EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
The motion is carried and Bill 2 has been read for the first time. (interpretation) Thank you.
Pursuant to Rule 62(2), I request the consent of this House to waive the one-day notice requirement to allow for the second reading of Bill 1, An Act to Provide for a Fixed Election Date.
Speaker: The member is seeking consent to waive the one-day waiting rule so that Bill 1 can be read today for the second time.
Bill 01 – An Act to Provide for a Fixed Election Date – Second Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member of Cambridge Bay, that Bill 1, An Act to Provide for a Fixed Election Date, be read for the second time.
Mr. Speaker, this bill amends the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act and the Nunavut Elections Act to provide for fixed dates for general elections every four years.
The motion is carried and Bill 1, which is a House Bill, is referred to the Committee of the Whole.
The Hon. Member, Mr. Peterson.
Bill 02 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2014-2015 – Second Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Pangnirtung, that Bill 2, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2014-2015, be read for the second time.
Mr. Speaker, this bill authorizes the Government of Nunavut to make capital expenditures for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2015. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The motion is carried and Bill 2, which is a money bill, is referred to the Committee of the Whole.
We shall proceed to Item 19. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters.
Bill 1 and Bill 2 with Mr. Enook in the Chair.
Before we proceed to the Committee of the Whole, we will take a 10-minute break.
>>House recessed at 16:34 and Committee resumed at 16:46
First of all, I would like to welcome Nunavummiut who are listening to the radio or watching the televised proceedings to the Committee of the Whole.
We wish to deal with Bill 1 and once completed, we will report progress.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Rumbolt. Are we in agreement that we first deal with Bill 1?
Bill 01 – An Act to Provide for a Fixed Election Date – Consideration in Committee
As we proceed now to review the bill, I would like the individual who introduced the bill to go to the witness table. Mr. Speaker, if you can go to the witness table.
Mr. Speaker, thank you for appearing before us.
As we proceed, I would like to ask if you have any witnesses that you would like to bring to the table.
Yes, I would like to bring in my officials.
Speaker: Qujannamiik, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation) These are written in English, so I’ll state them in English. (interpretation ends) Joining me today are Sandy Kusugak, to my right, the Chief Electoral Officer of Nunavut, (interpretation) and to my left, (interpretation ends) Patrick Orr, Legal Counsel to Elections Nunavut.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ms. Kusugak and Mr. Orr, welcome.
We will proceed. Mr. Speaker, if you have any opening comments, you may now proceed.
I am pleased to have the opportunity to appear today before the Committee of the Whole on the occasion of its consideration of Bill 1, An Act to Provide for a Fixed Election Date.
Mr. Chairman, the introduction of Bill 1 as the first piece of proposed legislation to be considered by the Fourth Legislative Assembly fulfills a commitment that we made to Nunavummiut at our recent caucus retreat in Kugluktuk.
As members will recall, caucus announced that amendments to the Nunavut Elections Act would be introduced which will result in territorial general elections being held every four years.
Consequently, the next general election will take place on the last Monday in October of 2017.
Mr. Chairman, as caucus indicated in its announcement, this measure will provide the government with a transparent, predictable, and manageable timeframe in which to achieve its goals.
I would also note that most provinces and territories have also passed legislation in recent years to provide for fixed election dates.
Mr. Chairman, it is important to note that the passage of this legislation would not restrict the exercise of the royal prerogative of dissolution and does not impact section 17 of the federal Nunavut Act.
This prerogative could need to be exercised in the event of a catastrophic occurrence. Similar provisions exist in other jurisdictions’ legislation.
Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to confirm that the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, which drafted this bill at the direction of caucus, has indicated that the passage of legislation to provide for fixed election dates every four years in Nunavut will greatly facilitate Elections Nunavut’s planning and operations.
Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening comments. I look forward to responding to any comments or questions that my colleagues may have. (interpretation) Thank you.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At this time, many of you are attending a Committee of the Whole meeting for the first time.
We have procedures that we follow as regular MLAs.
Those rules are pretty clear and as the Chair, I will remind you of those rules as required.
There are no general comments. Does the committee agree to begin the clause-by-clause review of the bill?
Members, please refer to the white legislation binder at your desk for the clause-by-clause consideration of Bill 1.
I believe you now have a copy of the bill in front of you, so I will proceed with the bill.
Bill 1, An Act to Provide for a Fixed Election Date.
Chairman (interpretation): If you have any questions after I have received your approval, you may raise your hand so that I can recognize you.
Do you agree to Bill 1 as a whole?
Do members agree that pursuant to Rule 62(2) that Bill 1 can now immediately be placed on the orders of the day for third reading?
Speaker (interpretation): I will just say “thank you,” as I don’t have any closing remarks at this time.
I also thank my witnesses.
We’re now ready for the next stage of the bill. Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the Speaker and his witnesses out.
At this time, what is the wish of the committee?
As Bill 1 was the only thing on the agenda for Committee of the Whole, I would like to make a motion to report progress at this time.
Speaker: Item 20.
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bill 1 and would like to report that Bill 1 is immediately ready for third reading. Also, Mr. Speaker, I move that the Report of the Committee of the Whole be concurred with.
Speaker: There is a motion on the floor. Is there a seconder?
Bill 01 – An Act to Provide for a Fixed Election Date – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Cambridge Bay, that Bill 1, An Act to Provide for a Fixed Election Date, be read for the third time.
The motion is carried and Bill 1 is now ready for assent.
Speaker: This House stands adjourned until Friday, March 7, at 9:00 a.m.
>>House adjourned at 17:03  Appendix – March 6, 2014
4th Legislative Assembly of Nunavut
March 2014  Standing Committee on
Consider main estimates, capital estimates, departmental business plans and corporate business plans; and
The Standing Committee has oversight responsibility for the following Government of Nunavut departments, territorial corporations and Crown agencies:
Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission;
Human Rights Tribunal;
Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit;
Legal Services Board;
Liquor Licensing Board;
Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council;
Unless otherwise specified in the terms of reference for any other Standing Committee, all other boards and agencies of the Government of Nunavut.
The Standing Committee has additional responsibility for:
Considering the Public Accounts of the Government of Nunavut and the reports of the Auditor General of Canada;
Considering the annual reports of the Chief Electoral Officer of Nunavut;
Considering the annual reports of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Nunavut;
Considering the annual reports of the Languages Commissioner of Nunavut;
Considering the annual reports of the Representative for Children and Youth; and
Considering issues related to the Government of Nunavut's obligations with respect to the implementation of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
Considering legislative proposals;
Consider Bills referred by the House after Second Reading, pursuant to the Rules of the Legislative Assembly;
Consider regulations that are proposed and/or passed by the government; and
The Standing Committee has oversight responsibility for the following Government of Nunavut departments and Crown agencies:
Department of Culture and Heritage;
Department of Family Services;
Department of Health;
Department of Justice; and
Standing Committee Structure
Deputy Premier; Minister of Health
Hon. George Kuksuk
Minister of Economic Development and Transportation; Minister of Energy; Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation
Hon. Johnny Mike
Minister of Culture and Heritage; Minister of Justice; Minister of Languages; Minister responsible for Immigration; Minister responsible for Labour; Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation
Minister of Finance, Chair of the Financial Management Board; Minister responsible for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission
Hon. Paul Quassa
Minister of Education; Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College
Alexander Sammurtok
(Rankin Inlet South)
Hon. Tom Sammurtok
Premier; Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs; Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs; Minister responsible for the Utility Rates Review Council
Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk
Government House Leader; Minister of Family Services; Minister responsible for Homelessness; Minister responsible for the Status of Women
Management and Services Board
Speaker, 3 Regular MLAs and 1 Minister
Overall management of the Legislative Assembly
Approval of the Legislative Assembly’s Main Estimates, Capital Estimates, Business Plans and House Bills
Recruitment of Independent Officers
4 Regular MLAs and 1 Minister
Considers the operation of the Rules of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut
3 Regular MLAs
Recommends appointments to Standing Committees
6 Regular MLAs
Considers the Main Estimates, Capital Estimates and Business Plans of:
Department of Culture and Heritage
Department of Family Services
All 12 Regular MLAs
Considers the Public Accounts and reports of the Auditor General
Considers the annual reports of the Chief Electoral Officer, Information and Privacy Commissioner, Languages Commissioner, and Representative for Children and Youth
Has oversight responsibility for territorial corporations and Crown agencies, including the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation, Nunavut Development Corporation, Qulliq Energy Corporation, Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission, Human Rights Tribunal, Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit, Legal Services Board, Liquor Licensing Board, Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council and Utility Rates Review Council
Considers issues related to the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement
Considers all Bills (except for Appropriation Acts and House Bills, which are referred to the Committee of the Whole after 2nd Reading)
Considers, from time to time, regulations that are proposed and/or passed by the Government of Nunavut  Community and Economic Development
Considers the Main Estimates, Capital Estimates and Business Plans of:  Department of Community and Government Services
Department of Economic Development and Transportation  Department of Environment
Friday, March 7, 2014
Pages 82 – 109
Opening Prayer 82
Ministers’ Statements 82
Members’ Statements 85
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 91
Oral Questions 92
Revert to Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 107
Tabling of Documents 108
Orders of the Day 108
Friday, March 7, 2014 82
005 – 4(1): Celebrating French Language and Culture in Nunavut: Les Rendez-vous de la Francophonie 2014 (Okalik) 82
006 – 4(1): Elwood Johnston Bursary (Sammurtok) 82
007 – 4(1): International Women’s Day – March 8, 2014 (Ugyuk) 83
008 – 4(1): 1,500 Tonne Increase in NAFO Area 0A Turbot Quota (Mike) 84
009 – 4(1): Canada’s Outstanding Principals (Quassa) 84
034 – 4(1): Wishing Baker Lake Residents a Good Weekend (Mikkungwak) 85
035 – 4(1): Recognizing Constituent Candace Sudlovenick (Angnakak) 85
036 – 4(1): Status of Resolute Bay Utilidor (Shooyook) 86
037 – 4(1): Celebrating Inuit Culture in India (Joanasie) 86
038 – 4(1): The Opening of Saimavik Studio (Ell) 87
039 – 4(1): Tribute to Hockey Prodigies (Enook) 88
040 – 4(1): Recognizing People with Different Lifestyles (Okalik) 89
041 – 4(1): A Healthy Recovery of Constituent (Mike) 89
042 – 4(1): International Women’s Day (Ugyuk) 90
043 – 4(1): Repulse Bay Hockey Players (Mapsalak) 90
044 – 4(1): Recognizing Igloolik Film Producers (Quassa) 91
013 – 4(1): Status of the Pond Inlet Arena (Enook) 92
014 – 4(1): Nunavut Tourism (Angnakak) 93
015 – 4(1): Status of the Resolute Bay Utilidor (Shooyook) 95
016 – 4(1): Inuit Employment in the Government of Nunavut (Hickes) 96
017 – 4(1): Kimmirut Airport (Joanasie) 97
018 – 4(1): Utilidor Development in Baker Lake (Mikkungwak) 99
019 – 4(1): Status of Manitoba-Nunavut Transboundary Negotiations (Savikataaq) 100
020 – 4(1): Repulse Bay Airport Terminal Building (Mapsalak) 101
021 – 4(1): Qulliq Energy Corporation’s General Rate Application (Rumbolt) 103
022 – 4(1): Medical Travel Policy on Escorts (Enook) 104
023 – 4(1): Affordable Homeownership in Nunavut (Mikkungwak) 106
012 – 4(1): Environmental Rights Act Annual Report for the Period January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013 (Mike) 108
013 – 4(1): Transporting of Hazardous Material Annual Report for 2012-2013 (Kuksuk) 108
010 – 4(1): Adjournment for the Day (Rumbolt) 108
Speaker (Hon. George Qulaut) (interpretation): Mr. Enook, can you lead us in prayer, please.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Member, Mr. Okalik.  Item 2: Ministers’ Statements
Minister’s Statement 005 – 4(1): Celebrating French Language and Culture in Nunavut: Les Rendez-vous de la Francophonie 2014 (Okalik)
From March 7 to 23, 9.5 million francophones and francophiles from across Canada will celebrate French language and culture as part of the 16th edition of Les Rendez-vous de la Francophonie under the theme “La joie de vivre d’hier à demain!”
(The joy of living from yesterday to tomorrow).
In Iqaluit, l’Association des francophones du Nunavut will be hosting a series of cultural and community events over the next 17 days.
The Department of Culture and Heritage is a proud partner of this year’s programming as part of our overall mandate to support the vitality of the French language community of Nunavut.
Oui, oui, monsieur le Président, je vis aussi ma francophonie au Nunavut!
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Member, Mr. Sammurtok.
Minister’s Statement 006 – 4(1): Elwood Johnston Bursary (Sammurtok)
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) It is my pleasure today to advise the Members of the House that at the Nunavut Association of Municipal Administrators’ (NAMA) Annual General Meeting held in October of 2013, members of the Municipal Training Organization (MTO) voted unanimously to establish the Elwood Johnston Memorial Bursary Fund.
(interpretation) Elwood was a long-serving municipal employee, working in various communities in Nunavut as a senior administrative officer.
He passed away last fall after a battle with cancer.
(interpretation ends) Elwood firmly believed in ensuring that municipal employees have opportunities for training and to upgrade their skills.
In his term as president of NAMA, he pushed strongly for a centralized training program in Nunavut, which led to the establishment of the Municipal Training Organization in 2003.
(interpretation) The bursary fund established in Elwood’s name will be given to an individual or volunteer with a municipal government in recognition of their successful completion of programs offered by the MTO.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, training municipal employees and volunteers is important for our communities.
I am excited and pleased to know that the MTO is recognizing the efforts of those who are trying to improve their skills through participation and successful completion of training programs offered by the MTO. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Member, Ms. Ugyuk.
Minister’s Statement 007 – 4(1): International Women’s Day – March 8, 2014 (Ugyuk)
Saturday, March 8 is International Women’s Day, and on behalf of the Government of Nunavut, I rise today to recognize and honour all women.
On International Women’s Day, we celebrate women and their lives, their contributions to society, and their achievements in every field of activity.
Nunavut has many notable women in the traditional arts, in the health professions, in law, in politics, and in sport. Many of our most respected elders are women.
Mr. Speaker, on this day and throughout the year, the government is actively promoting the message that women have the right to be respected as persons, the right to be treated with equality in the workplace, and that their contributions to the economic, cultural, and political development of society should be acknowledged.
Nunavut recognizes that achieving equality among women and men is everyone’s responsibility.
Mr. Speaker, my department continues to work with the Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council, which organizes important campaigns for women’s rights, including Nunavut’s “Take Back the Night” and the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women and Girls.
We value the important role they play in promoting respect for the rights of women.
Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I invite Nunavummiut to mark this important day in their community with a personal reflection on the importance of enhancing the quality of women’s lives.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Member, Mr. Mike.
Minister’s Statement 008 – 4(1): 1,500 Tonne Increase in NAFO Area 0A Turbot Quota (Mike)
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am very pleased to provide my colleagues with an update on turbot quota levels in Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) fishing area 0A in Baffin Bay.
In November, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announced that the 0A turbot quota would be increased by 1,500 tonnes starting in the 2014 fishing season and awarded 100 percent of the quota increase to Nunavut.
The quota increase brings the total quota in 0A to 8,000 tonnes and raises the territory’s share in adjacent turbot fisheries to 73 percent overall.
The allocation is currently going through the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board’s (NWMB) allocation process to be divided among Nunavut’s four offshore industry participants.
Nunavut offshore turbot quotas are fished by four Nunavut owned companies that, in 2013, fished their entire quota.
The 1,500 tonne increase represents a significant boost for our developing industry, adding approximately $11 million to the overall value of Nunavut’s commercial fisheries.
(interpretation ends) The Department of Environment believes that the relatively low exploitation rate combined with the high level of management in the 0A turbot fishery warranted this increased quota. (interpretation) The increase was also supported by industry catch data and the results of ongoing turbot stock surveys in Baffin Bay that are conducted by DFO with support and investment from Nunavut stakeholders, including the Government of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, we will continue to work closely with our co-management partners and industry to further develop Nunavut’s commercial fisheries, which provide employment and income for Nunavut residents and communities in a sustainable manner.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Mike.
We don’t have a copy of your statement. Can the members be given a copy of your statement?
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Member, Mr. Quassa.
Minister’s Statement 009 – 4(1): Canada’s Outstanding Principals (Quassa)
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Good morning. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
As Minister of Education and Nunavut Arctic College, I am honoured to recognize Sarah Ayaruak, a Nunavut Teacher Education Program graduate and a leader in our school system, who was recently named as one of Canada’s outstanding principals.
Sarah Ayaruak also holds a Bachelor of Education Degree. As principal of Leo Ussak Elementary School in Rankin Inlet, she is one of 40 principals from across Canada to receive the 2014 Canada’s Outstanding Principals Award.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, Sarah is a strong leader who has shared her vision and commitment to create a learning environment at Leo Ussak School that is built on maintaining strong relationships within the community in order to support student engagement and continued learning.
Working with her partners, she has developed Inuktitut programming that has helped her students succeed.
The Canada’s Outstanding Principals program was developed by the Learning Partnership and is now in its 10th year. The program recognizes the importance of strong leadership in education.
Principals are nominated by their peers, school staff, and community members.
The award recipients participated in an executive leadership training program at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management last month.
Mr. Speaker, Sarah’s achievements are a reflection of the academic excellence and professional accomplishments of our Nunavut Teacher Education Program graduates.
The NTEP program, delivered in partnership with the Department of Education and the University of Regina, provides an excellent learning environment.
(interpretation) Please join me in congratulating Sarah Ayaruak, a strong principal who has provided the leadership needed to make Leo Ussak School a safe, nurturing, and inspiring place of learning for all its students.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Quassa.
Please provide a copy of your Minister’s Statement to the Members of the Legislative Assembly and the staff.
Can you provide a copy to them, please.
I have no more names on my list for Ministers’ Statements.
We will go to Item 3.
Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Mikkungwak.
Member’s Statement 034 – 4(1): Wishing Baker Lake Residents a Good Weekend (Mikkungwak)
Good morning to the people of Baker Lake and since today is the last day of the week, I wish the residents of Baker Lake a good day.
Member for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, Ms. Angnakak.
Member’s Statement 035 – 4(1): Recognizing Constituent Candace Sudlovenick (Angnakak)
I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of my constituent, Candace Sudlovenick.
She is a second year student in Nunavut Arctic College’s Environmental Technology Program, and she recently completed an exciting expedition to the Antarctic.
Mr. Speaker, Candace had the amazing opportunity to explore the other side of our planet through the popular Students on Ice program, which organized a ship-based expedition for 70 university and high school students from across the world.
An international team of educators, leaders, and innovators provided hands-on and inspiring educational activities on a daily basis.
Mr. Speaker, initiatives such as Students on Ice offer excellent opportunities for all youth.
I hope that other young high school, college, and university students from Nunavut will be able to apply for this program to expand their knowledge and gain new global perspectives of our world, its wonders and its present and future challenges, especially as they relate to changes observed in our very own Nunavut environment.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage Nunavut youth to inform themselves of the Students on Ice program. The StudentsonIce.com website describes the program’s numerous expeditions, including blogs and videos, and provides information on how to apply to participate in an expedition.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Candace for completing her recent expedition with Students on Ice in the Antarctic, and I heartily encourage her to continue the journey that she has begun with further studies in the Earth sciences.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Member for Quttiktuq, Mr. Shooyook.
Member’s Statement 036 – 4(1): Status of Resolute Bay Utilidor (Shooyook)
My statement today will focus on the issue of Resolute Bay’s utilidor system.