EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
With regard to that opening, how will that be communicated to the public, contact information, and even just maybe a brief explanation of the role of that office so that people are aware under what circumstances they would utilize that office.
I’ll have Mr. Quirke respond because he will be able to give you more detail.
Right now, the office is preparing a website where a lot of information will eventually be handed out.
There is knowledge out there that the office is, in fact, open from the point of view of administration, etcetera. There is no doubt that the representative will, in fact, have a media type campaign some time in the fall to indicate where they can be reached and how they can be reached, etcetera.
You saw the business plan of the position is very well done and articulated, and you can expect that type of product in terms of press releases and advising the public of the role and responsibilities.
When you see that level of detail and very clear detail, I think the public will be well served and all that information will come forward in the fall. There should be no doubt as to how she can be reached not only in Iqaluit but right across the whole territory of Nunavut.
I appreciate that and I would like to echo those comments with regard to the business plan from that office.
I was very impressed with the level of detail that was contained within it and the amount of work that has actually been done just in the few months that she has been in office.
I would like to commend the Speaker’s office with the support that they have provided and the decision they made for the person that they put in that position.
I only heard a comment there. I will move on. (interpretation ends) Office of the Legislative Assembly. Branch Summary.
A-6. Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $5,530,000. Agreed?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) Department Summary. Office of the Legislative Assembly. Detail of Expenditures.
A-3. Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $25,027,000. Agreed?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) Do members agree that we have concluded the Office of the Legislative Assembly?
You may now make your closing remarks, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): I thank you very much and also our staff, who have worked very hard within the Legislative Assembly.
Also the people who were hired, the different officers that we are working with, they are proceeding and being established.
This is very exciting for the people of Nunavut. They can get assistance in different places.
I also thank the Clerk’s office and his staff, who have worked very hard.
I thank everyone and have a good day. It was a very good day today.
Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the Speaker’s official out.
Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) I ask members to go to Bill 16, Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2015-2016.
It is in your white legislation binder.
(interpretation) My apologies. (interpretation ends) Bill 16, Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2015-2016. Clause 1. Agreed?
Vote 1: Operations and Maintenance. Total Appropriation. $1,467,789,000. Agreed?
Chairman: Do members agree to Bill 16 as a whole?
Chairman: Do members agree, pursuant to Rule 62(2), that Bill 16 can immediately be placed on the orders of the day for third reading?  Some Members: Agreed.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Item 20. (interpretation) Report of the Committee of the Whole.
Your committee has been considering Bill 16 and would like to report that Bill 16 is immediately ready for third reading. And, Mr. Speaker, I move that the Report of the Committee of the Whole be agreed to.
Speaker (interpretation): There’s a motion on the floor and it needs a seconder.
Bill 16 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2015-2016 – Third Reading
It gives me great pleasure on Friday the 13th to make this motion.
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Pangnirtung, that Bill 16, Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2015-2016, be read for the third time.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Members, on behalf of all the members, I would like to thank the Iqaluit Royal Canadian Air Cadets for assisting us since opening day.
Today is their last day. (interpretation) I thank you immensely.
(interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until Monday, March 16, 2015, at 1:30 p.m.
>>House adjourned at 16:00
Monday, March 16, 2015
Pages 2565 – 2621
Opening Prayer 2565
Ministers’ Statements 2565
Members’ Statements 2567
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 2569
Oral Questions 2570
Replies to Opening Address 2584
Tabling of Documents 2588
Notices of Motions 2590
Second Reading 2591
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 2591
Report of the Committee of the Whole 2618
Third Reading of Bills 2618
Orders of the Day 2620
Monday, March 16, 2015 2565
135 – 4(2): Minister Absent from the House (Quassa) 2565
136 – 4(2): Deployment of Income Support Delivery System (Ugyuk) 2565
137 – 4(2): New Ethics Officer for the Public Service (Peterson) 2566
138 – 4(2): Increase to Fur Pricing Program (Quassa) 2566
269 – 4(2): Nanook School Cooking Club (Angnakak) 2567
270 – 4(2): The Lasting Effect of Suicide (Mikkungwak) 2568
271 – 4(2): Condolences to the Family of George Porter (Akoak) 2568
272 – 4(2): Congratulations to Qikiqtarjuaq Athletes (Keyootak) 2569
460 – 4(2): Support Services Following Suicide (Mikkungwak) 2570
461 – 4(2): Support for Iqaluit’s Toonik Tyme (Angnakak) 2571
462 – 4(2): Nunavut’s Education Standards (Shooyook) 2572
463 – 4(2): Departmental Positions (Enook) 2575
464 – 4(2): Activities of the Qulliq Energy Corporation (Savikataaq) 2576
465 – 4(2): Tank Farm Maintenance (Rumbolt) 2578
466 – 4(2): Medical Travel for Unilingual Elders (Joanasie) 2579
467 – 4(2): Support for Students and Nunavut Arctic College (Sammurtok) 2580
468 – 4(2): Dust Control in Baker Lake (Mikkungwak) 2581
469 – 4(2): Outstanding Invoicing Issue with NHC (Mikkungwak) 2583
470 – 4(2): Fuel Delivery in Gjoa Haven (Akoak) 2584
Reply to Opening Address 001 – 4(2): Ms. Pat Angnakak (Angnakak) 2584
126 – 4(2): F/P/T Report - Ministers of Justice and Public Safety October 17, 2014 (Okalik) 2589
127– 4(2): Nunavut Housing Corporation Collection Policy (Kuksuk) 2589
128 – 4(2): Contract Activity Report Fiscal Year 2013-2014 (Sammurtok) 2589
129 – 4(2): Procurement Activity Report Fiscal Year 2013-2014 (Sammurtok) 2589
130 – 4(2): Lease Activity Report Fiscal Year 2013-2014 (Sammurtok) 2589
131 – 4(2): Priorities of the Francophone Community of Nunavut Regarding French Services, March 2015 (Kuksuk) 2589
132 – 4(2): Nunavut Suicide Prevention Strategy Progress Report 2013-2014 (Okalik) 2589
133 – 4(2): F/P/T Report on the Second Global Action Against Dementia, September 11 to 12, 2014 (Okalik) 2589
134 – 4(2): Nunavut Economic Developers Association’s 2013-2014 Annual Report (Ell) 2590
135 – 4(2): Nunavut Liquor Licensing Board Annual Report 2012-2013 (Kuksuk) 2590
136 – 4(2): Nunavut Liquor Licensing Board Annual Report 2013-2014 (Kuksuk) 2590
137 – 4(2): Towards a Representative Public Service, Statistics as of September 30, 2014 (Peterson) 2590
138 – 4(2): Record of Members’ Absences - October 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014 (Speaker) 2590
021 – 4(2): Establishment of Standing Committee on Inuit Societal Values and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit – Notice (Shooyook) 2590
Bill 21 – An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, the Legislative Assembly Retiring Allowances Act and the Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act – Second Reading 2591
Bill 14 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2014-2015 – Consideration in Committee 2592
Bill 15 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2014-2015 – Consideration in Committee 2596
Bill 18 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2015-2016 – Consideration in Committee 2604
Bill 12 – An Act to Amend the Tobacco Tax Act – Consideration in Committee 2605
Bill 17 – Write-off of Assets Act, 2012-2013 – Consideration in Committee 2608
Bill 19 – An Act to Amend the Workers’ Compensation Act – Consideration in Committee 2609
Bill 11 – An Act to Amend the Corrections Act – Consideration in Committee 2611
Bill 21 – An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, the Legislative Assembly Retiring Allowances Act and the Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act – Consideration in Committee 2616
Bill 11 – An Act to Amend the Corrections Act – Third Reading 2618
Bill 12 – An Act to Amend the Tobacco Tax Act – Third Reading 2619
Bill 14 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2014-2015 – Third Reading 2619
Bill 15 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2014-2015 – Third Reading 2619
Bill 17 – Write-off of Assets Act, 2012-2013 – Third Reading 2619
Bill 18 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2015-2016 – Third Reading 2620
Bill 19 – An Act to Amend the Workers’ Compensation Act – Third Reading 2620
Bill 21 – An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, the Legislative Assembly Retiring Allowances Act and the Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act – Third Reading 2620
Mr. Tony Akoak, Ms. Pat Angnakak, Hon. Monica Ell, Mr. Joe Enook, Mr. David Joanasie, Mr. Pauloosie Keyootak, Hon. George Kuksuk, Mr. Steve Mapsalak, Mr. Simeon Mikkungwak, Hon. Paul Okalik, Hon. Keith Peterson, Hon. Paul Quassa, Hon. George Qulaut, Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Mr. Alexander Sammurtok, Hon. Tom Sammurtok, Mr. Joe Savikataaq, Mr. Isaac Shooyook, Hon. Peter Taptuna, Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk.
Speaker (interpretation): Good afternoon, people of Nunavut, members, ministers, visitors, our staff and interpreters. Have a good afternoon.
Before I start, I would like to announce that yesterday, my mother-in-law had her birthday.
We imagined you had a wonderful birthday and we thought of you.
We heard you celebrated your 83rd birthday.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Government House Leader, Mr. Quassa.
Minister’s Statement 135 – 4(2): Minister Absent from the House (Quassa)
I wish to inform members that (interpretation ends) Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation) will be absent from the House on March 16 and 17, 2015.
He is attending (interpretation ends) the Boston International Seafood Show. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister’s Statement 136 – 4(2): Deployment of Income Support Delivery System (Ugyuk)
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, today, I am happy to inform this Assembly that the Income Assistance Division is deploying a case management system in communities to increase our capacity to support Nunavummiut who need this program in time of need.
Currently, the Income Support Delivery System has been deployed in seven communities: Iqaluit (both headquarters and the delivery office), Pangnirtung, Pond Inlet, Rankin Inlet, Arviat, Cambridge Bay, and Baker Lake.
We are committed to roll out the system in Igloolik this month, March 2015.
Mr. Speaker, we continue with deployment of this automated system across the territory.
With the coming online of these communities, we move closer to putting Nunavut’s income assistance delivery and tracking at par with other Canadian jurisdictions.
Mr. Speaker, the automated income assistance case management system is a good investment.
It greatly improves our ability to deliver income assistance in a timely and organized manner.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Finance, Mr. Peterson.
Minister’s Statement 137 – 4(2): New Ethics Officer for the Public Service (Peterson)
Today, I am pleased to introduce Mr. Jeffery Schnoor, Nunavut’s first Ethics Officer.
Jeffery is sitting in the gallery right behind me here. I ask all Members of this House to give him a warm Nunavut welcome.
Mr. Speaker, as part of his role, Mr. Schnoor is responsible for carrying out duties as listed in Part 6 of the Public Service Act, Disclosure of Wrongdoing.
The Act comes into force on April 1, 2015.
The Public Service Act creates a process for Government of Nunavut employees to report wrongdoing by public servants to an ethics officer, commonly referred to as whistle-blowing.
Mr. Speaker, the creation of this type of legislation has been something that previous House members have sought since the early days of Nunavut.
I recall raising the issue when I was Co-Chair of the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts back in 2004. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the government has moved forward on this important legislation.
Mr. Speaker, the disclosure of wrongdoing protocol as set out in the legislation and internal human resource directives is a mechanism to allow public servants to come forward without fear of reprisal when they honestly believe something is wrong.
I have spoken about it many times and I again state that we expect the highest standards of conduct from our employees and we know the vast majority of our public servants serve this government with honesty and integrity.
Finance staff will make sure the information needed to contact the ethics officer will be readily available to all employees.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister, Mr. Quassa.
Minister’s Statement 138 – 4(2): Increase to Fur Pricing Program (Quassa)
On behalf of the Minister of Environment, I am pleased to inform members of changes to the budget for the Department of Environment’s Fur Pricing Program, which will have a significant positive impact on Nunavut’s hunters and trappers.
Effective April 1, 2015, the department will be increasing the purchase price for sealskins by 25 percent…
…and will start covering the cost of the auction house commission on all other furs sold through the Fur Pricing Program.
This decision clearly demonstrates the Government of Nunavut’s recognition of the importance of hunting and trapping to Inuit culture and to the health and socio-economic well-being of Nunavummiut.
The sale of sealskins and other furs is an important source of income for our hunters and trappers, and helps to ensure continued access to a bountiful renewable resource as well as contributing to food security in our communities.
In a time when much negative publicity surrounds the Canadian seal hunt, we are taking action to ensure the continuation of this vital and sustainable part of Nunavut’s traditional economy.
We hope that this pricing increase will encourage seal hunters in particular to sell their sealskins through our program, which in turn will help us better meet the local market demand for dressed sealskins here in Nunavut and begin rebuilding markets abroad.
This decision should be welcome news to all Nunavummiut involved in seal hunting, fur harvesting, and related industries.
That is some good news, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 269 – 4(2): Nanook School Cooking Club (Angnakak)
I rise today to share with you a wonderful success story from my constituents in Apex.
Mr. Speaker, the Nanook School Cooking Club began last October and runs every Friday afternoon with almost 25 children attending regularly to learn about food and nutrition and how to cook healthy meals.
Mr. Speaker, the focus of the cooking club is for these young students to learn such skills as healthy shopping and food preparation, learning how to cook from scratch and feed themselves, and contribute to their families and communities.
So far, the cooking club has cooked for the Apex Community Christmas feast and for the soup kitchen and they are planning a year-end feast for Niaqunnguumiut in June.
Mr. Speaker, the cooking club has the added bonus of providing meals to those children who face food insecurity in their homes. As their skills in the kitchen improve, so does their confidence and self-esteem.
Developing good habits in choosing healthy foods and preparing them will benefit these students throughout their lives and hopefully be something they can also pass on to others.
Mr. Speaker, the program is funded by the City of Iqaluit as part of the Government of Nunavut’s Brighter Futures Wellness Program. It is run by Kerry McClusky and June Shappa with help from Kootoo Alainga, who works at the school.
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud of the Nanook School Cooking Club and I hope members will join me in congratulating them on their efforts.
Member’s Statement 270 – 4(2): The Lasting Effect of Suicide (Mikkungwak)
(interpretation ends) I Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address an issue that we don’t talk about enough, that we don’t face, and that we don’t address because we don’t want to hurt each other’s feelings.
Mr. Speaker, the effects and impact of suicide are devastating.
Not only do we lose a person before their time on earth is up; those who are left behind grieve and suffer.
Mr. Speaker, less than two months ago, I lost a family member to suicide.
That one has affected family members, extended family, friends, and their relatives.
My thoughts and prayers go out to each and every one who is living with the pain and hurt that one individual’s decision has inflicted on them.
Mr. Speaker, as individuals, we are not alone in this world. We are linked to our families and our communities through bonds that we cannot see.
Taking one life, even if we think it is only our own, rips the fabric that weaves through the lives of everyone around us.
We share responsibility for each other’s well-being.
Mr. Speaker, my heart has been heavy and I know that others feel it as well.
I would like the community of Baker Lake and beyond to know that I share the pain of losing someone to suicide, but I know that if we support each other and talk to each other, we can overcome life’s challenges no matter how difficult they may seem.
Members’ Statements. Member for Gjoa Haven, Mr. Akoak.
Member’s Statement 271 – 4(2): Condolences to the Family of George Porter (Akoak)
Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) To the residents of Gjoa Haven watching the proceedings, (interpretation ends) good afternoon.
I rise today to send my condolences to the family of Mr. George Porter, who just passed away over the weekend.
He is well recognized by the people of the Kitikmeot and maybe some people of the Kivalliq and Baffin.
He was for the people of Gjoa Haven and how our community grew.
He would have loved to watch the hockey tournament that just happened over the weekend, a successful hockey tournament. He loved to go to those kinds of games where they get people together and he loved to watch those. I am pleased to say that Gjoa Haven won the gold also.
My condolences go to every Porter, his wife and their children. Keep strong and stay strong.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Before we go on, I wish to advise members that the Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk will be absent from the House for today and tomorrow.
Member’s Statement 272 – 4(2): Congratulations to Qikiqtarjuaq Athletes (Keyootak)
I say “good day” to all my fellow residents of Qikiqtarjuaq and Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour youth from Qikiqtarjuaq who participated in the volleyball tournament that occurred over the weekend.
I want to acknowledge the following volleyball players from Qikiqtarjuaq:
Rosemary Metuq
Geena Aliqatuqtuq
Jenny Mosesee
Diane Kooneeliusie
Louisa Kooneeliusie
Namee Kopalie, and
Nicky
Their coach was Adrian Toomasie.
I want to extend my congratulations to the volleyball players from Qikiqtarjuaq who attended this tournament.
Sports are one of the few activities enjoyed by many youth and they enjoy competitions, especially since physical activity contributes to the quality of one’s life.
Recognition of Visitors in the Galley.
It gives me great pleasure, as I indicated earlier, to welcome Jeffrey Schnoor, the new Ethics Officer, to the gallery. I also would like to welcome my Deputy Minister of Finance, and Comptroller General for Nunavut Jeff Chown. Welcome, gentlemen.
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like my fellow members to join me in welcoming people from Igloolik.
Janet Issigaitok is my constituency assistant and Laura Qamukaq is the assistant to our Speaker.
They are both residents of Igloolik.
Question 460 – 4(2): Support Services Following Suicide (Mikkungwak)
Mr. Speaker, earlier today, I spoke of the devastating impact that a suicide can have on the lives of those who are left behind.
Can the minister provide an update on what kinds of support services, in the form of counselling or otherwise, are offered to communities such as Baker Lake which are left to deal with the loss of a loved one to suicide?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) As a part of this government, we have made mental health one of our main priorities to try and address the issue of suicide. So far, we have hired psychiatric nurses in every community, so that’s a start.
We are continuing to work and trying to find solutions to the pressing matter of suicide in our territory.
That work will not end. That work will continue. In the following weeks, we will be hosting a major conference, Circumpolar Mental Health, and we will be seeking direction.
We’re not shy to ask for assistance. I have worked with the federal Minister of Health, and I will continue to work with whoever I can to try and find solutions to this matter. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Often, in the wake of a suicide, individuals feeling the effect of one individual’s decision may begin to question their own thoughts about suicide.
Can the minister clarify what policies are in place to ensure that adequate and appropriate services are available to community members immediately following a suicide?
Speaker (interpretation).
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) As I stated earlier, we have put in place psychiatric nurses in every community to try and assist in the communities with whatever they may be facing.
We also work with Embrace Life.
We opened up the phone line for 24 hours where it used to be only set hours. We’re doing whatever we can to assist and trying to tackle suicide in our territory.
We will continue to find and look for solutions to alleviate some of the stresses in our communities. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister for his response so that all Nunavutmiut can hear the services that are available.
I appreciate that there are many factors that can lead an individual to feel that they cannot go with their life.
Can the minister clarify what kinds of interventions are available at the community level to provide support to those who may be considering suicide?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) For example, in Baker Lake, we have a child and youth outreach worker and a psychiatric nurse in the community.
We have various levels of support for each community and as I said, every community now has a psychiatric nurse to assist those that may be in need. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 461 – 4(2): Support for Iqaluit’s Toonik Tyme (Angnakak)
Mr. Speaker, in a couple of weeks’ time from April 2 to 10, Iqaluit will be celebrating its 50th Toonik Tyme spring festival.
For 50 years, the Toonik Tyme festival has been an event packed with games, feasts, and challenges which are not only fun for the community but showcase our traditions and culture for the world to see.
I would just like to make a correction.
This is for the Minister of ED&T. Sorry. Can the minister clarify whether her department or Nunavut Tourism, which is funded by her department, provides support for such events as this and, if not, why not?
I am unsure of any funds that they have accessed in the past for this festival, as it isn’t included in my briefing notes in front of me.
We receive a lot of proposals from different people who submit them to the various programs under the economic development and transportation department, but I can’t confirm that at this time.
Once I have received the information on whether there was an application, I will set up a meeting with her.