EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
At times we hear about people who are running away from the psychiatric patients.
Is it possible to house these cases in a different facility?
It wasn’t that long ago that the good people of Iqaluit housed everyone who came into Iqaluit from every community outside of Iqaluit in the Baffin region.
It’s only been in the last few years that we’ve had a boarding home in town.
So, Mr. Speaker, we have made some progress.
What I would suggest to the member, and I said it yesterday again, and I agree with him, there is a serious issue around people with psychiatric illness that are down for treatment here in the Iqaluit from outside of the community.
Mr. Speaker, we hope to be able to facilitate some of those days at the 24/7, 24 hour 7 day a week psychiatric facility that we hope to have open within the next ten to twenty days.
That is the optimum right now for opening of that facility.
As I said yesterday, Mr. Speaker, that will be the first psychiatric facility in Nunavut.
I think that that is very important to point out.
It is part of the mental health strategy that was approved in this House last spring, and we are following up on that.
That will alleviate the pressure that the Member talks about.
I agree again with him that in cases where there is a danger from certain patients that has to be communicated to the staff and where possible we try to segregate those patients from the general population.
However, at the same time, Mr. Speaker, it is very important to note that patients, whether they are mentally ill, or physically ill, all deserve the same treatment and the same standard of care.
That is what we are trying to accomplish with the first psychiatric facility.
My question was could we get a facility for psychiatric patients on an emergency basis?
Mr. Speaker, we do have the availability of a room at the Hospital today that is used for psychiatric patients.
That room, Mr. Speaker, is a padded room where someone cannot hurt themselves.
Mr. Speaker, at times we have had to place people for various reasons in the Hospital.
In the Hospital when they stay in that room, they are given 24 hour, 7 day a week coverage.
In most cases the stay is very minimal.
So there is room on an emergency basis for patients if they are posing a threat to themselves and or to the general public.
However, Mr. Speaker, as I said earlier, within two weeks we will have a facility that will be able to house some of these patients that need help.
At the same time, Mr. Speaker, each patient is evaluated to make sure that when they are sent out of their home community if they are a threat of a danger to other patients, then we try to segregate them from the general population at the home.
That can be facilitated through various ways.
However, sometimes, Mr. Speaker, we are not able to do that and I believe that that is what the Member is referring to, and I believe that at that instance, we would have available again very shortly a 24 hour; the 7 day facility that will be able to house those patients.
Mr. Speaker, I know that the Hospital has a special room for serious cases.
I am talking about the lesser cases that do not need hospitalization or the need of that special room.
The Tammaatarvik is possibly fine, but it does create a problem when there is a psychiatric case up there.
Could we get a facility for emergency purposes?
Mr. Speaker, when a patient is sent down for psychiatric care, in most cases, 99% of the time, Mr. Speaker, they are escorted.
Part of the problem of the escort at that time the responsibility is to help facilitate the stay of that patient.
In some cases, Mr. Speaker, where the patient is a danger, or may bother other patients, then we try to segregate them from the general population at the home, and when we say that we mean another location.
So Mr. Speaker, the Member is asking me, is there a facility available, not at the present time, within two weeks we will have one so I guess the answer is the same as I had said earlier Mr. Speaker.
Question 257 – 1(6): Mining and Training Strategy
Mr. Speaker, yesterday when the Minister of Sustainable Development gave his Minister’s Statement, I was a little shocked, and my question today is to the Minister of Sustainable Development when does he expect to put forward a formal Mining Strategy for Nunavut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
What we are doing, we’re working on a strategy for that, and we are working with the Department of Education at this time.
And I would like to work with the Department of Education so at this time I cannot respond to the Member but we are doing our best to work with the Department of Education, thank you Mr. Speaker.
I made reference in this house one other time about trying to move back and I went MP in regards to some other issues and it seems to be the same way with this Mining Strategy and the urgency of it, and you know after 3, almost 4 years, you’d think this government would be mature enough to bring something forward and this is my humble opinion.
But the second part of my question is, when he is starting to finalize this agreement, will he bring in the partners, Education, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated who have a say in the Mining Industry because a lot of mineral potentials they garner wildlife so can the Minister agree that maybe when he forms his partnership to finalize the Mining Strategy, that he will bring everybody in and I don’t want the Minister just rely on the government to do this.
There are lots of other partners and even the Mining Company so can the Minister commit to that, thank you Mr. Speaker.
Yes I understand the Member’s question and we will be working with Inuit organizations from Nunavut and a week and half ago, we meet with Miramar and talked with them about mining, working on the mine and training for the jobs on the mine either in Baker Lake or in Kitikmeot region.
So what we will be doing is meeting with those people to see if we can have a strategy for training the people who would like to be working in the mines.
Yes Mr. Speaker, we will work with those people various organizations and the mining companies, thank you Mr. Speaker.
When he does get around formalizing that if he includes Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, will he commit to meeting with Cumberland Resources on maybe getting some input on Mine Training Strategy also? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Yes Mr. Speaker.
When we have a Mining Symposium in Toronto, Cumberland Resources will be present and I speak with them to see if they could have a meeting with us.
Question 258 – 1(6): Firearm Registration Office - Iqaluit
Mr. Speaker, can the Premier update to the status of the Fire Arms Office in Iqaluit.
As far as I know, and from the information that I have, that this position was reopened after a long absence.
From what I know and from what has been told to me that is all I can say at this time.
Mr. Puqiqnak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank you Premier.
Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that the deadline to register firearms is January 2003.
So, registering your firearms is that true?
Yes, according to the law, all firearms will have to be registered with the Federal Government Firearms Registration but what we have stated to them is we have not, we are not ready to do that at this time in Nunavut.
It’s not just the people of Nunavut that are in this position but are also some provinces in Canada because I had a meeting with some of the ministers and that is the case with them as well and we have asked for the legislation to be deferred or for it to be, for the firearms registrations to be deferred for a while.
Mr. Speaker, can the premier inform them about Nunavummiut that the office was closed here in Iqaluit for a while because of that, I think its obvious that especially in the small communities they are not used to filling out registration forms and they don’t have any assistance in filling out the registration forms.
So can the premier tell us if the Iqaluit office is doing everything it can to help unilingual Inuit outside of Iqaluit most specifically filling out registration forms that are in English only, to see whether they can have some assistance in the community of Taloyoak and other communities?
Yes. We have informed the Federal Government that there are a lot of people in Nunavut communities that have not had a chance to fill out registration forms yet but what we are doing at the same time is with NTI to try to have a court challenge in regards to registration of firearms.
So, what we are doing is going to the Supreme Court this coming month and so we’re doing everything that we can to try to help the people of Nunavut but that the registration forms and all the paper work is being done by the Federal Government but we are doing out best help out the people of Nunavummiut because I realize that we cannot do it right away.
And I thank the Premier for his response.
Mr. Speaker, people who have not filled out the registration forms, by January of 2003, what are the consequences for those people, who have not filled out the forms by January of 2003?
I think that they should be protected.
I wonder if the Premier can assure us that those people that have not completed the registration forms by January 2003, will be protected.
Yes, because of those people that will not have their registration completed by January 2003, we have had some meetings in regards to this fire arms registration and that’s why we’re trying to delay the law.
We have delayed it quite a few times and we would like to do it once again and we have written letters to the federal minister.
And like I said before the end of December, the court challenge is resuming.
We will wait to hear what the results will be.
The members will note that question period is now over.
Motion 012 – 1(6): Minister’s Statement 072-1(6) to Committee of the Whole
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Rule 34 (5), I move, seconded by the Honourable from Baker Lake, that Minister’s Statement 072-1 (6) be moved to Committee of the Whole for discussion.
Minister's Statement 072-1 (6) is deferred to Committee of the Whole.
Written Question 002 – 1(6): Medical Records for Miners from Rankin Inlet Nickel Mine
Mr. Speaker, I have a serious written question.
I was approached by a widow in Baker Lake.
Between 1959 and 1964, her husband worked in the North Rankin Inlet Nickel Mine, under ground.
After coming out of that mine, he experienced some very serious illnesses and ultimately passed away at the young age of 38 years old.
At the time the hospital in Winnipeg said it was leukemia.
So my written question to the Honourable Ed Picco, Minister of the Department of Health and Social Services, today is, does the Department of Health have any records on miners working at the North Rankin Inlet Nickel Mine in the 50s and 60s underground?
And part two, can the minister inform me if there has been any cases of ex-miners working in the Rankin Inlet Nickel Mine of any higher cancer rates and number two, could the minister investigate if these ex-miners, if there were any diagnosed with any other related illnesses?
Petition 005 – 1(6): Swimming Pool – Repulse Bay
Mr. Speaker, I have a petition from my constituents from the Hamlet of Repulse Bay.
This petition contains 365 signatures of residents who want to see a swimming pool for the community.
Mr. Speaker, I completely support my constituents and they also have the support of the Chesterfield and Coral Harbour.
Report 005 – 1(6): Bill 13 – An Act to Amend the Worker’s Compensation Act
Mr. Tootoo: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Mr. Clerk.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to report that Bill 13, an Act to Amend the Workers Compensation Act has been reviewed by the Standing Committee of Government Operations and Services and that the Bill is ready for consideration by the Committee of the Whole.
In accordance with Rule 68(5) Bill 13 will be placed on the order paper on Friday, November 22, 2002.
Bill 17 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2002-2003 – Notice
Bill 19 – Budget Measures Implementation Act – Notice
Bill 25 – An Act to Amend the Maintenance Orders Enforcement Act – Notice
Bill 26 – Inter-Jurisdictional Support Orders Act – Notice
Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Friday, November 22, 2002, I should move that Bill 17, Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 1, 2002 – 2003.
Bill 19, Budget Measure Implementation Act.
Bill 25, an Act to Amend the Maintenance Orders Enforcement Act and Bill 26, Inter-jurisdictional Support Orders Act be read for the first time.
Speaker: Thank you, Minister Ng. Item 15.
I request the Assembly waive the two day notice requirement for the First Reading of Bill 18, Appropriation Act, 2003 – 2004 for today.
Speaker: Mr. Ng. we’re still on Item 15. Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills.
Mr. Speaker, I’ll now request the Assembly to waive the two day notice requirement for first reading of Bill 18, Appropriation Act Capital 2003 – 2004.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ng. The minister is seeking consent to waive Rule 62(1) so the bill can have first reading today.
Please proceed minister.
Bill 18 – Appropriation (Capital) Act 2003-2004 – First Reading
Mr. Speaker, I move seconded by the Honourable Member for Iqaluit West that Bill 18, Appropriation Act Capital 2003, 2004 be read for the first time.
Bill 18 has had first reading.
Bill 18 – Appropriation (Capital) Act 2003-2004 – Second Reading
I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Baffin South, that Bill 18, Appropriation Act, Capital, 2003/2004, be read for the second time.
Mr. Speaker, the purpose for this bill is to seek legislative approval for the Capital requirements for the Government of Nunavut, to allow the delivery of capital projects for the 2003/2004 fiscal year.
The motion is in order, to the principle of the bill.
The motion has been carried.
Bill 18 has had second reading and accordingly the bill stands referred to a committee. Item 18.
Minister's Statement 072-1 (6) and Bill 18 with Mr. Iqaqrialu in the Chair.
And before we proceed to Committee of the Whole, we’ll take a short break.
>>House recessed at 15.21 p.m. and resumed at15.53 p.m.
We will reconvene with Committee of the Whole in regards to Minister’s Statement 072-1(6).
First of all we’d like to start with Bill 18, with Department Health & Social Services.
Does the committee agree that we’ll deal with Capital Estimates of the Department of Health & Social Services 2003 – 2004?
Minister Picco do you have opening remarks?
Mr. Chairman, I will ask my officials to join me.
Do you have opening remarks?
Mr. Chairman, I would ask my officials to join me here at this table the discussion is on the Capital Estimates 2003 – 2004 with the Department of Health and Social Services.
Chairperson (interpretation): For the record, as the chairperson, what we usually do, is Minister Picco, we start with your opening remarks before your witnesses join you.
We will also hear from the chairperson of the standing committee before your witnesses can join you at the table.
If you have any opening remarks, you can now proceed Minister Picco.
Hon. Ed Picco: Thank you, Mr. Chairman and members of the Assembly for the opportunity to present the 2003/2004 Capital Estimates for the Department of Health and Social Services.
Before I begin, I would like to introduce the members of my staff who are with me today in the gallery.
They are Mr. Keith Best, the Acting Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services.
As well, later we’ll be joined by Mr. Donald Maychruk who is the Director of Finance.
The Department of Health and Social Services is responsible for the delivery of a wide range of health and social services across Nunavut.
We recognise Mr. Chairman, such a responsibility requires health facilities that are well equipped and provide for the needs of Nunavummiut.
It is our intention over the next ten years to renovate or replace the majority of health facilities built prior to 1985 to better meet the changing needs of our communities.
Included in the capital estimates is funding for the completion of a health facility in Pond Inlet and funding to start construction of the Igloolik Health Centre.
Funding has also been included for the renovation of the Taloyoak Health Centre.
Identified in this years capital estimates are the costs associated with the three major health facilities in Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet and Cambridge Bay.
The hospital project is generally on schedule with construction expected to start in early 2003 with completion and occupancy in 2005, at the latest early 2006.
The Kivalliq Health facility has seen a number of significant events take place, including foundation work with piling set in the ground.
Mr. Chairman, the transfer of the project is the responsibility of the Government of Nunavut is well under way.
Major construction on this project will start in 2003, and the project is still on schedule to be completed in 2004.
The Kitikmeot Health facility is generally on schedule, the completion and occupancy in June of 2004.
Also, identified in this year’s capital estimates, is the capital leasing arrangements for the replacement of St. Thereasa’s Residential Care facilities.
Extra words should be given to member James Arvaluk, who’s worked diligently on this file with the developer.
The department has signed two agreements; one for the design of the facility and the second agreement for their foundation work for the Chesterfield facility.
Final drawings have been receive and are currently being renewed by our public works.
Once the department has received a sign off, from the public works, negotiations on a capital lease will begin.
They’re expected, Mr. Chairman, that that project will be completed in 2004.
As members are aware, in addition to these major capital projects, we are also proceeding with the expansion of the Telehealth Network into more of our communities through the use of matching federal funds.
The equipment has now been installed in all the communities identified as Telehealth sites, with training to be completed at all sites by the week of December 2nd of this year. I believe, Mr. Chairman, that Telehealth Technology will start to bring increased services to our communities and lessen our dependence on health services from the south.
That’s a very important point, Mr. Chairman.  Also, Mr. Chairman, the Department of Health and Social Services, will be very active during the next few years and the guidance and support of all members is appreciated.
I look forward Mr. Chairman, to discussing our capital estimates for 2003/2004 with you and the members of this house.
At this time you can ask your witnesses to join you at the table.
Sergeant-at-Arms can you escort the witnesses please.
Minister Picco, please introduce your witnesses.
Hon. Ed Picco: Qujannamiik, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Chairman, with me on my immediate left is Mr. Donald Maychruk, the Director of Finance for the Department of Health and Social Services.
And on my immediate right is Dr. Keith Best, the Acting Deputy Minister of Department of Health and Social Services.
Does the Chairperson of the Standing Committee have any opening comments?
As the Chair of the Standing Committee of Health and Education, I am very pleased to have this opportunity to make some introductory remarks as we begin deliberations on the 2003-2004 Capital Budget.
The Department of Health and Social Services the Capital Estimates for 2003-2004 show that the Department of Health and Social Services has a budget of nearly 60 million dollars, representing over 41% of the Government’s overall Capital Budget.
Mr. Chairman, the Committee recognized that an overwhelming proportion of the Budget is directed towards the development of three new regional Health facilities.
In previous discussions with the Minister, Members have requested information on the financial arrangements for these new facilities, recognizing that the projected costs will have implications for the Government’s future financial position.
However, Mr. Chairman, while the Committee was pleased to receive more information in this area, Members remained somewhat concerned with the planning process.
Although the overall costs are now being projected for these three facilities, there is no matching information describing what kinds of services are going to be offered in each of the facilities.
In addition, it is not clear whether there will be transient boarding facilities for individuals from outlying communities who will come in to receive these services.
Mr. Chairman, the Committee feels that if such financial projections are to be meaningful, they must be based on a realistic picture of what is to be provided.
The Committee urges the Minister to keep all Members up-to-date on the Program Planning Process at the earliest opportunity.
Mr. Chairman the Committee is pleased to note that the Department continues to invest in replacing or upgrading Community Health Centres this coming fiscal year.
The status of our facilities not only affects the ability to deliver programs to a rapidly growing population but may also affect our ability to recruit the trained professionals. We need to staff them.
Mr. Chairman, members of the committee have on many occasions expressed the view that group homes, shelters, or similar facilities will be more effective by being located within communities where individuals receive services can be closer to their families.
The committee understands that the department has been looking into the issue of whether there are gaps in the continuing of care services for the elderly, behaviourally disturbed children, persons with psychiatric disorders, as well as people with physical disabilities with the exception of the group home project in Chesterfield Inlet the committee knows that there are no capital projects identified for continuing of care in other communities.
Members encourage the minister to look into the various options of establishing smaller service centres into the communities of need.
During the Pangnirtung session, members will recall the rigorous discussion regarding the plans for community based limited detoxification facility.
The committee was interested to note that this project does not appear in the capital estimates despite the fact that apply process has been obvious of being initiated.
Mr. Chairman, the committee understands that even with the construction of the three new regional health facilities, we will still be relying on hospitals and other service centres outside of our jurisdictions for certain specialized procedures.
Members have consistently raised concerns with the boarding facilities provided for individuals who must travel to locations such as Yellowknife in order to receive the services.
Members look forward to receiving an update on the results of the Department’s recent request for proposal for boarding home services in Yellowknife.
I would anticipate that individual members will have questions and comments as we proceed.
On the Capital Estimates 2003 – 2004.
Does everybody have a copy of this page 10-4.
Before questions are put to the Minister I will give everybody to give remarks that we will be able to go back and ask questions later.
I would like to welcome the Minister and his officials to the witness table, I’d like to also welcome Inuapik who is here, and I used to work with her husband at the hospital.
Every time if we had, first Mr. Sageeatok and I, around 1973, we use to try and hide even Mrs. Sageeatok probably remembers.
First of all I like to state that we are very happy about getting a new hospital and I will be asking questions after when they were given estimates, what they were anticipating, what kind of services they’re anticipating and the populations in different regions.
I have stated this before that the new facility in Iqaluit, that they will have to be a chapel in there, and along with the chapel there will have to be a separate birthing area, so I will be raising questions in regards to that.
There definitely needs to be a chapel because many hospitals down south have chapels that serve a great service to people and many local church people hold prayer services at the hospital.
I will be raising questions to that area.