EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
We would like to start off by line by line.
An Act to Amend the Northwest Territories Business Corporation Act.
Chairman (interpretation): Does the Committee agree to the Bill as whole?
Chairman (interpretation): Does the Committee agree that Bill 40 is ready for third reading?
Thank you, Mr. Minister, for appearing before the committee.
I would like to thank my officials and the interpreters.
Mr. Havioyak: We would like to continue with the review of Bill 42.
Chairman (interpretation): We’re now going to deal with Bill 42.
Minister of Justice or his designate.
Mr. Chairman, I’m very pleased to be the designate today for the Minister of Justice.
It gives me great pleasure Mr. Chairman, to bring forward the opening remarks for the Committee of the Whole on the Labour Standards Act, the compassionate care leave section.
Mr. Chairman, I believe strongly that the proposed amendments to the Labour Standards Acts will be of significant benefit to those Nunavummiut whose employment is regulated by the Labour Standards Act.
Mr. Chairman, the Federal Government through Bill C28, the Budget Implementation Act 2003, which is expected to come into force on January 4, 2004, makes provisions for certain benefits concerning compassionate care leave.
If passed Mr. Chairman, the federal legislation will provide up to 8 weeks of job protection under the Canadian Labour Code and up to 6 weeks of employment insurance benefits for compassionate care leave to care for or to support a seriously ill family member.
Important legislation.
And as such, leave will be dependant on a qualified medical practitioner issuing a certificate stating that the family member, indeed, has a significant risk of death, Mr. Chairman, within 26 weeks.
The leave and benefits may be shared between two or more employees.
Mr. Chairman, the Nunavut’s Labour Standards Act currently provides for pregnancy, currently provides for pregnancy and parental leave, but makes no provision for compassionate care leave.
It is important for Nunavut to amend its Labour Standards Act in order for employees, who are subject to this legislation, to be able to avail themselves of the benefits envisaged pursuant to the proposed Federal legislation.
With that, I will welcome comments on the Bill.
Are you going to bring in your officials to the Witness Table?
Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort them in.
Mr. Chairman, with me today on my immediate left is Peter Allan, our extremely confident lawyer from the Justice Department, who later drafted our Legislations.
On my immediate right is the incomparable Nora Sanders, the Deputy Minister of Justice for the Government of Nunavut.
I will now ask Ajauqtiit’s Chairman, Mr. Iqaqrialu, to do his Opening Comments.
Mr. Chairman, the Standing Committee Ajauqtiit has reviewed Bill 42, an Act to Amend the Labour Standards Act, Compassionate Care Leave.
Mr. Chairman, this Act will be amended to provide for compassionate care leave consistent with the compassionate care leave amendments met by the Federal Government in Bill C-28, Budget Implementation Act 2003, which received royal assent on June 19, 2003 and is scheduled to come into effect on January 4, 2004.
Mr. Chairman, Members are pleased that this will entitle individuals up to eight weeks of job protection to care or support a family member who has significant risk of death.
Mr. Chairman, Members believe this Bill to be straight forward.
Members also understand that it is very important for Nunavummiut to spend time with family members in their time of need.
Mr. Chairman, Members did raise the issue of definition of family member, for example, the concept of family is very unique in Nunavut.
There are many children that are raised by their grandparents or other relatives.
Members urge the Minister to work on this issue in the future.
Members of the Committee are all in support of this initiative and recommend the passage of this Bill.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Iqaqrialu, Chairman of the Standing Committee, Ajauqtiit.
We are now on General Comments.
The Floor is open for General Comments now; I have no names on my list.
We will move on to Questions.
I have no names for questions.
Would you like to go Clause-by-Clause now?
Bill 42.
An Act to Amend the Labour Standards Act.
If you’re on that Bill, clause 1.
Chairman (interpretation): Does the Committee agree to the Bill as a whole?
Chairman (interpretation): Does the Committee agree that Bill 42 is ready for third reading?
Do you have any closing remarks Mr. Minister?
Mr. Chairman, we’ve worked very hard on this piece of legislation over the past several months.
We’ve been moving forward on this very progressive legislation, so thank you very much Mr. Chairman, and thank you to the capable staff that we have with us.
Chairman (interpretation): I would like to ask what the wish of the Committee is. Mr. Nutarak.
Chairman (interpretation): There is a motion on the floor to report progress.
We can call upon the Speaker to return to the Chamber.
Mr. Chairman, Mr. Puqiqnak.
Your Committee has been considering Bill 33, 40, 42 and would like to report that Bill 33, 40 and 42 are now ready for third reading.
Just for the record, there were no amendments in that clause.
Do we have a seconder for the motion? Mr. Kattuk.
Bill 40 – An Act to Amend the Northwest Territories Credit Corporation Act – Third Reading
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Pangnirtung that Bill 40, an Act to Amend the Northwest Territories Credit Corporation Act be read for the third time.
The Motion is carried, and the Bill has had third reading.
Bill 33 – The Tobacco Control Act – Third Reading
It gives me great pleasure, Mr. Speaker, and indeed, great pleasure today, to move that Bill 33, Mr. Speaker, I will begin. I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Baffin South that Bill 33, The Tobacco Control Act be read for the third time.
Bill 42 – An Act to Amend the Labour Standards Act – Third Reading
And I would also move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Pangnirtung that Bill 42, an Act to Amend the Labour Standards Act be read for the third time.
>>Applause  Speaker: Thank you, Minister Picco.
The Motion is carried, and the Bill has had Third Reading. Item 21. Third Reading of Bills.
Mr Clerk.
Clerk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A reminder for tomorrow morning, for Tuesday, November 4, a meeting of the Standing Committee on Government Operations at 9:00 in the Tuktu Room.
Orders for the Day for Tuesday, November 4th.
This House stands adjourned until Tuesday, November 4th, 2003, at 1:30 pm.
>>House adjourned at 17:13  Nunavut Canada
DAY 68
Tuesday November 4, 2003
Pages 4450 – 4564
Jayco Ishulutak
Written Questions 4071
Petitions 4071
Notice of Motions for First Reading of Bills 4071
Tuesday November 4, 2003 4071
218 – 1(6): Federal Child Disability Benefit (Thompson) 4071
219 – 1(6): Nunavut Economic Development Strategy (Akesuk) 4071
220 – 1(6): Inungi Sapujiijiit Task Force Report (Picco) 4071
221 – 1(6): The Nunavut Literary Award (Kilabuk) 4071
222 – 1(6): Tabling of NPC March 31, 2003 Annual Report (Picco) 4071
708 – 1(6): Federal Government Consideration on Same Sex Marriage (Havioyak) 4071
709 – 1(6): Igloolikmiut Concern on Old Community Hall (Irqittuk) 4071
710 – 1(6): Athletes of Nunavut in Need of Facilities (Puqiqnak) 4071
711 – 1(6): Nunavut Government in the Last Four Years (Iqaqrialu) 4071
712 – 1(6): People Opposed to the Human Rights Act (Anawak) 4071
713 – 1(6): Nunasi Corporation (McLean) 4071
714 – 1(6): Human Rights Act (Alakannuark) 4071
715 – 1(6): Same Sex Marriages (Williams) 4071
716 – 1(6): Fair Legislation for Nunavummiut (Ng) 4071
717 – 1(6): Protecting the Inuktitut Language (Nutarak) 4071
718 -1(6): Different Definitions of Love (Thompson) 4071
719 – 1(6): Snow Challenge March 2004 (Picco) 4071
686 – 1(6): Update and Status of Igloolik Community Hall (Irqittuq) 4071
687 – 1(6): Which Jobs are Most Suitable for Decentralization Plans (Tootoo) 4071
688 – 1(6): Gymnasiums for Athletes (Puqiqnak) 4071
689 – 1(6): Social Assistance or Income Support Inadequate (Havioyak) 4071
690 – 1(6): Number of Staff Houses Vacant in the Communities (Iqaqrialu) 4071
691 – 1(6): Syllabic Writing System (Nutarak) 4071
692 – 1(6): Plans on Starting a Youth Art Program (McLean) 4071
693 – 1(6): Social Assistance Appeal Board Training (Williams) 4071
694 – 1(6): Changes to the Policies on Social Services (Anawak) 4071
695 – 1(6): Plans to Teach Traditional Knowledge (Alakannuark) 4071
021 – 1(6): Lena Pederson Boarding Home (Havioyak) 4071
009 – 1(6): Medical Travel (Iqaqrialu) 4071
010 – 1(6): Community Hall in Gjoa Haven – Expansion (Puqiqnak) 4071
022 – 1(6): Bill 36 – An Act to Amend the Workers Compensation Act – COW Review of Bill (Tootoo) 4071
148 – 1(6): Letter From Tagak Curley Re: Bill 12 (Thompson) 4071
149 – 1(6): Minutes from Kivalliq Regional Mayors’ Meeting (Alakannuark) 4071
150 – 1(6): Inungni Sapujiijiit Task Force – Report (Picco) 4071
151 – 1(6): Nunavut Power Corporation Second Annual Report for Fiscal Year ended March 31, 2003 (Picco) 4071
152 – 1(6): Nunavut Literary Prize Guidelines (Kilabuk) 4071
153 – 1(6): Retiring Allowances Fund (Speaker) 4071
154 – 1(6): Supplementary Retiring Allowances Fund (Speaker) 4071
Bill 49 – An Act to Amend the Safety Act - Notice 4071
008 – 1(6): Sub-Clause 9 (5) OF Bill 12 Human Rights Act be Amended (Tootoo) 4071
009 – 1(6): Clause 7 (1) of Bill 12 Human Rights Act be Amended (Netser) 4071
010 – 1(6): Sub-Clause 9 (5) of Bill 12 Human Rights Act be Amended (Tootoo) 4071
011 – 1(6): Sub-Clause 10 (3) of Bill 12 Human Rights Act be Amended (Tootoo) 4071
012 – 1(6): Sub-Clause 11 (2) of Bill 12 Human Rights Act be Amended (Tootoo) 4071
013 – 1(6): Sub-Clause 12 (2) of Bill 12 Human Rights Act be Amended (Tootoo) 4071
014 – 1(6): Sub-Clause 13 (3) of Bill 12 Human Rights Act be Amended (Tootoo) 4071
015 – 1(6): Clause 22 (2) of Bill 12 Human Rights Act be Amended (Tootoo) 4071
016 – 1(6): Sub-Clause 32 of Bill 12 Human Rights Act be Struck Out (Tootoo) 4071
017 – 1(6): Sub-Clause 47 (a) of Bill 12 Human Rights Act be Amended (Tootoo) 4071
018 – 1(6): Sub-Clause 47 (e) of Bill 12 Human Rights Act be Amended (Tootoo) 4071
Bill 12 – Nunavut Human Rights Act – Third Reading……………………………….4581
Honourable Olayuk Akesuk, Mr. Ovide Alakannuark, Mr. Jack Anawak, Mr. Donald Havioyak, Mr. David Iqaqrialu, Mr. Enoki Irqittuq, Honourable Peter Kattuk, Honourable Peter Kilabuk, Mr. Glenn McLean, Mr. Patterk Netser, Honourable Kelvin Ng, Mr. Jobie Nutarak, Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Honourable Paul Okalik, Honourable Ed Picco, Mr. Uriash Puqiqnak, Honourable Manitok Thompson, Mr. Hunter Tootoo, Ms. Rebekah Williams.
Speaker: I would like to call on Ms. Williams to say the prayer this afternoon.
It’s nice to see all nineteen Members here and the other Members back from their voyage on the land.
Minister’s Statement 218 – 1(6): Federal Child Disability Benefit
Many of you will recall that the Federal Budget announcement made in February 2003, proposed to add a separate supplement called the Child Disability Benefit to the Canada Child Tax Credit.
The Government of Canada introduced this benefit to help children with severe and prolonged disabilities living in low and modest income families.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the first payment of this benefit will be issued in March 2004 and will be retroactive to July 2003.
This tax free benefit will provide an additional $1 thousand, 600 dollars per year to families who meet the eligibility criteria established by the federal government.
Mr. Speaker, in recognition of the special needs of low and moderate income families with disabled children in Nunavut, I am pleased to announce that my department has received approval to exclude these benefits from the assessment of income support.
This means that the Child Disability Benefit will not result in a reduction in social assistance payment for Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, a directive will be issued shortly to all Income Support Workers advising them how to treat these benefits under the Income Support Program.
Minister’s Statement 219 – 1(6): Nunavut Economic Development Strategy
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk (interpretation): Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker, colleagues, and my constituents of Kimmirut and Cape Dorset.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to update the House on the Nunavut Economic Development Strategy.
As Members are aware, I, along with NTI released the Nunavut Economic Development Strategy to the public on September 23, 2003.
It represents that fulfillment of a major commitment of the Bathurst Mandate.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, this is the first Economic Development Strategy produced by Nunavummiut for Nunavut and as such is a landmark document.
Members will recall that Cabinet met in Naujaat just over two years ago to discuss the Nunavut economy, its prospects and the development of an economic development strategy for Nunavut.
(interpretation) As a result the Naujaat Challenge was prepared and initiated a process of consultation.
Last fall we agreed to a proposal to complete the Strategy in collaboration with over twenty organizations from Nunavut.
In March of this year we held a major conference in Rankin Inlet on the Strategy, the Sivumut II conference.
(Interpretation ends) It includes a practical approach to implementing this Strategy and to continuing the collaboration with the private sector, other levels of government and the Inuit organizations.
Mr. Speaker, the strategy has stimulated a great deal of interest in our plans to economic development, especially from the Federal Government.
Last week I met with the Federal Minister of Finance, John Manley, and with the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, Robert Nault, both Ministers pledged their support for the implementation of the Nunavut Economic Development Strategy.
Minister Nault has already agreed to cost share a small secretariat to coordinate implementation of the Strategy and further discussions are scheduled next month on priority economic development projects that his Department will support in this fiscal year.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I am optimistic about our economic future, and about our ability to capture the benefits of economic growth for all of Nunavummiut by following the ambitious plan laid out in this Strategy.
Minister’s Statement 220 – 1(6): Inungi Sapujiijiit Task Force Report
Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure today to rise and thank the Inungi Sapujiijiit Taskforce on Suicide Prevention and Community Healing.
Mr. Speaker, I want to point out that later today I will be recognizing them in the gallery.
There are a few behind Mr. Tootoo and Mr. McLean.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to show our gratitude for their work in representing Nunavummiut and their recommendations on suicide prevention and community healing.
The priorities highlighted in the report Our Words Must Come Back to Us, is the delivery of a culturally relevant wellness programming.
Mr. Speaker, later today I will be tabling their report Our Words Must Come Back to Us completed by the Inungi Sapujiijiit Task Force.
I invite the Members of the Legislative Assembly to take the time to read what Nunavummiut are saying about suicide prevention and to hear the call for the development of our healthy communities.
Following the session today Mr. Speaker, I invite all the MLAs to join with me and meeting our task force in the foyer where we will have some light refreshments available.
Mr. Speaker, again, I extend my sincere appreciation to the Task Force’s very important work on this very difficult issue and I assure Nunavummiut that this report will be the foundation for a comprehensive action plan against the unacceptable and heartbreaking suicide rate we see here in Nunavut.
Minister’s Statement 221 – 1(6): The Nunavut Literary Award
Mr. Speaker, as Minister of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth it is my pleasure to announce the launching of the Nunavut Literary Award.
This is a new initiative to encourage the writing and publishing of new Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun literature.
While Inuktitut is the majority language in Nunavut, very few books in our language have been published for adult readers.
I know that there are many Nunavummiut out there who are excellent writers and who have stories and ideas that really need to be written down and shared with the rest of us.
But, up until now, it has been difficult for these people to get their work published.
I invite all of those people to send their stories, legends that have been passed down, poems or any other writing they have.
I will be appointing a panel of judges to read through the entries and select two winners.
The first prize is worth $6 thousand, and second prize $4 thousand.
Mr. Speaker, all entries should be sent to the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth by December 31, 2003. As Minister, I will be handing out the awards during Inuktitut Uqauttin Week in February.
Later today, I will be tabling the guidelines for the Literary Award.
They are also available on the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth website.
Minister’s Statement 222 – 1(6): Tabling of NPC March 31, 2003 Annual Report
Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to announce that later today I will table the Nunavut Power Corporation March 31, 2003 Annual Report.
Mr. Speaker, it is a distinct pleasure to report that although NPC has followed through on it’s commitment to provide safe, reliable and efficient power to Nunavummiut, with 2003 rates based on a 1997/1998 cost of service study, NPC’s 2003 operating deficit has come in at $7.9 million, not the $13 million that we originally anticipated.
Mr. Speaker, this is indeed good news.
Good news for the Corporation and good news for Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, in short, costs such as capital, labour, and most importantly oil have consistently increased since 1997, without matching these costs with any increase in revenue.
Mr. Speaker, improved financial reporting and management are supporting the development of a General Rate Application for fuel and electricity pricing, which will be completed this spring.
Members should be assured that any rate proposal, for the next government’s assessment, would require full disclosure of NPC’s financial information and will also involve public hearings that will be transparent.
Mr. Speaker, much has been done to strengthen NPC’s financial accountability, financial capacity and financial management systems since the Auditor General completed NPC’s 2003 year end audit and has it been put in place.
NPC’s management team has been substantially altered with new appointments including a Chief Operating Officer, Director of Human Resources, and Director of Operations.
In addition, the financial management of the corporation has been bolstered with the recent hiring of three accounting managers.
These three accounting managers have already implemented innovative solutions to improve billing, accounts payable, budgeting and financial reporting of the Corporation.
Mr. Speaker, the Board of the Qulliq Energy Corporation, the parent of NPC, has also taken measures to improve financial accountability.
Board committees for audits, budget and finance, human resources and compensation were recently established with the view that committee recommendations approved by the Qulliq Energy Corporation Directors will be imposed on NPC.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to commend the work of the Minister of Finance and our Premier in establishing the Crown Agency Council within the Department of Finance to ensure that appropriate accountability mechanisms are established for all crown corporations and their subsidiaries.
Mr. Speaker, as the Members of the Nunavut Legislature articulated several principles for the future in our Bathurst Mandate, we have tried to bring this forward with the Power Corporation.
Mr. Speaker, one of these principles of shared importance is the principle of self reliance.
Since the creation of NPC a short two years ago this has become our NPC.
This is our power corporation and as self reliant people we must ensure that this important Nunavut organization remains uniquely reflective of the people of Nunavut.
In closing, I would like to confirm that I remain committed to supporting a holistic approach to the future vision of NPC.
A vision that respects not only financial realities but also supports progressive environmental, cultural and human resources practices.
Mr. Speaker, this is a difficult task and one that requires the skills, wisdom and expertise of each and everyone in this room today.
But, it has been said it is part of Inuit traditional wisdom form the time the first Inuksuk was built, through teamwork and cooperation, that as good as our individual efforts may be, together we can do even greater things.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working with all Members in support of the future of NPC.
Member’s Statement 708 – 1(6): Federal Government Consideration on Same Sex Marriage
I’ll speak very briefly about the issue that we’ve dealt with a number of times.
(interpretation ends) I rise today to express my concerns regarding the issue of same sex marriage that the federal government is considering.
Mr. Speaker, my constituents are strongly opposed to the idea of same sex marriage and they continue to tell me that this is not an Inuit practice.
Mr. Speaker, the Premier continues to tell us that he will wait to see the outcome of the Supreme Court’s decision on the same sex marriage, but until then, we will not do anything about it.
Mr. Speaker, I realize that we as the Government cannot do anything about the federal legislation; however, Mr. Speaker, we as the Government should be able to lobby against the issue that we oppose, just like we did with the Gun Control and other issues that affect the Inuit way of life.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to see all Members of this House support each other and lobby the Federal Government on the issue that we strongly oppose.
Having said that, Mr. Speaker, I would like to point out that while same sex marriage is not supported in Nunavut, this issue should not effect our deliberation on Human Rights, as they apply to all Nunavummiut.
Member’s Statement 709 – 1(6): Igloolikmiut Concern on Old Community Hall
I would like to send my regards to the people in my riding.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the people of Igloolik.
We all know that there are many people who go up to Igloolik and quite a number of the Ministers go up to Igloolik, and Mr. Anawak, Mr. Ng knows, and Manitok knows, and Mr. Kilabuk knows.
Igloolik has a major concern regarding the small size of the Community Hall that they have.
I do not know how many times that I have repeated in the House, but that community hall is a major concern of the people of Igloolik.
I tabled a petition with 300 signatures on it.
In Nunavut, if the Fire Marshall’s Office was doing its job that community hall would have been condemned today.
It would be like comparing them to the Liquor Inspector, who can close down an establishment if they are going over their limit.
If the Fire Inspector was doing his job properly, I am sure that they would have closed that complex today.
It is still open, and it is still being used, and they are not putting a limit on the number of people who are using that facility at the same time.
With that, Mr. Speaker, I would like support from the Government to set aside money to be used to build a new complex.
This is one issue that the people of Igloolik feel is a priority.
It’s a little scary when I was having meetings with the people of Igloolik when it comes to that issue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 710 – 1(6): Athletes of Nunavut in Need of Facilities
I send my regards to the people of Taloyoak, and Gjoa Haven, as well as my daughter. I am going to be going home very shortly.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about our athletes in Nunavut who are participating more and more in competitive sports outside of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, it is good to see our youth involved in games around Canada and in other countries such as Greenland.
Our athletes are getting more medals in areas such as speed skating, wrestling, Inuit games and hockey.