EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
As I said earlier Mr. Speaker, it could come forward from the public at large, it could be a motion passed by the Mayors' Association for example.
So there are different ways to approach this issue.
Mr. Speaker, again this is the first time that this issue has come forward to the cabinet and to me as a minister.
Mr. Speaker, I think that is where we would leave it in the hands of the membership of this House to decide if they choose to bring forward some type of recommendation and see what we would do.
As I said earlier Mr. Speaker, there is no formal or informal policy or procedure, regulation of the government to endorse or indeed, to celebrate or identify or to recognize the first birth on April 1, 1999.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Picco and Mr. Nutarak.
Item 6. Mr. Iqaqrialu.
Question 053 – 1(4): Polar Bear Article
I would like to direct my question to the Minister for Sustainable Development.
This summer I read in the newspaper an article about stopping the harvest of polar bears.
I had a copy of the item on polar bears but I don't know where I put it.
What's happening with this issue.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Sustainable Development.
I recall the newspaper item.
As I do not have the details I cannot answer his question at this time.
I apologize Mr. Tootoo.
Question 054 – 1(4): Artificial Ice Policy Clarification
Mr. Speaker, earlier the Minister of Community Government & Transportation was talking about a policy in regards to artificial ice.
I am just wondering if he could elaborate on that further to us.
Hon. Jack Anawak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Presently in Nunavut there is only one community with artificial ice but due to the global warming and other factors I guess, we found that there is a need to look at the possibilities of putting artificial ice in our communities.
That’s why we are discussing the possibilities of getting a policy to determine how communities can get artificial ice.
The policy is in the works right now, so other than that, it’s a policy on how to move forward on assisting our kids who are suffering.
I can point to my colleague on my right, the Member from Sanikiluaq whose community has ice in the rink about two months of the year, or in other communities. So we’re just in the process of developing a policy on how we are going to proceed with looking at putting in artificial ice in some of the communities with the intent at some point we would be looking at all the communities, at some time down the road.
Mr. Tootoo: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The minister indicated that new policy would be in place prior to the capital plan being developed and I’m just wondering Mr. Speaker, while recognizing the importance of good recreation programs in the community, if these types of facilities and programs are going to be more of a priority than education.
There is a need in many communities for additional classrooms and new schools and health facilities and I’m just wondering if, given the very limited capital resources that we have, is a program like this going to take priority over some of the programs or other issues that we’ve already made decisions on.
What is the priority of this government.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Anawak
Hon. Jack Anawak (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Speaker. Education and Housing are a priority.
The smooth operation of the communities is important and recreational facilities are a part of that.
But the member knows that a majority or our budget is put into Housing and Education.
The member is well aware of that.
Mr. Tootoo: Thank you Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Finance said in this House last week that the 5 year Capital plan was going to be developed, the intention was that this plan be developed by government in isolation taking a look at the priorities set by this government and not so much, I don’t know how to say this, of a wish list that usually came from the communities, the way the past system was done.
I think his exact words were more like a realistic plan that could be implemented, and I guess I’m just wondering, based on this announcement today by the minister on developing a policy on artificial ice, is are we going to see a push for any of these things to be listed in the 5 year Capital plan.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Tootoo. Mr. Anawak.
Hon. Jack Anawak: Thank you. In the 5 year capital plan of course we are going to include, once we develop the policy, we’re going to include how the communities would want to proceed with their recreational facilities and we’re talking about recreational facilities, we just happened to mention artificial ice.
But we are also looking at communities that need recreational facilities such as Mr. Speaker, your community of Gjoa Haven, Pangnirtung, Pond Inlet and others, as well as other recreational programs that we might look at.
Programs such as other communities might want under the swimming pool program.
So we have not just announced this, I would remind the member that last year we were discussing the possibility of putting artificial ice into some of the communities.
So it is not a new idea and it is not a new announcement.
Mr. Speaker, as the members know my background is recreation and one of the frustrations shared by many of the professionals in the field of recreation is the fact that when dollars get tight generally the first thing to get cut out of many budgets and programs are recreational dollars.
It is deemed as a frill.
Mr. Speaker, I guess I am wondering is this type of program that he is talking about now, it is not just an artificial ice policy, he is talking about a policy on recreational facilities.
I think earlier on he was specifically talking about artificial ice.
So maybe I could just ask for some clarification on that.
Regarding the question from the member from Kugluktuk, I mentioned that because he asked that particular question.
We see recreation as a priority and we have looked at what each Nunavut community should have for a gym or a recreational facility.
It is part of the well being of the community and it could be less of a priority than education or health but it is still a priority.
We have a very high percentage of teenagers and adolescents in each of the Nunavut communities and we will keep looking for additional funds so that we can build recreational facilities.
That was your last supplementary.
Question 055 – 1(4): Proposals to Access Suicide Prevention Funding
The Minister of Health & Social Services and the Minister of Culture, Language, Elders & Youth both made statements on the issue of suicide.
We have to do something about suicide, using some preventative measures.
Like the Minister of Health & Social Services said, it is up to the community and each individual in the community to work on this problem.
There is also going to be some funding available for suicide prevention programs.
Does that mean that the communities will have to make proposals in order to access these funds or are these funds going to be given to the communities.
Your question is a very good one.
I have at times thought about the issue of suicide when it is mentioned in the House.
In my Minister's Statement, I said that in November we will be having the first meetings to decide on what we are going to be doing and how the programs will be done.
That is all I can say at this time Mr. Speaker.
After the meetings, I am sure that we will see what is going to be happening.
As the minister said he will be holding a meeting in November for the whole of Nunavut, my question is who are you going to be focusing on when you are inviting participants.
Are you going to be inviting the Hamlets, the Social Service Workers, the youth, who will you be focusing on when you are sending out your invitations.
In my Minister's Statement I said we are going to be asking the youth committees to select a young person who will be going to this meeting to represent them.
Item 6 of the orders of the day.
Question 056 – 1(4): Clarification on Housing Corporation’s Call for Expressions of Interest
I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Housing.
In regards to your response, I don't understand at all what it says here.
Could the minister elaborate on the return to oral question.
Speaker (interpretation): Mr. Iqaqrialu, which are you referring to.
Which document or correspondence are you referring to.
This is a return to an oral question, to a question that was posed to the minister by Mr. Tootoo about the Nunavut Housing Corporation responses.
Exactly what does it mean here when we are looking at the breakdowns.
There is a community and the number of units under the breakdown.
Exactly what does this mean because I don't understand.
I apologize, I am sorry that the member didn't understand the response.
This is a question that was posed to me by Mr. Tootoo, on October 19.
There are some houses that are not being used in some of the communities.
I was talking about that and it has been identified in our budget.
We are not renting houses that were vacant.
We have the breakdown here by Nunavut communities.
These are the number of responses that we received.
For example, in Arviat there were two units.
It is per community and units that are available.
Qamanittuaq or Baker Lake there are seventeen units.
I hope that clarifies it.
It is in regards to the houses that are not being used when they could be rented by the Housing Corporation.
We posed that question to the communities and these are the responses that we got from these particular communities.
When we were still under the Government of the Northwest Territories there were some houses that were not being used.
What is going to be happening with those old government units.
When there is a shortage of housing out there it seems kind of unfair to leave those houses empty.
What is going to be happening with the old government units.
Some of the units in the communities are owned either by corporations or individuals and because of that we sent a questionnaire out to the communities to find out if they have any units that could be leased.
The houses that are not being used are owned either by corporations or individuals and they are left empty.
Well that might be the case but myself personally I do not know who owns these buildings.
So if they are all owned, is it clear that these units are owned.
For the units that are empty, there are some empty units out there at the communities and we do not know who owns all those units.
For example, we know that there are 4 units in Clyde River that are owned by Qanait Construction and there are other units that are empty.
I would like to know exactly which building he is talking about so I will know how to respond to his question.
Is it a unit that is not owned in one of the communities or exactly what is the main focus of your question.
I only know about the units that are owned by the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
I as a minister do not know who owns every house in Nunavut.
Speaker (interpretation): Your last question. Mr. Iqaqrialu.
So it is my final question already.
In particular there are two units that used to be owned by the Government of the Northwest Territories that are in Qikiqtarjuaq, Broughton Island and they have been empty for a long time when there is an extreme shortage of housing in that community.
I am sure that there are operations and maintenance costs being paid for those two units that have been empty for a long time.
I think that the government should look into these two particular units.
I don't know who owns those two units in Qikiqtarjuaq but using those as an example, we would try and find out who owns those units, if they are interested in selling or renting them.
I have no idea who owns those units that you are referring to.
If they were owned by the Government of the Northwest Territories or if they are the Government of Nunavut's property.
I could look into it but I would have to know exactly which houses you are referring to because of course there are many houses in that community.
If you write me a letter, I could find out who owns those units, give me the house numbers, this would be a great help in identifying the ownership of these units.
Question 057 – 1(4): Aircraft Charter Policy
Mr. Speaker, my question, I guess the easiest way to do it is probably to ask the Premier.
I am just wondering what policy the government has in regards to the use of charter aircraft versus commercial airlines.
None of the departments actually charter aircraft.
Each of the departments requisition a charter through Public Works.
So Public Works has the policy and chartering guidelines.
So it varies on a given issue.
But the policy is in place with Public Works for charters.
Mr. Speaker, then with your permission maybe I could refer the question to the Minister responsible for Public Works and Services.
If she could inform me as to what the policies and guidelines are regarding charters.
Minister responsible for Public Works and Services.
The new air charter policy is intended to outline provisions and procedures that are supported by senior management across the Government of Nunavut and enforceable by Public Works and Services.
It also defines standards for dealing with suppliers of aircraft charter services.
It also assists in fulfilling the Government of Nunavut's reporting requirement for insurance and risk management purposes.
The current status on the policy is that it is anticipated that the draft policy will be circulated to other departments this month in November, tomorrow, for their feedback.
A copy of the draft is included to be given to the departments.
Mr. Speaker, the minister indicated that they are in the process of developing a new air charter policy.
She said it is going to be coming out tomorrow to the departments.
What has been the practice up until that policy is in place as far as a policy regarding charters from April 1 until now.
Mr. Speaker, actually under the GNWT there was no formal policy in place to aid in the administration of aircraft charter service purchases. But Directive number 815, Aircraft Chartering was included in the GNWT Financial Administration Manual which has been adopted by the Government of Nunavut. So we have to develop a policy because there was no formal policy under the GNWT.
Speaker: Thank you Ms. Thompson. Final supplementary.
Mr. Tootoo.  Mr. Tootoo: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, I thought it was going to be an easy answer. Maybe what I will do is think about it a little more and provide a written question tomorrow on it.
In light of what the minister indicated about the financial administration manual, are there any guidelines related to the use of charters in that manual.
Hon. Manitok Thompson: I think the simple answer is that we are developing a policy and that we will be giving a draft to the departments.
Actually there is an aircraft chartering directive in the financial administration manual, outlining appropriate use of aircraft charters, signing and contracting authorities, provision for the sharing of charters, as well as guidelines on the use of government chartered aircraft by other parties.
Going back to the orders of the day we are still on number 6.
Question 058 – 1(4): Widow’s and Widower’s Pensions
There are not too many questions today so I am going through my questions quickly and I appreciate this.
I want to direct my question to the Premier.
Perhaps this is not the appropriate member but I will proceed.
As human beings we are going to die someday and we will become or leave behind widows.
I want to know if there is any widow compensation here in Nunavut.
I believe that is provided for by the Federal Government.
However, if you would like to respond Mr. Premier.
The Income Support programs policies and guidelines were set by the Federal Government and those are the policies and guidelines that we have to abide by.
I want to know will widows' pensions be distributed according to these policies and guidelines.
I am sure there is some hierarchy here, and that is something that I wanted a clarification on.
Yes, the Federal Government has federal policies and guidelines for widows' pensions.
There are also unemployment insurance benefits.
There are contributions that are made to assist widows through these pensions.
Sometimes the assets are given to siblings if there is no spouse involved.
But we also make contributions through our policies and guidelines.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Nutarak.
Widows and widowers are paid a pension from the Federal Government.
I am just talking about the finances.
How much is a widow or a widower paid, whether they work or not.
Is there such a regulation or a policy out there that if they become widows or widowers that they are paid a pension.
How is the amount decided.
If you understand my question you may answer it.
As I have stated before there are various pensions that are provided for by the Federal Government.
If you are over the age of 60 and you become a widow or a widower, until the time you are 65 you can receive a pension.
So the Federal Government has various criteria.
So therefore I can't really get into the detail of the programs because they are out of our jurisdiction.
The Federal Government has various pensions.
Your supplementary comment.
Perhaps the Premier can let me know how long it takes to get your pension from the Federal Government.
Can the Premier give me a response by correspondence as to how long it takes the Federal Government to pay the widow or widowers' pensions.
He also said that he has staff that can look into this issue.
Therefore I would really appreciate it if he could respond to me in a written format.
Speaker (interpretation): At this time the question period is over.
Even though this is the case we will let the last member finish his question.
Is there a response.
As I have stated before, we have an elected Member of Parliament who can assist you.
They have said that if you have any questions you can get an answer through the Member of Parliament.  She has stated that if you have any questions at that level you can go through your Member of Parliament because this is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government.
So I cannot answer on behalf of the Federal Government.
We have a Member of Parliament and it would be advisable for you to ask those questions of her.
At this time question period is over.
Before we go on to the next item on the orders of the day.
I am sorry even before you finish your sentence, Mr. Speaker, I would like to get unanimous consent to go back to item 2.
Speaker (interpretation): The member is asking for unanimous consent to go back to item number 2.
You may proceed Mr. Anawak.
Item 2: Revert to Ministers' Statements
Minister's Statement 024 – 1(4): Halloween Postponed
I don't know when I became the minister responsible, but I would like to announce that the Town of Iqaluit has just made a decision to postpone Halloween from tonight to tomorrow night because of the deteriorating weather.
So for the people of Iqaluit, they would like to hold it tomorrow night instead.
Yes we will have Halloween tomorrow in Iqaluit.
Since question period is over, before we go to item 7.
Written questions, we will take a short 15 minute break.
>>House recessed at 3.22 p.m. and resumed at 3.48 p.m.
Written Question 002 - 1(4): Vehicle Regulations
I have a written question with 12 parts for the Minister of Transportation.
When did the large vehicle control regulations in the motor vehicle regulations begin being enforced.
Under what statutes are these regulations made.
Were the regulations carried over from the NWT.
Has the government determined if the regulations are relevant to Nunavut.
Do these regulations apply to municipal vehicles as well as privately owned vehicles.
How does the department determine the maximum load capacity of vehicles on roads in Nunavut.
Is the maximum capacity of the vehicles determined by the manufacturer taken into consideration.
Are things like wheel and brake size, suspension, wheel spread, taken into consideration when determining maximum load capacity.
When these regulations were originally drafted, were they drafted for road conditions in Nunavut or the NWT.
Who is responsible for monitoring vehicles in Iqaluit on the road to ensure they are roadworthy.
Who is enforcing these regulations in communities outside of Iqaluit.
Does the Motor Vehicles Act allow for the use of ATV’s and snowmobiles on municipal roads.
Written Question 003 - 1(4): Time Zone Survey
Mr. Havioyak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a written question for the Minister of Justice on the results of the time zone survey.
During the last session on October 19, he indicated that he would provide the results, and again during this session on October 27, he said he would provide the results.
Mr. Speaker, I have not seen the results and therefore am submitting these written questions in an effort to get the answers that I am looking for.
Which department conducted the government time zone survey during the summer of 2000.
How much did it cost the government to conduct this survey.
Did members of the Public Service conduct the survey.
Who gave the final approvals for the methodology and questions used in the survey.
How were survey respondents selected.
Were the survey respondents informed that their answer would have an effect on possible alterations to the government's single time zone policy.
What questions were asked on the survey.
Broken down by region and community, how many people responded to this survey.
Broken down by region and communities what were the responses to the survey.
How were the survey results used in respect to the government amending the single time zone policy.
Tabling of documents. Mr. Tootoo.
Tabled Document 015 - 1(4): Elections Canada Pamphlet
Mr. Tootoo: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’d like to table today a pamphlet that I discussed in my member’s statement.
For the first time ever Elections Canada has provided information to Nunavummiut or the then Northwest Territories before division, in Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun.
I would like to table it.
Tabled Document 016 - 1(4): Clyde River Hamlet’s Letter regarding Fuel Prices
The document that I am tabling is in regards to the increase of fuel prices.
I am tabling this letter which I received from the Hamlet of Clyde River questioning the fuel price increase.
Tabled Document 017 - 1(4): Clyde River Homeowner’s Letter regarding Fuel Prices
This letter is coming from a homeowner in Clyde River about the fuel price increase.
I wish to table that document.
We are on Item 13.
Bill 8 - An Act to Amend the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act – Notice
I give notice that on Thursday November 2, 2000, I shall move that Bill 8 - An Act to Amend the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act be read for the first time.
At the appropriate time Mr. Speaker, I will seek unanimous consent to deal with this motion today.
Bill 9 - An Act to Facilitate the Transfer of Employees from the Northwest Territories Power Corporation to the Nunavut Power Corporation - Notice
Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Thursday November 2, 2000, I shall move that Bill 9 - An Act to Facilitate the Transfer of Employees from the Northwest Territories Power Corporation to the Nunavut Power Corporation be read for the first time.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I will be seeking consent to deal with my motion today.
Motion 007 - 1(4): TD 10 - 1(4) Languages Commissioners' Report on Nunavut referred to the Standing Committee on Culture, Education and Health
Mr. Speaker, in the matter of referral of the annual report of the Languages Commissioner to the appropriate standing committee.
Motion 008 – 1(4): TD 011 – 1(4) Report of the Access to Information and Privacy Commissioner Referred to the Standing Committee on Government Operations & Services
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Speaker. I move seconded by the Member for Nanulik that:
Hon. Paul Okalik: Thank you Mr. Speaker, I seek consent to waive the two day notice required for first reading of Bill 8 - An Act Amend the Access to Information and the Protection of Privacy Act.
Speaker (interpretation): Are there any nays.
Proceed Mr. Premier.