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I am pleased to be here today to discuss the proposed 2009-2010 Department of Education capital projects budget.
Our government has many capital priorities in the area of education.
With 43 schools throughout Nunavut, there is a substantial capital investment in education infrastructure in every community in Nunavut.
Our student enrolment for the 2008-09 school year is as follows: Kitikmeot, 1,613; Kivalliq, 2,957; Qikiqtaaluk, 4,710, for a total enrolment of 9,280 students from kindergarten to grade 12.
We will continue to take measures to maintain these facilities.
These priorities are made all the more challenging with the recent dramatic increase in construction costs.
The Department of Education’s proposed 2009-2010 capital budget is $15,268,000 with an ongoing project budget of $40,913,000 from 2010-11 to 2013-14.
Our proposed 2009-2010 budget complies with the current necessary fiscal restraints while incorporating some practical programs which will lead to long-term savings for the Government of Nunavut.
Mr. Chairman, my department gathers information from hamlets, district education authorities, communities, schools, and the Department of Community and Government Services to develop, plan and manage capital priorities.
Through our comprehensive facilities database, we’re able to analyze school utilization and their physical condition along with planned program requirements to determine our capital requirements.
The Department of Education is guided by the principles of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in our capital planning and design phases, as well as supporting multipurpose facilities, partnerships, and student training as fundamental elements in our construction contracts.
Mr. Chairman, I believe my department will move forward in a fiscally responsible manner. I believe this plan provides the residents of Nunavut with the best affordable educational facilities this government can currently offer.
Mr. Chairman, over the past few years, my department has been faced with emergency or urgent repairs requiring immediate attention.
The proposed Nunavut Schools Assessment initiative will allow our department to anticipate the needs of our schools and plan for a proactive manner to alleviate these emergencies.
Mr. Chairman, we are also proposing a special needs assessment to help in determining how our facilities are currently equipped and establish our future needs.
It is imperative that we are able to meet the needs of each and every student as part of our inclusive education program in Nunavut.
Mr. Chairman, these two initiatives will cost approximately $1,050,000 for this upcoming year.
Mr. Chairman, I would like to update my colleagues on several ongoing projects to improve or upgrade our community facilities.
The addition to the Peter Pitseolak School in Cape Dorset is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2010.
The Department of Education has budgeted $9 million for the upcoming fiscal year and $50,000 for 2010-11 to complete the extensive renovations.
Mr. Chairman, the Inuksuk High School renovation project will take place over summer breaks, beginning in June of this year.
This method ensures the safety of students and staff while providing adequate time to complete projects over a four-year period.
The Inuksuit School in Qikiqtarjuaq requires an addition and renovations to the existing school.
The planning and design phases are complete and construction of the additions/renovations is set to begin this summer.
Nuiyak School in Sanikiluaq is now too small for the number of students attending the school. Construction of the new school is set to begin this summer and the budget for 2009-2010 is just over $3 million.
The Ataguttaaluk Elementary School in Igloolik is also undergoing necessary repairs that are scheduled to be completed by the end of the 2011 fiscal year.
I also want to emphasize that we cannot spend more than our means. As a government, we must work within the budget framework. These are implications to project costs including staffing, associated housing requirements, building utilities, and ongoing maintenance that must also be considered as we look at creating new facilities as well as adding to existing structures.
As this government goes into its new mandate, I look forward to working with all the elected members to set priorities and help navigate a new direction for our territory.
I am confident that we will work together for the best interests of Nunavummiut and deliver the best possible services and programs for our citizens.
Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to be here today to discuss the Department of Education’s capital budget for 2009-2010 and the subsequent four years.
I look forward to all questions, comments, and discussion.
You just gave us a positive report and I envy you as this is a department that I really enjoyed working on.
Would you like to have your officials with you at the witness table?
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Yes, I would like to have officials with me.
Chairman (interpretation): Do my colleagues agree to allow the minister to bring in witnesses?
Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort them to the witness table.
Your officials are now seated.
Although I know them, for the benefit of my colleagues, please introduce your witnesses to the members.
On my left is Kathy Okpik, Deputy Minister of Education, and on my right is Murray Horn, Director of School Operations.
Welcome to the witness table.
Do you have any opening comments on the capital estimates, Mr. Elliott, as you have been asked to provide them?
Before I start, I wanted to apologize for reading so fast yesterday and also to acknowledge the interpreters and translators and thank them for their hard work in terms of keeping up with me.
I know it must be hard sometimes, so I’ll try and slow down a little bit.
I am pleased to provide opening comments on behalf of the Regular Members’ Caucus as the Committee of the Whole begins its consideration of the Department of Education’s proposed 2009-2010 capital estimates.
Members note that the department’s proposed capital budget for 2009-2010 is $15,268,000.
Although this proposed budget appears low when compared to the department’s capital budget of $23.4 million in 2007-08 and $25.6 million in 2008-09, it should be noted that any projects related to adult education are no longer included within this department’s capital estimates.
Mr. Chairman, while members recognize that there is now a division of responsibilities between the Minister of Education and the Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, it is noted that there are significant crossovers between the two portfolios.
Members caution the appropriate ministers to work closely together and to ensure that Nunavut residents do not fall between the cracks when trying to access adult-focused programs, services and resources that relate directly to adult education and opportunities for self-sufficiency.
For example, while the ongoing construction of facilities such as the Nunavut Trade Centre will fall under the budget associated with Nunavut Arctic College, programs such as Financial Aid for Nunavut Students that will enable students to travel to attend such facilities are still managed by the Department of Education.
Members note further that one of the department’s proposed future projects in its 2010-14 Five-Year Capital Plan is the addition to the Inuksuit School in Qikiqtarjuaq which incorporates a new Nunavut Arctic College Community Learning Centre.
This project has been brought forward and pushed back again over the past few years.
Members urge the two ministers to establish ongoing communications not only with each other but also with the district education authority and community residents as this project progresses.
The Government of Nunavut’s new Education Act allows for district education authorities to have a role in providing adult education programs in their communities.
Important opportunities such as this should not risk further delays or loss as the result of the division of responsibilities with respect to providing educational opportunities to Nunavummiut.
Mr. Chairman, members note that only one of the department’s four ongoing projects for 2009-2010 is for a new school.
The community of Sanikiluaq has been in dire need of a new school for some time.
Community residents have expressed concern over the ongoing delays in this project.
Members recommend that the minister and his officials provide regular updates on the progress of this project, especially if there are any further delays.
It appears that some consideration has also been given to incorporating a new Nunavut Arctic College Community Learning Centre in this new facility.
Given the extreme overcrowding in the current school situation, members urge the minister to work closely with his counterparts to establish whether or not there will indeed be adequate space for a new community learning centre.
Mr. Chairman, members would be interested in learning further detail about what kinds of criteria are used to determine which schools are candidates for replacement, addition or renovation.
The department’s planning process must include a compilation of comparative data on every Nunavut school, including such detail as school capacity, technical status and priority rating for capital investment.
Members would appreciate receiving an up-to-date copy of that information as it relates to all of Nunavut’s schools.
The multiyear renovation project at the Inuksuk High School in Iqaluit has experienced some planning difficulties over time but now appears to be on track to proceed this coming summer.
Recent news reports have highlighted some concerns with respect to the removal of asbestos from the building during the course of the renovations and members are confident that the minister will ensure that all measures are taken to protect both students and staff from any negative consequences of this aspect of the renovations.
Again, members stress the need for ongoing communication with the district education authority and the community on the progress of this project.
Members would like assurances that the school program will not be delayed as the result of any delays in the renovations.
Members note that different kinds of capital investments can support and enhance the provision of education services.
For example, adequate staff housing for teachers, adequate gymnasium facilities for students, and adequate bussing services have all been raised as ongoing issues.
Members urge the minister to keep track of needs and developments in these areas.
For example, members would appreciate a clarification on how student transportation arrangements are prioritized and provided for all of Nunavut’s school communities.
It is important that communities and MLAs have a clear understanding of how student transportation arrangements are organized.
Mr. Chairman, two of the department’s proposed projects for 2009-2010 are new assessment projects, one to focus on determining the physical condition of each Nunavut educational facility and the other to determine and meet the requirements for special needs students.
It is not clear how the Department of Education’s building assessment project will differ from the technical assessment process undertaken by the Department of Community and Government Services.
Members would appreciate some assurance that this will not turn into an expensive duplication of effort.
Members note with approval the department’s proposed investment to ensure that the requirements of special needs students are met throughout Nunavut’s schools.
It is important that all residents of our Nunavut communities have equal opportunities to access education, to be fully involved in society, and to have the same choices and chances that everyone else has.
Again, members urge the minister to work with his counterpart in the Department of Community and Government Services to avoid costly duplication of work and effort.
Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening comments on the proposed 2009-2010 Capital Estimates of the Department of Education.
I am confident that individual members will also have questions and comments as we proceed.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Elliott. (interpretation ends) You missed one. On top of page 4, it should be assurances, not assurance. That’s one little mistake I noticed, Mr. Elliott.
It’s okay, Qanuinngittuq. Since we’re in Education, we should be literate.
(interpretation) Do members have any general comments?
We will continue with the procedure we were using.
As the minister had stated, when we attended school in Chesterfield Inlet, every time his boots were getting out of place, I would have to fix them up for him, as well as his hat and mitts.
He was telling the truth. Since I’m older than he is, I used to help him and I’m sure I helped him very well because he is now a minister.
I just wanted the minister to not forget that.
On page 2, I am very pleased and agree with the end of the last paragraph that states, “It is imperative that we are able to meet the needs of each and every student as part of our inclusive education program in Nunavut.”
Mr. Chairman, we hear about drop-outs from time to time.
Sometimes it’s very hard to encourage students to stay in school. I am a parent and now the grandfather of many students.
Parents also need to provide support to the students and also to the principal rather than just waiting for the teachers and the local district education authorities. Parents need to encourage their students too.
Mr. Chairman, we know that in all of the communities, we usually have very capable teachers and gifted children in Nunavut, although I have never seen a gifted student provided with support.
Rather than looking at the negative side, we should also be looking at positive areas to encourage students and to provide them with support.
I would like to know what kind of programs that you have to support gifted children.
That was just a general comment, but we’re dealing with the capital estimates.
I would like that to be considered by the department.
Are there any further general comments? Do members have any general comments?
I’m sure everybody’s happy with your opening comments.
We will move on to the page-by-page review of the capital estimates starting with page G-3. Go to page G-3. Education.
Corporate Services. Total Capital Expenditures. $15,268,000.
Are there any questions on that page?
Mr. Rumbolt, would you like to ask some questions?
I would like to thank the minister and his officials for being with us today.
My question is in regard to the new school that’s going in for Sanikiluaq and I understand that the tender closed a couple of weeks ago. I’m just wondering if the tender has been awarded and if it’s within budget.
Minister Tapardjuk, can you respond to that question?
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Yes, I can.
We have selected the contractor and the project is within budget.
The contract has been awarded and the project will not be going over budget, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Rumbolt: I thank the minister for his response.
So if everything is in order, I’m assuming that the completion date is still projected for the fall of 2011 or 2012.
Chairman (interpretation): Can you try to respond to that question, Minister Tapardjuk?
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): The completion date is for the summer of 2010.
Chairman (interpretation): That’s good.
Mr. Rumbolt, was that all?
Mr. Atiqatik, Enuk Pauloosie.
On page G-4, past capital estimates have included ongoing plans for renovations and an addition to the elementary school in Gjoa Haven. Some work has been completed, but the community is expecting to see the rest of the plans followed through. For example, the community desperately needs a gymnasium, which is a component of this project yet to be built.
I am and I was very disappointed to note that this project does not appear on the 2009-2010 capital plan. According to the 2008-09 capital plan, further construction should have taken place in 2009-2010.
Can the minister provide an update on the status of this project?
Chairman (interpretation): Minister Tapardjuk, would you like to respond to that question?
In Gjoa Haven, the phase 1 review has been completed
However, we haven’t identified any funds for the 2009-2010 fiscal year for Gjoa Haven.
The reason for that is if we were to review all of the projects that are on the wish list for the construction of new schools, it would cost $300 million. Our budget for the year is only $130 million.
Due to the severe shortfall in our resources, this will need to be reviewed further when we are at the next planning cycle for the next fiscal year.
With respect to the elementary school, preparations have been completed.
What I can say is that that project for Gjoa Haven is not included in the 2009-2010 capital estimates, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman: Mr. Enuk Pauloosie.
Chairman (interpretation): Minister Tapardjuk, he needs additional clarification.
Can you please clarify that?
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): I’ll have our Director, Murray Horn, elaborate on that.
Chairman (interpretation): Mr. Horn, if you could respond.
Mr. Horn: Thank you.
The project, while it was ongoing for the first phase, which the member is very much aware of, that is now in the process of being completed.
The decision to go forward with the second phase was part of the legislative decision to defer it for at least one year and while it’s not showing this year, it is not totally off the overall planning but is at the request of the community perhaps to come back.
But we have not totally taken it off the books because the planning and design work is done for it, much of the architectural design and work is all done for it. It’s now just a question of more being on hold than dropped off the planning process.
Chairman: Mr. Pauloosie.
Mr. Pauloosie: When does the minister anticipate resuming the Gjoa Haven elementary school project?
Chairman (interpretation): Mr. Horn, if you could respond again.
Mr. Horn: Clearly, our thinking is we would like to bring it back for, not this coming fiscal year but the following one, the year 2010-11.
Mr. Pauloosie: What is the timeline for the Gjoa Haven project?
Chairman (interpretation): He already answered that question, 2010.
Mr. Pauloosie: Will the minister responsible commit to contacting the Gjoa Haven District Education Authority at his earliest possible convenience to explain and discuss the current situation?
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Yes, we will contact the DEA and give them a status report of the elementary school project, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Pauloosie: I would like thank the minister for his response.
Qujannamiik. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman (interpretation): That was not a question.
Members are starting to look like harp seals, taking turns asking questions.
Mr. Ningeongan (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) My question is based on page G-4.
In the 2006-07 capital estimates, the government had included $50,000 towards starting a new senior school project in Coral Harbour, with the design and planning stage to begin in 2010-11. I was very surprised to see that this project no longer appears on the capital plan.
Can the minister explain why a new senior school was considered for Coral Harbour in 2006 but it is now no longer considered?
Chairman (interpretation): Minister Tapardjuk, if you can respond.
Yes, that’s entirely true.
It’s not included in the 2009-2010 capital estimates.
The planning stage was done, but I can’t say much more than that.
If we included the school project for Coral Harbour with the funds that we require to build new schools, it would cost approximately $300 million. We have been allocated only $130 million.
We were given limited resources, so we had to identify the priority projects for constructing schools and we conducted a review.
After our review, it became evident that the school in Coral Harbour was renovated back in 2007.
The school is at 78 percent capacity with 263 students and it has a total capacity of 335 students.
So this project is not a high priority given the fact that there are other projects which must be completed as soon as possible.
What I can say is that we have not totally taken it off the books but that we have delayed the construction date.
That’s all I can say, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Ningeongan (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Can the minister clarify what criteria were used in 2006 to evaluate community needs for new schools?
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): As I stated earlier, we would like to review all of the schools.
We didn’t do all the reviews and we haven’t prioritized any schools yet.
The main criterion we use is the lack of space. Some schools are filled to capacity and that’s how we set our priorities. One thing that we have also considered is we will start planning and provide opportunities for all the members to have their input.
With respect to your question on what criteria do we use to determine which projects are set as priorities or deferred, some of the main criteria used are the age of the facility, when the school was last renovated, and how full the school is. So those are the main criteria that are used to prioritize which communities need new schools, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman: Mr. Ningeongan.
I recently learned that the school in Coral Harbour is at 78 percent capacity. At what capacity was it then when it was justifiable to be put on the table for the 2006-07 capital estimates?
What criteria were used then?
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I mean Mr. Chairman.
Chairman: Clerk, I’m going to need a raise; I keep being referred to as the Speaker.
I don’t have a response to the question at this time, so we need to look into that further and get back to the member, Mr. Chairman.
I’ll be speaking in Inuktitut now.
I have been having a hard time understanding why there funds set aside to start a new senior school project, which the Coral Harbour residents were anticipating. The site was identified and work was done on it, but I still can’t understand why, after they had worked on the site, it disappeared from the capital plan.
Due to that reason, I would really appreciate it if the minister could find out exactly why the project was identified in 2006-07.
At this time, Mr. Chairman, I would like to ask the minister if he could provide that information as soon as possible to the DEA in Coral Harbour and go see them directly to give them an explanation.
Chairman (interpretation): Mr. Ningeongan, perhaps the department can provide what capacity it was at when the planning was being done, but we have been told that it’s at 78 percent capacity at this time.
That is a very good question and perhaps the department can respond to it.
The senior school project that was planned for Coral Harbour was not the only project that was dropped off the capital plan.
According to what I said, the main criteria are the age of the facility, when it was renovated, and how full the school is.
We also need to review all schools in Nunavut. We will go and discuss it with the Coral Harbour District Education Authority.
If we are given $300 million, we would be more than happy to accept it. However, we have only been given $130 million to be used for school construction. We would like to put those funds to good use.
Priorities were placed on schools in Qikiqtarjuaq, Sanikiluaq, and Cape Dorset because they are aging and filled to capacity.
With respect to the member’s question, yes, we can provide the information to the Coral Harbour District Education Authority as soon as possible, but at this time, I can’t say if we will go to their community.
Chairman (interpretation): Yes, if you can also indicate what percent capacity the school was at in 2006-07.
I’m sure those numbers are available and they can be provided in a timely manner so that Mr. Ningeongan receives a proper response.
Mr. Ningeongan, do you have further questions?
In the future, you should work with the community and do the planning so as not to disappoint the communities, that way the communities can have full confidence in the Government of Nunavut.
If there was something that was not planned properly, then the community ends up with a problem and it’s not good that way.