EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
While seemingly straightforward, reported measures may be subject to error when aggregated due to double-counting given multiple funders, accuracy of self-reported figures and handling of seasonal or part time jobs.
To ensure consistency and year over year comparability, there needs to be clear guidance developed to lessen the potential of error and subjectivity.
Nunavut Business Credit Corporation continues to re-brand itself from a “lender of last resort” consistent with its origin and intent to a “lender of northern opportunity” to reflect today’s environment.
Prior to Division, the business credit corporation of the Northwest Territories was established to provide financing to those business enterprises that could not obtain funding from commercial lending institutions given a typically higher perceived risk.
Today, business enterprises can obtain funding from other northern-focused lenders such as Atuqtuarvik Corporation and the First Nations Bank who may work jointly with Nunavut Business Credit Corporation in funding a business opportunity.
Consistent with this shift, the Corporation has adopted a new logo which more accurately reflects its focus on building opportunities for Nunavummiut.
Consistent with this new focus, the Corporation seeks to update its legislation as the Act remains essentially unchanged since its adoption from the Northwest Territories.
Of particular note is its desire to increase the lending limit threshold to better accommodate the financing needs of Nunavut’s growing private sector.
Responses to Recommendation #2:
The Government is committed to tabling Nunavut Development Corporation and Nunavut Business Credit Corporation’s governance and operating policies as per standing committee’s Recommendation.
With the full cooperation of both Nunavut Development Corporation and Nunavut Business Credit Corporation, a reporting package has been prepared and will be tabled in the Legislative Assembly at the earliest opportunity.
Final approval of the annual corporate/business plans of the Nunavut Development Corporation and Nunavut Business Credit Corporation;
Approvals of the corporate/business plans are in accordance with the respective legislation for both corporations.
Each board of directors then approves the annual corporate/business plans at its board meeting and the approval is recorded in the Minutes for each corporation.
The corporate/business plans are then sent to the Minister Responsible for approval.
The Minister Responsible for both corporations is the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation and the department serves to coordinate this process.
The Minister has the authority to approve the corporate/business plan as set out under Section 91 of the Financial Administration Act.
Once approved, the core funding contribution for each corporation is included in the Department of Economic Development and Transportation’s Business Plan.
Section 91 of the Financial Administration Act states:
(1) Every territorial corporation shall annually submit a corporate plan for the approval of the appropriate Minister.
Section 25 of the Nunavut Development Act states:
(1) In addition to the requirements set out in the Financial Administration Act, the Corporation shall:
(a) annually submit a corporate plan, and operating budget, and a capital budget, respectively described in sections 91 to 93 of the Financial Administration Act, for the approval of the Financial Management Board; and
(b) furnish the Minister with any information or records that the Minister may require in the exercise of her powers and the performance of his or her duties under the Act.
The board of directors for each corporation provides final approval of the annual report prepared by the respective corporation as per section 96 of the Financial Administration Act.
The respective board of directors for each corporation provides the formal approval of the annual reports.
The Auditor General of Canada must also review and approve the respective annual reports for release prior to its submission to the Minister.
Upon acceptance by the Minister, s/he then submits the respective annual reports to Executive Council for its approval for tabling.
Section 96 of the Financial Administration Act states:
“every public agency for each financial year, prepare and submit to the appropriate Minister an annual report of the public agency that:
(a) states the activities of the public agency
(b) includes the financial statements of the public agency
(c) includes the report of the auditor; and
(d) includes any other information that this Act, any other Act or the appropriate Minister may require.
Letters of Expectation are issued by the Minister Responsible and addressed to the respective chair of Nunavut Business Credit Corporation and the Nunavut Development Corporation respectively.
The Deputy Ministers of Economic Development and Transportation and Finance are copied on the Letters of Expectation sent to both corporations.
The respective chairs must respond to the Minister’s Letter of Expectation within 30 days with copies sent to the Deputy Ministers noted.
The Letters of Expectations and the responses are shared with the respective board of directors.
As part of the annual audit process, the Auditor General also reviews any and all correspondence from the Minister to the corporations and reviews all Minutes.
Approval of each corporation’s annual operation and maintenance budget is in accordance with the process noted above for the corporate/business plan approval process.
While there is not an approval at this time to initiate a comprehensive review of the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation Act in view of the extensive activities to update other territorial legislation as a whole, the Government supports amendment of the loan limit threshold under section 37 and other matters of an administrative matter which would allow this effort to proceed on an efficient timeframe.
A comprehensive review of the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation Act will be considered in the future as well as any requirement for a review of the Nunavut Development Corporation Act.
Section 20 of the Nunavut Development Corporation Act mandates the establishment of the Investment Committee, Audit Committee and the Personnel Committee.
At the outset, the corporation’s board of directors chose to establish an Executive Committee to undertake the statutory functions established in the Act for each of the identified committees.
The Executive Committee formally meets three times a year via teleconference and confers on issues regularly as required.
Key functions include approving new investments for recommendation to the board of directors as a whole, meeting with the auditors and approving audit committee reports, making recommendations to the Minister on matters such as executive compensation.
The corporation is audited by the Auditor General of Canada for compliance with its governing authorities such as the Nunavut Development Corporation Act and the Financial Administration Act. Should it be determined that the corporation is not in compliance with this (or any other significant provision under the Act), the Auditor’s Report would have a qualification which is reported publicly.
This has not been the case for Nunavut Corporation Development.
There is no approval at this time to initiate a comprehensive review of the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation Act given the extensive activities to update other territorial legislation as a whole.
However the Government supports amendment of the loan limit threshold under section 37 and other matters of an administrative matter which could be achieved within this mandate and without extensive commitment of resources.
The Government supports the revision to section 37 as mentioned above and minor revisions to the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation Act and, as necessary, to the Nunavut Development Corporation Act.
The Government commits to working with the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation and Nunavut Development Corporation to bring forward the suggested amendments on the timeframe as noted.
While the Government supports efforts to consider the best approaches toward delivering economic development programming for the Territory as whole, such evaluation of amalgamation of the two corporations must take into full consideration the current environment vis-à-vis the circumstances when the two earlier reports were produced and how the two corporations are functioning today with full staff complements and experienced management complemented by engaged boards of directors.
Any such review should not be undertaken in isolation without an opportunity to comprehensively review the two corporations’ Acts in conjunction with an assessment of economic development programming for the Territory and how and which entities are best positioned and needed to achieve the objectives of fostering employment and developing economic opportunities for Nunavummiut.
Further, this should not proceed until the results of the Operational Audit initiative are complete and results tabled.
As noted above, the Government contends that this assessment should be undertaken as part of a larger effort in reviewing how economic development programming is delivered across the territory and should include a comprehensive review of the corporations’ Acts taking into consideration significant changes since the two reports on the issue of amalgamation were produced.
The Government contends that, while there may be some perceived benefits, the experience for those who already serve on both boards shows that it is logistically difficult to meet the board obligations for the two corporations given the same reporting cycle and need for board participation on the same timeframe.
Individuals who sit on the board of directors of either corporation are carefully selected for their business acumen and experience within the territory as well as knowledge at the regional and community level.
Such individuals are highly sought for appointment to other boards and often encounter scheduling conflicts.
Those individuals who serve on both boards are challenged with preparation and participation on very similar schedules and often in different locations and time zones for the two corporations.
Experience has shown that those who co-serve on both boards must choose between the two out of necessity.
This may adversely impact the respective corporation’s ability to secure necessary membership required for a quorum and therefore the ability to advance the corporation’s activities when board direction and approvals are necessary.
Responses to Recommendation #3:
Apart from minor revisions and an amendment to section 37 of the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation Act as noted earlier, the Government contends that this assessment should be undertaken as part of a larger effort in reviewing how economic development programming is delivered across the territory and should include a comprehensive review of the corporations’ Acts.
This matter may be considered at that time with a cross-jurisdictional review.
While the Government acknowledges its responsibility to be accountable for public monies, it remains concerned about the implications of releasing such information which may be considered sensitive given the Territory’s relatively small private sector and without advance notice to recipients, being corporate and/or individuals.
Although standing committee queried the Information and Privacy Commissioner during her appearance, the Government wishes to seek a formal review and ruling from the Privacy Commissioner and obtain further legal advice to protect from potential legal implications if any.
There may be the ability to effect a new disclosure policy going forward for new loan applicants who consent to the public release of loan details as part of the conditions under which financing is received.
The Government’s position is noted above.
With respect to the consent associated with the application process, this enables the corporation to share information with other possible funders concerning financing requirements related to the same business enterprise.
This is not intended as consent for public disclosure.
The Government agrees to bring this information forward on a timely basis.
The Government contends that Nunavut Development Corporation only possesses an element of control in Pangnirtung Fisheries through its ownership of a 24.5% ownership.
Other shareholdings are in the form of preferred shares which have no conversion rights and no voting shares are held.
The Government will direct Nunavut Development Corporation to provide this disclosure in its annual reports.
The Government will review this matter in conjunction with the standing committee’s Recommendation for disclosure of loan recipient information.
The standing committee further recommends that the Nunavut Development Corporation’s future annual reports explicitly account, in detail, for directives issued during the fiscal year under the provisions of subsection 78(1) of the Financial Administration Act.  The Government will direct Nunavut Development Corporation to provide this disclosure in its annual reports.
The Government agrees to table Nunavut Development Corporations’ Investment Policies and Guidelines.
As agreed under Recommendation #2, the corporation’s policies will be tabled at the earliest opportunity.
The Government will bring forward any and all memoranda of understandings that have been signed and approved by the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation’s board of directors.
The Nunavut Development Corporation’s Board has indicated there are no memoranda of understandings in place.
C.P. 2410  Iqaluit, Nunavut X0A 0H0
P.O. Box 2410
Iqaluit, Nunavut X0A 0H0  *(867) 975-5075
*(867) 975-5016  www.edt.gov.nu.ca
ᐱᕙᓪᓕᐊᔪᓕᕆᔨᒃᑯᑦ ᐃᖏᕐᕋᔪᓕᕆᔨᒃᑯᓪᓗ
Department of Economic Development & Transportation
Pivalliayuliqiyikkut Ingilrayuliqiyitkullu  Ministère du Développement économique et des Transports
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Pages 1080 – 1127
Opening Prayer 1080
Ministers’ Statements 1080
Oral Questions 1089
Tabling of Documents 1105
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 1106
Report of the Committee of the Whole 1126
Orders of the Day 1126
Thursday, March 3, 2016 1080
075 – 4(3): LED Street Lighting in Iqaluit (Hickes) 1080
076 – 4(3): Les Rendez-vous de la Francophonie (Mike) 1081
077 – 4(3): Canada’s Outstanding Principals (Quassa) 1081
078 – 4(3): Establishment of the Nunavut Joint Planning and Management Committee for Territorial Parks in Nunavut (Mike) 1082
164 – 4(3): Baker Lake Appreciates Second School Bus (Mikkungwak) 1083
165 – 4(3): Community Search and Rescue Organizations (Akoak) 1083
166 – 4(3): Team Nunavut Heading to Arctic Winter Games (Joanasie) 1084
167 – 4(3): Arviat Participants at Arctic Winter Games (Savikataaq) 1085
168 – 4(3): Angel Street Project (Ell-Kanayuk) 1085
169 – 4(3): Addressing Needs of Youth (Qirngnuq) 1086
170 – 4(3): Mittimatalik Participants at Arctic Winter Games (Enook) 1087
171 – 4(3): Resignation as Minister/Member of the Executive Council of Nunavut (Okalik) 1087
216 – 4(3): New Hunter Education Program (Sammurtok, T) 1089
217 – 4(3): Summer Student Employment Equity Program (Sammurtok, A) 1089
218 – 4(3): Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (Mikkungwak) 1091
219 – 4(3): Development Partnership Agreement (Enook) 1092
220 – 4(3): Status of Sewage Lagoon in Naujaat (Mapsalak) 1094
221 – 4(3): Infrastructure Funding Announcement (Qirngnuq) 1095
222 – 4(3): Polar Bear Fur Sales and Pricing (Rumbolt) 1097
223 – 4(3): Work with Community and Government Services (Joanasie) 1098
224 – 4(3): Western Canada Lottery and Nunavut Sports (Sammurtok, A) 1100
225 – 4(3): Status of Proposed Amendments to Nunavut’s Education Act (Mikkungwak) 1102
226 – 4(3): Development Partnership Agreements (Enook) 1104
087 – 4(3): Correspondence from the Baker Lake Hunters and Trappers Organization (Mikkungwak) 1105
088 – 4(3): Letters of Support for Sailivik Society (Angnakak) 1106
Bill 13 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2016-2017 – Community and Government Services – Consideration in Committee 1106
Bill 13 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2016-2017 – Education – Consideration in Committee 1116
Speaker (interpretation): Good afternoon, fellow Nunavummiut. Members, ministers, and visitors, welcome to the House.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Hickes.
Minister’s Statement 075 – 4(3): LED Street Lighting in Iqaluit (Hickes)
As I’m sure my colleagues in the House know well, I have been a vocal proponent for clean, green energy and conservation measures.
That’s why it gives me great pleasure to rise in the House today to announce that the Qulliq Energy Corporation (QEC) is installing energy-efficient LED, or light emitting diode, street lights in Iqaluit as part of its energy conservation initiatives.
LED street lighting saves energy and reduces the cost of illuminating the city. In February, the Qulliq Energy Corporation replaced conventional street lights with 21 LED lights along the road from the airport to Four Corners.
The next phase of implementation will replace the street lights from Four Corners to Arctic Ventures. All of Iqaluit’s street lights will be gradually replaced.
This is the first energy conservation project of its kind in Nunavut and is the direct result of tests carried out in 2015 that measured the performance of several energy-efficient street lights.
The initial cost of this project is approximately $30,000. The cost is mitigated by the environmental, economic, and social benefits of this new technology.
Mr. Speaker, in addition to a 30 percent reduction in energy use, QEC expects to reduce its operational and maintenance cost by half as LED lights last five times longer than conventional street lights, freeing up maintenance workers to perform other duties.
As well as saving money in the long term and reducing our carbon footprint, the new street lights are also brighter, improving visibility and road safety, especially during the winter season.
Mr. Speaker, the lessons learned from this project will assist QEC’s future plan to extend LED street lighting to the rest of Nunavut.
QEC continues to seek further opportunities to reduce the territory’s dependence on fossil fuels and to ensure a sustainable and affordable energy supply for Nunavummiut.
The Hon. Acting Minister for Languages, Mr. Mike.
Minister’s Statement 076 – 4(3): Les Rendez-vous de la Francophonie (Mike)
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Bonjour. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I’ll be making a statement on (interpretation ends) Les Rendez-vous de la Francophonie.
Mr. Speaker, from March 3 to 23, francophones from across Canada are coming together to celebrate the French language during the 18th edition of Les Rendez-vous de la Francophonie.
Uqaqtittijii, this year’s theme is Francophonie in 3D: Diversity, Duality, Dynamism!
Nunavut’s francophone community is, indeed, a dynamic and diversified community.
Not only does Nunavut welcome francophones from all parts of Canada and the world, but also has a number of Inuit who speak the language and are active members of the community.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I am happy to report that my department has awarded $24,600 this year to help local organizations to organize local events, including concerts, plays, and French cuisine.
(interpretation ends) Bonne célébrations à toutes et tous!
Minister’s Statement 077 – 4(3): Canada’s Outstanding Principals (Quassa)
I would like to ask my fellow members to join me in recognizing Abdus Salam as one of Canada’s outstanding principals.
Abdus Salam, Principal of Inuujaq School in Arctic Bay, is one of 40 principals from across Canada to receive the 2016 Canada’s Outstanding Principals award.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, Abdus Salam is a leader who has supported his school by building close relationships with the teachers, students, elders, the community, and the district education authority.
He has created a culture of learning at Inuujaq School that uses up-to-date information technology.
He supports using balanced literacy and encourages teachers to use targeted resources to help struggling readers. Science fairs, attendance awards, school clubs, and student forums are held to encourage regular student attendance.
The Canada’s Outstanding Principals program was developed by the Learning Partnership and was launched in 2005.
The award recipients participate in an executive leadership training program at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, Abdus Salam’s achievements are a reflection of his belief that the school and the community are part of a family that relies on everyone’s support to succeed.
Please join me in congratulating Abdus Salam, a strong principal who has built a team that helps Inuujaq School provide a nurturing and inspiring environment of learning for all its students.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation) Minister of Environment, Mr. Mike.
Minister’s Statement 078 – 4(3): Establishment of the Nunavut Joint Planning and Management Committee for Territorial Parks in Nunavut (Mike)
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you and good afternoon.
I would like to thank the people of Nunavut and Pangnirtung.
I send my condolences to the people who laid their loved one to rest.
Mr. Speaker, the statement is regarding the establishment of the Nunavut Joint Planning and Management Committee for Territorial Parks in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to inform my colleagues of the progress being made on the co-management of territorial parks in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that the Nunavut Joint Park Planning and Management Committee has been established.
The committee is comprised of eight members: four members appointed by my department, three members by the regional Inuit associations, and one member by Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated.
Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut Joint Park Planning and Management Committee will guide my department on all territorial parks planning, establishment, and management decisions.
The committee represents Inuit and public interests and will help ensure that the Territorial Parks program continues to meet the co-management expectations described by the Inuit Impact and Benefits Agreement for Territorial Parks in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to my department entering this new phase of territorial park co-management. I would like to thank the members of the Nunavut Joint Planning and Management Committee for devoting their time, knowledge, and expertise to the future of Nunavut territorial parks. I also thank the regional Inuit associations and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated for their contributions to establishing this important committee.
Member’s Statement 164 – 4(3): Baker Lake Appreciates Second School Bus (Mikkungwak)
Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to extend my appreciation on behalf of my constituents and especially on behalf of the children to the Minister of Education and his department for providing the funds to the Baker Lake District Education Authority to acquire a second school bus for the community.
Mr. Speaker, the schoolchildren who live on the north side of town are now able to ride this new second bus to school, especially on cold days.
This is very much appreciated by the parents and residents of the community.
It is very reassuring to know that our children are safe and secure on their way to school.
Member’s Statement 165 – 4(3): Community Search and Rescue Organizations (Akoak)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the importance of search and rescue organizations in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I want to begin by paying tribute to respected Elder Donald Kogvik, a lifelong resident of Gjoa Haven.
Mr. Speaker, although Kogvik has celebrated his 84th birthday, he remains a dedicated and active volunteer with search and rescue in the community.
I say again that he’s a volunteer with search and rescue in the community.