EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
If I understand his question correctly, he is asking whether they will get into a deficit, or will these be funded on top of what they usually maintain.
If it’s mainly for the road, then we will have to look at different things by the hamlet and our staff to make sure that they don’t have a deficit.
Last supplementary, Mr. Barnabas.
As I stated earlier in my question, this will be re-classified as a community access road.
This road is 35 kilometres long. The hamlet boundary is very close, but it’s over the hamlet boundary; it will definitely cost more to maintain the road outside the boundary.
I didn’t state whether it’s going to be within the boundary or outside of the boundary.
So, this will have to be closely reviewed by the municipality of Arctic Bay.
If the municipality wants to continue to deal with and be responsible for that, yes, we will be able to review this with the municipality.
I will keep the member abreast.
Question 162 – 2(2): Policy on Co-Pilot Requirement
Although I can drive outboard motors and vehicles, I am not a pilot; I can’t pilot a plane.
I was wondering, if you have to travel long distances by airplane, do you need a co-pilot? What’s the current policy?
Do they need only one pilot if they are going to travel long distances?
Speaker (interpretation): Minister responsible for transportation, Mr. Simailak.
The federal government is responsible for all of the policies of the airlines.
I have never really looked into what kind of policies or statutes they have on whether they require a co-pilot for long distance traveling.
So, once I get the answer, I will respond to my colleague.
Your first supplementary, Mr. Kattuk.
I would like to receive that information personally.
I have heard that you can’t have just one pilot when they are traveling; there’s a danger of something going wrong with the pilot.
I want the minister to respond to me publicly, because some Inuit people are scared to fly, and they have nowhere else to get away to when they are scared of flying.
So I am requesting the minister to inform us, in the House, whether a co-pilot is required.
If I understood my colleague correctly, I will inform the House.
Question 163 – 2(2): Bad Fuel Issue
I have a question directed to the Minister of Community and Government Services in regard to the fuel issue that we have been dealing with.
I think it was on Friday that I tabled a document with the correspondence received from Rankin Inlet.
They were asking about this individual who has two outboard motors, they are four-stroke and 225 horsepower.
He used these outboard motors to take tourists out.
Is the government going to compensate that business owner, because he depends on those outboard motors to make his money?
How would you respond to this; when you asked the question to Shell Canada, what did they say about it?
You have to ask questions for the public too.
Perhaps you can ask Mr. Simon Qaummaq how you can assist him with his dilemma.
In regard to the correspondence that was tabled by the member, I will work with that individual and relay to him the results of the finding either by way of telephone or correspondence.
Speaker (interpretation): Mr. Curly, your supplementary.
This isn’t covered by insurance because of the condition of the fuel, the fuel that was delivered.
The damage occurred after the delivery of the fuel; that is what happened to his engines.
Yet, the Government of Nunavut says that it is part Inuit and that they respect Inuit and for that reason they are working very hard to try and correct this issue.
The majority of the public out there would like to see Shell Canada appear before Committee of the Whole, because the public wanted them to come.
To date, according to my knowledge, we’ve tried to respond to all the complaints on fuel that is not up to standard.
We’ve tried to respond to all the questions.
I would be more than pleased to welcome any interested party to participate on this issue and I will ensure the floor is open.
I would like to thank the minister for his response and for being open.
If the Shell people cannot pay for their plane ticket up here, perhaps he can look into that matter; if we can invite more than one individual for this… .
Perhaps the minister can respond to me on whether the government is willing to assist with the airfare for the Shell people to come up to Iqaluit.
I don’t know where they would come from; the individuals coming from Shell Canada are arriving by their own aircraft.
They only have a very limited amount of time to stay here.
Since we’ve invited them, we have to come to a decision, because they will be appearing before the members of the Committee of the Whole.
If there were any concerns, yes, we will look into that and make sure that they are responded to.
Speaker (interpretation): Mr. Curly, your last supplementary.
If you hear from them, I will be glad.
Yes, we will need to make a motion.
We’ll have to do this by way of motion.
During Committee of the Whole, if we want to invite Shell Canada over, would you be in support?
If we can invite the HTO members, would you be in support of that, if I amend the motion that way?
It’s evident that if it were included in the motion, I’m sure I would have to take part in the motion.
But, I will inform the member, since these officials are coming in next week.
I was just wondering if we will have enough time to do that.
I request unanimous consent to return to Item 5 in the “Orders of the Day”: “Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery.”
Speaker (interpretation): The member is seeking unanimous consent to return to Item 5.
There are no nays; please proceed Mr. Peterson.
I would like to recognize two very special visitors to the gallery today.
Sitting behind me here is Dawn Wilson; she is the principal of the Kullik Ilihakvik Elementary School in Cambridge Bay.
She’s been a teacher-principal for 32 years and she is retiring this summer, in June, I believe.
She’s going to keep her cabin in Cambridge Bay and come up there every summer, she tells me.
Sitting next to her is Brenda Ilaszewicz; she is the vice-principal of the Kiilinik High School that the government so generously built for us a couple years ago for the future education of kids in Cambridge Bay.
I would like to welcome them both to the House today.
I wanted to be the first one to recognize visitors in the gallery this past week, and I think it was on Friday that I named names from Panniqtuuq and one of them was Tim Evic.
I would like to recognize and welcome him to the gallery.
I would also like to rise to recognize an individual from my community and from my riding, John Ayaruak.
His name is very well known in our community.
He’s an independent interpreter-translator; he also does volunteer work, and he’s a very social man.
His father, I believe John Ayaruak, was the one who published a book, and I would like John to be welcomed to the gallery.
Speaker (interpretation): Recognition of visitors in the gallery, Mr. Okalik.
I would also like to recognize an individual I had forgotten earlier.
Jim Bell the Nunatsiaq News editor, because of course, he’s in my riding.
I am very pleased to see that he is able to watch the proceedings.
Again, my cousin Tim Evic.
I don’t recognize very many relatives in the House; I think this is the first time.
I will never get a chance to do this before Dawn retires.
So, I want to say, “Welcome to the gallery,” and I wish her the very best after this summer’s retirement.
She has worked very hard with the teachers’ conferences last week, and I had a chance to sit down with her this weekend.
But, I want to wish her the best on our behalf, for her contribution to the education system in Nunavut.
I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize John Ayaruak.
We were childhood friends and he used to stay at our house.
I knew his parents very well and his sisters who I grew up with.
I think we can recognize somebody here.
At this time, I would like to recognize the carving that is on the right hand side of the Speaker.
This carving was carved by a very well known individual, Simon Qammaniq.
He is from Arctic Bay.
Under Item 5.
Oral Questions was completed.
Tabled Document 072 – 2(2): Utility Rates Review Council Report 2004
I would like to table documents on the Utility Rates Review Council Report.
Tabled Document 073 – 2(2): KPMG Report – Medical Travel Review, Strategy and Recommendations
I wish to table the following document, KPMG Report, Medical Travel Review, Strategies and Recommendations.
Tabled Document 074 – 2(2): Utility Rates Review Council Final Report
Tabled Document 075 – 2(2): Ministers Report to Utility Rates Review Council Feb. 8, 2005
Tabled Document 076 – 2(2): Nunavut Arctic College Annual Report 2003-2004
First of all, it gives me great pleasure of the table to the Honourable Edward Picco, the Utility Rates Review Council Final Report.
As well, I would like to table the response to the Utility Rates Review Council to the Qulliq Energy Corporation Report, the Qulliq Energy Corporation, February 8, 2005.
And also Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to table the Nunavut Arctic College Annual Report 2003 - 2004.
Going back to the orders of the day, Item 15. Notices of Motions.
Motion 011 – 2(2): Mid-term Review of the Executive Council of Nunavut - Notice
I give notice that on Wednesday, March 2, 2005 I will move the following motion;
Now therefore I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Iqaluit Centre, that a midterm leadership review of the Executive Council of Nunavut be held in the fall of 2006.
Bill 13 – An Act to Amend the Wills Act – Notice
Bill 14 – Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act – Notice
I give notice that on Wednesday, March 2, 2005, that Bill 13, an Act to amend the Wills Act be read for the first time.
Secondly, I give notice that on Wednesday, March 2, 2005, that Bill 14, Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act be read for the first time.
Tabled Document 52 – 2(2) and Bill 8, Appropriation Act.
With Mr. Netser in the Chair.
>>House recessed at 15:33 and resumed at 16:00
Chairman: Thank you, I would like to call the committee meeting to order.
In the Committee of the Whole we have the following documents to deal with: Tabled Document 52 - 2 (2) Return to Oral Question 84 - 2(2) and Bill 8.
Today the Minister of Health and Social Services tabled a report of the Nunavut Medical Travel Review of KPMG Consultant that I’ve been asking for some time.
As I and other regular members need to review this report, I request that Committee of the Whole defer the review of the main estimates for Health and Social Services and commence a review of the main estimates of the Department of Education.
Do members agree to defer Health and Social Services and commence with the review of the main estimates for the Department of Education?
Chairman: I would now like to ask Minister Picco for the Department of Education to make his opening remarks.
I am very pleased to discuss the Department of Education’s 2005/06 main estimates.
Mr. Chairman, our plan for the upcoming year represents a fundamental shift in the government’s approach to Education.
This fundamental shift begins with the creation and partial implementation of a new school funding formula.
That is a formula that enhances and responds expediently to the needs of our students and our staff.
This fundamental shift goes beyond the K-12 system, and encompasses the work of creating a made in Nunavut Adult Learning Strategy.
It continues with the creation of a Nunavut Folk School and the developmental plans for our own Vocational trade school.
This fundamental shift includes the delivery of our bilingual education strategy and the beginning of work on our own Nunavut Education Act.
Mr. Chairman, this fundamental shift in the way we fund, organize, administer and work in partnership with parents, teachers, District Education Authorities, students, and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc, will be challenging and encompassing.
Mr. Chairman, our responsibilities are vast.
We oversee the K-12 school system, adult learning, including Nunavut Arctic College, income support, early learning and child care and matters related to homelessness.
Mr. Chairman, we have worked hard with our partners throughout Nunavut to identify Education priorities that deal life-long learning outside lifestyle and within a formal learning education stream.
This may be accomplished through a standard K-12 advanced education program through the Nunavut Arctic College or other post secondary setting.
We are proposing ongoing enhancements in our schools, additional resources provided to daycare, much needed help for those on Income Support and a development of an adult learning strategy in partnership with Nunavut Arctic College, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc and others.
As you may see, Mr. Chairman, through this budget, our government is firmly committed to seeing improvements in the quality and quantity of programs and services made available to our Department.
To help us begin our shift, Mr. Chairman, we have put forward a budget of 2005 - 2006 that represents a $16.6 million increase over 2004 - 2005.
I would like to take this opportunity to highlight several of these initiatives before the committee:
Funding for student support assistants will give a much needed boost across Nunavut.
Increased funding to all of our schools as a result of the partial implementation with changes to the school funding formula and forced growth which amounts to $3.2 million dollars.
Increases to the Nunavut Food Scale and exemptions for Co-op refunds in the amount of approximately $1.6 million for persons on Income Support.
The five percent increase in the food allowance when added to the 2004 - 2005 increase will mean a 15 percent increase in food allowances for those in need within the past year by this government.
I think this is very good news for our constituents.
Initiated the Young Parents Stay Learning Program to assist parents under the age of 18 get help with childcare expenses so they will not quit school and will continue with their studies.
Mr. Chairman, we will establish a Homeless Secretariat that will serve to provide an organized forum in which all levels of government can work together in developing an integrated reproach in the delivery of public services and act as a catalyst in promoting new partnerships between government and non-government agencies to assist people to break the cycle of homelessness.
Mr. Chairman, the department recognized that reform of the education system is required in order for our children to reach their full potential.
The major instrument in this proposed reform will be the new Education/Schools Act.
A new Act must address issues within schools and bring the education system into line with directions advocated by parents, District Education Authorities, educators, and other groups.
Extensive consultation and communication plans will ensure that the views of all groups are considered in drafting the propose legislation.
We have been pleased with the progress made over the last year and with the financial support being given to important and essential work.
On the school side, student enrolments are up; the number of Grade 12 graduates continues to increase while vital curriculum and language of instruction work is moving forward.
As well, we have provided for the establishment of the Commission Scolaire du Francophone, as well as adopted policies to assure young parents, who are students, have access to daycare facilities in newly constructed high schools.
Mr. Chairman, the Department of Education works closely with Nunavut Arctic College and had contributed $15.707 million to the base funding.
The department also provides another $1.879 million for the community teacher education program.
The department will continue to work closely with the college and our other partners including schools, parents, District Education Authorities, and local, regional, territorial, and national bodies as we work toward a more seamless education system, and set up programs and services for all Nunavut residents.
Mr. Chairman, this fundamental shift in the funding, delivery, and indeed legislative processes that government, the department will continue into the coming months.
As we begin this long awaited process, it is an exciting and challenging time for the department, the staff, our students, and most importantly for Nunavummiut.
I would be pleased to respond to questions that the committee has.
With that, Mr. Chairman is my opening comments for the Committee of the Whole on the main estimate and business plan for the Department of Education on the budget for 2005 - 2006.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister. (interpretation ends): Do you have any witnesses that you would like to bring to the table?
I think I have some of the witnesses that are available to be with me in the Committee of the Whole.
We would be prepared to take questions from the members on the Department of Education 2005 - 2006 main estimates, business plans, and budget process in the Committee of the Whole at your convenience, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Minister. (interpretation ends): Does the Committee agree to bring in the witnesses?
For the record, Mr. Picco, could you please introduce your witness?
Mr. Chairman, on my immediate right is Ms. Pam Hine, the Deputy Minister of the Department of Education.
Welcome Ms. Hine.
Do I have to rise?
Chairman: No.
(interpretation end): As the Chairman of the Standing Committee on Health and Education I am pleased to make some opening remarks as we begin deliberation on the budget for the Department of Education.
The Department of Education’s proposed operations and maintenance budget for 2005/06 of $174,224,000 has been increased by almost $12 million dollars from the revised operations and maintenance budget for 2004 - 2005.
The committee has noted that the number of position under the department is projected to increase.
While some of these positions may be filled by employees that were formerly employed by the District Education Authorities, members question what overall impact the division of government positions will have.
Until the new education act is brought forward, the department must ensure the District Education Authorities are supported in carrying out their current rules and responsibilities and that budget allocations are clearly explained.
The committee members further recommend that once the new school funding formula is formalized, the department clearly and completely explain all aspects of its implementation to this House, District Education Authorities, communities, parents and the public at large.
District Education Authorities have an important role to play in ensuring the availability of programming for all its school aged children in their communities.
In previous budgets for example, specific funding was allocated for District Education Authorities to provide special needs programming.
A number of District Education Authorities have expressed the need to provide cultural inclusion programs for school-aged children who are at risk of dropping out of the school system.
The members of the committee look forward to regular updates on projects and initiatives that relate to educational reform.
There is a wide range of views on the issues of language of instruction, K-12 curriculum, standards and certification each will need discussion and careful consideration at the community level as well as with our territorial stake-holders.
Committee members are hopeful that the end result will help us move forward on our Arviat Full Caucus Retreat’s commitment to focus on graduating bilingual youth who are equipped with the skills and knowledge to succeed in post secondary studies.
Upgrading opportunities in post-secondary education are very important for our residents to develop the necessary skills to enter Nunavut’s labor force and gain meaningful employment.
Members of the Standing Committee look forward to reviewing the results of the department’s external review of Nunavut Arctic College including any evaluation of the effectiveness of its various programs.
Nunavut Arctic College received nearly $16 million in direct funding from the department each year and it is important that the lines of accountability are clear in that Nunavut residents have access to the programs they need.
Trades training and apprenticeship are also important investments in our future.
Until the department has completed its feasibility study, and establishes a Nunavut Trades school, the committee encourages the Minister to provide as many opportunities for pre-trades training if possible across all of Nunavut communities.
Members recall that one of our core commitments from the Arviat Full Caucus Retreat was to open a trades school in Nunavut by the end of the Second Assembly.
The committee is pleased that the Minister and his department have responded to concerns raised about the Income Support program.
Members have spoken on the need address the high costs of living in Nunavut and support the projected 5 percent increase in food allowance rates.
The Committee applauds the department’s willingness to re-evaluate the income status of co-op dividends, an issue that a number of Members have previously raised.
Committee Members were also pleased to see that the department has acted on concerns that were raised and will be providing daycare support to enable young parents to stay in school.
Members look forward to an update on the Minister’s recent meeting in Vancouver with his federal and provincial counterparts to discuss the issue of early learning and childcare.
Members of the Committee recognize that the delivery mechanisms for providing Social Assistance benefits vary from community to community.
In some cases, clients themselves do not make the best use of their benefits while in other cases specific needs are not being met, such as additional support needed by disabled persons.
Members encourage the Minister to continue working with his staff to improve the administration of Income Support programs.
In particular, Members recommend that the Minister work with his colleague in the Department of Community and Government Services to access the new broadband technology to establish a Nunavut-wide electronic case management system.
The government’s recent announcements of success regarding the Telehealth network have shown that investments in technology can lead to a more effective delivery of services across our vast territory.
In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, Members of the Committee have noted with interest that the department’s projected budget includes a new allocation to address the issue of homelessness in Nunavut.
This is the first time this specific item has appeared in the Main Estimates.
While the Committee recognizes that responsibility for this issue rests with this Minister.
Members expect the resources and expertise of such entities as the Nunavut Housing Corporation will be drawn upon.
Members look forward to information on the results of the recent RFP for management of the Iqaluit Homeless Shelter.
Before we start, I believe that you know Rule 77, that you will have ten minutes each for general comments.
Thank you for this opportunity to make some opening comments of the Department of Education’s proposed budget.
First of all I would like to thank the Minister for responding to an issue that I brought forward last April.
As the Minister is aware, young mothers, who are still going to school, often do not have enough money to pay for daycare for their child.
At the same time, they are often too young to be able to receive daycare subsidies through Income Support.
I am sure that my colleagues will agree that it is important for our youth have the opportunity to complete their high school education.
It is equally important that the children of students in schools are adequately cared for while their parents work towards completing their education.
(interpretation): Mr. Chairman, I am happy to hear the budget for the young mothers and that the department will try and make a better use or to encourage the young mothers to stay in school and to utilize the daycares in the high schools.
I would like to thank the minister and his staff for initiating this to accommodate the youth who are in schools.