EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
It’s caught me a little of guard, I would have to consult with my colleagues, as well as with our corporate aviation people because as I’m not sure you’re aware, we have our corporate plane here as well, which may be committed somewhere else in Canada, later today or early tomorrow.
I would have to, quite honestly I just can’t tell you whether that’s feasible, or whether another two hours is feasible, Mr. Chairman.
There was a motion made to complete this issue by Mr. Barnabas.
I wonder if we open another invitation, would they be able to come up.
We would come back and attend again and I may add that perhaps with some of the work that lies ahead of us around a longer term solution that that might be a good day to re-attend to share some further information, some further findings and as we get closer to the re-supply, some further information around specifications, potential specification changes and what next year’s re-supply formulation and specifications look like.
So, yes it’s clear now and I wish Mr. Anderson and Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Kilabuk for appearing before us.
So, therefore I move to report progress.
All those in favor of the motion, raise your hands.
Do you agree that we have concluded our debate on this issue?
I would like to thank the Minister and his witness.
Mr. Minister, would you like to make closing remarks.
Just very quickly I would like to thank the witnesses here with us to especially Mr. Anderson, Mr. Mitchell along with Susan and Mr. Rich.
I just want to commit that we will continue to try and discover what is causing a lot of this confusion and also the problem at the community levels.
As we get further updates, I will be providing them in them in the House.
Thank you, to the witnesses, Mr. Anderson and Mr. Mitchell.
Your Committee has been considering Committee Motion 2-2(2) and would like to report progress.
That Committee Motion 2-2(2) is concluded and Mr. Speaker, I move that the report of the Committee of the Whole be agreed to.
There is motion on the floor.
Ms. Aglukkaq seconds the motion.
Orders of the Day for Friday, March 4th.
Tabled Document 52 - 2(2)
The House stand adjourned until Friday, March 04, 2005 at 10:00 a.m.
>>House adjourned at 19:05  Nunavut Canada
Friday March 4, 2005
Pages 1137 – 1194
Opening Prayer 1137
Speaker’s Ruling 1137
Ministers’ Statements 1139
Members’ Statements 1142
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 1146
Oral Questions 1150
Tabled Documents 1171
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 1172
Report of the Committee of the Whole 1193
Orders of the Day 1193
Friday March 4, 2005 1137
066 – 2(2): International Teacher Education Exchange (Picco) 1139
067 – 2(2): Language Awards (Tapardjuk) 1140
068 – 2(2): An Environmental Sustainability Framework for Canada (Akesuk) 1141
069 – 2(2): Akitsiraq Law School Students Enter Final Weeks of Study (Okalik) 1141
150 – 2(2): Concerns of Constituents (Arreak) 1142
151 – 2(2): Death of Four Police Officers (Netser) 1143
152 – 2(2): Sewage Lagoon (Barnabas) 1143
153 – 2(2): Elections in the Kitikmeot (Evyagotailak) 1144
154 – 2(2): Basketball Tournament (Aglukkaq) 1144
155 – 2(2): Nunavut Youth Abroad Program (Tootoo) 1145
196 – 2(2): Crown Agency Recommendations (Tootoo) 1150
197 – 2(2): Inuktitut Translation of the Power Bill (Kattuk) 1153
198 – 2(2): Staff Housing for Teachers (Netser) 1155
199 – 2(2): Bad Gasoline Issue (Curley) 1156
200 – 2(2): Update on Federal Consultations (Barnabas) 1158
201 – 2(2): Nunavut Arctic College Report and Recommendations (Tootoo) 1159
202 – 2(2): Snow Fencing in the Communities (Netser) 1162
203 – 2(2): Polar Bear Technical Committee (Curley) 1163
204 – 2(2): Disconnection Notice Policy (Kattuk) 1165
205 – 2(2): Tabling of Crown Agency Report (Tootoo) 1167
093 – 2(2): Photographs of New Snow Fencing at Chesterfield Inlet (Netser) 1171
094 – 2(2): Photo of Sewage Lagoon (Barnabas) 1171
095 – 2(2): Credit is Due to Nunavut Power (Tootoo) 1172
Friday, March 4, 2005
Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Honourable Olayuk Akesuk, Mr. David Alagalak, Mr. James Arreak, Mr. Levi Barnabas, Honourable Levinia Brown, Mr. Tagak Curley, Mr. Joe Allan Evyagotailak, Mr. Peter Kattuk, Honourable Peter Kilabuk, Mr. Steve Mapsalak, Mr. Patterk Netser, Honourable Jobie Nutarak, Honourable Paul Okalik, Honourable Edward Picco, Honourable David Simailak, Honourable Louis Tapardjuk, Mr. Hunter Tootoo.
Welcome Mr. Premier, Ministers and Members of the Legislative Assembly.
At this time, Mr. Peterson, the Member for Cambridge Bay, is in Ottawa to attend a meeting, so he will not be present today.
On February 25th, 2005, the Member for Iqaluit Centre made a Point of Order which I ruled upon.
The Member for Rankin Inlet North then raised a concern with respect to my ruling on the Point of Order.
In addressing the issues raised by the Members, it is useful to first review the chronology of the debate.
The Member for Iqaluit Centre made a motion to refer a tabled document to Committee of the Whole.
The document was a Return to Oral Question.
The original question related to correspondence between a government department and a former employee.
The Return to Oral Question discussed government policy as it relates to the Department of Human Resources.
I was required to cast the deciding vote and in opposing the motion, I commented that the matter might be before the courts at some point.
The Member for Iqaluit Centre subsequently raised a Point of Order.
His Point of Order was based on two concerns; first, that the Minister assumed a particular line of questioning would be pursued and second, that the Minister misled the House in “saying that this is an issue for the courts”.
I ruled that there was no Point of Order.
The Member for Rankin Inlet North then rose to challenge my decision.
As I understand his concerns, he felt that that the Minister for Human Resources had misled the House in saying that the matter which was the subject of the motion was before the courts.
At that time I indicated I would give the matter further consideration.
In considering this matter I have undertaken a careful review of the audio tapes and Hansard.
According to both the audio tapes, Inuktitut and English, and Hansard, the Minister for Human Resources did not make any reference to the matter being before the courts.
The only reference to the courts is made by the Member for Iqaluit Centre who, in speaking to the motion, said “I know that that’s something that the government is dealing with right now, possibly before the courts…”.
In casting the deciding vote I stated that the matter might go through the courts, not that it was actually before the courts.
The debate on this issue highlights the need for precision in the use of language while in the House.
Clearly, it is one thing to say that a matter may make its way to the courts and quite another to say that a matter is actually before the courts.
I would like to address the concerns raised in the Point of Order.
The first concern was that the Minister for Human Resources had assumed a particular line of questioning would be pursued.
The Minister for Human Resources did express concern that there would be questioning in relation to the dismissal of a particular individual.
In speaking in opposition to the motion the Minister also put forward other arguments.
In response, the Member for Iqaluit Centre stated clearly that his intent was to only question matters of broad government policy.
Members voting on the motion heard this exchange and the positions of the parties would have been clear to them.
The Member for Iqaluit Centre may not agree with the Minister’s argument, but that is not the issue.
The second ground for the Point of Order was that the Minister for Human Resources misled the House by saying that the matter was before the courts.
It is clear from a review of the audio tapes and Hansard that the Minister made no mention of the matter being before the courts.
In voting against the motion I indicated that the matter may at some point be before the courts.
The Member for Rankin Inlet North then raised concerns regarding my ruling.
Before addressing the specific matter under consideration, I wish to review some general principles regarding the role of the Speaker.
As Speaker, I have three key functions.
In presiding over debate in the House I interpret and enforce the Rules and ensure order and decorum.
I am the chief administrative officer of the House and I am also the spokesperson for the House.
As Speaker I am elected by the House and am the servant of the House.
I must remain independent and impartial and must make decisions based upon established rules and principles, without regard to politics.
The rules are clear that once the Speaker has delivered a ruling there can be no further debate on the matter, nor is there an appeal from the Speaker’s decision (Rules of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut, Rule 12(2)). Our Rules in this regard are in keeping with provisions in other jurisdictions (Marleau & Montpetit, House of Commons Practice and Procedure, page 262).
It is to be expected that on occasion not all members will agree with my decisions, particularly when a matter is of such contention that I am required to cast the deciding voter.
However, members must accept my decisions and move forward with the business of the House.
They must do so in a civil manner and without resort to behaviour and mannerisms that reflect negatively on the House.
Accordingly, I am not prepared to reconsider my ruling on the Point of Order.
Minister’s Statement 066 – 2(2): International Teacher Education Exchange
Hon. Ed Picco: Thank you, and good afternoon, Mr. Speaker.
I would like to recognize the contribution of our staff in the Nunavut Teacher Education Program who prepare Nunavummiut to teach in our schools.
I would also like to inform the House of the efforts of Nunavut Arctic College staff in their continued dedication to innovation in the field of teacher education.
Mr. Speaker, in February, two faculty members from the Nunavut Teacher Education Program at Nunavut Arctic College, Mr. Neil Christopher and Mr. Noel McDermott, traveled to Kautokeino, Norway for a preliminary meeting with the faculty and staff of the Sami University College teacher education department, to plan for a student/faculty exchange for 2005 and 2006 college year.
Nunavut Arctic College and the Sami University College will be piloting a new kind of student exchange, called Verddet (Sami for “a mutually beneficial exchange”).
Mr. Speaker, the opportunity for Nunavut students teachers to participate in an international student contributes greatly to both the professional and personal development of our future teachers.
The Verddet exchange program will allow Nunavut student teachers to see for themselves how another indigenous teacher education program is meeting the challenge of providing culturally appropriate education and first language instruction.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the University of the Arctic for their support of this project and also Foreign Affairs Canada for their financial support of the initial phase of this pilot exchange.
Minister’ statements.
Minister’s Statement 067 – 2(2): Language Awards
It is my pleasure to announce that February 5 to 12, 2005, Uqausirmut Quviasuutiqarniq or Language Week was a huge success.
I am delighted to rise today to announce this year’s annual Language Awards.
My department is dedicated to protecting and promoting our language; but we cannot do it alone.
These awards acknowledge Nunavutmiut who promote the daily use of Inuit language.
This year, four recipients were chosen in youth, adult and Elder-based categories.
Miali-Elise Coley from Iqaluit was awarded the Youth Language Award.
Ms. Coley was elected President of the Inuit Circumpolar Youth Conference and promotes Inuktitut through cultural appearances and public speaking events.
She is studying to become a teacher and is committed to promoting Inuit language at home, at school and at work.
This year there were two Adult Language Awards.
Mark Kalluak of Arviat has translated the New Testament of the Bible into Inuktitut, and was the editor of the Kivalliq region’s first newspaper, Keewatin Echo during the 1960s and 1970s.
He also works with those in the community to preserve oral sayings and improve Inuktitut pronunciation.
Gloria Mimialik of Iqaluit encourages her fellow nursing students to use Inuktitut medical terms in the classroom and teaches her language through numerous games and activities.
She cooks country food and sews traditional clothing, and encourages Iqaluit’s youth to speak and write in Inuktitut.
Manasie Evic from Pangnirtung received the Elder Language Award for his efforts to pass on his Inuktitut language and traditional knowledge to younger generations.
He has recorded the community Elders’ stories for the local schools and also teaches youth how to raise dog teams.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister’ statements.
Minister’s Statement 068 – 2(2): An Environmental Sustainability Framework for Canada
Over the past few months the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment has been working towards the development of an Environmental Sustainability Framework for Canada.
It is expected that the framework will enhance the well-being of Canadians, preserve and protect our natural environment and advance long-term competitiveness.
Nunavut will be playing a direct role in the development of the Environmental Sustainability Framework and will work with the other Canadian jurisdictions towards obtaining these objectives.
This venture is important to Northern Canada and I have written to the CCME President asking that such an expansive policy be developed carefully and with good sense.
I have highlighted the importance of consultations with Nunavutmiut.
These consultations would both inform and gain input from Nunavutmiut.
We will work towards a Canadian Framework which recognizes the uniqueness of Nunavut and the commitments of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
My department will continue to work through the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment to ensure that Nunavut issues are given full consideration as the Framework is developed.
Minister’s Statement 069 – 2(2): Akitsiraq Law School Students Enter Final Weeks of Study
It is with great pride that I rise today to update Members of the Legislative Assembly on the progress of the students of the Akitsiraq Law School.
This program started four years ago.
The law school and students were supported by the University of Victoria Law School, Nunavut Arctic College, the Nunavut and Canadian Departments of Justice, the RCMP, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and Kakivak Association.
Students were lectured by prominent judges and lawyers from across the country.
Akitsiraq has provided students with a complete education in law that includes a full southern-based curriculum as well as courses that focused on the needs of Nunavutmiut and the reality of living in Nunavut.
Eleven students are now in their final weeks of class and will be graduating on June 21, providing Nunavut with role models for coming generations.
They will also contribute to our efforts to provide Inuit with linguistically and culturally appropriate programs and services.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Akitsiraq Law School’s upcoming graduating class of 2005.
Member's Statement 150 – 2(2): Concerns of Constituents
First I would like to say hi to the residents of Qikiqtarjuaq and to my wife and our children and grandchildren because they watch the proceedings.
I rise today to raise the concern that has been brought up from my constituency.
The government has stated more than once that they want to be a more open and accountable government in Nunavut.
A lot of people in the communities are not too sure of what the government does.
Are they there just to answer questions?
People just ask them questions.
Don’t they answer questions?
People are curious of how our government works and who the ministers are and what their portfolios are and where they work and why they are the ministers of the particular department.
So those are the things that people are curious about and we should be more visible and accountable to the people in Nunavut.
Member's Statement 151 – 2(2): Death of Four Police Officers
I rise today to express my condolences to the families of the four RCMP Officers who died yesterday in the line of duty.
These four officers died while conducting an operation against illegal drugs.
They died to protect our communities and our families.
Mr. Speaker, there are around 100 officers serving across Nunavut in our communities, and everyday, they risk their lives to make Nunavut a safer place in which to live.
I myself have a daughter whose ambition is to join the RCMP and serve her people and her communities.
I can’t imagine what it must be like for parents of an officer to be told that he or she died in this way.
My heart goes out them, Mr. Speaker.
I understand that the federal government is considering definite penalties against major drug producers and distributors.
Yesterday’s tragedy should remind us of the need to support strong message against crime.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in acknowledging the risks that are faced by everyone who works in the important field of law enforcement and to pay tribute to their courage, dedication, and service.
Member's Statement 152 – 2(2): Sewage Lagoon
Today is Friday and usually we sort of make nonsense statements on Fridays.
Yesterday, just to repeat that tradition, yesterday during Committee of the Whole, we were discussing chemical engineering and I don’t know what it’s called in Inuktitut, but I rise today on a matter of civil engineering.
Mr. Speaker, this is not the first time I have spoken to the ongoing issues facing the Arctic Bay sewage lagoon.
And, it appears we will not resolve the issue today, nor this week.
Mr. Speaker, I recently received photographs, one of which I will be tabling at the appropriate time in regards to the sewage lagoon.
It appears as though a pingo has formed in the lagoon.
As members are aware, the sewage lagoon failed two years ago, and emergency solutions were required to keep it operational.
(interpretation ends) Well, I understand the need to respond quickly to developing situations, especially where environmental concerns exist.
This incident reinforces carefully how our responses must be planned to ensure that nature doesn’t react to our actions in her own way.
Mr. Speaker, in May of last year, I stood up in this House to share my concerns that the construction of the berms of the lagoon was a bandage solution.
At that time, I urged the Minister of Community and Government Services to look for a long-term solution that would take into account the growing population and environmental sustainability.
Mr. Speaker, I know our neighbours in the west, in Tuktoyaktuk have a great success marketing our unique pingoes to international tourists.
With the closing of the Nanisivik mine, Arctic Bay is looking for unique economic development opportunities.
Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, I don’t think the Arctic Bay sewage lagoon ??Pinguq??
will attract many tourists. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member's Statement 153 – 2(2): Elections in the Kitikmeot
Elections in the Kitikmeot Inuit Association will be held very soon.
Mr. Speaker, KIA plays an important role in the part of Nunavut.
As a former president and also a board member myself, I know that the residents of Kugluktuk and the other western communities look to KIA to help represent the interest of beneficiaries, and work to promote good opportunities in our region.
KIA has been very active in working with the Government of Nunavut and other partners in such areas as mining development.
Mr. Speaker, a number of strong individuals will be running for the position of KIA president. I wish all of them a good race and I look forward to working with KIA in the years ahead for the benefit of our people.
Member's Statement 154 – 2(2): Basketball Tournament
Today, I would like to read out a story written by Nicklaus Okpik for his high school newspaper from Gjoa Haven called, “He Loves This Game”.
The junior boys Snowy Owls are planning a trip to the Arctic shoot out basketball tournament in Yellowknife on April 1st to the 4th.
The junior boys are trying to fundraise for the shoot out tournament, to help fundraise the junior boys run a basketball tournament February 25, 26th and 27th.
There were 6 teams for the men and 5 teams for the women.
They paid 5 dollars a person to join.
The junior boys worked so hard to fund raise and at the same time, the junior boys are playing basketball.
The boys did a good job.
Women results, Sylvia’s team versus Rita’s team – those two are sisters, by the way – Rita’s team won the bronze medal game.
The gold medal game went to the junior girls versus Rose’s team, and the junior girls won the junior medal game.
Men’s results.
For the bronze medal game, it was Chester’s team versus Robbie’s team the two both won bronze.
In the gold medal game, the junior boys versus Gary Detka’s team, the junior boys won the gold medal game.
The men and women best players of the year, most sportsmanlike was Kyley Daily and Angela Nuliajuk.
The best defense was Arnold Nuliayuk and Sylvia Aglukkaq.
Best offence was Joanna Kamimmalik and Sandra Ruben.
Most points, Gary Dunka, and MVP Cory Aglukkaq and Annie Eeleeheetook.
That was written by Nicklaus Okpik.
Member’s Statements Mr. Tootoo.
Member's Statement 155 – 2(2): Nunavut Youth Abroad Program
I rise today to inform my colleagues that tomorrow, Saturday March 5th, weather permitting, the Nunavut Youth Aboard Program will be presenting a new documentary film called Roads Scholars Inuit adventure Africa.
It premiers at the Astro Hill theatre at 5 pm.
Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut Youth Aboard Program is an excellent program that gives the youth ages 16-21 an opportunity to acquire professional training and hands on experience.
High school credits through cross cultural work and under take various experiences in southern Canada and aboard.
Mr. Speaker, I urge the Department of Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth and the Department of Education to continue any support any none governmental organization as it has in the past to benefit our youth.
Mr. Speaker, some youth participants will be on hand at the screening to talk about and answer any question about their experiences.
The Minister of Education, Nunavut Youth Abroad patron Ms. Mary May Simon will also be in attendance.
And I am sure Mr. Speaker Mr. Picco to receive an academy award for some of his performances but not this year.
Mr. Speaker, this will be showing to the public free of charge and I urge all Members to attend and join me in watching this program.
As the member for Iqaluit Centre just mentioned, we are very pleased today to be joined in the assembly by many of the members of the Nunavut Youth Abroad Program.
Mr. Speaker, they are participating in a policy forum organized by the Walter and Duncan Gordon Foundation. The Walter and Gordon Duncan Foundation is funding this three-day workshop teaching youth about policy development and how they can be effective citizens for positive change in a community.
As Mr. Tootoo mentioned earlier, we will also be taking part in the premiere showing of Road Scholars, Inuit Adventure in Africa tomorrow afternoon at the Astro Theatre.
We hope that many of the members will be able to take the time and come join us at the Astro Theatre and see the film.
Please join me in welcoming the following people and maybe if I say their names, they could stand up.
I’m welcoming the participants, but we also have some of the alumni here, some of the instructors and people from their board.
I see Ms. Cousins is here, as well as Mr. Keith Irving and others who are also affiliated with the program.
So, maybe after we introduce the participants, maybe some of the other people will also acknowledge and stand up.
Mr. Speaker, from the wonderful community of Baker Lake, Mr. Simailak and I would like to introduce Mary Jane Arnauyuk and Dianne Iyago.
From the great community of Arviat, Mr. Speaker we have Garama Mark, Thomas Akak, Mary Ungak, Nathan Angmarjuaq and Brian Sivaksiaq.