EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I am again raising this issue because we all know and have a problem with assessments made by those in charge of making these decisions.
I would prefer that a new section be included specifically for this purpose. Is that too strenuous for the bureaucracy, Mr. Chairman?
I thank Mr. Enook.
Mr. Chairman, there are different kinds of cancer.
Some are quite serious and some are less serious, not to say that all cancers aren’t serious.
The practitioner in the health centres or hospitals are the best individuals to make the determination on whether an individual requires an escort. They would make that recommendation and then the regional directors would either approve or not approve the recommendation.
I would like to thank the minister and his official.
We will see you again on Monday. (interpretation) Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witnesses out.
Motion 43
This House stands adjourned until Monday, March 4, at 1:30 p.m. I wish everyone a nice, enjoyable weekend.
>>House recessed at 12:06
Monday, March 4, 2013
Pages 3581 – 3644
Opening Prayer 3581
Ministers’ Statements 3581
Members’ Statements 3584
Returns to Oral Questions 3590
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 3591
Oral Questions 3591
Tabling of Documents 3608
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 3609
Motions 3609
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 3620
Report of the Committee of the Whole 3643
Orders of the Day 3643
Monday, March 4, 2013 3581
238 – 3(3): Minister Absent from the House (Kusugak) 3581
239 – 3(3): Nunavut Early Childhood Education Conference (Aariak) 3581
240 – 3(3): Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Annual Meeting, 2013 (Taptuna) 3582
241 – 3(3): Iqaluit Hydro Project Update (Ell) 3583
242 – 3(3): Nunavut Economic Development Strategy 2014-2024 (Taptuna) 3583
243 – 3(3): Condolences on Tragic Events in Kuujjuaq (Aariak) 3584
399 – 3(3): Arviat – This Year’s Winner of the 2013 Avataq Cup (Shewchuk) 3584
400 – 3(3): Tribute to Joe Taukie (Schell) 3585
401 – 3(3): Preventing Violence against Women (Ningark) 3585
402 – 3(3): The Buddy Fund and the Importance of Veterinary Health Care (Aupaluktuq) 3586
403 – 3(3): Arctic Fisheries (Elliott) 3587
404 – 3(3): Tribute to Donald Anguyoak (Ugyuk) 3588
405 – 3(3): Congratulations to Stacey Aglok MacDonald (Aariak) 3589
406 – 3(3): A Successful Avataq Cup in Rankin Inlet (Kusugak) 3589
Return to Oral Question 505 – 3(3): Nunavut Food Security Symposium (Taptuna) 3590
Return to Oral Question 504 – 3(3): Status of Health Technology Initiatives (Peterson) 3591
519 – 3(3): The Distribution of Medical Travel Contracts (Ningeongan) 3591
520 – 3(3): Status of New Marine Infrastructure for Cape Dorset (Schell) 3593
521 – 3(3): Status of the Ilagiitsiarniq Family Violence Prevention Strategy (Ningark) 3594
522 – 3(3): Government of Nunavut Submissions to the Nunavut Impact Review Board Concerning the Kiggavik Project (Aupaluktuq) 3596
523 – 3(3): Emergency Medevac Services in the Kitikmeot (Ugyuk) 3598
524 – 3(3): Status of Pond Inlet Community Arena (Enook) 3600
525 – 3(3): Oil Drilling Around Cameron Island (Elliott) 3602
526 – 3(3): Departmental Support for the Kugaaruk Crisis Shelter (Ningark) 3604
527 – 3(3): Mental Health Services (Enook) 3605
319 – 3(3): FPT Ministers Responsible for Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation (Kusugak) 3608
320 – 3(3): Correspondence Concerning Health Centre Staffing in Repulse Bay (Ningark) 3608
321 – 3(3): Correspondence from NTI dated June 1, 2012 regarding the Representative for Children and Youth Bill (Aariak) 3608
322 – 3(3): The Buddy Fund (Aupaluktuq) 3608
323 – 3(3): Government of Canada’s Response to the Report of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food (Elliott) 3608
324 – 3(3): 2011-2012 Pension Administration Report (Speaker) 3609
325 – 3(3): Report of Members’ Absences from Sittings of the House and Meetings of Committees and Caucuses for the period October 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012 (Speaker) 3609
043 – 3(3): Extension of Review of Bill 40, Representative for Children and Youth Act (Ningeongan) 3609
Bill 54 – An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act – Notice 3609
Bill 56 – Write-off of Assets Act, No. 1, 2011-2012 – Notice 3609
Bill 49 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2013-2014 – Health – Consideration in Committee 3621
Honourable Eva Aariak, Mr. Moses Aupaluktuq, Honourable Monica Ell, Mr. Ron Elliott, Mr. Joe Enook, Honourable Lorne Kusugak, Mr. John Ningark, Mr. Johnny Ningeongan, Mr. Hezakiah Oshutapik, Honourable Keith Peterson, Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Mr. Fred Schell, Honourable Daniel Shewchuk, Mr. Louis Tapardjuk, Honourable Peter Taptuna, Honourable Hunter Tootoo, Ms. Jeannie Ugyuk.
Before we continue with today’s session, I would like to ask Ms. Ugyuk if she could lead us off with a prayer, please.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Ms. Ugyuk. (interpretation ends) Good afternoon, everybody.
Minister’s Statement 238 – 3(3): Minister Absent from the House (Kusugak)
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Good day, Nunavummiut. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise members that the Hon. James Arreak will be absent from the House from March 1 to 9, 2013 to attend CITES meetings in Bangkok, Thailand.
Minister’s Statement 239 – 3(3): Nunavut Early Childhood Education Conference (Aariak)
Mr. Speaker, preparing the next generation to face the challenges of tomorrow has been this government’s highest priority.
The Department of Education plays an essential role through its support for early childhood education programs in each of our communities.
As part of our efforts, my department is hosting a Nunavut-wide early childhood education conference in Iqaluit from March 8 to 11.
Delegates from licensed child care facilities, parent & tot groups, early literacy programs and kindergarten teachers from each community in Nunavut have been invited to attend.
Mr. Speaker, high-quality early childhood care and education provides our children with good learning-related skills and the physical, social, and emotional benefits to be ready for school.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, at the conference, we will discuss how to strengthen the connection between early childhood and kindergarten.
We will also consider how to reach out to stay-at-home parents so that every child can participate in early childhood development activities that will make them competent and eager learners.
Delegates will learn how to incorporate the new bilingual curriculum units we have developed for 4- and 5-year-olds into existing programs.
These units focus on Inuit language, culture, values, and traditional knowledge and provide activities that develop pre-literacy skills.
Mr. Speaker, with more than 100 early childhood educators and kindergarten teachers in attendance, this conference will be an important investment in improving the educational achievements of the next generation of Nunavummiut. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister’s Statement 240 – 3(3): Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Annual Meeting, 2013 (Taptuna)
Mr. Speaker, this week marks a major annual event on the national mining calendar, being the annual meeting of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada in Toronto.
PDAC is the largest and most internationally important mining conference in the world.
Now 80 years running, the meeting draws 30,000 delegates.
Six hundred mining companies and 400 service companies will be exhibiting.
The meeting is where the main mining business of the world is done and showcased.
The stature of the event is a testament to Canada’s role as a minerals producer and global exporter of expertise.
Over the last decade, the minerals industry of Nunavut has grown 20-fold and now represents close to 30 percent of our gross domestic product.
It is important that we showcase Nunavut and its natural resource potential to the worldwide investment community.
One hundred and twenty-five other countries will also be selling their potential, and to remain competitive, we have to be just as visible.
Since many Nunavummiut have a stake in our growing mining industry, many residents will be in Toronto next week.
Since 1999, representatives of the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, and the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada will be there to represent the mineral exploration and mining opportunities in Nunavut.
We wish them well in their ongoing work of promoting a rewarding and responsible minerals sector in our burgeoning new territory.
Minister’s Statement 241 – 3(3): Iqaluit Hydro Project Update (Ell)
I would like to take this time to update Nunavummiut about the status of the much anticipated hydro development project in Iqaluit.
Approximately 30 percent of all the power created by QEC is currently used by Iqaluit alone.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, hydro power will help reduce the impact to Nunavut from fluctuating fuel costs and assist us in stabilizing rates across the territory.
Mr. Speaker, on the 10th of June in 2010, cabinet directed QEC to proceed and identify outside funding sources to complete a feasibility study of the Jaynes Inlet Hydroelectric Project.
CanNor has agreed to fund $110,000 in 2012-13 and $80,000 in 2013-14 for hydrology studies. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, they have also agreed to fund $500,000 towards the Qikiqtarjuaq Power Plant as a means of offsetting capital expenditures committed to this hydro project.
Mr. Speaker, QEC has produced a comprehensive development report for the Iqaluit hydroelectric projects.
This hydro report will be used to seek federal funding for the feasibility studies and Nunavut Impact Review Board’s environmental process for this project. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the report recommends a phased development of Jaynes Inlet and Armshow South.
The Jaynes Inlet project is sized to match current electricity demand.
Mr. Speaker, the Armshow South project would be constructed when demand exceeds the supply from Jaynes Inlet. Staged development reduces risk in that less initial capital expenditure is required and there is no risk of building excess generation capacity which may not be used for years to come.
Another advantage to staged development is that it extends the periods of skilled labour employment for these projects.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, QEC has hosted community presentations and consultations in Iqaluit, Kimmirut, and Pangnirtung and will be holding Inuit knowledge workshops in Iqaluit to gain a greater understanding of the traditional uses of the proposed hydro site.
Mr. Speaker, I will continue to provide updates as the project progresses. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister’s Statement 242 – 3(3): Nunavut Economic Development Strategy 2014-2024 (Taptuna)
Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased today to update this Assembly on progress towards the renewal of the Nunavut Economic Development Strategy for the period 2014 to 2024.
The original strategy was released in 2003 and has guided the growth and success of our economy for the last ten years.
The creation of the new Nunavut Economic Development Strategy is a multilateral effort between the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and other organizations working through the Nunavut Economic Forum.
Work on the new strategy began last fall and will span almost two years.
During this time, the Nunavut Economic Forum will hold round tables in each region of Nunavut to ensure the strategy is as comprehensive as possible.
By engaging Nunavummiut and Nunavut’s business sectors, the strategy will focus on the economic needs and issues Nunavummiut are facing today and will face over the next decade.
So far, two round tables have been held, one in Cambridge Bay in October and one in Iqaluit at the beginning of February; another is scheduled for Rankin Inlet in the fall of 2013.
These round tables bring together 22 organizations, including business sector organizations, Inuit organizations, economic development groups, and government bodies.
Mr. Speaker, this is not a speedy process and it will not be concluded before the end of the Third Assembly, but I am proud of the work that has been accomplished so far and I look forward to the release of the new Nunavut Economic Development Strategy in 2014.
Minister’s Statement 243 – 3(3): Condolences on Tragic Events in Kuujjuaq (Aariak)
I rise today to share my deepest condolences on the tragic events that took place Saturday evening in Nunavik, our neighbours to the south.
My thoughts go out to the families, loved ones, and the community of Kuujjuaq during this difficult time.
Member’s Statement 399 – 3(3): Arviat – This Year’s Winner of the 2013 Avataq Cup (Shewchuk)
I would like to say “good afternoon” to all of my constituents of Arviat.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pride to congratulate the Arviat Starts Men’s Hockey Team in winning the prestigious Avataq Cup in Rankin Inlet this past weekend. I understand it was a very exciting game, with Arviat winning 5-4.
Mr. Speaker, the team consists of the following players:
Jackson Arualak;
Greg Gibbons;
Joe Jr. Karetak;
Savik Kowmuk;
Gary Jr. Kuksuk;
Yvonne Mamgark;
Douglas Ollie;
Gleason Uppahuak;
Harry Kuksuk;
Hunter Tattuinee;
Tyler Tattuinee;
Jordan St. John;
Robert Karetak;
Kelly Owlijoot;
Charlie Karetak;
Billy Ollie;
Joshua Tartak;
Connor Fudge;
Leo Karetak; and
Ryan O’Connor.
Mr. Speaker, it is also worthy of noting that Joe Jr. Karetak was the first star of this wonderful game and that Kelly Owlijoot was the MVP for the tournament.
Again, Mr. Speaker, my congratulations to this great group of hockey players for a job well done.
Member’s Statement 400 – 3(3): Tribute to Joe Taukie (Schell)
I rise today to pay tribute to the late Joe Taukie.
Mr. Speaker, Joe Taukie from Cape Dorset passed away earlier this year following a courageous battle with illness.
Joe was a long-time teacher in Cape Dorset with over three decades of experience. Joe began his career as a classroom assistant. Over the years, he gained a well-earned reputation as a committed educator and dedicated mentor to countless students and young people.
Mr. Speaker, Joe also served as a senior school administrator.
Mr. Speaker, Joe’s contributions to the community of Cape Dorset were significant.
During my tenure as mayor, I had the privilege of working closely with Joe in his capacity as deputy mayor. Joe served for a number of years on the municipal council.
His skills, insights, and dedication will be sorely missed.
Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity to visit Joe when he was at the Baffin Larga home in Ottawa.
As always, his courage and humour in the face of challenge was inspiring.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in paying tribute to the memory of Joe Taukie.
Member’s Statement 401 – 3(3): Preventing Violence against Women (Ningark)
I rise today to speak about the importance of preventing violence against women.
Mr. Speaker, recent figures released by Statistics Canada concerning violent crime in Canada’s provinces and territories are very disturbing.
According to Statistics Canada, the rate of violent crime against women in Nunavut was nearly 13 times higher than the rate for Canada.
Mr. Speaker, these figures only covered police-reported crimes.
I am concerned that there are incidents of violence that are not reported, so the real magnitude of the situation may be even greater.
Mr. Speaker, preventing violence against our residents must be a high priority of the government.
We clearly have our work cut out for us.
Mr. Speaker, during our recent fall sitting, one of my colleagues asked important questions to the Hon. Minister of Health and Social Services concerning the status of his department’s Ilagiitsiarniq Family Violence Prevention Strategy.
At that time, the minister informed this House that work was continuing on this strategy.
I urge the minister to update the House and all Nunavummiut on the status of the government’s work to prevent family violence and violence against women.
Member’s Statement 402 – 3(3): The Buddy Fund and the Importance of Veterinary Health Care (Aupaluktuq)
I rise today to recognize and applaud the good work being undertaken by a committed group of Baker Lake residents who ensure that appropriate and adequate animal care is available in our community through an initiative called The Buddy Fund.
Mr. Speaker, as you will recall, last week, I posed a number of questions to the Minister of Environment regarding the importance of providing a robust vaccination program in all of Nunavut’s communities to ensure that the pet and working dog populations are healthy and disease-free.
Mr. Speaker, until such time as the government recognizes and acts upon the need to support and guarantee that such services are available across the territory, it is up to volunteer groups such as The Buddy Fund group to help provide them.
Mr. Speaker, The Buddy Fund has been involved in providing an annual veterinary visit from the Canadian Animal Assistance team, spay and neuter clinics, public presentations to schools and other groups, as well as assisting with year-round inoculation and well-dog programs.
In addition to the annual vet visit, the group helps to provide doghouses, chains, clips, dog food and straw, as well as emergency medical funds and assists in the placement of dogs into new homes.
Mr. Speaker, the work of this locally-based group is an example of how community members can contribute to the overall health and well-being of their community.
In fact, Buddy Fund members have been contacted by groups from other communities, such as Cambridge Bay and Arviat, for advice and assistance in implementing programs similar to The Buddy Fund.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time later today, I will be tabling a short description of the activities of The Buddy Fund in Baker Lake.
Member’s Statement 403 – 3(3): Arctic Fisheries (Elliott)
I rise today to address the important issue of arctic fisheries.
As the Member of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut representing the constituency of Quttiktuq, I have been a strong supporter of the good work performed by the Arctic Fisheries Alliance and the Nunavut Fisheries Training Consortium.
Shortly after I took office, I met with Nunavut’s Senator and other senior elected officials in Ottawa concerning the need for an increase in the fishing quotas off the shores of Baffin Island.
I have spoken in the Legislative Assembly on a number of occasions about the importance of economic development and employment opportunities in non-decentralized communities.
The Arctic Fisheries Alliance is an excellent example of what our communities are doing to work towards greater prosperity and self-reliance.
The Arctic Fisheries Alliance is a partnership between the hunters and trappers organizations and residents of the communities of Grise Fiord, Resolute Bay, Arctic Bay, and Qikiqtarjuaq.
For the past couple of years, the Arctic Fisheries Alliance has pushed hard for higher fishing quotas off Nunavut’s coastal waters, researched inshore fishing opportunities in the High Arctic, purchased a fishing vessel, and put a down payment on a second vessel.
The model followed by the Arctic Fisheries Alliance is a good one, and I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the leadership of Lootie Toomasie and Harry Earle.
The alliance is 100 percent Inuit-owned, creates jobs and training opportunities for Inuit in our communities, and ensures that the dividends from profits go back to the hunters and trappers organizations and the community.
Mr. Speaker, a significant number of my constituents have been receiving training through the Nunavut Fisheries Training Consortium.
Some of the programs that are being offered include small vessel operator proficiency and inshore fisheries training.
I want to take a moment to thank the consortium and congratulate my constituents for working hard to build skills and acquire training that will help them to participate in this exciting, emerging, and sustainable sector of our economy.
Jonathan Neely of Grise Fiord.
Murray Balsam, Nathaniel Kalluk, Randy Nungaq, Tommy Salluviniq, and Ludy Pudluk of Resolute Bay.
Pauloosie Shappa, Jamie Oqallaq, Maggie Kilabuk, Shawn Oyukuluk, Simeonie Attagutsiak, Shawn Oyukuluk, Sila Akikuluk, Gerald Iqaqrialu, Peter Tatatuapik, Peter Koonoo, Titus Eecheak, Joshua Ejangiaq, Angus Hughes, Randy Olayuk, and Joelie Qaunaq of Arctic Bay.
Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to request unanimous consent to complete my Member’s Statement.
Are there any nays? There being none. Please proceed, Mr. Elliott.
It is through hard work from all community members that we can work together to continue to grow.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in congratulating my constituents, the Nunavut Fisheries Training Consortium, and the Arctic Fisheries Alliance.
Member’s Statement 404 – 3(3): Tribute to Donald Anguyoak (Ugyuk)
I wish to send greetings to my fellow residents and constituents in Gjoa Haven.
Mr. Speaker, this young man named Donald Anguyoak was part of the Junior Rangers. Last Saturday, they buried him in Gjoa Haven.
According to the information I received, he was buried following Ranger protocol and they wanted this information publicized.
I wish to thank all of his relatives, those who are grieving over this loss and those who are providing support for the family.
On behalf of our constituents, I thank his wife, Leetia, their children, and his in-law.
I also wish to extend our thanks to all the people who made the preparations for the burial, including the Taloyoak Junior Rangers, their relatives, as they were there to show their last respects.
This young man who just passed away and was buried worked at the nursing station in Gjoa Haven. He was also a long-serving member of the Hamlet Council of Gjoa Haven, and we are grateful for his efforts. This person was not shy to speak his opinion at the meetings.
In memory of the late Donald Anguyoak, I want to state that the Members of this House will keep him and his family in our thoughts and prayers.
Item 3. Members’ Statements. Member for Iqaluit East, Ms. Aariak.
Member’s Statement 405 – 3(3): Congratulations to Stacey Aglok MacDonald (Aariak)
The reason I rise today is to share my praise of an individual from my constituency who was just recognized for her filmmaking prowess.
Nunavummiut who are involved in filmmaking are ever increasing, with quite a number of films being produced, particularly on subjects that need to be aired and which the residents of our communities need to be aware of.
Filmmaking is becoming a popular medium to showcase issues and this is a good thing.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize one of my constituents who is a young, up-and-coming producer, who is already making ways in the Canadian film industry.
Stacey Aglok MacDonald is an independent producer whose short film, Throat Song, won a Canadian Screen Award yesterday in the category of best live-action short drama.
The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and has travelled to many world film festivals. The film also won best short drama and best indigenous production at the imagineNATIVE Film and Media Arts Festival in 2012.
I would also like to recognize executive producers Qajaaq Elseworth and Alethea Baril.
I would like to congratulate Stacey on her award and wish her continued success in her future endeavours.
Congratulations go out to those individuals.
Member’s Statement 406 – 3(3): A Successful Avataq Cup in Rankin Inlet (Kusugak)
Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to congratulate the Arviat Stars for winning the Avataq Tournament in Rankin Inlet, 2013.
At this time, Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the teams that participated in the tournament for making it to Rankin Inlet and I hope they start making plans for next year’s 2013, when Rankin Inlet will take the trophy home.
Mr. Speaker, at this time, I also want to give special thanks to the referees, whom these tournaments are not doable without.
They endure a lot of pressure and I’m sure a few choice words during the tournament. Thank you, referees, for being there.