EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Honourable Member for Iqaluit East, that the Legislative Assembly confirms the Integrity Act in its present form.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I will seek consent to deal with my motion today.
Bill 10 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2007-2008 – Notice
I give notice that on Thursday, May 31, 2007, that Bill 10, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2007-2008, be read for the first time.
Bill 11 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2007-2008 – Notice
I give notice that on Thursday, May 31, 2007, that Bill 11, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2007-2008, be read for the first time.
Bill 13 – Nunavut Energy Efficiency Act – Notice
I would like to give notice that on Thursday, May 31, 2007, that Bill 13, Nunavut Energy Efficiency Act, be read for the first time.
The member is asking for unanimous consent to deal with the motion today.
Member, please proceed.
Motion 012 – 2(4): Confirmation of the Integrity Act (Peterson)
WHEREAS Nunavut’s Integrity Act came into force on July 1, 2001;
AND WHEREAS section 58 of the Act requires a review of the statute be held every five years;
AND WHEREAS the Report of the Integrity Commissioner of Nunavut on the 5-year Review of the Integrity Act has been tabled in the House;
AND WHEREAS the Integrity Commissioner finds existing provisions of the Act to be practical and appropriate, identifies no amendments essential to its effective operation and is satisfied with the Act in its present form;
I request the consent of this Assembly to waive the two-day notice requirement to allow the first reading of Bill 10, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2007-2008.
Speaker: Thank you, Minister Simailak. The Minister of Finance is seeking consent for Bill 10 to have first reading today.
Speaker: Mr. Minister, please proceed.
Bill 10 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2007-2008 – First Reading
Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Iqaluit East, that Bill 10, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2007-2008, be read for the first time.
[Bill 10 has had first reading.]
I request consent of this Assembly to waive the two-day notice requirement to allow for first reading of Bill 11, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2007-2008.
The Minister of Finance is seeking consent for Bill 11 to have first reading today.
Some Members: Agreed.  Speaker (interpretation): Agreed.
Bill 11 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2007-2008 – First Reading
I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Iqaluit West, that Bill 11, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2007-2008, be read for the first time.
[Bill 11 has had first reading.]
Bill 10 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2007-2008 – Second Reading
I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Iqaluit East, that Bill 10, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2007-2008, be read for the second time.
Mr. Speaker, this bill makes supplementary appropriations for the Government of Nunavut to defray the capital expenses of the Government of Nunavut for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2008.
To the principle of the bill. Question has been called.
Bill 10 has had second reading and is referred to Committee of the Whole.
Bill 11 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2007-2008 – Second Reading
I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Iqaluit West, that Bill 11, Supplementary Appropriation (Operation and Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2007-2008, be read for the second time.
Mr. Speaker, this bill makes supplementary appropriations for the Government of Nunavut and reduces an appropriation to defray the operations and maintenance expenses of the Government of Nunavut for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2008.
Bill 11 has had second reading and it is referred to the Committee of the Whole.
Motion 013 – 2(4): Adjournment for the Day (Picco)
I just want to take this opportunity to congratulate you for an excellent job on behalf of the members today in the Chair.
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to our Rule 46, I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Quttiktuq, that this House adjourn for the day.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Picco, Member for Iqaluit East.
We will proceed to Item 22. Orders of the Day.
A reminder for tomorrow morning at nine o’clock, a meeting of the Regular Caucus in the Nanuq Boardroom.
Orders of the Day for May 30:
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Clerk. This House stands adjourned until Wednesday, May 30, at 1:30.
(interpretation) Sergeant-at-Arms.
>>House adjourned at 15:21
Appendix – May 29, 2007
Return to Written Question 003 – 2(4): Akitsiraq Law School Program
Asked of: Hon. Paul Okalik, Minister of Justice
Date: April 18, 2007
As of March 14, 2007, what was the total cost of the Akitsiraq Law School Program (ALSP), broken down by category of expenditure?
The Government of Nunavut was one of numerous partners and sponsors in the Akitsiraq initiative.
The Akitsiraq Law School Society is a non-profit organization which was formed to oversee the program.
The Government of Nunavut’s total contributions in relation to the Akitsiraq Law School Program were $3,041,680.
The society is operated by volunteers and is an entity independent from the Government of Nunavut.
It is currently preparing an extensive final report incorporating all of its revenues and expenditures, the organizing work and the academic program.
We are anticipating that this document will be a useful guide for both reviewing the program and building on the successes of this model.
I will provide that report to members when it is received by the GN, hopefully before the 2007 fall session.
What were the Government of Nunavut’s total expenditures in relation to the ALSP?
The Government of Nunavut’s total financial contributions in relation to the Akitsiraq Law School Program were $3,041,680.
How much funding for the ALSP was provided by the Walter and Duncan Foundation of Toronto, the Government of Canada, and other third party sources?
The financial contributions of all other agencies other than the Government of Nunavut totalled $2,329,288.
Some in-kind contributions are still being assessed.
The funding includes some student funding and salaries, support for elder participation, specific workshops for both students and the public, and accommodation and compensation for professors and staff.
What allowance and benefits were provided to students enrolled in the ALSP?
The allowances and benefits afforded to students depended on whether they were sponsored by a partner agency.
Students sponsored by the Government of Nunavut had access to housing and received:
tuition and book allowance from FANS (Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students)
70 percent of the starting salary of a GN lawyer plus Northern Living Allowance, totalling $52,416.16 per year.
In return, students committed to work for two years for their sponsoring agency after graduation, or for another agency within Nunavut for four years after graduation.
How many students were initially enrolled in the ALSP?
15 students were initially enrolled.
How many students graduated from the ALSP?
11 students graduated after four years of study.
Return to Written Question 004 – 2(4): Environmental Contaminants
Asked by: Levi Barnabas, MLA (Quttiktuq)
Date: March 28, 2007
The Department of Environment works closely with the Wildlife Toxicology and Disease Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada to monitor contaminant levels in polar bears.
Fat samples are collected and analyzed every five years to monitor any changes in contaminant levels, mercury is included.
The most recent collection of samples was carried out this spring.
Levels of other contaminants such as PCBs, other chlorinated hydrocarbons, and brominated hydrocarbons such as polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants have historically and/or are presently being monitored.
Testing under this program shows that mercury levels in polar bears have been on a long-term declining trend.
In addition the GN Department of Environment sits on the Niqiit Avatittinni Committee established by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada under the Northern Contaminants Program (NCP).
This committee is co-chaired by the GN Department of Health and Social Services, and its mission is:
‘Working to reduce and, wherever possible, eliminate contaminants in traditionally harvested foods, while providing information that assists informed decision making by individuals and communities in their food use.’
An extensive list of research funded by NCP can be viewed at the following link: http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ncp/intdc/index_e.html
The Department of Environment works closely with Institutes of Public Government (IPGs) to review the impacts of development projects within Nunavut, including energy producing technologies such as hydroelectric power.
Following the processes described in the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, we provide input into all project proposals pursuant to our responsibilities under the Environmental Protection Act and Wildlife Act.
At the present time there is a hydroelectric project being considered for the South Baffin area near Iqaluit, and as with all projects, we are working with the proponents to ensure that any possible impacts, including contaminants discharge, are identified early.
If a developmental project has potential to discharge contaminants to the environment, DOE ensures that this potential is raised to the IPGs so that impacts are assessed and mitigation and monitoring measures are identified.
In addition to projects within Nunavut, there are concerns that major hydroelectric development projects in Quebec, on rivers that discharge into the Hudson and James bays, may have impacts in Nunavut.
As projects in other jurisdictions are outside of the jurisdiction of the IPGs, the Hudson Bay interagency working group Nunavumi Tasiujaqjuamiuqatijii Katutjiqutijiingit (NTK) was established in response to concerns raised by the community of Sanikiluaq.
The Department of Environment is a member and partial financial supporter of this group, and its activities include appearing before the environmental review panel for the Eastmain 1-A Rupert River project.
At this forum Nunavut delegates raised concerns about the impact of this project on the marine environment, paying particular attention to potential impacts on traditional harvesting and country food, and cumulative impacts of current and future hydro projects on the marine environment of the Hudson Bay.
One outcome of this review panel was a recommendation that the federal government establish an independent research and monitoring program to address cumulative impacts on the Hudson Bay and James Bay ecosystems.
The GN and NTK are currently seeking assurances from the federal government that this recommendation will be implemented.
What tools are in place for wildlife officers or other officials of the Department of Environment to inform the public in circumstances where levels of environmental contaminants, such as mercury, are found to be rising?
The Department of Environment has wildlife officers located in all 25 of Nunavut’s communities, and these officers work very closely with local Hunters and Trappers Organizations (HTOs) on matters that are related to harvesting.
In addition, most communities are relatively small and providing broad public notice is generally not difficult.
If our research, monitoring from project proponents, or the studies undertaken by the Northern Contaminants Program identify a problem of public concern, then we can utilize these community based staff to work with HTOs and inform the public.
It is important to note, however, that any matter related to human health, including rising contaminant levels in country food, falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Health and Social Services, and therefore they would take the lead in advising the public.
Return to Written Question 005 – 2(4): Supplemental Costs of Staffing HSS Positions with Non Certified Nurses
Asked by: Hunter Tootoo, MLA (Iqaluit Centre)
Date: April 26, 2007
The total cost of hiring agency nurses as support for the internationally recruited nurses was $2,576,000 for the fiscal years 2005-06 and 2006-07.
Nurses who are new to community health centres or hospitals require extra preparation, whether they are new graduates from the Nunavut Arctic College, or new to the Canadian healthcare system, but especially for those who are new to the health system in Nunavut.
The agency nurses hired as support for the internationally recruited nurses served as mentors to provide the extra training required for work in our system.
One of the lessons learned from our involvement in the International Recruitment Strategy was that our orientation process for all nurses hired must include a training component.
The department is working to include this type of training for future hires, regardless of their origin.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Pages 1329 – 1357
Opening Prayer 1329
Ministers’ Statements 1329
Members’ Statements 1332
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 1335
Oral Questions 1335
Tabled Documents 1354
Notices of Motions 1355
Motions 1355
Orders of the Day 1356
Wednesday, May 30, 2007 1329
056 – 2(4): A Northern Vision (Okalik) 1329
057 – 2(4): Pan-Territorial Search and Rescue Initiative (Brown) 1330
058 – 2(4): Skills Canada Nunavut Competition 2007 (Netser) 1331
127 – 2(4): Medical Escorts for Elders (Mapsalak) 1332
128 – 2(4): Certified Educators Program Graduates (Evyagotailak) 1332
129 – 2(4): Infrastructure Research Manager (Peterson) 1333
130 – 2(4): Recentralization of GN Positions (Tootoo) 1334
168 – 2(4): Recentralization of GN Positions (Tootoo) 1335
169 – 2(4): Medical Escorts for Elders (Mapsalak) 1337
170 – 2(4): RFP for Cambridge Bay Housing (Peterson) 1340
171 – 2(4): Update on the Deep Sea Port in Nunavut (Curley) 1343
172 – 2(4): Medical Travel Airline Bookings (Barnabas) 1345
173 – 2(4): Update on Road to the Gravel Pit (Alagalak) 1348
174 – 2(4): Patient Counsellors in the Boarding Homes (Arvaluk) 1349
175 – 2(4): Informing Union of Transfer of Positions (Tootoo) 1352
085 – 2(4): A Northern Vision: A Stronger North and A Better Canada (Okalik) 1354
086 – 2(4): Petition from Nunavut Employees Union Members in H&SS Finance Division re. Transfer to Department of Finance (Tootoo) 1354
087 – 2(4): Letter and Petition from Nunavut Employees Untion re: Centralization of Payment Processing – Department of Health & Social Services (Tootoo) 1355
014 – 2(4): Listing of Polar Bears as a Threatened Species – Notice (Netser) 1355
015 – 2(4): Adjournment for the Day (Tootoo) 1356
Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Honourable Olayuk Akesuk, Mr. David Alagalak, Mr. James Arvaluk, Mr. Levi Barnabas, Honourable Levinia Brown, Mr. Tagak Curley, Mr. Joe Allen Evyagotailak, Mr. Peter Kattuk, Honourable Peter Kilabuk, Mr. Steve Mapsalak, Honourable Patterk Netser, Honourable Paul Okalik, Mr. Keith Peterson, Honourable Edward Picco, Honourable David Simailak, Honourable Louis Tapardjuk, Mr. Hunter Tootoo.
Speaker (Hon. Peter Kilabuk)(interpretation): Good afternoon. I would like to ask Mr. Evyagotailak to lead us in prayer.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Evyagotailak and Members.
For some of us we can finally be here, and we’re happy to be here.
Minister’s Statement 056 – 2(4): A Northern Vision (Okalik)
I am so happy that you’re here.
(interpretation ends) On Saturday I had the pleasure of joining my northern colleagues, Premier Dennis Fentie, and Premier Joe Handley, in releasing a shared vision for the north. In this vision we focus on northern priorities and sovereignty and sustainable communities, adapting to climate change and circumpolar relations.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut’s contribution was guided by Pinasuaqtavut, and was built on the 2004-05 Northern Strategy Conference.
In these consultations, you and many other Nunavummiut expressed your views on a strong economy supporting a strong culture.
Nunavut has a strong history of working effectively with our northern neighbours of the Yukon and the Northwest Territories.
Through our northern partnership we have brought many benefits to our citizens and increased influence at the national level.
Together we gained federal support for improvements in the Territorial Formula Financing, additional benefits in healthcare, and direct investments to economic development initiatives.
Mr. Speaker, a Northern Vision is the next step in this partnership. Northern Premiers seized the opportunity presented to us when Prime Minister Harper called on us to work together on priorities and to break paternalistic policies of the past.
Moving forward, Mr. Speaker, the Northern Vision is the beginning of a long-term process of sustained cooperation and partnership. I invite federal, provincial, Inuit, and community governments, the private sector and the non-governmental organizations to join us to build a more prosperous, sustainable, and secure north.
In particular, I look forward to continuing the good work already begun by Minister Prentice and to finally begin talks on a devolution agreement.
At the appropriate time, Mr. Speaker, I will table the document entitled; A Northern Vision, A Stronger North, and A Better Canada. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister’s Statement 057 – 2(4): Pan-Territorial Search and Rescue Initiative (Brown)
I’m happy that we’re all here now. Once Mr. Arreak is here, everybody will be here.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce a pan-territorial initiative that brings together the emergency measures organizations and the RCMP division of the Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut to focus on search and rescue exercises, training and prevention issues specific to the north.
Mr. Speaker, emergency preparedness is in many ways a fact of life in the north. We are pleased to work together to develop a northern solution that will focus primarily on exercises and training for search and rescue teams, as well as prevention and awareness education for residents and visitors.
Mr. Speaker, the objective of the Prevention and Awareness Strategy is to motivate all people to use the knowledge, information, skills, and programs to help them avoid or reduce the severity of search and rescue incidents.
This Pan-Territorial Strategy will focus on youth awareness, aboriginal communities, and northern visitors.
Funding for the Northern Search and Rescue Strategy is provided by the Government of Canada’s National Search and Rescue Secretariat New Initiative Fund and will provide $1 million to the three territories over the next three years.
Mr. Speaker, my department, in conjunction with the other northern territories, is pleased that a Northern Strategy is being developed to address the different challenges we face in protecting our citizens.
Prevention is the key to reducing the loss of loved ones, educating and preparing our youth is to play an active role in the future, and will add to our northern communities’ strength.
Minister’s Statement 058 – 2(4): Skills Canada Nunavut Competition 2007 (Netser)
Hon. Patterk Netser (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and welcome, even though the geese are back.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, on March 29, 2007, youth from across Nunavut participated in the Skills Canada Nunavut Competition. 80 students from across the territory were entered into 15 competitive events designed to foster careers in trades and technology. This was the largest competition for Nunavut to date.
I would like to extend my congratulations to all those who took part, especially those competitors in the Worksite Safety event.
The Worksite Safety events involve three parts: Competitors gave oral presentations on a safety topic of their choice; they wrote a quiz; and completed hazard assessments of three different areas; an office, a kitchen, and a workshop.
To qualify to compete the participants are encouraged to complete the Safety and the Young Worker Program. This year there were six participants at the territorial level; one in the junior category and five in the senior category.
The students who participated performed well and I encourage them to return next year.
Across Canada people are beginning to realize that workplace accidents must not be accepted as part of our working lives. Every workplace injury can be prevented if safety is the first priority.
In participating in the Worksite Safety Competition these youth are not only demonstrating a commitment to workplace safety, they are leading by example and building a foundation of a culture of safety in the next generation of workers in Nunavut.
I applaud all the youth who participated at the territorial level, particularly, Robert Peter of Pond Inlet, who received the gold medal in the senior category Worksite Safety event.
Robert Peter will move on to represent Nunavut at the national level skills competition. I wish him the best of luck and the best of luck to other Nunavut competitors who are moving on to the National Skills Canada Competition.
Member’s Statement 127 – 2(4): Medical Escorts for Elders (Mapsalak)
I rise today to raise an issue that remains one of the biggest concerns brought to me by my constituents.
Mr. Speaker, despite what the current Medical Travel Policy states, unilingual elders travelling on medical services outside their community are still been denied escorts.
Mr. Speaker, our elders have gone on radio stating that they will refuse to travel if they are not provided with escorts.
Mr. Speaker, I recognize that it is not necessary to have all medical travel clients to have an escort.
I also note that there are staff and interpreters from medical boarding homes who often meet medical clients at the airport. However, I am also aware that in situations where travellers have been bumped on flights and left in strange airports to wait for the next available seat.
I am aware of situations where boarding home staff have met with clients at the airport.
For an experienced traveller, who has the ability to speak English, Mr. Speaker, these situations are intriguing at best, for unilingual elders, they can be frightening and traumatic.
Mr. Speaker, I have raised this issue in the past. I have been told by the Minister of Health and Social Services that the Medical Travel Policy has provisions for escorts for unilingual elders. It is not clear to me why these provisions are not being acted on as they should be.
Mr. Speaker, we have heard in this House that a draft Client Travel Policy has been brought before Cabinet.
I encourage the Minister of Health and Social Services to give serious consideration to the issue of escorts for unilingual elders when she finalizes the new policy.
At the appropriate time, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions on this issue.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Mapsalak. (interpretation) Members’ Statements.
Member’s Statement 128 – 2(4): Certified Educators Program Graduates (Evyagotailak)
I rise today to congratulate recent graduates of the Educators in Inuit and Native Children Care Service Program in Kugluktuk.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, nine graduates graduated from this program.
The program trained the students into careers as Certified Educators in Child Care Service.
The graduates were Sarah Algiak, Patricia Algona, Lesley Atatahak, Violet Etoktok, Christine Kaiyogana, Kristina Kuodluaq, Anita Niptanatiak, Cynthia Nivingalok, and finally Connie Pangon.
Mr. Speaker, the students’ successful completion of the program will fill the lack of local professionals in the field. It will also be a great satisfaction to parents in our community to note that their children are being cared for by trained and experienced educators who are from our own home communities who will encourage and support our culture.
Please join me in wishing them the best in their chosen fields.
Member’s Statement 129 – 2(4): Infrastructure Research Manager (Peterson)
I am pleased to rise today to inform the House about an important position that the Nunavut Association of Municipalities has created within their organization.