EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
They have no room of having a line of credit with the bank to put it up. They probably don’t have a whole lot of capital, or ability to hire contractors. They can’t follow a blueprint or anything.
What happens to those kinds of people?
Mr. Scott: Because of the limited number of MAPs used that we’ll be able to deliver if our budget is approved, it’s only ten units; $1.5 million.
We are estimating that the material and the freight costs for the housing packages will be about $150,000 per client, as an estimate.
The program requirements are slightly different from the old HAP program that some of the members do remember, in that the eligible client will be required to secure financing for the construction of the house and they will be required to find a contractor, or an eligible and qualified contractor to do the construction.
We want the first round of MAP clients to be very successful so we are looking for the very best clients with the best capability of succeeding through banks; using bank mortgages and qualified contractors to make sure that the units get built.
Mr. Curley: That is all.
Chairman: Nunavut Housing Corporation.
Detail of Capital. Grants and Contributions.
Headquarters Region. Total Headquarters Region. $8,210,000.
L-7. L-9. L-10.
Total Qikiqtaaluk Region. $5,760,000.
Sorry, L-10.
L-11. L-12.
Total Kivalliq Region. $4,287,000.
L-13 and L-14.
L-14.
Total Kitikmeot Region. $2,331,000.
Total Grants and Contributions. Sorry. Total Kitikmeot Region. $2,331,000.
Total Grants and Contribution. $20,588,000.
Chairman: Turn to page L-4.
Total Capital Expenditure. $20,588,000.
Chairman: Thank you. Are we agreed Nunavut Housing Corporation is completed?
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk: Thank you, Mr. Chairman and thanks again, for the Committee of the Whole to go through the capital projects for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, and again, thanks to Peter Scott and Abraham Tagalik, and the interpreters have helped, as well, during the couple hours of me sitting here at the witness table.
Thank you, Mr. Tagalik.
We can go on to the Education Department.
Chairman: Minister, go ahead.
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2006-07 – Education – Consideration in Committee
I would agree that the beginning of the opening comments for the Department of Education, and then the committee’s opening comments and then probably recessing for the day to continue in the morning.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be here today to discuss, with you and the committee, the proposed 2006-07 Department of Education Capital budget.
The Department of Education’s 2006-07 capital budget is a significantly strong budget, the proposed expenditures of $19,737,000. This budget allows the department to undertake 14 projects Mr. Chairman. Fourteen projects which includes six new projects at the planning or the design stage.
They also consist of the design of a new trades school and folk school.
While specific program details are currently being reviewed and clarified, we are keen to enter the design phase of these projects in this fiscal year.
Mr. Speaker, over the past six years, the Department of Education has developed and modified a comprehensive school facility database.
The database enables the department to set the priority for each project and this is based on the rankings of the current facility’s condition, utilization and program requirements. A similar database for Arctic College Community Learning Centres is also being established.
Now, this proposed capital plan includes an equitable balance between school and college requirements. Furthermore, there is a considerable amount of construction in the communities of Coral Harbour, Gjoa Haven, and Sanikiluaq during the 2006-07 fiscal year.
Along with the construction Mr. Chairman, the department has addressed the bussing requirements. The bussing requirements have included the purchase of two new busses for Kimmirut and for Igloolik in our 2006-07 capital projects.
Once approved by this Legislative Assembly Mr. Chairman, the busses will be ordered for next spring and indeed will arrive on next summers sealift.
The department has proposed comprehensive planning and design work for future projects in Cape Dorset, here in Iqaluit, Pond Inlet and in Rankin Inlet. These projects support multipurpose facilities, partnerships and student training as fundamental elements in construction contracts.
In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, the delivery of capital programming is focused on delivering projects to our communities. It should be understood that we attempt to provide the greatest project value to the largest number of communities in the most expedient manner.
Do you have any witness? Sorry.
Does the co-chair of the standing committee have comments?
Mr. Barnabas (interpretation): Yes Mr. Chairman.
As the Chair of the Standing Committee on Health and Education, I am pleased to make some opening remarks as we begin deliberations on the capital estimates of the Department of Education.
The department’s proposed capital budget of nearly $20 million includes school projects, Nunavut Arctic College projects, funding for the planning and design of a Nunavut Trade School and funding for what the minister refers to as a Nunavut Folk School but which is referred to elsewhere as the Nunavut Cultural School.
Members were pleased to note that two of the goals announced at our Arviat Caucus Retreat are a step closer to reality.
It will be important to establish how the Departments of Education and CLEY will be coordinating efforts towards the creation of the Nunavut Folk School and the Nunavut Heritage Centre.
With respect to the Nunavut Trade School, members are aware that NORAD’s Forwarding Operating Location, or FOL, site in Rankin Inlet is being considered as a possible location.
While the Committee notes the minister’s optimism regarding this site’s potential, members would advise the minister to develop a sound contingency plan in the event that the FOL site proves unworkable as an effective Trade School.
Members look forward to regular updates from the minister on these two important initiatives.
In particular, the issue of governance for each of these new institutions should be addressed sooner rather than later. For example, it is not clear whether the Trade School will be considered a Nunavut Arctic College facility.
Members are aware that the department sets its priorities for school projects based on rankings of school conditions, usage and program requirements.
Members were disappointed not to receive more detailed information on these criteria for new projects that were selected for the upcoming fiscal year compared to those that were not.
Members would once again request that the minister provide a copy of the School Building Condition report to the committee in order to promote transparency in the decision-making process.
Members were pleased to note that the minister and his officials have begun to implement the committee’s suggestion to communicate and seek input from community groups and authorities on planning and design aspects of community projects.
However, it should be stressed that when commitments were perceived by the public to have not been met, this calls into question the communication process.
Committee members note that the proposed purchase of school buses now appears as a separate item within the capital estimates.
This type of purchase lacked transparency in previous years.
The committee continues to support the department’s plans to provide accommodation for students enrolling in post-secondary programs at Nunavut Arctic College.
The lack of housing is frequently raised by Nunavummiut as a barrier to taking advantage of learning opportunities.
The standing committee notes the recent GN announcement that it will withdraw over time from providing staff housing.
The committee recognizes that the Department of Education is not responsible for the allocation and availability of staff housing units.
However, members are aware that the new policy may have an impact on the recruitment and retention of critical employees, such as nurses and teachers, especially in Nunavut’s smaller communities.
The standing committee recommends that the GN’s Staff Housing Policy be rigorously monitored from the earliest stages.
Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening remarks. I am confident that individual members will also have questions and comments as we proceed.
Minister Picco, do you have witnesses that you would like to bring to the table?
Hon. Ed. Picco: Thank you. Yes, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman: Does this committee agree to bring the witnesses?
Recognizing the clock, I would like to report progress.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Please be seated.
Your committee has been considering Bill 1, the capital estimates, and would like to report progress.
Speaker (interpretation): There is a motion on the floor, a seconder?
Going to the Orders of the Day. Item 21.
A reminder tomorrow, a meeting of the full caucus at ten o’clock in the morning in the Tuktu boardroom.
Orders of the Day for November 24:
Motion 1 – 2(3)
Speaker (interpretation): We will reconvene at 1:30 p.m. November 24, 2005.
>>House adjourned at 17:44
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Pages 428 – 492
Opening Prayer 428
Ministers’ Statements 428
Members’ Statements 432
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 436
Oral Questions 437
Revert to Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 456
Tabling of Documents 457
Motions 458
Report of the Committee of the Whole 491
Orders of the Day 491
Thursday, November 24, 2005 428
028 – 2(3): Taking Action Against Violence Against Women (Aglukkaq) 428
029 – 2(3): Inuit Societal Values Pilot Project (Tapardjuk) 429
030 – 2(3): Seniors and Disabled Persons Preventative Maintenance (Akesuk) 430
031 – 2(3): Barriers to Business Study (Kilabuk) 430
032 – 2(3): Financial Internship Program (Simailak) 431
033 – 2(3): Federal-Territorial Negotiations on Early Learning and Child Care (Picco) 431
059 – 2(3): Senior Public Service Turnover Rates (Curley) 432
060 – 2(3): 2006 – Nunavut’s First Diamond Mine (Peterson) 433
061 – 2(3): Letter to CRTC – Call Display Services to Gjoa Haven (Aglukkaq) 434
062 – 2(3): Weather Information Services in Nunavut (Kilabuk) 435
063 – 2(3): Iqaluit Music Society, Coffee House (Tootoo) 435
064 – 2(3): Regular Medical Check-ups (Barnabas) 436
070 – 2(3): DEA Responsibilities (Tootoo) 437
071 – 2(3): Workshop on Shamanism (Netser) 440
072 – 2(3): Correspondence with Unsuccessful Job Applicants (Evyagotailak) 441
073 – 2(3): Status of Economic Development Strategy Recommendations (Peterson) 443
074 – 2(3): Medical Follow-ups (Barnabas) 445
075 – 2(3): Alternative Energy and Dams (Netser) 446
076 – 2(3): Continuation of Internship Program (Curley) 448
077 – 2(3): Expiration of Lease Agreement (Tootoo) 449
078 – 2(3): Update Manitoba Kivalliq Road Project (Alagalak) 451
079 – 2(3): Homelessness in Nunavut (Barnabas) 452
080 – 2(3): Periodic Review of the NNI Policy (Curley) 455
032 – 2(3): 2005 Kitikmeot Inuit Association Resolutions (Peterson) 457
033 – 2(3): Photos of Arviat Nursing Station Parking Lot (Alagalak) 457
034 – 2(3): Federal/Provincial/Territorial Health Meetings (Aglukkaq) 457
035 – 2(3): House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance Meeting Minutes (Peterson) 458
Motion 001 – 2(3): Federal-Territorial Negotiations on Early Learning and Childcare (Picco) 458
Committee Motion 001 – 2(3): Inuksuit School Addition in Qikiqtarjuaq (Arreak) 471
Committee Motion 002 – 2(3) Deferral of the 2006-07 Capital Estimates of the Dept. of Education (Curley) 475
Committee Motion 003 – 2(3): Deferral of the 2006-07 Capital Estimates of the Department of Education (Curley) 475
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2006-07 – Education – Consideration in Committee 468
Speaker (interpretation): I would ask Mr. Simailak to say the opening prayer,
Speaker (interpretation): Good afternoon, members of the Legislative Assembly, and observers.
Minister’s Statement 028 – 2(3): Taking Action Against Violence Against Women (Aglukkaq)
Tomorrow, November 25 is the International Day to End Violence Against Women, first declared by the United Nations in 1981.
Shortly following this important date it will be the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6.
In the days of action that fall between these two dates, people around the world are organizing activities to raise public awareness about the problems of violence against women.
We in Nunavut are no exception but we are working year round.
Just last week it was my privilege to launch the public awareness campaign sponsored by the Working Group for the Prevention of Violence Against Women.
This group has representatives from the Government of Nunavut, the Government of Canada, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, the RCMP, Qulliit Status of Women Council, and the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
This working group is also organizing a symposium to bring together up to 100 people from across Nunavut to provide realistic input into the programs and policies that we need to deal with the issue of violence.
Inuuqatigiitsiarniq, Working Together; a Territorial Strategy to Stop Violence Against Women, will run from January 17 to 20.
All partners in the working group are helping with the symposium with respect to financial support, organizing, and promotion.
By exploring best practices, consulting with community members, and building networks, we hope to develop strategies that will help us stop the violence.
All women deserve to live free of violence.
To achieve this we need caring communities working together to support victims of violence and help abusers learn how to cope with problems, without resorting to violence.
Our new posters say it best, “Nunavummiut are working together to end violence against women. Caring communities are healthy communities.”
Minister’s Statement 029 – 2(3): Inuit Societal Values Pilot Project (Tapardjuk)
Achieving and maintaining healthy communities, Inuuqatigiitsiarniq, and self-reliance, Nangminiq Makitajunnarniq, are priorities of the Government of Nunavut.
There is a strong and growing sense these can be best achieved by using approaches that reflect Inuit societal values.
The Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth was allocated $200,000 to complete two community pilot projects geared towards strengthening the roles of elders in the community wellness process and addressing social wellness issues based on Inuit societal values.
I sent a call letter to all my colleagues and their respective communities and received seven responses interested in participating in our Inuit Societal Values Pilot Project.
Colleagues, I am pleased to announce today that Clyde River and Cambridge Bay will be the two pilot projects.
I am confident that they will be a positive example to other communities in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I want to assure members of this House that the government will be supporting these pilot projects in every aspect.
My department has hired an elder advisor, whose key role will be to support the communities with this pilot project.
In addition, the Inullariit Elders’ Society will provide their expertise to the projects.
Also the Department of Justice, along with other departments, will oversee the outcome of the pilot projects, which will be the Steering Committee.
Minister’s Statement 030 – 2(3): Seniors and Disabled Persons Preventative Maintenance (Akesuk)
As the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation I am very pleased to introduce to members the Senior and Disabled Persons Preventative Maintenance Program.
(interpretation) The program was designed to assist homeowners who are seniors over the age of 60 and have annual income of under $50,000, or disabled persons over the age of 19 who have a disability cheque as the main source of their income, to sustain the quality of their homes and to retain their independent life styles.
Assistance will be provided in the form of an annual grant of $1,500 per year per home to pay for materials and labour and for annual maintenance projects to a home’s furnace, hot water boiler, water tank, pump, ventilation or duct work systems or small projects related to energy efficiency and accessibility.
I would like to thank the local housing organizations; our working partners in the communities, for their support and assistance in getting this important project delivered to our seniors and disabled home owners.
Applications for the program are available at all local housing organization offices.
The Housing Corporation is committed to building Nunavut’s future by addressing the Pinasuaqtavut objective of Inuqatigitiarniq.
We are actively supporting homeownership and improvement. This program is an important step towards improving the self-reliance of Nunavut residents.
Minister’s Statement 031 – 2(3): Barriers to Business Study (Kilabuk)
Mr. Kilabuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, elders, youth and members of the House.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to update the House on the Barriers to Business Study.
This study was initiated in the fall of 2004 to examine the obstacles to business development in this territory and to recommend changes to remove these barriers.
With the support of Municipal Economic Development Officers, a survey of 83 Nunavut businesses was conducted representing all of the communities and regions.
Mr. Speaker, this was an excellent response from the business community and has resulted in 33 specific issues that will be considered.
Mr. Speaker, on November 4, 2005 of this year, representatives of the Government of Nunavut departments and agencies met to begin a process to identify all barriers to business development that may exist within our own legislation, regulations, and policies.
In the New Year, I will launch a series of round table meetings in each region to ensure that we receive advice on this important issue in every community in the territory.
Removing the obstacles to business growth has been highlighted as a strategic priority in the Nunavut Economic Development Strategy and it is a major Pinasuaqtavut objectives.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to receiving a final report from the “Barriers to Business” initiative this coming spring of 2006. In the meantime, I will continue to keep Members of the House informed of our progress.
Minister’s Statement 032 – 2(3): Financial Internship Program (Simailak)
Hon. David Simailak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I am pleased to inform my colleagues that approximately three years ago the Department of Finance started an Internship Program.
This program was designed to provide academic training and hands-on work experience in order to improve the financial management skills of beneficiaries in Nunavut, while providing opportunities for them to move into permanent positions within the department.
I am very proud to announce that, effective the end of October 2005, the Department of Finance has five interns who have successfully completed the program and who will be offered permanent positions.
Mr. Speaker, I’m pleased to inform the House that the following Department of Finance staff graduating from our program are:
Mr. David Arnatsiaq from Igloolik;
Ms. Rebecca Salmonson from Iqaluit;
Mr. Francis Hunt from Iqaluit;
Ms. Annie Joannie from Iqaluit; and,
Mr. Gerry Phillips from Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to thank my officials in the Department of Finance for establishing, organizing, and running this internship program, and thus providing greater employment opportunities for beneficiaries and moving the government closer to achieving its goals under Article 23.
Minister’s Statement 033 – 2(3): Federal-Territorial Negotiations on Early Learning and Child Care (Picco)
I rise today to update my colleagues on the progress being made to develop a national system of early learning and childcare.
The objectives under this initiative are to further promote learning and development in early childhood, support the participation of parents in employment and education, and support parents in their primary responsibility for the care and the nurturing of their children.
Nunavut, like all jurisdictions in this country, fully supports the principles and objectives of the program, and Nunavut wants to participate in this program.
A national childcare program with national objectives must recognize that per capita funding will not allow the territories to be equal partners, and so negotiations have continued around base funding, with meetings with Minister Dryden and letters to Minister Dryden and the Prime Minister to further press this issue.
The territories remain united in our request for $2 million each in base funding and support from the provinces is well welcomed by all three territories.
Mr. Speaker, I am disappointed by the federal government’s continued refusal to acknowledge the need for base funding, and their exclusion of Inuit in the dedicated aboriginal funding component of this important initiative.
This government will not accept an agreement that means our residents will not be treated as well as other Canadians and where Inuit are excluded from aboriginal funding.
Mr. Speaker, I will be speaking to the motion later today seeking this Assembly’s support for an early learning and childcare funding formula that meets our needs.
Member’s Statement 059 – 2(3): Senior Public Service Turnover Rates (Curley)
I rise today to address what I see as a serious issue for our government.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut has been in existence for a relatively short time. However, during that time, since 1999, we have seen a startlingly high turnover rate in the top ranks of the public service.
I am aware that, of the original team of Deputy Ministers who were appointed in 1999, almost all of them have since departed under varying circumstances.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I believe that I was not the only one to have been taken by surprise by yesterday’s announcement that the Deputy Minister of Health is on his way out the door.
In reviewing the history of this position since 1999, it turns out that no fewer than five different individuals have served in this position.
On average, a deputy minister in this job lasts about a year and a half.
Mr. Speaker, RCMP officers stay in their postings for longer periods of time in order to get to know the community and the regions they serve.
Mr. Speaker, in order for our departments to better serve the public, we need more stability and continuity at the top.
One of our goals as an Assembly must be to encourage the development of a stable workforce, especially at the senior levels.
Mr. Speaker, it takes time to master a complex department, and it is important that senior people become familiar with the culture and unique issues here in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I want to see this revolving door practice end, so that our senior officials can focus on the job and serve the public of Nunavut.
Member's Statement 060 – 2(3): 2006 – Nunavut’s First Diamond Mine (Peterson)
I am excited to be in a position to tell the House today that we are now only weeks away from the opening in early 2006 of Nunavut’s first diamond mine owned by Tahera Corporation.
Mr. Speaker, my constituents are looking forward to Jericho’s opening with great anticipation.
Nunavut’s vast resources hold the promise of better days ahead for many Nunavummiut, including all of the residents of the Kitikmeot communities.
Mr. Speaker, I have spoken before in the House about the secondary diamond industry. By this, Mr. Speaker, I mean the business and employment opportunities that come from participating in the diamond industry after the raw diamonds are mined from the ground.
Mr. Speaker, the global diamond industry is a very competitive and small industry. A friend once jokingly told me that if someone sneezed in Hong Kong then someone in Israel would catch a cold.
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to tell the House that one of our Kitikmeot-owned companies is very active in the secondary diamond industry and is promoting us around the world.
The Government of Canada recently announced the awarding of the first ever Nunavut diamond valuation contract to Diamonds International Canada Limited.
Diamonds International Canada Limited competes on the global stage and won this contract following an international tendering process.