EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Again to respond to that question from Mr. Elliott, yes but there are some communities that do not have an economic development officer.
From the other questions that we had earlier, you said that the Nunavut Broadband Development Corporation didn’t ask for more funding, so they didn’t actually get more, and that the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation did because they asked and they needed it.
I think communities would like a little bit more economic development money as well, so I’m requesting it for at least my communities.
I didn’t hear any questions, but if you want to comment, Minister Taptuna.
Yes, I would like to comment on that. We do have a small pot of money, $50,000, for the Nunavut economic forums. That’s basically for the training of economic development officers within the communities and we do use that for other training development.
They meet annually at a certain location that’s predetermined a year earlier.
K-5. $21,557,000.
I just have one question with regard to the NNI Policy, which is on the business plan on page 175.
It indicates that the NNI Secretariat is responsible for the NNI.
I’m just wondering when you would be examining the NNI Policy and when you will be tabling it in the leg.
I’ll have my deputy minister respond in detail with that.
There is a review of the NNI underway and I believe we will be ready to table the results of that at the spring session.
We’re on (interpretation ends) Economic Development. (interpretation) Total Operations and Maintenance. $21,557,000.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Transportation (interpretation) on K-6. $23,667,000.
You tabled the Nunavut Transportation Strategy in 2009. Your department’s draft 2011-14 business plan indicates that “Work on the implementation plan has been delayed due to divisional workload and uncertainty about availability of resources.”
Have these issues been resolved and what priorities are being addressed in the implementation plan?
With your permission and the committee’s permission, I would like to bring in my Assistant Deputy Minister of Transportation.
Does the committee agree that we have Methuselah Kunuk go to the witness table?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witness in.
Minister Taptuna, for the record, please introduce your official.
Thank you. Minister Taptuna.
This is Assistant Deputy Minister of Transportation Methuselah Kunuk.
Welcome, Methuselah.
There is a question on the floor if you would like to respond to it, Methuselah Kunuk.
Mr. Kunuk: Yes, we still have capacity issues in that area but we are working on it.
I would like to know if he can provide more details. Actually, I understand that it is being dealt with and that they are reviewing their options. Ever since this matter was taken on, how far has it progressed?
That’s my other question.
There is a supplementary question, Methuselah Kunuk.
Currently, in the (interpretation ends) Transportation Planning Division, (interpretation) we are trying to create another position that will assist the current employee, as they are too busy with their duties, so that we can move it forward.
Your department’s 2010-13 business plan indicates that one of its priorities was to “Complete the next phase of studies for the Nunavut-Manitoba Road” and that “The Business Case study is complete in final draft form, and is being reviewed by the governments of Nunavut and Manitoba.” When do you expect this review to be completed and will you table a copy of the study in the Legislative Assembly?
My assistant deputy minister will respond to that question in detail.
If you can respond to that question, Methuselah Kunuk.
Yes, the business case for the Manitoba-Nunavut Road has been completed, but we are still working on how to get it to the public and table it.
Also, your department’s draft 2011-14 business plan indicates that one of its 2011-12 priorities is to “Complete design of the Iqaluit Marine Facility if funding is made available.”
What is your department doing to secure funding?
We are actively lobbying the federal government, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the Department of Transportation, and we will require the firm support of the federal government in order to move forward with that project.
Also in your department’s 2010-13 business plan, you indicated that one of your 2011-12 priorities was to “Complete partnered studies with Transport Canada on feasibility of two Nunavut Ports, and on overall marine transportation needs of the territory.”
Your draft 2011-14 business plan indicates that “The contract for the feasibility study for ports in Pond Inlet, Rankin Inlet and Cambridge Bay has been awarded and work is underway.
Phase 1 of the Northern Transportation Systems Analysis is complete.”
When do you expect these feasibility studies to be completed and when will you table them in the leg.?
I don’t have those specific dates on the completion of the feasibility study, even though it has been awarded and work is underway. Once we get closer to the completion date, we will certainly inform the Committee of the Whole of its progress.
I have one more question. As of today, what is the status of your efforts to lobby the federal government for more support for the construction of small craft harbours?
I’ll have my assistant deputy minister respond to that.
Methuselah Kunuk.
As you know, we started one harbour so far in Pangnirtung. It’s still under construction and we are looking at other communities.
We’re lobbying the federal government and trying to get other communities to join. That is Qikiqtarjuaq right now.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Methuselah Kunuk.
I have no more names on my list. We are on K-6. $23,667,000.
We will now go back to page K-3. Detail of Expenditures. Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $58,355,000.
Do you agree that we have concluded with the main estimates for the Department of Economic Development?
Do you agree that we are done with that department?
Minister Taptuna, if you have any closing remarks.
Hon. Peter Taptuna: Yes, I do. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I want to thank my staff here for putting all of this information together, a lot of hard work, including the Department of Finance.
The questions, recommendations, and suggestions by the Committee of the Whole will be taken seriously and I appreciate the scrutiny and questions of the Committee of the Whole.
Again I want to thank some of the other departments that were involved in putting this business plan and our main estimates together.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Taptuna and your officials for their warm hospitality as always.
All those in favour of reporting progress, raise your hand.
Going to Item 21 in our Orders of the Day.
Your committee has been considering Bill 1 and the main estimates and I wish to report progress.
The Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove is the seconder.
Going to our orders of the day. Item 22.
A reminder to members that there’s a meeting of the Standing Committee on Legislation at nine o’clock in the Nanuq Boardroom.
Motion 3 – 3(3)
This House stands adjourned until tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. Have a restful evening.
>>House adjourned at 19:39
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Pages 432 – 495
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 437
Oral Questions 438
Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters 440
Tabling of Documents 440
Motions 442
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 442
Report of the Committee of the Whole 494
Orders of the Day 495
Wednesday, March 9, 2011 432
026 – 3(3): NHC Governance (Curley) 432
027 – 3(3): Upcoming 14th Nunavut Mining Symposium (Taptuna) 433
028 – 3(3): Comprehensive Implementation Plan (Arreak) 433
029 – 3(3): Multiple Options (Tootoo) 434
040 – 3(3): Pangaggujjiniq Nunavut Quest 2011 (Tapardjuk) 435
041 – 3(3): Nutrition North Canada Program (Elliott) 435
042 – 3(3): Clean Water for Arviarmiut (Shewchuk) 436
043 – 3(3): Medical Travel Concerns (Ningark) 437
073 – 3(3): RFP for Medical Travel (Ningark) 438
074 – 3(3): Small Craft Harbours (Ningeongan) 438
Committee Report 002 – 3(3): Bill 3, An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act (Ningeongan) 440
027 – 3(3): 2010 Annual Report from the Office of the Fire Marshal (Kusugak) 440
028 – 3(3): Nunavut Business Credit Corporation Business Plan 2010-2013 (Taptuna) 441
029 – 3(3): Nunavut Business Credit Corporation Business Plan 2011-2014 (Taptuna) 441
030 – 3(3): Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture (CCFAM) and the Atlantic Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Shewchuk) 441
031 – 3(3): Merit-based Salary Increases and One-time Performance-based Bonus Payments to Senior Managers 2007-2010 (Aariak) 441
032 – 3(3): Shared Directional Statement 2010-2011 (Peterson) 441
033 – 3(3): Nunavut Housing Corporation Contracting Report for the Year Ended March 31, 2010 (Curley) 441
002 – 3(3): Referral of Tabled Documents 248 – 3(2), 249 – 3(2), 251 – 3(2), 274 – 3(2), 275 – 3(2) (Elliott) 442
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2011-2012 – Consideration in Committee – Culture, Language, Elders and Youth 443
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2011-2012 – Consideration in Committee – Nunavut Arctic College 465
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2011-2012 – Consideration in Committee – Human Resources 473
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2011-2012 – Consideration in Committee – Environment 482
Minister’s Statement 026 – 3(3): NHC Governance (Curley)
I spoke recently of the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s determination to do the right thing and to work hard to restore the trust of Nunavutmiut.
Mr. Speaker, today I will speak about cabinet’s recent decision to amend the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s legislation for the creation of a board of directors.
This decision represents a fundamental change to the structure of the Nunavut Housing Corporation which will strengthen its governance and oversight. Mr. Speaker, this process is well underway.
Mr. Speaker, as highlighted by the Auditor General in her 2008 report on the Nunavut Housing Corporation, a board of directors will strengthen oversight over the corporation’s risk management capacity and its overall performance and ensure a more comprehensive approach to the corporation’s strategic direction.
In addition to creating a new board of directors, we are also restructuring the housing corporation’s senior management to ensure a more focused administration of the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s operations.
The reorganization of the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s senior management will ensure the president has the proper structure and support to effectively run the organization.
This will allow the president to better concentrate on accessing additional investments to address Nunavut’s housing needs.
Mr. Speaker, both the creation of a board of directors and the restructuring of the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s senior management demonstrate the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s and this government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Mr. Speaker, I trust I have successfully conveyed a clear message to my colleagues in the House.
This government and the Nunavut Housing Corporation are prepared to do the work and continue to keep the real target in sight.
We will continue to tackle the staggering housing challenges faced by Nunavut.
Minister’s Statement 027 – 3(3): Upcoming 14th Nunavut Mining Symposium (Taptuna)
Mr. Speaker, I would like to remind my colleagues and interested members of the public that the next Nunavut Mining Symposium will be held in Iqaluit this coming April 5 to 7.
The mining symposium is the largest and now one of the longest running annual events in Nunavut, with some 400 to 500 delegates expected to attend.
Delegates represent all of the major companies, Nunavut organizations, agencies, non-governmental organizations, service providers, and many hamlets from across the territory, including companies from around the country and around the world.
The symposium will follow a now established and successful format, with a full slate of talks on the Tuesday and Thursday of the symposium and a trade show on the Wednesday.
The 2011 symposium has as its theme, “Going Global,” in recognition of the growing trend of major international mining companies now investing in Nunavut.
Our own governmental mandate, Tamapta, highlights the importance of “enhancing our recognition in Canada and the world.”
Nunavut may not be well known in many of the capitals of the world, but in the mining industry capitals like Toronto, Vancouver, Denver, London, and Johannesburg, Nunavut is definitely on the map.
Mr. Speaker, both my department and INAC are founding and annual sponsors of the Nunavut Mining Symposium.
We regard support of the symposium as money well spent in building the key event for operators and stakeholders to come together, share information, do business, or come to an understanding.
The mining symposium is run by an independent society, by professionals drawn from industry, government, and Nunavut organizations like NTI.
The symposium has achieved a professional status rivalling that of any provincial or state meeting and has become a “must go” date on the calendar for anyone working with the Nunavut mineral industry.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage all persons interested in any aspect of the industry to attend the next symposium, a genuinely made-in-Nunavut event.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Minister. (interpretation ends) I look forward to attending. (interpretation) Minister of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth.
Minister’s Statement 028 – 3(3): Comprehensive Implementation Plan (Arreak)
Good afternoon to the people of Clyde River. Qikiqtarjuaq residents still cannot watch the proceedings on television, so I do not say “good day” to them.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, our language legislation is complex, so will be its implementation.
Under the leadership of my predecessor, the former Minister of Languages, Mr. Louis Tapardjuk, a remarkable advocate for the Inuit language and culture, Nunavummiut have been consulted on a number of occasions.
Departments of the Government of Nunavut and public agencies have also developed language plans to identify programs and services to ensure compliance with the language legislation – Official Language Act and Inuit Language Protection Act.
I am pleased to inform my colleagues that we are now in the final development stage of the government’s comprehensive implementation plan.
A draft version of the plan will tabled for MLA and stakeholder review in the spring of 2011.
This will ensure that we keep in line with our legal obligations to involve Inuit in the setting of priorities and consult with other language stakeholders.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, it is my intention to meet with leaders of Inuit organizations to discuss the government’s comprehensive implementation plan, as well as to present the plan to the French language community, business community, and municipalities.
I have extended my invitation to the federal government to participate in this review process.
After considering all feedback relevant to the plan and subject to any additional changes, a final version of the comprehensive implementation plan will be submitted to cabinet for review and approval.
I anticipate the tabling of the final comprehensive implementation plan to occur in the fall of 2011.
Minister’s Statement 029 – 3(3): Multiple Options (Tootoo)
I rise today to inform my colleagues about an exciting development in the Department of Education’s work in expanding the multiple options program in Nunavut schools.
In January, officials from cultural and heritage organizations across Nunavut met in Iqaluit to finalize plans for a history, heritage and culture graduation option to broaden students’ learning opportunities.
Inuit Heritage Trust has been a major partner in this initiative and their work in helping to determine course expectations, career pathways, and locate learning resources has been invaluable.
There are six planned multiple options streams, each with their own advisory group – introduction to trades and engineering, community caregiving and family studies, fine arts and crafts, information technology, entrepreneurship and small business studies, and history, heritage and culture.
Schools and district education authorities will work with communities to determine the most appropriate options to offer in their schools based on local employment opportunities and students’ interests.
The Department of Education is working with Nunavut Arctic College to ensure links from secondary option courses to post-secondary programs in the territory.
Mr. Speaker, multiple options will provide a grade 12 graduation opportunity for every student based on an area of specialization and interest.
Providing greater opportunity and enhancing prospects for our high school learners is a priority for the Government of Nunavut.
The multiple options program will certainly open doors for our students and their bright futures.
Member’s Statement 040 – 3(3): Pangaggujjiniq Nunavut Quest 2011 (Tapardjuk)
Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): A very good afternoon to you, Mr. Speaker, along with my esteemed colleagues.
Every spring in the Amittuq and the High Arctic region… . Personally I believe that the High Arctic communities should be termed Tiksittuq.
When an airplane is flying, we term it “Quttiktuq”, but when one is talking about the land, we should not call them Quttiktuq. I’ll call them Tiksittuq.
The Pangaggujjiniq group has, every year since 1999 when Nunavut was created, celebrated the Nunavut Quest with dog teams coming from Arctic Bay, Pond Inlet, Clyde River, Igloolik, Hall Beach, and Repulse Bay.
Mr. Speaker, this celebration is exactly the same age as the Territory of Nunavut, celebrating the traditional Inuit customs and culture, as well as our traditional transportation means.
They don’t just celebrate their customs and culture, but they try to retain these traditional skills.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to notify that the Pangaggujjiniq group will be setting off from Repulse Bay on April 6 and are scheduled to arrive in Hall Beach on April 13.
Again, Mr. Speaker, it will be interesting to see who the lead team is. There are three main dog team owners from Igloolik who are preparing for the trip to Repulse Bay. They are Joanasi Sarpinak, Lukie Airut, and Samuelie Amaaq.
They have made the preparations to go to Repulse Bay as they want to partake.
I would like to remind the representatives from Repulse Bay, Arctic Bay, Pond Inlet, and Clyde River to watch out for Igloolik because they may win this Nunavut Quest again.
Member’s Statement 041 – 3(3): Nutrition North Canada Program (Elliott)
I rise today to express my support for the Government of Canada’s decision to make adjustments to the Nutrition North Canada Program.
Mr. Speaker, I was in attendance at this morning’s news conference that was held in Iqaluit.
As members may be aware, the federal government has announced that it has “expanded the list of foods eligible for subsidy from the Government of Canada to include all food, as well as most non-food items until October 2012.”
The government has also stated that it is “continuing to explore additional options to assist retailers and suppliers in adjusting to the new program and will be announcing those shortly.”
Mr. Speaker, as you know, one of the issues that many of my colleagues have focused on is the importance of recognizing that many essential non-food items are exactly that, essential.
These include such products as diapers and dental care items, all of which are necessary components of healthy lifestyles.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank our Member of Parliament and the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs for having listened and acted.
I think that this is an excellent example of what we can achieve when we all work together and I want to again note the work of all Members of this House in raising awareness of the concerns of our constituents. I also want to thank all of my constituents in Grise Fiord, Resolute Bay, and Arctic Bay who have been talking with me in recent months about their concerns.
I think that today’s news shows all of our constituents across the territory that it is important to speak up, ask questions, and stay positive. We can make a difference.
Member’s Statement 042 – 3(3): Clean Water for Arviarmiut (Shewchuk)
First of all, I would like to say “hello” to all of my constituents in Arviat.
Mr. Speaker, I want to assure all of my constituents that I’m fully aware of the water situation in Arviat. I’m in constant communication with the mayor and the council on a daily basis to stay informed about the situation. I also want to assure residents that the water being delivered is safe.
I also want to inform all that I’m working closely with the hamlet council. With the assistance of my colleague and the Department of CG&S, we will continue to deal with the situation to ensure that Arviarmiut are supplied with a clean, safe water source for utilization.
I appreciate the member in heeding my advice about wearing better attire for our Assembly and hopefully in the future, he will continue to practice my advice because I noticed his team didn’t fare very well when he wore that tie.
Member’s Statement 043 – 3(3): Medical Travel Concerns (Ningark)
I expect, along with the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, the changes that he alluded to in his statement.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to follow up on an issue raised by my colleague from Nanulik, which are the difficult travelling conditions faced by our elders and our disabled and chronically ill medical clients.
Mr. Speaker, despite the fact that there are direct flights to some of our smaller communities from the larger centres, our medical travel clients are often placed on flights that stop in every community along the way.
It can be a very long and uncomfortable trip, especially for those who have mobility problems or less stamina.
Mr. Speaker, I recognize that the Department of Health and Social Services has initiated an RFP process for new medical travel contracts across all three regions, namely, the Baffin, the Kivalliq, and the Kitikmeot.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask that the minister and his officials give some consideration to including conditions in the new contracts which would improve the situation, especially for elders and those who are chronically ill or disabled.
Mr. Speaker, I am not asking that these individuals be given first class tickets every time they travel for medical care.
I would like to ask my colleagues, through you Mr. Speaker, for unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
There are none. You may proceed.
I thank my colleagues for that.
However, I am simply suggesting that better options should be given to our elders and others, like cancer patients for example, who tire quickly or get sick easily. We now have flights almost every day and many of them are direct. I feel that greater efforts could be made to ensuring that our elders, our disabled, and our chronically ill get home more quickly and more comfortably than they do now.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage the minister and his officials to give careful consideration to addressing this need during the upcoming round of contract negotiations for medical travel.
I would like to acknowledge an individual from Coral Harbour. Mr. Willie Nakoolak has been very instrumental in working with the HTO in Coral Harbour and he is also a member of the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board.
In particular, he has been very instrumental with the men’s group in Coral Harbour.
I ask that we acknowledge Mr. Willie Nakoolak from Coral Harbour.
I thank the member for wearing a beautiful looking tie today.
Question 073 – 3(3): RFP for Medical Travel (Ningark)
I have tried to make my tie acceptable to you, Mr. Speaker, because you can be quite fearful when you are talking about attire.
I would like to direct my question to my friend, the (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister for Health and Social Services.