EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
NTI, the RCMP, the Embrace Life Council, and the GN have been working very hard to develop those relationships with all communities.
I would suggest that we will continue this work, but we have made progress. We have been engaging with regional Inuit organizations through their CLOs, our GLOs, our wellness committees, and justice committees.
We called all the hamlets in April to find out what is working and we will continue that work. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
We are on Health. Operations and Maintenance. Not Previously Authorized.
Not Previously Authorized. $3,938,000.
Very briefly, how many communities will be getting an increase in water rates?
That is for one community and the community is Taloyoak in the Kitikmeot.
Total Nunavut Housing Corporation. $193,000.
Not Previously Authorized. $193,000.
Operations and Maintenance Appropriation. $4,750,000.
Chairman: Go to Bill 18 in your legislation binder.  I think you have your binders out.
Vote 1: Operations and Maintenance. Total Appropriation. $4,750,000.
Chairman: Do members agree to Bill 18 as a whole?
Chairman: Do members agree, pursuant to Rule 62(2), that Bill 18 can immediately be placed on the orders of the day for third reading?
I would just like to thank the departments of Health, Family Services, and Education for all the hard work on putting the suicide prevention strategy together and working so hard with the communities and all the folks who are dealing with the suicide issue every day; grief counsellors, mental health workers, the RCMP, nurses, community leaders, and elders.
A shout-out to the Embrace Life Council and the RCMP. As the Minister of Justice, I receive death notifications on a regular basis and quite often, it’s a tragedy that someone else has completed a suicide.
I would like to thank my officials, Chris D’Arcy and Camilius Egeni, and through them to all our staff in the Department of Finance and across all the other departments who prepared these documents.
A special thank you to Karen Kabloona for appearing with us today to answer your detailed questions.
Chairman: Thank you. Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the officials from the witness table.
As per Rule 6(1), I will now recognize the time and report to the Speaker.
Speaker: Item [20]. (interpretation) Report of the Committee of the Whole.
Your committee has been considering Bills 17 and 18 and would like to report that Bills 17 and 18 are immediately ready for third reading and that one committee motion was adopted.
Bill 17 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2016-2017 – Third Reading
Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Arviat South, that Bill 17, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2016-2017, be read for the third time.
Opposed. (interpretation ends) The motion is carried and Bill 17 is ready for assent.
Bill 18 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2016-2017 – Third Reading
Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Arviat South, that Bill 18, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2016-2017, be read for the third time.
Before we proceed, Mr. Clerk, will you please determine if the Commissioner of Nunavut is prepared to enter the Chamber to give assent to bills.
Commissioner Nellie Kusugak (interpretation): Please be seated.
Mr. Speaker, (interpretation ends) Premier, (interpretation) and Members of the Legislative Assembly, welcome.
(interpretation ends) Bill 17, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2016-2017; (interpretation) and
(interpretation ends) Bill 18, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2016-2017.
(interpretation) Even though it’s cold, it says here that it’s getting warmer, but it’s cold out.
I wish you all a safe summer on the land and water, and have a good time with your families.
Thank you for representing the people here. We thank you. That’s all.
Just a reminder that there is a meeting of the Management and Services Board tomorrow morning at ten o’clock in the Tuktu Boardroom.
Colleagues, I would like to show my appreciation to our pages. They have worked very well.
They are all from Iqaluit. I thank them.
They are Anna Noah, Alana Baines, and Meagan Hutchings.
I thank all of you.
In addition, before we close, I would like to say that my son is having a birthday tomorrow and he will be 11 years old.
Have a happy birthday tomorrow.
(interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until Wednesday, October 19, at 1:30 p.m.
>>House adjourned at 18:34
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Pages 2215 – 2251
Opening Prayer 2215
Speaker’s Statement 2215
Money Message 2215
Ministers’ Statements 2215
Members’ Statements 2219
Returns to Oral Questions* 2228
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 2228
Oral Questions 2230
Returns to Written Questions* 2246
Tabling of Documents 2246
Notices of Motions 2247
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 2248
Motions 2248
Orders of the Day 2250
Tuesday, October 18, 2016 2215
147 – 4(3): Minister Absent from the House (Quassa) 2216
148 – 4(3): Wildlife Damage Prevention and Compensation Programs (Savikataaq) 2216
149 – 4(3): Public Consultation on Proposed Amendments to the Education Act (Quassa) 2216
150 – 4(3): 20th Anniversary of the Arctic Council (Taptuna) 2217
151 – 4(3): Blueprint for Action on Housing (Kuksuk) 2218
296 – 4(3): Successful Summer Hunting (Shooyook) 2219
297 – 4(3): Tribute to Bryan Pearson (Angnakak) 2219
298 – 4(3): Portable High School in Cape Dorset (Joanasie) 2220
299 – 4(3): Tribute to Joanasie Kooneeloosie (Keyootak) 2221
300 – 4(3): Tribute to Bryan “Salluq” Pearson (Okalik) 2222
301 – 4(3): Nutrition North Canada Program (Enook) 2223
302 – 4(3): Congratulations to Sammy Kogvik on the Discovery of HMS Terror (Akoak) 2225
303 – 4(3): Happy Third Birthday to Child (Qirngnuq) 2225
304 – 4(3): Premiere of Maliglutit – Zacharias Kunuk’s Latest Film (Quassa) 2226
305 – 4(3): The Beginning of High School Education in Pangnirtung (Mike) 2227
306 – 4(3): Update on Events in Constituency (Taptuna) 2227
Return to Oral Question 377 – 4(3): Grise Fiord Airport (Clerk) 2228
393 – 4(3): Status of Nanisivik Naval Facility and Site Clean-up (Shooyook) 2230
394 – 4(3): Keeping Our Schools Safe (Joanasie) 2232
395 – 4(3): Sealift Cargo Removal in Pond Inlet (Enook) 2234
396 – 4(3): Shortage of Student Support Assistants (Sammurtok, A) 2235
397 – 4(3): Activities of the Energy Secretariat (Mikkungwak) 2237
398 – 4(3): Status of Agreement Between the Government of Nunavut, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police “V” Division, and the Ottawa Police Service (Okalik) 2238
399 – 4(3): Qikiqtarjuaq Port (Keyootak) 2240
400 – 4(3): Impact of Carbon Price on the North (Angnakak) 2241
401 – 4(3): Classroom Space in Kugaaruk (Qirngnuq) 2244
Return to Written Question 012 – 4(3): Medical and Duty Travel on Scheduled Airlines (Clerk) 2246
Return to Written Question 013 – 4(3): Community Transportation Initiatives and Small Craft Harbours Programs (Clerk) 2246
Return to Written Question 014 – 4(3): Enforcement of the Liquor Act (Clerk) 2246
Return to Written Question 015 – 4(3): Government of Nunavut Expenditures on Overtime Pay (Clerk) 2246
176 – 4(3): Response to the Standing Committee on the Review of the 2013-14 Annual Report of the Languages Commissioner of Nunavut and the 2012-13, 2013-14, and 2014-15 Annual Reports of the Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit (Kuksuk) 2246
177 – 4(3): Adopted Resolutions from the 2016 Annual General Meeting of the Nunavut Association of Municipalities (Angnakak) 2246
178 – 4(3): Qikiqtarjuaq Port Design Concept (Keyootak) 2247
179 – 4(3): Photographs of Waste Oil Containers and Empty Drums in Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt) 2247
180 – 4(3): Photographs of Location for the Installation of Mooring Bollards at Pond Inlet Harbour (Enook) 2247
181 – 4(3): 2015-16 Annual Report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Nunavut (Speaker) 2247
182 – 4(3): 2016 Annual Report of the Integrity Commissioner of Nunavut (Speaker) 2247
030 – 4(3): Extended Sitting Hours and Days – Notice (Mikkungwak) 2248
031 – 4(3): Appointment of the Chief Electoral Officer – Notice (Angnakak) 2248
030 – 4(3): Extended Sitting Hours and Days (Mikkungwak) 2248
031 – 4(3): Appointment of the Chief Electoral Officer (Angnakak) 2249
032 – 4(3): Adjournment for the Day (Rumbolt) 2250
Bill 24 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2017-2018 – Notice 2248
Mr. Tony Akoak, Ms. Pat Angnakak, Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk, Mr. Joe Enook, Mr. David Joanasie, Mr. Pauloosie Keyootak, Hon. George Kuksuk, Hon. Johnny Mike, Mr. Simeon Mikkungwak, Mr. Paul Okalik, Hon. Keith Peterson, Mr. Emiliano Qirngnuq, Hon. Paul Quassa, Hon. George Qulaut, Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Mr. Alexander Sammurtok, Mr. Tom Sammurtok, Hon. Joe Savikataaq, Mr. Isaac Shooyook, Hon. Peter Taptuna.
I would like to welcome everyone back to the House.
I am pleased to welcome everyone back to the House for the fall sitting of the Legislative Assembly.
I also welcome my fellow Nunavummiut who are following our proceedings on television and radio.
(interpretation ends) I wish to take this opportunity to mark the recent passing of Mr. Bryan Pearson, whose memorial service was held yesterday.
Bryan Pearson was a former Member of the Council of the Northwest Territories, a former mayor of this community, and a well-respected businessperson and community leader for over half a century.
I now wish to read the following message that I have received from the Commissioner of Nunavut:
Bill 20, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 3, 2015-2016;
Bill 22, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2016-2017;
Bill 23, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2016-2017; and
Bill 24, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2017-2018.
Sincerely, Hon. Nellie Kusugak, Order of Nunavut, Commissioner of Nunavut.
(interpretation) Going back to the orders of the day. Item 2.
Minister’s Statement 147 – 4(3): Minister Absent from the House (Quassa)
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to my colleagues who are here. I wish a good day to the residents of my community of Igloolik.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise my colleagues that Minister George Hickes will be absent from the House today.
The minister is attending the FPT Health Ministers’ Meeting in Toronto, Ontario.
Minister of Environment, Mr. Savikataaq.
Minister’s Statement 148 – 4(3): Wildlife Damage Prevention and Compensation Programs (Savikataaq)
I am glad to see everyone back here.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform the House that the department is continuing to support Nunavummiut through our wildlife damage prevention and wildlife compensation programs.
The Wildlife Damage Prevention Program provides opportunities for Nunavut residents and non-profit community groups to apply for funding in order to reduce the risk of wildlife damage to personal property.
This funding can be used to help reinforce structures against wildlife or for preventative measures, such as bear-proof storage containers and electric fencing.
The purpose of the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program is to assist Nunavummiut who, despite all efforts to prevent damage, have experienced damage to their personal property caused by wildlife.
Financial support can be obtained to help replace or fix things such as cabins or tents and other stuff that have been damaged by wildlife.
Members of my department will continue to promote these programs and provide financial support to Nunavummiut.
Those who want to learn more about the program can contact their local conservation officer, who will be able to provide further details and assistance in applying for funding.
Minister’s Statement 149 – 4(3): Public Consultation on Proposed Amendments to the Education Act (Quassa)
As Members of the House may recall, over the spring and summer my department held public consultations across Nunavut with stakeholders to discuss proposed legislative amendments to the Education Act.
These consultations allowed Nunavummiut to express their concerns and provide valuable comments on the proposed changes to the Education Act.
Mr. Speaker, following our duty to consult under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, officials from Nunavut Tunngavik and my department had ongoing discussions regarding the proposed legislative amendments.
The Special Committee to Review the Education Act provided a specific timeline to my department, with the goal of introducing amendments to the Education Act within the mandate of this government.
My department held consultations from May 27, 2016 until September 2, 2016.
Public meetings were held in Cambridge Bay, Rankin Inlet, Iqaluit, Pond Inlet, Arviat, Kugluktuk, Arctic Bay, Pangnirtung, and Niaqunnguut (Apex).
My department consulted with DEAs regionally and in two phases to allow for greater information exchange.
Phase 1 meetings were held in June 2016 in Rankin Inlet, Cambridge Bay, and Iqaluit.
Phase 2 meetings were held in August and September 2016 in Arviat, Kugluktuk, and Apex.
My department received written feedback on the amendments from 11 district education authorities, the coalition of district education authorities, the Office of the Languages Commissioner, the Commission scolaire francophone du Nunavut, and four written submissions from Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, this fall we will release a report outlining the feedback we received during the consultations.
This feedback will be carefully considered when drafting the proposed amendments.
Public consultation is an essential part of amending the Education Act and I wish to express my appreciation for all Nunavummiut who have contributed to this very important discussion.
Minister’s Statement 150 – 4(3): 20th Anniversary of the Arctic Council (Taptuna)
Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) Good afternoon, members, my ministerial colleagues, Kuglukturmiut, and all Nunavummiut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Arctic Council on their 20th anniversary.
The Arctic Council celebrated on Thursday, September 29 when Carleton University, Centre for International Governance Innovation and Global Affairs Canada hosted a celebration event in Ottawa.
The Arctic Council is a forum for Arctic states to discuss the balance between environmental protection and sustainable development in our region.
The forum promotes cooperation, coordination, and interaction among the Arctic states and Arctic indigenous people on common arctic issues.
Their detailed work to promote the environmental, social and economic aspects of sustainable development across the Arctic is invaluable.
Mr. Speaker, the Arctic Council includes ministers from Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, the Russian Federation, Sweden, and the United States.
There are also six permanent participants from the Aleut International Association, Arctic Athabaskan Council, Inuit Circumpolar Council, Gwich’in Council International, Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North, and the Saami Council.
This is a powerful group representing the interests of our region.
Today the Government of Nunavut participates as part of the Canadian delegation to the Arctic Council. We must continue to enhance and expand territorial and federal collaborations on arctic foreign policy.
This is essential to ensure continued success in the work of the Arctic Council.
The Hon. Minister for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kuksuk.
Minister’s Statement 151 – 4(3): Blueprint for Action on Housing (Kuksuk)
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon to my fellow Nunavummiut, residents of Whale Cove and Arviat.
I’m happy to see my colleagues back in the House.
I hope that we will be working collaboratively.
I am happy to be tabling the Blueprint for Action on Housing, which represents the GN’s action plan to address Nunavut’s severe housing crisis.
Together with the GN Long-Term Comprehensive Housing and Homelessness Strategy and Framework, the blueprint completes the three-part Igluliuqatigiilauqta: Let’s Build a Home Together initiative.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut’s disheartening housing crisis continues to take its toll on our territory.
It is limiting the health, mental well-being, and education of Nunavummiut.
We have all been affected by the crisis in some way.
Addressing this crisis is not something anyone here can take on alone. An issue this complex can only be overcome through true collaboration and working together.
Housing affects every GN department in some way.
Just as a home does not stand alone, a home is part of a neighbourhood, a community, and the territory, housing as a priority is closely tied with all of the GN’s priorities.
The blueprint for action is an important step, not just for housing but for all of the GN. This action plan has set a new standard in government cooperation.
Developed through comprehensive engagement sessions with over 100 participants from all GN departments, the blueprint lays out 60 concrete actions to corroboratively address our housing crisis.
Mr. Speaker, these actions are targeted at the serious issues limiting housing in Nunavut, including the high costs of housing and land development, a limited local workforce, and the lack of supportive and affordable housing options to meet the varied needs of Nunavummiut.
I am proud to say that the Nunavut Housing Corporation will be leading the implementation of the Blueprint for Action on Housing, and a strong accountability framework has been established to ensure each action is followed through.
The GN will be accountable to Nunavummiut for the actions set out in the blueprint and progress on each action will be reported to the Legislative Assembly through the tabling of an annual report on the status of housing.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to regularly updating my colleagues and all Nunavummiut as we progress to improve the housing situation in Nunavut.
Members, ministers, and the (interpretation ends) Premier, (interpretation) I would like to inform you that our Member for Aivilik will be absent from the House today and tomorrow due to flight delays and cancellations.
Member’s Statement 296 – 4(3): Successful Summer Hunting (Shooyook)
I am also very glad to see my colleagues in good health today and I am very grateful for the hospitality shown by my colleagues.
I rise today to express my pride in our community for the period between spring and summer, where residents were quite successful in their hunting trips for the various species Inuit harvest in this season.
I take delight and pride that this year was better than last year.
The reason why I wish to share in my pride is the fact that our area hosts a large seal population that sustains us and that our narwhal quota was quickly filled as well as the filling of our local fall polar bear quota.
I would like to particularly single out the hunters of our community as they provide country food to Arctic Bay residents facing food insecurity, even to other residents by sharing their catches.
This practice is essential to Inuit cultural practices in our community.
I want to share with my colleagues the pride I feel in this fall session, as they provide nutritious food to our community voluntarily and I extend our immense appreciation for that.
Member’s Statement 297 – 4(3): Tribute to Bryan Pearson (Angnakak)
Ms. Angnakak: Qujannamiik, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) Good afternoon.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a long-term Iqaluit resident, Mr. Bryan Pearson, who passed away last week after a battle with cancer.
Bryan spent his final days here looking out over Frobisher Bay from his home on top of a hill near the Arctic Winter Games Arena, the hill that the young snowmobilers call “Pearson’s Hill.”
Mr. Speaker, Bryan was a man of passion. He was never shy to express his opinion and very often in ways that only Bryan could get away with.
In fact, as I stand here today knowing that Bryan also stood before me as an elected representative and that he delivered many impassioned statements on behalf of this community, this region, and the people of the north, I have to wonder if he was ever ruled out of order for using his typical colourful way of getting his message across.
Mr. Speaker, there isn’t enough time to list Bryan’s many achievements, projects, experiences, and ventures.
Over more than half a century, as our community grew from being a small settlement into a town and finally a city, Bryan played many roles: pioneer, politician, entrepreneur, a lover of culture, master of many ceremonies, and gracious host to celebrities and royalty.
Indeed, Bryan became an Iqaluit celebrity in his own right.
Mr. Speaker, Bryan was also a man of great compassion.
He truly wanted to help better the lives of those around him. His support for the people of this community and others across the north will not be forgotten.
Mr. Speaker, since Bryan’s passing on October 12, many have shared stories of how they knew him and I am sure there are many more stories yet to be told.
The legacy of Mr. Bryan Pearson is certainly a rich and interesting one.
On a personal note, Mr. Pearson was someone that was always genuinely concerned about my parents; he often dropped by to deliver English newspapers or just to see how they were doing. He had that way of giving a personal touch to everyone.
Mr. Speaker, our community and our north would not be what it is today without Bryan Pearson’s immense contributions.
I ask my colleagues to join me in honouring his memory.
Member’s Statement 298 – 4(3): Portable High School in Cape Dorset (Joanasie)
Furthermore, that was an inspiring statement, Ms. Angnakak, with anecdotal snippets of Mr. Pearson’s life. To all his friends, relatives, and acquaintances, you are in our thoughts during this sorrowful time.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share a story relating some good news.
Nonetheless, it was based on an unfortunate incident which all members are aware of.
Last year the school in Cape Dorset burnt completely and it created hardships for those involved, with confusion reigning in the community about the next steps.
However, with the passing of a calendar year, new portable classrooms have been installed in Cape Dorset. The classrooms are for the high school students, but they are situated adjacent to the Sam Pudlat Elementary School.
There are four portable classrooms for the higher grades and we foresee them being used in that capacity, but there is an office space specific for staff and teachers.
This will fill a need there based on my experience, as there are ramifications when education is delayed.
Further, within the past school year our students had to do split shift schooling with the sole school remaining in the community, with elementary students in school for the morning and the higher grades in the afternoon that continued to the evenings.
This was an ongoing issue with the students in our community, but now this practice will no longer be required where students have to split their schooling into shifts. Now they will continue in their studies as per past years where the grades were separate.
At this time I wish to take this opportunity to extend my appreciation to those involved, starting with the Department of Education, the Department of Community and Government Services, as well as the Cape Dorset District Education Authority, the parents, teachers, and especially the students for persevering through this difficult period.
We have all passed this hurdle to this day.
Further, I wish the students success from this point forward and thank them for their dedication, and I hope they succeed in their classes.
Member’s Statement 299 – 4(3): Tribute to Joanasie Kooneeloosie (Keyootak)
Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to commemorate a constituent. Although I loathe having to remind the family of his passing, I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge people who have forged a path for us younger generations who have now passed on.
This person I wish to commemorate is the reason why I am rising today. The late Joanasie Kooneeloosie left our community with his passing this spring.