EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the minister responsible if a community finds out the fuel is no good, does the Petroleum Products Division have any insurance so they won’t have to pay for gasoline all over again.
Hon. Peter Kattuk (interpretation): In regards to insurance, I don’t know.
However, I can tell you that the snowmobile outlets like Polaris for example, they have found that a lot of their snowmobiles are breaking down.
We wanted to check to make sure the snowmobiles they’re producing are of good quality, but they wouldn’t do it.
We don’t have any insurance for this.
Written Question 014 – 1(5): Status of Government of Nunavut NNI Policy
Mr. Speaker, my written question today is to the Minister of Public Works and Services.
Status of Government of Nunavut NNI Policy:
Has the contracting appeals board established under Article 18.3 of the NNI Policies being concluded as of this date:
if so, who has been appointed to the board;
if so, how many appeals has it heard;
if so, what decisions has it rendered.
Who has been appointed to the contracting policy review committee established under Article 17 of the NNI Policy:
at what stage is it’s first annual review of the NNI Policy;
when is the deadline for it to present its findings to the GN and NTI;
when will these findings be tabled in the House for review by the Members of the Legislative Assembly
With respect to Article 20 of the NNI Policy, Transition for Certain Businesses, how many entities will no longer be considered to be Nunavut Businesses under the NNI Policy as of April 1, 2002:
who are these entities;
will the government consider extending the transition period until March 31, 2003?
Standing Committee Report 015 – 1(5): Government Operations and Services Report on the Review of the 2000-2001 Annual Report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Nunavut
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Standing Committee on Government Operations & Services I am pleased to rise today to present the report of the Standing Committee on its review of the 2000/2001 Annual Report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, this is the second year in which the Standing Committee has presented its report and recommendations. The committee is again requesting pursuant to Rule 91(5) that the government table a comprehensive response to the report within 120 days of its presentation.
Today with your indulgence Mr. Speaker, and my colleagues as well, I would like to, along with my co-chair, read the report into the record.
Mr. Speaker, an introduction.
The Information and Privacy Commissioner is an independent officer of the Legislative Assembly, but is required under section 68 of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act to prepare and submit an annual report on her activities to the Legislative Assembly.
The selection of the Information and Privacy Commissioner was a competitive and transparent process.
A comprehensive report on the selection process was tabled by the Standing Committee in November 1999.
The Standing Committee tabled its report on the review of the Information and Privacy Commissioner's first annual report on February 23, just over a year ago in 2001.
The Government of Nunavut did not table its response to the Committee's recommendations until December 4, 2001.
The Information and Privacy Commissioner's second Annual Report covers her Office’s activities from April 1, 2000 to March 31, 2001. The Annual Report was tabled on November 14, 2001, and referred to the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Services for review.
The Information and Privacy Commissioner presented her Annual Report to the Standing Committee during a public meeting held in the Tuktu Room of the Legislative Assembly Building on January 29, 2002.
The Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories enacted the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act in 1996.
As the Information and Privacy Commissioner has noted:
The Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act was created to promote, uphold and protect access to the information that government creates and receives and to protect the privacy rights of individuals.
As the Information and Privacy Commissioner has noted, the position is mandated to:
...conduct reviews of decisions of public bodies and to make recommendations to the Minister involved ... the Commissioner has the obligation to promote the principles of the Act through public education.
She is also mandated to provide the government with comments and suggestions with respect to legislative and other government initiatives which affect access to information or the distribution of private personal information in the possession of a government agency.
Standing Committee review of such reports as those presented by the Information and Privacy Commissioner, the Languages Commissioner and the Auditor General provides an opportunity for the issues raised in each report to be discussed in a transparent manner.
Members of the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Services would like to thank Ms. Elaine Keenan Bengts for appearing before the Committee to present and discuss her second Annual Report.
Comments and Recommendations
The Standing Committee was pleased to have the opportunity to hear from the Information and Privacy Commissioner on a number of issues.
The Committee noted that the Commissioner focused much of her commentary on the need for the Government to safeguard personal information that it holds.
The Committee noted with interest the Commissioner's comments with respect to an increasing number of requests for reviews of decisions made by public bodies being received by her office.
It also noted her comments with respect to the generally co-operative approach being taken by the Government in working with her Office, and her positive comments regarding the Government's handling of initial requests under the Act.
It is the Committee's hope that this responsible attitude on the part of the Government continues.
However, the Standing Committee was generally disappointed with the Government's response to the recommendations made in the Committee's 2001 report.
The Committee noted that the Information and Privacy Commissioner generally shared this sentiment with respect to the Government's response.
Even though the Government did not table its response for almost ten months, many of its responses were simply claims that the recommendations were being "considered."
The Standing Committee fully recognizes that it is the Government's prerogative to support or oppose the recommendations made by the Information and Privacy Commissioner and the Committee itself.
However, the Government should not evade its basic responsibility to take clear positions on important matters of public policy.
The following section will highlight outstanding recommendations from the Committee's first report, their current implementation status, and the Standing Committee's present position.
Other recommendations are also presented, some of which are directed to the Information and Privacy Commissioner and her Office.
That the Government of Nunavut designate Access to Information and Protection of Privacy (ATIPP) Co-ordinators for each department, and that the Government of Nunavut publish an ATIPP directory.
The Government of Nunavut agreed with this recommendation.
Some progress has been made towards its implementation, including one example of public advertising in northern newspapers of contact details for ATIPP officials in GN departments.
#1 - The Standing Committee again recommends that the GN fulfill its obligations in this area.
The Government of Nunavut responded that it was "considering" this recommendation.
However, possibly because of the onus this recommendation would place on GN departments to respond to recommendations made by the Information and Privacy Commissioner in a timely fashion, the Government did not appear eager to embrace the recommendation.
The Government's attitude on this issue is questionable, given that it has already publicly demonstrated its enthusiasm for the basic concept of "deemed acceptance" regimes.
For example, the legislation establishing the new Utility Rates Review Council for Nunavut includes the following provision:
16(3) - Where the responsible Minister has not acted within the time provided for in subsection (1), the Minister shall be deemed to have instructed the designated utility to comply with the recommendation of the Review Council.
This legislation was sponsored by the same Minister who is responsible for the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
The same Minister is also responsible for intergovernmental affairs, another area in which the GN has publicly demonstrated its support for "deemed acceptance" regimes.
On November 2, 2001, the GN issued a news release concerning Bill C-33.
The GN praised an amendment made by a House of Commons Standing Committee to this Bill.
Part of this amendment read as follows:
If the Minister does not make a decision within the 45 or 90 days referred to in subsection (2) or (2.1) respectively, whichever is applicable, the Minister is deemed to have approved the issuance, amendment, renewal or cancellation, as the case may be.
#2 - The Standing Committee again recommends that the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act be amended in 2002 to create this presumption.
It also indicated that the Departments of Justice, Finance and Public Works and Services have been developing a legislative proposal to respond to the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
#3 - The Standing Committee again recommends that the Act be amended in 2002 in the manner suggested by the Information and Privacy Commissioner.
That the Act be amended to provide the Information and Privacy Commissioner with the power to subpoena documents and witnesses.
#4 - The Standing Committee again recommends that the Act be amended in 2002 to provide the Information and Privacy Commissioner with the power to subpoena documents and witnesses.
At this time Mr. Speaker, I would like to pass the reading over to my co-chair, Mr. Iqaqrialu.
The Government responded that it was "considering" this recommendation.
It should be noted that recently-proposed amendments to the Hamlets Act and the Cities, Towns and Villages Act include provisions to allow for greater public access to certain types of documentation held by municipal governments.
#5 - The Standing Committee recommends that the issue be formally raised in 2002 with municipalities for their initial input.
The Government agreed with this recommendation, and indicated that the regulations were to be updated by September 30, 2001.
As of February 1, 2002, this does not appear to have been done.
#6 - The Standing Committee recommends that the Government fulfill its commitment with respect to this issue, and notes the importance of ensuring that newly-created entities such as the Utility Rates Review Council fall clearly under the provisions of the Act.
The Government of Nunavut agreed with this recommendation, and indicated that legislative proposals were being developed.
#7 - The Standing Committee recommends that the Government update the Legislative Assembly at the earliest opportunity on the status of these initiatives.
Perhaps I will give the reading back to the Chairperson of the committee Mr. Speaker. Thank you.
Mr. Tootoo: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank you Mr. Iqaqrialu for the breather, I needed it.
That the Government of Nunavut publish annual statistics on the number of requests made to public bodies under the Act, including the languages in which information is requested.
The Government responded that it would provide this information to the Information and Privacy Commissioner for inclusion in future annual reports to the Legislative Assembly.
According to the Information and Privacy Commissioner's testimony before the Standing Committee, this information has not been provided to her Office.
#8 - The Standing Committee recommends that the Government fulfill its commitment with respect to this issue.
That the Government of Nunavut ensures that the Information and Privacy Commissioner is formally consulted during the course of developing or amending legislation that impacts access or privacy issues, including legislative change resulting from reviews performed by such bodies as the Nunavut Law Review Commission.
The Government responded that it "actively uses the information and resources of the Commissioner."
From the testimony provided by the Information and Privacy Commissioner, it is clear to the Standing Committee that a good relationship exists between the GN and the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner on a number of day-to-day operational and training issues related to the Act.
However, it is not apparent whether consultation on new legislative initiatives is taking place in any systematic way.
#9 - The Standing Committee recommends that GN legislative proposals formally indicate whether the proposal will have a potential impact on access or privacy issues; whether the Information and Privacy Commissioner has been consulted on the proposal; and the results of this consultation.
That the Government of Nunavut periodically update the Legislative Assembly on progress made in reviewing the statutes of Nunavut prior to the coming into force of subsection 4(2) of the Act.
The Government indicated that it would "update the Legislative Assembly on progress during this review."
The Standing Committee notes that the Government has requested, by way of amendments to the Act, two extensions from the Legislative Assembly on this matter since April 1, 1999.
The Information and Privacy Commissioner does not appear to have been formally consulted on this process, and it is unclear to the Standing Committee as to whether any substantive progress has been made on the issue. The Committee does not wish to see the Government request another last-minute extension.
#10 - The Standing Committee again recommends that the Government formally update the Legislative Assembly on this issue.
Other Recommendations:
#11 - The issue of what information should be made available to the public and to the Legislative Assembly with respect to government tenders and Requests for Proposals (RFPs) has become increasingly problematic.
The Standing Committee is of the view that information should be made available in a transparent and timely fashion, especially given that public money is involved.
The Standing Committee therefore recommends that the Government table, on an annual basis, beginning with the fiscal year 2000-2001, a comprehensive list of tenders awarded by GN departments, boards and agencies; the value of the tenders awarded; the identity of the successful bidder; and the value of all bids received in the tender process.
The Standing Committee further recommends that the Government table, on an annual basis, beginning with the fiscal year 2000-2001, a comprehensive list of all RFPs issued by GN departments, boards and agencies; the results of each RFP process, including the value of the contract awarded and the identity of the successful proponent.
#12 - The Standing Committee expects to see the Information and Privacy Commissioner be significantly more proactive in traveling to Nunavut communities in order to fulfill her duties with respect to undertaking public education and fostering awareness of rights enjoyed by Nunavummiut under the Act.
The Standing Committee recommends that that the Information and Privacy Commissioner's 2001-2002 annual report account for her initiatives in this area.
The Standing Committee also recommends that the 2001-2002 annual report include information on the expenditures incurred by the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for the fiscal years 1999-2000; 2000-2001; and 2001-2002.
#13 - The Standing Committee noted the Information and Privacy Commissioner's comments with respect to the importance of protecting the integrity of personal health information.
The Committee noted that several Canadian jurisdictions have passed (or are developing) legislation specific to this area.
The Standing Committee recommends that the Government indicate its position on whether such legislation will be developed in Nunavut.
#14 - The Standing Committee does not see that any progress has been made with respect to its suggestion that Community Justice Committees receive training in the area of management of confidential personal information.
The Standing Committee again recommends that the Information and Privacy Commissioner and the GN work together in this area.
The Standing Committee was pleased to have had the opportunity to meet with the Information and Privacy Commissioner to discuss her second annual report.
The Standing Committee took careful note of the Information and Privacy Commissioner's comments and views.
The Committee looks forward to an ongoing and productive relationship with the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner.
After the Government of Nunavut's response to this report has been tabled in the Legislative Assembly, the Standing Committee looks forward to inviting the Minister responsible for the Act to appear before the Committee at a public meeting to account for the contents of the response.
Thank you Mr. Speaker, and colleagues for putting up with that long report.
At this time Mr. Speaker, I would like to move that the Report of the Standing Committee be received and adopted by the House.
Do members agree that the Report of the Standing Committee be received and adopted by the House?
Tabled Document 078 – 1(5): Letter From Northwest Company CEO Edward Kennedy Re: NNI Policy
Mr. McLean: Mr. Speaker, I would like to table a document from the Northwest Company with a request under section 20 of the NNI Policy, transition for certain businesses be extended for another year.
Tabled Document 079 - 1(5): NHC 2002 Unit Allocations - Public Housing New Construction
I want to table the following document “Nunavut Housing Corporation 2002 Unit Allocation - Public Housing New Construction”.
Speaker: Thank you. 13.
Notices of Motions. 14.
Motion 020 - 1(5): Changes to Terms of Reference Of Standing Committees
Mr. Havioyak: Mr. Speaker.
Whereas, the terms of reference for Standing Committee Ajauqtiit and the Government Operations and Services were approved by Motion 014-1(1);
Whereas, there was a requirement to add to the term of reference the review of the Language Report of the Language Commissioner and the annual report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner to these Standing Committees;
Therefore, I move seconded by the Honourable Member for Cambridge Bay that the annual report of the Language Commissioner be referred to Ajauqtiit and the Information and Privacy Commissioner be referred to the Government Operations and Services.
Motion 019 - 1(5): Changes to the Membership of the Special Committee to Review the Official Languages Act
Whereas, the Legislative Assembly appointed Members to the Special Committee to review the Official Languages Act;
Whereas the Legislative Assembly has chosen to make revision of the membership of its Special Committee;
Now therefore I move seconded by the Honourable Member for Cambridge Bay that the Honourable Jack Anawak be appointed to the Special Committee to review the Official Languages Act and that Honourable Peter Kattuk's appointment be revoked.
I seek unanimous consent to go back to item 15.
Speaker: The minister is seeking unanimous consent to go back to Item 15.
Bill 21 - Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act - Notice
Bill 22 - Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act - Notice
Bill 23 - An Act to amend the Legislative Assembly Retiring Allowances Act - Notice
Mr. Speaker, I'd like to give notice that on Wednesday February 27th I shall move that Bill 21, Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act be read for the first time.
Bill 22, Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act be read for the first time.
And Bill 23, an Act to amend the Legislative Assembly Retiring Allowances Act be read for the first time.
Speaker: For the first time Mr. Ng. Thank you.
Bill 19 - Supplementary Appropriation Act No. 3, 2001-2002 – First Reading
I move seconded by the Honourable Member for Baffin South that Bill 19, Supplementary Appropriation Act No. 3, 2001-2002 be read for the first time.
Tabled Document 067-1(5).
Before I proceed with Committee of the Whole, I would like to ask Mr. Tootoo if the members are prepared to proceed with this item today.
Mr. Tootoo: I don't believe so Mr. Speaker.
Notwithstanding Rule 27 (2), do the members unanimously agree that we proceed to Item 20?
Deputy Clerk (Ms. Aglukkaq): A couple of announcements for tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock Standing Committee CESD will be meeting in Tuktu room and Regular Caucus at 11 o'clock in Natsiq.
Orders of the Day for Tuesday February 26, 2002 at 1.30:
Tabled Document 067-1(5)
This House will adjourn until February 26, 2002 at 1.30 p.m.
>>House adjourned at 17:29 pm.
Tuesday February 26, 2002
2575 – 2618
Timothy Akerolik  Hansard Production
Opening Prayer 2575
Ministers’ Statements 2575
Members’ Statements 2576
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 2579
Oral Questions 2581
Tabling of Documents 2597
First Reading of Bills 2598
Second Reading of Bills 2598
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 2599
Report of the Committee of the Whole 2617
Orders of the Day 2617
Tuesday February 26, 2002 2575
156 - 1(5): Opening of New Arena in Kimmirut (Thompson) 2575
435 - 1(5): Training Opportunities in Mining/Solutions to Inequalities (Puqiqnak) 2576
436 - 1(5): Dog Illnesses in Amittuq (Irqittuq) 2576
437 - 1(5): Assistance for Disabled Persons (Alakannuark) 2577
438 - 1(5): Caribou Harvesters in Coral Harbour (Arvaluk) 2577
439 - 1(5): Waste Water Recycling Project (Picco) 2578
440 - 1(5): Commissioner’s Awards – Baker Lake (McLean) 2579
441 - 1(5): Kugluktuk Docking Facility Complete This Summer (Havioyak) 2581
442 - 1(5): Assistance for Spectators to Attend the Arctic Winter Games (Puqiqnak) 2583
443 - 1(5): Recognition of Teachers’ Day (Iqaqrialu) 2585
444 - 1(5): Update on Dog Illnesses Prevention and Treatment (Irqittuq) 2586
445 – 1(5): Support to Non-Decentralized Communities (Arvaluk) 2588
446 – 1(5): Update on Student Financial Assistance (McLean) 2590
447 – 1(5): Core Funding for Shelters Review (Tootoo) 2592
448 – 1(5): Rent Scale Review (Nutarak) 2594
449 - 1(5): Plans to Ensure Essential Staff have Housing (Williams) 2596
080 - 1(5): Letter from the Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Board to the Honourable Peter Kattuk Regarding the Condition of Gasoline (Williams) 2597
Bill 20 - Interim Appropriation Act, April 1 to June 30, 2002 - First Reading (Ng) 2598
Bill 20 - Interim Appropriation Act, April 1 to June 30, 2002 - Second Reading (Ng) 2598
Bill 19 - Supplementary Appropriation Act No. 3, 2001-2002 – Second Reading (Ng) 2598  Tuesday February 26, 2002
Speaker (Mr. O'Brien): I call on Mr. Iqaqrialu to say the opening prayer.
Speaker: Good afternoon Mr. Premier, members.
Minister’s Statement 156 - 1(5): Opening of New Arena in Kimmirut
Hon. Manitok Thompson (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and fellow colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, I was going to make this statement but my microphone batteries ran out.
So I will just continue on from there Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, on January 24, Members of the Legislative Assembly joined South Baffin MLA Olayuk Akesuk and I in Kimmirut for the official opening of the new Tasilik Arena.
The arena was built between June and December 2001, and 18 Inuit worked on the project, which was funded by the Department of Community Government & Transportation.
The Tasilik Arena will provide Kimmirut’s youth with the opportunity to become involved in healthy sporting activities.
I would like to report that Team Kimmirut won its home opener by defeating Team Government of Nunavut quite easily.
We were very proud of Team Kimmirut.
It is our hope that this new facility will help develop world-class athletes from Kimmirut who will compete for Nunavut at the Arctic Winter Games and even for Canada at the Olympic Games.
Are there any further Ministers’ Statements?
Member’s Statement 435 - 1(5): Training Opportunities in Mining/Solutions to Inequalities