EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
(interpretation ends) Your department’s substantiation sheet for this project indicates that a new motor vehicle information system will improve linkages with law enforcement agencies and enhance linkages with health care providers.
Can you describe what kinds of personal information about Nunavummiut that is held by your department will be shared with other entities?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Mikkungwak. (interpretation ends) And I think further, “Why?”
One of my officials knows about this question, so I would like to ask permission to have that person at the witness table.
Are you asking to get one of your officials to come to the witness table who is not here?
Thank you, Sergeant-at-Arms. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister, (interpretation) please introduce your official. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister.
With me is the Assistant Deputy Minister for my department, Pauloosie Suvega. He deals with MVIS.
Chairman: Qujannamiik, Hon. Minister. (interpretation) Welcome, Mr. Suvega. (interpretation ends) For the record, (interpretation) please ask the same question again so that the new witness can answer it. Mr. Mikkungwak.
The question that I have has to do with MVIS.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Mikkungwak. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister, I think I have your permission to allow Mr. Suvega to answer the question, if I may.
The information that will be shared has to do with people with disabilities, either through vision or through a handicap. That information has to be available for people with driver’s licences.
If they’re going to go outside of Nunavut as well as inside of Nunavut, that information has to be available at all times.
I hope that was understandable.
That is understandable, but I don’t think I got all the information that I wanted.
(interpretation ends) When you look at the motor vehicle information system and you’re looking at improving linkages with law enforcement agencies and enhancing linkages with health care providers, which are two different departments, I guess my question here is, and you are disclosing personal information of an individual: how will legal consent be taken care of, I guess, and what timeline are we looking at?
I will get Pauloosie to respond to his question.
Mr. Suvega: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Maybe to answer the question in English, an exchange of data is required with external stakeholders, such as the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators.
We have an agreement with them that allows us to exchange data and information on a secure basis.
It would also allow us to have people who are applying for driver’s licences to be able to travel outside of Nunavut as well.
The system interfaces with the RCMP for security reasons.
We will be linked into a national database to allow efficient exchange of information between law enforcement agencies and health officials. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
In addition to this, my question is: when you look at the allotted budget, with the equipment that is planned to be purchased under capital to deal with this matter, will that be for all Nunavut communities?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Mikkungwak.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for his question.
It’s going to be for all of Nunavut communities.
That amount of money that you’re asking about is going to be directed to the information systems for the communities of Nunavut. If Mr. Suvega wants to make additional comments, he can do so.
If you want to make additional comments, Mr. Suvega, I allow you.
As per the minister’s statement, this fund is for all Nunavut communities and if it isn’t replaced or revised or if it is repealed and no longer in force, then the identification or licence cards that are produced would immediately have to be stopped. This would impact those residents who may want to go outside of Nunavut if they won’t have identification.
Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The reason why I am asking about these cards is due to the fact that some people have had to wait for quite a long time. To cite this example, the federal government uses the photo equipment for passports, but some communities sometimes have to wait six months to a year to get their passports.
This issue we are discussing at this time is being faced by the Department of Health as well as the Transportation Division related to identification needs as well as law enforcement and legal issues. If this is the way it is going to remain, then will these two pieces of identification being discussed no longer be valid?
I’m sorry, but I didn’t really understand the question about identification.
I’m not really sure what he meant by identification.
Chairman: Qujannamiik, hon. minister. (interpretation) Please clarify your question, Mr. Mikkungwak.
Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Thank you very much. Maybe if I ask in English.
Will this MVIS system override and eliminate the other two departments’ identification process? For example, would the health care card be overridden and also any legal identification cards? Would this override the other two departments’ general ID system?
Now I have a better understanding.
From my understanding of what we’re discussing at this time, for example, the driver’s licence, that’s what I’m talking about. What you’re talking about is the IDs on the side. From my understanding, it will not affect it.
Mr. Suvega could add to that.
Chairman: Qujannamiik, hon. minister. (interpretation) Mr. Suvega, if you want to add to that, you now have the floor.
No, it would not override any of the identification that already exists. It would just support the ID systems.
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
First of all, my question is on small and minor capital. I think Mr. Enook called them Akikimajaaqtut. I think I can call it Akitujuutiralaat in Inuktitut.
Can the minister confirm that his department is budgeting $100,000 in the 2014-15 fiscal year for different studies?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Joanasie. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister.
I will get my deputy minister to respond to that.
Hon. Minister, (interpretation) let me remind you that as the Chair, if you could go through me, then I could give permission for whomever to speak.
Yes, we have identified $100,000 for studies as part of the small capital projects.
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you for the response.
As the minister will recall, I asked him questions during Friday’s sitting of the House concerning the need to undertake the feasibility study for the relocation of the Kimmirut Airport.
Would the minister commit to using a portion of his department’s budget for a study to undertake this work?
There are different studies that will be undertaken. We could use that to do some studies on the airport.
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): I can stop at that line of questioning.
I have a question on K-4, MVIS, or Motor Vehicle Information System. I will ask it in English.
(interpretation ends) Earlier today, I raised the issue of passport photography.
In his replies to my questions, the Premier indicated that his department’s government liaison officers would work with the Department of Economic Development and Transportation on this issue.
Can the minister or his officials clarify whether the department’s proposed capital project for the replacement of the motor vehicle information system will involve installing cameras in the communities to be used to take passport photos?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Joanasie. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister
This was also raised. This is part of having a good camera or it is part of the motor vehicle information system. It would be included.
Mr. Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
One of my last questions is your department is requesting $500,000 in the 2014-15 fiscal year for small craft harbour funding.
Your department’s substantiation sheet for this project indicates that funding under this project is used to undertake studies, obtain permits, undertake design work and minor marine improvements and partner with the federal Department of Fisheries on funding major works if the opportunity arises.
Can you indicate what specific studies, permits, and minor improvements your department is planning for the next fiscal year?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Joanasie. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman and my colleague for the very good question.
We need to give a good response and I would like my assistant deputy minister to respond to that.
Chairman: Qujannamiik, hon. minister. (interpretation) Mr. Suvega, go ahead.
This can be used for studies. It will be available once the budget has been approved or the capital budget has been approved.
There are a large number of proposals and we don’t have enough funding and we have been getting lot of requests for proposals from the communities for small craft harbours. The good start would be to do some study to proceed with the small craft harbours.
This will be my last question. Since there is going to be an airport being built here in Iqaluit, I’m just wondering if you can identify the contents of the contracts or (interpretation ends) the terms of reference with Arctic Infrastructure Partners.
Will it be made available for the public in whole or in part?
I also thank the member for enquiring about the contract.
I think my deputy minister can provide a better response if you allow him to speak.
The information on the Iqaluit airport project is on our website.
It’s currently posted in English and it’s currently being translated into Inuktitut.
Mr. Joanasie, are you done?
Mr. Akoak.
Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
My question is that the Government of Canada has announced that as part of the Building Canada Plan, Nunavut will receive at least $400 million for roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure over the next ten years.
Can you clarify if this funding is eligible to be used for new marine infrastructure in the territory?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Akoak. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister.
The official next to me wants to respond to the question and it’s a good question, so I’ll defer it to Mr. Long.
I will allow Mr. Long to answer. Mr. Long.
We were pleased that the federal government has announced the fund. They have not provided any details at this time.
We have no idea what is eligible under that. We’re looking forward with great anticipation to hear the details of how the program will work.
I will remind you that we’re still on page K-3.
I’ll just be quick. A few of my questions have already been answered.
Acquiring marine infrastructure to suit our community needs has been discussed on many occasions over the years.
I’m just wondering what efforts your department has made to obtain additional federal support for construction of adequate marine infrastructure in Nunavut to suit community needs.
Chairman: I thank you very much, Mr. Rumbolt.
Constantly, as a department, we have continued to outline our position regarding marine infrastructure, both large and small craft harbours. The smaller and easier work can be undertaken by our department, such as the launching ramps useful to our harvesters.
However, with respect to larger construction projects or harbours built for larger vessels, such as docks for ships, are not within our ability to fund on our own.
We have to work with the federal government because they are the ones that provide the majority of the funds. That’s the only way we can get large infrastructure.
Chairman: Qujannamiiktauq, hon. minister.
I realize that you have to work with the federal government to obtain more funds for marine infrastructure, and that was my question to you. What is your department doing to acquire more funding for marine infrastructure?
As I said, the larger marine infrastructure is being funded by the federal government. We have worked with them in getting infrastructure in Pangnirtung because we don’t have enough of our own money.
Therefore, we have to get some money from the federal government to proceed with the larger marine infrastructure.
It would be difficult just to get infrastructure.
There would have to be some economic development and a good plan.
It gets easier if you have a good plan, but we have not identified which community will be getting infrastructure.
I think that was the question. We have not reached where we have identified which community will be receiving the infrastructure.
I was being very careful not to say “small craft harbours” in my question because I know small craft harbours, from the government’s point of view, are millions and millions of dollars.
A lot of our communities are not looking for small craft harbours. They are looking for places where they can put boats for protection, protecting their equipment from the environment and the elements.
My question is: away from the small craft harbours, is there anything your department is doing to acquire additional funding to create marine infrastructure in our communities that is adequate for our community needs?
Thank you for your question regarding the small capital items.
As I indicated earlier, whether they’re going to be used by the hunters or for seal-hunting type of boats or smaller boats, we’re looking at that type of marine infrastructure like ramps, for example.
Some of those types of marine facilities have been built.
We do have some money set aside for such facilities, be it docking facilities or ramps. I believe that’s your question. We do have plans for such items.
Chairman: Qujannamiik, hon. minister. (interpretation) We will proceed.
I’m sure my question is going to be responded to right away.
I just want further clarification on K-4. There is $30,118,000 that is going to be used for one specific purpose.
Is this $30 million going to be used in one year or is that amount to be used on a multi-year basis or is that a one-time funding?
I will refer this question to Mr. Long.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Kuksuk. (interpretation ends) I will allow Mr. Long to answer the question.
The answer is yes, the $30,118,000 will be spent in the year 2014-15.
We understand that it is one-time funding.
So there is not going to be any more for next year or for years coming.
Hon. Minister, (interpretation) does Mr. Mapsalak understand that correctly?
I will refer this question to Mr. Bob Long with your permission.
Chairman: Hon. Minister, (interpretation) thank you for asking me.
Mr. Long: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On that page, you can see Capital Plan Expenditures 2016-19. It indicates that there is $107,417,000 will be spent in those years after 2014-15.
Mr. Mapsalak, (interpretation) do you have additional questions?
We are on page K-3.
Total Capital Expenditures. $35,968,000.
We will then go back to page K-2. (interpretation ends) Mr. Savikataaq, do you have a comment?
Go ahead, Mr. Savikataaq.
Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I guess my hand that was up never was noticed quite awhile ago.
Chairman: My apologies.
I never got your name, but I will make an executive decision to allow you to ask your question with the permission of members.
Chairman: Okay, back to K-3.
Again, my apologies. (interpretation) I did not see you and I did not see your name.
I apologize for that oversight. We will go back to K-3.
Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for your executive decision, and I will raise my hand higher next time.
In April of 2013, the Government of Nunavut and the Government of Manitoba issued a news release following a meeting of the Hudson Bay Neighbours Regional Round Table.
The release indicated that a proposed winter road from Churchill, Manitoba to Rankin Inlet, Nunavut was a major discussion point at the meeting.
As of today, what is the status of the proposed winter road, and has the federal government committed any funds towards the project?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Savikataaq. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister.
I also thank the member from Arviat for that question.
To date, regarding the proposed winter road, we have no money set aside or identified for the use of the proposed winter road.
We are currently in discussions with the Manitoba government and the Nunavut government. The mayors from Manitoba and Kivalliq are going to be having meetings regarding the road, be it a winter or year-round road.
We’re not only looking at the road itself; we’re looking at other issues. We’re also planning to have a meeting in Churchill some time in April. I’m not exactly sure what date it is, as we haven’t been notified or I haven’t seen the letter yet.
They’re going to be having a meeting in Churchill regarding the road from Manitoba to the Kivalliq.
I hope that was understandable to Mr. Savikataaq.
Chairman: Thank you, hon. minister.
I had more questions on the road, but I will wait until they have their meeting. My questions would be better answered then on the road.
On another question, in the fall of 2006, the Legislative Assembly passed a formal motion that calls on the government to work with the Northern Air Transport Association to bring toward an action plan to improve the availability, affordability, and reliability of air service to Nunavut’s smaller and under-serviced communities.
I think they just meant that they want reliable, cheaper air service.
My question to that is: you said that your contract with NAV Canada is over shortly, because one of my colleagues asked that question, and until the contract is over, are there any talks with NAV Canada to identify airport equipment needs, such as beacons, GPS approach, and other navigation aids?
Every time an airplane does not land, that cost is passed onto the paying customers. We don’t see it, but it’s there.
I just wanted to know if there is any such talk with NAV Canada or the airlines for more and better updated navigational aids to the smaller airports.
I thank Mr. Savikataaq for the question. He indicated that he is going to have other questions regarding the Manitoba-Nunavut road.
Our department and other departments got invitations to the meeting in Churchill.
I just made that as an addendum to the question that you asked earlier.
With respect to NAV Canada and their contract, I will defer this question to my deputy minister, if you would allow me, Mr. Chairman.
Just for clarification, the contract with NAV Canada that we are ending in a year is the CARS contract, so the airport radio operators’ contract will then be contracted directly with the private sector rather than through the Government of Nunavut.
We will continue to have discussions with NAV Canada on other parts of the operation of the airport in addition to Transport Canada.
We’re in contact with them all the time. They monitor and police us to make sure we’re playing by the rules correctly.
There is considerable discussion going on with the airlines and NAV Canada towards the GPS system. We’re very enthusiastic to see that happen, and we don’t pay for that. We simply want it to happen.
We encourage them to do it, as do the airlines, and that would be an investment by NAV Canada to put that equipment in place.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Bob Long, Mr. Long.
I guess a clarification to the minister, then, is: the minister’s department is pushing for a GPS approach to all communities for cost effectiveness and safety.
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Savikataaq.
Yes, it’s a definite requirement. (interpretation ends) Thank you.
Chairman: Qujannamiiktauq, hon. minister. (interpretation) Moving on.
Listening to the questions that were being posed to the department and looking at the documentation in front of us, I have another question regarding MVIS.
Before we became Members of the Legislative Assembly, this was agreed to. The (interpretation) 2007-08 capital estimates included $800,000 in funding for upgrades to the government’s driver’s licence and general identification card security system.
How did the department determine that it now needs to completely replace its motor vehicle information system?
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Mikkungwak. Hon. Minister.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much. While we are on this subject, I wish to defer this to the person responsible for this matter. It is your discretion to allow me to defer the answer to Mr. Suvega.
We’re talking about two different things. There’s the general identification card and then there are driver’s licences.
Both, ideally, would use the same system. A lot of the information would be stored securely.
In terms of general ID cards, in the past, it was enhancements, such as the production of the cards themselves, working with an external agent that produces those cards outside of Nunavut, so that plays into that factor as well.
Speaking about the replacement for the motor vehicle information system, that is an entirely different system that deals specifically with things like driver’s licences and that is meant to be linked to access to a national system, as we have agreements in place with provinces and territories. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Now the reason why I am asking about this matter is because it’s going to be an expensive proposition to complete this and with all Nunavummiut possibly benefiting from this project.
Just prior to the session starting, he stated that working with the Department of Health and with the Department of Justice, because it is going to have an impact on transportation… .
Is the department saying that the ID cards would be maintained or would you change to a new system?
We’re just looking at the Motor Vehicles Branch only. We’re just looking at the motor vehicle information system only.
The motor vehicle information system is for the whole of the Nunavut territory, whether it be driver’s licences or providing informatics systems or computers to the motor vehicle information system only.
Chairman: Thank you, hon. minister. (interpretation) Mr. Mikkungwak, are you finished?
Are there any further questions before I move on? If you have any further questions before I move on, please raise your hand.
Let’s go back to page 2.
We won’t be going back to page 3 again.
We are on Branch Summary. Economic Development and Transportation.
Do members agree that the review of the Department of Economic Development and Transportation is concluded?
Thank you, members. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister, (interpretation) we have completed the review of your department. If you have any closing remarks, you may proceed. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I would also like to thank my colleagues and my officials from my department for providing me support today.
This is my very first appearance in the House and I’m very pleased about that. Sometimes I get really confused, but I’m sure that as I get used to this, it will be easier for me to respond to your questions.
Thank you very much. I will conclude with that for now.
Chairman: Qujannamiiktauq, hon. minister (interpretation) and your officials.
As we continue, Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witnesses (interpretation ends) and hon. minister, (interpretation) you may go back to your seat.
Speaker: Report of the Committee of the Whole.
Your committee has been considering Bill 2, capital estimates, and would like to report progress.
(interpretation ends) Hon. Member, Mr. Okalik.
Just a reminder that tomorrow morning at ten o’clock in the Tuktu Boardroom, there’s a meeting of the Regular Caucus at 10:00.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until Tuesday, March 11, at 1:30 p.m.
Pages 165 – 222
Opening Prayer 165
Ministers’ Statements 165
Returns to Oral Questions 173
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 173
Oral Questions 175
Revert to Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 189
Tabling of Documents 190
Report of the Committee of the Whole 221
Orders of the Day 221
Tuesday, March 11, 2014 165
015 – 4(1): Long-term Service Award Recipients – 25 Years (Peterson) 165