EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I anticipate that a similar carryover will be brought forward during the Legislative Assembly’s 2013 spring sitting.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker.
Speaker: Mr. Chairman, yes, I have a couple of witnesses here.
Mr. Speaker, for the record, please introduce your witnesses. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker.
To my right, the individual who usually looks this way instead of that way, our Clerk, Mr. Quirke, and to my left is our Director of Corporate Services, Mr. Mike Rafter.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I welcome your officials.
If not, let’s go to A-3.
Legislative Assembly. Branch Summary. Assembly Operations.
Mr. Curley (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, if you could explain the $3,250,000 for renovation. I think it’s going to be for this Assembly, especially with the increase of the members.
I think Nunavutmiut would be interested to see if this would change the Assembly.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Curley. Mr. Speaker.
I believe the total amount that was allocated for the renovations to the Assembly was a little over $2.3 million. There’s probably about $800,000 that has been spent already with the renovations to the first floor for the additional offices for regular members. Also, the large Full Caucus Committee Room has been renovated as well.
There is a contract getting ready to go out. Right now, the RFP is closed and someone was chosen to do security upgrades to the facility and that’s roughly around $400,000, and then we’re anticipating the remainder of the budget, just a little over $1.5 million, to do the renovations of the next phase, which would be the Chambers, after our spring sitting concludes.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let me remind you that we are on A-3 and A-4.
The main question I want to ask is because the public probably wants to know. When the construction is starting, what month would it be closed or do you have an idea of which month the Legislative Assembly will be renovated?
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We’re looking at the work, the next phase, which is mainly in the Chambers here, starting some time at the end of May until August, some time within that period, that the Chambers would be… .
The building itself will remain open and functional, but the Chambers will be closed to tourists. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Curley.
Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you. I would suspect that we would be sitting in August, our last meeting.
If this Chamber is not available and we would have to meet somewhere, maybe we could meet in Rankin Inlet, as there is no more room here in Iqaluit. Thank you.
Right now, we won’t know the extent or the timeframe or the exact amount of time it will take, but we figure there is adequate enough time within that time period to get the work done.
However, that being said, you know, sometimes you open up a wall and you say, “Oops, what’s this?” We’re hoping that we don’t run into any situations like that and that this facility will be ready to use at the end of August. In the event that it isn’t, I say we will cross that bridge when we get to it and hopefully we won’t.
We’re on pages A-3 and A-4.
Assembly Operations. Total Capital Expenditures. $240,000.
Let’s turn to page A-5.
Total Capital Expenditures. $15,000.
Please go back to page A-2.
I’m going to read it in English because I’m not sure if… .
(interpretation ends) Department Summary. Office of the Legislative Assembly.
Total Capital Expenditures. $255,000. (interpretation) Do you agree?
Mr. Speaker, while we’re winding down with this subject, if you have any closing remarks, I’m giving you an opportunity to speak.
I thank members for their questions.
I just wanted to assure all members, as we committed in Full Caucus in the past, that as soon as we do have a timetable for construction of what we’re looking at, we will be updating all members so that they’re aware of what the time schedules will be for the renovations in here.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my staff, not only the ones sitting here with me or the ones sitting up beside you, Mr. Chairman, but all the members, all those staff that work for the Legislative Assembly and continue to strive to ensuring that we have a proper building and in good shape to work in. I would like to take a moment and thank all the staff of the Legislative Assembly for their hard work and dedication.
I would like to get an approval that we can take a break for five minutes.
We will be back (interpretation ends) in five minutes (interpretation) at 5:30 p.m.
>>Committee recessed at 17:24 and resumed at 17:31
Chairman (interpretation): We can now recommence our committee meeting.
If we don’t recommence, I may be castigated for not being truthful about the length of our break, as I stated that we would be back by 5:30 p.m.
Members, my colleagues, if you can refer to pages we review in this House and further please look at the contents of Bill 41 in your binders.
I believe everyone is now on the same page, Bill 41, which we will review.
My binder is in English, so I will read the title in English or attempt to read it.
I am now proceeding with the reading. (interpretation ends) Bill 41, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2013-2014.
Chairman (interpretation): Go to Schedule on page 2. (interpretation ends) Schedule.
Total Capital Appropriation. $152,859,000. (interpretation) Do you agree?
Chairman (interpretation): Go back. (interpretation ends) Clause 5. (interpretation) Do you agree?
Some Members: Agreed.  Chairman: Do members agree to Bill 41 as a whole?
Chairman: Do members agree, pursuant to Rule 62(2), that Bill 41 can immediately be placed on the orders of the day for third reading?
I would like to move a motion to report progress at this time.
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Your committee has been considering Bill 41 and would like to report progress, that Bill 41 is immediately ready for third reading. And, Mr. Speaker, I move that the Report of the Committee of the Whole be agreed to.
Bill 41 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2013-2014 – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 41, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2013-2014, be read for the third time.
The motion is carried and Bill 41 has had third reading and is now ready for assent.
Orders of the Day for November 2:
This House stands adjourned until Friday, November 2, bright and early at 9:00 a.m.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Pages 3260 – 3306
Opening Prayer 3260
Ministers’ Statements 3260
Members’ Statements 3264
Returns to Oral Questions 3270
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 3270
Oral Questions 3271
Responses to Petitions 3287
Point of Order 3288
Tabling of Documents 3289
Notices of Motions 3290
Motions 3290
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 3291
Report of the Committee of the Whole 3305
Revert to Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 3305
Orders of the Day 3306
Friday, November 2, 2012 3260
213 – 3(3): Final Report of the Minister’s Task Force to Review Liquor Act (Peterson) 3260
214 – 3(3): Greenland-Nunavut Cooperation on Language and Culture (Arreak) 3261
215 – 3(3): Nunavut ICT Summit (Taptuna) 3261
216 – 3(3): Adult Learning Partnership (Aariak) 3262
217 – 3(3): Will Guide Developed by the Department of Justice (Shewchuk) 3262
218 – 3(3): Success of Greenland Technology Transfer Project in Pangnirtung (Arreak) 3263
352 – 3(3): Tackling Food Insecurity One Step at a Time (Elliott) 3264
353 – 3(3): 2012 High School Graduates of Clyde River (Arreak) 3265
354 – 3(3): Caring for Our Caregivers (Aupaluktuq) 3265
355 – 3(3): People and the Environment (Ningark) 3266
356 – 3(3): Success of the Hamlet of Arviat (Shewchuk) 3267
357 – 3(3): Real Poverty Reduction: Deeds, Not Words (Curley) 3268
358 – 3(3): Appreciation to Volunteers (Aariak) 3269
Return to Oral Question 435 – 3(3): Review of the Government of Nunavut’s Surplus Disposal Policy (Kusugak) 3270
466 – 3(3): Status of Kiggavik Project (Aupaluktuq) 3271
467 – 3(3): Assignment of Ministerial Responsibility for Department of Family Services (Rumbolt) 3273
468 – 3(3): Donation of Food Legislation (Elliott) 3275
469 – 3(3): Meeting with Minister without Portfolio (Curley) 3277
470 – 3(3): Coming into Force of the Official Languages Act (Tapardjuk) 3279
471 – 3(3): Principles of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in Tamapta (Tapardjuk) 3281
472 – 3(3): Phase 2 of Arena Renovations in Coral Harbour (Ningeongan) 3284
473 – 3(3): Fuel Prices (Elliott) 3285
Response to Petition 003 – 3(3): Petition for Resignation (Aariak) 3287
277 – 3(3): Annual Report on the Administration of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the Period April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2012 (Aariak) 3289
278 – 3(3): Nunavut Lottery Financial Statements, March 31, 2011 (Kusugak) 3289
279 – 3(3): Final Report – Liquor Act Review Task Force (Peterson) 3289
280 – 3(3): Recommendations – Liquor Act Review Task Force (Peterson) 3289
281 – 3(3): Will Guide (Shewchuk) 3289
282 – 3(3): Nunavut Development Corporation’s 2011-2012 Annual Report (Taptuna) 3290
283 – 3(3): Nunavut Housing Trust – Lessons Learned (Taptuna) 3290
038 – 3(3): Extension of Review Period for Bill 40, Representative for Children and Youth Act – Notice (Ningeongan) 3290
038 – 3(3): Extension of Review Period for Bill 40, Representative for Children and Youth Act (Ningeongan) 3290
Bill 42 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2012-2013 – Consideration in Committee 3291
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Oshutapik. (interpretation ends) Good morning, everybody.
Minister’s Statement 213 – 3(3): Final Report of the Minister’s Task Force to Review Liquor Act (Peterson)
Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good morning.
Good morning, Nunavummiut and people in Cambridge Bay.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to update members on the work of the Liquor Task Force.
Over the past two years, the task force has visited every Nunavut community and visited with groups within each community that expressed an interest in discussing the responsible use of alcohol.
With the task force’s help, we have a strong foundation on which to build legislation that better reflects the views of Nunavummiut with respect to the responsible use, regulation, and control of beverage alcohol in our territory.
Mr. Speaker, all members are well aware of the negative effects that the irresponsible use of alcohol can and has had on our territory.
The information gathered from each community regarding responsible alcohol use is included in the “What We Heard” report of the task force.
The final report, Halting the Harm, includes recommendations for specific changes to the liquor regime in Nunavut.
I will be tabling both of those reports this morning.
I ask all members to join me in congratulating the task force participants for their time and dedication in reviewing the Liquor Act.
Minister’s Statement 214 – 3(3): Greenland-Nunavut Cooperation on Language and Culture (Arreak)
As Minister of Languages and Minister for the Department of Culture and Heritage, I signed a new appendix to the Greenland-Nunavut Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation this summer.
Mr. Speaker, the new appendix recognizes that Greenland and Nunavut share a common language, history, and culture.
It also acknowledges that better understanding of regional diversity is important in strengthening cooperation and the unity of Inuit as a people of the wider circumpolar world.
Both governments agreed on the need to maintain dialogue and cooperation in promoting the use of [Inuit] language and culture across our respective jurisdictions.
Our officials will now work together to develop a detailed work plan in the next several months to carry out joint dialogues and cooperation initiatives.
Minister’s Statement 215 – 3(3): Nunavut ICT Summit (Taptuna)
Good morning, colleagues, Nunavummiut, and Kuglukturmiut.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform the Members of this House about the Nunavut Information and Communications Technology Summit which took place in Iqaluit between October 30 and November 1 of yesterday.
The summit, hosted by the Nunavut Broadband Development Corporation, brought people from across Nunavut and Canada together to address the information and communications technology needs of Nunavummiut.
Representatives from the public and private sectors engaged with a variety of stakeholders to develop a long-term plan for communication technology and broadband Internet in Nunavut.
It is well known that communication technology and bandwidth is important for any developing economy. As Nunavut becomes more and more engaged in a modern global economy, we must ensure that Nunavummiut have access to affordable and reliable communications infrastructure and services.
The federal funding program, Broadband Canada, which helps fund access to broadband Internet in Nunavut, is ending in 2016 with no anticipated replacement program. The Department of Economic Development and Transportation is committed to engaging all levels of government, the private sector, and stakeholders in the development of a new broadband communications strategy for Nunavut.
Minister’s Statement 216 – 3(3): Adult Learning Partnership (Aariak)
I rise today to tell my colleagues about a new collaboration between the Government of Nunavut, the Government of the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut Arctic College.
Our two territories recently entered into an agreement to share resources relating to adult basic education.
This agreement allows Nunavut to utilize all of the Government of the Northwest Territories’ adult literacy and basic education curriculum in our classrooms and also as a guide for developing our own Nunavut relevant curriculum.
In early October, representatives from the Department of Education and Nunavut Arctic College travelled to Yellowknife to attend a presentation given by the Government of the Northwest Territories’ Department of Education, Culture and Employment regarding the adult literacy and basic education curriculum and resources.
This was a very informative and productive session and attendees were very pleased at the cooperative tone that this collaboration has set.
We believe this to be the beginning of a mutually beneficial partnership where all parties contribute valuable resources and materials to better meet the needs of the adult learner.
This marks a huge starting point in our work to redesign adult basic education in Nunavut.
The Northwest Territories have had great success with their adult literacy and basic education materials, and we are very excited to be able to use their existing resources and adapt them to be more suitable and relevant to Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, offering a wider range of options for adult learning and training has been a priority under Tamapta.
This renewed partnership with the Northwest Territories will help us to engage adult learners and foster their desire to continue learning and succeed in their education.
Minister’s Statement 217 – 3(3): Will Guide Developed by the Department of Justice (Shewchuk)
As Minister of Justice, it gives me great satisfaction to table the Nunavut Will Guide in the Legislative Assembly.
Many Nunavutmiut pass away without a legal will.
Not having a will means that family members do not know their loved ones’ wishes and that the property of a deceased must go to the Public Trustee to be distributed in accordance with legislation.
The rate of individuals passing away without a will is higher in Nunavut than southern Canada.
Among the reasons many Nunavutmiut do not prepare a will is because they are unaware that they can have a will and because there have been no tools available in Inuktitut to help them write a will.
That is why my department has produced the Nunavut Will Guide to help Inuktitut speakers draft a simple, legal will so their wishes are known after their death.
The Nunavut Will Guide contains general information about wills and the related terminology, as well as a sample will. It aims at encouraging Nunavutmiut to prepare a will.
It is also the first document of its kind to be offered in the Inuit language.
The English and Inuktitut versions are to be distributed first as they are complete, and the Department of Justice is working on issuing Inuinnaqtun and French versions as soon as possible.
The department is also working with communications staff at the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs to outline a communications plan, including radio and print adds, to inform Nunavutmiut of the availability of the Nunavut Will Guide.
Justice is also working with Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs to outline a plan for distribution of the Nunavut Will Guide across Nunavut by the government liaison officers.
We are hopeful that the will guide will make it easier for Nunavutmiut to understand and prepare a will.
In this connection, we will continue to work on the distribution of the Nunavut Will Guide across Nunavut.
Minister’s Statement 218 – 3(3): Success of Greenland Technology Transfer Project in Pangnirtung (Arreak)
Hon. James Arreak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, my constituents.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce the success of our Fisheries and Sealing Division’s two-year Greenland technology transfer project to examine the harvesting potential of turbot in the open water season.
The culmination of this project, in cooperation with the Pangnirtung HTA, was conducted this past summer.
A “transfer of knowledge” demonstrating open water fishing techniques was shared by Greenlandic turbot fishermen who travelled to Pangnirtung to work with nine local fishers. This type of Inuit-to-Inuit knowledge transfer is invaluable.
Mr. Speaker, I am glad to say that with the success of this training and the presence of this equipment in the community, we have laid the groundwork for the development of a community-based small vessel fishery in Pangnirtung.
It is our hope in the coming years that we can utilize Pangnirtung as a fisheries development model that we can apply to other communities throughout the territory.
Member’s Statement 352 – 3(3): Tackling Food Insecurity One Step at a Time (Elliott)
I rise today to acknowledge the efforts of individuals and organizations in raising awareness and suggesting solutions to address food insecurity in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday I tabled a document titled “HungerCount 2012,” which not only provides an overview of food insecurity issues across Canada, but profiles food bank and school breakfast programs in Nunavut.
As noted in the report, there has been an 18 percent increase in use of the Nunavut Food Bank in the last year alone.
Mr. Speaker, the high cost of food in the north is a key aspect of food insecurity. This aspect is highlighted by the website and Facebook page titled “Feeding My Family,” which was initiated last summer.
Mr. Speaker, families in Nunavut spend at least twice as much per year as southern Canadians to put food on the table. Nunavummiut, on average, allocate 25 percent of their income on food compared to 11 percent of a southern income.
The burden becomes even heavier for single-parent families, seniors, and those with little or no income other than social assistance.
Mr. Speaker, the HungerCount 2012 report makes a number of recommendations, with one specific to increasing social investment in northern Canada. The recommendations read:
“We recommend:
The creation of a federal Northern Food Security Innovation Fund, to help jumpstart and sustain community-based, community-led food initiatives across the North;
The establishment and adequate funding of comprehensive school breakfast programs across the territories;
Significant investment in community-building infrastructure in northern communities, including the construction or rehabilitation of community-identified resources like community centres and community freezers.”
Mr. Speaker, I would like to encourage the government to consider including significant funding for Nunavut-wide school breakfast programs in its upcoming budget.
It is heartening to see that many communities, such as the community of Arctic Bay and other communities across Nunavut, are trying to adopt the charitable food model by providing school breakfast programs.
However, the overall problem needs to be supported by government-driven initiatives.
Member’s Statement 353 – 3(3): 2012 High School Graduates of Clyde River (Arreak)
I rise today to recognize the grade 12 graduates. Their graduation ceremony will be held tonight in Clyde River.
The gymnasium will be full with friends and family attending the graduation.
I would like to congratulate all the students and their families for them to acquire jobs after their school or take further education.
I would like to say that they can get jobs in the government.
I have a department that deals with culture and heritage. There are 81 percent that are in school right now and hopefully we will be able to hire those students after they take their secondary education.
The 2012 high school graduates of Quluaq School are:
Joanne Palituq
Margaret Piungituq
Shawn Sivugat
Joshua Qaqqasiq
Evan Churchill
Leean Hainnu
Natasha Panipak
Derek Hainnu
Jody Palluq, and
Silas Jr. Aipellee.
Member’s Statement 354 – 3(3): Caring for Our Caregivers (Aupaluktuq)
I rise today to recognize, acknowledge, and thank Nunavut’s frontline workers and caregivers who contribute selflessly to the well-being of Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, in all of our communities, we have teachers, social workers, counsellors, RCMP members, foster parents, spiritual advisors, elders, and volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to helping others.
Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned to the Minister of Health and Social Services earlier in the sitting, it is important to thank the frontline workers for their tireless and selfless work that they contribute on behalf of our communities, regions, and all of Nunavut.
I was pleased to note that the minister acknowledged the hard-working, loyal, and committed staff at the Department of Health and Social Services. Mr. Speaker, these individuals deserve a pat on the back. They need to hear our thanks.
Mr. Speaker, I can personally attest to the hard work and commitment of individuals, such as my partner, who is a social worker. Her colleagues are no different in their level of dedication.
I have driven by the school late at night and seen the lights on and teachers hard at work preparing for the next day’s lessons.
The nurse-in-charge at our community health centre is exceptionally professional, receptive, and treats her clients with care and compassion.
Mr. Speaker, I often wonder if we care enough for our caregivers.
It is important that those of us who are able to, support the caregivers in our lives.
A word of thanks, an acknowledgement of a job well done, and a recognition of the demanding situations they deal with from day to day can go a long way towards showing them what they mean to our families and our communities.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to encourage all of my colleagues to take the opportunity when you are back in your constituencies to acknowledge and recognize the frontline workers and caregivers for their work and dedication.
Member’s Statement 355 – 3(3): People and the Environment (Ningark)
Today being Friday, my sons have a habit of going hunting on Saturdays. With the change in the seasons, hunters can now go hunting on the land.
As per my usual advice to my sons, the land doesn’t produce garbage, so please ensure you bring back your garbage as it weighs less so bring it back to the local landfill.
Mr. Speaker, in my youth we didn’t have a word for good morning, and we never used the term “good morning.”
The first order of business within the Inuit culture wasn’t to wish someone a good morning in those days.
When I woke up, I would go outside and upon my return, I would be asked, “What is the weather like?”
If another child happened to be the first one to go outside, the question was the same, “How is the weather?”
This was the Inuit custom, the order of business to analogize it. (interpretation ends) Between people and the environment or the planet.