EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
When a patient is not a candidate for peritoneal dialysis or a kidney transplant, long-term hemo dialysis is the course of treatment and is not available in Nunavut.
Patients on long-term hemo dialysis are required to permanently relocate to the jurisdiction where the service is available.
In addition, a client may access other medical services while on a medical trip for dialysis.
In this case it is not possible to separate out the time related dialysis from the larger medical travel trip.
Broken down by fiscal year (2011-2012 to 2015-2016 (to date)), what expenditures have been incurred by the Government of Nunavut in respect to providing dialysis treatment for residents?
Fiscal Year Hospital Billings for Dialysis Treatment
Amount Paid
$17,316.00
$65,274.00
$145,935.00
$135,447.00
Total*
$363,972.00
The Department of Health cannot provide a summary of airfare or third party travel benefit costs for dialysis related medical travel trips within a reasonable timeframe.
Clients that access dialysis treatment often travel for other medical reasons as well.
It would take a considerable amount of time and resources to determine which medical travel trips and related costs were for dialysis treatment only.
Broken down by fiscal year (2011-2012 to 2015-201 (to date)) and health care facility, how many Nunavut residents undergoing dialysis treatment were accompanied by a Client Escort within the mean of the Department of Health’s Medical Travel Policy?
The Department of Health cannot provide a summary of escort travel for Nunavut residents undergoing dialysis treatment within a reasonable timeframe.
It will take a considerable amount of time and resources to separate out which medical travel trips and related escort travel were for dialysis treatment only.
What specific allowance and/or benefits for accommodation, local transportation, daily living and personal expenses are provided to Nunavut residents undergoing dialysis treatment at health care facilities outside of the territory?
When all third party insurance has been exhausted or an individual does not have third party insurance, Extended Health Benefits (EHB) may be accessed.
Medical Travel Assistance
Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB)
Extended Health Benefits
Provided By
Health Canada
Department of Health, Government of Nunavut
Indeterminate GN employees and casual employees with a casual staffing agreement (CSA) extending beyond four months
Registered Land Claims Beneficiaries traveling as an approved medical travel client.
Non-beneficiaries 65 years or older.
Non-beneficiary Nunavut residents with a chronic disease or illness.
Any Nunavut resident who has exhausted or does not have other health care insurance options
Air transportation to and from the nearest approved treatment centre
Ground transportation including taxi’s, car rentals, shuttles, private vehicles and ambulances
Medical travel co-payment fee of $250 not covered by the Nunavut Health Care Plan
Ground transportation outside of travelers home community including taxi’s, shuttles and ambulances
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1-25
Full coverage of government nightly rate and tax at commercial accommodations
Full coverage of boarding home nightly rate
$50/night outside of Nunavut or $75/night within Nunavut at private non-commercial accommodations
Duty travel per diems for daily meal allowance
Day 26-40
$50/day for accommodation and meals (inclusive)
Note that the benefits are re-set every time someone travels back to Nunavut and starts a new medical travel trip.
90-days of accommodations, meals and transportation at an approved boarding home in Winnipeg, Edmonton, Yellowknife, Ottawa, Churchill or Iqaluit.
90-days of private accommodations (South) at a rate of $50/day per person for meals, accommodations (inclusive)
90-days of commercial accommodations and meals ($48/day outside Nunavut and $83 in Nunavut) where no boarding home is available or due to the health of the patient, a hotel stay may be arranged.
90-days of private accommodations (NU) at a rate of of $50/day accommodations and $83.00 per day meals)
Nunavut commercial accommodations
Full cost of hotel; plus
$50.00 per day meal allowance
Escorts will receive  $50.00 per day meal allowance and are expected to share a room.
Nunavut Private accommodations
$50.00 per day accommodations; plus
Both patients and escorts receive accommodation and meal allowance.
Out of Territory  Commercial Accommodations
$100.00 per day for hotel with receipts plus
$50.00 per day for meals with receipts.
Escort will receive $50.00 per day meal allowance with receipts – expected to share a room.
Out of Territory
Private Accommodations  $50.00 per day (inclusive of meals)
Both patient and escort receive the per diem.
Long Term Stays (over 90 days)
$100.00 per day (inclusive of meals, accommodations and escort expenses)
Daily Living and Personal Expenses
Incidentals $17.00 per day
What specific allowance and/or benefits for accommodation, local transportation, daily living and personal expenses are provided to Client Escorts accompanying Nunavut residents undergoing dialysis treatment at health care facilities outside of the territory?
Escorts receive the same benefits as the client, except for in the self-catering suites for longer term stay situations where they have a different meal rate.
NIHB does not provide benefits to second escorts.
Only in exceptional circumstances where prior approval is requested and granted would NIHB give benefits to a second escort.
What specific entitlements do Nunavut residents undergoing dialysis treatment at health care facilities outside the territory receive for periodic home visitation travel to their communities of residence in Nunavut?
If an individual does not require treatment, including no immediate follow-up appointments, an individual will be sent back to their home community.
Medical travel clients or guardians can request a client escort from a Nunavut Practitioner.
A request will be approved based on the escort criteria in the Medical Travel Policy.
What specific entitlements do Nunavut residents undergoing dialysis treatment at health care facilities outside of the territory receive in respect to visits from immediate members of their families (spouses/partners, children, siblings, parents, grandparents and grandchildren)?
With respect to the allowances, benefits and entitlements referred to in questions 6,7,8 and 9, what differences, if any, exist in respect to allowance, benefits and entitlements provided to beneficiaries of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and allowances, benefits and entitlements provided to non-beneficiaries of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement?
Beneficiaries to the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement have access to NIHB, and any other third party insurance the individual may have.
Once NIHB coverage has been exhausted, a NLCA Beneficiary may access EHB.
A non-beneficiary has access to EHB, but not to NIHB.
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Pages 1828 – 1874
Opening Prayer 1828
Speaker’s Statement 1828
Ministers’ Statements 1828
Members’ Statements 1832
Oral Questions 1840
Tabling of Documents 1857
First Reading of Bills 1857
Second Reading of Bills 1858
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 1859
Report of the Committee of the Whole 1873
Orders of the Day 1873
Tuesday, May 31, 2016 1828
103 – 4(3): Development of the Nunavut Permafrost Databank (Mike) 1828
104 – 4(3): Nunavut Land Referendum (Savikataaq) 1829
105 – 4(3): Support for Fort McMurray (Taptuna) 1830
106 – 4(3): Sisimiut, Greenland (Quassa) 1831
107 – 4(3): Hudson Bay Regional Roundtable (Savikataaq) 1831
231 – 4(3): Recent Death of a 74 year-old Woman in Arctic Bay (Shooyook) 1832
232 – 4(3): Congratulations to Kugaaruk’s 2016 High School Graduates (Qirngnuq) 1833
233 – 4(3): Senate Committee Visit to Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt) 1833
234 – 4(3): Congratulations to Grandson Terrence Taparti (Mapsalak) 1834
235 – 4(3): Kimmirut Kamik-making (Joanasie) 1835
236 – 4(3): Support Rankin Inlet’s Elders (Sammurtok, A) 1836
237 – 4(3): Wishing a Happy Spring to Nunavut Residents (Taptuna) 1836
238 – 4(3): Successful Polar Bear Hunts (Mike) 1837
239 – 4(3): Appreciation for Support Provided During Medical Leave (Kuksuk) 1838
240 – 4(3): Cabinet Meeting in Constituency (Keyootak) 1838
241 – 4(3): Happy Birthday to Jack Hanniliaq (Quassa) 1839
305 – 4(3): The Need for an Elders’ Facility in Rankin Inlet (Sammurtok, A) 1840
306 – 4(3): Cabinet Retreat in Clyde River (Okalik) 1842
307 – 4(3): Public Housing Allocation Process (Qirngnuq) 1843
308 – 4(3): Government-wide Priorities and Reviews (Mikkungwak) 1844
309 – 4(3): Kimmirut Airport (Joanasie) 1846
310 – 4(3): Iqaluit Marine Facility (Angnakak) 1848
311 – 4(3): Consultations on Caribou Collaring (Keyootak) 1849
312 – 4(3): Airport Infrastructure (Mapsalak) 1850
313 – 4(3): Baffin Island Caribou Management (Shooyook) 1852
314 – 4(3): Increasing Support for Homeowners (Okalik) 1855
136 – 4(3): Government of Nunavut Presentation to Canada Transportation Act Review Panel Iqaluit, NU June 23, 2015 (Ell-Kanayuk) 1857
137 – 4(3): Reaching and Teaching All Students – A Model to Guide the Practice of Inclusive Education in Nunavut, Final Report of the External Review of Inclusive Education (Quassa) 1857
Bill 18 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2016-2017 – First Reading 1857
Bill 17 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2016-2017 – First Reading 1857
Bill 17 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2016-2017 – Second Reading 1858
Bill 18 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2016-2017 – Second Reading 1858
Tabled Document 149 – 4(2): 2013-2014 Minister’s Annual Report on Poverty Reduction – Consideration in Committee 1859
Ms. Pat Angnakak, Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk, Mr. Joe Enook, Hon. George Hickes, Mr. David Joanasie, Mr. Pauloosie Keyootak, Hon. George Kuksuk, Mr. Steve Mapsalak, Hon. Johnny Mike, Mr. Simeon Mikkungwak, Mr. Paul Okalik, Hon. Keith Peterson, Mr. Emiliano Qirngnuq, Hon. Paul Quassa, Hon. George Qulaut, Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Mr. Alexander Sammurtok, Hon. Joe Savikataaq, Mr. Isaac Shooyook, Hon. Peter Taptuna.
Speaker (Hon. George Qulaut) (interpretation): Can you say opening prayer, please, Mr. Mikkungwak.
Speaker (interpretation): Good afternoon, my fellow Nunavummiut, members, ministers, and (interpretation ends) Premier. (interpretation) Welcome.
Tony Akoak will not be here today.  Further, I will say this statement in English.
Speaker’s Statement  (interpretation ends) Before we proceed with the orders of the day, I wish to make a brief statement.
I am pleased to announce that nominations reopen today for the Order of Nunavut.
The Order of Nunavut is the highest honour of our territory.
A total of 12 individuals have received the Order of Nunavut to date for their contributions in such fields as public and community service, the arts, education, language promotion, spiritual leadership, and business development.
Nomination forms are available from the offices of Members of the Legislative Assembly and can be downloaded from the Legislative Assembly’s website.
This year’s nominations close on Wednesday, August 31, 2016.
Investiture ceremonies will take place later this year.
On behalf of the Order of Nunavut Advisory Council, I encourage all Nunavummiut to consider submitting a nomination.
We will now proceed to the orders of the day. (interpretation) Item 2.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister Mike.
Minister’s Statement 103 – 4(3): Development of the Nunavut Permafrost Databank (Mike)
Good afternoon, Nunavummiut and the people of Pangnirtung, residents of my community. Good afternoon.
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to inform members of the Nunavut Permafrost Databank recently completed by my department.
A great deal of national research funding is going into studying permafrost in Nunavut across numerous academic organizations, (interpretation ends) but often the results of this work are difficult to find and are spread across many locations.
Permafrost data is important to decision-making in Nunavut because it informs infrastructure development and community land use planning.
Increased permafrost thaw has major implications to our built infrastructure and we need to ensure we are planning for this.
(interpretation) To provide this information to Nunavummiut, we have developed the Nunavut Permafrost Databank as a central location to store permafrost data for all of Nunavut. (interpretation ends) This databank has been developed on a user-friendly, Google Maps interface so that users may visually explore permafrost projects by their location across the territory.
The data is also freely available to anyone and includes information on temperature, depth, and type of permafrost.
As more permafrost data is shared and made available, Nunavummiut can be better prepared to plan for changes.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut Permafrost Databank is one of several new resources that we have developed this year to make climate change resources more available to Nunavummiut.
These resources are available online on the Nunavut Climate Change Centre website.
My department is committed to continuing to support community resiliency by creating useful adaptation resource to deal with the impacts of climate change.
Minister’s Statement 104 – 4(3): Nunavut Land Referendum (Savikataaq)
I rise today to provide background information and a statement on the land referendum which was held on May 9, 2016.
This referendum was a result of Article 14 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement (NLCA) which sets the framework on how municipal lands can be administered in the territory.
As the plebiscite authority, the Department of Community and Government Services conducted the public awareness campaign to educate Nunavummiut on the implications of a “yes” or “no” vote while remaining neutral.
Public meetings were held in each community and information was distributed through the media, promotional materials, advertisements, public service announcements, and the land referendum website at www.landreferendum.gov.nu.ca.
Elections Nunavut conducted the voting community by community and the results show that Nunavummiut speak with one voice on this issue.
The overall result was 83 percent for “no,” which is almost identical to the results of the 1995 referendum.
With the “no” vote, municipal lands in the territory will continue to be leased as with the current system.
The Department of Community and Government Services believes that community decisions should be made at the community level.
Each community now will follow the Plebiscites Act, which determines that there must be a five-year waiting period before another vote can occur.
In the meantime, CGS will do what it has always done and that is to support the communities.
In the period leading up to the vote, there was a lot of discussion in the media.
Some people said that CGS was attempting to download its responsibilities for municipal lands administration to the municipal councils. I need to correct this misconception.
My department will continue to support municipal lands administration to build more capacity.
If any given community feels it is ready to do another vote, CGS will uphold the principle of Piliriqatigiinniq/Ikajuqtigiinniq: Working together for a common cause.
Minister’s Statement 105 – 4(3): Support for Fort McMurray (Taptuna)
Hon. Peter Taptuna: Unnusakkut and good afternoon, colleagues, Nunavummiut, and Kuglukturmiut.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for the people of Fort McMurray, Alberta.
As we all know, the area has been devastated in recent weeks by forest fires and more than 80,000 residents were displaced.
Mr. Speaker, our government has responded to this emergency by contributing $25,000 to the Canadian Red Cross to help those directly affected.
Mr. Speaker, it is a pillar of Sivumut Abluqta to keep families healthy and build resilient communities.
In times of great need, our community extends beyond our territory’s borders. On behalf of Nunavut, I’m pleased to help the greater Canadian community and provide aid to those families that were displaced.
Nunavut has a history of helping those in times of great distress. Nunavut responded to the calls for help following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2010 Haiti earthquake, and the 2013 Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.
As well, we assisted during the Nepal earthquake in 2015 and the Syrian refugee crisis in September of 2015.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut Protection Services has also contacted the Alberta Emergency Management Agency to offer any logistic or administrative supports we may have available.
Mr. Speaker, Inuit societal values teach us to serve and provide for family and community.
On behalf of all Nunavummiut, I extend our thoughts to all those in Fort McMurray.
Stay safe and strong; we are with you in spirit.
Minister’s Statement 106 – 4(3): Sisimiut, Greenland (Quassa)
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day, my colleagues and residents of my community. Thank you.
Mr. Speaker, I, along with representatives from Nunavut Arctic College, visited Sisimiut from May 12 to 15, 2016 to meet with Tech College Greenland (KTI) and Knud Rasmussen Højskole (KRH) to work towards increasing exchanges between students and staff.
This visit and its very helpful discussions are an excellent example of the increased contact and mutual assistance that are intended to flow from the memorandum of understanding on cooperation signed by our two governments in October 2000.
On August 28, 2012, the Government of Nunavut and the Government of Greenland further recognized our shared elements of history and geographical development and to facilitate cultural and artistic initiatives and exchange programs for artists, youth, and other cultural ambassadors.
Mr. Speaker, two separate memorandums of understanding were signed during this recent visit.
These MOUs will build on sharing of information and practical experience between Greenland and Nunavut.
The MOUs are between Nunavut Arctic College (Piqqusilirivvik) and Knud Rasmussenip Højskolia (KRH) on culture and Nunavut Arctic College (Trades Training) and Tech College Greenland (KTI) on trades.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut Arctic College’s Piqqusilirivvik and trades training centre along with Greenland’s Knud Rasmussenip Højskolia and Tech College (KTI) have agreed in working towards increasing staff and student exchanges.
This great endeavour aligns with Sivumut Abluqta’s priority on education and training.
The opportunities in education between our schools will give both governments a skilled and engaged workforce that will help develop and grow as circumpolar citizens in a globalized economy.
We are looking forward to collaborating with all parties involved, further enhancing the smooth transition of exchanges.
Minister’s Statement 107 – 4(3): Hudson Bay Regional Roundtable (Savikataaq)
Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for recognizing me for the second time.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide my colleagues with an update on the progress of the Hudson Bay Regional Roundtable.
I co-chair the roundtable with the Government of Manitoba Minister of Indigenous and Municipal Relations, Eileen Clarke.
I look forward to working with her at the next meeting, which will be held in Rankin Inlet in September.
We will be working to move forward on the memorandum of understanding signed by the governments of Manitoba and Nunavut last year.
Four resolutions were passed during the last meeting in Churchill, Manitoba. These meetings occurred in February 2016.
These resolutions called for strategies to gain access to federal funding, additional work on the winter road project, enhanced work to promote regional initiatives, and the revival of a regional waste management and waste reduction initiative.
A priority initiative for the roundtable is the advancement of a potential hydroelectric landline and fibre optic cable, which has been identified as a project of national significance because of its potential impact on culture, trade, transportation, energy, and partnerships.
This project needs the support of the Government of Canada to proceed to the next phase. We are hoping that the Hon. Hunter Tootoo, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and MP for Nunavut, and the Hon. Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, will attend the meetings and help bring the discussions to Ottawa.
The Department of Community and Government Services will work with the partners and the Kivalliq Inuit Association in taking action on this project.
The potential benefits for development have been discussed many times. The next step is to facilitate cooperation between the stakeholders so that the discussions can lead to measurable results for our two regions.
Member’s Statement 231 – 4(3): Recent Death of a 74 year-old Woman in Arctic Bay (Shooyook)
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Nunavummiut and my colleagues, welcome, as well as those watching the proceedings, especially the residents of my community.
I rise today to speak about grieving as I, too, was personally impacted by the loss members may already be aware of.
Every year, most communities enjoy the balmy weather in the spring by holding fishing derbies throughout Nunavut.
While our community was holding a fishing derby, an accident occurred resulting in an elder passing away.
The elder who passed away was 74 years old, two years younger than my age of 76, and she was one of our closest relatives, as our ancestors are related.
Today, I wish to express my empathy for her lovely children and grandchildren, some of whom felt that she was their actual mother and not a grandmother.
This woman also assisted many of her community residents and she was quite vocal in expressing her opinions on many matters, but that is the way she was.
She provided assistance in this manner.
Unfortunately, she was struck by a sled. Although this is a tragic episode to speak about, we have to pass along the news. She was hit and run over by a sled.
Although she lived for a few more days in Ottawa, she passed on due to her injuries.
Today, I believe the burial will take place tomorrow as they are awaiting family members to arrive to our community.
Since this event occurred, I had to rise to speak about grieving the loss of loved ones in this House.
Member’s Statement 232 – 4(3): Congratulations to Kugaaruk’s 2016 High School Graduates (Qirngnuq)
Today, I wish to state that all of us occasionally go through hardship while some people experience good times as these are all part of our daily lives and which we will experience eventually.
The matter I want to speak to is something I take pride in and although my colleague just spoke to an unfortunate incident that occurred, it takes place at the same time as this event that is a momentous occasion for our community. We have to try to be optimistic in our communities.
I rise today to extend my congratulations to the 2016 Graduating Class of the Kugaardjuk Ilihakvik.
Mr. Speaker, as we all know, education and lifelong learning are the keys to future success. Our young people have worked hard to complete high school.
This achievement will give them even greater opportunities to succeed in life and to take on the responsibilities of leadership.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to acknowledge the success of:
Dennis Alakannuark (Kamikpak);
Elsa Inutuinak (Nimiq);
Kristen Ittimangnak (Kanayuk);
Shannon Kayaitok (Okpigalik);
Suzanne Krejunark (Upluriaq);
Charles Niptayuk (Makittuq);
Shania Nirlungayuk (Ulluruaq); and
Mary Ann Qayutinuak (Qakuqtinniq).
I would also like to recognize the support of the parents and families of these graduates and their teachers. They, too, play an important role in helping our young people reach their goals.
Member’s Statement 233 – 4(3): Senate Committee Visit to Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform the Legislative Assembly about the recent visit to Sanikiluaq by the Senate of Canada’s Committee on Aboriginal Peoples.
Mr. Speaker, as you know from its recent visit to your community of Igloolik, the Senate committee has been undertaking a comprehensive study of housing in the north.