EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, due to this reason, I can state that we will review the entire area and I am in constant communication with my staff as to how best to resolve these issues affecting us.
The minister is aware that we can either deal with this during the O&M debates in June or alternatively, he can submit a supplementary appropriation to the committee and put it into the O&M.
I seem to not be making sense in Inuktitut.
What I’m trying to say is if the transfer was to be dealt with after the budget, then he can include the funds for the transfer of the office in a supplementary appropriation.
Can the minister inform me approximately when this matter would be dealt with and when our people can be notified that the office will be moved at a such-and-such date?
The reason is that Inuit are starting to lose their belief.
It’s like this: they no longer believe in what the government is stating and they believe me since I have continued to bring up this issue for a number of years. Now, because of the lack of action, my constituents are losing their faith in me and ask me bluntly, “Are you still raising this issue at the Legislative Assembly?” My reply is, “Yes, I keep bringing it up.”
When can the minister inform me of the approximate time, let’s say perhaps this spring when this transfer will be planned to more effectively handle medical patient travel?
As it stands right now, it just causes more problems for people on medical travel.
So my question is: can the minister inform me when he would be able to make this announcement?
Hon. Tagak Curley (interpretation) Thank you.
I thank you for your comments and I believe that your concerns are felt and heard. I know that this is a concern not just for your constituency but for the whole region and I believe that it was continually raised in the Second Assembly.
What I can state is that when we are reviewing the different departments, not just Pangnirtung but in the Baffin and the Kivalliq regions, there are similarities there. As an example, this government is competing with the private sector medical travel services and due to that, these travel services are no longer being used. This government department has had to deal with these issues in the Kivalliq region.
We are still reviewing the procedures on how to make improvements in these areas. Perhaps it would be best for these air carriers to repatriate the services and lessen the costs that the government currently pays. We have discussed some of these ideas.
Mr. Speaker, prior to making my announcement on the matter or setting a date, I would like to state that we have only reviewed a particular department’s recommendations on how best to make improvements and I’m currently considering them.
I would like to hear from the regular members in the Baffin region and meet with them along with my staff to discuss these matters.
The regular members can set the dates as to when we would meet.
It would be good to hear from the other members prior to my making an announcement on this matter.
I thank the minister because I am the Chairperson of the Regular Members’ Caucus and we would welcome any kind of discussion. We would be happy to meet with them to make their report, just like this morning when the finance department came to make a presentation, so I would want to work with him on this issue.
In particular, we all know, perhaps not all of us know but we have heard from our constituents about the additional costs in the neighbourhood of $400 to $700 per night for patients boarding at Tammaativvik here in Iqaluit.
I can’t state exactly how much the additional cost is but I believe the minister has more information on that.
However, when patients are left behind in Iqaluit due to transportation issues, the costs to the government can escalate rapidly and easily surpass the original cost of the ticket.
This can be rectified easily enough because, for the majority of the Baffin communities, perhaps all communities situated on Baffin Island, they now have two airlines servicing their communities, Canadian North and First Air.
Nowadays, the aircraft are no longer full to capacity, but we still have issues with the position being located in Pangnirtung.
When the First Air flight is full, the patients are told that there’s no room even though the other airline has plenty of seats available and this is all because of the complexity of the medical contracts.
The process requires a thorough review.
Can the minister inform me that all of these issues we are raising will be included in this review and further, can he commit to discussing the concerns of the regular members to see how we can make improvements to this system?
I want to thank my colleague for his comments. As I stated previously, my department has presented what options they have suggested to me.
I also stated earlier that we are open to meeting with the regular members to discuss these issues, but it’s up to the committee to set the time of this meeting.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to note that these medical travel contracts are legal contracts and I believe they don’t expire for another year.
As well, our colleague from the High Arctic has continually brought up the fact that they require more support, especially with respect to airlines.
Some of these particular routes may only be feasible to the airlines with a medical contract in place, especially in places like the High Arctic.
However, for communities that are further south, I believe the question is whether we ought to have a single contract for the entire region.
This question is one that should be raised and I have asked this question myself as to whether we should reopen the contract particularly in relation to patients who have been bumped off one airline and cannot get space on the other airline.
In the Kivalliq region, this is also the case whereby Canadian North has the contract and First Air is now back on the Rankin Inlet/Winnipeg route and due to the absence of a contract, they can’t even take on a medical patient even if they are extremely sick.
This is unsatisfactory and we are looking at all of the issues at this time.
When I’m in front of the committee, my expectations are that we will be receiving recommendations to make improvements to medical travel and it would be best to make decisions based on practical solutions. I will try to take into consideration all of the concerns to provide better services.
I understand the contract situation, especially for the High Arctic and perhaps with the Lake Harbour and Sanikiluaq flight systems too, we appreciate that.
Will the minister then be ready to meet with the regular members on this issue of transportation for patients by the June session?
Will he be ready to meet with us on that one?
Hon. Tagak Curley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I will commit to that because I think earlier today, we heard from one member that we want to be transparent with our plans and with our ideas, and we certainly welcome the suggestions from regular MLAs.
And on that basis, I will appear before your committee with my deputy or other officials and try to see if we could find at least an acceptable way of taking care of some of the medical travel issues without going through any further difficulties.
Question 026 – 3(1): Healthy, Affordable Food for the Less Fortunate (Ningark)
I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Health and I’m sure that some of it will be responded to by the Hon. Premier.
As stated in his ministerial comments, nutritional food is very important to the people of Nunavut. When we were growing up, our parents always told us to make sure that we ate traditional food.
The same advice was given to us by medical practitioners.
For those of us here, we can go hunting because we have the equipment required like snowmobiles, and we call them ski-doos even though they might be Yamahas and we also call four-wheelers Hondas.
But there are some people out there in the communities who don’t have the equipment and they do get help from other community members, which we are grateful for, but they can’t go far with the high cost of gasoline and the increasing price of goods like food, ski-doo and ATV parts.
I would like to ask the Premier about public-private partnership that has been discussed by the government.
For example, this government can work with Nunavut Tunngavik and see how they can better the conditions of people who cannot afford or don’t have access to nutritional food. One idea might be to send out a hunting party, not necessarily on a daily basis, but perhaps during the weekends.
Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to also tell the member who posed the question that nutrition is very important and poverty is also something that we have to deal with. He’s correct; we do receive country food from the hunters.
This government will deal with the issue of poverty, including nutritious food. It was one of the five-year priorities that the government put together at the retreat in Cape Dorset.
I’m looking forward to working with the members to deal with such issues and it has already been identified as a priority by this government.
Mr. Ningark (interpretation): I would like to thank the Premier for responding to my question.
Thank you very much from my heart and also on behalf of the people of Repulse Bay and Kugaaruk.
I was thinking that maybe there could be pilot projects done in Kugaaruk and Repulse Bay.
This is something that we are interested to hear as this government has stated that working together and cooperation is very important and it also applies to us as Members of the Legislative Assembly.
I would like to work with you to deal with this issue and talk about poverty and nutrition. We have to include the people out there and also the Members of the Legislative Assembly.
As a reminder, if you’re going to be asking and responding to questions, please keep your preambles as short as possible. That’s just a reminder for the members.
Question 027 – 3(1): Misuse of GN Computers (Okalik)
I tabled a document yesterday regarding government computer usage where an employee sent out a document predicting who might possibly win each riding and become the Member of the Legislative Assembly.
Our Premier has already demonstrated that she will remove a portfolio or person as soon as there has been any kind of misuse.
So what will happen to the deputy minister who misused the government computers in that instance?
I will try and respond to the issue that was brought up yesterday. (interpretation ends) The Public Service Act section 34(2) allows political activity but specifically prohibits activity during working hours on government premises or using government supplies or equipment.
The Public Service Act does not specifically apply to deputy ministers but as the government’s most senior officials, they are expected to set a very high standard. Also, the human resources manual has a section about conflict of interest and political activity, that’s section 204. All staff are required to separate any political activity from their work duties and responsibilities.
Also in that directive, deputy ministers and other senior staff are considered restricted employees, which have additional restrictions and compensation terms.
Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, I was not the Premier at the time that this occurred and I thank the member for bringing the matter forward now. Since I was not the Premier at the time, I will need some time to review the matter and get further details.
I thank the member for raising this concern.
I am hopeful that together, as an Assembly, we will be able to improve some of the concerns raised by the public about the Elections Act and its processes during the territorial election.
Likewise, I will do what is necessary to ensure that the public service complies with the rules set for them through legislation, regulation, and Cabinet directives. (interpretation) Thank you.
It’s regrettable that the Premier immediately removed a minister’s portfolio on the very same day that correspondence was sent out and it reached her attention.
She stated that she wasn’t the Premier then.
Even if that’s the case, this deputy minister will have to appear as a witness during our standing committees. This includes names of two ministers in this correspondence and it smears both of their names.
We no longer have any confidence in this deputy minister as long as they are still in their position and when they appear before the committee, we may no longer believe in what they say. What will be your recommended course of action in this case?
As I stated earlier, I wasn’t the Premier at the time. Since it occurred prior to the election, I will look into it further.
Half of the elected members have been marred by this deputy minister and her only defence is that she wasn’t the Premier at that time.
This is unacceptable since she immediately removed the portfolio from the minister just for trying to spark debate amongst his staff by offering his ideas.
As regular members, this is downright scary. Does this mean that any member here can be slandered by any deputy minister? How will you handle these types of cases?
Madam Premier Aariak.
I prefer not to argue over this issue endlessly as I was not elected just to argue.
However, with respect to the issue of the portfolio that I removed and which the member is referring to, it is now history as it was dealt with. I didn’t remove his ministerial appointment, just that portfolio, and he remains a minister.
Further, with respect to Minister Tapardjuk, I continue to have faith in his abilities to handle his current portfolios and I am thankful for his participation in the Cabinet.
I also believe that he continues to represent his constituency, especially with respect to Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and culture that he so strongly defends. I have complete faith in the minister.
Be that as it may, some time during our session, the deputy minister will have to appear as a witness and we’re not going to have any confidence in her after she slandered several members even if she is tasked to appear as a witness.
So I would like you to seriously consider the past action which has caused a problem with several members and in my opinion, also breached some rules and this person will have to be removed.
I didn’t hear a question. (interpretation ends) Oral Questions.
Question 028 – 3(1): Hiring of Medical Travel Coordinator
I don’t remember putting up my hand but I do have a question.
I’ve got to stop waving my hand around.
The Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Curley, wanted to hear from more members from Qikiqtani.
I had written a letter on January 7 to the Minister of Health and Social Services and it was regarding the meeting that we had during the Nunavut Leadership Forum back in November.
Specifically two aspects of medical travel in the Baffin region were discussed - difficulties in communicating with the regional travel office and significant delays in the booking of airline tickets - which result in a number of other problems for patients travelling to Iqaluit or Ottawa, especially for those residents who are required to make a number of stops along the way.
At that time, we were told by the deputy minister, I believe Alex Campbell at the time, that a manager of medical travel was going to be hired. I would just like to ask: has that person been hired?
I wish to advise you to stop waving your hands when you have nothing to say.
Minister of Health and Social Services, Minister Tagak Curley.
Hon. Tagak Curley: Mr. Speaker, I believe the question could probably wait a bit longer since the member really wasn’t hoping to ask the question today.
Mr. Speaker, certainly I think the issue that was raised is taken seriously and I have spoken to the deputy minister on that, that there is a plan to beef up the travel service.
Whether or not it should remain in the community of Pangnirtung is still something that I am looking at.
Even though I indicated to my other colleague, the member from Tununiq, that I have received at least one proposal from our department, I think it’s important that I consult with the regular MLAs on that because I think this will probably free up some of the alternative ideas being put forward.
I would like to do that before really committing whether or not a single, individual position has been hired.
I can indicate to the member that it is the plan that we will put a more senior individual to the whole travel office.
I just wanted to thank the minister for his willingness to work with the Regular Members’ Caucus. And I will try to keep my hands down.
Question 029 – 3(1): Dust Control in Communities (Ningeongan)
Mr. Ningeongan: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
At the recent meeting of Kivalliq mayors, the issue of dust control in our communities was a topic of concern.
On September 12 of last year, questions were asked in the Legislative Assembly on this issue.
At that time, the minister told the House that the department was investigating the possibility of increasing the funding that is available for dust control.
Can the minister update us today on the status of this issue?
Minister of Community and Government Services, Hon. Lorne Kusugak.  Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Our department is currently working on the issue of dust control on roads within the Nunavut settlement area because the number of vehicles travelling on roads is increasing.
Our department is still working on this issue.
Your first supplementary, Mr. Ningeongan.
As I just stated to the minister, this issue was raised at a recent meeting of Kivalliq mayors. Could the minister also consider this issue while we’re on this subject?
I'm very pleased that this question was posed.
Right now, we are looking at better dust control systems that can be applied to Nunavut communities.
As you probably know, we put salt water onto the roads, which dries up very fast and turns into dust again.
What our department is doing is looking at other dust control methods that can be applied on the roads in Nunavut. Our department is currently looking on that and we will probably find a solution in the coming months to deal with dust control in Nunavut.
Your second supplementary, Mr. Ningeongan.
Even though we seem to only be talking about the Kivalliq region, I’m sure that the dust control systems will be applied all over Nunavut. Is it possible for the minister to table any documents or decisions that are made to the House?
Yes, as soon as we have a decision, we will make sure that we write to the hamlet councils and provide the information to my colleagues.
Question 030 – 3(1): Public Housing Issues (Pauloosie)
Mr. Pauloosie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) First of all, I would like to say “hello” to my constituents in Taloyoak and Gjoa Haven if they are watching the proceedings.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
As the minister will be aware, concerns have been raised by the Municipal Council of Taloyoak and the community’s housing authority with respect to the allocation of units in the community’s new five-plex building.
Gjoa Haven is in the same situation. It is the community’s understanding that only two of the building’s five units will be allocated for public housing, with the rest being set aside for employees of the housing authority.
Given the shortage of public housing units in both communities of Gjoa Haven and Taloyoak, they have asked that all of the units be allocated for public housing.
Can the minister indicate if he has reviewed this situation and tell me if this situation has been resolved?
I thank the member for raising that concern and that issue coming from his community.
Mr. Speaker, the only situation that I’m aware of is there are some of the units that are being constructed there that he referred to, I wasn’t aware that they were being used for housing for staff of the housing authority. My understanding, and I stand to be corrected, is that some of those units that were going to be used for staff housing units in the community.
I think how that came about is that under the Housing Trust delivery, there were supposed to be two duplexes delivered in some communities.
In this case, it was cheaper to build a five-plex to provide than the two duplexes and that would free up that extra unit to be used for much needed staff housing in the community as well.
Your first supplementary, Mr. Pauloosie.
It is my understanding that responsibility for housing is being transferred from the municipality to a new housing authority in Taloyoak.
Can the minister explain the reason for this change and indicate if the transfer of responsibility is on schedule?
It’s my understanding is that there is some work being done to form a local housing authority in the community that he’s mentioning, switching it from a housing association to an authority.
Your second supplementary, Mr. Pauloosie.
In January of this year, the federal budget announced that Nunavut will receive $100 million over two years in new housing funding. As the minister is aware, all Nunavut communities, including Gjoa Haven and Taloyoak, are in need of new public housing.
Can the minister indicate to the House when he will announce the allocations of new housing units in Nunavut?
We were all delighted, and we all know that the severe shortage of public housing across the territory is a big issue, and as the member pointed out, the $100 million that was announced in the federal budget for public housing in Nunavut was greatly received.
The Housing Corporation, right now, has prepared some different allocation options.
Those options have to be approved by the government with my Cabinet colleagues and once that decision is made on the allocations, I’ll be very happy to provide not only the member but all members and all communities with the information on exactly what the allocations will be. Work is being done on it.
I know some of the issues have been that we weren’t able to get a lot of details on that information.
It was announced and the information to backup the detail on those programs weren’t available from the federal government.
Now, my understanding is we’ve just recently received the agreement with CMHC on that particular amount of funding.
So that is being reviewed and we are moving this forward as quickly as information is provided to us on that.
Your final supplementary, Mr. Pauloosie.
As we all know, in most communities I guess, long-time residents of communities have been waiting and been on a waiting list for several years.
When these new five-plexes were being built, they were being allocated by staff and in some cases, government staff.
Mr. Speaker, can the minister confirm that all of the new funding will be used for construction of new public housing units?
I think it’s quite clear in the 2009 Federal Budget that the two-year $100 million investment was for affordable housing construction in Nunavut and I would anticipate that that $100 million will be spent on public housing.
Question 031 – 3(1): Housing Trust Fund (Schell)
I’ve got a question for the Hon. Minister of Housing.
He may think I’m picking on him but it’s not my fault that he got the honour of being the housing minister.
Anyway, on that Housing Trust for the $200 million, apparently the Housing Corporation collected $11.1 million, my question is: why did it go into the Housing Corporation fund and not in the general Nunavut government fund?
I’m not quite sure I understand the member’s question. My understanding of the $200 million under the Northern Housing Trust Program that is finishing off this year, those funds funnelled down from I believe the Treasury Board to the Government of Nunavut’s Department of Finance and through appropriations, to the corporation.
I’m not sure if that’s what he’s looking at but if that’s not it, I could ask him to please clarify and ask again.
Mr. Schell: Sorry about not finishing the question off last time by saying, “thank you.”
My question is: I’m assuming that this $200 million goes into the government coffers and then it gets allocated back to the Housing Corporation as you need it, is that the case?