EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
For that reason, minister, I know you keep reiterating the fact that the GN has no jurisdiction over these matters, but everyone knows that you are the Minister of Environment and our people know that you are the minister. Our people are proud of the fact that you are the minister and you are well-known for being involved with wildlife. Therefore, our people have expectations that you should be dealing with all the animals in Nunavut, from the smallest to the largest, from lemmings to beetles, with all species that reside in Nunavut.
Can the minister assuage my concerns by working harder, to fast track this issue with DFO, as well as NWMB, and their staff to ensure that they are not just sitting on this issue?
It would be good news for people in Arviat to even be given one, two, or even three narwhal tags.
There are many narwhal and we know that they are in no danger of being depleted.
Yes, I will work on this issue. The Department of Environment has funding available for people who are craving certain species and perhaps Arviat can access those funds to assist the HTO for this narwhal request. The HTOs can complete the application on behalf of the community by providing subsidies or assistance so the people from Arviat can order Mattaaq.
However, in regard to the issue of the appointments, the GN appoints a representative to the NWMB. We will ensure that we discuss this issue with our representatives to see how we can deal with this issue and try to meet the request of the people in Arviat.
Question 585 – 2(4): Additional Assistance for Turbot Fishery in Clyde River (Arreak)
I was exhilarated, Mr. Speaker, when the minister provided notice about the inshore turbot commercial fishery near Clyde River.
I was grateful to hear his statement and I enjoyed hearing the facts of the matter.
He also stated that the community had undertaken this initiative and that there were plans to develop it further.
I would like to ask the minister what kind of assistance programs his department will be providing to the people of Clyde River with respect to the developing inshore fisheries.
We would really like to help the community of Clyde River in developing its local resources.
Perhaps we can enlist the Speaker’s constituents because they have the experience with developing a local inshore fishery. It took quite a while to develop the industry, so that is a valuable resource we can access that is present in the Speaker’s riding.
This industry has developed and our department would like to see that same kind of success in the future being developed in Clyde River.
We will continue to work on the development issues. My staff is continuing to work with the people in Clyde River to get a turbot fishery industry started and we would love to see it become successful. Turbot are shipped to the south, to Newfoundland, and exported outside of Canada.
We are trying to see how we can increase the side benefits by looking at options on how our communities can be involved with processing, but this will take some time. However, we will explore our options to help the member’s community to start the fishery project.
Mr. Speaker, there have been a lot of discussions in this House about the need for economic development opportunities in Nunavut.
Words are not enough, Mr. Speaker. We need real support and investment.
Will the minister commit to providing support to the community of Clyde River to develop other fishery projects?
I believe that we are doing our very best to assist the community of Clyde River.
As the government said before, we have to work with the non-decentralized communities for more economic opportunities.
I think this is one of the areas where Clyde River could benefit from economic development with turbot fisheries.
So we’re going to work very closely with Clyde River to come up with ideas of how we could succeed in fisheries in that community.
Thank you very much, Mr. Minister.
Can the minister clarify exactly how many communities are currently being supported by the GN’s Fisheries Development and Diversification program?
I will look into the numbers, which I currently don’t have, as to how many we have assisted to date.
In regard to this issue, our department is committed to assisting community fisheries and this program is utilized quite well. We are starting to cooperate with the more northerly communities with respect to the fisheries. We are looking into how we can get more communities involved with the fisheries in the High Arctic.
We are trying to use the funds appropriately and we also use the funds to leverage more money from other departments, funding agencies, and economic development organizations to ensure that we are supporting the local fisheries.
Can the minister describe what kinds of projects are considered priority projects under the Fishery Development and Diversification program?
Minister for Environment, Minister Akesuk.
On the Fishery Development and Diversification Fund, we looked at projects, such as test fisheries, technology transfer, fishery science, product marketing development, feasibility studies, and others.
So we do our very best to deliver those programs that we want to see and the test fisheries that we are trying to do in our territory to make sure that we maximize the economic benefits from fisheries in our territory.
Question 586 – 2(4): Suspension of a GN Employee for Pre-employment Criminal Charge (Peterson)
Mr. Speaker, recently, a constituent of mine, a Government of Nunavut employee, who worked for the Department of Human Resources, was charged by the RCMP for something that allegedly occurred with a former employer, in other words, pre-Government of Nunavut employment. The Department of Human Resources subsequently suspended the employee without pay until further notice. This occurred after the CBC reported the charges on the radio.
My question for the minister: can the minister table the Government of Nunavut policy or guidelines and criteria on Monday that the Government of Nunavut follows to arrive at decisions like this?
Employees start out with a probationary period and during their probation, we can release the employee or retain them depending on their performance.
Yes, if the member would like the information tabled, I can table the information to the House.
The employee had only worked at the department for three weeks and you have a probationary period of six months to 12 months.
Mr. Speaker, in Canada, there’s a presumption of innocence until proven guilty of charges.
Last December of 2007, it was revealed that the former Acting CEO and the Comptroller of the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation were charged with fraud by the RCMP arising from his former employment. The NBCC Board, who follows the Government of Nunavut’s Human Resources’ policies and guidelines, suspended him with pay until further notice. They did not prejudge the outcome of the trial.
My question for the minister: can the minister tell the House what criteria the Government of Nunavut uses to make decisions of whether to suspend employees with pay, as in the case of the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation, versus without pay, as in the case of their own Human Resources employee?
I could provide to the members the information that the member is requesting.
I thank the minister for that response, but I’m not sure he’s answering my question.
Mr. Speaker, in the case in question, the minister said that this individual is on probation or was on probation.
In fact, she’s suspended without pay, so she’s still technically an employee of the Government of Nunavut, and that’s sending inconsistent messages to me and to other people who work for the Government of Nunavut.
Can the minister tell the House if his department, or indeed, all Nunavut departments and Crown agencies follow the same policies and guidelines in the treatment of their employees? In other words, can he state, for the record, that Human Resources oversees and monitors consistent and fair application of all Government of Nunavut employment policies, including those that deal with suspensions?
Hon. Levi Barnabas (interpretation): I can’t talk about a specific individual, Mr. Speaker.
If any candidate applying for a position does not include this information, we cannot know their background.
We do have a policy which applies to all GN employees.
However, if the employee does not furnish the information after being employed, it is impossible to find out these issues.
I do not wish to discuss specific individuals.
It seems that this department has a problem with their policies and criteria and guidelines, as in the case of the former President of the Qulliit Status of Women, it’s very inconsistent in the application of the interpretation of their information.
I read through the Human Resources’ manual on employee discipline, suspension pending investigations, and other kinds of information, and I cannot find any criteria that would give cause to suspend an employee without pay until further notice.
So my question to the minister: can the minister tell the House if the Government of Nunavut’s departments and agencies can apply subjective opinions and thoughts into decisions to suspend employees with or without pay?
Let me clarify the issue for the member. The President for the Qulliit Status of Women Council submitted her resignation herself based on personal reasons and we did not force her out.
We continue to use our policies to deal with our employees and we have to follow our government policies.
Question 587 – 2(4): Pending Fuel Cost Increase (Tootoo)
Mr. Speaker, I know that over the last number of days, we have been given information on the increased costs of fuel.
I think that the minister had indicated in the House here that it’s close to probably $85 million with the cap.
I think we all know that, as a result of that increased cost, there will be increases in rates and the biggest consumer, as we know, is the government.
We’re potentially looking at over $100 million shortfall.
I’m just wondering if the Minister of Finance could give us some information on what, if any, plans his department is looking into to find where that money will come from.
With regards to his question, when we sell petroleum products in the communities, the revenue is deposited into the Petroleum Products Revolving Fund. The funds from the sale of these products are deposited into this fund and we use these funds to purchase more fuel.
This fund is like our insurance money for when we have to purchase our fuel.
With respect to the member’s question on what our future plans are, we know for a fact that there’s a great deal of concern out there, but I can state, Mr. Speaker, that the Cabinet and the FMB will have to discuss this issue as to what we have to do to prepare.
At this time, I can state that it will be dealt with shortly. That’s all I can say right now, Mr. Speaker.
I certainly hope that this is something that is very urgent and needs to be looked at quite quickly. I think finding $100 million is a big challenge and I wish him the best of luck in doing that.
Mr. Speaker, given the fact, I know the fuel isn’t purchased yet and all that, would the Minister of Finance bring forward to his Cabinet colleagues and say, “As a responsible government, we need to deal with this issue as soon as possible,” and not saddle the next Assembly with a huge deficit as a result of inaction from this government?
Absolutely, we have to deliberate on this issue as a government.
As well, the Department of Community and Government Services is involved with fuel purchases and I can look into this issue with the department whether they have purchased their fuel or are planning to purchase it in the short-term.
Mr. Speaker, what I can say is that this issue will be dealt with by Cabinet and the funds we require to complete this purchase will have to be submitted to the FMB for their approval.
Mr. Speaker, I can state emphatically in this House that this issue concerns us greatly as well and this will be dealt with.
I have to thank the minister for that response.
I know that it is the decision of Cabinet and the Financial Management Board of which he is the Chairperson.
But as a Chair and as the Minister of Finance, does he feel that this is something that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible to try and put measures in place soon so that all of Nunavut’s not hit all at once after the next election with these increased costs?
Yes, we will deal with this as expeditiously as possible. I’m sure that all the Nunavummiut are aware that the fuel prices are going up drastically and that this is a common concern.
We are all going to be affected this year when we purchase our fuel products in bulk.
We understand that to be the case, and we will continue to monitor the situation and deal with the issues.
I cannot hypothesize what the Cabinet decision will be since we have to discuss the issue and deliberate the factors. Once that decision has been made by Cabinet, we can provide that information to the House and the public in Nunavut.
Can the minister indicate when he plans on having this issue brought before Cabinet to make a decision on?
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As soon as the Premier returns to the House, we will have a better understanding as to the timelines involved.
If there are none, Item 8. Returns to Written Questions.
Tabled Document 243 – 2(4): Transportation of Dangerous Goods Annual Report 2004-2005 (Netser)
Tabled Document 244 – 2(4): Transportation of Dangerous Goods Annual Report 2005-2006 (Netser)
Tabled Document 245 – 2(4): Transportation of Dangerous Goods Annual Report 2006-2007 (Netser)
Tabled Document 246 – 2(4): Transportation of Dangerous Goods Annual Report 2007-2008 (Netser)
Hon. Patterk Netser: Mr. Speaker, thank you. I am pleased to table the following document: the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Annual Report for years 2004-2005, 2005-2006, 2006-2007, and 2007-2008.
Can we have those documents brought forward to the Clerk’s table, please?
Tabled Document 247 – 2(4): Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students (FANS) Goals and Objectives (Picco)
I am very pleased to table the following document:
Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students (FANS) Goals and Objectives.
Tabled Document 248 – 2(4): Children’s Advocate – Letter to Premier from Canadian Pediatric Society Calling for Appointment in Nunavut (Peterson)
I wish to table a letter from the Canadian Pediatric Society dated April 10, 2008, to the Honourable Paul Okalik, Premier of the Government of Nunavut.
In the letter they write, “We understand that Mr. Keith Peterson has called for the appointment of a Child Advocate because of a growing number of children in foster care in Nunavut. We hope your government will consider the appointment of a child and youth advocate and look forward to hearing from you.”
I have also attached excerpts from their report, ‘Are We Doing Enough?’
Tabling of Documents. Member for Nattilik and Minister of Health and Social Services, Minister Aglukkaq.
Tabled Document 249 – 2(4): Food Price Comparison between Taloyoak and Yellowknife - Photos (Aglukkaq)
Tabled Document 250 – 2(4): Canada Elections Act Changes: Impact on Nunavut Voters – Letter to Premier (Aglukkaq)
I am tabling two documents as MLA for the Natillikmeot riding. First one that I would like to table is photographs that I had taken recently in Taloyoak which shows the price difference for the food between Yellowknife as well as my community. It’s to demonstrate again the difference between cost of living between Yellowknife, the nearest centre for food shipping, and my community.
The other document I would like to table that I referenced yesterday during Committee of the Whole related to the Elections Act. I would like to table a copy of the letter that I wrote to our Premier and that I extend copies to all my colleagues in the House for the public record.
Can we have those documents brought forward to the table, please?
Tabled Document 251 – 2(4): Elections Nunavut - Annual Report 2007-2008 to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut by the Chief Electoral Officer (Speaker)
Members, I wish to table today the 2007-2008 Annual Report of the Chief Electoral Officer of Nunavut to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut.
Motion 039 – 2(4): Reappointment of the Chief Electoral Officer of Nunavut – Notice (Peterson)
I give notice that on Monday, June 2, 2008, I will move the following motion:
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Honourable Member for Iqaluit East, that the Legislative Assembly recommend to the Commissioner of Nunavut that Ms. Sandy Kusugak be reappointed Chief Electoral Officer effective November 28, 2008.
Bill 35 – Energy Efficiency Act – First Reading
I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Amittuq, that Bill 35, the Energy Efficiency Act, be read for the first time.
The motion carried and Bill 34 has had first reading.
I apologize. Members, I would like to note that there were some errors in our papers and I mentioned Bill 34. Bill 35 has had its first reading.
Motion 040 – 2(4): Adjournment for the Day (Picco)
Pursuant to our Rule 46, I move, seconded by the Honourable Member from Cambridge Bay, that this House adjourn for the day.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Minister. The motion is in Order.
The motion is carried and we will go to Item 22.
A reminder of meetings for this weekend and this afternoon. This afternoon at 1:30 there is a meeting of the Standing Committee Ajauqtiit and also at 1:30, the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Accountability.
On Saturday a meeting of the Standing Committee Ajauqtiit at 1:00 p.m. in the afternoon and on Sunday, a reminder that the Management Services Board will meet at 8:30 in the morning, followed by a meeting of the Full Caucus at eleven o’clock in the morning.
Orders of the Day for June 2:
Motion 39
Members, I wish to thank our four pages who were serving us this week and they are returning home to Rankin Inlet and Cambridge Bay: Jordan Lyall and Joel Imilluaq from Cambridge Bay; Jamie Maley and Annette Boucher from Rankin Inlet.
I thank them for serving us.
Speaker (interpretation): This House stands adjourned until Monday, June 2, at 1:30 p.m.
>>House adjourned at 11:40
Monday, June 2, 2008
Pages 4373 – 4446
Opening Prayer 4373
Point of Privilege 4373
Ministers’ Statements 4374
Members’ Statements 4375
Returns to Oral Questions 4380
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 4381
Oral Questions 4381
Point of Order 4394
Reports of Standing and Special Committees 4402
Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills 4416
Tabling of Documents 4417
Notices of Motions 4418
Motions 4419
Second Reading of Bills 4419
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 4420
Point of Order 4441
Report of the Committee of the Whole 4443
Third Reading of Bills 4444
Orders of the Day 4444
Monday, June 2, 2008 4373
193 – 2(4): Nunavut Household Allowance - Update (Tapardjuk) 4374
194 – 2(4): Coastal Resource Inventory Continues to Develop (Akesuk) 4375
468 – 2(4): Congratulations to John Hickes (Simailak) 4375
469 – 2(4): Concerns Regarding the Rising Cost of Fuel (Alagalak) 4376
470 – 2(4): Impact of Rising World Oil Prices on Small Nunavut Communities (Kattuk) 4377
471 – 2(4): National Tourism Week (Peterson) 4378
472 – 2(4): Inaugural Meeting of the Kitikmeot Chamber of Commerce (Aglukkaq) 4379
Return to Oral Question 586 – 2(4): Suspension of a Government of Nunavut Employee for Pre-employment Criminal Charge (Barnabas) 4380
588 – 2(4): Contracting Process for Medical Travel Contract (Tootoo) 4381
589 – 2(4): Update on Suicide Prevention Strategy (Evyagotailak) 4383
590 – 2(4): Update on Baffin Bay Polar Bear Population (Arreak) 4384
591 – 2(4): Update on the Implementation of the Remainder of the Small Crafts Harbours Strategy (Arvaluk) 4387
592 – 2(4): Dispute between EDT and Nunavut Tourism over Core Funding (Peterson) 4389
593 – 2(4): Mention of World Oil Prices at Western Premiers Conference (Kattuk) 4391
594 – 2(4): Breakdown per Airline for Medical Travel for Baker Lake (Simailak) 4392
595 – 2(4): Replacement for Aging Airport Terminal for Qikiqtarjuaq (Arreak) 4396
596 – 2(4): Statistical Methodology for Nunavut Graduation Rates (Peterson) 4397
597 – 2(4): Date Proposals Were Received for Medical Travel Contracts (Tootoo) 4400
Committee Report 003 – 2(4): Report on the Review of the 2007 Report of the Auditor General of Canada to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut on the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation (Tootoo) 4402
Committee Report on Bills 014 – 2(4): Bill 33, An Act to Amend the Labour Standards Act (Mapsalak) 4416
Committee Report on Bills 015 – 2(4): Bill 34, Nunavut Outfitters Liability Protection Fund Act (Tootoo) 4417
252 – 2(4): Utility Rates Review Council of Nunavut 2008 Annual Report (Okalik) 4417
253 – 2(4): Nunavut Association of Municipalities Annual General Meeting – 2008 Reaffirmed Resolutions Forwarded to Ministers of the Government of Nunavut (Peterson) 4417
254 – 2(4): Standing Committee on Government Operations and Accountability – Materials Provided in Response to its Subpoena of February 6, 2008 (Tootoo) 4418
255 – 2(4): Standing Committee on Government Operations and Accountability – Materials Provided in Response to its Subpoena of December 7, 2007 (Tootoo) 4418
256 – 2(4): Standing Committee on Government Operations and Accountability – Information Package Provided as Follow-up to Committee Hearings on the Report of the Auditor General on the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation by the Department of Economic Development and Transportation (Tootoo) 4418
041 – 2(4): Extended Adjournment – Notice (Picco) 4418
039 – 2(4): Reappointment of the Chief Electoral Officer of Nunavut (Peterson) 4419
Bill 35 – Energy Efficiency Act – Second Reading 4419
Bill 34 – Nunavut Outfitters Liability Protection Fund Act – Consideration in Committee 4420
Bill 30 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2008-2009 – Consideration in Committee 4437
Bill 31 – Legislative Assembly Statutes Amendment Act, 2008 – Third Reading 4444
Bill 32 – An Act to Amend the Nunavut Elections Act, No. 2 – Third Reading 4444
Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Honourable Olayuk Akesuk, Mr. David Alagalak, Mr. James Arreak, Mr. James Arvaluk, Honourable Levi Barnabas, Honourable Levinia Brown, 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, Mr. David Simailak, Honourable Louis Tapardjuk, Mr. Hunter Tootoo.
I would like to ask Mr. Alagalak to say the opening prayer. Mr. Alagalak.
Speaker (interpretation): Good afternoon, Mr. Premier, Ministers, and Members. Have a good afternoon.
I wish to rise on a question of privilege. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Rule 19, I wish to raise a question of privilege in relation to comments that were made by the Minister of Human Resources in this House at our sitting on May 30, 2008.
Mr. Speaker, as you will recall, the minister conceded, in his response to my question, that he was, in fact, the Minister of Human Resources at the time the former President the Status of Women Council was appointed to her position by Cabinet.
Although the minister also said that he agreed with my statement that his earlier comments to the House on the matter were inaccurate, he declined to take full responsibility for his words and apologize to this House for having provided false information.
Mr. Speaker, one of the fundamental principles of debate in our House is that members and ministers should not knowingly provide misleading information to the Legislative Assembly.
I believe that the minister’s failure to apologize to the House is a breach of privilege of the Assembly as a whole.
Members, Rule 19(3) permits the Speaker to allow debate.
I would ask the Minister of Human Resources to indicate if he wishes to add anything to this matter.
According to Rule 19(1), any time a Point of Privilege is raised, a Point of Privilege has to be raised immediately, not 48 hours or 72 hours after a period of time. It has to be raised immediately after the suggestion a Point of Privilege has been moved. In this case, Mr. Speaker, the timeframe hasn’t moved.