EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I think there are, I would like to say that more Inuit who are not high school graduates, it seems to be that they used to be in the workforce.
I think each community should be evaluated onto which people would be ideal for this certain kind of a job and if the training is necessary, then give them an opportunity to train them.
For instance, an Elder, regardless if he is Qallunaaq or Inuk because he is an Elder, he is sixty years old.
They know how to do counselling very well, sixty-sixty five year olds are very good counsellors.
And if some age group like that do not want to be counsellors, they can do something else.
Those are things that I would like to ask the Minister: How a person can become, how they can be evaluated more because due to the fact there are limited jobs available right now.
If I can be clear in making inventory with the people to the Minister to find out about how we can do this properly.
It seems that we are doing an inventory like that in Northern Store or Coral Harbour.
Within the Article 23, we have to abide with the Article 23 and get the Inuit into the workforce and the Inuit training should be intact and I think all of the Government Ministers for a given how the Inuit should be trained more, these were our tasks and they are trying to do their best up to date.
Trying to determine who has what abilities in what community is sometimes difficult, there are some people or some communities that may not want to be evaluated on to what skills do they have and what skills they don’t have although there are skilled people, qualified people, sometimes very qualified people tend to lose to a person who is not as qualified as he/she.
We are wide open, we are very open to the people, for those people who wants to apply for a certain job.
I think the population is about 26 thousand now not counting the children and maybe there is 15 thousand who are under the age of work force and if we can look at because we are very open to the people and who maybe interested in applying for jobs but it would be beneficial to have the community people evaluated onto their skills and with their qualifications.
The jobs are advertised through Nunatsiaq News and New North and housing is not provided.
When we do have job opportunities they are posted for about two weeks and sometimes to the communities have to wait for about a week or two later because of the fact that the weather is so bad.
How does your department notify the other communities that are remote and how often do you let the communities know that there are jobs available?
In regard to that question, because we don’t use aircraft, we don’t mail, we use faxes or e-mails we send them to the municipalities in Nunavut and the hamlets and the schools post them out and whoever has e-mails can see the job opportunities.
I’d like to ask a question.
Maybe first of all I like to ask a question for the teachers or other people like nurses or doctors, nurses and teachers especially.
What qualification do they require to work in the community, in the smaller communities?
What qualifications are required to tell the teachers and the nurses what qualifications are do you look for?
They’re different.
For instance, for a doctor, doctor needs to have gone to university for six years.
Maybe for nurses for two years university or to take nursing in the nursing school for two years and then they have to go for further training and it differs depending on what you’re trying to become.
For those people who are skilled and qualified within the communities, and they have to be most qualified and they have to graduate in order to get work.
In smaller communities, for carpentry and welding and so on, we have skilled people although they are not fully educated.
Even when a person who is fully graduated is working, they’re not doing a better job who is under qualified who doesn’t have papers because, because they are not a graduate, they reluctant to work.
Some people are reluctant to actually open up and tell them that, okay I can actually do the work but I don’t have a certificate or diploma, we have to consider these.
Under the Education, I think they’re in Pangnirtung now, and Rankin Inlet there are Career Development Officers in Rankin Inlet and Cambridge Bay.
They can ask the people how can we help get you into a career that you would like to enter.
If a person wants to become a mechanic, they can go to a career officer.
But, then the career officer would then tell their client, we use adult educators to go to each community, or smaller communities and they can talk to the people and they teach how to fill out resumes.
And they teach maybe perhaps with the career development officers maybe we’re not notifying the communities enough that there’s career development officers.
Maybe perhaps they’re not doing their jobs probably or they’re not known.
Yes, Mr. Chairman, I will say if I am not sticking to the topic let me know.
There are some jobs available such as working in the fisheries and working in the meat market or the meat processing plant; all those things that could be created in the communities and employ beneficiaries.
These are the types of jobs that could be gained by the beneficiaries.
If those were also target of, it’s just a comment I’m making about those various other businesses.
Chairperson (interpretation): Any comments on that Ms. Minister.
Mr. Alakannuark, is that it.
When they’re reclassifying or redoing these job descriptions, and my colleague across the floor brought it up that I think there should be some substance in non-Inuit that are born in the north and that live and non-Inuit that spend half their adult life up here.
They shouldn’t have a priority over Inuit and females and disabled, but they should have a little bit more of a chance of getting a job over somebody that comes off a plane from Toronto, Winnipeg or Vancouver.
I’m not saying a large part, but they should have a little bit because my experience up here as a long term non-Inuit applying for a job before Nunavut is that you get people in the Human Resources Department, and I’m not talking about the current Human Resources Department in Nunavut, but the old Human Resources Department in the Government of the Northwest Territories, that sort of had a chip on their shoulder and they were only in the territory for two or three years looking at a long term northerner and saying you know, this person doesn’t have the skills to do the job.
I’m just saying that when you’re doing these job descriptions, I’m for a priority rating of Inuit, females, disable, but you know, give the people that have committed to working here from the south and have spent half their adult life or have been born up here, an opportunity to have a job over somebody coming from the south., immediately from the south.
I would like to see that in the job descriptions, or some type of advantage.
Or you might already have it now.
Is that in there now.
Hon. Manitok Thompson: I’ll pass it to our premier.
He wants to answer it.
Chairperson (interpretation): Go ahead Mr. Premier.
Yes, we have looked at it legally.
It would be difficult because in order for preferential hiring to take effect, there has to be a history of discrimination or a disadvantaged group and we don’t have that history here for non-Inuit long time northerners for them to have a preference over anybody else.
So, it would be a potential challenge that way.
As the Minister said, there is nothing preventing us from adding on qualifications, preference for experience in the north, in Nunavut in particular, so I thin the Minister answered that quite correctly.
But in terms of trying to prioritize it, it would be difficult because for Inuit, we have been disadvantaged and we still are and it’s quite easy to defend a court challenge in those circumstances.
The Premier already gave us information and the job descriptions are going to be written and changed and we’re not going anywhere with this at this time, but what we’re saying to the department is for them to go ahead and write the job descriptions at this time.
We have a lot of other things to do and it’s almost 6:00, so I would like to say, if we can just work until 6:30.
Does it have to a motion Mr. Chairman.
The member is asking if we can report progress at 6:30.
Okay. We will do that.
Just to let the members know to not make too much of comment because you already made some general comments.
Mr. Chairman, as Nunavummiut, I would like to also make a statement because I'm and Inuk and I am limited in my education and I have not gone through a formal education as high as I can go but I just wanted to congratulate the people or the department that are there at the witness table who are Nunavummiut and the minister and her officials.
I know that you have parents as well and you have knowledge of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, not all but some.
I think you understand the Inuit way of doing things.
Also when we talk about Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit we have to try to make it into a reality; a written, solid reality, not just to talk about it.
As Canadian citizens that live in the arctic I just wanted to mention that.
I respect the people.
I respect the schools and I respect the learning centres because they teach the Inuit people in the communities.
But for those people that have not had any education they have to, we have to start giving them jobs.
I’d like to be able to speak my piece as well, Mr. Chairman.
For example, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit has been used by the Canadian Forces already.
We could use that as an example because that’s what they do is they are taught by Canadian Rangers when they go out to do their exercises out on the land.
I would like to ask the minister a short question.
Whenever we have been a government for about four years and the Inuit people that don’t speak English could write Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun.
If we were to go to a community hall here in Baker Lake, Gjoa Haven or Kugluktuk where ever we go there are signs in English and there is hardly Inuktitut written signs in those areas.
We have to be able to use Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and have signs like that.
So, my question to the minister is, like the Canadian forces have been using Inuit at arctic rangers for a long time now for their survival skills in their exercise.
So, according to Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit we could put signs in the community halls that are just all in Inuktitut.
See if they can utilize those people, those people that could write Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun to hire them to write science for people that do not even know how to speak English.
Chairperson (interpretation): I just want to let the Members know or remind the Members that we are talking about 126-1(6) Minister Statement, job descriptions and reviewing the job descriptions.
We want to be able to utilize more of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit that is why we are rewriting the job descriptions to make it easier for the Nunavut beneficiaries to be able to acquire jobs with the Government of Nunavut.
And maybe I misunderstood the Member, but as far as I understand the Minister’s question is that there should be more Inuit hired to do what they know in the Inuit language.
There is also people that could train the unilingual people and there are also people that can teach a course in Inuit traditions and or they can the Inuit as counsellors.
My staff can provide trainers to give orientation to people that are coming from the South that are getting into positions here in Nunavut Government.
I would like to be able to respond to the Minister in a proper way, maybe I did not respond to him in a proper manner.
Chairperson (interpretation): I do not want to rush the Members on this topic of job descriptions, but we have to be mindful of the time, because tomorrow we have a meeting at 9’o’clock and the charter planes have already been ordered and we have a schedule to meet tomorrow.
I realize that it is not very good if we have to rush.
I just want to remind the Members that they already had ten minutes for general comments.
At this time, it is time for the questions from the Members.
So, I just wanted to remind them that.
Mr. Chairman, for those people that have not had a formal training, there is a Department that deals with Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit according to the Bathurst Mandate and we have social workers in the communities that have been working for about seven to ten years in each community and they are still using the policies and the manuals or directives of the or the manuals of the Government of the Northwest Territories.
And they have to follow certain Legislations whereby they take away children because of the job that they have to do.
And this type of job that the social workers have in taking away children hurts the family members, but my question is: Is there a way that we could have a social worker in a social worker’s office even though they do not have a diploma they know the community members and the Inuit ways of doing things, to do the work of a social worker.
I just wondered if that had been considered.
The individual who will be working, I’m trying to get clarification, would that individual be orientating an Inuit culture and values.
Mr. Puqiqnak (interpretation): I’m not talking about teachers but I’m talking about individuals who live in the community and are already an Inuk.
For example, in Gjoa Haven, there are unilingual speaking people who are 55 years.
If we hire them for the social worker position, would that be allowed?
Would they allow an Inuktitut unilingual speaking person to fill the position because we need to use Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit?
You don’t necessarily have to go through official education or you don’t necessarily need university level to hire those in the community level.
Yes, I alluded to that at first.
The department, when they are opening job positions, they don’t go through Human Resources.
We don’t write their job descriptions or qualifications.
The social workers, like the elder advisor, who would work with the social workers is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Health and Social Services.
It’s that department that writes the job descriptions and the qualifications.
It’s not our department that does that.
Each department writes their job descriptions and qualifications.
For example, for the Department of Sustainable Development, if they wanted a renewable resource officer, we don’t write their job description, it’s the Department of Sustainable Development that writes their job descriptions and qualifications and they give it to the Department of Human Resources and then in tern the Human Resources Department reviews the job description and the qualifications and then we make suggestions and advise them but we have no authority or power so therefore, they don’t listen to our advise and that’s what has been happening within this process.
And we have no authority within the Department of Human Resources.
Although we are responsible for Human Resources and it’s the departments that open job descriptions and qualifications.
As I was saying before, I feel that the Department of Human Resources should be given more authority to write the job descriptions and qualifications because our department now, just gives advise to the departments.
Mr. Puqiqnak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman and thank you.
If this was resolved, I’m sure that we wouldn’t be sitting here and discussing job descriptions but this requires some improvement in order to better serve Nunavummiut.
That’s why we’re deliberating on job descriptions.
I would like to expect to see, yes, we expect to see that the government Ministers who hold these portfolios should be sensitive to our needs and requests.
Last name on my list.
Yes, the comments from the members are very good and the premier and the Minister are responding very clearly.
Now I understand that the Department of Human Resources policy has not changed since we created Nunavut Government and we have not changed the policies for Human Resources.
I would like to say, rather than asking question.
I would like to move a motion that the Department of Human Resources, I know that as Nunavummiut how perhaps strike a committee that could review the job descriptions.
If I can make a motion in regards to that because the beneficiaries only the beneficiaries should necessarily have a lawyer and just Nunavummiut look into this and find out what the views of members are whether we need to change the policy or not.
If we need to change that then we can make an informed decision even though we make long comments but the employees or staff will follow the criteria or policies because the officials have to follow the policies or regulations so they could apply or do things legally.
Perhaps the Nunavut Government, we are the Government, why don’t we look at Human Resources, why don’t we strike up a committee that will review the rules or the acts.
I don’t know when the appropriate time would be to move that motion.
I would suggest that to the minister and the premier.
My question is to all them.
How would the procedure be if I wanted to do that?
The Standing Committee that is responsible, I have not appeared before the Standing Committee because I just held, this portfolio is quite new but what we hear from around this meeting we’ll try to initiate them and the premier is in support, we will, the ministers, the cabinets will have a retreat in Sanikiluaq and that’s part of our agenda for that retreat.
I would prefer to go by way rather than coming up with a new policy or regulations I have not even seen the Standing Committee.
I would prefer to appear before the Standing Committee first.
Chairperson (interpretation): It’s clear Mr. Iqaqrialu, do you have a question?
It’s clear, she responded to me very clearly.
I was just wondering would you have the power and authority as the Department of Human Resources to rectify some of the issues that we have raised.
Yes, we have the authority.
We are the Government of Nunavut.
Yes, we have been given the mandate and I'm sure that we’re going to act on your concerns and the issues that have been raise.
Please make it brief.
Yes, very briefly, I just wanted to ask a short question because I forgot to ask a question when I was questioning the minister in regards to the Aboriginal people or the beneficiaries of Nunavut.
I have adopted children aboriginal and they cannot be enrolled to Nunavut or they cannot be beneficiaries.
What about those individuals who are not beneficiaries, what if they have been raised, although they are Inuit from Nunavik area, will they be treated the same as the individuals coming from the Southern Provinces?
Yes, we can consider that also.
Do you agree that the Minister Statement 126-1(6) is complete?
Ms. Thompson, are you finished?
Are you going to be making any closing remarks?
Ms. Williams (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I did not even raise my hand.
We would like to continue on with Bill 34, 38 and 39.
Chairperson (interpretation): Mr. Premier do you have opening comments?
Yes, I have brief opening comment to make.
It is my pleasure to appear before this Committee, Mr. Chairman, to speak about the amendments on The International Sale of Goods Act, which I introduced to the Legislative Assembly on March 28,2003 and which received second reading that day that it was referred to this Committee.
Nunavut has much to gain from active participation in international trade.
I believe that this amendment is necessary to keep Nunavut in step with other jurisdictions in matters relating to such trade.
(interpretation ends) Our current International Sale of Goods Act, which was duplicated for Nunavut at the time of division is outdated and lacks certainty and efficiency.
The principle objective in amending this Legislation is to unify International Sales Law in order to eliminate disparities and facilitate the smooth flow of commerce for Nunavut.
We are a new territory, but already there is a growing interest in the world community in the uniqueness we have to offer both in terms of commodities that we can make available as well as the ones we seek to import from others.
This trend is likely to continue in the future.
The limitation convention and an amended limited convention, which are included in this amendment provide for a legal process for the adjudication of the disputes that involve international contracts for the sale of goods between states that are parties to these conventions.
(interpretation) Failure to proceed with this important amendment will have the effect of Nunavut being out of step with various jurisdictions in matters relating to economic activity and commercial development.
It would be a mistake to inhibit the potential for such development for Nunavut.
These are my opening comments.
I will be pleased to respond to any questions that Members of the Committee may have.
Will you be bringing your Officials to the Witness Table?
Please bring your Officials to the Witness Table.
Thank you, for appearing before the committee.
Could you introduce your official please?
Yes, to my right is my deputy for the Department of Justice, Nora Sanders.
The chairman of the committee, do you have any opening comments.
Mr. Chairman, the standing committee Ajauqtiit reviewed Bill 34, to Amend the International Sale of Goods Act.
Mr. Chairman, we have no concerns in regards to this Bill.
Mr. Chairman, the standing committee recommends the passage of Bill 34 and my committee was very pleased with this Bill.
Bill 34, an Act to Amend the International Sale of Goods Act.
Chairperson (interpretation): The Bill as a whole, do you agree?
Do you agree that Bill 34 is ready for third reading?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you as well.
Chairperson (interpretation): And you too, Thank you.
We would like to move onto Bill 38, Supplementary Appropriation.
Chairperson (interpretation): Are you in agreement.
Does the Minister have any comments?
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Yes Mr. Chairman, thank you.
We’ve appeared before the committee today to discuss Supplementary Appropriation Act No. 1, 2003/2004.
Mr. Chairman, the purpose of the supplementary appropriation act is to allow the Government of Nunavut to carry over $29 million, 386 thousand dollars in capital projects from the 2002/2003 fiscal year to this current fiscal year.
This approval will allow for projects that were in progress to continue this year.
In addition, an amount of $2 million, 294 thousand dollars is required for the replacement of the Chesterfield Inlet Residential Care facility.
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you for coming down.
Can you introduce your official please?
Mr. Chairman, appearing for the first time as the new Assistant Deputy Minister for the Department of Finance, to my left is Mr. David Akeeagok.
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you. Does the Committee have anything to say?
No. Bill 38.
Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 1, 2003/2004 do you have the same copy?
You can start page 4.
Capital estimates, not previously authorized.
This $77 thousand dollars has not been previously authorized.
It’s not a real question but there is an error in Inuktitut.
The Inuktitut version will have to be corrected.
Under $77 thousand it says that the government it says Naujait when it should say Kiinaujait and therefore should be understood properly.
There are corrections to be made in Inuktitut.
It’ll be corrected.
Are you in agreement with page four?
Turn the page five.
Directorate. $150 thousand.
In agreement?
Mr. Chairman, I just noted on the first page that we just agreed to on this one then the other ones it says, the net effect in government operations will be nil, that this funding has been transferred from prior years capital appropriation.
I was wondering the minister can indicate what capital projects didn’t happen.
Where did this money from?
It was from prior year’s capital.
Was that just left over money that wasn’t spent?
Or what projects that didn’t happen as a result.
Because I know we approved previous year’s capital and expected all to be done so if this money is coming from then, then which projects aren’t going be done as a result of this money being transferred.