EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Again, my mother-in-law is tireless as she cares for her children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. She passes on traditional skills and in her role as the matron of the family, she teaches women to sew, preparation of skins, tanning, and so on.
She has passed on a tremendous amount of traditional knowledge.
I would like for my fellow colleagues and the people of Pangnirtung to join me in celebrating her birthday.
Member’s Statement 214 – 4(2): Congratulations to Jenny Mosesee (Keyootak)
I say “good morning” to my constituents of Qikiqtarjuaq and Clyde River.
Mr. Speaker, I rise at this time to express my pride.
The Canada Winter Games are happening and Nunavut is involved.
Although my community, Qikiqtarjuaq, is not a large community, there is one participant that I am very proud of.
Jenny Mosesee participates in various events. I wanted to mention Jenny Mosesee because I am very proud that she represents Nunavut and our community.
Member’s Statement 215 – 4(2): Grateful for Ministerial Visit (Akoak)
Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning to Nunavummiut and (interpretation) the residents of Gjoa Haven, (interpretation ends) ministers, and members.
I rise today to say “thank you” to a couple of ministers that visited my community on behalf of Gjoa Haven.
I was happy that they did make it, although there were a few cancellations before that happened.
On behalf of Gjoa Haven, I would like to thank Minister Kuksuk and Minister Okalik for coming to my community.
They now know what I am talking about and will be talking about every time I stand up.
For the community of Gjoa Haven to see ministers come that far away, every time they see them on TV, they could say, “I shook the hand of the ministers and I know who they are.”
Again I would like to say “thank you” to Minister Kuksuk and Minister Okalik for coming to my community.
Member’s Statement 216 – 4(2): Nunavut Quest 2015 (Enook)
Good morning, people of Pond Inlet and Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, it’s a little strange this morning. Maybe due to the fact of Mr. Mikkungwak’s return, we seem to have only happy thoughts this morning.
I want to welcome and recognize the High Arctic, especially Arctic Bay.
In the year 1999, they started the annual dog race called Nunavut Quest in English.
This race was started to recognize the creation of the Nunavut territory.
This annual event is well run and it is very popular.
Mr. Speaker, I was happy to hear from committee members last night that the race will start this year from Pond Inlet on April 14 and they will depart for Arctic Bay.
Mr. Speaker, I want to stand and welcome you to Pond Inlet for the start of this race.
The people of the High Arctic have embraced this race and it continues to be growing the dogsledding tradition.
I welcome you to Pond Inlet.
When they arrive in Arctic Bay, I know Mr. Shooyook will also welcome us to his community.
I wanted to raise this and welcome you all.
Member’s Statement 217 – 4(2): Happy to Finally Arrive (Mikkungwak)
I want to acknowledge my fellow MLAs as I finally arrived in person.
Although I have been watching on TV, as I sat watching in my room at home, I would raise my hand as you voted so far away.
That was for your morning smile.
I want Baker Lake residents and all Nunavummiut alike to enjoy this day as it is Friday.
Friday always brings smiles to the workforce.
I also would like to congratulate and welcome Pauloosie Keyootak to this House. I’m sorry I couldn’t make it in to his swearing-in ceremony, as we don’t control the weather.
As I am here now, questions will come up for ministers, and I send them smiles.
For now, I just send smiles to the people of Baker Lake and all Nunavummiut.
Question 354 – 4(2): Support for Nunavut Athletes (Mapsalak)
I want to share my pride in the person I spoke about in my Member’s Statement.
My question will be directed to the Minister of CGS. I believe he is the minister responsible for recreation.
As per my earlier statement, I spoke about the family dedicated to trying to raise funds for their daughter to realize her dream and passion. As per my statement, I stated that she is taking post-secondary courses in the south.
Mr. Speaker, students who are taking higher education… .
In particular, her grandmother retired and has no employment income. As per my earlier comment, they require funds totalling $3,900 to reach their goal. They would like to see the fundraising reach its goal.
Are there any assistance funds available in Nunavut specific to hockey schools or as part of the post-secondary assistance provided for students in those positions?
I thank my colleague for his question. To the residents of Rankin Inlet and Chesterfield Inlet, I wish you a good day, along with all Nunavummiut.
The question you raised relates to an individual and we don’t have any assistance programs specific for individuals.
Students taking courses outside of Nunavut receive assistance for their courses and nothing is set aside for extracurricular activities.
Nonetheless, the member asked about possible assistance and I have spoken to him personally about the matter. I asked for correspondence outlining this request and upon receipt of the written request, we would be able to provide a written determination.
Question 355 – 4(2): Conditions at Baffin Correctional Centre (Shooyook)
In my Member’s Statement, I spoke about this issue I want to ask about. My questions will be directed to the minister responsible for corrections.
Mr. Speaker, I ask the minister if any plans have been discussed, as this facility is hazardous to the health of the inmates. In order to have a safe and non-hazardous correctional centre, what renovation plans does your department have for the facility?
Yes, the older building requires a lot of extra attention to deal with these challenges.
During the capital planning, I spoke about the facility and of the new facility called Makigiarvik that will be opened. Once it is open and we have had the opportunity to transfer some inmates to it, renovations will commence.
We have existing renovation plans for this facility. We continue to monitor the building as the status of the mould from last spring and we don’t want anyone placed in unsafe conditions.
I didn’t hear a cohesive answer and I didn’t understand what his response was, so I am asking again.
What future plans does your department have for renovations at the correctional centre? This is related to the hazardous substances that are really pressing and require immediate action.
The substances are dangerous to a person’s health. The inmates who may be exposed deserve our compassion and this includes everyone working at the facility.
I wonder if the department has any concrete plans to address this and when these renovations would take place, either this year, or if the department has plans to resolve these concerns.
That is what I would like to understand at this time.
Once the new building, Makigiarvik, is opened and operational and when some of the inmates are transferred to the facility, the renovations will commence.
I understand that will be occurring soon.
I also thank the minister for responding with a clear response.
Indeed, this is disconcerting to hear and I personally wouldn’t want anyone inhabiting those areas.
Has your department made any decisions about a replacement correctional centre? I know that our finances dictate these plans and I understand we have limited funding. Nonetheless, that facility is not fit for human habitation.
I feel that even the workers there for the day are exposed to these dangers. I wonder if plans have been made to replace that current facility in the near future.
Yes, this situation is being monitored and inspections have taken place to determine what work is required to address these concerns. This work is ongoing to try and address these issues.
However, we are continuing to review the situation to see what else is required of us in the future.
Question 356 – 4(2): Status of Site Remediation in Baker Lake (Mikkungwak)
As the minister is aware, a longstanding and unresolved issue in the community of Baker Lake concerns the remediation of the site that was inherited from the Northern Canada Power Corporation.
QEC’s 2012-13 annual report indicates 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.”
Can the minister update the House today on QEC’s efforts to have the federal Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development accept responsibility for cleaning up this contaminated site?
I thank Mr. Mikkungwak for his question and welcome to the proceedings. We missed you.
Mr. Speaker, I recall Mr. Mikkungwak brought that question up or raised the issue in November during Committee of the Whole.
There has been no improvement since then in terms of getting Canada to acknowledge their responsibility for cleaning up this site.
We continue to work with them and ask them to acknowledge their responsibility, but there has been no acknowledgement to date.
Can the minister indicate what the approximate cost is of cleaning up the contaminated site in Baker Lake?
Based on some very old figures from 2006, the estimated cost at that time was over $10 million.
This issue has been dragging on for many years.
What legal options do QEC and the Government of Nunavut have to force the federal government to live up to its responsibilities?
Again thank you to Mr. Mikkungwak.
It’s a very serious issue.
Mr. Speaker, I don’t have all the legal details, but the legal opinion we did receive indicated that the polluter pays. That was the legal advice, polluter pays, and that was in the Northern Canada Power Commission.
There were some serious spills in the 1970s and ‘80s, and that was long before the Qulliq Energy Corporation.
The legal advice is that polluter pays and it could be very expensive remediation.
Question 357 – 4(2): Lack of Office Space in Nunavut Communities (Rumbolt)
Mr. Speaker, I would like to direct my questions to the Minister of Community and Government Services.
Mr. Speaker, the lack of office space in Nunavut communities is an issue that has been raised in the House on a number of occasions.
During his recent appearance before the Standing Committee on Community and Economic Development, the minister indicated that his department had drafted a report on its Office Space Strategy.
When will the minister be tabling his final report on the Office Space Strategy in the House?
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Thank you for that question.
We hired a consultant, Stantec, who has completed, not the final report, however, on January 15, and it has been presented now to the Deputy Ministers’ Committee.
We will be working with client departments to maximize highest value for space and planning strategies to upcoming lease expiries and demand for new offices.
We are, in fact, in the process of completing this process at this point in time.
I don’t think I got an answer of when it will be tabled in the House; if the minister could update us on that.
I also recognize that implementation of the department’s Office Space Strategy has not yet begun.
However, members have previously raised concerns that the lack of office space in communities has affected the delivery of essential services.
Can the minister indicate which communities will be prioritized in the implementation of the Office Space Strategy and the criteria that will be used to select these communities?
The Deputy Ministers’ Committee was given a presentation on the report in late January, as I mentioned.
CGS will use the report to establish an implementation plan to address the office space shortages.
Once the final report is done and approved by this government, I will be prepared to table this document.
Question 358 – 4(2): Capital Planning Process (Joanasie)
My questions today are for the Minister of Community and Government Services. I believe these questions remain amongst my colleagues.
As the minister is aware, the Legislative Assembly approved approximately $205 million in capital funding for the 2015-16 fiscal year during its recent fall sitting.
However, Nunavut’s infrastructure deficit is evident in the extraordinary shortage of public housing, modern marine infrastructure, power plants, and other structures.
For this reason, it is essential that the government ensures that capital projects are completed following their proposal. As an example of timing, monthly reports should be submitted at the proper times.
Can the minister indicate approximately how many of the government’s major capital projects are currently over budget or behind schedule?
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my colleague for that question.
I am unsure if I properly understood his question. Nevertheless, we are monitoring quite a few capital projects, with some at the initial planning stages and others entering the drafting stage, and several projects are currently underway.
As to the actual costs, budget overruns, or timing, I don’t have that level of detail, so I can’t really speak to that. However, all planned capital projects are currently underway.
Any person in the role of a consumer has the right to expect fair value for money spent when purchasing goods and services.
Additionally, if I were to use this example, if a person wants to purchase a vehicle and it arrives late or in a damaged state upon its arrival, I feel that fair value includes the consumer’s right for compensation for receiving damaged goods or repair costs to fix the damage to the vehicle they purchased.
In that same vein, our government should have certain expectations from their contractors for quality products. As an example, the objective is to have a facility constructed on time and on budget.
Can the minister explain what actions the government takes if a contracted entity delivers services, but exceeds the agreed-upon schedule or budget?
If I understood the question correctly, all successful winners of any contract don’t receive all the funds.
There is an amount held in reserve even upon the completion of the contract.
Until it is done to the satisfaction of the government, they don’t get the rest of the funds.
In English, it is called a (interpretation ends) holdback. (interpretation) We wait until the project is completed and reviewed. When it is completed to the satisfaction of the government, they get the balance of the payment.
During the recent fall sitting, the Legislative Assembly approved approximately $34 million in capital carryover funding from the 2014-15 fiscal year.
Mr. Speaker, delays in the government’s current capital projects often create a domino effect and result in the delay of future capital projects.
This means that projects related to essential infrastructure in the communities may be deferred until such time as they are prioritized in the government’s capital planning process.
Can the minister commit to reviewing the current capital planning process to prioritize the completion of capital projects that are to be further delayed?
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the member for that question.
There are a lot of reasons why projects are delayed.
I can say that if there needs to be another study done, we will do so.
Question 359 – 4(2): School Closure Policy (Enook)
I would like to direct my question and get clarification from the Minster of Education.
I will be using the Hansard for February 26, 2015 on page 17.
I know these are still the Blues, but the Minister of Education suggested, and I will be quoting an excerpt, “…and I can say to my colleagues that I have directed my staff to look into this issue.”
From what I understand, he was referring to the school closure policy and the reasoning behind it.
My first question is: when will there be a review of this policy and when do you expect it to be completed?
What I can say is that we know the DEAs follow a policy. We are currently looking at the DEA policies and I am sure that this issue will be brought up.
We can deal with it in different avenues, but I can’t say when that review is going to be completed and exactly what we expect.
I can say that we can look at different options. It could be at the time that the DEAs are reviewing their policies.
There will be no change until the DEAs have reviewed their policies.
I am sure that all Nunavut communities are looking at the completion of the review. They want to have something solid to use.
The minister indicated that there are different ways of reviewing the DEAs policies.
When could you indicate which direction this review will take or which option you will be choosing to review the policies?
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Speaker.
We haven’t had any discussions with the district education authorities to date, but we will be communicating with them.
We do have employees in the Department of Education who are required to consult with the district education authorities about certain issues. There will be a review of the DEA policies.
Right now, I can’t really answer your question, as we haven’t consulted with the district education authorities on this issue.
Maybe I didn’t clarify enough, but I am glad that the minister indicated that they will be communicating with the district education authorities.
My question was with regard to a statement you made in the Hansard.
It states here that the minister has directed the staff, and then the minister indicated that they could go through the Special Committee to Review the Education Act.
Mr. Speaker, my question was: how are you going to do the review? Which avenue are you going to take?
While we are on the subject, they are going to be starting the review soon. The Department of Education staff will consult with the communities.
I can’t respond to your question because we are just in the initial stages of doing that review.
We know that there is the Special Committee to Review the Education Act and in October 2015, the special committee will be tabling a report in the fall session.
Maybe we will see some changes at that time, but I can say that the Department of Education staff is currently taking the initial stages to start the process.
Question 360 – 4(2): New School for Coral Harbour (Mapsalak)
I would also like to direct my question to the Minister of Education.
Mr. Speaker, a letter recently arrived from the Hamlet of Coral Harbour regarding their concerns with the local school. Mr. Speaker, I know that the planning for the school was part of the capital plans.
Mr. Speaker, in following up on this issue, I noted that it is no longer listed in the capital plans, this new school slated for Coral Harbour.
Can the minister elaborate why the school for Coral Harbour is no longer listed in the five-year capital plan?
Minister of Education, Mr. Quassa
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to thank my colleague for that question and to the community, as I did receive the correspondence from the Mayor of Coral Harbour on this issue.
Additionally, we have stated that it is already included in the (interpretation ends) preplanning (interpretation) stages and it is still in that phase and hasn’t changed. It is still within the (interpretation ends) preplanning (interpretation) stage and work is underway to commence the plans for this new school.
Also, I don’t think any announcement has been made that the school has been removed from the capital plan, as it hasn’t been removed.
It is still in the plans. It is slated to be built in the 2016-17 construction season.
The plans have not been changed and it has not been removed from the capital estimates.
I just wanted to reiterate that to my colleague.
It is a major concern to the community of Coral Harbour and the minister is well aware of that.
Do I understand that it is still in the capital estimates?
Have you identified some monies to be used for the construction of the school in Coral Harbour?
We are collaborating with the Department of Community and Government Services on the review of the architectural design.
We have continued our dialogue with Community and Government Services on the design of the school. Furthermore, I believe that the Department of Education has set up a meeting with the organizations in Coral Harbour this coming spring.
Yes, that may be so, but the residents in the community are expecting the minister to visit the community in order to explain their reasoning for the new school and why it is a priority for the government.
Can the minister set a date? I know there is an invitation welcoming the minister to the community and it is contained in a letter that was sent to the minister, as I received a copy.
I wonder if the minister could commit to visiting Coral Harbour in the short term prior to the springtime and hear why the residents feel this project is an immediate priority for their community. Can the minister identify a date where he can visit the community of Coral Harbour to listen to their concerns?
I wonder if he can set that date soon and if he is able to visit the community.
There are currently 43 schools within Nunavut. Further, we know that communities have all sorts of various concerns related to their local schools and they are all credible.
Yes, regarding my invitation to the community, I know that they wanted me to attend as well as representatives of Community and Government Services.
This invitation is one I have read, as I tend to read the correspondence sent to my attention.
What I can state now is that we haven’t identified a time for visiting the community, but I have been in Coral Harbour in the past and I am entirely willing to visit the community.
Nevertheless, I can’t pick a date for the visit at this time and don’t know when we would be able to make the visit, albeit we will make every effort to come visit.
Question 361 – 4(2): Nominations to Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit (Mikkungwak)
My second question will be directed to the Minister of Culture and Heritage.
I believe it was last fall that a letter was released with respect to people wanting to create an organization or a board with respect to language.
Under Culture and Heritage, they had requested people with interest as a board member.
I know that the request for interest has closed.
I wonder if the minister can clarify whether he will inform the public via written correspondence or announcement as to which candidates were successful in being appointed to the Inuit Language Authority. That’s my first question.
Minister of Culture and Heritage, Mr. Kuksuk.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I would first like to say “good morning” to all my fellow residents of Nunavut.
I also thank my colleague for that excellent question.
Mr. Speaker, yes, we did open that request for interest for people who are interested in becoming board members for that board, but it’s obvious that the people who wanted to be a board member had submitted their interest and there will be a review of these candidates.
Once the candidates have been identified, vetted, and provided to me and the appointments have been made, I would make the announcement.
To date, they still haven’t provided the list of candidates who were successful.
Language, obviously, is very important for Inuit.
With the advent of the territory, the language has become one that needs to be preserved.
For the people of Baker Lake, they have come up with several initiatives to try to preserve the language.
However, the people who applied to be a board member had stated that they hadn’t even received a letter saying that their submission was received. They didn’t receive any news as to whether they had been successful or whether their submission had been received.
That’s why I asked the minister if his department could monitor that, as it would be beneficial to hear about the appointments or to send letters of regret to the unsuccessful candidates.
Hopefully that was understandable. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Culture and Heritage, Mr. Kuksuk.