EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Walrus harvesting usually occurs in the summer, although it does occur occasionally in other seasons. The need for a permanent employee would not make sense if testing only occurs in parts of the year, so they would require other duties to keep them occupied. A specialist technician would eat up valuable funds awaiting further work in their office when there is no meat to be tested.
Mr. Chairman, this issue continues to be worked on to determine how best to provide that service. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 386 – 4(3): Family Visits for Family Services Clients (Mikkungwak)
Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Family Services.
Mr. Speaker, even though the Baker Lake Hospice Society operates the Martha Taliruq Centre, a residential long-term elders’ home, some Baker Lake elders reside in care facilities in other communities or jurisdictions.
Can the minister clearly describe what arrangements can be made to provide visits from family members, especially when the elder is in a community that is not that far away?
Mr. Speaker, the Martha Taliruq Centre in Baker Lake has four elders in long-term residential care who are from outside of Baker Lake.
Those elders who are currently residing at the centre are given an opportunity to visit their relatives. If that is not possible, then we ask if a family member would like to visit them.
We give those elders from other communities every opportunity for visits.
Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the minister for his response.
As the minister indicated earlier, it would be good to have the elders at the Martha Taliruq Centre visited occasionally.
Mr. Speaker, can the minister explain if an individual wants to visit their relative staying at the hospice, what is the process to make a request to visit their elder at the Martha Taliruq Centre?
How would they go about it?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of Family Services, Mr. George Kuksuk.
Mr. Speaker, as I indicated earlier, I those who wish to visit a relative at the hospice can apply for funding from the Department of Family Services.
Just to clarify, when a resident at the Martha Taliruq Centre, is not from Baker Lake and they’ve resided there for 90 days, then they will be eligible to visit their home community.
If that is not possible, two immediate family members can then be brought to Baker Lake from any outside community. Their travel would be paid for by the Department of Family Services. As I mentioned earlier, the resident at the Martha Taliruq Centre is eligible to visit their home community after a 90-day period.
For his last question, you could approach the local Family Services office or the regional office to make travel arrangements.
It’s clear that the elder residing at the hospice will get assistance after three months have passed to visit their relatives and grandchildren before they pass on.
When an elder is from another community, their wish to see their relatives is understandable.
I have personally seen that happen and I have received calls from elders about this issue.
With that being the case, it would seem the minister should communicate what he stated is communicated to the relatives of the residents at the hospice.
Can the minister commit to implement what he promised?
The minister mentioned that family visitation could occur within a fiscal year, but when the fiscal year is over, what would happen after this initial visitation? Would that one trip only apply to that elder’s entire stay or would it be renewed annually?
Mr. Speaker, yes, this policy would continue as there is no time limit and this practice will continue up until there is a legislative amendment to change it.
When our elders are housed in a different community, they don’t reside with their relatives and it is obviously stressful to them. That is why we are trying to assist the elders by having visitations from their family or relatives or to have the elder travel home for a visit.
Mr. Speaker, this continues and we will continue to promote this policy, and it is not concerning enough to warrant a stoppage in this practice. We will provide that service as long as possible.
Motion 029 – 4(3): Extension of Question Period (Okalik)
Pursuant to Rule 39(7), I move, seconded by the Member for Baker Lake, that question period be extended.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The motion is in order and is not subject to debate. (interpretation) All those in favour.
The motion is carried and question period has been extended for another 30 minutes.
Item 5… .
Once question period is over, I’ll recognize you.
Question 387 – 4(3): Inuit Language Protection Act (Okalik)
I would now like to direct my question to the Minister of Languages regarding the Inuit Language Protection Act.
Section 4(1) states that “Every contract issued or made by or on behalf of a department of the Government of Nunavut or a public agency, whether as a result of a request for proposals, tender or otherwise, shall require the third party communications with and services to the public in the Inuit Language…”
As we are all aware, the financial services and the airlines contract the services to the government. Can the minister clarify if this legislation is being properly implemented?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Languages, Mr. George Kuksuk.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my colleague for that question.
Mr. Speaker, the government is required to implement the policies related to official languages recognized by legislation.
This is something we have done.
However, when it comes to outside agencies or companies, as per the member’s reference of private companies operating in Nunavut, such as airline companies and so on, we have tried to keep the language requirements available to the need to comply with official languages within the Nunavut territory.
Again, there’s a need to improve the system. If an elder goes to their bank, for example, they still have to bring an interpreter with them.
The banks have a contract with us.
As for the airlines, again, they do not provide bilingual attendants, even though they make a lot of money from this government.
We have to improve the system so that unilingual Inuit can receive the services in Inuktitut, especially when it comes to safety issues.
I would like to urge the minister to make sure that these private companies adhere to this legislation.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of Languages, Mr. George Kuksuk.
Mr. Speaker, he is referring to a contract in his question and I don’t have a copy of the contract in front of me, unfortunately.
I would really like to know exactly what the question is, as I can’t really respond to the question the way it is right now.
I’m not speaking of policy.
It already states that if the Nunavut government is going to be giving out any contracts, we have to put in the contract that contractors have to be able to deliver services in Inuktitut. The service providers have to be able to speak in Inuktitut.
That is the legislation.
With respect to contracts in the future, I wish to be notified that this requirement will be enforced.
I also thank my colleague. I will be able to get back to him once I have the information that he is requesting in the coming days.
Question 388 – 4(3): Status of Foster Care Services (Angnakak)
He’s on the hot seat today.
Mr. Speaker, on March 6, 2016, the 2014-15 Annual Report of the Director of Child and Family Services was tabled in this House. The report notes that as of March 31, 2015, there were 208 children in foster placements in Nunavut.
The report also notes that the majority of children who are placed outside of the territory are there for behavioural and medical reasons.
Can the minister provide further information on the numbers of children in foster care outside of Nunavut and what it costs to foster children outside of the territory?
Mr. Speaker, since April 28 this year, the children under care outside of Nunavut totalled 414. That comprises of children and youth from Nunavut under the care of Family Services.
Of the 414 children, 61 are in care outside of Nunavut.
There seems to be a real mix-up of numbers from the annual report to what the minister has stated.
Perhaps I need to look at it again.
I didn’t hear how much it costs, so that’s another question that hasn’t been answered.
Mr. Speaker, I recognize that for children who need specialized care, foster parents need specific training in medical and/or behavioural management.
Can the minister clarify what initiatives are in place to provide the necessary training to potential foster parents in Nunavut so that children who are in care outside of the territory can be repatriated back to Nunavut, closer to their homes, families, and culture?
Mr. Speaker, talking about how we train prospective foster parents, I have asked that question myself within the Department of Family Services to make sure that they are trained in the proper care of foster children.
I don’t have the information about training in front of me right now, but we have discussed this in my department and we have identified the need to train foster parents on what they should know and what they are responsible for in the care of foster children.
The Department of Family Services has explained to foster parents how to approach their role as foster parents.
There being a large number of foster parents, we need to ensure they are qualified in the care of foster children. We have to ensure they don’t have criminal records and do other background checks that are necessary to be accepted as foster parents in our communities.
I hope she understands my answer.
I’m sorry. Your final supplementary, Ms. Angnakak.
Ms. Angnakak: I almost lost out, Mr. Speaker.
Thanks for your response, but you didn’t really get into the specific initiatives that I was looking for. Perhaps that’s another thing that we can look at again in the very near future.
Mr. Speaker, the Child and Family Services Act was amended in 2014 to allow for continued support to be provided to youth aged 19 to 26 who would otherwise have aged out of the Family Services program.
The Extended Support Agreement Program helps the young to access necessary services, such as financial assistance, clothing, education, and housing. However, going through the foster care system can be a very challenging emotional experience.
Can the minister provide an update on what kinds of mental health services, such as counselling or life skills support, are provided to young adults in the system?
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’ll keep my answer short. The time for question period is running out rapidly and there are many other questions that need to be asked.
Once I have that information, I will update my colleagues in the House.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Oral Questions. Member for Uqqummiut, Mr. Pauloosie Keyootak.
Question 389 – 4(3): Status on Sales of Polar Bear Hides (Keyootak)
Mr. Speaker, we all know that hunters send out polar bear hides in efforts to sell them. Sometimes they have to wait for a very long time because it takes a long time to sell the hides. Can you give us an update on that?
Are they being sold or are they just sitting down there unsold? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to my colleague for asking that question. It is still in the same situation.
The selling of polar bear hides has not increased. During this winter’s meeting, I explained that we expected it to continue this spring and it has. Polar bear hide prices have not risen and it’s still in the same situation.
Can the minister indicate how many polar bear hides that have been sent out of Nunavut are just sitting there in efforts to sell them?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Environment, Mr. Mike.
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Right now, 335 hides are unsold that are sitting down there. They are made available through auctions.
Of those, 87 of them can’t be sold outside of Canada, although we can sell them within Canada. Polar bear hide prices are very low. That’s the way it has been.
I think I stated at the winter sitting that there were around 300 hides.
Can the minister indicate to us when the next auction will be for those polar bear hides that have not been sold for a long time?
I don’t have the date in front of me right now as to when the auction will be, but it will be through the auctions.
However, they are on sale even when the auction is not happening.
They are available for sale and that’s how we’re doing it now. I can’t announce any auction dates yet, but I know that we will have to sell them through that and other means.
Once I know it, I can respond to that question by way of a letter.
Question 390 – 4(3): Income Assistance for Minors (Mapsalak)
He is in the hot seat today.
Mr. Speaker, we are all aware that people who are 18 years of age and older are eligible for income support if they’re not working at all.
While that’s the case, does it mean that people who are under 18 are not eligible if they’re not working?
Speaker: The Hon. Minister of Family Services, Mr. George Kuksuk.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): I’m very pleased that oral question period was extended, and it can be extended again if desired later.
Mr. Speaker, I didn’t quite understand the member’s question.
I think his question was: how old do you have to be to be eligible for income support? You have to be the age of 18. Did I understand his question properly?
Did he state 18 years of age in order to be eligible for income support?
I just didn’t get his question, so I need him to clarify it, Mr. Speaker.
Please clarify your question so that the minister will understand, Mr. Mapsalak.
Yes, he understood it. When they’re 18 years old, they become eligible for income support if they are not working.
Speaker (interpretation): Minister of Family Services, Mr. Kuksuk.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much Mr. Speaker.
Yes, that’s the criteria.
You have to be 18 years old to be eligible for income support.
Income support is for people who have no jobs or employment opportunities. When there are no other alternatives, they are eligible for monthly income support at 18 years of age.
There are many Nunavummiut who are under the age of 18 that have children.
If they are living on their own, are they ineligible if they’re under the age of 18? Even if they have a spouse and a child, are they ineligible for income support?
Perhaps the minister can respond to that question.
Yes, the member understands it correctly. That’s exactly how it is.
Question 391 – 4(3): Banking Services (Joanasie)
I have further questions to the Minister of Finance; I guess another kick at the can.
As I noted when I first raised the issue of banking services, the government’s RFP indicated, and I quote, “the GN would like to expand and maximize the level of banking services available to residents of Nunavut, especially in the communities [and] hamlets where physical banking operations do not exist”.
Can the minister indicate what types of commitments have been submitted during the RFP process?
Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, we have met with senior bank officials and reinforced the need for services to our communities and financial literacy.
There have been no commitments.
Small businesses and individual entrepreneurs can encounter many hurdles and obstacles when they’re trying to access capital in order to start or expand their business.
The minister indicated that the GN does a lot of business with finances day in and day out all throughout year. I would expect that the GN’s banking services contract is worth quite a bit to the bank.
Can the minister indicate whether or not the GN would be using or leveraging its purchasing power to obtain commitments from the banks’ services that would be used in regard to smaller businesses in our smaller communities?
The RFP went out. There were three banks that responded. They have their business models.
They know the terms of reference.
In the breakdown for analysis of evaluations, we would say that services for communities is 10 percent; fees, 20 percent; corporate profile, 15 percent; customer service, 10 percent; and Inuit labour content, 15 percent.
The minister indicated that they expect to award the contract for this specific RFP in July. Can the minister indicate when the smaller communities can expect to see improved banking services?
Speaker (interpretation): Minister of Finance, Mr. Peterson.
Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, I can’t give that kind of information. As I said, the banks have their model.
They have their submissions. They’re well aware of the RFP and the conditions. One of the points in there, 1.3, I’m sure Mr. Joanasie has that information, the analysis, more frequent visits to communities; setting up locations in communities; and personal banking, budget advisory services, or similar programs.
As I said earlier, we have met with senior bank officials and reinforced the need for services to our communities and we’re hopeful that they will listen to us.
Question 392 – 4(3): Baffin Island Caribou Management (Mikkungwak)
It’s evident that we hear there’s a caribou moratorium on Baffin Island and a quota has been placed on caribou.
As a resident of Baker Lake, I have a question about caribou.
Now, the quota calls for the harvest of bull caribou only.
Some caribou are from the summer season and some are from the fall season.
My first question to the Minister of Environment is: are there certain months when they are allowed to harvest only bull caribou or is there a figure to limit the number of bull caribou they can harvest?
I’ve got three minutes, so I’ll try to respond to that question in three minutes.
It doesn’t say that they’re to harvest only bull caribou, but they can only harvest male caribou, not just bull caribou. In my dialect, the bull caribou is when they’re full and fat and they’re mature adults in the late summer.
We did not just mention bull caribou.
NWMB stated when they made their decision through the hearing process that the quota would be for male caribou only.
We are using that process today as a government. We approved that decision made by NWMB last year.
We’re not saying that only bull caribou can be harvested. If hunters were only able to harvest the bull caribou, then they could only harvest caribou during the summer. There are only bull caribou during the late summer season.
According to the way it is written, hunters are only allowed to harvest male caribou and that includes any male caribou any time. The quota is 250 tags until that number of caribou have been harvested.
I fully understand the minister’s response. It is obvious that in Baker Lake, we harvest caribou primarily as residents of the community, whether they are yearlings, two-year-olds, three-year-olds, cows, or adult bull caribou, and that includes caribou with hardened antlers.
Nonetheless, the minister’s response was why I was asking earlier about the system the Department of Environment is using as a basis for renewing the figure of 250 tags.
Is it when the tags are filled that renewal takes place or as per his earlier response, would it only apply to the summer season?
I know for a fact that bull caribou are harvested in the summer and autumn prior to becoming stinky due to the rut as Inuit look to harvest bull caribou.
With that being the case, what is the Department of Environment using for this harvest limitation? Is the number of tags the limit for the year or will they comply with Inuit traditional practices of harvesting caribou in specific months?
I also thank my colleague for clarifying his question. The limit is for male caribou only for the Baffin region and the season starts on July 1 up to June 30 or once the 250 tags are used up.
It states only the number of tags, without any other conditions attached. It also doesn’t speak to any months.
We can only comply with the recommended number.
I can elaborate on the months chosen.
As per my earlier statements to my colleague Mr. Keyootak when he queried me earlier, the total number of caribou harvested reached 183 males in the Baffin region for the year.
There are no months attached or specified, as they can harvest caribou at any time as long as it is a male and as long as the number of tags does not exceed 250.
The response from the minister was completely clear and we have kept hearing that selfsame response.
Now, the traditional Inuit practice of harvesting caribou is during specific months and if the Department of Environment followed this practice, it should include non-impregnated cows, ultra fat bulls, and single-antlered caribou.
I know which months our residents prefer.
Let me now ask if the Department of Environment has taken into consideration the preference to harvest caribou in the fall months, if the minister is willing to respond to that question, that is.
According to the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, this was set up through the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board when they recommended 250 and we approved it as the Nunavut government.
According to the agreement, we gave the 250 quota to the Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Management Board.
The quota of 250 tags will be allocated by the affected communities.
Those communities will decide how to allocate those 250 caribou tags.
The communities had all agreed to 30 tags each, with Igloolik receiving 10 tags.
It’s entirely up to the communities to decide when those tags will be used. It’s up to the communities when they want to open the hunting season, according to the agreement.
I can’t really state how we should operate that as a government. We just gave them this quota and it’s up to them for their consideration for the male caribou.
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I would like to return to Item 5. I would like to recognize a visitor in the gallery.
Speaker (interpretation): The Member for Pangnirtung would like to return to Item 5, Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery.
I thank my colleagues for allowing me to go back to Item 5.
I would like to recognize a visitor in the gallery. My fellow Pangnirtung resident, Jayko Ishulutak, does everything around the community to help.
He is on boards and he is a master carver, Jayko Ishulutak.
While we’re on this item, I would like to recognize a person from my community and many people know him. Stevie Audlakiak is a member of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association board representing Qikiqtarjuaq.
He is on various boards in Qikiqtarjuaq. He has been a deputy mayor and he is a sergeant of the Rangers in Qikiqtarjuaq. He is also a diver for clams that we like to eat in Qikiqtarjuaq.
Written Question 012 – 4(3): Medical and Duty Travel on Scheduled Airlines (Mikkungwak)
My written questions are for the Minister of Health, Medical and Duty Travel on Scheduled Airlines.
Broken down by airline, how much did the Government of Nunavut spend on medical travel on scheduled airlines during the 2015-16 fiscal year under its standing offer agreements entered into pursuant to Request for Proposals 2011-22?
Broken down by airline, how much did the Government of Nunavut spend on duty travel on scheduled airlines during the 2015-16 fiscal year under its standing offer agreements entered into pursuant to Request for Proposals 2011-22 and beyond?
What specific amendments, changes, or modifications have been made to the Government of Nunavut’s standing offer agreements and/or contracts for medical and duty travel on scheduled airlines as a consequence of any and all codeshare agreements entered into by Calm Air, Canadian North, First Air, and Keewatin Air Limited?
When do the Government of Nunavut’s current standing offer agreements entered into pursuant to Request for Proposals 2011-22 expire?
What is the timeline for the Government of Nunavut to issue a new request for proposal and/or requests for proposals for medical travel, duty travel, and cargo shipments on scheduled airlines?