EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
We are going to continue to show them our demand figures and share that both with QEC, PPD, CGS, all of the stakeholders that need to work on infrastructure planning for each of the communities so that we, for housing, can address the housing need as we get funding.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much, Ms. Kimball, for your response. (interpretation ends) Just a reminder that we are on Bill 2, Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance), not on capital. Department Summary. Nunavut Housing Corporation.
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you for allowing me to ask the question and I thank the official for her response.
There are people waiting for homes and the number of people waiting for homes is increasing all the time. That’s why I asked that question about Cape Dorset.
I have asked this question a number of times before regarding subsidies for private homeowners. Can the same person request additional financing? For example, if a person’s house is being renovated and the renovation didn’t run so well, can the person request for more money from the housing corporation?
If I understand him correctly, please explain if I don’t seem to understand you. For example, a person who owns a house accesses some renovation money, if he got approval for some money to fix up his or her house, can that person ask for more?
Is that what you’re asking? Do I understand you correctly?
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): As an example, a person owns their own house and the roof has to be fixed because it’s leaking or the windows need to be replaced with better windows.
If more work needs to be done, even though they had the work done under housing corporation program funding, can they ask for more money?
I think I understand the question. Even if it’s a new house and the roof was not built properly and the roof leaks and more work needs to be done on that unit, then it would seem to be under warranty work.
However, if I misunderstood your question, I would like Ms. Kimball to respond to that, Mr. Chairman, if you don’t mind.
I think there are a couple of different scenarios and if I understand the member correctly, if a client were to access our Home Repair Program and has the maximum dollars worth of work, which is $50,000 under home repair on its own, there is a time limit before they can come back and request additional home repair funding.
Just because we only have so much homeownership program funding available, we want to make sure we limit the amount each client can access. However, we do have different programs.
If you have window replacement done under the Home Repair Program, but you have an emergency situation where your furnace breaks down, you can access the Emergency Repair Program, even though you have already accessed the Home Repair Program.
So you can access different programs, but there is a time limit before you can reapply for the same program.
If work is done under the Home Repair Program, we contract with the contractor. If that contractor’s work was not completed properly, then we would go back on that contract and expect that contractor to resolve it.
If you had windows repaired and then they still leaked, obviously we would go back after the contractor to get that resolved and it wouldn’t be something that you would have to wait to reapply.
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I understand your response.
I thank Ms. Kimball for the response.
On another topic, public housing that is owned by the Nunavut Housing Corporation, (interpretation ends) is there a standard condition when a public housing unit is being occupied by new tenants?
(interpretation) That is my question, (interpretation ends) Mr. Chairman. (interpretation) Thank you.
That is the normal practice. If it’s a newly renovated house, then the local housing association would ensure that before a tenant moves in, it would be properly inspected to make sure all the work that was supposed to be done has been done. They would inspect that first before a tenant would be allowed to move in.
If I understood your question, that’s my response.
The main reason for asking that question is the way that some of the units’ interior or exterior is built.
Are they fixed up before new tenants move in or if they need to be renovated before a new tenant moves in? Do they always paint the walls before a new tenant moves in?
Although I am very pleased in Inuktitut, but due to dialectal differences, we lack understanding, Mr. Chairman.
I’m sure the interpreters had interpreted that into English.
So therefore, I would like to ask if Ms. Kimball to respond to that question, if you don’t mind.
As part of the check-in process with our tenants, we do a detailed check-in form to identify any issues that the new tenants may have.
Of course, the LHOs do endeavour to do anything that’s obvious if they have maintenance staff or the materials available.
Some larger renovation projects may have to wait until the summer season for larger M&I projects, but we do have a detailed check-in process that will identify any of the issues.
We also do regular condition ratings at least once every two years.
The condition rating actually impacts a client’s rent.
If the unit has some issues, the tenant does get a deduction in their rent until such time that we fix those issue.
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you. I thank Ms. Kimball for that response.
Moving on to a different topic, I need clarification on the (interpretation ends) Tenant-to-Owner Program. (interpretation) How many clients do you have for the Tenant-to-Owner Program?
(interpretation ends) How many individuals take advantage of this program?
We have the figures of how many people utilized the Tenant-to-Owner Program.
If you don’t mind, Mr. Chairman, I would like to ask Ms. Kimball to provide the figures.
The Tenant-to-Owner Program is actually a program that was under review.
One of the challenges is that we don’t have enough public housing. Our needs survey identified that we needed more than 3,500 more units to address the housing crisis in Nunavut.
At this point, we aren’t really encouraging the Tenant-to-Owner Program because it really reduces our stock and causes us to have to spend half a million dollars to replace the unit and provide the desperately needed public housing. Until we can address some of the shortfalls that we have in our need for social housing, at this point, we’re not really pursuing the Tenant-to-Owner Program.
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Since it’s now being reviewed, when do you expect to have the review completed, Mr. Chairman?
We don’t want to guess the length of the review of this program, so I’ll just leave it at that.
Under the Tenant-to-Owner Program, if it includes… . I know that the majority of the communities are expected to be like that. For example, the same family members would live together in this unit for the rest of their lives.
For example, the grandparents would have that unit and then the grandchildren can take on the unit through the Tenant-to-Owner Program. I just want NHC to consider that, if you’re going to go ahead to use the Tenant-to-Owner Program, so that the younger generation can access or obtain the unit.
Moving on to another topic, in the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s business plan on page 10, for debt recovery, there is $14,815,000 remitted to CMHC to pay down the debt.
How long do you expect this to be used and when can we expect to complete it, Mr. Chairman?
I believe I understand his question.
It is to be completed by 2037. It’s just the same as the funding we receive from CMHC, which is going to lapse in the year 2037.
I thank minister for his response.
In June 2011, the Nunavut Housing Corporation legislation was amended and it was approved in the House.
The amendments gave the Nunavut Housing Corporation direction to have boards.
How many times have these boards met?
The Nunavut Housing Corporation Board of Directors meets three times a year. I could be wrong, but that’s how it is set up.
So that everyone can be aware. If the minister can us who the members are for the Nunavut Housing Corporation Board of Directors?
If you’ll me to ask that question, Mr. Chairman. That was my last question.
Yes, I can tell you the members of the Board of Directors, as to who they are and where they’re from. I don’t have that information in front of me.
If you don’t mind, Mr. Chairman. I’ll be able to provide my colleague with information as to when the members term would be over, and also as to who the chair and vice-chairman is. I can provide that information to the member at a later date.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Department Summary. Nunavut Housing Corporation.
Total operations and maintenance. To be voted. $172,873,000.
Chairman: Do members agree that the Nunavut Housing Corporation is concluded?
I also thank the members for asking questions during our deliberations of the Nunavut Housing Corporation. I thank my officials for being able to respond to some questions that were asked by the members.
I would like to say thank you to the members for having me.
(interpretation ends) As per Rule 6(1), I now recognize the clock and will report progress to the Speaker.
Item 21. (interpretation ends) Report of the Committee of the Whole.
Mr. Mikkungwak: Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bill 2 and the main estimates, and would like to report progress.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) There is a motion on the floor. Is there a seconder?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until Wednesday, June 4, at 1:30 p.m.
Pages 496 – 548
Members’ Statements 499
Oral Questions 502
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 525
Point of Order 536
Report of the Committee of the Whole 547
Orders of the Day 548
Wednesday, June 4, 2014 496
030 – 4(2): Update on PASS (Quassa) 496
031 – 4(2): Relocation of Cumberland Sound Turbot Management Zone Boundary (Mike) 497
032 – 4(2): Syphilis Outbreak in Nunavut (Ell) 498
033 – 4(2): Long Term Service Award Recipients 25 Years or More (Peterson) 498
075 – 4(2): The Need for a 24-Hour Care Facility in Rankin Inlet (Sammurtok) 499
076 – 4(2): Chesterfield Inlet Qajaq Building Program (Sammurtok) 500
077 – 4(2): 2014 High School Graduates of Pond Inlet (Enook) 500
078 – 4(2): Cape Dorset NTEP Graduates (Joanasie) 501
079 – 4(2): Happy Third Anniversary to Son (Kuksuk) 501
080 – 4(2): Full Recovery of Polar Bear Attack Victims (Shooyook) 502
111 – 4(2): Incorporating Inuit Societal Values (Shooyook) 502
112 – 4(2): Contacting Inmates with Family (Akoak) 503
113 – 4(2): Qulliq Energy Corporation General Rate Increase (Rumbolt) 504
114 – 4(2): Human Resource Management (Savikataaq) 505
115 – 4(2): The Need for a 24-Hour Care Facility (Sammurtok) 507
116 – 4(2): Evaluating Homelessness (Joanasie) 509
117 – 4(2): Iqaluit Air Quality (Hickes) 510
118 – 4(2): Inuit Labour Content for Government Contracts (Mapsalak) 512
119 – 4(2): Capital Planning (Angnakak) 513
120 – 4(2): Canadian Heritage Rivers in Nunavut (Mikkungwak) 515
121 – 4(2): Definition of Homelessness (Enook) 517
122 – 4(2): Staff Housing (Angnakak) 518
123 – 4(2): Human Resources Management (Hickes) 518
124 – 4(2): Firearms Licence Application Process (Mikkungwak) 520
125 – 4(2): Long-term Casual Employees (Hickes) 522
019 – 4(2): Waste Management Correspondence (Angnakak) 524
020 – 4(2): Nunavut Arctic College Annual Report 2012-2013 (Quassa) 525
021 – 4(2): 2012 Annual Report under Section 12.1 of the Labour Standards Act (Okalik) 525
Extension of Question Period (Enook) 516
Bill 02 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2014-2015 – Family Services – Consideration in Committee 525
Speaker (Hon. George Qulaut) (interpretation): Can you say the opening prayer, please, Mr. Taptuna.
Speaker (interpretation): Good afternoon, Nunavummiut, Members, Ministers, and staff. Welcome to the House.
Minister’s Statement 030 – 4(2): Update on PASS (Quassa)
Thank you, my colleagues. I say “good day” to the people of Igloolik and Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to update my colleagues on a valuable Department of Education program being delivered by Nunavut Arctic College.
The Pathway to Adult Secondary School graduation program, PASS, provides the opportunity for Nunavut adults to obtain the remaining high school credits that they need to earn their High School Diploma.
This can be done in their own communities, on their own time, outside of the high school environment.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the Pathway to Adult Secondary School graduation program combines literacy, adult basic education, high school completion, and upgrading courses into one program.
It requires a careful examination of each individual’s previous course completions in order to develop a plan of action for that individual. Some individuals may only need to complete a few courses. However, for some, it may take a significantly longer time to achieve their high school graduation.
The first PASS course currently offered through a distance learning process, English 30-2, is currently up and running and a new course offering, Social Studies 20-2, began in January 2014.
(interpretation) PASS currently has 26 students enrolled in its programs in the following communities: Cambridge Bay, Gjoa Haven, Rankin Inlet, Cape Dorset, Kimmirut, Pangnirtung, and Iqaluit.
The program will be extended into Sanikiluaq and Arctic Bay shortly and further expansion is anticipated for the fall of 2014.
Mr. Speaker, instructors deliver the online curriculum provided through the Alberta Distance Learning Centre.
The college also provides trained supplemental instructors, computer equipment, Internet connectivity, specialized training to use equipment, and space to learn, helping students enrolled in a PASS course succeed in meeting their learning goals so they may earn their High School Diploma.
(interpretation ends) The PASS program supports our commitment to helping all Nunavummiut get the education they need to achieve their career and employment goals. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister’s Statement 031 – 4(2): Relocation of Cumberland Sound Turbot Management Zone Boundary (Mike)
Good day to the people of Pangnirtung and Nunavut, especially those who are fishing.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce the relocation of the turbot management zone in Cumberland Sound.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to update my colleagues on a recent development that will further enhance the development of Nunavut’s inshore turbot fishing industry, the recent relocation of the Cumberland Sound Turbot Management Zone Boundary line.
At the request of the Pangnirtung Hunters and Trappers Organization, and supported by the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada recently approved the relocation of the Cumberland Sound Turbot Management Zone Boundary from its current location to the 12-mile limit at the entrance to Cumberland Sound.
The relocation of the boundary will be accompanied by a scientific study on the movements of turbot in the area, which DFO scientists will carry out this summer onboard the Government of Nunavut research vessel Nuliajuk.
Fishermen in Pangnirtung have long known that most Cumberland Sound turbot spend the winter in shallower areas inside the existing boundary line, and then migrate to deeper waters beyond the boundary in the summer.
The relocation of the boundary to the entrance of Cumberland Sound will allow our local fishermen full and protected access to this important resource.
This will in turn allow for further development of the inshore fishery, especially during the open water seasons. The relocation of the boundary also removes the potential conservation threat of offshore vessels entering the sound to harvest turbot using quota from area 0B.
Mr. Speaker, this is another illustration of the ongoing success of the Nunavut Fisheries Strategy and the ongoing successes within the Nunavut fishing industry.
With the current project to renew the fisheries strategy, we look forward to more successes in the future.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of Health, Ms. Ell.
Minister’s Statement 032 – 4(2): Syphilis Outbreak in Nunavut (Ell)
I wish to take this opportunity to update the Assembly on the serious health concern on sexually transmitted infections.
In particular, Nunavut is experiencing an outbreak and continued rise in the spread of syphilis.
Syphilis is a highly contagious disease that is spread by sexual activity.
It is a preventable sexually transmitted infection.
The treatment for syphilis is simple and routine, but if left untreated, it can lead to long-term health complications like heart and nervous system disease and even death. Syphilis can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy, which can have consequences to the unborn child.
Mr. Speaker, this preventable infection is alarmingly on the rise.
We now have more than 110 diagnosed cases of syphilis and new cases continue to be identified.
It is very important that Nunavummiut are aware of the dangers of syphilis. People can have syphilis and not know it because they may not have any symptoms.
Mr. Speaker, if people participate in excessive drinking and drug use, it can cloud judgment and reduce inhibitions, which can lead to engaging in unprotected sex.
The more sexual partners a person has, the greater the risk they may be exposed to a sexually transmitted infection.
If anyone thinks they may be at risk, I encourage them to speak to a health professional.
The Department of Health provides ongoing education and training to frontline health professionals. We promote safe sex messaging through our public awareness campaigns, including the importance of getting tested and using condoms.
Free condoms are available at our health centres.
Getting tested for sexually transmitted infections, including syphilis, and getting the appropriate treatment at the time is essential. Syphilis can be cured with the right antibiotics if treated in time.
Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge Nunavummiut to be more sexually responsible and contact their health centre should they want more information and assistance in getting tested and treated.
Minister’s Statement 033 – 4(2): Long Term Service Award Recipients 25 Years or More (Peterson)
Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, we recently gave out long-term service awards to many employees. We continue to recognize our employees and their long-term commitment to our public service.
This past month, more than 200 people attended receptions in Rankin Inlet, Igloolik, and Cambridge Bay to recognize more employees for their long-term service to our government.
At the reception in Rankin Inlet, staff were joined by our colleagues, Minister Sammurtok, Minister Quassa, and MLA Alexander Sammurtok.
Today, I would like to express my gratitude to the Government of Nunavut employees who have provided more than 25 years of service to our government.
They are dedicated public servants who have contributed to the creation of Nunavut and continue to contribute to the growth of our territory.
On behalf of the government, I want to extend our congratulations to Alexander Sammurtok (Community and Government Services), Mark Gordon (Community and Government Services), Rebecca Kudloo (Education), Eva Noah (Nunavut Arctic College), Patty Greenley (Community and Government Services), Eva Ohokak (Finance), Barbara Harvey (Health), Annie Kamingoak (Health), and Donna Olsen-Hakongak (Justice), who have all contributed more than 25 years of service, and to Marion Thorsen Love (Finance), who has contributed more than 30 years of service to our government.
Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honouring the individual employees.
Member’s Statement 075 – 4(2): The Need for a 24-Hour Care Facility in Rankin Inlet (Sammurtok)
Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I rise today to address the growing need for another 24-hour care facility in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I am aware that there are continuing care facilities in Gjoa Haven and Igloolik. Although these facilities were not filled to capacity when they first opened, there is now a waiting list for beds.
Mr. Speaker, it appears that the government did not expect the need for 24-hour care to grow as fast as it has.
Mr. Speaker, in the community of Rankin Inlet, there are a number of individuals who are waiting for placement in a 24-hour care facility.
I encourage the government to consider building its next continuing care facility in Rankin Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, if a continuing care home were to open in Rankin Inlet today, I am confident that eight to ten beds would be filled this year alone.
Not only are there individuals waiting for a place in such a facility, but patients from Rankin Inlet who are currently in other communities could come home to Rankin Inlet.
Member’s Statement 076 – 4(2): Chesterfield Inlet Qajaq Building Program (Sammurtok)
Good day to the people of Chesterfield Inlet and Rankin Inlet. I send my regards to all of you.
I have some good news and it’s happening in my hometown of Chesterfield Inlet.
Today, I want to recognize and pay tribute to a great project in my home community of Chesterfield Inlet.
This is a Qajaq program whereby students get to build and then use the Qajait that they build.
Mr. Speaker, this program is overseen by Mr. Glen Brocklebank, who has been teaching at the Victor Sammurtok School in Chesterfield Inlet for over ten years.
In this timeframe, we have built an inventory of 27 Qajait and have had over 200 students participate in the program.
Typically, the students will build and repair the Qajait in the spring, and then when school starts in the fall, they get to use them on weekend camps with the school. They have even used these Qajait out in Hudson Bay.
Mr. Speaker, as this program is celebrating its 10th anniversary this summer, I would like to congratulate Mr. Brocklebank, his volunteers, and all of their students who have kept this traditional skill alive.
Member’s Statement 077 – 4(2): 2014 High School Graduates of Pond Inlet (Enook)
Mr. Speaker, in June of every year, school is winding down and it’s break time and students are happy that they’re going to be finishing school.
I want to celebrate along with the people in my community about the grade 12 graduation.
We are always very proud of graduates who are finishing high school. As MLAs, we encourage them. Even though they have completed grade 12, they can pursue higher education.
I hope they all do that.
In Pond Inlet, they are going to be having a big celebration tonight. My heart is up there with them all, but I have work to do here and I apologize for that because I’m trying to do good work here too.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge our grade 12 graduates:
Jordan Aglak
Lorena Idlout
Lila Koonoo
Emanuel Maktar
Nina Mucpa
Roseanne Ootoovak
Rita Mary Peterloosie
Joseph Primeau
Roger Kaiya Qamaniq
Elizabeth Quasa, and  Megan Sangoya.
We are very proud of you and hope you will continue with your education.
Member’s Statement 078 – 4(2): Cape Dorset NTEP Graduates (Joanasie)
I rise today to recognize the Nunavut Teacher Education Program students who recently graduated.
I made a mistake when I made my statement about them yesterday. They will have their graduation tomorrow, not yesterday. I made a mistake on the date and I apologize for that.
I’m very happy for the graduates. They have completed what they set out to learn, which is to become teachers. Now things are being set up for them so that they can go to work when the school year starts.
I am very proud of them. That’s all I wanted to say. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member for (interpretation ends) Arviat North (interpretation) and Whale Cove, Mr. Kuksuk.
Member’s Statement 079 – 4(2): Happy Third Anniversary to Son (Kuksuk)
Good day to everyone in Nunavut, especially in my home community of Arviat and Whale Cove.
Mr. Speaker, today, I am happy to be able to stand in the House.
On this day, it has been three years since June 4, 2011. In Baker Lake, I received a new daughter-in-law when my son married. The Member for Baker Lake should remember that day; it was a very bad blizzard.
You couldn’t see anything anywhere on that day. That was my eldest son’s wedding day.