EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
These have regular schedules to come to our community and over and above that we also get emergency medivacs that come in at any time.
When you toured our community this summer you saw the Taloyoak airport and there is a potential safety hazard there at the airport.
When you visited our community I would like to know whether, because of the many birds at the airport we might be in violation.
Is there anything that you have done since your visit.
We didn't only go to Taloyoak, we also went to Kugaaruk and Grise Fiord.
We toured the facilities in these communities and Taloyoak is not the only one that has a potential safety hazard.
There are other communities that have dumps and other services that are too close to the airports.
These things are all being looked into by the Minister of Transportation.
He is working through his department to rectify these problems.
I would also like to thank the Premier for responding to my question.
Just to go on a little bit further.
There are a lot of seagulls in the summer and there are many ravens in the winter.
I believe that with so many birds around this may be in violation of federal safety standards or rules because all of these birds are attracted to the facilities such as the dump that are too close to the airport.
I would like to ask the appropriate minister if there is going to be any funding set aside so that we can work on these problems.
In regards to airports we have also made safety a priority when it comes to the airports.
In reference to Taloyoak we will have to go back there again to check out the facilities and as we have stated Kimmirut, Pangnirtung and Repulse Bay are our priorities because of the length of their airstrips.
But in reference to Taloyoak I am sure there is a potential safety hazard if there are a lot of birds around in the summer and winter with the seagulls and ravens.
So we will have to work on this issue and I will take this question as notice.
Did the minister take that question as notice.
Hon. Jack Anawak: Mr. Speaker, what I was saying was that whenever we deal with airports the first and foremost issue is safety of course, and at this point in time we have been concentrating on three airports and that was Kimmirut, Pangnirtung and Repulse Bay.
In Kimmirut the airport is too short, in Pangnirtung it is right in the middle of town and the one in Repulse Bay is too close.
However, the member's statement on the Taloyoak airport being too close to the garbage dump and the fact that in the winter there are a lot of ravens and in the summer there are seagulls, we would have to take a look at it and I would at this time like to just state to the member that we will consider the point that he has made in regards to the Taloyoak airport.
So, Mr. Speaker, I did not take it as notice but just made a point.
Speaker: In that case final supplementary. Mr. Puqiqnak.
Mr. Puqiqnak (interpretation): Thank you so very much, Mr. Speaker for giving me the opportunity.
The minister has stated he will be looking into the Taloyoak airport closer and the Premier and myself and the Deputy Mayor had a good tour about the community.
We also looked at the other issues that I mentioned.
As the Minister of Transportation you should take a look at the facility.
Mr. Speaker, coming from Taloyoak, I will mention certain areas that you should be concentrating on.
I would also like to see Taloyoak placed as a priority and have funding set aside so that will be done in Taloyoak.
I would like to see Taloyoak included.
Speaker: Thank you. Mr Anawak.
It might be a potential safety hazard to your airport.
I know exactly where your question is coming from.
We have heard from more than one community that there have been crashes and accidents because of birds being sucked in by the engines.
I am sorry, I also received a letter from the Premier which I forgot to mention.
Question 609 - 1(3):Contribution for Cultural Heritage Projects
Uqaqti, my question today is for the Minister of Culture, Language, Elders & Youth.
I have the distinction of asking him his first question as a new Cabinet Minister. So I will throw a good one at him.
Mr. Speaker, in the Department's Main Estimates a significant amount of money is available for contributions to cultural and heritage activities.
Can the minister inform the Assembly what projects have received funding since the budget was passed and where.
Speaker: Minister Kattuk.
I am very pleased you asked this question, I do not have the updated information at this time, but I will have to look into it further and I will take your question as notice at this time.
Speaker: The minister will take it as notice.
No further supplementaries.
Question 610 - 1(3): Working Relationship with RCMP
This is something that I mentioned yesterday already.
I will direct my question to the Minister of Justice.
My question is in regards to his department. As a smaller community in Nunavut there are a lot of challenges that we have to face and the communities rely very much on their leaders who also have to follow the many regulations and laws that we have, and it does create problems when we try to deal with the social issues.
I do know that the government have their own regulations and also have to contend with different laws also.
How do you work with agencies like the RCMP when it comes to dealing with social problems at the community level with all the restrictions and rules facing you.
Since Nunavut was established on April 1, 1999, the RCMP set up the V division in Nunavut.
The Government has a very close working relationship the RCMP.
This Department is reviewing legislation that was adopted from the Government of the NWT, that we grandfathered from the NWT.
We’re also looking at the cultural aspects and community legislation, which is a challenge in itself.
But we are working very closely together with the RCMP, and we set up a law reform commission so that it will be more Nunavut friendly.
I understand my question, and I’m very glad that I have asked this question however, will this law reform commission also look at the practices of the Department of Justice.
Hon. Jack Anawak (interpretation): Thank you. The commission is going to review the Nunavut Legislation, like the justice system, once they have finished their work we will consider it and make amendments as we see fit, we will have to make amendments or make new legislation for Nunavut.
Once this review is done, we will perhaps start working on it, but on the system itself we are working within our department dealing with the justice system. But we cannot touch the judges the only thing we can make changes to is the legislation, so that the judges can work from it.
Question 611 - 1(3): Review of Petroleum Products Division
Mr Speaker, my question is for the Minister responsible for Petroleum Products.
I know it has been a rising issue to a lot of people in Nunavut these days.
Mr. Speaker, back in February in Rankin Inlet, one of the PPD’s officials, Mr. Green, indicated to us that they were going to be partaking in a review of the entire Petroleum Products operation and that it was to be presented to the Financial Management Board in June.
I would just like to ask the minister if she could tell us the results of that review.
That is right, the review was done and right now it is being reviewed by the senior officials, the deputy ministers, of Public Work and the Financial Management Board are looking at the review.
Supplementary. Mr. Tootoo.
Mr. Speaker, I can appreciate the fact that the report has not been reviewed and signed off by the Financial Management Board and that the minister is not able to discuss any of the details of that report.
I would like to ask her maybe if you can give us an idea when or how long it is going to take for the senior officials from Financial Management Board to review that report and agree or disagree or come out with anything on it.
I should be able to table the document during the session.
That is what I am hoping.
It’s just in the hands of the senior officials now for the last part of the review.
Oral questions. Mr. Akesuk.
Question 612 - 1(3): NTI Firearms Legislation Challenge
I will be directing my question to the Premier of Nunavut.
This year the government stated that they will be supporting Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated in regards to the firearms legislation challenge.
I was wondering if he can tell me what position they are at now since they said they were going to assist NTI.
The Federal Government has filed their defence of the action.
They still have not stated when this would be in the judicial process.
I cannot tell you when and how this will be dealt with.
It is under the court system now.
Mr. Nutarak..
Question 613 - 1(3):Nunavut Health Facilities Update
I will be directing my question to the Minister of Health and Social Services.
In the past I have seen documents or correspondence that they will be building a new hospital for the Baffin Region.
One in Iqaluit, one in Rankin Inlet, one in Cambridge Bay.
I have seen the correspondence on that.
I would like to ask you, when you say the process is going well, what is your progress now?
How is it proceeding.
Can the minister can tell us how the process is going now.
Mr. Speaker, I guess what we mean is the progress is going well with the three facilities.
There are 3 major facilities.
As you know Mr. Speaker, we are building a facility in Arviat as a P3 project.
The Nunavut Government has moved away from the P3 concept.
Two weeks ago myself and Minister Ng, the Minister of Finance, met with the three Development Corporations to look at the next strategies for moving forward on the facilities.
Mr. Speaker, for the Baffin hospital here in Iqaluit we have to complete the functional program review of the facility.
That is almost complete.
Now for the Keewatin and the Kitikmeot facilities Mr. Speaker, those steps are in place.
That is what we mean that the file is moving forward.
I also met with the Hamlet in Cambridge Bay and mayor to discuss their facility in August.
And I met with the Hamlet and mayor of Rankin Inlet to discuss that facility.
We are not overly concerned about the hospital that is going to be built in Iqaluit for the Baffin region.
It has to be built.
But regarding the other two hospitals.
Things like the equipment for the hospital like the beds, or hospital equipment.
Who will be purchasing this equipment.
I would like to know if you have identified which entities will be purchasing the equipment.
I have had discussions with the Federal Government over the past 16 months as the Minister of Health & Social Services.
The members know we invited the Honourable Alan Rock here to Nunavut to see our facilities and our infrastructure as well our equipment needs.
Earlier today there was a question on the CHST monies that were made available.
In that money, approximately 1 billion dollars I believe, was set aside for new equipment.
MIRs and Cat scans and so on.
There is an opportunity from the Federal Government to receive funding.
But when Mr. Speaker, when we look forward to building a facility like a school, the onus is on the government to provide most of the equipment.
Be it a direct purchase or leveraging funds from the Federal Government or indeed with the birthright corporations.
Working on an agreement where the facility with equipment and everything would be provided.
So, Mr. Speaker, that is where we are with the equipment.
The other possibility the member in committee talked about, was the opportunity to bring forward institutions, foundations, and partners to help provide equipment like they do in other jurisdictions for hospitals.
Speaker: Thank you, Minister Picco.
There are no further supplementary questions.
The clock indicates that question period is up.
>>House recessed at 3.15 p.m. for 15 minutes
Speaker: Members let’s continue on with the orders of the day.
Moving on to item 8. Returns to written questions.
Return to WQ 16 – 1(3): Site Clean Up Activities - Polaris Mine
Clerk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker I wish to inform the house that return to written question 16 – 1(3) has been filed with the Office of the Clerk.
Item 11. Reports of standing and special committees.
Item 11: Reports of Special and Standing Committees
Committee Report 019 - 1(3): Standing Committee on Government Operations and Services: Bill 11
I will be speaking for a while so I stand today to give my report under item 11.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present the Standing Committee's report on its review of Bill 11, An Act to Establish Nunavut Day as a Holiday. (interpretation ends)
Mr. Speaker, given the public attention that has greeted this initiative, I believe it is appropriate to spend some time today outlining the background behind the Bill, the process of the Committee's deliberations and consultations, and the comments that we as MLAs heard from our constituents.
(interpretation) Bill 11 was introduced in the House in February of this year, during the Rankin Inlet sitting of the Assembly.
It followed a commitment made by Caucus during it’s June retreat of 1999 in Baker Lake to work towards designating July 9 a Nunavut-wide holiday.
(interpretation) As Members know, July 9, 1993, was the day on which the Nunavut Act and the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Act received royal assent in Kugluktuk by the Governor General of Canada.
For some time now, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, NTI, has given its employees a paid holiday on July 9.
In 1999 and 2000, the Government of Nunavut encouraged departments to plan cultural events and festivities for its employees on the day.
Mr. Speaker, the Bill that was introduced in the Legislative Assembly was straightforward.
The current civic holiday that takes place on the first Monday of August would be eliminated, and a new statutory holiday, Nunavut Day, to be celebrated on July 9, would be introduced.
Given that this initiative was one that would touch the daily lives of all Nunavummiut and their families, the Standing Committee committed to consulting extensively on the Bill prior to returning back to the House with its recommendations.
(interpretation) In May, I and members of the Committee met with all Nunavut mayors at the Annual General Meeting of the Nunavut Association of Municipalities.
At that time, no firm consensus was achieved on this issue.
A number of mayors spoke in support of the idea of designating July 9 as Nunavut Day.
Others spoke in favour of designating April 1 or some other day as a new holiday to mark the creation of our new territory.
Throughout the summer months, MLAs appeared on phone-in radio, attended meetings and spoke with people in the communities regarding this proposal.
(interpretation ends) The Standing Committee requested that Hamlet councils formally provide comment on the Bill.
Later today, at the appropriate time, I will be tabling letters received from Mayors and Hamlet councils on this issue.
Mr. Speaker, we have found that while there is support for designating July 9 as Nunavut Day, it is by no means unanimous, and it needs to be clearly acknowledged that there is considerable opposition from the public to eliminating the civic holiday presently held on the first Monday in August.
Mr. Speaker, the Government has estimated that the financial cost of adding a new holiday would be in the vicinity of $1.5 million to the GN, housing authorities, hamlets and other organizations.
The cost to the private sector is difficult to quantify with any meaningful certainty. (interpretation) I should also note, Mr. Speaker, that the Committee had concerns with respect to the status of ongoing collective bargaining between the NEU and the government.
It is our understanding that the government cannot on its own remove the first Monday in August as a paid holiday for employees covered by the collective agreement, even if the Bill were passed as it is.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the Members of the Standing Committee have heard clearly from their constituents on this issue.
The message that we have heard is that while the introduction of a new holiday on July 9 would please many people, the proposal to eliminate the present civic holiday in August has caused even stronger feelings.
Mr. Speaker, I believe it is fair to say that if the government were to amend the Bill so as to retain the civic holiday in August while still introducing a new holiday in July, that amended piece of legislation would be widely supported across Nunavut, and likely gain speedy passage through the House.
A formal statement on this suggestion from the government would be appropriate.
Mr. Speaker, the Standing Committee cannot support the Bill as it presently is.
However, I want to make it perfectly clear to the government and the public that this is not because we oppose the recognition of July 9 as a unique and meaningful day in our calendar.
It is not because we disagree with the board of directors of NTI.
Quite simply, Mr. Speaker, it is because ordinary people have told us that they want to retain a practice that has served them well for many years.
Many people have told us that the August long weekend is a weekend that has proven valuable to them and their families.
They do not want to give that up, and we as MLAs are not willing to force a change upon them that has no clear public benefit.
Mr. Speaker, in the event that the Bill is not amended, the Standing Committee would recommend that it be permitted to fall off the order paper when the House prorogues.
There is no desire on our part to make this a matter of confrontation between us and the government.
It does not need to come to a potentially divisive vote.
Mr. Speaker, the Standing Committee strongly recommends that the present practice of the Government be maintained with respect to encouraging members of the public service to spend July 9 engaged in cultural activities sponsored by their departments.
This is a practice that is fully consistent with the commitment to respecting Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit
Mr. Speaker, the Standing Committee would like to recognize NTI's efforts in providing funding to communities to celebrate July 9.
We would recommend that the Government of Nunavut's Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth explore ways of helping to sponsor such activities in the future.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to say that the Members of the Standing Committee do not believe that this initiative is dead forever.
We would encourage the Government to revisit the idea at some point before its term of office ends, with a view to examining whether it can be implemented in such a way that respects the public's desire not to lose what it already has.
I move that the report be received and adopted by the House.
The report has been received by this Assembly.
Item 12. Reports of committees on the review of bills.
Item 13. Tabling of documents.
Tabling of documents. Mr. Akesuk.
Tabled Document 108 – 1(3): Letters on Bill 11 From Municipalities
I just read a report and stated in my report that I have letters from the Mayors that I would like to table.
Speaker: Tabling of documents. Mr. Havioyak.
Tabled Document 109 – 1(3): Letter from Kugluktuk Regarding Time Zone
I stand here today regarding letters from Kugluktuk that I would like to table. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, this letter stresses my constituents dissatisfaction with the recent government announcement on the single time zone.
Tabled Document 110 – 1(3): Letter from Arctic Bay
I would like to table a document from the high arctic regarding elections of the Member for Quttiktuq.
Hon. Jack Anawak: Mr. Speaker, I want to apologize. Earlier I had stated that I was going to table the time zone survey however upon reviewing it I understand that it has not been translated into Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun so I will be tabling it in the next week.
Speaker: Item 13. Tabling of documents.
Moving on to item 14. Notices of motions.
Item 15. Notices of motions for first reading of bills.
Motions. Item 16. Motions.
Item 19. Consideration in committee of the whole of bills and other items.
As there are no items in the committee of the whole we will proceed to item 20. Report of the committee of the whole.
Item 22. Orders of the day.
Meeting of full caucus at 5 o'clock in the Nanuq Board Room today.
Orders of the Day for Friday October 20;
This House stands adjourned until tomorrow, Friday at 10 a.m.
>>House adjourned at 3.53 p.m.
DAY 49
Friday October 20, 2000
Pages 2353 - 2382
Tel (867) 975-5000 Fax (867) 975-5190 Toll-Free (877) 334-7266 Table of Contents
Opening Prayer 2353
Ministers' Statements 2353
Members' Statements 2357
Returns to Oral Questions 2362
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 2362
Oral Questions 2363
Tabling of Documents 2380
Prorogation of Third Session 2381
Orders of the Day 2381
Friday October 20, 2000 2353
138 – 1(3): Community Tour - August 2000 (Okalik) 2353
139 – 1(3): Nunavut Power Corporation Implementation Update (Picco) 2354
140– 1(3): Asuilaak - The Living Dictionary (Kattuk) 2355
141 – 1(3): RCMP Drug Detection Dog (Anawak) 2356
443 – 1(3): Qallunaat Qaujimajatuqangit (Iqaqrialu) 2357
444 - 1(3): National Co-op Week & Credit Union Day (Tootoo) 2357
445 – 1(3): Help for Stranded Inuit Hunters (Puqiqnak) 2358
446 – 1(3): Traditional Songs by Elders Available on CD (McLean) 2359
447 – 1(3): Passing of Mr. Taparti (Anawak) 2359
448– 1(3): Inukjuak Music Festival (Kattuk) 2360
449 – 1(3): World March of Women 2000 (Picco) 2361
450 – 1(3): Residents of Pangnirtung in Hospital (Kilabuk) 2361
Return to OQ 231 - 1(3): Nunavut Seat on Canada Post Board and Council (Okalik) 2362
614 – 1(3): Nunavut Arts & Crafts Association Meeting (Puqiqnak) 2363
615 – 1(3): Timing of Negotiations for Mineral Accord (McLean) 2365
616 – 1(3): Inuit Liaison Officer with RCMP (Iqaqrialu) 2367
617 – 1(3): Changes to P3 Approach (Tootoo) 2367
618 - 1(3): Support for Community Health Committees (Nutarak) 2370
619 - 1(3): Education Capital Projects (Havioyak) 2372
620 – 1(3): Recruitment of Nurses (Irqittuq) 2373
621 – 1(3): Tabling of Public Accounts (Akesuk) 2376
622 – 1(3): Employment for Youth of Kugluktuk (Havioyak) 2376
623 – 1(3): Applications for Heritage Centre Funding (Tootoo) 2377
624 – 1(3): Advertisements for Doctors (Irqittuq) 2377
625 – 1(3): Outreach for Culture, Language, Elders & Youth (Tootoo) 2378
626 – 1(3): Number of Staffing Appeals to Human Resources (Iqaqrialu) 2378
627 – 1(3): Special Day to Recognize Elders & Youth (Puqiqnak) 2379
111 – 1(3): GN Responses to Standing Committee Reports of Review Draft Departmental Business Plans & Previous Information on 99/00 Main Estimates (Ng) 2380
112 – 1(3): Response to Petitions 11 – 1(3), 12 – 1(3), 13 – 1(3) (Clerk) 2381  Friday October 20, 2000
Speaker: I would like to ask Mr. Irqittuq to say the prayer.
Speaker (Mr. O'Brien): Good morning.
Moving on to item 2. Orders of the day.
Minister's Statement 138 – 1(3): Community Tour – August 2000
This summer I had the opportunity to visit a number of communities across Nunavut to meet with the residents who live there and listen to their expectations and concerns.
During the week of August 14, I was fortunate to visit Kugaaruk, Taloyoak and Grise Fiord.
I was also to visit Qikiqtarjuaq but regrettably weather prevented me from doing so, but I would like to visit them some time in the future.
So, I would like to commit that in the coming months I will visit the residents of Qikiqtarjuaq.
While in the communities I visited the Hamlet Councils and toured the communities, but most importantly I spent time with elders and listened to them about what they think we should be doing here in the Nunavut Government.
(interpretation ends) While in Grise Fiord I had the pleasure to join in the wedding celebration of Lena and Tommy Kalluk.
While in Taloyoak I was able to go hunting with residents for caribou.
Fortunately I was successful on the trip and was able to provide fresh caribou meat as a wedding gift to the couple.
(interpretation) During the tour I saw first hand both the potential and the need for economic development in the fields of tourism, harvesting and marketing.
(interpretation ends) We intend to work with the Department of Sustainable Development to include non-decentralized communities in the future of Nunavut.