EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, we have asked the Nunavut Liquor Board to undertake some consultations throughout Nunavut to hear what the people have to say about problems in respect to the current legislation and in respect to access to alcohol products. They will then report back to myself in the form of recommendations, which I will bring forward to the cabinet to discuss various options depending on what the recommendations are.
I do not have the exact list of they communities with me right now.
I believe that I can provide that information to the members, all members of this House.
Supplementary question to the same minister.
Once you find out which communities you will be doing consultations with, could you let us know how many communities will be consulted.
Especially my constituency, which has three communities and Nanisivik is the main community that has that kind of problem.
Can the communities say that we would like to invite the LLB to do the consultation in our community.
Can I ask my community to invite the LLB to consult with us.
I was wondering if that could be done because many people have serious problems in regards to alcohol abuse and also in regards to the legislation.
Speaker: Minister responsible for the Liquor Board.
Mr. Speaker, first of all I want to clarify that the intent isn’t trying to, as much as we would like to, get to every community because it is cost prohibitive.
To allow access for input for all communities, what we’ve done is targeted 6-7 communities.
Like I said, I’ll bring the information for members of the House.
But they’ve also, at the same time, allowed for input from other communities to make sure that if they are not actually holding consultations in a specific community, there will be avenues for the other communities to provide input on what their feelings are.
Whether it is directly to the Liquor Board or to some of the support infrastructure around their consultations.
Supplementary. Ms. Williams.
On behalf on my constituency, I’d like to thank him for his response.
I’d like to ask a supplementary question.
What timeline do you see as to when this consultation tour will start.
Speaker: Thank you, member.
Just for clarification, we are not speaking of Workers' Compensation Board but the Liquor Board.
From what I understand it may be the interpretation issue, but we are speaking of the Nunavut Liquor Board.
Mr. Speaker, we are hoping consultations take place almost immediately in fact.
The schedule called for the first consultation to have taken place. I think they are behind schedule.
We expect within a week or two they would start the process.
Question 017 - 1(3): Status of Police Dog
Mr. Speaker, I would like to direct my question to the Minister for Justice.
Mr. Speaker, our territory is a vast, huge land and the population is increasing.
We have 26 communities within Nunavut and each community is increasing in population. We are starting to see things that we’ve never seen before. For that reason our constituencies have felt the impact of alcohol, drugs and marijuana.
Mr. Speaker, we were informed about the sniffer dog called Jack.
I was wondering where Jack the dog is right now.
Where did the sniffer dog initially start.
Did he travel around to the communities.
I believe Jack is in town and they said that they would visit the other communities.
I know it is quite expensive to train the dogs so they are not always readily available.
And thank you Mr. Minister for your response.
I’d like to ask the Premier this. He stated that it is in Nunavut and it has to be trained.
I don’t think the dog is originally from Nunavut because Nunavut gets extremely cold at times.
We’ll have to teach the dog traditional or Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit values so that it can do his job properly.
Speaker: Minister responsible for Jack.
It is very expensive to care for the dog, a sniffing dog and the dog is kept in the house and it’s important that we take care of the dog.
There are those that don’t like these kinds of dogs so he has to be kept in a safe area.
We heard about the sniffing dog at our last session.
With the dog being in Nunavut, I’m hoping that it benefits the people of Nunavut.
We often hear about many different incidents happening in Nunavut.
As this is the first sniffing dog in Nunavut, when the does the minister think that they will be able to start using the dog to fight crime in the communities.
Is there a question there.
The sniffing dog is in Iqaluit and I think they use the dog mainly in Iqaluit presently.
The dog is taken to the airport every so often.
Mr. Puqiqnak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank you to the Minister of Justice for his response.
He stated that the dog has been used in Iqaluit.
There are three regions in Nunavut, will the dog be taken to the other regions.
Speaker: Minister responsible for Justice. Mr. Premier.
Yes, we will start taking the dog to the other regions, I can’t say when this would be done but when the time comes, the dog will be taken to other regions.
Hon. Paul Okalik: Yes Mr. Speaker.
I’d like the members’ indulgence in going back to Item 5 in the order paper.
Speaker: Proceed Mr. Premier.
Hon. Paul Okalik: Thank you, fellow members and Mr. Speaker.
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome a distinguished visitor to the gallery, Mr. John Ralston Saul.
If you recall, Mr. John Ralston Saul visited us last year and is the spouse of our Governor General. He is just returning from a very nice visit to Pond Inlet.
The MLA from Pond Inlet was very helpful, so thank you and welcome to the gallery. Qujannamiik.
Speaker: Welcome to the Gallery Mr. Saul.
Question 018 - 1(3): Health Minister’s Visit to Kugluktuk
The other day I wasn’t able to complete my questions about the health facility in the Kitikmeot.
I want to direct this question to the Minister for Health & Social Services.
He mentioned he would be going to Kugluktuk to consult the community.
So will people be informed about when he would be heading to Kugluktuk.
Mr. Speaker, the other day in questioning I committed to the member that I would go to Kugluktuk to speak to the hamlet and to the mayor about the building of a health facility in the Kitikmeot region and discussing the concerns or questions the mayor or the Hamlet may have.
I would say Mr. Speaker, that after this session, we are scheduled until some time at the end of March or first week in April, between then and the May session we should be able to go to Kugluktuk to meet with the Hamlet and discuss that issue.
Supplementary question. Mr. Havioyak.
Thank you for the response because they want to know today so that they can begin to prepare for it.
Speaker: There was no question there.
Question 019 - 1(3): Sustainable Development Minister’s Visit to Coral Harbour
I am aware that he has been invited by the community of Coral Harbour to look at the commercial caribou harvest, the work that is being done in Coral Harbour regarding caribou.
Has the Minister of Sustainable Development decided when he would be going to Coral Harbour.
I have received a letter from the mayor of Coral Harbour and I have replied to his letter, although we have not set a date, once we conclude the session I will be travelling to Coral Harbour some time in April or May.
Question 020 - 1(3): Implications of Fuel Price Increase
I know previously I’d asked the government about something that is a rising issue.
It is on the fuel increase that was implemented earlier this year.
I’d like to ask the minister if he has the numbers of the cost implication on the government that was faced as a result of the fuel price increase that was last implemented.
Mr. Speaker, we did put together those numbers but I do not have them with me.
I can find that out and provide it to the member at the earliest opportunity.
I am pleased to hear that the minister and the department have that information available.
I would like to ask the minister if he would be willing to not only provide it to me, but to table it in this House so that all members and the public know what the cost to the government was as a result of the fuel price increase.
Yes, I would be willing to do that.
Mr. Speaker I know the minister indicated as soon as possible.
I am just wondering if he can be more specific as to when, how soon, as soon as possible this week, too late this week but next week or when.
Mr. Speaker when I first answered the question I was going to get the information right away and advise the member.
But when he asked to have it tabled, because tabling requires a certain format and translation, I would say some time next week given that the budget address and the budget documents and preparation will take place and hopefully be finished by Tuesday.
So some time next week, I will commit to being able to table that fuel price information.
Question 021 - 1(3): Support for FAS Victims
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): I would like to address this question to the Minister of Education.
I would like to add this question to a previous question asked by my colleague in regards to FAS children.
It is about getting a specialist to come to the communities.
Would it be possible to have our teachers trained or a local person trained especially to deal with FAS children.
Speaker: Minister responsible for Education. Mr. Kilabuk.
The specialists who come to the communities provide valuable information to teachers.
The criteria used for treatment is from the Department of Health & Social Services and specifies the degree of help required for each individual.
We are committed to continuing this process and providing as much support and assistance as we can.
His answer is clear and I would like to thank him for it.
But I would like to understand more as to the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit applications relating to dealing with the problem.
What are the plans on this.
Speaker: Minister of Education. Mr. Kilabuk.
Today there are different types of government services available.
Under the Department of Education there is different usage that we have for the elders.
We utilize elders’ knowledge as consultants.
Having said that I have no knowledge of what type of program is available in incorporating Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit with FAS at this time.
Further to my questioning on this subject.
Can this program institute Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit within it.
This is not going to be the end of the program that we have today.
Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit is being instituted throughout our communities, throughout the government.
But today we don’t know how Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit can be incorporated to FAS.
The use of alcohol is not a longstanding part of our culture.
I am just using this as an example.
We will use Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in every way that we can in all our programs.
Speaker: Thank you. Oral Questions.
Question 022 - 1(3): Status of Rent Scale Review
I’d like to direct this question to the Minister of Housing on rental scale rates.
We have had a problem with this for quite a while.
We’ve asked questions about this many times now.
Is the rent scale being reviewed.
Are you working on this.
Speaker: You’ll note that question period is up.
But following our past practices we will allow the minister to answer and allow the member to use up his three supplementaries.
I appreciate the question from the member.
We have been dealing with this subject for some time now.
It is a complex problem.
There is some consultation happening and surveys have been sent to the communities through the Local Housing Organizations.
We also looked at the different types of programs that have been implemented throughout the world for social rental housing programs.
I have instructed my officials to meet with the local housing chairs some time in March. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker: There are no further supplementaries.
Written Question 001 – 1(5): Progress on Manitoba/Nunavut Road Link
Uqaqti, my written question today is to the Honourable Jack Anawak, Minister of Community Government and Transportation.
A recent article in the Winnipeg Free Press indicated that the Manitoba Government intended to approach the new federal government for funding for a land link between Manitoba and Nunavut.
Can the minister tell the Assembly what progress has been made to date regarding this issue and also is the next step, the environmental studies going to take place and is there funding in place.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. McLean. Item 7.
Written Question 002 – 1(5): Transfer of Nursing Residence in Baker Lake to Hamlet
My written question today is to the Minister of Health and Social Services.
Will the Minister of Health and Social Services please give the Hamlet of Baker Lake an answer regarding the transfer of the old nurses’ residence in Baker Lake over to the Hamlet of Baker Lake as this has been an ongoing concern for the last three years.
Order in the House.
Written Question 003 – 1(5): Status of Baker Lake Group Home
I think I know what I am doing today.
The next written question is to the Minister of Health and Social Services.
Will the Minister of Health and Social Services update the Hamlet of Baker Lake on the status of the now closed Baker Lake Group Home and when it will be reopened and when it reopens what the facility will be used for.
Speaker: Item 7. Written Questions.
Written Question 004 – 1(5): Policy for Assistance to Elders
There is a growing issue of the increasing numbers of elders in all Nunavut communities.
Does the minister have a policy or plan to take care of the elders or give them assistance in communities across Nunavut.
Item 7. Mr. McLean.
Written Question 005 – 1(5): Status of Kivalliq Regional Health Centre
Maybe I will get some answers finally from the minister.
The next question is a written question to the Minister of Health and Social Services.
Will the minister inform the residents of the Kivalliq when construction of the new Kivalliq Regional Health Centre will start and could he please give us timelines on the construction.
Written Question 006 – 1(5): Status of Medivac Contract in the Kivalliq Region
Uqaqti, before I read this written question to the minister I am going to be spending the whole weekend here so I will be in my office writing up more written questions for the Honourable Minister, but my final written question is to the Minister of Health and Social Services is as follows.
Will the Minister of Health and Social Services update the Assembly on the status of the awarding of the emergency medivac contract in the Kivalliq region.
Returns to Written Questions 1 – 1(4) to 20 – 1(4)
Mr. Clerk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following returns to 20 written questions numbering from Written Question 1–1 (4) to Written Question 20-1(4).
Number 8.
Petition 002 – 1(5): Taloyoak Residents on Time Zone
Mr. Speaker, I would like to present a petition dealing with the matter of the Taloyoak residents wishing to return to Mountain Time Zone.
Mr. Speaker, the petition contains 163 signatures from the residents of Taloyoak and Mr. Speaker, the petitioners request that the Hamlet of Taloyoak and the residents of Taloyoak return to the Mountain Time Zone.
Report 001 – 1(5): Review of the 1999-2000 Annual Report of the Information & Privacy Commissioner of Nunavut
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to present the report of the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Services on its review of the first annual report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, Members of the Standing Committee were pleased to meet in public with the Information and Privacy Commissioner in late fall to discuss her report.
Mr. Speaker, I might add that the Commissioner was very pleased as she indicated that this was the first time that a Standing Committee had asked to meet with her in public and she really appreciated the opportunity to do so.
It was a valuable meeting in which Members and the Commissioner exchanged ideas and concerns on how best to ensure government accountability, while safeguarding the privacy of citizens' personal information held by the government.
Mr. Speaker, my committee colleague from Quttiktuq will share with me the duties of presenting this report to the House today.
I would like to thank the hard work of Members on the committee, and for the contributions made by other MLAs during the Commissioner's appearance.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to acknowledge the fine work that our staff do with us during our committee work.
With that, Mr. Speaker, I will begin with the Standing Committee's report.
Nunavut’s first Information and Privacy Commissioner, Elaine Keenan Bengts, was appointed by motion in the Legislative Assembly on November 2, 1999, to a five-year term of office.
The Information and Privacy Commissioner is an independent officer of the Legislative Assembly, but is required under section 68 of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act to prepare and submit an Annual Report on her activities to the Legislative Assembly.
The Information and Privacy Commissioner's First Annual Report covers her Office’s activities since November of 1999 to the end of the fiscal year.
The Annual Report was tabled on October 27, 2000, and referred to the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Services on October 31, 2000, for review.
The Information and Privacy Commissioner presented her Annual Report to the Standing Committee during a public meeting on November 21, 2000.
The selection of the Information and Privacy Commissioner was undertaken by the Standing Committee Ajauqtiit as part of that Committee’s mandate to recommend appointments to positions that are made, by statutory authority, by the Legislative Assembly.
In keeping with the Government of Nunavut’s commitment to accountability, the selection of the Information and Privacy Commissioner was a competitive and transparent process.
The position was advertised and many exceptionally well-qualified and committed individuals were interviewed.
A comprehensive report on the selection process was tabled by the Standing Committee in November of 1999.
The Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories enacted its first Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act in 1996.
As the Information and Privacy Commissioner notes in her report:
"The Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act was created to promote, uphold and protect access to the information that government creates and receives and to protect the privacy rights of individuals."
Nunavut's Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act is essentially a duplicate of the NWT statute.
Upon the creation of Nunavut on April 1, 1999, the majority of the NWT's statutes were duplicated for Nunavut.
The Act has been amended twice since the creation of the new territory.
The Act provides for the Commissioner of Nunavut to appoint, on the recommendation of the Legislative Assembly, the Information and Privacy Commissioner for a five-year term.
As the Information and Privacy Commissioner notes, the position is mandated to:
"...conduct reviews of decisions of public bodies and to make recommendations to the Minister involved ... the Commissioner has the obligation to promote the principles of the Act through public education. She is also mandated to provide the government with comments and suggestions with respect to legislative and other government initiatives which affect access to information or the distribution of private personal information in the possession of a government agency."
Standing Committee review of such annual reports as those presented by the Information and Privacy Commissioner and the Languages Commissioner provides an opportunity for the issues raised in each report to be discussed in a transparent manner.
Government accountability is fostered through the requirement in the Rules of the Legislative Assembly that the government table a comprehensive response to the Standing Committee's report and recommendations within 120 days of its presentation to the House.
Mr. Speaker, some acknowledgements I would like to make.
Members of the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Services would like to thank Ms. Elaine Keenan Bengts for appearing before us to present and discuss her first Annual Report.
Members were pleased that the public and representatives of the media were able to join us to observe this meeting.
The meeting was recorded and will be broadcast again on APTN.
Mr. Speaker, some of the comments on the first annual report.
Comments on the First Annual Report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Nunavut
Recognizing that the Information and Privacy Commissioner's Annual Report relates to only four months of activity, the Standing Committee was pleased with the contents of the report.
A wide-ranging discussion took place with the Information and Privacy Commissioner during her public appearance before the Standing Committee.
Members were interested to learn that, prior to division, the Information and Privacy Commissioner had received only one request for review from Nunavut.
However, the Information and Privacy Commissioner indicated that she had received three requests for review since assuming her position as Nunavut's Information and Privacy Commissioner.
The Standing Committee was pleased to hear the Information and Privacy Commissioner indicate that she had received a significant number of calls from GN officials to consult on provisions of the Act.
The Information and Privacy Commissioner interpreted this as a positive sign that the GN is taking its obligations under the Act seriously.
The Standing Committee is hopeful that this attitude will continue on the part of the government.
An issue that stimulated significant dialogue with the Information and Privacy Commissioner was that of health and social services records.
Both Members and the Information and Privacy Commissioner expressed concerns about the confidentiality of patients' personal health records, especially in smaller communities.
As an example, one Member raised the issue of HIV tests.
There are many residents of Nunavut who require interpretation services when visiting medical practitioners.
What guarantees do such people have that information regarding their medical condition will remain confidential?
This uncertainty may have the result of deterring people from seeking medical assistance.
This is not only a privacy issue, but one of public health.
The Standing Committee encourages the Information and Privacy Commissioner to work with the Department of Health and Social Services to seek ways of alleviating these concerns.
The issue of language was also discussed during the Information and Privacy Commissioner's appearance.
Members encouraged the Information and Privacy Commissioner to use such means as community radio to provide information in Inuktitut to the public, in addition to her present initiatives to distribute written materials and maintain an Internet presence.
This issue of awareness is linked to the issues raised earlier concerning the confidentiality of medical records.
Given that the Act itself does not exist in a fully translated form, it is incumbent upon the Information and Privacy Commissioner to work with the government where possible to provide basic information to the public concerning their rights under the Act.
At this time Mr. Speaker, It is my pleasure to turn the report over to Ms. Williams, the Member for Quttiktuq, to continue on with the report.
Ms. Williams: Thank you.
Committee’s Response to Recommendations of the Information and Privacy Commissioner:
Recommendation 1:
That the Government of Nunavut designate Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Co-ordinators for each department, and that the Government of Nunavut publish an Access to Information and Protection of Privacy directory.
The Standing Committee agrees with this recommendation.
The Standing Committee is pleased to note that the 2001-2002 business plan of the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs commits to "implementing access systems" and meeting obligations under the Act.
It is also pleased to note that the department has staffed the position of Access to Information Manager, a position which the Standing Committee assumes will take the lead in government-wide initiatives in this area.