EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
$7,033,000 to the Department of Environment;
$67,252,000 to the Department of Community and Government Services;
$19,405,000 to the Department of Economic Development and Transportation;
$60,786,000 to the Nunavut Housing Corporation; and
$11,779,000 to Nunavut Arctic College.
If there are none, we will go directly to Bill 5.
I believe you have a copy in front of you in your legislation binders.
Let me proceed.
I’ll read in English since I can’t find the Inuktitut version.
(interpretation ends) Bill 5, Interim Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, April 1, 2014 to July 31, 2014.
Total Appropriation. (interpretation) I don’t even know if I can pronounce that properly. $446,313,000. Do you agree?
Go back to the first page.
Does the committee agree to Bill 5 as a whole?
Do my colleagues agree that pursuant to Rule 62(2), that Bill 5 can immediately be placed on the orders of the day for third reading?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister, (interpretation) if you have any closing comments, I give you the opportunity.
I thank you and the committee for your support of Bill 5.
I thank my officials and all the officials in all the departments and the territorial corporations for working cooperatively with the Department of Finance to prepare Bill 5.
We will see you, I guess, in May, when we’re going through the main estimates for the 12 months.
Pursuant to Rule 6(1), I now recognize the clock and I will now rise to report progress.
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bills 3, 4 and 5 and would like to report that Bills 3, 4 and 5 are ready for third reading, and one committee motion was adopted.
Mr. Mikkungwak. (interpretation ends) The motion is in order.
The Minister of Finance, Mr. Peterson.
Bill 03 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 3, 2013-2014 – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, that Bill 3, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 3, 2013-2014, be read for the third time.
The motion is carried and Bill 3… .
Bill 04 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 4, 2013-2014 – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Netsilik, that Bill 4, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 4, 2013-2014, be read for the third time.
Bill 05 – Interim Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, April 1, 2014 to July 31, 2014 – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Pangnirtung, that Bill 5, Interim Appropriation Act, April 1, 2014 to July 31, 2014, be read for the third time.
Before we proceed further, Mr. Clerk, will you determine if the Commissioner of Nunavut is prepared to enter the Chambers and give assent to bills.
As you conclude the session, (interpretation ends) as Commissioner of Nunavut, I am pleased to give assent to the first set of bills passed by the Fourth Legislative Assembly:
Bill 1, An Act to Provide for a Fixed Election Date;
Bill 4, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 4, 2013-2014; and
Bill 5, Interim Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, April 1, 2014 – July 31, 2014.
At this time, I would also like to introduce two new staff members to the Office of the Commissioner.
I have one of four new aide-de-camps, Constable David Aglukark, originally from Arviat, and starting this week as commissioner’s assistant, please help me in welcoming Ms. Jessie Mike.
I hereby prorogue the First Session of the Fourth Legislative Assembly and summon all members to meet in this Chamber at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow for the opening of the Second Session. (interpretation) Thank you. We will see you again tomorrow.
Speaker (interpretation): Going to the orders of the day. (interpretation ends) Item 22.
A reminder that there’s a meeting of the Management and Services Board tomorrow at ten o’clock in the Tuktu Room.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until Thursday, March 20, at 1:30 p.m.
Pages 1 – 30
Opening Address of the Commissioner of Nunavut 1
Members’ Statements 6
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 11
Oral Questions 14
Written Questions 25
First Reading of Bills 29
Second Reading of Bills 29
Orders of the Day 30
Thursday, March 20, 2014 1
001 – 4(2): Cabinet Strategy Meeting in Kugaaruk (Taptuna) 6
002 – 4(2): Recognition of James Eetoolook (Ugyuk) 6
003 – 4(2): Appreciation of Pangnirtung Fisheries (Mike) 6
004 – 4(2): Mary River Project (Enook) 7
005 – 4(2): Looking Forward (Angnakak) 8
006 – 4(2): Successful Search and Rescue (Savikataaq) 8
007 – 4(2): Appreciation to Constituents and Fellow MLAs (Hickes) 9
008 – 4(2): Appreciation to Fellow MLAs (Akoak) 9
009 – 4(2): Opening of Community Banking Centre in Baker Lake (Mikkungwak) 10
010 – 4(2): Congratulations to Constituents Peter Ottokie and Joseph Pinguartuk (Joanasie) 10
011 – 4(2): Appreciation of Fellow MLAs (Shooyook) 11
001 – 4(2): Northern Residents Deduction (Savikataaq) 14
002 – 4(2): Qulliq Energy Corporation’s General Rate Application (Rumbolt) 15
003 – 4(2): Public Housing Rent Scale (Mikkungwak) 16
004 – 4(2): Dust Control in Rankin Inlet (Sammurtok) 18
005 – 4(2): Delivery of GN Programs (Hickes) 19
006 – 4(2): Government of Nunavut Procurement Activities (Angnakak) 20
007 – 4(2): Services for Nunavummiut with Autism (Mikkungwak) 22
008 – 4(2): Contracting and Procurement Practices (Hickes) 23
009 – 4(2): Curriculum in Inuktitut (Angnakak) 24
001– 4(2): Extended Health Benefits Program (Angnakak) 26
001 – 4(2): Excellence in Water Stewardship Award for Pond Inlet (Enook) 26
002 – 4(2): Sivumut Abluqta (Taptuna) 27
003 – 4(2): Utilizing Trades Training Centre (Quassa) 27
004 – 4(2): Contracting and Procurement Activity Report for the Year Ended March 31, 2013 (Kuksuk) 27
005 – 4(2): Government of Nunavut’s Response to the 2012-2013 Annual Report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (Taptuna) 27
006 – 4(2): Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission’s Annual Report for 2012 (Peterson) 27
007 – 4(2): 2012-2013 Annual Report for the Nunavut Housing Corporation: Facing Nunavut’s Housing Challenges (Kuksuk) 28
008 – 4(2): Members’ Code of Conduct (Speaker) 28
001 – 4(2): Extended Adjournment – Notice (Mikkungwak) 28
001 – 4(2): Extended Adjournment (Mikkungwak) 29
Bill 01 – Northern Employee Benefits Services Pension Plan Act – Notice 28
Bill 01 – Northern Employee Benefits Services Pension Plan Act – First Reading 29
Bill 01 – Northern Employee Benefits Services Pension Plan Act – Second Reading 29
Mr. Tony Akoak, Ms. Pat Angnakak, Hon. Monica Ell, Mr. Joe Enook, Mr. George Hickes, Mr. David Joanasie, Hon. George Kuksuk, Hon. Johnny Mike, Mr. Simeon Mikkungwak, Hon. Paul Okalik, Hon. Keith Peterson, Hon. Paul Quassa, Hon. George Qulaut, Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Mr. Alex Sammurtok, Hon. Tom Sammurtok, Mr. Joe Savikataaq, Mr. Isaac Shooyook, Hon. Peter Taptuna, Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk.
Speaker (Hon. George Qulaut) (interpretation): Mr. Shooyook, can you lead the opening prayer, please.
I ask the Aqsarniit Middle School Choir to enter the Chambers and sing our national anthem.
>>Singing of National Anthem
Speaker (interpretation): I wish to thank the choir on behalf of the House, as that was a beautiful rendition of our anthem.
Opening Address.
Mr. Clerk, would you please determine if Her Honour the Commissioner of Nunavut is prepared to enter the Chambers and deliver the Opening Address.
Commissioner Edna Elias  (interpretation): Please be seated.
Elders, Mr. Speaker, members of the legislature, honoured guests, and the young performers, I am pleased to welcome you and now declare open the Second Session of the Fourth Legislative Assembly of Nunavut.
(interpretation ends) I ask you to pardon me each time I cough, as little frogs keep coming out of my throat.
It is an honour to serve Nunavummiut and it is with great pleasure that I am here before you to deliver the first Commissioner’s address of this Assembly and our new government.
As we celebrate the 15th anniversary of the creation of Nunavut, we take pride in our young, dynamic territory that is rich in culture and history.
With confidence, we are moving forward with the knowledge that Nunavut is on the edge of change.
However, we are acutely aware that pressing challenges still remain.
While we respect the achievements of previous Assemblies and continue to build on their accomplishments, we are mindful that our needs must be addressed in the immediate and long term.
We are in a unique position; one that allows us to use what we have learned and face a new reality that instils positive change and reflects our transforming social and economic landscape.
We continue to be guided by Inuit societal values as we progress together towards a brighter future.
Together, the Assembly comes to this task with optimism: a willingness to face Nunavut’s challenges directly; a commitment to take bold, decisive action that leads to real and visible progress; and one that speaks to all the communities we represent through a healthy and realistic debate.
There is a significant milestone on our land. The restriction on the Alienation of Municipal Lands is set to expire next year.
It means Nunavummiut are in a position to determine, by referendum, its outcome for the future.
Our government is committed to priorities that are focused and enable us to step forwards together.
Sivumut Abluqta, our mandate, endeavours to make Nunavut a better place for our children, grandchildren, and all Nunavummiut.
During the Second Session of the Fourth Assembly, the government is tabling the Northern Employee Benefits Services Pension Plan Act.
This Act seeks to provide the public sector and non-profit employees with increased financial security in their retirement.
The government is also focused on creating community-based crime prevention initiatives that better reflect the challenges and needs in each of our communities.
We are considering legislation that strengthens a law enforcement officer’s ability to seize property and proceeds believed to be a result of unlawful activities.
We are making progress in effectively implementing the Official Languages Act and the Inuit Language Protection Act.
We continue to centrally administer language funds and coordinate the implementation and monitoring of language obligations, policies, programs, and services by departments and public agencies in accordance with the Uqausivut Plan in 2014-15.
Moving forward, we reassure our commitment in this mandate to deliver programs and services in a sensible and effective manner that is effective, efficient, and economical. We seek to strengthen our governance structures and review government programs to determine what works well, what needs improvement, and what should be discontinued in order to focus our limited resources and enable success.
We must ensure funds provided to organizations, communities, and individuals adhere to better accountability practices that achieve the outcomes this government expects from its investment.
Good governance also means we must continue to improve the fair and transparent practices used for public service staffing and career advancement.
Our government has made significant progress in developing a public service workforce strategy which aims to build and support a public service that is representative of Nunavut’s population and is inclusive of our commitments to Article 23 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
Providing opportunities for Nunavummiut to enter and advance in government roles supports a stronger and sustainable public service.
Advancement includes continued investment in the education and development of our current and potential public servants, with an emphasis on increasing Inuit employment in professional and leadership roles throughout the public service.
It is inspiring to see that education is pivotal to this Assembly and a key to our government’s mandate. I look forward to this Assembly’s review of the Education Act.
Throughout Canada and the globe, there is a strong relationship between education and its effects on increasing economic prosperity.
It is fundamental to equipping individuals with better access to opportunities in Nunavut’s emerging economy.
With one of the fastest growing and youngest populations in Canada, our government believes in making them our priority.
It is critical that we provide the best supports in order to improve and sustain success.
This includes supporting and encouraging studies through to post-secondary, technical, and vocational studies.
We support the implementation of effective education measures that make a difference by taking the necessary steps to address educational achievement at all levels.
In the coming days, enhancements to our education system are being announced.
These changes include adjustments to graduation requirements and introducing consistency in school curriculum that is relevant to our students’ learning experiences.
Our government is introducing an assessment framework to gather measurable data. This framework identifies how students are progressing and acquiring knowledge and skills and the extent of their understanding of the school curriculum.
There is significant commitment to increasing parent, family, and district education authority engagement. This more active role can only encourage students to excel in school.
We support continued development of Inuktut curriculum materials for basic adult education and the participation of elders in community learning centre programs.
Given the forthcoming growth in Nunavut’s construction and resource sectors, we are committed to the advancement of the trades training.
There is no one single individual or entity responsible to ensure a student’s graduation from elementary to high school through to post secondary.
It is a culmination of many involved, from educators, parents, families, communities, partners, and multiple levels of government.
We know that education is the single most effective way to improve lives.
This foundation is essential to developing a population that is self-reliant, better educated, and fosters the development of more prosperous communities. It is an investment in our future.
Our government believes in strong communities, communities that are made up of healthy families and individuals who are equipped with the skills and resources to actively contribute to this territory.
In an effort to explore factors that contribute to increased self-reliance, our government has committed to assess barriers to becoming less dependent on income assistance. Our government recognizes that individuals and families often face multiple barriers in moving forward toward independence. These challenges may include the struggle with mental illness, addictions, domestic violence, and chronic disease.
There is growing momentum for coummunity-focused solutions that employ holistic, traditional, and contemporary approaches to achieving wellness.
The government is working to ensure clinical expertise and facilities are accessible to Nunavummiut.
There has been a tremendous amount of commitment and work to support the Nunavut Suicide Prevention Strategy Action Plan.
This effort could not have been accomplished without our partners, Nunavut Tunngavik, Embrace Life Council, the RCMP, and the multiple government departments involved in seeing the action plan through.
Greater effort is needed to combat the rate of suicide that stands before us.
The current suicide prevention action plan was due to expire this year.
Through our valued partnerships, we have all committed to extend the plan.
It is through partnerships like this that we come toghether to establish alliances.
The Nunavut Food Security Coalition is another good example. This coalition involves representatives from across multiple government departments, Nunavut Tunngavik and regional Inuit organizations, various non-government and non-profit entities, and the private sector.
The coalition is introducing the Nunavut Food Security Straegy and 2013-16 Action Plan, which our government intends to support.
Food security includes the promotion of community-focused solutions to enhance access to nutritious foods.
It is essential for our government to continue advocating for adequate policy and legislative measures that support this access at afforable prices.
We are confronted with meeting the demands of growing communities. With that onerous task, we persist in our efforts to advocate for long-term financing that meets the critical needs in developing housing and other vital infrastructure.
This is a task that goes beyond this government and it is only through essential partnership that we are able to mobilize our domestic resources and capitalize on the much needed and continued investments.
In the 2014 federal budget, Canada dedicated $419 million over 10 years to Nunavut through the Building Canada Fund.
This investment is significant. We look forward to working with our federal partners and support investments that are applied to our areas of need.
Sivumut Abluqta will guide the renewal of the economic development initiatives.
We continue a cooperative relationship with our sister territories in the advancement of a northern minerals workforce development strategy.
This government also believes in strong foundations in business and resource development that require reliable regulatory structures.
Employers in all sectors continue to rely on skilled labour from outside the territory.
Our education and training programs need to work with the private sector and other partners to build a resident workforce that benefits and meets the needs of our growing economy.
This government is working towards renewing the Labour Market Agreement with the Government of Canada.
It is an agreement that must ensure more Nunavummiut are able to receive funding and other supports for education and training to enter the workforce.
It would see the introduction of the Canada-Nunavut Job Grant to assist Nunavut employers seeking to further train and develop their employees.
We recognize the critical role that harvesting plays in relation to our economy and creating more self-reliance.
We require a dependable wildlife management system that supports this sector.
It is an essential revenue source to our communities and we need to ensure the traditional harvest continues.
We are committed to reviewing and realigning our harvester support and fur programs.
Our communities are diverse and geographically isolated. Each and every community has distinct needs and possesses unique qualities.
Nunavut’s success is proven in our ability to adapt and develop solutions that build on our strengths.
More importantly, government cannot achieve its vision alone. We need partners that understand the unique challenges of our majestic landscape. We want to see our culture flourish and see our communities grow in a healthy and sustainable way.
Let’s step forward together for a better Nunavut.
Before I close the Opening Address, I would also like to take this opportunity to display and voice my support for Team Nunavut at the 2014 Arctic Winter Games in Fairbanks.
This is an opportune time, I think, for me to show that support as we think of our youth and their future.
I am confident that each athlete deserves a gold ulu for effort, sportsperson-ship, and ambassadorship. They are there representing Nunavut.
I would like to say “good luck” to Team Nunavut and to enjoy the experience. (interpretation) Thank you.
Let us move on. (interpretation ends) Item 3.
Item 4. (interpretation) Members’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Premier, Mr. Taptuna.
Member’s Statement 001 – 4(2): Cabinet Strategy Meeting in Kugaaruk (Taptuna)
Firstly, my ministerial colleagues visited Kugluktuk for the cabinet retreat to identify our future priorities, so I wish to thank every member during this opportunity. I also wish to extend a special thank you to the Kugluktuk residents as well as the people who assisted us during our visit in the community.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I want to thank everybody who participated behind the scenes to prepare our mandate, including the community of Kugaaruk, where we did our cabinet strategy there to start us off. I want to thank the people of Kugaaruk who assisted us, the GLO, I can’t remember his name, but the GLO who did a lot of work to assist us throughout the whole process, and again I thank everybody and the folks behind the scenes who did a lot of work to prepare our mandate.
Member’s Statement 002 – 4(2): Recognition of James Eetoolook (Ugyuk)
I rise today to speak to this issue regarding a Netsilik resident.
James Eetoolook has served Inuit for 27 years of his life and he resides in Taloyoak. He has provided a lot of assistance in a highly visible position and he serves as an excellent role model, as he has assisted many Inuit in his position.
Mr. Eetoolook was involved in the land claim process under TFN and, after the land claim was completed, he served as the President of the (interpretation ends) Kitikmeot Inuit Association.
(interpretation) He is now the Vice-president of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated.
He has worked very hard to preserve the Inuit culture and also to protect Inuit rights.
His main responsibilty is the wildlife department of Nunavut Tunngavik. He is also the chair of the (interpretation ends) wildlife and environmental council.
(interpretation) Tomorrow evening, we will be able to watch him when he receives his (interpretation ends) Indspire Award. (interpretation) The people of Netsilik are very proud of Mr. James Eetoolook. I would like to urge all the members to watch APTN tomorrow evening when he receives the award.
Member’s Statement 003 – 4(2): Appreciation of Pangnirtung Fisheries (Mike)
Thank you to my fellow MLAs.
While I have been sitting for my first time, it has been great up to today.
I would like thank all of my relatives in Pangnirtung , including my wife, children, and grandchildren, as well as all the people of Pangnirtung.
I thank the boards in Pangnirtung and their leaders as well and hope they have a good future.
I would like to notify you all, as it seems I’m the only one who updates you on fisheries, that today in Pangnirtung, the turbot fishermen have caught 335,000 lbs. of turbot since they started the winter season. That’s how much turbot they have sold so far.
That has brought in revenue to the fishermen up to today, with that poundage, of over $400,000 into the community.
Also employment out of the fisheries has brought in over $100,000 in extra revenue.
I am proud of this accomplishment and that is why I am standing at this time, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.
Member’s Statement 004 – 4(2): Mary River Project (Enook)
Good afternoon to the people of Pond Inlet.
I rise today to note another step forward for the Mary River project.
Mr. Speaker, it has been reported this week that the Nunavut Impact Review Board has now submitted its recommendations to the federal Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development regarding Baffinland’s revised early revenue phase proposal.
These recommendations follow public hearings that were held earlier this year in Pond Inlet, and I look forward to a positive and speedy response from the federal government.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, as you know, the Mary River project is of significant importance to the residents of Pond Inlet and neighbouring communities in the North Baffin and High Arctic.
As the MLA for Tununiq, I will continue to be a forceful advocate for initiatives and actions to support my constituents and community in relation to this project.
Mr. Speaker, in addition to calling on the Government of Nunavut to designate Pond Inlet’s airport as the official hub airport for the region, I will continue to push for progress in areas such as a development partnership agreement and obtaining proper marine infrastructure for the community.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, much has already been accomplished and I again pay tribute to the work of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and Baffinland in reaching an Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in expressing support for another step forward in Pond Inlet.
Member’s Statement 005 – 4(2): Looking Forward (Angnakak)