EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
For my sister, if there is anybody who is ill or going through a hard time whether they are elders or youth, my sister is extremely helpful, and she does counselling on her own time.
I would also like to thank her because she has a very heavy workload and she prays for you everyday.
We thank such people like her.
Please be welcome to the gallery.
We are here and we are representing you.
I, too, would like to recognize a constituent of mine, that is Solomon Awa, and welcome him to the gallery.
Sitting next to him is Andrew Tagak; he has been recognized already, but I just want to inform members that Andrew is the chair of the Iqaluit District Education Authority.
He does a lot of good work there, and we are there for you.
We will work towards helping you guys out there, even with the Minister of Education.
Also a well-known former broadcaster, he has taken his tools for the trade to work for the government, at the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs: Mr. Jonah Kelly, I would like to welcome him to the gallery.
Also, I would like to welcome the elders that are here.
I wish that… . This Assembly is the only one, as you know, that has designated seats for elders, and I wish that they were full like that more often.
I, too, would like to welcome some people to the gallery.
I would just like to begin by welcoming Mr. Albert Nuveya from Hall Beach.
Mr. Nuveya worked for a long time on the DEW Line.
He was a great role model, especially for the younger people in the community in the early 80s when I lived there.
And, I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome to the gallery, and also Mr. Tootoo mentioned him, and we have him sitting in just directly behind me: Mr. Jonah Kelly, well-known voice of CBC, retired now, but working industriously, as Hunter pointed out, for the Government of Nunavut.
I’d also like to welcome to the gallery Mr. Andrew Tagak, who is, as Mr. Tootoo pointed out, the chair of the education council.
Several years ago we were the first members, myself and Mr. Tagak, of Nunavut Arbitration Board under the land claims, actually one of the first boards that was set up.
Andrew was the chair of that board and, indeed, we had to go through the whole final agreement on arbitral issues with several other people, and we did that at Whale Cove.
Andrew, last summer, spent a considerable amount of time with me at my cabin.
Out boating, we were seal hunting one day, and we were coming back up and got stuck in ice for about seven or eight hours.
I was quite nervous, and Andrew told me to just relax and have about 25 cigarettes with him, so I did.
But Andrew had, I think, about 20.
Anyway Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Andrew, less his cigarettes, to the gallery.
I would like to take this opportunity, as a lot of members of the Legislative Assembly are recognizing individuals.
Again, as I have the opportunity, I would like to recognize Jonah Kelly.
In the 1970s, we used to be broadcasters, and we peeped stories, and they were sent out to the communities.
It was so much fun when we were young.
Sitting right beside him: Andrew Tagak, who has been extremely helpful here in Iqaluit.
We went to school together in the Sivuliuqti program.
And Solomon Awa, who I’ve known for a long time.
I would like to welcome him to the gallery, and again this morning, I feel very strong because we have the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit committee here.
I have known Inuaraq a long time. She makes very delicious traditional recipes, and sitting beside her is Kanaanginnaaq.
I know a Kanaaq but not Kanaanginnaaq.
There is a little bit of a similarity in their names and I will try to make sure that I pronounce your name properly.
And also, I would like to recognize Marion Aglukkaq, one of my colleagues’ mother.
Please don’t forget me.
I have been sitting in the House with you for five years and I guess you forgot me because you are getting a little old.
I would like to take this opportunity to recognize an individual from Cape Dorset: Kanaanginnaaq Putuguq.
When we were looking for individuals to sit on the IQ committee, his name came into my mind instantly. I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for accepting to be a member of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit committee.
Mr. Kilabuk was the minister at that time who appointed one of my recommendations.
He knows what is happening in the community of Cape Dorset, and I would like to recognize Mr. Kanaanginnaaq Putuguq.
I would like to welcome the members of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit committee.
I worked with them for a brief time. And, all of the other individuals sitting beside him, I would like to welcome them all to the House.
Question 157 – 2(1): Power Rate Rider
I would like to ask the minister for Power Corporation or energy… .
The prices of oil and gas are getting very expensive. We have read in the Auditor General’s report that after March 31there were $4 million for the rate rider and also $10 million right now, up to $14 million dollars. The Auditor General stated that up to March 31 that they will be $14 million in debt.
For that matter, I am sure that the power rates are going to go up in price, especially for businesses and homeowners. The $10 million, is it a fuel subsidy, or is it a power fuel rate rider?
Speaker (interpretation): Minister of Energy.
Hon. David Simailak: “Qujannamiik, Uqaqti.”
I could say subsidy in lieu of a rider.
The Auditor General knows this.
The first rate rider was cancelled, and also the $4 million before the power was paid off… . This is a debt, a surplus, and it is not a subsidy.
It has to return.
We are the only ones that can pay for this.
If this is a subsidy, what policy is it under?
When did the cabinet approve this, under which guideline?
Speaker (interpretation): Simailak.
Hon. David Simailak (interpretation): I cannot answer that question.
I will take that as notice, and I will get a better understanding, and I will come back to you.
Mr. Curley (interpretation): I will rephrase my question.
If it is a power subsidy, then it would have to go through a policy.
My question is, the $10 million, which is a subsidy for the rate rider or fuel stabilizer… . Then we know that it is not a loan to the Nunavut Power Corporation.
For that matter, my question is: if this is a subsidy, for how many years would it be used for subsidy?
Yes, this is a subsidy, and when it reaches $10 million it will end.
Question 158 – 2(1): Utility Rate Review Council Application Request
My question is also for the minister responsible for the Power Corporation.
Yesterday the minister indicated that he was told the government would not have to seek the advice of the utility review council in relation to the latest fuel rider.
The Utility Rate Review Council Act is very clear.
It says that any designated utility that desires to impose a rate or tariff shall request in writing the approval of the minister, and it also states that within 15 days of receiving the request, the responsible minister shall seek the request the advice of the Utility Rate Review Council.
It also states the minister shall give reasonable notice of the request for advice to the mayors and the members of the Legislative Assembly.
We know that the government sought the advice of the Utility Rate Review Council in relation to the 2003 fuel rider application.
My question for the minister is, on what basis has the government decided that they can approve this fuel rider without first seeking the advice of the council?
We were advised by the chairman of the Utility Rate Review Council that there was no need to go back to the URRC before approval, since this was for the same amount as was adopted last year.
Mr. Tootoo: Mr. Chairman, I can acknowledge that, but the Act is very clear.
The last rider that was requested was for a higher amount; the thing was 9.5 and they came back with 7.5, and it was a term balanced by the government.
This is a new rider that they are putting in place.
When the Act is very clear, I wonder why do we have… . I ask the minister, why do we have a Utility Rate Review Council if the government feels free to ignore the laws that we have and go ahead and approve something like this without going through the required legal requirements to do so?
The Utilities Rate Review Council was not ignored in this matter.
Understand that we consulted with them.
As I said on this, I said it was for the same amount, 7.5 cents. The Chairman thought that there was no need at this point to go back to the council.
I can recognize that the law, the Act, still requires of the responsible minister that if the utility is requesting to impose a rate or tariff, which the fuel rider is, they are required, in writing, to request that from the URRC.
And, also, to inform the elected members from this Assembly and the municipalities to do so.
Even if it is a formality, “Yeah, go ahead do it, we know that it’s required,” it’s still a requirement to do so.
I’d like to ask the minister if they will meet their legal obligations and do that.
Hon. David Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Interpretation.) Yes, I will meet with the chairman of the utility review council and get more information.
Last supplementary, Mr. Tootoo.
Again, the Act states that the designated utility seeking the rate or tariff has to request it in writing to the minister.
When did the minister receive this request?
I am sorry, I will have to take that question as notice.
He has taken this as notice.
Question 159 – 2(1): Update on Qikiqtarjuaq Shoreline Erosion
I am directing my question to the minister responsible for the environment and government services.
I would like to ask the minister: have you been looking at the shoreline or the ocean in Broughton Island?
Hon. Peter Kilabuk (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I would like to know who are you directing your question to?
Mr. Arreak (interpretation): Thank you.
I am talking about the Broughton Island shoreline.
I know that this was studied in the year 2000.
I would like to know when you will be looking at this again in Broughton Island.
We worked on this with the department of transportation, and I will be speaking with my colleague and will take this as a notice.
Speaker (interpretation): The Minister has taken the question as notice.
Question 160 – 2(1): Update on Children’s Advocate Considerations
Mr. Speaker, last week I tabled a letter that I wrote to the minister about child advocates, and I tabled some information.
I am wondering if the minister could update the House on what considerations she has given to the issue to establish a children’s advocate for Nunavut.
Hon. Levinia Brown: “Qujannamiik, Uqaqti.”
Thank you, for bringing up that children’s advocate issue.
The children and the youth are very lucky to have you as their advocate raising this issue.
I have spoken with my deputy minister and I have directed him to take the information you provided to me to Nunavut’s Promise to Children and Youth Committee, which includes the Department of Health and Social Services, Department of Education, Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth, and Justice, where they could give it some consideration.
I am wondering if the minister could update us on the activities of that committee.
I have here the deputy minister’s committee Nunavut’s Promise to Children and Youth.
Does it advocate for the rights of children and youth in Nunavut?
Could the minister update us on that, please?
I am still working on this, and I will take this as notice, and I will come back to you.
During the recent government restructuring, the advocacy office was transferred from the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth to Health and Social Services.
Does this office specifically address the needs of children and youth?
I will take that question as notice and return to you.
The minister will take that as notice.
She will come back to you.
Question 161 – 2(1): Update on Gun Legislation
Mr. Kattuk. (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
We have not heard of gun control lately, so what is the status of that right now?
This is still in the courts, and we are jointly working with NTI.
Last year we went through the courts so that it will not be used against Inuit.
We are still in the process in court.
This would have to go through court before we know what will happen.
We are still negotiating with the federal government.
That is where we are up to today.
This is still in court.
Speaker (interpretation): Supplementary question. Mr. Kattuk.
When will they complete the court process?
And when will they start implementing it?
Courts run on their own. If we are going through the court… . Usually, with the court system, it is usually long, I am therefore unable to respond to you.
Right after the court case is concluded, I will be able to provide you with more information.
I do agree with you that this should be done as soon as possible, but everything has to be done carefully and accordingly through the courts.
I have just not been updated in regards to this, that is why I have been asking this question.
Since this is going through the courts, are we still using the current gun legislation whereby we need firearms certificates in order to purchase firearms?
Is that what we are still using and implementing today?
According to my knowledge, no, it does not apply to Inuit today.
It was announced last year through the supreme court that this gun legislation is contradicting the land claims agreement.
After the supreme court has concluded its review, then we will know whether the gun legislation or the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement prevails.
So, it does not apply to Inuit in the meantime.
Question 162 – 2(1): Boarding Home Facility in the Kivalliq Region
In the Kivalliq region, in Rankin Inlet, we will be getting a hospital.
We’re very pleased to get our regional hospita,l and it shows the government is really good to us.
But, within the five-year capital plan there is no boarding home for the patients and the elders.
I know for sure some elders will be going on their own because Rankin Inlet is going to be closer to the communities. I’m sure that the elders will be going to Rankin Inlet for medical reasons without any interpreters and yet, there is no boarding home available there, and unilingual patients will be arriving there.
Does the government have any plans to set up or establish a boarding home for the Keewatin patients?
And thank you for asking this question.
Our staff are now working on the plans.
I believe that the plans are going to be a bit late for the patient boarding home in Rankin Inlet, but we’re utilizing the bed and breakfast, and patients can now stay at the hotel. And, if some patients want to be billeted out, they will be able to be billeted out.
We definitely need a patient boarding home in the Keewatin region; are you going to put it in the five-year capital plan once you start dealing with this issue?
Yes, we are in the planning stages, but it is not within the five-year capital plans currently.
During our cabinet meeting we’ll talk about it through there.
Oral Qqestions.
Question 163 – 2(1): Plans on Stabilizing Gas and Fuel Prices in the Future
At times, I make the mistake of calling you chairman instead of Mr. Speaker.
So, I apologize.
I would like to direct my question to Government Services’ Peter Kilabuk.
Yesterday, through the media, we heard the Maritimes fisheries fuel price went up by 4.2 cents a litre.
It is becoming evident that this will hit us this coming fall.
As we ask questions during question period, I would to direct my question to the minister.
Gasoline prices are cheaper for businesses in Nunavut; when they purchase for outboard motors, the businesses pay 13.5 cents for the gasoline.
The private businesses who use gasoline… . It seems like they don’t pay taxes if they’re not a commercial venture.
However, once the fuel prices go up, and I know that the fuel prices are going to go up, and there is no subsidy program for small private businesses… .
During the winter when the government was first established it was not included in the estimates because we did not know if the price of fuel was going to go up, and once the fuel price was set you put in a bid, and when unexpected costs came up they could end up not making a profit.
I would like to ask the Minister of Community Government and Services how our Nunavut Government… . What kinds of plans do they have for that? Also, is there any subsidy program just in case there was some assistance required?
Speaker (interpretation): Community government and services minister, Mr. Kilabuk.
To date, for the past three months, especially with the fuel and diesel price going up, we’ve been managing the fuel prices.
We also would like to include looking at ways it would be cheaper for the users.
And, during our review if there needs to be an amendment, I would give it to the cabinet to be considered.
At this time, the plans we have to tackle this issue are to make sure that the fuel prices for gas and oil, to make sure that the funding we have is adequate for all the communities in Nunavut.
Since we purchase bulk fuel ahead of time… . The way we do things up here is a little bit different than our southern counterparts because our southern counterparts can purchase fuel from their own sources continuously, although we do monitor this closely.
Since it’s in the condition, I would like to ask the minister if the fuel for vehicles is going to remain the same, or is the fuel price frozen?
Currently we have not made a decision in regards to that.
The fuel price of gasoline and diesel, especially for the Kitikmeot region, for Baffin, Kivalliq, is incomplete as yet.
We will be able to table information once we complete it, once we know how much the expenditures will be.
The issue that I’m talking about I feel is very important.
Within the Nunavut government, we’ve already gone through half of the year already for the fuel, and I know that nothing has been set up.
When nothing is set up, a lot of unexpected things come up in a few short days.
I know that it would be a lot, but in various communities in Nunavut, each have different promises for each communities. At times they can only get fuel from one pump, and some people deliver fuel to other individuals, therefore the favours are different.
Some individuals can’t even go get one litre.
So, these policies, I believe, should be be standardized for the coming fall distribution, because when we go to a different community, the communities can purchase fuel for their homes or their diesel fuel, whether is it for motor vehicles.
I believe that the policies should be standardized.
Please try and keep your questions as clear as possible so that the other members can ask questions.
What my colleague is stating is true, because it varies in each community.
Some communities can deliver 45 gallons of diesel, and if it is after hours, then they have to pay the extra fee.
I will have my officials look into that.
I will provide my colleague with the information once it is provided to me. Thank you.
Question 164 – 2(1): Clarity on Fuel Subsidy Increase
I think many of us are confused in Nunavut.
My first question is in regards to the fuel subsidy program.
I would like to ask her why there would have to be an increase.
We will start off with that first.
Speaker (interpretation): The Minister of Finance, Ms. Aglukkaq.
The QEC put forth a request to the Financial Management Board for $10 million.
There are a number of issues around the response that Mr. Simailak had provided in the $million.
The $10 million increase is in lieu of the fuel rider, as he indicated.
There was no increase in the fuel rates to address their shortfalls.
That is the understanding we got.
The understanding we got is that this $10 million is called the rate rider, but it is to offset the debt that NPC has.
My question is in regards to the fuel subsidy program and the fuel stabilization rider, because there is a difference between the two.
Hon. Leona Aglukkaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, in actual fact, the Financial Management Board has no clear role in the practice of setting rates.
The minister responsible for the QEC must order or request the QEC to propose the fuel rider.
Mr.Curley.
Mr. Curley (interpretation): That was not the question that I asked.
I asked you whether there was a difference between the home fuel subsidization and the fuel stabilization rider.
For example, you have to make a request to Finance, and there is a subsidy for the fuel riders concerned.
That is different from NPC.
This is a difference between the fuel subsidy program and the stabilization rider.
I am not clear on the question that he is proposing. It’s a subsidy; there are some subsidies available for fuel for homeowners under the income support program.
I am not clear what his actual question is.
He is linking the fuel subsidy to the fuel stabilization rate, so perhaps he could clarify which program he is actually referring to, whether it is the program under Education, or the rates, or the stabilization fund.
Speaker (interpretation): Would you clarify your question please, Mr. Curley.
Mr. Curley (interpretation): I am sure the departments know what types of programs that they have available.
There is the power subsidy program. My question to the minister: is there a difference between that and the fuel stabilization rider.?
When we ask questions of the ministers and the ministers respond, it seems that like there is a seam between all these programs that apply.
Please give us the differentiations.
Speaker (interpretation): Mrs. Aglugark.
And thank you for clarifying that.
There is a power subsidy in place, and it’s based, I believe, on the first 700 kilowatt hours, and businesses can apply for that subsidy.
And there are two differences.
Mr. Curley (interpretation): Then if that is the case my question will be, why is it that the Department of Finance gave $10 million to Nunavut Power Corporation and they call it a fuel subsidy program?
Are you going to be supporting this?
I would think that it will have to go through the Utility Rate Review Council.
Would that be the case?
There are two separate issues, and I think you are mixing the two.
The power subsidy program is intended to reduce the cost of electrical energy to personal consumers, who pay their own electricity bills.
Consumers receive their subsidy directly on their monthly power bill.
The program is set at the first 700 kilowatt hours, and that process is at subsidized rate of 15 cents.
The other information that he’s alluding to relates to the process of rate review.
The Minister responsible for the Qudliq Energy Corporation puts forth a request that a rate review be considered, which is not part of this process, and a separate issue.
They are all linked, but as it relates to your question on the fuel power subsidy, there is a separation there.
Question 165 – 2(1): Harbour and Port for Iqaluit and Apex
My question is for the minister responsible for transportation.
Yesterday the minister will recall us asking the minister responsible for fisheries questions about looking at a feasibility study for fishing-related opportunities here in Iqaluit.
I know, in conjunction with the department of transportation that is responsible for harbours and ports… . I’d like to ask the minister if he would, in conjunction with the minister of fisheries, commit to initiating harbour and port studies for Iqaluit and Apex.
Yes, I heard that discussion yesterday with interest and I will commit to trying to find the money to commission such a study.
Oral questions, Mr. Peterson.
Question 166 – 2(1): Update on Wind Energy
It’s concerning the alternate energy division.
A couple years ago, a group of us from Cambridge Bay went to Kotzebue, Alaska.
It’s on the same latitude as Cambridge Bay.
We saw that they had 14-16 wind turbines in the community.
We learned that all the technology comes from Canada, from Atlantic Canada.
So, I’m wondering if the minister could update the House on the work that the Alternate Energy Division does for Nunavut, given that fossil fuel prices continue to increase.
I think this year that it’s going to be maybe $140 million out of our total budget.
Speaker (interpretation): Minister responsible for Nunavut Power Corporation. Mr. Simailak.