EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Someone from my department went there and explained to them how to make an application, to form a society first, and then they can start to apply for funding afterwards.
It doesn’t matter what the society is for and we work closely with our elders in the communities to try to understand what they want to see happening because they are the most knowledgeable about the matter.
They are able to take part and form their own societies as well.
Before I go to my list of names, I would like to remind everyone that we are talking about capital estimates, so please try to stay on that topic.
The question I would like to ask is: can you explain further about your department’s support for heritage facilities, the capital estimates, and the funding that’s available?
We are talking about capital estimates this afternoon.
The $500,000 will be a contribution program. I tried to explain to my colleague, Mr. Shooyook, earlier.
Communities can apply for this. They can use the funding to develop or renovate heritage facilities.
The communities can request funding for that purpose.
Will that $500,000 contribution program have to be divided among all the communities in Nunavut?
Yes, that is for all the communities in Nunavut and any community can apply for it.
Can you help us understand more about the non-profit, community-based organizations that have committees in relation to the contribution program?
How many applications have you received? How many have applied?
We’re talking about the 2017-18 capital estimates.
The call for applications opens this month and then up until the end of January we will be accepting the applications at my department.
Do the communities request funding from this to use for language projects and, if so, how many communities request money under that?
We’re talking about capital estimates, but his question is regarding an O&M matter. We fund it through O&M, Mr. Chairman.
Minister and your officials, please feel welcome.
I know we are all aware in Baker Lake that people in Europe and the US know there are two recognized heritage rivers where they go kayaking or paddling.
When they go to Baker Lake, they always go to the heritage centre to look at exhibits of Inuit from our past and artefacts.
However, with respect to one of the questions my colleague asked relating to this, you responded by saying that the heritage centres need to have climate-controlled displays.
Does your department now know what kind of climate control equipment will be required for the heritage centres? If you know this, can you please explain what kind of climate-controlled displays they will need?
I would like to refer this to my deputy minister because I think he is the best person to answer the question.
Chairman (interpretation): My apologies.
There are some old reports about that and it looks like they will have to be updated. I’m sure there will be new technology that we will find once we review it.
Will you be planning that for the future in your department? Your department knows which communities have heritage centres and how big they are. We would like to have the artefacts outside of Nunavut repatriated to our territory.
The minister spoke to this. As MLAs, we’re always supporting this idea of returning our artefacts to Nunavut.
Are you planning to have our many artefacts returned in the future and to ensure they are stored with the proper kind of climate control equipment that is required to ensure they are protected in the heritage centres?
Earlier we talked about what we envision on repatriating those artefacts outside of Nunavut back to our communities, to find proper places for them. However, my colleague and I are both aware that we don’t have the money to spend on that.
We are often in talks with the federal government and other groups about finding places for the artefacts, which they support.
We will always be looking for spaces for these artefacts and we will see if we can find proper places for them in Nunavut so that all the artefacts are taken care of.
The next question I have refers to the Baker Lake Heritage Centre, which is visited, and many students also go there to find information as well.
My question is about the current fiscal year for the capital plans that we are dealing with for capital projects and minor capital projects.
In the future I encourage you, if at all possible, and you know how big the projects are and what their details are to determine if a climate control system is warranted for the Baker Lake Heritage Centre.
I believe that’s just a general comment.
Minister Kuksuk, would you like to comment on that?
Very briefly, as we indicated before, we are looking at various projects and each community is encouraged to look at the funding we have available for renovations of facilities.
In the (interpretation ends) substantiation sheets (interpretation) it states, (interpretation ends) “Problem/Summary:
Many communities in Nunavut do not have secured places to showcase heritage collections, provide cultural spaces, promote culture or engage visitors.”
(interpretation) I have a question for the minister. (interpretation ends) If I’m out of line, Mr. Chairman, let me know.
Economic Development and Transportation (interpretation) is building a new (interpretation ends) visitor centre in Rankin Inlet. (interpretation) Has your department ever had discussions with (interpretation ends) the Department of Economic Development and Transportation (interpretation) to see if there’s a building that can be used to store artefacts that are housed in (interpretation ends) the south?
Yes, we’ve had some enquiries about housing artefacts, but there is a “however” on the issue if there are going to be any changes to the design and concept of a building, for example.
If we’re going to include housing artefacts, then the costs are going to increase after the budget outlining how much money can be allocated has already been approved. Again, it could be a part of it, but if it’s going to include housing artefacts and if we’re going to change the design, then it would have to be approved prior to housing the artefacts.
The (interpretation ends) visitor centre (interpretation) will probably have a display. There is a little (interpretation ends) cubby-hole (interpretation) at the airport that displays some artefacts for people passing through.
This building is going to be quite large. (interpretation ends) All you need is what I call low-risk items like carvings, which don’t need special equipment to display them.
All you need are glass shelves. You don’t any renovations.
That’s all I’m asking. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Alex Sammurtok.
I agree with you completely. There is a display case there that you are referring to and we wouldn’t have a problem with setting up display cases for carvings and other showcase material.
We are on Culture and Heritage.
Go back to page F-2.
It reads, Culture and Heritage.
Do members agree that we have concluded the capital estimates for Culture and Heritage?
Minister Kuksuk, we have concluded your department.
If you have any closing remarks, you have the floor.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I would also like to thank my colleagues for their good questions.
I would especially like to thank the interpreters very much. If we didn’t have interpreters, we wouldn’t be able to communicate at all.
I would like to thank the interpreters.
I again thank the officials I have with me at the witness table, my deputy minister and our director of finance, Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much.
Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witnesses out. We will proceed to the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs. Before we proceed, we will take a five-minute break in order to get our paperwork organized.
>>Committee recessed at 17:13 and resumed at 17:20
Bill 24 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2017-2018 – Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs – Consideration in Committee
We will be dealing with the proposed capital estimates of the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs.
I would like to ask Premier Taptuna if he would like to have officials with him at the witness table.
Premier Taptuna would like to have officials with him at the witness table.
Premier Taptuna, for the record, please introduce your official.
Hon. Peter Taptuna: Mr. Chairman, on my right here is Chris D’Arcy, Deputy Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs.
We are on page B-3, but before we go to that page, Premier Taptuna, I now give you an opportunity to make your opening comments.
Hon. Peter Taptuna (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Today I am accompanied by my Deputy Minister, Mr. Chris D’Arcy, to present the Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs’ capital request for fiscal year 2017-18.
Mr. Chairman, during our standing committee session on government estimates and operations, concerns were raised with respect to the proposed purchase of vehicles for the department in relation to carbon emissions and cost.
Mr. Chairman, upon consultation with the Department of Community and Government Services, Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs has reviewed vehicle option purchases and has revised our request.
We are looking to propose the purchase of two new vehicles that aim to achieve reductions in both cost and gas emissions.
Community and Government Services is the lead department with respect to the policy and guidelines of environmental initiatives for fleet vehicles.
As part of that support, CGS will ensure that future standing offer lists will include environmentally-friendly options so that in another small way we are able to mitigate impacts to our climate.
Official protocol remains an important part of the overall mandate for Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs to provide advice and guidance to the government.
It serves as a liaison with protocol officials in other Canadian jurisdictions for international missions, diplomatic visits, and so forth.
Mr. Chairman, as well the Office of the Commissioner is supported through the Executive Council.
Along with all the divisions within Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, the staff must carry out day-to-day activities that sometimes require the use of office vehicles.
Providing safe and reliable transportation is a minimum requirement and that is not a reasonable expectation met with the current fleet, which is about 15 years old.
The current vehicles surpass twice the minimum lifespan for an automobile.
With regular maintenance and our unforgiving climate, vehicles simply can’t get the same mileage as they do down south.
In fiscal year 2015-16 alone EIA spent approximately $3,000 in general maintenance on things like tires, oil changes, and tows.
This expense will continue to grow with old vehicles.
Mr. Chairman, after reviewing maintenance expenditures on existing vehicles, as per the Government of Nunavut’s Replacement of Mobile Equipment Guidelines, the proposed new vehicle purchase will prove economically advantageous and will reduce gas emissions.
Mr. Chairman, the department can no longer rely on the roadworthiness of our existing vehicles. We are requesting approval of two replacement vehicles that ensure a cost-effective, reliable, and trustworthy mode of transportation.
Again, Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to request the capital approval of Intergovernmental Affairs.
I am pleased to provide some very brief opening comments on behalf of the Standing Committee on Government Estimates and Operations concerning its review of the proposed 2017-18 Capital Estimates for the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs.
The department’s proposed capital budget for 2017-18 is $100,000. This fund is to be used for the acquisition of two vehicles.
Mr. Chairman, the standing committee appreciates the minister’s willingness to adjust the department’s acquisition plans in response to members’ concerns regarding such matters as vehicle size.
The standing committee supports sound fleet management practices across government, including consistent vehicle lifecycle standards.
Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening comments on the proposed 2017-18 Capital Estimates of the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs.
We’re on page B-3. General comments?
Mr. Alexander Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) The vehicles you want to replace, you will probably want to surplus them to Community and Government Services.
My understanding is that Economic Development and Transportation is thinking of leaving some dollar amounts for disposal.
If you surplus these, will you be able to reimburse the person once the tendering of those surplus vehicles?
We don’t have plans like that.
We’re on Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs. Directorate. Total Capital Expenditures. $100,000.
Go back to page B-2.
Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs. Mission. Detail of Expenditures.
Members, are we in agreement that we have concluded the review of the proposed capital estimates for the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs?
Premier Taptuna, we have concluded your department.
I now give you an opportunity to make closing remarks.
I thank the committee members for their scrutiny.
Again, we’re always trying to find ways to lessen the impact on our climate and try to do things more effectively and efficiently where we can and we’re always trying to improve, not just within Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs but throughout all our departments.
Again I thank the committee members for their participation in this.
Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the official out.
We will be proceeding with the Office of the Legislative Assembly, but we will take a four-minute break in order to get the paperwork ready.
>>Committee recessed 17:31 and resumed at 17:32
Bill 24 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2017-2018 – Legislative Assembly – Consideration in Committee
We will be dealing with the proposed capital estimates of the Office of the Legislative Assembly.
Let me first ask Speaker Qulaut, do you have officials that you would like to bring to the witness table?
Speaker (interpretation): Yes, I would like to have officials with me.
Speaker Qulaut would like to have officials with him at the witness table.
Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort his officials in.
As they are escorting the officials in, we will start on page A-3.
Speaker Qulaut, for the record, please introduce your officials.
To my right is John Quirke, Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, and to my left is Michael Rafter, (interpretation ends) Director of Corporate Services. (interpretation) That is who we are.
Welcome to the House, Mr. Quirke and Mr. Rafter.
We can now proceed and I would like to give you an opportunity to make your opening comments.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) I am pleased to appear before you and members today to present the proposed 2017-18 Capital Estimates of the Office of the Legislative Assembly.
As members will note, the proposed 2017-18 capital budget for the Office of the Legislative Assembly is $765,000.
Our capital budget continues to be modest.
Our priority areas for the coming fiscal year include enhancements and upgrades to our audiovisual, Hansard and information technology systems, as well as fleet renewal and replacement of office equipment.
As my colleagues will have noted, recent improvements to the front entrance of the Legislative Assembly have also served to enhance the accessibility of our facility to all of our territory’s residents.
That concludes my opening comments, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation) I would be pleased to answer any questions that members may have.
I don’t see any hands. We will proceed.
We are on the first page.
Turn to page A-5.
It reads, Office of the Legislative Assembly.
Go back to page A-2.
Total Capital Expenditures. $765,000.
Are we in agreement that we have concluded the proposed capital estimates for the Office of the Legislative Assembly?
Speaker Qulaut, we are completed.
I now give you the opportunity to make your closing remarks.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. I thank you for believing in what we’re doing and the operations of the Legislative Assembly.
There is a motion on the floor to report progress at this time and the motion is not debatable.
Just a reminder that the Standing Committee on Legislation meets tomorrow morning at nine o’clock in the Nanuq Boardroom.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until Wednesday, November 2, at 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Pages 2809 – 2866
Opening Prayer 2809
Ministers’ Statements 2809
Members’ Statements 2813
Returns to Oral Questions 2819
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 2822
Oral Questions 2823
Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters 2848
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 2849
Report of the Committee of the Whole 2865
Orders of the Day 2865
Wednesday, November 2, 2016 2809
203 – 4(3): NDAP Residency Requirements (Kuksuk) 2809
204 – 4(3): Sivumuaqatigiit Reorganization (Taptuna) 2810
205 – 4(3): Inuktut in Our Schools (Quassa) 2811
206 – 4(3): Summer Employment for Nunavut Students in the Private Sector (Mike) 2811
207 – 4(3): Kivalliq Regional Visitor Centre (Ell-Kanayuk) 2812
208 – 4(3): Aboriginal Language Revitalization (Quassa) 2812
378 – 4(3): The Development of Diabetes in Nunavut (Angnakak) 2813
379 – 4(3): Supporting Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Principles (Shooyook) 2814
380 – 4(3): Suicide Prevention (Qirngnuq) 2816
381 – 4(3): Sharing Responsibility (Joanasie) 2816
382 – 4(3): Death of an Elder in Taloyoak (Akoak) 2817
383 – 4(3): Support for Clyde River in Seismic Testing Case (Keyootak) 2817
384 – 4(3): Elections in Inuit Organizations (Okalik) 2818
385 – 4(3): Appreciation of Ilisaqsivik (Quassa) 2818
Return to Oral Question 418 – 4(3): Community Transportation Initiatives Program – Correction to Information Provided (Ell-Kanayuk) 2819
Return to Oral Question 446 – 4(3): Maintaining Dental and Medical Equipment (Hickes) 2820
Return to Oral Question 465 – 4(3): Inuit Language Implementation Fund (Kuksuk) 2821
516 – 4(3): The Development of Diabetes in Nunavut (Angnakak) 2823
517 – 4(3): Community-based Search and Rescue Organizations (Sammurtok, T) 2825
518 – 4(3): Federal Fall Economic Statement (Mikkungwak) 2827
519 – 4(3): Government of Nunavut Responses to Resolutions Adopted at the 2016 Annual General Meeting of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association (Akoak) 2829
520 – 4(3): Makigiaqta Inuit Training Corporation (Enook) 2831
521 – 4(3): Conservation Officer Boat in Qikiqtarjuaq (Keyootak) 2832
522 – 4(3): Funding Increase Request (Okalik) 2834
523 – 4(3): Evaluating Educational Standards (Joanasie) 2835
524 – 4(3): Suicide Prevention Initiatives in the Kitikmeot (Qirngnuq) 2836
525 – 4(3): High Arctic Transportation (Shooyook) 2838
526 – 4(3): Need for Swimming Pools in Nunavut (Mapsalak) 2840
527 – 4(3): Devolution (Angnakak) 2842
528 – 4(3): Suicide Prevention Conference (Okalik) 2844
529 – 4(3): Streaming Students (Mikkungwak) 2846
Committee Report 016 – 4(3): Bill 16, An Act to Amend the Travel and Tourism Act (Sammurtok, T) 2848
206 – 4(3): Responses to the 2016-2017 Letters of Expectation (Peterson) 2848
207 – 4(3): Kenojuak Ashevak Heritage Minute (Joanasie) 2848
208 – 4(3): Printout of Signatories to Online Petition Concerning Smoking Ban in Multiunit Dwellings (Angnakak) 2848
209 – 4(3): Report of Members’ Absences from Sittings of the House and Meetings of Committees and Caucuses for the Period April 1, 2016 to June 30, 2016 (Speaker) 2849
210 – 4(3): Report of Members’ Absences from Sittings of the House and Meetings of Committees and Caucuses for the Period July 1, 2016 to September 30, 2016 (Speaker) 2849
036 – 4(3): Extension of Question Period (Mikkungwak) 2840
Bill 24 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2017-2018 – Nunavut Housing Corporation –Consideration in Committee 2850
Minister’s Statement 203 – 4(3): NDAP Residency Requirements (Kuksuk)
Good day, my fellow Nunavummiut, residents of Arviat and Whale Cove, as well as my colleagues. Good afternoon.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut Downpayment Assistance Program is an important program that assists Nunavummiut in becoming homeowners and supports the development of private real estate markets in the territory.
I am pleased to announce that based on feedback from the Members of the Legislative Assembly, the Nunavut Housing Corporation will be making a change to the eligibility requirements for the Nunavut Downpayment Assistance Program.
Mr. Speaker, starting on April 1, 2017 only Nunavummiut that have lived in the territory for one year or more will be eligible to receive a forgivable loan to support the purchase of a new or existing home.
Hon. George Kuksuk: Mr. Speaker, the program offers a forgivable loan of up to $30,000 to those purchasing a home that will be their primary residence.
Forgiveness on this loan does not begin until after five years of residency in the home and the loan is only fully forgivable after ten years.
I hope that the new residency requirements will demonstrate to the members and their constituents that the government values long-term investment in Nunavut.
I encourage anyone interested in applying for homeownership program support to call the toll-free number and the number is 1-844-413-9355 to see if they are eligible or visit the website at www.nunavuthousing.ca for more information.
Minister’s Statement 204 – 4(3): Sivumuaqatigiit Reorganization (Taptuna)
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the Government of Nunavut is committed to an effective and functional public service that is representative of the population it serves and that meets the requirements of Article 23 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
Mr. Speaker, as Premier, I am committed to enhancing Inuit employment in our public service.
As a result of the settlement of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement implementation lawsuit that was settled last year, the Government of Nunavut has access to $40 million to implement Article 23 for the duration of the contract period that concludes in 2023.
To that end the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs has reorganized its Sivumuaqatigiit Division to focus purely on Inuit employment initiatives and to provide support and guidance to departments and corporations to implement their Inuit employment plans.
Mr. Speaker, the streamlined Sivumuaqatigiit Division is responsible for providing human resources planning and direction on initiatives aimed at increasing and maintaining Inuit employment in the Government of Nunavut and oversees development and delivery of new training programs specifically designed for Inuit employees.
Mr. Speaker, the newly formed Public Service Training Division designs, develops, and delivers training and development programs for all public servants at headquarters and decentralized communities.
The division also oversees the decentralization action plan and coordinates initiatives to support the decentralized model.
Mr. Speaker, this reorganization positions the Government of Nunavut to dedicate appropriate resources to oversee our obligations to implement Article 23 and enable us to ensure there is proper oversight with the expected expenditures of the settlement agreement.
Minister’s Statement 205 – 4(3): Inuktut in Our Schools (Quassa)
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Before sharing my Minister’s Statement, I wish to acknowledge and express my appreciation for MLA Joanasie for sharing his apology in the House yesterday regarding the process by which these concerns were brought to our attention.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to update my colleagues about a matter that was brought to my attention last Tuesday.
We were informed of an alleged incident in one of our schools. The allegation made was that a student was discouraged and even punished for speaking Inuktitut in our school.