EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
There was a delay in modernizing the system and we’re in the process of catching up today with respect to issuing driver’s licences. We’re getting rid of the old system and using the new system.
At this time, I can’t really give any information. I will provide you the information as we do more work on the modernization of issuing driver’s licences so that Nunavummiut don’t have to wait that long for their driver’s licences. We work along with CG&S with respect to this.
As we do the modernization, I will be able to give you more information.
As I noted yesterday in my questions to the Premier, it is hoped that the position of Baker Lake’s government liaison officer will be filled in the near future.
Will the minister commit to having his regional staff work with Baker Lake’s new GLO to identify a way of improving motor vehicles services to the community?
I agree with the member that the GLOs in the communities work along with our department and the other department with respect to issuing driver’s licences and general identification cards in the communities.
I would just like to let the member know that the GLO for Baker Lake will be given some information and some training with respect to issuing licences and general IDs. The individual may have to take some additional training either in Rankin Inlet or Gjoa Haven so that he or she will be able to do the job properly.
Question 025 – 4(2): Income Assistance Rates (Enook)
I say “good morning” to my wife. Good morning to Nunavummiut and the people of Pond Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask a question to the Minister of Family Services with respect to the response that she provided.
Mr. Speaker, we all know that it’s very expensive in the north to try and live or make a living.
Let me ask this question first. Is the social assistance that is provided to members of the public the same assistance that is provided to all individuals across Canada? That is my first question.
Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Member for Tununiq for his question with respect to social assistance.
I’m not exactly sure whether it’s the same all around for providing food for social assistance recipients in other jurisdictions in Canada. The Minister of Finance also deals with social assistance funding. I’m not sure how much assistance is provided to Canadians in other jurisdictions.
I hope that helpful.
I would also like to ask this question. In your previous answer, you have stated that while the cost of living is very high in Nunavut, you had no discussions with the federal government. Why has your department not had any discussions with your federal counterpart about increasing the funding to lower the cost of living?
I thank the Member for Tununiq for his question in relation to the cost of food and the high cost of living. This is very understandable. There has been no dent to the cost of living ever since Nunavut was created.
We have a basic welfare system. In the coming years, we will be taking a look at the regulations pertaining to the cost of living. I presume I am making sense.
In previous replies, it is stated, and when I had queried her, she had stated that it will be reviewed. In the written answers, it states that in the coming years, these will be looked at.
My question is: what do you mean by the coming years? Is it going to be a century from now or a decade from now? What future date or years are you looking at?
I also thank the Member for Tununiq for his question in trying to nail down when we would be taking a look at this.
I understand that the review of the rates will be completed in 2015.
It would not be just for the food costs, but also for fuel, education, assistance for daycare, and all kinds of other things that are geared towards the alleviation of the cost of living to the residents of Nunavut.
It is this way that I can answer him.
Question 026 – 4(2): The Need for Improved Dental Services in Rankin Inlet (Sammurtok)
I would like to direct my question to the (interpretation ends) Minister of Health.  Mr. Speaker, as I indicated in my Member’s Statement, there is a need for full-time dental services in the community of Rankin Inlet and the Kivalliq region.
(interpretation) Can the minister describe what consideration has been given to establishing a full-time dental office in the community of Rankin Inlet?
I also thank my colleague for the question in regard to dental care in the Kivalliq region.
Way back in July to October 2013, the dental office was closed temporarily for five months because there was flooding in the building.
The problem has been rectified, but regardless of that, the dentist was able to see people with dental appointments at the school.
Now that dental office is back in operation and the dentist is now back in his or her office.
They don’t just deal with fillings, but they also do orthodontic work.
I recognize that dental teams visit Nunavut communities on a regular basis. However, they only stay for a short period of time and they are gone.
Clients have to wait to have dental issues addressed.
Can the minister explain how the number of dental visits and length of each visit are determined by her department?
The full-time dentist in Rankin Inlet would be based there. The Government of Canada is responsible for the provision of dental care to Inuit, under Health Canada.
We have an agreement with the Canadian government that they provide dental services 200 days a year.
With respect to this agreement with Health Canada, we always have ongoing discussions as to whether there could be an increase in the number of days.
In the Kitikmeot region, they had additional hours added.
We do address these issues.
I will ask this question, although she had just mentioned that Rankin Inlet has a full-time dentist.
Perhaps the person is occasionally taking time off and is not aware. (interpretation ends) Will the minister commit to establishing a full-time dentist position in the community of Rankin Inlet?
This has already been dealt with. This summer, there will be a full-time dentist residing in Rankin Inlet.
Question 027 – 4(2): Status of Home Care Support in South Baffin (Joanasie)
My question today is for the Minister of Health.
Mr. Speaker, I am sure my colleagues will agree with me that for individuals with a long-term illness or disability, who need care and support, being able to stay at home and near family, is very important to their continued well-being.
Home care workers play an important role in this regard.
However, it has come to my attention that home care services in the community of Kimmirut are being steadily decreased. Can the minister confirm that home care services in the community of Kimmirut have been decreased and explain why this is happening?
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for that question.
According to the documents that I have been given in regard to Kimmirut, there are two full-time nurses working there and there has been no change in that status.
We are definitely not trying to decrease the number of nurses in the community of Kimmirut. We have discussions with our fellow ministers and counterparts as to the possibility of increasing them, as a matter of fact, but it’s only the frequency of visiting nurses from the south that has decreased.
Can the minister provide further information on how the number of home care workers for Nunavut communities is determined?
Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The total positions as of March 31, 2014 for nurses in Nunavut, we have an occupancy rate of 69.17 percent. Nurses totalled by region, as an example, for person years, in Iqaluit, 90; Baffin, 59; Kitikmeot, 61; and the Kivalliq, 69; for a total Nunavut full-time person year nurses of 279.
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the minister commit to increasing the number of home care workers in Kimmirut so that those who receive care at home can get the attention and support that they need in order to get through their daily lives?
My staff is watching this session and the questions that are being posed to me. I will ask them for an update on the status of nursing in Kimmirut in relation to home care, including visiting nurses and full-time nurses.
Question 028 – 4(2): Nanisivik Road Maintenance (Shooyook)
I have another question relating to Nanisivik that I asked previously. I had a query from one of my constituents who had a question relating to Nanisivik.
The contract relating to Nanisivik is usually for four years.
There has been no indication of whether there will be an extension.
Will there be no maintenance work done this summer? Is this the end of the funding cycle for that?
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning to my colleagues. I would like the member to clarify which road or port he’s asking about.
I heard two questions. I have possibly misunderstood and I apologize. I would like him to rephrase his question.
Mr. Shooyook, can you clarify your question, please.
It is in regard to the Nanisivik highway, which has to be maintained on a yearly basis. What I would like to ask about is whether the Nanisivik highway is going to be maintained or revamped from Arctic Bay to Nanisivik. I hope you understand now.
At this time, the government will maintain the Nanisivik highway, and we are going to keep snow clearing and maintaining the road in the summer.
The highway from Arctic Bay to Nanisivik is quite long and there are some steep hills and mountains, which makes it very dangerous when it’s not properly maintained.
From what I have heard, a contractor maintains the road.
When I go back to my community, I’ll make sure that the contract is adhered to.
We will go back to Oral Questions.
Question 029 – 4(2): Establishing a Hospital Board (Angnakak)
Mr. Speaker, as we are all well aware, we have one acute care hospital in Nunavut.
Since the dissolution of the Baffin Regional Health Board, the hospital has been managed by the Department of Health, formerly the Department of Health and Social Services.
Mr. Speaker, across Canada and in many developed nations, it is well recognized that the most accepted and efficient mechanism for governing and operating hospitals is through a board of management.
Can the minister indicate what consideration, if any, has been given to establishing a board of management for the Qikiqtani General Hospital?
I’ve had meetings with the hamlets and various organizations and they have asked about establishing a board of management for the Qikiqtani General Hospital.
Our department has not considered this idea.
However, we did create the Patient Relations Office where patients who have complaints or concerns can call. This office was created recently and we’re looking at how well the office is going, but I have heard that it is operating very well.
That’s where we’re at currently.
Ms. Angnakak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) A board of management can respond to situations and make management decisions much more quickly than any government bureaucratic process can.
Currently, the running of Nunavut’s only hospital is significantly impeded by the bureaucratic processes of our government.
Would the minister agree that the operation of the Qikiqtani General Hospital would be much more efficient if its management were at arm’s length from the government?
I can’t answer that question at this time.
Ms. Angnakak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, our government’s new mandate, Sivumut Abluqta, commits to “review government programs to determine what is working well and what needs improvement.” This is something that we all agreed on. As part of that review, will the minister commit to reviewing the governance of the Qikiqtani General Hospital?
I will ask my staff to look into that.
Question 030 – 4(2): Refusing Medical Client Services (Mapsalak)
Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Health.
The minister is well aware, as I brought this up at the winter session, of patients who go to another community or to a central location to be assessed and diagnosed of their illnesses.
Mr. Speaker, I have been told on more than one occasion that the patient knows that there is something wrong with their body, but are not assessed.
In talking to these clients, there was one person who almost died and had to pay his own transportation to get to a central location for assessment by health professionals.
With those types of incidents happening, Nunavummiut have to know when patients are not seen by health professionals or by doctors, who they can call to get help so that they are provided proper services.
Anyone who goes to a health centre or seeing a staff member at the hospital, and looking at the way the process goes, if they have a complaint, if they are not provided proper services, not assessed or diagnosed, denied services, or would like some answers to their questions, they can direct their questions to the Patient Relations Office. It is set up to provide services to those types of clients.
The Patient Relations Office has a toll-free number and it is 1-855-483-3003. The staff can be contacted any time to provide those types of services.
Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the minister for her clear response.
Do the regional hospital and health centres in the Nunavut communities provide the contact information so that the people with problems or concerns can contact that number?
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): The hospital and health centres are provided with this information.
When we first got elected, I sent out letters and contact numbers for the liaison office. Whenever we travel to any of the communities in Nunavut, we make sure that this information is brought and put in public places. Again, when I get a call or if I get visited, I send out business cards that provide the information in English, Inuktitut, and Inuinnaqtun.
I recall receiving that information at that time, but what I wanted to know was whether this information is put in a public place, at the clinics, or where people go for the services that are provided by the health centres so that they can access the liaison office if they need such information.
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Yes, the information is provided to all the clinics. They’re put in a public place either by the door or in the clinic.
If they’re unavailable, make sure to let me know so that we can send out directives.
The Department of Health directors were here. We made a presentation to the directors and we also defined the roles and responsibilities of those directors.
Question 031 – 4(2): Response to Income Assistance Question (Hickes)
Like my colleague from Pond Inlet, I noted with some interest the written response to Mr. Sammurtok’s question.
With your responses to my colleague from Pond Inlet on the negotiation or discussions with the federal government on adjusting programs delivered by the governments of Canada and Nunavut, I didn’t hear a commitment on whether you’re willing or able to initiate those types of discussions. Would the minister be able to respond to that?
Speaker (interpretation): Please clearly indicate which minister you’re asking.
Mr. Hickes: My apologies, Mr. Speaker.
It’s the Minister of Family Services, Minister Ugyuk.
I thank the member for the question concerning whether or not we will have a financial meeting on income support.
From my understanding, all the finance ministers in Canada meet, including Nunavut, and work together and set up the income support figures.
The finance ministers agree with each other as to how much money will be in the budgets.
That’s how I can reply to your question.
I think the minister may be a little bit confused from the response that she had provided to Mr. Sammurtok. I quite clearly was discussing programs delivered by the Government of Canada, not by Income Support.
Is this minister willing to commit to having discussions with the federal government on federal programs administered to the residents of Nunavut on recognizing the significantly higher cost of living here in Nunavut?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minster of Family Services, Ms. Ugyuk.
Thank you to my colleague for that question. As to whether we can set up a meeting with the government that provides the funding, I have to meet with the finance minister first before I can respond to your question properly.
Also in the response from the written question, it said, “Initiating such change through dialogue with the federal government would require consultation and involvement of several GN departments.”
The minister has mentioned the Department of Finance.
What other departments would the minister have to discuss or consult with to initiate discussions with the federal government on just getting them to assist and recognize the high cost of living in Nunavut?
I think it’s quite a well-known fact that the cost of living in Nunavut is higher than anywhere else in Canada.
I’m a little unclear on what kind of consultations would be needed to have that discussion with their federal counterparts.
Thank you to my colleague for requesting clarification on who we should be meeting with.
I would like my colleague to understand that we are starting to look into this in the family services department to see the differences in food prices.
There are really no figures in the Department of Family Services that we can work with.
The Department of Family Services is conducting a food price survey to compare them.
I can respond by saying that I would have to speak with the finance minister.
The other departments don’t really have anything to do with it.
I wasn’t keeping an eye on the time.
The time allotted for this item has expired.
Motion 003 – 4(2): Extended Sitting Hours and Days – Notice (Mikkungwak)
I give notice that on Monday, May 26, I will move the following motion:
I move, seconded by Hon. Member for Netsilik, that the Speaker be authorized to set such sitting days and hours as the Speaker deems fit to assist with the business before the House during the spring 2014 sitting of the Legislative Assembly.
The Hon. Minister of Finance, Mr. Peterson.
Bill 02 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2014-2015 – Notice
Bill 03 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2014-2015 – Notice
Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Monday, May 26, 2014, that Bill 2, Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2014-2015, be read for the first time.
Also, Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Monday, May 26, 2014, that Bill 3, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2014-2015, be read for the first time.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Item 16.
Just a reminder that there’s a meeting of Management and Services Board at half past one in the Tuktu Room.
Motion 2 – 4(2)
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until Monday, May 26 at 1:30 p.m.
>>House adjourned at 10:43
Monday, May 26, 2014
Pages 81 – 134
Opening Prayer 81
Budget Address 81
Members’ Statements 89
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 94
Oral Questions 96
Tabling of Documents 111
Motions 111
First Reading of Bills 112
Second Reading of Bills 112
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 113
Report of the Committee of the Whole 133
Monday, May 26, 2014 81
010 – 4(2): Budget Address 2014-2015 (Peterson) 81
030 – 4(2): Happy Birthday, Paul Okalik (Mapsalak) 89
031 – 4(2): Congratulations to Jordan Takkiruq (Akoak) 89
032 – 4(2): Congratulations to Nunavut Quest Mushers (Enook) 90
033 – 4(2): Tribute to Judah Taqtu (Shooyook) 90
034 – 4(2): Recognition of Annie Manning Lampron (Joanasie) 91
035 – 4(2): Baker Lake against Suicide Team (Mikkungwak) 91
036 – 4(2): Recognition of Elisapee Ishulutaq – Order of Canada (Mike) 92
037 – 4(2): Kugaaruk Fishing Derby (Ugyuk) 93
038 – 4(2): Cambridge Bay High School Graduates (Peterson) 94
032 – 4(2): Need for Continuing Care Facilities (Sammurtok) 96
033 – 4(2): Government Liaison Office (Joanasie) 97
034 – 4(2): Follow-up on Constituents’ Correspondence (Shooyook) 99
035 – 4(2): Status of Public Housing Construction in Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt) 100
036 – 4(2): Community Justice Committee (Angnakak) 101
037 – 4(2): Temporary Social Workers (Mapsalak) 103
038 – 4(2): Income Assistance Rates (Enook) 104
039 – 4(2): Bilingual Education Models (Savikataaq) 105
040 – 4(2): Iqaluit Landfill Fire (Hickes) 107
041 – 4(2): Access to Justice Services (Mikkungwak) 108
042 – 4(2): Food Price Survey (Enook) 109
043 – 4(2): School Bus Service at Baker Lake (Mikkungwak) 110
011 – 4(2): Office of the Legislative Assembly Business Plan 2014-2017 (Speaker) 111
003 – 4(2): Extended Sitting Hours and Days (Mikkungwak) 111
Bill 02 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2014-2015 – First Reading 112
Bill 03 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2014-2015 – First Reading 112
Bill 02 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2014-2015 – Second Reading 112
Bill 03 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2014-2015 – Second Reading 113
Bill 02 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2014-2015 – Health – Consideration in Committee 113
Speaker (Hon. George Qulaut) (interpretation): Before we proceed, can you please say the opening prayer, Mr. Quassa.
Welcome, Nunavummiut and my colleagues. Please feel welcome, everyone. Before we actually get started here, I am really pleased to introduce some visitors from the Newfoundland and Labrador government.
They are visiting us here today. They are sitting in the House this afternoon.
Let us all welcome the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Sean Lyall.
The Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Mary Sillett, and the Deputy Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Hilda Hunter.
Please feel welcome and warmly welcome them.
Before we proceed, it is one of my grandchildren’s birthday. Please have a good birthday, Arnaralaaq. You’re 11 years old today.
I’m very happy and I recognize you in the House on your birthday.
Budget Address. (interpretation ends) Minister of Finance, Mr. Peterson.
Minister’s Statement 010 – 4(2): Budget Address 2014-2015 (Peterson)
Good afternoon to Nunavummiut and my constituents in the Cambridge Bay Riding. It’s good to be here today to present the 2014-15 main estimates.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present the government’s budget for the fiscal year 2014-15.
This budget provides resources to achieve the mandate established in Sivumut Abluqta.
We aim to develop a strong, prosperous territory.
Nunavummiut should have a positive outlook on life.
We will be well educated and self-reliant within successful communities.
We will live comfortably in the modern world, guided by Inuit values and traditional culture.
We will govern ourselves wisely and obtain full value from taxpayers’ resources.
We can achieve this vision by stepping forward together.
We are here to help all Nunavummiut build a future that we both desire and deserve.
In stepping forward together, we can secure a better future for us all.
Fiscal Overview
Let me begin with the big picture.
This budget anticipates revenues of $1.6 billion, an increase from last year of 4.8 percent.
Fully 90 percent of our revenue will come from the federal government, including $1.5 billion, through the Territorial Formula Financing.
The federal government also provides funds through transfers for health and social programs.
Our budget includes about $90 million of revenue raised primarily through taxes on personal and corporate incomes and payrolls.
Our revenues from all these sources are growing, which indicates that the territorial economy is also growing.
On the spending side, we have allocated $1.4 billion to departments, plus $150 million in capital infrastructure and a further $150 million in capital spending carried forward from last year.
The overall spending amount is up from last year’s main estimates by 4.4 percent.
I will provide details on key programs and initiatives in a few minutes, but let me describe the overall approach first.