EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Total Capital, nil.
Therefore the total expenditures for the Directorate is 12 million 255 thousand.
There is a question from one of the members.
Mr. Chairman this is the Directorate and covers emergency services.
I am wondering if the Minister could provide us with some detail in regards to that division.
It is something that there does not seem to be a whole lot of detail or any detail on these services here in the Main Estimates.
I wonder if he could provide us with that information.
Chairperson (interpretation): There is a question in respect to emergency services by a member.
Perhaps the Deputy Minister Mr. Ferris, can respond.
Mr. Ferris.
In the emergency services division there will be eleven PY’s.
We have identified special initiative funding of 350 thousand to improve and enhance our fire prevention training.
That is coupled with some additional dollars for general training in the EMO.
There is also, within the travel and transportation amount, which would be under your other operations & maintenance figure, would be the dollars for the travel by the staff of emergency services into communities.
We are looking at enhancing the preventative side of, whether it is search and rescue, or fire training.
There is a enhanced budget for that in what is being proposed here.
There is also, we want to breakdown the fire training dollars a little better.
There is 150 thousand that we will hold in headquarters to allocate to new training initiatives.
The regions will get 50 thousand in the Baffin, 50 thousand in the Keewatin, and 88 thousand in the Kitikmeot, because there are some commitments to enhancing training given the major school fire there.
We will be offering training for fire-fighters in three levels.
Basic fire fighting, fire investigation, and fire command officer training.
That is part and parcel of the Directorate operation.
Maybe just for clarification, I don’t know if I should ask it here as it is emergency services, or ask it in transportation.
In regards to the services that are going to be developed for the airport. I am just wondering if that is something that is more properly addressed in the transportation part.
Maybe I could just ask for some clarification on that.
Mr. Ferris: In the emergency services branch will also be what was known as the protective services unit for airports.
It will be a combined emergency services unit that responds to all the peacetime emergencies whether they are wind oriented or aircraft oriented.
In the regulatory requirements that is identified as a separate item and it should really be titled instead of ERS at 1.3 million, it should be phase 1 regulatory improvements to Iqaluit airport.
There is a requirement for us to re-establish ERS.
We have allocated that 1.3 for that and in discussions with Transport Canada, in terms of getting cost shared, not only on that item, but on other items for that regulatory requirement.
The Iqaluit airport has now been designated as part of the national airport system, because this is the Capital now of a Territorial jurisdiction, so we join the other capitals with having a national airport.
That has done two things, it has changed the level of security requirements at the airport and it requires the return of the ERS services.
Chairperson: Thank you Mr. Ferris.
Mr. Chairman, the Assistant Deputy Minister indicated the return of the ERS services.
Did we used to have those services in the past and since they have been gone, who was providing them?
Chairperson (interpretation): Mr. Deputy Minister, Mike Ferris.
Mr. Ferris: Mr. Chairman. Yes there were ERS services operating at the airport and they were part of the GNWT deficit recovery, I guess.
They were eliminated there was strong argument on this side of the division to keep those there, or at least just parts of them until Nunavut came along, because we knew that as soon as Nunavut came along, because the capital vote had already been taken, Iqaluit would be the capital, and there would be a requirement to return them.
What we are looking at is bringing them on in a phased approach and offset as much of the capital outlay with funding from Transport Canada.
They haven’t given us sufficient funding.
Why did the GNWT give us very little?
There have been cuts in all the existing programs that we have had for a number of years and it causes us problems.
If there are going to be cuts it is not going to be very good.
Chairperson (interpretation): Mr. Iqaqrialu Thank you.
He’ll get advice from his advisors first.
Hon. Jack Anawak (interpretation): As I said before we grandfathered these from the Government of the Northwest Territories.
Once these Estimates are approved we can shuffle the numbers around.
It’s a very small number that we are talking about here.
I can’t say directly but I can say that we can shuffle some numbers around.
There was one community that came over and told us that we were supposed to give them some money and it was deferred for another year.
So they were proposing to do whatever project they wanted to do this year and then get reimbursed the following year.
So the communities can do the same thing.
If the community wants to take the initiative and go ahead with the project they can do so on the understanding that they will be reimbursed the following year.
It is only 2 thousand we are talking about here and I can only tell the member that once these are approved we can always shuffle things around a little.
Chairperson (interpretation): Mr. Akesuk.
Mr. Chairman I would like to make a motion that we report progress.
Chairperson (interpretation): The member for Arviat moves that we report progress and it is not debatable.
Chairperson (interpretation): All those agreed, show of hands.
Sergeant At Arms: Please Stand.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, please be seated.
Item 20, Report of Committee of the Whole.
Item 20: Report of the Committee of the Whole
Mr. Speaker, your committee has considered bills 1, 2, and 3 and committee reports 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Mr. Speaker, we are still considering the same department.
Mr. Speaker I move that the committee report be concurred with.
Speaker (interpretation): Mr. Puqiqnak has made a motion.
Is there a seconder.
Mr. Nutarak seconds the motion.
Motion is in order.
Item 21, Third Reading of Bills.
Item 22, Orders of the Day.
Mr. Quirke: Mr. Speaker this evening at 7 o’clock at the bed and breakfast with the Speaker and members and European journalists.
Tomorrow 8.30 am, meeting of the regular caucus here in the Cadet Hall.
Orders of the Day for Thursday, May 27, 1999.
Members' Statements  4.
Returns to Oral Questions  5.
Written Questions  8.
Returns to Written Questions  9.
Petitions  11.
Tabling of Documents  14.
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters:  Bill 1 - Appropriation Act 1999/2000.
Bill 3 - Divisional Education Council Dissolution Act  Standing Committee Reports 1-1(2), 2-1(2), 3-1(2) 4-1(2)
20. Report of Committee of the Whole
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Clerk.
I would like to take this time to thank the six pages who have been here this week, this is their last day here for the Legislative Assembly.
They are the students from Inuksuk High School in Iqaluit, if I don’t pronounce your names properly I apologize.
Edward Kipanik, Fiona Kingdon, Jay Mahoney, Jocelyn Morrison, Robert Peter, let’s welcome them.
I would like to invite all of the members of the Legislative Assembly, especially the Iqaluit members.
There is going to be a photograph taken with the pages and on behalf of all the members thank you for assisting us and good luck in your school studies.
This house adjourns until Thursday May 27, 1999, at 10.30 am.
>>House Adjourned at 5.58 pm.
DAY 11
THURSDAY, MAY 27, 1999
Pages 373 - 438
Prayer 373
Ministers' Statements 373
Members' Statements 377
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 384
Oral Questions 385
Petitions 397
Tabling of Documents 397
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 398
Report of the Committee of the Whole 436
Orders of the Day 437
Thursday May 27, 1999 373
20 – 1 (2) Nunavut Commemorative Coin (Okalik) 373
21 – 1 (2): Information on Sole Source Contract (Okalik) 374
22 - 1 (2): Inuuqatigiit Curriculum (Arvaluk) 376
64 – 1 (2): Gift from Nunavut Planning Commission (Nutarak) 377
65 – 1 (2): Recognition of Elder Iqaqrialu (Iqaqrialu) 378
66 - 1 (2): Suicide in Nunavut (Irqittuq) 378
67 - 1 (2) Artist Germaine Arnaktauyok (Arvaluk) 379
68 - 1 (2) Respect for Inuit Traditional Knowledge (Puqiqnak) 379
69 - 1 (2) Concern about Nunavut Islands (Kattuk) 381
70 - 1 (2) Working Together (Alakannuark) 381
70 - 1 (2) Carl Mayer Award Recipient (McLean) 381
71 - 1 (2) Road Link to Keewatin (O'Brien) 382
72 - 1 (2) Pangnirtung Fisheries Employees (Kilabuk) 383
73 - 1 (2) Inuuqatigiit Curriculum (Thompson) 383
73 - 1 (2): Inuinnaqtun Language (Havioyak) 383
75 - 1 (2): Appreciation to Hamlet of Cape Dorset (Akesuk) 384
102 - 1 (2): Formalised Plan for Taloyoak (Puqiqnak) 385
103 - 1 (2) Pond Inlet Landfill Site (Nutarak) 386
104 - 1 (2): Cape Dorset Adult Education Centre (Akesuk) 386
104 - 1 (2) Polar Bear Regulations (Iqaqrialu) 387
105 - 1 (2) Social Worker Shortage in Arviat (O'Brien) 387
105 - 1 (2) Iqaluit Hospital (Tootoo) 388
106 - 1 (2) Adult Education Centre (Akesuk) 389
107 - 1 (2) Student Teacher Ratio (Irqittuq) 390
108 - 1 (2): Arctic College Programs and Positions (McLean) 391
109 - 1 (2) Tendering Policy (O'Brien) 391
110 - 1 (2) Drawings for Iqaluit Hospital (Tootoo) 393
111 - 1 (2): Clyde River Power Plant (Iqaqrialu) 394
112 - 1 (2): Cleanup of Old Sites (McLean) 395
113 - 1 (2) Co-op Building (Puqiqnak) 395
114 - 1 (2) Marine Facility (Akesuk) 396
115 - 1 (2) Special Housing Committee (Tootoo) 396
6 - 1 (2): Contract with Ublivik (Alakannuark) 397
15 - 1 (2): Consulting Services Contract (Okalik) 397
16 - 1 (2): Inuuqatigiit (Arvaluk) 397
16 – 1 (2): Developing Language Policy (Alakannuark) 435
17 – 1 (2): Government Terms and Issues (Alakannuark) 435
18 – 1 (2): Language Training Program (Alakannuark) 435
19 – 1 (2): Options for Creating Facilities (Alakannuark) 435
20 – 1 (2): Nunavut Wide Documentation Program (Alakannuark) 436
21 – 1 (2): Status of Women Council in Nunavut (Alakannuark) 436
Thursday May 27, 1999  Nunavut Hansard
Iqaluit, Nunavut  Thursday May 27, 1999
Speaker (Mr. Barnabas) (interpretation): Good morning.
I would like to ask Mr. Alakannuark for the morning prayer.
Speaker (Interpretation): Thank you Mr. Alakannuark.
To the orders of the day, Ministers’ statements.
Ministers’ Statement 20 – 1 (2) Nunavut Commemorative Coin
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to join with my federal colleagues in announcing the Royal Canadian Mint’s launch of a commemorative coin celebrating the creation of Nunavut.
As we know, the creation of Nunavut on April 1 represented a dramatic change.
On the eve of a new millennium, the people of Nunavut began a new journey.
Yet, as we embrace our future and all it’s opportunities, we hold fast to our past.
Nunavut represents the opportunity for its residents to govern themselves in a way that’s meaningful and sensitive to their rich and diverse culture.
Much of that richness, Mr. Speaker, has been kept alive through the drum, which has long been a tool of communication in Inuit culture.
Our ancestors used the beat of the drum and the song of drummer to describe our legends and adventures to younger generations.
Our heritage is abundant with these stories.
Designed by Igloolik artist Germaine Arnaktauyok, the coin portrays an Inuit man absorbed in a drum dance.
The drum bears the image of a map outlining Nunavut.
Inside the map is a qulliq.
Ms Arnaktauyok, well known for her illustrations in children’s books, reflects in this design her cultural roots.
Her talent allows her to capture beautifully her continuing interest in traditional myths and stories as she explores the folklore of her ancestors.
The image of a drummer on this special coin is significant as a symbol to the people of Nunavut.
It connects us to our past.
Ms Arnaktauyok captures the spirit of the drum dancer in this stunning figure which graces the reverse of this newest addition to the Mint’s Millennium Coin Series.
Ms Arnaktauyok says the drum signifies that the people will be heard near and far.
The Imagery of the qulliq on this coin is also a strong symbol for the people of Nunavut.
Traditionally, the seal oil lamp was a source of warmth; in the present, it remains a visible link to our past.
We are fortunate and proud to have our symbols recognized through the talents of Ms Arnaktauyok.
We also welcome the opportunity to share these symbols of Nunavut with Canada and the world through this special coin.
Speaker: Ministers’ statements.
Ministers’ Statement 21 – 1 (2): Information on Sole Source Contract
Over the last couple of days, a number of Members have raised questions about a sole source consulting contract entered into by the Department of the Executive & Intergovernmental Affairs.
I would like to emphasise that this is a service contract, although it has been referred to in this house as an employment contract.
The terms of the consulting service contract fall clearly within section 1.3 of the Purchasing Guidelines contained in the Contracting Procedures adopted by the Government of Nunavut.
The process prescribed in the procedures was followed by the Department of the Executive & Intergovernmental Affairs and was approved by the Department of Public Works, Telecommunications and Technical Services. (PWT&TS).
This consulting service contract was done on a sole-source contracting basis.
It was made in the following context:
Two departments (PWTTS and HR) do not have Deputy Ministers
Two departments facing major initiatives are significantly understaffed (Health & Social Services and Education)
The headquarter functions of the Nunavut public service is staffed at approximately less than 30% based on information to date.
Department of Human Resources is operating at more than its current capacity to handle the high volume of staffing actions.
For example, an average job advertisement (and accompanying job description) is developed and classified through the Department of Human Resources which is estimated to be 1-3 weeks; that finalized job advertisement then sent for production which requires 2 weeks for he preparation of the media advertisement; upon the closing of the competition each department then screens the applicants, conducts interviews, and within 2-4 weeks the new civil servant is on strength.
The best recruitment time frame estimated by the Department of Executive & Intergovernmental Affairs is approximately 8-10 weeks.
Employees at all levels have been working beyond the call of duty from the months prior to and since April 1, 1999.
And finally, Mr Speaker, this house has requested that the implementation plans for the phasing out of the Boards of Health and Social Services and of Education be presented for review in September.
Under these circumstances, the Department of the Executive & Intergovernmental Affairs officials made the decision to hire on a contract basis a very experienced former Deputy Minister with extensive knowledge of government departments, the north and Nunavut.
His services have been made available to a number of departments based on their needs under the direction of the Department of the Executive & Intergovernmental Affairs.
The consulting service contract is short term.
The rate of pay is consistent with the rate of Pay at the Deputy Minister level.
There is no job security.
The consultant is paid on a per day basis.
There are no employment benefits.
The consulting service contract provides the Nunavut public service with experience, support and knowledgeable back up in difficult circumstances.
The benefits and the experience of the consultant will be spread out to various departments in the Government.
Mr. Speaker, we in this house have a difficult task in front of us.
We must ensure that there is a smooth transition once the Boards of Health and Education are phased out.
We must ensure that valuable programs and services are in placed for Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that work is underway for this transition.
I am also looking forward to September, when we will have an opportunity to review these transition plans together.
Mr. Speaker, later today I will be tabling the terms of reference for this contract.
Qujannamiik Mr. Speaker.
Ministers' Statements 22 - 1 (2): Inuuqatigiit Curriculum
Hon. James Arvaluk (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge a curriculum document called ‘Inuuqatigiit’ which is based on Inuit values, beliefs and traditions.
It seems fitting at this time to recognize something that has led the way in using Inuit culture as a basis as we establish our new government.
‘Inuuqatigiit was developed by a steering committee consisting of Inuit teachers and Teaching and Learning Centre staff from across the NWT. They consulted elders, educators, and others for the content.
After 3 years of gathering information and developing the document, it began to be implemented in 1996.
It is the first curriculum documenting Inuit culture so it does not contain everything anyone would want to know about Inuit.
We have to remember that not all of the beliefs, customs or content pertain to all Inuit groups as there are some differences between them.
The document is written in English only but an Inuktitut version will be published this spring, which was initiated by the Baffin DEC, Teaching & Learning Centre. Resources and material to support Inuuqatigiit will be developed over time.
This year our Department is going to undergo a curriculum and resource development strategy to address areas of great need and identify priorities.
I am presenting each of the members, a copy of the curriculum document and urge them to visit their schools to find our more about how they are implementing Inuuqatigiit.
There are excellent programs and activities run by Nunavut educators.
We have a long way to go in resource development but our department is starting to work with the Teaching and Learning Centre staff and the Divisional Education Councils to address this.
Mr. Speaker, we have a big task ahead of us and the Inuuqatigiit curriculum is s major foundation for education.
I would like to thank all the educators who have been involved in the development of the document and particularly the elders who passed on their knowledge and wisdom.
In addition, I would like to acknowledge Honourable Manitok Thompson, Minister of Public Works, Telecommunications and Technical Services who was in on the first development meetings.
The education system as a whole is embracing Nunavut’s past and adapting to the future.
With this, the following areas will be addressed over time to ensure Nunavut’s culture is the basis:
Curriculum content
Teacher and leadership training
Serving students and communities
The Education Act, Policies and regulations
Learning programs and material
Staff support and human resource development
Inuit values and customs within the school validate that the student’s culture has a place and is affirmed in the school environment.
The school is not separate from the world a child lives in, whereas it was very separate for those of us, (many of us who are around this table and ones who are working in our government) who attended schools from the 1950’s to the 1970’s.
This is changing in our schools as they become more community-based and are leading the way in this area.
‘Cultural relevancy’ in schools is not just a Nunavut issue. The world in general is grappling and trying to deal with diverse cultures within their education systems.
Some curricula that is taught in southern Canada and other countries are having to be reformed to acknowledge their students who are from diverse backgrounds. There is resistance to change for some, unfortunately, in areas where they have aboriginal or diverse groups of people. Their own people are not acknowledged in their own school system and curricula.
Nunavut is privileged to be on the forefront of some aboriginal groups in beginning to establish a school system that is based on its’ own roots and history.
Our system has changed from one that slapped our hands if we spoke our language and denied culturally who we were.
If a person from another country asks a Nunavut student who he is as an Inuk, what his history is and what language he speaks, he can stand solidly, reply with honesty and dignity.
So, Mr. Speaker, I reiterate, that our education system has to ensure students leave our school system with a stronger sense of Inuit identity and respect for others.
This is what the Inuuqatigiit Curriculum is standing on.
I will be tabling the Inuuqatigiit Curriculum document later today.
I must apologize for it being only in English. The Inuuqatigiit group is working on the Inuktitut copy.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Arvaluk, Minister of Education.
Ministers’ Statements, Ministers’ Statements.
Item 3, Members’ Statements.
Members’ Statements 64 – 1 (2): Gift from Nunavut Planning Commission
I would just like my gratitude to an organization.
I used to be on the Nunavut Planning Commission but when I was elected I had to resign from the Planning Commission.
When I resigned I was given this vest as a gift and I would like to thank those who presented that gift to me.
Members’ Statements 65 – 1 (2): Recognition of Elder Iqaqrialu
I would like to acknowledge my father who is not here today.
My father was sick last year and it caused a lot of distress then but I want acknowledge that my father taught me many things and to this day I’m able to stand here before you.
He taught me Inuit values and customs, therefore I recognize today Apitak Iqaqrialu.
I want you to know he’s the real Iqaqrialu and my mother Mary Iqaqrialu, who looked over my father and I’m very proud of them.
So, Mr. Speaker, I wish to say to the house that I thank them with all my heart and those that they have looked after and I wish to thank all of them Mr. Speaker.
Members' Statement 66 - 1 (2): Suicide in Nunavut
I hope that this will come out properly or in the right context so I have to give a little bit of background.
I wish to speak of something that’s occurring in Nunavut.
Back around 1984-85 or so, in our community, suicides started occurring.
From my own recollection ,to date, those number of suicides are many, this year alone, 1999, there have been several people who have committed suicide through out Nunavut in many communities.
In respect to this issue, Mr. Speaker, we have all worked hard trying prevent suicide.
I used to be involved with our youth suicide prevention.
We have looked at many options and have debated this issue many times.
In 1985 my older brother committed suicide and just after that my younger brother also committed suicide, and my sister also committed suicide in 1990 and she was the last from my family.
Mr. Speaker, this issue is something we have touched us all.
How strong we have to be to face this difficult issue.
We have tried to slow the suicide rate, the suicide rate of young people.
And Mr. Speaker, to date, nobody has been able to find out the real root cause for suicide.
Yes, we can assume that they have a specific reasons but a real understanding has never been found to date.
Now, to the residents of Nunavut I would like to say this to them and I think everybody has heard throughout Nunavut when PanArctic was…they too tried to stop the rate of suicide but even following that initiative there was limited success.
Mr. Speaker we have to pray for our children, pray that the suicide rates fall.
I have known this from my own experiences.
I still pray for our young people to try and save them.
Again, I express this to the people of Nunavut and although it might not be used, I would like to ensure that there is a prayer at lunchtime today and I would hope that will occur, Thank you Mr. Speaker.
Members' Statements, Mr. Arvaluk.
Members' Statements 67 - 1 (2) Artist Germaine Arnaktauyok
Earlier, the Premier talked about this two dollar coin which was designed to commemorate Nunavut .
I wanted to add my own comments to that.
Germaine Arnaktauyok, who did the artwork, was mentioned as the artist that designed this coin.