EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
On this journey, in trying to get Nunavut, there were troubles, many have fallen.
There were a lot of very special people who could not be here to celebrate with us today.
Some of us have lost family members to suicide and some have lost relatives to the land as they were out harvesting the resources, trying to live the life of our forefathers.
Some of us have known those who fell victim to abuse and aggression.
But it has always given me strength because we have to look to the future while respecting and remembering those who we lost, who are here today and watching us.
In respect of those dear people I would like to ask for a minute of silence to remember those who did not reach this day.
I would ask for a moment of silence.
>> Moment of silence observed
Today the eyes of the world are upon us and as well the eyes of Nunavut are upon us and watching.
Our ancestors are also watching us.
They look to us, the people of Nunavut.
In their eyes there is hope and expectation that we will succeed, and as the Premier I will have a lot of responsibilities and I know I will have to work very hard.
I do not take that lightly, I accept that responsibility and I will continue to place first and foremost the people of Nunavut because that is part of my job.
We are going to have a government that has many responsibilities and that cannot be taken lightly.
The people from Kugluktuk to Broughton Island, from Sanikiluaq to Grise Fiord will have to help us.
All of the Nunavut residents will have to work hard, for our future has to be well planned in order for us to succeed.
I have gone to every corner of Nunavut and I know that in the future, I am confident we will accomplish a better future.
To date I have seen a lot of strength and character in my fellow Inuit and those who are willing, committed and determined to work.
Today our ancestors watch us and we must remember that because of their dedication we lived to find Nunavut, we must get an education and to learn, whether in the schools or on the land, we must relearn our traditional skills.
We have to demonstrate that we can deal with the problems our society faces, because we are the only ones that can fix them.
Our children especially, because they are watching, we have to prove ourselves to them and stand out as better role models.
I pledge to you, the people of Nunavut, that the government of Nunavut will work to ensure that there are the right conditions to assist you in making change.
We will make it possible for you to rise up and get an education.
We will make it possible for your families to move forward.
We will make it possible for our communities to grow in a healthy way.
We will put conditions in place for you to make Nunavut strong again.
To the people of Nunavut, nakurmiik, qujannamiik, matna, koana, thank you and Merci.
In closing, I would like to echo comments by my colleague Ovide Alakannuark, "We are no longer dreaming.
We have arrived."
Speaker: I would like to thank the members of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut and thank the Premier for his words.
I would like to ask the Prime Minister, Mr. Jean Chrétien to address the Assembly.
ITEM 9: Address by the Right Honourable Jean Chrétien, P.C., MP, Prime Minister of Canada  --Applause
Right Hon. Jean Chrétien (Prime Minister of Canada): Mr. Speaker on behalf of the people of Canada I am honoured by your invitation to address the first ever meeting of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut.
I would like to offer my congratulations for your election.
Compared to the election of the Speaker in the House of Commons in 1993, that took almost a full day, it was done pretty rapidly here and I would like to congratulate you.
I want to congratulate the Premier for having won the confidence of his colleagues here during the recent election.
I would like to tell him that it took me thirty years to become Prime Minister and you became Premier in two weeks.
--Laughter/Applause
I would like to tell you that it is a great privilege to serve as leader.
It is both a serious responsibility and an incredible opportunity to shape the direction of a government and build the future of a people.
Each and every member of this honourable Assembly deserves equal praise and recognition.
You will go down in history as the first government of Nunavut.
In you the people of Nunavut have invested their faith and trust.
An investment that is never made lightly, but never more so than when a people take their first steps into a whole new future.
I never lost sight of that basic truth about elected office through thirty six years of public life.
Whatever the position, whatever the title, even if it is the Prime Minister of Canada our job is about people, about being worthy of their confidence, about placing their hopes and dreams above everything else, even if one must work night and day to make those dreams come true.
Governing is very different from the business of getting elected.
I learned that lesson soon after I arrived on Parliament Hill.
The trail of a victory is quickly replaced by the awesome amount of work that must be done.
As Nunavut takes flight you are dealing with immense challenges.
Whether it is educating your fast growing population, alleviating poverty and social breakdown or building the capacity within your own government to address these challenges, you have your work cut out for you.
Work that will require patience, creativity and tremendous energy to resolve.
Fortunately, the people of Nunavut are blessed with these qualities in abundance.
Your new Premier and Cabinet are fine cases in point.
You have the added advantage of being able to draw the best from both worlds.
Traditional Inuit teachings and values that have passed down through the ages and a modern government structure with access to state of the art technologies.
Unlike in years past, the north of today is no longer hostage to geography and climate.
It is very much a part of the wired world, with equal access to the opportunities for growth and development that it presents.
I have no doubt that you will find the solutions that you seek.
That you will build on these strengths, focus your agenda on what can be achieved and set your sights on what matters the most to your people.
I want to assure you of the Government of Canada's commitment to being an active partner in your work and ensuring a new passage to the new millennium.
I also want to remind you that your contributions to Canadian society will extend beyond the boundaries of the new territory.
Your insights and ideas will be welcome as we address national priorities.
Your unique northern perspectives and your consensus approach will be valuable as governments throughout Canada work together for the common good.
Just as the qulliq has served as a beacon of hope and illumination of your people, your presence on the national scene will shed new light on how we can build a better country.
Nunavut is an acknowledgement that there is strength in diversity.
That government works best when it is closest to the people, that we will only move forward as a nation when we all move forward together.
As someone with a life long love of the north and a binding commitment to advancing the interests of northern people, the launch of the government of Nunavut is a very gratifying moment in both my personal and political life.
Indeed, among my proudest achievements as Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development was helping create the first fully elected Legislature in the Northwest Territories, a milestone on the road to Nunavut.
It was great days in some ways when I was naming the members, until I named one and he decided to vote against my instructions.
So I decided it was better to have everybody elected.
I have high hopes and expectations of the men and women in this auditorium.
I am confident that by building on your rich Inuit heritage, remaining true to the people who elected you and embracing the support and encouragement of all Canadians, Nunavut will be a great success.
I look forward to watching your Nunavut dream become a reality in the days and years ahead and I will look for your Inukshuk as you lead the way.
Good luck, congratulations and a happy Nunavut day.
Long live Canada, long live Nunavut.
Speaker: On behalf of the Assembly, I would like to thank the Prime Minister of Canada for being with us on this most historic day and for his gracious remarks.
It is a day that all of us will remember for the rest of our lives and a day that our grandchildren and theirs will continue to be proud of.
Thank you, Prime Minister.
We will now proceed with the consideration of Assembly business.
Motions.
Mr. Irqittuq, Honourable Member for Amittuq.
ITEM 10: Business of the House
Motion 4 - 1 (1): Appointment of the Management and Services Board
Mr. Irqittuq (interpretation): Mr. Speaker;
Whereas section 35(1) of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act provides for this Assembly to appoint members to the Management and Services board;  And whereas the Management and Services Board shall be appointed during the first session of each Legislature;
Now, therefore, I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Nattilik, that the following Members be appointed to the Management and Services Board of this Assembly:
Honourable Levi Barnabas;
Honourable Kelvin Ng;
Olayuk Akesuk;
Glenn McLean;
Hunter Tootoo.
Thank you Mr. Speaker.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Irqittuq.
Question, are you agreed?
Some Hon. Members: Agreed.  Speaker: The motion is carried.
Mr. Nutarak the Honourable Member for Tunnuniq.
Motion 5 - 1 (1): Appointment of Striking Committee
Mr. Nutarak (interpretation): Whereas it is required by the provisional rules of the Assembly to appoint a Striking Committee to recommend members to comprise the Standing Committees of the Assembly;
Now, therefore, I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Uqqummiut, that the following members be appointed to the Striking Committee of this Assembly:
Mr. Olayuk Akesuk;
Mr. Kevin O'Brien;
Mr. Hunter Tootoo.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Nutarak.
Speaker: The motion is carried.
We will proceed to bills.
Mr. Havioyak, member for Kugluktuk.
First Reading of Bills: Bill 1, Flag of Nunavut Act
Mr. Havioyak: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Member for Arviat, that Bill Number 1, entitled Flag of Nunavut Act, be now read a first time.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Havioyak.
Are you agreed?
The motion is carried and Bill Number 1, Flag of Nunavut Act has been read for a first time.
Mr. O'Brien, Member for Arviat.
Tabled Document 1 - 1 (1): Terms of Reference for the Standing Committees
Mr. O'Brien: Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document: Terms of Reference for the Standing Committees.
Terms of Reference
Standing Committee on Culture, Education and Health  The mandate of the Standing Committee on Culture, Education and Health is to:
Review legislative and policy proposals, draft legislation, departmental business plans and estimates;
Review Bills referred by the House;
Review departmental performance; and
Consider any other matter referred by the House
The Standing Committee has oversight responsibility for the following:
Department of Health and Social Services
Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth
Unless otherwise referred to in the terms of reference of any other Standing Committee, all Boards and Agencies that fall under the responsibility of the Minister of Health and Social Services; the Minister of Education and the Minister of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth  Terms of Reference
Standing Committee on Community Empowerment and Sustainable Development  The mandate of the Standing Committee on Community Empowerment and Sustainable Development is to:
Department of Sustainable Development
Department of Justice  Department of Community Government, Housing and Transportation
Department of Public Works, Telecommunications and Technical Services
Unless otherwise referred to in the terms of reference of any other Standing Committee, all Boards and Agencies that fall under the responsibility of the Minister of Sustainable Development; the Minister of Justice; the Minister of Community Government, Housing and Transportation and the Minister of Public Works, Telecommunications and Technical Services  Terms of Reference
Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and Privileges
The mandate of the Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures is to:
Consider matters referred by the House with respect to the operation of the Rules of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut; and
Standing Committee on Government Operations and Services
The mandate of the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Services is to:
The Standing Committee has oversight responsibility for the following:  Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs
Department of Finance and Administration
Department of Human Resources
Unless otherwise referred to in the terms of reference of any other Standing Committee, all Boards and Agencies that fall under the responsibility of the Minister responsible for Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs; the Minister of Finance and Administration and the Minister of Human Resources  Workers' Compensation Board
Nunavut Power Corporation
Public Utilities Board  The Standing Committee has additional responsibility for:
Reviewing issues with government-wide ramifications;
Conducting the overview of the budget and the fiscal framework;  Examining the reports on the annual financial statements and public accounts of the Government of Nunavut and the Report of the Auditor-General
Ajauqtiit  The mandate of the Standing Committee Ajauqtiit is to:
Consider issues related to the Government of Nunavut's obligations with respect to the implementation of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement (NLCA), including the activities of the Government of Nunavut in relation to the operations of the Boards, Commissions and other bodies established by the provisions of the NLCA;
Review the budget of the Office of the Legislative Assembly;
Recommend the appointment of positions that, by statutory authority, are made by the Legislative Assembly; and
Speaker: Thank you Mr. O'Brien.
Mr. Quirke, Clerk of the Legislative Assembly.
Tabled Document 2 - 1 (1): Returns to the Writ of the General Election, February 15, 1999.
Mr. Quirke: Mr. Speaker, I have for tabling the returns to the writ of the first general election held in Nunavut on February 15, 1999.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Quirke, this concludes the business before the Assembly for the afternoon sitting.
We will continue this Assembly business later this evening.
There is a presentation to be made to the Assembly from Repulse Bay before we adjourn.
Before recessing the House I would like to thank you all for coming.
I would also like to remind everyone of the swearing in of the Executive Council by the Commissioner of Nunavut about fifteen minutes from now in this chamber.
This House now stands recessed until 6.00 this evening.
>> Assembly recessed at 4.57 pm.
ITEM 11: Swearing In of Members of the Executive Council
Speaker: It is my pleasure to welcome everyone present to the swearing in of the Members of the Executive Council.
Although this ceremony will not take very long, it is a very important one.
Madame Commissioner, it is my great pleasure to report to you that earlier this day the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut passed the following motion:
>>Reference Motion 3 - 1 (1)
That this Assembly recommends to the Commissioner of Nunavut that the following Members be appointed to the Executive Council;
Mr. Jack Anawak, Member for Rankin Inlet North;
Mr. James Arvaluk, Member for Nanulik;
Mr. Donald Havioyak, Member for Kugluktuk;
Mr. Peter Kilabuk, Member for Pangnirtung;
Mr. Kelvin Ng, Member for Cambridge Bay;
Mr. Paul Okalik, Member for Iqaluit West;
Mr. Ed Picco, Member for Iqaluit East;
Ms. Manitok Thompson, Member for Rankin Inlet South/Whale Cove;
Commissioner Maksagak: Thank you Mr. Speaker.
I would ask that Premier-elect Mr. Okalik come forward at this time.
Mr. Okalik, would you please swear the oath of office.
Mr. Okalik: I, Paul Okalik, do solemnly and sincerely promise and swear that I will duly and faithfully and to the best of my skill and knowledge execute the powers and trust reposed in me as a Member of the Executive Council of Nunavut, so help me God.
Commissioner Maksagak: I would ask that Mr. Anawak come forward at this time.
Mr. Anawak, would you please swear the oath of office.
Mr. Anawak (interpretation): I, Jack Anawak, do solemnly and sincerely promise and swear that I will duly and faithfully and to the best of my skill and knowledge execute the powers and trust reposed in me as a Member of the Executive Council of Nunavut, so help me God.
Commissioner Maksagak: I would ask that Mr. Arvaluk come forward at this time.
Mr. Arvaluk, would you please swear the oath of office.
Mr. Arvaluk: I, James Arvaluk, do solemnly and sincerely promise and swear that I will duly and faithfully and to the best of my skill and knowledge execute the powers and trust reposed in me as a Member of the Executive Council of Nunavut, so help me God.
Commissioner Maksagak: I would ask that Mr. Havioyak come forward at this time.
Mr. Havioyak, would you please swear the oath of office.
Mr. Havioyak: I, Donald Havioyak, do solemnly and sincerely promise and swear that I will duly and faithfully and to the best of my skill and knowledge execute the powers and trust reposed in me as a Member of the Executive Council of Nunavut, so help me God.
Commissioner Maksagak: I would ask that Mr. Kilabuk come forward at this time.
Mr. Kilabuk, would you please swear the oath of office.
Mr. Kilabuk: I, Peter Kilabuk, do solemnly and sincerely promise and swear that I will duly and faithfully and to the best of my skill and knowledge execute the powers and trust reposed in me as a Member of the Executive Council of Nunavut, so help me God.
Commissioner Maksagak: I would ask that Mr. Ng come forward at this time.
Mr. Ng, would you please swear the oath of office.
Mr. Ng: I, Kelvin Ng, do solemnly and sincerely promise and swear that I will duly and faithfully and to the best of my skill and knowledge execute the powers and trust reposed in me as a Member of the Executive Council of Nunavut, so help me God.
Commissioner Maksagak: I would ask that Mr. Picco come forward at this time.
Mr. Picco, would you please swear the oath of office.
Mr. Picco: I, Edward Picco, do solemnly and sincerely promise and swear that I will duly and faithfully and to the best of my skill and knowledge execute the powers and trust reposed in me as a Member of the Executive Council of Nunavut, so help me God.
Commissioner Maksagak: I would ask that Ms. Thompson come forward at this time.
Ms. Thompson, would you please swear the oath of office.
Ms. Thompson: I, Manitok Thompson, do solemnly and sincerely promise and swear that I will duly and faithfully and to the best of my skill and knowledge execute the powers and trust reposed in me as a Member of the Executive Council of Nunavut, so help me God.
Commissioner Maksagak: I would like to extend my congratulations to the newly appointed Premier and Ministers of the first Executive Council of Nunavut.
They carry with them a heavy, but I am sure welcome, burden of responsibility.
Their decisions will influence the lives of all the citizens of Nunavut, today, tomorrow and far into the future.
On behalf of the Legislative Assembly, I too would like to congratulate the Premier and the Ministers.
This concludes the Swearing-in ceremony and I would like to thank you all for coming.
We will reconvene in about five minutes.
Short break.
--Assembly recesses for five minutes.
Speaker: I call the House to order.
We will proceed directly to the motions.
Mr. McLean.
Motion 6 - 1 (1): Appointment of Clerk
Mr. McLean: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Baffin South, that Mr. John Quirke be appointed as Clerk of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. McLean.
Mr. Iqaqrialu.  Motion 7 - 1 (1): Appointment of Deputy Speaker
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker,
Whereas section 40(1) of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act requires that a Deputy Speaker shall be elected at its first session;
And whereas, the Legislative Assembly wishes to appoint a Deputy Speaker;
Now, therefore, I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Tunnuniq, that the Honourable Member for Nattilik, Mr. Uriash Puqiqnak, be appointed as Deputy Speaker.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Iqaqrialu.
Mr. Puqiqnak.
Motion 8 - 1 (1): Appointment of Deputy Chairpersons of Committee of the Whole
Mr. Puqiqnak (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Speaker,
Whereas there is a requirement for the naming of two Members to hold the positions of deputy chairpersons of the Committee of the Whole;
And, whereas, it is desirable to appoint two Members;
Now, therefore, I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Hudson Bay, that the Honourable Member for Uqqummiut, Mr. David Iqaqrialu, and the Honourable Member for Amittuq, Mr. Enoki Irqittuq, be appointed as Deputy Chairpersons of the Committee of the Whole.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Puqiqnak.
Mr. Okalik.
Motion 9 - 1 (1): Appointments to the Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and Privileges
Hon. Paul Okalik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Whereas it is required by Rule 83 that a Standing Committee be appointed;
Now, therefore, I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Rankin Inlet North, that the following Members be appointed to the Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and Privileges:
Ovide Alakannuark;
Enoki Irqittuq;
Kevin O'Brien;
Peter Kattuk;
Hunter Tootoo;
Uriash Puqiqnak;
Jobie Nutarak;
David Iqaqrialu.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Premier.
Mr. Irqittuq.
Motion 10 - 1 (1): Appointments to the Standing Committee Ajauqtiit
Mr. Irqittuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Now, therefore, I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Baker Lake, that the following Members be appointed to the Standing Committee on Ajauqtiit:
Mr. Hunter Tootoo;
Mr. Ovide Alakannuark;
Mr. Peter Kattuk;
Mr. David Iqaqrialu;
Mr. Olayuk Akesuk.
And further, that Mr. Jobie Nutarak, Mr. Kevin O'Brien and Mr. Uriash Puqiqnak be named alternates;
And further, that Mr. Hunter Tootoo be appointed as Chairperson;
And further, that Mr. Ovide Alakannuark be appointed as Co-Chairperson.
Mr. Iqaqrialu.
Motion 11 - 1 (1): Appointments to the Standing Committee on Community Empowerment and Sustainable Development
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Now, therefore, I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Baffin South, that the following Members be appointed to the Standing Committee on Community Empowerment and Sustainable Development:
Mr. Enoki Irqittuq;
Mr. Jobie Nutarak;
Mr. Glenn McLean;
Mr. Uriash Puqiqnak.
That Mr. Peter Kattuk, Mr. Hunter Tootoo and Mr. Ovide Alakannuark be named alternates;
That Kevin O'Brien be appointed as Chairperson;
That Mr. Enoki Irqittuq be appointed as Co-Chairperson.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Iqaqrialu.
Mr. Tootoo.
Motion 12 - 1 (1): Appointments to the Standing Committee on Culture, Education and Health
Now, therefore, I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Amittuq, that the following members be appointed to the Standing Committee on Culture, Education and Health:
Mr. Uriash Puqiqnak;
Mr. Kevin O'Brien.
That Mr. Glenn McLean, Mr. David Iqaqrialu and Mr. Olayuk Akesuk be named alternates;
That Mr. Jobie Nutarak be appointed as Chairperson;
And Further, that Mr. Peter Kattuk be appointed as Co-Chairperson.
Mr. Nutarak.
Motion 13 - 1 (1): Appointments to the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Services
Mr. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Now, therefore, I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Akulliq, that the following Members be appointed to the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Services;
Mr. Glenn McLean.
That Mr. Kevin O'Brien, Mr. Peter Kattuk and Mr. Uriash Puqiqnak be named alternates;
That Mr. Olayuk Akesuk be appointed as Chairperson;
That Mr. David Iqaqrialu be appointed as Co-Chairperson.
Mr. O'Brien.
Motion 14 - 1 (1): Adoption of Terms of Reference For Standing Committees
Mr. O'Brien: Thank you. Mr. Speaker I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Amittuq, that Tabled Document 1 - (1) Terms of Reference for Standing Committees be adopted.