EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
With respect to tenant information about the mould, it included other dangers that grow in damp conditions such as mildew, which requires dampness to grow, resulting in mouldy conditions.
This is what the LHOs and our corporation is working together on. The workers received training on mould remediation and proper cleanup techniques.
The units that harbour mould is the reason we have provided the information publicly on a calendar on possible health concerns and explored other ways to have tenants be aware of mould.
That is what we are attempting to undertake. This is to ensure tenants are aware of this issue, if they occupy public housing units that may be susceptible to mould and possible effects on the health of our tenants.
There were over 200 units identified for mould remediation within Nunavut based on the previous statements about these housing units. I imagine some units are still occupied.
I wonder if the minister can indicate whether past tenants or current tenants of mould-infested units have been properly informed about the dangers.
In fact health professionals often misdiagnose mould illnesses.
I wonder if this minister will publicly inform the tenants through their corporate offices on the possible health effects on the human body.
Will your corporation commit to transmitting this critical information to the tenants who live in mouldy housing units?
Indeed the member is correct in his statement.
With respect to the units that the LHOs manage, after there was a territorial study on the mould contamination and the number of units affected, 271 housing units were initially identified.
Yes, for all of Nunavut, there are 271 housing units that were inspected for possible mould contamination. The inspection allocated a level which was comprised of (interpretation ends) level 1, 2, or 3 (interpretation) infestations within the unit. This indicated the level of mould found.
With respect to the actual question, yes, the tenants will be informed and whether they require relocation while the cleanup crew is remediating their housing unit. Depending on the level of the mould, the cleanup would be undertaken either by the local housing maintainer group or through a contractor. That is how it will be done.
If our staff can’t clean up the mould, we will make sure to contract experts to do the cleaning. We will be informing our housing tenants.
Question 768 – 4(3): Firearms Safety Initiatives (Qirngnuq)
During yesterday’s sitting of the Legislative Assembly, I tabled a copy of my recent exchange of correspondence concerning firearms safety and training programs in Nunavut.
The correspondence that I received from the government indicated that the Department of Health has, and I quote, “collaborated with the RCMP to provide funding and administrative support to strengthen and expand the coverage of the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC).”
Can the minister indicate how much funding the department is providing during the current 2017-18 fiscal year?
For the firearms safety campaign, our Quality of Life division has contributed $180,000.
The correspondence that I received from the government indicated that the Department of Health has, and I quote, “procured over 11,000 trigger and cable locks to continue the door-to-door campaign, in attempts to visit every door in Nunavut by 2018.”
Can the minister update the House today on which communities have been visited as part of this campaign?
The intent of this program is to knock on every door in Nunavut by the end of 2018.
The correspondence that I received from the government indicated that the Department of Health will be, and I quote, “Translating the CFSC course books into Inuktitut in partnership with [the Inuit Language Authority].”
It was just last year that the Quality of Life Secretariat was created and funded by this government. A lot of initiatives are ongoing.
I don’t know the absolute current status of that program, but I do know that there have been communications around the topic and I’ll have to get back to the member on the exact current status. Things are moving very quickly. There are a lot of initiatives going and on day by day things are developing and changing, so I just don’t have the current status on that particular topic.
Question 769 – 4(3): Status of Coral Harbour School Playground (Mapsalak)
I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Education. I’m sure he will recall the dialogue we had between us in regard to the lack of playgrounds in Coral Harbour.
I’m not sure how many years have passed, but a few years ago Coral Harbour received funding for a new playground.
However, to date nothing has been done and the school children have nowhere to play. There’s absolutely no playground that has been put up yet.
That’s still the case today. The DEA has made repeated requests on when the playground will be constructed.
Can the minister provide an update on what is being done to ensure that there is a functioning and safe playground for Coral Harbour’s schoolchildren?
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my colleague for bringing up that subject again.
We know the status of that project.
The playground material was brought up to Coral Harbour in 2014.
They were bought by the Sakku School in 2014 and in 2016 they did try to start setting up the playground.
We contracted GC North Construction in July 2016 and the crew went to Coral Harbour to set up the playground.
At that time there was no foundation material, so we had to order it.
It did arrive to Coral Harbour, but when they started taking out the playground material, we found that there was theft involved.
There were no nails and other required material to build the playground, so the construction couldn’t begin in 2016.
We had to reorder the missing materials. The missing materials did come in during the fall, but the construction couldn’t be completed in 2016 due to the weather.
To date all the required material is in the community and we expect that they will start constructing the playground on August 12, 2017 in Coral Harbour.
Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the minister for clearly indicating that they will be working on the playground. It is obvious that our constituents hear such responses, so they have heard what the issues were.
Since the minister indicated that the work will be undertaken, I wonder how it will be done.
He also mentioned that the materials are now complete and that the replacements for the missing items that were stolen have arrived.
Is August the actual date for the construction to commence and has this information been relayed to the DEA in Coral Harbour?
Is the date of construction firm and can assistance be provided to acquire the playground equipment?
Absolutely, as I stated previously, August 12 is the scheduled construction start date and I imagine that the project will be completed shortly after. We have informed GC North Construction of the requirement.
To elaborate, other communities will also get playground equipment. For example, Baker Lake, Cambridge Bay, Hall Beach, Kugluktuk, Naujaat, and Pond Inlet will have their playground construction projects commencing this fall.
There is always a need for playgrounds within our schools, so that is why I wanted to elaborate on that.
Member for (interpretation ends) Gjoa Haven, Mr. Tony Akoak.
Question 770 – 4(3): Public Housing Construction (Akoak)
Good afternoon to (interpretation) the residents of Gjoa Haven (interpretation ends) and all the people of Nunavut.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s tender package for the construction of 20 new public housing units in Gjoa Haven closed on March 10 of 2017.
The community is very much looking forward to these desperately needed new units.
Mr. Speaker, for the record, can the minister confirm which company has been awarded the contract for the construction?
In Gjoa Haven the public housing construction contract was awarded to Sanaqatiit Construction.
I was pleased to note that the tender documents indicate that the prescribed minimum level of Inuit labour as a percentage of total labour by dollar value for this construction will be 25 percent.
Has Gjoa Haven’s local housing association been made aware of this requirement so that the local housing authority can inform local Inuit workers of this employment opportunity?
I didn’t quite hear the member’s question. I would like to ask him to repeat the question for me. I’m sorry, Mr. Speaker.
Member for Gjoa Haven, Mr. Akoak, please repeat your question.
Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’ll try again.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for repeating his question.
Mr. Speaker, when we’re going to be constructing units in the community, we work with the local housing authorities. The (interpretation ends) district office (interpretation) or the local housing authorities work with the contractors to make sure that they hire local labourers or registered apprentices.
The contractor is made aware of the requirements for construction in the communities.
I believe that this is done and the LHA in your community is kept well informed about this issue.
Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Nunavut Housing Corporation’s tender package for the construction of 20 new public housing units in Gjoa Haven also indicates that “an amount of up to $50,000 will be made available to the contractor to fund training of Inuit workers” in trades and other disciplines.
Has Gjoa Haven’s local housing association been made aware of this requirement so that the LHA can inform local Inuit workers of this training opportunity?
As per my earlier comments, I spoke to this need for good communication lines between the corporation and the local organizations whenever any work will be commenced on our units.
I’m referring to the NHC contracts. Whenever a contract will be let, we need to ensure that there is (interpretation ends) local employment (interpretation) and what I referenced before, which are training opportunities. This would include on-the-job training, if the worker wishes to become an (interpretation ends) apprentice (interpretation) or if they are already an apprentice.
The funding referred to by the member would be to assist communities. This $50,000 is for training and to ensure that the contractor can train local workers. This is well known by the LHOs, as we have provided information announcing this previously on how to apply for the funding and the purpose as well.
Question 771 – 4(3): Status of Office of Patient Relations (Mikkungwak)
Mr. Speaker, one of my constituents was asking me questions and my constituents have asked me questions about problems or concerns they have with respect to their health care.
I am certain that every one of my colleagues, including myself, know that there is an office, the Office of Patient Relations, to which we can direct our constituents for information and assistance.
Even though this office has been in existence for some time, constituents often seem unaware that it exists and still come to ask me for help.
Can the minister provide an update on what efforts are being made to ensure that all Nunavut residents are aware of the role of the Office of Patient Relations and how to contact the office if they need help?
I appreciate the member bringing this issue forward. It gives me an opportunity to talk about the good work that the Office of Patient Relations has done and continues to do.
The member is right. The Office of Patient Relations was announced in July of 2013 and has been steadily growing.
The ability to deal with issues has streamlined a lot of the processes to get information to Nunavummiut.
I do realize we could do a better job promoting the Office of Patient Relations and it is something I have had discussions with the department on looking at like an advertising campaign or something like that.
There are several ways to file a concern.
I always recommend people, if they feel comfortable, to talk directly to the health care provider if they have an issue or a concern, or that person’s manager or supervisor.
If they’re not comfortable with that, obviously you can contact the Office of Patient Relations any time.
Like I said, there are a number of different ways:
In-person;
There’s a toll-free number, 855-438- 3003;
There is email, patientrelations@gov.nu.ca;
By completing the standardized form on the Nunavut Health website; or
By letter by mailing the territorial manager of patient relations at the Office of Patient Relations, Department of Health, Box 1000, Station 1000, Iqaluit, Nunavut, X0A 0H0.
The Office of Patient Relations can play a very important role in resolving misunderstandings, correcting miscommunications, and assisting Nunavut residents in getting the health care they or their family members need but which, for one reason or another, they haven’t been able to receive.
Can the minister clearly describe how the various different activities of the Office of Patient Relations are recorded, monitored, and evaluated for success?
All issues that are brought forward to Patient Relations aren’t necessarily negative.
A lot of times it’s there to just help clarify, like the member said, a question or a process.
They’re very good advocates to make sure that Nunavummiut are receiving the health care that they expect. They also work with health care professionals to mediate any challenges that do arise.
Issues are tracked and followed up with the patient or with the health care professional as needs are determined.
Numbers are tracked by community. In 2015 there were approximately 238 concerns brought to the Office of Patient Relations and that number has gone down to, I believe, 214 last fiscal year.
The number is quite close, but it just goes to show that people are aware of the office and do appreciate the work that’s being done out of there.
Mr. Mikkungwak: Mr. Speaker, in many jurisdictions, ombudsman offices or advocacy offices often have a mandate to support and protect the rights of specific groups, such as youth or the elderly or housing tenants, for example.
Can the minister confirm whether or not the Office of Patient Relations has a mandate to support and protect the rights of medical patients and other clients of Nunavut’s health care system?
I really do appreciate the member helping bring focus to this office and the good work that they do.
When we’re talking about advocating for patients, just some of the roles that are under the Office of Patient Relations mandate is, like I said, to help those with questions or suggestions related to concerns about health care and services provided; to assist patients and families to navigate the health care system itself.
It is also there to provide advice on conflict resolutions for patients, their families, and hospital or health centre personnel.
Also like I stated earlier, it investigates patient concerns and does provide follow-up with the patient.
It also makes recommendations to improve the patient care following an investigation or concern so that we can continuously improve the services that we’re providing to Nunavummiut.
I think, when you’re talking about a third party or an arm’s-length organization overseeing, the Office of Patient Relations does have a function there where we have a concern resolution committee.
If people aren’t satisfied with the response that’s provided through Patient Relations, it can get escalated to the regional executive director or even up to the assistant deputy minister.
Like I said, the concern resolution committee, any escalated or very complicated cases can be examined by this committee, who looks at it from a neutral perspective.
As of yet, just to show the good work that the office has been doing, that committee has, to my knowledge, never had to meet.
In answering the member’s question, there is that oversight that’s available to the Office of Patient Relations and to Nunavut health care patients.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Hon. Member for Tununiq, Mr. Joe Enook.
Motion 050 – 4(3): Extension of Question Period (Enook)
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Rule 39(7), I move, seconded by the Member for Hudson Bay, that the time for question period be extended.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) There is a motion on the floor to extend the question period. The motion is in order and is not subject to debate.
Question 772 – 4(3): Nutrition North Canada Program (Rumbolt)
Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank Mr. Enook for extending question period so that some others can get questions in.
My questions are for the Premier and they concern his minister’s statement from yesterday regarding the federal Nutrition North Canada Program.
In his statement yesterday the Premier indicated that he has met and been exchanging correspondence with the federal Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs on this issue.
He also stated that the Government of Nunavut has made some specific recommendations to the federal government concerning how to fix or replace the Nutrition North program.
Mr. Speaker, the Nutrition North program is important to all Nunavut communities. I ask: will the Premier commit to tabling his recent exchange of correspondence in the House before the end of the current spring sitting?
I appreciate the question from the member of Sanikiluaq. First of all I want to thank his community members, the mayor and council.
We visited there with Ministers Hickes, Peterson, and Mike and we were welcomed from the people of Sanikiluaq. We got treated like royalty, so we really appreciate that. Again, we met with the hamlet council, the respective ministers to their respective offices and the people who work for their respective departments.
We really appreciate that and I thank you for that invitation.
Mr. Speaker, the Nutrition North program is really critical to Nunavummiut. As you know, around 60 percent of our residents of Nunavut have food insecurity. It was also stated in the Conference Board of Canada.
It’s something that’s really critical to Nunavummiut. That program was developed for northern communities such as all the territory of Nunavut.
I believe there’s only one community in the Yukon that has access to this program.
Mr. Speaker, I have no problem tabling the letter to the House here.
I appreciate the commitment from the Premier.
Can the Premier describe today some of the specific recommendations that the Government of Nunavut has made to the federal government concerning how to fix or replace the federal Nutrition Canada program?
I did make a handful of recommendations to the Minister of INAC and of course it’s six pages long.
If I read that, we will use up all the time for question period.
For example, there are reports out there from the Auditor General’s office that indicate that the system is not working.
We used some of those recommendations that the Auditor General made public, including our own.
We do have to ensure that we find ways to assist the INAC department in making sure that public money is used for public good and it’s transparent.
At this point we don’t know the amount of the savings passed on to the consumer.
If you don’t know the landed cost, the freight costs, and the profit margin, you don’t know if the program is actually assisting Nunavummiut.
That is one of the recommendations that I have made to ensure that the savings are passed on to the people in need as this program has been developed to assist Nunavummiut.
At this point we just don’t know if it’s doing that.
While reviewing the Hansard of the Northwest Territories, I noticed that on May 31 of 2017 the Premier of the Northwest Territories stated in his Legislative Assembly that the Government of the Northwest Territories has, and I quote, “offered to take over the program if the accompanying money would be transferred with it.”
Has our Premier made the same request to Ottawa about taking over the delivery of this program in Nunavut?
I haven’t made that specific request, but you know, Mr. Speaker, there are many programs that we run and we’re in a different situation than the Northwest Territories.
At this point no, we haven’t considered that and I don’t think I will be considering that going into the future.
Question 773 – 4(3): Number of Children Allowed by Policy Assigned to Foster Parents (Enook)
Mr. Speaker, people in Nunavut are very grateful that there are many foster parents in the different communities.
Unfortunately far too many of our youth need a safe place to go when family situations deteriorate.
We are thankful that foster parents can provide a temporary safe haven. However, at times it seems as though some foster homes take in more foster children than they would reasonably be expected to.
Maybe it’s because they’re the only ones available.
Can the minister clearly indicate what policies are in place with respect to the number of children that can be accommodated within a foster family and how his department ensures that the policies are followed?
I can’t give you a number right now.
I would have to check into it first to see how many wards are allowed to be in each foster home. I will have to get the information and get back to the member.
Unfortunately I can’t answer that right now, Mr. Chairman.
Raising children is a challenge. It’s not just raising kids.
Parents must ensure that the home is safe and comfortable, that there is enough food to eat, and that the children are treated respectfully and supportively.
These challenges are also faced by foster parents.
Can the minister clearly describe what measures are in place to provide oversight of foster home conditions to ensure that foster children receive the appropriate levels of care and support?
Yes, Family Services is always looking for new foster parents.
Foster parents that take very good care of children are usually the ones that are chosen. Many of those who are eligible to be foster parents take part in hunting activities. The foster parents are encouraged to make sure that the children go to school.
That’s the way things are done. When it is necessary for children to go to foster parents, we try to put them in a calmer environment that is suitable.
That is what the Department of Family Services tries to do for them, and we are always looking for new foster parents that can take very good care of children.
I know that the overwhelming majority of foster parents provide the best of care and support to the children they take into their homes.
Unfortunately it has been brought to my attention that a few foster parents provide this service primarily as a means to earn extra income.
The concern has been raised that the foster children in their care are not treated well and it is just as a means to earn money.
Can the minister clarify whether he is aware of such situations and, if so, can he explain how his department deals with them?
Foster parents are selected if a child needs care and has to be moved to a foster home.
The first priority for Family Services is the immediate family of the foster child so that they can have a better place to be.
I can consider this matter further, either through requesting a briefing or in getting information provided to me.
Since my colleague has provided this information about some foster parents only applying in order to derive income from foster children or the possibility of that occurring, I will need to carefully research this issue to see if that has occurred in the past.
I will also check into the process, as prospective foster parents should be vetted and it relates to their capacity to perform as adequate foster parents that handle the required responsibilities.
Yes, I can consider that matter to see if some foster parents’ motives include wanting to derive income from foster children.
Yes, I can commit to informing the House if that happened to be the case.
Question 774 – 4(3): Accountability for Public Funds (Angnakak)
Mr. Speaker, the mandate of the Department of Family Services is, in part, to provide a range of support services for children and vulnerable adults who may require protection or other specialized support.