EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Members’ Statements 983
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 990
Oral Questions 990
Petitions 1010
Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills 1010
Tabling of Documents 1011
Notices of Motions 1011
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 1013
Report of the Committee of the Whole 1093
Orders of the Day 1093
Tuesday, March 27, 2007 980
047 – 2(4): GN Employees Successfully Complete Accredited Course in Human Resources Management (Tapardjuk) 981
048 – 2(4): Passport Photos (Picco) 982
090 – 2(4): Cambridge Bay Tragic Shooting in Early January (Peterson) 983
091 – 2(4): Full Time Social Worker for the High Arctic (Barnabas) 984
092 – 2(4): Hockey Game Against the Iqaluit Fire Fighters (Tootoo) 985
093 – 2(4): Kugluktuk Caribou Harvest (Evyagotailak) 986
094 – 2(4): Upcoming April 20 Meeting (Mapsalak) 986
095 – 2(4): Federal Budget (Arreak) 987
096 – 2(4): Government of Nunavut’s Main Estimates (Arvaluk) 987
097 – 2(4): “Tiger” – Name the RCMP Dog Contest (Simailak) 988
098 – 2(4): Hello to Constituents (Aglukkaq) 988
099 – 2(4): Government of Nunavut Budget (Kattuk) 988
100 – 2(4): Banning Pit Bulls in Nunavut (Curley) 989
101 – 2(4): Dog Team Race from Igloolik to Repulse Bay (Tapardjuk) 989
128 – 2(4): Power Rate Increases (Curley) 990
129 – 2(4): Nunavut’s Promise to Children and Youth (Peterson) 992
130 – 2(4): Update on KBDC Contribution Agreement (Tootoo) 995
131 – 2(4): Update on Social Worker for the High Arctic (Barnabas) 996
132 – 2(4): Polar Bear Population Increase (Mapsalak) 998
133 – 2(4): Small Craft Harbour Report (Arvaluk) 999
134 – 2(4): Status of Polar Bear Study (Kattuk) 1001
135 – 2(4): KBDC Contribution Agreement – Meeting Minutes (Tootoo) 1002
136 – 2(4): Passport Photos (Barnabas) 1004
137 – 2(4): Victims of Crime Funding from the Federal Budget (Peterson) 1006
138 – 2(4): Food Mail Program (Alagalak) 1008
001 – 2(4): Medical Services for Sanikiluaq (Kattuk) 1010
001 – 2(4): Bill 8 – An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act (Tootoo) 1010
068 – 2(4): Leases and Article 24 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement - Correction to Statement Made on March 26, 2007 (Okalik) 1011
069 – 2(4): Tobacco Control Act Annual Report 2005-06 (Aglukkaq) 1011
008 – 2(4): Location of Health & Social Services Positions – Notice (Arvaluk) 1011
009 – 2(4): Performance Audit of the Department of Health & Social Services – Notice (Tootoo) 1012
010 – 2(4): Referral of Tabled Document 049 – 2(4): Discussion Paper for Ikummatiit – An Energy Strategy for Nunavut March 2007 to Committee of the Whole – Notice (Curley) 1012
011 – 2(4): Censure of the Executive Council – Notice (Tootoo) 1012
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2007-08 –Consideration in Committee – Education 1013
Speaker (interpretation): Good morning, Premier, Ministers and Members of the Legislative Assembly.
This morning I would like to take this opportunity to remind all members of the scope of parliamentary privilege.
(interpretation ends) The Assembly has collective privileges, such as the right to summon and question witnesses, which ensures that the Assembly is able to carry out its duties.
Members of the Legislative Assembly also have rights and immunities where necessary to allow individual members to carry out their duties and functions as elected representatives.
These rights and immunities are collectively called privileges and include such things as the right to freedom of speech and freedom from harassment and intimidation in carrying out their duties.
Parliamentary privilege is narrowly construed and extends only to those functions absolutely necessary for members to carry out their duties.
Neither this Assembly nor myself as Speaker has the authority to expand the scope of privilege. By its very nature, matters of privilege will arise infrequently.
It is not a breach of privilege to depart from usual practices and conventions of the Assembly.
It is not a breach of privilege to disagree with or criticize another member. It is not a breach of privilege to make a misstatement in the House.
Not all misconducts by members will amount to a breach of privilege. Members have several forms in which they can express concerns with respect to the conduct of another member.
They can discuss the matter at full caucus and, if necessary, discipline in that forum.
They can raise their concerns in a Member’s Statement.
Points of Privilege are not to be used to make political points on a matter under debate. Points of Privilege are not to be used as a veiled technique to challenge my authority as Speaker.
At a future meeting of the full caucus I will speak more on this matter. We will now proceed to the Orders of the Day.
Hon. Patterk Netser (interpretation): We’ve been having our meeting for a very long time, but we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
We’ll be talking for a bit on old vehicles.
Speaker: Minister Netser, can I ask you to take your seat for a second please.
We appear not to have the copies of the statement.
Is this an emergency matter that needs immediate attention, Minister Netser?
These are old vehicles so it’s not really an emergency.
We will proceed to the next minister if there are any more Ministers’ Statements.
Minister responsible for Culture, Language, Elders and Youth, and Human Resources, Minister Tapardjuk.
Minister’s Statement 047 – 2(4): GN Employees Successfully Complete Accredited Course in Human Resources Management (Tapardjuk)
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
I rise today to inform my colleagues about what we’ve been doing in our department.
The Nunavut Arctic College certificate program through Carleton University has set up a 13-week program in Arviat, Cambridge Bay, and Iqaluit.
We recognize that there have to be courses in management, and we’re working closely with Carleton University to develop a course that will address the unique needs of our participants and most importantly ensure student success.
Many employees taking this course have limited or no experience taking studies at the post secondary level.
To ensure a positive and successful learning experience, additional student supports were put in place, including weekly tutoring sessions, group assignments, and a research library.
I am pleased to report that the 29 employees who started the course on September 23 successfully completed the course, nine of whom are beneficiaries.
With a 79 percent completion rate this has been one of the most successful courses delivered as part of the Nunavut Public Services Studies Certificate program.
Some participants plan to continue their post secondary studies in human resources management in the future.
This success story demonstrates my department’s dedication to Ilippallianginnarniq and our commitment to responding to the needs of our workforce and expanding the types of training and development programs and services offered to employees across the Nunavut Government.
I would like to commend all Government of Nunavut employees who are enrolled in continuing education and wish them success in their learning.
Minister’s Statement 048 – 2(4): Passport Photos (Picco)
Mr. Speaker, members have continually raised the issue of securing passports for our constituents.
There are several roadblocks for our residents because of the remote area we live and the complete lack of any passport office here in Nunavut.
Delays to process our applications because of the distances, requirements, for example of accurate photos, having to mail all applications and our own unique circumstances with out of territory births and registrations in other jurisdictions also causes issues with getting the proper identification and the birth certificate needed for a passport.
Mr. Speaker, in cooperation with our MP and our Government of Nunavut office in Ottawa, we have helped facilitate many applications for passports successfully.
Passports are a federal responsibility; however as a government we want to help our residents get the documentation they need to secure a passport.
I am very pleased today, Mr. Speaker, to announce that over the next weeks we will be purchasing the necessary camera equipment and supplies to allow all Nunavummiut to have access to passport quality photos.
We intend to supply all hamlets and communities with the necessary equipment. We will also ask each community to identify an individual to be trained to use the equipment.
Mr. Speaker, we expect the total cost to be approximately $125,000.
Revenue generated by the photo fee can be kept by the hamlet.
It is suggested that a fee of $30 to $40 for the photo will be required.
Mr. Speaker, this step will help facilitate Nunavummiut access to a passport the same as any other Canadian citizen. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker: Thank you, Minister. (interpretation) Item 2.
Member’s Statement 090 – 2(4): Cambridge Bay Tragic Shooting in Early January (Peterson)
I rise today to thank Nunavummiut for the support, sympathy, and condolences they sent our community of Cambridge Bay in the days and weeks following the tragic shooting that occurred in our community in early January.
Mr. Speaker, as nearly everyone in Nunavut and across Canada knows by now, in early January our community suffered a horrible loss when three of our citizens died, and two others were wounded after an armed gunman opened fire on them.
The events of that terrible night will be remembered forever by our community.
We hope and pray that it never happens again anywhere in Nunavut. Many people suffered painful losses that night, and their deep sadness will only ease with the passage of time.
Mr. Speaker, Cambridge Bay is a community with a lot of heart and soul.
We are going through difficult times, but I have no doubt that we will recover and become stronger.
Our healing began almost immediately after grief counsellors and the crisis response officials began to talk with our residents.
We are moving forward, as we always do in my community.
Mr. Speaker, one of the saddest things that occurred from all of this was how my community and Nunavut were portrayed in the southern media.
I read a Globe and Mail article about the shooting and I could not believe that a national newspaper would resort to such sensational reporting.
I have lived in Cambridge Bay for decades, but I did not recognize the people or the community that was reported in that article.
Mr. Speaker, the reporting that went into that article did not reflect the spirit, kindness, and warmth that our residents are known for around the world by the many visitors that drop by.
You cannot go for a drive or walk very far without someone waving or smiling at you and it is impossible to get lost because someone will always help you find your way.
Mr. Speaker, I request unanimous consent to continue my statement.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Peterson. (interpretation) The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement.
Mr. Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, I was very proud when the Premier accompanied the RCMP Chief Superintendent to Cambridge Bay to attend a community meeting. It meant a lot to our residents to have him there and bring us the thoughts and prayers of all Nunavummiut.
It was also gratifying to have the RCMP Chief Superintendent stand before us and explain the events of that night and how the investigation will proceed. We look forward to regular updates from the RCMP in the months ahead.
Mr. Speaker, I would like the House to join me in sending our condolences to all the victims of that tragic shooting, and express our sincere gratitude to all those who helped and are helping Cambridge Bay through our grieving, mourning, and recovery phases.
Member’s Statement 091 – 2(4): Full Time Social Worker for the High Arctic (Barnabas)
Good morning. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to, once again, raise the issue of ongoing needs for full-time social workers in the High Arctic.
Mr. Speaker, two years ago on February 28, 2005, I raised this same issue with the minister at that time.
The needs of my constituents have not changed since then.
They still require social services but staffing social worker positions in the High Arctic does not seem to be a priority.
The communities in my constituency need social workers. The community of Grise Fiord may be the smallest community in Nunavut but that does not mean that its needs should be neglected.
I said it two years ago and I will say it again: people who require assistance need face to face assistance and not just conversations over the phone. People in the smallest communities have needs just like people in the larger communities and they should have equal access to those services that meet their needs.
Mr. Speaker, two years ago I asked the Minister of Health and Social Services why social workers hired for the High Arctic were always being seconded to the government’s headquarters.
At that time the minister was going to look into it. I don’t know what the results of her investigation were but it seems that we are still having problems.
I urge the government to make every effort to fill the social worker positions in the High Arctic. At the appropriate time I will be asking questions on this issue.
Member’s Statement 092 – 2(4): Hockey Game Against the Iqaluit Fire Fighters (Tootoo)
I rise today to thank my fellow members for coming out on Sunday night to play an excellent game of hockey against the Iqaluit Firefighters.
Mr. Speaker, it’s great to get a good dose of exercise at least once a year and this year was no exception.
Our stalwart band of Members of the Legislative Assembly took on at least twice as many firefighters, and what we couldn’t match in speed and stamina, we certainly made up for in determination and enthusiasm.
I would like to thank the firefighters for inviting us once again this year, and Mr. Speaker, as forward Netser indicated during the game, our speed was highly deceptive.
We are all slower than we think. You, yourself, Mr. Speaker, were a tower on defence. The member from Cambridge Bay, I believe was from what I thought, in the best shape of all of us: speeding up at thin ice, back-checking furiously on defence, and even making a last-minute save on a puck that had squeaked past our goalie.
Our illustrious Premier scored a magnificent goal with a powerful, powerful shot that blew past the goalie. Shots like that I’ve only seen on TV made by his beloved Habs. I am not sure whether or not he had paid those members of the audience to throw their hats on the ice in celebration after scoring his first goal to make it look like he had scored a hat trick.
Mr. Picco also scored a fine goal. I was pleased to get a couple, myself.
I did very well for the first 30 seconds of every shift, but it was always a welcome relief to change up as soon as the opportunity arose.
While the Members of the Legislative Assembly started off strong in goals the lead soon became a tie and after that I believe the final score is still under review.
It was a gallant effort by all members and most of all it was a lot of fun. I would like to ask all members to join me in thanking the firefighters and for the opportunity to come out and get a good dose of exercise and I look forward to it again next year.
Member’s Statement 093 – 2(4): Kugluktuk Caribou Harvest (Evyagotailak)
Today is a fine day.
I rise today to share with all the members about the recent Kugluktuk caribou harvest.
This year a group of harvesters traveled 185 kilometres east of Kugluktuk for the harvest and approximately 57 caribou were harvested.
(interpretation ends) Elders and youth groups obtained funding from Brighter Futures to butcher and distribute some of the harvest to the community elders, single mothers, and for others who are unable to harvest for themselves.
The estimated value of the meat harvested is $73,000 for the community. The residents of Kugluktuk greatly appreciated the assistance of the Hamlet of Kugluktuk, and Hunters and Trappers Organization, and also the government for making this possible.
I would like to name the eight harvesters. They were Stanley Klengenberg, Andrew Atatahak, George Hala, Perry Klengenberg, Peter Akana, Isaac Klengenberg, Jonathan Niptanatiak, and Ronald Elgok.
Member’s Statement 094 – 2(4): Upcoming April 20 Meeting (Mapsalak)
On April 20 my constituents will have a meeting and Kugaaruk will go to Repulse Bay representing different organizations.
They are prepared for April 20 and I invite the ministers if they wish to come to my constituency.
It will be very heart-warming for the residents if all of the ministers can attend, but as we know they have other commitments.
If all of the ministers can come to my constituency on April 20 they are most welcome to be there and I will probably be leaving tomorrow, and I wish the best for my colleagues to have a good rest.
Member’s Statement 095 – 2(4): Federal Budget (Arreak)
Quite a while back an accord was agreed upon and was to fund $5.1 billion but once the Conservative Government came into power, it changed.
When Paul Martin was the Prime Minister, he was pushing for this and he passed it through a Private Members’ Bill in the Parliament in Ottawa.
A majority of them agreed but the Conservative Government failed to recognize that, even though it would be very beneficial to the aboriginal people for housing, education, and social services.
So I urge the members to show their support so that these things can be implemented in the aboriginal community of Canada.
I urge all the Nunavummiut organizations to show their support and to be more vocal about this because once this passes it would better our lives in the north.
Member’s Statement 096 – 2(4): Government of Nunavut’s Main Estimates (Arvaluk)
I rise today because I have a concern where the government is expecting a lot of things, not particularly on people like yesterday we had a hard time approving Community and Government Services.
The main estimates and budget for Community and Government Services that we were discussing yesterday, because we knew that it was way too much and it will not benefit the whole community, all of the Members of the Legislative Assembly know during the Bathurst Accord and they agreed with the title Pinasuaqtavut.
Shortly thereafter, in Baker Lake, the government met to decide what our focus will be in order to represent the Inuit.
After that, they included Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, and we often referred to Article 24.
We heard yesterday, when we were under Community and Government Services, the Member for Arviat said that ever since we were growing up we shouldn’t leave other people out because that’s the way of Inuit life.
So I urge the government to listen to the hamlets, to the local housing authorities, hunter and trapper organizations, and other organizations in the communities which priorities they wish to see developed in their community.
Member’s Statement 097 – 2(4): “Tiger” – Name the RCMP Dog Contest (Simailak)
Hon. David Simailak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, residents of Baker Lake.
I am happy to say that students who go to school in Nunavut, when we hear accomplishments…the dogs in Canada that are used by the RCMP have names now.
Because there was a nation wide contest to name the dogs and a student Grade 8, 8 year old, put in the name “Tiger” and she won. So Stephanie Utan’naq was selected.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Simailak, Members’ Statements.
Member’s Statement 098 – 2(4): Hello to Constituents (Aglukkaq)
Hon. Leona Aglukkaq (interpretation): I say hello to Taluryuarmiut and I will see them in the near future.
Tomorrow will be Inuinnaqtun Day and also today I will say Happy Easter to all my constituents as well as all the Members of this House. Have a safe trip going home.
And also, my biological mother Nilaulaq in Gjoa Haven, I would like to say thank you since she is always helping everyone.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you Ms. Aglukkaq.
Member’s Statement 099 – 2(4): Government of Nunavut Budget (Kattuk)
Mr. Kattuk (Interpretation): Thank you Mr. Speaker.
Today is Inuktitut Day so I would like to say hello to my constituents in Sanikiluaq.
Mr. Speaker, the concern that I have is the budget of the Government and we talked about it at length yesterday.
The Minister of Health and Social Services stated that the, about the Sanikiluaq people going to the southern institutes or hospitals.
Even though this has not been resolved, I am not in support of the operations and maintenance budget for the health department, because the people in Sanikiluaq still have a concern that if they go to Ottawa for medical attention, they will have to go, if they go to Montreal, because the weather changes very quickly and they don’t have a place to stay, and they have to overnight in one of the southern communities.
I have gone through Montreal, every time I go home to Sanikiluaq, or every time I’m going to Iqaluit, and I really feel for the elders because they must be very stressful having to travel and without English language, they must have a difficult time because they’d like to be able to go from point ‘A’ to point ‘B’ and not overnight anywhere because they have a hard time with the language and the way of southern communities.
So when we get to Item 10 I will be tabling a petition.
Member’s Statement 100 – 2(4): Banning Pit Bulls in Nunavut (Curley)
Just a short statement.
I was told by an elder they do not have an opportunity to voice their concerns.
This has to do with dogs.
The elder was saying that the dogs that we hardly ever see come up north now such as those small dogs.
Some of them are very vicious dogs.
The elder was saying that when he was talking to me, he had a vision.
Some dogs that are over here that are brought to Nunavut communities that are very vicious are very dangerous for the children.
He has a grandchild who is a little bit blind and those Rottweilers are being brought up to Nunavut.
He felt that the government should be able to ban those pit bulls to come up north.
I think we have to think about making sure there is a ban against those vicious dogs or perhaps we members can do a private member’s bill because Ontario has legislation whereby pit bulls are banned from the province of Ontario.
I think we should, because this elder had an elder and he was worried about the children being attacked by pit bulls while they are walking in the community.
He is very worried and he is probably listening to our debates this morning.
I told him I would be able to voice his concern here in the House and I expect there might a legislation banning those vicious dogs such as pit bulls from entering Nunavut.
Member’s Statement 101 – 2(4): Dog Team Race from Igloolik to Repulse Bay (Tapardjuk)
Just a short statement. When our premier was talking about the dog races from Iqaluit to Kimmirut and back and also our Cabinet Member, Mr. Simailak talked about dog races to Churchill return.
James Arreak, Steve Mapsalak, and Tununiq Member James Arvaluk and Member for High Arctic Mr. Barnabas; there is going to be a dog race from Igloolik to Repulse Bay.
I would like those members to know that the people of Igloolik and Hall Beach will be involved. Just to let you know.
Member for Coral Harbour, Mr. Netser.
I would like to welcome my brother-in-law, Tommy Bruce from Coral Harbour.
I would like to welcome the cadets to our House.
Thank you for coming and welcome.
Question 128 – 2(4): Power Rate Increases (Curley)
I would like to direct a question to the Minister of Energy. Last week we heard him say that there would be a rate increase. I think that’s what he said.
It just seems like that the Qulliq Energy Corporation just took a big cookie out of the cookie jar and took a bite and the rest of it goes to the customers. It seems like he said that last week.
Perhaps he could give us some information, when Qulliq Energy Corporation applies for a rate increase, he didn’t say whether they would be rejected or not. It seems like the customers don’t have any right to reject the rate increase. It just seems like it’s just taking a cookie from the cookie jar and taking a big bite and giving the rest to the customers.
Why was that done?
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Curly.