EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
If that employee is being impacted as a result of his or her living conditions, and it is impacting their work then that is obviously an issue that would have to be taken into consideration, but the circumstances have to be on a case by case basis.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Ng. Final supplementary Mr. Tootoo.
Mr. Speaker, I guess that I am really concerned that employees of the government that live in Iqaluit are either forced to live in public housing or are currently in staff units that may not be the most desirable.
We have all seen the mass production of new units in the community and, Mr. Speaker, I am just wondering, I don’t think that it is fair for employees, whether they are from Iqaluit, or have recently moved here, that they have to sit back and live in unfavourable conditions while these new units are sitting there and only being offered to individuals that may be coming from outside the Territory.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that was more a statement than a question, but I would say that is why we are trying to review the existing policies and streamline it, co-ordinate it, so there is some consistency and some fairness for the treatment of all our employees in respect of the allocation of staff housing.
But again, I have to stress that it is not a right that all employees have housing, although if that were the case and they all wanted it and we had units available, that would be fine.
Unfortunately we don’t have enough units for every single employee.
So we have to take into consideration some of the governments needs and requirements as well as the employees’ needs and requirements in how we allocate our staff housing units, Mr. Speaker.
Question 163 - 1 (2): Doctor for Igloolik
I would like to direct this question to the Minister of Health & Social Services in respect to the issue of a doctor in Igloolik.
I spoke to the doctor in question and that doctor does want to go to Igloolik.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister of Health & Social Services, if he has found staff housing for the individual.
Mr. Speaker, about three weeks ago when I was in Igloolik meeting with the Town, the Mayor and the Council members, they were very excited about the doctor going into Igloolik.
I had spoken to the doctor previous to that after church one day, and she expressed to me her interest in going to Igloolik.
Then I understand from the Baffin Regional Health & Social Services Board that the discussions with said doctor and with operational requirements, indeed, they had chosen another community for the doctor to go to instead going to her choice of Igloolik.
After reviewing that letter and then again having the opportunity to speak to the doctor on Saturday, she indicated that she was interested in going to Igloolik instead of the community identified by the Health Board.
After saying that Mr. Speaker, I understand from talking to the doctor that she had arranged housing on the ground in Igloolik.
I had spoken to my cabinet colleagues expressing that if there was a problem getting housing that maybe we could look at one of the units that we had available in Igloolik.
This doesn’t seem to be the problem, the problem seems to be the Health Board has decided that maybe Igloolik the community that they wanted the doctor to go to. Thank you Mr. Speaker.
In respect to the Minister of Health & Social Services, his answer stated that there is housing available but it is the Baffin Regional Health Board that they’re the ones that don’t want the doctor to go to Igloolik?
Yes, as I indicated, that the Health Board, I should back up on this.
After speaking to the doctor originally she had looked at another community to go to, and she had identified that community, she was interested in going, the Health Board said no, we would like you to go to Igloolik.
She was very pleased to go to Igloolik, and indeed, the Hamlet, the Mayor are welcoming her, when I toured the health facilities in Igloolik they were making arrangements for a room so that they could have a clinic there for the doctor to use when she moved to Igloolik.
Last week I received a letter from the Health Board indicating that they have decided that the doctor should not go to Igloolik because of operational requirements, that they were going to send the doctor to another community.
After speaking to the doctor on Saturday the doctor indicated to me that she was still interested in going to Igloolik, and indeed, housing does not seem to be the problem that it was going to be before.
So now it is operational issue with the regional Health Board.
The problem here Mr. Speaker, is that the Health Board has given public perception to the people of Igloolik that there is an expectation on behalf of the people of Igloolik, and indeed Hall Beach, possibly Arctic Bay, Nanisivik, where the doctor would be able to service those communities, that she was going there and now the Health Board has decided that maybe because of the operational requirements that she should go to another community.
That is something that me, as the Minister of Health, that I will be looking into.
In the following weeks, I was with the Minister in Igloolik, with the Honourable member in Igloolik, and he stated during a meeting at the community hall that the residents, there were quite a few of the public who came to the meeting, the Minister stated that the people of Igloolik would get a doctor in the spring.
He stated this and I am wondering why he made that statement before it was even implemented, and I am wondering why he’s allowing the Baffin Regional Health Board to dictate where that doctor is going.
That is my question, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, I could answer that in one way and I could say that is probably why we are looking at getting rid of the Health Boards, but I won’t.
Mr. Speaker, the Health Board has put me into a difficult position, because indeed, I was in Igloolik, I had talked to the doctor before I had gone to Igloolik, I knew that the intention was to move her there, indeed, the Health Centre staff were actually making a room available for the doctor to use as a clinic.
Somewhere out of the blue, I get a letter last week stating that the Health Board changed their mind that they do not believe, under operational requirements, that it would be conducive to have the doctor in Igloolik.
I am saying to you that I have spoken to the doctor again, I have spoken to her on Saturday, indeed the member has spoken to the doctor.
She would like to go to Igloolik, the housing doesn’t seem to be a problem, indeed I will address this with the Health Board.
Question 164 - 1 (2): Power Rate Increases in Clyde River
This is in relation to the Minister of NTPC.
I wanted documentation and I did receive a letter, but unfortunately it wasn’t translated .
I might be mistaken, but the issue I wanted to understand in respect of the percentage of the payment or subsidy which was not listed in this letter, this issue was the one I have the most feeling about.
I would like this clarified, in respect to electrical power bills and what is the percentage rate?
For example, I have seen a little bit of it, and I am not sure whether it is true or not, where the percentage is.
I would want to understand exactly how much percentage would be included for the community and what are they going to give the community.
I really would like to understand the increase and the decrease of the costs.
I would like to find that out before I ask even more questions.
Mr. Speaker, and I thank the member for his question.
Indeed, as I explained in the House, the member had requested the information and I had to then again request the information from the power corporation head office in Hay River.
In the expediency to get that letter to the member, as I explained, the power corporation from Hay River never had an opportunity to translate it.
So this gives me an opportunity to explain, I guess, some of the circumstances surrounding the Clyde River plant.
The existing power plant in Clyde River is too small to meet the community’s power needs which have grown at about 4% per year since 1984.
Now, Mr. Speaker, the engine replacements with larger units is no longer possible for the plant in Clyde River.
So the NWT Power Corporation reviewed several replacement and upgrade options and decided that the best, long term solution or choice is for a new power house and two new engines to the existing power corporation plant in Clyde River.
The Nunavut Director of Operations, Mr. Axle Have, based here in Iqaluit, met with the community of Clyde River and followed up on the meeting.
Indeed, again in April of 1999 also discussed the project.
Now it is a three year project worth, Mr. Speaker, to the community of Clyde River, 3.9 million dollars.
Now, the increased capacity will supply anticipated growth for the community of Clyde River for at least the next five years and it is a new fuel-efficient engine and it will reduce long term operating costs.
A contract was awarded on May 15th, to Kudlik Construction Ltd. of Rankin Inlet and Kudlik recently completed work for the corporation in Repulse Bay and have some experience in this area.
On the rate increase, Mr. Speaker, based on our new community rate, basis for power corporation, based on the community rate applications that have been brought forward, there will be an increase in the rate charge per kilowatt hour in Clyde River for the development and the construction of this new plant, as there is in every other community.
That figure is anywhere between 30 – 40% increase and again, we have to remember that we have the Public Utilities Board, which would bring the concern forward to look at how you would phase in that type of increase.
I have committed to the member that in July I would go to Clyde with him to maybe give a better overview of the situation but the fact of the matter is Mr. Speaker, the people of Clyde River need this plant based on operational issues.
In respect to the electrical increase of 30 – 40% , that to me is a very big concern and to the residents of Clyde River, particularly for the reasons that only 28% of all our community are employed full time, 71% of the residents do not have any employment and this is going to have a big effect on the residents of our community.
In respect to the community’s population gross revenues, it is going to effect the community and it is going to cause even more hardship.
I know that we really require that electrical outlet but it is still causes a concern.
I would like a thorough review and I know that we are going to work together on this, I would like to have a complete understanding both here and in the community, and with the power corporation and with the community of Clyde River specifically.
The residents of my community have not heard and are not aware of the details.
They have had a couple of meetings but the general public of the community do not know the final details and I think they have to know all the details because we haven’t planned the requirement for a new power generating unit.
Perhaps, I think that the NTPC has already made those plans and they want to upgrade it.
We have to understand all of the details before we are planning it.
I think there has not been enough involvement of the local community in the planning.
The fact that the community residents are not aware of all the details, this may delay it if there is no funding allocated for the increase.
These are some of the options we have to look at.
Minister responsible for NTPC, Mr. Picco.
Mr. Speaker, the member makes a good point.
Indeed, the corporation recognizes that it is a very high increase and will be reviewing options to look at how we can decrease that.
Now Mr. Speaker, I should point out that the actual process for reviewing costs and setting rates belongs with the Nunavut Public Utilities Board.
That institution, that organization, that group, that board, that corporation must ask for review and get approval before it can set any new rates, through the Nunavut Public Utilities Board.
The Hamlet of Clyde River will be notified when this review will take place, and indeed be invited to participate.
This is not expected, Mr. Speaker, to happen before early or mid-2000, the year 2000.
There will be no changes Mr. Speaker, to the rates in Clyde River until after this review is completed and indeed, except for a possible adjustment next spring for rate re-balancing purposes.
On the consultation with the community of Clyde River, I understand the power corporation went into Clyde in September and indeed, held a public meeting and again followed up with letters in April, and again, I as the Minister responsible for the power corporation will go to Clyde River in July and make sure that someone from the power corporation is with me to explain the situation in Clyde River. …thank you for your vote of confidence Mr. Ng.
Oral question, Mr. Iqaqrialu.
I didn’t know the meetings happened in Clyde River, perhaps I missed them somehow.
I know that it has to be reviewed because in my community there are many unemployed people and the consultation process is not too good.
I know that once we increase the rate it is going to put hardship on many people in my community because they are unemployed.
I know that it is going to be very good to get a larger plant, but the only benefit we will get is getting the actual plant, but actually when we have to increase the rates it is going to effect the community with many unemployed people.
I want you to come to my community very much so that we can discuss this matter.
If you are actually going to come to my community we will see you there and I hope we can explain this to the community.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Iqaqrialu. Minister responsible for the power corporation, Mr. Picco.
Mr. Speaker, I think, for the record Mr. Speaker, I should make it clear that the current subsidy programs that are in place with the power corporation such as social housing and the Territorial Power Support Program are not expected to change and will shield most households, indeed from many type of increases that would come from the rate increase.
If a person is not employed and living in social housing, their rate will not increased.
Those customers who would see the most impact from any type of rate increase, indeed, would be the direct government because the government has commercial buildings and they would be increased, and indeed the private commercial customers would see the rates increase.
That’s where I was explaining that the Nunavut Public Utilities Board would have to review those types of increases and make sure that the people of Clyde River are not negatively impacted by the increase, which has to be put in place to help pay for the new power equipment in Clyde, which we need.
Again, I reiterate to the member that I will go to Clyde River in July and meet with the Hamlet and make sure that there is someone from the power corporation to make sure that everything is clarified and explained.
Final supplementary Mr. Iqaqrialu.
My last question.
I know that if it is going to effect the commercial buildings such as the government offices, according to what I have heard from the Hamlet Council, I know that the Hamlet Council is in a deficit stages and if we look at the new fiscal year, if we increase the rate it will increase by 50 thousand dollars.
That is why I was a bit concerned and worried about the offices, commercial offices.
I know that private businesses and commercial offices will be impacted, so therefore we have to explain all these aspects to the community.
Minister responsible for the Power Corporation, Mr. Picco.
Mr. Speaker, under the approval of the Public Utilities Board, the process for community based rates and the costs of the plant will be charged over time to the customers in Clyde River.
Now there is no direct assistance for this type of construction project, but as I explained, the Nunavut Public Utilities Board will have to review any rate increase.
I again want to assure the member that unemployed people, people in social housing will not be negatively impacted, and indeed like I said when I get to Clyde we’ll have the opportunity to discuss it.
I think the member makes a good point, that it is a very high increase and as I said, the corporation also recognizes that.
We are going to try and do what we can to help negate a huge one shot deal of a rate increase.
Question 165 - 1 (2): BIP Application to Article 24
Mr. Speaker last week the Premier forwarded a document to me that indicated that we were going to using the BIP that was used over the last few years for this upcoming year.
Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Public Works and I would like to ask the Minister how Article 24 will be incorporated into the BIP policy for this coming season.
Minister responsible for Public Works, Ms. Thompson.
The "how" will come when we do consulting with the stakeholders and with NTI.
Oral question, Mr. O'Brien.
Mr. Speaker, in reference to the upcoming construction season which is upon us pretty much now, when can we expect this consultation to take place so perhaps it can have some meaningful impact on how Article 24 will be incorporated into the BIP?
The consultation will begin early this fall.
Mr. Speaker, if the consultation will start this fall, therefore Article 24 will not be incorporated into this season’s construction period.
We are aware of Article 24 and we are doing our best to implement it at this time with our Nunavut businesses because we are trying to promote our Nunavut businesses in this new government.
But we do have to consult with our stakeholders because Article 24 and BIP are two different policies.
Speaker: Thank you Ms. Thompson. Oral question, oral questions.
Question period is over. We will go back to our agenda, item 7, written questions.
At this time, I would like to acknowledge Louis Tapardjuk and businessman Ken Harper.
Louis Tapardjuk works for Nunavut Social Development Council.
Speaker: Item 10, Petitions.
Petition 7 - 1 (2): Ublivik Centre
Clerk (Mr. Quirke): Thank you Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker I wish to report that according to rule 42 (1), Petition 7 – 1 (2), containing 69 signatures of residents of the communities of Whale Cove, Rankin Inlet, Repulse Bay, Coral Harbour and Chesterfield Inlet to Health and Social Services Board and Gloria Penners’ services at Ublivik in Winnipeg has been filed by a member in accordance with the rules.
Petitions. Item 11, Reports of Standing and Special Committees.
Item 12, Reports of Committees on Review of Bills.
Item 13, Tabling of Documents.
Item 14, Notices of Motion.
Item 15, Notice of Motion for First Reading of Bills.
Item 17, First Reading of Bills, Item 18,. Second Reading of Bills.
Item 20, Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters:
Bill 1 – Appropriations Act
Bill 2 – Board of Management Dissolution Act
Bill 3 – Divisional Education Councils Dissolution Act
Committee Reports 1 – 1 (2), 2 – 1 (2), 3 – 1 (2) and 4 – 1 (2),
with Mr. Iqaqrialu in the Chair.
Chairperson (Mr. Iqaqrialu) (interpretation): Thank you.
I will be your chairman for the Committee of the Whole.
At this time we only have five minutes before lunch hour.
If you would like to break for lunch here and we can resume the session at 1.30?
If that is okay with the members.
Chairperson (interpretation): Yes, we will adjourn for lunch and we will be back at 1.30 pm.
>>Committee Recessed at 11.50 am.
>>Committee resumed sitting at 1:30 pm
Chairperson : (interpretation): It is now 1:30 p.m. and we were going to start at 1:30, please take your seat.
We can start now and I think our watches differ from each other, by few seconds or minutes.
We are starting to rush through main estimates or perhaps if we start to coming in on time and get back to our seats as soon as possible, so that we could complete the Department on time and also I would like to say according to the rules and procedures , we have 10 minutes for general questions or comments for each member, so we'll try and live up to the 10 minute rule.
We will now go on to the Department of Health and Social Services, perhaps Ed Picco has some opening comments, you may stay in your seat or may go to the witness table.
Your officials or the other members of Cabinets usually do their opening comments in their own seats and so after you do your opening comments you may go to the witness table.
Mr. Nutarak: (interpretation): Mr. Chairperson, we could have started sooner if you wouldn't talk so much.
Chairperson (interpretation): Okay then, Mr. Picco Minister of Health and Social Services can do his opening comments now.
Opening Comments - Department of Health & Social Services Main Estimates
Hon. Ed Picco: Qujannamiik Mr. Chairperson.
Good afternoon Colleagues, although I find this chair comfortable, I would more be comfortable in that other chair rather than sit this close to Mr. Ng, but after saying that I’m prepared to do my opening comments.
Mr. Chairperson, and Honourable Members of the Legislative Assembly, I’m pleased to present to you that 1999/2000 main estimates for the Department of Health and Social Services.
Later when we go to the witness table, I will be joined by Mr. Ken MacRury who’s the Deputy Minister of department and Mrs. Rosemary Cooper who’s the Assistant Deputy Minister.
Health and Social Services is important to all of us and to each of our families.
This department faces a range of issues that affect every person, everyday across the Nunavut.
The 1999/2000 main estimates reflected departmental move towards the promotion and prevention oriented delivery system in Nunavut.
The department, in partnership with communities, families and individuals is striving to create a system that is more reflective of Nunavut realities and responsive to the people of Nunavut.
The business plan we submitted outlines critical issues facing the department of Health and Social Services, we face serious challenges Mr. Chairperson, in addressing these issues.
The change is required will not come easily and quickly, although we have taken early steps and making the required changes to the department.
I would like to mention at this time that the amalgamation in 3 regional health and social services board in to the department is a step, Mr. Chairperson, in the right direction which the Members of this house has supported.
Our business plan contains a vision which calls to the department to delivery program and to services that or people oriented.
Culturally sensitive provide for continue of care, provide a seamless service is sustainable over the long term, instils health responsibilities and individuals, families and communities and is prevention oriented.
Mr. Chairperson the health status indicators for Nunavut are best described as being dramatic.
Nunavut faces a great challenge in improving the health status indicators and I know with time we will make changes that will improve the status of health in Nunavut.
I believe the creation of Nunavut is an opportunity, an opportunity that must be used to initiate the health and social services reform.
Our approach to health and social services reform uses a community development approach to achieve successful community development, we will initiate healthy public policy.
To achieve Inuit employment targets mandated in Nunavut Land Claim Agreement, we will initiate a long term strategy for the training of Inuit health and social services providers.
This will result in service delivery that reflects the culture, values and beliefs of the majority of our population.
In order Mr. Chairperson, to achieve this we require partnerships, partnerships with other departments, non governmental aid organizations, volunteer organizations, communities and others committed to the well being of Nunavut residents.
Is important to realize that Nunavut is experiencing a rapid population growth with approximately 50% of the population under 25 years of age, a situation Mr. Chairperson, that is unique in Canada.
Individuals in this age group place a highest demands in health and social services, we must be in a position to meet these requirements.
We need new ways of doing things in Nunavut, health and well being require approaches and ways to delivering care that go beyond illness hospital and professional services.