EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
The standing committee addressed a number of issues with respect to the manner in which complaints and concerns regarding school personnel are handled. The amendments proposed under Bill 52 update the format and procedures relating to complaints and discipline of the association’s members.
However, members recognize that it is also important that the lines of communication between school staff, local DEAs and Department of Education officials remain open and effective in order to address concerns raised at the community level.
The standing committee recommends the passage of Bill 52 to all members.
Are there any general comments on Bill 52?
Mr. Ningark: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation) I’m sorry. (interpretation ends) I believe that the department and the Nunavut Teachers Association have been working collaboratively since two years ago, 2010.
I believe it is timely in keeping with changes in time and some of the provisions that are no longer required to support this bill.
Like my colleagues, the chairperson of the legislation, I will support this bill.
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Ningark. (interpretation) Are there any other general comments?
If not, we can go to the clause-by-clause review of Bill 52.
You can find a copy of the bill in your legislation binder that is on your desk.
I believe we can now proceed.
Bill 52, (interpretation ends) An Act to Amend the Nunavut Teachers Association Act. (interpretation) Clause 1.
Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): I would like to ask a question on section 3.2, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman (interpretation): Mr. Tapardjuk, please go ahead.
Under section 3(2), it states that “The definition ‘discipline committee’ in section 1 is amended by striking out ‘23(1)’ and substituting ‘26(1)’.”
Mr. Chairman, I would like some clarification on this section. If there was a complaint regarding a teacher, a discipline committee would be established.
Is that the case, Mr. Chairman?
A discipline committee would be established if there was to be a problem.
For instance, it doesn’t include people from the Department of Education or teachers or a case that is supposed to be looked into by the RCMP. (interpretation ends) If I may say it in English, the discipline committee and the association are not involved in disciplinary matters between the department and its teachers who are involved in criminal investigations by the RCMP.
The discipline committee is responsible for investigating any matters referred to it by the president and/or executive director of the association concerning the alleged misconduct, incompetence, or contravention of the by-laws of the association by its members only.
(interpretation) If any member of the Nunavut Teachers Association broke any law or any condition or did something wrong, then this committee would deal with them.
They also have different ways of dealing with it. If they need to have a hearing, then they can have that too.
They have to discuss what course they would like to take and they do the reviews on what they should do, according to the problem that is at hand. They could also suspend or reprimand the members of the Nunavut Teachers Association.
I hope that’s understandable. If not, then I will respond again.
Just to make sure that we understand each other and our constituents have to understand, the word “teacher,” is that to all teachers?
They would have to meet about a particular teacher to review the condition. Are the elders who have a certificate to teach going to be involved with this disciplinary committee?
Thank you for asking for clarification.
The elders who now have a certificate to teach are not included with this association.
If the association members broke their own by-laws, then they would be dealt with by this disciplinary committee.
The elders are not included in this process.
Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): I thought my questions were ending, but every time I get an answer, I have another question pop up.
Maybe I could ask one more question.
If the district education authority has seen that one of the teachers is not treating the students the way they should, can they make a complaint to this committee?
I would like to have some understanding on what the process would be, Mr. Chairman.
Please make him understand. Madam Minister.
If there was to be any problem with any teacher, the principal would have to be told.
For example, if the problem is not solved with the principal, then they could go to the regional school operations.
If nothing is being resolved, the DEAs could also complain to the minister.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Madam Minister, for clarifying this issue. I don’t think Mr. Tapardjuk has any more questions.
Are we on section 3?
I believe section 3(1) is substituting “Nunavut Teachers” with an apostrophe. Now it is, in a way, self-disciplining and self-governing with its ability to make by-laws and discipline their peers.
I believe this is what the substitution is all about.
Madam Minister, is that the case?
When we are dealing with the legislation, we have to have a properly written law.
The only change is going to be the apostrophe after the “s.” That’s the only change, but the meaning is still there.
We call this Tiktaq.
I think it means that they can discipline their own members and make their own by-laws. They can try to resolve any problem.
I think that’s what it means. The first one, I think, was a little bit weaker.
You stated that it was just a comment. I would like to proceed as there are no more names on my list.
Chairman (interpretation): Clause 8.1.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Turn the page. Clause 10.
Chairman (interpretation): Page 6. Clause 15.
Chairman (interpretation): Turn the page. Clause 17.
Do you agree to Bill 52 as a whole?
Do you agree that Bill 52 is immediately ready for third reading?
Madam Minister, if you have any closing remarks, you have the floor.
I also thank the members for their questions to clarify the terms. This really helps out.
There are minor changes. We’re just kind of cleaning up the bill with very minor changes.
I thank all of my staff who worked very hard to draft the legislation. It will now be easier to read for the people of Nunavut.
As we proceed, Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witnesses out.
I move a motion once again to report progress.
Speaker: Qujannamiik, Sergeant-at-Arms. We will move on with our orders of the day.
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bills 51 and 52 and would like to report that Bill 51 and 52 are now ready for third reading.
Minister of Family Services, Minister Ell.
Bill 51 – An Act to Amend the Child and Family Services Act – Third Reading
Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. Chairman…Mr. Speaker.
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Cambridge Bay, Keith Peterson, that Bill 51, An Act to Amend the Child and Family Services Act, be read for the third time.
Speaker: Thank you, Minister Ell, and no problem.
Bill 51 has been read for the third time and is now ready for assent.
Bill 52 – An Act to Amend the Nunavut Teachers Association Act – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 52, An Act to Amend the Nunavut Teachers Association Act, be read for the third time.
Bill 52 has had third reading and is now ready for assent.
Just a reminder for tomorrow morning, there’s a meeting of the Regular Caucus at nine o’clock, followed by a meeting of the Standing Committee on Legislation.
Orders of the Day for May 16:
Motion 51 – 3(3)
Bill 66
This House stands adjourned until Thursday, May 16, at 1:30 p.m.
>>House adjourned at 16:44
DAY 84
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Pages 4648 – 4689
Opening Prayer 4648
Assent to Bills 4648
Ministers’ Statements 4649
Members’ Statements 4653
Returns to Oral Questions 4660
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 4661
Oral Questions 4661
Tabling of Documents 4679
Motions 4680
First Reading of Bills 4686
Second Reading of Bills 4686
Orders of the Day 4688
Thursday, May 16, 2013 4648
300 – 3(3): Minister Absent from House (Kusugak) 4649
301 – 3(3): NHC’s Use of Supply, Ship, and Erect Tenders (Taptuna) 4649
302 – 3(3): Mining Matters (Aariak) 4650
303 – 3(3): Baffin Island Caribou (Arreak) 4651
304 – 3(3): Tunngasaiji: A Tourism Strategy for Nunavut (Taptuna) 4651
305 – 3(3): Iqaluit Smart Grid Project (Ell) 4652
511 – 3(3): Disappointment with Proposed Community Allocation of New Public Housing Units (Rumbolt) 4653
512 – 3(3): Not running in the Next Territorial Election (Ningark) 4653
513 – 3(3): 12 Cambridge Bay Elders Receive Teaching Certificates (Peterson) 4654
514 – 3(3): Happy Long Weekend to Constituents (Elliott) 4655
515 – 3(3): Appreciation for New Public Housing Funding (Ugyuk) 4655
516 – 3(3): Support for Canadian Guide Dog Program (Ell) 4656
517 – 3(3): Commissioner’s Awards in Rankin Inlet (Kusugak) 4657
518 – 3(3): Appreciation to Constituents of Baker Lake (Aupaluktuq) 4658
519 – 3(3): Congratulations to Two Constituents (Aariak) 4659
Return to Oral Question 626 – 3(3): 4660
666 – 3(3): New Public Housing Construction (Enook) 4661
667 – 3(3): New Public Housing Construction (Rumbolt) 4664
668 – 3(3): Resolute Bay Utilidor System Tender (Elliott) 4665
669 – 3(3): New Public Housing Construction (Schell) 4666
670 – 3(3): Status of the GN’s Public Housing Strategy (Ugyuk) 4667
671 – 3(3): Mental Health and Wellness (Aupaluktuq) 4669
672 – 3(3): Two Additional Nurses for Repulse Bay (Ningark) 4671
673 – 3(3): New Public Housing Construction (Tapardjuk) 4671
674 – 3(3): New Public Housing Construction (Rumbolt) 4674
675 – 3(3): New Public Housing Construction (Elliott) 4675
676 – 3(3): New Public Housing Construction (Enook) 4676
377 – 3(3): Response Summary, Survey on Nutrition North Canada Program (Elliott) 4679
378 – 3(3): Tunngasaiji: A Tourism Strategy for Nunavummiut (Taptuna) 4680
379 – 3(3): Nunavut Law Foundation Annual Report 2007 (Shewchuk) 4680
380 – 3(3): FPT Report on the 100th Meeting of the Advisory Committee of Deputy Ministers of Education and Council of Ministers of Education Meeting in Halifax, NS, July 4 to 6, 2012 (Aariak) 4680
381 – 3(3): Community Justice Committee and Family Abuse Intervention Act Year-end Report 2010-2011 (Shewchuk) 4680
051 – 3(3): Performance Audit of the Nutrition North Canada Program (Schell) 4680
Bill 66 – Plebiscites Act – First Reading 4686
Bill 64 – An Act to Amend the Liquor Act – Second Reading 4686
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Elliott. (interpretation ends) Before we continue with the orders of the day, Mr. Clerk, can you ascertain if the Commissioner of Nunavut is prepared to enter the Chamber and give assent to bills?
Even though the meeting was short, you have completed the items on your agenda.
(interpretation ends) Bill [44], An Act to Amend the Justices of the Peace Act;
Bill 51, An Act to Amend the Child and Family Services Act;
Bill 52, An Act to Amend the Nunavut Teachers Association Act;
Bill 57, Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2013;
Bill 59, Collaboration for Poverty Reduction Act;
Bill 60, An Act Respecting the Nunavut Law Foundation;
Bill 61, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2013-2014;
Bill 62, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2013-2014;
Bill 63, An Act Consequential to the Government Reorganization of 2013;
Bill 65, An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act; and
Bill 67, An Act to Amend the Integrity Act.
Although winter’s snow is slowly melting away, some of the yards are flooding, as I noticed. The warmth and light of summer is approaching us. I saw my first flock of geese yesterday.
It just brings extra life to the community and everybody is out on the land.
My heart is at home with my family and I am glad to say that I’m joining them this weekend.
On a sad note, I am sad to say that this is the last assent ceremony that my ADC Captain Fergusson is accompanying me.
He is being transferred to Yellowknife in July to work with the Canadian Ranger Patrol Group.
So I would like to take this time to thank you very much for your professionalism and dedication to the honorary role of ADC.
However, with one loss, I gain more.
I am pleased to announce that an ADC orientation and training will be happening on June 15. Four new recruits will participate, two of whom have joined us today in the Gallery today.
I am happy to introduce Corporal Yvonne Niego of the RCMP “V” Division and Captain Raymond Rioux of Joint Task Force North, who will be replacing Captain Fergusson.
The two others who couldn’t be here with us today will be Staff Sergeant Monty LeComte and Corporal David Aglukark, both with the RCMP “V” Division.
Thanks to the longest-serving ADC, Adam Chubbs, who is also the Commanding Officer of the 795 Air Cadet Squadron here in Iqaluit, for ensuring that an orientation and training package is being formalized and developed.
On that note, as we conclude our work here, I’m sure many of you are going to enjoy the brief but longer summer break, and perhaps some of you will be sitting over a fishing hole or snow goose blind with your shotgun at hand.
Many of you may be pondering whether you are going to seek re-election or the future at hand, but all in all, I wish you all a safe and happy recess and summer break. (interpretation) Thank you.
Speaker: Good afternoon again, members.
Minister’s Statement 300 – 3(3): Minister Absent from House (Kusugak)
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Good day, Nunavummiut. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would like to advise my colleagues that Mr. Shewchuk, Minister of Nunavut Arctic College, is currently attending the graduation ceremonies and he will be in the House as soon as the ceremonies are complete.
Minister’s Statement 301 – 3(3): NHC’s Use of Supply, Ship, and Erect Tenders (Taptuna)
Mr. Speaker, in keeping with the lessons learned from the Nunavut Housing Trust, the Nunavut Housing Corporation has changed its contracting methods to maximize the amount of housing it can deliver and to focus on meeting the needs of Nunavummiut.
To this end, the Nunavut Housing Corporation is concentrating on multi-unit construction rather than single family detached houses, and on supply, ship, and erect tenders rather than separating material and labour components.
The Nunavut Housing Corporation will be using these supply, ship, and erect contracts for all new construction in the territory, including construction coming from the recently announced $100 million federal funding.
Mr. Speaker, this method is standard for most public sector construction, and I am pleased to say that it will result in significant cost savings, as well as more efficient and faster construction of public housing units to benefit Nunavummiut.
Based on Nunavut Housing Corporation experience, the carrying costs by contractors are not seen to be onerous. The method of paying for material only as it is incorporated into the work is standard industry practice to mitigate risk and has been estimated to not add significantly to the costs of construction.
In fact, calculated maximum carrying costs are far less than the Nunavut Housing Corporation has experienced in resupplying material due to damages and other loss.
Mr. Speaker, I am confident that employing this method of contracting for Nunavut Housing Corporation construction contracts will have a positive impact for all Nunavummiut and will allow the Nunavut Housing Corporation to efficiently and effectively increase the public housing stock that this territory so greatly needs.
Minister’s Statement 302 – 3(3): Mining Matters (Aariak)
I rise today to inform my colleagues about an exciting new curricular resource for use in all Nunavut schools.
Mining Matters provides learning opportunities that will encourage Nunavut youth to pursue skilled trades and professional careers in the mining industry.
Mr. Speaker, this resource is a result of the Government of Nunavut-Agnico-Eagle Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation that was signed in April 2012.
This cooperation supports resource sharing and expertise in the development and delivery of mines and trades-related curriculum and career development activities. Most importantly, it has helped our two organizations enhance hands-on, trades-related learning opportunities for students in the Kivalliq region.
The shared goal is to increase the number of students in the Kivalliq region who will be able to successfully transition from high school to trades and mining-related careers.
The Department of Education’s partnership with Agnico-Eagle has brought stimulating learning and outreach opportunities to students in the Kivalliq region and excellent curriculum resource materials to their teachers.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to providing Mining Matters to all our schools, giving our students outstanding learning material on earth sciences and helping them stimulate their interest in careers in the mining industry.
Minister’s Statement 303 – 3(3): Baffin Island Caribou (Arreak)
Good afternoon to the people of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, Inuit knowledge and recent scientific information indicate that the number of caribou on Baffin Island is very low.
Results from a 2012 aerial survey indicate that there are between 1,000 and 2,000 caribou in the South Baffin area, which represents a decline of 95 percent since the 1990s.
These scientific results are consistent with social science research and community consultations conducted in all 10 Baffin Island communities.
Harvesters, elders, and community members have told us that caribou are becoming increasingly difficult to find.
They have also expressed concerns about the negative impacts of land use and other factors on caribou and their habitat.
Mr. Speaker, caribou are an extremely valuable resource to Nunavummiut and an important part of the regional ecosystem.
My department is committed to working with all co-management partners to promote the recovery of caribou on Baffin Island.
The Department of Environment, the Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Board, and NTI are currently planning a workshop scheduled for this summer to engage HTO representatives, elders, and wildlife co-management representatives in brainstorming both short- and long-term solutions to the conservation concern.
Through this workshop, we will take lessons learned from other areas, along with science and Inuit knowledge about managing wildlife in times of scarcity, to find a positive way forward.
In the meantime, I urge HTO representatives to work with their communities to share knowledge and take any immediate action that may be appropriate to ensure the future sustainability of Baffin Island caribou.
Minister’s Statement 304 – 3(3): Tunngasaiji: A Tourism Strategy for Nunavut (Taptuna)
The tourism industry is an essential pillar in the development of our territorial economy. It has the potential to be a valuable source of employment and training for Nunavummiut.
Tourism also offers us a way to celebrate our rich cultural heritage and share it with the world.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will table Tunngasaiji: A Tourism Strategy for Nunavummiut.
This strategy is the result of years of stakeholder and community consultations. It is a partnership between the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, Nunavut Tourism, and other important stakeholders.
A thriving tourism sector can only be achieved through commitment by all stakeholders to long-term mutual support, participation, and collaboration.
Mr. Speaker, the strategy uses a five-year action plan to outline what each organization will do to ensure Nunavut’s tourism industry grows.
Mr. Speaker, I’m excited about the future of tourism in Nunavut, but I also understand the challenges tourism businesses face. Our vision is for a successful tourism sector built on a foundation of quality products and services, supported by training and education, resources for marketing and promotion, and a supportive, effective framework of legislation and regulation.
This strategy marks the beginning of a new era for tourism in Nunavut. We are a world-class tourism destination and, guided by the document, A Tourism Strategy for Nunavummiut, we will realize our potential to the greatest possible benefit of our land and our people.
Minister’s Statement 305 – 3(3): Iqaluit Smart Grid Project (Ell)
I would like to update Nunavummiut on a new initiative by the Qulliq Energy Corporation (QEC) in Iqaluit.
Last year, QEC applied for funding from NRCan under the ecoEnergy Innovation Initiative, a program created to invest in new clean energy technologies that will create jobs, generate economic opportunities, and help protect the environment.
I’m pleased to acknowledge the recent announcement from the federal Government of Canada investing $1,662,154 to build the first smart grid system in the Arctic here in Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker, not only will this project improve the reliability by reducing the frequency of power outages, the duration of power outages, and the number of customers experiencing power outages; it will assist in improving the efficiency of diesel generation by 1 to 2 percent. Another benefit is this will enable automatic meter reading of QEC customers in Iqaluit, which is 27 percent of the total customers in Nunavut.
This project is scheduled to be completed in 2015.
Mr. Speaker, the city of Iqaluit is constantly experiencing increases in population, particularly with youth migrating from other communities for education and employment prospects.
Technological advancement is necessary for the reliability of electricity supply and to inspire the youth for education in those areas.
Member’s Statement 511 – 3(3): Disappointment with Proposed Community Allocation of New Public Housing Units (Rumbolt)
I rise today to express my deep disappointment with the government’s proposed community allocation for new public housing units.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday’s announcement by the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation that 13 of the 25 communities will not see any new public housing units constructed from the $100 million in recently announced federal funding was both shocking and disappointing.
Mr. Speaker, I want to make it very clear that I fully recognize that the 12 communities which will receive new public housing units certainly need support. I don’t begrudge any community new housing. However, Mr. Speaker, the 13 communities that are not receiving new public housing units are being left out and the government has not provided a clear explanation for this decision.
Mr. Speaker, we all recognize that there is an urgent need for new public housing units in all of our communities. One thing that I do agree with in the minister of housing’s statement of yesterday is that Nunavut is facing a housing crisis.
Mr. Speaker, Sanikiluaq is also facing a housing crisis. So is Pond Inlet. So is Arctic Bay.
So is Cape Dorset. I could name all the communities in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, although the delivery of the Nunavut Housing Trust was far from perfect, the fact that every community received some assistance, even if it was just a few new units, demonstrated to the public that the cabinet was committed to the well-being of all communities.
Mr. Speaker, the Minister’s Statement of yesterday did indicate that the proposed community list is just a “preliminary” list.
Mr. Speaker, there is still time for the government to take a second look at this list [with] a view to giving hope to all of our communities.
However, this may be difficult now that the minister stated where the units will be placed.
Mr. Speaker, I am absolutely confident that there will be more than a few questions for the minister today on this issue.
Member’s Statement 512 – 3(3): Not running in the Next Territorial Election (Ningark)
It seems like only yesterday when we were getting sworn in to this House.
Today, we are getting ready for the final sitting of the Third Assembly.
I have the privilege of knowing every member and their family from this House.
Before the last territorial election, someone asked to me, “We thought you weren’t running again.” This time when someone asks me that same question, I’ll say, “My wife has endorsed my decision not to run.” That’s a big difference, Mr. Speaker.