EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I would stress that it is very important that we do build our financial capacity and that this funding is subject to DIAND budget approval annually and also by the Financial Management Board, and then we provide our reporting to Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.
I will just change the pace a little bit here.
Each year, the government’s liquor commission awards hundreds of thousands of dollars in contracts to breweries, the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, and other suppliers. The liquor that is purchased from these suppliers is resold from the government’s two liquor warehouses in Iqaluit and Rankin Inlet.
How will the government ensure that this year’s contracts do not include any liquor from the European Union?
Hon. Keith Peterson: I anticipated that question from Mr. Schell.
I can assure Mr. Schell and the House that there won’t be any liquor purchased from the European Union. I think the order has already gone in and I have been assured by my officials that those products weren’t on the order.
I’m sure the member will test the system when sealift is in place.
Are there any further questions on finance?
When the Minister of CGS was before the committee, I asked this question and he said it would be best to ask this question to the Minister of Finance.
In April of 2004, the Government of Nunavut filed a lawsuit against NTCL for approximately $7.5 million to recover costs incurred by the government for its “bad gas” compensation program.
Fortunately, I read the same newspapers that he does, so I anticipated that question as well. I did read a story in April and of course, my officials at the departments of Justice and Finance were both interested in that.
They have been following up on the “bad gas” lawsuit.
I have been advised by my Deputy Minister of Justice that there is a teleconference actually on June 7 to talk to the lawyers and insurers to discuss the progress of the case.
I can’t tell you when or if it will be concluded, but I can say that it is quite lengthy. So when we get an update, we can provide that at a future sitting.
On this matter or another matter? Another matter?
Okay. Mr. Elliott.
Mr. Elliott: Another matter, yes. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
As well when Minister Kusugak was before us, it was the Deputy Minister, Ms. Lausman, who mentioned about the accountability process that is involved and your department is part of that as the Department of Finance.
Could you explain how your department is involved?  Again I am trying to learn the whole process of how contracts work and whatnot.
This is not sole sourcing, but it was part of the funding and accountability.
Of course, the Department of Finance, being a central agency department to the government, we provide a range of services to all government departments.
The accountability, providing financial advice, direction to adhere to the Financial Administration Manual, the Financial Administration Act; we encourage all departments to come to us when there is doubt about anything in the financial processes that they are pursuing.
That is throughout Nunavut. Whether it’s here in Iqaluit or the regional offices in Rankin Inlet, Cambridge Bay, or Igloolik, we provide payroll services and a whole range of services.
As I said, being a central agency department, it is our responsibility to ensure that the Financial Administration Act is adhered to. Sometimes it is difficult because you will have people that misinterpret the FAM directives, the policy, or the Act and/or they interpret their way and we have to clarify it for them. So we work very closely with the Auditor General of Canada as well, who periodically comes up to audit certain departments or public agencies, or will audit an initiative that is underway in a department.
We have the Internal Audit Services that perform a range of audits - performance audits, compliance audits, forensic audits, and operational audits.
That could be at our discretion, but quite often and more frequently, it is at the request of the departments themselves that we come in there and help them out to assist them with financial and accounting processes.
Chairman: Thank you for that explanation, Minister Peterson.
Are there any further questions on this finance matter?
Any finance questions?
Minister Peterson, would you like to make closing comments?
I thank my colleagues here.
I continue to stress that the government has to be held accountable and be transparent.
I think Moses mentioned to many of us the other day, Member Aupaluktuq, to be honest about how we conduct our affairs and this is a good exercise, going through and talking about contracts in the past.
I think we’re all learning a lot on both sides.
I know the government officials in all departments have done a tremendous amount of work to put together briefings for ministers and review policies and contracts. We received direction from the Premier to reduce the use of sole source contracts as much as possible.
We still have to be cognizant that we will rely on a number of contracts to deliver programs and services, but I think this is a good exercise.
In closing, I would like to thank my officials from the Department of Finance and the people who have supported them to put all of this briefing together for us.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Peterson (interpretation ends) and your officials.
We have concluded Finance and I would like to recognize the clock. We will go into other departments tomorrow.
(interpretation) Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort his officials out.
Your committee has been considering Bill 27 and Tabled Documents 66 – 3(2), 99 – 3(2), and 100 – 3(2) and would like to report progress and that Bill 27 is ready for third reading.
Ms. Ugyuk is the seconder.
First Reading of Bills  Second Reading of Bills
Bill 31  Tabled Document 13 – 3(2)
This House stands adjourned until June 4 at ten o’clock in the morning.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Pages 2152 – 2183
Opening Prayer 2152
Ministers’ Statements 2152
Members’ Statements 2155
Returns to Oral Questions 2162
Oral Questions 2162
Tabling of Documents 2180
Second Reading of Bills 2181
Friday, June 4, 2010 2152
161 – 3(2): Women’s Correctional Centre (Peterson) 2152
162 – 3(2): Cumberland Sound Turbot Fishery Research (Shewchuk) 2153
163 – 3(2): Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Research Project (Tapardjuk) 2153
164 – 3(2): Health Science and Health Career Camps (Curley) 2154
246 – 3(2): Sporting a Montreal Canadiens Tie (Kusugak) 2155
247 – 3(2): Summer Jobs for Nunavut Students (Ningark) 2155
248 – 3(2): Nasivvik High School Graduates (Arvaluk) 2156
249 – 3(2): Peter Siakuluk - Winner of Nunavut Quest - Pangaggujjiniq (Tapardjuk) 2157
250 – 3(2): Spring has Sprung (Aariak) 2157
251 – 3(2): Wearing a Montreal Canadiens Tie (Shewchuk) 2158
252 – 3(2): Forty-five Graduates of Inuksuk High School (Tootoo) 2158
253 – 3(2): Defending Montreal Canadiens (Okalik) 2159
254 – 3(2): High Arctic Transportation Study (Elliott) 2160
255 – 3(2): Edmonton Oilers - Future Stanley Cup Champions (Peterson) 2160
256 – 3(2): Thank You to Everyone for a Good First Week as MLA (Ugyuk) 2161
257 – 3(2): Go Edmonton Oilers (Aupaluktuq) 2161
Return to Oral Question 361 – 3(2): Status of a New Daycare Facility for Chesterfield Inlet (Tapardjuk) 2162
381 – 3(2): Baffin Bay Polar Bear Quota (Okalik) 2162
382 – 3(2): Mental Health Issues in the Corrections System (Elliott) 2164
383 – 3(2): Escorts for Medical Patients (Ningark) 2166
384 – 3(2): Status of Airport Improvements in Taloyoak (Ugyuk) 2167
385 – 3(2): Polar Bear Management and Quota System (Arvaluk) 2168
386 – 3(2): Issues with Essential Services in Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt) 2170
387 – 3(2): Dialysis Treatment in Nunavut (Ningeongan) 2173
388 – 3(2): Status of Airport Improvements in Kimmirut (Schell) 2176
389 – 3(2): Update on Test Fishery in Cumberland Sound (Komoartok) 2177
390 – 3(2): Investigation or Audit of Health and Social Services (Elliott) 2178
165 – 3(2): Dry Cargo Resupply Programme Activity Summary - Shipping Year 2008 (Kusugak) 2180
166 – 3(2): Saillivik Policy (Curley) 2180
167 – 3(2): Elections under the Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act (Speaker) 2180
168 – 3(2): Funding Valuation of the Retiring Allowances Fund (Speaker) 2180
024 – 3(2): Early Adjournment (Ningeongan) 2182
Bill 32 – Forgiveness of Debts Act, 2010 – Second Reading 2181
Bill 36 – Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2010, No. 2 – Second Reading 2181
Bill 33 – An Act to Amend the Integrity Act – Second Reading 2181
Bill 34 – An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act – Second Reading 2182
Speaker (Hon. James Arreak) (interpretation): Good morning.
A wonderful morning, Premier, Ministers, Members of the Legislative Assembly, and Nunavummiut. I send my regards to the people of Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq at the end of this week.
Minister’s Statement 161 – 3(2): Women’s Correctional Centre (Peterson)
Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce the grand opening of the women’s correctional facility on June 11 in Iqaluit.
This is an important day that marks Nunavut’s first facility built specifically to house low to medium risk female offenders and to run specialized rehabilitative programming.
The programming is going to focus on individual skills development.
The aim is to provide life skill training to ease transition back into communities after incarceration by building an inmate’s self-confidence to make positive life choices.
The ultimate goal, Mr. Speaker, is to provide services and support needed to rehabilitate and reduce the possibilities of re-offending.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the caseworkers and staff from the Baffin Correctional Centre and Young Offenders who have volunteered to work at the women’s correctional facility while caseworker candidates proceed through the hiring process.
Their experience and input into the day-to-day functioning is greatly appreciated and indeed fosters the growth and success of the program.
In celebration of the completion of this building project, I am pleased to invite the Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council, Premier Aariak, Minister responsible for the Status of Women, and all Members of the Legislative Assembly to the official opening of the correctional facility on Friday, June 11, 2010, at 9:00 am.
We look forward to welcoming all of our guests.
Minister’s Statement 162 – 3(2): Cumberland Sound Turbot Fishery Research (Shewchuk)
Hon. Daniel Shewchuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Department of Environment will be partnering with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the universities of Windsor and Manitoba this summer to conduct important scientific research in Cumberland Sound.
The aim of the research is to gather much needed baseline information on the resident populations of various fish and marine mammal species within the sound, including Greenland shark, turbot, seals, and whales, while also testing alternative gear types that could be used to harvest turbot.
This project will build on a previous feasibility study conducted in 2009 which identified the need for more in-depth scientific research on turbot and Greenland shark movement patterns in particular.
With support and involvement from the surrounding communities, this research project will involve:
Assessing the daily and seasonal movements of turbot and Greenland shark in Cumberland Sound using satellite and acoustic tags attached to the fish
Comparing the effectiveness of different types of fishing gear that could be used for turbot in Cumberland Sound, including pot nets and trap nets, in addition to the currently used longlines
Recording and monitoring the movements, distribution, and feeding behaviour of killer whales, beluga whales, narwhal, and bowhead whales
Collecting tissue samples and size measurements from 10 harp and 10 ringed seals
The GN will facilitate this work through both in-kind and field support in addition to continuing to collect baseline biological information from the harvested fish in the 2010 summer fishing season.
Cumberland Sound currently hosts a seasonal commercial turbot fishery in the winter months, holding a 500 metric tonne quota.
The GN strongly supports these research efforts as the continued sustainable growth and management of the Cumberland Sound turbot fishery is vital to Nunavut’s economic development and to its continually growing role in Canada’s commercial fisheries.
Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Louis Tapardjuk.
Minister’s Statement 163 – 3(2): Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Research Project (Tapardjuk)
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and a wonderful morning to you.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform my colleagues about an exciting research project about Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and high school education in Nunavut. This project pulls together some of our most accomplished educational partners.
Specifically, this project will investigate how Inuit high school principals in Pangnirtung and Clyde River work with their district education authorities to bring about change in their schools and engage students and parents through the implementation of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in the school program.
Mr. Speaker, this project is spearheaded by the Coalition of Nunavut DEAs, the University of Prince Edward Island, St. Francis Xavier University, and the Nunavut Department of Education.
ArcticNet, a National Centre for Excellence, awarded a one-year grant which began in May of this year.
Until very recently, ArcticNet funded research on climate change, but as a result of the Inuit Education Accord initiated by Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, they are now venturing into education research as well.
Mr. Speaker, I wish all of the researchers and partners great success in undertaking this project. I am confident that we will all profit from the important findings and that the resulting best practices will serve as a useful tool for administrators across the territory.
Speaker: Thank you. Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Tagak Curley.
Minister’s Statement 164 – 3(2): Health Science and Health Career Camps (Curley)
I am pleased to announce that the Department of Health and Social Services will be providing health science and health careers youth camps in Cambridge Bay, Rankin Inlet, and Iqaluit this summer.
Up to 20 youth, primarily Inuit youth aged 11 to 13, will participate in each of these three camps.
Mr. Speaker, the goals and objectives of the health science camps are to:
Inspire and encourage Inuit youth to pursue health careers;
Build confidence in Inuit youth so they continue in school and qualify for post-secondary education in health career fields; and
Involve Inuit community members to share their traditional knowledge and help Inuit youth make the connections between what is learned at camp and what is significant to their local culture and heritage.
Elders, Inuit volunteers, nurses, midwives, and other health care professionals will help lead the youth and act as positive role models during the camp.
In addition, a cultural event will be part of the camp curriculum.
Funding to design this initiative was provided through Health Canada. The camps will be delivered in each of Nunavut’s three regions by Actua, a charitable youth outreach organization that is experienced in delivering programs in Nunavut and in Canada that stimulate youth to consider science-based careers.
Mr. Speaker, these summer experience programs demonstrate our commitment to providing the youth with innovative training and education opportunities to prepare them for health services careers.
Moving on with our orders of the day.
Member for Rankin Inlet - I forget which constituency - South and Whale Cove, Mr. Kusugak.
Member’s Statement 246 – 3(2): Sporting a Montreal Canadiens Tie (Kusugak)
I am extremely pleased now that you know where my constituency is.
I am very happy that today is Friday as we usually have laughs and jokes.
As well, even in the House here, it seems to be a lighter day.
I wish my constituents in Rankin Inlet and Whale Cove a wonderful day.
Spring is kind of hard to miss because migratory birds are returning and fish are starting to swim. (interpretation ends) The spring comes with it many predictable things. Geese come, fishing derbies happen…
… and the Maple Leafs trade their hockey sticks for golf clubs as the real men begin to play for the Stanley Cup.
Last year, Mr. Speaker, I had the misfortune of losing a bet with my colleague from Arviat and had to wear a Boston Bruins tie. The bet goes on, Mr. Speaker.
This bet seems quite unfair as when Mr. Shewchuk wins, I have to wear a Boston Bruins tie, but when I win, he gets to wear Montreal Canadiens tie.
Mr. Speaker, by the look of his very fine attire today, I would like to commend Mr. Shewchuk for wearing the Montreal Canadiens tie and hopefully, it will become a tradition like that at least coming every spring.
Member’s Statement 247 – 3(2): Summer Jobs for Nunavut Students (Ningark)
I rise today to address the need for summer employment opportunities for Nunavut students.
Mr. Speaker, as summer grows closer by the day, our young people are looking forward to the chance to gain experience and earn some income through their summer employment.
Mr. Speaker, I strongly support employment opportunities for summer students.
Having a job teaches responsibility and builds character.
Mr. Speaker, I know that the Government of Nunavut offers a Summer Student Employment Equity Program. This is an excellent program and I applaud the government for introducing it.
However, Mr. Speaker, for our students living in small communities, there are not as many opportunities. This is because the GN simply doesn’t have a large presence in the smaller communities.
For example, in my communities of Repulse Bay and Kugaaruk, very few GN job opportunities existed last summer.
Most of the GN’s summer positions are in Iqaluit and the regional centres across Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I have noted that some jurisdictions, including the Government of the Northwest Territories, have programs to provide wage subsidies to companies and other employers to hire and train summer students in small and remote communities.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage our government to consider introducing a similar initiative in Nunavut.
Our students will thank us for it.
Mr. Speaker, I will have questions on Monday for the Minister of Human Resources on this issue.
Member’s Statement 248 – 3(2): Nasivvik High School Graduates (Arvaluk)
Again today is Friday and I’m happy that today is the end of the week.
Whenever Friday occurs, especially in the spring, everybody gets ready to go hunting for the weekend.
Those who are still working, they’re already preparing to leave at five o’clock when their workday ends and they will be spending the weekend in a very scenic place.
How wonderful.
Today, it is different. (interpretation ends) There is a different celebration today. It is a slightly different celebration.
This year, Nasivvik High School is proud to be graduating 18 students.
That is our largest class ever.
These people who are graduating on Wednesday are: Albert Aglak, Jason Angnetsiak, Tyler Angnetsiak, Trevor Arreak, Pete Enoogoo, Kevin Enook, Patrick Idlout, Lionel Innualuk, Paul Maktar, Ashley Koonoo, Sebastian Maktar, Jay Simon Nashook, Jordan Ningiuk, Mark Nutarak, Adrian Ootoova, Ipellie Ootoova, Ledia Pewatoaluk, Donna Pitseolak, Johnny Lee Qanguq, Daniel Quasa, Andrew Tagak, and Darlene Simonie.
I would like my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Pond Inlet students in achieving the highest ever graduating class. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 249 – 3(2): Peter Siakuluk - Winner of Nunavut Quest - Pangaggujjiniq (Tapardjuk)
This winter during our session, I believe it was in March, I identified that there would be a dog team race from Pond Inlet all the way to Clyde River.
Mr. Speaker, I am extremely pleased to inform the members that it did proceed from April 14 to 24 from Pond Inlet to Clyde River. This is now the 12th year of that dog team race.
What I’m extremely proud of, Mr. Speaker, and what I want to celebrate is that one of my constituents, John Ningark, the Member for Akulliq’s constituent from Repulse Bay, as well as the Member for Tununiq, including the Member for the High Arctic’s constituent from Arctic Bay, were all taking part.
What I’m celebrating is that my constituent won over your constituents.
Peter Siakuluk from Hall Beach has participated every year. He has not won before, but when he took part for the last time, he won. I am very happy about this.
This dog team race follows closely with the anniversary of the creation of Nunavut and I wish it to continue to operate.
If there is another dog team race next year, we will again try to beat the four members’ constituents.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Tapardjuk. (interpretation ends) Members’ Statements.
Member’s Statement 250 – 3(2): Spring has Sprung (Aariak)
Spring has sprung and it seems like everything comes alive during this time. Students are finishing school and are starting to be out on the land. In the smaller communities, people are starting to filter out onto the land to enjoy the scenery.
I am very happy this week that we had a very productive meeting during our session. In addition, I am extremely pleased that the newest Member for Nattilik was able to attend. I am extremely happy about that and welcome her again.
I now call the Member from Nanulik my Ilataaq and again I welcome him.
He now knows that we are not as fearful as we look. Welcome.
Member’s Statement 251 – 3(2): Wearing a Montreal Canadiens Tie (Shewchuk)
I rise today to pay respect to my colleague and to honour our agreement that we had about wearing ties.
Mr. Speaker, last year, he had the privilege of wearing a beautiful, high quality Boston Bruins tie. As you can see, this one is pretty flimsy.
However, I do feel good to honour our agreement and I think that my Boston Bruins had a wonderful playoff run this year and lost to probably the potential Stanley Cup winning Philadelphia Flyers.
Mr. Speaker, this tie is a little tight. As he said, my Boston tie was, but this one I think is a lot tighter and it does feel very choked and choking me, just like his Montreal Canadiens did again this year.
I look forward to our advancement of our teams next year in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Member’s Statement 252 – 3(2): Forty-five Graduates of Inuksuk High School (Tootoo)
I would never put myself in a situation where I would have to be in a situation like my colleague, Mr. Shewchuk, to have to adorn such attire. I think there is no way that I would ever put anything like that on, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to say, as my colleague from Pond Inlet pointed out, tomorrow here in Iqaluit is a very important and special day for the graduating class from the Inuksuk High School.
In this year’s graduating class, 45 students will be graduating. It’s the second highest graduating class ever from the high school.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate each and every one of them.
I’m sure that all of the parents of those 45 young adults are extremely proud of their children and those graduates too, I think, should be commended and should feel extremely proud of themselves.
As they finish off this phase of their life and move on to the next phase, I wish each and every one of them, in whatever direction they choose to go in after their graduation, the best of luck.
I would also like to take this opportunity to say… I don’t want to list off all 45 names, but there is one individual graduate that I would like to personally congratulate and that is my daughter, Eden, who is graduating tomorrow.
I’ll be at the graduation as one of those very proud parents. I wish her and all of her classmates the very best day tomorrow. Enjoy the day.
They’ve earned it. I hope they have a very safe graduation and a wonderful day tomorrow.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to say a special “thank you” to their principal, Mr. Terry Young, and his staff for their support throughout the years. If these individuals haven’t been at the high school, they would not succeed. I think the large number of graduates is a testament to the hard work and dedication that the staff at the high school do.