EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
The standing committee noted that on June 9, 2006, the Minister of Education tabled Nunavut Arctic College’s reply to his April 25, 2005, letter of expectation. Committee members look forward to reviewing this document.
Mr. Speaker, my fellow Members of the Standing Committee on Health and Education will be presenting a series of recommendations based on the findings of our review.
The standing committee is confident that these recommendations will serve to complement these and other existing initiatives to strengthen and reaffirm Nunavut Arctic College’s key role in the future of our territory.
My colleagues will read the recommendations, beginning with the Committee Co-Chair, Levi Barnabas.
The standing committee recommends that the Minister of Education table in the Legislative Assembly an updated status report on Nunavut Arctic College management’s actions in response to the recommendations of the External Review.
The standing committee recommends that Nunavut Arctic College continue to work with the Crown Agency Council on its governance model to clarify (interpretation) and strengthen relationships between the Board of Governors, the president, the minister, and the public they serve. (interpretation ends)
The standing committee recommends that a multi-year Nunavut Arctic College Strategic Plan be developed. This plan should include clearly stated goals and the steps necessary to implement them. It should be tabled in the Legislative Assembly at the same time as the Department of Education’s Annual Main Estimates and Departmental Business Plan.
The standing committee further recommends that the Department of Education support that plan by fostering connections between secondary school and post-secondary education by developing and providing such resources and initiatives as career guidance counselors and Nunavut Arctic College outreach programs.
The standing committee recommends that Nunavut Arctic College let instructors instruct, counselors counsel, and administrators administer by establishing a dedicated fund-raising unit that will focus on identifying and accessing opportunities for third-party funding, sponsorships, and long-term sponsorships.
My colleague from this committee will deal with the rest of the recommendations, Mr. Evyagotailak.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Barnabas. Mr. Evyagotailak.
Recommendation # 5:
The standing committee recommends that Nunavut Arctic College improve its delivery of services from the headquarters in Arviat with the specific focus on improvement to the Student Financial Assistance Program.
The standing committee further recommends that the Office of the President of the Nunavut Arctic College be permanently located in Iqaluit as are almost all the other deputy minister level positions in Nunavut.
Recommendation # 6:
The standing committee recommends that Nunavut Arctic College should provide education and training to meet the broadest possible range of needs and opportunities facing our Nunavummiut.
The standing committee further recommends that the Public College Act be amended to clarify and support the governance relationship between Nunavut Arctic College and other institutions providing adult learning in Nunavut.
Recommendation # 7:
The standing committee recommends that Nunavut Arctic College develop and implement a plan for strengthening the quality of instruction at the Arctic College including performance measurements, course evaluations and opportunities for professional development.
Recommendation # 8:
The standing committee recommends that the Government of Nunavut build on its 2002 review of the Student Financial Assistance Program and seek to enhance and equalize support for students enrolled in all college programs by providing training incentives and adequate financial support; with specific attention to, and emphasis on meeting the needs of students with dependent children.
Mr. Speaker, my colleague, Mr. Tootoo, will read the rest.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Barnabas. Mr. Tootoo.
Mr. Tootoo: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank my committee members.
Recommendation # 9:
The standing committee recommends that Nunavut Arctic College student services be improved with a focus on the areas of access to counselors, tutors, childcare and housing.
Recommendation # 10:
The standing committee recommends that course curricula and delivery models for Adult Basic Education be reviewed and improved with an emphasis on providing cohesive, up-to-date materials and units of delivery.
The standing committee further recommends that Adult Basic Education be funded at the same level as core-funded programs.
Recommendation # 11:
The standing committee recommends that Nunavut Arctic College increase the number of adult educators allocated to each community through the development and implementation of a plan for training and employing qualified Northern adult educators.
The standing committee further recommends that the Nunavut Arctic College ensure that adequate information on its courses and programs is made available at all community learning centres.
The standing committee further recommends that the Department of Education amend the responsibilities of District Education Authorities to allow them to provide input and support in addressing community educational needs at all levels, and ensuring that potential students are identified, encouraged, and supported in enrollment.
Recommendation # 12:
The standing committee recommends that the Government of Nunavut provide base funding for the development of distance education resources and technology that could be made available for use by the college and other stakeholders, including health professionals.
The standing committee further recommends that Nunavut Arctic College ensures the provision of and improved access to up-to-date information technology for all students.
Recommendation # 13:
The standing committee recommends that Nunavut Arctic College develop and implement Inuit language and cultural components for all programs of Nunavut Arctic College.
The standing committee further recommends that Nunavut Arctic College establish, fund, and fill positions for Elders and Nunavut Arctic College counsellors, resource personnel and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit instructors.
Mr. Speaker, I’d like to return the floor back to our Chairman, Mr. Alagalak, to conclude.
In closing I would like to thank all Members of this House for their support of our work.
We look forward to seeing great accomplishments in this area over the coming years.
I would note that the Standing Committee has requested that the government table a comprehensive response to this report and its recommendations.
At this time, I would like to move that the Report of the Standing Committee on Health and Education be received and adopted by this House.
It has been moved that the Report of the Standing Committee be received and adopted by the House. The motion is in order pursuant to Rule 91.
Abstention. (interpretation) The motion is carried.
Committee Report on Bills 006 – 2(3): Bill 15 – An Act to Amend the Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Property Tax Relief Act (Peterson)
I wish to report that Bill 15, an Act to Amend the Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Property Tax Relief Act, which has been reviewed by the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Accountability, and that the Bill, as amended, is ready for consideration in the Committee of the Whole. I seek unanimous consent to waive Rule 68(6) and have Bill 15 be moved into the Committee of the Whole for today.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. The member is seeking unanimous to have Bill 15 immediately referred to the Committee of the Whole.
There are no nays. Bill 15 is referred to the Committee of the Whole for today.
Item. 12.
Committee Report on Bills 007 – 2(3): Bill 19 – An Act to Amend the Revolving Funds Act (Curley)
I wish to report that Bill 19, an Act to Amend the Revolving Funds Act, has been reviewed by the Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Housing and Economic Development and that the Bill is ready for consideration in the Committee of the Whole.
I seek unanimous consent to waive Rule 68(6) and have Bill 19 moved into the Committee of the Whole for today.
The member is seeking unanimous consent to have Bill 19 immediately referred to the Committee of the Whole.
There are no nays. Bill 19 is referred to the Committee of the Whole for today.
Committee Report on Bills 008 – 2(3): Bill 21 – An Act to Amend the Financial Administration Act #2 (Tootoo)
I wish to report that Bill 21, An Act to Amend the Financial Administration Act #2, has been reviewed the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Accountability and that the bill is ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole.
Mr. Speaker, I too am seeking unanimous consent to waive Rule 68(6) to have Bill 21 moved into the Committee of the Whole for today.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Tootoo. The member is seeking unanimous consent to have Bill 21 immediately referred to the Committee of the Whole. Are there any nays?
There are no nays. Bill 21 is referred to the Committee of the Whole for today.
Committee Report on Bills 009 – 2(3): Bill 22 – Settlement of International Investment Disputes Act (Mapsalak)
I wish to report that Bill 22, Settlement of International Investment Disputes Act, has been reviewed by the Standing Committee Ajauqtiit, and that the bill is ready for consideration in the Committee of the Whole.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to waive Rule 68(6) and have Bill 22 move into the Committee of the Whole for today.
The member is seeking unanimous consent to have Bill 22 immediately referred to the Committee of the Whole. Are there any nays?
There are no nays. Bill 22 is referred to the Committee of the Whole for today.
Item 12. (interpretation ends) Review of Bills. (interpretation) Item 13.
Tabled Document 133 – 2(3): Disaster Compensation Policy Improved Schedule A1 (Netser)
I wish to table the following document: Improved Disaster Compensation Policy.
Please provide the tabled documents to the Clerk’s table.
Tabled Document 134 – 2(3): Achieving a National Purpose – Improving Territorial Formula Financing & Strengthening Canada’s Territories: Executive Summary (May 2006) (Okalik)
I wish to table the following document: Achieving a National Purpose – Improving Territorial Formula Financing and Strengthening Canada’s Territories: Executive Summary (May 2006).
Please provide your tabled documents to the Clerk’s table.
Tabled Document 135 – 2(3): Response to Ministers from Nunavut Arctic College, Nunavut Development Corporation & Nunavut Housing Corporation Regarding Letters of Expectation (Simailak)
Tabled Document 136 – 2(3): Grants and Contributions GN Report for Legislative Assembly for the Year Ending March 2005 (Simailak)
I wish to table the following documents: Response to the Letter of Expectation from the Nunavut Arctic College, Nunavut Development Corporation and Nunavut Housing Corporation, and also the Grants and Contributions Report.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Simailak. Please provide the tabled documents to the Clerk’s table.
Tabled Document 137 – 2(3): Workplace Harassment Policy (Tapardjuk)
I wish to table the following document: Workplace Harassment Policy.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.Tapardjuk.
Please provide the tabled document to the Clerk’s table.
Tabled Document 138 – 2(3): Auditor General’s Report on the Workers’ Compensation Board of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut (Speaker)
Tabled Document 139 – 2(3): Integrity Commissioner Annual Report April 1, 2005 to March 31, 2006 (Speaker)
Tabled Document 140 – 2(3): Elections Nunavut Annual Report to the Legislative Assembly by the Chief Electoral Officer April 1, 2005 to March 31, 2006 (Speaker)
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. I would like to table the following documents: Statistics Report. I’m pleased to table the Report of the Auditor General on the Audit of the Workers’ Compensation Board of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
The Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories requested this report. The Auditor General is in the process of completing the translation of the report and once I receive it, I will table it at our next meeting.
(interpretation ends) I am pleased to table the Annual Report of the Integrity Commissioner for the period ending March 31, 2006.
And also, I am pleased to table the Annual Report of the Chief Electoral Officer for Nunavut for the period ending March 31, 2006.
Tabled Document 141 – 2(3): Fire Marshall – 2005 Annual Report (Brown)
Hon. Levinia Brown (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following document: Office of the Fire Marshall 2005 Annual Report.
First Reading of Bills. (interpretation ends) Item 18.
Second Reading of Bills. (interpretation) Item 19. (interpretation ends) Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters.
We will be dealing with Bills 15, 17, 18, 19, 21, and 22 with Mr. Barnabas in the Chair.
We will take a five-minute break while we are getting things ready.
>>House recessed at 16:33 and Committee resumed at 16:46
Chairman (Mr. Barnabas)(interpretation): I would like the Committee to come to order.
We have the following items to deal with Bill 17, 18, 15, 19, 21, and 22.
We wish to review the following bills in order: Bill 15, Bill 19, Bill 21, Bill 22, and Mr. Chairman, then report progress.
Does the committee that we deal with Bill 15 first?
Now I would like to ask the Minister responsible for Finance if he has opening remarks.
Bill 15 – An Act to Amend the Senior Citizens & Disabled Persons Property Tax Relief Act – Consideration in Committee
I am pleased to appear before members today to speak about Bill 15, An Act to Amend the Senior Citizens & Disabled Persons Property Tax Relief Act.
This bill provides a process of tax relief for eligible senior citizens and disabled persons living in the Municipal Taxing Authority, or MTA, and the General Taxation Area, or GTA, of 100 percent.
The Department of Finance will work jointly with the Department of Community and Government Services, given their responsibilities for the GTA and the MTA.
Finance provides a subsidy directly to eligible residents in the GTA, while CGS provides contribution to the City and the City in turn provides tax relief to eligible residents in the MTA.
The amendment to the existing statute is needed to reflect the Financial Management Board’s decision to change the current tax relief from 50 percent to 100 percent for seniors and disabled persons in the Municipal Taxation Area.
Such direction is supported by this government’s mandate and its obligations set out in Pinasuaqtavut. Further, the increased tax relief will ease the financial burdens on those seniors and disabled persons who own and reside in their own homes in Nunavut.
I would be pleased to answer any questions from members.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Simailak. (interpretation ends) Do you have witnesses that you would like to bring to the table?
Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the...I apologize. (interpretation ends) Bear with me; this is my second day as the Chair.
Does the committee agree to bring witnesses to the table?
Chairman (interpretation): Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witnesses to the witness table.
Minister Simailak, please introduce your officials for the record.
Hon. David Simailak: Today on my right is Mr. Pauloosie Suvega, the Assistant Deputy Minister with the Department of Finance, and on my left is Diane Buckland, Director for the Department of Justice.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister. (interpretation ends) Does the Chairman of the Standing Committee have any comments?
The Standing Committee on Government Operations and Accountability has reviewed Bill 15, An Act to Amend the Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Property Tax Relief Act, with the Minister and his officials.
The standing committee is in support of the principle of the bill, which is to increase support to senior citizens and disabled persons by increasing the possible Property Tax exemption from 50 percent to 100 percent.
Members of the Legislative Assembly have consistently advocated for and supported measures to reduce economic hardships facing elders who own their own homes.
Members strongly supported the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s recently announced Seniors and Disabled Persons Preventative Maintenance Program.
Property tax relief for seniors and disabled persons will be increasingly important as hamlets choose to transition to Municipal Taxing Authority status. Members noted that the recently tabled discussion paper titled “Municipal Tax Programs” indicates that property tax bills will likely increase under a municipal taxing regime.
Bill 15 was introduced in the Legislative Assembly on March 10, 2006.
Subsequent to its introduction, the Committee met with the sponsoring minister to review the Bill at the clause-by-clause stage. During the meeting, members raised concerns that the amendment could result in some homeowners taking advantage of the new amendment by including seniors or disabled persons as part owners of their residence for the sole purpose of property tax relief.
Members also raised concerns that economic need should be considered in the application process to ensure that this amendment is focused on those in most need and does not benefit people who have substantial means.
Members strongly encourage the minister to review the impacts of the new legislation in terms of lost revenue and to draft regulations ensuring that amendments to the Act allowing for part-owners to qualify for exemption does not allow for the exploitation of seniors or disabled persons.
The Standing Committee recommends passage of the Bill as amended and reprinted.
As outlined in our Integrity Act, I would just like to formally inform members of the House that I have a possible conflict of interest with this piece of legislation and will excuse myself from any of the deliberations, questioning, and voting on this piece of legislation.
You’re excused.
Before we proceed I would like to remind members of the following.
According to Rule 77(1), you have ten minutes to speak and according to Rule 77(2), subject to the discretion of the Chair, a member may speak more than once to a matter under discussion but not until every member wishing to speak has spoken.
I have no more members on my list for general comments. We will now proceed with a clause-by-clause review of Bill 15, starting with page...Bill 15, An Act to Amend the Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Property Tax Relief Act, reprint.
Clause 1. Do you agree?
I actually had my hand up for Clause 2. I just wanted to ask the minister; under the eligible property definition, we discussed this at standing committee.
He indicated through the standing committee meeting that he would commit to including the definition for a condo.
We do have a lot of condos going up in Nunavut, so we wanted that definition in there.
Will the minister commit to include that in the legislation at a later?
We’ll proceed.
We were on clause 4.
Chairman: Now, is the committee agreed to Bill 15 as a whole?
Chairman: Are you agreed that Bill 15 is ready for third reading?
Thank you, Mr. Minister. You can go back to your seat.
I would also like to thank your officials.
I would now like to ask the Minister responsible for Community and Government Services to make her opening remarks.
Bill 19 – An Act to Amend the Revolving Funds Act – Consideration in Committee
It is my pleasure to be here today regarding Bill 19, An Act to Amend the Revolving Funds Act.
The Petroleum Product Division operates under the Petroleum Products Revolving Fund Act.
The Petroleum Product Division operating costs are financed through a revolving fund that provides the resources to purchase and distribute the fuel consumed annually in the communities.
The revolving fund provides working capital advances to finance inventory, accounts receivable, and operating expenses.
It is paid back through sales of fuel. Mr. Chairman, the current authorized limit of the fund is $110 million.
The continued increases in fuel prices means that the fund limit is inadequate for Petroleum Product Division to meet its financial obligations during the 2006 re-supply.
The limit must be increased in order to allow sufficient room for the purchase of the fuel supply this year.
After consultation with the Department of Finance, it was determined that an increase to $150 million is required to ensure that Petroleum Product Division meets its financial obligations under the Act.
This will provide a small margin of safety for currently unknown factors, such as further substantial increases in oil prices.
Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Brown. (interpretation) Members we’re dealing with Bill 19. So I would like to ask Ms. Brown if she’s going to bring her witnesses down to the witness table.
Chairman (interpretation): Sergeant-at-Arms, if you can escort them to the witness table.
Minister Brown, please introduce your witnesses.
To my immediate left is my Deputy Minister, Mr. Tom Rich, and to my immediate right is Mr. Mike Rafter, Director of Finance.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Ms. Brown. (interpretation ends) Does the Chair of the Standing Committee have any opening comments?
Mr. Curley (interpretation): The Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Housing, and Economic Development reviewed Bill 19, an Act to Amend the Revolving Funds Act, with Minister Brown and her officials on June 14, 2006.
The bill is quite straightforward.
The standing committee recognizes that its intent is to ensure that adequate funds exist for the bulk purchases and transportation of fuel to Nunavut communities.
Members dealt with a similar amendment almost exactly two years ago. At that time members expressed their concerns with respect to the rising costs of fuel products in the world market and committee members urged the minister to find innovative ways to minimize the impact of increases on Nunavummiut.
It is important to note that since April 1, 1999 the level of the Petroleum Products Revolving Fund has increased from $55 million. The bill before us today will fully increase the limit to $150 million, as the minister stated earlier.
In other words, the fuel has almost tripled in four years.
In 2004 the committee recommended that the minister undertake a detailed review of how petroleum products are purchased and delivered in order to ensure that the Revolving Fund is self-sustaining.
Committee members are also pleased that the government has brought forward amendments to the Financial Administration Act to allow more flexibility in the purchase of bulk fuel.
The standing committee reviewed Bill 19 and recommends its passage by all members.
According to Rule 77(1), you have ten minutes to speak and according to Rule 77(2), subject to the discretion of the Chair, a member may speak more than once to a matter under discussion, but not until every member wishing to speak has spoken.
We will proceed clause by clause of Bill 19.
Mr. Curley: Just for the record, I would like to ask the minister or deputy that bulk purchases will now include all of the fuel supplies of NPC that is part of the all the purchase of this particular bill will be handling.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Are there any further questions under clause 1?
Chairman (interpretation): Clause 2. Do you agree?
Chairman: Do members agree to the bill as a whole?
Chairman: Do members that Bill 19 is ready for third reading?
Ms. Minister, you may go back to your seat and thank you for appearing before the committee and I would like to thank the officials.
We will deal with Bill 21.
I would like to ask the Minister responsible for Finance to make his opening remarks.
Bill 21 – An Act to Amend the Financial Administration Act #2 – Consideration in Committee
I am pleased to speak about the proposed amendments to the Financial Administration Act #2.
Mr. Chairman, with the increase in costs to purchase the annual consumption of fuels, the Financial Management Board directed that the option of fixing the price of fuel purchases through some type of financial hedging instrument be explored.