EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
A very good policy analyst Ms. Laurie Idlout and I’d also like to welcome too from the Nunavut Social Development Council already introduced by Mr. Akesuk, Ms. Monica Itusarjuaq sitting next to Alfred.
Alfred welcome to the Assembly too.
It is always nice to get visitors in the gallery.
Please feel at home here.
I would like to recognize one person.
Monica Itusarjuaq.
She is an instructor for the Teacher Education Program in Nunavut.
She was also in Coral Harbour.
We worked very closely with her when she was in Coral Harbour.
As we are travelling through Nunavut, she is always there, no matter what airport you are at, you are going to see Monica Itusarjuaq.
If they are going to talk about Inuit issues and cultural issues, she will be helping on these responsibilities.
I would like to recognize Monica Itusarjuaq.
I would like to recognize a person from my riding, Russell Akeeagok.
Right now he is in Iqaluit, he has been stolen by Iqaluit.
Speaker (interpretation): Please feel welcome as you listen to the proceedings here in the House.
Mr. Tootoo, Member for Iqaluit Centre.
Question 349 - 1(5): Funding Resource Staff for Iqaluit District Education Authority
Mr. Speaker, my question today is for the Minister Responsible for Education.
Mr. Speaker, I know that the minister was well aware of the concerns that were raised in dealings with the District Education Authority here in Iqaluit and I thank him for attending the meeting, their annual meeting that they held last week.
I would like to ask the minister when the department plans on following through with their commitment that the department made in the past as far as allocating resource people for the District Education Authority to be able to take on its own financial responsibilities.
Minister Responsible for Education.
With respect to his question, I have agreed to work with the District Education Authority in Iqaluit.
These concerns have been brought up before and at the beginning of December I will be meeting with the District Education Authority and your concern will be discussed at that time.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to finally having that meeting Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, the reason that I asked this and I know the concern and the frustration as the minister I am sure heard at the annual meeting, is that you often hear of correspondence that comes from the teachers, from the department and back and forth.
Any time that correspondence goes back you always find things like the resources for the schools are done through the District Education Authority.
That's the response that the department gives to people that inquire about it.
Mr. Speaker, as I had indicated earlier during the leadership review, the District Education Authority this year didn't even get to see the budget for the schools.
So, I would like to ask the minister, is it one, if they are responsible for distributing those funds and where they are allocated, why is it that they don't get to see it.
That's why the District Education Authority wants to be able to have control, they have the responsibility, and they want the control and the authority to be able to allocate it.
So I would like to ask the minister if he would commit to ensuring that commitment already made by the department, will be followed through at this meeting.
With respect to the concern of the member, I would like him to make it clear to me as to which concern or agreement he is referring to.
We have different responsibilities that we deal with in the Department of Education, so I would like to find out from Mr. Tootoo as to exactly what his concern is.
Speaker (interpretation): Can you clarify for the minister.
I have many concerns, but what I was getting at here, is the District Education Authority, according to the department has the responsibility for the allocation of the resources, whether it be allocation of teaching positions or the resources for buying supplies and stuff like that for the schools.
They are block funded for the schools and it is the District Education Authority that distributes and decides how that money is spent.
That's the department line.
The District Education Authority this year Mr. Speaker, I am told didn't even see the budget.
So how could they be responsible for doing it, if they don't even see it.
What I would like to see, and what they would like to see, is if they are going to be given the responsibility of doing it, they also need the authority and the control to be able to do it to Mr. Speaker.
That's what I am asking for and I know that they have for the last two years now, been pushing to try and be able to take control of their own financial responsibilities for the schools here in Iqaluit.
They were almost there a year and a half ago, and then it seems like everything just went sliding right off the map.
So that's what I am asking the minister.
At that meeting next week, can the minister follow through on the commitment previously made by the department to ensure that those responsibilities and resources can be devolved down to the Iqaluit District Education Authority.
When I meet with the District Education Authority we will be discussing his concern.
Our understanding is different.
So I will wait until we meet with the District Education Authority and discuss this with them.
The way I understand it, I was informed by the District Education Authority that they were asked if they wanted to have this responsibility for additional programs and they did not want it due to funding issues .
When I meet with them we will be trying to come up with answers and address the member's concerns at that time.
Mr. Speaker, I am sure the minister is quite well aware of the request that has come forward from the IDEA and I really am at a loss to wonder where this misunderstanding could come from.
I know for a fact and Mr. Speaker, I could table correspondence from the department from the former Deputy Minister that indicates this is the direction that we want to go in and these are the plans that are in place to make it happen.
I am sorry if he misunderstands the correspondence from his department to the District Education Authority, that's all they are looking for is a follow through on the commitment and plans that were made by the department and promised to them in the past.
The minister said that he would look into it.
Question 350 - 1(5): Benefits from Radar Site in Iqaluit
Ms. Williams (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister for Community Government & Transportation. (interpretation ends) In 2001, NavCanada made 38 million dollars from North Atlantic and International over-flight charges.
As members know, a new radar facility is being built in Iqaluit.
One purpose of this new site is safety but it will also provide better service for over-flights to Europe and will aid NavCanada to start polar routes to Asia.
Mr. Speaker, it is apparent that the new site in Iqaluit will increase the revenue of NavCanada.
My question is, how will Nunavut benefit from NavCanada's increased revenues.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Ms. Williams. Minister Responsible for Community Government & Transportation.
Hon. Jack Anawak (interpretation): I am sorry Mr. Speaker, I can't really answer that question.
What I do know is that they are doing is a transportation strategy for all of Canada at this time, to have better routes around Nunavut and Canada.
I am sure that while they are doing this study on the transportation strategy for better airline routes that we will be included.
Again, I am not exactly sure how much NavCanada making revenue will help the Nunavut Government.
I could say is it will be better for safety concerns.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Minister. Ms. Williams.
Supplementary to the minister.
Would his Department of Transportation have a meeting with NavCanada to find those things out.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Ms. Williams. Minister Anawak.
Hon. Jack Anawak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. NavCanada has been here for quite some time now.
The Department of Transportation and NavCanada have been talking and working together, but if the member wants to find out more about whether there is anything in place whereby the Nunavut Government can make more revenue from NavCanada, I could give her that information.
They already told us what they were going to be doing in regards to Nunavut Airports and they have been talking with Arctic Airports.
Perhaps I could let the member know by way of written response to the question she is asking which is how much revenue will the Nunavut Government gain from NavCanada.
The Member for Quttiktuq. Ms. Williams.
I understand his response and everybody knows what NavCanada is doing but I would like to get more clarification or some more information.
We are not making any money from NavCanada and I just wanted to get some information about revenue that is generated for the Nunavut Government by their activities so that we can be at the same level as the Provinces of Canada.
I just want to urge his department of Transportation to try to find out how much money we can generate from the operation of the airport and how we can get more generate more revenue for Government of Nunavut.
We will work with NavCanada, the people of Nunavut and the communities if they want to get more information on those types of things the member was asking about.
NavCanada is for all of Canada because they deal with all the airports in Canada not just the Government of Nunavut.
So it doesn't really have to do with revenue.
We don't have very much to do with generating more revenue from them.
Perhaps I will get the information for the Member and Members of the Legislative Assembly if they wish to get the information on those things.
Question 351 - 1(5): Moving Sanikiluaq's Arena to Pond Inlet
Mr. Nutarak (interpretation): I would like to ask the Minister for Community Government & Transportation about community transfers.
The Member for Sanikiluaq was complaining about his arena today so could the minister just transfer their arena to Pond Inlet because it is colder over there and will be used more.
Speaker (interpretation): Minister of Community Government & Transportation.
Hon. Jack Anawak (interpretation): Tomorrow.
It is not really that funny, as recreation facilities such as arenas are very important in the communities.
We have to do everything to try to help those communities that are in need because it is utilized by the young people.
Even though your question sounds funny it is very important for the people of Nunavut.
Mr. Nutarak (interpretation): I am not laughing about Sanikiluaq's arena.
But Pond Inlet requires an arena.
If they are not using their arena in Sanikiluaq I just wanted it to be transferred to Pond Inlet.
Hon. Jack Anawak (interpretation): I am sure that Sanikiluaq would like to retain their arena.
But I am sure Mr. Kattuk would not be asking for things from other member’s constituencies.
He said that because of global warming they are having problems at this time and we can't change the weather.
I am sure in the future that these recreational facilities geared for the young people will be more adequate.
We will do our best to get those things in the communities.
Oral Questions. Member for Kugluktuk. Mr. Havioyak.
Question 352 - 1(5): Nunavut Youth Abroad Program Funding
I talked earlier about the Nunavut Youth Abroad Program and I commented on the fact the funding is not sufficient.
I’m sorry I should have said that earlier.
As I looked through the program funding it seems funding is running out in terms of the Nunavut Youth Abroad Program.
As the new Minister of Culture, Language, Elders & Youth this program has been going very well with youth going abroad.
I still get letters from the youth that were sent abroad.
I can tell you today that the money for this program is insufficient.
Mr. Havioyak (interpretation): Thank you. I am aware and I’m happy to hear that the minister is aware of the insufficient funds.
Looking through the budget, are the funds decreasing.
Hon. Peter Kattuk (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I’d like to ask the member to rephrase his question.
Speaker (interpretation): Mr. Havioyak could you rephrase your question please.
As I said in my statement the contribution that Culture, Language, Elders & Youth gives to the Nunavut Abroad Program is decreasing.
It’s been decreasing for the last three years.
Is it getting any smaller or what’s the future.
How do you see the future on this funding, funding for the youth abroad program.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Culture, Language, Elders & Youth, Mr. Kattuk.
I can respond to the member by saying that this program is very good for the youth.
The youth are promoting the Inuit culture to the people in other countries.
It’s something they enjoy extremely and we will be looking at how we can use the funds more efficiently.
As I said before the funding for this organization is decreasing each year.
Is it going to continue to decrease.
I can't tell you at this time if the funds are going to keep decreasing.
I can only tell the member that we should focus on the benefits of this program for the youth.
I think we should look at it like that instead.
Your last supplementary.
As I said earlier, the Nunavut Youth Abroad Program is a very good initiative for the young people.
It helps our young people when they go out from their communities to visit other countries, they learn about employment as you know minister.
Why is the funding decreasing, why are the contributions getting smaller each year Mr. Speaker. Thank you.
Hon. Peter Kattuk (interpretation): The money seems to be decreasing but we see the benefit of the program to the youth.
Although we see the decreasing amount every year, we would like to focus on the benefit and also look at how we could increase it.
That was your last supplementary Mr. Havioyak.
Question 353 - 1(5): Meat Plant for Coral Harbour
I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Sustainable Development and its about the Minister's Statement that he made earlier regarding the plant that is proposed for Coral Harbour.
In regards to the plant, I can tell the member that it will be in three phases.
We have initiated the plans and we have moved the freezers to Coral Harbour so they can increase the amount of caribou that is harvested.
Last year there were 2,160 caribou harvested.
We have put in the freezers over there so they could harvest more caribou.
That is phase one.
Also in the second phase, we are planning to do a complete review and look at the possibility of processing fish and other country foods through that plant.
It is going very well, we have completed the review at this time, and it is currently in the works.
I will want to work closely with the people of Coral Harbour on this plant.
The minister said there were three phases.
When is phase three going to get started.
We are currently working on that.
I can't tell the member when this will be started.
But we will work to the best of our ability.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Minister. Supplementary. Mr. Arvaluk.
The minister said that phase 2 is completed.
He did say phase 2 is completed and he is looking at what kinds of foods will be processed through that plant like geese, fish and other products.
Since phase 2 is completed, can the minister tell us when phase 3 will be started because of course we have to look at the financial side of it too.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Arvaluk. Minister Akesuk.
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Phase 1 is completed at this time.
Phase 2 is currently underway.
We will have to look as to what exactly is required with phase 2 like what kind of products will be processed at that plant.
That is what we are currently doing.
We are just doing phase 2 now.
Phase 1 has been completed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Arvaluk (interpretation): That's not enough time.
How long are you going to be working on phase 2.
Speaker: Thank you. Mr. Minister.
We are currently working on it.
I can't tell you exactly how long phase 2 will take.
But we will follow the results of the study that has been done.
I would like to work with the member and the people of Nanulik.
But I can't tell you exactly where we are.
But I will be talking to the member possibly outside of the House to tell him where exactly where we are at in phase 2.
Question 354 - 1(5): Plans for Health Capital Contribution in Pangnirtung
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have many different questions and I am sure I won't be able to ask them all.
I would like to pose my first question to the Minister of the Department of Health and Social Services.
During Committee of the Whole I keep thinking that I misunderstood the capital funding for Pangnirtung.
The 450 thousand dollars.
Exactly what is that going to be used for.
Speaker (interpretation): Minister Responsible for the Department of Health and Social Services of Nunavut.
Hon. Ed. Picco: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, that 450 thousand dollars in the capital estimates was for the functional program and design for a new health centre in Pangnirtung.
I would like to ask the minister if this 450 thousand dollars is too small, if it will be used for construction.
Will they need additional funds and would that change the whole budget picture.
Hon. Ed. Picco: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the numbers that we approved in the capital estimates are estimates.
They are based on the best information available.
We think we can do it for about 400 thousand dollars.
But the member is correct, if we needed more money there would be a couple of opportunities there.
One you would look in your capital budget to see if there is slippage where you could reallocate money from one project to another, or we would have to go outside and look at our O&M and move money into the capital budgets.
The other opportunity Mr. Speaker, we would come back to the House to seek other funds.
That's the usual three processes that you would do if you needed extra money.
If you need additional money for this replacement would you inform the members so that we could agree to this supplement.
Mr. Speaker, that would be the process.
If there was supplementary funding needed, it would have to be approved and come back to the House in a Supplementary Appropriation.
So it would have to come back to the House and have the members do that.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Minister. Oral Questions.
Question 355 - 1(5): Subsidy for High Cost of Groceries
I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Community Government & Transportation.
We have essential products flown up here because we have no alternative.
You can see the food here in Iqaluit is very expensive but if you go further north it gets more and more expensive the farther you get out of the Capital.
Is there a subsidy program for essential foods that are flown up here.
Minister of Community Government & Transportation.
Yes, I apologize Mr. Speaker, this is the responsibility of Minister Picco.
I would like this question to be directed to that minister.
There is a program in place by the Federal Government to subsidize the costs of nutritious foods that are flown into Nunavut as well as other parts of Northern Canada.
I thought this would be for the Minister of Community Government & Transportation.
I wanted to give the Minister of Health and Social Services a day off, just for this one day.
But I guess I have no alternative but to direct this question to the Minister of Health and Social Services.
As the minister said, there is a Federal Government subsidy program for nutritious foods.
Can the minister tell us if this program is being used properly or if it is used for something else.
Are these subsidy dollars being used properly.
Mr. Speaker, over a year ago when I was in Kugaaruk with the member, one of the things that was brought up by the mayor there was the very expensive cost of food.
Through some negotiations with the Federal Government Mr. Speaker, we have come up with a pilot project in Kugaaruk to lower the cost of food by 50 cents a kilogram on nutritious foods.
I think that shows some good movement and hopefully if this works out, and more nutritious food is being bought, we hope the Federal Government will be able to implement this in other places.
I should also point out Mr. Speaker that non-essential foods for example, high fat foods, alcoholic products, all those types of foods, snack foods, chips, chocolate bars, were all taken off the subsidy in 1996.
Today Mr. Speaker, it is only nutritional foods that are included in the program.
So the money being spent today is being spent well.
So I think we need more of it.
Mr. Irqittuq. Supplementary.
Just as an example.
If I order food from the south, does that subsidy go to me directly or does it go to the retail outlets for example the Co-ops or Northern who receive the subsidy money.
Mr. Speaker, no money is paid out.
What happens is if you’re mailing, let’s say the member is ordering a parcel from Ottawa, if he was ordering a bag of apples and a bag of potatoes.
What would happen Mr. Speaker under the mail program that is in place, the price to mail that parcel to us, which would come up on an airplane, would be less than you would have to pay if it was a commercial rate.
The mail food program has been in place through the federal government for about 30 years.
No money changes hands.
You get a discount and you get your stamp basically when you order that parcel from the south to come up.
That’s okay then since there is no money exchanged.
My question is whether this subsidy program is properly utilized by the airlines and so on.
Mr. Speaker, this program is used by 145 communities all across Canada.
Not just Nunavut Mr. Speaker and it applies to anyone.
Not just the store, the Bay or the Co-op.
It also applies to individuals who order food.
Mr. Speaker, the federal government also audits that program like other federal programs that they offer.
I am not aware of any abuse of the program.
It is a federal government program.
What we have done as the Government of Nunavut, we have reached an agreement with them to lower the cost of food for the mail program.
Food mail being flown into one community.
That is lowering the cost by 50 cents a kilogram from 80 cents.
That is down 30 cents.
Question 356 – 1(5): RFP for Winnipeg Boarding Home
Mr. Speaker, my question today is to the Minister of the Department of Health and Social Services.
Finally, finally Mr. Speaker, they are deciding to build a new boarding home in Winnipeg and replacing that decrepit building that has been a bane to the people in the Kivalliq for 15-20 years.
My question today is how many responses did the government have to the RFP.
Mr. Speaker, first of all, I have never said and the department and certainly the government hasn’t said we are building a new home in Winnipeg.
What we did is we put out a Request for Proposals to look at interest in the operation of a home.
We are certainly aware of the concerns of this facility currently being accessed.
Mr. Speaker, there were three proposals I believe to the department.
I was under the understanding that the whole idea of going to the RFP was to replace that aging facility. I am hoping the minister didn't put an RFP out to move into another old, decrepit building.
Because like I said earlier, the people of the Kivalliq have been suffering in that current facility for years.
I am sure the minister has visited it himself several times and knows what the people in the Kivalliq are dealing with.
There have been many, many requests over the last ten or fifteen years to replace that facility and join the modern world.
How many Inuit firms sent in proposals for that facility.
Mr. Speaker, the intent of the RFP and the member is correct, was to look at hopefully finding a new facility to use and that could be to replace it with a new facility.
It may be that the company that wins this may build a facility.
So I can't pre-judge what happens on the ground.
I believe there was at least one Inuit firm that bid out of the three, but I don't have that information in front of me.
It was my understanding that there was at least one.
That's good to see that Inuit firms are interested in that facility.