EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
The population is growing and the population is about 800. The community is rapidly increasing in population.
So, for that reason, can the minister tell me that this will not be deferred again in the future, in terms of the expected construction date of the health centre?
The construction year for the Repulse Bay Health Centre is 2009-10. It will be contingent on this House approving those budgets in those years.
Yes, that’s always the case.
It’s only when it’s really necessary that they do the actual work, but the present health centre is two stories and there is housing for the staff there on the top level.
Will the present health centre that you’re proposing be built the same way where the housing is on the upper level, or would it be just a health centre by itself.
The Repulse Bay Health Centre design has not been completed but the plan at this point in time is to have a separate facility with housing units separate from the health facility.
Do you have any more questions, Mr. Mapsalak?
Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you, Minister.
Within the staff housing for the staff, would it be new also at that time, because they wouldn’t, so you won’t be using the present health centre after that is built?
There has not been a decision made as to what we will do with that facility.
Until such time as we’re further ahead, then we’ll be discussing the use of that facility.
Chairman: Thank you, Madame Minister. Mr. Mapsalak.
The present health centre and the staff, the nurses that work there also live on the upper level and it’s very convenient, especially when there’s an emergency.
It doesn’t take very long for them to go, even when the weather is really cold.
They find it very convenient like that. It would be good to factor this into the new design of the new health centre where the staff is living on the upper level.
This is mainly a comment, not a question.
Just be aware when we’re dealing with this, I’m in the Baffin region, but when it comes to Health and Social Services, it’s handled by the Keewatin region.
I wonder, the Sanikiluaq Health Centre, did you find out how old the health centre is in Sanikiluaq?
Mr. Evyagotailak had his hand up first, but I let Mr. Kattuk go.
The Sanikiluaq Health Centre was constructed in 1984, so it’s 21 years old.
The population has grown by quite a bit. The health centre is getting older. I wonder what the proposed date is for a new centre to be built in Sanikiluaq.
The departmental target for capital budgets, each year we start off with about $5 million, and based on that we identify our needs and go from there.
It is one of the facilities that we have listed based on its condition. I wish I could put all those facilities on our capital books, but I mentioned earlier we would take up our entire Government of Nunavut capital budget, so, we try and allocate the funding based on our targets.
So, right now, Sanikiluaq is not in the books.
When will you put it in the books?
When the facilities that are in most need are completed and off the books or if we get additional incremental funding that can accommodate all the lists by community, but right now, I can only say that there are other projects that are more pressing than Sanikiluaq.
So, I can’t predict when.
Chairman (interpretation): Anything else, Mr. Kattuk?
Mr. Kattuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. If the minister can’t respond to me today, I can probably deal with her directly and talk about the health centre in Sanikiluaq.
Now that we’re on H-8, I have quite a few questions here; it’s talking about the 24-hour care facility.
There is a resolution that was made from our elders in Kugluktuk to have a 24-hour care facility because, at that time, there were three elders that were out of the territory.
Just in the last week, before we travelled here, I had a meeting with my community members.
I note this was brought to my attention again that the 24-hour care facility is needed in Kugluktuk.
I would like to ask the minister when they will start with the next two care facilities going up in Nunavut.
Some time in the New Year.
Can the minister give us the communities of where they are going to select and put the 24-hour care units in Nunavut?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Evyagotailak. We’re on page H-8.
We are dealing with both Kivalliq and the Kitikmeot.
After Ms. Minister’s response, we will report progress.
I mentioned earlier that we have not made the decisions for the next two; it will be some time in the New Year, but I can assure the member it won’t be Gjoa Haven or Igloolik.
Chairman (interpretation): According to Rule 6(1), I recognize the clock and will report progress.
Going to the Orders of the Day. Item 20.
Mr. Chairman, Mr. Netser.
Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bill 1 and the capital estimates, and would like to report progress.
Speaker (interpretation): There is a motion on the floor. Seconder.
Mr. Mapsalak seconds the motion.
A reminder for tomorrow; a meeting of the Standing Committee on Health and Education at nine o’clock in the Tuktu Room; a meeting of the regular caucus at eleven o’clock in the Tuktu Room.
Orders of the Day for November 17:
Recognition of Visitors In the Gallery
Speaker (interpretation): We will adjourn for the day.
We will resume again on November 17 at 1:30 in the afternoon.
>>House adjourned at 18:12
Minister of Health and Social Services; Minister Responsible for Status of Women's Council
Minister of Environment; Minister Responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation; Minister Responsible for the Workers' Compensation Board
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Pages 117 – 180
Opening Prayer 117
Ministers’ Statements 117
Members’ Statements 120
Returns to Oral Questions 126
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 126
Oral Questions 127
Written Questions 146
Tabling of Documents 147
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 148
First Reading of Bills 149
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 151
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 178
Orders of the Day 179
Thursday, November 17, 2005 117
004 – 2(3): Congratulations to Hamish Tatty (Kilabuk) 117
005 – 2(3): Orientation Program for GN Employees (Tapardjuk) 118
006 – 2(3): Underground Mine Training Program (Picco) 119
007 – 2(3): Support Provided to Harvesters (Akesuk) 119
024 – 2(3): Safe Drinking Water for Arviat (Alagalak) 120
025 – 2(3): Rachel Uyarasuk’s 94th Birthday (Tapardjuk) 120
026 – 2(3): Appreciation to GN for Gjoa Haven Water Supply Repairs (Aglukkaq) 121
027 – 2(3): Bullying Awareness Week (Peterson) 121
028 – 2(3): Transportation Issues – High Arctic (Barnabas) 122
029 – 2(3): Elimination of Staffed Weather Stations (Picco) 123
030 – 2(3): Davis Inlet Quota Tonnage in 0A (Kilabuk) 124
031 – 2(3): National Childcare Day (Tootoo) 124
Return to Oral Question 002 – 2(3): Literacy Programs and Initiatives (Picco) 126
022 – 2(3): Polar Bear Quota Study in Kivalliq (Curley) 127
023 – 2(3): Criteria for Cancellation of Competitions (Tootoo) 129
024 – 2(3): Update on GN’s Transportation Strategy (Barnabas) 131
025 – 2(3): Diabetes and Healthy Living Promotion (Evyagotailak) 132
026 – 2(3): Addressing Bullying in Schools (Peterson) 134
027 – 2(3): Recruiting Health Centre Staff (Kattuk) 136
028 – 2(3): Access to Broadband in Schools (Netser) 138
029 – 2(3): HSS Staff Releasing Info on Clyde River HTLV-1 (Arreak) 140
030 – 2(3): Immigration Meeting in Ottawa (Barnabas) 142
031 – 2(3): Environmental Review Timetable (Tootoo) 144
003 – 2(3): 2005 Fuel Resupply (Tootoo) 146
004 – 2(3): Status of Decentralization (Peterson) 146
008 – 2(3): Letter from Grise Fiord Regarding Increasing Fares and Rates (Barnabas) 147
009 – 2(3): Letter from NEAS Regarding Reefer Containers (Barnabas) 147
010 – 2(3): Nunavut Status of Women Council 2003-04 Annual Report (Aglukkaq) 147
011 – 2(3): Letter from Arctic Co-ops Re: Increased Freight Study (Evyagotailak) 147
012 – 2(3): Presentation to House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance (Peterson) 147
013 – 2(3): Expert Panel on Equalization and Territorial Funding (Peterson) 147
014 – 2(3): Kivalliq News Advertisement (Tootoo) 148
Bill 09 – An Act to Amend the Exemptions Act – Notice 148
Bill 05 – An Act to Amend the Conflict of Interest Act – Notice 148
Bill 11 – An Act to Amend the Fire Prevention Act – Notice 148
Bill 06 – An Act to Amend the Financial Administration Act – Notice 149
Bill 07 – An Act to Amend the Liquor Act – Notice 149
Bill 09 – An Act to Amend the Exemptions Act – First Reading 149
Bill 05 – An Act to Amend the Conflict of Interest Act – First Reading 150
Bill 11 – An Act to Amend the Fire Prevention Act – First Reading 150
Bill 06 – An Act to Amend the Financial Administration Act – First Reading 151
Bill 07 – An Act to Amend the Liquor Act – First Reading 151
Bill 01 – Appropriations (Capital) Act, 2006-07 – Health and Social Services – Consideration in Committee 152
Bill 01 – Appropriations (Capital) Act, 2006-07 – Community and Government Services – Consideration in Committee 176
Speaker (interpretation): Going to the Orders of the Day for today. Item 2.
Hon. Peter Kilabuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to go back to Ministers’ Statements. Item 2.
Speaker (interpretation): The member is asking for consent to return to Item 2.
Minister’s Statement 004 – 2(3): Congratulations to Hamish Tatty (Kilabuk)
I would like to once again give congratulations to Mr. Hamish Tatty from Rankin Inlet for receiving the Young Entrepreneurial Award from the Business Development Bank of Canada.
Mr. Tatty runs M&T Enterprises in Rankin Inlet.
(interpretation ends) M&T Enterprises was founded in 1979 by Mr. Tatty’s father, Peter Tatty and his uncle, Ray Mercer.
It provides cargo, fuel, construction, and supply services in Rankin Inlet and employs 60 in its peak seasons.
It is 100 percent Inuit owned and has an 85 percent Inuit employment rate.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, the success of a young Inuit entrepreneur is very gratifying and a reason for celebration because the youth are the future of our territory.
It is very good to see young people getting involved in helping to develop the economy of Nunavut and Mr. Tatty can serve as a role model for young entrepreneurs in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I would like the House to join me in congratulating Mr. Tatty on this significant accomplishment and wish him and M&T continuing success in the future.
Minister’s Statement 005 – 2(3): Orientation Program for GN Employees (Tapardjuk)
I am pleased to announce that my department has expanded its employee orientation program to better meet the needs of Nunavut employees and departments.
The goal is to offer orientation activities that will lead to improved employee knowledge, productivity, wellness, and overall retention of the government.
A new component of the orientation program is delivery of customized orientation sessions for specialized groups and other employees such as teachers and medical staff.
A very successful pilot session was held on September 25 for 20 health care staff in Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet and Cambridge Bay using the Tele-health system.
Another customized orientation session was recently delivered in-house for Nunavut Arctic College instructors and staff.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to also inform my colleagues that my department launched its cultural orientation program in August 2005.
Under the guidance of Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth and Tukakvik, two very successful on the land cultural orientation sessions were held in Iqaluit.
During those sessions participants learned about the history of Nunavut, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit guiding principles, Pinasuaqtavut discussions, games, group work and traditional activities.
Closing evaluations indicated that all participants left with a much increased understanding and appreciation of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles and how to apply them in the workplace.
Cultural orientation sessions in other communities will take place later this year.
The Department of Human Resources plans on holding cultural orientation sessions and developing a series of workshops on Inuit societal structures, language, and culture.
I am also pleased to announce a partnership with Pauktuutit Inuit Women’s Association.
The publication of The Inuit Way will be updated and will be used by the Government of Nunavut later this year as a cultural orientation resource.
Mr. Speaker, effective orientation programs demonstrate the Government of Nunavut’s commitment to developing Nunavut’s public service and implementing Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in the workplace.
By improving the programs offered to Government of Nunavut employees we enhance the knowledge and skills of the public service to better serve Nunavummiut.
Minister’s Statement 006 – 2(3): Underground Mine Training Program (Picco)
Mining is a promising industry in Nunavut and with it there are opportunities for Nunavummiut to obtain employment.....
I am pleased to announce that as a result of an innovative partnership we have eight individuals from the Kitikmeot region who have started underground mine training.
The underground mine training program is a joint venture with the Department of Education, the Kitikmeot Corporation, Diavik Diamond Mines Incorporated, the Government of the Northwest Territories, the Kitikmeot Cementation Mining and Development, and the Northwest Territories Aboriginal Human Resource Agreement Holders.
The Department of Education continues to support the development of such programs and is committed to supporting and working with partners to provide industrial training here in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, there is a significant need for fully trained and qualified people to work in mine related occupations. These needs will grow substantially in both the Northwest Territories and here in Nunavut as current underground operations expand and new underground operations become reality.
It is widely recognized Mr. Speaker, that one of the greatest labour shortages over the foreseeable future will be for skilled workers in the mining industry.
It is therefore important to provide training and employment opportunities for Nunavummiut to ensure that they can fully benefit from these ongoing activities.
Minister’s Statement 007 – 2(3): Support Provided to Harvesters (Akesuk)
The Department of Environment and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated are undertaking a joint review of Nunavut’s Harvesters’ Support Program.
Both Nunavut Tunngavik Inc and the Department of the Environment have heard that programs were not meeting the needs of harvesters and it was agreed that we would conduct this review together.
The focus of the joint review is to identify gaps in support and duplication between programs.
This will enhance our programs and maximize value to harvesters given our current fiscal realities.
(interpretation ends) One of the major components of the review is to look at ways of improving program delivery.
An integrated one window approach to program delivery is being considered as part of this evaluation.
I’m expecting the final report on the review to be completed in the very near future.
(interpretation) Copies of the final report will be provided to all Members of the Legislative Assembly for their review and consideration.
I anticipate that new updated harvester’s support policies could be in place by the beginning of the next fiscal year.
Orders of the Day for today. Item 3.
Member’s Statement 024 – 2(3): Safe Drinking Water for Arviat (Alagalak)
I rise today to address a concern in my community of Arviat.
Mr. Speaker, providing reliable access to safe drinking water is one of the most basic responsibilities of this government.
We have seen that water quality is a major issue in many Canadian communities. Recent tragedies in Ontario should warn us that we need to be vigilant in ensuring that water quality is not compromised.
Mr. Speaker, we know that there have been problems with the water supply in such Nunavut communities as Gjoa Haven.
In my community of Arviat, we rely on man-made reservoirs to supply us with safe drinking water. The community of Arviat is growing rapidly.
We have new infrastructure such as new schools and new housing units.
The demand for water is only going to increase over time.
Last spring there were concerns in the community about the low level of water in the reservoirs. People noticed an unpleasant taste in the water.
I am putting the Minister of Community and Government Services on notice that I will be asking questions of her and her officials on their plans for Arviat’s water supply when the department appears before the Committee of the Whole during our capital budget session.
Member’s Statement 025 – 2(3): Rachel Uyarasuk’s 94th Birthday (Tapardjuk)
I rise today like I did last year as a representative of the people of Igloolik. Our elder Rachel Uyarasuk is now 94 years old and I announce this to the members and say Happy Birthday to her.
Member’s Statement 026 – 2(3): Appreciation to GN for Gjoa Haven Water Supply Repairs (Aglukkaq)
Most members may be aware that we had a very serious situation in Gjoa Haven recently with the water reservoir.
The reservoir berm ruptured, and we lost our supply of drinking water within the day.
I want to thank the Minister of Community and Government Services and her staff as well as the Hamlet of Gjoa Haven for their fast response to this emergency.
So on behalf of the residents of Gjoa Haven, I want to express my sincere appreciation to everyone who helped address this situation to restore access to the water in order to avoid what could have been a very serious situation.
Member’s Statement 027 – 2(3): Bullying Awareness Week (Peterson)
I rise today to raise awareness of a painful and troubling issue that affects some of our youth across Nunavut today - the problem of bullying.
Mr. Speaker, this week, the week of November 14 to 20 is National Bullying Awareness Week.
Bullying is a serious problem in our schools and in our communities. In some cases bullying can stop a child from attending school; it can lead to depression, or even worse, it can lead to suicide.
I know that many parents feel powerless to help their children. Many teachers are desperate for resources, programs, and materials to help put an end to this behaviour.
Bullying is not just a playground problem.
Bullying has a long-term effect on our society as a whole. Issues of self-esteem for both bullies and their victims affect their personal growth and their ability to achieve their full potential later in life.
Childhood bullies can grow up to be workplace bullies – affecting morale in the workplace. When childhood bullies become adults their actions can lead to criminal records and a troubled future.
There are a number of national groups and organizations committed to eliminating bullying from our schools and playgrounds.
In past years, the RCMP in Cambridge Bay ran a great program in our local elementary school. In past years, the RCMP in Cambridge Bay ran a BRAVE Program in our local elementary school.
The BRAVE Foundation offers a number of suggestions for schools, parents and communities to get involved and address this problem.
I was pleased to learn that a national website, bullying.org, founded and developed by a long-term Kivalliq teacher, Mr. Bill Belsey, is very active these days.
I encourage teachers, parents and students to look there and other sites, such as the Stop the Bullying website, for ideas and support in raising awareness of bullying and helping put an end to it.
Under the current Education Act, District Education Authorities are responsible for developing codes of conduct and discipline procedures in community schools. I understand that different schools across Nunavut have different policies, programs, and projects to address this specific issue.
It would be good if the Department of Education could provide some specific territorial-wide support for all DEAs and schools to address this issue. I encourage the minister to direct his department to expand its activities in this area before the problem gets worse.
Member’s Statement 028 – 2(3): Transportation Issues – High Arctic (Barnabas)
Good afternoon, and I send my regards to the people in my riding.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the issue of transportation in the High Arctic.
Mr. Speaker, you may have noticed that the political cartoon in this week’s edition of News North is about the problems that my constituents in Grise Fiord face when they travel out of their community and what the cartoon depicted were clients being kicked out of the plane with their suitcases.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, all of the three communities that I represent have brought transportation-related issues to my attention.
The high cost of air travel is getting higher as fuel prices are increasing.
The lack of competition in the small market does not create pressure to keep fares down.
Changes in the schedules and services cause concern to my constituents.
I talked yesterday about the Federal Food Mail Program and the need for us here in Nunavut to lobby actively for improvements to the program.
Mr. Speaker, constituents have talked to me about how they would like to have more options when it comes to sealift.
I have written to companies like NEAS on this matter.
Mr. Speaker, I recognize that it will not be cheap to live in the High Arctic; however, we need to do what we can to help to support our residents who help assert sovereignty in the High Arctic.
I think that we need to lobby for an increase in the northern residence deduction for our taxpayers. Many people in the South forget that Inuit pay taxes like all Canadians. My constituency in the High Arctic is in a unique location and the amount of deduction should be reflected.
Mr. Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Mr. Barnabas (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and my colleagues. (interpretation ends) Beneficiaries are entitled to certain benefits through their enrolment status.
I think that we should consider having these benefits reflect the higher costs for people in the most remote communities.
Mr. Speaker, when we begin the review of the capital estimates of the Department of Economic Development and Transportation, I will have questions on transportation specific to the needs of the High Arctic.
Later today, I will have questions for the minister on our transportation strategies.
Member’s Statement 029 – 2(3): Elimination of Staffed Weather Stations (Picco)
Across Canada, over the last several years, Environment Canada has closed down and automated many local weather stations.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut is one of those locations that has seen an elimination of staffed weather operations. Mr. Speaker, it was seen that our forecasts are less accurate than ever before. This has implications for search and rescue operations, flight schedules, and so on.
Mr. Speaker, this has also been raised in other parts of Canada.
I wrote the Federal Minister of Environment on two important issues:
Could the minister tell me and correlate the accuracy of your forecast today against the same period when stations were actually staffed?
Will the federal government review the current arctic weather forecasting and put warm bodies and not hot computers on the job?
Mr. Speaker, as one constituent told me, one wouldn’t want to schedule one’s day based on our weather forecasts.
Coordination and forecasts are based on computer models 2000 miles away in Edmonton. It doesn’t make sense Mr. Speaker.
Hopefully we can get the forecast to be at least accurate some of the time instead of now, which seems to be none of the time.
Member’s Statement 030 – 2(3): Davis Inlet Quota Tonnage in 0A (Kilabuk)
I rise today representing the community of Pangnirtung and I am very comfortable standing up today about the Minister of Fisheries and Ocean decision in respect to the turbot allocations in Davis Straight and region 0A.
Today Mr. Speaker, they seem to be talking with some of the companies about increasing the quotas for 0A, which is adjacent to Nunavut and one thing that I am very disappointed about is I was involved right from the beginning, studying what was being done before I became a Member of the Legislative Assembly.