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As the college looks forward to the future, it needs to consider securing long-term, non-Government of Nunavut funding sources, which would address the ongoing funding challenges noted earlier.
Mr. Chairman and members, in conclusion I would like members to know that a significant amount of future planning is being undertaken in 2017-18.
The work undertaken at the college is critical to meeting this government’s mandate as well as meeting the long-term challenges Nunavut faces.
Education is Sivumut Abluqta’s top priority and this is the reason why I spoke about some of the aforementioned items.
Mr. Chairman, I would be pleased to answer any questions that members may have. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Welcome, Minister Quassa, Mr. Adla Kunuk, and Mr. Corneau.
Mr. Chairman, as the Chair of the Standing Committee on Government Estimates and Operations, I am pleased to make opening comments as we begin deliberations on the proposed 2017-18 budget of Nunavut Arctic College.
The Government of Nunavut’s proposed contribution to Nunavut Arctic College for 2017-18 is approximately $37.6 million.
The standing committee notes that the college’s overall budget for 2017-18 is projected to be just over $51.6 million.
The standing committee supports the minister and college administration in their efforts to acquire additional third party funding for 2017-18.
Mr. Chairman, the standing committee notes that the college has been working closely with our two partner territories to access federal funding for industry training initiatives across the north under the Pan-Territorial Framework on Innovation and Training (PFIT).
Members look forward to positive announcements on this initiative in the near future.
Mr. Chairman, Nunavut Arctic College has an important role to play in preparing, training, and educating Nunavummiut to enter the labour force.
Education and training provided at the community and regional level not only supports our economy and improves our public service, but also helps to ensure that the services delivered match Nunavut’s needs.
Members have expressed some concern that training programs requested at the local level are not always offered at community learning centres.
At the same time it is recognized that a minimum number of confirmed applicants for any program is necessary to ensure that it can be delivered in an economically viable manner.
Members encourage the college in its efforts to secure funding and curriculum for programs and courses that will enable Nunavummiut to fill upcoming employment opportunities in such areas as elder care, tourism, trades, heavy equipment operator certification, and environmental monitoring.
The standing committee appreciates the college’s willingness to try out new approaches to course delivery, such as a blended approach of distance learning and face-to-face instruction.
During the minister’s appearance before the standing committee to review the draft 2017-18 budget and business plan of Nunavut Arctic College, members appreciated receiving an update on the SmartICE Technology Application project that is currently being coordinated through the Nunavut Research Institute.
The standing committee supports the college’s proposed focus on early childhood education, social work and law programs in 2017-18.
Early childhood education in particular plays an important role in preparing children for a life of learning and can help to determine an individual’s quality of health and well-being in the future.
Social work programs also provide training that can be applied by counsellors, addictions workers, and those working to address domestic violence and mental illness and to support individuals, families, and communities in striving towards a healthier future.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) Before we proceed, I would like to remind members of the following: I suggest to members that wherever possible, you ask your detailed questions during the page-by-page review on M-3.
We will now proceed to the page-by-page review. Page M-3.
I just want to talk about Sanikiluaq for a minute. It’s a leasing agreement question and I’m hoping the minister can answer for me.
Currently Nunavut Arctic College in Sanikiluaq leases classroom space from the district education authority.
It’s my understanding that it was a five-year lease and the terms of that lease, I think, are expiring within the next year or two.
I’m just wondering if the minister can update me today on whether or not Nunavut Arctic College has entered into a new longer term lease with the DEA in Sanikiluaq.
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank my colleague for requesting more information on that.
We are working on that now. (interpretation ends) We are at this time working on that particular issue.
When is this current lease supposed to expire?
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) The expiry date should be November 2017. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I know that the school may not be interested in renewing this lease because I think they want the space for themselves.
I’m just wondering if the minister can update us today whether or not his department is comfortable that they can renegotiate a lease for Arctic College within the time period that’s left so that classes are not interrupted in Sanikiluaq.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of Nunavut Arctic College, Mr. Quassa.
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank my colleague for clarifying that.
To date we are still discussing the matter with the Ilisaqsivik Society.
We want to renew another three-year agreement, but as of now we haven’t heard of any concerns they have. However, as per my previous response, this is still under discussion.
Also, clearly we will need to revisit the areas around (interpretation ends) required upgrades (interpretation) as an example.
That is where things stand at this time, as discussions are ongoing, but we are expectant of getting an additional three-year agreement. That is where it stands currently, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) Nunavut Arctic College. We are on page M-3. Details are on pages N-I-1 to N-I-4.
I will use that as a foundation for my questions. Actually I would like clarification based on your opening comments.
On page 4 of the opening comments you refer to “continue to deliver on its core programs,” including the heavy equipment operator program.
Let me start with asking this question. I believe there is another program, although it isn’t referenced here, which is the mine training program, but I can’t seem to find it nor do I think you mentioned it.
Is this included in the general program delivery comments or is it a separate program?
As an example, regarding mine training and the type of training for mining work, as I have no idea of what is included in this program, is it included in the heavy equipment operator programming?
Yes, the mine trades training includes these components and I will speak in English here, (interpretation ends) Ready to Work North, airbrakes, class 1, class 2, and class 3 driver’s training course, heavy equipment operators course, pre-trades (interpretation) are all included in this mine training program.
As we are all aware, especially for the heavy equipment operator, you usually go out of the territory for training.
I’m not sure exactly what they do now or where they go, but I know that in Nunavut we’re starting to develop mines, for example, in Baker Lake and Pond Inlet.
Have you ever considered having a heavy equipment operator training program in those communities?
Yes, we have taken that into consideration for these communities adjacent to the operating mines.
As an example, the Rankin Inlet location was chosen due to its proximity to the Meadowbank mine when they first applied for development, when anticipating the start date.
As an example, the computerized simulators to teach students on driving certain heavy equipment used at the mine can be placed at any community.
Actually Pond Inlet is being considered.
Further, other examples are (interpretation ends) airbrakes and heavy equipment theory (interpretation) that are the types of training offered in Rankin Inlet.
If we look at the Kitikmeot region, we are working with (interpretation ends) Aurora College, (interpretation) such as (interpretation ends) small engine repair (interpretation) courses in Taloyoak.
We have offered those types of training courses and Pond Inlet was considered for these programs.
You said that you have been considering Pond Inlet.
When are you going to start the program there instead of just considering it?
We are currently in discussions with Baffinland for Mary River to find out exactly what the best training program would be. We are in discussions at this time and once we hear from Baffinland, we will have a better idea of what kind of program it would be.
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would also like to thank the minister for that clarification.
If you can respond to the question I want to pose, do you have an idea of how long the discussions will take or do you have a target date as to when you will have an actual decision, or is this an open-ended discussion?
We are continuing discussions, but I can’t quantify a target date at this time. Obviously this will move forward and discussions are ongoing.
Although I can’t divulge the exact date, clearly it will be completed in the short term.
Also, the simulators I referred to earlier will be arriving this coming fall.
I would like to thank the minister and I approve Arctic College’s main estimates.
We’re on Nunavut Arctic College. Nunavut Arctic College.
Since my colleague was seemingly agreed with, I am a bit envious. I am quite pleased with the funding amount of $51.6 million as it increased from $45.5 million.
Your opening comments that I am reading raises this question in my mind. For the Environmental Technology Program computer equipment... . I am not sure if I said it properly.
Maybe if I refer to the program in English, even though the minister may have understood, it is the (interpretation ends) Environmental Technology Program. (interpretation) Can the minister provide an explanation as to, actually for my understanding, what is in this program?
I would also like to thank the member for his good question.
Just to elaborate a little bit further, the Environmental Technology Program is offered here in Iqaluit and in Cambridge Bay. If we can get more interest in Kitikmeot, the Environmental Technology Program is going to be offered there.
They are trained in various programs, for example... .
Hold on a minute. I am sorry, Mr. Chairman. There are different areas, such as the wildlife officer as it is part of the environment, as well as the different (interpretation ends) environmental (interpretation) studies and training to conduct these studies.
It also includes territorial parks, so they can work for the parks as patrol persons once they have graduated.
Occasionally they work with Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. Also, they apply for other environmental positions in various departments.
For example, the training revolves around lands, wildlife, weather, and other areas in this field. When they graduate, they can also work for Parks Canada as well as other companies.
That concludes my response.
Will you be rolling out the Environmental Technology Program to the smaller communities?
I’m asking that question because I would like to know.
Yes, we have taken that into consideration. For example, although one of the first communities isn’t really a smaller community, when we first looked at considering expanding the program, Pond Inlet was one of the first communities. We will be able to consider other communities for the expansion of this program.
I also appreciate the minister’s response to my question and that was pleasing to hear.
I will now move to a different topic listed in your opening comments about the use of the term “going forward,” as the wording uses that term. I would like to understand what that term “going forward” applies to and what was taken into consideration at the time.
What about Inuit language teaching materials, whether it is in written format or published? Have there been publications of this type of course material or is this more of a plan for the future?
I wanted to better understand that use of the term, which is why I am asking about it.
If I understood my colleague’s question, yes, this is to move forward the course material at Arctic College that have been referenced through their (interpretation ends) media (interpretation) and that’s the current reference.
There are also different programs, for example, for 2017, if I fully understood your question. I will speak to the various publications, for example, reading materials that are specific to Inuit, such as Willem Rasing’s publication.
There are different things that we are going to produce in 2017.
If I referred to them in English with your permission, as we have interpreters available, it would be comprised of (interpretation ends) Inuit Oral History & Representation – Essays in Memory of Leah Aksaajuq Otak (interpretation) written by John MacDonald, not my ADM, who is also John MacDonald. (interpretation ends) Inuit Laws – Tirigusuusiit, Piqujait, and Maligait (interpretation) is one of the subjects we plan to produce. It also includes (interpretation ends) Inuit Worldviews – An Introduction.
(interpretation) We want to produce material on those subjects in 2017 and other subjects, such as (interpretation ends) Inuit Language & Dialects – Inuit Uqausiqatigiit (interpretation) and Hunting Polar Bear in the Winter.
These are the books we wish to publish in 2017.
We hope to publish another seven books in 2018.
I’m not sure if I responded to his question, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Yes, that was exactly what my question about. I’ll have a good sleep tonight. I have no other comments to make.
Nunavut Arctic College. Following my list of names, Mr. Joanasie.
I would first of all like to start with distance learning, which can be applied up here and is being utilized more. How many students do you have that are taking distance learning online in Nunavut?
From the fall of 2016 we initiated PASS.
That is the acronym used to describe the students who haven’t completed high school and wish to continue their education.
From September 6, 2016 to date, there were 34 students in that category of distance education or (interpretation ends) distance learning, (interpretation) which I believe he referred to it as.
There are 14 communities that participate in this distance learning. As per my previous reiterations, September 6, 2016 was the start date.
Furthermore, let me say it in English, which states (interpretation ends) modified Social Studies 20-2, (interpretation) as this was also initiated in September.
There were 22 students taking that course. These are the numbers to date.
Do you have any other distance education online studies or are those the only two available right now?
Yes, we only have those two, but there are three additional online programs that we’re looking at. We’re looking at three distance learning programs.
To date those are the only two available.
What are the other three distance learning programs that you’re looking at?
I don’t know what they’re called in Inuktitut, but I’m sure our interpreters know. (interpretation ends) Social studies (interpretation) are being taught at our Arctic College, Math 20-2, and in English, (interpretation ends) Science 20. (interpretation) Those are the three programs that we’re looking at.
On page NAC-7 it states that by March 31, 2017, your Inuit employment target positions are 11. What is the status of that initiative today?
Were you referring to Inuit employment? Yes, that is the purpose of the statement. Does he understand?
These 11 positions will meet the target goal to be hired this month, towards the end of the fiscal year. Will you be able to attain that target?
I didn’t understand the question. Mr Chairman, if the member can rephrase his question.
Mr. Joanasie, please rephrase your question.
On page NAC-7, the last paragraph, by March 31, 2017, you are trying to get 11 Inuit employment target positions.
Are you going to be able to meet that goal?
Yes, we will try to make sure that we fill the 11 positions we have identified.
We are going to be looking for Inuit beneficiaries. Yes, we will try to fill them all.
Are you going to try to fill those positions before March 31, 2017?
Arctic College has a year-end at the end of June, not March.
Do I understand that you will try to fill those 11 positions before June 30, 2017?
Yes, that’s our goal.
Mr. Joanasie: (interpretation) Thank you. I also thank the minister.
I have asked questions on the NTEP program and I’ll now turn to that. We know that there was going to be a review done on this program. You indicted that there are currently 83 students.
It’s a four-year program.
In your business plan we know that all together the cost is $2,961,000 and another $2,815,000 in other items. That’s over $5 million.
Have you considered accessing some of the $50 million that the court awarded to NTI?
Have you ever considered getting some additional funds from NTI to fund those types of programs, or are you setting up a plan or going to be making a request for some of the $50 million that NTI is holding?
Definitely, yes, of course, we believe in getting beneficiary teachers and we will try to access some of those funds held by NTI. We are currently looking at the NTEP program and we hope that the review will be done by June 2017.
Once it’s completed, we will put together a funding request from NTI. It would be for the NTEP program, (interpretation ends) early childhood education, student support assistance, human services, (interpretation) and a variety of other programs. Yes, NTEP will be included.
Can the minister indicate how much they will be requesting from NTI? Do you have a figure?
As I indicated earlier, we are reviewing the Arctic College programs. Once the review is done, we will decide how much of a funding request we will be making. We don’t have any figure right now, but once that review is done, we will be able to put a dollar figure on it.
Perhaps I can encourage Arctic College to look at doubling the funding for the Teacher Education Program so that more communities can take advantage of the program.
At this time you have identified the following communities: Cape Dorset, Kugaaruk, Hall Beach, Pond Inlet, Clyde River, Arviat, and Sanikiluaq as the communities currently offering this program. However, other communities are not offering this program.
Perhaps you can increase the fund from $2,861,000 and my earlier reference to the other fund.
These two funds total almost $6 million. Perhaps you can request $6 million. That’s just a comment.
With respect to the Teacher Education Program, there are other aspects to training teachers, such as the bilingual approach to teaching students from the lower grades, as well as the (interpretation ends) middle school, (interpretation) but none geared towards the higher grades in high school. This program doesn’t train them for those grades.
I wonder if this has been considered to enable them to teach these higher grades. Is this part of the plans?
I also thank my colleague for his suggestion and I agree with him wholeheartedly.
We are going to be looking at this during the NTEP program review. We’re looking at different reviews under the same program.
We’re looking at K to 12 using the bilingual language of instruction.
There are different programs through NTEP for middle school and from grades 7 to 9. It’s clear that we can revamp it.
It’s clearly indicated in the Education Act that it is a requirement to use bilingual language of instruction from kindergarten to grade 12.
That is the reason why this area will be carefully reviewed to determine the best way forward.
I read in your 2017-2020 business plan on NAC-16 the department states that other communities are being considered for teacher education programming after it was completed in Hall Beach.
Towards the end of fiscal year 2016-17 you made a statement that the first year students in Iqaluit total 8 and 15 in Kugaaruk. In the 2017-18 fall semester, this current calendar year, will there be any first year students?
Right now we’re looking at three communities.
I can’t say right now which communities they will be, but we’re looking for three communities in which we will initiate the program.
Let’s be aware that it depends on whether the program is wanted in the community and how many students apply.
For example, the three communities would use the college foundation course to make sure they have enough knowledge to take NTEP. That’s the usual practice.
We’re looking at three communities that we want the program to be delivered.
When will you be able to identify the three communities where the program will be offered?
Right now I can’t say which communities they will be, but with the review that I’m talking about, we’re thinking of implementing it in 2018-19.
I think that’s what I’m trying to say.
For the benefit of our witnesses and interpreters, I ask members to be clear and indicate what page they are referring to when they are quoting from documents.
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m on Nunavut Arctic College’s business plan page 16. They have different priorities, particularly the third bullet from the top.
With his response, I understand that the ongoing review will be completed this summer.
However, the program might not be available this coming fall.
Is that my understanding? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The communities where there are students continuing in the Nunavut Teacher Education Program and their courses will continue. Some are in the first year, some are in year two, and some are in year three.
They’re at different levels. It depends on the community where the NTEP program is being run.
Those are ongoing. They won’t be stopped.
Yes, I understand that. However, there won’t be a first year program this fall for the Teacher Education Program.
As I stated earlier, the 2017-18 college foundation is just for starters.
We find out what their level of education is and what further courses they need to take before they start the Teacher Education Program.
This will go ahead this fall as before.
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Maybe I didn’t quite understand him.
He said 2018-19, but there won’t be a first year program for NTEP in 2017-18.
They start with the college foundation and year one will not begin until 2018-19 for the Teacher Education Program.
The first part in 2017-18 is when they will start their upgrading courses before the actual start of 2018-19 that will be the first year program for the NTEP program.
That’s the usual practice for our program delivery for the Teacher Education Program and other programs.
They do upgrading the first year. For the Nursing Program and the Teacher Education Program, that has always been the practice.
It is slowing starting to make sense.
The first segment of the training under the program is specific to proficiency testing. Is it or is this testing done prior to commencing the training, for example, for (interpretation ends) pre-trades?
(interpretation) I have heard previously or I am trying to understand the process because outside of Nunavut where these programs are offered for pre-trades plumbing or carpentry, if an applicant wishes to enter the program, they are required to have proficiency in certain fields. Will these initial tests include the requirements that exist outside of Nunavut?
I think that applies everywhere. Students have to upgrade their education before they enter a program. Upgrading is used everywhere.
Before I proceed to the next name on the list, members, Member Tom Sammurtok’s Christmas gift list has just increased due to the birth of another granddaughter this afternoon.
We are on Nunavut Arctic College.