EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
039 - 1(5): Report of the Chief Electoral Officer - 2002 Quttiktuq By-Election (Speaker) 1711
040 - 1(5): Return to Petition 4 - 1(5) (Clerk) 1711
11 - 1(5): Adjournment (McLean) 4
Bill 12: Appropriation Act No. 1, 2002/2003 - Notice (Ng) 1711
Bill 12: Appropriation Act No. 1, 2002/2003 - First Reading (Ng) 1712
Bill 12: Appropriation Act No. 1, 2002/2003 - Second Reading (Ng) 1713  Wednesday November 14, 2001
Honourable Olayuk Akesuk, Mr. Ovide Alakannuark, Honourable Jack Anawak, Mr. James Arvaluk, Mr. Donald Havioyak, Mr. David Iqaqrialu, Mr. Enoki Irqittuq, Honourable Peter Kattuk, Honourable Peter Kilabuk, Mr. Jobie Nutarak, Honourable Kelvin Ng, Mr. Glenn McLean, Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Honourable Paul Okalik, Honourable Ed Picco, Mr. Uriash Puqiqnak, Honourable Manitok Thompson, Mr. Hunter Tootoo, Ms. Rebekah Williams.
Speaker (Mr. O'Brien): I would like to call on Mr. Alakannuark for the opening prayer.
Speaker: Good afternoon, Mr. Premier, members and welcome back.
We have quite a lengthy agenda over the next few weeks.
We will spare any further formalities and get right into it.
Minister's Statement 095 -1(5): 2001 Mid Year Statement - Fiscal Update & Introduction of 2002/2003 Capital Estimates
Mr. Speaker, today I have the pleasure of updating the Members of this Legislative Assembly and the people of Nunavut on the fiscal situation of our government and introducing the 2002-03 Capital Estimates.
Last February, in my third Budget Address as Minister of Finance, I set out a fiscal plan that stressed the need for our government to live within its means and to maximize the benefits from our limited financial resources.
The Government of Nunavut remains committed to these principles and to maintaining a sound fiscal position.
We will focus our expenditure efforts on priority areas that best meet the needs of Nunavummiut.
We will not mortgage our future by borrowing large amounts of money to finance ongoing operations.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut’s long-term challenges remain great.
To meaningfully address these challenges we will have to be realistic, make difficult choices, and invest available resources wisely.
Our Fiscal Performance and Prospects
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform the Legislature that since our budget last winter, Nunavut’s short-term fiscal situation has improved considerably.
This improvement can be attributed to three factors – a larger than anticipated accumulated surplus at the end of our first year, a stronger fiscal position for 2000-01, and increased transfers from the Government of Canada for 2001-02.
Mr. Speaker, earlier this year it was estimated that our government would have an operating deficit of approximately 38 million dollars for fiscal 2000-01, and would end the year with an accumulated surplus of nearly 23 million dollars.
Our first Public Accounts, released in the spring, indicated that Nunavut ended its first fiscal year with an accumulated operating surplus of around 69 million dollars.
It now appears that for 2000-2001 we had an operating surplus of 4 million dollars – meaning that we ended the year with an accumulated surplus of approximately 73 million dollars.
This is indeed good news for the people of Nunavut.
Our new territory continues to face many pressures and needs.
These additional one-time resources will allow us to make strategic investments for our future and develop the capacity of our new government.
Mr. Speaker, largely as a result of increased transfers from the Government of Canada, our fiscal position for the current year also has improved.
We now anticipate formula financing payments of approximately 655 million dollars for the 2001-2002 year, or 92 million dollars above our budget estimate.
Included in this increase Mr. Speaker, is a one-time payment of 46 million dollars.
We now estimate that our total revenues for 2001-2002 will be around 765 million dollars.
Mr. Speaker, budgeted expenditures for the current fiscal year remain at approximately 745 million dollars.
This figure includes the initiatives in Supplementary Appropriation Bill No. 1, and Supplementary Appropriation Bill No. 2 – which is still subject to the approval of this Legislature.
The initiatives presented in the supplementary appropriation bills increase budgeted expenditures for the current year by approximately 64 million dollars.
The total operations and maintenance budget has been increased by approximately 38 million dollars to meet a number of expenditure pressures, including operating funding for the Department of Health and Social Services and the recent NEU settlement.
The total capital budget has been increased by approximately 26 million dollars, which includes funding of about 22 million dollars approved for projects in the 2000-2001 budget that could not be completed in this fiscal year.
For this fiscal year 2001-02, we are anticipating operating lapses of 15 million dollars and an overall operating surplus of approximately 37 million dollars.
I must stress Mr. Speaker, that without the 46 million dollar one-time formula financing payment and the indicated lapses, we would have an operating deficit this year.
As I noted previously, additional one-time resources will allow us to make strategic investments.
Our improved fiscal position and significant accumulated reserves gives us an opportunity to provide much needed funding to deal with some of our more immediate needs.
But we must not squander this opportunity Mr. Speaker.
If we use these resources wisely we can address aspects of the long-term challenges facing Nunavut.
Over the coming months we will consult Members of the Legislative Assembly on how to move forward and what investments will best meet the needs of Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, I would now like to briefly comment on our prospects in the context of significant recent events.
In light of the tragic actions of September 11 and slowing economic growth in Canada and throughout the world, there exists considerable uncertainty about the future.
In this environment it is critical that Nunavut continue to manage its finances prudently and remain committed to maintaining a sound long-term fiscal position.
In recent weeks, a number of provincial governments have introduced restraint measures aimed at offsetting lower revenues.
Similarly, the federal government will be tabling a budget in early December.
The Government of Canada has sent a clear message - it will meet all of its existing commitments, including those to provinces and territories, and will allocate additional resources to new priority areas such as security and defence measures.
Mr. Speaker, slowing growth in both provincial expenditures and the Canadian economy will result in smaller increases to Nunavut’s formula financing grant.
In coming years our total revenues will likely grow at rates significantly below those which we have experienced in recent years.
Similarly, Nunavut cannot count on one-time revenues, accumulated reserves, or borrowing to fund essential programs and services on an ongoing basis.
Mr. Speaker, maintaining a sound long-term fiscal position while ensuring that essential programs and services are properly funded will continue to be a challenge for our government.
We will have to work diligently at finding the right balance between what we do and what we can afford.
2002-03 Capital Estimates
Mr. Speaker, I would like to now provide an overview of the 2002-03 Capital Estimates that are being tabled today.
Last winter, this Assembly approved Nunavut’s initial Five-Year Capital Plan.
In an effort to build on this, a decision was made to table future Capital Estimates during the fall sitting of the Legislature.
This change is in response to requests from Members of this Assembly, municipal leaders, and Nunavut’s business community.
The move is intended to improve our capital planning process and ensure the timely and cost effective delivery of projects.
For fiscal 2002-03 our government is planning to allocate over 70 million dollars for capital projects throughout Nunavut.
The Departments of Education and Community Government and Transportation, along with the Nunavut Housing Corporation, will account for over three-quarters of our planned capital expenditures.
I will now highlight departmental capital budgets and some projects for the upcoming year.
Mr. Speaker, for 2002-03 the Department of Education will have the largest departmental capital budget at 19.5 million dollars.
Our government views improved education as a critical factor for Nunavut’s development.
Providing Nunavummiut with better learning facilities and opportunities are investments for our future that will yield far reaching returns.
In the coming year, construction will begin or continue on schools or Nunavut Arctic College facilities in the communities of Kugaaruk, Baker Lake, Resolute Bay, Pond Inlet, Hall Beach and Clyde River.
Mr. Speaker, housing issues also remain a critical challenge for Nunavut.
To address this challenge, over the past two years our government has allocated significant resources to improve access to public housing – this includes funding for the Nunavut Housing Corporation to construct 150 new public housing units across the territory.
Mr. Speaker, we will continue to address housing issues in a meaningful, ongoing and efficient manner.
For 2002-03 the Nunavut Housing Corporation will have a capital budget of 17.7 million dollars.
This will enable the corporation to continue to improve the current housing stock and deliver homeownership programs.
As well, the housing corporation will again construct a number of new public housing units across Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, closely linked to housing issues are our territory’s health and social needs.
For fiscal 2002-03 the Department of Health and Social Services will have a capital budget of 5.8 million dollars, which includes over 3.7 million dollars for a new health centre in Pond Inlet.
In addition, planning and design work is continuing for a new general hospital in Iqaluit and two new regional health facilities in Rankin Inlet and Cambridge Bay.
These three facilities are vital for Nunavut – we are in the final stages of determining the most appropriate financing option for these important projects.
Mr. Speaker, our communities depend upon the capital programs of the Department of Community Government and Transportation to address many of their priority needs.
In the coming fiscal year the department will manage a capital budget in excess of 17 million dollars – this represents an increase of over 5 million dollars, or thirty percent, from last year’s budget.
The Transportation Branch of the department will spend over 2.8 million dollars on buildings and works.
This amount includes funding to upgrade the airport access road in Whale Cove, refurbishment of the airport garage in Coral Harbour and ongoing improvements to the Resolute Bay airport.
The department’s Community Government Branch will spend over 7.8 million dollars on buildings and works.
This includes funding for sewage lagoon repairs in Cape Dorset, to relocate the solid waste site in Rankin Inlet, and a new fire hall in Taloyoak.
The branch also will provide over 4.7 million dollars in contributions to communities across the territory.
The Department of Public Works and Services will have a capital budget of 6.3 million dollars.
One of the major responsibilities of the department is the provision of fuel to our communities.
In the coming year, nearly 5.6 million dollars in funding has been budgeted for maintenance and enhancement of bulk fuel storage facilities across Nunavut.
The Department of Sustainable Development will manage a capital budget of over 2.4 million dollars and this includes funding for wildlife garages in Grise Fiord and Sanikiluaq, as well as, attraction development at the Kuklok Park in Kugluktuk.
The Department of Justice will be provided 720 thousand dollars for capital projects in the coming year.
Over 300 thousand dollars has been allocated for renovations and improvements to the Baffin Correctional Centre.
The Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth will have a capital budget of 535 thousand dollars.
This full amount will be used for contributions to community heritage centres across Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to reiterate our commitment to managing our resources wisely while investing in priority areas that best meet the needs of Nunavummiut.
This commitment will be delivered in close consultation with Members of this Assembly and Nunavummiut.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Ng. Item 2.
Before we move on to item 3, I just want to recognize the Minister of Finance for the NWT, Joe Handley.
Mr. Handley welcome.
Member's Statement 249 - 1(5): Gratitude to Associations, Businesses & Residents
I would like to thank everyone for returning safely and I haven't seen everyone since the Cambridge Bay sitting.
I just wanted to thank those who during the summer supported my family as we lost an in-law and my mother.
I would like to recognize those who have supported my family.
I have some relatives here in Iqaluit as well.
I also wanted to thank the Minister of Education, the Kitikmeot Inuit Association and also Canadian North and First Air.
Last but not least the residents of Cambridge Bay who helped during the funeral and those who came from Cambridge Bay to attend the funeral services in my community.
Also the elders who supported my brothers and sisters and who gave us advice during our time of sorrow.
I would like to thank every one of the people of my constituency of Kugluktuk.
In June my in-law was buried during the time when the rivers started flowing and my in-law was buried across the banks of the river.
Those who fly the helicopters were there to show their support by flying over.
Those were the Nunasi helicopters from Yellowknife.
This might be an appropriate time to acknowledge the passing of Iqaluit elder Joanasie Aningmiuq.
Member's Statement 250 - 1(5): City of Iqaluit - Most Friendly Award
Welcome back to Iqaluit.
I'd also like to welcome back all of my colleagues to Nunavut's capital after a record-breaking warm summer that we had this year.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform Members of this House of a prestigious award won recently by the City of Iqaluit. Iqaluit has been named as being one of Canada's three most friendly communities to home-based businesses.
Two weeks ago, Iqaluit's Community Economic Developer, Ms. Cheri Kemp-Kinnear, accepted the award in Toronto on behalf of our capital.
A nation-wide survey sponsored by RBC financial group, Canada Post and Home Business Report magazine identified Iqaluit as one of three first-place winners.
I would like to quote Ms. Barbara Mowat, publisher of Home Business Report magazine. "
Many communities support the home-based business sector.
We're pleased Iqaluit is making so many strides in this direction.
We also applaud their work in giving entrepreneurs a chance even when climate and distance make it tough."
Mr. Speaker, I applaud the hard work and determination of Iqaluit's entrepreneurs.
I also salute the efforts being made by such organizations as the Kakivak Association, the City of Iqaluit, Aboriginal Business Canada, Industry Canada, the Baffin Business Development Centre, Department of Sustainable Development, Nunavut Tourism in finding ways to co-operate and build partnerships.
Mr. Speaker, this award illustrates how Nunavummiut have the spirit, drive and tenacity to survive, grow and prosper in a harsh climate and economic times.
I ask all members to join with me in congratulating Iqaluit for this well-deserved recognition.
Member's Statement 251 - 1(5): Search & Rescue Effort for Jimmy Qirqut
We are now once again back to the session.
I hope all my colleagues had a wonderful summer in their constituencies.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to rise today to talk about the search and rescue team's search for Jimmy Qirqut of Gjoa Haven from October 12th to the 16th.
During the search I was attending the Standing Committee meetings here in Iqaluit and because they kept me informed about the search and rescue party, I would like to thank my constituents for keeping me informed at all times during the search.
They eventually found him and I am very glad that he was fine, other than being tired and hungry from the cold.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate and acknowledge the search and rescue teams for all their efforts.
Even the bad weather did not stop them from searching for him until they found him.
Jimmy Qirqut is over the age of 60 and upon his arrival back to the community, we held a feast to celebrate his return once he became healthy enough.
Member's Statement 252 - 1(5): Launch of Baker Lake Web Site
Uqaqti, I rise today to share with Members of this House a recent community initiative successfully undertaken by my constituents in Qamanittuaq.
Uqaqti, it's no secret that the world is growing smaller every day.
Communications technologies that were unimaginable only twenty years ago are now commonplace.
Our ability to communicate and share information on a global basis is a critical cornerstone of our competitiveness as Canadians and Nunavummiut.
Earlier this summer, Qamanittuaq was proud to launch the first ever Internet website for the community of Baker Lake.
The new website, which is located at www.bakerlake.org contains a significant amount of information about the community, its history, its people, its wilderness beauty and its business opportunities.
I would like to acknowledge the efforts of long-time Baker Lake resident David Webster at the Inuit Heritage Centre for his work in making this project happen.
This website will help the community build its profile and to attract much-needed investment in the areas of tourism and arts and crafts sales.
Uqaqti, I would like to thank the Department of Sustainable Development and Kivalliq Partners in Development for providing the support needed to get this project off the ground. www.bakerlake.org has already had visitors from Vancouver to Labrador, and the comments they've left have been positive.
I encourage all Members of this House to support efforts by their constituents to start community websites one at a time.
In time, I would like to see all 25 Nunavut communities establish a well-linked Internet presence that will help us to build our profile, promote our products, arts and crafts, attract tourists and preserve the Inuit culture.
Member's Statement 253 - 1(5): Clyde River Soccer Team
I would like to welcome my colleagues back to Iqaluit and all Nunavummiut watching us.
It is not every day that we can pass on good news but today I have some to share.
Just this past week there was an event that I won’t soon forget.
The Clyde River junior boys' team won the soccer Arctic Winter Games trials here in Iqaluit.
They are going to be representing Nunavut at the 2002 Arctic Winter Games.
It is something that I am extremely proud of and I would like to acknowledge this achievement by one of the smaller communities in Nunavut.
The Nunavut Government was created two years ago and Clyde River is one of the first to represent the new territory in a sporting event.
I am very proud of them.
Member's Statement 254 - 1(5): Tragic Events in Igloolik & Hall Beach
I am very happy that we are here today, Mr. Speaker.
First of all, I would like to thank my family for their support, especially Linda, Marsha and Carmen.
As out of town members we all have families that we leave behind when we are in meetings like this.
I would like to acknowledge that when we are in Iqaluit we are always made to feel very welcome here.
I would like to thank the people of Iqaluit.
I would like to express my gratitude to them as well to the staff and the people that voted for us.
Many times we have gone through hard times within the communities of Igloolik and Hall Beach.
There are many sad events that have happened over the last few months, with the passing of elders.
I will not be discussing them individually but I would like to pass on my condolences to the family members.
>>Applause  Speaker: Members' Statements.
Member's Statement 255 - 1(5): Elwood Johnston a Children's Advocate
Hon. Mr. Anawak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
As Inuit we continue to have discussions about maintaining Inuit culture in our lives.
One of the issues discussed is the proper raising of children.
A recent issue I dealt with is that when a foster child turns 18 years old, by law, they must leave the home even though they may need more parental support.
That is one of the issues.
Today many of our young people are going through more difficult situations than we did when we were young ourselves.
Sometimes the hard times are caused by drugs and alcohol, sexual abuse and other abuses.
What I want to talk about today is an issue raised by Cambridge Bay resident Elwood Johnston on television, which has to do with support for children.
He was talking in part about children that are staying with foster parents.
There is a real need for an advocate dedicated to dealing with children’s issues.
The Inuit way of raising children is not used fully within the rules of government with foster parents.
These young people have to have proper guidance and guardianship.
I would like to recognize Mr. Elwood Johnston for raising this important issue.
He has been involved with foster parenthood for a long time.
My own family has had foster children.
So when these foster children reach the age of 18 they are considered to have reached the age of majority.
We had to follow the rules as well when our foster child reached the age of majority.
As an adult we understand that some young people's minds are not fully developed yet even after turning 18…
Mr. Speaker, I seek consent to conclude my statement.
Speaker: Mr. Anawak is seeking consent to conclude his statement.
Hon. Jack Anawak (interpretation): This little flashing warning saying our time is up should be in Inuktitut also.
But with respect to the foster children.
They are no longer in our care once they reach the age of 18 and they no longer have a guardian.
They are considered to be adults.
They are on their own.
As a government or as citizens we have to do something about this so that they may receive more assistance.
Some foster children are leaving the care of foster families when they turn 18 even though they still are dealing with past abuses.
We have to look at changing these rules.
We have to provide them as much support as possible.
Let us work together in creating a children’s advocate.
Member's Statement 256 - 1(5): Search & Rescue in Repulse Bay
I am very happy to be here today.
We are going to be in the House for quite a lengthy period of time and we will have difficult issues to deal with.
All my children are here, the regular MLAs and the Ministers.
I am older than everybody here, over 60, so I consider all of you my children.
I would like to speak about an event that occurred in Repulse Bay and Kugaaruk recently.
There was a person lost from Repulse Bay and the two communities worked together to find this young man.
Fortunately he was found alive and well.
Even though this person was quite young, he had the skills and was capable of surviving on the land.
After walking several days he was fortunate enough to find shelter in a cabin, not too far from the community.
The fact that a young person had the knowledge to survive under very difficult conditions is something I am proud of.
This is something that I always talking about, passing on this knowledge to the new generation.
This is an example of the importance of it.
I must also say that this young man had more skill than I did when I was his age.
Again I am very proud of him.
Member's Statement 257 - 1(5): Rankin Inlet Boys' Soccer Team - Gold Medal
I am glad that I am able to see everyone back here.
I hope it was a good summer for everyone.
I just wanted to say Mr. Speaker, there were several sporting events in Iqaluit this weekend.
The girls' and boys' soccer teams were here from Rankin Inlet.
I would like to thank the parents for encouraging their children to participate in soccer and other sports that they are involved in.
I would like to encourage parents to encourage their children to be active in recreational events.