EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
And I thank the Chairman for allowing me to speak on my general comments.
I will just talk briefly.
Perhaps if I could go back a few years at that time when we first started getting houses in our communities, I remember when we started settling into the communities, the first time from the camps that we used to live in, and later on, when we had some houses built by the Housing Corporation.
I will just use it as an example; when I first received a house, I used to pay $12, I think, $12 a month, but how it is a humongous amount today per month.
Everything costs a lot of money, and I know that it costs a lot of money to ship those materials to the communities.
Everything costs a lot of money nowadays.
There are people who we have to pay wages to the people who build houses; there are different kinds of people who we have to pay. I just wanted to mention that today, we can’t really make houses for ourselves; we have to rely on the construction workers and contractors because there are various things to building a house such as putting in the heating system and the plumbing and the electrical work; they have to be up to code and there are various ways of heating a house, whether it be through electricity or by other means.
However, there should be some people trained in the communities to be able to do plumbing and heating and other things that are involved in building a home.
I know there are plumbers out there and electricians, but we do not have than in our communities.
We have to import them from the south and depending on where they come from, we have to pay for airfare and we have to go up to code while building a house and if it is not up to code, then they do not want to touch it.
I am not trying to belittle them, but I am just saying that it involves a lot of money to build a house.
And also, I believe that there is overcrowding because there is not enough money for housing.
Even though there is a sickness in a family and some of the family members have to occupy the same house and it makes them all sick.
The issue of overcrowding has to be resolved, even though they are trying to get some more housing, they do not have any houses open for those people who are in the overcrowded situations.
I am just trying to, when I talk, please try to listen to me because I really mean what I am talking about and when I am speaking I do not want any interruptions because I want you to consider my thoughts as well, too.
That is it for this time and I will ask questions later.
The concerns that are voiced by the Members of the Legislative Assembly, especially when we deal with housing, their concerns come up over and over again and I support my fellow Colleagues because they are trying to voice their concerns from the community.
But I am especially concerned about elders’ homes in each community because I think they’re not thought about too much because they have some other things to do and the elders are forgotten about in the communities.
If they were to build elder’s homes it would be better for those elders so they can live by themselves and have things provided for them and for those communities, without the elders’ facilities, the Housing Corporation should be able to provide those communities with elders’ facilities.
I just wanted to be able to talk about that at this time.
Mr. Chairman that is it for now.
I have a few comments to make on this.
It’s nice to see something in there.
There’s a lot of new capital for social housing.
And we desperately need it all over the place.
But I think what should be made note of is the fact that the Federal Government has given us all this money to build new houses but no money to operate them.
As my colleague from Baker Lake would say, it’s no secret that the majority of the costs for housing is an ongoing Operations and Maintenance of those units and that’s something that now, it’s great that we’ve got all this money to build new houses and thank you very much but we’re going to have to dig into our own very limited resources and our Operations and Maintenance funding to fund and maintain those units.
I think a strong case needs to be made to the Minister’s counterparts in Ottawa to recognise that fact of the significant costs of social housing and the maintenance of it and that’s something that they might be able to take us through the lock in the lily pad.
Again, that’s something we desperately need, but it’s just like a band aid if there’s no money to go along with it to maintain those units.
So, I would encourage the Minister and his staff to continue to try and lobby his federal counterparts to make sure that those needs are addressed as well.
The other thing that I wanted to mention is maybe I didn’t hear, is over the last couple of years, the capital dollars in the budget for staff housing and I know the Minister had indicated that he wanted to focus on social housing this year but there’s a huge shortage of staff housing out there as well.
I’m just wondering what kind of game plan is being put together for that.
You look at some of the other projects that we have been approving in capital budgets, things like infrastructure, going into communities with no thought for staff housing.
We don’t know if the Minister had indicated and we’re still waiting for the list of the staff housing units that are vacant and how long they’ve been vacant throughout the territory.
There are only 38, I think that’s what the Minister, I think 38 or 48, and I think is what was indicated last week.
Some of those are existing positions and some of the new stuff that is going in there is going to require more housing as well.
Again, I don’t see it in there.
So, I’m probably looking for some kind of a clarification as to a game plan to address that you know, if not this year, over the next couple of years so that we’re not in the bind that we were in, in 1999, when we had no staff housing at all.
Chairman (interpretation): I have no more names for general comments at this time.
Any questions on Nunavut Housing Corporation, on details of capital estimates?
We will now go to the capital estimates.
Department Summary, 12-5.
I think we’re on 12-5.
Questions on this branch summary of 12-5. 12-6.
Detail of Capital, Headquarters. $11 million, 158 thousand.
Baffin Region, Qikiqtaaluk Region, Total.
12-6.
Under Arctic Bay, that there would be two units built, and looking at the other information item that we got today, it says that Arctic Bay would get three units, but in here in the Capital Estimates there are two units.
So in the Public Housing unit allocation, there are three for Arctic Bay, and in the Capital Estimates there are only two.
I just want to get clarification on that.
You will note Mr. Chairman that for the Public Housing units listed in every community is actually last year’s delivery.
The current year’s delivery, as Members know, there was an issue with the Infrastructure Funding not being finalized yet and announced publicly, out of the federal funding.
That has consequences, the preparation of these documents that have been announced, that is why I tabled today the new Public Housing Units Allocations that all Members have before them, which shows Arctic Bay, pretty well, every community three public housing units with the exception of Kugaaruk, Clyde River, Repulse Bay, Arviat and Hall Beach being four units.
All the rest are three.
On the same topic, on the same page, on page 12-6, Mobile Equipment.
Is that $8 thousand for last year’s, and this year’s?
I just need clarification as to what amount it is really.
The amount is $8 thousand.
Is this to purchase a vehicle?
It states mobile equipment, is this a vehicle?
It is quite cheap.
Chairman (interpretation): I apologize.
On page 12-6, Total Headquarters, $11 million, 158 thousand was not approved.
Do you approve the $11 million, 159 thousand?
Chairman (interpretation): To the Member’s comment.
Mr. Chairman, it is based on a formula to provide a vehicle replacement reserve funds to each local Housing Authority for their own use, and they pool it depending on what they feel their needs are, when it needs to be replaced, and make that decision themselves.
Chairman (interpretation): Qikiqtaaluk Region, 12-7, 12-8, 12-9.
Under Arctic Bay in the year 2003-2004, it was $319 thousand.
The amount has decreased for the next fiscal year.
Why is the decrease?
Is there is less construction?
As I indicated in my Opening Comments the Housing Corporation reduced the M and I (Maintenance and Improvement) funding overall across Nunavut to meet our contribution to the Public Housing Program in order to match the funding from Infrastructure Canada to maximize the access of federal funds for Public Housing units.
I wish to ask a question on page 12-11, or are we strictly dealing with page 12-6?
Chairman (interpretation): They are part of page 12-6, 12-7, 12-8, and 12-9; we still have not reached 12-11.
Total Qikiqtaaluk Region, $2 million, 432 thousand.
Chairman (interpretation): Page 12-9, 12-10 for Kivalliq Region and 12-11, questions?
The private homeowner programs, we are provided $15 thousand to purchase existing homes and this is quite cheap.
I was wondering if you are going to increase that amount or is it going to remain the same in the next fiscal year?
Right now it is going to remain the same.
There is a review of our existing homeowner programs and it is good to know that there is going to be some changes to the programs and it may be changed in the future, but right now it is still $15 thousand for a pre-owned unit and $25 thousand for a new construction.
Mr. Netser (interpretation): When?
It may be very questionable, may be changed, but it is not quite concrete and (interpretation) I would like to get clarification as to when he will actually start.
Yes, there are many private homeowners and their house requires maintenance.
Especially in Chesterfield Inlet, there are homeowners, their homes are deteriorating and when do we expect to see the increase for this homeowner program?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Ng.
Mr. Chairman, I did not say that there would be, I said that there may be in the future, but I mean, obviously our new Legislature, our new Government have to review the Policies that we have to see whether they are adequate and make adjustments that they feel that is not the case.
There are renovation programs, emergency repair programs, and other programs that we have for clientele who may require repairs on their current houses.
The Nunavut down payment assistance program that the Member referred to earlier is more specific to purchasing than those programs in respect to repairs.
Chairman (interpretation): Any further questions for the page?
Page 12-10 and 12-11, Total Kivalliq Region, Total $1 million, 232 thousand.
Detail of Capital, Kitikmeot.
Page 12-12, 12-3, any questions?
Mr. Havioyak (interpretation): Thank you. My Opening Comments, as I had stated earlier in the Capitals, but when I look at the 5-Year Capital Plan in regards to the Housing Corporation’s estimates, when will we begin to see Elders’ facilities in the communities in regards to elders’ residences as I had stated earlier, during our Northwest Territories days, while we were under the Government of the Northwest Territories.
As we know the elections are coming up in February, would you consider this request?
Mr. Chairman, we have been able to accommodate some requests, but with our limited funding through the existing public housing program that we have, right now, for example, again the Members are aware, that Baker Lake, we partnered with Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation and the municipality to build an elders’ residence there to meet some of the demands there.
And, of course, the Department of Health and Social Services contributed as well from their savings that they have on a regular basis.
Mr. Chairman, right now, also, Pond Inlet has expressed an interest for an elders’ facility and we’re working with them based on our current public housing allocations that are available to try to address the things in that community.
So if the Federal Government has a specific request for those communities, then we’ll work with them to try to address those needs if at all possible.
Mr. Havioyak: The community has to request it directly through the district office.
I know the association itself is interested in putting a proposal together or can anybody, like the hamlet, request that rather than having the Housing Association?
Is that what you’re saying here, because you mentioned Baker Lake as an example before.
Mr. Chairman, I would say to the Member that certainly the Local Housing Association would have to have significant input given it’s the capital dollars based on their requests for need within that community.
So, I would say if it is a big enough issue the community, would need all organizations to be supportive and would work together and make it happen and we would work with them to try to make that happen as well.
Looking at the Kivalliq and Qikiqtaaluk Regions, I need clarification.
Can I ask questions on page 12-13 Mr. Chairman?
Home owner programs are providing funding for 2004/2005, $450 thousand dollars.
That’s one.
2003/2004, and $550 thousand.
Homeowner program, and if they wanted, could this be used to renovate or maintain the home that is privately owned?
Yes, as I indicated not only for persons, but for homeowners’ repair programs, emergency repair programs, and senior citizens’ home owner repair program.
So, there are programs that the Housing Association has just for private home owners.
Chairman (interpretation): Any further questions.
Total Kitikmeot Region, 1million 17 thousand dollars.
Chairman (interpretation): Total grants and contributions, 15 million 939 thousand dollars.
Chairman (interpretation): Going back to page 12-5.
I’m sorry 12-4.
Department Summary, Total Capital Expenditures, $50 million, 939 thousand.
I thought that wasn’t on.
$15 million, shall we say, plus with the federal infrastructure, is that what this is?
Just for the record because it’s the $15 million, so it must be in there.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: You may be a finance Minister in training.
Mr. Chairman, the additional $10 million dollars from Infrastructure Canada will be added to the Housing Corporation for the Public Housing program.
Chairman (interpretation): Are you finished?
Total capital estimates $50 million, 939 thousand dollars.
Chairman (interpretation): Do you agree that the Department of Housing Corporation capital estimates is completed?
Thank you for coming, Minister Ng.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: I would like to thank the committee and also my officials.
Chairman (interpretation): Would you like then to move to the Department of Public Works?
I would like to start with the opening comments or the speaking notes for Public Works and Services.
Chairman (interpretation): Mr. Minister. Mr. Kattuk.
Hon. Peter Kattuk: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the five year capital plans for the Department of Public Works and Services.
Mr. Chairman, over the next five years, the Department of Public Works and Services has budgeted $27.7 million dollars for capital projects.
The necessary projects of these capital dollars are the petroleum products division.
From increasing tank farms and underground pipe inspections, we recognise the need for safe and reliable petroleum products storage in Nunavut communities.
Mr. Chairman, the Public Works and Services is cognisant of Nunavut’s rapidly growing population.
Projects to improve the territory’s existing infrastructure are addressed in the five year capital plan.
As I have stated before, we are working with our means to achieve a broad range of capital projects guided by the Bathurst Mandate.
We’re improving infrastructure to the benefit of Nunavut.
For 2004/2005, we have a signed target of $7.7 million dollars.
With this funding we are proposing a variety of projects from vehicle replacement to major expanse of fuel bulk storage facilities.
We will continue community consultations to identify needs and to provide for the identified projects.
In closing, I would like to thank the Members for their attention.
I will be happy to answer any questions you might have regarding our 2004/2005 capital estimates or five year capital plan for Public Works and Services.
Does the Community Empowerment and Sustainable have any comments?
As chairman of the Standing Committee on Community Empowerment and Sustainable Development I am pleased to be able to provide the opening comments as we begin the review of the 04/05 capital estimates for the Department of Public Works and Services.
Mr. Chairman, earlier this month, the Standing Committee had the opportunity to meet with the Minister of Public Works and Services to review the draft 2004-2005 Capital Estimates.
Mr. Chairman, by April 1st, 2004, responsibilities for the Department’s Petroleum Products Division will be transferred to the Qulliq Energy Corporation under the umbrella of the Qulliq Energy Corporation.
However, the vast majority of the spending for the Department Public Works and Services and 2004-2005 Capital Plan is on initiatives related to tank farms.
Committee Members remain unclear as to what the Capital Planning and approval process will be after the April 2004 transfer and our concern for the public accountability for spending in this area may be weakened.
Mr. Chairman, Members also noted that many of the tank farms in Nunavut do not meet the increasingly stringent Federal Regulations and that its significant financial commitment is necessary to bring the tank farms up to code.
Committee Members urge the Minister to work with his Federal counterparts on funding agreements to assist Nunavut in complying with the new regulations, especially with respect to tank farms that were not up to code when they were inherited from the Federal Government.
Mr. Chairman, Members note that new vehicles are being purchased in five different communities.
Members recognize that vehicles are necessary to allow the maintenance of Government of Nunavut assets.
However, we would like the Minister to ensure that a Vehicle Usage Policy is in place.
Mr. Chairman, that concludes my Opening Comments.
Other Members may wish to ask questions on individual basis.
The Minister can go up to the Witness Table with his Officials.
If you would introduce your Officials, Mr. Minister.
On my right, our new Deputy Minister, Robert Gunn and on my left, the Assistant Deputy Minister, Mr. David Akoak.
Chairman (interpretation): As the usual procedure, we will open up the Floor for 10-minutes, General Comments.
I move to Report Progress.
Chairman (interpretation): There is a Motion on the Floor to Report Progress.
Thank you, very much for appearing before the Committee.
Your committee has been considering Bill 46, Capital Estimates for 2004 and 2005.
I was concerned that if I didn’t make him second the motion, that he would have jumped out of his Chair.
A reminder for tomorrow morning, Wednesday, October 29th, the meeting of the Management Services Board in the Tuktu Board Room at 9:00 and a meeting of regular caucus at half past nine in the committee room Natsiq.
Orders of the Day for Wednesday, October 29th 2003:
Before we adjourn for the day, just a reminder to the Members that there is an event scheduled, I believe by Hon. Akesuk’s office at 6:00 in the foyer.
Members are all invited.
This House stand adjourned until Wednesday, October 29, 2003 at 1:30 pm.
DAY 64
Wednesday October 29, 2003
Pages 4214 – 4274
Wednesday October 29, 2003 4071
200 – 1(6): Cambridge Bay Childcare Society After School Program (Thompson) 4071
201 – 1(6): Nunavut Fire Prevention Strategy (Kilabuk) 4071
202 – 1(6): Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (Akesuk) 4071
203 – 1(6): Labour Standards Act (Okalik) 4071
204 – 1(6): More Full Time Nurses in Nunavut Communities (Picco) 4071
205 – 1(6): Second Liquor Distribution Centre (Ng) 4071
656 – 1(6): Promoting Inuinnaqtun Language (Havioyak) 4071
657 – 1(6): A Need for Infrastructure in Gjoa Haven (Puqiqnak) 4071
658 – 1(6): Problem with Power Bills (Iqaqrialu) 4071
659 – 1(6): Supporting Local Businesses – Rankin Inlet Health Facility (Thompson) 4071
660 – 1(6): Repulse Bay in Need of Community Hall (Alakannuark) 4071
661 – 1(6): Knocking on People’s Doors (Nutarak) 4071
662 – 1(6): Crime Prevention – A Need for Probation Officers (Williams) 4071
663 – 1(6): Book by Reverend Mike Gardner (Picco) 4071
664 – 1(6): Belcher Island and Sanikiluaqmiut (Kattuk) 4071
665 – 1(6): Gratitude and Regards to Pangniqturmmiut (Kilabuk) 4071
666 – 1(6): Community Access Roads (Anawak) 4071
667 – 1(6): Decentralization for Communities (Tootoo) 4071
646 – 1(6): Liquor Warehouse Contract (Tootoo) 4071
647 – 1(6): Rental Assistance for Homeowners (Anawak) 4071
648 – 1(6): Location of Power Headquarters (Iqaqrialu) 4071
649 – 1(6): Update on Rankin Inlet Plebiscite (Netser) 4071
650 – 1(6): RCMP Detachment in Kugluktuk (Havioyak) 4071
651 – 1(6): Location of New Community Corrections Officers (Williams) 4071
652 – 1(6): How Often Minster Meets with RCMP Commanding Officer (Nutarak) 4071
653 – 1(6): Status of Gun Control in Nunavut (Alakannuark) 4071
654 – 1(6): Provide House Arrest (McLean) 4071
655 – 1(6): Lack of Spaces for Elders and Youth Facilities (Puqiqnak) 4071
Report 019 – 1(6): Bill 41 – An Act to Amend the Nursing Act – COW Review of Bill (Nutarak) 4071
138 – 1(6): The Nunavut Fire Protection Strategy (Kilabuk) 4071
139 – 1(6): Addendum to the 2004/2005 Capital Estimates (Akesuk) 4071
Honourable Olayuk Akesuk, Mr. Ovide Alakannuark, Mr. Jack Anawak, Mr. Donald Havioyak, Mr. David Iqaqrialu, Honourable Peter Kattuk, Honourable Peter Kilabuk, Mr. Glenn McLean, Mr. Patterk Netser, Honourable Kelvin Ng, Mr. Jobie Nutarak, Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Honourable Paul Okalik, Honourable Ed Picco, Mr. Uriash Puqiqnak, Hon. Manitok Thompson, Mr. Hunter Tootoo, Ms. Rebekah Williams.
Speaker: I would like to call on Mr. Netser to say the prayer this morning.
Minister’s Statement 200 – 1(6): Cambridge Bay Childcare Society After School Program
I am pleased to congratulate the Cambridge Bay Child Care Society After School Program for being recognized as Canada’s top community based after school program by the Royal Bank of Canada Financial Group.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, over 400 applications were submitted from across Canada but only 47 were chosen to receive this honour.
As a result of this recognition the Cambridge Bay Child Care Society After School Program will receive a grant from the Royal Bank of Canada for $25 thousand, 500 dollars.
This grant will help the costs of offering their child care program.
Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to know that we have quality early childhood and after school programs available to Nunavummiut.
Quality programs help our young children develop and grow into successful and productive adults.
Minister’s Statement 201 – 1(6): Nunavut Fire Prevention Strategy
Mr. Speaker, as the minister responsible for the activities of the Nunavut Fire Marshall’s Office I would like to announce that we have chosen this week to focus on fire prevention in association with the release of the Nunavut Fire Prevention Strategy.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, developing the Fire Strategy required significant consultation with communities and individual fire department members and the expertise of various agencies.
We involved partners to help address the required Fire Response Process and to develop the recommendations necessary to ensure enhanced Fire Department capabilities.
Our goal is to provide training to all community volunteer Fire Departments.
The strategy maps out how we will provide support services to integrate fire protection with community development and study how as to how we can improve community fire protection of infrastructure.
(interpretation) The strategy sets out how we will assist with organizing effective community Fire Departments and provide inspection, monitoring and evaluation services.
It also explains our commitment to supporting public fire safety and intervention programs.