EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for Aivilik, that the Legislative Assembly recommends to the Commissioner of Nunavut that the following members be appointed to the Executive Council:  Monica Ell, MLA for Iqaluit-Manirajak;
George Kuksuk, MLA for Arviat North-Whale Cove;  Johnny Mike, MLA for Pangnirtung;
Paul Okalik, MLA for Iqaluit-Sinaa;
Keith Peterson, MLA for Cambridge Bay;  Paul Quassa, MLA for Aggu;
Tom Sammurtok, MLA for Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet; and  Jeannie Ugyuk, MLA for Netsilik.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Member for Tununiq, Mr. Joe Enook.
Motion 005 – 4(1): Appointments to the Management and Services Board – Notice (Enook)
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for Aggu, that the following members be appointed to the Management and Services Board:
Pat Angnakak, Member for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu;
The Hon. Keith Peterson, Member for Cambridge Bay;
Allan Rumbolt, Member for Hudson Bay; and
Joe Savikataaq, Member for Arviat South.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Member for Quttiktuq, Isaac Shooyook.
Motion 006 – 4(1): Appointment of the Striking Committee – Notice (Shooyook)
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for Gjoa Haven, that the following members be appointed to the Striking Committee:
George Hickes, Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk;
David Joanasie, Member for South Baffin; and
Steve Mapsalak, Member for Aivilik.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Member for Tasiujarjuaq, Member Allan Rumbolt.
Motion 007 – 4(1): Extended Adjournment – Notice (Rumbolt)
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Netsilik, that pursuant to the provisions of Rule 3, that when the House concludes today’s sitting, it shall be adjourned until March 6 of 2014.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Item 12.
As we have not yet sworn in our ministers, there will be none today.
The Hon. Member for Arviat South, Member Joe Savikataaq, Appointment of Deputy Speaker.
Motion 001 – 4(1): Appointment of Deputy Speaker (Savikataaq)
WHEREAS section 42 of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act provides that the Legislative Assembly shall, at its first session, elect a Deputy Speaker;
The Hon. Member for Arviat South, Member Joe Savikataaq, Appointment of Deputy Chairpersons of the Committee of the Whole.
Motion 002 – 4(1): Appointment of Deputy Chairpersons of the Committee of the Whole (Savikataaq)
The Hon. Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Member George Hickes, Appointment of the Premier.
Motion 003 – 4(1): Appointment of Premier (Hickes)
WHEREAS section 60 of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act provides that the Premier of Nunavut shall be chosen from among the Members of the Legislative Assembly and appointed by the Commissioner on the recommendation of the Legislative Assembly;
AND WHEREAS the Legislative Assembly is prepared to recommend an appointment;
Question has been called. All in favour. Opposed.
The Hon. Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Member George Hickes, Appointments to the Executive Council.
Motion 004 – 4(1): Appointments to the Executive Council (Hickes)
WHEREAS section 60 of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act provides that the Executive Council of Nunavut shall be composed of persons appointed by the Commissioner on the recommendation of the Legislative Assembly;
AND WHEREAS the Legislative Assembly is prepared to recommend appointments;
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for Aivilik, that the Legislative Assembly recommends to the Commissioner of Nunavut that the following members be appointed to the Executive Council:
Monica Ell, MLA for Iqaluit-Manirajak;
George Kuksuk, MLA for Arviat North-Whale Cove;
Johnny Mike, MLA for Pangnirtung;
Keith Peterson, MLA for Cambridge Bay;
Paul Quassa, MLA for Aggu;
Tom Sammurtok, MLA for Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet; and
Jeannie Ugyuk, MLA for Netsilik.
The Hon. Member for Tununiq, Member Joe Enook, Appointments to the Management and Services Board.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The member is seeking unanimous consent to deal with his motion today.
Motion 005 – 4(1): Appointments to the Management and Services Board (Enook)
WHEREAS section 38 of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act provides that the Legislative Assembly shall, at its first session, appoint members to the Management and Services Board;
AND FURTHER I MOVE that the Hon. Monica Ell, Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak, be appointed an alternate ministerial member of the Management and Services Board.
The Hon. Member for Quttiktuq, Isaac Shooyook, Appointment of the Striking Committee.
Motion 006 – 4(1): Appointment of the Striking Committee (Shooyook)
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): WHEREAS Rule 83 of the Rules of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut provides that the Legislative Assembly shall, at its first sitting after a general election, appoint a Striking Committee of at least three members to report and recommend, with all convenient speed, members to comprise standing committees of the Legislative Assembly;
All in favour. (interpretation) I’m sorry.
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for Gjoa Haven, that the following members be appointed to the Striking Committee:
Speaker (interpretation): I’m sorry for making a mistake. (interpretation ends) The motion is in order.
The Hon. Member for Tasiujarjuaq, Allan Rumbolt, Extended Adjournment.
Motion 007 – 4(1): Extended Adjournment (Rumbolt)
Just a reminder for the newly appointed members of the Management and Services Board that there is a meeting tomorrow morning at 8:30 in the Tuktu Committee Room.
Orders of the Day for March 6, 2014:
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Clerk. (interpretation ends) I remind all members and visitors that the swearing-in ceremony for the Premier and Members of the Executive Council will take place in this Chamber at 5:00 p.m.
This House stands adjourned until March 6, 2014 at 1:30 p.m.
>>House adjourned at 16:32
(Gjoa Haven)
(Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu)
(Iqaluit-Manirajak)
(Iqaluit-Tasiluk)
George Kuksuk
(Arviat North-Whale Cove)
(Aivilik)
Johnny Mike
Samuel Nuqingaq
(Iqaluit-Sinaa)
Paul Quassa
(Aggu)
Tom Sammurtok
(Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet)
(Arviat South)
Isaac Shooyook
(Netsilik)
Pages 38 – 81
Money Message 38
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 52
Revert to Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 69
Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters 69
Tabling of Documents 72
Notices of Motions 72
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 73
Motions 73
First Reading of Bills 76
Second Reading of Bills 77
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 78
Report of the Committee of the Whole 80
Third Reading of Bills 81
Orders of the Day 81
Thursday, March 6, 2014 38
001 – 4(1): First Session of the Fourth Assembly (Taptuna) 39
002 – 4(1): Implementation of Inuit Societal Values Report 2013 (Okalik) 39
003 – 4(1): Time to Quit Tobacco (Ell) 40
004 – 4(1): E-learning for Nunavut Municipalities (Sammurtok) 40
021 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent Rankin Inlet South (Sammurtok) 41
022 – 4(1): Looking Forward to Term as MLA (Angnakak) 42
023 – 4(1): Recognition of Family in the House (Quassa) 43
024 – 4(1): Revised Medical Travel Policy (Rumbolt) 43
025 – 4(1): 35th Anniversary of Iqaluit Rotary Club (Ell) 44
026 – 4(1): Arviat Resident Walking for Suicide Awareness (Savikataaq) 45
027 – 4(1): Sessional Priorities (Hickes) 45
028 – 4(1): Looking Forward to Working with Other MLAs (Mapsalak) 46
029 – 4(1): Support for Educational Initiatives (Mikkungwak) 47
030 – 4(1): Marine Infrastructure in Arctic Bay (Shooyook) 47
031 – 4(1): Effects of Climate Change on Pangnirtung Hunters (Mike) 48
032 – 4(1): Appreciation to Constituents and Iqalummiut (Ugyuk) 50
033 – 4(1): Living with Hope - Suicide Awareness (Joanasie) 51
001 – 4(1): Baker Lake Housing Issues (Mikkungwak) 53
002 – 4(1): 24-Hour Care Facilities (Sammurtok) 54
003 – 4(1): Status of New Cape Dorset Power Plant (Joanasie) 55
004 – 4(1): Marine Infrastructure in Arctic Bay (Shooyook) 57
005 – 4(1): Federal-Territorial Relations (Angnakak) 58
006 – 4(1): Fuel Rebate for Homeowners (Hickes) 59
007 – 4(1): Revisions to Medical Travel Policy (Rumbolt) 61
008 – 4(1): Hudson Bay Neighbours Regional Round Table (Savikataaq) 62
009 – 4(1): Medical Travel Policy on Escorts (Mapsalak) 63
010 – 4(1): Impact of 2014 Federal Budget on Nunavut (Enook) 64
011 – 4(1): Medical Travel Policy on Escorts (Mapsalak) 66
012 – 4(1): Medical Travel Policy for Unilingual Patients (Enook) 67
Report 001 – 4(1): Report of the Striking Committee on the Recommended Structure and Terms of Reference for the Standing Committees of the Fourth Legislative Assembly of Nunavut (Hickes) 69
008 – 4(1): Chief Medical Officer of Health’s 2012-2013 Tobacco Control Act Annual Report (Ell) 72
009 – 4(1): Natural Resources Conservation Trust Fund Annual Report for the Period of April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013 (Mike) 72
010 – 4(1): Implementation of Inuit Societal Values Report 2013 (Okalik) 72
011 – 4(1): 2012-2013 Public Accounts (Peterson) 72
008 – 4(1): Appointments to Standing Committees – Notice (Joanasie) 72
009 – 4(1): Suspension of the Member for Uqqummiut – Notice (Savikataaq) 73
008 – 4(1): Appointments to Standing Committees (Joanasie) 74
009 – 4(1): Suspension of the Member for Uqqummiut (Savikataaq) 75
Bill 01 – An Act to Provide for a Fixed Election Date – Notice 73
Bill 02 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2014-2015 – Notice 73
Bill 01 – An Act to Provide for a Fixed Election Date – First Reading 76
Bill 02 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2014-2015 – First Reading 77
Bill 01 – An Act to Provide for a Fixed Election Date – Second Reading 77
Bill 02 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2014-2015 – Second Reading 77
Bill 01 – An Act to Provide for a Fixed Election Date – Consideration in Committee 78
Bill 01 – An Act to Provide for a Fixed Election Date – Third Reading 81
Ms. Pat Angnakak, Hon. Monica Ell, Mr. Joe Enook, Mr. George Hickes, Mr. David Joanasie, Hon. George Kuksuk, Mr. Steve Mapsalak, Hon. Johnny Mike, Mr. Simeon Mikkungwak, Hon. Paul Okalik, Hon. Keith Peterson, Hon. Paul Quassa, Hon. George Qulaut, Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Mr. Alexander Sammurtok, Hon. Tom Sammurtok, Mr. Joe Savikataaq, Mr. Isaac Shooyook, Hon. Peter Taptuna, Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk.
Speaker (Hon. George Qulaut): I will ask Ms. Ugyuk to lead us in prayer.
Speaker: Good afternoon, colleagues, and welcome back to the legislature as we continue with the First Session of the Fourth Assembly.
On behalf of all members, I wish to take this opportunity to publicly thank the people of Kugluktuk for their warm hospitality when we were in their wonderful community two weeks ago for our retreat.
I would also like to welcome our television audience across Nunavut, especially those residents who subscribe to the satellite television service. For the first time, our proceedings are being broadcast on Bell satellite channel 513 and Shaw satellite channels 289 and 489.
I also welcome back our viewers who watch our proceedings on community cable stations.
I wish to inform everyone that due to the weather, the Member for Uqsuqtuuq is absent from the House and will be arriving in Iqaluit late Friday afternoon.
Before proceeding to the orders of the day, I wish to read the following correspondence that I have received from Her Honour the Commissioner of Nunavut:
Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut the passage of the following bills during the First Session of the Fourth Legislative Assembly:
Bill 2, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2014-2015;
Bill 3, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 3, 2013-2014;
Bill 4, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 4, 2013-2014;
Bill 5, Interim Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, April 1, 2014 July 31, 2014.
Sincerely, Edna Elias  Commissioner of Nunavut.
The Hon. Member, Premier Taptuna.
Minister’s Statement 001 – 4(1): First Session of the Fourth Assembly (Taptuna)
Mr. Speaker, today, we begin the first day of the Fourth Assembly with new ideas and opportunities ahead.
Nunavut’s political structure is in consensus and we, as elected members, have established a mandate that speaks to taking steps forward together.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to the Throne Speech and tabling of our government’s mandate. We have a responsibility to continue building a territory that seeks to better all Nunavummiut.
As we approach 15 years of becoming Nunavut, we can look back at this short history and realize we have accomplished a lot.
We also recognize that there are still challenges ahead, and we continue to strive towards a territory that succeeds economically and socially.
Mr. Speaker, our greatest advantage is accomplished by stepping forward together. It also includes productive and healthy debate within this Assembly. This dialogue allows for issues to be brought forward in an open and respectful atmosphere.
Mr. Speaker, this is an exciting time for Nunavut. Our goal is to step forward together and make our vision count. Our long-term success in Canada starts with this foundation.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to this chapter and working with our partners, stakeholders, and all members.
Speaker: Thank you, Premier Taptuna.
Hon. Member, Mr. Okalik.
Minister’s Statement 002 – 4(1): Implementation of Inuit Societal Values Report 2013 (Okalik)
Good afternoon greetings to all.
The Government of Nunavut strives to promote and incorporate Inuit societal values into the daily operations of the government.
The Inuit Societal Values Katimajiit, or ISVK, recommended that a report be done on all activities within the Government of Nunavut that would provide a better understanding of how ISV gets incorporated into both legislation and departmental activities.
The production of the Implementation of Inuit Societal Values Report 2013 illustrates to the public current initiatives undertaken by various departments and some agencies in incorporating Inuit societal values.
The Department of Culture and Heritage, in collaboration with all GN departments and agencies, took several months in finalizing the report.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to state that the Government of Nunavut is starting to incorporate Inuit societal values as we review legislation and that departments are actively engaged in ISV activities in both program and operational areas.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will be tabling the Implementation of Inuit Societal Values Report 2013.
Hon. Member, Ms. Ell.
Minister’s Statement 003 – 4(1): Time to Quit Tobacco (Ell)
Today, I wish to update my colleagues on our latest efforts to reduce tobacco use in Nunavut.
As the Department of Health enters the third year of the “Tobacco Has No Place Here” campaign, we are doing even more to encourage and support Nunavummiut to quit smoking and chewing tobacco. It is “Time to Quit!”
In January, the Department of Health launched the “Time to Quit” contest to encourage quitting.
More than 530 people have entered the contest and committed to stop smoking as well as chewing tobacco during the month of March.
I offer my full support and encouragement to all of those trying to quit.
Mr. Speaker, as a former smoker, I know the challenges of giving up tobacco, but I also know the rewards.
I know that support is important for Nunavummiut who want to kick this addiction:
You are not alone when you are trying to quit. There is support available;
You can call the Nunavut QuitLine, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-866-368-7848;
You will find trained, sympathetic professionals on the line, ready to help and support you;
You can chat with the quit line counsellors through the Department of Health’s “NUquits” website, www.nuquits.gov.nu.ca; and
You can also talk to a health professional at your local health centre about getting free nicotine replacement therapy and other stop-smoking medicines if required.
Mr. Speaker, I wish success to all of those individuals trying to quit. I know my colleagues join me in these good wishes. I ask you for your continued support in our ongoing efforts to make our territory tobacco-free.
Hon. Member, Mr. Sammurtok.
Minister’s Statement 004 – 4(1): E-learning for Nunavut Municipalities (Sammurtok)
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) It is my pleasure today to advise the Members of this House that the Municipal Training Organization (MTO) and Nunavut Arctic College (NAC) will deliver a full lineup of municipal government program courses over the next year using a blended format of online and face-to-face delivery methods.
E-learning provides Nunavummiut with at least 38 different college-accredited courses pertaining to all the functions of a municipal government in Nunavut. (interpretation) Most courses allow municipal staff to remain in their community and learn online using a format which allows plenty of contact with other students.
(interpretation ends) The MTO and Nunavut Arctic College have worked together on developing new online courses this year, such as a radio broadcaster course. All courses developed for municipalities utilize local knowledge and incorporate direct input from the municipalities themselves.
It was through municipal consultation that the e-learning development began in Nunavut.
Municipalities were looking for a way to train staff while avoiding long delays from the workplace and also avoiding the high costs of travel for training.
The MTO offers online college-accredited municipal courses in Inuktitut, a first for Nunavut and a source of pride for our Municipal Training Organization. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member for Rankin Inlet South, Mr. Sammurtok.
Member’s Statement 021 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent Rankin Inlet South (Sammurtok)
I rise today to thank the residents of Rankin Inlet South for having placed their trust and confidence in me to represent them in the Legislative Assembly.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I wish to take this opportunity to publicly acknowledge a number of individuals today.
(interpretation) My wife, Michelle, and all of my children have been a tremendous source of strength to me. I would not be here without their support.
My financial agent, Katie Joudry, kept me on track and organized during the recent election campaign.
I also want to thank the many individuals and businesses in Rankin Inlet that generously contributed to my campaign.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I also want to pay public tribute today to my predecessor, Lorne Kusugak, who represented the constituency in the previous Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, although the Rankin Inlet South by-election took place just a few weeks ago, I want to express my appreciation to you and all of my colleagues for your support. It was an honour to have been able to participate in our recent caucus retreat and I am very much looking forward to working with all of my colleagues in the years ahead.
Mr. Speaker, the residents of Rankin Inlet South raised a number of important issues with me during the recent election campaign.
These include the need for a long-term care facility in the community, strengthened apprenticeship programs, and investments in housing and infrastructure.
Mr. Speaker, earlier today, I took my oaths of allegiance and office in the presence of Her Honour the Commissioner of Nunavut.
I will conclude my Member’s Statement today by again promising that I will represent the residents of Rankin Inlet South to the very best of my ability. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Members’ Statements. Member for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, Ms. Angnakak.
Member’s Statement 022 – 4(1): Looking Forward to Term as MLA (Angnakak)
I’m going to try this without glasses.
Mr. Speaker, it is with gratitude and honour that I rise today as the elected MLA for the constituency of Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu.
Mr. Speaker, I am new to being a politician, but I am not new to politics, having had the privilege during the last Assembly to work as the Executive Assistant for the Member of Kugluktuk, who is now our Premier.
Mr. Speaker, I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn how government operates, some of its mysteries, and most importantly, how good government should work.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavummiut have elected us as their Members of the Legislative Assembly to represent them.
We must not take their trust and confidence lightly.
Mr. Speaker, as I start my new career, I want to think about what makes a good MLA. I strongly believe that as MLAs, we must not forget the importance of serving the residents of Nunavut to the best of our ability.
I strongly believe that no Nunavut resident should be disadvantaged based on their age, race, whether they have young children or other family members to care for, or any other attribute that makes them who they are.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to serving and working as an MLA towards making Nunavut a better place to live in for all of our constituents.
I am hoping that over our term as Nunavut’s Fourth Legislative Assembly, we will work well together to achieve our goals.
I am hoping that it will be a partnership of transparency, openness, and willingness to work hard on complex and challenging issues, such as homelessness, poverty, child care, health care, and, of course, education.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to close by thanking my husband and my family for their continued support.
I believe that having good family support is vital to doing a good job of any kind.
I would also like to acknowledge and thank the residents of Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu for their confidence in me because without that, I would not be standing here today.
Last but not least, I would like to thank my Constituency Assistant, Annie McGowan, for being so good at her job and for always being two steps ahead of me.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Members’ Statements. (interpretation) Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Mr. Okalik.
Member for Aggu, Paul Quassa.
Member’s Statement 023 – 4(1): Recognition of Family in the House (Quassa)
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
It looks as if I will be a resident of Iqaluit for some time.
Indeed, I just wanted to take this opportunity to recognize some people, but let me start with my fellow residents and constituents in the Aggu Riding, as I am grateful to them for electing me to this position and I wish them a good day.
Further, I want to recognize the following individuals, firstly my daughter, Natasha Angiliq, who is in the Gallery along with my grandchild Pilakapsik, who is also named Kuttikuttuk.
I wish to recognize them in the Gallery.
I am quite proud of them.
My son Sandy Quassa is also present here. I just wanted to recognize them.
Further, although my fellow residents aren’t present, I want to acknowledge all residents of Igloolik.
That is what I wanted to speak towards and Mr. Speaker, I thank you for this opportunity.
Member’s Statement 024 – 4(1): Revised Medical Travel Policy (Rumbolt)
I rise today to raise an issue which I feel should have been raised by the government itself and that’s the revision of the Department of Health’s Medical Travel Policy.
Mr. Speaker, it is no secret that many of our constituents have difficulties and frustrations with the Department of Health’s medical travel policies. And it is no secret that the policies themselves could be improved upon.
However, I would suggest that any changes to these policies should not be kept secret from the people who are most affected, the medical clients themselves.
Mr. Speaker, in looking into an issue for a constituent of mine, I was very surprised to discover that a number of criteria under the government’s Medical Client Travel Policy have quietly been changed.
Mr. Speaker, it did not surprise me that the policy had been changed.
Change is necessary to improve service delivery.
It did surprise me that those changes were not publicly announced so that Nunavut residents could be properly informed of their rights and benefits.