EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for Arviat for his question.
What I can say at this time is that the training programs offered in Arviat are supported by our department. (interpretation ends) We are or I could say that we are a partner in the Arviat training as Nunavut Arctic College. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I’m glad that the minister said that he is part of the training, but I asked the minister: would he consider putting a satellite training place in Arviat for heavy equipment certification, a course to certify heavy equipment operators in Arviat?
Currently our government spends thousands and thousands of dollars sending people from Nunavut to Morrisburg in Ontario.
That money would be much better spent in Nunavut.
I ask the minister again: will he consider putting a heavy equipment training centre in Arviat?
In any community where a heavy equipment course is offered, including courses to train heavy equipment operators, it is obvious that those types of courses are offered in Arviat.
Additionally, for the information of members, there is already a facility in Rankin Inlet that is starting to offer heavy equipment operator courses.
With respect to the member’s question, funding would be a budgetary issue and as such, it would have to go through the budget process. That is why I can’t answer the question immediately related to the matter he raised, nor can I say yes or no.
We can be reassured that there is a heavy equipment operator course already offered in Rankin Inlet.
Question 079 – 4(1): High School Trades Pilot Program (Hickes)
I’ve got a question also for the Minister of Education regarding the high school trades entry pilot program.
Mr. Speaker, a few weeks ago, we had the pleasure of the Premier hosting us in his home community of Kugluktuk. During those proceedings, we had some opportunity to talk to some of the staff at the high school where our meetings took place.
I had the privilege of talking to the instructor for the trades training program at the high school there.
His name escapes me at the moment and, if he’s watching, I apologize.
It actually feels with the weather today that we are back in Kugluktuk. It’s a little chilly here.
With the pilot program in Kugluktuk, the instructor had mentioned there has been a number of successes, They’ve been there, if memory serves me correctly, approximately for about eight years and have had a number of students go on to the apprenticeship program and hopefully, even some have achieved their journeyman status.
Can the Minister of Education inform me of how many programs are being accessed at different high schools across this territory?
The question he just asked is one I can’t answer at this time, so I will have to take it as notice and disclose the types of figures he mentioned.
So I will take that as notice, Mr. Speaker.
I will move to the next member on my list. (interpretation) Member for Tununiq, Mr. Enook.
Question 080 – 4(1): Application Process for Docks Funding (Enook)
I have a question to ask to the Minister of Transportation. Whenever any type of marine infrastructure is mentioned, I feel compelled to participate and I generally participate in the discussion.
As the hon. minister responded earlier when Mr. Shooyook was directing questions, he stated that there are funds available for breakwaters, marinas. There are different terms for marine infrastructure, and what I heard was that there are funds available for planning or repairing a marine facility.
I would like to ask the hon. minister in the cases of communities that don’t even have any marine facilities such as in Pond Inlet, we have no marine infrastructure or even a place for safe harbours. What does this government have planned for communities for the safety of our residents? What plans does this government and the department have for safety matters?
Yes, the same matter was raised earlier this morning and my response will be almost the same one.
The small craft harbours for communities that don’t have any facilities or if their facilities require repairs, such as a boat launching ramp for hunters and community use, there are different options that any community in Nunavut can request funding for.
To use Pond Inlet as an example, as the minister is well aware, it has absolutely no marine infrastructure to protect our boats and no safe harbour anywhere close to the community in the summer.
When boat owners face severe weather, quite a number will take a two-mile trip through rough waters to enter the mouth of the river.
The minister is well aware of the exorbitant costs of constructing marine infrastructure.
It requires large amounts of funds to construct a facility, but it is also very important to some communities, particularly Pond Inlet.
Is the minister or his staff part of the group reviewing the funds that were made available for major infrastructure projects from this group, which in English is called (interpretation ends) Building Canada Fund? (interpretation) This is specifically for major infrastructure projects anywhere in Canada.
Is his department part of the group that studied this fund to see if it could be applicable for marine facilities?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation) The Hon. Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. Kuksuk.
As I said, there are different programs for marine facilities. Some of them are for smaller communities available from within our government for requests and if there is money left, those are for smaller marine infrastructure, like for boat launching pads.
Part of his question was that since he was asking about the bigger facilities, we can work with the federal government to try to get some funds to be used for bigger or small craft harbours.
We ourselves don’t have enough money or we don’t have money for these bigger marine facilities. What we have to do is work with the federal government to get these established.
As we know, it’s very expensive to deal with marine facilities.
The minister also knows that the federal government has to be involved in this issue because our government does not have any funds to work with.
Hon. Minister, as you know, Pond Inlet has one of the biggest problems because it lacks marine facilities.
It states in the studies that were done that Pond Inlet is one of the priorities in getting a marine facility.
Can the hon. minister agree that when you are speaking to the federal government, Pond Inlet be the first priority to get marine facility?
Can you lobby the federal government on this?
I also thank the member again for his question.
Mr. Speaker, yes, the larger infrastructure facilities are very costly and expensive, especially the docks for larger boats.
To use the example of the small craft harbour in Pangnirtung, it was in the millions to complete.
If a community is applying for a small craft harbour or if this government is going to partner with the community, or any community for that matter, to apply for a larger facility that would cost about the same amount, then we would have to carefully review the situation. Both our government and most likely the DFO would have to be involved to look at the (interpretation ends) business case or plan.
(interpretation) We would have to have good reasons listed in the business plan.
A community can’t just apply for marine infrastructure just for the sake of wanting a facility, as the business case would be quite weak. However, as per my earlier statement, there are funds available for small boat launching ramps that communities can apply for. There is a fund for this that communities throughout Nunavut can apply towards.
I cannot say to my colleague in regard to his community’s wishes.
What they would have to do is look at all the proposals and proceed.
Question 081 – 4(1): Urgent Need for Dock at Pond Inlet (Enook)
As I have been stating in my role representing Pond Inlet, the lack of marine facilities is a major deficiency and has become dangerous.
I have made statements here and produced some pictures of some people who got into accidents caused by high winds and choppy waters. I have tabled some pictures of boats that have to be relocated outside of our community for safety, approximately two miles.
They are located in that area the whole winter because they can’t be taken back to the community.
Mr. Speaker, for Pond Inlet people, this is very serious.
We just don’t want marine facilities for mere convenience. It is because of danger that we make such requests.
We have to go through very rough water, very dangerous water to try to take our boats to a safer place. It’s unfortunate that we have lost a person who was trying to save his boat.
Mr. Speaker, I feel that it should be more important than economic considerations when it comes to the safety of life, and I do want that shared by others.
My question to the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation is in regard to Pond Inlet being unsafe and dangerous area. Can this situation be looked into as an urgent priority how this can be resolved expeditiously for some type of craft harbour in Pond Inlet?
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member again.
In regard to Pond Inlet’s application for a small craft harbour, our government has supported their application.
Further, we have allocated funding for a road to the river. I believe the name is Salmon River, if I am not mistaken. In Inuktitut, it is called Akuanga.
We have tried to support the boaters there, as we know they need a safe harbour, and that is why we supported that proposal and we will continue to work with the community on their small craft harbour requests.
If the (interpretation ends) hon. minister could consider, even though there is a launching ramp, there are so many boaters who don’t have trailers to pull the boats. There are also many boats which are taken far away and it’s unfortunate that when they do, they are vandalized with radios ripped out, along with some other equipment because they are approximately two miles away from the community. It further complicates everything when the waters get very rough and are shallow.
Because it’s a part of our life, we have no other choice but to brave such dangers.
Therefore, if I could ask the hon. minister: at an appropriate time, can the minister himself come to see what I am talking about this summer in 2014?
I would like him to come to my community to see exactly what I am talking about so he can see with his own eyes, (interpretation ends) an invitation to (interpretation) Pond Inlet for this coming summer.
I again thank the member.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut, in a perfect world, we would like to see marine infrastructure installed in each and every single Nunavut community.
The problem is we just don’t have the money to do so.
However, I would like to tell my colleague that this government will keep lobbying the federal government and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to make sure that something is done.
We will keep lobbying the federal government.
I know that Pond Inlet is a very beautiful community. If I am able to, I would like to accept your invitation.
Question 082 – 4(1): Homeowners Fuel Rebate Program (Hickes)
I’ve got a question for the Minister of Finance.
Earlier this week, I was very thrilled to hear him announce the homeowners’ fuel rebate program.
Just for the record and members of the public that don’t have access to the Internet, could the minister please outline the parameters for accessing this program?
Mr. Speaker, although I did announce that people could access the information online, I believe the information is also available at finance offices or could be made available through government liaison offices in the different communities. People can pick up their information.
There are close to 2,000 households in Nunavut who are eligible for that funding.
I thank the minister for that answer and I’m sure a lot of people will be looking into applying for that funding for the rebate.
In addition to that, a number of constituents that I have, I know in my riding and I’m sure, other members of the legislature have in their riding, due to the extreme housing shortage in this territory, are paying full market rent on residences and they are responsible for their own fuel heating costs. Is there any consideration for members of the public that are under those circumstances to access the rebate as well?
The eligibility is restricted to people who demonstrate that they own the dwelling they reside in.
The time allotted for question period is now over.
I apologize. (interpretation ends) Item 7.
Tabled Document 018 – 4(1): Towards a Representative Public Services as at March 31, 2013 (Peterson)
Tabled Document 019 – 4(1): Towards a Representative Public Services as at June 30, 2013 (Peterson)
Tabled Document 020 – 4(1): Towards a Representative Public Services as at September 30, 2013 (Peterson)
Tabled Document 021 – 4(1): Towards a Representative Public Services as at December 31, 2013 (Peterson)
I am pleased to table Towards a Representative Public Service Statistics for the following months:
March 31, 2013;
June 30, 2013;
September 30, 2013;
December 31, 2013.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Item 13.
Speaker has two.
Tabled Document 022 – 4(1): Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act (Speaker)
Tabled Document 023 – 4(1): List of Outstanding Statutory Tabling Requirements (Speaker)
Members, in accordance with subsection 20.1 of the Supplementary Returning Allowances Act, I wish to table a copy of an election made under section 7 of the Act. (interpretation) Thank you.
(interpretation) I also wish to table today a list of outstanding statutory tabling requirements.
This list is current as of the end of March 2014 sitting of the House. (interpretation) Thank you.
(interpretation ends) Item 14.
Bill 03 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 3, 2013-2014 – Notice
Bill 04 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 4, 2013-2014 – Notice
Bill 05 – Interim Appropriation Act, April 1, 2014 to July 31, 2014 – Notice
I give notice that on Monday, March 17, 2014, I will move that Bill 3, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 3, 2013-2014; Bill 4, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 4, 2013-2014; and Bill 5, Interim Appropriation Act, April 1, 2014 to July 31, 2014, be read for the first time.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Thank you. Item 16.
Bill 2 with Mr. Mikkungwak in the Chair.
>>House recessed at 10:40 and Committee resumed at 11:05
Chairman (Mr. Mikkungwak) (interpretation): Good morning to the people Baker Lake and all the people of Nunavut. (interpretation ends) I would like to call the committee meeting to order.
We wish to continue the review of the capital main estimates for the Department of Education followed by the Department of Health.
Are we in agreement that we continue with capital estimates for the Department of Education?
Chairman: Does the committee agree to allow Mr. Quassa’s staff to attend at the witness table?  Some Members: Agreed.
For the record, Mr. Quassa, please introduce your staff.
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) I would just like to introduce on my left, is my Deputy Minister, Kathy Okpik and on my right is, Barry Cornthwaite, who is the Manager of Capital Projects. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.  Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) Members, we were on page G-3 of capital estimates.
Mr. Akoak had questions on this page. Please proceed, Mr. Akoak.
Mr. Akoak: I can’t remember what it is. So what happens now?
Chairman: Back to page G-2. Department Summary.
Education. Detail of Expenditures. Total Capital Expenditures. $23,710,000.
Chairman: Do member agree we have concluded the Department of Education?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much, Minister Quassa and your officials. (interpretation ends) Mr. Quassa, any closing comments?
First of all, I would like to thank my officials for being at the witness table with me. I am very pleased that we are able to work together with the members and I would also like to thank my colleagues for asking very good questions during the proceedings.
Additionally, we share in the understanding that education is very important and of our need for infrastructure inside Nunavut and this issue is quite a big one for many communities.
I thank the members for these reasons, and for approving our 2014-15 capital estimates for the department so I appreciate my colleagues for that approval.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) Sergeant-At-Arms, please escort the officials out of the witness table, please.
(interpretation) Thank you very much. Prior to moving on to the next item, I wish to inform you that one of our colleagues, Mr. Mapsalak, had to return to his hometown due to personal reasons. I just wanted to inform you about that fact.
(interpretation ends) I would now like to ask the Minister of Health, Minister Ell, responsible for the Department of Health to proceed to the witness stand.
(interpretation) Thank you very much. As we proceed with the review of the Department of Health capital estimates with Minister Ell, and if you are ready, you may proceed with your opening remarks.
Bill 02 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2014-2015 – Health – Consideration in Committee
Good morning, colleagues. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to take this opportunity today to present the 2014-15 Capital Estimates for the Department of Health.
The department has a number of capital projects to replace and renovate our aging health facilities.
Almost 60 percent of the department’s health centres are 20 years of age or older.
For 2014-15, the department is requesting $12.4 million in five capital projects. (interpretation ends) I will briefly provide details of each project.
In 2008, Health developed a common design for health centres. This design was successfully used for the Repulse Bay Community Health Centre, which is now complete and operational.
In 2013-14, the department began construction of the new community health centre in Taloyoak using the same common design.
The department received approval for first year of construction funding in 2013-14 and is requesting the second year of planned construction funding of $9.1 million in 2014-15 to complete the construction of the Taloyoak Health Centre.
I am pleased to report the construction is on budget and on time, with expected completion in March 2015.
(interpretation) In 2014-15, the department will commence a review of the common design for the new Arctic Bay Community Heath Centre. The Arctic Bay Community Health Centre is 30 years old and no longer meets the needs of the community and current health programming.
The design review will take into account changes to the common design from the experience we have gained from constructing the Repulse Bay Health Centre. (interpretation ends) The review will also make sure that current health needs are being addressed and current codes and standards are being met.
The department is requesting $1 million in capital funding to commence this review and finalize the designs in preparation for tender.
The construction of the new Arctic Bay Community Health Centre is scheduled to start in 2015-16.
The department is requesting $320,000 for the major repairs of the Sanikiluaq Community Health Centre.
The earliest possible date that the Sanikiluaq Community Health Centre could make it into the capital plan for construction would be 2017-18 and much needed repairs have been identified by the Department of Community and Government Services that cannot wait until 2017-18.
In addition, the department is requesting a continuation of $1 million for small capital and $1 million for minor projects.
The small capital yearly allocation is for the purchase of the department’s equipment, furniture, fixtures, and vehicles.
The minor projects allocation is for minor renovations, repairs, and upgrades of the department’s health facilities.
During the Regular Members’ Caucus review of Health’s capital plan, we were asked to provide more detailed information on how Health is planning to spend these funds.
This information has been provided to all members.
(interpretation) I thank you for your support and I welcome questions from members.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much, (interpretation ends) Minister Ell.
Do you have officials you wish to assist you?
I would like to introduce my officials from my department, Acting Deputy Minister Rosemary Keenainak and Acting Executive Director for Corporate Services Bill Neish, if you would like to agree to bring them here.
Thank you, Mr. Iksivautaq.
Chairman: Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort… .
Does the committee agree let the minister’s officials go to the witness table?
Chairman (interpretation) Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witnesses in.
On my right is Acting Deputy Minister Rosemary Keenainak, and on my left (interpretation ends) Acting Executive Director for Corporate Service, Bill Neish.
Chairman (interpretation) Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) Are there opening comments from the Regular Members’ Caucus?
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Good morning or rather, good afternoon.
Mr. Chairman. I am pleased to provide opening comments on behalf of the Regular Members’ Caucus regarding the proposed 2014-15 Capital Estimates of the Department of Health.
I want to start with the introduction of the ministers who work with regular members and the financial controls in our department for planning the capital estimates to replace and renovate our aging infrastructure.
Approximately 60 percent of our local health centres are older than 20 years, and for the 2014-15, the department is request $2.4 million for five capital projects and I will list the various projects. The Department of Health set… .
Am I reading the right document?
I think you gave me the wrong document.
I was provided with the wrong document. Here is the correct document. Sorry I just started reading what was given to me.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Let me start over.
I am pleased to provide opening comments on behalf of the Regular Members’ Caucus as the Committee of the Whole begins its consideration of the proposed 2014-15 Capital Estimates of the Department of Health.
The regular members note that the department’s proposed capital budget for 2014-15 is $12,423,000, which includes funding for three infrastructure projects and two blocks of funding for minor capital and small capital projects.
Members recognize that the Government of Nunavut has made considerable investment in major health infrastructure projects across the territory since 1999.
However, many communities continue to have health services delivered out of health centres which are functioning well beyond their life spans.
Many community health centres which face issues of overcrowding with staff and programs crammed into spaces they were not designed for.
Members urge the minister to work with her counterparts in the Department of Community and Government Services to address these issues as quickly as possible.
Mr. Chairman, two of the department’s projects planned for 2014-15 are ongoing from previous years. The projects to replace the health centres in Taloyoak and Arctic Bay follow the completion of the replacement health centre in Repulse Bay.
While members appreciate using a common design for these three health centres, it was intended to save on costs but concerns have been raised that additional costs are incurred as plans are constantly adjusted to address community-specific issues or changes to codes and standards that have occurred since the design was originally approved several years ago.
Mr. Chairman, the Department of Health is proposing funding in 2014-15 for a third health centre project, undertaking significant repairs and renovations at the Sanikiluaq health centre, allowing it to remain operational until such a time for a replacement health centre can be brought forward.