EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Is it possible to double this amount?
Well, we base this decrease on our last years interest, but I would like to assure the member that, for example, if they used $100,000 already in April we will have to make a decision and see where we can get some money from other programs to put in here.
We will do all we can to make sure that anybody will be able to prospect, but if we can use $150,000 last year, then the House will decrease it for this year. But if there is an increase and more demand over $100,000, then we will look at other programs and replenish or increase the amount here.
This one is part of K-9.
There is a Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association. Does this association benefit the people of Nunavut?
The Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association has been very supportive since it has been established and when we put in that $200,000 it was used to provide core funding and also to lever money from the federal government.
It is very beneficial to the artists and craft producers in Nunavut.
I am well aware of that and we are putting aside $200,000 for NACA and it will be able to produce brochures and make sure that Nunavut goes on the world map.
Could the minister tell me if there is any money for quarrying sites and also for quarrying and delivering soapstone?
We have a Carving Stone Strategy and once it’s completed, we will see how much money we can put aside specifically for that purpose.
Our department will, of course, have to produce a paper before it can be launched or before monies can be set aside for that specific purpose. Once it’s completed, and once we have a strategy, we will know exactly what we are going to be doing.
It’s in the works and once it’s completed, we will produce it and make sure that there’s money for quarrying soapstone. Soapstone will be readily accessible to the communities.
So it seems likely that there will be soapstone readily accessible to the Nunavut communities. It would be kind of embarrassing if there was no soapstone available to the Nunavut communities, but there would be a Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association.
Why is it that that sort of project is not identified in these main estimates?
The government has to rely on paper before they can produce a strategy, or a plan, or identify some monies to be used for that specific purpose. We have to have a strategy in order to access or identify funds.
The Economic Development are working on the strategy and once it’s completed, possibly this coming year, we will then be able to set aside some funds for that purpose, if it’s approved by the Assembly.
As that’s the case, that was determined; there was an agreement between the government and the hamlet councils. I don’t know what happened to that agreement between the two parties. Spring is coming, summer is going to be coming around and that’s the only time we can quarry the soapstone.
When are you going to be producing the strategy? Could I have a month and a date, please? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, very much, Mr. Alagalak.
It will probably be completed by the end of this month and then it will be able to be given to the Cabinet by next month. It’s almost complete, but we want to have it perfect before we hand it over to the Cabinet, but we will be done by the end of the month.
I would just like to recognize the clock, I’m getting tired and I can’t even talk right, and move that we report progress.
We have a motion on the floor and the motion is not debatable. All those in favour of the motion please raise your hand: seven.
All those opposed, raise your hand: one and a half.
Your committee has been considering Bill 12 and would like to report progress, and that one committee motion was adopted.
And, Mr. Speaker, I move that the Report of the Committee of the Whole be agreed to.
Is there a seconder? Mr. Okalik.
Clerk (Mr. Quirke): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A reminder for Monday, March 13, a meeting of the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Accountability in the Tuktu Boardroom starting at 9:00 in the morning.
Orders of the Day for Monday, March 13:
Speaker (interpretation): The House stands recessed until Monday, March 13 at 1:30 in the afternoon.
>>House adjourned at 16:04
Monday, March 13, 2006
Pages 1690 – 1780
Opening Prayer 1690
Ministers’ Statements 1690
Members’ Statements 1692
Returns to Oral Questions 1695
Recognitions of Visitors in the Gallery 1696
Oral Questions 1697
Revert to Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 1717
Replies to Opening Address 1718
Tabling of Documents 1724
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 1725
Report of Committee of the Whole 1778
Orders of the Day 1778
Monday, March 13, 2006 1690
085 – 2(3): Minister Brown Absent from the House (Picco) 1690
086 – 2(3): Review of Harvesters’ Support Program (Akesuk) 1690
087 – 2(3): Strategic Initiatives Program (Akesuk) 1692
214 – 2(3): Arctic Winter Games in Alaska (Evyagotailak) 1692
215 – 2(3): Condolences to Family of Igloolik Elder (Tapardjuk) 1694
216 – 2(3): Ninth Annual Nunavut Mining Symposium (Peterson) 1694
217 – 2(3): Iqaluit Music Society (Tootoo) 1695
Return to Oral Question 209 – 2(3): VTA as Income for Rental Determination (Akesuk) 1695
259 – 2(3): Unsolicited References (Tootoo) 1697
260 – 2(3): Number of Students Applied to the Environmental Tech Program (Barnabas) 1698
261 – 2(3): Foster Care – Adoption (Peterson) 1700
262 – 2(3): Health and Safety Inspections of Deteriorating Units (Mapsalak) 1702
263 – 2(3): Trades Training Plans for Kugluktuk and the Kitikmeot (Evyagotailak) 1704
264 – 2(3): Housing Issues in Clyde River (Arreak) 1705
265 – 2(3): Number of Government Consultants for 2004-05 (Kilabuk) 1706
266 – 2(3): Payment for Services of a Handicapped Individual (Tootoo) 1707
267 – 2(3): Fuel Rider Increase (Barnabas) 1709
268 – 2(3): To Reduce Violence Against Women Campaign (Peterson) 1711
269 – 2(3): Court Order to Pay for Services (Tootoo) 1714
270 – 2(3): Court Order to Pay for Services (Tootoo) 1715
Reply to Opening Address 003 – 2(3): Mr. Peter Kilabuk 1718
099 – 2(3): Nunatsiaq News Article (Tootoo) 1724
100 – 2(3): Schedule for the Student Loan Fund for the Year Ending March 31, 2005 (Picco) 1724
101 – 2(3): Strategic Investment Program, Approved Projects by Community (Akesuk) 1724
102 – 2(3): A Consultation Based Review of the Harvester Support Programs of the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Final Report (Akesuk) 1725
103 – 2(3): Kitikmeot Health Centre Pamphlets (Aglukkaq) 1725
104 – 2(3): Kivalliq Health Centre Pamphlets (Aglukkaq) 1725
Bill 12 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2006-07 – Review in Committee – Economic Development and Transportation 1726
Bill 12 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2006-07 – Review in Committee – Nunavut Housing Corporation 1750
Bill 12 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2006-07 – Review in Committee – Finance 1767
Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Honourable Olayuk Akesuk, Mr. David Alagalak, Mr. James Arreak, Mr. Levi Barnabas, Honourable Levinia Brown, Mr. Joe Allen Evyagotailak, Mr. Peter Kattuk, Mr. Peter Kilabuk, Mr. Steve Mapsalak, Honourable Patterk Netser, Honourable Jobie Nutarak, Honourable Paul Okalik, Mr. Keith Peterson, Honourable Edward Picco, Honourable David Simailak, Honourable Louis Tapardjuk, Mr. Hunter Tootoo.
Speaker (interpretation): I would like to ask Mr. Evyagotailak to lead us in prayer.
Minister’s Statement 085 – 2(3): Minister Brown Absent from the House (Picco)
I wish to advise the members that the Hon. Levinia Brown will be absent from the House for most of the day. She will be in around 5:00.
Minister’s Statement 086 – 2(3): Review of Harvesters’ Support Program (Akesuk)
Mr. Speaker, harvesting wildlife is an important part of life in Nunavut.
Sustainable wildlife populations and an active community of harvesters are the foundation of Nunavut’s society and culture.
Also, harvesters are a critical component of our mixed economy.
The Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated each operate programs to support harvesters, and together contribute over $4 million to this very important sector annually.
While these funds have been going directly to support harvesters, we felt that there were ways we could better cooperate in the delivery of these programs.
We also felt improvements could be made to the programs themselves.
This year we undertook an intensive review of programs to investigate this issue.
I am pleased to advise members that the final report, “A Consultation-Based Review of the Harvester Support Programs of the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.” has been completed.
As promised, members will have the opportunity to review the report and work with the Department of Environment to make improvements to our harvester support policies.
The report highlights our strengths and weaknesses. Conservation officers are acknowledged for providing community level information and support and for developing strong working relationships with the hunters and trappers organizations.
Several of our programs are recognized for providing real benefit to Nunavummiut. In addition, the Government of Nunavut is recognized for its experience, commitment and expertise. I thank the staff of the Department of Environment for their dedication to supporting wildlife harvesters.
The report notes that Nunavummiut need more assistance for purchasing capital equipment, and the costs of operating machinery are rising. The lack of training is identified as a gap in program delivery.
Specifically, youth need training in land skills, and experienced harvesters need training in safety, and small engine repair and maintenance.
The report also recommends that the Department of Environment consider a one window agency for the administration and delivery of harvesters’ support programs.
I am confident in sharing this information with you because I am dedicated to improving our programs for the benefit of Nunavummiut.
The Department of Environment will immediately begin to improve these policies in partnership with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and other stakeholders.
In the short-term, the Department of Environment will develop and implement a community information strategy and plan.
We will continue to work closely with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated to cooperatively implement recommendations that are appropriate and financially viable.
Throughout this process, members will be kept informed and will have the opportunity to submit recommendations. I expect the new programs and delivery mechanisms will be implemented by the fall of 2006.
I feel strongly that this information should become available to the public immediately.
At the appropriate time, I will table the English report. Translations will follow as soon as possible.
Minister’s Statement 087 – 2(3): Strategic Initiatives Program (Akesuk)
I want to inform the House of the great response we have received from local companies, organizations and individuals to the Strategic Initiatives Program.
This was the first year for the program, which is aimed at helping businesses, industry groups, and individuals to create employment and to build our economy by providing investments in strategic growth sectors.
Mr. Speaker, nearly $4 million has now been allocated to 70 economic development projects including support for projects in key economic sectors such as mining, fishing, tourism, and arts and crafts; support a regional trade exhibition and a regional economic conference; hotel expansions; access road development; and showroom space for artists.
These are a few examples of some of the innovative and exciting economic development projects that we have been able to support.
Mr. Speaker, later today I will table a listing of each project, where it will take place, and the amount of funding approved.
We did not receive applications for the program from all communities.
We intend to continue the Strategic Initiatives Program in 2006-07, and hope that with greater public awareness of the program, we will receive more applications from every community in Nunavut.
Our future is reliant on the expansion of the Nunavut economy and this will be done through programs like this and our ability to diversify in the key sectors.
Member’s Statement 214 – 2(3): Arctic Winter Games in Alaska (Evyagotailak)
First of all, I would like to congratulate Patterk Netser for being elected to Cabinet.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share with members my experience at the Arctic Winter Games in Alaska.
As members know, I was part of Nunavut’s official delegation.
Mr. Speaker, it was an extremely busy and exciting week.
I managed to attend many events and supported our athletes in their great achievements.
I was also proud to take part in many official medal presentations.
This was not my first time in Alaska, but it was my first time in the Kenai Peninsula.
Mr. Speaker, I cannot emphasize enough, the kindness and friendliness of the people in Dogna, Kenai, and also Homer, Alaska.
I would like to thank them all for their hospitality.
Mr. Speaker, the spirit of the games was incredible. The pin trading itself could be made an official sport at the next Arctic Winter Games.
Those games are very important. They bring athletes together from across the north, and our youth got to learn about different cultures, and share their culture with others.
I have no doubt that life-long friendships were formed in Alaska.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize my constituents who earned medals for Nunavut at the 2006 Artic Winter Games.
I would especially like to congratulate Steven Klengenburg and Andrew Attatahak who won Nunavut’s first two gold medals in junior and open male kneel and jump. I would also like to recognize all the other coaches and mission staff.
Mr. Speaker...
Speaker (interpretation): Mr. Evyagotailak, I’m sorry you are past your limit.
Mr. Evyagotailak, conclude your statement.
Thank you. First of all, I know this is the first time that we are going through this.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I ask members to join with me in congratulating all members of team Nunavut for their efforts at the Arctic Winter Games.
Member’s Statement 215 – 2(3): Condolences to Family of Igloolik Elder (Tapardjuk)
I am very glad to be back here even though we had a lot of fun in Alaska. I am happy to be back.
I will give a full report to the ministers tomorrow.
But to my constituents of Igloolik they had a first showing in Igloolik this past weekend and even though I wanted to be there, we just arrived this morning and I give them my full support on special events like that.
And Mr. Speaker, they lost an elder in Igloolik and I just want to send my condolences to the family and hopefully we will be seeing you soon.
Member’s Statement 216 – 2(3): Ninth Annual Nunavut Mining Symposium (Peterson)
Mr. Peterson: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased arrive today to inform the House about the Ninth Annual Nunavut Mining Symposium being hosted in Cambridge Bay from March 31 to April 2 of this year.
Mr. Speaker, this is the third time that my community has hosted this important event. The theme of this year’s event is “Down to Business.”
Mr. Speaker, the last few years have seen Nunavut’s three operating mines closed, developments that have significantly affected the mining sector’s contribution to our economy.
However, exploration activities have continued for gold, diamonds, copper and zinc as the gold economy heats up, the demand for commodities rise.
Mr. Speaker, the 2005 Nunavut Economic Outlook included a chapter entitled “Mining’s Second Coming”.
The second coming is upon us with new mines opening or planning to open over the next few years. Tahera Corporation’s Jericho Mine officially goes into production on April 1. The organizer is expecting delegates from many of the major players in Nunavut’s mining sector to descend on Cambridge Bay.
Mr. Speaker, there will be a mix of Inuit organizations, communities, prospectors, regulatory agencies, government, mining industry representatives, business and service providers in attendance at the symposium.
They will discuss such topics as the latest industry developments, new and emerging mines, engaging communities and attend a number of workshops.
Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to note that Premier Okalik and Minister Akesuk are scheduled to attend and give keynote speeches to the delegates during the opening and closing ceremonies.
It is very important that the mining sector sees that the Government of Nunavut supports the industry.
Mr. Speaker, despite the positive future that mining offers for Nunavut, it will be vitally important during devolution negotiations that the Government of Nunavut communicate to the Government of Canada that a Resource Revenue Sharing agreement must be fair to Nunavut and provide a net fiscal benefit. Claw backs cannot be accepted.
Mr. Speaker, once non-renewable resources are extracted, they are gone forever. We owe it to future generations of Nunavummiut to wisely manage the benefits that come from the mining sector.
Members’ Statements 217 – 2(3): Iqaluit Music Society (Tootoo)
I would just like to rise today to inform the Members of this House that this weekend I had a very special opportunity to listen to some wonderful music. The Iqaluit Music Society hosted a classical tea night this weekend at the middle school.
I think next time they might looking at holding it at a larger facility as it was pretty much a full house there.
There was some wonderful music, including flute soloists, violin soloists, and an excellent jazz performance, and also some very well-sung songs by the Iqaluit Community Choir.
So I would like to just take this opportunity to congratulate all those individuals for a job well done and some great music. I know there were a lot of people there including our clerk who seemed to be mesmerized by the music.
It was very wonderful to listen to, I would like to congratulate all the members of the Iqaluit Music Society for putting that on and also thank all the people that showed up to listen to it and continue to wish them all the best, and continuing to provide these functions like that here in our capital city.
Return to Oral Question 209 – 2(3): VTA as Income for Rental Determination (Akesuk)
Question asked by Mr. Barnabas, MLA for High Arctic, Question 209 – 2(3) from March 6.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to respond to the Member of High Arctic question regarding the inclusion of vacation travel allowance in assessable income.
When the Nunavut Housing Corporation changed the public housing rent scale in 2002 it was after extensive consultation and discussions including several meetings with local housing organizations.
Mr. Speaker, the old rent scale was too complicated and it created a disincentive to work.
Mr Speaker, it is important to remember that rent and public housing are Rent-Geared-to-Income or RGI.
Using this universal model, those who need our assistance the most pay a lesser amount of rent.
Those of us who are able to contribute more are expected to do so.
To ensure a level playing field it is important that all tenants are assessed using the same criteria.
The new fairer rent scale calculates rent based on income from all sources including income support payments, VTAs, overtime and Northern Allowances.
Since VTAs, overtime and Northern Allowances are not part of a tenant’s regular salary, they are factored into rent payments only when they have been paid to a tenant.
Our local housing organizations are now receiving income information directly from the Canada Revenue Agency. Mr. Speaker, This means that rents are being assessed using the most accurate income figures possible.
Some tenants, Mr. Speaker, may have seen an increase in their rent because all sources of income are now identified, even if they are paid in cash, they are now income.
Mr. Speaker, we also have built-in safety nets. If a tenant’s total household income drops substantially they may go to the local housing organization and request that their rent be re-assessed. For example, this would be the case if they become unemployed.
I would also like to note that rent is based upon the previous year’s income. This means that the newly employed tenants have a full year of relatively low rent before their rent is increased based on their increased income.
Mr. Speaker, to assist members in understanding the components of the rent scale I have attached a table explaining the highlights of the current rent scale.
If members have any more questions my office door is always open and I am certainly willing to further discuss this or any other housing issue.
Item 5: Recognitions of Visitors in the Gallery
I would like to recognize an individual who is sitting behind me. She is my writer from Kugaaruk, Louise Ningark.
I am sure you know her parents, her father is John Ningark, and I think he is well known throughout Nunavut.
Question 259 – 2(3): Unsolicited References (Tootoo)
I would like to welcome back the Minister of Human Resources and the Minister of CLEY.
I have been waiting all week to continue some questions with him, so I shall welcome him back with those questions.
Mr. Speaker, earlier in the sitting I asked the minister if the Department of Human Resources took unsolicited references on individuals applying for employment.
The GN indicated that is something that they don’t do, which I was very glad to hear.
Can the minister indicate to me whether or not he is aware of any incident where unsolicited references were sent to the hiring department against an individual that was applying for employment at the Government of Nunavut?
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I would like to thank the member, Mr. Tootoo for asking those questions.
It is very true, for example if an individual applied for a job, usually what they do is listing some references that can be called in case they would like further information on you.
There are no unsolicited references in our department.
I will not be able to respond to your question if we are referring to one individual, but I can check and see if anything like that has happened. If we are referring to one individual I would want to be told.
Just to clarify, I am not looking for any individual cases.
I was asking the minister if he was aware if there have been any cases where a hiring department received an unsolicited reference on an individual. I guess the next question to follow that is: what actions would the Department of Human Resources take if they discovered that that was something that had happened.
If we were aware of such an incident occurring or if we were informed we would make sure that it is against the rules to do something like that.
If anybody should try to find some information...we have a policy that we have to adhere to, which is follow the policy to take the corrective action if we were informed that there were extensive occurrences we would deal with it right away.
Without getting into details of circumstances and individuals, would the minister commit to informing me if anything like this has happened and what corrective measures that he is indicating or had taken place as a result of that?
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If you are aware or have heard of any incidents, please feel free to talk to me so that we can take corrective action. I would make sure that I keep the member informed.
Based on the minister’s response, I would just like to ask him to confirm that he or his senior officials; his deputy minister or assistant deputy minister are not aware of this happening. Is that what he’s indicating?
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have not been informed but, should such an incident occur, or if there were something negative happening because of such an incident, I would want to know about it.
And I would make sure that the member is kept informed of what is happening.
Question 260 – 2(3): Number of Students Applied to the Environmental Tech Program (Barnabas)
There are some students who are taking the Environmental Technology Program.
My question is: how many students applied to the Environmental Technology Program in the beginning of the year?