EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, there is possibility of collecting royalties with our natural resources, but at this time, when we look at what’s happening right now in Nunavut, all of the mining activities, both production in the Kivalliq region and advanced stages of some of the properties that are out there, are on Inuit owned lands.
This government does not collect royalties from Inuit owned lands. It’s the Inuit organizations that do that.
Down the line here, we intend to negotiate with the federal government the most beneficial agreement that we can get on devolution.
Question 006 – 4(2): Government of Nunavut Procurement Activities (Angnakak)
Third time lucky, I hope, Mr. Speaker.
Two years ago, the government made a major announcement that it would be conducting a comprehensive internal review of its public procurement practices.
I will ask the minister the same question that I have been asking for several days now: what were the results of this major initiative?
I was so hoping that wasn’t going to come up again today.
However, the draft internal review of public procurement practices has been completed.
However, the final draft is not complete as yet and once the final draft is completed, I will table the report in the House.
I thank the member for his answer. That’s good to hear and we look forward to seeing that.
My next question again addresses the issue of the government’s process for hearing appeals of tender and contract awards.
I will again emphasize that although an NNI Contracting Appeals Board exists, its jurisdiction is limited, and it has been suggested that a new approach to this issue is required and that this responsibility falls under the Department of CGS.
Same question as yesterday, Mr. Speaker: what is the minister’s position on this issue?
I’m assuming that the hon. member is talking about an independent appeals board.
With regard to an independent appeals board, there is an independent NNI appeals committee that administers the Department of Economic Development under the NNI Secretariat.
We also hired an outside consultant to complete an NNI review.
One of the suggestions that were made to the consultant was to look at an independent appeals board.
However, that recommendation was not included in the report.
The report by the consultant has been made public and under review by the NNI committee.
Once again thank you for that answer.
During yesterday’s sitting of the House, my colleague from Baker Lake asked the Minister of Finance to table the government’s most recent annual report on grants and contributions spending.
Within an hour, we had this report in our hands.
My question for the Minister of CGS is this: when will his department’s most recent annual reports on contracting, procurement, and leasing be ready for tabling?
The report for 2012-13 has been completed. My department is just seeking approval to table this document in the House.
Question 007 – 4(2): Services for Nunavummiut with Autism (Mikkungwak)
Mr. Speaker, autism is a serious medical condition that can be very difficult to address without the proper supports. It appears that Nunavut is the only jurisdiction across Canada which does not have any specific program or services to help individuals and families suffering from autism.
Can the minister explain why Nunavut does not have programs and services to support individuals and families dealing with autism?
Health supports families dealing with developmental issues through services such as the Rehabilitation Program and the Home and Community Care Program.
Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you. I would like to thank the minister for the response.
Mr. Speaker, I have noted that our neighbouring territories, the Northwest Territories and Yukon, both have autism societies that provide resources and support while the government itself provides funding for therapy for children with autism.
Can the minister describe what initiatives, if any, have been considered by her department to support programs or provide services to Nunavut’s individuals and families suffering with autism?
Autism is a very complex situation.
It’s a neurological developmental condition that impacts on several body systems, including normal brain development. Autism is growing.
It’s not very prevalent right now in Nunavut, although it is increasing across Canada, we do know that.
I can just say to the member that at this point, there is no funding specifically for autism, but there are other ways that a family can get support, like the Rehabilitation Program that I mentioned and the Community Care Program to give families some respite care support.
At this time, there are not many in Nunavut.
I believe a society would be set up outside of government.
At this time, there is nothing like that, but we are keeping an eye on these and other diseases across Nunavut.
In my community of Baker Lake, when I look at autism, there is a family with autism disease and the family is suffering.
At the same time, they approached me, as their MLA.
With no autism programs or services available in Nunavut, what suggestions can the minister provide to individuals and families who desperately need to find help and support?
I would urge the families to contact home and community care in your communities and the rehabilitation services.
Question 008 – 4(2): Contracting and Procurement Practices (Hickes)
I have a couple of questions for the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
Mr. Speaker, the minister stated during Committee of the Whole that the Nunavut Housing Corporation has made progress in the process of tendering and contracting construction.
What specific progress has been made and how was it accomplished?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation) The Hon. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kuksuk.
I can respond by saying that we are progressing in regard to our budget.
We have signed an agreement with CMHC and we have been making very good progress to date.
Speaker (interpretation): Your first supplementary, Mr. Hickes
I look forward to hearing further updates on the tenders for the remaining units that are closing today.
Mr. Speaker, in January of this year, the Nunavut Housing Corporation announced $100 million, $30 million this year and $70 million the next year, to provide housing.
How has this multi-year commitment of money assisted the Nunavut Housing Corporation with their construction planning?
With the agreement and regarding the $100 million, it’s in two parts. There is an agreement first of all and then the in the latter, we had another agreement signed.
Using those two agreements, we are making plans and have awarded some of the contracts using part of the $100 million. We are going to be making plans for further construction.
The funds are being well utilized for the purpose in the agreement.
The first and second agreements are being implemented and we are making progress.
Mr. Speaker, how does the minister feel or how would longer stable funding assist the Nunavut Housing Corporation in planning to make headway into our dire housing shortage? How many houses could realistically be built per year?
We want to make long-term plans. However, we have to have clear plans with approved funding and, if that were the case where we got that funding from our partner, CMHC, we would be able to make long-term plans.
However, we have only made plans on the number of units we can make use of at the current time.
Hopefully my response came across.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Before we proceed, I would like to welcome the former MLA, former Speaker, Mr. Peter Kilabuk.
And former MLA David Iqaqrialu.
Question 009 – 4(2): Curriculum in Inuktitut (Angnakak)
Ms Angnakak: Must be the light. I can’t see.
My question is for the Minister of Education and Arctic College, my first question to you, minister.
In the Opening Address that our Commissioner read, it states that the government will continue to support Inuktitut curriculum and elders for basic adult education.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister of Arctic College and Education if his department has any staff employed solely for developing Inuktitut curriculum.
Tomorrow or the next day at Aqsarniit Middle School, I’m going to be making a statement about the different programs that we’re going to be setting up, including the curriculum. So I’m extending my invitation to everyone to come to Aqsarniit Middle School at 10:30 in the morning.
We will be making an announcement at that time.
Can the minister provide us with information on what is currently available right now that can be readily accessed by teachers across Nunavut?
I would also like to thank the member for that question.
At the Department of Education, what is currently available to the teachers, parents, and the Members of the Legislative Assembly is also available to the public.
I will try to speak a little slower.
We always mention integrating the elders into the education system and in the schools. Could the minister elaborate on how they are utilizing the elders in the schools?
With the elders, I think it has been two or three years that the elders have been utilized in the schools and have been certified in the schools.
The certified elders are available in all schools.
It is currently what we’re doing in the education department. We have their names and where they come from. Since they’re certified, they are available and we have their names and which communities they come from.
Written Question 001– 4(2): Extended Health Benefits Program (Angnakak)
My written question today is for the Minister of Health and it concerns the Extended Health Benefits Program.
Broken down by fiscal year, since 2008-09, how much of the budget allocated for the Extended Health Benefits Program has been expended?
Broken down by type of need (e.g. Nunavut residents diagnosed with a chronic illness, non-aboriginal seniors over 65 years, Nunavut residents who have exhausted other insurance benefits or have no insurance benefits) how many medical clients have applied for and accessed support under the Extended Health Benefits Program for each fiscal year since 2008-09?
Broken down by type of need (e.g. Nunavut residents diagnosed with a chronic illness, non-aboriginal seniors over 65 years, Nunavut residents who have exhausted other insurance benefits or have no insurance benefits) how much has been expended under the Extended Health Benefits Program for each fiscal year since 2008-09?
Broken down by type of need (e.g. Nunavut residents diagnosed with a chronic illness, non-aboriginal seniors over 65 years, Nunavut residents who have exhausted other insurance benefits or have no insurance benefits) how many medical clients have applied for and been denied support under the Extended Health Benefits Program for each fiscal year since 2008-09?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The member has asked the question to be entered into the record as read. Do members agree?
Speaker: There is an agreement.
(interpretation) Item 8. (interpretation ends) Petitions.
Tabled Document 001 – 4(2): Excellence in Water Stewardship Award for Pond Inlet (Enook)
I am very proud to table today a copy of this week’s official announcement from the Council of the Federation that the community of Pond Inlet has been recognized with an award for Excellence in Water Stewardship.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all members to review this document with care.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Item 10.
Tabled Document 002 – 4(2): Sivumut Abluqta (Taptuna)
I want to thank the Commissioner of Nunavut for addressing this Assembly and guiding the course for this government.
Also, Mr. Speaker, again I want to thank my cabinet colleagues for working together and all Members of this Assembly for contributing to establishing Sivumut Abluqta.
I would also to acknowledge Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated Board of Directors for their input into this mandate.
Mr. Speaker, I hereby table Sivumut Abluqta.
Tabled Document 003 – 4(2): Utilizing Trades Training Centre (Quassa)
I am pleased to table my return to Oral Question No. 75 – 4(1), Utilizing Trades Training Centre, asked by Mr. Hickes on Friday, March 14, 2014.
Tabled Document 004 – 4(2): Contracting and Procurement Activity Report for the Year Ended March 31, 2013 (Kuksuk)
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I am pleased to table the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s Contracting and Procurement Activity Report for the year ending March 31, 2013.
Tabled Document 005 – 4(2): Government of Nunavut’s Response to the 2012-2013 Annual Report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (Taptuna)
I am pleased to table the Government of Nunavut’s Response to the 2012-13 Annual Report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner.
Tabled Document 006 – 4(2): Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission’s Annual Report for 2012 (Peterson)
I am pleased to table the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission’s Annual Report for 2012.
Tabled Document 007 – 4(2): 2012-2013 Annual Report for the Nunavut Housing Corporation: Facing Nunavut’s Housing Challenges (Kuksuk)
Hon. George Kuksuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I am pleased to table the 2012-13 Annual Report for the Nunavut Housing Corporation: Facing Nunavut’s Housing Challenges.
Tabled Document 008 – 4(2): Members’ Code of Conduct (Speaker)
I am pleased to table today a copy of the Code of Conduct for the Members of the Fourth Assembly.
The tabling of this code fulfills another one of the commitments that we made to Nunavummiut at our recent Caucus Retreat in Kugluktuk. (interpretation) Thank you.
(interpretation ends) Item 11.
Motion 001 – 4(2): Extended Adjournment – Notice (Mikkungwak)
I give notice that on Monday, March 24, 2014, I will move the following motion:
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Netsilik, that pursuant to the provisions of Rule 3, that when the House concludes its present sitting, it shall be adjourned until May 22, 2014.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Item12.
Bill 01 – Northern Employee Benefits Services Pension Plan Act – Notice
I give notice that on Monday, March 24, 2014, that Bill 1, Northern Employee Benefits Services Pension Plan Act, be read for the first time.
You may proceed, Mr. Mikkungwak.
Motion 001 – 4(2): Extended Adjournment (Mikkungwak)
Item 14: First Reading of Bills
I request consent of this Assembly to waive the two-day notice requirement to allow for the first reading of Bill 1, Northern Employee Benefits Services Pension Plan Act.
Speaker: The minister is seeking consent to waive the notice period so that Bill 1 can be read for the first time.
There are no nays. Please proceed, Mr. Sammurtok.
Bill 01 – Northern Employee Benefits Services Pension Plan Act – First Reading
Hon. Tom Sammurtok: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, that Bill 1, Northern Employee Benefits Services Pension Plan Act, be read for the first time.
All those in favour. (interpretation) Opposed. (interpretation ends) The motion is carried.
Item 15: Second Reading of Bills
I request consent of this Assembly to waive the one-day notice requirement to allow for the second reading of Bill 1, Northern Employee Benefits Services Pension Plan Act.
Speaker: The minister is seeking consent to waive the notice period so that Bill 1 can be read for the second time.
There are no nays. Please proceed, Mr. Summortuk.
Bill 01 – Northern Employee Benefits Services Pension Plan Act – Second Reading
Hon. Tom Summortuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I move, seconded by Hon. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, that Bill 1, Northern Employees Benefits Services Pension Plan Act, be read for the second time.
Mr. Speaker, this bill sets out the legislative framework for the continuation of the next plan as a multi-employer, multi-juridictional pension plan for the employees of approved public sector employers in northern Canada.
Thank you, Mr.Speaker.
The motion is carried and Bill 1 is referred to the Standing Committee on Legislation.
Just a reminder that there is a meeting of the Management and Services Board in Tuktu Boardroom at 4:30.
Speaker: Members, I would like to recognize and thank our pages who have been assisting us this past week
(interpretation) I apologize if I don’t pronounce their names correctly.
Jessica Matthews, Steven Helwig, and Rhoda Ishuqangittuq, thank you very much.
(interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until Thurday, May 22, at 1:30 p.m.
>>House adjourned at 15:28
Alex Sammurtok
Pages 31 – 56
Opening Prayer 31  Money Message 31
Ministers’ Statements 31
Members’ Statements 34
Returns to Oral Questions 40
Oral Questions 41
Returns to Written Questions 54
Petitions 54
Responses to Petitions 54
Tabling of Documents 55
Notices of Motions 55
Motions 55
Orders of the Day 56
Thursday, May 22, 2014 31
001 – 4(2): Notice of Budget Address (Peterson) 31
002 – 4(2): EU Seal Product Ban (Ruling Not in Favour of Canada’s Appeal) (Taptuna) 32
003 – 4(2): Nunavut Fisheries Strategy Renewal (Mike) 32
004 – 4(2): Nunavut Celebrates National Nursing Week May 12 to 18, 2014 (Ell) 33
005 – 4(2): Nunavut at 15 (Taptuna) 33
012 – 4(2): Successful Meeting with Senate Standing Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources (Angnakak) 34
013 – 4(2): Recent Birth of Daughter Pittaaluk Joanasie (Joanasie) 35
014 – 4(2): Tribute to Iqaluit First Responders (Hickes) 36
015 – 4(2): Access to Photo Identification (Mikkungwak) 37
016 – 4(2): Annual Fishing Derby in Igloolik (Quassa) 37
017 – 4(2): Recent Municipal Elections in Riding (Mapsalak) 38
018 – 4(2): Congratulations to Phoebe Neeveacheak (Ugyuk) 38
019 – 4(2): Recent Volleyball Tournament in Iqaluit (Enook) 39
020 – 4(2): The Importance of Recycling (Okalik) 39
021 – 4(2): Fundraising for Cancer Research (Ell) 40
Return to Oral Question 079 – 4(1): High School Trades Pilot Program (Clerk) 40
Return to Oral Question 120 – 4(1): Helping Low-income Families Meet High Cost of Living (Clerk) 40
Return to Oral Question 121 – 4(1): Natural Resources Conservation Trust Fund (Clerk) 40
010 – 4(2): Status of Iqaluit Hydroelectric Development (Angnakak) 41
011 – 4(2): Minimum Wage Rate in Nunavut (Hickes) 42
012 – 4(2): Status of New Cape Dorset Power Plant (Joanasie) 43
013 – 4(2): Dust Control in Communities (Sammurtok) 44
014 – 4(2): Government Liaison Officer Positions (Mikkungwak) 46
015 – 4(2): Status of Planning for New School in Coral Harbour (Mapsalak) 47
016 – 4(2): Status of Bulk Fuel Storage Facility in Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt) 47
017 – 4(2): Hudson Bay Neighbours Regional Round Table (Savikataaq) 48
018 – 4(2): The Lack of Services for Autism in Nunavut (Mikkungwak) 50
019 – 4(2): Services for Nunavut Residents with Head Injuries (Mapsalak) 51
020 – 4(2): Qulliq Energy Corporation Operations (Angnakak) 52
Return to Written Question 001 – 4(1): Salary Disclosure for the Senior Public Service (Clerk) 54
Return to Written Question 002 – 4(1): Enforcement of the Liquor Act (Clerk) 54
Return to Written Question 001 – 4(2): Extended Health Benefits Program (Clerk) 54
001 – 4(2): Cape Dorset Power Plant Capacity (Joanasie) 54
Response to Petition 001 – 4(1): Public Housing Shortage in Gjoa Haven (Clerk) 54
Response to Petition 002 – 4(1): Eye Team Visits into Hamlet of Gjoa Haven (Clerk) 54
009 – 4(2): 2012-2013 Annual Report of the Chief Electoral Officer of Nunavut (Speaker) 55
010 – 4(2): 2012-2013 Annual Report of the Languages Commissioner of Nunavut (Speaker) 55
002 – 4(2): Extension of the Suspension of the Member for Uqqummiut – Notice (Savikataaq) 55
002 – 4(2): Extension of the Suspension of the Member for Uqqummiut (Savikataaq) 55
Ms. Pat Angnakak, Hon. Monica Ell, Mr. Joe Enook, Mr. George Hickes, Mr. David Joanasie, Mr. Steve Mapsalak, Hon. George Kuksuk, Hon. Johnny Mike, Mr. Simeon Mikkungwak, Hon. Paul Okalik, Hon. Keith Peterson, Hon. Paul Quassa, Hon. George Qulaut, Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Mr. Alex Sammurtok, Hon. Tom Sammurtok, Mr. Joe Savikataaq, Hon. Peter Taptuna, Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk.
>>Meeting commenced at 13:29
Speaker (Hon. George Qulaut)(interpretation): Let us start with an opening prayer.
Mr. Enook, can you say the opening prayer, please.
It’s a beautiful day, but we don’t have the luxury to enjoy it outdoors as we have to be here and stay in session.
Thank you for coming and welcome to the people of Nunavut as we proceed with our session today.
Before we begin, I wish to read the following correspondence that I have received from Her Honour the Commissioner of Nunavut and I’ll read it in English:
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I wish to advice that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut the passage of the following bills during the Second Session of the Fourth Legislative Assembly:
Bill 2, Appropriation Act, 2014-2015;
Bill 3, Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 1, 2014-2015.
Sincerely, Edna Elias
(interpretation) I wish to inform you that our fellow member from Gjoa Haven, Mr. Akoak, will not be here at this time due to illness. I also wish to inform you that the Member for High Arctic will not be available during the session due to family matters.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) The hon. member, Mr. Peterson.
Minister’s Statement 001 – 4(2): Notice of Budget Address (Peterson)
Good afternoon, Nunavummiut and colleagues.
It’s good to see everybody here for the spring session.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform the House that on Monday, May 26, 2014, I will be delivering the Budget Address.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The hon. member, the Premier, Mr. Taptuna.
Minister’s Statement 002 – 4(2): EU Seal Product Ban (Ruling Not in Favour of Canada’s Appeal) (Taptuna)
Mr. Speaker, today, the body within the World Trade Organization that reviewed Canada’s appeal to the exclusion of all seal products made from commercially harvested seals for the European Union market provided its ruling.
Mr. Speaker, I regret to inform members that the ruling has been upheld. The WTO ruling is disappointing, but we will continue to support Canada in its efforts regarding this issue.
The seal harvest is central to Inuit and the Canadian way of life.
Seal remains an important source of food and income for many Nunavutmiut. It is also an essential part of our life and culture. The misrepresentation of the seal hunt has an effect on our local economies.
Mr. Speaker, we will examine the detailed document addressing the ruling to fully understand its implications and determine how best we can move forward to ensure our hunters are still able to receive the highest prices for sealskins and seal products in the years to come.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Member for Environment, Mr. Mike.
Minister’s Statement 003 – 4(2): Nunavut Fisheries Strategy Renewal (Mike)
I also thank my colleagues here. I would like to wish those who are not here a good day, the people of Pangnirtung and Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to update my colleagues on the Department of Environment’s ongoing efforts to review and strengthen the Nunavut Fisheries Strategy.
The original Nunavut Fisheries Strategy was completed in 2005 as a collaboration between the Government of Nunavut (GN) and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI). The strategy has served as a blueprint for industry development and a significant contributor to the growth and continued success of the Nunavut fishery.
Now that it’s been nine years since the publication of the original Nunavut Fisheries Strategy, I am happy to say that significant progress has been made on many of the recommendations in the strategy.
For example, our commercial fisheries sector has made great strides to purchase new licences and vessels, increase Nunavut’s share of our adjacent quotas, and to employ Nunavummiut and develop several successful inshore fisheries.
Despite these numerous accomplishments, there are many challenges and opportunities that remain before us.
A renewed strategy is required to reflect the current state of the industry and identify strengths, weaknesses, and new opportunities in order to strategically guide the future development of all fisheries sectors.