EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I agree with you wholeheartedly and I will make sure that I will give you an update as soon as possible.
Question 490 – 2(4): Separate Negotiations on Devolution (Peterson)
Mr. Speaker, I listened intently yesterday to the Premier’s answers to my colleague’s questions about devolution and the references to the Prime Minister’s letter.
It is apparent, Mr. Speaker, that negotiations have not begun yet; there have been discussions for a year or longer.
My question for the Premier: has the Government of Nunavut negotiated a separate agreement that outlines the parameters for negotiating the Devolution Agreement?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) From what I understand, the negotiators for our side have tenderly initialed the protocol for how our future negotiations will take place.
So, hopefully, the federal Cabinet will authorize a mandate for the negotiations but, as I said, we made real progress with the acknowledgement that our position needs to be discussed, negotiated, and settled.
So we appreciate the acknowledgement and I wrote to the Prime Minister in response to his letter that I look forward to the mandate being authorized so that the actual negotiations can commence as soon as possible.
We’re already behind; let’s get going and go down to work. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, when negotiations actually begin, they could take years.
I know the Premier has indicated in his business plan conclusion by 2010 but it could take longer than that.
Ottawa has indicated in the Mayer Report that Nunavut does not have the capacity now to take over federal responsibilities in Nunavut, and by capacity, they’re talking about trained people.
To me, that suggests that Nunavut should begin training our residents now to take over those positions that will become our responsibility when devolution is completed and concluded.
My question for the Premier: can the Premier tell the House if the Government of Nunavut has asked Ottawa for additional training and capital funds to begin training Nunavummiut now to be ready to take over federal responsibilities when the Devolution Agreement is completed?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) That’s one of the aspects of the negotiations themselves once they commence, that we would like to be ready and that our workforce will reflect our population, not just in devolution but throughout government.
So that is one of the things that will be discussed at the table. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I certainly hope Ottawa listens carefully to the request.
I do think we probably need several millions of dollars now to begin training. These jobs could become available anywhere between two to five years, so we need trained people and we need facilities to include that training.
Mr. Speaker, MLAs haven’t had much opportunity to provide input into any discussions regarding devolution negotiations. We usually have to get our updates via questions in the House, such as my colleague yesterday and myself today.
My question for the Premier: I wonder if the Premier could inform the House when he will sit down with the Members of the Regular Caucus and brief us on the background and the current status of devolution negotiations.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Yes, I agree that I haven’t updated the House or members because, unfortunately, there has been no progress up to this point, so that’s why I haven’t had the opportunity to consult and advise my colleagues. Hopefully, from this day forward, there will be significant movement in other areas of devolution.
So I agree and I look forward to discussing, hopefully, our progress on this with my colleagues and keep everyone in Nunavut up to date. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I thank the Premier for that answer and I certainly hope that he does keep us informed.
I get a lot of questions in my riding about devolution and people talk to me on the airplanes and airports. I really can’t tell them anything. So there is some interest out there; it sounds like a dry topic but it’s an important subject for MLAs, ministers, and all Nunavummiut.
With that in mind, Mr. Speaker, I wonder if the Premier could tell the House if the devolution division is developing a communications protocol to keep not only MLAs informed but all Nunavummiut informed of the progress of devolution negotiations as we go forward from today.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Yes, I look forward to reporting further progress as discussions progress. As I said in my earlier comments, some of the discussions aren’t always possible to disclose, but on each step where the parties agree to certain phases, then yes, I definitely look forward to reporting, hopefully, significant progress in the coming months and years. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
If there are no more... (interpretation ends) I just got a little confused there, Mr. Peterson.
Under Oral Questions.
Question 491 – 2(4): Elders’ Involvement with Decision-Making (Peterson)
Mr. Speaker, an elder in my riding wrote a long letter to me last week to tell me about concerns he has about the elders, not only in Cambridge Bay, but across Nunavut. He thinks that elders aren’t involved in important decisions in their communities and he has concerns. His quote is, “It’s hurting elders because they’re shut out of things they should be involved in.”
My question for the minister: can the minister tell the House how his department encourages hamlet councils and other organizations in communities to involve elders in community decision making?
In Igloolik, we have this office where they deal with elders for all of Nunavut. We know that in Nunavut, in a majority of the communities, there are elders’ societies.
Our office is in contact with them on a monthly basis via phone calls and they also have teleconferences.
The concerns of the elders or elders’ recommendations are discussed, but whether it is elders’ societies or just elders in Nunavut, we try to provide programs and support services to them within our department.
Mr. Speaker, when I received the elder’s letter, I reviewed the Department of Culture, Language, Elders, and Youth’s report from March 2005. It says, “Promoting Elders’ Needs,” and it addresses a lot of the issues that the elder in my riding raised in his letter.
One of the other issues of concern in my riding is the issue of elder abuse. It continues to be a serious issue, not only in Nunavut but across Canada.
The other day I read a story in the media that a 91 year old lady in the hospital in Vancouver who just had her leg amputated.
Someone went into the hospital and stole her wedding rings that had been passed down for generations. So, it’s not only a serious issue in Nunavut; it happens across Canada.
Having said that, Mr. Speaker, my question for the minister: can the minister tell the House what initiatives his department implemented in 2007-08 to address or reduce elder abuse across Nunavut?
Minister of Culture, Language, Elders, and Youth, Minister Tapardjuk.
The Department of Culture, Language, Elders, and Youth have discussed this matter with the three regions – in the Baffin region, South and North, and in the Kivalliq.
At this time, we’re preparing an information package or a briefing note for elders on elder abuse.
There are people from Arctic Bay, Qikiqtarjuaq, Cape Dorset, and Igloolik that are reviewing the information on elder abuse, the Family Abuse Intervention Act, I think it is Bill 16, that was recently introduced, and we also spoke about how the Act can be used for their protection if they were abused.
So we have considered all of those aspects and I know that we’re progressing on this file because we feel for the elders when they’re being abused.
We have a great concern about that, and we’re now developing and working on this. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, in the same March 2005 report, “Promoting Elders’ Needs,” elders recommended that, it says, “CLEY explore the possibility of having a recognized Elder Abuse Day similar to other jurisdictions.”
Mr. Speaker, my question for the minister: can the minister inform the House if he will recommend legislation to create an Elder Abuse Day for Nunavut, and if not, why not?
On June 15, 2007, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was declared that day, “It serves as a call-to-action for individuals, organizations and communities to raise awareness about elder abuse, neglect and exploitation,” and we’re preparing for that and we’re working on addressing the needs of our elders in Nunavut.
Another thing that I have noted when we’re reviewing the main estimates of the departments is that under the Office of the Legislative Assembly, they have a Youth Parliament. At the appropriate time, I would like to ask if an Elders’ Parliament could be established so that we could be informed of the problems they face.
So I will be asking questions in that regard when we get to that department.
So those are the things we are looking at. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
It sounds hopeful that the Department of CLEY will raise awareness and profile of the serious issue of elder abuse in Nunavut.
I hope that he can see the need to have a recognized day, not just be an ordinary day, but officially recognized in legislation.
Mr. Speaker, in the same report, 18 communities out of 25 in Nunavut indicated that there is a great need in their communities for elders’ facilities. I know other colleagues have raised the same issue in the House. I had an email two weeks ago from a community asking me for some advice on how we got our elders’ palace in Cambridge Bay established.
It took a lot of volunteer effort from a lot of people to get it going but it was possible.
Having said that, my question for the minister: can the minister tell the House how Culture, Language, Elders and Youth assists elders in Nunavut to organize, construct, and maintain elders’ centres in their communities?
This is operated through the application process. If there was a facility that needs to be renovated and converted to an elders’ facility, there is some funding available through grants and contributions.
The only way they can get the funding is through the application process and I know that only a handful of Nunavummiut had an uptake on the program to establish elders’ and youth centres.
These grants and contributions are used through the application process and we are interested in seeing anyone who would like to apply because we would like to assist the elders. The facility can’t be new because that program is intended for renovations of existing buildings, but the Department of Community and Government Services does provide funding for new buildings.
Question 492 – 2(4): Coroner’s Inquest (Curley)
My question is for the Minister of Health and Social Services. Just recently, when we were in Rankin Inlet a few days ago or last week, there was a young person who was sick and brought to the health centre a few days later.
Unfortunately, the young person died before the ambulance arrived.
I would like to ask the minister if he has made a request to the coroner’s office for a public inquest so that we can find out what happened in this case.
I’m not aware of this incidence. Again, the coroners are employees of the Department of Justice and coroners follow the legislation before them to make that determination, so I can’t answer the member’s question.
I believe the minister receives reports from the coroner’s office, which is near the Department of Health’s facility. I believe the minister has the authority to review the case. Have you done so in the past?
Minister of Health and Social Services... I’m sorry.
I will have the Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs respond to your question. Premier Okalik.
With respect to the question relating to the coroner and any inquest, this is under my portfolio.
The coroners are independent, especially when conducting an inquest into a death. All deaths require a coroner’s report, and if there is an actual inquest required, then that proceeds within their mandated duties.
This is the usual practice and this is outlined in the legislation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I thank the minister for responding with the statement that the coroners review all deaths.
The nursing stations are not just places to go and die.
As in the past, this has occurred where a patient arrives and is soon pronounced dead. However, there has never been an actual public inquest into those deaths. Why is this not undertaken for those types of deaths that we feel should be reviewed in any event?
Yes, the coroners do conduct reviews of untimely deaths as well we recognize that the protocols need to be reviewed. However, the coroners have the ability to proceed with an inquest based upon any person’s concern about the death. That is the only way that the coroners can produce a report, by conducting an investigation.
I cannot really answer that right now.
Mr. Curley (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I understand the minister’s authority since the coroners’ protocols need to be reviewed, but there has never been a public inquest on a recent death in Rankin Inlet. However, there was a public inquest for the young school student who died during school hours.
However, any request for a public inquest requires a signature from the minister, or the coroners can proceed on their own.
We would like clarification as to what the procedures are for a public inquest, especially if the parents would be interviewed and they would be made aware of the process. This has not occurred and this is why we want assistance on this situation since we would like to get an answer as to what the circumstances of death caused the person to pass away.
In regard to the coroners and their investigations, most of these investigations are conducted to identify the cause of death and they are also used for training new coroners. They are investigating the cause of death as well as future prevention measures, not just here but they look at all factors, and try to minimize the causes of death where they are identified as being a public safety issue.
I will commit to working with the coroners as to the protocols in regard to this matter brought up by the member.
Question 493 – 2(4): NDC Officials’ Attendance at Olympic Signing (Tootoo)
I would like to direct my question to the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Development Corporation.
Mr. Speaker, I know there was a big announcement made here in regard to a contract that the Development Corporation received with the Olympic Organizing Committee. I’m just wondering if the minister could indicate if the officials from the Development Corporation attended the ceremonies for the signing.
I will have the Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs respond to the question. Premier Okalik.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I was told that it was the Chairman of the Nunavut Development Corporation who signed on behalf of NDC, and that is all. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I was trying to ask the Minister responsible for the Development Corporation, and that was my question to the Minister responsible for the Development Corporation: were there any other corporation officials in attendance at the ceremony?
Minister of Economic Development and... I’m sorry.
Premier Okalik would like to respond.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) As Premier, I’m entitled to answer any questions that come our way. Since I was there, I responded and I will continue to do so.
I believe Brian Zawadski, the current Interim President, was also there in attendance, but the actual document was signed by the Chairman, Louie Kamookak. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Again, I don’t know why the Minister responsible for Development Corporation can’t answer these questions.
I guess my next question to the Minister responsible for the Development Corporation is: can he inform us if the officials who travelled there on behalf of the Development Corporation, how they travelled there?
Did they go by commercial scheduled airlines or did they charter?
Premier Okalik would like to respond to your question. Mr. Premier.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) They were already there when I went there, and as you know, our House is in session, so it doesn’t matter sometimes how you get there.
Some people find a way to try and make it look like it was not worth it. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I don’t know why we have a Minister responsible for the Development Corporation if he’s not going to be able to answer any questions.
I don’t know where the Premier is getting his comment that some people make it look like it’s not worth it. All I did is ask a simple question is how they got there. If he wants to determine that himself, that’s his own determination.
But, I guess my next question then to the Minister responsible for the Development Corporation is: can he confirm, as the Premier indicated, that the officials for the Development Corporation went on scheduled commercial airlines?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Yes, they were and as we’re in session, I chartered and the rest is history with a very historic agreement. It’s never been done before and I really was honoured to be signing the agreement with a wonderful organization. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Moving on with the Orders of the Day.
Reports of Committee on the Reviews of Bills.
Tabled Document 202 – 2(4): Photographs of Inukhuit (Peterson)
As I indicated in my Member’s Statement, I wish to table a collection of photographs of Inuksuit on display in different corners of our world.
Please bring the document to the Clerk’s table.
Tabled Document 203 – 2(4): Government of Nunavut Employee Survey November 2006 (Tapardjuk)
I wish to table the Government of Nunavut Employee Survey.
If there are no more, Item 14.
Bill 28 – An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act, No. 3 – Second Reading
I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for South Baffin, that Bill 28, An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act, No. 3, be read for the second time.
This bill amends the Income Tax Act to provide for tax credits for young children.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Minister. (interpretation ends) To the principle of the bill. (interpretation) Question has been called.
Bill 28 has had its second reading and will be referred to a committee.
If there is none left, Item 19.
Bill 23, Bill 24 and Bill 25.
Before we proceed with Committee of the Whole with Mr. Barnabas in the Chair, we will break for lunch and come back at one o’clock.
>>House recessed at 11:52 and Committee resumed at 13:07
Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) We wish to continue with Bill 23 and the review of the Main Estimates for the Department of Education, followed by the Department of Environment. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Mapsalak. (interpretation ends) Does the committee agree that we continue with the Main Estimates for the Department of Education?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Members, before we proceed, I wish to inform you that the Member for Rankin Inlet North is presently not in the Chamber.
When he returns to his place, I will interrupt our proceedings in order to issue a statement.
I would like to ask Minister Picco if he wishes to bring in witnesses to the witness table.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Picco. Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witnesses to the witness table.
Minister Picco, I would like to welcome you and your officials.
I am very pleased to be with the committee again this afternoon. With me on my immediate right is Sandy Teiman, the Director of the Income Support Programs within the Government of Nunavut, and on my immediate left is the Deputy Minister of the Department of Education, Ms. Kathy Okpik.
We were on G-7. (interpretation ends) Branch Summary.
I have a short question on this matter. At this time, in Repulse Bay, they don’t have an income support worker.
I would like to ask the minister: does he have an idea of how long we won’t have an income support worker in our community?
I believe that the income support position in Repulse Bay is a contract position with the hamlet.
I don’t think that position was contracted out to the Hamlet of Repulse Bay. That may be the case for Kugaaruk but not for Repulse Bay.
That contract was held by the hamlet and it has been given back to the GN. So what we will be doing now is when the income support page comes up, we will supply that position and we will bring an income support worker into the community until we actually get into the position of having someone hired in that position.
So staffing will be commencing very shortly.
I don’t think the hamlet was interested in getting a contract because I remember when I was the mayor, we didn’t have one. Due to population growth, the income support worker is not able to keep up with the workload. What size must the community be in order to have more than one income support worker?
The member is correct again that we’re seeing a huge increase in the population of Repulse Bay and we’re looking at the caseload right now.
When we determine how many income support workers are in the communities, it’s not physically based on the number of people in the community but actually on the caseload in the community, and that means how many people are actually having an uptake on the Income Support Program.
We’re in the process right now of commencing the hiring of an income support worker for the community.
Part of the evaluation is to look at what the caseload is in the community and if there is a need for extra positions to be put in there, and then we would actually fund those.
In the meantime, while there is no income support worker in the community, we cover it off with other staff we would bring into the community to distribute the Income Support Program.
He stated that it used to be contracted out to the hamlet. Was the previous contract for the income support worker with the hamlet? I would like to know that first of all because I can’t recall whether or not it was the responsibility of the hamlet.
Can the minister respond to my question?
Across Nunavut, in our 25 communities, we have some hamlets that deliver Income Support Programs. Some communities have actually given back the program to us saying that they did not want to be in charge of that type of program.
In the case with Repulse Bay, the member again is correct, it was some time ago. I don’t have actual numbers or years with me, but the member is correct. It was some time ago that the hamlet did it but not in the recent past.
At the same time, it is a very stressful job with income support.
There are 118 cases right now of income support within the community based on the numbers that I have.
Again, that’s something that we’re doing with the review to see if the caseload is going up and what type of increased opportunity is there if you have an increase to put a position in place, or 1.5 positions if it was needed.
This is my last question to the minister.
You mentioned that you will look into this. It’s very inconvenient at this time because they don’t have an income support worker, so they have try and call the office in Rankin Inlet but they can’t get an answer, and then once an income support worker goes into a community, they don’t always complete what they have to do.
So I’m wondering how long the residents of Repulse Bay will have to wait before the income support worker position is filled.
It is my understanding that we’re in the process right now of trying to hire someone. So that entails advertising the position, taking the applicants, screening them, and so on. When you’re dealing with income support, it is of a confidential nature.
You are handing out money and so on, so you want to make sure that you have the right person in place.