EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
The Speaker, on the recommendation of our Management and Services Board, will have the authority to make regulations respecting any matter necessary for carrying out the purposes of this Act.
I would like to take this opportunity to note my deep appreciation to Speaker James Arreak, Senior Judge of the Nunavut Court of Justice Robert Kilpatrick, and NTI President Paul Kaludjak for their enthusiasm and willingness to serve on this body.
I look forward to the first investiture ceremony taking place at some point next year, following the coming into force of the Act on January 1, 2010.
In developing this proposed legislation, I reviewed a number of analogous statutes from other Canadian jurisdictions.
The proposed Order of Nunavut Act contains provisions that are consistent with such established practices as prohibiting elected officials, sitting judges, and certain other individuals from joining the order while they hold office.
Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening comments. I look forward to responding to any questions that my colleagues may have.
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): No, that’s okay.
Chairman: Are there any general comments?
I am honoured to have the opportunity to make some brief remarks of my own on Bill 11.
I am pleased to have seconded the motions for first and second readings of this bill.
This initiative is historic for two important reasons:
As Mr. Okalik noted, it is the first private member’s bill to have been introduced in our legislature. I have been giving thought to some initiatives of my own which I hope to introduce in this House.
I also agree that the time is right for our jurisdiction to have its own order.
In my constituency, there are a number of individuals whose lifetime of contributions to the territory are worthy of formal recognition.
I look forward to the coming into force of the bill and the opportunity to submit nominations to the council.
Mr. Chairman, that concludes my comments on Bill 11.
I think they were just blessing my proposal, so I agree with my colleague very much. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman: Are there any other comments?
We will do a clause-by-clause review of the bill starting with page 1. Clause 1 of Bill 11, the Order of Nunavut Act.
Chairman: Is the committee agreed to Bill 11 as a whole?
Chairman: Do members agree that pursuant to Rule 62(2) that Bill 11 can immediately be placed on the orders of the day for third reading?
Chairman: Do you have any closing comments?
I am very pleased that I have your support on this bill. Thank you, Mr. Elliott and my colleagues. I would like to see this in the future.
Make sure that you nominate people who could get the Order of Nunavut this year.
I thank all of the people who supported this bill. Hopefully it will proceed adequately.
You will probably get recognition in the future when you are no longer sitting members.
Mr. Schell: Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bills 3, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, and 13 and would like to report that Bills 3, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, and 13 are immediate ready for third reading. Mr. Speaker, I move that the Report of the Committee of the Whole be agreed to.
Before we go to Item 21, Madam Premier.
I would like unanimous consent to return to Item 13.
Speaker: The Premier is seeking is unanimous consent to return to Item 13 on the Orders of the Day.
Tabled Document 102 – 3(2): Tamapta Action Plan (Aariak)
I am very pleased to table the Tamapta Action Plan.
Bill 06 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 5, 2007-2008 – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Iqaluit Centre, that Bill 6, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 5, 2007-2008, be read for the third time.
The motion has been carried and Bill 6 is ready for assent.
Bill 07 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 4, 2008-2009 – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Iqaluit Centre, that Bill 7, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 4, 2008-2009, be read for the third time.
The motion is carried and Bill 7 is ready for assent.
Bill 08 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2010-2011 – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Iqaluit Centre, that Bill 8, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2010-2011, be read for the third time.
The motion is carried and Bill 8 is ready for assent.
Bill 09 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2009-2010 – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Iqaluit Centre, that Bill 9, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2009-2010, be read for the third time.
The motion is carried and Bill 9 is ready for assent.
Bill 10 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2009-2010 – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Iqaluit Centre, that Bill 10, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2009-2010, be read for the third time.
The motion is carried and Bill 10 is ready for assent.
Orders of the Day for December 8:
This House stands adjourned until Tuesday, December 8, at 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Pages 1059 – 1105
Opening Prayer 1059
Ministers’ Statements 1059
Members’ Statements 1060
Returns to Oral Questions 1069
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 1073
Oral Questions 1074
Report of the Committee of the Whole 1101
Third Reading of Bills 1101
Assent to Bills 1102
Orders of the Day 1103
Tuesday, December 8, 2009 1059
086 – 3(2): FPT Housing Ministers Meeting in Gatineau (Tootoo) 1059
087 – 3(2): Minister’s Task Force to Review the Liquor Act (Peterson) 1060
124 – 3(2): Successful Sanikiluaq Course (Rumbolt) 1060
125 – 3(2): Best Wishes of the Season (Ningark) 1061
126 – 3(2): Merry Christmas and Happy New Year (Pauloosie) 1061
127 – 3(2): Best Wishes to Everyone (Tapardjuk) 1062
128 – 3(2): Best Wishes for 2010 (Aariak) 1062
129 – 3(2): Christmas Greetings (Elliott) 1063
130 – 3(2): Looking Forward to 2010 (Okalik) 1063
131 – 3(2): Best Wishes to Constituents (Kusugak) 1064
132 – 3(2): Baker Lake Youth and Nunavummiut (Aupaluktuq) 1065
133 – 3(2): Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for 2010 (Ningeongan) 1066
134 – 3(2): Thanks to Constituents and Nunavutmiut (Curley) 1067
135 – 3(2): Thank You and Merry Christmas (Tootoo) 1068
136 – 3(2): Merry Christmas and Thanks to Everyone (Peterson) 1068
Return to Oral Question 150 – 3(2): Income Support Levels for Akulliq (Tapardjuk) 1069
Return to Oral Question 156 – 3(2): Establishing Graduation Standards (Tapardjuk) 1071
Return to Oral Question 194 – 3(2): Business Plan Cycle (Tootoo) 1072
Return to Oral Question 193 – 3(2): No Home Care/Community Health/Social Services in High Arctic (Curley) 1072
195 – 3(2): Review of Income Test for Homeowners (Okalik) 1074
196 – 3(2): King William Island Park and Explorer Exhibition Centre (Pauloosie) 1076
197 – 3(2): NHC Purchase of Iqaluit Warehouse (Rumbolt) 1078
198 – 3(2): Status of Ikummatiit Energy Strategy (Ningeongan) 1079
199 – 3(2): Authority of DEAs under Education Act (Ningark) 1081
200 – 3(2): Status of NNI Policy Review (Pauloosie) 1084
201 – 3(2): Review of the Liquor Act (Okalik) 1084
202 – 3(2): Nunavut Curriculum (Ningeongan) 1086
103 – 3(2): 2008-2009 Interim Financial Report (Peterson) 1087
104 – 3(2): Final Report of the Independent Commission to Review Members’ Indemnities, Allowances, Expenses and Benefits (Speaker) 1088
Bill 12 – Northern Employee Benefits Services Pension Plan Protection Act – Consideration in Committee 1088
Bill 18 – Language Statutes Amendment Act – Consideration in Committee 1094
Bill 19 – Child and Family Services Act – Consideration in Committee 1098
Bill 03 – Western Canada Lottery Act – Third Reading 1101
Bill 12 – Northern Employee Benefits Services Pension Plan Protection Act – Third Reading 1101
Bill 11 – The Order of Nunavut Act – Third Reading 1101
Bill 13 – An Act to Amend the Retirement Plan Beneficiaries Act – Third Reading 1102
Bill 18 – Language Statutes Amendment Act – Third Reading 1102
Bill 19 – An Act to Amend the Child and Family Services Act – Third Reading 1102
Bill 03 – Western Canada Lottery Act – Assent 1102
Bill 06 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 5, 2007-2008 – Assent 1102
Bill 07 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 4, 2008-2009 – Assent 1102
Bill 08 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2010-2011 – Assent 1102
Bill 09 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2009-2010 – Assent 1102
Bill 10 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2009-2010 – Assent 1103
Bill 11 – The Order of Nunavut Act – Assent 1103
Bill 12 – Northern Employee Benefits Services Pension Plan Protection Act – Assent 1103
Bill 13 – An Act to Amend the Retirement Plan Beneficiaries Act – Assent 1103
Bill 18 – Language Statutes Amendment Act – Assent 1103
Bill 19 – An Act to Amend the Child and Family Services Act – Assent 1103
Before we proceed with our orders of the day, I would like to ask Mr. Ningeongan to say the opening prayer. Mr. Ningeongan.
Prior to commencing our proceedings, I have a small announcement to make. For your information, Adamee Komoartok is not attending today’s meeting as one of his relatives is sick and he is attending to his relative.
Minister’s Statement 086 – 3(2): FPT Housing Ministers Meeting in Gatineau (Tootoo)
I rise today as Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation to inform my legislative colleagues and all Nunavummiut of last week’s meeting with my federal, provincial, and territorial counterparts.
Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure today to report that the meeting in Gatineau, Quebec was very productive and afforded all of the provincial and territorial ministers an opportunity to discuss our housing concerns with each other and with the Hon. Diane Finley, the federal Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), as well as Karen Kinsley, who is the President of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
Mr. Speaker, although there are many differences in specific needs across jurisdictions in Canada, through collaboration, dialogue, and sharing of best practices, it was recognized that we can make positive strides to support each other in our individual goals.
Mr. Speaker, this collaboration with federal, provincial, and territorial governments will improve the delivery of programs in areas of housing and homelessness across this great country of ours.
Mr. Speaker, a provincial-territorial group has been formed and Minister Finley has invited us to forward our ideas on how to allow more flexibility in how various programs are funded and implemented.
My colleagues and I were very encouraged by Minister Finley’s desire to discuss strategies to help meet the core needs of our populations and her commitment to bring recommendations submitted by this provincial-territorial group to the federal cabinet in March of 2010.
Mr. Speaker, all ministers attending agreed to build on these positive discussions with Minister Finley and to use the momentum gained to better address housing and homelessness issues in Nunavut and across the country.
Minister’s Statement 087 – 3(2): Minister’s Task Force to Review the Liquor Act (Peterson)
I rise today to announce the creation of a ministerial task force to review the Liquor Act. The task force will conduct a comprehensive review of the Liquor Act and recommend changes moving forward.
Mr. Speaker, this review is long overdue. Liquor legislation in the Northwest Territories and Yukon has recently been revised to reflect their changing needs.
We need to ensure that our legislation is consistent and modernized to meet today’s needs.
The ministerial task force will be made up of a broad range of individuals from organizations across Nunavut that best represent the needs of Nunavummiut.
Letters of invitation will be sent to chosen representatives shortly.
Once membership is formed, the task force will attempt to visit all of our communities.
The task force will provide individuals and organizations with an opportunity to share feedback and opinions on the Liquor Act and the overall issue of alcohol in our communities.
Information collected and recommendations will be included in the final report.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to providing an update on the progress of the task force during our next sitting.
Item 3. Members’ Statements. Member for Hudson Bay, Mr. Rumbolt.
Member’s Statement 124 – 3(2): Successful Sanikiluaq Course (Rumbolt)
I rise today to inform the House of a successful course that was recently offered in my community of Sanikiluaq.
The course was an Accounting/Bookkeeping Program which was run and funded by the Municipality of Sanikiluaq.
I would like to thank Ruby Watson and acknowledge all the hard work that she provided while teaching this course.
I would also like to applaud the graduates of this course; Mary Inooktoolook, Brenda Qapik, Louisa Meko, Caroline Mahiuq, Wendy Pearce, Ala Saktak, and Lucy Tookalook.
Mr. Speaker, over the past year, we have held a number of hearings on the report of the Auditor General of Canada.
A theme that has emerged in every hearing is the need for more trained financial professionals in Nunavut.
I am very pleased that seven of my hard-working constituents have taken a step forward in this important area.
Mr. Speaker, as today is our last day of sitting in 2009, I would like to conclude by taking this opportunity to thank my constituents and family for all their support and encouragement to me over the past year.
I am honoured to have the opportunity to raise issues of concern to my community and I look forward to continuing to do so in 2010.
I would especially like to thank my Constituency Assistant, Mary Inuktaluk, for all her hard work.
Mr. Speaker, being away from home for weeks at a time is especially tough on our children.
It is my hope that the work that we accomplish in the Legislative Assembly will create a more positive legacy for all of our youth.
Member’s Statement 125 – 3(2): Best Wishes of the Season (Ningark)
In a day or two, we will be going home to our communities and going separate ways.
I want to thank all of my colleagues and the staff of the Legislative Assembly and you, Mr. Speaker.
The only way that we can work for the benefit of all of the people in the north is to work together. As I stated, we will soon be going home. I wanted to wish all of you a very merry Christmas and safe holidays.
I also wanted to wish the people of Repulse Bay and the people of Kugaaruk season’s greetings, especially my wife Celine, our children, and grandchildren all the best wishes of the season.
Member’s Statement 126 – 3(2): Merry Christmas and Happy New Year (Pauloosie)
I, too, would like to send my greetings to Gjoa Haven and Taloyoak. I wish them a very merry Christmas and to have a safe Christmas along with their children and to have a happy New Year.
To all of my constituents of Taloyoak and Gjoa Haven and also to my colleagues, I wish them all the best wishes too during Christmas and all your families. Have very good holidays and thank you very much for always supporting me when I needed support.
I also thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Have a safe holiday during Christmas to you and your family. Have a good New Year to all of you.
I wish all the best wishes to Nunavummiut. I wish a merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all of the residents of Nunavut.
Member’s Statement 127 – 3(2): Best Wishes to Everyone (Tapardjuk)
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to send my best wishes to Igloolik and Hall Beach, especially John Illupalik, my CA in Igloolik, and Lenny Curley in Hall Beach because they worked very hard during the session.
Also to my colleagues, I wish them a very safe Christmas season and we will participate during Christmas games.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to tell my constituents that during the session, we have been provided with very good support by interpreters and the table officers and sometimes it gets confusing during the session.
Also, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleagues, the cabinet members, and also to our EAs.
I would also like to thank them for always supporting us and this is a message to my colleagues that we are provided with great support during our work here in Iqaluit and I wish you well too for the next year.
Mr. Speaker, to you and your staff, have a wonderful Christmas.
Member’s Statement 128 – 3(2): Best Wishes for 2010 (Aariak)
I, too, would like to send my greetings to my constituents and wish them a merry Christmas and also wish them a safe holiday season.
I know that they will take part in the Christmas games.
The Christmas season is unique and it’s a happy time for many people and it gets families together.
Also, we should remember those people who are alone during the Christmas season and those people who want someone to talk with. I wish them well so that they can go and talk to someone else.
The whole family and all of the people of Nunavut, we wish them well during Christmas.
Also, during this Christmas season, since we have been here for a whole year and a bit, I would like to thank all of my colleagues and have a very merry Christmas and a safe holiday.
Have a good rest because you worked very hard during the session. When members go home, they work very hard on behalf of their constituents.
I would also like to state that during the weekend, I got a son-in-law.
We were very happy. Also during the weekend, my brother from Igloolik became a grandfather.
In 2010, let’s have a good year and good expectations. To you, Mr. Speaker, thank you for coordinating the session and have a good, safe holiday, as well as all of our staff.
Member’s Statement 129 – 3(2): Christmas Greetings (Elliott)
As this is the last day of session in this year, I rise today to send a Christmas greeting to my constituency of Quttiktuq.
Mr. Speaker, it’s hard to believe that it’s been over a year that I have been serving the good people of Grise Fiord, Resolute Bay, and Arctic Bay. It has been a privilege working with all of you.
The experience of communicating with the outstanding individuals of the High Arctic is always refreshing, stimulating, and fulfilling.
Mr. Speaker, I am thankful that I have the honour to serve in my capacity as MLA for Quttiktuq.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the many staff members who have helped me to do my job so effectively.
There are my constituency assistants in the communities, the staff here at the Legislative Assembly, who are always willing to sit down and help me understand different situations, provide support, and go above and beyond the call of duty to get the job done, and of course, I could not forget our interpreter/translators.
I would like to say “thank you” from the bottom of my heart for making 2009 a very rewarding year.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to wish everyone happy holidays and best of luck in the upcoming year; may your holidays be safe and happy.
Member’s Statement 130 – 3(2): Looking Forward to 2010 (Okalik)
I was in the midst of drafting my letter to Santa Claus so that I could pass it onto Mr. Elliott as he is representing the jurisdiction that supposedly houses him.
Once I have finalized my draft, I will be presenting it to Mr. Elliott so that he can drop it off.
I am asking in the letter to Santa Claus on behalf of all Nunavummiut for their presents, which I will pass onto Mr. Elliott so he can drop it off when he hops on the plane home to the North Pole, home of Santa Claus.
I am quite appreciative of the opportunity to have been here for this past year as it is coming to an end, and I am expectant that we will see more pleasant things in the upcoming New Year.
Further, as the members will be travelling home shortly, I offer our hospitality during your last few days in Iqaluit for 2009, to each and every one of you.
Additionally, I would be remised not to mention my fellow residents in Iqaluit for whom I am very grateful as they continue to provide timely advice at every opportunity and they also express their opinions without fear of retribution or intimidation when offering these tidbits of advice.
I extend my warmest appreciation to all of the people who have provided advice, as they buoy up my spirit, especially when I’ve had to face difficult situations, and I have taken every opportunity to visit my constituents when presented with one.
As a matter of fact, just recently I held a meeting with my constituents and I feel like a new man after I had an opportunity to meet with them. I thank them from the bottom of my heart and I feel as if my heart is not spacious enough to receive all of their warmth.
Therefore, I extend my deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to my constituents and I wish them the happiest holidays during the upcoming Christmas season.
My deepest thanks to you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 131 – 3(2): Best Wishes to Constituents (Kusugak)
I believe in priorities, and today I wish to thank our Lord God for his stewardship over all Nunavummiut every single day.
To my constituents in Whale Cove and Rankin Inlet South, I thank them as they voted me in as their representative.
It seems that this year has just flown by. Although I want to visit my communities, it is sometimes quite difficult to schedule it in, especially when you become inundated with your duties.
I wish to apologize for that oversight.
I also wish to extend my gratitude to my constituency assistants, David Kritterdlik and Johnny One.
I thank them very much for providing all of the information on developments in the communities and of any concerns stemming from the people.
Based on requirements of the position, we’ve had to settle temporarily in Iqaluit, and I extend my deepest thanks to all of the residents as they are very hospitable and welcoming every time we meet them.
I would like to thank them for their reception to my wife, family, and daughters.
We still have a lot of business to do during the month of December.
It’s impossible not to remember family members who passed away and when all of those family members think of their loved ones, I am with them.
Also, our Premier said that her daughter was married this weekend, and I also would like to congratulate Jim and Sue Shirley for getting a daughter-in-law.
In the month of December, during the Christmas season, let us Nunavummiut remember why it is Christmas.
Mr. Speaker, a very merry Christmas to you and all of you.
Member’s Statement 132 – 3(2): Baker Lake Youth and Nunavummiut (Aupaluktuq)
I rise today to thank and to send my Christmas greetings during the Christmas season.
First of all, I would like to thank my mother, Pukirnak, for always providing any form of support. Every time I have questions, my mother is always there for me to help me and I thank her.
To my sisters, my brothers, and my older brothers, they have always provided support and advice to me. When I am sitting in the House, their support has been very good to me and made me strong.
My aunts, my uncles, and my nieces and nephews, I love you all, my cousins from my mother’s and father’s side.
Especially the elders, who are in the hospice centre, have a good Christmas and we will visit you when I get there. Also, the elders’ society in Baker Lake, Qilautimiut, I send my best wishes to you.
Merry Christmas, and also for those people who work at Martha Talerook Elders Hospice. They take care of our elders and I thank them very much.
(interpretation ends) To all the children and youth in Baker Lake and Nunavut, may you enjoy the youthful spirit that inspires us all, be safe, celebrate, and take part in games and activities, and remember to honour our culture and take pride.
To all the educators, teachers, and support staff for providing and sharing knowledge that empower our youth to be able to bridge their lives with knowledge and confidence.
Their devotion to raising them to the next level in all areas of life will allow our youth to make the necessary steps to advance to better themselves. I admire your hard work.