EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
The territory’s rate of violent crimes is about eight times higher than the Canadian average.
The severity of crimes also far exceeds the Canadian average, but there is some good news in these numbers.
Looking at data for 2013, the latest numbers available, we see that Nunavut’s crime rate dropped 15 percent from the year before.
Violent crime was down 11 percent. Property crime was down 20 percent. This trend is very encouraging.
Through continuing improvements to crime prevention services, we will help make our communities stronger and safer.
For example, we see a way to keep young Nunavummiut out of jail through the new Youth Intervention and Diversion program.
It aims to screen out of the criminal justice system those youth who pose low or no risk.
Even offenders who represent a higher risk will face a better future if we deal with them through community services rather than jail. These efforts will also help us to relieve pressures on the Baffin Correctional Centre.
Overcrowding remains a problem, but the new relief structure will open soon.
This budget doubles funding for the new structure.
Staff have been hired and are now training.
They’re preparing to take in prisoners in the next few months.
Meanwhile, the justice department has hired architects to give us design options for the renovation of the correctional centre.
Our priority is to create bed space so that we can separate maximum security prisoners from the rest of the BCC population.
We also want to make room to bring home Nunavummiut serving time in other jurisdictions.
Strengthening our communities also means finding a way out of our persistent housing crisis.
We are making progress, but we see clearly that we will need significantly more resources than we have now.
In this year’s budget, our support for housing rises 6 percent to nearly $184 million.
This includes an $8 million rise in utility expenses.
It’s encouraging to see that we are adding to the housing supply.
The Sanikiluaq and Arviat public housing projects should be complete by December.
The Nunavut Housing Corporation is on track to complete 258 public housing units on time and on budget.
The government is also investing $20 million in housing for government staff.
In the big picture, we will have added nearly 1,300 homes in the past decade.
This is thanks to three federal investments and our own contributions.
Not only that, but rethinking our approach to housing design is also yielding benefits.
Nunavut Housing Corporation’s new five-plex design achieves savings and efficiencies worth $700,000 per building.
Improvements and efficiencies are encouraging, but they get us only partway to our goal of providing Nunavummiut with options for affordable and adequate housing.
The Nunavut Housing Corporation tells us that about one-third of existing homes are overcrowded and about one in four need major repairs.
The demand for better housing and more housing remains strong.
Meeting this demand would greatly improve our social and economic situation.
Better housing leads to stable families, better health, better school performance, stronger communities, and a better workforce.
In short, better housing would make our goals more achievable.
We have repeatedly made the case for federal investment in housing Nunavummiut and we will continue those efforts in the year ahead.
At the same time, the housing corporation will complete its action plan to implement our long-term housing strategy.
Responsible Development
In strengthening our communities and educating and training Nunavummiut, we create favourable conditions for sustained economic development.
Through economic growth, we will create jobs, reduce poverty, and improve the way we live.
There is strong demand for our vast wealth of natural resources.
We will develop this wealth using a responsible approach that protects our environment, manages wildlife, and sustains our resources for future generations.
This budget provides the Department of Economic Development and Transportation with a 12 percent rise in funding.
With a budget of $68 million, the department will be well positioned to support projects essential to our growth.
We will also implement an updated NNI Policy to ensure that Nunavummiut can better compete for government business.
Our economic development policies provide support for mining and petroleum exploration and development.
They also support diversified development by focusing on specific sectors.
In the coming year, we will double our investment in developing tourism and cultural industries across the territory.
We will also develop a new cultural industries strategy to replace the arts and crafts strategy, and launch a national marketing campaign for our unique arts and media sector.
We will continue to invest in transportation infrastructure to better connect Nunavummiut with each other and the world.
The economic development and transportation department receives an additional $1 million in this budget for community transportation projects. As well, we will complete the improvements to the Rankin Inlet and Cambridge Bay airports this year.
We will also support fish harvesting by seeking further federal funds for small craft harbours.
Our overall fisheries strategy will be updated this coming year.
The government will also update our harvester support programs to make them more effective.
In addition, the environment department will complete wildlife management plans for Baffin Island caribou, polar bears, and grizzly bears.
This budget recognizes the importance of wildlife protection.
It allocates about $25 million to the environment department.
Overall spending rises more than 7 percent, but funding for environmental protection rises by a substantial 43 percent.
We will invest in a new initiative to manage contaminated sites.
Our initial investment of $1 million next year will rise in later years to $1.5 million annually.  Wise Use
In acting to support better education and training, stronger communities and responsible resource development, it is essential that we use our resources wisely.
We must get the best value we can from public funds.
That is why my finance department is working closely with the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs to coordinate a review of government programs.
We will engage an independent external reviewer in the coming year.
My department is also working with all departments and territorial corporations to improve budgeting and results management.
We are putting in place a planning horizon of three years.
That way, we can identify strategic opportunities and prepare for them more effectively than we are now.
At the same time, the government is implementing the Human Resources Strategy to recruit and develop our employees and improve client service.
We are also gathering better data to support planning and decisions.
In addition, the strategy guides our effort to hire more Inuit into the public service.
As of September 30 of last year, the government’s 10 departments had 3,980 employees.
Of these, 50 percent were Inuit.
We continue to see strong Inuit representation in our administrative support functions, but we need to see more Inuit in senior and middle management positions and in the professional and paraprofessional categories.
We continue to place a priority on Inuit in our recruiting, in line with the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
We project that Inuit participation will rise to 51 percent by the end of the next fiscal year.
Our government is also working to improve the integrity of our public service through the appointment of an ethics officer.
We look forward to announcing this appointment very shortly and to having this person take office April 1.
I have given you a plan that aligns the government’s financial and human resources with the vision that this Assembly set out in Sivumut Abluqta.
In our vision, Nunavummiut enjoy a positive outlook on life within a strong, prosperous Nunavut.
Our vision compels us to invest in our communities and our people to develop our economy responsibly while using our resources wisely.
In closing, let me make two final points.
The first is to recognize the work of our civil service.
We count on them to deliver results for all Nunavummiut. The second is to say that my cabinet colleagues and I look forward to working with all Members of this House in taking these next steps together, moving forward to our goal.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Item 3. (interpretation) Ministers’ Statements.
Member’s Statement 202 – 4(2): Tribute to Louis Kamookak (Akoak)
Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) To the residents of Gjoa Haven, (interpretation ends) good afternoon.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my constituent, Louie Kamookak.
Mr. Speaker, as members will recall, Mr. Kamookak worked closely with our territorial and the federal government in the search for the lost Franklin Expedition ships.
His research on Inuit oral history played a key role in the historic discovery of one of the two lost ships.
It was a great moment for Nunavut and for Canada.
Mr. Speaker, the 50th anniversary of the National Flag of Canada was marked earlier this month.
The Prime Minister of Canada presented 50 Peace Tower flags to recognize 50 Canadians and their great contributions to our country.
Mr. Speaker, it is with pride that I congratulate Mr. Kamookak for having been presented with a Peace Tower flag for his great contribution to the 2014 discovery of one of the Franklin Expedition ships.
I would note another prominent northerner, Nellie Cournoyea, was also presented with a flag for her work in support of Inuit and I congratulate her as well.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in congratulating Mr. Kamookak and all Peace Tower flag recipients.
Member’s Statement 203 – 4(2): Tribute to Pond Inlet Residents (Enook)
Good afternoon to the residents of Pond Inlet and Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the many constituents in Pond Inlet who have been working tremendously hard in recent weeks to overcome the state of emergency in our community.
Mr. Speaker, I will begin by acknowledging a number of individuals who work at the municipality.
In recent weeks, they have been stretched to the limit in keeping our trucks on the road and providing essential services to the community.
Sandy Kaunak
Isa Koonark
Willy Enoogoo
Simeonie Enook
Jasipa Singoorie
Emily Onalik
Abraham Kunnuk
Douglas Enooagak
William Onalik
Manasie Akpaleapik
Sandy Angnetsiak
Steven Enooagak  Steven Kilukishak
Lanny Arnakallak
George Kippomee
Tommy Aglak
Andrew Tagak
Brandon Killiktee
Louis Erkloo
Nathan Tigullaraq
Mr. Speaker, my apologies if I have omitted anyone.
Mr. Speaker, as I noted in my Member’s Statement yesterday, the crisis in Pond Inlet has resulted in extensive flooding of homes.
I wish to pay tribute to the efforts of the following employees of Pond Inlet’s local housing association who have been making every effort to deal with this situation.
David Pitseolak
Harvey Nutarak
Nathan Ootoova
Floyd Milton
Leo Mucktar
Ivan Sangoya
Brian Simonee
Daniel Quassa
Ronnie Qiyuapik
Imo Killiktee
Simeonie Inootik
Samson Akpaleeapik
Speaker (interpretation): The Member for Tununiq is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement.
I don’t hear any nays. Mr. Enook, please proceed.
Mr. Speaker, the individuals I named, along with other workers, provided essential services to our community and they went above and beyond the call of duty, enduring long and stressful hours during our local crises.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in paying tribute to the many residents of Pond Inlet who have been serving their community with distinction during this difficult time.
Member’s Statement 204 – 4(2): Kimmirut Radio Returns in Time for Christmas (Joanasie)
I rise today to warmly welcome the return of Kimmirut’s local radio station broadcasts.
Mr. Speaker, Kimmirut’s local radio station was unable to air any broadcasts for the majority of the 2014 calendar year due to a combination of technical and logistical challenges.
The community radio outage for Kimmirut was a cause for deep concern for residents.
Mr. Speaker, I am sure that all members would agree that community radio is a vital communication link for residents.
Nunavummiut use the airwaves to share information from within and from outside of their communities.
As well, the longstanding tradition of community radio allows for dialogue through call-in shows where, on occasion, members participate by sharing information and answering constituents’ questions.
Mr. Speaker, a benefit of great importance regarding community radio is the role it plays in promoting and preserving the Inuktitut language.
Mr. Speaker, during the holiday season, community radio plays a particularly significant role in providing news of events, broadcasting holiday greetings, and playing radio games.
Leading up to the Christmas holidays, Kimmirummiut were eagerly anticipating the return of the radio station.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in my appreciation for the individuals who assisted with the repair of the radio station.
I apologize for overlooking you.
Member’s Statement 205 – 4(2): Baffin Island Caribou Management (Shooyook)
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First off, I want to wish my fellow residents of Nunavut and Arctic Bay a good afternoon. Welcome to the people of Nunavut as well as my colleagues in this House.
I rise today to speak to an issue that arose during our fall session. We were informed by the Minister of Environment about the developments in the management of our caribou.
Mr. Speaker, currently, on Baffin Island, we have heard that the caribou population has crashed and that this raises deep concerns on the caribou population on our island and that is what we heard.
We seemed to hear two different management options, one where caribou have a quota and a limited harvest or that the communities would be allocated a certain number of caribou to harvest, for example, a certain number of caribou per person.
When we were informed of this development, we weren’t provided with future plans or a timeframe for when this proposed moratorium would commence.
Alternatively, the other option was to curtail all harvests of caribou.
As it developed, it turned out that this information was sent out during December where a teleconference ensued with five communities, or was that four?
We then were served with information at the beginning of January that a moratorium would be placed on caribou harvesting in the interim.
Now, with this moratorium in effect today, we also heard on the radio passionate commentaries from various community members who hadn’t been apprised of this development and that this caught them off guard. I made the assumption at that time that local community representatives who partook in these meetings must have not passed on this information, as their local people weren’t informed about this issue.
We heard many Inuit berate this development since they weren’t aware that a moratorium was even part of the considerations.
Part of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit speaks to never fighting over or complaining about any species since it can have detrimental effects. I personally am not too concerned about this moratorium because we will have future opportunities at some point.
That is why I am not too concerned about this matter, but I wanted to speak to this issue.
I have no more names on my list. (interpretation ends) Item 5.
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. (interpretation) Member for Netsilik, Ms. Ugyuk.
I say “good day” to my relatives and the people of Kugaaruk.
I would like to recognize James Eetoolook, Vice-president of NTI. He is in the gallery and I would like to welcome him.
For all those who are at the Assembly, I welcome you. (interpretation ends) Item 7. (interpretation) Oral Questions.
Question 332 – 4(2): Food Insecurity in the North (Akoak)
Mr. Speaker, food insecurity is an ongoing issue for people across Canada’s North and has been raised in this House on a number of occasions.
As the minister will be aware, Canada’s Public Policy Forum will be holding meetings in Yellowknife and Iqaluit next month to hold a dialogue on the issue of food insecurity in northern Canada.
Information provided by the forum indicates that these meetings will be held in partnership with a number of organizations, including the Nunavut Food Security Coalition.
Can the minister indicate what actions will be taken to ensure that the proceedings and outcomes of these meetings will be made publicly available?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Family Services, Ms. Ugyuk
Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my colleague for asking the question.
The (interpretation ends) Nunavut food coalition (interpretation) is operated by the Department of Health up to this point, although our department sits in on these poverty reduction meetings. I will provide the member with the information about the proposed plans once they are available.
Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for the answer.
On February 10, 2015, the issue of food security in Canada’s North was also raised in the House of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories. For your information, in their question period, they also mentioned the community of Gjoa Haven.
At that time, the Premier of NWT indicated that his government has been working with the Yukon and Nunavut governments on the issue of food insecurity.
Can the minister indicate what specific meetings she has had in the past year with the Yukon and NWT governments concerning food security and what were the outcomes of those meetings?
I also thank my colleague for the question.
The (interpretation ends) Nunavut Food Security Coalition (interpretation) sent a letter to the (interpretation ends) Nutrition North (interpretation) board to enact changes to the system, with the support of the Department of Family Services.
I wanted to provide that information, as the (interpretation ends) Nutrition North (interpretation) program is managed by the federal government.
The Nunavut Food Security Coalition is administered by the Department of Health.
We receive updates on their activities on this issue.
The proposed changes were recommended after discussions with the Auditor General. That is one avenue of assistance we have provided to that group.
That is all the information I can provide at this time.
I recognize that the minister’s department is involved in a number of initiatives to address food insecurity, including the Nunavut Food Price Survey and the Nunavut Food Security Coalition.
On October 27, 2014, I asked the minister what her department was doing to align the current Income Assistance Program to the cost of living in Nunavut.
In her response, the minister stated that due to a number of “interagency meetings, we haven’t reached the point where we have finalized our plans and action items in a written format,” and that an upcoming meeting in Iqaluit would “further our guidance on what needs to be undertaken.”
Can the minister indicate what work has been done to align the current Income Assistance Program to the cost of living in Nunavut?
I also thank my colleague from Gjoa Haven for that question.
The Department of Family Services has immediately made slight changes to the proposed budget for the upcoming new budget year. We expect these changes, but with respect to the larger changes proposed, we will require further research prior to implementing them and to conduct a thorough review.
That is our current plan of action on this issue related to poverty reduction and this would require a large allocation of funds to undertake. We have to be very careful to manage this issue.
That is what I can respond with at this time.
Question 333 – 4(2): Boarding for Medical Clients in Rankin Inlet (Sammurtok)
Mr. Speaker, medical clients often travel through the community of Rankin Inlet to receive medical care.
Can the minister clearly describe what accommodation arrangements are currently in place for medical clients and their escorts who are travelling to Rankin Inlet?
From what I know, some of them stay in hotels and some are billeted.
Currently, there is no designated boarding home for medical clients in Rankin Inlet as there are here in Iqaluit.
Having a designated boarding home would provide many benefits for medical clients, such as transportation to and from the airport or to their medical appointments, meals, and a comfortable and secure environment.
MLAs in the past have also addressed the need for a Rankin Inlet medical boarding home. Can the minister explain why his department has not given this initiative further consideration to date?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the member for that good question.
The Department of Health is currently starting to have discussions with the federal government, as they provide funding for boarding homes, for example, in Iqaluit, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Edmonton, and Yellowknife.
The money is provided by the federal government and only after those discussions take place can we further consider the possibilities.
Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) As the minister is aware, a local contractor has put forward a proposal to open a medical boarding home in Rankin Inlet.
The minister has responded that his officials will be working with Health Canada on developing a business case related to this initiative.
Can the minister give an approximate timeline for that business case to be developed and submitted?
It’s not an easy process and we would have to get staff, provide housing, and so on.
We are just in the initial stages of having those discussions, so I can’t respond to him at this time, but we are in the planning stages and we are beginning our talks with the federal government.
Question 334 – 4(2): Services for Nunavummiut (Angnakak)
The budget speaks of various programs and services that the Government of Nunavut delivers.
Can the minister explain in detail what measures are in place that indicate that Nunavummiut are getting the services that they need and that they are delivered in an accountable and transparent way?
I would probably need three weeks.
That’s what this whole process is for, to explain the processes in place.
Through contribution agreements, the departments monitor the money they deliver and give to third parties. Through the standing committee process and the Committee of the Whole process, MLAs get a chance to question the ministers during Committee of the Whole on previous year’s appropriated funds and what the funds will be used for in the future year.
There are a number of processes.
As the Department of Finance, we work with all the departments and public agencies to ensure that departments work within their appropriations and, if there’s a need and they can justify it, then we will go to the Financial Management Board for a decision.
Each department has corporate services officials who work with their frontline staff and managers to ensure that the monies that are appropriated by the department are used for the purposes intended.
Again, that’s a thumbnail sketch. I probably need a lot more time to get into real detail.
I raise that because coming as a regular MLA, we have asked questions in the House, we have asked questions at standing committee, we have asked questions in Committee of the Whole, and a lot of times, we don’t get the answers that we’re looking for.
Usually the answer is because they’re under review or it’s confidential, yet we are asked to sign off on budgets.
If everything is under review currently, how do you know that the money is being spent wisely?
Of course, all the public monies are the taxpayers’ monies; it’s not ministers’ monies or MLAs’ monies; it’s monies that taxpayers give to us.
Certainly, within a standing committee setting or in-camera, for example, last month, I could see no reason why you wouldn’t be provided the information that you asked for.