EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Has QGH retained a record of the disclosure and relevant documentation?
Health Response: Health agrees with this recommendation and will conduct a review and develop a checklist that can be used across the territory and with QGH.
IPC Recommendation #31:
That all staff working in Health Records, the clinics, OR and Emergency be made familiar with the two documents (Memo dated March 17, 2014 Disclosure of Personal Information to Law Enforcement and the Fact sheet: When the RCMP come to call).
Health Response: Health will implement this request.
Wednesday, June 7, 2017
Pages 4467 – 4522
Opening Prayer 4467
Ministers’ Statements 4467
Members’ Statements 4472
Returns to Oral Questions* 4479
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 4480
Oral Questions 4481
Replies to Opening Address 4505
Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters 4513
Tabling of Documents 4514
Second Reading of Bills 4515
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 4516
Report of the Committee of the Whole 4522
Orders of the Day 4522
Wednesday, June 7, 2017 4467
326 – 4(3): Recognizing Private Sector Contributions of Financial Awards to College Graduates (Quassa) 4467
327 – 4(3): Amaaqtaarniq Education Program (Taptuna) 4468
328 – 4(3): Accommodating Breastfeeding (Peterson) 4469
329 – 4(3): Inuktut Language Assessment (Kuksuk) 4469
330 – 4(3): Arviat’s Uvaguqatsiangningniq Project: Preventing Homelessness among Inuit Male Youth (Mike) 4470
331 – 4(3): Destination Nunavut (Ell-Kanayuk) 4470
332 – 4(3): Team Nunavut Heading to 2017 Summer Games (Savikataaq) 4471
583 – 4(3): 2017 NTEP Graduates in Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt) 4472
584 – 4(3): Exchange with the Minister of Health (Angnakak) 4472
585 – 4(3): School Year Ending in Baker Lake (Mikkungwak) 4473
586 – 4(3): Housing Initiatives in Gjoa Haven (Akoak) 4473
587 – 4(3): Supporting Inuit for Nunavut Law Program (Okalik) 4475
588 – 4(3): 2017 Toonik Tyme Snowmobile Race (Joanasie) 4475
589 – 4(3): Second Fishing Derby in Igloolik (Quassa) 4476
590 – 4(3): Ruth Kaviok, President of the National Inuit Youth Council (Kuksuk) 4476
591 – 4(3): Respect for Inuit Traditional Customs (Shooyook) 4477
592 – 4(3): 2017 Nunavut Sivuniksavut Graduates from Pangnirtung (Mike) 4479
Return to Oral Question 729 – 4(3): Federal Funding to Support Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun (Kuksuk) 4479
777 – 4(3): Changes to Income Support (Rumbolt) 4481
778 – 4(3): Runway Extension for Naujaat (Mapsalak) 4484
779 – 4(3): Accounts Payable (Angnakak) 4485
780 – 4(3): Inuit Employment Plans (Joanasie) 4487
781 – 4(3): Qulliq Energy Corporation Activities in Taloyoak (Qirngnuq) 4489
782 – 4(3): Issues with Medical Travel (Sammurtok, A) 4490
783 – 4(3): Status of Decentralization (Enook) 4491
784 – 4(3): Removing Social Promotion in Nunavut Schools (Okalik) 4493
785 – 4(3): Fur Pricing Program (Keyootak) 4496
786 – 4(3): Summer Studies at Nunavut Arctic College (Angnakak) 4498
787 – 4(3): Staff Housing (Rumbolt) 4500
788 – 4(3): Foster Parenting for Profit (Enook) 4502
789 – 4(3): Community Access Road Program (Mapsalak) 4503
Reply to Opening Address 001 – 4(3): Mr. Paul Quassa (Quassa) 4505
Committee Report 030 – 4(3): Bill 25, An Act to Amend the Consumer Protection Act (Sammurtok, T) 4513
Committee Report 031 – 4(3): Bill 29, An Act to Amend the Motor Vehicles Act (Sammurtok, T) 4513
326 – 4(3): 2017 Utility Rates Review Council of Nunavut Annual Report (Ell-Kanayuk) 4514
327 – 4(3): Correspondence Dated May 9, 2017 to the Chair of the Standing Committee on Legislation (Quassa) 4514
328 – 4(3): Qulliq Energy Corporation Waste Oil Management (Mike) 4514
329 – 4(3): Qulliq Energy Corporation Contracting, Procurement, and Leasing Activity Report for 2015-2016 (Mike) 4514
330 – 4(3): Qulliq Energy Corporation Iqaluit Hydroelectric Project Report (Mike) 4515
331 – 4(3): Excerpt from 2003-2004 Business Plan of the Department of Education (Okalik) 4515
051 – 4(3): Extension of Question Period (Enook) 4496
Bill 47 – An Act to Amend the Legal Profession Act – Second Reading 4515
Bill 48 – An Act to Amend the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act – Second Reading 4515
Bill 25 – An Act to Amend the Consumer Protection Act – Consideration in Committee 4516
Minister’s Statement 326 – 4(3): Recognizing Private Sector Contributions of Financial Awards to College Graduates (Quassa)
Good day to my fellow residents of Igloolik, Nunavummiut, and my colleagues.
I rise in the House today to recognize the tremendous support from the private sector of Nunavut which has contributed more than $12,000 in financial awards to our graduates in Rankin Inlet this May.
I would like to specifically recognize the following for contributing financial awards to our college students:
Piruqsaijit Society of Rankin Inlet
Eskimo Point Lumber Supplies of Arviat and Rankin Inlet
Umingmak Supplies of Rankin Inlet
Atuqtuarvik Corporation of the Kivalliq region
The Kivalliq Inuit Association
The firm of Lester-Landau in Iqaluit and Rankin Inlet; and
Stantec Incorporated of Yellowknife
All of these organizations or companies contributed financial awards to our students this spring.
I would also like to recognize some special contributors to our student financial awards at the Kivalliq Campus.
First I would like to recognize our Director of Sanatuliqsarvik Mining and Trades Training Centre, Sandy Napier, whom I will be recognizing later on as a visitor, as well as his wife Colleen, who have contributed their own financial award for perseverance in trades level training.
This year the award went to Dennis Okpik of Pangnirtung in the Pre-Apprenticeship Electrician program.
I would also like to recognize one of our Sanatuliqsarvik instructors, Michael Newcombe, who has contributed a financial award for the greatest determination to succeed.
This year that award went to Sharon Pialaq of Hall Beach, also in the Pre-Apprenticeship Electrician program.
What these gentlemen have done speaks to the tremendous dedication of the faculty of Nunavut Arctic College.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in acknowledging all of the businesses in Nunavut, as well as our dedicated college faculty like Sandy Napier and Michael Newcombe, who generously provide financial awards to our college students. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister’s Statement 327 – 4(3): Amaaqtaarniq Education Program (Taptuna)
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, as Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to introduce a new education sponsorship program.
The Amaaqtaarniq Education Program will sponsor long-term, post-secondary education leave for Government of Nunavut Inuit employees.
“Amaaqtaarniq” means a bud spreading roots.
Mr. Speaker, the aim of this new education sponsorship program is to remove barriers to post-secondary education for eligible Inuit employees and to help the Government of Nunavut fill professional and specialized positions.
We will establish an Amaaqtaarniq Education Program Committee to review applications annually and priority will be given to degree-granting programs.
Mr. Speaker, any Inuk employee of the Government of Nunavut will be eligible for this education program, whether they are casual, term, or indeterminate, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
My department will work with the individuals approved for this program, including support from when they start their studies to when they return to work as Government of Nunavut public servants.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Nunavut already supports public servants to take education leave to pursue post-secondary studies.
The Amaaqtaarniq Education Program will supplement this with funds made available by the settlement agreement for Government of Nunavut and Inuit employees.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Nunavut recognizes the need for qualified Inuit in professional and leadership roles within government.
To achieve our Inuit employment goals, we are committed to providing programs like the Amaaqtaarniq Education Program. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister’s Statement 328 – 4(3): Accommodating Breastfeeding (Peterson)
Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, my colleagues have heard me speak many times in this House about making the Government of Nunavut an employer of choice in Nunavut.
I am sure that most will agree that we have put in place many positive changes to human resource policies and directives since 2013.
Mr. Speaker, we all understand the added stress that having a baby can put on a family. Returning to work during this time also adds another level of stress and anxiety to the household.
That is why I am happy to announce another new directive that has been approved and added to our Human Resources Manual.
That is Directive 1308(a) – Accommodating Breastfeeding.
This directive allows the Government of Nunavut to standardize the approach of accommodating breastfeeding in the workplace and to handle breastfeeding accommodations consistently and fairly while demonstrating the Government of Nunavut’s leadership and commitment to non-discrimination and accommodation, diversity and inclusion, and to the promotion of a harassment-free workplace.
Mr. Speaker, employees can read the directive on the Department of Finance’s website and they can contact their department’s human resources coordinator if they have any questions.
Minister’s Statement 329 – 4(3): Inuktut Language Assessment (Kuksuk)
Good afternoon to my fellow residents of Arviat as well as the people of Whale Cove and Nunavut who are watching the televised proceedings and listening to the radio broadcast.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to report that the Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit have finalized the Inuktut language assessment tools in five different dialects.
The office of the Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit is getting ready to start formally assessing territorial public servants’ competency in Inuktitut.
In 2017-18 two new assessor positions will be created while using external assistance for the initial phase.
This is made possible thanks to additional funding provided under the new 2016-2020 Canada-Nunavut Agreement on Inuktut and French Language Services.
Mr. Speaker, my cabinet colleagues and I are committed to continue to support this important initiative and promote Inuktut as a language of work within our government. (interpretation) Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister’s Statement 330 – 4(3): Arviat’s Uvaguqatsiangningniq Project: Preventing Homelessness among Inuit Male Youth (Mike)
Mr. Speaker, my statement is on Arviat’s Uvaguqatsiangningniq Project.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to share with you the important work being undertaken by Arviat’s community-based, non-profit Aqqiumavvik Society to prevent homelessness among Inuit male youth.
Mr. Speaker, the eight-month Uvaguqatsiangningniq Project, which was funded through my department, focused on young men aged 15 to 25 experiencing homelessness or who were at risk of becoming homeless.
(interpretation ends) Men met weekly to build their cultural, life and employability skills.
The project also offered hands-on toolmaking workshops, allowing men to connect with one another in a positive and supportive way, to generate income, and to increase their ability to be independent.
On average there were 15 men and sometimes up to 24 men that attended the workshops.  (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I encourage you to join me in showing our commitment and support to community-based organizations that continue to provide essential services to our most vulnerable Nunavummiut. (interpretation ends) Through the elder counselling and mentorship provided through this project, many of the men are slowly beginning to heal and feel life has purpose again.
It is within the Pijitsirniq principle that we remind ourselves to help care for those in need, as everyone deserves the opportunity to live a safe, stable and healthy way of life. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister’s Statement 331 – 4(3): Destination Nunavut (Ell-Kanayuk)
I rise today to inform my colleagues of our territory’s new tourism brand, Destination Nunavut, which I am pleased to report is already making strides in promoting Nunavut.
The Destination Nunavut brand and its associated marketing strategy are the result of in-depth market research, as well as feedback and interviews with community and industry stakeholders from across the territory to determine what Nunavummiut feel should be featured when promoting tourism.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the resulting brand is one that appeals not only to the target audience but to Nunavummiut as well and truly encompasses “The Spirit of the Arctic.”
A new website promoting Nunavut and all that our territory has to offer visitors has been launched, to be followed by social media campaigns on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
DestinationNunavut.ca is focused on engaging potential visitors from outside of Nunavut.
It will also increase awareness and interest and provide information to all our local tour operators and the activities they offer.
I am happy to say that we are making steady progress in promoting Nunavut as a destination and at the same time developing local tourism capacity.
I invite my colleagues to join me in the Great Hall during break to view the video from the website and the promotional material available.
Minister’s Statement 332 – 4(3): Team Nunavut Heading to 2017 Summer Games (Savikataaq)
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce Team Nunavut will be competing in two major games events this summer.
On July 16, 70 Nunavummiut will join 5,000 other participants in Toronto, Ontario to compete in the 2017 North American Indigenous Games.
The North American Indigenous Games are an international multi-sport event for indigenous youth aged 13 to 19. The Games were founded on the principles of promoting healthy lifestyles, encouraging regular physical activity, and connecting communities through sport and culture.
This will be Team Nunavut’s fifth appearance as part of the North American Indigenous Games program and our athletes will compete in badminton, basketball, and volleyball.
Later this summer on July 28 Team Nunavut will travel to Winnipeg, Manitoba to compete in the 2017 Canada Summer Games.
This edition of the Canada Games will be a special event marking the 50th anniversary of the Canada Games as well as Canada 150.
The Canada Games are the highest level of multi-sport competition in Canada, and Team Nunavut will compete in the sport of wrestling.
I am happy to announce that we will be represented at the 2017 Canada Summer Games by a cohort of Team Nunavut youth ambassadors who will participate in the Games as accredited volunteers.
These youth ambassadors have been selected from communities across the territory and have participated in leadership training to deliver introductory and recreational sport programs here in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, this will be a busy summer for our athletes and coaches.
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge their hard work and commitment as they prepare to measure their performance against their peers from across Canada and North America.
I would also like to acknowledge the contributions of the volunteers who contribute their time and expertise to providing these opportunities for our youth.
Member’s Statement 583 – 4(3): 2017 NTEP Graduates in Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt)
Mr. Speaker, it always gives me great pleasure to rise in this House to congratulate Sanikiluaq students on the successful completion of their program of study.
I am very proud of Sanikiluaq’s NTEP students who have just completed their second year of studies in Sanikiluaq.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Sarah Kudluarok, Meena Hoyt, Silatik Qavvik, Leah Meeko, Charlotte Crow, and Alice Kavik Sala.
I would also like to congratulate Caroline Meeko of Sanikiluaq for graduating from her final year of the NTEP program here in Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker, it is no secret that Nunavut is in desperate need of qualified educators and there is no doubt that Sanikiluaq residents are doing their very best to meet this need.
I am very proud of their efforts and wish them ongoing success in their work in the field of education.
Member’s Statement 584 – 4(3): Exchange with the Minister of Health (Angnakak)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to make a brief statement about the issue that arose between the Minister of Health and I during yesterday’s sitting of the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, I had some sympathy with the minister when he made reference to the “excessive” amount of correspondence that flows through his office.
I can’t recall the last time that he dropped by my own office, but he would also see that neither of us is suffering from a shortage of paper.
Mr. Speaker, I again acknowledge that the minister did send me a short letter in November of last year after I asked questions in the House about the issue of service contracts outside of Nunavut, so I also acknowledge that I could and should have noted that fact during the preamble to my questions yesterday.
However, the question of whether or not the minister’s response fully answered the questions that I had asked him last fall is a matter of interpretation and debate between us.
In order to clear the matter up, I am sure that the minister will welcome the opportunity to respond to my upcoming written questions on this subject, which I will endeavour to pose before the end of our spring sitting.
Member’s Statement 585 – 4(3): School Year Ending in Baker Lake (Mikkungwak)
Prior to making my statement, I first wish to extend birthday wishes to my oldest child, who is celebrating her birthday today. I wish Doreen Niego a very happy birthday.
Mr. Speaker, all day and obviously since several days ago there have been heavy rains in Baker Lake. Nonetheless, I am glad to announce and the reason I stand today is the students who attend the Rachel Arngnammaktiq School and Jonah Amitnaaq School have continued to attend classes.
Further, today is the last day of school for the students.
It is obvious that the staff, teachers, and various assistants in both schools will enjoy their summer holidays.
This includes parents who will recommence with the cultural training of their children based on the Inuit customs, such as meat preparation, fish preparation, and those types of activities.
Mr. Speaker, it is obvious we all agree that education is integral to a good future, hence our wishes to create opportunities for our children so that they may have a fruitful life.
With that, the Baker Lake elders watch our televised proceedings and for their support, I wish our elders in Baker Lake and all of Nunavut a very happy day. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 586 – 4(3): Housing Initiatives in Gjoa Haven (Akoak)
Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, colleagues, Nunavummiut, the community of Gjoa Haven, and my family watching.
If my granddaughter is watching, I just have three more sleeps to see you.
I rise today to inform the House about a number of positive initiatives that are underway in Gjoa Haven.
Mr. Speaker, Gjoa Haven’s local housing association has been taking the lead in identifying innovative ways of addressing housing issues in the community.
One of these initiatives is taking advantage of Gjoa Haven’s most important resource: its own people.
Mr. Speaker, the LHA has been building capacity in the community by providing opportunities for residents to gain important skills and experience by working on such projects as building ramps and porches, renovating existing buildings, and painting many housing units.
Mr. Speaker, like a lot of communities, Gjoa Haven has experienced problems with vandalism, especially on the part of troubled youth.
Mr. Speaker, the housing association has been working hard on identifying these youth and to help them turn their lives around.
Instead of damaging homes and property, youth have been provided opportunities to make a positive difference by working for the LHO to repair damage caused by vandalism. That is good news.
Mr. Speaker, Gjoa Haven’s housing association is also working on a pilot project called the “Igloo House Solution.”
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my member’s statement.
There are none. Please proceed, Mr. Akoak.
I have been advised that the original idea for this “tiny house” concept arose from input received from community residents, including elders.
Mr. Speaker, the housing association has been working with a number of partners, including the high school, Nunavut Arctic College, and the community men’s group to develop a prototype.
Mr. Speaker, the goal of the project is to have a low-cost, one- or two-storey, single-family dwelling that can be quickly fabricated and assembled in the community using materials that are suitable for our arctic environment.
Mr. Speaker, I have been advised that the pilot project is now underway and is using surplus materials from completed construction projects as well as materials supplied by local businesses.
It is anticipated that the unit will be ready for occupancy this September.
The long-term goal is to allow for more units to be built that will provide for shared mechanical resources while allowing for individual privacy and security for occupants.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to take this opportunity to recognize a number of individuals in the community whose hard work is making these positive initiatives a reality: Mr. Allen Kaloon, Ms. Emma Pauloosie, Mr. Ron Klyne, Ms. Sarah Oogak, Mr. Wally Porter, Mr. Patsy Klengenberg, Mr. Maurice Tungilik, Mr. Mike Cousineau, and Mr. O’Brian Kydd.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in congratulating the community and people of Gjoa Haven for their energy and innovation.
Member’s Statement 587 – 4(3): Supporting Inuit for Nunavut Law Program (Okalik)
Today I wish to rise as I am here thanks to my constituents to whom I am eternally grateful. In my role, I represent all constituents who live in my riding and I wanted to first point that out.
Also, I wish to move towards the previous announcement made by the Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College and the questions raised by the Member for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu. I thank her for that.
I am here also as a lawyer and an Inuk.
Inuit are very capable of achieving anything once we are committed to a goal. Although we must represent the public, we are all aware that Inuit still lag behind and we need to focus on educating them.
I was a proponent of the program that allows our residents to take law courses over several years, and I am glad to hear that it will proceed.
Nonetheless, in reading the minister’s statements and responses, I regretted reading that as Inuit, we continue to be kept in the lower rungs as it pertains to advancement in education.
I also know that many Inuit who are quite capable submitted their applications to this program to be part of the solution and to assist their fellow residents.
This is where I harbour regrets as I know some of these applicants and their capabilities and I sense their desire to move forward.
I absolutely regret that they will not be part of this limited program.
It is stated that we should represent all constituents. Even with that principle, why are Inuit under-represented?
There were several capable Inuit who applied and they must now wait for the next round of courses to be offered, possibly in many years from now, if they wish to take a law program.
I want to urge this government to remedy this state of affairs. We, too, deserve a future that is rosier and full of opportunities.
Member’s Statement 588 – 4(3): 2017 Toonik Tyme Snowmobile Race (Joanasie)
I rise today to talk about the Toonik Tyme snowmobile race that was held from Iqaluit to Kimmirut.
Mr. Speaker, this event has been very popular not only for the residents of Iqaluit and Kimmirut but also for participants outside of Nunavut who are very enthusiastic about taking part in the snowmobile race.
Mr. Speaker, the distance of the race is approximately 240 kilometres.
The first place winner took home $18,000 for completing the race to Kimmirut and back in a span of 3 hours and 11 minutes.
I would like to acknowledge and congratulate Kuujjuaq’s Bobby Gordon.