EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
On page 12-9 for the Qikiqtaaluk, for various Home Ownership Programs. 12-1l, various Kivalliq are the same and 12-13 for the Kitikmeot under the same category.
I guess I’ll wait; I wanted to make sure, I didn’t know where they were.
I got the document at the last minute so I got some questions on it.
I didn’t want to miss that opportunity.
One of the other things, I know it’s not in the budget here but n the Capital Plan there was some allocations for the purchase of staff housing units and I know we just approved Supplementary Appropriations for the purchase; a substantial amount of money to purchase units.
But I’m just wondering what the plan is of the Corporation.
Is it something that we’re going to continue to see just done in supplementary.
Or is there another reason why they are done like that and not incorporated into the capital budgeting process?
As you recall, we’ve had approximately 16.4 million dollars in this current fiscal year for supplementary appropriations, for investment in staff housing, the condominium program.
We also have authority for an additional $10 million dollars as required for borrowing for the same program.
That’s really, Mr. Chairman, I guess, in responding, there are a couple of things.
Firstly the member mentioned earlier about the lack of capital for the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
The $26 million dollars of access to capital is a pretty significant amount over and above what’s before you now.
That’s $46 million dollars worth of investment dollars available to the Housing Corporation for housing.
The reason why there is nothing for the 2003/2004 fiscal year, Mr. Chairman, is as I said earlier; we see it as a revolving fund.
Once some of these condominium units start to turn over, if the program is as successful as we hope it will be, it will regenerate some cash back to the Corporation for further investment and it will continue to perpetuate itself all the time.
I would like to at this time announce, that as members know, the first condominium units in Iqaluit became available.
There was a meeting with interested employees last week I believe and there’s already an interest, an offer from one employee on one of the first units.
It’s a start I think.
It’s the first and we’re hoping that it will continue to develop and allow us the opportunity to enhance the housing stock throughout Nunavut and housing investments in Nunavut.
The minister mentioned the condominium program and I was aware too that there was a meeting last week.
I understand that there was quite a crowd at the meeting and I guess I’m a little surprised to hear that only one person put in an offer so far.
At the meeting that the minister indicated, what was the purpose of the meeting?
Was it just a question and answer that this is how it works?
If that’s the case, if you could just give us a little outline of how that program is going to be operated.
Mr. Chairman, it was the first meeting for interested individuals, staff members that may have been interested in purchasing their own units, the condominium program, as you know it’s been set up as a Condominium Corporation where employees, where home owners would, once they’ve purchased it, they become condominium owners as part of the association which would manage the properties under that association.
Our purpose is obviously to try to facilitate that by helping them with providing information, assisting in the establishment of the condominium Corporation itself and with the intent that in the end once all the units are sold off the homeowners themselves would operate their Condominium Association like any other.
Mr. Chairman, I think 37 is the number, just looking at the number in here, but can the minister indicate the number of condominiums that are for sale and the costs of the units.
Mr. Chairman, there are 37 units in the first phase here.
The Parkdale, known as the Parkdale here in Iqaluit; there are 23 units there.
The two bedroom units, there’s 9 at $162 thousand 765 dollars; two more, sorry, yes that’s correct and two more at $164 thousand 615 dollars.
And there are 12 three bedroom units at $186 thousand 690 dollars.
The Falcon is another development where there are fourteen units.
And they’re one bedroom there.
There are seven available; $132 thousand 742 dollars, and the three bedrooms, 7 units at $192 thousand 742 dollars.
Mr. Chairman, I think if you look at the prices that the minister is talking about here, I think anyone would be pretty hard pressed to find a unit, especially here in Iqaluit for this amount.
I guess a concern that’s been raised as an issue, is basically we’re providing subsidized units because of the way in which the Corporation was able to go out and get value for the dollar and you know, based on the type of building that it was.
They have a rather cheap unit for staff members to be able to take advantage of if they so chose.
A concern is that, you know, here people are getting an opportunity to basically, you know, get somewhat subsidized in a roundabout way, unit, by the government and people that have purchased homes outside of that on the private market don’t seem to enjoy, or get the same kinds of subsidies.
So, I’m just wondering if, given those comments that I’ve heard, is that something that the Corporation has taken into consideration.
Are they looking at dealing with that issue?
Mr. Chairman, I want to clarify first of all that these are not subsidized units.
These are units that are being sold at cost.
Over and above the cost here, there’s a significant, or there certainly are some other costs that potential home owners have to take into consideration.
That’s what the purpose of some of the general discussions and information, briefings are right now.
So that individuals can consider these things.
Condominium fees, to cover off some of the operating costs and some of the more common costs of operating an association are estimated to be about $700 to 800 dollars a month over and above their mortgage costs of these units.
And let’s not forget the whole intent of the condominium program Mr. Chairman, is to provide some affordable housing to individuals throughout Nunavut.
And this is a pilot project that we’ve initiated here and in our other decentralized communities. There’s Pond Inlet, Pangnirtung, Cape Dorset should be on line by the end of this calendar year for the availability of units and that.
So it’s trying to stimulate some development of the housing market and addressing some of the broader housing needs Nunavut wide.
At the same time, I think it’s important to note that yes, the Government of Nunavut through the housing Corporation has initiated this program.
There is no doubt some economies of scale and having larger multi-family dwellings, because as we do, some of your general costs, and it would be cost prohibitive and probably risky or potentially risky for a private developer to undertake that same type of initiative.
Maybe their interests aren’t so much in selling off units versus leasing units long term from the private development side of things.
And maybe that’s why it hasn’t been looked at.
So that’s why we’ve taken the initiative and taken the responsibility to develop this kind of potential market that we think can provide affordable housing on a more long term basis.
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you Minister Ng. The Members, I can hear the Members are talking amongst themselves during our sessions so please pay attention.
I would like to have order.
At times I can hear them talking on the side when I’m trying to conduct the meeting.
I can sympathize with you Mr. Chairperson; I know what it’s like for a certain individual who likes to do that.
It tends to get a little bit hard to hear sometimes.
I don’t want the Minister to get me wrong; it appears that I’m saying it’s not a good idea, the condominium program.
But I’m just raising an issue about staff members that have been forced to purchase their own homes or have shown the initiative and the commitment to purchase their own home here in Nunavut.
They don’t seem to enjoy too much assistance from the government.
Some of them are feeling that it’s a little unequal. So it was just an issue that I was raising that occurred and I am raising it for the Minister.
Hopefully that is something that corporation has looked at and is addressing.
There’s another quick question. Mr. Chairman.
On purchase of these units, the condominiums, are the owners eligible to apply for this twenty five thousand dollar grant I guess, under the down payment assistance program offered by the corporation for these? Thank you, Mr. Chairperson.
Maybe I should clarify for the Member and respond to the Member’s comments.
It’s about this issue about employees being forced to purchase.
Nobody is being forced to purchase anything here Mr. Chairperson.
I mean this is trying to be established to give employees an option if they want to invest in their own home; nobody is forcing anybody to do this Mr. Chairperson.
So that’s the first one I wanted to clarify.
Secondly, in respect if the potential home owner is eligible for existing Housing Corporation Programs, NDAP, yes they are.
Just like any other individual in Nunavut provided they qualify. Thank you, Mr. Chairperson.
If the Minister misunderstood, I didn’t mean that anyone is being forced into buying any of these condos.
I’m just saying that with limited staff housing in the past, a lot of people who have moved up here to take positions, either have been living in hotels, usually if they can’t get a staff housing unit. And they end up having to buy something, because there hasn’t been anything else available, and that’s what I meant by forced, it wasn’t meant to mean forced into buying condominium units.
The Minister indicated this is the first test run and there’s going to be additional costs. It’s going to take some time for the condominium association to get set up and then running.
I’m just wondering if the units have to be completely sold before the condominium association is formed.
How long does the corporation anticipate it taking to get this corporation, does there have to be like fifty percent of the units filled to be able to form an association or first two people in there to form an association?
What are the plans between occupancy and when this corporation is set up? Thank you, Mr. Chairperson.
Mr. Chairperson, we would, the Housing Corporation would have to, is actually setting up the condominium corporations and when it gets to the point where half of the homeowners are private individuals then they would take over the control of the condominium corporation.
So we’re acting as a vehicle again to allow that to happen but I’m told that until that happens we’re treating it as a lease to purchase in respect of individuals with potential homeowners that have committed to purchasing the units.
So they will not forfeit any of their payments in respect of, even if it actually be as if they were home owners from the start.
How are the lease payments and the leases to purchase calculated; based on what? I am sure if anyone is planning to move in there and applying in most cases through the corporation for assistance, the corporation would know from the client that they need a pre-approval for a mortgage from the bank. So would their monthly payments coincide with what they would be paying as their mortgage payments or is there a different rate and what is it that would be set until the corporation actually gets up and running and takes over.
Mr. Chairman, yes, they would be treated as if they purchased the property when they are signed off on the attempt to do so.
So they wouldn’t be out of pocket for any payments that they would put forward.
Maybe is there a schedule or raise that they would be charged in between on the lease to purchase type option?
Is it going to be like 12 hundred dollars a month, 2 thousand dollars a month, 5 thousand dollars a month?
Or will it be an amount that they’re mortgage payments would be.
Is there a set rate for that or does it go with what their mortgage payments would be.
It’ll be based on whatever they negotiate through their financial institution.
Obviously there are various factors depending on the cost of the unit, interest rates from the term of the mortgage, payment schedules etc.
But that would be the same; we would use that same payment schedule that they chose with their financial institution.
My colleague Mr. Tootoo, I would like to remind you that you are out of time for questions because the other members I’m sure will have questions and then I’ll get back to you once the regular members have asked their question.
Brief question which I spoke about in regards to the decentralized communities.
I know that they are short of staff housing and not only the staff have shortage of housing and it sounds like they’re going to get condominiums. They’ll be given an option whether they want to own condominiums.
I just wanted to get that clarified, if my understanding is correct.
I’m not sure if I understood the member’s question but the condominium program is for those that may be interested in purchasing housing units that are established under the condominium corporation.
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Ng. Mr. Iqaqrialu
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): I don’t think I made myself clear.
Like decentralized communities such as Pond Inlet, Cape Dorset, Igloolik, for example, these are headquarters for the various departments.
Will you be providing housing, staff housing to these decentralized communities because these staff of decentralized communities have a shortage of staff housing?
Mr. Chairman, if the member is referring to establishing condominium units in other communities, yes the other 9 decentralized communities, Arviat, Cape Dorset, Pangnirtung, Pond, Cambridge Bay, Kugluktuk, Rankin Inlet and Igloolik right now have plans for condominium projects for interested individuals.
Through the Housing Corporation?
I’m sorry Mr. Chairman, I didn’t understand the member’s question.
Maybe if he could re-ask it?
Chairperson (interpretation): Mr. Iqaqrialu, could you please clarify your question.
The Nunavut Housing Corporation, will they be building units in decentralized communities where they can be used for the staff in the decentralized communities?
Are they planning to build units in the decentralized communities?
I want clarification on that.
I hope that’s clear.
So, the non-decentralized communities, then they will be I guess left out because of plans for building more units in the decentralized communities.
The non-decentralized communities will be left out again.
Mr. Chairman, the reason why we’ve chosen first of all the headquarters and the decentralized communities in respect of the condominium program, is two primary reasons.
One is the issue of trying to address staff housing requirements and secondly because of the fact that there are opportunities there because of enhanced build up of decentralized positions.
So there are more income opportunities and these are some of the larger communities Nunavut wide.
If it’s going to work, that’s where it’s going to work first.
There’s nothing to stop us from moving into non-decentralized communities, provided that we think the market is there.
And that will be once we have an assessment of how the first phase goes that would be a consideration for future spaces.
If that will be the case, the non-decentralized communities, we have an understanding now that there will be jobs going to those communities.
Will they be government employees from Nunavut or outside of Nunavut?
Mr. Chairman, I can’t speak about this in respect to the non-decentralized communities.
That’s not my area of responsibility.
I would say in respect to the condominium program, is what I was referring to.
There are opportunities, if it proves to be successful where we’re trying to develop them now, then the opportunity to then possibly expand that into non-decentralized communities where there is a market. There is the option and that is what I was referring to.
It sounds like the Nunavut Housing Corporation will be building condominiums for government employees.
If that will be the case, then those employees will have access to getting those units. The trend has been the employees go to a community and at the end after they retire or something they leave the community anyways.
The member’s probably correct, I mean, I don’t know where individuals would go or if there’s someone from the communities as well that would stay in those units.
I don’t know if there was a particular question there, Mr. Chairman.
Chairperson (interpretation): Iqaqrialu.
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): You responded well, but I just want more information.
You’ll probably have it arranged for this funding to go for housing in number of years and those will go to the non-decentralized communities.
So how long do you think it’ll take for this to materialize?
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Well, Mr. Chairman, as I indicated, some units are becoming available or have become available.
There’s more that are going to becoming available in the next four to eight weeks, and there’s more still of the first phase now that will be available early in the next calendar year. We anticipate, if things prove successful, that we will continue to build these types of housing units and until such a time there isn’t a market to support it.
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): Thank you for responding so well.
According to the results of the studies that have been done in regards to Clyde River, there is a shortage in Clyde River. It is a non-decentralized community.
Will that slow the process of those non-decentralized communities in getting more units?
Hon. Kelvin Ng: No, I don’t believe so.
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you. I’d like to remind you, the members, it’s now 2 ‘0 clock.
I’d like to ask the members what they wish to do.
Mr. Tootoo: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for reminding us to recognize the clock.
In that light, I’d like to move the committee report progress.
Chairperson (interpretation): There is a motion on the floor and it’s not debatable. The motion is not debatable.
David, from Gjoa Haven, I’d like to thank the minister and David, and we’ll see you again.
Minister Ng, do you have any closing remarks?
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Mr. Akoak is glad to be able to spend his weekend here in Iqaluit with us.
Chairperson (interpretation): The Speaker can return now.
Your committee has been considering Bill 18 and would like to report that they’re still considering the Bill and Mr. Speaker; I move that the report of the Committee of the Whole be concurred with.
A reminder of a meeting of the Special Committee on the Review of the Official Languages Act at 3:00 o’clock today in the Nanuk Board Room.
Another reminder of a meeting of the Regular Caucus on Monday morning at 9:00 o’clock in the Natsik Room.
Orders for the day for Monday, November 25, 2002,
Before we finish for the day I’d like to thank our Sergeant-at-Arms, a friend of mine, a former constituent, Mr. Thomas Elytook from Baker Lake. Thank you, Thomas for your work this week.
This house stands adjourned until, our trusty partner informs me that I should also thank the pages because they also worked and finished this week.
Thank you, guys and girls for a good job.
This house stands adjourned until Monday, November 25th, 2002, at 1:30 p.m.
>>House adjourned 14:20 p.m.  Nunavut Canada
Monday November 25, 2002
Pages 1794 - 1858
Simanuk Kilabuk
Opening Prayer 1794
Ministers’ Statements 1794
Members’ Statements 1797
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 1802
Oral Questions 1802
Written Questions 1820
Tabled Documents 1821
Notice of Motion for First Reading of Bills 1821
First Reading of Bills 1822
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 1822
Report of Committee of the Whole 1855
Second Reading of Bills 1855
Orders of the Day 1856
Monday November 25, 2002 1794
086 – 1(6): Ministers Thompson and Anawak’s Arrival (Ng) 1794
087 – 1(6): Role Model Posters (Okalik) 1794
088 – 1(6): Fisheries Development and Diversification Fund (Akesuk) 1795
089 – 1(6): Job Descriptions (Kilabuk) 1797
277 – 1(6): Need for Elders’ Facility at Clyde River (Iqaqrialu) 1797
278 – 1(6): More Planning Needed on Leadership Review (Havioyak) 1798
279 – 1(6): Congratulations to Youth (Nutaraq) 1799
280 – 1(6): Female Inmate Facility Needed (Williams) 1799
281 – 1(6): Continuing Education and Funding Not Available (Alakannuark) 1799
282 – 1(6): Funding to Continue Education (Arvaluk) 1800
283 – 1(6): Recognition of Home Care Providers (Kilabuk) 1801
284 – 1(6): Excellent Community Work – Iqaluit Music Society (Tootoo) 1801
276 – 1(6): Meeting with Arctic College Officials (Havioyak) 1802
277 – 1(6): Breakwater Incident in Pond Inlet and Funding for Boat Loss (Nutarak) 1804
278 – 1(6): Contact Person for Housing for Potential Arctic College Students (Alakannuark) 1806
279 – 1(6): Funding Nursing and Teaching Programs with Supplementary Appropriation (Arvaluk) 1807
280 – 1(6): Adequate Housing for Arctic College Students (Tootoo) 1808
281 – 1(6): Vaccination Program for Husky Dogs (Williams) 1810
282 – 1(6): Housing for Elders (Iqaqrialu) 1812
283 – 1(6): Fishing Program 80% Funding from the Federal Government (Arvaluk) 1814
284 – 1(6): Briefing on Polar Bear Tag Harvesting (Irqittuq) 1816
285 – 1(6): Consultation Process in Developing a New Wildlife Act (Tootoo) 1819
003 – 1(6): Two Hours for Question Period (Ruled Out of Order) (Iqaqrialu) 1820
055 – 1(6): Bumper Stickers (Tootoo) 1821
056 – 1(6): Interim Financial Report (Unaudited) March 31, 2002 (Ng) 1821
057 – 1(6): NHC Annual Report for 1999/00 and 2000/01 (Ng) 1821
Bill 20 – An Act to Amend the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act and Related Statutes – Notice 1821
Bill 22 – An Act to Amend the Securities Act – First Reading 1822
Bill 19 – Budget Measures Implementation Act – Second Reading 1855
Bill 25 – An Act to Amend the Maintenance Orders Enforcement Act – Second Reading 1856
Bill 26 – Inter-Jurisdictional Support Orders Act – Second Reading 1856
Minister’s Statement 086 – 1(6): Ministers Thompson and Anawak’s Arrival
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to advise members that Ministers Thompson and Anawak should be arriving back in the House later this afternoon.
Minister’s Statement 087 – 1(6): Role Model Posters
Nunavut has a large number of role models.
Role models are people who enrich our society and underline the importance of contributions we can all make in reaching the full potential of Nunavut.
Role models especially provide an important inspiration for our young people.
We just need to look around to see the people in our daily lives that give us confidence and strength to deal with the challenges we face.
Members in this House have urged the government to not be shy about putting forward role models for our young people.
The four posters I am unveiling today highlight a few in Nunavut, well known and lesser well known who are role models and inspirations.
These posters were prepared by our Communications Department in partnership with the Department of Education.
They all highlight the message: Nunavummiut are succeeding - you can too.
(interpretation) One of these posters feature well known CBC broadcaster Madeleine Allakariallak.
Another features George Metuq, an electronic technologist who is key in bringing our deliberations here in the Legislative Assembly to Nunavummiut across the territory.
The two other posters highlight our thirteen Inuit Assistant Deputy Ministers.
While they don’t need any introductions to this House I will name them nonetheless:
Abraham Tagalik
Simon Awa
Kathy Okpik
Methusalah Kunuk
Rosemary Cooper
Rosemary Keenainak
Jamie Flaherty
Victor Tootoo
Bobby Gunn
David Akoak and
Naullaq Arnaquq.
These people play a vital role in our day to day governance and are guiding our territory into the future.
They work for the betterment of all Nunavummiut using their work experience and incorporating Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in their work places.
(interpretation ends) The words used in the posters speak for themselves.
Madeleine Allakariallak attributes her success to strong family foundations and strong Inuit culture.
She says, “With an education under your wings, you can fly high.