EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, this bill increases the minimum wage in Nunavut to $13 an hour and allows for future increases in the minimum wage to be prescribed by regulation. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Opposed. (interpretation) Thank you. (interpretation ends) The motion has been carried and Bill 7 is referred to the Standing Committee on Legislation.
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters. Bills 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9 and Tabled Documents 107 – 4(2) and 149 – 4(2) with Mr. Enook in the Chair.
Good afternoon, Nunavummiut who are listening to the radio broadcast and watching the televised proceedings.
Welcome to your Legislative Assembly.
In Committee of the Whole, we have the following items to deal with: Bills 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9 and Tabled Documents 107 – 4(2) and 149 – 4(2).
Mr. Chairman, we wish to commence with the clause-by-clause review of Bills 8 and 9. After completing these two bills, we wish to report progress.
Are we in agreement that we first deal with Bill 8?
Bill 08 – Legislative Assembly Statutes Amendment Act – Consideration in Committee
As we commence with our review, I would like to ask Speaker Qulaut if he has witnesses that he would like to bring to the table.
Yes, I would like witnesses here with me.
Speaker Qulaut would like to have his officials at the table. Do you agree?
Speaker Qulaut, please introduce your official for the record.
Speaker (interpretation): On my right is John Quirke, Clerk of the Legislative Assembly.
Welcome, Mr. Quirke, to the House.
If you have any opening comments on the item that we’re dealing with, the floor is yours, Speaker Qulaut.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) I am pleased to have the opportunity to appear today before the Committee of the Whole on the occasion of its consideration of Bill 8, Legislative Assembly Statutes Amendment Act.
As the House is well aware, one of our most serious responsibilities as elected members is to impose discipline, when necessary, on our colleagues and peers.
Bill 8 amends two existing statutes to provide that a Member of the Legislative Assembly who is formally suspended by way of a vote in the House shall not accrue pensionable service during his or her period of suspension.
This is a tough but necessary measure that makes it very clear that there are serious consequences for serious misconduct.
I would also note that similar provisions were recently adopted by the Parliament of Canada in relation to our national legislature’s membership.
Bill 8 also amends two existing statutes to provide the Management and Services Board with the authority to approve direct appointments to positions in the offices of two independent officers of the Legislative Assembly.
These provisions are consistent with existing provisions in the Public Service Act respecting the Executive Council’s authority to approve direct appointments to positions in departments of the Government of Nunavut.
Bill 8 also amends the Official Languages Act to provide that the term of office for the Languages Commissioner of Nunavut will become five years.
This term of office is consistent with those of the Information and Privacy Commissioner, the Integrity Commissioner, and the representative for children and youth.
(interpretation) Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening comments. I look forward to responding to any comments or questions that my colleagues may have.
As we proceed, you will be able to ask questions during the clause-by-clause review.
I would like to give anyone an opportunity to make general comments on the opening remarks. If there are no comments, turn to Bill 8 in your white legislative binder.
I’m sure you all have Bill 8 in front of you now. It reads, Bill 8, Legislative Assembly Statutes Amendment Act.
Page 2. Clause 3.
I just want to ask what the reasoning is behind changing the term of the Official Languages Commissioner from four years to five years.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you for asking that question, Mr. Hickes.
I would like Mr. Quirke to respond to that.
This will give us consistency in dealing with independent officers.
The Languages Commissioner’s term is four years. The child and youth representative is five years, the Privacy Commissioner is five years, and the Integrity Commissioner is five years.
The only exception to this rule is the chief electoral officer, which remains at seven years.
We will have consistency amongst the balance of our independent officers.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Go back to the bill.
Chairman (interpretation): Does the committee agree to Bill 8 as a whole?
Chairman (interpretation): Does the committee agree, pursuant to Rule 62(2), that Bill 8 can immediately be placed on the orders of the day for third reading?
Speaker Qulaut, we are done with that bill.
If you have closing remarks, I’ll give you the opportunity now.
I thank my colleagues very much for approving this bill.
I’m sure Bill 8 will be enacted soon.
Bill 09 – An Act to Amend the Nunavut Elections Act and the Plebiscites Act – Consideration in Committee
We will move on to the other bill. Before we move on to the other bill, Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witness out.
Bill 9 is our next order of business. We will proceed with Bill 9.
Speaker Qulaut, do you have witnesses that you would like to bring to the table? Speaker Qulaut.
Do you agree to have the Speaker’s witness join him at the witness table?
Speaker Qulaut, for the record, please introduce your witness.
The witness is the Legal Counsel from Elections Nunavut, Patrick Orr.
Welcome to the House, Mr. Orr.
We will be dealing with Bill 9.
Speaker Qulaut, I would like to give you the opportunity to make your opening comments on the bill.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to have the opportunity to appear today before the Committee of the Whole on the occasion of its consideration of Bill 9, An Act to Amend the Nunavut Elections Act and the Plebiscites Act.
Bill 9 implements recommendations that were contained in the chief electoral officer’s report on the administration of the fourth territorial general election, which was held in 2013.
As members will recall, I had the honour of appearing before the Committee of Whole in early 2014 to present the first bill to be passed by our current Assembly, which provided for a fixed election date for our territory.
As we approach the midpoint of our term, the amendments before you today will help to ensure that our elections legislation is kept current.
Mr. Chairman, I wish to take a few moments to highlight some of the key features of Bill 9.
Bill 9 provides the Management and Services Board with the authority to approve direct appointments to indeterminate positions in the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer.
In addition to a number of housekeeping matters, Bill 9 modernizes our legislation with respect to the sale of alcohol on election day.
As members will recall from the decisions that were announced at our February 2014 Full Caucus Retreat in Kugluktuk, a territory-wide plebiscite will be held next year concerning the sale of municipal lands.
Although our current chief electoral officer’s term of office expires next month, Bill 9 contains provisions to allow the chief electoral officer to hold office until her successor is appointed by the Commissioner of Nunavut on the recommendation of the Legislative Assembly.
These provisions, which are consistent with those that are presently contained in the Integrity Act, will help to ensure continuity in her office with respect to the administration of next year’s plebiscite.
As the Chair, I’m sorry that we couldn’t immediately provide copies of Speaker Qulaut’s opening comments.
Once we are able to do so, you will get a copy of it, perhaps before the end of our meeting.
We will proceed with the bill. Bill 9 is in your white legislation binder.
Please refer to the bill.
I believe you all have a copy in front of you.
We are on Bill 9.
It reads, Bill 9, An Act to Amend the Nunavut Elections Act and the Plebiscites Act.
It’s on page 9 in English and it’s not written in Inuktitut. Clause 2.
Members, do you agree to Bill 9 as a whole?
Chairman (interpretation): Does the committee agree, pursuant to Rule 62(2), that Bill 9 can immediately be placed on the orders of the day for third reading?
Speaker Qulaut, we are done.
If you have any closing remarks, you now have the floor.
I also thank the members and ministers for dealing with Bill 9. We will be expecting the bill to be passed.
I would also like to thank my official, Patrick Orr.
We wish to move to report progress at this time.
Speaker (interpretation): Item 20. (interpretation ends) Report of the Committee of the Whole.
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bills 8 and 9 and would like to report that Bills 8 and 9 are immediately ready for third reading.
Speaker (interpretation): There’s a motion on the floor. Is there a seconder?
Bill 08 – Legislative Assembly Statutes Amendment Act – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the hon. member from Cambridge Bay, that Bill 8, Legislative Assembly Statutes Amendment Act, be read for the third time.
Opposed. (interpretation) Thank you. (interpretation ends) The motion is carried and Bill 8 is ready for assent.
Hon. Member for Hudson Bay, Mr. Rumbolt.
Bill 09 – An Act to Amend the Nunavut Elections Act and the Plebiscites Act – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Cambridge Bay, that Bill 9, An Act to Amend the Nunavut Elections Act and the Plebiscites Act, be read for the third time.
Speaker: Qujannamiik, Mr. Clerk.
A reminder to all members to join me at 6:30 p.m. in our Chamber for the Order of Nunavut Investiture Ceremony.
This House stands adjourned until Friday, October 30, at 9:00 a.m.
Friday, October 30, 2015
Pages 425 – 462
Tabling of Documents 453
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 453
Report of the Committee of the Whole 461
Orders of the Day 461
Friday, October 30, 2015 425
029 – 4(3): SPOT Tracking Units (Mike) 425
030 – 4(3): Student Support Assistance Program (Quassa) 426
031 – 4(3): Long-term Partnership with Kamatsiaqtut Help Line (Okalik) 426
032 – 4(3): Park Development at Kugluk (Bloody Falls) Territorial Park (Mike) 427  033 – 4(3): Update on Certificate in Aboriginal Language Revitalization (CALR) (Quassa) 428
074 – 4(3): Wishes for a Happy Halloween (Rumbolt) 428
075 – 4(3): Congratulations to Tagak Curley, C.M., O.Nu (Sammurtok, A) 429
076 – 4(3): Tribute to Photographer Frank Reardon (Hickes) 429
077 – 4(3): Happy Halloween to Constituents (Kuksuk) 430
078 – 4(3): Congratulations to High School Graduates (Keyootak) 430
079 – 4(3): Wishes for a Happy Halloween (Joanasie) 431
080 – 4(3): SPOT Units in Constituency (Akoak) 431
081 – 4(3): Return to Inuit Cultural Roots (Shooyook) 431
082 – 4(3): Walrus Hunting in Hall Beach (Okalik) 433
083 – 4(3): Congratulations to Recipients of Order of Nunavut (Mike) 435
084 – 4(3): Happy Birthday to Wife, Mary (Enook) 435
085 – 4(3): Wishes for a Happy Halloween (Mikkungwak) 435
086 – 4(3): Congratulations to Recipients of Order of Nunavut (Quassa) 436
087 – 4(3): Wishes for Happy Halloween (Ugyuk) 437
096 – 4(3): Federal-Territorial Relations (Angnakak) 438
097 – 4(3): Ship Refuelling in Nunavut (Shooyook) 439
098 – 4(3): Departmental Positions (Enook) 441
099 – 4(3): Clean-up of Burnt School (Joanasie) 442
100 – 4(3): Dialysis Services for Nunavutmiut (Sammurtok, T) 444
101 – 4(3): Northern Employee Benefits Services Pension Plan (Rumbolt) 445
102 – 4(3): Income Assistance Review (Hickes) 447
103 – 4(3): Funding Increase for Hunters and Trappers Organizations (Mikkungwak) 448
104 – 4(3): Western Hudson Bay Polar Bear Quota (Savikataaq) 449
105 – 4(3): Ship Refuelling in Nunavut (Keyootak) 451
025 – 4(3): Letters of Expectation 2015 (Peterson) 453
026 – 4(3): Responses to Letters of Expectation 2015 (Peterson) 453
027 – 4(3): Executive Summary of the Nunavut Suicide Prevention Strategy Evaluation Report (Okalik) 453
Bill 03 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2016-2017 – Nunavut Arctic College – Consideration in Committee 454
Speaker (interpretation): Good morning, my fellow Nunavummiut. Members, ministers, (interpretation ends) Premier, (interpretation) welcome to the House.
Minister’s Statement 029 – 4(3): SPOT Tracking Units (Mike)
Good morning, Nunavummiut and the people of Pangnirtung.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today regarding the (interpretation ends) SPOT tracking units.
I rise today to update the Members of this House on the search and rescue activities of my department in assisting Nunavummiut who get into distress while travelling on the land or water.
(interpretation) As of October 19, 2015, there have been 216 tasked search and rescue incidents in Nunavut since January 1, 2015.
Only 64 of those searches utilized SPOT or other communication devices.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, over 90 percent of our search and rescue incidents are a result of mechanical breakdown or running out of fuel.
(interpretation) Community and Government Services has over 500 SPOT units distributed throughout Nunavut and these units are available through the hamlet, the HTOs, or the RCMP in every community and are available for sign out and use by all residents of the community while travelling on the land.
The use of these units is absolutely free to all users.
Unfortunately, despite the well-advertised availability of these units in every community, many people are still going out on the land without SPOTs or other means of communication.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I wish to remind all residents of Nunavut that when travelling on the land to be prepared for any event.
Conditions can change rapidly and if unprepared, situations can worsen fast. (interpretation) I encourage all residents to take advantage of the SPOT units we have available in every community.
See your local HTO, hamlet, or RCMP to sign a unit out when going out on the land.
The units are available free of charge, take only a few minutes to sign out, and could possibly save your life.
Minister’s Statement 030 – 4(3): Student Support Assistance Program (Quassa)
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, my colleagues and Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak to my fellow members about the work my department is doing with Nunavut Arctic College to establish a Student Support Assistant Program.
Our 158 student support assistants carry out an important service in our schools.
They help teachers reach students who need support to overcome barriers to learning and well-being.
Mr. Speaker, working with student support assistants to expand their knowledge and skills will help raise student achievement as well as build capacity and promote staff retention.
(interpretation ends) The Department of Education delivered part 1 of the first two courses last spring to the first group of 30 student support assistants from across Nunavut.
The first course covered Inclusive Education in Nunavut and the second course focused on Supporting Literacy and Numeracy Strategies in Nunavut Schools.
Part 2 of these courses is being delivered through distance education this November.
Mr. Speaker, the third course is Child Development and the fourth course is Responsive Support. This winter, these courses will be delivered through a combination of distance delivery and on-site delivery methods.
The on-site component will take place in Rankin Inlet in March 2016.
(interpretation) The development of a new and sustainable credential program for student support assistants aligns with my department’s vision of having “more well-educated and self-reliant Nunavummiut” and with its commitment to improving service.
Minister’s Statement 031 – 4(3): Long-term Partnership with Kamatsiaqtut Help Line (Okalik)
The recent coroner’s Inquest into suicide has reminded us of the importance of reaching out, connecting with others, and working together to reduce the incidence of suicide.
For over 25 years, the Kamatsiaqtut Help Line has had trained volunteers and offered a toll-free, anonymous, and confidential help line to Nunavummiut every day.
The Department of Health is partnering with Kamatsiaqtut to provide expanded services.
Last year, the Kamatsiaqtut extended its service from 5 hours to 24 hours every day of the week.
To promote this extended service, Kamatsiaqtut has produced bright, new posters, magnets, and calling cards in all four official languages of Nunavut.
These promotional items are being distributed to all communities to spread the message that Kamatsiaqtut’s trained volunteers are ready to help anyone who needs someone to talk to. If it’s important to Nunavummiut, it’s important to Kamatsiaqtut volunteers.
Next year, the Nunavut Kamatsiaqtut Help Line will host the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention’s national conference in October 2016 with the theme “Hope, Help and Healing.”
The conference was previously hosted in Nunavut in 1993 and 2004. At the appropriate time, I will acknowledge Tana Nash from the association, CASP’s executive director.
All of this is possible with the hard work and dedication of long-term residents and founders of the Kamatsiaqtut Help Line, including Sheila and Lorne Levy. For your commitment to saving lives, I thank you.
Mr. Speaker, if it’s important to Nunavummiut, it’s important to Kamatsiaqtut.
In Iqaluit, call 979-3333. Throughout the territory, call toll-free 1-800-265-3333.
Minister’s Statement 032 – 4(3): Park Development at Kugluk (Bloody Falls) Territorial Park (Mike)
I’ll be speaking about park development at Kugluk (Bloody Falls) Territorial Park.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform my colleagues of the continued progress being made on the development of Kugluk (Bloody Falls) Territorial Park in Kugluktuk.
In particular, we have completed:
The final installation of new interpretive signage in the park;
The installation of a new viewing platform to highlight and protect one of the park’s sensitive archaeological features; and
Substantial trail improvements that have significantly increased access to the park.
Mr. Speaker, my department has completed these projects in collaboration with the community and other stakeholders, including the Hamlet of Kugluktuk and the Kugluktuk Hunters and Trappers Organization. I would especially like to thank the Kugluk Park Advisory Committee for their direction on each of these projects, the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, and the Department of Culture and Heritage for their support and guidance.
These new improvements represent great assets that will benefit both the community of Kugluktuk and Kugluk (Bloody Falls) Territorial Park.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of Nunavut Arctic College, Mr. Quassa.
Minister’s Statement 033 – 4(3): Update on Certificate in Aboriginal Language Revitalization (CALR) (Quassa)
As Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, I shared with my colleagues during the winter 2015 sitting that Nunavut Arctic College is delivering the award-winning Certificate Program in Aboriginal Language Revitalization (CALR).
This program was developed by the University of Victoria’s Department of Linguistics and the Division of Continuing Studies in partnership with the En’owkin Centre.
(interpretation) Since March, a total of six courses have been delivered in Cambridge Bay.
The final three courses will be delivered in November.
The college expects that all eight students will graduate with a certificate in aboriginal language revitalization once they have completed all of the required courses.
Developed in partnership with post-secondary institutions and Inuit communities, the Certificate Program in Aboriginal Language Revitalization enables individuals concerned with language loss, maintenance, and recovery to develop both knowledge and practical strategies for language revitalization activities in Nunavut and beyond.
Mr. Speaker, this program is designed to honour traditional knowledge and practices, to recognize and accommodate the realities and needs of diverse communities, and to provide a foundation for both language revitalization activities and for further study in education, linguistics, or other related areas.
(interpretation) This program delivery has been made possible with funding from the department of language and culture through the Inuit Language Implementation Fund.
Member’s Statement 074 – 4(3): Wishes for a Happy Halloween (Rumbolt)
Before I start my Member’s Statement, I would like to wish my son a happy birthday, who is celebrating his 21st on Sunday.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish a safe and happy Halloween to my constituents in Sanikiluaq and to the rest of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, the weather forecast in Sanikiluaq is calling for a snowy Halloween tomorrow evening.
In fact, current forecasts are predicting a snowy Halloween for many communities in the territory, and I solely encourage all dedicated trick-or-treaters in Nunavut to bundle up before venturing out to collect their tasty treats.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Nunavummiut to keep in mind that our streets may be overrun with creepy crawlers, super heroes, and villains tomorrow evening, and we must all be extra careful when driving on the roads.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all my fellow members, whether they are ghosts, goblins, monsters, or super heroes, to join me in wishing a safe Halloween to all communities.
Member’s Statement 075 – 4(3): Congratulations to Tagak Curley, C.M., O.Nu (Sammurtok, A)
Mr. Alexander Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I had the honour of being in attendance at last evening’s Order of Nunavut ceremony. I thank you and Commissioner Kusugak for an excellent ceremony.
Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity formally congratulate Mr. Tagak Curley, C.M., who is one of my constituents, for his well-deserved recognition.
Member Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes.
Member’s Statement 076 – 4(3): Tribute to Photographer Frank Reardon (Hickes)
Mr. Hickes: Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank you and the Commissioner for hosting the investiture into the Order of Nunavut for the recipients Father Robert Lechat, Bill Lyall, and Tagak Curley.
I would also like to echo my colleague Mr. Rumbolt’s wishes for all trick-or-treaters across the territory to have a very safe Halloween, and I would like to emphasize to all drivers out there to be aware of all the ghosts and goblins. I heard some are even dressing up as a polar bears as planned. I wouldn’t have been allowed in my original hometown of Churchill, Manitoba.
Everyone, be safe out there tonight.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring further attention to the recent accomplishments of a photographer living here in Iqaluit. Mr. Frank Reardon has been living in Nunavut since February 2007 and part of that time being spent in Arviat.
With his day job, Mr. Reardon has travelled to nearly every community in Nunavut.
Mr. Reardon normally carries a camera.
However, one particular day while driving home, he caught a rarely witnessed sundog created by ice crystals in air. He quickly ran in the house, grabbed his camera and took the shot. Wanting to share the beauty of the Arctic with the world, Mr. Reardon posted the photo on the Weather Network website.
Mr. Speaker, thousands of views piled up on the stunning photo that Mr. Reardon uploaded to the Weather Network and caught the attention of a Canadian stamp designer.
The outcome is what you can now see on a new Canada Post stamp. The photo has been included in a stamp collection celebrating the 175th anniversary of continuous weather observing in Canada.
Any time Nunavut can share its beauty and uniqueness, it is something to celebrate. This is one of those times, Mr. Speaker.
The stamp can be seen and purchased at any Canada Post, which was released this past summer on June 20.
Member’s Statement 077 – 4(3): Happy Halloween to Constituents (Kuksuk)
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I say “good morning” to my fellow Nunavummiut and residents of Arviat.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, today, I would also like to say a “Happy Halloween” to everyone in Nunavut. Tomorrow, many youngsters will be dressing up and bundling up to go trick-or-treating.