EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
The EDAP program was very expensive, one individual could have received up to 70% for down payment assistance.
So the NDAP that was made available did assist quite a few more people.
We are accepting applications but we will come up with a program that will assist homeowners or potential homeowners who would like to own their own homes.
I think everybody in this House is aware that we had to cut back many our programs because of the 100 units that are being built this year.
The only allocation for homeowners is 1 million dollars and with 1 million dollars I can't do very much other than coming up with an NDAP sort of a program that would assist potential homeowners with the limited dollars.
Mr. Speaker, I take that as a no, they can't apply under EDAP.
Then I guess that leads to the question, did the department just arbitrarily say in their budget that we want to have a homeownership program and we asked people to apply for it but we don't know what it is yet.
I am just wondering why if you are going to allocate money for a program, a program isn't in place for people to apply for.
I think a lot of people would like to know prior to applying for something, or even before a number being applied to a program in the budget, they should know exactly the criteria that is going to be used for allocating that.
I am just wondering what the people who are going to apply for homeownership money, what they are applying for. What are they going to be putting on the top of their application that they are applying for.
Because the indication, if I am understanding the minister's comments, there is no set program right now that people can apply for.
What I was saying is that we no longer have a program called EDAP.
We have homeownership money, we can't call it something else if we wanted to.
The EDAP program was quite expensive for us, and we just helped a few people when we could probably have helped more because of the percentage that was given to some people.
In regards to the application we are always getting all types of applications to our office, whether it be for new windows, doors, or whatever.
So I am saying that of course, we invite anybody to apply and they do that, to every other department in the government, there are always applications coming forward even if they don't know what the programs are.
With the 1 million dollars we are trying to find, trying to help individuals out there who want to own their own homes and unfortunately that's all I have right now and I have to make it spread out in our territory.
Question 551 – 1(3): Social Worker Recruitment and Retention
Mr. Speaker, before I ask my question to the Minister of Health I would like to commend you on your nice Bugs Bunny tie.
Anyway Mr. Speaker, it took me almost four years of lobbying, making statements to try and get my social worker.
I would like to thank the minister and his staff for getting me a social worker, finally after four years in Arctic Bay.
I would like to ask the minister about the social worker recruitment troubles and shortages, can the minister update me on this issue.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member for his complimentary remarks on my tie, he has a nice tie too, very nice and red.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank him for his question.
Actually just this morning I met with the Regional Superintendent for the Baffin region for Social Services on recruitment and retention issues, with one of the members of the House, Mr. Akesuk.
We discussed some of the opportunities that we have with some of the members who are graduating right now with the Social Worker diploma from Arctic College, as well as looking at some aggressive recruitment and retention programs that we could put in place.
Mr. Speaker, as you know we have been very successful over the past year after putting a recruitment and retention program in place for our nurses, we are at a very good level of staffing there, we seem to have averted some of the pandemic problems other jurisdictions have had.
We have not Mr. Speaker, we have not for example, had to close any health centre in Nunavut, like they have done in the Northwest Territories because of a shortage of staff.
We haven't done that.
Mr. Speaker, on the Social Workers situation maybe we should look at bringing forward some type of recruitment and retention program for social workers.
I met with the Regional Superintendent this morning with one of the members, we still for example, have not got a social worker in Kimmirut and that's something that we would like to be able to bring forward.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the question and maybe using the same type of work that we have done with the nurses, bring some sort of recruitment and retention program forward for social workers.
Final question.
Question 552 – 1(3): Distribution of Smoking Cessation Funding
I will be directing my question to the Minister of Health & Social Services.
That 2 million dollars that will be allotted for smoking cessation, will they be allotted to all the communities of Nunavut so that they could do their smoking cessation programs.
Mr. Speaker, that's an excellent question.
When we were designing the anti-smoking cessation program and bringing that money forward we were looking at a pan-Nunavut wide program co-ordinated through the Department of Health & Social Services and our regional offices.
We didn't really look at specific community needs.
But with the opportunity that has presented itself Mr. Speaker, with the Standing Committees on Health that are being set up and I believe the last numbers were 16 out of 26 communities have now set up a health committee in their community, could work with those health committees.
I know Clyde has that committee set up in the community of Clyde River, so Mr. Speaker, that is an excellent suggestion by the member and we will, Mr. Speaker, bring that forward to the community.
Thank you for allowing me to have my supplementary although the question period is almost over.
The money I would like to see it being used all across the Nunavut communities rather than spending the money down south or using the funding for one community.
We could focus it so we could distribute it evenly. I want you to commit to me that you will be considering spreading this money out to all the communities in Nunavut equally.
Mr. Speaker, what we would like to do under the tobacco cessation program is to bring forward a multi-faceted approach which would mean Mr. Speaker, that we would develop manuals, books, information materials, for example here in headquarters and bring that forward to our regions and to our other communities.
We could also Mr. Speaker, look at using the health committees at the community level and if for example, in the member's community of Clyde River, the health committee in Clyde River said that we would like to have 30 thousand dollars to work on this tobacco cessation program in our schools for our young people, the Mr. Speaker, the member is correct, we would look at doing that and supporting that community.
Because one of the principles of setting up the health committees in each community, was issues like this, advocacy issues, looking at the preventative side of medicine.
I think Mr. Speaker, that's a good one.
I know the member had some concerns when we had the debate on Health & Social Services with the tobacco cessation program, I think the member's point is well taken and maybe with that type of information brought forward the member will be an advocate and a supporter of the program.
Members, question period is over.
We will move on to item 7.
Tabled Document 99 – 1(3): Five Year Review of the Land Claims Agreement
Mr. Speaker, today I would like to table a document called, "Five Year Review of the Land Claims Agreement".
Tabled Document 100 – 1(3): Letter from NEU Member
I would like to table one letter in regards to the negotiations between the Nunavut Government and the Nunavut Employees Union.
Mr. Speaker, I give notice that I will be tabling a motion, seconded by the Honourable Member Manitok Thompson for Nunavut symbols.
Mr. Speaker, it is a great honour for me to speak today on this motion to designate the new official symbols of Nunavut.
Our flag, our coat of arms.
I am very pleased that there are being announced in the early spring when the colours of our land are beginning to return.
As Members of the Legislative Assembly know…I am sorry.
Speaker: Please continue, Mr. Alakannuark.
I apologize for the wrong motion.
Many apologies Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Monday, May 1, 2000, I will move the following motion.
WHEREAS it is the practice throughout Canada for provinces and territories to select official symbols and emblems that reflect the uniqueness and character of each jurisdiction and its peoples;
AND WHEREAS the Full Caucus of this Legislative Assembly agreed last year at its Baker Lake Retreat to seek input from the Nunavut public in the selection of official symbols of Nunavut to accompany the Flag and Coat of Arms;
AND WHEREAS the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly conducted an Official Symbols Campaign last year;
AND WHEREAS 249 suggestions for official symbols were submitted by residents of Nunavut and considered by the elected Members of this Legislative Assembly;
NOW THEREFORE I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Rankin Inlet South-Whale Cove, that the Purple Saxifrage (Saxifraga oppositifolia) be adopted as the Floral Emblem of Nunavut.
AND FURTHERMORE, that this House recommend that a new Floral Emblem Act for Nunavut be introduced by the Government at the next Session of the Legislative Assembly.
AND FURTHERMORE, that the Canadian Inuit Husky Dog (Canis familiaris borealis) be adopted as the Official Animal of Nunavut.
AND FURTHERMORE, that the Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus mutus) be adopted as the Official Bird of Nunavut.
Notices of Motions. My honourable friend, Mr. Puqiqnak.
Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Monday, May 1, 2000, I will move the following motion:
WHEREAS we, the Members of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut, swore our Oaths of Allegiance and Office in the Spring of last year;
AND WHEREAS we, the Members of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut, wish to renew our commitment to upholding the trust and confidence of the people of Nunavut;
AND WHEREAS we, the Members of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut, wish to renew our commitment to working on behalf of the people of Nunavut according to the values and principles that have shaped our culture and heritage;
NOW THEREFORE I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Cambridge Bay, that the Members of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut do publicly commit themselves to upholding a code of Members' Obligations;
AND FURTHER, that this code of Members' Obligations be displayed in a public place in this Legislative Assembly.
I give notice that on Monday, May 1, 2000, I will move the following motion:
WHEREAS the membership of the Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and Privileges has been reconstituted by way of motion in this House;
AND WHEREAS the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut has been conducting its proceedings during its first year of existence under the Rules that were provisionally adopted on April 1, 1999;
AND WHEREAS the Legislative Assembly desires to ensure that its proceedings are conducted in a manner that respects Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, while being consistent with established principles of Canadian parliamentary democracy;
NOW THEREFORE I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Iqaluit West, that the Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and Privileges undertake a comprehensive review of the Rules of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut and any related matters, and that the Standing Committee report back to the House at its next Session.
Moving on to item 15.
Bill 13, Tabled Documents 41 – 1(3), Tabled Document 61 – 1(3), Tabled Documents 87 – 1(3), Tabled Documents 93 – 1(3), Tabled Documents 96 – 1(3), Tabled Documents 97 – 1(3).
According to the authority vested in me by Motion 3 – 1(3), the committee of the whole will stay in session until it reports itself out, with Mr. Puqiqnak as Chairperson.
Before the commencement of the committee of the whole we will break for lunch and I will ask members to report to the chamber by 1.15.
>>House recessed at 11.50 and resumed at 1.47 p.m.
Good afternoon members, ministers and officials for the departments.
We will be dealing with issues until 6 o'clock this evening so we will complete the departments.
For this afternoon's consideration of committee of whole of Bills and other matters, we will be dealing with Bill 13 and tabled documents 41-1-(3), 61-1(3), 87-1(3), 93-1(3), 95-1(3), 96-1(3), 97-1(3).
Yesterday we were dealing with the Department of Sustainable Development's capital estimates.
During those deliberations we dealt with the capital.
What is the committees' wish, Mr. Akesuk.
Yes I would like to have the Minister of Sustainable Development go up to the witness table and his officials.
Minister of Sustainable Development, Mr. Kilabuk could go to the witness table.
We cannot have you all down there but some of you can.
Thank you and welcome, Mr. Minister and your officials.
Welcome to the House and before we begin I am sure that everybody knows your officials Mr. Minister but if you would introduce your officials at the witness table.
We have the same officials as yesterday.
On my right we have Katherine Trumper who is the Deputy Minister and also to my left is Mr. Peter Ittinnuar who is the Assistant Deputy Minister and Jim Martin the Finance Controller and Joe Tigullaraq who is responsible for Wildlife.
We will have them here in the House today.
Yesterday we were at page 11-6 in the capital estimates and dealing with the details of capital.
For the Kivalliq Region. Any general comments. Total Kivalliq Region, 305 thousand dollars.
Chairperson (interpretation): Kitikmeot Region, total, 280 thousand dollars.
Chairperson (interpretation): Total buildings and works, 2 million 85 thousand dollars.
Chairperson (interpretation): Turning the page, the Department of Sustainable Development branch summary.
Sustainable Development's detail of capital.
Equipment acquisition at the headquarters region, on page 11-7.
Total headquarters region, 305 thousand.
Chairperson (interpretation): Baffin Region, total Baffin region, 115 thousand dollars.
Chairperson (interpretation): Kivalliq Region, 95 thousand.
Chairperson (interpretation): Kitikmeot Region, 100 thousand.
Chairperson (interpretation): Total equipment acquisition, 615 thousand.
Chairperson (interpretation): Total capital expenditures, 2 million 700 thousand.
Chairperson (interpretation): On page 11-8, information item, Sustainable Development, distribution of Budget, capital expenditures.
Do you agree as a whole.
Chairperson (interpretation): Also in the main estimates in 2000/2001, on page 11-4 we will start with that.
The Department of Sustainable Development branch summary.
Corporate management, operations and maintenance total, 3 million 347 thousand dollars.
Chairperson (interpretation): Total expenditures, 3 million 347 thousand dollars.
Chairperson (interpretation): Department of Sustainable Development on page 11-6, Sustainable Development information item.
Mr. Havioyak: I just want to point out something here.
On page 11-6 on your grants to small businesses.
As a government we talked about community empowerment quite a bit.
Which includes your Economic Development Officers under the hamlets now.
I know and I will use Kugluktuk as an example, they now have the Economic Development Officer position that they wanted transferred to them.
In the future will you be considering this part of the grants moving with the EDO as their allocation, so it can be handled at the community level.
From my past experience as you know that anybody that is applying for GSB require regional approval at this time, but I would like to see the approvals at the local level for these types of grants.
I am just wondering if this is going to be looked at in the future.
I think it is a good thing to look at.
But I'm not to limited to each community but at least instead have two approval levels, one at the community level and then the region recommends approval.
Instead of having a small amount I think in the future you might want to see this small amount approved at the community level.
I just want to point that out for something in the very near future.
Mr. Minister if you would like to respond to that question.
I am having a little bit of a problem with my microphone here.
We have already taken that into consideration and under the grants and contributions we can do that.
The Keewatin Region is a little bit more used to grants and contributions and with the willingness and the abilities of the organization it can be handed over so it does not have to go through two levels of approval.
Under page 11-6 there is 20 thousand dollars under the science scholarships and bursaries.
It was 30 thousand dollars last year and now it is 20 thousand.
Is there a reason for the reduction under this line item.
Are there not enough students being granted these scholarships and bursaries.
Chairperson (interpretation): Minister Kilabuk.
Yes, because of the low number or because of not enough advertisements there were not enough students accessing the money so we lowered it and we will make it more accessible to the students.
Underneath this line item under disaster compensation what do I have to do to access this money and how are you going to advertise it to the communities.
To give you a brief overview of this item.
There were a lot of times the hunters could not access the money for losing their hunting equipment on thin ice or through other accidents, because it was inaccessible with the previous government and we have made it so it is more accessible.
This kind of disaster compensation is more for floods and hurricanes and forest fires and so on, and losing equipment through those natural disasters.
Now there are some changes and there will be a review of this whole disaster compensation so it will be more regularly available to the hunters and trappers.
Under the Prospectors Assistance Program I know there is not a lot of it going on in this region where there are individuals out looking on their own.
They are spending their own money out prospecting with the hope of someday delivering themselves a bonanza of some kind while they are out there prospecting.
Can the minister tell me why they dropped the program from 160 thousand to 150 thousand.
Any one of the officials can respond to that question.
Last year this was the first time that we set a budget and we originally set it at 110 thousand and then we added an additional 50 thousand dollars.
Due to the demand of the people out there for the year 2000/2001 we have set aside 150 thousand.
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Minister, Mr. McLean.
Mr. McLean: I think I made it very clear in the House over the year that the mining industry is very important in the Kivalliq Region and I'm sure it is as important in the Kitikmeot Region and it is self sufficiency here.
Like that 150 thousand dollars probably gets thirty to forty people out onto the land, and when they are out there prospecting and out there hunting and gathering food and other items for their family.
It is no secret that for this territory to be successful and stand on its own two feet and get some kind of their own tax base, that mining is going to be one of the key items.
It is nice to have a grant program and it was pegged at 110 and now it is at 150 but sometimes you have to invest in something early and develop it.
I don't want to be too biased and start flogging mining as the answer to Nunavut's woes.
However, I think there could be a big payback in this eventually.
I think in the future you are going to have to look at increasing this Prospectors Assistance Program because we can maybe start getting some of our young people involved in the idea of prospecting.
Maybe if they get interested in it and with help from their parents because there are a few pennies there to go out and teach.
They may become geologists, they may become miners or become involved in the mining industry and when mining does take off in this territory I think, as I say again, it is going to pay us back 100 fold.
I was on an aeroplane from Ottawa to here on Wednesday, there were fifty-four seats, and fifty-three were full.
Thirty-five to forty of those people were going to the mines in Nanisivik and Resolute Bay to mine.
I am getting back to where do those tax dollars go, to the area of residence that these transient workers come out of.
It does us no good to bring people from outside and come in here to work for 6 weeks, take their pay cheques and their tax dollars and have them collected by another province.
I know people are allowed to be mobile and work where they want.
So I just want to emphasise that next year these prospectors assistance programs should be a bit more proactive. Maybe we should start a little bit more of a campaign to get the younger people in the schools and we know there is no shortage of them, to maybe get them interested in the prospecting field and lead on to a very rewarding career in the mining sector.
Just to briefly explain, in regards to what the member was stating.
The Prospectors Assistance Program is to help the people go prospecting and each person can obtain 5 thousand dollars.
If the demand was high this year then we would have to go back to FMBS and we can ask them for more funding in regards to the comments you made.
If the demand was high we could look into increasing that amount but this is under discussion on how we can review this.
So to review what has been happening in the past I do not have that information with me now, but I can assure you that we do have ongoing discussions about this money of 150 thousand, which is the first initial stage.
That is the answer that I wanted to hear so thank you and I am looking forward to it.
Under per price program grants to harvesters in the form of a guaranteed minimum price for selected species of furs, individuals must be residents of Nunavut and hold a GHL.
Could the minister explain to me what furs get this subsidy.
At this point a majority of this pot of funds is used for sealskins, also for fox pelts, but a majority is used for sealskins.
That is money wisely spent.
On this 120 thousand dollars is your department utilising, is that a number that is just plugged there.
Once it is used you drop it.
Is there a demand for more on this first subsidy and if there is a demand for more on this first subsidy and it is very important to the people of Nunavut and the seal skin industry, are you thinking of increasing it.
Also just to briefly explain again about that item.
Yes that funding is revolving and the sealskins that are bought are sold by auction.
We were short by 30 thousand dollars last year but we will be monitoring this and I am sure we have lost a bit on that because we could not keep up with the price.
It is no secret that we have been hearing that in the House for the last year too.
I am quite surprised there is only 120 thousand dollars there.
I look around at where we are putting our resources and I know that being involved in buying seal skins a lot of people depend on those seal skins to pay for their boats to go out hunting and things like that.
Why is this government, and I am not trying to be mean or anything like that but why is this government only looking at 120 thousand dollars.
It is nothing to invest into the sealing industry.
Is there some rationale there.
The government does not want to get into the business of buying seal skins on a full time basis because nobody else will.
What is the rationale of only putting 120 thousand dollars into the purchase of sealskins when there is an overabundance of them and they directly effect the fish stocks and things like that.
Why is there only 120 thousand dollars there.
At this point I know it is entirely true we have an overabundance of seal in Nunavut but because the fur price has gone down and they are not selling the seal skins this is just a guesstimate.
We expect to buy quite a lot of sealskins and we know there is hardly any market for sealskin because the price has gone down.