EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Does this mean that the banking processes will also now include a number for Inuit language service provisions? Will the banks have to provide those services once the Act comes into force?
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Yes, any services provided to the public will also have to be provided in Inuktitut. Once this legislation is enacted and the businesses are trying to comply with it, we will have to work on an implementation plan.
The minister has to produce this as part of the requirements under the legislation.
With respect to the matter you just spoke to, if we are to undertake that, then what’s required to include Inuktitut in the telephone banking? Perhaps an operator or some other option, but it would be up to the Minister of Languages to determine what items would be included in the planning for the enforcement of Bill 7 and it would be under their portfolio, Mr. Chairman.
Yes, I understand that section.
Quite a few people from the outlying communities call the hotels, especially one of the big hotels in town.
When the call is answered, English is the only language used.
If you want to reach a guest, then it tells you to press this number, and so on.
This individual, who was unilingual, was quite concerned because he wanted to talk to a guest in the hotel but he couldn’t use that guest service.
Do I understand then, under the language contained in clause 3, that hotels will have to provide the services in Inuktitut even if they only offer a recorded telephone service? Is that true?
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Yes, that would be the case. Private businesses such as hotels have to comply with the legislation and they will have to make changes to their practices.
However, they will have the opportunity to work with the Languages Commissioner if they cannot comply or they experience problems in providing services to the public. They would then negotiate with the Languages Commissioner.
Alternatively, perhaps I can state it this way.
When this bill is enacted and the hotel owner knows what changes they have to undertake but is unwilling to comply, I can complain to the Languages Commissioner to deal with that hotel. I would tell them that they have to offer services in the languages of Nunavut.
This process would then be initiated and it would be looked after by the Languages Commissioner, Mr. Chairman.
I have one quick question under clause 12 and it’s in regard to some of the bilingual Inuit staff and the fact that some of them don’t receive the bilingual bonus.
Only some of the positions receive this bonus, in particular the frontline staff that have to interact with the general public, but quite a number of staff who are bilingual don’t receive this bonus. Some positions don’t require Inuktitut to perform their duties. Although they are fully bilingual, they are not eligible for the bilingual bonus.
So will this practice be reformed?
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): As a government, we have a policy whereby if they’re a service provider and they speak Inuktitut, then they get a bilingual bonus.
This is specifically for the positions that offer services to the public. This process is under the policy, but the government may wish to review this policy down the road.
At this time, this is how we have operated as a government, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman: Clause 12.1.
I just have another question that I would like to get on the record, and I know it was raised in the committee, is that since the creation of Nunavut, we’ve gotten away from saying there are different regions.
It was pointed out in 20(c) where it talks about more than one regional variant, it says, “... or dialect.”
I would just like to get on record the difference of having to say a regional variant rather than just a different dialect.
I would just like to get on the record a response for that. Since Nunavut, we got rid of the regions now, it’s all one territory.
That was a concern there, so I would just like to get a response on the record for that.
I will have Stéphane respond to that question, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Cloutier (interpretation): Thank you, Minister.
I will respond in English. (interpretation ends) Just to respond to your question, Mr. Tootoo, regarding the regional variants or dialects of the Inuit language, that definition of that approach brings flexibility.
What we want to ensure with that provision is that when members are appointed or when an individual wants to become a candidate and be appointed to the board of the Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit, we want to ensure that these individuals have a good knowledge about regional varieties of the Inuit language or dialects, but when we talked about regional varieties or dialects, it’s to ensure we have flexibilities to be able to consider all variations of the Inuit language.
So it might be an individual that has a good understanding, his or her first language might be Inuinnaqtun but as well have knowledge of Inuktitut, let’s say the dialect of Arctic Bay.
It might be another individual that has a good understanding of Nattilingmiutitut because that’s her or his first language, and then also no other variations of the Inuit language may be closer to Inuinnaqtun or closer to South Baffin dialects; it might also be in the case of Kalaallisut.
We know individuals that have good understanding of Inuktitut as well as Kalaallisut.
So we want to go get the best resources of individuals that have lengthy knowledge and experience or the will to learn about regional variations or dialects. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
We finished Part 2, so I would just like to recognize the clock, our committee has another meeting to do after this, and report progress.
I would like to thank the minister, Ms. Hardy, and Mr. Cloutier for coming and we will see you again.
Your committee has been considering Bill 7 and would like to report progress.
Mr. Curley (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I would like unanimous consent to return to Item 5.
The member is seeking unanimous consent to return to Item 5, Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery.
Mr. Curley (interpretation): This individual has been to Iqaluit a few times, but has been here for the first time. Don’t mind his outfit too much.
Mr. Curley (interpretation): I would like to welcome my constituent from Rankin Inlet North, John Saimaut, to the Gallery. I would also like to say that he is also a bowhead whale hunter.
If there are none, Item 22.
There’s a meeting of the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Accountability in the Tuktu Room immediately commencing after today’s adjournment and for all members, the meetings for tomorrow are cancelled.
Orders of the Day for September 17:
This House stands adjourned until Tuesday, September 17, at 1:30 p.m.
DAY 75
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Pages 4981 – 5087
Opening Prayer 4981
Ministers’ Statements 4981
Members’ Statements 4985
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 4990
Revert to Item 6: Oral Questions 4991
Point of Order 4999
Replies to Opening Address 5012
Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills 5021
Tabling of Documents 5021
Notices of Motions 5023
Motions 5024
Revert to Item 3: Members’ Statements 5034
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 5035
Report of the Committee of the Whole 5085
Speaker’s Ruling 5086
Orders of the Day 5086
Wednesday, September 17, 2008 4981
221 – 2(4): Mental Health Symposium (Akesuk) 4981
222 – 2(4): Nunavut Youth Leadership Outward Bound (Picco) 4982
223 – 2(4): Iqaluit International Airport Master Plan (Netser) 4982
224 – 2(4): Government of Nunavut Inuit Employment Plan Final Report 2004-2008 (Barnabas) 4983
225 – 2(4): Public-Private Partnership Policy (Tapardjuk) 4984
543 – 2(4): Whale Cove Celebrated 50 Years on August 4, 2008 (Brown) 4985
544 – 2(4): Legal Aid Services in Nunavut (Peterson) 4986
545 – 2(4): Lack of Jet Services in the High Arctic (Arvaluk) 4988
546 – 2(4): Rankin Inlet Residents Walk Against Cancer (Curley) 4989
547 – 2(4): Relocation of Inuit to Communities (Kattuk) 4989
548 – 2(4): Formal Apology Following the Report of the Acting Integrity Commissioner (Simailak) 5034
675 – 2(4): Qulliit Status of Women Council - President Resignation (Peterson) 4991
676 – 2(4): Food Allowance Rates in Sanikiluaq (Kattuk) 4994
677 – 2 (4): Government of Nunavut Position on Foreign-Flagged Vessels (Curley) 4996
678 – 2(4): Conflict of Interest Guidelines for Members of the Executive Council (Tootoo) 4998
679 – 2(4): Fuel Supplies in Baker Lake (Simailak) 5001
680 – 2(4): Problems with Medical Travel Office in Pangnirtung (Arvaluk) 5003
681 – 2(4): Continuing Support for Nunavut’s Deaf and Hearing Impaired (Peterson) 5005
682 – 2(4): Decision on Rent Scale (Kattuk) 5008
683 – 2(4): Review of Foster Parents Rates (Tootoo) 5010
Reply to Opening Address 002 – 2(4): Mr. Edward Picco (Picco) 5012
022 – 2(4): Bill 43, Write-Off of Assets and Debts Act, 2008-2009 (Tootoo) 5021
288 – 2(4): Public-Private Partnership Policy – Government of Nunavut (Tapardjuk) 5021
289 – 2(4): Letters of Expectation to Nunavut Crown Agencies for the Fiscal Year 2008-2009 Nunavut Development Corporation and Nunavut Business Credit Corporation (Tapardjuk) 5021
290 – 2(4): Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal Annual Report March 31, 2008 (Okalik) 5022
291 – 2(4): Iqaluit International Airport Master Plan: Executive Summary and Final Report (Netser) 5022
292 – 2(4): NNI Contracting Appeals Board Annual Report 2004-2005 (Netser) 5022
293 – 2(4): NNI Contracting Appeals Board Annual Report 2005-2006 (Netser) 5022
294 – 2(4): NNI Contracting Appeals Board Annual Report 2006-2007 (Netser) 5022
295 – 2(4): NNI Contracting Appeals Board Annual Report 2007-2008 (Netser) 5022
296 – 2(4): Evaluation of the Business Development Centres in the Kitikmeot, Kivalliq and Qikiqtaaluk Regions (Netser) 5022
297 – 2(4): Ministerial Meeting Report – F/P/T Northern Development Ministers Forum, August 27-28, 2008 from Dept. of Economic Development and Transportation (Netser) 5023
298 – 2(4): Ministerial Meeting Report – National Aboriginal Women’s Summit, July 2008 from Dept. of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs (Brown) 5023
299 – 2(4): Qulliit Status of Women Council Annual Report 2007-2008 (Brown) 5023
046 – 2(4): Comprehensive Audit of the Government of Nunavut’s Evaluation and Award Process in Relation to RFP 2007-52: Standing Offer Agreement for Medical Travel on Scheduled Airlines – Notice (Curley) 5023
045 – 2(4): Acceptance of the Report of the Acting Integrity Commissioner to the Legislative Assembly Regarding Mr. David Simailak, MLA (Tootoo) 5024
020 – 2(4): Bill 7, Clause 44 Amended by Clause 44(1)(c.1) (Tapardjuk) 5059
021 – 2(4): Bill 7, Amendment Addition after Clause 49 (Tapardjuk) 5067
Bill 07 – Inuit Language Protection Act – Consideration in Committee 5036
Speaker (Hon. Peter Kilabuk) (interpretation): Good day.
Speaker (interpretation): Good day, Mr. Premier, Cabinet, and Members.
Minister’s Statement 221 – 2(4): Mental Health Symposium (Akesuk)
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk (interpretation): Good afternoon, people of Nunavut and Members of the Legislative Assembly.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, last week, approximately 90 people who work in the mental health and criminal justice fields from Nunavut and other parts of Canada gathered in Iqaluit for the Nunavut Mental Health Symposium.
This was the first symposium of its kind held in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, we know good mental health is vital to our wellbeing.
It is an indication of a healthy and growing society.
Connection and partnership are the keys to improving the quality of life and care for those affected by mental health challenges.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, we believe that people come first; mental health and wellness must meet the mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical needs of Nunavummiut and be culturally sensitive through the use of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
Mr. Speaker, our way forward in mental health requires meaningful partnerships at the community, regional, and territorial levels.
Continuing to build on these partnerships means good communication, the sharing of resources, and support.
It is a priority that extends beyond the department.
For this reason, Mr. Speaker, we joined forces with the Department of Justice to establish the mental health symposium to look at ways we can enhance services to those in need.
Mr. Speaker, I was honoured to speak at the symposium along with our Premier and I know that combined efforts like this are vital for promoting change.
I thank all those who participated in the symposium and to those who worked so hard to make it happen.
Minister’s Statement 222 – 2(4): Nunavut Youth Leadership Outward Bound (Picco)
Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform the House about the recent Nunavut Youth Leadership Outward Bound and Career Orientation expedition.
Mr. Speaker, this is an innovative type of adventure-based education aimed at providing students with an opportunity to learn and grow.
The Department of Education was honoured, Mr. Speaker, to help sponsor this meaningful and valuable project.
Ten students aged 16 to 19, from all over the territory, participated in a two-week canoe trip on the Horton River in the Northwest Territories. This was followed by tours of NorTerra Incorporated offices, along with tours of colleges in Edmonton and Hay River.
Mr. Speaker, this component gave students the opportunity to meet and speak with employees and professionals about their futures and possible career options.
Mr. Speaker, this experience provided these students with fundamental and necessary skills, including the ability to overcome challenges, to work well with others, to communicate effectively, as well as to overcome obstacles to work towards long-term goals.
Mr. Speaker, it was an inspiring experience and I am confident our students will use their newfound skills to enrich their every day lives and plan for their futures. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation and Economic Development and Transportation, Minister Netser.
Minister’s Statement 223 – 2(4): Iqaluit International Airport Master Plan (Netser)
Hon. Patterk Netser (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Later on today I will table the Iqaluit International Airport Master Plan in the Legislative Assembly.
(interpretation) This document, Mr. Speaker, was prepared originally in 1999, following division of Nunavut from the Northwest Territories. I am bringing the master plan to the attention of House today because it remains as relevant to our circumstances now as it was when it was first prepared.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the master plan outlines the important role the Iqaluit International Airport plays in the economy, sovereignty, and security of Nunavut, Canada, and the circumpolar world.
In 1999, the authors of the master plan predicted significant growth at the airport.
Their predictions then are our reality today. Indeed, in many cases, the growth they forecast has been exceeded.
Mr. Speaker, I don’t have to tell members or anyone else who flies in and out of Iqaluit regularly that the airport facility is currently operating with far more traffic than it was designed to handle.
In this past year alone, Mr. Speaker, aircraft movements are up nearly 20 per cent and average more than 80 a day.
This activity is to be welcomed, Mr. Speaker, because it indicates increasing economic activity in Iqaluit and throughout the territory.
But growth like this also raises concerns about safety and security.
Passengers and vehicles are mixing with too many aircraft in a small area in front of the terminal.
In response to these concerns, the government will make changes to the operation of the Iqaluit International Airport.
Beginning this fall, many aircraft will begin operating from the large north apron that was paved in the summer of 2007.
We will be fuelling aircraft at that location and some passengers will be bussed to their aircraft there from the air terminal building. These changes will increase the safety of all operations, but with minimum impact on the travelling public.
This is only the first of many changes recommended in the master plan.
Others will have to follow because we see no end to the growth of demand on the Iqaluit airport. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister’s Statement 224 – 2(4): Government of Nunavut Inuit Employment Plan Final Report 2004-2008 (Barnabas)
Hon. Levi Barnabas (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and good afternoon.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce the release of the final report for the 2004-2008 Government of Nunavut Inuit Employment Plan.
This report demonstrates commitment to building an effective, functional, and skilled public service.
Mr. Speaker, over the past four years, my department has been working in cooperation with all GN departments and agencies to implement the 2004-2008 Inuit Employment Plan, thereby increasing Inuit employment in the public service.
Mr. Speaker, since its inception, the Government of Nunavut has increased Inuit employment from 44 percent in 1999 to 51 percent as of March 31, 2008.
The Government of Nunavut is committed to achieving its ultimate target of 85 percent Inuit employment by 2020.
Mr. Speaker, we need to build on the skills gained from within our own workforce if we are to succeed.
By preparing our own employees for the future, we will retain employees through strong training and development initiatives.
Mr. Speaker, the vision of our territory, created by our elders, will be fulfilled through a commitment to our youth.
We will build on hope for the future by providing formal education to our ever increasing young population.
Mr. Speaker, this report demonstrates our commitment to the development of Nunavut’s public service through excellence in human resource management.
Minister’s Statement 225 – 2(4): Public-Private Partnership Policy (Tapardjuk)
First of all, I would like to send my condolences to my relatives in Igloolik as we lost a relative last night and my relatives are in my thoughts, especially my mother and Yvonne, who were out and about, along with my sister-in-law and all of her children.
You are in my thoughts today and we have heard the news.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak today about the GN’s recently approved Public-Private Partnership, or P3, Policy.
The policy was a joint initiative between the Departments of Finance and Community and Government Services with important input from the Departments of Justice and Economic Development and Transportation.
The policy is a document that will be used to ensure consistency when the GN enters into partnerships by:
Setting out clear principles that will be used to evaluate public-private partnerships;
Applying to all departments and public agencies;
Setting out the roles and responsibilities of Cabinet, ministers, and deputy ministers with respect to P3s; and
Creating a P3 Opportunities Committee that will review Requests for Proposals valued at over $1 million.
The policy also confirms our commitment to maximize benefits for Nunavummiut while emphasizing due diligence and the importance of written contracts.
Transparency is emphasized with a requirement for every public-private partnership to include a communications plan that will keep Nunavummiut informed with respect to the project.
Mr. Speaker, in drafting this policy, we recognized that every project undertaken by the GN carries with it a certain amount of risk.
The key feature of any public-private partnership is the assessment and assignment of risks to each partner.
I will be pleased to table the policy at the appropriate time.
Member’s Statement 543 – 2(4): Whale Cove Celebrated 50 Years on August 4, 2008 (Brown)
I send my regards to the residents of Rankin Inlet, Whale Cove, and my husband.
This is for information purposes only.
My daughter gave birth to a 7-pound, 2-ounce baby on August 30, 2008 and his name is Sidney Joannie Qiliqti Henderson.
That is his name and I am ecstatic that his birth didn’t have any complications.
As you all know, young pregnant women undergo tremendous challenges during their nine-month pregnancy and when they finally give birth, it’s always a pleasure.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to announce that on August 4, Whale Cove celebrated 50 years of community status.
They celebrated for four days and held a banquet.
I would also like to thank the RMCP who sponsored the picnic that was held for all the people of Whale Cove.
They held dances, games, and there was recognition of many elders in the community.
I am grateful for the fact that they moved to Whale Cove.
They also made mention of the Singaittuq family, including all of their descendents who are originally from that area.
And I believe that John Towtoongie was the first resident who worked for the government and Dominique Nutarakuluk… there were quite a number of other people, but I don’t have their names handy.
I place great emphasis on the recognition of Singaittuq; he had a role in several films by the National Film Board in the 1950s.
The name of the film is Anguti and you will probably see it some time.
We also recognized Ikualaaq, who was originally from Whale Cove, and the Qallujjariit and the Uluqsigiit families.
It was a pleasure to be present at their celebration, so I wanted to inform this House about it and the recognition of Voisey and others.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for giving me this opportunity.
Member’s Statement 544 – 2(4): Legal Aid Services in Nunavut (Peterson)
I rise today to inform the House about an issue that I see is a major concern in the Kitikmeot.
Mr. Speaker, earlier this week, I asked the Minister of Justice important questions concerning the urgent need for additional funding and other resources for the legal aid system in Nunavut.
In my former role as Chairman of the Kitikmeot Law Centre, I observed firsthand the challenges facing our legal aid services.
Legal aid services were under-funded then and they remain dangerously under-funded today.
Mr. Speaker, our legal system is complicated and convoluted. It is difficult for anyone who is unequipped with legal training to fully understand what their rights are when they are charged with a crime, how to deal with child custody cases, or how to protect their few assets if they need to declare personal bankruptcy.
Mr. Speaker, most people in the Kitikmeot would turn to the legal aid lawyers for help.
In speaking with many of my constituents who encounter legal problems, they tell me that the legal aid lawyers with whom they work are very supportive and helpful.
Mr. Speaker, that being said, I am aware that our legal aid lawyers are stretched thin and cannot possibly deal on a timely basis with the myriad of cases that are assigned to them weekly.
I have seen the Territorial Circuit Court docket reports and am amazed by the number of cases that legal aid lawyers must deal with to help their clients.
Mr. Speaker, an important function of the legal aid system is dealing with child custody cases.
Currently in Nunavut, I estimate that there are between 300 to 500 pending child custody cases that could take two to three years to be heard. This is very difficult for children and their families.
Mr. Speaker, when I was chairman, our board understood that legal aid was a poor cousin compared to the Government of Nunavut and the federal government, both of which have far more resources available to fulfill their mandates and responsibilities.
This was confusing to us because the legal aid lawyers are in the communities working with the people who need legal help and often have to defend themselves against the Government of Nunavut and federal Crown prosecutors.
Mr. Speaker, legal aid lawyers themselves face difficult work and living conditions. In addition to their huge workloads, their annual salaries are considerably lower than their territorial and federal counterparts, and most do not have housing provided to them.
The combination of these factors leads to a high burnout rate which ultimately affects their clients.
Mr. Peterson: Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to continue my statement.
The light went off while I was talking there.