EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I remember back when we were having discussions with the Auditor General’s report in 2010, one of the stumbling blocks and the reasons for taking 318 days was the amount of time that it was taking departments to bring it forward to HR that an employee was needed.
As of today, have the reporting requirements from departments to HR improved to the point where they’re giving you adequate time to fill these positions?
I thank Mr. Rumbolt for the very good question.
As I said, when we get the completed paperwork, that’s when we initiate the job ad.
On every competition, our position is we have to ensure that the paperwork is in order. There may be times when we have to go back to departments to get that paperwork.
I believe, in talking to my comptroller general over the last couple of years on this, significant improvements have been made.
The departments are working cooperatively with our human resources section.
I think most departments have their human resources divisions within the department, so we have a good working relationship and of course, we’re always exchanging information.
Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your committee has been considering Tabled Documents 73 – 4(2), 116 – 4(2), 140 – 4(2), and 70 – 4(3) and would like to report progress.
Just a reminder of meetings tomorrow, Saturday, there’s a meeting of the Management and Services Board starting at ten o’clock, and for Monday, there’s a meeting of the Regular Members’ Caucus in the Nanuq Boardroom, but please note that the new starting time for the meeting is half past 9:00 in the morning.
Now, at this time two of our pages servicing us come from Hall Beach, and they are scheduled to travel home today.
I wish to thank them for their excellent service as they represent our constituents.
They are: Dino Akearok, can you stand up, please.
I wish to apologize that the other page, Shanna, who was here earlier departed to pack up her belongings.
I extend our gratitude to the pages and we wish them a great future down the road.
We thank you for your hard work.
(interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until Monday, June 6, at 1:30 p.m.
>>House adjourned at 12:01
Monday, June 6, 2016
Pages 2037 – 2095
Opening Prayer 2037
Ministers’ Statements 2037
Members’ Statements 2041
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 2046
Oral Questions 2046
Tabling of Documents 2070
Notices of Motions 2071
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 2071
Motions 2071
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 2072
Report of the Committee of the Whole 2094
Orders of the Day 2094
Monday, June 6, 2016 2037
127 – 4(3): Canada’s Support of United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (Taptuna) 2037
128 – 4(3): 2016 Summer Literacy Camps (Quassa) 2038
129 – 4(3): Infrastructure Funding for Nunavut (Savikataaq) 2039
130 – 4(3): Nunavut Marine Tourism Management Plan (Ell-Kanayuk) 2039
131 – 4(3): Early Childhood Education Diploma Program (Quassa) 2040
264 – 4(3): 2016 Update on Conditions at the Baffin Correctional Centre and Makigiarvik (Shooyook) 2041
265 – 4(3): 2016 Celebrating Chesterfield Inlet’s High School Graduates (Sammurtok, T) 2041
266 – 4(3): Congratulations to 2016 Graduates (Akoak) 2042
267 – 4(3): 2016 High School Graduates of Mittimatalik (Enook) 2043
268 – 4(3): Congratulations to Pangnirtung Graduates of 2016 (Mike) 2043
269 – 4(3): Congratulations to Qikiqtarjuaq’s Lone High School Graduate (Keyootak) 2044
270 – 4(3): Nunavut Youth Abroad Participants from Constituency (Joanasie) 2044
271 – 4(3): Happy Birthday to Grandchild (Qirngnuq) 2045
272 – 4(3): Fundraising Event over the Weekend (Okalik) 2046
350 – 4(3): Operations of the Qulliq Energy Corporation (Akoak) 2046
351 – 4(3): Increased Funding for Martha Taliruq Centre (Mikkungwak) 2048
352 – 4(3): Property Taxes (Enook) 2049
353 – 4(3): Governance of the Qulliq Energy Corporation (Angnakak) 2051
354 – 4(3): Continuing Community Learning Centre (Qirngnuq) 2053
355 – 4(3): Physician-Assisted Dying in Nunavut (Joanasie) 2054
356 – 4(3): Conservation Officer Position for Grise Fiord (Shooyook) 2056
357 – 4(3): Employment Status of Nunavut Midwives (Sammurtok, A) 2057
358 – 4(3): New Health Centre in Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt) 2059
359 – 4(3): Baffin Island Caribou Management (Keyootak) 2060
360 – 4(3): Consultations on Education Act Amendments (Okalik) 2062
361 – 4(3): Nunavut Tourism Training Course (Angnakak) 2064
362 – 4(3): Cancer Programs for Nunavut (Joanasie) 2064
363 – 4(3): Need for Dust Control in Baker Lake (Mikkungwak) 2066
364 – 4(3): Power Capacity Issues in Cape Dorset (Joanasie) 2068
365 – 4(3): Swan River Bridge (Akoak) 2069
145 – 4(3): 2016-2019 Nunavut Marine Tourism Management Plan (Ell-Kanayuk) 2070
146 – 4(3): FPT Report from the Northern Development Ministers Forum, Whitehorse, Yukon, June 23 to 25, 2015 (Ell-Kanayuk) 2070
147 – 4(3): FPT Report – Council of Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety – January 28, 2016 Ottawa, Ontario (Ell-Kanayuk) 2070
148 – 4(3): Qulliq Energy Corporation Corporate Plan 2016-2020 (Hickes) 2071
027 – 4(3): Extension of Question Period (Mikkungwak) 2062
028 – 4(3): Extended Adjournment – Notice (Mikkungwak) 2071
028 – 4(3): Extended Adjournment (Mikkungwak) 2072
Bill 16 – An Act to Amend the Travel and Tourism Act – Notice 2071
Bill 19 – Unlawful Property Forfeiture Act – Notice 2071
Tabled Document 073 – 4(2): Human Resource Strategy 2014-2018 – Consideration in Committee 2072
Tabled Document 116 – 4(2): Public Service Code of Values and Ethics – Consideration in Committee 2072
Tabled Document 140 – 4(2): Public Service Annual Report 2013-2014 – Consideration in Committee 2072
Tabled Document 070 – 4(3): 2014-2015 Public Service Annual Report – Consideration in Committee 2072
Speaker (Hon. George Qulaut) (interpretation): Before we begin, can you say the opening prayer, please, Mr.
Speaker (interpretation): Good afternoon, my fellow Nunavummiut, members, ministers, and (interpretation ends) Premier.
(interpretation) Before we proceed with the orders of the day, I wish to make a brief statement.
(interpretation ends) I am pleased to announce that the Management and Services Board of the Legislative Assembly has issued an invitation for applications for the position of Languages Commissioner of Nunavut.
Information concerning this position and the application process is available on the Legislative Assembly’s website.
On behalf of the Legislative Assembly, I encourage qualified individuals to consider applying for this important position.
Item 2. (interpretation) Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Taptuna.
Minister’s Statement 127 – 4(3): Canada’s Support of United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (Taptuna)
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate my appreciation that the Government of Canada has decided to fully support the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.
The declaration recognizes indigenous people’s basic human rights as well as rights to self-determination, language, equality, and land, among others. It also, and I quote, “emphasizes the rights of indigenous peoples to maintain and strengthen their own institutions, cultures and traditions, and to pursue their development in keeping with their own needs and aspirations.”
Mr. Speaker, this is an important step and I’m hopeful this will strengthen Canada’s relationship with all indigenous people, including the Inuit of Nunavut.
I look forward to working with the federal government in this important development to better our nation.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Nunavut will work with Canada as well as Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami to implement the declaration in an appropriate manner, one that respects Inuit rights under the Canadian Constitution and the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
Minister’s Statement 128 – 4(3): 2016 Summer Literacy Camps (Quassa)
I would like to thank the members. Good day to the people of Igloolik.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, (interpretation) I would like to provide an update to my colleagues on an exciting partnership project continuing this summer in all three regions of Nunavut.
In collaboration with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami’s Amaujaq National Centre for Inuit Education, the (interpretation ends) TD Bank Group, (interpretation) the district education authorities in Cape Dorset, Arviat, and Taloyoak, and the Government of Nunavut Department of Education, (interpretation ends) Frontier College (interpretation) will bring the summer literacy camp to Taloyoak for the first time in 2016, Arviat for a second year, and Cape Dorset for a third consecutive year since 2014.
Mr. Speaker, research identifies underdeveloped literacy skills as the number one reason why students fail to graduate from high school.
Children participate in reading and writing activities, games, arts and crafts, cultural activities, and field trips.
Mr. Speaker, close to 200 children will attend the 2016 summer literacy camps, helping them maintain and develop their learning skills, supported by local youth, adults, and elders who participate as role models and educators.
Locally hired staff attend a four-day intensive training and orientation that gives them the background, skills, and resources to plan and deliver the camp.
Mr. Speaker, having a better attitude towards books and reading improves literacy, giving children every opportunity to achieve academic success.
Minister’s Statement 129 – 4(3): Infrastructure Funding for Nunavut (Savikataaq)
I rise today to provide an update on infrastructure funding for Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that federal infrastructure funding support projects that fit the needs of Nunavummiut.
I took the opportunity to emphasize this during my meeting with the Hon. Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.
This meeting occurred during the month of April. I am grateful for his invitation and I am pleased to say that we both want to establish a good working relationship between the Government of Nunavut and the Government of Canada. This relationship will be a key element in helping Nunavut overcome its current infrastructure deficit.
In Nunavut, water, wastewater, solid waste, and capacity building projects are funded through the Gas Tax Fund.
The gas tax funding contributes approximately $15 million annually. This funding is not cost-shared and does not require a funding contribution by the GN.
A recent announcement of the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund will contribute an additional $51 million a year in Nunavut. This funding is for clean water and wastewater projects in Nunavut.
This funding agreement is for the next three years and this funding is cost-shared and claims-based, which requires that Nunavut must incur the expenses and then submit a claim to Canada for reimbursement.
The New Building Canada Fund is also a cost-shared and claims-based fund that was announced in 2014-15.
The New Building Canada Fund will contribute $319.9 million to infrastructure development in Nunavut over the next 10 years.
There are many projects that are eligible for this funding. They include water and wastewater infrastructure, as well as upgrades to hamlet offices, arenas, fire halls, playgrounds, and other community infrastructure.
The Department of Community and Government Services will continue to identify and prioritize the infrastructure needs that will enable communities to become self-sufficient and economically, socially, and culturally prosperous.
Minister’s Statement 130 – 4(3): Nunavut Marine Tourism Management Plan (Ell-Kanayuk)
It is my pleasure to announce that my department has developed a management plan to help oversee the responsible development of marine tourism in Nunavut, which I will table at the appropriate time.
Until now, there has been no formal means of addressing the steady increase in cruise ships and yachts visiting the territory over the last decade.
Cruise ship passengers buy prints and carvings from local artists. They pay to watch demonstrations of traditional Inuit games, listen to throat singing performances, and hear stories from elders.
The main goal of this plan is to increase economic benefits at the community level, but there are also concerns about cruise ships visiting the territory. The management plan will ensure that marine tourism grows in a manner that is sustainable for local economies and the environment and that will help communities receive more direct profits from cruise ships.
The plan will complement the proposed updates to the Travel and Tourism Act by aiding in the implementation of proposed new marine tourism regulations and it will streamline communication between communities and the marine tourism sector.
Mr. Speaker, if marine tourism is managed in a way that effectively reflects community concerns, it presents an exciting opportunity to create jobs and directly stimulate our local economies while showcasing our pristine landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
Minister responsible for Arctic College, Mr. Paul Quassa.
Minister’s Statement 131 – 4(3): Early Childhood Education Diploma Program (Quassa)
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I rise in the House today to announce that the first cohort of students to complete the Early Childhood Education, or ECE, Diploma Program has now graduated from Nunavut Arctic College.
The ECE diploma program incorporates Inuit early childhood development research from the knowledge of Inuit elders and cultural experts, including the Government of Nunavut’s Department of Education ECE/Kindergarten Curriculum, Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre’s Inunnguiniq Parenting Program, and Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada’s Piaranut For Our Children.
Mr. Speaker, the Early Childhood Education Diploma Program, offered by Nunavut Arctic College, is an academic two-year, full-time program of study that prepares students to provide culturally relevant, quality child care in a Nunavut community setting.
The diploma program involves Inuit elders, cultural and linguistic experts, and knowledgeable community members such as integral members of the community delivery team.
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to announce that this is the first such ECE diploma in Nunavut, and I congratulate our eight early childhood education diploma graduates. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 264 – 4(3): 2016 Update on Conditions at the Baffin Correctional Centre and Makigiarvik (Shooyook)
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, people of Nunavut, the viewing audience, fellow residents of the High Arctic, and my colleagues.
I rise today in appreciation of a colleague of mine.
The minister and I went to tour the Baffin Correctional Centre this morning and I would like to thank him very much for agreeing to take me along that tour.
What I saw in my first tour to that facility last year was an unpleasant experience, Mr. Speaker.
This second time around, I saw a vast improvement to the facility and to its inmates.
I am truly proud of this achievement made in just a year.
We also went to tour the Makigiarvik Correctional Centre and I am very pleased that we have such a facility. Since the creation of Makigiarvik on basis of the Inuit culture, many elders go to that facility. Elders who go there tell me a lot of inmates show up to learn about Inuit traditions.
I’m truly proud of this.
I watched inmates being given employment training at the Makigiarvik Correctional Centre while earning a little bit of spending money as they learn. In the on-the-job training program, they are paid a minimal amount during this training course and it is specific to learning job skills.
In receiving the minimal amount and with most students who have children, they also have to send money home to assist their families. This program has had success and we can take pride in it.
When we toured the facility along with my colleagues last year, it was rather unpleasant but this year, it has become more pleasurable to hear about developments as an elder who is dedicated to teaching life skills and cultural knowledge and to see examples of success. I ask my colleagues to share in celebrating this event.
Member for Rankin Inlet North and Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Tom Sammurtok.
Member’s Statement 265 – 4(3): 2016 Celebrating Chesterfield Inlet’s High School Graduates (Sammurtok, T)
Mr. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish a good day to the residents of Chesterfield Inlet and Rankin Inlet, along with Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the Chesterfield Inlet high school students who will be graduating this fall and we are proud of that.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would also like to acknowledge the Victor Sammurtok School Principal, Jay Boucher, and his staff for supporting and encouraging these students to find their place in a global world while celebrating and showcasing their unique culture and spirit.
Mr. Speaker, even though the Hamlet of Chesterfield Inlet is small, it promises to have a large graduating class this year, which is an impressive achievement.
It is even more impressive given that the community has had to overcome extreme tragedy and adversity during this past school year.
(interpretation) I join the principal and his staff in recognizing the spirit and determination of these students who, despite facing difficult circumstances, look forward with hope and optimism to the future. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I commend the students and staff at the Victor Sammurtok School for their efforts.  I look forward to attending the Chesterfield Inlet high school graduation, which promises to be an emotional and heartfelt celebration of the Inuit spirit.
On behalf of the school and the community, I would also like to invite the Minister of Education to join us at the graduation in September. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 266 – 4(3): Congratulations to 2016 Graduates (Akoak)
Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and fellow MLAs. Good afternoon to the community of Gjoa Haven.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to congratulate the six students who are graduating today from Qiqirtaq Ilihakvik High School in Gjoa Haven.
Mr. Speaker, the community of Gjoa Haven is very proud of the accomplishments of this year’s graduating class.
They have demonstrated the qualities of dedication and perseverance that are important for success.
Amy Aglukkaq;
Michael Jewell;
Minuq Porter;
Nessa Ann Sallerina;
Jamie Takkiruq; and
Brett Tiriraniaq.
I would like to mention to the graduates that after this graduation, there are going to be more graduations coming up for you and education is so important.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in congratulating our graduates.
Member’s Statement 267 – 4(3): 2016 High School Graduates of Mittimatalik (Enook)
Good day to the people of Pond Inlet and our fellow residents of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my pride in the students of Pond Inlet who have just graduated and we have 11 of them. We are especially proud of an increase in the number of young people in our communities and territory who are graduating.
We are very proud of them.
I would like my colleagues to join me in expressing pride in the residents of my community.
Tateegat Akpaleapik;
Qalaapik Enookolo;
Samuel Kautainuk Jr.;
Brenda Pewatoaluk;
Sarah Qamaniq;
Jesse Takawgak;
Lynn Angnatsiak, my grandchild;
Sebastian Kanayuk;
Justin Milton;
Michael Pewatualuk; and
Chelsea Qammaniq.
I would like to tell the young people graduating in Pond Inlet and the other graduates to please continue.
Finishing grade 12 is just the beginning.
Go on to further education. You can never be too educated.
Please pursue what you want to do, either through Arctic College or other means.
I hope you have a good future.
Member’s Statement 268 – 4(3): Congratulations to Pangnirtung Graduates of 2016 (Mike)
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon to the people of Nunavut, residents of Pangnirtung, and my grandchild, if you are listening.
I also rise today to acknowledge the students that are graduating in Nunavut.
There are 17 students graduating in 2015-16 in Pangnirtung.
I would like to first acknowledge and thank their parents. It is very emotional when you see your child graduating after having worked so hard to get them to school.
I am grateful to single parents, teachers, principals, and the local education authorities as well for the graduating classes. If not for them, then there would not be as many graduates.
The grade 12 graduates are:
Joanasie Akpalialuk;
Pamela Akpalialuk;
Corey Alivaktuk;
Angela Duval;
Eena Kilabuk;
Janine Machmer;
Kikki Maniapik;
Diana Metuq;
Nadia Metuq;
Annie Nakashuk;
Jane Nakashuk;
Myca Nakashuk;
Joey Nauyuk;
Mary Meeka Poisey;
Solomonie Qappik;
Aamusi Qaqasiq; and
Michaela Tasugat.
These students will be graduating on June 24.
Member’s Statement 269 – 4(3): Congratulations to Qikiqtarjuaq’s Lone High School Graduate (Keyootak)
I rise today to express my pride in a student that is graduating.
Mr. Speaker, we have not had a high school graduate for a number of years. After four years, we finally have a graduate.
Even though it is just one student coming out of the Inuksuit High School, I would like to express my pride in Lindsay Evaloajuk. She is our high school graduate this year.
This is our first graduate in four years.
We are very proud of Lindsay because she has worked hard on so many things as a student, especially learning about the sea ice on a ship.
She is very committed to what she is doing in trying to complete her grade 12 education. She has also represented other youth. During suicide prevention meetings in Iqaluit, she came representing the youth of Qikiqtarjuaq.
After she finishes grade 12, she is already planning to further her education in Ottawa to the Nunavut Sivuniksavut program.
She is already planning to go there as soon as she finishes grade 12. We are very proud that she is already planning to do all that. Now she has completed grade 12 and she is already planning to go learn some more.
I am expressing my pride in her and I would like everyone else to be proud of her as well.
Member’s Statement 270 – 4(3): Nunavut Youth Abroad Participants from Constituency (Joanasie)
Good afternoon, my colleagues, people of Cape Dorset and Kimmirut, as well as everyone listening.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a number of youth in my constituency who have been selected to participate in Northern Youth Abroad this year.
Mr. Speaker, Jutanie Tapaungai from Kimmirut and Loriann Parr and Carmen Rowsell from Cape Dorset have been selected as participants of this program and are scheduled to travel to various host cities in southern Canada to complete five weeks of volunteer work.
Mr. Speaker, the Northern Youth Abroad program provides youth in Nunavut and Northwest Territories the opportunity to gain valuable work experience through travel and education.
Participants undertake quite a number of assignments and volunteer hours.
They earn credits and numerous skills that will help them to successfully achieve their education and career goals.
Mr. Speaker, the youth selected for this program are also expected to demonstrate their dedication to fulfilling the program requirements by completing a number of assignments in the months before their travel date.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge Laila Onalik of Kimmirut and Mikijuk Manning of Cape Dorset who have been selected as alternate participants and as such, they have been working on a number of assignments these past few months.
Mr. Speaker, with their continued commitment, they will have the opportunity to travel south for volunteer work either this summer or in the summer of 2017.
(interpretation) I do not hear any nays. Mr. Joanasie, please proceed.
Mr. Speaker, with their continued commitment, they will have the opportunity to travel south.
I wish each of these participants continued success in their assignments and I wish them all the best during their summer travels.