EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Please go to Bill 12 if you don’t already have it in front of you. We will review the bill clause by clause. Do you all have a copy?
We will deal with Bill 12.  Bill 12, An Act to Amend the Tobacco… .
Some of the Inuktitut doesn’t make any sense at all.
I do apologize. Some of them don’t make any sense at all. I’ll translate it into Inuktitut myself.
An Act to Amend the Tobacco Tax Act.
Do members agree that pursuant to Rule 62(2), that Bill 12 can immediately be placed on the orders of the day for third reading?
Before we proceed, we have to do some preparation work.
Please take a 10-minute break.
>>Committee recessed at 17:05 and resumed at 17:15
You can find it in your white legislation binders.
I’m sure you all have it now.
As we will be dealing with Bill 17, Minister Peterson, if you have any opening comments to make, I now give you the opportunity at this time.
Bill 17 – Write-off of Assets Act, 2012-2013 – Consideration in Committee
I am here to present Bill 17, Write-Off of Assets Act, 2012-2013.
Bill 17 is for the write-off of government assets for 2012-13 totalling $468,162.74.
The total write-off relates to the evaporation and shrinkage of the Petroleum Product Division’s fuel inventory in the amount of $468,162.74.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would be pleased to take questions.
If the Chair of the Standing Committee on Legislation has opening comments to make, you have the opportunity at this time. Mr. Savikataaq.
As Chair of the Standing Committee on Legislation, I am pleased to make some brief opening comments as the Committee of the Whole begins its consideration of Bill 17, Write-Off of Assets Act, 2012-2013.
The standing committee has no objections to the purpose of the proposed legislation, which is to write off petroleum products inventory lost due to evaporation and shrinkage.
Mr. Chairman, the most recent bill of this nature to have been considered and passed by the Legislative Assembly was Bill 5, Write-Off of Assets Act, 2013-2014, which received assent in November of 2014.
However, the standing committee notes that Bill 17 addresses the write-off of petroleum products inventory in the previous 2012-13 year fiscal year.
The standing committee recommends that the consideration of bills to write off annual losses of petroleum products inventory be done by consecutive fiscal years.
Mr. Chairman, the standing committee notes that Bill 17 refers specifically to the “evaporation and shrinkage” of petroleum products while Bill 5 only made reference to “shrinkage” to encompass all petroleum products losses.
The standing committee encourages the government to be consistent in this regard.
Information provided by the government to the standing committee indicates that the volume of petroleum products inventory lost due to evaporation, shrinkage, and other factors has decreased in recent years.
This is a positive development, and the standing committee continues to encourage the Minister of Community and Government Services to provide an annual report to the Legislative Assembly on the operations of the Petroleum Products Division of the department and that this report include detailed information concerning evaporation, shrinkage, and spillage rates in different communities.
The standing committee also recommends that the reporting include detailed information for different classes of petroleum products lost, as well as information concerning the department’s inventory management practices.
This information would be of use to all members in noting any abnormal trends with respect to fuel losses due to evaporation, shrinkage, spillage, theft, or other causes.
The standing committee is also mindful that the 2015-16 Capital Estimates of the Department of Community and Government Services include $1.5 million in funding for a new electronic point-of-sale system and fuel management software for the Petroleum Products Division.
I’m sure you all have a copy of it.
It reads, Bill 17, Write-off of Assets Act, 2012-2013. Clause 1. Do you agree?
Chairman (interpretation): Go to the Schedule on page 2.
Assets Written-off. Total. $468,162.74. Do you agree?
Chairman (interpretation): Does the committee agree to Bill 17 as a whole?
Do members agree that pursuant to Rule 62(2), that Bill 17 can be placed on the orders of the day for third reading?
At this time, we will deal with Bill 19, again, in your legislation binders.
You can refer to Bill 19 in your legislation binders.
Do you all have a copy of the bill?
Bill 19. Minister Peterson, if you have opening comments on Bill 19, you can now proceed.
Bill 19 – An Act to Amend the Workers’ Compensation Act – Consideration in Committee
Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman and colleagues.
Bill 19, An Act to Amend the Workers’ Compensation Act, proposes to add five additional forms of cancer that have been identified as occupational diseases for firefighters to the list of occupational diseases for firefighters that are now set out in section 14.1 of the Workers’ Compensation Act.
The five additional forms of cancer are primary site bladder cancer, primary site kidney cancer, primary site ureter cancer, primary site esophageal cancer, and primary site breast cancer.
These forms of cancer have been identified by science as a risk to full-time, part-time, and volunteer members of fire departments.
The International Association of Fire Fighters for Canada lobbied the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission to recognize these additional forms of cancer as listed diseases. The Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission researched this issue and found that most Canadian provinces and the Yukon now recognize these five forms of cancer in legislation as risks to firefighters.
I would be pleased to answer any questions that Members of the Standing Committee on Legislation may have about Bill 19.
If the Chair of the Standing Committee on Legislation has any comments, you may now proceed.
As Chair of the Standing Committee on Legislation, I am pleased to make some brief opening comments as the Committee of the Whole begins its consideration of Bill 19, An Act to Amend the Workers’ Compensation Act.
The standing committee fully supports the purpose of the proposed legislation, which is to add five types of cancer to the list of diseases that have been identified as occupational diseases for firefighters.
Mr. Chairman, the standing committee recognizes that the five types of cancer to be added to our Workers’ Compensation Act are also recognized in most Canadian jurisdictions’ legislation.
The standing committee also notes that a similar bill is currently under consideration by the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories.
Although the bills are substantially the same, the coming-into-force provisions differ between them.
Let us deal with the contents of Bill 19.
It reads, Bill 19, An Act to Amend the Workers’ Compensation Act.
Chairman (interpretation): Do members agree to Bill 19 as a whole?
Do members agree that pursuant to Rule 62(2), that Bill 19 can be placed on the orders of the day for third reading?
Minister Peterson, I will allow you to make your closing remarks to either one of the bills we just considered.
I would like to thank you and the committee for your support on all the bills today.
I would like to thank all the departments and their officials for preparation on the sup bills, also for the briefing notes for our binders, and also for preparing the briefing binders for MLAs.
That was one of the commitments that we made last sitting. I hope that was informative. I think it was and if there is any way we can improve it, let us know.
This is all good for transparency and accountability.
I would like to thank my officials, of course, Mr. D’Arcy and Mr. Egeni, and all the other finance officials who prepare all the sup bills, the write-off bills, and the tax bills for us to consider.
I would like to thank them for keeping me company here as witnesses on the workers’ compensation side of things.
Just on Bill 19, I appreciate your support during standing committee and today. I think we have to recognize that our firefighters in Nunavut are unpaid firefighters or volunteers. They are very brave women and men who risk their lives every day to protect our communities.
Adding these five new cancers to the nine cancers that are already identified is something that is going to be… . We have to keep in mind that they may need this coverage in the future.
Many of us don’t realize the great sacrifices that firefighters make on our behalf.
Making these amendments today is recognition of their services to our communities. If people out there think it’s an easy job being a firefighter, they should take a moment just to appreciate our firefighters and other people who protect us in our communities.
With that, Mr. Chairman, I thank you and the committee for your good questions today, and I thank my colleagues for being here to help me answer questions.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Peterson and your officials.
As we move on, Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the minister’ officials out.
Bill 11 – An Act to Amend the Corrections Act – Consideration in Committee
If you can find  Bill 11 in your legislation binder, we will now be dealing with it.
Bill 11 is in your legislation binder.
If you don’t have a copy, you can let us know. (interpretation ends) Thank you.
Minister Okalik, I believe you are ready.
I would first like to ask, before you make your opening comments, if you have officials that you would like to bring to the table.
Do members agree that Minister Okalik’s officials go to the witness table?
Minister Okalik, for the record, please introduce your officials.
With me this afternoon to my right is my Deputy Minister, Elizabeth Sanderson, and to my left is our Legislative Counsel, Philip Grassie.
Welcome to the Chamber, Ms. Sanderson and Mr. Grassie.
Minister Okalik, if you have any opening comments to make, I give you the opportunity.
This bill is to amend the Corrections Act.
Nunavut’s Corrections Act is out of date.
The Northwest Territories’ 1973 legislation was adopted in 1999 and no substantial changes have occurred.
However, many changes have occurred in the field of corrections in this timeframe.
While the Nunavut Corrections Directive and Standing Orders have kept up to date with modern corrections practice, the legislative framework is lacking in many areas.
The Department of Justice is currently completing a more comprehensive review of the Act with the intent of overhauling it over the long term.
While this work is in progress, it is necessary to amend certain problematic sections of the Act in the short term.
These amendments will ensure our inmates are treated in a more fair and humane way by increasing oversight and controls on the way in which we use physical restraints in prison.
This bill will also affirm an inmate’s rights while in segregation to communication and visitation with certain essential persons, such as legal counsel, a member of the clergy, or a Member of the Legislative Assembly in order to ensure fair treatment.
If the Chair of the Standing Committee on Legislation has any comments to make, I now give you the opportunity.
As Chair of the Standing Committee on Legislation, I am pleased to provide opening comments as the Committee of the Whole begins its consideration of Bill 11, An Act to Amend the Corrections Act.
The standing committee has no objections to the purpose of the proposed legislation, which is to amend the Corrections Act and align it with modern corrections practices and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Mr. Chairman, Bill 11 includes proposed amendments to sections 24, 26, 27, and 53 of the current Corrections Act.
These sections include provisions concerning the use of physical restraints, segregated confinement, visitation, and regulations.
Bill 11 also includes a proposed amendment to remove section 25 from the current legislation, which provides a medical practitioner with the authority to restrain an inmate through the administration of drugs.
During the minister’s recent appearance before the standing committee on the occasion of its clause-by-clause consideration of the bill, members took the opportunity to raise a number of observations and concerns.
The standing committee is concerned that the proposed amendments in Bill 11 provide a maximum time restriction for the physical restraint of an inmate, but do not address situations where an inmate has been physically restrained for the maximum time and the circumstances are such that continued restraint is necessary.
Mr. Chairman, clause 2 of Bill 11 proposes to repeal section 24 of the legislation and substitute new wording, including subsection 24(10), which provides that “no inmate shall be kept under physical restraint for longer than is necessary or longer than 16 hours.”
Members are concerned that this provision is not sufficiently clear on what actions may be taken in circumstances where an inmate has already been kept under physical restraint for 16 continuous hours, but the inmate continues to be a risk to his or her safety, or the safety of others.
The standing committee strongly believes that provisions concerning the physical restraint of inmates must be clear and comprehensive.
The standing committee recommends that the minister revisit this issue and be prepared to introduce appropriate amendments in the Legislative Assembly during its upcoming spring sitting.
Mr. Chairman, on March 10, 2015, the Speaker of the House tabled the Auditor General of Canada’s 2015 report on corrections in Nunavut, which focused on whether the Department of Justice was meeting its key responsibilities for inmates within the corrections system.
The standing committee looks forward to the upcoming hearing on this report, which is scheduled to take place in spring of 2015 and will be televised across Nunavut.
The standing committee recognizes the importance of bringing Nunavut’s legislation in alignment with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and looks forward to receiving ongoing updates on the department’s comprehensive review of the Corrections Act.
Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening comments. The standing committee recommends the passage of Bill 11 to all members.
Let us now go to the clause-by-clause review of Bill 11.
I think you all have a copy of the bill. It reads, Bill 11, An Act to Amend the Corrections Act.
The proposed provisions in Bill 11 include restrictions on the length of time that an inmate can be kept under physical restraint.
In his opening comments, Mr. Savikataaq made reference to clause 2 of Bill 11. This clause will remove section 24 of the current Corrections Act and substitute it with a new section.
This new section includes restrictions on a series of timeframes in which physical restraint can be used on an inmate and the corresponding authorizations that will be required for each timeframe.
The first timeframe allows an authorized person to use physical restraint on an inmate for up to four hours.
The use of physical restraint on an inmate beyond four hours and up to 12 hours must be authorized by the warden or the inmate must be on escorted absence from the correctional facility.
The use of physical restraint beyond 12 hours and up to 16 hours must be authorized by the warden and approved by the director of corrections.
The new section also includes a provision that no inmate shall be kept under physical restraint for longer than necessary or for longer than 16 hours.
Mr. Chairman, our concern is that Bill 11 does not include a provision that defines what actions may be authorized if an inmate has been kept under physical restraint for 16 hours, but continues to be a risk to the safety of themselves or others.
During the minister’s recent appearance before the Standing Committee on Legislation, testimony provided to members indicated that an inmate would not be kept under physical restraint for 16 continuous hours, except in extreme conditions or situations.
However, if such an extreme situation does arise, the proposed amendments provide no legally mandated actions that may be taken to address the situation.
Mr. Chairman, I am concerned that this will put the safety and security of both staff and inmates at risk.
Will the minister commit to introducing appropriate amendments to section 24 of the Corrections Act to address the concerns that I have outlined during the Legislative Assembly’s upcoming spring sitting?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) What I am committed to doing as well is doing an overall review of the Act to make sure that it meets our standards as Nunavummiut.
That review will start shortly. I would like to do that while we follow the Canadian standards in terms of restraints for the time being.
I’m willing to consider that while we are considering all the other amendments to make sure it meets Nunavut’s standards. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Okalik. (interpretation ends) Somebody’s cellphone, I think.
A reminder, turn off your tablets or electronics while in the House. (interpretation) Ms. Angnakak, are you done?
I guess I agree that it’s good that you are going to do a review, but I think I want to also ensure that that one point that I bring up about restraint after 16 hours definitely has to be addressed. Right now., the way that the proposed legislation is written, if somebody gets to that point where they have to restrain somebody after 16 hours, it doesn’t tell you what... . The legislation is kind of blank on that if somebody is at that situation.
I think it is really something that is going to have to be addressed, and I’m hoping that the minister will take that into consideration.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Angnakak. The minister did say that he will check these things for us, but Mr. Minister, if you want to add more, you may do so.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) We are reducing the amount from 24 to 16 with this amendment.
As I said, at the same time, we are doing a compressive review of the Act in the coming year. We are going to make sure it’s more directed towards Nunavut citizens. Through that process, we will make sure that we also consider this and how it’s being implemented for the coming year (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
We will go back to clause 2. Do you agree?
Some Members Agreed.
Chairman: (interpretation): Clause 4. Do you agree?
Chairman (interpretation): Does the committee agree to Bill 11 as a whole?
Chairman: (interpretation): Thank you.
Do members agree that pursuant to Rule 62 (2), that Bill 11 can be placed on the orders of the day for third reading?
Minister Okalik, I give you the opportunity make closing comments.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman and my colleagues. We are not done, as there is still work that needs to be done. I look forward to working with you all as we move forward for the betterment of those facing incarcerations.
Thank you very much. I also thank my staff.
We still have more work to do, Bill 21.
Before we go there, we will take a 15-minute break.
When we return, we will deal with Bill 21.
>>Committee recessed at 17:48 and resumed at 18:04
Chairman (interpretation): We will continue.
Thank you for returning.
Bill 21 was put into your legislation binder.
I think everyone has a copy.
Please let me know right now if anyone is missing a copy.
I think all of you have a copy.
As we proceed with the bill, I think the Speaker is ready. Let me first ask if you have officials that you would like to bring to the table.
Does the committee agree that the witnesses join the Speaker at the witness table?
Bill 21 – An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, the Legislative Assembly Retiring Allowances Act and the Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act – Consideration in Committee
Mr. Speaker, for the record, please introduce your official.
To my right is John Quirke, (interpretation ends) Mr. Clerk. (interpretation) Thank you.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Mr. Clerk, (interpretation) welcome to the Chambers.
If you would like to begin, Mr. Speaker, you may now you’re your opening comments.
I will read my statements in English.
(interpretation ends) I am pleased to have the opportunity to appear today before the Committee of the Whole on the occasion of its consideration of Bill 21, An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, the Legislative Assembly Retiring Allowances Act and the Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act.
At present, sections 25 to 33 of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act prescribe certain indemnities and allowances for all Members of the Legislative Assembly.
As members are aware, section 70.01 of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act allows the Executive Council to establish formal policies for the payment and recovery of allowances, reimbursement of expenses, and provision of benefits to members of the Executive Council.
Bill 21 amends the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act to enable the Management and Services Board to establish policies in this area with respect to Members of the Legislative Assembly who are not members of the Executive Council.
I would note that the bill provides that both the Premier and I will be required to table annual reports in the Legislative Assembly concerning the administration of these provisions.
Mr. Chairman, Bill 21 also amends the Legislative Assembly Retiring Allowances Act to limit elections related to lump sum transfer of allowances payable under the legislation.
Bill 21 also provides for a formal mechanism respecting the division of a member’s retiring allowance in the event of a breakdown of a marriage or common-law relationship.
At present, our legislation does not address this issue with sufficient clarity.
Consequently, the Management and Services Board has worked closely with our plan administrators to ensure that our legislation conforms with modern trends across the country in pension legislation.
Bill 21 contains a number of highly technical provisions to accomplish this objective.
Let us deal with Bill 21.
If any of you have any questions, please raise your hand.
It reads, Bill 21, An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, the Legislative Assembly Retiring Allowances Act and the Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act.
Do you agree to Bill 21 as a whole?
Do members agree that pursuant to Rule 62(2), that Bill 21 can be placed on the orders of the day for third reading?
Mr. Speaker, that bill is done. If you have any closing remarks, I now give you the opportunity.
Speaker (interpretation): I will just say “thank you” to everyone.
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bills 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, and 21 and we would like to report that Bills 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, and 21 are immediately ready for third reading.
Bill 11 – An Act to Amend the Corrections Act – Third Reading
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak, that Bill 11, An Act to Amend the Corrections Act, be read for the third time. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Bill 12 – An Act to Amend the Tobacco Tax Act – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, that Bill 12, An Act to Amend the Tobacco Tax Act, be read for the third time.
The motion is carried and Bill 12 is now ready for assent.
Bill 14 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2014-2015 – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Aggu, that Bill 14, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2014-2015, be read for the third time.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The motion is in order. All those in favour. (interpretation) Thank you. (interpretation ends) Opposed.
The motion is carried and Bill 14 is now ready for assent.
Bill 15 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2014-2015 – Third Reading