EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
In our communications with the communities about social service issues, we follow the protocol designed to include them, (interpretation ends) community engagement. (interpretation) That’s the only area I know of that requires further implementation.
One of the aspects in the plan that is stating that were implemented was a specific campaign in conjunction with the Department of Human Resources to centrally recruit staff/workplace review of all three regions.
Can the minister update this House on the status of those objectives?
Last week, the administration provided a list of offices with the number of employees. I can meet with the member to apprise him personally on this information so he can understand where the offices are situated and the number of workers in these offices as well as vacancies.
Question 212 – 4(2): Arviat Water Pump Station (Savikataaq)
My question this morning is to the Minister of CG&S.
During the spring sitting, the minister committed to looking at and finding a solution to the problem of having only one water pump outlet in the reservoir in Arviat.
As of today, there is still only one slow-running water outlet and all the time, it creates the problem of people waiting for water.
At times, there are up to three water trucks waiting for water to get filled and, in turn, houses with empty water tanks are waiting to get filled.
Can the minister give me an update on what has been done to fix that problem of having only one slow water outlet in the reservoir in Arviat?
From the time this issue was introduced, our department has been continually working on it and we are currently reviewing it to see if we can make improvements to it.
The minister said that they’re working it.
Can the minister give us a date and what has been done to date? Like he said, he’s working on it. Can he give us a firm commitment on what will be done and by what date?
We are working on that issue at this time to see what system would best fit and we are also looking at other community reservoirs to see which system would be the best fit.
Based on that, we will decide which system will be provided to Arviat.
The minister stated that they’re looking at other communities to see what would be the best solution for Arviat’s problem. That’s my understanding of what he said.
Arviat is the biggest community that has trucked-in water service, so I think it would have to have a solution on its own because all other towns are smaller than Arviat that have pumped service.
The only bigger town is here in Iqaluit and they don’t have much trucked water service, I believe.
We have to come up with a solution that is for Arviat because all other communities are smaller.
I’m asking the minister: by next summer, will that problem be fixed?
Hon. Tom Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) I also thank the member for his question.
Indeed, my previous response made reference to different systems, as communities have different systems in place.
However, our department is working on this problem. We have prepared a plan for it and further, we want to undertake that project next summer. We are working for the purpose of rectifying whatever problem exists by next year.
Question 213 – 4(2): Management of the Baffin Island Caribou Population (Joanasie)
Mr. Speaker, based on the findings from the department’s recent aerial survey of the Baffin Island caribou population, it is clear that changes to the current management measures will need to be implemented.
As the minister is aware, ensuring the survival of this species is essential to preserving the traditions and livelihoods of Inuit in the Baffin region.
Mr. Speaker, on May 28, 2014, the minister indicated that his department is working with co-management partners, including the hunters and trappers organizations, to develop a Baffin Island caribou management plan.
Can the minister specify what actions his department is taking to collect information and recommendations from local hunters and trappers associations and regional wildlife organizations?
I thank my colleague for that question in relation to this issue.
The Department of Environment has a very good working relationship with the HTOs and the regional wildlife organizations in relation to this issue in this region.
The research that has been conducted and the studies that have been conducted on the number of caribou are still ongoing.
We look forward to a more elaborate answer. However, in that vein, I would ask if the minister can indicate if his department has discussed the possibility of relocating caribou from outside the area to increase the Baffin Island caribou population and, if so, what were the outcomes of that discussion.
I mentioned that we are dealing with this situation, the issue of caribou, along with those who manage wildlife in the Baffin region.
I know that there have been concerns about the caribou population.
All materials that have been collected are being reviewed at the present time.
I can also indicate that this spring, the Department of Environment dealt with the elders advisory committee, which looked at this issue this summer too. Also, those who are dealing with the caribou wildlife populations, including what the communities have heard, have done, and have worked on, will be at meetings which, I believe, are scheduled for next week on November 3 and 4 here in Iqaluit.
After that meeting, we will have a better sense of how it will be set up.
With respect to the member’s questions, I can’t elaborate until the meeting has taken place to discuss these issues by the various wildlife organizations, particularly those that deal with caribou. That meeting will discuss these issues next week here in Iqaluit, where they will discuss caribou-related issues in the Baffin region.
After the meeting has been concluded, we will have a better understanding of the management issues and of the direction we may need to undertake in managing our caribou population.
With respect to my previous question, the minister didn’t answer all of it, although he partially answered it by hinting of a future meeting.
For my final supplementary question, I can fairly predict what the action items will be. However, has any consideration been given by the Department of Environment on the impact of wolves? For example, past practices included culling wolves to protect the caribou, as wolves have an impact on caribou populations.
Will there be a call to cull wolves? We know that wolves have an impact on caribou populations. My question is whether this has been considered or what decisions have been made on this issue.
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Indeed, every management issue related to caribou will be discussed, including all predators that depend on caribou.
Wolves are part of the discussion in this regard.
Further, with respect to caribou and the possibility of transferring caribou to the island, I thought I had provided an answer by stating that all issues related to caribou will be discussed at the meeting. The Baffin Caribou Working Group that is involved in caribou management, which is now the name of this committee, will meet about these issues.
They have dealt with this since last year and they have continued working on this issue up to now.
The next meeting is scheduled for next week here in Iqaluit and the focus will be entirely on caribou issues.
In relation to the bounty on wolves, I’m sure it will also be discussed.
Question 214 – 4(2): Expired Foods (Hickes)
Earlier this week, I received a return to oral question from the Minister of Health. The topic and question I had at the time was asking if there is a component of the Department of Health that checks on expired foods in stores in Nunavut.
According to the response that I got, it talks about inspection of established food premises that cook, store, and serve food.
What I was looking for, and it gives me also a description on best-before dates and actual expiration dates, is there a facet of the Department of Health that actually has the responsibility to make sure that retail stores that seem to be more accountable to their shareholders than their client base are serving fresh food?
I don’t have the information in front of me, but I believe that the environmental health officers are able to, if requested, look into areas that he had just mentioned.
If I understand correctly, the members of the general public, if they see expired food products on shelves in retail stores, can contact the Department of Health and have that retail store investigated.
They can contact the Department of Health.
Also, expired foods are the responsibility of a federal agency. It’s called the Canada Food Inspection Agency and they are the organization responsible for outdated food, expiry and best-before [dates].
Is the minister aware of representatives from the Canadian food inspection industry ever carrying out checks in Nunavut retail stores and, if so, in which communities did those inspections occur?
Speaker: Minister of Health, Hon. Minister Ms. Ell.
As far as I know, I believe they do regular checkups, but I can have my staff look into this and get back to the member.
Question 215 – 4(2): ASIST Training (Joanasie)
Yesterday, I tried to ask some questions in relation to the ASIST program. However, I was told that Arctic College is responsible for that.
Therefore, I would like to ask the Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College whether he knows how many staff persons are employed that have qualifications in this area.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, Hon. Minister Mr. Quassa.
There are 700 who are registered to Arctic College and a number of student support assistants, school counsellors, custodian staff, principals, and vice-principals have been trained on Uqaqatigiigluk!
There have been 400 who have received ASIST training in the Baffin, 167 in the Kivalliq, and 131 in the Kitikmeot.
Those are the numbers.
I thank the minister for the answer. As it is very important to have our teaching staff training, outside of the teachers of the school, are there any other government departments aside from Education taking Uqaqatigiigluk!?
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I may not be able to answer his question properly.
However, we work with the Department of Health on that and there will be another training course held in January up to May of our calendar year.
I can only respond to this question about training with that information.
Yes, I can also provide some information about the program called Uqaqatigiigluk! I will probably use that program myself if I have the opportunity.
I would also want my colleagues to undertake this training.
However, I want to ask lastly about this matter. I believe an agreement exists between the Department of Health and your department about this program.
How much is the total amount of the funds under these agreements for operating the program?
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for that question.
Perhaps I can inform my colleague in this manner, as I don’t have the exact figures available, but I will commit to providing that information after some research and perhaps I can even meet with him to provide the actual figures.
We will move on. (interpretation ends) Item 7. (interpretation) Written Questions. (interpretation ends) Item 8.
Motion 010 – 4(2): Expulsion from the Legislative Assembly of the Member for Uqqummiut – Notice (Okalik)
I give notice that on Monday, October 27, 2014, I will move the following motion:
NOW THERFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for Arviat South, that Mr. Samuel Nuqingaq, Member for Uqqummiut, be immediately expelled from the Legislative Assembly and that the member’s seat be declared vacant.
Motion 011 – 4(2): Extended Sitting Hours and Days – Notice (Mikkungwak)
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Netsilik, that the Speaker be authorized to set such sitting days and hours as the Speaker deems fit to assist with the business before the House during the fall 2014 sitting of the Legislative Assembly.
Motion 012 – 4(2): Extension of Review Period for Bill 1, Northern Employee Benefits Services Pension Plan Act – Notice (Savikataaq)
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, that the period for the standing committee to report Bill 1 back to the House be extended by a further 120 days.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The member is seeking unanimous consent to deal with his motion today. Are there any nays?
There are none. Please proceed, Mr. Okalik.
Motion 010 – 4(2): Expulsion from the Legislative Assembly of the Member for Uqqummiut (Okalik)
AND WHEREAS sections 2 and 18 of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act provide that the Legislative Assembly has the power to discipline its members;
AND WHEREAS these powers include the authority to suspend or expel a member from the Legislative Assembly;
AND WHEREAS the Member for Uqqummiut has been disciplined by the Legislative Assembly on a number of occasions for his unacceptable conduct, including persistent absences from sittings of the House and meetings of its committees and caucuses without reasonable explanation;
AND WHEREAS the Member for Uqqummiut has had a number of opportunities to address his conduct;
AND WHEREAS the member’s conduct has persisted;
AND WHEREAS the Legislative Assembly has determined that it is necessary, for the good of the public and in the interest of the Legislative Assembly, to expel the member from the Legislative Assembly and to declare that the member’s seat is vacant;
In light of the serious nature of the motion that is before the House today, it is important that Nunavummiut, especially the people of Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq, have the opportunity to hear the reasons for its introduction.
Mr. Speaker, one of the fundamental responsibilities that this legislature has in common with those in other Canadian jurisdictions is the responsibility to impose discipline when necessary on the members of the institution.
This is not a duty that the Members of the Legislative Assembly take lightly and we take no pleasure in today’s action.
However, the Legislative Assembly has determined that this action is necessary.
I will take this opportunity to outline the reasons for why my colleagues and I have reached this decision.
Mr. Speaker, as you are very much aware, the one-year anniversary of the last general election will take place next week.
Over the past year, far too much of this legislature’s time has been spent on the matter of the unacceptable conduct of the Member for Uqqummiut.
As members will recall, the Management and Services Board of the Legislative Assembly imposed sanctions on the Member for Uqqummiut in November of last year following his absences from orientation meetings and portions of the Leadership Forum.
At that time, Mr. Speaker, you publicly urged the member to reflect on his actions and his obligations to his constituents.
However, Mr. Speaker, the member’s behaviour persisted, and the House formally voted to suspend the member in March of this year. In May of this year, the member was again suspended by way of a formal motion.
The terms of that motion noted that the member had entered into a counselling program at a residential treatment facility, and the member himself has publicly acknowledged his issues with substance abuse.
Our fall sitting convened earlier this week. As the member’s most recent suspension had ended, a motion was passed to formally appoint him to a number of standing committees.
However, the member’s behaviour has persisted throughout this week, and the patience of this Legislative Assembly is now at an end.
Mr. Speaker, the residents of Uqqummiut are entitled to be represented by a member who attends the sittings of the House and the meetings of its committees and caucuses.
The residents of Uqqummiut are entitled to be represented by a member who is committed to his responsibilities and who does not bring the House into disrepute by his actions.
Mr. Speaker, our approach to discipline in this matter has been progressive in nature.
The member’s first contravention was met with financial sanctions, and an encouragement from you to act in a manner befitting his office.
This simply did not work, and the House has had to progressively increase the severity of its actions while providing several opportunities for the member to address the personal issues that have led to his conduct.
Mr. Speaker, the passage of today’s motion will result in the member’s seat being declared vacant.
Under territorial legislation, a by-election will be held within six months, and I know that your office will be in close contact with the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer to determine a date for the by-election.
As has happened with past vacancies in the Legislative Assembly, I have every confidence that one of my hon. colleagues will take on the responsibility of working informally with the municipal leadership in Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq to bring urgent issues to the attention of the government.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to close by again noting that no Member of the Legislative Assembly takes any pleasure in today’s actions, as necessary as they are.
However, it is in the best interest of the people of this territory that we take such actions when they are necessary, which is why I am calling on all of my colleagues to support the motion.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) To the motion. I have no more names on my list. (interpretation) I’m sorry.
I would like to request a recorded vote.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) A recorded vote has been requested.
In favour, 20. The motion has been unanimously carried.
Minister Mr. Peterson.
Bill 04 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 4, 2013-2014 – Second Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Pangnirtung, that Bill 4, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 4, 2013-2014, be read for the second time.
Hon. Minister Mr. Peterson.
Bill 05 – Write-off of Assets Act, 2013-2014 – Second Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Pangnirtung, that Bill 5, Write-off Act, 2013-2014, be read for the second time.
The motion is carried and Bill 5 is referred to the standing committee.
Second Reading of Bills. Hon. Minister Mr. Peterson.
Bill 06 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2014-2015 – Second Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Pangnirtung, that Bill 6, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2014-2015, be read for the second time.
Bill 07 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2014-2015 – Second Reading
Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Pangnirtung, that Bill 7, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2014-2015, be read for the second time.
Mr. Speaker, this bill makes supplementary appropriations to defray the operations and maintenance expenses of the Government of Nunavut for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2015.
Bill 09 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 5, 2013-2014 – Second Reading
Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Pangnirtung, that Bill 9, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 5, 2013-2014, be read for the second time.
Bills 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9 with Mr. Enook in the Chair.
>>House recessed at 10:58 and Committee resumed at 11:17
Chairman (Mr. Enook)(interpretation): Good morning, colleagues.
Good morning, Nunavummiut who are watching the televised proceedings and listening to the radio. Welcome to your Committee of the Whole.
In Committee of the Whole, we have the following items to deal with: Bills 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9.
We wish to continue with the review of the capital appropriation for the Department of Economic Development and Transportation, followed by the Department of Education, if time permits.
Does the committee agree that we continue with the review of the capital appropriation for the Department of Economic Development and Transportation?
Minister Kuksuk, for the record, please introduce your witnesses. Minister Kuksuk.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I say “good morning” to my fellow Nunavummiut.
With me this morning to my right is my Deputy Minister, Pauloosie Suvega, and to my left is (interpretation ends) Assistant Deputy Minister Jim Stevens. (interpretation) Thank you very much.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Kuksuk. Welcome to the House, Mr. Suvega and Mr. Stevens.
I would like to remind you that we were reviewing the 2015-16 Capital Estimates of the Department of Economic Development and Transportation and we left off on page K-3.
We ran out of time when were dealing with that page and we were going to resume starting with Mr. Joanasie.
At this time, Mr. Joanasie, I give you the floor, if you still remember the questions you had.
Welcome to our audience listening on the radio and watching the televised proceedings.
I asked on Wednesday about the GPS final approach.
They were going to use over $100,000 for the Kimmirut Airport, but they haven’t used that yet.
Can the minister or his officials explain when this will go ahead?
For the question about his community, I would like Mr. Stevens to respond to that, please.
It is proposed in the fiscal 2015-16 year to conduct the initial preliminary planning for an airport relocation in Kimmirut.
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for the response.
After they do the study, will they be talking with their fellow ministers? This issue about the Kimmirut Airport has been talked about for a very long time and even previous MLAs representing Kimmirut have been trying to get this to move forward. I would like to know if he will be working with other ministers after the study to see what else can be done or to get the work done because the people of Kimmirut have been asking for this for a very long time.
When this issue comes up in cabinet, we will deal with it.
It’s part of the capital estimates where it says that there will be planning done in the Transportation Division to look at the next 20 years. We expect that everybody will know our situation now after that.
I would like to ask about Cape Dorset. There is a little mountain right by the airport. Has your department looked into this or are there any plans to look into that in the future?
I represent both communities and both of their airports need to have better safety equipment because it is sometimes dangerous when it’s not clear outside and when there are hills and mountains involved.
I hope that was clear, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.
There are many communities in Nunavut that are being looked at right now.
The communities to which you are referring are part of the communities that will be looked at and considered.
I would like Mr. Stevens to complete my response, please.
I can advise that the airport in Cape Dorset is certified by Transport Canada and as we move forward with GPS approaches, obviously, the amount of safety afforded to operators using that airport will be enhanced.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Stevens. Mr. Joanasie.
I’m asking these questions due to the fact that it can be dangerous in the two communities that I represent because they are in hilly areas and we don’t want our airports to be in a dangerous site.
I would like the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation and his department to keep considering the two communities I represent when prioritizing the airports.
I would like to move on to MVIS. I have asked questions about that in the House previously and the minister provided an explanation in the spring on March 10 in response to my question about identification cards, cameras that are used, general IDs, and other IDs like driver’s licences.
However, my constituents have had problems with this when trying to get passports. Whenever they try to get passports, they keep being told that they don’t have the proper photographic equipment anymore.