EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
The memorandum of understanding was signed because that area is part of our territory of Nunavut. That is the reason why the agreement was signed.
The federal government has identified a large pot of funds towards this goal.
These three parties are collaborating together: the federal government, Parks Canada, and the Nunavut government.
The Nunavut government is not going to expend a huge amount of funding for this because they will mostly be paying for the heritage coordinator’s airfare, accommodation, and per diems. That’s the only thing that we agreed to and we don’t intend to spend a lot of money on this issue.
With respect to the member’s request for this information, I doubt that we can provide that at this time and I don’t know when this would become available.
The minister will have to respond because what the government is doing today is for the benefit of the people of Nunavut, and we’re talking about monies from this level of the government and from the federal government.
As I noted in my Member’s Statement, the search has been estimated to cost approximately $275,000.
How much has the Government of Nunavut spent to date on this scheme?
In Nunavut, we have a budget for each department that outlines their funding for each year.
The funds towards this project come from the operational funds and they are identified for each year, without the need for supplementary appropriations.
To date, we have spent approximately $25,000.
For your information, Mr. Minister, we do support this initiative, but the Nunavut government has been directed. For example, if they want to do an expedition here, it could be funded by private companies.
I have clearly explained why this search is unnecessary. Will the minister commit to withdrawing the GN’s support for this scheme starting today?
I will not agree to the member’s request to withdraw from this project.
We have to preserve the heritage artefacts in Nunavut, especially the archaeological sites of our ancestors. Additionally, here in Nunavut, historical materials have been left behind on our lands and many of them are part of our legacy.
If this was managed as a free-for-all, then we would lose all of these items. Nunavut would never see these items again if it were set up this way.
We have a dedicated heritage employee who monitors and takes part in these projects. For archaeological project requests or any projects involving the land, such as old sod hut sites and the like, we can review these sites and either approve or deny them.
This project that the member wishes our government to withdraw from is something that I cannot approve as the minister at this time.
Question 411 – 3(3): Firearms Safety in Nunavut Communities (Ningark)
I was speaking earlier about firearms and safety.
Of course, I properly store my firearms because safety is a priority.
We have to protect the people of Nunavut at our homes and also in our communities.
The hunters and trappers organizations in our communities have to be involved in the important issue of firearms safety. The people of Nunavut are waiting, who are afraid of when uniformed RCMP and conservation officers are going to be entering their houses.
I could direct this question to the Minister of Environment or the Minister of Justice. I think it would be more appropriate if I direct my question to the Premier.
I would like to ask the Premier if the HTOs could take part in the issue of firearms safety and if the people are going to be kept properly informed during that week.
Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the member for asking that question because it is of concern to all the communities and it’s also a very important issue.
This issue has been under the Minister of Justice and I think it would be more appropriate if he should respond to that question.
I would very much like to thank the member for raising the concern about firearms safety.
As all members are aware, it has been talked about in the media recently to quite some extent how firearm crimes have been on the rise in the last year in Nunavut and there have been many incidents involving firearms.
In partnership with my colleagues in the Department of Environment, the RCMP, the Department of Justice, and NTI, we have all been working together to promote firearms safety and storage awareness for all communities and all residents of Nunavut. We have put out a press conference that we have done. There is going to be individual offering to specific and all communities in Nunavut.
The first project started off in Clyde River and was very well accepted by the RCMP and conservation officers from Environment involved, going door to door and giving information and also deterrent locks to those who were interested in having them.
I must tell the member that we are very sensitive and aware of the fact that people may seem to be intimidated.
They have no fear. They do not have to relay any information they do not want to the RCMP or the conservation officers. This is purely a safety and volunteer program that’s taking place, but it is to ensure the safety and well-being of all our citizens and all our communities in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, as we speak, my community expects to be visited by the service in uniform.
Uniforms can be very intimidating at times and expectations are high.
There is apprehension in the community.
I want to know if the hon. minister will tell the people who work for his department and Environment that the communities like the Hamlet of Repulse Bay and the Hamlet of Kugaaruk will be informed on the exact week when they expect to be visited by people from the RCMP and the Department of Environment to make sure that the hunters and trappers associations are involved in this campaign.
I can assure the member and make him feel confident that when these initiatives are taking place, which they have in Clyde River, they will be shortly in Igloolik, I think they’re ongoing in Baker Lake right now, and then Arviat is planned after that, and all 25 communities in Nunavut are planned on being visited, addressed, and provided this information by a period of one year.
I can assure the member, though, that when this is taking place, there will be information on community radio, HTOs will be informed, hamlets will be informed, so that everybody is aware of when these events are taking place. I can assure him of that.
Question 412 – 3(3): Taloyoak Fuel Truck Garage (Ugyuk)
I would like to direct my question to the (interpretation ends) Minister of CGS.
I tabled a picture in the last spring sitting of a garage made out of old fuel tanks with an added-on wooden structure.
This garage is used for the new contract for a POL for Paleajook Co-op.
The POL contract has two fuel trucks. I have been told that this garage is not up to electrical code and the fire marshal deemed it unsafe.
Last winter, the two fuel trucks were out in the cold, plugged in, on all night.
I made the minister aware of this in the summer. We’re frustrated in Taloyoak, as we’re set back for an important contract being left out in the cold. Is CGS or the minister going to provide new infrastructure for a new garage for Paleajook Co-op to [house] the two fuel trucks?
CGS will not be building any garages, but I understand that the contractor is building a facility in that community.
The contractor is working with the Municipality of Taloyoak to try to secure land to build such a facility.
I also thank the Minister of CGS for that response.
Based on what I have been led to understand, the Co-op has purchased the old church building and is no longer constructing a new garage for their vehicles.
However, the Co-op has two fuel trucks that they purchased. Will these trucks fit in the old church? Can both of them be housed in the old church?
I would like that question answered, please, Mr. Speaker.
As per your question, I cannot confirm that the old church was purchased by the Co-op specifically to house the vehicles and I have no idea if that is what they planned. I have never seen the old church, so I cannot ascertain whether this old church would be used for this purpose and whether it could house both of the vehicles.
I can look into the situation to get more clarification and I will ensure that when I get the information, I will pass it along to the member from that constituency as to what they are planning to do.
Based on my understanding as per what I was told, the Co-op would purchase the building that was to be a church and that they are no longer going to construct a garage for the trucks.
The Co-op believes that they can renovate the building to house them. Will this building be large enough to house two rather large vehicles?
There are two trucks that require space, both of which are fuel trucks, one that refuels aircraft and one that refuels houses, the airlines, and the entire public infrastructure in our community.
Sorry about that little mistake.
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for raising that question.
The fuel contractors in that community, for that matter, everywhere in Nunavut, fuel up local vehicles as well as all buildings requiring heating fuel, such as offices, workplaces, and other buildings throughout Nunavut.
Based on the information I have been provided, the contractor worked with the local hamlet on this issue. Land isn’t available immediately throughout Nunavut, as any developer has to work with the local hamlet to obtain a lot. There are various types of lots available.
Based on my understanding, the contractor requested the hamlet to make changes based on their plans and they were supposed to reach an agreement on where they could construct this building.
Now, with the matter you raised pertaining to the old church or whatever building they would use for that purpose, this is the first time I have heard of it.
First, I will have to look into the matter to see if there are no problems or if there are issues to resolve. I have to first get further information before I can answer.
I will provide the information on this matter. This is the first I have heard of it.
However, I can only speak to the developments to date that I am aware of.
This time it’s your final supplementary, Ms. Ugyuk.
I would like to direct my last question to the Minister of CGS.
I am very pleased that the minister is committing to look into this and the garage that we would like to see.
Last winter, they thought that these fuel delivery trucks needed to be properly housed. The Co-op and hamlet council used to meet on that. It seems like sometimes they defer the matter.
They’re just waiting for a lot now. If they are just waiting for a lot and the foundations have not been built yet, I kind of doubt that they will have time to construct the garage because winter is upon us.
I believe this is an urgent case and I would like the Minister of CGS to know about that.
I didn’t hear a question there; it’s just a comment.
I believe after your comment, the minister is aware of it.
Return to Written Question 017 – 3(3): Annual Fuel Purchases by the Government of Nunavut (Clerk)
Return to Written Question 018 – 3(3): Vacant Staff Housing Units (Clerk)
*See Appendix for full text of Returns to Written Questions 17 – 3(3) and 18 – 3(3) filed with the Clerk.
I am tabling the returns to written questions no. 17 and 18 – 3(3) that were asked during the 2012 spring sitting.
Petition 003 – 3(3): Petition for Resignation (Curley)
Mr. Curley: Yes, Mr. Speaker, I have a petition to table. It comes from the parents of Rankin Inlet, former students and students of MUI. They signed this petition demanding an immediate resignation of a certain individual, a teacher named in the petition.
Mr. Speaker, the petition is concerned that this particular individual has problems in interacting with students and a number of issues that are related to professional procedures required in the school.
It contains 84 signatures, Mr. Speaker.
Please send it up to the front.
Tabled Document 223 – 3(3): Community and Government Services’ Action Plan in Response of the Auditor General of Canada’s Report on Procurement of Goods and Services (Aariak)
Tabled Document 224 – 3(3): Economic Development and Transportation’s Action Plan in Response of the Auditor General of Canada’s Report on Procurement of Goods and Services (Aariak)
Tabled Document 225 – 3(3): Qulliq Energy Corporation’s Action Plan in Response of the Auditor General of Canada’s Report on Procurement of Goods and Services (Aariak)
Tabled Document 226 – 3(3): Nunavut Housing Corporation’s Action Plan in Response of the Auditor General of Canada’s Report on Procurement of Goods and Services (Aariak)
Tabled Document 227 – 3(3): Government of Nunavut’s Response to the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts Recommendations on the Report on the Review of the 2012 Report of the Auditor General of Canada to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut on Procurement of Goods and Services (Aariak)
Tabled Document 228 – 3(3): Government of Nunavut’s Response to the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts Recommendations on the Report on the Review of the 2010-2011 Report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Nunavut (Aariak)
Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have three documents to table.
The first one being: (interpretation ends) I am pleased to table the four action plans, as stated in the standing committee’s further recommendations on the Auditor General of Canada’s Report on Procurement of Goods and Services for the following departments and agencies:
Qulliq Energy Corporation
Another tabling is I am pleased to table the Government of Nunavut’s Response to the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts Recommendations on the Report on the Review of the 2012 Report of the Auditor General of Canada to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut on Procurement of Goods and Services.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to table the Government of Nunavut’s Response to the Report of the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts on the Review of the 2010-11 Report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Nunavut.
Tabled Document 229 – 3(3): Correspondence from the Inuit Heritage Trust Concerning Traditional Place Names (Elliott)
Tabled Document 230 – 3(3): Presentation by the Department of National Defence on the Nanisivik Naval Facility Project (Elliott)
I have two items to table.
Mr. Speaker, the first tabling seems fitting, considering the Minister of Culture and Heritage’s Minister’s Statement from today. I wish to table a copy of correspondence that I recently received from the Inuit Heritage Trust concerning the issue of traditional place names in Nunavut. As a courtesy to the Minister of Culture and Heritage, I wish to advise that I will have questions for him on this issue during our fall sitting.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to table a copy of a presentation that was recently delivered by officials from the Department of National Defence concerning the proposed Nanisivik Naval Facility project. The presentation is available in both Inuktitut and English. I encourage all members to review this document with care.
Send those documents up to the front.
Tabled Document 231 – 3(3): Nunavut Business Credit Corporation’s Procurement Activity Report for the Period from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011 (Taptuna)
Tabled Document 232 – 3(3): Nunavut Business Credit Corporation’s Annual Report for the Period 2011-2012 (Taptuna)
I am pleased to table the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation’s Procurement Activity Report for the Period from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011.
Mr. Speaker, I also have a document here, the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation’s Annual Report for the Period 2011-12. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills. Minister of Finance, Minister Peterson.
Bill 41 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2013-2014 – Notice
Bill 42 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2012-2013 – Notice
Bill 43 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2012-2013 – Notice
Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have three notices of motions for first reading of bills if I am permitted to read them.
Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Thursday, October 25, 2012, that Bill 41, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2013-2014, be read for the first time.
Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Thursday, October 25, 2012, that Bill 42, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2012-2013, be read for the first time.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Thursday, October 25, 2012, that Bill 43, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2012-2013, be read for the first time.
Item 15. Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills. Minister of Justice, Minister Shewchuk.
Bill 44 – An Act to Amend the Justices of the Peace Act – Notice
I give notice that on Thursday, October 25, 2012, that Bill 44, An Act to Amend the Justices of the Peace Act, be read for the first time.
Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, I request consent of this Assembly to waive the two-day notice requirement to allow for the first reading of Bill 41, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2013-2014.
The minister is seeking consent to waive the two-day waiting rule so that Bill 41 can be read for the first time.
Bill 41 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2013-2014 – First Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 41, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2013-2014, be read for the first time.
I request consent of this Assembly to waive the two-day notice requirement to allow for the first reading of Bill 42, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2012-2013.
The minister is seeking consent to waive the two-day waiting rule so that Bill 42 can be read for the first time today.
Bill 42 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2012-2013 – First Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 42, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2012-2013, be read for the first time.
The motion is carried and Bill 42 has been read for the first time.
I request consent of this Assembly to waive the two-day notice requirement to allow for the first reading of Bill 43, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2012-2013.
The minister is seeking consent to waive the two-day waiting rule so that Bill 43 can be read today for the first time.
Speaker: It’s a very consensual Assembly.
Please go ahead, Minister of Finance, Minister Peterson.
Bill 43 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2012-2013 – First Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 43, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2012-2013, be read for the first time.
The motion is carried and Bill 43 has been read for the first time.
Bill 41 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2013-2014 – Second Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 41, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2013-2014, be read for the second time.
Mr. Speaker, this bill authorizes the Government of Nunavut to make capital expenditures for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014.
The motion is carried and Bill 41 is referred to Committee of the Whole.
Bill 42 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2012-2013 – Second Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 42, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2012-2013, be read for the second time.
The motion is carried and Bill 42 is referred to Committee of the Whole.
Bill 43 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2012-2013 – Second Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 43, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2012-2013, be read for the second time.
The motion is carried and Bill 43 is referred to Committee of the Whole.
Item 19. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters. Bills 41, 42, and 43 with Mr. Tapardjuk in the Chair.
>>House recessed at 15:38 and Committee resumed at 16:08
I would now like to call the committee meeting to order and I welcome you.
In Committee of the Whole, we have the following items to deal with: Bills 41, 42, and 43, which were read for the second time and we can now review them in Committee of the Whole.
We wish to deal with Bill 41, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2013-2014.
We will begin with the Department of CGS and, if concluded, we wish to deal with the Department of Justice.
Does the committee agree that we first deal with CG&S?
Bill 41 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2013-2014 – Community and Government Services – Consideration in Committee
Chairman (interpretation): Minister Kusugak, if you can go to the witness table.
Thank you, Minister Kusugak. You can now make your opening comments.
I would like to thank you for the opportunity to update you on the 2014-18 Five-Year Capital Plan and in particular, the 2013-14 Capital Estimates for the Department of Community and Government Services.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Chairman, CGS provides a critical role in the capital process for the benefit of all Nunavummiut.
Our technical and project management staff continues to provide a wide range of services to all departments in developing their capital plans.
CGS is also responsible for securing funding for the annual capital needs in all of our municipalities. A large majority of the funding requested by CGS goes directly to infrastructure projects in our communities.
The department ensures community input into the decision-making process through the Nunavut Community Infrastructure Advisory Committee (NCIAC).
This committee has a balanced government and hamlet membership, and provides recommendations of priority infrastructure projects for consideration in the GN capital planning process.
The committee is also tasked with the development and implementation of the long-term integrated community sustainability plans, or ICSPs, for each community in Nunavut.
Mr. Chairman, the department is also updating and populating the RECAPP asset management software program, which will track current information on GN owned and municipal assets, providing data on replacement costs, life cycle condition analysis, and accurate planning data for current and future capital funding needs.
The information provided by both the ICSPs and RECAPP will allow communities and the GN to better identify the infrastructure of each municipality and provide crucial information that will assist in long-term planning.
This information will be helpful in the new capital planning process, which is meant to strengthen the decision-making that leads to the development of the GN capital plan.
The GN will continue to work closely with Infrastructure Canada to develop future federal infrastructure programs that cater to the unique infrastructure needs in Nunavut.
With continued funding from federal programs, such as the Building Canada Fund, the extension of the Gas Tax Program, and other new federal funding initiatives, we are confident that we can continue to move towards building strong and sustainable communities in Nunavut.
Mr. Chairman, based on recommendations from the solid waste management study, modified landfills have been identified as the best practice for the majority of Nunavut communities.
These facilities will be fenced and include lined cells for hazardous waste, bulky metals, land farms, and domestic garbage.
These systems come at a considerable capital cost and the department is working on strategies to finance the construction of these facilities through various federal funding programs, public-private partnerships, and the GN capital planning process.
In addition, the department is collaborating with the Municipal Training Organization to deliver management and training programs to communities, which will provide training to encourage segregation of waste streams, controlled access, and better management of solid waste facilities.