EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
The standing committee looks forward to ongoing updates on the status of regulatory reform in Nunavut.
On June 4, 2007, the GN announced six principles to “serve as a framework for the development of a uranium development and mining management plan.”
In February of 2009, the Government of Nunavut made a two-page submission to the Nunavut Impact Review Board concerning the proposed Kiggavik project.
The standing committee looks forward to the finalization and release of the government’s actual uranium development and mining management plan.
The department’s proposed 2010-13 business plan indicates that “Canada has appointed a chief federal representative to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development to advise him on devolution issues.
Canada has not yet appointed its devolution negotiator or received a devolution negotiation mandate from the Privy Council.”
The business plan also indicates that one of the department’s goals for the 2011-12 fiscal year is to “Finalize a devolution Agreement in Principle with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, pending the conclusion of negotiations.”
The standing committee also notes that the department’s Devolution Division is proposing an increase of 1.5 PYs in the 2010-11 fiscal year.
The division will have a total of seven positions.
Given that formal devolution negotiations have yet to begin, it is not immediately clear why the division requires new positions at this time.
However, the standing committee notes with approval that the recent federal Speech from the Throne indicated that the Government of Canada will “continue to give northerners a greater say over their own future and take further steps toward territorial devolution.” The standing committee looks forward to ongoing updates on this important issue.
The standing committee also notes with approval the announcement in this month’s federal budget of enhancements to the Food Mail Program.
The committee is hopeful that the federal government will respond positively to the recommendations contained in the Government of Nunavut’s submission on this critical program, which the Premier tabled in the House on December 3, 2009.
Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening comments on the proposed 2010-11 main estimates and 2010-13 business plan of the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
It’s making me hungry now; I understand that there are some refreshments in the Members’ Lounge.
At this time, we will take a 15-minute break and then we will get into the general comments once we’re back.
>>Committee recessed at 15:02 and resumed at 15:25
Do members have any general comments, I state, general comments?
My general comment will be a little shorter than my committee’s opening remarks.
I note with interest that there has not been a really good exploration by the government of the different funding sources, especially non-governmental funding sources that could be accessed by the communities.
There are no personnel in place in Intergovernmental Affairs to seek funding for different programs in Nunavut communities.
I’m not sure if the GLO positions will accommodate that because they will require quite a specialized or at least a research-oriented position.
There are literally thousands and thousands of funding sources around the world.
We were told at one point, and I have never actually seen it myself, that the Gates Foundation, for example, has I don’t know how many thousand pages of funding programs for organizations that we as Inuit, especially Inuit communities, could access.
We are trying to deal with young people and taking them out on the land. I think the Member for Pangnirtung was talking about the funding that might not be made available again for outpost camp programs for students, where they usually go for a week or several weeks. Healing programs and other cultural activities can be initiated with that kind of funding.
I guess my general question to the Premier is if this government considers finding a research team hired by the government to do research on behalf of the communities.
My point here, Mr. Chairman, is we have no ability or knowledge in our communities to seek funding for our projects, nor are we able to write complicated proposals to carry out the activities that we would like to do.
However, we know what we want to do, but we don’t know how to start it.
We don’t know the protocols. We don’t know the proposal writing. We don’t even know how much we would need to carry out the activities that we would like to do.
So I guess my question is if there has been any consideration to finance research or liaison people in the government that communities can go to and simply tell them, “Here is what I would like to do.
Here is the general information on what I would like to do in my community. Can you help me to find funding and writing proposals to find funding and lead me to the way to go seek funding from different sources?”
If that could be produced as a position or positions, then I think that would create a lot of activities in the communities.
Communities like to do something for themselves, for their own community. They don’t want to be on welfare.
They want to be out on the land.
They want to be doing activities that are culturally relevant. You cannot do that voluntarily and feed your family at the same time.
That type of position is necessary.
Has the minister considered this kind of activity or job creation to do that kind of work?
That’s a good topic of discussion.
He also stated that the communities want to become more self-reliant economically to help each other in the community.
In looking at the funding requirements, some departments look to different funding sources or third party funding through the federal government.
For example, if we look at economic development and transportation, because they are in the economic division, they look at ways to access funds.
CGS does that too.
Each department is in charge of securing additional funding for some of their programs.
For example, the economic development officers in the community are also available to help people.
If you should approve our GLO proposal, they would be available to give support to the people out there who would like to access funds.
I don’t think I was clear enough.
We have the Business Development Corporation, the Credit Corporation, CEDOs, and Kakivak that access funds from the federal government through NTI and other sources, but their mandate is very restricted.
I have also helped people write proposals and access program dollars or start their businesses.
They have to wait very long and the proposals are sent back time and again because of this or that mistake to be corrected, or to fill out some information that they had forgotten and some to put in their signatures.
If there was a dedicated team for these, things would get done much faster.
Some people have very creative ideas to start a business, but then they give up because it takes so long to secure financing and the process so cumbersome.
What I’m thinking about here, Mr. Chairman, is a dedicated team of experts who can seek out and find information.
As things stand, if we were to put a CEDO and GLO as witnesses here and I asked them for information I needed, they would probably not have a clue as to where to look.
What I’m trying to get at with this is if you will consider developing knowledgeable people who know how to look for information and know of charitable organization registries, foundations, and what they fund.
These are the types of information-gathering skills I am talking about.
Experts who can assist people find the right information is what I would want as the type of person to fill this position.
Currently, only one PY is set aside for the liaison offices, the government liaison officer.
We all know what a liaison officer is.
In fact, we currently have a municipal liaison officer.
That person would not know how to look for relevant information if they had to read through these proceedings.
Would you be willing to consider creating a PY that would specialize in getting all that research funding? I was thinking of the position as assisting communities that want to become more self-reliant.
This issue highlights the importance of providing assistance to communities to become more self-reliant.
Currently, the Department of Economic Development and Transportation is tasked to provide these types of services.
I personally believe that the public servants we have serving in the various capacities are fully capable of providing that type of assistance to Nunavummiut.
The request has to be specific and clear so that they get what they want.
All departments have policy officials who are expert researchers and do provide that service to their department. When they themselves cannot provide it, they can identify where information can be obtained.
It would again fall into specific categories for which they require assistance as each department has different mandates.
Therefore, we will go to the page-by-page on B-4. Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs. Branch Summary.
Directorate. Total Operations and Maintenance. $5,322,000.
I welcome Madam Premier, Mr. Weber, as well as Mr. Omilgoitok.
Under B-4, under the Directorate, EIA’s business plan indicated that one of the priorities is, “Take a comprehensive and strategic approach to promoting sustainable economic development and environmental stewardship coordinated with partners to support efficient and effective land use planning, environmental assessment and regulatory processes.”
How will EIA and this government approach the issue of balancing economic development goals with environmental concerns?
Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Let me thank the member for that question, Mr. Chairman.
I believe that the English term is “Sustainable Development Committee.” The Minister responsible for ED&T reviews issues tasked to this committee.
I look forward to asking further questions in regard to this in future House sittings.
Mr. Chairman, if I may, I would like to direct my question to Madam Premier in the line of development and mining.
In 2007, the Government of Nunavut announced six principles to “serve as a framework for the development of a uranium development and mining management plan.”
What is the status of developing this plan and when will it be tabled in the Legislative Assembly?
Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This matter is still under review by the Department of Economic Development and Transportation as this issue falls under their departmental mandate and responsibilities.
Currently, our government is guided by principles that were developed prior to the formation of this government. There are six principles defined that form the foundation of this government’s mandate which guide us today.
I will look forward to asking these other economic development and environmental concerns with the appropriate departments, Hon. Minister Taptuna as well as Hon. Minister Shewchuk.
So I just want to follow up as well with these lines of questioning to see, for the record, where EIA stands on this.
So with Madam Premier indicating the economic development minister may be able to answer some questions, but I will find the appropriate time to ask these questions as a follow up.
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Aupaluktuq. (interpretation) That was not a question in my judgment, so I will let it slide.
I have some questions about the GLO positions.
I want to state for the record that I think it’s a great idea. Any employment or any position going to all three of my communities is definitely welcome.
The first question I’m wondering is: in terms of the GLO position, which is the government liaison position, and the MLO position, which is the municipal liaison officer, in no way, the funding for that position and the funding that goes to the hamlet is not going to be interrupted or changed, it will stay the same. Is that correct?
With respect to this issue, we would need to start discussions on things related to this program between the hamlets and this government.
The hamlets will have the discretion to decide what they want.
I got sidetracked, I guess. I didn’t actually hear a yes or no.
So yes, the funding will stay the same for the MLOs and they will receive the same amount of money. This is not a reduction.
Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) The hamlets will have a choice.
We will be in a position to discuss certain issues with the GLO and MLO duties and whatnot.
The hamlets will have a choice to keep the MLO or give up the funding entirely.
So we will be very much involved in discussions with the hamlet offices and they will have a choice.
So I guess we don’t have to worry about the duplication of programs provided by the MLO and the GLO because they will have a choice to either take the GLO position, which would be a Government of Nunavut position with all of the benefits, northern allowance, and everything, or continue on with what they have.
Is that what the Premier saying?
Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you. Regarding the particular terminology in Inuktitut, Mr. Chairman, I would probably call it the government liaison officer.
We are looking towards creating GLO positions in all of the Nunavut communities.
As I stated earlier, we will be prioritizing the recruitment of these positions in the non-decentralized communities.
During the planning stage, the hamlets that have MLOs, as not all communities have MLOs, we will start dialogues with those communities and see where there is duplication.
The new GLO positions will be government employees, well structured, and their job descriptions will be finalized.
They will have the same benefits and job descriptions as any other Nunavut government employee.
Everything will be detailed, their roles and responsibilities will be finalized, but they will have negotiated with the hamlet prior to that.
I hope that clarified it, Mr. Chairman.
The explanation that you just gave and my understanding of what you are saying is different than what I had initially envisioned or had heard.
I’ll use Arctic Bay as an example. Arctic Bay has an MLO and we have a person who is hired by the hamlet and CGS provides funding to the hamlet through its operational budget to pay for that person.
So that person now who is working for the hamlet gets paid and now there is going to be this GLO position coming up.
So are you saying she’s going to lose her job and a GLO will then be coming in or will the funding still be there?
My question was: the funding will still be there for the person in the hamlet to work as the MLO and then the position and the funding for Arctic Bay would come in for the GLO as a new position.
That’s the question I’m asking.
I think you understand it that yes, it’s a new position.
The GLO position is new. It’s going to be exactly the way you stated.
That explains it. The next question is in regard to the rollout. In your opening comments, you spoke a bit about it and I know it says in the business plan that there are 15 positions to start with and then going up to 25.
You had also sort of hinted in your opening comments that it’s going to take a while to get the job description and to get the information together.
So you’re anticipating $2 million this year.
When will those positions be filled? When will we see a GLO in, let’s say, Grise Fiord?
Are we thinking towards November or are advertisements going out April 1, once this is approved, to hire people within the next, hopefully, 90 days with the increase in productivity in HR?
First of all, we will have to create the hire level or the positions that the GLOs will report to and it will start in the fall in 2012, before the end of 2012.
We would like to see those 14 positions established before the end of 2012.
I was under the impression that they would be working by the end of this fiscal year.
So then my understanding of the $2 million is it was going out towards salaries, compensation and benefits for the 15 people who would be starting to work.
My next question is: where is the $2 million going this year and the $4 million going next year?
Is this not salary dollars?
No, I actually stated the year 2012 when I should have said 2011 when the 14 positions would be hired.
I stated 2012, (interpretation ends) but it’s actually 2011.
Mr. Elliott: That’s great. 2011 is next year.
My next question is: where is the $2 million from this year that we’re going to approve for this department? Where is it going this year?
With respect to the GLOs, they will be an integral part of forming our partnerships with the communities and they will be fully trained for their task.
We wish to undertake comprehensive training once the people are recruited, especially as they will form a direct linkage between the communities and this government. They will be the main point of contact in the communities.
They will need to know all of the relevant information related to government operations as well as the peripheral organizations and associated bodies.
This training will provide them that knowledge and we want ensure that all of these workers are properly trained.
We plan to have all of the 25 positions filled by fall of 2012. We want to start hiring by this November and the process will continue up to March 2012. This is how we envision these positions being filled.
Am I clear enough?
Chairman: Thank you, Madam Premier. (interpretation) I would like to remind you that in order to make the technician’s job easier, you should be acknowledging the chairperson by stating “Thank you, Mr. Chairman” when concluding your responses.
It’s great and I think that goes along with what Mr. Arvaluk was saying in terms of we need to make sure that the GLOs actually have the skill sets to be able to provide the service to the people in the communities.
I still don’t think the Premier has answered my question.
As of April 1, 2010 until March 31, 2011, we’re going to approve $2 million today for your department to do something with the GLOs.
You have now told us that it’s not for paying salaries, which I was initially under the impression that that’s what it was for, and it is for training, but there is going to be training after next year.
So that leaves a whole year and $2 million of where money is going or not going.
So I am curious to find out: where is this $2 million that we’re going to be approving going?
Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): If I read out, Mr. Chairman, the breakdown of the funding, it’s (interpretation ends) $260,000 for tangible assets, this is basic set up; $200,000 for training through contract services; $130,000 for computer hardware and software; and $40,000 for materials and supplies. (interpretation) This is funding slated for the GLOs.
The $2,558,472 would be for salaries and benefits and $812,000 for travel, so it totals to that figure. (interpretation ends) We estimate that no more than 40 percent of the anticipated ongoing budget would be required for salaries and benefits in 2010-11. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Okay, I’m going to really have to go through the Hansard and read that because I’m confused again.
I thought the Premier said that no one was being hired this year.
So you’re telling me that the people you are trying are not actually going to be Government of Nunavut employees, they’re just going to be volunteers to go out for training. I guess what I’m understanding is that I’m not understanding the process and how this is going to work.
If I understand you correctly, there are going to be 15 people hired as GLOs, but they need to be trained. They won’t be hired until next year, but training is going to happen this year.
So maybe if you could clarify; I’m really trying to listen and understand this, but I must be missing something.
We want to start seeing the GLO positions filled in the 2011 fiscal year.
With respect to the details that you are so inquisitive about, I will ask my deputy minister, who is on my right, to talk about them.
He will probably repeat some of my response earlier in English.
The ongoing cost of this entire program will be approximately $4 million in O&M costs, including salaries of about $2.5 million, and the other $1.5 million are for all of the other things like travel, assets, and contract services.
In this current fiscal year, our goal by the end of the fiscal year is to have all 14 non-decentralized GLO positions staffed and to have the 4 management positions staffed. So in total, we will have 18 positions staffed by the end of this fiscal year.
We hope to staff the four management positions early.
We don’t want to rely on contractors to design this program.
We want it to be designed by employees. So those four management positions will be staffed in April. The salaries will start flowing for those as of April or as soon as we can get them staffed.
Those people will design the program and design the training.
We hope to start the staffing of the 14 non-decentralized GLO positions by September of 2010. We have no illusions that we will have them all staffed by September of 2010.
If we did, we would be spending about 50 percent of the salary dollars this fiscal year, but we realized that that will take some time in some communities.
So we estimate about 40 percent of the salary dollars will be spent in 2010-11.
That’s being used along with hiring and start-up costs for things like training to arrive at the $2 million estimate for this year.
Thank you for that explanation. That answers everything, so thank you very much.
My next question is that under the social advocate office, there’s the Nunavut Suicide Prevention Strategy. I was just wondering if the Premier could give us an update as to what’s happening with that.
This year, there’s supposed to be the implementation of it.
I’m just wondering if it’s ready and finished and whether implementation can start.
This strategy is now in its final phases. The Nunavut government is not the only one dealing with this issue as it relates to the Nunavut Suicide Prevention Strategy working group.
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, the Nunavut government, and the Embrace Life Council are all working on the Nunavut Suicide Prevention Strategy.
It’s near completion and we believe it will soon be implemented.
With that Suicide Prevention Strategy complete and it is with NTI and the Embrace Life Council, when do you actually anticipate to have it… you said it’s nearly complete, but is it going to be finished in April or when will it actually be done?
The three partners are working together on the Nunavut Suicide Prevention Strategy, but I cannot say exactly when it would be completed.
The three partners, which are NTI, the Embrace Life Council, and the Nunavut government, are working together on it.
I cannot tell you the exact date as to whether they will complete it, but I expect that it will be completed shortly.
Again I hope it is completed soon mainly because we’re going to be starting into April 1.
It’s my understanding is if you’re a department and you’re being asked to implement something, it would be nice to have the document that you’re implementing in.
If you’re going to have it filtered through the different levels, people need to be able to read, understand, and interpret it and see how it’s going to be ingrained into the department.
Part of my understanding of what the Suicide Prevention Strategy is, is the ASIST workshops. I know Mr. Tapardjuk was doing a Member’s Statement about it.
I was wondering if the Premier could update us on how that’s going.
My understanding of the ASIST program is that again it’s a southern program but it is being Nunavutized.
I’m just wondering if that has been accomplished.
To elaborate further on this program, the Nunavut Suicide Prevention Strategy is being worked on as a three-way partnership.
Although we do want them to complete it soon, (interpretation ends) it’s an inter-agency work, so we really have no control over as to when they will be done.
(interpretation) They are trying to Nunavutize the ASIST workshop that was done recently last spring and provide training in the communities. This is running very successfully.