EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
This is to enable youth to have employment opportunities, to provide activities to lessen boredom resulting in youth crime and other means. I doubt we need to concentrate on annual reports stemming from this position and to dither while we await these recommendations from the representative. Is the government’s view that this is the only option that will break their disbelief in conditions our youth face?
Is that the only way they can believe?
I don’t think that we should be that obtuse. Who is responsible for youth? Is it the parents?
Is it the families who are partially responsible for our youth? In my opinion, absolutely! My wife, Sally, and I deal with many youth issues just in our relatives’ circles, both our own, our grandchildren amongst others.
I want to see these bonds strengthened instead.
After voicing that, I want to state that we aren’t trying to turn the already formed opinions of the Premier or the cabinet or even of our colleagues, the MLAs, on whether Bill 40 should be supported, but rather what we are trying to state is part of our thoughts on this bill and the reality we see in our communities.
That is what we are advocating. We are grateful for the opportunity to voice our thoughts within this House, as we have freedom of speech.
Freedom of speech implies that one shall voice one’s thoughts without intimidation or niggling concerns about the legislation as proposed as elected representatives in this House.
With that as my foundation, I want to state this fact: the government shouldn’t expect any legislation introduced by any executive member to automatically be accepted and that the members will automatically (interpretation ends) rubberstamp (interpretation) the drafted legislation.
The message we hear is “Just approve it already!” If that is the mentality of this government, then I reiterate what I stated in my Member’s Statement that perhaps if Inuit hadn’t bothered with the parliamentary system in creating Nunavut, we may have been in a much better position. If this government thinks that is the way things operate, where only those priorities it feels are important ought to be the only ones passed and that members will be agreeable, in order to resolve some of the critical issues we face which are urgent, we don’t have the funding revenue stream to support them all.
For this legislation that authorizes an annual report from this commissioner, it will cost over $2 million per annum. We wish that funds were that easy to allocate for our own ideas.
That is our biggest concern. I know that the majority of the representatives here support Bill 40 and they have expressed their own thoughts on this matter. I am proud of the fact we don’t always agree as we are expressing free speech and one shouldn’t always agree with everything stated, but one has to listen to the other side of the coin.
That will form the basis of my final comments that I wanted to voice, Mr. Chairman.
Let me make this clear here in terms of the Chair’s role and in using that authority, I have tried to exercise it in fairness and tried to provide every opportunity for members to speak to this bill, to voice their thoughts and opinions during general comments, on more than one occasion in some cases.
I have made my decision and provided ample opportunity for every member to voice their thoughts during this general commenting period, so I will no longer be adding any more names to my list.
I believe we have exhausted all options as every member has outlined their positions.
With that, we will proceed with the clause-by-clause review of the bill.
At this time, following Rule 6(1) and as Chair, Mr. Elliott.
Thank you for the explanation that you have been giving.
I appreciate the fact that some individuals have had more chances to speak, but I think the Chair is being fair in the way he is allowing everyone to speak.
I don’t have any further comments, but I think, generally, when we do our proceedings, regular members do get a chance to speak and then it is, at times, put back to the sponsoring minister to answer to some of the things. We have said many things over the last couple of days regarding the bill and different pieces of information.
Is the sponsoring minister going to have a chance to reply to our comments?
The minister will have an opportunity to reply, but as per my statement, the next process is going clause by clause. Before you interrupted me, Mr. Elliott, (interpretation) I was saying that pursuant to Rule 6(1), I now recognize the clock and I will rise to report progress.
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bill 40 and would like to report progress.
Thank you, Member from Cambridge Bay, Mr. Peterson.
Motion 57 – 3(3)
Before we adjourn, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Sergeant-at-Arms, Mr. Jayko Ishulutak from Pangnirtung, for being here this week to assist us. Also, I would like to say “thank you” to our pages, who I believe will be here again next week to help us.
This House stands adjourned until Monday, September 16, at 1:30 p.m.
DAY 92
Monday, September 16, 2013
Pages 5004 – 5063
Opening Prayer 5004
Ministers’ Statements 5004
Members’ Statements 5006
Returns to Oral Questions 5016
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 5016
Oral Questions 5016
Replies to Opening Address 5032
Tabling of Documents 5035
Motions 5037
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 5037
Chairman’s Ruling 5037
Point of Order 5041  Report of the Committee of the Whole 5062
Third Reading of Bills 5062
Orders of the Day 5063
Monday, September 16, 2013 5004
338 – 3(3): October Grand Opening of the Nattilik Heritage Centre at Gjoa Haven (Arreak) 5004
339 – 3(3): IGN.I.T.E Technology Camp (Aariak) 5004
340 – 3(3): Food Price Survey (Ell) 5005
341 – 3(3): Kivalliq Mine Training Society (Taptuna) 5006
567 – 3(3): Reflections on Representing Baker Lake (Aupaluktuq) 5006
568 – 3(3): Establishing the Standards for Medical Travel Contracts (Rumbolt) 5008
569 – 3(3): Reflections on Being an MLA for Tununiq (Enook) 5009
570 – 3(3): Tank Farm Renewal in Pangnirtung (Oshutapik) 5010
571 – 3(3): Successful Bowhead Hunt in Gjoa Haven (Ugyuk) 5011
572 – 3(3): Environmental Protection Challenges in Nunavut (Elliott) 5011
573 – 3(3): Lack of Monitoring in Nunavut Waters (Ningeongan) 5012
574 – 3(3): Inuit Involvement in a Public Government (Ningark) 5012
575 – 3(3): Kivalliq Mine Training Programs (Curley) 5013
576 – 3(3): New Executive Director of Nunavut Association of Municipalities (Ell) 5013
577 – 3(3): Cambridge Bay Wellness Centre (Peterson) 5014
578 – 3(3): Congratulations to Thomas Anguti Johnston (Aariak) 5015
Return to Oral Question 742 – 3(3): $100 Million Geo-mapping Project (Arreak) 5016
754 – 3(3): Status of Sanikiluaq School Repairs (Rumbolt) 5016
755 – 3(3): Designation of Pond Inlet as a Hub Airport (Enook) 5018
756 – 3(3): Bulk Fuel Storage Capacity in Pangnirtung (Oshutapik) 5019
757 – 3(3): Hydraulic Fracturing in Nunavut (Elliott) 5020
758 – 3(3): Kivalliq Mine Training Programs (Curley) 5022
759 – 3(3): Inuit in Management Positions (Ningark) 5024
760 – 3(3): Status of New Air Terminal Building in Taloyoak (Ugyuk) 5025
761 – 3(3): Cape Dorset Health Centre Replacement (Schell) 5026
762 – 3(3): Lack of Monitoring in Nunavut Waters (Ningeongan) 5028
763 – 3(3): Status of New Public Housing Rent Scale (Rumbolt) 5030
764 – 3(3): Review and Administration of Aboriginal Custom Adoption Legislation (Curley) 5031
765 – 3(3): Public Service Disclosure Requirements (Enook) 5031
Reply to Opening Address 003 – 3(3): Ms. Monica Ell (Ell) 5032
414 – 3(3): 2012 NNI Comprehensive Review, August 2013 (Taptuna) 5035
415 – 3(3): Nunavut Law Foundation Annual Report for the Year Ended October 31, 2011 (Shewchuk) 5035
416 – 3(3): Nunavut Law Foundation Annual Report for the Year Ended December 31, 2012 (Shewchuk) 5035
417 – 3(3): Legal Services Board of Nunavut Annual Report 2009-2010 (Shewchuk) 5035
418 – 3(3): Legal Services Board of Nunavut Annual Report 2010-2011 (Shewchuk) 5035
419 – 3(3): Legal Services Board of Nunavut Annual Report 2011-2012 (Shewchuk) 5035
420 – 3(3): Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Arreak) 5036
421 – 3(3): Nunavut Public Library Services Annual Report 2011-2012 (Arreak) 5036
422 – 3(3): Report on the Payment of Indemnities, Allowances, Benefits and Expenses to the Members of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut for the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2013 (Speaker) 5036
423 – 3(3): Information and Privacy Commissioner of Nunavut Annual Report 2012-2013 (Speaker) 5036
424 – 3(3): Report of the Integrity Commissioner for the Period April 1, 2013 to September 8, 2013 (Speaker) 5036
425 – 3(3): Legislative Assembly Retiring Allowances Fund Financial Statements March 31, 2013 (Speaker) 5036
426 – 3(3): Legislative Assembly Supplementary Retiring Allowances Fund Financial Statements March 31, 2013 (Speaker) 5036
058 – 3(3): Extend Question Period (Enook) 5032
057 – 3(3): Extended Hours and Days (Kusugak) 5037
Committee Motion 012 – 3(3): Bill 40, Representative for Children and Youth Act (Elliott) 5051
Bill 40 – Representative for Children and Youth Act – Consideration in Committee 5038
Bill 58 – Public Service Act – Consideration in Committee 5053
Bill 58 – Public Service Act – Third Reading 5062
Bill 40 – Representative for Children and Youth Act – Third Reading 5062
Before we proceed with today’s sitting, I would like to ask Mr. Shewchuk to lead us off in a prayer, please.
Minister’s Statement 338 – 3(3): October Grand Opening of the Nattilik Heritage Centre at Gjoa Haven (Arreak)
I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate the Nattilik Heritage Society on achieving its goal to establish the Nattilik Heritage Centre, which will celebrate its grand opening on October 17.
The centre is a multi-use heritage and tourism facility within a one-storey, 3,300 sq. ft., eight-sided structure completed.
Its object is to promote arts and crafts and to attract tourists during cruise ship season.
The building has an exhibition gallery and a gift shop. Culture and Heritage has loaned 70 artefacts and museum objects which are representative of Gjoa Haven’s regional history and in time for the grand opening.
Mr. Speaker, my department recently contributed the Nattilik Heritage Centre’s first core heritage funding in addition to program funding this fiscal year for Inuit tapestry and carving mentorship, all to help the new centre establish its footing.
Mr. Speaker, we appreciate that the Department of Economic Development and Transportation as well as the Department of Canadian Heritage came to the heritage society’s assistance for what has become a significant program and symbol of heritage preservation.
Minister’s Statement 339 – 3(3): IGN.I.T.E Technology Camp (Aariak)
First of all, I would like to welcome the Member for Hudson Bay for coming back to the House.
We send our condolences to his family.
Mr. Speaker, as we set out in Tamapta, this government is committed to improving education outcomes for our students. We have achieved this in part by inspiring students to pursue jobs that are available right now in Nunavut.
One example is a technology camp for youth between the ages of 8 and 14 years that took place in Iqaluit June 24 to 26.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, IGN.I.T.E stands for “igniting interest in technology and engineering” and the goal of this three-day camp was to inspire youth to consider career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math.
This is the third time an IGN.I.T.E camp has been held in a Nunavut community and this year, 19 young people participated. The camp instructors were great role models.
They guided the participants through hands-on science and engineering activities, showing them that working together helps each person build their self-confidence and develop their technical abilities.
Through this learning experience, the youth realized that staying in school and working hard would help them gain the skills needed to take advantage of many career opportunities in the future.
The Iqaluit IGN.I.T.E camp was a joint initiative between IBM, the Department of Education, SNC-Lavalin, N-CAP, Nunavut Library Services, and the Friends of the Iqaluit Centennial Library Association.
I want to thank IBM for delivering this technology camp to young Nunavummiut and also for donating the equipment so we can use it in future years around Nunavut communities.
Many things can be accomplished when we work together.
Minister’s Statement 340 – 3(3): Food Price Survey (Ell)
I believe I speak for all Members of this Assembly when I say we have heard from our constituents that the cost of food in Nunavut is too high.
Many Nunavummiut cannot afford to purchase groceries and essential household items.
Nunavummiut have organized demonstrations and drawn international attention to the high cost of food in our territory.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to talk about the results of the pilot Nunavut food price survey.
This survey was collaboration between the Nunavut Anti-Poverty Secretariat in the Department of Family Services and the Nunavut Bureau of Statistics.
Survey results show that the price of individual food items range from 20 to 287 percent higher than the average across Canada.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the staff across the Government of Nunavut who learned new skills in order to carry out the pilot food price survey.
Their hard work has given us important information about the cost of living and the high cost of food.
The pilot survey was completed in 11 Nunavut communities and my department is working closely with the Nunavut Bureau of Statistics to identify ways to extend the survey to all Nunavut communities.
Minister’s Statement 341 – 3(3): Kivalliq Mine Training Society (Taptuna)
Mr. Speaker, the mining industry is an essential part of our territorial economy. It is a critical source of employment and economic opportunity for Nunavummiut.
A key part of our mining strategy is the support for Nunavummiut and communities to become full participants of the mining sector and economy.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to tell you about the Kivalliq Mine Training Society and the role it plays in helping us be active participants in the mining sector.
Our investments in the Kivalliq Mine Training Society, in partnership with the Kivalliq Inuit Association, have leveraged significant federal investment and have enabled people to be trained for employment in the mining industry. Mr. Speaker, as of last year, 1,730 people had completed Kivalliq Mine Training Society programs.
Mr. Speaker, I am excited about the future of mining in Nunavut. We are working towards a successful mining sector built on a foundation of training and education.
Our department has invested in building this capacity within our communities and will continue to support projects that benefit Nunavummiut.
The Department of Economic Development and Transportation remains committed to developing a Nunavut-wide mine training society, expanding the Kivalliq region’s success to all Nunavummiut.
Member’s Statement 567 – 3(3): Reflections on Representing Baker Lake (Aupaluktuq)
I rise today to reflect on five years of representing Baker Lake in the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, when the people of Baker Lake entrusted me to represent them in this House, I knew that I would need the strength of my family and the entire community in order to fulfill my duties and obligations.
I want to take this opportunity to offer my heartfelt thanks to the residents of Baker Lake for their support over the past five years.
Mr. Speaker, as I look back on what we have accomplished as a Legislative Assembly, I firmly believe that we can take pride in a number of accomplishments.
Mr. Speaker, as the Member for Baker Lake, I have been a consistent advocate for advancing the rights of my constituents, and a vocal proponent of transparency and accountability at all levels of government.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, the pace of economic development in Baker Lake is outstanding. As the MLA for Baker Lake, I have worked hard to support a balanced approach to development.
I believe that the best way forward lies along a path that respects human and community needs, as well as the need to protect our unique environment.
Mr. Speaker, as you also know, I have spoken out on many occasions in this House on the need for greater transparency at all levels of government.
Mr. Speaker, we have made measurable progress on such issues as access to information and protection of privacy legislation, and I take pride in the commitment of members to strengthening and extending these protections.
Mr. Speaker, the next Member for Baker Lake will face many challenges:
The challenge of building on our work to ensure that the community has adequate infrastructure;
The challenge of building on our work to deepen the gains of economic development while ensuring that human needs and rights are not neglected;
The challenge of determining and obtaining informed community consent on major projects;
The challenge of addressing and defeating the scourge of suicide;
The challenge of ensuring that all of our children have access to an education system that is second to none.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to see if I can seek unanimous consent to continue with my Member’s Statement.
I also thank my colleagues in the House.
Mr. Speaker, as I reflect back on the past five years, I also want to look ahead to the future.
Mr. Speaker, as we approach the end of this Assembly, I wish to take this opportunity to formally announce to the people of Baker Lake that I will not be seeking another term in office.
It is time for me to focus on my family, and I want to use this opportunity to tell my children, Aputi and Ty, that I very much look forward to spending a great deal more time and attention with them.
Mr. Speaker, I do not know whom the people of Baker Lake will choose to represent them in the next Legislative Assembly, but I can assure my successor that he or she will have my support on issues that are important to the community.
Mr. Speaker, I also want to take this opportunity to express my support for the municipal leadership in Baker Lake.
In order for progress to be made, it is essential for both levels of government to work closely together, and I pay tribute to our new spirit of cooperation.
Mr. Speaker, please allow me to close by thanking you and all of my colleagues in this House. No matter where our paths ultimately take us, I know that we will not make the journey alone.
Member’s Statement 568 – 3(3): Establishing the Standards for Medical Travel Contracts (Rumbolt)
Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to address a longstanding issue of concern: the low standard of medical travel experienced by the people of Sanikiluaq.
Mr. Speaker, the people of Sanikiluaq, many of [whom are] elders, rely on Kivalliq Air to provide medical travel services three times a week to and from Winnipeg.
Anyone who has flown this route knows that it takes between three and four hours each way, and anyone who has flown this route knows that there is very little by the way of in-flight service.
In fact, Mr. Speaker, the so-called washroom facilities on the aircraft is nothing more than a portable potty behind the curtain at the back of the plane. This is very awkward, if not impossible, for many passengers, especially elders, to use.
Mr. Speaker, many of my constituents have told me that after their medical appointments in Winnipeg are over and they are cleared to return home, they aren’t able to leave for several days because the plane is usually full.
Mr. Speaker, the Sanikiluaq medical travel contract was recently renewed. And still, despite complaints and requests for change, medical clients have to travel in small, uncomfortable aircrafts to receive necessary medical treatment, and then wait for days before they can return home.
Mr. Speaker, it is not clear to me why contracts for medical travel are not standardized across the territory.
It is not clear why residents from Sanikiluaq have to travel in such small planes with such limited facilities while others travel much more comfortably.
Mr. Speaker, Sanikiluaq may be a community of less than a thousand people, but its residents deserve the same quality of service that other residents of Nunavut enjoy.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to urge the government to ensure that contracts for medical travel specify the type of aircraft to be used, the services that will be provided, and that the criteria be applied equally and fairly to all medical travel across Nunavut.
Member’s Statement 569 – 3(3): Reflections on Being an MLA for Tununiq (Enook)
Good afternoon, fellow community members.
Mr. Speaker, it was just recently that I read from my acceptance speech.
Mr. Speaker, I had said, “I rise today to thank the people of Pond Inlet for the trust and confidence that they have placed in me to represent them in this House.
This confidence is not a responsibility that I take lightly and I will be working every day on behalf of the people who have elected me to this House.”
I also stated, “Mr. Speaker, I will be a forceful voice for improved marine and air transportation infrastructure in Pond Inlet during my time in this House.”
I went on to state, “Mr. Speaker, I also look forward to addressing many other issues of concern to Pond Inlet and Nunavut as a whole. I am confident that I can count on the support of all of my colleagues as we work together for a stronger territory.”
At this time, I would like to take this opportunity to say “thank you” to the people of Pond Inlet for electing me to be their representative in the House.
I thank the people of Pond Inlet who have supported me at all times and who have encouraged me.
I thank the young people of Pond Inlet who say “Hi, Uncle Joe” to me wherever they see me in the community.
I say “thank you” to all the people of Nunavut.
I especially thank the people of Nunavut who have encouraged and told me to go forward. I thank them all.
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues.
Again, I would also like to say “thank you” to every single one of my colleagues who have been very receptive since I came here two years ago. I have received support and it also has been an educational experience.
I know that we don’t agree at times, but I also know that all of us are here as Members of the Legislative Assembly to represent our communities and the Nunavut territory as a whole, which I am very proud of.
Mr. Speaker, in my community of Pond Inlet, we don’t have a communication system, as our radio system is broken.
However, I would like all the people of Pond Inlet to know today that when the elections open, I will be submitting my name again to represent the Tununiq Riding.
Member’s Statement 570 – 3(3): Tank Farm Renewal in Pangnirtung (Oshutapik)
Good afternoon, my fellow community members.
I will see you in a few days.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform the House about the progress that has been made in Pangnirtung to improve the community’s bulk fuel storage facilities.
Mr. Speaker, in recent years, the community experienced fuel shortages as a result of such factors as a growing population and increased vehicle, air, and boat traffic.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the 2012-13 capital estimates of the Department of Community and Government Services included funding as part of a multi-year, multi-million dollar effort to increase the storage capacity of Pangnirtung’s tank farm.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to say that the municipality has been working closely with CG&S on the issue of tank farm improvements.
Work crews have recently been finishing work to paint the storage tanks, which is part of the community’s strategy to improve the appearance of our infrastructure. The work to increase the storage capacity of the tanks has resulted in a 40 percent increase in capacity.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, Pangnirtung’s new harbour is nearing completion.
This exciting development is expected to result in increased marine traffic, and I will have questions for the minister… .
I thank my colleagues for their consent to conclude my statement.
I will return to my statement in English.