EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
For example, I would think they would provide this training before they’re brought into a community in terms of how they should conduct themselves, such as the code of conduct that he mentioned.
One of the things that we’re looking into is actually providing to cruise ships a pamphlet or booklet, giving them information on things to do and not do when they’re visiting communities in Nunavut.
It is something we will be looking into.
I look forward to seeing those materials.
I imagine they will be available in the near future.
There are also hotels for people travelling to Nunavut from various places around the world. I’m wondering if hotels would be able to charge extra fees to hotel guests.
Does this legislation not include that issue?
I believe Matthew Bowler can respond to that question.
No, the current bill does not allow for a tax such a hotel room tax or destination tax.
Certainly we have looked at this and it’s our view that in part, we would end up mostly taxing ourselves because most hotel stays are ultimately paid for by the Government of Nunavut or a large proportion of them.
It would be costly to administer. As we have seen, the City of Iqaluit, for example, is talking about a voluntary program and that might be the best way forward.
Another topic that I wanted to ask about, which Mr. Enook raised earlier, is on artefacts in Nunavut. Many of these artefacts are located at sites outside of communities and are not identified as parks or restricted areas, but this bill in front of us will allow identification of areas that tourists can go to but have restricted areas, for example, limit the number of passengers going on shore.
My colleague from Tununiq said that we are told not to bother or disturb archaeological sites.
I know you stated that you work with the Department of Culture and Heritage and Inuit Heritage Trust. Looking at this bill, have you already identified which areas will be restricted areas for cruise ships, “If the cruise ships are going to go to them, this will be the limit on the number of passengers”?
Once again, marine tourism regulatory bodies include organizations like the Nunavut Impact Review Board, as well as the GN Department of Culture and Heritage, the GN Department of Environment, as well as federal departments. Individual cruise ships have to go through relevant regulatory authorities to ensure that a particular cruise ship is abiding by the appropriate regulations in our territory.
I hope that answers part of his question.
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) I’m going to read from the bill.
It says, “Restricted Tourism Area.” It says, “The Commissioner, on the recommendation of the Minister, may, by regulation, designate an area as a Restricted Tourism Area if, in the opinion of the
Minister, it is necessary to limit, restrict or prohibit activities in the area…”
I’m trying to see if the department, with their partners, whether it’s NIRB or federal or Culture and Heritage or Inuit Heritage Trust, all the different... . Inuit Heritage Trust has a stake in artefacts.
Have you listed areas that you want to restrict before we enact this legislation?
This portion of the Act is just for an emergency Restricted Tourism Area and it can only be enforced for a 30-day time limit.
It’s not the same power as a regulatory body like the Nunavut Impact Review Board, who may restrict an area more permanently.
The Restricted Tourism Area can be requested by a community and it would be covering areas that the community considers sensitive, such as a hunting ground. Depending on how it was established, this kind of area can be limited to a number of tourists or prohibit commercial tourism completely.
It could also be for safety reasons.
The process of creating a Restricted Tourism Area would likely be a community organization that would request a Restricted Tourism Area, or ED&T could review the request and conduct necessary consultations with other stakeholders, as well as ED&T concludes that on a balance of the restricted area, whether it’s warranted or not.
ED&T could prepare a regulation for the creation of the Restricted Tourism Area.
At this point nothing has been discussed to date about a Restricted Tourism Area.
Before I go to the last person on my list, we will take a five-minute break.
>>Committee recessed at 18:50 and resumed at 19:00
The next name on the list is Mr. Enook.
I want to ask for further clarification.
The minister and her officials kept repeating that certain communities will fall under this legislation as it’s being implemented and that they will be consulted on a regular basis.
Even though it will be structured that way, I’m already coming up with more concerns and I want information in order to clear up these concerns.
In relation to the question asked by Mr. Joanasie about item 4, it seems to say that if communities want a certain area to be restricted, then they must seek prior approval from the minister. That is what it appears to say.
Why is it that we have to seek approval by the minister if it is assumed that we are better informed about our own communities and surrounding areas and that we would be able make decisions ourselves?
Why are you all of a sudden saying you know better and say that communities have to seek prior approval in order to have certain areas restricted?
Perhaps I’m misinterpreting this section.
We would want to hear from the communities first. That is what it says.
We would not make any decisions before being approached by the communities.
I understand that, but it’s just the language used or the wording in that section. It seems to say that communities have to receive approval from you, the minister.
Alternatively, will the communities be able to say, for example, “We don’t want people to go to a place called Nunngarut”? Will you approve it right away if the hamlet or the HTO requests that?
Obviously, they’re more knowledgeable than you are.
Does it say that we will always have to receive approval from your department every time?
Just to make this quite clear, it seems we’re thinking on two lines here.
If a community wants a certain area completely restricted from tourism activity, there is a (interpretation ends) regulatory process (interpretation) that can be taken. As an (interpretation ends) intervener, (interpretation) we could approach the (interpretation ends) Nunavut Impact Review Board (interpretation) if a community wants a particular spot restricted.
What we are trying to get approval for are (interpretation ends) Restricted Tourism Areas. (interpretation) It’s just for temporary purposes such as for 30 days to set up something like that. It would be a temporary ban for up to 30 days. It won’t be for an infinite period.
If there is a safety issue or if the ice is dangerous for outfitters taking tourists out to the floe edge or if a destination spot is dangerous, then we could do something.
The community would have to tell us about an area before we can place restrictions on it.
I hope I’m understandable.
The community would have to tell us why they don’t want cruise ship operators going to an area for a specific period of time.
We wouldn’t just ban it outright.
I’m not trying to delay things here as it’s just a simple matter of seeking comprehension.
The wording in section 4 states that an area can be restricted for certain reasons.
The wording in this section doesn’t actually involve areas within the communities, right?
No. 4 in the bill would be one of the regulations and it would say that an area would be temporarily restricted.
We can temporarily not give wilderness tourism permits in the interim. We can also temporarily ban unguided activities for tourist destinations.
We can set up restrictions like that in the interim.
As to No. 3, we can ask the commissioner with regard to the regulations.
If we come up with an agreement with the communities and understand the reasoning, because the communities are more knowledgeable, then we would have to agree with the communities.
We would not just make regulations on our own.
I’m having a hard time understanding.
Maybe if I ask it this way, you will understand me better.
As an example, just outside of Pond Inlet, let’s say there is a piece of land called Nalluat, Nunnguvik, or Sannirut.
If the Hamlet of Pond Inlet or the HTO were to say that they don’t want visitors to go to one of these places, would you ban it following the wish of the people of Pond Inlet?
I understand, but just so that I’ll understand it even better: can we do this annually so that for 30 days every year, we don’t want tourists to go to the same spot?
We will now proceed to the page-by-page review starting on page 1 of Bill 16.
Please go to Bill 16 in your legislation binder.
Are you ready? Got your binders?
Bill 16, An Act to Amend the Travel and Tourism Act.
Chairman: Clause 19.1.
Chairman: Do members agree that we have concluded Bill 16?
Chairman: Do members agree, pursuant to Rule 62(2), that Bill 16 can immediately be placed on the orders of the day for third reading?
Closing comments, Minister Ell-Kanayuk.
I would like to thank my staff and officials for working on this bill and to all of you for asking good questions and clarifying some of the clauses of the bill.
Chairman: Thanks to you.
Bill 21 – Write-off of Assets Act, 2015-2016 – Consideration in Committee
We will now begin the review of Bill 21, Write-off of Assets Act, 2015-2016.
Minister of Finance, please proceed with your opening comments.
I am here to present Bill 21, Write-off of Assets Act, 2015-2016.
Bill 21 authorizes the write-off and write-down of certain government assets as follows:
$14,680,209 for the Peter Pitseolak School building in Cape Dorset which was destroyed by fire;
$175,720.17 for the evaporation and shrinkage of petroleum products within the Petroleum Products Division of the Department of Community and Government Services;
$408,240.08 for write-down of five housing units that were damaged by fire and will require extensive repairs;
$617,687.70 for various Qulliq Energy Corporation power plant assets which are either obsolete or beyond repair;
$1,289,672.55 for the Pangnirtung power plant which was destroyed by fire; and
$10,040,743.44 for the Iqaluit hydro project costs which no longer meet the criteria for work in progress and so must be expensed.
Mr. Chairman, this concludes my opening comments. I will now take questions.
Chairman: Thank you. Does the Chair of the Standing Committee on Legislation have opening comments?
As Chair of the Standing Committee on Legislation, I wish to make some brief opening comments as the Committee of the Whole begins its consideration of Bill 21, Write-Off of Assets Act, 2015-2016.
The standing committee recognizes that Bill 21 has been introduced to fulfill certain statutory and accounting requirements.
The standing committee acknowledges the government’s efforts in this regard.
The most significant item in Bill 21 is the proposed write-off of $10,040,743.44 in expenditures associated with the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s proposed Iqaluit hydroelectric development project.
Information provided to the standing committee by the government indicates that these costs were incurred over a ten-year period between 2005 and 2015.
On September 23, 2014 a televised hearing was held by a standing committee of the Legislative Assembly concerning the 2014-18 corporate plan and the 2012-13 annual report of the Qulliq Energy Corporation.
During his appearance before the standing committee, the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s lead witness publicly stated that, and I quote, “To date, we have spent about $9.5 million doing these types of studies. To go to the next stage, to get it to an environmental assessment stage, we’re probably going to have to spend another $6.5 million.
So that would mean that we’ve got about $16.0 million all in before we even start anything and before we even get regulatory approval.
Depending on the site, to build a hydroelectricity site can range anywhere, let’s say, from $300 million to $400 million and it could be even higher than that.”
Information provided to the standing committee by the government indicates that the proposed Iqaluit hydroelectric development project has been put on “permanent hold.”
The standing committee urges the government to table a comprehensive report in the Legislative Assembly that details the expenditures and findings associated with the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s work to date on the proposed Iqaluit hydroelectric development project.
The standing committee also urges the government to formally and publicly clarify the rationale for placing the proposed Iqaluit hydroelectric development project on “permanent hold,” and to formally and publicly clarify the circumstances in which it could be restarted.
With respect to the write-off of petroleum products inventory, the standing committee continues to encourage the Minister of Community and Government Services to table an annual report in the Legislative Assembly concerning the operations of the Petroleum Products Division of the department.
The standing committee continues to recommend that this report include detailed information concerning rates of fuel evaporation, shrinkage, spillage, and theft in Nunavut communities, as well detailed information concerning inventory management practices and innovations.
Mr. Enook (interpretation): I move that we report progress.
Your committee has been considering Bills 14, 16, and 21 and would like to report that Bills 14 and 16 are immediately ready for third reading.
Bill 16 – An Act to Amend the Travel and Tourism Act – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Aggu, that Bill 16, An Act to Amend the Travel and Tourism Act, be read for the third time.
Opposed. (interpretation ends) The motion is carried and Bill 16 is ready for assent.
Just a reminder that the Management and Services Board will meet tomorrow morning at eleven o’clock in the Tuktu Boardroom.
Orders of the Day for November 8:
Third Reading of Bills  Bill 14
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until Tuesday, November 8, at 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Pages 3049 – 3118
Opening Prayer 3049
Speaker’s Statement 3049
Ministers’ Statements 3049
Members’ Statements 3053
Written Questions 3081
Revert to Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 3088
Tabling of Documents 3088
Second Reading of Bills 3090
Revert to Item 7: Written Questions 3091
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 3092
Report of the Committee of the Whole 3115
Third Reading of Bills 3116
Assent to Bills 3116
Orders of the Day 3117
Tuesday, November 8, 2016 3049
224 – 4(3): Being Prepared (Savikataaq) 3049
225 – 4(3): The Importance of Healing (Hickes) 3050
226 – 4(3): NDC Working with Community Fisheries (Ell-Kanayuk) 3051
227 – 4(3): Uqalimaariuqsarniq Inuktut Reading Program (Quassa) 3052
407 – 4(3): National Sealing Day (Mike) 3053
408 – 4(3): US Presidential Election (Okalik) 3054
409 – 4(3): Success at 2016 Badminton Territorial Tournament (Rumbolt) 3055
410 – 4(3): Congratulations to Former Commissioner of Nunavut Peter Irniq (Sammurtok, T) 3055
411 – 4(3): In Appreciation of Meadowbank (Mikkungwak) 3056
412 – 4(3): Proper Whale Hunting in Arctic Bay (Shooyook) 3057
413 – 4(3): Congratulations to Ellen Hamilton (Ell-Kanayuk) 3057
414 – 4(3): Congratulations to Louie Kamookak (Akoak) 3058
415 – 4(3): Congratulations to Red Pedersen (Taptuna) 3058
416 – 4(3): Kenojuak Ashevak Centre (Joanasie) 3059
417 – 4(3): Qikiqtarjuaq Participants at the 2016 Badminton Territorial Tournament (Keyootak) 3059
418 – 4(3): 2016 High School Graduates of Rankin Inlet (Sammurtok, A) 3059
361 – 4(3): Nunavut Tourism Training Course (Clerk) 3060
559 – 4(3): Services for Children in Care outside Nunavut (Angnakak) 3061
560 – 4(3): Telecommunications (Mikkungwak) 3062
561 – 4(3): Wildlife Damage Prevention and Compensation (Rumbolt) 3064
562 – 4(3): Status of Old Power Plant in Taloyoak (Qirngnuq) 3065
563 – 4(3): Bedbugs in Public Housing Units (Okalik) 3067
564 – 4(3): Number of Inuit Social Workers (Joanasie) 3067
565 – 4(3): Providing Support for Disabilities (Mikkungwak) 3069
566 – 4(3): Implementing Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (Shooyook) 3071
567 – 4(3): Status of Iqaluit Beer and Wine Store (Angnakak) 3074
568 – 4(3): Future Plans for Elder Care (Qirngnuq) 3075
569 – 4(3): Foster Parenting Policies (Okalik) 3077
570 – 4(3): Qualifying Criteria for Damage Compensation (Akoak) 3078
571 – 4(3): Meetings of Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers of Agriculture (Angnakak) 3079
572 – 4(3): Seal Tannery in Nunavut (Okalik) 3079
573 – 4(3): Inuktitut Language Issues (Joanasie) 3080
016 – 4(3): Small Craft Harbour Capital Contributions (Enook) 3081
017 – 4(3): Ministerial Travel (Okalik) 3083
018 – 4(3): Public Service (Okalik) 3084
019 – 4(3): Marine Infrastructure (Keyootak) 3086
020 – 4(3): Inuit Employment Initiatives (Joanasie) 3087
021 – 4(3): Western Canada Lottery Act (Angnakak) 3091
229 – 4(3): Legal Services Board Annual Report 2015-2016 (Peterson) 3088
230 – 4(3): Government of Nunavut and Royal Canadian Mounted Police Shared Directional Statement 2016-2018 (Peterson) 3088
231 – 4(3): 2015-2016 Annual Report for the Division of Corrections (Peterson) 3088
232 – 4(3): Taking Steps to Reduce Alcohol-related Harm in Nunavut (Peterson) 3088
233 – 4(3): 2015-2016 Public Service Annual Report (Peterson) 3089
234 – 4(3): 2015-2016 NBCC Annual Report (Ell-Kanayuk) 3089
235 – 4(3): 2015-2016 Nunavut Housing Corporation Annual Report – Correction (Kuksuk) 3089
236 – 4(3): Speaker’s List of Outstanding Statutory Tabling Requirements (Speaker) 3089
237 – 4(3): Information and Privacy Commissioner of Nunavut’s Report on the Privacy Audit of the Qikiqtani General Hospital (Speaker) 3089
040 – 3(3): Extension of Question Period (Okalik) 3076
Bill 29 – An Act to Amend the Motor Vehicles Act – Second Reading 3090
Bill 31 – An Act to Amend the Human Rights Act – Second Reading 3090
Bill 30 – An Act to Amend the Fire Prevention Act – Second Reading 3090
Bill 21 – Write-off of Assets Act, 2015-2016 – Consideration in Committee 3092
Bill 14 – Public Health Act – Third Reading 3116
Bill 21 – Write-off of Assets Act, 2015-2016 – Third Reading 3116
Speaker (interpretation): My fellow MLAs, ministers, (interpretation ends) Premier, (interpretation) and visitors, welcome to the House.
Before we start, I wish to make a statement.
(interpretation ends) As this is our last day of the fall sitting, I wish to make an announcement.
As the Chairperson of the Order of Nunavut Advisory Council, I am very pleased to take this opportunity to announce the names of this year’s recipients of the Order of Nunavut.
The Order of Nunavut is the highest honour of Nunavut and takes precedence over all other orders, decorations, or medals conferred by the Government of Nunavut.
The Order of Nunavut Advisory Council recently met to consider this year’s nominations.
This year’s recipients are Mr. Louie Kamookak of Gjoa Haven, Ms. Ellen Hamilton of Iqaluit, and Mr. Red Pedersen of Kugluktuk.
A formal announcement containing biographical details of this year’s recipients is being issued today by my office.
The investiture ceremony will be held during our upcoming winter sitting on a day to be announced.
This ceremony will be televised live all across Nunavut.
I look forward to joining Her Honour the Commissioner of Nunavut for this important occasion and I look forward to inviting all members to join us. (interpretation) Thank you.
Minister’s Statement 224 – 4(3): Being Prepared (Savikataaq)
Now that winter is setting in, I would like to speak directly to those who are watching or listening today to remind them that being prepared is the best way to deal with an emergency situation.
I am asking people to really think about this and help spread this message to your friends and family because I want to make sure that Nunavummiut are prepared for emergencies.
Make sure you have a flashlight, battery-powered radio, and extra batteries on hand in case the power goes out.
It is also important to have some cash put aside in a safe place; even a small amount can be very useful during an emergency.
Please do your best to keep extra cans of food and containers of water to last for a period of 72 hours.
If you are travelling out on the land, make a plan before you go and let someone know what your plan is.
Make sure you have enough equipment and supplies because if something goes wrong, it could take some time before help arrives.
You should always have extra fuel, spark plugs, and a spare belt for your snowmobile. Please remember to bring extra clothing and enough food.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to see people using SPOT devices when they travel, even on short trips.
The Protection Services Division of CGS provides this equipment free of charge through the hamlets, HTOs, and RCMP because these devices can help save lives.
I want to remind people that these devices are for everyone’s use, so it is important to return them after use.
I wish to emphasize again that when we have to deal with an emergency, being prepared for the emergency is half the battle.
Minister’s Statement 225 – 4(3): The Importance of Healing (Hickes)
As I have visited communities, Nunavummiut share with me the importance of healing.
With so much change and loss in our lives, our parents’ lives, and our grandparents’ lives, our individual and collective healing will include both kindness and tears.
November 21 is the International Survivor of Suicide Day.
On this day, around the world, friends and family of those who have died by suicide can join together for healing and support.
Mr. Speaker, with the love and support of family, friends, elders, and the faith community we can get through hard times. We can heal.
For those times that we need additional support, there are several options and I would like to share a few with you today.
Every community health centre, regional health centre, and Iqaluit Mental Health has free, confidential mental health and addictions support. Psychologists and other mental health professionals are available through telehealth. When services are not available locally, referrals and medical travel are provided.
Mr. Speaker, for former residential school students and their families, the IRS Resolution Health Support Program provides free, confidential mental health and emotional support services.
In Nunavut cultural wellness and healing is provided by Ilisaqsivik, Tukisigiarvik, Pulaarvik Kublu, and the Cambridge Bay Wellness Centre.
Psychologists and other mental health professionals are also available.
Transportation is provided when these services are not locally available.
Mr. Speaker, several employers offer employee and family assistance programs, including the Government of Nunavut.
These programs offer free, confidential support, including mental health and addictions support, psychology, and online courses.
Mr. Speaker, while we all grieve and heal differently, there is help in many places. Common between us is the need to take care of ourselves, our families, and our communities physically and emotionally. There is help.
Minister’s Statement 226 – 4(3): NDC Working with Community Fisheries (Ell-Kanayuk)
Local community fisheries remain an important economic contributor in our communities.
During the summer months when many Inuit are spending time on the land, the ability to fish commercially for arctic char provides an important source of additional income for many Nunavummiut.
I am pleased to say that this past summer the Nunavut Development Corporation worked with organizations in many Nunavut communities to create seasonal income-earning opportunities for local fishermen and women.
Over the summer the Iqalupik Fish Plant in Chesterfield Inlet purchased over 10,000 lbs. of arctic char from local fishers, generating over $30,000 in local employment and income-earning opportunities.
In Whale Cove, Papiruq Fisheries bought maktaaq from local harvesters and purchased over 2,000 lbs. of arctic char from local fishers.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I am also pleased to report the commercial fisheries in both Cambridge Bay and Pangnirtung were successful this year with combined landings of well over [100,000] lbs.