EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Although this person is just a few feet outside the Gallery, I would like to wish a very happy birthday to Mikle Langenhan. Nalliutigit.
Member for (interpretation ends) South Baffin, Mr. Joanasie.
Question 059 – 4(1): Review of Income Assistance Programs (Joanasie)
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon.
According to the Government of Nunavut’s 2013-16 Business Plan, one of the priorities of the Department of Family Services has been to “complete a comprehensive review of the government’s income assistance programs.”
When can the House expect to see the outcome of this review?
Speaker: The Hon. Minister of Family Services, Ms. Ugyuk.
I thank the member from Cape Dorset for his question.
If I understand his question properly, are you asking about the 2013-16 business plan on which our budgets are based or is it about everything within my department?
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): I will say it in English. (interpretation ends) One of the priorities of Family Services has been to, and I quote, “complete a comprehensive review of the government’s income assistance programs.” (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I thank the member from Cape Dorset for the question on when the review will be done.
We did a review of all the various income assistance programs, for instance, for education and for clothing, and for assistance to elders for fuel or oil. There is a lot we provide assistance for, such as daycares, and we will do a review of these programs.
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I would like to ask the minister.
The Nunavut Anti-Poverty Secretariat, which is a branch of the Department of Family Services, recently engaged the Caledon Institute of Social Policy to produce a report titled “Poverty and Prosperity in Nunavut.”
This report discusses, among other things, the Nunavut social safety net, including income support.
I would like to know: when will the minister formally table a copy of this report in the Legislative Assembly?
I thank my colleague for South Baffin for asking the question.
With respect to his first question, the review is scheduled to be finished in 2015.
With respect to his second question, I believe the review is ongoing for income support based on the (interpretation ends) Caloden report. (interpretation) This report is currently being reviewed by my officials, and I don’t think it will be completed in the short term.
It’s going to take a while to complete since income support is a very big issue in Nunavut.
Question 060 – 4(1): Departmental Staffing in Smaller Communities (Sammurtok)
My question is for the Minister of Community and Government Services. (interpretation) I believe I already know the minister’s name.
(interpretation ends) As the minister is aware, his department employs settlement maintainers in our smaller communities.
These hard-working individuals are often on call 24 hours a day to address issues and fix problems. (interpretation) However, the smaller communities often have only one settlement maintainer in the community, (interpretation ends) and that individual cannot be expected to be on duty 365 days per year.
Can the minister describe how his department ensures continuity of service in communities when the settlement maintainer is away on leave or is sick for an extended period of time?
I also thank the member for that question. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, my department hires casual staff when required.
If a settlement maintainer is either on annual leave or is not able to perform his duties, we do have a casual staffing system.
During the summer, we will also hire summer students to help the community maintainers. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
With respect to his response, I do understand the system. (interpretation ends) Can the minister indicate if his department has determined how much it would cost to add an additional position to those communities that currently have only one full-time departmental employee?
Yes, regarding that issue, we are fully aware and understand it and we are keeping an eye on it. (interpretation ends) CGS recognizes that there’s a significant increase in building maintenance over the past number of years.
So my department is undertaking a review for preventative maintenance to determine maintenance staffing levels that may be required to address the increased requirements. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Sammurtok: Can the minister indicate if he has discussed this issue with the Nunavut Association of Municipalities?
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) No.
Question 061 – 4(1): Nanisivik-Arctic Bay Highway (Shooyook)
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): First of all, I would like to say “good day” to my constituents in Arctic Bay, Resolute Bay, and Grise Fiord.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation.
The Minister of Transportation has said that the 21-kilometre road between Nanisivik and Arctic Bay is the only highway in existence in Nunavut.
I would like to recognize and warmly welcome Mr. James Eetoolook.
MLA for Quttiktuq, can you repeat your question, please.
The minister has indicated that the 21-kilometre road between Nanisivik and Arctic Bay is the only highway in existence in Nunavut.
However, the department has not allocated funds for upgrades and maintenance of the road between Nanisivik and Arctic Bay since the 2009-2010 fiscal year, when $83,000 was budgeted for this work.
Can the minister indicate if his department will consider allocating funds for upgrades and maintenance of the road between Nanisivik and Arctic Bay in his department’s next set of capital estimates?
The highway to Nanisivik has to remain open and cleared of snow and that is our department’s responsibility. Right now, I cannot say whether we have funding available for what he is requesting.
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Can the minister indicate how frequently the road between Nanisivik and Arctic Bay is inspected for its condition and safety?
As the minister has said, the federal Department of National Defence is planning to construct a new naval facility at Nanisivik.
Can the minister indicate how his department is working with the federal authorities to cooperate on such issues as the condition of the road between Nanisivik and Arctic Bay?
Speaker (interpretation): Mr. Shooyook, there are two questions in that statement when you are supposed to ask only one.
Perhaps you can start off asking your first question. Can you repeat your question, please.
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank you.
Can the minister indicate how frequently the highway between Nanisivik and Arctic Bay is inspected for safety?
With that clarification, I thank the member for his question on that matter. Yes, at this time, our department is making plans on this highway between Nanisivik and Arctic Bay that the member spoke about.
Further, we are working with the (interpretation ends) Department of National Defence (interpretation) to start planning.
However, at this time, the budget for that is something we haven’t received yet, but we are hoping to see it in the fiscal year 2014-15.
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): As the minister has said, the federal Department of National Defence is planning to construct a new naval facility at Nanisivik.
Can the minister indicate how his department is working with the federal authorities to cooperate on such issues as the condition of the highway between Nanisivik and Arctic Bay?
As I said earlier, we are working with the Canadian Armed Forces to resolve the challenges we face with the Nanisivik highway.
There are quite a few different areas that require completion in order to be able to reopen the highway, such as site clean-up, which will be quite extensive.
However, we have started the planning process at this time, in partnership with the federal Department of National Defence.
Nonetheless, with respect to the funding for this work on the highway, we will have the funds available for fiscal year 2014-15 and only then can we start work on that highway to completion in subsequent years.
Question 062 – 4(1): Extended Health Benefits Program (Angnakak)
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I asked a question on health insurance coverage for Nunavummiut and I very much appreciated the minister’s assurances that her department will better communicate the existence and eligibility requirements for the Extended Health Benefits program to Nunavummiut.
Yesterday, the minister indicated that Nunavut’s Extended Health Benefits program is determined at a national level with participation from other entities.
Can the minister clarify exactly which agency or entity establishes the rates and provisions provided to eligible medical clients under Nunavut’s Extended Health Benefits program?
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Extended health benefit (interpretation) to explain it properly, my department, specifically the health department, is responsible for putting the program together with the (interpretation ends) NIHB (interpretation) board of Canada, with representation from ITK on the NIHB program.
Your first supplementary, Ms. Angnakak.
I have noted from the government’s past business plans that the amount of money allocated to the Extended Health Benefits Program has increased since 2011.
Would the minister commit to providing me with a breakdown of allowable rates allocated under the program, the number of people who have accessed the program, and the total amount of funds expended in the program for each fiscal year since April 1, 2011?
Yes, just recently, I had directed my staff to work on the allowable rates and I can say that there are 402 that have been requested.
Yesterday, the minister indicated that the Extended Health Benefits Program funds will be expiring at the end of this month.
Can the minister indicate what preparations are being made to cover medical costs that were being covered for Nunavummiut under the Extended Health Benefits Program after April 1, 2014?
The current work that we are trying to do is to extend this program after the sunset date, at which time we would be reviewing the application to consider the benefit levels in other provincial/territorial jurisdictions, as well as review the current policy for clarity and wording.
We will be considering incorporating indigent health benefits, a carryover from the Supplementary Benefit Program that was offered through NWT social assistance.
We will be looking into those in hopes of moving forward.
Question 063 – 4(1): Addressing Social Promotion (Mikkungwak)
I have the privilege of directing my question to the Minister of Education, as he was excited to get a question yesterday.
Mr. Speaker, the issue of social promotion is of great concern across Nunavut, with Nunavut students being passed from grade to grade without learning what they need to know at each level before being moved up to the next one.
Can the minister clearly state his department’s position on the practice of social promotion?
First of all, of course, we all want our students to be well educated and that is one of the priorities of every one of us involved in education.
Further, promoting attendance is one that we push hard. It’s unfortunate that too many don’t attend classes as regularly as we would like to see and that is a great concern to all of us in Nunavut.
With respect to studies that have been done, when students fall behind in their courses, a majority just drop out. The results of those previous studies speak for themselves.
I would like my colleague to know that we have clearly identified and have stated in the past that there will be a further review of the Education Act.
However, I just wanted to reiterate that we will be focusing on working more closely with parents and help us encourage good attendance among their children.
Also, obviously, we must not forget that students who are just starting schooling should be continually reminded that education is very important. When the number of students with poor attendance rises, it results in more falling behind their (interpretation ends) grades. (interpretation) This is a very major concern for this department.
When the time comes to initiate the review of the Education Act, I have no doubt that this issue will arise.
Speaker (interpretation): Your first supplementary, Mr. Mikkungwak.
It is clear that social promotion has been recognized as a serious problem within our education system, as noted by the minister.
Can the minister describe what his department is doing to study and measure the extent of this problem and determine how it will affect the future of Nunavut’s student population?
With the issue you referenced, I believe it is practised nationwide and isn’t just a Nunavut-only concern. That is why it is important for students to complete their courses.
Due to this reason, the Department of Education is working on drafting up plans on countering this trend. We are now introducing improvements in our system to ensure our students complete their education. I think I just repeated that.
We are looking at improvements to the system at this time, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Your final supplementary, Mr. Mikkungwak.
Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Just like any bad habit, once we get into the practice of doing something, it can be difficult and time-consuming to change our ways for the better.
Can the minister clearly describe what steps are being taken right now to address and halt the practice of social promotion across Nunavut’s school system?
Currently, we are working with the parents of the students, their relatives, the schools, as well as the communities and various levels of government on the issue of attendance.
We are working with the different parties to identify how students can improve their learning.
Just looking at those who haven’t gone to school over the last three months, it is as if they have never gone to school at all when their attendance becomes too low.
As I said earlier, the parents, relatives, the DEAs, and our department are working together on this issue.
Question 064 – 4(1): Correctional Facilities (Hickes)
Just to clarify for the viewers at home, Mikle is just outside in the translation booths, without whom I wouldn’t be able to do my job effectively.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a question today for the Minister of Justice.
Last week, I asked questions to the Minister of Finance concerning the government’s staffing practices.
Today, I would like to focus on the status of employment at our territory’s correctional facilities.
Can the minister update the House today on the current staffing levels, including Inuit employment, at the Baffin Correctional Centre?
Yes, we see the number change almost on a daily basis.
I don’t have the Inuit content in front of me, but I could look into the issue and give you the information.
Speaker (interpretation): Your first supplementary, Mr. Hickes.
Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The current Inuit Employment Plan for the Department of Justice indicates that one of its strategies is to, and I quote, “promote active and regular recruitment of employees for positions in correctional facilities through an open ad for casual employment.”
Can the minister indicate how successful this strategy has been in recruiting Iqaluit beneficiaries to positions at the Baffin Correctional Centre and other facilities in the city?
Inuit employment is a high priority in our department, and when I meet with our staff, I regularly ask for updates.
We provide training and for next year, we have already made plans on more Inuit training because we are opening up a new facility here in Iqaluit.
The current practice, yes, needs more revisions and yes, we do need more Inuit working at the Baffin Correctional Centre.
Mr. Hickes: Thank you once again, Mr. Speaker.
The minister just alluded to the new overcrowding relief structure for BCC that is currently under construction.
Can the minister indicate what new staffing requirements for the facility will be required?
We are looking at a little over 20 employees that will be working in the new facility when it opens.
I have told my staff that I would like to see an updated list and more capable Inuit working in our facilities, especially with the new facility opening.
I appreciate the question from the member and I will ensure that I work with the member in implementing these actions.
Member for (interpretation ends) Hudson Bay, Mr. Rumbolt.
Question 065 – 4(1): Consumer Protection Initiatives (Rumbolt)
I want to direct my questions to the Minister of Community and Government Services.
As the minister will be aware, amendments to the territorial Consumer Protection Act were passed by the previous Legislative Assembly to tighten the rules surrounding debt collection practices.
Can the minister indicate what additional consumer protection initiatives his department is presently considering?
I also thank the member for that question. (interpretation ends) The Consumer Protection Act requires updating in numerous areas, as the legislation was inherited from the GNWT in 1999.
So due to the extent of revisions required, we will be doing amendments to this Act in phases. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
In 2008, the Law Commission of Ontario released a major study on the issue of cheque cashing fees.
The report noted that, and I quote, “Northern residents were the most likely of all Canadians to have used a cheque cashing service.”
As the minister will be aware, the lack of banking services in our smaller communities means that residents of communities have no choice but to use the services of private retailers to cash cheques.
As the minister is also aware, the fees for this service can be very high.
Mr. Speaker, Manitoba’s Consumer Protection Act includes provisions to regulate cheque cashing fees.
Will the minister commit to bringing forward amendments to Nunavut’s Consumer Protection Act to accomplish the same thing?
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) The next phase of revisions to the Consumer Protection Act will allow regulations similar to those adopted in other jurisdictions.
They will give Nunavummiut the same legislative protection as other Canadians in dealing with cheque cashing fees, money transfer fees, and payday loans. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 066 – 4(1): Public Housing Rental Arrears (Savikataaq)
My questions today are for the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation.
(interpretation ends) As the minister will recognize, an ongoing issue of concern in Nunavut has been the ability for local housing organizations to collect rental arrears.
In order for our LHOs or local housing authorities to fulfill their mandate, they must have adequate revenue and resources, and the non-payment of arrears threatens their ability to do so.
According to information that was tabled in the House during the previous Assembly, the total amount of outstanding rental arrears and tenant damage owing to LHOs stood at approximately $13 million as of March 31, 2008.
Can the minister indicate what today’s figure is?
I also thank my colleague from Arviat.
This issue of rental arrears and collection of arrears affects every Nunavut LHO and it is a huge issue with many complexities.
With the outstanding arrears amounts reaching into the millions, the arrears continue to accumulate.
However, we have to pursue options with the LHOs in the communities to work on lowering the arrears in each community.
With respect to the member’s question, the situation as it stands now in looking at 2012-13, the amount of arrears constituted about 80 percent of past year assessments.
If you look at where the arrears originated, it carried over to an amount by the fiscal year 2013 of about $22 million.
The Nunavut Housing Corporation has indicated that it has been working to develop a detailed procedure for collecting arrears in each LHO.
Can the minister indicate if this new procedure has helped LHOs to improve their collection rate?
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for his question.
As I stated earlier, we will continue to work with the LHOs through the Nunavut Housing Corporation to identify ways to reduce rental arrears or how we can improve the collection of rent from tenants.
In regard to your question, the LHOs in Nunavut are now making plans for a new set of procedures on the collection of rent and how it will be easier for tenants and LHOs.
There are six communities where we are doing a pilot project on these new procedures to see if that will improve the collection of rental arrears.
The 2011-12 Annual Report of the Nunavut Housing Corporation was tabled in the Legislative Assembly on March 1, 2013.
Will the minister commit to ensuring that the next annual report of the Nunavut Housing Corporation indicates clearly information concerning the issue of rental arrears owing to our housing organizations?
The amount that is in arrears should be tabled and shown.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to my colleague.
Yes, it is not a confidential report, so I will provide that with the information.
Question 067 – 4(1): Dust Control Initiatives (Mapsalak)
Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) My questions are for the Minister of Community and Government Services.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, as the minister is aware, the issue of dust control during the summer season in our communities continues to be unresolved. It is also the situation in my communities of Repulse Bay and Coral Harbour and I imagine throughout Nunavut communities that don’t have paved roads.
This is a very important matter, particularly during the dust season and a concern continually expressed to our local hamlets.
With that being the situation, can the minister update this House on any plans the department has on dust suppression?
This matter is currently being reviewed and the problems arising from it will be identified.
Last week, during the Baffin mayors’ meetings, we provided them with information contained in a memory stick on dust suppression methods so that each community can review the different methods.
We plan on providing every community in Nunavut a copy of this information.
This is a critically important issue, especially with the growth in numbers of wheeled vehicles. With that being the case, it is often windy in the communities that causes a lot of sand particles to be airborne during the summer months.
With that occurring, it is particular hazardous to people with breathing restrictions.
In the year 2008, the Government of Nunavut provided $12.0 million in funding to pave Iqaluit’s roads.
At that time, the government indicated that paving the roads of the capital city would reduce dust and improve the health of residents. Can the minister indicate if his department will seek federal funding on behalf of hamlets and the various hamlet organizations in Nunavut from the (interpretation ends) Building Canada Fund (interpretation) towards this issue?
This question raised by the member is an expensive proposition if we were to undertake that in every community.
However, at this time, we are looking at dust suppression methods and dust control to determine which are most applicable.
I would like to thank the minister for looking into this issue of dust suppression. Does the minister have any funds set aside?
As we all know, it is very expensive to pave roads. Dust is a health hazard in the community. Perhaps the minister can find out before the summer what is the best dust control and do so as expeditiously as possible.
As per my earlier response, memory sticks containing this information will be sent out and each community can study the different methods to see which dust suppression method is best for their community. Once they have identified their choice, we can take the next steps with the communities from there.
Question 068 – 4(1): Medical Travel Policy (Enook)
Good morning to my fellow community members in Pond Inlet and Nunavummiut.