EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
It is very noticeable when there is only one side; so please try to make your way to the House once the chimes start.
Minister’s Statement 110 - 1(3): Ministerial Absence
I wish to advise the members that the Honourable James Arvaluk will be absent from the House today, Thursday, as he is attending Council of Ministers of Education meeting.
He will not be here today April 13 and tomorrow April 14.
Ministers’ Statements. Mr. Premier.
Minister’s Statement 111 - 1(3): July 9 Nunavut Holiday
It is a tradition with most cultures to celebrate certain times of the year, either seasons or day.
We see special days recognized within our own country.
Canada Day celebrates the creation of the country. It marks the unification of Upper and Lower Canada as the Dominion of Canada.
This union was effected by the passage, on July 1, 1867, of the British North America Act.
(interpretation) Holidays reflect the society which we live in.
They assert the identity of a particular province or territory.
Newfoundland, for example celebrates its Discovery Day on June 24.
In Quebec, where they don't have a civic day, they celebrate a National Day - St. Jean Baptise Day, also on June 24.
In Alberta residents celebrate Family Day in February.
Each of these days recognizes a significant time within the development of these jurisdictions.
Mr. Speaker, as Nunavut grows and matures we too must assert our identity instead of following other jurisdictions or recognising arbitrary civic days.
We must recognize and celebrate Nunavut's uniqueness.
Decades of hard work and dedication went into creating Nunavut.
But we would not have our own territory today if not for the vision of those same leaders.
July 9, 1993 was the pinnacle of their work.
It is the day the Government of Canada proclaimed the Nunavut Land Claim Settlement Act.
July 9 has been recognized and celebrated by Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, Inuit organizations and hamlets for the past 6 years.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, July 9 is a great day for the Inuit of Nunavut, a proud day and one to rejoice.
It was on that day that the Governor of Canada recognized the right of Inuit to participate in decision making over land and resources in the territory.
But, July 9 is also a day for all Nunavummiut to celebrate through the agreement Nunavut and the public government that represents all residents became a reality.
This does not mean April 1, 1999 is not an important day in the development of Nunavut, it is.
But the day was chosen for its convenience, as the beginning of the fiscal year.
It was not chosen for its significance.
That Mr. Speaker, brings us back to that day of July 9 in 1993, when Canadians said yes, the people of Nunavut must have their own territory, we recognize that Nunavummiut must be allowed to forge their own path.
By creating a holiday on July 9, Nunavummiut will say to themselves and to the world, " This day is important.
This day means something to our history.
This day demands special recognition.
On this day we will stop our daily rush and remember the hard work and dedication of those people whose vision brought us this far."
(interpretation) During the caucus retreat in Baker Lake last summer, members of the legislative assembly agreed that the Nunavut Government would work towards making July 9 a Nunavut wide holiday.
We have done this through the introduction of Bill 11, An Act to Establish Nunavut Day as a Holiday.
(interpretation ends) Previously there was a great deal of confusion surrounding the celebration of July 9.
Excuses needed to be made to recognize this very special day.
The former Government of the Northwest Territories gave a day off only to its Inuit employees, leaving non-Inuit employees with no opportunity to celebrate what is also a significant day for them.
Last year Mr. Speaker the Government of Nunavut, in the absence of an official holiday, allowed employees a cultural day.
Employees celebrate this day with land trips and events that built on strengthening family ties.
But we no longer want to make excuses to enable everyone to celebrate July 9.
The Nunavut Government has presented the conditions to recognize July 9 as a significant day for all Nunavummiut.
It is now up to the people to decide this day does in fact merits such significance and recognition.
Item 3. Members’ Statements. Mr. McLean.
Member’s Statement 308 - 1(3): Mine Training Opportunities
Mayor Jacob Ikinilik, Councillor Frank Tootoo and businessman Peter Tapatai met with Cumberland Resources representative on January 25, 1999 in Vancouver British Columbia.
At this meeting the main topic discussed was training for Baker Lake residents in the mining industry.
Training opportunities identified were as follows: heavy equipment operators, mechanics, and millwrights, mill operators, miners etc.
Cumberland Resources has estimated a workforce of one hundred and seventy-five to two hundred and thirty people, to be involved at the mine site.
This number would be larger during the construction phase of the mine.
There would also be opportunities for offsite professional training once the mine is in operation. Such as mine engineers, geologists etc.
Some of the numbers Cumberland Resources has budgeted for the Meadow Bank project are as follows: direct wages 4.1 million dollars a year, indirect wages 2.9 million dollars a year, fuel contract alone is 8 million dollars a year.
Road maintenance 1 million dollars a year. The catering contract 2 million dollars a year, equipment supply 2 million dollars a year, freight in and out of the community 4 million per year.
Total cost per year will be 24 million dollars per year.
Total costs for these projects will directly benefit local and regional businesses. With the bulk of spending being done with Baker Lake businesses.
As Cumberland Resources are committed to using local preference for goods and services where possible the scale of the project would require a yearly re-supply of thirteen thousand tons of dry cargo along with twenty million dollars litres of fuel per year.
This would be done with a barge system and winter road into the Meadowbanks site.
The time frame Cumberland Resources is working with at this time is twelve to twenty-four months for the feasibility stage and eighteen to twenty-four months for the construction of the stage.
Start-up for this mine could be as early as 2003.
As you can see Mr. Speaker there is not a lot of time to get people trained for this mine site in Baker Lake now, and Mr. Speaker I will be questioning the minister's dedication to be putting people first their Bathurst Mandate on training people for these jobs.
Member’s Statement 309 - 1(3): Recognition of Gjoa Haven RCMP
This morning as a representative of my constituency I would like to recognize the RCMP in my community.
We have a diverse culture in our community and there are twenty-six communities in the whole of Nunavut.
As a person from the Legislature, I am very proud of the RCMP in my communities who work very hard and sometimes in dangerous situations.
The RCMP are working in the twenty-six communities, they are very visible in our community and they are representing truly the Government of Canada so we will be in a safe environment in the Territory of Nunavut.
In Gjoa Haven and Taloyoak we have RCMP members who have a lot of work to do and are on duty twenty-four hours a day.
I am very proud of the RCMP members in our communities, as a Nunavut representative I would like to recognize the RCMP members, and we hope to have them in our communities for a very long time.
Speaker: Mr. Barnabas
Member’s Statement 310 - 1(3): Status of Previous Capital Items
Mr Speaker many MLAs, you and I and the members on the other side of the House are veterans from the past government.
In the past, the communities had a clear picture of how and when their needs would be met.
There were A, B and C lists for capital projects because of the limited funding that was given to us by the federal government.
Now with the new Nunavut Government there is uncertainty and confusion.
I recognize that the Minister of Finance has committed to bringing forward a 5 year capital plan in the fall for all MLAs to work on.
However, there is a need now to get information to communities about their projects, which they had previously understood to be approved.
For example, in Arctic Bay an erosion protection project and a sewage lagoon, are just examples of what I know was supposed to be delivered from the previous government.
We were planning to have a smooth transition from the previous government to the new government.
Mr. Speaker, are these projects now dead, alive or on life support.
Mr. Speaker, later today I will question the Minister of Finance in reference to my member's statement.
Member’s Statement 311 - 1(3): Condition of Pond Inlet Health Centre
Earlier I made a comment on the Pond Inlet health centre and the Minister of Health has stated that the health centre in Pond Inlet is getting very old, and although this is the case, there is no money set aside in this year’s budget.
I am sure that because of the age of the health centre it is going to deteriorate even more this year.
I would like to receive support from the members so that we can get more funding for the health centre.
It is the only one in the community of Pond Inlet and I believe it has to be replaced, so we can begin work on the health centre this summer.
I will be asking questions on this issue at the appropriate time on the agenda.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Nutarak.. Members' statements.
Member’s Statement 312 - 1(3): Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat
Mr. Speaker, my statement is one that I wished to make earlier in the week but due to unforeseen circumstances, I was unable to be in the House.
At this time I will be seeking time to conclude my statement.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge a terrific community performance that took place in Iqaluit this past weekend.
The performances of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat at the Iqaluit High School was the result of a tremendous effort on the part of over one hundred volunteers including 1 grade eight class.
There were many light-hearted moments, even Elvis himself appeared right here in Iqaluit, and Mr. Speaker and members, I realised this weekend that I'm still finding out about relatives that I don't know that and I found out that I was related to Elvis.
The performance brought together a choir, orchestra, talented cast and a great crew for stage lighting, sound, back stage wardrobe design and directing.
It is a testament to the talented residents of Iqaluit.
Community performances like this one give some of the best entertainment we can have.
But they are so much more than that.
They bring together people from all walks of life, young and old in a common purpose and help us bride some of the difference in the community.
Some of the most senior government officials, journalists, teachers, artists and students and others joined in.
Their efforts inspired us to try new experiences, to learn new skills, to volunteer, to have fun and even act like Elvis.
But Mr Speaker, if some talent can emerge in a community effort such as this think of how much more could result from a systematic teaching of music, singing, art and drama to students in or schools in our communities.
In Iqaluit, considerable support has come from the music society in the way of donations of music instruments. Mr. Speaker I would like to seek unanimous consent to conclude my member’s statement.
Speaker: The member is seeking unanimous consent to complete his statement.
Please proceed Mr. Tootoo.
Mr. Tootoo: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues. Mr. Speaker art programs are often thought to be less of a priority and more easy to cut when making those hard funding decisions.
At present very few schools in Nunavut have music art or drama teachers or programs at all, any efforts rely totally on community volunteer programs.
In spite of this, Nunavut has produced some amazing artists such as Susan Aglukark, Louie Nowdluk and Charlie Paniguniak, and performance groups such as the Sikumiut dancers and Iqaluit’s Inuktitut dancers.
Given the opportunity to learn and participate at a young age, think of how many more Nunavut youth could have the opportunity to reach their goals and achieve success in these fields.
Currently, the potential for Nunavut art is largely untapped and our schooling system does not include much to develop it.
Mr. Speaker we must not lose sight of the importance of the arts in helping us to define ourselves as a people and provide a mirror for our humanity.
By putting our support into the teaching of the arts, music and drama we ensure that future generations have the opportunity to express themselves to the benefit of us all.
Member’s Statement 313 - 1(3): Sanikiluaq Search and Rescue
I rise today to show appreciation on behalf of my constituency.
Since yesterday a number of members of my community had gone out hunting and were unable to get back to their community.
But today they are safely at home now.
I would like to thank those that were involved in the search and rescue.
I truly appreciate the hard work of the searchers.
Item 5, sorry Item 4, Returns to oral questions.
Return to Question 421 - 1(3): Collection of Corporate Taxes
I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. McLean on April 12 on the collection of Nunavut corporate income taxes.
Mr. Speaker, the government of Canada collects and administers Nunavut's corporate income tax under the terms of the Nunavut Canada Tax Collection Agreement.
The Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, formerly Revenue Canada provides a service charged to the Nunavut Government.
Corporations pay a share of Nunavut's share of the corporate income tax to the Canada Custom and Revenue Agency who in turn pays the government of Nunavut.
This process is followed by all territories and provinces except Ontario, Alberta and Quebec.
Mr. Speaker it is not necessary to have a head office in Nunavut in order to be liable for Nunavut corporate income tax.
However, corporations are required to allocate their taxable income across all provinces and territories based on the wages and salaries paid to employees in the jurisdiction and gross revenue attributed to it.
Nunavut's corporate income tax is based on this division of income.
It is important to note, Mr. Speaker that Canada Customs and Revenue Agencies audits corporate returns.
The results of the audits are provided to the Nunavut Government so we can be sure that we receive our rightful share of corporate income tax revenue.
Speaker: Item 4, Returns to oral questions.
Mr Speaker, at this time I would like to recognize my sister Tabetha Irqittuq, she is sitting over there and the lady sitting beside her my daughter Carmen Irqittuq.
I would like to recognise someone from Kugluktuk who is not able to stay here for too much longer as she will be returning to Kugluktuk.
I want to recognise my wife Margaret sitting behind the Premier.
Hon. Paul Okalik: I would like to get the indulgence of my colleagues to go back to Item 2 for a short period before proceeding with Item 6.
Speaker: The Premier is requesting to get back to Item 2.
Item 2: Revert to Ministers’ Statements
Minister’s Statement 112 – 1(3): Minister’s Absence
I would like to inform the House before we actually start one of our colleagues Manitok Thompson will not be in the House today as she is ill today.
Question 443 – 1(3): Kitikmeot Regional Health Facility
I wanted to direct this to the Minister of Health and Social Services but since he is not here, I will direct this the Premier.
Regarding the Kitikmeot regional hospital, where in the process is it and how can we increase the size of this facility.
Speaker: Just a reminder to the member that when a member is absent from the House they should not make that statement.
Minister Picco is coming down here as we speak Mr. Speaker.
Just in respect to the honourable member’s question on the specifics of the Kitikmeot medical health facility.
The Department of Finance is currently finalising a reimbursement agreement with the Kitikmeot Corporation to allow them to undertake some work to move the process along.
I want to ask when this process is going to be completed.
Mr. Speaker, on the process in respect to the on-going work for the Kitikmeot Corporation, if that is what he refers to.
The reimbursement agreement will allow for them to undertake several things; some preliminary design work, a review and update of the functional plan, to develop a detailed operations & maintenance budget, a capital forecast and to develop a detail listing on the specifications for the furnishing and equipment requirements for that health facility.
Finally, to identify some alternatives for boarding home services whether it would be incorporated into the planned facility or by other means.
I do not have a definite time line on when that work would be completed.
But certainly I could find that out.
Question 444 – 1(3): Regional Kivalliq Health Facility
Uqaqti my question is directed to the Minister of Health and Social Services.
Uqaqti this week there was an announcement for a new hospital being looked at and being built in Iqaluit in the next 18-24 months.
Uqaqti we know in the Kivalliq region we do not even have any type of hospital facilities available.
Can the minister responsible let me know what the status is on the current health facility in the Kivalliq.
I am glad I got the same briefing note.
Mr. Speaker, in respect to the Keewatin regional facility again, as we have indicated, there is a reimbursement agreement being finalised now.
In this case with the Sakku Corporation to undertake some additional work to move that project along.
Some of the specifics on that Mr. Speaker, again, there will be some work in respect to preparing an operating and maintenance forecast and the capital budget forecast.
Also some plans for forecasting furniture and equipment requirements for the facility, identifying boarding home alternatives again.
Something unique to this project Mr. Speaker, for the Rankin Inlet project, the Keewatin project, is that there is also some potential problems associated with the dust from the old mine tailings pond because of the site location that has been identified for the Rankin Inlet facility.
So there is some work required to assess any potential problems in that area.
Finally Mr. Speaker, again specific to this facility there is more work required for analysing and comparing travel costs, service costs associated with the out of territories services that are currently provided for the residents of the Keewatin.
There is quite a bit of detail and I know there has to be a lot of planning involved in establishing health facilities.
My next question to the minister is, can he give in the Kivalliq some kind of time line when he expects to see this project get off the ground.
Is it 18 months, is it 24 months or 36 months.
Mr. Speaker, realistically if we go through all these undertakings with the development corporations and get to the point where there are operating and leasing agreements that are suitable in respect to the cost to the Government Nunavut and suitable in respect to returns to the development corporations.
Suitable in respect to being able to qualify under the Auditor General requirement for true P-3 projects.
If we were to get that work out of the way this fiscal year Mr. Speaker, I would think realistically the comments that are attributed to the Minister of Health and Social Services of the possibility of actual construction work taking place about 18 months from now, it is probably a realistic target that we would look at.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Ng. Supplementary Mr. McLean.
Uqaqti that is the answer that I was looking for.
Does the minister responsible have any kind of ballpark figure this facility is going to cost.
Speaker: Mr. McLean is your question directed to Mr. Picco or Mr. Ng.
Mr. McLean: Minister of Finance.
Mr. Speaker, for the Keewatin facility I believe the range we are looking at is anywhere between 10-12-15 million dollars for that facility.
As overall capital costing.
Question 445 – 1(3): Nunavut Day Holiday
This morning our Premier produced a document by way of Minister’s Statement regarding a new law that will take effect.
It says in the statement that once it is recognised this will become official as of August the first.
I am sorry the Civic holiday will be deleted.
Yes according to the Bill, the Civic holiday held in August which was just an addition would be reversed and the July 9 date would take effect.
In this year it will be July 9 on a Monday.
So that will be a long weekend instead of the holiday that used to be before that.
Speaker: Supplementary Mr. Irqittuq.
Mr. Speaker, has the government taken a good review of this to see how it will effect the members of the communities if they remove the Civic holiday in August.
Yes we indicated, we made some mass paper productions in trying to collect the concerns of other people and encouraging them to contact us.
In the meantime we have been working with our staff who have the freedom to take their holidays at any time throughout the year and we leave that up to their discretion.
We want to settle that soon with our employees but of course the union has to be in agreement with that.
Question 446 – 1(3): Legal Status of Mines
My question is directed to the Minister of Sustainable Development concerning the mines.
I understand we can expect to see some new mines being brought to Nunavut.
If I can use Nanisivik mines for example, it was produced as a mine and than a settlement was built around it.
Now if there should be some mines developed up here are we going to be in charge, owning those mines as our properties.
That would be my question.
What would be the legal status be of the mines in Nunavut.
Yes whoever is interested in exploration or creating a mine must have certain plans concerning the communities that they would be adjacent to.
There are always agreements that are brought into affect concerning the operation of the mines.
There has to be agreements as to clean up and other things like that.
They do not become settlements.
Once the life of the mine is no longer what happens to the old buildings.
Do they get removed.
Yes, Mr. Speaker, at present we do not have definite plans for encouraging mines to become settlements.
But there is usually a clean up plan with the lands.
Once the mines are about to be developed.
But some of the mines up in the high arctic we have two mines that became settlements while they were producing nickel and other resources.
I am wondering could you consider producing or creating settlements based around potential mines in the future because we have 26 communities right now.
But if you look at it in the long run we might be ill prepared and if there is no money for settlements then it could create a problem.
I was wondering if you have contingency plans for that.
Let me reiterate right now that the two comments made concerning mining development, up in Nanisivik those two mines are still running and as long as they are still in operation, the settlements will continue to be there.
For people interested in developing mines we have certain projects and plans in place already.
They have to have a proper location and proper clean up agreements and you can not make any other agreements before this goes ahead.
Question 447 – 1(3): Capital Planning Process
Mr. Speaker, over the last few days and the last couple of weeks as a matter of fact, Mr. Speaker we all heard the urgency of approving the departmental budgets before us.
Especially the capital because of the timing necessary to make the shipping deadlines and things like that.
Mr. Speaker I understand and we all do, the process that we have is a process that was inherited and passed on to us from the GNWT.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister of Finance if he is at all looking at some ways of adapting or changing that capital planning process and budgeting process so it is more suitable to us here in Nunavut.
An example may be having it in the fall.
Developing a capital budget in the fall rather than in the spring.
I was just wondering if the minister is giving any thought to that.
That would alleviate some of the problems that we run into.