EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
015 – 3(3): Extended Sitting Hours and Days (Ningeongan) 1086
016 – 3(3): Adjournment for the Day (Ningeongan) 1089
Bill 13 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2011-2012 – Notice 1086
Bill 14 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2011-2012 – Notice 1086
Bill 15 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2012-2013 – Notice 1086
Bill 13 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2011-2012 – First Reading 1087
Bill 14 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2011-2012 – First Reading 1087
Bill 15 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2012-2013 – First Reading 1088
Bill 13 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2011-2012 – Second Reading 1088
Bill 14 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2011-2012 – Second Reading 1088
Bill 15 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2012-2013 – Second Reading 1088
Honourable Eva Aariak, Honourable James Arreak, Mr. Moses Aupaluktuq, Honourable Tagak Curley, Ms. Monica Ell, Mr. Ron Elliott, Mr. Joe Enook, Honourable Lorne Kusugak, Mr. Johnny Ningeongan, Mr. Hezakiah Oshutapik, Honourable Keith Peterson, Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Honourable Fred Schell, Honourable Daniel Shewchuk, Honourable Peter Taptuna, Honourable Hunter Tootoo, Ms. Jeannie Ugyuk.
Before we get started, I would like to ask Ms. Ugyuk if she could lead us off with a prayer, please.
I welcome all members and members of the public to the legislature.
Also, I wish to inform you that the Member for Akulliq, Mr. Ningark, will be absent from the sitting for a while due to personal matters.
Before we proceed with the orders of the day, I wish to read the following communication from the Commissioner of Nunavut. It says:
Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut the passage of the following bills during the Third Session of the Third Legislative Assembly of Nunavut:
Bill 13, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2011-2012;
Bill 14, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2011-2012; and
Bill 15, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2012-2013.
Minister’s Statement 064 – 3(3): 2011/12 Fiscal Update and Capital Estimates for 2012-13 (Peterson)
Good day to you, Nunavummiut, MLAs, and colleagues. New MLAs, welcome to the House. We look forward to working with you.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to provide Nunavummiut with a fiscal update and to introduce the 2012-13 capital estimates and the 2013-17 Five-Year Capital Plan.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that our interim financial report was delivered to me on September 29.
Later this session, I will table the report.
Mr. Speaker, using the information contained in the interim report, the deficit for fiscal 2010-11 will be about $26 million, approximately $7 million less than our originally budgeted deficit of $33 million.
As of today, Mr. Speaker, the projected deficit for 2011-12 is currently tracking slightly lower than our original projection of $50 million; it now stands at about $44 million.
Mr. Speaker, this projection includes the items contained in the 2011-12 supplementary appropriations for O&M and capital that we will be debating this session.
The projection also includes a prudent $25 million contingency.
Mr. Speaker, we are working towards a return to balance for fiscal 2012-13 and beyond.
As a result, cabinet has, for the most part, limited the 2012-13 capital estimates to projects previously listed in the five-year plan.
Mr. Speaker, our total capital plan for 2012-13 adds up to $95 million.
Ongoing projects receive $59 million in funding.
Small capital initiatives receive $17.9 million and new capital totals $18.1 million, which is mainly funding from the Building Canada Fund.
Mr. Speaker, major projects for 2012-13 include:
$3.5 million to the Department of Economic Development and Transportation for the Iqaluit Airport P3 project;
$8.8 to the Department of Education to complete the phase 2 retrofit of the Gjoa Haven high school as well as $3.5 million to perform ongoing life cycle repairs to schools;
$9 million to the Department of Health and Social Services to complete the health centre in Repulse Bay;
$4.5 million to the Department of Community and Government Services to begin work on building a GN owned fuel tank farm in Cambridge Bay; and
Building Canada Fund cost shared project funding in various communities to the departments of Community and Government Services and Economic Development and Transportation totalling $10.1 million for fiscal 2012-13.
Minister’s Statement 065 – 3(3): 2011 Laura Gauthier Scholarship (Kusugak)
I would also like to welcome the new members and I do want to work closely with them in the upcoming years.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to continue the tradition of announcing the recipient of the Laura Ulluriaq Gauthier Scholarship.
I would like to recognize Marie Belleau as the 2011 recipient of the annual scholarship which is awarded by QEC to honour the memory of Ms. Gauthier.
Ms. Belleau, originally from Iqaluit, has been extremely dedicated to her studies over the past few years, having completed a B.A. and an LL.B. from Laval University, as well as a her J.D. (Juris Doctor) from the University of Ottawa.
Ms. Belleau is currently studying full time in order to write the bar exam for both Ontario and Quebec. Once completed, she will be able to practice both civil and common law, the two systems of law in Canada.
Mr. Speaker, in addition to her academic abilities, Ms. Belleau is also an active volunteer in both her home community and her school community.
Because of her ability to speak Inuktitut, French, and English, Ms. Belleau is often asked to emcee events when she is home in Iqaluit.
She has also been very active in the law student associations at both Laval University and the University of Ottawa.
Ms. Belleau hopes to eventually move back to Nunavut to practice law. She hopes to work toward improving the lives of Inuit through her expertise and knowledge.
Mr. Speaker, many Nunavummiut remember Laura Gauthier as an invaluable member of the transition to Nunavut’s first government.
Ms. Gauthier, as assistant deputy minister at EIA, was instrumental in the formation of our made-in-Nunavut electrical utility now known as the Qulliq Energy Corporation.
I would like to congratulate Ms. Belleau on her scholarship and wish her great success with writing her bar exams. I would also like to acknowledge all the applicants and encourage them to pursue their academic endeavours.
We join in all members in congratulating Ms. Belleau.
Minister’s Statement 066 – 3(3): Update on the Nunavut Development Corporation (Taptuna)
Good afternoon to my colleagues and good morning to the Kitikmeot.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to provide the Members of this Legislative Assembly with an update on the Nunavut Development Corporation.
The Nunavut Development Corporation and its subsidiaries are working on important initiatives that highlight the talent of our people and the richness of our natural resources.
Since April, our processing plants have purchased 130,000 lbs. of char from fishermen across Nunavut and we plan to buy another 150,000 lbs. or more in the upcoming winter char fisheries.
The total value of these purchases paid to Nunavut fishermen could exceed half a million dollars by the end of the fiscal year.
In addition, 250,000 lbs. of turbot has been landed at the Pangnirtung Fisheries Plant.
As a result of all this activity, workers at the Nunavut Development Corporation’s three processing plants are very busy.
The Nunavut Development Corporation and its subsidiaries recognize the strong demand for char, muskox, and caribou products within Nunavut.
Without turning its back on established export opportunities, the Nunavut Development Corporation’s focus is on supplying the Nunavut market first, where our customers are both knowledgeable and appreciative of the country food items we produce.
We will continue to direct our efforts towards ensuring this most important market is adequately supplied.
Mr. Speaker, another project we are proud of is our collaboration with the Maplelea Doll Company to create “Saila,” a collectable doll. Saila wears a Pangnirtung hat made by weavers of the Uqqurmiut Arts and Crafts in Pangnirtung and an Amautiq made by Kiluk seamstresses in Arviat.
In the months ahead, the corporation will be undertaking a strategic review of its operations to ensure its program and services remain relevant to Nunavummiut in our rapidly changing economy; this is an important exercise.
I look forward to working with the Nunavut Development Corporation on this project and will update this House on the recommendations contained in the final report expected later this year.
Minister’s Statement 067 – 3(3): Best Defence to Prevent Flu (Curley)
Hon. Tagak Curley (interpretation): Thank you, Members.
I welcome back the members and welcome the new members.
I also welcome the people of Rankin Inlet who are watching the proceedings on television.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, later today I will be getting my flu shot.
I am hoping that people across the Nunavut territory follow my example and make arrangements as soon as possible to get their flu shot.
Immunization is the best defence against the flu. The vaccine is now available at health centres across the territory and it is free for residents.
The Department of Health and Social Services is also offering a new nasal flu vaccine this year for children aged 2 to 4. Parents should contact their local health centre for more information about the nasal vaccine.
Last year, Mr. Speaker, only 25 percent of residents got their flu shot. It is particularly important that young children, the elderly, and people with chronic medical conditions who are considered to have a greater risk of developing complications from the flu get vaccinated.
Information about the flu virus and how to prevent the spread of the virus is available at your local health centre and on the Department of Health and Social Services website, which also provides contact information for health centres across the territory.
Before we go on to Item 3, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize a former colleague, Mr. James Arvaluk, in the Gallery.
I’m glad to see that he’s up and around and feeling better to be here.
I think James and I are the only two left, other than John, our Clerk, from our very first sitting here in this building.
Member for Iqaluit West, Ms. Ell.
Member’s Statement 102 – 3(3): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent the Constituency of Iqaluit West (Ell)
Ms. Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
This is my very first time to rise in the House and I am very proud. I also thank the people for acknowledging and welcoming me.
Before I begin my Member’s Statement, I would like to acknowledge an elder who was in her 80s, who just passed away this weekend. She lived in my riding.
I would like to acknowledge our Sergeant-at-Arms’ step-mother, Martha Kilabuk, whose first husband, Harry Kilabuk, passed away here in Iqaluit.
She will be missed by Iqalummiut because she had many children.
Although they were not all her biological children, she had 14 children.
When I worked for IBC, one of her children, Maliki Kilabuk, also worked there.
We think of you and send our condolences, and I will be thinking of you during the funeral tomorrow.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I am both humbled and honoured to rise today to make my first Member’s Statement in this House.
I would like to begin by expressing my appreciation to you and other MLAs for the support I have had since my election.
Mr. Speaker, I also wish to take this opportunity to pay public tribute to my predecessor, Paul Okalik, who represented the constituency of Iqaluit West over the last 12 years.
I look forward to his ongoing contributions to our territory.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, the people of Iqaluit West have entrusted me with the responsibility of representing them. As you know, our capital city is home to a diverse range of peoples, cultures, and languages, and I look forward to being an open and accessible voice for every resident of my constituency.
I believe that my time is up.
Speaker: Thank you, Madam Ell. Your time is up.
If you would like to continue, can you please ask for unanimous consent to conclude your statement.
Ms. Ell: I would like to ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker: Thank you, Madam Ell.
I will be learning the procedures of the House as I start to practice the responsibilities of a member. Furthermore, I want to continue my statement.
The recent by-election provided me with the opportunity to listen to the concerns and priorities of numerous residents of the constituency.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, as all Members of this House are well aware, there are many serious issues and challenges facing our territory.
Mr. Speaker, I represent a constituency where housing is a significant issue and it is throughout Nunavut.
Homelessness, overcrowding, and poor conditions of existing housing units affect too many of our constituents.
I intend to be a strong advocate for action in this area.
Mr. Speaker, I also intend to speak out on behalf of the disabled in our territory concerning such issues as housing accessibility.
Mr. Speaker, I represent a constituency where the most vulnerable in our society are in need of more support. The rates of suicide, substance abuse, and family violence in Nunavut have been far too high for far too long.
These are issues that government cannot solve alone, but they are also issues that cannot be solved unless government fulfills its responsibilities.
I represent a constituency that includes homes where children face the daily threat of having not enough to eat.
Mr. Speaker, it is unacceptable that one of our wealthiest countries in the world continues to suffer from child poverty and I have committed to my constituents that I will be a strong voice for measures to improve access to affordable and healthy food for our families.
Mr. Speaker, over the coming weeks and months, I will have more to say on these and other issues.
I would like to conclude today by saying that my own life experiences have taught me that the power of hope and perseverance should not be underestimated.
I know that we can build a more prosperous future for our people. I know that this will require hard work and determination and I know I can count on your support and that of my colleagues in this House to achieve our goals.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Ms. Ell.
Member for Pangnirtung, Mr. Oshutapik.
Member’s Statement 103 – 3(3): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent the Constituency of Pangnirtung (Oshutapik)
Mr. Oshutapik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I rise today on behalf of the residents of Pangnirtung who have honoured me with their trust and confidence to serve them as their Member of the Legislative Assembly.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, as the newly elected Member for Pangnirtung, I wish to take this opportunity to thank my predecessors for their work on behalf of the community.
I have known Peter and Adamee for many years, and I know that both of them are deeply committed to the community and its people.
(interpretation ends) I also would like to take this opportunity to thank my friend, Johnny Mike, for being a candidate during the recent by-election in Pangnirtung.
Johnny is no stranger to many Members of this House and his contributions to the community are well known.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, as a former municipal councillor and mayor, I am very familiar with the challenges that face our communities and the need for cooperation and coordination between different levels of government.
As the MLA for Pangnirtung, I look forward to working with my colleagues on a number of important issues.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, some of the concerns and priorities that residents of Pangnirtung shared with me during the election were the need for improved recreational facilities in the community, better municipal infrastructure, and improvements to medical travel services.
Mr. Speaker, addressing these priorities will help to build a healthier community.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Oshutapik.
Mr. Oshutapik (interpretation): Our youth want the ability to use recreational facilities for longer periods of time during the year, which is why I support improvements to allow for artificial ice in the arena.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, when I arrived in Iqaluit last month to be sworn into office, I was impressed with the community’s paved roads.
I recall that one of the reasons for this project was to improve air quality in the community.
I look forward to asking the government to help my community with improvement on dust control.
Mr. Speaker, another critical piece of infrastructure in the community is our airport.
I intend to work closely with the government to support the development of a new airport for Pangnirtung.
Mr. Speaker, as a former chairman of the board of directors of Pangnirtung Fisheries, I strongly support the development of a healthy fishing industry in Nunavut.
I also strongly support initiatives to provide training for my constituents to obtain skilled employment in this important industry, and I strongly support our government’s efforts to advance Nunavut’s interests in the area of fishing quotas.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working with you and all Members of the House.
Member for Tununiq, Mr. Enook.
Member’s Statement 104 – 3(3): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent the Constituency of Tununiq (Enook)
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I rise today to thank the people of Pond Inlet for the trust and confidence that they have placed in me to represent them in this House.
This confidence is not a responsibility that I take lightly and I will be working every day on behalf of the people who have elected me to this House.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to take this opportunity to express the appreciation of the community for the service of my predecessors, James Arvaluk and the late Jobie Nutarak.
Mr. Speaker, I know that you served for many years in this House with both James and Jobie, and I am sure that you will agree that both of them fought hard for the needs of Pond Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, almost 500 residents of the community cast ballots during our recent by-election.
This represented a voter turnout of just under 70 percent. I want to congratulate my constituents for being engaged with the democratic process and for exercising their rights.
Mr. Speaker, I also want to congratulate the other candidates in this race. Brandy Kanayuk, David Qamaniq, and Sam Omik all had positive ideas for Pond Inlet and I look forward to all of them continuing to work on behalf of the community.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I ran for public office because I believe that the extraordinary potential of tomorrow demands that we make some critical decisions and choices today.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, my working background has been primarily in the private sector of our economy. I have been proud to have played a role in supporting the growth of Inuit owned businesses in Nunavut, providing employment and training opportunities for our young people, and contributing to projects with the potential for generating wealth and increasing prosperity.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Enook.
The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude with his Member’s Statement.
Mr. Enook: Mr. Speaker, I will be a strong and consistent voice in this House for the importance of recognizing the positive role that entrepreneurs and companies play in our society.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, the people of Pond Inlet are proud of who they are.
They are proud of their heritage, their language, and their culture. They have not forgotten where they came from.
Mr. Speaker, the people of Pond Inlet are also looking to the future.
They know that education and training are the keys for our youth to be able to more fully share in the opportunities that are available to them in the modern economy.
They know that a paycheque is better than a welfare cheque and they know that the pride of standing on your own feet is the greatest pride of all.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, as you know, Nunavut has been presented with some extraordinary opportunities in the area of natural resource development.
Names like Mary River, Meadowbank, and Meliadine are becoming synonymous with growth, opportunity, and the potential for much greater economic self-sufficiency for our territory and people.
Mr. Speaker, Pond Inlet is in a unique and strategic position to play a key role in the exciting developments that are taking place in the High Arctic.
However, Mr. Speaker, it is important for the government to recognize the importance of ensuring that adequate and appropriate investments in our community’s infrastructure be made in the near future.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I will be a forceful voice for improved marine and air transportation infrastructure in Pond Inlet during my time in this House.
Mr. Speaker, I also look forward to addressing many other issues of concern to Pond Inlet and Nunavut as a whole. I am confident that I can count on the support of all of my colleagues as we work together for a stronger territory.
Moving on with Members’ Statements.
Member’s Statement 105 – 3(3): Congratulations to New MLAs (Aupaluktuq)
It is pleasing to be back here in Iqaluit. I wish to say “hello” to my constituents in Baker Lake, particularly our elders and youth.
Further, our mother will be going caribou hunting soon, so I would like my relatives to ensure that they check to see if she has returned home.
Mr. Speaker, the reason why I rise today is to refresh the memories of Nunavummiut that our newest members were sworn in last month. We are appreciative that we now have representation of all constituents in Nunavut and we look forward to hearing their representation. The fact that we now have a full contingent really assists us.
I’m sure they will be learning the ropes here and I am quite happy that they are now here.
I also want to congratulate our newest member of the Executive Council, the Hon. Fred Schell, as he will also receive support as he administers his new ministry.
This reminds me of the time I was the chair of the Kivalliq Partners in Development and a representative of Whale Cove, Mr. Philip Hitoraq, who was on the board, stated that Inuit ought to be first.
“People first,” as he put it. It is quite obvious that this is the reason why many of us are here, to help our fellow Inuit.
We want to support our people here, but sometimes it is extremely hard as members don’t always agree on certain issues. However, we have to ensure Inuit are first here in Nunavut as they are the reason why the territory was created. We are here to represent them and it is clear that that has to be our foundation.
Mr. Speaker, while on this subject, I want to thank my Constituency Assistant, Lucy Evo. She is my assistant in Baker Lake, an indispensable source of information on community issues, and she is my connection to the community.
It seems clear to me that our newest colleagues will be dependent on their constituency assistants in their home offices.
They will be your lifeline as we, the existing members, need information on events in the community, which organizations will be meeting, what their agenda items will be, and all members learn how this style of representation works as we are away on business as members and need that connection.
It is only possible with the assistance of our fellow Nunavummiut to provide a voice to their concerns. So to our newest colleagues, this is my piece of advice as well as to the newest member of the Executive Council. The new members are committed to assisting their fellow Nunavummiut and this is apparent.
That is what I am trying to raise, that we are all here to help with our fellow Nunavummiut. However, I wanted to make those comments for their sakes. I share in your enthusiasm and I congratulate you.
Member’s Statement 106 – 3(3): Concerns with Contracting Process for Kitikmeot Air Ambulance Services (Ugyuk)