EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Thank you for returning. Minister Peterson and his officials are at the witness table.
Go to Bill 58 in your legislation binder. We will begin the clause-by-clause review of the bill.
We will start with page 1.
Bill 58, Public Service Act. Reprint.
Schedules A and B on pages 51 and 52.
Page 51.
Page 52.
Chairman (interpretation): Go back.
Clause 9.1.
Chairman (interpretation): Clause 16. Do you agree?
Chairman (interpretation): Turn several pages to page 35.
Clause 62. Do you agree?
Chairman: Mr. Elliott, I’m very sensitive with arms going up.
(interpretation) Clause 63.
Chairman (interpretation): Please make sure that you voice your agreement.
Clause 87. Do you agree?
Chairman (interpretation): Does the committee agree to Bill 58 as a whole?
Do members agree that pursuant to Rule 62(2) that Bill 58 can be immediately be placed on the orders of the day for third reading?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Thank you, members.
We are now done with Bill 58. Minister Peterson, if you have closing remarks, I give you this opportunity.
Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the committee for their excellent work and support of this bill for the last several months.
When I took over the portfolio, I read a briefing file on this and this initiative actually started back in year 2002. It’s good that it’s complete.
It helps our government. Of course, we want be the employer of choice for folks in Nunavut. I think the passage of Public Service Act will help us here.
I would personally like to thank Ms. Anne Macintosh. She’s our drafter and everybody knows drafting legislation to get the right messages is very complicated.
I would like to thank our policy folks who worked on this, Adrienne Silk from the Department of Justice and Andrea Witzaney-Chown from the Department of Finance.
I would also like to thank Elections Nunavut, who had some input, and of course, Legislative Assembly officials, Alex Baldwin and our Law Clerk, Michael Chandler.
I would also like to thank my deputy minister of finance.
We just took over this important legislation and it’s great that we were able to get this all done in a very short period of time.  I thank yourself again, Mr. Chairman, and this committee for your excellent work on this.
I thank my colleagues for their support.
We will continue with the meeting. What is the wish of the committee?
At this time, I move a motion to report progress.
Thank you. I will now rise to report progress to the Speaker.
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bills 40 and 58, that Bill 58 is now ready for third reading, that Bill 40 is now ready for third reading, as amended, and that one committee motion was adopted.
Bill 58 – Public Service Act – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South-Whale Cove, that Bill 58, Public Service Act, be read for the third time.
The motion is carried and as such, Bill 58 has had third reading and is ready for assent.
Bill 40 – Representative for Children and Youth Act – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South-Whale Cove, that Bill 40, Representative for Children and Youth Act, be read for the third time.
As such, Bill 40 has had third reading and is ready for assent.
In accordance with the authority granted to me by Motion 57 – 3(3), this House stands adjourned until Tuesday, September 17, at ten o’clock.
>>House adjourned at 18:30
DAY 93
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Pages 5064 – 5136
Opening Prayer 5064
Ministers’ Statements 5064
Members’ Statements 5067
Returns to Oral Questions 5086
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 5087
Oral Questions 5087
Written Questions 5097
Tabling of Documents 5098
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 5100
Point of Order 5112
Report of the Committee of the Whole 5132
Third Reading of Bills 5132
Assent to Bills 5133
Tuesday, September 17, 2013 5064
342 – 3(3): Nunavut Roundtable for Poverty Reduction (Ell) 5064
343 – 3(3): Tourism Sector Investments in the Kitikmeot Region (Taptuna) 5065
344 – 3(3): Involving the French Language Community during the Implementation of the New Official Languages Act (Arreak) 5066
345 – 3(3): Commend Frontline Workers (Ell) 5066
579 – 3(3): Reflections on Representing Hudson Bay (Rumbolt) 5067
580 – 3(3): Reflections on Representing Nanulik (Ningeongan) 5068
581 – 3(3): Reflections on Representing Amittuq (Tapardjuk) 5069
582 – 3(3): Reflections on Representing Akulliq (Ningark) 5070
583 – 3(3): Reflections on Representing Pangnirtung (Oshutapik) 5071
584 – 3(3): Reflections on Representing Quttiktuq (Elliott) 5072
585 – 3(3): Congratulations to Crew of First Air Flight 822 (Enook) 5074
586 – 3(3): The Ineffective Nutrition North Canada Program (Schell) 5075
587 – 3(3): Reflections on Representing Nattilik (Ugyuk) 5076
588 – 3(3): Reflections on Representing Rankin Inlet South-Whale Cove (Kusugak) 5077
589 – 3(3): Reflections on Representing Iqaluit East (Aariak) 5078
590 – 3(3): Reflections on Representing Kugluktuk (Taptuna) 5080
591 – 3(3): Reflections on Representing Uqqummiut (Arreak) 5082
592 – 3(3): Reflections on Representing Cambridge Bay (Peterson) 5083
593 – 3(3): Reflections on Representing Inuit for 40 Years (Curley) 5084
Return to Oral Question 702 – 3(3): Pangnirtung Airport Relocation (Taptuna) 5086
766 – 3(3): Bulk Fuel Storage Facilities in Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt) 5087
767 – 3(3): Study of Narwhal Stock in Jones Sound Area (Elliott) 5088
768 – 3(3): 2013 Activities of the Nuliajuk Research Vessel (Oshutapik) 5089
769 – 3(3): Activities of Custom Adoption Commissioners (Curley) 5091
770 – 3(3): ASIST Training (Elliott) 5092
771 – 3(3): Dental Services in the Kivalliq (Curley) 5093
772 – 3(3): Status of Resolute Bay Utilidor Project (Elliott) 5095
773 – 3(3): $100 Million Geo-mapping Project (Elliott) 5096
029 – 3(3): Salary Disclosure for Deputy Ministers (Enook) 5097
427 – 3(3): Department of Health Policy “Contacting Clients Through Local Radio” (Peterson) 5098
428 – 3(3): Factum of the Attorney General of Nunavut in the Supreme Court of Canada Concerning Reform of the Senate (Shewchuk) 5098
429 – 3(3): Public Health Investigation, Management and Reporting of Communicable Diseases and Outbreaks in Nunavut (Peterson) 5098
430 – 3(3): 2011-2012 Nunavut Liquor Commission Annual Report (Peterson) 5098
431 – 3(3): Director of Child and Family Services Annual Report 2011-2012 (Ell) 5099
432 – 3(3): 2013-2014 Letters of Expectation to Territorial Public Agencies and their Responses (Peterson) 5099
433 – 3(3): Government of Nunavut’s Progress Report on Recommendations of the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts on the 2011 Report of the Auditor General of Canada on Children, Youth, and Family Programs and Services (Peterson) 5099
434 – 3(3): Statistics for “Towards a Representative Public Service” as of December 31, 2012 (Peterson) 5099
013 – 3(3): Deletion of Clause 2 of Bill 64, An Act to Amend the Liquor Act (Curley) 5108
014 – 3(3): Deletion of Clause 3 of Bill 64, An Act to Amend the Liquor Act (Tapardjuk) 5114
015 – 3(3): Deletion of Clause 4 of Bill 64, An Act to Amend the Liquor Act (Curley) 5118
016 – 3(3): Deletion of Clause 5 of Bill 64, An Act to Amend the Liquor Act (Curley) 5121
017 – 3(3): Deletion of Clause 6 of Bill 64, An Act to Amend the Liquor Act (Tapardjuk) 5124
Bill 64 – An Act to Amend the Liquor Act – Consideration in Committee 5100
Bill 64 – An Act to Amend the Liquor Act – Third Reading 5132
Before we proceed, 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, I would just like to let members know that we only have one page here today. So that page will be doing no deliveries upstairs or to anywhere else and we’re going to keep her maintained here in the Chambers.
Minister’s Statement 342 – 3(3): Nunavut Roundtable for Poverty Reduction (Ell)
Following the assent of the Collaboration for Poverty Reduction Act, the Nunavut Roundtable for Poverty Reduction met here in Iqaluit from June 10 to 12, 2013.
As the Minister responsible for Poverty Reduction, I was pleased to take part in the gathering and to serve as co-chair.
More than 70 people participated, with representation from all communities, Inuit organizations, non-profit organizations, and the private sector.
Our purpose was to begin the process of preparing the five-year 2014-19 Poverty Reduction Action Plan.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, like The Makimaniq Plan, the five-year plan will be prepared in collaboration with our partners and will be co-sponsored by the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated.
Round-table participants agreed that our current work on the implementation of each of The Makimaniq Plan action themes must continue.
They called for the new plan to place special emphasis on healing and well-being, child development and parenting skills, and changes to the Social Assistance Program.
Participants also called on the roundtable to improve communications with communities and to provide better support for community-based poverty reduction initiatives.
A summary report on the June round table has been prepared and will be distributed to participants and made available to the public.
Work on the five-year poverty reduction action plan is ongoing and a draft plan will be completed by year-end.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my co-chair, Jack Anawak from Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, and my fellow MLAs Jeannie Ugyuk and Ron Elliott for their participation and support.
I also want to thank each of the participants, particularly the members of the Elders’ Council and our youth representatives, for their inspiring stories and the clear direction and support they provided during the round-table gathering.
Minister’s Statement 343 – 3(3): Tourism Sector Investments in the Kitikmeot Region (Taptuna)
Mr. Speaker, we are all proud of our culture and unique heritage, and through sharing it with visitors, we are able to create a more resilient identity while strengthening our local economy.
Tourism is a natural fit for Nunavut communities, as our traditional values learned from our elders were meant to be shared and passed on.
The Nunavut Tourism Strategy, Tunngasaiji, calls on us to share our lifestyle and our land with the world in a sustainable and respectful fashion.
Mr. Speaker, we continue to support entrepreneurs in building on the foundation of quality tourism products and services through our direct investments.
Over the past five years, we have invested $2.2 million in support of small businesses within the tourism sector in the Kitikmeot region.
These investments have supported the development and strengthening of outfitters, hotels, and lodges.
Mr Speaker, we have also partnered with Nunavut Tourism, hamlets, and Inuit organizations in building essential tourism infrastructure, such as the multi-use centre in Gjoa Haven and the visitor’s centre in Kugluktuk.
Once completed, these centres will complement and strengthen the community’s ability to welcome tourists in increasing numbers.
Mr. Speaker, there are many challenges ahead of us as we develop our tourism sector. However, I am confident that through our continuing investments and our important partnerships, Nunavut will secure its place in the global tourism market as a renowned destination.
Minister’s Statement 344 – 3(3): Involving the French Language Community during the Implementation of the New Official Languages Act (Arreak)
Good morning to Qikiqtarjuaq, Clyde River, and Nunavut. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, Nunavut’s Official Languages Act came into force on April 1, 2013. The Act now recognizes three official languages in our territory: the Inuit language, English, as well as French.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Nunavut truly appreciates the French language community as a small but vibrant and dynamic community, and acknowledges francophones’ ongoing support to the new Act.
In accordance with my duties under the Act, I am pleased to announce that I will be hosting a public meeting with members of the French language community this coming October.
The goal is to identify the priority areas that are important to the community and help shape government policies, programs, and services that are effective and culturally appropriate.
Mr. Speaker, I invite members of the French language community and stakeholders to attend the October 5 consultation and contribute to the implementation process of the Official Languages Act as it relates specifically to French.
Speaker: Merci, Minister Arreak.
Minister’s Statement 345 – 3(3): Commend Frontline Workers (Ell)
As we are ending the term of this government, I would like to take this time to commend the important work of the frontline workers.
These employees are the face of the Department of Family Services in our communities. They are the career development officers, the income assistance workers, and the community social services workers.
Through our government’s Tamapta Mandate, we identified priority areas, such as helping those at risk in our communities and improving training outcomes.
Although there is still much work to be done in these areas, I want to express my sincere gratitude to our employees who implement these priorities and make improvements for the lives of Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, it is our employees who deliver, on a daily basis, the programs and services of our department. Although at times their jobs can be thankless, they are dedicated and committed to doing a good job and providing an important service to Nunavummiut.
In closing, I wish to offer my appreciation to the frontline workers who work to make Nunavut a better place.
Member’s Statement 579 – 3(3): Reflections on Representing Hudson Bay (Rumbolt)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reflect on five years of representing the constituency of Hudson Bay and the people of Sanikiluaq in the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by thanking my family for their support and their patience over the past five years. Being away from home for long periods of time is never easy.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, I have focused my efforts in this Legislative Assembly on issues of concern to the community and its residents. These have included the need to address the high cost of living, the need for new infrastructure and housing, the need for effective programs and services, the need to support our hunters, the need to protect the unique environment of Hudson Bay, and the need for economic development.
Mr. Speaker, when we work together in this House, we can accomplish many things.
Let me provide you with a good example of how consensus can work for the good of our communities and constituents.
Mr. Speaker, as you will recall, one of the first issues that I raised in the Legislative Assembly concerned the high cost of living in Sanikiluaq and the need to help our families make ends meet.
After raising this issue, I asked the government to take action and review the food allowance rates for residents of Sanikiluaq who receive social assistance.
I was very pleased that the government listened to these concerns and made changes that would benefit the residents of Sanikiluaq.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to publicly confirm, with the blessing of my family, that I will be again seeking the confidence of my constituents in the upcoming general election.
Mr. Speaker, we all know that there are many challenges ahead. However, if the next Assembly approaches these issues in the spirit of consensus and compromise, we can make a difference, as the example which I just provided clearly shows.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take this opportunity to say that my work in the Legislative Assembly on behalf of Sanikiluaq has been helped by the strong cooperation and friendship that I have enjoyed with many Members of this House.
Are there any nays? There are none. Please proceed, Mr. Rumbolt.
Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my colleagues.
I want to pay special tribute to the Hon. Member for Nanulik, whose friendship, wisdom, and support has meant a great deal for me over the past five years.
Mr. Speaker, the community of Sanikiluaq is a unique and very special place.
Representing the community and people of Sanikiluaq in the Legislative Assembly has been one of the greatest honours of my life, and I thank all of my constituents for the trust that they have placed in me to serve on their behalf.
Member’s Statement 580 – 3(3): Reflections on Representing Nanulik (Ningeongan)
Mr. Ningeongan (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Before I continue with my Member’s Statement, I would like to first of all thank God for helping me.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, as we approach the end of our term as the Third Assembly of the Nunavut legislature, I wish to say that I have been honoured and privileged to represent the constituency of Nanulik, which includes the communities of Coral Harbour and Chesterfield Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, I have been proud to be able to recognize the achievements, successes, and contributions of those constituents who help to make these communities what they are.
Many of the issues and concerns that I have raised throughout my term are similar across Nunavut’s communities.
There are ongoing concerns about health issues and the services that are available to ensure needs are met and care provided.
Issues relating to education, housing, and those affecting our hunters and harvesters have been brought forward on many occasions.
I would like to thank my MLA colleagues for their support and confidence in my role as Chair of the Standing Committee on Legislation, Chair of Committee of the Whole, and as the Deputy Speaker.
I would also like to extend my gratitude to my fellow MLAs, especially the members for Hudson Bay, South Baffin, and Arviat, for their unwavering friendship and camaraderie since we first met.
I would also like to say “thank you” to the Member for Tununiq for the support and reverence he has given me.
I sincerely appreciate that.
I would like to thank my constituency assistants, both of whom have been there since day one, for their assistance in ensuring that concerns and issues have been addressed.
Thank you, Angela and Kyra.
At this time, Mr. Speaker, I wish to ask members to conclude my Member’s Statement.
Mr. Ningeongan: Thank you, members.
Mr. Speaker, last but not least, I wish to thank my family and especially my “better half,” my wife, Elizabeth, who has provided a great deal of support over these past five years. (interpretation) I love you.
(interpretation ends) I am grateful that the people of Coral Harbour and Chesterfield Inlet have given me the opportunity to represent them and it is my hope that I have met their expectations.
Mr. Speaker, (interpretation) I would like to note that, as the election is coming up, I will be putting my name forward as a candidate for MLA representing the communities of Coral Harbour and Repulse Bay.
Member’s Statement 581 – 3(3): Reflections on Representing Amittuq (Tapardjuk)
Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good morning” to the residents of Amittuq in Igloolik and Hall Beach.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in the Third Assembly to say that for the last five years I was here at the Assembly, we had lots of things to work on.
First of all, I would like to thank John Illupalik and Jayco Simonie.
As MLA, you need assistance of these people, and I think I could say that they definitely have helped me and assisted me.
I especially would like to thank my wife and all my grandchildren and the children that I left while I was here during the last five years.
Mr. Speaker, first of all, let me acknowledge that in 2004, I ran to be elected and I wasn’t sure or understood what an MLA really was. I knew what Inuit wanted and they were in my heart and I worked hard.
After the 2004 election, even though I didn’t understand the operation of the Legislative Assembly, I was assisted by the staff of the Legislative Assembly, especially by the researchers.
During our deliberations, if these researchers didn’t help, a lot of issues would not have been solved.
Also, I would like to thank the pages and especially the interpreters.
When the Official Languages Act has been implemented, the interpreters have helped in this way.
Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): I would like to ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement, Mr. Speaker.
I have been here along with the government and along with the regular MLAs.
I know that this is hard work as MLAs for our constituents and also for the betterment of Nunavut.
During the time I was in cabinet, the MLAs really made me work hard when they were asking questions.
Maybe it was better when I moved to this side so I could pose questions to the government.
This is a learning process, and I would like to thank all of you and the people in cabinet.
Mr. Speaker, the Official Languages Act was produced to protect and the heritage centre was established, as well as the Education Act. Also, recently, Bill 51, An Act to Amend the Child and Family Services Act, was established and approved.
There were challenges in dealing with them because of Inuit culture that I thought that they would help.
Mr. Speaker, I have been feeling that Inuit strength is not within the government. Inuit strength is not in the church. Inuit strength is from within, from their desire and if they work hard.
There is an election coming up. They will use their strength to put people in this government.
Mr. Speaker, with the increase in the number of MLAs, I worked really hard to have Amittuq with two constituencies.
I am thankful that the constituencies of Aggu and Amittuq have been established.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank the people who have elected me. I encourage them to be involved and be part of the election process.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to say that during the election, I will not put my name in.
Member’s Statement 582 – 3(3): Reflections on Representing Akulliq (Ningark)
As we wind down in this particular chapter, I wanted to thank my wife, Celine, for her support through thick and thin. She is always there for me.
In the NWT days back in 1989 when I first campaigned for public office, today, she still has that same support, but I decided not to run. So I repeat myself for that.
Mr. Speaker, I wanted to recognize a couple of local organizations back home in Kugaaruk and over in Repulse Bay.
The law enforcement agency is only as good as we support it. We call them detachments.
Mr. Speaker, we all have a role to play when it comes to crime prevention. To the people back home, be a part of the crime stoppers.
I also want to recognize the local health care profession, both Kugaaruk and Repulse Bay.
When I’m sick, I always get encouragement from my wife to go to a health centre. I am thankful for that when I go to a health care centre and I get the attention that I expect, but it is not always so for some other people.
I also would like to recognize the school and staff.
I also encourage people of Kugaaruk and Repulse Bay to make sure that they send their kids to school.
I want to recognize the breakfast program that they provide for those who do not have the luxury of having breakfast at home. We should always keep that in mind. We have to do more for our homes across Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues, through you, for unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Through me, for you, the member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement.
To conclude my statement, I wanted to thank every one of you in this House, and the interpreters and the media and everyone else, especially the Legislative Assembly staff that we have here, all three of the people here.
If I have to write a book, each and every one of you would have to take a full chapter to do that.
I think for John, you might need two chapters.
Member’s Statement 583 – 3(3): Reflections on Representing Pangnirtung (Oshutapik)
Good morning to the people of Pangnirtung.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank the residents of Pangnirtung for their support.
Mr. Speaker, serving as the Member for Pangnirtung over the past two years has been an honour and I am very appreciative.