EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I know myself, and all the Members of the Assembly here have been waiting for some time now for today, that is to have the budget address and the details of the budget become public.
I understand that over lunch it has been the practice there has been always people locked up here in the Assembly to get a briefing because the information about the budget and what’s in it is confidential until it has been presented here in the Legislative Assembly.
Given that, I’d just like to ask the Minister of Finance to confirm if that is the case that all the information has been kept confidential; no budget leaks of any kind prior to this session; the sitting day here today.
Hon. David Simailak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, we did have a lock up today.
They briefed the media during the lock up today.
Our budget for 2006-07 they did not discuss the contents of the budget address.
I know in past years, Members on this side of the House have been hollered at and screamed at for letting out information about the budget. As all members know, we meet in camera, and review it prior to it coming into the House.
I know that that’s something that I’ve never done and I don’t think any member on this side of the House has done that.
It seems, Mr. Speaker, and I’m not sure, I’d like to ask the Minister of Finance to clarify, nothing has been let out of this budget.
I’m a little confused, that earlier today, the Minister of Health and Social Services, when I asked her about the $2.3 million for the Baffin Regional Health Facility, hospital, she had indicated that it was in this budget.
So, I just want to get some clarification on that, whether that $2.3 million that was mentioned in the press release January 18 is, as she had indicated earlier, in this budget, or is it something that is outside of this budget?
Yes, we did our usual practice with the budget.
The minister had indicated that they did their usual practice with this budget.
I was listening quite intently to his budget address, and I didn’t hear anything about this $2.3 million for the Department of Health and Social Services.
I heard our great House Leader over there talk; I heard the word “special warrant” being talked about.
I’m just wondering if this $2.3 million is included in the main estimates that we’re going to be looking at, that are going to be tabled later today, or not?
That’s basically my question.
And, if they are, why was it publicly announced over a month ago?
I can say that we will deal with that, with those amounts during Committee of the Whole here in this House and it will be clearer as to what the money is going to be spent for.
I’m not sure if the minister understands my question.
I’m just wondering; is that $2.3 million that was announced on January 18 for the Department of Health and Social Services, that was over a month ago, and then today, I asked the minister about an update on how that was spent, and what they’ve accomplished with that, and she indicated that that money was in this budget, this year’s budget. This year’s budget is not before the House yet.
So is that $2.3 million coming in the new fiscal year’s budget, or is it somehow extra money that they found in this current year’s budget? I don’t know if that helps clarify it.
It just came across confusing like that, so I just want to make sure and get it clarified.
Yes, we will find out in the coming days when we discuss the budget during Committee of the Whole, and it will be clearer on that.
Replies to Opening Address. Item 11. Replies to Budget Address.
Bill 12 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2006-07 – Notice
I give notice that on Friday, February 24, 2006, that Bill 12, Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2006-07 be read for the first time.
Speaker (interpretation): Item 18.
I request consent for this Assembly to waive the two-day notice requirement to allow for first reading of Bill 12, Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2006-07.
Speaker (interpretation): The minister is requesting unanimous consent to waive Rule 62(2) for the first reading of Bill 12.
Bill 12 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2006-07 – First Reading
I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Nattilik, that Bill 12, Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2006-07, be read for the first time.
Speaker (interpretation): There is a motion on the floor. The motion is in order.
Bill 12 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2006-07 – Second Reading
I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Nattilik, that Bill 12, Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2006-07, be read for the second time.
Mr. Speaker, this bill authorizes the Government of Nunavut to make operations and maintenance expenditures for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2007.
The motion is carried and Bill 12 has had its second reading and may be referred to the Committee of the Whole.
Motion 008 – 2(3): Early Adjournment (Tootoo)
Mr. Tootoo: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Kugluktuk, that pursuant to Rule 46 that the Assembly be adjourned for the day.
A reminder for tomorrow morning at 9:00, a meeting of the Standing Committee Ajauqtiit in the Nanuq Room and the Regular Caucus meeting at 11:00 in the Tuktu Boardroom.
Orders for the Day for February 23:
Speaker (interpretation): This House stands adjourned until Thursday, February 23, 2006 at 1:30 in the afternoon.
>>House adjourned at 16:08
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Pages 885 – 951
Opening Prayer 885
Ministers’ Statements 885
Members’ Statements 889
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 900
Oral Questions 900
Point of Order 918
Written Questions 919
Petitions 921
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 922
Report of the Committee of the Whole 949
Thursday, February 23, 2006 885
056 – 2(3): Team Nunavut 2006 Arctic Winter Games (Tapardjuk) 885
057 – 2(3): Update on Homeownership Promotion and Delivery (Akesuk) 886
058 – 2(3): Federal Early Learning and Childcare Commitment (Picco) 887
059 – 2(3): New Nunavut Liquor Licensing Board (Simailak) 887
060 – 2(3): Arctic Net “Schools on Board” Program (Picco) 888
118 – 2(3): Winter Trails Maintenance (Alagalak) 889
119 – 2(3): Lack of Employment Opportunities for Constituents (Mapsalak) 890
120 – 2(3): Healthcare in the Nunavut Communities (Netser) 891
121 – 2(3): Infrastructure Deficit in Non-Decentralized Communities (Barnabas) 892
122 – 2(3): Medical Travel in Sanikiluaq (Kattuk) 893
123 – 2(3): Support for Pangnirtung Fishery (Kilabuk) 893
124 – 2(3): Poor Arena Ice in Kugluktuk (Evyagotailak) 895
125 – 2(3): Anglican Church Fundraising (Picco) 895
126 – 2(3): Cape Dorset Most Artistic Canadian Community (Akesuk) 896
127 – 2(3): Thanks to Nunavut Volunteers (Curley) 897
128 – 2(3): Cambridge Bay Runway Paving (Peterson) 898
129 – 2(3): Conservative Deep Sea Port Commitment (Tootoo) 899
139 – 2(3): $2.3 Million Budget for Health & Social Services (Tootoo) 900
140 – 2(3): Economic Development for the Smaller Communities (Mapsalak) 902
141 – 2(3): Infrastructure for Non-Decentralized Communities (Barnabas) 904
142 – 2(3): Medical Charters for Sanikiluaq (Kattuk) 905
143 – 2(3): Inuktitut Translations of Job Advertisements (Curley) 907
144 – 2(3): Trades School in Rankin Inlet (Peterson) 909
145 – 2(3): Humane Harvesting of Seals in Nunavut (Arreak) 912
146 – 2(3): Kivalliq Winter Trails (Alagalak) 912
147 – 2(3): Procedures for GN Press Releases (Tootoo) 914
148 – 2(3): Daycare Operations (Barnabas) 916
Written Question 010 – 2 (3): Government of Nunavut’s Expenditures on Advertising for Employment Opportunities (Curley) 919
Written Question 011 – 2 (3): Crown Agency Advertising Expenditures for Employment Opportunities (Curley) 920
Written Question 012 – 2 (3): Nursing Recruitment (Alagalak) 921
003 – 2(3): Public Housing in Rankin Inlet (Brown) 921
Bill 12 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2006-07 – Review in Committee – CLEY 922
Bill 12 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2006-07 – Review in Committee – Human Resources 944
Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Honourable Olayuk Akesuk, Mr. David Alagalak, Mr. James Arreak, Honourable Levinia Brown, Mr. Levi Barnabas, Mr. Tagak Curley, Mr. Joe Allan Evyagotailak, Mr. Peter Kattuk, Mr. Peter Kilabuk, Mr. Steve Mapsalak, Mr. Patterk Netser, Honourable Jobie Nutarak, Honourable Paul Okalik, Mr. Keith Peterson, Honourable Edward Picco, Honourable David Simailak, Honourable Louis Tapardjuk, Mr. Hunter Tootoo.
Speaker (interpretation): I would like to ask Mr. Kattuk to say the opening prayer.
Speaker (interpretation): Good afternoon Ministers, Members, and visitors.
Minister’s Statement 056 – 2(3): Team Nunavut 2006 Arctic Winter Games (Tapardjuk)
Team Nunavut has been selected for the 2006 Arctic Winter Games.
Equally important for all Nunavummiut athletes are the 12 camps and tournaments used in the selection process for the representative team.
The participant numbers for those regional and territorial trials have increased by 50 percent since the last Arctic Winter Games trials in 2003 and 2004.
On March 4, 2006, Team Nunavut will compete in the 2006 Arctic Winter Games on the Kenai Peninsula along with representatives from Greenland, Alberta North, the Northwest Territories, Yukon, Alaska, Sami Nation, Nunavik, and Yamal.
The Arctic Winter Games is a showcase of athletes and culture in the circumpolar world.
At this time, I would like to introduce to the House this year’s Team Nunavut Arctic Winter Games look, as modeled by the athletes that will be attending the Games. As well, I would like to ask my colleagues to view the pins that our participants will be exchanging with other contingents at the Games.
I ask you to join me in wishing all the participants good luck in their sporting activities. I want to thank all of the staff; especially all the volunteers that help make these events happen across Nunavut.
Minister’s Statement 057 – 2(3): Update on Homeownership Promotion and Delivery (Akesuk)
I rise today to update members on the efforts of the Nunavut Housing Corporation to address the current housing crisis by actively supporting homeownership and home improvement programs.
(interpretation ends) The Nunavut Housing Corporation has worked very hard to develop new programs and modify existing programs to improve access to a range of affordable housing options.
In the fiscal year 2004-05, the Home Renovation Program was modified to increase the amount of assistance available up to $50,000 and improve the access to the program by adopting a standard income limit of $125,000 for all Nunavut Housing Corporation’s programs.
I am pleased to inform members that there has been a 159 percent increase in the number of homeowners assisted through the Home Renovation Program since this program was changed.
Improvements in the Nunavut Down Payment Assistance Program implemented December 1, 2005 will see first-time homeowners in the emerging market communities of Rankin Inlet and Cambridge Bay receive $30,000 in assistance to purchase existing units and $50,000 to help with the construction of a new unit.
With the exception of Iqaluit, which does not change, potential homeowners in all the other communities will be able to apply for $50,000 in assistance towards buying an existing unit and $75,000 for the construction of a new unit.
In 2005-06, we introduced the Material Assistance Program as a pilot project, which will see 10 eligible Nunavummiut receive a housing material package delivered to their community.
To date, the Nunavut Housing Corporation has received over 42 applications for this new program designed to help assist our seniors and disabled stay in homeownership and maintain their independent lifestyle.
The Nunavut Housing Corporation introduced the Seniors and Disabled Persons Preventative Maintenance Program, which, since it was introduced this fall, has assisted 15 applicants. Another 17 applicants are being processed.
Mr. Speaker, to make sure Nunavummiut are made aware of their homeownership options the Nunavut Housing Corporation has already begun information sessions in the communities.
Plans are under way to hold more information sessions on these programs in the benefit of homeownership as a whole.
Mr. Speaker, I am confident that more information sessions on homeownership, combined with improvements to our homeownership programming, will have a direct impact on needs in Nunavut.
I look forward to rising in the House again to give further updates.
Minister of Education, Ed. Picco.
Minister’s Statement 058 – 2(3): Federal Early Learning and Childcare Commitment (Picco)
I would like to take this opportunity to inform the House about recent federal funding for early learning and childcare for Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker as a part of the federal commitment made in November 2004, the Department of Education received $651,000 in funding to distribute to Nunavut’s 39 licensed childcare facilities and our seven Aboriginal Head Start programs.
This is a one-time funding subsidy aiming at improving childcare facilities and providing much-needed resources to these facilities. The grant will be spent to improve several areas including equipment and toys, professional development and nutritional foods, as well as building and play area maintenance.
In conclusion Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education pledges to continue its hard work to promote the needs of Nunavut’s young population on the national stage.
While childcare in Nunavut faces many obstacles, we are happy to be able to donate these funds to help improve the quality and delivery of programs at the early childhood level.
Minister of Finance, David Simailak
Minister’s Statement 059 – 2(3): New Nunavut Liquor Licensing Board (Simailak)
Hon. David Simailak: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce the appointment of eight new board members of the Nunavut Liquor Licensing Board. They are:
Mr. David Wilman of Iqaluit (Chairperson)
Mr. Hamish Tatty of Rankin Inlet
Mr. Stu Kennedy of Iqaluit
Mr. John Ningark of Kugaaruk
Mr. Peter Peetooloot of Taloyoak
Mr. Percy Kabloona of Whale Cove
Mr. Ronald Tologanak of Kugluktuk
Mr. Joshua Curley of Arviat.
The ninth member is Mr. Ross Bennett, who is the only returning member of the past board.
The members of the board will hold office for period of two years.
The board’s major functions are to:
Control the conduct of license holders;
Control the management and equipment of licensed premises;
Control the conditions under which liquor is sold or consumed on licensed premises;
Issue, renew, transfer, suspend or cancel licenses; and
Advise the minister responsible on all matters of policy and legislation relating to the sale and consumption of liquor.
Mr. Speaker, as Nunavut grows in population and sophistication, liquor issues will become more complex and I have complete trust that the new Liquor Board will meet the future challenges in a fair and unbiased manner.
The new board is a mix of people from all walks of life, from hunters to business people to academics.
This mix will bring to the table a variety of views of the board’s responsibilities and, I believe encourage a “working together” approach through education and communication with stakeholders.
Mr. Speaker, I hope the Legislature will join me in welcoming and supporting the new Nunavut Liquor Licensing Board, which, incidentally, has already held its first orientation meeting in January of this year.
Minister’s Statement 060 – 2(3): Arctic Net “Schools on Board” Program (Picco)
I would like to apologize to the House for reading the wrong statement earlier on the federal early learning and childcare commitment.
I would beg the indulgence of the House and read the appropriate statement at this time.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to inform my colleagues about the ArcticNet “Schools on Board” Program. This past September, a teacher and student team from Kugluktuk High School represented Nunavut in the Schools on Board Program.
This is an international study on the impact of climate change through ArcticNet’s Schools on Board Program.
Mr. Speaker, ArcticNet is a network that brings together scientists and managers with Inuit organizations and governmental agencies to study the impacts of climate change in the coastal Canadian Arctic.
Schools on Board is an outreach program to teach arctic science and raise awareness around climate change in high schools across Canada.
It gives schools the unique opportunity to participate in research activities on board the Canadian Coast Guard Ship; Amundsen.
Mr. Speaker, this pilot project allowed the participants to work with scientists to collect information on the physical, biological, social and medical aspects of the Hudson Bay. As a result, Nunavut’s participants are sharing their experience through presentations through different communities here in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, the Schools on Board Program is especially relevant to Nunavut students. The Department of Education is pleased to be able to provide this type of opportunity and we are committed to offering similar programs in the future.
Finally Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge Nunavut’s sponsors; BHP Billiton, Kugluktuk District Education Authority, Kugluktuk Fire Department, KEDC, Nasivvik, the Kitikmeot School Operations, and the Kugluktuk High School.
This is an excellent example of working together for a common cause, with government, communities and ArcticNet partners.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank you, colleagues.
Member’s Statement 118 – 2(3): Winter Trails Maintenance (Alagalak)
I rise today on the issue of reducing red tape in Nunavut.
When the Minister of Economic Development announced the Barriers to Business Study on May 11, 2005, he announced that changes would begin to be made within 10 months. That minister is now our Minister of Finance.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday while I was listening to the budget address, I was pleased to hear the minister say that the government remains committed to removing obstacles for businesses to develop in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, the review of the current regulatory regime is important, but it is equally important that the Government of Nunavut ensure that the adequate road infrastructure exists to mature our economy.
My colleagues have stood in this House on this very issue many times. It is time for the government to make a clear commitment to creation of winter over-the-snow trails, linking the communities of Baker Lake, Rankin Inlet, and Arviat to Manitoba.
Mr. Speaker, this government already focuses its attention on lobbying for funding for improvement to renewing infrastructure and other services. Ground transportation should be equally as important.
We know that the trails are currently being used by winter freight haulers. These small businesses are being jeopardized because the trails are not properly marked and are often too rough, causing break-downs and slowing the transportation process.
Mr. Speaker, this government could show it’s commitment to the larger Manitoba to Kivalliq Road Project and to economic development in the Kivalliq by ensuring that winter trails between the communities are marked and groomed and that ice conditions are tested.
Mr. Speaker, I feel the Minister of Transportation should take some urgent action to proceed with the contractors to work on the winter trails in the Kivalliq Region.
Member’s Statement 119 – 2(3): Lack of Employment Opportunities for Constituents (Mapsalak)
I rise today to talk about the people that we represent in Nunavut and to talk about what we do for them here in this House.
The smaller communities in Nunavut are...especially the people that should be assisted because of the lack of employment in their community, but I can’t really say that I will get you a job because I can’t do that. I could represent them and say, in this House, that I will be in support of getting employment for those people in the smaller communities because they haven’t had any employment for a long time and they want somebody to represent them to look for employment.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to say that all of us want and have a need of some sort and as a representative of those communities; sometimes it’s very hard to make a promise that we will do whatever to represent our community, especially when something doesn’t come up.
I would like to say today that I would like to represent my smaller communities and I could support them as long as they are reasonable; if it’s not reasonable, we can’t do anything, but I’m going to try my best to represent my community.
So for that reason, I will be asking questions during Oral Question Period to the Department of Economic Development and Transportation; questions that are coming from my community.
Member’s Statement 120 – 2(3): Healthcare in the Nunavut Communities (Netser)
I rise today to address the issue of healthcare in Nunavut’s smaller communities.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, shortly after the creation of Nunavut, the government made a very significant decision.
It was decided Mr. Speaker, to dissolve our regional health boards and divisional education councils in order to cut back on middle management costs and what seemed to be unnecessary administration.
Mr. Speaker, it is interesting that the number of middle management positions within the Department of Health and Social Services has increased steadily since the dissolution of the health boards, while the Department of Education now has only one person in each region supervising school operations where there used to be a full board of community representatives.
Mr. Speaker, the dissolution of the health boards and the education councils has also had consequences for the people of Nunavut; it left community residents with no one to turn to when they had problems with their delivery of health or educational services in their communities.
Mr. Speaker, the government has established health committees under the hamlet councils, however, these committees have absolutely no authority to look into issues or complaints raised by their residents of their respective communities.
As MLAs, we do our best to represent the interest of our constituents, but we are not authorized to get involved in the very personal nature of individuals’ health or medical issues. To date, there is no client services representative within the Department of Health and Social Services to assist people in addressing their concerns about healthcare delivery in their communities.
Mr. Speaker, a number of my constituents have come to me with concerns that they are not receiving health services in a timely matter. I’m sure that you will agree with me: the longer a condition goes untreated, the greater the health risk to the patient.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut residents deserve proper and adequate healthcare in their home communities and I urge the Department of Health and Social Services to take action to make sure that Nunavut residents have somewhere to turn to and have their concerns addressed.
Member’s Statement 121 – 2(3): Infrastructure Deficit in Non-Decentralized Communities (Barnabas)
First of all, I would like to thank Minister Levinia Brown for having a chance to visit my constituency, and your constituency as well, Mr. Speaker, to get to know her new portfolio.
I rise today to address the lack of adequate infrastructure in non-decentralized communities.
During yesterday’s budget address I was very disappointed that the discussion on infrastructure once again ignored the need for facilities in our small, non-decentralized communities.
The multi-purpose hall in my community of Arctic Bay was built 35 years ago.
The demand on this facility grows every year.
The school uses this facility by day; the public uses it by night.
During the Christmas season, the facility operates nine hours per day for a two week period with feasts, games, and other activities.
Every season, more and more people from the community crowd into the hall for celebrations and events.
As the community grows the space for the hall is less adequate to accommodate its residents.
Since 1999, very little attention has been paid to the infrastructure needs of Nunavut’s non-decentralized communities.
When will the government recognize that these communities also need help and support?