EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Yes, the draft strategy is now being in the works as we stand, and we will review and approve it.
Many people have worked on it.
Once we have filled the position, we will then have a better idea of what kind of work needs to be done. Once we are able to, we will table it.
Oral Questions. 6.
Question 120 – 4(1): Helping Low-income Families Meet High Cost of Living (Sammurtok)
Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker (interpretation ends) I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Family Services.
Mr. Speaker, it is well known that the cost of living in Nunavut is extremely high. However, when it comes to accessing federal benefits and subsidies, Nunavut’s poorest and most vulnerable members receive the same amounts as southern Canadians who do not face such high costs.
Can the minister indicate whether her department has presented a case to the federal government to have federal subsidies such as the Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement, and National Child Benefits adjusted for northerners who face significantly higher costs of living than other Canadians?
I thank the member for asking the question. I will take that question as notice.
Question 121 – 4(1): Natural Resources Conservation Trust Fund (Rumbolt)
Mr. Speaker, when the minister took my question as notice on March 12, I had a couple of other questions on the Natural Resources Conservation Trust Fund.
Now that the minister has replied with the answer that I anticipated, I have a couple of other questions.
Mr. Speaker, on September 5, 2013, a former colleague of mine asked questions regarding the Natural Resources Conservation Trust Fund.
At that time the minister indicated, “We’ll be able to make use of it when it reaches about $5 million for the purpose that it’s meant for.”
Mr. Speaker, according to the Tabled Document, as of March 31, 2013, the balance was $286,349, and the revenue for 2013 was approximately $3,300.
At that rate, it will have taken decades, if not longer, to reach the $5 million.
Can the minister clarify when the fund will reach its goal of $5 million?
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I will take his question as notice.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The minister has taken the question as notice.
I will move to the next member on my list.
Item 6. (interpretation) Oral Questions. Member for Tununiq, Mr. Enook.
Question 122 – 4(1): Income Assistance Legislation (Enook)
I just want to go back to the Blues on March 18.
I note that this is not the final copy. There are questions that I had posed to the minister in the Blues and I would like to get clarification on her replies.
People who receive income support, even when it is known that they are abusing their benefits, do I understand the response from the hon. minister that we have no means of doing anything because of human rights?
I also thank the member for asking the question in regard to income support abuse yesterday.
Yes, there are many people who are receiving income support. In 2012, there were 1,491 residents in the Tununiq riding, and 756 residents received income support in that one year.
There are only two social workers working, and they don’t have the authority to request search warrants to determine abuse of the income support recipients.
Yes, we are aware that income support abuse occurs, however there are no regulations within the income support legislation related to abuse and consequent punishments for abusers.
This is what may be leading to my inability to comprehend the matter, as the department knows abuse is occurring, yet there are no repercussions for abuse.
Let me ask from this perspective. Residents get assistance from the Nunavut government through various departmental programs, for hunters for example, although I personally know I am not much of a hunter.
Hunters receive various funding such as compensation from the disaster relief fund and through other assistance programs offered by different departments.
The hon. minister seems to be saying that the department is unable to act due to the primacy of human rights and that we can’t tell residents how to budget these assistance funds.
Now, what is the minister implying when every penny derived from assistance programs, such as if a hunter, male or female, loses their snow machine due to events beyond their control and the Department of Environment approves compensation for $15,000 to replace that machine?
Is the minister implying that once the person receives that compensation cheque, and the person decides a snowmobile isn’t his priority and decides to go on a holiday, that we can’t even reprimand them since she stated that this government cannot even tell a single person how to spend their funds?
Is this how I understood her comment?
I also thank the Member for Tununiq for being conscientious about income support abuse and expressing his concerns.
As per my earlier statement about income support and that there are no regulations yet for this particular issue.
There is an upcoming comprehensive review of all budgetary items within the Family Services department, which includes early childhood students, elders, income support and so on. This review is scheduled for completion in fiscal year 2015.
With respect to income support, the legislation is quite dated as it was grandfathered from the NWT Legislature and no revisions to date have been applied.
This legislation doesn’t align with reality in Nunavut. Sometime in the next four years, I hope with my colleague’s assistance, to see legislation and improvements in that area.
The final supplementary question sure arrives quickly.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to refer to the written Blues from yesterday’s proceedings as I read them, and to further remind myself as I know this isn’t the final product.
Now in using the written copy as my foundation, it seems quite clear that the departmental response quickly reverts to human rights.
A person’s human rights can’t be overridden.
The responses are quite clear that the hon. minister provides and I totally understand them.
Now, given that response, even with this comprehensive review of the entire legislation, that even if we make amendments to the income support legislation, that we can’t correct this oversight due to the primacy of human rights?
I also thank the Member for Tununiq for asking that question.
Yes, we know as Nunavummiut that many of our peers receive income support. If you look at the entire population of Nunavut, perhaps half of the population, perhaps even more receive income support.
This issue impacts many people and trying to hastily amend the legislation wouldn’t solve the matter.
Yes, with respect to the issue of abuse, I am open to any suggestions from members and communities to improve the income support system, as it isn’t geared to resolving single individual cases.
The income support is for the household, children and their needs. That is why trying to resolve a single case can impact more than that one person, and it can lead to multiple impacts on many Nunavummiut if the income support criteria was changed overnight.
Again, it falls under human rights as a government can’t treat anyone differently, but has to treat them equally and we have to be extremely cautious about changing the criteria to resolve this issue.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Item 6. (interpretation) Oral Questions.
Question 123 – 4(1): Government of Nunavut Procurement Activities (Angnakak)
The Department of CGS has the lead responsibility for government procurement and contracting.
As I noted in the House during yesterday’s sitting, the Legislative Assembly was informed on March 1 of 2012 that the Government of Nunavut would be conducting a “comprehensive internal review” of its public procurement practices.
Now that the minister has had time to locate the relevant information, can he update us today on the results of the comprehensive internal review?
Yes, once I have the report, I would be very happy to share that.
Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My next question revisits the issue of appeals of government contract and tender awards.
Although I recognize that the NNI Contracting Appeals Board already exists, it has been suggested that the government should establish an independent appeals body that would have the jurisdiction to hear appeals based on broader grounds than simply the application of the NNI policy.
Any new appeals body would be the responsibility of the Department of CGS.
I will again ask the Minister of CGS to clarify his position on the idea of establishing a new and independent appeals body.
CGS, in its contracting and procurement services only uses the NNI policy.
However, it’s another department, ED&T that would be responsible for the appeals process.
I’m not sure if the minister really understood my question or not.
Maybe he will look at the Blues and we will get back to it tomorrow.
My last question: as I noted in the House during yesterday’s sitting, annual reports on the government’s procurement, contracting and leasing activities have not been tabled in the Legislative Assembly since the fall of 2012.
Yesterday, the minister indicated that he would be happy to table the reports as soon as he has them in his hands, and I anticipate that his officials have briefed him on when this will occur.
Does the minister have any new information that he can share with us today on when he will table these important reports?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Sammurtok.
I would be very happy to provide those reports as soon as they’re completed.
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, that question period be extended.
All those in favour, raise your hand. (interpretation) Thank you. (interpretation ends) Opposed.
The motion is carried and question period is extended by 30 minutes.
(interpretation) Thank you. (interpretation ends) Item 6. (interpretation) Oral Questions.
Question 124 – 4(1): Sale of Ivory from Nunavut (Hickes)
To break the mould of whom I have been asking questions at this sitting, I’m going to ask the Minister of Environment a question.
As he stated last week, the fur program in Nunavut has been a quite successful program to assist the hunters in accessing more funds for the pelts that they bring in.
Have there been any discussions within his department on adding ivory to that listed program?
Regarding the member’s question, I understood the subject to be tusks or ivory tusks. I can look into the matter that touches upon the question he raises.
I can only commit to looking into the matter. I will respond with the information afterwards.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, I mean, Mr. Speaker.
From some of the information that I have gathered, there are brokers that purchase narwhal and walrus ivory to bring to auction.
With the tagging process specifically for narwhal, it would appear to be quite easy to track specific tusks and put more money in the hands of our hunters.
Is this something that the minister would support?
Yes, it felt like a staring contest for a second.
Yes, based on my earlier response, I now understand exactly what he meant in a new light. When the member was asking about the fur program, with reference to sealskins, much like that issue, this is a new matter and for that reason I can look into it.
Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister for that answer.
It is just my opinion, but I don’t think it would necessarily mean to undertake a new program.
I think, with the existing infrastructure being used for the fur program, it could simply be added to an existing program to ease the administrative aspect to assist in controlling the market for ivory. As most of us are very well aware, there is very limited ivory traded globally and Nunavut could become a large player in that global market.
Question 125 – 4(1): Shared Directional Statement with the RCMP (Sammurtok)
The current directional statement between the Department of Justice and the RCMP “V” Division indicates that communication is one of the top three priorities of both parties. However, a longstanding issue of concern in many communities, including Rankin Inlet, is the RCMP’s after-hours emergency telephone services.
As the minister is aware, if an incident occurs in the middle of the night in Rankin Inlet, residents must call the RCMP’s telecom centre in Iqaluit.
Can the minister indicate what discussions he has had with the RCMP on this issue?
This isn’t a new issue and further, whenever I meet with the commanders of the RCMP, I continue to remind them about the need for Inuktitut as it is a requirement and has to be kept available due to the legal status, especially if the RCMP is to police our communities in Nunavut.
The shared directional statement between the Department of Justice and the RCMP’s “V” Division also indicated that the GN and the RCMP will work together to provide efficiency and rapid emergency response.
Can the minister describe what specific initiatives are being undertaken to achieve this goal?
With respect to policing matters, some operational items have to be kept confidential.
That is why I can’t speak to some of the specifics, as the RCMP still needs to police their communities daily plus they deal with dangerous situations.
That is why I can’t respond to the question in this very public forum.
Mr. Sammurtok: I recognize that the RCMP provides policing services in Nunavut under contract with the GN. Increasing the size of the Rankin Inlet detachment could help to address such issues as the need for 24/7 local telephone response.
Can the minister indicate when the current policing services contract with the RCMP will be renegotiated?
That is a very good suggestion since many local detachments are aging and are in need of upgrades, and this applies to many of them. I concur with the member.
However, the agreement was recently signed last year and the term is for 20 years.
We don’t have much leeway at this time on this issue.
Question 126 – 4(1): Funding Request for Disabled Family Member (Shooyook)
I would like to direct my questions to the Minister of Health regarding two individuals that are asking for help from the government.
This issue was brought up by the previous member of the Legislative Assembly representing Quttiktuq. It’s in regard to an individual who has a handicap.
Is there any money that could be made available to help this individual?
Can the minister indicate to me if there is any money that could be made available to the individuals? If not, can you direct me to the right department so I can ask them?
I would like this responded to before I go home.
I just received his letter a few days ago. We work with Family Services to deal with the letter he had in question. I just signed the letter this morning.
It’s being translated and the member will be receiving it. The letter indicates where the family can go for support.
Question 127 – 4(1): Pond Inlet Airport (Enook)
Mr. Speaker, I will be reading some excerpts from the Blues dated March 18, 2014. I know that they are not a final copy.
Yesterday, when I was asking questions about Pond Inlet becoming one of the airport hubs, the responses in reading them, I seem to find a loophole in there so I’ll just open it right to the minister.
He said he was not involved in the planning of the hubs and the strategy.
With that, I would like to ask the minister, because he is the head of the department and he can give direction to his staff and management, could you now tell your staff to look at Pond Inlet becoming an airport hub for the High Arctic?
I thank the member because that was a very direct question.
Mr. Speaker, I can respond to his question by saying that as a government, I don’t know if we could initiate such a thing.
If you saw the news yesterday or the day before, apparently, the federal Minister of the Environment’s department is encouraging that the Mary River Project go ahead.
You’ve all heard this.
That’s one of our reasons since Pond Inlet is the closest community to this proposed mine that seems to be going ahead.
Mr. Speaker, apparently, there is a letter coming from the High Arctic mayors to have Pond Inlet be made into an airport hub.
I would like to ask the hon. minister, as it is only your department that can do the encouraging.
Are you now going to be encouraging the Department of Economic Development and Transportation staff to start looking at Pond Inlet to be made into a hub for airline services in the High Arctic?
As I’m saying, to become a hub anywhere in Nunavut we have to look at certain things.
Is it like a real base or a hub?
It doesn’t matter which community it is, you just have to look at it to see how important that community is and what jobs are available on the side of it. We have to look at the airlines. We have to look at the sealift operators and private businesses.
We’d have to look into all of that in order to recognize it as a potential hub for the High Arctic.
Question 128 – 4(1): Cape Dorset Housing Authority (Joanasie)
I was questioning the Minister of the Nunavut Housing Corporation and I have more questions.
On March 12, I asked the minister about the Cape Dorset Housing Association. I’m grateful that he was able to provide me with a response today.
Now I would like to ask him, because it is outlined in your letter stating that the Nunavut Housing Corporation staff will be planning a meeting with the hamlet council, the community, the housing association board and the Department of Community and Government Services.
Can the minister inform us when that meeting is scheduled to take place?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kuksuk.
Yes, it’s true, the Nunavut Housing Corporation and the local housing association, along with the Department of Community and Government Services, are working on that particular problem.
We haven’t decided when we would go to Cape Dorset yet.
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is outlined in your response letter that the headquarters will work with the local housing authority and the hamlet as they are putting together agreements on the matter.
What I want to understand is what happens when an agreement is unreachable? What avenue can the hamlet councils take in that event?
This issue is being dealt with by the Nunavut Housing Corporation, who are working with the local housing authority as per the member’s question.
We are collaborating with CG&S, as they are required to be involved when dealing with problems of that nature. That was the reason.
With respect to local housing authorities throughout Nunavut, the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s goal is to work hand-in-hand and closely with the local authorities, through constant communication about these matters and open channels.
That is how the local housing authority in the member’s riding is being treated, so we are collaborating with them on this issue.
However, as I stated earlier in a prior response, a date has yet to be determined on when we would visit the community, and if an agreement couldn’t be arrived at, you wondered about possible avenues. My expectations on this, Mr. Speaker, is that the local housing authority and the Nunavut Housing Corporation continue to work together, along with the Department of Community and Government Services officials. I am hopeful that an agreement can be reached.
Question 129 – 4(1): Support for People with Hearing Impairments (Hickes)
I have a question for the Minister of Family Services, who I believe has the responsibility for disabilities in Nunavut.
What types of services are provided to the families of children with hearing impairments?
I also thank the member from Tasiluk for that question.
The question he asked is a very important issue.
If a child suffers from hearing loss or deafness, then the parents can make an appointment with their social worker to see what programs are available to assist their child.
Social workers, along with nurses, would cooperate on this issue as they tend to work together on child-related disabilities.
The Department of Family Services has a committee specifically for people with disabilities and that committee would be a good resource for that type of information.
Mr. Speaker, I have a constituent who has a grandchild who is hearing impaired and does not live in this community, yet when he travels here, he enjoys taking his grandson out on the land and has trouble, I guess, interacting and communicating with this child.
They have purchased books and are trying to teach themselves sign language, as the child in question has some proficiency with sign language.
Are there services available through Family Services for sign language training?
Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I thank the member for Tasiluk for that question.
The social workers take in referrals and make recommendations. There are volunteer service agreements to provide services for the child.
We work closely with Health to assist families that need help with disabilities.
There is also the Nunavut Disabilities Makinnasuaqtiit Society here in Iqaluit.
I would ask the member to try and get more information.
I have no more names on my list. Member for Arviat South, Mr. Savikataaq.
Question 130 – 4(1): Sale of Ivory from Nunavut (Savikataaq)
My colleague, Mr. Hickes, asked him if he would look buying some ivory as a program, and he said that he was going to look into it.
My question to the minister is: in the event that they start buying ivory, in the event that they start paying the shipping of the ivory, will he pay the shipping for fur to other places, other than one fur buyer?
As I said earlier, it is a new initiative, and I have to look into it first. It’s new to the government.
It’s never gone through my department and that’s what I meant when I said that I could look into it, look into the ivory issue.
Question 131 – 4(1): Restructuring the Funding Formula with Iqaluit Housing Authority (Hickes)
As I’m noticing the clock go down, I keep thinking of more questions.
I would like to ask the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
I brought up an issue about the funding formula with the Iqaluit Housing Authority last week during the Committee of the Whole, and I realized that I’m sure the department hasn’t had a chance to initiate conversations with the Iqaluit Housing Authority on restructuring their funding formula.
I am wondering if the minister can commit today to exploring an option of putting in temporary funding so that the workers who are direly need to keep the maintenance up on the houses of the City of Iqaluit to let them go back to their jobs.
I also thank the member for the question that he is asking.
In regard to the Iqaluit Housing Authority, I have not received anything at this time.
I do appreciate that Minister Kuksuk hasn’t had the opportunity to discuss with the Iqaluit Housing Authority at this time, given the time that we were just discussing this last week.
I am hoping that the minister can direct his officials to initiate that conversation and explore to even look at temporary funding until such time as a secure funding formula can be agree upon with the Iqaluit Housing Authority. Can I get that commitment from the minister today?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kuksuk.
Maybe perhaps if I say that my department is dealing with your questions.
They know the problem. I will get more information on the concerns that you have.
Tabled Document 031 – 4(1): Qulliq Energy Corporation 2012-2013 Annual Report (Okalik)
I am pleased to table the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s 2012-13 Annual Report.
Tabled Document 032 – 4(1): Nunavut Liquor Commission Annual Report, 2012-2013 (Peterson)
I am pleased to table the 2012-13 Annual Report for the Nunavut Liquor Commission.
Tabled Document 033 – 4(1): Office of the Chief Coroner 2011 Annual Report (Okalik)
I am pleased to table the 2011 Annual Report of the Nunavut Office of the Chief Coroner. You will note that each report is addressed to individual MLAs.