EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
We discussed the issue with the Nunavut Association of Municipalities, and at this point in time, there is yet no agreement or conclusion on where we want to go with it. A utility rates format is one potential option, but there are other options available in terms of creating an appeal level in there.
So I guess my response is; at this point in time there is nothing in place to deal specifically with this kind of a situation, but we are talking to the Nunavut Association of Municipalities about it.
Potentially it is something where they could bring forward recommendations some time in the near future.
I thank Mr. Maley for that answer.
We don’t like to think that those things could happen in small towns because we’re all friends and neighbours. Sometimes the hamlets are under financial stress and they make decisions that are hopefully for the betterment of everybody in the community.
Somehow through some oversight, a small group of people fall between the cracks. They are greatly affected and it causes a lot of hardship for them.
We always hope that that doesn’t happen.
It is expensive enough as it is to live in a community, and if they’re not able to benefit from the Water Subsidy Program it puts an additional hardship on them, especially if they’re a large family.
I hope that NAM and Community and Government Services work that out for the betterment of Nunavut communities.
On the same page there is another priority for 2007-08 to complete the Municipal Taxing Model for consideration. We have heard about that for a couple of years now. I am wondering if the minister or Mr. Maley could update us on where that’s going for the next fiscal year.
I would also like to refer that question to Mr. Maley.
Where we are with the Municipal Tax Review, it’s a priority for 2007-08. We’ve done a lot of research in this area. We’re looking at options for municipalities to generate revenue outside of necessarily just the government.
However, in consideration of this we want to make sure that our data is solid. So what we’ve been doing is gathering data, mainly using larger communities as the base in terms of potentially what they could generate for revenue.
Where we are right now is that we’ve looked at other provincial models, where they’ve also done this, and we’re also looking at the NWT, where they have enabled every community the potential to be a taxed-based municipality, and they’re collecting taxes on behalf of the Commissioner over there right now.
We’re not really in a position, at this point in time, to rule anything out, but hopefully by the end of 2007-08, and as per our business plan, we’re hoping that we will have a model worked out and be ready to be introduced to the Legislature in terms of their review.
I thank the minister and Mr. Maley for that answer.
We’ll look forward to some additional information as the year goes on.
In our opening comments yesterday, we mentioned that our standing committee is concerned that the Regional Granular Program didn’t receive any funding in the 2007-08 capital estimates, but you have a priority in 2007-08 to establish a brand new program.
Could you update the House on what work you’re going to do to establish the Granular Program, and then where the funds are going to come from to establish the program.
This department is in the process of developing a strategy and going forward with the plan for a new Granular Process.
It is at the stage that the Granular Strategy will be shared with the members before the fall session.
Can the minister give us an idea and I know you’re going to go forward to develop a Granular Program, and share information with us, but where do you anticipate finding the funds to establish that program.
Mr. Maley can respond to your question.
Where we are right now is: the granular program since the Department of Public  Works froze it with the Government of the Northwest Territories back in 1994 or 1995, whenever it happened; there were studies, beyond studies, beyond studies.
So what we decided to do was rather than spend any more money on studies, we’re accumulating those right now, we’re developing our data, and we’re doing that all internally. So there are actually no real costs at this point in time.
However, the granular program eventually is going to require a significant investment. At this point in time we don’t know what that means, and we don’t know the magnitude of cost.
So our commitment, as per our business plans, is to more formally define what it is we’re going to do and what we think the potential costs may be. And then the task will be how that gets funded, whether there is an opportunity to partner with other interested organizations or attract other third party funding remains to be seen.
Our commitment at this point in time is to at least develop the plan for adequately re-sourcing that area.
On page J-9, the Community Development Fund is $1,050,000 budgeted, the same figure as previous years. It says to provide a reasonable amount of funding to communities to be used for locally-determined administrative projects.
Could the minister provide us with an indication or idea of what are the costs to the locally-determined administrative projects?
Let me put my glasses on first.
In the communities, you saw the amount and it was $1,006,000. And for the communities there are some that are going to be used for training in all communities. We’re going to be using the Municipal Training Organization to provide the training.
It has benefited a lot of the communities. They are also involved in the organization of the training program
that is provided by Municipal Training Organization. They make plans on what the hamlets are going to be doing.
Again, they’re going to be the trainers.
I keep saying repeatedly that there were 700 hamlet employees that were trained through this organization.
We will hear what has been happening next year but the benefits are included in the setting up of these plans and also having their employees trained through this organization.
Can the minister clarify, are these funds transferred to hamlets, or are they held within your department, and then your department determines the projects? Can you clarify what is locally-determined?
Does the hamlet determine the projects, or is that the regional office that determines the projects?
The Municipal Training Organization has their own funds but they collaborate with the hamlets when they’re setting up the training programs.
The money goes to the Municipal Training Organization.
On the same page; J-9, transfers from other government departments. There is a little bit of an increase there this year. It looks like $3,902,000.
So the initiative to transfer resources from various departments to municipalities, can you clarify what that means?
What are you transferring from various departments to municipalities?
There has been no change in the monies that were allotted in 2006-07, and it’s still the same amount for 2007-08.
These monies are used through an agreement with the communities. The hamlets are responsible for building maintenance.
The communities also take care of the government facilities.
That is done through an agreement with the Government of Nunavut and the hamlet councils as was requested by the communities.
The hamlets also create employment for welfare recipients.
Can the minister clarify? There will be one agreement and that’s an agreement between the hamlet and Community and Government Services?
Yes, there is an agreement between Community and Government Services and the hamlet.
That is what the hamlet requested: to have an agreement and to be able to become self-reliant.
I could probably say that it’s called empowerment.
For example, the community of Cape Dorset, that is what they’re doing right now.
They are in charge of building maintenance, and they also deal with social assistance.
This has been very good for the community of Cape Dorset, for them to have that empowerment.
Just clarify for me minister, you mention welfare program but if I recall correctly that might be under the Department of Education Income Support? Is that correct?
Hon. Levinia Brown: My light did not come on.
Yes, that is true. They are under the Minister of Education, but it is different in each community.
I talked about Cape Dorset.
Perhaps if I could get Mr. Rafter to respond to that question, he’ll probably state it more clearly.
In most communities, facility maintenance and the employees that perform that maintenance form the majority of the agreement for the Asset Maintenance Transfer Agreement; it’s called Empowerment Agreements or CTI Agreements.
In some communities it also includes transfers from other government departments. For example, Department of Education with income support, the Department of Justice, Community and Government Services, Department of Health, they are all involved in the agreement in Cape Dorset.
It’s is a more comprehensive agreement than in some other communities. I think at the time, the Empowerment Initiative was designed or being piloted in Cape Dorset to see what programs could be delivered on a community basis to promote employment within the community rather than have government employees delivering these services, move them forth into the communities.
I hope that responds to the member’s question.
I thank Mr. Rafter.
It does clarify a little bit because it’s a bit confusing in your description here; one agreement, because in Cambridge Bay, for example, I think the hamlet has a separate contract with the Department of Education for income support.
So that was telling me there is more than one agreement.
Would you clarify that some hamlets would have one agreement and some of them might have separate agreements: two or more.
I want to touch on page J-10, under the Community Government Asset Protection Program.
There is nothing budgeted for this year, and that’s the program that provides start-up finances to the Nunavut Association of Municipalities for affordable insurance coverage, which we know as NAMIX.
I know the initial design of the program is for it to be self sustaining and self funding after three or four years.
I wonder if the minister could tell the House if her department considers that program to be up and running, successful, and self sustaining, and will not require any further funding from the government.
I thank the member for the question. (interpretation ends) The insurance program has been a very effective and cost effective approach to providing municipalities with adequate insurance for their infrastructure assets, mobile equipment, and for their staff and operations, indicators from NAMIX.
However, having said that, that ongoing funding will be required and the department has put forward a submission to the Financial Management Board in response to this.
We anticipate a favourable response and look forward to the continuing support from the Members of the Legislative Assembly on the NAMIX program.
Discussions are still ongoing with the Nunavut Association of Municipalities to explore the remaining needs.
I don’t know how successful the program has been in terms of savings over the years.
I know in my community it was fairly effective the year when the community hall was damaged in the fire.
They were very proactive and we were able to get our community hall up and running again within seven months of it being damaged by fire.
So that program was very effective to our community. Can the minister give us an idea or an update on what the savings have been to the municipalities and the government as a whole since the establishment of the NAMIX Program versus if they never had that program?
Hon. Levinia Brown (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Yes, I would like to recognize Keith because he was the president of that organization that helped start up NAMIX.
Just to reaffirm, it is very successful; it has been very successful, and I think it’s well appreciated. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
There’s another person. I recognize Mr. Curley.
Mr. Curley (interpretation): I would also like to ask a question on that topic. This is a very good subject, making sure the hamlets have insurance.
Your department has requested some money from FMB. Can you tell us how much you have requested from FMB?
Hon. Levinia Brown (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. $1,500,000 is the request that we will have for FMB that would be used for one year.
If that $1,500,000 is going to be used for one year, would that funding be put in there until they’re self-sustaining, or when the $1,500,000 is spent, what happens then?
We’re doing some planning every year; that $1,500,000 would be used for one year, and from there we will ask NAM how much more money that they will need for the following year.
The municipalities have been quite helpful. So after one year, after that’s spent, then we will find out how much more money that they would need.
I would like to ask another question on the $1,500,000.
Would that $1,500,000, if agreed to by FMB, would that be used in 2007-08?
Yes, it’s for 2007-08 if agreed to by FMB.
Mr. Curley (interpretation): $1,500,000 is not a huge amount. I think your department would have to get supplementary funding. I would like to ask the Minister of Finance if they would be able to agree to some more funding.
I will have Mr. Rafter respond to that question.
Mr. Rafter: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am sorry. I misspoke when I was speaking with the minister a moment ago.
It’s actually funding for, and from, the 2006-07 budget. If we go to Directorate on page J-5, you’ll see in the first column for 2005-06 actual expenditures somewhere around $251,000.
In the next column, beside that under Contract Services, $98,000, and then you see $2,300,000 under Revised Estimates.
The funding has already been set aside for this purpose.
The department has been working diligently on setting aside funding for the NAMIX projects over the course of the year and was able to set that funding aside just before the documents were finalized in early December. So the funding is set aside.
The intent would be if the Board approves the transfer and the one-time top up to the NAMIX; the funding would be released to NAMIX in the immediate future.
Mr. Curley: I don’t know whether to take your word for it, or not, but I think it would be most important that the minister would make a correct statement.
I am sure the formal announcement because if the minister did indicate that they’re seeking approval from FMB in the amount of $1,500,000.
So I’m not 100 percent sure which word I should take right now but it would be important before this review is done; to have a correct version so that we’ll know whether it takes a motion, or what not, to support the NAMIX program.
(interpretation) Maybe they should make a more formal statement.
Yes, if the FMB approves the amount for $1,500,000 for NAMIX for 2006-07 it would be used for that year.
My colleague asked a question. So there are no plans for 2007-08 if it will be funded again; if NAMIX will be funded again for that year.
The $1,500,000 will be used and we will be having discussions with NAMIX and CGS because this is very important and it has to go through.
We’re on J-7. (interpretation ends) Community and Government Services.
Branch Summary. Community Support.
Total. Operations and Maintenance. $53,248,000.
Chairman (interpretation): Going to J-11.
Government Services. $58,026,000.
Can the minister advise us in regard to the procurement contracts in regard to cargo contracts?
What is the status on this, in regard to the supply ships? Have you considered if these contracts end?
For example, they should open... maybe there are a lot more ships and aircrafts that have come up, maybe putting it up for contract.
We have so many contracts with ships.
The 2006 sealift season was a success. Most hamlets received more visit services than in previous years. The Community and Government Services office did not receive any formal complaints from contractors or from the public with respect to Government of Nunavut sealift carrier contracts.
The sealift contractor NTCL, out of Churchill, had some issues. They were late getting started and they had some organizational issues. Once the season got moving, all went well.
The sealift office has been made aware.
Usually there are construction projects experiencing some delays due to the NTCL schedule of the delivery of goods.
So, I wanted to update you on that.
I would like to ask the minister a question again in regard to... I think some marine contracts were extended.
I wonder if the minister can table the marine contracts listing how long they have been contracted, or if they have to be renewed.
The Government of Nunavut signed a five-year contract with Eastern Arctic Shipping, Nunavut Sealink and Supply, and Nunavut Transportation Company, NTCL.
At this time, we have been working with NTCL and NSSI and third, NEAS.
The government put out a request for proposals regarding the fuel supply transportation from 2007-2012.
Somebody wants to make a motion.
Mr. Curley (interpretation): We still have time.
I would like to ask another question. I wonder if the minister can table something about the different marine contracts.
I think some of them are leaning towards option two.
I believe the contracts were for three years.
I wonder if the minister can table a listing of how long we’re going to be using them, or if she can point out as to which contract it is because we provide a monopoly using the zones and the government seems to support that.
With the different regions, I wonder if the minister ... I know there was a report out in regard to that. This system has been used for 60 years or more.
I wonder if the minister or her officials ... this should be an open market now.
Why don’t they go through that route because if it’s an open market, the prices would be down?
If there is a monopoly, the prices in stores will cost quite a bit.
I don’t like high prices.
I don’t know about you guys but if there is an open market, and the minister says that she believes in free enterprise, before the contracts are awarded because I believe there could be competition.
If there was no competition on the freight on airlines, the prices would be even higher.
Even if you can provide us with some statements in regard to that, whether it’s adequate or not, but I lean more towards the open market.
The Member for Rankin Inlet North’s comments, we have talked about this at the Cabinet level but we haven’t come up with a decision. We look at all those options and what we should expect in the coming year.
Some contracts will be ended soon but we have to maintain that we provide the best service.
As you stated earlier, the annual report, you already asked for a consolidated report. I’m sure that we can do that in a report form, especially with all the information that has to be provided.
There are probably a lot more questions. I would like to make a motion to report progress.
At this time I would like to thank the minister and her officials, Mr. Rafter, Mr. Maley, and Ms. Hine for being here.
Sergeant-at-Arms, can you escort the officials from the witness table.
All those in favour, raise your hands.
Orders of the Day for March 14:
This House stands adjourned until Wednesday, March 14, at 1:30 p.m.
>>House adjourned at 17:53
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Pages 290 – 343
Opening Prayer 290
Ministers’ Statements 290
Members’ Statements 292
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 298
Oral Questions 298
Written Questions 316
Tabling of Documents 318
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 320
Revert to Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 320
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 321
Committee Motion 001 – 2(4): Deferral of Consideration of 2007-08 Main Estimates of the Department of Community and Government Services (Tootoo) 334
Report of the Committee of the Whole 341
Revert to Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 341
Wednesday, March 14, 2007 290
020 – 2(4): Update Midwifery (Aglukkaq) 290
021 – 2(4): Parnautiit, A Foundation for the Future – Mineral Exploration and Mining Strategy (Simailak) 291
022 – 2(4): 2005-2006 Youth’s Grants and Contributions Schedules (Tapardjuk) 292
044 – 2(4): The Need for a Group Home in Arviat (Alagalak) 292
045 – 2(4): Elder Care (Peterson) 293
046 – 2(4): Tribute to Susan Spring (Tootoo) 294
047 – 2(4): Sustainable Community Planning Meeting in Iqaluit (Picco) 295
048 – 2(4): Income Support Guidelines (Arvaluk) 296  049 – 2(4): The Need for Arctic College Facility in Grise Fiord (Barnabas) 296
050 – 2(4): RCMP Use of Tasers (Curley) 297
049 – 2(4): Government of Nunavut’s Partnership Agreement with the Keewatin Business Development Center (Tootoo) 298
050 – 2(4): Application Forms for Grants and Contributions (Mapsalak) 300
051 – 2(4): Income Support Guidelines (Arvaluk) 301
052 – 2(4): Support for Arctic College Facility in Grise Fiord (Barnabas) 305
053 – 2(4): Release of Inmates from the Kugluktuk Ilavut Centre (Evyagotailak) 306
054 – 2(4): Cambridge Bay Doctor Termination of Contract (Peterson) 307
055 – 2(4): Qangualuk Abduction (Curley) 309
056 – 2(4): Group Home for Arviat (Alagalak) 312
057 – 2(4): Income Support Eligibility (Kattuk) 314
001 – 2(4): Enforcement and Implementation of the Wildlife Act (Curley) 317
002 – 2(4): Support to Community Libraries (Arvaluk) 317
003 – 2(4): Akitsiraq Law School Program (Arvaluk) 318
031 – 2(4): Nunavut Representative on Board of Directors and Payment Agents - Letter from the President and CEO of NorthwesTel (Arvaluk) 318
032 – 2(4): Keewatin Business Development Centre - Financial Statements March 31, 2003 (Tootoo) 319
033 – 2(4): Keewatin Business Development Centre - Notice of Directors 2002-03 (Tootoo) 319
034 – 2(4): Ministerial Meeting Report – F/P/T Ministers of Social Services May 29, 2006 from Department of Health and Social Services (Aglukkaq) 319
035 – 2(4): Ministers Report – F/P/T Ministers Responsible for Status of Women October 2006 from Department of Health and Social Services – Saint John, New Brunswick – October 2006 FPT Report (Aglukkaq) 319
036 – 2(4): Ministerial Meeting Report – F/P/T Canada North West FASD Partnership Ministers’ Meeting September 2006 from Department of Health and Social Services (Aglukkaq) 319
037 – 2(4): Parnautit: Nunavut Mineral Exploration and Mining Strategy (Simailak) 320
038 – 2(4): Letter from City of Iqaluit re: Creating a Sustainable Iqaluit Initiative (Picco) 320
Bill 04 – Workers’ Compensation Act – Notice 320
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2007-08 – Consideration in Committee – Community & Government Services 321
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2007-08 – Consideration in Committee – Culture, Language, Elders & Youth 336
Good afternoon Premier, Ministers, and Members. (interpretation ends) Item 2.
Minister’s Statement 020 – 2(4): Update Midwifery (Aglukkaq)
Mr. Speaker, midwifery is a skill that we value in the Nunavut healthcare system.
I would like to share with you briefly a number of recent developments that show how the Department of Health and Social Services is steadily improving the quality and availability of these services.
Midwives from across Nunavut gathered in Iqaluit in February. This is the first time such a meeting has been held, thanks in part to funding from Culture, Language, Elders and Youth.
This is a special time for these women, a time for healing, for learning, and for appreciation.
A day was set aside to share information about traditional birthing practices and I understand the stories and demonstrations had the elders crying with laughter.
It is clear that there is strong support for blending modern and traditional knowledge of midwifery.
Mr. Speaker, the purpose of the Midwife Association of Nunavut is to support and promote the reintroduction of Inuit traditional midwifery, as well as support the registered midwives practicing in Nunavut. The association will be joining the Canadian Association of Midwives with Natsiq Kango as the Nunavut representative on the national board.
Five students are now in the one year long Maternity Care Worker Certificate Program offered in Rankin Inlet. The curriculum for the second year of the program, which would grant a diploma in midwifery, is now being tested.