EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
One of the other concerns that have been raised with me regarding the Senior Fuel Subsidy Program is the way in which the program currently reimburses applicants after they have actually purchased their fuel.
In some cases, they do not receive assistance until after the cold season has ended.
(interpretation ends) Will the minister commit to reviewing the program so as to allow eligible applicants the flexibility to choose an option whereby the department directly enters into a payment arrangement with the local fuel delivery supplier on their behalf and credits their accounts?
With respect to the member’s last question, I didn’t quite comprehend the question.
Perhaps he can provide a bit more detail as I didn’t understand the English portion.
Speaker (interpretation): Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Mikkungwak, please repeat your question.
Will the minister commit to reviewing the program so as to allow eligible applicants the flexibility to choose an option whereby the department directly enters into a payment arrangement with the local fuel delivery supplier on their behalf and credits their accounts?
I also thank the Member for Baker Lake for his question on the Senior Fuel Subsidy Program.
My officials are conducting a review of the issues related to this matter of subsidization.
The assistance is based on their level of income. Some receive half of the subsidy while others get reimbursed for actual fuel purchases.
Those who initially receive half the subsidy are those with incomes up to $75,000 while those with incomes between $75,000 and $100,000 are only reimbursed up to 50 percent of the subsidy.
Again, income is the main criteria for this subsidy, and the goal of this federal program is to ensure elders don’t suffer extreme hardship.
I hope that this helps to clarify the issue.
Question 033 – 4(1): Incorporating Inuit Societal Values into Child and Family Services Legislation (Enook)
Good afternoon, my fellow residents of Pond Inlet and Nunavut.
Further, the people referred to earlier are also in our minds, both the residents of Igloolik and Pangnirtung.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to direct my questions to the Minister responsible for Family Services.
Mr. Speaker, in the Third Assembly, the minister was a strong proponent of Inuit societal values and I commend her for that.
Now that she is in a position where she can truly bring these views to the forefront, I sincerely hope that she will carry through with those stated beliefs.
I would like to ask, Mr. Speaker: can the minister indicate whether or not there are any plans for her department to review the Child and Family Services Act with a view to bringing the legislation more in line with Inuit societal values?
Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the Member for Tununiq for asking that question.
The Department of Family Services has had clashes with the Inuit cultural values in the past. The Minister of Culture and Heritage is a participant to see how we can resolve these challenges faced by social services. We are working together to resolve these issues.
I also spoke earlier to local initiatives to deal with social issues in the communities, and these groups could also serve as agents of change since they are not part of the government who promote traditional Inuit social practices.
That is what I can respond with.
As Inuit, we have a longstanding concern about children who are removed from their homes by Family Services.
As we all know in Nunavut and the Inuit societal values that many hold strongly, it’s preferred to keep families together.
Keeping that in mind, we have observed that the Child and Family Services Act has not even remotely applied Inuit societal values and culture, especially when attempts are made for children to be moved or taken away from their homes and looked after by other people.
Can the minister tell me what her department is doing with respect to apprehending children?
What change is being made to the legislation to ensure what you have stated as beliefs based on Inuit societal values when it comes to moving children from their homes?
I thank the Member for Tununiq for asking a good question.
Our department is currently in the process of incorporating Inuit societal values and looking at other ways to do so.
As the people of Nunavut, we were taught to listen to elders. We are drifting away from that.
I can assure the member, however, that we’re gathering orientation material and actively encouraging Inuit to become social workers.
As legislators, we have the opportunity to ensure that legislation in our jurisdiction meets the needs and aspirations of the people we serve, the people of Nunavut, and that is in our mandate.
Will the minister commit to reviewing the Child and Family Services Act and bringing forward legislative amendments to strengthen the role of Inuit societal values in its interpretation and implementation?
I thank the Member for Tununiq for his question to incorporate Inuit societal values and culture in social services.
I meet regularly with my officials and it’s something that is expected of us by the people of Nunavut.
The five IQ principles that we recently adopted, Inuuqatigiitsiarniq, Tunnganarniq, Pijittirniq, Aajiiqatigiitsiarniq, and Piliriqatigitsiarniq, we are trying to incorporate into our orientation materials for use in social work and social worker training.
That is strongly supported within social services to better reflect Inuit societal values.
Question 034 – 4(1): Escorts for Clients Travelling for Surgery (Mapsalak)
I had asked some of the questions previously with respect to patient escorts.
The question I have is, when patients are sent south for surgical operations, there have been numerous times when they’re returned without getting any surgery done because they were sent out without an escort.
Mr. Speaker, this practice is very expensive and causes further and unnecessary delay.
My question is: is that covered under the Department of Health’s policies on escorts for patients who are sent out for surgery?
It appears too many of these patients are not allowed escorts to assist them.
Does the minister know if that is covered under a policy?
There is a policy in place whereby a patient goes down south for medical treatment, especially when a patient suffers from a handicap, the nurses would have to communicate that to the people in charge, or if the patient will be away for an extended period of time or if they need to change the return ticket, they would have to work with them to make that decision.
Indeed, if that was the case with that policy already in place, then this policy isn’t being enforced since the people who administer the tickets or are responsible for these matters within a community don’t seem to know it. Is this policy being sent out as a directive that they have to follow so that patients needing an escort are provided one? I wonder if the policy is even being sent out to the community health centres.
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for asking that question.
Our officials administering the Department of Health have provided briefings on the new policy to ensure that they comprehend the policy and that the policy is being implemented in the same manner in all places.
There has been information provided to staff members who administer the travel policy for medical patients, as well as to administrators and occasionally, including the patients who are going for medical procedures.
I’m sorry, but question period has expired. (interpretation ends) No. 7. Written Questions.
Written Question 001 – 4(1): Salary Disclosure for the Senior Public Service (Enook)
My written question today is for the Premier and it concerns salary disclosure for the senior public service.
Mr. Speaker, my written question is very detailed, so I ask that it be entered into the record as read.
Listed by individual, what is the total annual remuneration paid to current departmental deputy ministers, heads of territorial corporations, and heads of Crown agencies, including but not limited to salary, Nunavut Northern Allowance, travel allowance, and entertainment allowance?
From November 15, 2008 to March 6, 2014, listed by individual, how much was awarded in performance bonuses to departmental deputy ministers, heads of territorial corporations, and heads of Crown agencies?
From November 15, 2008 to March 6, 2014, what were the contents of each annual letter of expectation provided by the Premier to departmental deputy ministers, heads of territorial corporations, and heads of Crown agencies?
What mechanisms have been implemented by the Government of Nunavut’s Senior Personnel Secretariat to monitor compliance on the part of deputy heads with conflict of interest guidelines in relation to their personal financial activities, business holdings, and interests in enterprises that conduct business in Nunavut?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The member is requesting that his written question be entered into the record as read.
Written Question 002 – 4(1): Enforcement of the Liquor Act (Savikataaq)
My written question today is for the Minister of Justice and Minister responsible for the Liquor Licensing Board and it concerns the enforcement of the Liquor Act.
From April 1, 2010, to March 10, 2014, broken down by fiscal year, community and category of alleged offence, how many charges were laid for alleged contraventions of the Liquor Act?
With respect to the charges referred to in question No. 1, what was the ultimate disposition of each matter, including the amount of any fines that were imposed?
With respect to fines imposed between January 1, 2010 and March 10, 2014 for contraventions of the Liquor Act, what is the total amount of money received to date from offenders?
As of March 10, 2014, how many individuals are currently incarcerated in territorial correctional facilities as a consequence of sentences imposed for contraventions of the Liquor Act?
As of March 10, 2014, how many matters involving alleged contraventions of the Liquor Act are awaiting consideration before the Nunavut Court of Justice?
Tabled Document 014 – 4(1): Federal/Provincial/Territorial Meeting of Ministers of Local Government, July 2013 (Sammurtok)
I am pleased to table the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Meeting of Ministers of Local Government in Whitehorse, Yukon, July 2013.
Bill 2 with Mr. Enook in the Chair.  Before we proceed with the Committee of the Whole, we will take a 20-minute break.
>>House recessed at 15:16 and Committee resumed at 15:38
Chairman (Mr. Enook)(interpretation): Good afternoon, members.
Good afternoon, Nunavummiut. I welcome all Nunavummiut to the committee meeting.
I would like to call the committee meeting to order. In Committee of the Whole, we have the following item to deal with: Bill 2. What is the wish of the committee?
We wish to start the review of the capital main estimates, commencing with the Department of Economic Development and Transportation.
Does the committee agree that we deal with the capital estimates of the Department of Economic Development and Transportation?
Bill 02 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2014-2015 – Economic Development and Transportation – Consideration in Committee
Chairman (interpretation): It seemed as though you were going to disagree.
Minister Kuksuk, welcome.
At this time, if you have any opening comments, (interpretation ends) hon. minister, (interpretation) you may proceed.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I say “good day” to my fellow Nunavummiut, as well as my constituents who are watching the proceedings.
I will be making my opening comments in English.
As I said, good afternoon, Mr. Chairman.
(interpretation ends) I am pleased to be here before the Committee of the Whole to review the 2014-15 capital plan for the Department of Economic Development and Transportation.
We are proposing a capital budget of $35,968,000 for the 2014-15 fiscal year.
This will allow us to make important investments in air, marine, and land transportation systems and advance an important tourism infrastructure project in the Kivalliq region.
The largest item in our capital plan is the $30,118,000 we have allocated to advance the Iqaluit International Airport improvement project.
The funding will be used on initial stages of construction which will begin in April of 2014.
The preferred proponent, Arctic Infrastructure Limited Partners, or AILP, will assume operation of the airport on July 21, 2014.
This project funding comes from three sources: P3 Canada, the Government of Nunavut, and the private partner, AILP.
The Government of Nunavut begins to pay its portion back to AILP starting now and ending in 2048. A value-for-money analysis determined that the Government of Nunavut could save more than $100 million over this period by choosing this method of financing compared to the cost of constructing and operating the airport in the conventional way.
The infrastructure at Iqaluit International Airport is approaching the end of its useful lifecycle.
Over 30 percent of Nunavut’s air traffic passes through Iqaluit, and the airport is an essential hub for the Baffin region and to connect Nunavut’s regions with each other.
It also connects Nunavut to Ottawa, Montreal, Nunavik, Greenland, and soon to Atlantic Canada.
For these reasons, this project is our largest and most urgent infrastructure needed.
Our capital plan also contains funding for projects in other communities to finalize improvements to airports and airside surface projects that were initiated in prior years, as well as upgrades to airport equipment and security.
The Cambridge Bay and Rankin Inlet airport improvement projects were driven by a need to enhance the safety of these facilities; in Rankin Inlet by expanding the apron and in Cambridge Bay by widening the runway.
Both projects will leverage Building Canada funds and will improve the long-term efficiency of all passengers and freight operations in the Kivalliq and Kitikmeot regions.
The Rankin Inlet project is on target for completion in 2014-15 with the installation of the new electrical systems.
Construction will continue on the Cambridge Bay project, with work scheduled to continue on the runway graded areas, the apron, and electrical systems.
Mr. Chairman, these are the major airport projects we will be undertaking in the 2014-15 fiscal year.
There are also some other projects under $250,000 which are grouped together under the heading of “Small Capital Projects.”
We have allocated $472,000 to complete these projects, which will include new runway inspection vehicles for two communities, as well as maintenance equipment like compacters and blower attachments for a number of communities.
The department owns 250 pieces of equipment that are used to maintain our runways. This equipment is critical to air safety and, if we expect it to function reliably over time, we need to keep it in the best condition possible.
Also included in the small capital allocation is $100,000 for planning work needed to build the case for marine, airport, and other transportation facilities.
Several larger equipment purchases will be made under minor capital. Under this heading, we have allocated $1.7 million to purchase loaders for Baker Lake, Igloolik, Hall Beach, and Kugluktuk, as well as a grader for Arviat.
Regional Visitor Centres
We are also proposing funding for regional visitor centres. The Kivalliq is the only Nunavut region without a visitor centre.
Three design options for such a centre in Rankin Inlet have been prepared and once an option has been chosen, class “A” estimates will be developed for the construction of the facility starting in fiscal year 2015-16.
Another $328,000 is set aside under small capital to perform maintenance work at our visitor centres in Iqaluit, Pangnirtung, and Cambridge Bay.
Marine Infrastructure
Mr. Chairman, we have included $500,000 in this capital plan to make minor improvements to marine infrastructure in our communities.
These projects are small but important investments in sealift areas, mooring bollards, floating docks, and other infrastructure.
We propose to make most of the funding for community marine infrastructure available to communities under contribution agreements so they can carry out their own improvements.
It is the Government of Nunavut’s position that the development of marine infrastructure in Nunavut is a federal responsibility, as it is and has been historically in the rest of Canada.
By showing our commitment to these minor improvements in marine infrastructure, this funding will encourage the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans to continue and expand their own investments in small craft harbours in Nunavut, and encourage Transport Canada to look seriously at the development of port infrastructure. We will continue to lobby for this infrastructure that is essential to our economic development.
Motor Vehicles
We have allocated $2.8 million for the planning and design of a new Motor Vehicle Information System, or MVIS, with the assistance of the technical project managers with the Department of Community and Government Services.
MVIS is administered by the department’s Motor Vehicles Division and contains the data for Nunavut’s driver’s licences, general ID cards, and vehicle registrations. It is an important source of information for the delivery of many public services above and beyond motor vehicle services.
The system’s hardware, software, and operating system are now obsolete and have experienced periodic failures in recent years. Even when it is working properly, this system limits our ability to improve our processes, operate efficiently, and collaborate with other government bodies both within Nunavut and across Canada.
We have had complaints from MLAs in recent years about the delivery of driver’s licence and other motor vehicle services in communities. We are committed to continuing to improve our service delivery, and a new MVIS is an essential part of that work.
Mr. Chairman, our capital plan was put together with an eye to prudent spending and it will help achieve the government’s goal of a balanced budget.
In order to accomplish this, some difficult choices had to be made. However, we have ensured that our capital plan incorporates projects that focus on safety, which is our number one concern in operating our airports.
This plan is in line with Nunavut’s transportation strategy, Ingirrasiliqta.
It will strengthen our partnerships with the federal government, with industry, and with our communities, and it ensures that our investments provide the best possible return for Nunavut’s economic and social future.
Mr. Speaker, I will be glad to answer any questions from my fellow members.
Qujannamiik. Ma'na. Thank you.
Chairman: Qujannamiik, hon. minister. (interpretation) Before we proceed, let me ask if you have any witnesses that you would like to bring to the table.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Yes, it would be good to have witnesses here at the table. First of all, I’ll introduce Bob Long.
Chairman: Qujannamiik, hon. minister. (interpretation) Does the committee agree to bring in the witnesses?
Thank you, Sergeant-at-Arms. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister, (interpretation) for the record, please introduce your witnesses.
Minister Kuksuk.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
On my [left] is Art Stewart, who is the Director of Transportation, Policy and Planning, and on my right is Bob Long, Deputy Minister for the Department of Economic Development and Transportation.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister. (interpretation ends) Mr. Long and Mr. Stewart, welcome to the House. (interpretation) Does any member of the Regular Members’ Caucus have comments for the minister?
I am pleased to provide opening comments on behalf of the Regular Members’ Caucus concerning its review of the proposed 2014-15 Capital Estimates of the Department of Economic Development and Transportation.
Members note that the department’s proposed capital budget for 2014-15 is $35,968,000.
The department’s capital budget was $20,075,000 for the 2013-14 fiscal year and $14.4 million for the 2012-13 fiscal year.
Mr. Chairman, members engaged in a comprehensive dialogue with the minister concerning the issue of marine infrastructure during his recent appearance.
On June 5, 2009, the government’s updated Nunavut Transportation Strategy was tabled in the Legislative Assembly.
Some of the objectives of the strategy are to “implement the federal Small Craft Harbours Program in Nunavut,” “act on the Nunavut Small Craft Harbours Report,” and “extend the Small Craft Harbours program to other communities.”
The Department of Economic Development and Transportation’s proposed 2014-15 capital estimates include $500,000 in funding for the GN’s contribution towards the construction of small craft harbours in Nunavut communities.
This amount has been included in the department’s annual capital estimates since the 2009-2010 fiscal year.
Members encourage the department to closely examine options for feasible and affordable improvements to existing community marine infrastructure that focus on the safety of boaters and protection of equipment, and which can be undertaken with available resources.
I would note that the 2005 Nunavut Small Craft Harbours Report indicated that “Lack of Nunavut harbour infrastructure has resulted in at least two documented cases of loss of life in recent years.
In 2002, a Pond Inlet fisher drowned while paddling his dinghy from shore to his fishing vessel moored offshore. A Rankin Inlet fisher died under similar circumstances in 2005.”
On September 10, 2013, a Minister’s Statement was delivered in the Legislative Assembly which indicated that “all communities were encouraged to submit proposals to the Department of Economic Development and Transportation for projects that would improve existing marine facilities.”
The Minister’s Statement further noted that “19 communities took advantage of this program.
To date, $1.6 million has been committed for a variety of projects, including dock upgrades, dredging, boat launches, the installation of floating docks, and the upgrade of sealift areas.”
Members encourage the minister to table an annual report in the Legislative Assembly concerning the department’s actual expenditures in this area, including a detailed list of which communities have received and utilized funding under contribution agreements with the department.
Mr. Chairman, in June of 2009, the Legislative Assembly approved $925,000 in capital funding for the planning and design of a new Iqaluit Regional Marine Facility to “meet the needs of marine re-supply as well as local boat owners and operators.”
It is the understanding of members that the cost to construct a deep-water facility would be approximately $100 million.
Members encourage the minister to provide regular updates to the Legislative Assembly concerning his department’s efforts to partner with the federal government and industry to identify ways to fund this project.
Members note that the department’s proposed 2014-15 capital estimates include over $30 million in funding for a number of airport improvement projects, the most significant of which is the Iqaluit International Airport project, which is being undertaken as a public-private partnership.
On September 17, 2013, the government announced that it had signed a contract with Arctic Infrastructure Partners to “design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Iqaluit International Airport Improvement Project.”
The announcement indicated that “materials and equipment will be delivered during the 2013 sealift season and construction will begin in the spring of 2014.”
The department’s 2010-11 capital estimates included $700,000 in funding for a new Kivalliq Regional Visitors Centre.
Members note that the department’s five-year capital plan indicates that $6.0 million will be spent on this project over the course of the 2015-16 and 2016-17 fiscal years.
The department’s proposed 2014-15 capital estimates include $2.5 million in funding for small and minor capital projects, the majority of which is for the acquisition of mobile equipment for Nunavut airports.