EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
First of all, Mr. Chairman, I recognized Lorne Levy and I do not think he can hear me.
He had been a teacher in Gjoa Haven at one time, welcome.
Mr. Chairman, perhaps if I can ask a question, if you do not mind, Mr. Chairman.
I think that the Members of this House, my Colleagues that we recalled during the debate on the Capital Budget for 2001 and 2002, this House approved the specific purchase of two school buses for communities of Pangnirtung and Cape Dorset, and in the 2003 and 2004 Capital Estimates substantiation sheet for Minor Capital, specifically stated that this budget may be used for the purchase or replacement of a school bus.
In 2003/2004, it states that the money could be slated for vehicle replacement and purchase of a school bus.
For instance, for a school in 2003/2004, it was in the capital plans but Mr. Chairman, the reason I want to ask that question is because in 2004/2005, can the Minister indicate to us if is there a possibility of buying or purchasing a school bus.
There is nothing in the capital estimates right up to 2009.
Why is there nothing for the purchase of a school bus?
It’s very important for some of the communities.
I wonder why there is nothing at all in the capital estimates for a school bus purchase.
There are some preambles that are lengthy but with short questions.
If you keep your questions concise, it makes things easier to understand, so please try to use that method.
We can provide some capital projects or some capital items, but even if it’s not in the estimates at this time for the purchasing of a school bus and if there was some money needed, when we do our planning, we can provide that for school buses.
For some communities there were buses purchased for them and when they request it and we were able to provide it.
Mr. Chairman, the budget for the Department of Education is under review at this time to find out the best way to go about the requests coming from Members.
We can certainly consider the idea of purchasing school buses.
The first item that we would like to look at is the private companies in the communities are the ones to provide bus services on a contract basis.
For instance, in Iqaluit, it’s through contract services. Mr. Chairman, for the community of Taloyoak, we will work with the District Education Authorities in the community and consult with them and I would also like to be able to provide school bus service for that community.
What we specifically do is we use the money for, first of all, for school purposes, we can also make some plans for those kinds of services but the priority goes to school services.
I agree with the Member and I realize that we have to make plans for providing school busses for some of the communities and I agree with the Member.
Millie Quliktana from Kugluktuk is the Regional Superintendent for Education and I have asked her to work with the District Education Authorities from Taloyoak and that’s what we’re doing at this time.
If there is some money left over, we would be able to, we will be able to buy a bus for Gjoa Haven, but we have to find the money from somewhere.
Unfortunately, we are always short of funds as we concentrate on schools.
Mr. Puqiqnak (interpretation): Yes, Thank you, Mr. Chairman and thank you, Madam Minister for Department of Education.
You have been a teacher for a number of years in Nunavut.
I know everything costs a lot of money such as gasoline and other things because you have to have gasoline for those school buses and the communities are growing in numbers.
I am in support of the people of Taloyoak in wanting to purchase a school bus.
I am sure that this is not the only community that has requested a school bus and because it is not in the 5-year Capital Plan and I am sure many people will wonder why there is nothing in that in place for school bus purchase in the Capital Estimates.
Especially when it gets very cold in the wintertime for the children to walk to the schools and because they might be in danger, could the Minister consider putting it in the Capital Estimates, in the 5-year Capital Estimates?
Yes, I hear you that you will be putting in a plan, but I would urge the Minister not to forget the planning of the school buses in the Capital Estimates, 5-year Capital Estimates because it gets very cold in some communities.
I would also like to urge the Department and the Minister to urge her Department to provide some money for the school buses, is that possible?
Chairman (interpretation): I would like to smile at the Member and to tell him that there are usually many storms in the communities and it is usual you have to clear the roads.
We will take a serious look at it and we will plan for it.
If we can find any money for that, we will consider it.
Mr. Puqiqnak (interpretation): Mr. Chairman, Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
If the Minister will commit to that, I thank her.
Just a short question or just a short comment to let the Minister know.
The people who I represent in Taloyoak in the Kitikmeot, I know that there are some items that you have in Kitikmeot and I would urge you to tell your staff in Kitikmeot to take a serious look at the communities that need the buses.
Could your staff make sure that they work with the Kitikmeot Regional Office to perhaps, in one of those years, to get some money for school bus services?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Puqiqnak.
In August, we met with the District Education Authority in Cambridge Bay.
I told them, I assured them; we will be looking for some funding to be able to provide them with the bus service issue.
What we are going to do is try to find some funding for that use.
In the capital estimates that we’re looking at right now, I appreciate the department and I appreciate hearing that the school is near completion.
Looking at the capital estimates in regards to upgrading and renovations of the schools or additions to the schools, if I’m wrong, please correct me, Mr. Chairman.
When you’re planning for numerous years and when that year finally comes, they usually spend a lot more money than they anticipated.
Is it better to make a long term plan for renovations of the schools or is it cheaper to do the short term planning?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Irqittuq.
One school is very expensive.
For instance, if you have a new school, it’s around $13 million dollars, using Joamie School as an example because we had to replace it because it burnt down.
Some schools get additions according to the number of students that go to school.
Say, for instance, for school additions, looking at all of Nunavut, say, it’s cheaper to make an addition to the school than it is to build a new one.
Mr. Irqittuq (interpretation): Mr. Chairman, if I could ask a question on the pages that we’re on.
Can I ask a question on this page that we’re on or on the following pages?
We’re on page 9-5 at this time.
I think we’re on page 9-6, if you have any questions on that page it’s open.
Inuksuk High School renovations in 2005, it’s $19 million.
If we can make a brand new school for $13 million dollars, and just for the renovations, it’s just a little over $19 million dollars, why is that?
The school at the present time that is being used is here in Iqaluit could still be used.
If we were to replace that school, it would be $26 to 27 million dollars for a brand new high school.
We can’t just demolish it and replace it with a new one.
We have to be able to renovate the plumbing and the others things of that nature.
But if we were to make a brand new school, it would be at least $26 million dollars and we would have to find the money to replace that school.
I am not trying to argue the point, but if we are going to be building a new school, for example, Joamie School, it is going to cost $13 million dollars, but if we look at the Inuksuk High School renovations, it is $19 million dollars, which is more than a brand new school.
If we are going to be using $19 million dollars for high school renovation and very likely, it is going to be larger than the one present, if I am correct.
Mr. Chairman, the Joamie School replacement, I am sure that we have expended some of that money already, but my question is, the high school exterior or the siding is in extremely good shape.
Are you going to be gutting the high school and is that why it is going to cost $19 million dollars to do the renovations?
Chairman (interpretation): Your question, in regards to your question, I see $9 million here and not $13 million for the Joamie School replacement.
That is for your information, Ms. Thompson.
The Inuksuk High School renovations are approximately three times larger than Joamie School.
The high school students will have a carpentry shop and a science room and because they are in high school they have more classes and more programs.
The high school’s carpentry shop will be increased and the Arctic College students who do not have a home economics room or a carpentry shop will be able to use those facilities at the high school.
With that in mind, we have to increase the carpentry shop because it was built to accommodate only the high school students.
We are going to be increasing those shops and home economics rooms and so on so that we can also accommodate the Arctic College students.
That was the agreement that was made between the high school and the Arctic College.
Mr. Irqittuq (interpretation): I understand your response.
We started from 2004 to 2009.
Mr. Chairman, I will just leave it at that for now as I will look through the information and ask another five more minutes worth of questions afterwards.
Chairman (interpretation): Only if I give you the opportunity to ask those questions.
Go over there and read up on the information and put together your questions.
Mr. Chairman, we will just give him a few more minutes to get his information together and we will leave him at that.
I would like to ask a question at the next page.
We are dealing with the Department of Education.
Total Headquarters Region. $300 thousand dollars.
Chairman (interpretation): Total Qikiqtaaluk region. $13 million, 318 thousand dollars.
Chairman (interpretation): 9-6 is completed. 9-7.
Please let me know if I’m going out of line.
My question is in regards to the Kitikmeot Region.
In my understanding the Kugaaruk High School will have an addition.
Just recently I was in Repulse Bay and the Repulse Bay School population has outgrown the present school.
When are we going to see an addition made to the Repulse Bay High School and what year will we see the construction of an addition?
When we’re figuring out additions to schools, we also have to consider the population of the school.
In Repulse Bay, the school population is capable of housing 263 students and the school population is under.
It’s only 228.
If we realize that they have met or reached their capacity, then we’ll look at adding onto the school.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Thompson.
We do have to voice the concerns of our constituents in the House.
So, they’ll have to meet the maximum capacity before an addition is built?
We’re more than receptive to hearing the community concerns.
If we do have money, we consider all the concerns.
We will endeavour to work on this issue as Members of the Legislative Assembly and as Ministers.
Going back to 9-7.
Total Kivalliq Region. $9 million, 500 thousand dollars.
Chairman (interpretation): Kitikmeot Region.
Total Kitikmeot Region. $3 million, 470 thousand.
My question is for Nunavut Arctic College.
We have a Nunavut Arctic College, which is one of the first buildings that was ever built.
How do we include our facilities for renovations slots in these capital estimates?
The Nunavut Arctic College’s Board of Governors do the planning, with the inclusion of the Nunavut Arctic College staff.
Lorne Levy also helps with their Capital Planning, because of course, he is their Capital Planner.
It is the Board of Governors who make all the plans and decisions.
They are a separate entity as the Government of Nunavut.
Since you are the Minister of Education, we assume that you are responsible for all the whole Department of Education, Arctic College, and so on.
Are you not also responsible for Arctic College projects, or do you approve the projects that are proposed by the Arctic College division?
Since the Nunavut Arctic College have their own Board of Governors, they make their own decisions in regards to the Arctic College.
Once the planning is done then it is finally given to me, because of course, they have their own president and their own Board of Governor’s.
As Members of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut, it is up to us to get that legislation fixed up so that there is a more holistic approach to education.
We can probably discuss this during Committee of the Whole, outside of the Capital Estimates.
9-7.
Total Kitikmeot, $3 million, 470 thousand.
Chairman (interpretation): Opposed? Carried. Total Tangible Assets $26 million, 588 thousand.
Chairman (interpretation): We will then go back to 9-4. 9-4.
Are you agreed that the Department of Education’s Summary. Detail of Expenditures. Total Capital Expenditures $26 million, 588 thousand.
Before we agree, I would like to make an additional comment on this issue.
Last year, I saw among the projects that we have been requesting, the Ammaakjuaq School addition, which has been placed here.
We all know that we were never totally pleased with the Cambridge Bay School, which is an extremely beautiful building and extremely expensive.
I am very glad that we are able to get unique designs for our schools, as was done in Cambridge Bay.
I am pleased that a precedent was set and if we are going to be building a new school, I am very pleased that we will be able to get our own unique designs and since that school was opened, I am sure that we will, since there is going to be a lot of money used for Iqaluit from 2005 to 2009, I just wanted to make those additional comments.
I am very pleased that we will be able to build our own unique schools in each community.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Irqittuq. I agree with you.
Chairman (interpretation): Ms. Thompson, can you explain to us?
Every time there are designs done for the schools, they ask the community residents themselves and I used to be an interpreter, too, for the designers and architects and yes, they used to consult with the communities.
For example, where they needed sealskin in classrooms and workshops, usually the architects worked with the communities.
That was their usual practise and I have no more comments to make.
Chairman (interpretation): As the Chairperson, I just, let me ask you another question Ms. Thompson.
Today, during the Session, will you allow more questions to be asked in regards to this issue?
I will be glad.
If you have any questions, yes, you can ask your questions anytime you want because that is why we come up with these kinds of programs by you asking questions.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, very much for your good response.
Yes, we will move on to Education Department Summary.
Total Capital Expenditures $26 million 588 thousand, do you agree?
Chairman (interpretation): Do you agree that the Department of Education is completed?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, to the Minister of Education and her Officials.
According to the Orders of the Day, we will move on to the Department of Human Resources.
Thank you, Ms. Thompson for being here.
You may go back to your seat and your Officials.
We will move on to another Department.
Department of Human Resources.
The Minister responsible for Human Resources, if you have Opening Comments.
Yes, very brief, but there is almost two pages.
I am also very pleased, again, to appear today before the Committee of the Whole to present the 2004-2005 Capital Estimates for the Department of Human Resources.
The Department of Human Resources has a total of 69 positions of which 53 are Headquarters positions located in Iqaluit.
For some time, the Department’s headquarters positions were located in 4 separate office locations.
To make programs and services delivery more efficient and operations more effective, employees need to be in one location.
Mr. Chairman, this fiscal year, our department had a capital budget of $150 thousand dollars to renovate the second floor of the Trigram Building where Culture, Language, Elders and Youth is in Iqaluit so it could accommodate the majority of our Headquarters staff.
This was the first capital project for our Department and was completed in September.
For the 2004/2005 fiscal year, we are requesting $73 thousand dollars to renovate part of the first floor of the same building to accommodate the remaining Headquarters staff.
This area would accommodate 10 offices. Mr. Chairman, the Department is committed to providing quality client services in the areas of staffing, job evaluation, organizational design and employee relations through our headquarters in Iqaluit and Regional Offices in Igloolik, Rankin Inlet and Cambridge Bay.
The department’s focus on Inuit employment continues to be a top priority.
To continue to fulfill these commitments, we require adequate office space.
I welcome comments from Committee Members.
Chairperson of the Standing Committee, Mr. Tootoo.
Mr. Chairman, the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Services has reviewed the Capital Estimates of the Department of Human Resources for the 2004/2005 fiscal year and I am pleased to provide you with the Committee’s comments.
Like the Minister’s, they are not very long. Mr. Chairman, the Members will note that the Department has requested approval for only one project in the coming fiscal year.
The Committee has no objections to the Department’s goal of locating its Inuit Employment Division in the Trigram Building, in order to be in the same location of the rest of the Department.
Members had wished to see clarification from the Minister as to whether this project will constitute the final step in its relocation and assurances that there will be no further supplementary funding requirements for this initiative.
Individual Members may pose their own questions and comments as we proceed.
Minister Thompson, please proceed to the witness table with your Officials.
Minister Thompson, if you can introduce your Officials for the record.
To my left, Carmen Levi; she is the Deputy Minister and also, to my right, Vincent Claren, please try and pronounce his name properly, Claren, Corporate Services.
I can probably pronounce Claren better than Thompson, just for your information and we are now on General Comments.
Each Member has 10 minutes to make their General Comments.
Also, I will allow you 10 more minutes on top of that to ask your questions.
At this time, we are on General Comments. Any General Comments?
Do any of the Cabinet Members have any Comments?
I liked your last question first.
Maybe we should see if they have anything to say, for a change.
Mr. Chairman, just on this project for moving the Inuit Employment Plan Division into the same area as the rest of the Headquarters I think it is good to know that this particular Division is something that and all Members of this Assembly have been pushing to say, you know, we want to see the numbers look good out there for Inuit working in the workforce.
And I know that there have been some backwards movement in that area and in the past and hopefully, you know, by moving everyone together, having them, you know, maybe part of it was spread out all over the place.
So, hopefully, this will help to try and get a more coordinated approach from the Department to look for this Division to try and direct some of the numbers that has been goals that have been set by this Government on Inuit Employment.
Given that, just a brief comment that I wanted to make, Mr. Chairman, and just have a couple of questions once we get into those.
I have no more names on my list for General Comments.
Mr. Nutarak (interpretation): Mr. Chairman, I do not have that many General Comments to make, but when it is time to ask questions, I will be asking questions then.
I will just leave it at that.
Right now, we will move on to questions.
Mr. Nutarak (interpretation): I would like to ask about the staff of Government of Nunavut under Human Resources, is the Human Resources responsible for all the staff of Government of Nunavut or is it the individual departments, say if there is Board of Governors who are Arctic College, like there is also Public Works who are responsible for their own staff.
So, I was wondering if the Minister could clarify these to me while we are still here.
Hon. Manitok Thompson (interpretation): Thank you. We are not responsible for Nunavut Arctic College instructors and teachers and nurses.
We are now on questions, are there any questions?
If there are no General Comments or if there are no General Questions, we will move on to Page 4-6.
We, at times, ask questions and I am going to ask a very short question.
Usually, we usually contract the constructional workers, for example, in Gjoa Haven; they had to contract the construction of the water pipeline.
At times, we really notice them as a regular Member and we really want to have local people hired, even if it is for the summer only.
The contractors usually hire someone else from outside of Nunavut.
I believe that the Department of Human Resources and the Department of Public Works should work together to make sure that local people are hired, especially in the smaller communities.
Yes, we continue to talk about that.
The people who are contracted outside of Nunavut still don’t know that they have to hire people within Nunavut.
There are various entities that could be contracted who live in Nunavut.
I would really like the Department of Human Resources to pay attention to that.
I’m sorry, Public Works.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Puqiqnak, although I allowed general comments earlier on, we moved onto the questions and we’re now on Human Resources, Capital Estimates and I allowed questions and there were no questions when I asked if there were any questions.
Therefore I think we can move onto the Capital Estimates of Human Resources.
I was just going to ask a question on the Capital Estimates for the Department of Human Resources, if that’s okay, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman (interpretation): Go ahead.
Mr. Tootoo: I just have a couple of quick questions that were part of my opening comments.
One, is this 73 thousand dollars that we’re looking at here, going to completely cover the costs of the renovations or are we going to see supplementaries come back after the fact for additional costs incurred due to this?
We will work with this, Mr. Member.
Mr. Chairman, the Minister had indicated in her Opening Comments where the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth used to be, where these renovations are going on, whose space is that?
Is that a different government department that is in there right now or who is occupying that space?
The Workers Compensation Board is currently in there.
When does the department expect to have these renovations complete?
I am sure the Minister had indicated that the Inuit Employment Plan division is looking forward to moving down there.
I’m just wondering if they have an idea as to when that will happen.
If this budget is approved, we’ll start in April, in the New Year.
Mr. Chairman, as all Members are aware, if this is the capital for next year, we know that they’ll start in April 1st next year, but if we pass it now and the Department knows that it has been approved, if it is something that is going to have to wait until then, or can they do some things to speed things up so that come April 1st, when the money flows, that the work can get under way and they won’t have to be starting from then.
That’s what I’m getting at.
When will the actual work take place and the move happen?
As soon as this is approved and the people who are in there already move out, then we’ll contact Public Works who does the contracting for the buildings and see if we can fast track this.
My question is regarding the $73 thousand for 2004/2005, it’s a huge amount.
My question is, who does the building belong to and why do we have to do the renovations?
Hon. Manitok Thompson (FLOOR): Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
We do not own that building.
That building is owned by (interpretation) Tom Webster.