EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I wish to table the 2006-2007 Annual Report of the Languages Commissioner of Nunavut to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut.
Members, as required by section 36 of the Legislative Assembly and the Executive Council Act, I wish to table the 2007-2008 Annual Report on the Payment of Indemnities, Allowances and Expenses to Members of the Legislative Assembly.
Tabling of Documents. (interpretation) There are no more. (interpretation ends) Item 14.
Motion 008 – 3(1): Appointment of Languages Commissioner of Nunavut – Notice (Okalik)
I wish to give notice that on January 28, 2009, I will move the following motion:
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for South Baffin, that the Legislative Assembly recommends to the Commissioner of Nunavut that Ms. Alexina Kublu be appointed as Languages Commissioner, effective this day.
My colleagues and Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will seek unanimous consent to deal with my motion today.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Okalik. (interpretation ends) Notices of Motions.
Motion 009 – 3(1): Appointment of Deputy Chairpersons of the Committee of the Whole – Notice (Arvaluk)
I give notice that on Wednesday, January 28, 2008, I will move the following motion:
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for South Baffin, that Paul Okalik, (interpretation ends) Member for Iqaluit West, (interpretation) and Johnny Ningeongan, (interpretation ends) Member for Nanulik, (interpretation) be elected Deputy Chairpersons of the Committee of the Whole.
Mr. Aupaluktuq.
Motion 010 – 3(1): Appointment to the Executive Council of Nunavut – Notice (Aupaluktuq)
Mr. Aupaluktuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I give notice that on Wednesday, January 28, 2009, I will move the following motion:
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for South Baffin, that the Legislative Assembly recommends to the Commissioner of Nunavut that Tagak Curley, Member for Rankin Inlet North, be appointed to the Executive Council of Nunavut.
At the appropriate time, I will seek unanimous consent to deal with my motion today. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Aupaluktuq.
Motion 011 – 3(1): Extended Adjournment – Notice (Elliott)
I give notice that on Wednesday, January 28, 2009, I will move the following motion:
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Amittuq, that notwithstanding Rule 4, that when the House concludes its present sitting in Iqaluit, it shall be adjourned until March 17, 2009.
Motion 012 – 3(1): Appointments to Standing Committees of the Legislative Assembly – Notice (Komoartok)
I give notice that on January 28, 2009, (interpretation ends) I will move the following motion:
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for Tununiq, that members be appointed to standing committees of the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will ask for unanimous consent to deal with my motion today.
Mr. Okalik: Merci Monsieur le Président. (interpretation) I wish to seek unanimous consent to deal with my motion today.
Speaker (interpretation). Thank you, Mr. Okalik.
Mr. Okalik is seeking unanimous consent to deal with his motion today.
You may proceed, Mr. Okalik.
Motion 008 – 3(1): Appointment of Languages Commissioner of Nunavut (Okalik)
WHEREAS section 18 of the Official Languages Act provides that the Languages Commissioner is appointed by the Commissioner of Nunavut on the recommendation of the Legislative Assembly to hold office for a term of four years during good behaviour;
AND WHEREAS the Legislative Assembly’s Management and Services Board has undertaken a merit-based selection process for this position;
(interpretation ends) Merci Monsieur le Président.
Mr. Okalik: Merci Monsieur le Président. (interpretation) I am pleased that we will be able to proceed with this matter today.
And further, this person is well known by many Inuit as she has been in the field of languages for many years.
It is also quite obvious that this person is quite passionate about languages and that these issues are close to her heart.
And further, with the Inuit Language Protection Act now enacted, this position will be quite important.
I am extremely pleased that I was able to work with our previous colleagues in the last Assembly as I was able to cooperate with them when we were identifying issues for the legislation.
I also wish to thank all of the people who applied for the position and for their interest.
I thank them all as we had a hard choice to make. Further, I am quite pleased since I know this individual will work to her utmost to fulfill her duties. I am pleased that the House is now in a position to recommend a permanent appointment and I look forward to the support of all members for this motion.
So I would like to acknowledge Alexina Kublu, who is present today, along with her daughter and grandchild, and her staff member, Sandra Inutiq. I know that she is quite capable and I look forward to working with her in her new role and we have to offer all of our support to her.
I wish to welcome her and I urge you to choose wisely, my fellow colleagues.
We are very proud of you, Ms. Alexina Kublu.
Mr. Arvaluk (interpretation): I would like to deal with a motion that is not quite on par with our previous motion.
I wish to seek unanimous consent to deal with my motion today.
Motion 009 – 3(1): Appointment of Deputy Chairpersons of the Committee of the Whole (Arvaluk)
WHEREAS section 43 of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act provides that the Legislative Assembly shall, at its first session, elect two Deputy Chairpersons of the Committee of the Whole;
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for South Baffin, that Paul Okalik, Member for (interpretation ends) Iqaluit West, (interpretation) and Johnny Ningeongan, Member for Nanulik, be elected Deputy Chairpersons of the Committee of the Whole.
Mr. Aupaluktuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I seek unanimous consent to deal with my motion today. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker: Thank you. The member is seeking unanimous consent to deal with his motion today.
Motion 010 – 3(1): Appointment to the Executive Council of Nunavut (Aupaluktuq)
(interpretation ends) WHEREAS subsection 60 (1)(b) of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act provides that there shall be an Executive Council of Nunavut composed of persons appointed by the Commissioner of Nunavut on the recommendation of the Legislative Assembly;
Motion 011 – 3(1): Extended Adjournment (Elliott)
Further, that at any time prior to March 17, 2009, if the Speaker is satisfied, after consultation with the Executive Council and Members of the Legislative Assembly, that the public interest requires that the House should meet at an earlier time during adjournment, the Speaker may give notice and thereupon the House shall meet at the time stated in such notice and shall transact its business as if it had been duly adjourned to that time.
Mr. Komoartok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I seek unanimous consent to deal with my motion today.
Please proceed, Mr. Komoartok.
Motion 012 – 3(1): Appointments to Standing Committees of the Legislative Assembly (Komoartok)
WHEREAS section 17 of the (interpretation ends) Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act provides for the Legislative Assembly to appoint such committees to aid and advise it as it seems necessary;
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for Tununiq, that the following members be appointed to the Standing Committee on Legislation: James Arvaluk, Moses Aupaluktuq, Ron Elliott, Adamee Komoartok, Johnny Ningeongan, Paul Okalik, Enuk Pauloosie, Allen Rumbolt, and Fred Schell;
AND FURTHER, I move that the following members be appointed to the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts: James Arvaluk, Moses Aupaluktuq, Ron Elliott, Adamee Komoartok, Johnny Ningeongan, Paul Okalik, Enuk Pauloosie, Allen Rumbolt, and Fred Schell;
AND FURTHER, I move that the following members be appointed to the Standing Committee on Social Wellness: James Arvaluk, Moses Aupaluktuq, Ron Elliott, Johnny Ningeongan, and Paul Okalik;
AND FURTHER, I move that the following members be appointed as Alternate Members of the Standing Committee on Social Wellness: Adamee Komoartok and Enuk Pauloosie;
AND FURTHER, I move that the following members be appointed to the Standing Committee on Community and Economic Development: Adamee Komoartok, Enuk Pauloosie, Allan Rumbolt, and Fred Schell;
AND FURTHER, I move that the following members be appointed as Alternate Members of the Standing Committee on Community and Economic Development: James Arvaluk, Ron Elliott, and Johnny Ningeongan;
AND FURTHER, I move that the following members be appointed to the Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and Privileges: Moses Aupaluktuq, Ron Elliott, Paul Okalik, Enuk Pauloosie, and the Hon. Keith Peterson representing the Cabinet;
AND FURTHER, I move that the following members be appointed as Alternate Members of the Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and Privileges: James Arvaluk and Adamee Komoartok.
Motions. (interpretation ends) Item 17.
A reminder for members to check the orientation program for meetings being held on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Orders of the Day for March 17, 2009:
This House stands adjourned until Tuesday, March 17, starting at 1:30 p.m. Thank you.
>>House adjourned at 16:29
Hon. Eva Aariak
Premier; Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs; Minister of Justice; Minister responsible for the Status of Women; Minister responsible for Immigration
Hon. Lorne Kusugak
Minister of Community and Government Services; Minister of Energy
Hon. Keith Peterson
Minister of Finance, Chair, Financial Management Board; Minister of Health and Social Services; Minister responsible for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission
Hon. Daniel Shewchuk
Minister of Environment; Minister of Human Resources
Government House Leader; Minister of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth; Minister of Languages
Hon. Peter Taptuna
Deputy Premier; Minister of Economic Development and Transportation
Hon. Hunter Tootoo
Minister of Education; Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation; Minister responsible for Homelessness
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Pages 75 – 110
Opening Prayer 75
Money Message 75
Ministers’ Statements 75
Members’ Statements 78
Returns to Oral Questions 83
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 84
Oral Questions 84
Tabling of Documents 103
Notices of Motions 104
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 106
Motions 106
Orders of the Day 109
Tuesday, March 17, 2009 75
009 – 3(1): New President for Qulliq Energy Corporation (Tootoo) 75
010 – 3(1): Arctic Stewardship (Aariak) 76
011 – 3(1): National Aboriginal Awards (Tapardjuk) 77
026 – 3(1): Thanks to Constituents, Family, MLAs (Ningark) 78
027 – 3(1): Inuksuit from Cape Dorset (Schell) 79
028 – 3(1): Establishment of the High Arctic Council (Elliott) 80
029 – 3(1): The Chesterfield Inlet Development Corporation: A Nunavut Success Story (Ningeongan) 81
030 – 3(1): Narwhal Cull in Pond Inlet This Winter (Arvaluk) 82
Return to Oral Question 005 – 3(1): Emergency Contingency Plan for the High Arctic (Taptuna) 83
011 – 3(1): Government of Nunavut’s Response to EU Sealing Ban (Okalik) 84
012 – 3(1): Harvesters’ Concerns in Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt) 87
013 – 3(1): Electoral Boundaries Commission (Ningark) 88
014 – 3(1): Federal Initiatives in the High Arctic (Elliott) 88
015 – 3(1): NWT Rates Compared to Nunavut Energy Rates (Schell) 89
016 – 3(1): Inuit Representation in the Public Service of Nunavut (Okalik) 90
017 – 3(1): Hiring Policy of Regional and Headquarters Offices (Arvaluk) 91
018 – 3(1): Cause of Fire of New House in Kugaaruk (Ningark) 93
019 – 3(1): Medical Travel for Inuit and Non-Inuit (Schell) 94
020 – 3(1): Medical Boarding Rates for Nunavummiut (Okalik) 95
021 – 3(1): Will Cost of Fuel Decrease in June (Komoartok) 97
022 – 3(1): Lower Prices for Fuel (Arvaluk) 99
023 – 3(1): Money Back to Homeowners in Kugaaruk for Heating Fuel (Ningark) 101
024 – 3(1): Purchasing Fuel during Low World Costs of Oil (Schell) 101
011 – 3(1): Article from the National Post (Okalik) 103
012 – 3(1): Nunavut Elections Predictions (Okalik) 103
013 – 3(1): Nanisivik Naval Facility Project (Elliott) 104
014 – 3(1): Nunavut Lottery – Financial Statements March 31, 2008 (Tapardjuk) 104
015 – 3(1): Statutory Requirements for Tabling of Reports and Other Documents in the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut (Speaker) 104
016 – 3(1): Report of the Chief Electoral Officer under Subsection 15(3) of the Nunavut Elections Act (Speaker) 104
016 – 3(1): Appointment of Deputy Speaker – Notice (Okalik) 104
014 – 3(1): Standing Committee Appointments and Revocations – Notice (Aupaluktuq) 105
015 – 3(1): Referral of Reports to the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts – Notice (Arvaluk) 105
013 – 3(1): Appointment of Deputy Chairperson of the Committee of the Whole – Notice (Okalik) 105
016 – 3(1): Appointment of Deputy Speaker (Okalik) 107
014 – 3(1): Standing Committee Appointments and Revocations (Aupaluktuq) 107
015 – 3(1): Referral of Reports to the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts (Arvaluk) 108
013 – 3(1): Appointment of Deputy Chairperson of the Committee of the Whole (Okalik) 109
017 – 3(1): Early Adjournment (Elliott) 109
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2009-2010 – Notice 106
Bill 02 – Interim Appropriation Act, April 1 – July 31, 2009 – Notice 106
Bill 03 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2008-2009 – Notice 106
Bill 04 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 3, 2008-2009 – Notice 106
Honourable Eva Aariak, Honourable James Arreak, Mr. James Arvaluk, Mr. Moses Aupaluktuq, Honourable Tagak Curley, Mr. Ron Elliot, Mr. Adamee Komoartok, Honourable Lorne Kusugak, Mr. John Ningark, Mr. Johnny Ningeongan, Mr. Paul Okalik, Mr. Enuk Pauloosie, Honourable Keith Peterson, Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Mr. Fred Schell, Honourable Daniel Shewchuk, Honourable Louis Tapardjuk, Honourable Peter Taptuna, Honourable Hunter Tootoo.
At this time I would like to ask Mr. Curley to say the opening prayer. Mr. Curley.
Speaker (interpretation): Good afternoon, Premier, Ministers, Members.
Good afternoon, people of Nunavut.
Before we proceed with the Orders of the Day, I will read a letter from the commissioner.
March 12, 2009
Mr. James Arreak, Speaker of the House
I wish to advise that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut the passage of the following bills during the First Session of the Third Legislative Assembly:
Bill 1, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2009-2010
Bill 2, Interim Appropriation Act, April 1 – July 31, 2009
Bill 3, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2008-2009
Bill 4, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 3, 2008-2009
Sincerely, Ann Meekitjuk-Hanson C.M.,  Commissioner of Nunavut.
(interpretation ends) Item 2.
Minister’s Statement 009 – 3(1): New President for Qulliq Energy Corporation (Tootoo)
I would like to inform, I guess this is the first time I say it, all of my esteemed colleagues, as we have a full house now, of the appointment of the new President for the Qulliq Energy Corporation.
On March 13, 2009, our Premier announced that Mr. Peter Mackey of Iqaluit will be the new President for the Qulliq Energy Corporation effective April 1 of this year.
Mr. Mackey brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the power generation and the utility fields, covering almost two decades.
Mr. Mackey has been with the corporation for many years, and prior to division, he worked for the NWT Power Corporation as well, and has gone through the various stages of its growth from the days when it was called the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, to the Nunavut Power Corporation, and now to the Qulliq Energy Corporation.
Mr. Speaker, in addition to his experience with the corporation, Mr. Mackey has been actively involved in many aspects of our community, including working with Skills Canada, the Nunavut Apprenticeship and Trades Board, and I must say he’s also a very avid and good curler having curled against him.
Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to thank Mr. Bruce Rigby, who has served as the Interim President and CEO during the transition period.
I believe he was brought on last June and I think he has done a great job in keeping things going and things moving within the corporation.
So I would like to ask all members to please join me in congratulating Mr. Peter Mackey on his appointment. And I’m sure we all look forward to working closely with Peter, who is also here with management, I welcome him.
Premier of Nunavut, (interpretation ends) Hon. Eva Aariak.
Minister’s Statement 010 – 3(1): Arctic Stewardship (Aariak)
I will be making a statement on arctic stewardship.
Before I proceed with my statement, I rise to welcome our newly-elected member, John Ningark. I am grateful that we now have a full membership.
Mr. Speaker, members will remember from the November Leadership Forum that I view arctic sovereignty as one of three serious challenges we will be engaged in over the next decade.
At that time, I committed to leading Nunavut and asserting the role of Inuit as guardians of the Arctic.
Our focus is on the people who live here in the North and our communities.
The visit of United States President Obama to Canada last month was an important signal that his administration recognizes that Canada is a close friend and ally for the United States. For Nunavut and for Canada, I believe that it also put a spotlight on the Arctic and the issue of the Northwest Passage.
Nunavummiut support Canada’s position on the status of the passage as a key component of our exercise of Canadian sovereignty and security in the Arctic.
Inuit use and occupancy of the waters, ice and shoreline of that passage over centuries continue to provide a basis for Canada’s historic title over these waters.
More than about sovereignty, the issue with the United States and other nations is whether the waters of the Northwest Passage constitute an international strait or internal Canadian waters.
Nunavut is concerned that there is a real liability for us - for our internal waters, the ice over it and the seabed below it, and our shorelines - to have the Northwest Passage as an international transit with an unregulated right of passage through Canada’s internal waters.
Those waters are significant areas where Inuit have traditionally travelled and harvested, and Nunavummiut continue to do so today, and for the marine mammals that are so important to our culture.
Nunavut is concerned that there is a real liability for us - for our internal waters... I'm just reiterating that.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage Canada to collaborate with the United States and other members of the Arctic Council on environmental stewardship and governance in the Arctic region.
I welcome federal Foreign Affairs Minister Cannon’s address last week on Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy, and his diplomatic efforts next month in Washington and at the Arctic Council meeting in Tromso, Norway.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Louis Tapardjuk.
Minister’s Statement 011 – 3(1): National Aboriginal Awards (Tapardjuk)
I forget who submitted the Inuksuk that is pointing the way for us, but I imagine that some of us will still lose the direction that it is pointing to even though it’s quite clear which direction it is pointing at. I thank whoever submitted the Inuksuk.
I also wish to state my greetings to my constituents in Igloolik and Hall Beach. I believe they are watching these proceedings, so I say “hello” to them.
Mr. Speaker, I stand today to congratulate one of our colleagues in receiving an award at the 16th Annual National Aboriginal Awards.
My colleague, who received this award in the area of politics, has had an inspirational journey.
As a mature student, he endeavoured to better his personal situation, eventually becoming the first Inuk lawyer in Nunavut.
This gentleman also had a vital role in negotiating the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement. There is no need to summarize those negotiations as we sit in a legislature as a direct result of Article 4 in the NLCA.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut came into existence on April 1, 1999. We will be celebrating the 10th anniversary in only a few short weeks; it is only fitting my colleague received this award coinciding with the anniversary.
Mr. Speaker, I ask the House to join me in congratulating Mr. Paul Okalik, former Premier of Nunavut and MLA for Iqaluit West.
Let us acknowledge the member for winning an award.
We are very proud of you, Mr. Okalik.
Member for Akulliq, Mr. Ningark.
Member’s Statement 026 – 3(1): Thanks to Constituents, Family, MLAs (Ningark)
Mr. Ningark (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
First of all, I wish to thank my colleagues for their warm welcome upon my arrival to the Legislative Assembly this morning. I also wish to thank the Premier for her welcome via telephone.
Further, I would like to thank the Speaker for his welcome through the telephone as well just prior to my arrival in Iqaluit. So “thank you” to all of you.
I would be remiss without thanking my constituency communities of Akulliq, Repulse Bay and Kugaaruk, so Mr. Speaker, I thank them all.
Especially since I was elected, it seems twice, but we have to adhere to the letter of the law as members of a legislature. As an MLA, you have to ensure that adherence to the law is your first priority and this is something I have learned from experience.
Although we were subjected to a recount and I didn’t come out on top at that time, I didn’t mind since we have to follow legislation pertaining to elections in our territory.
It made it all the sweeter when I was finally elected in the second round of voting. I thank all the people for their continued support.
In representing the people of Akulliq, both the residents of Repulse Bay and Kugaaruk, I wish to state, Mr. Speaker, that we endorsed the selection of the Premier in our riding and this also applies to the hon. members in Cabinet.
On behalf of my constituents of Akulliq, I support the selections made prior to my arrival and I also feel welcomed by them.
Mr. Speaker, you are elected to represent the people, so you have to voice the wishes of the people whom elected you and serve them first and foremost.
Sometimes members will revert to personal agendas, but that’s something that is a part of all politics.
With respect to Repulse Bay, it’s in the Kivalliq region and Kugaaruk is not part of that region. This is something that may not have been debated vigorously enough in the Nunavut Electoral Boundary Commission report findings. It was brought up as an issue, but there were no details about this in the Electoral Boundaries Commission report.
I will be canvassing the people of Repulse Bay and Kugaaruk to find out what their feelings on this matter are and I will...
Speaker (interpretation): Mr. Ningark, your time is up.
Please conclude your statement, Mr. Ningark.
It’s obvious that a lot of time has passed since I last made a Member’s Statement and I will try to keep it short.
As we deal with issues over the next four years as a government, I will be raising this issue after I have heard from my constituents as to what their wishes are.
I wish to mention some names in Repulse Bay.
Cecilia Angotialok, whom I thank profusely, assisted me in my campaign as well as, Mr. Speaker, the oldest resident of Kugaaruk, Jose Angutingornik.
I will be writing them a “thank you” letter soon, but it will take time as I wish to ensure that there are no mistakes in it.
These two residents are the oldest people in their respective communities and I thank them both from the bottom of my heart.
As well, my wife, Celine, who was unable to attend to this inaugural meeting due to other commitments and I regret her not being here for this, Mr. Speaker, I thank her immensely as I have put her in a difficult situation as a mother, but she supported me wholeheartedly in my quest to return to politics.