EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
For the calendar year of 2008, which communities in Nunavut received fuel deliveries by airlift?
For the calendar year of 2009, which communities received fuel deliveries by airlift?
What policies and/or procedures does the Government of Nunavut follow with respect to the rationing of fuel supplies in communities in circumstances where shortages exist?
Written Question 004 – 3(2): Government of Nunavut Response to Resolutions Adopted at the 2009 Annual General Meeting of the Nunavut Association of Municipalities (Schell)
My question is for Madam Premier and it’s in regard to the Government of Nunavut responses to resolutions adopted at the 2009 Annual General Meeting of the Nunavut Association of Municipalities.
What were the Government of Nunavut’s responses to the resolutions adopted at the 2009 Annual General Meeting of the Nunavut Association of Municipalities?
Written Questions. Member for Iqaluit West, Mr. Okalik.
Written Question 005 – 3(2): Ministerial Travel (Okalik)
I would like to direct this written question to Premier Eva Aariak and it’s in regard to ministerial travel.
For the period November 19, 2008 to March 3, 2010, how many trips on official ministerial business were undertaken by:
The Hon. Eva Aariak, MLA;
The Hon. Tagak Curley, MLA;
The Hon. Lorne Kusugak, MLA;
The Hon. Keith Peterson, MLA;
The Hon. Daniel Shewchuk, MLA;
The Hon. Louis Tapardjuk, MLA;
The Hon. Peter Taptuna, MLA; and
The Hon. Hunter Tootoo, MLA?
What was the purpose, itinerary, and duration of each trip?
Who participated in each trip?
What was the total cost of each trip, broken down by:
Airfare and/or aircraft charter expenses;
Accommodation expenses; and
Written Question 006 – 3(2): Status of the Implementation of the Nunavut Housing Trust Delivery Strategy (Komoartok)
My question is to the Hon. Hunter Tootoo, Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, in regard to the status of the implementation of the Nunavut Housing Trust Delivery Strategy.
As of March 1, 2010, what is the status of the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s implementation of the Nunavut Housing Trust Delivery Strategy with respect to:
The total number of public housing units constructed, broken down by Nunavut community;
The total cost of construction of public housing units, broken down by community; and
Inuit employment and training initiatives, broken down by Nunavut community?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Komoartok. (interpretation ends) Written Questions.
Written Question 007 – 3(2): Enforcement of the Wildlife Act (Ningeongan)
My question is to the Hon. Daniel Shewchuk, Minister of Environment, in regard to the enforcement of the Wildlife Act.
What was the ultimate disposition of each charge?
On how many occasions have the provisions of this Act been used?
Written Question 008 – 3(2): Correctional Facilities, Recidivism Rates and Rehabilitation Programs (Elliott)
I have a written question for the Minister of Justice concerning correctional facilities, recidivism rates, and rehabilitation programs in Nunavut.
As of March 1, 2010, how many adult and young offenders are serving sentences in territorial custody at the Baffin Correctional Centre, the Ilavut Healing Centre, and the Iqaluit Young Offenders’ Centre?
As of March 1, 2010, how many individuals are incarcerated in territorial correctional facilities awaiting trial?
As of March 1, 2010, what is the average period of time before an individual on remand in territorial custody goes to trial?
As of March 1, 2010, what is the rate of recidivism for male adult offenders in territorial custody?
As of March 1, 2010, what is the rate of recidivism for male young offenders in territorial custody?
As of March 1, 2010, what is the rate of recidivism for female adult offenders in territorial custody?
As of March 1, 2010, what is the rate of recidivism for female young offenders in territorial custody?
As of March 1, 2010, what rehabilitation, counselling, and education programs are offered to adult offenders in territorial custody?
As of March 1, 2010, what rehabilitation, counselling, and education programs are offered to young offenders in territorial custody?
As of March 1, 2010, how does the Department of Justice measure the effectiveness of its rehabilitation, counselling, and education programs for adult offenders?
As of March 1, 2010, how does the Department of Justice measure the effectiveness of its rehabilitation, counselling, and education programs for young offenders?
From March 1, 2008 to March 1, 2010, what percentage of adult offenders in territorial custody participated in rehabilitation, counselling, and education programs?
From March 1, 2008 to March 1, 2010, what percentage of young offenders in territorial custody participated in rehabilitation, counselling, and education programs?
As of March 1, 2010, what rehabilitation, counselling, and education programs are offered to former adult offenders who have completed sentences in territorial correctional facilities?
As of March 1, 2010, what rehabilitation, counselling, and education programs are offered to former young offenders who have completed sentences in territorial correctional facilities?
Written Question 009 – 3(2): Activities of the Nunavut Liquor Licensing Board (Ningark)
I have a written question for the Hon. Keith Peterson, the Minister of Justice, and it’s pertaining to the activity of the Nunavut Liquor Licensing Board. The question is:
Within the meaning of sections 3 to 10 of the Liquor Act, what were the activities of the Nunavut Liquor Licensing Board for the:
1999-2000 fiscal year;
2000-01 fiscal year;
2001-02 fiscal year;
2002-03 fiscal year;
2003-04 fiscal year;
2004-05 fiscal year;
2005-06 fiscal year;
2006-07 fiscal year;
2007-08 fiscal year;
2008-09 fiscal year; and
2009-2010 fiscal year to date?
Return to Written Question 002 – 3(2): Graduation Standards Across Nunavut (Clerk)
I am tabling a response to Written Question 2 – 3(2) that was filed with my office by the Minister of Education.
Petition 003 – 3(2): Petition for a Safe House in Kugaaruk (Ningark)
As I mentioned earlier, I have a petition from my constituents in Kugaaruk.
This is a petition for the ‘creation of a safe house’ in Kugaaruk.
Mr. Speaker, this petition contains 150 signatures.
Tabled Document 105 – 3(2): Mould Problems Closes Minto Mine Bunkhouses (Okalik)
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I am pleased to table a copy of a recent news story from CBC North concerning mould infestations in facilities at the Minto copper mine in the Yukon. The news story indicates that swift action was taken to address the threat to the health and safety of mineworkers. Mr. Speaker, I have raised the issue of health and safety conditions in Government of Nunavut office buildings and I would suggest that this needs to be addressed as well.
Tabled Document 106 – 3(2): 2009 Tobacco Control Act Annual Report (Curley)
I would like to table the following document: 2009 Tobacco Control Act Annual Report.
Tabled Document 107 – 3(2): 2008-2009 Annual Report on the Operation of the Medical Care Plan (Curley)
Hon. Tagak Curley (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I would like to table the following document: 2008-09 Annual Report on the Operation of the Medical Care Plan in Nunavut.
Tabled Document 108 – 3(2): Correspondence to the Hon. Leona Aglukkaq, Minister Responsible for the North (Okalik)
I am pleased to also table a copy of my recent correspondence to the Hon. Leona Aglukkaq concerning the Government of Nunavut’s proposed bridge over the Sylvia Grinnell River.
In my letter to our Member of Parliament, I urge the federal government to withdraw support for this project until the concerns of Inuit hunters are addressed.
I have not yet received the courtesy of a reply to my letter and I encourage the hunters of Iqaluit to bring their concerns directly to their MP’s attention.
Tabled Document 109 – 3(2): Correspondence to the Hon. Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment (Okalik)
I am pleased to also table a copy of my recent correspondence to the federal Minister of the Environment concerning the Government of Canada’s recent and outrageous decision to prohibit the issuing of export permits for polar bear harvested in Baffin Bay.
I urge all members to review this correspondence with care.
Tabling of Documents. (interpretation ends) Mr. Clerk.
Tabled Document 110 – 3(2): Returns to Oral Questions 199 – 3(2), 200 – 3(2), and 202 – 3(2) (Clerk)
I am tabling Returns to Questions [199], 200, and 202 that were taken as notice at the last sitting and that were filed with my office by the appropriate minister.
Motion 015 – 3(2): Appointment of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Nunavut – Notice (Schell)
I give notice that on Monday, March 8, 2010, I will move the following motion:
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member of Quttiktuq, that the Legislative Assembly recommend to the Commissioner of Nunavut that Ms. Elaine Keenan Bengts be appointed as Information and Privacy Commissioner effective this day.
Please proceed, Mr. Schell.
Motion 015 – 3(2): Appointment of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Nunavut (Schell)
Mr. Schell: WHEREAS section 61 of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act provides that the Information and Privacy Commissioner is appointed by the Commissioner of Nunavut on the recommendation of the Legislative Assembly to hold office for a term of five years during good behaviour;
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member of Quttiktuq, that the Legislative Assembly recommends to the Commissioner of Nunavut that Ms. Elaine Keenan Bengts be appointed as Information and Privacy Commissioner effective this day.
I am very pleased to have the opportunity today to speak to my motion and I would like to thank my colleague from the High Arctic for having seconded it.
Mr. Speaker, the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act is one of our territory’s most important pieces of legislation.
The Act ensures that the public has access to government information while preventing the unauthorized use or disclosure of personal information held by government departments and other public bodies.
The Information and Privacy Commissioner of Nunavut, who serves as an independent officer of the Legislative Assembly, plays a critical role in maintaining this balance.
In addition to providing independent reviews of decisions made by public bodies with respect to requests made under the Act, the Information and Privacy Commissioner may offer formal comments on proposed legislation, as well as providing public education on the Act.
Ms. Elaine Keenan Bengts was appointed as Nunavut’s first Information and Privacy Commissioner in 1999. She was reappointed in the fall of 2004 for a second five-year term which expired in November of last year. She has also served as the Information and Privacy Commissioner of the Northwest Territories since 1996, when the legislation was created.
Ms. Keenan Bengts is a long-time northerner and non-resident member of the Law Society of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, as you will recall, a public invitation for applications was issued by the Legislative Assembly earlier this year.
Following its review, the board unanimously recommended to Caucus that Ms. Keenan Bengts be reappointed as our Information and Privacy Commissioner.
I would also note that Ms. Keenan Bengts appeared last fall before the Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts on the occasion of its public hearing on her most recent annual report.
Having had the opportunity to participate in this important hearing, I am confident that she will continue to serve this Assembly and Nunavut with distinction.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to unanimous support for my motion.
Please note that the motion is carried unanimously.
At this time, we don’t have any agenda items for Committee of the Whole, so we will move on to the next item.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. This House stands adjourned until March 5 and we will begin at ten o’clock in the morning.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Pages 1140 – 1167
Opening Prayer 1140
Ministers’ Statements 1140
Members’ Statements 1143
Oral Questions 1146
Written Questions 1165
Tabling of Documents 1166
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 1166
Orders of the Day 1167
Friday, March 5, 2010 1140
092 – 3(2): Reappointment of Members for Qulliit Status of Women Council (Aariak) 1140
093 – 3(2): First Gold Bar Poured at the Meadowbank Gold Mine (Taptuna) 1141
094 – 3(2): Kasuutiniq-Connections – 2010 Qikiqtani Teachers Conference (Tapardjuk) 1142
095 – 3(2): Meeting of Greenland/Canada Joint Commission on Polar Bears (Shewchuk) 1142
096 – 3(2): Notice of Budget Address (Peterson) 1143
144 – 3(2): Happy Birthday to Wife Lucie (Tapardjuk) 1143
145 – 3(2): Appreciation for Increase in the Homeowners’ Fuel Rebate Program and the Fuel Price Reduction (Rumbolt) 1144
146 – 3(2): Resolutions from Kitikmeot Mayors Meeting (Ningark) 1144
147 – 3(2): Congratulations to Quttiktuq Mayors (Elliott) 1145
148 – 3(2): Best Wishes to Nunavummiut Participants of Arctic Winter Games (Okalik) 1146
216 – 3(2): Mould Problems in Government Office (Okalik) 1146
217 – 3(2): Whistle-blower Protection for Government of Nunavut Employees (Elliott) 1148
218 – 3(2): Procurement Activity Report (Okalik) 1149
219 – 3(2): Government of Nunavut Travel Policies (Schell) 1150
220 – 3(2): High Cost of High Arctic Travel (Elliott) 1152
221 – 3(2): Update on Conservation Officer Investigation (Ningeongan) 1154
222 – 3(2): Accountability at the Department of Justice (Okalik) 1155
223 – 3(2): Support for our Athletes (Elliott) 1157
224 – 3(2): Polar Bear Management in Nunavut (Okalik) 1159
225 – 3(2): Whistle-blower Protection for Government of Nunavut Employees (Elliott) 1161
226 – 3(2): Compensation for Polar Bear Hunt Outfitters (Komoartok) 1162
227 – 3(2): Compensation for Polar Bear Hunt Outfitters (Okalik) 1163
010 – 3(2): Development Partnership Agreement between Government of Nunavut and the Meadowbank Mining Corporation (Aupaluktuq) 1165
111 – 3(2): Resolutions from the November 2009 Kitikmeot Mayors’ Conference (Ningark) 1166
112 – 3(2): 2008-2009 Nunavut Fisheries Training Consortium Annual Report (Shewchuk) 1166
Bill 22 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2010-2011 – Notice 1166
Speaker (Hon. James Arreak) (interpretation): Before we proceed, I would like to ask Mr. Curley to say the opening prayer.
A very good morning, Premier, Ministers, and my colleagues.
All Nunavummiut and the people of Qikiqtarjuaq, good morning to you.
Minister’s Statement 092 – 3(2): Reappointment of Members for Qulliit Status of Women Council (Aariak)
I rise today to announce the reappointment of members.
Mr. Speaker, as the Minister responsible for the Status of Women, I am very pleased to announce the reappointment of three council members to the Qulliit Status of Women Council, whose mandate is to work for equality for women in Nunavut.
Annie Iqalukjuak from Clyde River, Neevee Wilkins and Trista Mercer from Iqaluit will be serving the council for a second two-year term.
Mr. Speaker, all three women have made significant contributions to the council during the first term, and have devoted time and energy to advocate for women in Nunavut.
All three have brought their own valuable experiences and knowledge to work on issues identified as priorities by the council during their recent face-to-face meeting.
The reappointed members will continue to support the council, which also consists of President Donna Adams and council members Maude Bertrand, Martha Aupaluktuq-Hickes, and Angela Hovak Johnston.
I would also like to acknowledge Bernadette Miqusaaq Dean from Rankin Inlet, who chose not to join the council for a second term.
Bernadette has offered valuable guidance and support to the council in her two years as a member, and I would like to thank her for her dedication and hard work.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, as Minister responsible for the Status of Women, I strongly support and encourage the council in its important work to advance the status of women in Nunavut, as mandated by the Qulliit Status of Women Council Act.
In speaking out and challenging territorial government, federal government, and other organizations’ policies that impact women and in advocating for change, Qulliit will continue to ensure that Nunavut is a place where women’s rights are recognized and respected. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister’s Statement 093 – 3(2): First Gold Bar Poured at the Meadowbank Gold Mine (Taptuna)
During the last weekend in February of this year, we experienced a number of golden events that will find their way into the history of our nation.
Although I think we recognize the significance of Canada’s remarkable gold medal performances during the Olympic Games and we were all thrilled by Sydney Crosby’s golden goal, the gold that I’m referring to, Mr. Speaker, was pure gold, the actual precious metal that was poured here in Nunavut from the mineral mined in our land.
Hon. Peter Taptuna: Mr. Speaker, history will record that on February 27, 2010, the first gold bar was poured at the Meadowbank mine.
This is significant news – the first gold produced in Nunavut since 2002.
Mr. Speaker, I want to mark this occasion by offering my congratulations to the people of the Kivalliq region.
The people of this region are known for their entrepreneurial spirit, their commitment to resource development, and their perseverance in ensuring that Nunavut’s regulatory processes are followed so that our land is protected and our resources produce local benefits.
Mr. Speaker, I also want to congratulate the Kivalliq Inuit Association, who has worked many years to see mining return to the Kivalliq region.
It is also the occasion to acknowledge Agnico-Eagle Mines and to congratulate the company on the completion, on schedule, of the Meadowbank mine.
We recognize the growing contribution of Meadowbank to the economic prosperity of Nunavummiut. As many as 1,200 people at a time were employed during the construction of the mine, with 20 percent of those employees hired from Nunavut.
As the mine settles into normal mine operations, 330 people will be on staff and already 25 percent of these workers are Nunavummiut.
And that percentage is certain to grow as more skilled tradespersons emerge as a result of the many training opportunities.
These are important, versatile trades in machine operation, maintenance, electrical, carpentry, accounting, and so forth.
In the many years ahead, these skilled tradespersons and professionals will contribute not only to our mining industry but to building and improving our growing communities.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut’s golden moment last month was only the first of many to come. My congratulation to the people of the Kivalliq region, to the Kivalliq Inuit Association, and to Agnico-Eagle for achieving this historic milestone in Nunavut’s mining history. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister’s Statement 094 – 3(2): Kasuutiniq-Connections – 2010 Qikiqtani Teachers Conference (Tapardjuk)
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform the members that teachers from across the Qikiqtaaluk region held a weeklong professional development conference in Iqaluit during the last week in February.
This conference was an opportunity for approximately 330 teachers to expand their skill sets in various areas for the good of our students.
Educators attended many workshops in eight major thematic strands – Inuit language, culture and traditions, math and science, literacy, technology, student support, social issues, art/music/drama and physical education, and personal wellness and personal interest.
Mr. Speaker, coming together and information sharing would not have been possible without the hard work and vision of the conference organizing committee.
I would like to thank all of the members of the committee for their dedication to realizing an opportunity of this size and diversity.
Professional development of this calibre is an investment in Nunavut’s education system, and we will surely see the benefits in the students in the coming months and years.
Minister’s Statement 095 – 3(2): Meeting of Greenland/Canada Joint Commission on Polar Bears (Shewchuk)
Last fall, I informed Members of this House that a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Government of Canada, the Government of Nunavut, and the Government of Greenland for the conservation and management of our shared Baffin Bay and Kane Basin polar bear populations.
That MOU included the creation of a joint commission comprised of representatives from these three governments, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, and the Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Board, as well as representatives from harvester groups in Greenland.
On January 29 and 30, 2010, the first meeting of the joint commission took place in Ottawa.
During this first meeting, there was an agreement on the establishment of three working groups that will advise the joint commission concerning specific aspects of management.
There will be a traditional knowledge working group, a scientific working group, and a user-to-user working group.
All working groups will have representation from each community harvesting from the Baffin Bay and Kane Basin populations.
The first meeting of the working groups will take place in Greenland in June of 2010.
In the meantime and on an ongoing basis, the joint commission will make recommendations to the Greenland government and the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board on harvest levels, research, and any other relevant management initiatives to coordinate management of the joint polar bear population.
In summary, I am very pleased to see this MOU resulting in positive and tangible initiatives that will ensure the sustainable and coordinated management of these populations moving forward into the future.
Minister’s Statement 096 – 3(2): Notice of Budget Address (Peterson)
Hon. Keith Peterson: I’m sorry, Mr. Speaker.
I’ve got so much paper here. My colleague here didn’t give me enough room.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Government of Nunavut, I am pleased to notify my colleagues that on Monday, March 8, 2010, I will introduce the 2010-11 budget. This budget will outline our government’s financial priorities for the fiscal year 2010-11.
Member’s Statement 144 – 3(2): Happy Birthday to Wife Lucie (Tapardjuk)
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to express my good morning wishes to constituents in Igloolik and Hall Beach.
Most people know who my assistants are, including their contact information, in both communities. If any of my constituents have any concerns, I ask that they inform my assistants immediately.
Mr. Speaker, the reason why I rise today is because today is March 5, 2010.
Yes, it is March 5, 2010 and I am very pleased about this date for the reason that today is the birthday of my wife.
We will be travelling to Grande Prairie to attend to the opening ceremonies of the Arctic Winter Games.
Additionally, Mr. Speaker, just this past month, on February 17, we were fortunate enough to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary and I am quite ecstatic to have been able to reach this milestone.
I believe that my wife is listening to these proceedings, so I would like to state that I wish that she has a wonderful and happy birthday, and I will be on my best behaviour on this special day.
Member’s Statement 145 – 3(2): Appreciation for Increase in the Homeowners’ Fuel Rebate Program and the Fuel Price Reduction (Rumbolt)
I rise today to give credit where credit is due and that is to the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Community and Government Services.
On December 1, 2009, the Minister of Finance announced a $100 increase in the homeownership fuel rebate and I would like to thank the minister on behalf of my constituents and all Nunavummiut for this increase.
As we all know, the cost of owning and maintaining a home anywhere in the country is high. It is even more so in Nunavut and any help that our government can provide to homeowners is very much appreciated.