EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Again I hate to keep harping on it, but there shouldn’t even be a number in that area; it should either be an A, B, C, D, and as we have seen in other previous ones, there should be an X. Where that $24,000 came from is beyond my knowledge right now.
I’m reading the briefing note from the Department of Family Services. The contractor responded to a tender. The cost to complete the work was estimated at $85,000.
CGS has requested the sum of $85,000, which is $97,000 minus $12,000, an actual expense to be carried over to this fiscal year.
They spent $12,000 already and are carrying over $85,000.
It’s to upgrade bathrooms and other renovations in the building to, I believe, hand sanitation, living conditions, and health concerns for all the clients. That’s the extent of the briefing note that we have here.
I apologize to everyone if I’m belabouring this point, but when I look at the scope of work, there are some fairly substantial renovations like new flooring, but even that isn’t really that costly.
It is new toilets, new mirrors, a couple vanities, and plumbing fixtures. It just seems like it’s an extraordinary amount of money.
I’m just wondering: during the planning process under the program needs change, first of all, how did the Department of Family Services or the Department of C&GS come to the conclusion that the budget need is $85,000 for this project? And secondly, in the tender process, it’s got design of $12,000 to change some plumbing fixtures.
I’m really having a hard time wrapping my head around the costs associated with a project of this size.
I understand when we’re building new buildings that it can cost upwards of a million dollars to design a very complex building like a hospital or a school, but $12,000 to renovate a bathroom and to do some flooring and plumbing fixtures just seems extraordinary.
My apologies, Mr. Chairman, if I’m belabouring this point, but I just wonder if maybe one of the two departments associated with this project could maybe give me a little bit more detailed information.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Hickes. You don’t need to apologize at all because we have been elected to deal with these.
If you will bear with me, Mr. Chairman, I can read out the scope of work. There are 17 items here. It might take a while.
Remove existing flooring.
Remove existing change table unit.
Remove existing bathtub.
Remove all existing plumbing fixtures and all related piping from existing washroom and dispose as required.
Remove all electrical fixtures and related equipment; emergency lighting to remain.
Supply and install two new floor mounted elongated rims with dual flush system that’s 3 litres and 6 litres flush insulated tank.
I can continue, Mr. Chairman, but you get the point.
You’re not going to get all that work done for $12,000. It went out for tender and according to my briefing note here, it was $97,000. I apologize.
The substantiation sheet must have been written up wrong, but they must have completed $12,000 of the actual work and they want to carry over $85,000, which is $97,000 minus the $12,000 equals $85,000 to complete this.
It would be great if you could get all this work done for $12,000, but I can’t even get my boiler serviced in Cambridge Bay for $500.
It’s quite a long extensive list. I wasn’t part of the tender process, but I have to rely on CGS and Family Services that are doing this and that’s the bid that came in.
That’s the one that they accepted and the contract was awarded.
Sorry, Mr. Chairman. I just got a note here. Minister Ugyuk would like to speak.
I do appreciate Minister Peterson’s response, but just to clarify, the concern with the $12,000 that I was talking about is that it’s $12,000 just for design to make these renovations in addition to the actual construction costs.
Maybe if Minister Ugyuk would be able to itemize that for me.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister Peterson, you had indicated that Ms. Ugyuk might be willing to answer to that.
I would also like to thank my colleague for asking his question with regard to that.
The washroom needs to be renovated.
They prepared the estimate in 2014-15, but we put out the RFP for the work and it cost over $50,000. It was close to $97,000 and $47,000, which is less than $50,000.
For that reason, it has gone over. Due to it being pretty high, we couldn’t do it right away, but last month, in March, we set out the RFP. That’s why we are late working on that.
We need to set up and fix up the washroom at the children’s group home. It’s old and it was constructed in 1988.
The doors were made of plywood and the washroom was unsafe.
For all those various reasons, we’re requesting that we need to work on the group home and we’re requesting that the carryover be done because the RFP was approved in March and the price is over by $50,000.
In 2014-15, we requested that, but the bid put in $97,000 minus $12,000 that was expended and it’s included in the 2015-16 fiscal year.
Maybe if Minister Ugyuk could just clarify: the $12,000 that was expended under the 2014-15 year, was that for design or is that just the number put in the wrong column?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Hickes. (interpretation ends) If I may, Ms. Ugyuk, (interpretation) I’ll go directly to you, Minister Ugyuk.
The Department of Community and Government Services set that up, so I would ask that that department respond to that question.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Let me first ask: Minister Mike, can you comment on that?
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): I can’t comment on that at this time because I would have to look into it when it’s that complex.
Mr. Hickes, are you done?
(interpretation ends) Minister Peterson, any comments to this last issue?
I can’t answer specifically to Mr. Hickes whether it’s all for design, but the information we have in our briefing notes is that $12,000 was the actual expense.
Whether that’s design or something else, I can’t definitively say that at this time, but based on the scope of work that they want done, one would think that there had to be a lot of planning and design going into it because they’re moving stuff around and tearing floors up. I can’t say definitively that that is for the design. It could be for advertising or some other expense.
We’re on page 6.
It reads, Family Services. Total Department. Not Previously Authorized. $85,000.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Before turning the page, as Chair, I would like to make a few comments on what I have noticed.
The government has a saying or there are different departments, for example, the Department of Health, the Department of Education, and way too many times, I have recognized that there are too many typos in Inuktitut.
I would like to urge the departments to make sure that the Inuktitut translations are correct.
There’s no Ilagiinnilirijikkut.
That’s not the word for the Department of Family Services.
I would like to make sure that the government puts proper names for the departments. We can’t even read some of the Inuktitut because they don’t make any sense at all.
I would like to urge the government departments to make sure that Mr. Shooyook can read what’s in front of him.
Sometimes he is just given gibberish that was produced by the government and we want to make sure that he is properly informed about the items at hand.
When I’m trying to read it, even though I’m not too proficient in Inuktitut, I try to make corrections on the Inuktitut.
I urge the government, the ministers, our department, and their departments to produce proper, informative Inuktitut and to make sure that they are in correct order.
Let’s turn to the next page.
Page 7. Justice. Not Previously Authorized.
Total Directorate. $275,000.
I just have a question on the Rankin Inlet Healing Facility, just on page 2 of the substantiation sheet, whether it’s just normal process or not that the amounts for NNI bonus are there and how much the projects are, on the very top page there.
Do you include the NNI bonuses and, if they don’t meet NNI, then there’s a surplus?
I just want an explanation on how that works.
I think you’re referring to page 2, No. 3.
I’m going to ask my deputy minister to respond to Mr. Savikataaq’s question.
Chairman (interpretation): I’m sorry, Minister Peterson. (interpretation ends) Please repeat.
Sorry. Minister Peterson.
Hon. Keith Peterson: I was going to have my deputy minister respond to Mr. Savikataaq’s question.
Chairman: My apologies, Minister Peterson.
At project initiation for the budget of a major project, there’s always a contingency that’s taken and in that contingency amount, there would be a prudent amount taken with respect to NNI bonus.
In this particular project where it’s virtually completed and you’re just carrying over funds to finish it off, I believe that the department and Community and Government Services are aware of what that NNI bonus is, the amount that’s showing there.
As well, in bullet No. 4, you see another amount for an NNI bonus.
I don’t know if that’s an estimate at this point in time or if it’s correct, but I should think that that, based on the historical bonus, would probably be a prudent amount to carry forward for this project, which is what the department is suggesting.
As members know, it all adds up to $200,000.
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. D’Arcy. (interpretation) Page 7.
It reads, Justice. Not Previously Authorized. Total Directorate. $275,000.
Total Corrections. $738,000. Total Department. Not Previously Authorized. $1,013,000.
For the Rankin Inlet Healing Facility, there is $200,000 not previously authorized.
I just want to know, on Item 3, page 1, that the corrections are asking for $200,000 for 2015-16. They’re looking at a snow fence because of the snow build-up.
Are they looking at possibly buying a plow or something for that amount?
That’s what the briefing note also says, that Justice would procure a small, dedicated loader in 2014-15 for the facility to keep on top of snow accumulation during the winter.
I think they did their snow studies around the facility and they decided that it would be better just to have the little loader to do that work.
I just noticed that this will be used for a small loader for the exclusive use of the healing facility.
That is how we understand it as well. It was acquired in the last fiscal year.
We have different numbers or documents in front of us.
Chairman (interpretation): Mr. Mapsalak, what are you talking about?
Are you talking about the binder?
Could you elaborate further on what you’re talking about?
We don’t have what Mr. Savikataaq is holding.
We need to have the same documents in front of us.
Using my discretion as the Chair, and because we have to have the same documents in front of us, we will take a five-minute break so that it can be reviewed by our staff.
>>Committee recessed at 17:25 and resumed at 17:31
I had noticed inconsistencies.
We were working on the issue we had to deal with, but I believe we can proceed again. Mr. Savikataaq.
I will now rise to report progress, but before I do so, please leave your binders here so that they can be worked on further.
I thank you again for showing that to us.
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bill 22 and would like to report progress.
Just a reminder of a meeting tomorrow morning, the standing committee on oversight of government operations will meet at nine o’clock in the morning in the Tuktu Boardroom.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until Thursday, May 28, at 1:30 p.m.
>>House adjourned at 17:38
Minister of Community and Government Services;  Minister of Environment
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Pages 2746 – 2791
Opening Prayer 2746
Ministers’ Statements 2746
Members’ Statements 2749
Returns to Oral Questions 2754
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 2755
Oral Questions 2756
Tabling of Documents 2769
Notices of Motions 2770
Report of the Committee of the Whole 2790
Third Reading of Bills 2790
Thursday, May 28, 2015 2746
149 – 4(2): Update on the Connected North Pilot Project (Quassa) 2746
150 – 4(2): Government of Nunavut Operational Audit (Taptuna) 2747
151 – 4(2): NACA Receives 2015 Prime Minister’s Volunteer Award (Ell) 2747
152 – 4(2): Nominations Open for Sport and Recreation Awards and Scholarships (Mike) 2748
153 – 4(2): Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students Basic Grant Increase (Ugyuk) 2749
307 – 4(2): Appreciation for Education Act Review (Hickes) 2749
308 – 4(2): Tribute to Marvin McKay Keenan (Savikataaq) 2750
309 – 4(2): Congratulations to High School Graduates of Cape Dorset (Joanasie) 2750
310 – 4(2): Congratulations to Sanikiluaq’s NTEP Graduate (Rumbolt) 2751
311 – 4(2): Implementing Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (Shooyook) 2752
312 – 4(2): Appreciation to Canadian Rangers of Repulse Bay (Mapsalak) 2752
313 – 4(2): Search Effort in Kugaaruk (Ugyuk) 2753
314 – 4(2): Congratulations to Peter Evic (Mike) 2753
315 – 4(2): Tribute to Louise Uyarak (Quassa) 2753
316 – 4(2): Tribute to Marvin McKay Keenan (Kuksuk) 2754
Return to Oral Question 482 – 4(2): Update on Repulse Bay’s New Sewage Lagoon (Mike) 2754
504 – 4(2): Iqaluit Marine Infrastructure (Angnakak) 2756
505 – 4(2): Review of Harvester Support Programs (Savikataaq) 2757
506 – 4(2): Update on the Office Space Strategy (Rumbolt) 2758
507 – 4(2): Number of Social Assistance/Income Support Clients (Joanasie) 2760
508 – 4(2): Apprenticeship (Sammurtok) 2761
509 – 4(2): Waste Management in Nunavut (Angnakak) 2762
510 – 4(2): Status of Heritage Centre (Sammurtok) 2764
511 – 4(2): Summer Literacy Camps (Joanasie) 2765
512 – 4(2): Departmental Responses to the Nunavut Association of Municipalities’ 2014 Resolutions (Angnakak) 2767
513 – 4(2): Vacancy in Nanisivik (Savikataaq) 2768
152 – 4(2): Photograph of Unassembled Swan Lake Bridge (Akoak) 2769
153 – 4(2): FPT Ministerial Report for Canadian Council of the Ministers of Environment (Mike) 2769
154 – 4(2): Seafood Expo North America (Mike) 2769
155 – 4(2): Qulliq Energy Corporation’s 2013-2014 Contracting, Procurement, and Leasing Activity Report (Peterson) 2769
024 – 4(2): Modification of the Terms of Reference of the Standing Committees of the Fourth Legislative Assembly – Notice (Shooyook) 2770
Bill 22 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2015-2016 – Consideration in Committee 2770
Bill 22 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2015-2016 – Third Reading 2791
Good afternoon, my fellow Nunavummiut and the ministers, members, and the (interpretation ends) Premier. (interpretation) Welcome.
Minister’s Statement 149 – 4(2): Update on the Connected North Pilot Project (Quassa)
Good day, my fellow residents of Igloolik and Nunavummiut, as well as the people who are watching the proceedings.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would like to update my colleagues on the Cisco Connected North videoconferencing pilot project.
In today’s world, making use of the latest technology can provide the support we need to enhance programs and services in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, our partnership with Cisco Canada, SSi Micro, Partners in Research, the Toronto Hospital for Sick Children, the Royal Bank Foundation, and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami has allowed us to expand classroom experiences and health services delivery through use of high-definition two-way videoconferencing.
The first phase began in September 2013 at Aqsarniit Ilinniarvik in Iqaluit.
The second phase of the project, completed this spring, brought John Arnalukjuak High School in Arviat, Inuksuk High School in Iqaluit, and Peter Pitseolak School in Cape Dorset into the network.
The participating schools have connected with science experts from southern Canada.
Inuksuk High School and Peter Pitseolak School have held music classes with southern professionals.
John Arnalukjuak High School has connected with West Point Grey Academy in British Columbia to regularly share classes.
Peter Pitseolak School has scheduled a three-way science session with southern experts and so did Aqsarniit Ilinniarvik.
Mr. Speaker, this technology helps teachers enhance student instruction and supports their professional development by providing video-based mentoring, skills development, and peer group sessions.
We certainly look forward to the success of these pilot projects and the positive impact they have on the lives of Nunavummiut.
Minister’s Statement 150 – 4(2): Government of Nunavut Operational Audit (Taptuna)
Unnusakkut, colleagues, Nunavummiut, and Kuglukturmiut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, during the last session, I spoke about the initial planning stages of the government-wide operational audit.
I rise today to provide an update to my colleagues about the progress of the program review to date.
Mr. Speaker, the request for proposals for this operational audit was awarded in April. Work has already begun on the first phase of a comprehensive audit to understand which of our programs are working and which need improvement to better serve Nunavummiut.
Results and recommendations for the first phase are expected this coming fall, in time for the next business planning cycle.
Mr. Speaker, auditing the Government of Nunavut’s 258 departmental programs and 68 corporate programs is not a small task.
This initial work will lead into the second phase of the audit.
This will involve a more in-depth review of programs that may need significant improvement or which could be discontinued or delivered by more suitable organizations.
This phase is expected to produce recommendations for the 2017-18 business plan process to improve our programs and ensure they are delivered in a streamlined and economical manner.
As promised in Sivumut Abluqta, we are committed to realizing “good government through the wise use of resources.” I look forward to reporting regularly on the progress of this audit, as we take action to improve our government’s service delivery for the people of Nunavut.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Ms. Ell.
Minister’s Statement 151 – 4(2): NACA Receives 2015 Prime Minister’s Volunteer Award (Ell)
I am delighted to announce that on March 18 of this year, NACA (Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association) was selected as a recipient of the third annual Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards in the Social Innovators category.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, this prestigious award is presented every year by the Prime Minister to organizations and individuals across the country that inspire Canadians from all walks of life to find new ways of making a difference in their communities.
The Government of Nunavut provides operational funding to NACA as a valuable partner in offering support to over 3,000 artists across the territory to help them find avenues to promote and distribute their work.
Mr. Speaker, as our government and all Nunavummiut work to diversify and strengthen our economy, I am proud to see NACA recognized and celebrated at the national scale.
I would ask all members to join me in celebrating this significant achievement and recognize the kudos and positive publicity it brings to the arts in Nunavut and to our beautiful territory. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Mike.
Minister’s Statement 152 – 4(2): Nominations Open for Sport and Recreation Awards and Scholarships (Mike)
Good day, Nunavummiut and the people of Pangnirtung.
Mr. Speaker, today, I wish to inform the House and all Nunavummiut that nominations are now open for the 2015 Sport and Recreation Scholarship Program and the 2015 Sport Awards.
Every year, Sports Nunavut circulates public announcements to hamlets, territorial sports organizations, and in the northern newspapers.
(interpretation ends) The 2015 Sport and Recreation Scholarships are awarded to promising Nunavut students pursuing a post-secondary education in the field of Education, Sport Administration, Sport Sciences or Recreation at a recognized college or university.
These scholarships are valued at up to $5,000 each. All eligible students are encouraged to apply.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, the 2015 Sport Awards recognize the accomplishments and contributions of Nunavut athletes, coaches, officials, teams, and volunteers in categories such as “Athlete of the Year,” “Team of the Year,” and “Coach of the Year.”
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, this is a rare opportunity to acknowledge some of the many volunteers who contribute their time, energy, and expertise to supporting participation in sport and recreation programs at all levels. (interpretation) Territorial sport and recreation organizations, hamlet councils, non-profit organizations, and individuals now have an opportunity to submit nominations for the 2015 Sport Awards.
Applications for the 2015 Sport Awards and Scholarships are due June 1. (interpretation ends) All interested Nunavummiut are asked to contact the Sport and Recreation Division of the Department of Community and Government Services for more information. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Family Services, Ms. Ugyuk.
Minister’s Statement 153 – 4(2): Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students Basic Grant Increase (Ugyuk)
Good day, Nunavummiut. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, today, I am happy to announce to the Assembly that the Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students (FANS) Basic Grant has increased for all eligible students.
The basic grant, which was previously $3,700 a year, has nearly doubled and now is $6,855 per year.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I would like to appeal to my fellow ministers, MLAs, and all those listening today to get the word out about the FANS program and to encourage young people to attend post-secondary school.
Please reach out to your communities and encourage all eligible Nunavummiut to take advantage of this significant opportunity.
For all those interested in secondary schooling, the basic grant increase will significantly aid in educational financing that will open doors to a brighter future and help create a stronger Nunavut.
Before we go back to the orders of the day, I would like to inform my colleagues and the ministers that Pauloosie Keyootak and Mr. Mikkungwak are not able to join us today due to bad weather.
Their flights were cancelled.
That’s what I wanted to explain to you.
Member’s Statement 307 – 4(2): Appreciation for Education Act Review (Hickes)
I rise today to commend my fellow committee members with the special committee on reviewing the Education Act.
Although the five-year legislation was mandated under review, there was a great amount of initiative by the members that are participating with this committee. We had nearly 40 submissions from across Nunavut from individuals and stakeholders.
We had four community visits, a number of meetings involving stakeholders, including local DEAs, the coalition of DEAs, and regional school operations.
We travelled to Baker Lake. We went to Kugluktuk.
I would like to thank the Premier for having such a great community and warm welcoming. Our Member for Baker Lake isn’t here today, but it’s always very nice to go to Baker Lake. We also travelled to Mr. Enook’s community of Pond Inlet and I see some people from here that are hopefully going to be taking advantage of our education system for years to come.
We also had a community meeting here in Iqaluit.
Throughout all these meetings, they were attended by well over 100 people.
I really want to thank all the residents of Nunavut for forwarding submissions.
I would like to thank those individuals and entities that forwarded submissions even after the hearing that we recently had here in Iqaluit.
It seemed to have triggered a little bit more discussion or a little bit more thought amongst some of the members of the public.
We will continue to take submissions for the next little while. We are reviewing all the submissions with great care and we will be meeting as a committee this upcoming September to finalize our report to the Legislative Assembly.
I would like to thank everyone from across Nunavut and my fellow committee members, Pat Angnakak, Joe Savikataaq, Minister Quassa, and of course, Mr. Mikkungwak from Baker Lake.