EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
We have a choice to do nothing, erase all the clauses in the bill, and then nothing happens. There are no changes and it is status quo. So at that point, we have no way of gauging whether things will get better or whether they will get worse.
I have mentioned many times about the splitting of the Department of Health and Social Services.
To people not involved in the departments, people in the communities, it’s easy to say, “We will just split the Department of Health and Social Services,” but it’s a huge task to do that.
The point I’m making is that sometimes governments, MLAs, regular members, and caucus members have to make bold choices and hard choices.
I guess this is probably one of the hardest decisions I know I’ve had to make. I find it interesting and again, maybe this is part of the reason we, as a standing committee, are polarized in our decisions of the ways people are going to vote.
At the same time, in seeking input from the communities, we did not get a lot of input back.
Letters were written out to every hamlet office and one hamlet replied.
You could say, “Well, maybe people didn’t see it. Maybe people didn’t apply.”
But I think maybe that speaks to the reason. We’re forced to make this decision.
It’s before us.
We can’t not reply and I think, for a lot of people, a lot of people have not replied because what do you do? What are the decisions? Do you increase things?
Do you decrease things? Are we going to cause harm?
I’m speaking to the motion in the sense that do we increase the amount of spirits and wines going to the community or do we decrease them.
At the end of the day, like other members have said, I think everyone has to vote with their conscience and has to vote with their community.
As I mentioned earlier, with representing three communities, it is hard sometimes coming up with one way of going, but at the same time, I can’t see in terms of Grise Fiord has the responsibility of how they do handle alcohol already. They’re doing fine. As for Resolute Bay and Arctic Bay, this particular motion No. 6 doesn’t change anything in the way of alcohol being brought into the community.
So I will be voting against this motion.
Before I ask for further comments to the motion, I would like to remind members for the last time that when you speak to the motion, please try and stick to the motion.
Mr. Ningark (interpretation): I wanted to state that I will not be supporting the motion.
Definitely, I think, at the same time, we cannot get away from the total intent of the bill as it is presented by the minister.
One thing for sure is that the size, large or small, is really not so much of an issue whether or not how much can be taken by the purchaser from the vendor and so on.
That’s really just manipulating, not necessarily decreasing the amount of consumption or whatever.
Eventually, it will lead to one thing.
I know that the government is well aware that the leading cause of the crimes committed or the court cases that increase the whole cases of the law and order system are alcohol-related.
I was amazed this summer that even a territorial judge indicated that Nunavut is really not geared towards having various programs or whatnot to address social problems that affect people with crimes that cause them to go to the court case, and so on.
What we’re doing on the last day of the Third Assembly now is trying to increase the amount of supply of alcohol and liberalizing so that there appears to be seen the freedom of choice accorded to individuals, but freedom of choice is allowing them to have more increase in violence, family problems, and law and order infractions related to alcohol.
It is not one that we should be dealing with on the last day of this Assembly.
Nunavutmiut deserve better representation by MLAs.
Increasing the amount of liquor available to them that they have been restricted to purchase, increasing them to particular sizes, increasing the supplies, and liberalizing are not going to solve our social problems.
It increases court caseloads in Nunavut. It’s not going to limit them.
It is shameful that we have to vote as such, but I again urge the members to comply with the directions from the Standing Committee on Legislation that defeated all of these five motions.
It is a shame that the minister does not respect the wishes of the standing committee when they voted to defeat the minister’s bill.
Mr. Chairman, again I will be in support of the motion and thereby, I urge all of my colleagues to do the same.
The mover of the motion, Mr. Tapardjuk, if you have a last reply, you can proceed.
I think that there are going to be more spirits, beer, and wine available.
There are going to be more problems with that.
We all know that there are a lot of spousal assaults and children not being looked after because of alcohol consumption in a family.
People escape to shelters because of people who consume alcohol that usually become violent.
What we’re trying to do is protect the families to stay together, but with more alcohol consumption, that is not going to happen.
It just seems like Bill 64 is giving more freedom to the people to buy those spirits, beer, and wine. What we should be doing is making the lives of families better and to love each other without alcohol consumption.
For that reason, what I’m trying to say is to defeat Bill 64 so that the people that we represent can have a better life.
I’m not really sure exactly what we’re doing with them.
I would like to also have a recorded vote on the motion concerning clause 6.
As the Chair, do I understand that you are asking for a vote?
Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Yes, Mr. Chairman.
There is a request for a recorded vote.
All those opposed to the motion, please rise and remain standing until your name is called.
There were 5 in favour of the motion and 12 opposed.
Continuing on. We are on Bill 64, An Act to Amend the Liquor Act.
Clause 6. Do you agree?
I just have one quick question. Clause 6 deals with the increase in the amounts of alcohol permitted to be imported. I’m just wondering what rationale was used to come up with the amount of increase of alcohol for the imports.
Mr. Chairman, the reason for these amounts is Nunavut is aligning itself with amounts that are in other jurisdictions, other provinces and territories.
Again, for clause 6, in terms of the increase, how will the government regulate this?
Mr. Chairman, these amounts are what is allowed with or without a permit. Now, if people are going to live in a restricted community or prohibited community, then they will have to deal with their alcohol education committees and respect the local controls.
In terms of whether it’s a community that’s restricted or not, but say, for example, if you’re living in Iqaluit, which there are no restrictions, and someone goes off on a holiday, they can now go down to Ottawa or pick up something from LCBO and bring it back as long as it doesn’t go over the amounts specified and they’re not required to get a permit.
And that’s including individuals who are going on medical travel as well?
I’m not sure what Mr. Elliott’s driving at, but these are the amounts that you can bring into Nunavut without a permit.
I think what I’m trying to get at, if the minister has not picked up on it, is one of the things that we’re trying to do with the bill is liberalize.
I think one of the things that seems to be known, at least other members have brought it out, is that sometimes it is medical travel patients who bring back and sell bootlegged beer. I was just concerned about it.
If we’re increasing it, are there mechanisms that his department is going to put into place to sort of ensure that that does not happen or will not continue to happen?
I appreciate Mr. Elliott’s concerns, but I’m here as the Minister of Finance, not as the Minister of Health.
Mr. Chairman, I have a question.
Obviously, in some parts, I could see where it’s possible to transport liquor wherever it has been, whether it be legally bought with the amounts prescribed in this legislation.
In some parts of the region, individuals will be able to legally buy the amount that’s accorded to them, but they will also be able to transport it themselves to the community, not by way of aircraft or whatever.
So in that case, they bought it legally, but once they arrive at a particular destination which is a dry community, it then becomes illegal.
The minister knows very well that he’s going to have to address the issue of bootlegging.
There will be individuals because any buyer will not have to be from a particular community.
Any citizen in Nunavut is going to be able to buy caseloads of beer and wine within the prescribed amounts that they are legally able to, but once they transport it, whether it be through the boat or through snowmobile, it becomes illegal.
Is the minister prepared to address or even try and provide educational services rather than just leaving it to the groups or alcohol committees, to that effect?
They’re going to be responsible for increasing not only alcohol, but it’s going to increase the amount of legal transactions, including bootlegging.
Are you prepared to do some educational programs over and above what you call education to liberalize liquor sales and consumption in Nunavut?
As I have indicated in previous answers, the individuals are limited by the restrictions in their communities. They have to deal with the alcohol education committees if they’re prohibited or restricted communities.
If they’re hauling a qamutik full of beer, 40 flats, or cases of wine across the tundra into the community to sell or bootleg in the community, then they would be committing a crime if they’re going into a prohibited community or a restricted community without a permit and they will have to deal with the RCMP, who, I’m sure, would be more than happy to apprehend them.
With respect to education, that is what we will be doing through the social responsibility campaign. We would be using funds from the revolving fund to educate people about the dangers of alcohol and the responsible use of alcohol wherever they live in Nunavut, whether it’s a restricted community or a prohibited community or a wet community. We know that even people in prohibited communities or restricted communities have access to bootleg alcohol, but they often travel to other communities or down south.
It’s good to know what the dangers of alcohol are if you consume too much or if you’re binge drinking or if you’re an expectant mother.
Chairman (interpretation): Does the committee agree to Bill 64 as a whole?
I would just like to make a brief comment on being on the liquor task force and also being an MLA.
I appreciated it when Mr. Peterson asked me to be on the task force.
I did enjoy the consultations that we did with the communities that I made it to. Being an MLA and being on the cabinet for a brief period of time has actually put me in a rather awkward position with Bill 64.
Hindsight being worth a lot of money, if I had my time back, I probably wouldn’t have joined the task force.
I will, though, on behalf of all members, thank you for your time spent with the committee. It’s noted.
(interpretation) Do you agree to Bill 64 as a whole?
Does the committee agree that pursuant to Rule 62(2) that Bill 64 is ready for third reading?
I would like to thank you and your committee for your excellent scrutiny and questions on Bill 64.
It has been a very challenging bill, as Mr. Schell has told us.
I appreciate the task force, who did go to every community. I made that commitment years ago that the task force would visit every community. I appreciate Mr. Ningark and Mr. Schell for their time.
I know it was very stressful. In some communities, it took them five or six attempts to get in, but they were able to do it.
I appreciate the recommendations in the task force report, the overall theme being liberalization of alcohol.
We’re going to take a cautious, moderate approach to that and implement their recommendations over time.
It is an important first step that we are doing this: liberalizing alcohol, particularly beer and wine.
As we have seen over the years, we all know that prohibition and restrictions haven’t worked all that well. We hear all kinds of horror stories in the media and in our communities.
Some of these prohibitions and restrictions are forcing people into the hands of bootleggers.
That’s just unacceptable. The next government will consult with all communities as we move forward on this bill.
We have to do something about eliminating binge drinking.
I would like to thank our justice drafter, Thomas Ahlfors, in the Gallery over there.
I would like to thank my finance policy folks, particularly Andrea Witzaney-Chown.
They did tremendous work on this. I would like to thank my Deputy Minister of Finance, Chris D’Arcy, for his leadership and guidance in getting us to this process today.
Chairman: Thank you, Minister Peterson. (interpretation) As we proceed, Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witnesses out.
Just before we came here to the committee this morning, Mr. Quirke told me that I’ll be able to say the final prayer.
I don’t want it to be the last prayer that I will be making because I want to live again tomorrow.
Mr. Chairman, at the last sitting of the Assembly, (interpretation ends) at this time, I move a motion to report progress. (interpretation) Thank you.
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bill 64 and would like to report that Bill 64 is now ready for third reading.
Bill 64 – An Act to Amend the Liquor Act – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South-Whale Cove, that Bill 64, An Act to Amend the Liquor Act, be read for the third time.
I ask for a recorded vote, please, on this bill.
The motion is in order and a recorded vote has been requested.
I will ask all members in favour of the motion to please rise and then stay standing until your name is called.
The results of the motion are 13 in favour and 5 opposed. The motion is carried.
Bill 64, as such, has been read for the third time and is now ready for assent.
Before we proceed any further, Mr. Clerk, will you ascertain if the Commissioner of Nunavut is prepared to enter the Chambers to give assent to bills.
Bill 32, An Act to Amend the Legal Services Act;
Bill 40, Representative for Children and Youth Act;
Bill 58, Public Service Act;
Bill 64, An Act to Amend the Liquor Act;
Bill 66, Plebiscites Act;
As you can see, I am here and I have many things to say, even though I’m probably behind.
As the seasons change and it’s getting colder, I am honoured to be with you today on the occasion of the final sitting of the Third Legislative Assembly of Nunavut.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your service to Nunavummiut.
This Assembly and government worked towards the implementation of Tamapta and the many Acts created here in the House, building a sustainable Nunavut and keeping up with the rapid population growth and demands.
Some will be ongoing challenges for the incoming Assembly, not to mention the impacts of resource development on communities and for the mining and oil and gas exploration.
Every time I watch TV, I notice that every one of you has worked hard towards the betterment of Nunavut. For the next Assembly, I’m sure it will be the same again.
For those members who will not be seeking re-election, please accept my best wishes as you move on to a new chapter in your lives, as you go hunting, and when you have your lives out there.
As members are aware, a Proclamation of Election was issued on November 1 of last year.
The Third Legislative Assembly will dissolve on September 22, 2013.
The issuing of writs of election will take place on September 23, 2013.
The Fourth General Election will be held on October 28, 2013.
The date for the return of the writ shall be November 4, 2013.
The first sitting of the Fourth Legislative Assembly will be held on a date to be announced.
I look forward to delivering the Opening Address at that time.
As Commissioner of Nunavut, I hereby prorogue the Third Session of the Third Legislative Assembly of Nunavut.
Even though I’m being left waiting watching TV and even though we get behind sometimes, today, for those who did closing remarks and for those who are not running again to talk about all of those things that you have said, I know you will be sitting against each other there.
(interpretation ends) That was my closing joke to you because I don’t get the pleasure of throwing the documents in the air, but I thought I would put a whole bunch of blank papers in there so that you would think, “Oh no.
We’ve got to sit through all those pages.”
Anyway, it has been my pleasure to open your third sitting and again it has been my pleasure to prorogue this session. I wish each and every one of you a very safe journey home.
Before we conclude our final sitting of the Third Legislative Assembly, I am pleased to take this opportunity to make a brief statement.
It has been my honour to serve as your Speaker for the last two years. The trust and confidence that the House has placed in me has been deeply gratifying.
I would like to thank all members for their cooperation in ensuring the smoothness of our proceedings.
As members are aware, I’ve had the honour and privilege of serving the residents of Iqaluit Centre in this House since April 1, 1999.
Having sat on both the left and the right of this chair, I can say with confidence that I have experienced the satisfactions and frustrations of asking and answering questions.
Although it can sometimes seems like progress in government is slow, it is important for us to keep things in perspective.
As this House will recall, we took our oath of office and allegiance in the fall of 2008. Since that time, the Third Legislative Assembly has held over 160 formal sitting days.
A total of 127 bills have been introduced, considered, and passed by this Assembly, including the first two private members’ bills to have been introduced since the establishment of our legislature.
Over the past five years, members on both sides of the House have been extremely active.
Over 600 formal Ministers’ Statements have been delivered. Over 1,000 formal Members’ Statements have been made.
Approximately 1,500 oral questions have been asked and over 50 written questions have been posed.
Now, some of those questions have received answers…
…while others have received what may best be described as responses.
More than 110 formal motions have been introduced and considered, and over 700 documents have been tabled for the benefit of the permanent public record.
As we prepare for the dissolution of the current Legislative Assembly, it is time for reflection.
Some of you have announced that you will again be seeking the confidence of your constituents.
Some of you have announced that you will be retiring from office and pursuing new directions.
Others of you are leaving us in suspense.
Regardless of what your immediate futures may hold, you and your families have my best wishes.
Before I conclude today, I would like to take this opportunity to publicly and sincerely thank our staff at the Legislative Assembly, not only the table officers in here, but research staff and all the technical people who keep this place operational, a lot of hard work and dedication that they have put in for the smooth operation of this Assembly, and we thank them very much.
Also, our interpreters, I thank you guys very much. You have been my ears and my voice, and I appreciate that, and also our pages for their hard work throughout the life of this Legislative Assembly.
I would also like to say a special thank you to Simanek Kilabuk, our Sergeant-at-Arms.
Without their efforts, we could not do our jobs.
As I mentioned earlier, it has truly been an honour and a privilege to have had the confidence and trust of the constituents of Iqaluit Centre for the last 14 years.
I am proud that I have been the only representative who has and will be the only representative that my riding of Iqaluit Centre has had. I would like to note that today is the last day that I will sit in this House as the representative for Iqaluit Centre.
Over the last 14 years, I cannot begin to mention all of the names of individuals who have helped and supported me.
I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank every single one of you. I remember you all, and you know who you are.
Again, thank you very much and I truly value your support.
As members and the residents of Iqaluit are aware, my riding of Iqaluit Centre will be no more.
In the upcoming election, your capital city of Iqaluit will have four new ridings replacing the old three.
Given this fact, I will have a tough decision to make in the upcoming election. At the appropriate time, which will be September 27, upon the close of nominations, my decision will be made public.
With that, colleagues, I’ll say that I’m relieved that we’re complete.
You have seen me over the last session.
I’m now going to be requiring less Tylenol, which is going to be good.
Colleagues, this House stands adjourned.
>>House adjourned at 17:29
4th Assembly
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Pages 1 – 37
Speaker: The Honourable George Qulaut, M.L.A. Legislative Assembly of Nunavut
Hon. George Qulaut
Opening Address of the Commissioner of Nunavut 2
Members’ Statements 3
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 25
Tabling of Documents 30
Motions 33
Tuesday, November 19, 2013 1
001 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Re-elected to Represent Tununiq (Enook) 3
002 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent Baker Lake (Mikkungwak) 5
003 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent Gjoa Haven (Akoak) 6
004 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent Aivilik (Mapsalak) 6
005 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent Arviat South (Savikataaq) 7
006 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Re-elected to Represent Hudson Bay (Rumbolt) 8
007 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent Iqaluit-Tasiluk (Hickes) 9
008 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu (Angnakak) 11
009 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent Quttiktuq (Shooyook) 13
010 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent South Baffin (Joanasie) 13
011 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent Uqqummiut (Nuqingaq) 15
012 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent Iqaluit-Manirajak (Ell) 15
013 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent Arviat North-Whale Cove (Kuksuk) 16
014 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent Iqaluit-Sinaa (Okalik) 16
015 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet (Sammurtok) 17
016 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent Kugluktuk (Taptuna) 18
017 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent Netsilik (Ugyuk) 20
018 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent Aggu (Quassa) 21
019 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Elected to Represent Pangnirtung (Mike) 22
020 – 4(1): Reflections on Being Re-elected to Represent Cambridge Bay (Peterson) 24
001 – 4(1): 2012-2013 Interim Financial Report of the Government of Nunavut (Speaker) 30
002 – 4(1): 2012-2013 Annual Report of the Nunavut Development Corporation (Speaker) 30
003 – 4(1): 2012 Annual Report under Section 8 of the Environmental Rights Act (Speaker) 30
004 – 4(1): 2013 Report under Section 176 of the Wildlife Act (Speaker) 30
005 – 4(1): 2013 Report of the Auditor General of Canada – Education in Nunavut (Speaker) 30
006 – 4(1): 2013 Report of the Auditor General of Canada – Safety of Schools and Childcare Facilities in Nunavut (Speaker) 30
007 – 4(1): Speaker’s List of Outstanding Statutory Tabling Requirements (Speaker) 30
Appointment of Speaker (Ugyuk) 1
001 – 4(1): Appointment of Deputy Speaker – Notice (Savikataaq) 31
002 – 4(1): Appointment of Deputy Chairpersons of the Committee of the Whole – Notice (Savikataaq) 31
003 – 4(1): Appointment of Premier – Notice (Hickes) 31
004 – 4(1): Appointments to the Executive Council – Notice (Hickes) 31
005 – 4(1): Appointments to the Management and Services Board – Notice (Enook) 32
006 – 4(1): Appointment of the Striking Committee – Notice (Shooyook) 32
007 – 4(1): Extended Adjournment – Notice (Rumbolt) 32
001 – 4(1): Appointment of Deputy Speaker (Savikataaq) 33