EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Aggu, that Bill 15, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2014-2015, be read for the third time.
The motion is carried and Bill 15 is now ready for assent.
Bill 17 – Write-off of Assets Act, 2012-2013 – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Aggu, that Bill 17, Write-off of Assets Act, 2012-2013, be read for the third time.
The motion is carried and Bill 17 is now ready for assent.
Bill 18 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2015-2016 – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Aggu, that Bill 18, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2015-2016, be read for the third time.
The motion is carried and Bill 18 is now ready for assent.
The Hon. Minister responsible for the Workers’ Compensation and Safety Services, Mr. Peterson.
Bill 19 – An Act to Amend the Workers’ Compensation Act – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Aggu, that Bill 19, An Act to Amend the Workers’ Compensation Act, be read for the third time.
The motion is carried and Bill 19 is now ready for assent.
Bill 21 – An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, the Legislative Assembly Retiring Allowances Act and the Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act – Third Reading
Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Cambridge Bay, that Bill 21, An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, the Legislative Assembly Retiring Allowances Act and the Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act, be read for the third time.
The motion is carried and Bill 21 is now ready for assent.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until Tuesday, March 17, 2015, at 1:30 p.m.
>>House adjourned at 18:25
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Pages 2622 – 2664
Opening Prayer 2622
Ministers’ Statements 2622
Members’ Statements 2624
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 2630
Oral Questions 2632
Revert to Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 2647
Tabling of Documents 2647
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 2648
Report of the Committee of the Whole 2659
Third Reading of Bills 2659
Assent to Bills 2660
Orders of the Day 2663
Tuesday, March 17, 2015 2622
139 – 4(2): Sivumut Abluqta Update (Taptuna) 2622
140 – 4(2): Recognition of Nunavut Commissioner Edna Elias (Taptuna) 2623
273 – 4(2): NIRB Hearing on Kiggavik Project (Mikkungwak) 2624
274 – 4(2): Fuel Delivery Procedures (Akoak) 2624
275 – 4(2): Non-Decentralized Communities (Mapsalak) 2625
276 – 4(2): Congratulations to Mittimatalik Athletes (Enook) 2626
277 – 4(2): Reflections on the End of Winter Sitting (Rumbolt) 2627
278 – 4(2): Happy St. Patrick’s Day (Kuksuk) 2627
279 – 4(2): Igloolik Production of Maliglutit (Quassa) 2628
280 – 4(2): Radio and Television Broadcast in Clyde River (Keyootak) 2628
281 – 4(2): Upcoming Trip to Kugaaruk (Ugjuk) 2629
282 – 4(2): Looking Forward to Spring (Joanasie) 2629
283 – 4(2): Invitation to Arctic Bay (Shooyook) 2630
471 – 4(2): NIRB Hearing on Kiggavik Project (Mikkungwak) 2632
472 – 4(2): Community Transportation Initiatives (Mapsalak) 2634
473 – 4(2): Motor Vehicles Act (Savikataaq) 2635
474 – 4(2): Status of Hospital Board Review (Angnakak) 2636
475 – 4(2): Statutory Holidays (Joanasie) 2637
476 – 4(2): Baker Lake’s Runway Strip (Mikkungwak) 2638
477 – 4(2): Initiatives for Non-Decentralized Communities (Mapsalak) 2640
478 – 4(2): Role of Health Inspectors (Angnakak) 2641
479 – 4(2): Status of Project for Water Reservoir (Savikataaq) 2642
480 – 4(2): Medical Travel Policy for Unilingual Elders (Joanasie) 2643
481 – 4(2): NHC Homeownership Program (Mikkungwak) 2645
139 – 4(2): Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission’s 2015 Corporate Plan (Peterson) 2647
140 – 4(2): Public Service Annual Report 2013-2014 (Peterson) 2647
141 – 4(2): Speaker’s List of Outstanding Statutory Tabling Requirements (Speaker) 2647
Bill 13 – An Act to Amend the Vital Statistics Act – Consideration in Committee 2648
Bill 01 – Northern Employee Benefits Services Pension Plan Act – Consideration in Committee 2651
Bill 01 – Northern Employee Benefits Services Pension Plan Act – Third Reading 2659
Bill 13 – An Act to Amend the Vital Statistics Act – Third Reading 2659
Speaker (interpretation): Good afternoon, people of Nunavut.
Welcome to the members, ministers, (interpretation ends) Premier, (interpretation) all of our staff and interpreters, and all of the guests here today. Welcome, everyone.
I would like to announce to all of you that one of the MLAs, Steve Mapsalak, is celebrating his birthday. Happy birthday.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Taptuna.
Minister’s Statement 139 – 4(2): Sivumut Abluqta Update (Taptuna)
Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide an update to my colleagues on the progress of the Sivumut Abluqta Mandate across our government.
Mr. Speaker, we are all working towards our shared vision: to have more well-educated and self-reliant Nunavummiut; to have healthy families in strong communities; to foster strong economic growth and development in all sectors; and to ensure good government and wise use of our resources.
We continue to focus our work toward our people, our land, our economy, and our territorial government. We aim to achieve this through education, employment, economic development, and an effective and efficient public service.
Mr. Speaker, as Premier, I want to provide an overarching update on our efforts to implement our important work under Sivumut Abluqta.
Work at the departmental level is ongoing and staff are diligently working to realize our goals for an improved Nunavut.
There is important work at all levels of education reform in our territory, from early childhood education, enhanced literacy programming in our elementary schools, and employment preparation for our future workers.
The Education Act is currently under review and the recommendations and amendments will be considered in the future.
Mr. Speaker, in the area of social well-being, we are working to provide resources for community-based solutions, and we continue to work with all our partners to renew and strengthen our efforts towards suicide prevention.
Mr. Speaker, to help with Nunavummiut’s most basic needs, departments across the government continue to implement the Nunavut Food Security Strategy and work on initiatives to enhance access to nutritious food.
The Nunavut Housing Corporation is researching economical and affordable housing and working to develop a collaborative action plan to ensure more affordable housing options are available to meet the needs of our people.
Finally, we are working towards important priorities related to Inuit employment within the public service.
A government-wide human resource strategy was approved in the fall, and the Sivmuaqatigiit Division is working with all government departments to assist on the development and implementation of our Inuit employment plan submissions.
Mr. Speaker, work is underway to establish a leadership development program. We aim to target those professional categories that currently show low Inuit employment numbers and implement improved programs to ensure numbers increase to representative levels.
I want to assure all members that attaining the goals under Sivumut Abluqta remains the government’s objective.
We are one year into a four-year mandate and I am confident we are on track to realizing a better Nunavut for our people.
Minister’s Statement 140 – 4(2): Recognition of Nunavut Commissioner Edna Elias (Taptuna)
I rise today to recognize the contributions of Nunavut’s fourth Commissioner, Ms. Edna Elias, whose term comes to an end on May 11, 2015.
Ms. Elias was appointed to the role of Commissioner of Nunavut nearly five years ago, on May 31, 2010.
During her tenure, she has sworn in cabinet ministers and Members of the Legislative Assembly, overseen the ascension of bills, and presented the Order of Nunavut as well as the Commissioner’s awards.
Her role is important within and outside the territory, one that exemplifies the values of Nunavummiut, and connects us to other jurisdictions while promoting our unique principles.
Mr. Speaker, I want to extend sincere gratitude to Ms. Elias for her commitment to the position. Her promotion of Inuinnaqtun and her dedication to cancer research are admirable.
Please join me in wishing Ms. Elias the very best in her future endeavours.
Member’s Statement 273 – 4(2): NIRB Hearing on Kiggavik Project (Mikkungwak)
Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) I say “good day” to the people of Baker Lake and Nunavut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my appreciation to the many residents of Baker Lake who participated in the Nunavut Impact Review Board’s recent hearings on the final environmental impact statement for the proposed Kiggavik project.
Mr. Speaker, as you will recall, I have tabled a number of submissions during our current sitting that were provided to the Nunavut Impact Review Board during this process.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, the Nunavut Impact Review Board’s hearings wrapped up this weekend.
Over the past couple of weeks, representatives from the Municipality of Baker Lake and the Baker Lake Hunters and Trappers Organization provided formal submissions to the Nunavut Impact Review Board.
It is my hope that the Nunavut Impact Review Board will consider these submissions with great care, along with the many items provided by the Government of Nunavut, NTI, the Kivalliq Inuit Association, and other entities.
Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to quote briefly from the submission provided by the municipality.
“The Hamlet Council itself welcomes the economic opportunities that the Kiggavik uranium mine may bring to the community, including the promised training, employment, business and infrastructure opportunities.
The Council also recognizes that this development brings environmental and socio-economic risks and will strain the human resources and infrastructure capacity of the community.”
Mr. Speaker, I think that this statement perfectly captures the complexity of the issues facing us.
As the Nunavut Impact Review Board begins its consideration of the testimony that it has received during these hearings, I want to take this opportunity to clearly state that I respect the wide range of positions and perspectives that have been expressed by my constituents.
Member’s Statement 274 – 4(2): Fuel Delivery Procedures (Akoak)
I would first like to say a big “thank you” to my constituents in Gjoa Haven. When I’m away from home, I feel I have to represent my people.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would like to follow up on an issue that I raised yesterday in the Legislative Assembly.
As the Minister of Community and Government Services will recall, I asked him a number of questions concerning fuel delivery procedures.
I want to take this opportunity today to urge the department’s Petroleum Products Division to work closely with the local fuel delivery contractor and other parties when this year’s resupply arrives in Gjoa Haven.
I have received concerns that when fuel is being transferred from the tanker to the shore, there is a risk that the hoses are not being completely drained before switching fuel types.
I am concerned that this may result in different types of fuel, such as P50 and gasoline, being mixed together. If this occurs, there can be damage to the motors of skidoos and other equipment in the community.
I appreciate the minister looking into this issue, and I will have questions for him when we return to Iqaluit in May for our spring sitting to ensure that action has been taken.
Member’s Statement 275 – 4(2): Non-Decentralized Communities (Mapsalak)
First of all, since this is our last day of sitting in this winter session, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to my colleagues and Iqalummiut, who are always warm and hospitable.
I want to express my happiness for their kindness as they are always welcoming to us.
Mr. Speaker, the issue I want to speak to is one I have brought up on multiple occasions with regard to the smaller, non-decentralized communities with no government positions or departments to depend on.
Mr. Speaker, I am one of the ardent advocates due in large part to the lack of employment opportunities in the smaller communities throughout Nunavut. Furthermore, it has become apparent in all aspects of local governance in facing poverty.
With that being the case, I strongly urge this government to carefully take into consideration by strongly weighting capital projects run by this government towards our smaller, non-decentralized communities in light of the lack of jobs available locally.
Mr. Speaker, these are the types of things that communities are desperate for, and it seems obvious that if any hamlets were to be asked if they wanted the projects, they would be most welcoming.
Communities that aren’t decentralized are open to any development that offers employment opportunities for their residents.
The home care facilities for people with disabilities and addiction centres for alcoholic or drug abusers are just the sorts of examples we can provide as meaningful projects.
I therefore strongly encourage this government to place a priority rating on the smaller communities for capital projects some time during our tenure as MLAs, as we have three more years left in our mandate.
Member’s Statement 276 – 4(2): Congratulations to Mittimatalik Athletes (Enook)
Good afternoon to the residents of Pond Inlet and our fellow Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my sentiments of pleasure. This weekend was momentous, something my colleague, Mr. Keyootak, so eloquently remarked on about the volleyball tournament that occurred over the weekend.
I, too, want to make mention of the players who attended that tournament and to express my pride in the Pond Inlet volleyball players who partook in this tournament.
Mr. Speaker, our communities throughout Nunavut, especially the farther communities from the major regional centres, such as Iqaluit here in the Baffin region, have to put as much emphasis on fundraising in order to attend these infrequent tournaments or other competitions.
Air travel is our only and very expensive mode of transportation, thereby these players from Pond Inlet spent a lot of time fundraising.
Both the male and female athletes were able to arrive to Iqaluit only by being extremely dedicated to raising the necessary funds. Once they raised the amount, they could fly down and participate.
As my colleague, Mr. Keyootak, noted, there wasn’t much funding assistance provided to the teams, but they managed to attain their goals.
For their laudable efforts, I want to expressly praise my resident volleyball players and to let the residents of Pond Inlet share in this sense of accomplishment.
The players able to attend this tournament aren’t just committed to improving their team play, but also need to be dedicated to fundraising.
Mr. Speaker, I want to formally announce their names, as I take great pride in my Pond Inlet volleyball players who made it down.
The male athletes are:
Norman Inootik;
Peter Inootik;
Quviq Inootik, a father and two sons;
Jassie Simonee;
Ipeelie Ootoova;
Randy Quaraq;
John Henderson; and
Steven Innuaraq.
Mr. Speaker, the female athletes are:
Jeannie Kigutak;
Jennifer Kautainuk;
Emma Atagootak;
Gina Komangapik;
Abby Ootoova; and
Emily Onaalik.
The people of Pond Inlet and Nunavut are proud of you.
Member’s Statement 277 – 4(2): Reflections on the End of Winter Sitting (Rumbolt)
Mr. Speaker, as today is the final sitting day of our current winter sitting, I am pleased to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the people of Sanikiluaq for their support.
As usual, our budget session has been extremely busy, and I want to thank all of the people behind the scenes who help keep the Assembly running during the long sitting days.
Mr. Speaker, when we as MLAs are here in Iqaluit for extended periods of time for sittings of the House, we rely on many people back home to keep us up to date on the status of local issues of concern so that we can raise them here on the floor of the House.
I want to pay special tribute to the mayor, council, municipal staff, teachers, health care staff, as well as the board of directors and staff of our local housing association.
As we all know, these positions are at the frontline of service delivery to the public and I salute their hard work.
Mr. Speaker, in light of it being St. Patrick’s Day today, I’m going to take it as a green light to say a few words about family.
I am sure that all members will agree with me that it is not easy being away from family for extended periods of time.
I want to take this opportunity to note that it is my grandson’s second birthday tomorrow.
Unfortunately, I will not be there.
Happy birthday, Jayden, on your special day.
Member for Arviat South and Whale Cove, Mr. Kuksuk.
Member’s Statement 278 – 4(2): Happy St. Patrick’s Day (Kuksuk)
Hon. George Kuksuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) Good day to the people of Nunavut, my fellow residents of Arviat, and the people of Whale Cove. Even though it’s windy over there in the Kivalliq, (interpretation ends) it’s supposed to die down later on this evening, I think.
Mr. Speaker, (interpretation) I rise today to wish happy birthday to my colleague (interpretation ends) across the floor.
It’s obvious that he’s having a good day. (interpretation ends) I think he’s just turning 35.
Anyway, (interpretation) today being St. Patrick’s Day, (interpretation) I would like to say a special St. Patrick’s Day to everyone and my relatives in Newfoundland, in particular, my uncle who is 80 years old and his wife, Jeanette. (interpretation) They are celebrating over there and it is a civic holiday there. (interpretation ends) Happy St. Patrick’s Day to Uncle David and Jeanette.
Lastly, safe travels, everybody. (interpretation) As it is the last day of our session, travel home safely. (interpretation ends) Safe travels home to everybody in the House and throughout the territory.
Member’s Statement 279 – 4(2): Igloolik Production of Maliglutit (Quassa)
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day to my colleagues, everyone who is here, as well as the people of Igloolik.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to showcase Igloolik a little bit.
Today, they are doing another film and I’m sure that everyone knows that Igloolik is famous for its actors and filmmaking.
Kingulliit Productions is currently filming a movie called Maliglutit.
It is currently being filmed in Igloolik this month.
I think the Director, Zacharias Kunuk, is very well known worldwide.
He is shooting the film and working with Natar Ungalaaq, again a well-known actor.
The people of Igloolik make all the props, all the costumes, and you will probably have seen it in the news media that they make huge celebratory type of igloos and employ quite a number of people from Igloolik.
They currently have 20 people employed.
I think everybody knows that Zacharias Kunuk filmed Atanarjuat as well as his most recent movie, (interpretation ends) The Journals of Knud Rasmussen. (interpretation) Those are some of the films that he has directed.
I would like to congratulate everybody involved in the film.
Once the filming is done, please go see the movie. It’s called Maliglutit.
That is for my colleagues’ information.
Member’s Statement 280 – 4(2): Radio and Television Broadcast in Clyde River (Keyootak)
I rise today to speak about my other constituency community of Clyde River.
As we all know, many communities want to share their news and developments in their communities, either through radio or televised shows that air our news and updates.
Mr. Speaker, the community I represent has not had a local radio station for the longest time and they haven’t been able to listen to local radio and local television for over a year.
Mr. Speaker, this issue requires immediate resolution and that is the reason why I rise today, to ensure that Clyde River is able to either listen to or watch the proceedings of this House.
The communication system breakdown has been left for far too long and the community has been unable to get their radio fixed, so they have been left without any local radio as well as not being able to watch television.
This is a matter that requires immediate outcome.
I would like to see the communication systems be repaired prior to our next session. Perhaps I will raise further questions on this issue at our next session if the systems aren’t repaired, as I would like to have my constituents from Clyde River the same access as is enjoyed elsewhere.
Member’s Statement 281 – 4(2): Upcoming Trip to Kugaaruk (Ugjuk)
I say “good day” to the people of Taloyoak.
I hear there are blizzards all over, including Kugaaruk. It has been blowing for two days and there is a plane stuck in Kugaaruk.
The hotel is full, but they are getting a lot of help from the community.
For the information of residents of Kugaaruk, I will be going there on March 22 with Edna Elias, the Commissioner of Nunavut.
We are going to be visiting the schools and also going to see Jose Angutingnungniq, who is the eldest person in the community. I wish him a good day, even though there is a blizzard going on.
I would like my relatives to know that today is the last day of the winter sitting.
Member’s Statement 282 – 4(2): Looking Forward to Spring (Joanasie)
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Welcome to everyone who is here in the gallery.
This is, again, the last day of the winter sitting. I’m very glad that we are able to conclude our sitting today.
I rise today and I’m sure you all realize that this winter was very cold. It was extremely cold, but it is also coming to an end. Spring is just around the corner and the sun is staying out longer every day.
We celebrate the coming of spring in most of the communities in all three regions.
I would also like to announce that it is going to be the 50th anniversary of Toonik Tyme, which is the spring festival here in Iqaluit.
They have all kinds of activities, games, and shows.
A lot of people come here to participate, to perform, and also to see the activities. There is a race from Iqaluit to Kimmirut that has been revived again this year.
I wish them safe travels.
I would also like to thank the volunteers who organize the activities, the games, and so on.
We hope to see many more Toonik Tyme festivals, and have a good spring.
Member’s Statement 283 – 4(2): Invitation to Arctic Bay (Shooyook)
This issue is creating my cheerfulness on this fine day since this is the last day of our winter session.
During our sitting here, some days were not so rosy while other days were full of excitement and other days, hilarity ruled.
These are all occasions that one remembers fondly.
Mr. Speaker, this issue is something I am rising today to announce, the traditional Inuit dog team quest will be heading towards Arctic Bay, where it all started over a decade ago. I am extending my welcome to all my colleagues if they wish to watch the Nunavut Quest arriving into our community. When you see a multitude of dog teams in the distance, it becomes a joyous occasion.
Mr. Speaker, another matter cementing my joy today is my fine colleague who has returned and who is celebrating his birthday today, so have a happy birthday.
As well, to all of my colleagues, after not seeing your faces for some time, I will recall your faces and persons. I will keep you in my thoughts.
These are my reasons for my joyousness today, as we are all in good health as we conclude our winter sitting, so for that I am happy.
I am very pleased to rise today to recognize the leaders of Nunavut communities that are here to attend the Baffin mayors’ meeting. They are all behind me and I would like you to recognize them.
(interpretation ends) Ms. Jeanie Ehaloak, Mayor of Cambridge Bay and President of NAM;
Ms. Mary Killiktee, Mayor of Qikiqtarjuaq (interpretation) and a board member of NAM;
(interpretation ends) Ms. Mary Wilman, Mayor of Iqaluit;
Mr. Frank Audla, Mayor of Sanikiluaq;
Mr. Palaya Qiatsuq, Mayor of Cape Dorset;