EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Perhaps if I ask this question to the Minister of Housing, (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister Curley.
(interpretation) We are required to work together, as regular members know, and this includes the government and our communities.
In Repulse Bay and Kugaaruk, I was informed that the construction is very slow or perhaps it is at a standstill. What are the reasons?
There are usually many reasons, Mr. Speaker. Perhaps it’s due to the weather or the sealift arrived too late or there are insufficient funds to complete the construction. If we are informed of what the actual reason is, then maybe we can provide more support.
Perhaps if I had submitted this question as a written question, it would have been preferable.
However, I want to ask the minister a question through you, Mr. Speaker. I imagine that I may get a response this fall in about three months time when we are sitting again. Will the minister be able to inform myself or this House as to why the housing units in Repulse Bay and Kugaaruk are taking so long to complete, especially with the enforced stoppages?
Yes, I understand the reasoning for the question, construction is indeed too slow. We are unable to complete construction over the winter period here in Nunavut.
Due to various reasons, the materials sent via sealift arrived too late in the season, particularly in Kugaaruk.
Some units cannot be completed and that is why we informed the House last fall in an announcement that the contractors would just be shelling in the units and that was completed. Some of the units in the Kitikmeot were not completed due to the late sealift arrival.
In Repulse Bay and Kugaaruk, the second phase of the construction is funded through the Canada Economic Action Plan and they were to resume the construction in the spring with a different contractor.
In Repulse Bay, the Naujat Co-op was contracted to complete the six SIP units, I believe, unless they were five-plexes. In May, the contract was signed with the Naujat Co-op, which is a month ago.
One cannot expect to have things completed in one month, at least in my experience. Perhaps they are slow in the construction, but the targeted completion date is the end of October.
I anticipate that they may finish earlier.
Mr. Ningark, your first supplementary.
I thank Minister Tagak Curley.
With respect to shipping in the Kitikmeot, there are different shipping companies that service the various communities.
In Kugaaruk, it’s the Canadian Coast Guard that provides this service. I believe it is NTCL that supplies the other communities in the region. Perhaps they’re not all late.
I’m not really clear on the response, although the Repulse Bay situation is clear. What’s the status with Kugaaruk’s housing project? If the minister has the information handy, I would like to hear about it.
Minister of the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Minister Curley.
In Kugaaruk, based on the information in front of me, 22 units of the first 700 units were allocated from the Nunavut Housing Trust to be built by April 30. Twenty-two units have been completed in Kugaaruk.
It’s the community of Repulse Bay that was delayed up to the spring. The Naujat Co-op in Repulse Bay has agreed to begin construction pending the melting of the snow.
Question 126 – 3(3): Funding for Elder Abuse Awareness Day (Tapardjuk)
My question is for the Minister of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth, my Annuraaqatik.
I want to first thank you for reminding us earlier that June 15 is Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
I often find it heart-rending when you think of these individuals who are housebound because of not having helpers to assist them.
You mentioned that funding may be available for elders in your announcement.
Mr. Speaker, I want to get a clearer understanding with respect to the funds set aside for the Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
Will each community get a specified amount or could we continue to ask for funding on an ongoing basis?
I would like clarification on this because the communities that heard this announcement may want to make preparations for this day that impacts their local elders, Mr. Speaker.
I apologize to the member since I can’t inform my Annuraaqatik exactly how much we will provide at this time. The requested funds will be used for that day with the expenditure items clearly listed, including the activities, and we will want to see the expense reports.
At this time, I’m unable to tell the member when the deadline is, but we will request proposals from Nunavut communities for elder abuse awareness activities before June 15 arrives.
Mr. Tapardjuk, your first supplementary.
Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the minister for his informative response.
We have quite a number of elders committees in our communities, with some communities that have very active committees while others don’t.
When activities are just sent, especially written notices, not everyone finds out about the proposed activities in the communities and not all people take the time to read these notices.
Mr. Speaker, perhaps the minister can agree to have the municipalities fully informed about Elder Abuse Awareness Day prior to June 15.
I really want to approve my Annuraaqatik’s request, so I agree to inform the hamlets prior to this date.
Question 127 – 3(3): Social Advocacy Office (Elliott)
My questions are for the Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs.
Mr. Speaker, my questions are based around the social advocate’s office.
Mr. Speaker, with the report by the Auditor General of Canada on children, youth, and family programs and services in Nunavut, it became clear to me that it’s not just the Department of Health and Social Services that is playing a key role in meeting the needs for children and youth across the territory; it is the combined effort of all government departments, families, and communities.
With that said, the social advocate’s office has a role to play. Can the Premier explain the mandate of the social advocate’s office?
Of course, as part of the Tamapta Mandate Action Plan, the government is committed in establishing an office for advocacy and action on behalf of challenged and disadvantaged individuals and groups.
We are committed to offering government support that is inclusive and integrated, offering help for all those experiencing serious difficulties but targeting help to those at most significant risk or disadvantaged in our communities.
The Social Advocacy Office is currently focused on the following key priorities and files: social safety net review; development of a child and youth representative position; disabilities and gender issues; and interdepartmental work focused on improving quality of life and improving conditions for disadvantaged groups.
Could the Premier outline in detail what the social advocate’s office has been doing over the past two years?
Thank you for the question from the Member of Quttiktuq.
As you know, the Social Advocacy Office started a couple of years ago and it is mandated to help with policy issues on social issues within Nunavut.
They have been very busy, as I just mentioned, about a child and youth representative position. You need to discover and study the position as to what it would entail and how it would be tailored to our territorial needs in Nunavut because of the culture and remoteness of our territory, and other areas.
There are other areas that are being worked under the Social Advocacy Office.
As I said, it works with the Qulliit Status of Women and other things as well. For a detailed I guess what you would call a report card on that division, I would be happy to provide that further after we have a chance to collect all of the information that has been done over the last two years.
Specifically in dealing with issues relating to children and youth, what is the social advocate’s office doing?
As I have said many times now, the social advocate’s position will be in force in the next couple of years, 2013. It would have to be a legislated position. When you are talking about legislation in the area of any new development of such position, it takes time and we are still involved in planning for that position to be realized in the next couple of years.
Is there a mechanism within your department to review the work that the social advocate’s office is doing to gauge its effectiveness on meeting its mandate?
I believe, with the amount of work that is being done under the Social Advocacy Office, we are exceeding our mandate.
As I said earlier, I would be happy to provide more information as to what the advocacy office is doing.
I think he will be pleasantly surprised to see the number of initiatives that are being done under the Social Advocacy Office. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 128 – 3(3): Renewable and Alternative Energy Sources (Elliott)
My questions are for the Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation.
Mr. Speaker, my questions are based around renewable and alternative energy sources.
With the territory’s tremendous reliance on fossil fuels and with many communities that have aging diesel power generation infrastructure, has the minister instructed the president of the Qulliq Energy Corporation to work towards researching other environmentally friendly sources of producing electricity?
Minister of the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Minister Kusugak.
The question actually rang a bell in my ear. I don’t know if it rang in yours either.
Thank you for the question, Mr. Speaker.
Yes, this government is always looking at ways to best make use of its money. We are currently working with our friends from the feds to take a look at what other means we can have in terms of alternate energy, wind being one, the tides being another, and so on and so forth.
There are so many possibilities out there; it’s just always hard to find the millions of dollars in order to be able to proceed from studies to actually something that works up here.
So in short, Mr. Speaker, yes, we are looking at ways to find a better source and cheaper energy than what we currently have.
Just a reminder, bells are not permitted in the Chambers.
Just for clarification, he does support the president and the corporation for investigating and researching alternative forms of producing electricity.
I do support the corporation in its search for alternative sources of energy as long as it is one that will be cheaper than what we currently are doing and more friendly to the north.
Is this expectation for the Qulliq Energy Corporation clearly addressed in the letter of expectation sent annually to the president of the Qulliq Energy Corporation by the Public Agencies Council?
Hon. Lorne Kusugak: I would hope so, Mr. Speaker.
I have to double-check on exactly what that entailed, but I hope it would be.
I think the minister touched on this, but just for clarification and for the public record, could the minister commit to ensuring that this is reflected and stated in the next letter of expectation sent to the president of the Qulliq Energy Corporation?
The board of directors and the president of the Qulliq Energy Corporation are always working to look for the cheapest way and the best way to run the corporation, and I’m sure it is one of their priorities.
Question 129 – 3(3): Educational Funding Related to Nutrition (Elliott)
My questions are directed towards the Minister of Health and Social Services.
We’ve had a couple of days now without talking about Nutrition North Canada, so I figured I’ll revive that discussion.
In statements made by our Member of Parliament during the 2009-2010 fiscal year, there was money provided from the federal government to provide education in classes for supporting nutrition. I’m not going to ask for the specific penny amount but a ballpark figure of how much money came from the federal government to support programs like that.
I think it remains pretty much the same as the old Food Mail Program, which was $900,000 a year, and that, I call it a carrot, is still being wagged around.
Actually this is new information to me.
In terms of the $900,000 that you’re talking about, I was led to believe that this was new money to help support the program and to help educate people within the territory about eating healthier. Are you saying that the $900,000 is just a rehashing of money that was already coming to the territory?
Hon. Tagak Curley: Yes, that is money directly coming through from the feds to the GN to provide educational programs related to the nutrition aspect of the Nutrition North program.
It’s not bells this time; it’s jets leaving the territory.
Again I’m shocked because in all of the discussions I’ve had with our MP and also the way I have discussed it with Nutrition North Canada, they have talked about $4 million for the north in new funding for education to help us adjust to and work towards eating healthier. So I’m surprised.
My next question is in 2010-11, there was supposed to be new money coming as well to implement and work with making sure the Nutrition North Canada Program worked, and dealing with education programs as well. Are you saying it’s going to be $900,000 again? No new money; it’s just the same money again this year in 2011-12.
Mr. Speaker, I cannot confirm what our MP spoke about with the member from Quttiktuq. That’s something that I have absolutely no idea about.
The only thing that I said earlier was that under the old program, there was $900,000 a year provided to provide a similar kind of educational program for Nunavutmiut.
On the new proposal, Nutrition North through Indian Affairs, approximately $840,000 annually from Health Canada will flow through the Department of Health and Social Services for community education initiatives that compliment the subsidy program.
How it is actually going to be carried out, I don’t know. It’s not complete, but that’s an offer that they have made to the GN. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I guess my next question would be: is the $800,000 that you just spoke about on top of the $900,000 that we were originally getting?
No, I used a ballpark figure.
The last program was about $900,000 under the Food Mail Program and this modified one indicates $840,000 annually from Health Canada.
Oral Questions are done.
We will move on in the Orders of the Day, Item 7.
Reports of Standing and Special Committees on the Review of Bills and Other Matters.
Tabled Document 062 – 3(3): Canadian Council of Tourism Ministers, October 14 to 15, 2010 (Taptuna)
I am pleased to table the Canadian Council of Tourism Ministers, October 14 to 15, 2010.
Tabled Document 063 – 3(3): Correspondence from the Minister of Education regarding Busing (Ningark)
I wish to table today a letter that I recently received concerning the issue of school busing services for the community of Kugaaruk.
As a courtesy to our new Minister of Education, I wish to advise her that I will have some questions on this issue at tomorrow’s sitting of the House.
There being none, I have two.
Tabled Document 064 – 3(3): 2010-2011 Annual Report of the Integrity Commissioner of Nunavut (Speaker)
Tabled Document 065 – 3(3): 2010 Annual Report of the Chief Electoral Officer (Speaker)
I wish to table the 2010-2011 Annual Report of the Integrity Commissioner of Nunavut as well as the 2010 Annual Report of the Chief Electoral Officer, which also includes the report on the 2010 Nattilik by-election.
Notices of Motions. Mr. Elliott.
Motion 011 – 3(3): Extended Adjournment – Notice (Elliott)
I give notice that on Friday, June 10, 2011, I will move the following motion:
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that notwithstanding Rule 4, that when the House concludes its present sitting in Iqaluit, it shall be adjourned until October 18, 2011.
Motion 011 – 3(3): Extended Adjournment (Elliott)
Further, that at any time prior to October 18, 2011, if the Speaker is satisfied, after consultation with the Executive Council and Members of the Legislative Assembly, that the public interest requires that the House should meet at an earlier time during adjournment, the Speaker may give notice and thereupon the House shall meet at the time stated in such notice and shall transact its business as if it had been duly adjourned to that time.
Item 17 in the Orders of the Day.
Bills 6, 7, and 8, and Tabled Documents 248 – 3(2), 249 – 3(2), and 251– 3(2) with Mr. Ningeongan in the Chair.
>>House recessed at 15:17 and Committee resumed at 15:47
In Committee of the Whole, we have the following items to deal with: Bills 6, 7, and 8, and Tabled Documents 248 – 3(2), 249 – 3(2), and 251 – 3(2).
We wish to continue our concurrent review of Tabled Documents 248 – 3(2), 249 – 3(2), and 251 – 3(2) starting with the Hon. Premier Eva Aariak and EIA, followed by the Hon. Tagak Curley for Health and Social Services, the Hon. Keith Peterson for the departments of Finance and Justice, the Hon. Dan Shewchuk for the departments of Environment and Human Resources, the Hon. James Arreak for CLEY, and the Hon. Peter Taptuna for the Department of Economic Development and Transportation. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Are we in agreement that we first deal with the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Yesterday Premier Aariak gave her opening comments for EIA.
At this time, I would ask if she would like to have witnesses at the table.
Hon. Eva Aariak: Yes, I do, Mr. Speaker.
Madam Premier, please introduce your witnesses.
To my right is Markus Weber, Deputy Minister, and to my left is Letia Obed, the Director of Aboriginal and Circumpolar Affairs.
Chairman: Thank you, Madam Premier. (interpretation) She was finished with her opening comments.
Now we can proceed with questions for the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs.
Mr. Ningark (interpretation): Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman. Welcome, Premier and your staff.
I fully support the implementation of devolution. Although it will not happen overnight, we have expectations in Nunavut.
We have non-renewable resources that seem to be just outside of that responsibility and we want to assume that responsibility.
You stated that you spent $72,000 in 2008-09 in contracts under the Devolution Division. Also in 2009-2010, $12,000 was contracted out.
I believe that it’s contract C170.
We want to see this move ahead.
What was the benefit or what was the outcome of this?
Is it to develop policies or something else? I’ll indicate the value of the two contracts again, $72,000 and $12,000.
What services has the individual been providing to the government?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Ningark. (interpretation ends) Madam Premier.
Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would also like to thank the member for his continued support towards this and towards devolution.
For these reasons, the funds were identified mainly as we have extra staff now at the (interpretation ends) Devolution Division. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Ningark (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the Premier for the clarification and for further clarifying to our members.
As you said, we have new staff members.
It’s great to see that. In 2009-2010, your department awarded a $49,936 contract to Aarluk Consulting.
It’s contract C1448.
Although they have staff members, why was it necessary to use an outside company to perform the work?
I’m trying to find that contract.
With regard to that, it was not for that purpose; it was for the energy strategy communications.
I also want to thank the Hon. Premier.
Going back to her comments, in 2009-2010, her department awarded a $29,850 contract for a company to develop an implementation plan for the government’s energy strategy, as she stated.
It’s contract C1338. When will you table this implementation plan in the Legislative Assembly and why was it necessary to use an outside company to develop it rather than having the work done within your department?
These are slightly different. The energy strategy communications which you asked about earlier is more towards public information or notice to reduce power dependency.
The Ikummatiit implementation plan also deals with policies under Ikummatiit. This is not quite finished yet, but I am pleased that CGS and the housing corporation have submitted the contents towards this.
They are almost wrapping up and hopefully they will be finished by this fall.
Chairman: Qujannamiik, Madam Premier. (interpretation) There are no more names on my list for questions. (interpretation ends) Do members agree that we have concluded with the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Madam Premier, do you have closing remarks?
Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to thank both of my staff members, Markus and Letia. They work very hard in these areas at our department.
We know that the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs is always working with other departments and I am very grateful to the other departments. They are able to work in the spirit of cooperation and anything that arises from that.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Madam Premier and your officials.
I would now like to ask the Minister of Health and Social Services, Minister Curley, if he has opening remarks.
Hon. Tagak Curley: Yes, I do, Mr. Chairman.
Unnusakkut, Mr. Chairman (interpretation) and committee members.
For the first part of my opening comments, I will be speaking in Inuktitut.
The Department of Health and Social Services for 2009-2010 awarded 428 contracts for a total amount of $36.3 million. The value of the contracts issued by the department accounted for 15 percent of the overall government total.
With respect to the number of contracts issued, the department was 24 percent of the overall government total.
(interpretation ends) Of the 428 contracts issued in 2009-2010, 215 were sole source contracts, of which 72 percent related to the provision of residential care services. The sole source residential care contracts are primarily for services, such as substance abuse recovery programs and mental health treatment and care.
The 215 sole source contracts represent a reduction of $10 million in the value of sole source contracts over 2008-09.
Of the 30 percent decrease in value of sole source contracts of $14 million from 2008-09, my department accounted for 72 percent of this decrease.
Mr. Chairman, the department, with the assistance of the Department of Community and Government Services, is now utilizing standing offer agreements to eliminate the number of sole source contracts.
Mr. Chairman, this concludes my opening comments and I would be pleased to answer questions from members. (interpretation) Thank you.
Hon. Tagak Curley: Yes, I would, Mr. Chairman.
Sergeant-at-Arms, escort the witnesses in, please.
To my right is Mr. Peter Ma, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, and to my left is our Executive Director of Corporate Services, Debora Voth.
Chairman: Thank you, Minister Curley. (interpretation) Welcome to the (interpretation ends) Committee of the Whole. (interpretation) The floor is now open for any questions that members may have.
Welcome, hon. minister as well as your officials.
My colleagues have addressed issues in the House in regard to substance abuse recovery programs and mental health treatment and care.
I’m glad that these are being addressed at a territorial level and no doubt, for the fact that everybody can benefit. As we all know, community members need to access services as well.
I just want to bring as a comment as well that maybe my colleagues will have further detailed questions, but I think it’s imperative that we also make this known throughout Nunavut and it’s really pleasing to see the minister, in his opening comments, addressing these areas of substance abuse recovery programs and mental health treatment and care. I look forward to seeing how we, as a government, would be able to assist in providing these services that are much needed throughout all of Nunavut.
With that, that was just a comment.