EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
They receive different Government of Nunavut subsidies and looking at the figure for administration, water and sanitation tax and leases, fuel and power, when you split them up, 1000, the average on 1519, for commercial costs and residential.
Mr. Alagalak (interpretation): In looking at the pie chart, to maintain the house, I know that its not as expensive to maintain the house, but organizations that are recognized as associations, and the housing corporation provides funding to LHO’s and given all sorts of responsibilities, have you ever considered, within your department, within the housing corporation, to improve this situation to make sure that it will cost less.
And we’re always in shortage of maintenance services for public, and I’m sure that there is room for improvements here.
I was wondering if you have ever considered this further?
Hon. Peter Kilabuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, we have started the consideration and as I have stated in the House we’re looking at renovations like for energy cost saving, and also in the main estimates of Nunavut Housing Corporation, the local housing associations will be provided through this main estimate.
On energy cost savings, that is what we are working on together with Local Housing Organizations.
On page L-16, I am looking at the pie chart, they are for homeownership, and water and sanitation is 10% of figure 7, it seems like the difference, they are both public housing.
I urge you to look into this further.
It seems there are differences between those two.
One is being provided with assistance.
Hon. Peter Kilabuk (interpretation): Yes, I stated that the costs for those two are different.
The subsidies are different, so I will allow my deputy to explain.
The shelter costs on figure 7 of the business plan there, is for private homeowners essentially.
Particular of the power and water and sanitation is subsidized by the power corporation or to the municipality.
I believe that the fuel cost is sustained per litre to private homeowners as it is to public housing, and that price is set by PPD.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Scott. Mr. Alagalak.
Mr. Alagalak (interpretation): That’s it for now.
Chairman (interpretation): Mr. Peterson, I will allow you to ask more questions.
I was going to ask the question on page L-10.
As I mentioned in my earlier comments about Bathurst Inlet, the houses haven’t been repaired there on four or five years, and then I raised the issue with the minister last year as officials found some money within their budget to do the repairs last fall.
I think there are still repairs that need to be done.
I’m wondering if the minister, or his officials could confirm that there’s funding within this budget or somewhere within their department to complete the work that needs to be done this year, I believe more levelling, some stoves, some new doors, and some windows.
Chairman: (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Peterson.
I think my colleague is asking on the capital funded projects which will not be reflected in here.
Mr. Peterson: Thank you I’m not sure where the funding came from last year, if it was from Capital Projects or from the O&M budget.
Hon. Peter Kilabuk: Yes that does fall into the Capital Projects.
I’ll follow up privately with the minister.
Mr. Curley (interpretation): Mr. Chairman, it’s part of my opening remarks that the local housing associations have a lot to do, like literally they’re property management, and they have to maintain the houses, or the units and they have technical staff, such as mechanical and plumbing.
And they have to do housing repairs, and they have to do cost estimations, but looking at the Housing Corporation.
Why is that the case, how come there is no training component in this?
Public works and staff can get professional training, how come the staff at local housing association are not treated the same?
Yes, we also consider them.
I can’t say that were neglecting them.
We consider them also.
We know that the LHO staff in the communities travel to further their training.
From $286,000, are geared towards LHO staff.
I looked through the Business Plan presented, there’s not one shred of evidence or a plan or obligation listed in there that the Housing Association locally needs extra help in continuing to improve in strength and including human resources management.
They are now involved with probably one of the significant amount of local employment, for local people but they need to keep up with all the rules and regulations that do come into labour relations stuff, and so on.
I would like to urge the minister and the President to take that as one of the important components, because if you’re going to continue to off load some responsibility, the Housing Associations are responsible, including tenant relations, including conflicts that arise sometimes when allocating houses.
Everything is centered in local housing.
I really believe that you need to demonstrate on paper, you need to demonstrate that the property management, the significant part of their business; it should be presented to the Members of the Legislative Assembly; it should not be just, what I would call the discretionary responsibility of the President or his team.
It should be demonstrated so that we could make sure that you are accountable and you are responsible for putting forward the Business Plan that would continue that the local housing groups are experienced, strong and that they continue to take their responsibility seriously rather than just being expected to perform a move like that.
By doing so, having a training plan, taking into consideration all the areas that I looked at, including project management, in some respects construction management, I think we would have probably saved millions of dollars if we had strengthened, good quality local housing associations.
I want you to give me some assurance that that will be included in next year’s plans because I think it would be silly for me to just say I believe that on another sheet of paper, unless you want to table that information that you say you have, would you be willing to share that information that you have with us.
Yes on my page, L-23 on the Business Plan, under the priorities for 2005/06, the fifth bullet we highlight “continue to provide capacity building support to the LHOs, the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s community partners as they assist in the development of the Corporation programs.”
So that is identified in the 2005/06 priorities for the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
On the side, Mr. Chairman, I will note that my colleague’s comments lead to more room and need for further training.
So I will assure my colleague that I will direct my staff to build upon the initiatives undertaken and to do a more thorough review of the training needs for our LHOs.
Mr. Curley: I appreciate the response.
Mr. Chairman, I may be old-fashioned because I don’t see your work on training or professional development stuff with respect to that.
It says a comprehensive or modernization improvements.
I really think that we can be quite clear because I think the training dollars that are available can be cost shared between any other major funding sources. If we have more dedication specifically toward improving them, because there are some technical regulations that also apply.
They are not just some group these days.
They have put professional responsibility, in my view.
I think they deserve better.
I am grateful though that the minister understands that and I would just like for him to be more clear and more direct with the training requirements of all levels of their responsibility.
Would you undertake to doing that?
Very shortly, yes. I will ask my staff to see if we can produce a report for the next sitting later on in the fall.
Mr. Curley: I would just like to thank the minister and I will ask him to remind me if I do forget in the fall.
This is not a question, but there’s some concerns that the homeowners have, and I think that they should have more opportunities through Housing Corporation to deal with their homes.
In the communities, there’s some homeowners who would like to use the staff of the local housing authorities, but we can’t do that.
I’m very pleased that the staff who are based in Cape Dorset do come to our community of Sanikiluaq.
But the homeowners are not given the opportunity to have discussions with the senior staff of the local housing authority.
I think that the homeowners should have an opportunity to talk to headquarters or to voice their concerns.
Is it possible for your staff or one of the senior staff to go down to Sanikiluaq to listen to the homeowners, or have meetings with the homeowners?
One of our staff is probably going down to Sanikiluaq. Because the staff are listening to the discussions here, I will inform you when one of our senior staff is going down and we will warn you in advance.
Mr. Chairman: Thank you Mr. Minister. Anything else, Mr. Kattuk?
Mr. Kattuk: To supplementary further, the people of Sanikiluaq would like to see the program coordinator and some of the staff hear their concerns. I’m very proud that you’re going to be warning me in advance.
Mr. Chairman: Are there any other questions?
We’ll then go back to page L-4.
Department summary, Nunavut Housing Corporation.
Total Operations and Maintenance 89,640,00.
Mr. Chairman: Do you agree that we have completed Nunavut Housing Corporation?
Thank you, Mr. Minister and your officials, do you have any closing comments.
I would just like to thank the Members of the Legislative Assembly, first of all, and also my staff.
I would like to ask Mr. Okalik for the Department of Justice to make his opening remarks.
I am please to appear before the Committee to present the Department of Justice 2005-2006 Main Estimates.
The department has been allocated a total operating budget of $54,598 million, which represents an increase of $5.6 million over last year’s budget.
I believe that the new money in the department’s budget will help us enhance our programs to make sure that they reflect the priorities of Pinasuaqtavut and incorporating Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
Some of the new money allocated to the Department of Justice’s responds to the increasing costs of providing regular court circuits to communities.
Both court services, and legal aid through the Nunavut Legal Services Board are affected by the demands provided these services.
There are allocations of new money for Courst Services, and the Legal Services Board to address shortfalls.
There is increased funding this year for training for Justices of the Peace and coroners, and more money for Labour Standards audits.
Our Justices of the Peace receive regular training and attended some very thorough training sessions in December of last year.
Also addressed is more funding for the growing number of courts ordered mental assessments plus added salaries for an additional Family Maintenance Officer, Family Counselors and the Civil Registry.
Community Justice provides community programs to prevent crime, diversion and mediation services, traditional counseling programs and assistance with offenders returning to the community from institutions.
We have increased funding for community Justice Committees which allow some cases to be dealt with effectively out of court.
The spousal assault program in Rankin Inlet is having every positive results but federal start-up funding is ending June of this year.
Justice Nunavut will contribute to ensure this valuable undertaking continues.
Some additional funds have been provided to pay elders for guidance and counseling they give to youth and adults on community dispositions.
(interpretation) I am pleased to report that the Law School initiative is nearing completion.
Graduation is on June 21, 2005.
That is to be followed by a one year articling period for each graduate.
The funding for five Akitsiraq graduates for 6 months of articling after graduation is included in the 2005-2006 Main Estimates.
These five students will be working with other lawyers in the Department of Justice to complete their formal learning process.
We are proud to have supported them and look forward to the completion of their classroom studies this year, and their call to the bar as full lawyers in the summer of 2006.
The additional resources for policing are principally to cover salary increases as a result of new collective agreements for RCMP members.
Other increases are for higher fuel costs and to reestablish the original RCMP budget level.
The funding for the Inuit Policing Program will be continuing again this year, as it has been a very successful program.
We now have 21 Inuit constable working for the RCMP in Nunavut and we hope to continue with this trend.
We are pleased to be able to enhance the quality of our programs and services to better serve Nunavumiut.
Those are my comments, but I will be pleased to respond to nay questions that members of the Committee may have.
Chairperson (interpretation): Do you have witnesses that you would like to bring to the table?
Chairperson (interpretation): Sergeant at arms, if you would escort the witnesses please.
On my left, my deputy minister, Marcus Webber, and my right is Sylvia Hicks, our financial planner.
Does the chair of the Standing Committee have any comments?
Thank you, Mr. Mapsalak please go ahead.
I’m pleased to be able to give to committee’s opening remarks as we begin debate on the 2006 Main Estimates for the Department of Justice.
Later on members will have an opportunity to ask questions regarding these estimates.
The Standing Committee Ajauqtiit have had the opportunity to meet with the minister and his staff.
The minister was able to give an update on his departments proposed expenditures.
Mr. Chairman, Members were pleased to hear that 11 Akitsiraq law school students will be graduating on June 21st, 2005.
Members are extremely proud of the hard work and dedication they have demonstrated and look forward to seeing them working for the benefits of Nunavummiut.
I’m sure all my colleagues are with me in wishing them the best as they begin there articling year.
Mr. Chairman the Committee is of the view that programs such as this one should be continued, even on the smallest scale, to increase our school of Inuit professionals.
It may be worth considering applying this educational model to such professions as accounting and science.
Members were also pleased to learn that the department is working with the Arctic College to possibly develop a new program called the Justice Access Program, which will teach people the skills required to enter the RCMP and other bodies.
Members will look forward to be kept informed on the status of this proposed program.
Members continue to express concerns regarding drugs entering their communities.
Members are pleased that the RCMP continues to use the detecting dog in fight against drugs and visiting schools as part of their anti-drug campaign.
Mr. Chairman, Members work to be kept up to date on the long terms plans for the replacement of the Baffin Correctional Centre and plans for the development of the female remand facility for Nunavut.
Mr. Chairman, members are aware that all staff for the Kugluktuk Men’s Healing facility have completed there training.
Members look forward to the opening of this facility and freeing up much needed space at BCC and repatriating some inmates to be closer to home.
Members support future incidences for this type of facility to be build in Nunavut, with due attention being paid to community safety.
Mr. Chairman, Members are hopeful that the government regulating can be translated in Inuktitut languages in the future.
Members are aware that translated regulations are not legally binding.
However, Members strongly feel it is important to translate regulations and potentially high public interest such as those with a new Nunavut Wildlife Act.
Mr. Chairman, members are aware that the new Human Rights Tribunal in Coral Harbour is making progress towards being fully staffed and operational.
Members urge the Minister to have clear educational materials developed and distribute to Nunavummiut on the Human Rights and how this new office can affect them.
Members are also pleased that this will create employment opportunities for some residents of Coral Harbour.
Mr. Chairman, Members are pleased to learn that the Spousal Abuse Program and Inuusirmut Aqqusiuqtiit Pilot Projects are going well.
Members support efforts of this department to help resolve family disputes in culturally sensitive way.
Mr. Chairman, Members are concerned that there are not enough beneficiaries being employed at the Baffin Correctional Centre.
Less than 10 percent of the positions at Baffin Correctional Centre are filled by Inuit.
Members urge the Minister to improve beneficiary employment levels at Baffin Correctional Centre.
Mr. Chairman, Members are therefore pleased to hear that the department’s efforts in making institutions more relevant to Inuit giving managerial positions to Inuit in the four institutes in Nunavut.
The Committee would like to congratulate Lew Philips, new warden of Baffin Correctional Centre.
Johnny Flaherty, manager of Utaqqivik Centre, Letia Kowalchuk, manager trainee for Isumaqsunngittukuvik Youth Facility and Helen Laroque, manager of the Ilavut Healing Centre in Kugluktuk.
Mr. Chairman, Members are pleased that the department is working towards establishing a “Stand Alone’ probation service for Nunavut.
In the past, social workers in the communities have had to handle this service in addition to their already heavy work load, and in some communities they still do.
Social workers must be relieved of this extra duty that should be the responsibility of this department.
Mr. Chairman, Members are pleased to hear through news reports that communities will soon be warned when high risk offenders arrive in their communities.
Members expect to be fully informed on this development.
Members were generally satisfied overall with the department’s progress and I anticipate that the individual Members will raise their own comments and concerns on the department’s 2005-2006 Main Estimates.
Mr. Chairman: Thank you Mr. Mapsalak.
Before we proceed, I would like to remind Members of the following: According to rule 77(1) you have ten minutes to speak.
According to rule 77(2) subject to discretion of the Chair, a member may speak more than once on any matter under discussion but not until every member wishing to speak has spoken.
I suggest to Members that wherever possible, you ask your detailed questions during the page-by-page review of the departmental estimates.
Do Members have any general comments?
(interpretation): If there’s no general comments from the Members, we’ll go to page E-5.
Mr. Alagalak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I wish to report progress.
I would like to thank Minister Okalik and your officials.
We’ll see you tomorrow.
Your Committee has been considering Bill 8 on the Main Estimates and would like to report progress.
Is there a Seconder?
. Mr. Kilabuk.
Number 21.
Items 22.
Mr. Clerk: Mr. Speaker, an announcement for tomorrow, meeting of the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Accountability at 9:00 at the Tuktu Room and the meeting of the Ajauqtiit Committee at 9:00 in the Nanuq Room.
Orders for the day for Thursday, March 10, 2005:
Speaker (interpretation): This House stands until Thursday, March 10, 2005 at 1:30.
>>House adjourned at 19:35  Nunavut Canada
Thursday March 10, 2005
Pages 1463 – 1526
Opening Prayer 1463
Ministers’ Statements 1463
Members’ Statements 1464
Returns to Oral Questions 1468
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 1469
Oral Questions 1470
Written Questions 1489
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 1490
Report of the Committee of the Whole 1525
Orders of the Day 1525
Thursday March 10, 2005 1463
079 – 2(2): International Nurses Recruitment (Brown) 1463
181 – 2(2): Sealing in Nunavut (Kattuk) 1464
182 – 2(2): Recognition of Long Service Awards (Evyagotailak) 1465
183 – 2(2): High Costs of Airfares (Barnabas) 1465
184 – 2(2): Economic Development in Chesterfield Inlet (Netser) 1466
185 – 2(2): Environmental Design Award (Tootoo) 1467
186 – 2(2): Wedding Anniversary (Brown) 1467
187 – 2(2): Recognition of Ipeelie Kilabuk (Kilabuk) 1467
188 – 2(2): Economic Development in Nunavut (Peterson) 1468
Return to Oral Question 178 – 2(2): Items Deleted in the KPMG Report (Brown) 1469
242 – 2(2): Tracking Expenditures (Tootoo) 1470
243 – 2(2): Economic Development Implementation Plans (Peterson) 1472
244 – 2(2): Custom Adoption Policies (Curley) 1473
245 – 2(2): Airline Services for the High Arctic (Barnabas) 1475
246 – 2(2): Potential Economic Development in Chesterfield Inlet (Netser) 1476
247 – 2(2): Update on Sealing in Nunavut (Kattuk) 1477
248 – 2(2): Ministerial Travel (Tootoo) 1478
249 – 2(2): Passports Be Made Available in Nunavut (Barnabas) 1479
250 – 2(2): Policy on Piloting (Kattuk) 1481
251 – 2(2): Implementing a Transportation Strategy (Tootoo) 1481
252 – 2(2): Development in Arctic Bay Update (Barnabas) 1483
253 – 2(2): Tabling of Status of Women Recommendations (Peterson) 1484
254 – 2(2): Undershipment of Fuel Products (Tootoo) 1485
255 – 2(2): Hiring Nurses Outside of Canada (Barnabas) 1488
029 – 2(2): Departmental Expenditures and Variance Reporting Requirements (Tootoo) 1489
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Speaker (interpretation): I would ask Mr. Alagalak to say the opening prayer.
Speaker (interpretation): Before we proceed I would like the Members of the House to remain standing and observe a minute of silence in honour of the four members of the RCMP, who died in the line of duty on March 3rd.
Minister’s Statement 079 – 2(2): International Nurses Recruitment
I rise today to announce that the Department of Health and Social Services’ International Registered Nurse Recruitment is going extremely well.
In late November, 2004 we sent two Health and Social Services representatives with our contractors, Trillium Talent Resource Group, to the Philippines and India to recruit registered nurses.
This registered nurse recruitment trip has proven to be successful as to date we have begun extending job offers and anticipate meeting our goal of staffing all registered nurse positions by September 2005.
I want to remind the members that international registered nurse recruitment is only one way of addressing the current and anticipated global shortages of registered nurses.
Retention of our current nurses, as well as Canadian recruitment continues to be high priorities for us.
We also have the Nunavut Arctic College Registered Nursing program of which we graduated our first two Inuit registered nurses in April 2004 and we will be graduating two more Inuit registered nurses in June 2005.
My Department is committed to training Nunavummiut to become healthcare providers in order to ensure the continuity of health care to Nunavutmiut.
Member's Statement 181 – 2(2): Sealing in Nunavut
I rise today in regards to announcement that I heard this morning through the media.
It is in regards to sealing and we heard on the radio that this was not a very good thing.
I wanted to talk about it in this House of how the Inuit people use seal products, skins and for food.
They are very valuable to the Inuit people.
We have been using them for thousands and thousands of years but sometimes there are always some concerns from outside of Nunavut.
In my constituency and in other Nunavut communities, this must have been a disturbing thing to hear.
We eat what we get off the land, one of them being seals, and we don’t leave anything.
Sometimes maybe we leave a little bit of blubber but the rest of the seal is taken for food and the skin is taken for clothing.
For instance, it is our way of life.
It is a healthy food.
At the beginning we made money off the seal skin and also the meat is distributed amongst families for their food.
They are also divided for people in the community for the less fortunate and for the families.
I have seen something that I didn’t really like on television, people abusing animals and putting them on fire.
Some of them are very hard to burn out... Mr. Speaker, I am seeking unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Please proceed, Mr. Kattuk.