EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I would just like to extend our appreciation to all Nunavummiut and organizations across our territory that have participated in the community consultations and helped us draft this bill.
I would like to thank my officials who did a tremendous job working on this bill; Mr. Stephen Shaddock, who is sitting here in the gallery, Mr. Steve Mansell, and Mr. Thomas Ahlfors, who worked very hard on this bill.
I would like to thank the standing committee for your excellent scrutiny back and forth. There were some very long, detailed letters we received to clarify.
I appreciate the amendments that make this bill a lot stronger than the one that we proposed. I think this bill will go a long way to help Nunavut to make our communities safer and healthy for all our residents, so I appropriate your support of the bill today.
Bill 31 – An Act to Amend the Human Rights Act – Consideration in Committee
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, minister. We will proceed to Bill 31.
I have the English copy, so I will read it in English. (interpretation ends) Bill 31, An Act to Amend the Human Rights Act.
Minister Peterson, did you want to bring in different witnesses?
Yes, I would like a new witness.
Does the committee agree to bring in a new witness?
Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witnesses out and bring in the new witness.
My new witness is Mr. Stephen Mansell from the Department of Justice.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Mansell, welcome to the House.
Minister Peterson, I now give you the opportunity to make your opening comments on the bill.
Before I start with Bill 31, I would like to recognize in the gallery Ms. Katherine Lightfoot and her son, Kieran Drachenberg, sitting behind the Premier.
Mr. Chairman, Kieran and his mom have been vocal supporters of this legislation and of Nunavummiut who are transgender.
I would like to thank them for being here and sharing their personal stories.
Chairman: Minister Peterson, will you proceed with your opening comments?
I am here to review Bill 31, An Act to Amend the Human Rights Act.
Section 7(1) of the Human Rights Act contains a list of specific grounds in which Nunavummiut cannot be discriminated.
This bill proposes to include gender identify and gender expression in our list of grounds.
Gender identity is a person’s internal sense of being a woman, a man, both or neither, or anywhere along the gender spectrum.
A person’s gender identity may be the same or different than their birth-assigned sex. Gender is different than biological sex and separate from a person’s sexual orientation.
Gender expression is how a person publicly presents their gender. This can include behaviour and outward appearance, such as hair, make-up, body language, and voice. A person’s chosen name and pronoun (he, she, him, her) are also common ways of expressing gender.
Currently nine provinces and one territory have included in their list of prohibited grounds of discrimination gender identity and/or gender identity and expression.
The Ontario Human Rights Commission has found that people who are transgender “routinely face discrimination, hatred and violence simply because of who they are and how they live their lives.”
To include gender identity and gender expression as prohibited grounds of discrimination in the Nunavut Human Rights Act is in keeping with the purpose of the Act and will make clear that Nunavummiut who are transgender have the same right to live a full and productive life as anyone else in the territory, free of discrimination.
This change will help preventative denouncing and prevent discrimination and prejudice against people who are transgender in Nunavut.
As Chair of the Standing Committee on Legislation, I am pleased to make a brief opening comment as the Committee of the Whole begins its consideration of Bill 31, An Act to Amend the Human Rights Act.
Mr. Chairman, the standing committee notes the objective of the proposed amendment and is in full support.
Mr. Chairman, the standing committee recommends the passage of Bill 31 to all members.
Are there any general comments on the bill?
There are none. Let us look at Bill 31.
I have the English copy, so I’ll read it in English. (interpretation ends) Bill 31, An Act to Amend the Human Rights Act. (interpretation) Clause 1.
Chairman (interpretation): Does the committee agree to Bill 31 as a whole?
Members, pursuant to Rule 62(2), are you in agreement that Bill 31 can immediately be placed on the orders of the day for third reading?
Hon. Keith Peterson: Again, Mr. Chairman, I thank you and your committee for your excellent support and scrutiny of this bill.
This is a tremendous day for people who are transgender in Nunavut.
I thank Kieran for his support of this bill and being vocal about it.
I would like to thank my officials who worked on it very diligently and hard over the last couple of years, Mr. Mansell and Mr. MacKay, and all our officials in the Department of Justice.
Now as we will proceed, let’s take a five-minute break and I will report progress when we come back.
>>Committee recessed at 15:39 and House resumed at 15:48
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bills 32, 33, 35, 36, 42, 19, and 31, and would like to report that Bills 32, 33, 35 as amended, 36, 42, 19 as amended, and 31 are immediately ready for third reading and that three committee motions were adopted. Also, Mr. Speaker, I move that the Report of the Committee of the Whole be concurred with.
Bill 32 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 5, 2015-2016 – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Arviat South, that Bill 32, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 5, 2015-2016, be read for the third time.
Bill 33 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 3, 2016-2017 – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Arviat South, that Bill 33, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 3, 2016-2017, be read for the third time.
Bill 35 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2017-2018 – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Arviat South, that Bill 35, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2017-2018, be read for the third time.
Bill 36 – An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Arviat South, that Bill 36, An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act, be read for the third time.
Bill 42 – An Act to Amend the Tobacco Tax Act – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Arviat South, that Bill 42, An Act to Amend the Tobacco Tax Act, be read for the third time.
Bill 19 – Unlawful Property Forfeiture Act – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Arviat South, that Bill 19, Unlawful Property Forfeiture Act, be read for the third time.
Bill 31 – An Act to Amend the Human Rights Act – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Arviat South, that Bill 31, An Act to Amend the Human Rights Act, be read for the third time.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until Tuesday, March 14, at 1:30 p.m.
>>House adjourned at 15:56
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Pages 4131 – 4200
Opening Prayer 4131
Ministers’ Statements 4131
Members’ Statements 4136
Returns to Oral Questions 4142
Oral Questions 4143
Written Questions 4163
Tabling of Documents 4166
First Reading of Bills 4168
Second Reading of Bills 4168
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 4169
Report of the Committee of the Whole 4195
Point of Privilege 4195
Third Reading of Bills 4197
Assent to Bills 4198
Tuesday, March 14, 2017 4131
285 – 4(3): New Power Plant for Qikiqtarjuaq (Mike) 4131
286 – 4(3): CBC’s “Keeping Canada Safe” Documentary (Peterson) 4132
287 – 4(3): Response after Second Reading of Bill 37 (Quassa) 4132
288 – 4(3): Fire Prevention Activities (Savikataaq) 4133
289 – 4(3): Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit’s Inuktut Language Conference (Kuksuk) 4134
290 – 4(3): Community Economic Development Meetings (Ell-Kanayuk) 4134
291 – 4(3): Partnership with Aurora College for Underground Mine Training (Quassa) 4135
535 – 4(3): Update on the Activities at Piqqusilirivvik (Keyootak) 4136
536 – 4(3): Recognizing Jenna Kilabuk of Pangnirtung (Okalik) 4136
537 – 4(3): Government’s Strategic Framework for Nunavut Seniors (Angnakak) 4137
538 – 4(3): Sesquicentennial Reflections (Sammurtok, T) 4138
539 – 4(3): Meeting of the Kivalliq Chamber of Commerce (Mikkungwak) 4139
540 – 4(3): Nunavut Quest 2017 – Pangaggujjiniq (Shooyook) 4139
541 – 4(3): Update on School Activities in Cape Dorset (Joanasie) 4140
542 – 4(3): Update on the Pangnirtung Fishery (Mike) 4141
543 – 4(3): Country Food Bank in Igloolik (Quassa) 4141
544 – 4(3): Thank You to Family Members (Hickes) 4142
673 – 4(3): Environmental Assessment by Nunavut Impact Review Board (Ell-Kanayuk) 4142
699 – 4(3): Senate Reform (Okalik) 4143
700 – 4(3): Fur Auction House (Keyootak) 4145
701 – 4(3): Pre-dissolution Priorities (Angnakak) 4146
702 – 4(3): Status of Portable Classrooms for Kugaaruk (Qirngnuq) 4149
703 – 4(3): Inuit Language Protection and Revitalization (Joanasie) 4150
704 – 4(3): Support for More Daycare Spaces in Baker Lake (Mikkungwak) 4151
705 – 4(3): Departmental Positions (Enook) 4153
706 – 4(3): Update on the Activities Schedule of MV Nuliajuk (Rumbolt) 4154
707 – 4(3): Recommendations of Nunavut’s Coroner (Okalik) 4156
708 – 4(3): Negotiating Non-Insured Health Benefits (Angnakak) 4157
709 – 4(3): Need for More Elders Facilities in Nunavut (Qirngnuq) 4159
710 – 4(3): Dust Control Initiatives (Mikkungwak) 4161
022 – 4(3): Annual Fuel Purchases by the Government of Nunavut and Fuel Distribution Service Contracts (Mikkungwak) 4163
023 – 4(3): Promotion Decisions under Section 15 of the Education Act (Enook) 4163
024 – 4(3): Administration of Human Resources Manual Directive 206: Preferential Treatment (Okalik) 4164
025 – 4(3): Strategic Investments Program (Akoak) 4165
026 – 4(3): Status of Decentralization (Enook) 4165
295 – 4(3): Letter to David Joanasie, Chair of Standing Committee on Government Estimates and Operations Regarding Revision to 2017-2020 Business Plan Content (Taptuna) 4166
296 – 4(3): Report Respecting Benefits Paid to Ministers under the Ministerial Benefits Policies for the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2016 (Taptuna) 4166
297 – 4(3): Letter to Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. Regarding the Carbon Tax (Taptuna) 4166
298 – 4(3): Fuel Tax Rebate Program Summary Report for 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 (Peterson) 4166
299 – 4(3): Department of Justice 2016 Minimum Wage Rate Annual Report (Peterson) 4166
300 – 4(3): Nunavut Victim Services Annual Report 2015-2016 Community Justice Division (Peterson) 4166
301 – 4(3): Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal 2015-2016 Annual Report (Peterson) 4167
302 – 4(3): Nunavut Crime Prevention Strategy March 2017 (Peterson) 4167
303 – 4(3): Minister of Languages Annual Report 2012-2013 (Kuksuk) 4167
304 – 4(3): Minister of Languages Annual Report 2013-2014 (Kuksuk) 4167
305 – 4(3): NHC Contracting and Procurement Activity Report March 31, 2016 (Kuksuk) 4167
306 – 4(3): Department of Education 2014-2015 Annual Report (Quassa) 4167
307 – 4(3): Inuit Language Loss in Nunavut: Analysis, Forecast, and Recommendations (Joanasie) 4168
308 – 4(3): Photographs of the Qajaq Program in Chesterfield Inlet (Sammurtok, T) 4168
309 – 4(3): Speaker’s List of Outstanding Statutory Tabling Requirements (Speaker) 4168
046 – 4(3): Extension of Question Period (Mikkungwak) 4159
016 – 4(3): Bill 38, Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti Implementation Act, Clause 1 Amendment (Ell-Kanayuk) 4188
Bill 39 – Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2017 – First Reading 4168
Bill 39 – Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2017 – Second Reading 4169
Bill 26 – An Act to Amend the Social Assistance Act – Consideration in Committee 4169
Bill 28 – An Act to Amend Certain Acts Respecting Codes and Standards – Consideration in Committee 4175
Bill 30 – An Act to Amend the Fire Prevention Act – Consideration in Committee 4181
Bill 38 – Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti Implementation Act – Consideration in Committee 4185
Bill 41 – An Act to Amend Certain Acts Respecting Annual Reports Provided to the Speaker – Consideration in Committee 4191
Bill 43 – An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act – Consideration in Committee 4193
Bill 26 – An Act to Amend the Social Assistance Act – Third Reading 4197
Bill 28 – An Act to Amend Certain Acts Respecting Codes and Standards – Third Reading 4197
Bill 30 – An Act to Amend the Fire Prevention Act – Third Reading 4197
Bill 38 – Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti Implementation Act – Third Reading 4198
Bill 41 – An Act to Amend Certain Acts Respecting Annual Reports Provided to the Speaker – Third Reading 4198
Bill 43 – An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act – Third Reading 4198
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Johnny Mike.  Item 2: Ministers’ Statements
Minister’s Statement 285 – 4(3): New Power Plant for Qikiqtarjuaq (Mike)
Good afternoon, Nunavummiut and residents of my community.
Mr. Speaker, this past September the Qulliq Energy Corporation completed the construction and testing of a new power plant in the community of Taloyoak.
I am pleased to rise today to announce that the energy corporation is continuing to take strides toward their long-term plan to rebuild and modernize Nunavut’s aging infrastructure with the completion of the corporation’s newest power plant in Qikiqtarjuaq.
The new power plant has been in full operation since December 2016 and replaced one of the oldest power plants in the territory.
(interpretation ends) A reliable supply of electricity is critical to all Nunavummiut. Qikiqtarjuaq’s new plant will ensure that the community will have a source of power they can rely on for decades to come.
(interpretation) The new plant’s environmental benefits include a reduction in carbon emissions and less sound pollution due to the installation of four new fuel-efficient generator sets as well as a hospital grade silencer.
In addition, the plant’s new design can accommodate community expansion and already allows for the integration of renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind energy systems.
Mr. Speaker, the energy corporation is committed to supplying Nunavummiut with dependable and affordable energy while actively seeking opportunities to move our territory towards a clean and sustainable energy future.
Our priority is to rebuild our infrastructure to provide more reliable power while also opening new doors that allow for renewable energy systems to be developed in Nunavut today.
On behalf of the energy corporation, I would like to extend my gratitude to the residents of Qikiqtarjuaq for their support throughout the construction of the community’s new power plant.
I look forward to celebrating the new power plant with residents and officials of Qikiqtarjuaq with a grand opening and community feast in late March.
Minister’s Statement 286 – 4(3): CBC’s “Keeping Canada Safe” Documentary (Peterson)
Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, with Canada turning 150 this year, CBC will be launching a “Keeping Canada Safe” documentary series where Canadians are introduced to a day in the life of those who help keep our country safe and secure.
The aim of this series is to inspire conversation about what it means to be safe in a world that is rapidly evolving.
In September of 2016 the Department of Justice took part in the filming of an episode for this eight-part CBC series. In the Nunavut episode, the film crew went on an overnight trip with the Corrections Division Cultural Skills Program team and three low-risk incarcerated Nunavummiut.
The film highlights Nunavut’s unique program that is provided to incarcerated individuals, who are given the opportunity to learn traditional skills and share knowledge on the land, which will assist them with their successful reintegration back into our communities.
The Nunavut segment is scheduled to air on April 6, 2017 on CBC at 9:00 p.m. eastern.
I encourage my colleagues here in the House and all Nunavummiut to tune in to see some of the good work being done by the Corrections Division and our inmates.
Minister’s Statement 287 – 4(3): Response after Second Reading of Bill 37 (Quassa)
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I rise today to respond to a statement that Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated released shortly after the introduction of Bill 37, An Act to Amend the Education Act and the Inuit Language Protection Act.
Mr. Speaker, this government is taking concrete action on language revitalization and student outcomes.
The amendments in Bill 37 ensure the consistent delivery of Inuktitut as the language of instruction, even where there are a limited number of bilingual teachers.
Consistency will improve program delivery, resource development, assessments, and teacher training.
Mr. Speaker, I have ordered a review of the Nunavut Teacher Education Program that will focus on increasing the number of Inuktut teachers and content teachers.
Further, my department and Nunavut Arctic College are designing new programs to increase Inuit employment and to expand the use of Inuktut in our schools.
We are collaborating with NTI on an updated Inuit employment plan for educators.
Mr. Speaker, we have launched the first ever Inuktut guided reading system. We have already produced over 300 books and teaching guides and we will be providing more books as planned.
Some of these books were on display in the foyer on March 2.
Mr. Speaker, we have made great progress in developing new curriculum and resources to support language development.
Mr. Speaker, taking action to prevent language loss is the responsibility we all share.
Efforts must be made at home with parents and the difficult work to standardize Inuktitut must begin now.
We must establish a standardized writing system and a standardized vocabulary as building blocks to making Inuktut the first language of schools, government, and businesses in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, fellow members, and citizens of Nunavut, let us all work together to make Inuktut a vehicle for social, cultural and economic revitalization in Nunavut.
Minister’s Statement 288 – 4(3): Fire Prevention Activities (Savikataaq)
I rise today to discuss fire prevention activities in Nunavut.
The 2016 annual report from the Office of the Fire Marshal shows that the number of fires in Nunavut has dropped, the dollar loss from fires decreased, and there were no fatalities resulting from fires last year.
Since 2004 the Office of the Fire Marshal has provided fire prevention education activities in schools across the territory through the annual Fire Prevention Calendar and the Fire Prevention Colouring Contest.
We distributed 4,000 calendars in 2016 which featured photos of our firefighter training courses and students’ drawings. I am very pleased to report that there were 780 pictures submitted from 11 schools in the territory.
Each student received a certificate from me and a congratulation letter from the Office of the Fire Marshal.
There was a total of $7,000 in prize money distributed to the winning schools.
These funds will be used for a student activity programs. Individual gifts were also awarded to students with winning submissions.
Today I have the privilege of announcing the winners of the annual colouring contest and they are:
From Rankin Inlet, Gianna-Adrielle Hernandez;
From Iqaluit, Max Borden;
Arviat, Alexia Gibbons and Terrance Arnalak;
From Naujaat, Kera Tegumiar;
Pangnirtung, Drew Lucas;
Gjoa Haven, Brittney Takkiruq;
Igloolik, Hailey Qamaniq and Randy Angilirq;
Coral Harbour, Jarr Jar;
Arctic Bay, Vincen Oyukuluk;
Kugluktuk, Shauntay Bolt.
Minister’s Statement 289 – 4(3): Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit’s Inuktut Language Conference (Kuksuk)
Good afternoon, Nunavummiut (interpretation) and my colleagues.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce that Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit will be hosting a conference on Inuktut grammar in Cambridge Bay from March 14 to 17, 2017.
About 50 language experts and elders from various communities are expected to attend, especially from the Kitikmeot communities.
During this conference Taiguusiliuqtiit will consult with participants on the progress towards achieving a unified writing system and future plans for further consultations.
Mr. Speaker, my cabinet colleagues and I are looking forward to this important work and future recommendations on a unified writing system for Nunavummiut.
Minister’s Statement 290 – 4(3): Community Economic Development Meetings (Ell-Kanayuk)
Mr. Speaker, starting in November of 2016 and beginning in the Kitikmeot, the Department of Economic Development and Transportation has been holding economic development meetings with communities.
The purpose of these meetings is to learn the type of economic development activities that communities desire and believe are possible, and the kind of investments they hope to attract.
The information will contribute to the renewal of the Nunavut Economic Development Strategy, or NEDS.
I am pleased to provide my colleagues with an update on the progress of these meetings for the rest of the territory.
The North Qikiqtaaluk meetings began on Monday, February 20 and concluded on February 28.
The South Qikiqtaaluk region meetings will begin next week, followed by the meetings in the Kivalliq in mid-April.
The Kivalliq dates will be confirmed closer to the start of the meetings.
Mr. Speaker, in addition to the community meetings, there is also an online economic development survey, which can be submitted anonymously.
I look forward to hearing how Nunavut communities wish to move forward in developing our economy.
Minister’s Statement 291 – 4(3): Partnership with Aurora College for Underground Mine Training (Quassa)
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I rise in the House today to inform my fellow members of the progress of Sanatuliqsarvik, the Nunavut Mining and Trades Training Centre located in Rankin Inlet.
Nunavut Arctic College has consulted with industry and identified a need to deliver an introduction to underground mining program and an underground mining program.
This will benefit Nunavummiut greatly as current careers in underground mining require the training and more careers will be developed in the coming years.
The college’s first Introduction to Underground Mining Program was successfully delivered in October 2016. This program was sponsored by the Kivalliq Mine Training Society, yet delivered by Nunavut Arctic College at the Sanatuliqsarvik Mining and Trades Training Centre in Rankin Inlet.
There were seven successful students.
Our second delivery of the Introduction to Underground Mining Program is currently being delivered in Rankin Inlet, also sponsored by the Kivalliq Mine Training Society.
In September of 2016 Nunavut Arctic College did not possess curriculum for the underground mining training program. However, the college has now partnered with Aurora College in the Northwest Territories to obtain the course materials and to offer these courses.
Moving forward, the college plans to further adapt our underground mining programs to Nunavut industry standards.
I am pleased to announce that our college has consulted with representatives from the mining industry, such as Agnico Eagle.
As employers, they have offered to provide Nunavut Arctic College with subject matter experts who will review and adapt our curriculum as necessary and to ensure that we meet the employability requirements of their industry and Nunavut’s specific Mining Regulations. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 535 – 4(3): Update on the Activities at Piqqusilirivvik (Keyootak)
I rise today to ask you to join me in expressing congratulations.
We know that in Clyde River the Ilisaqsivik Society is operating very well.
The Ilisaqsivik Society goes to other communities to provide support and it’s all Inuit who work at Ilisaqsivik.
There is no English spoken at that workplace and they do very good work.
The managers and counsellors are all Inuit.