EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, our government provides hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to companies which aren’t even based in Nunavut to promote tourism.
Can the minister indicate what kinds of funding and support are provided to local, Nunavut-based, organizations which hold events that bring tourists to Nunavut like, for example, the Toonik Tyme festival?
There are several different funds under the department that provide contributions to various organizations or private bodies that require further funding for operational needs.
With respect to the tourism specific funding, they are funded from a different source.
We have voiced our desire to increase funding for Nunavut Tourism as one of our priorities to incorporate Tunngasaiji, as these positions would serve to strengthen our tourism services.
The funds we are looking at amount to about $1,285,000 in increased funding for initiatives so that they can fulfill their mandate.
I thank the member for that because that kind of leads right into my last question.
Mr. Speaker, even the northern airlines pitch in to support Toonik Tyme by giving discounts for the many travellers and tourists, hopefully, who will come to Iqaluit for the festival.
Will the minister commit to reviewing her departmental policies and those of Nunavut Tourism to ensure that local events which boost our tourism industry, such as Toonik Tyme, receive the support they need to be truly successful?
We had already committed to reviewing programs under the department and we will continue to do that.
Question 462 – 4(2): Nunavut’s Education Standards (Shooyook)
Mr. Speaker, last year in the fall after the territorial elections, members were provided with correspondence outlining the issues related to problems in our educational system and the recommendations to resolve the problems.
If I recall, it was related to not being able to implement the changes and this information was provided to us.
Does the minister now have the information as to the reason why our school curriculum is so far behind? I refer to the level of education our graduates have upon graduation from our schools.
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my colleague for asking that question.
Now, his question was kind of vague, so I am not sure exactly which area he is questioning and I am not sure of which subject.
Nonetheless, at this time, most members are aware that a new initiative was introduced in our schools, which is the new (interpretation ends) literacy (interpretation) program along with new mathematic programs.
Further, we have added new initiatives designed to engage the parents in their children’s education and attendance throughout our schools in Nunavut.
Further, for Nunavut, all schools are now provided with a standardized curriculum and they don’t have different courses offered in our schools.
Those are the types of initiatives we have created ever since our portfolios were assigned to us.
However, I don’t know which area my colleague was referring to and if I misunderstood, perhaps he can rephrase his question.
If you can rephrase your question, please do so. Mr. Shooyook.
I will make it abundantly clear.
Now, when our students graduate from (interpretation ends) high school (interpretation) with a diploma, if the term is the same for the students who graduate, but this is based on the information we heard that when students are tested for their level of education, the students’ levels are far below national standards.
That is what I am asking about here.
What is the reason for the level of education being so below our national standards?
I was asking about this aspect of our students. What is the reason for their low levels of education? Is it due to poor attendance or due to the low number of school hours spent on certain subjects?
That is my reasoning for asking about our graduates’ abysmal levels when they are said to be graduates of high school.
I’m asking about the nature of the problem. Is it because they’re missing so many hours?
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my colleague for the clarification.
Yes, we have seen by means of reports about our students that go to school that we have the highest rate of dropouts in Canada, which is part of the problem.
There are also other problems. As I stated earlier, we have been having some serious deliberations about this issue.
If our students are going to go to anywhere to further their education, for example, to the south or elsewhere, then the level of education has to be the same.
The strength of their education has to be the same as everybody else no matter where that student moves when they finish grade 12.
If they consistently miss school during school years, for example, if they miss 75 percent, it would be like missing three whole years of school if you look at their whole school career.
It is similar if they’re always late.
We’re trying to deal with this serious issue with our approach. I would like my colleague to know that.
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my colleague for his clarification, which clears this up in my mind.
I have another concern I want to ask about as I have already voiced the earlier concern.
Mr. Speaker, my other question is related to our unique culture here in Nunavut.
In some classes, students are taken out on the land for a whole week, either fishing at a lake or some other traditional activity practised by Inuit. The class is out on the land for the whole week.
The other concern I hold relates to this particular local practice. Once the month of May rolls around in our community, many residents put up tents at a close by camping area. The students take turns going for classes to this area for about a week, starting from the highest grades down to the lower levels.
Is this part of the problem when the students aren’t in actual classes, but are at the hunting camps where they aren’t taking notes or tests?
I wonder if this has something to do with their classroom instructions when students are out for a whole week of hunting.
That is my question about possible impacts of these land activities.
My other question is when students are at the tents for their classes throughout the day at this camp, they spend pretty well that whole day not in classes, which can last up to a week.
When students aren’t forced to write reports for these trips, doesn’t that affect their class work? I refer specifically for students set to graduate in that year. I hope that I made sense with my questions.
I believe there are two questions in that. Mr. Minister, you can respond to either of his questions if you prefer. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Education, Mr. Quassa
When it comes to education in Nunavut, we follow Inuit values as we are supposed to implement Inuit Qaujimanituqangit as well as Inuit societal values that form the foundation for our school system.
Furthermore, within our schools, elders are valued educators who receive certificates for teaching Inuit Qaujimanituqangat.
As well, we also try to encapsulate traditional knowledge and past practices related to hunting as this is an integral part of Inuit culture, and this practice is undertaken in the springtime.
When the weather warms up enough to allow people to live in a tent, up to two weeks can be set aside in the schools for land programs where they learn traditional Inuit skills.
Even without any written systems, they are practising Inuit traditions, such as our beliefs. Oral traditions are another form of education. That is what they are learning.
They don’t lose any classroom time based on the number of school days as the trips are built into the spring school days.
This is an integral part of their overall education, so they aren’t lagging behind by spending this week without reading and writing, but learning by observation. That is also part of our education system.
Question 463 – 4(2): Departmental Positions (Enook)
Good afternoon to the residents of Pond Inlet. You are in my thoughts as you endure this hardship. To the people of Chesterfield Inlet and Rankin Inlet, you are in our thoughts at this time.
There has been some confusion recently about the number of positions in the department that will be impacted by the decision to turn over responsibility for CARS services to NAV Canada and ATS Services, so I will be very clear in my questions today.
According to the government’s staff directory, the Department of EDT has a total of four positions that have responsibility for aviation programs. Three of these positions are located in Rankin Inlet and Kugluktuk, and we have been told that the GN is trying to find new jobs for the employees.
The fourth position is called an “Aviation Programs Officer.” This position is located in Pond Inlet.
Let me first ask: can the minister assure me that this position will remain located in Pond Inlet?
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my colleague for that question.
Based on the briefing I received, these positions were funded by federal funding.
Even though that was the case, the (interpretation ends) decentralized (interpretation) communities, with that designation, have to follow a set of procedures to find another position if one is removed.
This is ongoing and our officials are dealing with this issue.
Also, when any government employee wants to leave for another non-governmental position, we can’t stop them, as everyone has freedom to chase employment elsewhere.
They occasionally move to other positions.
I was trying to be absolutely clear in my question, so let me rephrase the question.
The aviation programs officer position is currently located in Pond Inlet.
Let me first ask: will this position remain located in Pond Inlet and remain staffed?
In English, these are called (interpretation ends) aviation programs officer. (interpretation) I had already stated that these positions were funded through the federal government.
At the end of the fiscal year in March, if they haven’t found alternative employment, although assistance is ongoing to find suitable replacement positions, the funding is disappearing for these positions.
The reason for my confusion is the fact that the minister has stated previously that three positions currently staffed in Rankin Inlet and Kugluktuk will be lost due to the loss of funding.
I have looked for the reference, but the position in Pond Inlet isn’t even mentioned.
That is why the confusion exists about this position and thusly why I am asking questions about this position.
Let me then ask this other question, Mr. Speaker. At one point, the Department of EDT also had the position of “Transportation Programs Officer” located in Pond Inlet.
This position became vacant last year unfortunately when the employee who held the job passed away.
It is my understanding that the position remains vacant today.
Can the minister assure me that her department is making every effort to fill this position as soon as possible and keep the position located in Pond Inlet?
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for the concerns that exist in his community, as every position is important to the communities.
Mr. Speaker, I can state to my colleague that this job has been advertised and the position will remain in Pond Inlet.
Question 464 – 4(2): Activities of the Qulliq Energy Corporation (Savikataaq)
On Friday, the minister tabled QEC’s 2013-14 annual report, which I had the opportunity to read over the weekend.
Although the minister tabled the report on Friday, I note that the Auditor’s report on QEC’s financial statements, which was prepared by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada, was actually signed on June 25, 2014.
Can the minister explain why he waited for almost nine months to table QEC’s annual report?
That’s very simple.
I have only been the minister for four months.
Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m glad the minister did it in a timely manner of four months.
QEC’s 2013-14 annual report indicates that the corporation’s board of directors has established a financial and audit committee.
Can the minister indicate how frequently this committee meets?
Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate Mr. Savikataaq coming in on the weekend to read that report to ask me some questions today.
Mr. Speaker, I don’t have that information.
I don’t know how many times they have met. I do know that, in conversation with our interim chair, that they have met and she is intending to be more active to make sure the subcommittees meet more regularly.
The Auditor General’s report on the financial statements of QEC includes one reservation. It stated, and I quote, “Section 12(2) of the Qulliq Energy Corporation Act indicates that the Minister shall, on the recommendation of the Board, fix the remuneration and other terms and conditions of employment of the President…payments made to the former President exceeded those approved remuneration limits.
The Board of Directors did not formally seek, nor receive the necessary approvals from the Minister for the former President’s remuneration.”
Mr. Speaker, I recognize that the individual in question is no longer employed by the government.
I also recognize that the current minister has only been the minister for four months, but can the minister indicate what controls have been put in place to assure that the situation does not happen again?
Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate that question. Mr. Chairman, I don’t know about controls.
The former chairman did write a letter to me. There was a board meeting in early December where they made a recommendation to increase the salary following the Act. They made a recommendation to me as the minister and as minister, I did not accept the recommendation, so there are your controls.
Question 465 – 4(2): Tank Farm Maintenance (Rumbolt)
During the minister’s recent appearance before the Committee of the Whole, questions were asked about the issue of tank farm maintenance.
As the minister is well aware, I have approached his office on a number of occasions with concerns about problems with Sanikiluaq’s fuel supply. I believe that regular cleaning of tanks will help to prevent problems from occurring.
In response to questions that were asked in the House, we were informed that “tank cleans are supposed to be done every five years.”
Can the minister inform me when the fuel tanks in Sanikiluaq were last cleaned?
I exactly don’t have the timeline of when the tanks were last cleaned in Sanikiluaq.
However, we do make a point of ensuring that, before every sealift, before every fuel delivery, these tanks are checked to ensure they are clean enough to be used for that year.
Does the department track the frequency with which tank cleans take place in Nunavut’s 25 communities?
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Again I don’t have that level of information with me at this point. However, I do know that we do have contractors going to communities to do the inspections on our behalf. (interpretation) Thank you.
I imagine that all Members of the Legislative Assembly would be interested in knowing how recently tank cleans took place in their communities.
Would the minister be willing to table a detailed report on this subject during the upcoming spring sitting?
I would be happy to provide that information to the House.
Question 466 – 4(2): Medical Travel for Unilingual Elders (Joanasie)
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good afternoon.
Mr. Speaker, last Friday, I asked the minister about the department’s definition of a unilingual elder.
The response I got was not too forthcoming as this is what he said, and I’m quoting the unedited Hansard, “They do some planning with doctors and they identify if a person is unilingual…”
After reviewing the June 2013 version of the department’s policy, I could find no definition of “unilingual elder.”
Can the minister confirm that the Department of Health has a clear definition of “unilingual elder”?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Anybody over the age of 65 who wishes to have an escort, if they are unilingual, is entitled to an escort.
That is pretty clear to me. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Can the minister indicate if any other provisions of the Medical Travel Policy were recently revised in addition to the recent announcement the minister made with respect to allowing unilingual elders to request an escort if they so choose?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) No, that is the only change to the policy that was made. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
As I want to see the revised Medical Travel Policy, I would like to ask the minister if he can commit to tabling the revised Medical Travel Policy before the end of our winter session.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) The announcement I made during this session was that anybody over the age of 65 who wishes to have an escort who is unilingual and does not speak English is entitled to one.
That’s the only change we made. The rest of the policy still remains the same and I believe it has been made available to the Assembly.
I will gladly provide the information and table it when I get a chance.
Question 467 – 4(2): Support for Students and Nunavut Arctic College (Sammurtok)
Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) Good day to my fellow residents of Rankin Inlet and Nunavummiut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would like to direct my question to the Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College.
Mr. Speaker, it has come to my attention that some adult students who attend programs at Nunavut Arctic College are not receiving support from program staff and, in fact, are made to feel so unwelcome that they return home without finishing their course.
Can the minister describe what steps are taken to ensure that students are made to feel welcome at Nunavut Arctic College and what support is provided to students to ensure that they stay and finish their program?
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my colleague for that question.
For your information, Nunavut Arctic College has rules on how they should administer their programs and their students.
Those same policies apply to date.
We have policies on how the students should be treated and what type of support services should be provided.
I know that all of the instructors know that there are rules that are applied in Nunavut Arctic College.
We do have policies.
I haven’t really heard anything about a student returning home without finishing their course because of their treatment.
For your information, we do have policies that are applied right across the board in the institutions and how they should treat their students.
Our government has stated that education is its number one priority.
However, if students are leaving their programs at Nunavut Arctic College because they feel harassed or mistreated by program staff, then the government’s own mandate is being ignored.
Is the minister aware of this problem and, if so, can he provide an update on what is being done to address this?
As I indicated earlier, we are not notified about day-to-day operations of the college, but I am very pleased that we have very many students who go to Nunavut Arctic College and student enrolment is increasing every year.
I just urge the older people or people of a mature age to continue their education.
As I indicated earlier, our instructors or our teachers all have policies that we adhere to and we make sure that our instructors are well aware of those policies.
If any student has any problems with their instructor, they are told to immediately notify the senior management and they are taken care of right away.
That’s what I can say, Mr. Speaker.
I recognize that it is not always clear why students leave their programs before completing the coursework.
However, I believe that it is important that steps be taken to determine the underlying reasons that students quit before finishing.
Will the minister commit to looking into this matter and providing me with an update at his earliest convenience?
I am very open to hearing any sort of concerns. If there are any concerns with regard to Nunavut Arctic College, we are always open to hearing any sort of complaint.
I want all to know that we have policies with regard to the instructors and they undertake orientation at Nunavut Arctic College prior to going to work.
I can tell my colleague that if he knows of any case, then they can deal with them on a case-by-case basis at the headquarters.
They can do investigative work at the headquarter level.
I would like to hear from anywhere about how we can provide more support and assistance.
Question 468 – 4(2): Dust Control in Baker Lake (Mikkungwak)
Mr. Speaker, as an inland community, Baker Lake experiences relatively high temperatures during the summer months and these increased temperatures often contribute to large amounts of dust that rise off the community’s roads during traffic.
(interpretation ends) For safety reasons, the municipality cannot use the standard calcium chloride solution to control the rising dust on the community’s airport road.
(interpretation) Can the minister indicate how his department is working with the Municipality of Baker Lake to address the issue of dust control for the community’s airport road?
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) As the member is aware, there was a report that was provided to all members and the same report is provided to all the municipalities on different types of dust suppressants that can be used.
The Municipality of Baker Lake does have the opportunity to review that report and decide which chemicals they may want to use for that particular road that the member is talking about. (interpretation) Thank you.
It is my understanding that alternative methods for dust control may be dismissed due to the cost-benefit of calcium chloride.
However, given that this particular solution is not an option for the airport road in Baker Lake and given that it is important to ensure that this road is safe for travel, I believe that it is important that Baker Lake have the opportunity to pursue new methods of dust control.
Will the minister commit to working with the Municipality of Baker Lake to determine alternative dust control solutions for the community’s airport road?
As previously mentioned, my department has committed to providing training to any municipality that requests training on dust control.
There are proper ways to apply dust control.
The key word here is proper application. We’ve had communities apply dust control. However, without proper application, the system doesn’t work very well.
My department is open to coming into any community that would like to discuss their dust control problems. (interpretation) Thank you.
From the airport to the community, at a certain distance, there is a safety issue for dust suppressants on the airport road that cannot be applied.
Can the minister indicate if his department is currently undertaking research to determine more alternatives for dust control in Nunavut communities?
Hon. Tom Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) Yes, as I stated earlier, if my staff are invited to any of the communities in Nunavut, we will go. (interpretation ends) Once my staff is able to get into a community, they can have a dialogue with the municipality and then decide what would be the best method on certain parts of the road.
However, again I stress that calcium chloride is still the most cost-effective method of dust control. (interpretation): Thank you.
Question 469 – 4(2): Outstanding Invoicing Issue with NHC (Mikkungwak)
Mr. Speaker, constituents have approached me regarding a longstanding and unresolved invoicing dispute they have had with the Nunavut Housing Corporation. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, this issue has been ongoing for nearly five years and information has been provided to me to help them address it.