EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
If a hamlet council or HTO reviews a research application and responds and if research subsequently receives a licence and is conducted, then they should receive a copy of the annual research report.
The benefit of the licensing process is that communities have an informed opportunity to express their views on research, that research results are kept in a central, accessible location in Nunavut, NRI’s research library, and that Nunavut Arctic College students and staff build research capacity by working with outside researchers.
The Scientists Act enables the minister to appoint a science advisor and a science administrator to administer the Act on his behalf. Traditionally the director of the Nunavut Research Institute, a division of the Nunavut Arctic College, has been appointed a science advisor and one of her staff is usually appointed the science administrator.
The Scientists Act is an old Act having been originally past in 1988 and not substantially updated since then.
As part of a review of the Act last fall and in response to recent case law, the Department of Justice indicated that there is a lack of authority for the regulations and recommends that certain provisions in the regulations be moved into the Act. In response to the recommendations from Justice, the proposed amendment is to transfer all of the current regulations relating to the Act into the main body of the Act.
This will provide the minister clear authority to appoint the science advisor and science administrator who in turn will have clear authority to issue licences for scientific research.
The review of the Act also provides an opportunity to update the Act to replace “Commissioner” with “Minister.” The legislative proposal for this amending Act supported purely technical amendments to modernize the Act in wording and authority. The proposal did not address other topics, such as penalties and sureties.
These issues will be addressed in a future legislative proposal when appropriate.
I look forward to your questions, comments, and discussion. There may be questions that we are unable to answer today but we are committed to doing our best.
As Chair of the Standing Committee on Legislation, I am pleased to make opening comments as we begin consideration of Bill 2, An Act to Amend the Scientists Act.
Mr. Chairman, the standing committee first reviewed Bill 2 in early March of this year. While the standing committee recognized that the main intent of Bill 2 is to update terminology and to strengthen the Scientists Act by moving certain provisions that are currently under the regulations directly into the Act, committee members did raise a number of issues with respect to the existing legislation.
One area of concern identified by the standing committee related to the current process for issuing research licences under the Scientists Act.
Committee members appreciated receiving detailed information from the minister describing the scientific licensing process which is carried out under the authority of this Act for research in the areas of health, social or natural sciences.
Members recognize that the Scientists Act does not have authority over research which is conducted in the areas of archaeology, wildlife, or natural resource development, such as oil, mineral and gas exploration, as there are other regulatory processes which govern those types of research activities.
Members also appreciated receiving information and clarification from the minister on the decision-making process which is used to determine whether or not a research proposal would or would not be considered “injurious to or unduly interfere” with Nunavut’s social or natural environment, as provided for under subsection 3(2) of the Act.
The standing committee notes that the Nunavut Research Institute’s decision-making process does not formally identify which entities or stakeholders are generally considered as review agencies during the review process.
The standing committee stresses the importance of informing, advising, and consulting with communities and the general public on research initiatives which are being proposed or undertaken across Nunavut.
Community-based communication and consultation should be an essential component of all research, whether it is conducted under the authority of the Scientists Act or under other regulatory processes.
Another issue that the standing committee raised as a concern was with regard to penalties, sureties, and bonds to be applied in cases of contravention of the terms of a research licence, to ensure proper clean-up and/or remediation of a site, and for the unexpected costs of emergency evacuations.
While members recognize that the intent of Bill 2 is primarily to streamline the administration of the Act, the committee looks forward to future amendments to the legislation to address the issue of penalties, sureties, and bonds.
As a final comment, the standing committee has noted with interest that the application of Nunavut’s legislation to federal agencies, entities, and departments conducting research in Nunavut is not straightforward.
As in the context of other legislation, such as Nunavut’s official languages legislation, this is a complex and contentious area that will undoubtedly require further scrutiny and determination depending on the circumstances of each case.
The standing committee is in support of Bill 2 and recommends its passage to all Members of this House.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Ningeongan. Minister Shewchuk, do you have witnesses that you would like to bring to the table?
To my right I have the President of Nunavut Arctic College, Mr. Dan Vandermeulen, and to my left I have Mr. Thomas Druyan, who is Legal Services with the Department of Justice.
Welcome, Mr. Vandermeulen and Mr. Druyan. Welcome to the legislature.
Before we proceed with the clause-by-clause review, are there any general comments?
When I laid a first glance at Bill 2, An Act to Amend the Scientists Act, the one concern that I had was that there was no visibility of the community being notified of the activities going on around the vicinity of the community in question where the scientific activity was taking place.
Mr. Chairman, I thank the hon. minister for making opening remarks and he is able to shed light on one concern that I had.
Yesterday we met with the lead minister of this bill.
Again today he indicated that the communities will be consulted.
Without going into the details, I think section 4 gives a window of opportunity for everyone concerned to meet and discuss what is happening within the communities.
My thought was that within the protocol of the government, the community was not part of what is going on.
So now that I have the opportunity to… .
The minister has given me the understanding that, in fact, the communities will be consulted and that section 4 allows for about a 12-month period for that opportunity of the minister’s department, along with the licensees, to talk with the community.
I, too, like the Chairman, Mr. Ningeongan, recommend that this bill be passed and be recommended by my fellow colleagues.
That’s all of the comments I have for the time being.
I don’t have any more names on my list. Are we agreed that we can now begin the clause-by-clause review?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Bill 2, (interpretation) An Act to Amend the Scientists Act. (interpretation ends) Clause 1?
Chairman (interpretation): Schedule is on page 3. Do you agree?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Clause 6?
Chairman (interpretation): Are we agreed to Bill 2 as a whole?
Pursuant to Rule 62(2), are we agreed that Bill 2 is ready for third reading?
Minister Shewchuk, we would like to know if you have any closing remarks.
Hon. Daniel Shewchuk: Very quickly, Mr. Chairman, thank you very much for you and your members’ consideration of this bill and approving it. I would like to thank my witnesses. I think this is going to help us streamline this legislation.
It’s much needed that we needed to have it done.
Thank you, Minister Shewchuk.
In Committee of the Whole, we stated that we wanted to deal with Bill 2 and we have concluded our review. What’s the wish of the committee? Mr. Aupaluktuq.
I am very pleased that we just reviewed this bill and we concluded the review, so we would like to report progress.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Aupaluktuq. The motion is not debatable. Are we agreed that we can now report progress?
Speaker: On the Orders of the Day, Item 20.
Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bill 2 and would like to report that Bill 2 is ready for third reading.
Moving on to the orders of the day. Item 21.
Bill 02 – An Act to Amend the Scientists Act – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the hon. member from Rankin Inlet North, that Bill 2, An Act to Amend the Scientists Act, be read for the third time.
A reminder to the regular members of the three meetings scheduled for this afternoon, the first one commencing at 1:30 in the Nanuq Room.
Before we adjourn for the day, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the pages who have travelled here from out of town, from the riding of Nattilik and Cambridge Bay.
I hope you all enjoyed yourselves and learned something, and go home and tell your friends what a wonderful experience it was.
Maybe we will see you guys sitting here one of these days.
Thank you very much for your services.
This House stands adjourned until Monday, June 6, at 1:30 p.m. Have a good weekend.
>>House adjourned at 11:43
Monday, June 6, 2011
Pages 795 – 849
Opening Prayer 795
Ministers’ Statements 795
Members’ Statements 798
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 802
Oral Questions 803
Written Questions 820
Tabling of Documents 822
Notices of Motions 823
Motions 824
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 824
Report of the Committee of the Whole 848
Orders of the Day 848
Monday, June 6, 2011 795
040 – 3(3): Passing of Monique Giroux (Taptuna) 795
041 – 3(3): Congratulations to Lanny Arnakallak (Kusugak) 795
042 – 3(3): Excellence in Nursing Awards (Curley) 796
043 – 3(3): Nunavut Sealskin and Fur Designers Catalogue Launched (Shewchuk) 797
044 – 3(3): Inquest Recommendations Reviewed and Supported (Curley) 797
070 – 3(3): Congratulations to Billy Arragutainaq (Rumbolt) 798
071 – 3(3): Providing Support for Elders (Elliott) 798
072 – 3(3): Summer Student Employment Program (Ningark) 799
073 – 3(3): School Non-attenders (Ugyuk) 800
074 – 3(3): Back to Work in Iqaluit (Kusugak) 801
075 – 3(3): 2011 Graduates of Inuksuk High School (Aariak) 801
100 – 3(3): Status of Request for a Comprehensive Performance Audit of the Qulliq Energy Corporation (Schell) 803
101 – 3(3): Tabling of Suicide Prevention Strategy Action Plan (Elliott) 804
102 – 3(3): Summer Student Employment Opportunities in Smaller Communities (Ningark) 806
103 – 3(3): Update on Social Worker Vacancies in Nunavut (Ningeongan) 808
104 – 3(3): School Non-attenders (Ugyuk) 809
105 – 3(3): Homeowner Fuel Rebate Program (Rumbolt) 811
106 – 3(3): Request for a New Health Centre in Baker Lake (Aupaluktuq) 812
107 – 3(3): Health Insurance Coverage for Nunavut Residents (Elliott) 814
108 – 3(3): Medical Referrals (Schell) 816
109 – 3(3): Realistic Dates for Devolution (Elliott) 818
005 – 3(3): Cancer Screening and Prevention (Ugyuk) 820
006 – 3(3): Update on New Taloyoak Health Centre (Ugyuk) 821
048 – 3(3): Article from Nunavut News/North – Peter Pitseolak School Corrects its Mural (Schell) 822
049 – 3(3): Photographs of Qulliq Energy Corporation Activities (Schell) 822
050 – 3(3): List of Documents Available from the Department of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Canada Concerning the Food Mail and Nutrition North Canada Programs (Elliott) 822
051 – 3(3): Nunavut Emergency Measures Annual Report 2009 (Kusugak) 823
052 – 3(3): F/P/T Mines and Energy Ministers’ Meeting in Montreal, Quebec September 17, 2010 (Taptuna) 823
053 – 3(3): Nunavut Designers Catalogue 2011 (Shewchuk) 823
054 – 3(3): Member’s Request for Access to Information to the Department of Community and Government Services (Aupaluktuq) 823
008 – 3(3): Appointments to the Striking Committee – Notice (Rumbolt) 823
008 – 3(3): Appointments to the Striking Committee (Rumbolt) 824
Tabled Document 248 – 3(2): Government of Nunavut Contract Activity Report Fiscal Year 2009-2010 – Consideration in Committee 825
Tabled Document 249 – 3(2): Lease Activity Report 2009-2010 – Consideration in Committee 825
Tabled Document 251 – 3(2): 2009-2010 Procurement Activity Report – Consideration in Committee 825
Honourable Eva Aariak, Honourable James Arreak, Mr. Moses Aupaluktuq, Honourable Tagak Curley, Mr. Ron Elliott, Honourable Lorne Kusugak, Mr. John Ningark, Mr. Johnny Ningeongan, Honourable Keith Peterson, Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Mr. Fred Schell, Honourable Daniel Shewchuk, Mr. Louis Tapardjuk, Honourable Peter Taptuna, Honourable Hunter Tootoo, Ms. Jeannie Ugyuk.
Before we get started, I would like to ask Minister Curley if he could lead us off with a prayer, please.
Speaker: Good afternoon, everybody.
I hope that everyone had a good weekend.
Moving on in the Orders of the Day, Item 2.
Minister’s Statement 040 – 3(3): Passing of Monique Giroux (Taptuna)
I rise today to offer my condolences to the family and loved ones of Monique Giroux, who passed away on May 21.
Since 2007, Monique served as manager of Kitikmeot Foods in Cambridge Bay.
Monique was a fantastic person and her accomplishments at Kitikmeot Foods were many.
From the beginning, she embraced the challenge of operating a federally certified meat and processing facility, planning the harvests, and marketing the many primary and value-added products.
Most recently, she organized the 2011 muskox harvest which wrapped up last March.
Mr. Speaker, Monique deeply respected the work of the harvesters and plant employees that she worked with, and the rapport they developed made for a friendly and productive work environment.
I am sure that I speak for the staff and boards of Kitikmeot Foods and the Nunavut Development Corporation when I say that she will be greatly missed.
Minister’s Statement 041 – 3(3): Congratulations to Lanny Arnakallak (Kusugak)
I say “good afternoon” to my colleagues and I am very pleased to be able to be here today.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share with the members an educational success story in reference to one of our Qulliq Energy employees.
Earlier this year, Lanny Arnakallak, an employee with QEC since 2006, completed all of the bookwork, practical applications and examinations required over a long four-year period to become a journeyman carpenter.
Lanny also received his Red Seal certification. The Red Seal is the interprovincial standard for trades across Canada and will allow Lanny to work in any territory or province without having to pass another examination.
The Red Seal is known to be the standard of excellence for the trades industries.
Of course, we would prefer that Lanny stay with us to help pass on his knowledge and determination.
Mr. Speaker, Qulliq Energy is proud of employees who have completed their apprenticeship.
Not only does it give the corporation a skilled and certified tradesperson, it also speaks volumes about QEC’s apprenticeship program, mentoring, and support that the staff give to each one of the apprentices as well as to those employees working towards a higher education.
I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the important role that the Department of Education plays in the success of apprenticeship programs in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I ask that all members join me in congratulating Lanny Arnakallak on his achievement, and I wish him continued success throughout his career with Qulliq Energy.
Congratulations, Lanny.
Minister’s Statement 042 – 3(3): Excellence in Nursing Awards (Curley)
I rise today to recognize the contributions that our nurses make to the health and well-being of Nunavutmiut.
May 12 was International Nursing Day and my department celebrated the dedication and commitment of nurses across the territory.
Mr. Speaker, nurses working in northern communities in particular gain skills that make them some of the best trained nurses across the country.
A community nurse is quite often the first point of contact for individuals seeking medical attention.
As such, a key priority of my department is to ensure nursing staff have adequate training and resources to provide effective and efficient health care.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, during National Nursing Week, we announced the excellence in nursing awards to three extraordinary nurses in Nunavut.
It gives me great pleasure to acknowledge Bertha Byrne as the winner of the Award of Excellence for Lifetime Achievement.
Madam Byrne has been nursing for 35 years, including 14 in Nunavut.
She loves working with the people of Nunavut and welcomes the demands of delivering quality care.
Further, Mr. Speaker, Jacqueline Ramnath is the recipient of the Award of Excellence for Nursing Leadership.
Jacquie (Jackie) has established herself as a nursing leader among the staff and residents of the continuing care centre in Gjoa Haven.
Tracy Lickers is a recipient of the Award of Excellence for Nursing Practice.
Tracy is the nursing educator in Cambridge Bay.
She is instrumental in training and mentoring new nurses and she has worked in Nunavut for seven years.
Mr. Speaker, the awards will be presented to the recipients during community visits to the Kitikmeot region.
I would appreciate all of you to join me in congratulating the award winners and nurses across Nunavut for their ongoing commitment to providing quality care to Nunavutmiut. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister’s Statement 043 – 3(3): Nunavut Sealskin and Fur Designers Catalogue Launched (Shewchuk)
I am very pleased to inform members of the new “Nunavut Designers” catalogue, which was launched at the North American Fur and Fashion Exposition in Montreal (NAFFEM) Fur Fair in Montreal earlier this month.
The catalogue is a high-quality promotional tool which features the work of 11 Nunavut designers who work with sealskin and fur.
Production of this catalogue was a collaborative effort between the Department of Economic Development and Transportation, the Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association, and the Department of the Environment.
At the recent NAFFEM Fur Fair in Montreal on May 1 to 3, our department once again presented a booth in partnership with Fur Harvesters Auction and the Government of the NWT to market sealskins and fur to a wide array of fur industry retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers.
The new high-quality catalogue and a selection of sealskin products by Nunavut designers were featured prominently in the booth, attracting a significant amount of interest.
Several of our designers were also present to promote themselves and discuss their creations with potential buyers.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud of our talented designers and encouraged by the current vitality of Nunavut’s sealskin and fur sector. We will continue to provide support to this important cultural industry.
Mr. Speaker, I will table this catalogue at the appropriate time.
Minister’s Statement 044 – 3(3): Inquest Recommendations Reviewed and Supported (Curley)
When Elisapee Michael died on August 13, 2009, our government did not know at that time a coroner’s inquest would be called in 2011 to review her death.
As the Minister of Health and Social Services, I fully supported the decision to proceed with the coroner’s inquest.
The jury of the coroner’s inquest recently issued its conclusion, which included several recommendations for the RCMP, the City of Iqaluit, the Government of Nunavut, and the Qikiqtani General Hospital.
My department and the Qikiqtani General Hospital accept and agree with the jury’s recommendations.
Mr. Speaker, long before the inquest was undertaken, my department and hospital staff reviewed its own policies and operations and made changes to improve patient care and staff training.
Later today, my department will publicly release a more detailed response to the recommendations; if not today, then during this session.
Mr. Speaker, I want to assure Nunavutmiut that my department will continue to work closely with the RCMP and the City of Iqaluit to improve communication and standards to provide quality medical care and a safe environment for everyone.
Orders of the day. Item 3.
Member’s Statement 070 – 3(3): Congratulations to Billy Arragutainaq (Rumbolt)
I rise today to extend my congratulations to Billy Arragutainaq, who just completed his Red Seal oil burner mechanics course through the apprenticeship program.
Mr. Speaker, we are all aware how important it is to have qualified tradespeople in our communities.
I would like to acknowledge the support of the Qammaq Housing Association for supporting Bill through this program. He continues to work at the housing association in this very important occupation.
Mr. Speaker, it is a significant accomplishment to have successfully completed an apprenticeship and earn a journeyman’s ticket.
Bill had to travel out of the territory for some of his training and all of his exams. By all accounts, he was one of the top of his class and should be commended for his achievement.
He is a fine example and role model for the youth of the community of Sanikiluaq.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to wish Bill the best of luck in the future, and I ask my fellow members to join me in congratulating him on his achievement.
Speaker: Congratulations, Bill.
Member’s Statement 071 – 3(3): Providing Support for Elders (Elliott)
I rise today to address what I see as an urgent need to re-evaluate and recalculate what level of support should be provided to our seniors and elders in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I am not simply addressing the issue of poverty, although we know full well that many of our elders do face poverty on a daily basis. I am referring to the bare minimum that is provided to our elders through such programs as the federal government’s Old Age Security and Canada Pension Plan.
Mr. Speaker, I have had a number of elders and seniors in my constituency approach me saying that it is harder and harder for them to make ends meet with what little financial support they receive. They say that with the increase in the cost of food, health care, heat, and power, times are tough.
Mr. Speaker, I recognize that the Government of Nunavut also offers a number of programs designed to provide additional support to seniors. These include the Seniors Benefit and other income support programs, the Senior Home Heating Subsidy, the Seniors Property Tax Relief program, Supplementary Health Benefits, and so on.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to call upon the Government of Nunavut to review the levels of financial support that are available to seniors and compare those levels with the varying costs of living across Nunavut’s communities. In determining what resources are necessarily to enable a person, a senior, to live comfortably and securely, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Mr. Speaker, our government recognizes the disparity in the cost of living between different communities by providing to its employees northern allowance subsidies scaled to the cost of living where one lives.
The same should be applied to support payments for seniors.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage the Government of Nunavut to bring forward to the federal government the need to adjust federal program funding to take into account these same criteria.
Member’s Statement 072 – 3(3): Summer Student Employment Program (Ningark)
Mr. Ningark (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, share in the joy and pride expressed by Mr. Kusugak, Mr. Curley, and Mr. Rumbolt in their constituencies for those who have completed their training and they are moving forward.
Mr. Speaker, at this time, the school year is over and spring has sprung and the students will enjoy a summer break. I am very pleased to see them take a summer break. I imagine that some students will be going hunting out on the land, along with their friends, family, and parents.
Some students will get summer jobs if there are any available, Mr. Speaker.