EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Chairman the minister keeps referring to the stabilization fund, in her opening comments I think, it was her statement she indicated that currently her balance left in that stabilization fund is 1.5 million.
I’m wondering does that take into consideration the 13.9 cent increase to date and also does that take into consideration the roughly the 2.2 million that was carried over from April 1 of 1999, as part of that fund.
Chairperson: (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Tootoo. Madame Minister.
Hon. Manitok Thompson: Thank you Mr. Chairman. I think I’ll have Mrazek give you the status on that, but I do know that in the Rankin session we had 2.2 million, now the bottom line is, if we increase by 13.9, there’s been quite a few other changes in here.
Our projected fund will be at 432 thousand as of November 2000. So we have room in there but, Mr. Mrazek may have more details for the member.
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you Madame Minister. Mr. Mrazek.
Mr. Mrazek: Thank you Mr. Chairman. The member is totally correct that during the Rankin session, the accumulated balance was 2.2 million dollars in the stabilization fund.
Now, according to the instructions which the government received from the Auditor General the stabilization fund has been changed in view of division between the GNWT and the Government of Nunavut.
Therefore the stabilization fund was reduced drastically down to 475 thousand.
Mr. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Mrazek.
Mr. Chairman is that the balance of the fund, is that under half a million or is that how far a deficit balance of the fund, really there’s still 1 and a half million dollars in that fund.
Hon. Manitok Thompson: Thank you Mr. Chairman. As of September 2000 the fund was 1 million 5 hundred thousand dollars in deficit, and if we increase the price 13.9 cents, by March 2001 the fund is projected at a 432 thousand balance.
The other thing the members should remember is that after March 2000, it was after the Auditor General removed the 2.2 million dollars it was down to 342 thousand, but because of the new fuel, we subsidized the new fuel because not all communities were full and the price was increasing and we had to swallow that quite a bit.
That’s why in September it went up to 1 million 5 hundred thousand dollars in a very short time, because we didn’t increase the fuel price, so the bottom line is by September, 1 million 5 hundred thousand dollars if we increase it by 13.9.
We’re projecting 432 thousand dollars in the stabilization fund deficit.
Mr. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you Madame Minister. Since we’re running out of time.
Mr. Chairman, according to the Act itself, it says that not in any one year can the fund have more than a 5 million dollar deficit amount.
What I am hearing now is, if I am correct, as of this year and with this increase, it is only going to have, a top end of 1.5 million dollars negative balance. So really there is still for this year it can have up to 3.5 million dollars of leeway in there.
At the end of the year, Mr. Chairman, it is my understanding of how the fund works, if there is an effect, the only time it effects the budget is just an area to keep track of the profits and losses of the revolving fund.
It really has no impact at all.
It is just a number that is there and it does not have any impact.
Mr. Chairman, maybe I can ask…
Chairperson (interpretation): At this time, are you going to request to extend the sitting hours or are we going to remain that way.
I give the floor back to Mr. Tootoo.
I have more questions but looking at the clock I would like to move that we report progress at this time and continue on tomorrow with this.
I will report progress so we will see you again tomorrow.
I am sorry, I forgot to thank you Madame Minister and your witness.
Speaker (interpretation): Going back to the orders of the day. Item 20. Report of the committee of the whole.
Mr. Chairman, Mr. Iqaqrialu.  Item 20: Report of the Committee of the Whole
Your committee has been considering Minister’s statement 007-1(4).
I would like to report progress and Mr. Speaker I move that the report of the committee of the whole be concurred with.
Speaker (interpretation): There is a motion on the floor.
Going back to the orders of the day. Item 21.
Back to the orders of the day. Item 22.
Orders of the Day for Wednesday, November 1, 2000;
Speaker : Thank you Mr. Clerk.
This House stands adjourned until Wednesday, November 1, 2000 at 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday November 1, 2000
Pages 314 - 359
Minister of Housing; Minister of Public Works and Services
Opening Prayer 314
Ministers' Statements 314
Members' Statements 319
Returns to Oral Questions 324
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 324
Oral Questions 325
Point of Order 326
Point of Order 327
Revert to Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 342
Written Questions 343
Petitions 344
Tabling of Documents 344
Notices of Motions 345
Motions 346
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 346
Report of the Committee of the Whole 357
Orders of the Day 358
Wednesday November 1, 2000 314
025 – 1(4): Public Works and Services Reducing GNWT Asset Management Support Services (Thompson) 314
026 - 1(4): Day Care Final Report (Okalik) 315
027 - 1(4): Physical Activity Benchmark Program (Anawak) 316
028 – 1(4): New Wildlife Act for Nunavut (Kilabuk) 317
029 – 1(4): Donation to Baffin Audiology Department (Picco) 318
057 – 1(4): Impact of Fuel Price Increases and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (Arvaluk) 319
058 - 1(4): Healthier Environment on the Land (Alakannuark) 319
059 - 1(4): Need for Hall Beach School Expansion (Irqittuq) 320
060 - 1(4): Passing of Siana Attagootak (Picco) 320
061 - 1(4): Nunavut Time (Iqaqrialu) 321
062 - 1(4): Mark Nutarak’s Birthday (Nutarak) 321
063 - 1(4): Best Wishes to Kugluktuk Searchers (Havioyak) 321
064 – 1(4): Appreciation to Iqaluit Hospital Staff (Okalik) 322
065 – 1(4): Appreciation to Sanikiluaq Residents (Kattuk) 322
066 – 1(4): Nunavut Land Claim Negotiators (Anawak) 322
067 – 1(4): Alcohol Abuse Impact on Nunavut (Tootoo) 323
Return to OQ 016 - 1(4): Staff Housing Policy (Thompson) 324
059 – 1(4): Policy on Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (Arvaluk) 325
060 – 1(4): Support & Services for Education Authorities (McLean) 328
061 - 1(4): Day Care Funding (Nutarak) 329
062 – 1(4): Assistance to People in Spring Camps (Alakannuark) 330
063 – 1(4): Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit & Fuel Price Increases (Iqaqrialu) 331
064 – 1(4): Holistic Approach to Treatment (Tootoo) 332
065 – 1(4): Assistant Deputy Minister for Culture, Language, Elders & Youth (Irqittuq) 336
066 - 1(4): Grise Fiord Water Shortage (Nutarak) 337
067 - 1(4): Gates Foundation visit to Nunavut (McLean) 337
068 – 1(4): NDAP Client List Discrepancy (Tootoo) 338
069 - 1(4): Clarification on NDAP (Iqaqrialu) 340
004 - 1(4): Housing Issues (Alakannuark) 343
005 – 1(4): Funding for Small Businesses in the Kitikmeot (Arvaluk) 343
006 – 1(4): Government of Nunavut Air Charters (Tootoo) 343
003 – 1(4): Nattilik Residents Against Fuel Price Increases (Arvaluk) 344
004 – 1(4): Addition to Hall Beach School (Irqittuq) 344
018 - 1(4): Day Care Funding Final Report (Okalik) 344
019 - 1(4): Members’ Indemnities & Expenses to March 31, 2000 (Speaker) 345
020 - 1(4): Hall Beach School Architectural Design (Irqittuq) 345
Motions  009 – 1(4): Extended Hours and Days (Okalik) 346
066 – 1(4): Reduction of 50% in Fuel Price Increase (Arvaluk) 354
067 – 1(4): Subsidy Programs for Fuel (Alakannuark) 354
068 – 1(4): Petroleum Products Review to be Made Public (Tootoo) 355
069 – 1(4): Alternate Energy Sources (Irqittuq) 355
Mr. Ovide Alakannuark, Honourable Jack Anawak, Mr. James Arvaluk, Mr. Donald Havioyak, Mr. David Iqaqrialu, Mr. Enoki Irqittuq, Honourable Peter Kattuk, Honourable Peter Kilabuk, Mr. Glenn McLean, Mr. Jobie Nutarak, Honourable Paul Okalik, Honourable Ed Picco, Mr. Uriash Puqiqnak, Honourable Manitok Thompson, Mr. Hunter Tootoo.
Speaker (Mr. Puqiqnak) (interpretation): I would like to call on Mr. Irqittuq to say the opening prayer.
Speaker (interpretation): Good afternoon members and ministers.
We will proceed with the orders of the day. Item 2.
Minister's Statement 025 – 1(4): Public Works and Services Reducing GNWT Asset Management Support Services
Hon. Manitok Thompson (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform my colleagues that, effective March 31, 2001, the Department of Public Works and Services anticipates that it will not have to renew its asset management support services agreement with the Government of the Northwest Territories.
This 200 thousand dollar annual agreement has been in place for two years and was necessary as a result of severe staffing shortages experienced within the asset management function of Public Works and Services.
As a result of the aggressive recruitment of staff, particularly in the Technical Services Division, the need to continue this agreement in 2001-02 does not appear likely at this time.
(interpretation ends) A decline in year over year usage of these services from the GNWT has already been noted.
Mr. Speaker, as we move forward in building our technical expertise, the Department of Public Works and Services will continue their mandate to provide a high level of service and support to all our communities in Nunavut.
My staff and I look forward to continuing to work in co-operation with the other departments to serve Nunavummiut.
Ministers’ statements. Mr. Premier.
Minister’s Statement 026 - 1(4): Day Care Final Report
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to formally report that I will be tabling the Day Care Final Report that was released in September, but also to briefly update my colleagues on what has taken place since the report was released.
As my colleagues are now aware the report contains information about challenges day care centres and parents face throughout Nunavut.
It also includes recommendations to meet these challenges.
Some of the common challenges that have been identified are; funding criteria, difficulty accessing funds that are available, not enough cultural context and lack of partnership.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker I am pleased to say the department of education had already started implementing some of the recommendations that have been made in the report, such as the Space Funding Formula.
The department has increased the formula to 10% across the board (September).
Funds for day care centres are now done on a monthly basis rather than quarterly (October). We addressed the funding formula, as recommended in the report, from funding 100% on an attendance basis to 50% attendance base and 50% licenced seats.
We also recognize the importance of building partnerships with Inuit Organizations and the Government of Canada through HRDC; they have funding available for day care centres.
I am pleased to share that Aboriginal Human Resource Development Agreement Holders (AHRDAHs) have already held a Nunavut wide Day Care Forum.
I had the opportunity to speak to the participants and get feedback from them. They stated that they were sharing information and learning from each other.
I would like to quote a participant who said “It feels good to know that we are struggling with the same issues and all working towards the same goal for the betterment of day care centres in Nunavut”.
Mr. Speaker, a concern we all share with day care centres is ensuring cultural identity and heritage are included in our programs. I am excited to say we are committed to having elder participation in our day cares as part of a long term objective, and that curriculum development has begun this year for early childhood education using Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit as a foundation.
Nine elders from Arviat have participated and applied their knowledge about child care to help with the development of the curriculum.
To date the department has developed a Best Practices Video, this video is to help day care centres on developing programs and proposal writing.
It is available in Inuktitut and English.
We are also reviewing Healthy Children’s Initiatives and planning on redeveloping it to get more funding into communities for community capacity building around early childhood issues.
Other things we have done on parenting and around early childhood issues are; three public service announcements to be shown on TV – CBC and APTN, four informational pamphlets and some posters being mailed to all the communities.
Income support is working on making subsidies more accessible to all students despite their marital status.
As well we are working on simplifying the application process.
We are also working on brochures explaining day care user subsidies that will be a part of our awareness campaign.
Mr. Speaker I have the pleasure of saying that the information will be available in Inuktitut, Inuinnaqtun, English and French.
I take this opportunity to thank the Inuit organizations, parents, day care workers and elders for the effort and work they have put into day cares.
Mr. Speaker, this report has provided us an opportunity to work together in partnership with all stakeholders as well as giving us a new beginning.
I will be tabling the Day Care Final Report at an appropriate time.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you Premier.
Minister’s Statement 027 - 1(4): Physical Activity Benchmark Program
Hon. Jack Anawak (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I rise to inform the Members of the Legislative Assembly about progress made by the Department of Community Government and Transportation on the Physical Activity Benchmarks Program that was created in 1996.
The Program involves a partnership between the Inter-Provincial - Territorial Sport and Recreation Council (ISRC), the Fitness/Active Living Unit, Health Canada, and the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute (CFLRI).
In May of 1998, a Five-Year Plan was developed to enhance the Benchmarks Program to provide a more complete picture of the factors that influence participation in physical activity.
This will be achieved through an evaluation of current programs and services.
In the past, the data collected for Nunavut has been collected with the NWT.
Beginning this fall, data will be collected from Nunavummiut to measure physical activity levels and lifestyles in Nunavut.
A survey will be conducted to enable the government to measure its progress toward a 10% reduction of inactivity over five years.
It will also monitor the impact of physical activity in advancing health, social and economic policy.
This year, the survey’s focus is on adults; it will be conducted by telephone in Inuktitut, French and/or English as required.
Mr. Speaker, my department, through two Divisions, Sport Nunavut and Recreation and Leisure, provides expert advice and services to Territorial Sport Organizations, Hamlet Recreation Officers and individuals.
To promote and encourage the benefits of active and healthy living, assistance is available for training athletes and coaching staff throughout the Territory.
The survey initiative will help us develop programs by Nunavummiut, for Nunavummiut.
Minister's Statement 028 – 1(4): New Wildlife Act for Nunavut
Hon. Peter Kilabuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in November of 1999 with Cabinet support, I initiated action on the development of a new Wildlife Act for Nunavut.
Today, Mr. Speaker, I would like to provide members with a status report on this important project.
Over the past year, my department completed a detailed analysis of the old Wildlife Act, which, as members know, we adopted from the NWT on April 1, 1999.
The analysis found the Act to be inadequate in its ability to address management issues of today and in its compliance with the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
We have now completed a categorized list of the specific issues that must be addressed in the development of new legislation.
Mr. Speaker, for this legislation to work Nunavummiut must be deeply involved in its development.
Earlier this fall I was very pleased to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) and the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board (NWMB) who will work side by side with us as we move through consultations and into drafting the new legislation.
Today, I want to urge my colleagues, to encourage members of their communities to participate in these consultations on the Wildlife Act, beginning in January, and continuing through next year.
The specific dates and times of these events are currently being developed and will be finalized by December 1.
The Government of Nunavut wildlife officers will be working with Hunters and Trappers Organizations in each of your communities in organizing these consultations and serving as the point of contact for questions that arise throughout the process.
Mr. Speaker, the new Nunavut Wildlife Act stands to be the most modern wildlife legislation in Canada, and perhaps the most unique because of its recognition of the co-management principles under which this Government operates.
As we move through the various stages of this project, Mr. Speaker, I will continue to report back to this House on the progress we are making on this important piece of Nunavut legislation.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Ministers' statements.
Minister's Statement 029 – 1(4): Donation to Baffin Audiology Department
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize the Frobisher Bay Elks Lodge for their generous donation to the audiology department of the Iqaluit Public Health Unit.
With the contribution of 6 thousand 7 hundred and five dollars, the department was able to buy state-of-the-art computer software, earphones and loaner hearing aids.
The new equipment will benefit all those who need to use it.
However, it will be particularly valuable in diagnosing hearing problems in children since they don’t always respond well to adult methods of treatment.
The equipment also gives the department access to the kind of diagnosis and treatment that was previously only available in the south.
On behalf of the Department of Health and Social Services, I would like to offer my heartfelt appreciation to the Frobisher Bay Elks Lodge and the many other community based volunteer organizations who donate their time and money to help others in their communities.
Member's Statement 057 – 1(4): Impact of Fuel Price Increases and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit
Nice spring day Mr. Speaker.
Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit has been discussed in great detail since this Legislative Assembly opened April 1, 1999.
Shortly after that date, the communities came to understand what Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit is. Our government keeps referring to it.
For the past four days now we have been discussing the high prices of fuel and the high price increase as of November 1, 2000.
Mr. Speaker, we have been discussing for the past four days the impact it will have on the people who are homeowners and hunters, for low income families who have to provide groceries for their children.
This will have a big impact on them.
The objective of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit is that when we are going through hardships, getting groceries or whatever, the leaders in the communities and the elders try and think about how they can assist those people so they will be able to continue with their lives.
So, Mr. Speaker, we all know that an increase of 13.9 cents per litre, as the price stands today will have a big impact on the people.
Later on today, during question period I will be directing questions to the Minister of Culture, Language, Elders & Youth as they are responsible for implementing Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
I will ask if the Minister of Culture, Language, Elders & Youth has talked with the Minister of Public Works, who will be raising the prices, and if they have discussed Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and how it is impacted by these increases.
I will be raising this issue today.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Arvaluk. Members' statements.
Member’s Statement 058 - 1(4): Healthier Environment on the Land
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the fact that people enjoy going out on the land and I support that, and want that supported by the government.
In the past we had to survive out on the land when seal, caribou, fish and birds were a main source of food.
We used them as food and clothing.
But nowadays in the communities we have more resources available to us.
But we are not as healthy as we used to be because of different problems that arise today.
Mr. Speaker, to be able to go out on the land is very good for the heart, mind and soul for the parents and the children.
They are much happier when they are out on the land.
The elders say when they are out on the land it is a lot healthier environment for body and mind. I fully believe that.
Mr. Speaker, during question period I will be directing questions to the Sustainable Development Minister on what kind of assistance they have in place for our people to go on the land.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Alakannuark.
Member’s Statement 059 - 1(4): Need for Hall Beach School Expansion
Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the same pressing matter that I brought up before. The Hall Beach school needs to be expanded Mr. Speaker.
The school in Hall Beach is way too small due to the increasing population.
When it was first built it was adequate.
It is now getting old and there are a lot more students.
There are 30 kindergarten students and there is not adequate room.
Some go in the morning and some in the afternoon.
Because of the lack of space in the school they have to use the library as a classroom so presently there is no library in Hall Beach.
Mr. Speaker, during the session I will be tabling a petition which asks for the architectural work done by the GNWT back in 1989 to be implemented.
This was in the planning stages, they were going to put on an addition at that time. I have seen documents showing that 75 % of the architectural work has been done.
I will be tabling a petition and a document today.
Member’s Statement 060 - 1(4): Passing of Siana Attagootak
Mr. Speaker, a well known Nunavut elder Siana Attagootak passed away this past weekend in Apex.
Mr. Attagootak built the kamotik that sits before us in this chamber.
While he may be gone, his work, knowledge of traditional ways and contributions to this House will be recognized and admired long into the future.
Mr. Speaker on behalf of this House we send our deepest condolences to his family.
On behalf of the Legislative Assembly I also want to send our condolences and we will send them a card. We feel for family.
Member’s Statement 061 - 1(4): Nunavut Time
Mr. Speaker, I will be talking about the time zone change. I sympathize with and support my colleague from Kugluktuk when he voices his constituents' concerns about the time zone change. I know about the pressure he feels.
But I wanted to state also that one of the communities in my constituency did not go along with the original time zone change, but now they have changed to the Nunavut time zone. I am happy about this and for Nunavummiut. I will be able to call my colleagues at the same time, as it did create some inconvenience when we had separate time zones, sometimes they would have gone out for supper or lunch and I would forget what I was calling about but that will not be case anymore.
Member’s Statement 062 - 1(4): Mark Nutarak’s Birthday
Yesterday I was going to speak about my son, at the beginning of yesterday's session. But I’d like to do that today. I would like to remember my son Mark Nutarak, his birthday was yesterday.
Happy belated birthday.
I wish him many more years, and a good future.
I encourage him to live well.
Member’s Statement 063 - 1(4): Best Wishes to Kugluktuk Searchers
Yesterday I mentioned two people from Kugluktuk that went missing while out hunting. They left on Sunday, they were supposed to return but they haven't.
If the relatives are listening, please do not worry too much. The searchers are doing their best, continuing to look for your family members.
For those people that are searching, I wish them well and find what you are looking for and let it be good.
We will try to keep our spirits up and people are continuing to look.
We extend our support to the families.
Member's Statement 064 – 1(4): Appreciation to Iqaluit Hospital Staff