EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Bill 3 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2004/05 – First Reading 465
Bill 1 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 4, 2003/04 – Second Reading 465
Bill 2 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2004/05 – Second Reading 465
Bill 3 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2004/05 – Second Reading 465
Friday, November 26, 2004
Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, 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 Paul Okalik, Mr. Keith Peterson, Honourable Edward Picco, Honourable Louis Tapardjuk, Mr. Hunter Tootoo.
Deputy Speaker (interpretation): Good morning.
I would like to ask Mr. David Alagalak to say the opening prayer.
Deputy Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. David Alagalak.
Orders of the day for today: Item 2.
Minister’s Statement 033 – 2(2): Recognition of Community SAR Groups
I rise today to recognize and express my appreciation to the local search and rescue organizations across Nunavut.
Search and rescue matters are a very high priority with this government and indeed, every community across the territory.
The search and rescue network involves resources and individuals at different levels of government and community, including the RCMP, the Canadian Coast Guard, and the Department of National Defence. But it is our community-based search and rescue groups who, because of their intimate knowledge of the land, are most involved and committed to those activities.
My department encourages and supports the development of those community-based search and rescue organizations by providing training and ongoing assistance as well as reimbursing incident-related expenses.
Searches, by their nature, are difficult and especially so when they do not end in a positive manner.
For this reason it is important that we all recognize the contribution made by every member of these search and rescue organizations.
Please join me in expressing my sincerest gratitude and good wishes to search and rescue organizations and local RCMP members across Nunavut.
Deputy Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Minister.
Minister’s Statement 034 – 2(2): Pinasuaqtavut 2004 - 2009
I rise today to table Pinasuaqtavut 2004-2009: Our Commitment to Building Nunavut’s Future.
This mandate document outlines the goals and objectives of our government for the next five years.
In this, our second mandate, our priorities as the government are to create a stronger cultural foundation based on Inuit societal values and to develop and expand our economy.
(interpretation ends) The government has developed a long-term plan based on four major goals: healthy communities; simplicity and unity; self reliance; and continuing learning.
Mr. Speaker, Pinasuaqtavut sets out guiding goals and specific objectives for the second five years of our government.
As we move forward we will be guided by the values and vision adopted by the first government and, increasingly, by Inuit societal values applied through Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, which is essential to the way our government conducts its affairs.
(interpretation) We have reviewed the goals and evaluated the results achieved between 1999 and 2004.
Much has been achieved, but there is still more to do.
Nunavummiut have high expectations of their government.
They want a government that reflects Inuit societal values, a government that is open, accountable, and effective.
Pinasuaqtavut will provide a strong foundation for the work that needs to be done.
Mr. Speaker, in September, all members of the Legislative Assembly agreed that our government should give a new and greater emphasis to economic development and building a stronger cultural foundation based on Inuit societal values.
These priorities are built into Pinasuaqtavut.
(interpretation ends) Pinasuaqtavut will help the government make its operations, programs, and services more responsive to the needs of the people.
It will help keep government activities focused and it will assist us in reporting back to Nunavummiut on our progress.
(interpretation) As we move forward, we will continue to work with our land claims partners, and through open communications, I am confident that we will reach these objectives and our goals, goals that improve the lives of all Nunavummiut by strengthening our culture and expanding our economy.
Deputy Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Premier.
Member's Statement 064 – 2(2): Written Question
The timing of fuel delivery can directly impact on the safety of the process, so I am posing the following written question on this important issue.
In 2002, 2003, and 2004, what were the scheduled dates for the fuel re-supply in each community in Nunavut?
In 2003 and 2004, what were the actual dates for fuel re-supply in each community in Nunavut?
Deputy Speaker (interpretation): Mr. Alagalak, when we get to item 7, you can pose your written question at that time.
Member's Statement 065 – 2(2): Environment Issues
I was recently in Sanikiluaq, yesterday, and it was good to see that my relatives are okay...
In my constituency, the environment is of growing concern to the people.
They had a good meeting on the protection of the environment.
The environment will remain important in the future and so the issue of the environment will have to be carefully considered.
I just would like to let the members and my constituents know that as long as I am member of the Legislative Assembly I will be talking about environmental issues.
Deputy Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Kattuk.
Member's Statement 066 – 2(2): Members’ Fund Raising Hockey Game
Although I’m a new member of this House, I’m doing my very best to become familiar with the rules, procedures, and traditions of this place.
Mr. Speaker, when I was first elected, I knew that I would have to spend many long hours getting acquainted with the complicated world of parliamentary procedure.
What I didn’t know was that I’d also have to learn to skate on the same team as the Member for Iqaluit East.
Mr. Speaker, in about 72 hours, a number of members of this House and their staff will put on their hockey equipment and take to the ice.
I’m very pleased that “Team Nunavut” will be playing in a fundraising game for local charity.
Mr. Speaker, with the NHL still off the air, maybe this is the chance for us to get noticed by the major leagues, although I don’t know if the world is ready yet for two Tootoos on the same team.
I want to take this opportunity to encourage community leaders across Nunavut to get involved with local charity events.
We have a lot of needs in our territory, and those of us fortunate enough to be able to make a contribution should do so.
Just for the record, I think we’ll win by at least three goals, but that’s only because Madam Minister for the Kitikmeot is our coach.
Deputy Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Evyagotailak.
Member's Statement 067 – 2(2): Members’ Hockey Fundraising
In Inuktitut, you would be called “uqaqtittiji”.
When we met with the elders last week, I was advised to let you know that you are the person who directs the members to talk and when to talk, so we can only speak through you, Mr. Speaker.
Next week we will be playing hockey for charity; we will be playing at 7:30 on Sunday at the arena, for the information of the members, and it will be a lot of fun.
We will be playing against the fire fighters.
Member's Statement 068 – 2(2): Pangnirtung Constituents
Last week on Wednesday, during the halibut fishing, fishermen have to wait until the weather is fine.
I want to send greetings to my constituents in Panniqtuuq, many of whom closely watch our debates.
First, I want to say hello to my son in Qikiqtarjuaq, Kevin.
Pauloosie Veevee and his wife also watch all the debates of the House, and Peter Qappik and his wife, and Peter Akpalialuk, Seemee Angmalik and his wife, Joanasie Qappik, and Joanasie Maniapik and his wife.
The reason why I name these individuals is because they have a Quick Stop, a coffee shop in Pangnirtung.
They always sit in designated seating as we do here in the House.
No one else is allowed to sit in their places.
They always watch the debates of the legislature on TV, so I would like to send my regards to all the people in Pangnirtung, especially those who go to that coffee shop.
I would like them to know that I will not be coming home for the weekend because I have to go to Ottawa on other commitments. I will see them when we have finished this session in the House.
Item 4, Returns to oral questions.
Member's Statement 069 – 2(2): Members’ Hockey Game
My member’s statement today is... . It’s Friday, as we all know and as a couple of members have already pointed out.
We are going to be playing hockey on Sunday evening against the fire fighters and I am just hoping they don’t get us flooded out or douse us with some hoses.
During this game, I look forward to seeing a stellar performance by Premier Okalik, who I understand is planning to wear #13 to follow his hero in hockey, Mr. Mats Sundin, during the game and I want to see that style of play coming from Mr. Okalik.
Mr. Picco, as the minister that is always all over the ice, I think we might get a GPS or a bungee cord hooked up to him somewhere so he sticks to his position on the ice.
I understand that that particular minister who claims to hail from Portugal Cove as one of their hockey stars is actually from another community located about on Route 80 approximately 15 km from the Trans Canada Highway whose name is thought to originally come from Spain or Portugal.
I will send him a note on that after.
Also Minister Akesuk, his tougher type of performance, I look forward to seeing out there.
Also they had indicated that they are going to be playing are Minister Brown and her husband Ron.
I have heard that they are like the two towers on defence and I look forward to having fun watching anyone try and get by them or in between them.
As for myself, I know that I just calm people’s nerves, because there’s no use to get excited about watching a Tootoo play hockey??? . My skills in hockey are nowhere near my cousin’s or some of my other relatives on the ice.
Also, I sincerely hope that some of the other people that are playing, Mr. Bill Clay, , Ms. Lorianne White and Phil Boudreauo are not going to be shuttling their ministers around on the ice, that they are playing their positions.
So if the ministers are telling them to shuttle them around and make them look good on this ice, that it’s after hours and their ministers are on their own.
So, I look forward to everybody coming out and raising some good money for the firefighting equipment and stuff and a very good time had by everybody.
Deputy Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Tootoo.
We will make sure we have a bungee cord to tie from your hockey stick to Ed Picco.
Member's Statement 070 – 2(2): Members' Hockey Game
I will not be able to participate in the hockey game, but I’m sure it will be televised.
Please make sure that you play fairly.
Whoever is going to be the coach of this game should set up a rule so that the Minister of Energy will be shadowed by the Member for Iqaluit Centre.
I think that would be a good rule to follow.
I would also like to send my regards to the people in my community and to wish them a good weekend.
For those people who are going to be playing hockey, I’m sure you’ll be able to make it in one day, after a rigorous game.
Deputy Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Curley.
I have no other names on my list for members' statements.
Return to OQ 036 – 2(2): Tabling of Coroner's Report
Let me put my glasses on. (interpretation ends) I’d like to thank the member for being concerned about the safety of the elders.
The member had asked me to table a coroner’s report or a doctor’s statement on a specific incident that took place.
In regards to tabling a coroner’s report, I am not responsible for coroner’s reports, these are the responsibility of the Department of Justice.
In regards to tabling a doctor’s statement, no, I cannot table a doctor’s statement that will share any personal medical information in the House, because we need to protect the privacy of clients.
Deputy Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Hon. Levinia Brown.
Return to OQ 071 – 2(2): Update on the Condominium Units
I rise today in response to the honourable Member for Iqaluit Centre’s question regarding the decertification of the Parkdale Condominium Complex in Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker, the architect has withdrawn his certification of the building until such time as considerable deficiencies discovered through destructive testing carried out on the building, affecting items one and three of a signed declaration of January 28, 2004, have been corrected.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I’m pleased to report that these repairs are well underway and will be completed in the near future.
Deputy Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Hon. Peter Kilabuk.
Mr. Alagalak (interpretation): I am not sure how the Premier said Speaker in Inuktitut, but I would like to recognize my wife who will be here for a little while.
She is the sister of our Sergeant-at-Arms and I’m very pleased that she’s here.
Deputy Speaker (interpretation): Welcome to the gallery.
Recognition of visitors in the gallery, Mr. Kattuk.
I would also just like to recognize the individual that was just recognized.
I think it was 32 years ago that Mr. and Mrs. Alagalak were in Salluit, and they were very receptive when my wife and I were there.
She’s still exactly the same; she’s not aging at all.
I remember their hospitality 32 years ago.
I would also like to recognize Mrs. Alagalak and the Sergeant-at-Arms.
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery, Hon. Levinia Brown.
I would also like to recognize Hatti Alagalak who has made a huge contribution to the whole region of Kivalliq.
Her husband and Hatti have contributed very much and I would also like to thank our Sergeant-at-Arms for working with us.
Thank you very much you are an elder from our region and we’re very pleased that we are able to have an elder representative from our community.
They went for a supper at our place and he brought his great-grandchild and it’s something we are very fortunate to see.
Deputy Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Hon. Levinia Brown. (interpretation ends): Item Number 5, Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery, Mr. Curley.
Mr. Curley (interpretation):I would like to recognize the Sergeant-at-Arms and Hatti his sister.
I’d like to make a very brief comment.
I have known these two individuals when we were growing up in Coral Harbour and I can tell you that Hatti’s brother was a very close friend of mine, he has since passed on but these two individuals are very close to me and her father made a huge contribution in helping the RCMP and the HBC’s.
I think it was in the thirties when they went down to Newfoundland and he used to be an interpreter and then they moved to Arviat in the fifties and John Towtongie when Hatti was a very small child.
What I wanted to say is that John Towtongie is a very experienced hunter and he helped me through my young political career from the time that Inuit Taparitsat of Canada was established and he knows a lot more about me than I do myself.
We are establishing a history as Inuit.
He just told me this recently that his father, Harry Gibbons was the store manager in Port Harrison, or what’s known as Inukjuaq now.
That was in the 1930’s and you probably never thought why Port Harrison is now called Inukjuaq.
The Sergeant-at-Arms, that’s the name of the Sergeant-at-Arms’ mother. That’s the history that I got from Mr. Towtongie.
Port Harrison was named Inukjuaq after his mother and just recently our Sergeant-at-Arms went down there to the place where he grew up and where his mother’s camp was.
I would like to say thank you to our Sergeant-at-Arms.
Item Number 5, Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery, Hon. Peter Kilabuk.
Hon. Peter Kilabuk (interpretation): I don’t want to be misunderstood, but I’m going to say my namesake to recognize that although there is a Peter here, it really is not him.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize my namesake, in Panniqtuuq his brother is my namesake because we have the same name, my attikuluk in Panniqtuuq has sisters and relatives and her mother and they all call me atikuluk, which is a namesake to the sister and to the mother.
I would like to recognize Naimee Kilabuk-Bourassa and all the other interpreters.
I would like to recognize them and thank them.
Deputy Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Kilabuk.
We are on Item 5. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery.
Going back to the orders of the day. (interpretation ends) Item 6. Oral Questions.
Question 092 – 2(2): Providing Financial Monthly or Quarterly Reports
My question is for the Minister responsible for Energy.
Yesterday and the day before the minister was very clear that he doesn’t want to provide any information on the current status of the finances of the power corporation.
I know in May and again earlier this session, the Minister of Finance, in her budget address and her fiscal update address, made predictions on projections on how the government is going to do overall fiscally and I would assume that these things are done and kept track of by monthly variance reports.
My question for the Minister responsible for Energy is, as part of the new financial controls that are in place for the corporation, is it a requirement that they provide monthly or quarterly variance reports to the board of directors and to the minister?
Minister responsible for Energy. Mr. Picco.
I look forward for Sunday night in this great fundraising game that we will have an opportunity to play.
It’s too bad the member will be on the same team.
As I said, I think over the last couple of days as the member has pointed out, the process has always been that the government tabled audited financial statements of crown corporations and agencies of the government.
That is the process that we have in place and there’s a reason for that process.
That process is in place to provide verifiable facts and information to the House, not interim statements.
It’s my understanding that the crown agency council of government, as well as the board of directors of the Power Corporation, are regularly updated as per instructions given through the Auditor General’s report on the financial state of the power corporation.
Deputy Speaker: Thank you.
I could say ditto to the minister on being on the same team, but I caution him that the first time we played a charity hockey game and I went on the other team for a little while, the honourable member was looking at me from flat on his back on the ice.
So I would just like to remind him of that and it’s a good thing that I am on the same team as him.
I guess my question for the minister then is, if they are getting this information from the Power Corporation, and as indicated earlier the government as a whole does make projections public, then why does the minister feel that it’s not important to let that information be made public?
As I said, it’s verifiable information that he is saying about the statements that they are getting from the corporation, doesn't he doesn’t trust the information in there?
It must have been a whole other site from lying on the back.
I note that the member is trying to trip me up right now.
So, let me say again, very clearly, that the government provides accurate information within the contents of agencies, crown corporations, and boards of the government.
It’s not in the habit of providing interim financial statements and so on to the House for various reasons.
However, the member is misconstruing the main estimates in the House, the estimates that are in those documents, and is trying to link those with Crown Agencies and corporations.
There is a world of difference between the main estimates in the House and the financial statements of a corporation or board or agency.
I can say, as the Minister of Energy, that the financial statements, income statements, and balance sheets of how the Crown corporation is doing on a regular basis is provided to the Crown Agency Council group as well as to the Department of Finance, to look at their revenue requirements.
The Minister of Finance stated, earlier in the session, that they are actually looking at the revenue requirements, so, Mr. Speaker, I am not in the position to table... .
The member has asked why that was my opinion, why I am not doing that.
I am just trying to explain the process that is in place in this House, that is not unique to this House, indeed it is the precedent that is set in most legislative assemblies in Canada.
Your final supplementary, Mr. Tootoo.
To clarify for the minister: I am not trying to trip him up.
Last May, the Minister of Finance, in her budget address, was projecting a $13 million deficit.
As we heard earlier in this session, that will increase by $5.6 million.
That’s overall government operation; that has nothing to do with the main estimates.
Again, those are projections, followed up projections.
I am not asking him to table information, I am just asking whether given the close scrutiny that the corporation is under now in providing that financial information to himself and the Minister of Finance and the Crown Agency Council, and given the fact that we are not going to say he has mislead the House, if it is just projections.
Why will he not provide that information as requested?
Where are they sitting at right now, based on the information that they are getting from the corporation?
Why is it such a secret to do that?
Do they not want the people to know the current situation of the corporation right now?
Deputy Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Tootoo.
I said that was your final question, but I made a mistake.
The Minister of Finance tables in the House the main estimates.
An estimate is just that, it’s an estimate.
Projections are projections.
They are the best estimates based on current data and projecting that information forward.
The Minister of Finance provides that estimate for a $800 million budget.
At the end of the day, if you are off by ten percent or five percent, that is not too bad when everything is considered; incidents occur.
Under legislation, the Minister of Finance is authorized and requested and mandated to bring forward those projections so every member in the House can see them.
For the Crown Agency Council, the development corporation, the college, the requisite for assemblies in Canada and other jurisdictions is that you table the audited financial statements and so on.
Mr. Speaker, that is what I said I would do.
Within two weeks, I will have the third audited financial statement from the corporation and I will be tabling that.
If I get it before the House stops, I will bring it forward.
If not, it will be there in February.
That will be the process.
For me to stand up now and say that right now the cash flow situation of the corporation is X number of dollars and so on, I don’t see what the point would be to do that.
Because after December, after the next couple of weeks, the corporation, as the members know… . It gets colder, darker, and there is an increase in electrical rates.
Indeed, the best season for the corporation that’s providing energy is December, January, and February.
Their projections are based on how cold it is, what the weather is, and so on.
If it is unseasonably mild like it is right now in Iqaluit, their load will drop and the projections are off.
Three months from now Mr. Tootoo will say to me, “Well, you said the projections in December were X number of dollars,” and then I will have to try to explain why those projections are down.
That is one of the reasons why you don’t do that.
So, Mr. Speaker, very quickly, the main estimates of the government are projections.
They are separate from projections or interim statements that are provided to the corporation.