EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to publicly acknowledge yesterday’s appointment of Canada’s first aboriginal Minister of Justice.
Can our minister indicate if the issue of legal aid funding will be raised when he meets with his new federal counterpart?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) There will be many issues addressed, hopefully, with the new appointment of the Minister of Justice for Canada.
We have many issues that we face in our territory with the laws that are in place.
I am very impressed with the commitment that was provided by the new Prime Minister, who said that he will review all the laws to make sure that they’re in agreement with the aboriginal agreements and see what they can work with for aboriginal communities.
I’m hopeful that the PMO will make many progresses in different fields in law with the new government. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 142 – 4(3): Administration of Justice in Nunavut (Enook)
In my Member’s Statement today, I addressed the need to find ways to improve the administration of justice in Nunavut.
Earlier this week, as I indicated, the minister tabled the most recent annual report of the Legal Services Board.
This report indicates that officials from the minister’s department sit on the “Nunavut Justice Efficiency Committee,” which has the mandate to, and I quote, “examine systemic issues with a view to realizing efficiencies, maximizing value for dollars and ensuring the experience is the best possible for Nunavummiut navigating court processes.”
My first question to the minister is: can you describe some of the initiatives that the Nunavut Justice Efficiency Committee is currently working on?
We work with the Justice Efficiency Committee to look at how to improve the systematic issues.
They work with the Department of Justice, RCMP, Corrections Division, Family Services, and the community justice committee is represented also on how to improve the systemic issues.
At this time, I cannot respond to the member on how and what they will be working on in the future. I will be able to report as we see the results.
In my Member’s Statement, I paid tribute to the appointment of the first federal aboriginal Minister of Justice.
I have heard it suggested that the appointment of more judges would help to reduce the long periods of time that matters remain before the courts.
However, this would require an amendment to federal legislation to accomplish.
Does our Minister of Justice plan to raise this issue when he sits down with his new federal counterpart?
I am aware of the individual as I have met her on a number of occasions and as a fellow aboriginal person, I know that I will be able to work closely with the new minister.
With respect to judicial appointments, the process we used previously was the federal government would consult with our department prior to making any judicial appointments.
However, the last few years, the federal government would just make appointments without notifying this government and this process seemed to be broken in that regard.
I hope to work closely with the new federal Minister of Justice because this procedure has to be improved.
With respect to the number of judges and whether they have increased, it is something I can’t speak to currently. However, I will want to conduct a joint review of our existing legislation as some laws become barriers and cause breakup of families in some manner, and that is why I want to review legislation to improve them.
Although we aren’t able to make changes to the process of judicial appointments, we can make improvements by fixing the legislation.
One of the concerns that I raised was that although the justice system has been looking at things like videoconferencing to help reduce case processing times, we face hurdles in the form of Nunavut’s inadequate telecommunications infrastructure.
I would like to ask the minister: can he indicate how his department is working with the Department of CGS to bring these problems to the attention of NorthwesTel and CRTC?
I didn’t quite understand the member’s question.
Maybe he can rephrase his question so that I can try to respond to it appropriately.
Mr. Enook, please clarify your question.
Let me clarify it.
I’m trying to ask: can the minister indicate how his department is working with the Department of CGS to bring these problems to the attention of NorthwesTel and CRTC?
To date, we haven’t used that telecommunications technology for videoconferencing an actual court case, although it has been used in emergency show cause hearings, especially where safety concerns are present. They have used videoconferencing for these reasons, but the defendant still has to be present before the judge.
In the Baffin region, the court circuit spent 105 days travelling in the communities to hear cases, and they rarely use videoconferencing unless they run out of options.
It is used on occasion and according to what I know, it is rarely used, but I can look at it again.
Question 143 – 4(3): Vacant Position in Arviat (Savikataaq)
Mr. Speaker, when the Minister of Finance tables his reports on “Towards a Representative of Public Service,” it is always interesting reading.
There’s lots of information and it gives a snapshot of how the government is doing in their hiring practices.
The one I’m looking at today is from June 30, 2015. I would just like to go to the page where the employment stats for the Community and Government Services are for Arviat.
Ever since I have been elected, which has been two years now, the number of positions there is three.
The number of positions filled has always only been one or two and according to this, it is currently one.
I would just like to ask the minister when he plans to have all three positions filled in Arviat.
I will have to look into that. (interpretation ends) I’ll take it as notice.
Question 144 – 4(3): Follow-up on Cancellation of CARS Agreement with NAV CANADA (Sammurtok)
Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I would like to thank the minister for answering part of my question on the cancellation of the CARS agreement with NAV CANADA.
I would like to seek further clarification.
The government’s decision to end its agreement with NAV CANADA for the administration of Community Aerodrome Radio Station services also impacted departmental jobs in a number of communities, including Rankin Inlet.
Can the minister tell us today what has happened to the individuals who previously held these CARS-related positions?
Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for his question.
The Community Aerodrome Radio Station employees were working for and paid by the federal government.
Some individuals have retired and some have moved on to other positions after they first resigned from their positions.
Some individuals were able to move on to different positions within the government.
Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) I thank the minister for her proper answer. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the decision to end the government’s agreement with NAV CANADA for the administration of Community Aerodrome Radio Station services resulted in many questions being asked.
It is my understanding that most of this responsibility has been contracted to ATS Services, which is a private company.
Will the minister commit to tabling a report at the upcoming winter sitting that describes why and how these changes have been implemented?
Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my colleague.
I will have this reviewed to see how it got started. It started before I became a minister.
I will look into it and explain it to my colleague at a later date.
Question 145 – 4(3): Status of Operational Audit (Joanasie)
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs.
Yesterday, the Premier announced the status of the operational audit of the Government of Nunavut’s programs and services and that the department has received recommendations on the first phase of this audit.
Can the Premier indicate why the recommendations are being reviewed before they can move ahead?
Yes, we’re reviewing the recommendations. There are five main focus areas with detailed descriptions on how to tackle the recommendations through these focal points.
Mr. Speaker, in the report, we’re doing a lot of things right.
We’re doing a lot of good things.
When I say that we’re doing a lot of right things, the next step is to find out if we’re doing to right things at the right costs.
As MLAs, we have been anticipating the results of the operational audit for quite some time.
Just looking at the Qanukkanniq Report, that exercise in the previous Assembly took place over a year, but now here we are two years in and there are still no results.
When will the Premier be tabling the recommendations of the first phase of the operational audit?
We have a four-year mandate and we agreed that we are going to try and do this within that period.
There is a lot of work. There are over 300 programs within the government. We are looking at the outside entities that we fund, that being the LHOs and the hamlets.
Mr. Speaker, it entails a lot of work and it’s not an easy fix.
Once we have a good status on the first phase of these recommendations, we will surely be in a position to table that.
When the operational audit was first announced, it was going to look at what’s working, what’s not working, and what needs to be improved.
Up to today, has the department identified any programs or services that are not working and therefore will not be continuing?
I don’t get into the finer details of the recommendation.
We have an associate deputy minister that’s assigned to oversee this, along with personnel from the Department of Finance.
Mr. Speaker, in this report, there is some indication that we are doing programming the right way, but departments take authority over some of these programs that they deliver.
We have indicated that we have descriptions of these programs so it’s more understandable for Nunavummiut so they can take advantage of that. Mr. Speaker, our programs have authority either through legislation, policy, or strategy, so that works very well with our departments.
Mr. Speaker, once we thoroughly look at the recommendations within this report, I’ll be able to say which and what programs would be dropped from the programs in our government.
Question 146 – 4(3): Repurposing Building 534 in Iqaluit (Hickes)
I’m going to try this again.
Mr. Speaker, in the response that I received today that I asked earlier to the Minister responsible for the Department of Health, he stated that Building 534 has not been turned over to Community and Government Services through the government surplus policy.
When I toured that building when the first initial idea of having Nunavut Arctic College take over that facility, there wasn’t anyone there from the Department of Health; it was Community and Government Services and the college.
I’m going to ask the minister, once they do get who is responsible for this building figured out, as this building was previously used as a residence and program for mental health, if that building could be considered to be utilized as an addictions and treatment counselling facility.
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank you for returning to that question.
This is slightly different from your previous question, at least based on how I understood it.
Now, with respect to the group that is utilizing the building, until the CG&S office receives notification from the group about no longer needing the space or if they feel they no longer require the space or if they are acquiescing to another group that wants to use the space, in any of these circumstances for any group, then we can work on their request.
With respect to this issue and in talking about my personal experiences, the buildings that are maintained by CGS are kept in working order. However, these buildings are used by various departments, such as for education or health centres or mental health offices. That is the general practice, but we would prefer the group themselves who are using the building submit their plans for the usage of the building.
That is the only way our CGS office will start working on new plans for the usage of the building.
That’s the point I’m getting to. This building has not been used in three years.
We’re all aware of the shortage of office space and infrastructure across this territory.
It has been talked about very recently on the need here in Iqaluit, yet we’ve got this structure, when it stopped being used as the Akausisarvik when the new one was built or taken over, this building hasn’t been used, so there’s nobody using it right now.
It’s an untapped resource as far as I’m concerned.
I strongly suggest to this government that they take a look at what repurposing could be utilized in that facility.
As I stated in my initial question, that used to be a residence and programming.
To my knowledge, most addictions counselling centres are residence and programming.
I don’t see a dramatic change that would need to be made to the workings of that building to accommodate such a repurpose.
I would just like a commitment from the minister that they will explore this option at the earliest convenience once they figure out who is responsible for it.
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you for bringing that topic up.
Your statement was totally understandable as far as I know.
The review I mentioned for office space needs is still underway and the report will be ready by December with the information on how much office space needs the government has.
Yes, as the Department of CGS, we are continually monitoring the developments.
However, I can’t tell the department using the building to use the building for another purpose or alternatively to suggest different uses because that is not part of our mandate.
Until the office is released by the current inhabitants, then CGS would have the ability to make it available for other uses.
With regard to your comments, I wonder if you were asking about the (interpretation ends) programs (interpretation) that would request usage of the building. We are open to any requests for building usage by programs, but we haven’t been notified as to what they are requesting the use of the building up to now.
I realize it would be very cumbersome to get a complete list of government assets across the territory, but I would like to get a commitment from the minister that they will explore and analyze all usages of buildings across the territory from all departments and agencies to make sure that there are no buildings sitting vacant for years and years that could be utilized to backfill the need that is direly identified across this territory.
My colleague is absolutely truthful in making that statement about buildings sitting empty and not being used.
As I stated earlier about the office needs survey requested from our department, my officials have taken the lead on the completion of this work.
I will look into this matter based on my colleague’s statement as it is a very good idea to take into consideration.
I will inform my officials to initiate the work and get it moving.
Question 147 – 4(3): Management of Muskox Populations in the Kivalliq Region (Mikkungwak)
Mr. Speaker, I note that the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board held a public hearing earlier this year to determine new boundaries and associated total allowable harvests for the muskox population in the Kitikmeot region.
The Nunavut Wildlife Management Board also provides information and statistics on this particular muskox population.
However, the board does not provide recent information on the muskox populations in the Kivalliq region.
Can the minister indicate what studies are currently planned to review muskox populations in the Kivalliq region and when can we expect the results of these studies to be made publicly available?
Thank you to my colleague for bringing that topic up.
Yes, muskox management based on the work that was done recently in the Kivalliq region, as part of the region, has been identified as having a total allowable harvest for muskox. However, that zone in the NWT, Kitikmeot, and part of the Kivalliq region called the MX12 zone is subject to three jurisdictions.
Farther south in what they call the mainland in the Kivalliq region called MX13 has 182 muskox tags available.
The request for a muskox population survey is something I will have to review carefully in light of past studies done to date. As well, the legislation was finally enacted on September 1 for the muskox regulations. I will have to check into when a future muskox survey would occur in the Kivalliq region.
I am unsure of which exact zone he is referring to as being in the Kivalliq region, but I can definitely look into this.
Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Residents of my community have noted with pleasure that the mainland muskox population appears to be thriving.
However, a number of residents are concerned that the increasing range of muskox in the area may be affecting the migration patterns of the caribou populations.
Can the minister indicate if his department is currently undertaking any species management initiatives to monitor and address the increasing distribution of muskox on Nunavut’s mainland?
As I stated earlier, the new muskox regulations came into effect on September 1.
Our co-management partners such as the NWMB and the RWOs are involved in the three zones, including the zone in the Kivalliq region, as well as the local HTOs.
When the regulations were being drafted, there were notifications sent out so that the public would be aware that new regulations would kick in.
Following the regulations, it is obvious that if a new study is required, then the Department of Environment can send directives on the process to the communities or to the Kivalliq region.
As the minister is aware, Kitikmeot Foods Ltd. is a Nunavut Development Corporation subsidiary and, according to the corporation’s 2013-14 annual report, provided approximately ten jobs for the residents of Cambridge Bay in 2013.
This company holds an annual muskox harvest and processes the products of its harvest locally to be distributed nationally and internationally.
Can the minister indicate if his department has determined if it is feasible to hold a commercial muskox harvest in the Kivalliq region?
Yes, a study would be required if a commercial harvest was being contemplated.
I believe my colleague is speaking about the lands around Baker Lake. We would have to review all the pertinent factors with our co-management partners managing the muskox or other animals.
Yes, I agree with my colleague that a study would have to be conducted to review that commercial harvest potential and to review his concerns.
It would only move ahead with the participation of the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board and in this case, with the Kivalliq Wildlife Board.
Yes, this will require that I inform my officials about this request for more details on the issue.
Written Questions. (interpretation ends) Hon. Member for South Baffin, Mr. Joanasie.
Written Question 006 – 4(3): Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training Course for Trainers (Joanasie)
My written questions today are for the Minister responsible for Suicide Prevention and they concern the delivery of the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) course for trainers.
Which Government of Nunavut department and division organizes the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Training For Trainers courses?
How much does it cost to deliver this course?
What is the Government of Nunavut’s yearly budget for delivering Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Training For Trainers courses?
Is any funding for Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Training For Trainers courses obtained from sources outside of the Government of Nunavut and, if so, which organization(s) provide such funding?
To date, by year and community of delivery, how many Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Training For Trainers courses have been delivered in Nunavut?
To date, how many participants in the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Training For Trainers course have completed the five-day course?
To date, of those participants who completed the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Training For Trainers course, how many have become provisional trainers?
To date, how many Nunavut ASIST provisional trainers have gone on to deliver, with support from a senior trainer, the three ASIST workshops required to permit them to become registered trainers?
To date, how many Nunavut ASIST Provisional Trainers have qualified as ASIST registered trainers?
For the current fiscal year and for 2015-16 fiscal year, how many Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Training For Trainers courses are planned to be delivered and in which communities?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The member has asked that his written question be entered into the record as read.
Members, before we continue with the orders of the day, we will take a 20-minute break.
>>House recessed at 15:56 and resumed at 16:23
Speaker (interpretation): Item 12. (interpretation ends) Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters.
Committee Report 008 – 4(3): Recommendations for Amendments of the Rules of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut and Other Matters (Enook)
I have the honour today of presenting the first report of the Fourth Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and Privileges.
*See Appendix for full text of Committee Reports 8 – 4(3) and 9 – 4(3).
The recommendations in the standing committee’s report reflect the unanimous consensus of its membership and have been ratified by the Legislative Assembly’s Full Caucus.
The standing committee is making a total of seven formal recommendations in this report.
The first recommendation is that Rule 37, which provides for recognition of visitors in our gallery, be amended to reflect our legislature’s current practices in relation to recognitions.
The foundation of the committee’s recommendation is the principle that the rules should not unduly restrict members’ ability to recognize and pay tribute to constituents and distinguished guests who join us during our sittings.
At the same time, the standing committee notes the importance of all members exercising restraint with respect to multiple recognitions of the same individual and the length of recognitions.
The second recommendation is that Rule 45, which provides for notice requirements in respect to the introduction of bills, be amended to reduce the notice period from 48 hours to 24 hours.
This amendment will simplify and streamline our proceedings in relation to the introduction of bills while maintaining an appropriate notice period.
The third recommendation is that Rule 91, which provides for government responses to reports of standing and special committees, be amended to require government responses to be printed in Hansard.
This would be consistent with the current requirements in the rules to print returns to oral questions, returns to written questions, and responses to petitions in Hansard.
This would serve to enhance public access to the contents of government responses to reports of standing and special committees.
The fourth recommendation is that the Guidelines for the Use of Portable Hand-held Electronic Devices, Laptop Computers and Other Technologies in the Legislative Assembly Chamber and Committee Rooms be updated to reflect current practices.
As members will be aware, the current guidelines were first introduced in October of 2010, just over five years ago.