EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
In our case, for example, Mr. Speaker, as the member knows, we had a case where we had – I think it was eight people, who had some problems with a skin rash.
And the doctor was asked to review this case.
Instead of having to medevac the people down from Pond Inlet to Iqaluit, we were able to hook up through Telehealth where the doctor was able to, through the television screen, look at the rash, diagnose it, and then have the nurse in charge treat it.
They were able to stay in their community to be treated so that's one of the exciting things about Telehealth.
This government is trying to move forward.
We're trying to put some money into our budget to enhance the delivery of Telehealth as we explained in this house and again in the caucus last week.
The minister's response, my question was are they better.
Is Telehealth better than doctors.
Are you saying they are better than doctors?
If you could rephrase your question, I could let you go ahead because you cannot ask the minister and I could rule you out of order.
You cannot ask him a question on the minister's feelings.
If you rephrase your question I will let you go ahead Mr. Irqittuq.
Question 105 - 1(3): Wrong Translation Attachment
I don't know if this is a question or a comment.
I have a question to the minister of Culture, Language, Elders & Youth.
On the 27th, he had a minister's statement and the Inuktitut translation is a little bit different than the English version.
Mr. Minister, he gave me a copy of his response but the Inuktitut does not correspond to the English.
The wrong translation is attached to the wrong English and I think I'm not the only one who has that so I would like you to know that I don't know about the Inuinnaqtun I think that one corresponds with the English but the Inuktitut is the wrong attachment.
If that's the case then could you correct the mistake please.
Minister of Culture, Language, Elders & Youth.
Hon. Donald Havioyak (interpretation): I saw that one.
I will see to that then find out what the problem was and I will go from there.
Speaker: Mr. Nutarak.
Mr. Nutarak (interpretation): If my question is in fact true, next time around or anytime I do not want to get wrong Inuktitut attachments to English.
I just want you to know that.
I didn't put a number on it, I should have but the date corresponds to your Minister's Statement made on the 27th.
I don't hear a question. Oral questions, Mr. Iqaqrialu.
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I have another question if there is no one else on your list.
Speaker (interpretation): I will give you the opportunity as I have no other names on my list.
Question 106 - 1(3): Qikiqtarjuaq Airstrip
I have a question directed to the Minister of Community Government & Transportation.
I thought the airstrip in Broughton Island was going to be extended to be a little bit longer.
I was wondering if you can look into this issue so that maybe they could extend the airstrip.
Minister responsible for Transportation.
Hon. Jack Anawak (interpretation): Yes, I'll take your question under notice.
Question 107 - 1(3): Location of Old Dump Site
I have a question directed to the Minister of Community Government, Housing & Transportation.
Last spring, we discussed the old dump site.
It's too close to the residential units and they may not construct units because of that and especially when the wind blows, that old dump site gets smelly.
So I was wondering what the minister has done so far.
Hon. Jack Anawak (interpretation): The Department of Health was going to be dealing with this but I apologize, I still haven't, I'll take it as notice.
Mr. Nutarak (interpretation): I apologize Mr. Speaker.
Supplementary question to the Minister of Community Government & Transportation.
Will you be able to notify us as soon as you get all the results.
Perhaps at our next session, I'll be asking that again.
Once you find out the results I would like you to inform the hamlet and myself.
Speaker (interpretation): Mr. Anawak has responded and he has taken this as notice.
At this time, oral question period is over.
I move to extend the oral question period.
Unanimous consent to extend the oral question period.
You have unanimous consent.
Question 108 - 1(3): Multi-Year Plans
Mr. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Speaker and I would like to thank the members for extending the question period.
My question is directed to the Community Government, Housing & Transportation Minister.
Previously we had made a five year plan in the communities and then they stated that we are going to have a longer plan for 20 years.
What does this mean.
Usually the communities do their five year plan.
Is there going to be a new system for that Mr. Speaker.
I know that the five year capital plans were made by the GNWT but what we have done recently was to suggest that the hamlet councils work closely together with the government officials so that both sides will know what the priorities are of the individual communities.
I would also like to tell the member that we're going to be doing community tours and I'm sure that this is going to be one of the issues that will be brought up.
We'll be talking about the capital projects that we'll be including as a government.
So I would suggest that if we're going to be making five year capital plans at the community level that we work with the Nunavut Government officials so that they'll be better alignment between the two.
Question 109 - 1(3): Social Services Employee in Arviat
Mr. Speaker, earlier today, the Minister responsible for Health and Social Services indicated that there was a new staff person being hired on or being located in my community.
I wonder if the minister can tell the House as to what type of background and special skills that this individual will have as it relates to Social Services and some of the concerns that we spoke about earlier this week.
Last week the member for Arviat had brought up the need and the concern to this house about a mental health specialist for his community.
A mental health specialist has been hired for Arviat.
The person is scheduled to start in early December of this year.
Mental Health Support Services right now for Arviat are currently being provided by the Baker Lake Mental Health Worker.
The actual resume of the person who was hired by the health board I don't have in front of me but I can get that information for the member.
Mr. Speaker, my second question would be whether or not this is a full time permanent position located in my community and furthermore Mr. Speaker, I wasn't looking for a detailed resume but I was just concerned whether or not the person that's being hired will be able to address some of the concerns that we spoke about last week in a more specialized manner.
That's what I was trying to point out in my earlier response.
I can't come out with the person’s resume of course, that's confidential information but what I can do is to see if indeed the person that's been hired by the Keewatin Regional Health and Social Services Board, we have for example in these types of positions a job description that is made available and if the job is posted, giving in that job description of course, the qualifications that are needed to carry out the job.
This person has been hired.
My understanding is that the person is capable and will be able to deal with the issues that the member has brought up in the past and indeed brought up as late as last week.
So we're very confident Mr. Speaker that that person will be able to do that.
Mr. Speaker, my earlier question also was asking whether or not this person was a full time staff person for my community.
Minister responsible for Health and Social Services, Mr. Picco.
That is my understanding yes, that that person will be in place full time to service the needs of the community of Arviat and like I said right now those needs are being covered by the Mental Health Worker for Baker Lake.
Early December we will have the mental health worker in place for Arviat.
Question 110 - 1(3): Arctic College Centre in Hall Beach
Mr. Speaker, in my community we have an Arctic College Centre which has been vacated.
Does the minister know what is going to be happening with that adult education centre?
Speaker: Minister responsible for Education, Mr. Arvaluk.
Mr. Speaker I don't know what he means by the building being vacated.
I will give Mr. Irqittuq an opportunity to rephrase his question.
Well buildings are vacated when nobody goes there to work or go to school or to use it.
I would like to know who owns this building and who operates the building.
I'm assuming it's the Department of Education.
I will take it as notice and advise the member.
Speaker (interpretation): Taken as notice.
Question 111 - 1(3): Full Time Mental Health Worker
It's with great joy that I rise and ask this question.
My colleague, Mr. O'Brien has a full time mental health worker now located in Arviat which is a great delight to me and my community because I'm hoping that this question that I'm asking the minister means that we get to keep our mental health worker full time also.
Mr. Speaker, it also gives me great pleasure to state at this time in Baker Lake we have three Social Worker's staffed and we have two Mental Health Workers, we have one mental health worker and one for addictions counselling.
Yes Mr. McLean, they will be staying in Baker Lake.
Question 112 - 1(3): Cape Dorset Water Pipeline
I have questions for Community Government & Transportation in regards to the water pipeline that we have.
Our water lake is very far even though there is a lake closer by which dries up in the winter when it freezes up.
My question is, are you going to be doing anything about the pump in our community.
Minister responsible for Community Government & Transportation.
The Community Government, Housing & Transportation department said they put this on the B list and it was included in the 1999/2000 budget.
We have identified the dollars but not for this year.
I could talk to the member and also talk to the Hamlet Council to find out about the urgency.
Question 113 - 1(3): Staffing for Elders Societies
I have a question directed to the minister of Culture, Language, Elders & Youth and perhaps it's similar to what Mr. Nutarak asked.
The Elders have societies in the majority of the communities in Nunavut.
They very much require good staff, such as a secretary.
Have you looked to find out if there are additional dollars for the Elders’ Societies’ staff.
Minister responsible for elders Mr. Havioyak.
Hon. Donald Havioyak (interpretation): Thank you of your question.
I just want to tell this member that my staff person hasn't been appointed yet.
The people that are working for us now will be looking in to hiring our new position in the near future.
And as soon as we hire staff then I will let you know.
Thank you for your question.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Havioyak. Mr. Iqaqrialu.
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Speaker, a question that is different from the one that was just asked.
Speaker: Mr. Iqaqrialu, I will note your name down, I still have other names on the list.
Oral question Mr. Irqittuq.
Question 114 - 1(3): Marketing for Fish
I know that we have a limited time for question period, I will limit my question Mr. Speaker.
I have a question to the Minister of Sustainable Development.
Today, it seems to be harder for my communities of Igloolik and Hall Beach to start a small business.
During the fall around October and November at this time of the year, the fishermen used to have a viable market for arctic char but now a days it's really hard to market arctic char.
Perhaps the Minister of Sustainable Development can find out where we can market this fish.
In regards to the question of marketing of arctic char, I have worked in this area for four years in Pangnirtung.
The fishermen in the communities in all of Nunavut have worked very hard and have met stumbling blocks in marketing their fish.
The Department of Sustainable Development at this time can support a fisherman financially if they apply for funding but for the last three years it's been very hard to market char due to the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Since there are rules and regulations to follow especially in the communities where there is no fish plant.
The fish has to be cleaned adequately and they have to be inspected.
One of the things that people misunderstand is that we know what arctic char is.
We like to eat it as a whole fish but the southern consumers would like to see the fish processed.
They prefer to buy processed fish.
It has been pretty hard but at least we're learning what consumers want down south.
We have to follow consumers needs.
That's where the problem has been in the past, so I'm very glad that you asked me that question because I have worked on this issue for quite some time and if there's anybody out there who would like to be assisted in marketing their arctic char, we would be pleased as a department to assist them. but there have been some areas where we couldn't work on this because we don't have a staff member for fisheries.
We are aware that arctic char is very important to Inuit of Nunavut.
Question 115 - 1(3): Elders Housing
I know that the minister responsible has set up a task force on the serious issue of housing in Nunavut.
I want to ask the minister responsible, has she considered the seriousness of elder's housing in Nunavut and in her task force, will that be one of the mandates for them to address, the serious lack of Elder housing in Nunavut?
Speaker: Ma' na Mr. McLean.
Last night the task force met with the chairperson Enoki Irqittuq.
I told them that there's a lot to be done in housing and they will be making recommendations to me on all issues related to housing and that can be one of the issues that they can look into.
I just said that everything's on the table in regards to housing.
Question 116 – 1(3): Rules of the Assembly
Perhaps I shall be directing my question to the Premier or the Speaker.
Since I'm very new to the Legislative Assembly and I'm not used to the system as yet or rules of the house, like every time I look around to where the ministers are sitting, they tend to be sitting and talking to each other during the proceedings of this house.
We were oriented on how to conduct ourselves in the house.
One of the things that we learned was not to move around too much from our chairs.
I think we're forgetting that and I want to be told what the status is now.
Speaker (interpretation): Mr. Iqaqrialu, that's my responsibility.
We'll have to be oriented more than once.
It's now noon hour.
We'll take a 30 minute recess.
Speaker: I have no more names on my list at this time.
We'll wait an extra five minutes.
We don't have a quorum. (interpretation) We're still on oral questions.
Written questions. Written questions.
Item 9, replies to opening address.
Replies to opening address.
Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills. Reports on Committees on the Review of bills.
Item 13, Tabling of documents.
Item 13: Tabling of documents
Tabled Document 13 - 1(3): Letter from Cape Dorset Mayor
There was a phone in show in the community of Cape Dorset in regards to the single time zone.
There were 36 callers, 25 opposed, and 9 for.
Speaker: Tabling of documents.
I give notice that on Tuesday, November 2nd, 1999 I will move the following motion: I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Cambridge Bay that the Speaker be authorized to set sitting such days and hours as the Speaker sees fit to assist with the business before the house.
I am seeking unanimous consent to deal with my motion later today.
Item 15, Notices of Motions for first reading of bills.
Notices of Motions for first reading of bills.
I am seeking unanimous consent to proceed with my motion.
The member is asking for unanimous consent to go ahead with this motion.
No nays.
Mr. McLean, you have consent to proceed.
Motion 3 - 1(3): Sitting Hours
I move, seconded by the Honourable member for Cambridge Bay that the speaker be authorized to set such sitting days and hours as the Speaker deems fit to assist with the business before the house.
Speaker: Okay, the motion is in order. To the motion.
Item 16, motions. Motions.
Item 19, Consideration of Committee of the Whole on Bills and other matters.
Bill 3, an Act to amend the Interpretation Act.
Bill 5, Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 1, 1999/2000 with Mr. Puqiqnak in the Chair.
Sergeant-At-Arms.
Chairperson (interpretation): We are full now.
I would like to ask the committee what they would like to do regarding Bill 3 and Bill 5 and taking into consideration I would like to know what the committee would like to do at this time.
What is the committee's wish.
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): In the Committee of the Whole I would like to deal with Bill 5.
Chairperson (interpretation): The member wishes to consider Bill 5, Supplementary Appropriation.
What is the committee's wish?
Mr. Iqaqrialu would like to consider Bill 5.
Bill 5 will be dealt with.
They're in your white binders, tab 5.
Bill 5.
Would the minister like to make opening comments?
You can say your opening comments.
You may do so from your chair.
Afterwards I will give you the opportunity to go to the witness table.
Mr. Chairman, the purpose of the Supplementary Appropriation Bill is to make supplementary appropriations for the Government of Nunavut for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000.
Authority is requested for a total 8 million 146 thousand in additional appropriations made up of 4 million 539 thousand for operations and maintenance and 3 million 607 thousand for capital expenditures.
A number of interdepartmental transfers are also included in the supplementary appropriations which do not require additional funding.
These transfers include funding for the establishment of the Decentralization Secretariat, the transfer of responsibility for Nunavut's Housing Program to Public Works and the transfer for Nunavut's Income Support Program to Education.
Mr. Chairman, the additional appropriations have been provided for in the estimated supplementary appropriation requirements included in the 99/2000 main estimates as a contingency reserve.
However they do consume much of our 10 million dollars reserve and we will have to be very vigilant over the balance of the year.
The operations and maintenance appropriations requirements include 530 thousand for the formation and operation of the Nunavut Law Reform Mission, 310 thousand to provide funding for the costs of removing contaminated soil and providing backfill to restore the Arviat Health Centre site. 200 thousand for the implementation of a new automated Personal Property Registries System. 2 million 855 thousand for the implementation of Strategic Initiatives in the areas of Inuit Teacher Education and the Nunavut Nursing Program.
Mr. Chairman, the Capital appropriation requirements include 220 thousand for renovations to the Iqaluit Court House Building to improve security standards, 200 thousand for the continuation of the Breakwater Construction project in Clyde River, 250 thousand for the provision of temporary space in Cambridge Bay to be used as a Community Library until the new Library is completed as part of the new Killiniq High School, 337 thousand for repairs to the Rachel Arnangmaqtik School in Baker Lake caused by the discharge of a fire sprinkler, 400 thousand for the architectural engineering work required on an addition to the Pond Inlet Ulaajuk School, 1 million 800 thousand for renovations to the Qulliq Ilitarvik Elementary School in Cambridge Bay including the construction of a common mechanical utilities facility to serve both the elementary and high school.
The costs incurred relative to the temporary library space and the common mechanical utilities facility in Cambridge Bay will be included in the insurance claim with respect to the loss of the high school.
Those are my opening comments Mr. Chairman.
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you Minister Ng. Thank you.
If you would like your staff to sit with you at the witness table, we will deal with Bill 5.
Mr. Minister if you would go up to the witness table.
Thank you Mr. Minister, if you have staff that you would like to invite up to the witness table.
Are you going to be having your staff up there?
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Mr. Chairman, the staff were told to be here at 1:00 because I thought that is when they were needed.
In the meantime I have here, if the committee allows me a motion to address that issue by substituting the schedule in the Appropriation Act.
Chairperson (interpretation): There is a motion in your white binders.
Please read your proposed amendment, or your motion.
Committee Motion 1 - 1(3): Amendment to Bill 5
Mr. Chairman, I move that Bill 5 be amended by deleting the schedule and substituting the following schedule which would have Vote 1 – Operations and Maintenance listed at 3 million 495 thousand dollars.
Part 2 – Capital, listed at 3 million 607 thousand dollars.
That would have a total supplementary appropriation in parts 1 and 2 of 7 million 102 thousand dollars.
If there are no comments.
I apologize, I keep forgetting.
Since the motion is in order, I will now open up the floor for questions or comments.
When you say little Jobie I feel that you love me.
In regards to the motion.
What did it read before.
What are the changes, from what to what.
You said it was in order but I would like to ask for further clarification on the amendment.
Chairperson (interpretation): This is in schedule 1, where the revisions were made.
Questions or comments to the motion in regards to Bill 5.
I will call the question later.
Okay we’ll go clause by clause.
Bill 5 Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 1, 1999/2000.
Page 5, we’ll go clause by clause.
Mr. Akesuk, do you have general comments to make.
Mr. Akesuk (interpretation): I apologize Mr. Chairman, on page 5 there is 535 thousand dollars that is identified for the Nunavut Law Review.
It is October 31, 1999.
It is quite large, what is that going to be used for.
The one under the Nunavut Law Reform.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Mr. Chairman, I could answer it but I guess what I am asking for is some direction from the Chairperson on how we are going to proceed on this.
Because if we start, it is my understanding that you go into the detail for item by item and then you can raise the questions when each specific item comes up. Otherwise we will be going back and forth over the schedule, Mr. Chairman.
Maybe I will ask for your direction.
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Ng. I believe you all have a copy of the Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 1.
We will go to page 5 and go detail by detail.
I ask then again to my colleagues, if you agree with going into details.
We’re on page 5,
Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, operations and maintenance.
The writing is very small and I can hardly see them.
Special warrants.
Directorate, 792 thousand.
Not previously authorized 792 thousand.
Page 6.
Mr. Akesuk (interpretation): Before we go onto the next page I would suggest that you ask if anybody has any general comments.
My question was prior to this, and I would like to apologize, can I now ask my question, Mr. Chairman.
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Akesuk, for reminding me.
Okay then I will ask for general comments.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Mr. Chairman, perhaps I will respond to the honourable member’s questions about the Law Reform Commission budget.
I understand that is what he initially asked.
The breakdown for the budget, Mr. Chairman for the 530 thousand dollars, and I can provide a copy if members want, the budget for ‘99 in this total there is 38 thousand 5 hundred for the Chief Commissioner.
There is 56 thousand 250 for the normal commissioner’s expenses.
There is 11 thousand 250 dollars for the full commission meetings.
There’s wages for administrative support of 33 thousand 667 and benefits of 10 thousand 868, there’s travel and transportation of 70 thousand dollars roughly, accommodation and meals, 29 thousand dollars, materials and supplies approximately 10 thousand dollars.
Purchased services Mr. Chairman of approximately 37 thousand dollars.
Contracted services of approximately 57 thousand dollars, community consultation contracting fees, 144 thousand dollars.