EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
In addition to balancing conservation with economic and infrastructure activity, we are determined to boost the tourism and arts and crafts sectors through various means.
We are introducing legislation to amend the Travel and Tourism Act to bring it more in line with Nunavut’s reality and implement amendments that are flexible enough to enable growth in this sector.
As Nunavut’s population continues to grow and we experience an influx of people coming to Nunavut, we must emphasize road safety and ensure our legislation is consistent with that of other jurisdictions where harmonization is required.
We intend to meet the intent of national transportation agreements that Nunavut has signed. Through this lens, we seek to amend the Motor Vehicles Act, which will include measures to curb distracted driving and reconstitute the Motor Vehicles Act into a broader Traffic Safety Act.
(interpretation) We are putting measures in place to address other Acts that are not reflective of updated public health practices.
Therefore, we are introducing a Public Health Act that takes into account elements at the national and international level and one that echoes the unique position of Nunavut.
As well, we are actively working to amend the Mental Health Act so that it too is more reflective of our reality.
The government is introducing a bill for a Consumer Protection Act that aims to protect consumers and provide rules and regulations that relate to the buying and selling goods and services and establishing a fee for cashing cheques outside of financial institutions.
As well, we are introducing a bill to amend the Safety Act.
This bill would allow for the Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS) to be harmonized with federal legislation.
We are considering options for increased transparency around lobbying.
Adding mechanisms to deal with lobby groups or individuals is part of our efforts to increase government efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness.
This work compliments what we are already doing with respect to the program review that is well underway and our audit of our grants and contribution agreements.
Through Sivumut Abluqta, the government has adopted a vision, goals and priorities for creating a strong and prosperous Nunavut where all residents are able to pursue opportunities in their communities and regions and achieve their personal aspirations and potential.
(interpretation ends) Sustainable and responsible development of our natural resources leading to balanced economic growth and our integral focus on training and education is most important in making our vision a reality and improving our social well-being.
We are pursuing ways to generate more awareness of our strengths, which has been proven by our fiscal management and increase to our borrowing limit.
(interpretation) We have enormous potential and we must continue to cultivate partnerships to pursue opportunities in the territory and move forward in common areas of concern with our arctic neighbours.
Finding common ground among many groups with diverse agendas and governing by consensus is the mainstay of the government.
We continue to lead in the balance between traditional and scientific knowledge in service delivery, policy, and programming.
(interpretation ends) This coming Nunavut Day, we mark the return of the snow-block carving to Nunavut by Mr. Thomas Siddon, former Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs.
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated presented him with the carving because of his ministerial achievements, which led the 1992 agreement to create the territory of Nunavut.
He is graciously gifting the carving back in honour of Nunavut and it will be housed in the Legislative Assembly until such time as a heritage facility exists in Nunavut.
As we move to grow our future, we have not forgotten about our past. Culture and Heritage has been working closely with several partners towards the development of a Nunavut heritage centre that would hold our historical records, archaeology, and museum objects and allow for space for new acquisitions, such as the snow-block carving and perhaps even objects from the Franklin expeditions. We are actively working with the heritage society and external partners to raise funds and establish new partnerships in the anticipation of the opening of a heritage facility by 2021.
(interpretation) The potential of our people and our territory is boundless.
By stepping forward together with strong resolve, we can secure a better future for us all.
A tremendous amount of work and progress has occurred during the first and second sessions of the Fourth Assembly. Members of this House have been instrumental in facilitating the discussions, goals, and successes thus far.
We recognize we must continue in our efforts to reach our goals and achieve tangible results for all Nunavummiut in the upcoming session by the end of our mandate.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their hard work and contribution.
I wish you all a restful and refreshing spring and summer season with your families and communities.
>>Applause  Speaker (interpretation): Going back to the orders of the day.
Minister’s Statement 001 – 4(3): Regulatory Processes in Nunavut (Taptuna)
Mr. Speaker, as we begin this new session, I would like to take this opportunity to speak about regulatory processes in Nunavut and our role as a government.
The process is clear: the regulatory responsibility rests with the institutions of public government and not the Nunavut government. However, we as a government are absolutely within our right to make recommendations about improving that process.
There have been numerous correspondences back and forth between our institutions of public government, the regional Inuit organizations, and federal and territorial governments.
Mr. Speaker, there is a lot of discussion and speculation out there on a recent letter of correspondence between my office and the federal government regarding Nunavut Planning Commission and Baffinland Iron Mines.
Mr. Speaker, there is no miscommunication or misunderstanding. There are three main themes that have been emerging over the last few months. Each institution of public government needs to act in a fair, transparent, responsible way through a process that is consistent.
The institutions of public government must also be adequately funded. As well, we must continue to advocate for responsible economic development in our territory to provide our people with a future.
Recently, I recommended that the federal government conduct an audit of the Nunavut Planning Commission.
This recommendation is in response to a letter sent by the planning commission to Minister Valcourt at Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada.
The recommendation is well within our jurisdiction as a government.
This issue is not about allowing or not allowing a conformity licence, which is the Nunavut Planning Commission’s responsibility.
It is about the Nunavut Planning Commission removing the plan amendment as a feasible option for Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation when Baffinland simply asked for a clarification on the amendment process.
The amendment process is clearly outlined as a responsibility for the Nunavut Planning Commission within the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement under Article 11.6.
It concerns me that the first and second amendment to the Nunavut Baffin Regional Land Use Plan did not need prior budgetary approval and so it raises questions as to why this is now required for the Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation.
Mr. Speaker, that sentiment is echoed in the recommendation put forth by the Qikiqtani Inuit Association. Like the Government of Nunavut, it raises issues that do not allow proponents to make amendment and proceed in a timely and reasonable manner.
Mr. Speaker, it appears to be contrary to provisions set out in the land claims agreement.
The planning commission further identified a chronic lack of funds that don’t allow them to complete necessary reviews in an appropriate timeframe.
They appear to continue to take this underfunded position, even with the 25 percent increase they received as a result of the settlement between Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and Canada.
Funding issues aside, no institution should be using this as a crutch for not being able to complete proper assessments within a reasonable timeline.
Nunavummiut deserve an institution that has clear and consistent practices in place where economic development is not stalled because of inconsistent rules and funding shortages.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to see the Nunavut Planning Commission adequately funded. We need to know where they stand. I would like to see the Nunavut Land Use Plan completed so that every proponent has an opportunity to follow an established process that lays out a clear set of guidelines that are transparent and fair, not a process that changes and isn’t consistent.
Every community deserves the opportunity to have active development in their jurisdiction and a process that does not put hundreds of jobs, millions of dollars in wages and benefits, and the potential for other future projects at risk.
The role of this government is to increase economic viability of this territory and provide our people with the means to put food on the table, and we can’t afford to have our fragile economy stalled. We are also very respectful of the need to develop Nunavut in the most environmentally sound and responsible way. Our ecosystems must remain healthy.
Mr. Speaker, I along with the Members of this House want to ensure that development is responsible, people have jobs, and our institutions are able to carry out their mandate.
Member’s Statement 001 – 4(3): Recognizing the Hamlet of Naujaat (Mapsalak)  Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I rise today to recognize the official name change to Naujaat, which will come into effect on July 2.  >>Applause
In May 2014, residents of Repulse Bay cast their votes in favour of officially changing the community’s name to Naujaat.
The following June, the Hamlet of Repulse Bay passed a motion to make a formal name change and submitted their request to the Minister of Community and Government Services.
In November 2014, the Government of Nunavut filed a formal order respecting the name of the Hamlet of Naujaat, which stipulates that the formal name change will come into effect on July 2 of this year. I am pleased to announce that the community’s flag is currently being amended to reflect this change, and I look forward to any upcoming celebrations for the community’s name change.
Mr. Speaker, this is very important to the people of Naujaat, which is the Inuktitut title of their home. I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating this important event in Naujaat’s history.
Member’s Statement 002 – 4(3): Congratulations to Arviat’s 2015 High School Graduates (Savikataaq)  Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
It is with great pleasure that I rise today to congratulate Arviat’s 2015 high school graduates.
Mr. Speaker, Arviat has 28 students who are now wrapping up their last year in high school.
These students have demonstrated hard work and a commitment to their education and future.  Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the following graduating students:
Beth Aglukark
Joshua Alagalak  Tommy Arloo
Kelsey Budden  Andy Evaluajuk
Charlotte Iblauk
Arcilla Irkok  Robert Isluanik
James Issakiak  April Kablutsiak
Rene Kaurayok
Julia Mamgark
Nathan Mamgark
Alex Muckpah  Andrew Muckpah
Lucy Nagiyak  Amiq Nateela
Shelton Nipisar
Solomon Nungnik
Eden Okatsiak  Amanda Pingushat
Jessica Pingushat
Francesca Suluk  Nancy Tassiuk
Tapisa Tattuinee  Ceporah Thompson
Corrine Tugak, and
Rachael Tutsiutuk  I would like to also recognize the parents, teachers, and community members who have supported these students throughout their school year, and it is through their support that these individuals can move forward and succeed.
I wish all these students all the best in their careers and future endeavours and remind them that the completion of high school should not be the end of schooling but it is a doorway into the next phase of education or whatever they choose.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Arviat’s 2015 high school graduates.
>> Applause  Speaker (interpretation): Thank you.
Member’s Statement 003 – 4(3): End of School in Gjoa Haven (Akoak)
I rise today to say that I am grateful that it was the last day of school in Gjoa Haven. It was a successful year and I am grateful for the students always making it to school even in the cold of winter.
I also want to thank the teachers for a job well done and for always looking after the interest of the children.
I hope you have a good spring and a wonderful summer.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, there is one student that a teacher is reminded of and I would like to bring it out today.
Even in the past, today, and the future, they will have that one student that makes you smile and that student is six years old.
There was one day I think he was causing little bit of problems to his fellow students, so he was sent to the principal’s office.
Mr. Speaker, he was sent home, then in the afternoon, he was told to get ready to go to school and the student said, “I can’t,” and he was asked, “Why and who told you that you can’t?”
“The principal.”
“And what did he say?”
The student goes, “I have been fired for nine days.”
>>Laughter  Mr. Speaker, there will always be one of those students that you will look up to in the future.
Member’s Statement 004 – 4(3): Graduates of Interpreter/Translator Course in Baker Lake (Mikkungwak)
I rise today to comment on Sivummut Abluqta, as the first priority was education and that we can look at education under more than one light, from our young ones to the teenagers and even onto adulthood.
I am happy and want to thank the Minister of Education and Arctic College.
The other day on my way to Iqaluit, I was made aware of Nunavut Arctic College students taking the Interpreter/Translator Program.
As we know, interpreters and translators provide an important service, even to us as members and staff.
They graduated in Baker Lake. I had asked this fall about that and that they successfully completed and we are happy with them as they continue their education in Baker Lake.
In Baker Lake, students will be completing their school year and they will continue to learn Inuit ways and culture and to live on the land.
Many students will live on the land and provide for others and make traditional Inuit favourites.
I hope all of you will be safe and well and have a good spring.
Member’s Statement 005 – 4(3): Appreciation of Sanikiluaq Pages (Rumbolt)
I rise today to extend my thanks and appreciation to the two pages who have been assisting us this past week.
Mr. Speaker, Andre Kavik and Charlie Naullaq travelled here from Sanikiluaq to be pages in the Assembly.
I would like to note that for Charlie, this is his first time outside of Sanikiluaq since he was born. I hope he has enjoyed the experience.
As for Andre, it seems that he moves a lot in his sleep, Mr. Speaker. Apparently that’s how he got his black eye last night.
Mr. Speaker, the chaperone for these two young men is Peter Kavik, who is also my community assistant. I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his help and assistance.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for making these two young pages feel welcome and ask them to join me in thanking them for a job well done.
Member’s Statement 006 – 4(3): Congratulations to Pond Inlet High School Graduates (Enook)  Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Good afternoon, residents of Pond Inlet and fellow Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, while I have the opportunity, I would like to recognize the students in Pond Inlet who are just about to finish the school year.
We also heard the Deputy Commissioner speaking this afternoon on behalf of the government and stated that education is very important.
Also, as parents, we place a great importance on education. That is why we are always very proud when students are able to complete grade 12. We also hope that they will continue on into institutes of higher learning.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge a few people. We in Pond Inlet are very proud that from the time we had our own school, this year’s graduates are the highest number ever.
Nearly 20 students are graduating in Pond Inlet this year.
I would like to acknowledge the following individuals:  Delilah Amarualik
Max Anaviapik
Tyson Angnetsiak  Joyce Arreak
Karla-Malaiya Evaloakjuk  Terry Idlout
Jennifer Innuaraq
Michael Innuaraq  Kyla Kalluk-Killiktee
Nigel Killiktee
Scott Kilukishak  Amy Kippomee
Tyrone Maktar
Joanasie Mucktar
Sula Nutarak  Jacintha Ootook
Mishal Pewatoalook
Cody Pitseolak  Jerry-Lee Smale, and
Rachel Smale.
These young people will be graduating this coming Monday. I am told that the Hon. Minister of Education will be in Pond Inlet for the graduation.
We wish you to come and join us in celebrating the achievement of these graduates.
Member’s Statement 007 – 4(3): Congratulations to the People of Clyde River (Keyootak)
I rise today to recognize the efforts of many Clyde River residents, who recently received news that there will be no seismic testing in Davis Strait this summer.
In June 2014, the National Energy Board granted a licence to three oil and gas exploration companies to use seismic testing in Davis Strait.
Since this licence was granted, several communities and organizations within Nunavut and from around the world have voiced their opposition to the testing.
Mr. Speaker, Clyde River has been especially steadfast in voicing its concerns regarding this issue and has taken the three oil and gas companies to Canada’s Federal Court of Appeal, which is currently undertaking a judicial review of the National Energy Board’s decision.
I would like to recognize the Mayor of Clyde River, Jerry Natanine, for his determination, bravery, and leadership throughout these events.
Mr. Speaker, the people of Clyde River are fighting for the protection of their land, the future… .
I’m sorry, Mr. Speaker. I would like to ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Speaker (interpretation): The Member for Uqqummiut is asking for unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays?
Mr. Speaker, the people of Clyde River are fighting for the protection of their land, the future of their children, and their culture.
Recently, the group of oil and gas companies announced that it will not be initiating seismic testing during this summer and will postpone their plans until a later date.
I recognize that this delay does not mean that Clyde River has won the war, but it is a victory nonetheless.
I have total faith in my constituents in Clyde River and I encourage all Nunavummiut to support them in their efforts to protect this beautiful territory.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Clyde River’s recent victory.
Member’s Statement 008 – 4(3): Appreciation of NEBS Plan (Okalik)  Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I rise today to remember my father, Auyaluk, who worked for the hamlet council for many years and he has been deceased for many years.
He used to be the water truck driver.
I remember when he was an elder and he could no longer work, and he retired from working for the hamlet.
At that time, it was very difficult.
In those days, there were no pensions. I know that when long-serving employees retired, there were no pension programs for the elders in those days.
For that reason, in the past, our previous government had worked on the pension for the employees of municipalities when the Nunavut government was created.
I would like to express my appreciation to Mr. Tom Sammurtok for working on this and for working closely with his colleagues and for working with his counterparts in the Northwest Territories.
I know that this is a very important issue and I know that the employees at the municipalities will have their pension after they retire. Therefore, I would like to thank the previous minister for all the work he has done.
I do want to work closely with him when we work on different issues.
Member’s Statement 009 – 4(3): Tribute to Mike Soares (Joanasie)  Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Good day to all the people listening to the proceedings and my colleagues.
I rise today to acknowledge and thank a long-serving teacher in Cape Dorset at Peter Pitseolak School.
This individual is now the principal and he is not going to be working there and it’s going to have an impact. Michael Soares will be leaving. He started out as a teacher at Peter Pitseolak School and ended up being a principal for a long time.
He was willing to help in any way to the community of Cape Dorset, even the Nunavut wrestling team.
He provided support to the wrestling team during Arctic Winter Games and he participated in the games and he also participated in the Canada Summer Games.
The community is really going to miss this individual.
He even provided support to his colleagues and it was evident that he works very hard and it was visible. He will be retiring and going back to his home community.
I would like to extend my appreciation to him for having a positive impact on the whole community.
Last year, there were six students in the NTEP program that graduated. Therefore, I would like to thank the minister for attending the ceremony.
I am sure that we will be able to see a teacher some time in the future who will become a principal in our community.
Member’s Statement 010 – 4(3): Retiring Constituents in Pangnirtung (Mike)
I, too, would like to congratulate a couple of people who have worked in Pangnirtung.
The first one, who has been retired for quite some time, has worked delivering fuel for 40 years to homes and to the airlines.
Although this individual has been retired for quite some time, I would like to acknowledge my uncle, Seemee Angmarlik, and his wife and children.
I would also like to congratulate him for his great work.
Although he has been retired for quite some time, I would like to acknowledge him for providing great support to the community.
I would also like to acknowledge Mosesee Nowdlak, his wife and children.
I would like to congratulate him for working with the Hamlet of Pangnirtung for 42 years.
He retired on May 23, 2015.
Although he didn’t fully retire, he just stopped working.
He has been a driver, a mechanic, and a foreman.
Mosesee Nowdlak, who is originally from Iqaluit, has relocated to Pangnirtung.
I would like to acknowledge Mosesee Nowdlak and Seemee Angmarlik because they have been instrumental in the success of the community of Pangnirtung.
Member’s Statement 011 – 4(3): Appreciation of Colleagues (Shooyook)  Mr. Shookyook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I have no choice but to rise. I tried to remain seated.
However, I was told yesterday and I am very happy to receive news that in my home community, this individual said that he is very happy about the support that’s provided by my colleagues.
This individual asked me to pass on this message.
I want to express my deep respect and appreciation for each of you. I am very happy that this individual wanted me to thank you for all of your support.
Although this is not a serious statement, I could be told now, “You can go home tomorrow because your work is done.”
Recognition of Vistors in the Gallery. (interpretation ends) Hon. Premier, Mr. Taptuna.
Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery  Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I believe I have broken my record for recognizing the people in the House here. I am quite pleased about that.
Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the hard-working deputy ministers that were here to listen to the Commissioner’s address and I’m hoping that we can continue moving forward with our files and our mandate, Sivumut Abluqta, and the folks sitting behind me had a big part in moving our files forward.
While I have this opportunity, I would like to acknowledge this person whom I work with on a daily basis. I believe she’s the longest-serving deputy minister within our government and she’s very capable in doing her job, and that is Deputy Minister Kathy Okpik.
I want to recognize her while she is here.
I believe you couldn’t see me.