EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
The last question I want to ask is in regard to your earlier comments. We always hear about it from time to time and it’s being mentioned in a very positive way.
It’s the interpreter training program that you mentioned earlier.
If they want to start their own business, they can go through that procedure, but when you’re trying to start your own business within Nunavut, it’s not as easy as you mentioned earlier.
There are a lot of obstacles that we have to pass when starting a business.
There are a lot of people who want to start their own business who haven’t necessarily graduated from Nunavut Arctic College. There are a lot of people who want to start their own business, but there are a lot of obstacles they have to face.
They have to go through hurdles first before they eventually are granted a licence. That’s good. Once they finish their training, they can say, “Oh, it’s not that easy.”
I know you’re not looking after that program, but please be aware of that.
I also want to ask this question. If we want to start our own business without having to go through a lot of training, is there training available through that under Nunavut Arctic College?
There are no specific programs that are available to help people in how to get into business, but there are avenues, as the member has stated, through Economic Development and Transportation and with the assistance of the GLOs in communities now.
There would be information available if people are interested in getting into small business and how the process would work, what applications they would have to do, and then through that process, you would learn what types of skills or what types of certification you would need in those businesses.
Ms. Ugyuk, do you want to add a supplementary?
We often hear that a lot of Inuit don’t have jobs. I totally support Nunavut Arctic College because they deliver programs which will help these people get a job.
We want to ensure that the people in our communities have good jobs.
I also want to find out: (interpretation ends) what is the current status of plans to develop the Kitikmeot Campus into a mine training facility?
As the member and the House are aware, it has always been a long-term plan to develop a trade school and more programming in the Kitikmeot region and in Cambridge Bay. This year, there is going to be construction taking place of the residence for the college campus and a daycare.
In the years to follow are the expansion and the building of a trade school.
Thank you for the answer. (interpretation ends) What are some of the biggest challenges to enhancing the quality of student life at the regional campuses?
I think it’s a very good question.
Some of the biggest challenges, as we all know, is there is difficulty in younger people and adults too leaving their communities and going off to regional centres, not having family and friends around, and the want and the need to go home. So the challenge is trying to keep people in the regional centres and to provide them with the proper atmosphere and accommodations that will entice them to stay there and enjoy their time at the college.
We are on page M-3. Department Summary.
Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $31,875,000.
Are we in agreement that Nunavut Arctic College is concluded?
Minister Shewchuk, if you want to make any closing remarks, I would like to give you the opportunity.
I would like to thank you and your committee for the interest and the support that you have for Nunavut Arctic College in Nunavut.
I would really like to just state that we have come a long way.
I am very proud of the college and the growth that we’ve had in the past few years. It’s really amazing, the things that have happened and the programs that we are delivering in our home territory of Nunavut. All of this would not be possible without all of our adult educators in each and every community that we have in Nunavut.
I would like to thank them. I would like to thank all the Arctic College staff in the regional campuses and across the territory.
Also, Mr. Chairman, a lot of the things that we do wouldn’t be available to do without partners. At this point in time, I would really like to thank private industry, who has contributed in a lot of programs that we are delivering, and the federal government and other agencies that allow us to enhance our adult learners and have the skills to meet the growing demands of our territory.
At this time, before we proceed. Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witnesses out.
At this time, we will move on to the Nunavut Housing Corporation. I would now like to ask the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation to go to the witness table and make his opening remarks.
While they’re getting ready, we will be on page L-3.
Minister Taptuna, you may proceed when you’re ready.
Bill 49 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2013-2014 – Nunavut Housing Corporation – Consideration in Committee
Thank you, colleagues and committee members.
Mr. Chairman, I am very pleased to be able to meet with the members of the Committee of the Whole today to discuss the 2013-14 main estimates and business plan of the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
Fiscal 2013-14 Government of Nunavut funding to the Nunavut Housing Corporation will increase by $8,957,000 (Section 3) from the main estimates of 2012-13.
$5,707,000 (Section 3 & 9) for O&M costs for public housing related to increasing utility rates, lease escalations, and local housing organizations formula funding increases related to NEU agreement, and changes to the public housing rent scale
$1,402,000 (Section 3 & 7) to offset the net reduction in Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation funding
$931,000 (Section 3, 6 & 8) increase in administration costs related to wage increases in new NEU agreement, completion of comprehensive housing strategy, and implementation of changes to public housing rent scale
$404,000 (Section 3 & 10) for utilities for staff housing
$331,000 (Section 3 & 12) to offset decline in own source revenue
$182,000 (Section 3 & 10) for other staff housing O&M costs due to wage increases in NEU agreement
I would be pleased to answer any questions you may have regarding the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s 2013-14 main estimates and business plan.
Do you have witnesses that you would like to bring to the table? Minister Taptuna.
On my right is the President and CEO, Alain Barriault, and on my left is Lori Kimball, Executive Director of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer for the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
I am pleased to provide opening comments on behalf of the Standing Committee on Community and Economic Development on its review of the proposed 2013-14 main estimates and 2013-16 business plan of the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
The standing committee notes that the corporation’s proposed 2013-14 main estimates of $165,819,000 have increased by approximately 5.7 percent since the introduction of the department’s 2012-13 main estimates.
The number of positions in the corporation is 90, which is approximately the same as in 2012-13.
Mr. Chairman, the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s proposed main estimates and business plan reflect the restructuring of government functions that was originally announced on July 11 of 2012.
Responsibility for homelessness has been transferred from the Nunavut Housing Corporation to the new Department of Family Services.
Mr. Chairman, the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s 2011-12 annual report was not tabled in the Legislative Assembly until March 1 of 2013.
The standing committee looks forward to the minister tabling the corporation’s 2012-13 annual report in the Legislative Assembly and emphasizes the importance of the corporation’s annual report being tabled in a timely manner.
The Nunavut Housing Corporation’s 2010-11 annual report on contracting and procurement was tabled in the Legislative Assembly on February 21, 2012.
The standing committee looks forward to the minister tabling the 2011-12 report in the Legislative Assembly at the earliest opportunity and again emphasizes the importance of timely tabling.
The 2012-13 Ministerial Letter of Expectation to the Chairman of the Nunavut Housing Corporation outlined a number of priorities for the fiscal year.
These included requirements to “develop a plan to reduce Local Housing Organization arrears,” “conduct an internal review of the Staff Housing Policy,” and “develop an action plan for implementation of the GN Comprehensive Long-Term Housing Strategy.”
The standing committee looks forward to reviewing the 2013-14 Letter of Expectation to the Chairman of the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
Members anticipate that this document will include information concerning the extent to which the corporation successfully achieved its 2012-13 priorities.
The standing committee looks forward to the development and tabling of a comprehensive long-term housing strategy.
Members note that the corporation’s proposed 2013-16 business plan indicates that it has “completed a Framework for the GN Comprehensive Long Term Housing and Homelessness Strategy as a first step toward the completion of the GN Comprehensive Long Term Strategy.
Building on the Framework, the NHC will complete the Strategy by March 31, 2013.”
Members note that the proposed 2013-16 business plan of the Department of Finance indicates that one of its priorities for the 2013-14 fiscal year is to “Finalize changes to the Staff Housing Policy,” which indicates that responsibility for this policy is now shared between this department and the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
Mr. Chairman, on October 26 of 2009, all Members of the Legislative Assembly announced that comprehensive reviews of the public housing rent scale and the Income Support Program were required.
On January 24 of 2013, the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation announced changes to the public housing rent scale, which are scheduled to come into effect in the fall of 2013.
As these changes are implemented, it will be essential that the Nunavut Housing Corporation monitor and evaluate the extent to which they reduce disincentives to employment and support the goals of poverty reduction and other social programs.
The Nunavut Housing Corporation’s 2011-12 annual report indicates that a total of $2,218,000 was spent on homeownership programs in 2011-12.
However, the standing committee does note that the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s proposed 2013-16 business plan indicates that the corporation has “reviewed its suite of homeownership programs and identified gaps in homeowner assistance where realistic and meaningful action can be taken to support both homeowners and the development of a private real estate market.
NHC will continue to work on the development of new programs to meet these objectives as part of the overall GN Comprehensive Long Term Housing Strategy.”
Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening comments on the proposed 2013-14 main estimates and 2013-16 business plan of the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
Mr. Ningark (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) In the minister’s opening comments, which is a one pager, the minister stated about the “burden on the finances of the government and we must seek alternative solutions and sources of funding.”
I don’t know, Mr. Chairman.
In my community and every other community, 23 plus two, Repulse and Kugaaruk, there is a long list in each community of people waiting to move into a unit and there is growing overcrowding in each and every community.
Mr. Chairman, how can we seek alternative solutions in our growing demand for more social housing?
Where can we find potential partners willing to invest in social housing up here?
As I indicated, there is no market at all for housing in the smaller communities other than what is being offered by the government.
I don’t envy the Nunavut Housing Corporation, the minister, and every staff in that corporation.
We have our work cut out for us. We don’t have the money to find and build homes where the list is growing. Perhaps the potential is co-ops across Nunavut.
Maybe NTI is willing to partner with us, but in the private market for housing in the small communities, I think that’s a tall order.
I don’t think I can put it in any other way.
We have to convince the counterparts, the federal government, that it is our right out here in the coldest part of the country to ensure that we shelter the community and citizens.
I just want to throw that in there.
We not only have not enough funding for capital; we can’t even the operating costs, according to the statement of the minister.
I just want to again put my two cents worth.
If I can find a solution right now, today, I would be more than happy to say that here publicly in the House or in Committee of the Whole.
As well, I would like to share that we all in Nunavut know for a fact that, in respect to housing needs, housing like health and family services affect Nunavummiut every day.
In the opening comments, it is encouraging to see the minister stating, in paragraph 5, “continues to place a burden on the finances of the government and we must seek alternative solutions and sources of funding.”
There may be a direct correlation in the cause and effect of the two crises, housing and family services, sadly leaving many in states of vulnerability.
I’m encouraged to see that the minister pointed out, in the second last paragraph, that he looks forward to lobbying the federal government to continue to discuss our growing housing crises in Nunavut and the requirements for new funding for both capital and operating costs.
It’s a fact that the rest of my colleagues, the rest of Nunavummiut, and the people of Baker Lake would no doubt be in great support of lobbying for more resources for both capital and operating costs.
It’s just a statement. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I don’t think there are any more general comments and I have no more names on my list.
I am gratified to see the minister present before us, as well as the president, including their comptroller. Welcome to the Chambers.
I will be asking questions related to the homeownership programs.
Our residents ought to be able to get private homes if they are capable of maintaining it. As long as they are gainfully employed, full-time employees ought to have private homes. All employed workers and young couples should have the opportunity all the way to retirement age or if they have a nice pension, perhaps some people could afford their mortgages or to pay them off over this time period.
However, the biggest obstacle or barrier faced by homeowners is land costs.
It’s over $100,000 just for the land.
I would like to ask because the Nunavut Housing Corporation is the only one within the government departments that is supporting potential homeowners.
They have the down payment assistance program that Nunavutmiut can apply for. This is a very good program.
Have you gained partnership from someone out there so we can keep the homeownership programs going? Who within the government can support you so that we can not only increase the number homeowners, but to keep the homeownership programs going?
Mr. Chairman, if I understood the question correctly, from which department the housing corporation would get assistance, I would be saying automatically the Department of Finance, who budgets all the departments.
Mr. Curley: Thank you. Accordingly, I think it’s important because there are long-term employees, even in smaller communities or larger ones, no doubt about it, who would like to have access to getting more than just a one-shot deal, more than just homeownership assistance provided to them.
Is there any chance of getting any assistance towards offsetting costs that is preventing homeownership?
Can the minister explain what these particular costs which prohibit homeownership applicants from getting into a mortgage?
I appreciate the committee member’s question.
Mr. Chairman, the Nunavut Housing Corporation does its best with the budget allotted. There are a lot of needs for homeownership.
Mr. Chairman, if I can with your permission, I would like the president to elaborate more on the changes that were made in the Nunavut Down Payment Assistance Program and the number of applications that went through. If I can get your permission for that, Mr. Chairman.
The Nunavut Housing Corporation did make some changes to the Nunavut Down Payment Assistance Program last year.
In fact, it reduces the amount of money made available to each client as a homeowner, but it allows us to better serve a bigger population of people as well.
We found that the program is still widely used and there is very much a demand for it.
In terms of some of the impediments to being able to afford homeownership, as Mr. Curley noted, there is a cost of land development. The Nunavut Housing Corporation has been working with Community and Government Services in trying to find ways to decrease the cost of land development and to increase the availability of land.
I, myself, met with NAMA, the Nunavut Association of Municipal Administrators, in November and spoke on this topic. Just about a week ago, I spoke with the Baffin mayors on the same topic.
We have also been in discussion with other partners within industry and the private sector.
I spoke to the Nunavut Construction Association about two weeks ago in terms of supports and opportunities as well for them as businesses to support homeowners in small communities.
One of the big challenges for homeowners is the lack of available maintenance services within their communities. If they want someone to service their furnace or fix a broken window for that matter, many communities don’t have small local contractors making the service available. So we’re looking at forging partnerships and encouraging municipalities, contractors, and others to get involved.
I appreciate that. I think these services are helpful to potential homeowners, but my question still remains with the minister: what assurance, if any, can the minister indicate to the committee that there could be some progress made with respect to communities providing help to applicants in terms of land costs? Is it possible?
Mr. Chairman, land development in these smaller communities has always been an issue for the housing corporation and the hamlets.
So the officials have met with CGS officials to start discussions on this. As Mr. Ningark noted before, the land and the difficulty in coming up with a proper budget through dealing with homeownership and public housing has been very difficult. At this moment, the officials of the housing corporation are meeting with CGS officials to discuss this.
I think it’s a huge task to find a way to try and reduce the cost of land costs in each community, but I also think it’s not optional in terms of which communities should or could possibly help out.
I think it should be a policy and, if that were the case, who should be setting up that policy? If the government still retains that much cost, but it would be a subsidy to individuals and, if that is the case, who should be responsible for initiating such a policy that homeowners?
Whether they are first-time homeowners or not, we may have to be flexible in terms of providing assistance to subsidy in terms of land development, but in my view, I don’t believe it could be done without a policy from the government.
If that’s the case, then who should be developing that policy?
Mr. Chairman, CGS has responsibility of land management throughout the territory and the hamlets.
If a policy is required there, that’s the department that would be doing that.
If I had my choice as to who should be responsible, I think the minister responsible for housing should be leading that policy development, which would obviously involve consultations not only with the cabinet ministers but homeowners out there, which should involve consultations with the MLAs, and yes, definitely, with the appropriate ministers.
If that isn’t done, then it’s not going to get done. The policy won’t exist and we will still be talking about that for perpetuity as far as I’m concerned. So it could be that looking for assistance to reduce the land costs from the government will likely never happen.
We’re not suggesting at all that the municipality lose the amount of land leases, but we need more than just the down payment assistance program.
We also need help in reducing land costs so that the amount of mortgage is reduced and affordable to the applicant.
Would you be willing to ensure that you work with your colleagues to see whether or not it’s possible and, if it’s not possible, make a statement even in the springtime that that option is not worth looking at?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr Curley. Minister Taptuna.
Mr. Chairman, there are all types of land usages out there, including residential, industrial, commercial, and other variables.
Of course, we will look at all options. Housing is a priority in Nunavut.
I’ll make a commitment to look at some of these options that may be available to the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
We can work with CGS on that and look for solutions.
We are on page L-3. Nunavut Housing Corporation.
I believe, in 2010, I had asked about the housing rent scale and was advised that it was being visited at the time. Recently, our colleague, Mr. Hezekiah Oshutapik, eloquently and affectionately pursued the matter, as did other members, and continues to raise concerns.
The housing rent scale is an issue that Nunavummiut are passionate of.
Constituents continually ask if the proposed scale will use the taxation year using gross income. Many state that perhaps net [income] should be used, considering the high costs of living, food, and other needs. Has or will the Nunavut Housing Corporation consider the high cost of living to feed families if using taxation gross to consider the possibility of using taxation net for the rent scale?
I’ll have the president respond to that in detail.
Currently with the rent scale, as part of the changes, we will be using Line 150 from the CRA income tax returns, which is your total income.
The way that the rent scale is geared, most of our clients will actually find that there will be a decrease in rent.
In terms of their concerns of the high cost of living, I think that they will see a favourable rental adjustment as a result of this.
I just wanted to have that for the record. It’s good to know that, no doubt, my colleagues will have further detailed questions.
Thank you, Mr. Minister and your officials, for being available while we have some questions.
I have a question. Even without a preamble, I think it’s going to be pretty clear.
From your studies, looking at Igluliuqatigiilauqta, “Let’s Build a Home Together,” it states that in 2009-2010, there was a survey done on housing needs, how many increases they need, and how many houses they should build.
Since then, up to now, what has been done in regard to the survey? It states that “35% were crowded dwellings, 23% required major repair, and 9% were both overcrowded and in need of major repair.”
How are you going to use the results of the survey in dealing with the housing situation?
Chairman (Mr. Ningeongan) (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Oshutapik.
Mr. Chairman, we are preparing a strategy for the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
I want to take a couple of steps back. As the member is well aware, we completed 1,000-plus units through the Affordable Housing Initiative and the Nunavut Housing Trust.
As the members are well aware, as a government, we chose to continue constructing, even though it was a huge over-cost; cost overruns. With the completion of that, we were able to house over 3,000 individuals in Nunavut in the houses that were constructed.
With this survey, we will also use it to prepare our strategy for production and tabling hopefully this spring.
Within Nunavut, there have been people becoming homeowners since the homeownership programs were introduced.
There are people who are now getting too old and some of them are dying.
When you have your own home, it’s very difficult for some families who are going through this situation.
Is there any assistance available for these people?
Mr. Chairman, we do not have any kind of program that will fund or assist elderly homeowners who have passed away.