EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
The standing committee notes that the establishment of a new language incentive based on an assessed proficiency of the Inuit language may require a number of specific positions responsible for undertaking assessments of a number of current and new employees on an ongoing basis.
The standing committee recommends that the Government of Nunavut make every effort to produce and table its annual reports in the Legislative Assembly within the timeframes that are statutorily mandated under the territory’s language legislation.
The standing committee further recommends that the Government of Nunavut provide, in its response to this report, a detailed timeline in which it will table its 2012-2013, 2013-2014, and 2014-2015 annual reports on its administration of the territory’s language legislation in the Legislative Assembly.
The standing committee further recommends that the Government of Nunavut begin the practice of including annual progress reports on its administration of the Uqausivut implementation plan as a separate section within its annual report under the territory’s language legislation.
The standing committee further recommends that the Government of Nunavut provide, in its response to this report, a detailed timeline in which it will finalize and table an updated version of its statutorily mandated implementation plan.
The standing committee recommends that the Languages Commissioner begin the practice of reviewing territorial and municipal programs and policies related to the implementation of the territory’s language legislation to determine the extent to which these policies and programs exist and meet the statutory requirements set out in the language legislation, specifically programs and policies relating to the following areas:
Policies that provide for the facilitation of employees’ right to work in the Inuit language within the public service;
Programs to promote the revitalization of Inuinnaqtun;
Policies that provide for the distribution of the Language Promotion Fund and federal-territorial funding agreements; and,
Territorial and municipal policies to provide for communications and services to the public in official languages.
The standing committee further recommends that the Languages Commissioner begin the practice of including a report on her office’s review of these territorial and municipal programs and policies as a separate section in her future annual reports, beginning with her 2015-2016 annual report, to be presented to the Speaker and subsequently tabled in the Legislative Assembly.
The standing committee recommends that the Languages Commissioner provide, in her response to this report, detailed information on her office’s work to independently review the education services provided by the Government of Nunavut and clarify whether her office has been able to determine the extent to which the Government of Nunavut’s programs and policies meet the statutory requirements set out in sections 8-10 of the Inuit Language Protection Act.
The standing committee recommends that the Government of Nunavut provide, in its response to this report, a detailed timeline by which it will publish regulations under section 38 of the Official Languages Act and section 44 of the Inuit Language Protection Act.
The standing committee further recommends that the Government of Nunavut develop and implement its regulations and procedures concerning subsection 38(1)(h) in consultation with the Office of the Languages Commissioner.
The standing committee recommends that the Languages Commissioner provide in her response to this report a detailed timeline in which her office will produce and present to the Speaker her 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 annual reports to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly.
The standing committee further recommends that the Languages Commissioner produce and present to the Speaker a full and final report on her office’s systemic investigation of the Qikiqtani General Hospital to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly.
The standing committee further recommends that the Languages Commissioner provide a detailed timeline in which she will produce and present to the Speaker a full and final report on her office’s systemic investigation of the Qikiqtani General Hospital to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly.
The standing committee further recommends that the Languages Commissioner provide in her response to this report a detailed timeline by which her office will publish its updated procedures on conducting systemic investigations.
The standing committee further recommends that the Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit begin the practice of including in its annual reports, beginning with its 2015-2016 annual report, a detailed account of its activities and plans to publicize its roles and the resources that it may provide.
The standing committee further recommends that the Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit provide, in its response to this report, a detailed account of the information that is included in its terminology database.
The standing committee further recommends that the Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit provide, in its response to this report, a detailed timeline in which it will launch its website.
The standing committee further recommends that the Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit establish procedures pursuant to subsection 17(2) of the Inuit Language Protection Act to provide departments and organizations with clear direction on the process by which entities may request and receive assistance from the Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit.
The standing committee recommends that the Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit begin the practice of including in its annual reports, beginning with its 2015-2016 annual report, detailed accounts of its activities, expenditures and plans in relation to travel.
The standing committee recommends that the Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit begin the practice of including in its annual reports, beginning with its 2015-2016 annual report, more comprehensive information on its activities, publications, priorities and future plans.
The standing committee recommends that the Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit provide, in its response to this report, a detailed account of the proficiency assessments that it is currently developing and planning to develop in collaboration with the Government of Nunavut, including information on the specific dialects that will be focused on in the development of these assessments.
The standing committee recommends that the Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit provide, in its response to this report, a detailed timeline in which it will complete these proficiency assessments.
The standing committee recommends that the Government of Nunavut provide, in its response to this report, a detailed timeline in which it plans to complete and implement its new language proficiency incentive.
The standing committee further recommends that the Government of Nunavut provide, in its response to this report, a detailed account of any Inuit language training programs and assessments that will be developed and implemented in association with its new language proficiency incentive.
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Pages 963 – 1019
Opening Prayer 963
Ministers’ Statements 963
Members’ Statements 965
Oral Questions 968
Tabling of Documents* 984
First Reading of Bills 985
Report of the Committee of the Whole 1018
Orders of the Day 1018
Tuesday, March 1, 2016 963
070 – 4(3): Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal (Savikataaq) 963
071 – 4(3): 2016 Kitikmeot Teachers Conference (Quassa) 964
152 – 4(3): Grise Fiord Needs a Social Worker (Shooyook) 965
153 – 4(3): Condolences on Passing of Constituent (Qirngnuq) 965
154 – 4(3): Preserving Inuktut (Keyootak) 965
155 – 4(3): Kugluktuk Grizzly Program (Taptuna) 966
156 – 4(3): Meeting with Constituents (Joanasie) 967
190 – 4(3): Status of Devolution Negotiations (Angnakak) 968
191 – 4(3): Status of New Rankin Inlet Arena (Sammurtok, A) 969
192 – 4(3): First Ministers’ Meeting (Mikkungwak) 970
193 – 4(3): Grise Fiord Needs a Social Worker (Shooyook) 972
194 – 4(3): Staff Housing Units (Rumbolt) 973
195 – 4(3): Staff Housing (Enook) 975
196 – 4(3): Preserving Inuktut (Keyootak) 977
197 – 4(3): Dialysis Services for Nunavummiut (Sammurtok, T) 979
198 – 4(3): Housing Design (Joanasie) 980
199 – 4(3): Kugaaruk Air Terminal Building Replacement (Qirngnuq) 982
081 – 4(3): FPT Meeting of Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women in Dettah, NWT on June 19 and 20, 2014 (Ell-Kanayuk) 984
082 – 4(3): FPT Meeting of Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women on June 18, 2015 in Winnipeg Manitoba (Ell-Kanayuk) 984
083 – 4(3): Government of Nunavut’s Response to the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts’ 2015 Report on the Review of the 2013-2014 Annual Report, 2015-2016 Business Plan, and 2012-2017 Strategic Plan of Nunavut Tourism (Ell-Kanayuk) 984
084 – 4(3): Government of Nunavut’s Response to the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts’ November 3, 2015 Report on the Review of the 2009-2012 and 2013-2015 Summary Reports of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit (Mike) 984
085 – 4(3): Correspondence to the Members of the Legislative Assembly from the Aqigiq Hunters and Trappers Organization (Sammurtok, T) 985
Bill 15 – An Act to Amend the Land Titles Act – First Reading 985
Bill 13 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2016-2017 – Community and Government Services – Consideration in Committee 986
Speaker (interpretation): Good afternoon, my fellow Nunavummiut. Members, ministers, (interpretation ends) Premier, (interpretation) and visitors, welcome to the House.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I wish to inform the House that at our sitting tomorrow, I will raise a point of privilege under Rule 20(1).
For your information, we don’t have any pages today because they are not feeling well.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister for Community and Government Services, Mr. Savikataaq.
Minister’s Statement 070 – 4(3): Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal (Savikataaq)
We often hear of the importance of fire safety in Nunavut and there is no doubt that it is an issue that touches the lives of every person in our territory.
Today, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge those firefighters who have demonstrated exemplary service during their careers in Nunavut.
The Canadian Honours System defines exemplary service as a period of service characterized by good conduct, industry, and efficiency that serves as a model for others.
Under this system, an advisory committee provides recommendations for individuals who have fulfilled the requirements for a record of exemplary service.
The requirements for, I’m going to say, excellent service include at least 20 years as a member of a fire service, 10 of which have been served on the “front line” where they faced potential risk.
Throughout this service, the individual has had no serious disciplinary action taken against him or her and has none pending.
There are 29 firefighters throughout Nunavut who are eligible to receive the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal.
On behalf of my legislative colleagues and, in fact, all Nunavummiut, I would like to bestow our heartfelt gratitude to each of these individuals for the service and sacrifice they have given our communities.
The Office of the Fire Marshal is working with the advisory committee and Community and Government Services to arrange the awards presentations.
Minister’s Statement 071 – 4(3): 2016 Kitikmeot Teachers Conference (Quassa)
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to my fellow community residents and Nunavummiut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak to my fellow members about the 2016 Teachers Conference held in Cambridge Bay from February 15 to 19.
Close to 130 educators gathered together for this conference for professional development, guided by the principle of Pilimmaksarniq: development of skills through practice, effort, and action.
Mr. Speaker, my department works with the Nunavut Teachers Association to provide educators with the professional development opportunities needed to deliver education programs that meet the needs of all students.
This conference provided educators with training opportunities that focused on the value of the connections made between educators, students and their families.
Mr. Speaker, a wide selection of sessions were presented at the conference with a strong focus on literacy, science, Inuit culture, and leadership development.
Developing strong literacy skills plays a very important role in role in student learning success. Many of the sessions provided training in instruction methods that support literacy development of students at every level.
Mr. Speaker, my department has adopted a balanced literacy program to support literacy development.
There were several sessions on guided reading, an important element of balanced literacy.
Mr. Speaker, in Nunavut, we are committed to building an education system that is based on inclusive education.
Educators play a huge role in helping us build that system.
Mr. Speaker, this conference was a great opportunity to strengthen the teams that help our students achieve success. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member for Uqqummiut, Mr. Shooyook.
I’m sorry. Member for Quttiktuq, Mr. Shooyook.
Member’s Statement 152 – 4(3): Grise Fiord Needs a Social Worker (Shooyook)
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Let’s say a quick prayer…
I rise today to address a longstanding concern of the residents of Grise Fiord.
Mr. Speaker, for many years, the community of Grise Fiord has not had a full-time social worker. From time to time, a social worker visits, but this is not enough.
Mr. Speaker, like in many communities, there are problems with alcohol and drugs, past trauma, and unresolved issues.
Residents have to wait long periods of time, sometimes even a year, to get some kind of counselling and support.
There is a housing unit in the community allocated to the social worker, but it sits empty year after year.
Mr. Speaker, the residents of Grise Fiord feel like they have been forgotten. They feel as if no one cares about them. If you are aware of the history of this community, this situation simply perpetuates feelings of longstanding neglect.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that this government treats all communities and all Nunavummiut equally. The residents of Grise Fiord deserve adequate services.
They have the right to have their needs met and the opportunity to work towards good health and well-being.
It is important that the social worker position in Grise Fiord be filled as soon as possible.
Member’s Statement 153 – 4(3): Condolences on Passing of Constituent (Qirngnuq)
Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I rise today to extend my condolences on the passing of one of my constituents.
Mr. Speaker, the community of Taloyoak is in mourning following the passing on Saturday of Elder Martha Iqaluk Napachekalaq, following a long illness.
Mr. Speaker, Napachekalaq was a well-respected elder in her community.
I join with her family in mourning her passing and honouring her memory.
Members’ Statements. Member for Uqqummiut, Mr. Pauloosie Keyootak.
Member’s Statement 154 – 4(3): Preserving Inuktut (Keyootak)
I rise today to address an issue that my constituents are very passionate about: the preservation of Inuktitut.
Mr. Speaker, during a recent radio phone-in show, many of my constituents called in to express their concern over the introduction of the Roman writing system for Inuktitut in our schools.
Mr. Speaker, the use of syllabics is an important expression of our culture and language.
Even though the history of written Inuktitut is short compared to other cultures, there is a strong desire to continue in the manner we have begun.
Mr. Speaker, I recognize that in western Nunavut, some communities have been using Roman orthography for a long time.
However, in the Baffin region, many residents identify strongly with the use of syllabics as a way of preserving our language, our culture, and our identity.
Mr. Speaker, a number of my constituents have expressed the concern that teaching Inuktitut using the Roman writing system will weaken the use of syllabics by the younger generations.
Many parents and grandparents are afraid that they will lose this connection with their children and grandchildren.
Mr. Speaker, I urge our government to give very careful consideration of the long-term impact of neglecting the use of syllabics for written Inuktitut. Our culture faces… .
Speaker: Mr. Keyootak.
Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
As I was saying, our culture faces constant challenges from other cultures. Our writing system is one area where we must stay strong and preserve our unique identity as Inuit.
Member’s Statement 155 – 4(3): Kugluktuk Grizzly Program (Taptuna)
Mr. Speaker, Kugluktuk is well known as a community that has strong history of community involvement and community innovation.
Our young people are an excellent example of some of the innovative and community-based plans that have been actioned.
One point is the Kugluktuk Grizzlies program.
The Grizzly program was formed around community involvement, sports, and entrepreneurship.
The Grizzly story is now being made into a movie. The movie will be shot across the north and in Toronto. About 34 youth have been short-listed for seven acting roles.
Mr. Speaker, we all know that our youth are facing tremendous change and stresses in their lives. We can see this every day across every community in Nunavut.
This story about Grizzlies isn’t just about a sports program; it is about how a group of young people came together to deal with the stresses in modern-day, young lives and how to succeed both personally and professionally.
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud of our young people in Kugluktuk and the young folks around Nunavut.
The Grizzly program will now be known in a wider venue and Kuglukturmiut can look forward to seeing this story on the big screen and on TV.
Member’s Statement 156 – 4(3): Meeting with Constituents (Joanasie)
Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform people that I chaired meetings in my constituency. We had very good meetings and I would just like to recognize them. The people whom we represent come to our constituency meetings.
When I first was elected, I wanted to have general meetings, public meetings, and have the general public that I represent have their voices heard. They want to elect people who will appear for them.
In representing these two communities, I would like to express my gratitude to the different organizations in the community, such as the local district education authority, the hamlet council, the local housing authority, and the hunters and trappers association.
Even though these organizations are used to consult with people, the Members of the Legislative Assembly are also the representatives of our constituents as well as voicing our constituencies’ concerns and interests.
Mr. Speaker, furthermore, public meeting forums are practical in my eyes, as it allows a community to voice either their pleasure or displeasure, and I encourage everyone in the future, whenever a public meeting is announced in your community, to participate so your voice can be heard by our government and the public and MLAs can support each other to pull in the same direction towards our future.
I want to close by expressing my appreciation for all the participants who participated in the public meeting I organized in Kimmirut and Cape Dorset.
I used this forum on February 6 in Kimmirut and later on in Cape Dorset on February 16.
I plan to use further meetings in the future to canvass my constituents, so I want them to know that.
Question 190 – 4(3): Status of Devolution Negotiations (Angnakak)
In his Budget Address of last week, the Minister of Finance stated that the Government of Nunavut looks forward to, and I quote, “renewing our negotiations with the federal government and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated” with respect to devolution.
Mr. Speaker, I fully recognize that formal devolution negotiations were suspended for the duration of the federal election campaign, but the election was held over four months ago now.
Can the Premier indicate who the new federal government has appointed as its chief devolution negotiator?
Mr. Speaker, we await the naming of the chief negotiator from the federal side and we look forward to that.
We want to continue negotiating towards a good devolution agreement for Nunavut and we look forward to the naming of the chief negotiator from the federal side.
On October 23, 2014, the Premier announced the appointment of our own devolution negotiating team.
Can the Premier indicate how many formal negotiation sessions have been held over the past year?
Mr. Speaker, the negotiations at that time were ongoing, they were on and off, and they were technical discussions, but the chief negotiator didn’t participate in it, but through technical discussions on the financial side and other various avenues, the discussions were ongoing.
I can’t say exactly how many.
I don’t have the numbers in front of me of how many times they negotiated at the table there, but these discussions were ongoing. They were going at a slower pace than we expected.
When the federal elections were called for October, that stopped and we are waiting again for the naming of the federal chief negotiator.
Just checking if it’s still on the table or not.
One of the central features of the devolution agreements that were reached by the Yukon and the Northwest Territories was the transfer of federal government positions to the territorial public service.
Can the Premier indicate approximately how many federal government positions would be transferred to our territorial public service as part of a devolution agreement with Ottawa?
Using the information that was done in the Northwest Territories during their negotiations, a number has been put out there of 138, but that doesn’t mean that that’s the number that we’re going to be using.
We’re quite different from the other two territories. When I say we’re different, we don’t have road infrastructure within our territory, so a cookie-cutter approach through the Northwest Territories is not going to fit our needs in Nunavut.
As you know, our only transportation mode is the sea and airplanes. We don’t have roads like the other jurisdictions or the other two territories.
Again, when we talk about the number of federal positions that may be moved to administer devolution, it’s more or less down the line because, at this point, there is no real development that’s happening on Crown lands at this time.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Oral Questions. The Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South, Mr. Alexander Sammurtok.
Question 191 – 4(3): Status of New Rankin Inlet Arena (Sammurtok, A)
The government’s 2016-17 capital estimates, which were approved last fall by the Legislative Assembly, indicate that $23.3 million is being budgeted for the construction of Rankin Inlet’s new arena.
Can the minister confirm that his department’s plan to begin construction on this much-needed new facility during the 2017-18 fiscal year is on track?
The planning and designing phase of the arena in Rankin Inlet is still on schedule.
We don’t have a construction date identified yet.
The minister must have read my mind on my first question, but I will keep going on.
The government’s 2016-17 capital estimates, which were approved last fall by the Legislative Assembly, indicate that the department has already invested $1.7 million into this project.
Can the minister confirm if the design for Rankin Inlet’s new arena has been finalized?
The estimated cost for the arena in Rankin Inlet right now is at a class “D” estimate and the scope of work has been changing. We can’t go to tender until we have a class “A” estimate.
The planning and design phase is still ongoing. We’re still trying to finalize and crunch numbers so that we can get an accurate budget for the arena in Rankin Inlet. Rankin Inlet will get an arena.