EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
The $60,000 that has been budgeted by the department for minor capital projects is an ongoing yearly amount allocated for minor office renovations and the purchase of equipment.
In June of this year, $7.0 million was transferred from the heritage centre project to address the shortfall in the Nunavut Housing Trust.
This was not the first time that funding for this project has been reallocated by the government to address shortfalls in other areas.
In October 2007, the government announced that “… to maintain previous time frames and incremental infrastructure commitments made to Nunavummiut with respect to major capital projects, $9 million has been reallocated from the Heritage Centre Project.”
During his recent appearance before the standing committee, the minister concurred with the committee that his department has experienced budget pressures during times of government-wide financial restraint.
While the standing committee recognizes that these government-wide budget measures are beyond the control of the department, members are somewhat sceptical as to whether the $7.0 million that is budgeted for the proposed Nunavut Heritage Centre will actually be used during the coming fiscal year.
Mr. Chairman, it is worth recalling that Article 33.2.4 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement states that “There is an urgent need to establish facilities in the Nunavut Settlement Area for the conservation and management of a representative proportion of the archaeological record.”
Having such a facility in Nunavut would allow us to repatriate collections of artefacts of Nunavut origin, many of which are currently being stored under service contract at the NWT’s Prince of Wales Heritage Centre.
The standing committee notes that the Shared Services Agreement with the GNWT has been renewed and it is now effective until March 31, 2012.
A feasibility study that was tabled in the House in June 2003 indicated other possible sources from where items could be acquired for the purposes of establishing the founding collection of the Nunavut Heritage Centre.
Members also look forward to ongoing updates on the progress of fundraising efforts for the Nunavut Heritage Centre, including any anticipated third party contributions.
Members recognize that this project’s ultimate success will very likely depend on federal funding and notes that the department’s substantiation sheet for the project indicates that the government is “currently exploring, with P3 Canada, the feasibility of undertaking the full facility construction as a P-3 development.”
Members note, however, that minimal information has been provided by the department with respect to exactly how the $7.0 million will be spent.
The department’s substantiation sheet for the project refers only to the development of the project design for the Nunavut Heritage Centre.
The standing committee looks forward to receiving further details concerning the breakdown of how these funds will be spent.
During the minister’s recent appearance before the standing committee, members raised the idea of combining the Nunavut Heritage Centre with a performing arts centre.
Members note that there has been attention paid in recent months to Nunavut artists and their efforts to establish the first performing arts centre in Nunavut. Members note that the department’s substantiation sheet for this project indicates that the Nunavut Heritage Centre “will also play a key role in supporting Nunavut’s arts and culture sector.”
The standing committee encourages the department to explore the possibility of combining facilities, an idea that also has the potential of achieving economies of scale.
Mr. Chairman, the Piqqusilirivvik Cultural School continues to be a highly anticipated initiative. Construction of the Piqqusilirivvik Cultural School started in September 2009 and members look forward to the opening of the facility in 2011.
As construction of Piqqusilirivvik nears completion, members look forward to being kept informed of the project’s progress.
Mr. Chairman, the standing committee recognizes the importance of fostering literacy among young Nunavummiut. Members note that no capital funds have been budgeted specifically for public libraries during recent years.
During his recent appearance before the standing committee, the minister and his officials advised members that the department would consider requests from libraries in need of capital funds.
Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening comments on the proposed 2011-12 Capital Estimates of the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth. I am confident that individual members will have questions and comments as we proceed. (interpretation) Thank you very much.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Aupaluktuq. (interpretation ends) I suggest to members that wherever possible you ask your detailed questions during the page-by-page review of the departmental estimates.
Do members have any general comments in regard to the opening comments that were made earlier?
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to welcome the minister and his officials.
One issue that I would like to ask a question is in regard to the Nunavut Heritage Centre. We hear by way of the media that they are doing some fundraising.
Looking at the possibility of a performing arts centre, I think it would be more feasible if we put those two together in one facility. I think it would make things a lot easier if the performing arts centre and cultural centre were combined into one facility.
My question to the minister is: what is your department doing for that type of an option?
We have looked into this issue and we are looking at the possibility of having the heritage centre and the performing arts centre combined. We did not have an opportunity to meet because of a lot of other issues, but we are looking at the possibility of working together with other entities.
I have also directed my staff to discuss this issue again. We will want to give support to some of those ideas that can be considered, Mr. Chairman.
We can now move on to D-3. (interpretation ends) Culture, Language, Elders and Youth.
Branch Summary. Directorate. Capital Expenditures.
Total Capital Expenditures. $60 million. (interpretation) I’m sorry. $60,000.
Chairman (interpretation): I almost gave them a lot more money.
Go to page D-5. (interpretation ends) Culture, Language, Elders and Youth.
Total Capital Expenditures. $7 million. (interpretation) Are there any questions?
In Baker Lake, we have the Inuit Heritage Centre and there’s also one in Igloolik, but I’m hearing about a new performing arts centre.
I don’t know whether it’s going to be a new facility or there’s going to be renovations in both Baker Lake and Igloolik.
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): The Nunavut Heritage Centre is just for Iqaluit.
Baker Lake and Igloolik are not included. We will be working with them on the Piqqusilirivvik Cultural Centre, but we are not working with them on the heritage centre.
For Baker Lake, if they should request funds for their centre, we do have some money set aside under grants and contributions, and we can look at your proposal.
Once we receive correspondence, my staff can review and consider it, Mr. Chairman.
I don’t think there are any more questions. (interpretation ends) Culture, Language, Elders and Youth. Branch Summary.
Capital Expenditures. Total Capital Expenditures. $7 million.
Chairman: We will go back to page D-2. Department Summary. Culture, Language, Elders and Youth.
Detail of Expenditures. Capital Expenditures. Total Capital Expenditures. $7,060,000.
Chairman: Does the committee agree that we have concluded the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth?
Minister Tapardjuk, do you have any closing comments?
We will keep the committee informed. We will be utilizing those funds so that we can visualize what the cultural centre will look like.
The Chair of the Standing Committee on Social Wellness, Moses, stated that people want to know the opening date of Piqqusilirivvik.
What I can state is that it is slated to be completed in February 2011, behind schedule by about two months. The facility requires some minor adjustments over this two-month period.
Further, our goal is to have it completely ready by August of next year so that it is ready for operations by the end of the summer. We expect that most of the logistics will be completed, including the selection of the first group of students, along with the teachers who will teach the courses.
This project is nearing completion, but I wanted to note this based on the previous mention of the facility so that the members will be fully aware of the plans for the facility.
Further, I want to thank my colleagues for approving the allocations for completing this worthwhile project. This initiative will also allow the territory to start building capacity.
So our expectations are that this project will be completed and this project has been ongoing for several years now.
However, the biggest barrier we have run into is the financial aspects of funding this project.
This is something we will be working to finish and it is quite obvious that my deputy minister is committed to this project as he has worked really hard to complete this project in the upcoming months.
I wanted to thank you all for your hospitality.
Chairman (interpretation): Yes, we also wish to thank you, Minister Tapardjuk along with your officials.
As we have completed the items that we had to deal with, I move to report progress.
Mr. Ningeongan: Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bill 38 and the capital estimates, and would like to report progress.
Third Reading of Bills. (interpretation ends) 22.
Orders of the Day for October 22:
Speaker: Thank you. (interpretation) This House stands adjourned until Friday, October 22, at ten o’clock in the morning.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Pages 2627 – 2655
Opening Prayer 2627
Ministers’ Statements 2627
Members’ Statements 2630
Oral Questions 2636
Tabling of Documents 2652
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 2653
Friday, October 22, 2010 2627
195 – 3(2): High Arctic Transportation Issues (Taptuna) 2627
196 – 3(2): Qulliq Energy Corporation General Rate Application (Kusugak) 2628
197 – 3(2): 2010 Summer Student Employment Equity Program (Shewchuk) 2628
198 – 3(2): Update on the European Union Seal Ban (Shewchuk) 2629
309 – 3(2): Millie Kuliktana (Taptuna) 2630
310 – 3(2): Arnait Nipingit Conference (Ugyuk) 2631
311 – 3(2): Congratulations to Carla Oyukuluk (Elliott) 2632
312 – 3(2): Climate Change – Inuit Perspective on Isuma TV (Tapardjuk) 2633
313 – 3(2): Rankin Inlet Graduates of Maani Ulujuk School (Kusugak) 2634
314 – 3(2): Letter from Young Constituent (Curley) 2634
315 – 3(2): Dialectal Differences of Inuit (Okalik) 2635
455 – 3(2): The Use of Plastic Bags in Nunavut (Okalik) 2636
456 – 3(2): Uranium Development in Nunavut (Aupaluktuq) 2638
457 – 3(2): Northern Economic and Sovereignty Infrastructure Conference (Elliott) 2641
458 – 3(2): Nunavut Schools’ Attendance Policies (Ugyuk) 2641
459 – 3(2): Problems with Annual Sealift (Ningeongan) 2644
460 – 3(2): Government Response to Motion Calling for a Comprehensive Performance Audit of the Qulliq Energy Corporation (Okalik) 2646
461 – 3(2): Status of New Power Plan for Cape Dorset (Schell) 2648
462 – 3(2): Qanukkanniq Recommendations on Education (Ugyuk) 2649
211 – 3(2): Carla Oyukuluk’s Essay, Pijjusituqait (Our Past and Present) (Elliott) 2652
212 – 3(2): Nunavut Housing Trust Project Status Summary, September 30, 2010 (Curley) 2652
213 – 3(2): Journal of the Northern Territories Water and Waste Association, September 2010 (Elliott) 2652
214 – 3(2): Schedule for the Student Loan Fund for the Year Ending March 31, 2009 (Tootoo) 2653
215 – 3(2): Election Nunavut 2009 Annual Report of the Chief Electoral Officer (Speaker) 2653
216 – 3(2): Nunavut Information and Privacy Commissioner Annual Report 2009-2010 (Speaker) 2653
217 – 3(2): Integrity Commissioner Annual Report April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010 (Speaker) 2653
218 – 3(2): Office of the Languages Commissioner Annual Report 2009-2010 (Speaker) 2653
026 – 3(2): Early Adjournment (Schell) 2654
Bill 47 – International Interest in Mobile Aircraft Equipment Act – Notice 2653
Bill 48 – Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2010, No. 3 – Notice 2653
Bill 50 – Nunavut Outfitter Liability Protection Fund Act, Repeal – Notice 2653
Bill 49 – Agricultural Products Marketing Act, Repeal – Notice 2654
Good morning, Premier, Ministers, Members, and the good people of Nunavut.
Minister’s Statement 195 – 3(2): High Arctic Transportation Issues (Taptuna)
Hon. Peter Taptuna: Good morning, Mr. Speaker, colleagues, and Nunavummiut. Good morning to all.
Mr. Speaker, I thank you for this opportunity to rise today before the Members of this House to update them on the work my department is doing to resolve the high cost of transportation in the Quttiktuq communities of Arctic Bay, Resolute Bay, and Grise Fiord.
The study we are undertaking on the cost of transportation in those communities has brought forward many issues and has presented several options to take forward.
These options have now been presented to the communities. It is our hope that the three affected communities can reach consensus on a single option to take forward into a strategy.
Mr. Speaker, all Nunavummiut are affected by the high cost of transportation. The solutions are complex and usually very expensive.
The study and the consultations we have undertaken have demonstrated that this complexity and expense is even more pronounced in our High Arctic communities than it is anywhere else in the territory.
Each community is unique. Their situations and aspirations may be quite different.
We realize that reaching a consensus may present a challenge but we feel it is important that the communities be instrumental in defining any program we put in place.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to once again thank the people who welcomed us to their communities and contributed to the discussion on how to improve lives in the High Arctic.
I would also like to thank the member from Quttiktuq for his hard work both before and during our visit.
I look forward to bringing that discussion before the Members this House upon its completion.
Minister’s Statement 196 – 3(2): Qulliq Energy Corporation General Rate Application (Kusugak)
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Good morning.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Today, I would like to confirm that the Qulliq Energy Corporation has recently filed a General Rate Application, or GRA.
It should be noted that this is only the second GRA ever filed by QEC.
The last GRA was filed in 2004.
As Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, I have forwarded the GRA to the Utility Rates Review Council by my colleague, the Hon. Louis Tapardjuk, Minister responsible for the URRC.
The URRC will review the application, consult with Nunavummiut, and will submit their recommendations once the process has been completed.
Mr. Speaker, we have to recognize the fact that the cost of generating electricity in Nunavut has increased since 2004.
The majority of our plants are aging, and capacity increases over the short term cannot match growth in many of Nunavut’s communities.
We cannot ignore these shortfalls in service requirements.
A safe, reliable, and efficient energy supply is essential in the north and is the primary mission of Qulliq Energy.
Mr. Speaker, the costs associated with generating electricity continue to increase and the price of diesel fuel remains volatile. Current electricity rates do not allow for any reinvestment in the form of infrastructure for Qulliq Energy; they do not allow for investment in alternate energy options for Nunavut and this, in turn, hampers economic development and security of supply in general.
Mr. Speaker, I understand that this will be a contentious issue and I encourage all Nunavummiut to attend the community consultations where they occur.
The Utility Rates Review Council needs to hear their opinions and suggestions and concerns regarding this issue.
We need to be innovative as we look for ways to minimize our dependence on imported fossil fuels.
We need to be resourceful in finding renewable, economical alternatives.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to keeping my colleagues and all Nunavummiut informed on the GRA process as it moves forward.
Minister’s Statement 197 – 3(2): 2010 Summer Student Employment Equity Program (Shewchuk)
I rise today to inform my colleagues of the continued success of the Government of Nunavut’s Summer Student Employment Equity Program.
Mr. Speaker, the 2010 Summer Student Employment Equity Program began on April 26 and ran until September 3.
A total of 144 students were hired and 106 of them, or 74 percent, were beneficiaries.
Twelve different departments and agencies participated in the summer student program and there were placements in 16 of our communities.
Mr. Speaker, the employment rate of beneficiary youth in summer student positions located in communities other than Iqaluit was over 97 percent.
As is in the past, Mr. Speaker, there was significant demand for Nunavut government summer student jobs and the number of applications this past summer was far more than the number of positions available.
With the cooperation of departments, students were provided with jobs in a timely manner.
Mr. Speaker, the vision of our territory created by our elders will be fulfilled through a commitment to our youth.
We will create hope for the future by providing meaningful and practical learning opportunities for our growing youth population and encouraging them to take an active role in their government through employment opportunities available to them.
Mr. Speaker, the Summer Student Employment Equity Program continues to provide Nunavut’s young future leaders with valuable and relevant work experience within the Government of Nunavut in a wide variety of occupations across this territory.
Minister’s Statement 198 – 3(2): Update on the European Union Seal Ban (Shewchuk)
There have been many developments on the EU seal ban since a motion was passed in our legislature in March 2009 to officially oppose the European Union ban in seal products.
I would like to take this opportunity to update my colleagues on my department’s efforts to oppose the EU regulation that would have effectively banned the import of sealskins if it had taken effect on August 20, 2010.
Canada and Norway launched a joint complaint at the World Trade Organization in December 2009 but were unsuccessful in stopping the European Union ban.
However, the Government of Nunavut supports Canada’s continued efforts to appeal the EU ban through its formal request for a Dispute Settlement Panel at the World Trade Organization.
We have also provided Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami with documentation to support a legal challenge of the EU seal ban regulation; and we have contributed $25,000 to the Nattivak and Pangnirtung hunters and trappers associations, two plaintiffs in the case.
This legal challenge caused the President of the EU Court to suspend the implementation of the ban on August 19, 2010.
I am pleased to report that a ruling issued just the other day on October 20 resulted in the protection of Inuit access to European sealskin markets.
This access had previously been threatened by the United Kingdom’s interpretation of the legislation, demonstrating the emptiness of the Inuit exemption. For Nunavut’s seal harvesters and craftspeople, this is another step in the right direction.
An Hon. Member: Hear, hear!  Hon. Daniel Shewchuk: As was echoed by my colleagues last year with their unanimous support for the motion to oppose the EU seal ban, we recognize the importance of tirelessly fighting this ban on principle.
Hon. Daniel Shewchuk: We remain hopeful that the legal challenge presented by ITK and others will be successful as this is the only remaining avenue that could potentially dismantle the regulation.
We will also continue to work with the federal government’s deputy ministers’ working group on sealing to ensure sealing interests are promoted and to participate in the creation of a national seal products research and development strategy.
Mr. Speaker, our government will continue to work with determination to protect this vital part of Inuit culture and economic well-being.
Member’s Statement 309 – 3(2): Millie Kuliktana (Taptuna)
I’m going to be reiterating my Member’s Statement from yesterday upon several requests that I got from my constituency and other folks from Nunavut.
I rise again today to speak about a great community leader who has given her time throughout the years in providing leadership within our community through her work on the hamlet council and through her volunteering efforts on such things from organization the Nattiq Frolics to spearheading the formation of the Tahiuqtiit Society, which is a non-profit organization that sponsors local training for youth and other community members.
Mr. Speaker, Millie Kuliktana plays a vital part of our community and has been involved in the school system from working as a classroom assistant to her role as a teacher and, most recently, in her role as a director of school operations for the Kitikmeot region.
Millie has also worked diligently with the youth of our community and has opened up her home on a number of occasions as an alternate to the streets.
As many of you have heard, Millie’s health has taken a turn for the worse, having developed a very rare, life-threatening lung disease, which has put a halt to much of her beloved activities within the community.
Mr. Speaker, this weekend, she will gain a new daughter-in-law, as Quinton and his fiancé, Laila Auttuq, from Igloolik have moved their wedding date up to allow Millie to celebrate it with them.
She also gets to celebrate Christmas at home with family, many relatives, and many friends within Kugluktuk.
Millie is unable to continue her employment and will be going on a long-term disability leave, and so it will be a great loss to education and to Nunavummiut and, of course, Kugluktuk.
Please recognize Millie Kuliktana with me this morning for her dedication and her commitment to education, and her personal commitment and desire to see better lives for Nunavummiut and Kuglukturmiut.
Member’s Statement 310 – 3(2): Arnait Nipingit Conference (Ugyuk)
This summer, there was a conference held here in Iqaluit hosted by Arnait Nipingit, where we met to discuss women’s issues and debated various matters. The women want the government to reconsider some issues they consider important.
If you look at the outside of a box, it does not show what is inside of just by viewing it from the outside.
We would like the leadership of Nunavut to consider another group similar to the Qulliq Status of Women Council specifically geared towards men. The question was raised why men are not represented by a group that can advocate on their behalf.
They would like this idea revisited, especially in light of the fact that men are being ignored.
We should not just be sending our men to the court system.
Men comprise the largest percentage of suicides here in Nunavut.
Men require an advocacy group that can represent their interests, especially with the fact that without support, men will continue to be on thin ice, so to speak.
In order to ensure that men are not abandoned and to ensure that they have a brighter future, the consensus was that a group should be created. Like some of the programs offered by the women’s groups, in order to have a better future, healing programs are offered to start healing women so that they can get a better future.
We see this impact, but yet it seems men are not included in these healing programs.
There are more men here in the House. However, men in Nunavut are being placed in hardship and stressful situations.
Today, women are the ones who seem to be succeeding and it seems more women are becoming the heads of the households and the major wage earners in our communities in Nunavut and in Canada.
I wanted this to be understood.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Ms. Ugyuk. (interpretation ends) Members’ Statements.
Member’s Statement 311 – 3(2): Congratulations to Carla Oyukuluk (Elliott)