EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) As I indicated earlier, our lands division in my department will be visiting all of the communities throughout Nunavut to ensure that everybody understands what this plebiscite entails. (interpretation) Thank you.
If the minister has that information and they’re going to be travelling to communities to explain to hamlets, municipalities, and the City of Iqaluit what this plebiscite entails, maybe the minister could inform us right here what it entails.
I also thank the member for that question. I don’t have the exact details of this plebiscite with me, but once I have the information provided to me, I will inform the member about the issue he asked about.
Question 262 – 4(2): Economic Plans Following Mine Closure (Mikkungwak)
Several days ago, I asked several questions directed to the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation.
The questions were based on my concern about the Meadowbank gold mine operated by Agnico-Eagle.
It will eventually close, as we know of their mine closure plans.
Since mining companies are not like governments and they operate on a 24-hour basis, work is constantly continuing on mining the deposit to ensure revenue flows in. Work continues at all hours, both day and night mining operations.
With respect to that issue, I would like to ask the minister if he has any new information about this mine to update us on.
Speaker (interpretation): I’m sorry, but I didn’t hear which minister you’re directing your question to.
My question is directed to the Minister of Economic Development.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I thank my colleague for that question.
Mr. Speaker, what I can speak about today related to the member’s question about the Meadowbank gold mine outside of Baker Lake is that the company’s exploration division that drills to look for reserves has been looking ever since the mine was opened. They are mining for gold and exploring for more proven reserves.
With that, they have continued to explore the surrounding lands for any showings aside from their proven reserves. The company, Agnico-Eagle, had them exploring outside of the mine site.
What I can tell the member is that there was an announcement this summer from Agnico-Eagle about a potential new reserve near Meadowbank, slightly north of the existing deposit, and they are continuing to explore it.
The Meadowbank mine life is still scheduled to end in 2017-18, when the mine closure phase will kick in.
However, it was very good to hear about their finding another deposit extending the mine life, particularly for residents of Baker Lake who work at the mine. Additionally, that was welcome news throughout the Kivalliq region as workers come from all over to work at the Meadowbank gold mine.
That is what I can respond with in relation to the member’s question.
In listening to the response, it is, indeed, a piece of great news, especially since many Inuit work at the mine, as employment is quite beneficial to the community, obviously.
Since the minister has been informed about the mine closure phase to commence at Meadowbank in 2017-18, although that is the current plan, with the new finding now, will this extend the life of the mine and does the minister know how much longer it will extend the mine life? That is what I now wish to understand.
The announcement about the find didn’t include the lifespan extension of the mine and this information has yet to be released by the mining company at Meadowbank, but they are continuing to explore and prove their reserves in that new showing.
If the new reserve is to be developed, it would trigger several mandatory requirements, such as going through the NIRB environmental process, and if it is approved to proceed, then they can start working on the new reserve by following the regulatory requirements.
Nonetheless, as per my earlier statement about the planned closure for the year 2017-18, and it would have gone ahead, but due to the size of their new gold reserves at Meadowbank, they have come up with a preliminary estimate which hasn’t been confirmed. We are hoping they will make an announcement after more work to prove this reserve. The preliminary estimate indicated that the lifespan of the mine could be extended possibly to 2022.
In listening to the information, if this potential will be developed at Meadowbank, it depends on some factors.
Although this new reserve seems to extend the life of the mine, if the reserve is, indeed, large enough and if it is high-grade ore, then they will look to develop the reserve.
However, all mines have closure dates.
In the immediate future, will the Department of Economic Development and Transportation be requesting that a meeting be held in Baker Lake about the future closure of the Meadowbank mine?
Further, if there are strategic meetings on alternative sources of economic development for Baker Lake, then the local bodies can start planning for the closure.  Is this something the department has taken into consideration?
That is what I want to understand now.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The member raised that issue several days ago.
As I indicated in my response, the Department of Economic Development and Transportation has continued to develop plans in Baker Lake and for every Nunavut community related to economic development and we will continue to make this a priority. Additionally, the programs and services provided by my department will continue to be offered to every community. If we receive a request to attend… .
It is obvious that our government has plans related to the member’s concern about the impacts of the closure of the mine and the need to have strategic plans prior to the closure, but that will include various other departments. Perhaps the entire government will have to take the closure into consideration and deal with the potential concerns of the community on this issue.
Question 263 – 4(2): Technical Professionals Scholarship Program (Angnakak)
My question is to the Minister of CGS.
A few days ago, the Minister of CGS read out his Minister’s Statement regarding the announcement of the recipients of this year’s Technical Professional Studies Scholarship. It’s a long name.
Can the minister tell us what criteria for eligibility are used to apply under this program?
With respect to my previous Minister’s Statement the member referred to, I don’t seem to have a copy in front of me. However, I will look into the matter and once I have the information, I can pass that to my colleague who asked that question.
I’ll try my second question.
It’s about the same program.
I’m wondering if the minister knows how the successful applicants are chosen.
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) My understanding is that there’s a committee from the educational institution and also from my department as well that looks at the applicants and decides which applicants would be awarded those scholarships. (interpretation) Thank you.
Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I look forward to receiving that information to confirm.
My last question is: once the students who have been successful applicants have completed his or her studies, are there any requirements for the student to commit to a number of years working for the GN?
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Of course, our hope is that these students will return to Nunavut, whether they work in the government or in the private sector. That would be their choice.
However, we hope, as a government, that they will return to Nunavut and become contributing citizens to our economy. (interpretation) Thank you.
Question 264 – 4(2): Baffin Island Caribou Management (Savikataaq)
I would like to question the Minister of Environment on his Minister’s Statement from today.
In his statement, he says that Baffin Island caribou used to be well over 100,000 and now they’re approximately 5,000, which is a decline of 95 percent. He also stated that they want to have a plan to move forward so that our grandchildren can benefit from the recovery.
He admits that the recovery may take many years and possibly decades, but he is committed to revitalizing the Baffin Island caribou.
I’m aware that on November 3 and 4, they’re having caribou meetings. Is the total ban on caribou hunting on Baffin Island on the table?
With respect to the matter the member raised in his question, I can respond with this answer: no, I don’t support that recommendation.
If I understood the gist of his question about the need for a total ban on caribou, at this time, what I can state is that I can’t support this idea.
Just for clarity then, caribou hunting will continue on Baffin Island.
That’s part of the recovery plan, but hunting will still be permitted no matter what plan they come with.
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This matter will also be part of the deliberations in the upcoming week.
At that meeting, the delegates will be seriously considering their options related to caribou management here on Baffin Island.
Once the meeting wraps up, we will have a better idea of what action items are needed within the Baffin Island caribou management process.
On my first question, the minister stated that a total ban of hunting is not on the table. I just asked the minister how the caribou are expected to recover.
With the hunting going at the same rate, is there going to be a restriction then or are we just going to continue hunting them as they are today?
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Actually, I didn’t state that a proposed ban on caribou hunting wasn’t part of the deliberations.
I didn’t say that and I want it clearly understood.
This is one of the options under consideration, and this is what I am stating here.
The committee will consider all options related to caribou management and the reason why I can’t provide any details at this time is that the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement has provisions related to this and we are following them to the letter. There is no way other than through the process laid out in it.
Also, we have to reconcile the government research data as well as Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, and to engage our hunters so they can share their knowledge. That also includes the HTOs within the Baffin region.
After these organizations and delegates have conducted their work and provided their recommendations, my department will have some serious considerations to review and make their decisions on.
However, what I want clearly understood here is that the total ban on caribou hunting and whether it is part of the deliberations is something I can’t reveal. Nevertheless, what I can state is that prior to the completion of the meeting next week that will provide recommendations, I don’t support the idea of a total ban.
Item 12. Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters. Mr. Hickes.
Committee Report 006 – 4(2): Report on the Review of the 2012-2013 Annual Report and 2014-2018 Corporate Plan of the Qulliq Energy Corporation (Hickes)
I rise today to present the report of the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts on its review of the 2012-13 annual report and 2014-18 corporate plan of the Qulliq Energy Corporation.
The Qulliq Energy Corporation’s 2012-13 annual report was tabled in the Legislative Assembly on March 19, 2014.
The Qulliq Energy Corporation’s 2014-18 corporate plan was tabled in the Legislative Assembly on June 12, 2014.
The Qulliq Energy Corporation plays a significant role in Nunavut’s economy and the day-to-day lives of residents.
The Qulliq Energy Corporation’s current corporate plan anticipates that it will raise approximately $135 million in revenue during the 2014-15 fiscal year and spend approximately $113 million on fuel and other operating expenses.
The Qulliq Energy Corporation has approximately 200 positions in Nunavut’s 25 communities.
The Qulliq Energy Corporation’s primary source of revenue is the sale of power to residential customers, businesses, and other entities.
*See Appendix for full text of Committee Report 6 – 4(2).
The Qulliq Energy Corporation differs from the government’s departments and other major Crown agencies and territorial corporations insofar as its annual operations and maintenance budget and annual capital budget are not appropriated by the Legislative Assembly through the main estimates and capital estimates approval process.
Mr. Speaker, this process, which is undertaken through the proceedings of the Legislative Assembly’s Committee of the Whole, provides elected Members of the Legislative Assembly with the opportunity to directly question witnesses in detail on planned expenditures and initiatives prior to voting on the requested appropriation.
Consequently, in the interest of transparency and accountability, the standing committee undertook to hold a hearing on the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s most recently tabled annual report and current corporate plan.
The September 23, 2014 appearance of the president of the Qulliq Energy Corporation before the Standing Committee took place in the Chamber of the Legislative Assembly.
The standing committee’s hearing was televised live across the territory and was open to the public and news media to observe from the Visitors’ Gallery.
The transcript from the standing committee’s hearing is available on the Legislative Assembly’s website.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to highlight the thematic areas that the standing committee has addressed in its report:
The standing committee’s report notes that there are a number of entities and individuals which have roles within the corporation’s governance framework, and that there has been a lack of public clarity as to where final decision-making authority rests with respect to a number of important matters.
The standing committee’s report makes recommendations in this area. It also recommends that the Qulliq Energy Corporation Act be amended to require the establishment of an audit committee of the corporation’s board of directors.
Contracting, procurement, and leasing.
The standing committee’s report makes recommendations concerning the corporation’s transparency in this area, in addition to the issue of the application of the NNI Policy to the corporation, as well as the status of the corporation’s work to address the recommendations that were contained in the 2012 Report of the Auditor General on Procurement of Goods and Services.
Organizational design and Inuit employment initiatives.
The standing committee’s report addresses concerns that have arisen with respect to the corporation’s organizational design and levels of Inuit employment.
Capital planning and alternative energy initiatives. The standing committee’s recent hearing on the 2012-13 annual report and 2014-18 corporate plan of the Qulliq Energy Corporation featured extensive consideration of these issues, and the standing committee’s report contains a number of recommendations in these areas.
The standing committee’s report also addresses the issue of the government’s Affordable Energy Fund.
Contaminated sites. The standing committee’s recent hearing on the 2012-13 annual report and 2014-18 corporate plan of the Qulliq Energy Corporation also featured extensive consideration of the issue of contaminated sites that were inherited from the federal Northern Canada Power Commission.
The standing committee’s report contains recommendations that are intended to achieve greater public clarity concerning the status of this important issue.
Hon. Minister Ms. Ugyuk.
Tabled Document 047 – 4(2): FPT Ministerial Report on the Forum of Labour Market (Ugyuk)
I am pleased to table the FPT Ministerial Report on the Forum of Labour Market Ministers’ Meeting in Charlottetown, PEI, during July 2014.
Before we proceed to the Committee of the Whole, we will break for lunch and report back at 1:30.
>>House recessed at 11:43 and Committee resumed at 13:31
Mr. Chairman, we wish to continue with the review of the capital appropriations of the Department Health, followed by Nunavut Arctic College, the Department of Justice, the Department of Family Services, and the Department of Environment.
Are we in agreement that we first deal with the capital estimates for the Department of Health?
Chairman (interpretation) Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) Is the committee agreed to bringing in the witnesses?
Sergeant-at-Arms, please assist the officials.
(interpretation) Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister Ell, please introduce your staff.
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. To my right is my Deputy Minister, Colleen Stockley, and to my left is Rosemary Keenainak.
I might have to invite this official to go to the table and that is the Director of Corporate Services, Johan Glaudemans.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) Members, we were on page H-3. Directorate.
General comments? (interpretation) General comments? There are none. (interpretation ends) Health.
I’m wondering if the minister could tell us more about the Baffin Regional Hospital. Once the renovations are complete, what kind of services are you going to be offering out of there?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Health, Minister Ell.
We expect October 2015 to be our target date for completion. In regard to the programs and services, there will be a clinic once the renovations are completed. Some offices are situated in the Qikiqtani General Hospital.
Sometimes we have to go upstairs, but they will be going back to the outpatient clinic area.
There is also a specialist clinic for when specialists arrive.
They utilize that area. It will also be used for the family practice clinic and the pharmacist will be situated there.
Thank you to the minister for her detailed answer.
What is the current status of staff housing?
You have three facilities in Rankin Inlet, Cambridge Bay, and Iqaluit that offer health.
They’re more regional. Do you have a long-term housing strategy for the health professionals?
I’ll ask my assistant deputy minister to respond, through you, Mr. Chairman.
Ms. Keenainak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman We do have some staffing issues in Cambridge Bay in terms of the second floor of the Cambridge Bay facility.
We are working with the housing corporation in terms of staff housing needs in all of our communities because they are the ones who are responsible for staff housing across the GN. Just recently, they asked for a listing of staff housing needs across all of our communities and we provided that recently.
We are working with the housing corporation.
Thinking about regional centres and that, Nunavut residents are still required to travel to other jurisdictions for such medical services as dialysis and cancer treatment.
What recent steps has your department made so that Nunavut residents requiring specialized services can receive them at the regional health facilities in the territory? For example, we have a CT scan here. Can any of the patients coming from, let’s say, the Kivalliq, come here instead of going to Winnipeg?
And would that save money?
When the patients from surrounding communities arrive in Iqaluit, they use that CT scan. We consider that to be more cost-effective. We have been saving money since we started utilizing the CT scan since patients from the surrounding communities have been able to come to Iqaluit to take the CT scan.
In the past, we used to wait for many weeks to get the results for X-rays, sometimes two weeks or more. We’re able to send them out through the computer; we can send digital pictures.
It’s very cost-effective. We save money.
In regard to dialysis services in Nunavut, I believe there are six patients. It would be quite expensive to get a dialysis machine, but I’m sure that as the population grows, we can consider this in more detail some time in the future.
I believe that we can consider that in the future, but we have no plans to get a dialysis machine in the meantime.
Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation) Thank you for your proper response. (interpretation ends) Documentation provided with the 2014-15 capital estimates earlier this year by the Department of Community and Government Services indicated that consideration was being given to including long-term care beds in newly built community health centres.
Has any consideration been given to having long-term care beds or palliative care beds in the Qikiqtani General Hospital?
I would like to have my Assistant Deputy Minister, Ms. Keenainak, respond to the question.
Currently, it’s still being renovated and currently, the plan right now is for one palliative bed.
As we’re working on the long-term needs assessment, we will be looking at how we can best utilize some of our facilities.
Until that hospital is kind of more operational and all those services move back into that facility, we will reassess that.
That’s one of the reasons why we’re putting in a request to modify Cambridge Bay for that same reason now that has been operational. Once it is done, we will reassess it.
In the past years, the Baffin Regional Hospital struggled to receive necessary accreditation as a Canadian hospital.
What is the current accreditation status of the Qikiqtani General Hospital, and do you anticipate any future challenges in this area?
The current accreditation expires next year. We are looking to have certain staff set aside to deal with how to move forward to maintain the accreditation.
I would like to go to something else.
As you will have noted yesterday, we talked in the House a lot about elder care.
I’m just wondering, as a department, if you can elaborate on what planning has gone on so far in regard to even your discussions with other departments within the government in how you’re going to address elder care and when elders need 24-hour care service. We really don’t have the facilities to address that need right now.
If you can just talk a little bit about what the plans are and where you’re going in that area as a department.
As we have indicated, we are doing a long-term care assessment and needs assessment for Nunavut. This has just begun.
We have currently called through teleconference with some communities.
The participants are the mayors, SAOs, and elders, as identified by council members. We have contacted NTI and we will be contacting the Inuit associations in each of the regions.
We’re also working with other departments, such as Family Services, as we will be partnering on the planning because they also operate elders facilities.
We are also working with the Nunavut Housing Corporation and Culture and Heritage on the seniors file, as well as the Nunavut Housing Corporation, as we just mentioned earlier, on the dwellings in terms of assisted living for the homes for elders.
Health and Family Services are working together to organize residential placements.
I don’t have any more questions. I just want to say that I look forward to hearing more about that as you go forward in your developments.
That’s a really important area or one of the important areas.
Thank you. That’s it. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Good afternoon and welcome, Madam Minister and your officials.
I will first focus on your opening comments.
On page 2, it states that “In September 2013, the department began construction of the new community health centre in Taloyoak and it is expected to be completed by March 2015.
The department is requesting $50,000 in 2015-16 for the closeout phase of the project.” I would like clarification on exactly what the closeout phase of the project means.
I’ll start with that.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister, Minister Ell.
The $50,000 is generally used at the end of the project or at the completion of the project so that there can be an assessment on the work that has been completed. That’s usually the amount that is given at the end of the project.
There has to be a review or an assessment done at the end.