EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
This bill also includes a number of minor updating changes which help ensure that the legislation is relevant and appropriate for Nunavut.
This bill will authorize Nunavut Arctic College to exercise the same degree-granting authorities as the colleges in the Yukon and Northwest Territories.  This bill will allow Nunavut Arctic College to enter into partnership agreements with universities from other jurisdictions so that it may offer university-level programming and confer degrees.
This bill will allow Nunavut Arctic College to increase its capacity as a university so that it may one day offer university-level programming and confer degrees on its own.
This bill will make it possible for degrees granted by Nunavut Arctic College, be it in partnership with another university or not, to reflect that they are being granted by Nunavut Arctic College.
In other words, Nunavut Arctic College will appear on the degree.
This bill will allow degree recipients to be recorded and reported as receiving the degree in Nunavut rather than in the partnering jurisdiction.
Through the granting of degrees in the name of Nunavut Arctic College and the recording of its graduates, Nunavut Arctic College will increase the recognition it receives for the role it plays in educating Nunavummiut.
This bill is an important step towards meeting the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement objective “to encourage self-reliance and the cultural and social well-being of Inuit.”
The content of this bill have been reviewed and endorsed by Nunavut Arctic College.
Bill 23 signals progress for our education system. It is a small step in the direction of a more complete education system in Nunavut. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Do you have witnesses that you would like to bring to the table? Madam Aariak.
Madam Aariak, for the record, please introduce your witnesses.
To my left is Kathy Okpik, Deputy Minister, and to my right is Bradley Archambault, who is a legislative analyst.
Chairman (interpretation): Welcome to the witness table, Mr. Archambault and Ms. Okpik.
As Chair of the Standing Committee on Legislation, I wish to make some brief opening comments as we begin consideration of Bill 23.
Mr. Chairman, the standing committee supports the government’s initiative to further empower Nunavut Arctic College by giving the college authority to grant university degrees and applied bachelor degrees through this legislation.
Members acknowledge the importance of recognizing that graduates have earned their qualification in Nunavut at a Nunavut institution.
Other amendments to the Public Colleges Act will bring it up to date and more in line with the education system in Nunavut.
Committee members look forward to the day when northern skills and traditional knowledge will also be formally recognized under the auspices of Nunavut Arctic College.
Mr. Chairman, during the previous Legislative Assemblies, the Minister of Education was also the Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College.
In this Assembly, responsibility for Nunavut Arctic College has been assigned to a minister other than the Minister of Education.
It has been the Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College who has undertaken certain duties in accordance with the legislation.
For example, it is the Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College who has tabled the college’s annual reports in this House in accordance with section 18(5) of the Act.
Just last week, it was the Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College who defended the college’s proposed 2012-13 capital budget.
Mr. Chairman, it is the Minister of Education who is appearing before us today as the sponsor of this bill.
However, it is the understanding of the committee that the Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College will remain accountable for the day-to-day operations of the college.
The standing committee emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the lines of accountability are clear with respect to responsibility for the administration of this legislation in order to ensure that decisions and actions concerning the establishment of programs and courses, the implementation of policies and procedures, and the allocation of funds and resources are clear and transparent.
The standing committee recommends the passage of Bill 23 to all members.
Are there any general comments on this bill?
I just want clarification on two things.
First, in the opening comments for this bill, it’s evident that we’re proud of this bill as Nunavummiut and we should be proud of Nunavut Arctic College.
It states that the college could confer degrees in the future.
Can we envision or has it been considered when this would take place with our own stamp of distinction?
Nunavut Arctic College would be conferring degrees.
Just for clarity, the Department of Education is the sponsor of this Act and Nunavut Arctic College is responsible for its day-to-day operations.
I think I have been in meetings too long that I’m probably not making much sense.
So I’ll read the document, Mr. Chairman.
I haven’t seen the Inuktitut copy yet, so I’ll be reading it in English.
I’m trying to ask this question.
(interpretation ends) “This bill will allow Nunavut Arctic College to increase its capacity as a university so that it may one day offer university-level programming and confer degrees on its own.” (interpretation) Mr. Chairman, my question was: when can we expect to see this come into force?
Once Nunavut Arctic College initiates that.
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the minister.
I have another question. As I stated earlier, we’re proud of Nunavut Arctic College and it’s evident that Canadians and the people of the north are also very proud of the college.
I don’t know if this is going to be a concern, but I would like to ask a question.
Once these degrees are exclusively granted by Nunavut Arctic College, I believe that there will be more interest to attend the college from all over Canada and I’m sure those degrees will be accepted anywhere.
I’m sure that this has been considered, but my question is: would there be more interest by Nunavummiut when the college is able to confer degrees? Would Nunavummiut be the priority to attend Nunavut Arctic College and not be displaced by those outside of Nunavut?
Yes, since it’s very important to increase the number of Nunavummiut attending school and that whoever will be attending Arctic College will be determined fully by the college.
Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) One issue that has been raised in this House a number of times is a concern that a grade 12 qualification achieved in Nunavut does not meet the same standard and level of knowledge as a grade 12 qualification from another jurisdiction in Canada.
Currently our schools follow the Alberta curriculum with some modifications, such as the Inuit language requirements and the Aulajaaqtut requirements, and students must earn the appropriate credits in order to graduate with a grade 12 diploma.
Many students and parents find that a Nunavut diploma does not represent the level of education they thought it did.
I am concerned that Nunavut Arctic College degrees, whether they are university degrees or applied bachelor degrees, will not represent the same standard of education as degrees granted by other institutions across Canada.
Can the minister clearly describe how Nunavut Arctic College degrees will be properly accredited to ensure that they meet nationally accepted standards?
Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) There is no national accreditation of universities and university programming in Canada.
The authority to grant degrees is found in provincial and territorial legislation only.
The authorization by the government is meant to be a form of accreditation. Now, this is the one that I cannot pronounce.
If an institution is authorized to grant degrees in law, then it is recognized as a degree-granting institution, and the degrees it grants are recognized in Canada. (interpretation) If we change the law and allow the college to grant degrees, it would be recognized nationwide.
I believe she answered my question, but I would like to ask another question. (interpretation ends) What is the process for accreditation and what specific institutions or bodies in Canada grant the approval for a degree to be recognized as such across Canada?
The Department of Education would do a review through the adult education department.
If you didn’t understand me, I’ll make sure that I rephrase my response.
Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Will degrees granted by Nunavut Arctic College be equal to degrees granted at other institutions across Canada?
Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Yes, it would be recognized across Canada.
For example, at the trades school, accreditations from the school board were given.
If I added in English, (interpretation ends) Nunavut Arctic College will continue to offer university-level programming in partnership with universities from other jurisdictions.
In some cases, Nunavut Arctic College may always offer programming in partnership.
Given this, the partner university will play a key role in ensuring that programming being offered is a high quality, just as they are doing currently.
It is unlikely that any university would risk its reputation by partnering with an institution of less than adequate standards.
Without this amendment of the Act, Nunavut Arctic College’s role in the delivery of university-level programming will be diminished in comparison to its partner university.
To further explain, this amendment will allow Nunavut Arctic College to play a larger role in the programming it offers, and in doing so, will gain capacity as a degree-granting institution. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
First of all, I would like to ask if it’s okay with you that I ask about the response by Minister Aariak regarding the Arctic College minister taking the initiative.
Chairman (interpretation): Go ahead. Please proceed with your question, Mr. Enook.
I’ll direct this question to Minister Shewchuk.
Someone mentioned that the conferring of degrees would be at the initiative of Nunavut Arctic College.
When would we start seeing these degrees that will come out of Nunavut Arctic College?
First of all, I would like to thank all the members for asking these very good questions about the Arctic College and I’m sitting back here shaking my head a little bit.
I’m agreeing with the Premier in her answers here because we work very closely together with Education. Education is mandated with the responsibilities of the Public Colleges Act.
However, I think these changes are going to be very beneficial into the future for all of Nunavut and Nunavutmiut.
As far as the degree-granting process is at present, as you well know, the Premier has indicated that we are in partnership with several universities in the south that grant degree programs to Nunavut students.
With this happening with our amendments to this Act, we will have the ability to do that.
Once we do have that ability and legislation, we can start developing and implementing programs where we can offer degrees in specific courses. So this is the start of that whole process.
I don’t know if it’s possible to answer my question and, if not, I will understand.
I would like to ask as a supplement: when do you anticipate giving out a degree by Nunavut Arctic College, affixed along with their own seal?
I wish I could answer that question fully, but I can’t and I can’t commit to that.
We would like to see it done as soon as possible, where we have some programs in place where we can deliver degrees to Nunavut students.
In your white folder is Bill 23, An Act to Amend the (interpretation ends) Public Colleges Act. (interpretation) We will now begin the clause-by-clause review. (interpretation ends) Clause 1. (interpretation) Do you agree?
Chairman: Schedule. (interpretation) If you turn to page 7, the details are on that page.
Do you agree to the Schedule?
Chairman (interpretation): Go back to page 4. (interpretation ends) Clause 15. (interpretation) Do you agree?
Chairman (interpretation): Do you agree to Bill 23 as a whole?
Chairman (interpretation): Pursuant to Rule 62(2), are you agreed that Bill 23 can immediately be placed on the orders of the day for third reading?
Minister Aariak, do you have any closing remarks?
First of all, I would like to thank the staff of Nunavut Arctic College and the Department of Education staff, all of whom worked very hard to put this bill together.
In Tamapta, we stated that education is very important and this is part of improving the education system. Since we passed this bill to amend the Public Colleges Act, we can then start implementing and making the required changes.
Thank you very much for your full support.
We can now proceed with the implementation.
I would like to thank Bradley and Kathy. I would also like to thank you for posing excellent questions.
If you have any further questions that you think about today, the Arctic College minister and I are open.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Aariak and your officials. Thank you very much.
On my agenda, we have concluded with the bills we wanted to deal with.
Mr. Ningeongan: Qujannamiik, Mr. Chairman.
There is a motion to report progress. All those in favour, raise your hand.
Speaker: Continuing on in the Orders of the Day, Item 20.
Your committee has been considering Bills 16, 17, 18, 20, and 23, and would like to report that Bills 16, 17, 18, 20, and 23 are immediately ready for third reading.
Hon. Keith Peterson: Sorry, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
This is unusual for me. I request unanimous consent to go back to Item 5 in the Orders of the Day.
Mr. Peterson has indicated this is unusual for him, so for the second time today, the member is seeking unanimous consent to go back to the orders of the day.
Being Halloween, strange things are happening in the House today.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for granting permission.
Mr. Speaker, I was remiss earlier. I should have recognized this individual when I was at the witness desk. I would like to welcome Ms. Susan Hardy to the Gallery.
Susan Hardy is our Director of the Legislative Division.
All the legislation that goes through the House that we review every session, she oversees the development of it. A lot of hard work goes into the legislation that is amended or developed for the Government of Nunavut.
So I would like to welcome Susan. She’s sitting right over here.
Welcome to the Gallery, Ms. Hardy.
I worked with her for a number of years and over the years as well.
Bill 16 – Annual Reporting Validation (Liquor Licensing Board) Act – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 16, Annual Reporting Validation (Liquor Licensing Board) Act, be read for the third time.
Third Reading of Bills. Minister of Finance, Minister Peterson.
Bill 17 – Write-off of Debts Act, 2011-2012 – Third Reading
Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 17, Write-off of Debts Act, 2011-2012, be read for the third time.
Third Reading of Bills. Minister of Justice, Minister Peterson.
Bill 18 – An Act to Amend Several Acts for Constitutional Validity (Spousal Benefits and Obligations) – Third Reading
Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 18, An Act to Amend Several Acts for Constitutional Validity, be read for the third time.
The motion is carried and Bill 18 is ready for assent.
Bill 20 – An Act to Amend the Judicature Act (Court Rules) – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 20, An Act to Amend the Judicature Act, be read for the third time.
Speaker: Thank you very much, Minister Peterson.
Third Reading of Bills. Minister responsible for Education, Madam Minister Aariak.
Bill 23 – An Act to Amend the Public Colleges Act – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the hon. member from Kugluktuk, that Bill 23, An Act to Amend the Public Colleges Act, be read for the third time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Before we proceed, I would like to ask the Deputy Clerk if she could please ascertain if the Commissioner of Nunavut is prepared to enter the Chambers to give assent to bills.
Bill 13 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2011-2012 – Assent
Bill 14 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2011-2012 – Assent
Bill 15 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2012-2013 – Assent
Bill 16 – Annual Reporting Validation (Liquor Licensing Board) Act – Assent
Bill 17 – Write-off of Debts Act, 2011-2012 – Assent
Bill 18 – An Act to Amend Several Acts for Constitutional Validity (Spousal Benefits and Obligations) – Assent
Bill 20 – An Act to Amend the Judicature Act (Court Rules) – Assent
Bill 22 – An Act Respecting the Constituencies of Nunavut – Assent
Bill 23 – An Act to Amend the Public Colleges Act – Assent
Commissioner Edna Elias: Thank you. (interpretation) Members of the Legislative Assembly, please be seated.
As Commissioner of Nunavut, I am honoured to give assent to the following bills:
(interpretation ends) Bill 13, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2011-2012;
Bill 14, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2011-2012;
Bill 15, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2012-2013;
Bill 16, Annual Reporting Validation (Liquor Licensing Board) Act;
Bill 17, Write-off of Debts Act, 2011-2012;
Bill 18, An Act to Amend Several Acts for Constitutional Validity (Spousal Benefits and Obligations);
Bill 20, An Act to Amend the Judicature Act;
Bill 22, An Act Respecting the Constituencies of Nunavut; and
Bill 23, An Act to Amend the Public Colleges Act.
(interpretation) As you conclude your work here and prepare to return to your families and communities, I wish you all a safe journey home.
You will be out hunting again once you get home.
I wish the children a good Halloween tonight.
Speaker: We will continue on with the orders of the day.
Clerk Assistant, Mr. Innuksuk.
Clerk Assistant (Mr. Innuksuk) (interpretation): Thank you.
Orders of the Day for February 21, 2012:
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Innuksuk. (interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until February 21, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. Have a safe and happy Halloween, everybody.
>>House adjourned at 17:36
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Pages 1544 – 1575
Opening Prayer 1544
Money Message 1544
Ministers’ Statements 1545
Members’ Statements 1548
Returns to Oral Questions* 1553
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 1553
Oral Questions 1555
Returns to Written Questions* 1572
Responses to Petitions 1572
Tabling of Documents 1572
Notices of Motions 1573
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 1574
Motions 1574
Orders of the Day 1575
Tuesday, February 21, 2012 1544
106 – 3(3): Notice of Budget Address (Peterson) 1545
107 – 3(3): Qulliq Energy’s GRA Phase 2 Update (Kusugak) 1545
108 – 3(3): Nunavut Coastal Resource Inventory 2012 Status (Arreak) 1546
109 – 3(3): Qikiqtarjuaq Air Terminal Building Opening (Taptuna) 1546
110 – 3(3): 2012 Arctic Winter Games (Arreak) 1547
111 – 3(3): Canada’s Outstanding Principals 2012 (Aariak) 1548
149 – 3(3): Televised Proceedings in Hall Beach (Tapardjuk) 1548
150 – 3(3): Banking Services in Smaller Communities (Aupaluktuq) 1549
151 – 3(3): Federal Support for Healthy Lifestyles (Elliott) 1550
152 – 3(3): Power Outages in Pond Inlet (Enook) 1551
153 – 3(3): Tribute to Matty McNair (Ell) 1551
154 – 3(3): Miqqut Literacy Program at Rankin Inlet (Curley) 1552
Return to Oral Question 213 – 3(3): “Solution Box” on Government Website (Clerk) 1553
Return to Oral Question 219 – 3(3): Number of Active Cases of TB in Nunavut (Clerk) 1553
223 – 3(3): Fuel Tax Rebate Program (Aupaluktuq) 1555
224 – 3(3): Contracting Policy for Air Ambulance Services (Curley) 1556
225 – 3(3): Coastal Resource Inventory (Tapardjuk) 1560
226 – 3(3): Review of Iqaluit Infrastructure (Ell) 1563
227 – 3(3): Security at Nunavut Airports (Enook) 1565
228 – 3(3): Interdepartmental Monitoring Committee on Nutrition North (Rumbolt) 1566
229 – 3(3): Affordable Housing (Oshutapik) 1568
230 – 3(3): New Licence Plate for Nunavut (Rumbolt) 1570
Return to Written Question 009 – 3(3): Enforcement of the Environmental Protection Act (Clerk) 1572
Response to Petition 001 – 3(3): Coral Harbour Nurse-in-Charge (Clerk) 1572
140 – 3(3): Correspondence Dated December 13, 2011 to the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development on the Nutrition North Canada Program (Elliott) 1572
141 – 3(3): Joint News Release and Correspondence Dated February 20, 2012: Legislators Across Canada’s North Work Together on the Nutrition North Canada Program (Elliott) 1572
142 – 3(3): 2010-2011 Public Accounts (Peterson) 1573
143 – 3(3): 2010-2011 Annual Report for the Nunavut Housing Corporation (Schell) 1573
144 – 3(3): Nunavut Housing Corporation’s Contracting Report for Year Ending March 31, 2011 (Schell) 1573
145 – 3(3): 2010-2011 Pension Administration Report (Speaker) 1573
146 – 3(3): 2012 Sitting Calendar (Speaker) 1573
021 – 3(3): Legislative Assembly Appointments – Notice (Elliott) 1573
022 – 3(3): Extended Sitting Hours and Days – Notice (Ningeongan) 1574
021 – 3(3): Legislative Assembly Appointments (Elliott) 1574
Bill 34 – An Act to Amend the Integrity Act – Notice 1574
Honourable Eva Aariak, Honourable James Arreak, Mr. Moses Aupaluktuq, Mr. Tagak Curley, Ms. Monica Ell, Mr. Ron Elliott, Mr. Joe Enook, Honourable Lorne Kusugak, Mr. Johnny Ningeongan, Mr. Hezakiah Oshutapik, Honourable Keith Peterson, Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Honourable Fred Schell, Honourable Daniel Shewchuk, Mr. Louis Tapardjuk, Honourable Peter Taptuna, Honourable Hunter Tootoo.
>>House commenced at 13:35
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Ningeongan. (interpretation ends) Before we proceed with the orders of the day, I am very pleased to take this opportunity to announce that nominations for the Order of Nunavut have opened for the year 2012.
Information concerning the nomination process, including nomination forms, is available on the Legislative Assembly’s website and will be provided to all members’ constituency offices.
My colleagues and I on the Order of Nunavut Advisory Council look forward to reviewing this year’s nominees.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the residents of Iqaluit, Arviat, and Rankin Inlet for making the recent Order of Nunavut investiture ceremonies a tremendous success.
As members are aware, the first recipients of the Order of Nunavut were the Reverend Michael Gardener, the late Mark Kalluak, and the late Jose Kusugak.
Commissioner Elias and I were very proud to preside over the investiture ceremonies honouring these distinguished and deserving individuals.
We look very much forward to this year’s ceremonies, which will be held later this year.
I would now like to read the following communication from the Commissioner of Nunavut:
Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut the passage of the following bills during the Third Session of the Third Legislative Assembly:
Bill 24, Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2012-2013;
Bill 25, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 6, 2010-2011;
Bill 26, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 3, 2011-2012; and
Bill 27, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2012-2013.
Welcome back, everybody. It’s good to see everyone here.
Minister’s Statement 106 – 3(3): Notice of Budget Address (Peterson)
It’s good to be back.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform the House that on Wednesday, February 22, 2012, that I will be delivering the Budget Address.
Minister’s Statement 107 – 3(3): Qulliq Energy’s GRA Phase 2 Update (Kusugak)
Good day. It’s good to be meeting again.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would like to update Nunavummiut on the status of phase 2 of Qulliq Energy Corporation’s latest General Rate Application (GRA).
QEC has been authorized to move towards implementing territorial power rates effective April 1 of 2014.