EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Motion 15 - 1 (1): Application for Membership in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association
Whereas the Assembly supports the aims of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association;
And Whereas this Assembly desires to take its place in the world alongside of other parliaments and legislatures;
Now, therefore, I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Nattilik, that the Speaker, on behalf of all Members assembled, apply for admission to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, such membership to be effective immediately on approval of the application by the General Assembly, and that this Assembly agree to abide by the provisions of the Constitution of the Association.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Okalik.
Are there any further motions?
Second Reading of Bills.
Mr. Havioyak.
Second Reading of Bills: Bill 1, Flag Act of Nunavut
Hon. Donald Havioyak: I move, seconded by the Member for Arviat, that Bill 1, Flag Act of Nunavut, now be read a second time and be deemed to be reported without amendment by Committee of the Whole.
The motion is carried and Bill 1 has been read for the second time.
Third reading of Bills.
Third Reading of Bills: Bill 1, Flag of Nunavut Act
Hon. Donald Havioyak: I apologize, I move, seconded by the Member for Arviat, that Bill 1, Flag of Nunavut Act, now be read a third time and be duly passed.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Havioyak.
Question has been called.
Speaker: The motion is carried and Bill 1 has been read for the third time and duly passed.
Mr. Clerk, would you like to ask if her Honour, the Commissioner of Nunavut, is prepared to enter the chamber and assent to the Bill and prorogue this first session of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut.
Madame Commissioner.
ITEM 12: Assent to Bill 1 and Prorogation of the First Session
Bill 1, Flag of Nunavut Act  Commissioner Maksagak: Please be seated.
As Commissioner of Nunavut it gives me pleasure to assent to Bill 1, Flag of Nunavut Act.
Prior to proroguing this session I would like to inform the Assembly that the second session of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut will convene in Iqaluit on May 12, 1999.
As Commissioner of Nunavut, I hereby prorogue this historic session of the first Legislative Assembly.
Nunavut Canada
2nd Session
1st Assembly  HANSARD
WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 1999
Pages 1 - 25
Speaker: The Hon. Levi Barnabas, M.L.A.  Wednesday May 12, 1999
Nunavut Hansard  Page
Hon. Levi Barnabas
Ovide Alakannuark
Enoki Irqittuq
Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole
Chair of Caucus  Glenn McLean
Hon. Kelvin Ng
Minister of Finance and Administration; Minister of Human Resources; Government House Leader
Peter Kattuk
Hon. Ed Picco
Minister of Health and Social Services
Hon. Paul Okalik
Premier; Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs
Hon. Donald Havioyak
Minister of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth
Hon. James Arvaluk
Minister of Education
Uriash Puqiqnak
Deputy Speaker
Hon. Peter Kilabuk
Minister of Sustainable Development
Hon. Jack Anawak
Minister of Justice; Minister of Community Government, Housing and Transportation
Hon. Manitok Thompson
Minister of Public Works, Telecommunications and Technical Services
Olayuk Akesuk
Jobie Nutarak
David Iqaqrialu
Deputy Clerk
Rhoda Perkison
Sergeant at Arms
Simon Nattak  Editors of Hansard
Innirvik Support Services Ltd.
Box 1200
Tel (867) 979-6770 Fax (867) 979-6811 Toll-Free (877) 334-7266
Prayer 1
Opening Address 1
Ministers’ Statements 6
Members' Statements 12
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 16
Oral Questions 18
Tabling of Documents 23
Notice of Motions for First Reading of Bills 23
Orders of the Day 24
DAILY REFERENCES
A. Page
Wednesday May 12, 1999 1
MINISTERS' STATEMENTS
1 - 1 (2) : Premiers' Opening Address (Okalik)... 7
2 - 1 (2): Budget Address (Ng) 11
3 - 1 (2): Labrador Inuit Association (Okalik) 11
4 - 1 (2): National Nursing Week (Picco) 11
MEMBERS' STATEMENTS
1 - 1 (2): Thanks to Constituents (Kattuk) 12
2 - 1 (2): Thanks to Constituents (Iqaqrialu) 12
3 - 1 (2): Gjoa Haven Wall Hanging (Puqiqnak) 12
4 - 1 (2): Thanks to Constituents, Sympathies to Families (Irqittuq) 12
5 - 1 (2): Thanks to Constituents and Family (Alakannuark) 13
6 - 1 (2): Thanks to Constituents, Challenges of Nunavut (Tootoo) 13
7 - 1 (2): Thanks to Constituents, Sympathies to Families, Constituency Issues (McLean) 14
8 - 1 (2): Thanks to Constituents and Family, Challenges of Nunavut (O'Brien) …………………………………………..14
9 - 1 (2): Thanks to Constituents and Members (Ng) 15
10 - 1 (2): Thanks to Constituents and Elders (Nutarak) 15
11 - 1 (2): Thanks to Constituents and Campaign Workers (Akesuk) 16
12 - 1 (2): Thanks to Constituents and Wife (Picco) 16
13 - 1 (2): Thanks to Constituents and Family (Kilabuk) 16
ORAL QUESTIONS
1 - 1 (2): Dismantling Health Boards (O'Brien) 18
2 - 1 (2): House of Commons, Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, Tabled Report (Tootoo) 20
3 - 1 (2): Incorporating Inuit Culture into Government (O'Brien) 21
4 - 1 (2): Roads to Kitikmeot (Puqiqnak) 22
5 - 1 (2): Constituents Letter on Housing & Transportation (Akesuk) 23
BILLS
Bill 1, Appropriation Act 99/2000 - Notice 24
TABLED DOCUMENTS  1-1 (2): Letters of Instruction to Commissioner Maksagak From Minister Stewart of DIAND 23
Wednesday May 12, 1999
Page  Iqaluit, Nunavut
Members Present
Mr. Ovide Alakannuark, Mr. Olayuk Akesuk, Honourable Jack Anawak, Honourable James Arvaluk, Honourable Levi Barnabas, Honourable Donald Havioyak, Mr. David Iqaqrialu, Mr. Enoki Irqittuq, Mr. Peter Kattuk, Honourable Peter Kilabuk, Mr. Glenn McLean, Honourable Kelvin Ng, Mr. Jobie Nutarak, Mr. Kevin O’Brien, Honourable Paul Okalik, Honourable Edward Picco, Mr. Uriash Puqiqnak, Honourable Manitok Thompson, Mr. Hunter Tootoo.
Item 1: Prayer
Speaker (Mr. Levi Barnabas): Before we begin I would like to ask Mr. Daniel Aupaloo to say the opening Prayer.
>>Opening Prayer
>>Lighting of the Qulliq
>>Singing of O’Canada
The Speaker introduces Commissioner Maksagak.
Item 2: Opening Address
Commissioner Maksagak (Interpretation): Elders, Mr. Speaker, honoured guests, Premier, Members of the Legislature, I am pleased to welcome you to the opening of the Second Session of the First Legislative Assembly of Nunavut.
The tradition of the Throne Speech being read by the Commissioner is rooted in deep history.
Parliament and Legislatures across Canada traditionally open with a speech prepared by Cabinet, and delivered by the Governor General, Lt. Governor and Commissioner, which sets forth the government’s policies and plans.
Thus the speech that I am reading to you today, represents our democracy’s link to the past and the future.
Here in Nunavut, this speech takes on a greater significance in that it is also a symbol of our self-reliance as a new government and a new territory.
For these reasons, it gives me great pleasure to present to you our government’s goals and plans in this opening address.
During my address at the April 1 opening ceremonies, I spoke about the trust that the people of Nunavut have put in this Assembly.
I spoke about our Elders who have carried us into the modern world.
As stated in Interviewing Inuit Elders, Volume 1, produced by Nunavut Arctic College, “it is quite clear that if Inuit are to succeed in preserving their own cultural identity, they should not just adopt Western ideas and values, but transform them so that they make sense in their own society and culture”.
Our government is committed to creating a Nunavut that reflects the people it serves, that reflects our Inuit and non-Inuit values, that builds on our strengths and addresses our challenges.
This cannot be done by the government alone; we must reach out, involve others and create meaningful partnerships.
(interpretation ends)
Building Partnerships
To achieve true consensus government, all Members of the Assembly must be involved in the priority setting of government.
To this end, Cabinet has agreed to meet with Regular Members at a retreat in June to consider and establish the priorities of the Government.
Cabinet is also dedicated to working co-operatively with the Legislative Assembly Standing Committees, to provide them with the information they need to be fully involved in the decision-making of government.
The first round of Standing Committee presentations occurred last month.
Our government respects the opinions of all Members of this Assembly and looks forward to continuing to receive feedback and suggestions from them as together we move forward for Nunavut.
Our government is also committed to working in partnership with NTI.
A protocol agreement between government and NTI is already underway.
This agreement will lay the ground work for future relations, ensuring that both parties are fully aware of, and agree to, each other’s roles and responsibilities.
It is also important to recognize the positive relationship that has been established between the Legislative Standing Committee Ajauqtiit and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
The Nunavut Land Claim Agreement is a fundamental and permanent part of Nunavut’s jurisdiction landscape.
The goal of the Ajauqtiit Committee is to ensure the Government of Nunavut lives up to both the spirit and the intent of the Agreement.
Our government welcomes the advice and counsel of both Ajauqtit and NTI in regards to the implementation of the Claim. We are committed to the Nunavut Land Claim Agreement and what it stands for.
There are many other groups and organizations to which our government will look for advice, assistance and co-operation, such as; Nunavut Social Development Council, Local Authorities, interests groups, communities and business organizations.
The people of Nunavut have much to offer our government and we will be calling on you for that advice often over the coming months.
Our government will be hosting leadership forums for many groups and organizations across Nunavut.
With local authorities, youth, elders, and businesses, these leadership forums will provide an opportunities and examine options.
Our government is committed to openness, accountability and transparency.
We will listen to the people of Nunavut, we will ask them for their advice and counsel and we will base our decisions on the knowledge and wisdom they impart to us.
If we use the knowledge of our people, particularly our elders and community leaders, we can establish a path that is right for Nunavut.
First Steps  Our government has taken the first steps to setting the path to continue the journey begun by the Founders of Nunavut.
Cabinet held its first retreats in the South Baffin community of Kimmirut.
Cabinet members considered their priorities and goals and began to establish the path for Nunavut for the next five years.
Cabinet also set rules for its own operations, including agreeing that Inuktitut will be its working language.
Although all Cabinet members speak and understand English, Cabinet agreed it must take a leadership role in using Inuktitut.
This decision is in keeping with the government’s commitment to incorporate Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit is a basis for all government decisions and actions.
As a first step in establishing our path, our government will work to unify Nunavut.
We are committed to drawing on the strengths of Nunavummiut, especially our elders.
Our government is committed to one single time zone for Nunavut.
We are committed to making the administrative and support structures of various Nunavut government bodies and agencies more efficient and to cut down on the duplication of costs.
Government departments have been directed to look at options for providing one point of access for government services.
We are committed to bringing the government closer to the people we serve.
We have also begun to establish relationships with the federal, provincial and territorial governments to ensure that Nunavut receives the benefits of national funding programs and the full benefits of being a member of confederation.
By participating in important national forums like the Social Union Framework negotiations, Nunavut ensures it’s place within Canada, to the benefit of Nunavummiut.
Our government understands the importance of maintaining positive working relationships with governments beyond our borders; however, it is Nunavut that is our priority.
It is the land and people of Nunavut that are our focus.
Our government has been in office for 42 days.
In that time we have begun to establish our path.
Change takes time but we are committed to action.
We have announced our intent to restructure the way health care and public education is delivered across the territory.
Footprints 2, written by the Nunavut Implementation Commission, in partnership with NTI, questioned the existing education and health board structure.
To address the concerns raised in Footprints 2, our government will be introducing Legislation to this Assembly to phase out regional health and education boards over the next year.
This will create an estimated $4 million in annual savings that will be reinvested in direct program delivery.
That means more of our education dollars will be spent on children and youth and more of our health care dollars will be spent on health care and prevention.
Our government has also committed to the establishment of a Law Review Commission.
This Commission will work with the people of Nunavut to determine what existing laws need to be revised to truly reflect Nunavummiut values and traditions. Our laws need to reflect the values of our society.
In order to determine where the changes need to occur, and in what order, the Commission we will be talking to Nunavummiut and reporting back through the Minister of Justice.
Other changes that our government is committed to making include bringing government closer to the people.
We are committed to decentralization of government operations.
We are committed to creating a government that is easily accessed and is approachable.
We are committed to providing a government to providing a government that people and communities can identify with.
And we are committed to effective use of government resources to the betterment of all Nunavummiut.
To do this we must build our future together.
Building Our Future (Interpretation):
Our government is dedicated to looking at creative options for financing Nunavut’s future infrastructure projects.
Our needs are great, but by working with both private and public sector partners we can build the infrastructure needed to meet our growing needs.
Nunavut has a unique economy.
We are committed to building on the strengths of that uniqueness so that all Nunavummiut can participate fully in the economic development opportunities that are available to us.
Nunavut has great natural resource potential and we will be exploring opportunities to take greater control over those resources from the federal government over the years to come. Our goal is to become more self-reliant. This is a concept well known to the Inuit way of life.
Our government is committed to putting Nunavut on a path of self-reliance, where once more we can rely on ourselves and our land.
This path, at times, will not be an easy one, but we are committed to making Nunavut work, making it a place where our children can grow strong and proud.  To start this journey, our government will be introducing Nunavut’s first budget.
Later this week, the Appropriations Act, 1999-2000 will be introduced.
Our government considers this balanced budget Bill essential to the good conduct of government business and I recommend it’s passage by the Legislative Assembly.
This budget provides a stable environment to plan for Nunavut’s future, so we may begin to address our challenges, build upon our strengths and action the priorities of our people.
One of the greatest strengths of our government is the people who work with us.
Our government will meet our Inuit employment targets of 50% by the end of this fiscal year.
We are committed to hiring Inuit who are fully qualified for positions within the government.
Our government will work with NTI to ensure that article 23 is reflected in all government hiring and placements.
Our government is also working with NTI to ensure that article 24 is fully implemented.
To this end we have adopted an interim Business Incentive Policy which focuses on Nunavut owned and operated businesses. This policy will be reviewed in detail over the summer with NTI and Nunavut businesses to determine the exact wording and intent of future incentives to help the government meets its article 24 commitments.
Our government is committed to building our personnel resource base by hiring new staff and by supporting the staff we have.
The people of Nunavut should be proud to the public employees that serve them.
The Path Ahead
The path that government will take over the coming months will be one we choose together.
With the wisdom and counsel of the Members of this Assembly, and the people of Nunavut, our government is convince that the future of Nunavut will be bright and prosperous.
Our government is committed to listening, considering and acting.
Our government is committed to the people of Nunavut.
I now declare open the Second Session of the First Legislative Assembly of Nunavut.
May wisdom and fairness guide your deliberations during this Session and may divine providence assist you in your service to the people of Nunavut.
>>Applause
Speaker (interpretation) : Thank you Commissioner, Helen Maksagak.
I would like to welcome my fellow MLA’s back to Iqaluit to begin our session.
I would also like to thank the minister Roger Briggs for the use of the Parish Hall to use for the Legislative assembly during the second session.
Just last Sunday it was Mothers Day and just briefly I want to comment on that.
First of all, I would like to thank my wife, for giving me support and taking care of my children even when I am out of town, and I am sure that on behalf of the Members of the Legislative Assembly, I thank the mothers and also on behalf of Manitok.
I also would like to thank my mother in law and my mother in Igloolik, I would like to recognize these family members and all the mothers in Canada. I hope you will have a good day on Mothers Day and I remember that it was your Mothers Day last Sunday.
We had recently heard something that we don’t like to hear.
Just recently two people died in Igloolik which is sad news.
I say that on behalf of the member from Amittuq.
The people who died were Luccasie Paul Apik Panimera and Anwartuq who is an elder in Igloolik.
He just recently passed away.
We will remember their family members and their children and we will also remember the parents of the sixteen year old child who died in an accident.
And we will also remember Ami and Rhoda Panimera who had just recently lost their son.
Ami is the Mayor of Igloolik.
Before beginning this session I believe we have to first of all deal with the issues that are going to be tabled for the next two weeks.
We will be working on important issues during the sittings for the upcoming two weeks, also some Members were just away and of course some of the Members are new and are not to familiar with the rules and procedures of the House.
So, for the Members and the Ministers, I believe they will use their knowledge and pass on their experience to the new Members and help the new Members during the proceedings of this House.
I will also do the same thing.
We will keep in consideration the new Members.
With that in mind, Mr. Clerk. Orders of the Day.
We are on Item number three.
Ministers’ Statements.
Premier Paul Okalik.
Item 3: Ministers’ Statements
Hon. Paul Okalik (Premier of the Nunavut Government) (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Speaker.
First of all, before I say my opening remarks, I believe that we are going to be going over the allocated time, so at this time I would like to not use 34.6 so the Cabinet Members will have enough time to make their statements.
I would like to ask for consent from the House.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Premier.
If there is consent for 34.6.
Any opposition?
Thank you, Premier.
Ministers' Statements 1 - 2 (2) : Premiers' Opening Address
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation). Thank you. Good afternoon, Elders, and observers, Mr. Speaker, and also the Members.
Now that this House is not so visible to the rest of the world we have to start working as a Government to truly represent the people of Nunavut.
Since there has been only forty two days since we became the Nunavut Government, it seems like a short time to have passed but we are going ahead, and to this date, from April 1, I will be giving you a briefing on what has been going to date.
Just last month the cabinet members and I had my first meeting with the members.
We had a three day Cabinet Meeting in Kimmirut, and covered a number of issues that needed review by the Nunavut Government, and we also kept in mind the people of Nunavut that we are representing, and looking through the tasks that we have to do.
As leaders we will always have to be accountable so in Kimmirut we decided that Inuktitut would be the working language or the language used during our sittings.
That seems to be of no great significance but we would like to show you that we as a government would like the Inuktitut language to be used at the working level and in running the government.
With the elected members we will urge our Government Departments to use the Inuktitut language in the work force, in the work place and also we hear and we work hard to use the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
We are going to be urging the Departments to use Inuit Quajimajatugangit while we are putting together what has to be done by departments.
As your elected representatives, we also made a decision to phase out the Health and Education Boards. We are now, all people, are represented with the Nunavut Government. Therefore I would like to say again that we would truly like to represent the people out there.
Those citizens who in the past at our Regional Health and Education Boards, and to those who will continue to represent their communities during the phase out of the Boards, I thank for their contributions to the growth and development of Nunavut.
I know that in the months and years to come, these community-minded citizens will continue to make valuable contributions at the community level and my Government, and I look forward to working with them on that front.
As a Government, we will depend on the forthright comments of the residents of Nunavut to guide us in our decision making, and I encourage all Nunavut residents to express not only their concerns but also their hopes and visions.
In addition to providing greater accountability to the people of Nunavut, the elimination of the Regional Boards will save the Government an estimated four million annually.  We have committed to reinvesting these savings into Health and Education.
These are two areas, the residents of Nunavut have expressed are particularly important to them and the Government has heard, and acted on those concerns.
Throughout the decision making Cabinet has not acted in isolation.
We recognize that for true consensus Government, we must rely on the knowledge, advice and support of our Legislative Assembly colleagues.
We have sought their input.
We have had frank and I think progressive discussions.
We realize we may not all agree all the time, yet we look forward to healthy and constructive debates in the future with resolutions in the best interests of the people we serve.
Our initial discussions have been positive and I have no doubt that as our relationship matures I will continue to be open, consultative and enlightening.
To continue along this stream, the full caucus will hold a retreat in Baker Lake the week of June 14.
Among other topics, we will use this time to formulate a list of priorities and solidify a plan of action that will carry this government through the five years of its mandate.
Our vision statement will be prepared and presented at out next Legislative Assembly session this fall.
Knowing that this statement will be the result of input throughout Nunavut, we will use it to guide us as we build a stronger and healthier home.
Also during that fall session, we expect to begin introducing some of the legislation that will create laws that are appropriate and relevant to the people of Nunavut.