EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Under the district technical administration, it says under your statement that you provide technical advice to homeowners. I wonder: how often are you working with homeowners in providing technical advice? What kind of technical advice are people asking for?
Mr. Chairman, I would like to have my deputy to provide a proper response to that good question.
Our technical staff at the three districts provide support to homeowners who are applying for the various programs; the Home Repair Program, the emergency repair. When we’re first contacted, one of the things that our technical group does is look at the work that’s required and they prepare a scope of work to look at exactly what the technical details are and what’s required, and they do that in consultation with the homeowner.
That brings to mind one thing. A family member of mine actually used one of your programs, and I got a much better understanding of how the process works.
If I can offer one recommendation, it is on your Emergency Repair Program.
When you have that, it doesn’t really on the application that you have to call the very day of the emergency. If you don’t call the day of the emergency, if you don’t call right that day, then I think you can’t access that money.
I think that’s something that I would advise you to look at again and see how you could make it work better.  Perhaps I better get clarification from the Chair.
I’m wondering if I can… . Are we going right through?
Could I go right through? There’s public housing. Yes?
An Hon. Member: You’ve got 31 seconds.
Ms. Angnakak: I better hurry up.
What is the department doing to keep up with the growing demand of public housing units that require costly renovations?
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): I’m sorry.
I was dealing with papers and I didn’t hear the question. I would like the member to repeat her question, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman: Qujannamiik, hon. minister. (interpretation) I’ll stop the clock while you repeat your question, Ms. Angnakak.
I’m wondering: what is the department doing to keep up with the growing demand of public housing units that require costly renovations?
Mr. Chairman, when public housing units are undergoing renovations, some are very expensive to renovate. The local housing association helps deal with those, whether or not they will be renovated. We do M&Is with respect to renovation of public housing units.
If I had a lot more time, I would go more into that, but I’m going to go on to the next one. I have 16 seconds.
What measures have been implemented to address the high municipal costs associated with public housing units?
Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Angnakak. Hon. Minister.
There are various costs in different communities and we have to work with the Government of Nunavut.
Maybe I can have Ms. Kimball elaborate on that so that we can get a good answer for the member. There are different things that we have to go through with respect to high costs and other stuff.
If it’s okay with you, Mr. Chairman, I’ll have Ms. Kimball add to that.
The long-term comprehensive housing strategy that was put forward did identify that we need interdepartmental collaboration to address those issues. Definitely, we need to work with NAM, NAMA, and Community and Government Services to address some of the water concerns with some of the water rates. As well, obviously, development of new lots in the community, again, the same group needs to work together to minimize the costs.
Moving along. (interpretation ends) Mr. Rumbolt.
As I stated in my opening comments, the rental arrears for the Nunavut Housing Corporation stood at $18.5 million as of March 2012.
I wonder if the minister can update us today on what the current amount is owing on rental arrears.
I thank the member for the question. I can give you the figure as of March 2013 with respect to rental arrears. As of March 2013, the total rental arrears were at $22.7 million.
Chairman: Thank you, hon. minister. You heard correct, Mr. Rumbolt. Go ahead.
Also in my opening comments, I mentioned about your collection rate for public housing rent went from 84.4 percent in 2011-12 to an 80.1 percent collection rate in 2012-13. What is your current collection rate as of 2013-14?
At this time, the local housing associations are being audited. It is not complete right now, so I cannot really answer that question right now.
It’s obvious that in a year, your arrears went up by $5 million. I’m assuming your collection rate may have went down.
Can you describe what accounts for the decrease in your percentage of collections and why rental arrears are still going up?
From the question of the member, there could be many different reasons for that. There are many different reasons why the decrease in collections. I can’t really give him one reason for his question.
I’m sorry. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I’m wondering if the minister can at least give us some of the reasons. I’m aware that he probably can’t give us every reason why they’re not collecting arrears, but are there some key reasons why the rental arrears are still continuing to rise?
Due to my not having detailed information, if it’s all right with you, Mr. Chairman, I will get Ms. Kimball to respond to that question.
Chairman (interpretation): Ms. Kimball, please respond to the question.
In the annual report, for the past two years, we have actually included a very detailed table showing the collection activity by community as well as showing the number of months outstanding for an average month’s worth of collections, how many months worth of arrears are out there.
If you look at that table, you will see it really varies community by community, which tells us that it does affect the different degrees of actions being taken on the collections, which is why we have been focusing on developing more standard policy and focusing on very specific prescribed steps in terms of how to approach collections, as well as developing different options for LHOs to use or to put up to NHC for us to pursue collections a little bit more aggressively.
The pilot projects that we have been running so far have been quite successful, so we will be rolling that out into more of the communities over time.
My next question was going to be on the pilot projects.
Can you indicate which communities these pilot projects have been undertaken? Can you describe their main elements?
I could use an example. I could say that at the present time, in the regions, they are using a pilot project. There are six communities in the Baffin, Kitikmeot, and Kivalliq regions.
There are two communities in each region that are using collection agencies that are being piloted.
My question was: which communities have these pilot projects been undertaken in?
His answer was two in each region. Can he indicate which communities in reach region?
At the present time, it’s this way: in the Baffin region, Hall Beach and Qikiqtarjuaq; in the Kivalliq region, Arviat and Baker Lake; and in the Kitikmeot, Gjoa Haven and Kugluktuk.
I’m aware that there is a collection policy being worked on. I’m wondering when your new collection policy will be ready for tabling in the Legislative Assembly.
We expect that it will be ready for tabling during the fall session.
Other than rental arrears, how many housing associations in Nunavut are in a deficit situation with the Nunavut Housing Corporation?
I will ask Ms. Kimball to respond to that question so that the numbers will be correct.
As of March 2013, we had five LHOs that had significant deficits and we had a number of LHOs with small surpluses and deficits that netted to $56,000.
In terms of significant deficits, we’re really talking about five LHOs.
Thank you.  Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Ms. Kimball.
Of the five significant LHOs with a large deficit, can you give me an approximate dollar value of these deficits?
I guess my two-part question is: what are the reasons for these deficits?
With your permission, I would like to have Ms. Kimball respond to the question.
The largest deficit is with Cambridge Bay, sitting at $1.9 million. The next one is Hall Beach, sitting at $1.3 million; Arctic Bay, sitting at $1.2 million; Rankin Inlet, sitting at $838,000; and Gjoa Haven at $366,000.
In reviewing the nature of how these deficits came to be, for the most part, it comes down to spending more money than what they’re budgeted. We have looked at other LHOs that are able to manage within their budget. Under analysis for some of these, we have identified specific situations where decisions are made that actually ran them over budget.
We’re trying to work more closely with our LHOs so that we can provide the financial guidance to help steer them around those situations and make sure that they’re managing their budget accordingly.
What are the key elements of LHO deficit recovery plans? What is in their plans and how do you collect this money back from LHOs?
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. If it’s okay with you, I would like Ms. Kimball to respond to this question as well.
We look at each LHO deficit one at a time and look at what were the causes of running into the deficit and what opportunities they have.
For instance, if they’re running a collection rate of 70 percent, is there an opportunity to more aggressively pursue their collections to offset their deficit?
If their collections is actually running quite smoothly, then we might look at… .
If it was a maintenance function that was actually causing them to run into deficit, we would work with them as to how we can still achieve the maintenance function, but maybe relook at, if they’re using contracting services or using staff, is there a more economical way to do that and still manage to provide the services that they need to provide.
We do take it one-off and we work very closely with the LHO to find a solution that will work and still make sure that we’re not sacrificing the program delivery for our clients.
Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Kimball. Mr. Rumbolt.
In cases where LHOs are in a deficit situation and you look at their issues and you find that they did everything they could to stay within the budget, does the Nunavut Housing Corporation provide the additional funds for their deficit?
Can I have Ms. Kimball proceed? While they’re dealing with numbers and percentages, and this and that reason, Ms. Kimball can provide the various details in her response, Mr. Chairman, if it’s okay with you.
Chairman (interpretation): It’s okay with me.
It really comes down to whether or not NHC has the budget to do so. So if we were to determine that, if we have the funding available, then we would consider that. If we feel that we would need to, then we might approach the Financial Management Board for supplementary funding.
At this point, we haven’t identified any of the existing deficits that would require that.
We are in a positive cash situation. We do work with the LHOs. If they do have a deficit, we can advance them cash to at least make sure that they can continue operating, even though they may be in a deficit situation.
Again still on the deficit issues, to what extent are members of LHO boards of directors consulted on the implementation of deficit recovery plans?
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. With your permission, I would like to ask if Ms. Kimball can respond to this question as well.
Our community development officers from the district office would work with the LHOs and managers, and the LHO manager would work in consultation with the board chair.
When we do develop a deficit recovery plan, it is presented to the local housing board and it should be approved by the local housing board as part of their budget approval process.
I’ll just ask one final question for now and give somebody else a chance.
In situations where you have a locally elected LHO board of directors, when you approach them with the deficit recovery plan, has there ever been a case where they have rejected your plan and, if so, what happens if they do reject your recovery plan?
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like Ms. Kimball to respond to this question as well.
Off the top of my head, I’m not aware of any ever being rejected by an LHO board.
Generally, we are working in consultation with the LHO managers, which closely work with the chairman of the board.
I’m not aware of that ever occurring.
Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Kimball. (interpretation) We’re on page L-3.
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Hickes. (interpretation) There is a motion on the floor to report progress and the motion is not debatable.
Third Reading of Bills. Item 23.
Just a reminder that there’s a meeting of the Standing Committee on Legislation tomorrow morning at nine o’clock in the Tuktu Boardroom.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until Tuesday, June 3, at 1:30 p.m.
Pages 439 – 495
Opening Prayer 439
Ministers’ Statements 439
Members’ Statements 442
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 444
Written Questions 459
Tabling of Documents 460
Report of the Committee of the Whole 495
Tuesday, June 3, 2014 439
026 – 4(2): Safe Boating Tips (Sammurtok) 439
027 – 4(2): Nunavut Arctic College Launches Culturally Relevant Assessment Tools (Quassa) 440
028 – 4(2): Nunavut Food Price Survey (Ugyuk) 440
029 – 4(2): Nunavut Economic Development Strategy 2014-2024 (Kuksuk) 441
072 – 4(2): Support for Nunavut Daycares (Akoak) 442
073 – 4(2): Pangaggujjiniq 2014 – Nunavut Quest (Shooyook) 442
074 – 4(2): Cape Dorset Graduates of NTEP (Joanasie) 444
100 – 4(2): Support for Nunavut Daycares (Akoak) 445
101 – 4(2): Baker Lake Integrated Community Infrastructure Sustainability Plan (Mikkungwak) 446
102 – 4(2): Piqqusilirivvik Centre (Savikataaq) 447
103 – 4(2): Update on Iqaluit Landfill Fire (Hickes) 448
104 – 4(2): Management of the Public Service (Angnakak) 449
105 – 4(2): Determining the Need for Medical Client Escorts (Sammurtok) 451
106 – 4(2): Capacity Issues in Education (Joanasie) 452
107 – 4(2): Homelessness in Nunavut (Enook) 453
108 – 4(2): Provisions for Local Hires in Government Contracts (Mapsalak) 455
109 – 4(2): Support for Foster Homes in Nunavut (Angnakak) 456
110 – 4(2): Definition of a Homeless Person (Enook) 457
002 – 4(2): Implementation of the Nunavut Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action Plan (Joanasie) 459
018 – 4(2): Report on the Meeting of the Council of Ministers Responsible for Securities December 17, 2013 (Okalik) 460
Bill 02 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2014-2015 – Nunavut Housing Corporation – Consideration in Committee 461
Speaker (Hon. George Qulaut) (interpretation): Can you say the opening prayer, please, Mr. Enook.
Welcome to everyone in the House, Members, Ministers, and all Nunavummiut. Good afternoon.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Sammurtok.
Minister’s Statement 026 – 4(2): Safe Boating Tips (Sammurtok)
Now that it’s springtime again, people will start boating pretty soon as the ice breaks up.
Good day to the people of Rankin Inlet and Chesterfield Inlet, as well as Nunavummiut.
(interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The summer months are a busy time of year for boating and fishing activities.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind Nunavummiut of the following safe boating tips when heading out on the water:
Inspect your boat – make sure equipment is in good working order before leaving.
Monitor the weather – check marine weather reports for the area to which you are travelling.
Make a sail plan – leave trip details with someone, including the estimated date or time of return and the names of passengers on board.
Bring extra supplies – bring enough fuel and extra food and water for each person on board in case of a weather delay.
Wear life jackets – carry Canadian approved life jackets or PFDs for all passengers on board.
These should be worn at all times, especially in smaller boats.
Carry safety equipment – carry all equipment required by Transport Canada. This includes:
Lifebuoys and heaving line
Watertight flashlights
Bailers or bilge pumps
Distress flares and sound-signalling device (horn)
Radio and marine emergency locator beacon. Borrow a SPOT device or radio from your local RCMP, local hamlet, or HTA office.
Mr. Speaker, being prepared can save your life.
Practise safe boating when out on the water this summer. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, Mr. Quassa.
Minister’s Statement 027 – 4(2): Nunavut Arctic College Launches Culturally Relevant Assessment Tools (Quassa)
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) The Nunavut [Adult] Placement Assessment is Canada’s first culturally relevant placement tool developed for a college system.
Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut Adult Placement Assessment (NAPA) was a 27-month project that was completed in March 2014 and launched at the Nunavut Adult Basic Education Symposium last month in Whitehorse.
This new assessment tool will come into service this fall and was developed by a team of authors and specialists with expertise in test development, reading, statistics, question structure, design, and editing.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, Nunavut Arctic College staff and students were heavily involved in the focus groups and piloting of the assessment.
Throughout this collaborative process, Cindy Cowan, Director of Community and Distance Learning, and Daniel Page, Manager of Adult Basic Education Programs at Nunavut Arctic College, provided valuable advice and feedback.
The project objective was to develop an English language reading and writing assessment tool to effectively assess adult basic education English language reading.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut [Adult] Placement Assessment has many features and benefits.
In addition to being culturally relevant, the test also is designed to reflect student prior learning.
The assessment is valid and reliable, ensuring students are placed in appropriate college programs.
The assessment is also easy to administer and score, which ensures that NAPA can be administered by a range of various people.
Mr. Speaker, we are very appreciative of the funding provided to Nunavut for this initiative from the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister for Family Services, Ms. Ugyuk.
Minister’s Statement 028 – 4(2): Nunavut Food Price Survey (Ugyuk)
During the last sitting of the House, I reported on the outcomes of the 2013 pilot food price survey.
I am pleased to be able to report that in March 2014, just last month, the Nunavut Bureau of Statistics, with the financial support of the Department of Family Services, has completed a second food price survey.
This food price survey builds on the pilot survey and the lessons learned in that experience.
In the most recent survey, last month, the prices of 133 items in every store in every community in Nunavut were recorded.
It will now be possible to compare food prices between Nunavut’s communities and with communities in southern Canada.
The Nunavut Bureau of Statistics is currently conducting an analysis of the prices and this information will be available in the coming months.
(interpretation ends) A territory-wide price survey is a major objective of the Nunavut Food Security Coalition and is included in the recently released Nunavut Food Security Strategy and Action Plan.
As we learn more about the cost of food and other essential items, we will be able to address food insecurity and poverty reduction more effectively.
Minister’s Statement 029 – 4(2): Nunavut Economic Development Strategy 2014-2024 (Kuksuk)
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to my fellow Nunavummiut and colleagues.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak to update my colleagues on the renewal of the Nunavut Economic Development Strategy.
This work is being done together with our many partners across the territory through the Nunavut Economic Forum, which is a member-driven organization with representation from the GN, CanNor, Nunavut Tunngavik and other Inuit organizations, NGOs, and business sector organizations.
NEF was established in 2004 as part of the Nunavut Economic Development Strategy, and its purpose is to share information on economic development activities in Nunavut and facilitate cooperation on the implementation of the Nunavut Economic Development Strategy.
The renewal of the Nunavut Economic Development Strategy will result in another broad economic plan for the future of Nunavut’s economy.
Mr. Speaker, several steps are involved in the renewal of the Nunavut Economic Development Strategy.
At the core of the overall consultative process were a series of round tables across Nunavut, drawing together NEF member organizations and other stakeholders.
In 2013, NEF also commissioned the sixth Nunavut Economic Outlook.
The focus of these reports has been to measure the progress of Nunavummiut towards a high and sustainable quality of life.
Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut Sivummut IV Conference is planned for this coming fall, with the Nunavut Economic Development Strategy 2014-24 as the primary theme.
From there, it is hoped that a new strategy will be drafted and adopted by 2015.
Looking 20 years into the future, we see a strong and prosperous territory with Nunavummiut as full participants in the world economy.
I look forward to the Sivummut IV conference leading to the renewed Nunavut Economic Development Strategy, and I look forward to updating my colleagues in the fall sitting on the progress of this important initiative.
Member’s Statement 072 – 4(2): Support for Nunavut Daycares (Akoak)
Good afternoon to all the people of Gjoa Haven and Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the need to support Nunavut’s daycares and to ensure that they can remain operational and provide child care options for Nunavut parents.
Mr. Speaker, I was recently copied on correspondence from the president of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association regarding support for the ongoing operation of Gjoa Haven’s Pairivik Daycare.
Mr. Speaker, while the Government of Nunavut is responsible for licensing, inspecting, and providing some financial and other resources of Nunavut’s daycare facilities, many daycares rely on additional sources of funding to operate.
Unfortunately, when boards and societies run into governance and financial management problems, this in turn affects their funding and their ongoing ability to operate.
Mr. Speaker, I am quite sure that the Gjoa Haven Pairivik Daycare is not the first community organization to run into problems with their financial accounts and the various reporting and filing requirements.
I believe it is a duty of our government to provide assistance to such organizations when they run into difficulties.
In addition, it is important that we ensure that adequate child care services are available in all our communities.
Member’s Statement 073 – 4(2): Pangaggujjiniq 2014 – Nunavut Quest (Shooyook)
First of all, I say “good day” to the people of Arctic Bay and Quttiktuq, as well as my fellow Members of the Legislative Assembly.
I rise today to speak about the Nunavut Quest that took place, which was organized very well.
Sitting in the House at times, it is hard to smile when you’re trying to understand what is being said.
Nevertheless, I would like to share some joyful news so that we can enjoy our meeting this afternoon.
The first time the dog team race took place a few years ago. There were some statements made about the race. Joelie Qamanirq, Niore Iqalukjuak, and Piujuq Enoogoo were the principal people who collected donations and had meetings with the other communities.
It became clear in that year that it would be possible to start to have the quest going. Finally, when the funds were sufficient, they were able to make it to Igloolik in the springtime.
I am very happy because they were able to organize the whole race without using mechanized snowmobiles. They collected dog food and they used traditional sleds. Everything was traditional in conducting the dog team race.