EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
It is also obvious that our appreciation extends to all Nunavummiut as they are always resourceful. As the case here in Iqaluit and elsewhere proved, when shortages of space occur due to a fire, many buildings are made available and we thank them for their continued support.
Furthermore, I want to single out the Department of Community and Government Services for their support even during emergencies. We were able to find backup facilities.
I would be remiss without mentioning our staff at Nunavut Arctic College, the coordinators whom I thank for preparing our workload for the year and their reports are usually understandable.
I also wish to thank our president at Nunavut Arctic College.
We have concluded the review of the capital estimates for Nunavut Arctic College.
Bill 03 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2016-2017 – Justice – Consideration in Committee
We will now be dealing with… . (interpretation ends) The next department is the Department of Justice on page E-3.
(interpretation) Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) I would now like to ask the Minister of Justice if he has officials that he would like to appear before the committee.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Yes, if it’s okay this afternoon.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the minister’s officials in.
(interpretation ends) For the record, minister, please introduce your officials.
Here with me to my right is my Deputy Minister, Elizabeth Sanderson, and on my left is the Director of Corporate Services, Ji Liu.
You can go ahead with your opening remarks, Mr. Okalik.
I am pleased to appear before the Committee of the Whole for review of the Department of Justice’s draft 2016-17 capital estimates.
A total amount of $4,450,000 is being requested for the Department of Justice’s capital expenditures for the 2016-17 fiscal year.
The department requests $2,750,000 in 2016-17 to design the renovation of Baffin Correctional Centre to address the immediate and long-term needs of Nunavut Corrections.
The design phase will plan maximum-security beds and adequate programming space.
At the Nunavut Court of Justice, the department requests $1 million to complete the second phase of renovations to the courthouse. The first phase focused on interior renovations to increase office space for staff and judiciary.
The second phase will address the exterior of the building, such as replacing the existing windows and addressing security concerns in the prisoner transport area.
Finally, $700,000 is being requested for minor capital expenditures, including the purchase and/or replacement of four vehicles, the purchase of a new boat and motor and a snow machine for the Corrections Inuit Cultural Skills Program, the repair to the electrical systems of the Utaqqivik facility, and some renovations at the Ilavut Centre in Kugluktuk.
I welcome questions from the committee.
I am pleased to provide opening comments on behalf of the Standing Committee on Social Wellness concerning its review of the proposed 2016-17 Capital Estimates of the Department of Justice.
Members note that the department’s proposed capital budget for the 2016-17 fiscal year is $4.45 million.
The department’s capital budget was $2,265,000 for the 2015-16 fiscal year.
Members note that the increase in the department’s budget is a result of the new addition and renovation projects to be undertaken at the Baffin Correctional Centre.
Mr. Chairman, the department’s proposed 2016-17 capital estimates include $700,000 for a variety of small capital projects. These projects will include upgrades and repairs to existing correctional facilities and the replacement of mobile equipment.
Mr. Chairman, the department’s proposed 2016-17 capital estimates include $1 million in funding for renovations to the Nunavut Justice Centre.
This project was introduced in the department’s 2015-16 capital estimates.
Members note that the department intends to undertake renovations at the Nunavut Justice Centre in two phases. The first phase will focus on renovating office space and the second phase will involve adding higher security measures to the existing facility.
During his recent appearance before the standing committee, the minister indicated that the construction contract to undertake first phase of this project has yet to be awarded and that his department planned to place this project out for tender later this month.
Mr. Chairman, the minister has previously indicated that his department is interested in implementing a wellness court within Nunavut’s current justice system.
During his recent appearance, the minister indicated that his department is currently working with the Department of Health to explore the possibility of introducing legislation to establish a wellness court in Nunavut.
Mr. Chairman, in November of 2014, the Legislative Assembly approved $850,000 in capital funding for the department to undertake renovations at the Baffin Correctional Centre to address fire safety concerns at the facility.
On May 6, 2015, on the occasion of the Standing Committee on Oversight and Government Operations and Public Accounts’ hearing to review the Auditor General of Canada’s 2015 report on corrections in Nunavut, testimony provided by department officials indicated that this funding was used for an emergency mould remediation project at the Baffin Correctional Centre.
During his recent appearance, the minister indicated that this mould remediation project had been completed and that the total cost of the project was approximately $1.1 million.
The standing committee encourages the minister to inform the Legislative Assembly of any decisions to reallocate his department’s approved funding in a timely manner.
Mr. Chairman, in January of this year, the department opened its new Makigiarvik facility to begin receiving low- and medium-security offenders and to allow the department to begin its mould remediation project at the Baffin Correctional Centre.
During his recent appearance, the minister indicated that his department is currently housing eight offenders in facilities outside the territory due to the lack of maximum-security infrastructure in Nunavut’s correctional facilities.
Mr. Chairman, the department’s proposed 2016-17 capital estimates include $2.27 million in funding for a new additions and renovations project to be undertaken at the Baffin Correctional Centre.
Information provided by the department indicates that this project will be undertaken in two phases and will include the addition of a second level to the current facility to house maximum-security inmates and renovations to the infrastructure to include a medium-security area with designated areas for correctional programs.
During his recent appearance, the minister indicated that the total cost of this project is approximately $68 million and that it may be eligible for funding under the federal New Building Canada Plan.
Members recognize that funding under the New Building Canada Plan will have to go through a federal approval process.
The standing committee encourages the minister to provide ongoing updates on the status of this project as it is carried through the federal approval process under the New Building Canada Fund.
Information provided by the department also indicates that the department intends to request $1.25 million in supplementary appropriations for the 2015-16 fiscal year, which would allow the department to begin the design phase of this project immediately and begin construction of the renovations in the summer of 2017.
During his recent appearance, the minister indicated that delays in the commencement of this project could result in a 3 to 5 percent increase in total project costs. The standing committee notes the urgency of this project and looks forward to receiving ongoing updates on this matter.
Members are aware that this additions and renovations project will allow the department to address the lack of maximum-security and programming space at the Baffin Correctional Centre.
However, members also note that a number of inmates will be transferred out of the facility as renovations take place at the Baffin Correctional Centre.
Members note that on June 1, 2015, the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts presented a report on its review of the Auditor General of Canada’s 2015 report on corrections in Nunavut.
Members note that this report includes a number of recommendations to the department concerning various issues, including the department’s current reporting practices and oversight measures as they relate to corrections in Nunavut.
The standing committee looks forward to reviewing the government’s response to this report with care.
Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening comments on the proposed 2016-17 Capital Estimates of the Department of Justice.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) The floor is now open for general comments.
I want to remind members that the contents of the minister’s opening comments are covered in the different branches of the department. If you have any detailed questions, please ask them under the appropriate branches.
We will now proceed to the page-by-page review of the departmental estimates starting on page E-3.
You mentioned the vehicles.
I’m just wondering if you could tell us for which facility are they being purchased for.
Hon. Paul Okalik: There are four vehicles, three are for corrections’ town crew and one for the land program, and one for the courts, I believe. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I also note that you mentioned boats and motors. I’m wondering if you can tell me: for what facilities are they for and in total, how many boats and that kind of equipment does the department have to take inmates out on land programs?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) We are on Justice. Branch Summary. Directorate.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) This boat has been in operation for quite some time. It was scheduled to be replaced two capital budgets ago. Unfortunately, we ran into the mould situation so that money that was targeted for the new boat and motor was replaced with mould remediation, so we’re asking for this again.
I can assure you that we will use it for the boat and motor this time.
It’s for all facilities here in Iqaluit, when and as needed. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
My last question on this portion of the budget.
The electrical systems that needed repair, that sounds kind of serious.
Can you tell us a little bit more about what’s going there?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) Minister of Justice, Mr. Okalik.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) The work that we did last year was for the exterior. Right now, the wiring in the facility is out of date and at the same time, it needs to be modernized with computer equipment and camera equipment. Those things need to be put in place to the facility that has been there for quite some time. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) Department of Justice. Branch Summary. Directorate.
I just have a question regarding the appearance in the standing committee on May 5. An official from the department stated that an exhaustive preplanning exercise has been completed to re-evaluate correctional facility needs in Nunavut.
Based on this evaluation, can you describe Nunavut’s current correctional facility needs?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) I’m thrown aback, but as it is now, we’re asking for the design work for a maximum-security facility. We don’t have that currently. We’re doing quite well in Rankin Inlet for the low- to medium-security facility.
We’re doing well in Kugluktuk for a low-security facility.
We could use more space in a medium-security facility in the future. Right now, we’re debating and discussing it further as to the locale.
I believe Rankin Inlet is doing so well that we should try and look at planning that so that our inmates would get the best programming and support when they’re going to our facility there.
That’s an option that we are discussing at this time. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I think this might be my last question under this section as well.
Last year, I had requested a copy of the Nunavut Correctional Facility Strategy to be tabled in the House. The minister had responded at the time that he thought it had been tabled and that he was going to look into it. I have just received some confirmation that it has not been tabled.
I was wondering if the minister might be willing to table that document this year.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Yes, this has been studied a few times, so I got confused by the wrong document in my previous appearance that we had made available online. Then afterwards, I learned that there was another study that had taken place a while back. I tabled that yesterday, I believe, so it has been tabled in the Assembly.
It’s called the McCready report, I believe. Hopefully that’s all the reports out there that I know of anyway. We will try and find more, if there is more. (interpretation) Thank you.
Just a comment, if the minister is confused, you can understand my confusion as well.
I want to thank the minister for tabling that report yesterday. I will look through it with utmost care.
I take that as only a comment. We are on Justice.
Branch Summary. Directorate. Following the list of names, Mr. Akoak.
This is line with Ms. Angnakak’s questioning on the purchases and replacements of new boats, motors, and snow machines.
I just want it confirmed that it is only for Iqaluit and none for the Ilavut Centre in Kugluktuk.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Justice, Mr. Okalik.
Hon. Paul Okalik: Yes, at this time, those are where we need to replace the boats and snowmobiles at this time. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
It’s just my last question. If the Ilavut Centre requests for machines and boats, what is the procedure for them to get that?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) We have very capable staff in each of our facilities that run on-the-land programs.
They advise us if they need the equipment and if they need to replace their equipment.
We go through the process of replacing them through that call for proposals from each of our employees and assess what needs to be replaced during those periods. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) We’re on Justice.
Directorate. (interpretation) Capital.
Within your capital estimates, on page 12 to ensure you know which page I am referring to, the five-year capital plan includes a figure of $18,687,000 listed, which states that it is allotted for the renovation of the Baffin Correctional Centre.
With respect to this amount, when will the renovations on the centre commence and when is the scheduled completion date? Can the minister identify these?
I can’t give you a direct answer at this time, but once these are approved, we can find out when we can start it.
We can’t give you any more detailed information than that.
I also thank the minister for his response, but I am only following the listed amounts.
Furthermore, there are other accompanying figures here for the correctional centre, such as 112 beds. After the next five-year period, there will be an addition so that the centre can house 127 beds in 2030.
Can the minister clarify how this project will be expandable to meet the long-term needs of correctional beds in Nunavut? That’s for the proposed renovations and additions project at the Baffin Correctional Centre.
With the plans, we will have to look at the details of the proposed renovations and additions, but we will be focusing on the maximum-security inmates, and then we will be looking at renovations and additions for low- to medium-risk inmates.
We have been looking at Rankin Inlet. They have quite a few Inuit staff and they’re trying to help the inmates by way of counselling. It’s a very good model.
If we can use that model, I would be more than pleased to provide those types of services for the inmates.
We’re going to have to look at it again, whether it’s going to be here at the Baffin Correctional Centre or at the Rankin Inlet facility.
We’ve been having a lot of problems with ours, so we’re looking at a better model like in Rankin Inlet for example.
Just to remind my colleagues, we are on Directorate. Justice.
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for helping me to understand this better.
Now I would like to ask you again as you have explained as to when the correctional centre would be worked on. Have you decided when the actual start-up date of the renovations will be? In what year is it being planned to start the actual renovations?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Where we are now is in the design stage, but our proposal has to be approved here first.
For the actual construction, the 2019-2020 fiscal year would be the completion date if all goes as planned.
That is our first plan.
Chairman: Thank you. (interpretation) Turn the page. (interpretation ends) Justice.
Total Capital Expenditures. $1 million.
I would like to go back to your opening comments. I believe it’s in your opening comments regarding the Department of Justice and renovations for the courthouse.
There is a request for $1 million to complete the second phase of renovations to the courthouse and the second phase will address the exterior of the building, such as replacing the existing windows.
If I can, I would like to ask two questions on this matter, Mr. Chairman.
My first question is: the place called the courthouse was just recently built, wasn’t it? It’s not even ten years yet, if it’s even five.
Do we need to spend this much money on it already? Why?
Is it because of the unexpected expansion of Nunavut? Why do the windows need to be replaced already? It was just built quite recently.
Maybe they installed substandard windows in it or something.
It’s a new building. It’s not an old building at all and now we need to spend a million dollars already to renovate it.
The project is being completed. The office part of it is being completed. The initial plan was to have three justices, but now there are five and they also have staff.
The $1 million will help complete the renovations that started last year.
As for the prisoner transport area, we want to make sure that’s absolutely secure, so we need to have more work done on that.
The windows, unfortunately, due to the cold weather, were found to be inadequate and it was decided that the windows need to be replaced for the courthouse.
Let me ask this question. I understand that the courthouse, in the original plan, was to have three courtrooms, then we needed four courtrooms, and then the windows needed to be replaced for the aforementioned reasons.
Was this a case of bad planning? The windows already need to be replaced.
I’m not at all concerned about the prisoner transport area. I know it needs to be secure.
I’m concerned about the lack of age of the building.
Maybe the architects made a terrible mistake and now the windows need to be changed.
Now that the building is being used, you’re realizing that they have made this mistake.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Yes, the building is quite new. It was completed in 2008. The seal on the edges of the windows were cracking due to the cold and it became drafty.
There is really no alternative but to replace them. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
That is why I’m asking this question. Why did this happen? Was it a design flaw when it was initially constructed?
It was probably during the construction and it was probably unintentional. Due to the cold, the seal on the edges of the windows froze and cracked. They have to be replaced now.
Justice. Branch Summary. Registries and Court Services.
I think Mr. Enook covered most of what I was looking for.
If I could just get some confirmation that this tender has gone out. It was scheduled to go out in September.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) This has to be approved, so we’re targeting for early 2016 for the tender to go out. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Hickes is done. (interpretation ends) Justice. Branch Summary. Registries and Court Services.
I don’t have very many questions on this, but I do want to ask about the renovations and the possibility of the renovations disrupting the day-to-day proceedings.
How much of a problem do you think that’s going to be?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) I’m sure that they will work around it. All the justices travel for their circuit, so I’m sure they will manage and arrange their affairs to accommodate everybody and make sure that the work is done. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Looking at your substantiation sheets, it indicates that that phase 2 of the renovations will address security deficiencies.
In addition to installing closed-circuit television systems and creating a satellite port, what other kinds of security systems are you looking at installing?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) As I said in my opening comments, the major one is making sure that the prisoner ramp is secure and safe for all concerned outside the courthouse. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Flip on to page E-7.
Total Capital Expenditures. $2,750,000.
Go back to E-2. (interpretation ends) Department Summary. Justice. Detail of Expenditures.
Total Capital Expenditures. $4,450,000.
You can now make your closing remarks, Minister Okalik.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) You sound like a great bingo caller, “Under E-7.”
(interpretation) I want to thank my colleagues. All your comments are encouraging.
Additionally, my officials obviously have taken note of the discussions and will plan accordingly to provide information towards the issues.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. We’re not playing bingo.
We are dealing with the capital estimates.
Bill 03 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2016-2017 – Environment – Consideration in Committee
We are done with the Department of Justice.
The next department will be the Department of Environment.
It’s on page I-3.
(interpretation ends) I would now like to ask the Minister of Environment if he has officials that he would like to appear before the committee.
Hon. Johnny Mike: Yes. (interpretation) Thank you.
Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) For the record, minister, please introduce your officials. Mr. Mike.
To my right is my Deputy Minister, Gabriel Nirlungayuk, and to my left is my Assistant Deputy Minister, Steve Pinksen.
You can now proceed with your opening comments. Mr. Mike.
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you to the committee members.
I am pleased to be here today to introduce the Department of Environment’s capital plan for the 2016-17 fiscal year.
For this fiscal period, the Department of Environment is proposing a capital budget of $3.2 million. This expenditure will permit the department to concentrate on two program areas: wildlife management and parks and special places.
Within our Wildlife Management Division, we will be spending $370,000 on the replacement of old mobile equipment.
This equipment is used for patrols to ensure compliance with Nunavut Wildlife Regulations and to support wildlife research activities.
The Wildlife Management Division will also be spending $500,000 on wildlife office maintenance projects to create safe and good working environments in which the staff can deliver the department’s mandates and programs. $1.2 million will go towards the construction of a new wildlife office building in Resolute Bay in the 2016-17 fiscal year.