EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
His Minister’s Statement was very good, but I do want to ask a question. Mr. Speaker, your riding, Qikiqtarjuaq and Clyde River, has a shrimp fisheries that fish around there and they fish shrimp and they send them off to other countries, so they do make money.
The shrimp fisheries near Qikiqtarjuaq or Clyde River aren’t mentioned in the Minister’s Statement.
My first question is: what are you doing with the shrimp fisheries near Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Okalik. (interpretation ends) Minister of Environment, Hon. Daniel Shewchuk.
I am aware of the shrimp fishery up in that area.
There is an allocation for shrimp in Nunavut and when we do talk about allocation of fisheries, we include shrimp, turbot, and all our fishing species that we fish here, so this information is portrayed to the federal government as a complete fishery.
I would also like to note that the management of the fishery stock that we have in Nunavut is in direct control of the NWMB in conjunction with DFO recommendations and NWMB does set the total allowable harvest for Nunavut and individual groups in Nunavut that fish.
We fought very hard to be able to fish adjacent to our community alongside with other provinces that have the right to go fishing adjacent to their communities and they are allocated 80 to 90 percent of the quota.
We cannot even keep up with the adjacent community allocation. I think only 25 percent is allocated to Nunavut for fisheries and we lose out on a lot of employment and economic opportunities even though we lack employment in those communities.
I was wondering what the department has been doing because in his statement, he said that he met two times on the plan and to talk about the discrepancy in regard to adjacent community allotments.
I don’t have in front of me the exact quota allocations for shrimp or turbot to the individual fishery alliances and the licence that we have in Nunavut.
However, I can assure the member that when I did meet with the federal fisheries minister, we were talking about all fishery resources in Nunavut and we feel that Nunavut should have its fair share, which is 100 percent of any increase in quota in any fisheries.
We are working very closely with the Nunavut Fisheries Consortium in doing lots of training for Nunavutmiut and beneficiaries in the fisheries in the fisheries industry, and it’s actually one of our successful programs that we do have in our department.
I urge the minister to look into that because there are other fisheries. We fish for shrimp and turbot and in the High Arctic, some of them have almost been equal to the allotment of adjacent communities for turbot.
But in our area here and in your area, Mr. Speaker, where they have shrimp fisheries, we are nowhere near what the quota allocation should be for adjacent communities. Although we are Canadians, we are being treated differently than the other provinces and we don’t like to see that because we lack employment opportunities, especially in Nunavut.
I would like the minister to provide appropriate information to the federal government and also to our House as to what his plans are in regard to this.
I’ll provide the member with the proper information on quotas.
But I can assure him and assure the House that our position in the Government of Nunavut is that we support our fisheries and support our fishermen. And I assure the member that this is the position that we take and we will move forward with the federal government.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Your final supplementary, Mr. Okalik.
It seems like we lose out on the things that we were once able to get. We’re always very pleased when we harvest the animal that we’re hunting and we know that we will be able to eat.
I feel that this is the same case with fishing and adjacent community allotments regarding the wildlife in zones near Nunavut. It could benefit Nunavut very much if other provinces minimized their harvesting in those areas.
We have lost out where we could’ve had more employment and economic opportunities for all Nunavummiut.
These opportunities would be very beneficial to Nunavummiut, but we end up losing out.
So I urge the minister very strongly to push the federal government and update us on the status of it.
I appreciate the member’s concerns. I assure the member that I will lobby the federal government on behalf of the Government of Nunavut and I will keep all of the members in the House informed.
Question 082– 3(2): RCMP Hiring Local People (Schell)
This question is for the justice minister.
A couple of months ago, I had asked him a question if they have thought of hiring a beneficiary to work in all of the RCMP stations to do secretarial work and interpretation, and he said he was in discussions with the RCMP on that.
I would just like to know what’s happening with that incentive.
I would like to thank Mr. Schell for that question.
Yes, he indeed asked me that question a few months ago and I assured him that I’ve had discussions with my deputy minister to continue to look for ways to help the RCMP. It is a priority for my department.
I would like to ask the minister if any of those positions have been filled in any of the RCMP stations.
I can’t give him that information; I don’t have that level of detail.
But I can tell the member that funding for those nine positions doesn’t come from the Department of Justice. So if they have hired anybody, it would have to be through their own resources. We’re looking for ways internally to help the RCMP with funding for those nine positions.
I wonder if the minister could let me know the timeframe, roughly, when they can have the discussion and be able to report back to the House whether they got the funds or not.
I keep on being asked that question by the RCMP in Cape Dorset, which are overworked there.
It sure would be a big help if they had somebody working in the office. So can you give us a rough idea as to when you would be able to let us know if that’s possible?
Again, the new commanding officer arrived in Iqaluit this week. I intend to sit down with him and discuss this matter.
I intend to sit down again with my deputy minister. I talked to her the other day and we’re trying to find the resources. Again, it is a priority.
We know that if we help the RCMP out with nine administrative positions in the communities, the police will be freed up to do their duties.
Crime prevention at the community level is very important to us. So I assure the member that I can update him, the standing committee, and the House in the coming months as we move forward on this very important issue.
Tabled Document 032 – 3(2): Bridge to be built Over Sylvia Grinnell (Okalik)
Tabled Document 033 – 3(2): A Bridge Too Far For Sylvia Grinnell Park? (Okalik)
Tabled Document 034 – 3(2): www.paulokalik.ca (Okalik)
I would like to table information which went to the media on February 15, 2008 in regard to the Sylvia Grinnell River and also a press release on March 28, 2008 in regard to the Sylvia Grinnell Bridge.
During my campaign, the Inuit had stated what they wanted and they wanted a bridge at Sylvia Grinnell, and I wanted to make sure that people who have never seen it could see what the people had stated during the campaign.
Can we have those documents brought forward, please?
Tabled Document 035 – 3(2): Nunavut Fuel Tax Rebate Program Annual Report for 2009 (Peterson)
I am pleased to table the Nunavut Fuel Tax Rebate Program Annual Report for 2009.
Tabled Document 036 – 3(2): 2007-2008 Annual Report, Nunavut Housing Corporation (Tootoo)
I am pleased to table the 2007-08 Annual Report of the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
Tabled Document 037 – 3(2): Nunavut Outfitter Liability Protection Fund Annual Report for 2009 (Peterson)
I am pleased to table the Nunavut Outfitter Liability Protection Fund Annual Report for 2009.
Tabled Document 038 – 3(2): Response to the Auditor General’s Report on the Nunavut Housing Corporation (Tootoo)
I am pleased to table the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s response to the Auditor General’s report on the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
Tabled Document 039 – 3(2): Crown Agency Council Activity Report for the Period April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009 (Peterson)
I am pleased to table the Crown Agency Council Activity Report for the period April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009.
Motion 006 – 3(2): Extended Sitting Hours and Days – Notice (Elliott)
Mr. Elliott: Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Wednesday, June 17, 2009, I will move the following motion:
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Amittuq, that the Speaker be authorized to set such sitting hours and days as the Speaker deems fit to assist with the business before the House.
Motion 007 – 3(2): Extended Adjournment – Notice (Ningeongan)
Mr. Ningeongan: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Wednesday, June 17, 2009, I will move the following motion:
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Amittuq, that notwithstanding Rule 4, that when the House concludes its present sitting in Iqaluit, it shall be adjourned until November 24, 2009.
Motion 006 – 3(2): Extended Sitting Hours and Days (Elliott)
The motion is carried. (interpretation ends) Motions.
I seek the unanimous consent to deal with my motion today.
Please proceed, Mr. Ningeongan.
Motion 007 – 3(2): Extended Adjournment (Ningeongan)
Further, at any time prior to November 24, 2009, if Mr. Speaker is satisfied, after consultation with the Executive Council and the Members of the Legislative Assembly, that the public interest requires that the House should meet at an earlier time during adjournment, the Speaker may give notice and thereupon the House shall meet at the time stated in such notice and shall transact its business as if it had been duly adjourned to that time.
Bill 03 – Western Canada Lottery Act – First Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 3, Western Canada Lottery Act, be read for the first time.
Bills 1, 2, 4, and 5 with Mr. Okalik in the Chair.
Before we proceed to the Committee of the Whole, we will take 20-minute break.
>>House adjourned at 15:09 and Committee resumed at 15:33
Please feel welcome.
I call the committee meeting to order. We will continue on with the items we were dealing with.
My colleagues, we have the following items to deal with: Bills 1, 2, 4, and 5.
Mr. Aupaluktuq: Mr. Chairman, we would like to continue with Bill 1 and the review of the Department of Education, followed by Nunavut Arctic College and then the departments of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth, Environment, Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, and the Legislative Assembly. (interpretation) Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
Do you wish to continue with that?
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2009-2010 – Education – Consideration in Committee
Chairman (interpretation): Yes, my colleagues would like to continue with that.
The Minister of Education, Minister Tapardjuk, can now make his opening comments.
I am pleased to meet with the committee to discuss the 2009-2010 Main Estimates for the Department of Education.
Mr. Chairman, education is the key to realizing Tamapta’s goal of capable, healthy, and self-reliant Nunavummiut and communities.
Education will help build Nunavut’s future by preparing our citizens to participate and benefit from the many available opportunities.
Lifelong education is a long-term plan to build a territory of educated and empowered people with the skills to succeed.
Mr. Chairman, my department is in the process of applying improvements to our education and support programs.
Continued development of Nunavut-relevant curriculum, enhanced teacher training, the implementation of an Income Support Electronic Case Management System, increased training to produce skilled workers, and the implementation of the new Education Act are all positive steps in the growth of our territory.
Mr. Chairman, in order to put our plans into action, we have put forward a budget of $195 million for the 2009-2010 fiscal year.
This is a $17 million increase over last year’s budget.
For our FANS program, we have increased the living allowances and tuition benefits beginning in the 2008-09 school year.
We are now looking at our loans program to determine whether changes, including increases, are warranted.
We are continuing to review our policies and procedures for the program in order to improve service and accountability, and we expect to move forward with regulatory changes that meet Nunavut’s needs in the coming year.
Mr. Chairman, to provide better service and accountability, we are looking at reallocating FANS monies toward the development and implementation of a new FANS database which will integrate both student benefits and student loans.
We also expect to move forward with an online application process for FANS students.
These efforts will not affect the benefits we deliver to Nunavut students.
Our apprenticeship numbers continue to grow as different parts of the economy demand skilled tradespersons.
This includes work with the Nunavut Housing Trust as well as the construction and mining sectors.
The number of registered apprentices in Nunavut has grown to over 200.
Mr. Chairman, the passing of the Education Act in September of 2008 guarantees a legislative requirement to produce bilingual graduates by 2019.
In order to facilitate this goal, the Department of Education has completed language of instruction workshops in all Nunavut communities.
We are now working with district education authorities and schools to develop an implementation and staffing plan to ensure bilingual education opportunities for all students.
Mr. Chairman, the Department of Education, in partnership with Nunavut Arctic College, has committed an extra $1.6 million to expand educator training opportunities across Nunavut.
New training programs will be developed for school staff, including school community counsellor, student support assistant, and language certificate programs.
Teacher education programs will be offered in Iqaluit, Cape Dorset, Qikiqtarjuaq, Grise Fiord, Rankin Inlet, Baker Lake, Kugaaruk, Cambridge Bay, and Kugluktuk.
There is an increase of $2.5 million for the Curriculum and School Services Division.
This will provide for additional staff to be recruited to assist in the development of Nunavut-specific curriculum and resources, language competencies, and to create different models of delivery for educator training.
The Education Act calls for additional responsibilities for district education authorities and the instruction of Inuit societal values in our school system.
The budgets for district education authorities will increase by $2.5 million to assist them to fulfill their new mandates.
Mr. Chairman, my department is also working on the development of a student records database, which will provide a more streamlined and accessible method for storing and receiving this information.
The Income Support Division will continue work on developing an automated case management system for Nunavut.
When this system is fully developed, tested, and deployed to income support offices across Nunavut, it will address financial accountability issues outlined by the Auditor General of Canada. It will also provide improved service delivery for those accessing the program.
The system will be deployed using a phased-in approach across the territory.
Currently, one module of the system is operational and is used to deliver the merged payment file between Nunavut and Public Works and Government Services Canada for the Nunavut Senior Citizens Supplementary Benefits Program.
Staff in my department have been negotiating bilateral agreements with Human Resources and Skills Development Canada that will bring additional funding to our territory for much needed skills training for our citizens.
This funding will allow for the expansion of many of our wage subsidy and training-on-the-job programs across Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that additional monies have been allocated to reflect salary increases as part of the Nunavut Employees Union Collective Agreement and the Nunavut Teachers’ Association Collective Agreement.
Mr. Chairman, the Department of Education looks forward to continuing our challenging and rewarding work in the months and years ahead.
The framework set out in Tamapta creates exciting and innovative opportunities for education in Nunavut.
Mr. Chairman, I would be happy to respond to questions from the committee.
I was being referred to as the Speaker once again.
It’s too bad that I’m now sitting as the Chairman.
Now that you have finished making your opening comments, would you like officials with you at the witness table to assist you in answering questions?
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Yes, I would like to have my witnesses with me.
My colleagues, do you agree to have the minister’s officials accompany him?
Chairman (interpretation): They have agreed.
Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the officials to the witness table in Committee of the Whole.
You look as though you’re going to school with all of those things you’re carrying.
The officials are now at the witness table and we will be able to ask them questions.
Minister, for the record, please introduce your witnesses who are standing beside you. Minister Tapardjuk.
On my left is Kathy Okpik, Deputy Minister of the Department of Education, and to my right is David Pealow, Comptroller of School Operations.
The co-chair of the standing committee that reviewed this department can now make his opening comments.
As the Co-Chair of the Standing Committee on Social Wellness, I am pleased to make opening comments as we begin deliberations on the budget of the Department of Education.
The Department of Education’s proposed 2009-2010 operations and maintenance budget is $194.6 million, which is an increase of nearly $12 million from the 2008-09 revised operations and maintenance budget.
While projected spending appears… Am I going too fast?
Chairman (interpretation): Yes, Mr. Elliott.
We have interpreters and you need to speak slower so that they can keep up with you.
It would be helpful if you turned it down a notch for the benefit of unilingual Inuktitut-speaking people.
Mr. Elliott, I’m sorry, you can now continue.
Hit me if I’m going too fast.
While projected spending appears to increase across all branches of the department, the standing committee does note that the total number of positions in the department is increasing to 1,170.1 PYs from 1,119.3 PYs in 2008-09.
Nunavut’s new Education Act was passed on September 18, 2008, and comes into force on July 1, 2009.
The committee appreciates having been included in the consultation process to develop regulations to accompany the Act and looks forward to developments in this area.
The implementation of the Act, which will occur in stages, will require additional staffing, such as school counsellors for every school, as well as educators who will be able to deliver programs in accordance with the bilingual language education model selected by each community.
Education in the Inuit language is also a requirement under the new Inuit Language Protection Act and it is critical that resources be made available for this.
The committee supports the department in its ongoing efforts to recruit Inuit into the teaching profession.
It is anticipated that a number of Inuit teachers will be retiring in the near future.
Committee members look forward to future discussions on the roles of different types of educators, such as elders, within Nunavut’s education system.
The standing committee has noted that a number of other initiatives will be undertaken as part of the implementation of the new Education Act.
Members look forward to reviewing the department’s reports on such activities as the assessment and evaluation of students and teachers.
The roles and responsibilities of the district education authorities and the DEA Coalition have also changed as a result of the new legislation, as reflected by the department’s proposed grant of $665,000 to the DEA Coalition.
The committee will be closely monitoring developments in this area.
Mr. Chairman, the Department of Education’s School Operations Division and the various programs that support the delivery of kindergarten to grade 12 schooling in Nunavut are critical to the future success of the territory.
The standing committee is in full support of measures to continue to develop and include culturally and linguistically relevant materials.
However, members encourage the minister in his efforts to ensure that any related changes to graduation requirements as a result of modifications to the curriculum will not only be recognized by Canadian post-secondary institutions outside of the territory but will also ensure that graduates have the core skills necessary to pursue further educational opportunities.
The committee is of the view that greater efforts should be made to eliminate the obstacles that prevent students from getting the most out of their educational opportunities.
Students who are either over-challenged or under-challenged have often not received the additional support necessary for their academic development.
The committee looks forward to receiving updates on projects that specifically seek to address the high drop-out rate for high school students across the territory, such as the department’s Young Men’s Engagement Project and its Parents’ Engagement Project.
The committee looks forward to receiving information on the success of the department’s plans to assist individuals who had been supported through the Young Parents Stay Learning program to transition to the Daycare User Subsidy program.
Committee members recognize that efforts have been made to ensure that all new schools built in Nunavut include a daycare facility as part of the infrastructure.
However, the need for community daycare facilities remains acute.
Committee members are of the view that Inuit language programming should be an essential component of daycare services.
As the new Education Act will require DEAs to deliver early childhood education programs in each community, members look forward to an update on these endeavours.
Mr. Chairman, until recently, the Department of Education provided the base funding for Nunavut Arctic College and the Minister of Education was responsible for the college.
For the 2009-2010 fiscal year, Nunavut Arctic College main estimates are presented separately and under a different minister’s responsibility.
The Department of Education’s budget has been restated accordingly.
The Department of Education does, however, continue to implement a number of programs and resources related to adult learning, such as the Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students program, partnerships for training in potential fields of employment, such as mining, apprenticeship and trades programs, as well as adult basic education and literacy programs.
Committee members urge the Minister of Education and the Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College to work cooperatively on ongoing adult education initiatives, including the Nunavut Trades Training Centre, which is scheduled to open in the fall of 2010.
Mr. Chairman, in 2007, the Auditor General of Canada issued a report on the Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students program.
In response to the recommendations in this report, the Department of Education developed a work plan to improve the FANS program, which included the development of an automated system to assist students in accessing the program as well as in administering the program. The committee looks forward to updates on the implementation of the new system, including plans to make related services accessible over the Internet.
The standing committee further notes that the new Education Act includes a schedule referred to as the Universities and Degree-Granting Institutions Act.
This legislation could allow the government to establish additional post-secondary institutions in Nunavut.
The standing committee encourages the minister to explore the possibilities in this area and notes with appreciation the Governor General’s recent support for such an initiative.