EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
How do we break this cycle and how do we convince people in Nunavut that we mean what we say in this legislature when it comes to verbal abuse, violence, and violence against women?
Deputy Speaker: Thank you, Ms. Aglukkaq.
I wish to inform the House that I have no more names on my list.
Does the mover of the motion, Mr. Peterson, have last reply? Mr. Peterson.
I would like to thank my colleagues who spoke in favour of the motion.
The comments that all the members said are certainly taken seriously by the Legislative Assembly, I hope.
I would like to see that the motion is supported unanimously; it would help to restore the honour of this House if all members vote in favour.
With that in mind, Mr. Speaker, I would like to call for a recorded vote.
The debate is now closed. We will now vote on the motion. A recorded vote has been called.
All those in favour of the motion, please stand and sit down when I call your name.
All those in favour, please stand.
All those abstaining, please stand and sit down when I call your name.
Members, the results for the votes are as follows: those for the motion, 15; those against the motion, zero; those abstaining, one.
Deputy Speaker: Item 16.
I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Iqaluit East, that notwithstanding Rule 4, that when the House concludes its present sitting in Iqaluit that it shall be adjourned until October 23, 2007...
I’m sorry, Mr. Speaker, I forgot to ask for unanimous consent to proceed with my motion today.
Deputy Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Tootoo. You are correct, Mr. Tootoo. You are to ask for unanimous consent if you’re going to move a motion.
I would like to ask for unanimous consent to deal with my motion today.
You may proceed, Mr. Tootoo.
Motion 018 – 2(4): Extended Adjournment (Tootoo)
I’m sorry about that, Mr. Speaker.
I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Iqaluit East, that notwithstanding Rule 4, that when the House concludes its present sitting here in Iqaluit that it be adjourned until October 23, 2007.
Further, at any time prior to October 23, 2007, if the Speaker is satisfied, after consultation with the Executive Council and the Members of the Legislative Assembly, that the public interest requires that the House should meet at an earlier time during adjournment, the Speaker may give notice and thereupon the House shall meet at the time stated in such notice and shall transact its business as if it had been duly adjourned to that time.
Motion 019 – 2(4): Adjournment for the Day (Evyagotailak)
Pursuant to Rule 46, I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Iqaluit East, that the House adjourns for the day.
Opposed. There being none.
We’ll proceed to Item 22.
A reminder of a meeting of the Standing Committee on Infrastructure and Housing at 1:30 in the Nanuq Boardroom.
This House stands adjourned until Tuesday, October 23, at 1:30 p.m. Thank you.
>>House adjourned at 10:42
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Pages 1752 – 1824
Opening Prayer 1752
Point of Order 1752
Ministers’ Statements 1754
Members’ Statements 1760
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 1770
Oral Questions 1770
Returns to Written Questions* 1791
Tabled Documents 1791
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 1792
First Reading of Bills 1793
Second Reading of Bills 1793
Revert to Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 1794
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 1794
Report of the Committee of the Whole 1823
Orders of the Day 1823
Tuesday, October 23, 2007 1752
082 – 2(4): Akesuk Absent from the House from October 23 to October 29, 2007 (Picco) 1754
083 – 2(4): Mid-Year Fiscal Update and 2008-09 Capital Estimates (Simailak) 1754
175 – 2(4): Pages from Gjoa Haven; Evie Eegeesiak’s 40th Birthday (Aglukkaq) 1760
176 – 2(4): Liquor Act Plebiscite Results Point to a Bright Future for Kugluktuk (Evyagotailak) 1760
177 – 2(4): Prime Ministerial Visit to the High Arctic (Barnabas) 1761
178 – 2(4): Support Needed for Nursing Program (Arvaluk) 1762
179 – 2(4): Scientific Research on Polar Bears Not Using Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (Curley) 1762
180 – 2(4): Kivalliq Arts and Crafts Event September 8 to 12, 2007 (Brown) 1764
181 – 2(4): Global Warming and Climate Change (Picco) 1764
182 – 2(4): Weekend to End Breast Cancer (Peterson) 1765
183 – 2(4): Congratulations to Sanikiluaq Students (Kattuk) 1766
184 – 2(4): A Hole-in-One for Habitat for Humanity (Tootoo) 1767
185 – 2(4): Governor General of Canada and Throne Speech (Arreak) 1768
186 – 2(4): Golf Tournament for Habitat for Humanity (Okalik) 1769
227 – 2(4): CEO of Nunavut Development Corporation (Curley) 1770
228 – 2(4): Federal Announcements Concerning the High Arctic (Barnabas) 1773
229 – 2(4): Training Programs for Health Care Professions (Arvaluk) 1775
230 – 2(4): Support for Alcohol and Drug Treatment Programs (Evyagotailak) 1777
231 – 2(4): Financial Control Systems in Place at Finance (Peterson) 1780
232 – 2(4): Capital Block Funding Project Contribution Agreement (Tootoo) 1782
233 – 2(4): Polar Bear Study in Western Hudson Bay (Kattuk) 1784
234 – 2(4): Vacant Positions in Kugaaruk & Repulse Bay (Mapsalak) 1785
235 – 2(4): Women Crisis Shelters (Peterson) 1788
006 – 2(4): Administration and Enforcement of the Liquor Act (Clerk) 1791
007 – 2(4): Victims of Violence in Nunavut (Clerk) 1791
114 – 2(4): Letter to the Prime Minister re. Canadian Forces Facilities and Operations in the High Arctic (Barnabas) 1791
115 – 2(4): Kitikmeot Inuit Association AGM Resolutions 2007 (Peterson) 1791
116 – 2(4): Nunavummiut Kiglisinniaqtiit GN Bureau of Statistics Annual Report 2006 to 2007 (Okalik) 1792
117 – 2(4): Nunatsiaq News Article “No Quick Fix for Agency Nurse Problem: Aglukkaq” October 12, 2007 (Tootoo) 1792
118 – 2(4): Statutory Requirements for Tabling of Reports and Other Documents in the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut – October 2007 (Speaker) 1792
Bill 16 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2008-2009 – Notice 1792
Bill 16 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2008-2009 – First Reading 1793
Bill 16 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2008-2009 – Second Reading 1793
Bill 16 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2008-2009 – Consideration in Committee – Education 1794
Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Mr. James Arreak, Mr. James Arvaluk, Mr. Levi Barnabas, Honourable Levinia Brown, Mr. Tagak Curley, Mr. Joe Allen Evyagotailak, Mr. Peter Kattuk, Honourable Peter Kilabuk, Mr. Steve Mapsalak, Honourable Patterk Netser, Honourable Paul Okalik, Mr. Keith Peterson, Honourable Edward Picco, Honourable David Simailak, Honourable Louis Tapardjuk, Mr. Hunter Tootoo.
Speaker (Hon. Peter Kilabuk)(interpretation): I would like to ask Mr. Curley to say the opening prayer.
Members, before we go to the Orders of the Day, I will read the following letter from the Commissioner of Nunavut:
Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut the passage of the following bills during the Fourth Session of the Second Legislative Assembly.
Bill 14, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2007-2008
Bill 15, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2007-2008
Bill 16, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2008-2009
Bill 17, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 4, 2006-2007
(interpretation) Signed by Anne Mikidjuk Hanson, Commissioner of Nunavut.
I also wish to notify members that the Member from Arviat can’t be here at this session due to illness.
Let’s think of him in our prayers and his family.
Mr. Arvaluk: Mr. Speaker, I wish to raise a Point of Order in relation to comments that were made in this House at our sitting of September 17, 2007.
Mr. Speaker, during consideration of Motion 17 – 2(4), the Member for Nattilik stated, and I quote, “I’ve been a subject to similar incidences here in the House and it’s absolutely unacceptable.”
Mr. Speaker, I’m raising this Point of Order because I believe that it contravenes Rule 23 (h) of the Rules of the Legislative Assembly.
This Rule states that a member will be called to order by the Speaker if he or she makes allegations against another member, a House officer, or a witness.
Mr. Speaker, the comments made by the Member for Nattilik alleges that more than one incident has taken place in the House involving members making comments towards her.
As all members are aware, an incident occurred earlier in this Assembly involving the Member for Nattilik and another MLA. The matter was closed when an apology was offered and the apology was accepted.
Mr. Speaker, the Member for Nattilik’s comments of September 17 clearly contravenes our Rules, and I would ask that she apologize to the House and detract her statement.
I would like to ask the Member for Nattilik if she has any comments.
I did, in the House, state that I had been subject to some verbal, or some things have been said to me in this House; in this House right here and out in the hallway.
The member issued an apology and I accepted the member’s apology at the time. Because it was not recorded in the House, it does not mean the incident did not happen.
We dealt with an issue last month for an incident that occurred in Labrador; outside the territory; outside this House.
So by stating the fact that I have been subject to similar language, it doesn’t mean that it didn’t happen; it happened.
It happened in this building, in this House.
It was not in the agenda; it was not in the Hansard because it happened during break in Committee of the Whole, down the hallway and into the elevator area. There are witnesses to that. Just because it was not in the Hansard it doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.
Abuse or verbal abuse, or what not, just because it was not in the Hansard it doesn’t mean those things don’t happen; it does happen.
That incident happened two years ago, I understand that but it doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. The member apologized and I accepted the member’s apology.
All I was trying to say in those statements was the fact that I can relate to how difficult it is to raise the issue when the matter was presented by the two individuals of Iqaluit.
So there is no Point of Order.
The Hansard clearly speaks to the apology and I accepted it. Because there is an apology in there, one would think that something occurred for an apology to be heard in this House.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Ms. Aglukkaq. (interpretation ends) Ms. Aglukkaq, I find that the Member for Tunnuniq does have a Point of Order. As your comments do contravene Rule 23 (h), at this time I will ask you retract your comments.
Hon. Leona Aglukkaq: Can you repeat that so in terms of what that I contravened what.
My comments were that I find the Member for Tunnuniq does have a Point of Order; that your comments do contravene Rule 23 (h).
At this time I will ask you to retract your comments.
If I contravened Rule 23 (h), I take those comments back and I apologize to the Members of the House for those comments.
>>Applause  Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Ms. Aglukkaq.
We are going to the Orders of the Day. Item 2. Ministers’ Statements.
Minister’s Statement 082 – 2(4): Akesuk Absent from the House from October 23 to October 29, 2007 (Picco)
Again, I would like to echo your comments and say that our thoughts and prayers are with our good member and friend, Mr. Alagalak.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise the Members of this House that the Honourable Olayuk Akesuk will be absent from the House from October 23 to October 29, 2007.
Minister’s Statement 083 – 2(4): Mid-Year Fiscal Update and 2008-09 Capital Estimates (Simailak)
Hon. David Simailak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and greetings to the residents of Baker Lake.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, today I would like to bring members and all Nunavummiut up to date on the current fiscal situation of the Government of Nunavut.
I will also be introducing the Capital Estimates for the fiscal year 2008-09.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Nunavut will continue to implement the priorities that have been set out in Pinansuaqtavut, by maintaining a sound fiscal position, while maximizing the benefits from the financial resources that are available to us.
MID-YEAR FISCAL UPDATE
With respect to the previous fiscal year, 2006-07, we are projecting a deficit of $6.3 million.
I wish to remind members that this amount is preliminary and is subject to adjustments.
All departments, with the exception of Health and Social Services, were within their appropriated limits.
We will be bringing forward a supplementary appropriation bill for your consideration during this session for this overexpenditure.
In addition, Mr. Speaker, we will be bringing forward other supplementary appropriation bills that pertain to the current fiscal year, 2007-08, for your consideration during this session.
• Additional funding for the Nunavut Housing Corporation for the pre-trades training program being delivered by Nunavut Arctic College. This is a value-added project to the $200 million Northern Housing Trust Fund, provided by our federal partner, for new housing construction;
• Additional funding to the Department of Education for the Nunavut Community Skills Information System.
These funds will build on the success of this program which was recently awarded a silver medal for innovation in technology by the Institute of Public Administration;
• Additional resources for the Department of Community and Government Services to actively recruit four additional project officers and a quantity surveyor to enhance their technical division’s ability to assist in the planning and costing of capital projects; and
• Additional funding for the Department of Health and Social Services for repairs to the Kitikmeot Regional Health Centre as a result of a recent fire.
Mr. Speaker, we are currently projecting a deficit of $7.2 million for fiscal year 2007-08, up slightly from the projected deficit of $6.6 million tabled in the Legislative Assembly in March 2007.
When I addressed the Regular Members Caucus last month, I indicated that we were expecting a deficit of $12.0 million for 2007-08.
Based on the September 30 financial results, we have revised our deficit projection down to $7.2 million, an improvement of $4.8 million.
This is primarily because we have reduced the energy contingency to reflect the additional revenues that will be recovered by the Petroleum Products Division from the increase in the retail price of aviation fuels and gasoline effective November 1, 2007.
This revised deficit includes $37.1 million in forced growth expenditures that were approved by the Legislative Assembly this past June.
It also includes a small provision for unforeseen events.
The Fiscal Plan also includes initiatives that were announced in the Federal Budget 2007, such as:
• $23 million for Strengthening Financial Management;
• $1.1 million a year for the next seven years for the Building Canada Fund; and
• $25 million a year for the next seven years under the Infrastructure Base Fund.
This fund is cost shared with Canada on a 75/25 basis, with Nunavut’s per-year share totalling $8.3 million; a total yearly investment of $33.3 million.
While our longer-term fiscal outlook continues to be positive, we must continue to manage our finances prudently.
Our cautious approach to managing expenditures is more important now than ever to ensure that we are prepared for the challenges that await us.
Mr. Speaker, I will now introduce the Capital Appropriation Act for 2008-09.
2008-09 CAPITAL ESTIMATES
For the fiscal year 2008-09, the government will allocate $98.3 million for capital expenditures on projects that will benefit communities throughout Nunavut.
When the 2008-12 Five-Year Capital Plan was approved last year, $87.4 million was allocated for 2008-09.
This increase of $10.9 million is due to higher than anticipated costs for multi-year capital projects.
The Department of Education has the single largest capital budget for the coming fiscal year at $25.6 million.
Mr. Speaker, this is consistent with our government’s goals of improving the quality of education and preparing Nunavummiut to take advantage of training and employment opportunities.
The allocation includes:
• $5.2 million for the completion of Nunavut Arctic College student accommodation residences in both Rankin Inlet and Iqaluit;
• $1.5 million to begin renovations to the elementary school, including the addition of a Gym, in Gjoa Haven;
• $5.5 million to begin the Inuksuk High School retrofit in Iqaluit;
• $6 million to begin an addition to the Peter Pitseolak School in Cape Dorset;
• $3.3 million for the start of construction of the trades school in Rankin Inlet;
• $2.1 million for the plan and design of Nunavut Arctic College’s Community Learning Centre in Pond Inlet; and
• $1.0 million for repairs to the Ataguttaaluk Elementary School in Igloolik.
The budget for the Department of Community and Government Services’ capital expenditures in 2008-09 is $23.1 million.
The Capital Estimates include $20.8 million for community projects and $2.3 million for projects within the Petroleum Products Division.
In addition to the capital contribution of $2.4 million for projects in Iqaluit, approximately $4.6 million will be spent on water supply and sewage facilities, which includes a sewage lagoon and solid waste facility in Kugluktuk, a sewage treatment plant in Rankin Inlet and sewage lagoon work in Kugaaruk.
The Capital Estimates, Mr. Speaker, also include $19.1 million for the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
This includes $6.9 million for the construction of staff housing units associated with the Continuing Care Centres in each of Igloolik and Gjoa Haven and the Rankin Inlet Trades School.
In addition, $2.0 million has been allocated to Homeownership Programs and $8.0 million has been allocated for ongoing modernization and improvements to, and retrofits of, public housing units.
The Department of Health and Social Services has been allocated $14.4 million for the upcoming fiscal year.
Mr. Speaker, the objective of the GN continues to be to provide health care to Nunavummiut closer to home.
As members are aware, the Qikiqtani General Hospital in Iqaluit was officially opened on October 19, 2007. Included in this budget is $ 4.5 million for Phase II of the Qikiqtani General Hospital.
In addition, funding of $8.7 million will be allocated to complete the construction of the Continuing Care Centres.
The Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth has been allocated a budget of $850,000 for the planning and design of the Piqqusilirivvik Folk School in Clyde River.
The Piqqusilirivvik Folk School is an integral component of Pinasuaqtavut in building a stronger cultural foundation based on Inuit societal values.
Mr. Speaker, to maintain previous time frames and incremental infrastructure commitments made to Nunavummiut with respect to major capital projects, $9 million has been reallocated from the Heritage Centre Project.
This is to provide the cash flow we need to maintain existing schedules.
We are committed to returning the $9 million to the Heritage Centre Project budget in future years.
The heritage centre is still a priority under Pinasuaqtavut, but at this time we must realize that the balance of the funding required to complete the project is not currently available.
The Department of Justice will receive $2.9 million for capital projects in the upcoming year, which includes $2.5 million for the planning and design of the new correctional centre in Rankin Inlet.
For 2008-09, the Department of Environment will have a capital budget of $1.7 million.
This funding will be used primarily for the standard replacement of regulatory mobile equipment.
The Department of Economic Development and Transportation will receive a capital budget of $9.5 million. $6.4 million will be allocated to the Airport Replacement Project in Arctic Bay.
As well, $1.0 million will be allocated for Small Craft Harbour Projects throughout Nunavut.
This amount represents part of our government’s 10 percent share of the $66 million investment identified under the Nunavut Transportation Strategy, and by a study done by the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
Our government continues to work with our federal partner in securing funds for this important economic development initiative.
Mr. Speaker, the Office of the Legislative Assembly will receive approximately $1.2 million.
This includes a $500,000 capital reserve for a new Legislative Assembly and $660,000 for furniture and equipment, and upgrades to the audio visual system for the Chamber and offices.
Mr. Speaker, all of the capital investments that I have announced today serve to reinforce our commitment to managing our fiscal resources wisely, while investing in priority areas that best meet the needs of our territory and the government’s commitment to building Nunavut’s future under Pinasuaqtavut.
This commitment will be delivered in close consultation with all Members of this Assembly and Nunavummiut.
I remain confident, Mr. Speaker, that with the hard work, commitment, and cooperation of all members, we will continue to make much progress in developing a territory that all Nunavummiut can be proud of. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
2007– 08 FISCAL UPDATE ($ Millions)
2007-08 Revised Estimates
2007-08 Main Estimates
1,109.2
1,050.6
58.6
EXPENDITURES ∗
1,116.4
1,057.2
OPERATING SURPLUS (DEFICIT) FOR THE YEAR
(7.2)
(6.6)
(0.6)
∗ Includes estimated appropriation lapses, as well as supplementary requirements and  contingencies.
1 As per the Proposed Capital Estimates for 2008-09
2 Includes increased expenditures in Supplementary Appropriation No. 1, plus Special Warrants.
Summary of Capital Expenditures ($ Millions)
2008-09 Capital Estimates
2007-08 Capital Estimates
44.0
48.8
34.8
Total Capital
98.31
180.02
91.8
Totals may not add due to rounding.
Member for Taloyoak, Ms. Aglukkaq.
Member’s Statement 175 – 2(4): Pages from Gjoa Haven; Evie Eegeesiak’s 40th Birthday (Aglukkaq)
[I would like to recognize two individuals from Gjoa Haven who are here with us today, Kiefer Kikoak and Percy Iquallaq.]
I was trying to get Johnny over here from Taloyoak, but he couldn’t make it due to the weather.
Rebecca Iquallaq is also here from Gjoa Haven. I would like to welcome them to Iqaluit as they will be working here.
(interpretation ends) As well, today is my good friend Evie Eegeesiak’s 40th birthday. I would like to wish her a happy birthday. If you’re listening, Evie, I hope you have a good day.
I wish you a happy birthday, and from myself, I hope to see you after session today.
Member’s Statement 176 – 2(4): Liquor Act Plebiscite Results Point to a Bright Future for Kugluktuk (Evyagotailak)
I rise today here in the House to thank the residents of Kugluktuk... (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, a plebiscite was held in the community yesterday under the Liquor Act. The community had an opportunity to vote on the question of whether or not to establish an Alcohol Education Committee.
Mr. Speaker, 360 residents of Kugluktuk took the time to vote on this important question.
234 people voted in favour of establishing an Alcohol Education Committee and 120 people voted against the idea.
Mr. Speaker, since over 66 percent of the valid votes were in favour of the question, the Alcohol Education Committee will be established in Kugluktuk.
Mr. Speaker, I want to express my support for the decision made by the community, and I want to thank the government and Elections Nunavut for their work in administering the plebiscite and helping people to understand the question.
Mr. Speaker, our community needs to work together to address the issue of substance abuse.
Yesterday evening, there was a CBC national news story on the Kugluktuk plebiscite.
In this story, the young people of Kugluktuk spoke strongly in favour of life and hope, and strongly against alcohol and despair.
Mr. Speaker, I stand with the community today.
Member’s Statement 177 – 2(4): Prime Ministerial Visit to the High Arctic (Barnabas)
Mr. Barnabas (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I rise today to report to the House on the recent visit of the Prime Minister to the High Arctic.
As members are aware, the Prime Minister made a number of important announcements during his trip concerning federal initiatives for the North.