EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
It said that the corporation, in development of this Inuit Employment Plan, wanted to involve the employees it affects.
So this was an internal document.
The bottom of this one says it is revision 4, so I’m sure that there were a number of other revisions prior to that, at least three other ones.
I’m pretty sure there are at least one or two revisions after that, so this isn’t a final document.
I believe the corporation, in trying to get input and feedback from its employees, may have distributed this internally.
But one, it has not been published by the corporation.
Two, like I said, on the front page where it says the minister’s signature, I don’t see any signatures there.
So that should answer the second part of the question.
This is a fourth revision, as the minister stated.
Even after the fourth revision, the environmental scan on page 13 of 22 does not change.
It’s published still the same as the first revision.
Because it’s an observation by the management, this is contrary to Article 23 of the land claims agreement.
This is against the Canadian Constitution of not discriminating or at least observing certain Canadian citizens in a very negative way.
I do not see that in my community that “I want to stay in the same position forever.
I’m not interested in becoming a manager.”
The people in my community go out to Cambridge Bay for training, to Iqaluit, everywhere, with their families and sometimes leaving their families behind.
My question here is: how do you expect your department to change the environmental scan, at least the observation of the Inuit, on revision 4, 5, 6, 7, or whatever the number of revisions that you’re going to be making?
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Arvaluk. Minister Tootoo.
As I said earlier in my first response to the Member for Iqaluit West, I’m leery of talking about the contents of a document that probably doesn’t even exist in this format anymore; it’s not an approved document.
What I will indicate is, like I said, that the staff was directed by the former president to identify some of the challenges that they have actually encountered in being able to attract, retain, and promote Inuit within the corporation.
Some of these that are listed in here, I would assume, are some of the challenges that the corporation actually faced and ran into.
I believe that the idea behind identifying what those challenges are is so as a corporation, once we know what they are, we can look at ways to try and overcome those challenges so that they no longer become a problem and a deterrent for the corporation to deal with.
If we know that that’s a challenge, how can we help people overcome that challenge so that they can look at progressing, being promoted, and looking for a different job within the corporation?
I know the damage has been done already.
The public already heard what our concerns are.
The environmental scan of these observations at first on revision 4 does not reflect the Pinasuaqtavut document and other documents that the government has issued in the last ten years.
Will the minister then at least instruct his corporation to issue an environmental scan that reflects more of the government documents in the past ten years, especially the documents that the cabinet has issued for the goals and aims of the government?
I think I would disagree with what the member is saying that the damage has been done.
As I indicated earlier, if you want to change things and improve things, you’ve got to know what’s wrong.
If you look at the same thing with the tremendous feedback and support that we got in regard to the report card process, where people were very happy to have an opportunity to express what their concerns were, what they would like to see changed, and how they feel things could be improved, that’s what the corporation is doing here with its staff.
By not including some of the things that are actually happening there is like sticking your head in the sand and pretending they don’t exist, and then things won’t get better.
We won’t be able to address and overcome those challenges if we don’t recognize those challenges and deal with them.
The directive that was given on this was to identify some of the challenges that we’re facing and have faced.
That’s what this is doing.
Until we acknowledge and know what those challenges are, we can’t move forward to try and address them so that it no longer becomes an issue.
Question 098 – 3(2): Fuel Delivery Situation in Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt)
I’ll give Mr. Tootoo a break and ask the question to a different member.
My question is for the Minister of Community and Government Services as his department manages the fuel delivery contract in my community.
As the minister may be aware, a situation has developed in Sanikiluaq with respect to refuelling of aircraft.
It is my understanding that aircraft have not been able to refuel in the community since November 10 due to fuel dispensary issues at the airport.
There appears to be a problem with the connection between the fuel truck and the dispenser at the airport.
This has caused all medical flights to have to refuel in Northern Quebec or elsewhere before going back to Winnipeg. I am concerned that such delays pose a risk to emergency situations.
Has the minister been made aware of this situation by his officials and what steps has his department taken to address it?
Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to give my colleague a break with the questioning.
Approximately two weeks ago, the connection that enables ticketing to happen between the airline fuel tank transfer and the fuel truck was not working anymore.
The failure has caused a problem with fuelling up the airplane.
I assure the member that all of the airlines that travel to and from Sanikiluaq have been notified of the problem.
It did occur a couple weeks ago.
It’s a custom-made connector and our department has since ordered the part.
It was supposed to be in there a couple of days ago, but it still hasn’t been there.
It should be there as soon as possible. It is actually trying to get to Sanikiluaq at this time.
I am aware of the problem and we’re trying to rectify it as soon as possible.
Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister for his response.
He mentioned a bit about the connection between the trucks and the dispenser.
Concerns have also been raised with me with respect to the lack of a metering system at the airport.
Will the minister commit to working with the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation to address this situation so that aircraft do not have to rely on trucks for refuelling?
Yes, I will work with the appropriate department to look at ways of rectifying that issue.
It is also my understanding that although a new fuel truck arrived in the community in July, it is not yet operational due to various reasons.
Will the minister commit to reviewing this situation and report back to me with an update?
This issue has nothing to do with the airport issue, but I will gladly update you on the matter.
The matter is regarding the new fuel truck that arrived there this summer to serve as a backup for the existing one that has been there for a while.
The issue has to do with insuring the vehicle.
The contractor, Tookalook Fuel Dispensers, had issues with insuring the vehicle.
I have been notified that that issue is being rectified and it should be insured and on the road shortly.
And if there are any changes, I will be glad to notify the member from Sanikiluaq.
Question 099 – 3(2): Confirmed New Cases of H1N1 (Elliott)
I know Mr. Schell had his hand up before me, but... .
In his Minister’s Statement, he mentioned that there were a handful of confirmed H1N1 cases since September.
I was just wondering if the minister could actually give us a number of how many cases were confirmed.
Since September, we currently have 11 to date.
The Department of Health and Social Services has two websites of current interest, its main government website and the flunu website.
I was just curious to find out how often these sites are revisited and revised to provide up-to-date and current information to Nunavummiut.
The new website was launched about a month ago, so I can tell the member it has been in operation for about a month.
I believe it has gone through at least one revision.
I indicated to the officials at that time that they should include the communities exactly when the mass vaccination programs were going to come into effect. But since a month ago, one revision is not bad.
Your second supplementary… .
No more?
Question 100 – 3(2): Faulty New Holland Equipment (Schell)
My question is to the housing minister.
I see he is relaxed there, so I can ask him this question.
My understanding is that there have been some issues with the New Holland telehandlers, I’m going back to “telegates” here now, that were ordered.
My question is: what is the minister doing about the other 13 or 14 units that have to be purchased?
I’m surprised the member is asking me questions about that.
Mr. Speaker, all I can say is that the corporation has developed a standard operating procedures manual for those units and has been forwarded on, I would say thanks to the advice given by the member himself, to the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission.
We’re still awaiting a final feedback from them on the standard operating procedures dealing with the telehandlers that he mentioned.
So in other words, you’re trying to tell me that nothing has been done with it.
Have you gone back to the other companies to get prices on it and with different specs, etcetera?
I have heard that the housing corporation has gone back to Toromont to get prices on them and that’s the reason I’m asking.
It appears the member has a good relationship with the people at Toromont.
Mr. Speaker, as I indicated, once we get official feedback from WSCC, if there are any changes required based on their review of the standard operating procedures, then the corporation will take appropriate action at that time.
If they indicate that there’s a need to have a different type of equipment, then, at that time, I would imagine that the decision would be made to go and my guess would be, just to keep the member happy and everyone else happy, that a tender call or an RFP would be put out if something comes out that requires more stringent specifications.
Question 101 – 3(2): Inuit Employment Plan (Okalik)
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The more I listen to the responses from the minister to the questions raised by my colleagues, the more concerns I get towards the Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation.
As Inuit, we are no different from any other culture. We are by no means better or worse than others, although Inuit tend to be more humble.
Due to this observation made in the document, and I don’t know who drafted this, this staff member obviously needs more training about Inuit and their culture.
Our capabilities are no less than any other people. I didn’t choose to be an Inuk; I was born as an Inuk with capabilities no more or less than other people.
In my opinion, the minister ought to direct his staff to move beyond their outmoded perceptions, especially if any of his employees today may have that perception. They ought to be taught properly about our cultural perceptions and shown that Inuit have progressed beyond those prejudicial observations. It is not the Inuit who need to change.
I believe I have indicated on more than one occasion today that I would assume this is a draft document. I know this has probably gone through one or two more revisions since then.
Also, as I had indicated, I agree with the member 100 percent that Inuit are capable.
But what he’s referring to in the document was, as directed by a former president, I believe, that what are the challenges that we’re facing.
When you’re interviewing staff, why are they not doing… ?
These are some of the responses and some of the examples that the corporation has actually run into in the past, where it’s not making them up and it’s not generalizing.
It’s just saying that these are some of the examples of the challenges that the corporation has run into in the past.
What that does for the corporation is just that, to try and take down those barriers.
How do we address those concerns so that we can make it easier for Inuit employees to be able to, if they choose, move forward and move higher up within the corporation?
That’s exactly what’s going on.
The corporation is doing just that.
In order to be able to improve things, you’ve got to know what the challenges are.
What the members keep referring to is these challenges that have been faced in there.
In talking to employees, these are actual things that Inuit employees have told the corporation.
I think we need to know what those challenges and obstacles are so that we can find ways to get rid of them, so that we can make more opportunity for Inuit to progress through the ranks within the corporation.
Speaker: Thank you, Minister. Your first supplementary, Mr. Okalik.
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) It is also apparent that many beneficiaries do not possess the confidence or the belief that they can be successful undertaking the kind of training needed to move into positions of more responsibility.
Really, today, I think we have gone past that point.
So I would like this document withdrawn and whoever wrote this document removed.
Is the minister willing to do that?
I never presented this document; the member did. If he wants to withdraw it, he can go ahead.
Nothing has been signed off on it. Nothing has been done.
It was an internal document for feedback.
Like I said before, these are concerns that our staff are hearing from the employees.
They’re not making this up.
I think ignoring the fact of what people are telling you will not help you be able to address those issues and concerns.
Like I said, the same thing happened with the whole report card process.
People were saying that these things aren’t working. Well, they weren’t being listened to before.
If you want to be able to tackle those challenges for Inuit employees, then we need to identify what those challenges are and once we know what they are from them, find ways to overcome them.
That’s what the corporation is doing.
It’s not burying its head in the sand and saying, “No, these things don’t sound good, so we’re not going to tell you about them.”
These are things that have actually been discussed with staff.
These are things that Inuit employees are saying, that the corporation staff are not making this up just to put it in there.
These are things, like I said, that were directed in the past to identify the challenges that Inuit employees face within the corporation.
These are things that Inuit employees have told, not all of them.
The member is generalizing.
Like I said before, this is not all employees within the corporation; these are individual circumstances that the corporation has faced specifically in the past. I think the member is painting the whole corporation with all Inuit staff.
It could be just one incident but that one incident, if we can say that that’s what is stopping one individual from moving forward, if we can address that, then that’s what this is trying to do, to be able to identify what the challenges and barriers are out there by those employees so that we can do what we can to remove them to give them the opportunity to be able to move forward within the corporation.
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I find it very difficult to stand and try and justify that I’m equal.
For a government body/Crown corporation, today in Nunavut, to say that somehow, as an Inuk, I have added barriers to take on additional responsibilities, that is my issue.
This document was produced by a Crown corporation in Nunavut.
What’s going to happen to it?
Is the minister agreeing with this document?
Is the minister saying that we will not follow this particular section?
There were quite a number of questions there, so I will answer to one.
As I pointed out to my colleague from Tununiq when he asked if I agree to it, and the member is quite aware, the bottom line here on the front page is it has the deputy minister, who would be the president of the corporation, who hasn’t signed it.
As I indicated earlier, the board of directors has not seen this or approved anything. There’s a signature for the minister here too and my name is not on there, so I guess that would mean that I haven’t approved this yet.
Your final supplementary, Mr. Okalik. (interpretation) Thank you, Minister.
Question 102 – 3(2): Garage for New Grader in Chesterfield Inlet (Ningeongan)
This summer in Chesterfield Inlet, we received a new grader that would be used by the airport, but there is no housing available in the community except at the hamlet council’s garage.
I would like to ask the minister if we could build a garage for this grader.
I am aware of some of the issues where, in some communities, there is no protection for equipments that do maintenance on the airstrips and we’re looking into that situation.
In fact, we’re hoping to get a clear understanding of where some of the critical infrastructure is needed within these communities, although we have started building protective buildings for airport equipment.
As the minister indicated that he is aware of this situation, can he indicate to me when that garage will be built? The hamlet’s garage is housing their equipment, but the hamlet’s equipment has to be moved outside in order to house the grader. Could the minister indicate to me when that garage will be built for this brand new grader?
There are other communities that are in dire need of equipment protection with the severe winters and temperatures that we get up here.
Of course, with some of the new equipment that is being purchased, we do have to find a way to protect and prolong their lives for the airstrips out there.
I am aware that CGS is looking at what is required at the community level and I’m sure that this will be part of the review.
It is also obvious that there is not enough planning done from the community perspective.
With the hamlets and their limited resources and assets, out of their kindness, they have to provide protection for equipment that is needed.
So therefore, could the Minister of Transportation make sure that he reviews this as soon as possible?
I’m aware that Chesterfield Inlet is not the only community that requires those types of facilities, but when I met with the hamlet council, they mentioned it was something of importance to them.
I would like to ask the minister if he could review this as soon as possible.
We will definitely review.
We’re continually reviewing the priorities of Nunavut communities and Chesterfield Inlet is no exception.
We will continue to find ways to try and prolong the life of whatever equipment is purchased for the airstrips in the communities.
Petition 002 – 3(2): Resolute Bay Utilidor (Elliott)
I have a petition from my constituents in Resolute Bay.
This petition asks the Government of Nunavut to fully consider all options to retain and upgrade the utilidor system in the community of Resolute Bay.
Mr. Speaker, this petition contains 73 signatures.
I sincerely hope that these voices will be heard.
Tabled Document 051 – 3(2): Transcript of the September 30, 2009, Meeting of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance (Aupaluktuq)
I wish to table today a copy of the transcript of the September 30, 2009 meeting of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance.
The standing committee recently held hearings in Yellowknife during which representatives from the Municipality of Baker Lake made a presentation.
I strongly encourage the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation to review this transcript with care as I’ll have questions for him tomorrow on the subject.
Tabled Document 052 – 3(2): FPT Ministers of Health Meeting (Curley)
I am pleased to table the FPT Ministers of Health Meeting held back in September 17, 2009, in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Tabled Document 053 – 3(2): 2007-2008 Grants and Contribution Report (Peterson)
Tabled Document 054 – 3(2): 2008-2009 Grants and Contribution Report (Peterson)
I am pleased to table the 2007-08 and 2008-09 grants and contribution reports.
Tabled Document 055 – 3(2): Letter from Hamlet of Resolute Bay Supporting Utilidor Petition (Elliott)
I wish to table a copy of a letter submitted by the Hamlet of Resolute Bay in support of the community’s petition asking the Government of Nunavut to consider retaining its utilidor system.
I urge the government to give the letter and petition its full consideration.
Tabled Document 056 – 3(2): 2007-2008 Public Accounts (Peterson)
I am pleased to table the 2007-08 Public Accounts.
Tabled Document 057 – 3(2): Aerial Photograph of the New Arctic Bay Airport (Elliott)
I wish to table a copy of an aerial photograph of the new Arctic Bay Airport taken this summer.
This photograph shows the airport terminal and landing strip in proportion to Marcil Lake, which is the freshwater supply for the community of Arctic Bay.
Tabling of Documents. (interpretation) If there are no more, (interpretation ends) Item 14.
Bill 12 – Northern Employee Benefits Services Pension Plan Protection Act – Notice
I give notice that on Friday, November 27, 2009, that Bill 12, Northern Employee Benefits Services Pension Plan Protection Act, be read for the first time.
Mr. Tagak Curley.
Bill 21 – An Act to Amend the Utility Rates Review Council Act – Notice
I give notice that on Friday, November 27, 2009, that Bill 21, An Act to Amend the Utility Rates Review Council Act, be read for the first time. (interpretation) Thank you.
Bill 14 – Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2009, No. 2 – Notice
Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Friday, November 27, 2009, that Bill 14, Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, be read for the first time.
Bill 18 – Language Statutes Amendment Act – Notice
I give notice that on Friday, November 27, 2009, that Bill 18, Language Statutes Amendment Act, be read for the first time.
Bills 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 with Mr. Okalik in the Chair.
>>House recessed at 15:24 and Committee resumed at 16:02
I would like to call the committee meeting to order. Thank you for being able to be here. I believe we can now start the meeting.
In Committee of the Whole, we have the following items to deal with: Bills 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.
We would like to commence the review of Bill 8, starting with the Department of Community and Government Services.
Bill 08 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2010-2011 – Community and Government Services – Consideration in Committee
I believe we can start. I would like to ask Minister Kusugak of the Department of Community and Government Services to make his opening remarks. Minister Kusugak, would you like to start your opening comments?
Yes, I would like to proceed with the opening comments.
Chairman (interpretation): Yes, please proceed.
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman and everyone who is here with me.
I am pleased to present to you the 2010-15 Five-Year Capital Plan and the 2010-11 Capital Estimates for the Department of Community and Government Services.
(interpretation ends) The Department of Community and Government Services has many roles in the delivery of capital projects for the government. Technical and project management staff provide a wide range of services to all departments to assist and support them in the development of their capital plans.
This ranges from initial project identification to final technical reviews and project management.
In addition to providing assistance to the various departments, CGS is also directly responsible for securing funding for and assessing specific types of community infrastructure.
Our efforts require strong partnerships between government, the various hamlets, and the communities they represent.
CGS recognizes the expectations and trust required to understand and deliver significant and essential capital infrastructure in a fair and equitable way.
Our department is aware of potential community concerns regarding a lack of transparency in the capital planning process.