EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I think that clarifies what I was trying to get at with this.
Again, one of the things that I think, as an MLA, I try to do is help my communities find funding where they can find funding and it’s always hard finding the program dollars to offer different programs within the community.
The way I was picturing it was if the Government of Nunavut is providing a breakfast program under public health, then that frees up Brighter Future dollars within my communities, and then they could actually access for an elders’ feast or some other type of activity to provide funding there.
Is that the case or you are saying it mirrors programs that are already operating in the community?
If you can just let me know if you’ve got other questions because sometimes I’m not sure if you’re done or not.
This funding would enhance programs that are in place already with Brighter Futures, but having said that, I have to mention again that Health and Social Services does not specifically administer these programs.
Every community chooses to spend some of its Brighter Futures allocation on breakfast programs. This is funding that is provided to the community under Brighter Futures. If they choose to support breakfast programs, that’s up to their discretion.
So for the $500,000, let’s just pick Arctic Bay for clarity’s sake, we have a breakfast program there.
Every year, people within the community have to write a proposal and they put it into the hamlet council, and then it goes through the whole process and receives Brighter Futures funding.
So they have to reapply every year again to continue that breakfast program, but how do they access part of the $500,000 that we’re getting through public health to enhance the program?
I guess this is the question I’m asking.
Currently this is a new program and currently we do not have clear program guidelines since we do not have a formal GN breakfast program.
Again, we are being asked to approve $500,000 as of April 1 that will be able to be accessed by communities. When will they be able to access that?
Again, putting into consideration with the new Nutrition North program, it would be nice to apply for that money and get the money before the sea lift comes in.
I’m assuming it’s not all going to be fresh and nutritious foods; it will be canned foods as well.
Staff have developed an implementation plan for the program.
Once it’s approved by the Legislative Assembly through this budget process, the implementation of that will take a bit to get going, but I’m sure some of the funding will start flowing in mid-summer to early fall.
In terms of health committees, how much funding is actually going to health committees across the territory to help support them?
Currently we have in our Vote 1 funds $250,000 and we distribute to every community $10,000 for the operations of their committee.
In terms of the way the Government of Nunavut is going with self-reliance, are these health committees given any tools in terms of how to… ?
I know a lot of time, energy, and money has been given to the district education authorities to help roll out the new Education Act, but if we are going to have healthy communities, are there a lot of program dollars or is the money there to help the committee develop a mission statement and where they want to go in terms of a health plan for the community?
We have been working through the Public Health Strategy that was approved a couple years back.
We have been working with the communities to try and enhance more capacity at the community level.
We hire the community development officers on term basis to go visit the communities to try and work with the local committees to try and do a bit more planning around the types of issues that they should be addressing.
At some point in time, one of the other things that we are trying to is encourage them to be accessing more resources from elsewhere.
That is the latest I can provide, Mr. Chairman.
Again on H-9 under Public Health, there is a request for $176,000 for reducing poverty and the food insecurity.
I was wondering if you could explain what those dollars would be spent on.
Ms. Voth: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. $176,000 of the funding that we’re requesting to reduce poverty is earmarked for contribution agreements with communities.
So again, these are program dollars that community groups, health committees, and elders’ committees can access through your department to run programs in the communities.
The contribution agreements with the communities will provide operating funds for existing community workers, such as CHRs, to deliver and enhance a model of parenting program, including a model on food-related skills and land excursions.
Eight communities right now in Nunavut will benefit from this pilot, with a strong likelihood of replication in future years to benefit additional communities.
So non-contribution funds will support food skills, module development, materials development, translation, and two training workshops.
Again, if the funding goes out to the community, how does this fit into the grand scheme of the Anti-Poverty Strategy in terms of reducing poverty and food insecurity?
Again under the Public Health Strategy, we do have staff working to work with the communities on the development of the action plans. We will also work with the other departments involved with the poverty reduction file to make sure that we’re coordinating our efforts at the community level to, again, not to duplicate and run over each other at the community level.
Also, some of the media coverage of the Nutrition North Canada Program and the change from the Food Mail Program, there was a response from the federal government and the media.
I think the quote that I remember that stuck out was that there was money flowing to the territories in the 2010-11 year for training programs in terms of educating people on how to eat nutritious food or cook nutritious food.
I’m just wondering: is that true?
Has there been money provided by the federal government for this?
As well, just to save flipping back and forth, I know there is also something like $4 million allocated under the Nutrition North Canada Program for this coming fiscal year, 2011-12, from the federal government, I believe, for all across Canada, but will we be receiving funding for that as well?
Yes, we continue to work with the federal government on various programs, including this one.
There has been some funding provided by the federal government.
We’re working with the federal government on the implementation of this as well. Again, we will work with the other departments as well that are affected and implicated in the process.
I just want to remind the member that we’re on H-6 and we’re dealing with public health here in Nunavut and we’re not going to be discussing federal programs that are coming in the future here.
And while we’re not, they are federal dollars that came to the territory and are being spent, and we make decisions on where that money is spent.
So I would like to know how we’re using that money to benefit people and teaching people how to eat nutritious food.
On page 134 of the business plan, in the priorities for 2011-12, the third bullet down, it talks about developing a holistic sexual health program.
I know the minister did a Minister’s Statement about a website that came out for sexual health.
I’m just wondering if he could report back on the success of that website and what came of that.
Again I don’t have a recent update on that from staff, but certainly, once I get an update, we can provide that information to the member.
For this year, in terms of developing a holistic sexual health program, what does that actually mean? What does the department hope to accomplish this following fiscal year?
The department is hoping to work with communities to identify some of the issues around sexual health and how to do some preventative around the diseases that occurs from sexual activities. This is more a prevention and trying to address the young population to be more familiar with some of these issues.
I’m done. I was just waving my hands.
Chairman: We have Mr. Ningark.
Actually, Sergeant-at-Arms, if you could escort the minister and witnesses out.
We can now return to our orders of the day. (interpretation ends) Item 21. (interpretation) Report of the Committee of the Whole.
The Member for Baker Lake is the seconder.
Going to our orders of the day. (interpretation ends) Item 22. (interpretation) Third Reading of Bills.
There are no hands up. (interpretation ends) Item 23. (interpretation) Orders of the Day.
And a reminder to all members that there is a meeting of the Full Caucus at ten o’clock tomorrow morning in the Nanuq Room.
This House stands adjourned for the night until tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. Enjoy your evening.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Pages 166 – 228
Opening Prayer 166
Ministers’ Statements 166
Members’ Statements 168
Oral Questions 168
Written Questions 186
Tabling of Documents 188
Second Reading of Bills 188
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 190
Point of Order 204
Thursday, March 3, 2011 166
011 – 3(3): Minister Arreak Absent from House (Kusugak) 166
012 – 3(3): Davis Strait Polar Bear Harvest (Shewchuk) 166
013 – 3(3): Status of Nunavut’s Mining and Mineral Exploration Industry (Taptuna) 167
023 – 3(3): Medical Travel Issues in Baker Lake (Aupaluktuq) 168
037 – 3(3): Energy Issues (Schell) 168
038 – 3(3): Use of Government Vehicles for Medical Travel Patients (Tapardjuk) 170
039 – 3(3): Homeowner Fuel Rebate Program (Rumbolt) 172
040 – 3(3): Issues with Medical Diagnosis (Ningark) 172
041 – 3(3): Status of Airport Equipment Shelter for Chesterfield Inlet (Ningeongan) 175
042 – 3(3): Update on Grise Fiord Community Complex (Elliott) 177
043 – 3(3): Polar Bear Quota to NWMB (Komoartok) 178
044 – 3(3): Personal Use of Government Property (Aupaluktuq) 180
045 – 3(3): Community Freezers and Country Food Distribution Initiatives (Ningark) 180
046 – 3(3): Public Engagement Process (Elliott) 182
047 – 3(3): Funding for Meat/Fish Plants (Tapardjuk) 184
003 – 3(3): Municipal Governance and Financial Management (Aupaluktuq) 186
017 – 3(3): Elders Program Strategy 2010-2014 (Aariak) 188
Bill 02 – An Act to Amend the Scientists Act – Second Reading 188
Bill 03 – An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act – Second Reading 188
Bill 04 – Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2011 – Second Reading 189
Bill 05 – Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2011, No. 2 – Second Reading 189
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2011-2012 – Consideration in Committee – Health and Social Services 190
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2011-2012 – Consideration in Committee – Education 214
Honourable Eva Aariak, Mr. Moses Aupaluktuq, Honourable Tagak Curley, Mr. Ron Elliott, Mr. Adamee Komoartok, Honourable Lorne Kusugak, Mr. John Ningark, Mr. Johnny Ningeongan, Honourable Paul Okalik, Honourable Keith Peterson, Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Mr. Fred Schell, Honourable Daniel Shewchuk, Mr. Louis Tapardjuk, Honourable Peter Taptuna, Honourable Hunter Tootoo, Ms. Jeannie Ugyuk.
The first item is Ministers’ Statements.
Minister’s Statement 011 – 3(3): Minister Arreak Absent from House (Kusugak)
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Good day, Mr. Speaker.
I also say “good day” to our audience.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise members that the Hon. Minister James Arreak will be absent from the House today because he is ill.
Minister’s Statement 012 – 3(3): Davis Strait Polar Bear Harvest (Shewchuk)
I would like to inform members that the Department of Environment is currently consulting with the communities of Iqaluit, Pangnirtung, and Kimmirut regarding a potential recommendation to increase the total allowable harvest for polar bears in the Davis Strait subpopulation.
From 2005 to 2007, we conducted a comprehensive population survey of Davis Strait.
The survey provided an estimate of approximately 2,158 polar bears, substantially higher than the previous estimate.
We are currently discussing the results with the communities and pending the results of those discussions, we anticipate soon to be in a position to recommend that the NWMB consider increasing the harvest.
Hon. Daniel Shewchuk: Mr. Speaker, as you know, scientific and other information sometimes indicate that there are conservation concerns and a need to reduce harvesting when populations have declined.
This current situation in Davis Strait illustrates that is not always the case, and when populations increase, we respond by increasing harvest.
Our wildlife management system has to remain dynamic and responsive to both conservation needs and the needs of harvesters.
We remain committed to using the best available information from a number of sources to inform wildlife management decisions that ensure the availability of Nunavut’s wildlife resources for future generations.
Minister’s Statement 013 – 3(3): Status of Nunavut’s Mining and Mineral Exploration Industry (Taptuna)
Good afternoon, colleagues and Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, as you are aware, the performance and growth of the mining and exploration industry is vital to the economy and prosperity of Nunavut.
The situation we currently see and anticipate in the near term is very encouraging.
Clearly the benchmark achievement in 2010 was the opening of the Meadowbank mine near Baker Lake, returning Nunavut to the status of mineral producer.
Meadowbank’s gold output for last year should approach 280,000 ounces, ramping up to full production in 2011.
Meadowbank is now adding nearly 15 percent to Nunavut’s Gross Domestic Product.
Some time in 2012, the first producing mine at Hope Bay, Doris, will add to gold output.
Further mine developments at Meliadine near Rankin Inlet and at Mary River are also visible on the horizon.
Given Nunavut’s vastness and still largely unlocked mineral potential, pure exploration remains a mainstay of our minerals economy.
Many hundreds of Nunavummiut are seasonably employed at exploration camps or with the local businesses providing services like supply and expediting.
Mr. Speaker, exploration in Nunavut shrank substantially in 2009 with the onset of recession and scarce investment money, but commodity prices have rebounded quickly and are widely viewed by economists as spearheading a recovery.
So in 2010, Nunavut’s exploration sector recovered substantially to about $290 million.
Adding ongoing construction at Meadowbank, Hope Bay, and elsewhere, total mine-related spending approached $500 million.
The indications for 2011 are even stronger. More than $300 million are expected to be spent on exploration in Nunavut.
With a big construction year upcoming at Hope Bay, total mines and minerals spending should approach $1 billion in Nunavut this year.
Mr. Speaker, we will continue to work with our partners here and in the industry to see that the people of Nunavut participate fully in this important aspect of building a modern territory.
There being none. (interpretation ends) Item 3. (interpretation) Members’ Statements.
Member’s Statement 023 – 3(3): Medical Travel Issues in Baker Lake (Aupaluktuq)
I rise today to make a statement on behalf of my constituents in Baker Lake. I will raise questions to the appropriate minister when we reach question period.
This issue has caused quite a concern to Baker Lake residents respecting medical travel and the problems associated with the travel from the point of departure to the destination.
Many residents do not have vehicles to facilitate their egress to the airport and this is the biggest complaint by far that is voiced on the local radio. Many patients are unable to get to the airport and further, when they leave the community to reach the southern service centre, it can take a whole day to travel the entire breadth of the Kivalliq region down to Winnipeg.
Many residents who travel for medical treatment are also elders, including parents with children requiring treatment under the medical travel program.
When the travel involves a number of stopovers, this can cause more stress as the patients have to suffer through multiple landings and takeoffs prior to reaching their destination.
In particular, I want to reiterate a point I made last year during a Member’s Statement. I raised the point respecting patients who face difficulties getting transportation from their home to the airport. I stated that many patients are unable to get transportation to the airport and many patients are also unable to pay the taxi fare to the airport.
To exacerbate their difficulties further, the aircraft they take has no room to stretch or walk around in. The washroom facility is inadequate for elders with limited mobility, for parents with children, and especially for patients with disabilities. Many people become impatient to leave the aircraft upon arrival.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I believe patient care, comfort, and dignity should and must have far more value than medical travel contracts for airline cost sharing or market share.
The people of Baker Lake want to have the choice and dignity to travel on the airlines that they would feel most comfortable with.
With that, Mr. Speaker, I would like to conclude my Member’s Statement and also advise that I would like to follow up these matters later on in the Legislative Assembly. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
There are no more hands up. (interpretation ends) Item 4. (interpretation) Returns to Oral Questions. (interpretation ends) Item 5. (interpretation) Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. (interpretation ends) Item 6. (interpretation) Oral Questions.
Question 037 – 3(3): Energy Issues (Schell)
During yesterday’s oral question period, the Minister of Finance assured the House that the government is staying on top of the world price of oil, the price which drives our energy costs here in Nunavut.
Can the Minister of Energy update the House today on the status of the government’s pre-purchase program for bulk petroleum products?
Minister of Energy.
Yes, we are exercising our pre-purchase option for this year, Mr. Speaker.
The Government of Nunavut’s Energy Strategy was tabled in the Legislative Assembly on October 30, 2007.
The strategy indicated that the government would be considering “a review of current GN travel policies, a five percent reduction target for government-related travel,” using hybrid vehicles, “public transportation in Iqaluit, and graduated registration fees based on the size of vehicle engines.”
Can the Minister of Energy clarify which of these ideas are actually being implemented?
Our department has concluded and tabled the document regarding the hybrid energy vehicle. It had some benefit and also had some issues with it.
We tabled that, I believe, in earlier sessions, Mr. Speaker.
Under the law, the purpose of the fund is to “hold money appropriated to it in order, directly or indirectly, to subsidize the cost of energy or otherwise make energy more affordable.”
Can the minister inform the House today how the government has been using the Affordable Energy Fund and can he clarify how much money is currently in the fund?
Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Yes, Mr. Speaker, we seem to be jumping from the energy fund binder to the Qulliq Energy Corporation and back.
I’ll have to get back to the minister on that as I do not have the particular details that he is asking for at this time, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker: Okay, the minister has said that you are also a minister and that he will get back to you perhaps in cabinet. (interpretation) Member for South Baffin.
That is quite an honour, but anyway, I recognize that no decisions have been taken yet concerning the General Rate Application that has been submitted by QEC.
Although the word “prudence” was also missing from the Minister of Finance’s Budget Address this week, it would seem to me that it would only be prudent for the government to start planning for different scenarios involving power rates.
Can the Minister of Energy assure us that this planning is now taking place?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister of Energy.
I thank my hon. colleague for allowing me to call him a minister and I apologize for that.
Mr. Speaker, yes, Qulliq Energy is working hard to ensure that the energy we do provide is the best of quality and at the best rate that we could afford.
Our managers are constantly seeking ways to ensure that energy is affordable and looking for ways to reduce costs in terms of maintenance and looking at new equipment, and so on, Mr. Speaker.
Question 038 – 3(3): Use of Government Vehicles for Medical Travel Patients (Tapardjuk)
Good afternoon as well to my esteemed colleagues.
I am unsure as to whom I shall direct my question to, but I will start off with directing the question to the Minister of Health and Social Services.
If I am mistaken, please inform me.
This question revolves around medical patients in the communities who have to catch flights to attend medical appointments and specifically in relation to disabled people.
In Igloolik, the vehicles used for transporting patients do not have any ramp access and sometimes when they are going to the airport, they have to wait for a long time to get on.
Although the health centre and social services have vehicles, I am unsure of the policy for the use of these vehicles by these departments in the communities. I would like to understand what the purpose of these vehicles are which are used.
I’m going to start by directing this question to the Minister of Health.
I didn’t quite get the gist of the question. Perhaps if the member could clarify how they are not supported. I believe he was saying that due to certain problems, certain people have issues.
When you look at our policies, especially the Non-Insured Health Benefits program, there are certain criteria we have to follow and this applies to all aboriginal people. This also applies to aviation and other transportation methods.
The federal government is a partner, along with Nunavut Tunngavik, and they have to agree to the review of the Non-Insured Health Benefits program.
We have pushed to try and include these kinds of access items for vehicles. Certain communities have applied for different vehicles.
I know it has caused a barrier in the past, but at this time, what we can say is that we don’t have the ability to buy the proper types of vehicles with ramp access.
Again, in some of the communities, especially where the community doesn’t even have a taxi, the hamlet employees are always willing to assist whenever they have the capability, but it always goes back to the question of who is ultimately responsible for transporting medical patients inside the community from their home to the airport. At this time, due to the lack of adequate vehicles, they are having a hard time trying to deal with those particular patients.
The nurses and other patients are able to go back and forth with no barriers.
I’m wondering if the minister could review the policy, especially to see how they could provide assistance to patients who are stuck. They are asked to travel, but due to their sickness and illness, they can’t physically look after themselves.
So I’m wondering if the minister can look after that and see how they can correct it.
Exactly, we will look into that and this is something that we have considered.
We had thought about enacting a policy to apply to the communities.
I had tasked a departmental official to see how we could provide support.
I recall there was a question about this issue and we have provided a response.
It may come to a point where we have to contract it out because the government has issues related to insurance policies. If a medical patient is being transported in a non-medical vehicle and there is an accident, then the insurance wouldn’t apply.
So you are able to include that in the contract and ensure that the insurance applies in that case.
Mr. Speaker, we will have to look at all of the variables and ensure that we resolve a lot of the barriers we’re facing today.
It’s always very cold in the winter and this causes a big problem in some communities.