EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Do all the schools have the ability to offer the higher class courses that a student may need in order to get into any post-secondary institution in the south?
We’ve got students right now from some of the smallest communities in Nunavut and some of the largest communities in Nunavut attending school down south in colleges and universities, and they have completed programs at their local community.
Depending on what the program is, for example, if I’m trying to become a professional engineer and I need Calculus 444, I may not be able to get that in Grise Fiord. However, we have processed and put in place a program through distance learning, for example, where they would be able to get the necessary instruction to be able to get that calculus course if that’s what was needed. So that’s one of the options that are in place.
Every community in Nunavut can’t offer every program, or class, or academic program that is needed for every university/college entrance that’s required. It’s pretty hard to be able to do that.
So what we have been able to do, in cases where numbers may warrant, for example, or in cases of being specific with a certain class or instructional program, then we have been able to offer that so that student can be able to take it.
At the same time, there’s also upgrading opportunities before someone goes into a college or university program. They may have to take a foundation year for that program, for example, to expand their sciences mark and that happens not just in Nunavut but across the country.
I’m sure the minister will correct me if I’m wrong, but my understanding is when you’re in the high school system, you have so many credits that you have to get and if a student chooses the higher academic level to pursue and take throughout their high school, I’m just wondering if any of the changes that you’re looking at implementing into the graduation requirements would limit or take away from those students’ ability to obtain the strictly academic courses if they chose that.
Nunavut is like many other jurisdictions in Canada when it comes to high school graduation; the student has to complete 100 credits to be able to graduate. To graduate, the student must take at least 15 credits in English, and that’s from grades 10 to 12, but they also have to take four credits, for example, in Aulajaaqtut, and then they would have to take 10 credits in Math and Science, and so on.
The member is correct; depending on which program they’re doing, it might be English 30, for example, and that may be the bare minimum requirement to get into a college.
However, you may need English 40 to be able to get into a university. So that difference in the course that they’re taking is usually explained to the student by their teachers at the high school level, but some students, like anywhere else in the country, may not have the academic ability to complete that during their high school year. So that occurs at all levels.
It’s only Monday.
I thank the minister for that. I know there are some concerns that have been raised to me in the past with some of the additional graduation requirements that the department was looking at implementing into the program that had the potential of taking away the opportunity, you know, if there’s no time in the year or in the three years to be able to take all the required courses if someone wanted to go with the academic levels.
So I’m just looking for a confirmation from the minister and assurance that that won’t happen.
The member is correct. A couple of years ago, there was some concern that the prerequisite courses that would be needed for a student when they graduate grade 12 to be able to go on in a seamless transition from grade 12 to a university, as an example, may not be in place if we change and introduce some of the Nunavutized curriculum and multiple options that would be needed to graduate.
I think, in most cases now, that concern has been put to rest; I haven’t heard that concern for quite some time.
I believe people have now seen that the courses that we have talked about have met some standards in Canada. As we said, over 20 universities have now come forward and said that they would approve our Aulajaaqtut curriculum, which was one of their concerns, for example, as a graduation requirement for university. So I think that has been put to rest.
Hopefully it was just the way the minister said it but he said, “In most cases.”
To me that would come across as: there are still some cases that they haven’t got sorted out. So I’m just wondering if you can clarify that.
I guess it was just a term or a phrase.
I guess what I meant was, as a department, we haven’t heard any concerns being brought forward that the programs in place, the multiple options that now we have put in place and are continuing to implement, would cause the same concern that we were hearing about a year and a half ago.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Picco. (interpretation ends) Mr. Tootoo, I gave you more than your 16 seconds from Friday. (interpretation) We are on Branch Summary.
School Operations. Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $109,752,000.
Chairman: We’ll go back to page G-3.
Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $197,072,000.
Chairman: Are you agreed the Department of Education is concluded?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister Picco, do you have closing comments?
I would like to thank the committee for their thoughtful questions and concerns raised, and we’re looking forward to hearing the Minister of Environment up next in the Committee of the Whole.
At this time, I would like to ask Minister Akesuk, (interpretation ends) Minister of Environment, (interpretation) if he has any opening comments. (interpretation ends) I’m sorry.  (interpretation) Thank you. (interpretation ends) Can I have order?
(interpretation) Minister of Environment, if you have any opening remarks, you may proceed now.
Bill 23 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2008-2009 – Consideration in Committee – Environment
I am pleased to be here today before the Committee of the Whole to present the Department of Environment’s 2008-09 Main Estimates and Business Plan.
Mr. Chairman, the Department of Environment’s proposed main estimate budget for 2008-09 is $16,126,000.
(interpretation ends) My department has prepared a budget and business plan for fiscal year 2008-09 that focuses on the mandatory obligations and responsibilities under several statutes and the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
These include responsibility for the co-management of terrestrial wildlife in Nunavut, land use planning, environmental protection, and regulatory functions including contaminated site inventory and drum crushing, and responsibility for the implementing of the Umbrella Territorial Parks Inuit Impact and Benefits Agreement.
My department is also representing the GN’s interests during the negotiations for an IIBA for Nunavut’s heritage rivers.
Through our budgeting and planning for fiscal year 2008-09, we have endeavoured to capitalize on partnership opportunities at the most cost-effective and efficient approach to getting things accomplished.
By partnering with other organizations in both the private and public sectors, the department will maximize the impact of its resources to increase or supplement its internal capacity.
Often, a relatively small investment by a department will support a much needed service for Nunavummiut.
In fiscal year 2008-09, we plan to contribute $946,000 as grants and contributions to organizations such as HTOs, RWB and our other partners.
During the upcoming fiscal year, we will continue to delver our harvester support programs. We will also continue working with NTI to reduce duplications in our respective programs and to improve the way we deliver these programs to Nunavummiut.
Mr. Chairman, mining and related infrastructure projects have impacts on the environment – on land, water and wildlife.
My department has an important role to play in making sure that an appropriate balance is achieved between development and preserving the environment.
In that respect, we work closely with the Department of Economic Development and Transportation and other GN departments to ensure that the government as a whole is able to give carefully considered advice on environmental impact assessments and other views which development projects must undergo before they receive final approval.
Over the coming year or two, we anticipate a significant increase in the number of projects upcoming in the environmental assessment and review, and we are taking the steps needed to prepare for that.
Mr. Chairman, Cabinet has directed Environment to take a lead on establishing a recycling program for the territory. We have been working on a number of pilot projects that will help us develop a recycling program that is practical, cost-effective and sustainable.
We are already learning a lot from this work.
Over the coming months, we will be taking these lessons, as well as best practice from other jurisdictions, and developing a recycling plan for the territory.
We will review the stakeholders and public before coming back to Cabinet with recommendations.
Currently, our work on recycling, as well as drum crushing and the contaminated site inventory, are funded through the Northern Strategy funding. The Northern Strategy fund is expected to run out in fiscal year 2010-11.
Between now and then, alternative funding will need to be identified for this work.
For many years, DOE has worked hard to leverage third party funding to complete some of our projects. During fiscal year 2007-08, we secured approximately $1.4 million from various organizations in support of our wildlife research and other departmental initiatives. We will continue to seek third party funding to supplement our available resources.
Mr. Chairman, Nunavut has some of the most beautiful parks in the world. We plan to continue with our feasibility studies and development plans for potential parks in some of the non-decentralized communities.
To ensure that our residents and visitors have the best possible experience while in Nunavut, we will continue to upgrade facilities at all of our existing parks and campgrounds, and we will complete promotional work and territorial parks and Canadian heritage rivers with the development of brochures, websites, maps and displays.
Mr. Chairman, to conclude, my department will continue to make efficient use of our allocated resources and to leverage additional third party support to meet our mandate.
I would like to ask the Chair of the Standing Committee Ajauqtiit if he has any opening comments.
Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) The Standing Committee Ajauqtiit has reviewed the proposed 2008-09 Main Estimates and Business Plan of the Department of Environment, and I am pleased to provide you with the committee’s comments.
Mr. Chairman, members noted that in 2007, the department issued a Request for Proposals to conduct an “organizational review” of its current structure and mandate.
The minister informed the standing committee that the report on the organizational review is scheduled to be completed by March 2008 and that a copy of the report will be provided to the standing committee.
Members expect to be kept fully informed on what changes may take place as a result of this review.
Mr. Chairman, section 160 of the Nunavut Wildlife Act provides that the minister must appoint an advisory committee of elders to review current, traditional and historical types, methods and technologies of harvesting wildlife in the context of the guiding principles and concepts of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and to advise the minister on those it considers humane and safe.
Members were pleased that the department has begun accepting nominations for the Elders Advisory Committee that is provided for by the Act.
Members expect a formal announcement once all nine members have been appointed.
The standing committee also continues to monitor progress towards finalizing new regulations under the Wildlife Act.
The standing committee recognizes that draft regulations have been under consideration by the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board for a significant period of time.
The standing committee encourages the minister to be candid with the Members of the Legislative Assembly with respect to areas of disagreement that the government may have with other organizations involved in this process.
Mr. Chairman, members support the department’s efforts to conduct important wildlife studies and to develop management plans for caribou and polar bears in Nunavut.
Members were pleased that the department is working on a polar bear co-management agreement with other jurisdictions.
Members are also pleased that the department is completing and will be implementing a Peary Caribou Management Strategy.
The standing committee supports the department’s ongoing efforts to advance Nunavut’s position with respect to the proposal of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to list polar bears as a threatened species under U.S. legislation.
The standing committee encourages the minister to report regularly to the Legislative Assembly and the public on the status of this issue.
Mr. Chairman, members were also pleased that the department is looking at alternatives to intrusive scientific research.
This concern has been raised in the House by MLAs and was the subject of a formal resolution passed at Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated’s most recent annual general meeting.
Members expect to be kept updated on progress in this area.
Mr. Chairman, members were informed that the department has developed a pilot project for an online Climate Change Centre.
Members noted that this will not be an actual office but an internet website. Members were informed that the site is currently in the design stage.
Members look forward to the completion of this website.
Mr. Chairman, the minister indicated that his department continues to study the issue of climate change and the potential for negative impacts on Nunavut.
The department also continues to develop adaptation plans.
Members encourage the minister to continue to voice the reality of climate change worldwide.
Mr. Chairman, members were informed that while the department’s recycling pilot project in Rankin Inlet was a success, a similar project in Iqaluit faced a number of challenges.
The standing committee encourages the department to carefully analyze the results of its pilot projects and continue its efforts to develop effective recycling programs for Nunavut.
Mr. Chairman, members continue to urge the Departments of Environment and Community and Government Services to work with the federal government to list and survey all contaminated sites in Nunavut and continue its efforts to obtain federal funding and support for clean-up projects, including the site at Cape Christian.
Mr. Chairman, the federal Environment Minister was recently in Iqaluit to announce funding for the construction of a new bridge over the Sylvia Grinnell River in Nunavut’s oldest territorial park.
While the standing committee welcomes new federal investments in the territory, it is important to be aware that enabling significantly greater access to the other side of the river comes with the potential for creating new pressures on the environment.
Members urge the minister to ensure that his department’s Parks Division works to promote environmentally responsible practices for park users.
Mr. Chairman, the standing committee is aware that the minister’s predecessor recently wrote to his federal counterpart concerning proposed federal environmental regulations that will allow the Navy to dump pollution in arctic waters.
The standing committee urges the minister to update the Legislative Assembly on the status of this issue and to table a copy of any correspondence that is received from the federal government.
Mr. Chairman, Standing Committee Member for Hudson Bay Peter Kattuk has been working hard for many years with the Nunavuummi Tasiujarjuamiuguqatigiit Katutjiqatigiingit.
NTK is preparing for the proposed Hudson Bay Summit in 2009. The Hudson Bay Summit will be a meeting that NTK hopes will lead to important and mutually beneficial cooperation among different stakeholders for understanding and mitigating effects of major drivers of change on the Hudson Bay marine ecosystem and its coastal communities.
The standing committee is pleased to note that the department is planning to contribute $100,000 towards this important event.
At this time, I would like to ask Minister Akesuk if he would like to bring his officials to the witness table. Minister Akesuk.
Does the committee agree to bring in Minister Akesuk’s officials to the witness table?
For the record, Minister Akesuk, please introduce your officials.
To my right is my Deputy Minister, Simon Awa, and to my left is my Assistant Deputy Minister, John Lamb.
I would like to remind members of the following: according to Rule 77(1), you have ten minutes to speak, and according to Rule 77(2), subject to the discretion of the Chair, a member may speak more than once to a matter under discussion but not until every member wishing to speak has spoken.
I don’t have much to say but I would like to restate my concern in the House during the review of the main estimates for this department with regards to polar bear management.
Back then, when they increased the number for polar bear tags, your department stated that they were going to do a review of polar bears around the Hudson Bay area and that they were not going to make any changes to the Sanikiluaq polar bear quota until the review had been completed.
I had a teleconference call with the Hunters and Trappers Organization of Sanikiluaq. They were told that the polar bear research would be completed by 2008 and that they would be able to make a more informed decision after the department received the results of that study in 2008.
We have heard that the Government of Nunavut will be doing their study for another three years but we did not expect that it would be ongoing.
The only thing we expected to see was the fact that the community polar bear quota would increase. This perception has totally changed from a few years back. This has to be done sensibly.
It seems like Sanikiluaq residents should have been treated fairly because of that. They cannot make a decision until the study is completed.
One thing I have already asked the minister is that some of the hunters and trappers organizations have to use some of the paint that was discarded at the dump to paint their offices and this was during the spring in Sanikiluaq.
That’s one of the hardships that they have to deal with and it was not done on purpose.
Also, there was this hunter who accidentally threw away some goose meat and that individual had their name on a piece of paper or cardboard. So the renewable resource officer had disturbed the hunter because this officer, whose name cannot be identified, went to this individual and asked him if he threw away the goose carcass. He was threatening to take this individual to court with regards to this incident.
I had asked questions to the minister if the renewable resource officer was allowed to do that in our community. I would like to get some more information before we leave to see if they were allowed to do that.
Also, at the end of your opening comments with regards to the Hudson Bay Summit, this is going to be very difficult to deal with and I’m very proud of the fact that you are planning to contribute $100,000 to this important event.
If the Government of Nunavut can provide any form of support, we welcome them because we have to deal with management issues in Hudson Bay.
We have a lot of concerns pertaining to that area because we eat the most grown fish and that’s why we have a huge concern with regards to the future of that area.
They would like to merge the three rivers into one dam and it’s going to have a great effect on our ocean when the freshwater is going into the saltwater.
As I stated before, hydro power is in more demand in Quebec in the wintertime.
They will be using more of the hydro generated power in the wintertime because there’s more demand and in the springtime, they would reduce the amount of water flowing through the river, so that’s part of our concern for our environment.
It’s going to have a drastic impact on our environment because we live near the ocean and we know the ice is different than freshwater ice.
Some of these problems have already reached Sanikiluaq during the studies that have been done.
I personally know that because going towards Northern Quebec, the ice is totally different now from the way it used to form.
For that reason, the Hudson Bay Summit should be fully supported by the Government of Nunavut because there’s going to be a huge impact on Nunavut by having Hydro Quebec damming the rivers.
So we have three concerns with river systems – one in Manitoba, the Nelson River, and nobody has dealt with that issue around the other one in Moose Factory/Moose River and they have already done a study on that, and also, James Bay/La Grande River. Therefore, we are requesting for full support from the Government of Nunavut.
So these are the concerns I have for general comments.
Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Thank you, Minister. (interpretation) Welcome, minister and your officials.
I have a brief comment to make.
The environment is very important to Nunavut because no matter who you are, it has an impact, especially the hunters or the harvesters who hunt for subsistence in Nunavut.
So therefore, we have to be very careful with Nunavut and keep the land and waters fresh and clean.
Mr. Chairman, I know that your department has no jurisdiction over marine issues but it’s going to have an impact all over.
We have a great concern with the routing of marine transportation.
Marine transportation is going to pass right through areas where there are marine mammals that we harvest for subsistence. I know for a fact that they might move away.
The ships will be passing by the wintering grounds for beluga and narwhal that ships will be passing by and we have a great concern with regards to the whales.
Where would they go? This issue is of great concern to hunters because there are narwhal stocks that migrate via Repulse Bay from this area.
So the routes that the ships will be taking in that area must be taken into consideration very seriously, but I’m sure it’s going to benefit Nunavummiut.
I’m not too knowledgeable about that but I’m sure it’s also going to have a negative impact on Nunavummiut.
The environmental remediation of such sites needs to be worked on, especially the old DEW line sites.
The hunters must keep the areas where they go out camping and hunting clean.
The garbage and shopping bags should not be left behind but they leave cans and shopping bags behind in their camping grounds.
This has to be resolved as we are quite concerned that it’s going to have a negative impact on our wildlife as they might be hazardous to our wildlife. It could, in turn, be hazardous to our health if we consume the meat of contaminated wildlife.
The other issue that I want to talk a bit about is that we need to get an elders’ committee for the Wildlife Act.
We are very interested in hearing about getting an elders’ committee. They need to review and I know that we will definitely need these elders’ committees as these elders have been hunting for a very long time.
They will have to be heard for sure by various entities and they have to be heard by wildlife activists.
The elders who will be on committees pertaining to wildlife should be provided with authority and power.
They need authority and power because they are the holders of vast knowledge of our wildlife in Nunavut.
I would like to urge the minister to seriously consider this to make sure that the committee is given proper authority and power.
I will be asking questions with regards to this issue at the appropriate time.
Since there are none, we will take a 30-minute break.
>>Committee recessed at 17:56 resumed at 18:28
Chairman (interpretation): We will resume our committee meeting.
We’re on page I-4. (interpretation ends) Branch Summary.