EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Can the minister indicate how many other Nunavut communities are currently not in compliance with the terms and conditions of their water licences?
Mr. Speaker, there are ongoing issues with wastewater and sewage issues throughout our territory.
At this time, I just don’t know the exact numbers there are and when I have that information, I would be more than happy to share it with my colleague.
Question 665 – 3(3): Public Housing Waiting List (Rumbolt)
My questions are directed to the minister of the housing corporation.
In light of his Minister’s Statement earlier, I wonder if the minister can update us today: does the Nunavut Housing Corporation keep a detailed waiting list for all public housing in all Nunavut communities?
I thank my colleague for that question. Yes, we do keep a list.
Given that our sitting time here is kind of short and we only have a couple of days left for asking questions, I’m wondering if the minister will commit to having this waiting list for all communities provided to me before the end of the day or early tomorrow morning for review.
Written Question 028 – 3(3): Management of the M’Clintock Channel and Gulf of Boothia Polar Bear Populations (Ugyuk)
My written questions today are for the Minister of Environment concerning polar bears in the M’Clintock Channel and Gulf of Boothia.
With respect to the Government of Nunavut’s news release of May 30, 2001, what is the status of the department’s work in relation to the following six initiatives:
Special Economic Initiatives Fund;
Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ);
Scientific Research;
Quota Sharing;
Meat Sharing; and
Discussions with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)?
To date, what monies have been provided by the Government of Nunavut to the hunters and trappers organizations in the communities of Cambridge Bay, Gjoa Haven, and Taloyoak in relation to polar bear management initiatives concerning the M’Clintock Channel and Gulf of Boothia polar bear populations?
So it shall be entered into the record as read in the Hansard.
Committee Report 036 – 3(3): Bill 51, An Act to Amend the Child and Family Services Act (Ningeongan)
I wish to report that Bill 51, An Act to Amend the Child and Family Services Act, has been reviewed by the Standing Committee on Legislation and that the bill is ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to waive Rule 68(6) and have Bill 51 moved immediately into the Committee of the Whole.
There is a request for unanimous consent to waive Rule 68(6) so that Bill 51 can be immediately referred to the Committee of the Whole.
There are none. As such, Bill 51 will be immediately referred to the Committee of the Whole for today.
Committee Report 037 – 3(3): Bill 52, An Act to Amend the Nunavut Teachers Association Act (Ningeongan)
Mr. Ningeongan: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, members.
I wish to report that Bill 52, An Act to Amend the Nunavut Teachers Association Act, has been reviewed by the Standing Committee on Legislation and that the bill is ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to waive Rule 68(6) and have Bill 52 immediately moved into the Committee of the Whole.
There is a request for unanimous consent to waive Rule 68(6) so that Bill 52 can be immediately referred to the Committee of the Whole.
Are there any nays? There are none. As a result, Bill 52 shall be referred to the Committee of the Whole for today.
Tabled Document 371 – 3(3): BCC Overcrowding Relief Structure Picture (Shewchuk)
I am pleased to table the BCC Overcrowding Relief Structure picture and design, Iqaluit, Nunavut.
Tabled Document 372 – 3(3): Government of Nunavut Submission of June 10, 2011 to the National Energy Board Concerning Proposed Seismic Survey in Baffin Bay and Davis Strait (Enook)
I wish to table today a copy of the June 10, 2011 submission of the Government of Nunavut to the National Energy Board concerning the proposed seismic survey in Baffin Bay and Davis Strait. I encourage all members to review this correspondence with care.
Tabled Document 373 – 3(3): 2010-2011 Annual Report on the State of Inuit Culture and Society (Aariak)
I am pleased to table NTI’s report on the 2010-11 Annual Report on the State of Inuit Culture and Society.
Tabled Document 374 – 3(3): 2011-2012 Annual Report on the Operation of the Medical Care Plan (Peterson)
I am pleased to table the 2011-12 Annual Report on the Operation of the Medical Care Plan from the director of medical insurance.
Can you please pass the tabled document off to the page.
Tabled Document 375 – 3(3): Correspondence from the Auditor General of Canada on the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Government of Nunavut (Peterson)
I am pleased to table letters from the Auditor General’s office on the consolidated financial statements of the Government of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Nunavut, for the second year in a row, has received an audit opinion on the consolidated financial statements.
I forgot to table one. I’m sorry.
Tabled Document 376 – 3(3): Report on Members’ Absences from Sittings of the House and Meetings of Committees and Caucuses to the Members of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut for the Time Period of January 1, 2013 to March 31, 2013 (Speaker)
Members, I wish to table the Record of Members’ Absences from Sittings of the House and Meetings of Committees and Caucuses for the period of January 1, 2013 to March 31, 2013.
Now we can move on with the orders of the day.
I seek unanimous consent to deal with my extended adjournment motion today.
Motion 050 – 3(3): Extended Adjournment (Ningeongan)
Bill 64 – An Act to Amend the Liquor Act – First Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 64, An Act to Amend the Liquor Act, be read for the first time.
The motion is carried and as such, Bill 64 has been read for the first time.
Bills 51 and 52 with Mr. Enook in the Chair.
>>House recessed at 15:12 and Committee resumed at 15:40
Chairman (Mr. Enook)(interpretation): Good afternoon. I would now like to call the committee meeting to order. Good afternoon, Nunavummiut and the people watching the televised proceedings and listening to the radio broadcast.
In Committee of the Whole, we have the following items to deal with: Bills 51 and 52.
We wish to commence with the review of Bill 51, followed by Bill 52.
Are we in agreement to first deal with Bill 51?
Bill 51 – An Act to Amend the Child and Family Services Act – Consideration in Committee
I would like to ask the minister presenting Bill 51, Minister of Family Services, Minister Ell, to go to the witness table to make her opening remarks.
Thank you, Minister Ell. You may now begin your opening comments.
I am pleased to come before the Committee of the Whole to address Bill 51, An Act to Amend the Child and Family Services Act.
The creation of Bill 51 is the government’s response to a thorough review of the Act, with advice received during extensive pubic consultations and recommendations made by the Auditor General of Canada.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Chairman, the amendments contained in this bill will ensure that the Act reflects our Inuit values, increase services and supports, improves accountability, and brings our legislation into line with other Canadian jurisdictions to ensure that children in Nunavut have the protection that they need and deserve.
Mr. Chairman, during the consultation process, we clearly heard that Nunavummiut want to see changes made to the delivery of child welfare services in their communities. These changes include reducing the use of court processes, having community involved in protecting their children, more support services within communities, helping families that are struggling, reducing unnecessary out-of-territory placements, and improving the cultural orientation and training of social workers.
These requests have been heard and are being addressed because they are changes that this government can make without needing to change the law.
Mr. Chairman, we all know that children and youth are the most precious resource for our future as Nunavummiut.
Community members, families, and governments must work together to support at-risk families and protect vulnerable children when it is required.
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Yes, Mr. Chairman, I would like to invite Peter Dudding, Director of Child Welfare, and Thomas Ahlfors from the Department of Justice.
On my left is Thomas Ahlfors, Department of Justice’s legal drafter, and on my right is Peter Dudding, Director of Child Welfare.
Welcome. Does the chair of the standing committee have any opening comments?
As Chair of the Standing Committee on Legislation, I am pleased to make some opening comments as we begin consideration of Bill 51, An Act to Amend the Child and Family Services Act.
Mr. Chairman, Bill 51 received second reading on March 1, 2013 and was referred to the committee for consideration.
The committee appreciated the opportunity to meet with the Minister of Health and Social Services on March 18, 2013 for an informal discussion on the bill and the role of the Child and Family Services Act within our family services system.
Mr. Chairman, the committee recognizes that extensive consultations and reviews have been conducted across the territory, with input from individuals, communities, and key stakeholders, to address and consider child welfare practices and the best means to support families and communities across Nunavut.
Committee members are aware the government intends to address many of the issues raised with respect to child and family services through policy changes, initiatives such as establishing the new Department of Family Services, and other program improvements, as well as the proposed amendments to the legislation.
Mr. Chairman, there was a wide diversity of views on the amendments proposed in Bill 51.
Some members have noted that since the earliest days of the Third Assembly, there has been an expectation that the Child and Family Services Act, as a whole, would be replaced by new made-in-Nunavut legislation.
The current bill does not meet that expectation.
The standing committee appreciates that the intent of the amendment proposing to include Inuit societal values within the legislation is to strengthen and support this aspect of service delivery.
While members differ in their views regarding the adequacy of this amendment, the intent is appreciated. As one member put it, “It’s a start.”
Members encourage the Minister of Family Services and her officials to ensure that the appropriate training and resources are made available to all frontline workers who are involved in child and family services issues to ensure that Inuit societal values are, indeed, respected.
Mr. Chairman, members recognize that some of the amendments proposed under Bill 51 follow best practices in other jurisdictions with respect to child welfare practices.
The standing committee recommends the passage of Bill 51 to all members.
Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Welcome, Madam Minister and your officials.
It has taken quite a while to make some amendments to the Child and Family Services Act.
Since Nunavut was created, there has been a need to make changes. For example, under this law, we couldn’t even get Inuit workers.
I don’t know what the problem is, but it’s the old law that broke up a lot of families.
In some cases, it did help, but there were more families who were hurt through the old law, especially ones who had their children apprehended, and the government not recognizing the Inuit societal values.
In your opening comments regarding the proposed Act, it states here that they would reflect Inuit values and go in line with other Canadian jurisdictions.
Again, it’s obvious that they will need to make another amendment to make it a Nunavut-made piece of legislation.
In the old law, it also states that if an Inuk child needed protection, the child would be referred to the hamlet council for consideration.
It is obvious that we will need to see further amendments to the Child and Family Services Act.
I’ll have questions later on, Mr. Chairman.
Ms. Ugyuk, general comments.
With the review and the proposed amendment to the Child and Family Services Act, we have thought that we would see major changes, but from what we can see here, they are very minor changes. There is a need for more protection.
We are looking at a Nunavut-friendly, Inuk-friendly piece of legislation.
Those are just general comments I wanted to make.
Are there any more general comments on the bill?
I have no more names on my list. We will now deal with it clause by clause.
You can find a copy of Bill 51 in your binder that is on your desk.
I believe we all have it in front of us now, so I’ll go ahead. (interpretation ends) Bill 51, An Act to Amend the Child and Family Services Act. (interpretation) Clause 1.
There have been some changes following Inuit societal values: Inuuqatigiitsiarniq, Tunnganarniq, Pijitsirniq, Aajiiqatigiinniq, Piliriqatigiinniq, and Qanuqtuurniq.
I think we know that some social workers are Qallunaat.
If we’re going to be including that part in the Act, does it factor in that we will be getting Inuit social workers? Are there going to be training programs set for Qallunaat social workers so that they know what the Inuit societal values are?
I would like to thank the member for asking that very good question regarding the Inuit societal values.
In the proposed Act, it states here, for example, some people go through the court system, but we want to see less of that kind of litigation and settle them through mediation. For example, include the children and family members in a meeting of the whole family where a child is involved so that a more thorough solution is arrived at.
With respect to support for the child in question, a committee would be formed to determine how best to ensure the best interests of the child and decide together what they would do with the child and also the child and the family, is there going to be a committee struck who would be there to set up the protection for the child.
In regard to your question on employment, for example, we’re going to set up a training program in Cambridge Bay this summer as a pilot project in social work.
That would be just the beginning. We will try to train them on Inuit societal values.
Our department is also going to set up practical placement for those students during summer, particularly those who are going on to attain a diploma in social work as part of the effort to increase their permanent placement as social workers.
This spring, there will be one person who is going to finish the program from Rankin Inlet, two from Igloolik, one from Baker Lake, and one from Edmonton who is from Cambridge Bay.
In the diploma program, there are two from Cambridge Bay, one of whom will be awarded the Governor General’s Award.
There will also be one from Pangnirtung.
In the coming months, we will be working together with the people of Nunavut Arctic College to see how these programs can have a new curriculum for the social workers who are going to be taking the course.
Yes, that is good to hear because we have been waiting for that for a long time. Although there have been training for social workers, not one has been working as a social worker.
My other question is: if they’re going to be recognized through legislation, is it the director who is going to be involved or do you already have Inuit social workers who are managers so that Inuit societal values can be taught?
We already have Inuit placed in management positions within the department.
As well, we rely upon elders from time to time in the communities. That’s already in place.
I have just been informed that one individual will be transferred from the Department of Health. That position is not filled by anyone at this time. It is vacant at the moment and the position will be posted and hired.
The position will be filled by someone who will deal with family violence.
While we’re in this section, Ms. Ugyuk.
In section 3, Inuit societal values will be included in the legislation. I’m sure that they will be following the legislation, according to Inuit societal values.
How are they going to be working? I just want to find what differences there are than in Inuit societal values.
I think the member is talking about positions.
There is already someone in place who is dealing with family violence.
We will be using that and using the people in the position of social work. When this legislation passes, we will be looking at getting new positions.
If I didn’t answer her properly, she can ask me again.
I will clarify myself. When child protection workers are assigned to work for the GN, they sign a social work ethic. Looking at this new Act, the Inuit societal values, how do they differ and how will Inuit societal values be used in child protection?
I would like to have the official to my right, Mr. Dudding, respond to that question.
Chairman: Mr. Dudding.
Mr. Dudding: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
As we move ahead with training, the intention is that training specifically in the societal values will be included as part of the statutory training for new social workers who are coming into the department. So they will receive specific education around these values as part of their statutory training.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Dudding.
Go back to clause 5.
Under section 5(p), it says that the police and the health officials have a rule whereby if there is a child that is afraid and is in danger, in accordance with the legislation, they have to be reported.
It states that a child needs protection where “the child is repeatedly exposed to family violence and the child’s parent is unwilling or unable to stop such exposure.”
It states that in Canada, there are a lot of families who are experiencing family violence.
Looking at the future, I know that’s the case. Social workers are going to be looking after a lot of children.
It seems like there are two things the social workers are looking after: the children and the family.
It seems like the social workers are going to have more work to do.
Looking at the future, there’s already legislation that’s in existence, but this legislation is just to amend the existing legislation.
We want to be able to get more work for the social workers to look after family violence and child protection.
Today, children see a lot of violence in their homes. Even though they may not be involved, they can see the violence in the homes, and it’s followed by the children getting violent as they grow up.
By children being exposed to violence, violence is being committed to them as well.
Do you agree to Bill 51 as a whole?
Chairman (interpretation): Does the committee agree that Bill 51 is now ready for third reading?
Madam Minister, we have concluded with the bill. If you have any closing comments, you have the floor.
I would like to thank the committee members, especially the members of the Standing Committee on Legislation for reviewing the bill.
Mr. Chairman, in considering the proposed amendments to the Child and Family Services Act, our government is actively representing positive changes in social services and child welfare in Nunavut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Chairman, I also want to thank my colleagues in the Department of Health who oversaw the legislation process that has brought us to this day.
My thanks go to all the staff for the work that they have done in the preparation of this bill.
Mr. Chairman, thank you for considering these very important legislative amendments and for helping to demonstrate that we are listening and we do care.
We are done with the bill.
We will proceed with the review of another bill.
We will now proceed with the review of Bill 52.
At this time, I would like to ask the Minister of Education, Madam Aariak, to go to the witness table to make her opening comments.
Minister Aariak, you may proceed with your opening comments whenever you’re ready. (interpretation ends) Madam Premier.
Bill 52 – An Act to Amend the Nunavut Teachers Association Act – Consideration in Committee
I am pleased to be here to explain a bit about Bill 52, the proposed amendment of the Nunavut Teachers Association Act.
These proposed amendments to the Act are the product of a working collaboration between the department and the Nunavut Teachers Association.
This working collaboration commenced in 2010, when the department and association undertook a review of the Nunavut Teachers Association Act.
The product of this review was the need to amend the Act to address issues with its clarity and to bring it up to date to reflect the reality of Nunavut and the association.
The purpose of these amendments is to update the Nunavut Teachers Association Act to reflect the current practices of the Nunavut Teachers Association and address the issues identified during the review of the current legislation.
The proposed amendments to the Act include the following highlights:
A simplification to the definition of “teacher”
The authorization to establish a by-law on the association’s discipline process
A requirement to make by-laws of the association available to the public
The removal of the requirement for a member of the public to be appointed to central council
The removal of soon-to-be obsolete references to DEAs concerning the hiring of substitute teachers
Clarification of what information needs to be provided to the association by the department upon the employment of one of the association’s members
Changes to the association’s discipline process, including the requirement for the association to notify the registrar established under the Education Act whenever it disciplines one of its members.
The department and association jointly provided a summary of the proposed amendments to teachers for review.
No feedback was received by either the department or the association as a result of this consultation with teachers.
The department provided a summary of the proposed changes to NTI. No feedback was received from NTI concerning this matter.
The content of this bill has been reviewed and endorsed by the Nunavut Teachers Association.
As we continue on with our discussion, do you have any witnesses that you would like to bring to the table?
Yes, I have two witnesses that I would like to bring to the table.
Does the committee agree to bring in the minister’s witnesses?
On my left is my Deputy Minister, Kathy Okpik, and on my right is Bradley Archambault, our Legislative Coordinator.
As Chair of the Standing Committee on Legislation, I am pleased to make some opening comments as we begin consideration of Bill 52, An Act to Amend the Nunavut Teachers Association Act.
Mr. Chairman, Bill 52 received second reading on March 19, 2013 and was referred to the committee for consideration.
The proposed amendments to the Nunavut Teachers Association Act will update a number of sections which were outdated or irrelevant, as well as amending sections governing association membership, employment notifications, and disciplinary issues.
The standing committee greatly appreciated the willingness of the Coalition of Nunavut DEAs to review the bill, despite the short notice, and gave their comments full consideration.
Mr. Chairman, committee members noted that although Bill 52 will amend the definition of “teacher” within the Nunavut Teachers Association Act, it is the Public Service Act as well as the Education Act which specify who may be considered a “teacher” for the purposes of the legislation.
Members recognize that principals and vice-principals, despite being in positions of management, with disciplinary authority over teaching staff, are still teachers and, therefore, members of the Nunavut Teachers Association.
Members note that there may be some confusion with respect to the status of other education staff, such as substitute teachers hired on an “as and when” casual basis and elders who are certified to teach in Nunavut schools.
The committee recommends that the minister and her officials ensure that individuals in these positions are clearly informed of their rights and the benefits to which they are entitled.