EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I would have to hear from my department and from the department that wants to utilize it if it hasn’t been written off by the government.
I’ll ask Minister Kuksuk again.
If they want to renovate that building to be used as an elders facility, where would the hamlet apply for funding for renovations and repairs so that it can be set up as an elders and youth facility?
Is it your department or another department? Please provide me with that information.
I thank him again. To clarify my ministerial colleague’s comment, I don’t think we were clear with each other.
If an organization can request for that building to CGS directly, they don’t have to go through our department.
If that building was written off, to use Pond Inlet as an example, to be used to as a facility for elders and youth, then you can come to our department to request funding for renovations.
If it needs renovations, then we would be able to provide assistance to the community.
Thank you, Mr. Minister, for your clarification.
You indicated earlier that there is some possible funding we can get from the federal government.
All those details would be provided on where we can access third party funding in order to renovate that government building.
If we approached you, you would be able to give us some information on where we can access funds for the renovation of this building.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Very much so, if I understood you correctly.
Yes, we can help you. We can give you all the information on what is available for what funds and what would not be eligible.
We would provide you all that information and where you can access third party funding.
For my last question and for my clarification, did I understand that for this government asset, which has not been used for a very long time, a community entity or organization has to make a request first to CGS if they wanted to get that building?
Yes, the local government would make a request to Community and Government Services and ask if it could be written off and they would use it for other purposes.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) Culture and Heritage.
Chairman: Back to page F-2. Department Summary. Culture and Heritage.
Detail of Expenditures. Total Capital Expenditures. $560,000. Agreed?
Are we in agreement that the Department of Culture and Heritage is concluded?
Hon. Minister of Culture and Heritage, Mr. Kuksuk, closing comments.
I would like to thank the members for asking their questions and making comments this evening.
Thank you very much once again. I’m sure we will be working closely together in the future on behalf of the elders and youth, as well as the responsibilities that we hold. (interpretation ends) Thank you.
Bill 03 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2016-2017 – Legislative Assembly – Consideration in Committee
We will now review the proposed budget of the Office of the Legislative Assembly on page A-3.
I would now like to ask the Speaker of this House if he has officials that he would like to appear before the committee.
I would like to have officials here with me.
Chairman (interpretation): Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the Speaker’s officials in.
(interpretation ends) For the record, Mr. Speaker, please introduce your officials.
To my left is Michael Rafter, (interpretation ends) Director of Corporate Services, (interpretation) and to my right is our Clerk, John Quirke.
Mr. Speaker, you may now proceed with your opening comments.
For a brief while, I was fearful that I wouldn’t get an opportunity to speak as it seemed unlikely our staff would be allowed into the room.
It is a pleasure for me to appear before you and members today to present the proposed 2016-17 Capital Estimates of the Office of the Legislative Assembly.
As members will note, the 2016-17 capital budget for the Office of the Legislative Assembly is $830,000. (interpretation ends) Our capital budget continues to be modest and responsible.
Our priority areas for the coming fiscal year include ongoing improvements to the Legislative Assembly building and grounds, as well as enhancements and upgrades to our audiovisual, Hansard and information technology systems.
As my colleagues will have noted, recent improvements to the front entrance of the Legislative Assembly have also enhanced the accessibility of our facility to all of our territory’s residents.
One of next year’s planned initiatives is the replacement of the flagpoles which display the emblems of our territory’s 25 communities.
(interpretation) That concludes my opening comments, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) The floor is now open for general comments. (interpretation) There are no hands up. (interpretation ends) We will now proceed to the page-by-page review of the departmental estimates starting on page A-3. Office of the Legislative Assembly.
Branch Summary. Assembly Operations. Total Capital Expenditures. $815,000.
Chairman: Thank you. (interpretation) Turn the page. (interpretation ends) A-5.
Branch Summary. Independent Officers of the Legislative Assembly. Total Capital Expenditures. $15,000.
Chairman: Thank you. (interpretation) Turn the page. (interpretation ends) A-2. Department Summary.
Office of the Legislative Assembly. Detail of Expenditures. Total Capital Expenditures. $830,000.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, you may now make your closing remarks.
That’s all I have to say. Thank you very much for approving our capital estimates for the Office of the Legislative Assembly.
Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the Speaker’s officials out.
(interpretation ends) I ask members to go to Bill 3 in your legislation binder.
(interpretation) Are you ready now?
(interpretation ends) Bill 3, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2016-2017.
Amounts Appropriated for the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2017. Vote 2: Capital. Total Capital Appropriation. $196,580,000.
Go back to page 1. Clause 4.
Do members agree, pursuant to Rule 62(2), that Bill 3 can immediately be placed on the orders of the day for third reading?
Your committee has been considering Bill 3 and would like to report that Bill 3 is immediately ready for third reading. And, Mr. Speaker, I move that the Report of the Committee of the Whole be agreed to.
Ms. Angnakak. (interpretation ends) The motion is in order.
Bill 03 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2016-2017 – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Pangnirtung, that Bill 3, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2016-2017, be read for the third time.
Opposed. (interpretation) Thank you. (interpretation ends) The motion is carried and Bill 3 is ready for assent.
(interpretation) Orders of the Day. (interpretation ends) Mr. Clerk.
A reminder for meetings for tomorrow, there’s a meeting of the Standing Committee on Legislation in the Nanuq Boardroom at nine o’clock and a meeting of the Regular Caucus in the Tuktu Room, new time at 10:30.
Orders of the Day for November 3:
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until November 3 at 1:30 p.m.
>>House adjourned at 20:14 Appendix – November 2, 2015
Report on the Review of the 2013-2014 Annual Report,  2015-2016 Business Plan and 2012-2017 Strategic Plan of Nunavut Tourism
3rd Session of the 4th Legislative Assembly of Nunavut
Fall 2015 Sitting
Pauloosie Keyootak, MLA
Tom Sammurtok, MLA
Nunavut Tourism’s Mission Statement provides that the organization is a “not-for-profit membership association which encourages tourism development by providing specialized knowledge and expertise in five key areas: marketing, research, industry development, training and visitor services.”
The organization was established in 1996 and is incorporated under the territorial Societies Act.
The core operating funding provided to Nunavut Tourism by the Government of Nunavut’s Department of Economic Development and Transportation has increased from $1.8 million in the 2014-2015 fiscal year to $3.08 million in the 2015-2016 fiscal year.
This represents an increase of over 70%.
The terms and conditions of the funding are set out in annual contribution/partnership agreements between Nunavut Tourism and the Department of Economic Development and Transportation.
It should also be noted that Nunavut Tourism receives additional funding from such entities as the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency.
During the Legislative Assembly’s sitting of March 11, 2015, a motion was adopted during the proceedings of the Committee of the Whole to invite representatives from Nunavut Tourism to appear before the Standing Committee to “account in detail for the association’s expenditures, activities and initiatives.”
The motion was considered and passed during consideration of the proposed 2015-2016 main estimates and business plan of the Department of Economic Development and Transportation.
The Government of Nunavut’s current Sivumut Abluqta mandate statement provides that one of its objectives is to:
“Encourage and support economic development initiatives that build on and add value to identified areas of potential, including the harvesting, arts and tourism sectors.”
The Government of Nunavut’s current Sivumut Abluqta mandate statement also provides that another of its objectives is to:
“Review government programs to determine what is working well, what needs improvement, and what we should stop doing in order to focus our resources on enabling Nunavut’s success; and ensure recipients of Government of Nunavut funds are providing the outcomes we expect from our investment.”
The Chairperson of Nunavut Tourism’s board of directors and the organization’s Chief Executive Officer appeared before the standing committee from June 3-4, 2015.
The hearing took place in the Chamber of the Legislative Assembly.
The hearing was televised live across the territory and was open to the public and news media to observe from the Visitors’ Gallery.
Along with the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, Nunavut Tourism was one of the three “tourism partner organizations” that co-operated in the development of the territory’s current tourism strategy, Tunngasaiji, which was tabled in the Legislative Assembly on May 16, 2013.
The importance of tourism to the territorial economy has long been recognized.
The tourism strategy indicates that:
“In 2011, tourism-related businesses generated more than $40.0 million in revenue, and represented 3.2% of overall Nunavut Gross Domestic Product.
It notes that, “The tourism industry in Nunavut remains underdeveloped,” and that it faces “a lack of quality tourism products, insufficient training for tourism, operators, inadequate investment, and a lack of organizational capacity and co-ordination among tourism organizations.”
A number of noteworthy developments occurred subsequent to the standing committee’s June 2015 hearing:
July 23, 2015: Department of Economic Development and Transportation  announces launch of new Community Tourism and Cultural Industries Program.
August 2015: Nunavut Tourism announces the appointment of a new Chief  Executive Officer, following the retirement of the previous incumbent.
September 22, 2015: Department of Economic Development and Transportation
announces schedule of public consultation meetings concerning amendments to the territorial Travel and Tourism Act.
A number of themes and issues were considered during the standing committee’s hearing. These included:
The governance relationship between Nunavut Tourism’s board of directors, its management and the Government of Nunavut’s Department of Economic Development and Transportation.
The transparency of Nunavut Tourism’s financial and operational reporting.
The appropriateness of Nunavut Tourism’s current mandate, including its capacity to successfully fulfill all of its current responsibilities in such areas as destination branding, market research, industry advocacy, management of visitors’ centres and provision of tourism training and business aftercare services.
The extent to which Nunavut Tourism has effectively co-operated in the government’s ongoing review of such legislation as the Travel and Tourism Act.
The extent to which Nunavut Tourism has effectively co-operated in the government’s development of a new “marine tourism management plan” that is to address concerns that have been raised regarding the activities and impact of cruise ship traffic.
The status of various tourism-related initiatives, including Nunavut Arctic College’s Nunavut Tourism Training Program.
Recommendation #1: The standing committee recommends that the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation table in the Legislative Assembly, on an annual basis, as applicable, beginning with materials prepared in respect to the 2014-2015 fiscal year, the following items:
Nunavut Tourism’s business and strategic plans;
Nunavut Tourism’s annual report;
The annual contribution/partnership agreement between Nunavut Tourism and the Department of Economic Development and Transportation;
All monitoring, evaluation, activity and assessment reports prepared by the Department of Economic Development and Transportation in relation to Nunavut Tourism’s expenditures, activities and performance under the terms of its annual contribution/partnership agreement with the department;
All Memoranda of Understanding and/or analogous agreements entered into between Nunavut Tourism and other entities; and
All of Nunavut Tourism’s operational policies and guidelines, including its current conflict of interest guidelines for board members and employees.
Recommendation #2: The standing committee recommends that the annual contribution/partnership agreement between Nunavut Tourism and the Department of Economic Development and Transportation explicitly require Nunavut Tourism’s annual reports to contain the following information:
Detailed breakdowns of all travel and hospitality expenditures incurred by members of the board of directors of Nunavut Tourism, including the itineraries, travelers, purpose and results of each travel and hospitality expenditure;
Detailed breakdowns of all travel and hospitality expenditures incurred by employees of Nunavut Tourism, including the itineraries, travelers, purpose and results of each travel and hospitality expenditure;
Detailed breakdowns of all expenditures incurred by Nunavut Tourism through procurement, contracting and leasing activities;
Detailed breakdowns of all expenditures incurred by Nunavut Tourism for branding, business aftercare, governance, marketing, training and research activities; and
Detailed descriptions of all Requests for Proposals and Tenders issued by Nunavut Tourism during the previous fiscal year, including the results of each Request for Proposals and Tender.
Recommendation #3: The standing committee recommends that the annual contribution/partnership agreement between Nunavut Tourism and the Department of Economic Development and Transportation explicitly require Nunavut Tourism to conform to the provisions of the Government of Nunavut’s Financial Administration Manual with respect to travel and hospitality expenditures, and the Government of Nunavut’s Human Resource Manual with respect to employment practices.
Recommendation #4: The standing committee recommends that the Government of Nunavut, in its response to this report, provide a detailed breakdown of all Nunavut Tourism expenditures incurred during the first six months of the 2015-2016 fiscal year (April 1, 2015-September 30, 2015).
Recommendation #5: The standing committee recommends that the Government of Nunavut, in its response to this report, clarify, in detail, the status of the Department of Economic Development and Transportation’s development of a new “Marine Tourism Management Plan,” including the timetable for tabling the Plan in the Legislative Assembly.
Recommendation #6: The standing committee recommends that the Government of Nunavut, in its response to this report, clarify, in detail, the status of the Department of Economic Development and Transportation’s planned 2015 Visitor Exit Survey.
Recommendation #7: The standing committee recommends that the Government of Nunavut, in its response to this report, clarify, in detail, the status of the Department of Economic Development and Transportation’s plan to “initiate an economic impact study on tourism to determine the impact of tourism activities on the Nunavut economy and the impact of external economic factors on tourism in Nunavut.”
Recommendation #8: The standing committee recommends that the Government of Nunavut, in its response to this report, clarify, in detail, the status of Nunavut Arctic College’s Nunavut Tourism Training Program.
Recommendation #9: The standing committee recommends that the Government of Nunavut, in its response to this report, clarify, in detail, the status of the following initiatives that have been undertaken by Nunavut Tourism:
Preparation and public release of its 2014-2015 annual report;
Development of an Inuit Employment Plan;
Translation of website content into the Inuit Language, French and other languages;
Co-operation with the Canadian Wildlife Service and Transport Canada in the development of regulations and permitting requirements; and
Development of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nunavut Film Development Corporation.
Recommendation #10: The standing committee recommends that the Government of Nunavut’s current “Operational Audit” initiative explicitly consider the advisability of the Tourism and Cultural Industries Division of the Department of Economic Development and Transportation assuming some or all of the functions that are presently managed by Nunavut Tourism, and that this analysis consider what adjustments would be required to each entity’s financial and human resources.
Report on the Review of the 2009-2012 and 2013-2015 Summary Reports of the  Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit
The role of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit is defined in its terms of reference, which state that:
“The Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit provides advice and assistance with Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit to the Government of Nunavut.
The Katimajiit is an external body providing a non-governmental advisory resource for all departments to consult on their Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit initiatives.
Working with the inter-departmental Tuttarviit, the Katimajiit assists in government efforts to achieve an Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit approach in its service delivery and day-to-day operations.
The Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit does not limit departments in pursuing additional consultations, as required.”
Members of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit are appointed by Cabinet to serve for terms of up to three years.
The most recent appointments to the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit were made on March 19, 2009, and March 1, 2013.
The 2009-2012 and 2013-2015 summary [annual] reports of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit were backdoor tabled on August 31, 2015, pursuant to the provisions of Rule 44(2) of the Rules of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut.
The 2009-2012 and 2013-2015 summary [annual] reports detail the activities and recommendations of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit during these periods of time.
On June 1, 2015, the Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a motion to amend the terms of reference for the standing committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts to “explicitly address the integration of Inuit societal values and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit into laws, policies, programs, and services of the Government of Nunavut, including the holding of public hearings on the annual reports of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit.”
In June of 2015, the standing committee announced its plans to hold televised hearings in the fall of 2015 to enable Members of the Standing committee to consider, in detail and in a public forum, the most recent annual reports of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit.
Similar televised hearings concerning the Qulliq Energy Corporation and Nunavut Tourism were held in September of 2014 and June of 2015, respectively.
The September 23, 2015, appearance of witnesses from the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit before the standing committee took place in the Chamber of the Legislative Assembly.
Issue: Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit Terms of Reference and  Annual Reports
The terms of reference for the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit state that:
“The Katimajiit will produce an annual report for Cabinet detailing government Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit initiatives and recommendations.”
However, according to its terms of reference, the role of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit is to provide advice to the departments on its various approaches to incorporate Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
The terms of reference of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit indicate that:
“The Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit: provides advice to the Government of Nunavut departments on their policies and approaches with regards to the delivery of programs and services in order to support the GN to adapt a basis of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit; provides advice to departments on their efforts to demonstrate traditional Inuit Values through their day-to-day operations; provides advice to departments on the viability of suggested approaches for improving governmental progress on Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit issues; may offer advice to the government on Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit issues at any time; and, identifies and records Inuit maligallaringit (Inuit laws) for future generations of professionals implementing programs and services within the GN.”
The standing committee is of the view that the expectations that are set out in the terms of reference for the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit should clearly reflect the mandate, roles and responsibilities of the committee.
It is important to note that the Department of Culture and Heritage is responsible for providing administrative support to the committee and, as such, is responsible for producing the annual reports of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit.
The standing committee is of the view that the terms of reference of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit must reflect the actual division of responsibilities between its committee members and administrative support.
It is also important to note that the government has been tabling reports on the activities the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit on an annual basis.
This issue was discussed during the standing committee’s September 23, 2015, hearing.
During the hearing, the Chair of the standing committee noted that:
“One of the things that we have been talking about is these summary reports that are provided to the department.
The earliest one we have encompasses a four-year period and the latest one we have encompasses a three-year period. From the terms of reference, it speaks to an annual report.
I’m just thinking out loud, but it seems to me that maybe because of the length of time before each report is provided to the government, it may be a hindrance into losing the focus on some of the recommendations.”
The Standing committee emphasizes the importance of producing comprehensive reports on the activities of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit on an annual basis and in a timely manner.
The terms of reference of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit also indicate that:
“The Katimajiit consists of a minimum of six and a maximum of nine members, geographically and linguistically selected to represent the territory of Nunavut.”
Testimony provided by the Director of the Department of Culture and Heritage’s Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Division indicated that:
“The committee changed and we added two members. We didn’t have an Inuit traditional knowledge committee before for Inuinnaqtun, so that was added. In the Kivalliq, there was only one member, so we needed another committee member from that region.
Therefore, we added two members to the committee.”
The standing committee notes the importance of appointing members to the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit that represent Nunavut geographically and linguistically.