Nunavut.

• Author: Baldwin, Alex
• Position: Legislative Reports - Report

The 2013 winter sitting of the Legislative Assembly convened on February 26, 2013. It adjourned on March 19, 2013. Minister of Finance Keith Peterson delivered his fifth Budget Address on February 27, 2013. The proceedings of the Committee of the Whole during the 2013 winter sitting of the House were dominated by the consideration of the Government of Nunavut's proposed 2013-2014 main estimates and departmental business plans.

The 2013 budget implemented two major changes to the organizational structure of the Government of Nunavut. The Department of Health and Social Services was divided into two entities: the Department of Health and the Department of Family Services. The Department of Human Resources was dissolved and its functions transferred to the Department of Finance and the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs. The organizational changes came into effect on April 1, 2013. Minister Monica Ell was appointed Minister of Family Services by Premier Eva Aariak. Minister Keith Peterson retained responsibility for the health portfolio.

On February 26, 2013, Pangnirtung MLA Hezakiah Oshutapik moved a motion to recommend the appointment of Sandra Inutiq as the Languages Commissioner of Nunavut. The Languages Commissioner of Nunavut is one of four independent officers of the Legislative Assembly who are appointed by the Commissioner of Nunavut on the recommendation of the Legislative Assembly.

The 3rd Session of the 3rd Legislative Assembly will reconvene for its 2013 spring sitting on May 7, 2013.

Legislation

A total of nine bills received Assent during the Legislative Assembly's 2013 winter sitting:

* Bill 46, Donation of Food Act;

* Bill 47, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 3, 2012-2013;

* Bill 48, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2013-2014;

* Bill 49, Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act. 2013-2014;

* Bill 50, An Act to Amend the Nunavut Elections Act;

* Bill 53, An Act to Amend the Medical Care Act;

* Bill 54, An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act;

* Bill 55, An Act to Amend the Student Financial Assistance Act; and

* Bill 56, Write-off of Assets Act, No. 1, 2011-2012.

Bill 46, which was introduced by Quttiktuq MLA Ron Elliott, was the second Private Member's Bill to have been considered and passed by the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut. The Donation of Food Act provides that a person who donates food or who distributes donated food is not liable for disease...