EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
As you will recall, when I made my first Member’s Statement in June of last year, I said that I believe that we need to take a serious look at reorganizing the Department of Health and Social Services into two separate departments.
I was pleased that my colleague from South Baffin said the same thing yesterday as I believe that this has the potential of allowing one department to focus its energies and attention on delivery of medical care while allowing the other department to focus on social services and programs for children and families.
Mr. Speaker, I recognize that different jurisdictions in Canada have different ways of doing things.
Given our commitment to moving forward on changes to our social service system, now is a time to look at this issue.
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased that our government appears willing to consider making important changes to the way that we deliver programs and services.
At the appropriate time, I will have questions on this issue.
Member’s Statement 013 – 3(3): Water Shortage in Arviat (Shewchuk)
As I’m sure all Members of the House are aware, my community and my constituents of Arviat are dealing with a shortage of water in our community.
Mr. Speaker, I have been in contact with the mayor on a regular basis about the situation.
I would like to express my thanks to the Arviat mayor and hamlet council and to all of the residents of the community for all pulling together to deal with the situation.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank my colleague and the Department of Community and Government Services for their continued support to the hamlet in dealing with this lack of water challenge.
Mr. Speaker, clean, healthy drinking water and ice will be supplied to all households and residents of Arviat, along with water from Landing Lake for everyday household uses.
Mr. Speaker, the water from Landing Lake is safe by Health Canada water standards.
However, people in the community find it very salty to drink.
Fresh drinking water and fresh water ice is being supplied to the community.
Mr. Speaker, the process will continue until the situation can get back to normal later this spring.
Member’s Statement 014 – 3(3): Communicating with Communities on Capital Projects (Ningeongan)
I rise today to express my support for more clear communication between the government, communities, and Members of the Legislative Assembly on the issue of capital planning and projects.
Mr. Speaker, over the last few sitting days, a number of my colleagues and I have been asking a number of questions to ministers concerning the status of specific capital projects in our constituencies.
It’s clear that both ministers and regular members are frustrated.
Mr. Speaker, regular members need to be kept fully informed about the ongoing status of capital projects in their constituencies, especially when there are any delays or changes to these projects.
I have seen letters addressed to municipalities containing this kind of information, but the MLAs are not copied on them.
I am sure that there are probably cases where MLAs receive information that their municipalities do not.
Mr. Speaker, although I know that all of our ministers are hard-working, I recognize that they cannot be all-knowing.
Although we would like them to know the location of every last nut, bolt, nail, piling, and cargo pallet in the territory, that’s asking too much and even the biggest binder or newest iPad device cannot contain all of the information.
Mr. Speaker, I think that members on both sides of the House would be less frustrated if we could step up our efforts to ensure that more detailed information flows to MLAs and municipalities in a more timely and coordinated manner from the appropriate departments.
I know that MLAs are kept informed about capital adjustments and budget transfers from the Department of Finance, but our constituents expect us to be aware of the exact status of capital projects in our communities, especially when delays or changes occur.
Mr. Speaker, improvements in this area would also allow us to spend more time in this House discussing issues that affect all Nunavummiut, instead of trying to track down missing nuts and bolts in the snow.
Going to Item 5 in our Orders of the Day.
Going to our orders of the day. (interpretation ends) Item 6. (interpretation) Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery.
I would like to recognize Natan Obed, who is an employee of Nunavut Tunngavik and also my constituent, and Eva Michael, who is my constituent as well.
I don’t think she works for CBC anymore, but I believe she is working elsewhere.
Hon, Hunter Tootoo: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
It gives me great pleasure to recognize the son of your counterpart in Manitoba who is here in the Gallery with us today. He also works for Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and that is Brad Hickes sitting over there, who is also my cousin.
Everyone please feel welcome in the Gallery.
Going to our orders of the day. (interpretation ends) Item 7. (interpretation) Oral Questions.
Does anyone have their hand up?
Question 014 – 3(3): Departmental Reorganization (Ugyuk)
As I noted in my Member’s Statement, I was pleased to hear the commitment in yesterday’s Opening Address that the government will be looking closely at its own structure.
As I indicated in my Member’s Statement, I would like the government to carefully consider the idea of reorganizing the Department of Health and Social Services into two separate departments.
Can the Premier assure me that the government’s review of its structure will consider this suggestion?
This will be part of a comprehensive review, especially related to departments and how the Government of Nunavut operates.
As was stated earlier, the Minister of Finance recalled that particular issue.
Yes, we will be looking at various issues.
This will be one of the ones that we consider and we will be looking at the most effective means of operation.
Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I know that many of my colleagues have made other suggestions about how we can improve the way we deliver programs and services to Nunavummiut.
For example, it may be time to ask whether the Department of Education, which is responsible for educating children, should also be delivering fuel subsidy programs to seniors and the Social Assistance Program.
Can the Premier assure me that the government’s review of its structure will also look at these kinds of questions?
I also thank my colleague for raising that issue.
There are various matters that we have to look at and I can’t say exactly how we will work it out, but we will be reviewing how we can best effectively operate as a government.
I thank the member for giving us ideas to deliberate upon.
Can the Premier inform the House when she expects this review to be completed and will she commit to consulting with MLAs before making any decisions on changes to the government’s structure?
This is a very important aspect that we will have to review.
The mandate will encompass a lot of issues.
I cannot state at this time exactly what will happen, but it’s quite obvious that I will be very happy to provide the information to the House once it’s available.
Question 015 – 3(3): Office Space for Health and Social Services in Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt)
On October 28 of last year, I asked the minister a question concerning a request for proposals that was issued by the government to obtain office space in Sanikiluaq for mental health and social workers.
At that time, the minister took my question as notice.
Mr. Speaker, in his subsequent written return to my oral question, the minister indicated that although the government did not receive any responses to its RFP, the municipality had been able to locate some office space and that the departments of Health and Social Services and Community and Government Services would be working with the municipality to “ensure the space is available for occupancy in the near future.”
Can the minister update me today on the progress made in securing office space for the mental health and social worker in Sanikiluaq?
Yes, I am aware of their request, the RFP that really did not get a positive response, but the advice that we have from working with CGS is that there are other options to try and ensure that the mental health workers have a place to work.
At the moment, we have not received the final particular building which would best suit in having mental health wellness programs located, but I can assure the member that it’s something that my colleague, the Minister of CGS, and I are continuing to explore and we will continue to communicate with the municipality to try and find the best solution for the space that’s needed in Sanikiluaq.
It’s my understanding that the office space that the municipality identified last year may no longer be available.
However, I am aware that the GN has a vacant facility in the community that was formerly used as a classroom and that this could possibly be converted into an appropriate space.
Would the minister be willing to ask his officials to also review this option?
I can certainly do that, but the lead department in that area is CGS.
The minister and I continue to speak on the need for that. We will abide by the officials because they have to look at whether or not the building is adequate and safe, and all of that, and whether or not there are improvements that will be needed.
Once we have some information further, my colleague or I will provide further information.
Question 016 – 3(3): Arctic Bay, Grise Fiord, and Resolute Bay’s INAC Water Use Inspection Reports (Elliott)
Mr. Speaker, yesterday I tabled copies of Arctic Bay, Grise Fiord, and Resolute Bay’s water use inspection reports which were prepared by a Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada inspector.
The inspection report for Resolute Bay indicates that, and I quote, “The Government of Nunavut (GN) remains unlicensed and in contravention of the Nunavut Water and Nunavut Surface Rights Tribunal Act. The Government of Nunavut is responsible for the municipal water and waste water services in the community through a local service contract.” Can the minister confirm if his department has obtained a water use licence for the community of Resolute Bay?
My understanding is we are still working towards that goal, Mr. Speaker.
When reviewing the water use inspection report for the community of Arctic Bay, I noted the following, and I quote, “A tour of the new Lagoon was undertaken during the Inspection. It does not appear to be a lined lagoon.
The Inspector and the Municipal foreman could not locate the Discharge pipe and it was stated that despite repeated requests to the GN and the contractor a set of plans for the lagoon have not been provided to the Municipality for review and approval.” Can the minister confirm if his department has provided the municipality with the lagoon plans?
In fact, Mr. Speaker, if my understanding is correct, we have begun construction of the new sewage lagoon in the community. It would be hard not to do that without plans, Mr. Speaker.
I wasn’t saying that there were no plans for the construction.
It actually says in the report that the hamlet itself requested from both the contractor building the lagoon and from contacting GN officials requesting a copy of the plans.
There are plans, but the municipality itself requested those plans and were not given them.
My question was asking the minister if the municipality had been provided those plans.
Thank you for the clarification of the question.
If they have not, then I’ll ensure that they will be.
When reviewing the water use inspection report for the community of Grise Fiord, I noted the following, and I quote, “The SAO also took the time to show the Inspector why people from the community do not want to use the large river that flows past the community as a water source.
The silt loading in the river was substantial.
A separate location was suggested by the SAO which does have community support. This will be brought ahead to CG&S with the Government of Nunavut.”
Can the minister confirm if the municipality will change the location of its water source and how will his department assist the municipality?
I’ll have to look into that, Mr. Speaker, and I would gladly get back to my colleague on that.
Question 017 – 3(3): Departmental Reorganization (Ningeongan)
Yesterday’s Opening Address that Commissioner Elias delivered in this House informed us that the government will be looking closely at its own structure.
As members are aware, I have suggested that it’s time to look at moving the operations of Sport Nunavut back to the Department of Community and Government Services.
Can the Premier commit to me that the government’s review of its structure will consider this suggestion?
I thank the hon. member for raising that question.
Yes, it will definitely be included in our review.
Again, we wanted to deliberate upon this issue, especially whether it could be reviewed as to its fit into that department because it has become obvious that the government is trying to make more effective changes.
I believe that this was raised in an earlier question by the Member for Nattilik, but I would like to find out, Mr. Speaker, when this comprehensive review of the government operations will commence and what opportunities we will have to improve government operations.
Improving government operations is a very important aspect of this review and we consider it a priority.
With regard to the issue that the member has raised, it would be under the auspices of the Department of Community and Government Services, along with the Department of CLEY, as to how we would be able to move the division.
This being a very important part of the government operations review, it’s still being detailed by staff.
We haven’t stated that this is how we will do it yet.
When we look at decentralization, a lot of the issues have already dealt with that, but with respect to the comprehensive review of decentralization, we have planned that it will be completed by June.
I will keep the House informed about this matter and any developments that may surface.
With respect to this new matter that we’re discussing at this point related to government operations, we know that we have to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Again, we will be very happy to start making operations and then become more responsive, as well as to keep the members informed on our progress.
Question 018 – 3(3): Conflict of Interest Guidelines for the Public Service (Schell)
Mr. Speaker, under the territorial Integrity Act, Members of the Legislative Assembly are legally required to complete disclosure statements concerning their business interests and to meet on an annual basis with the Integrity Commissioner, who is an independent officer of the House.
As you know, Mr. Speaker, the disclosure statements of elected MLAs are available to anyone in the public to review.
The Premier appoints the deputy ministers of the government’s departments and the heads of Crown corporations and agencies.
Can she explain to the House today what conflict of interest guidelines are in place for senior public servants and the heads of our Crown corporations and agencies?
If at all possible, with respect to the member’s question, I would be pleased to receive a written question to which I can respond.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I’ll take it as notice with written information. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The question has been taken as notice.
So we will wait seven days, according to our Rules. (interpretation) Oral Questions.
The Member for Akulliq would now like to ask questions.
Question 019 – 3(3): Fighting Tuberculosis in Nunavut (Ningark)
Just a short while ago, I spoke about tuberculosis and the impact on our people.
Back in the days when tuberculosis first came around, it occurred in the 1950s and ‘60s when Inuit had a far smaller population. This impacted everyone.
Mr. Speaker, the population of Nunavut has burgeoned and grown.
My question to the minister is: are the nurses and health care professionals conducting tests in the communities, particularly Kugaaruk, Repulse Bay, and the smaller communities?
Are they conducting a set schedule of testing for tuberculosis to ensure that it’s not spreading amongst our population?
Pretty much all communities now have x-ray machines.
Wherever they have to test them, they take x-rays of the lungs.
The patients are asked as to what the symptoms are and if the symptoms are anywhere close to tuberculosis, then the chest is x-rayed to check the lungs, and then the x-rays are reviewed by a doctor or specialist who look for symptoms.
That is one part of the testing. There are also other test methods that are undertaken where a person displays symptoms.
In the old days, there were really no drugs, no medication, and no way of improving the lives of people who had tuberculosis, but they are able to provide a lot more assistance in these modern nursing stations.
With regard to campaigns, I was thinking about a campaign to fight tuberculosis. We haven’t seen anything of that nature in this day and age. In many local nursing stations, they have community health representatives.
Are their services being utilized to ensure that all residents understand the effects of tuberculosis?
We used to hear that tuberculosis was wiped out, but that is obviously not the case.
My question is: will you be conducting a tuberculosis eradication campaign in Nunavut?
Yes, a lot of the public health information that relates to tuberculosis has its own system and process, and it depends on the urgency, but the information is readily available on the disease.
As well, during his Budget Address, the Minister of Finance spoke about health issues and that there was more funding being allocated to ensure that we look at dealing with health issues. We know that it’s easier to prevent a disease than it is to cure it, and this is where we are trying to be more efficient.
I do agree with the member that tuberculosis should not be in the North. If the communities understand how tuberculosis is passed around, then they should try to stay away from those situations.
Question 020 – 3(3): New Sanikiluaq School Library (Rumbolt)
The community of Sanikiluaq is anxiously awaiting the opening of the new school. The other day, I asked the Minister of Community and Government Services about the status of various systems that need to be inspected and signed off before the teachers and students can actually move in.
Today I would like to ask the Minister of Education to update this House on the status of the new school library. Can the minister advise us as to when the new school library will be stocked with the books and resources that students need for references and information?
As the Minister of Community and Government Services pointed out yesterday, they are hoping to have the project turned over by the end of March.
As far as when the actual books and that are coming for the library, I would assume that they would be coming in on the sealift, if they are ordered, but I don’t have that level of detail of how many books or when those books are coming in for the library.
I would be more than happy to follow up with my officials and provide that exact information to the member.
Question 021 – 3(3): Update on Resolute Bay Utilidor (Elliott)
A lot of work has been conducted in Resolute Bay on the utilidor system. As I travel up to do community visits and visit with my constituents, I usually bump into a couple of their consultants doing reviews of what to do with the utilidor.
I was wondering if the minister could give us an update as to what is happening with that.
It has been a few months since I’ve had to update you.
Actually, Mr. Speaker, we have been in contact with the consultants working on the report and it appears that the report should be expected to be completed some time in March.
Mr. Speaker, I think we are reaching the end of that line.
I was just wondering: has the decision been made by the Government of Nunavut with the information gathered and collected to determine whether it is cheaper to repair the utilidor or will they be going with water trucks and sewage trucks?
Well, the report is finally being finalized and then once that is done, it will be finalized by the experts and they will take a look at the pros and cons of all issues. There is still a lot to do in terms of trying to figure out where we are on that.
It would not be appropriate for me to hazard a guess until we have taken a good look at the report and go from there.
Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, at this point, we do not know the best way to go on that matter yet.
The minister mentioned that the report would be finished in March. If we are not sitting, since it is March, I was wondering if he would be able to either table the document if we are in session or send a copy to me and the community for review.
Like I said, the detailed analysis of the report isn’t due until some time in March.
Exactly when, unfortunately my iPad can’t tell me that, but we are working very closely with the municipality within our department, with the Housing Corporation, with the Department of Economic Development and many other departments to ensure that we do what is best for the community. Whatever comes out of that, we will be sharing that information, including the report, with the municipality.
It was also my understanding that when the initial discussions were brought up, a sort of loose subcommittee was set up to help with relaying information back and forth to the community and getting community input, which included members from the hamlet and also members from your department.
I’m wondering if you could let me know how many times they have met and what the result of their meeting and their consultation was.
Yes, they have met. The people from our department and other departments within the government and the municipality are working on the file.
I’ll have to get back to you on exactly how many times they have met, where and what. Again, I just don’t have that information handy at this time, but I’m sure they continue to meet, they continue to try to iron out the issues regarding the matter, and I’ll let the member know at an appropriate time.
Question 022 – 3(3): New School Exterior Logo (Schell)
I don’t want him to think that I forgot who he is.  It’s in regard to the new school in Cape Dorset.
They built a new gym there and there was a sign put on the exterior of the gym with a dog team of three dogs and a sled. Somebody requested the changing of the design of the sled after the sled was installed. I would like to ask the minister who requested the change.
I’m very happy to be here and I’m very happy that my colleague from South Baffin hasn’t forgotten about me.
Mr. Speaker, the information that has been provided to me as far as the change in the signage… . I wouldn’t call it a signage; it’s more of an artwork depicting Peter Pitseolak on a dog team on the school.
The initial request for the artwork of that nature depicting Peter Pitseolak on a dog team on the school was made by the district education authority and also the request for the change on there came from the district education authority as well.
Does the minister know what the cost on that was?
My understanding from the information that I have been provided with by my officials from the Department of Community and Government Services is that the change in the artwork, including the shipping and everything, and the replacement was roughly around $50,000.
My understanding is that somebody redesigned that sled on there.
I would like to know who redesigned it and what they paid for it.
To my knowledge, once the request for the change was brought forward to my departmental officials, we agreed with the district education authority for the change and that information was provided to the project officer from Community and Government Services.
It’s my understanding that that project officer relayed that information to the architectural firm that had the design for the total project.
How they went about getting a new design and what they paid for that design, I don’t have that information.