EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
As members will recall, one of the key goals agreed to by all MLAs at our Arviat Caucus Retreat included, “Managing Nunavut’s financial resources responsibly by acting decisively on the recommendations of the Auditor General and Legislative Assembly Standing Committees with respect to strengthened financial management across Government departments and Crown corporations.”
This commitment was reiterated in the government’s Pinasuaqtavut mandate document.
Our committee’s recommendations are being presented in a constructive spirit, and are intended to support our collective commitment to strengthening financial management across government.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to conclude by noting that your standing committee, pursuant to Rule 91(5), is requesting that the government provide a formal written response to our report within 120 days.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to move that the report of the standing committee be received and adopted by the House.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Tootoo. There’s a motion on the floor. It has been moved that the report of the standing committee be received and adopted by the House.
The motion is in order. Pursuant to Rule 91(5).
Committee Report on Bills 005 – 2(3): Bill 07 – An Act to Amend the Liquor Act (Tootoo)
I wish to report that Bill 7, An Act to Amend the Liquor Act, has been reviewed by the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Accountability and that the bill as amended and reprinted is ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole.
And Mr. Speaker, I would like to seek consent to waive Rule 68(6) and have Bill 7 moved into Committee of the Whole for today.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. The member is seeking unanimous consent to have Bill 7 immediately referred to Committee of the Whole.
There are no nays. Bill 7 is referred to the Committee of the Whole for today.
Tabled Document 126 – 2(3): Integrity Commissioner – Letter to Standing Committee Regarding: Bill 5 – An Act to Amend the Conflict of Interest Act (Tootoo)
As members would recall, the Legislative Assembly passed Bill 5, An Act to Amend the Conflict of Interest Act, during our last sitting. At the time, I indicated that I would be tabling correspondence received by the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Accountability from the Integrity Commissioner on the bill, and I am pleased to do so today.
Tabled Document 127 – 2(3): Elders’ Society – Letter Regarding Tammaativvik and Elders’ Home Contract (Tootoo)
I would like to table a copy of a letter and attached correspondence that I received from the Elders’ Society, there’s carbon copy on it that was sent to the Minister responsible for Health and Social Services.
Please provide the documents to the table officers.
Tabled Document 128 – 2(3): Legal Services Board of Nunavut 2005-06 Annual Report (Okalik)
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to table a document: Annual Report of Maliiganik Tukisiniaqvik Board of Nunavut 2005-06.
Please send those copies up to the table officers.
Tabled Document 129 – 2(3): Health Coverage – Students Outside Nunavut Change of Address Form (Tootoo)
No one can accuse me of not being thorough. The other day I tabled the document that talked about the healthcare coverage for students outside of the territory.
I would also like to finish off by tabling a copy of that form that goes along with that cover letter.
It’s a request for change form and I’d like to ask all members to pay special attention to Section D where it is talking about temporary absences and the reason for it: schooling; extended vacation; employment; medical; and other.
And also on the second part of that there is a whole section on temporary absences from Nunavut, and also that it is a form that originated from the Department of Health and Social Services.
Please wait until we get the documents up here.
Tabled Document 130 – 2(3): Trials Report – Satellite-based Tracking Devices in Nunavut (Brown)
Tabled Document 131 – 2(3): “How to Sealift” Reference Guide (Brown)
I would like to table this and this, and this one. I wish to table the following document: Satellite-based tracking devices in Nunavut trials report.
I wish to table the following document; “How to Sealift” reference guide.
Please bring the documents up here.
Tabled Document 132 – 2(3): Yahoo News Posting – Aggressive Teens More Likely to Try Tobacco, Pot (Picco)
In regards to my earlier statement today I’d like to table a document from Yahoo News about the aggressive teens, an article on aggressive teens who are more likely to try tobacco and pot, marijuana and hashish; any of the known substances that can be inhaled through tobacco-like products like hashish, and like marijuana.
Please bring the copies up here.
Please be patient while we’re waiting for the documents to be brought up here.
Going to our Orders of the Day. Item 14.
Motion 019 – 2(3): Extended Adjournment – Notice (Peterson)
I give notice that on Thursday, June 15 I will move the following motion: I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Iqaluit East, that Notwithstanding Rule 4, that when the House concludes it’s present sitting in Iqaluit this week, shall be adjourned until November 21, 2006.
Speaker: Thank you. Is there a seconder to the motion?
I apologize. I didn’t hear the seconder.
Bill 7, Bill 17, and Bill 18 with Mr. Barnabas in the Chair.
Before we start Committee of the Whole, we will take a 30-minute break.
>>House recessed at 15:55 and Committee resumed at 16:26
Chairman (Mr. Barnabas): Colleagues, I would like to call the committee meeting to order.
In Committee of the Whole we have the following items to deal with: Bills 7, 17, and 18.
We would like to deal with Bill 7, and after that we would report progress.
Is the committee agreed that we deal with Bill 7?
Bill 07 – An Act to Amend the Liquor Act – Consideration in Committee
Chairman: I would like the Law Clerk to join us at the table.
Chairman: I would like to ask the Minister responsible for Finance to make his opening remarks.
I am pleased to speak about the proposed amendments to the Liquor Act.
The present Liquor Act inherited by the Northwest Territories at the time of division does not reflect the current practice in Nunavut.
The proposed amendments will change references to the Northwest Territories instead the Act will refer to Nunavut to clarify the provisions regarding the sale and delivery of liquor, the issuing of liquor import permits, and the appointment of the employees of the Liquor Licensing Board and the Liquor Commission.
Amendments to the Act will provide that all regulations will be made by the commissioner on the recommendation of the minister as are all other Liquor Act regulations, and that provisions regarding the possession and transportation of sacramental wine and other liquor in a restricted or prohibited area that have previously been set out in the regulations, a wide review of the Liquor Act is contemplated for the future.
In the meantime, these amendments will harmonize the present Liquor Act with current practice in Nunavut.
I would be pleased to answer any questions that Members of the Committee of the Whole may have.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Simailak. Would you like witnesses present with you at the witness table?
Hon. David Simailak (interpretation): Yes, I do.
Chairman (interpretation): Does the committee agree to have the witnesses go up to the witness table?
Chairman (interpretation): You can proceed.
Thank you. (interpretation ends) Mr. Minister, for the record, can you introduce your witnesses?
To my right is Pauloosie Suvega Assistant Deputy Minister of the Department of Finance and to my left is Diane Buckland with the Department of Justice.
I would like to ask the Chair of the Standing Committee of Government Operations and Accountability to make his opening comments.
The Standing Committee on Government Operations and Accountability has reviewed Bill 7, An Act to Amend the Liquor Act, with the sponsoring minister and his officials.
The standing committee was generally supportive of the provisions contained in Bill 7.
The standing committee has also taken note of the government’s intent to possibly conduct a wider review of the statute at a future point.
During the committee’s scrutiny of the bill members worked with the minister to develop a number of amendments, friendly amendments I think is a proper term for it, to the bill. One of these friendly amendments removed provisions in the bill to introduce a new appeals mechanism to Cabinet with respect to certain decisions made by the Liquor Licensing Board.
Oh, I’ve got a tear in my eye, Mr. Chairman. Excuse me.
The committee was of the view that this provision was not appropriate in relation to the decision of an independent quasi-judicial body.
The standing committee would however invite the government to introduce further amendments to the Liquor Act for consideration of the Legislative Assembly if it’s of the view that the current penalties under the act are inappropriate.
Mr. Chairman that concludes my opening comments and the standing committee recommends passage of the bill.
Before we proceed, I would like to remind the members of the following; pursuant to Rule 77(1), the members have 10 minutes for opening remarks. And, pursuant to Rule 77(2), and at the discretion of the Chair, the members can make more than one comment only after every member has had an opportunity to make their remarks.
At this time I would like to open the floor for general comments. (interpretation ends) Are there any general comments?
We’ll deal with Bill 7, An Act to Amend the Liquor Act.
Chairman: Is the committee agreed to Bill 7 as a whole?
Chairman: Are you agreed that Bill 7 is ready for third reading?
Chairman: Thank you. (interpretation) At this time I would like to take the opportunity to thank the minister and his officials.
I am sorry. You can return to your chair. Mr. Tootoo.
I am just waiting for Mr. Simailak to return to his chair.
I would like to, as the opening comments of my colleague from Kugluktuk indicated that since we’re finished with Bill 7, I would like to move that we report progress.
Your committee has been considering Bill 7 and would like to report that Bill 7 is immediately ready for third reading. I move that the Report of the Committee of the Whole be agreed to.
Third Reading of Bills. (interpretation ends) Item 22.
A meeting of the Management Services Board at 5:15 this afternoon in the Tuktu Boardroom.
Meetings of three standing committees tomorrow morning: at nine o’clock a meeting of the Standing Committee on Infrastructure and Housing and Economic Development in the Tuktu Boardroom, a meeting of the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Accountability at half past ten in the Tuktu Boardroom, and at the same time, 10:30, a meeting of the Standing Committee Ajauqtiit in the Nanuq Boardroom.
Orders for the Day for June 14:
This House stands adjourned until June 14, 2006 at 1:30.
>>House adjourned at 16:40
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Pages 2039 – 2107
Opening Prayer 2039
Speaker’s Ruling 2039
Ministers’ Statements 2039
Members’ Statements 2044
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 2049
Oral Questions 2051
Reports of Standing Committee and Special Committees 2079
Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills 2084
Tabling of Documents 2085
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 2087
Report of the Committee of the Whole 2104
Third Reading of Bills 2105
Orders of the Day 2105
Wednesday, June 14, 2006 2039
102 – 2(3): Workplace Harassment Policy (Tapardjuk) 2040
103 – 2(3): Skills Canada Nunavut (Picco) 2040
104 – 2(3): Improved Disaster Compensation Policy (Netser) 2041
105 – 2(3): World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (Tapardjuk) 2042
106 – 2(3): Second Payment for Seal Pelts (Akesuk) 2043
107 – 2(3): Technical Professional Studies Scholarship (Brown) 2044
262 – 2(3): Congratulations to Graduates (Akesuk) 2045
263 – 2(3): Cultural Event in the Kitikmeot (Peterson) 2045
264 – 2(3): Kugluktuk Graduates (Evyagotailak) 2046
265 – 2(3): Hydroelectric Development Update (Kattuk) 2046
266 – 2(3): High Cost of Living in Nunavut (Curley) 2047
267 – 2(3): Joamie School Top Fundraiser (Picco) 2048
306 – 2(3): Airline Service to Grise Fiord (Barnabas) 2051
307 – 2(3): Fuel Tax Rebate Program (Evyagotailak) 2053
308 – 2(3): Territorial Formula Financing (Peterson) 2055
309 – 2(3): Annual Report of the Utility Rates Review Council (Curley) 2057
310 – 2(3): Budget Carryovers (Mapsalak) 2060
311 – 2(3): Lack of Airline Service to Sanikiluaq (Kattuk) 2062
312 – 2(3): Employee Screening (Tootoo) 2064
313 – 2(3): Child Tax Benefit Supplement (Barnabas) 2067
314 – 2(3): Elder Abuse in Nunavut (Peterson) 2068
315 – 2(3): Rate Increases for Energy (Curley) 2071
316 – 2(3): Licensing of Health Professionals (Tootoo) 2075
317 – 2(3): Case Investigation Process (Tootoo) 2077
004 – 2(3): Report on the Review of Nunavut Arctic College (Alagalak) 2079
Committee Report on Bills 006 – 2(3): Bill 15 – An Act to Amend the Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Property Tax Relief Act (Peterson) 2084
Committee Report on Bills 007 – 2(3): Bill 19 – An Act to Amend the Revolving Funds Act (Curley) 2084
Committee Report on Bills 008 – 2(3): Bill 21 – An Act to Amend the Financial Administration Act #2 (Tootoo) 2084
Committee Report on Bills 009 – 2(3): Bill 22 – Settlement of International Investment Disputes Act (Mapsalak) 2085
133 – 2(3): Disaster Compensation Policy Improved Schedule A1 (Netser) 2085
134 – 2(3): Achieving a National Purpose – Improving Territorial Formula Financing & Strengthening Canada’s Territories: Executive Summary (May 2006) (Okalik) 2086
135 – 2(3): Response to Ministers from Nunavut Arctic College, Nunavut Development Corporation & Nunavut Housing Corporation Regarding Letters of Expectation (Simailak) 2086
136 – 2(3): Grants and Contributions GN Report for Legislative Assembly for the Year Ending March 2005 (Simailak) 2086
137 – 2(3): Workplace Harassment Policy (Tapardjuk) 2086
138 – 2(3): Auditor General’s Report on the Workers’ Compensation Board of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut (Speaker) 2086
139 – 2(3): Integrity Commissioner Annual Report April 1, 2005 to March 31, 2006 (Speaker) 2087
140 – 2(3): Elections Nunavut Annual Report to the Legislative Assembly by the Chief Electoral Officer April 1, 2005 to March 31, 2006 (Speaker) 2087
141 – 2(3): Fire Marshall – 2005 Annual Report (Brown) 2087
Bill 15 – An Act to Amend the Senior Citizens & Disabled Persons Property Tax Relief Act – Consideration in Committee 2088
Bill 19 – An Act to Amend the Revolving Funds Act – Consideration in Committee 2091
Bill 21 – An Act to Amend the Financial Administration Act #2 – Consideration in Committee 2094
Bill 22 – Settlement of International Investment Disputes Act – Consideration in Committee 2100
Bill 20 – Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2006 – Third Reading 2105
Bill 11 – An Act to Amend the Fire Prevention Act – Third Reading 2105
Bill 07 – An Act to Amend the Liquor Act – Third Reading 2105
I would like to ask Mr. Curley to lead us in prayer.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Good afternoon Mr. Premier, Ministers, and Regular Members.
Before we proceed with our Orders of the Day I would like to make a ruling on the Point of Order from yesterday.
(interpretation ends) Yesterday the Member for Iqaluit Centre raised a Point of Order. I have reviewed the matter and I’m prepared to give my ruling. Our rules define a Point of Order as any departure from any written, or unwritten rule, or custom of this Assembly, or of parliamentary tradition.
The issue for which the Member for Iqaluit Centre asked me to rule on is an issue of interpretation and is appropriately dealt with through debate. It is not a matter which relates to the procedures of the Assembly, or to parliamentary custom, or tradition. Accordingly, I find that there is no Point of Order.
(interpretation) Mr. Tootoo.
I’d like to thank you for that expedient work on that ruling. I have no problems to stand up here today, and say I was wrong, and I’m sorry that I caused that extra work.
Speaker (interpretation): Going to the Orders of the Day. Item2.
Minister’s Statement 102 – 2(3): Workplace Harassment Policy (Tapardjuk)
Minister Tapardjuk (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, the Government of Nunavut is committed to guiding principles of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, reinforcing the Inuit value of respecting others, relationships, and caring for people.
To provide a workplace free from all forms of sexual and personal harassment, and as part of the Occupational Health and Safety Program, the Department of Human Resources has developed a Workplace Harassment Policy.
In the spirit of guiding principles of Pinasuaqtavut, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit reviewed and fully supported this policy.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that this new policy addresses all types of harassment detailed in the Nunavut Human Rights Act.
In addition, the new policy surpasses the Act by also addressing harassment of a general nature, including rude, degrading, or offensive remarks, or email, threats, or intimidation.
The new policy focuses on increased awareness, early resolution, and the use of mediation to resolve complaints.
The well-being of employees, and the values of integrity and trust which are the foundation of a sound organization, are promoted.
Mr. Speaker, detailed guidelines for managers have been developed to accompany the policy. In addition, the Department of Human Resources will be training and appointing Workplace Harassment Coordinators to assist managers.
The Workplace Harassment Policy will replace the existing Sexual Harassment Policy and it will contribute to a respectful workplace across the GN. I will be tabling the Workplace Harassment Policy in this House at the appropriate time today.
Minister’s Statement 103 – 2(3): Skills Canada Nunavut (Picco)
Hon. Ed. Picco: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, good afternoon.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to update the House about Skills Canada Nunavut. Skills Canada’s goal is the same across the country: helping young Canadians realize career opportunities by developing their skills and trades and technology fields.
Mr. Speaker, Skills Canada Nunavut has a volunteer board of directors with control over its own resources and the capacity to fundraise to increase the participation of Nunavut youth in training since September, 2005.
Skills Canada Nunavut hosted its first territorial skills competition in April with 50 students from across Nunavut taking part. More recently, the national skills competition in Halifax had 13 Nunavummiut students.
The Department of Education proudly supports the organization by sponsoring the executive director position. The executive director assists the volunteer board in establishing partnerships with business, industry, and labour as well as increasing the exposure Nunavut youth have to the skilled trades and technology opportunities.
Mr. Speaker, one way of inspiring our youth is through the creation of skills clubs throughout Nunavut. Professionals in the communities are encouraged to volunteer their time to teach youth the skills of their trades.
Skills clubs are already running in Baker Lake, Pond Inlet, Sanikiluaq, Iqaluit, Igloolik, Kugaaruk, and Rankin Inlet. Several other communities have requested information about starting skills clubs.
This helps guide both our secondary, as well as our post-secondary, students towards exciting and challenging career options in skilled trades and technologies.
Presently there are skills clubs in carpentry, restaurant service, cooking, graphic and web design, TV video production, hairdressing, aesthetics, and workplace safety, giving young exposure to interesting hands-on career options.
Mr. Speaker, there are many partners to acknowledge, too many to name. However, they do include local business, labour, and individual professionals, to partner with skills Canada Nunavut. This shows a great example of Piliriqatigiinniq; working together for a common cause.
Piliriqatigiinniq is a long word I agree.
Minister’s Statement 104 – 2(3): Improved Disaster Compensation Policy (Netser)
Last session, the Department of Environment tabled a review of the Harvester Support Program that was undertaken jointly with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
One of the main recommendations of this report was to increase the maximum level for individual claims under the Disaster Compensation Program. I am pleased to advise the members that the Department of Environment takes this recommendation very seriously.
Although the overall changes to the Support to Harvesters Policy are not entirely completed, we have moved quickly to revise Schedule A1 of the Support to Harvesters Policy.
Retroactive to April 1, 2006, applicants are eligible to receive up to $10,000 to cover the loss of equipment due to unavoidable natural disasters.
As before, residents of Nunavut who hold a General Hunting License or are Land Claims Beneficiaries who suffer losses or damage to equipment should visit their local Wildlife Office for assistance in completing the application forms. Applicants should provide documentation such as receipts and photographs to ensure that their claims are dealt with quickly.
Mr. Speaker, this policy is very important for Nunavut harvesters who earn a substantial portion of their income from harvesting. Losses due to unavoidable natural disasters are devastating, especially with today’s high cost of equipment.
The Government of Nunavut is committed to strengthening and developing our land-based economy. This improvement to the Disaster Compensation Program is only the first improvement to be made as a result of the review of harvesters support programs.
Over the next few months we will continue to work with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated to revise all of our harvesters support programs. I expect the new programs and delivery mechanisms to be implemented by the fall of 2006.
At the appropriate time, Mr. Speaker, I will table the revised policy.
Minister’s Statement 105 – 2(3): World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (Tapardjuk)
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, we all know too well, that comparatively liberal nature of Inuit socialization has become a serious concern to us as it gives the youth and young adults an opportunity to develop their own behavioural codes without the control or directives of grandparents, parents, or elders.
We all know too well that this emerging generational gap is contributing to the erosion of a basic structuring principle of Inuit society including the obedience, caring and respect principles.  The breakdown of these key directives of social interaction, the following parental direction and displaying friendliness and congeniality towards older people results in the increase of unacceptable behaviour.
Today, as in the past, survival of the family is of paramount importance in Inuit culture. However, today the threat is not starvation. It is the social breakdown and loss of culture and identity.
These are the factors which put the Inuit established mechanisms of social control and the role played by the elders or parents in the back burner.
Sense of usefulness, pride, self-worth, and sense of dignity are shattered from a once proud Inuit society.
The family is the primary foundation for passing on the knowledge, values, beliefs, language, social norms, and expectations.
The traditional kinship structures are the basis for traditional, social activities, and economic interdependence in Nunavut communities.
Mr. Speaker, it is with this concern that Nunavut is participating in World Elder Abuse Awareness Day tomorrow, June 15, 2006, and that will be their day. We can have a better understanding and it is to mark their day.
Meaningful community dialogues and ongoing consistent collaboration amongst community agency groups and Government of Nunavut departments must take place.
Unlike other members of the family, elder neglect and abuse is largely under recognized or treated as an unspoken problem.