EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
We are waiting for a comprehensive report from the Nunavut Housing Corporation on this matter and as people in education, we know that our teachers can attain home ownership and they need staff homes and we know that we have a general lack of staff houses.
Which community do you feel is suffering the most from that critical need for school staff housing? Which community is the worst off, I guess?
That is a very good question and we all know, I can’t exactly say which community, we need a lot. (interpretation ends) I can say its pretty well across the board, in every community.
I just want to remind everybody, the whole members here that housing issue is the responsibility, of course, with the Nunavut Housing Corporation. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister. (interpretation) Let us proceed.
Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation) I believe we are in the capital estimates. (interpretation ends) I will refer back to the substantiation sheets for capital estimates. (interpretation) I know it is obvious that in Baker Lake, the school is in the design phase for the middle school.
What I am asking is, while you are in this phase, when will the materials be brought in to Baker Lake? That is my question.
Concerning the proposed new school for Baker Lake, right now, we are just going to be working on the design for 2014-15. That is what has been planned.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, as well.
With that design and planning phase, if that is completed prior to the shipping season, will the department take into consideration of ordering the construction material before the following year?
That is a good question from my colleague. I can say that, if we can put the tender out, we expect…first of all, it has to get approved. We are expecting in 2015-16 to start construction.
As I stated earlier, the tender has to be approved before we can move ahead.
We’re trying to expect that in 2015-16 that construction shall start.
Mr. Mikkungwak, do you have a supplementary?
The reason why I bring this up is that I’m very happy to see that there are a lot of school students attending. I see that with my very own eyes.
We have the elementary school and the Jonah Amitnaaq Secondary School right beside each other during lunch hours or after school.
The reason why I’m asking is the design and planning stage; once that is completed, the construction material being brought in.
I know that the construction of a new school takes so many years.
I see in the short run, in my opinion, is the safety issue regarding this.
That’s why I’m asking regarding the construction of the new middle school. The construction material, if that would be purchased and the design and planning phase takes a whole year?
I believe you’re asking if the design and planning takes a whole year.
The approval is necessary as to what the design will look like. Every year they are approved on a piece by piece basis. We don’t approve at whole bunch of them at the same time.
So that’s why we’re trying to look at 2015-16 to start the construction.
That will have to be approved as well. The expenditures will have to be approved as well. Each step will be done each year.
Everything needs to go through approval. That’s mainly why it sits like that.
After we get the approvals then the constructions costs come in. We would probably not have to wait a whole year after the design has been approved.
Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) The minister something about 85 percent before planning a new school.
And then he mentioned that Leo Ussak School is now at 75 percent.
Are there any plans to build a new elementary school for Rankin Inlet because, as we’re all aware, (interpretation) Rankin Inlet is growing fast, and the elementary school-aged students are increasing?
That’s a good question from the Member from Rankin Inlet North.
In Rankin Inlet, there are three schools.
Looking at those three schools, the Maani Ulujuk School is at 77 percent capacity and the Leo Ussak School is at 75 percent capacity. The third school’s, the Simon Alaittuq Ford School, capacity currently stands at 51 percent.
In looking at these rates that exist in these schools, it seems some communities are more proactive by dividing up the student body, particularly in breaking up the grade levels.
That is my perception, that Rankin Inlet has that discretion in their community, so based on these rates, we haven’t identified the need for a new facility in Rankin Inlet.
Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Yes, I would prefer that this matter be taken into consideration, especially with a new (interpretation ends) mine opening up. (interpretation) With the new mine on the verge of opening, the population of Rankin Inlet will increase, so I take it that it is only when our community suffers from school space shortages, that this will be the only time you look at this issue?
Chairman: Qujannamiiktauq, Member Sammurtok.
Wherever communities have schools, there is a very thorough review as we need to be aware of these factors so we conduct these reviews.
Some factors considered are the population growth of the community, the student body, the growth of the student population and this usually occurs at an early stage where we look at these factors.
Additionally, as an example we have continuous communications with the communities and to date, perhaps with respect to the schools.
We forecast the growth five years down the road, and as I mentioned earlier with respect to Rankin Inlet’s schools, the Maani Ulujuk School currently sits at 77 percent capacity. (interpretation ends) Within five years (interpretation) we project it to sit at 83 percent then. With respect to the Leo Ussak School, the current capacity rate sits at 75 percent and we project in five years that it would move to 81 percent.
These are examples of factors that are taken into consideration in making projections for the school’s future needs and this figure is used as the threshold so when any school reaches 85 percent capacity, it becomes obvious that a new school has to be built or alternatively an addition would have to added as an (interpretation ends) extension or addition. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Currently, at the Leo Ussak School, I believe that there are (interpretation ends) about 300 (interpretation) students in that school. (interpretation ends) Ten percent is 30. About 30 students (interpretation) If we were to add the preschool students who would have to be accommodated next year and the following year, that figure would rise to about 85 percent.
Perhaps our calculations are too different on this figure.
Maybe we should all use Mr. Hickes’ calculator.
The numbers I have are listed in this order.
At this time, the Leo Ussak School has 260 students enrolled and the Leo Ussak School capacity is set at 346 students at a maximum.
As I stated just now, the number of students enrolled stands at 260 students. However, we should all be aware that even the figures announced here in the Legislative Assembly are continually reviewed. That is for your information.
I just have one question for the minister. Before that, I would like to thank him for providing the business case that I outlined in my opening remarks. I said there were still some awaiting but I have received mine.
Thank you very much, Minister Quassa.
On that same project that I asked for the business case for, the Ecole les Trois Soleils French School in Iqaluit.
I noticed with some pleasure to see that in the substantiation documentation that this French school addition may be eligible for third-party funding.
Can the minister update on how that process is working its way through the bureaucracy?
We have to have a discussion with the Department of Canadian Heritage. We are at the engagement stage at this point regarding the school.
I’ll leave it at that for now. I don’t know whether I responded to your question, but feel free to make an addendum.
Did any one of your officials want to make an addendum?
Please stop me if I’m out of line.
Renovations to the Gjoa Haven schools has been underway since 2004-05, beginning with renovations with Quqshuun Elementary School as Phase I, and then extending to Qiqirtaq High School as Phase II. The Gjoa Haven Phase II project has been delayed a number of times but construction is scheduled to continue through 2014-15 to 2016-17.
What specific aspects of the Phase II project work will be undertaken in 2014-15?
That’s a very good question from the Member for Gjoa Haven. I apologize.
Regarding the Gjoa Haven Qiqirtaq High School, I think in June 7, 2013 it cost $29 million. In the July 2013 agreement, construction was started.
In 2013 when the ship arrived, the building materials were on board. Today, it’s 85 percent completed.
The reason for the delay was in December 2013, but we will resume construction in May 2014.
In 2013 there were three portable classrooms which arrived in 2013 by sealift. The completion date was set for March 2014.
The contract has been awarded to Cap Enterprises to the tune of $1,600,000.
And just for your information, this is for two buildings for the teachers, or that can be used by teachers. Let’s be clear on that.
The completion date, if all goes well for the project, is September 2016.
With that, (interpretation) pursuant to Rule 6(1), I now recognize the clock and I will rise to report progress.
We will continue with that department tomorrow.
I will report progress at this time.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Report of the Committee of the Whole.
Your committee has been considering Bill 2 and the capital estimates, and would like to report progress, as usual.
The seconder is the Hon. Minister Okalik.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until Friday, March 14, at 9:00 a.m.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Pages 338 – 373
Opening Prayer 338
Ministers’ Statements 338
Members’ Statements 339
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 345
Oral Questions 346
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 361
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 362
Report of the Committee of the Whole 373
Orders of the Day 373
Friday, March 14, 2014 338
028 – 4(1): Sanatuliqsarvik Nunavut Trades Training Centre (Quassa) 338
029 – 4(1): Gathering House – A Tourism Facility for Qikiqtarjuaq (Kuksuk) 339
071 – 4(1): Solid Waste Management Initiatives (Angnakak) 339
072 – 4(1): Former MLA and Speaker in Manitoba (Hickes) 340
073 – 4(1): Recognizing AWG Athletes from Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt) 340
074 – 4(1): Baker Lake Author Nominated for Award (Mikkungwak) 341
075 – 4(1): Recognizing AWG Athletes from Pond Inlet (Enook) 342
076 – 4(1): Recognizing AWG Athletes (Shooyook) 342
077 – 4(1): Recognizing AWG Athletes of Arviat North-Whale Cove (Kuksuk) 342
078 – 4(1): Recognizing AWG Athletes and Coaches of Rankin Inlet North (Sammurtok) 343
079 – 4(1): Recognizing AWG Athletes of Pangnirtung and Long Service Awards (Mike) 343
080 – 4(1): Greetings to Constituents (Ugyuk) 344
081 – 4(1): Recognizing AWG Participants of South Baffin (Joanasie) 344
082 – 4(1): Recognizing AWG Participants of Igloolik (Quassa) 345
071 – 4(1): European Union (Savikataaq) 346
072 – 4(1): Minimum Wage Rate in Nunavut (Hickes) 348
073 – 4(1): Firearms Initiatives (Mikkungwak) 349
074 – 4(1): Solid Waste Management Initiatives (Angnakak) 350
075 – 4(1): Utilizing Trades Training Centre (Hickes) 351
076 – 4(1): Breakwater at Arctic Bay (Shooyook) 353
077 – 4(1): Harvesters’ Assistance Program (Joanasie) 354
078 – 4(1): Heavy Equipment Operator Training (Savikataaq) 355
079 – 4(1): High School Trades Pilot Program (Hickes) 356
080 – 4(1): Application Process for Docks Funding (Enook) 356
081 – 4(1): Urgent Need for Dock at Pond Inlet (Enook) 358
082 – 4(1): Homeowners Fuel Rebate Program (Hickes) 360
018 – 4(1): Towards a Representative Public Services as at March 31, 2013 (Peterson) 361
019 – 4(1): Towards a Representative Public Services as at June 30, 2013 (Peterson) 361
020 – 4(1): Towards a Representative Public Services as at September 30, 2013 (Peterson) 361
021 – 4(1): Towards a Representative Public Services as at December 31, 2013 (Peterson) 361
022 – 4(1): Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act (Speaker) 361
023 – 4(1): List of Outstanding Statutory Tabling Requirements (Speaker) 361
Bill 03 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 3, 2013-2014 – Notice 361
Bill 04 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 4, 2013-2014 – Notice 361
Bill 05 – Interim Appropriation Act, April 1, 2014 to July 31, 2014 – Notice 361
Bill 02 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2014-2015 – Education – Consideration in Committee 362
Bill 02 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2014-2015 – Health – Consideration in Committee 363
Speaker (Hon. George Qulaut) (interpretation): Mr. Enook, can you say the opening prayer, please.
Speaker (interpretation): Good morning Members, Ministers, Premier and all the residents of Nunavut.
I share the joy of the Amittuq people today as Steven Alianaq was found safe and sound.
To the SAR teams from Hall Beach and Igloolik, as well as the other searchers by air, we extend our gratitude for your efforts.
Let’s have a good day today.
(interpretation ends) Proceeding with the orders of the day.
Item 2. (interpretation) Ministers’ Statements.
Hon Member for Education, Mr. Quassa.
Minister’s Statement 028 – 4(1): Sanatuliqsarvik Nunavut Trades Training Centre (Quassa)
Yesterday, I stated that education is important.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to inform my fellow members of the progress and accomplishment coming out of Sanatuliqsarvik, the Nunavut Trade Training Centre located in Rankin Inlet.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, in 2013, Sanatuliqsarvik underwent a successful accreditation for all of its apprenticeship trades programs.
In addition to meeting the accreditation requirements for existing programs, the centre’s Third Level Oil Burner Mechanic Program was also accredited for delivery.
In addition to the college apprentice carpentry program, the Oil Burner Mechanic Program is now in the second skilled trades program providing opportunities for apprentices to attain all of the required levels of training necessary to obtain the Inter-provincial Red Seal certification in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut Arctic College also delivers all three levels of apprenticeship training to the Housing Maintainer Program for provincial certification, as this is a non-Red Seal program.
(interpretation) The 2013 fall term apprenticeship program intake saw 12 apprentices enrolled into four programs.
Mr. Speaker, I am also pleased to report all 12 students successfully completed their technical training and passing their government theory exam on the first attempt.
Mr. Speaker, this number represents approximately 10 percent of the active enrolled apprentices within the apprenticeship system. (interpretation ends) The credit of their success belongs to the interests and efforts of the students and the dedication of their instructors and support staff.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in acknowledging the solid efforts of our students and the staff.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Member, Mr. Kuksuk.
Minister’s Statement 029 – 4(1): Gathering House – A Tourism Facility for Qikiqtarjuaq (Kuksuk)
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Good morning, my fellow Nunavummiut. (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I wish to congratulate the Hamlet of Qikiqtarjuaq for putting into reality one of their economic development goals by creating, designing and building a beautiful tourism facility called the Gathering House.
The Gathering House has been a priority for the community of Qikiqtarjuaq for a number of years.
With funding from the Department of Economic Development and Transportation, Nunavut Tunngavik, Kakivak Association, and the Government of Canada, this project is now in the final stages of construction.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Nunavut recognizes the potential of tourism for our territory’s economy, and we are working to identify opportunities for the development of key attractions.
This much needed infrastructure in Qikiqtarjuaq will be a focal point for visitors as well as a place for the elders of Qikiqtarjuaq to gather.
The Gathering House will allow visitors to learn about the community and connect with businesses, services and local outfitters serving Qikiqtarjuaq and the nearby Auyuittuq National Park.
Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in congratulating the community of Qikiqtarjuaq on their success of making an idea a reality.
Item 3. Members’ Statements. Member for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, Ms. Angnakak.
Member’s Statement 071 – 4(1): Solid Waste Management Initiatives (Angnakak)
I rise today to address the issue of waste management in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, the need to address waste management in the territory is one of the issues that were raised repeatedly with me by Iqaluit residents during the recent election campaign.
As we have heard this week in relation to such issues as compliance with water licences, it is obvious that we face many challenges in the areas of managing, treating and disposing of waste.
My constituents have told me that they want to see support for such initiatives as recycling and support for such technologies as incineration.
Mr. Speaker, in 2010, the Government of Nunavut completed a pilot project for recycling beverage containers.
However, the government subsequently indicated that, and I quote, “the infrastructure costs to support recycling are very high and the benefits of recycling in Nunavut are minimal.”
More recently, the Department of Community and Government Services issued a Request for Information for Potential Planning for Solid Waste Management Methods.
This document indicated that, and I quote, “The logistical challenges of transporting recoverable materials makes it very difficult to implement programs such as recycling of bottles, cans, paper products and metals and proper hazardous waste treatment.
Individual communities do not have the capacity, nor is there enough government funding to implement these types of programs in each community.
As such, transporting this material out of the communities for further processing is a potential option.”
Mr. Speaker, our land, our water and air need and deserve our protection and care, which is why I will have questions for the government on this issue at the appropriate time.
Member’s Statement 072 – 4(1): Former MLA and Speaker in Manitoba (Hickes)
Today, I would like to talk about a former member of the Manitoba legislature representing the constituency of Point Douglas in Winnipeg for 21 years, making him the first Inuk elected in a provincial legislature, also the first Inuk elected to the position of Speaker.
With the support of his colleagues from all parties represented in Manitoba, he held that most honourable position for three terms until his recent retirement.
Mr. Speaker, it is with his guidance throughout my life to date that I have become the man I am today.
His help in instilling the values of honesty and respect for others has led me to this path of representing the constituency of Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker, I hope the apple hasn’t fallen too far from the tree, and that I will be able to fulfill my duties as long as my constituents feel I am worthy to do so.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I would like to recognize this individual.
Member’s Statement 073 – 4(1): Recognizing AWG Athletes from Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt)
Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, members.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today and join the community of Sanikiluaq in proudly recognizing two athletes who will be attending the upcoming 2014 Arctic Winter Games in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Mr. Speaker, two badminton players from Sanikiluaq, Sappa Cookie and Timiusie Kittosuk, will be part of Team Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, both of these athletes have been practising long, hard hours with the Sanikiluaq Badminton Club to get their game ready for the challenge ahead.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the effort and dedication of Coach Steven Keeowen in working with all the badminton players.
Without his coaching and support, these young athletes would not be where they are today.
Mr. Speaker, as I have mentioned before, I strongly believe that athletes from all across Nunavut and especially from our more remote communities should have opportunities to travel to competitive sports events.
I am very pleased that our Sanikiluaq athletes will be participating in the Arctic Winter Games this year.
Mr. Speaker, I wish all of Team Nunavut good luck and especially the badminton players.
Member’s Statement 074 – 4(1): Baker Lake Author Nominated for Award (Mikkungwak)
Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Before I begin my Member’s Statement, I would like to wish my daughter Tina Mikkungwak and my brother-in-law Robert Seeteenak a happy birthday.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an achievement by one of my constituents, Paula Ikuutaq Rumbolt, whose book, The Legend of Lightning and Thunder, is a finalist for the 2014 Book of the Year for Children Award.
Ms. Rumbolt is also a fourth year Concordia University student in Montreal.
Mr. Speaker, my predecessor rose in this House last year to announce the publication of this book by Inhabit Media, which is a Nunavut-based publishing company.
This company works to “promote and preserve the stories, knowledge and talent of Northern Canada.”
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased that the Canadian Library Association recognizes the talent of this Baker Lake writer.
I am confident that my colleague from Hudson Bay, who is Paula’s father, is also proud of her nomination for this award.
Mr. Speaker, the Book of the Year for Children Award honours a book published in Canada in 2013 by a Canadian author and that appeals to readers aged 12 and under.
Paula’s book was selected from nearly 200 titles as one of only 10 finalists.
The winner will be announced on April 15, 2014.
Mr. Speaker, I certainly hope that Paula Ikuutaq Rumbolt will continue to write and publish her work and to provide children and adults across Canada with even more opportunities to read, learn, and be inspired.
Member’s Statement 075 – 4(1): Recognizing AWG Athletes from Pond Inlet (Enook)
Again I would like to congratulate our young people who are going to be participating in the Arctic Winter Games. I am also grateful that this government is able to give support to the young people and it is something I am very proud of.
I congratulate the young people who participate in the Games and I know that during the Arctic Winter Games, they will do the best they can and they will best represent Nunavut.
We also have participants from Pond Inlet. I would like to congratulate these individuals:
Quviq Inutiq;
Peter Inutiq, who are brothers, playing basketball;
Roland Allen Qamaniq, with the soccer team;
Cody Pitsiulaaq; and
Misha Piugaattualuq, who are in the basketball team.
We congratulate you and we congratulate all the participants in the Arctic Winter Games.
Members’ Statements, Member for Quttiktuq, Mr. Shooyook.
Member’s Statement 076 – 4(1): Recognizing AWG Athletes (Shooyook)
Yesterday, I was talking about athletes who came through Iqaluit on their way to the Arctic Winter Games.
I would like to congratulate the young people and we hope them the best during their participation at the Arctic Winter Games.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation) Member for Arviat North-Whale Cove, Mr. Kuksuk.
Member’s Statement 077 – 4(1): Recognizing AWG Athletes of Arviat North-Whale Cove (Kuksuk)
I too rise this morning to express pride in the athletes from Whale Cove and Arviat in the Arctic Winter Games, whose names I wish to mention.
(interpretation ends) I rise today to show my pride and support for some young athletes and coaches from my constituency of Arviat North-Whale Cove.
Mr. Speaker, I think that all Members of this House agree that it is a great thing to see young people participating in sports and doing healthy activities.