EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
To build options and opportunities for Nunavummiut within our communities, our government will revise our income support program, putting in place incentives for individuals and families to achieve self-reliance.
We will fulfil our commitment to deliver jobs to decentralized communities.
And, we will build local employment and support local businesses and organizations while promoting effective competition.
Ilippallianginnarniq
To achieve the dreams of Nunavut, we all need to listen closely and learn well in order to acquire the skills we need to increase our independence and prosperity.
Ilippallianginnarniq – continuous learning, is the second of this governments' major priorities.
Our government believes that respect for individuals is the basis of effective learning.
It commits to put strategies into place to develop Nunavummiut in every profession as part of a resident work force and to view every element of the government budget as a potential training budget.
Financial Decisions
It is important that the financial decisions to be made for Nunavut are also arrived at in this same spirit of consensus.
To gain from the knowledge of our people, the Government will consult with MLA’s, community leaders, and the people of Nunavut in identifying budget priorities.
During the month of November teams of MLA’s and Ministers will visit communities to hold pre-budget consultations.
These public meetings will give people an opportunity to learn about Nunavut’s finances and give the government valuable input as the budget is developed.
A Vision For Nunavut
Elders, ladies and gentlemen, and honoured guests, our vision of Nunavut is far reaching but it is also achievable.
I am confident of this because we all know that 20 years ago, Nunavut itself was a dream which some called impossible. Commitment, hard work and an unrelenting focus on our goals have brought us here today, sitting in the new Legislative Assembly building for Nunavut, planning for our own future.
As you look around you today at this beautiful new building, which incorporates so many symbols of Nunavut and our life here, as you look at the members whose workplace it will be, and at the people of Nunavut who have made so much possible, I am asking you to join in committing to a new dream, a dream this Assembly will build into a reality over the next 20 years.
The full text of the Bathurst Mandate, which I have highlighted some aspects of, will be tabled by the Premier during this legislative session.
The Departmental plans and initiatives which flow from that document will be brought forward by my Ministers during this session for the review of this House and its Committees.
Initiatives which have already commenced to respond to the terms of the Mandate will be brought to this House by way of Ministerial Statement.
During this Session our government will be introducing a Supplementary Appropriations Act and the Loan Authorization Act.
As well, there are three Bills to amend: the Workers’ Compensation Act, the Legal Services Board Act, and the Interpretation Act.
The supplementary budget and these amendments to legislation the Nunavut government inherited from GNWT will begin to deal with the administrative changes required for our body of legislation.
I recommend timely passage of each of the Bills being brought before this Assembly.
I now declare open the third session of the First Nunavut Legislative Assembly.
With that I would like to invite you to join myself, and the Speaker and Members of this Assembly in the foyer for refreshments before the resumption of the Order paper.
>>Short Recess
Speaker (interpretation): At this time I would like to welcome the Members of the Legislative Assembly and also our visitors, the elders, to the third session of the First Legislative Assembly.
It is my honour to make some comments.
On April 1, the Commissioner gave us this Bible and it will have a place here in these chambers.
This Bible will help us guide our deliberations into the future and to have good debates at the House because, of course, some of the things that we are going to be doing are going to be quite challenging.
At this time, before we go into the Orders of the Day, I would like to give you a little explanation of the Mace and also I would like to thank the Qikiqtaaluk Corporation and their mineral development department for providing the stones that are used on the pedestal.
The pedestal is made from specially polished granite from Iqaluit and it is supported from granite and iron from Sanikiluaq, Gjoa Haven and Coral Harbour.
Thank you, we’ll go into the Orders of the Day.
Item number 3, Minister’s Statements.
Item 4, Member’s Statements, Members Statements.
I would like to recognize the visitors and also the elders from the Nunavut communities.
I would like to thank you very much for being participants on this day that we have been looking forward to.
It is a very important day and thank you very much for participating on this day.
Mr. Uriash Puqiqnak, Deputy Speaker.
I would also like to thank my colleague for recognizing the elders and as people from Kitikmeot central area we rarely ever have people from the Central Arctic area here.
I would like to recognize my wife, Elaine and also our elder representative, Gideon Qitsualik.
He’s our elder representative and they’re both from Uqsuqtuq.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Puqiqnak.
I apologize, I would like to welcome the elders and the visitors and also I would like to welcome the delegation from Mr. Puqiqnak’s riding.
I would like to recognize the elders and also my wife Lao, and my daughter, sitting over there.
Welcome to our Legislative Assembly building.
Mr. O'Brien: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize two distinguished elders from my community of Arviat.
John Annujuak, Manual Akat, and also Mayor Mike Spence of Churchill.
I would like to recognize the people of Sanikiluaq from my riding.
At times people from Sanikiluaq come up here.
Joanasie Arrugutainaq, Louie Ittukadlak.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Kattuk.
When there is a recognition in the House it is our tradition for the Members of our Assembly to applaud.
Hon. Manitok Thompson (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Jack Anawak and I would like to recognize our elder representatives.
My mom and Jack’s moms half brother Jerome Tatuinnaq, if you would stand up please.
I would like to give you a brief profile.
He is a good role model for young people and he is a Christian.
He was known for, even if there’s hardly any snow on the ground he can build an igloo. Thank you.
Speaker (interpretation): Welcome, Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery.
I would like to recognize a resident of Repulse Bay, he is one of the elder representatives and also my wife who is here, if you would stand up please.
I am very glad that she is able to be here with me and I would also to thank everyone for having us here.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Alakannuark.
Mr. Speaker I would also like to recognize our elder representative, Aquapik, who I am sure you have heard of, but the English name is Naomi Panikpakoocho, if you would stand up please so you can be recognized.
I am very pleased that she is here I didn’t anticipate her being here for the opening of the House yesterday but I am very pleased.
Again I would also like to recognize another person from my community who will be opening the House every morning.
Timothy Kamookak if you would stand up please, he’ll be the Sargent-At-Arms.
Mr. Speaker I too would like to acknowledge the presence of the elders from all over Nunavut and also the few that are here from Iqaluit. Also there are a number of residents from Iqaluit and I would like to welcome them.
In particular I would like to pay special attention to recognizing the Honourable Senator Willie Adams here as well as the Speakers from the other jurisdictions and His Worship the Mayor from Iqaluit, Jimmy Kilabuk.
I would like to recognize from Kugluktuk who has lived there for a number of years, and a lot of people know him as Qaminguak, he is a volunteer in our community.
And also a big helper for me, my wife Margaret Havioyak.
I would also like to mention that I have known this person for a number of years in Kugluktuk and Cambridge Bay.
He is the Clerk of the NWT Assembly, Mr. Dave Hamilton, thank you very much for coming here.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Havioyak.
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery, Mr. Arvaluk.
I would also like to recognize my uncle from Arviat and also my good friend, John Nakoolak, from Coral Harbour, if you would stand up please.
Again, I would like to recognize Akuapik Panikpakoocho, who was recognized by Mr. Irqittuq, I would like to greet her because she used to give me bannock and I believe an orange too.
Even though my mom said that I just used it as a ball, now I’m eating oranges today.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Arvaluk.
I would like to recognize a person from my community of Pangnirtung.
This person is our elder representative and all the elders from each of the Nunavut communities I would like to thank you on behalf of the younger people who are now doing what you have started.
Also the people of Pangnirtung, on behalf of the people of Pangnirtung I would like to thank her relatives, her children, her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren, who have all made a huge contribution to our community.
And again, the same with the elders of the other communities they’ll be able to take a rest while we start the work.
I would like to recognize Sila Amittuq from Pangnirtung.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Kilabuk, welcome to our gallery.
Hon. Jack Anawak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize my former colleague from the House of Commons, Ian MacLellan, who has come here from Ottawa.
I would also like to recognize that we always have somebody with us and behind us, when we are in politics, and I would like to recognize Mary Adams, Willies’ better half.
(interpretation) As of course I am from Rankin Inlet there are quite a number of people from there, though they have mostly moved to Iqaluit.
I would like to recognize two of them who I am sure would have been in Rankin Inlet, but Iqaluit is the capital of Nunavut, that is Peter Irnirq and Jose Kusugak.
We were asked to get an elder representative from our community so I would like to recognize my elder representative.
I used to go with this elder to an outpost camp and go out camping a long time ago.
I didn’t think that I would be inviting him to attend an opening of this Assembly.
I know very well that he and his children have done much drum dancing in front of audiences.
If he had brought his relatives I'm sure they would have drum danced with him also.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Nutarak.
Mr. Nutarak (interpretation): I apologize Mr. Speaker, I also forgot to say his name.
Jaco Petaloosie.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Nutarak.
Hon. Ed Picco: Qujannamiik Uqaqti.
This next person needs no introduction, a constituent of mine, Mr. John Amagoalik.
I would also take this opportunity to welcome a visitor of ours, Monsieur Bertrand, representing the Government of Quebec who was with me in Washington, D.C. a couple of years ago, a good friend of mine.
I'd also like to recognize the Hon. Lloyd Snow, the Speaker for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Mayor Kilabuk, our respected Elders, Iqaluit residents and also along with Mr. Irqittuq and Arvaluk, a special welcome to Naomi Panikpakoocho who is a long time friend of my family.
Speaker: Qujannamiik Mr. Picco, welcome to the gallery. (interpretation) Recognition of visitors in the gallery.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): I too, would like to recognize first our NTI President, Mr. Jose Kusugak and also the people and the Elders who came from communities far from Iqaluit and I'd like to welcome all of you to Iqaluit.
I'd like you to enjoy your stay. I know it took you a while to get to Iqaluit.
Also, I would like to acknowledge John Amagoalik and my constituent, our mayor, I'd like to welcome you.
And Madame Marsh Lalonde, thank you for coming to the gallery. Bienvenue. Qujannamiik Uqaqti.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Premier, Mr. Okalik.
At this time, I notice that all the special guests and honourable speakers have been recognized.
At this time I'd like to recognize all the people that have not been recognized in the gallery.
In respect to my former colleague, I would also like to recognize Speaker Samuel Gargan, my former Speaker and my mentor.
Item 6, Oral questions.
Item 7, Written questions.
Item 8, Petitions.
Item 9, Reports of Standing and Special Committees.
Item 10, Tabling of documents.
Item 11, Notices of Motion.
Item 12, Notices of Motion for First Reading of Bills.
Item 13, Motions. Item 14, First Reading of Bills.
Item 15, Second Reading of Bills. Item 16, Orders of the Day.
Item 16: Orders of the Day.
Mr. Quirke: Thank you , Mr. Speaker.
Reminder, at 4:00 p.m. this afternoon there will be a full caucus meeting in the Nanuq Committee Board Room.
Orders of the day.
Thursday, October 21, 1999, 1:30 p.m.
Item 1, Prayer.
Item 2, Ministers’ Statements.
Item 11, Reports of Special and Standing Committees.
Item 12, Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills.
Item 15, Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills.
Item 17, First Reading of Bills.
Item 19, Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters.
Speaker: Thank you, this house stands adjourned until Thursday, October 21, 1999 at 1:30 p.m. Sergeant-at-Arms
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1999
Pages 12 - 47
Opening Prayer 12
Ministers' Statements 12
Members’ Statements 16
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 22
Oral Questions 23
Tabling of Documents 42
Notice of Motions 43
Notice of Motion for First Reading of Bills 43
Tabling of Documents 45
Orders of the Day 46
Thursday, October 21, 1999 12
01 - 1(3): GN Vision and Priorities (Okalik) 12
02 - 1(3): Appointment of Chief Coroner (Anawak) 13
03 - 1(3) :Ministers Task Force on Housing (Thompson) 13
04 - 1(3): Nunavut's Electrical Energy Strategy (Picco) 14
05 - 1(3): Inuglak School Create - a - Book Award (Arvaluk) 15
01 - 1(3):Problems with Project Surname and Census (Puqiqnak) 16
02 - 1(3):Congratulations on New Legislature (Irqittuq) 17
03 - 1(3): Sanikiluaq left out of Decorative Map (Kattuk) 17
04 - 1(3): Need for Houses (O'Brien) 18
05 - 1(3): Size of Legislature (Iqaqrialu) 18
06 - 1(3): Irene Avaalaqiaq receives Honorary Doctorate (McLean) 18
07 - 1(3): Issues to be Dealt with in New Legislature (Tootoo) 19
08 - 1(3): Appreciation of Support during Boating Trip (Anawak) 20
09 - 1(3): Nunavut Capital Commission (Picco) 21
01 - 1(3): Outboard Motor Propellers (Iqaqrialu) 23
02 - 1(3): Differences between Public Tenders and RFPs (Tootoo) 24
03 - 1(3): Terms of Reference for Task Force on Housing (O'Brien) 24
04 - 1(3): Decentralization (McLean) 26
05 - 1(3): Kimmirut Social Worker Shortage (Akesuk) 27
06 - 1(3): Mental Health Worker for Arviat (O'Brien) 27
07 - 1(3): Task Force on Housing Issues (Tootoo) 29
08 - 1(3): Location of Power Corporation Headquarters (McLean) 31
09 - 1(3): Decentralization of Arctic College Positions to Arviat Schedule (O'Brien) 32
10 - 1(3): Decentralization of Housing Positions to Cape Dorset (Akesuk) 32
11 - 1(3): Status of Governments Budget (O'Brien) 33
12 - 1(3): Day-care Funding (McLean) 34
13 - 1(3): Status of New Hospital for Iqaluit (Tootoo) 35
14 - 1(3): Construction Behind Schedule in Gjoa Haven (Puqiqnak) 36
15 - 1(3): Status of the Three Hospitals (O'Brien) 37
16 - 1(3): Mineral Accord (McLean) 39
17 - 1(3): Staffing for Medical Facilities (O'Brien) 40
Notice of Motion for First Reading of Bills
Bill 1 - Loan Authorization Act 99/2000 - Notice 44
Bill 2 – An Act to Amend the Worker’s Compensation Act - Notice 44
Bill 3 – An Act to Amend the Interpretation Act - Notice 44
Bill 4 – An Act to Amend the Legal Services Act - Notice 45
Bill 5 – Supplementary Appropriation Act No. 1, 1999/2000 - Notice 45  Thursday, October 21, 1999
Thursday, October 21, 1999
Speaker (interpretation): At this time I would like to ask Mr. Puqiqnak to say the opening prayer.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Puqiqnak for saying the opening prayer.
Going to the Orders of the Day, Item 2 Ministers’ Statements.
Minister’s Statement 01 - 1(3): GN Vision and Priorities
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Later today I will be tabling a copy of the Bathurst Mandate setting out the vision and priorities of this government for the next five years.
This document has been six months in the making and I am pleased to describe to members and visitors to this House the development of the mandate and how we plan to move from vision to action.
This document began in Kimmirut during the first cabinet retreat.
It was discussed with members of this Assembly during standing committee presentations in May and the long term vision part of Nunavut was made part of our work at the Baker Lake caucus retreat in June.
A revised version, clarified by the Baker Lake discussions, was distributed to MLAs in July and their comments solicited.
Cabinet did a detailed review of the text and principles on which it is based.
In September the document was revised in Bathurst Inlet by cabinet and the text was sent to every MLA in their home community.
In addition, the appropriate portions were discussed with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and the Association of Municipalities.
The vision and priorities truly reflect the consensus nature of this government. I also believe that it truly reflects the beliefs, goals and wishes of the people of Nunavut in all parts of our territory.
The document is separated into four sections, Inuuqatigiittiarniq - Healthy Communities, Pijarnirnirqsat Katujjiqatiriittiarnirlu - Simplify and Unify and also Namminiq Makitajunarniq - Self-Reliance and Ilippallianginnarniq - Learning.
Throughout we have articulated the principles that will guide our government in its operations and decision making and provided a vision of Nunavut in the year 2020 and detailed a five year action plan of concrete things we are going to do to make this vision a reality.
The actions we have identified are sometimes specific and sometimes general.
They are designed to provide direction to our departments to help them find the priorities in their work and develop a long-term vision in everything we do.
Year by year we will develop these goals and build on our successes, supporting and prodding as required.
Mr. Speaker the path that we have set for ourselves is a challenging one but it is one that we have all chosen.
I am confident that in the footprints of the founders of Nunavut, as we work together, we can achieve the goals that we have set for ourselves.
Minister’s Statement 02 - 1(3): Appointment of Chief Coroner
I would like to inform members and the people of Nunavut that we have recently appointed Elizabeth Copeland of Whale Cove as Chief Coroner.
Ms. Copeland was selected through a competitive process.
One of Ms. Copeland’s strongest attributes is her community background and her experience as a community coroner, a fact that will serve her well in her new position.
This is an important function and for the first time it is being filled by an Inuk.
As well, in keeping with the principles of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, Ms. Copeland will continue to operate out of her home community.
One of her important tasks will be to give support through training and advice to others working in the field.
We are planning to hire an Administrative Coroner in the near future.
This person will work together with our Chief Coroner, Ms. Copeland.
Ms. Copeland deserves the congratulations of this Legislature in her appointment as Chief Coroner for Nunavut.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you Minister Anawak.
Ministers’ Statements, Ms. Thompson.
Minister’s Statement: 03 - 1(3) Minister’s Task Force on Housing
Mr. Speaker I rise today to inform members of our progress to date in housing issues.
As you all know I recently established a Ministerial Task Force on Housing.
The lack of access to a range of affordable housing is causing many health and social problems due to overcrowding issues.
(interpretation ends) The creation of a strategy to address this issue will be through the Task Force on Housing.
This Task Force consists of four MLAs and three housing experts from across Nunavut.
The Task Force role will be central in making recommendations to me to find a lasting solution to the housing problem in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker I have given the task force the freedom to decide for itself the specific housing issues it will address and discuss but the task force will issue reports to me.
The first report, which I expect on December 1st , will assist in deciding how and where public housing units will be built this summer.
(interpretation) The second and final report from the task force, which I expect on March 31, will make recommendations to solve the many housing problems and will address issues with the future decline of funding from the Federal Government, from the Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation, the rent scale, seasonal workers and housing, the local economic impacts of housing, but also utilities and the relationship between housing and income assistance and housing and the Hamlets among other issues.
(interpretation ends) The task force will be consulting with all members of the Legislative Assembly, members of the public, community representatives and others.
I have also offered the members of the Standing Committee on Community Empowerment and Sustainable Development an opportunity to discuss housing matters with the task force and I look forward to the support of all the members in this endeavour.
Mr. Speaker, as minister responsible for Housing, I am committed to finding solutions to housing issues in Nunavut. Mr. Speaker, this is one of the top two priorities of our government and in partnership with the task force and members, I am confident that we will find and implement solutions.
Minister’s Statement 04 - 1(3): Nunavut's Electrical Energy Strategy
I rise today to update this Assembly on the activities I have initiated under my portfolio for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation in Nunavut.
Since April, a tremendous amount of time and effort has been dedicated to assessing Nunavut's electrical energy situation.
This is because our government and the Government of the NWT have only six months left, Mr. Speaker, to make a serious decision about the joint supply and delivery of power to Nunavummiut.
This time limit is set out in the transition agreement that was signed between the GNWT and the Office of the Interim Commissioner before division.
The agreement states that if there is no agreement on the future operation of NTPC by March 31st, 2000, then NTPC will be divided between the two territories.
NTPC operations would continue for one more year Mr. Speaker, until March 31st 2001, to allow the Nunavut Power Corporation to become operational.
Mr. Speaker, it is my responsibility to ensure that we fully address Nunavut’s options for the supply and delivery of power.
This government must make informed decisions about what course Nunavut should take to meet our electrical power needs after March 31, 2001.
To do that, we need to fully research and analyze information related to the Power Corporation and its operations and costs, as well as the needs of our communities.
To accomplish this goal, I assembled a special team this summer called the Ikuma Working Group.
Their tasks were to identify, analyze and develop options for safe, reliable and cost efficient power supply and delivery in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, they have worked extremely hard and I am pleased to tell you that they will be presenting me with their findings and recommendations at the end of this month.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, we also recently issued a Request for Expressions of Interest to seven utility companies from across Canada.
There were two reasons for this.
First, to assist the Ikuma Group in determining the full costs of potential options by soliciting and negotiating bids with utility companies for headquarter type services.