EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Territorial rates will be phased in over a number of years beginning in 2014 with limits placed on the maximum increase or decrease that domestic and commercial customers will face during the transition period.
Mr. Speaker, the GRA phase 2 application is solely a rate rebalancing exercise between communities and rate classes to collect the revenue approved in the phase 1 of the GRA.
Phase 2 does not seek to increase overall revenue for the corporation.
The Utility Rates Review Council (URRC) agreed with the corporation’s proposal to phase in territorial rates over a number of years.
Mr. Speaker, the URRC accepted QEC’s request to limit the maximum territorial rate adjustment to a 5 percent increase or a 4 percent decrease for the domestic and commercial rate classes in any community at any given time.
Mr. Speaker, delaying the move towards territorial rates allows customers time to adjust to the rate increase implemented in April 2011.
It also provides the Government of Nunavut an opportunity to review its electrical subsidy programs to ensure they provide maximum benefit to Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of the URRC in organizing the community consultations for the general rate application. The URRC ensured that Nunavummiut were provided an opportunity to discuss the corporation’s application and that their concerns were heard.
Minister responsible for Environment, Minister Arreak.
Minister’s Statement 108 – 3(3): Nunavut Coastal Resource Inventory 2012 Status (Arreak)
I send my greetings to the people of Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq, as well as Jimmy.
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to inform members on the progress of this very important project: Nunavut Coastal Resource Inventory.
The Nunavut Coastal Resource Inventory Project was started by the Fisheries and Sealing Division of the Department of Environment in 2007.
Our first project was conducted in Igloolik and since then, we have carried out projects in Kugluktuk, Chesterfield Inlet, Arctic Bay, Kimmirut, Qikiqtarjuaq, Sanikiluaq, Gjoa Haven, Iqaluit, and Repulse Bay.
Community-based coastal inventories are a way to collect, record, and map Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit into a central database.
This information can then be linked with other scientific research and knowledge.
Coastal inventories are an integration of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and science information on Nunavut marine species.
Information is gathered from community interviews, reports, research, and maps.
Gathering this type of information in one central location will be the future foundation of fisheries and fur management and other species relevant to Nunavut’s renewable resources.
It will assist in determining where fish resources are located, areas to conduct test fisheries, where to develop new fisheries, and where there is a need to gather more data.
Information collected may also lead to the identification and development of coastal parks, related tourism opportunities and economic development in coastal areas.
Information collected will be useful in identifying sensitive terrestrial and marine coastal areas, breeding grounds, species location and populations, habitats, and significant landscape features.
Community residents are employed during the project to help conduct the interviews and gather data.
Community involvement is encouraged throughout the process and final reports are provided to the community.
Mr. Speaker, we all recognize that social and economic change is forever upon us. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to ensure we record, protect, and conserve Nunavut’s traditional coastal, biological, cultural, and ecological knowledge before it disappears.
Minister’s Statement 109 – 3(3): Qikiqtarjuaq Air Terminal Building Opening (Taptuna)
Good afternoon, colleagues, Kuglukturmiut, and Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that the grand opening of the Qikiqtarjuaq Airport Terminal Building on January 10, 2012 was a huge success.
The entire community turned out to celebrate this important milestone in the hamlet’s history.
Mr. Speaker, by leveraging our own capital with federal funding under the Building Canada Plan, we were able the secure the $4.3 million that was required to complete this project.
This spacious, new energy-efficient building will serve the community for many years to come.
In addition to providing the travelling public with a comfortable place to gather for departures and arrivals, the new structure provides for improved baggage handling and more office space for the air carriers and airport staff.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the individuals, departments, and companies that were involved in the completion of this project.
Most of all, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the people of Qikiqtarjuaq for their patience throughout this whole process and for their warm and generous hospitality, which was displayed in abundance during the festivities on January 10.
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the people of Qikiqtarjuaq on the opening of their new airport terminal building.
Minister’s Statement 110 – 3(3): 2012 Arctic Winter Games (Arreak)
The Arctic Winter Games are the highest profile multi-sport games competition for Nunavut athletes.
The 22nd Arctic Winter Games will take place in Whitehorse, Yukon March 4 to 10, 2012.
The games will provide an opportunity for 289 Nunavummiut to compete in sport and take part in cultural exchange with participants from around the circumpolar world.
Team Nunavut will consist of 230 athletes and cultural performers, 48 coaches, and 14 mission staff selected from across Nunavut to compete and interact with other participants from around the Arctic world.
Colleagues, I ask that you join me in wishing all the participants best luck in their sporting and cultural activities as they head to the Arctic Winter Games next week and to thank the volunteers who make these events possible across Nunavut.
I’m sure all members wish all 230 delegates from Team Nunavut the best of success in Whitehorse.
Moving on in the Ministers’ Statements.
Minister’s Statement 111 – 3(3): Canada’s Outstanding Principals 2012 (Aariak)
I also would like to welcome all the members to our first day of session.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate someone who has made a significant contribution to our society.
I am proud to announce that Gina Pizzo, principal of Netsilik School in Taloyoak, has been named one of Canada’s outstanding principals for 2012.
The Canada’s Outstanding Principals program was developed by The Learning Partnership and is now in its eighth year.
This program recognizes individuals who show exceptional leadership by sharing their vision, engaging their communities, and supporting and encouraging their staff and students.
Mr. Speaker, Gina Pizzo began her career in Nunavut in 1985 and she has always worked closely with her students, their families, and the community.
She has built partnerships with staff, parents, elders, and community members so that she can provide her students with learning opportunities that are based on their language and culture. Her understanding of the need to incorporate language and culture in the public education system has helped her students gain a strong sense of self and pride in where they came from.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, Gina Pizzo has the ability to be innovative and creative in finding solutions that best meet the needs of her staff and students.
Netsilik School offers many intramural sports, instrumental music, a breakfast program, a fall caribou hunt, and a spring seal hunt. Preschool and primary grades are taught entirely in Inuktitut.
Mr. Speaker, Gina’s work with the community and her belief in her students has allowed her to build a welcoming, inclusive school that supports successful learning. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Please join me in congratulating Gina Pizzo.
Speaker: Thank you, Madam Aariak. Congratulations, Gina.
Member’s Statement 149 – 3(3): Televised Proceedings in Hall Beach (Tapardjuk)
I am also quite ecstatic to return to Iqaluit for our winter session.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on behalf of Hall Beach residents in particular.
For quite some time now, they’ve had no access to the audio and transmission of the televised proceedings of the Legislative Assembly, even though we have been meeting and they are only getting bits of information.
I was recently informed that the faulty parts have been replaced and that the community will receive full access to the televised proceedings and people will be able to listen in, just like all Nunavummiut through television.
Essentially, I am welcoming the Hall Beach residents back to the digital age.
Like their fellow Nunavummiut, they will now be able to watch the proceedings and they have rejoined their fellow citizens. So I would like to ask my colleagues to share in welcoming the community of Hall Beach as they will have access shortly.
Member’s Statement 150 – 3(3): Banking Services in Smaller Communities (Aupaluktuq)
I send my greetings to Baker Lake residents, both elders and youth, as well as people we have met in the Kivalliq region, along with entrepreneurs and those Inuit who are benefiting from the developments currently underway, along with the mining industry.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the need for expanded banking services, as several constituents have encouraged me to speak to this issue, particularly in relation to acquiring a banking facility in our community, as well as in our smaller communities throughout Nunavut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, as you know, these are exciting times in the Kivalliq for development.
Earlier today, Agnico-Eagle Mines announced that it has received permission from the Nunavut Impact Review Board to proceed to the next step of permitting for the construction of an all-weather access road to the Meliadine advanced exploration gold project.
In my community of Baker Lake, Mr. Speaker, the Meadowbank Gold Mine continues to be a major driver of economic development. The mine has created much needed employment for my constituents and I am proud to continue to be a strong advocate for environmentally responsible mining development.
Mr. Speaker, there continues to be a need for expanded banking services in Nunavut communities outside of the regional centres.
In recent years, the Atuqtuarvik Corporation has been working with its strategic partner, the First Nations Bank of Canada, to explore opportunities for expanded community banking in the Kivalliq.
I’m sure the same applies for the Kitikmeot as well as other communities in the Baffin.
The need for expanded banking services has also been identified by the government as an important factor in economic development.
Mr. Speaker, Baker Lake and other communities are open for business. I invite our banks and other financial institutions to join us in partnership in order to provide the basic service needs of consumers as well as contributors to the development of Nunavut, these basic essential needs for access to services and transfer of dollars in order to bank their good earnings and planning for the future of their children.
It was just a statement that needed to be verified in terms of wanting to ensure that all communities have access to resources and being able to transfer resources as well.
So on behalf of Baker Lake, it was a statement that I would like to share with the House.
Member’s Statement 151 – 3(3): Federal Support for Healthy Lifestyles (Elliott)
I rise today to address an inconsistency in the way our federal government supports measures intended to promote healthier lifestyles amongst Canadians and particularly northerners.
Mr. Speaker, I am confident you will be aware of a number of national initiatives focusing on dietary choices which pose a threat to the health of Canadians.
Mr. Speaker, in 2011, the national Sodium Working Group recommended that the federal government introduce regulatory measures to reduce dietary sodium and impose restrictions on the commercial marketing of high-sodium foods to children, amongst other suggestions. However, the federal government chose not to endorse the Sodium Implementation Report and has not introduced the recommended regulatory mechanisms.
Instead it is left to the food producing industry to make any such reductions voluntarily.
Mr. Speaker, a Health Canada expert panel recommended that energy drinks, such as Red Bull and Monster, be labelled as “stimulant drug containing drinks” in part to limit the marketing of such stimulant loaded drinks to teens and children. The federal government chose instead to introduce new labelling of these products and they remain on the food shelves.
Mr. Speaker, in recent years, the dangers of trans-fats in foods have become well known, as they increase the risk of clogged arteries and heart disease.
And yet, the federal government chose not to adopt the Trans Fat Task Force’s recommendations to establish regulatory trans-fat limits. It is still left to industry to reduce those levels voluntarily.
And yet, Mr. Speaker, with a program such as Nutrition North Canada, we find that the list of foods eligible for federal subsidy when being shipped to northern communities is determined according to guidelines, such as sodium levels and other health-related criteria.
Mr. Speaker, I find this inconsistency in the federal approach to be a glaring one. The federal government will not take a stand on regulating corporate industry for the greater good and the greater health of all Canadians.
And yet, for a small population of northerners, the federal government imposes restrictions which totally limit the ability of northerners to make their own health and lifestyle choices.
Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would ask for unanimous consent to continue with my Member’s Statement today.
Mr. Speaker, I find this situation intolerable. If southern Canadians are free to make dietary decisions, then northern Canadians should have the same freedom of choice.
I call upon the federal government to reconsider the list of eligible items subsidized under the Nutrition North Canada Program.
Northerners are just as intelligent and able to make responsible and healthy decisions as other Canadians.
Member’s Statement 152 – 3(3): Power Outages in Pond Inlet (Enook)
I rise today to raise concerns regarding recent power outages in my community of Pond Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, in recent months, the community has suffered from power blackouts that have sometimes lasted for 12 to 14 hours.
One recent outage occurred over Christmas.
This was quite stressful to the residents of Pond Inlet and it caused hardships for some.
As you know, Mr. Speaker, the worst time of year for such incidents to occur is in the middle of winter, when our temperatures plunge below minus 30 degrees and the community is in 24 hours of darkness.
Mr. Speaker, I want to pay tribute to the local employees of the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Kain Killiktee and Kelly Manik, who work long hours to restore power, heat, and light to our community’s homes.
I want to recognize their dedication and to express our sincerest gratitude as residents for keeping our community from freezing.
Mr. Speaker, I am aware that the Qulliq Energy Corporation has published information for residents concerning safety during power outages.
As the MLA for Tununiq, I am concerned that the frequency and duration of recent power outages in Pond Inlet indicates that the plant may need significant upgrades.
Later in our sitting, I will have questions for the minister concerning the QEC’s review of this situation.
Member’s Statement 153 – 3(3): Tribute to Matty McNair (Ell)
Ms. Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I send my greetings to the residents of Iqaluit West.
I would like to welcome my colleagues for coming back for the winter session.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to begin our sitting by taking this opportunity to pay tribute to one of my constituents, Matty McNair.
As you know, Mr. Speaker, Matty is a long-time resident of Iqaluit who was recently honoured by the Queen for her contributions to polar exploration.
Mr. Speaker, in December of last year, Matty travelled to Buckingham Palace to attend an event in her honour.
Mr. Speaker, Matty’s commitment to this community and the north is well known. She is a respected female entrepreneur who has done much to promote and defend our sealing industry and the use of traditional clothing.
Mr. Speaker, this year is also the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. I look forward to the celebrations to honour deserving Canadians and Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in paying tribute to Matty McNair. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Congratulations, Matty.
Member’s Statement 154 – 3(3): Miqqut Literacy Program at Rankin Inlet (Curley)
Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, people of Rankin Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, when I was in Rankin Inlet recently, I visited two projects which are helping our young people.
The first one is the Miqqut Program delivered by the Rankin Inlet Nunavut Literacy Council office.
This program is designed to offer essential skills to young women, where they learn to do traditional sewing and contemporary modern sewing with sewing machines and also learn basic literacy skills, read, write, and work on problem-solving skills.
There are 15 young women.
The youngest one is 20 years old and the eldest one is in their late 30s.
Their instructors are:
Marianne Inuaraq Tattuinee
Aline Kumak Kabvitok
Adile Kumaruaq Angidlik
Helen Iguptaq
Epiksout Dion, who is from Coral Harbour
The coordinators for this program are Catherine Quluaq Pilakapsi, Gloria Uluqsi, and Adriana Kusugak.
Adrianna and Gloria also teach the literacy component.
Funding for the Miqqut Program is from the following organizations that I would like to thank:
Nunavut Literacy Council
Department of Economic Development and Transportation, Government of Nunavut (the Nunavut Sealing Strategy)
Department of Education (income for older workers program to help pay salary)
HRSDC, federal government (possibly for the literacy component)  Sakku First Air Aviation gave a donation of $7,500
They also received discounts for materials from the local co-op, Kissarvik Co-op, and local business, Kativik Enterprises. First Air also gave them a generous freight rate discount for materials received outside of Rankin Inlet.
Also, the Fur Production and Design Program is delivered in Rankin Inlet for the first time by Nunavut Arctic College. There are seven young women in this certificate program. The lead instructor is Rosemary Sandy.
It is funded by NAC and GN (sealskin strategy).
I would like to thank the young people for taking this course and I would like to see their future and they would be able to work on their instructions that they had learned.
Return to Oral Question 213 – 3(3): “Solution Box” on Government Website (Clerk)
Return to Oral Question 219 – 3(3): Number of Active Cases of TB in Nunavut (Clerk)
*See Appendix for full text of Returns to Oral Questions 213 – 3(3) and 219 – 3(3) filed with the Clerk.
I wish to table the returns to oral questions that were taken as notice during the October 2011 sitting. They are No. 213 and No. 219.
I thought you might have forgotten where I was from, being here so much over the years.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome some very special guests to the Gallery today. I would like to welcome, and I apologize if I mispronounce your name, my colleague from Greenland, the Minister of Health, Agathe Fontain.
With her is her staff, Ann Birkekaer Kjeldsen.
Julie Praest Wilche.
Hanne Vibjerg.
Mr. Speaker, the folks from Greenland had a long trip to get here. They had to travel from Nuuk and they had to go to Europe, to Copenhagen, and then fly across the Atlantic Ocean to Toronto, Ottawa, and then up to Iqaluit.
We are very pleased that they came here. We had good meetings on the weekend and I learned quite a bit.
We learned that we had some similar issues with the Department of Health.
I hope to visit the Greenland folks this summer, when there is, I believe, a direct flight going from Iqaluit to Nuuk.
That will be a two-hour flight rather than a three-day trip.
I welcome our guests to the Gallery.
Welcome to the Gallery and to Nunavut.
I am honoured to rise today to recognize two of my young constituents from Arviat. Although they travelled all night and arrived here at two o’clock in the morning, they made it here.
I would like to welcome them to the Chambers, Mr. Speaker, two of the pages who will be taking care of us and our needs during our sitting of this Assembly this week, two grade 11 students from John Arnalukjuak High School in Arviat. Ms. Stephanie Aulajut, please stand up.
And Ms. Vayda Kaviok.
Welcome to these two young people and enjoy your time in Iqaluit and the experience you gain from contributing to our sitting of the House this week.
I rise today to recognize several constituents visiting from our community, the first person with whom I worked for many years at our local housing maintenance and who was my supervisor, managing several maintainers, and who currently is working at a position here in Iqaluit.
I would like to recognize my fellow community member, Steve Qarpik.
Mr. Speaker, further, sitting right next to him is another person who I know quite well and I see him from time to time and he is also a friend.
I have never recognized him formally here, so this will be my first time recognizing him.
Lenrick is an electrician in this region and travels to different communities to work on electrical work and many people know him.
I would like to recognize Lenrick. Welcome.
I would like to take this opportunity to recognize everyone else who’s here in the Gallery that wasn’t recognized and welcome them to our proceedings.
Moving on in the orders of the day. Item 6.
Question 223 – 3(3): Fuel Tax Rebate Program (Aupaluktuq)
I would particularly like to recognize and welcome the delegation from Greenland.
I’ve had the opportunity to go to a very scenic and beautiful place in Greenland. I even lost my homesickness during that trip.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, my questions are directed to the Hon. Minister of Finance.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Finance is responsible for administering the government’s Fuel Tax Rebate Program.
Under this program, companies that enter into development partnership agreements with the government are eligible for a fuel tax rebate.
The government’s most recent annual report on the administration of this program was tabled in the Legislative Assembly by the Minister of Finance on October 27, 2010.
Can the minister tell the House today when he will be able to table the 2010-11 annual report on the administration of the Fuel Tax Rebate Program?
Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank Mr. Aupaluktuq for the question.
Mr. Speaker, as everybody well knows, it’s important to table required documents as soon as possible.
I assure the member that I will follow up with the status of that particular report and let him know when it will be tabled.
I have here a note by Agnico-Eagle on January 23, 2012 addressed to the minister and as well, I received a copy of this in regard to the letter by Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd. on the fuel tax rebate.
With this, I think I would like to ask with respect to the department and the process of ensuring our companies are also being acknowledged as well and participating in the development of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, it’s my understanding that the Meadowbank division of Agnico-Eagle Mines has applied for a fuel tax rebate on the fuel taxes that were paid in 2010, but that its application was partially rejected by the Department of Finance.
Can the minister explain why the company’s application was partially rejected and can he indicate if this issue has been resolved?
Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank Mr. Aupaluktuq for that question.
Mr. Speaker, as everyone knows in this House, there are contribution agreements and other types of agreements that are signed and there are conditions in the agreements.
I understand from that particular… . I think he is referring to a development partnership agreement.
There were conditions.
The report that they were supposed to file was not received on time.