EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
It’s very important to recognize that and we do recognize and we’re working with our health care professionals and within the communities within counselling and the assessment of the viability of what status of addictions counselling an individual needs.
There’s engagement not just with the client or with the patient; the families are engaged.
There are life-changing, life-altering negotiations, I guess if you want to call it that, on how people live their lives if they truly do want to help themselves.
There are sometimes life-altering decisions that they have to make on their behaviour and sometimes who they hang out with, but it’s dealt with primarily at the community level, where we’re working with the residents that come to us and want help to make sure that they get the level of help and assistance that they need.
Sometimes that does entertain the necessity to send somebody to a residential treatment facility and ideally that facility would be located in Nunavut.
I have been a party to numerous different discussions along this topic.
There are treatment facilities through different indigenous “fundings” all over Canada, yet none of them are in the territory and in fact none of them are in Inuit Nunangat territories.
It is something that I’m aware of, our government is aware of, and more and more so the federal government, as numerous dialogues that I’ve had.
Whenever I have an opportunity to discuss this topic, I continue to raise the issue that there are no treatment facilities in the territory.
We have numerous competing interests for infrastructure in this territory, but I believe that this is a very high need.
Question 581 – 4(3): Status of Sanikiluaq’s Sewage Lagoon (Rumbolt)
I would like to direct my questions today to the Minister of Community and Government Services.
As the minister is well aware, Sanikiluaq has been waiting for its new sewage lagoon for many years.
During our recent fall sitting the minister indicated that his was “looking at enhancing the current sewage lagoon in Sanikiluaq.”
The minister also indicated that Dalhousie University had completed a study on the effluent standards across Nunavut and that the results of this study would be analyzed by January of this year.
The minister also indicated that this analysis would help the department to determine Sanikiluaq’s wastewater needs.
Can the minister confirm if this analysis has been completed and, if so, can he explain what this analysis tells us about Sanikiluaq’s wastewater needs?
The wastewater study that was done in Sanikiluaq is complete and the analysis has been the same as all the others in general, that our sewage treatment facilities in terms of sewage lagoons filtrate the water quite well and the water that comes out on the other end is fairly good.
The reason these studies are done is to make sure that what we build is adequate for what is needed.
The results of the Sanikiluaq study will be used to come up with a plan to tackle the sewage lagoon situation in Sanikiluaq.
During our recent fall sitting the minister stated that his department was working with Transport Canada “to expand and enhance the existing” sewage lagoon in Sanikiluaq.
Can the minister explain Transport Canada’s role in determining the feasibility of enhancing or expanding Sanikiluaq’s sewage lagoon?
I’ll just explain the situation on the Transport Canada situation and sewage lagoons in Nunavut.
Transport Canada has regulations that if a sewage lagoon is going to be built within four kilometres of a runway, it needs to be exempted.
Otherwise it cannot be built within four kilometres of a runway.
That was the first funding block that we had with the new sewage lagoon that was going to be built in Sanikiluaq because it was within the four-kilometre zone.
We have tried to get exemption permits and they have been denied.
We are going to work with the existing sewage lagoon by maybe enhancing it or expanding it.
We will be applying for permits because we assume that we still need permits, but it should be less of an issue because it is an existing operating sewage lagoon, so there should be [fewer] issues in terms of getting that process to go forward.
During our recent fall sitting the minister also indicated that his department will still need to acquire a number of permits in order to move forward with an expansion of Sanikiluaq’s current sewage lagoon.
Can the minister clarify what specific permits have yet to be acquired and can he tell us when we can expect to see the construction of this project move forward?
Before any permitting process is started, we have to know the design of the sewage lagoon.
We are anticipating that the design of the existing, enhanced sewage lagoon in Sanikiluaq should be completed in the fall of 2017.
Once we have a design in place, we can start the permitting process.
There are two other processes that would have to be done are with the water board and with Transport Canada, but we have to wait until the design is done.
Question 582 – 4(3): Status of New Power Plant in Cape Dorset (Okalik)
My question is directed to the Minister of Qulliq Energy Corporation regarding the statement he made earlier about LED street lights and the fact that they will cost 50 percent less to operate.
I first want to say how happy I am with this replacement program and I encourage the minister to follow through with this program.
I am sure the minister has heard what the Member for South Baffin has been asking about when the power plant there will be expanded.
It is no longer able to keep up with growing demands in the community.
Can the minister indicate what plans are there to deal with power generation unable to keep up with demand in Cape Dorset?
When will planning be done to have energy-efficient street lights installed in Cape Dorset?
As I stated in my Minister’s Statement, we are examining the replacement of street lights with the new energy-efficient lights.
That is part of the planning we are doing right now.
We haven’t yet made a decision about installing the new street lights in Cape Dorset, but what I can say is that we are working with the federal agency that deals with energy issues.
We are working with them to identify a solution to install energy-efficient lighting in the communities and when.
I can’t say when we would be installing those new lights in Cape Dorset.
The minister is supposed to be representing all of Nunavut and I don’t know which communities are closest to reaching maximum capacity.
The situation in Cape Dorset is such that it is unable to grow anymore.
Can the minister use his capacity as head of the energy corporation to ensure plans are drawn to install these LED street lights so that more people in Nunavut can benefit from them?
Minister responsible for the Energy Corporation, Mr. Mike.
As I stated, what we can announce right now is that Cambridge Bay and Rankin Inlet will be putting up LED street lights, but I can look into my colleague’s question.
I would like all of you to be aware that there is planning for a new power plant in Cape Dorset. I can look into the issue of street lights as well to see what can be done along the lines of his question.
This is nothing new and it won’t just go away.
Can the minister give us a report during the spring session on what he plans to do?
As I stated, the Qulliq Energy Corporation works with a federal agency on this work.
We’re working on the plan with that other body, but this program to convert street lights is very new.
There are 25 communities and we need to plan it properly for all of them.
With respect to the question about Cape Dorset in general, I can look into that.
As I stated, I will make an announcement this spring session if I am able to do so.
Question 583 – 4(3): Baffin Island Caribou Management (Keyootak)
Mr. Speaker, as those of us who live in the Baffin know, there is a moratorium on caribou and there is a limit to the caribou that we are allowed to catch.
Mr. Speaker, communities are allowed to catch a certain number of animals and I believe that any person was allowed to go to another community to hunt caribou. They would transfer their own community’s allowable catch to another community and catch it there. Is that still in effect?
As for the question about the caribou moratorium in the Baffin, it’s a limit of 250 for the entire region.
They can harvest that in any Baffin community.
Are all the communities made aware that if anyone from some other town wanted to go hunt caribou… ? For example, I am allowed to catch a certain number of caribou in Qikiqtarjuaq.
If I wanted to go caribou hunting in another community, would the local HTO in my community have to approve me first and would I also need approval from that other community’s HTO before I can go hunt there?
Let me explain this clearly.
The communities have a limit as to how many caribou they can catch that is held by the HTA.
If a community HTA agrees that their caribou quota can be caught somewhere else, then they make an agreement with the other HTA.
They can do that. That’s fine. There’s nothing wrong with that.
The community where the hunt will be undertaken has to be notified saying that they will be hunting in their area.
They don’t need to approve it.
They’re not able to say no, but it’s good to let them be aware that there will be hunting in their area.
Just notify them and if they agree to do that, then there’s no problem with it.
Local HTA members seem to have a different understanding of that from what I understand.
I wanted to bring one of the tags here for the meeting, but I was told that the HTAs in both communities have to agree if I wanted to go hunting near another community.
If they don’t agree, then I am unable to go hunting there.
Some HTAs seem to understand it one way and other HTAs understand it the other way.
Is there a way that you could make everybody have the understanding? Can the minister clarify to all the communities’ HTAs how this caribou management is supposed to run in the Baffin region?
I will direct my staff to inform the HTAs in the communities of what their rights are so that they are all aware of the caribou hunting rules in the Baffin region.
Each community has a number of caribou that they are allowed to catch and it’s up to that HTA if they want somebody else from another community to go hunting in their area.
I will give very clear direction to all the HTAs so that they will all have the same understanding and direction.
Members, the time for question period
*See Appendix for full text of Returns to Written Questions 16 – 4(3), 17 – 4(3), 18 – 4(3), 19 – 4(3), 20 – 4(3), and 21 – 4(3).
has expired.
Let us proceed to Item 7.
Return to Written Question 016 – 4(3): Small Craft Harbour Capital Contributions (Clerk)
Return to Written Question 017 – 4(3): Ministerial Travel (Clerk)
Return to Written Question 018 – 4(3): Public Service (Clerk)
Return to Written Question 019 – 4(3): Marine Infrastructure (Clerk)
Return to Written Question 020 – 4(3): Inuit Employment Initiatives (Clerk)
Return to Written Question 021 – 4(3): Western Canada Lottery Act (Clerk)
I wish to table returns to written questions No. 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21, all of which were asked during the fall 2016 sitting of the House.
Tabled Document 238 – 4(3): Correspondence to the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Concerning the Nutrition North Canada Program (Enook)
Tabled Document 239 – 4(3): Excerpt from Senate Hansard of February 7, 2017 (Enook)
Mr. Speaker, the first document I wish to table today is a copy of correspondence that I sent to the federal Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs on December 7, 2016 concerning the Nutrition North Canada Program.
I look forward to tabling a copy of the minister’s reply to me once I have received it.
Mr. Speaker, I also wish table today an excerpt from the Senate Hansard of February 7, 2017.
Members will note that the federal Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs responded to a number of questions concerning the Nutrition North Canada Program.
Tabled Document 240 – 4(3): Correspondence from Agnico Eagle Mines Concerning Carbon Pricing Mechanisms (Mikkungwak)
I wish to table today a copy of correspondence that I recently received from Agnico Eagle Mines, which owns and operates the Meadowbank mine in my constituency, concerning the issue of carbon pricing.
Mr. Speaker, this correspondence, which was copied to all Kivalliq MLAs, was sent to the Premier last month.
I will have questions on this issue during our current winter sitting.
Tabled Document 241 – 4(3): Correspondence to the Minister of Education Concerning Arson Prevention Initiatives in Cape Dorset (Joanasie)
I wish to table today a copy of correspondence that I recently sent to the Minister of Education concerning arson prevention initiatives in Cape Dorset.
I look forward to continuing to work closely with community stakeholders on this critical issue.
Tabling of Documents. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Mike.
Tabled Document 242 – 4(3): 2015-2016 Qulliq Energy Corporation Annual Report (Mike)
I would like to table today the 2015-16 Qulliq Energy Corporation Annual Report.
I also have documents.
Tabled Document 243 – 4(3): 2015-2016 Annual Report of the Chief Electoral Officer and the Report on the 2016 Netsilik By-election (Speaker)
Tabled Document 244 – 4(3): 2016 Report of the Chief Electoral Officer on the Municipal Land Sale Referenda/Plebiscites (Speaker)
Tabled Document 245 – 4(3): 2015-2016 Annual Report of the Languages Commissioner (Speaker)
I have three documents to table today.
The first document is the 2015-16 Annual Report of the Chief Electoral Officer and the Report on the 2016 Netsilik By-election.
The second document is the 2016 Report of the Chief Electoral Officer on the Municipal Land Sale Referenda/Plebiscites.
The third document is the 2015-16 Annual Report of the Languages Commissioner. (interpretation) Thank you.
Motion 041 – 4(3): Extended Sitting Hours and Days – Notice (Mikkungwak)
I give notice that on Thursday, February 23, I will move the following motion:
I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for Aggu, that the Speaker be authorized to set such sitting hours and days as the Speaker deems fit to assist with the business before the House during the winter 2017 sitting of the Legislative Assembly.
Bill 34 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2017-2018 – Notice
I give notice that on Wednesday, February 22, 2017, that Bill 34, Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2017-2018, be read for the first time.
The Hon. Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk.
Bill 38 – Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti Implementation Act – Notice
I give notice that on Wednesday, February 22, 2017, that Bill 38, Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti Implementation Act, be read for the first time.
The Hon. Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Simeon Mikkungwak.
Motion 041 – 4(3): Extended Sitting Hours and Days (Mikkungwak)
Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and to my colleagues.
I request consent of this Assembly to waive the one-day notice requirement to allow for the first reading of Bill 38, Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti Implementation [Act].
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The minister is seeking consent to allow for Bill 38 to be read today.
There are none. Minister Ell-Kanayuk, you may proceed.
Bill 38 – Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti Implementation Act – First Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, that Bill 38, Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti Implementation Act, be read for the first time.
There are no items in Committee of the Whole.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until Wednesday, February 22, at 1:30 p.m.
>>House adjourned at 15:41
Appendix – February 21, 2017
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Pages 3154 – 3227
Opening Prayer 3154
Budget Address 3154
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 3166
Oral Questions 3168
Replies to Budget Address 3183
Tabling of Documents 3185
First Reading of Bills 3187
Second Reading of Bills 3187
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 3188
Report of the Committee of the Whole 3226
Orders of the Day 3226
Wednesday, February 22, 2017 3154
233 – 4(3): Budget 2017-2018 (Peterson) 3154
430 – 4(3): Stop Bullying Now (Angnakak) 3162
431 – 4(3): Culturally Appropriate Services for Elders (Sammurtok, A) 3163
432 – 4(3): Harmful Impact of Bullying (Mikkungwak) 3164
433 – 4(3): Happy Birthday to Grandchild (Qirngnuq) 3164
434 – 4(3): Kimmirut Incident Involving Firearm (Joanasie) 3164
435 – 4(3): Policies for Social Assistance (Shooyook) 3165
436 – 4(3): House Fire in Iqaluit (Okalik) 3165
437 – 4(3): Inuit Heritage (Quassa) 3166
584 – 4(3): Policies for Social Assistance (Shooyook) 3168
585 – 4(3): Timeline for Expanding Sanikiluaq’s Sewage Lagoon (Rumbolt) 3170
586 – 4(3): Public Service Management (Angnakak) 3172
587 – 4(3): Children in Care (Joanasie) 3175
588 – 4(3): Marine Infrastructure (Keyootak) 3176
589 – 4(3): Culturally Appropriate Services for Elders (Sammurtok, A) 3178
590 – 4(3): Addressing the Harmful Impact of Bullying (Mikkungwak) 3180
591 – 4(3): Fuel Tax Rebate Program (Enook) 3181
Reply to Budget Address 001 – 4(3): Mr. Paul Okalik (Okalik) 3183
246 – 4(3): Correspondence Regarding the Territory’s Language Legislation (Okalik) 3185
247 – 4(3): Letter Regarding Language Services (Sammurtok, A) 3185
248 – 4(3): Product Safety Recall Notice Issued by Remington Arms Company (Enook) 3185
249 – 4(3): IUT – Apqutauvugut Language Conference February 8 to 12, 2017 (Kuksuk) 3186
250 – 4(3): 2015-2016 IUT Annual Report (Kuksuk) 3186
251 – 4(3): Nunavut Lottery Financial Statements March 31, 2016 (Savikataaq) 3186
252 – 4(3): Nunavut Emergency Management Annual Report 2015-2016 (Savikataaq) 3186
253 – 4(3): Office of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut Business Plan 2017-2020 (Speaker) 3186
254 – 4(3): Representative for Children and Youth Business Plan 2017-2020 (Speaker) 3186
255 – 4(3): Office of the Languages Commissioner of Nunavut Business Plan 2017-2020 (Speaker) 3186
Bill 34 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2017-2018 – First Reading 3187
Bill 34 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2017-2018 – Second Reading 3187
Bill 38 – Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti Implementation Act – Second Reading 3187
Bill 34 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2017-2018 – Health – Consideration in Committee 3188
Speaker (interpretation): Good afternoon, my fellow Nunavummiut. Members, ministers, (interpretation ends) Premier, (interpretation) as well as the visitors, welcome to the House.
Item 2. (interpretation ends) Budget Address. Hon. Minister of Finance, Mr. Peterson.
Minister’s Statement 233 – 4(3): Budget 2017-2018 (Peterson)
Today marks the ninth time that I have stood in this House to present a budget.
I want you and my fellow caucus members to know that I greatly appreciate your confidence and your support.
Together we have come a long way and we are working together very well to deliver a better future for Nunavummiut.
Fiscal overview
Let me begin with a broad view of our financial situation.
In one word it’s “balanced.”
For the current year that ends March 31, our budget projects an operating surplus of $4 million.
When we consider the adjustments we expect to make between now and year-end, we can forecast a relatively small deficit of $11 million.
I say “relatively small” because this deficit amounts to one-half of 1 percent of all our spending.
Essentially we will end the year with the books in balance.
As for the year that begins April 1, I am forecasting a surplus of about $2 million.
Again, in the big picture, this small surplus really means that our budget is balanced.
Our revenues next year should reach $1,981,000,000, up 5 percent from this year’s revised estimate.
We will spend $1,918,000,000, which is up less than 3 percent.
I have prudently set aside $40 million for contingencies.
It’s worth looking at the source of our revenues so that we can fully understand how we have arrived at a balanced budget and whether we are able to meet the needs of Nunavummiut.
Our revenue, now approaching $2 billion, includes about $200 million of revenue to be collected from Nunavut.
We collect most of that $200 million through income taxes, rent for staff housing, service fees, revolving funds, and other sources.
We collect what is fair, reasonable, and relatively affordable for Nunavummiut.
As we develop our territory and give full meaning to self-government, we will reduce our dependence on the federal government.
We will find our own way, but we are not there today.
Our economy is not yet large enough to support the range of public services Nunavummiut deserve.
Think about this: for every $1 our government receives, just over 10 cents comes from Nunavummiut.
Most of the rest comes from the federal government.
I mention this for two reasons.
The first is the federal government’s contribution to our finances.
The territorial financing formula will provide us with over $1.5 billion in the coming fiscal year.
We are about to begin discussions with the federal government about renewing this funding arrangement.
The second reason I mention our own-source revenue is this: in the future we should expect federal funding increases to be very modest.
We can see the trend.
Over the past five years the territorial financing formula has grown by about 5 percent each year.
Looking ahead to the next five years, we expect annual growth of just over 3 percent.
At the same time the federal government is cutting the growth rate in the Canada Health Transfer from the current 6 percent down to 3 percent.
For Nunavut this slower growth reduces our flexibility and our ability to deliver the programs and services that Nunavummiut need.
We can easily understand that the federal government must balance competing priorities.
My point is that the federal government’s decisions won’t always work in our favour.
Let’s recognize that federal transfers are not large enough to meet our many and growing needs.
If we are to meet our vision of a better, stronger Nunavut, then we must do all that we can to help grow our own economy.
Economic development is one of the government’s four priorities, as described in Sivumut Abluqta.
The other priorities are to support Nunavummiut to develop self-reliance and optimism, develop healthy families and strong communities, and improve our government’s ability to deliver results.
In implementing the Sivumut Abluqta action plan, we are making good progress.
The government will issue a report later this year to show what has been accomplished and where we need to focus our efforts.
General outlook
The economy is of course the foundation for growth and development.
We can be cautiously optimistic. The outlook is encouraging but not rosy.
The Conference Board of Canada forecasts our economy will grow 4.9 percent this year, excluding inflation.
The global mining sector has had a difficult year, but some analysts think things will improve soon.
Commodity prices may remain low this year, but gold and iron prices have begun to bounce back.
That may encourage more mining production and exploration.
Certainly we are already seeing encouraging signs here at home.
Production continues at the Mary River iron mine and the Meadowbank gold mine. TMAC Resources recently produced its first gold at Doris North and is seeking permits to expand its operations.
Last week Agnico Eagle gave the go-ahead on its Meliadine and Amaruq projects.
Other projects continue to advance, including Chidliak, Izok Corridor, Whale Tail, and Back River.
The success of our mining sector is very important to our future.
It is a key driver in growing and diversifying our economy and in providing jobs outside of government.
At the end of last year 13,500 Nunavummiut had jobs.
That’s up 800 from the year before.
Almost all those new jobs were occupied by Inuit.
The unemployment rate at 14.9 percent was down a full percentage point from the previous year.
These signs look good, but let’s be clear that we need a great deal more economic growth steadily and over time.
We are going to need more jobs.
Today more than 10,000 Nunavummiut are in school.