EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I would like to thank my witnesses. I would also like to thank, at this time, the board of directors of the college who contribute greatly to the vision and path we’re taking into the future.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Shewchuk. I also thank your officials for being here to respond to questions.
Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witnesses out. Thank you.
Following the agenda, if the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation can go to the witness table.
Thank you, Minister Taptuna.
If you have any opening comments, you may proceed.
Bill 41 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2013-2014 – Nunavut Housing Corporation – Consideration in Committee
Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I do have opening comments.
Chairman (interpretation): Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, we would like to hear your opening comments at this time.
Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The corporation’s capital plan for 2013-14 consists of $28,841,000 from the Government of Nunavut and additional funding of $4,290,000 from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), for a total capital budget of $33,131,000.
The 2013-14 capital estimates highlights are:
The Nunavut Housing Corporation’s funding for the modernization and improvement (M&I) public housing renovations, homeownership programs, the Mobile Equipment Fund, the Heating Oil Tank Replacement Program, and the Seniors and Disabled Persons Preventative Maintenance Program remain at approximately the same level as last year.
The Nunavut Housing Corporation’s funding for the Fire Damage and Replacement Fund will increase by $2,400,000 in 2013-14 to allow replacement of four public housing units destroyed by fire.
Furthermore, the Nunavut Housing Corporation will receive increased funding of $8 million for the construction of greatly needed public housing units.
Under the Government of Nunavut’s Staff Housing Program, the corporation continues to construct new units and renovate older staff housing units in communities with the greatest needs.
The Nunavut Housing Corporation’s funding for the construction and acquisition of additional staff housing units will increase by $2,250,000 in 2013-14.
I am pleased to report that the Nunavut Housing Trust has nearly completed delivery of the 726 units scheduled with only 19 units still under construction. In addition, 278 of the 285 units funded by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Affordable Housing Initiative under Canada’s Economic Action Plan have been completed, with the remainder to be complete by the end of October.
The Nunavut Housing Needs Survey showed that 3,580 more units are immediately required. Furthermore, we estimate that an additional 90 units will be required each year to keep pace with population growth based on current Nunavut Bureau of Statistics projections in the proportion of the population currently dependent on public Housing.
Based on an average cost of $350,000 per unit and the 2012-13 total Government of Nunavut capital estimates of just over $94 million, it would take at least 20 years at today’s prices for the Government of Nunavut to eliminate the current housing shortfall and meet the need being created by population growth if 100 percent of capital spending was directed toward construction of new public housing units and these units continued to be supplied as Government of Nunavut owned public housing in the same manner as in the past.
Furthermore, the net annual funding received from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation under the social housing agreement is scheduled to continuously decline from its current level of $21.9 million until its elimination in 2037, which will further impact the Government of Nunavut’s budget in order to fund the Nunavut Housing Corporation to operate, maintain, and modernize the existing housing stock.
Finally, with the current annual cost to operate and maintain public housing units being close to $23,000, the completion of 1,011 units under the Nunavut Housing Trust and Canada’s Economic Action Plan will have resulted in over $23 million of increased annual operating costs.
The increased annual operating cost in today’s dollars of meeting the current additional housing need of 3,580 units would be $82.3 million plus an additional $2 million each year for the 90 units added to keep pace with population growth. Therefore, we must continue to seek out alternatives as well as additional funding to address this critical housing issue.
Mr. Chairman and committee members, thank you for the opportunity to meet with you today. I look forward to a meaningful discussion and we will be pleased to hear your comments and to answer any questions you may have.
I will now recognize Mr. Rumbolt.
Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I do have opening comments, if I can just go ahead.
Chairman: Please go ahead.
I am pleased to provide opening comments on behalf of the Standing Committee on Community and Economic Development as the Committee of the Whole begins its consideration of the proposed 2013-14 Capital Estimates of the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
Members note that the corporation is proposing to spend $28,841,000 for the 2013-14 fiscal year.
The corporation’s capital budget was $16,004,000 for the 2012-13 fiscal year and its budget was $23,894,000 for the 2011-12 fiscal year.
Mr. Chairman, the ongoing shortage of housing in Nunavut’s communities is an ongoing issue of significant concern to all Members of the Legislative Assembly.
The committee presented its report and recommendations in June of 2009. One of the recommendations made by the committee was for the Nunavut Housing Corporation to work with LHOs to address the issue of rental arrears.
On November 27, 2009, the Nunavut Housing Corporation tabled its response to the standing committee’s report.
This indicated that a number of measures to address this issue had been identified and would be implemented.
During the minister’s recent appearance before the standing committee, members were advised that there are approximately $18.5 million in rental arrears with local housing organizations.
Members urge the corporation to provide ongoing updates on the status of its actions to address this issue.
Mr. Chairman, the Nunavut Housing Corporation administers a number of programs to assist homeowners and potential homeowners in Nunavut.
Members note that the corporation is proposing to spend $4,616,000 during the 2013-14 fiscal year for its various homeownership programs.
The corporation’s capital budget for homeownership programs has not changed since its 2011-12 capital estimates.
On July 11 of this year, the Nunavut Housing Corporation issued a news release concerning changes to the corporation’s Nunavut Down Payment Assistance Program.
It indicated that “These changes aim to support the development of private real estate markets in Nunavut” and that the Nunavut Housing Corporation “will be able to assist a greater number of Nunavummiut in becoming homeowners, and ensure fair access to assistance.”
The Nunavut Housing Corporation’s previous down payment assistance program included an income threshold level in order to qualify for the program.
However, the news release did not specify if the new down payment assistance program includes an income threshold level in order to qualify for the program.
Members encourage the Nunavut Housing Corporation to clarify this issue and look forward to receiving ongoing updates on the corporation’s homeownership programs.
On March 22, 2010, the former minister announced in the Legislative Assembly that the Nunavut Housing Corporation would be providing a new Heating Oil Tank Replacement Program. The corporation is proposing $500,000 in funding towards this program in its 2013-14 capital estimates.
Mr. Chairman, the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s proposed capital estimates for 2013-14 include $5 million in funding for new staff housing units.
During the minister’s recent appearance before the standing committee, members posed questions concerning the community allocation of these new staff housing units.
The minister indicated that the corporation is working with the Department of Human Resources to determine staff housing needs and vacant positions throughout the territory.
The Nunavut Housing Corporation’s proposed capital estimates for 2013-14 include $8 million in funding for public housing units.
During the minister’s recent appearance before the standing committee, members were informed that the corporation has not yet allocated this funding to any specific communities, and that the Nunavut Housing Corporation is using the Nunavut Housing Needs Survey and current waiting list statistics to determine which communities will be identified for these additional public housing units.
On December 15, 2011, a joint news release from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the GN announced that the entities had signed a bilateral agreement on a new affordable housing framework for 2011-14.
The announcement indicated that the extension of the Affordable Housing Framework 2011-14 “is a combined $9 million.”
During the minister’s recent appearance before the standing committee, members were advised that this program is a 50-50 cost sharing program and that the Nunavut Housing Corporation had already allocated $1,465,000 towards the Nunavut Housing Trust shortfall.
However, the minister indicated that the corporation will be allocating approximately $1,465,000 of this funding in addition to the $8 million in the proposed 2013-14 capital estimates for public housing units, for a combined amount of approximately $9,465,000 for new public housing throughout the territory.
Mr. Chairman, the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s proposed capital estimates for 2013-14 include $6,342,000 for its modernization and improvement retrofit funding.
The corporation’s capital budget for modernization and improvement retrofit funding has not changed since its 2010-11 capital estimates.
On September 15, 2010, the cabinet issued a news release following its Iqaluit retreat.
One of the accomplishments included in the list was the completion of the “Condition rating of all public housing units.” Members encourage the minister to table this information in the Legislative Assembly at the earliest opportunity, as it will undoubtedly be of use in determining where the Nunavut Housing Corporation needs to allocate its modernization and improvement resources.
The Nunavut Housing Corporation’s proposed capital estimates for 2013-14 include $3.4 million in funding for its fire damage funding.
This is an increase of $2.4 million from its 2012-13 capital estimates.
Information provided to members indicates the funding increase is required to rebuild four units that were completely destroyed by fires.
Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening comments on the 2013-14 Capital Estimates of the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
Mr. Enook: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. At this time, I would like to move to report progress. (interpretation) Thank you.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. There is a motion on the floor to report progress and the motion is not debatable.
Before I do that, Minister Taptuna, I would like to thank you for appearing before the Committee of the Whole. We will be continuing tomorrow and you will be returning to the witness table.
I thank you at this time, Minister Taptuna.
Speaker: We will move on in our orders of the day.
Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bill 41 and the capital estimates, and would like to report progress.
Do I have a seconder?
Before we adjourn today, I would just like to ask members to join me in wishing one of our members a happy birthday today.
He doesn’t want his name mentioned, but I’ll tell you that he only sits three seats away from me, so it could either be one of two people.
This House stands adjourned until Friday, October 26, at 9:00 a.m.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Pages 2990 – 3034
Opening Prayer 2990
Ministers’ Statements 2990
Members’ Statements 2994
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 2999
Oral Questions 3001
Revert to Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 3018
Tabling of Documents 3019
Second Reading of Bills 3019
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 3020
Report of the Committee of the Whole 3032
Orders of the Day 3033
Friday, October 26, 2012 2990
189 – 3(3): 2012 Laura Ulluriaq Gauthier Scholarship (Kusugak) 2990
190 – 3(3): Uqausivut Plan (Arreak) 2991
191 – 3(3): Signing of Collective Agreement with Nunavut Employees Union and Qulliq Energy Corporation (Ell) 2991
192 – 3(3): European Fisheries Policy on Seal Management (Arreak) 2992
193 – 3(3): Congratulations to Susan Nichols, CGA (Peterson) 2993
194 – 3(3): Signing of Collective Agreement with Nunavut Employees Union (Ell) 2993
310 – 3(3): Nuiyak School’s Library Success (Rumbolt) 2994
311 – 3(3): Development for the People (Aupaluktuq) 2994
312 – 3(3): Appreciation to Grade 5 Class of Repulse Bay (Ningark) 2995
313 – 3(3): New Stone Circle Plaza in Coral Harbour (Ningeongan) 2996
314 – 3(3): 2012 High School Graduates of Maani Ulujuk School (Kusugak) 2996
315 – 3(3): Arviat Graduates of Diamond Drilling Program (Shewchuk) 2997
316 – 3(3): Congratulations to Rankin Inlet Recipient of Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence (Curley) 2998
427 – 3(3): Relocation of Graves in Hall Beach (Tapardjuk) 3001
428 – 3(3): Development Partnership Agreement with Agnico-Eagle Mines (Aupaluktuq) 3004
429 – 3(3): Fuel Distribution Services in Taloyoak (Ugyuk) 3006
430 – 3(3): Oil Spill Response Preparedness (Enook) 3008
431 – 3(3): Polar Bear Issues (Curley) 3011
432 – 3(3): Drinking Water Quality Issues in Kugaaruk (Ningark) 3013
433 – 3(3): Government of Nunavut’s Uranium Policy (Elliott) 3014
434 – 3(3): 2013-14 Capital Estimates (Elliott) 3015
239 – 3(3): Qulliq Energy Corporation’s 11th Annual Report for 2011-2012 (Kusugak) 3019
240 – 3(3): Information and Privacy Commissioner of Nunavut Annual Report 2011-2012 (Speaker) 3019
241 – 3(3): 2011-2012 Financial Statements of the Retiring Allowances Fund (Speaker) 3019
242 – 3(3): 2011-2012 Financial Statements of the Supplementary Retiring Allowances Fund (Speaker) 3019
243 – 3(3): 2011-2012 Annual Report of the Languages Commissioner of Nunavut (Speaker) 3019
Bill 44 – An Act to Amend the Justices of the Peace Act – Second Reading 3019
Bill 41 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2013-2014 – Nunavut Housing Corporation – Consideration in Committee 3020
Before we proceed with our session today, I would like to ask Mr. Shewchuk to lead us off with a prayer, please.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Shewchuk. (interpretation ends) Moving on with our orders of the day.
Minister’s Statement 189 – 3(3): 2012 Laura Ulluriaq Gauthier Scholarship (Kusugak)
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Good morning, colleagues, as well as the people of Rankin Inlet and Whale Cove. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to congratulate this year’s recipient of the $5,000 Laura Ulluriaq Gauthier Scholarship.
This scholarship is in memory to an outstanding contributor to the creation of a “made in Nunavut electrical utility” and is awarded annually to an exceptional Nunavummiuq pursuing their post-secondary studies.
Mr. Speaker, choosing the recipient is getting more and more difficult as the quality of applicants continues to get stronger every year.
This gives me great confidence in our youth and their desire in furthering their education for the benefit not only to themselves but for the future of Nunavut.
If these applications are any indication, the future is even brighter, Mr. Speaker.
This year, the selection committee has selected Orla Osbourne of Iqaluit. Ms. Osbourne is currently in her fourth year at the University of Victoria studying biology with a minor in ocean science. While she graduated from Inuksuk High School, Ms. Osbourne spent parts of her childhood in Grise Fiord and Ireland, settling in Iqaluit in 2001.
Mr. Speaker, outside of her studies, Ms. Osbourne has been an active volunteer, not only in Iqaluit, but has even travelled to Sri Lanka to volunteer her time with youth in that country.
Here at home, her contributions to the Nunavut Helpline, Iqaluit Food Bank and Soup Kitchen have been greatly appreciated.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to read a quote from her biography that struck me and I hope will have an impact to all listening. “Living a healthy, well balanced lifestyle, is something I passively promote by setting an example.
To me that means eating right, exercising regularly, having time to yourself, spending time with your friends and working hard to achieve your goals, be it studying at school or working in a job.”
Mr. Speaker, this young woman is a great example of those values; her success in the community is only shadowed by her academic successes.
I am sure we all wish her continued success in all avenues of her life.
Congratulations, Ms. Osbourne.
Minister of Languages, Minister Arreak.
Minister’s Statement 190 – 3(3): Uqausivut Plan (Arreak)
Hon. James Arreak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good morning” to the people of Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq, as well as the Nunavummiut who are watching.
Mr. Speaker, a year ago, I had the honour of presenting to this Assembly the first draft of the Uqausivut Plan for the implementation of the Inuit Language Protection Act and the Official Languages Act.
Mr. Speaker, today, I am pleased to advise the members that I will be tabling the final version of Uqausivut Plan during this session.
For the last year, we have listened and spoken to hundreds of Nunavummiut. They generously shared their thoughts and hopes with us.
Their recommendations and their wisdom have enriched our approach and is truly a reflection of the vision we all share for Nunavut.
I would like to acknowledge the contribution and support of our partners in this process, including Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, the Office of the Official Languages Commissioner, francophone organizations, and of course, the many officials within the Government of Nunavut who shared a deep commitment to the future of our languages and culture.
The passage of our language legislation marked the first step in a journey equally as bold and ambitious as the creation of Nunavut: the challenge of enshrining and protecting the languages at the very heart of our culture and society.
Mr. Speaker, I call on all Nunavummiut, young and old, from every sector and community, to join us as we take our next step.
The journey begins today.
Minister responsible for Human Resources, Minister Ell.
Minister’s Statement 191 – 3(3): Signing of Collective Agreement with Nunavut Employees Union and Qulliq Energy Corporation (Ell)
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Good morning. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I rise today to announce that my department has signed a new collective agreement with the Nunavut Employees Union and the Qulliq Energy Corporation as of October 19, 2012.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the Government of Nunavut and the Qulliq Energy Corporation value the contributions and dedication of its public servants. The new three-year collective agreement, from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2013, reflects this to the best of our ability in these tight economic times.
The new agreement provides QEC-NEU members with salary increases of 6.5 percent over three years, retroactive to January 1, 2011, and a one-time signing bonus of $1,100 for each employee on strength as at the date of ratification.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague, the Hon. Lorne Kusugak, Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, both bargaining teams for their hard work and dedication, Colin Taylor for his able mediation assistance, and most of all, our QEC-NEU employees for placing confidence in the collective bargaining process. (interpretation) Thank you.
Minister responsible for the Department of Environment, Minister of Arreak.
Minister’s Statement 192 – 3(3): European Fisheries Policy on Seal Management (Arreak)
I would like to bring to my colleagues’ attention a report that was recently adopted by the European Parliament this month entitled “Reforming the Common Fisheries Policy.”
Section 13 of the report urges the European Commission to “take measures to reduce the negative effects of seals and certain seabirds on fish stocks.”
It is likely that the “measures” referred to in the report include the lethal culling of seals, as is the current practice in Scotland.
Mr. Speaker, I find it saddening that the EU seal ban was established under the pretexts of conservation and animal welfare.
It is extremely hypocritical of the European Union to have banned the placing on the market of seal products for reasons of public morality, yet open up the potential to legitimize the culling of seals in their own waters, where their own regulations will prevent them from fully utilizing these animals.
It has always been the position of our government that any wild animal that is harvested must be fully utilized, the perfect example of which is the respectful harvest and use of seals by Inuit.
The EU has taken no action to date to make the Inuit exemption workable in their member states, where sealskin markets have been destroyed.
This latest move by the EU to potentially legitimize the killing and wastage of seals in their own waters is therefore just another slap in the face to Inuit and Canadian sealers alike, who respectfully, humanely, and sustainably harvest seals but are prevented from selling their by-products in the EU.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage the EU to reconsider their seal ban to Canada.
I’m not sure you’re not the only one who feels that it’s a rather hypocritical move on their part.
Minister’s Statement 193 – 3(3): Congratulations to Susan Nichols, CGA (Peterson)
Earlier this month, Susan Nichols, our Acting Director of Financial Reporting and Controls at the Department of Finance, graduated from the Certified General Accountants Program of studies.
Not only is this a very proud moment for her; it is a proud moment for the government.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to point out that Susan Nichols is sitting in the Gallery behind me, who is the lady I’m talking about.
Accountants perform many important functions in our government, including financial planning, risk and financial management, as well as budget and tax planning.
It is very important to have designated accountants working for us.
Susan has worked for the Government of Nunavut for more than six years, most of that with the Department of Finance. She works with all departments and agencies to ensure the quality of financial submissions continues to improve.
Susan also works to build the GN’s financial capacity and with the Office of the Auditor General to improve our financial procedures.
Her contributions to this work culminated in the Government of Nunavut tabling its 2010-11 Public Accounts on time – a first for the Government of Nunavut.
For Susan, all this hard work happened while completing her professional accounting designation as a certified general accountant. Please join me in extending congratulations to Susan Nichols, CGA.
Congratulations, Susan.
Minister’s Statement 194 – 3(3): Signing of Collective Agreement with Nunavut Employees Union (Ell)
Yesterday, I rose to announce that my department has signed a new collective agreement with the Nunavut Employees Union, effective October 1, 2012.
(interpretation ends) The collective agreement is from October 1, 2010 to September 30, 2014. (interpretation) Yesterday, I misspoke as to the dates of the life of the contract. (interpretation ends) So the correct length of time for the collective agreement is October 1, 2010 to September 30, 2014.
However, this correction does give me the chance to say again that the Government of Nunavut values the contributions and dedication of its public servants and our new four-year collective agreement reflects this to the best of our ability in these tight economic times.
Thank you, Uqaqtii.
Member’s Statement 310 – 3(3): Nuiyak School’s Library Success (Rumbolt)
It gives me great pleasure to rise today and congratulate the Nuiyak School in Sanikiluaq for winning the Indigo Adopt a School Contest.