EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
The facility in Rankin Inlet is medium security. The facility in Iqaluit is partly maximum security. Some of the maximum-security inmates are held there.
The three facilities don’t run the same. It’s just based on the sentences imposed on the inmates.
I’m sorry I couldn’t respond to that right away.
For inmates held in the NWT, it’s $300.70 per inmate per day.
If they are held in Ontario, it’s $238 per day per inmate.
I’m just wondering if the minister can share with us, then, how much they spent last fiscal year on inmates outside of Nunavut.
For the NWT, we spent $2,850,000 last year and in Ontario, we spent $1.74 million.
Thank you for that information, minister.
Just going along, how many outpost camps does your department work with?
There are five in Nunavut.
Do you have any plans to increase this number?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We always welcome people who want to create more outpost camps. They help us a great deal.
They help calm the inmates. We want to see more of those in the future. If anybody wants to try and start one, we can support them.
What kind of service does the outpost camp provide the inmate that the regular institution can’t?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Mainly they are more slated towards Inuit culture. They are in more of a serene and calming area or atmosphere. It really helps the inmates.
The caretakers know what culture these inmates come from and they are able to help them that way. They have more hunting available to them. It represents big healing for some of the inmates.
Ms. Angnakak: Does your department work and train outpost camp contractors in the area of providing inmate care in their camps?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Yes. They are met with every year to see how else we can support them. We learn from each other on how to do best practices.
My last question is, and I’m changing subjects a bit here.
What has been the biggest or greatest challenge when it comes to providing probationary services? Does every community have a probationary officer?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Today there are 18 probation officers.
That isn’t enough. That is inadequate. The communities that don’t have probation officers, we travel to them.
We get probation officers into those communities. Sometimes in the smaller communities the problem with getting probation officers is due to the lack of housing. That is one of the problems that we have when we are trying to hire probation officers.
According to my list, we are on Branch Summary. Corrections.
While we’re on the subject of corrections, if you have a copy of the document how many especially in Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet and Kugluktuk, how many of your staff are Inuit and how many are non-Inuit?
If you have those figures, I would like to hear them.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): We don’t have the current information at our fingertips. Once I get it, I can provide the information.
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman and minister.
With respect to the Government of Nunavut’s agreements with the Government of the Northwest Territories, they’re supposed to have expired on March 31, 2014.
Have you renewed the agreement or the contract to house prisoners in the NWT? The time that you have to have a new agreement is farther away now, but what’s your renewal date?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): It has been extended by the NWT.
I also have a question on one of your priorities in the 2014-17 business plan with respect to probation services. In the business plan, they have been moved from the Department of Family Services to your department.
As of today, can you tell us which communities in Nunavut do not have community corrections officers who reside in the community?
We don’t have specific Inuktitut terminology for this.
I guess we just have to create it out of the blue.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): The people on probation have conditions that they have to always be in good behaviour and they’re not supposed to break any of them.
Qikiqtarjuaq, Clyde River, Grise Fiord, Hall Beach, Resolute Bay, Chesterfield Inlet, Coral Harbour, Repulse Bay, Whale Cove, and Kugaaruk don’t have community corrections officers.
What is the reason why these communities don’t have these kinds of employees?
There are probably various reasons, Mr. Chairman.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): It would be preferable if we have one for each community.
Irregardless of that, they do receive those kinds of services, although not on a daily basis, from a neighbouring community. The probation officers are always checking up on them to see if they’re still following the conditions of their probation.
I just want to know what the difference is between a healing facility and a correctional centre.
They’re pretty much the same. It’s just that they just chose to name them differently. In fact, we will need to come up with a new name for the building.
However, we don’t really like what has been suggested so far.
Mr. Savikataaq: I like the minister’s response.
I’m sure most people in Nunavut wanted to know that.
In your 2014-17 business plan, it indicates that one of it’s priorities for the 2014-15 fiscal year is to “Continue developing a plan for medium to long-term solutions to increase capacity for inmates in Nunavut, including planning to repatriate all Nunavut inmates housed outside of Nunavut.”
Does this mean that your department is considering constructing a new correctional facility to replace the Baffin Correctional Centre?
We are making preparations to deal with the prisoner facilities so that the Baffin Correctional Centre can have major repairs done once that new facility opens.
I thank the minister for the good response.
Going down the list we are on (interpretation ends) Branch Summary. Corrections.
I have a question in relation to what was stated that there are five outpost camps which correctional services utilize.
Could you identify where those places are?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): There are so many papers here that I lost it. I had it for awhile. Do you remember them offhand?
Three are at Kimmirut, 1 is near Iqaluit, and the last one is near Baker Lake.
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you very much.
What is the total budget for the five outpost camps used by the Government of Nunavut’s correctional services?
They provide independent and unique services and it depends on the per prisoner cost per person who is sent to them by corrections.
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): How many of them are there to which you are paying money to?
Up until May 12, there were five near Kimmirut and three near Baker Lake.
The one that is near Iqaluit, how many were there?
The ones near Iqaluit are closed temporarily.
The minister mentioned that Nunavut pays on a daily basis to prisoners housed outside of Nunavut in other provinces or territories.
Do they have a daily rate for one person?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): $238 per day per inmate.
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
More on the same subject, he also mentioned that they are looking for more facilitators but what kind of requirements or criteria there in order to pay to the outpost camps on a per person basis?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Our officers or employees deal with those things.
They provide them with important or costly facilities, subsidies, and equipment.
Prisoners who are facilitated at outpost camps. Are they considered still to be incarcerated or caused to no longer want to do bad things?
How can they be caused to not want to bad things anymore as compared to making them happy?
Chairman: Thank you Mr. Okalik.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): The outpost camp operators are quite good in providing kindly assistance to their wards using Inuit means and culturally appropriate means.
However, there safety is also considered in whether they are not dangerous.
How are the prisoners, people whose lives needed to be corrected at outpost camps I think that there are is also one at Clyde River that provides culturally appropriate topics and courses on Inuit culture to everyone in Nunavut. It seems that they want more of these….
How do I say it appropriately? Maybe I’ll say it in English. (interpretation ends) It seems to be enticing people to go into outpost camp when there are some Nunavummiut who aren’t exposed to cultural activity especially going out on the land.
I’m cautious of how this program is run in that it could be a misconception of if you become incarcerated you go into an outpost camp and participate in cultural activities.
It’s food for thought. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
We are on Branch Summary. Corrections.
I no longer have any names on my list. (interpretation ends) Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $33,797,000.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. Moving on to page E9. (interpretation ends) Branch Summary. Justice.
I believe I am on the right page, thank you.
I would like to ask the Minister of Justice according to the federal legislation.
Since I have been a child, we have been utilizing the federal legislation and we cannot change or amend the legislation because of the federal legislation deterred our way of life in some ways.
In Nunavut, Inuit culture and our way of working together, if we start working together, I’m sure that this would benefit our lifestyle.
I’m not against Nunavummiut. Don’t think that I’m against it, but I have to mention it all the time. I’m sure that we can resolve the problem.
I have seen this written down somewhere that alcohol and drugs are a problem in our community.
The way they are selling alcohol and drugs in Nunavut is not very good.
It seems like it has a negative impact on many Nunavummiut today.
What are your goals or objectives to deal with drug dealing in Nunavut to alleviate the problem of drug dealing in our community?
This is a grave concern.
Yes, this is quite different because when we were young there were no alcohol and drugs in our way of life.
It’s now part of our way of life.
Yes, we will be reviewing the legislation to prevent the crimes such as alcohol and drugs.
They are operated because they want to make money.
They deal with these issues.
That’s why we are working on forfeiture legislation and I’m sure that it will be a benefit to lessen this problem. I know I will be tabling that forfeiture legislation to try to reduce these crimes.
Mr. Shooyook: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I thank the Minister of Justice for giving me an understandable response.
One thing that we are missing is Inuit societal values. Once we start incorporating Inuit societal values it will benefit our lives.
Using Inuit culture as a foundation and the way they do things, I’m sure the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the court system can benefit from that if they recognize Inuit culture.
If we start working together, I’m sure it can benefit us all it seems rather than just creating stumbling blocks.
I know that there are elders in our communities that provide that service through the court system and after these elders had passed on; this program was no longer used.
We do include elders in the court system. We need to have other programs. We need to incorporate Inuit societal values in programs and services so they are also included in counselling in inmates in Inuit ways that before the elders all pass on, then we can alleviate the number of crimes if we start using Inuit culture.
According to my list of names, Mr. Hickes.
During the last sitting the minister made a statement talking about community consultations that are underway regarding the Nunavut crime prevention strategy.
Mr. Chairman, I participated in the meeting held here in Iqaluit. I was very impressed with the turn out and the level of involvement and participation from so many different demographics across our city here.
What has the level of participation been in other communities across the territory in these consultations?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) I am encouraged by the levels of attendance throughout Nunavut.
I look forward to tabling the report and providing more input for our partners in making sure that we respond according to the wishes of our territory. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I’m sure we all look forward to the tabling of that report as well.
With that in mind, is there a timeline associated with that tabling?
Hon. Paul Okalik: As those community consultations were just completed a month ago, they are compiling all of the information and they also have to discuss with partners on how to respond to those.
I can’t respond right now as to when that final report might be ready.
As soon as it is ready I look forward to tabling it here. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
One of my colleagues earlier was talking about the victim’s assistance fund. In the priorities on page 48 under the 2014-2015, the second last bullet talks about continuing to explore innovative way to support victims of crime through the victim travel support program and the development of a victim care program.
It states that you are exploring innovative ways?
Would you be able to enlighten me as to what some of those innovative ways are?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) I understand that this program, we’re in discussions with the federal government which also deals with this matter.
I can’t divulge what that might be at this time. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Branch Summary. Justice. Community Justice.
Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $4,817,000.
Chairman (interpretation): Go back to page E3. (interpretation ends) Department Summary.
Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $106,904,000.
Chairman: Closing comments.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would also like to thank my colleagues for your questions and your comments. We will use your comments and questions.
We are very pleased. We will use them. Next year we will be able to respond to some of your questions.
Thank you. Let’s proceed well with our session.
>>Committee recessed at 16:46 and resumed at 16:56
Bill 02 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2014-2015 – Finance – Consideration in Committee
I would like to call the committee meeting to order. (interpretation ends) I would now like to ask Minister Peterson: do you have officials that you would like to appear before the committee?
Hon. Keith Peterson: Yes, Chairman, I do have some officials.
Chairman: Does the committee agree to let the minister and his officials go to the witness table?
Chairman (interpretation): Sergeant-at-Arms, if you could escort the officials in please?
To my right is Deputy Minister Chris D’Arcy and to my left is Andrea Witzaney Chown, Director of Corporate Policy.
Moving on. Please proceed with your opening comments. Minister Peterson.
I am pleased to discuss the 2014-15 main estimates and business plan of the Department of Finance.
Last year, we integrated the Staffing and Employee Relations divisions of the departments of Human Resource and Finance.
This year, we are focusing our energies on our Sivumut Abluqta priorities.
The Department of Finance and Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs are coordinating an external review of government programs. The terms of reference and RFP are currently being drafted.
We will begin working with departments to review processes in place to assure good value for money from grant and contribution recipients.
Part 6 of the Public Service Act, Disclosure of Wrongdoing, will come into force on April 1, 2015 and work has begun to select an ethics officer. It will likely take the remainder of the year to get all elements in place to ensure employees have access to a stable process in the event they decide to make a disclosure.
In close partnership with Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, we are in the process of finalizing the Human Resources Strategy for the Public Service and beginning to develop initiatives within the strategy. For example, we are implementing leave and attendance software and examining additional human resources modules for our human resource computer system, ePersonality.
We are also reviewing and revising the staffing manual that governs the work of our staffing consultants.
Mr. Chairman, for the third year in a row, we have met the statutory requirements for the tabling of our Public Accounts.
Many of our initiatives in the coming year will continue to build on our efforts to strengthen financial management.
This year, we look to strengthen work around financial controls while continuing to implement electronic workflow.
Mr. Chairman, I know members remain interested in our ongoing work to modernize liquor control in our territory.
Earlier this month, an amendment was approved to the Liquor Regulations to set a $500,000 maximum annual amount we can spend from the revolving fund on education campaigns to promote social responsibility.
This important step allows us to move forward with active promotion of social responsibility, and we intend to initiate spending on these programs this year.
Members will also have noted that we plan to continue moving forward with the development of regulations and policies to support a beer and wine store.
For 2014-15, the Department of Finance has been allocated $84.6 million for operations and maintenance expenditures.
This is a slight increase of 2.1 percent to the $82.8 million allocated in 2013-14.
$32.2 million for compensation and benefits;
$6.8 million for other operations and maintenance costs in the department; and
$46.6 million for centrally administered funds, including:
$20.2 million for government-wide employee benefits, such as dental premiums, workers’ compensation premiums, and employee medical travel;
$10.3 million for the lease costs of the Legislative Assembly building and the office buildings constructed to support our decentralized government structure;
I welcome questions and comments from committee members.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Does the chairman of the Standing Committee on Oversight and Government Operations and Public Accounts have opening comments?
Please proceed, Mr. Hickes.
Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I am pleased to deliver opening comments on behalf of the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts on its review of the proposed 2014-15 main estimates and 2014-17 business plan of the Department of Finance.
The department’s new organizational structure, proposed 2014-15 main estimates and proposed 2014-17 business plan reflect the transfer of certain functions and personnel from the Department of Human Resources, which was dissolved on April 1, 2013.
The standing committee notes that the department’s proposed 2014-15 operations and maintenance budget of $84.648 million has increased by approximately 2.3 percent since the introduction of the department’s 2013-14 main estimates.
The number of positions in the department remains at 267.
The number of positions in the government continues to increase.
The government’s proposed 2014-15 main estimates indicate that there are approximately 4,250 positions in the government’s departments and major Crown agencies and territorial corporations.
However, the government’s most recent quarterly employment report indicates that there were 1,041 vacant positions across the government as of December 31, 2013.
Mr. Chairman, the Department of Finance also provides support to the government’s Public Agencies Council, which has a number of important oversight responsibilities in relation to the governance of Crown agencies and territorial corporations.
However, its 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13 annual activities reports have not yet been tabled.
Ministerial letters of expectation to the GN’s five largest Crown agencies and territorial corporations for the 2013-14 fiscal year were tabled in the Legislative Assembly on September 17, 2013.
Responses to the letters of expectation were tabled on the same date.
The standing committee urges the Public Agencies Council to ensure that the 2014-15 ministerial letters of expectation are tabled in the Legislative Assembly in a timely manner.
On March 19, 2014, the Minister of Finance tabled the annual government-wide report on grants and contributions made by all departments during the 2012-13 fiscal year.
Between the 2004-05 and 2012-13 fiscal years, the government spent over $2.6 billion in grants and contributions.
The standing committee notes that the department’s draft 2014-17 business plan indicates that one of its priorities for the 2014-15 fiscal year is to “review the processes for monitoring grants and contributions and ensure that the appropriate controls are in place to assure good value for money from grant and contribution recipients.”
This issue has been the subject of extensive discussion in the Legislative Assembly during the current spring sitting.
The department’s draft 2014-17 business plan also indicates that two of its priorities for the 2014-15 fiscal year are to “develop the necessary regulations and policies to support a beer and wine store” and to “strengthen the Nunavut Liquor Commission’s social responsibility function.”
These issues have also been the subject of extensive discussion in the Legislative Assembly during the current spring sitting.
Mr. Chairman, the department’s proposed 2014-15 main estimates include $9.05 million in funding for the Nunavut Electricity Subsidy Program.
On a government-wide basis, the GN plans to spend approximately $37,165,000 on utility costs during the 2014-15 fiscal year.
Responsibility for the Government of Nunavut’s Energy Secretariat was transferred from the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs to the Department of Economic Development and Transportation on July 1, 2012.
The draft 2014-17 business plan of the Department of Economic Development and Transportation indicates that one of its priorities for the 2014-15 fiscal year is to “provide leadership and oversight in implementing” the government’s Energy Strategy, which was originally tabled in the Legislative Assembly on October 30, 2007.
Under this legislation, the purpose of the Affordable Energy 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.”
However, the Affordable Energy Fund is not referred to in the draft 2014-17 Business Plan of the Department of Finance or the Department of Economic Development and Transportation.
The standing committee encourages the government to clarify which department has responsibility for managing this special purpose fund.
The government raised $21,725,000 in payroll tax revenues during the 2012-13 fiscal year.
The standing committee recommends that the minister begin the practice of tabling an annual report in the Legislative Assembly on the administration of the Payroll Tax Act to account for such issues.
The government raised $16,667,000 in 2012-13 from tobacco taxes.
We will raise the tax by four cents per cigarette, or $1 per pack of 25.
The standing committee stresses the importance of timely tabling in the Legislative Assembly of key departmental publications, including the government’s public service annual report and its quarterly Inuit employment reports.
For example, the 2012-13 Public Service Annual Report was not tabled in the Legislative Assembly until May 29, 2014.
Mr. Chairman, a new Public Service Act was passed by the Legislative Assembly in 2013. Part 6 of the new Public Service Act concerns the disclosure of wrongdoing. Part 8 of the new Public Service Act concerns the appointment of an ethics officer.
Part 6 of the Act comes into force on the earlier of April 1, 2015 or a day to be fixed by order of the Commissioner.  The department’s draft 2014-17 business plan indicates that one of its priorities for the 2014-15 fiscal year is to “prepare for the implementation of the Ethics Officer and [disclosure of] wrongdoing provisions of the Public Service Act.”
The Standing Committee looks forward to monitoring progress in this area.
In 2008, the government announced a roll back of staff housing rents to January 2007 levels.