EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Community Government and Transportation has the large responsibility of working with people from all communities and their local elected representatives to ensure that many essential programs and services are available.
In the coming year the department will oversee a budget of $86.8 million, with $69.7 million earmarked for operations and maintenance spending.
Included in the operations and maintenance allocation is a grants and contributions budget of $36.7 million.
A majority of this amount, over $20.6 million, is the Municipal Operating Assistance Program.
Communities also receive over $5 million under water and sewage block funding, $1.6 million for community development, and an additional $800,000 for insurance premiums.
The department has allocated $450,000 for a Nunavut Air Services Study.
Some of the key issues that the study will investigate are how to better provide air services to isolated communities, airport needs and airport upgrading requirements for new generation aircraft to be able to operate within Nunavut.
The Nunavut Air Study also will partner with the Department of Health and Social Services regarding requirements for medivac flights, as well as exploring the possibility of an air corridor across Nunavut from Cambridge Bay to Rankin Inlet, and on into Iqaluit.
The department also will be holding consultations during the coming year to develop an Active Living Strategy.
This strategy will recommend programs and services best suited to Nunavummiut and that will contribute to the overall health of our communities.
The Department of Public Works and Services will manage a total budget of $65.2 million for 2002-2003, including $58.9 million for operations and maintenance.
A core responsibility for the department is the management of facilities, which is a big task for a new government.
The department’s Operations Branch oversees this duty and has a budget of $30.9 million for the coming year.
This branch also coordinates the Eastern Arctic Sealift Program on behalf of our government.
The Technical Services Branch has been allocated over $5.7 million in operational funding for the coming year.
This 33 percent increase shows the continued commitment to public safety issues through leadership in capital planning and technical standards for infrastructure.
Additional initiatives of the department include the devolution of the Help Desk function from the Iqaluit Informatics Operations to Regional Operations, as well as the planned increase in the number of electrical inspectors for the Safety Division of the Operations Branch.
The Department of Human Resources has been given a budget of $20 million for fiscal 2002-2003.
This represents an increase of about $1.5 million or 8 percent over last year’s budget, reflecting our focus on the Inuit Employment Plan and other training programs.
Training accounts for almost one-third of the department’s planned expenditures.
Mr. Speaker, funding for the Inuit Employment Plan will be doubled from $1.7 million to $3.4 million.
A key element of the plan will be a Senior Managers Development Program.
The goal of the program is to increase Inuit representation at the senior management level throughout government.
This program will create 15 intern positions across Nunavut.
Increased funding also has been allocated for existing initiatives such as educational and cultural leave, employee orientation, and Inuktitut programs.
As well, we will continue to support summer student employment with funding increased from $350,000 to $700,000.
Mr. Speaker, we are committed to effective human resources management and the development of a representative workforce.
The latter will clearly take some time, but we will continue to make the required investments to achieve this critical goal.
One element of this will be to encourage a better understanding of IQ.
The Department of Finance will receive a budget of nearly $47.4 million.
We will continue to fund the electrical power subsidy to ensure that all Nunavummiut have access to reasonable electricity rates.
Over $4.7 million has been allocated for this program.
The department also administers funding allocated for many government-wide operations, such as employee medical travel, dental and insurance premiums.
Mr. Speaker, the Auditor General has recommended that we recruit more accountants and financial managers with the necessary training and experience.
To help address this need, the Department of Finance will hire 6 senior advisor positions to support financial management capacity across government.
As well, money is being provided for 12 training positions for beneficiaries in the department and for increased emphasis on financial management training.
For 2002-2003 the total budget for the department has been set at just over $11 million.
Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs has critical core responsibilities for our government, including support to Cabinet, coordinating major policy and program review initiatives, and representing Nunavut’s interest nationally and internationally.
To better meet our ongoing requirements in the intergovernmental area the department has been provided an additional $758,000 over last year’s funding.
It is important that Nunavut have a strong voice outside of the territory.
It is equally important that our people know what their government is doing.
The department will be allocating an additional $310,000 for improved communications throughout our communities.
Similarly, Program Review will be a priority for the department.
An additional $595,000 has been earmarked for this exercise, with the focus being the development of programs and policies that better reflect the views of Nunavummiut.
The department will continue to have overall responsibility for our decentralization plan.
The relocation of positions and employees will carry on in the coming year.
We are fully committed to ensuring benefits associated with the creation of Nunavut and our new government flow across the territory.
Mr. Speaker, our first three years of operation have demonstrated our will and commitment to Nunavut.
We have risen to the task of creating a new territory and a functioning government.
We have been open and fully accountable.
This budget presents a well-balanced overall plan that will benefit every resident and business in our territory, a plan that will enable us to move closer to realizing our potential.
We have remained true to the spending priorities of our people.
We have increased spending for housing, health and social programs, areas that will yield meaningful returns on investments.
We also are committed to protecting and promoting Nunavut’s unique culture while advancing our economic prospects.
Nunavummiut can be confident that we will continue to develop programs and services that reflect and respond to their needs and priorities.
As well, our programs and services will incorporate IQ.
We have made significant reductions to both personal and corporate income taxes.
These measures, Mr. Speaker, will provide additional benefits to those in greatest need while encouraging economic development.
Mr. Speaker, this fourth budget reflects the growing maturity of our government, while supporting our continuing commitment to managing the territory’s fiscal resources in a prudent manner.
It also reinforces that we have been realistic and responsible, recognizing the significant challenges we continue to face, and identifying what is required to meet them head on.
We have made the right decisions, and struck the right balance, as our citizens expect us to do.
Through strategic investments and good governance combined with the vision and determination of Nunavummiut, we are making a difference.
While we still have much to learn and many challenges remain, we are shaping our future. With the tabling of this budget, we have taken another large step towards this goal.
Mr. Speaker, Honourable colleagues, we look forward, with confidence to a bright future for our people and our land.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ng. Orders of the Day.
Minister’s Statement 015 – 1(6): Congratulations AWG
Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly as Minister of Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth, I ask you to join me in congratulating and commending all the youth who participated as athletes and volunteers at the 2002 Arctic Winter Games.
The Arctic Winter Games are one of the largest organized youth and culture initiatives, touching nine jurisdictions in the circumpolar world.
Mr. Speaker we must not overlook the importance of the culture ties that are established and fostered at international events such as the Arctic Winter Games.
These games provided youth from much of the circumpolar world with an opportunity to share in each other’s northern culture.
Such cultural contacts lead to a more understanding world.
One example of the promotion of culture during the 2002 Games was the initiative taken by Team Alaska to include Inuktitut syllabics in their uniforms.
As Minister of Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth I would like to extend my thanks to the Alaskan government for that.
(interpretation ends): Mr. Speaker, this year’s cultural program was unprecedented in that it was the largest cultural program in the history of the Arctic Winter Games.
I truly believe such as the events as the Arctic Winter Games make our communities a better place to live and offer an excellent opportunity to promote pride in Nunavut’ Sport, Culture and Heritage.
Member’s Statement 057 – 1(6): M’Clintock Channel Polar Bear Count
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform members of a successful initiative that took place recently in Gjoa Haven in the last part of this month.
Mr. Speaker, the Inuit Qaujimaningit Nanurnuk is a study carried out as a result of concerns raised by the Gjoa Haven Hunters and Trappers Organization over future viability of the polar bear population of the M’Clintock Channel, as well as the integrity of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit related to this population and region.
Mr. Speaker, from April 4th to the 15th of this year a field team travelled to the end of King Williams Island to conduct a survey.
Despite the harsh weather the trip was a success.
The team observed polar bear tracks of different ages and sex, evidence of their hunting for seal and their dens, and a male polar bear at close quarters.
Mr. Speaker, the project provided an excellent opportunity for respected elders to share their knowledge and experience.
Two Gjoa Haven elders, Bob Kuunaq and George Qamuttaaq lead the research team.
Two youth trainees from community, Ian Qamukkaq and Johnathan Puqiqnak were able to learn a great deal during the trip.
They were also joined by Coal Researcher, Jerry Arqvik and a documentary filmmaker, Darren Keith.
Mr. Speaker, later this year a documentary video and final report will be prepared which I look forward to tabling in the House.
Mr. Speaker, I’m just about finished my statement.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to stress that this project was not about questioning numbers.
Rather it was a step towards using Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in collecting data, as well as providing a learning opportunity for youth.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to conclude by acknowledging the funding contributors for this project which were the Department of Sustainable Development, the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and the Bathurst Road and Port Project.
These were the funding organizations for the research being conducted in the M’Clintock Channel.
Member’s Statement 058 – 1(6): Spring Camping – Unpredictable Weather – Nunavummiut to be Cautious
Mr. Speaker, spring is just around the corner and the days are getting longer.
The sun is out longer during the day and our hunters will be out on the land more frequently with their families.
Mr. Speaker, although it is spring, the weather will sometimes be unpredictable and some days will be colder then others.
Mr. Speaker, I’d like the people of Nunavut to dress warmly on their trips out on the land and plan their trips with the equipment that is needed when you’re on the land.
I would like to encourage them to wait if they’re stranded for search and rescue to help them.
Have a safe and enjoyable spring.
Speaker (interpretation): Members’ statements.
Member's Statement 059 – 1(6): Training Skills for the Mining Sector for Nunavummiut
I would also like to thank the Minister of Finance for his statement on the budget today.
Today I rise to revisit the issue of training for jobs in the mining sector, especially in the Kugluktuk area.
I look forward to more job opportunities for youth in Kugluktuk.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, recent information released by Statistics Canada revealed that the economy of our neighbour grew up by an astonishing 20 percent last year.
This is largely due to the development of natural recourse extraction sector.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut has some serious catching-up to do.
I call again upon our government and our ministers to work seriously in investing in skills training today so that our constituents can have opportunities tomorrow.
Mr. Speaker, we cannot afford to wait.
Our serious social problems are caused by many cases of lack of work and opportunities in our communities.
In the Kitikmeot communities, residents are pulling together to start innovative training projects however as my honourable colleague from Gjoa Haven pointed out last week, there are still barriers that need to be assessed in our region.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend an invitation to the Minister of Sustainable Development and to Education to travel together to Western Nunavut this summer in order to hear first hand from our community about their needs.
I also strongly encourage the ministers to sit down and talk seriously with the industry decision makers so we can develop a forward looking agenda.
Mr. Speaker, it’s time to get serious about training and I will be asking questions during the current budget session about what our key departments are doing in this area.
Member's Statement 060 – 1(6): Congratulate Arviarmiut for Successful Science Fair
Mr. Speaker, on Mr. Havioyak’s statement there, it goes double for me on the mining industry.
Mr. Speaker, it is not every day that I can stand in this house on a happy note but I do so today.
I would like to start by congratulating the Hamlet of Arviat for a job well done in hosting this year’s annual Kivalliq Science Fair.
The fair took place from April the 8th to the 10th, at the Kivalliq High School in Arviat.
Mr. Speaker, from what I heard, the event was a success from start to finish, including Science Olympics and traditional activities such as sewing of mitts and carving.
The weather cooperated in the Kivalliq for a change to allow the students to arrive on time and the three day event allowed new relationships between students from all across the Kivalliq region.
Mr. Speaker, I am extremely proud of the participants in the science fair, especially my constituents from the Jonah Amitnaaq Secondary School who served very well.
Mr. Speaker, Nadia Ayaruak and Rosie Aalik won first place with their project entitled Survival in the North.
And Chris Cooper and Kya Hashee who placed second with a project called Arctic Haze.
I would like to wish Nadia, Rosie, Chris and Kya and their team-mate Kelly from Rankin Inlet the best of luck when they represent the Kivalliq at the Canada Wide Science Fair in Saskatoon.
Member's Statement 061 – 1(6): Medical Air Transportation
I would like to touch upon the issue of air transportation, especially Calm Air which doesn’t fly from Coral Harbour to Repulse Bay anymore.
It creates a problem also with the elders and the patients going out for medical reasons.
I was very pleased with the budget address when Minister Ng mentioned that they will be reviewing the medical transportation of patients.
He mentioned that they will be going through Cambridge Bay, Rankin Inlet, and Iqaluit.
However we are in a crises situation today and it will have to be dealt with by the government.
There was a motion that was tabled by the people of Coral Harbour and Repulse Bay about air transportation.
(interpretation ends) In fact, Mr. Speaker, Motion 110-02, in Coral Harbour, that the Hamlet of Coral Harbour will support all airlines but will not support one airline monopolizing all medical travel.
Mr. Speaker, the concern has been expressed many times before and in fact today, it’s still being expressed.
I think it will take the leadership of this government to start respecting the patients and the elders who have to travel presently on airlines that have no washrooms and other services except to travel between the points.
Calm Air has that service to make the travel more comfortable for the elderly and the patients.
Mr. Speaker, I will urge this government to pressure the regional airlines to respecting and get back to the service that the communities deserve in Coral Harbour and Repulse Bay.
Member's Statement 062 – 1(6): Thank Health & Social Services and Finance Minister for Hospital Project in the Keewatin
I would to thank the Department of Health and Social Services and the Department of Finance ministers for taking the initiative to build the hospital in the Keewatin Region.
The Hamlet mayor, Mr. Tikkiq and Jack Habvitok worked extremely hard and went through many challenges to get this hospital project going through the Sakku Corporation.
Peter Tatty was the Chair of Sakku Corporation at that time and he worked extremely hard because at times it seemed like the project wasn’t going to go ahead.
I do know that it’s going to be a regional hospital that will be utilized by the whole of Keewatin communities.
There will be employment created before, during, and after.
So, it will be a big economic boost for the Keewatin Region.
I’m sure that there will be trainees involved, for example, nurses who will be working at the hospital once it’s built.
Also the Keewatin Chamber of Commerce worked extremely hard being chaired by Ray Mercer and I would like to thank them all.
I do know that at times the hospital project didn’t seem like it was going to go ahead and I do know that the Rankin Inlet residents are extremely pleased that this project is going to go ahead.
I’m sure that many of the patients will be treated in Rankin Inlet instead of having to go to Winnipeg or to other medical facilities.
Again, I just would like to thank the Department of Health and Social Services, the Department of Finance, and the Sakku Corporation for taking the initiative to get this hospital project going.
Speaker: Are there any further Member’s Statements.
If not, we’ll move on.
Item 5. Returns to Oral Questions.
I would like to recognize an individual that I have known for a long time, John Amagoalik.
A long time ago, when we started getting into the work force, we worked with the territorial government and I recall that when we were going to be taking the constitution home, I was the co-chairman with Charlie Watt during the initial negotiations days.
We had heavy debates and we would like to get over those days.
They were days when occasionally we had to rest for half a day to heal our wounds.
We worked extremely hard in those days but it seems things got a lot better when we knew that things were going to go ahead.
I would like everyone to recognize Mr. John Amagoalik.
I would like to recognize the interpreter/translator trainees who are here in the House.
They have their instructor and three students here: Billy Qatavik, Andrea Uttak, Angela Nutarak, and Jeannie Manning.
They’re the individuals sitting behind us.
There are no individuals from my community but I would like to recognize the Innuinaqtut interpreter, a friend of mine, Mr. Henry Ohokanuak, who is interpreting in the booth.
He and his wife are celebrating their 32nd anniversary and we wish them well and many more years.
I would like to recognize Mr. Henry Ohokanuak.
I have never recognized you.
I would like to recognize you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize an individual, my brother-in-law, Peter Iqallujuaq and also Timothy Audlakiak from Broughton Island.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Iqaqrialu for your recognition and welcome to the gallery.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a few individuals that were involved in the lock-up today for the budget.
From the media, we have Kerry McKluskey of News North, Patricia D’Souza from Nunatsiaq News and in the booth, Patricia Bell of CBC News.
And also I’d like to recognize a well-known individual, Mr. Doug Workman, who’s the President of the Nunavut Employee’s Union.
Of course, I look forward to all the good things you’ll have to say about the budget later.
I also wanted to recognize Mr. John Amagoalik.
In 1964, I think it was, or in 1965 in the spring time, we had a foot race with other individuals.
I think Mr. Amagoalik was the first one.
Rene Uttak, was the second and I was the third and we were all Inuit who came in the top.
I still think today that we would have made it to the Olympics.
I would like to recognize Mr. John Amagoalik.
Mr. Speaker, I’d like to recognize a few people in the gallery that haven’t been recognized yet.
One is a well known constituent of mine and a former politician herself and I think she knows very well what we’re going through and that’s Miss Rebecca Mike sitting over on the other side there.
And beside her is Betty Brewster and just back over here, its not too often I get relatives here in Iqaluit, but also here in the gallery is Emily Illnik who is a cousin of mine, originally from Arviat.
Question 051 – 1(6): Assistance for Buying Units
He was talking about the housing issue and there was a discussion on buying housing units and assistance given to people who would like to buy their own house.
Is there a ceiling on the amount of financial assistance made available to individuals.
For example, is there going to be, just using an example, if I made 100 thousand dollars, would I be eligible to go through one of these programs.
Mr. Speaker, the whole goal of our program is to try to assist those that need it the most.
So, there is a lower income individual they may more than likely have additional financial assistance versus somebody that earns a higher income and there is a ceiling, in other words, there is a limit where if individuals make too much income they wouldn’t qualify for different programs.
And again, it depends of the specific program.
Speaker: Thank you, minister Ng. Supplementary.
Did you state that there would be a ceiling on the amount of the salary the individual would be eligible for?
If I happen to make over the, if my salary was over the amount, would I not be receiving any assistance.
Yes, if you make too much money for certain programs, you wouldn’t be eligible for any financial assistance.
I was wondering if the minister is willing to give me a figure where an individual would not be eligible for assistance.
For example, how much money would an individual have to make per year?
Mr. Speaker, again it would depend on the specific quota, but having said that the member knows that all members, are aware that we are reviewing the programs that we have in offer right now.
That’s why the whole intent of bringing staff housing through the Housing Corporation to provide some more consistency on how we deliver our programs and the subsidies and the support that we have for housing, whether it’s staff housing or public housing or private home ownership.
So there will be more review and discussion and options that come forward over the next weeks or months.
Question 052 – 1(6): Musk Ox Harvesting – Inspection
I’m going to direct my question to the Minister for Sustainable Development.
Yesterday my colleague had asked questions to the minister in regards to musk ox harvest that has been stopped.
The Nunavut Development Corporation is responsible for passing the inspection by the Federal Government, whether this abattoir should go ahead or not.
My question is, the development corporation or the Department of Sustainable Development, don’t they know what to do prior to being inspected by the Federal Government.
Maybe it’s due to a lack of knowledge of the federal inspection process.
I’d like to ask the minister why they did not pass this federal inspection.