EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Chairman, I want to touch a little bit on functions that have been contracted back to the government of the Northwest Territories. For example, the Workers’ Compensation Board for the shared board for the two jurisdictions.
Is the government actively looking at dividing the Workers’ Compensation Board, or are they still going to keep it the way it is and have a joint board? I’m just wondering if that is being looked at?
I’m sorry, I’m not the minister responsible right now for the Workers’ Compensation Board, so I haven’t got the details.
But, from my recollection, the problem that we faced if we want to go our on way on the Workers’ Compensation Board is that we do not have a large enough pool to be able to fund a Workers’ Compensation Board on our own. So, we were cost-sharing it with the Northwest Territories to pool our resources and utilize what we had in terms of funding the compensation program for both jurisdictions.
So, at this point, I don’t have any other information at my disposal.
There is another area, I believe, that is being contracted back to the Northwest Territories and that is some of the commission functions. I’m just wondering what those are and when those functions will be repatriated back to Nunavut, and where they’ll be.
The reason I’m asking that is will it be contracted back, intergovernmental agreements between the government and the government of the Northwest Territories? So, I’m asking the Premier on that intergovernmental affair.
I do not have that information with me at the moment, but I believe the Minister of Finance, the minister responsible for liquor, will better respond to that.
Chairman (interpretation): Minister Aglukkaq.
There is work to transfer that responsibility completely back to the territory of Nunavut by this year, this fall, I believe.
Mr. Tootoo: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The second part of that question is where those positions would be located.
I had provided that information at one point, I think it was at standing committee, that the positions originally scheduled or allocated for Gjoa Haven would be transferred to Rankin Inlet.
There will also be some positions here in Iqaluit to manage the liquor warehouse.
That is it for there, I guess I’ll have another question when we get to the decentralization area in the main estimates.
Page B-10. Executive and intergovernmental affairs. Branch summary.
Intergovernmental affairs. Total, operations and maintenance, $1,208,000.
Mr. Curley (interpretation): Mr. Chairman, I had my hand up under “Intergovernmental affairs.”
Under “Inuit Circumpolar Conference.”
If I may ask a question.
Chairman (interpretation): I am sorry.
I did not see your hand up.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Perhaps if Mr. Curley could ask the question first.
Chairman (interpretation): Do you want to ask a question, Mr. Curley?
My question is in regards to international travel under “Inuit Circumpolar Conference.”
They talk about trading but they are very complex discussions that they have.
If we were to trade with Greenland it would be very, very good but there is a big difference in their trade policies.
Their contracting and construction is very different as well.
Because of those complexities perhaps we could sort of start being similar with those of the Greenlandic government.
Once you go to a meeting with them, maybe you can encourage them because some construction companies give up. If we have a free trade zone it would be a lot easier.
I just want the Premier to consider this.
Chairman (interpretation): I don’t think that that is a question but a comment.
That is a good comment.
We have had some talks with the Greenland government and they don’t really have their own regulations in regards to trade.
So, that is the problem that we have had.
And as well, we don’t really have the trades legislation.
We don’t have that kind of responsibility, but we have helped each other in regards to training of our people and their people in regards to fisheries.
I know that they really like caribou meat and we talked about that previously.
The only problem that we have encountered is to do with importing the caribou meat.
There is no cargo ships that could bring all those meats that we were to trade amongst each other.
Trading of caribou meat to the United States have been the work that we have been doing since the mad cow disease.
The only problem that we have with the Americans, too, is the trading of seal pelts.
Mr. Curley (interpretation): Yes, I would just like to thank the Premier.
I feel that we have to work vigorously to try to have some easier trading with the Greenland people, whether it be food or other materials, and even arts and crafts.
The trade ban with the American government is a problem that we have, and we’d like to go down to the United States to be able to trade with them with our sealskins.
At any time, if possible, I wonder if we could invite the trades representative from the United States to come and take a look and to see us in session here.
We will be able to ask some questions from them, especially to do with the carvings and the sealskins.
So, it could be open for the Americans.
We have helped the Americans very much with the DEW Line sites.
I think we could have a good trading system with the Americans and I would like to encourage the minister to invite those trade representatives here to Nunavut to explain to them what we are trying to do here.
I do not think that was a question, I think that was a comment.
Yes, there was a lot of those trade representatives, probably there is about 100 of them that would have to come over here.
Also, there are also about 200 of them that are in the Senate that have to agree with the trades legislations.
They probably will not all understand, but we have to try to convince them that whatever trade that we are going to be deliberating, we are going to have the assistance of the trades representatives in the States.
Also, we would like to be able to work with our colleagues in the Alaska government, the United States government in Alaska.
Perhaps if we could work with them in regards to making traditional clothing.
Those would be part of the thing that could open up some trades, to produce those kinds of trading between the American government. Then they usually have Green Peace down there, and animal rights activists, and stuff like that, and they are very, very hard to convince.
So, what we have to do is work with the other Inuit in Alaska.
We want to make sure that there is no backlash on the legislation in regards to trading.
Mr. Curley, is that it?
We are in B-10, Intergovernmental. (Interpretation ends.) Operations and maintenance, $1,208,000.
Chairman: B-11, Executive and intergovernmental affairs branch summary.
Aboriginal and circumpolar affairs.
Page 12 is for B-11.
You have no questions?
Total, operations and maintenance, $733,000.
Chairman: Page B-13.
Executive and intergovernmental affairs branch summary.
Decentralization secretariat.
It is good to see that last line on this page: the Decentralization Secretariat ceased operations March 31,2003, and one could assume by that, all positions that are moving are done.
We just heard the Minister of Finance indicate that some positions that were going to be with the Liquor Board in Gjoa Haven are going to be relocated to Rankin Inlet.
I am just wondering if that means any other positions are going to be relocated as well.
I just want to confirm to my constituents, you know, Iqaluit has given up a lot of jobs and that there is going to be no more jobs leaving Iqaluit.
In terms of the original plan, the expectations that were created for the jobs that were being transferred, the numbers, yes, it is complete and there will be no more decentralization from Iqaluit.
So, that does not prevent additional resources that we may acquire from outside that have been contracted out, that we could still have the flexibility of moving some of those positions elsewhere, but it is largely complete.
B-14, B-15.
Your information item.
Now, we go back to page B-4. Executive and intergovernmental affairs.
Details of expenses.
Total, operations and maintenance: $9,397,000.
Chairman (interpretation): Does the committee agree that the department is concluded? (Interpretation begins.)
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Premier and your officials for being able to be in the Committee of the Whole this evening.
What is the wish of the committee? We have a motion to report progress.
Motion is carried. I will now rise to report progress.
(Interpretation ends.) Report of the Committee of the Whole.
Chairman Arreak.
Your committee has been considering Bill 2 and the main estimates, and we would like report progress.
Also, I move the report of the Committee of the Whole be agreed to.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Arreak.
(Interpretation ends.) There is a motion on the floor.
The Orders of the Day for June 1, 2004:
Today is the last day for the pages who have been assisting us since last Tuesday.
They all attend the high school here in Iqaluit. Their names are Corenna Nuyalia, Sileema Angoyuak, Lauren Teiman, and Sam Gilhuly.
Thank you, you have been very good to us.
Speaker: And with the authority invested in me by motion 11 – 2(1), this House stands adjourned until Tuesday, 10am, June 1.
>>The House adjourned at 20:00  Nunavut Canada
Tuesday June 1, 2004
Pages 724 – 854
Opening Prayer 724
Ministers’s Statements 724
Members’ Statements 725
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 729
Oral Questions 733
Returns to Written Questions 753
Tabling of Documents 756
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 757
First Reading of Bills 757
Second Reading of Bills 758
Point of Order 758
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 760
Report of Committee of the Whole 853
Orders of the Day 853
Tuesday, June 1, 2004 724
038 – 2(1): New Book for Schools and Libraries (Picco) 724
134 – 2(1): Children’s Advocate (Peterson) 725
135 – 2(1): Criminal Justice Issues – Victims of Crime (Netser) 726
136 – 2(1): Tele Health (Brown) 727
137 – 2(1): Qikiqtarjuaq Shoreline Erosion (Arreak) 728
139 – 2(1): Banquet for Iqaluit Food Bank (Tootoo) 728
139 – 2(1): Coral Harbour Volley Ball Tournament (Picco) 729
157 – 2(1): Power Rate Rider (Curley) 733
158 – 2(1): Utility Rate Review Council Application Request (Tootoo) 734
159 – 2(1): Update on Qikiqtarjuaq Shoreline Erosion (Arreak) 736
160 – 2(1): Update on Children’s Advocate Considerations (Peterson) 737
161 – 2(1): Update on Gun Legislation (Kattuk) 738
162 – 2(1): Boarding Home Facility in the Kivalliq Region (Netser) 739
163 – 2(1): Plans on Stabilizing Gas and Fuel Prices in the Future (Alagalak) 740
164 – 2(1): Clarify on Fuel Subsidy Increase (Curley) 742
165 – 2(1): Harbour and Port for Iqaluit and Apex (Tootoo) 743
166 – 2(1): Update on Wind Energy (Peterson) 744
167 – 2(1): Plans on Implementing a Fuel Rider (Tootoo) 746
168 – 2(1): Policies on Energy Developments (Kattuk) 747
169 – 2(1): Utility Rate Review Council Application (Curley) 748
170 – 2(1): Air Transportation Regulations (Netser) 750
171 – 2(1): Clarify on Fuel Rider or Rate Tariff (Tootoo) 750
Return to Written Question 002 – 2(1): Nunavut Payroll Tax (Clerk) 753
Return to Written Question 007 – 2(1): Nunavut Payroll Tax (Clerk) 753
028 – 2(1): Legislative Assembly of Nunavut Annual Report April 1, 2003 to March 31, 2004 (Speaker) 753
Bill 5 – An Act to Amend the Revolving Fund Act – Notice 757
Bill 5 – An Act to Amend the Revolving Fund Act – First Reading 757
Bill 5 – An Act to Amend the Revolving Fund Act – Second Reading 758
Tuesday, June 1, 2004
Speaker (interpretation): Mr. Barnabas, would you please say the opening prayer.
Ministers’ statements. Mr. Picco.
Minister’s Statements 038 – 2(1): New Book for Schools and Libraries
I am pleased to announce the release of the fourth book in a series intended for Nunavut schools.
On June 10, 2004, the “Common Plants of Nunavut” book will be launched at the Aqsarniit Middle School.
This book was produced in collaboration with the Department of Education, Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, Canadian Museum of Nature and received financial support from Sustainable Development, NTI, and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
The book features 87 plant species and was produced in Inuktitut and English.
A French and an Inuinnaqtun version is planned for the future.
In researching and compiling the book, elders’ stories of traditional use of plants were incorporated into the work.
“Common Plants of Nunavut” will be donated to all Nunavut schools and libraries.
The other books in the series include ‘Birds of Nunavut’, ‘Marine Mammals of Nunavut’ and ‘Terrestrial Mammals of Nunavut.’
I have copies in my office of “Common Plants of Nunavut” available for those members interested.
They can visit my office sometime today.
In regards to culture and tradition, I will make a statement, but while we have guests here, the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit committee, I would like to recognize them: Marion Aglukkaq; Rynee Audla; Metuq Nowdlak, who is unable to be here, she is a member; Albert Nuveya; Peter Petooloot; Kanaanginaa Pootoogook; George Qulaut; Mary Anne Taptuinnie; and Henry Isuannaq and Jackie Napayok, who are unable to attend the meeting this week.
Tomorrow I will be making a statement in regards to them, and I do want to recognize these special individuals.
Whether you are a minister or an ordinary member, you can recognize these individuals when we go to the recognition of visitors in the gallery.
You may recognize anyone.
Member’s Statements 134 – 2(1): Childrens’ Advocate
I rise today to move forward an issue that our government should consider seriously.
I feel very strongly that a children’s advocate should be established to address the needs of one of the largest but most voiceless groups in Nunavut.
According to Statistics Canada, nearly 10,400 Nunavut residents were 14 years of age or younger in July of 2003.
That represents over 35 percent of our total population.
And yet, the members of this large group have little or no opportunity for their concerns to be heard and taken into consideration in the decision-making system that controls their lives.
Often through no fault of their own, many youth in Nunavut end up in care under the Child and Family Services Act.
The shortage of housing, limited community services, and the lack of employment opportunities put great stress on families.
Our tragically high rate of domestic violence has an impact on everyone, but it is the youngest members of each family who are the most vulnerable.
Too many of our young people eventually turn to crime or other self-destructive behaviour before they have had a chance to achieve their full potential.
I am confident that my colleagues will agree with me that children are the future.
Saying that we want a better future is meaningless if we are not willing to ensure that the individuals who will inherit that future are not given every opportunity to make the most of it.
An advocate is someone who speaks on behalf of other people when they can’t speak for themselves, or someone who provides support when people need help to make themselves heard.
A group has been working on this specific issue for some time now.
Children’s advocacy positions exist in almost every other Canadian jurisdiction.
They work to support the interests of children in many areas from child welfare, to justice, health, and even some aspects of education.
In some jurisdictions, such as Saskatchewan, the importance of the children’s advocate is such that it reports directly to the Legislative Assembly with recommendations about how legislation or policies could be improved.
In Quebec, the advocate actually has the power to issue orders to resolve a situation.
A great amount of groundwork has already been achieved on this issue by officials in the Department of Health and Social Services working with the Nunavut Association of Municipalities.
I do not know why this worthy initiative stalled in October 2002.
Nunavut Tunngavik supported the child advocate in their submission to the Standing Committee Ajuaqtiiq in March 2003.
I urge the Minister of Health and Social Services to give clear political direction to her department to proceed to the next step.
Well over one month ago I raised this issue with the minister and followed up with correspondence.
Last week I tabled that letter and additional documentation relating specifically to the establishment of a children’s advocate for Nunavut.
At the appropriate time, I will be asking questions on this issue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statements 135 – 2(1): Criminal Justice Issues – Victims of Crime
I am glad that you are back in your seat now.
I rise today to talk about the needs of communities and victims of crime.
Yesterday I received a letter from one of my constituents in Coral Harbour.
Like so many families in Nunavut this constituent’s own family has experienced the harm done by illegal drugs. My constituent wants to see the criminal code strengthened, so that the penalties for serious crimes are treated seriously.
While I know that this issue falls under federal jurisdiction, I support this position.
I think that we need to choose our federal representatives carefully and ask them hard questions on where they stand on criminal justice issues before we send them to Ottawa.
I know that some people have the view that our justice system should be focused on the needs of offenders.
However, for me and many of my constituents, the focus has got to be on victims and protecting society.
I was pleased to hear the Minister of Justice make a statement in this House about victims.
We need more emphasis on this area.
I think that we need to look seriously at whether our rehabilitation programs are working.
We need to consider whether they are actually making a difference in reducing the rate at which people re-offend.
We need to put the protection of society first.
>>Applause  Speaker (interpretation): Thank you.
Member’s Statements 136 – 2(1): Telehealth
Hon. Lavinia Brown (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I rise today for Rankin Inlet South and Coral Harbour; I send my greetings to you, and I think of you.
Yesterday there was a feast in Baker Lake with the Telehealth group They demonstrated the use of television for telehealth, and the communities are increasingly in support of their programs.
They are becoming more interested in using telehealth; it is really good because you can actually get treated long distance by a doctor.
I am very proud of that; that is why I rise today. I do want to inform the communities that we will be utilizing the telehealth in the future more and more in the communities.
Member’s Statements 137 – 2(1): Qikiqtarjuaq Shoreline Erosion
Mr. Arreak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I rise today regarding the problem of shoreline erosion in Qikiqtarjuaq.
I believe that in the late 1990s, during the spring break up, the shoreline was damaged and created a very dangerous situation.
Since then, the hamlet of Qikiqtarjuaq has been concerned with the erosion of the shoreline, which is especially bad during break up.
An erosion study was done in 2000.
That study indicated the action taken by the community at the time was sufficient to address the current erosion activities.
Four years have passed since that study was completed and my constituents in Qikiqtarjuaq continue to be concerned.
Their homes are being threatened by the erosion of the shoreline.
The water is getting closer and closer to their doorsteps.
This is especially frightening during high winds at high tide and during spring breakup.
I would like to urge the minister to find a long term solution to this problem rather than working year to year.
I will be asking a question at the appropriate time.
Member’s Statements 138 – 2(1): Banquet for Iqaluit Food Bank
I rise today to tell the House about an upcoming community event.
The Iqaluit Food Bank does excellent work with very few resources.
There are way too many families. The support provided by the food bank can be the difference between a meal and hunger.
It is shameful that in the year 2004, in an age where the privileged among us worry about the speed of our internet connections, we still have children in hunger in our own country.
This Saturday the food bank will be hosting its annual benefit dinner and dance. Proceeds from this event will go towards the work of the food bank.
The event starts at 7:00pm at the francophone centre.
Tickets for this event are $60 and can be bought from well-known Iqaluit volunteer and World War II veteran, Marge Lalonde.
Hunger is among the most fundamental of human situations.
Although we should all be striving in this House for a day when we no longer need food banks in our communities, the work they perform today is absolutely vital.
I ask all members to join me in saluting the work performed by the volunteers of the Iqaluit food bank.
Member’s Statements 139 – 2(1): Coral Harbour Volleyball Tournament
The recent volleyball tournament in Coral Harbour was, by all accounts, very successful.
The Iqaluit ladies’ team, also known as the Blue Bombers, took first place with ulus and a $2,000 pot.
In the men’s category, Iqaluit took first place: $2,000 and some prizes of snow knives.
By all accounts the teams from Coral Harbour, Repulse Bay, Rankin Inlet, Baker Lake, and Iqaluit were well received by the community and the people of Coral Harbour and enjoyed their hospitality.
The Iqaluit Ladies Blue Bombers team, with players like CBC’s own Jeannie Arreak-Kullualik, looks forward to the next tournament, and I want to take this opportunity to congratulate all the participants of the volleyball tournament, and especially the people of Coral Harbour, for a very successful tournament.
I would like these individuals to be recognized; they are members of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit committee.
I had forgotten one individual and I apologize. I will name him first: Atima Hadlari. Sitting beside him, George Qulaut and Rynee Audla, Marion Aglukkaq, Mary Anne Taptuinnie, Peter Petooloot, Kanaanginaq Pootoogook, and Albert Nuveya.
The Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit committee, I believe, has met three times and we have high hopes.
I hope that the government departments will utilize this committee on Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
I don’t recognize individuals very often in the House, but there is, right behind the Premier… . We have Rynee Audla from Sanikiluaq.
She is the wife of Walter Audla.
I am very pleased that she is a part of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit committee.
Today I feel like I am at home, as there is an individual from Sanikiluaq.
I would like to recognize a couple of guys that I have been working with: Andrew Tagak and also Solomon Awa, from the time we were appearing on the appeals committee.
I want to recognize a couple of people from when I worked with KIA.
I worked with Atiima Hadlari; he was one of our board members while I was in KIA.
When we held a board meeting, Marion Aglukkaq was always giving us assistance, as well as Peter Petooloot from Taloyoak.
I want to recognize those individuals from the Kitikmeot region.
I would like to recognize Atima Hadlari from my community.
He is one of my next door neighbors.
His two sons and my two sons grew up together, and it is good to see you here in Iqaluit, Atiima.
I would like to recognize my mother, Miriam Aglukkaq, for being here.
I was not able to see her yesterday and just met up with her this morning.
I would also like to recognize Peter Petooloot from Taloyoak. Please be welcome, Attima, Geers, and everyone else, including the individuals who work for the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit committee, who I also worked with in the past: Aluki and Laura.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Recognition of visitors in the gallery.
I would also like to recognize the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit committee.
I will just name Kanaanginaq: I am very pleased to see you again.
I haven’t seen you for many, many years.
I first met you when we started the co-op movement, and I’d also like to tell you not to be intimidated by the members of the Legislative Assembly or the officials.
I would also like to recognize Jonah and my sister, Mary Anne Taptuinnie.
If you thought that I didn’t have any relatives, I have relatives all over Nunavut.