EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Over the coming year, Standing Committees look forward to contributing to the program review process by asking the questions that will help to define and clarify issues and options; by articulating the needs of constituents and communities; and by providing the scrutiny necessary for those of us charged with governance in Nunavut to seek the best possible ways to meet the challenges ahead.
Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs  The Standing Committee on Government Operations and Services has reviewed the business plan and main estimates for the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs for the fiscal year 2001-2002.
This budget was subsequently approved during the fifth session of the Legislative Assembly.
The Standing Committee makes the following comments, observations and recommendations with respect to a number of specific issues.
Access to Information and Protection of Privacy
The Committee was pleased to note in the 2001-2002 business plan that the establishment of an access to information network in the GN is a priority of the Department.
This reflects a recommendation made in the first annual report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Nunavut and the Standing Committee's review of the report.
Law Review Commission and Legislative Initiatives
Members of the Committee were pleased to receive the Law Review Commission's first Report to the Premier, which has also been tabled in the Legislative Assembly.
The Committee would observe, however, that the role of the Law Review Commission in relation to other bodies conducting legislative reviews could be better clarified.
For example, the Law Review Commission has produced recommendations dealing with the Vital Statistics Act - a statute that has implications for issues of personal privacy.
The Information and Privacy Commissioner should be consulted by the Commission as it deals with statutes of this nature.
Intergovernmental Relations and Initiatives
Members look forward to learning of the results of the first annual review of the operation of the Clyde River Protocol between the GN and NTI. The Committee also looks forward to reviewing the recently-released 1999-2000 report on the implementation of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
The Committee also looks forward to learning of specific initiatives and accomplishments stemming from the signing of MOUs during the past year with other jurisdictions, including Manitoba and Greenland.
Members noted with approval the strong land claims focus of the Department's business plan.
However, the issue of co-ordination of initiatives between departments again presents itself.
For example, the business plan envisions the department holding GN departmental workshops on NLCA obligations, including, presumably, Article 23 issues.
At the same time, the Department of Human Resources also plans to hold GN departmental workshops on Article 23 issues (and has recently issued an RFP to deliver them) in relation to the implementation of the Inuit Employment Plan.
Members remain pleased with the Government's continued commitment to implementing decentralization in a timely, co-ordinated fashion.
Members note that the Decentralization Secretariat is undergoing a reorganization to better address recruitment and training needs.
A continued commitment to local hiring and training is consistent with the aspirations of decentralized communities, and Members look forward to a close monitoring of progress in this area.
The Committee was pleased to note the Department's commitment to such initiatives as translating and making easily accessible such materials as approved GN policies to MLAs and the public, as well as the tabling of intergovernmental agreements.
The Committee would also recommend that the Department, as the GN's lead central agency, take responsibility for working to ensure that the numerous outstanding statutory tabling requirements for annual reports and other documents of GN departments, boards and agencies are met in the coming fiscal year, in addition to the requirement for the tabling of such annual reports from non-GN bodies as the Nunavut Social Development Council.
Utility Rates Review Council (URRC)
During the fifth Session, the Committee was responsible for reviewing the Government's proposed Utility Rates Review Council Act.
Given that the URRC is in its start-up phase, it will be necessary for the Department to provide strong administrative support in its initial months of existence, especially with respect to such provisions in the legislation as ensuring that there is a central location where members of the public can access records of the URRC's deliberations.
Department of Finance and Administration  The Standing Committee on Government Operations and Services has reviewed the business plan and main estimates for the Department of Finance and Administration for the fiscal year 2001-2002.
Workers' Compensation Board
The Committee has noted that the WCB will continue to be shared between Nunavut and the NWT until at least December 31, 2003.
The Committee has also noted that a Legislative Review Panel has been established to review the Act in its entirety.
Concerns have been expressed by Members with respect to the issue of the Act itself being, in effect, also shared between Nunavut and the NWT.
Members recall the situation that occurred during the 4th Session, when legislation was introduced in Nunavut to reflect a Bill passed in the Legislative Assembly of the NWT during the summer of 2000.
Because the NWT introduced its legislation first, that Assembly had the opportunity to amend the original Bill, the final version of which subsequently received Assent.
The Bill that was introduced in Nunavut was, as a consequence, a duplicate of the legislation that was passed in the west, and not the same as the original Bill that the Nunavut Minister responsible for the WCB presumably supported.
Given that the WCB will continue to be a shared body, it will be important to consider how this problem can be addressed.
As it is not possible for one territorial Assembly to legislate on behalf of the other, it is possible that further difficulties will arise in situations where Members of each Assembly have differing views on the merits of the same piece of proposed legislation.
Members continue to support the Government's commitment to pursuing a devolution agreement with the federal government.
Members would want to see central agencies to encourage line departments to work towards ensuring that Nunavut as a whole is ready to benefit from such an agreement, if reached, especially in such areas as training Nunavummiut for employment in the mining, oil and gas sectors.
Liquor Licensing Board
Members look forward to the Board conducting and concluding its community consultations on issues of distribution and accessibility of alcohol in Nunavut.
Given the sensitive and contentious nature of this issue, the Committee would wish to review any recommendations made by the Board prior to any fundamental policy changes being adopted by government.
Members recognize that although the department is primarily concerned with taxation, administrative and enforcement issues related to alcohol, broader social and health issues cannot be ignored.
The input of such departments as Health and Social Services is important.
Members of the Committee noted with satisfaction that the 2001-2002 main estimates were presented at the standard object level.
This initiative is consistent with the business plan's statement that: "Residents of Nunavut have the right to open and full disclosure regarding the government's financial position, transactions and expenditures."
The Committee would recommend that the Department continue to expand the range and amount of information that is made public, including a comprehensive list of payments over a certain minimum value for goods and services made by the GN to contractors and suppliers.
The Committee would also recommend that next year's main estimates begin to include actual expenditures by standard object from previous fiscal years.
Decentralization of Baffin Regional Financial Services Division to Igloolik
The Committee noted the Department's continued commitment to decentralizing Baffin operations.
Members continue to encourage the Department to make every effort to recruit and train locally for these positions.
Informatics Expenditures
Between the Departments of Finance and Administration and Public Works and Services, over $57 million has been spent by the GN in this area since the passage of the 1999-2000 budget.
Members have raised concerns that these expenditures not spiral out of control, and were pleased to note that the Government has established an IT Steering Committee to address this issue.
Members note that spending for 2001-2002 in this area has dropped, and hope not to see large supplementary appropriations for IT spending in the coming fiscal year.
The Standing Committee on Government Operations and Services has reviewed the business plan and main estimates for the Department of Human Resources for the fiscal year 2001-2002.
Recruitment and Retention
A common theme in departmental 2001-2002 business plans is the difficulty presently faced by the GN in meeting its recruitment and retention goals, and the resulting morale and productivity problems.
Although the Department of Human Resource's business plan clearly identifies and articulates this problem, including such underlying factors as the high cost of living in Nunavut and the lack of affordable housing, the plan does not outline much in the way of specific strategies to address this challenge.
Members acknowledge that the necessary first step to addressing this issue is a collective bargaining resolution that recognizes the need for the GN to be more competitive with other Nunavut organizations in terms of compensation and benefits.
A second step is clearly a strategy to make more housing available for employees, especially in the headquarters region.
The issue of reliable and affordable childcare for employees is also important.
The Committee has noted that an RFP has been issued for the preparation of a recruitment and retention strategy.
Members would note that morale problems in the public service are often linked to such issues as perceptions of unfair and inequitable treatment of employees in such areas as the allocation and condition of staff housing, the extent to which positions in the public service are filled on a fair and competitive basis, and the lack of resources and commitment on the part of the government to support professional development.
The Committee would recommend that the Department take these factors into account when developing specific policies in these areas, and that proposals be brought to the Committee for comment prior to their adoption.
Building a Workforce Profile
An area that the Committee feels is worthy of analysis by the department is that of retention patterns between male and female staff.
Although the department's quarterly statistical publication of GN-wide employment data provides detail on the level of Inuit and non-Inuit employment across the Government, it does not provide a breakdown by sex.
Members have observed that there appears to be a discernible retention problem facing Inuit males in the public service, and would recommend that the Department attempt to identify any specific factors that may be causing this.
This may be a specific area in which Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit initiatives could be useful in fostering a workplace that meets the particular needs and aspirations of a diverse workforce.
Members also remain concerned that the Department may not be putting sufficient resources into compiling such basic GN-wide workforce statistics as the amount of overtime being paid across departments; removal costs and other measures of recruitment and retention success.
Members are hopeful that this information will be forthcoming when the Minister tables the statutorily-required annual reports on the public service for the years 1999-2000 and 2000-2001.
Inuit Employment Plan, Training Initiatives and Workplace Wellness
Members were pleased to note an increase in the funding for training and development, as well as separate contribution funding for NAC to deliver pre-employment programs in decentralized communities.
Members were pleased to note that the total number of GN positions has increased in over a dozen communities from the figures of March 31, 2000.
Members also note that the share of total GN positions in the three largest communities has dropped to approximately 55%, a trend that suggests that decentralization is moving forward.
The March 2000 figures indicate that 75% of a total of 2,664 positions were filled. The December 2000 figures indicate that 79% of a total of 2,789 positions were filled.
While close to 200 people have been hired during the time, it would appear that it could still take a number of years to fill all of the vacant positions at the current rate of hiring.
Members are supportive of efforts being made by the department to remove artificial barriers to Inuit employment in the public service.
The issue of excessive barriers to certification has been raised by Members.
In view of the Law Review Commission's plans to review the Apprenticeship, Trade and Occupations Certification Act, the opportunity exists for progress to be made in this area.
Members have noted that the Department has allocated $750,000 for its Workplace Wellness Program.
The introduction of this program is a positive step.
Members will wish to see the effectiveness of this program evaluated over the coming year, taking into account such factors as employee usage and satisfaction with the program.
Members are concerned that the assistance provided to employees seeking help be delivered in a culturally sensitive fashion, and available in the languages of our territory.
Members were pleased to be advised that the Summer Student Employment Program will be in place for 2001.
Given the mentorship goals of the SSEP, it is important that young Nunavummiut are attracted to participating in this program.
Size of the Public Service
Members have noted during the course of their review of business plans that the number of positions in departmental organizational charts continues to expand each year, even while current GN job vacancy rates remain at or near the 20-25% level.
While recognizing that there is not likely to be a "final" size for the public service as a whole, it would nonetheless be useful to establish a clearer picture of the size of the public service in the medium and long-term.
Members also note continued inconsistencies between business plans, mid-year reports and GN-wide statistical reports on the size and number of positions in departments, boards and agencies.  List of Recommendations
1 That the work of the Law Review Commission be integrated into, and co-ordinated with, the Government's overall legislative agenda.
2 That the results of the first annual review of the Clyde River Protocol be tabled in the Legislative Assembly for consideration at the earliest opportunity.
3 That the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs take the lead in developing and making public its GN-wide strategy for the fulfillment of the Government's obligations under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
4 That the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs take the lead in working to ensure that GN departments, boards and agencies fulfill their statutory tabling requirements.
5 That the recommendations of the Nunavut-NWT Legislative Review Panel on the Workers' Compensation Act be presented to all Members of the Legislative Assembly for review.
6 That the recommendations of the Liquor Licensing Board from its community consultations on alcohol-related issues in Nunavut be made public and presented to all Members of the Legislative Assembly for review prior to any fundamental changes in policy or legislation.
7 That the Department of Finance and Administration prepare and make public an annual list of payments over a certain minimum value for goods and services made by the GN to contractors and suppliers.
8 That the 2002-2003 main estimates include actual expenditures by standard object from previous fiscal years.
9 That the Department of Human Resources work to prepare a comprehensive workforce profile of the Nunavut public service.
10 That the effectiveness of the Workplace Wellness Program be evaluated at the conclusion of its first year of operation.
Standing Committee on Culture, Education and Health
Department of Health and Social Services  The Standing Committee on Culture, Education and Health has reviewed the business plan and main estimates for the Department of Health and Social Services for the fiscal year 2001-2002.
Capital Facilities
Members continue to have many questions regarding the new regional health facilities which are planned for Cambridge Bay, Rankin Inlet and Iqaluit.
Members recommend that the Committee be provided with regular updates from the Minister on the planning and funding options under consideration, the scope of services to be offered in each facility, operational costs, staffing requirements and client boarding options.
Members support the upcoming renovations to community health facilities but recommend that future renovation plans include staff residences, as well.
In certain communities, accommodation arrangements for staff present difficulties when responding to emergency calls in a timely fashion.
Departmental Budget
Members of the Standing Committee recognize that serious financial pressures have faced the Department of Health and Social Services since the integration of the health boards.
At that time, the Department inherited a deficit of $8.9 million.
Given the rapidly growing population and high rates of illness across Nunavut, the Committee understands that there are great pressures on the Department and that issues such as suicide, substance abuse and family violence increase the burdens for health and social service providers.
The Committee feels that without significant increases to the base budget, the department may risk a deficit situation with resulting impacts on program delivery.
The Committee had recommended that the Minister make all efforts to access additional funding and was very pleased to hear of the recovery of funds through the Non-Insured Health Benefits program as well as of the access to further funding for the Nunavut Ikajuruti Inungnik Ungasiktumi Telehealth program.
The Committee recommends that the Minister continue to explore all possible avenues to access additional funding from outside sources.
Community-Based Initiatives
In keeping with the principles underlying the Bathurst Mandate, the Standing Committee feels strongly that the path to self-reliance lies with encouraging community-based involvement and solutions to problems.
Members are pleased with the department’s success in establishing Health Committees of Council, although there continue to be concerns that the level of funding of $5,000 for each community committee will not be adequate to address the increasing needs.
The Standing Committee supports the initiatives taken by community Committees of Council to deliver programs at the community level.
The Committee recommends that the amount of funding allocated to Committees of Council be reviewed at the earliest possible opportunity.
Members feel that community-based healing programs will be most influential in dealing with some of the most pressing issues such as suicide prevention, but they require more support.
The Committee encourages the involvement of Elders, especially in counselling and support programs in the area of mental health.
Members were pleased to hear of the Department’s intention to incorporate traditional practices and knowledge into service delivery and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit into the design of such programs and services.
The Committee recommends that the Mental Health Strategy, which is currently being developed, be a priority for this type of initiative.
The Committee further recommends that funding allocated for activities involving Elders and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit not be categorized as “other” budget items.
Funding for these activities should be specifically broken out in budget documentation to allow for greater transparency.
Members were pleased with the Department’s health promotion campaigns, such as the tobacco cessation program, and fully support future initiatives in this area.
Members were also pleased to hear that specific initiatives are being directed towards communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis control and surveillance.
The Committee recommends that the Department set specific targets, such as reductions in youth smoking rates or incidents of tuberculosis to measure the success of both centralized and community-based programming.
The Committee believes that by focusing on relationships between service delivery and health-status indicators the Department will be able to demonstrate the success of funding objectives.
Contracted Services
Contracted boarding home services continue to be an area of concern for Members of the Committee.
Members were pleased that the Department responded to their concerns by committing to a comprehensive review of boarding home contracts; a review covering both services and policies.
Members recommend that Client Satisfaction Surveys be conducted on a regular basis in all such facilities in order to monitor the services provided and to increase the standard of accountability applied to boarding home management.
The issue of dental health in Nunavut has been recognized as a priority issue.
Members have raised some concerns over the status of dental contracts and services across the region and encourage the Minister to seek increased federal funding for such services.
Staffing levels in health worker and social worker positions continue to be a serious concern in several communities.
Committee members support the work of the Department’s Nunavut Iluarsaijit Action Team in its efforts to recruit and retain workers.
Training of Nunavut Health Workers
The recently announced attrition rates in the Arctic College Nunavut Nursing Program are an issue of concern.
The Committee was pleased to hear that, in co-operation with the Department of Education, increased support has been made available for students in the Health Education Program at Nunavut Arctic College, including access studies available for community health representatives and x-ray technicians.
The Committee recommends that the Minister look into accessing sponsorship programs beyond the established Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students program to provide additional support to health students and their families during their time of study.
Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth  The Standing Committee on Culture, Education and Health has reviewed the business plan and main estimates for the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth for the fiscal year 2001-2002.
Capital Planning
The Committee notes that the majority of the Department’s capital funding will focus on three feasibility studies: a heritage facility, a language centre, and community youth and Elder facilities.
The Committee recommends that the Department provide the preliminary results of these studies to the Standing Committee at the earliest opportunity in order that discussion may ensue in an open manner.
Members further note that once the feasibility studies are complete, outside funding will need to be accessed to proceed with planning, design and construction.
Members encourage the Minister to continue investigating opportunities for outside funding of such capital projects.
Members were pleased to learn that the Department made significant progress in allocating its grant and contribution funding over the past year.
While the Committee recognizes the value of regional projects such as the Elders and youth conferences, Members feel that more support should be focused at the community level and were pleased to hear that the Nunavut Literacy Council will be focusing on community-based training to assist communities to access funding.