill 8 - An Act to Amend Certain Acts to Concerning Health Professions - Second Reading (Picco) 1469  Wednesday May 23, 2001
Honourable Olayuk Akesuk, Mr. James Arvaluk, Mr. Donald Havioyak, Mr. David Iqaqrialu, Mr. Enoki Irqittuq, Honourable Peter Kattuk, Honourable Peter Kilabuk, Honourable Kelvin Ng, Mr. Jobie Nutarak, Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Honourable Paul Okalik, Honourable Ed Picco, Honourable Manitok Thompson, Ms. Rebekah Williams.
Speaker: Just before we return to the Orders of the Day, I just want to remind members that CBC cameras will be on the floor and in most cases around the back of the chamber for the next 10 or 15 minutes.
Item 2. Ministers' Statements. Mr. Kattuk.
Minister's Statement 076 – 1(5): Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Task Force
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have the opportunity to provide the members of this House a progress report on the Inuit Qaujimajatuqanginnut Tungaviksaluiqtiit Task Force.
The Inuit Qaujimajatuqanginnut Tungaviksaluiqtiit Task Force held their second meeting in Iqaluit on April 3 to 5.
I am happy to tell you that the IQ Task Force is progressing well. (interpretation ends) During their last meeting, the IQ Task Force started a draft work plan.
Once the work plan is completed, I will have the chance to review and approve it so they may proceed with the work.
Also the IQ Task Force has been working on the IQ Policy Statement for the Government of Nunavut.
I must say that this is a difficult but exciting task as Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit encompasses many areas.
On April 27 the IQ Task Force had a radio phone-in show, and they received a good response and support from Nunavummiut.
The comments and issues that were raised were appreciated and will certainly help the task force gain ideas in addressing concerns regarding Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
Minister's Statement 077 – 1(5): Income Support Policy Review Final Report
This is something that members have been waiting for a while, so I am glad to be presenting this.
I would like to take this opportunity to present the Income Support Policy Review Panel’s Final Report.
This final report is the result of a review started one year ago in response to the Bathurst Mandate.
The review panel visited seven representative communities throughout Nunavut, spoke with Nunavummiut from all walks of life, and read thoughtful submissions that concerned both the present and the future for the Income Support program.
The final report of the Income Support Policy Review Panel summarizes the Panel’s reflections on what they heard and saw.
I would like to thank the Review Panel for their hard work.
Mr. Speaker, the recommendations made by the Panel, forty-six in all, lay the groundwork for changing and making the Income Support program better for those who need it.
I am pleased to say that we are already responding to some of the recommendations made by the Panel.
The department in partnership with the Bureau of Statistics has already begun reviewing the actual costs of food and land equipment.
This review will allow the full and complete analysis of the cost of living in communities.
The panel made several recommendations regarding the need to develop career counselling and job readiness training tailored to the needs of income support clients.
Through the Labour Market Development Agreement, the department has begun to link training and income support clients.
Through the Labour Market Agreement, staff issuing income support are being provided with on-going training so they can provide career development counselling that will help income support clients decide on which training program best fits their strengths and abilities.
We recognize that there are not Career Development Officers in every community to provide this service so this cross training is very important.
Effective immediately, income support clients who are working towards completing a Career Action Plan will receive an additional training incentive allowance of two hundred dollars a month.
Also Mr. Speaker, to allow for community work activity projects we have provided funding to allow our field offices the ability to develop community based projects that support income support clients.
This on-the-job training will allow for the development of skills and experience to move off Income Support.
By partnering our funding with those under the Labour Market Development Agreement, it has allowed Income Support clients to take training and work on projects that they would otherwise not be able to participate in because they did not meet the entrance requirements.
Mr. Speaker, some training courses have already begun, such as:
Sanikiluaq Taxidermy Course, for 11 income support clients on the preparation of skins;
Cape Dorset Pre-employment Carpentry – 30 Income Support clients learning drywall, taping, interior decorating, painting skills.
This project was a joint venture between through the Labour market Development Agreement and Income Support.
Clients received full day care support as well.
Cape Dorset Basic Computer Training and Job Skills Preparation Course.
This project was a joint venture between the Hamlet, the school, and Department of Education.
Approximately 22 Income Support clients participated.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that we are responding to many of the Panel’s recommendations and wish to assure all Nunavummiut that we will be responding to all others in the months ahead.
Minister's Statement 078 – 1(5): Review of the Kivalliq Transmission Line Study
Mr. Speaker, later today I will be tabling this government’s review of the Kivalliq Transmission Line Pre-Feasibility Study.
Mr. Speaker, as my colleagues are aware, a pre-feasibility study was conducted in 1999 by Manitoba Hydro to determine whether it was technologically possible to construct an electrical transmission line from Churchill, Manitoba into the Kivalliq Region.
Mr. Speaker, since the release of the Manitoba Hydro report, called "The Churchill to Kivalliq Region Transmission Pre-feasibility Study", we have been extremely busy with the many activities associated with setting up our own Nunavut Power Corporation.
I asked my colleagues in this Assembly to allow me to accomplish that important goal before turning our attention to the examination of the Manitoba Hydro report.
However, I did commission a review of the Manitoba Hydro report by our own Nunavut Power Corporation Implementation Secretariat – I will be tabling that document in this Assembly later today.
Mr. Speaker, the Manitoba Hydro Study answered the principal question it was assigned.
It is, according to the study, technically possible to build a transmission line between Churchill and Rankin Inlet.
But, Mr. Speaker, the study left many important questions unanswered.
Questions such as: What are the socio-economic benefits and the environmental impacts associated with the transmission line.
Would the socio-economic benefits of a transmission line outweigh the expense.
How much would it really cost.
Mr. Speaker, most important of all, the pre-feasibility study made us very aware that we have to examine Nunavut’s long-term energy problems as a whole.
Nunavut is almost completely dependent for energy on imported oil, and we are Mr. Speaker, very vulnerable to rising oil costs on the world market. This dependence on oil also exposes us to the harmful effects of pollution related to burning oil – a very serious consideration in our fragile Arctic environment.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that these problems cannot be addressed without a serious study of energy alternatives for Nunavut, including hydro, wind, solar and other renewable resources.
The transmission line study provides an excellent starting point for a thorough study of these options and Mr. Speaker, for the development of an energy strategy for us here in Nunavut.
Member's Statement 203 – 1(5): Taloyoak and Clyde River Youth Conference
Mr. Speaker, in March the youth of Clyde River and Taloyoak had a conference about improving their lives and society.
The work that was done was very impressive.
Elders were involved in this conference and the youth from both communities worked very well together.
They had a very close working relationship.
From Taloyoak group leaders Josephie Kokiak and Liz Ototuk, an elder John Taqulik, Josephie Kokiak Jr., Pootoogook Tootalik, Pauloosie Jayko, Juilie Otokie Ashevak, Kanayuk Tulugialik, Samoilioe Kokiak, Amarok Tauqtuk, Seporah Alikie, Rhoda Ituluk, Itee Charlie, Qausie Kittuk.
Those individuals were in my community and Peter Iqalukjuak was the facilitator for this conference.
My community really enjoyed having the participants in our community.
Member's Statement 204 – 1(5): Twenty-Third Wedding Anniversary
Today, May 23 is my day.
For twenty-three years I have been married to my wife and today is my wedding anniversary.
I am sorry to say to my wife Joanna that I am not able to be with her, perhaps next anniversary I will be with her.
Member's Statement 205 – 1(5): Global Warming Effects in Sanikiluaq
Under members' statements today I would like to talk about global warming.
Today global warming is happening in Sanikiluaq and it has been obvious for the past three days.
It is from about 18 degrees into the 20's.
When I was growing up my uncle used to tell me as well that I was born when they were making kayaks.
According to the traditional way of telling what month it is, my birthday is not due for a couple of weeks.
I didn't expect it at that time but now global warming is a reality.
Some of the people younger than us will have to realize that this is happening and within the coming months and years to expect it.
It will be happening in the communities in the near future.
There were some people that went fishing in Sanikiluaq and they weren't aware of the danger as the lake should be very safe still this time of the year.
One of the all terrain vehicles sank.
Fortunately the individual was able to get back on the ice and waited there in the same area for about ten hours because it was very dangerous for him to get back to shore.
We have to watch during the spring, due to global warming that the lakes and other areas around the communities are melting sooner than usual.
The individual was my uncle's son, my cousin.
He is okay and I am happy that he is all right.
Although this happened to the individual about 1.30 in the morning, he was okay and was able to get back to his community.
Just to remind the members to keep an eye on the time.
The time allotted is two and a half minutes for members' statements.
Member's Statement 206 – 1(5): Peter Pitseolak Student Exchange
I am going to speak about my constituency of Cape Dorset.
There are eight students from Peter Pitseolak School that have just gone to Toronto from May 17 to the 25th.
They will be on a student exchange with the Toronto students.
These students that went to Toronto from Cape Dorset had to do their own fundraising to be able to go to Toronto.
They worked very hard to raise funds and they were able to raise 25 thousand dollars in Cape Dorset.
When they go to Toronto they will be visiting museums and other places of interest including the CN Tower and the Hockey Hall of Fame and other places for educational purposes.
Mr. Speaker, while the students are in Toronto they will be talking about Nunavut and how the Inuit live.
I would like to thank the chaperones for taking them down south, Kate Knight and Geela Jaw.
Speaker: Members' Statements. Members' Statements.
Member's Statement 207 – 1(5): Kitikmeot Employment & Training Partners
Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention the activities of a prominent non-profit employment and training organization operating here in the Kitikmeot.
The organization is the Kitikmeot Employment & Training Partners.
Mr. Speaker, the concept was conceived three years ago and formally began operations on December 1, 1999.
The mandate of this organization is to bring together Kitikmeot Inuit and government agencies, Nunavut Government departments, Hamlet organizations, private sector businesses, mining companies, mining support companies, airline companies and any other organizations interested in contributing to the training and employment of unemployed and disadvantaged Kitikmeot residents.
The Kitikmeot Employment & Training Partners is comprised of 32 partner organizations.
Mr. Speaker, in the past eleven and a half months the Kitikmeot Employment & Training Partners has successfully trained 34 out of 36 previously unemployed and disadvantaged Kitikmeot Inuit.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say that on this past Thursday, May 17, an intensive four week heavy equipment operator training course came to a successful conclusion.
As a result there are nine new heavy equipment operators from the Kitikmeot.
Frank Bolt and Panik Bolt from Kugluktuk, Timothy Panilu from Taloyoak, Dennis Utugauyok and Tom Akoak from Gjoa Haven, Roland Hissinger and Adam Pujarjuk from Kugaaruk and Timmy Kaosonie and Gary Titalik from Cambridge Bay.
I am also pleased to say that the Kitikmeot Employment & Training Partners will be carrying out a diamond driller's assistant training course in Taloyoak beginning on June 11.
In addition to that course they are also planning on delivering a camp cook training course at the Lupin Mine site in November.
Mr. Speaker, they are also in discussions about delivering a basic retail store operating training course in the Kitikmeot sometime this fall.
Mr. Speaker, it is through the continued and dedicated efforts of so many caring partner organizations that the Kitikmeot Employment & Training Partners are accomplishing the goals and objectives that it has set out for itself.
They have made a long-term commitment to help as many unemployed and disadvantaged Kitikmeot residents as they can.