EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
$45,000 to purchase a vehicle for Rankin Inlet to replace the eight-year-old unit that incurs high maintenance costs.
$40,000 for the replacement of office furniture that is in a state of disrepair in various communities in the region.
The total Kivalliq regional allocation amounts to $130,000.
$125,000 for repairs and the replacement of windows and doors of the boys’ group home in Cambridge Bay.
$30,000 for the replacement of office furniture that is in a state of disrepair in various communities in the region.
The total Kitikmeot regional allocation amounts to $155,000.
For headquarters in Iqaluit:
$425,000 is planned for office space renovations in various communities as Family Services continues to work with Community and Government Services to provide appropriate program and service delivery space throughout the territory.
$200,000 is planned for the elders’ care facilities to be used for minor renovations and furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
$100,000 is planned to provide for the installation of servers and structured cabling in extending the installation of the Income Support Delivery System in Clyde River, Qikiqtarjuaq, Kugaaruk, and Taloyoak, dependent on availability of the Core Business Network through cooperation with the Department of Community and Government Services.
The total headquarters allocation amounts to $725,000.
Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening comments on the proposed 2017-18 Capital Estimates of the Department of Family Services.
I am pleased to provide opening comments on behalf of the Standing Committee on Government Estimates and Operations as the Committee of the Whole begins its consideration of the proposed 2017-18 Capital Estimates of the Department of Family Services.
Mr. Chairman, the Department of Family Services’ proposed capital budget for 2017-18 includes two projects, a case management system for the department’s Children and Family Services Branch and the ongoing small capital budget for upgrades and repairs of facilities and equipment.
Mr. Chairman, the standing committee is again disappointed to note that the department’s 2018-2022 five-year plan does not address any future infrastructure needs for shelters, group homes, or facilities which can accommodate clients dealing with substance abuse or those facing challenges with daily living.
While the committee does appreciate that providing services to individuals suffering from trauma, addictions, mental health issues, or to those who lack the ability to live independently is very complex, members encourage the minister and his staff to take a more proactive role in planning for a future where Nunavut residents do not have to leave the territory to receive care.
Mr. Chairman, the issue of elder care and the need for safe, secure, and comfortable elders facilities is an ongoing concern and the standing committee also encourages the minister to work with his cabinet counterparts to address this need at the earliest opportunity.
Mr. Chairman, the Department of Family Services’ proposed 2017-18 capital estimates include just over $2 million to continue with ongoing plans to implement an electronic case management system for the department’s Children and Family Services Division.
The standing committee recognizes that the need for such a system was identified in the Auditor General of Canada’s 2011 and 2014 reports on child and family services in Nunavut and commends the department on its efforts to address the Auditor General’s recommendation in this area.
The committee notes that this is a three-year project with an overall cost of close to [$5.4] million.
Members caution the minister to take all steps to ensure that this project stays on budget and is completed within the proposed time frame.
Mr. Chairman, the Department of Family Services’ proposed 2017-18 capital estimates also include $1.15 million for small capital projects.
Committee members appreciated receiving a breakdown of the proposed projects and estimated costs under this budget item.
Members are in support of the department’s investment in information technology to improve the delivery of the Income Assistance Program and look forward to updates on the rollout of this automated system across Nunavut’s communities.
Your committee has been considering Bill 24 and would like to report progress.
Member for Netsilik, Mr. Qirngnuq. (interpretation ends) The motion is in order.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until Friday, October 28, at 9:00 a.m.
>>House adjourned at 18:15 Appendix – October 27, 2016
Friday, October 28, 2016
Pages 2663 – 2703
Opening Prayer 2663
Ministers’ Statements 2663
Oral Questions 2672
Tabling of Documents 2695
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 2696
Report of the Committee of the Whole 2702
Orders of the Day 2702
Friday, October 28, 2016 2663
188 – 4(3): Men and Boys Programming (Mike) 2663
189 – 4(3): Firefighter Training (Savikataaq) 2664
190 – 4(3): Archives Council of Nunavut Soon to Mark its 15th Year (Kuksuk) 2665
191 – 4(3): Nurse Practitioner Implementation (Hickes) 2665
192 – 4(3): Mining Activity (Ell-Kanayuk) 2666
357 – 4(3): Rankin Inlet’s 2016 Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (Sammurtok, A) 2667
358 – 4(3): Official Opening of the Tuugaalik High School in Naujaat (Mapsalak) 2667
359 – 4(3): Congratulations to Sherry Parks (Enook) 2668
360 – 4(3): Kugaaruk Literacy Fund Grant (Qirngnuq) 2669
361 – 4(3): Boat Launch Ramp in Kugluktuk (Taptuna) 2669
362 – 4(3): The Retirement of Elisapee Nauyuk (Mike) 2670
363 – 4(3): Caribou Hunt in Arviat (Okalik) 2670
364 – 4(3): A Day of Firsts Aboard the Nuliajuk (Mikkungwak) 2671
476 – 4(3): Lack of Office Space for Sanikiluaq’s Resource Worker (Rumbolt) 2672
477 – 4(3): Cabinet Retreat in Clyde River (Okalik) 2673
478 – 4(3): Nursing Shortage in Kugaaruk (Qirngnuq) 2674
479 – 4(3): Support for Funeral Costs (Joanasie) 2676
480 – 4(3): Quality of Education in Nunavut (Shooyook) 2677
481 – 4(3): Communities That Have Reached Caribou Quota (Keyootak) 2680
482 – 4(3): Status of Pond Inlet Marine Infrastructure (Enook) 2681
483 – 4(3): Overtime Paid to Health Employees (Angnakak) 2683
484 – 4(3): Office Space Deficit in Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt) 2685
485 – 4(3): English-only Telephone Survey (Okalik) 2687
486 – 4(3): Men and Boys Programming (Joanasie) 2690
487 – 4(3): Mining Activity (Angnakak) 2691
488 – 4(3): GN Office Closures (Okalik) 2693
489 – 4(3): Establishment of an Independent Public Service (Okalik) 2694
199 – 4(3): FPT Report on the Annual Conference of Agriculture, July 20 to 22, 2016 (Ell-Kanayuk) 2695
200 – 4(3): Rankin Inlet’s 2016 Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (Sammurtok, A) 2696
034 – 4(3): Extension of Question Period (Okalik) 2689
Bill 24 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2017-2018 – Family Services – Consideration in Committee 2696
Speaker (interpretation): Good morning, my fellow Nunavummiut. Members, ministers, (interpretation ends) Premier, (interpretation) and visitors in the gallery, welcome to the House.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Finance… .
(interpretation) I’m sorry. (interpretation ends) Family Services, Mr. Johnny Mike.
Minister’s Statement 188 – 4(3): Men and Boys Programming (Mike)
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): For a second I feared that the Premier assigned another portfolio under me without my knowledge, and the Finance portfolio to boot.
Thank you and good morning. Thank you, Nunavummiut, residents of my community, my relatives, children and grandchildren.
Mr. Speaker, November is Family Violence Prevention Month and building healthy relationships is an important step in reducing family violence in our communities.
This month, like every month, we continue to recognize the importance of building healthy relationships in our families, friendships, and workplaces across the territory.
To meet this objective, my department is supporting community-based programs and their work with men and boys to promote health, healing, and recovery from the impact of violence.
Men and boys between the ages of 15 and 24 experience the highest rates of suicide, 10 times higher than the national rate.
Nunavut’s rate of family violence is 11 times higher than the national rate, with many children as victims.
Strengthening programming and healing for this at-risk age group is essential.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, a two-day gathering took place in Iqaluit on October 24 and 25, engaging stakeholders and service providers who support men and boys in the Baffin.
The gathering provides an opportunity to share issues of value to men and boys and highlight best practices in the development of future programming.
Additional round-table gatherings will be scheduled in the Kivalliq and Kitikmeot.
(interpretation) My department is dedicated to holistic, collaborative approaches to reducing family violence.
Together let’s collectively build on initiatives that heal our past and nurture healthy, resilient, and respectful communities well into the future.
Minister’s Statement 189 – 4(3): Firefighter Training (Savikataaq)
I wish Arviarmiut a good Friday morning and have a good weekend.
Mr. Speaker, the Office of the Fire Marshal provides firefighter training in the territory.
We are working with the Nunavut Municipal Training Organization to help provide firefighters with the training, tools, and resources to effectively respond to fire emergencies.
It’s very encouraging to see that the numbers of successful course participants are increasing.
Each summer volunteer firefighters from across Nunavut join together for a territorial level firefighting competition.
This is an important part of training, skills development, and team building for Nunavut firefighters. The participants compete in obstacle courses, skills exercises, and time trials that simulate the actual conditions of fighting a fire.
From this territorial competition six firefighters were chosen to represent Team Nunavut at the National Aboriginal Firefighter Competition hosted by Six Nations of the Grand River in Ontario.
This year the following six firefighters were selected:
Jordan Mansbridge (Team Captain) – Arviat
Glen Sutherland – Kugaaruk
Lutie Mucpa – Pond Inlet
Andrew Jr. Iqalukjuak – Clyde River
Mr. Speaker, Team Nunavut’s performance at the National Aboriginal Firefighter Competition gained high praise from judges, participants, and observers.
They finished in fifth place, which is an improvement over last year.
What I am most proud of is their exemplary teamwork, encouragement, and support they showed to their fellow firefighters and [competitors] which earned them the Max McNeill Award for Most Sportsmanlike Team.
Mr. Speaker, this speaks to the high calibre of talented firefighters we have in our territory.
I would like to invite all of my colleagues in this House to join me in congratulating our firefighters.
We are proud to have them represent Nunavut on the territorial and national stage.
Minister’s Statement 190 – 4(3): Archives Council of Nunavut Soon to Mark its 15th Year (Kuksuk)
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Good morning, my fellow Nunavummiut, colleagues, my fellow residents of Arviat, and the people of Whale Cove. Let’s have a good day as it’s Friday.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the Archives Council of Nunavut is a community network of individuals and regional heritage societies which meets annually to share approaches for local archival projects, including oral histories and the photographic record.
The council was incorporated as a Nunavut society in May of 2002.
The Archives Council of Nunavut has benefited from its participation in and support from the Canadian Council of Archives, which encourages cooperation among its 13 provincial and territorial members.
The Department of Culture and Heritage promoted Nunavut’s council establishment and assisted with program support.
The Pond Inlet Archives and Kitikmeot Heritage Society are among the senior participants who have helped arrange meetings and invited guest presenters.
Mr. Speaker, with the help of the archives council program, Nunavut communities and organizations have become aware that archives and archival methods are the best way to preserve local historical records and with them a priceless legacy of rights and values.
The Archives Council of Nunavut is soon to mark its 15th year.
Minister’s Statement 191 – 4(3): Nurse Practitioner Implementation (Hickes)
Over the past year the Department of Health has increased the number of nurse practitioner positions within the community health nursing program as part of its commitment towards providing timely and accessible care throughout the territory.
Mr. Speaker, nurse practitioners are registered nurses who bring added education, expertise, and competencies to our health services. They can order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe pharmaceuticals, and perform advanced procedures that fall within their legislated scope of practices without a physician’s order.
The addition of nurse practitioners to health centres has numerous benefits for patients, including reduction in wait times, increased clinical capacity in the communities for advanced interventions and procedures, as well as improved access to diagnostics and timely access to follow-up care.
Mr. Speaker, based on Canadian Nurses Association estimates, 70 percent of services provided by a family physician can be provided by a nurse practitioner.
Nurse practitioners working to their full scope of practice allow the Department of Health to utilize physician hours for critical medical practice.
Since the introduction of a nurse practitioner in Pond Inlet, there have been noted improvements in accessibility to timely health services.
During the course of a year as many as 570 physician appointments, an equivalent to 19 physician days, were diverted in Pond Inlet by the nurse practitioner.
What this means is that patients were able to receive timely care in the community without having to wait for a physician community visit, and the physician was able to focus on the more complex and critical medical needs within the community.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Health has integrated nurse practitioners in Rankin Inlet, Pond Inlet, Clyde River, and Pangnirtung health centres.
Additional positions have also been approved for the communities of Cape Dorset, Igloolik, Baker Lake, Naujaat, Arviat, and Gjoa Haven.
Mr. Speaker, the introduction of the nurse practitioners to our health services team is a positive development and serves as an example of innovation that strengthens access to care for all Nunavummiut.
Minister’s Statement 192 – 4(3): Mining Activity (Ell-Kanayuk)
I say “good morning” to the listening audience.
Mr. Speaker, building a strong and sustainable economy in Nunavut is an important objective for our government, and a strong mining industry is essential to our economic development.
Beginning with the opening of Agnico Eagle’s Meadowbank gold mine near Baker Lake in 2010, we have seen a revival in mining in Nunavut.
Meadowbank has already produced over 2.3 million ounces of gold and will continue to operate until at least 2018.
Iron ore is being mined at Baffinland’s Mary River deposit, with four million tonnes of ore shipped annually from the port at Milne Inlet.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, in early 2017 we will see the opening of Nunavut’s third operating mine, the Doris North gold mine in the Kitikmeot region.
It will provide employment, training, and local business opportunities to Nunavummiut in that region.
For each of these projects an Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement has been negotiated to ensure that Nunavummiut benefit from the development.
Preliminary estimates indicate that Nunavut had over $567 million of mineral production last year, with more on the horizon as other mining projects work their way through the permitting process.
Mr. Speaker, mines bring long-term investment in many areas for our territory.
Although our mining sector has grown and developed, we must work to ensure that Nunavut remains attractive and competitive.
Member’s Statement 357 – 4(3): Rankin Inlet’s 2016 Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (Sammurtok, A)
I rise today to address the community of Rankin Inlet’s 2016 integrated community sustainability plan.
Mr. Speaker, this plan was adopted by the hamlet in an attempt to identify those areas where infrastructures must be brought up to an acceptable level so that the residents can maintain their healthy lifestyles.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to point out that three of the short-term needs identified by the community address the situation faced by the Rankin Inlet elders.
Mr. Speaker, the plan notes the need of a 24-hour care facility as elders needing care are currently sent out of the community.
This causes family hardship and is difficult to our elders who lose contact with their family members.
Mr. Speaker, the plan also notes the need for palliative care within the facility, and the plan states the need of an elders facility where elders can live in a community living environment instead of overcrowded housing.
Mr. Speaker, I add my voice to those who are calling for more infrastructure and services for our elders.
At the appropriate time I will be tabling a copy of this document.
Member’s Statement 358 – 4(3): Official Opening of the Tuugaalik High School in Naujaat (Mapsalak)
Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to express my appreciation to the many people who helped make the recent official opening of Naujaat’s new Tuugaalik High School a great success.
Mr. Speaker, the official opening took place last month on September 9.
As the Member of the Legislative Assembly for the constituency of Aivilik, I was very honoured to be able to welcome a number of distinguished guests who travelled to the community for the official opening of our community’s new Tuugaalik High School.
The guests included the Minister of Education, Mr. Quassa, as well as Ministers Ell-Kanayuk, Mr. Peterson, (interpretation ends) and Mr. Mike, (interpretation) and I thank them for taking the time to join me at the event.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the official opening marked a new era for education in our community.
The new Tuugaalik High School will serve our community for decades to come.
I am pleased that it includes a number of important design features, including a gathering area, an on-site daycare, and a special needs washroom.
I want to pay tribute to the hard work that went into the planning, design, and construction of our new school.
Mr. Speaker, I also want to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank everyone in the community who works at our schools, who serves on our district education authority, or who volunteers their time and energy to work with our children and youth.
Member’s Statement 359 – 4(3): Congratulations to Sherry Parks (Enook)
Good morning to the people of Pond Inlet and Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to rise today to congratulate one of my constituents, Ms. Sherry Parks, for her accomplishments.
Mr. Speaker, as MLAs we spend a significant amount of time and energy on issues related to health care in the territory.
Today I am proud to be able to highlight the accomplishments of a person who has devoted her career to the care of others.
Mr. Speaker, Sherry Parks’ roots in Pond Inlet run deep.
Her grandmother was a long-time nurse in the community and Sherry completed her high school in the community.
Sherry is an Inuktitut-speaking beneficiary who received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree in 2009 from Nunavut Arctic College.
As a registered nurse Sherry could probably choose to work anywhere in the country. Mr. Speaker, I am very proud that Sherry has chosen to live and work in Pond Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, earlier this year Sherry became the first Inuk nurse to be appointed supervisor of health programs in the community.
This is an historic accomplishment.
Mr. Speaker, professionals like Sherry are an inspiration to our youth, and I ask all members to join me in congratulating Sherry on her accomplishment and to express our appreciation to all of the nurses and other frontline health care workers in our hospitals and health centres.
Member’s Statement 360 – 4(3): Kugaaruk Literacy Fund Grant (Qirngnuq)
I say “good morning” to my fellow residents of Kugaaruk, the people of Taloyoak, members, the Premier, and ministers.
Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to say I was very pleased to hear yesterday that our students of Kugaaruk work hard and progress is obvious to notice, including the dedication of the teachers.
It was good to hear that there will be funding for student activities that will be provided.
Although the fund isn’t that large a sum, it still makes a difference for the students, including the youth who will benefit from this program.
As parents we are generally in agreement over the fact that we want literacy to be learned.
As Members of the Legislative Assembly, we make statements and requests as passionate advocates for our student bodies when we reference issues or challenges facing our schools.
This program that will be funded for the school in Kugaaruk is an amount of $40,000 that will be provided.
This is an example of requests made by the community to our government.
With repeated requests of our government for our capital projects, it shows that with persistence funding will eventually be allocated. When we get funding, it results in satisfaction for the community.
I want to thank the students, teachers, as well as our Minister of Education.
I am quite pleased to see this funding being allocated to Kugaaruk. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 361 – 4(3): Boat Launch Ramp in Kugluktuk (Taptuna)
Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) Good morning, my colleagues, the people of Kugluktuk, and Nunavummiut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, earlier this summer through the good work of the Hamlet of Kugluktuk and with the assistance of the Government of Nunavut and other parties, an experimental boating ramp was installed in Kugluktuk.
The boat launching ramp is designed by FAUN Trackway so that it can be easily assembled and put in place. It then can be just as easily disassembled and stored for the next boating season.
Mr. Speaker, I used this boat ramp this summer and I can say that the ramp certainly assisted with loading and offloading of hunters, harvesters, and recreational boaters.
Mr. Speaker, the portable ramp is made of aluminum and was in heavy use throughout the summer. It ensures that vehicles will not have to be put in a situation where they get stuck and damaged while loading and offloading.
Mr. Speaker, the initial feedback from hunters, harvesters, and the boaters of Kugluktuk has been very positive.
I would like to commend the mayor and the hamlet council in Kugluktuk for their foresight in looking at new technologies that assist with our boaters, hunters, and harvesters.
Member’s Statement 362 – 4(3): The Retirement of Elisapee Nauyuk (Mike)
Good morning to my colleagues and our visitors present in the gallery.
I rise today to talk about Elisapee Nauyuk.
She reached retirement age just recently and she will now be retiring. She has reached retirement age and that was her reason.
She worked in a position in Pangnirtung which she started around 1999-2000.
She was the elders’ caretaker for any work required in their homes or for home care.
She kept her position, but she took a sabbatical from 2010-12 due to issues at home.
Her duties and her service to Pangnirtung elders will obviously be missed.
Furthermore, she retired from her position in August 2016 due to reaching retirement age.
Now I want to express my sincere gratitude as Elisapee Nauyuk was able to provide this service and care for the elders requiring home care.
That is what happened in Pangnirtung.
Member’s Statement 363 – 4(3): Caribou Hunt in Arviat (Okalik)
I keep making statements reminiscing about my past experiences as I was an ardent caribou hunter during my journey to adulthood with members of my family.
I have wonderful memories from that period.
Nowadays due to the low population levels of caribou around our community, I don’t even bother going caribou hunting as I am protective of them.