EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
The Standing Committee recommends that the Government of Nunavut’s response to this report provide a detailed timeline for the achievement of a fully representative workforce for each of the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s six occupational categories.
The Standing Committee further recommends that the Government of Nunavut’s response to this report provide a detailed timeline for the relocation of the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s executive and senior management positions to its headquarters in Baker Lake.
Issue: Capital Planning, Hydroelectric Development and Wind Energy
The Qulliq Energy Corporation’s 2014-2018 corporate plan indicates that “due to a lack of corporate and private ratepayers, there is an inability to charge suitable rates to generate the necessary revenue in small communities to properly fund the required maintenance and capital improvements to the power infrastructure.
The corporation continues to address the lack of revenue by filing General Rate Applications and Fuel Stabilization Rider applications, and requesting the Government of Nunavut to cover Fuel Stabilization Rider shortfalls.”
The Qulliq Energy Corporation’s 2012-2013 annual report indicated that the corporation was is in the process of “securing additional borrowing of $74,000,000 to fund capital expenditures over a three-year period from 2013 to 2015.”
The Qulliq Energy Corporation’s 2014-2018 corporate plan indicates that one of its priorities for the 2014-2015 fiscal year has been to “develop a 40-year long-term capital planning document identifying major capital projects.”
It also indicates that one of its priorities for the 2014-2015 fiscal year has been to “identify power plant replacement priorities for the next 5-year capital plan.”
The Qulliq Energy Corporation’s response to its 2013-2014 Ministerial Letter of Expectation stated that “there is an immediate need to replace 17 power plants in the next decade.”
In its April 28, 2014, report concerning the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s recent General Rate Application, the Utility Rates Review Council noted that the Qulliq Energy Corporation has been “actively seeking diverse approaches to financing its infrastructure requirements,” including the use of Public-Private Partnerships (P3s).
In its April 28, 2014, report concerning the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s recent General Rate Application, the Utility Rates Review Council also raised concerns regarding the significant differences between what the corporation planned to spend on its Iqaluit main power plant expansion and distribution system upgrade projects, and the actual costs of these capital projects.
The Utility Rates Review Council stated that the increases in costs for these capital projects provided “grossly misleading signals to customers of the QEC.”
It also indicated that “[cost] overruns of 43% and 58% are clearly outside acceptable norms.”
Ikummatiit indicated that the Qulliq Energy Corporation and the Petroleum Products Division of the Department of Community and Government Services would be “reviewing the[ir] business and working relationship.”
In its April 28, 2014, report concerning the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s recent General Rate Application, the Utility Rates Review Council also raised concerns regarding the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s current fuel storage capacity in Nunavut communities.
In its report, it noted that “in Iqaluit alone, the shortage of fuel tank capacity caused QEC to incur additional charges from February 2013 forward, which, on an annualized basis, would amount to a fuel cost increase of more than $1.0 million.”
The Qulliq Energy Corporation’s 2014-2018 corporate plan indicates that one of its current initiatives to “reduce Nunavut’s dependence on fossil fuels” is the “creation of an Arctic Wind Test facility in Arviat.”
The Qulliq Energy Corporation’s 2012-2013 annual report indicated that “Wind monitoring equipment was erected in Cape Dorset in the fall of 2012.
The data being collected is currently being analyzed over a 12-month period to gain an understanding of the actual wind potential for the Cape Dorset site.
The 12 month collection of data is the first step required for any further development of a wind site.”
In its April 28, 2014, report concerning the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s recent General Rate Application, the Utility Rates Review Council noted that the Qulliq Energy Corporation has had “discussions with a potential mine, Agnico-Eagle, in Rankin Inlet to share the diesel generation plant costs in the community.”
During the Standing Committee’s September 23, 2014, hearing, a number of questions were asked by Members concerning work being undertaken under the auspices of the Hudson Bay Neighbours Regional Roundtable with respect to hydroelectric power transmission from Manitoba to the Kivalliq, as well as the status of hydroelectric development in the vicinity of Iqaluit.
The Standing Committee recommends that the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s 40-Year Capital Planning Document that is referenced in its 2014-2018 corporate plan be tabled in the Legislative Assembly no later than March 31, 2015.
The Standing Committee further recommends that the Government of Nunavut’s response to this report provide a detailed update concerning what specific actions have been taken by the Qulliq Energy Corporation to address the capital planning deficiencies that were noted by the Utility Rates Review Council in reference to the Iqaluit main power plant expansion and distribution system upgrade projects.
The Standing Committee further recommends that the Government of Nunavut’s response to this report provide a detailed update concerning what specific actions have been taken by the Qulliq Energy Corporation to address the fuel storage capacity issues that were noted by the Utility Rates Review Council in its April 28, 2014, report concerning the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s recent General Rate Application.
The Standing Committee further recommends that the Government of Nunavut’s response to this report provide a detailed update concerning what current or planned initiatives are, or will be, undertaken by the Qulliq Energy Corporation and the Petroleum Products Division of the Department of Community and Government Services with respect to fuel pricing, fuel purchases and other areas in which the entities have contractual or working relationships.
The Standing Committee further recommends that the Government of Nunavut’s response to this report provide a detailed update concerning the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s ongoing and planned initiatives with respect to the use of Public-Private Partnerships (P3s) for the purpose of power plant construction and/or alternative energy development.
The Standing Committee further recommends that the Government of Nunavut’s response to this report provide a detailed update concerning work being undertaken under the auspices of the Hudson Bay Neighbours Regional Roundtable with respect to hydroelectric power transmission from Manitoba to the Kivalliq.
The Standing Committee further recommends that the Government of Nunavut’s response to this report provide a detailed update concerning the status of hydroelectric development in the vicinity of Iqaluit.
The Standing Committee further recommends that the Government of Nunavut’s response to this report provide a detailed update concerning the status of the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s Arctic Wind Test facility in Arviat.
The Standing Committee further recommends that the Government of Nunavut’s response to this report provide a detailed update concerning the status of the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s wind energy test project in Cape Dorset.
The Standing Committee further recommends that the Government of Nunavut’s response to this report provide a detailed update concerning the status of the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s discussions with Agnico-Eagle Mines concerning power generation issues in the Kivalliq.
Issue: Affordable Energy Fund
Section 39.1 of the Qulliq Energy Corporation Act provides that:
Affordable Energy Fund
39.1. (1) There shall be established in the accounts of Nunavut an account to be known as the "Affordable Energy Fund".
(2) The purpose of the Fund is to hold money appropriated to it in order, directly  or indirectly, to subsidize the cost of energy or otherwise make energy more affordable.
Part of Consolidated Revenue Fund
(3) The Fund forms a part of the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
Credits to Fund
(4) There shall be credited to the Fund all money appropriated to the Fund to  directly or indirectly subsidize the cost of energy or otherwise make energy more
Transfers from Fund
(5) The Minister may, by order, authorize the transfer of money from the  Affordable Energy Fund to fulfill the purpose of the Fund, and may include in the order any conditions the Minister considers necessary on the use of the money.
Ikummatiit stated in part that:
“The GN’s energy-subsidy programs are multi-layered and complex, making it difficult to monitor and track energy subsidies.
As a result, the true cost of meeting Nunavut’s energy demand is difficult to ascertain.
Most Nunavummiut do not know the true level of subsidization because of this complexity.
The general lack of public knowledge of the high level of subsidization is one reason why the Government is urged to increase subsidies when energy prices rise, as they have over the last several years.
An affordable energy fund would include a tracking and reporting mechanism.
It may also include the management of direct and indirect subsidies.”
Ikummatiit also stated that:
“The Government of Nunavut will proclaim legislation creating an Affordable Energy Fund on November 1, 2007.
The Affordable Energy Fund will be managed by the Department of Finance.
Funding will be made available for alternative energy and efficiency projects.
In addition, the department will track direct and indirect energy subsidies.”
The formal Mission Statement of the Qulliq Energy Corporation is as follows:
“QEC provides safe, reliable and efficient electricity and plans long-term, affordable energy for Nunavummiut.”
However, the extent to which the Affordable Energy Fund has been utilized remains unclear.
In response to Members’ questions on this issue during the Standing Committee’s September 23, 2014, hearing, the president of the Qulliq Energy Corporation stated that:
“To my knowledge, there is zero in that affordable energy fund at this point in time … back in my day as the Deputy [Minister] of Finance, I think that responsibility ended up being with Finance.
I don’t know why, but I think it did.
I don’t actually currently know where it sits, but I think it’s back to QEC … it has obviously sat dormant for the last five, six, or seven years, I guess, and we need to do something with it.”
The Standing Committee recommends that the Government of Nunavut’s response to this report clarify which department, Crown agency or territorial corporation is responsible for administering the Affordable Energy Fund under section 39.1 of the Qulliq Energy Corporation Act.
The Standing Committee further recommends that the Government of Nunavut’s response to this report clarify, in detail, the specific factors that have accounted for no funds having been appropriated to date for the purpose of administering the provisions of section 39.1 of the Qulliq Energy Corporation Act.
The Standing Committee further recommends that the Government of Nunavut’s response to this report clarify, in detail, its short-, medium- and long-term plans with respect to the administration of the Affordable Energy Fund.
Issue: Contaminated Sites
The Qulliq Energy Corporation’s 2012-2013 annual report indicated that:
“Significant environmental costs have been identified by the corporation; however, a provision for environmental liabilities was not recognized because the corporation believes it is not responsible for these remediation costs.
A provision for environmental liabilities will be accrued in the financial statements if it is determined that the corporation is liable for the remediation of a site that is contaminated.”
The Qulliq Energy Corporation’s 2014-2018 corporate plan indicates that it has:
“… inventoried its sites for environmental issues, and has two full-time staff from the health, safety and environment department engaged in prevention and remediation.
The corporation is anticipating that the federal government will take responsibility for remediation of these inherited sites.”
Significant discussion took place during the Standing Committee’s September 23, 2014, hearing concerning the issue of contaminated sites that were inherited from the federal Northern Canada Power Commission.
The Standing Committee is disappointed at the lack of federal willingness to accept responsibility for site remediation costs.
The Standing Committee recommends that the Government of Nunavut’s response to this report provide a detailed inventory of contaminated sites that were inherited from the federal Northern Canada Power Commission, and that this inventory include a detailed description of the nature and extent of the contamination at each site.
The Standing Committee further recommends that the Government of Nunavut’s response to this report provide a detailed chronology of formal communications that have taken place since April 1, 1999, between the Qulliq Energy Corporation and the Government of Canada concerning the issue of remediation of contaminated sites that were inherited from the federal Northern Canada Power Commission.
Pages 1409 – 1433
Opening Prayer 1409
Ministers’ Statements 1409
Members’ Statements 1410
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 1414
Oral Questions 1415
Tabling of Documents 1431
Orders of the Day 1432
Friday, October 31, 2014 1409
073 – 4(2): Northern Vision (Taptuna) 1409
074 – 4(2): Franklin Mystery – Learning Resource for Grade 8 Social Studies (Quassa) 1410
159 – 4(2): Artefacts Returned from Norway to Gjoa Haven (Akoak) 1410
160 – 4(2): Pages from Constituency (Mapsalak) 1411
161 – 4(2): Wishes for a Safe Halloween (Hickes) 1411
162 – 4(2): Happy Safe Halloween (Hickes) 1412
163 – 4(2): Representing Uqqummiut (Enook) 1412
164 – 4(2): Samuel and Calvin Tilley (Kuksuk) 1413
165 – 4(2): Pangnirtung Firefighter at Competition (Mike) 1413
166 – 4(2): Happy Birthday to Wife Elisapee (Quassa) 1414
265 – 4(2): Human Resources Management (Angnakak) 1415
266 – 4(2): Public Service Act (Hickes) 1416
267 – 4(2): Qulliq Energy Corporation Contracting and Procurement (Rumbolt) 1418
268 – 4(2): Kivalliq Inuit Centre Concerns (Sammurtok) 1420
269 – 4(2): 2015-16 Capital Plan (Joanasie) 1421
270 – 4(2): Grants and Contributions (Savikataaq) 1423
271 – 4(2): Airport Operations (Enook) 1425
272 – 4(2): New School for Baker Lake (Mikkungwak) 1426
273 – 4(2): Infrastructure Maintenance for Municipalities (Mapsalak) 1427
274 – 4(2): FPT – Labour Market Mobility (Hickes) 1429
275 – 4(2): Funding for Baker Lake Elders Centre (Mikkungwak) 1430
048 – 4(2): Nunavut Arctic College Annual Report 2013-2014 (Quassa) 1431
049 – 4(2): Excerpt from Northwest Territories Hansard (Savikataaq) 1431
050 – 4(2): 2010-2011 Annual Report of the Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit (Okalik) 1431
051 – 4(2): A Northern Vision: Building a Better North (Taptuna) 1431
052 – 4(2): Correspondence from the Mayor of Qikiqtarjuaq (Speaker) 1432
013 – 4(2): Adjournment for the Day (Rumbolt) 1432
>>House commenced at 9:02
Speaker (interpretation): Good morning, members, ministers, and all Nunavummiut.
Welcome and I say “good morning” to all of you.
Minister’s Statement 073 – 4(2): Northern Vision (Taptuna)
Mr. Speaker, as part of the Northern Premiers’ Forum, I am committed to working with my counterparts to create a strong and vibrant north.
We northern premiers recently came together and have reinforced this commitment by renewing and updating A Northern Vision, the document that outlines our shared priorities of energy, infrastructure, governance, and productive and engaged citizens.
Mr. Speaker, these are just some of the key areas we work together on to create common approaches to influence federal policy.
To date, the Northern Vision has served us very well in our pan-territorial work and in informing other governments and organizations of northern issues and opportunities.
Mr. Speaker, we want to ensure that the north is a region where sound economies offer diverse investment and employment opportunities and where the environment is protected for future generations.
Mr. Speaker, the previous Northern Vision resulted in pan-territorial cooperation in the areas of climate change and energy. In 2011, northern premiers published the Pan-Territorial Adaptation Strategy: Moving Forward on Climate Change Adaptation in Canada’s North and Paths to a Renewable North.
I look forward to continuing this work with my counterparts in Yukon and the Northwest Territories, and I believe the renewed vision will lead to greater cooperation in areas such as infrastructure and the economy.
Interest in Canada’s Arctic continues to grow and with this growth, we want to ensure that we continue to speak with a northern voice on our current priorities and interests.
Minister’s Statement 074 – 4(2): Franklin Mystery – Learning Resource for Grade 8 Social Studies (Quassa)
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good morning” to the people of Igloolik and Nunavut, as well as my colleagues.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that the Department of Education is working with a group of university faculty from across Canada on a project called “Great Unsolved Mysteries in Canadian History” to develop a website related to the Franklin Mystery.
The Franklin Mystery website will include a Nunavut instructional unit that will be available in Inuktitut, English, and French.
This 10-hour instructional unit will be designed specifically for grade 8 Nunavut learners and will have a strong emphasis on Inuit oral history.
A teacher resource package is also being developed to provide additional support material to teachers.
Mr. Speaker, in this new approach to history education, students become historians. By interpreting evidence, students will gain an understanding of past events and their significance today.
The oral record that was maintained by Inuit about the Franklin Expedition assisted in the recent discovery of the Franklin ship and through this resource, students will learn to interpret and value Inuit oral history for themselves.
Mr. Speaker, a key participant in the project is Gjoa Haven educator Louie Kamookak, who has done oral history research with elders about the Franklin Mystery and participated in many of the recent explorations seeking information about the Franklin Expedition.
The Franklin Mystery website will contain activities, artefacts, Inuit oral history, and testimony. It will be useful for learners of all ages and will be accessible to all jurisdictions across Canada.
The website is scheduled to launch in June of 2015. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 159 – 4(2): Artefacts Returned from Norway to Gjoa Haven (Akoak)
Mr. Akoak: Good morning to everyone (interpretation) as well as to the people of Gjoa Haven.  (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I rise today to pay tribute to the important work being undertaken by the Nattilik Heritage Centre to strengthen Inuit culture and language in Gjoa Haven.
Mr. Speaker, the Nattilik Heritage Centre opened last year.
The centre has worked closely with the Museum of Cultural History in Oslo, Norway, to bring home a number of artefacts.
These artefacts were taken from our area between 1903 and 1905 by explorer Roald Amundsen and brought to Norway. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to say that these artefacts are now back home and in good condition.
Earlier this month, a number of our elders participated in a workshop to examine the artefacts. The participants included:
Jimmy Qirqqut
Mary Aqirgiaq
Jonathon Hiqiniq
Tommy Tavalok
Leo Humituq
Saul Qirngnirq
Rosie Kigeak
Ruth Qirqqut
Alissa Kameemalik, and
Lucy Nimiqtaqtuq
I pay tribute to my community’s elders for participating, sharing their stories with Gjoa Haven community members and youth, and preserving knowledge of traditional tools and survival skills.
Mr. Speaker, some of the artefacts are items that were used in the 19th century by our ancestors for traditional activities and survival.
This initiative provides an opportunity for elders to work together to revitalize Inuktitut terminology.
Mr. Speaker, we know that language is a key component of our culture. I ask all members to join me in acknowledging the important work of the Nattilik Heritage Centre.
Member’s Statement 160 – 4(2): Pages from Constituency (Mapsalak)
I say “good morning” to the people of Repulse Bay, Coral Harbour, and Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I had recognized these individuals and even though we’re not on the agenda item for now, I would like to acknowledge Christopher Eetuk from Coral Harbour and from Repulse Bay, we have Benoit Malliki.
We know that the pages are chosen for their good schoolwork and for their hard work.
Here in the House, they have been providing very good support to the Members of the Legislative Assembly, and I’m sure that their parents are very proud of them.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the pages with my colleagues, as they will be going home today.
Member’s Statement 161 – 4(2): Wishes for a Safe Halloween (Hickes)
Before I start my Member’s Statement, I would like to wish my son a happy birthday. He’s turning 20 tomorrow.
Mr. Speaker, on a more serious note, I give notice that this evening at the appropriate time, hundreds of ghosts, ghouls, goblins, and gremlins will take to our streets and community halls to celebrate Halloween.
Mr. Speaker, in recognition of the occasion, I have chosen a tie that I feel is appropriate for the occasion.
Mr. Speaker, although I will not be able to be home tonight and hand out candies and treats to the kids, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all communities a safe and happy Halloween.
Mr. Speaker, I know that the RCMP and municipal authorities will be keeping a watchful eye out on our young trick-or-treaters, and I encourage everyone to be extra careful while driving on the roads this evening.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in wishing a safe Halloween to all of our communities.
Member’s Statement 162 – 4(2): Happy Safe Halloween (Hickes)
I don’t know how I could follow up that one.
I wanted to wish everyone a safe and happy Halloween, but I wanted to bring special attention to the weather conditions here in Iqaluit.
We’re getting a little bit of rain right now and the streets are going to be very slippery this evening.  I just want to caution all residents of Iqaluit to be even extra careful this evening to make sure, this occasion, just to stay safe and happy for our children.
Member’s Statement 163 – 4(2): Representing Uqqummiut (Enook)
Before I make my statement, today is the birthday of my friend, my supporter, my wife, Mary.
Have a very good day. Tomorrow is going to be Saturday, so take your time with the work you are doing for Hansard.
I will see you later today.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform the House that the Municipality of Qikiqtarjuaq has passed a motion that will allow me to raise concerns on behalf of the community until the current vacancy in the Legislative Assembly is filled by way of a by-election.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to say that I am honoured and humbled by the confidence that the municipal leadership of Qikiqtarjuaq has placed in me, and I will do my best to raise urgent issues of concern with the government on their behalf.
Mr. Speaker, I also extend an open invitation to the Municipality of Clyde River to contact me at any time with concerns or questions, and I will do my best to provide whatever assistance I can.
Member’s Statement 164 – 4(2): Samuel and Calvin Tilley (Kuksuk)
I say “good morning” to my fellow Nunavummiut and residents of Arviat and Whale Cove. Good morning.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, (interpretation) I rise today to share with you the accomplishments and to acknowledge some individuals in my statement this morning.