EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Total, operations and maintenance, is $18,623,000.
Chairman (interpretation): K-12.
Total, operations and maintenance, is $15,894,000.
I think when are talking about transportation, we are including the fisheries. In regards to transportation, there is the Manitoba-Keewatin road.
It was also included in the budget address, and I think it was more like a promotional item instead of doing actual work.
They stated that it would be a party of this government, so I would like to ask the minister… . Even though there is going to be a study done, we also have to keep in mind that there have to be roads built between communities in Nunavut, because, of course, it is getting extremely expensive to just go by air.
If we look at the future, we have to look alternative modes of transportation and not just rely on airplanes.
Some of the communities are close together. There has to be some type of strategy where we can connect communities by road. There are people who get lost in between communities.
It’s something that we have to make a strategy on, and if we invest in it yearly… . It’s not even in the departmental plans to build interconnecting roads.
In regards to building roads, it’s not in the departmental plans; the only plans that we have are with the Manitoba Trading Commission.
I think we definitely have to start thinking about those types of plans and, also, of the possibility of partnering with private businesses and other entities.
I’m sure that we can put aside a pot of money on a yearly basis and have a target: in so many years, we’ll build a road.
Hall Beach and Igloolik are close together; those are the types of communities I’m talking about.
Hall Beach and Igloolik are pretty flat.
It’s a possibility.
There’s Rankin Inlet and Whale Cove that are close together. We could even think about building bridges.
We have to start thinking about that.
The high cost of living, the high cost of transportation, and so on.
We have heard about how building infrastructure is extremely expensive.
When we look at the transportation costs, we have to seriously consider making long-range plans to connect the communities, the possibility of building a winter road. I would like to urge the minister to consider putting a strategy together and to set up a long-term plan on these issues.
We will be looking into this, along with our staff, during the next few years coming, about whether we are able to get funding through the Strategic Infrastructure program from the federal government. Yes, we will be looking into this, to have access roads within the communities.
I’m not saying that they should start building them now, but we have to start planning. For Kugaaruk, there could be an access road to Repulse Bay. Every year that we have to deliver oil, they have to bring it by aircraft.
We shouldn’t have to wait for too long.
We should start planning to build access roads between communities.
I do have another question that I would like to ask.
It’s under K-13. The past three years, for minor works, we did receive funding from the federal government, when the Government of Nunavut first started.
They are available from year to year and it seems that this year, it was a bit different for the funding that we received from the federal government.
For example, we don’t have breakwaters or wharves in the communities.
It seems you are responsible for transportation. Sometimes it is very difficult within the communities to… . We cannot reach the shore; it is very difficult and when it is windy, your boat has no place be moored.
Also, a lot of times the boats have to be pulled ashore just in case they might be blown away. If there is something like this, such as a wharf, we would have to go through government services.
I feel that since the summers are very short we have to start thinking about this.
Department of Economic Development and Transportation.
A couple of areas of questions here.
Transportation: this area is responsible for airports. I asked earlier on in the session, of the minister, about the airport facility here in Iqaluit.
I’m just wondering if any regulatory changes are going to be made at the federal level, by Transport Canada, that are going to force us to make changes to our airports here in Nunavut.
Chairman (interpretation): Mr. Kunuk.
Yes, this is what we are doing right now.
In Iqaluit, for the airport, we use federal government legislation. For safety measures, we do have that as well. They will be doing that this summer.
We have started this.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Kunuk.
I’m just wondering… . On these projects like that, changes are required as a result of regulatory changes.
The funding for projects such as this, does the majority of it come from the federal government through the ACAP program, or is there a cost-sharing agreement in place for it?
I was wondering how those are handled.
Because, basically, we’ve had facilities that are built to code, and then they change the ranks and we have to make changes as a result of their changes.
Are we stuck having to eat the costs on those changes, or do we get some assistance from the federal government?
Hon. David Simailak: The Iqaluit airport has a regulatory obligation to enhance security to meet Canadian Air Transport Security Authority Class II regulations.
This necessitates the construction of an extension to the current building, the terminal building, but this would be entirely funded by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority.
All of that is currently in design-review stage, and construction is scheduled to begin this summer.
As CATSA’s schedule dictates, the work must be completed by December 31, 2005.
So, it is entirely funded by the Canadian Air Transport Authority.
The type of doors that you have to go in and out, is that something that is a code requirement too?
Maybe we can get them to fund the change and get them fixed.
My other question on that… . There was a report done a while ago that indicated that there were some safety concerns and stuff like that with the size of the apron and that here.
Are those things regulatory changes.
I remember one year where we had a 747 come in and the wing clipped the fuel line there and caused an incident out there that could have potentially a disastrous.
I am just wondering if that too is something that is funded through this program and if and when that work will take place.
Right now they are called Car 308.
The Terminal is too small for the apron and this will be renovated under the Airport Strategy through the Federal Government.
This is part of that.
I know when you talk about building roads and the Minister indicated that there is Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program in place.
Whenever you do any construction like that there is lots of training opportunities.
I am just wondering if there was a Strategic Highway Infrastructure Training funding that was available as well.
Hon. David Simailak: No, from what I am told, there is not training money in that program.
Any more, Mr. Tootoo.
Mr. Tootoo: I am going to move to something a little lighter now.
I know earlier today I asked the Minister and he committed to taking a look at trying to conduct a feasibility study, or not a feasibility study, but a Harbour and Port Study for Iqaluit and Apex.
I know Mr. Kunuk, that is here with him, are well aware of some of the problems and situations that is faced by people that are using the boats they and ships, I used with one of the Shipping Companies, we know some of the challenges there.
I am just wondering if we can an idea when we can expect to see something like that materialize and be initiated.
If it can be done this fall, or this summer, or something like that.
Hon. David Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman Yes, I committed this morning to try and find the money to do such a study.
We will look very hard for the money.
As soon as we find the money we will get the study started.
Anything else, Mr. Tootoo.
Under K-13, Coast Guard Arctic Auxiliary.
They started out very well and we use this in the summertime when someone is lost.
The memorandum of understanding ended on March 31st, 2004.
Are we going to get this back. Thank you.
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Arreak.
Hon. David Simailak (interpretation): Perhaps Mr. Kunuk can respond to the question.
Chairman: Go ahead, Mr. Kunuk.
Although we are not dealing with this issue, although we do not have the jurisdiction, but we do provide the funding for Search and Rescue and I will look into that and provide the answer on a later date.
Chairman (interpretation): He will be providing the answer on a later date after he looks into it.
Mr. Curley (interpretation): Yes, I do not know if this was asked, but I was out of the Chamber for a little bit on J-14, in regards to Community Aerodrome Radio Stations and they mentioned that in the Committee report that they do not provide sufficient funding and the Agreement expired March 31st 2004.
Do you have any information as to what is going to be happening to this.
Yes, the contract is expired March 31st, but we do have a new agreement called Bridging Agreement and it is up to July 31st and it is an interim agreement.
We are still negotiating as we speak with NavCanada.
It is starting to become evident that in the first year that it is going to be very difficult to get an agreement, but perhaps if it is impossible to get an agreement, we will probably need an interim agreement because they lack funding also.
Prior to that, we are making plans and strategizing the NavCanada Agreement for the next four years.
This four year agreement is going to be planned in more detail than the previous year.
Chairman: Are you finished.
We are on Page K-12.
Economic Development and Transportation Branch Summary.
Total Operations and Maintenance, $15,894,000. (interpretation): Do you agree?
Chairman: Back to K-4. Economic Development and Transportation Department Summary.
Total Operations and Maintenance, $37,389,000. (interpretation): Do you agree?
Is the Committee agreed that this Department is concluded.
Thank you, Mr. Minister and your officials for appearing before the Committees. (interpretation ends): Do you have any comments to the Floor.
No, I do not have any comments, but just to thank my officials and also thank you for your questions and we will look into your questions and also would like to thank my officials.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends): What does the Committee want to do now.
Mr. Evygotailak: Report progress.
Chairman: We have a motion on the Floor to report progress.
Mr. Chairman Netser.
Chairman (Mr. Netser)(interpretation): Thank you Mr. Speaker.
Your committee has been considering Bill 2 and the Main Estimates and would like to report progress and also Mr. Speaker, I move that the Report of Committee be Whole be agreed to.
Mr. Alagalak. The motion is in order.
Orders for the day, Wednesday, June 2nd,
In accordance in the authority vested in me by motion 11-2(1) the committee will stay adjourned till Wednesday, June 2, 2004 to 10:00 o’clock in the morning.
>>House adjourned at 20:05  Nunavut Canada
Wednesday June 2, 2004
Pages 855 – 950
Opening Prayer 855
Ministers’ Statements 855
Members’ Statements 858
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 859
Oral questions 862
Returns to Written Questions 880
Tabling of Documents 886
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 888
Report of Committee of the Whole 949
Orders of the Day 949
Wednesday, June 2, 2004 855
039 – 2(1): Inuit Societal Values in Government (Tapardjuk) 855
040 – 2(1): First Graduating Class of Journeyman Carpenters in Nunavut (Picco) 856
041 – 2(1): Clarification on the Fuel Stabilization Subsidy (Aglukkaq) 857
140 – 2(1): Youth Meeting on Traditional Skills (Tapardjuk) 858
141 – 2(1): Taloyoak Fishing Derby Winners (Aglukkaq) 859
172 – 2(1): Question on Fuel Stabilization Subsidy (Tootoo) 862
173 – 2(1): Access Road in Rankin Inlet (Curley) 863
174 – 2(1): Update on the Grise Fiord Access Road (Barnabas) 864
175 – 2(1): Statistics on Homicides (Peterson) 864
176 – 2(1): Summer Student Program – Beneficiaries or Non Beneficiaries (Tootoo) 867
177 – 2(1): Vacant Wildlife Officer Positions (Barnabas) 869
178 – 2(1): Update on Diamond Strategy Conference (Peterson) 870
179 – 2(1): Inuit Employment (Curley) 871
180 – 2(1): Employment Training (Alagalak) 872
181 – 2(1): Update on Employment Cuts (Tootoo) 873
182 – 2(1): Co-op Eligible to Apply for Funding (Kattuk) 874
183 – 2(1): Hiring Practices – Summer Student Program (Evyagotailak) 876
184 – 2(1): Graduation Ceremony Dates (Curley) 877
185 – 2(1): Income Support Training (Barnabas) 878
Return to Written Question 004 – 2(1): Kitikmeot Health Centre 880
Return to Written Question 005 – 2(1): Kitikmeot Health Centre 882
Return to Written Question 006 – 2(1): Qulliq Energy Corporation 883
029 – 2(1): Response to Petition 2 – 2(1) – Training Courses for Taloyoak (Picco) 886
030 – 2(1): Kivalliq Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting Resolutions 2004 (Curley) 887
Wednesday, June 2, 2004
Speaker (interpretation): Orders of the day for today.
Mr. Tapardjuk
Minister’s Statement 039 – 2(1): Inuit Societal Values in Government
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, the topic of incorporating the Inuit social values into our government is something very close to my heart and the hearts of many of my colleagues.
We must be able to see our culture and values reflected in the way we do our work everyday.
It is important that we have the coordinated effort to integrate Inuit societal values into our programs and services to better serve Nunavut.
To work this, we have established the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit to provide advice and assistance to government.
We also have an internal process in place to support the Katimajiit.
Tuttarviit, an independent committee made up of representatives from each department, provides the crucial link between the government and the Katimajiit.
Tuttarviit meets regularly to discuss approaches to integrating Inuit societal values and culturally appropriate processes into the workplace.
Members also look for opportunities to work on shared, culturally-based initiatives together.
Yesterday, I recognized some of the members of the Katimajiit here in the House.
They are here in Iqaluit this week to review recommendations of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit task force and discuss issues, such as the recognition of Inuit cultural skills, elders’ advice, youth issues, and concerns about disabled people.
I am sure my colleagues agree with me that this group is doing very important work.
The cabinet will meet with the Katimajiit annually, and the minister will seek advice and counsel on government issues.
I would like to invite all members to lunch with the Katimajiit on Thursday, June the 3, at 12:00 noon at the Discovery Lodge Hotel.
Minister’s Statement 040 – 2(1): First Graduating Class of Journeyman Carpenters in Nunavut
Hon. Ed Picco: Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
It gives me great pleasure this morning to do a minister’s statement on the first class of journeyman carpenters in Nunavut.
As Minister of Education, I made a commitment in the House to deliver the Adult Learning Strategy this October of 2004.
The Department of Education is building on this commitment and the multi-faceted approach to include trades training, a mine training strategy, and the pre-employment skills development program.
I am pleased to announce our first graduating class of journeymen carpenters in Nunavut.
On completion of their program, they will also have an opportunity to write the Red Seal Inter-provincial ticket.
This inter-provincial ticket entitles them to work anywhere in Canada.
Mr. Speaker, I am going to call their names and ask them to stand up when I say their names.
The names of these graduating students are Jimmy Nattaq, of Iqaluit.
Lino Aqatsiaq, from Igloolik.
Alexander Alooq, from Rankin Inlet, originally from Baker Lake.
James Karetak from Iqaluit, originally from Arviat.
Jason Shingoose, from Baker Lake.
And finally, Christopher Lahure, from Baker Lake.
Also, in the gallery, our certified diesel mechanic and chair of Kakivak, our good friend, Mr. Johnny Mike.
Brian McLeod from the board of governors of Nunavut Arctic College, and also a Kakivak facilitator.
The instructors Sandy Lenz and Lloyd Kendall.
This program’s success is due to the partnership developed between Nunavut Arctic College, Kakivak Association, the Department of Education, and the private sector.
The students’ success was built on these partnerships enabling them to remain in Nunavut for the technical training. The Department of Education is making trades training a reality in Nunavut.
Our fellow citizens have worked hard over the past four years to prepare themselves for work as journeypeople in the trade of their choice.
These graduates are an inspiration to students who wish to pursue their dreams and aspirations through the trades.
Please join with me in congratulating our journeyperson carpenters as they graduate from Nunavut Arctic College in Iqaluit on June the 4, 2004.
Minister’s Statement 041 – 2(1): Clarification on the Fuel Stabilization Subsidy
I wish to clarify the purpose of the $10 million appropriation relating to the fuel stabilization rider subsidy contained in the Department of Finance main estimates.
QEC accumulated a $14 million debt in its Fuel Stabilization Fund between April 1, 2001, and March 31, 2004.
This debt accumulated because the current rate has not allowed them to recover excess costs related to higher fuel prices.
This debt is only one of the financial challenges facing QEC, but it is one that the Government of Nunavut has decided to address immediately.
Over the past year, the QEC has been focused on the multiple challenge of establishing operations in Nunavut, reducing discretionary spending, improving capital project monitoring, correcting billing system problems, training new staff, and developing a general state application.
Subsequently, the utility sought approval from the minister responsible for the QEC for permission to implement a fuel rider or receive additional investments to pay the debt in the Fuel Stabilization Fund.
The Government of Nunavut decided to make an investment of $4 million to QEC last fiscal year 2003-04.
They directed that this investment be used for the estimated $14 million debt in the Fuel Stabilization Fund.
Mr. Speaker, the QEC was then required to prepare proper financial statements and work to get their financial affairs in order prior to obtaining any additional funds.
This was completed and substitutively documented prior to the setting of the additional $10 million.
The balance of the debt is being dealt with using the $10 million amount included in the main estimates.
I want to confirm again for members that the combined effects of these two payments will pay the debt in the Fuel Stabilization Fund as of March 31, 2004.
I want to stress to members that there is no fuel rider in place at this time.
The contribution agreement being developed between the Department of Finance and QEC will include a payment schedule of the $10 million.
While I regret that this approach appears to be more complex than a cash transfer to QEC, the benefits of having increased financial accountability makes this a better way to proceed.
Member’s Statement 140 – 2(1): Youth Meeting on Traditional Skills
I rise this morning to represent the people of Igloolik.
There is an Inullarik committee comprised of elders.
What they are going to do is speak to young children about survival skills, and they do that every spring.
They will be inviting other people from the communities to learn how to assist with the teaching of survival skills to young people.
They have the full value of Inuit culture and traditions, so I stand today to congratulate them and to wish them a successful meeting, while they are teaching young people to be better people.
Member’s Statement 141 – 2(1): Taloyoak Fishing Derby Winners
This morning I would like to share with the House an announcement of the winners of the Taloyoak fishing derby.
Many Nattilingmiut individuals went to Taloyoak from Kugaaruk, as well as Gjoa Haven, to participate in the May 28, 29, 30 fishing derby.
There were seven winners.
I would like to read out their names.
For the first prize Mary Oogaq, from Gjoa Haven, caught the largest fish at 42 ½ inches and was awarded a Polaris 325 four- wheeler, first prize.
The second prize, Davidee Igutsaq, third, Sam Akhaluk, fourth, Isaac Saittuq, Connie Poodlat, David Nanook, and Annie Akoak.
There is also an individual I had mentioned in this House before, Niviugaq Marqniq, a lady over a hundred and four years old.
She also was out at the fishing derby and caught a 36 ⅜ inch char.
She was given an honorary prize of $300.
Today is June 2, and there is a birthday. Today is the birthday of one of our colleagues, Mr. Kattuk. I don’t know how old he is.
First of all, I would like to recognize these individuals in the back and congratulate them for completing their training.
Some of them are my constituents.
The last time he was here, I had forgotten to mention his name.
He is always giving me advice, Johnny Mike, originally from Pangnirtung.
He has moved to my constituency.
I am so pleased that he could be my constituent.
The person sitting beside him is Brian McLeod, whom I have been happy with for quite some time.
He has been living here in Iqaluit for a long time, and he is always supportive of me, so I am very thankful for and appreciative of him.
At times we fight over the individuals we want to recognize.
I do want to recognize this individual to the House; I also would like to welcome Johnny Mike, originally from Pangnirtung.
He is also my cousin, and I do want to welcome him to the House.
I also would like to congratulate the journeymen, the graduates.
I rise today to recognize this individual from my constituency, Lino Aqatsiaq.
He is also one of the graduates.
I am very proud of him because we need to do capacity building. I am very proud of you, Lino, and I am very happy with you.
Also, I would like to recognize Johnny Mike, with whom I have worked for quite some time.
Welcome and thank you.
I would like to recognize Lino Aqatsiaq.
He is the uncle of my wife, and my wife is so proud of him for completing his training.
We congratulate him and recognize him.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Recognition of visitors in the gallery.
I would like to recognize Evasa, who we call Mr. Karetak Evasa.
I am very proud that he is a journeyman.
He completed carpentry.
He and his wife have been here in Iqaluit in training for two years.
They left their family behind in our community, and I’m very proud of the fact that they have completed their training.
They are very good role models, and I am very proud of them.
I, too, would like to recognize fellow Baker Lakers Jason Shingoose and Chistopher Lahure and also a former Baker Laker, Alexander Alooq.
Congratulations on becoming journeymen carpenters.
I would like to recognize an old colleague of mine, Brian McLeod.
Brian was my counterpart in Kakivak when I was with the Kitikmeot Economic Development Division in the Kitikmeot.
I am very pleased to see that he is carrying on the fine tradition of community economic development organizations in Nunavut and Arctic College.
Welcome, Brian.
I want to say right off the top that it wasn’t a prerequisite for some of these carpenters to work on my house before they got their journeyman carpenters’ certificate.
I want to say that several of the gentlemen in the back have worked with me, for me, especially at my house, and I want to particularly recognize in the gallery Mr. Jimmy Nattaq.
Jimmy is the son of our former Sergeant-at-Arms, Mr. Simon Nattaq, the city councillor.
Jimmy worked on my house a few years ago, installing doors and so on.
James Karetak, of course, has had an opportunity to work at my house putting in doors and so on.
I don’t know why the doors keep breaking.
I also wanted to take this opportunity on a personal note to welcome my old friend, Mr. Brian McLeod. Brian used to run a famous, famous tool store here in Iqaluit called Boreal Tools.
And he used to have a sign there that read, “The tool gods are angry.”
I never knew what that meant, but he used to have that sign.