EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Then we would have an opportunity to have intervenor status on that application and as a government we realize that a 33 – 40 % increase is not acceptable.
What we're trying to do right now Mr. Speaker, as a government is look at the whole operation of the Nunavut Power Corporation.
We’re trying to find out exactly, should we maintain the same relationship right now with the NTPC.
Should we look at outsourcing somewhere supply or indeed, should we set up a Nunavut Power Corporation.
And those issues and decisions they make over the coming weeks, we can then reflect better for the people of Clyde on this situation with the rate increase, on the community infrastructure and on the new power plant.
But in any case, it's several months down the road and before that occurs, Mr. Speaker, the people of Clyde River will have an opportunity to review and have a look at that.
As you know Mr. Speaker, the biggest users of power in the communities is the government.
So if the rates increase by 40% in Clyde River, who will pay that Mr. Speaker, it would be me and you and the members of this House and the constituents in the community at large, the people of Nunavut.
So we are acutely aware of that and I want to reassure the people of Clyde River and the member that this government will do everything in it's power to make sure that that any rate increase is acceptable, nominal and indeed affordable to the people of Clyde River through the process that is in place.
Question 83 - 1(3): Name Change for Culture, Language, Elders & Youth
My question is directed to the Minister of  Culture, Language, Elders & Youth.
The department's name is so long I was wondering if you can make a name like Ilirqusiliriniq Arnalirnirmut, minister meaning culture and women Secretariat or Women, Youth and Language Minister.
Just making more of a comment than a question Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Nutarak.. I know that you can say that in English in a short form but it's pretty hard to find an appropriate name for the department in Inuktitut but it's up to the Minister Havioyak to respond.
Hon. Donald Havioyak (interpretation): Thank you for your question.
We are studying the name in Inuktitut, we're calling it Illiqusilirijiit at this time due to the culture and language of Inuit.
And also as you mentioned there are the women and youth and we're in the process of getting a name for Culture, Language, Elders & Youth.
Speaker: Quanaqutiit, Mr. Havioyak.
Question 84 - 1(3): Consultations by Ministers
I would like to apologize, I don't think they quite understood my question because I was using the single time zone as an example, like all these regulations prior to these regulations being established, I would like to ask the appropriate minister if they will be consulting the communities prior to making decisions.
I know we will deal with that during the committee of the whole, I couldn't sleep last night but that I have heard from a cabinet minister that we will be turning our clocks back one hour in the Baffin region.
Speaker (interpretation): I apologize Mr. Kattuk, we did misunderstand you too.
I thought that you were going to deliberate on the single time zone.
Perhaps our Premier can respond to this question.
Hon. Paul Okalik: Yes, Mr. Speaker, I had stated all the acts will be reviewed by the Law Reform Committee which we are about to establish so they will be visiting the communities and that we would like to incorporate Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in Nunavut Acts, and as I have stated when we work on the budget estimates for the upcoming year we will clearly review them to reflect all the Inuit of Nunavut.
Question 85 - 1(3): Zero Tolerance
Mr. McLean: Ma' na Uqaqti.
In the last government there was a policy adopted by the legislative assembly towards women and children.
It was called zero tolerance.
I know this government is only in it's seventh month but I'm not sure what minister is responsible or the whole government, do they plan to endorse zero tolerance on violence against women and children shortly.
Speaker: Mr. Premier.
From what I've been advised, it was the Legislative Assembly of the last Territorial Government that had adopted a zero tolerance policy and we are in the process as a government of reviewing more policies.
Unfortunately all the policies weren't automatically provided to our government so we are reviewing the policies and making them compatible with our territory.
Mr. McLean: Ma' na Uqaktii.
Now that I know who I can ask this question to.
Can you give me a commitment when this government is going to bring this policy forward, if it's going to be.
I don't want to put the honourable minister on the spot but is it going to be within the next six months or six years.
Ma' na.
We will work with the members of the legislative assembly wants to adopt the zero tolerance policy as the last territorial government had done in terms of conduct amongst members and we will be open to any policy that will support that initiative.
Question 86 - 1(3): Proposals for Culture, Language, Elders & Youth Funding
My question is directed to the minister of Culture, Language, Elders & Youth.
He announced recently a funding program under his department, are your application forms ready now.
Speaker: Mr. Havioyak.
This is a question that was brought forward to me a few days ago.
They are in the process of being looked after and they are in the process of being implemented.
At this time we aren't sure when it's going to be ready but they are being worked on.
Speaker: Quanaqutit Mr. Havioyak.
Yes the reason why I asked this question is because in September when I visited one of my constituents, I went home at that time at the beginning of September and I asked this question.
It was taken under notice.
The people who would like to apply for it are having a problem because they cannot hand in their application forms so I would like to give them support to the best of my ability.
Since you have stated that you are not working on that, I will relay that information to my constituency.
I would like to see those when they are completed.
I just want to, like I said, we're still in the process of working on this document.
We're in the process of hiring people as well.
Anything pertaining to this document, and if I get more staff, then we'll continue to work on it.
Like I said, I will continue to work on it.
Question 87 - 1(3): Cape Dorset Water Reservoir Study
I would like to ask another question to the Minister of the Housing Corporation about the water reservoir.
Her staff did a study.
My question is if the results are going to be given over to the CG & T .
Speaker: Minister of the Housing Corporation.
In regards to this issue, I would have to refer  to Mr. Anawak, if we’re still referring to the same issue that was brought up earlier.
I cannot direct another minister.
Speaker (interpretation): I will give you another opportunity Mr. Akesuk.
The results of the study were initiated by your department.
Are the results of these studies going to be given to the CG&T Minister in regards to that water pipeline that I was referring to.
My staff and Mr. Anawak’s staff have worked together.
It was initiated by MACA in the beginning.
They are already there, but as long as we don’t get the money for the project we cannot initiate the work, because Mr. Anawak’s staff knows that the study has been done and we are ready to start the work.
Question 88 – 1 (3): Community Freezer Repairs
Back in 1982 the GNWT built a community freezer in the community of Baker Lake to the great delight of the residents of Baker Lake.
In a community like Baker Lake there are herds of caribou that go by and people take the opportunity to stockpile fresh meat.
The community freezer was a big boon to the community for the last fifteen or sixteen years.
This spring the four compressors, due to no lack of maintenance or anything, finally wore out in the middle of June and broke down.
Unfortunately there was close to 40 or 50 thousand pounds of country food in there that the people in my community depended on.
The Hamlet wrote to the Superintendent, and I assumed that he passed it on to the minister, about us having to throw away 40 thousands pounds of country food.
That really hurt the community.
To date I haven’t heard an answer back or the community hasn’t heard back if they are going to replace the compressors on that freezer.
So my question is to the Minister of Community Government, does he have plans for next year to replace the compressors on that community freezer.
I apologize I hadn’t heard about that and I will take it as notice.
Speaker: Question period is over.
Response to Petition 01 – 1 (3)
Mr. Speaker I have a response to a petition tabled by the Honourable Donald Havioyak on October 25th, on Nunavut Liquor Permits.
I am pleased to acknowledge the petition tabled in the Assembly by the MLA for Kugluktuk on behalf of his constituents concerning the use of Nunavut Liquor Import Permits.
The petition is requesting that the use of Nunavut Liquor Import Permits be suspended for the importing of liquor products from the NWT through the Yellowknife liquor store.
Mr. Speaker on April 1st, 1999, a Nunavut Liquor Permit became necessary to obtain liquor from the Yellowknife store because the Yellowknife store is now outside the Government of Nunavut’s jurisdiction.
I agree that this situation has disrupted the usual method that eligible citizens have used to acquire liquor products.
I have asked the recently appointed Nunavut Liquor Licensing Board to provide me with advice as to how best to deal with this matter and other issues regarding the Liquor Act.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Ng. Petitions.
Petition 06 – 1 (3): Opposition to Time Zone Change
I would like to table a petition from the community of Igloolik.
The petition is requesting that we do not go ahead with the two hour change.
Petitions. Petitions.
Petition 07 – 1 (3): Opposition to Time Zone Change
I have another petition with 55 signatures that I would like to table from the community of Hall Beach requesting that we do not turn the clock back two hours.
There are 55 signatures from the community of Hall Beach.
Item 11, Reports of standing and special committees.
Item 11: Reports of Standing and Special Committees
Ajauqtiit Standing Committee on the Appointment of Languages Commissioner
I have the honour of presenting the report on the appointment of the Languages Commissioner of Nunavut.
This report was prepared by the Standing Committee of Ajauqtiit after we conducted a thorough selection process to identify the most appropriate candidate for this important public office.
Later today I will bring forward a notice of motion and seek unanimous consent to bring the motion to the floor of the House today, to recommend Eva Qamaniq Arreak be appointed as the new Languages Commissioner of Nunavut pursuant to section 18 of the Official Languages Act.
As the report states, our standing committee worked very hard to make sure that our selection process was thorough and unbiased.
A subcommittee of three of our members conducted the interviews and selection process for the Languages Commissioner which included Hunter Tootoo, the Chair, myself Co-Chairperson and David Iqaqrialu.
Members of our committee and subcommittee met thirteen times on the matter of the Languages Commissioner over the last two months.
We received twelve applications from people across Nunavut for this position.
We conducted in person interviews with five candidates, reviewed their written answers to questions and evaluated their experience and education as outlined on their resumes.
We also reviewed information from three references for the final candidate.
It was a very difficult decision for the members because all of the candidates are very committed people and they were all interested in the position and they all have many skills and ideas to bring to the position.
We thank them all for applying.
Nevertheless we had to choose one name to recommend to the members of the Legislative Assembly.
The Languages Commissioner of Nunavut must have many qualities.
The Commissioner must be a strong, committed voice for the promotion and preservation of the Inuit language and dialects and at the same time have the diplomacy and grace to mediate solutions, sensitivity to the aspirations of different language groups and the integrity and administrative competence to deal with complaints in a fair and timely manner.
Above all they must be a leader in the Inuit tradition, able to hold the respect and confidence of all Inuit, elders and youth as well as French and English speaking residents of Nunavut.
We believe that Eva Qamaniq Arreak has these qualities.
She will do her job in the Inuit way.
She will make us proud as a representative of Nunavummiut in meetings with other Languages Commissioners across Canada and elsewhere.
Eva understands the challenges facing the Government of Nunavut and the need for a concerted effort on language issues, if the languages of our fathers are to flourish in the future.
We are confident that with the support of the members of the Legislative Assembly, her colleagues in these positions elsewhere in Canada, and her staff, Eva Qamaniq Arreak will do an outstanding job as Languages Commissioner of Nunavut.
Thank you Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I will give notice of motion to appoint the Languages Commissioner.
At this time we are on reports of standing and special committees.
Item 12: Report of Committees on Review of Bills
Bill 6 – An Act to Amend the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act
I wish to report that Bill 6 – An Act to Amend the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act has been reviewed by the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Services and that the bill is ready for consideration in committee of the whole.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to waive rule 68(5) and have bill 6 moved into committee of the whole for today.
The member is seeking unanimous consent to waive rule 68(5) and move bill 6 to committee of the whole for today.
There are no nays, Mr. Akesuk, you have unanimous consent.
Reports of committees on the review of bills.
Tabled Document 09 - 1(3): Opposition to Time Change Document
Mr. Speaker I would like to table a document which I received yesterday from the Mayor of Clyde River.
The Hamlet Council are opposed to the two hour change to the time zone and they passed a motion so that we can change our hours.
Tabled Document 10 - 1(3): Budget Update Highlights and Expenditure Summaries
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Thank you Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker I would like to table today the budget update that highlights our revenue and expenditure summaries for the past six months.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Ng. Tabling of documents.
Tabled Document 11 - 1(3): Opposition to Time Change Document
I also would like to table a document, Mr. Speaker, from the Hall Beach Hamlet Council.
They passed a motion not to change the time zone.
I also would like to table another document which was written to me and the Premier from Daniel Uyarok and from Sandy Agnakok.
Tabled Document 12 - 1(3): Opposition to Time Change Letter
Mr. Kattuk: Thank you Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker I would like to table a letter that I received yesterday from the Municipal Council of Sanikiluaq.
This letter urges government to wait one more year before making a final decision on the time zone issue.
Item 14: Notices of Motions
Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Monday, November 1st, 1999, I will move the following motion; I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Uqqumiut, that Eva Qamaniq Arreak be appointed as the Languages Commissioner of Nunavut for the term of 4 years, and further, that the appointment be effective December, 1, 1999.
Mr. Speaker I will seek unanimous consent to deal with my motion under item 16, motions today.
Item 15, Notices of motion for first reading of bills.
Notices of motions for first reading of bills.
Item 16, motions.
I seek unanimous consent to deal with my motion today.
The member is seeking unanimous consent to deal with his motion today.
There are no nays, Mr. Alakannuark, you may go ahead with your motion.
Motion 2 - 1(3): Appointment of Languages Commissioner
Whereas section 18(1) of the Official Languages Act permits the appointment of a Language Commissioner by the Commissioner of Nunavut, after the approval of the appointment by a resolution of the Legislative Assembly; and
Whereas the Legislative Assembly considers the appointment of the Languages Commissioner essential for ensuring recognition of the rights, status and privileges of each of the official languages, and compliance with the spirit and intent of the Official Languages Act; and
Whereas the Office of the Languages Commissioner is vacant; and
Whereas the Legislative Assembly is of the opinion that the appointment of the Languages Commissioner should now be made,
Now, therefore I move, seconded by the honourable member for Uqqummiut, that Eva Qamaniq Arreak, be appointed as the Languages Commissioner of Nunavut for the term of four years.
And further, that the appointment be effective December, 1, 1999.
Speaker: My congratulations to Eva Qamaniq Arreak as Nunavut’s first Languages Commissioner who is attending today with her daughter Carlene Arreak in the gallery.
Speaker: Motions.
Item 17, First reading of bills.
Item 18, Second reading of bills.
Item 19, consideration in committee of the whole of bills and other matters; Bill 5 – Supplementary Appropriation Act No. 1, 1999/2000; Bill 6 – An Act to Amend the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act; Minister’s Statement 22 – 1 (3), with Mr. Iqaqrialu in the chair.
I would like to ask for a twenty minute recess to congratulate our new Languages Commissioner.
Chairperson (Mr. Irqittuq) (interpretation): Can you go and get some more of the members, please.
We can resume.
We will now go on to consideration in Committee of the Whole to deal with Bill 5 – Supplementary Appropriation Act, and Minister’s Statement 22-1 (3).
I would like to ask the members, what is your wish.
How would you like to proceed.
Mr. Akesuk (interpretation): Mr. Chairman, I would like to invite the Minister for Housing and PWTTS to discuss the topic: Business Incentive Policy.
I recommend that we deal with her first and then later on that we deal with Bill 6 if we have time.
General comments to the bill, Minister’s Statement 22-1(3).
Nunavut’s Business Incentive Policy  Hon. Manitok Thompson (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Chairman When I go to the witness table I will bring my officials.
I would like to ask the committee if you are in agreement with that.
Also, the Minister’s Statement on Nunavut’s Business Incentive Policy, you will only be able to ask questions on this topic.
On Article 24 and the Business Incentive Policy you won’t be able to ask questions in regard to those two because I have not tabled those in this House.
I’m just reminding the members that you will only be able to ask questions on my statement.
If that’s ok with the committee, then I would like to invite my officials to the witness table.
Is that ok, Mr. Chairman?
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you, Madame Minister.
Is that agreed?
You may go ahead and sit at the witness table and you may bring in your officials.
Thank you, Minister Thompson.
Madame Minister, could you please introduce your officials.
Hon. Manitok Thompson (interpretation): With their Inuktitut names?
Chairperson (interpretation): If you can.
Hon. Manitok Thompson (interpretation): Ross Mrazek, my DM for PWTTS, Mr. Mark Bain, the Director of Corporate Services, he works at PIB, John Purdy.
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you, Madame Thompson.
In regards to the Minister’s Statement, are there any general comments?
I think you have read the Minister’s Statement.
Are there any questions or Manitok, would you like to make a brief comment on that, and/or your officials?
Just to remind you, of my statement.
In the beginning I promised members that my department would undertake a complete review of this policy so that the people of Nunavut would have the opportunity to comment and to ensure that our department meets the specific requirements of Article 24 of the Nunavut Land Claim Agreement.
I have established a working group that will focus its efforts on reviewing this policy.
It is my intention that this working group seek input from and consult with all the Members of the Legislative Assembly.
As you know, the Business Incentive Policy forms the backbone of the government and we would like to hear from all people and we will be working with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, Nunavut businesses and Inuit firms.
As I have stated before, if we are going to be developing in Nunavut, and if we are going to be developing small businesses, we have to initiate this Business Incentive Policy.
It is my hope that the final draft of this policy paper will be ready for public review and with your support and the support of the business community and the people of Nunavut, it is my intention to have the working group meet as fast as possible.
Mr. Chairman, our timeline is to review this policy as a final made-in-Nunavut Business Incentive Policy which needs to be in place for the next contracting season.
It is my hope that a final draft of this policy will be ready for public review by the early new year or be completed by sometime in February or March, 2000.
General comments.
Mr. Irqittuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I have a very brief question.
Who are the people on...perhaps you can’t name the working group.
Could you tell me who the working group consists of?
Chairperson (interpretation): Go ahead, Manitok.
I cannot tell you who will be in the working group as the rest of the cabinet members are now making the decision on that.
I know that at least it will involve NTI.
Chairperson (interpretation): Does that answer your question, Mr. Irqittuq?
First of all, I would like to ask the minister about the Business Incentive Policy.
I know that you are going to make amendments and some businesses in Nunavut are huge and some are small businesses.
What kind of businesses are you talking about.
Are you talking about small businesses that are existing.
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Puqiqnak.
Madame Minister.
We are talking about large businesses and small businesses...any kind of business, as long as they are a private business in Nunavut.
That’s what we’re talking about.
Mr. Puqiqnak (interpretation): Thank you very much for your response, because for the small businesses that are just starting off, the Department of Sustainable Development is responsible for that.
I was getting confused when you started talking about larger businesses and smaller businesses.
Will you be giving support to smaller businesses that want to be initiated?
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you, Uriash.
The Department of Sustainable Development has a program for small businesses that want to be initiated, but we are Public Works.
Mr. Puqiqnak (interpretation): I have another question.
Now that you will be working on the policy for Nunavut, made in Nunavut, prior to the drafting of the policy, in my constituency, businesses are way behind the other regions.
You mentioned that this new policy could be introduced by March, 2000.
In my community there are small businesses that require a lot of assistance.
Do you have any plans to get these small businesses up to par with the rest of the businesses.
Madame Minister, either one of you can respond to his question.
Hon. Manitok Thompson (interpretation): At this point in time, the policy was inherited from the GNWT.
This policy, called the "Business Incentive Policy", in English, was used to help small businesses and that’s what we have inherited and we will use it to prioritize Nunavut businesses.
We cannot operate without any policies, so that’s why we are using the old policy.
Chairperson (interpretation): Uriash.
Mr. Puqiqnak (interpretation): Short comment.
Thank you, Madame Minister.
I would like a response about whether this can be implemented before March, 2000.
Is it possible.
Chairperson (interpretation): I believe that we have to stick to the subject here.
We’re getting out of line.
What we understood was that we would stay on the subject here.