EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Under tenant to own, like I said, if Mr. Barnabas bought a house, it would have to replace the house, because the Arctic Bay, he’s from Arctic Bay, if he bought a house that’s owned by public housing, it would have to build a house to replace that. But the person, who bought the house that belongs to public housing, can apply for a retrofit under home ownership.
So, that’s where we are and I hope that’s clear.
If I didn’t answer you clearly, I could probably get Abe or Peter to add a bit more.
Mr. Alagalak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Not the actual budget for the region, of providing renovation funds for the homeowner, and the assistance to provide equity to the purchasing of a new house, where are these monies stationed in the estimates?
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, if I clearly understand Mr. Alagalak’s concern on retrofits, on retrofit Government of Nunavut funds, we have them listed on page-by-page and region-by-region.
I don’t know if I answered his question or not. Or are you talking about another item that’s on L-6?
Mr. Alagalak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I might have been lost a little bit here in the estimates, but my understanding is that clients do receive assistance to purchase their house in the community of up to $25,000 as form of equity.
Where does this money come from?
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk: I’ll get Mr. Scott to answer that question.
Mr. Scott: The Homeownership Program budgets are broken out by region. So there is a regional allocation for the homeownership, and that includes the Down Payment Assistance Program and the Repair Program, under the Home Repair Program and Emergency Repair, and whatnot.
So, it’s in the detailed information items broken down by region. The district offices in each region then identify a client for either down payment, or for home repair.
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Scott. Mr. Alagalak.
Mr. Alagalak (interpretation): I’ll bring it up later on. Thank you. I’ll leave it at that for now.
I’d like to welcome the minister and his officials here with him today.
The last time I saw Mr. Tagalik I think was on some flatter country than around here. It’s nice to see him again. There were some things running around out there too.
Not like around here lately, anyway. That’s for sure.
Mr. Chairman, my first question is, I think in the minister’s opening comments he had indicated that they’re looking at building 20 public housing units this year, and hoping to build some more.
I was on a standing committee that just did tours around the different communities across the territory, and I noticed these strange looking things in all the communities, they had this space frame, I guess if you want to call it, for these houses. It looked like a Rubik’s cube or something like that, of putting something together.
I’m just wondering, where did that come from?
Has it been proven to be effective, because it looks pretty awkward and funny? So, I would like to get an explanation of that from the minister.
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk: I will get Mr. Tagalik to answer that question since there is one being built in that community.
So, he will have a better idea if it’s working out good or not. So, I will get Mr. Tagalik to answer that question.
Mr. Tagalik.
Mr. Tagalik (interpretation): Thank you.
In Arviat, when you put in the piles, it doesn’t work very well because we don’t have a rock foundation down there.
We are using a different concept in Arviat where, even if they are shifting, we are using that to see if it works.
With some communities that have rock foundations, we can use the piles like in Iqaluit and in the other communities. But, if there’s bog and permafrost, usually what happens is the piles come out of place.
It’s perfectly fine, pretty expensive, and you have to install them before the frost comes in.
That was the first time that I saw space frames while I went to Arviat, but it’s working pretty well with the people who construct the housing.
We are not exactly sure what’s going to work the best in Nunavut.
We’re even thinking about having cement foundations for the housing.
We are using different types of bases or foundations for the houses, but we are trying out the space frames in Arviat.  Even if they are shifting on the ground, and even if one of the space frames is not there properly, it will keep the house (no interpretation).
Sorry about that, it had nothing to do with the Vice-President of Housing Corporation’s response that inspired that.
I know he indicated in some communities it can be rather expensive and painful, in some cases, when piles come out.
But this thing with the space frame, is it very expensive?
I remember years ago they used to have screw jacks, which basically, you could do the same thing.
I’m just wondering, I know the space frame concept, because I know they were doing some Mars experiments up island, a little further up North here.
I’m just wondering where they came up with that idea?
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk: I will get Mr. Scott to respond to that.
I would have thought a former employee of the Housing Corporation would have known the answer. But, I’ll provide it to him anyway.
Am I out of order? I’m sorry.
The cost of space frames is quite similar to the cost of providing piling.
The advantage with the space frames over, lets say screw jacks, which could be less expensive, is that they self level the building.
So, if there’s any movement in the gravel pad underneath, there are multiple points of contact on the foundation of the building that adjusts automatically so that you don’t have to maintain the level of the house on an annual basis, which is required under our preventative maintenance scheduling.
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk: I think that it is a very good project. As we are experiencing climate change I think this might solve the problem for building our houses and making them stay there for a longer period of time, because we are trying to adapt to climate change. I think that there are ways of trying to find out how to build houses better, due to climate change.
I guess when I was working for the housing corporation we were still grounded. I’m sorry.
Mr. Chairman, I do have some more questions but at this time I would like to recognize the clock and report progress.
Thank you, Minister and your staff.
Speaker (interpretation): Please be seated. Orders of the Day.
Mr. Chair, Mr. Arreak.
Your committee has been considering Bill 1 and the capital estimates and would like to report progress. Also, Mr. Speaker, I move that the Report of the Committee of the Whole be agreed to.
Speaker (interpretation): There is a motion on the floor. Who seconds the motion?
Meeting tomorrow of the regular caucus at 10:30 in the Tuktu Board Room.
Orders of the Day for November 23:
Speaker (interpretation): A reminder that the status page dated November 22, that is attached to your order paper, identifies the response to Oral Question 011 – 2(3), taken as notice, is due tomorrow.
This House stands adjourned until November 23, 2005. We will start the meeting again at 1:30 in the afternoon.
>>House adjourned at 18:11
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Pages 367 – 427
Opening Prayer 367
Ministers’ Statements 367
Members’ Statements 370
Returns to Oral Questions 373
Oral Questions 374
Written Questions 394
Tabling of Documents 394
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 396
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 396
Report of the Committee of the Whole 426
Orders of the Day 426
Wednesday, November 23, 2005 367
023 – 2(3): Absence of Premier Okalik (Kilabuk) 367
024 – 2(3): Nursing Recruitment for Nunavut (Aglukkaq) 367
025 – 2(3): Miramar, KIA, and Education: Working Together (Picco) 368
026 – 2(3): Elders Strategy: Promoting Elders Needs (Tapardjuk) 369
027 – 2(3): Improvements to the Nunavut Downpayment Assistance Program (Akesuk) 369
054 – 2(3): Support Kugluktuk Shelter (Evyagotailak) 370
055 – 2(3): Substance Abuse FASD (Peterson) 370
056 – 2(3): Hamlet of Grise Fiord Feasibility Study (Barnabas) 371
057 – 2(3): Pangnirtung Elder’s Camping Trip (Kilabuk) 372
058 – 2(3): Third Annual Christmas Social (Tootoo) 373
Return to Oral Question 011 – 2(3): Waiving of Inuit Employment Clause (Brown) 373
Return to Oral Question 053 – 2(3): Funding for Community Based Programs (Aglukkaq) 374
061 – 2(3): Tabling of URRC Report (Tootoo) 374
062 – 2(3): Approval of School Health Curriculum (Barnabas) 377
063 – 2(3): Clarification on FASD Research (Peterson) 379
064 – 2(3): Wait Time for Cancer Patients (Curley) 382
065 – 2(3): Homeownership Funding (Netser) 385
066 – 2(3): Wildlife Regulation Reviews (Mapsalak) 386
067 – 2(3): Energy Crown Corporation and Letter of Expectation (Tootoo) 387
068 – 2(3): Financial Restraints for GN (Peterson) 390
069 – 2(3): Commercial Power Hook-ups (Barnabas) 392
007 – 2(3): Directives, Instruction and Orders (Tootoo) 394
008 – 2(3): Directives, Instructions and Orders (Tootoo) 394
026 – 2(3): 2004-05 Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council Annual Report (Aglukkaq) 394
027 – 2(3): Nunavut Housing Corporation Annual Report 2003-2004 (Akesuk) 395
028 – 2(3): News Release: Miramar Mining Announces $43.5 Million Private Placement with Newmont Mining Corporation (Peterson) 395
029 – 2(3): News Release: NTI Calls for Funding for Women’s Shelter (Evyagotailak) 395
030 – 2(3): CLEY's Promoting Elders’ Needs (Tapardjuk) 395
031 – 2(3): Annual Contract Data Report 2004-05 and Leased Properties Report (Brown) 395
Bill 02 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act #2, 2005-06 – Notice 396
Bill 03 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act #2, 2005-06 – Notice 396
Bill 04 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act #4, 2004-05 – Notice 396
Bill 10 – An Act to Amend the Nunavut Elections Act – Notice 396
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2006-07 – Nunavut Housing Corporation – Consideration in Committee 397
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2006-07 – Education – Consideration in Committee 423
Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Honourable Olayuk Akesuk, Mr. David Alagalak, Mr. James Arreak, Mr. Levi Barnabas, Honourable Levinia Brown, Mr. Tagak Curley, Mr. Joe Allan Evyagotailak, Honourable Peter Kilabuk, Mr. Steve Mapsalak, Mr. Patterk Netser, Honourable Jobie Nutarak, Mr. Keith Peterson, Honourable Edward Picco, Honourable David Simailak, Honourable Louis Tapardjuk, Mr. Hunter Tootoo.
Speaker (interpretation): Good afternoon, Mr. Premier, ministers and members.
Minister’s Statement 023 – 2(3): Absence of Premier Okalik (Kilabuk)
Hon. Peter Kilabuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to advise the members that the Honourable Paul Okalik will be absent from the House from November 23 to 25, 2005.
Minister’s Statement 024 – 2(3): Nursing Recruitment for Nunavut (Aglukkaq)
It is national news that there is a shortage of registered nurses throughout the country. It is expected that this shortage may only get worse.
As members know, we now have our own Nursing Education Program in Nunavut, which has resulted in four graduates so far.
I would like to inform the House of the steps that we are taking to respond to the nursing shortage within Nunavut. The Department of Health and Social Services is recruiting nurses through long-term contracts to provide us with quality healthcare until the day when Nunavummiut can staff most of these positions, after graduating as nurses.
Mr. Speaker we are now in the process of hiring over 50 international nurses. These are all registered nurses who are very excited to be here.
The nurses are going to be assigned as follows:
16 nurses will go to the Kitikmeot communities;
20 nurses will go to the Kivalliq communities; and,
11 will remain in the Baffin
The remaining nurses will staff a float pool to fill vacancies, as they arrive in the future.
The department offers a five week long orientation that covers clinical, cultural, and logistical topics to make the transition for the incoming nurses easier.
So far 16 international nurses have made to it to Nunavut with another 11 nurses due this week.
When the process is over there will be only a handful of vacancies in our nursing ranks.
The use of short-term agency nurses will be low, which will result in significant cost savings.
These nurses are of the highest calibre. We expect that there will be fewer medevacs and more use of unique-to-Nunavut resources, such as Telehealth.
I have personally written to each mayor and council to ask them to support the nurses arriving in their communities whether they come from overseas, or southern Canada. Community support is an important factor in keeping our nurses, and we need them.
I would ask each member of the House to lend their support to our new nurses. I can tell you, they already have a very positive impression of Nunavut based on the comments I have heard to date.
Minister’s Statement 025 – 2(3): Miramar, KIA, and Education: Working Together (Picco)
I am pleased to inform the members today of our successful camp held in the Kitikmeot this past summer.
This is the first such summer camp and it came about through a working partnership between Miramar Mining Corporation, the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, as well as the Department of Education.
The Miramar Mining Corporation generously sponsors 16 youth in the Kitikmeot to attend the Kimberlite Career and Technical School in Yellowknife.
The students who participated were from Kugluktuk, Cambridge Bay, Gjoa Haven, and Taloyoak.
All students received a career and technical studies credit for their high school program for learning welding or carpentry skills.
The experience of travel and exposure to different environments has provided them with increased confidence to further their education.
Mr. Speaker, this is a fine example of how Inuit organizations, the private sector, and the Government of Nunavut are working together to provide meaningful growth opportunities for our youth.
This type of initiative can ensure that Nunavummiut receive the skills that allow them to participate in the development and expansion of Nunavut’s economy.
Mr. Speaker, we are encouraged by the success of the camp, and are supportive of Miramar, and other private companies, along with Inuit organizations that seek to sponsor similar programs across Nunavut.
Minister’s Statement 026 – 2(3): Elders Strategy: Promoting Elders Needs (Tapardjuk)
Elders have always played an important role in Nunavut society.
During the summer of 2004, the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth held a series of regional elders’ workshops in Baker Lake, Iqaluit, and Taloyoak.
Participants in these workshops identified elders’ needs across Nunavut and highlighted the importance of passing on culture and language knowledge to the next generation.
Resulting from those important workshops, later today, I will be tabling the Elders’ Strategy, entitled, “Promoting Elders’ Needs.”
Mr. Speaker, this strategy is an important document that will provide the framework in which our department will continue to address elders’ needs and issues.
Minister’s Statement 027 – 2(3): Improvements to the Nunavut Downpayment Assistance Program (Akesuk)
I rise today to announce improvements to NDAP, the Nunavut Downpayment Assistance Program, which will support and promote long-term homeownership.
Currently, downpayment assistance is provided in the amounts of $15,000 for an existing home and $25,000 for a new home. The higher amount for new construction was intended to stimulate new housing starts.
In Iqaluit, where the current program has been extremely successful, the limits of assistance will remain unchanged.
However, as of December 1, 2005, more assistance will be provided to new homeowners in the emerging and non-market communities.
In the emerging market communities of Rankin Inlet and Cambridge Bay, clients will now receive $30,000 for the purchase of an existing home and $50,000 for a newly constructed home.
In all non-market communities, clients will receive $45,000 for the purchase of an existing home and $75,000 for a newly constructed home.
(interpretation ends) The final improvement will see the program changing from an outright grant to a forgivable loan over a ten-year period. This will ensure that only those individuals who are ready to make a significant commitment to Nunavut will benefit from the funds.
It will also improve the Nunavut housing market and reduce the practice of flipping properties for a profit.
Mr. Speaker, I trust the members will agree that these changes represent a significant investment towards the promotion and support for homeownership, especially in our emerging and non-market communities.
Member's Statement 054 – 2(3): Support Kugluktuk Shelter (Evyagotailak)
I rise today again to address the issue of the Kugluktuk crisis shelter.
As you are all aware, I made a statement in the House and asked questions about this important issue earlier in our sitting.
(interpretation ends) Over the last week, NTI has been holding its annual general meeting in the Kitikmeot.
I was pleased to see in a news release that NTI has come out in support of the Kugluktuk shelter.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to continuing to support efforts to keep the Kugluktuk shelter open.
Member's Statement 055 – 2(3): Substance Abuse FASD (Peterson)
I rise today to follow up on an important issue raised by the Minister of Health and Social Services earlier this week.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the minister for reminding us of the National Addictions Awareness Week.
I fully agree that substance abuse affects many aspects of community and society.
Mr. Speaker, my statement today speaks for that segment of our society that is affected by substance abuse unknowingly and involuntarily.
Mr. Speaker, children with FASD, I’m referring to those individuals of FASD, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
These individuals are affected because the mother drank alcohol while pregnant.
Many individuals with FASD have high rates of mental and learning disabilities.
Mr. Speaker, research and statistics in other jurisdictions in Canada and in other parts of the world have shown that FASD is best addressed from an early age. The diagnostic assessment of FASD or FAE, fetal alcohol effect, only becomes more difficult as the person gets older. The longer the person goes undiagnosed, then the longer they continue to develop difficulties without the necessary support and resources.
Mr. Speaker, children with FASD or FAE, often have problems in school and need support and assistance to overcome the difficulties they face. Without support systems in place, children continue to develop and have problems with learning in this society.
It is no secret that a significant number of inmates in our prison system are likely suffering from FASD.
Mr. Speaker, awareness is the first step. Assessment and diagnoses come next on the route to detecting a form of FASD.
Following that, support systems, special education, treatment programs, specialized training can all help individuals suffering from FASD to ultimately lead healthy and independent lives.
Mr. Speaker, the one thing about FASD is that it is entirely preventable. The cure Mr. Speaker, is for mothers to not drink alcohol while they are pregnant.
I urge the Department of Health and Social Services and the Department of Education to continue with their good work in encouraging safe and healthy lifestyles in our youth, our mothers to be, our families and society.
Member’s Statement 056 – 2(3): Hamlet of Grise Fiord Feasibility Study (Barnabas)
I rise today to share with members the news of an exciting new venture that is being undertaken by the Hamlet of Grise Fiord.
The hamlet recently began a study on the feasibility of bottling glacier water for sale in the South.
Mr. Speaker, my colleagues often raise the issue of natural resource development in this House. A major focus has been on mining. Diamond mines, gold mines and precious gems.
Grise Fiord’s crystal clear glacier water is an important renewable resource that can be developed for the benefit of my constituents.
Mr. Speaker, I have often stood in this House to remind the government of its responsibility to support economic development and job creation in non-decentralized communities.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to encourage the Government of Nunavut to offer all available assistance to the Hamlet of Grise Fiord in their exploration of this opportunity.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Hamlet of Grise Fiord on undertaking this initiative.
Member's Statement 057 – 2(3): Pangnirtung Elder’s Camping Trip (Kilabuk)
I stand today to say to my colleagues that in September, there were some elders that went out on the land to do berry picking and other activities.
On September 6-15, the elders were taken outside of the community of Pangnirtung to Qannaruluk.
They were Peepeelee Kunilusie, Sarah Qasaq, Elisapi Shudlutaq, Mary Sukulaq, Mosesee Qijaqjuk, Barnabus Qupee, David Veevee, Inukie Akulukjuk, and one of the coordinators, Ishuluktak.
They were very happy to be out on the land and I went to see them when they were out camping. I would like to thank the person that was assisting them, as well as Eva Maniapik.
They also went out to transport them and I would like to say thank you to Jaco Qaqasiq who transported the elders to the camp and back again to Pangnirtung.
Member's Statement 058 – 2(3): Third Annual Christmas Social (Tootoo)
I’d like stand today and thank and acknowledge the efforts of the Frobisher Inn and Nunastar Properties Incorporated. Last night, as all members will know, they received an invitation to attend their Third Annual Christmas Social, an event that seemed to become the Christmas Social event of the season.
There was excellent food, excellent entertainment from the Kitikmeot, and to thank Mr. Doug Cox, the President and CEO for inviting all the members, and the people from the government, and the community to attend and enjoy their Christmas cheer and I wish them all the best over the Christmas season and a Happy New Year.
Return to Oral Question 011 – 2(3): Waiving of Inuit Employment Clause (Brown)
I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Tootoo on November 14, regarding the request to waiver the Inuit Employment Clause on the Kivalliq Health Centre project.
Sanajiit Clarke, the contractor did request a waive of the penalty fees regarding Inuit labour.
The contract required 32 percent for Inuit labour, but only 25.71 percent was achieved overall.
The contractor stated that they had received 29 percent Inuit content on the main project work, and requested consideration for the waiver of penalty fees.
Their argument was that most of the slippage in Inuit labour came about through the work required by way of change orders, and that this work was more trades and technical related.
The department did consider the technical nature of the change orders and the fact that the major mechanical sub-contractor, who was using mainly Inuit labour, went bankrupt during construction.
However, despite these arguments the request to waive penalties was denied and a $58,322 penalty was applied to the contractor’s holdback.
Return to Oral Question 053 – 2(3): Funding for Community Based Programs (Aglukkaq)
Yesterday, the Member for Kugluktuk asked me a question on how much funding is available for alcohol and drug community-based programs.
The department’s budget for alcohol and drugs is $949,000, plus under Vote 2, there is funding for Solvent Abuse Programs, as well as training for alcohol and drug workers.
Question 061 – 2(3): Tabling of URRC Report (Tootoo)
This is a question for the Minister responsible for Energy. I know over the last year there has been a lot of controversy, one might say, over the Power Corporation and its plea to increase and look for extra funding.
Mr. Speaker, I know that the Power Corporation was required to submit requests or an application for a capital stabilization rider to the minister and to the Utility Rate Review Council and my understanding Mr. Speaker is that the application was submitted and returned within the legal timeframe to the minister.
My question to the minister is: will he provide this report to the members and table it in this House?
Speaker (interpretation): Minister responsible for Energy Mr. Picco.