EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Iqaluit East, that Bill 2 – An Act to Amend the Workers’ Compensation Act, be read for the second time.
Bill 2 has had second reading and accordingly stands referred to the standing committee.
I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Nanulik, that Bill 3 – An Act to Amend the Interpretation Act, be read for a second time.
Mr. Speaker, we are introducing this Bill to amend the Interpretation Act in order to accommodate the change to a single time zone for all of Nunavut on October 31, 1999.
Section 25 of the Act has already been varied by a regulation that has been signed by the Commissioner and registered under our Statutory Instruments Act on September 7, 1999.
(interpretation) When we have the same time zone in Nunavut there is going to be better public communication and better small business communication in all of Nunavut.
When we have this one time zone it will also benefit the Nunavut Government.
Bill 3 has had second reading and accordingly stands referred to the standing committee.
Second reading of Bills.
I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Kugluktuk, that Bill 4 – An Act to Amend the Legal Services Act, be read for the second time.
Mr. Speaker we are introducing this bill to amend the Legal Services Act to provide for a Nunavut Legal Services Board to commence on April 1st, 2000.
Currently the Act provides for the Board to be the NWT Legal Services Board.
The process of staffing the new Legal Services Board has begun and the office will be established in Gjoa Haven prior to April 1.
This amendment is a reflection of our government’s commitment to taking full responsibility for our affairs and is also consistent with our commitment to putting in place structures that are designed to meet the needs of the people of Nunavut.
The motion is in order for second reading of Bill 4.
To the principle of the Bill.
Bill 4 has had second reading and accordingly is referred to the standing committee.
Hon. Paul Okalik: I move seconded by the Honourable Member for Nanulik, that Bill 5 – Supplementary Appropriations Act, No. 1, 1999/2000 be read for the second time.
Bill 5 has had second reading and accordingly is referred to the standing committees.
Item 20, Reports of Committee of the Whole.
Meeting of full caucus this evening at 6 o’clock and meeting of full caucus, tomorrow morning at 9 o’clock, both meetings in the Nanuq Board Room.
Orders of the Day for October 26 at half past one.
This House stands adjourned until Tuesday, October 26, 1999 at 1.30 p.m.. Sergeant-at-Arms.
>> House adjourned at 2.55 p.m.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1999
Pages 98 - 141
Opening Prayer 98
Ministers’ Statements 98
Point of Order 104
Members’ Statements 104
Oral Questions 108
Petitions 130
Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills 130  Tabling of Documents 131
Motions 131
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 132
Report of the Committee of the Whole 140
Orders of the Day 140
Tuesday, October 26, 1999 98
16 - 1(2): Ministers Absence from the House (Okalik) 98
17 - 1(2): Appointment of Deputy Premier (Okalik) 98
18 - 1(2): Inuktitut Training for Nunavut Government Employees (Havioyak) 99
19 - 1(3): Income Support Policy Review (Arvaluk) 99
20 - 1(3): Nunavut Emergency Plan Approval (Anawak) 100
21 - 1(3): Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (Havioyak) 101
22 - 1(3): Nunavut's Business Incentive Policy (Thompson) 103
30 - 1(3):Coral Harbour EATEP Graduates (Arvaluk) 104
31 - 1(3): Time Change and Iqaluit Town Council (Okalik) 105
32 - 1(3): Opposition to Time Change (Irqittuq) 105
33 - 1(3): Constituents Graduation (Iqaqrialu) 106
34 - 1(3): Relocation of Sanikiluaq Residents (Kattuk) 106
35 - 1(3): 40th Anniversary of Kimmik Co-op (Akesuk) 107
36 - 1(3): Decentralization of Sport North to Baker Lake (McLean) 107
37 - 1(3): Appreciation to Rankin Inlet Residents (Thompson) 107
38 - 1(3): Youth and Elders on the Land Project (Alakannuark) 107
35 - 1(3): Housing Corporation's Competition (O'Brien) 108
36 - 1(3): Equal Treatment of Communities (Irqittuq) 110
37 - 1(3): Drug Dealers and Bootleggers in Public Housing (McLean) 111
38 - 1(3): Summer Student Employment (Puqiqnak) 111
39 - 1(3):Pond Inlet School (Nutarak) 112
40 - 1(3): Budget Consultations (O'Brien) 113
41 - 1(3): Effects of Decentralization (Akesuk) 115
42 – 1(3): Time Zone (Out of Order) (Iqaqrialu) 115  43 - 1(3): Contractors use of Government Equipment (Irqittuq) 116
44 - 1(3): Priority over Dropouts (Puqiqnak) 117
45 - 1(3): Invitation to Education Minister (Nutarak) 117
46 - 1(3): Proper Spelling of Names (O'Brien) 118
47 - 1(3): Clyde River School Renovations (Iqaqrialu) 119
48 - 1(3): DEA's Terms of Reference (Kattuk) 119
49 - 1(3): Airline Routes (McLean) 120
50 - 1(3): List of Consultants (O'Brien) 121
51 - 1(3): Pay Equity (McLean) 122
52 - 1(3): Awarding of Contracts (Iqaqrialu) 123
53 - 1(3): Partners in Development (O'Brien) 124
54 - 1(3): Airline Travel Routes (McLean) 125
55 - 1(3): Gun Legislation (Kattuk) 125
56 - 1(3): Lobbying for Funding (Iqaqrialu) 126
57 - 1(3): Pelly Bay Gymnasium (Alakannuark) 128
58 - 1(3): Health Board Deficit (Irqittuq) 129
02 - 1(3): Opposition to Time Zone Change (Kattuk) 130
03 - 1(3): Opposition to Time Zone Change (Akesuk) 130
04 - 1(3): Opposition to Time Zone Change (Nutarak) 130
Tabled Document 8 - 1(3): Gjoa Haven Oil and Gas Study 131
1 - 1(3): Report of Chief Electoral Officer Referred to Ajauqtiit (McLean) 131  Tuesday, October 26, 1999
Tuesday, October 26, 1999
Mr. Ovide Alakannuark, Mr. Olayuk Akesuk, Honourable Jack Anawak, Honourable James Arvaluk, Honourable Levi Barnabas, Honourable Donald Havioyak, Mr. David Iqaqrialu, Mr. Enoki Irqittuq, Mr. Peter Kattuk, Honourable Peter Kilabuk, Mr. Glen McLean, Honourable Kelvin Ng, Mr. Jobie Nutarak, Mr. Kevin O’Brien, Honourable Paul Okalik, Mr. Uriash Puqiqnak, Honourable Manitok Thompson, Mr. Hunter Tootoo.
Speaker (interpretation): At this time I would like to ask. Mr. Alakannuark to say the opening prayer.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Alakannuark , before we start with the Orders of the Day, yesterday Bill 5 – Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 1, 1999/2000 had second reading and was referred to the appropriate committee.
Under our rules the appropriate committee is the Committee of the Whole and this is reflected in today's Orders of the Day.
Item number two on the Orders of the Day.
Minister’s Statement 16 - 1(3): Ministers Absence from the House
I wish to advise the members of this House that the Minister of Health and Social Services, the Hon. Ed Picco will be absent today.
He will be returning to the House for the sitting on October 28.
Minister’s Statement 17 - 1(3): Appointment of Deputy Premier
Mr. Speaker it gives me great pleasure to rise before the House today to make this announcement.
When I was elected as Premier I stated that I would review the need to appoint a Deputy Premier and make a decision once I was able to evaluate this need.
Our government has now had seven months of experience and I feel that it is now time to make this decision.
It is becoming more and more clear Mr. Speaker, that there has to be a strong, clearly identified Deputy Premier to maintain the confidence of the people of Nunavut and of this House if I am away.
A Deputy Premier that recognizes the wonderful diversity of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker it is with great pride that I announce to you that I have entrusted the Hon. Kelvin Ng, who is sitting beside me, with the position of Deputy Premier.
Speaker: Congratulations Mr. Ng. Thank you.
Minister’s Statement 18 - 1(3): Inuktitut Training for Nunavut Government Employees
I rise today to advise the Members of this House on the importance of Inuktitut language usage in our daily government business activities.
On October 19, 1999 the Government of Nunavut initiated the first session of Inuktitut Language training for the Government of Nunavut employees in Iqaluit.
This initiative is a joint undertaking between the Departments of Human Resources, Education and Culture, Language, Elders & Youth who instituted this language training program.
The purpose of the Inuktitut training program is to improve the way we serve the public.
Our government is committed to providing Inuktitut training for all public servants and this is what we should be moving forward on in this area.
This is only an initial pilot project, in the new year courses will be taught throughout Nunavut at various skill levels.
The courses will be developed through the Nunavut Arctic College as they have community learning centres in most of the communities.
Participants will learn the Inuktitut dialect of their home community or region.
Instruction will begin in basic Inuktitut and will reflect the language needs of the office environment.
Mr. Speaker this language training is consistent with the governments mandate to use Inuktitut as a working language.
We encourage all employees to participate and advance their language skills.
Minister’s Statement 19 - 1(3): Income Support Policy Review
I am pleased to announce that the Department of Education will be undertaking a policy review for the Income Support Program.
The Income Support Program, as inherited from the GNWT is a program that requires new thinking on the part of the Nunavut Government.
The Department of Education must work toward changing the image of a “welfare” department to one that is employment and education focused while still continuing to provide support to those who are unable to work.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, We must continue the development of partnerships with other stakeholders, including the federal government labour market programs and community agencies, to work towards the identification of training and employment opportunities and to enhance the ability of income support clients to take advantage of these opportunities.
We as a Government must encourage self-reliance instead of dependence.
We must continue to work toward the goal of community capacity building by having communities take ownership of and involvement in the identification of needs, and in the design, development and implementation of policies, programs and services.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, this policy review will solicit the views of Nunavut citizens and provide direction to the Government on how to redesign the current program.
The report resulting from the review will be used as the foundation for the development of a more responsive and effective Income Support Program for residents of Nunavut.
The community consultation process will be lead by a forum of Nunavut citizens appointed by myself.
(interpretation ends) I will keep this assembly advised of the progress we make on this very important issue.
I would like to thank the minister for making his statement.
As soon as we have a copy of the Minister’s Statement, copies will be given to the members.
Minister’s Statement 20 - 1(3): Nunavut Emergency Plan Approval
Hon. Jack Anawak (interpretation): I am very pleased to advise the members of this House that I have just completed my review of the Peacetime Emergency Plan prepared by my Director of Nunavut Emergency Services and his staff and have given it my approval as Minister Responsible for Civil Emergencies.
(interpretation ends) I wish to thank the various Deputy Ministers and their senior staff who have worked in consultation to produce this plan as required under the Civil Emergency Measures Act of Nunavut.
This plan will ensure a co-ordinated immediate response by the Government of Nunavut to any form of peacetime emergency.
(interpretation) It strengthens our role in working together in co-operation with our local authorities in aiding them in dealing with emergencies within their individual communities.
We need to work closely with our local communities who have considerable knowledge in dealing with situations within their home communities.
My Nunavut Emergency Services staff will work to ensure other agencies with lead responsibilities are listening to and reacting positively to community concerns and directions.
(interpretation ends) The plan now approved will be translated into the official languages of Nunavut and put into clearly marked binders for distribution across Nunavut.
Once this plan is released we will have complied with both our Act and the MOU on Emergency Preparedness entered into with the Federal Government.
At the same time work is continuing on updating the Regional Plans.
Support will also be provided to our local authorities in drafting their new peacetime plans.
The Department will also be responding to training requests from some communities and we will be very willing to assist and I have given direction to my staff to take a very proactive approach on the education side in an effort to reduce the number of incidents, particularly in the search and rescue area.
(interpretation) It is more important that we spend dollars on awareness programs in many of the areas that fall under Nunavut Emergency Services.
We are just beginning to become excited about the prospect of reducing fatalities, serious injuries and fire losses to name only a few.  Finally, please join with me in thanking the many, many volunteers who assist in the area of Emergency Services.
These are the people of Nunavut who, unfortunately, do not get the recognition that they deserve. Far too often they do not even hear a word of thank you following the long and sometimes stressful hours they have put in on an emergency.
It is my hope that we can recognize these individuals in a more positive way.
To this end I will be seeking your input and would welcome any suggestions that you may have.
Minister’s Statement 21 - 1(3): Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit
Hon. Donald Havioyak: Qoanna Uqaqti.
I am pleased to speak to the House about Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
The Government of Nunavut recognizes that the Inuit of Nunavut have acquired a vast store of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit through their experience of living in close harmony with the land.
As Minister for the Department of Culture, Language, Elders & Youth, I feel that we must continue the use of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and support in its practical application.
Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit is a valid and essential source of information about people’s relationships with each other, the formation of health communities and as a guiding principle for governance.
Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit is also a valid and essential source of information about the natural environment, the use of natural resources, and the relationship of people to the land.
There are several guiding principles that are helping us in our efforts.
We believe that we must work in close co-operation with the Nunavut Social Development Council as described in Article 32 of the Land Claims Agreement; perceive oral tradition as a reliable source of information about Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit; develop and deliver programs and services in the manner consistent with beliefs, customs, knowledge, values and language of the people being served.
This means that Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit must be a primary consideration in the design and delivery of the government programs, services and policies.
The Department of Culture, Language, Elders & Youth has been working very hard to promote and support Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in our government.
Our department has begun development of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit policy.
Consultations about this draft policy have begun and we presented a version at the Nunavut Social Development Council’s Board meeting at the end of September.
The policy proposes to establish Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit co-ordinators within each department in the government.
Our first Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit workshop was held in Iqaluit to determine what Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit means and to make recommendations for implementation.
The Government of Nunavut employees attended the workshop and various elders from the communities were our resource people.
A report of this first workshop will be available by the end of the month.
Our government has received the Nunavut Social Development Councils report on traditional knowledge and we are using it as one of our guiding principles.
The Department of Culture, Language, Elders & Youth is a part of an Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit working group with representatives from the different departments.
This group has worked hard to keep Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in the forefront of the government and supported its development as our Department gathers momentum.
The Department of Culture, Language, Elders & Youth has created a Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit co-ordinator position that will assist us to priorize Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit throughout the government.
Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit makes us different from other governments.
We have a unique identity and must be proactive in integrating it into our everyday governance.
Ministers’ Statement.
Minister’s Statement 22 - 1(3): Nunavut's Business Incentive Policy
Hon. Manitok Thompson (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to advise the members of the Legislative Assembly regarding our progress in reviewing the Nunavut Business Incentive Policy.
As you recall, earlier this year I promised members that my department would undertake a complete review of this policy so as all people of Nunavut would have an opportunity to provide their comments and ensure that our department met specific requirements of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Article 24.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce to the members and the public that I have established a working group that will focus it’s efforts on reviewing this policy.
It is my intention that this working group will seek input from and consult with all members of the Legislative Assembly, representatives of the communities, the public, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., business leaders and interested groups.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker the Business Incentive Policy forms the backbone of this governments’ commitment to level the playing field between the southern business competitors, Nunavut businesses, and Inuit owned businesses.
As well the development of this policy demonstrates the commitment of this government to adhere to our obligations under the Nunavut Land Claim Agreement.
Mr. Speaker, as we grow and expand in this new jurisdiction it only makes sense that the economic spin-offs of this development be focused on Nunavut businesses and Inuit owned firms who want to maintain a presence in the Nunavut business community.
Our willingness to support Nunavut businesses and Inuit firms in coming first will have a positive influence on Inuit employment and training.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, over the coming weeks the Business Incentive Policy working group will be actively soliciting your input and direction.
It is planned that the working group will be touring the communities and hosting public meetings in November.
I urge all to participate and if any of the Legislative standing committees would like the working group to appear before them, either for questioning or to relay information, I urge that you contact me so that arrangements can be made.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker out timelines to review this policy are short as the Nunavut Business Incentive Policy needs to be in place for the next contracting season.
It is my hope that a final draft will be ready for public review early in the new year.
With your support and the support of the business community and all the people of Nunavut, it is my intention to have the working group move as fast as possible so that the new policy can be introduced in the Legislative Assembly sometime in February or March, 2000.
Mr. McLean: Ma’na Uqaqti.
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to rule 34(5) I move, seconded by the member for Arviat that the minister’s statement on the business incentive policy be moved into committee of the whole.
All those in favour of the motion please raise your arm.
Back to the Orders of the Day, item number 3, Members’ Statements.
Member’s Statement 30 - 1(3):Coral Harbour EATEP Graduates
Today I am very proud that in my constituency of Coral Harbour that Sakku School has made an important difference since the school opened this year.
There are 10 students who had graduated in Coral Harbour from the EATEP program.
There are six new teachers and four of them had worked in class rooms.
All of these people completed their EATEP program (interpretation ends) and supported by their new principle Kolookto Nugak, the graduate teachers with the diploma from McGill University and Nunavut Arctic College are Mary Nakoolak in kindergarten; Sanaaq Pee in grade one; Helen Ell grade two; Nellie Ell, grade three; Emma Netser grade four; Doreen Sitinuar, Grade five; Rhoda Paliak, grade six; Kitty Nakoolak, junior high; Amouya Eetuk, senior high.
Also Patricia Netser completed her Bachelor of Education degree from McGill University and she is now the vice-principal and Inuktitut program co-ordinator.
I would like to congratulate these school teachers and acknowledge their hard work and sacrifices they made over the years to reach this goal.
(interpretation) I know that being a teacher is very challenging Mr. Speaker, so I urge the parents, the communities and the residents to support the new teachers and students who are taking EATEP programs.
If the parents give support, the education system can go a lot further.
Sivuliuqtiit.
Member’s Statement 31 - 1(3): Time Change and Iqaluit Town Council
I am proud to announce today that in Iqaluit, the Town Council has agreed to the time change and are now in support.
(interpretation ends) Last night the Town of Iqaluit met to discuss the single time zone for Nunavut and have decided that in the best interests of the community and in the best interests of Nunavut they would go along with the central time zone.
Some Members: Hear, Hear.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Mr. Speaker since Iqaluit is the capital of Nunavut, and all eyes are on Nunavut, especially by tourists and dignitaries that visit Iqaluit, we have many staff that are in Nunavut that support the residents of Nunavut and they are very important to the communities and these employment opportunities are beneficial.
(interpretation ends) This decision, Mr. Speaker, sends a strong decision to the people of Nunavut that Iqaluit is serious about contributing to the well-being and development of our beautiful territory.
AS MLA for Iqaluit West, I would like to thank the Town Council for their actions and I think that I speak for all members of this House when I say that it is very important to work closely with our Municipal Councils.
Merci, monsieur President.
Member’s Statement 32 - 1(3): Opposition to Time Change
To represent my constituency I also would like to make a member’s statement in regards to the Premier’s comment.
It is quite on the contrary to what he has just stated.
Having one time zone in Nunavut was initiated by the Mayors of Nunavut and they discussed that it would be ideal to have one time zone for Nunavut.
This was initiated now that at that time that happened and later on during the Nunavut Tunngavik AGM in Cambridge Bay, this was also discussed and I was at that meeting myself when they discussed the single time zone.
Mr. Speaker, we were so glad to have one time zone for Nunavut.
But then there was always a "but" that kept coming up in the single time zone debate when the change was initiated, the minds of the Baffin Region had been changed when they realized what was happening.
We should have discussed the time change with our constituents.
Mr. Speaker, we were in support of the single time zone because we did not know how many hours were going to go back and at least today we now know in the Baffin Region that our time change is going to change drastically, by two hours.
At this time, if that's implemented it will be noon hour right now.
Perhaps in the month of December, we'd be out of this House by the time it gets really dark outside.
On single time zone issue, I will be working very hard against it and I will ask oral questions tomorrow on it.
Member's Statement 33 - 1(3): Constituents Graduation
Mr. Iqaqrialu: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I visited one of the communities in my constituency to attend a graduation.
I was very appreciative for being invited.
We were so proud to see the graduates.