EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, I guess it’s hard to gauge very subjectively what you mean by a better rental scale and maybe he’s talking about no rents for anybody in the ideal situation, but the fact remains, Mr. Speaker, that the government has to pay for housing somehow and it’s heavily subsidized now because of the money, the limited dollars that we have in trying to maximize provision of public housing, whether it’s through private home-ownership assistance program or through social housing programs.
So, it is a difficult balance that the Housing Corporation has, and like I said earlier any government in any legislature, any Minister, new Minister coming in has the prerogative to review their programs and policies and if there are problems there, they will move to make those amendments.
We have no other choice but to occupy public houses in the communities.
There are people who own their own homes and pay a little less than the ones who live in public housing and yet, we have no other choice but to occupy public housing.
The $20 million dollars that was set aside is very good to hear, but I think we have to look elsewhere for someone to provide us with housing.
As one of the Members stated, the money that the individuals receive, as soon as their salary is increased their housing is increased right away.
We would like to be able to reach 85% Inuit employment, but it just seems like we have a barrier where the more money that you make, the more money they take for rent.
It just seems like we will not be able to reach the 85% target of Inuit employment because the more money you make the more they take off for rent.
I wonder if the next Government would be able to do a better job or to provide a better rental scale.
Speaker: That is a hypothetical question, Mr. Iqaqrialu, but certainly Minister Ng will attempt to address it.
Mr. Speaker, in fact the Member is incorrect in that if your salary goes up in this current year, your rent will automatically go up.
That was one of the recommendations to try to encourage individuals to start work, or further themselves.
It happens though, in the following year, so there is a grace period for that.
And at the same time 85% is not taken off your income.
I am not sure what the Member is referencing in respect to the 85%, but that is not the case as well.
If I make a mistake in my question, I apologize.
If I could ask another questions.
Is there a policy for public housing that you could provide as a Department, a policy for rental scales to break down how much rent that you pay into the house and what it is being used for?
Mr. Speaker, yes, we can provide the new rental scale once again to the Member.
The rents that are received go to the local Housing Authorities to pay for the power, to pay for the fuel, to pay for the maintenance of the public housing unit.
That is where the money goes, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker for giving me the opportunity.
The people of Nunavut have to be able to understand what they are paying for.
Will you be providing us with a breakdown of the expenses that are put towards rent?
Speaker: Order.
Mr. Speaker, I would agree that anybody who is paying rent, what that rent is comprised of, and there was consultations, extensive consultations, public meetings in every community prior to the implementation of the new rent scale.
So there was ample opportunity for everybody who was interested to become involved.
Having said that as well they can continue to go into the local Housing Authority offices, get copies, have it explained to them, and have it laid out before them, exactly how it works, and how it impacts them individually.
There are many opportunities and if that is not happening, then certainly it is the Housing Corporation staff can work with the local Housing Authorities to make sure that that does happen as well.
Hon. Manitok Thompson: Mr. Speaker, can I ask to return to Item 5.
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery for just a minute.
Speaker: The Minister is seeking unanimous consent to return to Item 5.
I would like to recognize the person behind here, Mr. Herman Avaalak Bruce who I adopted from his mom before I was married.
He is an excellent mechanic and he can fix anything and he needs a job.
I think he is the most experienced mechanic in Nunavut and also his daughter Savana Bruce Manitok, Manitok Savana Bruce, who is in Churchill, we send our regards from myself and her father. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Return to Written Question 021 – 1(6): Lena Pederson Boarding Home
Mr. Speaker, I have a return to a written question asked by Mr. Donald Havioyak on November the 4th, 2003.
What is the policy for the assignment of beds at the Lena Pederson Boarding Home in Yellowknife?
The residents from the Kitikmeot region receive priority for the bed assignment.
Unilingual elders receive first priority then assignment of bed locations in the home is allocated based on client need and medical condition.
Women and men are segregated in different areas of the home.
Are residents from Kugluktuk, Cambridge Bay, Gjoa Haven, Taloyoak and Kugaaruk travelling to Yellowknife for medical purposes given priority over Nunavut residents for accommodations at the Lena Pederson Board Home?
All Kitikmeot residents are given first priority.
Are Nunavut residents travelling to Yellowknife for medical purposes given priority over non-Nunavut residents for accommodation at the Lena Pederson Boarding Home?
Yes, Nunavut residents travelling to Yellowknife for medical purposes are given priority over non-Nunavut residents for accommodations at the Lena Pederson Boarding Home.
What are the accommodation policies that apply to the operation of the Lena Pederson Boarding Home?
Clients sign a travel consent policy prior to the medical travel which outlines client responsibility, client rights and benefits and that the no alcohol and drug policy, fire health regulations for occupancy are also strictly followed.
Does the Lena Pederson Boarding Home meet all of the contractual requirements for the Nunavut Department of Health and if not what specific contractual obligations are not being met?
Yes, under the request for proposal process outline requirements prior to the contract assignment.
If the Lena Pederson Boarding Home does not meet all the contractual requirements of the department what options are being considered by the Department to ensure compliance?
That question is not applicable.
Return to Written Question 020 – 1(6): Request for Proposals
I am pleased to table on behalf of the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation a return to Written Questions 20-1(6).
Committee Report 007 – 1(6): Final Report on the Review of the Official Languages Act
I am very pleased to have the opportunity today to provide the House with our Committee’s final report on the Review of the Official Languages Act.
Mr. Speaker, the Special Committee to review the Official Languages Act was created by a motion of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut on February 26, 2001.
The Committee is made up of five members of the Legislative Assembly.
Myself, as the Chair of the Committee, Mr. Donald Havioyak, the MLA for Kugluktuk, the a co-chair, Ovide Alakannuark, MLA for Akulliq, David Iqaqrialu, the MLA for Uqquqmmiut and the Honourable Peter Kilabuk, the MLA for Pangnirtung.
Members Anawak, and Kattuk also served on the Committee and I would like to thank them for their contributions.
The mandate of our Committee was to review the provisions and operations of the Official Languages Act in accordance with section 29 of that same Act.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the review process began by consulting with key stakeholders, organizations, and the Government of Nunavut departments in order to ensure that the Special Committee had a good understanding of what language policies and services are currently in place, and what language concerns are seen as critical issues.
Developing solid baseline information was seen as a necessary precondition for carrying out the comprehensive and effective public consultation process.
The Special Committee would like to acknowledge the participants and input of such bodies as Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, the former Nunavut Social Development Council, the three Regional Inuit Associations, the Francophone Association of Nunavut, Inuit Heritage Trust, the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Taskforce and the Nunavut Literacy Council.
(interpretation) The Committee would also like to extend as special note of appreciation to the Languages Commissioner of Nunavut, Ms. Eva Aariak, for her participation in the Committee’s work, and the extensive materials provided by her Office.
And Ms. Eva Aariak, who is here. Thank you.
The Committee’s review process also involved the collection of information from every government department on its capacity to provide services in Nunavut’s Official Languages.
Its current initiative related to language policy and services, such as signage forms and documentation, as well as any short and/or long-term initiatives relating to language use in Nunavut.
The Committee met with representatives from every department to review and discuss the information provided.
A summary of the compiled results is included as an appendix to this report.
The committee heard a number of presentations on language activities in other Canadian jurisdictions including Nunavik and the Northwest Territories as well as Greenland and other jurisdictions.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, as you will recall the Special Committee tabled the income report on progress in March 2002.
The interim report contained four recommendations which were presented in this House.
Mr. Speaker, the government tabled its response in December 2002.
The special committee’s position with respect to the government’s response included in the final responses and includes the following.
The Special Committee recommends that regular updates be provided to all Members of Legislative Assembly regarding the ongoing development of government’s language policy, its status, the implementation policy and evaluation of the …Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker: I’d like to remind Members to try to stay in the House while the reports are being read.
The Special Committee recommends that regular updates be provided to all Members of the Legislative Assembly regarding the ongoing development of the government’s language policy, its status, the implementation plans and evaluations to follow its success.
The committee reiterates and clarifies in position by recommending that the following sectors be designated as essential not only in the first coming government-wide language policy but also through regulation under the new Official Languages Act.
Essential sectors should include any division responsible for public safety including travel and transportation, health and social services, education and any division responsible for administration of justice.
And the Special Committee recommends that initiatives undertaken by institutions outside of the territorial government’s jurisdiction, such as the federal government, Inuit organizations and private sectors be acknowledged and encouraged.
Based on the information and input generated in the first phase of its new review process, the committee developed a series of focus questions designed to encourage and stimulate participation during public consultations in the communities.
The committee accompanied by the Language Commissioner held public meetings in over 1/3 of Nunavut’s communities.
Mr. Speaker, the Special Committee was very pleased with the level of thought and consideration contained in the input received from community residents.
Many individuals referred specifically to the focus questions posed by the committee.
Not surprisingly, people spoke with passion about the role of language in their lives.
A number of recurring themes came up in consultation meetings across Nunavut.
These included the views; that Inuktitut should be recognized as the official language of Nunavut along with English and French; Inuktitut be equal to English and French; that the Official Languages Act should apply to the private sectors especially where stores are concerned; hat the Act should apply to all municipalities in Nunavut; that Inuinnaqtun is in grave danger of disappearing; that all government forms should be translated into Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun and the government information directed to Inuit should be in Inuktitut and Inuinnaaqtun.
Mr. Speaker as a result of this public consultation process, its review of submissions and presentations and its extensive deliberations the special committee has developed two sets of recommendations which I have presented in this final report.
One the set of recommendations focuses on language-related issues through the course of the review the second set of recommendations focuses specifically on elements that the committee would wish to see included in a new made in Nunavut Official Languages Act.
Mr. Speaker although the recommendations presented in this report might seem idealistic given the translation related capacity issues faced by many governmental organizations including let’s say the Assembly itself, the special committee feels that the legislation must play a critical role protecting, promoting and implementing the language of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker at this time I would like to turn it over to my colleague, Mr. Havioyak.
Thank you; I will give my presentation a little bit of it in Inuinnaaqtun.
Mr. Speaker even preparing the committee’s report for tabling in our four languages of course posed a logistical challenge.
Readers will note that sections of the Inuktitut version of this report are written in three different dialects.
This illustrates the kind of linguistic challenge that will have to be overcome as we work towards a future.
With respect to general language related issues the special committee recommends the following recommendations.
That the Official Languages Act provide the mandatory or actively offer services in all the official languages in all the sectors designated as essential and that the legislation clearly define active offers of service.
That the Official Languages Act provide government signage in all official languages to be mandatory and all other sectors be encouraged to accommodation of policy and regulation.
(Interpretation ends) That the Official Languages Act set out the Government of Nunavut’s responsibility is to ensure the promotion of the official languages and to support the development, enhance the language use, utility is at risk.
That the Act provide that a single Minister shall be designated as responsible and accountable for the implementation of the Act.
The Minister should be responsible for submitting an annual report to the Legislative Assembly.
The Minister should develop a government wide Official Languages Act Implementation Plan including an evaluation and accountability work frame, procedures and measures of tracking demanded service delivery and that the Minister should formally consult with the Languages Commissioner to develop a procedure for the public to make complaints.
The Minister responsible should also report to the House at the first sitting of the next Assembly on the acceptance of this report and on the status and progress of the implementation of its recommendations.
That the Official Languages Act should clarify provisions for compliance if language service are to be required of non-governmental agencies, and that they are provide that all Ministers be required to table.
Mr. Speaker, in the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut, reports on any departmental activity that impacts on Official Languages.
That an Official Language body with effective decision making powers be established through the Legislative Assembly.
This body should have the authority to develop and approve terminology, address the appropriate use of the dialects, and that is a resource to the Government and standardized writing system.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to clarify that we are not recommending that the one writing system be standardized for all Nunavummiut; we are simply recommending that the Official Language body find resolutions to various issues relating to the use of Inuktitut syllabics and the use of the writing system Inuinnaqtun.
An Official Language body could cooperate with the Government in establishing and maintaining policies focussed on the implementation of the Official Language Act.
Establishing and maintaining a system to qualify and to certify French, Inuktitut, and Inuinnaqtun interpreters/translator and in maintaining a public registry of interpreters, translators and their levels of qualifications and certification, and provide reviews and reports on the language issues.
Let the Language Commissioner’s oath be clarified with respect to the role of the designated language authority.
That the Minister responsible for the Act work with the Francophone Association of Nunavut at the earliest opportunity to discuss and lay the foundation for the delivery of French language service as mandated under the Act.
The Special Committee recommend that the Government’s first priority in the areas of language should be introduced and pass a new made in Nunavut Official Language Act, and further that in drafting the new statute, the Government give consideration to include those aspects of the Language Commissioner’s proposed Inuktitut Protection Act, and that specially promote, support and strengthen the use of Inuit languages.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to turn over the reading of the report to the Chair.
I would like to thank my colleague, Mr. Havioyak.
With regards to specific aspects the Committee wishes to see included in the new Official Languages Act, the Special Committee makes the following recommendations: that the current Official Languages Act be repealed and, Mr. Speaker, a new Official Languages Act be introduced reflecting the findings and recommendations of the Special Committee to review the Official Languages Act; that the Government of Nunavut introduce a new statute to replace the Official Languages Act as a first priority during the Second Legislative Assembly.
(Interpretation ends) That the preamble to the new Act includes language to the effect that the purpose of the Act is to implement the essence of Sections 16 to 20 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and the intent of the Act is to recognize the languages rights of all Nunavummiut.
That the Act apply equally to Municipal Governments and that the Government put in place a requesting timetable and deadline for the meeting of this requirement.
That the Act designates French, English, Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun as the Official Languages of Nunavut.
That the Act requires that Act of the Legislative Assembly and records, journals, and sound recordings of the Legislative Assembly be produced in Inuktitut, Inuinnaqtun, English, and French and that the Government request a timetable and deadline for the meeting of this requirement.
That then becomes an additional requirement for the production of Hansard, and all statements made by or before Members of the Legislative Assembly be reported in the language in which they are made and that translation into the other Official Languages be included.
That it become a requirement that all official instruments directed to the public be in all Official Languages in all cases.
That Inuktitut, Inuinnaqtun, English and French have equal status in all sections of the Act and that pertains to court proceedings, decisions, orders and judgements and that the Government put in place a request timetable and deadline for the meeting of this requirement.
That the Act clearly defines the obligation of Government in terms of providing services in the Official Languages.
That the Act requires the publication of the Nunavut Gazette in Inuinnaqtun, Inuktitut, English and French, and further that any instrument, regulation, or proclamation previously published in the Nunavut Gazette that is deemed to be of high importance, and of current interest in the general public being retroactively published in Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun.
The Sections in the Act dealing with the Languages Commissioner ensure that the Commissioner has authority at similar level to the other independent offices of the Legislative Assembly to allow for full and adequate reviews and inquiries including the ability to compel witnesses to appear and the power to require the Government to respond to recommendations by a certain time.
And further that the Act comes from the right of individuals to complain and that the Act protects from threats, intimidation and discrimination any person who might file a complaint.
And that the Act require a review to be undertaken every five years to ensure that the provisions and implementation of the Act, and other Official Languages initiatives are effective, and that the results are tabled in the House.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, although the life of this First Assembly will soon draw to a close, the Members of the Special Committee feel sure that this will not be left unrecognized.
We urge all Members of the second Legislative Assembly of Nunavut to act on this report as soon as possible in order that the goal of developing and enacting a made in Nunavut Official Languages Act becomes a reality.
Mr. Speaker, in closing I present this final report, although it might be the special committee’s last action before dissolution, it is the committee’s hope that the government carefully consider the issues raised by the committee’s review and work to introduce a new statute as a constitutional priority in the next Assembly.
At this time Mr. Speaker, I would like to move that the report of the special committee be received and adopted by the House.
Report of Standing and Special Committees.
Report 023 – 1(6): Bill 49 – An Act to Amend the Safety Act
Mr. Speaker, I wish to report that Bill 49, an Act to Amend the Safety Act has been reviewed by the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Services and that the Bill is ready for consideration in committee of the whole.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to waive rule 68(5) and have Bill 49 moved into committee of the whole today.
There is a request to waive rule 68(5) of the standing committee report on Bill 49 and be immediately referred to committee of the whole today.
Bill 49 is referred to committee of the whole for today.
Report 024 – 1(6): Bill 35 – The Wildlife Act
Finally, I wish to report that Bill 35, the Wildlife Act has been reviewed by the Standing Committee on Community Empowerment and Sustainable Development and that the Bill as amended and reprinted again, is ready for consideration in committee of the whole.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to waive rule 68(5) and have Bill 35 move into committee of the whole today.
There is a request to waive rule 68(5) that the standing committee report on Bill 35 can be immediately referred to committee of the whole today.
Bill 35 is referred to committee of the whole for today.
Tabled Document 158 – 1(6): Nangminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti Policy First Comprehensive Review 2003
I wish to table the document Nunavummi Namminiqaqtuni Ikajuuti Policy First Comprehensive Review, 2003.
Tabled Document 159 – 1(6): Response to the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Services Review of the 2001/2002 Annual Report of the Information and Privacy Commission
I wish to table the following document, Response to Standing Committee on Government Operations and Services Review of the 2001/2002 Annual Report of the Information and Privacy Commission.
Tabled Document 160 – 1(6): Responses to Petitions 9 -1(6) and 10 – 1(6)
I am pleased to table the responses for Petition 9-1(6) and Petition 10-1(6).
Bill 50 - Interim Appropriation Act April 1st-June 30th of 2004 - Notice
Bill 51 - Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act No. 3 2003/2004 - Notice
Bill 52 - Supplementary Appropriation (O and M) Act No. 2 2003/2004 - Notice
Bill 53 - Write Off of Assets and Debts Act 2003-2004 - Notice