EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
The second question that I had Mr. Chairman is about the effect on government costs if we can cut the 13.9 cents in half.
Mr. Tootoo roughly calculated approximately 3.4 million dollars or something along that line into the stabilization fund.
She said that it will effect the government costs.
It will affect the government cost visually.
She is saying having the increase of 13.9 cents will not affect the government costs in looking after the social housing for the people who are paying 32 dollars a month.
Paying no fuel but the government pays for it.
It will not effect the government and the Power Corporation.
It will not effect the government with fuelling of vehicles, public works vehicles etc. etc.
It will not effect the government bussing program.
It will not affect the government because it will be invisible but the total cost at the end of the year it will show.
So which one is cheaper.
Which one will be cheaper for the government in terms of effect.
By reducing the 13.9 increase in half or keeping it at 13.9 in the real world.
I hear two questions.
If there could be a response from the witness table please.
Hon. Manitok Thompson: What I was referring to when Mr. Arvaluk was talking he mentioned about zero.
It went down to zero.
That is what I was referring to.
I do not know where that came from.
The zero of something.
When we make a decision, of course we look at all the options and when the officials are working with the numbers it is their business to look at all the options.
Of course the 13.9 increase is going to effect everybody.
It is an increase.
But that was the best option to stabilize for the next two years.
That is what we are saying.
Do we want the consumers not to pay anything.
Is that what we are saying.
Do we want the government to go into deficit.
I do not know what the members are wanting me to do.
Or want the government to do.
They do not want us to raise any prices.
They want the government to go into a deficit.
Is that what the option is.
We have to spread the cost across the consumers and when the officials did their calculations and analysis of the finances of petroleum products, 13.9 cents a litre was the best option when the decision was made by cabinet.
The more she answers the more questions we are probably going to come up with.
Especially the, asking do we want to get the government in a deficit.
The government already announced that there will be a 30 million dollar deficit.
We already made a statement that, you know less impact on Nunavummiut by cutting the 13.9 in half would really help especially for the winter.
So we already suggested that and I do not know if she did not hear us.
But Mr. Chairman looking at the time and other members want to talk, I would like to suggest that we reconvene this discussion on Tuesday and go to other matters in the committee.
Bill 5 and Bill 6 were suggested to be dealt with today.
Chairperson (interpretation): The member for Nanulik has stated that he wants to discuss this further on Tuesday.
I want to ask the members their opinion on this.
Bill 6.
We would like to discuss this.
Chairperson (interpretation): Okay, Bill 5 and 6 will be dealt with.
Do you want to proceed with the discussions on those two bills.
I want thank you for responding to our questions Minister Thompson and Mr. Mrazek and Mr. Green.
Thank you for coming to the witness table today.
Do you have a statement.
Hon. Manitok Thompson (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Chairman and have a good weekend.
I am glad that we will be meeting again on Tuesday.
Chairperson (interpretation): Now I want to ask the Minister for Rules and Regulations of the House.
Mr. Ng. Mr. Ng would you proceed with your presentation or report.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Bill 5 Mr. Chairman, I believe first.
Bill 5 – Floral Emblem Act
I am pleased to have the opportunity today to appear before the committee to introduce Bill 5 the Floral Emblem Act.
Last weekend the Members of the Assembly had the distinct privilege of attending the unveiling ceremonies for the new official symbols of Nunavut and the display that is located in our great hall.
In May of this year, the Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a motion calling for the introduction of a Floral Emblem Act for Nunavut.
The old Floral Emblem Act of the Northwest Territories was not duplicated for Nunavut allowing us as an Assembly the opportunity to designate a new flower to represent Nunavut within the Canadian Federation.
Since April 1, 1999 there has been tremendous interest from across Canada and abroad at Nunavut’s official flower.
The announcement of the designation of the Purple Saxifrage as Nunavut’s floral emblem has been met with great enthusiasm from around the world.
Mr. Chairman, it is the practice of Canadian provinces and territories to enact Floral Emblem Acts to give formal recognition to their jurisdiction’s choice of a flower.
I am pleased to be able to introduce this bill at the beginning of our session.
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Ng. Mr. Chandler I would like to ask you to come to the witness table.
Mr. Ng. Are you going to call your officials to the table.
Regarding bill 5.
Page 1, section 3-5.
Chairperson (interpretation): The committee has agreed that bill 5 is ready for third reading.
Thank you Minister Ng. Bill 6.
We will deal with Bill 6.
Does everybody agree.
I would like to ask the minister responsible for this Bill, Mr. Ng, to do his opening comments.
I am pleased to have the opportunity today to appear before the Committee to introduce Bill 6 – An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly & Executive Council Act and Other Acts in Relation to the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Chairman, this initiative has been introduced to address issues related to the administration of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act and the appointment of independent officers by the Assembly.
Presently the rate of the living allowance paid the members is set out in the Act.
This bill will amend the Act to empower the Speaker on the recommendation of the Management and Services Board to make regulations proscribing the rates for living allowances.
The second issue that the bill addresses is the appointment of an acting Chief Electoral Officer or the appointment of an acting Languages Commissioner should the Legislative Assembly not be sitting.
This Bill will clarify and streamline the process for making such acting appointments should the need to fill a vacancy in either office arise by empowering the Management and Services Board of the Legislative Assembly to recommend an acting appointment to the Commissioner of Nunavut.
The Languages Commissioner has been formally consulted with respect to the provisions of the bill dealing with the office of the Languages Commissioner and she has indicated her support for the proposed amendment.
Mr. Chairman, I thank members for their attention and welcome the opportunity for further discussion on this bill.
Chairperson (interpretation): We are now on bill 6.
On page 1, bill 6.
Do you agree with clause 1.
Chairperson (interpretation): Agreed. Clause 4.
Chairperson (interpretation): Agreed. Clause 5.
Chairperson (interpretation): Agreed. Clause 6.
Chairperson (interpretation): Agreed. Clause 7.
Chairperson (interpretation): Clause 8.
Chairperson (interpretation): Going back to the first page.
Does the committee agree that Bill 6 is ready for third reading.
Chairperson (interpretation): Bill 6 is now ready for third reading.
Thank you Minister Ng. Please be happy.
I find it very hard to pronounce the Legal Counsel’s name but I would like to thank him for being here.
There are no other matters to deal with in this House, would you like to report progress.
Did you have your hand up.
Mr. Tootoo: I just suggested we move to report progress.
Chairperson (interpretation): You want to report progress and it is not debatable. Thank you. I will rise to report progress.
I would like to thank the people that came here and I thank Leona for assisting me and thank the staff.
Item 20. Report of the committee of the whole. Mr. Puqiqnak.
Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering minister's statement 7-1(4) and would like to report that the committee considered Bill 5 and 6 and would like to state the Bill 5 and 6 are ready for third reading, and Mr. Speaker, I move that the report of committee of the whole be concurred with.
Motion is in order. All those in favour.
I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Kugluktuk that Bill 5 – The Floral Emblem Act be read for the third time.
The bill has had third reading.
I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Pangnirtung that Bill 6 – An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly & Executive Council Act and Other Acts in Relation to the Legislative Assembly be read for the third time.
Bill 6 has had third reading.
I would be seek unanimous consent to return very quickly to item 5.
Speaker: The member is seeking consent to return to item 5.
Proceed Mr. Picco.
Hon. Ed Picco: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank you colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, just very quickly I would like to take this opportunity to welcome to the Assembly a group of young people from the young offenders facility here in Iqaluit.
Their instructor is Wayne Hudson and the young people are Dale, Nick, Paul, Collin, Lodie, Ali, Jimmy N, and Jimmy I. I would just like to take this opportunity to welcome them to the
Assembly and to see the proceedings of the Assembly here in Iqaluit.
Speaker: Item 22. Orders of the day. Mr. Clerk.
Orders of the Day for Tuesday October 31;
Motion 7-1(4)
Motion 8-1(4)
Minister's Statement 6-1(4)
Minister's Statement 7-1(4)
Minister's Statement 8-1(4)
This House stands adjourned until Tuesday, October 31st at 1:30 p.m.
>>House adjourned at 2:03 p.m.
Tuesday October 31, 2000
Pages 256 – 313
Acting Speaker: Mr. Uriash Puqiqnak, M.L.A. Legislative Assembly of Nunavut
Opening Prayer 256
Assent to Bills 256
Ministers' Statements 256
Returns to Oral Questions 267
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 267
Oral Questions 268
Revert to Ministers' Statements 283
Written Questions 284
Tabling of Documents 285
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 286
Motions 286
First Reading of Bills 287
Second Reading of Bills 288
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 290
Point of Order 304
Report of the Committee of the Whole 312
Orders of the Day 312
Tuesday October 31, 2000 256
016 – 1(4): Ministers Absent from House (Okalik) 256
017 – 1(4): Qikiqtaaluk Regional Field Operation Office Decentralization (Okalik) 257
018 – 1(4): Minister’s Support for new Homeowners (Thompson) 257
019 – 1(4): Nunavut Emergency Management Training (Anawak) 258
020 – 1(4): Suicide Prevention in Nunavut (Picco) 258
021 – 1(4): Youth Self Awareness (Kattuk) 259
022 – 1(4): Update on Sanikiluaq and Kugluktuk Power Plants (Picco) 260
023 – 1(4): Legal Registries Office Moves to Iqaluit (Anawak) 261
024 – 1(4): Halloween Postponed (Anawak) 283
047 - 1(4): Clyde River Letter on Fuel Price Increases (Iqaqrialu) 261
048 - 1(4): Giving during Halloween (Alakannuark) 262
049 - 1(4): Two Time Zones in Kugluktuk (Havioyak) 262
050 - 1(4): Halloween and Brushing Teeth (Picco) 263
051 - 1(4): Elections Canada First Inuktitut & Inuinnaqtun Brochure (Tootoo) 263
052 - 1(4): Halloween Tradition versus Inuit Ways (Arvaluk) 264
053 - 1(4): Ice Safety (Anawak) 264
054 - 1(4): Living Dictionary (Nutarak) 265
055 - 1(4): Appreciation for Sanikiluaq Power Plant (Kattuk) 266
056 - 1(4): Halloween Treats (Thompson) 266
Return to OQ 609 – 1 (3): Responses to Housing Corporation Call for Expression of Interest (Thompson) 267
049 - 1(4): Income Ceiling on Homeowner Assistance (Arvaluk) 268
050 - 1(4): Artificial Ice Policy (Havioyak) 270
051 - 1(4): Process of Tracking Decisions (Tootoo) 271
052 - 1(4): Children Born on April 1, 1999 (Nutarak) 273
053 – 1(4): Polar Bear Article (Iqaqrialu) 274
054 – 1(4): Artificial Ice Policy Clarification (Tootoo) 275
055 – 1(4): Proposals to Access Suicide Prevention Funding (Nutarak) 277
056 – 1(4): Clarification on Housing Corporation’s Call for Expressions of Interest (Iqaqrialu) 278
057 – 1(4): Aircraft Charter Policy (Tootoo) 280
058 – 1(4): Widow’s and Widower’s Pensions (Nutarak) 281
002 - 1(4): Vehicle Regulations (Tootoo) 284
003 - 1(4): Time Zone Survey (Havioyak) 284
015 - 1(4): Elections Canada Pamphlet (Tootoo) 285
016 - 1(4): Clyde River Hamlet’s Letter regarding Fuel Prices (Iqaqrialu) 285
017 - 1(4): Clyde River Homeowner’s Letter regarding Fuel Prices (Iqaqrialu) 285
Assent
Bill 5 – Floral Emblem Act 256
Bill 6 – An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly & Executive Council Act and Other Acts in Relation to the Legislative Assembly 256
Bill 8 - An Act to Amend the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Okalik) 286
Bill 9 - An Act to Facilitate the Transfer of Employees from the Northwest Territories Power Corporation to the Nunavut Power Corporation (Picco) 286
Bill 8 - An Act amend the Access to Information Act and the Protection of Privacy Act (Okalik) 287
Bill 9 - An Act to Facilitate the Transfer of Employees from the NWT Power Corporation to the Nunavut Power Corporation (Picco) 288
Second Reading
Bill 7 - Legislative Assembly Members Removal and Disqualification Act (Ng) 288
Bill 8 - An Act to Amend the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Okalik) 289
Bill 9 - An Act to Facilitate the Transfer of Employees from the NWT Power Corporation to the Nunavut Power Corporation (Picco) 289
007 - 1(4): TD 10 - 1(4) Languages Commissioners' Report on Nunavut referred to the Standing Committee on Culture, Education and Health (Tootoo) 286
008 – 1(4): TD 011 – 1(4) Report of the Access to Information and Privacy Commissioner Referred to the Standing Committee on Government Operations & Services (Iqaqrialu) 287  Tuesday October 31, 2000
Mr. Ovide Alakannuark, Honourable Jack Anawak, Mr. James Arvaluk, Mr. Donald Havioyak, Mr. David Iqaqrialu, Honourable Peter Kattuk, Honourable Peter Kilabuk, Mr. Jobie Nutarak, Honourable Paul Okalik, Honourable Ed Picco, Mr. Uriash Puqiqnak, Honourable Manitok Thompson, Mr. Hunter Tootoo.
Speaker (Mr. Puqiqnak) (interpretation): I would like to call on Mr. Havioyak to say the opening prayer.
Assent to Bill 5 – Floral Emblem Act
Assent to Bill 6 – An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly & Executive Council Act and Other Acts in Relation to the Legislative Assembly
Speaker (interpretation): Good afternoon, my colleagues and cabinet members.
At this time before we begin today I have a message to pass along to the house.
It came from the Commissioner's Office and I quote: “I wish to inform you that I have assented to Bill 5 – Floral Emblem Act, and Bill 6 – An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly & Executive Council Act and Other Acts in Relation to the Legislative Assembly”.
This letter came from Commissioner Irniq.
Item 2. Ministers' statements. Mr. Premier.
Minister's Statement 016 – 1(4): Ministers Absent from House
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform the members that Minister Kelvin Ng will be absent from the House today, Tuesday October 31 and tomorrow November 1, 2000.
I would also like to inform members that the Honourable Olayuk Akesuk will also be absent today Tuesday October 31, 2000 until November 2, 2000.
Ministers' statements. Mr. Okalik.
Minister's Statement 017 – 1(4): Qikiqtaaluk Regional Field Operation Office Decentralization
I am pleased to inform you of some of the positive progress that the Department of Education has made in our efforts for decentralization of our Qikiqtaaluk Regional Field Operations Office to Pangnirtung.
During Phase 1 of our decentralization the delivery of programs and services was almost seamless.
Staffing is progressing extremely well.
Effective November 6, 2000 we will have relocated 12 of 15 positions.
Five positions were local hires and four others have lived in Pangnirtung in the past.
There were sessions held with the community by Community Career Development Officers of the Department of Education and staff from Human Resources.
These sessions were designed to assist people with job interview skills and resume writing.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased with the staffing efforts and the training that has been provided to new staff, particularly to those hired locally in Pangnirtung.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the opportunity to provide members with an update on the Department of Education Qikiqtaaluk Regional Field Operations Office Decentralization.
Minister's Statement 018 – 1(4): Minister’s Support for new Homeowners
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give members an update on the Nunavut Downpayment Assistance Program, or NDAP.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the objective of NDAP is to assist Nunavummiut to save enough money to get a downpayment to buy a home of their own.
The program does that by giving a grant of 15 thousand dollars to eligible clients.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce today that half way through the fiscal year we are a little more than half way through the total available funding of 630 thousand dollars.
As of October 16, the Nunavut Housing Corporation has 16 approved applications with five pending.
These 21 new homeowners represent 50% of the available funding.
Here is the breakdown, Mr. Speaker: (interpretation) Arviat, 2 approved.
Baker Lake, 1 approved.
Cambridge Bay, 2 approved, 1 pending.
Iqaluit, 3 approved.
Kugluktuk, 3 approved.
Rankin Inlet, 3 approved and 3 pending.
Repulse Bay, 1 approved.
Whale Cove, 1 approved.
Approved in total are 16 with 7 pending for a total of 23.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, with the interest shown to date in NDAP we are confident that the Housing Corporation will meet its 2000/2001 objective of assisting 42 Nunavummiut in becoming homeowners.
Ministers' statements. Mr. Anawak.
Minister's Statement 019 – 1(4): Nunavut Emergency Management Training
I would like to inform the Members of the Legislative Assembly that the Department of Community Government & Transportation has provided training in emergency planning, fire services and search & rescue.
The Department has provided training in places such as Baker Lake, Kugluktuk, Pond Inlet, etc.
I would like to stress that each community has sent their representatives to the training that we offered.
We will continue to train Nunavummiut in all emergency related functions.
I would like to take this opportunity Mr. Speaker, to thank the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Canadian Coast Guard, Emergency Preparedness Canada and all Nunavut communities for their co-ordination efforts towards ensuring that all Nunavummiut are prepared for any kind of mishap or disaster.
Minister's Statement 020 – 1(4): Suicide Prevention in Nunavut
Mr. Speaker, suicide is a tragedy that touches all of us.
When we lose someone to suicide we become poorer as individuals and as a territory.
As I have said before, the government cannot solve this problem alone - it will take the actions of families, friends and communities working together to counter the perception that suicide is an option for people in despair.
Mr. Speaker, of course government does have an important role in suicide prevention.
The Department of Health & Social Services is focusing efforts on providing training and skill development to help people mobilize to prevent suicide and support each other.
Mr. Speaker, in our activities we are affirming Inuit values that emphasize strength, pride and resilience.
With that in mind I would like to take this opportunity to update you on some of our department's activities these past few months.
We have delivered “train the trainer” workshops with participants from the ten communities having the highest number of suicide completions.
We have delivered suicide prevention, intervention and post-intervention training to coroners and RCMP.
Two sessions have been delivered to clients at the Young Offenders' Facility and sessions are planned for the Baffin Correctional Facility.
Twenty eight new Community Constables will be receiving training in suicide prevention this month, and plans are underway Mr. Speaker, to deliver workshops in Cambridge Bay and Clyde River.
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to tell you that the Department of Culture, Language, Elders & Youth will offer a series of suicide prevention training workshops to community youth representatives from across Nunavut.
I will leave it to Minister Kattuk to provide more information about this promising initiative.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you Minister Picco.
Minister's Statement 021 – 1(4): Youth Self Awareness
Hon. Peter Kattuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Department of Culture, Language, Elders & Youth is excited to announce a joint youth alternative with the Department of Health & Social Services.
Culture, Language, Elders & Youth along with the Government of Nunavut, is concerned with a number of issues affecting Nunavut youth.
The high rate of suicide is an issue demanding immediate attention and action from the Government of Nunavut.
In times of loss, it is beneficial for people to come together to help each other through the healing process.
The Department of Culture, Language, Elders & Youth is co-ordinating and sharing resources with the Department of Health & Social Services in an initiative to provide Counsellor Training to communities throughout our territory.
We are excited to announce our participation in the “Train the Trainer” program.
This training will be offered to youth leaders at the regional level, and training will stress suicide prevention and improving youth mental health through overall self-awareness.
Improving the well being of Nunavut's youth will be directly related to the strong connection to cultural roots.
The program, funded by Culture, Language, Elders & Youth, is made possible by the participation of the resourceful and professional staff of the Department of Health & Social Services.
Culture, Language, Elders & Youth's Youth Division will provide ongoing community support and program delivery.
Culture, Language, Elders & Youth's Youth staff will review applications to select strong peers who can share the knowledge and skills they will gain from this training with the community and peers.
Two to three participants will be selected from each community.
Training workshops will run from Monday to Friday and will require dedication from participants because work will be involved after workshop hours.
The first regional workshop will be held in November.
Minister's Statement 022 – 1(4): Update on Sanikiluaq and Kugluktuk Power Plants
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to update the Assembly on the status of the power plants in Sanikiluaq and Kugluktuk.
As you know, the plant in Sanikiluaq was destroyed by fire last May.
The extraordinary efforts of the men and women of the community, NTPC and Emergency Services ensured that power was restored Mr. Speaker, within 32 hours through the swift installation of three generators at a temporary location.
Mr. Speaker, at that time NTPC officials met with the Hamlet Council and committed to building a new power plant within seven months time.
I am pleased to tell you Mr. Speaker, and the House, the new power plant is roughly 80 percent complete at this time.
Three new generators have been set up and NTPC is currently installing the mechanical as well as the electrical equipment required to operate the plant.
The project is on schedule Mr. Speaker, and I plan to travel to Sanikiluaq at the end of November to celebrate the start up of the new plant.
In Kugluktuk Mr. Speaker, two engines in that power plant were also damaged by fire last month.
Again, a swift response by NTPC employees and community residents ensured that the fire was put out quickly and that the damage to the plant was limited to the engines.
Mr. Speaker, for 31 hours the community concentrated on greatly lowering their power use by participating in rotating brown outs so the emergency engines could be connected to bring full power back on line.
Today Mr. Speaker, the engines are completely repaired and the plant is operating normally.
Mr. Speaker, sometimes adversity brings out the best in people.
These unfortunate fires in Sanikiluaq and Kugluktuk were just such occasions.