EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Arvaluk, thank you for your short question.
This continues on the line of questioning that Mr. Elliott initiated.
Whenever anyone has a question, I believe that it is important to provide concrete answers where possible. This is especially important regarding the new apprenticeship program. I think we speak to this program on page 4.
I thought the minister would respond to the previous questions as I thought he had the information on hand. If he is going to talk about a subject, he should have all the relevant information.
When will you be able to release the information on the apprenticeship program? It seems like 50 is the maximum number we have been able to reach to date.
So I would like to ask the minister if they will be able to increase the number of apprentices in this program.
Like I said, there are 51 registered apprentices throughout the territory. I know, when the member and I attended the turnover of the unit here in Iqaluit, a number of those apprentices were there.
When I was in Cambridge Bay, Taloyoak, and Kugaaruk, I met a number of apprentices in those communities as well.
I know we keep track of the number of apprentices in the communities.
I think, as far as what levels they’re at and what trade they’re at, it’s something that is done through, I believe, the Department of Education and their apprenticeship program. As I committed to Mr. Elliott, I would check with them and get that information and provide it to the member.
You should urge the ministers to be able to respond to questions. I would like to urge the ministers to go through their briefing notes and to make sure that they’re able to respond to our questions.
Is the number of apprentices staying at 50 because some of them leave the program?
What’s the reasoning for the number?
Why does the number of apprentices completing their apprenticeship program stay at 50? That’s my next question on this issue.
I believe you understood the question. Do you wish to respond?
I would like to assure the member that I read my briefing book, but I don’t read the Minister of Education’s briefing book, so that’s why I don’t have that information handy.
As far as the apprenticeship program goes, Mr. Chairman, the number that we have seen in the apprentices has fluctuated.
Right now, we’re at 51 in the program. We don’t control the number of people who apply into the program.
I know that the corporation has worked very closely with Nunavut Arctic College.
There has actually been a requirement over the last couple of years to provide additional programs for the pre-trades courses and entrance exams for the students who wish to enter into that program.
Like I said, right now, we’re at 51 apprentices.
I’m hoping that with the continuation over the next couple of years, we can see more people take interest and apply in becoming a tradesperson in their community.
I prefer a full update on this program to find out why we’re stuck at 50 and why they are not increasing.
If students are quitting, we should be doing surveys to find out their reasons, as we have to ensure these apprentices finish the program to become journeypersons. This is a program we have to support so that our residents become skilled tradespeople.
I take that as a comment, no questions.
I have a question in regard to the 285 houses allocated for the next construction season.
When they commence the construction of these units, will they be on the same type of scheduling that we see now?
In our community, the schedule was intentionally set up so they take a break in between and I’m not very happy with the winter work stoppage.
This is when residents need to have an income, as most of the workers own their own homes, and they have to buy fuel, pay expenses and mortgages.
I believe you mentioned a set schedule with an enforced stoppage.
We are in dire need of housing, yet the units sit for months when they could be finished up and made available.
I was informed that the break will commence prior to Christmas until late in winter, around March or something.
I want to know if the construction schedule will be retained, as this break provides no benefits for our community. I want to understand if that is the case.
I know it was part of the delivery strategy for the Nunavut Housing Trust.
It did have a break during the colder months of the season, but there was also a time when apprentices had the opportunity to take the schooling that they required as part of their trades. Every year, they have to take so long in school before they can move on to the next level in their trade.
Having said that, though, I think one of the advantages that we’re looking at being able to capitalize on with these structural insulated panel units is right now, with the traditional stick build method, it takes, once it gets off the boat and everything… .
Some communities get their materials into the community as late as November.
So if you get five single family dwellings coming in, you’re not going to be able to get five single family dwellings closed in and airtight before it gets too cold to do any of that work outside.
With the structural insulated panels, if a community is getting five of these, it’s anticipated that they will be able to be closed in and airtight in a very short period of time, which will allow for the season to go all year round, apart from that little break where it’s necessary for the apprentices to go out and take their training.
So it will extend the construction season because you will have an airtight structure in a much shorter time and more of them in a quicker period of time to allow for the other work to go on in them throughout the rest of the year.
Chairman: Thank you, Minister Tootoo. I have no more members on my list for general comments.
We will now proceed to the page-by-page review of the departmental estimates starting with page J-3.
Nunavut Housing Corporation. Branch Summary.
Total Capital Expenditures. $27,269,000. Details of these are on J-4 and J-5.
I have a question on J-5 and it’s in regard to the homeownership programs. What are these programs going to be used for?
I thank the member for that question. There are a number of different homeownership programs offered by the corporation right now.
One of the main ones is the Nunavut Downpayment Assistance Program. We have the MAP program, or the Material Assistance Program, the Home Repair Program, the Emergency Repair Program, the Senior Citizens Home Repair Program, and the Senior and Disabled Persons Preventative Maintenance Program.
We have heard quite a bit about homeowners’ fuel tanks leaking and I think that there should be a program set up where they can get assistance from the government to replace the fuel tanks before any leakage or spillage happens.
I have asked a question on this issue, but I haven’t heard about that type of program being set up.
I totally concur with the member.
Currently, under the existing programs that we have, the only program that someone would be able to get any assistance would be under the Emergency Repair Program.
Having said that, the corporation experienced a number of incidents where we’ve had to replace public housing fuel tanks.
Also recognizing if it’s an issue with public housing units, it’s also an issue with homeowners. I know here in town, there have been a number of sometimes quite costly fuel tank leaks that the clean-up is quite considerable.
The corporation, as I had mentioned in standing committee, is developing a program for the Homeowners Fuel Tank Replacement Program.
So once this program is finalized, it will be brought forward for final approval by the corporation and will have to go to cabinet as well.
When will that type of program be made available to the homeowners? When will they offer this?
For example, we know that it is now too late to offer this program for this year, but I want to see preparation soon so that the recipients can plan for next year’s sealift. Prior to that period arriving, can we see the program offered?
As we all know, it takes planning to bring in supplies on sealift.
The reason why I ask is that homeowners need to apply, plan, and place the supplies on the ships.
Would the program be offered this year so that homeowners can do the work that will be required?
Can we anticipate this program being set up for this year in preparation for next year?
I’m sure the member is quite cognizant of how new programs are developed; they’re brought forward by the staff to me for approval and going to cabinet as well. But I said that the development of that program itself is almost in the final stages of development and once that’s done, it will be brought forward for April for your approvals.
All I can state is that this program can’t get completed fast enough to suit some homeowners. I will be available for any assistance requested and I look forward to the plans and to a future report on this.
That ends my questions on this topic, so I will stop there for now as I’m sure other members will want to make enquiries on this matter.
In June of last year, the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts presented its report on the hearings that were held on the Auditor General’s report on the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
The standing committee recommended that the Nunavut Housing Corporation work with the Department of Community and Government Services to identify ways of pursuing cost savings in relation to the delivery of housing materials on the annual sealift.
What has the Nunavut Housing Corporation done to respond to this recommendation?
The corporation has done just that.
Currently, our staff is meeting and looking at different options available for the corporation to find ways to be able to save money as far as shipping of materials from the south throughout Nunavut.
Those meetings and those discussions are underway as we speak right now, not right now but at this current time.
With respect to this new design of units that are coming up, obviously they’re going to be more bulky than the way it has been shipped in previous years.
Are we anticipating an increase in the cost of shipping for this new design?
They are a little more bulky, so we are anticipating a little bit of a higher shipping cost in relation to these SIP units.
Does the minister have any idea of how much extra this will cost?
I don’t have a specific cost for what potentially could be the extra cost for shipping, but I’m informed that we are still anticipating that the overall cost of a unit will be the same. So if it costs us a little bit more in shipping, we may save that money in other areas.
I have no names on the list, therefore… .
Prior to answers being provided for some of our questions, it seems to me that we cannot proceed.
Therefore, (interpretation ends) I move to report progress. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Ningeongan: Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bill 8 and the capital estimates, and would like to report progress.
Also, Mr. Speaker, I move that the Report of the Committee of the Whole…(inaudible)… .Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Ningeongan. Can you please repeat what you stated because we lost the audio.
Mr. Ningeongan: Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bill 8 and the capital estimates, and would like to report progress. Also, Mr. Speaker, I move that the Report of the Committee of the Whole be concurred with.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Ningeongan. There is a motion on the floor. Mr. Arvaluk is the seconder.
Orders of the Day for November 27:
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. This House stands adjourned until Friday, November 27, at ten o’clock in the morning.
>>House adjourned at 17:37
Friday, November 27, 2009
Pages 676 – 709
Opening Prayer 676
Ministers’ Statements 676
Members’ Statements 679
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 687
Oral Questions 687
Tabled Documents 703
Notices of Motions 703
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 704
Motions 704
First Reading of Bills 705
Second Reading of Bills 705
Orders of the Day 708
Friday, November 27, 2009 676
051 – 3(2): Changes to the Nunavut Food Allowance Table (Tapardjuk) 676
052 – 3(2): Honouring Thomasie Alikatuktuk (Aariak) 677
053 – 3(2): Municipal Training Organization Wins an Award (Kusugak) 677
054 – 3(2): Sealskin Fur Pricing Program to Continue (Shewchuk) 678
055 – 3(2): Fur Design and Production Graduates Represent Canada at International Student Design Competition in Milan, Italy (Shewchuk) 678
081 – 3(2): Congratulations to Baker Lake Basketball Team (Aupaluktuq) 679
082 – 3(2): Support Our Northern Airlines (Pauloosie) 680
083 – 3(2): Kugluktuk Soccer Tournament (Taptuna) 681
084 – 3(2): Congratulations to the Mitiq Co-op of Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt) 681
085 – 3(2): Reflections on Multi-Tier Health Care Delivery (Elliott) 682
086 – 3(2): Member’s Apology for Inappropriate Conduct (Komoartok) 684
087 – 3(2): Cape Dorset Studio Celebrates 50 Years of Success (Schell) 685
088 – 3(2): Montreal Canadiens (Okalik) 685
089 – 3(2): Order of Arctic Adventurers, North of 60 Chapter (Ningark) 686
090 – 3(2): Thanks to the Pond Inlet Co-op Manager (Arvaluk) 686
115 – 3(2): Inuit Employment Plan (Okalik) 688
116 – 3(2): Support for Northern Airlines (Pauloosie) 690
117 – 3(2): Status of the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s Marshalling Contract (Schell) 691
118 – 3(2): Landfill Site in Repulse Bay (Ningark) 692
119 – 3(2): Multi-Tier Health Care Delivery (Elliott) 694
120 – 3(2): Nunavut Housing Survey (Arvaluk) 698
121 – 3(2): New Fuel Prices in Nunavut (Okalik) 700
122 – 3(2): Swimming Pool for Repulse Bay (Ningark) 701
061 – 3(2): Nunavut Housing Corporation’s Response to the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Accountability (Tootoo) 703
010 – 3(2): Censure of the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Pangnirtung – Notice (Ningark) 703
011 – 3(2): Acceptance of the Report of the Integrity Commissioner to the Legislative Assembly Regarding Mr. Paul Okalik – Notice (Tootoo) 703
010 – 3(2): Censure of the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Pangnirtung (Ningark) 704
012 – 3(2): Early Adjournment (Schell) 708
Bill 11 – An Act to Establish the Order of Nunavut – Notice 704
Bill 12 – Northern Employee Benefits Services Pension Plan Protection Act – First Reading 705
Bill 14 – Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2009, No. 2 – First Reading 705
Bill 18 – Language Statutes Amendment Act – First Reading 705
Bill 21 – An Act to Amend the Utility Rates Review Council Act – First Reading 705
Bill 12 – Northern Employee Benefits Services Pension Plan Protection Act – Second Reading 706
Bill 13 – An Act to Amend the Retirement Plan Beneficiaries Act – Second Reading 706
Bill 14 – Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2009, No.2 – Second Reading 706
Bill 18 – Language Statutes Amendment Act – Second Reading 707
Bill 21 – An Act to Amend the Utility Rates Review Council Act – Second Reading 707
Speaker (Hon. James Arreak) (interpretation): Thank you.
Speaker (interpretation): A wonderful morning, Premier, Ministers, Members of the Legislative Assembly, and all Nunavummiut.
Going to the orders of the day. Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Louis Tapardjuk.
Minister’s Statement 051 – 3(2): Changes to the Nunavut Food Allowance Table (Tapardjuk)
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): A wonderful morning to you, Mr. Speaker.
I rise today to inform my colleagues of recent changes made to the Nunavut Food Allowance Table outlined in Schedule A of the regulations under the Social Assistance Act.
The Nunavut Food Allowance Table sets out the amounts income support applicants may be eligible for to help with the cost of food and other household items needed for day-to-day living.
Mr. Speaker, the regulation amendment removed zone 1 from the food allowance table and moved Bathurst Inlet, Sanikiluaq, and Umingmaktok into zone 2.
As a result of this zone change, I am happy to announce that eligible income support recipients residing in Bathurst Inlet, Sanikiluaq, and Umingmaktok will receive a modest increase to their monthly benefit amounts beginning December 1, 2009.
For example, a single person will receive a $19 increase to their monthly food benefit amount, a family of two will receive a $35 increase, a family of three will receive a $50 increase, and a family of four will receive a $60 increase.
The food allowance table divides Nunavut communities into zones and is based on the total number of people in the household and the community in which the household resides.
Since division, benefit amounts have increased by 10 percent in June 2004 and 5 percent in April 2005.
Mr. Speaker, this change represents a first step towards undertaking a more comprehensive review of the social assistance rates.
The department recognizes that a review of the social assistance rates is needed to ensure that benefits are adequate in all Nunavut communities.
The Department of Education provides assistance to eligible Nunavummiut who are unable to meet the basic needs of themselves and their dependants.
The Income Support Program is meant to provide temporary relief from financial hardship to help ease the transition to self-reliance.
Minister’s Statement 052 – 3(2): Honouring Thomasie Alikatuktuk (Aariak)
I rise today with a heavy heart.
Thomasie Alikatuktuk, who was President of Qikiqtani Inuit Association until he recently stepped down due to illness, passed away on November 24.
Mr. Speaker, Thomasie contributed much to our territory. An active community member, Thomasie sat on boards, including the hamlet council, the Pangnirtung Recreation Committee, the youth council, the Qikiqtaaluk Corporation, and the Kakivak Association. He was also a community director representing Pangnirtung with the Qikiqtani Inuit Association.
Thomasie was elected president for the Qikiqtani Inuit Association in the 2002, 2005, and 2008 presidential elections.
Mr. Speaker, something that people may not know about Thomasie is that he started the fish plant in Pangnirtung with a staff of four.
Today, there are 55 employees and about 100 fishermen. I’m sure this number will only increase in the future.
Not too long ago, Thomasie and I had a discussion before he passed away and when he was leaving me, he told me to be strong and I will try to remain strong for Thomasie and also for Nunavummiut.
My deepest sympathy goes out to Thomasie’s family during this difficult time.
Mr. Speaker, Thomasie has left Nunavummiut a great legacy and his memory will live on.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Premier Aariak.
Minister Lorne Kusugak.
Minister’s Statement 053 – 3(2): Municipal Training Organization Wins an Award (Kusugak)
I would like to make a statement in regard to the Municipal Training Organization.
(interpretation ends) It is my pleasure today to advise the Members of this House that the Municipal Training Organization and Nunavut Association of Municipal Administrators are recipients of an award of excellence for municipal workplace literacy and learning achievements. The Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators in Whistler, British Columbia presented the award for the development of effective and successful partnerships directed towards workplace learning.
Mr. Speaker, this award is largely a result of continued support received by the Municipal Training Organization from their various partners, especially from the mayors and councils of the municipalities across Nunavut.
I would like to thank the Members of the Legislative Assembly for your continued support as the Municipal Training Organization continues to strive to meet the professional development, educational and skills based training needs of Nunavut’s hard-working municipal staff.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Daniel Shewchuk
Minister’s Statement 054 – 3(2): Sealskin Fur Pricing Program to Continue (Shewchuk)
I am pleased to inform members of a recent government decision which will have a significant positive impact on Nunavutmiut.
The Department of Environment has been advised to continue purchasing sealskins in support of Nunavut harvesters.
This will allow the department to continue purchasing ringed sealskins from harvesters at an average price of $50.
This decision clearly demonstrates the Government of Nunavut’s recognition of the importance of seal harvesting to Inuit culture and to the health and socio-economic well-being of our communities.
Income from the sale of sealskins allows hunters to purchase the necessary fuel and supplies to continue harvesting, thereby ensuring continued access to the bountiful renewable resource.
In a time when much negative publicity surrounds the Canadian seal hunt, it is encouraging that our government has taken action to ensure the continuation of this vital and sustainable part of Nunavut’s traditional economy.
Although we still have much work to do in rebuilding the market for sealskins abroad, this decision should be welcome news to all Nunavutmiut.
Minister’s Statement 055 – 3(2): Fur Design and Production Graduates Represent Canada at International Student Design Competition in Milan, Italy (Shewchuk)
I rise today to inform this House of a very special contest two talented Nunavut Arctic College students will be participating in next year.
Fur design and production graduates Meeka Kilabuk and Karliin Aariak have been chosen by the Fur Council of Canada to represent our country at the International Student Design Competition, REMIX, next March in Milan, Italy.
Both Karliin and Meeka have already won awards and international attention for their sealskin design work at the North American Fur Fashion Expo held earlier this year.
They are the first Nunavut designers who will be featured at REMIX.
Mr. Speaker, the REMIX competition was introduced in 2003 by the International Fur Trade Federation in collaboration with the Milan based International Fur and Leather Exhibition.
Now in its sixth year, more than 300 students from 22 countries have taken part in this annual event.
REMIX aims to encourage, inspire, and support young designers as they develop and explore their relationship with fur, as well as give them an opportunity to showcase their innovative designs to an international audience.
Mr. Speaker, we are pleased to see our talented fur and fashion designers being provided with the opportunity to represent Nunavut and Canada at such a prestigious international fashion event.
This honour highlights the success of the Nunavut Arctic College Fur Design and Production Program, a program developed with the support of the Department of Environment.
Supporting the participation of local designers in international fur fashion and design events is an important part of our government’s commitment to the fur industry in Nunavut.
Such international recognition contributes to the sealskin market and showcases Nunavut’s proud traditions of seal hunting and sustainable use of seal to the world.
Please join me in expressing our congratulations and best of luck to Meeka and Karliin as they prepare for this international competition in March 2010.
Member’s Statement 081 – 3(2): Congratulations to Baker Lake Basketball Team (Aupaluktuq)
Mr. Aupaluktuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize Boris Pukirnak, who is my nephew.
He is now 13 years old.
During the summer, he would follow his grandmother, my mother, Nancy Pukirnak.
I am very proud of them. Puki, I love you and have a wonderful day.
(interpretation ends) As well, last week, the Baker Lake Blizzard basketball boys 19 and under won the territorial basketball tournament held here in Iqaluit last weekend.
I would like to acknowledge the Baker Lake Blizzards: Harry Aupaluktuq, Arnold Arngna’naaq, Anthyme Kadjuk, Derek Mikkinguak, Kyle Owingayak, Troy Owingayak, Eric Perkison, Trent Aksawnee, Kent Depeuter, Bobby Jr. Uluqsiq Tagoona, and their coaches, Shane Niego and Lazarus Attungalaa.
It’s a great achievement for our community and it demonstrates the ability of our youth across Nunavut, and recreation instils a lot of pride and competition also develops a worthwhile approach for our youth to set higher goals.
So with this, I would like to congratulate everybody who took part, but most particularly the Baker Lake Blizzards. (interpretation) Thank you very much.