EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Chairman (interpretation): While we’re there, go to page 20. Let’s look at the Schedule on page 20.
Chairman (interpretation): Let’s look at the Schedule on page 21.
Chairman (interpretation): Let’s look at the Schedule on page 21. (interpretation ends) Schedule D. (interpretation) Do you agree?
Chairman (interpretation): Schedule on page 21. In English it reads, (interpretation ends) Schedule E. (interpretation) Do you agree?
Committee, do you agree to Bill 39 as a whole?
Pursuant to Rule 62(2), does the committee agree that Bill 39 can be immediately placed on the orders of the day for third reading?
We have concluded Bill 39.
Minister Peterson, if you have any closing remarks, I now give you the floor.
I would like to thank yourself and the standing committee or Committee of the Whole for their review and scrutiny of this bill and passing the amendments.
I would like to thank my two witnesses here today, Mr. MacKay and Mr. Ahlfors, for being here and of course working so hard on this bill.
I would like to acknowledge and thank Mr. Norman Tarnow, who is the director of legislation, and his team of legislative lawyers and support staff that work tirelessly on all this legislation to prepare for us to consider and also the regulations in all four languages.
A lot of work goes into bringing all that legislation forward for final approval and consent in the House. I would just like to thank everybody involved in doing all this. I appreciate it.
Chairman: Thank you, Minister Peterson and your staff. (interpretation) Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the minister’s officials out.
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bills 39, 45, and 46 and would like to report that Bills 39, 45, and 46 are immediately ready for third reading. Also, Mr. Speaker, I move that the Report of the Committee of the Whole be concurred with.
The Hon. Minister of Justice, Hon. Minister Keith Peterson.
Bill 39 – Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2017 – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Arviat South, that Bill 39, Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, be read for the third time.
Bill 45 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2017-2018 – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Arviat South, that Bill 45, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2017-2018, be read for the third time.
Bill 46 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2018-2019 – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Arviat South, that Bill 46, Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2018-2019, be read for the third time.
Just a reminder that tomorrow morning at nine o’clock there’s a meeting of the Standing Committee on Legislation in the Nanuq Boardroom.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until Tuesday, June 6, at 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Pages 4418 – 4466
Opening Prayer 4418
Ministers’ Statements 4418
Members’ Statements 4423
Returns to Oral Questions 4427
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 4427
Oral Questions 4431
Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters* 4454
Tabling of Documents 4456
Point of Order 4457
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 4458
First Reading of Bills 4458
Second Reading of Bills 4459
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 4460
Report of the Committee of the Whole 4465
Third Reading of Bills 4465
Orders of the Day 4466
Tuesday, June 6, 2017 4418
319 – 4(3): Training Travel Fund to Support Article 23 (Taptuna) 4418
320 – 4(3): Income Assistance Reforms (Mike) 4419
321 – 4(3): Mobile Addictions Treatment in Cambridge Bay (Hickes) 4419
322 – 4(3): First Educational Leadership Graduate Course in Inuktitut (Quassa) 4420
323 – 4(3): Community Infrastructure Projects in Nunavut (Savikataaq) 4421
324 – 4(3): Piqqusilirivvik – Enhanced Program with Pan-territorial Traditional Knowledge (Quassa) 4422
325 – 4(3): Update on Use of Federal Funding for Housing (Kuksuk) 4422
578 – 4(3): Congratulations to Sanikiluaq’s 2017 High School Graduates (Rumbolt) 4423
579 – 4(3): Congratulations on Celebrating 15 Years of the Francophone School (Okalik) 4424
580 – 4(3): Congratulations to Pond Inlet’s 2017 High School Graduates (Enook) 4424
581 – 4(3): Responsible Internet Use (Mikkungwak) 4425
582 – 4(3): Congratulations to Pangnirtung’s 2017 High School Graduates (Mike) 4426
Return to Oral Question 732 – 4(3): Tourism (Ell-Kanayuk) 4427
763 – 4(3): Out-of-territory Support Services (Angnakak) 4431
764 – 4(3): Grise Fiord Municipal Complex (Shooyook) 4432
765 – 4(3): Contracting and Procurement (Sammurtok, A) 4434
766 – 4(3): Supports for Parenting (Joanasie) 4435
767 – 4(3): Effects of Mould on Tenants’ Health (Okalik) 4437
768 – 4(3): Firearms Safety Initiatives (Qirngnuq) 4439
769 – 4(3): Status of Coral Harbour School Playground (Mapsalak) 4440
770 – 4(3): Public Housing Construction (Akoak) 4441
771 – 4(3): Status of Office of Patient Relations (Mikkungwak) 4443
772 – 4(3): Nutrition North Canada Program (Rumbolt) 4446
773 – 4(3): Number of Children Allowed by Policy Assigned to Foster Parents (Enook) 4448
774 – 4(3): Accountability for Public Funds (Angnakak) 4449
775 – 4(3): Carpentry Course at Nunavut Arctic College (Sammurtok, A) 4451
776 – 4(3): Funding for Community Arena Upgrades (Qirngnuq) 4452
Committee Report 029 – 4(3): Report on the Review of the Information and Privacy Commissioner’s 2016 Report on the Privacy Audit of the Qikiqtani General Hospital (Angnakak) 4454
321 – 4(3): Program Directive: Student Placement, Promotion and Retention (Okalik) 4456
322 – 4(3): Correspondence to MLA Pat Angnakak dated November 18, 2016 (Hickes) 4456
323 – 4(3): iEHR Privacy and Security Directive (Hickes) 4456
324 – 4(3): 2016 Report on the Administration of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1990 (Ell-Kanayuk) 4457
325 – 4(3): Pangnirtung Classes of 2017 and 1932 (Mike) 4457
050 – 4(3): Extension of Question Period (Enook) 4446
Bill 50 – An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly Retiring Allowances Act and the Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act – Notice 4458
Bill 47 – An Act to Amend the Legal Profession Act – First Reading 4458
Bill 48 – An Act to Amend the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act – First Reading 4458
Bill 50 – An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly Retiring Allowances Act and the Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act – First Reading 4459
Bill 50 – An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly Retiring Allowances Act and the Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act – Second Reading 4459
Bill 49 – An Act to Provide for Elections for Municipal Councils and District Education Authorities – Consideration in Committee 4460
Bill 50 – An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly Retiring Allowances Act and the Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act – Consideration in Committee 4463
Bill 49 – An Act to Provide for Elections for Municipal Councils and District Education Authorities – Third Reading 4465
Bill 50 – An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly Retiring Allowances Act and the Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act – Third Reading 4465
Speaker (Hon. George Qulaut) (interpretation): Can you say the opening prayer, please, Mr. Qirngnuq.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Premier Taptuna.
Minister’s Statement 319 – 4(3): Training Travel Fund to Support Article 23 (Taptuna)
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the Government of Nunavut encourages public servants to continually develop their knowledge and skills through job or career related training.
My department delivers a variety of short courses in various communities throughout the year for public servants to access professional development closer to home.
However, there are times when employees have to leave their communities to attend job-related training and we know how expensive travel costs are in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, this year departments and public agencies will be able to apply to the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs to access a training travel fund for their Inuit employees who have to travel outside of their community to take a job or career related training.
Mr. Speaker, this program will assist departments and public bodies in implementing their detailed Inuit employment plans by supporting training and development plans for their Inuit employees.
The Training Travel Fund will be using a combination of internal GN funds and funds set aside from the settlement agreement.
Mr. Speaker, the goal of the Training Travel Fund is to increase both the number of Inuit employees who take job and career related training and the amount of training they access.
Minister’s Statement 320 – 4(3): Income Assistance Reforms (Mike)
I am grateful that we have this opportunity once again. Good day to the people of Nunavut and Pangnirtung.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to stand here today to update the members on the progress my department has made in implementing the reforms to income assistance in Nunavut.
(interpretation ends) In Sivumut Abluqta our government committed to reviewing and reforming our approach to income assistance.
This was done to ensure that those who truly need support receive that support. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, today I am proud to announce that the first phase of improvements will come into effect on July 1, 2017.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the old process did not provide an incentive for clients to work because their income assistance benefits were reduced by a dollar for every dollar of income they made over the earned income limit.
As such, to encourage Nunavummiut to seek employment and earn more of their own income, the limit of the amount of money that clients can earn from employment while on income assistance has been raised.
(interpretation) Building upon this change, clients will also now be able to take the money they have earned from employment and save it in their bank account.
Previously Nunavummiut were forced to spend all of their savings in order to qualify for assistance.
This made it difficult for clients to get off income assistance and become financially independent.
This change will allow clients to save for emergencies.
(interpretation ends) Finally, as we are aware, some Nunavummiut are unable to work due to a long-term or short-term disability.
We need to better support these individuals so that they can live full, productive lives. To accomplish this, we have increased the disability allowance to $250 per month for people with disabilities lasting a year or longer and have introduced a short-term disability allowance of $125 per month for people with disabilities lasting 6 to 12 months.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I am proud of these reforms our government is making for our Income Assistance Program and I look forward to the continued progress that will be made on this important commitment.
Minister’s Statement 321 – 4(3): Mobile Addictions Treatment in Cambridge Bay (Hickes)
I would like to share exciting developments regarding addictions treatment in the territory.
On May 21, 2017 a group of seven men embarked on a journey towards recovery from addictions. They are attending the Mobile Addictions Treatment Program delivered by the Cambridge Bay Wellness Centre.
Mr. Speaker, for 28 days the group will be living at a healing centre set up on the land. Local elders participated in incorporating IQ, Inuit societal values, and Inuit traditions in the design of the program.
Among other things the addictions program considers the role of relationships, family, and grief in the healing process.
The Nunavut Suicide Prevention Strategy partners secured funding from Health Canada’s program for indigenous suicide prevention for two deliveries: one for men in the spring and one for women in the fall of 2017. The program was developed and piloted in 2012 by the Department of Health and the Cambridge Bay Wellness Centre.
Today this collaboration continues with support provided by staff from the Mental Health and Addictions Division, the municipality, and local organizations.
Mr. Speaker, this program is just one option that is part of our growing focus on in-territory treatment. In communities we have mental health and addiction staff working with clients to minimize the harms associated with their substance use through one-on-one counselling.
We also provide funding for communities to run alcohol and drug programs that address both prevention and treatment.
Efforts will continue to focus on building addiction treatment capacity within Nunavut.
I invite my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Cambridge Bay Wellness Centre in making this program a reality.
Above all, however, it is the determination of these seven men to embark on a journey towards recovery that must be saluted.
Minister’s Statement 322 – 4(3): First Educational Leadership Graduate Course in Inuktitut (Quassa)
Good day to the residents of my community, Nunavummiut, and visitors in the gallery.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the first ever educational leadership course that will be offered in Inuktitut to Inuktitut-speaking educators on July 15 to 20.
This Certificate of Educational Leadership in Nunavut course leads to principal certification and a graduate degree
Mr. Speaker, my department has been working with the University of Prince Edward Island on the development and delivery of a fully Inuktitut course on educational leadership.
This course focuses on the development of collaborative relationships, positive communication, and empowerment of parents, elders, and community members who lead, support, and guide education in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, all Inuktitut-speaking educators in a Nunavut Teachers Association position are eligible to apply for this graduate level course.
Mr. Speaker, applications are still being accepted until June 18, so I encourage my fellow members to share this information and wonderful opportunity with your communities.
Mr. Speaker, this program is one of the ways by which my department supports, empowers, and encourages our Inuktitut- speaking educators and I am truly proud to share this news with you today.
Minister’s Statement 323 – 4(3): Community Infrastructure Projects in Nunavut (Savikataaq)
I say “good day” to the people of Arviat.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide an update on community infrastructure projects in Nunavut. The Department of Community and Government Services has done a lot of work in the complex process of improving infrastructure in municipalities within Nunavut.
I am pleased to report that we are seeing the results of this work.
I recently welcomed the Hon. Amarjeet Sohi to Nunavut on his first visit to our territory as the federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.
We took part in a major announcement for $207 million in joint funding for 31 projects to upgrade solid waste management, water and wastewater systems throughout the territory.
This funding helps municipalities meet their compliance requirements for environmental regulations and this is another step forward in the Government of Nunavut’s plan to support communities.
During his meetings with the Government of Nunavut and the Nunavut Association of Municipalities, Minister Sohi was given a better appreciation of these major files.
This meeting has helped us maintain our momentum in identifying Nunavut’s infrastructure needs. Our next steps are to follow up with research, planning, project management, and the funding structures to ensure those needs are being met.
The Hon. Johnny Mike and the Hon. Keith Peterson joined us on a trip to Pangnirtung, where we visited the new water and wastewater facility, municipal wharf, fish plant, and the new power plant.
Minister Sohi was able to see first-hand the major impacts and positive effects of government investments in infrastructure in the communities.
He also saw what is lacking for landfills, Internet connectivity, recreation facilities, and transportation and this was very valuable in his understanding of the needs in the communities.
I am grateful for this opportunity to contribute to economic development, environmental protection, and the building of healthy communities for lasting benefits for Nunavummiut.
Minister’s Statement 324 – 4(3): Piqqusilirivvik – Enhanced Program with Pan-territorial Traditional Knowledge (Quassa)
I again rise in the House today to inform my fellow members of the progress and great initiatives that are being taken by Piqqusilirivvik.
(interpretation ends) Last summer Piqqusilirivvik instructors and students travelled to Igloolik, where they participated in a walrus hunt.
As part of the hunt they learned how to prepare igunaq (fermented walrus meat).
Just a few weeks ago the instructors and students completed the cycle of learning by returning to Igloolik to retrieve the igunaq which they are now sharing with elders and community members in Clyde River but also elsewhere, including Iqaluit.
Students at Piqqusilirivvik visited elders at their homes in the community to foster relationships. During the visits, students helped the elders with household chores and also interviewed them, listened to stories, and practised hands-on skills such as sewing.
The students incorporated the knowledge and experiences they gathered into independent research projects, which they presented back to the elders at the conclusion of the elders’ feast that followed.
Through this program and the experiences acquired, we are providing opportunities for Nunavummiut to learn and maintain our traditional knowledge and share it in a contemporary setting. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister’s Statement 325 – 4(3): Update on Use of Federal Funding for Housing (Kuksuk)
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Good afternoon, unnusakkut, (interpretation) fellow residents of Arviat, people of Whale Cove and Nunavut. Good afternoon wishes to you all.
Mr. Speaker, last fall I rose to inform the House of a new agreement that had been signed between the Nunavut Housing Corporation and the federal government for investment of almost $85 million over two years for housing in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to provide my colleagues with an update on the implementation of this funding.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, contracts have been awarded for construction of 90 brand-new public housing units across the territory.
Construction will begin this summer and completion of these units is expected by the fall of 2018.
A further 95 units will also be contracted for the second year of the funding implementation. These new units will be critical to filling the significant housing gap faced by our territory.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, significant federal funding has also been dedicated to repair and renovate women’s shelters in Iqaluit and Rankin Inlet.
Work is well underway in the shelters and will continue over the summer.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, over $1 million… .
Speaker (interpretation): My apologies. (interpretation ends) Hon. minister, the time for Ministers’ Statements is over.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Speaker: The minister is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement.
There are none. Hon. Minister Kuksuk, please proceed.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my colleagues.
I didn’t realize that my time had run out.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, over $1 million is also being used from federal and GN funding to make much-needed upgrades to elders centres in Iqaluit and Arviat.
As our population ages, the importance of having well-maintained elders facilities grows.
Finally this federal funding, along with GN funding, has allowed the NHC to complete a mould assessment project to address Nunavut’s most affected public housing units.
A total of 271 units were assessed across the territory.
Where mould was found, these units will be remediated either by local housing staff or, where necessary, trained experts who will be contracted.
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased with the progress that has been made to implement this federal funding to improve the housing situation of Nunavummiut.
I look forward to updating my colleagues again as we continue to lobby and negotiate for further federal funding to address Nunavut’s housing crisis.
Member’s Statement 578 – 4(3): Congratulations to Sanikiluaq’s 2017 High School Graduates (Rumbolt)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 2017 high school graduates from Sanikiluaq.
It is always a very proud moment for me to be able to acknowledge the hard work and success of these young men and women.
Mr. Speaker, a High School Diploma is a stepping stone to future learning. In achieving this goal, our young graduates can look forward to greater opportunities in life.
This year saw nine students graduate from Sanikiluaq’s high school, which is a good sign for our future.
These young graduates are role models for other youth in the community. They lead by example, by showing what self-discipline and dedication to their studies can achieve.
Delilah Crow Mickiyuk,
Dora Takatak,
Erine Oqaituk,
Bonnie Cookie,
Noah Cody Appaqaq,
Norman Novalinga,
Angele Arragutainaq,
Lucy Mangi Novalinga, and
Johnassie Daryle Iqaluq.
Mr. Speaker, it is also important to recognize the role of parents, guardians, teachers, and the entire community in encouraging our youth to work towards achieving their education and their future opportunities.
I congratulate Sanikiluaq’s 2017 graduates and extend my congratulations to everyone who helped our graduates reach their success.
Member’s Statement 579 – 4(3): Congratulations on Celebrating 15 Years of the Francophone School (Okalik)
I also wish to rise today to share in the celebrations here in Iqaluit for the French school that was celebrating its anniversary at the end of April.
École des Trois-Soleils was celebrating 15 years of operations. They invited me to attend and extended their hospitability. I had great fun at the celebrations and I informed them to continue working hard to ensure the future operations of their school.
French people share in our cultural differences by protecting their language and they continue to support Inuit in protecting our language.
I am grateful for that since they are a very good partner in facing outside cultural influences. I wish them continued success in their future.
Member’s Statement 580 – 4(3): Congratulations to Pond Inlet’s 2017 High School Graduates (Enook)
I, too, would like to congratulate the graduates in Pond Inlet.
The residents of my community are celebrating the grade 12 graduates and that will be their day right up to this evening.
It is always a happy experience when we see our students graduate. I would also like to thank their parents and grandparents who urged those young people to go to school.
Sometimes it’s very hard to get up and go to school. That was the case when I was a student anyway.
I thank those people who urge students to go to school.
Robie Aglak
Savanna Killiktee
Gavin Kunuk
Jasmin Omik
Michel Oolateeta
Adam Ootoovak
I urge you, if at all possible, to pursue a higher education.
Graduating from grade 12 is not the end of learning.
I urge you to further your education. It’s obvious that learning is a lifelong experience.
Member’s Statement 581 – 4(3): Responsible Internet Use (Mikkungwak)
I rise today to remind Nunavummiut to use social media responsibly.
Mr. Speaker, there are many opportunities for individuals and communities to benefit from the accessibility of social media.
Social media sites allow us to connect with loved ones over long distances, share concerns within the community, and advertise local initiatives and events.
However, as our society becomes more technologically advanced, we also become more vulnerable in a number of ways.
With the advent of cyberbullying and live streaming, it is now more important than ever for us to practise safe and responsible Internet use.
Mr. Speaker, I want to remind our viewers today of the power that damaging or disturbing content may have on other individuals in their communities.