EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In my constituency of Baker Lake, local search and rescue volunteers do not have any permanent space for holding meetings or storing equipment.
Can the minister indicate if his department is looking at ways to provide funding for local search and rescue committees to acquire permanent facilities?
We currently do not have any funding for minor or major capital plans to fund equipment for search and rescue.
However, during the Baffin mayors’ meeting here, CGS agreed to meet with municipalities to look at partnership options to supply equipment for search and rescue and we are also looking at options of transferring surplus equipment and snowmobiles and boating equipment for search and rescue purposes.
Question 048 – 4(1): Corrections and Parole (Akoak)
Good afternoon to my constituency in Gjoa Haven.
Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of Justice.
A number of my constituents have requested assistance in advocating for the early release of Gjoa Haven residents who are serving prison sentences in either territorial or federal correctional facilities.
Although I recognize that Members of the Legislative Assembly cannot interfere in the judicial system, it is important that the public have a clear understanding of what processes are in place with respect to such matters as granting parole or conditional release.
For example, it is my understanding that members of the public may attend Parole Board of Canada hearings as observers.
Can the minister indicate if his department’s probation officers are in a position to assist members of the public in this area?
Yes, these duties are the responsibility of the federal government, currently being reviewed through a federal law review.
In particular, the emphasis is on victims and how they can be more involved through this legislation. This is part of the federal review of their legislation.
However, with respect to inmates incarcerated in our territory in which we are involved in that area, it doesn’t extend to reducing the sentences of inmates. That is the role of the courts during sentencing.
Our primary role is to provide options in the person’s healing process or how to ensure that we reduce recidivism amongst our inmate population.
Here in Iqaluit, there is also a half-way house for inmates who are nearing their release dates.
They’re provided with courses and whatnot for their reintegration into their community upon final release.
These are the types of activities this government provides.
We have no authority to reduce the sentences handed out, whether it is the number of years or months, as that is under the jurisdiction of our court system.
Mr. Akoak, your first supplementary.
Mr. Speaker, section 39 of the territorial Corrections Act provides for the establishment of a territorial parole board.
However, it is not clear if the board is actually operational.
Can the minister clarify the role of the Territorial Parole Board?
This is primarily under the jurisdiction of the federal government, although the territorial government is requested to carry out this task from time to time.
We do support them by collaborating with their administration on inmates who are ready for release by providing a planned reintegration, such as job search assistance. That is how we provide assistance when these inmates are still incarcerated.
Section 41 of the territorial Corrections Act provides that an inmate “may apply for parole himself or herself or any person may apply on behalf of the inmate.”
Can the minister indicate what information is available from his department to explain the parole application process to members of the public?
This process follows the legislation governing release of inmates and support systems, which is part of federal government responsibilities.
There are changes from time to time, but at this time, we don’t have anything available. The federal government, however, is currently reviewing the existing legislation and perhaps, after that review, revisions may be made to how it can be implemented here in Nunavut.
Question 049 – 4(1): Amendments to the Nunavut Fur Harvester Program (Savikataaq)
This great country of ours, Canada, was founded in fur trade.
Fur trade migrated up to NWT and onto Nunavut when we became Nunavut.
The Department of Environment has a very good fur program, but there is always room for improvement.
Right now, with their fur program, they only pay the shipping of fur to one fur auction house.
I believe that is sole sourcing.
Other trappers and hunters would like to ship their fur to different fur buyers, but the Department of Environment will not pay the shipping unless the fur is going to a particular fur buyer.
In our region in the Kivalliq and in my community of Arviat, about 90 percent of the fur value is shipped to other fur buyers other than this one fur buyer that the government supports.
There are always ways to improve it.
I would like to ask the minister if he would consider paying the shipping of fur to a legitimate fur buyer from a legitimate fur seller, a hunter and trapper.
Administratively, it is already set up to ship fur. The only difference would be that fur would be shipped to a different fur buyer.
I also thank my colleague for asking a question about that matter.
I certainly hope I am audible over that rumble.
I apologize. That rotary sound drowned us out.
Indeed, I would ask that the member clarify his question so that it is completely understandable.
Every person has complete freedom in selling their furs.
The role carried out by the government seems to be working fine, and I’ve never heard any complaints about the government process.
Maybe you can explain further as to what you mean in your question.
Can you explain it more clearly, please. Mr. Savikataaq.
When a hunter or trapper is shipping their furs south to a fur buyer, the Department of Environment will pay the shipping of the fur to only one particular fur buyer.
They will not pay the shipping of the fur to a different fur buyer.
In my mind, the government is supporting only one fur buyer.
I believe everyone should be treated equally and fairly.
Therefore, I think the government should pay for the shipping of fur to any fur buyer where the hunter or trapper feels they can get the best price and the best service for their product.
From what we know now in the Department of Environment, the GN marketing agent for skins and fur products, the market has been quite strong.
That’s all I can say, right now, Mr. Speaker.
I ask the Minister of Environment again: will the minister start paying the shipping of fur to different fur buyers, not just one particular fur buyer, if the hunter or trapper so chooses to sell their fur elsewhere?
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you.
This matter he is asking about is undoubtedly something we can clarify further down the road, but at this time, I can stand and state that we currently can’t do what is suggested.
Speaker (interpretation): Your final supplementary, Mr. Savikataaq.
I thank the minister for his clear answer of no, that he will not pay the shipping.
So I ask the minister: will he explain to the House at a later date or now why he is sole sourcing to only one fur buyer?
In essence, that is what is happening. The government is paying the shipping of fur to only one fur buyer.
As per my earlier response, we have a marketing agent who has been working with the government for some time.
Further, the process used by the Nunavut government for furs is a good one and the prices fetched are generally accepted with good returns on their sale.
That is how it stands currently.
Every hunter has a freedom of choice and they can choose independently where they wish to sell their furs to. This practice continues and that is the way it is set up currently.
Question 050 – 4(1): Support for Home-based Caregivers (Shooyook)
Mr. Speaker, I am confident that many of us will have family members or know of families where a relative needs extra support in their daily lives.
Sometimes these individuals need a lot of support and love every single day. Many of us wish to keep our family members close to home, whether they are older, disabled, or suffering from a severe health problem.
Can the minister provide information on what kinds of programs or supports are available to individuals who provide significant care to a family member in their own home?
My brother-in-law’s question, can you please explain what you are talking about? Are you talking about elders who need to be helped in their homes by nurses? Can you explain what you are talking about?
Mr. Shooyook, can you explain your question further, please.
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): I will repeat what I said.
Sometimes these individuals need a lot of support and love every single day.
Many of us wish to keep our family members close to home, whether they are older, disabled, or suffering from a severe health problem.
Thank you to the member for asking a very good question.
In efforts to keep people in their communities, we have nurses in the communities who do home visits so that many people can get health care in their homes.
Almost all of the communities have home care nurses. Also, people who are not able to live at home anymore are sent to facilities with 10 or more beds.
We also have continuing care centres in Igloolik and Gjoa Haven.
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): I am sure the minister will agree that keeping someone in their own home, with the love of their family around them, is the best environment for them to be in.
Can the minister clarify whether or not her department will provide financial assistance to an individual who looks after a very disabled family member in their home for 24 hours a day?
I believe that it is very important to support all Nunavummiut with disabling health conditions to stay at home, in their communities, and in Nunavut and live their daily lives close to their families.
Will the minister commit to reviewing the supports and resources that are available to home-based caregivers across Nunavut and to increase those supports and resources wherever possible?
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my colleague for raising that matter in his question.
The funds the member was asking about have two separate purposes, one for home care provision for elders or if a doctor has specified certain services for a patient.
In 2013-14, the Gjoa Haven home care budget was set at $2,779,000 while the Igloolik home care budget was set at $2,184,000.
The other fund is specific to nurses who provide home care services to elders, and in 2013-14, with the inclusion of the training funds, totals $265,590,000.
Additionally, the nurses who provide services to patients with health problems may require equipment, such as wheelchairs, to provide that service.
It can also include shopping if the patient is unable to do that.
I certainly hope that my response was understandable.
Your final supplementary, Mr. Shooyook.
Question 051 – 4(1): Cape Dorset Housing Authority (Joanasie)
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, in 2011, the Cape Dorset Housing Authority was formally established by way of a ministerial order made under the Nunavut Housing Corporation Act.
Prior to this time, local housing matters were being administered by the municipality.
Concerns have been raised with me that there are a number of unresolved issues resulting from this transition, including concerns related to the municipality incurring a deficit as a consequence of funds being held back by the Nunavut Housing Corporation that were intended to support local housing operations.
Can the minister indicate if he has been made aware of this situation?
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I would like to say “good day” to the people of Arviat, Whale Cove, and Nunavut.
I would like him to clarify what the concerns are. I didn’t quite understand the question.
Would you rephrase your question, please, Mr. Joanasie.
Mr. Joanasie: I guess, to repeat myself, there have been concerns that have been raised with me… .
Speaker (interpretation): One moment, please. I apologize. We will have to stop the clock because you have been asked to repeat your question.
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) In 2011, the Cape Dorset Housing Authority was formally established by way of a ministerial order [made] under the Nunavut Housing Corporation Act.
During oral question period when you are repeatedly asked to rephrase your question, I will be giving extra time or stopping the clock.
I would like to know exactly what types of concerns were raised in the community. I don’t have that information in front of me, so I will have to get back to the member.
Sorry about that. He has left.
Oral Questions. (interpretation ends) Hudson Bay, Mr. Rumbolt.
Question 052 – 4(1): Natural Resources Conservation Trust Fund (Rumbolt)
I am in my chair, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, last week, the minister tabled a copy of the 2012-13 Annual Report of the Natural Resources Conservation Trust Fund.
The primary purpose of this fund is to promote the wise use of wildlife through education, training, and research.
Can the minister explain if his department has funded any projects under its Natural Resources Conservation Trust Fund?
Question 053 – 4(1): Ensuring All Nunavummiut Have Health Insurance Coverage (Angnakak)
Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Health.
Mr. Speaker, earlier today in my Member’s Statement, I spoke of the need to ensure that those Nunavut residents who may require health insurance coverage are assisted in applying for it.
Can the minister clarify what is in place to inform and advise Nunavut residents about their health insurance coverage and what steps they must take to ensure they have adequate coverage in place?
I believe the member is asking questions about extended health benefits.
At this time, I would say that the department has identified that there is a need to better communicate the existence and eligibility requirements of extended health benefits to Nunavummiut.
Information is currently available on the website.
Ms. Angnakak, your first supplementary.
Nunavut’s population statistics show that a relatively small number of Nunavut residents are aged 65 and over and not covered under the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program.
Can the minister clearly explain what prevents her departmental staff from taking a proactive role in contacting these individuals and ensuring that they have adequate health insurance coverage in case they need it?
The extended health benefits are available from the Department of Health to provide assistance to eligible persons in Nunavut who require health care services beyond those that are covered under the Nunavut Health Care Plan.
These extended health benefits are normally to be at the last resort. It’s for those individuals who might have maxed out the current insurance that they may have.
Currently, we are working to extend the Extended Health Benefits Policy because it’s about to end at the end of the month and we’re hoping to extend it for another year.
Although I didn’t hear, I guess, an answer I was looking for to my question, I will go onto my next one.
In some jurisdictions across Canada, third party health insurance programs are available through such companies as Alberta Blue Cross.
Can the minister describe what steps have been taken to work with entities such as Alberta Blue Cross to provide health insurance coverage to individuals who may wish to purchase it?
I would just like to explain that the Nunavut Extended Health Benefits Program is a program that is determined by the national board with Health Canada and that all the territories participate in decisions that are made under this and that ITK has a seat on the table.
We would have to sit with those entities to make changes to the extended health benefits.
The Blue Cross that she mentioned is a separate insurance program, which we could look at what they do. We are currently working to also look at what all the other provinces do with their extended health programs so that we could be more consistent with the programs that they provide.
That is a part of what we will be looking at and why we want a one-year extension is so that we can look at those and other programs before we move forward.
Question 054 – 4(1): Purpose of Acquiring Old Health Centre (Mapsalak)
Mr. Speaker, the old health centre that is no longer used in Repulse Bay was handed over to the Department of Education.
Do you know what this old health centre is going to be used for now in Repulse Bay?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of Education, Mr. Quassa.
I feel humbled that this is the very first question directed to me from the member across the aisle.
Mr. Speaker, regarding the member’s question, this is the first time I hear about your old health centre and I do apologize for that.
I will look into it and respond to you appropriately. (interpretation ends) I will take this question for advisement. (interpretation)Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Listening to the minister’s response, I am now unsure what more to ask, but I will await his response.
Question 055 – 4(1): Providing Support for End-Of-Life Care (Hickes)
Mr. Speaker, in my member’s Statement earlier today, I addressed the growing need for training and support to provide palliative and end-of-life care to Nunavut residents and their families.
Mr. Speaker, can the minister describe what programs and services are currently available to provide training, support, and care to address palliative and end-of-life needs across Nunavut’s communities and to what extent palliative and end-of-life services are currently being delivered?
I think there were two questions in there.
I will try to answer one of them.
Palliative care education and training is being planned for home and community care workers and continuing care workers in 2014-15.
The first delivery will take place in the Kitikmeot area/ The end-of-life resource tool for caregivers entitled “A Caregiver’s Guide,” a handbook about end-of-life care, was delivered in 2006 and is available in all four languages through the Home and Community Care Program.
I would also like to say that Health accesses palliative care training and education materials from St. Elizabeth Health Care because they have a First Nations and Inuit focus. Health will consider the Pallium educational resources as well, as we heard that they got a huge chunk of money earlier this week.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Mr. Hickes, your first supplementary question.
I wish it was a huge chunk of money, but $3 million allocated over three years nationally isn’t really a lot of money for the training and educational tools for caregivers delivering end-of-life care.
Can the minister clarify whether her department has looked into accessing palliative and end-of-life training and educational opportunities for Nunavut’s health care givers in addition to existing [ones]?
As I mentioned, Health has accessed resources from Pallium in the past and from places like LEAD modules and the Pallium palliative care pocketbook.
At the present, the department uses resources and training, as I mentioned, from St. Elizabeth Health Care because they have a First Nations and Inuit focus to their materials which is absent from Pallium’s existing resources.
The department may consider accessing their materials in the future, and we will wait to see how they choose to use the recently announced federal funding.
Question 056 – 4(1): Grants and Contributions in Support of Harvesters Policy (Enook)
Good afternoon to the people of Pond Inlet and our fellow Nunavummiut.
I have a question to my Angajuksakuluk, the Minister of Environment.
Let me begin by expressing my appreciation for the minister’s recent comments concerning his support for the hunters and fishers in his constituency. Our hearts are clearly in the same place.
My questions to the minister today will be short and to the point. I know for a fact that my Angajussakuluk will respond to my questions properly.
Mr. Speaker, as the minister is aware, I have been calling for a review of his department’s policy on grants and contributions in support of harvesters, which includes the Disaster Compensation Program.
This program is very important to all hunters in Nunavut.
Will the minister commit to reviewing this program, yes or no?
Are you talking about the fishermen’s compensation or hunters as well and disaster compensation? I am not sure which one you want me to review.
Speaker (interpretation): I will stop the clock for a moment while Mr. Enook clarifies his question.
I am talking about the policy for the Disaster Compensation Program, whether the loss is associated with the ice or weather.
Yes, his question is one that I appreciate and at this time, I can state to the member that the program has been heavily used both in past years as well as to the year-end of this fiscal year.
The Disaster Compensation Program has been quite beneficial as hunters generally request assistance when their equipment is damaged by severe weather. Now, in this year, there were a lot of applicants to this program when their equipment was damaged.
I can state at this time that if the member is referring to his community applications, those applications will be reviewed this month for equipment in Pond Inlet that was damaged.
I can’t say whether the program criteria will be subject to further review.
In 2005, nearly nine years ago, the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated undertook a joint review of harvester support programs.
One of the recommendations in the final report from this review was that the GN and NTI should work more closely together to develop and administer programs to assist hunters who suffer equipment losses.
Will the minister commit to working with NTI on this issue, yes or no?
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for his question.
Our working together with NTI is ongoing.
That is all I can state at this time, Mr. Speaker.
The HTOs of Nunavut are among the most affected. The input of our territory’s hunters and trappers organizations is critical to ensuring that our government’s programs in support of harvesters are appropriate and adequate to their needs.
Will the minister commit to formally inviting all HTO chairs to submit recommendations to him concerning his department’s programs in support of harvesters?
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Indeed, in this day and age, based on this government, particularly the Department of Environment, for damages caused by severe weather, the (interpretation ends) Disaster Compensation Program (interpretation) and the Wildlife Damage Fund are there for that.
To date, with respect to disaster compensation, the amount in this fund has been $80,000.
Because that money has not been fully accessed, some of the funds were put into the Wildlife Damage Fund to replace harvesters’ equipment.
The amount is about $40,000 in each of these funds.
This was to try to place the funds where they were needed.
As per my earlier response, theses types of incidents seem to go in cycles, with more damages in one year and less in the following year, and that is also why this fund was set aside.
Also, the $80,000 has been adequate to date.
Question 057 – 4(1): Department of Environment Expenditures (Mikkungwak)
I am quite pleased with the opportunity to raise further questions.
I also send good day greetings to the residents of Baker Lake.
However, my question will be directed to the Minister of Environment.
(interpretation ends) The Department of Environment’s 2013-14 main estimates indicates that the department’s current annual budget for providing core operating funding to each of Nunavut’s 25 hunters and trappers organizations is $317,000.
This works out to just $12,680 per HTO.
Mr. Speaker, this budget has remained unchanged for a number of years.
Can the minister indicate if his department is reviewing this budget in anticipation of the introduction of the 2014-15 main estimates, which will be considered by the Legislative Assembly during the upcoming spring sitting?