EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Nonetheless, I am aware of the matter the member referred to and that it will be dealt with. When the copy reaches me and I have reviewed the information and formulated a response, I have no doubt that the member representing that region of Kitikmeot would want to hear the response.
This was tabled back in June, not too long ago.
The resolution was tabled in the House.
Mr. Speaker, there is a small family in Gjoa Haven temporarily living in a unit which desperately needs work.
There is no hot water, no bath, shower, or plumbing for the kitchen sink, boarded up windows, and a furnace which emits fumes throughout the house.
Mr. Speaker, can the minister clarify what kinds of assistance his department can provide to ensure that this family can be housed in a safe and comfortable manner?
Mr. Speaker, the issues particular to the member’s question when cases have to be dealt with don’t just involve our Department of Family Services, as we have to collaborate with other departments such as the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
When a unit requires renovations, there are many reasons that lead to that situation.
Due to the complexity, we had to first research the information on what work is needed related to the renovation of the unit. If that was the reason such as the member related, then perhaps it would be better to route this through the local housing authority and the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
Depending on the circumstances, we would probably work with the local housing association and the appropriate department or even the municipal government, as well as the (interpretation ends) association or authority (interpretation) we need to work with. We first compile all the information prior to dealing with those issues.
I hope I was clear in my response.
Perhaps I can look into the matter or if it’s required, NHC or the local authority will deal with the issue. These details will have to be looked at as they are outside of my department.
Question 368 – 4(3): Status of Sanikiluaq’s Sewage Lagoon (Rumbolt)
Mr. Speaker, I have previously raised concerns regarding the status of Sanikiluaq’s new sewage lagoon, which has been delayed for a number of years.
I note that the department had identified a location for the new lagoon, but was unable to finalize that location last year due to a non-compliance issue with Transport Canada regulations.
Following this setback, it was my understanding that the department intended to work with the hamlet council to discuss options for moving forward with this project.
Can the minister indicate if his department has met with the Sanikiluaq Hamlet Council to discuss options for the new sewage lagoon in Sanikiluaq?
Yes, CGS has met with the Hamlet of Sanikiluaq on this matter.
Like the member stated, this has been a long process that initially started in 2012 and we’ve had our difficulties with it, but I can give the member an update.
We have been communicating with the Hamlet of Sanikiluaq on the new initiative starting this February. There have been emails going back and forth and consultations, but the last face-to-face meeting was in April of this year to update the Hamlet of Sanikiluaq on what we hope and plan to do.
As I stated here many times, Dalhousie University is doing wetland studies and Sanikiluaq is part of the process.
They were there in May to take samples and to study the existing sewage lagoon. They will be back in the fall to take more samples and then to meet with the hamlet council.
From there, we will have a better idea of what we have and what we need.
I think he answered my first supplementary with what the next steps were, so I’ll go on to my second supplementary.
Can the minister provide a timeline by which he anticipates that his department will able to complete the construction or the upgrade of the sewage lagoon in Sanikiluaq?
As much as I would like to give the member a direct answer on the timeline, I can’t do that until the studies are done, but I can assure the member that once the studies are done and the results are in from the fall, we will have a better idea of what we need.
We’re not sure if we need to do extensive work or if what they have right now just needs a little bit of work.
On that condition, I can’t give him a timeline other than we are working on it and we want to resolve the problem with the sewage lagoon in Sanikiluaq as quickly as we can.
As the minister was speaking, I thought of another question that I should ask.
In the previous documents, it always stated that it would be a new sewage lagoon for the community.
Can the minister confirm whether it will be a new sewage lagoon for the community or will it be an upgrade to the existing sewage lagoon?
Initially, the plan was for a new sewage lagoon in Sanikiluaq, but due to regulations from Transport Canada, we could not build a new sewage lagoon. We tried to get exemption permits from Transport Canada for a new sewage lagoon and we could not, so we will have to work with the existing lagoon, as far as I’m aware.
With the new regulations there, a sewage lagoon cannot be built within four kilometres of Sanikiluaq and that is a major problem.
Once the study is done and complete and we have all the information, more than likely, we will be working with the existing lagoon, making it bigger if we have to and making it work, but we will resolve the issue.
Question 369 – 4(3): The Need for an Elders Facility in Taloyoak (Qirngnuq)
Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Health.
Mr. Speaker, in my statement earlier today, I addressed the need for an elders facility in the community of Taloyoak.
Can the minister provide an update on what consideration her department has given to opening an elders facility in Taloyoak?
Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) I also thank the member for that question.
The matters he mentioned were the reason why we met with the mayor and SAO of Taloyoak when they were in Iqaluit for meetings. However, I can only state that as of this date, we have no plans for that facility, but the Department of Health is researching the empty units throughout Nunavut to see how they could be incorporated into this research and we would need to work with CGS and it is currently being planned out at this time.
The population of Taloyoak is steadily aging.
It is important that we consider and plan for what will be needed in the near future to ensure that our elders are safe, comfortable, and able to stay near their families and culture.
Can the minister provide an update on what steps her department has taken to assess the needs for elders facilities in communities like Taloyoak and what plans are in place to meet those needs?
In February’s session, we tabled a document reporting on elders and the (interpretation ends) long-term care needs assessment. (interpretation) We completed the study as to the needs of our aging population and possible challenges the government will face in the future.
This includes elders on the waiting lists looking for space at our existing elders facilities in Nunavut.
If our elders could remain in their houses longer, it would be preferable, but we know that as we age, our mobility suffers and we require more attention and services.
First of all, there are home care nurses that visit the elders for specified hours during the day and this occurs weekly in light of an elder’s increasing lack of self-care, as well as having cleaners who come into the house to clean the unit.
This is scheduled in when elders become frailer and less able to look after themselves and require more nursing care.
This is also included in the considerations, as some elders need to be moved to elders facilities to receive more attentive care or where they need to be checked on more frequently.
To date, what I can state is that for people who want to take a workshop on taking care of elders, such as when an elder suffers dementia or loses their mental faculties, a workshop was just offered here and in other areas where elders require assistance.
That was offered to people who had interest in assisting their elders. We also provide those training courses.
As the minister will be aware, the new Taloyoak Health Centre is now up and running and the old health centre is sitting empty.
Can the minister clearly explain what process should be followed to support the hamlet’s suggestion to convert this building into an elders facility?
If a building is geared towards an elders facility, different types of work are required to comply with the (interpretation ends) building codes. (interpretation) It would be assessed using the building codes to see whether the building is too antiquated or problematic.
Currently, we’re working with CGS on how best to use that facility.
Question 370 – 4(3): Plastic Bags in Nunavut (Okalik)
I would first like to direct my question to the Minister of Environment.
It is now early spring and boating season will be upon us, especially here in Iqaluit. The dump waste disposal site is near the beach.
Pieces of debris and plastic are blown into the ocean and they can clog outboard motors, causing breakdowns.
Plastic bags don’t have much use and they contaminate the environment.
I would like to ask the minister what considerations he has planned to cut down on the use of plastic bags in Nunavut.
We have considered that, especially the shopping bags that are blown by the wind and go down the river into the ocean. This has been discussed within the Department of Environment. The process of how legislation could be drawn up has started within the Department of Environment.
I travel to different places and some department stores have used shopping bags outside the store to be recycled.
Can they plan for such things or put a complete stop to it?
There are paper bags that are available in the stores. It is obvious that they can be used.
Can the Department of Environment state exactly what their plans are?
Yes, I agree with my colleague on how the plastic bags can be reused.
The Government of Nunavut, especially the Department of Environment, should be in charge of this and the only way is through legislation.
We have thought about how we can rectify the problem through legislation on waste reduction, specifically plastic shopping bags and other things.
Some float in the water and in between. They are more dangerous that way.
We are working on this issue. There will be legislation proposed in the future.
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister. He stated that he will be proposing legislation.
When will the Department of Environment be making that new legislative proposal on waste reduction?
In regard to the new legislation, we need to take the proper steps. The government will have to make the proper considerations.
Hopefully during the fall session, I would like to be able to introduce the new legislation on plastic bags and waste.
Once the Government of Nunavut has made the appropriate considerations, I will be able to introduce it in the fall session.
Question 371 – 4(3): Driver’s Licences and Photo IDs (Joanasie)
I would like to direct my questions today to the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation.
Mr. Speaker, I continue to receive concerns from constituents in South Baffin regarding the length of time that it takes to issue new driver’s licences and I continue to receive questions regarding which department is ultimately responsible for this service.
I would first like to ask the minister if she can clarify how her department works with government liaison officers in the communities to issue driver’s licences.
In regard to the positions the member referred to, the (interpretation end) GLOs (interpretation) are the government liaison officers who support local residents with the Department of Transportation forms. The system has been set up in order for the employees to issue driver’s licences locally.
We work with (interpretation ends) Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs (interpretation) on the issuance of the licences and the process involved.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Economic Development and Transportation has been working to introduce a new Motor Vehicle Information System, but we know that there have been some delays in this project.
Can the minister update us today on when the new MVIS is scheduled to become fully operational?
With respect to the (interpretation ends) Motor Vehicle Information System (interpretation) the member mentioned, we have submitted supplementary budget appropriation for approval during this session.
If the approval is forthcoming, then we can start to move forward in implementing the system and we can begin our planning on the installation of the computer hardware in the communities, as well as the software.
In addition to driver’s licensing and general identification cards, Nunavummiut need to be able to obtain passports from the federal government.
In order to apply for passports, one needs photographs that meet the strict federal security standards.
For many years, residents of smaller communities have had difficulties in obtaining photographs due to a lack of equipment.
Can the minister confirm whether or not the government’s new MVIS will provide the capability for passport-quality photographs to be taken in all 25 Nunavut communities?
Our primary function is essential for the administration of motor vehicles, driver’s licences, and registration.
MVIS will be a comprehensive and authoritative source of information for Nunavut residents and it is critical that we have this system in place to be widely used.
The role in providing travel documents will be driver’s licences and general identification cards to the population.
Question 372 – 4(3): Status of the Tenant to Owner Program (Enook)
A number of my constituents in Pond Inlet who live in public housing have expressed interest in purchasing their units and becoming homeowners. In my humble opinion, the housing corporation should be encouraging and helping our residents to become homeowners.
Mr. Speaker, the purpose of the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s Tenant to Owner Program is to, and I quote, “Allows tenants who are able to assume the costs and responsibility of homeownership to purchase their current public housing unit.”
However, it is my understanding that this program is, and I quote, “suspended pending further review.”
Can the minister explain today why the Tenant to Owner Program is not currently being offered to Nunavummiut as it used to be? Why has it been stopped?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. George Hickes.
I know I’m supposed to be answering questions, not asking questions myself, but I’m curious as to know where the member got that quote from that the Tenant to Owner Program was suspended.
In fact, this program was developed back in 2002 and as recently as October of last year, it went through some revisions to make it more accessible to Nunavummiut for residents that are currently in public housing to be able to purchase an approved residence in a community by NHC in collaboration with the local housing organization to make sure that also they meet the minimum criteria of being able to sustain a unit financially.
To my knowledge, this program is alive and well. I still think personally that it’s underutilized.
I encourage people at the community level, if their desire is to transition into a homeownership situation for their residence, to go either to the local housing organization office or go online for applicants and those will be reviewed.
There is another concern. Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that one of the concerns about this program is the ability of residents to assume the costs of homeownership.
Can the minister indicate what income level is required to be a homeowner in Nunavut?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. George Kuksuk.
Hon. George Hickes: It’s Hickes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
It is the community-based income guidelines that are utilized under the homeownership programs.
I don’t have every community in front of me right now, but if the member would give me a little bit of time, I could talk to him after the sitting today and go over the chart with all the income guidelines that would pertain to his specific community.
It is our desire to assist people to go into homeownership opportunities, but at the same time, we have to make sure that the income is available so that they can afford to maintain that residence and we are not putting people in a financial situation that creates challenges for them and their families.
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We will connect at a later time.
For my last question, there was a letter written to Mr. Rumbolt, chair of the standing committee, on October 17, 2014 about the same thing I am talking about.
It is my understanding that another one of the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s concerns about this program is the impact that it has on the corporation’s current approach to determining community allocations for new public housing.
Can the minister describe how the housing corporation’s current review of the TOP program is addressing this issue?
What has been reviewed to date?
I think I understood the member’s question.
When we are taking residences or infrastructures off of our books and selling them privately, it does take a piece of inventory out of our stock, but at the same, it provides a long-term homeownership opportunity for a family in that community so that they are not in need of public housing.
Those dollars could be turned around and utilized into building more infrastructure across the territory to help address the crisis of housing that we currently are experiencing here in Nunavut.
It is an ongoing challenge that I hope we can resolve in my lifetime, but at the same time, we have to deal with today’s realities.
The end result in a housing continuum is homeownership that is appropriate for the resident. Our ultimate goal is to provide that opportunity to as many people that one, can afford it and two, who want to experience that part of the housing continuum.
Question 373 – 4(3): Qikiqtarjuaq Solid Waste Site (Keyootak)
Mr. Speaker, for quite some time now, we have been talking about the need to relocate the dump in Qikiqtarjuaq.
Can the minister indicate when they will start the work on the relocation of the dump in Qikiqtarjuaq?
The government needs to communicate with the Hamlet of Qikiqtarjuaq and the government cannot unilaterally make decisions on solid waste dump relocations.
This applies to all dumps within Nunavut’s communities or rather applies to (interpretation ends) solid waste sites or dumps, (interpretation) as most of the sites are full to capacity or nearing their useful lifecycle.
With respect to the Nunavut-wide challenges, these sites are currently being researched as to how this process can move forward.
At this time, I cannot state when the solid waste site in Qikiqtarjuaq would be relocated or even the relocation site.
This dump is situated in a dangerous area and has created safety issues around Qikiqtarjuaq primarily due to the concerns held by the hamlet and residents involving polar bears.
Qikiqtarjuaq is situated in an area with one of the largest polar bear populations in the Baffin region and the dump lies right in the middle of the polar bear migration routes they use in the fall.
The dump is situated right on the road and many residents also have cabins in the vicinity.
There is a road leading there and people pass by the dump on their way to their cabins.
Some residents actually walk to their cabins.
During the fall season, the dump always has polar bears in the vicinity and people also pass by.
Further, this means the conservation officer has to spend the entire night at the solid waste dump, especially during the peak of the migration.
Due to these reasons, it is considered an urgent priority to relocate the solid waste site in Qikiqtarjuaq.
Can the minister take these safety concerns into their deliberation as it is a public safety issue due to the polar bears in the fall?
Yes, fall time is, indeed, polar bear season for many communities, and Arviat also experiences challenges with polar bears at the solid waste site.
There are polar bears in the vicinity every day and night, so my colleague’s statement is something I am familiar with.
Nonetheless, in Arviat during the fall when polar bears are passing through, the waste is generally burned and covered with gravel.
This would provide some assistance to the challenges, especially in blocking the polar bears’ acute sense of smell so that if the dump has food, then the bears will not visit the dumpsites.
However, as per my earlier statement, the dumpsites in Nunavut are currently under review and recommendations will be forthcoming as to whether to improve the sites or to relocate them elsewhere.
Nonetheless, at this time, I cannot state that yes, we will be moving the dumpsite due to polar bear aggressions at the Qikiqtarjuaq dumpsite.
When polar bears pass through in the fall or even in the winter, the waste should be burnt or covered with gravel. I know that in the winter, it would be very difficult to cover the waste site in the winter, but in Arviat every fall, they burn the waste before it overruns the dump.
It is not solely due to polar bears where local concerns have been brought up. Part of the concerns revolves around polar bears, as I mentioned, during the fall season when Qikiqtarjuaq residents walk to their cabins and the route takes them through the dumpsite.
Further, the solid waste site is also upland from the community water reservoir, directly in line with the prevailing wind.
When the wind picks up, it can blow the waste directly onto the water reservoir.
When Qikiqtarjuaq does get windy, which is occasional, the wind is quite strong.
When it is windy in the summer, it also gets dangerous due to the waste material being blown across the road towards the reservoir.
For that reason, the community has wanted to relocate the dump.
As the minister has stated, he cannot tell me when the work will occur. Can I get a commitment from the minister that they will look into this issue by working with the hamlet council in Qikiqtarjuaq?
They definitely have to relocate the solid waste site.
I can’t exactly tell you at this time that we will move the solid waste site.
As I stated previously, we’re now reviewing and analyzing all the solid waste sites in Nunavut. If we move the solid waste site, it will have to go through (interpretation ends) environmental hearings (interpretation) and it has to go through the NIRB process.
As I stated before, the sewage lagoon in Sanikiluaq is too close to the airstrip and it was denied. The new solid waste sites can’t be near the airstrips.
I have not seen where the Qikiqtarjuaq solid waste site is in relation to the airport.
In regard to new solid waste dumps, they have to be four kilometres from the airport.
We have to review all those sites in Nunavut, but I know that the solid waste sites are being filled to capacity and we’re dealing with it now.
I know that the funding is not going to be adequate to resolve all the issues in all the communities.
We can only do so much with the funding, but in regard to the solid waste site in Qikiqtarjuaq, we’re not moving it any time soon right now.
Question 374 – 4(3): Crime Prevention Strategies and Programs in Nunavut (Angnakak)
On May 26, 2015, the Minister of Justice tabled the Public Engagement Report for the Crime Prevention Strategy.
Mr. Speaker, I note that this document is not a territorial crime prevention strategy.  In fact, the department indicates in this report that “The feedback and knowledge that we gathered from this report will be used in the creation of a made in Nunavut Crime Prevention Strategy for the benefit of all Nunavummiut.”
Can the minister tell us today when we can expect to see a final version of this “made in Nunavut Crime Prevention Strategy”?