EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Chairman, the Children and Family Services Division of the Department of Family Services provides a wide range of support services for children and vulnerable adults, such as providing emergency intervention in cases of domestic violence, protecting the rights of children, youth, families, and vulnerable individuals, and advocating for the interests of vulnerable members of Nunavut society.
However, members continue to express concerns that serious issues such as bullying and elder abuse, especially the financial abuse of elders, are not given adequate attention through this division and strongly urge the minister to work with his staff to address the lack of services in this area.
The standing committee recognizes that filling a number of frontline positions has been difficult due to the lack of office space in some communities and encourages the minister in his efforts to work with his counterpart in Community and Government Services to ensure that these much-needed workers have offices to work from.
Standing committee members encourage the minister to work towards having more Nunavummiut, especially children and youth, stay in Nunavut closer to their families and communities.
The standing committee looks forward to updates on the reopening of the children’s group home in Iqaluit as well as on what developments are being considered to improve foster care options across the territory.
Mr. Chairman, during his appearance before the standing committee to review his department’s draft main estimates for 2017-18, the minister noted that the Office of the Public Guardian has been moved to the Corporate Management Division from the Children and Family Services Division.
Members were given to understand that this move ensures that frontline staff, such as social workers, working under the Children and Family Services Division will not be in a position of conflict should the Office of the Public Guardian also be involved in a case which goes to court.
The standing committee appreciates that a number of policy changes have been brought forward by this division in recent years, including the policy to no longer deduct the federal government’s Canada Child Benefit from social assistance calculations.
However, standing committee members were of the view that Nunavut’s income assistance system could benefit from further reforms that more realistically take into account the actual employment opportunities in communities and how income assistance clients apply for and use their benefits.
The department also administers financial assistance programs, such as FANS (Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students) and the Adult Learning and Training Supports Program, which provide important support to individuals seeking to further their education.
Committee members noted that greater support could be provided to high school students who may wish to enter trades and apprenticeship programs after graduation and encourage the minister to work closely with his counterpart in Education to address this issue.
The standing committee has noted that the department has decreased funding in its 2017-18 budget for contributions towards shelter programs and looks forward to future updates on what other initiatives will be put in place to address issues such as poverty and homelessness across the territory.
Opening comments?
We will now proceed to the page-by-page review of the department estimates starting on page D-4.
In reviewing the main estimates as presented, including the business plan, it states that the department is responsible for residents who are homeless.
The business plan outlines how the department is anticipating services for people in that situation.
I now want to ask the witnesses in front of us. There is a homeless shelter here in Iqaluit and the beds are always full.
Can his office help Iqaluit find a larger shelter for homeless people?
Concerns like that of homeless people and people who have no place to make a home in Nunavut, some years it becomes easier to deal with, but it’s much harder to deal with other years.
We try to help people like that in Nunavut.
There was a shelter in Cambridge Bay that was opened recently through an emergency where people can occupy on a temporary basis.
The one in Iqaluit is run by a number of groups.
With the number of people who have to stay in the shelter, different organizations have worked together to provide that.
We try to assist with homelessness issues in Nunavut.
Some people are looking at unused buildings that the government owns.
Can the minister try to lobby his fellow ministers to try to help out in looking for a suitable building for use for homeless people?
More of a capital item, but Minister Mike.
We always work with all government departments on the homelessness issue to try to come up with solutions for the homeless.
We’re always trying to find solutions for it to try to move the issue forward through different considerations and looking for financial resources that can be used for that purpose, such as the Department of Family Services and other departments affected by homelessness within the federal government.
We try to see if we can access more capital funding as well or temporary places that can be used.
Those things are always worked on and we work with different departments and groups to try to find places like that.
The one that my colleague is referring to is to see if we can find a suitable building that can be used as an additional shelter in Iqaluit.
We’re always trying to find solutions, as I said, and the plans that have been made have been along those lines.
I would like to mention that the Uquutaq Men’s Shelter in Iqaluit that is utilized has 20 beds.
It has a capacity of 35 up to a maximum of 40 people.
We are well aware of the need of the Uquutaq shelter, so we are kept informed of the building. The condition isn’t that great either now.
Due to that reason, when work is required, the City of Iqaluit works with various federal and territorial departments to search for funding. That is all I can respond with at this time.
I do know that it touches on capital matters, but the operational funding is provided by the government for housing purposes.
That is why they are funded to operate the shelter and that is why I am asking about it.
Since they’re seeking assistance, will they indeed be assisted by your department?
I know that departments usually have excess funds lying around. It would really alleviate their operational challenges.
The reason why I ask the question to the minister is if he will indeed follow through with his promise to help them out with their request.
Yes, as per my previous statement, that is what we constantly work towards.
Further, whenever any group wants to work with our department, whether it’s in partnership, we work with them.
With respect to my colleague’s question, my response is yes.
Homelessness is complicated, although I am aware that this issue is constantly receiving ideas on alternatives and not just through the Department of Family Services.
My response to his question is yes.
Since he responded with that answer, I would encourage the minister to provide a report in the future on this subject.
The second question that I want to ask relates to lowering the numbers of income support clients.
Within the business plan in the English version on page 138 it identifies the significant funds for this purpose. It states that future meetings will take place.
When will this constant round of meetings come to a close, and when will his department start pushing for recommendations from these continual meetings?
Indeed, the office we are referring to here deals with poverty reduction.
Yes, the meetings on poverty reduction include a planned meeting related to this issue, which speaks to the myriad of factors specific to poverty or those with food insecurities.
There are various factors related to this issue and this relates to self-sufficiency.
The plan outlines the second part that they are working on now.
The past meeting minutes are discussed at the next meeting, along with recommendations for initiatives related to poverty reduction. Alternatively it can apply to pulling residents above the poverty line. It can include food support, housing support, or various means of improving lives.
Further, it can involve improving one’s lifestyle and in trying to be a productive citizen. Many factors are in play within this field.
The Department of Family Services works closely with the many groups.
There are planned meetings scheduled here in Iqaluit, as we have good partnerships with the groups involved in this area.
Tomorrow, on March 7 the meetings will start up until March 9, so this meeting will include discussions on these issues.
We need to move this forward due to the reason that many of the ideas discussed in 2010 up to 2012 and reaching to now have been moved forward, especially the ideas to combat poverty. All the things that have been said or thought of since 2010 have progressed.
The work to try to reduce poverty has been happening since then and that’s where we’re at right now.
I know that they have held meetings or roundtables. However, I would like to see poverty reduction in our communities.
What kinds of results have been provided by these meetings and roundtables? There have been roundtables quite a few times.
Have you made any plans to respond to Nunavummiut?
With respect to this matter, the successor to Makimaniq Plan, Makimaniq II, the meetings that are held in Nunavut are specific to poverty reduction initiatives.
It includes reviewing past meeting minutes and to determine the work required both through the government and the first report that stemmed from the roundtable of partners.
The other report, which we anticipate will be submitted after the completion of the meeting, will include a report and recommendations and will allow members to understand the work done to date.
This is being done through partnership and speaks to poverty reduction or in lowering the numbers of our residents on the poverty line.
I wanted to reference the partnership on this file as the Government of Nunavut isn’t the only body involved.
We work with many outside organizations and it seems obvious that this will impact the numbers. Partnership also includes working closely with various bodies and progress has been made. It is obviously most noticeable that communities have great ideas at the local level.
Various training, education, healing, healthy living, food security, housing, and economic development are just some of these areas.
Income support and food assistance programming is where we are exploring ways to make improvements.
A lot of work has been done in this regard.
We will be able to respond at a later date while this government still has its mandate.
As the minister said, he will be able to provide a response during the life of this government.
When will the minister table a report?
Will it be during this sitting, the spring sitting, or the fall sitting?
Hon. Johnny Mike: (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
As I said, they were working on the first phase. The first phase of the review has been completed and I know that it has been widely accepted.
I expect the report to be tabled in the springtime, if not, perhaps in the fall sitting.
We are making use of the poverty reduction plan and I would like to point out that close to $258,000 has been expended at the local level to reduce poverty.
The communities apply for this funding and that much has been used.
I am elaborating on some of the information about the funding that the communities apply for and I wanted to point out that there is a limit to that funding.
I would like to table that report in the House during the spring session.
I’ll leave it at that, Mr. Chairman. I’ll give my other colleagues an opportunity to ask questions.
We’re at Family Services. Corporate Management on page D-4.
Just for clarification first of all, I cannot understand in your business plan on page 139, and in Inuktitut it is on page 148 if you want to see the Inuktitut version of the business plan.
What’s confusing me and perhaps if you can tell me, Minister Mike, it states here, (interpretation ends) “Amendments to the Income Assistance Act received assent during the 2016 Fall sitting.” (interpretation) We are now dealing with Bill 26 in the House, which is part of an amendment for income support.
Are we talking about the same bill or different bills?
The Social Assistance Act is included in the statement with respect to the Income Assistance Act.
I would like to ask the director to elaborate further on that.
Chairman: Mr. Mike, which one?
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): The director of the office.
Chairman: Thank you. Ms. Modesto-Vardy.
What is referenced on page 139, the Social Assistance Act and the Income Assistance Act, is the same thing. In September 2016 the department’s appearance before the standing committee on the bill to amend the Social Assistance Act was deferred to the winter session and we are still waiting for that.
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Yes, Mr. Chairman.
It says here this Act was enacted during our session in 2016.
Which Act is it that we are talking about that was enacted? We’re now dealing with Bill 26, An Act to Amend the Social Assistance Act.
Are these two different bills we’re talking about?
The reason why it was written like that is last year it remained the same because Bill 26 has been delayed quite a few times for reading.
That’s why it’s written that way.
The member is right that we’re still working on Bill 26 today, but the members had deferred the reading of the bill I don’t know how many times.
You have stated that this has been enacted, even though the bill has not been accepted.
The way it is written in English, maybe it says “received assent.”
The way I understand it is that it became a law. It was enacted.
I’ll have my deputy minister respond further to that.
We can correct that, especially when it seems it needed correction.
We have been concerned about the way it is written.
Back in the fall of 2016 we thought it would have been addressed.
We can do something about the way it is written and change it with proper wording.
We all know that Bill 26 has not been enacted and has not received assent yet.
Minister Mike, have we been given improper information?
Reading this on page 139 in English, (interpretation ends) “Amendments to the Income Assistant Act received assent during the 2016 Fall sitting.
Work to review the Apprenticeship, Trades and Occupations Certification Act continues, with certain amendments already having taken place through changes to regulations.”
(interpretation) I would like to be able to get back to that after I consult our lawyer on what exactly that means.
The wording appears to be okay concerning the Social Assistance Act.
I would feel more confident about it once the lawyer clarifies the question.
If we make decisions based on mistaken or false premises, we can’t do our job.
Our job is very important.
I believe this is based on mistaken or false thinking.
We all know and you were well aware that the bill did not receive assent from the Commissioner, but in your document it says that it received assent.
I’ll roll that around in my head.
My question is regarding poverty reduction. On page 138 of the business plan it talks about poverty reduction, the division, and it states in here that there are different programs under this initiative and that the programs provide support.
I guess my first question on this is: when you talk about support, is that financial support as well and, if so, how do communities access that kind of support?
Poverty reduction is done through community initiatives, through consultation or we work with them and that’s how the program works.
Once we know what the community needs are and we have something to put under consideration, for the reason we have to collaborate with others, they put in proposals for funding depending on community needs and that’s where we proceed from.
We provide financial support to organizations in accordance with their proposals.
Can the minister provide us with some examples of programs that the communities have accessed over the couple years?
As I stated earlier, I’ll just use as an example the $257,790 in the main estimates within Nunavut.
That money was spent in 2016 for training in the communities.
There were (interpretation ends) Arviat, Rankin Inlet, Cambridge Bay, Kugluktuk, Gjoa Haven, Arctic Bay, Pond Inlet, Hall Beach, Iqaluit (interpretation) and for cooking courses and harvesting training, the communities that were able to access funding were Kugluktuk, Arviat, Cape Dorset, Igloolik, and Pond Inlet.
There were different types of harvest programs which accessed these funds.
There were quite a few communities involved, such as Kugaaruk, Baker Lake, Igloolik, Qikiqtarjuaq, and Pangnirtung.
How many years now has this initiative been in place where programs such as the ones that you described are being delivered at the community level?
It’s only for 2016 that these initiatives or programs took place.
The communities were satisfied and we heard today from the Pond Inlet MLA that the harvester training program is also part of that.
This program was started in 2016 and there’s nothing after that.
I’m just wondering: in regard to a little over $3 million for this division, how much is spent on admin versus programming dollars?
I’ll refer this question on poverty reduction programs to the director of corporate services so that she can provide a detailed response.
Chairman: Ms. Modesto-Vardy.
The amounts budgeted for administration under this division, poverty reduction, is over a million dollars.
That includes permanent salaries for staff, travel and transportation, materials, supplies, some fees and payments, and contract services.
That $3 million also includes the ongoing contribution to homeless shelters and that’s why it comes to over $3 million.
How will the department go about evaluating whether or not these programs are actually making a difference on a permanent basis to poverty reduction?
The corporate director will elaborate on that.
We don’t have a formal evaluation process yet, but what we know is that poverty reduction is an interdepartmental file.
Our programs contribute to the work to reduce poverty should be visible in our improvements in income assistance programs, career development programs, support to homeless shelter initiatives, and we have a new program that’s called Inunnguiniq, parenting and child development initiatives.
I wasn’t quite clear with that. Are the programs that you listed under the poverty reduction programs themselves under the $3 million?
Homelessness and Inunnguiniq programs are administered together and the dollars that have been identified here, if that’s your question.
Ms. Angnakak Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thanks for your response.
You can correct me if I’m wrong, but I understand that the Department of Family Services is also responsible for accreditation for apprenticeship and trades training.
Perhaps I’ll start there.
I myself have gone through that employment training program, but it’s different now. We were under a different program when we were apprentices.
I’m not sure the exact words to use, but I can see it.
When it’s under the Department of Family Services’ accreditation programs, the training is part of that, but Nunavut Arctic College is also involved in another part.
If I understand your question correctly, I think you talked about while they’re trying to get a certificate when we hear that they have completed their courses.
Even if they didn’t complete their courses, we can think of alternative ways of how they can complete them and there are different levels of training.
We are involved in that. I’m probably not that clear on it.
Recently I was trying to get a better understanding about how accreditation happens at the trade school.
It was brought to my attention that there are criteria that need to be met and somebody from your office sits on this committee that decides what that criteria should be in order to grant somebody with their Red Seal.
In order for Arctic College to be able to deliver such a course, the college needs to meet these standards.
I was speaking with somebody who said that some of those standards are not being met because the criteria for offering the courses in order to be able to say that we provide an accredited course were not met because of spacing requirements.
I’m just wondering, with that in mind, how somebody from your office works with Arctic College when it comes to some problems like that.
I’ll give you an example.
They offered culinary school teaching at the trade school, but it’s not an accredited course because they actually don’t have a commercial kitchen to work in.
Somebody from your office actually goes in and looks at all of this stuff.
I want to know how they work with Arctic College.
How does your department…? Where’s the interaction?
With respect to training and pre-employment programs, an individual can take training in various fields.
One of the areas that we are involved in is in contemplating options for students through the Department of Education, which is the one dealing with the training programs and accreditation. It includes the Red Seal certification, which is the higher level, or even the programs slightly below that level. These are what we are trying based on training needs.
I am aware that Arctic College representatives would better be able to respond here, but I will lightly touch up on the work we are part of.
It can include the number of hours, as well as when the level of hours worked are reached within classroom sessions.
These are part of this work, but the requirements are constantly being reviewed.
The apprenticeship program is a two-year program, but if we had options on a three- or four-year program, these are the types of details that are explored.
It includes the requirements for having specific hours prior to taking the course and whether the person needs more hours as they take the course, or when they are at the trade school, how many hours they need to include as part of their classroom instruction.
These issues tend to be discussed.
It is all about trying to increase capacity, which I believe you referred to when you mentioned a cooking course. I believe you mentioned that this course wasn’t accredited, but any course that is requested is obviously submitted to the committee setting up local courses.
We have a committee that deals with these issues.
However, Nunavut Arctic College is, as I stated earlier, better able to provide the details on the requirements and how it ends up being referred to the Department of Family Services. This is the reason why the concern you expressed would be addressed.
Any courses that are requested become clear when training courses are being contemplated.
Although it’s true, I was using it as an example, the culinary, about how... . Even though it’s a trade school and even though they say they offer the program, because they don’t have the kitchen, I think they had to use somewhere outside.
That’s why I was going into about accreditation, about the criteria.
What do you need in order to have an accredited course where you could get your Red Seal?
I know that your department plays a role, but I was just really unsure exactly how your department plays that role.
Is it an advisory committee or do they actually write the criteria?
How does the Department of Family Services interact with Nunavut Arctic College in regard to the trade school?
I think there are some problems there with being able to offer all courses. I believe that there are quite a few courses that you have to take outside of the territory. That’s why I was asking about that.
For trades and training in Nunavut there is a committee that was established and usually the committee outlines their strategy, future, and so on and covers the whole training section. This is one of the goals under Sivumut Abluqta, which is the government’s mandate.
Your question and how we can make it more visible, the Nunavut (interpretation ends) Apprenticeship, Trade and Occupations Certification (interpretation) Board is what I was referring to.
Complaints can also be directed to the board if they wish to do so.
We will look at the concern you have.