EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
There are more (interpretation) applications from the Kivalliq region, (interpretation ends) which is very encouraging for us, to say the least. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I just have one more.
I’ll leave that one alone for now.
Again, it was another question I had asked last year and one of the concerns that I had with this program that has been brought to my attention is a number of these young parents who have had children while they were still of school age themselves undertake summer student activities, yet the coverage under this program is only during the school year.
During this review that’s going on, would it be realistic for me to request that you take a look at, as long as the student is registered in the upcoming year, maybe some assistance could be provided during the summer if they’re employed for the summer?
Yes, anyone who is working makes money and that person would be making money.
Chairman: Sorry. Thank you.
Early Childhood Education. Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $7,408,000.
Adult Learning and Educational Initiatives.
I just want to get clarification, but I’ll go into the budget line items later on.
We’re talking about adult learning here and I just want to get clarification.
If you want to talk about school curriculum, we can talk to the DEAs in the community if we have suggestions or recommendations, but when it comes to adult learning, as ordinary citizens, it seems like we don’t have room at the community level to make suggestions.
I know that there’s a board of directors for Arctic College, but at the local level, it seems like an ordinary citizen doesn’t have any opportunities to make suggestions on what kind of curriculum they should be taking on.
I just want you to let me know if I’m lacking information on that.
Many members of the public think that sometimes, even though they have suggestions, they don’t know where to go in regard to adult learning programs.
I just want to get further clarification on that.
As I am the Minister of Education, I can’t really respond to that. However, if I put on my other hat, I may be able to respond to that properly. It may be better if you ask me that question when Nunavut Arctic College officials are here, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Enook (interpretation): I thank the Minister of Education for that response.
We will get to that. Perhaps you can tell the Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College to expect questions about this matter.
We’re on Education. Branch Summary.
Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $2,085,000.
Chairman: Go back to G-3. Department Summary.
Education. Detail of Expenditures. Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $202,728,000.
Chairman: Thank you. Is the committee agreed that the Department of Education is concluded?
Minister Quassa, closing comments.
Let me start off with thanking my colleagues for being passionate about education in light of the priority placed on it by this government. Additionally, every question raised in this review will result in further improvements in the educational system as we move forward in advancing it.
Also, I want to thank my departmental (interpretation ends) policy planners (interpretation) in Education, along with my officials who have sat with me in this review. Education inherently involves many different branches and interconnected issues.
My officials are tireless in dealing with these many issues, as they are dedicated and committed to their work in this area.
I wanted to express my appreciation to my officials and everyone who works in the Department of Education.
Lastly, I just want everyone here to completely understand the reasoning behind the (interpretation ends) literacy coaches. (interpretation) I believe the meaning is now clear to all members.
Our teachers do occasionally require refresher courses and all of our teachers don’t have generic knowledge, as some positions are quite specialized. Some teach only certain subjects.
In that light, the (interpretation ends) literacy coaches (interpretation) will be geared more towards teaching.
We can provide more details. I want to refer to a source of great information which I have with me, and anyone can request a copy of a DVD outlining this information.
I would like to say “thank you” again and have a good night, everyone. All the things we want to initiate, we will want to progress with them this coming year.
Chairman: Thank you, Minister Quassa. I thank you and your staff for answering questions.
Iqsuktii, can you escort the guests.
I would now like to ask Mr. Kuksuk to proceed with his opening comments for the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
Your committee has been considering Bill 16 and the main estimates, and would like to report progress. (interpretation) Also, Mr. Speaker, I move that the Report of the Committee of the Whole be agreed to.
Mr. Mikkungwak is the seconder. (interpretation ends) The motion is in order.
Just a reminder for tomorrow morning, there’s a meeting of the Standing Committee on Legislation at nine o’clock in the Tuktu Boardroom.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until Thursday, March 5, 2015, at 1:30 p.m.
>>House adjourned at 19:59
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Pages 2043 – 2114
Opening Prayer 2043
Ministers’ Statements 2043
Members’ Statements 2046
Oral Questions 2049
Tabling of Documents 2065
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 2065
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 2066
Report of the Committee of the Whole 2113
Orders of the Day 2113
Thursday, March 5, 2015 2043
109 – 4(2): DEA Office Manager Training (Quassa) 2043
110 – 4(2): International Women’s Day – March 8, 2015 (Ugyuk) 2044
111 – 4(2): Improvement to Medical Travel for Unilingual Inuktut Patients (Okalik) 2045
112 – 4(2): Climate Change Adaptation for Northern Decision Makers Course (Mike) 2045
245 – 4(2): Congratulations to Chad Eetoolook (Akoak) 2046
246 – 4(2): Appreciation to the Women in her Life (Ugyuk) 2046
247 – 4(2): Pangnirtung’s New Senior Administrative Officer (Mike) 2047
248 – 4(2): The Northern Residents Deduction Program (Hickes) 2048
398 – 4(2): Cultural Orientation for Social Workers (Keyootak) 2049
399 – 4(2): Incorporation of Inuit Qaujimanituqangit (Shooyook) 2051
400 – 4(2): Handicap Van in Rankin Inlet (Sammurtok) 2053
401 – 4(2): Activities of the Office of the Chief Coroner (Rumbolt) 2054
402 – 4(2): The Northern Residents Deduction Program (Hickes) 2056
403 – 4(2): Status of New Cape Dorset Power Plant (Joanasie) 2058
404 – 4(2): Resources for Inclusive Education (Angnakak) 2059
405 – 4(2): Plebiscite on Alienation of Municipal Lands (Savikataaq) 2061
406 – 4(2): Issues with Baker Lake’s Municipal Garage (Mikkungwak) 2062
407 – 4(2): Mary River Project (Enook) 2063
109 – 4(2): Natural Resources Conservation Trust Fund Annual Report – April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014 (Mike) 2065
Bill 20 – Legislation Act – Notice 2065
Bill 16 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2015-2016 – Nunavut Housing Corporation – Consideration in Committee 2066
Speaker (interpretation): Good afternoon, Nunavummiut. People in the Gallery, members, ministers, (interpretation ends) Premier, (interpretation) our staff and interpreters, welcome, as well as our pages.
Minister’s Statement 109 – 4(2): DEA Office Manager Training (Quassa)
I am also thankful to see my colleagues today. To my fellow residents in both Aggu and Igloolik, I hope you have a wonderful day.
Mr. Speaker, I would like my colleagues to know that district education authorities play an important role in our education system.
The district education authorities work with the school principal and their communities to develop school programs that reflect local needs and values and incorporate Inuit culture.
Mr. Speaker, we are committed to helping the district education authorities and their staff gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to administer their organizations effectively and efficiently.
This year, once again, we received funding for DEA office manager training through the Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs Program Development and Training Fund.
This March, we will be holding training sessions on financial management for DEA office managers in all three regions.
Contracted bookkeeping firms, assisted by the DEA development officers and the DEA development coordinator, will deliver training on:
financial accountability procedures,
office procedures,
office manager roles and responsibilities, and
managing department funding programs through contribution agreements.
Mr. Speaker, my department and the Coalition of Nunavut District Education Authorities have worked together to develop a DEA training manual so that DEA staff and elected members have a comprehensive reference guide.
The manual is available on the Education website and we will soon be sending hard copies of the manual to the DEA offices.
Providing high-quality training to ensure that the DEAs have the skills needed to meet the financial reporting requirements under the Education Act and the Financial Administration Act is important.
Mr. Speaker, I am sure this training and the manual will help the DEAs fulfill their important role in our communities.
Minister responsible for the Status of Women Council, Ms. Ugyuk.
Minister’s Statement 110 – 4(2): International Women’s Day – March 8, 2015 (Ugyuk)
Sunday, March 8, is International Women’s Day, and on behalf of the Government of Nunavut, I rise today to recognize and honour all women.
On International Women’s Day, we celebrate women, their lives and their contribution to their families and community.
(interpretation ends) Nunavut has many women working in the traditional arts, in health, in law, in politics, and in some relatively new areas like mining.
We must also recognize the work of those women raising a family, volunteering in their communities, and helping support their extended families and elders.
Mr. Speaker, on this day and throughout the year, the government recognizes that women have the right to be respected as persons, the right to be treated with equality in the workplace, and that they contribute to the economic, cultural, and political development of our society.
Mr. Speaker, my department continues to work with the Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council, which organizes important campaigns for women’s rights, including the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women and Girls.
We value the important role they play in promoting basic human rights and respect for all women.
Qulliit has spent the last six months bringing a coalition of agencies, including government, together to create an action plan to reduce violence that each agency is committed to delivering.
For International Women’s Day, Qulliit has organized a Nunavut-wide photo competition and exhibition entitled, “Nunavut’s Women at Work,” to show the diversity of women’s work throughout Nunavut.
You are invited to the opening of this exhibition at the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum, here in Iqaluit on Sunday, March 8, 2015, at 1 p.m.
Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I invite Nunavummiut to mark this important day in their community with a personal reflection on the importance of women’s lives.
Minister’s Statement 111 – 4(2): Improvement to Medical Travel for Unilingual Inuktut Patients (Okalik)
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day.
I rise today to provide an update on the Medical Travel Policy review recently undertaken by the Department of Health.
Effective immediately, unilingual Inuktut language speaking patients aged 65 and older will now have an escort, if they so wish.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): If they wish to have an escort, they will be able to have an escort all the time.
Mr. Speaker, the Medical Travel Policy was revised in June 2013. The previous minister committed to evaluating the impacts of those changes after one year.
The Department of Health recently completed the review. The goal was to examine the use of the policy and Health was specifically asked to look into the impacts relating to escorts for elders.
In the past, if there were interpretive services available outside of Nunavut, it was expected that patients would use those services.
In respect for those who have come before us, today, we recognize that escorts for unilingual elders participate in the continuum of health care for elders.
This includes reducing stress during travel and ensuring comfort before and after appointments.
Mr. Speaker, the department will continue to ensure that medical travel continues to meet the needs of Nunavummiut.
Minister’s Statement 112 – 4(2): Climate Change Adaptation for Northern Decision Makers Course (Mike)
Good day to all Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to inform members of the new “Climate Change Adaptation for Northern Decision Makers” course developed by the Department of Environment.
This course informs participants about climate change impacts and how climate change considerations can and should be incorporated into decision-making across all government sectors.
The pilot class, which ran in November in Iqaluit, was well received and included participants from many GN departments, as well as key decision-makers from Nunavut’s Crown corporations, and municipal planners from the City of Iqaluit.
The course was developed with funding support from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) Climate Change Adaptation Partnership and was developed as part of a series of territorial climate change training courses with the governments of Yukon and the Northwest Territories.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, Nunavut is experiencing impacts related to climate change, which could have both positive and negative consequences for Nunavut. (interpretation ends) We are working to better understand these impacts and help find ways to better prepare and adapt to these changes. By developing training material such as this course, Government of Nunavut employees will be better equipped to understand how climate change is impacting their work and how they can incorporate adaptation into their decision-making. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 245 – 4(2): Congratulations to Chad Eetoolook (Akoak)
I rise today to congratulate one of my young constituents, Chad Eetoolook.
Mr. Speaker, Chad is a hard-working grade 8 student in Gjoa Haven, and he along with young Nolan Norbert of Kugluktuk were winners of the Kitikmeot Shoot for Success Contest.
Both boys won an all-expense paid trip to Edmonton, Alberta to meet and cheer for the NHL team, the Edmonton Oilers.
Mr. Speaker, this contest is an example of a positive incentive for young Nunavummiut to attend school and excel in education.
Chad Eetoolook had an attendance rate of 95 percent or higher, an example of deep commitment to education.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to encourage all Nunavut students to do their very best in their educational journey. I would also like to express my support of such innovative initiatives, big or small. I thank our teachers for their dedication to our students across our territory.
Lastly, I wish to encourage the engagement of parents in their children’s education.
Education starts in the home.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in congratulating Chad Eetoolook on this exciting milestone.
Member’s Statement 246 – 4(2): Appreciation to the Women in her Life (Ugyuk)
I send my greetings today to the residents of Netsilik, along with my mother and family.
With International Women’s Day approaching us, I wish to remember my maternal grandmother and paternal grandmother, including my mother and my sisters, both older and younger, as women and I want to share in remembering women in our lives.
My maternal grandmother, Kakiarniut, who reared my mother and has steadfastly taught her grandchildren the traditional roles of women in Inuit society, wanted us to be culturally strong and to be able to provide clothing upon marriage and to our children.
I am extremely grateful to Kakiarniut for that.
Qakuqtinniq, who is my mother’s godmother (midwife), was extremely capable and an excellent seamstress, who taught my older sister and those of us younger siblings who caught her last few years.
My paternal grandmother, Napatchie, unfortunately passed away as she passed on when I was too young to remember.
However, due to the stories I have heard about her from my father, I heard she was a very loving woman, who really cared about him, although she was my father’s stepmother.
My older sisters also related their experiences with their grandmother, as they caught her last few years, that she had a profound love for her grandchildren.
Due to having that loving personality, many descendants have received them from our father who learned that from her.
This is what I wanted to make my Member’s Statement on and to express my appreciation publicly. They are forever in my thoughts, as their strength ebbs through me as I stand here.
On that day, my younger sister will be celebrating her birthday and I wish her a happy birthday.
Member’s Statement 247 – 4(2): Pangnirtung’s New Senior Administrative Officer (Mike)
I say “good day” to the residents of Pangnirtung. You are often in my thoughts one and all.
I am pleased to rise today to share this good news and celebrate with my fellow Pangnirtung residents on the conclusion of the local hamlet’s search for a new SAO, as they have selected a new SAO who is now on site commencing his duties.
The Hamlet Council of Pangnirtung faced difficulties in retaining an SAO.
Let me start with first thanking Ed Murphy, who provided the expertise to administer the hamlet, as he was sent by CGS to Pangnirtung to handle the role while the search was underway.
I also wish to extend a warm welcome to the successful candidate, as he isn’t new to the north. I welcome Shawn A. Trepanier to the community. He is married.
The Pangnirtung hamlet council went through serious financial issues.
The new SAO faces a difficult road ahead to resolve his challenges.
Let us express our appreciation as northerners to employees who take on these leadership roles and to provide encouragement to them so that they can look after the municipalities.
I urge everyone to welcome him to the community as the new SAO for the hamlet in Pangnirtung.
Member’s Statement 248 – 4(2): The Northern Residents Deduction Program (Hickes)
Good afternoon to the residents of Iqaluit-Tasiluk and all of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, as we all know, Nunavummiut have the highest cost of living in the country of Canada. In 1987, 27 years ago, the Government of Canada, through the Canada Revenue Agency, created an excellent program that provides assistance in the form of tax support to the residents of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, in a small way, the Northern Residents Deduction Program helps offset the high cost of living for Nunavummiut and puts money back in the pockets of our residents.
We applaud the Government of Canada for this program which recognizes the extreme high cost of living in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, at an event recently, I was speaking with people in my constituency and they raised concerns to my attention about the high cost of living in Nunavut.
My constituents understand that inflation has increased significantly since 1987 and they feel that it is high time for the Northern Residents Deduction to be adjusted for inflation.
Quite frankly, Mr. Speaker, I agree with the position of my constituents on this matter. Following the concerns expressed to me by these constituents, I went home and researched this matter in detail.
I consulted the Nunavut Economic Forum discussion paper issued in 2007 and available for viewing on the Nunavut Tunngavik website.
Mr. Speaker, at that time, the discussion paper cited the cumulative rate of inflation at 64 percent.
In other words, the Northern Residents Deduction has decreased in value by 64 percent in the 20-year period from 1987 to 2007.
Mr. Speaker, I also consulted the Bank of Canada website. I discovered that the Bank of Canada has their own inflation calculator on their website.
The Minister of Finance has often alluded that I have a calculator, but I sometimes use other people’s calculators as well, which I used to calculate the cost of living on this program. According to the Bank of Canada inflation calculator, the Northern Residents Deduction Program should have been increased by a further 20 percent from 2007 to today.
Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Members. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
In effect, since 1987, inflation has decreased the value of this program by 84 percent.
Mr. Speaker, I asked myself, “What can be done about this?”
Clearly, based on the past 27 years, if we continue to be silent about the inflationary impact on this program which is very important to Nunavummiut, then it is likely that it may be overlooked by the Government of Canada.
Mr. Speaker, I am sure that Members of this House recognize that this program helps working families to make ends meet. In fact, we all recognize that every little bit helps in addressing the high cost of living in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, we recognize that the Government of Canada has many priorities and is working on significant initiatives that will benefit our constituents here in Nunavut.
At the appropriate time, I will have questions on this issue to the Minister of Finance.
Member Uqqummiut, Mr. Keyootak.
Question 398 – 4(2): Cultural Orientation for Social Workers (Keyootak)
As we know, the Department of Family Services has counsellors. Do these counsellors work with the social workers in the communities? Does the minister work with these social workers?
Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Perhaps he could repeat the question so that I could have a better understanding. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Member for [Uqqummiut], Mr. Keyootak, can you repeat your question, please.
I’m asking the Minister of Family Services if she works with social workers who come here to help the people. Do they assist the social workers?
Yes, we hear about events related to social workers who travel up to Nunavut, as temporary social workers have to be hired to provide social services in the communities.
The division is managed by the (interpretation ends) director of child and family services (interpretation) and looks after the temporary hires.
We are apprised of any issues related to social workers who arrive into Nunavut, especially social workers without any cultural sensitivity training dealing with Inuit.
Has your department developed any cultural orientation training or is that completely off the radar? We want social workers who are culturally sensitive and who can socialize with Inuit.
We want to see social workers with better understanding of our lives up here, primarily due to the reason that the temporary social workers who arrive into our community have no idea of the way Inuit live.
Does the department have any plans to change this temporary social worker hiring policy to include Inuit cultural orientation so that social workers who arrive into communities are aware of the cultural differences?
The temporary social workers who arrive in Nunavut are provided with cultural orientation with the package developed by the (interpretation ends) Department of Culture and Heritage (interpretation) and we work with them to ensure they are aware of the cultural differences.
We also meet with the Nunavut Arctic College administration to review the social worker curriculum and to strengthen the cultural components.
The information we hear stems from various media, such as the CBC radio phone-in shows that air grievances or concerns people have, especially related to Inuit perspectives on certain issues.
We have often heard people call in that their community doesn’t even have social workers originating from the north, and that is why I am raising questions on this issue. I want to know if plans have been developed to provide more homegrown social workers.
When temporary social workers arrive, they tend to be from countries surrounding the equator, people with no history of cold weather or long winters.