EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
In August of 2007, the federal government announced that a deep water arctic docking and refuelling facility will be established at Nanisivik.
The project has been deemed the Nanisivik Naval Facility. This is in Nanisivik.
Last week, the federal government announced that it has awarded a $900,000 design contract for the new facility.
As the minister knows, I have been a strong advocate of cooperation between the federal, territorial, and municipal governments with respect to ensuring that the residents of the community benefit from major infrastructure developments in the High Arctic.
Can the minister update the House on his department’s initiatives in this area?
The contract was based on the federal government’s requirements. The Nunavut government didn’t really have any participation at any level in awarding any type of contract to a southern-based company. I believe that company was out of British Columbia.
No, our department was not involved in any kind of participation in awarding a contract or any other parts of the contract where participants from the community may come in.
Would the minister commit to contacting the Department of National Defence to say that we are interested in communicating and speaking with them to try and make sure that there is a commitment and sort of some benefit coming into the community?
As the member is well aware, there are a lot of initiatives happening throughout the department there and at times, there is a capacity issue within my department.
Of course, depending on what is stated in the contract between the contractor and the federal government, I believe that’s DND, we will make every effort to see if there are any opportunities where the community can benefit on some of these infrastructure projects, although it’s related to a federal initiative.
The federal announcement indicates that and I quote, “The construction portion of this project will benefit communities within the region by creating jobs and enhancing the safety and security of the” region.
Article 24 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement also applies to the procurement activities of the federal government. Can the minister indicate what role his department plays in monitoring federal compliance with Article 24?
The contract that was awarded that you’re speaking of is just on the feasibility of designs and to actually engineer the location for the actual contract to construct the infrastructure there.
At this time, I can’t comment on how the federal government procurement practices relate to any kind of community.
I’m sure that if the Hamlet of Arctic Bay does write a letter to the department and possibly even to the federal government, we may have a better chance of actually getting more benefits to the community than just the department going out there on its own.
I realize that this is the first stage in terms of the initiation of the engineering. Probably with the engineering, there will be some benefit to the community in terms of local contractors being used to go back and forth to Nanisivik and probably our facilities and accommodations.
I’m sure the minister agrees with me, in terms of our economic development in the High Arctic, we need to make sure that we ensure that with any type of activity, whether it’s a territorial project or whether it’s a federal project, our communities’ resources are being used.
We have been working very hard through the Nunavut Housing Trust to make sure that some of our apprentices are going to be qualified carpenters and plumbers, and whatnot.
So I would like to ensure that the Government of Canada or the company that is contracted actually uses those local people.
I just wanted to clarify. You had said that if the Hamlet of Arctic Bay writes a letter to your department, it would sort of initiate the first phase in trying to work towards contacting the Department of National Defence. Is that correct?
Yes, that is correct. I’m sure there are other organizations and various departments throughout the government that are going to be involved in the project.
Question 162 – 3(2): Nomination of the Back River as a Canadian Heritage River (Aupaluktuq)
As I have stated before in the House, the Back River holds special meaning for my constituents in Baker Lake. The minister may recall that during the June sitting of the Legislative Assembly, I provided some information on this issue and suggested that his departmental representative who sits on the Canadian Heritage Rivers System’s board of directors nominate the Back River as a Heritage River.
I was pleased that the minister was receptive to my suggestion to put forward the nomination to the board.
Can the minister provide an update on the status of this nomination?
Thank you very much for the question, Moses.
As mentioned in June, we certainly are interested in working with the communities of Gjoa Haven and Baker Lake towards the Back River being considered as a Canadian Heritage River.
There is a two-step process that must be followed that includes the department background and nomination process. Documents followed by the management plan and all of these documents would have to be prepared, supported, and submitted to the Canadian Heritage Rivers Board for their review and approval.
As you can appreciate, this will take several years to complete. However, steps have been taken and it is our intention to commence this work during 2010 once the umbrella Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement for a Canadian Heritage River currently being negotiated with NTI and the regional Inuit associations is concluded.
I just have one more question for the hon. minister. Will the minister commit to keeping me and the community fully informed on the status of this issue? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker: Thank you. Minister Shewchuk.
Yes, I will definitely make that commitment, and I think we should have an ongoing communication between the community of Baker Lake and my department.
Question 163 – 3(2): Taloyoak Hamlet Office (Pauloosie)
My question is going to be directed to the Minister of CGS.
The federal government announced that they were going to be building a new hamlet office in Taloyoak.
I met with the hamlet council in Taloyoak and they had a concern about the deadline being 2011. They thought that it wasn’t going to be up and ready by the deadline of 2011; I can’t remember what month it was.
Perhaps the minister could help find out for me if that could be further at a later date.
From my understanding for the extension of the deadline, I can’t confirm if we could actually extend it at this time but it should be on schedule.
Thank you, Mr. Pauloosie.
Question 164 – 3(2): Future of Repulse Bay Runway (Ningark)
Mr. Ningark: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Hon. Minister Taptuna, the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation.
In my statement, I stated that I have received a list for the capital plan for Repulse Bay and Kugaaruk.
One such request from Repulse Bay is for the future consideration of relocating the runway in Repulse Bay.
For one thing, the community is growing. It’s expanding. At one end of the runway, there are some buildings and dwellings and it is deemed dangerous by the people of Repulse Bay, especially on approaches or takeoffs.
Has the hon. minister been made aware of the future consideration for the relocation of the runway?
No, I’m not aware of the situation in Repulse Bay.
The fact of the matter is we try and prioritize our airport infrastructure in Nunavut. At this time, I have no information on Repulse Bay.
The first supplementary, I am not surprised that the minister is not made aware; this is not a top priority but it is indeed a concern of the community.
Will the minister instruct his capable staff to communicate with the Hamlet of Repulse Bay and find out what is the real plan?
Is it down the list of capital items or is it quite important for the time being?
Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the hon. member for that question.
I believe, within the department, we do have assessments on the airstrips in Nunavut and if there’s a recent one, I will make sure that the hon. member receives it.
If there is an ongoing one, depending on the time of the year, I’ll make sure that the hon. member is informed and updated.
I thank the hon. minister for the response.
Will the minister, again I say, get his officials to communicate with the Hamlet of Repulse Bay and find out how important this is for the community for the time being?
Yes, I will direct my officials to contact your community of Repulse Bay, the community that you represent, to actually see what the opinion of the community is. We know that every community says that, but through further assessment, we will have a full response to the question and an update.
Thank you, Mr. Ningark. (interpretation) Oral Questions.
Question 165 – 3(2): Funding Criteria for Renovations to Recreational Facilities under CLEY (Ningeongan)
A short time back, the Minister of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth made a statement that their preference is not to construct new facilities when communities request a swimming pool within their capital estimates. I believe he stated that in the current program, if there is an existing unused facility in the community, that there were renovation funds available for communities to apply towards.
I would now like to ask the minister, Mr. Speaker, with regard to that program: are the funds only for renovation projects or can the community utilize these funds for the equipment needed to complete the swimming pool? Can the communities apply separately for these items?
With respect to the funds that can be applied for under this program, which is called the Recreational Facility Improvement Program in English, they can be used for the equipment for the swimming pool or anything related to capital projects.
We have funds equalling $500,000 for the whole of Nunavut, which were approved by the House last year, which we would like to include again for next year’s capital estimates in the spring.
With respect to the items the member alluded to, the funds are inadequate to construct a new facility for a swimming pool, but if there is an existing facility that the community wishes to convert to a pool, all of the construction cost, the equipment cost, and costs to convert the building can be applied towards the CLEY funds, Mr. Speaker.
As Nunavummiut, we ought to be on par with our southern counterparts’ levels of recreational facilities that are available. Nunavut ought to have the same percentage of different facilities.
Perhaps in the future, your department can lobby the federal government for funds that can be utilized for facilities so that Nunavut residents can also have a better future and not just use second-hand facilities for conversion into swimming pools.
Aesthetically, it is not very good to see second-hand facilities converted into swimming pools in Nunavut.
Perhaps the request for a fund for brand-new facilities for community swimming pools in Nunavut can be relayed to the federal government as part of your discussions with them.
Yes, we continue to relay this information regarding the lack of recreational facilities in our communities.
Ever since Canada celebrated their 100th anniversary in 1967, the federal government started building recreational facilities as part of their centennial celebrations.
That is when recreational facilities were first built, both here in Nunavut and in other parts of Canada.
We continue to lobby our federal government and keep voicing the fact that the recreational infrastructure in our communities are deteriorating rapidly. This issue is being studied and continues to be part of their review.
However, I wish to inform the member that the federal government is fully aware of our situation and further, with respect to these types of facilities, the federal government is starting to move towards the resolution of these issues and they are keeping us abreast of any developments.
We will continue to monitor the situation and to lobby the federal government continuously with respect to these facilities. They will have to earmark funds specifically for these types of recreational facilities in Nunavut.
Your second supplementary.
Question 166 – 3(2): Energy Efficient Homes (Okalik)
As I did not complete my line of questioning in my earlier questions, I would like to direct this question to the Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation.
I believe this applies only to certain items, such as the research going on outside of Nunavut, where the researchers conduct experiments on energy efficiency and also assist in pilot projects. An example is to look at alternative energy options, such as solar power or wind power, to lower the power demands of local communities.
I wonder if this has been looked at. I want to ask if the government has looked into this alternative type of energy or if they are working with their cabinet colleagues to look at options that can assist local homeowners to be able to utilize these technologies to lower their costs.
Minister of Energy, (interpretation ends) Hon. Lorne Kusugak.
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Yes, Nunavut’s energy consumption is very expensive for homeowners and I believe that homeowners pay the highest price for heating fuel in Canada.
With respect to the availability and effectiveness of these technologies, we are, indeed, looking at solar or wind power generation as it would really assist homeowners.
We are currently looking into this avenue to see how we can best use alternative energy generation, either by using solar or wind power. We would like to see these technologies become available to lessen the cost of power that our homeowners are currently paying.
With respect to this issue, when would your department be able to table a document in the House outlining your findings regarding these types of alternative solutions?
I know for a fact that the minister alone will not be able to resolve this, but in conjunction with his cabinet colleagues, they can best look at ways to lessen the financial impacts on homeowners. They would require lead time to prepare for this type of assistance if it becomes available since they are always looking for ways to lessen all of their costs.
I would also like to thank the member for asking that question about those technologies.
With regard to energy conservation and its related issues, as I stated earlier, our department is required to work with the Department of Economic Development, including the Qulliq Energy Corporation or other organizations that are involved in development programs.
What I can tell the member is that we will be preparing a report in the next few months to outline the matters related to energy consumption. It would be very beneficial to introduce more programs to assist homeowners and to provide options with respect to energy alternatives.
Homeowners should not have to conduct their own research as to how this technology can assist Nunavummiut with help.
Question 167 – 3(2): Snow Fences for Repulse Bay (Ningark)
My question is directed to the Minister of CGS.
In Repulse Bay, they requested snow clearance equipment because during winter, Repulse Bay gets a lot of snow buildup, particularly in that area where the new units are being constructed.
That area in particular can become inundated with snow to the point where the power lines even hit these snowdrifts and that was relayed to me by a resident of Repulse Bay.
Further, the area near the Northern Store, perhaps in the lee of the outcrop, tends to become filled up with blown snow to the point where it blocks the road. In cases of emergency, these types of barriers can cause essential services, such as water delivery services, sewage pump out services, or garbage pickup services, to lag behind the needs of the residents.
Using this as the basis for accommodating the hamlet’s challenges, snow fencing was requested by the hamlet to alleviate the snow buildup in those areas.
I would like to ask the Minister of CGS, but I am not sure exactly to whom I should direct this. Perhaps as per my question to the Hon. Peter Taptuna, he can task his officials to look into this issue and report on whether this request for a snow fence has been included.
In addition, I would like to find out if their request for the fencing material will be accommodated.
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): I thank the Member for Repulse Bay for asking that question since it is well-thought-out question.
Just to make this point, when you arrive into a community during the summer season, especially if you are new to the north, you would see all of these fences standing on the hills and for non-residents, I imagine it is quite the sight to see all of this fencing.
I am sure that many visitors wonder what purpose these fences serve in the communities, as their only purpose is to serve as snow retainers to lessen the buildup of snow in the community. These fences are worthwhile as they accumulate a lot of snow and assist the communities in dealing with snow buildup.
With respect to his question, we will look into this matter. As a matter of fact, during a summer tour, I spoke to the mayor of Repulse Bay during the summer and he relayed these concerns to me and I thank the member for triggering my memory of these concerns.
I will ensure that my officials look into this and to consult with and meet the Repulse Bay mayor and council, including the residents, to canvass them as to the best site for the placement of the fencing.
The residents of Repulse Bay are intimately aware of their local environment and are best able to pick the best location. We commit to collaborating with the community to identify the best site and, perhaps at the same time, we can also elaborate on the length of the fencing and the best location for it.
Once we have undertaken the study for the fencing, we will have to look at the cost estimates of the option chosen for this project.
Question 168 – 3(2): Effects of Bill C-25 on Nunavut (Elliott)
Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is directed towards the Minister of Justice.
Earlier this fall, Bill C-25 was passed by the federal government. I was wondering if he could update us on the passing of the bill.
Has it had a positive or a negative effect on the Government of Nunavut?
Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank Mr. Elliott for the question.
Mr. Speaker, Bill C-25 only came into effect on October 22, 2009, so it’s really too early to tell if there has been a positive or negative effect on the prison population.
Mr. Elliott, if you can elaborate on what you refer to as Bill C-25 so that it will be identified on the record.
Bill C-25 was a bill that spoke to inmates. I guess I don’t have to call them inmates, but people who are in remand, whether they were given one for one or three for one in terms of when they serve their time inside of cells once they have been either, I don’t know if I want to say, “charged with an offence.”
I guess I will save my other questions for the spring sitting when there has been time to sort of look back and see. I wouldn’t want the minister to speculate on what’s going to happen with that.
Mr. Elliott, are you saying that you don’t have supplementary questions?
Question 169 – 3(2): Midwives in Nunavut (Elliott)
On Tuesday, December 1, in his Member’s Statement, the Hon. Daniel Shewchuk, the Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, talked about the success of the Midwifery Program. I just wanted to know if the minister could give us an update as to how many qualified midwives are hired in the territory.
I know that after the last Assembly passed a very important legislation with respect to midwifery legislation that enables Government of Nunavut to train as well as to license people who are interested in this profession, today I think there have been a number of graduates.
Recently my colleague announced there were two from Rankin Inlet and Kitikmeot was one of the regions that were the first to have gone through training.
Our plans are, from the Kivalliq side, we will be focusing on Arviat for next year.
That, I believe, is a step.
It has been only about one year since the legislation was passed, but I believe that the strategy that was developed by the people in charge of the Maternity Newborn Health Care Strategy group in Rankin Inlet are doing quite well in promoting this program and I think we will continue to see the expansion of this throughout Nunavut.
I know that there are some groups here even in Iqaluit who are interested in utilizing the facilities here to enable the women who are interested in being trained to do so, but at this moment, we don’t have actual, whether or not the success rate is high or not, but we are pleased with the progress to date.
I apologize to the minister because I tried as best as I could to understand his answer and I didn’t quite understand.
So there are two qualified midwives that are acting in health centres across the territory at this time. Is that what he said?
I just wanted to confirm.
I was just confirming what my colleague announced the other day.
There were at least two who graduated recently, but I could tell the member, though, that the current status is that the information that we have with respect to Nunavut Arctic College is it has graduated ten maternity care workers, three of whom went on to train as midwives, with two recently successfully completing the national exam.
So within one year of the passing of the legislation, I think this is pretty good.
Again, I know it’s nice to have, like you said, the ten trained, three who are qualified.
If I’m listening closely, you’re saying that none, zero, are actively working in a health centre helping with the birthing of babies.
That assumption would probably be true because babies are not born every hour and so on.
My information is that they are employed in communities and are available.
If the member wants more information of clarity to what exactly is going on with respect to those who are licensed and for those people working in the Midwifery Program, I will be able to get that update for him.
Thank you for that quasi-answer.
Yes, if the minister could commit to providing information on the number that are working in health centres, which health centres they’re actually working in, and as the program continues to unfold in terms… .
My understanding of why the program, like I said, is very successful is just to the fact that you have people leaving their community to have a baby outside of the community and it would be nice to have that ability to stay in the community so you can be with your spouse, your partner, or whoever.
And I know, in talking to a lot of people at the boarding home, that they would like to be home and the extended time away from home is not very enjoyable.
My thought behind why this was going to happen was so we could have it happening in the communities and also at the same time, maybe save some dollars in terms of travel costs as well. So if the minister could commit to presenting that in the House in a written response.
I will commit to that. I think that information is important not only to the member but to all of the Members of the House.
I just want to be clear that people who are involved in that service, the midwives, are those who care for the well-being of the children are working in public health facilities. It may not actually be at a health centre.
In places like Rankin Inlet, there was another building that houses all of the public health workers.
So I think the two locations that are actively engaged are Rankin Inlet and Kitikmeot at Cambridge Bay and have successfully trained midwives, and so on, but I will be able to provide more information to the member about the others.
If there are no more, Item 7.
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): What is it?
Speaker: One moment, please.
We’re on Item 12. Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills.
Committee Report on Bills 002 – 3(2): Bill 3, Western Canada Lottery Act (Okalik)
Committee Report on Bills 003 – 3(2): Bill 18, Language Statutes Amendment Act (Okalik)
Mr. Speaker, I wish to report that Bill 3, Western Canada Lottery Act, has been reviewed by the standing committee and that the bill is ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole.
I have another bill.