EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
It’s going very well. We’ve got people working in the family services side. We will be appearing later this week or next week to talk about that, but we have people, the deputy minister, assistant deputy minister, and other officials working very hard to set and create the new Department of Family Services.
I am very happy to say that all of the officials have been working very cooperatively and collaboratively to make it as seamless as possible.
As you can imagine, it’s a large undertaking and a lot of things had to be done. We’re taking the family services department through the main estimates process for the first time, so we had to prepare the main estimates budget.
First before that even happened, we had to talk to the other departments to identify what components of their departments are coming over to Family Services.
For example, we’re taking income support and career development from the Department of Education. We’re taking poverty from Economic Development and Transportation and homelessness from housing.
It’s happening. We’re very cognizant that we have employees in all departments and territorial corporations, as they may be concerned, but we have assured people that we’re going to make it as seamless as possible.
People should not be worried about their jobs. We have to rewrite job descriptions, prepare org. charts, and transfer the budgets.
In the communities, we are cognizant that office space is an issue. We have to realign the office space wherever people are.
That’s through our Department of Community and Government Services. They’re working with the departments that require office space to identify the offices that are required. It may not happen exactly on April 1, but there will be a realignment of offices in the different communities.
With respect to the departments themselves, right now, we’re working on memorandums of understanding where Health and Social Services and Family Services would share certain activities and support each other going forward until such time that the MOUs are not required.
So I have to say that it’s a very large undertaking. I think people should be very happy that it’s happening. I told our Government of Nunavut employees that they should not be concerned.
Your supervisors and directors in the respective departments are working hard to ensure that it’s as seamless as possible on April 1. I believe all affected employees will either have been in conference calls or meetings or contacted by our officials here in Iqaluit to discuss their new roles on April 1.
Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My next questions are around client travel and accommodations. The Chairman, the member from Nanulik, was asking oral questions in the House around the Kivalliq area and residents, home stays, and finding accommodations while they’re travelling, and not having availability of what we have here in the Baffin in regard to Larga Baffin in Ottawa and Tammaativvik here in Iqaluit.
In terms of policies around accommodations for those two facilities, it’s my understanding, because of non-insured health benefits and funding provided by the federal government, that individuals who are under the non-insured health benefits are allowed to stay at those facilities but, let’s say, someone who is not Inuk is not allowed to actually stay at those facilities. Is that correct?
Yes, that is correct. That’s under an existing policy.
Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I realize too as a former Government of Nunavut employee that as a GN employee, there are particular benefits that allow you to stay in a hotel.
Depending on what type of insurance you pay on top of that when you get your paycheque, you can get your own room if you want and different things like that if you’re staying for hospital stay. For individuals who are not Inuk or not under the non-insured health benefits plan that have to, let’s say, come to Iqaluit, who are not GN employees and entitled to that level of care, what does the Government of Nunavut provide to those individuals?
Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Chairman, that’s a very detailed question.
I do have a member of my staff in the House who can respond, but he’s not at the witness table, if you want me to bring him in, Mr. Chairman.
I just noticed the time on the clock and, if we are given another day to live, I know for sure that we will have further chances to review this material. Given the time we have, I can see that we won’t be able to complete the department.
I would like to defer the member’s question and would ask that the response be provided tomorrow to Mr. Elliott and I will ensure that his slot and his question will be noted as the next order of business tomorrow.
At this current time, I want to state that pursuant to Rule 6(2), I now recognize the clock and I will report progress to the Speaker.
I thank Minister Peterson and his officials for appearing before the committee. We will see them again.
We will continue on with our orders of the day.
A reminder that there’s a meeting tomorrow at ten o’clock in the Tuktu Boardroom for the Standing Committee on Legislation.
This House stands adjourned until Tuesday, March 5, at 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Pages 3645 – 3704
Opening Prayer 3645
Ministers’ Statements 3645
Members’ Statements 3648
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 3651
Oral Questions 3652
Tabling of Documents 3657
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 3657
Report of the Committee of the Whole 3703
Orders of the Day 3703
Tuesday, March 5, 2013 3645
244 – 3(3): Minister Absent from the House (Kusugak) 3645
245 – 3(3): Technical Professional Studies Scholarship (Kusugak) 3645
246 – 3(3): Nunavut Fisheries Training Consortium and Arctic College Support for Inuit Participation in Growing Fisheries Sector (Shewchuk) 3646
247 – 3(3): Inuit Women’s Organization (Ell) 3647
407 – 3(3): Happy Birthday to Wife, Lucie (Tapardjuk) 3648
408 – 3(3): Support for the Hunters of Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt) 3648
409 – 3(3): Results of Kugaaruk Liquor Plebiscite (Ningark) 3649
410 – 3(3): Participation in Webinar Concerning the Right to Food (Elliott) 3649
411 – 3(3): Pangnirtung Recipients of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal (Oshutapik) 3650
412 – 3(3): Members Travelling with Minister Taptuna (Enook) 3651
528 – 3(3): Operations of the Qulliq Energy Corporation (Elliott) 3652
529 – 3(3): Status of Sewage Lagoon Improvement Project for Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt) 3654
530 – 3(3): Status of New Power Plant for Cape Dorset (Schell) 3655
326 – 3(3): Speaker’s List of Outstanding Statutory Tabling Requirements (Speaker) 3657
Bill 49 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2013-2014 – Health – Consideration in Committee 3658
Honourable Eva Aariak, Honourable Monica Ell, Mr. Ron Elliott, Mr. Joe Enook, Honourable Lorne Kusugak, Mr. John Ningark, Mr. Johnny Ningeongan, Mr. Hezakiah Oshutapik, Honourable Keith Peterson, Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Mr. Fred Schell, Honourable Daniel Shewchuk, Mr. Louis Tapardjuk, Honourable Hunter Tootoo.
Before we proceed with today’s sitting, I would like to ask Mr. Oshutapik to lead us off in a prayer, please.
Minister’s Statement 244 – 3(3): Minister Absent from the House (Kusugak)
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Good day, Mr. Speaker and Nunavummiut. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise members that the Hon. Peter Taptuna will be absent from the House from March 5 to 10, 2013 to attend the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Annual General Meeting.
Minister’s Statement 245 – 3(3): Technical Professional Studies Scholarship (Kusugak)
It is with great pleasure that I announce the recipients of the technical professional studies scholarships for the fiscal year 2012-13.
Mr. Speaker, as I had previously announced in 2010, the Technical Professional Studies Scholarship is awarded each year to full-time Nunavut students pursuing post-secondary education in technical and professional fields.
Full-time students taking any of the following programs in universities, colleges, and technical schools are eligible to apply:
Community planning
College programs of firefighting, training and prevention, and
Land administration
Scholarships are awarded to Nunavut Land Claims Agreement beneficiaries and non-beneficiary students for four years of continuous full-time study, beginning with a scholarship of $2,500 in their first year, $3,000 in their second year, $4,000 in their third year, and $5,000 in their fourth year.
Mr. Speaker, 22 students have been awarded scholarships this year.
This year’s Technical Professional Studies Scholarship recipients, and forgive me if I mispronounce your name, are the following:
Sileema Angoyuak;
Seané d’Argencourt-Printup;
Jonathan Kaludjak;
Amoudla Kootoo;  Adam Lightstone;
Stephanie Matthews;
Walter Picco;
Allan Heath;
Nicolas Larabie;
Patrick Sagiatook;
Mansoor Rana;
Maria Rana;
Mohammad Khan;
Lynda Mary Gunn;
Silu Colleen Tugak;
Brody Moore;
Lori Flynn;
Louis Lebel-Wong;
Melinda Janes;
Karlene Napavok;
Hurbert White; and
John Fawcett.
The total amount awarded is $75,000.
Mr. Speaker, we are pleased to provide these deserving students with assistance in pursuing their post-secondary education in technical and professional careers.
These scholarships will help to alleviate some of the students’ financial cost of pursuing higher education and will allow them to concentrate on their field of study.
The end result is that we look forward to them returning to Nunavut to continue their careers for the benefit of Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, I extend my congratulations on behalf of all Members of this House to this year’s recipients of the Technical Professional Studies Scholarship and wish them the best of success as they continue their post-secondary education. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister’s Statement 246 – 3(3): Nunavut Fisheries Training Consortium and Arctic College Support for Inuit Participation in Growing Fisheries Sector (Shewchuk)
First established in 2004, collaboration between Nunavut Arctic College and the Nunavut Fisheries Training Consortium has grown into a very strong, productive, and vital partnership.
Together, they have delivered hundreds of training courses from the basic pre-sea trawler to the more advanced bridgewatch, watchkeeping mate, and maritime training programs.
Mr. Speaker, these programs have been designed to meet the needs of the offshore fishing industry in the northern Atlantic, the inshore fishing needs at the community level, and our fish processing plants located throughout Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, 12 students have successfully completed maritime training programs with both sealift companies and eight of those trained have held positions with the sealift companies for the entire season.
Mr. Speaker, there were also several graduates who were designated as alternates and three of them were employed for part of the season.
Mr. Speaker, this was a highly successful initiative, one that created five months of full-time employment, and the expectation is that these employees will be employed again next season.
The number of Nunavut beneficiaries who fish on a regular basis has steadily increased over the years to the point where now there are approximately 50 individuals engaged regularly.
This will continue to have a profound impact on Nunavut’s economy both from an individual and corporate perspective.
Mr. Speaker, both Nunavut Fishing Training Consortium and Arctic College have partnered with others to participate in the purchase of a training simulator.
This simulator will be used to train Inuit beneficiaries in all aspects of bridge operations on a marine vessel.
Arctic College is providing the space required for this classroom. The simulator will allow introductory students to get the feel of the bridge and help explore their interest in the operations of a marine vessel, including fishing and cargo ships.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut Arctic College is proud to be a partner in this initiative and we look forward to working together to continue training for fishing and sealift vessels, as well as for future opportunities as our economy continues to grow in Nunavut.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Shewchuk. (interpretation ends) Item 2.
Minister’s Statement 247 – 3(3): Inuit Women’s Organization (Ell)
Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, the national organization of Inuit women, is having their annual general meeting in Ottawa this week.
I had the pleasure of meeting with the Pauktuutit Board of Directors Saturday afternoon.
Many of the issues so near and dear to my heart, such as ending violence against women, sexual health, and Inuit women in business, are some of the priorities of Pauktuutit.
Here in Iqaluit, women from all regions of Nunavut are gathering for the Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Annual General Meeting this week.
I would like to remind everyone that the Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council is having an open house for their new premises on Thursday, which is International Women’s Day, at Building 987B from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
The celebration of Inuit women’s creativity can be seen in the Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council doll exhibit at the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum in Iqaluit.
I look forward to the discussions I will be having with the council on their priorities, such as ending the violence against women, which is too prevalent in Nunavut.
I wish the Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council a successful annual general meeting and encourage all of us to think hard about why there is so much violence against women and what we each can do to end it.
Member’s Statement 407 – 3(3): Happy Birthday to Wife, Lucie (Tapardjuk)
Today is March 5 and I’m sure we all know that, but it’s very important to me.
Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to say “good afternoon” to my constituents in Igloolik and Hall Beach.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish my wife, Lucie, a very happy birthday. I wish her a very good day.
She was betrothed to me on her birthday when I was about a year and three months old, so we were quite young when we were engaged.
This year, February 17 was our 43rd wedding anniversary. On March 5, it is my wife’s birthday today.
As Members of the Legislative Assembly, we’re away from our home communities for long periods of time because we have agreed to serve our people, but because of the support from our families, it makes it a lot easier.
I thank you, Lucie, for your help and support, and for your support in my need to help the people of Nunavut.
Thank you and I love you very much. I would like my colleagues to join me in wishing her a happy birthday.
I, too, pass on my best wishes for her birthday.
Member’s Statement 408 – 3(3): Support for the Hunters of Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt)
I rise today to express my support for the hunters of Sanikiluaq.
Mr. Speaker, as you are aware, there has been significant coverage in the news media recently concerning the recent harvesting of beluga whales near Sanikiluaq.
Mr. Speaker, Sanikiluaq’s hunters and trappers organization has been active in harvesting the whales and sharing food with the community.
Mr. Speaker, I want to pay tribute to those hunters and residents of the community who have explained this situation to the watching world.
Mr. Speaker, nature has taken its course during these events.
I would also note that the active participation of our local polar bear population in this harvest clearly demonstrates that the population is in good health, which is what the community’s local hunters and trappers organization has pointed out on many occasions. I hope that the countries which are participating at this week’s meeting in Bangkok take note.
Mr. Speaker, I would also pay tribute to our polar bears, but I don’t think that they read Hansard.
And if they did, Mr. Speaker, they would probably say that they’re capable of feeding themselves.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in support of Sanikiluaq’s hunters, who have no intention whatsoever of feeding polar bears, despite what certain animal rights extremists may say.
Speaker: Well said, Mr. Rumbolt.
Member’s Statement 409 – 3(3): Results of Kugaaruk Liquor Plebiscite (Ningark)
I rise today to express my support for the community and residents of Kugaaruk.
Mr. Speaker, as you will be aware, a plebiscite under the territorial Liquor Act was held in the community last week.
About 300 residents of the community took the time to express their views and exercise their rights by voting in the plebiscite.
This was an extremely high voter turnout.
Mr. Speaker, a clear decision was taken by the community in this matter.
However, I want to thank each and every one of my constituents for taking the time to vote. Regardless of which way people voted on this question, the important thing is that they had their say.
Mr. Speaker, I want to conclude by thanking the organizers of the plebiscite for their work in ensuring that the vote went smoothly.
Member’s Statement 410 – 3(3): Participation in Webinar Concerning the Right to Food (Elliott)
My thoughts and prayers are with the community of Arctic Bay, as there is currently a search going on for two missing hunters.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to report to the House about yesterday’s successful event in Iqaluit concerning the issue of food security and the right to food.
Mr. Speaker, the Astro Theatre was the site of a live webinar on the occasion of a meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.
The UN’s Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food presented his report concerning his recent mission to Canada. Mr. Speaker, similar events were held in dozens of locations across Canada yesterday.
I want to thank Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated for its work in making this event possible and accessible to Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to have had the opportunity to attend this event and I was glad to see the interest shown by participants.
Mr. Speaker, as you will recall, I tabled the Government of Canada’s official response to the report of the Special Rapporteur yesterday in the House.
As I have previously noted in this House and other forums, there is a wide diversity of views concerning the issue of food security. Mr. Speaker, it is important to recognize that no one person or organization has all of the answers.
For example, while I agree with many of the observations and concerns raised in the report of the UN Special Rapporteur, I do not necessarily think that all of his specific recommendations are practical.
However, that doesn’t mean that we should dismiss all of the work out of hand. It’s important for all of us to be open-minded and to be willing to look seriously at good ideas, regardless of their source.
Mr. Speaker, events such as yesterday’s webinar are excellent catalysts for discussion, deliberation, and action.
I look forward to continuing to work with Members of this House on the critical issue of food security for Nunavummiut.
Member’s Statement 411 – 3(3): Pangnirtung Recipients of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal (Oshutapik)
Good afternoon, residents of Pangnirtung and Nunavut.
I forget very easily and I forgot to mention the Queen Diamond Jubilee Medal recipients in a statement that I was supposed to make on Friday, so I will have to add the following names of the recipients of the medal.
We try to express our pride in celebrating the length of rule by our Queen, but it turned out that I, as the MLA for Pangnirtung, forgot to mention them in my statement.
I apologize to the recipients and I regret forgetting to mention the Queen Diamond Jubilee medals given out to celebrate the long tenure of our Queen.
First, I want to apologize and to share in this person’s accomplishments with my colleagues. David Kilabuk has been instrumental in promoting hockey in our community and volunteers whenever he is needed to coordinate hockey games.
He also does other activities, particularly photography. He takes scenic and gorgeous photographs. I wanted to ensure that I mentioned David Kilabuk.
The second recipient, although they no longer reside in our community proper and most likely the reason why I forgot to mention the person, is Peter Aniqmiuq, who was recognized for his contributions towards the local church. This is also to recognize his singing and part of his contributions towards local society.
Peter Aniqmiuq is the second recipient.
Member for Pangnirtung, Mr. Enook.
Member’s Statement 412 – 3(3): Members Travelling with Minister Taptuna (Enook)
I wish to inform my colleagues that Mr. Aupaluktuq and Ms. Ugyuk will be on duty travel for this entire week accompanying Minister Taptuna in Toronto and they will be absent from the House.
Sorry for trying to confuse your constituents; it was Pond Inlet.
I rise today to recognize three women who are joining us in the House today. They are Susie Johnson, who is a home economic and support teacher, Jolene Manik and Ceporhah Thompson, students, all from John Arnalukjuaq High School in Arviat.
Mr. Speaker, these two students are here to work with us this week in the House serving as pages.
Mr. Speaker, I wish them all a good week here in Iqaluit and to enjoy their experience.
Welcome to the Gallery and welcome to the pages. I hope you enjoy your time here.
The board of directors and staff of the Canadian Polar Commission are meeting in Iqaluit this week. As a former member of the Canadian Polar Commission, I am pleased to welcome and recognize six, and maybe more, members of the board who are in the Gallery today.
The Canadian Polar Commission has responsibility for monitoring, promoting, and disseminating knowledge of the polar region, contributing to the public awareness of the importance of polar science to Canada, enhancing Canada’s international profile as a circumpolar nation, and recommending polar science policy directions to the government. Based in Ottawa, they regularly meet in Canada’s North.
Question 528 – 3(3): Operations of the Qulliq Energy Corporation (Elliott)
The most recent annual report of the Qulliq Energy Corporation indicates that one of its priorities for the 2012-13 fiscal year has been to “analyze the completed investigations towards constructing new power plants in Arviat, Chesterfield Inlet and Grise Fiord.”
As the minister may recall, I tabled photographs of the Grise Fiord plant a couple of years ago.
Can the minister update the House today on the status of the QEC’s plans to construct a new power plant in Grise Fiord?
If I can recall correctly, the member had asked this question previously regarding the Grise Fiord power plant.
There was a time where we had a flood up there a few years back, and the Qulliq Energy Corporation and CGS were having discussions about building a plant.
CGS made plans to put a culvert around the plant. In times of flooding in spring, they looked at how they can drain the water accumulated around that plant.
They had discussions with the hamlet about this problem and how they can keep as much snow and ice from building up around the plant as possible.
At this time, we’re just having annual reviews of the situation, and I believe that we are going to have further discussions with the Hamlet of Grise Fiord.
The QEC’s current corporate plan for 2011-16 indicates that power plants are “designed to function for 40 to 50 years.”
However, it also states that “the financial capacity to support a replacement plant may not exist in some of Nunavut’s smallest communities.”
As the minister is well aware, Grise Fiord is Nunavut’s smallest community.
How is the QEC addressing this issue?
Regarding the replacement of power plants, what we usually do is put a priority on the older power plants. At this time, we are looking at Iqaluit, which has the oldest functioning power plant.
It is currently being renovated, which started in April 2011, and it is slated to be completed this year.
There are three other communities which were placed on the priority list: Cape Dorset, Qikiqtarjuaq, and Taloyoak.
In the future plans, we had Arctic Bay, Chesterfield Inlet, Gjoa Haven, Kugaaruk, and Arviat.
Grise Fiord is currently not in the plans for renovations, but I’m sure that it is going to be considered after they have reviewed the age and capacity of the power plants in the communities.