EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
The end result, Mr. Speaker, will be a standard bill that is consumer friendly, easier to read and does not include technical jargon.
As a government, we will remain committed to building an energy corporation that can manage our energy needs in a transparent and financially sustainable manner.
The government’s standing committee made some observations regarding the timing of the transfer of the government’s petroleum products division to the Qulliq Energy Corporation, with a transfer date of April 2005.
Mr. Speaker, we’ve taken into account the standing committee’s recommendation, the need to ensure that Qulliq Energy Corporation is financially viable and the resources being allocated to the current GRA process.
I have concluded that any structural changes involving employees and assets must have the corporation’s complete attention and must be based on a solid record of effective management.
As a result of these recommendations and the review, the transfer of PPD has been deferred until April 2006.
Finally, with much anticipation, today, February 28th, the Utility Rates Review Council’s final report on the corporation’s GRA will be released and tabled in the legislature, along with the announcement of the new electricity rates which we just proceeded to do.
Mr. Speaker, we are confident that these changes demonstrate the government’s commitment to strengthening the financial structure, as well as the corporation’s ability to maintain a reliable power generation system that manages Nunavut’s energy needs today and in the future.
Minister’s Statement 053 – 2(2): 2004 Nunavut Literacy Prize
As Minister of the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth, it is my pleasure to announce the release of Taimanit, a book featuring the two winning entries from the 2004 Nunavut Literacy Prize.
The Nunavut Literacy Prize is an initiative to encourage the writing and publishing of new literature for adults in Inuktitut.
In 2004, Morty Alooloo of Arctic Bay won the first place for her essay on changes to our way of life.
Paul Issakiark of Arviat won second prize for a story about a hunting trip out on the land.
Both authors submitted beautiful and moving pieces of writing.
The Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth has worked with the Nunavut Literacy Council to produce an illustrated book with the two winning pieces.
Mr. Speaker, as for the 2005 Nunavut Literacy Prize, a panel of judges selected the top three best stories, but no winners have yet been announced.
These stories will be published in the newspapers in March, without the authors’ names, and Nunavutmiut will be invited to participate in choosing the two winning entries for this year.
Minister’s Statement 054 – 2(2): Electricity Subsidy Changes
I am pleased to join my colleague, the Minister of Energy to provide members with information about electricity subsidy changes.
In my budget address last Friday, I made a commitment to provide members with details about the effects of the report of the Utility Rates Review Council will have on the government, including subsidies to the consumer under the Nunavut Electricity Subsidy Program, and that is what I am now doing.
The Department of Finance oversees an electricity subsidy program which subsidizes electrical energy consumption costs for residential customers who pay their own electricity bills.
The subsidy program also covers small commercial customers. It does not apply to residential customers in social housing who pay six cents per kilowatt-hour for electricity.
The Government of Nunavut has made changes to the subsidy program that will come into effect April 1, 2005, the same time as the new electricity rate structures come into effect.
The name of the program has been changed to the Nunavut Electricity Subsidy Program or NESP.
The basic monthly charge of $18 per household will be fully subsidized through the NESP.
The subsidized rate will be 18.4 cents per kilowatt-hour, 3.18 cents per kilowatt-hour increase from the current subsidized rate.
The new subsidized rate equals 50 percent of the new Iqaluit electricity rate for residential customers.
The current subsidized rate of 15.22 cents per kilowatt-hour was based upon the Yellowknife electricity rates from residential customers at the time of division.The Yellowknife rate was changed to 18.19 cents per kilowatt-hour in 2003.
The amount of electrical energy subsidized each month for basic household needs during the April to September billing cycles will be 700 kilowatt-hours.
The amount of electrical energy subsidized each month from October to March billing cycles will be increased from 700 kilowatt-hours to 1000 kilowatt-hours to address the higher electricity consumption in the winter months.
Based on December 2004 consumption data, this change would benefit almost 40 percent of the total residential customers in the territory who qualify under the subsidy program.
This will be particularly beneficial to customers in the communities with the highest electrical rates.
Cost for electricity consumption of each kilowatt-hour between 700 and 1000 kilowatt-hours during the winter months will decrease from 13.18 cents in Iqaluit to 55.09 cents each kilowatt-hour in Kimmirut.
The actual savings will vary, depending on the community electricity rate.
Commercial businesses with annual revenues of $2,000,000 or less can also receive a subsidy under the program.
Qualified businesses can receive a rebate from the program, based on subsidizing in the first 1000 kilowatt of electrical consumption per month.
The budget for the Nunavut Electricity Subsidy Program will likely have to be increased by $1,400,000 annually starting in fiscal year 2005-06 to cover the costs of enhancements to the program and the impact of the electricity rate increases.
This request would have to be brought forward for consideration of the Nunavut Legislative Assembly, through the supplementary appropriation process.
A $22,000,000 request for an extra appropriation to deal with the financial requirements of the Qulliq Energy Corporation up to March 31, 2005 will be brought forward for consideration by the Legislative Assembly later in this session.
Any need for additional financial assistance by the corporation this year will be determined by the Government of Nunavut, after detailed analysis of the revenue base and revenue requirements of the Qulliq Energy Corporation.
There is a $15 million contingency in the fiscal framework for the 2005/2006 for the cost to government of rate and subsidy changes, or any further financial support from government that QEC may require.
The Government of Nunavut must make sure that we have a secure Qulliq Energy Corporation that generates electricity at the lowest possible rates.
Going to orders of the day, Members' Statements.
Member’s Statement 110 – 2(2): Gasoline Supply in Sanikiluaq
Mr. Kattuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and I would also like to say that I am pleased to be back in the house.
I am sorry I am a little bit behind in the business of the house but this time around I would like to express my concerns of my community with respect to the gasoline supply in Sanikiluaq.
Mr. Speaker, a number of residents have approached me this winter about the frequent problems that they had experienced with the snowmobiles.
Mr. Speaker, what I am hearing sounds like the concerns that had been raised by the members in our communities.
Spark plugs are failing much more than usual and many owners are having other difficulties.
Mr. Speaker, Sanikiluaq is a traditional community and my constituents are dependent on a reliable supply of gasoline and I’m sure that my community is not the only community that is experiencing those kinds of problems that I’m talking about.
Mr. Speaker, I am concerned that this re-supply has problems and we need to take action.
I will be posing questions at the appropriate time.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Kattuk, and welcome back to the house.
Member’s Statement 111 – 2(2): Gasoline Problems in Arviat
Mr. Alagalak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to convey to the government the concerns of my constituents in Arviat with respect to this year’s gasoline supply in my community.
(interpretation) People throughout the Kivalliq have been vocal in identifying problems associated with the gasoline supply in our communities, especially so in the last three months through the winter periods.
In Arviat, many hunters and trappers felt unable this winter to harvest as extensively as usual because of fears of the gasoline supply.
Usually, the ones affected are the hunters who are unemployed.
Meanwhile, the caribou migratory route has been very far from our community.
Mr. Speaker, many people told me that they simply could not risk their snow machines breaking down and getting stranded out on the land, especially in the winter, during the trapping season.
That is the only source of income that the people of Arviat depend on.
A little bit of seal hunting out on the sea.
Speaker (interpretation): You have another 20 seconds to go if you want, Mr. Alagalak.
We have no choice but to rely on the government when it comes to such things as the gasoline supply.
We trust the government to ensure that the supply is adequate, safe and appropriate for use in our harsh environment.
We have absolutely no other choice but to be totally reliant on the government, especially it seems so on the hunters and the trappers.
Speaker (interpretation): You have run out of time.
You have used up your two and a half minutes.
Mr. Alagalak (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I had already asked to receive unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Speaker (interpretation): So you can just proceed.
Mr. Alagalak (interpretation): I would like to receive unanimous consent to conclude my statements.
Speaker (interpretation): A member is given two and a half minutes and you have to receive unanimous consent to get an extension.
Do you want unanimous consent to conclude your statement?
The members agreed.
Mr. Alagalak, go ahead.
As I was saying earlier, we have to trust the government to make sure that we have a safe supply of gasoline to go hunting and trapping.
Mr. Speaker, I noticed here in Iqaluit that there are many cars, trucks and large SUV’s.
In the smaller communities, residents rely more on snow machines and ATV’s, which have much smaller engines than the large and luxurious vehicles that people here drive around in.
In previous years, there was the issue of bad gasoline in some of the regions and a lot of the revenues that were generated were just put back into the costs of maintaining their vehicles, especially for the hunters and the trappers.
We know who these people are and I would also like to ask the government to possibly think about subsidizing their costs.
Member's Statement 112 – 2(2): Birthday Wish
I rise today to wish a happy birthday to one of my constituents.
She is now 75 years old and one of our interpreters Naimee’s mother, my very Aitainnaq Mary Kilabuk to wish her a happy birthday.
Member's Statement 113 – 2(2): Hamlet of Kugluktuk Efforts
I rise today to recognize the work that has been done by the Hamlet of Kugluktuk to reduce the municipal deficit.
Members will recall that Paul Way was appointed to, as municipal supervisor for the hamlet in July 2004.
In the seven months since his appointment, the hamlet has reduced its deficit by at least $400,000.
This means one-third of the deficit has been eliminated.
It must be done that the hamlet’s debt situation is received in part because of the completion of the community’s arena floor.
It is important to recognize that hamlets across the territories is just one project.
Just one major setback can have a huge, negative impact on all the hamlets’ operations.
The hamlet’s goal is to eliminate the debt by the end of March 2006.
The citizens of Kugluktuk will need to be patient with reduced service and pull together to see the debt erased.
I would like my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the efforts being made by many people of Kugluktuk to ensure the financial health of the hamlet.
Member's Statement 114 – 2(2): Social Worker
My constituents up to date don’t have a social worker and I still have yet to see a job competition for the social worker position.
Those people who require assistance of social workers need help face-to-face and not over the phone.
So I would like to state, at this time, that the communities that I represent require a social worker.
Even though the communities in my riding are small, their needs are the same as the bigger communities, and they are also Inuit.
They also encounter the same problems as in bigger centers.
So, they need person-to-person assistance, not by telephone.
Later on today, I will be posing questions to the Minister of Health and Social Services.
Member's Statement 115 – 2(2): Power Rate Increases
Looking at what the Ministers of Energy and Finance, it sounds like we don’t have anything to worry about because it will be 3.8 cents for residents and businesses, but they failed to mentioned, which I would like to state that we still have to pay for the increase in fuel as well as power bills.
It will be way over three cents for residencies as the minister mentioned.
It doesn’t sound like much but they’re delaying and there was mention that they have to give it back 90 days after.
We utilize the power and that’s where the money is going to come from.
This sounds very promising for Inuit, but it looks very appealing towards the end of the school year, I believe the price will be much higher and the Minister should be prepared.
Member's Statement 116 – 2(2): Globe and Mail Article
In an article in the Globe and Mail on January 6, 2004, titled Pipe Down Danny Boy, Ms. Margaret Wenteen was very disparaging to Newfoundland and to residents north of 60.
Many commentators, citizens and politicians have waited on Ms. Wenteen’s column and focused on her Newfoundland comments.
Mr. Speaker, in the same article, Ms. Wenteen, and I quote, “Rural Newfoundland, along with our great land north of 60, is probably the most vast and scenic welfare ghetto in the world,” end quote.
Ms. Wenteen believes that we are a welfare ghetto.
She bases this on the transfers from the Federal Government to the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and up here in Nunavut.
Maybe she hasn’t heard of millions and millions of royalty dollars being paid out by the Northwest Territories diamond mines, or in the new future the diamond mines here in Nunavut.
Maybe she doesn’t know that when monies are transferred north of 60, they invariably go to the south.
We support an ever growing southern economy, especially in the gateway cities of Ottawa, Montreal, Winnipeg and Edmonton.
Vehicles, food products, airline companies, cloths, fuel, expediting companies, shipping companies, hotels, Mr. Speaker, the list goes on.
This economic stimulus from Ms. Wenteen’s supposed ghetto is well welcomed by the thousands of people employed in the south because of these transfers, because of the people here north of 60.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut holds tremendous natural resources that in time will be developed.
That is why Premier Okalik has so forcefully pushed the idea of devolution, another word that Ms. Wenteen hasn’t heard of for Nunavut.
Ms. Wenteen’s ghetto analogy is shameful, hurtful and completely wrong.
It is unfounded and disparages all residents and people north of 60.
Mr. Speaker, do you know what I say.
Mr. Speaker, I say pipe down Margaret Wenteen and take a pill, give your head a shake and maybe visit us here north of 60.
The only ghetto here is in Margaret Wenteen’s head.
And, Mr. Speaker, that’s a big hole to fill.
Member's Statement 117 – 2(2): Alcohol and Drug Treatment in Cambridge Bay
I am pleased to rise today to report to the house on the alcohol and drug treatment pilot project that started last week in Cambridge Bay.
It is no secret that alcohol is a major contributor to the social ills of Nunavut.
Alcohol abuse is often involved in the incidence of domestic violence, aggravated assault, child apprehension cases, family breakups and murders.
Bootleggers in Nunavut will sell alcohol 1.1 liters of alcohol at up to $300 per bottle by preying on people with alcohol problems.
The Wellness Centre at the Hamlet of Cambridge Bay has started a 28-day live-in alcohol and drug treatment program in our community.
Last week, twelve women from around the Kitikmeot will be staying in residence within the community during the program.
Family members responsible will be brought in to support and sponsor relatives to deal with their alcohol and drug problems.
The mayor and council, as well as staff, believe that this treatment at home model will be more beneficial to people with alcohol problems than sending them out of territory for treatment.
Sending people out of territory for treatment is very expensive and the outcomes are doubtful.
The Government of Nunavut is contributing resources to the pilot project; there is a loan of old hostel, a large financial contribution.
When the pilot project is complete, the Wellness Centre will assess the project.
If it is deemed successful, they are willing to share the model with other communities within Nunavut.
A vital component of this pilot project is a suitable facility to host the program.
The facility that the Wellness Centre is using will soon be renovated and become the patient boarding home for the Kitikmeot Health Facility.
It is unlikely that the Wellness Centre will be able to deliver the program again in Cambridge Bay, once the hostel is renovated.
Mr. Speaker, this is an excellent example of a hamlet that is doing more for less to address social problems that harm their residents.
I applaud their initiative.
Member's Statement 118 – 2(2): Thank Individuals
Mr. Tootoo: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On behalf of all Nunavutmiut, I would like to extend a very warm thank you to Mr. Ray Mercer, and members of the Utility Rates Review Council, for the fine work that they have done into finally shedding some light on what is going on at the Qulliq Energy Corporation.
If I might make a suggestion to the Minister responsible, maybe the individual that the Utility Rates Review Council hired, their expert might do some contract work and help the Minister get the rest of the shop in line.
Member's Statement 119 – 2(2): Airport Safety During a Power Outage
Mr. Kattuk, we are happy that you are back. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to raise the issue of safety at airports across Nunavut.
As our primary means of transportation, it is important to all of us that air travel is safe.
In January the Hamlet of Coral Harbour experienced a two day power outage due to a blizzard.
While the blizzard was developing, a medivac was needed in the community.
As the flight was arriving the power fluctuated and the Rangers were called on to man snowmobiles along both sides of the runway, to assist the aircraft in landing.
Mr. Speaker, it is too easy too imagine what might have happened if the plane was forced to execute a crash landing.
The Rangers put themselves in a dangerous situation because the airport’s standby generator only has the capacity to run the air terminal and not the runway.
One of the Nunavut Association of Municipalities’ 2004 resolution was to secure funding for back up emergency airport power generators.
I support the NAM in this resolution and urge the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation to address these safety concerns.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Rangers for their efforts to assist in the landing of the medivac.
I would further like to congratulate the community as a whole in their efforts to minimize property damage during the outage by rotating portable generators.
Member's Statement 120 – 2(2): Birthday Wish to Daughter
I rise today on my daughter’s birthday.
Maani, if you are watching, hi and happy birthday and I hope all your friends are thinking of you.
Happy Birthday, Maani.
Member's Statement 121 – 2(2): Long Service Awards
First of all, I want to say hello to my constituents in Taloyoak and Gjoa Haven. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, last week, long-term services awards were handed out in both Gjoa Haven and Taloyoak.
I would like to congratulate the following individuals for having received an award for five years of service to the Government of Nunavut.
In Gjoa Haven, Edith Carlson, Owen Hewitt, Simeonie Samok, Debbie Sarson and Juliette Uyarai.
In Taloyoak Elaine Panigayak and Bruce Takolik.
I would also like to congratulate Debby Eeleeheetook from Gjoa Haven and Annie Akoak from Taloyoak for having received awards for ten years of service.
I also want to congratulate John Humiktuq and Ian Crichley on having completed 15 years of service with the Government of Nunavut.
They are very deserving of this award, in collaboration for exemplifying such dedication.
Finally, a very special congratulations to Mary Umingmak on having completed 25 years of service.
This type of dedication needs to be highlighted and celebrated by this government.
I would like to rise to recognize a very good constituent who is always very active in our community, Mr. Mike Gardner, welcome to the Gallery.
He is here with his long lost fourth cousin from Ottawa, Mr. Don Reid, welcome to Nunavut.
I would like to recognize people from Sanikiluaq.
The Page here from Sanikiluaq, Daniel Qavvik, Minnie and Jessie Fraser, Bill Fraser’s son.
You know Bill, so that’s his daughter.
I, too, would like to take this opportunity to welcome to the Gallery first and foremost that is sitting behind Mr. Levi Barnabas is the intrepid and always available, excellent editor and I don’t think he would have made the comments, Ms. McGuinty had made in the Globe and Mail and I hope that Jim won’t take an editorial stand on part of McGuinty’s comments.
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the editor of the Nunatsiaq News, Mr. Jim Bell to the Gallery.
Also, I did want to take this opportunity to welcome Mr. Don Reid who is with Mr. Mike Gardner, Mike’s cousin.
Mr. Reid is a former teacher.
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome him to the Nunavut and to the Gallery.
Mr. Gardner, I have to apologize, Mr. Speaker, as I said to him earlier when he came in that I didn’t make it to church yesterday morning. I thought it was a blizzard.
So I went outside and said; well, the church is going to be cancelled.
Mike just told me that they actually went down.
So I apologize to Mike and I will see him there next Sunday.
I envy all of the members who have the opportunity to recognize anyone.
I have known Jim Bell for quite a while and I have known him since 1999 and he is always very receptive.
So therefore I would like to recognize him.
Question 153 – 2(2): Plans for a New Office Building
My question is for the Minister Responsible for Qulliq Energy Corporation, who, I note, is glowing with happiness after his minister’s statement a little while ago.
My question is very simple.
Will the minister confirm whether or not the Qulliq Energy Corporation or any of its subsidiaries have proposed spending any amount of dollars on a new office building here in Iqaluit, yes or no.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Responsible for Qulliq Energy Corporation.
I’m not aware of any plans by the Qulliq Energy Corporation to build an office building in Iqaluit.
I’m sure the minister will be finding out soon; I guess he doesn’t know… . Some light will get shed on this topic, I guess.
My question is… . I know the minister had indicated last year, and his predecessor, that any discretionary capital would be stopped at that power corporation.
Is this a directive that is still in place for Qulliq Energy Corporation and its subsidiaries?
If the member is aware of information that means that the power corporation would be spending his money and everyone else’s in Nunavut’s, tax payers’ money, on a brand new building then he should make us aware of that.
Mr. Speaker, the discretionary spending limits by the power corporation are indeed still in place.
Myself and the Premier, the cabinet, we’re not aware of any plans by the Power Corporation to build a brand new building.