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NUNAVUT
The proposed legislation to establish a representative for children and youth has been delayed until the fall, after the legislative assembly narrowly voted in favour of a time extension.

The bill would create an office, independent of the government, which would report directly to the legislative assembly, and would advocate for the rights of children and youth. It would provide advice and recommendations to improve laws, programs and services, according to Premier Eva Aariak.

Speaker Hunter Tootoo had to break the tie on March 4, passing the motion brought forward by Nanulik MLA Johnny Ningeongan for the 120-day extension to conduct public hearings on the proposed legislation.

The four-month delay would mean the standing committee would report on Bill 40, the proposed Representative for Children and Youth Act, during the fall sitting. Ningeongan said the delay would enable the legislative assembly to make its decision on this bill's implementation prior to the territorial election this fall, and that it's unlikely the office would even come into existence before the election regardless of thisdelay.

Amittuq MLA Louis Tapardjuk agreed with Ningeongan, saying public hearings would be the most effective way to consult communities, and elders in particular.

Aariak, speaking against the motion to delay the bill, said residents have the right to effective and timely services from the government. The territory posted a questionnaire on its website, a toll-free phone line was set up and the government also received written, faxed and e-mailed submissions on the proposed legislation, she said. She said the bill already received a 120-day extension in November.

"More public consultations are unlikely to be an effective use of our time," said Aariak on March 4. "We all know the spring and summer are not a good time to hold consultations as many Nunavummiut are away from their communities and

are out on the land."

Cambridge Bay MLA Keith Peterson asked his colleagues to seriously consider opposing the motion, arguing you can't keep consulting and consulting because tough decisions don't get made.

"At a certain point in time, you have to make the decisions and live with it," he said. "We have to move forward. You have to get it done."

Bill 40 vote breakdown

In favour of deferral

• Akulliq MLA John Ningark
• Amittuq MLA Louis Tapardjuk
• Baker Lake MLA Moses Aupaluktuq
• Hudson Bay MLA Allan Rumbolt
• Nanulik MLA Johnny Ningeongan
• Pangnirtung MLA Hezakiah Oshutapik
• South Baffin MLA Fred Schell
• Tununiq MLA Joe Enook
• Speaker Hunter Tootoo (tiebreaker)

Against deferral

• Cambridge Bay MLA Keith Peterson
• Rankin Inlet South-Whale Cove MLA Lorne Kusugak
• Iqaluit West MLA Monica Ell
• Iqaluit East MLA Eva Aariak
• Kugluktuk MLA Peter Taptuna
• Arviat MLA Daniel Shewchuk
• Quttiktuq MLA Ron Elliott
• Nattilik MLA Jeannie Ugyuk

Source: Nunavut legislative assembly

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