EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I, too, am extremely pleased to have this opportunity to recognize an individual who is a fellow resident of Repulse Bay, Roland Tungilik. I also thank him for coming to the Gallery when I invited him to visit.
As I mentioned in my Member’s Statement, I would like to recognize Saa Pitseolak, who is one of the award recipients from the long-term service awards last night, with her son, Mososie, and Joel.
He must have stepped out for a moment.
I would also like to take this time to recognize Sen. Patterson as well.
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Patterson some years back and I would like to say that we are now friends.
I would also like to recognize the gentleman sitting next to him, Alan Vaughan, former long-time resident of Yellowknife and now a resident of Alberta. He is here assisting the City of Iqaluit with a project.
I would also like to welcome each individual who has been welcomed here and recognized.
(interpretation ends) Item 6. (interpretation) Oral Questions.
Question 035 – 4(1): Recreational Facilities for Aivilik (Mapsalak)
Mr. Speaker, as we all know, having recreational facilities, such as swimming pools and arenas, benefit all Nunavummiut, especially youth.
Mr. Speaker, on March 10, 2008, when I was an MLA, I asked a question to the Minister of Community and Government Services concerning the need for new recreation facilities.
At that time, the minister committed to discussing the issue with her officials and getting back to me on the issue.
Mr. Speaker, it has been six years since I brought this issue up in the House and none of these swimming pools have appeared in communities where they’re desperately needed.
Can the minister look into this issue and make a determination as to my riding’s request for new swimming pool facilities?
Yes, we can review that.
Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the minister for his response as that is the very first time that any minister has agreed to my request.
Mr. Speaker, can the minister commit to consulting with my constituency communities about this matter of swimming pools? Youth and regular residents have clamoured for this facility for quite a while.
Can the minister commit to consulting with the hamlet councils in the riding that I represent?
With respect to his two constituency communities, our department can consult with them on that matter.
Speaker (interpretation): Member for Gjoa Haven, Mr. Akoak.
Question 036 – 4(1): Status of Swan Lake Bridge (Akoak)
Mr. Speaker, in 2010, the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency provided the Government of Nunavut with more than $1.3 million to build and expand community access roads and upgrade or replace community bridges.
Mr. Speaker, one of the projects to receive funding was the installation of a new Swan Lake bridge in the vicinity of the community of Gjoa Haven.
Concerns have been brought to my attention that although the new infrastructure has been delivered to the community of Gjoa Haven, it has not yet been installed and made operational.
Mr. Speaker, can the minister update me today on the status of this issue?
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for that excellent question. The issues he spoke about were just recently provided to me, although I haven’t completed my review of the issue.
After our initial discussion on the matter, our department undertook this review.
At this time, I can’t state what may occur as it hasn’t been included as per my understanding or whether plans will be drawn up. I will provide the information the member asked about once I have it sent to my attention.
Member for (interpretation ends) Baker Lake, Mr. Mikkungwak.
Question 037 – 4(1): Calling for a Review of Medical Benefits (Mikkungwak)
Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Health.
Mr. Speaker, earlier in my Member’s Statement, I referred to the Medical Travel Policy under which medical escorts are approved to accompany medical travel clients, or not, as the case may be.
The minister has indicated that the Medical Travel Policy was revised in June of 2013 and that the changes to the policy were based on recommendations made by consultants.
Can the minister provide detail on the consultation process undertaken by those consultants and specifically indicate whether or not they travelled to Nunavut’s smaller outlying communities to get residents’ views on issues relating to medical travel?
The member is asking about detailed information related to the process, but I don’t have it available at this time. I am aware that many people were surveyed. They also queried the clinical administrators in the communities who provide doctor’s appointments and other travel-related work.
I can look into the matter and provide further details that the member is asking for. Once I have the information, I can provide it to the member.
Many Nunavummiut, especially those in the smaller, outlying communities, have to travel to the (interpretation ends) regional hubs for medical services and sometimes they have to travel further to other centres.
It is important that Nunavut’s policies are relevant to the people they serve.
Can the minister indicate what steps are being taken to ensure that her department’s policies, such as the Medical Travel Policy, are directly relevant to the needs and wishes of Nunavut’s residents?
This was done in June, and a year hasn’t even passed since the approval of the policy.
There are four line items in the policy that have to be followed for all medical travel patients as well as by staff. We have provided directives outlining the requirement to abide by this policy.
At this time, the legislation as well as the corresponding policies are available on a central website in all four official languages and are distributed to all health care centres in Nunavut.
Furthermore, just last week, I spoke about the NWT government having made changes to their system, where a one-stop hub has been created with one central decision-maker related specifically to the medical escort policy.
Our department will review how it is implemented in our sister territory. It will allow us to review our own system to see if we can make improvements. This is an ongoing attempt to improve the system.
Mr. Speaker, I understand that providing interpreting services for a unilingual medical traveller is one criterion for providing a medical escort.
However, I believe that there is a strong argument for also having a medical escort who can provide support and compassion to a medical client who is going through a serious medical issue, even if the client is young and fully bilingual. It seems that in some cases, this is taken into account, but not in other cases.
(interpretation ends) Will the minister commit to reviewing the Medical Travel Policy again, giving full consideration to the needs and wishes of all Nunavummiut, including those from communities that are not regional centres?
In speaking about medical travel patients, they are first dealt with prior to their travel, with paperwork outlining their departure point and destination and prior to their return trip back home. They are looked after from that point onwards.
There is also transportation made available at their destination. Further, if they require interpreters, then an interpreter is tasked to wait for the patient.
Perhaps in Ottawa, not all of the drivers are fluent in Inuktitut. However, they have flash cards in Inuktitut and if the patients can’t understand, they use a cellphone to call an interpreter to convey messages to one another.
I believe the member is referring to the transportation issues at the patients’ home communities from their homes to the airports. If I am correct in that, at this time, I don’t think the fares are paid by our department.
To use Iqaluit as an example, if I have to attend to a doctor’s appointment from my home, I would not require airplane travel. Most likely, I would take a cab to the hospital or ask an acquaintance to drive me there. However, once I am at my destination, that is it.
If a patient reaches their destination in a southern location, a driver would be there to pick the patient up, and that is how things are done.
If we were to deliberate on issues related to medical travel patients, there are a lot of issues to look at. Up to date, we have expended $53.3 million just in fiscal year 2011-12 and it seems clear that these costs will continue to escalate.
Mr. Speaker, the Medical Travel Policy ends on March 31, 2018, and if the members wish to review the policy, then we would require approval from the cabinet to proceed to make any changes.
Question 038 – 4(1): Meeting Medical Travel Costs (Sammurtok)
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I was recently contacted by a constituent who travelled to Winnipeg for medical reasons. Under the Non-Insured Health Benefits program as provided to Inuit beneficiaries, my constituent states that he was entitled to just $35 a day for meals, that is, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Mr. Speaker, we all know that this is not enough to cover the cost of one healthy, regular dinner.
Can the minister clearly describe how the amounts allocated for meals for medical travel clients are determined under the Non-Insured Health Benefits program?
Regarding the member’s question about medical travel patients, perhaps if he could clarify if the patient was staying at the boarding home or if they were in a hotel, and if the member can clarify which situation the patient was in, then I can respond.
Speaker (interpretation): Member for Rankin Inlet South, Mr. Sammurtok, please restate your question.
The patient stayed in a hotel, not a boarding home.
Yes, with respect to medical patients who travel to attend to medical treatment in Winnipeg, which I believe the member is referring to, they are given a choice whether to be on their own if they don’t wish to stay at the boarding home.
If they choose a hotel, then different rates apply, such as their meals, and different arrangements are made in those cases.
They are usually provided with meal tickets at the hotel at which they are staying.
Mr. Sammurtok: Mr. Speaker, I recognize that it is the federal government which sets the rates for Non-Insured Health Benefits for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.
However, there must be a means by which the actual costs for such expenses as travel, accommodation, and food are taken into consideration under this program.
Can the minister explain what role her Department plays in ensuring that any review and adjustment of the allocations under the Non-insured Health Benefits program take into account our actual needs?
Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for that question.
Health continues to work with the boarding homes to improve recreational activities and other services that clients and escorts enjoy during their stay.
We continue to work with the federal government on the First Nations and the Inuit Health branch, who funds the boarding home contract rate that the member was talking about at $75.07 per person per night, and we continue to have collaboration.
Your final supplementary, Mr. Sammurtok.
Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Will the Minister of Health commit to raising this issue with her federal counterparts at the earliest opportunity and make every effort to get the daily allowance for meals increased for medical clients who depend on the NIHB benefits for their needs while travelling away from home to receive medical services?
I will ask my staff to review the question the member has raised and we will look into it.
Question 039 – 4(1): Kivalliq-Manitoba Hydroelectric Development (Savikataaq)
Mr. Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
My questions today are for the (interpretation ends) Minister of Energy, Mr. George Kuksuk.
(interpretation ends) In the year 2002, the governments of Nunavut and Manitoba signed a Memorandum of Intent on a Northern Energy Strategy.
In 2010, the two governments signed another memorandum of understanding, which included a commitment to “sharing best practices and technology” in the area of renewable energy.
Mr. Speaker, can the Minister of Energy update the House today on what has been accomplished to date in the area of developing power connections between Manitoba and the Kivalliq?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of Energy, Mr. Kuksuk.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my colleague from Arviat.
I was just recently given the responsibility of the Department of Energy and I am still in the process of reviewing the files.
All I can say regarding the work on energy and power with the Nunavut government is that we are trying to see how we can reduce carbon-based fuels and we will continue to look for alternatives.
We will also look into other jurisdictions and other energy operations to see how we can work together on the matter of energy. We will continue to pursue that.
In regard to your actual question, I don’t have the answer with me right now. I will have to get back to you on that matter. (interpretation ends) I will take that as notice. (interpretation) Thank you.
Speaker: It has been taken as notice. (interpretation) Oral Questions.
Question 040 – 4(1): Status of Decentralization Action Plan (Angnakak)
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Premier.
As the Premier will recall, the previous government undertook a comprehensive review of decentralization.
The final report from that initiative was tabled in the Legislative Assembly a little over two years ago.
The government [subsequently] produced a [decentralization] action plan, which was tabled in June of 2012.
Can the Premier update the House on the status of the government’s implementation of its [Decentralization] Action Plan?
Mr. Speaker, the plan has been ongoing. I know there were some consultations that took place, but at this time, there is no timeframe pending tabling of the document. I will certainly let the member know once we get to that point.
The previous government’s [Decentralization] Action Plan indicated that the government would continue to “situate at least 60% of all public service jobs outside of Iqaluit.”
However, it also indicated that the government will “aim for a better fit between positions and community, including strengths, characteristics [and labour market].”
Can the Premier indicate what specific steps his government will take to achieve this goal?
Mr. Speaker, within the plan, there are 29 recommendations and with the recommendations that we are working on, I’ll certainly let the member know, once the review is done, what action is going to taking place under the 29 recommendations proposed.
The government’s [Decentralization] Action Plan also indicated that the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs would be collaborating in the preparation of an Inuit labour force analysis to be “used by all departments for understanding the labour market.”
The action plan indicated that this was to have been completed by March of 2013.
Can the Premier indicate when the results of the Inuit labour force analysis will be tabled in the Legislative Assembly?
Once the document is prepared for tabling, I’ll certainly table the document at the time.
Question 041 – 4(1): Mobile Airport Equipment (Enook)
Mr. Speaker, earlier Mr. Mapsalak said that he received his first “yes” answer, and I would like to receive the same response to my question.
As the minister will appreciate, it is essential that all of our territory’s airports have the necessary equipment with which to ensure the safety of the travelling public.
Concerns have been brought to my attention about the lack of a grader at the Pond Inlet Airport. I think they’re called Maniqqassaijjutaut in Inuktitut.
It is my understanding that a piece of equipment is currently being shared between the airport and the municipality, but that it has been broken and non-functional for some time.
Can the minister clarify whether his department enters into formal agreements with municipalities for the sharing of mobile equipment?
In regard to the agreement, I would like him to clarify as to which agreement he is talking about.
Speaker (interpretation): Member for Tununiq, Mr. Enook.
It’s for things like heavy equipment, such as graders. The hamlet and the airport management sometimes share the same heavy equipment.
My question is: when they share a piece of equipment like that, do the Nunavut government or your department, Arctic Airports, and the municipality enter into formal agreements that spell out when and how such equipment will be shared?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. Kuksuk.
I understand the member now and I thank him for that question.
Different communities have different equipment. In some cases, there is one piece of heavy equipment that is shared. Sometimes the airport takes the equipment and sometimes the local government uses it, so the community and the airport share the equipment.
In regard to formal agreements, I am not sure whether a formal agreement is in place in his community or what is in it.
There is a share policy on heavy equipment. If there is any work to be done at the airport, then they have to use the heavy equipment or if the local government needs it, then the hamlet uses it.
That is how arrangements are made in some communities.
Although a new blower attachment for the Pond Inlet Airport is scheduled to be acquired in the 2014-15 fiscal year, a new grader for the airport is urgently required.
Mr. Speaker, the Legislative Assembly will be considering the government’s 2015-16 capital estimates later this year.
Can the minister assure me that a new grader for the Pond Inlet Airport will be included in his department’s capital plan?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister for Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. Kuksuk.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for his question.
Mr. Speaker, the capital planning process is done for capital equipment, specifically long-term plans for acquisition of capital equipment inside our department. It too will be subject to careful review, both the capital plans for the communities either for road maintenance or airstrip maintenance as they both have different requirements.
In the case of Pond Inlet, I don’t have the information or for other communities within Nunavut as the capital plans will be based on needs and replacement limits. This plan will include those types of details to ensure our capital plans are specific to the community’s needs, such as this piece of equipment, will be allocated to that community, and this vehicle will be sent to that community.
However, we will be fully prepared to review all the issues related to the capital plans, and Pond Inlet will be included in this capital planning process.
I thank the hon. minister for planning a thorough review. As I said, there is no grader at all in Pond Inlet and it’s to get that piece of equipment.
You said that you were in the planning stage. If I understand that correctly, because there is no grader in Pond Inlet, can we expect to get one?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minster of Economic Development and Transportation, Minister Kuksuk.
I want to tell him that all of Nunavut’s requests will be reviewed, including those from Pond Inlet.
Question 042 – 4(1): Human Rights Tribunal (Hickes)
In my Member’s Statement yesterday, I spoke about the importance of tolerance and respect for the human rights of our residents.
Mr. Speaker, one of the most important accomplishments of the First Legislative Assembly was the passage of our territory’s Human Rights Act, which the minister himself introduced.
This legislation established a Human Rights Tribunal.
Mr. Speaker, the 2011-12 Annual Report of the Human Rights Tribunal was not tabled in the Legislative Assembly until March of last year.
Can the minister indicate when he will be tabling the tribunal’s most recent annual report?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I share my colleague’s opinion, and I look forward to tabling this report during this session. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
In 2012, a major report titled “Strengthening the Nunavut Human Rights System” was tabled in the Legislative Assembly. This report contained a number of recommendations, 18 if I recall correctly, one of which suggested that the government also establish a Human Rights Commission, which would take on responsibility for education and advocacy, and leave responsibility for adjudication with the tribunal.
What is the government’s position on this idea, Mr. Speaker?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minster of Justice, Mr. Okalik.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) The concern I would have is that we don’t want to add time to complaints that may be filed.
We want to it as effective and efficient as possible.
We will continue with the current tribunal, which has been doing its job very effectively. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The 2012 report on the human rights system in Nunavut also identified a number of operational concerns with the current tribunal, and concluded that it would be more, and I quote, “accessible and effective” to Nunavummiut if its primary offices were more centrally located.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) The current report I will be tabling very shortly deals with that issue.
The current location has not affected its operations to date. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 043 – 4(1): Status of the Cape Dorset Sewage Lagoon (Joanasie)
I would like to direct my questions to the (interpretation ends) Minister of Community and Government Services.
Mr. Speaker, as the minister should be aware, construction of a new sewage lagoon in Cape Dorset started seven years ago. However, this much needed new facility has yet to be commissioned and brought into operation.
Can the minister provide an update on the status of Cape Dorset’s new sewage lagoon and what issues are preventing it from being completed?
I’m sorry; I missed part of the question that he asked.
I wonder if he could ask the question again.
Speaker (interpretation): Mr. Joanasie, please rephrase your question.
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Thank you, minister. I would just like to get an update on Cape Dorset’s new sewage lagoon, what the status is on it, and what has prevented it from being completed.
With respect to his question, yes, the sewage lagoon has yet to receive final approval due to a few minor deficiencies with the lagoon and those are currently being dealt with at this time.
Mr. Joanasie, do you have a first supplementary?
On March 14 of last year, the previous Member for South Baffin brought up this issue up in the House. At that time, the former minister indicated that his “department has conducted a dye test that confirmed a leak in the berm of the new sewage lagoon and that arrangements were being made with a contractor to complete that work that was identified.”
Can the minister explain what his officials have done to resolve this issue and when can Kinngarmiut expect to have the new sewage lagoon to be operating?
In this upcoming summer of 2014, the inspection is set to be undertaken.
In my last supplementary, I’m just asking if the minister can indicate: will the department be introducing additional funding through capital carryovers in order to complete the Cape Dorset Sewage Lagoon?
Our expectations are that the sewage lagoon the member is referring to in Cape Dorset, including the access road to the lagoon, is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2015.
Question 044 – 4(1): Funding for Community Access Roads (Mapsalak)
In my first round of questions, I got my first ever approval, and getting positive responses is addictive.