EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
166 – 2(4): Emergency Ambulance Services (Curley) 1565
167 – 2(4): Economic Development in the Kitikmeot (Peterson) 1566
168 – 2(4): Visitation of Children in Care (Mapsalak) 1568
169 – 2(4): Thank Grind and Brew Staff (Tootoo) 1568
206 – 2(4): Audit of Motor Vehicles Office (Tootoo) 1569
207 – 2(4): Visitation of Children in Care (Mapsalak) 1571
208 – 2(4): Training of Economic Development Officers (Peterson) 1573
209 – 2(4): RCMP Detachment in Kugluktuk (Evyagotailak) 1575
210 – 2(4): Commitments to Core Funding (Arreak) 1577
211 – 2(4): Capital Budget for Nunavut Trade School (Alagalak) 1578
212 – 2(4): Chief Coroners Inquiry (Curley) 1580
213 – 2(4): Photo Identifications (Kattuk) 1582
214 – 2(4): Status of Uranium Development in Nunavut (Barnabas) 1583
215 – 2(4): Government of Nunavut Involvement with IIBA (Arvaluk) 1585
216 – 2(4): Meet with Nunavut Employees Union Members (Tootoo) 1587
095 – 2(4): Nunavut Representative on Board of Directors and Payment Agents - Letter from the President and CEO of NorthwesTel [dup. tabling of 31 – 2(4)] (Arvaluk) 1590
096 – 2(4): Letter from Ikaluktutiak District Education Authority to Minister of Education re: Co-Principal Model – Kullik Ilihakvik, Cambridge Bay (Peterson) 1591
097 – 2(4): Fire Marshall 2006 Annual Report (Brown) 1591
098 – 2(4): Language Legislation Community Consultations Summaries (Tapardjuk) 1591
099 – 2(4): Grants and Contributions Policy – Department of Health & Social Services (Aglukkaq) 1592
100 – 2(4): Workers’ Advisor Office Northwest Territories & Nunavut 2006 Annual Report (Netser) 1592
101 – 2(4): Workers’ Compensation Board of the Northwest Territories & Nunavut - 2007 Corporate Plan: transition in progress (Netser) 1592
102 – 2(4): Photo of Grandson’s Kindergarten Graduation 2007 (Curley) 1592
016 – 2(4): Extended Adjournment – Notice (Peterson) 1592
016 – 2(4): Extended Adjournment (Peterson) 1593
Bill 06 – Official Languages Act – First Reading 1593
Bill 07 – Inuit Language Protection Act – First Reading 1594
Bill 12 – Emergency Measures Act – First Reading 1594
Bill 11 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2007-2008 – Consideration in Committee 1595
Speaker (interpretation): Good afternoon, Members, Mr. Premier. Members and visitors, welcome.
Before we proceed with our Orders of the Day, I have a brief statement to make.
During yesterday’s Oral Question Period, the Member for Rankin Inlet North asked the Minister of Health and Social Services a question regarding a death at the Rankin Inlet Health Centre.
(interpretation ends) The Minister of Health and Social Services declined to answer the question on the basis of Rule 23(g) (ii), which states:
“In debate a Member will be called to order by the Speaker if the Member:
(g) refers to any matter:
(ii) that is before any quasi-judicial , administrative or investigative body constituted by the Assembly or under the authority of an Act of the Assembly where any person may be prejudiced in such matter by the reference;”
I can advise members that the matter which gave rise to the question is currently being investigated by the Coroner pursuant to the Coroners Act.
This would appear to be the basis upon which the minister refused to answer the question.
In relying upon Rule 23, it is important to remember that the purpose of the Rule is to ensure that parties who have matters before a judicial or quasi-judicial tribunal do not have their positions prejudiced by questions in this Assembly.
This does not mean that all questions will be out of order. For example, it may be quite acceptable to ask questions regarding processes and general time frames for matters to be dealt with.
It is quite another matter to ask questions which presuppose civil or criminal liability of a party. For example, a question which seeks confirmation that the investigation will result in a particular conclusion would clearly be prejudicial and out of order.
Minister of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth and Human Resources, Minister Tapardjuk.
Minister’s Statement 071 – 2(4): Language Legislation: Official Languages Act and Inuit Language Protection Act (Tapardjuk)
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to introduce today the revised Official Languages Bill and the new Inuit Language Protection Bill.
This is an historic moment for all Nunavummiut.
The made-in-Nunavut language legislation will aim at achieving equality between our three official languages: the Inuktitut language, English, and French.
In our March sitting of the Legislative Assembly I tabled the proposed language bills for public consultations.
The Language Legislation Steering Committee had five roundtables in the Kivalliq, North Baffin, Western Kitikmeot, Eastern Kitikmeot, and South Baffin regions, with participation from most Nunavut communities.
Feedback received at these consultations, including input provided by stakeholders, was helpful in making critical adjustments to the final bills that we hope will better reflect the linguistic needs of Nunavummiut.
Our goal with the legislation, Mr. Speaker, is to emphasize that Nunavut is a distinct jurisdiction within Canada where Inuit language is the first and preferred language of the majority of Nunavummiut, and recognizes the desire and the right of Inuit to the use of their language in full equality with the other official languages.
The Government of Nunavut also believes that it should set a strong example that organizations and other sectors can follow.
Nevertheless, every organization in Nunavut, including businesses, Inuit and non-profit organizations, municipalities, and federal institutions will be required to display their public signs and provide services to their customers in the Inuit language.
I would like to acknowledge the hard work of the Language Legislation Steering Committee Members, the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth, and the Department of Justice in developing this unique legislation. Their work will continue by providing any necessary assistance or recommendations during the Legislative Assembly’s review process.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to deliberating these two bills with the Members of this House during the legislative review process.
Koana, Nakurmiik, Merci, Thank you.
Minister’s Statement 072 – 2(4): Videoconferencing Technology at the Nunavut Justice Centre (Okalik)
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Our geographic size and our need to communicate with the public make it especially important to find technological solutions for communication and information sharing.
With these goals in mind, the Departments of Justice, Community and Government Services, and Health and Social Services have partnered to implement videoconferencing technology at the Nunavut Justice Centre to create telecommunication links between the courthouse and all the Nunavut communities, as well as any community in North America.
The technology has already been successfully used for Nunavut Criminal Review Board hearings, consultations on Maintenance Enforcement Orders Act, and civil arbitration.
Video conferencing will be an excellent resource for witness testimony, at coroner’s inquests, rental hearings, consultations, and hearings of quasi-judicial boards.
In the future it will also be used for Nunavut-wide training for court staff, coroners, and Justices of the Peace.
The judges of the Nunavut Court of Justice issued practice directive confirming that, effective July 1, 2007, all out-of-court witnesses at preliminary hearings requiring court funded travel must appear before a videoconference, unless otherwise ordered by the court.
The practice directive also encourages the use of videoconferencing for non-controversial witness testimony at trial.
The benefits of using this technology will be significant. Witnesses will no longer need to spend days travelling to and from communities for hearings.
Corresponding costs savings will also be achieved. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister of Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth and Human Resources, Minister Tapardjuk.
Minister’s Statement 073 – 2(4): 2007 Public Service Commissioners’ Conference in Iqaluit (Tapardjuk)
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take this opportunity to extend a warm welcome to delegates from across Canada that are here in Iqaluit from June 4 to 6 attending the 2007 Public Service Commissioners’ Conference.
Mr. Speaker, the Public Service Commissioners’ Conference is an annual gathering of senior officials who are responsible for the management and direction of the public service in each territory, province, and within the federal government.
This year the Government of Nunavut’s Department of Human Resources is proud to be hosting the event for the first time.
Mr. Speaker, the Public Service Commissioners’ Conference provides a forum for exchanging information, discussing emerging human resource issues, addressing specific challenges facing all jurisdictions sharing best practices, and initiating partnerships.
This year’s conference agenda provides opportunity for Government of Nunavut to share its innovative human resources. Government of Nunavut is to share its innovative human resource initiatives related to Pinasuaqtavut and Article 23 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
I will be joining the conference delegates tonight for an evening that will showcase the Inuit culture, language, performing arts, traditions, and foods.
It is my hope that the conference participants will leave Nunavut later this week having thoroughly enjoyed both the conference and northern hospitality.
Minister’s Statement 074 – 2(4): Health and Social Services Grants and Contributions Policy (Aglukkaq)
Later today I will be tabling the Grants and Contribution Policy for the Department of Health and Social Services.
This new policy will provide the public with a straightforward and comprehensive summary of the grants and contributions funds available from the departments through the established program.
This includes the eligibility requirements that are needed to access the funding from both territorial programs, as well as the federal programs delivered by the Department of Health and Social Services.
The total amount of grants and contribution funding available for the fiscal year 2006-07 is approximately $17.5 million.
A similar amount is proposed for the fiscal year 2007-08.
Mr. Speaker, we are working with Health Canada on ways to simplify the proposal process for accessing federally funded programs delivered by the department.
This new policy supports a change of this kind.
We want to permit communities to submit proposals that cover multiple funding categories making the grants and contribution submissions and reporting process simpler for communities to meet.
Mr. Speaker, the new policy supports Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit’s concept of Pijitsirarniq, Angiqatigiitsiarniq, Piliriqatigiitiarniq, and the Pinasuaqtavut goals of healthy communities, simplicity and unity, self-reliance, and continuous learning.
In order to ensure this policy is readily acceptable, it will be posted on the internet under the GN website. In addition, the department will ensure copies are made available to all communities and any interested members of the public.
As I said earlier, I am going to be tabling the copies for all Member of the House today.
Minister’s Statement 075 – 2(4): Changes to Homeownership Eligibility and Access (Akesuk)
Good afternoon, colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the two exciting new enhancements that the Nunavut Housing Corporation is making to their Homeownership Program effective September 1, 2007.
Firstly, the corporation will not use the Northern Allowance, or similar allowances such as the Settlement Allowance or Isolation Post Allowance, provided by employers from assessable income under the Homeownership Program when determining eligibility.
This change will address the concerns of families who have pointed out that the current income limit effectively includes the majority of moderate dual income households from access to ownership programs, such as the Nunavut Down Payment Assistance Program, the Nunavut Home Renovations Program, the Senior Citizens’ Home Repairs Program, and the Emergency Repair Program, due to the inability to meet the income eligibility requirement.
Mr. Speaker, secondly, the Nunavut Housing Corporation includes the maximum amount available under the Nunavut Home Renovations Program from $50,000, to $65,000.
The basic HRP remains at $50,000. An additional $15,000 will be provided to upgrade, or for renovations directly related to energy efficiency.
The purpose of the proposed change will be to demonstrate the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s commitment to proactive energy efficiency measures and contribute to the cost efficiency of Nunavut homes, in line with Pinasuaqtavut’s goal of self-reliance.
Mr. Speaker, the Housing Corporation will, in the near future, provide further details on these program changes on the Nunavut Housing Corporation website and related brochures.
If you would bring up a copy of your Minister’s Statement, please.
Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. Simailak.
Minister’s Statement 076 – 2(4): New Identity Screening Requirements (Simailak)
I would like to take this opportunity to ensure that Nunavummiut are aware of new federal regulations regarding identification required for air travel outside of Nunavut.
As of June 18, 2007, all air travellers going outside of Nunavut who are 12 years of age and older will be required to have government issued photo identification.
If the person travelling does not have photo identification, they may be asked to provide two pieces of government issued non-photo identification.
Mr. Speaker, these requirements have been introduced by the federal government to support enhanced security measures to protect air travellers and will be implemented by airline carriers.
The Department of Economic Development and Transportation currently issues Nunavut I.D. cards to Nunavut residents through the Motor Vehicles Division or through the local municipal liaison officer in each community.
Mr. Speaker, I strongly recommend that all residents ensure each of their family members 12 years of age and older have valid photo I.D. in case they need to travel outside of Nunavut for medical or other reasons.
The Government of Nunavut will be issuing a press release today to ensure that the public is aware of the federal changes in identity requirements.
I would also like to make an apology.
In the English, I stated jurical when I should have stated judicial.
I apologize to the House.
Member’s Statement 164 – 2(4): Recognition of Joanie Pudluq (Barnabas)
I would like to rise today to recognize Joanie Pudluq, who has just completed the University of Ottawa as an Electronics Engineer.
He is the first Inuk who has completed his engineering. He started five years ago.
I am extremely proud as he comes from one of the smallest communities of Nunavut. It shows that if you persevere you can complete anything and recognize your dreams.
I would also like to send my congratulations to the people of Resolute Bay to Lootie and Dora Pudluq, and to his brothers and sisters.
I am extremely proud and I would like to congratulate Joanie Pudluq for completing and getting his degree.
I’m sure that the Members of the House do extend their congratulations.
Member’s Statement 165 – 2(4): Jukeepa Hainnu, Master of Education (Arreak)
Mr. Arreak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I rise today to congratulate Jukeepa Hainnu from the community of Clyde River for successfully completing her Master’s Program in Education.
Mr. Speaker, Ms. Hainnu has been an educator at the Quluaq School in Clyde River for some time. She is a dedicated and committed educator.
Mr. Speaker, Ms. Hainnu took time off from her job and went to graduate school at the University of Prince Edward Island.
She worked very hard and that work paid off.
Ms. Hainnu graduated with her Master of Education Degree this spring.
I am sure that my colleagues will agree with me that individuals such as Ms. Hainnu are of great benefit to Nunavut.
Not only are her skills and knowledge going to be applied towards educating our youth, but when one person accomplishes something this significant, it shows everyone else that it can be done, Mr. Speaker.
Ms. Hainnu is not only an educator but she is a role model and an inspiration for others to follow.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Ms. Hainnu on her success.
We extend our congratulations. We had gone to Prince Edward Island in January and we saw Ms. Hainnu and her family down there.
Member’s Statement 166 – 2(4): Emergency Ambulance Services (Curley)
I rise today to talk about the emergency service providers in the communities.
Emergency services and measures are provided by the hamlet counsel and it’s up to the service providers to make sure that the emergency measures are provided at the community level.
As you know, if there is an ambulance required, or if there was an emergency, it’s usually the ambulance drivers’ who are called to bring their clients up to the nursing station.
They also provide all types of services at the community level.
Mr. Speaker, Rankin Inlet, there were two incidents where there was a person suffering from a heart attack, and these two incidents didn’t happen at the same time.
The health worker was not pleased that the ambulance services were called.
This individual cancelled the first ambulance from coming over, and this was an elder patient who had a son.
When the son found out that it was his mother, he called the ambulance services again to make sure that his mother was brought to the nursing station.
And at the second incident, the elder again, called the ambulance services and it was extremely cold at that time.
This individual was also suffering from a heart attack because he/she was 80 years old, and when the ambulance service...
When the ambulance went to the nursing station and when they were trying to put the patient in, the health worker was very angry and told them not to bring the patient in.
After an hour, this woman had to be medevaced to Winnipeg.
So when is it considered an emergency?
Mr. Speaker, the ambulance service workers are working on a volunteer basis and I would like to thank them because our essential services.
Even though, they go through dangerous times in their line of duty, they do provide the service and they’re very knowledgeable.
I think they should be treated with respect as such.
Member’s Statement 167 – 2(4): Economic Development in the Kitikmeot (Peterson)
I rise today to give voice to concerns that I have with respect to challenges that are facing entrepreneurs in the Kitikmeot.
Mr. Speaker, I have repeatedly raised these concerns in every form available to me, including this House, with respect to economic developments in my region.
There is no doubt in my mind that the people of the Kitikmeot are very motivated to contribute to this territory as a whole and build a better Nunavut for our children. I do not doubt the government’s good intentions to assist communities with economic development.
But, Mr. Speaker, we’ve all heard the saying about the destination of roads that are paved only with good intentions.
Mr. Speaker, there are exciting opportunities developing in the Kitikmeot; I’ve been talking about them and urging the government and Nunavummiut to prepare for those opportunities for at least a decade.
I’ve seen the government throw money at initiatives that are designed to assist Nunavummiut in their preparations. But, Mr. Speaker, an initiative that will work in the Eastern Arctic does not necessarily work in Cambridge Bay thousands of kilometers from the Capital.
Mr. Speaker, several years ago the First Assembly passed a legislation that empowered the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation to lend money via regional business development centres.
This move was meant to make the application process easier for people who are trying to start business.
It ignored the real situation in the Kitikmeot where there was not a functioning business development centre.
In March of this year I continued to question the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation on this important issue. I was pleased when he said that the Kitikmeot Business Development Centre was expected to open on April 1, 2007.
This is an important piece of the economic development puzzle - but not the final piece.
Every year in this House, members approve funding to assist hamlets in hiring and training community economic development officers.
People in these positions are essential to development in their communities. They are the one window.
They are the starting point for people who want to start a new business or require assistance to continue operating.
When you talk about economic development, the community economic development officer provides essential services.
Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, it’s not always easy for hamlets to hire and retain qualified people in these positions.
It’s a difficult job with long hours and, in decentralized communities, hamlets cannot compete with benefits offered by the Government of Nunavut.
I have often criticized the government for disguising deficit reduction by calling it community empowerment.
I, and many of my colleagues, have called on the government to make sure that when they devolve responsibilities to hamlets, they include the resources necessary to fulfill those responsibilities.
The staffing and training of community economic development officer positions in hamlet offices is one of those responsibilities with a questionable level of resources attached.
There is no doubt that the residents of Cambridge Bay will continue to work hard to take advantage of opportunities that are presented to them.
I know that they will work twice as hard with half the resources that are available to other Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will be asking the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation questions on these important issues.
Member’s Statement 168 – 2(4): Visitation of Children in Care (Mapsalak)
I rise today to talk about the parents that cannot see their children.
There are a lot of those that are like that in Nunavut that are banned from seeing their children, whether the child has a mental illness, or whether they have other disabilities and they have to be in a home, they have to get assistance from the government.
I remember seeing two people that have had twins on November 27, 1987 in Calgary.
Those children were put in a home and they have seen those children when they were born but after that, they were not allowed to see them.
Today, that couple is very heartbroken because they cannot talk to and see the children as a couple.
During Question Period I will be asking the Minister responsible for Health as to why this is the way it is.
Member’s Statement 169 – 2(4): Thank Grind and Brew Staff (Tootoo)
Today I’d like to acknowledge and thank a good friend of mine, Mr. Brian Twerdin, who operates the Grind and Brew Coffee Shop here in town.
I’d like to thank him and his staff, and all the fine patrons that were there today at lunchtime, including my colleague from Iqaluit East, Mr. Picco. I thank them for whenever I walk in there they always seem to be able to put a smile on my face. The ovation that I received there at lunchtime was greatly appreciated.
Mr. Speaker, at lunch today, not only was there a special meal as there is every day there, but there was also an opportunity for some live entertainment there as well today thanks to Minister Picco.
The reviews were mixed on that, but I did get a request from a few of them that were leaving to ask Mr. Picco to share his entertainment with us all here in the House today. So I would like to extend that request on their behalf and to the very eloquent Mr. Picco.
And again, I thank Brian and all the fine staff and patrons at Grind and Brew for putting a smile on my face today.
If there are none, we’ll go to the Orders of the Day.