EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I would like to ask a question of the Minister of Education, Mr. Arvaluk.
Not too long ago I asked Mr. Arvaluk, but he didn't make a direct response.
The blueprints and design of our school was all ready for Hall Beach, but I do not see it in this year's capital projects.
Mr. Speaker, my question is, is it not possible to get our school addition built this year?
I would like to remind everyone that you will have the opportunity to address these concerns during the committee of the whole.
It is at your discretion, Mr. Arvaluk.
I could make a long response to your question, but it is along the lines of Mr. Alakannuarks' question.
It was in the plans but as long as it is not a health or safety risk or the materials have not been ordered and placed on the ship or there is no existing contract, they will be deferred, as we have financial restraints.
The different departments will be asked questions during committee of the whole and during that time I can make a more detailed response to that question.
Speaker (interpretation): I would like to remind everyone again, that during the Committee of the Whole, the Ministers will have the Deputy Ministers with them as witnesses to respond to questions and I believe you will get more detailed responses at that time. Oral questions.
I will give Mr. Tootoo, the opportunity to ask a question as he has not had that opportunity yet.
Question 33 - 1 (2): Assuming Obligations of the Office of the Interim Commissioner
Mr. Speaker, I will address this question to the Minister of Finance.
On Friday, May 14, the Minister gave us his budget address.
In there he had indicated that, as we all know, our opening balance will be reduced as a result of having to assume the financial obligations incurred by the Office of the Interim Commissioner.
I was wondering Mr. Speaker, if the Minister could provide us with an amount as to what that would be.
Minister Ng.
Mr. Speaker it is my understanding, and it is still subject to final audit and the final accounting for closing down the office, but the estimate that we have been given has been approximately 4.4 million dollars.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Ng. Oral questions.
Mr. Tootoo: Another question, I guess to those expenses.
Where were they controlled from, were they controlled by the Federal Government, were they controlled by the Government of the NWT?
Could you please let me know where that budget was controlled from.
It is my understanding that the funding was provided by DIAND, the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, but the responsibility for the spending lay within the Interim Commissioners' Office itself.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Ng. Mr. Tootoo.
I guess what I am trying to say, is as far as the final authority, who gave that control to whoever it was to administer those dollars and why have we been bound by that.
That was your second question.
Speaker, it is my understanding that the authority of the Interim Commissioners' Office was established under the Nunavut Act in respect of acting on behalf of the Government of Nunavut prior to the Government of Nunavut coming into existence on April 1st.
The reasons why, quite frankly, that we ended up with the financial obligations was because of the transitional funding agreement, there was an agreement signed where the Government of Nunavut would assume the wind up of the Interim Commissioners' Office and with that wind up, the financial obligations at the close of that office.
Speaker: Oral questions.
Question 34 - 1 (2): Nunavut Government Decentralization
My question today is to Premier Okalik.
Mr. Okalik your presentation the other day on the cabinet retreat to Kimmirut, under Healthy Communities: Decentralization, Government Jobs in Nunavut Communities.
Is decentralization a priority of this government?
Well, our goal is to go with decentralization but at the present time we have to review the whole situation.
We have directed our staff to prepare a report and an evaluation and we are going to look at that next month for two days on the 29th and 30th.
We will be evaluating any position at that time and hope to have a conclusion at that time.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Premier. Mr. McLean, second question.
Mr. Premier are you telling me that the decentralized model approved October 2nd, 1998, is not going to be followed?
The principle is agreed to, but we have to make sure that the operations of the government are not detrimental to the people of Nunavut.
We have to make sure that any offices that relocate elsewhere will be able to work within the government and we will be looking for your input during the retreat in Baker Lake.
Question 35 - 1 (2): Capital Projects for Broughton Island
I have a question directed to Mr. Anawak.
In regards to the capital projects, I don't see one slotted for Broughton Island for the year 99/2000.
Since I don't see anything for Broughton Island does that mean that there are no capital projects going on for this year, 99/2000.
Did you get the question Mr. Anawak.
Hon. Jack Anawak (interpretation): I think I can answer that question in more detail when we meet again on Wednesday in committee.
You will have another opportunity Mr. Iqaqrialu.
Question 36 - 1 (2): Consultation Process on Capital Plan
Mr. Speaker my question is for the Minister of Community Government, Housing & Transportation. I would like to ask the Minister if he can explain to us the process that was used in making decisions on capital project delivery this year?
Speaker: Mr. Tootoo. Mr. Tootoo could you rephrase your question as to what you mean by capital?
Rephrase your question.  Mr. Tootoo: Thank you Mr. Speaker.
Nervous I guess. Mr. Speaker I would like to ask the Minister what kind of consultation process was done, for example with the Municipality of Iqaluit, in looking at what capital projects will be budgeted for this year.
Hon. Jack Anawak (interpretation): I will have to respond the same way that I responded to Mr. Iqaqrialu.
In committee, with my Deputy Minister, I will be able to give you a more detailed response.
Speaker: The Ministers here will be the witnesses during committee of the whole when their time comes up, so it will be proper to ask them questions when they have their staff with them, with their Deputy Ministers.
Oral questions, oral questions.
As that is the case we will return to the Orders of the Day.
Item 7, written questions.
Written questions. (interpretation ends).
Item 8, Returns to Written Questions.
Returns to Written Questions.
Item 9, replies to Opening Address.
Replies to Opening Address.
Item 10, Replies to Budget Address.
Item 11, Petitions.
Item 12, Reports of Standing and Special Committees.
Item 12: Reports of Standing and Special Committees
Report 1 - 1 (2): Community Empowerment & Sustainable Development, Review of Departmental Business Plans 1999/2000
Bear with me, my colleagues.
This was a last minute opportunity for me here.
The Standing Committee on Community Empowerment & Sustainable Development report on the review of draft Departmental Business Plans, Preliminary Information on the 1999/2000 Main Estimates.
The Committees' report reflects the unique circumstances surrounding its' review of the 1999/2000 draft departmental business plans.
Many of the committees' general observations and comments will be reflected in the reports of the other Standing Committees.
Mr. Speaker less than a month after the creation of Nunavut, the Standing Committees met to review the draft 3 year business plans of the departments of the Government of Nunavut.
This work was carried out during the week of April 26 and involved appearances by all Ministers.
Members of the committees had the opportunity to ask questions of Ministers and their senior officials.
The Standing Committees of the Legislative Assembly were constituted at the first sitting of the Assembly on April 1.
The Standing Committee on Community Empowerment & Sustainable Development has oversight responsibility for the Department of Justice, Sustainable Development, Community Government, Housing & Transportation and Public Works, Telecommunications & Technical Services.
The Committee has the following general observations and comments.
It should be recognized that the review process occurred in a uniquely short period of time.
It contrasts to the practices in the Western Assembly where the review of business plans and main estimates takes place over a period of several months.
Members of the Standing Committees here had much less time.
Indeed we fully recognize that Ministers themselves had very short timelines to familiarize themselves with their departments.
Mr. Speaker, the Committee recognizes that the budget process this year has been unique.
Both the 1999/2000 Departmental Estimates and Capital Plans were substantially decided upon prior to all members having the opportunity to make input.
Members were disappointed at the lack of clarity provided as to how some decisions were arrived at.
We expect that the budget cycle for next year will involve significantly greater consultation, both with regular members and with the communities.
Over the course of the week of the Committees' deliberations, the amount and level of detail of information provided by the departments improved greatly.
However, it is our expectation that the information flow from the departments to the Committees will improve in terms of time lines and level of detail as capacity is built within the departments.
We also recognize that the capacity of departments to translate all materials into Inuktitut is, at present, limited.
It is our expectation that efforts will be made to ensure that capacity development in this regard is treated as a matter of priority of this government.
Mr. Speaker, the Committee noted that draft business plans were inconsistent in terms of the level of detail contained.
Although they generally followed a similar format, the Committee also noted that plans contained a large number of specific and ambitious goals and strategies without much detail as to what resources would be required to achieve them and to what time frames were realistic.
Mr. Speaker in terms of strategic direction of the plans, the Committee commends the departments for their ambitions, however, given that the departments are still in the process of staffing up, the Committee would suggest that departments be more specific in terms of establishing what their short, medium and long term priorities are.
It has been pointed out that the people of Nunavut need to have clear expectations of what the government can deliver.
Departments have a role to play in communicating clearly what expectations are realistic given the constraints that are facing us.
A point, which all Committee members noted, was the frequency with which all of the departments referred to the concept of IQ, and its' importance to the new government in terms of decision making.
However, there appears to be as yet little progress yet in defining and operationalizing this concept in any particular, or systematic way.
The success of its' implementation depends upon people at all levels of government having a clear understanding of the concept and its' critical importance.
The Committee were encouraged to hear Ministers' speak of the need to establish a close working relationship with the regular members' of the Assembly.
The Committee hopes that this commitment will be reflected in the way the government responds to our concerns and recommendations.
Regular members look forward to making a strong, positive contribution to this government.
Speaker: Just a reminder.
When the Committees are reporting please hold down your chat, in respect to the members, when they are reporting, please listen.
Mr. McLean: Mr. Speaker, that concludes my introductory comments.
I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Nattilik, that the report be referred to the Committee of the Whole for consideration in concurrence with the 1999/2000 Main Estimates, and I further seek unanimous consent to waive rule 91(4) and have the report moved into Committee of the Whole today.
Mr. McLean is seeking unanimous consent to waive rule 91(4) to have the committee report tabled for today.
Do we have any nays?
There are no nays.
Mr. McLean you have unanimous consent.
Committee report 1 - 1(2) shall be put into Committee of the Whole for today.
Sorry, thank you Mr. McLean.
Item 12, Reports of Standing & Special Committees.
Report 2 - 1 (2): Government Operations & Services, Review of Departmental Business Plans 1999/2000
Mr. Akesuk: Thank you Mr. Speaker.
The Committee report reflects the unique circumstances surrounding its' review of the 1999/2000 draft departmental business plans.
Many of the Committees' general observations and comments will be reflected in the reports of the other Standing Committees.
Less than a month after the creation of Nunavut the Standing Committee of the Legislative Assembly met to review the draft two year business plan of the Department of the Government of Nunavut.
This work was conducted during the week of April 26, and involved appearances by the Premier and the Ministers.
Members of the Committee had the opportunity to ask questions of the Ministers and their senior officials.
The Committee has the following general observations and comments which are generally consistent with the reports of the other Standing Committees.
Mr. Speaker, it should be recognized that the review process occurred in a uniquely short period of time in contrast to the Western Assembly, where the process takes place over a period of several months.
Members of the Standing Committee here had much less time and fully recognize that the Ministers' themselves have had an equally short time frame in which to familiarize themselves with their departments.
Mr. Speaker, the Committee recognizes that the budget process for the 1999/2000 Budget and Capital Plans has been unique.
Departmental estimates were substantially decided upon prior to the members having the opportunity to have input.
Members were disappointed with the lack of clarity as to how some budgetary decisions were arrived at.
We expect that the budget process will, next year, will involve significantly greater consultation, both from regular members and from their communities.
The committee also expects to have greater input into future business plan development.
Mr. Speaker, over the course of the week of Committee deliberations, the amount and level of detail of information provided by departments improved.
However, it is our expectation that the information flow from departments to committees will improve in terms of timeliness and level of detail as capacity is built within departments.
We also recognize that the capacity of departments to translate all materials into Inuktitut, is at present limited.
It is our expectation that efforts will be made to ensure that capacity development in this regard is treated as a priority of this government.
The Committee noted that draft business plans were inconsistent in terms of the level of detail contained, although they generally followed a similar format.
The Committee noted that plans contained a large number of specific and ambitious goals and strategies without details on what resources would be required to achieve them and what time lines were realistic.
Mr. Speaker, in terms of the strategic directions of the plans, the Committee commends the departments for their ambitions, however, given that the departments are still in the process of staffing up, the Committee would suggest that departments be more explicit in terms of establishing what their short, medium and long term priorities are.
It has been pointed out that the people of Nunavut need to have clear expectations of what the government can deliver. Departments have a role to play in communicating clearly what expectations are realistic given the constraints facing us.
Mr. Speaker, the Committee recognizes that at this stage the departments are very much in the process of feeling their way forward. Accordingly the Committee recommends that the mid-year progress report on all aspects of departmental activities be provided to the Committee for review in October of this year.
A point, which all Committee members noted, was the frequency with which all of the departments referred to the concept of Inuit Qaujimajutuqangit, and its' importance to the new government in terms of decision making.
However, there appears to be as yet little progress in defining and operationalizing this concept in any particular systematic way.
The success of its' application depends upon people at all levels of government having a clear understanding of the concept and its' critical importance.
Mr. Speaker, the Committee were encouraged to hear Ministers' speak of the need to establish a close working relationship with the regular members of the Assembly.
That concludes my introductory comments.
I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Amittuq, that the report be referred to Committee of the Whole in concurrence with the 1999/2000 Main Estimates, and I further seek unanimous consent to waive rule 91(4) and have the report be moved into Committee of the Whole for today.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Akesuk.
Mr. Akesuk is seeking unanimous consent to waive rule 91.4 to have the committee report tabled for today.
Are there any nays?
Since there are no nays, Mr. Akesuk you have unanimous consent that report of the Standing Committee 2 - 1 (2) be moved to the Committee of the Whole today.
Item 12, Reports of Special & Standing Committee.
Item 13, Reports of Committee on the Review of Bills.
Item 14, Tabling of Documents.
Item 15, Notice of Motions.
Item 16, Notice of Motions for First Reading of Bills.
Item 17, Motions.
Item 18, First Reading of Bills.
Item 19, Second Reading of Bills.
Item 20, Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters.
Item 20: Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Speaker: Bill 1 - Appropriations Act, 1999/2000.
Committee Report 1 - 1 (2) of the Standing Committee on Community Empowerment & Sustainable Development. Committee Report 2 - 1 (2), from the Standing Committee on Government Operations & Services.
Item 21, Report of the Committee of the Whole.
Speaker (interpretation): I now ask Mr. Puqiqnak to take the chair for Committee of the Whole.
Chairperson (Mr. Puqiqnak) (interpretation): Number 1.
Bill One - Appropriation Act 1999/2000, and also Items for Consideration on Other Matters, and I would like to understand what direction the members wish to proceed.
What is the Members wish?
Mr. Nutarak
Mr. Nutarak: (interpretation): Mr. Chairman, I would like to hold a short recess.
I would like to have a short break for ten minutes Mr. Chairman if we may?
Chairperson (interpretation): I would like to find out which way, we have received Bill One.
Committee Reports and I would like to know which one we will deal with first.
What are the members wishes?
Mr. Nutarak. I am not sure which particular process we would deal with.
In respect to Bill One Appropriation Act 1999/2000, I would like to deal with that when we get back from the break.
M.L.A. from Cambridge, Mr. Ng.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Thank you Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Chairman, maybe I could suggest to the Committee that since the Department of Finance & Administration is here that we get into the detail on that Department and then if we finish with that then we move on to the Department of Human Resources that is the next one in line after the break.
Chairperson: (interpretation): Ok, we will have a fifteen minute break.
>> Committee Recesses
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you.
We now have a quorum.
I hope you have had your cup of coffee.
We will now resume our meeting and the M.L.A. from Cambridge Bay, do you want to address the budget and then we will have an opportunity to have opening comments.
Hon. Kelvin Ng. do you have opening comments?
Hon. Kelvin Ng: My budget was sent to the Committee of the Whole.
The budget recommended for the Department of Finance and Administration is in the 99/2000 main estimates.
The Department of Finance and Administration is a central department that provides financial and administrative services to the Government of Nunavut.
It also has responsibilities for the overall fiscal and economic management of our new Territory.
The department has a proposed budget of 27.5 million dollars.
The budget of the Department includes the funding for many services that have government wide application as well as funding support services delivered by other departments.
Financial processing services are also heavily centralized in the Department.
This has resulted in efficiencies and has allowed more dollars to be spent by Government on programs and services directly benefiting people.
The budget of the Department is organized into five categories.
Directorate, Fiscal Policy and Expenditure Management, Financial Services, Informatics, and a Comptrollership.
The Directorate is comprised of a Deputy Minister, Assistant Deputy Minister, Assistant Comptroller General, and the Executive Secretaries.
It is responsible for the overall management of the Department and has a recommended budget of 825 thousand dollars.
Fiscal Policy and Expenditure Management includes responsibilities for fiscal policy development, intergovernmental fiscal relations, and negotiations, taxation, budgeting, and provision of support to the Financial Management Board.
This branch has a budget of 3 million dollars including 500 thousand in support of 3P initiatives and 1.1 million dollars for start up funding for the Business Credit Corporation.
Financial Services ensures that proper financial processes and controls are in place in the Departments, Boards and Agencies.
It performs financial analysis of major policy initiatives.
It is also responsible for development and monitoring of the budget of the Department.
The recommended budget for Financial Services is 1.2 million dollars.
Informatics is responsible for the information technology standards and policies for the Government as well as the development and initial training related to new applications and major modifications to systems.
Informatics has a recommended budget of 4.5 million including 4 million for systems development.
The Comptrollership function accounts for 65% of the budget recommended for the Department.
The Comptrollership function includes the Government Accounting Division, Investment and Risk Management Division and three regional operations.
It has responsibility for financial processing, payroll financial reporting, financial controls, cash management and banking, and risk management.
Included in the budget of 18 million dollars for these activities is 3.8 million for the power subsidies, 6.3 million for Workers' Compensation, dental premiums and other employee benefits and 1.5 million for insurance premiums.
The Department currently has about 65 positions filled out of it’s total staff complement of 131 positions.
Nearly 50% of the staff are Inuit.
Mr. Chairman, I will now conclude by stating that the Department of Finance and Administration has made a lot of progress in meeting its' broad mandate.
The budget appropriation requested in the main estimates will enable the Department to meet its objectives in 99/2000.
Chairperson: (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Minister.
Do you have any further comments?
Perhaps Mr. Ng, would you like to get one of your officials at the witness chair with you?
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Yes, Mr. Chairman.
Chairperson: Perhaps the Minister of Finance along with his officials, maybe he could introduce his officials please.
Perhaps the Chairman of the Government Operations, has a Standing Committee report to do?
Mr. Akesuk: Thank you Mr. Chairman, I will report in English.
Minister Ng appeared before the Committee on the morning of April 29th.
The main estimate summary provided to the Committee indicated a total 99/2000 expenditure of 27 million, 547 thousand, 673 dollars.
As with the Department of the Executive and Governmental Affairs, the Committee recognizes the role Finance and Administration plays as a central agency.
The Department mandate is to provide the Government of Nunavut with advice on matters relating to fiscal management and to ensure efficient government wide management of financial resources.