EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, the minister had mentioned also in her response that the number of seniors that benefit from this subsidy changes from month to month.
In October, 477 seniors from across the territory received the Senior Citizens Supplementary Benefit.
Mr. Speaker, my next question, although the number is substantially higher than the question I had for the Minister of Finance last week with regard to the Fuel Tax Rebate Program, I think this program may be underutilized.
How does the application process work, as the number changes from month to month?
I also thank my colleague for requesting clarification on this issue.
The elder’s income tax return is used to determine the elder’s pension amounts by the federal government.
Similar to that, if a person is eligible for the elders’ pension, the amount they receive in benefits is also based on that return.
Question 301 – 4(2): Communications between Frontline Workers (Joanasie)
Mr. Speaker, one of my constituents recently faced a distressing situation when she took a child to the health centre to address an urgent concern.
The very next day, a social worker showed up to apprehend the child.
I am sure you can appreciate that this kind of situation does not encourage trust and confidence in our frontline workers.
Can the minister clarify what communication protocols are currently in place for health care staff to contact social services staff with respect to a client or a client’s children?
Numerous people go to the health centres and so I can’t be expected to know them all. I try to stay out of any individual incident.
However, there is a policy that if anyone has a complaint about their treatment in the hospital, then they can complain to the frontline staff and then to management. If they have a problem, then there are the medical travel people as well.
There are also patient relations officers available as well.
We also work with the Department of Family Services.
Sometimes medical clients are referred by social services for medical treatment.
While I appreciate that our health care workers and social services workers are looking out for the well-being of children, it should be clear that when a caregiver brings a child to a health centre, they too are looking out for the well-being of the child.
Will the minister explain what procedures should be followed if a health care worker has concerns about a client?
I thought I stated who patients can complain to.
If you went to the Department of Family Services, then you have to ask them what their transportation policies are.
If you go to the doctor or health centre, then you go to the medical travel staff to complain. If you don’t like their response, you can go to the patient relations officer. That is how the process is set up.
Yes, we know that there is a place where they can go to complain. I don’t know if it is utilized much, but I would like to ask the minister another question.
Mr. Speaker, I recognize that misunderstandings can occur and from time to time, frontline workers may make mistakes in determining the true circumstances of a situation.
Can the minister commit to ensuring that health care workers follow the appropriate procedures and protocols when they communicate concerns about clients to other frontline care workers?
Nurses for whom we are fortunate for coming to the Arctic are also given orientation and people who go to the doctors are given pamphlets that explain the procedures that will be used during their medical treatment and what phone numbers they need to call.
There are resources that are available to them. At the health centres, there is always a phone listing of people they can call.
Question 302 – 4(2): Options for Housing Construction (Sammurtok)
Good day to the residents of Rankin Inlet and Nunavut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would like to direct my question to the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
Mr. Speaker, as the minister will recall, in June, I asked questions about alternative options for providing housing in our communities.
It has been brought to my attention that when the Nunavut Housing Corporation issues tenders for construction, it is always for five or ten units at a time.
Can the minister indicate whether any consideration has been given to contracting work on a smaller scale for one or two units at a time so that smaller contractors could have an opportunity to bid on the projects?
In regard to his question, that is, indeed, the direction the housing corporation has taken.
Mr. Speaker, whenever we build standalone units, the material is always more expensive and that’s the reason why we have been moving to build what we have been building.
Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I appreciate that contracting projects to larger companies may allow for an economy of scale.
However, it is also important to support small businesses and encourage local training, apprenticeship, and economic opportunities.
Will the minister consider contracting smaller construction projects like one-unit or two-unit projects in order to stimulate the local economy?
As I indicated earlier, we have been building five-plex and ten-plex units.
Mr. Speaker, it is obvious that it’s more expensive to build smaller units.
Whatever money we save is used to build more houses in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, with contractors, we make sure they know whom they can subcontract in the smaller communities, which is usually the procedure we follow.
I can use as an example M&I projects to maintain and improve houses and other programs.
Mr. Speaker, that’s the way we will continue to support smaller companies in the communities.
Question 303 – 4(2): Airport Mobile Equipment (Rumbolt)
Good afternoon to the people of Sanikiluaq and the people of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, during question period a few days ago, I asked a number of questions to the Minister of Community and Government Services concerning the government’s Surplus Disposal Policy.
In his answers to me, he indicated that it is the responsibility of individual departments to report surplus assets to the Department of Community and Government Services for disposal through the public tender process.
As the minister will recall, his department’s 2012-13 capital estimates included funding for the acquisition of a new plow truck for Sanikiluaq’s airport.
The equipment has been operational for over a year now.
However, the airport’s old plow truck has not yet gone through the government’s surplus disposal process and continues to sit outside facing the elements.
Can the minister explain why it is taking such a long period of time for his department to undertake the necessary work to have this piece of equipment go through the surplus disposal process?
Mr. Speaker, I can’t respond to his question at this time. It’s not only our department. We have to work together with the Department of Community and Government Services.
I cannot respond to the question at this time.
As I stated in my first preamble, it’s that department’s responsibility to report it to CGS before they can go through the process.
That’s why I was asking the question. I will move on to my next question.
Each year, the Department of Economic Development and Transportation brings forward hundreds of thousands of dollars in its capital estimates for the acquisition of new airport mobile equipment.
I would imagine that the situation which I described is occurring in Sanikiluaq is probably happening in other communities.
Will the minister commit to having his department undertake a comprehensive inventory of mobile equipment assets at Nunavut airports to determine which ones should go through the government’s surplus disposal process before the surplus equipment ends up in our communities’ dumps?
My department can look into this issue regarding the government’s surplus disposal process.
It could be part of the review process within our department.
Today, I have only mentioned one example of GN surplus vehicles sitting in the community for long periods of time before going through the GN’s formal disposal process.
I have other examples of similar situations with other GN departments, and I am sure other communities have similar situations throughout Nunavut.
Will the minister commit to having his officials work with their counterparts in other departments to ensure that proper disposal procedures are followed throughout the Government of Nunavut?
As per my previous response, this is what we keep reiterating as a government.
With respect to the department that is in my portfolio related to his question, we have continued to collaborate with other departments to ensure that surplus assets or vehicles in our department follow the protocol and we continue to collaborate with our partner departments. (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 304 – 4(2): Solid Waste Management in Arviat (Savikataaq)
Mr. Speaker, Arviat’s integrated community infrastructure sustainability plan was published on March 8, 2011 and it indicates that the community’s current landfill is at capacity.
I recognize that the Legislative Assembly recently approved the department’s 2015-16 capital estimates, which indicated that $288,000 in third party funding has previously been allocated to a solid waste improvement project in Arviat.
I also recognize that on the occasion of the Committee of the Whole’s recent consideration of his department’s 2015-16 capital estimates, the minister indicated that negotiations for the Building Canada Fund agreement between the federal government and Nunavut are ongoing.
Can the minister confirm that the solid waste improvement project in Arviat will be a priority for his department once the Building Canada Fund agreement is finalized?
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Regarding the member’s question, the Building Canada Fund agreement hasn’t been finalized yet, but the Gas Tax Fund has been approved.
We can utilize those funds to work on the solid waste improvements for Arviat.
As the minister will recall, I previously asked him a number of questions regarding waste management in my community of Arviat.
On March 19, 2014, the minister indicated that his department would be consulting with the municipality on issues related to waste management and the location of landfills.
Can the minister indicate if his department has had these consultations and, if so, what were the outcomes of those consultations?
We are currently working on solid waste management and what improvements can be made.
In November, the (interpretation ends) Nunavut Association of Municipal Administrators (interpretation) will be having a meeting in Rankin Inlet and we will be submitting a written statement at that time.
On March 19, 2014, the minister also indicated that his department was “investigating the feasibility of incineration as a solid waste management strategy for Nunavut.”
Can the minister indicate if his department will be installing an incinerator in Arviat as part of the solution to manage the community’s solid waste problems?
In regard to your question about incinerators, we have a draft strategy where we have included the investigation of the feasibility of incineration as a solid waste management strategy. We haven’t finalized the report yet. Once that report is released, the incinerator issue will be clarified.
Question 305 – 4(2): Housing Associations and Authorities (Mapsalak)
Mr. Speaker, the local housing organizations fall under different types in Nunavut and they are in the process of being updated. There housing associations that are being turned into housing authorities.
Mr. Speaker, could the minister explain exactly what increased authority and responsibilities that a housing association gains when they become a housing authority?
With respect to my colleague’s question about the differences between a local housing (interpretation ends) association (interpretation) and a local housing organization, or in an association becoming an (interpretation ends) authority, (interpretation) what are the differences?
With respect to local housing associations’ duties, as an example, there is no real change in the daily operational matters by an association. If they were to upgrade to becoming an authority, most of their duties would continue. The community’s responsibilities would continue.
With respect to appointments, either through appointments or other notices used by the association following the (interpretation ends) Societies Act, (interpretation) which lays out the changes caused by becoming an authority, it isn’t that different in that regard. That is what I can tell the member.
The minister just stated that there is no real difference between an association and an authority.
Do they get elected in the same way when they become authorities?
Who elects them?
That would be the only slight difference with the board of directors for an association that is elected locally.
Once they become an authority, the community makes a recommendation to the government for appointment as to who they want to serve on the authority’s board of directors.
The minister would then appoint those individuals to the housing authority.
If only I could ask one more supplementary question, I could get a better understanding.
However, once they become a housing authority, are they given more powers over their operations as they serve their communities?
Are they given more decision-making authority than when they were associations? Could the minister clarify the difference?
As I stated earlier, there is a difference between an association and an authority. When an association becomes an authority, their roles and responsibilities in their communities change very slightly.
Question 306 – 4(2): Abuse of Income Support – Need for Policy (Enook)
Good afternoon to the people of Nunavut, especially to the people of Pond Inlet, Qikiqtarjuaq, and Clyde River.
Welcome to the Assembly’s proceedings.
As the minister is aware, I have been alluding to the concern that we have as Nunavummiut regarding income support abuse. Many of us believe that there is a certain level of income support abuse in Nunavut.
Yesterday, Member for Quttiktuq, Mr. Shooyook, asked a question about this issue.
My question is based on the Blues dated Tuesday, November 4, 2014, on page 23.
I know the Blues are not finalized.
However, when the minister was asked a question by Mr. Shooyook yesterday in regard to income support and how it can be utilized better by the clients, the minister responded by saying, and I quote, “Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
We don’t have the authority to tell our clients what they should be spending their social assistance payments because there is nothing in the policy that says that.”
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask: since there are no regulations, will the minister be willing to make new regulations in regard to this?
I would also like to thank the Member for Tununiq for asking for clarification on income support.
My prior response to the Member for Quttiktuq yesterday is that yes, it is true that there are no regulations on how income support funds should be used. However, when clients go to their appointments, we believe that they are there to get income support funds to purchase foodstuffs.
(interpretation ends) The Department of Family Services has a process to deal with verified fraud of the Social Assistance Program.
How the Department of Family Services responds in cases of client fraud or abuse of the Social Assistance Program is governed by specific policies outlined in the Social Assistance Act and regulations.
For cases of fraud under $1,000, the client will be suspended from the Income Assistance Program for a period of 60 days and required to repay the amount.
For cases of fraud over $1,000, the case must be referred to the Deputy Minister of Family Services, who consults with the comptroller general about possible RCMP investigation.
In these cases, the client is still suspended from the program and required to repay the amount.
Just to get clarification, yesterday, the minister stated that there are no regulations on how income support should be utilized.
Now you’re saying that if there’s fraud, there are financial consequences. I don’t understand at all.
You mentioned fraud in English and you stated that there are no regulations when you say that they can use income support for anything.
Which one is the reality, Mr. Speaker?
I would also like to thank the Member for Tununiq for asking for clarification.
The Income Support Policy is now being reviewed. Social workers know that the policy is old and that it was grandfathered from the Northwest Territories when it was transferred after division.
We’re now reviewing the regulations and then we will have a better regime in place in 2015 with amendments instituted.
As a result, clients of income support in Nunavut will be subject to certain expectations.
In order to make this clear, I will speak in English. (interpretation ends) There is an expectation that clients who receive assistance use it to meet their basic needs and those of their family.
The people of Nunavut, I’m sure, have expectations that the funds from social assistance are going to be used properly.
The minister said that they believe that the clients use the income support properly, even though we actually see clients abusing those funds. However, from your department’s perspective, you believe the program is being properly used, even though we keep saying that we still witness such abuse.
It seems what we see is an illusion when you say that the program is being properly used.
It’s my understanding that the program is being reviewed. I was once told that we cannot do as we wish with the human rights of any individual, but it turns out that does not need to be the case.
Will they be able to put in regulations rather than being concerned about individual rights?
I don’t understand the latter part of the question.
Once I get clarification of the question, I can get back to the member with a response.
Speaker (interpretation): I will allow the member to please rephrase his question for clarity, Mr. Enook.
I thought I was very clear.
I don’t know if it was last spring’s session or before when I was asking questions in regard to this. I was asking why there is no policy on how income support assistance can be utilized.
The minister replied by saying that we do things in a way that have an impact on an individual person’s rights and that this was being reviewed.
We all remember what the minister said on the review here in the House that we cannot change this issue because of how it affects individual rights.
My question is: through the review, is there now a better understanding that you can make policy by putting this issue of individual rights alone?
I also would like to thank the Member for Tununiq for his question.
When a client receives assistance, there are no regulations on the right of clients to spend the money as they wish.
That is all I can reply to the member.
Question 307 – 4(2): Seniors’ Programs Eligibility (Mikkungwak)
Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I say “good afternoon” to the people of Baker Lake and Nunavut.
My question is directed to the Minister of Family Services. (interpretation ends) My question will be to the Minister of Family Services.
I have a large constituency of elders within my community also. I believe I did ask some questions last year.
In reference to the return to oral question from Mr. Hickes, my first question will be regarding the senior fuel subsidy and Senior Citizens Supplementary Benefit.
My first question to that is, considering that I did ask another minister, the age requirement varies from NTI, government, and federal government, when you look at these two programs, are the age requirements the same?
Thank you to the member from Baker Lake for asking the question.
The Government of Canada, in budget 2012, announced three changes. The age of eligibility for Old Age Security pension and Guaranteed Income Supplement will gradually increase from 65 to 67 over six years starting in April 2023.
The age eligibility for allowance and allowance for survivors will also gradually increase from 60 to 62.
As of July 2013, a voluntary deferral of OAS pension allows you to delay receipt of your OAS pension by up to 60 months after the first date of eligibility in exchange for a higher monthly amount. (interpretation) That’s what we follow, Mr. Speaker.
I understand there are some changes occurring. At the same time, when we look at the changes that are occurring to these subsidies or these programs that should be helping our elders within our territory, my first supplementary question here would be: when we look at all these changes, has the minister advocated on behalf of us, being the minister, considering the cost of living and considering the fact that the last increase to assist the elders within our territory was, I believe, 2018?
Ah, 2008.
I heard (interpretation ends) “To the future and beyond.” (interpretation) My officials are listening. I’ll ask them after the session to get clarification on that. Once I get that information, I’ll provide it to my colleague.
Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Ma’nalluavik.
Can the minister also look into, when we look at all these programs, seeing that the cost of living has really increased within our territory and no doubt, there are a number of elders within our territory… ?
Can there be more educational programs or more assistance to our elders within the territory considering that some of these may have deadline submissions?
With respect to the deadline he asked in his supplementary question, I didn’t understand it.
However, with respect to the deliberations on these issues, we collaborate with the Department of Finance on all of the various benefits if changes are going to occur.
For the fiscal year 2015, we are expecting that changes may be implemented at that time.
Question 308 – 4(2): Baffin Correctional Centre (Angnakak)
Mr. Speaker, I recognize that the Legislative Assembly recently approved the Department of Justice’s 2015-16 capital estimates, which included $850,000 in funding for “life safety renovations” to the Baffin Correctional Centre.
Can the minister indicate if the Baffin Correctional Centre is currently in compliance with statutory requirements under such statutes as the Safety Act and the Fire Prevention Act and, if not, can the minister indicate what specific safety deficiencies currently exist in the facility?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am aware that the Baffin Correctional Centre is continually being reviewed and renovated. In addition, they try to follow all regulations that are in place.
Can the minister indicate how often the Baffin Correctional Centre is inspected by the Office of the Fire Marshal?
The Office of the Fire Marshal isn’t under my portfolio, but I can commit to checking into the question and I will speak directly with the minister next to me.
Can the minister indicate if his department currently has an emergency plan for the relocation of inmates in case of extensive damage or closure of the Baffin Correctional Centre?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are always reviewing these plans to see how we can make improvements and what contingencies there are for any emergency.
The staff try to be available at all times in this area.
Question 309 – 4(2): Housing Associations and Authorities (Mapsalak)
Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to expand on my earlier question.
Local housing associations are elected by the people of the community and it is the elected board who selects their manager.
Once they become an authority, does the appointed board decide who will manage them? Who will manage the local housing authority?
If I understood the question properly, this was asked previously.
Mr. Speaker, they are called authorities and they are responsible for the delivery of public housing programs and services in the community. They will continue to perform the same duties as they did previously as an association.
The work just proceeds as it normally would.
I’m just trying to understand if local housing boards continue to pick their own manager like before.