EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Jerry Natanine, Mayor of Clyde River, (interpretation) who is not here;
(interpretation ends) Mr. Maliktoo Lyta, Mayor of Kimmirut;
Mr. Mosesee Qappik, Mayor of Pangnirtung;
Mr. Charlie Innuaraq, Mayor of Pond Inlet;
Ms. Mavis Manik, Mayor of Resolute Bay;
Mr. Peter Ivalu, Mayor of Igloolik, (interpretation) who is not here;
(interpretation ends) Councillor Mary Kattaluk-Primeau from Pond Inlet;  >>Applause
(interpretation) Councillor Allan Kooneeliusie from Qikiqtarjuaq, who is not here;  >>Applause
Councillor Itee Temela (interpretation ends) from Kimmirut;
(interpretation) SAOs Johnny Manning;
Ed Devereaux; and
Geela Kooneeliusie.
With them as well is Madeleine d’Argencourt, who is the Executive Director of the (interpretation ends) Nunavut Association of Municipalities, (interpretation) and Lazarus Arreak, Translator.
To all mayors and councillors who were just acknowledged, welcome to the gallery.
Although this individual was acknowledged, I do want to acknowledge our mayor, Mary Killiktee, and her SAO, Geela Kooneeliusie from the Qikiqtarjuaq hamlet council.
It’s not too often that I get to stand and recognize people from Sanikiluaq, so I’ll take advantage of the opportunity.
I would like to welcome Mr. Johnny Manning, who is the assistant SAO for Sanikiluaq, and Mr. Frank Audla, who is the mayor.
I, too, like many of my colleagues, rarely get an opportunity to rise and acknowledge fellow residents of my community.
The following people I want to recognize today are the Mayor of Pond Inlet, Charlie Innuaraq, and Councillor Mary Kataluk-Primeau. Welcome to the gallery.
Also, my maternal cousin, Lazarus Arreak, welcome.
I say “hello” to the residents of Iqaluit-Manirajak.
My constituent was recognized already, but I would like to welcome Madeline d’Argencourt, as well as our mayor, (interpretation ends) Her Worship Mary Wilman. (interpretation) I also welcome her to the gallery.
I just wanted to acknowledge those people.
It’s not very often that I get to recognize people from Cambridge Bay, especially on St. Patrick’s Day.
We are all wearing our green.
I see that my mayor and president of NAM are wearing her green. I would like to welcome Ms. Jeannie Ehaloak to the gallery, Mayor of Cambridge Bay and President of the Nunavut Association of Municipalities. Welcome, Jeannie.
Question 471 – 4(2): NIRB Hearing on Kiggavik Project (Mikkungwak)
I will direct my questions to the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation.
(interpretation ends) As I noted in my Member’s Statement today, the Nunavut Impact Review Board has just finished its hearings in Baker Lake on the final environmental impact statement for the proposed Kiggavik project.
The Government of Nunavut’s formal submission to the Nunavut Impact Review Board was signed by an official of the minister’s department.
This submission stated that, and I quote, “The GN, through its comments and recommendations, is trying to ensure that Nunavummiut are in a position to fully realize the potential benefits of resource development while mitigating the inescapable impacts of that development.”
For the benefit of Baker Lake residents who are following our proceedings today, can the minister indicate whether the Government of Nunavut supports or opposes the Kiggavik project?
I can let the member know that the GN has made a submission to the NIRB hearings and that we’re an active role as an intervener for the Nunavut Impact Review Board’s final phase of the proposed project by submitting a final written submission and presenting it at the final hearings.
These hearings just ended and I don’t have the review of the submissions in front of me.
The Government of Nunavut’s formal submission to the Nunavut Impact Review Board included over 40 recommendations and proposed terms and conditions for the project.
Can the minister confirm how many representatives from the GN participated in NIRB’s recent hearings?
I only know of the one person from our staff that attended the NIRB hearings and that is Bernie MacIsaac, my Assistant Deputy Minister, who went to Baker Lake for the NIRB hearing that had just taken place, but I’m sure there were other GN officials there as well.
On June 6, 2012, the Government of Nunavut Uranium Policy Statement was tabled in the Legislative Assembly by the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation of the day.
The policy stated that, and I quote, “Uranium exploration and mining must have the support of Nunavummiut, with particular emphasis on communities close to uranium development.”
As I indicated in my Member’s Statement, there is a wide range of public opinion in Baker Lake concerning the issue of uranium mining.
Can the minister indicate how the government determines whether or not a given community supports or opposes uranium development?
I thank the member for those questions.
The Uranium Policy was publicly announced at that time on June 6, 2012.
It contained an outline of principles of the Government of Nunavut on uranium policy. At the NIRB hearings recently in Baker Lake, it was questioned by interveners and the community members had emphasis on the fifth principle, which pertains to the need for the community support.
The Government of Nunavut continues to rely on the review process required for the project to proceed, to confirm if the principles contained in the uranium policy have been met.
Question 472 – 4(2): Community Transportation Initiatives (Mapsalak)
Mr. Speaker, I asked this question on March 11, but I’m sure that we had different understandings, so I would like to pose my question again.
The department’s 2015-16 capital estimates indicate that the small craft harbours budget is $500,000 for the 2015-16 fiscal year.
Mr. Speaker, the department’s 2015-16 main estimates indicate that the department’s community transportation initiatives budget is $1.5 million for the 2015-16 fiscal year.
Can the minister indicate if the community transportation initiatives budget can be used for marine infrastructure specific projects?
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for that question.
The budget is for $500,000 as of March. While I was in front of the committee, you had a question and I understood that it referred to access roads in 2014-15.
In 2015-16, $1 million will be added.
Once we finish the winter session, after the assent, then these funds won’t only be used for access roads, but can also be used for small craft harbours or for excavation of land by the shore.
If applicants want to use these funds for these reasons or if your hamlet makes a proposal, then the funds will be available for these purposes, not just for access roads, as used to be the case.
I had enquired about this matter previously about the funding limitations that one community has with respect to the amount they can apply towards.
I believe she stated that $100,000 was the limit per community. Now, if the project in question is too large and if the community feels it is a priority project that requires completion due to the benefits, can the community request a larger amount?
I would like to know if they can apply for more than $100,000.
This morning when the mayors were meeting, I made a presentation saying that we will be sending some letters to see what the communities want to make proposals for so that they can start identifying what they want.
This is a very popular program. It’s up to $500,000 divided by communities.
We have added to the funding.
They may go over the amount limit, but I’m not sure what will happen as this program is well used.
You can make a proposal and we will deal with it at that time. We would like to see it divided equally to communities.
Yes, I realize it was reviewed in this winter sitting, but if the appropriation is already approved and the budget is, indeed, increased to $1 million, will the absolute limit that a community can apply towards be increased?
Do I understand that once the budget has been approved for next winter, if the funds have a surplus budget, a community can reapply for more funds?
Yes, that can happen. We have seen that the $500,000 limit was not enough in a lot of cases in the past.
I’m sure that all the communities will be seeking some more funds because they will need to use it for both small craft marine infrastructure and access roads.
Question 473 – 4(2): Motor Vehicles Act (Savikataaq)
I have been keeping up with my tabled documents.
Mr. Speaker, the government’s 2013-14 annual report on procurement activities, which was tabled yesterday in the Legislative Assembly, indicates that the Department of ED&T spent $50,000 on a “Motor Vehicles Safety Act Review.”
Can the minister describe what this project accomplished?
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for the question. I think I’m going to be the only one being asked questions today.
Mr. Speaker, the Motor Vehicles Act is a very old Act and it needed to be renewed and updated to be relevant to the people of Nunavut.
The proposed new regulations have been done and it will be given to the Department of Justice for its review.
Ever since the creation of Nunavut, the Motor Vehicles Act hasn’t changed.
I’m sure this review was long, comprehensive, and detailed, but can the minister describe to us any major changes that will be or might be happening to the Act?
There are a number of amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act that are required in order to modernize this legislation.
They include distracted drivers legislation, graduated licensing for new drivers, tougher measures to address impaired driving, and a legal basis for an end-of-life vehicle program and fees.
I thank the minister for the response and I wholeheartedly agree with her that those updates should be brought on to get caught up with the rest of Canada.
I would just like to ask the minister when the new Motor Vehicles Act might be ready to be introduced to the House.
A draft of the amendments has been done.
They are being looked at right now and I am hoping that it will be some time this year.
Question 474 – 4(2): Status of Hospital Board Review (Angnakak)
Mr. Speaker, in November of 2014, the Minister of Health at the time indicated that cabinet had approved the suggestion to conduct a review looking at the merits, benefits, and logistics, administrative and financial aspects of a board of management for the Qikiqtani General Hospital.
Can the minister provide an update on the status of this review? Will it be done internally or have consultants been hired to undertake it?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) To date, we have not determined what type of review it will be so far, but I can assure the member that we will follow through with recommendations by this Assembly to make sure the review is done by this fall. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The minister gave a reply that the review might be done by the fall, but do you have an actual timeline when this review will actually be completed and committed to?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minster of Health, Mr. Okalik.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) As I said in my earlier answer, we will carry out the review as required by this Assembly and complete it by the fall. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 475 – 4(2): Statutory Holidays (Joanasie)
As the minister is aware, the Labour Standards Act and the Interpretation Act, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice, prescribe Nunavut’s statutory holidays.
One of the statutory holidays is the first Monday in August, which is simply referred to as a “civic holiday.”
As the minister will appreciate, Nunavummiut look forward all year to the brief period of time when we can be outside with family.
I believe that we should consider legally renaming this statutory holiday to something that is more reflective of our culture and traditions.
Would the minister be open to introducing a bill during our upcoming spring sitting to rename the holiday that occurs on the first Monday in August as something like “Land Day”?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) If my colleague wants to do a private member’s bill, I think that is a rather honourable thing that my colleague can do.
We’re not creating an added holiday, but my colleague’s suggestion is for changing the name of a current holiday.
It is quite open to any Member of this Assembly to suggest legislation to rename a specific holiday. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
As the minister is very much aware, July 9 is recognized as Nunavut Day.
Although this day is a paid holiday for employees of the Government of Nunavut and a number of Inuit organizations, it is not a general statutory holiday for the territory.
I believe that all residents of the territory should be able to celebrate Nunavut Day together and I believe that it would be fairer for everyone if the day were treated consistently by all employers.
Is the government willing to formally designate Nunavut Day as a statutory holiday and, if not, why not?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I think I heard two questions, but I will answer one of them.
Back in the First Assembly, we were proposing to create July 9 as an official holiday for all of Nunavut.
At the time, the private sector, after being heard by regular members on a standing committee, suggested that it would create an added cost to their businesses.
My colleagues at the time suggested that we just put it down as a government holiday.
That’s where we left it at. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
As the minister will also be aware, February is the only month of the year that does not have a statutory holiday.
A number of jurisdictions in Canada celebrate “Family Day” in February.
I recognize that there are costs associated with creating new statutory holidays and I recognize that the idea of removing existing statutory holidays is generally not well received by the public.
Would the government be willing to examine the idea of establishing a new statutory holiday in February to recognize and celebrate families?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Any time you create a holiday, it adds cost to other sectors as well as government.
It’s something that we would have to consider very carefully and hear from all parties to give it serious consideration in the future. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 476 – 4(2): Baker Lake’s Runway Strip (Mikkungwak)
(interpretation ends) On October 24, 2015, during the Committee of the Whole considerations of the department’s 2015-16 capital estimates, I asked the minister a number of questions related to the slope of Baker Lake’s runway.
At that time, the minister of the day indicated that he would get back to me with answers at a later date.
However, I have not received any information on this issue since that time.
Can the minister provide the current computed slope of Baker Lake’s runway?
I have also been reading a lot of material since I became the Minister of Economic Development, and I believe that you’re asking about the slope of the runway in Baker Lake.
I have been told that it is a code 2 runway, which means that it does not exceed the 2.5 percent.
When it does not exceed that, it means that there is no recommendation to increase the longitudinal slope currently and that it meets regulations.
Baker Lake’s runway appears to be on a downward slope.
I believe that it is important that the government is certain that all runways in the territory are monitored on a regular basis and that their specifications are consistent with Transport Canada standards.
Will the minister commit to having her department look into this issue and determine the current slope of Baker Lake’s runway?
Our department works very closely with Transport Canada and their safety requirements for runways across Nunavut.
Currently, the runway for Baker Lake meets those standards, but they are studied on a regular basis and certified by Transport Canada.
Mr. Mikkungwak: Mr. Speaker, the length of Baker Lake’s runway is just over 1,200 metres in length.
I have received a number of concerns that the length of the runway is too short for non-instrument approaches.
Will the minister commit to allocating funds under her capital budget for a project to expand Baker Lake’s runway?
The slope in Baker Lake is not a concern for the department at this time as it meets regulatory requirements, but I am able to share all the information that we have on the slope of the runway with the member and I will provide all that information to him later.
Member Aivilik, Mr. Mapsalak.
Question 477 – 4(2): Initiatives for Non-Decentralized Communities (Mapsalak)
When we were on Members’ Statements, I made a statement about non-decentralized communities.
They really yearn for government jobs, but none have been created up to now.
I would like to ask the Premier if, in the near future, he will make any considerations about creating jobs in the smaller, non-decentralized communities.
It’s a very good question. Mr. Speaker, we do have the Nunavut Development Corporation that’s under leadership run by a board.
Their main focus is to ensure that jobs are created in the non-decentralized communities.
It has been around for a while, going back into the NWT days.
It’s one of the things that we try and ensure that these smaller communities participate in any kind of economic development, whether it’s arts, fisheries, and other sorts of local economic development that they can venture out with.
As a government, we aim to continue doing that.
I understand that. Can the Premier indicate… ? As MLAs, we still have about three years to go yet.
Have you made any plans to initiate something with the government that can be a way to help the communities by creating places where people can get help to find jobs?
Mr. Speaker, in other departments such as Family Services, we do have career development officers and they work closely with all the communities, including our non-decentralized communities, where there are conferences that do happen.
Mr. Speaker, with potential development in the Kivalliq where there are opportunities for employment within resource extraction and exploration, we consider all the factors with our Socio-Economic Monitoring Committee.
We use those committees to give us information on how we can take advantage of the situations and economic activity that’s happening out there. We try and create training programs to fit some of these communities.
Mr. Speaker, I’m quite aware that in this government, we have difficulty in filling some of these positions that we need filled, even here in Iqaluit and the two regional centres.
Mr. Speaker, it’s a struggle, but we will certainly take a look at any kind of proposal that may come from these smaller, non-decentralized communities.
Because the situation is what it is, smaller communities have worked extremely hard to just subsist. They really want and need something to come out of the government.
I was talking about any kind of big infrastructure that can be run by the government.
Can the government or the Premier urge the departments and their ministers that whenever something needs to be developed, they be created in the smaller communities and the smaller communities be looked at as priorities for developing new initiatives?
Mr. Speaker, during our reviews of some of our programs and as you are well aware, there are a number of different programs that we’re looking at, in fact, over 360.
Mr. Speaker, if there are opportunities to partner in with other organizations, we will certainly take a look at how we can put more economic activities into these smaller communities.
Of course, we will have to partner with some of our corporations, such as the Nunavut Development Corporation and possibly even the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation, that loan money for medium to large size businesses.
Mr. Speaker, in partnership with other organizations, it’s always a possibility, but we will certainly look at that.
Question 478 – 4(2): Role of Health Inspectors (Angnakak)
I would like to direct my question once again to the Minister of Health.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Health employs a number of health inspectors for the territory.
Given the many different types of health concerns that are raised by our constituents and in the media, it would be reassuring to know that there are trained professionals who can ensure that Nunavut residents are not facing unnecessary health risks.
Can the minister clearly describe the role and specific responsibilities of health inspectors across Nunavut?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) From what I understand, health inspectors do a lot of work. In particular, they inspect restaurants to make sure that they are in good order and ensure that they are serving healthy and safe food in their establishments. That’s what I have learned so far. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
At various times, community-specific health concerns are raised, usually as a result of an environmental crisis such as a burning dump or a damaged water supply or frozen and overflowing sewage tanks.
Can the minister clarify whether health inspectors travel to all Nunavut communities on a regular basis to conduct inspections in a proactive manner or do they visit communities when there are health concerns due to an environmental crisis?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) My colleague is referring to health inspectors.
The work that my colleague mentions relates to environmental health.
To date, from April 1, 2014 to January 15, 2015, 435 facilities have been inspected by environmental health officers. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Can the minister advise us if there are any reports that were generated from the work and the findings of the health inspectors as they carry out their duties and, if so, can they be tabled in the House?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I’m sure I could table some but not all.
Some establishments are privately run and it may impact on their affairs, so I will have to review that further with my officials. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 479 – 4(2): Status of Project for Water Reservoir (Savikataaq)
Mr. Speaker, during the recent fall sitting, the minister stated that the Government of Nunavut signed the Canada-Nunavut Gas Tax Agreement in February of 2014.
The government’s 2015-16 capital estimates indicate that in previous years, a total of $4.3 million in gas tax funding was allocated to the water reservoir expansion project in Arviat.
The design has been done for that particular project and we anticipate completing that work very shortly. (interpretation) Thank you.
He just replied that they expect to finish the project shortly.
Can he just give us a better timeline on when the water reservoir expansion in Arviat might go to tender?
The feasibility study has been done.
We anticipate the design to be completed very shortly. (interpretation) Thank you.
I have questioned the minister a few times on our problem of having only one water outlet in the current reservoir and this project with the new reservoir.
Can the minister indicate whether the repairs or the additions for the second water outlet pump in Arviat will be done this summer?
As part of this project, that is one of the items that are included. (interpretation) Thank you.
Question 480 – 4(2): Medical Travel Policy for Unilingual Elders (Joanasie)
I’m going to try for the third time today, Mr. Speaker. I would like to ask the Minister of Health some questions.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I tried to get some clarification from the minister about the new revisions to the Medical Travel Policy which will now permit a unilingual elder to request an escort for medical travel.
It is still not clear to me that the Department of Health has a specific definition for “unilingual elder.”