EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
As a regular member, I sometimes wonder and have questions about how our government is working.
I believe that there needs to be assistance to this process that is happening and I don’t think the cost should be an issue. Therefore, I would like ask a question.
If there is a review taking place, would the Nunavut government be able to take part in funding this?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister responsible for the Status of Women, Ms. Ugyuk.
The Member for Tununiq quoted that response I provided yesterday and I wish to provide further clarity on why I made my statement.
Within Nunavut, particularly within our communities, we aren’t searching for missing women.
That was the reasoning for making my comments.
There are currently no searches for missing women within Nunavut.
When we went to the roundtable organized by the federal government, they had an actual position paper stating that they haven’t agreed to this inquiry.
For some of the representatives, we were aware that this type of inquiry would be quite expensive.
This is just what we have heard.
Our government will not contribute. However, if we were to put an equal amount spent on this inquiry, it would provide more assistance to our residents, at least that is the position of some members and which is why I spoke about that.
Aboriginal people are not all the same. The First Nations and Inuit are not the same.
Nunavut has no highways connecting our various communities and air travel is usually the only method to travel to our communities.
We are not conducting any searches for missing women in our communities and this is the point I want understood.
Yes, I am aware of that fact and I am grateful that no searches are underway for missing women in Nunavut, but our fellow Canadian citizens comprise of a multitude of missing or murdered aboriginal women.
I am stating that this is an extremely important cause because, even though they may not be in Nunavut, they are our fellow aboriginal people resident in Canada and we ought not to abandon our fellow residents, at least from my personal perspective.
Additionally, another question I want to raise relates to the funding levels and of your position that funds of that size would better be utilized in other programs. At least that is how I understood the minister’s response.
Also, another part of the announcement she made is written on the other page of yesterday’s Blues within the Minister’s Statement.
Here is what she said, which is what I was trying to ask about yesterday and again I will quote the exact wording, “On behalf of all Nunavummiut, I commit to working towards a framework to end this violence once and for all.”
Yesterday, I raised a question about this statement and the implications, so I will ask it again today. What is your department planning in order to realize this statement?
The Member for Tununiq has asked how we will provide assistance to our fellow Nunavummiut to quell violence, especially where their lives have been impacted and how the Government of Nunavut will work to implement this work. I believe I understood his question.
Yes, we are in discussions with the federal government on this issue and we have requested their assistance on how to lower the abuse that occurs in our territory in light of the atrocious numbers highlighted by statistics in terms of Canada’s overall national crime statistics. These figures are all specific to impacts on our women in Nunavut or girls, perhaps, who experience abuse. The figures are brutal when it comes to spousal assault or sexual abuse statistics.
When representatives of our department meet with the federal counterparts, we continually request more assistance as the family services department on ways to lower these statistics.
Our hon. colleague, Ms. Pat Angnakak, made a statement about the status of our territorial shelters for women in [Nunavut] to enable women to receive assistance. There is one shelter for the entire Baffin region, which is overstretched with half the population of Nunavut being serviced by one facility. The situation is similar in Kivalliq with the facility unable to meet demand for assistance.
There are three shelters in the Kitikmeot region.
We are trying to consult women on how to provide further assistance through the Department of Family Services as well as through the (interpretation ends) federal government (interpretation) discussions taking place.
Maybe if I rephrase my question and refocus my language, you might understand my reasoning for the question. (interpretation ends) Obviously, (interpretation) it is becoming clear that you can’t even understand my questioning.
You continue to state that this will be dealt with, yet you rarely espouse the type of work that will go into this mitigation effort.
I think I barely grasped that from your response, provided I even understood what you said, as it was very vague.
If that is the case, how exactly will this basis or (interpretation ends) framework (interpretation) be accomplished? You keep maintaining that your department will undertake this and every statement is that your department has commenced this work, yet this framework you reference continually, when will Nunavummiut see this become reality?
I also thank the Member for Tununiq for being passionate about this issue. We have to all get involved with the residents who are faced with this difficulty.
Many of the issues relate to women and girls in particular.
Also under the (interpretation ends) Qulliit Status of Women, (interpretation) there is a (interpretation ends) framework strategy (interpretation) I have asked them to complete through a (interpretation ends) contract. (interpretation) Once we gave them this task, the (interpretation ends) contractors (interpretation) will initiate that towards the end of March.
We should have an idea of the outlook of the strategy and our expectations are that this will serve as a launching pad towards our future.
I’m requesting to go back to Item 5.
The member would like to return to Item 5, Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery.
Mr. Savikataaq, please proceed.
I would like to recognize a constituent and friend of mine, Mr. Paul Pemik from Arviat.
Even though he has been recognized, I would like to recognize Paul Pemik, whom I have known for a very long time. I think we used to go to school together. I just wanted to recognize and welcome Mr. Paul Pemik to the gallery.
Item 14. (interpretation) Tabling of Documents.
Tabled Document 107 – 4(2): Agreement used for the Management of Local Housing Programs (Kuksuk)
I am pleased to table the agreement used for the management of the local housing association programs.
Item 17. (interpretation) Motions. (interpretation ends) Item 18.
Bills 14, 15, 16, and 17 with Mr. Mikkungwak in the Chair.
In accordance with the authority provided to me by Motion 19 – 4(2), the committee will stay in session until it reports itself out.
>>House recessed at 15:08 and Committee resumed at 15:36
Good day to the people of Baker Lake and all Nunavummiut.
We will be going into Committee of the Whole. (interpretation ends) I would like to call the committee meeting to order.
We wish to continue with the review of the 2015-16 Main Estimates of the Department of Community and Government Services, followed by the Department of Education.
Do my colleagues agree that we continue with our review of the Department of Community and Government Services?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) Is the committee agreed that the minister’s staff go to the witness table?
(interpretation ends) Hon. Minister, Mr. Sammurtok, (interpretation) for the record, please introduce your officials.
To my right is (interpretation ends) Deputy Minister Roy Green (interpretation) and to my left is (interpretation ends) Director of Finance Gershom Moyo.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) We were on page J-5.
Community Services. Branch Summary.
The next name on my list, Mr. Joanasie.
The first item I wish to get clarification on was regarding a question brought up yesterday by Mr. Mikkungwak about the (interpretation ends) Building Canada Fund (interpretation) and other funds provided by the federal government for capital projects with proposals.
I know that these are still the Blues, but the deputy minister responded by saying that the latest (interpretation ends) Building Canada Fund (interpretation) report states that various departments in our government have submitted a list of projects for consideration.
It also highlights which of the projects are the priority and (interpretation ends) Infrastructure Canada, (interpretation) which is part of the federal government, as well as the (interpretation ends) Building Canada Fund (interpretation) states that it would take approximately three months to find out whether the request has been approved or not.
Could we see the list of priorities that you have within your department? It could be a summary.
Before we respond, with your permission, Mr. Chairman, I would like to provide a response to a question that was asked yesterday.
Chairman (interpretation): Go ahead, (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister, Mr. Sammurtok.
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Before we start with the proceedings today, I would like to give an answer to a question that was asked yesterday. I think the person that asked the question is not here. However, the Member for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, Ms. Angnakak, asked if I could give a breakdown of seniors versus those with disabilities who are accessing the program for tax relief.
I would like to inform the members that 93 percent of the funds are distributed to seniors while only 3 percent goes to people with disabilities.
This information is based on applications that were received. (interpretation) Thank you.
That was a response to a question that was brought up yesterday.
If you would proceed with Mr. Joanasie’s question. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister, Mr. Sammurtok.
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): If I understood the question that was posed by the member correctly, I believe you are asking about what monies were requested from which pot of money.
We can’t show you those at this time because they are being dealt with by the federal government at this time.
Would it be possible to see the list once it has been approved?
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Once they have been approved, we will know and the information will be made available to the public.
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you for that information.
Your department has different policies for community government with regard to water and sewage, but this policy and others have expired.
What is your department doing regarding the renewal of these expired policies?
The services can still be provided, but if it’s okay with you, my deputy minister can elaborate.
Even though the sunset clause has expired, those policies still remain in effect.
The rationale for the delay in bringing those back for approval by cabinet is because we are doing several reviews. We are doing a program review of the water and sewage program.
We felt it would be best to delay any amendments or adjustments to the policies until that work has been done so that they can be reflected in the revisions to the policy.
When can we expect to see the amended policies?
We will probably be able to table them within six months.
Moving on to another subject regarding the business plan for 2015-18, two of its priorities for the 2015-16 fiscal year state, (interpretation ends) “Implement a strategic plan for addressing maintenance of community and government assets,” (interpretation) and to “Finalize the development of a strategic plan...” Can the minister indicate if the strategic plan has been completed to date?
At this time, the strategic plan is still in the works and we will probably be able to complete it in the summer of 2015.
We will look forward to the completion in the summer.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Chairman, on May 9, 2014, the department issued a request for proposals titled “Asset Management Program Review.” The information provided by the department’s website indicates that this contract was awarded to the Ameresco Asset Sustainability Group on July 10, 2014.
What is your department’s timeline for the completion of this project?
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) That just happens to be the same one that the member asked in his previous question, so the timeline for that is again the summer of 2015. (interpretation) Thank you.
I will move on to another one then, the granular management program.
The department’s draft 2015-18 business plan indicates that “The granular management program has been implemented in 3 communities (Kugluktuk, Arviat and Sanikiluaq).”
Can you provide an update on the status of the granular program in these three communities?
They are working on the program themselves. The program is running very well and they have become independently and financially sustainable. They will be open to any other communities if they requested for them.
That is how it is right now.
Any community can request from your department for a granular program?
Yes, any community can request the equipment. However, in the majority of cases, it would be included in the capital plan with a business case for its usage. That would become clear.
Just recently, we received a community request for this equipment from Chesterfield Inlet.
Thank you.  Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much.
Also, moving on to a different topic too, I wanted to touch upon the Sport and Recreation Administration.
In the business plan on 161, there’s about a $900,000 increase.
If I understood correctly, that was for… . Can you clarify what that increase is for?
This question was raised yesterday and I believe we responded to it. However, it was related to the increase which is a result of the (interpretation ends) Western Canada Summer Games (interpretation) as well as the Arctic Winter Games to be held in Greenland.
On the same matter, the Arctic Winter Games occur every two years. I expect that this fund would be increased in the future, but I don’t think the figure has changed if we look at the plans for 2016-18. Has any consideration been given to this funding?
Actually, depending on the tournaments and their location, it can be more expensive in some years and less expensive for other places.
At this time, the upcoming Arctic Winter Games in Nuuk, Greenland will host several events and we anticipate that portion to be more expensive.
Nonetheless, when events are held within Canada, they are generally less expensive, but that amount varies depending on the location.
Are you out of questions?
We are on (interpretation ends) Branch Summary. Community and Government Services.
Community Services. (interpretation) Following my list of names, Mr. Savikataaq.
In your business plan, mobile equipment block funding, is that for heavy equipment and light trucks or only one?
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) This is mainly for heavy equipment. (interpretation) Thank you.
Is the funding allocated evenly, like a small community to a larger community?
Can you just explain to the committee members: would a community like Arviat get more than a small community, let’s say, like Whale Cove, just as an example?
One is quite a bit bigger than the other.
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Yes, the member’s assumption is correct, as some communities are larger while other communities are quite small. Additionally, the heavy equipment required in each community is also different.
Yes, it generally follows the size of the community in how these funds are allocated.
I won’t ask about the amounts because I don’t think you would have that kind of information, but maybe I should.
How much would a community like Arviat get to replace their heavy equipment which is quite expensive?
Right now, it is set at $116,000 per year.
Going on to a different subject under search and rescue, I think most communities have cellphone service now.
I know Arviat has cellphone service. Under your mandate here, it says that you’re willing to buy equipment and communication systems.
I know that you’re not in the telecom business of buying towers, but is there any way or any thoughts of CG&S buying and installing cellphone repeater towers in communities that have cellphone service to help out in search and rescues?
I’ll take Arviat for example. It’s very flat. A cellphone repeater tower would be able to cover lots.
I think it would save a lot of money in search and rescues because it seems like almost everybody has a cellphone now where there is cellphone service. If someone could call and say, “I need help” or “I’m okay,” then that would cut down on the cost.
When they are doing searches right now, the search and rescue teams take satellite phones, but you can’t get a hold of them because they usually don’t have it on. When you have a cellphone, it’s always on.
Can I just get the minister’s thoughts on if there are any plans to set up cellphone towers? If he has any plans, Arviat would be a good community to do a pilot project.
That is probably the same thought of everybody else here and they are for their own communities.
We are in discussions with service providers on this topic. However, it’s still in the discussion stage. (interpretation) Thank you.
All the communities might want it, but Arviat is so flat that the coverage would be so good that it is the perfect place to do a pilot project.
The minister said that he is in discussions.
Is there a timeframe of when he might be able to… ? This committee will be long over by the time he gets a response, but is there a timeframe when he can maybe get back to me anyway to see how the discussions are going for towers in Arviat?
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) We are currently in discussions, as I mentioned.
We are doing cost analysis and depending on how much it would cost to implement these things, I’m not able to give you a definite timeframe at this point. (interpretation) Thank you.
Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the minister for that.
I’m looking forward to hearing when he is going to possibly be installing those towers in Arviat. That’s all I have.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) We are on Branch Summary. Community and Government Services. Community Services.
Good afternoon, (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister.
(interpretation) We are on page J-5 of the English version and this item can result in a whole slew of questions on various matters, so bear with me as I ask several questions related to this issue.
In particular, this relates to the crisis we endured in Pond Inlet and I believe everyone in Nunavut has heard about the challenges we faced.
The question I want to ask relates to the crisis we went through, as every other community may have to endure that same situation.
It’s just to ensure all Nunavummiut hear the same response, particularly for the benefit of the local hamlet councils, to ensure they are all aware of this issue. It was kind of confusing trying to ascertain which department would assist our community and whether any official would be able to assist us.
Firstly, let me raise this matter in my question, Mr. Chairman. Your department is, I believe, the main provider of assistance to the local hamlets and the experts communities depend on to provide help.
How can you best describe the process both for my information and the benefit of Nunavummiut?
Perhaps I will start off with this question.
You are responsible for the operations of the hamlets. When does your department determine that assistance is required locally?
Does a community have to initiate the request, even though your department is aware that a crisis is brewing?
Is it that the municipality is committing operational mistakes or something else is causing the problem, so the only time your department can assist the community is upon their request?
As a department, we are not in Pond Inlet all the time. Only when we are told of a problem can we start to do something about it.
So that you can get a clear and concise response, I would like my deputy minister to respond to that.
Unfortunately, the situation that happened in Pond Inlet, the department, through its program review, was aware from the complaints that were coming back from the municipality that they felt there was not enough consultation between the Department of Community and Government Services and the local hamlet. Basically, as part of the review, we took a look at that operation and what we felt was that we needed to put more support on the ground.
Moving forward, as part our approved organizational structure, we now have created a community development support and there will be three regional program managers that will be visiting communities on a regular basis so that they can become aware of issues on the ground.
If a department needs support from Community and Government Services in the event there are issues or disruptions in services that may have an impact on health and safety, they can go to those program managers and CGS will certainly step up to the plate and provide the same sort of support that we provided the Hamlet of Pond Inlet when we became aware of the situation with the sewage situation within the community.
Quite some time ago now, that was when your department first started hearing about service delivery problems in Pond Inlet. Perhaps here I can state that I was provided with two different dates of the response, one stating that December 16 is when you first heard of the problem and the other date mentioned was December 20.
That is a four-day difference, which isn’t the concern in my opinion. Nonetheless, when your department was notified…. .
Let me digress here. The reason why I am asking about this communication issue is that all Nunavummiut have to be informed. All hamlets have to know the same information when it comes to facing emergencies and be aware that if something happens, then the department would respond.
I am not just referring to Pond Inlet with my remarks.
However, since the community is what I am familiar with, I will use it as an example.
At that time when you received notification of the problem, what did your department start with? When the administration in Pond Inlet notified your department about this situation, what kind of steps did the department initiate?
As my deputy minister stated, in order for the communities not to experience this situation again, no matter which community, at this time, our department has set up a monitoring system at the ground level in the communities.
When we were informed, the steps we initiated stemmed from the report I received, which was in December. They reported to me that the sewage truck broke down.
Our department started the initiation of providing support, but then the vehicle broke down again.
After it broke down again unexpectedly, all of these vehicles broke down at the same time.
Once we realized that, we sent mechanics over there and we sent parts for the service trucks.
I wasn’t in Pond Inlet for a brief period, as I wasn’t there from December 20 to 27, but prior to those dates and afterwards, I was staying in Pond Inlet. I also know for a fact that it was only when the hamlet council declared a local state of emergency that their concerns were finally listened to.
That was when the department finally sent a mechanic to the community and all the while, the community was experiencing these problems since December.
Why didn’t your department believe that this was an urgent situation?
This was especially when the service vehicles kept breaking down and we were down to one truck providing services.
Is there a policy within the department that states that only when a community declares a state of emergency that your department can finally provide assistance?
Is there a policy that governed the events that occurred in Pond Inlet?
No, we don’t have that kind of a policy.
Every time a community reports an incident or issue, we fact-find it and we try to provide support right away.