EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I thank the member for his comment, but I think, from what he says, it indicates to me that perhaps, they don’t have a system in place to ensure that the funds are actually being spent where they should be.
I look forward to you tabling the most current annual report of NEDA before this current sitting is completed.
My last question, as I noted earlier, the Department of ED&T is currently providing $225,000 per year to NEDA in annual funding.
Is the minister aware of how much of this funding is being used to deliver programs to community economic development officers and how much of this funding is being used for administrative and overhead costs?
I totally understand the gist of the member’s question and her question regarding which funds are used for which area, and whether it is for operational issues or for other administrative costs or for delivering our departmental programs.
Mr. Speaker, what I can tell the member is although I don’t have the exact figures in front of me, I will be able to provide that information at a later date once all of the pertinent information has been gathered.
Bill 10 – An Act to Provide for an Assistant Chief Electoral Officer – First Reading
I move, seconded by the hon. member from Cambridge Bay, that Bill 10, An Act to Provide for an Assistant Chief Electoral Officer, be read for the first time.
The motion is carried. Bill 10 has had first reading.
Bill 04 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 4, 2013-2014 – First Reading
Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Pangnirtung, that Bill 4, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 4, 2013-2014, be read for the first time.
Bill 05 – Write-off of Assets Act, 2013-2014 – First Reading
Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Pangnirtung, that Bill 5, Write-off of Assets Act, 2013-2014, be read for the first time.
The motion is carried and Bill 5 has received first reading.
Bill 06 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2014-2015 – First Reading
Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Pangnirtung, that Bill 6, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2014-2015, be read for the first time.
The motion is carried and Bill 6 has received first reading.
Bill 07 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2014-2015 – First Reading
Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Pangnirtung, that Bill 7, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2014-2015, be read for the first time.
The motion is carried and Bill 7 has received first reading.
Bill 09 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 5, 2013-2014 – First Reading
Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Pangnirtung, that Bill 9, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 5, 2013-2014, be read for the first time.
The motion is carried and Bill 9 has received first reading.
Second Reading of Bills. (interpretation) Member for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, Ms. Angnakak.
Pursuant to Rule 62(2), I request the consent of this House to waive the one-day notice requirement to allow for the second reading of Bill 10, An Act to Provide for an Assistant Chief Electoral Officer.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The member is seeking consent to waive the 24-hour waiting period so that Bill 10 can be read today for the second time.
Speaker: There is agreement. Please proceed.
Bill 10 – An Act to Provide for an Assistant Chief Electoral Officer – Second Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member of Cambridge Bay, that Bill 10, An Act to Provide for an Assistant Chief Electoral Officer, be read for the third time…second time. Excuse me.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman…or Mr. Speaker.
To the principle of the bill. All those in favour.
The motion is carried and Bill 10, as it is a House Bill, is referred to the Committee of the Whole.
Consideration in Committee of the Whole [of Bills] and Other Matters. Bill 8 and Bill 10 with Mr. Enook in the Chair.
I ask all members to proceed to the Members’ Lounge for a brief meeting.
>>House recessed at 15:24 and Committee resumed at 15:43
Good afternoon, Nunavummiut who are listening on the radio and watching the televised proceedings.
Welcome to your Committee of the Whole.
In Committee of the Whole, we have the following item to deal with: Bills 8 and 10.
We wish to commence with the review of Bill 10 and once completed, we will report progress for the day.
Does the committee agree that we first deal with and only deal with Bill 10 today?
Bill 10 – An Act to Provide for an Assistant Chief Electoral Officer – Consideration in Committee
I would like to welcome Speaker Qulaut to the witness table.
As we proceed, do you have any witnesses that you would like to bring to the table? Speaker Qulaut.
Speaker (interpretation): Yes, I have witnesses that I would like to bring to the table.
Speaker Qulaut, for the record, please introduce your witnesses.
Speaker Qulaut.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. I thank you for welcoming me to the witness table.
To my right is Sandy Kusugak, (interpretation ends) Chief Electoral Officer, and to my left is Mr. Patrick Orr, Legal Counsel. (interpretation) Those are my witnesses.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Speaker Qulaut.
Welcome to the House, Ms. Kusugak and Mr. Orr.
We can now proceed with our review and I would firstly like to give you an opportunity to make your opening comments, Mr. Speaker. Speaker Qulaut, you now have the floor.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) I am pleased to have the opportunity to appear today before the Committee of the Whole on the occasion of its consideration of Bill 10, An Act to Provide for an Assistant Chief Electoral Officer.
The proposed legislation that is before the House today will serve to strengthen Elections Nunavut’s operational capacity.
As members will recall, Bill 1, An Act to Provide for a Fixed Election Date, was considered and passed by the Legislative Assembly earlier this year.
Although the next territorial general election will not be held until October of 2017, Elections Nunavut has a significant number of ongoing responsibilities, including:
Administering by-elections to the Legislative Assembly in the event of a vacancy arising in the Legislative Assembly.
It should be noted that a total of seven by-elections were held during the first, second, and third legislatures to fill vacancies in the House.
Administering local option votes held under the Liquor Act.
It should be noted that approximately 30 local option votes have been held in Nunavut under the Liquor Act since April 1, 1999.
Administering plebiscites held under the new Plebiscites Act, which came into force on January 1, 2014.
In February of 2014, Full Caucus announced that a territory-wide plebiscite concerning the alienation of municipal lands will be held in 2016.
Providing ongoing support and cooperation to other entities administering elections in Nunavut; and
Undertaking ongoing initiatives related to election readiness and voter education.
I look forward to responding to any comments or questions that my colleagues may have. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
If there are no general comments, please refer to Bill 10 in your white legislation binder.
I’m sure everyone now has a copy of Bill 10.
We will now do the clause-by-clause review of the bill. Let me read it.
Bill 10, An Act to Provide for an Assistant Chief Electoral Officer.
Do members agree to Bill 10 as a whole?
Members, pursuant to Rule 62(2), does the committee agree that Bill 10 can now immediately be placed on the orders of the day for third reading?
Speaker Qulaut, we have completed the review. If you have any closing remarks, please proceed.
I would like to thank my officials and each and every one of you for not asking questions.
Thank you, everyone, for passing this bill.
As we proceed, Sergeant-at-Arms, if you can escort the officials out.
At this time, I would like to recognize Mr. Rumbolt.
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bill 10 and would like to report that Bill 10 is immediately ready for third reading.
All those in favour. (interpretation) I’m sorry. (interpretation ends) Is there a seconder?
Third Reading of Bills. (interpretation) Member for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, Ms. Angnakak.
Bill 10 – An Act to Provide for an Assistant Chief Electoral Officer – Third Reading
Ms. Angnakak (interpretation): I’ll finally say it properly.
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member of Cambridge Bay, that Bill 10, An Act to Provide for an Assistant Chief Electoral Officer, be read for the third time.
There’s a meeting of the Full Caucus in the Nanuq Boardroom at 4:15 this afternoon.
Speaker: This House stands adjourned until Friday, October 24, at 9:00 a.m.
>>House adjourned at 15:59
Pages 1113 – 1152
Opening Prayer 1113
Ministers’ Statements 1113
Members’ Statements 1117
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 1122
Oral Questions 1122
Notices of Motions 1136
Second Reading of Bills 1140
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 1142
Report of the Committee of the Whole 1151
Orders of the Day 1151
Friday, October 24, 2014 1113
055 – 4(2): Dr. Michael Shouldice Retirement (Quassa) 1113
056 – 4(2): Change in Ownership – Pangnirtung Fisheries Limited (Kuksuk) 1114
057 – 4(2): Balanced Literacy: Literacy Initiative for Nunavut Schools (Quassa) 1115
058 – 4(2): Congratulations to 30 Years of Service to the Government of Nunavut (Taptuna) 1115
059 – 4(2): Congratulations to Long-term Service Award Recipients with More Than 20 Years of Service to the Government of Nunavut (Peterson) 1116
129 – 4(2): Tribute to Parliamentary Employees (Hickes) 1117
130 – 4(2): Merits of Hospital Board (Angnakak) 1117
131 – 4(2): Tribute to Noah Kolola Michael (Joanasie) 1118
132 – 4(2): Successful Partnership for Tununiq (Enook) 1119
133 – 4(2): Recipients of Long-term Service Awards (Mike) 1120
134 – 4(2): Kivalliq Summer Games (Sammurtok) 1120
135 – 4(2): Congratulations to Gail Redpath for Long-term Service Award (Shooyook) 1121
136 – 4(2): First Beluga Harvest in Baker Lake (Mikkungwak) 1121
206 – 4(2): Financial Support for Adult Learners (Mapsalak) 1122
207 – 4(2): Access to Community Health Services (Akoak) 1124
208 – 4(2): Support for Parents (Enook) 1125
209 – 4(2): Statutory Eligibility for Seniors Programs (Mikkungwak) 1127
210 – 4(2): Merits of Hospital Boards (Angnakak) 1128
211 – 4(2): Social Services Transformation Plan (Hickes) 1130
212 – 4(2): Arviat Water Pump Station (Savikataaq) 1131
213 – 4(2): Management of the Baffin Island Caribou Population (Joanasie) 1132
214 – 4(2): Expired Foods (Hickes) 1134
215 – 4(2): ASIST Training (Joanasie) 1135
010 – 4(2): Expulsion from the Legislative Assembly of the Member for Uqqummiut – Notice (Okalik) 1136
011 – 4(2): Extended Sitting Hours and Days – Notice (Mikkungwak) 1136
012 – 4(2): Extension of Review Period for Bill 1, Northern Employee Benefits Services Pension Plan Act – Notice (Savikataaq) 1137
010 – 4(2): Expulsion from the Legislative Assembly of the Member for Uqqummiut (Okalik) 1137
Bill 04 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 4, 2013-2014 – Second Reading 1140
Bill 05 – Write-off of Assets Act, 2013-2014 – Second Reading 1140
Bill 06 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2014-2015 – Second Reading 1140
Bill 07 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2014-2015 – Second Reading 1141
Bill 09 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 5, 2013-2014 – Second Reading 1141
Bill 08 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2015-2016 – Economic Development and Transportation – Consideration in Committee 1142
Speaker (interpretation): Good morning, members, ministers, and all Nunavummiut. I wish you a wonderful morning.
Welcome to the Legislative Assembly. (interpretation ends) Item 2.
Hon. Minister Mr. Quassa.
Minister’s Statement 055 – 4(2): Dr. Michael Shouldice Retirement (Quassa)
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good morning” to all the people of Igloolik and Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, from his early days as an adult educator in 1987, Dr. Michael Shouldice has been a leader in our college community.
In 1988, Mike became vice-president of what was then known as Keewatin Campus, later moving into the position of campus director and dean for our college’s Kivalliq Campus.
Mr. Speaker, Mike has served as president of Nunavut Arctic College since 2011.
Under his leadership, the college has seen significant accomplishments in all of the college’s corporate goals.
In the last three years, the college has obtained funding to improve all aspects of the adult basic education programs, resulting in improved outcomes for adult learners.
New post-secondary programs have been developed to meet labour market demands for early childhood educators and training in the tourism sector.
Enrolments in the Nunavut Trades Training Centre continue to rise with the introduction of more apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, preparing a skilled workforce to meet increasing demands in the mineral exploration and mining sectors.
Mr. Speaker, under Mike’s leadership, the college assumed responsibility for the Piqqusilirivvik Centre.
This, along with the planned creation of the Inuit Language and Culture Centre of Excellence, will position the college to be the world leader in research and teaching of Inuit knowledge, language, and culture.
Pitsiaqsimaniqpaaq - Achieving Academic Excellence is a foundational goal of the college. Mr. Speaker, during Mike’s term of office as president, quality assurance procedures have been strengthened and new credit transfer agreements established.
Mr. Speaker, Mike leaves Nunavut Arctic College in a stronger financial position, ensuring that the college will be able to continue to maintain momentum and build on the accomplishments of the last three years.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mike Shouldice on his retirement. We wish him the very best of success in his new position as a full-time grandfather.
We are very pleased with the work that he has done at Arctic College and I would like the members to join me in congratulating and thanking him.
Minister Mr. Kuksuk.
Minister’s Statement 056 – 4(2): Change in Ownership – Pangnirtung Fisheries Limited (Kuksuk)
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I say “good morning” to my fellow Nunavummiut and Arviarmiut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, at the end of September, Cumberland Sound Fisheries, Niqitaq Fisheries, and the Nunavut Development Corporation concluded a transaction making Cumberland Sound Fisheries the majority owner of Pangnirtung Fisheries.
Pangnirtung Fisheries was incorporated in September 1992 as an NDC subsidiary, with the Nunavut Development Corporation holding 51 percent of the equity and its joint venture partner, Cumberland Sound Fisheries, owning the balance.
The plant was constructed in 1994 and received its first turbot landings in the winter of 1995.
As a result of the transaction, as of October 1, Cumberland Sound now holds a 51 percent controlling interest in Pangnirtung Fisheries, with Niqitaq Fisheries and NDC holding the remaining shares.
The partnership between Cumberland Sound and NDC has been a strong one.
The exploratory work by Cumberland Sound Fisheries in the early years of the fishery put in place the foundation for the $70 million industry we know today.
The change in ownership will not impact income-earning opportunities at Pangnirtung Fisheries, which employs 30 seasonal plant workers and generates $2 million in employment and income opportunities for local residents and businesses.
I would like to congratulate all those individuals in Pangnirtung who have worked hard on this local economic development project over the years, as well as the management and board of the Nunavut Development Corporation whose hard work have helped prepare Pangnirtung Fisheries to take this important step forward.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Ministers’ Statements. The Hon. Minister Mr. Quassa.
Minister’s Statement 057 – 4(2): Balanced Literacy: Literacy Initiative for Nunavut Schools (Quassa)
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I am pleased to present information on the ongoing literacy initiative for Nunavut schools.
This literacy initiative reflects Sivumut Abluqta priorities for increasing high school graduation rates, increasing access and participation rates in post-secondary education, and building a skilled workforce that will contribute and benefit from a vibrant and healthy society.
Mr. Speaker, our goal is to ensure that all Nunavut students have the opportunity to read, write, and speak at high levels of proficiency in all official languages.
My department is working towards ensuring our high school graduates leave school with literacy skills that will enable them to pursue career and post-secondary aspirations.
Balanced literacy is a comprehensive approach to literacy development that includes strategies to support reading, writing, and word study.
Guided reading and guided writing are key components of the Balanced Literacy Strategy. The goal is for students to gain mastery of each level of text difficultly and progress towards a common standard of literacy proficiency at each grade level.
Mr. Speaker, we are working hard to ensure that literacy assessment of students is consistent across the territory, is transparent and well understood by parents and students, and helps to inform teachers’ daily practice.
Benchmark assessment, an important part of balanced literacy, is a systematic approach to determining students’ reading levels and allows teachers to target their instruction to the specific needs of each student.
Our goal is to build a strong foundation for all students by providing resources and support to teachers that will enable them to deliver high-quality learning experiences for students and encourage their future success. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Hon. Premier Taptuna.
Minister’s Statement 058 – 4(2): Congratulations to 30 Years of Service to the Government of Nunavut (Taptuna)
Hon. Peter Taptuna (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, colleagues, Nunavummiut, and Kuglukturmiut.
Yesterday evening, I had the pleasure 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 dedicated employees for their years of public service to the citizens of Nunavut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, awards recipients come from a broad spectrum of our workforce throughout the territory. This long-term service of our employees is an example of strong leadership within our own workforce.
Mr. Speaker, today, I recognize those employees with more than 30 years of service and they are:
Lena Metuq (Education)
Millie Kuliktana (Education)
Gail Redpath (Health)
Dimaris Saimaut (Health)
Mr. Speaker, I am also proud to recognize the following employees with more than 35 years of service and they are:
Tirak Parr (Nunavut Arctic College)
Mary Ellen Thomas (Nunavut Arctic College)
Lorne Levy (Community and Government Services)
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister Peterson.
Minister’s Statement 059 – 4(2): Congratulations to Long-term Service Award Recipients with More Than 20 Years of Service to the Government of Nunavut (Peterson)
Good morning, Nunavummiut and constituents in the riding of Cambridge Bay.
Mr. Speaker, last night, I joined the Premier and colleagues from this House to recognize a number of government employees for their long-term service to our government.
Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honouring these individual employees who have provided more than 20 years of service to our government and they are:
Louise Flaherty (Nunavut Arctic College)
JP Deroy (Justice)
Mary Munick (Health)
Martha Willie (Health)
Ooloota Kolola (Education)
Julia Tautuajuk (Education)
Mary Bender (Health)
George Koonoo (Environment)
Daphne Covernton (Health)
Joanne Dignard (Health)
Cathy Rose (Health)
Lavinia Nagmalik (Health)
Kanitisse Idlout (Health)
Mary Byrne (Health)
Noah Tassugat (Health)
Helen Bejamin (Health)
Rhoda Olayuk (Education)
Jeannie Metuq (Economic Development and Transportation)
On behalf of the government, I would also like to extend congratulations to the following employees who have provided 25 years of dedicated service to our government:
Kathleen Okpik (Education)
Sheila Kolola (Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs)
Irene Tagoona (Environment)
Suzanne Wilkes (Finance)
Edwin Zebedee (Community and Government Services)
Richard Armstrong (Nunavut Arctic College)
Glen Higgins (Community and Government Services)
Naullaq Arnaquq (Culture and Heritage)
Jacques Fortier (Justice)
Joanna Quassa (Culture and Heritage)
Claudette Girouard Qamanirq (Health)
Jeeteetah Kalluk (Education)
Joapie Killiktee (Health)
Apea Sowdluapik (Health)
Joelie Tongak (Education)
Item 3. (interpretation) Members’ Statements.
Member’s Statement 129 – 4(2): Tribute to Parliamentary Employees (Hickes)
As most people are aware of some familial connections and the long-term experience of members of my family sitting in your Chair, I have the utmost respect for the Speaker and his office.
Mr. Speaker, I also have a lot of respect for the roles of the people who work under your office.
Mr. Speaker, as has been shown very recently in our nation’s capital, the Sergeant-at-Arms position is not just a symbolic position within the Westminster style of government.
I would like to take this time to recognize Mr. Vickers, but also our own Sergeant-at-Arms, Mr. Simanek Kilabuk, who sits and oversees our proceedings every day.
Mr. Speaker, a number of people are responsible for security in legislatures and our Parliament across the country; commissionaires and the RCMP.
Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to also recognize one of our own, Mr. Kipanik Eegeesiak from Iqaluit, who has been stationed by the RCMP to guard our nation’s capital on the Parliament grounds in Ottawa.
Mr. Speaker, he was on site for the tragic events that occurred recently.
I am happy to report that Kip is safe. I would like to take this time to specifically recognize him for not just his service to Nunavut but to our nation.
Member’s Statement 130 – 4(2): Merits of Hospital Boards (Angnakak)
Good morning to you all. Before I start my Member’s Statement, I just want to say “congratulations” to all the long-term employee recipients.
Mr. Speaker, I’m going to talk about health and it’s unfortunate the minister is not quite here, but I’m going to go ahead anyhow.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to once again encourage the government to establish a board of management at the Qikiqtani General Hospital.
Mr. Speaker, in May, I asked the Minister of Health if any consideration had been given to establishing a hospital board.
The minister indicated that she would get her staff to look into it.
Mr. Speaker, I am confident that the minister’s staff will have identified a number of merits to having a standalone board of management for the hospital.
Mr. Speaker, having reviewed capital substantiation sheets, we are all aware that the cost of new medical equipment can be very high.
A standalone hospital board would be able to fundraise and purchase specific items of equipment for the hospital as they are needed.
Mr. Speaker, the wheels of the government often turn very slowly. Having a hospital board would reduce the level of bureaucracy involved in getting things done. A hospital board would be able to address hospital needs in an efficient and timely manner.
Mr. Speaker, a successful board is made up of individuals from different walks of life who bring their expertise, knowledge, and business savvy to the operation of a critical service.
All Nunavummiut could benefit from the government having this type of partner in ensuring the delivery of a high-quality health service.