EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Part of the problem last year seemed to be that whoever was doing the booking in Winnipeg was favouring one airline over another and that one airline had one engine, no bathroom, flying all the way from Winnipeg maybe to Churchill or to Rankin Inlet.
Has that been investigated and has that been changed to put patients coming out of Winnipeg because it is a long flight to be on multi-prop with bathroom facilities?
Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding as the Member has raised and several people have risen over the past several months about that condition.
It has been rectified, in fact, indeed it has changed.
The medical travel now, from those two locations that you are talking about, from the south to Rankin Inlet and onward are in the proper aircraft that are available.
I am not sure that I heard the answer correctly, but the Minister seemed to be talking about travelling from the North to South.
I am talking about travelling from the South to the North.
Patients coming out of Winnipeg, who have to either fly to Thompson, or to Churchill.
I believe it takes over an hour, even for a fast little single engine Pilatus.
That is what most of the patients were going on when they were getting out of Winnipeg.
I am asking if that has been changed, travel from the South to the North?
And I thank the Member for the clarification.
It is my understanding, Mr. Speaker, that that has been changed to meet needs of the patients.
That indeed, for example, that there is a bathroom and so on in place.
Members will note that the extended Question Period is now over.
We will be moving onto Item 7.
Return to Written Question 007 – 1(6): Question on Legal Opinion by French DEA
Return to Written Question 008 – 1(6): PYs in the school
Return to Written Question 009 – 1(6): Dental Services
Return to Written Question 010 – 1(6): Ministerial Travel
I wish to table four responses to the following Written Questions, Written Questions 007 – 1(6); and Written Questions 008 – 1(6); asked by Mr. Tootoo to the Minister of Education, Written Questions 009 – 1(6); asked by Mr. McLean to the Minister of Health and Social Services; and Written Questions 010 – 1(6); asked by Mr. McLean to the Minister Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs.
Item 8. Returns to Written Questions. Returns to Written Questions.
Item 9. Replies to Opening Address. Replies to Opening Address.
Petitions. Item 11. Reports of Standing and Special Committees.
Report 015 – 1(6): Bill 34 – An Act to Amend the International Sales of Goods Act
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I wish to report that Bill 34, an Act to Amend the International Sales of Goods has been reviewed by the Standing Committee on Ajauqtiit, and that the Bill is ready for consideration in the Committee of the Whole.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to waive Rule 68(5) and have Bill 34 moved into Committee of the Whole for today.
There is a request to waive Rule 68(5), the Standing Committee report on Bill 34, can be immediately referred to the Committee of the Whole.
Bill 34 is referred to the Committee of the Whole for today.
Tabled Document 109 – 1(6): DEW Line Site Clean Up Schedule
I would like to table the following document: The DEW Line Site Schedule.
Tabled Document 110 – 1(6): Return to Oral Question 455 – 1(6) and 507 – 1(6)
Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following responses to Oral Question 455-1 (6) asked by Hunter Tootoo on March 20th and 507-1 (6) asked by Hunter Tootoo on March 26th, 2003.
Mr. Speaker, these questions were asked of the former minister and responses were mailed to the member.
I would like to table these responses for the information of all members.
Tabled Document 111 – 1(6): Annual Report of the Integrity Commissioner of Nunavut for the Fiscal Year April 1 2002 to March 31, 2003
Tabled Document 112 – 1(6): Report on the Statutory Requirements for Tabling of Report and Other Documents in the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut as of June 2003
As the Speaker, I wish to table the following documents: One, the Annual Report on the Integrity Commissioner of Nunavut for the fiscal year 01 April 2002, March 31, 2003, Item 2, the Report on the Statutory Requirements of Tabling of Reports and Other Documents, in the Legislative of Assembly of Nunavut as of June 2003.
Tabled Document 113 – 1(6): Response to Petition 007 – 1(6)
I wish to table a response to Petition 007-1 (6), filed by the office of the clerk by Minister of Community Government & Transportation.
Bill 36 – An Act to Amend the Workers’ Compensation Act – Notice
Bill 37 – An act to Amend the Liquor Act – Notice
Bill 38 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) No. 1, 2003-04 – Notice
Bill 39 – An Act to Amend the Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act – Notice
I wish to give notice that on Wednesday June the 4th, I’ll move that Bill 36, an act to amend the Worker’s Compensation Act, Bill 37, an act to amend the Liquor Act, Bill 38, Supplementary Appropriation Act #1, 2003/2004, and Bill 39, an act to amend the Supplementary Retiring Allowances Acts be read for the first time.
Do the members unanimously agree that not withstanding Rule 27 (2), that we proceed directly to item 22, Orders of the Day.
Orders of the Day, Madame Deputy Clerk.
Deputy Clerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Orders of the Day for June 3, 2003:
Minister’s Statement 126-1(6)
Bill 34
21. Third Reading of Bills.
22. Orders of the Day.
Speaker: Thank you, Madam Clerk.
This House stands adjourned until Tuesday, June 3rd, at 1:30 p.m.
>>House Recessed at 17:50 p.m.  Nunavut Canada
Tuesday June 3, 2003
Pages 3591 – 3653
Silas Angoyouar
Opening Prayer 3591
Ministers’ Statements 3591
Members’ Statements 3596
Oral Questions 3604
Point of Privilege 3607
Reports of Standing and Special Committees 3625
Tabled Documents 3635
Notices of Motions 3636
First Reading of Bills 3638
Second Reading of Bills 3640
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 3642
Report of Committee of the Whole 3653
Orders of the Day 3653
Tuesday June 3, 2003 3591
164 – 1(6): Power Rates (Picco) 3591
165 – 1(6): Nunavut Tourism Strategy (Akesuk) 3593
166 – 1(6): Standardized Testing in Nunavut (Thompson) 3594
167 – 1(6): CLEY Update (Kilabuk) 3595
539 – 1(6): Leena Petersen Boarding Home (Havioyak) 3596
540 – 1(6): Storage of Cargo in Churchill Warehouse (Anawak) 3597
541 – 1(6): Planned Renovation of Airport in Gjoa Haven (Puqiqnak) 3597
542 – 1(6): Funding for Teacher Positions (Tootoo) 3598
543 – 1(6): Encourage Nunavummiut to Take Control (Iqaqrialu) 3599
544 – 1(6): Standardized Testing in Nunavut (Irqittuq) 3600
545 – 1(6): In Support of Collection of Stories from Elders (Thomson) 3601
546 – 1(6): Economic Development Strategy (McLean) 3602
547 – 1(6): Medivac and Medical Travel Contracts (Arvaluk) 3602
548 – 1(6): Education System in Nunavut (Alakannuark) 3603
549 – 1(6): Family Services Needed in Communities (Nutarak) 3604
545 – 1(6): Housing Scale Recommendations (Iqaqrialu) 3604
546 – 1(6): Baker Lake Child/Youth Outreach Worker Position (McLean) 3607
547 – 1(6): Documentation of Elder Knowledge History (Arvaluk) 3610
548 – 1(6): Changes to the Funding Formula for the Schools (Tootoo) 3611
549 – 1(6): Public Concerns on Rent Scales (Williams) 3614
550 – 1(6): Number of Polar Bear Tags Distributed (Irqittuq) 3617
551 – 1(6): Counsellors Needed in Communities (Nutarak) 3619
552 – 1(6): Report on Leena Peterson Boarding Home (Havioyak) 3621
553 – 1(6): Hiring Social Workers from Southern Cities (Anawak) 3622
004 – 1(6): Report on the Review of the 2002 Report of the Auditor General of Canada to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut (Tootoo) 3625
114 – 1(6): Kivalliq Chamber of Commerce (McLean) 3635
115 – 1(6): 12 Resolutions (McLean) 3635
116 – 1(6): The Time is Right (Akesuk) 3635
117 – 1(6): Utility Rates Review Council Report to the Minister (Picco) 3636
118 – 1(6): Executive Summary – Annual Report of the Nunavut Power Corporation 2001-2002 (Picco) 3636
119 – 1(6): Public Accounts – March 31, 2002 (Ng) 3636
120 – 1(6): Schedule of Inter-branch Transfers Over $250 Thousand (Ng) 3636
022 – 1(6): Minister’s Statement 164 – 1(6) to Committee of the Whole (McLean) 3592
023 – (6): - Extension - Reviews of Bills 20, 33 and 35 – Notice (Irqittuq) 3637
024 – (6): Extended Adjournment – Notice (McLean) 3637
025 – (6): Appointment to Standing Committee – Notice (Havioyak) 3637
Bill 36 – An Act to Amend the Worker’s Compensation Act – First Reading 3638
Bill 37 – An Act to Amend the Liquor Act – First Reading 3638
Bill 38 – Supplementary Appropriation Act (Capital) No.1, 2003/2004 – First Reading 3639
Bill 39 – An Act to Amend the Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act – First Reading 3639
Bill 36 - An Act to Amend the Workers’ Compensation Act – Second Reading 3640
Bill 37 – An Act to Amend the Liquor Act – Second Reading 3640
Bill 38 – Supplementary Appropriation Act (Capital) No. 1, 2003/2004 – Second Reading 3641
Bill 39 – An Act to Amend the Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act – Second Reading 3641
Speaker (Mr. O’Brien): I would like to call on to Mr. Alakannuark to say the opening prayer.
Speaker: Good afternoon, members, Mr. Premier.
For members information I’ve authorized CBC to have their cameras in here for the next 30 minutes.
Be prepared and be alert.
I also have a letter from the commissioner of Nunavut that reads as follows:
I wish to advise that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut the passage of the following Bills during the session of the first Legislative Assembly.
Bill 38 – Supplementary Appropriation Capital No. 1, 2003/2004.
Minister’s Statement 164 – 1(6): Power Rates
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform members of the Legislative Assembly and Nunavummiut that the Government of Nunavut will freeze power rates until the beginning of next fiscal year on April 1, 2004.
In doing so the Government has rejected both the request of the Nunavut Power Corporation for 10 cents per kilowatt hour as well as the Utility Rates Review Council recommendation of 7.5 cents per kilowatt hour, fuel stabilization rider.
This action was taken after a detailed review of the Utility Rates Review Council decision and consultations with affected power users.
Mr. Speaker, the decision was made with careful consideration of the financial viability objectives of Nunavut Power Corporation and its ability to deliver affordable and reliable power to our consumers.
Mr. Speaker, we took this action after taking a close look at the numbers when considering a recent request by Nunavut Power Corporation for a temporary increase.
We were not satisfied that the numbers were full and complete.
We also considered the human side.
We heard from concerned electricity users.
They said a temporary increase would hurt our growing economy and would cause personal hardship.
Mr. Speaker, our newly created Qulliq Energy Corporation needs time to establish itself and come up with ways to reduce energy consumption, improve efficiency, encourage conservation and find alternative energy sources.
This will reduce the cost pressure on power bills on the future.
We also need to get a fuller picture of the true costs of electricity before approving new power rates, temporary or otherwise.
That’s why we have asked Nunavut Power to provide is with verifiable financial information every three months.
In addition, during this financial year, Nunavut Power will become a fully functioning subsidiary of Qulliq Corporation, freeze discretionary capital and operating commitments and expenditures, develop a General Rate Application proposal that includes redesigned power rates, design an Affordable Energy Fund, and Develop an implementation plan for affordable and predictable rates.
This action plan underlines our commitment to provide Nunavummiut with reliable electricity supplies at the lowest prices.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Nunavut is also committed to establishing the best methods for tracking the real costs of supplying energy to Nunavummiut and controlling these costs.
Motion 022 – 1(6): Minister’s Statement 164 – 1(6) to Committee of the Whole
Pursuant to Rule 34 (5) I move seconded by the Honourable member for Iqaluit Center that Minister’s Statement 164 – 1(6) be moved into Committee of the Whole for discussion.
The motion is carried and Minister’s Statement 164 – 1(6) will be moved into Committee of the Whole.
Minister’s Statement 165 – 1(6): Nunavut Tourism Strategy
I would first like to say hello to my wife and children. (interpretation ends) I am very pleased to inform members that Nunavut Tourism and the Department of Sustainable Development have developed a Tourism Strategy for Nunavut that I will be tabling later today.
The strategy, “A Strategic Plan for Tourism Development in Nunavut”, outlines how and where key investments should be made.
These areas include attractions, exhibits, accommodations, product development, marketing and training and development of our labour force.
In developing the strategy, the current situation was analysed and industry, government and tourism delivery agents were consulted on what was needed to bring Nunavut to a level that was competitive with the other territories.
Based on all of this analysis and consultation, a strategy was developed.
The strategy provides recommendations on specific programs and activities, timelines, responsibilities of partners, cost estimates and potential funding agencies.
The strategy outlines how to effectively tap into this growing sector and provide benefits for present and future generations.
I believe Nunavut is one of Canada’s most unique tourism destinations and it is my intention to build on this economic opportunity.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I would also like to announce that Nunavut Tourism approved this strategic plan at their annual general meeting in Rankin Inlet in November 2002.
Mr. Speaker, the Conference Board of Canada has stated that tourism is one of the key building blocks of Nunavut’s economic future.
It has been singled out as one of the “four pillars” of economic growth.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I recognise that it will take key public investments to build our tourism industry.
To convince our Federal partners of the values of these investments, we must show them the potential and that a strong foundation exists in this economic sector.
We must also show we are committed to the growth of this sector.
The Nunavut Tourism Strategy does all this.
Minister’s Statement 166 – 1(6): Standardized Testing in Nunavut
I rise today to speak about an issue that has raised a lot of questions.
Since I became the Minister of Education I have been asked about my position on Standardized Testing and whether or not I was for or against it.
Mr. Speaker, currently that is no way to determine if a grade 3 level is the same in all Nunavut communities.
We can say the same about most grade levels.
We know that our teachers are trying their best to ensure all students are receiving the best education.
However, they also need the tools to ensure education is consistent in all communities.
Mr. Speaker, I think it is unfortunate that a lot of good ideas and information were lost in the debate on this issue, particularly because there was very little consultation, discussion and general information circulated.
I would like to emphasize a couple of things that I believe in reference to Standardized Testing.
As a former teacher and education consultant I believe that there must be methods to asses the progress of our students.
Parents, teachers, education authorities and our department must work together as a team to develop a satisfactory method of assessing our progress in the classrooms.
We want an education for our children that does not come second to any other territory or province when it comes to our children’s future.
Standardized benchmarks can be designed and implemented with our requirements and needs in mind.
Mr. Speaker, we want an education system that meets the needs of our children, their future and the future of Nunavut.
We want our students to receive an education that is competitive and provides them with the tools to succeed anywhere in Canada.
We can design an education system incorporating our own values and traditions without harming the academics that our children need to succeed.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that all parents, teachers and Members of the Legislative Assembly want the best education for their children.
I am pleased to state that this work has already begun within the Department of Education.
This year consultations will take place to ensure we are working together using the tools of the trade and incorporating our strengths as Nunavummiut.
I commit to working with all those individuals, parents, students, teachers, school administrators and the District Education Authorities to see a world class education system in Nunavut.
Minister’s Statement 167 – 1(6): CLEY Update
Mr. Speaker, as the new Minister of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth, I am pleased to update this House on recent achievements and new initiatives of the Government of Nunavut through the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth.
In the March session, we heard about a significant advancement in coordinating Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in government; the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit was announced.
Since then, I have been taking nominations for the Katimajiit and departments have been hiring staff to sit on the intergovernmental support committee, Tuqtarvik.
I will be announcing the appointments to the Katimajiit later this month.
In March we also heard about two new cross-government working groups that will focus on language strategies to ensure that as a government we meet our Bathurst Mandate goals and our legal obligations for Inuktitut/Inuinnaqtun.
These two groups have been established and are preparing for the first meetings.
Mr. Speaker, building on a successful archaeology season last year, our Archaeology Program will be heading to Igloolik and Southampton Island, to assist communities in preserving and protecting historical resources.
In July archaeology staff will travel to Coral Harbour, responding to a request from the community for expert advice on the possibility of designing a new territorial park in the area.
Inspections in other important archaeology sites around Nunavut are also scheduled for this upcoming season.
To support youth, Culture, Language, Elders and Youth has begin a series of workshops across the territory to speak with youth about their identity.
These workshops are the planning phase of a Youth Identity Development Strategy aimed at developing pride and self-esteem through culture and language.
We are also gearing up a new program to collect and preserver oral histories by interviewing Elders across Nunavut.
The project will start this month in Gjoa Haven, Cape Dorset and Whale Cove.
These communities have been chosen as first priority because they have the smallest number of oral histories preserved to date.
The program will be offered in six Nunavut communities in the coming year.
In addition to the new initiative I have outlined, Culture, Language, Elders and Youth will continue to offer support to individuals and community based organisations by providing grants and contributions.
Mr. Speaker, The Government of Nunavut and the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth wish everyone a safe and happy summer and much luck with the projects they will be perusing.
Speaker: Thank you, Minister. Ministers’ Statements.
Member's Statement 539 – 1(6): Leena Petersen Boarding Home
Mr. Havioyak (Floor): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Today I will be raising an issue that I have frequently raised in our past sessions, or when we are in Iqaluit. The residents of Kugluktuk or the people of Kitikmeot for that matter, have concerns and are not satisfied with the (Floor ends here) (Interpretation) Leena Peterson Boarding Home in Yellowknife, it is not fulfilling the needs of our constituents.
People are complaining that it is too small for the Kitikmeot communities.
Sometimes people from Kitikmeot communities find out that there is no room in the boarding home, so they have to be put into hotel rooms and sometimes they have to go to the Inn, the other native community boarding home located in Old Town.
We realize that they will be making a new hospital in Cambridge Bay and hopefully it will be completed next year.
I believe that until that health centre is built, I think that the boarding home in Yellowknife will be utilized until we have a health centre in our communities, by the Kitikmeot, but a lot of people will also be utilizing that boarding home for doctors’ appointments and so on.
Some of the patients have to stay in that boarding home for quite a long time and there is nothing for them to do there.
They get very bored because they have to stay there for quite some time.
They do not have facilities or recreational areas for these people to make their extended stay.
Everybody knows how difficult it is to stay away from home and it is even more difficult if you are sick, but once Cambridge Bay has facilities being built, we look forward to its completion.
In the meantime, the boarding home will be used for quite some time because a lot of people still have to go for the doctors’ appointments in Yellowknife. I will be bringing this issue later on sometime during this Session.
Speaker: Just to remind Members to try to stay to the two and a half minutes, if they require more, as the rules state, they should be asking for unanimous consent to conclude their statements.
Member's Statement 540 – 1(6): Storage of Cargo in Churchill Warehouse
In the Kivalliq Region last winter, we did some scheduling of the sealift for the Kivalliq communities from Montreal for cargo and to deliver fuel supply and so on and we are happy as residents of the Kivalliq Region.
But, some of the supplies go from Montreal to the port of Churchill before they are sent to the communities in the Kivalliq Region.
There is a warehouse in Churchill and the supplies that are going to be shipped by sea are stored at that warehouse.
The danger that we saw right away is that the individual who operates the warehouse, if he does not have enough supplies stored in his warehouse, that he would bring the prices up for storage.
They are, in turn, raising the prices of consumer goods when they finally reach the communities.
I just want to let Public Works and the Government know that the prices might go up for the consumers because of this issue of insufficient volume at that warehouse in the port of Churchill.
We have to look very carefully to make sure that the prices do not rise or the fuel price does not rise for the people of the Kivalliq Region.
Later on, I will be asking questions regarding this matter.
Member’s Statement 541 – 1(6): Planned Renovation of Airport in Gjoa Haven
Greetings to the people of Baker Lake.
It seems like I came home and I am happy to see my relatives here.
I also wish to extend greetings to the people of Gjoa Haven.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the planned renovation of the Gjoa Haven airport terminal building.
This project is extremely important to my community and everyone who has visited Gjoa Haven can understand the necessity of the expansion.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the 2003-2004 Capital Estimates include funding to begin construction this summer.
However, it is my understanding that the project is short by $200 thousand dollars.
Mr. Speaker, on May 22, 2003, a design presentation was made to the Hamlet Council.
The Hamlet Council is looking forward to the timely completion of this project, but is concerned that the increased cost projections mean that it will not go ahead as planned.
Mr. Speaker, the Hamlet Council of Gjoa Haven is willing to contribute financially to this project and they have asked that I present them to the Minister.
Mr. Speaker, I hope that the Hamlet, the Department of Community Government and Transportation and the Government of Nunavut can cooperate to ensure that this important expansion will be completed this summer.
Mr. Speaker, I will be asking the Minister of Department of Community Government and Transportation questions on this matter at the appropriate time.
Member’s Statement 542 – 1(6): Funding for Teacher Positions