EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Is that the understanding that I have?
I again thank the member for Tununiq for asking about the abuse of the program.
We think there is abuse happening, but we can’t actually tell them, “You can’t do this.”
We can work with the Department of Justice to see what we can do under the law in regard to the Social Assistance program.
Before I know it, it’s already my final question.
Sometimes the policies are interpreted differently. Some applicants for assistance are turned down when staff strictly follow the policy.
At other times those same policies are interpreted differently.
Clients are given only have seven days to appeal an income support worker’s decision.
Can the minister indicate whether the income assistance review will be looking at how the policies are interpreted?
I also thank the member for Tununiq.
We know that Nunavummiut deserve equal treatment when applying for social assistance, since most do so out of desperation or if they have a disability.
We also know that a lot of Nunavummiut who run out of food look after many children, but are fully employable.
The policy is being reviewed and has being worked on for approximately a year.
We are working with the Makimaniq Plan to see what we can do.
If there’s anyone who applied for social assistance and they were refused, there is a Nunavut appeals board they can appeal the decision to.
These boards were just approved in December.
Question 109 – 4(1): Pond Inlet Airport (Enook)
The Government of Nunavut’s transportation strategy, which was tabled in the Legislative Assembly on June 5, 2009, officially recognizes three “hub airports” in the territory: Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, and Cambridge Bay.
Mr. Speaker, I have been a strong advocate of designating Pond Inlet as our fourth hub airport.
Mr. Speaker, I have stated in this House on more than one occasion that Pond Inlet is located within an hour’s flying time of several other communities, and its proximity to the Mary River project makes it the right strategic choice for being designated as North Baffin’s hub airport.
What is the minister’s position on designating Pond Inlet as a hub airport?
It’s unfortunate and I apologize that I wasn’t here when this was being discussed five years ago. If there are any plans, I haven’t seen them as of yet.
That’s all I can say right now.
Speaker (interpretation): Members, before we proceed, I would like to recognize Peter Irniq, former Commissioner of Nunavut.
Mr. Irniq, welcome.
Mr. Speaker, the document was introduced in 2009 and the minister was not part of it. Since you became the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, are you now planning for Pond Inlet to be a hub airport?
That is a very good question asking whether our department is planning for Pond Inlet to be a hub airport.
At this time, what I can say is that I haven’t seen nor heard anything in regard to the topic that he is asking right now.
Let me ask the (interpretation ends) hon. minister: (interpretation) can you commit to inform the people of Pond Inlet that there will soon be an airport hub?
As I said, I haven’t seen any plans on either community in regard to hub airports. I haven’t seen anything new for this.
Question 110 – 4(1): Baker Lake Airport (Mikkungwak)
Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
All of my other colleagues have been bringing up the issue of terminal buildings across the territory, so I would like to put in my submission.
The community of Baker Lake has a population of about 2,400 and we also have 400 to 600 people who reside at the Agnico-Eagle mine.
So when you take into consideration the population size and you have a gold mine in place, but at the same time, you also have all of these exploration companies within the perimeters of the community of Baker Lake. When you look at the community of Baker Lake, it’s in the geographical centre of Canada.
Can the Minister for the Department of Economic Development and Transportation take that into consideration and look into it?
Could the minister rephrase his question?
Speaker (interpretation): Mr. Mikkungwak, can you rephrase your question, please.
My question is: as the community of Baker Lake, will that be taken into consideration, considering the age of the building and the amount of traffic that is going on in Baker Lake, whether it be airlines or exploration companies or the mining companies?
Will his department take into consideration the age and the amount of traffic and renovation or possibly a new air terminal building?
The air terminal building in Baker Lake was built in 1986 and it’s one of the older air terminals in Nunavut, but it’s also newer than some of the air terminals in the other communities. It is slated to be renovated some time in the future.
Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the minister for his response.
My reasoning also to this is when you look at the wheelchair access ramp and I guess the design, the design took into factor here is… .
This past winter, what the community has been experiencing is a sewage overflow with the sewage tank freezing. When it’s overflowing, the flow is actually affecting the wheelchair access ramp, which I find is very inappropriate for the disabled people.
Can they take that into consideration?
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for asking that question.
Regarding renovations at air terminals or some type of infrastructure, usually we make sure that we include ramps for any buildings that are operated by the government.
I would also like for the hon. minister to take into consideration, at the previous Assembly, it was also scheduled to have a renovation or a new building constructed in the Hamlet of Baker Lake for an airport terminal building.
If his department could dig up that information also. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member again.
Yes, I’ll make sure that I look for the information regarding the air terminal and ensure sure that you receive copies.
The time for question period has expired. Going to Item 7.
Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Taptuna.
Tabled Document 027 – 4(1): Report Respecting Benefits Paid to Ministers under the Ministerial Benefits Policies for the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2012 (Taptuna)
Tabled Document 028 – 4(1): Report Respecting Benefits Paid to Ministers under the Ministerial Benefits Policies for the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2013 (Taptuna)
I am pleased to table the Report Respecting Benefits Paid to Ministers for the period of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013.
Minister of Health, Ms. Ell.
Tabled Document 029 – 4(1): Medical Travel Policy (Ell)
I am pleased to table the Medical Travel Policy, which I committed to tabling.
Tabling of Documents. I have one.
Tabled Document 030 – 4(1): 2014 Report of the Auditor General of Canada to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut – Follow-up Report on Child and Family Services in Nunavut – Department of Family Services (Speaker)
(interpretation) Thank you, members. (interpretation ends) I wish to table the 2014 Report of the Auditor General of Canada to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut titled “Follow-up Report on Child and Family Services in Nunavut, Department of Family Services.” (interpretation) Thank you.
Committee of the Whole on Bills and Other Matters.
Bills 2, 3, 4, and 5 with Mr. Akoak in the Chair.
>>House recessed at 15:46 and Committee resumed at 16:12
Chairman (Mr. Akoak): Good afternoon. I would like to call the committee meeting to order.
In Committee of the Whole, we have the following items to deal with: Bills 2, 3, 4, and 5.
We wish to continue with Bill 2 and the review of the capital main estimates and start with the Department of Environment, followed by the Department of Justice, the Department of Family Services, and the Legislative Assembly.
Are we in agreement that we first deal with the capital estimates for the Department of Environment?
Bill 02 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2014-2015 – Environment – Consideration in Committee
Chairman: Now I would like to ask Minister Mike, responsible for the Department of Environment, to proceed with his opening comments.
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Chairman and members, I am pleased to be here today to introduce the Department of Environment’s capital plan for the 2014-15 fiscal year.
(interpretation ends) For this fiscal period, the Department of Environment is proposing a capital budget of $3.4 million. (interpretation) This expenditure will permit the department to concentrate on two program areas: Wildlife Management and Parks and Special Places.
(interpretation ends) Within our Wildlife Division, these capital funds will be used to replace aging mobile equipment and for improving and renovating aging infrastructure. (interpretation) We will start the construction of a new wildlife office in Pangnirtung and continue planning for the construction of a new wildlife building in Repulse Bay in the 2015-16 fiscal year.
Mr. Chairman, our territorial parks and special places have an important role in the protection and promotion of Nunavut’s outstanding natural and cultural heritage, (interpretation ends) and they provide positive recreation and tourism services to meet the needs of Nunavummiut and our visitors.
(interpretation) It is our intention that in the 2014-15 fiscal year, we will complete studies (interpretation ends) for potential new parks on Axel Heiberg Island (interpretation) and near Sanikiluaq in the Qikiqtani region, at Arviat in the Kivalliq region, and at Kugaaruk in the Kitikmeot. (interpretation ends) As well, in keeping with our Umbrella Territorial Parks Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement, we will continue master planning for a new destination park north of Clyde River that will focus on the area’s outstanding fiord landscape. (interpretation) It is also our intention to monitor and maintain infrastructure in all of our parks and campgrounds throughout Nunavut
(interpretation ends) In closing, Mr. Chairman, the Department of Environment’s capital plan is focused in the areas that clearly support the needs and priorities of Nunavummiut. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman: Thank you, Hon. Minister of Environment, Minister Mike.
Do you wish to have staff at the witness table?
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Yes, please.
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, committee members.
To my right is Mr. David Monteith, Director of Parks and Special Places, and the Interim Deputy Minister, Steve Pinksen.
Chairman: Thank you, Minister Mike.
Are there opening comments from the Regular Members’ Caucus?
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 Department of Environment’s proposed 2014-15 capital estimates.
Members note that the department’s proposed capital budget for 2014-15 is $3,407,000.
The department’s capital budget for the 2013-14 fiscal year was $3.98 million and its capital budget was $3,044,000 for the 2012-13 fiscal year.
Mr. Chairman, the department’s proposed 2014-15 capital estimates include $1,807,000 in funding for the construction of a new conservation office in Pangnirtung. The department’s 2011-12 capital estimates included $150,000 in funding for this project.
The department’s five-year capital plan also includes $1.75 million in funding for replacement of the conservation office in Resolute Bay, which is projected to start in the 2015-16 fiscal year.
The department’s 2014-15 capital estimates propose $100,000 in funding for renovations and repairs to wildlife offices and research facilities across the territory.
Mr. Chairman, the department’s proposed 2014-15 capital estimates include $1.5 million in funding for small capital projects.
Information provided to members indicates that funding for park development studies is now included under the department’s small capital budget. The small capital budget includes $400,000 in funding for park development studies in or near Axel Heiberg Island, Arviat, Clyde River, and Sanikiluaq.
On September 23, 2010, the GN issued a news release which stated that the Department of Environment and the Department of Community and Government Services are “working together to examine Nunavut’s solid waste management practices as a whole.”
Members note that the Department of Community and Government Services recently issued a request for information titled “Potential Planning for Solid Waste Management Methods for Nunavut Territory.”
This is an issue that we also noted in our opening comments on the 2014-15 Capital Estimates of the Department of Community and Government Services.
Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening comments on the proposed 2014-15 Capital Estimates of the Department of Environment.
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Savikataaq. Do members have any general comments or questions?
In the opening comments towards the end, it’s having the “intention to monitor and maintain infrastructure in all of our parks and campgrounds throughout Nunavut.”
In the substantiation sheet for the Sylvia Grinnell Park, of which $105,000 is allocated, I would just like clarification from the minister on whether these funds are to be used for the planning and design for the new viewing platform, park pavilion, and continued trail maintenance.
Chairman: Thank you. Minister Mike.
The official who deals with that, Mr. Monteith, will respond and I would like to refer the question to him.
My response is “yes” to each one of those items that you mentioned.
It’s for trail enhancement. We’re doing some roadwork as well, some road improvement, and we’re looking at a potential enhancement to the existing viewing platform, so yes.
In reference alongside with my colleague, looking at the substantiation sheets also, the community of Baker Lake, Thelon-Kazan Heritage River development, can the minister elaborate more on that?
Minister Mike.
I’ll again refer the question to the official who deals with that, Mr. Monteith.
The money will be used for infrastructure projects that are sort of related to the Canadian Heritage River program.
There has been a bit of a delay because we’re still negotiating an IIBA, an Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement, with NTI and KIA.
The money would also be used for repairs to the existing campgrounds that are tied into the Thelon and Kazan rivers.
I thank the official for the response.
In reference to the dollar amount with the renovations, would that be a sufficient amount for the renovation aspect?
My interim deputy minister will respond to that question.
The amount budgeted, of course, is always dependent upon available resources. With the $140,000 budgeted for this project, we will be able to accomplish a certain amount of the work.
Whether or not it’s sufficient to do all that we would desire is something we can’t really answer, but in future years, we hope to be able to put additional resources into the project.
Earlier, the response I also received, there are IIBA negotiations.
How far along are the negotiations?
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Again I’m going to refer this to Mr. Monteith.
Mr. Monteith: …(inaudible)…provide an update on the IIBA, the IIBA primarily is between Canada and NTI and the Kivalliq Inuit Association. Canada has asked us to be a part of that IIBA.
Currently, the negotiations have stalled. There’s a disagreement on funding between what Canada is prepared to offer for the IIBA.
Most of the articles in the IIBA, though, have been negotiated and agreed to, so I would say that we’re about 80 to 85 percent there.
My question now here is: was all relevant parties, have they all consulted with the community people of Baker Lake?
I would like to refer this question to Mr. Monteith.
The negotiations have included Baker Lake. The community, I know the Kivalliq Inuit Association has represented the community of Baker Lake.
Certainly, we bring to the IIBA table the recommendations of the management plan that was agreed and that was the result of consultations with the community.
General comments or questions?
We will now proceed to page by page review of the capital estimates starting with I-3.
Do members agree that we are… I’m sorry.  Environment.
Program Management. Total Capital Expenditures. $3,407,000.
Chairman: Back to I-2. Department Summary. Environment.
Detail of Expenditures. Total Capital Expenditures. $3,407,000.
Some Members: Agreed.  Chairman: Do members agree that we have concluded the Department of Environment?
Chairman: Thank you, Minister and officials.
Thank you, MLAs for giving us the opportunity.
I was worried about when it might end. Thank you for taking it easy on me.
Chairman: Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the guests out.
I would now like to ask Minister Okalik, responsible for Department of Justice, to proceed with his opening comments.
Bill 02 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2014-2015 – Justice – Consideration in Committee
I am pleased to appear before the Committee of the Whole for a review of the 2014-15 draft capital estimates.
A total amount of $900,000 is being requested for minor capital expenditures for the 2014-15 fiscal year.
These funds will be used to cover building renovations and maintenance at Utaqqivik, the young offender’s facility, and the Baffin Correctional Centre.
As well, a new boat is needed to facilitate the activities of our Inuit cultural skills program which teaches our offenders land skills.
Mr. Chairman, this concludes my opening comments, which are summarized. I would be pleased to answer questions from the committee members.
For the record minister, please introduce your officials.
To my right, Acting Deputy Minister, Rebekah Williams, and to my left, Director of Finance, Christine Bens.
Chairman: Thank you. Are there opening comments from the Regular Members’ Caucus?
Mr. Enook (interpretation): I will be reading my comments in English.
(interpretation ends) I am pleased to provide opening comments on behalf of the Regular Members’ Caucus concerning its review of the proposed 2014-15 Capital Estimates of the Department of Justice.
Members note that the department’s proposed capital budget for 2014-15 is $900,000.
The department’s capital budget was $8,975,000 for the 2013-14 fiscal year.
Members recognize that the decrease in the department’s budget is a consequence of the pending completion of such projects as the Baffin Correctional Centre Overcrowding Relief Structure.
The department’s proposed 2014-15 capital budget is allocated towards a variety of minor capital projects.
These include upgrades and repairs to existing correctional facilities and the replacement of mobile equipment.
During the minister’s recent appearance, members encouraged the department to explore ways in which minor repair projects in correctional facilities could be used as vocational training opportunities for offenders as part of the department’s rehabilitation and skills training programs.
In June of 2012, the Legislative Assembly approved a $4,373,000 capital carryover related to the construction of the new men’s correctional facility in Rankin Inlet, which is now operational.
Although the opening of this facility has helped to address overcrowding at the Baffin Correctional Centre, members recognize that a number of factors, including recently-passed federal legislation, will continue to put pressure on the capacity of the territory’s correctional facilities.
Members encourage the minister to provide regular updates to the Legislative Assembly on the status of the new correctional facility in Rankin Inlet, including any initiatives on the part of the department to explore options for expanding the facility.
Mr. Chairman, members encourage the Minister of Justice to begin the practice of tabling an annual report in the Legislative Assembly on the state of the territory’s correctional system, including current and comprehensive information concerning the number of offenders in territorial correctional facilities, outpost camps and out-of-territory facilities, as well as an accounting of departmental expenditures incurred under agreements with other jurisdictions for the placement of offenders.
This annual report would also benefit from including detailed information concerning the effectiveness of the department’s rehabilitation and treatment programs in reducing the rate at which individuals in territorial custody re-offend.
Mr. Chairman, as members are aware, the proposed 2014-15 Capital Estimates of the Department of Community and Government Services contains a $2.0 million line item for “preplanning studies” for a variety of potential capital projects on behalf of a variety of departments.
A study being taken on behalf of the Department of Justice is for a “Baffin Correctional Centre Life Cycle Renovation.”
Members look forward to reviewing the results of the pre-planning study and encourage the departments of Justice and Community and Government Services to work closely together to address the issue of safety and inspections at territorial correctional facilities.
Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening comments on the proposed 2014-15 Capital Estimates of the Department of Justice.
Do members have any general comments or questions?
When the minister did his opening remarks, total amount of $900,000 are being requested for the Department of Justice for minor capital expenditures in the substantiation sheets.
Can the minister please advise me or notify me if that is taking into consideration the aging infrastructure of the Baker Lake detachment?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) For correctional facilities, the police detachments are on contract with the RCMP.
I am here for the correctional facilities. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Hickes: My apologies, Mr. Chairman, I thought you were going into line by line already.
Chairman: Thank you. I have no more members on my list for general comments. We will now proceed into page by page review of the capital estimates, starting with E-3.
In the pre-planning study for the BCC lifecycle renovation and core correctional facility, there is some money to basically look at a preplanning study.
If memory serves me correct, with the overcrowding structure being put in there, what kind of study is it going to entail?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) The Baffin Correctional Facility is in need of repair.
We need to do an assessment of how much repairs will cost to renovate the facility.
Those plans will kick in once we have the new structure in place so that we can do renovations and improvements and temporarily relocate inmates to the temporary relief structure.
So that’s the plan that we have for this year, is to assess how much it will cost to repair the various sections of the Baffin Correctional Centre. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I forget actual day that the article came out on CBC.
There was some concern that there already has been a report initiated by the department on what kind of deficiencies needed to be addressed.
Can the minister comment on that, please?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Yes, we have. We are working on the basis of the report.
Now we have to figure out how much it will cost and how we can plan the repairs for the facility. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman: Comments or questions?
Branch Summary. Directorate. Total Capital Expenditures. $900,000.
Chairman: Back to page E-2. Department Summary.
Justice. Detail of Expenditures. Total Capital Expenditures. $900,000.
Some Members: Agreed.  Chairman: Do members agree that we have concluded the Department of Justice?
I would like to thank the minister and his officials. Do you have any closing comments?
I also thank my colleagues and my officials who were able to assist me.
Chairman: Thank you. Sergeant-at-Arms, please assist the witnesses.
I would like to now ask Minister Ugyuk, responsible for Family Services, to proceed with her opening comments.
Bill 02 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2014-2015 – Family Services – Consideration in Committee