EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I would like the minister to explain the new passport photo rules. I do know that this is managed by the federal government, but I would like to know if the new system that you’re putting up for the driver’s licences and IDs can also be used for passport photographs.
Yes, part of what you’re saying is true.
We don’t deal with passports on our own and they always want to have a photograph along with the passport application. There are some companies in some communities that have professional photographers that do that.
I don’t know if the new system will be able to accommodate passport photos, but my Deputy Minister, Mr. Suvega, can add to my response, Mr. Chairman.
Right now, there are a lot of times that the pictures taken for passport photos are not approved.
We will always push for improvement for these things and we have tried to initiate improvements working with the hamlets, communities, and also with the GLOs.
If the minister or his deputy has the ability to answer me in relation to the new computer systems that will be acquired by the Government of Nunavut, will the new system have the ability to take passport photos?
The member has asked this question originally and I thought that Mr. Suvega had answered it.
I personally don’t have that information in terms of whether our new system would have the ability to take passport approved photos, so I would like Mr. Suvega to respond, Mr. Chairman.
The federal government usually has concerns about this area.
Naturally, we want that system to have the ability for passport photos to be taken. However, in the event that it won’t be, we will continue to push the federal government in this area.
Following my list of names, Mr. Mapsalak.
If you think my question is not appropriate, you can stop me. However, this is in relation to the airports. The airport preparation in Iqaluit has taken a great chunk of the money of the department.
I think the minister knows that many waiting areas in Nunavut communities are quite old and quite dated.
I would like to ask the minister: has there been absolutely no planning done with respect to the upgrading or replacement of airports in the Arctic, especially where the community’s airport waiting areas are no longer appropriate?
Yes, this question is permissible. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I believe you are referring to the terminal buildings and they are fully documented, such as when they were built and when they were renovated or when they are due for renovations.
Terminals in Nunavut are in various stages of age.
With respect to his question, we have identified their expected life spans and the times at which they should be replaced, particularly those terminals that are especially old. However, if I understood his question, yes, they are fully documented for the purpose of renovation and/or replacement.
Now, in the communities that you have identified, do you have the list of communities that are slated to receive them?
These will be listed in the 20-year airport terminal replacement and airport improvement plan. However, if the member is requesting a specific terminal, perhaps Mr. Stevens can provide a bit more detail in terms of the breakdown to the specific community.
Chairman: Qujannamiik, Hon. Minister. (interpretation) Before I allow him to respond, I would like to remind the members, as we are reminded by the Speaker, that if you have any cellphones, please have it on silent mode because it’s distracting when there is someone speaking and we can really hear them.
If you have a cellphone, please keep it on silent mode.
The 20-year capital needs that the minister alluded to contains basically about four or five core items. It lists the air terminal buildings requiring replacement. It references when runways should be resurfaced.
It also lists the capital equipment requirements for each airport, along with airfield lighting features. All those things are rolled into the capital plan. As the lifecycle of that asset is extinguished, we hopefully put that on the capital plan.
Have you already identified which communities’ terminals are slated to be replaced?
Could I be provided a specific answer?
I would like to respond to his question properly.
In terms of his community, the community of Repulse Bay is included in the replacement schedule of the 20-year plan.
This being the case, I’ll be indicating that we are in a hazardous situation because we have a very tiny terminal.
In fact, even when teachers, just as an example, need to… .
Every time teachers have to leave, for example, some of them have to wait outside in the wintertime, let’s say, in the Christmas season when everybody wants to go on holidays.
Because of the tiny space of our terminal, some people have to wait outside in mid-winter.
When there is a situation like this, when can my community expect to see a new airport terminal so that their safety is assured?
I indicated a few moments ago about the replacement of various terminals in specific communities which would be prioritized, renovated, or replaced, and so on.
I cannot specifically tell him about the specific year yet or the specific time and month or day. However, I indicated that it will be replaced in the future.
Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the minister for that response.
However, is the replacement schedule close or is there nothing to expect in the next fiscal year?
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. In relation to his question, it will be in the capital plan relating to the larger capital cost. It will be included in there, in the higher bracket area.
We are on page K-3. Following my list of names, Mr. Mikkungwak.
Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) As the minister is aware, Transport Canada provides standards by which runway specifications can be determined in relation to their suitability for aircraft that travel through an airport. Can the minister indicate if the current airport in Baker Lake meets Transport Canada’s standards in terms of length and width of its runway?
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like Mr. Stevens to answer, if you do not mind, Mr. Chairman.
The answer to that is yes, it is certified by Transport Canada.
Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Can the minister indicate how his department monitors aircraft and airports in Nunavut to ensure that weight and wingspan of aircraft do not exceed runway capacity?
I would like Mr. Stevens to elaborate on it in detail.
We don’t do any direct monitoring per se. What we do is publish the runway lengths and navigational or aeronautical nav aids available to operators.
That is provided through the Canada Flight Supplement. It’s expected that operators using our airports reference that. There is also the one-off where we do provide CARS service where an operator could verify the actual operational status or the current limits on that runway.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Stevens. Mr. Mikkungwak.
As the minister is aware, Transport Canada standards for longitudinal slopes of runways require that the slope computed by dividing the difference between the maximum and minimum elevation along the runway centre line by runway length shall not exceed 1.5 percent where the runway length is over 1,200 feet in length. However, Transport Canada further recommends that the slope does not exceed 1 percent.
Can the minister provide the current computed slope of Baker Lake’s runway? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Before I allow the minister to respond, I would like to remind the members that we’re dealing with the capital estimates.
The question you are asking is almost outside of the capital estimates or I can even say that it’s outside of the capital estimates that we are discussing, but I’ll allow the question to proceed.
In relation to his question, (interpretation ends) I’ll take that as notice (interpretation) and I will undertake to make a return to that question at a later date. (interpretation ends) Thank you.
Chairman: Hon. Minister, I don’t think you could take that as notice. You can maybe advise the member that you will get back to him on a later date.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Yes, I’m sorry.
That’s exactly what I said. We can provide a response to his question later. (interpretation ends) Thank you.
I would like to make further comments on the capital expenditures in the future.
(interpretation ends) Can the minister indicate what actions his department is currently taking to address this level of slope to meet Transport Canada’s recommendations?
Once again, your question is almost outside of the capital estimates and I can disallow it, but since it is Friday, I’ll allow the minister to respond. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister.
As I have stated to the question, we will provide that information (interpretation ends) at a later time (interpretation) in response within our department, as it will be researched.
Mr. Chairman, earlier this year, the Legislative Assembly approved $471,000 in capital carryovers for funding for airport improvements in Baker Lake.
Information provided by the department indicated that the construction of these improvements were scheduled to be completed in December of this year.
Can the minister indicate if these improvements are currently on schedule?
To the question regarding the air terminal and improvements of the terminal, the works that have been conducted to replace fuel and other works that are conducted, as well as the repainting of the exterior of the building, we will continue to improve the terminal building.
Information from the department also indicates that these improvements are required to meet the needs of increasing volumes of traffic that go through Baker Lake’s airport. I recognize that this project is eligible for third party funding through the Building Canada Fund and stimulus funding.
The minister may recall a number of years ago that the municipality was in the works to finalize a joint funding agreement between a number of companies and organizations to complete substantial upgrades to Baker Lake’s airport.
Some improvements that were considered for that project were runway expansions, construction of a conveyor belt in the terminal, and other changes to improve the capacity and efficiency of air transportation services in the community. Unfortunately, the project fell through due to a number of reasons.
However, the community continues to receive high volumes of traffic due to the fact that Baker Lake holds a number of mining and exploration companies that are constantly travelling through.
Can the minister indicate if his department will be considering any additional projects for Baker Lake’s airport in the future?
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Regarding the comments that I have made earlier to the question, I will give this to Mr. Stevens, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Thank you.
Yes, there are a number of improvements in the 20-year capital needs slated for Baker Lake, one of which includes the eventual replacement of the air terminal building.
Thank you for the response to my question.
I would like to ask another question. Some of my colleagues had asked about MVIS.
However, Baker Lake is one of the largest communities in Nunavut.
We have a GLO in the community who is working as well as who provides photographs, but the community itself is not sure as to who to approach in regard to getting a photograph. Is there a capital plan that will be providing adequate cameras?
Has that been identified within your department?
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. MVIS is provided to a community as well as the equipment is outdated. For that reason, the provision of an adequate camera will be looked into, but to the question, in each community… .
I will have Mr. Suvega to answer the question.
They are broken down into five items. There will be an RFP put out to provide information as to what type of cameras are needed in the community and we will provide a technician, as some of the computers require a licence to operate it within the government departments. On top of that additional item is a camera, which is in the planning stage of providing that camera within the communities.
Within the smaller communities, as they are isolated, they are not provided a camera in order to take photographs and they waited for a long time.
One of my colleagues raised the question.
Before the cameras are purchased, as we do need to be provided passport photos from the federal government, would that be able to be in place?
With respect to the cameras that provide passport photographs, which are required to be available in the community, I’m not really sure about that, so I would like Mr. Suvega to respond to that question, if it’s okay with you, Mr. Chairman.
The information that is passed on by members will be required, which will be provided to the independent companies or to the hamlet.
Pursuant to Rule 6(1), I now recognize the clock and I will now rise to report progress to the Speaker.
When we resume our meeting, Mr. Mikkungwak will be asking questions first.
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bill 8 and the capital estimates, and would like to report progress.
Mr. Okalik. (interpretation ends) The motion is in order.
A reminder that there’s a meeting at 1:30 in the Tuktu Boardroom of the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts.
Motion 11 – 4(2)
Motion 12 – 4(2)
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until Monday, October 27, at 1:30 p.m.
>>House adjourned at 12:02
Pages 1153 – 1210
Opening Prayer 1153
Ministers’ Statements 1153
Members’ Statements 1154
Oral Questions 1158
Revert to Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 1174
Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters* 1175
Motions 1178
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 1181
Report of the Committee of the Whole 1209
Orders of the Day 1209
Monday, October 27, 2014 1153
060 – 4(2): Pathway for Adult Secondary School Graduation (Quassa) 1153
061 – 4(2): Federal Labour Market Agreement for Persons with Disabilities (Ugyuk) 1154
137 – 4(2): Harmonizing and Updating Eligibility Criteria for GN Programs (Mikkungwak) 1154
138 – 4(2): Incorporating Inuit Societal Values in our Government (Shooyook) 1155
139 – 4(2): Opening of Drop-in Centre in Repulse Bay (Mapsalak) 1156
140 – 4(2): Lone Graduate in Kimmirut (Joanasie) 1156
141 – 4(2): Clarification of Hospital Board Issue (Angnakak) 1157
142 – 4(2): The Success of Megan Dialla (Hickes) 1158
216 – 4(2): Affordable Prices and Food Security in Nunavut (Akoak) 1158
217 – 4(2): Environmental Health Officers (Hickes) 1160
218 – 4(2): Supports for Social Workers (Angnakak) 1162
219 – 4(2): Adequate Numbers of Health Care Service Providers (Joanasie) 1163
220 – 4(2): Incorporating Inuit Societal Values (Shooyook) 1164
221 – 4(2): Full-time Dentist for Rankin Inlet (Sammurtok) 1166
222 – 4(2): Suicide Intervention Training for Social Workers (Savikataaq) 1166
223 – 4(2): Pathway for Adult Secondary School (Rumbolt) 1167
224 – 4(2): Long-term Economic Planning for Baker Lake (Mikkungwak) 1168
225 – 4(2): Support for Parents (Enook) 1170
226 – 4(2): Laboratory Contract Services (Mapsalak) 1172
227 – 4(2): Crime Prevention Programs (Angnakak) 1173
Committee Report 002 – 4(2): Presentation of the Report of the Standing Committee on the Review of the Report of the Auditor General of Canada to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut on the 2014 Follow-up Report on Child and Family Services in Nunavut (Hickes) 1175
011 – 4(2): Extended Sitting Hours and Days (Mikkungwak) 1178
012 – 4(2): Extension of Review Period for Bill 1, Northern Employee Benefits Services Pension Plan Act (Savikataaq) 1179
Bill 08 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2015-2016 – Economic Development and Transportation – Consideration in Committee 1182
Bill 08 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2015-2016 – Education – Consideration in Committee 1194
Speaker (Hon. George Qulaut) (interpretation): Thank you. Can you say the opening prayer, please, Ms. Ugyuk.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Good afternoon, fellow Nunavummiut, members, ministers, and interpreters. Welcome to the House.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister Mr. Quassa.  Item 2: Ministers’ Statements
Minister’s Statement 060 – 4(2): Pathway for Adult Secondary School Graduation (Quassa)
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day, my colleagues and fellow Igloolik residents.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak to my colleagues about the expansion of the PASS program, Pathway to Adult Secondary School graduation.
The Department of Education is working closely with Nunavut Arctic College to deliver this program. Courses use curriculum content from the Alberta Distance Learning Centre, recognized by the governments of Nunavut and Alberta.
(interpretation) PASS helps Nunavut adults over 19 obtain the last few high school courses they need to earn their High School Diploma in their own communities, on their own time, outside of the high school environment.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, PASS is providing adult learners with the in-person support they need from trained facilitators in their community while learning directly from instructors outside of the community.
Mr. Speaker, in 2013-14, 26 students enrolled in the PASS program.
PASS was being delivered in seven Nunavut communities and three PASS courses were offered, mostly, English 30-2, Social Studies 20-2, and PASS preparation.
(interpretation) This fall, 52 students are enrolled in PASS and the program is being delivered in six communities.
Eight courses are being delivered: (interpretation ends) English 30-2, Social Studies 20-2, Math 20-2, Science 20, (interpretation) English, math, and science preparation courses, and Introduction to Online Learning.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, through PASS, Nunavut adults are taking the preparation courses they need to succeed in this unique learning program and getting the credits they need to graduate.
The PASS program supports our commitment to helping all Nunavummiut get the education they need to achieve their career and employment goals. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister, Ms. Ugyuk.
Minister’s Statement 061 – 4(2): Federal Labour Market Agreement for Persons with Disabilities (Ugyuk)
I am pleased to announce that Nunavut has signed a federal labour market agreement for persons with disabilities.
The agreement, which will see up to $1.25 million transferred to Nunavut, will contribute to better understanding the employment barriers faced by Nunavummiut with disabilities and will help them transition into the labour market.
This is a cost sharing agreement, so any federal money spent must also be cost matched by Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, consultations with our stakeholders suggest that there is a lack of accessible space for training persons with disabilities, a lack of support services for young people with disabilities, and a lack of employer education and support for working with and training persons with disabilities.
In short, we know that persons with disabilities face significant barriers to employment in our territory, yet we require more information on exactly what those barriers are and how to overcome them.
To that end, this new funding will allow us to work with community groups and organizations on answering these questions and to create programming that will improve the employment outcomes of persons with disabilities.
Going back to the orders of the day. (interpretation ends) Item 3. (interpretation) Members’ Statements.
Member’s Statement 137 – 4(2): Harmonizing and Updating Eligibility Criteria for GN Programs (Mikkungwak)
Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I rise today to again address the issue of harmonizing and updating the eligibility criteria for the government’s different programs to assist Nunavutmiut.
Mr. Speaker, as you will recall, I spoke about this issue during our first session in March, and I was pleased that the Commissioner’s Throne Speech that opened our Second Session announced that the government will be undertaking a program review initiative.
Mr. Speaker, an important concern that has emerged during this Assembly relates to the different eligibility criteria for many of the government’s programs, which can be very confusing for Nunavutmiut.
For example, during last Friday’s sitting, I pointed out that people aged 60 and over can apply for the territorial Senior Fuel Subsidy Program, which is administered by the Department of Family Services, but you have to be 65 or older to apply for the Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Property Tax Relief Program, which is administered by a different department.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is important that the government’s current program review initiative look closely at the issue of harmonizing and updating the eligibility criteria for the government’s different programs.
I also believe that it is important that we give some thought and consideration to the question of whether we should move towards a uniform age for the purpose of defining who is or is not a senior for the purpose of program eligibility.
Member’s Statement 138 – 4(2): Incorporating Inuit Societal Values in our Government (Shooyook)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my concern that our government is not truly incorporating Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in the way the people of Nunavut need it to.
Mr. Speaker, I have taken the time to read through the document tabled by the Minister of Culture and Heritage called “Incorporating Inuit Societal Values.”
This document lists different Government of Nunavut laws and activities that are supposed to reflect Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and Inuit societal values.
I see many words on paper, but the actions of many government workers show that they do not use Inuit societal values to do their jobs.
Mr. Speaker, I will give you an example. There is a section in the Child and Family Services Act which talks about using Inuit societal values.
Mr. Speaker, the core of Inuit societal values lies in the family.
The family is the most important force in keeping our culture strong and thriving.
Children must be kept together with their family members to learn life skills, Inuit values, how to deal with people, and solve their problems.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays?
There are none. Please proceed, Mr. Shooyook.
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): However, this law also gives social workers the authority to pull families apart by taking away their children.
The words about incorporating Inuit societal values in this law are meaningless.
They should not even be there. Every time a social worker rips a child out of their family, they are violating the most important principle of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit. The law contradicts itself.
At the appropriate time, I will be asking the Minister of Culture and Heritage some questions on this issue.
Member’s Statement 139 – 4(2): Opening of Drop-in Centre in Repulse Bay (Mapsalak)
I say “good day” to the people of Repulse Bay and Coral Harbour.
Mr. Speaker, the reason why I rise today is to extend my congratulations to the Hamlet of Repulse Bay for the activities they provided on August 29.
There was a ceremonial opening by the hamlet council of the local (interpretation ends) community centre. (interpretation) They renovated the building and changed the purpose to serve as a gathering place for youth and elders.
Mr. Speaker, this initiative received a lot of support, and I want to express my gratitude to all the people and organizations who contributed financially. The Nunavut government and the Kivalliq Inuit Association provided funding assistance to purchase equipment and materials required for the activities in that centre for youth and elders.