EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I move that the committee recommends that students who are resident in another community for the purpose of continuing their education should be able to claim a temporary absence and continue to be on the voters’ list in their home community, if they wish.
Chairperson (interpretation): There’s a motion on the floor, regarding recommendation 26.
Committee Motion 027 - 1(4): Voting in the Office of the Returning Officer
Mr. Alakannuark (interpretation): Mr. Chairman.
The needs in Nunavut are very diverse and we need an Elections Act which incorporates flexibility and special voting opportunities for people to vote in advance of election day.
The Standing Committee wants to be sure the Election Act allows for circumstances that would permit every eligible voter to vote.
Recommendation 27.
I move that the committee recommends that the practice of allowing voters to vote in the office of the returning officer during the 14 day period in advance of election day be continued.
Any opposed.
Committee Motion 028 - 1(4): Location of Advance Polls
Mr. Alakannuark (interpretation): Recommendation 28.
I move that the committee recommends that if advanced polls are to be held, they be held in those communities that do not have an office of the returning officer.
Mr. Kilabuk had his hand up, I am just wondering if he has a question on this one or not.
I just want a clarification on recommendation 28.
If there are advance polls that need to be held, they are to be held in those communities that don’t have returning officers, or they don’t have an office of the returning officer.
Can you clarify that.
Chairperson (interpretation): Mr. Tootoo can you clarify that.
Mr. Tootoo: I hope so Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Chairman, recommendation 27 allows voters to vote in the office of the returning officer for a 14 day period prior to election day.
This was brought up because some communities that are smaller do not have an office of a returning officer.
So they do not have the ability to do that and in the past there was not even an opportunity for an advance poll because that is where the returning officer was.
So this expands it to the communities that do not have an office of the returning officer in their community.
There are some constituencies that have more than one community and they may only have one returning officer in one community.
This would allow that returning officer to go to the other community and hold an advance poll which wasn’t allowed in the past.
Any further questions regarding recommendation 28.
Committee Motion 029 - 1(4): Hours of Operation for Advance Polls
Mr. Alakannuark (interpretation): Recommendation 29.
I move that the committee recommends that the hours of operation for advance polls be reduced to a minimum of three hours, as determined by the returning officer in consultation with the Chief Electoral officer.
Committee Motion 030 - 1(4): Review of Proxy Voting Requirements
Mr. Alakannuark (interpretation): Recommendation 30.
I move that the committee recommends that the CEO review the proxy voting requirements and examine ways in which the proxy voting requests could be dealt with more directly by elections officials, rather than by candidates or candidate’s workers, and that proxy voting be limited to extreme circumstances.
Everybody agreed.
Committee Motion 031 - 1(4): Mail-In Ballots and Procedures
Mr. Alakannuark (interpretation): Recommendation 31.
I move that the committee recommends that the mail-in ballot procedure be amended so that there is no time-limit for applying for the ballot; that the deadline for receipt of mail-in ballots by the elections office or the office of the local Returning Officer be the day prior to election day; that forms for requesting mail-in ballots be readily available through the Internet and by fax; that people applying to use the mail-in ballots procedure be able to use fax machines and the Internet with appropriate protections; that the mail-in ballot itself must be an original and not received by fax or the Internet; that the instructions for use of mail-in ballots be very clear and understandable; that the reply envelope be postage-free for regular mail; and that the mail-in ballot procedure may be done in person with the Returning Officer.
Committee Motion 032 - 1(4): Support of CEO Recommendations
Mr. Alakannuark: Recommendation 32.
I move that the Committee recommends that the CEO’s recommendation be supported, providing that the CEO may use write-in ballots for voting by mail.
Committee Motion 033 - 1(4): Mobile Voting Stations
Mr. Alakannuark (interpretation): Recommendation 33.
I move that the Committee recommends that the CEO’s recommendation (in his NWT report) be supported that the Elections Act be amended to provide that the Returning Officer may, with the prior approval of the Chief Electoral Officer, establish a special mobile voting station for eligible electors residing at a hospital, health facility, senior citizen’s home or confined to their home for medical or mobility reasons.
Committee Motion 034 - 1(4): Voting for Persons With Disabilities
Mr. Alakannuark (interpretation): Recommendation 34.
I move that the committee recommends that Elders and persons with disabilities be permitted to vote in their own home by requesting that the Returning Officer come to their home with a mail-in ballot.
Committee Motion 035 - 1(4): Elections Information for Students
Mr. Alakannuark (interpretation): Recommendation 35.
I move that the committee recommends that the Department of Education, in co-operation with Elections Nunavut, examine ways in which they can support Elections Nunavut in sending information to students, while protecting the privacy rights and ensuring that comprehensive information can be sent in a timely manner on students’ right to vote in elections in Nunavut.
The students would they be informed or would they just get their voting rights, that they’re eligible.
Would they be informed, I'm just concerned that on election day we have encountered where some teenagers approach each other because their parents were running against each other and that has created problems.
So I'm just wondering what kind of information will be sent to the students for example, it's okay to let the students know but some parents of these students, if they're supporting one particular person, a candidate, this caused some problems.
So I just want clarification on why is it there.
I just want further information.
Mr. Chairman this recommendation deals specifically to students that are attending school outside of the territory.
The information that they would be sent from the elections office is the exact same information that would be posted around regarding elections and the right to vote, and about the types of voting opportunities that are available.
So if they chose to exercise their right to vote they would know how to do it, and where to call in regards to that.
I hope that I answered your question.
Hon. Manitok Thompson (interpretation): Thank you for clarifying that, but the way it's written, it isn’t indicated that it's for students outside of Nunavut.
Chairperson (interpretation): Are you raising a question.
Is that your question. Ms. Thompson.
I don't know if it states that the students we're talking about are outside the territory.
I don't see that on there.
Mr. Tootoo: Thank you Mr. Chairman, if you are reading it, I realize that it doesn't specify that.
The way it's worded at the end that information can be sent in a timely manner, on students right to vote in elections in Nunavut.
So I would say you are looking at students from outside I guess.
Any post secondary students that may be out of their community attending school. That they know what options they have or what they do not have in being able to exercise their right to vote.
Any more questions to recommendation 35.
I will now pass the reading of the next set of recommendations to my colleague the Honourable Member for Nanulik to continue with the report.
Committee Motion 036 - 1(4): Posting of Electoral Lists
Thank you, Mr. Alakannuark.
There are a number of recommendations which deal with how polls are structured and how they are used in administering of elections.
The Act currently provides that for every 350 voters, there must be a separate polling station and electoral list.
Recommendation 36.
I move that the committee recommends that in multi-electoral districts, electoral lists be posted together in a central location.
Continue Mr. Arvaluk.
Committee Motion 037 - 1(4): Central Office for Returning Officers
Mr. Arvaluk: Recommendation 37.
I move that the committee recommends that in multi-electoral districts, returning officers be permitted to establish a central office.
Committee Motion 038 - 1(4): Maximum Number of People per Poll
Mr. Arvaluk: Recommendation 38.
I move that the committee recommends that the maximum number of people per poll be increased to 450 people.
Committee Motion 039 - 1(4): Polling Station Options
Mr. Arvaluk: Recommendation 39.
I move that the committee recommends that the Elections Act should permit the Returning Officer in consultation with the Chief Electoral Officer, to put all polls for an electoral district in a central polling station for Election Day or to permit the establishment of a separate polling station for a smaller number of people in order to deal with the geographic circumstances of that community.
Committee Motion 040 - 1(4): Polling Stations in Multi-Electoral Districts
Mr. Arvaluk: Recommendation 40.
I move that the committee recommends that the Elections Act should permit the Returning Officer in consultation with the Chief Electoral Officer to put all polls in a central polling station for polling day for multi-electoral districts or to permit the establishment of separate polling stations as may be required to deal with the geographic circumstances of that community.
Committee Motion 041 - 1(4): Enumeration in Bathurst Inlet and Umingmatok
Mr. Arvaluk: Recommendation 41.
I move that the committee recommends that the CEO’s recommendation be carried out, that an enumeration be conducted in the communities of Bathurst Inlet and Umingmatok and that each community be designated as a polling division.
Committee Motion 042 - 1(4): Innovative Voting Methods
Mr. Arvaluk: Recommendation 42.
I move that the committee recommends that innovative methods of voting be able to be used in the smaller settlements and camps, on a trial basis, on recommendation by the CEO.
Chairperson: Thank you. To the motion.
Committee Motion 043 - 1(4): Qualifications of Candidates
Mr. Arvaluk: Mr. Chairman, a number of people made comments to the Standing Committee about the qualifications of candidates.
Recommendation 43.
I move that the committee recommends that no change should be made to the qualifications of candidates as outlined in the Elections Act, unless consequential amendments are required due to changes in the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act.
Chairperson (interpretation): Any comments.
Committee Motion 044 - 1(4): Residency of Candidates
Mr. Arvaluk: Recommendation 44.
I move that the committee recommends that there be clear requirements in the Act that candidates must be resident in Nunavut for one year, as is required to be an eligible voter in Nunavut.
Any Comments.
Committee Motion 045 - 1(4): Minimum Age for Candidacy
Mr. Arvaluk: Recommendation 45.
I move that the committee recommends that the minimum age for candidacy be 18 and that should the voting age be dropped to 16, that the Government of Nunavut obtain a legal opinion as to whether the age of 18 could remain the required age for candidacy.
The Motion is carried.
Committee Motion 046 - 1(4): Nomination Forms
Mr. Arvaluk: Recommendation 46.
I move that the committee recommends that nomination forms be redrafted so that it is very clear that the signature of each nominator requires a witness’ signature.
Committee Motion 047 - 1(4): Clarity of Election Offences
Mr. Arvaluk: Mr. Chairman, a key area in which we may be able to make some changes to the Elections Act to make it more relevant to Nunavut is in the area of election offences.
Nunavut has a strong tradition of community justice that emphasizes preventive and remedial approaches to wrongdoing and the Standing Committee makes a number of recommendations in this regard.
Along with this approach is the importance of public education.
Recommendation 47.
I move that the committee recommends that the section on election offences in the Act be rewritten in plain language so that it is easier to understand by the public of Nunavut; that it be consolidated so that all offences are listed together preferably in one section; that consistent wording be used to define the intent needed for an offence: and that better definitions be provided for words like fraudulently.
Committee Motion 048 - 1(4): Warning Posters
Mr. Arvaluk: Recommendation 48.
I move that the committee recommends that the Elections Act require warnings in all languages be posted and public service announcements be put on radio regarding what conduct is an offence under the Act and the potential consequences.
Committee Motion 049 - 1(4): Offence Information for Candidates
Mr. Arvaluk: Recommendation 49.
I move that the committee recommends that specific materials be developed for candidates and their supporters, clearly outlining what conduct is an offence under the Act and the potential consequences.
Committee Motion 050 - 1(4): Responding to Complaints
Mr. Arvaluk: Recommendation 50.
I move that the committee recommends that the process for responding to complaints about election offences be reviewed by the working group, with a view to making it more proactive, more responsive in a timely manner, and more remedial in its consequences.
Committee Motion 051 - 1(4): Prosecution and Community Justice Initiatives
Mr. Arvaluk: Recommendation 51.
I move that the committee recommends that the process for responding to complaints and prosecuting election offences be examined in light of community justice initiatives in Nunavut.
Committee Motion 052 - 1(4): Sanctions for Election Offences
Mr. Arvaluk: Recommendation 52.
I move that the committee recommends that the following be added to the list of sanctions or consequences for committing an election offence: making a public or private apology; paying restitution for damage; receiving advice from Elders; and other community justice approaches as may be relevant to the election offences.
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you. To the motion.
Committee Motion 053 - 1(4): Public Education on Election Procedures
Mr. Arvaluk: Recommendation 53.
I move that the committee recommends that a key core function of the Elections Nunavut office should be public education on election procedures and the rights and responsibilities of voters, candidates and election officials.
Committee Motion 054 - 1(4): Elections as Curriculum in Schools
Mr. Arvaluk: Recommendation 54.
I move that the committee recommends that Elections Nunavut should work in consultation with the Department of Education to ensure elections are part of the curriculum for elementary and high school students.
Any comments. Agreed.
Mr. Arvaluk: Thank you Mr. Chairman, I will now pass the reading of the next recommendations to my colleague the Honourable Member for Iqaluit Centre.
You can now take a break.
Committee Motion 055 - 1(4): Right of Election Officers to Vote
Mr. Chairman under a earlier law returning officers are called upon to break a tie.
However, the Elections Act was amended should a tie vote be done after a judicial recount, that a by-election would now be held and therefore the Standing Committee sees no reason to deny the right of returning officers to vote.
Recommendation 55.
I move that the committee recommends that the Elections Act be amended so that all elections officials including the Chief Electoral Officer and returning officers may exercise their right to vote if they are eligible voters.
Committee Motion 056 - 1(4): Election Expenses for Childcare
Mr. Chairman, the Standing Committee makes a number of recommendations about election financing.
Recommendation 56.
I move that the committee recommends that the election spending limits allow for reasonable expenses as determined by the CEO, that are incurred by a candidate for childcare during an election period.
These spending limits would be above the election spending limit of 30 thousand dollars currently in effect for all candidates.
There is a motion.
Committee Motion 057 - 1(4): Spending Limits for Candidates with Disabilities
Recommendation 57.
I move that the committee recommends that the election spending limits allow for reasonable expenses, as determined by the CEO, that are incurred by a candidate during the election period, in order to accommodate the needs of a candidate with disabilities.
Committee Motion 058 - 1(4): Refund of Candidates’ Deposits
Recommendation 58.
I move that the committee recommends that the CEO’s recommendation be supported that the refund of a candidate’s deposit no longer depend on the number of votes that the candidate receives but rather on the candidate filing a completed return on his or her election expenses and contributions within the required 60-day period.
Committee Motion 059 - 1(4): Clarification of Election Financing Rules
Mr. Chairman recommendation 59.
I move that the committee recommends that election financing rules and limits apply as soon as the election date is announced in the Legislative Assembly and that more clarification be provided on what constitutes election expenses and contributions including in-kind contributions.
Committee Motion 060 - 1(4): Akulliq Electoral Boundaries
Mr. Chairman a number of people expressed concerns about the current electoral boundaries.
Recommendation 60.
I move that the committee recommends that a process be developed by the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut to examine the electoral boundaries in the riding of Akulliq to determine how the communities of Kuugaaruk and Repulse Bay could be contained in electoral districts within each region of Kitikmeot and Kivalliq keeping the existing total of 19 seats in the Legislative Assembly.
Committee Motion 061 - 1(4): Legislation for an Electoral Boundaries Commission
Recommendation 61.
That legislation providing for an Electoral Boundaries Commission should be re-enacted for Nunavut to conduct a review of the electoral boundaries during the life of the 2nd Legislative Assembly of Nunavut, taking into consideration the population statistics from the 2001 Census and community concerns.
Go Ahead Mr. Tootoo.
Committee Motion 062 - 1(4): Use of New Technologies in Elections
Mr. Chairman new technology provides new opportunities and new concerns in terms of elections.
Recommendation 62.
I move that the committee recommends that the Elections Act provide flexibility for the use of new technologies in the administration of elections on a trial basis by the Chief Electoral Officer, subject to review by the Legislative Assembly.
Committee Motion 063 - 1(4): Clarification of Offences on Broadcast Media
Recommendation 63.
I move that the committee recommends that the Elections Act clarify certain offences on broadcast media to include the Internet and electronic media, and ensure that any other conduct which would be an offence under the Act, includes the use of the Internet and electronic media.
Committee Motion 064 - 1(4): Electoral Information in Inuktitut
Recommendation 64.
I move that the committee recommends that the CEO and the working group explore the use of new technology in the production of voters’ lists and other electoral information in Inuktitut.
Committee Motion 065 - 1(4): Responses to CEO’s Reports
Mr. Tootoo: Thank you Mr. Chairman Mr. Chairman, the CEO made a large number of recommendations in both his reports for the elections in Nunavut and NWT.
The Standing Committee reviewed them as a group and there is a section in the report which lists the response of the Standing Committee to each of the CEO’s recommendations.
Many of these are very technical in nature and we don’t propose to list them in detail in the House, as I know you have all read them. Mr. Chairman.
Recommendation 65.
I move that the committee recommends that any specific recommendations of the Standing Committee contained in section 6 of this report entitled “Response to Recommendations in the Chief Electoral Officer’s Report”, be acted upon in any revisions to the Elections Act.
This is the last recommendation.
At this time I wish to thank the committee for their hard work and you’ve done good job in preparing this report.
Although there have been difficulties I’m sure, I wish to congratulate you for making these 65 recommendation and they are very clear.
I'm sure elections in Nunavut will be improved by your hard work and by these recommendations.
Mr. Tootoo: Thank you very much for your comments Mr. Chairman.
As Chairman of the committee like you said, this concludes our report and recommendations.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the committee members that put a lot of work and time into this report as well as all the individuals that we met with and all the people that came out to the public hearings.
Without that input from Nunavummiut, we would not have been able to do such a thorough job in this report.
Mr. Chairman, I would also like to thank the members and the minister that stuck around and showed an interest in this area throughout the duration of the recommendations, they went pretty well.
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chair of the committee, Mr. Tootoo.
This concludes the review of the report’s recommendations if the members agree.
Do you agree that the report 001 - 1(4) is concluded.
What is the wish of the committee now.
Mr. Havioyak: We wish to discuss Minister's Statement 007 - 1(4) Fuel Price Increases.
Chairperson (interpretation): This statement, do all the members have a copy of it.
Mr. Tootoo: Yes Mr. Chairman, we all have a copy of this.
I was just wondering if prior to going right into this, maybe we have a short recess to allow the ministers and their staff to get prepared.
Chairperson (interpretation): Someone wants a break.
We will have a break for 10 minutes.
>>Committee recessed at 4.43 p.m. and resumed at 5 p.m.
We shall resume our meeting of the Committee of the Whole.
We are dealing with Minister’s Statement 007-1(4).
Does everyone have a copy of this report.
Everybody have it.
Minister’s Statement 007-1(4).
Ms. Thompson, you can proceed to the witness table with your witnesses.
If you would like to begin your opening remarks Ms. Thompson.
Please introduce your witnesses.
I think everybody is aware of my Minister’s Statement yesterday regarding the fuel price increases.
I think everybody has an understanding of that already.
I will now introduce my witnesses who are the officials in our department.
To my right is Mr. Ross Mrazek and on my left, I am sure everybody knows him by now, is Roy Green who is stationed in Rankin Inlet and is the accountant for Petroleum Products in Rankin.
I don’t believe we have to go through everything that we covered yesterday.
I think we will be dealing with fuel prices and it is a very difficult issue and it is very complex.
I want to thank the members for inviting our witnesses here.
I am sure we will be hearing many questions regarding the fuel price issue.
Mr. Green is an expert on petroleum products.
So if you have any questions regarding fuel price increases, I think he will be giving you the appropriate answer or the appropriate person to give you a response.
A lot of questions I am sure will be directed to Mr. Green, but Mr. Mrazek and I myself will be available to answer any questions that you may have.
I want to ask members if they have any comments or questions regarding this statement.
Any questions or comments regarding this statement.
I am sure that they all have something to say.
Perhaps the first question I want to ask is, we are all aware that as of November 1, fuel prices will increase to 98.9 cents litre. We were informed by the minister according to her report it said 86 cents per litre.
As Members of the Legislative Assembly, we are not looking for a whole lot of detail or a whole lot of information pertaining to the prices.