EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
At Community and Government Services, the minister made an announcement that they’re doing a thing to conserve energy on behalf of the government, and I know that the Minister of Housing, when they do their retrofits that they’re always looking at building and designing more efficient homes.
I just think it’s a duplication of services, and hopefully at some point in time, it says, “The minister says it’s there for now.” Maybe it doesn’t need to stay there. They can take a look at that and re-examine whether it should be appropriately in Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs or some other portion of government or Crown corporation that they look at doing that down the road.
I think the member hit the nail on the head.
There are all kinds of wonderful things happening throughout this government, but there is no overall coordination.
That’s what we’re trying to do with this nominal amount of dollars to make sure that there is coordination and economies of scale in trying to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels.
There is nobody doing that right now.
All the departments and agencies are trying to do their little thing, but there is no overall perspective of what we’re trying to do as a government as a whole.
Chairman: Thank you, Premier Okalik. We’re on page B-10.
Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs. Branch Summary. Intergovernmental Affairs.
Total Operations and Maintenance. $1,019,000.
Chairman: Thank you. Turn to page B-11. It includes B-12.
Total Operations and Maintenance. $522,000.
Chairman: Go back to page B-4.
Oh, no. Turn to page B-13.
Devolution.
Total Operations and Maintenance. $1,067,000.
Chairman: Now, go back to page B-4.
Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs. Department Summary. Detail of Expenditures.
Total Operations and Maintenance. $11,360,000.
Chairman: Does the committee agree that the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs is concluded?
It’s now 5:45.
I would like to thank the Premier and your staff.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and my colleagues.
It was very interesting to hear what the comments were and I have no doubt that we will try and work together even though we have our own responsibilities.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, very much, Premier, Terry Rogers, and David Omilgoitok.
(interpretation ends) It’s only 5:46 and...Mr. Barnabas.
The committee wishes to hear Education’s opening comments.
I would now like to ask Minister Picco of the Department of Education to make his opening remarks. Mr. Picco.
Bill 12 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2006-07 – Review in Committee – Education
I am very pleased to meet with the committee today to discuss the 2006-07 Main Estimates for the Department of Education.
The Department of Education is continuing the fundamental shift in our delivery of programs and services. This shift encompasses all aspects of our broad mandate – the kindergarten to grade 12 system, adult learning, income support, childhood education, and issues relating to the homelessness and beyond.
This year’s business plan seeks to maintain the momentum we have with the delivery of initiatives we have set in motion over the past two years. Our priority is to continue the implementation of an education program that is reflective and valuable to Nunavut. The Department of Education remains focused on moving forward with this agenda and responding to the needs of all Nunavummiut.
In support of this fundamental shift, I have put forward a budget of $184,268,000 for the 2006-07 fiscal year. This is a $10,472,000 increase over last year’s budget.
Mr. Chairman, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight some of our initiatives for the committee.
There is an increase in the funding for the delivery of K to 12 instruction totalling $44,243,000.
As a result of improvements to the school funding formula, this funding will provide additional resources for teachers, as well as improve the quality of learning opportunities for Nunavut’s children and youth.
The department will continue to work closely with DEAs and staff in finding ways to enhance support for our children.
We believe Mr. Chairman, one of the best ways of setting and maintaining academic standards is through student assessment. Assessment tests for mathematics in grades three and six and for language arts in grades four and seven.
To this end, we will be implementing a Math Assessment Project in all languages in grade three this year.
The issue of bullying in schools is a controversial topic. Bullying is not just a school issue; indeed, it happens here in the Legislative Assembly, it is a societal issue that takes place in our homes, on the street, and in our schools.
In order for us to deal with this issue, we need to deal with it, with parents, with schools, with our leaders, and indeed, the entire community must work together.
The Department of Education will provide initial funding for planning the development of an academic component of the Inuit Cultural School, in collaboration with the Department of CLEY. This important program is one of the main priorities set out in Pinasuaqtavut.
We are also laying the foundation for trades training in Nunavut with continuing work on the high school and the adult trades education. The establishment of the Nunavut Trades School in Rankin Inlet will prepare our citizens for lasting careers.
Our department is also piloting pre-trades programs at the high school level, in an attempt to engage our youth to become involved in trades and participate in Nunavut’s expanding economy.
Again Mr. Chairman, this fundamental shift is reflected in our continuing work to implement the Bilingual Education Strategy and create a new Education Act.
Over the next year, the Education Act team will build on public consultations, making certain that the comments and concerns of Nunavummiut are reflected in a new Act.
Mr. Chairman, the Department of Education and Nunavut Arctic College work closely to deliver quality post-secondary education opportunities right here in Nunavut.
This year, we will provide $15,889,000 to Nunavut Arctic College’s base funding.
Not only will these funds provide valuable learning opportunities for students, they will also help us in our aim to have a more seamless transition from K-12 to post-secondary education in Nunavut.
The Department’s fundamental shift is also evident in the recent review of Nunavut Arctic College’s Nunavut Teacher Education Program.
This year, a strategic planning committee will be established to create a long-term plan for NTEP that will look at how to support the development of the program while increasing enrolment and graduates.
Initiatives like the Young Parents Stay Learning Program are indicative of our dedication to providing our students with the opportunity to continue their education despite obstacles.
This program is designed to reduce the drop-out rate of young parents, while providing children with opportunities for early learning. This program pays 100 percent of the day care subsidy for parents under the age of 18, to enable them to work towards completing high school.
This program is beneficial to both young parents and their children, and we are happy to be funding it again during 2006-07.
Mr. Chairman, work continues on the Nunavut Adult Learning Strategy. This momentum of the Adult Learning Strategy will also extend to the department’s continuing work on trades training, career development, and literacy. These areas will receive even more attention this year and I look forward to the advances we’re sure to make.
This year, the Department of Education will move forward with the newly established Homelessness Secretariat, to work with all levels of government to develop an inclusive approach to delivering this vital public service.
In terms of new initiatives, the department recently signed a four-year agreement with the Federation of Nunavut Teachers.
Expiring on June 30, 2009, it provides increases to the Nunavut Northern Allowance depending on community, as well as enhancements to parental leave, the dental plan, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
We have recently amended our agreements with the Canadian Millennium Scholarship Foundation. This amendment provides an additional $50,000 available to Nunavut students enrolled in post-secondary education. This program now gives $304,000 annually to Nunavut students.
In 2005-06, 310 post-secondary students will receive bursary amounts through this program.
During the upcoming fiscal year, the Department of Education will work also toward strengthening the District Education Authorities through skills training.
As a result of formula funding, the DEAs and the Commission Scolaire Francophone du Nunavut will share an increase of $398,000.
The fundamental shift that I have been speaking about over the past two years is evident in all aspects of the Department of Education. It is truly an exciting time for all those involved with Education throughout Nunavut.
We look forward to continuing our challenging and rewarding work in the months and years ahead, and sincerely appreciate your committee’s ongoing support.
Mr. Chairman, I will be pleased to respond to questions from the committee.
Chairman: Thank you, Minister Picco. Mr. Kilabuk.
Mr. Kilabuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In recognition of the time, I would like to report progress.
Speaker (interpretation): Going back to Orders of the Day. Item 20.
Your committee has been considering Bill 12 and the main estimates, and would like to report progress. And also Mr. Speaker, I move that the Report of the Committee of the Whole be concurred with.
A reminder, a meeting of the Regular Caucus tomorrow morning at 10:00 in the Tuktu Boardroom with the Minister of Finance.
Orders of the Day for March 7:
Speaker (interpretation): This concludes the meeting for the day and we will resume our meeting tomorrow afternoon at 1:30.
Deputy Speaker; Regular Members’ Caucus
Minister without portfolio  Nunavut Canada
Tuesday, March 7, 2006
Pages 1374 – 1443
Opening Prayer 1374
Ministers’ Statements 1374
Members’ Statements 1376
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 1380
Oral Questions 1381
Revert to Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 1400
Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills 1400
Tabling of Documents 1401
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 1402
First Reading of Bills 1403
Second Reading of Bills 1404
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 1405
Report of the Committee of the Whole 1442
Orders of the Day 1442
Tuesday, March 7, 2006 1374
077 – 2(3): 2006 Arctic Winter Games – Day One (Netser) 1374
078 – 2(3): Toronto Nunavut Twinning Program (Picco) 1375
187 – 2(3): Housing Crisis in Nunavut (Barnabas) 1376
188 – 2(3): Severe Housing Shortage (Kilabuk) 1377
189 – 2(3): Letters from Rankin Inlet Students (Curley) 1378
190 – 2(3): Initiatives for Home Owners (Tootoo) 1379
191 – 2(3): Avataq Cup Hockey Game in Rankin Inlet (Brown) 1380
220 – 2(3): Incentives for Homeowners – Energy Efficient Homes (Tootoo) 1381
221 – 2(3): Process for Income Support Clients – Housing (Kilabuk) 1383
222 – 2(3): Housing Units Suitable for Northern Climate (Kattuk) 1385
223 – 2(3): Inuksuit School Project – Motion (Arreak) 1387
224 – 2(3): Solid Waste Disposal in Repulse Bay (Mapsalak) 1388
225 – 2(3): Health Centre Update in Arctic Bay (Barnabas) 1389
226 – 2(3): Roles and Mandate on the Issue of Homelessness (Curley) 1390
227 – 2(3): Income Support or Housing Assistance (Alagalak) 1393
228 – 2(3): Energy Audits – Assisting Homeowners (Tootoo) 1396
229 – 2(3): NTI Elections (Kilabuk) 1399
Committee Report on Bills 002 – 2(3): Bill 05 – An Act to Amend the Conflict of Interest Act (Tootoo) 1401
Committee Report on Bills 003 – 2(3): Bill 06 – An Act to Amend the Financial Administration Act (Tootoo) 1401
088 – 2(3): Environmental Rights Act Annual Report for the Year January 31, 2005 to December 31, 2005 (Akesuk) 1401
089 – 2(3): Letter from Rocky Airut to Tagak Curley (Curley) 1401
090 – 2(3): Letter from Krista Tasseor to Tagak Curley (Curley) 1401
091 – 2(3): Water & Sewage Services Subsidy Policy – Summary Report & Recommendations February 2006 (Brown) 1402
092 – 2(3): Municipal Tax Programs February 2006 (Brown) 1402
093 – 2(3): Annual Re-Supply Evaluation December 2005 (Brown) 1402
094 – 2(3): Programs Being Facilitated at the Baffin Correctional Centre (Okalik) 1402
095 – 2(3): New Phone Number for Medical Travel – Baffin Residents (Aglukkaq) 1402
096 – 2(3): Return to Oral Question 189 – 2(3): Incorporating Pre-Trades Programs (Picco) 1402
Bill 13 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act # 3, 2005-06 – Notice 1402
Bill 14 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act #3, 2005-06 – Notice 1403
Bill 13 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act #3, 2005-06 – First Reading 1403
Bill 14 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act #3, 2005-06 – First Reading 1404
Bill 13 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act #3, 2005-06 – Second Reading 1404
Bill 14 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act #3, 2005-06 – Second Reading 1404
Bill 12 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2006-07 – Review in Committee – Education 1405
Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Honourable Olayuk Akesuk, Mr. David Alagalak, Mr. James Arreak, Mr. Levi Barnabas, Honourable Levinia Brown, Mr. Tagak Curley, 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, Mr. Hunter Tootoo.
Speaker (interpretation): I would like to ask Mr. Kilabuk to say the opening prayer.
Speaker (interpretation): Good afternoon, Ministers, Members of the Legislative Assembly, and our staff.
Minister’s Statement 077 – 2(3): 2006 Arctic Winter Games – Day One (Netser)
Hon. Patterk Netser: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I am happy to inform the House that for the first competitive day of the 2006 Arctic Winter Games, Team Nunavut has already won nine medals.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate:
Tom Naqitarvik of Arctic Bay, who won gold in the Snow Snake Dene Games in the Junior Male category.
Steven Klengenberg of Kugluktuk won gold in the Kneel Jump Inuit Games in the Junior Male category.
Andrew Atatahak of Kugluktuk won gold in the Kneel Jump in the Open Male category.
Manasie Kendall of Iqaluit also won gold in the 500 metre Speed Skating competition for the Juvenile Men category.
Thomas A. Levi of Arctic Bay will bring home silver for the Snow Snake Dene games in the Open Men category.
Sandra Nuliajuq of Gjoa Haven won silver in the Open Women’s Arm Pull, Inuit Games.
Aqpik Peter of Iqaluit won silver in the Junior Men’s 500 metre Speed Skating competition.
David Coulombe of Iqaluit won silver in the 500 metre Speed Skating for the Juvenile Male category.
Sarah Ali of Iqaluit will bring home a bronze for the Juvenile Female’s 500 metre Speed Skating competition.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to congratulate all of the other Team Nunavut athletes who are in Alaska representing our territory.
I have been informed that they are showing true team spirit of encouraging one another in all of their sport competitions.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. That was Mr. Netser’s first Minister’s Statement.
Minister’s Statement 078 – 2(3): Toronto Nunavut Twinning Program (Picco)
I want to congratulate Mr. Netser on his first minister’s statement. It’s nice to bring good news to the House, which I will be doing right now, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to update my colleagues on the Twinning Program between Nunavut and the Toronto schools that was initiated last year. This program is a partnership between the Federation of Nunavut Teachers and the Toronto District School Board and the Toronto Catholic District School Board, with the support of our own Department of Education.
The Twinning Program is an exciting initiative that aims to promote literacy and cultural understanding between students and staff from our schools.
Presently, there are 85 schools from Toronto and 41 Nunavut schools involved.
This initiative is a great example of working together for a common cause.
The program is a mutually beneficial relationship, helping to bridge our cultures and our communities.
Mr. Speaker, we have received reports from several schools around Nunavut, including those in Resolute Bay, Iqaluit, Baker Lake, Sanikiluaq, and Gjoa Haven.
Discussions between the schools are leading to exchanges in information and student pen pal projects. Both staff and students are looking forward to creating lasting alliances and providing diverse learning opportunities.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, I’d like to thank the Federation of Nunavut Teachers for their involvement in this project and for supporting our schools, staff, and students in sharing our cultural identity.
Member’s Statement 187 – 2(3): Housing Crisis in Nunavut (Barnabas)
Congratulations to Patterk. (interpretation) I would like to stand to congratulate Tom Naqitarvik and Thomas Levi for getting silver medals for Nunavut sports.
I would like to stand today in regard to the housing crisis in Nunavut. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I know that the government resources are limited. I also know that every community in Nunavut is facing a housing shortage.
It is not merely a shortage, it is a crisis.
Mr. Speaker, the community of Resolute Bay is in an extremely difficult position because of the lack of developed land on which to build the new homes. The community has been working with GN to address this issue for some time, but the residents are frustrated. What is the use of the new Material Assistance Program or the Nunavut Down Payment Assistance Program for new construction when there is nowhere to build a new home?
Mr. Speaker, it’s not all bad news in my constituency of High Arctic. Arctic Bay has been allocated two new units in the 2006-07 Capital Estimates; these are welcomed. However, they will not come close to addressing the real need.
Mr. Speaker, in the past, members have recognized that every community in Nunavut requires new public housing construction; even communities that have least need relative to other Nunavut communities are in desperate need when compared to southern standards.
Mr. Speaker, I urge the GN to re-evaluate spending because investment in a house is a productive measure against many more costly problems.
It is recognized that overcrowding leads to the increase of respiratory illness, depression, and violence.
Children living in the overcrowded home tend to have difficulties excelling at school.
Mr. Speaker, there’s an old saying; ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’
Member’s Statement 188 – 2(3): Severe Housing Shortage (Kilabuk)
Mr. Speaker, I realize that you didn’t have a meeting with my colleague earlier this morning.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today also to speak a little on this government’s commitment in identifying the severe housing shortage across Nunavut.
In my view, this government has done an excellent job in voicing the housing crisis and its plan to try and build housing to make its plan known to the federal government and its partners.
Again Mr. Speaker, hats off to the government for a job well done.
Having said that, however, this government is in a position to make a big difference in the lives of my constituents with so little and without reinventing the wheel.
Mr. Speaker, today, I am not going to argue out too loud because there is no argument to be made. It is very black and white on the availability of housing and families in need in my riding of Pangnirtung.
Mr. Speaker, many hours of studies have been done to confirm what we already know about the severe housing shortage in our territory and the fact that there are many young families looking for housing. I am not going to pretend to know how many families are in need and how many houses may be available in other communities, but if the opportunity is there, should we not try to help these people because we have families living amongst families under one roof and still, we remain neutral.
I will not go into the social problems and issues. Small cramped spaces bring out plans for another day with another solution to be sought. Over the last year and a bit, I have received good information thanks to the Minister of Education regarding the current process under income support and the possible process that income support recipients can use to be considered for housing through the private market, but they have to be self-motivated and determined to go through the process and physically push the system to see if the department will consider them for a unit.
Speaker (interpretation): The member would like to have unanimous consent to conclude his statement.
Please, go ahead Mr. Kilabuk.
Mr. Kilabuk: Having said that, Mr. Speaker, this vaguely simple question: why does this government not spend the dollars on solution thinking, just like the big bucks it spends on doing the studies on information we know already.
Mr. Speaker, I guess with the big enough matter, it calls for teamwork; teamwork amongst the Government of Nunavut and the people of Nunavut; huge benefits through small steps at a time where opportunities exist.
Mr. Speaker, I hope I am clear enough with my communication to say that there are two issues here.
First being the need to spend money on solutions thinking, and the other, having an opportunity to do what is right and house some deserving constituents of mine where the opportunity exists; nothing out of the ordinary and no special favours.
Mr. Speaker, I am not going to say which I will ask on just yet because I want my Cabinet colleagues to think about and brainstorm as a team even if it is just for themselves individually for a few seconds or minutes.
Later in the session, I will do one where I am calmly solution thinking which I think deserves attention by this House and also my Cabinet colleagues.
So with that, Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I will be asking some questions.
Member’s Statement 189 – 2(3): Letters from Rankin Inlet Students (Curley)
Mr. Curley: Mr. Speaker, I rise to read a couple of letters that I received from students in my constituency. Mr. Speaker, Nunavut students are looking for solutions for boredom and depression that so often cause many of our youth distracted from productive family living in our communities.
Nunavut students in my riding treat me on a first-name basis and I am going to read it without naming them. One letter states, “Dear Tagak, MLA for Rankin Inlet North, I am 17 years old student at MUI.
Teenagers are so bored on the weekends; Rankin Inlet should try to get a land camp to keep teenagers out of trouble. I think the land camp would be good for the youth of Rankin. We would learn how to hunt better.
Maybe four or five times a month elders would be in charge of the youth camp. Tagak, thanks for reading this letter and I hope you can do something about this.
And then another letter, Mr. Speaker: “Dear Tagak, I live in Rankin Inlet and I am 15 years old.
I am writing this letter to inform that there is no centre for teenagers.
I think the centre should be somewhere a building is not used and break it down to make the new centre there. This centre should have a mini-gym, an arcade, a study room, and café.
I think this centre should have certain age limits. Maybe Inuksuk Centre would be a great name because the name Inuksuk has been used in our culture for a long time.
I thank you for your time and effort. Please feel free to write back.
Member’s Statement 190 – 2(3): Initiatives for Home Owners (Tootoo)
Before I start my Member’s Statement, I would just like to wish a happy birthday to my daughter Teia.
Today, she is turning eleven years old and also there are a number of people, my mother-in-law Mariette, it is her birthday today. Nicole, if you are watching, happy birthday, and also to Naimee back there in the interpreter/translator booth, and in the other booth, Mary Nashook’s mother Rita it is her birthday as well today and she is seventy-two.
I would like to wish them all a happy birthday.