EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I didn’t mean to make it sound like I had heard that you were going put a facility up, but I did clearly hear… . Maybe it was through the interpreters or English.
I don’t recall the language that was coming through at the time, but it specifically said that air quality monitoring would be done. I’ll quote in here, “…in our facilities and the environment.”
You may even want to back check the Hansard, but I clearly heard that.
I thank Mr. Hickes for the comment.
Mr. Chairman, it’s air quality and my understanding is that it’s outdoor air quality. As I said, it’s the air quality outside.
We have other organizations that deal with air quality inside. There’s CGS.
There’s the Workers’ Safety and Compensation [Commission].
We’re getting sidetracked here. To me, my understanding is that it is outside air quality.
I just want to fully understand. (interpretation ends) Nunavut’s environmental liabilities, will it focus on all federal, municipal, and Inuit owned lands within the municipal boundary or is it just focusing on municipal boundaries?
Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank Mr. Mikkungwak for his question.
Mr. Chairman, my understanding is it within the boundaries of Nunavut.
If we do approve these two, the position and this, will there be future consideration of contaminated land sites out in the wilderness that were federal government responsibilities that have been abandoned?
Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank Mr. Mikkungwak for the question.
Mr. Chairman, this is exactly the purpose of this initiative, to look at those types outside in Nunavut.
Chairman: Thank you, Minister Peterson. We are on page 8.
Total Program Management. $500,000. Total Department. Not Previously Authorized. $500,000.
Community and Government Services. Operations and Maintenance. Not Previously Authorized.
Total Community Support. -$20,000.
Total Department. Not Previously Authorized. -$20,000.
Chairman: Page 10. Nunavut Arctic College.
Operations and Maintenance. Not Previously Authorized. Total Nunavut Arctic College. $6,000.
Total Department. Not Previously Authorized. $6,000.
Schedule 1: Operations and Maintenance.
Total Operations and Maintenance Appropriation. $7,329,000.
Chairman: Go to Bill 7 in your legislative binder.
Bill 7, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No.1, 2014-2015.
Supplementary Amounts Appropriated for the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2015.
Total Supplementary Appropriation. $7,329,000.
Chairman: Do members agree to Bill 7 as a whole?
Chairman: Do members agree that pursuant to Rule 62(2) that Bill 7 can immediately be placed on the orders of the day for third reading?
Chairman: Closing comments, Minister Peterson.
Hon. Keith Peterson: Yes, Mr. Chairman, thank you for your time and your committee’s time in consideration of Bill 7.
I want to assure members that the ministers heard all of your good comments and concerns and will incorporate them into their work plans and business plans going forward.
I believe that these are good initiatives that will benefit Nunavummiut in the coming years.
Again thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Please proceed with your opening comments, Minister Peterson, on Bill 9.
Bill 09 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 5, 2013-2014 – Consideration in Committee
I am here to present Bill 9, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 5, 2013-2014.
Bill 9 is for our capital supplementary appropriation for 2013-14 totalling $31,890,000 for the Department of Economic Development and Transportation.
This appropriation will increase the capital budget for the Iqaluit International Airport Improvement Project to bring the accounting for the project in line with current financial reporting practices.
This is an accounting adjustment and does not increase the overall cost of the airport.
We will now proceed to the page-by-page review of the departmental estimates starting on page 4. Economic Development and Transportation. Capital.
Not Previously Authorized. Total Transportation. $31,890,000.
Total Department. $31,890,000.
Chairman: Go to Schedule on page 2. Capital.
Capital Appropriation. $31,890,000.
Chairman: Go to Bill 9 in your legislation binder.
Supplementary Amounts Appropriated for the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2014.
Total Supplementary Appropriation. $31,890,000.
Chairman: Do members agree to Bill 9 as a whole?
Chairman: Do members agree that pursuant to Rule 62(2) that Bill 9 can immediately be placed on the orders of the day for third reading?
I would like to thank you and your committee for your consideration of all the bills this week. It’s very much appreciated. You had good questions.
I assure you and the committee that the government takes all your issues, concerns, and recommendations and we will consider them carefully. We will deal with them going forward. I will talk to my officials as well.
I would like to thank my ministerial colleagues for being in the House here today on the last day to help answer questions and provide more details.
I would like to thank all the staff across Nunavut in the different departments that helped prepare all the capital estimates and the supp bills.
There’s a lot of work, as you can imagine.
I would like to thank my Deputy Minister of Finance, Chris D’Arcy, of course, for being, literally, my right-hand man and Peter Tumilty for being my left-hand man and here to answer questions.
Of course, I want to thank my staff upstairs, Nick Pashkoski and Annie Akoak, for keeping me organized on a daily basis. As you can imagine, it gets pretty busy trying to stay organized. There’s so much paper coming at us, it’s a tremendous job.
I would like to take this opportunity right now, I know it’s a little early, but I wish all Nunavummiut a very merry Christmas over the coming weeks and month. I wish all the MLAs and ministers a very merry Christmas as well.
If everyone can remember to help the less fortunate in our communities, I’m sure there are people out there who don’t have as much as we have, if we can share our food with them, toys, gifts, and things like that.
I would also like to put in a little plug for Movember. I’m growing a bit of a moustache. It’s been six days so far, so it’s looking a little dirty right now.
It’s all for a good cause. It’s for cancer research and awareness, whether it’s for prostate cancer or mental health.
Cancer is a serious issue in Nunavut.
We all know someone who has cancer or fighting cancer or could be dealing with cancer. If you can help support cancer awareness programs in Nunavut over the next month and coming years, it would be greatly appreciated.
Sergeant, please escort the guests.
Your committee has been considering Bills 7 and 9 and that Bills 7 and 9 are immediately ready for third reading.
Minister of Finance, Hon. Minister Mr. Peterson.
Bill 07 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2014-2015 – Third Reading
Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, that Bill 7, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2014-2015, be read for the third time.
The motion is passed and Bill 7 is ready for assent.
Bill 09 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 5, 2013-2014 – Third Reading
Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, that Bill 9, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 5, 2013-2014, be read for the third time.
The motion is passed and Bill 9 is ready for assent.
Mr. Clerk, will you please determine if the Commissioner of Nunavut is prepared to enter the Chambers to give to assent to bills.
Commissioner Edna Elias (interpretation): We will soon be going home to our families.
Members, as Commissioner of Nunavut, I am pleased to give assent to the following bills:
Bill 8, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2015-2016;
Bill 9, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 5, 2013-2014; and
(interpretation ends) Although the change in season means that our days are growing colder and shorter, let us take comfort in knowing that the warmth of the holiday season will soon be upon us.
Before the holiday season, I would ask that we all show our respect for the veterans, recent fallen soldiers, and our Canadian troops overseas by holding off on decorating for Christmas until after Remembrance Day, November 11, has been marked.
On a personal note, (interpretation) I would like to take this opportunity to thank family, friends, and Nunavummiut for their concerns and prayers over the past year regarding my health.
I am very happy to say that my doctors gave me some encouragement and positive results at my last medical in Ottawa.
Between the medications and prayers, (interpretation ends) my lungs are starting to show signs of improvement.
That was the best thing I heard. They no longer sound like Velcro being pulled apart with every breath I take.
Thank you so much to everyone for all the well wishes and concerns.
I wish you all a very safe journey as you return to your families and constituencies. (interpretation) Thank you. I wish you all a safe journey as you return to your families and constituents.
Speaker: Item 22. (interpretation) Orders of the Day. (interpretation ends) Mr. Clerk.
Orders of the Day for February 24, 2015:
I would like to thank all the members.
Before we adjourn, I would like to take the opportunity to say a few words.
(interpretation ends) I would first like to express my appreciation to all members for their support over the past few weeks as we have worked to ensure the safety and security of the Legislative Assembly.
I would like to thank our Sergeant-at-Arms, security staff, and the members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for their dedication.
I also want to thank our pages who have served us over the past week, Nicole Amagoalik, Apphia Kullualik, (interpretation) I apologize if I mispronounced your name, Joe Nowdluk-Moss, and Jasmyn Perkins.
(interpretation ends) As members are aware, our Fifth Youth Parliament will be held later this month and I am very looking forward to seeing a number of my colleagues attend this event.
Please accept my best wishes for a safe journey home and a very joyous holiday season.
This House stands adjourned until Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Pages 1647 – 1678
Opening Prayer 1647
Money Message 1647
Ministers’ Statements 1647
Members’ Statements 1649
Returns to Oral Questions* 1654
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 1654
Oral Questions 1655
Revert to Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 1672
Returns to Written Questions* 1672
Tabling of Documents 1673
Notices of Motions 1674
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 1674
Motions 1675
Orders of the Day 1677
Tuesday, February 24, 2015 1647
089 – 4(2): Notice of Budget Address (Peterson) 1647
090 – 4(2): Team Nunavut at 2015 Canada Winter Games (Sammurtok) 1648
091 – 4(2): External Review (Okalik) 1648
196 – 4(2): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent Uqqummiut (Keyootak) 1649
197 – 4(2): Congratulations to Iqaluit’s Minor Hockey Players (Angnakak) 1650
198 – 4(2): Independent External Review (Joanasie) 1651
199 – 4(2): Reflections on First Year as Member of the Legislative Assembly (Sammurtok) 1652
200 – 4(2): Pond Inlet State of Emergency (Enook) 1652
201 – 4(2): Pangnirtung Turbot Fishery (Mike) 1653
Return to Oral Question 294 – 4(2): Review of Harvesters Support Programs (Clerk) 1654
322 – 4(2): Liquor Revolving Fund Campaigns (Hickes) 1655
323 – 4(2): Activities of the Qulliq Energy Corporation (Angnakak) 1657
324 – 4(2): Status of Independent External Review (Joanasie) 1659
325 – 4(2): Pond Inlet State of Emergency (Enook) 1660
326 – 4(2): Marine Infrastructure (Keyootak) 1661
327 – 4(2): Foxe Basin Polar Bear Population (Mapsalak) 1663
328 – 4(2): Community Access Program Funding (Hickes) 1665
329 – 4(2): Dust Control in Nunavut Communities (Sammurtok) 1667
330 – 4(2): Minimum Wage in Nunavut (Hickes) 1669
331 – 4(2): Dust Control in Nunavut Communities (Enook) 1670
Return to Written Question 003 – 4(2): Workshops and Training for Parents (Clerk) 1673
Return to Written Question 004 – 4(2): Correctional Facilities, Recidivism Rates, and Rehabilitation Plans (Clerk) 1673
Return to Written Question 005 – 4(2): Ministerial Travel (Clerk) 1673
Return to Written Question 006 – 4(2): Staffing Status of the Department of Health (Clerk) 1673
Return to Written Question 007 – 4(2): Government of Nunavut Expenditures on Overtime Pay (Clerk) 1673
Return to Written Question 008 – 4(2): Roles, Responsibilities, and Authorities of Local Housing Organizations (Clerk) 1673
Return to Written Question 009 – 4(2): Community Access Roads Program (Clerk) 1673
Return to Written Question 010 – 4(2): Annual Fuel Purchases by the Government of Nunavut (Clerk) 1673
Return to Written Question 011 – 4(2): Government of Nunavut Responses to Resolutions of the Nunavut Association of Municipalities (Clerk) 1673
Return to Written Question 012 – 4(2): Status of Decentralization (Clerk) 1673
092 – 4(2): Terms of Reference for External Review of Health on the Death of Makibi Timilak (Okalik) 1673
093 – 4(2): Correspondence to the Minister of Health Regarding External Independent Review (Joanasie) 1673
017 – 4(2): Appointments to Standing Committees – Notice (Joanasie) 1674
018 – 4(2): Appointment of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Nunavut – Notice (Angnakak) 1674
017 – 4(2): Appointments to Standing Committees (Joanasie) 1675
018 – 4(2): Appointment of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Nunavut (Angnakak) 1676
Bill 14 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2014-2015 – Notice 1674
Bill 15 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2014-2015 – Notice 1674
Bill 17 – Write-off of Assets Act, 2012-2013 – Notice 1674
Bill 18 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2015-2016 – Notice 1674
Bill 19 – An Act to Amend the Workers’ Compensation Act – Notice 1675
Mr. Tony Akoak, Ms. Pat Angnakak, Hon. Monica Ell, Mr. Joe Enook, Mr. George Hickes, Mr. David Joanasie, Mr. Pauloosie Keyootak, Hon. George Kuksuk, Mr. Steve Mapsalak, Hon. Johnny Mike, Hon. Paul Okalik, Hon. Keith Peterson, Hon. Paul Quassa, Hon. George Qulaut, Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Mr. Alexander Sammurtok, Hon. Tom Sammurtok, Mr. Isaac Shooyook, Hon. Peter Taptuna, Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk.
Speaker (interpretation): Good afternoon to my fellow Nunavummiut, members, ministers, and the Premier.
Further, I wish to warmly welcome Pauloosie Keyootak, who represents Uqqummiut, to the House.
(interpretation ends) Before we proceed with the orders of the day, I wish to read the following message that I have received from the Commissioner of Nunavut.
I wish to advise that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut the passage of the following bills during the Second Session of the Fourth Legislative Assembly:
Bill 14, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2014-2015;
Bill 15, Supplementary Appropriation (O&M) Act, No. 2, 2014-2015;
Bill 16, Appropriation (O&M) Act, 2015-2016; and
Bill 18, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2015-2016.
Edna Elias, Commissioner of Nunavut
(interpretation) Further, I would like to inform you that due to weather, two members are not in attendance, Mr. Savikataaq, representing Arviat South, and Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Mikkungwak.
They will not be able to attend the sitting today due to weather.
(interpretation ends) Item 2. (interpretation) Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Finance, Mr. Peterson.
Minister’s Statement 089 – 4(2): Notice of Budget Address (Peterson)
Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, colleagues, and Nunavummiut.
Perhaps I’ll get the right paper.  Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform the House that on Wednesday, February 25, 2015, I will be delivering the Budget Address.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Sammurtok.
Minister’s Statement 090 – 4(2): Team Nunavut at 2015 Canada Winter Games (Sammurtok)
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 2015 has been declared “The Year of Sport” in Canada. From February 13 to March 1, young Canadians from across the country are competing at the 2015 Canada Winter Games in Prince George, British Columbia.
(interpretation ends) The Canada Games are the highest level of major games competition for amateur athletes in Canada.
I am pleased to report that 24 Nunavummiut are among these top-tier athletes at the Games. Over the next two weeks, Team Nunavut athletes will compete in four events: badminton, women’s curling, short-track speed skating, and table tennis.
Mr. Speaker, (interpretation) reaching this level of competition is of no small feat: it requires months of training and tireless commitment to one’s sport. (interpretation ends) We applaud the athletes for their achievements and also thank the coaches, trainers, parents, and family members who have supported our athletes on this journey.
Mr. Speaker, I had the pleasure of attending the opening ceremonies of the Winter Games last week, where Team Nunavut was dressed in their colourful uniforms and proudly carried our flag across the stage for the whole country to see. We may have been the fewest in numbers of athletes at the Games, but as one news outlet said about us, “Team Nunavut is small in numbers but big in character.”
Mr. Speaker, I would like to encourage all Nunavummiut to cheer on Team Nunavut at the Games by participating in our online “Cheer from Here” giveaway.
Post a picture or message of support to our athletes on Team Nunavut’s Facebook or Twitter pages for a chance to receive one of two official Team Nunavut uniforms.
Visit www.facebook.com/goteamnunavut on Facebook or @teamnunavut for information. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Item 2. (interpretation) Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Okalik.
Minister’s Statement 091 – 4(2): External Review (Okalik)
I am pleased to provide an update on the independent external review into the 2012 death of infant Makibi Timilak of Cape Dorset.
I have commissioned Katherine Peterson to lead the review.
Ms. Peterson is a long-time northern lawyer based in Yellowknife.
She brings an extensive and distinguished legal background in northern affairs, as she has provided legal counsel for territorial and municipal governments.
Mr. Speaker, on November 6, 2014, my ministerial colleague, the former Minister of Health, directed Department of Health officials to conduct an external independent review of the administrative processes in the Cape Dorset case.
The terms of reference outline the details of the purpose, scope, and expected outcomes of the external review process.
Mr. Speaker, the purpose of this review is to determine what steps were taken in the wake of Makibi’s death and whether the steps taken were appropriate in the circumstances.
The review will also focus more generally on what procedures are currently in place within GN departments for receiving and responding to complaints regarding nursing care in Nunavut and whether they were followed in this case.
Mr. Speaker, this review is restricted to the operations of the Department of Health and related GN departments. It will not consider the cause of death or any conclusions of the chief coroner for Nunavut regarding this case.
This external review process will be transparent and open. Ms. Peterson will have access to all relevant documents in this case. She will have the opportunity to speak with the family in Cape Dorset, government officials, former employees, and the Registered Nurses Association of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
The Department of Health will cooperate fully with requests made by Ms. Peterson.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Health takes the safety and health concerns of Nunavummiut very seriously. The review will answer the questions outlined in the terms of reference.
The reviewer will make recommendations to address gaps and/or deficiencies with current policies, procedures, and protocols within the Government of Nunavut, but more specifically to the Department of Health and the Department of Finance.
I am requesting an interim report by October 31, 2015 and a final report by November 30, 2015.
I look forward to the completion of the review and the recommendations from the report.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will be tabling the terms of reference and the CV for Ms. Katherine Peterson later on today.
Member for Uqqummiut, Mr. Keyootak.
Member’s Statement 196 – 4(2): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent Uqqummiut (Keyootak)
Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I do apologize, Mr. Speaker, as my voice is a little rusty today.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep appreciation to the people of Qikiqtarjuaq and Clyde River for having placed their trust and confidence in me to represent the constituency of Uqqummiut in the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, I would not be here today if it were not for the support of my family and in particular, my children and daughters.
I would like to pay special tribute to my wife, Alice, for the strength that she gives me.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank my fellow candidates in the recent by-election, James Arreak and Niore Iqalukjuak, for their energy and ideas.
As you know, Mr. Speaker, James Arreak is a former Member for Uqqummiut, and I wish to acknowledge his many contributions to our communities.
Mr. Speaker, I very much look forward to working with all Members of the Legislative Assembly over the next two years.
I also look forward to working closely with the mayors and councils of both Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq to raise issues of concern in this House on behalf of both communities.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, there is an urgent need for new marine infrastructure in both communities.
In recent months, there have been a number of important investments made by both the territorial and federal governments to build the fisheries sector in my constituency.
(interpretation) I don’t hear any nays. Please proceed, Mr. Keyootak.
Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, my colleagues.
I apologize once again.
However, we will not be able to realize our full potential until new marine infrastructure is achieved.
Mr. Speaker, as you are very much aware, the issue of seismic testing and oil and gas development is an issue of concern for the residents of Uqqummiut.
I am pleased that the Qikiqtani Inuit Association will be holding workshops in the affected communities later this spring to address this issue.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to close by thanking you and all of my colleagues for the warm welcome that you have extended to me.
Member for Iqaluit- Niaqunnguu, Ms. Angnakak.
Member’s Statement 197 – 4(2): Congratulations to Iqaluit’s Minor Hockey Players (Angnakak)
Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to offer my congratulations to all of the Iqaluit Blizzard hockey players who proudly represented our community at hockey tournaments this past February.
Mr. Speaker, the bantam division, consisting of boys ranging in age between 13 and 14 years of age, played in Montreal against four southern teams in the same divisional age group and placed second, earning the silver medal.
Mr. Speaker, the peewee division, consisting of between 11 and 12 years of age, played in Ottawa in a pool of 28 other teams. They placed first, winning the gold medal.
The hockey players, coaches, and family members enjoyed exciting weekends filled with the competition and skill-building opportunities that tournaments such as these can offer.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that the involvement of Nunavummiut in events such as these ones competing against other teams is very important.
Participation in such activities is an excellent experience for our youth. It allows our young people to learn how to get along with others in a competitive environment. Sportsmanship and striving to do one’s best are important attitudes that can be encouraged and developed through such experiences.