EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
That the Elections Act be amended by providing that the maximum number of electors contained in a poling division be no more than 450.[p.22 NWT]  Agree.
See Recommendation #38
That paragraph 52(4)(c) of the Elections Act be amended by deleting the requirement that a candidate must indicate their occupation.[p.22 NWT]
Agree.  That section 57 of the Elections act be amended to provide that a candidate may provide his or her photograph by electronic means.[p.22 NWT]
As in Nunavut Report. Agree.
That paragraphs 27(3)(d), 51(3)(c), 198(1)(c) and section 208 of the Elections Act be amended by deleting the words "the Yukon Territory" and substituting the word "territory".[p.22 NWT]
Agree.  That paragraph 92(2)(b) of the Elections Act with respect to advance polls be repealed.[p.22 NWT]
No comment.  There are a large number of recommendations in the report that were developed by Returning Officers in a meeting following the election.[p.12 and 13 NWT]
Recommend supporting any recommendations for better training for election staff, more clarity in materials and ease of administration. Refer to the Chief Electoral Officer and the working group for further consideration.
(i) Chronology of Public Consultations
The Standing Committee Ajauqtiit felt that a critical component of their review would be the holding of public consultation meetings.
The Committee decided to meet with a number of individuals and groups with specific expertise and experience in elections, as well as six communities in Nunavut - one larger and one smaller community in each of the three regions.
It was hoped that this would provide a good diversity of opinion and comment from across Nunavut.
The Committee met with seven communities and five Hamlet councils.
In light of the intense Assembly schedule surrounding the Rankin Inlet and Iqaluit sittings from February to May 2000, the Standing Committee Ajauqtiit decided to only hold public hearings in Rankin Inlet and Iqaluit during the sitting.
Being aware that the summer would not be a good time for community consultations, the Standing Committee planned to finalize their four community visits in September 2000.
During the summer, the Standing Committee held internal meetings and also sent a delegation to meet with Elections Canada officials.
A meeting was also scheduled with the Hamlet Council in Kugaaruk, when Members were there for other meetings.
A final meeting was held with the Full Caucus of the Legislative Assembly to ensure all Members had an opportunity to provide their comments on the review.
The following public hearings were held:
February 3, 2000 - Iqaluit
-- Presentation and discussion on the Report with the Chief Electoral Officer of Nunavut, David Hamilton and Brian Armstrong, Co-ordinator of Training & Information with Elections NWT.
February 26, 2000 - Rankin Inlet
-- Presentation and discussion with Sandy Kusugak, former Member of the Nunavut Electoral Boundaries Commission and former Returning Officer in Rankin Inlet for a number of elections, including territorial, federal, hamlet, KIA and others.
-- Meeting with a group of approximately 10 Elders and persons with disabilities regarding elections issues.
March 25, 2000 - Iqaluit
-- Meeting with two officials from the Department of Community Government and Transportation regarding local election issues;
-- Meeting with Kathy Smith, Chair of the Iqaluit District Education Authority regarding DEA election issues; and
-- Meeting with Phil Clarke, Official Agent for one of the candidates in the first Nunavut Election regarding election financing issues.
April 13, 2000 - Iqaluit
May 11, 2000 - Iqaluit
-- Presentation by the Chair of the Standing Committee to the Nunavut Association of Municipalities, followed by question period and discussion with Mayors and SAOs.
June 29, 2000 - Kugaaruk
--Meeting with Mayor and Hamlet Council of Kugaaruk.
September 21, 2000 - Clyde River
-- Meeting with over 100 Quluaq High School students.
-- Meeting with Mayor and Hamlet Council of Clyde River.
-- Community meeting with 90 residents of Clyde River.
September 22, 2000 - Clyde River
-- Meeting with Housing Association of Clyde River.
September 22, 2000 - Cape Dorset
-- Meeting with Mayor, SAO and Hamlet Council of Cape Dorset
September 23, 2000 - Cape Dorset
-- Community meeting with 83 residents of Cape Dorset
September 25, 2000 - Kugluktuk
-- Meeting with Mayor, SAO and Hamlet Council of Kugluktuk
-- Community meeting with 68 residents of Kugluktuk
September 26, 2000 - Chesterfield Inlet
-- Meeting with Mayor, SAO and Hamlet Council of Chesterfield Inlet
-- Community meeting with 28 residents of Chesterfield Inlet
(ii) Public Outreach
February 2000 - Information packages, including copies of the report, extra flyers and letters were also sent to every MLA's constituency office and Members were encouraged to distribute them to interested persons or groups in their community.
February 2000 - Advertisement placed in Nunatsiaq News.
February - April 2000 - Media advisories were prepared before each public meeting and public service announcements for two of the spring hearings.
Media releases were also prepared after each hearing to summarize the key ideas presented and discussed and several media articles have been written on the work of the Standing Committee Ajauqtiit on elections, as well as interviews and news stories on CBC and community radio stations.
The Interim Report of the Standing Committee was tabled in the Legislative Assembly and read into the record in April 2000.
Media releases were issued and media interviews were conducted.
The Interim Report was posted on the Legislative Assembly website in both Inuktitut and English.
The Chair of the Standing Committee made a presentation to the Nunavut Association of Municipalities, encouraging all Hamlets to provide input into the consultation process.
A follow-up letter was sent to all Mayors in July inviting them to let the Standing Committee know if they wished the public consultation meetings to include their community.
Flyers were sent through the mail to all households in the four communities selected for the fall community consultation process.
Public service announcements were delivered through CBC and a news item in September announced where and when the meetings would be taking place.
Members of the Standing Committee went on local radio in Clyde River and Cape Dorset advising of the meeting.
CBC interviews followed the Clyde River meetings, advising of key issues raised in the consultations to date.
As well, CBC interviews were done in Kugluktuk, on the day of the public meetings in that community.
Item 10. Tabling of documents. Mr. Tootoo.
Tabled Document 001 – 1(4): NTI Board of Directors' Resolution on Elections
Tabled Document 002 – 1(4): Letter from Canada's Chief Electoral Officer
I would like to table a Resolution of the Board of Directors for Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated dated October 19, 2000.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to also table at the same time a letter from the Chief Electoral Officer of Canada, Mr. Jean-Pierre Kingsley to the Standing Committee Ajauqtiit dated October 20, 2000.
Speaker: Item 10. Tabling of documents.
Item 11. Notices of motions.
Notices of motions. Notices of motions.
Item 12. Notices of motions for first reading of bills.
Item 12: Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills
Notice, Bill 1 – Supplementary Appropriations Act, No. 1, 2000/2001
Notice, Bill 2 – An Act to Amend the Workers' Compensation Board Act
Notice, Bill 3 – An Act to Amend the Statutes Revision Act
Notice, Bill 4 – An Act to Amend the Land Titles Act
Notice, Bill 5 – The Floral Emblem Act
Notice, Bill 6 – An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly & Executive Council Act and Other Acts in Relation to the Legislative Assembly
Notice, Bill 7 – The Legislative Assembly Members Removal and Disqualification Act
With your indulgence. I have seven Notices for First Reading of Bills.
Mr. Speaker, I give Notice on Wednesday October 25, 2000, I shall move that Bill 1 - Supplementary Appropriations Act, No. 1, 2000-2001; Bill 2 - An Act to Amend the Workers’ Compensation Board Act; Bill 3 - An Act to Amend the Statutes Revision Act; Bill 4 - An Act to Amend the Land Titles Act; Bill 5 - The Floral Emblem Act; Bill 6 - An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly Executive Council Act and other Acts in Relation to the Legislative Assembly and finally Bill 7 - The Legislative Assembly Members Removal and Disqualification Act be read for the first time.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ng. Item 13.
Item 13. Motions.
Item 14. First reading of bills.
Item 15. Second reading of bills.
Item 16. Orders of the day.
Item 16: Orders of the Day
A meeting of full caucus at 5 o'clock in the Nanuq boardroom today.
Orders of the Day for Tuesday, October 24;
Consideration of Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Committee report 1-1(4)
A reminder to all members and to the public that the Nunavut Leadership Committee meets tomorrow at 10 a.m. in these Chambers to select a new Member of the Executive Council.
This House stands adjourned until Tuesday, October 24, at 1:30 pm.
>>House adjourned at 4.40 p.m.
Tuesday October 24, 2000
Pages 83 - 135
Speaker: The Hon. Kevin O’Brien, M.L.A.  Legislative Assembly of Nunavut
Website: www.assembly.nu.ca Table of Contents
Opening Prayer 83
Ministers’ Statements 83
Members’ Statements 86
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 92
Oral Questions 93
Written Questions 108
Tabling of Documents 109
Notices of Motions 109
First Reading of Bills 110
Second Reading of Bills 110
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 110
Report of the Committee of the Whole 134
Orders of the Day 134
Tuesday October 24, 2000 83
005 - 1(4): Ministers Absent from House (Ng) 83
006 - 1(4): GN Staffing Capacity and IEP (Ng) 83
007 - 1(4): Fuel Price Increases for Nunavut (Thompson) 84
008 - 1(4): Update on the Fiscal Position of the GN (Ng) 85
013 - 1(4): Congratulations to Olayuk Akesuk (Tootoo) 86
014 - 1(4): Suicide in Nunavut (Iqaqrialu) 87
015 - 1(4): Chesterfield Inlet Music Festival (Arvaluk) 87
016 - 1(4): Gratitude on Election to Executive Council (Akesuk) 88
017 - 1(4): Preserving Inuinnaqtun (Havioyak) 88
018 - 1(4): Congratulations to Olayuk Akesuk (Irqittuq) 89
019 - 1(4): Appreciation for Former NIC Commissioners (Puqiqnak) 89
020 - 1(4): Passing of Lucassie Nutaraluk (Picco) 90
021 - 1(4): Congratulations to Baker Lake Graduates (McLean) 91
022 - 1(4): Encouraging Youth to Graduate (Alakannuark) 91
012 - 1(4): Increase in Fuel Prices (Havioyak) 93
013 - 1(4): Proposals for Funding at Sustainable Development (Arvaluk) 94
014 - 1(4): Closure of Community Radio Station (Nutarak) 96
015 - 1(4): Fuel Price Increases (Iqaqrialu) 98
016 - 1(4): New Staff Housing Policy (Tootoo) 99
017 - 1(4): Repulse Bay Community Freezer (Alakannuark) 100
018 - 1(4): Fuel Price Increases (McLean) 100
019 - 1(4): Advertisements for Nursing Staff (Irqittuq) 102
020 - 1(4): Fuel Price Increases (Puqiqnak) 103
021 - 1(4): Location of Gas Caches (Nutarak) 104
022 - 1(4): P3 Arrangement for Coral Harbour Meat Plant (Arvaluk) 105
023 - 1(4): Change in Fuel Subsidy (Tootoo) 106
001 - 1(4): RFP for Keewatin Business Development Centre (McLean) 108
003 - 1(4): Letter from Repulse Bay Hamlet on Community Freezer (Alakannuark) 109
004 - 1(4): Nunatsiaq News Article “Nunavut Spurns Gates Foundation” (McLean) 109
005 - 1(4): GN Interim Financial Statements (Ng) 109
Bill 1 - Supplementary Appropriation Act, No.1, 2000/2001 (Ng) 110
Bill 1, Supplementary Appropriation Act, No.1, 2000/2001 (Ng) 110
001 - 1(4): New Elections Act 111
002 - 1(4): Incorporation of Recommendations in Election Act 112
003 - 1(4): Elections Act to be Easily Understood 112
004 - 1(4): Development of One Elections Act for all of Nunavut 112
005 - 1(4): Analysis of Cost Saving Options 113
006 - 1(4): Analysis of Non GN Potential Cost Savings 113
007 - 1(4): Incorporation of Values Statement in Elections Act 114
008 - 1(4): Establishment of a Central Elections Office 114
009 - 1(4): Creation of Multi-organizational Working Group 114
010 - 1(4): Appointment of Chief Electoral Officer 115
011 - 1(4): Harmonizing Election Procedures 117
012 - 1(4): Location of Central Elections Office 117
013 - 1(4): Establishment of a Permanent Voters List 117
014 - 1(4): Protocol with Elections Canada 118
015 - 1(4): Voters List Software 119
016 - 1(4): Privacy Issues 119
017 - 1(4): Elector Transfer Certificate 119
018 - 1(4): Timing of Elections 120
019 - 1(4): Elections to be Held Mid-week 121
020 - 1(4): Limit on Number of Elections/Plebiscites on One Day 125
021 - 1(4): Shortening of Election Period 125
022 - 1(4): Shortening of the Nomination Period 128  Tuesday October 24, 2000
Mr. Ovide Alakannuark, Mr. Olayuk Akesuk, Mr. James Arvaluk, Mr. Donald Havioyak, Mr. David Iqaqrialu, Mr. Enoki Irqittuq, Honourable Peter Kattuk, Honourable Peter Kilabuk, Mr. Glenn McLean, Honourable Kelvin Ng, Mr. Jobie Nutarak, Honourable Kevin O'Brien, Honourable Ed Picco, Mr. Uriash Puqiqnak, Honourable Manitok Thompson, Mr. Hunter Tootoo.
Speaker (Mr. O'Brien): I would like to call on Mr. Puqiqnak to say the prayer.
Item 2. Mr. Ng.
Minister’s Statement 005 - 1(4): Ministers Absent from House
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise members that the Honourable Paul Okalik will be absent from the House today Tuesday October 24, 2000, to sign an MOU on cross jurisdictional operations with Greenland in Nuuk.
Mr. Speaker, I also wish to advise members that the Honourable Jack Anawak will be absent from the House today to attend meetings with the Kivalliq leaders in Manitoba.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Ng. Ministers’ statements. Mr. Ng.
Minister’s Statement 006 - 1(4): GN Staffing Capacity and IEP
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide Members of the Legislative Assembly with the first quarter staffing capacity and Inuit Employment statistics for 2000/2001 from the Government of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, presently 76.5% of the 2,716 positions within the departments, boards and agencies are filled with an Inuit employment rate of 44%.
Since March 2000, overall capacity and Inuit employment has decreased slightly.
This small decrease can be accounted for in that the Government of Nunavut is competing with other organizations requiring the same knowledge and skills to fill positions.
The other major factor, Mr. Speaker, in recruiting and retention is the strong economic conditions across the country which have increased demands for a skilled and trained work force.
Mr. Speaker, in departments, overall staffing capacity has increased to 68% with an Inuit employment rate of 43%.
Based on the June 30 statistics overall capacity in the boards and agencies increased to 91% with an Inuit employment rate of 45%.
Mr. Speaker, our staffing division has been aggressive in initiating 83 competitions during the first quarter of this year.
We have made some progress during this quarter but we do realize that we face many challenges in achieving our goals of full capacity and a representative public service.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Nunavut continues to assist Nunavummiut by providing education and training and working towards creating and maintaining a representative public service.
Mr. Speaker, I am confident that if we continue working together we can have a government that is representative of the people it serves.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Ng. Ministers’ statements. Ms. Thompson.
Minister’s Statement 007 - 1(4): Fuel Price Increases for Nunavut
Mr. Speaker, the costs to purchase fuel during this year’s re-supply have increased significantly from that of the previous year due to the increase of fuel prices on international markets.
The price of refined fuel is effected by supply and demand on international markets.
The increases that have been experienced over the past 18 months are due to low U.S. inventory and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries’ decision to restrict production.
In addition, fuel products that are purchased on the U.S. markets are effected by the low value of the Canadian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar.
Unfortunately the extremely volatile worldwide markets that supply this product effect Nunavut fuel prices.
Mr. Speaker, an increase of 13.9 cents a litre, which includes GST, has been approved by the Financial Management Board effective November 1, 2000.
The Financial Management Board also approved a ceiling of 98.9 cents a litre for home heating, diesel, Jet A-1 and gasoline.
This ceiling is for all communities with the exception of the retail gasoline operators in Iqaluit.
The FMB does not regulate the retail gas bar operators in Iqaluit.
They set their own prices.
Given that the higher prices for the refined petroleum products experienced over the past year are likely to continue as long as international market conditions remain tight, this increase in retail prices will likely enable the GN to maintain stability in fuel prices over the next two years.
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the concern Nunavummiut have regarding these increases in fuel prices.
However, there was no alternative but to implement, given the circumstances of worldwide markets and the increases in costs.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I would like to point out that our department has been providing information to NTI in order to assist them in setting up a program to help sustenance harvesters.
In addition we are looking at what options may be available where possible, for low-income homeowners, possibly through a program such as the Seniors Fuel Subsidy Program.
Speaker: Thank you Minister. Ministers’ statements. Mr. Ng.
Minister’s Statement 008 - 1(4): Update on the Fiscal Position of the GN
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to report on the interim financial statements for the Government of Nunavut’s first year of operations as required in the Financial Administration Act.
I will also table later the mid-year budget update for the current fiscal year, 2000/2001.
Mr. Speaker, the interim financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2000, show that the Government of Nunavut had an accumulated surplus of 63 million dollars at the end of the last fiscal year.
Included in this figure is a surplus of 53.9 million for fiscal year 99/2000 and 9 million dollars in net transfers from the GNWT at the time of division.
Actual revenues for 99/2000 were 630.4 million dollars which is over 20 million dollars above our budget estimate of 610.1 million dollars.
The Territorial Formula Financing Grant from the Government of Canada was 538.4 million dollars, an increase of 39.5 million dollars over the budget.
Most of this increase can be attributed to our share of the revised Federal Estimates of Entitlements for the GNWT for the two or three years immediately preceding division.
Other transfer payments and own-source revenues were 19.2 million below our budget estimates.
Mr. Speaker, actual expenditures for 1999-2000 were 576.4 million dollars which were approximately 33.7 million dollars below the budget estimates of 610.1 million dollars.
Operations and maintenance expenditures totalled 526.7 million dollars while Capital Expenditures totalled 49.7 million.
Mr. Speaker, I should note that the information in this report is subject to change and statement of public accounts which will be audited by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada and these will be tabled in the winter session.
Mr. Speaker, I will now comment on the mid-year budget update for the current fiscal year.
Mr. Speaker, overall revenues for the Government of Nunavut for 2000-2001 are now expected to be 635.6 million dollars or 3 million below our budget estimates.
We are anticipating that the Territorial Formula Financing grant to be 2 million dollars below our budget estimates and other transfer payments from the Federal Government to be 1 million dollars below our budget estimates.
All other revenues are expected to remain the same as reported at the time of the budget.
Total budget expenditures are now 667.4 million dollars.
This figure includes initiatives contained in the Supplementary Appropriation, No. 1, which will be considered by the Legislative Assembly during this session.
Mr. Speaker, the initiatives presented in the Supplementary Appropriations Bill increases budgeted expenditures by 28.4 million dollars.
The overall operations and maintenance budget increases by approximately 17.2 million dollars.
These adjustments are required to meet a number of expenditure pressures including lease obligations and the recent Teachers Union Settlement.
The total Capital budget increases by 11.2 million dollars which includes funding of 8.6 million dollars for projects approved in the 1999/2000 budget that could not be completed in that fiscal year.
Mr. Speaker, it is currently projected that for the 2000/2001 fiscal year the Government of Nunavut will have an operating deficit of approximately 31.5 million dollars. This operating deficit will be financed from our overall accumulated surplus.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to note that the Government continues to face a number of additional expenditure pressures including higher operating costs as a result of the rising fuel prices the Minister just announced, information technology needs and on-going union negotiations.
In closing Mr. Speaker, I would like to reiterate the Government of Nunavut's commitment to the wise management of our resources and fiscal responsibility.
Through such sound fiscal management, the Members of this Legislative Assembly will ensure a better future for Nunavummiut.
Member’s Statement 013 - 1(4): Congratulations to Olayuk Akesuk
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a colleague and a friend of mine, Mr. Olayuk Akesuk, for being selected to the Executive Council of this House this morning.
Mr. Akesuk, I served with him on both the Standing Committees that I am on and his contribution and input in those meetings will be greatly missed.
Member’s Statement 014 - 1(4): Suicide in Nunavut
I rise today to talk about the topic of suicide.
I have indicated earlier that I would be more open about this subject.
The reason why I am rising today is that suicide creates problems for families all across the country.
In the old days, the Inuit custom was that two young people would get married as soon as they could be married and this was an old custom that was used by the Inuit in the old days.
In looking at the past and present day marriage arrangements there is a lot of difference between olden days and the present day.
Looking at today’s relationships we can see that two young people get together and get married but in a short time they do come across divorces which was very uncommon in the past.
When one of the spouses leave the relationship the person that is left is badly hurt and then becomes very depressed during her life or his life time.
If we do not deal with this problem suicide will always be present as well.
If we can look at Inuit traditions and customs, we could probably learn to deal with the present day relationships that have affected so many people in today’s world.
Today, looking at this it has created many hardships in our lives and many families have been broken up by broken relationships.
I do not know how we can deal with this at this time, myself I cannot answer it directly but I think this an area where we should start looking for solutions Nunavut wide as it has deeply affected our lives.
Member’s Statement 015 - 1(4): Chesterfield Inlet Music Festival
Mr. Arvaluk (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Speaker and Mr. Akesuk, congratulations for becoming a Member of the Executive Council.
We have heard from a constituency of mine, namely Chesterfield Inlet, that they held a music festival for the entire Kivalliq region.
I think that there were many Kivalliq communities that attended at that music festival.
My CA George Kanayuk indicated to me that this was a very successful event and I would like to congratulate the people of Chesterfield Inlet and people of Kivalliq.
It is not too often that they have get-togethers and this creates harmony amongst communities.
We are very pleased that the event was very successful and I thank the people of Chesterfield Inlet.
Member’s Statement 016 - 1(4): Gratitude on Election to Executive Council