EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
“ … I would like that power, to take something to court, because when I make a recommendation, it’s because that’s what I believe the Act says and if it’s not followed, there are some instances.
I don’t think I take everything to court where my opinion wasn’t followed, but there are some instances where I think that it would have more impact, where we really need to know whether my interpretation is correct or the public body’s interpretation is correct, and a court can do that.
So yes, I would love to have that option, many of my colleagues do, and it’s used within reason and on occasion to take governments to court on recommendations.
I think it would be an extra tool in my toolbox and very useful.”
The Standing Committee recommends that the Government of Nunavut conduct an interjurisdictional review of analogous provisions in other legislation and that its findings be reported in its formal response to the report of the Standing Committee.
The Standing Committee further recommends that the review consider the issue of the systemic barriers, including financial resources, that private citizens face in exercising their right under section 37 of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act to appeal a decision by a head of a public body to the Nunavut Court of Justice.
The Standing Committee further recommends that the Government of Nunavut invite the Information and Privacy Commissioner to provide a formal written submission on this issue.
Backdoor tabled with the Clerk on July 27, 2010
Formally Tabled on October 22, 2010
February 28, 2011
September 28, 2011
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Pages 2130 – 2227
Opening Prayer 2130
Ministers’ Statements 2130
Members’ Statements 2133
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 2138
Oral Questions 2139
Point of Order 2153
Returns to Written Questions* 2155
Tabling of Documents 2155
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 2156
Report of the Committee of the Whole 2225
Orders of the Day 2226
Tuesday, March 6, 2012 2130
138 – 3(3): Long-term Service Awards Ceremony (Schell) 2130
139 – 3(3): New Licence Plate (Taptuna) 2131
140 – 3(3): Creating a Manual about the Fish of Nunavut (Arreak) 2131
141 – 3(3): New Contribution Agreement for Victim Support (Shewchuk) 2132
213 – 3(3): Process for Awarding of Fuel Distribution Contracts (Ugyuk) 2133
214 – 3(3): Community Workshop on Disability (Ell) 2134
215 – 3(3): 2012 International Co-operative Year (Tapardjuk) 2134
216 – 3(3): Congratulations to Douglas Ollie of Arviat (Shewchuk) 2135
217 – 3(3): Congratulations to Industrial Arts Students of Coral Harbour (Ningeongan) 2135
218 – 3(3): Quttiktuq Success at the Arctic Winter Games (Elliott) 2136
219 – 3(3): Support to Small Business (Curley) 2136
220 – 3(3): Support for Local Co-ops (Ningark) 2137
221 – 3(3): EU Liquor Ban (Schell) 2137
314 – 3(3): Dealing with Rabies across Nunavut (Aupaluktuq) 2139
315 – 3(3): Letter from the Local Justice Committee of Gjoa Haven (Ugyuk) 2140
316 – 3(3): Offshore Drilling in the Canadian Arctic (Enook) 2142
317 – 3(3): Investigations under the Fire Prevention Act (Ell) 2143
318 – 3(3): Implementation of Territorial Power Rates (Curley) 2144
319 – 3(3): Protection of Paleontological Sites on Axel Heiberg Island (Elliott) 2146
320 – 3(3): Single Entrance Only Housing in Compliance with Code (Ningark) 2147
321 – 3(3): Investigation under the Environmental Protection Act (Aupaluktuq) 2149
322 – 3(3): Nunavut Suicide Prevention Strategy (Elliott) 2150
323 – 3(3): GRA Phase 2 (Curley) 2152
Return to Written Question 011 – 3(3): Government Expenditures on Overtime Pay for Indeterminate, Term and Casual Employees (Peterson) 2155
169 – 3(3): Annual Report for the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy for the Period April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011 (Aariak) 2156
170 – 3(3): Government of Nunavut’s Response to the 2010-2011 Annual Report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (Aariak) 2156
171 – 3(3): Analysis of Suicide Deaths and Hospitalizations Due to Suicide Attempt for Residents of Niagara (Elliott) 2156
Bill 24 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2012-2013 – Economic Development and Transportation – Consideration in Committee 2157
Bill 24 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2012-2013 – Nunavut Housing Corporation – Consideration in Committee 2191
Bill 24 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2012-2013 – Justice – Consideration in Committee 2221
Before we commence with our proceedings today, I would like to ask Mr. Oshutapik if he could lead us off with a prayer, please.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Oshutapik. (interpretation ends) Good afternoon, everybody.
As well, it’s still good morning for all of our athletes over in Whitehorse, so I wish them a good rest in the morning and good luck today.
Moving in the orders of the day. Item 2.
Minister’s Statement 138 – 3(3): Long-term Service Awards Ceremony (Schell)
I rise today to take this opportunity to recognize the continued effort and contributions of our employees who have served long periods of employment within our public service.
Mr. Speaker, long-term service award ceremonies recognizing employees with 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 years of continuous service with the Government of Nunavut were held this past February 16 for approximately 150 of our teachers and members of the Nunavut Teachers Association.
Mr. Speaker, for this year’s awards, I would like to give a special acknowledgement to our 35-year recipient, Meeka Kakudluk, Teacher, Iqaluit.
There were also nine individuals receiving a 30-year service award: Elisapee Jaypoody, Clyde River; Malaya Audlakiak, Iqaluit; Donald E. Clark, Rankin Inlet; Simone Clark, Rankin Inlet; Marvin McKay-Keenan, Arviat; Pasqualina Putulik, Repulse Bay; Joe Taukie, Cape Dorset; Peter P. Aulatjut, Arviat; and Susie Evyagotailak, Kugluktuk.
Mr. Speaker, over the coming months, following April 1, more award ceremonies will take place at selected locations across Nunavut.
Over 700 Government of Nunavut employees will be recognized for their long-term service dedication.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in acknowledging our most important asset: our employees and their long-term dedication to the GN public service.
Congratulations to all of those individuals.
Minister’s Statement 139 – 3(3): New Licence Plate (Taptuna)
Good afternoon, colleagues. Good afternoon, Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce that we have a new made-in-Nunavut licence plate.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to invite you all to the unveiling of our new licence plate during our break later on this afternoon.
Last August, we held the “Design our Licence Plate” Contest. I thank everyone for their participation in the contest. We had great submissions.
Two hundred designs were submitted by 123 people as part of the contest.
Without knowing who the artist was, the selection committee chose four out of the 200 designs.
Tat Ma, Natalie Strijak, Jonathan Cruz, and Ron Froese were the four finalists in the “Design Our Licence Plate” Contest, but of course, there can only be one winner.
The new licence plate is inspired by a design submitted by Mr. Ron Froese of Iqaluit and he is our contest winner.
Mr. Froese will receive $1,500 and the other three finalists will receive $500 in cash each.
I send my appreciation to the people who made this happen.
It’s a momentous day and I’m happy to share it with you all.
Mr. Speaker, the new licence plate replaces the one we adopted from the Northwest Territories in 1999.
We will be making the transition to the new plate over the coming months.
Mr. Speaker, the territory is soon going to turn 13 years old.
I recognize that many people feel an attachment to the current polar bear plate, but as you will see, our new licence plate has a distinct Nunavut flavour that will help us cement our distinct identity.
I look forward to unveiling the new licence plate for my colleagues during our break.
Minister’s Statement 140 – 3(3): Creating a Manual about the Fish of Nunavut (Arreak)
I say “hello” to the people of Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq.
Mr. Speaker, the development of educational materials that include both science and traditional knowledge is foremost in many of our department-wide projects.
Our Fisheries and Sealing Division has taken on the initiative of developing a manual about the fish of Nunavut.
This book will reflect and build upon the information obtained through our coastal zone resource inventory projects.
This will be an addition to the series of Nunavut publications, which include both the terrestrial and marine mammals of Nunavut.
These publications will serve as an invaluable resource to educators, researchers, students, and the public.
Our department is building partnerships with our GN counterparts, federal agencies, and local businesses to ensure the successful creation and delivery of this publication.
Our department is also committed to incorporating traditional knowledge in educational materials and the Fish of Nunavut book will be no exception.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage all stakeholders to get involved and contribute towards the development of this text, which will serve as a future documented legacy of aquatic species in our territory.
Minister’s Statement 141 – 3(3): New Contribution Agreement for Victim Support (Shewchuk)
I am very pleased to announce that the federal Department of Justice has committed to provide a sizeable financial contribution for a program entitled “Nunavut Victim Support.“ The funding of this program will benefit and assist the Government of Nunavut in its efforts to advance victim services and access to justice for victims of crime in Nunavut.
The total contribution from Justice Canada over the next five fiscal years will amount to $1,397,761.
This contribution will allow the Department of Justice to provide travel assistance to the families of victims of homicide and victims of other serious crimes so that they can travel to court hearings. With this funding, more families of victims will be able to attend court hearings when they take place in a community other than where the crime occurred.
More specifically, $75,000 is set aside for assistance in travel and accommodations for families and victims travelling to court hearings during the current year, and an additional $200,000 annually until 2016 is allocated.
These funds will also enable the Department of Justice to develop policies, procedures, and a manual for providing and managing this travel assistance program.
The funds will also be used to hold training and capacity building programs in each region of Nunavut.
Community justice members as well as other stakeholders from Nunavut will be invited to participate.
This contribution represents an exciting opportunity for positive change in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, we, at the Department of Justice, are pleased to collaborate with our partners at Justice Canada in working towards the healing of victims of serious crime in our territory.
Member’s Statement 213 – 3(3): Process for Awarding of Fuel Distribution Contracts (Ugyuk)
I say “good morning” to the people of Nattilik. (interpretation ends) I rise today to address the issue of the government’s process for awarding fuel distribution contracts.
I hope that this is the last time that I have to speak about this issue.
As members will recall, I raised a number of specific concerns in Committee of the Whole yesterday regarding the fuel distribution contract in Taloyoak.
I want to clearly state that I am in support of competitive bidding for these contracts. However, I do believe that the process could be improved.
As members are aware, these contracts have significant impact on the local economies of our smaller communities.
The concerns that have been raised during this sitting clearly illustrate how important it is for the government’s process for awarding contracts and evaluating performance to be as transparent as possible.
As we have seen, entire communities can be divided as a result of these contract awards.
This is not healthy.
Mr. Speaker, when the government evaluates proposals for fuel distribution contracts, I believe that it is important for the officials to travel to the community in question.
Given that these contracts are in place for a number of years, this would be a wise investment of time.
In some cases, proposals may look fine on paper. However, it is important that the government ensure that bidders have the necessary equipment, resources, and infrastructure to successfully fulfill the terms and conditions of the contract.
Mr. Speaker, after contracts have been awarded, it is also important that the government have a clear and transparent process for addressing concerns about the contractor’s performance, especially during the probationary period of the contract.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage the responsible minister to update the House on this issue during our spring sitting.
Member’s Statement 214 – 3(3): Community Workshop on Disability (Ell)
I rise today to inform the Members of the Legislative Assembly about an event that will take place later this month in Iqaluit.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, as a long-time supporter of the Nunavummi Disabilities Makinnasuaqtiit Society and an advocate for the needs of the disabled, I am very pleased that a community workshop on disability will be held on March 28 at the Frobisher Inn.
Mr. Speaker, the purpose of this workshop is to bring together representatives of all sectors in Nunavut that are concerned with disability issues in order to answer a fundamental question: how can we include people with disabilities fully in Nunavut society?
Mr. Speaker, the goal of the workshop is to create an agenda for action.
As the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Iqaluit West, I look forward to tabling the results of this workshop during the spring sitting of the House.
Member’s Statement 215 – 3(3): 2012 International Co-operative Year (Tapardjuk)
I would like to wish a good afternoon to my constituents in Igloolik and Hall Beach.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak to the year of 2012, which is recognized as the International Year of Co-operatives.
Mr. Speaker, many of us were there when the Co-operatives were first raised and we grew up with the Co-ops. It seems obvious that many of us would not be in our situation if we had not been taught about entrepreneurship through the Co-op system.
Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I also know for a fact that our forefathers were only able to survive by cooperating and collaborating on their shared survival, especially when animals became scarce. They have been able to survive to this day by cooperation.
We also recognize co-operatives as cooperative businesses.
Through their growth, they are now able to bid for contracts and to also have their own stores that are controlled by their board members.
Mr. Speaker, in the year of 2012, with this year being the International Year of Co-operatives, I would urge the Co-operatives to work harder as we have heard that the Co-ops are the businesses of individual members.
However, a lot of the Co-op sales are not in syllabics and it seems like the actual members who own part of the Co-op are not being served in their language.
Mr. Speaker, during the year 2012, I would urge that the Co-operatives work harder to try to provide services in the language of their members and communities to ensure that they succeed, that the stores make profits, and that they represent the members they serve in their communities.
Member’s Statement 216 – 3(3): Congratulations to Douglas Ollie of Arviat (Shewchuk)
I would like to say “good afternoon” to all the people of Arviat.
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to rise today to congratulate one of my constituents’ achievements.
Douglas Ollie was in the RCMP Summer Student Program both in 2010 and 2011. Douglas is now a successful graduate of the Aboriginal Policing Program in Regina with the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology.
Aboriginal policing preparation is an applied certificate that prepares individuals for employment in the policing at the federal, provincial, territorial, or municipal level, as well as other law enforcement agencies.
Graduates gain employment with the RCMP, municipal police, border services, airport and mine security, corrections, casinos, and the military.
Programs he completed are basic investigative techniques, addictions, criminal justice system, history of policing, criminal law, interpersonal communication skills, preparation for police assessment, family violence, suicide intervention, first aid and CPR, introduction to firearms, and aboriginal issues.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Douglas, his parents and his family for his accomplishments and wish to him the best success in his career path he has chosen in the policing field.
Congratulations, Douglas. As members will know, he was one of our youth parliamentarians here at the Youth Parliament, so it’s good to see him moving on to bigger and better things.
Member’s Statement 217 – 3(3): Congratulations to Industrial Arts Students of Coral Harbour (Ningeongan)
I rise today to congratulate the industrial arts students at Sakku School in Coral Harbour for an innovative project that they have recently undertaken.
Mr. Speaker, senior high school students have recently been designing and producing custom pens, such as the one I’m holding. Please see it.
These beautiful pens are handmade from bone, caribou antler, and wood.
Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate dedicated teacher Paul Yanchus for challenging our students to challenge themselves.
This project has required vision, persistence, and attention to detail.
These are all qualities that will serve the students well in their lives.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the students and staff of Sakku High School.
Congratulations. That could be a good signing ceremony pen.
Member’s Statement 218 – 3(3): Quttiktuq Success at the Arctic Winter Games (Elliott)
I rise today to congratulate a number of athletes from my constituency of Quttiktuq for their incredible performance at the Arctic Winter Games.
Mr. Speaker, Jordan Levi won a Gold Ulu in the Dene Games junior male snow snake event.
Johnny James Kilabuk won a Silver Ulu in the Dene Games open male snow snake event.
Mr. Speaker, a number of other Quttiktuq athletes competed in Dene Games events and we scored a number of top 10 performances.
Mr. Speaker, the three communities that I represent are extremely proud of our athletes.
I ask all members to join me in congratulating Jordan, Levi, and all athletes from Quttiktuq on their tremendous success.
Congratulations to those individuals.
Member’s Statement 219 – 3(3): Support to Small Business (Curley)
Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, residents of Rankin Inlet.
I rise today to speak of the business community here in Nunavut. These businesses are not just businesses; some are joint partnerships. Our businesses are not in a singular sector, especially when we have free enterprise here, and they try to succeed in the free market system.
Due to that reason, I want to speak to what I perceive as the government’s usual way of doing things. If we look at the European countries, they talk about their socialist governments, that the government basically decides who will run the businesses and who they will give their contracts to.
It seems to me that our government is moving towards this kind of socialist policy.
Let me speak, Mr. Speaker. The Co-operatives are providing a lot of services and benefits to the communities.
The retail stores have to be there and the hotels have to be well looked after.
Buildings have to be built and they also have to be rentable. These are all services that the Co-ops can provide.
When we talk about small businesses, many of them haven’t received any type of assistance for over 30 years. At the same time, the federal government has provided over $50 million to the Arctic Co-operatives Ltd.
That averages $5 million a year.
Due to that reason, small business enterprises cannot compete with ACL.
They do have a role and they have to be assisted.
It doesn’t seem to be coincidence that fuel contracts, which are $165 million annually, are almost all held by the Co-operatives.
We have to make consideration to ensure there is a role for small businesses as well as co-ops. As MLAs, let us be respectful of all of them, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Ningark from Akulliq.
Member’s Statement 220 – 3(3): Support for Local Co-ops (Ningark)
I totally agree with the statement made by my colleague from Rankin Inlet North, Mr. Curley.
However, many of us in Nunavut have become able to stand on our own two feet thanks to co-ops, at least for me personally.
In the smaller communities, co-ops provide the largest number of jobs and they have trained many people.
Sometimes we want to see the big picture.
In Canada, if we look at Toyota, the federal government has provided it with subsidies.
Ford, another large carmaker, was also provided a subsidy, and that includes Pratt & Whitney. Why were all these subsidies going to these larger companies?
I imagine it’s because they employ a lot of people.
I would like to reiterate that many people in Nunavut have been trained and employed and are now able to be drivers, managers, and also work for the Nunavut government.
If they had tried to develop their own skills, they would fail.
The Co-ops provide a lot of services and benefits to smaller communities through stores, hotels, and contracts and recycle their earnings in the local economy.
I would like to recognize these co-operatives as being a very important part of our economy in Nunavut.
I also recognize free enterprise.
I agree with my colleague, but in some way, I don’t agree with the whole definition.
Member from South Baffin, Mr. Schell.
Member’s Statement 221 – 3(3): EU Liquor Ban (Schell)
I rise today in this public House filled with the spirit of righteousness.
Mr. Speaker, it is wry and extreme that Greece is oozing their financial wealth into the water closet. The French, Italians, and Spaniards are whining and not dining. The Dutch are knocking on their heinies and need a stout helping hand to keep their heads above water.
Mr. Speaker, I believe this House should congratulate itself for a job well done.
Our EU liquor product ban has succeeded. This was not just a sought to gain exposure; it has brought a whole continent to its knees.
Mr. Speaker, I believe it is time, gentlemen and ladies, to give this matter a sober second thought.
We can assist our Commonwealth partners in Europe while we take care and recover their fiscal decency.
Mr. Speaker, it would be Brummie indeed if Great Britain were to sink under the waves down into the dank, dark depths of tank No. 10.
Cheers, Mr. Speaker. I believe that we have reached the bottom of the barrel.
If a member were to introduce a motion to assist our assistant Commonwealth countries and to rescind the motion with respect to the moratorium on the purchase of EU liquor by the Nunavut Liquor Commission, I would certainly support this motion.
Mr. Speaker, with the Department of Environment currently developing a European community strategy with the possibility of European tours during 2012, where the sealing matter is sure to arise, I believe it is important to remove barriers to business and to realizing our objective in the European theatre.
By rescinding the motion and therefore removing a potential retort to our actions by European leaders and officials, we will be able to maximize our impact while minimizing opposition to our trade deals.
I think that is a testament to Nunavummiut willingness to help those who need help.
Members’ Statements. Moving on in the orders of the day.
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Iqaluit West, Ms. Ell.
I would like to recognize a couple of individuals in the Gallery.
First of all, I would like to recognize Noah Papatsie, (interpretation ends) who is currently the secretary treasurer for NDMS, the Nunavut Disabilities Makinnasuaqtiit Society, and has been for the last two years. Before that, he worked for IBC and began as a puppeteer and worked his way up to an executive director of the show.