EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 66, Plebiscites Act, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The motion is carried and the bill has been read for the first time.
Bill 64 – An Act to Amend the Liquor Act – Second Reading
I move, seconded by the seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 64, An Act to Amend the Liquor Act, be read for the second time.
Mr. Speaker, this Act amends the Liquor Act to allow for funding social responsibility campaigns from the Liquor Revolving Fund and for opening beer and wine stores in Nunavut, to increase the amount of liquor that a person may personally import without a permit, and to increase fines for contraventions of the Act.
I am quite happy to be able to speak to this issue.
When the government began its term, they established the Tamapta Mandate. Part of the work was to conduct a comprehensive review of the Liquor Act.
There was a review, as well as a community tour, but the entirety of the legislation wasn’t amended.
There are many other sections contained within this legislation.
This motion is primarily to make an amendment on a very few sections within the legislation, particularly the accessibility of liquor to communities and to have a store locally.
For instance, this is making it too accessible, at least in my estimation.
Without the complete review of the entire legislation and not just some sections, I won’t be able to support this motion as it stands, Mr. Speaker.
When the task force was chosen to review the Liquor Act, it was anticipated that a full review of the Act would be done based on the task force’s findings.
Mr. Speaker, the task force went through great lengths to gather information, opinions, and suggestions on the use of liquor in Nunavut, and I commend them for the work they have completed.
However, Mr. Speaker, Bill 64 only reflects a few changes to the current Act.
So I will be voting against Bill 64 today in hopes that the next government will conduct a full review early in their mandate.
It was an honour and privilege to have travelled with the liquor task force.
We visited communities that we were able to visit. People came. We held community radio talk shows.
We attended public meetings. Elders came, rain or sun. People came; women’s groups; young people.
It cost money, Mr. Speaker, to have this task force travel in Nunavut to the communities that we were able to visit.
Although I was not able to be there with every trip, I did my part, so did the public. Therefore, I will be supporting the motion because I was there.
The record will show that you were there.
Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): I apologize.
I wanted to ask you, Mr. Speaker, that we have a recorded vote.
Are there any more comments to the principle of the bill?
As was stated earlier, this is an Act that will only amend the Liquor Act.
The communities that I represent had hopes that the whole bill would be reviewed thoroughly.
We’re not going to be doing that. We are making minor amendments to the bill.
We’re not meeting the hopes of the people in my riding.
With that, Mr. Speaker, I will not be supporting this motion.
I ask all members in favour of the motion to please rise and sit down once I call your name.
I’ll flip to another page here. Two recorded votes in one day.
Mr. Ningark, in favour of the motion, yes.
The results of the vote: ten for the motion, three against, and four abstaining.
The motion is carried and as such, Bill 64 has been read for the second time and is referred to the Standing Committee on Legislation.
There are no items to consider.
No consideration, no report.
Orders of the Day for September 5:
This concludes our spring sitting.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank very much our pages who are here.
From Iqaluit is Malaya Kakkee, thank you very much. A very special thank you to two young ladies from Sanikiluaq who have done a great job for us here, Suvvaki Novalinga and Akinisi Kavik.
I thank all three of you very much. You have done a great job here.
I would also like to thank our technical people and the interpreters. I’m sorry you guys have had to listen to me like this over the last three days. It has probably been hard to figure out what I’m saying.
Also, I apologize to the people doing the transcribing for the Hansard too, having fun trying to figure out my voice.
I would like to thank the staff of the Legislative Assembly. Another great job done as usual.
I wish all members a very safe trip home, a good long weekend, and an enjoyable summer.
With that, this House stands adjourned until Thursday, September 5, at 1:30 p.m.
DAY 85
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Pages 4690 – 4742
Opening Prayer 4690
Money Message 4690
Ministers’ Statements 4690
Members’ Statements 4694
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 4700
Oral Questions 4701
Returns to Written Questions* 4717
Responses to Petitions* 4718
Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters 4718
Tabling of Documents 4718
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 4719
Motions 4720
First Reading of Bills 4720
Second Reading of Bills 4721
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 4723
Report of the Committee of the Whole 4740
Third Reading of Bills 4741
Orders of the Day 4741
Thursday, September 5, 2013 4690
306 – 3(3): Partnership with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (Aariak) 4690
307 – 3(3): Update on the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation (Taptuna) 4691
308 – 3(3): 2013 Canada Summer Games (Kusugak) 4693
520 – 3(3): Tribute to Baker Lake Author (Aupaluktuq) 4694
521 – 3(3): Mould Remediation in Public Housing Units (Ningark) 4695
522 – 3(3): Passing of Pierre Karlik (Curley) 4695
523 – 3(3): Homelessness in Nunavut (Ugyuk) 4697
524 – 3(3): Awareness of Elder Abuse (Tapardjuk) 4697
525 – 3(3): Congratulations to 2013 High School Graduates (Ningeongan) 4698
526 – 3(3): Auditor General of Canada’s Performance Audit of the Nutrition North Canada Programs (Elliott) 4698
527 – 3(3): 2013 High School Graduates of Arviat (Shewchuk) 4699
677 – 3(3): Status of the Natural Resources Conservation Trust Fund (Aupaluktuq) 4702
678 – 3(3): Mould Remediation in Public Housing Units (Ningark) 4703
679 – 3(3): Update on Status of MOT Building in Coral Harbour (Ningeongan) 4704
680 – 3(3): Implementing the new Child and Family Services Act (Tapardjuk) 4705
681 – 3(3): Status of NDC’s Divestment of Majority Ownership in Pangnirtung Fisheries (Oshutapik) 4708
682 – 3(3): Homelessness in Nunavut (Ugyuk) 4709
683 – 3(3): Status of the Resolute Bay Utilidor (Elliott) 4710
684 – 3(3): Safety in the Tourism Sector (Curley) 4711
685 – 3(3): Abuse of Income Support (Enook) 4713
686 – 3(3): Government of Nunavut’s Intervention Respecting Senate Reform Reference Questions (Elliott) 4714
687 – 3(3): Status of New Child and Family Services Act (Curley) 4716
Return to Written Question 028 – 3(3): Management of the M’Clintock Channel and Gulf of Boothia Polar Bear Populations (Clerk) 4717
Response to Petition 006 – 3(3): Gjoa Haven Sewage Lagoon (Clerk) 4718
038 – 3(3): Bill 32, An Act to Amend the Legal Services Act (Ningeongan) 4718
039 – 3(3): Bill 40, Representative for Children and Youth Act (Ningeongan) 4718
382 – 3(3): Correspondence Concerning Housing Situation in Repulse Bay (Ningark) 4719
383 – 3(3): Photographs and Editorial Concerning Marine Disaster in Pond Inlet (Enook) 4719
384 – 3(3): Correspondence Concerning the Disappearance of Qanngualuk and Family (Curley) 4719
052 – 3(3): Minister’s Statement 299 – 3(3) to Committee of the Whole (Tapardjuk) 4720
Bill 68 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2013-2014 – Notice 4719
Bill 69 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2013-2014 – Notice 4719
Bill 68 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2013-2014 – First Reading 4720
Bill 69 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2013-2014 – First Reading 4721
Bill 66 – Plebiscites Act – Second Reading 4721
Bill 68 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2013-2014 – Second Reading 4722
Bill 69 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2013-2014 – Second Reading 4722
Bill 66 – Plebiscites Act – Consideration in Committee 4723
Bill 66 – Plebiscites Act – Third Reading 4741
Speaker (Hon. Hunter Tootoo): I would like to ask Mr. Ningeongan to lead us off in a prayer, please.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Ningeongan. (interpretation ends) Before we proceed with our orders of the day, I will read the money message from the Commissioner of Nunavut.
Bill 68, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2013-2014; and
Bill 69, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2013-2014.
Signed sincerely, Edna Elias
Welcome back, everybody, to our first sitting in our renovated Chambers.
We’re hoping that everything works as it is supposed to.
This is the first run at it, so I hope that everything goes and there are no kinks.
Also, I would just like to mention that, just looking at the view from here, some of you guys look farther away and some of you guys are hidden from view, so I ask members, especially on the regular members’ side, to make sure you raise your hands quite high so I can see.
I used to be able to see if you just go like this and now I won’t be able to see some of you guys doing just that.
Minister’s Statement 306 – 3(3): Partnership with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (Aariak)
Good afternoon. I would like to welcome you all.
The other side is really far and it seems like the numbers have increased. I can see all of you.
Mr. Speaker, I was pleased this summer to take part in the joyous Nunavut Day celebrations when we marked the 20th anniversary of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
We are all here in this Legislative Assembly today because of this agreement.
The spirit of the land claims is one of partnership. It is meant to redefine the relationship between Inuit and government. This is why the partnership between the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik is so important.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik signed Aajiqatigiinniq in 2011 to set our common goal of strengthening Nunavut.
Under this partnership, there has been much successful collaboration.
Mr. Speaker, following almost three years of public engagement involving communities, Inuit organizations, the private sector, and government, the Nunavut Legislative Assembly passed Bill 59, the Collaboration for Poverty Reduction Act, a groundbreaking approach to inclusive policy development for poverty reduction.
The Act was the result of a successful effort to engage Nunavut communities and it was a process that was co-sponsored by Nunavut Tunngavik and the government. Poverty reduction is a Tamapta priority and Nunavut Tunngavik continues to work with us to find new solutions through the Nunavut Roundtable for Poverty Reduction, the Nunavut Food Security Coalition.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the Government of Nunavut is also developing a long-term comprehensive housing and homelessness strategy with our partner.
Additional sustained funding is required from the federal government, as is a committed partnership with Inuit organizations, hamlets, and the private sector, to find solutions to overcrowding.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut Tunngavik has also been a strong supporter of devolution and we look forward to working closely with them as we take this next step in building Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, our government’s relationship with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated has never been stronger.
Together, we are taking action to make Nunavut a healthy, sustainable place for all Nunavummiut both today and for generations to come. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister’s Statement 307 – 3(3): Update on the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation (Taptuna)
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to rise today before my fellow Members of the Legislative Assembly and provide an update on the exciting developments at the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation (NBCC).
As members recall, NBCC has undergone a significant transformation during the term of this government to overcome a very troubled history.
Through the efforts of its senior management and board of directors, in cooperation with the departments of Economic Development and Transportation and Finance, the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation has restored its reputation and strengthened all aspects of its business operations, lending activities, and financial management practices.
The corporation has made solid improvements – emerging from years of denied opinions to finally securing an unqualified opinion in 2009-2010.
The corporation has maintained a positive audit opinion from the Auditor General of Canada each year since and continues to meet its statutory reporting requirements.
This is a remarkable achievement. In her final appearance in Nunavut, the former Auditor General, Sheila Fraser, highly commended the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation for this fast turnaround.
Today, I am very pleased to report that the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation has achieved another major milestone.
But first, I would like to highlight NBCC’s ongoing commitment towards fostering Nunavut’s economic development and the vital role it plays in the territory.
Throughout its rebuilding efforts, NBCC maintained its regular operations and worked very closely with new and existing clients. It continued to provide a critically needed service to Nunavummiut seeking to expand or pursue new business opportunities.
Over the past year, NBCC actively reached out to seek new clients by visiting communities in the Kitikmeot and Kivalliq regions.
It has also helped young entrepreneurs obtain financing to pursue opportunities that might not otherwise have been realized.
Nunavut’s youth are creative and enterprising and the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation is working with them to develop new markets and pursue established ones.
Recently, the corporation provided support to a film production company headed by a young woman to develop a project that is already attracting international interest.
NBCC has also supported a succession plan enabling a young man to invest in an established business and broaden its operations. NBCC commits to helping Nunavummiut and in particular the youth to achieve their aspirations and build a stronger territory.
As I mentioned earlier, the corporation has recently achieved a new milestone. For the first time ever, it now has a fully committed loan portfolio reaching its authorized limit of $25 million.
Of that, there are six new loans valued at $1 million each, being the highest loan value possible under existing legislation. Each of these Nunavut-based business enterprises is now able to establish or expand their operations, employ staff, and meet the needs of their communities. This would not be possible if these businesses had to rely on traditional commercial lending institutions.
The corporation also works collaboratively with other lenders across the territory, such as the Atuqtuarvik Corporation, the Nunavut Development Corporation, the Baffin Business Development Corporation, and Kitikmeot Community Futures Incorporated, to identify joint funding arrangements that best suit their clients’ needs. Working together, these organizations represent a strong network to support Nunavut’s growing economy and private sector to lead the way for further economic development.
Mr. Speaker, during the term of this government, the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation has emerged a stronger organization with greater internal capacity and ability to respond to the needs of Nunavummiut.
I am very pleased to say that NBCC has clearly achieved its vision of being the lender of northern opportunity.
Mr. Speaker, I ask the other members to join me in recognizing the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation’s board, its management and its staff for this significant achievement.
Minister’s Statement 308 – 3(3): 2013 Canada Summer Games (Kusugak)
Good day to the residents of Whale Cove and Rankin Inlet.
Again, the other side is a little bit too close for my comfort.
I am pleased to provide an update on Team Nunavut’s participation in the 2013 Canada [Summer] Games hosted by Sherbrooke, Quebec August 2 to 17 of this year.
This was Nunavut’s fourth time participating in the Canada Summer Games program, which includes over 4,400 of Canada’s top athletes between the ages of 16 and 21.
Team Nunavut competed in the men’s wrestling competition.
The team consisted of three wrestlers: Sandy Saviakjuk Jr. of Coral Harbour, Arthur Sik Sik of Rankin Inlet, and David Hauli from Igloolik.
The team was coached by Mike Soares of Cape Dorset.
Mr. Speaker, the preparation for an event the calibre of the Canada Summer Games requires an exceptional level of commitment and effort on the part of our athletes and community coaches.
All should be congratulated for their commitment to representing Nunavut and putting forward their best efforts within their sport.
In addition to our wrestling team, Nunavut was represented by 11 youth ambassadors. These youth were selected through a territory-wide application process and volunteered with the games host society.
Throughout the games, the ambassadors contributed to the overall delivery of the games program and shared culture, language, and information about Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, these ambassadors also had the chance to interact with the next generation of Olympic athletes, as well as spectators and officials from across the nation, enhancing Nunavut’s recognition throughout Canada.
The 2013 Canada Summer Games was the experience of a lifetime for these young people and one that they will bring back to their home communities.
The ambassador program is becoming an important part of preparing our youth to face the world as equals as well.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to invite my colleagues to join me in congratulating the participants, coaches, and volunteers for their roles in representing Nunavut at the 2013 Canada Summer Games.
Member’s Statement 520 – 3(3): Tribute to Baker Lake Author (Aupaluktuq)
I send my greetings to the people of Baker Lake and Nunavut, particularly my dear sister Tapatai, who is celebrating her birthday today. It is obvious our family will be celebrating later tonight. Also, since I know my mother will be cooking tonight, it makes me wish I was home with them.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of my constituents in Baker Lake.
Mr. Speaker, literature is one of the most important forms of cultural expression.
Thanks to the efforts of Inhabit Media, which is a Nunavut-based publishing company, our culture’s stories, legends, and values are being preserved for generations to come.
Mr. Speaker, Inhabit Media’s mandate is to “promote and preserve the stories, knowledge and talent of Northern Canada.”
Inhabit Media works to “promote research in Inuit mythology and the traditional Inuit knowledge of Nunavummiut.”
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to be able to share with you and my colleagues the news that one of my constituents has recently written a new book titled “The Legend of Lightning and Thunder.”
Mr. Speaker, Paula Ikuutaq Rumbolt is one of my constituents who embody the spirit of our younger generation.
Paula attended Nunavut Sivuniksavut in Ottawa and has been studying at Concordia University in Montreal.
Mr. Speaker, Paula’s book, which was illustrated by Jo Rioux, has been published in both Inuktitut and English. It is a well-written and wonderfully illustrated depiction of an ancient legend. The book is enjoyable to read, beautiful to look at, and conveys important lessons about Inuit beliefs and values.
Mr. Speaker, I am very confident that Paula’s father, my hon. colleague from Hudson Bay, is particularly proud today.
Mr. Speaker, literacy is a fundamental right that allows us to appreciate the world’s greatest works of literature.
I ask all members to join me in congratulating my constituent, Paula Ikuutaq Rumbolt, and to pay tribute to all of her colleagues for their important work in strengthening our culture.
Member’s Statement 521 – 3(3): Mould Remediation in Public Housing Units (Ningark)
Earlier this spring, in March 2013, I was asking questions in this House directed to the minister responsible for housing regarding the units in Kugaaruk, as some units are still impacted by mould. If I were to say it in English, it’s (interpretation ends) mould.
(interpretation) The mould issue still hasn’t been rectified as of yet, although the minister responded that the Nunavut Housing Corporation was aware of this issue and there would be further inspections to check on the mould issue… .
Speaker: Sorry, Mr. Ningark.
Technical glitch, Mr. Ningark. Sorry about that.
We lost a lot of the audio on that, so we will restart the clock and allow you, if you would like to start your statement over again.
Mr. Ningark (interpretation): I apologize. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The members sitting across from us seem to be lower in numbers, yet it feels different. It feels like we have been newly elected as the Chamber is quite different in its set-up.
On March 1, 2013, I raised a question to the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation about the Kugaaruk housing issue whereby mould was found in some units. Residents could smell the mould and they are aware that mould can have health consequences.
The Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation responded that they were aware of this concern and that there would be work undertaken to correct this issue.
Just prior to my trip to attend this session, I was informed that this issue still exists.
Further, the two young ladies who informed me stated that the units still give off the smell of mould. This means there may still be mould in between the walls. Further, I happened to hear an older person, not necessarily an elder, that the units are still affected by mould.
At the appropriate time, I will be directing my questions to the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation about this mould issue.
I had raised this matter in March. I wonder if their inspectors even visit the community to inspect these units. Will these units be inspected later on?
I doubt that Kugaaruk is the only community affected by mould. Perhaps this is occurring in all Nunavut communities.
Member’s Statement 522 – 3(3): Passing of Pierre Karlik (Curley)
Mr. Curley (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, the reason why I rise… .
Let me first send my regards to the residents of Rankin Inlet. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak to a matter that is quite grave.
I want to express my pride in this person’s accomplishments, although he just passed away recently in Rankin Inlet.
I believe that many people throughout Nunavut knew this person, and here I am speaking about Pierre Karlik, who was 81 years old and who passed away on Friday, August 16 of this year in our local health centre.
Mr. Karlik was born on September 14, 1931 and furthermore, he was adopted by his grandparents, Qimuksiraaq and Pangakkak.
Mr. Pierre Karlik spent his whole life carving, as he was a carver. He was also a dear friend of many residents, including myself and my colleague from Rankin Inlet. He was a wise man, especially regarding politics.
I can state unequivocally that he was well versed in politics. He was also cognizant of how hardship could mould a person’s perspective.
He became a carver when he was hospitalized at the St. Theresa Hospital where he was treated for polio around the 1940s. He spent over five years at that facility in Manitoba. He was at the hospital that also housed Inuit with tuberculosis at the sanatorium.
Pierre married his wife, Elizabeth Alianai, who was betrothed to him as per the Inuit custom while he was a child. All together, they had seven children and the family was quite close, and as he was a carver, he provided for them. He first started with carving a baby ring.
During the summer, he was an ardent fisher and would spend the summers at a place called locally Ukkusiksat. When the commercial fishery commenced, he and his wife, along with their children, would camp at Falstaff Island.
Since it has soapstone, they would gather pieces of soapstone to prepare for the upcoming months.