EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Pursuant to Rule 46, I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Hudson Bay, that the House adjourn for the day.
We will proceed to Item 23 in our Order Paper.
Just a reminder for meetings on Monday, there’s a meeting of the Standing Committee on Social Wellness commencing at nine o’clock, followed by a meeting of the Full Caucus at eleven o’clock.
Report of the Committee of the Whole  Third Reading of Bills
This House stands adjourned until Monday, June 15, at 1:30 p.m.
>>House adjourned at 12:13
Monday, June 15, 2009
Pages 392 – 453
Opening Prayer 392
Ministers’ Statements 392
Members’ Statements 395
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 398
Oral Questions 399
Tabling of Documents 415
Notices of Motions 416
Motions 417
First Reading of Bills 417
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 418
Report of the Committee of the Whole 452
Orders of the Day 452
Monday, June 15, 2009 392
031 – 3(2): Report of the Senate Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (Shewchuk) 392
032 – 3(2): World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (Curley) 393
033 – 3(2): Piqqusilirivvik Model (Tapardjuk) 394
047 – 3(2): Congratulations to Bonnie Nungnik for Completing Social Work Program (Aupaluktuq) 395
048 – 3(2): Habitat for Humanity Building Second Home in Iqaluit (Tootoo) 395
049 – 3(2): Thanks to Brian Manning of Resolute Bay (Elliott) 396
050 – 3(2): Thanks to Volunteers of Habitat for Humanity (Okalik) 397
051 – 3(2): Congratulations to Peter Pitseolak Graduates in Cape Dorset (Schell) 398
075 – 3(2): Tax Issues and Concerns (Okalik) 399
076 – 3(2): Status of the H1N1 Virus in Nunavut (Schell) 401
077 – 3(2): The Spread of H1N1 Virus in Nunavut (Okalik) 403
078 – 3(2): H1N1 Virus Update (Schell) 406
079 – 3(2): Rules for Use of Health and Social Services Vehicles in Communities (Elliott) 408
080 – 3(2): Probation Officers in Nunavut Communities (Elliott) 410
081 – 3(2): Fisheries Allocations (Okalik) 412
082– 3(2): RCMP Hiring Local People (Schell) 414
032 – 3(2): Bridge to be built Over Sylvia Grinnell (Okalik) 415
033 – 3(2): A Bridge Too Far For Sylvia Grinnell Park? (Okalik) 415
034 – 3(2): www.paulokalik.ca (Okalik) 415
035 – 3(2): Nunavut Fuel Tax Rebate Program Annual Report for 2009 (Peterson) 415
036 – 3(2): 2007-2008 Annual Report, Nunavut Housing Corporation (Tootoo) 415
037 – 3(2): Nunavut Outfitter Liability Protection Fund Annual Report for 2009 (Peterson) 416
038 – 3(2): Response to the Auditor General’s Report on the Nunavut Housing Corporation (Tootoo) 416
039 – 3(2): Crown Agency Council Activity Report for the Period April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009 (Peterson) 416
006 – 3(2): Extended Sitting Hours and Days – Notice (Elliott) 416
007 – 3(2): Extended Adjournment – Notice (Ningeongan) 416
006 – 3(2): Extended Sitting Hours and Days (Elliott) 417
007 – 3(2): Extended Adjournment (Ningeongan) 417
Bill 03 – Western Canada Lottery Act – First Reading 417
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2009-2010 – Education – Consideration in Committee 418
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2009-2010 – Nunavut Arctic College – Consideration in Committee 443
Have a wonderful afternoon, Nunavummiut. (interpretation ends) Item 2.
Minister’s Statement 031 – 3(2): Report of the Senate Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (Shewchuk)
I want to inform my colleagues of a recent report released by the Senate Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans.
This report, entitled “Nunavut Marine Fisheries: Quotas and Harbours,” strongly supports Nunavut’s case for increased fisheries access and infrastructure.
This report is based on consultations which started in 2007 and included a visit to Iqaluit and Pangnirtung for consultation sessions in June 2008.
The Government of Nunavut participated in these sessions, providing Nunavut’s views on the inequities and lack of support we have received in developing this important industry.
The committee’s report concludes that Fisheries and Oceans Canada has not done all it can to support the development of Nunavut’s fishing industry.
Most striking is the following quote: “Nunavummiut appear to have moved forward on matters over which Nunavut has control, but the same cannot be said for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.”
My department is pleased with the committee’s support for the Nunavut fishing industry and its future development, and supports the eight major recommendations outlined in the committee’s report.
These recommendations to the federal government and specifically Fisheries and Oceans Canada are as follows:
That DFO move forward with implementing the harbour development plan in the 2005 Nunavut Small Craft Harbours Report;
That DFO continues to assign 100 percent of the Division 0A turbot allocation to Nunavut;
That DFO continues the policy of no new access in Division 0B to non-Nunavut interests until Nunavut achieves an equitable share of this resource;
That DFO put in place a policy to give Nunavut stakeholders the right of first refusal on the purchase of quotas in Nunavut’s adjacent waters that are transferred or sold;
That IQ be given full consideration in fisheries decision-making;
That DFO indicate when and how the recommended research and monitoring program for the Eastmain 1-A and Rupert Diversion Project will be implemented;
That DFO substantially increase its funding for exploratory research in Nunavut’s adjacent waters and commit to a multi-year, multi-species research program; and
That DFO assess the impact of vessel activity on whales and develop protective management measures in collaboration with the NWMB.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank the Senate Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans for completing this important report and call on the Government of Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada to move forward to implement the recommendations of the committee.
Mr. Speaker, over the past months, I have already had the opportunity to meet with the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Minister Shea, on two occasions. These meetings have been very constructive and have addressed many of the issues facing our fishing industry.
Through these meetings and consultation sessions between senior officials from my department and DFO, a new spirit of collaboration is developing.
As such, we trust that DFO will seriously consider the recommendations of the Senate Standing Committee and take the actions necessary to benefit our developing fishing industry.
Minister’s Statement 032 – 3(2): World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (Curley)
I rise to announce that today, June 15, is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
Elder abuse is defined as an act or failure to act that jeopardizes the physical, emotional, financial, or sexual health or well-being of an older person.
This act is usually committed by a person who is in a trusted relationship with the older person.
Most elder abuse cases include more than one form of abuse.
Mr. Speaker, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an opportunity for individuals, organizations, communities, and governments to recognize and build awareness that many older women and men in their community and around the world experience abuse or neglect.
Mr. Speaker, although there has been no northern-specific research to identify the extent of the abuse of older persons, anecdotal data shows that drug and alcohol abuse by family members plays a key role in the abuse of elders. The stress placed on the individual providing care also plays a significant role in elder abuse, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, current legislation regarding the fair treatment of elder persons is in place in Nunavut’s Family Abuse Intervention Act, which provides assistance to people in need of protection from family violence or the threat of family abuse.
Mr. Speaker, some of the unique issues facing our abused elders include overcrowding, limited safe and affordable housing, lack of employment opportunities, and financial resources. There may also be a dependence on family members for either financial or physical support.
These factors can leave elders vulnerable to abuse or neglect by others.
Canadian research suggests that between 4 and 10 percent of elders will experience some form of abuse at one point in their life. However, there is also the belief that elder abuse is grossly underreported for a number of reasons - shame, guilt, fear, a lack of understanding of the issue, a belief that service providers are unable to help, as well as isolation.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Health and Social Services is leading a pan-territorial mass media campaign to raise awareness about elder abuse. The campaign will be launched in the fall in partnership with the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth, and Northwest Territories and Yukon governments.
Mr. Speaker, elders are not only our most valuable intellectual resource but we can all make a better effort to appreciate them. I would also like to state that in Nunavut, I believe it is everyone’s duty to show our appreciation to our elders wherever possible.
Minister’s Statement 033 – 3(2): Piqqusilirivvik Model (Tapardjuk)
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Good afternoon, my Annuraaqatik.
You are a very fine Speaker. Perhaps I am a bit envious as I make this statement.
I have an announcement to make in regard to the Piqqusilirivvik model. The design phase drawings were supposed to be submitted for everyone to review. The model was built to allow people to envision our most anticipated building after its completion.
The model has been delayed, but it will be placed in the display later on this afternoon and I wanted members to note the change to that part.
As we are all aware, the Piqqusilirivvik Inuit Cultural Learning Facility will be located in Clyde River with satellite campuses in Baker Lake and Igloolik.
Piqqusilirivvik will offer programs to help capture and pass along land-based cultural knowledge, history, skills, and language.
In consultation with elders, the necessities needed to suit the specific purposes have been built into the fiscal structure of the facility.
The open floor plan and easy access to the outside are meant to create a positive learning environment.
Mr. Speaker, the construction contract for the main campus building was awarded to Kudlik Construction. They will begin building the facility this fall in Clyde River. The building is expected to open its doors to students in the spring of 2011.
The model was completed by a model maker from Ottawa in 2009. Please join me in welcoming the model that will be here at the legislature and to view it while it is visiting us. We will envy that Piqqusilirivvik which will be built at the Speaker’s riding.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you very much, Minister and my Annuraaqatik.
If there are no more, Members’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Aupaluktuq.
Member’s Statement 047 – 3(2): Congratulations to Bonnie Nungnik for Completing Social Work Program (Aupaluktuq)
I send my regards to all Baker Lake residents.
I rise today in the Legislative Assembly feeling both proud and very pleased to announce that Ms. Bonnie Nungnik of Baker Lake has graduated in the spring of 2009 in Cambridge Bay.
She has completed the Community Social Services Worker Program and she will be working in Baker Lake this coming summer to complete her practicum.
Today, I share her accomplishment by congratulating her for completing the training and recognize the fact that she would be a very good role model for young people. I wanted to acknowledge her as she is a fellow Baker Lake resident.
Member’s Statement 048 – 3(2): Habitat for Humanity Building Second Home in Iqaluit (Tootoo)
I rise today to announce that Habitat for Humanity here in Iqaluit began work on their second home this past Saturday, June 13.
That morning, I had the privilege of attending the First Nail Ceremony along with my colleague from Iqaluit West, where we had an opportunity to meet some of the dedicated volunteers for this project.
This new house is located on a lot at the intersection of the Apex Road and the Road to Nowhere.
This year’s build will be exciting, Mr. Speaker, as Habitat for Humanity holds their first ever 24-hour midnight sun build. Volunteers from Iqaluit and across Canada will come together to work for 24 hours straight from noon on June 20 until noon on June 21.
This event coincides with the longest day of the year and National Aboriginal Day.
Mr. Speaker, the family selected to live in the house is required to do 500 hours of sweat equity towards the completion of their home.
Habitat for Humanity is founded on the idea of giving families a hand up, not a handout.
Habitat for Humanity Iqaluit was founded in 2005 and is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity Canada.
Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, faith-based organization working for a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live.
Habitat for Humanity Iqaluit engages sponsors and volunteers in order to provide an affordable housing option for eligible families willing to participate in building their home.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank and ask all members to join me in thanking all of the organizers, sponsors, and volunteers for their dedication and hard work in this effort.
Member’s Statement 049 – 3(2): Thanks to Brian Manning of Resolute Bay (Elliott)
I rise today to speak about one of my hard-working constituents and thank him for his efforts.
Mr. Speaker, I speak of Brian Manning, the Principal of Qarmartalik School, who will be leaving Resolute Bay on Saturday, June 27.
He will be taking up a role as Principal of Nakasuk School in Iqaluit for next year.
Mr. Speaker, it’s great to be able to speak of the many accomplishments that he has done over his tenure in Resolute Bay. He is the longest running principal for that school with service of six years. Last year, they had the largest graduating class in the history of the school with nine graduates.
During his tenure, students have represented Nunavut twice at national historical conferences in both Saskatchewan and Halifax.
Students have twice represented Quttiktuq at the Youth Parliament here within the House.
He has established numerous outreach programs that have benefited not only the school but the community with ties to research, working with universities, scientists, and businesses within the community.
He encouraged and assisted two of the language specialists within the school to gain entrance into the Nunavut Teacher Education Program.
He is currently the vice-president of the Nunavut CAP Association and has been for the past four years. He has been a strong advocate for culture and language within the community, as well as initiated a program with Nunavut Arctic College that permitted all students to do a ten-week program in Inuktitut.
He has served as Justice of the Peace in the community for four years. He has promoted Nunavut Sivuniksavut and this year, as mentioned in my Member’s Statement, has had a graduate, Sylvia Kalluk, within the program in Ottawa.
He has made efforts to enhance computer literacy and full equipment for the school via third party funding. He has promoted students and faculty on a regular basis within the media. He has played a strong role in the development of apprenticeship programs for young Nunavummiut within the community.
Mr. Speaker, Quttiktuq’s loss is Iqaluit’s gain.
I am sure that members will join me in congratulating Mr. Manning for his dedication to the school and the community. I also wish Ms. Jennifer Borden success as the new principal.
Member’s Statement 050 – 3(2): Thanks to Volunteers of Habitat for Humanity (Okalik)
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I want to thank my colleague for the High Arctic.
We’re looking forward to our new principal here in Iqaluit.
(interpretation) I would like to make a supplementary Member’s Statement on the matter that the Member of Iqaluit Centre referred to.
Volunteer workers from Habitat for Humanity have been very beneficial to the people who can’t afford to build their own homes in Nunavut.
We were very grateful that this organization built a house in my riding in the recent past and this allowed a family who otherwise could not afford to build their own get a home.
I’m in support of Habitat for Humanity Iqaluit. Even if you don’t have the skills necessary for construction, you can receive training from Habitat for Humanity. I encourage my fellow Iqalummiut to participate even if they feel that they don’t possess any skills because they can still help out with volunteer work.
They are not being paid to work here and I welcome them very much to Iqaluit. Please make yourselves relaxed as if Iqaluit was your home because you have assisted our community tremendously.
I thank you on behalf of my constituents.
To my fellow Iqalummiut, I will see you up at the construction site along the Apex Road as I believe that is where they are building.
Member’s Statement 051 – 3(2): Congratulations to Peter Pitseolak Graduates in Cape Dorset (Schell)
I rise today to congratulate this year’s graduates from the Peter Pitseolak School in Cape Dorset.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to attending the graduation ceremonies in Cape Dorset this Friday to pay tribute to all ten students of the 2009 graduating class: Lucy Curley, Michael Hayward, Leonie Mathewise, Elisapee Nungusuituq, Timothy Ottokie, Putulik Pudlat, Qaapik Pudlat, Silaqqi Quvianaqtuliaq, Joshua Saila, and Joanasie Salomonie.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to acknowledge the effort and dedication that is involved as teachers and families work together to enable the educational achievement of young Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in congratulating this year’s graduates.
At this time, I would like to recognize the members of the Global Village team that I talked about in my Member’s Statement.
They have travelled from other jurisdictions in the country as well as someone from Florida.
Their names are: Rick Tait, Suzanne Bullock, and excuse me if I pronounce your names wrong, Stu Pollins, Barb Bjorneson, Dave Bjorneson, John Psutka, Jim Furler, Pierre Choquette, and Serge Drouin.
Those are the Global Village team that are here and I would like to welcome them.
I would also like to recognize two members of the Habitat for Humanity Iqaluit chapter, Mr. Glen Cousins and Kieran O’Sullivan.
They are here in the Gallery as well.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize someone who’s no stranger to anybody sitting around in here and it’s our one and only NHL hockey player, the first Inuk hockey player to make it to the NHL and I am sure he has paved the way and inspired, so he won’t be the last one we see there.
I would like to recognize Jordin Tootoo here in the Gallery.
He’s been visiting friends and family for the weekend.
Also sitting beside him is my brother, Victor Tootoo, who used to sit up here at the witness table. So I’m sure he’s pleased to be sitting in the Gallery rather than the witness table.
I would like to also welcome him to the Gallery.
I rise today to recognize my wife and family.
I would like to welcome my wife, who is very supportive of me, Elizabeth, my adopted daughter, Faith, my grandchild who is adopted by our family, May, and also my son, namesake and grandchild, Johnny Jr. to the Gallery.
I would like to acknowledge someone who has already been recognized and I doubt anyone will mind if he’s recognized twice. Mr. Jordin Tootoo is from my constituency and I would like to welcome him.
If there are none...
(interpretation ends) Member for Iqaluit West, Mr. Okalik.
Question 075 – 3(2): Tax Issues and Concerns (Okalik)
We almost overshot Oral Questions.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Finance. Just in case he is lethargic, I would like to grab his attention.
It seems like the Minister of Finance rarely gets peppered with questions, so I would like to ask him a question.
In my riding, as the minister is aware, the Canada Revenue Agency periodically conducts audits of Nunavummiut. It seems that they are purposefully auditing many Nunavummiut to verify that they’re eligible to claim the tax breaks while ignoring other jurisdictions.
I would like the minister to ask the federal government why the tax agency is auditing so many of our constituents and why they seem to think Nunavummiut are tax evaders because they seem overly suspicious, treating us as if we were criminals.
Looking at my own situation, I have been audited many times, especially when these auditors have attempted to verify my residency.
It’s very disconcerting to be asked if we live in Nunavut.
This seems nothing more than a waste of the tax dollars we pay. Inuit taxpayers being treated in this manner is unacceptable.
Has the minister provided some recommendations to the CRA on the matter of tax audits? That is my first question.
I thank my colleague for asking that question.
I wish I knew the answer to that because I currently have a dispute myself with the Canada Revenue Agency proving that I was a resident of Nunavut for 2006. There’s no problem up to 2005 and no problem since 2007, but 2006 seems to be an issue.
We don’t really know the answer other than that the Canada Revenue Agency periodically picks provinces and territories where they audit residences and businesses.
They will send out the letters and if you have the evidence and the proof that they want, you send it in, and then they reassess you and determine whether you get those tax benefits or tax breaks, or not.
But I wish I knew the answer why they pick individuals. I don’t know how they do that.
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) That is why I would ask that the minister ask Revenue Canada as to why they have a high tendency to audit the residents of Nunavut.
It costs money for those that may not have the time to go over their statements again.
Usually, I have mine done with a firm here and every time they audit me, I end up paying extra dollars to that firm to defend my interests. So those are extra costs that we incur personally.
I also feel for those private businesses and small businesses throughout the territory that get audited.
It’s a lot more difficult for them and time-consuming.
So I ask the minister: can he convey our concerns to the federal government to at least treat us like the rest of the country and not audit every single one of us each year?
I thank my colleague again for that question. I don’t know if they audit everybody, but it certainly seems strange when you go through an accounting firm, which Mr. Okalik has obviously done and I have done it myself, and submit our information, and then they still pick you out for an audit.
So I can convey our concern to the Minister of the Canada Revenue Agency and ask him how the system works, how they select individuals and determine if Nunavut is picked on more, or less, or the same as everybody else in Canada.
But based on what I know, there does seem to be a lot of people in Nunavut that receive their notice of assessment or reassessment from the Canada Revenue Agency.
I would like to thank the minister for his response. I would like to hear what the federal government’s plans are for the future in regard to that issue.
I want to add another concern to this.
The majority of my constituents are unilingual Inuktitut-speaking people and they go through very difficult times each year when it’s time to fill out the income tax forms because the forms aren’t available in Inuktitut. That may change with the passage of our language legislation.
Will the minister formerly request the federal government to ensure that basic tax forms and services are available to Nunavummiut in the Inuit language?
Mr. Speaker, I can convey the member’s concerns to the federal minister.
Speaker: Thank you, Minister. (interpretation) Do you have another question?
(interpretation ends) Your final supplementary, Mr. Okalik.
I would also like to thank the minister because this concern has been expressed for quite some time and I encourage him to push for an answer from the federal government.
Last year, we heard of the increase in the amount for the Northern Residents Deduction. A 10 percent increase to the residency portion of the deduction was announced in last year’s federal budget and northerners appreciated that.