EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
These amendments will extend job protection to those rangers and reservists who are employed in the municipal and private sectors. As the committee will recall, this issue has been raised by a number of members, including the Member for Quttiktuq.
The standing committee encourages the government, through the Office of the Labour Standards Officer, to ensure that employers across the territory are made aware of these amendments to the legislation.
Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening comments. The standing committee recommends the passage of Bill 33 to all members.
Are there any general comments to the opening comments? If there are none, I believe we all have Bill 33 and we will now proceed.
I have the English version, so I will go by that.
We will go through it clause by clause. (interpretation ends) Bill 33, An Act to Amend the Labour Standards Act.
Chairman: Do members agree, pursuant to Rule 62(2), that Bill 33 can immediately be placed on the orders of the day for third reading?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister Shewchuk, your closing remarks, please.
Again I thank you and your committee.
Mr. Chairman, I would like to acknowledge the member from Quttiktuq for actually initiating and championing this bill and my regards go to him.  I think what this bill does is it provides sufficient support and truly does show the value of our rangers and reservists.
Mr. Enook: Uqaqtii, your committee has been considering Bills 19 and 33, and would like to report that Bills 19 and 33 are immediately ready for third reading.
Thank you, Mr. Shewchuk.
Bill 19 – Family Support Orders Enforcement Act – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the hon. member from Kugluktuk, that Bill 19, Family Support Orders Enforcement Act, be read for the third time.
The motion is carried and Bill 19 has had third reading and is now ready for assent.
I move, seconded by the hon. member from Kugluktuk, that Bill 33, An Act to Amend the Labour Standards Act, be read for the third time.
The motion is carried and Bill 33 has had third reading and is now ready for assent.
A reminder that tomorrow morning at nine o’clock, there’s a meeting of the Standing Committee on Legislation in the Nanuq Boardroom.
Minister’s Statement 155 – 3(3)
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Pages 2677 – 2730
Opening Prayer 2677
Ministers’ Statements 2678
Members’ Statements 2681
Oral Questions 2687
Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters 2702
Tabling of Documents 2703
Notices of Motions 2704
Motions 2705
Revert to Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 2705
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 2705
Report of the Committee of the Whole 2729
Third Reading of Bills 2729
Orders of the Day 2730
Tuesday, June 5, 2012 2677
160 – 3(3): Women in Action (Ell) 2678
161 – 3(3): Management Action for Southampton Island Caribou (Arreak) 2678
162 – 3(3): Congratulations to Nunavut Arctic College Faculty for Film Awards (Shewchuk) 2679
163 – 3(3): New Nunavut Birth Certificate (Peterson) 2680
164 – 3(3): Kimmirut Jewellery Course May 9 – June 20 (Taptuna) 2680
165 – 3(3): Career Development Services – Professional Training (Aariak) 2681
265 – 3(3): Congratulations to Kelly Fraser (Rumbolt) 2682
266 – 3(3): Aqsarniit Middle School Graduates (Ell) 2682
267 – 3(3): Women in Action (Ugyuk) 2683
268 – 3(3): Inuit Language Concerns (Tapardjuk) 2683
269 – 3(3): Staffing at the Pond Inlet Teaching and Learning Centre (Enook) 2684
270 – 3(3): Encouraging Nunavummiut to Seek Support (Elliott) 2685
271 – 3(3): Search and Rescue Issues and Arctic Sovereignty (Ningark) 2685
376 – 3(3): New Birth Certificates (Tapardjuk) 2687
377 – 3(3): Status of Government Liaison Officer Positions (Rumbolt) 2688
378 – 3(3): Environmental Protection Activities and Reporting (Aupaluktuq) 2690
379 – 3(3): Update on Student Information System (Ugyuk) 2691
380 – 3(3): Improvements to Pangnirtung’s Community Arena (Oshutapik) 2692
381 – 3(3): Encouraging Nunavummiut to Seek Support (Elliott) 2694
382 – 3(3): Southampton Island Caribou Survey (Ningeongan) 2696
383 – 3(3): Staffing at the Pond Inlet Teaching and Learning Centre (Enook) 2697
384 – 3(3): Search and Rescue Issues and Arctic Sovereignty (Ningark) 2699
385 – 3(3): Birth Certificates for Nunavummiut Born Outside Nunavut (Curley) 2700
199 – 3(3): 2011 Annual Report for Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (Aariak) 2703
200 – 3(3): Photograph of Fuel Distribution Infrastructure in Taloyoak (Ugyuk) 2703
201 – 3(3): Correspondence from the Kikitak Housing Association (Ugyuk) 2703
202 – 3(3): Copy of the Yukon Government’s “Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act” (Ugyuk) 2703
203 – 3(3): Public Service Annual Report for 2010-2011 Fiscal Year (Ell) 2704  204 – 3(3): Decentralization Action Plan - Strengthening Our Commitment to Servicing Nunavummiut (Ell) 2704
Committee Report 021 – 3(3): Bill 30, Building Code Act (Ningeongan) 2703  Committee Report 022 – 3(3): Bill 31, An Act to Amend the Consumer Protection Act (Ningeongan) 2703
031 – 3(3): Extended Adjournment – Notice (Ningeongan) 2704
031 – 3(3): Extended Adjournment (Ningeongan) 2705
Bill 30 – Building Code Act – Consideration in Committee 2706
Bill 31 – An Act to Amend the Consumer Protection Act – Consideration in Committee 2725
Bill 30 – Build Code Act – Third Reading 2729
Bill 31 – An Act to Amend the Consumer Protection Act – Third Reading 2729
Before we proceed with the orders of the day, I am very pleased to take this opportunity to make an announcement in my capacity as the Chairperson of the Order of Nunavut Advisory Council.
As the House is aware, The Order of Nunavut Act came into force on January 1, 2010.
The objective of the order is to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the cultural, social, or economic well-being of Nunavut.
The order is the highest honour of Nunavut and takes precedence over all other orders, decorations, or medals conferred by the Government of Nunavut.
As the House will recall, nominations opened earlier this year for the Order of Nunavut.
This year, the advisory council has selected two distinguished Nunavummiut whose contributions to Inuit art, culture, and music are internationally renowned.
I am very honoured [to announce] today that the Order of Nunavut will be awarded this year to Ms. Kenojuak Ashevak and Mr. Charlie Panigoniak.
Kenojuak Ashevak and Charlie Panigoniak are ambassadors for our territory and its people.
Kenojuak Ashevak of Cape Dorset has received numerous awards and honours in recognition of her lifetime of artistic accomplishment.
She was invested as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1967. She was subsequently invested as a Companion of the Order of Canada in 1982.
Charlie Panigoniak has been performing and recording music since the late 1960s.
Born in the Kivalliq, Mr. Panigoniak is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and broadcaster.
He has performed at numerous festivals and events in Canada and abroad.
I am very pleased to advise the House that investiture ceremonies will be held in the fall of this year.
I look forward to inviting all members to join the Commissioner of Nunavut and I at what I know will be a joyous occasion.
We will now proceed with the orders of the day.
Minister responsible for the Status of Women, Minister Ell.
Minister’s Statement 160 – 3(3): Women in Action (Ell)
I stand before you today as the Minister responsible for the Status of Women to congratulate the Commissioner of Nunavut, Edna Elias, who, on May 19, along with Jeannie Ehaloak, Janet Brewster, Elisabeth Hadlari, Jamie McInnis, and Donna Olsen-Hakongak, completed a 224-kilometre walk from Umingmaktok to Cambridge Bay.
The walk, “Women in Action - Steps of Hope,” promoted healthy living and raised awareness and funds for the Alberta Cancer Foundation in support of breast cancer research at the Edmonton Cross Cancer Institute. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the “Women in Action - Steps of Hope” walk, through commitment and hard work, also raised more than $80,000 for breast cancer research.
I commend Edna, Jeannie, Janet, Elisabeth, Jamie, and Donna on their achievement and devotion to raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research.
Mr. Speaker, let us continue to encourage and support all women in  Nunavut in their endeavours as this will ensure the continued success of initiatives such as the “Women in Action - Steps of Hope.”
Minister’s Statement 161 – 3(3): Management Action for Southampton Island Caribou (Arreak)
Prior to making my Minister’s Statement, I would like to extend birthday greetings to Jamie Arreak, my grandson, who, although, I am in Iqaluit, wanted me to pick him up at Clyde River.
I would like him to enjoy his birthday today, so everyone should be nice to him.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform my colleagues of the action that wildlife co-management partners are taking to address conservation concerns about the Southampton Island caribou population.
Scientific findings and local observations have seen a drastic decline in the population, as well as reduced overall health and productivity of caribou in that area.
The June 2011 aerial survey estimated about 7,700 caribou, down from an estimate of 30,000 individuals in 1997.
This represents a reduction of more than 75 percent in 14 years.
Consultation with the Coral Harbour Hunters and Trappers Organization indicated that the harvest level in 2011-12 is well above the sustainable limit for the population.
As a result, the HTO formally requested that I establish a total allowable harvest and non-quota limitations for the 2012-13 harvest year.
In keeping with Nunavut’s wildlife co-management system, I forwarded this request to the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board for decision.
The recommended management actions are currently being considered.
In the meantime, the department is preparing to conduct another aerial survey in early June to obtain an updated population estimate.
This information will lead to recommendations for further management measures as necessary.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to acknowledge the support of the HTO and the community of Coral Harbour in addressing this serious situation.
I hope that, in the not too distant future, I will be able to report improvements to the number and health of the caribou on Southampton Island.
We are and will continue to be committed to working collaboratively with our co-management partners to sustain the wildlife on which all Nunavummiut depend.
Minister’s Statement 162 – 3(3): Congratulations to Nunavut Arctic College Faculty for Film Awards (Shewchuk)
Amaqqut Nunaat, the Country of Wolves, is a film inspired by a story from the late author and Arviat Elder Mark Kalluak.
This impressive production was produced by Louise Flaherty and directed by Neil Christopher of Inhabit Media. This film is dedicated to Mark.
Mr. Speaker, Amaqqut Nunaat represents Inhabit Media’s first animated production and serves as a spectacular example of the artistic and creative talent that can be found here in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, this wonderfully produced short film celebrated its North American premiere at the imagineNATIVE Film and Media Arts Festival last October in Toronto.
In Toronto, the film was awarded with the honours of Best Canadian Short Drama and the Cynthia-Lickers Sage Award for Emerging Talent, Best Animation at the American Indian Film Festival in San Francisco, California, Best Animation at the SENE Film, Music & Arts Festival in Rhode Island, USA, and Best Narrative Short at the Cine Las Americas International Film Festival in Austin, Texas.
Mr. Speaker, Amaqqut Nunaat has been shown at film festivals across Canada and around the world. From places like Quebec, Ohio, California, Colorado, the Yukon, Alaska, Ontario, Scotland, and Finland, this film is introducing Inuit stories and legends to audiences all over the world.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Neil Christopher, a faculty member with our Nunavut Teacher Education Program, and Louise Flaherty, the college’s Director of Inuit Language and Culture Programs, for their work on this incredible project.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my fellow members and Nunavutmiut to see this film and to continue supporting Nunavut’s growing arts, film, and media industry.
Minister’s Statement 163 – 3(3): New Nunavut Birth Certificate (Peterson)
I invite my colleagues to join me later this afternoon in the lobby of the Legislative Assembly, where Department of Health and Social Services staff and I will introduce the new Nunavut birth certificate.
Mr. Speaker, as recommended by the Vital Statistics Council Canada, we are now ready to make available new Nunavut birth certificates.
If your child is Nunavut-born, he or she can receive one of these new birth certificates.
This birth certificate is standard across Canada but also includes Nunavut-specific features, including our coat of arms, Inuit language, and the territorial seal.
Mr. Speaker, all birth certificates in Canada are now printed on the same polymer paper stock with identical security features to help protect against identity theft, tampering, and counterfeiting.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank Annamarie Hedley, Manager of Health Insurance Programs in Rankin Inlet, for her dedication and commitment to this project.
Minister’s Statement 164 – 3(3): Kimmirut Jewellery Course May 9 – June 20 (Taptuna)
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment today to congratulate the eight artists in Kimmirut who are participating in a six-week jewellery and stone-cutting course funded by the Department of Economic Development and Transportation through the Policy on Program Partnerships.
This year, the Hamlet of Kimmirut updated its economic development plan. Through this plan, Kimmirut expressed a strong desire to continue the growth of arts and crafts and to provide training and marketing support for artists.
It is a positive example of a community taking ownership of its future and building self-reliance.
With their new skills, artists will be able to earn income as well as share our rich culture and talent with others.
Mr. Speaker, locally harvested antler, stone, and ivory are being used to create jewellery pieces.
Many have improved their ability to find stones by participating in the department’s Nunavut Prospectors Program.
Around Kimmirut, one can find red and green garnets, sapphires, tourmaline, calcites, as well as lapis lazuli, a stone valued for its colour and rarity.
These semi-precious local resources are being used to create rings, pendants, broaches, earrings, cufflinks, and other unique pieces.
The community is showing great enthusiasm and support. The students put on a jewellery show at the school on Thursday, May 31.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the participants of the Kimmirut jewellery course and wishing them continued success.
Mr. Speaker, if you are visiting Kimmirut, I encourage you to take the time to visit the Soper Art Gallery, where you can see a dazzling collection of carvings and jewellery from the local artist community and take home a treasure for yourself.
Minister’s Statement 165 – 3(3): Career Development Services – Professional Training (Aariak)
Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Good afternoon, everyone. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to update my colleagues about a very successful professional development training project currently underway and to congratulate the first graduates of this exciting program.
Mr. Speaker, this program has provided professional development training for numerous Department of Education staff, such as career development officers and supervisors.
This month, we are celebrating the success of the first graduates of this program.
Please join me in congratulating Ms. Donna Sabourin and Ms. Pauline Sabourin of Rankin Inlet, and Ms. Hilu Tagoona of Baker Lake, who are the first Nunavummiut to successfully complete this program.
It has taken a great deal of dedication and hard work for these individuals over the past three years to complete all of the course work and assignments.
Job well done!
Mr. Speaker, providing professional development opportunities to all staff who work in the career development field will enhance their skills so they can provide the guidance Nunavummiut need to access education, learning, and career development opportunities. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 265 – 3(3): Congratulations to Kelly Fraser (Rumbolt)
I rise today to recognize a young constituent of mine who is an excellent role model for her peers and the youth of Sanikiluaq.
Mr. Speaker, Kelly Fraser has recently completed her first year in the Nunavut Sivuniksavut Program in Ottawa and is back home in Sanikiluaq for the summer.
Mr. Speaker, Kelly graduated from Nuiyak School in Sanikiluaq and was accepted into the NS program.
I understand that Kelly hopes to continue in the second year of the NS program and I wish her the best of luck in continuing her education.
Mr. Speaker, Kelly is also an accomplished musician. She plays the guitar and sings her own songs in both Inuktitut and English.
You may see her performing this summer at the Alianait! Arts Festival or at the Rockin’ Walrus Festival in Igloolik.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Kelly success in all her future endeavours.
Members’ Statements, Member for Iqaluit West, Ms. Ell.
Member’s Statement 266 – 3(3): Aqsarniit Middle School Graduates (Ell)
I say “good afternoon” to residents in Iqaluit West.
I would like to congratulate the 80 grade 8 students who will be graduating from Aqsarniit Middle School here in Iqaluit on June 20.
I wish them a happy summer and hope their high school experience is meaningful and fulfilling.
Congratulations to the 80 graduates. I ask that the names of the 80 students be entered into the record as read.
The Aqsarniit Middle School graduates are:
Tyler Akeeagok, Mary Sheema Angmarlik, Jamie Arlooktoo, Jimmy Arlooktoo, Aapak Arvaluk, Nuqallaq Arvaluk, Brandon Ashley, Samantha Ashoona, Celina Audla, Samantha Ann Balfour, Toby Barnes, Daniel King Calamayan, Victoria Coman, Matthew Cooper-Flaherty, Jonathan Cousins, Mary Dunphy, Linda Eetuk, Mary Ell, Kasandra Goupil, Derek Idlaut, Isaac Idlout, Pitseolak Ineak, Isaac Innuaraq, Paddy Iqaluk, Michel Ittusardjuat, Jaymi Kakee, Jonathon Kingwatsiak, Christina Kopalie, Alookie Korgak, Tyler Kirk, Maranda Kootoo, Virginia Kootoo-Reist, Nathan Kownirk, Alisha Kunuk, Andy Laisa, Nala Lyta, Kevin Maatiusi, Roy Macpa, Adamee Mathewsie, Ryleigh McPherson, Jacob Melanson, Qalapik Mingeriak, Verna Nooshoota, Akeeshoo Nowdlak, Michael Nowdlak, Maya Nowdluk, Caroline Nutarak, Morgan Nuvviaq, Akeeshoo Onalik, Wilfred Onalik, Jasmine Oolayou, Levina Leah Pallister, Charlie Panipak, Anna Papatsie, Joanasie Papatsie, Ian Peter, Jessica Peter, Phillipoosie Peterloosie, Michael Pewatualuk, Felix Nikki Pisco, Sheila Pitseolak, Mathew Pootoolik, Oolai Robert Qaunirq, Kunuk Rojas, Ashleigh Shiutiapik, Debbie Smith, Rosalie Sucian, Sandra Thibaudeau, Naula Aimo Tiglik, Nmesoma Umenwofor-Nweze, and Juston Vincent.
Speaker: Thank you, Ms. Ell. The names will be entered into the record as read. Item 3.
Member’s Statement 267 – 3(3): Women in Action (Ugyuk)
The Minister responsible for the Status of Women talked about the women who walked from Umingmaktok to Cambridge Bay, so I would also like to congratulate them for that walk for breast cancer. We expect that they are setting a good example and they have assisted women in Nunavut.
Before I came here from Taloyoak on Friday, James Eetoolook and his wife held a soup and bannock sale, along with Dennis and Christine Lyall, and others. They fundraised over $2,000 towards this drive for breast cancer victims.
This is a wonderful gesture by the people of Taloyoak and I am very grateful to them for doing that.
Item 3. Members’ Statements. Member for Amittuq, Mr. Tapardjuk.
Member’s Statement 268 – 3(3): Inuit Language Concerns (Tapardjuk)
Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon to my constituents in Igloolik and Hall Beach.
I just wanted to say that my dear mother was visited and to let my relatives know that I paid her a visit and I will visit her again.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my gratitude to the Minister of Education for making a statement regarding Education Week for 2012 from April 23 to 27.
In her comments, Mr. Speaker, she states that I accompanied her when she visited Igloolik to certify 15 elders as Innait Inuksiutilirijiit.
Mr. Speaker, as the school year winds down this week, I wish to express my pleasure in this House for the Education Act’s implementation that resulted in just this kind of ceremony that the department is supposed to carry out. This is what I told the elders who were honoured and I want to repeat it in this House.
As children, we attended school and we were discouraged from speaking English at home.
Now that we have Nunavut and increasing self-government powers, we have expectations that the education process will improve in the future.
Be that as it may, Mr. Speaker, I still have grave concerns shared by some of my constituents that the Inuit language’s implementation is falling behind, which I raised with the minister.
I will have more comments when the minister appears before us as a committee. In the meantime, I wish to thank the Minister of Education for being open and constructive.
Member’s Statement 269 – 3(3): Staffing at the Pond Inlet Teaching and Learning Centre (Enook)
Good afternoon to my fellow residents in Pond Inlet as well as the residents of Nunavut.
For my fellow residents, my thoughts and prayers are with you and I share your sense of loss today.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to a critical shortage of staff at the Department of Education’s teaching and learning centre in Pond Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, there is a dream across Nunavut that one day in the future, the Inuit language will be the working language of government and business.
Our government supports this dream with policies and legislation.
Laws, such as the Inuit Language Protection Act and the Education Act, require that the Inuit language be taught, spoken, and used.
However, Mr. Speaker, if we don’t ensure that the materials, resources, and supports for teaching and retaining the Inuit language are ready and available, then all of those dreams which are enshrined in the legislation will be worthless.
Mr. Speaker, the teaching and learning centre in Pond Inlet has been running with only one staff member for over two years.
There are none. Please proceed, Mr. Enook.
Two staff positions are vacant and have remained empty and unfilled for far too long. It is not even clear that the positions have ever been advertised.
The lone worker in that office has faced tremendous pressure.
Mr. Speaker, when I see situations such as this, leaving critical positions unfilled, it leads me to question the government’s commitment towards sustaining, developing, and protecting the Inuit language.
Mr. Speaker, with the departure of the remaining staff member, the teaching and learning centre in Pond Inlet will be completely empty.
This situation concerns me greatly, having seen the lack of progress over the past two years, and I worry that these positions will be left unfilled.
Mr. Speaker, Pond Inlet’s teaching and learning staff positions are included in the Department of Education’s organization chart.
This past March, we approved funding for these positions as part of the 1,300 staff positions of the department.
If the government is serious about its commitment towards the Inuit language, then there is absolutely no excuse for these critical positions to remain vacant.
Member’s Statement 270 – 3(3): Encouraging Nunavummiut to Seek Support (Elliott)
I rise today to encourage Nunavummiut to stand up for what they believe in and to seek the support they need to enable them to reach their goals.
Mr. Speaker, there are many services, programs, and resources available across Nunavut, but in order to take advantage of them, it is up to every one of us to stand up, reach out, and ask for support and assistance.
As just one example, although it is a big one, our public education system is free and available and not just for children and youth.