EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Within the Grants and Contributions Policy, there are specific provisions to ensure that any individual or any non-profit organization that receives funding under our G&C Policy actually have obligations with respect to the Inuit Language Protection Act to ensure they provide what is outlined in the Inuit Language Protection Act, so all the signage, advertising, customer reception services, and so on.
Another example is the latest contract for medical travel with the airlines also includes specific language provisions in the contract to ensure that the customer services and reception services are provided in all official languages. That means also in the Inuit language. That’s a very important matter.
There are specific provisions under the Inuit Language Protection Act and we will continue to monitor to ensure that it is implemented in the GN, in government. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
That’s good to hear. What happens if an airline or bank no longer adheres to the requirement for the adequate use of Inuktitut when they have a contract with us? What would be the consequences if they stop following the rules we have established?
Mr. Cloutier will also respond to that question.
Chairman: Mr. Cloutier.
Mr. Cloutier (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) That would be dealt with on a case-by-case basis depending on which contract and depending on the provisions of the actual contract. If there is a breach of contract, of course, it would need to be remedied.
It would be on a case-by-case basis depending on the various provisions of the contract. With any regular contracts, if there is a breach of contract, then there are some penalties or there will be some follow-ups. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): I’m finished.
Mr. Mikkungwak: Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bill 13 and would like to report progress and that one committee motion was adopted.
Mr. Tom Sammurtok. (interpretation ends) The motion is in order.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) In accordance with the authority provided to me by Motion 16 – 4(3), this House stands adjourned until Tuesday, March 15, at 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Pages 1628 – 1727
Opening Prayer 1628
Ministers’ Statements 1628
Members’ Statements 1631
Returns to Oral Questions 1635
Oral Questions 1637
Tabling of Documents 1648
Notices of Motions 1650
Motions 1650
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 1651
Report of the Committee of the Whole 1725
Third Reading of Bills 1726
Orders of the Day 1726
Tuesday, March 15, 2016 1628
095 – 4(3): Nunavut Teacher Education Program (Quassa) 1628
096 – 4(3): RCMP Youth Leadership Workshop in Regina (Peterson) 1629
097 – 4(3): Nunavut Energy Management Program, Iqaluit Pilot Project (Savikataaq) 1629
098 – 4(3): NHC Moving Forward with Energy Efficiency Measures (Hickes) 1630
099 – 4(3): World Tuberculosis (TB) Day (Ell-Kanayuk) 1631
206 – 4(3): Arctic Bay Success at Arctic Winter Games (Shooyook) 1632
207 – 4(3): Appointment Process for Senior Officials (Sammurtok, T) 1632
208 – 4(3): Congratulations to Wife, Emily (Joanasie) 1633
209 – 4(3): Coral Harbour Wins Gold at Avataq Cup (Mapsalak) 1634
210 – 4(3): Igloolik Bronze Medal Winner at Arctic Winter Games (Quassa) 1634
211 – 4(3): Pangnirtung Success at Arctic Winter Games (Mike) 1634
212 – 4(3): Baker Lake Success at Arctic Winter Games (Mikkungwak) 1635
Return to Oral Question 208 – 4(3): Status of Environmental Protection Compliance Orders (Savikataaq) 1635
281 – 4(3): Hudson Bay Consortium (Rumbolt) 1637
282 – 4(3): Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action (Joanasie) 1639
283 – 4(3): Nunavut Energy Management Program (Okalik) 1641
284 – 4(3): Joint Federal/Territorial Funding for Sports (Sammurtok) 1642
285 – 4(3): Search and Rescue (Akoak) 1643
286 – 4(3): Baker Lake Housing Authority (Mikkungwak) 1645
287 – 4(3): Supporting Our Elders (Enook) 1647
109 – 4(3): Response to Standing Committee OGOPA’s Report on the Review of the 2014-2015 Annual Report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (Taptuna) 1648
110 – 4(3): FPT Forum of Labour Market Ministers’ Meeting in Toronto, Ontario November 20 and 21, 2014 (Mike) 1649
111 – 4(3): FPT Forum of Labour Market Ministers’ Meeting, Quebec, July 7 and 8, 2015 (Mike) 1649
112 – 4(3): Nunavut Emergency Management Annual Report 2014-2015 (Savikataaq) 1649
113 – 4(3): Nunavummit Kiglisiniartiit’s Annual Report 2013-2014 (Taptuna) 1649
114 – 4(3): Nunavummit Kiglisiniartiit’s Annual Report 2014-2015 (Taptuna) 1649
024 – 4(3): Appointments to Standing Committee – Notice (Joanasie) 1650
024 – 4(3): Appointments to Standing Committee (Joanasie) 1650
004 – 4(3): Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2016-2017 (Peterson) 1724
005 – 4(3): Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2016-2017 (Peterson) 1724
Bill 13 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2016-2017 – Culture and Heritage – Consideration in Committee 1651
Bill 13 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2016-2017 – Justice – Consideration in Committee 1691
Bill 13 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2016-2017 – Legislative Assembly – Consideration in Committee 1707
Bill 13 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2016-2017 – Environment – Consideration in Committee 1709
Bill 13 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2016-2017 – Third Reading 1726
Speaker (Hon. George Qulaut) (interpretation): Can you say the opening prayer, please, Mr. Keyootak.
Speaker (interpretation): Good morning, my fellow Nunavummiut, members, ministers, and (interpretation ends) Premier.
Minister’s Statement 095 – 4(3): Nunavut Teacher Education Program (Quassa)
Good morning, people of my community, my colleagues, and Nunavummiut.
As the Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, I would like to speak to my fellow members and Nunavummiut about the accomplishments and potential of the Nunavut Teacher Education Program.
This four-year program, offered in partnership with the University of Regina, prepares Nunavummiut for exciting and rewarding careers as teachers and educators in schools across Nunavut.
As one of our longest running, flagship programs, the Nunavut Teacher Education Program has a long history of academic success and achievement.
The program recognizes and builds on the importance of infusing Inuit language and culture into our school system.
Mr. Speaker, this program is more than an educational program. NTEP is also of political importance to Nunavut, as it recognizes and legitimizes Inuit knowledge, values, and perspectives through Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
Mr. Speaker, with more than 510 graduates earning a degree in education, our graduates are uniquely positioned to make significant and lasting contributions to shaping the future of education for Nunavut. Many of our NTEP graduates go on to teach in Nunavut schools while others contribute in areas related to language, culture, and education in other ways.
To all Nunavummiut, teaching is a richly rewarding career and I would like to say that we need you.
We need teachers who are prepared to work with us in delivering high-quality, bilingual education in our schools across Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Nunavummiut who are interested in an exciting and rewarding challenge that makes positive contributions to our education system to consider applying to the Nunavut Teacher Education Program. Talk to your teachers, guidance counsellors, or visit one of our college locations, which can be found in every community, for more information about this incredibly rewarding program.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Justice, Mr. Peterson.
Minister’s Statement 096 – 4(3): RCMP Youth Leadership Workshop in Regina (Peterson)
From February 9 to 14, the RCMP hosted a youth leadership workshop for indigenous youth and frontline RCMP members in Regina.
I am pleased to say that two young Nunavummiut, Alysha Wilson-Maksagak of Cambridge Bay and Mikkijuk Manning of Cape Dorset, were selected to participate in this workshop among many applicants from across the territory.
They were joined by an RCMP member from each of their communities.
The workshop allowed youths and frontline RCMP officers from across Canada to discuss youth crime and victim issues and develop action plans to encourage youth engagement specific to their communities.
The workshop presented a great platform for the RCMP and young people to work collaboratively to help to improve communication and police relations in their communities.
I congratulate our two young Nunavummiut who were able to participate in this worthwhile event, and I encourage the RCMP to continue this type of important community interaction and dialogue with young people.
Minister’s Statement 097 – 4(3): Nunavut Energy Management Program, Iqaluit Pilot Project (Savikataaq)
I rise today to share information on the Government of Nunavut’s Sustainable Energy Strategy as it pertains to the Nunavut Energy Management Program (NEMP).
The Nunavut Energy Management Program was introduced as part of Ikummatiit – The Government of Nunavut’s Sustainable Energy Strategy.
The NEMP Policy allows private sector investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, which are then repaid through guaranteed energy savings.
NEMP was introduced through a pilot project in Iqaluit in 2007 which addressed all of the Government of Nunavut’s Iqaluit-owned buildings.
The objective of the project was to demonstrate that the Government of Nunavut could meet its 20 percent energy savings target in an economic manner as a contribution to Nunavut’s obligation to improve its energy efficiency by the year 2020.
The Iqaluit pilot project has demonstrated that the GN can meet its 20 percent savings target.
This was achieved with a comprehensive retrofit on lighting and equipment, heat recovery, building automatic controls, and water efficiency measures.
This project is being monitored using international performance measurements and verification protocols and we have seen the actual savings are higher than what was forecasted.
In our commitment to improving energy savings and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, we are creating employment and helping develop local expertise and capacity for contractors, building managers, and operators. The project also included training and educational initiatives which benefited the community in Iqaluit.
We expect that in the future, the positive results of this pilot project will lead to better systems and technologies which benefit other communities in the territory.
Minister’s Statement 098 – 4(3): NHC Moving Forward with Energy Efficiency Measures (Hickes)
This is a good Minister’s Statement to follow up on Mr. Savikataaq’s statement.
Mr. Speaker, last week, it was with great pleasure that I announced a new LED streetlight energy conservation initiative by the Qulliq Energy Corporation (QEC). I am pleased to inform the legislature today of another exciting and significant pilot project by QEC, leading Nunavut towards a renewable and sustainable energy future.
On March 2, in a milestone moment, QEC successfully installed 11 test solar panels at the Iqaluit power plant.
The renewable energy generated from these solar panels are now integrated into Iqaluit’s electricity grid and is now being distributed to assist with powering the city.
The solar panels generate approximately 3 kilowatts of renewable energy but can be expanded using the same technical strategy to implement the pilot project.
This is truly an exciting moment for Nunavut since previous renewable energy systems have never been connected to the electricity grid.
QEC’s pilot project has been specifically designed as a test system for a residential model.
This project will provide QEC with the technical knowledge required to realize its future plan to allow its customers to connect solar panels to their homes in order to integrate privately owned renewable energy systems that could contribute surplus energy to the city’s electricity grid.
A reliable electricity supply is a top priority for QEC. Therefore, the lessons learned from this initial renewable integration project will also provide valuable data on electricity grid stability when integrating a renewable energy source to the grid system.
Mr. Speaker, QEC’s solar panel project is an important step forward for Nunavut, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and lowering harmful carbon emissions by harnessing a locally managed renewable energy source.
Minister’s Statement 099 – 4(3): World Tuberculosis (TB) Day (Ell-Kanayuk)
I wish to call on the Legislative Assembly to note that March 24 is World Tuberculosis Day and share the Department of Health’s continued work to reduce tuberculosis rates in the territory.
The Department of Health has responded to high rates of TB through increased staffing and development of surveillance and educational resources.
The department also continues to collaborate with research partners in such projects as the (interpretation ends) Taima 3HP study. (interpretation) This study involves a shorter course of treatment for latent TB infection (LTBI), also known as sleeping TB, by giving two medications once weekly for 12 weeks instead of our current treatment of one medication given twice weekly for 39 weeks.
The resulting improvements in treatment adherence and completion will help reduce the number of cases of tuberculosis in the future.
Although TB rates in Nunavut are still higher than the other provinces and territories of Canada, the enhanced efforts of the Department of Health are having positive results and last year, we experienced our lowest TB rates since 2007.
It is important to remember that many communities are still at risk for TB outbreaks.
A variety of factors contribute to TB outbreaks, including poor nutrition, high rates of smoking, high rates of undiagnosed or untreated population with latent TB infection, and overcrowded situations.
It is also worth noting that while curable, TB can be fatal if untreated.
Mr. Speaker, while the Department of Health continues to work towards reducing these high rates of TB in order to eliminate this illness, issues such as education, nutrition, housing, and employment need to be addressed.
Member’s Statement 206 – 4(3): Arctic Bay Success at Arctic Winter Games (Shooyook)
Good day, Nunavummiut who are watching the proceedings, along with my fellow residents of our community watching and our (interpretation ends) Premier (interpretation) as well as my colleagues.
I rise today to speak about a celebratory matter, as I am quite proud of the achievement of one of my constituents who participated in the Arctic Winter Games in Greenland, and I just received a letter that coincides with this statement.
This individual participated in the Dene games in the junior men’s category for the snow snake competition.
Curtis Willie received the bronze ulu by coming in third place.
In the junior men’s stick pull competition, Curtis Daniel Willie got the silver ulu by coming in second place.
For the overall junior men’s Dene games champion, Curtis Daniel Willie received another silver ulu by placing second overall.
In the men’s open snow snake competition, Tom Naqitaqvik got the silver ulu as he placed in second place and Thomas Levi got the bronze ulu by placing third, and this is all in the Dene games categories.
For the men’s open stick pull, Lionel Enoogoo Willie got the bronze medal.
For the Dene pole push competition, the junior men’s team representing Nunavut got the gold ulu, and the Arctic Bay youth who were on that team were: Curtis Daniel Willie, Dominik Qaqqasiq, Donovan Qaunaq, and Andrew [Reid] comprised the gold ulu winning team.
I am very proud of these athletes who represented Arctic Bay by participating in the Dene games and who are returning with medals. I am quite proud of their achievement.
Member’s Statement 207 – 4(3): Appointment Process for Senior Officials (Sammurtok, T)
Good morning to the residents of Chesterfield Inlet and Rankin Inlet. Have a good day.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to make a brief but clear statement concerning the process by which presidents of our three main Crown agencies and territorial corporations are appointed.
Mr. Speaker, a number of important questions have been asked during our current winter sitting concerning the government’s process for appointing a president of the Nunavut Housing Corporation, the president of the Qulliq Energy Corporation, and the president of Nunavut Arctic College.
Mr. Speaker, the three pieces of legislation that established these Crown agencies and territorial corporations all provide for a formal role for the board of directors and the responsible minister for each entity regarding the appointment of the president.
However, the practical reality appears to be that the final decision is made by the Premier.
Mr. Speaker, as I noted earlier in our sitting, it is perfectly appropriate for the Premier to appoint the deputy ministers of the government departments.
I have also noted that the Public Service Act is perfectly clear on this issue with respect to government departments.
However, there is obviously a need for the government to take a close look at whether or not the three pieces of legislation that established the three Crown agencies and territorial corporations in question should be amended in this area to ensure that all of our statutes and processes are clear, reasonable, and consistent.
Mr. Speaker, I will be following up on this issue when the House reconvenes for its spring session.
Member’s Statement 208 – 4(3): Congratulations to Wife, Emily (Joanasie)
Good morning to my colleagues and people of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today out of pride and envy for my wife Emily’s achievement in obtaining her Master’s Degree in Education.
Mr. Speaker, my wife has shown great determination and commitment to education.
Growing up, her dream job was to become a teacher.
She started her studies down south in Peterborough, Ontario, at Trent University and got her Bachelor of Arts Degree.
We then moved to Iqaluit in 2008 where she continued her studies and completed the Nunavut Teacher Education Program at Nunavut Arctic College and received her Education Degree from the University of Regina in 2012.
Mr. Speaker, my wife started teaching at the Joamie School in 2012, where she currently leads the grade 2 class in their learning.
Two years ago, I supported her decision to pursue her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Prince Edward Island. I am extremely proud of her for following through with her formal education. Mr. Speaker, she is an amazing example to others who are pursuing their dreams of higher education or have a dream job in mind.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating my wife and her peers at UPEI Master of Education Program on their successes and for their outstanding contributions to the future of Nunavut.
They have fully committed themselves for our children and our students. Let’s be proud of our teachers.
Member’s Statement 209 – 4(3): Coral Harbour Wins Gold at Avataq Cup (Mapsalak)
I rise this morning to express my pride and happiness with the people of Coral Harbour.
The Avataq Cup hockey tournament was held in Rankin Inlet and this was the last tournament for the year.
The Coral Harbour team got the gold and during the entire tournament, they were undefeated. The Coral Harbour team got the gold and the cup, so I just wanted to have everybody join me in expressing my pride. They were performed very well in the tournament.
I would like my colleagues here to help me express my pride to the Coral Harbour hockey team and all the hockey teams that went to compete in Rankin Inlet.
Coral Harbour got the gold medal and brought home the cup.
Member’s Statement 210 – 4(3): Igloolik Bronze Medal Winner at Arctic Winter Games (Quassa)
We are very proud of the athletes that recently participated at the Arctic Winter Games in Greenland. We have heard of many people from Nunavut who won ulus and we are very proud of them.
From our community of Igloolik, we had one athlete and I am very proud of that athlete.
Nujaliah Iyerak is one of my cousin’s grandchildren.
The Nunavut table tennis team got the bronze ulu.
I’m not sure what you call bronze in Inuktitut, but it’s kind of brownish.
They won the bronze medal, so I’m very proud of them.
To all the athletes from Nunavut who went to compete in Greenland and hockey tournaments over here, I’m very proud of all of you. Please continue doing physical activity. Recreation is very good for our youth, so I encourage all of you to keep doing that.
Once again, Nujaliah Iyerak, we are very proud of you.
Member’s Statement 211 – 4(3): Pangnirtung Success at Arctic Winter Games (Mike)
The people of Pangnirtung are in my thoughts.
Mr. Speaker, I also expressed my pride this previous week.
I explained that the Pangnirtung team for the Arctic Winter Games, Myca Nakashuk in badminton, got the silver medal in the Arctic Winter Games. I’m very proud of her.
Myca was presented with a medal, along with the other Nunavut athletes. I’m very proud of all the athletes who got ulus. This is one step from the gold.
She came in second, but that’s fine. The ones that didn’t get medals from Pangnirtung are Mason Angnakak with the volleyball team and Gregory Atagoyuk with the hockey team. I’m very proud of them and all the coaches and helpers.
The Minister of Sport, Joe Savikataaq, I thank him very much because he was heavily involved in the opening ceremonies in Greenland.
Member’s Statement 212 – 4(3): Baker Lake Success at Arctic Winter Games (Mikkungwak)
I rise today to congratulate Megan Hachey and Dawn Himga of Team Nunavut’s female junior basketball team that won the bronze medal. I congratulate them because they competed very well. I also congratulate the Baker Lake athletes who participated.
Lastly, happy birthday to my daughter, Tina Mikkungwak.
Returns to Oral Questions. (interpretation) Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Savikataaq.
Return to Oral Question 208 – 4(3): Status of Environmental Protection Compliance Orders (Savikataaq)
I have a return to oral question asked by Mr. Rumbolt, asked of the Minister of Community and Government Services, the number is 208 –4(3), the date it was asked is March 2, 2016, and the subject is the status of environmental protection compliance orders.
“During our recent fall sitting, the government’s most recent set of public accounts were tabled in the Legislative Assembly.
I will read it into the record.
‘The Government’s Petroleum Products Division and [the] Qulliq Energy Corporation (QEC) received Environmental Protection Compliance Orders (EPCOs) from Environment Canada related to contraventions of regulations for Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products at selected facilities in Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, Whale Cove and Sanikiluaq. (…) The work to comply with the regulations at these facilities was commenced in 2014-15 and is to be completed during the 2015-16 fiscal year.’
STSR (Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products Regulations) came into effect starting June 12, 2008.
Owners and operators of storage tank systems were given four years from June 12, 2008 to update and bring storage tank systems to be code compliant, meeting CCME’s (Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment) Environmental Code of Practice for Above and Underground Storage Tank Systems Containing Petroleum and Allied Products.
Environment Canada issued draft EPCOs, which is Environmental Protection Compliance Orders, for Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, Whale Cove, and Sanikiluaq starting in 2012.
The Petroleum Products Division requested Environment Canada not to issue binding EPCOs for the above communities.
Once a binding EPCO is issued, the owner and operator of a storage tank system has 180 days to address the EPCO.
If the owner/operator failed to address the binding EPCO in the stipulated time, Environment Canada can penalize the owner/operator and has the authority to shut down the facility.
PPD is working closely with Environment Canada to address the EPCOs.