EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): I don’t understand.
Chairman (interpretation): We will be dealing with Bill 43. Do you have opening comments, Minister?
Bill 43 – Write-Off of Assets and Debts Act, 2008-2009 – Consideration in Committee
The purpose of the Write-Off of Assets and Debts Act is to write-off two categories of assets of the Government of Nunavut that exceed $20,000.
The two categories of assets are: (1) inventories of Nunavut Development Corporation (NDC) and the Petroleum Products Division (PPD) of the Department of Community and Government Services; and (2) loans receivables of Nunavut Business Credit Corporation (NBCC).
In the case of NDC, the amount of write-off is $210,185 over four fiscal years for slow-moving, broken, or damaged merchandise.
For PPD, the amount of the write-off is $3,202,792.12 over four fiscal years for fuel lost due to normal evaporation and shrinkage.
The write-off of one loan of NBCC is because this loan has been determined not to be collectable. The owner of the business is now deceased.
Section 24(3) of the Financial Administrations Act stipulates that before an asset of the Government of Nunavut or a debt owed to the Government of Nunavut, in whole or in part, exceeds $20,000, is written off, an Act is required.
This concludes my opening comments. I would be pleased to answer any questions members may have, Mr. Chairman.
For the record, please introduce your witnesses again.
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): To my left is Peter Ma, my Deputy Minister of Finance, and to my right is David Akeeagok, the Deputy Minister of Community and Government Services.
Yes, I do and I believe, as this is my last opening comments of this Assembly as the Chairperson of Government Operations and Accountability, I want to take this opportunity to thank all my committee members for the work that they have put in over the last four and half years and I would also like to acknowledge the staff that worked with the committee over that time, too.
Mr. Chairman, as Chair of the Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee on Government Operations and Accountability, I am pleased to make some opening comments concerning the standing committee’s review of Bill 43, Write-off of Assets and Debts Act, 2008-2009.
During the minister’s appearance before the standing committee, members were pleased to be advised that the government will work to ensure that future measures of this nature are brought forward in a timely manner.
The last such bill of this nature to be considered by the House received Assent in March of 2005.
The standing committee noted that Bill 43 includes a provision to write-off approximately $3.2 million worth of petroleum products inventory as a result of evaporation and shrinkage.
Members posed a number of questions to the minister and his officials concerning such matters as the methodology by which the government determines the amount of shrinkage and evaporation that has occurred in Nunavut’s tank farm facilities and the way in which it calculates the dollar value of this loss.
The standing committee was advised that evaporation and shrinkage rates in our tank farms are within industry standards.
The committee appreciated the minister’s commitment to provide further information on this issue, including a community-by-community breakdown of evaporation and shrinkage rates.
Mr. Chairman, I wish to advise the House that the standing committee proposed one amendment to Bill 43, which received ministerial concurrence.
The introduction version of Bill 43 included a provision to write-off $105,756.57 worth of a loan that was made to Unaalik Aviation Incorporated by the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation.
It is the standing committee’s understanding that this loan was approved in March of 2002.
Its original amount was $200,000.
The standing committee recognizes that the company subsequently went through bankruptcy proceedings. However, it is the standing committee’s understanding that a successor entity to this company has subsequently received at least one major contract from the Government of Nunavut.
The standing committee was of the view that this loan should not be formally written off until further collection efforts are made.
The standing committee, in its dialogue with the minister on this issue, also expressed its support for a greater role for the Department of Finance in the evaluation and awarding of major Government of Nunavut contracts in such areas as medical travel and medical evacuation services.
Mr. Chairman, this concludes my opening remarks and the committee recommends the passage of Bill 43, as amended, to all members.
There being none, we will proceed to the clause-by-clause review of the bill. Bill 43, Write-Off of Assets and Debts Act, 2008-2009.
Go to Schedule. Part 1.
Write-Off of Assets. Petroleum products inventory lost due to evaporation and shrinkage. $3,203,797.12.
Chairman: Back to clause 1.
Does the committee agree to clause 1?
Chairman: Go to the Schedule. Part 2.
Assets Written-Off. Retail arts and crafts inventory reduced by damage, loss or discounts.
Total Amount. $210,185.
Chairman: Does the committee agree to Clause 2?
Chairman: Go to the Schedule.
Part 3 of the Schedule.
Debts Written-Off. Avataq Enterprises. $50,537.71.
Chairman: Clause 3 of the bill.
Chairman: Does the committee agree to Bill 43 as a whole?
Chairman: Is the committee agreed that pursuant to Rule 62(2) that Bill 43 can immediately be placed on the Orders of the Day for third reading?
Chairman: Thank you very much. (interpretation) Minister, I would like to thank you, Mr. Akeeagok, and Mr. Ma for being here.
Minister, if you have any final comments you may make them now.
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): I just want to say thanks to members of the committee.
I don’t have any other comments, but I am pleased that the bill has been passed.
We will now be well prepared for the next government.
We will now be dealing with Bill 20.
Hon. Patterk Netser: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation) Just before we deal with Bill 20, I would like to recognize my wife.
I am happy that she’s here and I would like to welcome her. She is the mother of nine and grandmother of six. I am proud to have her as my wife.
I would like to ask the Minister of Health and Social Services, Minister Akesuk, to make his opening comments.
Bill 20 – Midwifery Profession Act – Consideration in Committee
I am pleased to appear before the committee to discuss Bill 20, the Midwifery Profession Act.
This proposed legislation will provide Nunavummiut with a choice in how and where the birth of their children will take place.
As the midwifery program grows, Nunavummiut will be able to choose to give birth in Nunavut with a registered midwife or through the contemporary medical model with physicians and nurses.
Nothing in this legislation will limit that choice.
Midwifery is not a new concept to Inuit.
Traditional Inuit midwives have historically carried out a critical and valuable role in our communities.
They have educated, assisted and cared for birthing women, advocated for exclusive and long-term breastfeeding, and maintained a strong and supportive relationship with the children after their birth.
It is important to recognize their role in helping to make the birthing process safe for mothers and infants.
We have recognized that traditional Inuit midwifery practice is an important part of the culture and heritage of Nunavut and that traditional Inuit midwifery knowledge, skills and judgment must be preserved and shared for future generations.
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk: In modern times, many Nunavut women have been required to obtain birthing care far from their home communities for extended periods of time.
The development of a skilled midwifery profession that maintains a high standard of care is necessary to enable women to return to community-based birthing practices.
Mr. Chairman, through this legislation, traditional Inuit midwifery knowledge and skills will be incorporated within contemporary midwifery education programs offered in Nunavut and the delivery of midwifery services to Nunavummiut.
The midwifery education program we offer in partnership with Nunavut Arctic College blends traditional and contemporary knowledge and skills in this way.
Overall, I see this as progressive legislation that reflects our commitment to incorporate IQ in the delivery of our programs and services to Nunavummiut.
The Standing Committee on Health and Education has had the opportunity to review Bill 20 and I am pleased to be able to make some comments today on the proposed Midwifery Profession Act.
Mr. Chairman, the Standing Committee on Health and Education has supported the principle and intent of this bill from the outset.
The Midwifery Profession Act will serve to bring maternal care and midwifery services closer to the community level, something that families and community residents have been requesting for some time.
Mr. Chairman, for several generations now, expectant mothers have generally been required to travel away from their homes and families for several weeks ahead of their due date.
This requirement to travel to a regional centre or even out of the territory to deliver babies was mostly due to the scarcity of trained and qualified health care providers.
However, this practice put a great strain on expectant mothers and their families, with the birthing experience becoming a challenging and isolated event instead of a joyous family one within the support of a community and culture.
The standing committee has been pleased to note that a number of programs have been developed and delivered to train maternal care workers and midwives and to promote maternal health care in Nunavut. Once enacted, the Midwifery Profession Act will formally enable qualified midwives to legally practice an important professional role within a locally-based health care system.
Mr. Chairman, the standing committee reviewed Bill 20 with care. The committee received input from a number of stakeholders, including the Nunavut Association of Midwives, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, and the Irnisuksiiniq Inuit Midwifery Network of the National Aboriginal Health Organization.
The committee appreciated the input it received and these submissions were tabled earlier this year.
Mr. Chairman, as a result of its review, the standing committee had a number of concerns with Bill 20 and believed that these should be addressed before proceeding to the next stage of the legislative process.
In particular, Mr. Chairman, the committee was of the view that experience and knowledge from the practice of traditional Inuit midwifery should be more specifically incorporated into the policies, practices, and legislation relating to this health care field.
Initially, the committee was of the view that the role and practice of traditional Inuit midwives should be more clearly defined and established within the Act.
Upon reflection, however, the committee recognized that the practice of traditional Inuit midwifery itself did not clearly fall within the intent of the proposed legislation even though it is certainly an important part of the culture and heritage of Nunavut.
The standing committee was, therefore, pleased to support a number of amendments to ensure that traditional Inuit midwifery knowledge, skills and judgement will be incorporated within the training, development, and practice of certified Nunavut midwives.
The committee has heard that a number of items, such as interviews and videotapes of elders regarding traditional midwifery practices, are currently being transcribed and converted into curriculum materials for Nunavut’s midwifery training programs and members fully support this initiative.
The standing committee further recognizes that in the future, additional legislation may be brought forward to address the specific role and practice of traditional Inuit midwives.
The standing committee also had concerns that individuals practicing midwifery in Nunavut may not be adequately protected by liability insurance.
Members were pleased that the committee’s recommendations in this area resulted in amendments to the bill to clarify the requirements for insurance coverage.
The standing committee was also pleased to receive further assurances from the minister that the Department of Health and Social Services will he hiring registered midwives as indeterminate employees of the government and, as such, the department will cover the costs of insurance in the same manner as for other health care professionals.
It should be noted, however, that while the Midwifery Profession Act does allow for individuals to register and practice as private registered midwives, similar to licensed doctors running private clinics, they will be responsible for their own liability insurance and must demonstrate that they have obtained adequate coverage as part of the registration process.
Mr. Chairman, on a final note, the standing committee encourages the government to undertake evaluations of the provision of maternal midwifery health care across Nunavut.
It will be worthwhile to track the extent to which expectant mothers choose to have a midwife attend the birth of their child instead of a physician. In an ideal future, all mothers will have this choice in their home communities.
Mr. Simailak: The standing committee would like to extend its appreciation to those individuals who have worked very hard towards the development of this legislation.
If I may, I would like to name particularly Nowyah Williams from Rankin Inlet, who provided very valuable information to the committee.
The committee would like to recognize the ongoing success of the Rankin Inlet Birthing Centre and supports those Nunavummiut who enter the health care profession as maternal care workers, midwife assistants, and midwives in their endeavours.
That concludes my opening remarks, Mr. Chairman. The Standing Committee on Health and Education supports the bill as amended and reprinted, and recommends its passage to all members. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Minister Akesuk, would like to have officials with you at the witness table?
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk: Yes, please.
Chairman (interpretation): Do members agree to bring in the witnesses?
On my right is Monte Kehler and to my left is Diane Buckland from the Department of Justice, Director for Health.
We have pushed to have midwives in Nunavut recognized for a long time.
It’s a traditional practice that is important to Inuit and which they wish to continue. In fact, since it was practised at homes, it became a joyous occasion for families.
This tradition is something people want to continue because of its value.
We talked about the Inuit Language Protection Act and this is an integral part of the Inuit way that should continue to be taught, as the chairman mentioned.
After dealing with the issue for some time, it became evident that there should be a Midwifery Profession Act and we will pursue its passage in the House.
Before we proceed, we will take a 30-minute break.
>>Committee recessed at 18:24 and resumed at 18:56
Chairman (interpretation): I would now like to call the committee meeting to order.
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): I was just pointing.
I just want to make a brief comment about the difficulties surrounding this issue and the Inuit who know a lot about midwifery and are still with us today.
They spoke about the need for their involvement with us as the committee and it was heartfelt as this legislation moved along.
I would like to thank those who have been involved with Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and it’s good to see that they would be recognized with this Act.
I’m not saying that the legislation is perfect, there are bound to be flaws discovered.
For example, there were concerns about insurance through cooperation, the use of midwifery experts within schools, training provided by midwives, and incentives.
It was nearly impossible when Inuit midwives were not recognized. It seems this will dovetail with the legislation.
It’s very good that we have this piece of legislation and a good step towards recognizing the Inuit role and recognition by the Nunavut government.
I wanted to say that I am very happy to have this piece of legislation.
I know that there’s more that we can do, but there will be opportunities to make additions or amendments to this Act.
I am just happy that there’s something now where previously there was nowhere to go and no support.
This is what I wanted to say and thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I, too, am a member of the committee and I would like to echo some of the comments that the chairman made. I think all committee members, and I’m sure the staff and officials at the Department of Health and Social Services, are very pleased that they finally are able to move forward on this piece of legislation.
On behalf of the committee, I know there were some frustrations for several months of not getting any information from the department, but near the end, the information did come and I think it helped us all understand.
We all agree on the same thing and I am very pleased that we’re able to get this piece of legislation to where it is right now and it will pass here in the life of this Assembly.
I think one of the things that was noted in the chairman’s opening comments was the fact that one of the most important things that was expressed out there by Inuit women, who have knowledge and skills of traditional Inuit midwifery practices, that those be incorporated into any training program for registered midwives that are going to be working here in the North.
And I think that is an important component of this legislation. I’m glad and hope that they know and feel good about the fact that this does create a mechanism that instils that their knowledge and skills will be passed on into the new contemporary practice of midwifery in the North.
I would like to thank an individual who is not here today and that’s Ms. Nowyah Williams from the birthing centre in Rankin Inlet.
She was up for the standing committee, clause-by-clause, with the minister on the bill and she gave some very good insight on that, and I hope, as she does, as things move ahead, that we will be able to see midwives in more communities across the territory, which will give women that are expectant mothers the option of being able to choose and I think that’s an important thing to state here.
When we do have those options available in the communities, then women will have the option of choosing whether or not to stay in their home community and give birth with a midwife, rather than having to travel to some other community other than home to give birth. I think that’s a good goal because, in the long run, it will help cut down some of the costs on the government as far as medical travel.
I think it’s important that, in a lot of cases, mothers want to be around their families when they give birth. All family members want to be there and it’s probably the proudest moment as a father that you have when your child is born.
I look forward to having more Nunavummiut being able to have that opportunity with their families.
Mr. Curley: Thank you. (interpretation) I raised my hand earlier and thought my name was jotted down.
Anyway, I would also like to thank the committee for their hard work and I thank the minister for putting this bill forward. I also like to thank his officials, in particular, those who work in my community and I know them personally, like Nowyah Williams and others from the communities on midwifery.
I would particularly like to recognize the Member for Nanulik’s mother for her tremendous work. As my colleague from Arviat knows, she had unmatched knowledge about bringing babies into this world and helping to raise them to adolescence.
I wish to thank people like her for having brought us to this day.
For many of us, it was inconceivable that we would be having children in hospitals.
I, myself, was born in a tent and my colleague from Arviat knows that well as his mother was my godmother. I would like to thank them very much.
I know that elders share in the joy and pride in the progress of this issue.
Midwives and midwife trainers will now be able to obtain licenses and that’s what the people in the communities are pleased with.
Children born in the communities will now be able to receive Nunavut birth certificates. This makes common sense and I’m sure the minister agrees.
I received a letter a couple of days ago, Mr. Chairman, which states, “I have been trying to get a birth certificate for 16 years from Inuvik. I am unable to obtain a SIN card and as a result, I am unable to find employment.”
This individual has trying to get a SIN card for 16 years, saying he was born in Ottawa. He even found an affidavit, but it didn’t help in obtaining his birth certificate.
I wonder what the reason is.
I don’t think we should be doing that to our own Inuit anymore.
So I just want to let the minister know that I wrote a letter to him and I want that resolved because there shouldn’t any one who doesn’t have a birth certificate.
Without a birth certificate, you can’t obtain a job, file income tax returns, or receive employment insurance.
It’s very scary not to have those kinds of IDs. The individual, I believe, will be going to my colleague’s riding in Rankin Inlet and I will provide her with a copy of the letter so that she is well-informed.
I wanted to mention that I know that this issue will help our youth and result in our elders getting recognition for their role in midwifery.
We will now proceed with the clause-by-clause review of the bill.
Bill 20 in your legislation binder. Midwifery Profession Act.
Chairman: Clause 6.1.
Clause 6.1 indicates that “The Minister shall develop instructional content based on traditional Inuit midwifery knowledge, skills and judgment for” training and refresher programs and professional development programs.
Can the minister or his officials give an indication if any of this work has been undertaken already or when they expect to have this instructional content developed?
Monte Kehler will respond to that question.
Mr. Kehler.
Mr. Kehler: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
So to answer your question, part of this has been taken care of in that traditional Inuit midwives have been invited to meet with the students that are going through the program at Nunavut Arctic College and parts of the content of what they’re describing in those meetings have been put into the curriculum.
But there’s a much broader project underway to actually incorporate the content from previous meetings that we’ve had with traditional Inuit midwives in the past.
For example, in February of 2007, there was a meeting in Iqaluit for traditional Inuit midwives to tell stories of the past basically of how they delivered babies.
Those stories have been caught on video and some of it has been collected in print. So those do require transcription and translation, which is kind of what’s holding up that from becoming part of the curriculum.
To answer your question on how long it will take, it should be available within a year in the courses that we are teaching.
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Kehler.
Clause 6.1.
Chairman: Clause 55.
Chairman: Clause 56.
Chairman: Clause 57.
Chairman: Clause 58.
Chairman: Clause 59.
Chairman: Clause 60.
Chairman: Clause 61.
Chairman: Clause 62.
Chairman: Is the committee agreed to Bill 20 as a whole?
Chairman: Do members agree that pursuant to Rule 62(2) that Bill 20 can immediately be placed on the Orders of the Day for third reading?
Thank you, Minister, Mr. Kehler, and Ms. Buckland. (interpretation) Minister, do you have any closing remarks?
I wish to thank the committee for being able to work with my staff.
We have worked hard and I would like to also thank the other staff who helped out, along with my officials sitting with me.
I would now like to ask Minister Picco, Minister responsible for Education, to make his opening remarks.
Bill 21 – Education Act – Consideration in Committee
I’m very pleased to be before the committee tonight to make my opening remarks on Bill 21, the Nunavut Education Act.
Mr. Chairman, we have the opportunity to set the education system in Nunavut on a new course, a bilingual system founded on and in accordance with Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and Inuit societal values.