EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I would like to apologize very much to my constituents and to the people that I represent and to my children and my wife and to members of the legislature, and to say thank you to the members of the Legislative Assembly for giving me the opportunity to learn from my mistakes.
It will make me strong.
Speaker (interpretation): Comments?
I request the consent of this Assembly to waive the two-day notice requirement for the first reading of Bill 5, An Act to amend the Legal Profession Act.
Speaker (interpretation): The minister is seeking unanimous consent to waive the two-day notice requirement to deal with the first reading of Bill 5.
Bill 5 – An Act to Amend the Legal Profession Act – First Reading
With this consent, I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South-Whale Cove, that Bill 5, “An Act to amend the Legal Profession Act,” be read for the first time.
Speaker (interpretation): Bill 5 has had first reading.
I request consent of this Assembly to waive the two-day notice requirement for the first reading of Bill 6, “Electronic Commerce Act.”
Speaker (interpretation): The member is seeking unanimous consent to waive the two-day notice requirement for the first reading of Bill 6.
Bill 6 – Electronic Commerce Act – First Reading
Hon. Paul Okalik: With this consent, I move, seconded by the honorable Member for Baker Lake that Bill Number 6, “Electronic Commerce Act,” be read for the first time.
Speaker (interpretation): For the first reading of Bill 6, are there any nays?
I seek unanimous consent to waive the two-day notice requirement to give Bill 7 first reading: the Act to amend the Evidence Act.
Speaker (interpretation): The minister is seeking unanimous consent to do first reading of Bill 7; are there any nays?
Bill 7 – Act to Amend the Evidence Act – First Reading
Hon. Paul Okalik: With this consent, Mr. Speaker, seconded by the honourable Member for Amittuq, I move that Bill Number 7, an “Act to amend the Evidence Act,” be read for the first time.
Bill 7 has had the first reading.
Hon. Paul Okalik: I request the consent of this Assembly to waive the one day notice requirement for second reading of Bill 5, an Act to amend the “Legal Profession Act.”
Speaker (interpretation): The Member is seeking unanimous consent to waive the one day notice requirement to have second reading of Bill 5.
Please go ahead, Hon. Paul Okalik.
Bill 5 – An Act to Amend the Legal Profession Act – Second Reading
With this consent I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Baffin South, that Bill 5, an “Act to amend the Legal Profession Act,” be read for the second time.
Mr. Speaker, this bill amends the “Legal Profession Act,” to allow articling students to serve part of their articles outside of Nunavut with a judge or an active member of the Law Society of Nunavut, and to allow the executive of the Law Society to waive or vary an articling students’ articles in special circumstances.
The bill updates the Act by changing references to the Northwest Territories so that the act will refer to Nunavut and repealing transitional provisions that no longer apply.
Speaker (interpretation): All in favour of the motion? All opposed?
Bill 5 has had second reading and is now referred to a Standing Committee.
With the consent of this Assembly, I would like to waive the one-day notice requirement for the second reading of Bill 6, “Electronic Commerce Act.”
Speaker (interpretation): There is a request to waive a one-day notice to do second reading of Bill 6; are there any nays?
Bill 6 – Electronic Commerce Act – Second Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Pangnirtung, that Bill 6, the Electronic Commerce Act, be read for the second time.
Mr. Speaker, this bill authorizes the use of electronic information and documents, sets out requirement for their use, and facilitates their use in business transactions.
The bill also contains consequential amendments to the “Interpretation Act,” to further authorize and regulate the use of electronic forms.
Mr. Speaker (interpretation): All in favour of the motion?
Bill 6 has had second reading, and is now be referred to a Standing Committee.
I request the consent of this Assembly to waive the one-day notice requirement for second reading of Bill 7, an “Act to amend the Evidence Act.”
Speaker (interpretation): The member is asking consent to do second reading of Bill 7.
All in favour?  Some Members: Agreed.
Bill 7 – Act to Amend the Evidence Act – Second Reading
I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Nattilik, that Bill 7, an “Act to amend the Evidence Act,” be read for the second time.
Mr. Speaker, this bill amends the Evidence Act to authorize and facilitate the use of electronic versions of documents in legal proceedings.
Speaker (interpretation): All in favour?
Bill 7 has had first reading; it is now referred to a Standing Committee.
Orders of the day. Item 19.
Bill 4, Appropriations Act, with Mr. Evyagotailak on the Chair.
>> The House recessed at 13:33 and resumed at 13:34
Chairman (Mr. Evyagotailak): I would like to call the committee to order.
The committee has the following item to deal with: Bill 4 – Appropriations (Capital) Act, 2005-2006.
Mr. Curley: Yes, Mr. Chairman, we would like to review the capital estimates for the Department of Economic Development and Transportation.
Chairman: Are we in agreement that we deal with Bill 4?
Chairman: Thank you. I would like now to ask the minister responsible, Mr. Simailak, to make his opening remarks.
I am pleased to be here to deal with my department’s 2005-06 capital plan to the Committee of the Whole.
The Department of Economic Development and Transportation is proposing a $2.87 million capital plan for the 2005-06 fiscal year.
The department’s capital plan primarily emphasizes transportation-related expenditures.
A total of $2.77 million, or 97 percent, is related to transportation, because of the growing pressures in this area; 75 percent of the department’s total capital commitment will be related to community-specific projects, while the other 25 percent is planned for stragetic spending throughout the territory.
Many of the communities are in need of heavy equipment such as loaders, plow trucks, graders, and snow blowers to maintain roads and airport facilities.
A total of $1.59 million is included in the capital plan for such equipment.
As a department, we are responsible for maintaining the quality of airstrips and related infrastructure. Planning for upgrades is done on the condition of the airstrip and the remaining lifespan.
The 2005-06 capital plan includes $125,000 to commence work on the rehabilitation on the runway apron in Grise Fiord.
This is a multi-year capital project that will see $925,000 in planned expenditures over the next three years.
Access roads are public roads or trails that connect the community and its residents to nearby locations including recreational sites, camps, and archeological sites.
They are critical in giving residents access to local resources and access to water or ice to support the fishing, hunting, and tourism opportunities.
The department has identified $150,000 in its capital plan for access roads.
This investment reflects my department’s commitment to upgrading access road infrastructure within the territory and will result in increased economic potential for our communities via tourism, traditional hunting, and fishing activities.
The Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program is a partnership program with the federal department of transport for investment into transportation related infrastructure and studies consistent with the Nunavut Transportation Strategy.
For infrastructure, the federal government contributes 66.6 percent of the costs, and for studies the federal share is 50 percent.
In 2005-06, the department will contribute $430,000 to this partnership program.
Currently the department has identified the following projects as priorities under SHIP, as proceeding currently and to be completed during the 2005-06 fiscal year.
Those are the Pond Inlet air terminal, the Coral Harbour air terminal building and the Gjoa Haven air terminal building.
A total of $100,000 has been included in the 2005-06 capital plan for the Bathurst Inlet port and road project.
The Government of Nunavut’s contribution will go to fund a feasibility study and environmental assessment directed towards the development of a deep-water port on Bathurst Inlet and the construction of a 295 km all-weather road between the port and the ISOP mineral deposit, which will also serve a number of existing mineral properties both in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.
The 39.7 km Arctic Bay-Nanisivik Highway is the only ground transportation link between the communities of Arctic Bay and Nanisivik and the Nanisivik airport.
The condition of the highway has been deteriorating over the past few years and users’ concerns regarding safety and vehicle damage has been brought to the department’s attention.
A recent condition survey has identified many areas with wash-outs, serious erosions, drainage deficiencies, and severe loss of surface materials.
The capital plan includes $100,000 to fund parts of multi-air projects to undertake required temporary remedial repairs to the sections of highway experiencing most severe deterioration.
Mr. Chairman, at the outset of my presentation, I stated that 97 percent of the Department of Economic Development and Transportation ‘s capital plan is transportation related.
The other three percent is targeted to three projects: In 2005-06, an investment of $25,000 for the Nunavut art bank will continue.
This investment will focus on the acquisition of artwork by Nunavut artists that will be displayed in government offices.
Visitors’ centres play an important role, not only as places where tourists learn first-hand about a community, but also as centres that actively support community activities and events.
A total of $50,000 has been allocated in our 2005-06 capital plan for Nunavut visitors’ centres.
Finally, $25,000 has been allocated for the purchase of books and equipment for the upgrade and enhancement of Visitors’ Centres.
Mr. Chairman, this plan makes good use of existing resources by clearly focusing upon supporting the needs of the communities that fall under the department’s mandate.
Certainly, there is much more that needs to be done to ensure that economic development and transportation continues to be a priority.
As minister, I will continue to work hard with all of our partners, including the federal government, to seek ways to access more funding in order to meet our goal in economic and transportation infrastructure needs, which are vital to our economic wealth and social prosperity.
I will glad to answer any questions for my fellow members.
Do you have any witnesses that you would like to bring to the table?
Hon. David Simailak: Yes, I do, Mr. Chairman.
Chairperson: Thank you. Sergeant-at-Arms, could you please escort the witnesses in?
Mr. Minister, please introduce your witnesses.
I have with me, on my left, Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Alex Campbell, and on my right is Irene Adams, Director of Corporate and Strategic Services for the Department of Economic Development and Transportation.
Does the chairman of the standing committee have comments?
Mr. Curley: Yes.
Yes, we do. (interpretation): First of all, I would like to welcome the minister, the deputy minister, and the director of corporate services.
As Chairman of the Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Housing, and Economic Development, I am pleased to be able to provide opening comments as we begin the review of the 2005-06 capital estimates for the Department of Economic Development and Transportation.
The Standing Committee had the opportunity to meet with the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation in September to review the draft 2005-2006 capital estimates.
Committee members are concerned that detailed information was not provided for projects qualifying for Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program funding from the federal government.
Members look forward to the review of detailed information regarding the actual year-by-year cost and scope of these projects in the near future. I just might note that some of these figures were released during the opening statements.
Mr. Chairman, members look forward to reviewing the GN’s Mining Strategy in the new year.
Mining offers the potential for substantial economic development and employment opportunities across Nunavut.
Members are concerned that there is a lack of clarity with respect to the allocation of funding for access roads.
Members encourage the minister to provide detailed information to hamlet councils regarding the proposal process for this funding to ensure that each community clearly understands the process.
Mr. Chairman, members are concerned that no funding is provided for the Kivalliq-Manitoba road project in the department’s five-year capital plan.
Members understand that a feasibility study is underway and that funding will be dependent upon the results of the study.
Members are concerned, however, that many infrastructure studies have been undertaken that do not produce concrete results.
Members look forward to reviewing the feasibility study for the Kivalliq-Manitoba road when it is completed and tabled.
(interpretation) Members noted that funding has also been allocated for a deep sea port study in Iqaluit.
Committee Members urge the Minister to continue lobbying the federal government for sufficient funds to actually commence construction on large-scale projects such as deep sea ports and intercommunity roads.
Mr. Chairman, harvesting is a traditional part of Inuit life.
The fish and animals that we harvest have export potential, but members believe that it is important to add value to these products before shipping them south.
Mr. Chairman, this means having meat and fish processing plants.
Members noted that the Nattivak Hunters’ and Trappers’ Association recently issued a request for proposals for a fish processing plant feasibility study in Qikiqtarjuaq.
Members urge the minister to support the association in its efforts to develop a fishery in Qikiqtarjuaq.
Mr. Chairman, members are concerned that this is the second year in a row that there has been no capital funding for the Nunavut Development Corporation.
The Nunavut Economic Development Strategy states that fishing is one of three sectors with “excellent prospects for large-scale economic growth.”
Members realize that the Minister of Environment has responsibility for fisheries.
However, Mr. Chairman, the Nunavut Development Corporation, which is the responsibility of the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, holds shares in meat- and fish packing plants in the territory.
Members were pleased to note that the federal government recently entered into an agri-food agreement with the GN to allocate up to $180,000 annually for commercial musk-ox and caribou harvests in Nunavut. (interpretation) Mr. Chairman, members were concerned that there have been no specific details provided regarding how the funds will be used.
Given the overlapping responsibilities for meat and fish harvesting and processing, members urge the minister to work closely with his colleague at the Department of Environment to invest in this sector in Nunavut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Chairman, economic development was mentioned no less than nine times in the Throne Speech on Tuesday.
Members are concerned that the details of the federal agreement for $90 million for the three territories have not been determined.
Members share the minister’s frustration on foot-dragging by his federal counterpart and encourage the minister in his negotiations with the federal government so that these necessary funds can be put to use in a timely fashion.
Mr. Chairman, members were pleased by the recent announcement by one of our scheduled carriers of the purchase of new commercial aircraft to serve Nunavummiut.
Members are very concerned, however, that not all of the territory’s current runways meet the requirements of these new models.
Members urge the minister to continue working with the federal government to increase the capacity of Nunavut’s air infrastructure to accommodate new services.
(interpretation) Mr. Chairman, that concludes my comments on the 2005-06 capital estimates of the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
It shouldn’t say Nunavut Housing Corporation, it should say the Economic Development and Transportation.
Members, please note that for the balance of the day we have only two pages to assist us.
Before we proceed, I would like to remind members of the following.
According to Rule 77 (1), you have ten minutes to speak, and according to the Rule 77 (2), subject to the discretion of the chairman, members may speak more than once to a matter under their discretion not until each member who wishes to speak has spoken.
That spoken, I suggest to members that wherever possible, you ask your detailed questions during the page-by-page review of the departmental estimates.
Since we’re going to have more opportunity to review the capital estimates, I would like to report progress.
Chairman (interpretation): All those opposed?
>>House recessed at 13:54 and resumed at 13:57
Deputy Speaker (Mr. Netser) (interpretation): Thank you.
Going back to the orders of the day. (interpretation ends) Item 20. Report of the Committee of the Whole.
Mr. Evyagotailak: Thank you, Deputy Speaker.
Your committee has been considering Bill 4, capital estimates, and would like to report progress.
Also, I move that the report of the Committee of the Whole be concurred with.
Thank you, Deputy Speaker.
Deputy Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Evyagotailak.
Ms. Aglukkaq. Thank you.
Deputy Speaker: All those opposed?
The motion is carried. (interpretation) Are there any abstentions?
We go to item 21.
Third reading of bills. Item 21. Item 22, Orders of the Day.
Mr. Clerk.  Item 22: Orders of the Day
Clerk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At 3:00, a meeting of the Standing Committee Ajauqtiit in the Nanuq Board Room, and a reminder to all members of the group photo to take place in the Chambers at 3:30 this afternoon.
Orders of the Day for Monday, November 22:
This House stands adjourned until Monday, November 22, 2004, at 1:30 p.m.
>>House adjourned at 16:01  Nunavut Canada
Monday November 22, 2004
Pages 188 – 255
John Towtongie
Opening Prayer 188
Ministers’ Statements 188
Members’ Statements 191
Returns to Oral Questions 200  Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 200
Oral Questions 201
Written Questions 221
Reports of Standing and Special Committees 223
Tabled Documents 224
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 226
Monday November 22, 2004 188
016 – 2(2): Iqaluit Airport Security Exercise (Simailak) 188
017 – 2(2): Nunavut Housing Corporation Pilot Project Update (Kilabuk) 189
018 – 2(2): Nunavut Broadband Development Corporation (Simailak) 189
019 – 2(2): The IIU Network Receives Two National Awards (Brown) 190
020 – 2(2): Subsidy for Harvesters (Akesuk) 191
032 – 2(2): Shortage of Housing (Alagalak) 192
033 – 2(2): Providing Care Closer to Home (Evyagotailak) 192
034 – 2(2): Needs of Smaller Communities (Arreak) 193
035 – 2(2): Coral Harbour District Education Authority (Netser) 194
036 – 2(2): Charitable Contributions (Tootoo) 195
037 – 2(2): Fencing for the Arctic Bay Dump (Barnabas) 196
038 – 2(2): Ordination of Darren McCartney (Kilabuk) 197
039 – 2(2): National Child Day (Picco) 197
040 – 2(2): Manitoba to Kivalliq Road (Curley) 198
041 – 2(2): Taloyoak Visit (Aglukkaq) 198
042 – 2(2): Opening of New Hotel in Rankin Inlet (Brown) 199
043 – 2(2): Winnipeg Boarding House (Mapsalak) 199
Return to OQ 013 – 2(2): Number of Grade 12 Academic Graduates (Picco) 200
E.  Oral Questions
049 – 2(2): Utility Rate Review Council Extension (Tootoo) 201
050 – 2(2): Public Housing Allocations (Alagalak) 203
051 – 2(2): Utility Rate Review Council Recommendation Report (Peterson) 203
052– 2(2): Polar Bears in the Species At Risk List (Arreak) 206
053 – 2(2): Amount of Funding Cut from the District Education Authority (Netser) 207
054 – 2(2): Status of Independent Body (Barnabas) 210
055 – 2(2): Status of the Kugluktuk Women's Shelter (Evyagotailak) 211
056 – 2(2): Review of Shipping Supply Contracts (Curley) 211
057 – 2(2): Community Centre (Kattuk) 212
058 – 2(2): Board of Directors' Direction on the Rate Rider (Tootoo) 213
059 – 2(2): Amount of General Rate Application (Peterson) 217
060 – 2(2): Coral Harbour Caribou Harvest Program Funding (Netser) 220
061 – 2(2): Income Assessment for Homeowners (Barnabas) 220
015 – 2(2): Overtime Costs Incurred by the Government of Nunavut (Tootoo) 221
016 – 2(2): Salary Ranges for Nunavut Government Senior Executives and Crown Corporations (Picco) 221
017 – 2(2): Water Sewer Services Subsidy Policy (Peterson) 222
001 – 2(2): Appointment of the Languages Commissioner of Nunavut (Mapsalak) 223
019 – 2(2): Nunavut Ten-Year Inuit Housing Action Plan (Kilabuk) 224
020 – 2(2): Coral Harbour District Education Authority (Netser) 224
021 – 2(2): Clarification on the Fiscal Update (Aglukkaq) 225
022 – 2(2): Letter from the Kitikmeot Corporation Head Office (Peterson) 225
Monday, November 22, 2004
Speaker (interpretation): I would like to ask Mr. Netser to say the opening prayer.
Minister’s Statement 016 – 2(2): Iqaluit Airport Security Exercise
I am pleased to offer my congratulations to the agencies who were involved in an airport security exercise on October 28 in Iqaluit.
Their simulation of a live hijacking was so well planned and executed that some members of the public and Government of Nunavut employees were alarmed by the hijacking at the airport.
In order to ensure compliance with Transport Canada’s Canadian Aviation Security Regulations, the live hijacking scenario was exercised at Iqaluit’s international airport on October 28, 2004.
This exercise was conducted in accordance with the Iqaluit International Airport Emergency Response Plan with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in charge of the simulated event.
Exercises such as these occur regularly; however, this one generated a great deal of public interest.
The exercise was the result of five weeks of planning and involved over 40 personnel representing the Iqaluit International Airport, the RCMP, NAV Canada, the City of Iqaluit Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services and Bylaw Department and Air Nunavut.
All of the agencies who participated are to be commended for the energy, enthusiasm, leadership, and commitment which they brought to the conduct of this very important test of the Iqaluit International Airport’s emergency response plan.
Inter-agency cooperation was tremendous.
I hope that we will never need to use this plan in reality, but it is good to know that if the need arises the people involved are trained and ready to respond.
Again, my congratulations to all the agencies involved in this exercise.
Minister’s Statement 017 – 2(2): Nunavut Housing Corporation Pilot Project Update
I rise today to update members of this House on the progress that we are making with two of our housing pilot projects: the Sanikiluaq Special Housing Initiative and the Clyde River Seniors Project.
I am pleased to report today that the projects are about 40 percent complete at this time.
The Sanikiluaq project is a joint effort of the Housing Corporation, the Department of Education, and a number of local groups.
The project encourages youth to attend school, learn basic trade skills and gain valuable work experience through the construction of a three bedroom house.
The house is now roof-tight and the insulation is in the process of being installed.
I am very pleased to announce that the Sanikiluaq project is employing eleven students with an attendance rate of 88 percent.
I encourage other high schools in Nunavut to consider a program like this one, as soon as possible and whenever they can.
Mr. Speaker, in Clyde River a pilot project of a different sort is under construction.
The Clyde River Seniors four-plex is a 100 percent community-based construction project for seniors’ independent living.
This project has been totally embraced by the community, not only in terms of the construction of the building, but also in the ongoing operation of the facility.