EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Hon. Kelvin Ng: If he is referring to the grants and contributions, the power support program, as I indicated last week when we had the supplementary appropriations, this is a subsidy that the government provides to all private homeowners and to some smaller businesses.
It is the difference in the first 700 kilowatt hours in the case of residential customers, the difference between the Yellowknife rates and the rates in their home communities so that they would get the first 700 kilowatt hours basically at the Yellowknife rate for power Mr. Chairman.
For the purposes of commercial it is 1 thousand kilowatt hours and that’s it Mr. Chairman.
Perhaps I just misunderstood but this is the first time I have ever heard something like this under grants and contributions. Contributions to the private businesses.
Can this be requested by the businesses in Nunavut.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: It is for private businesses operating in Nunavut with sales of 2 million dollars or less in a year.
So it is targeted towards the smaller businesses that may require the subsidy Mr. Chairman.
This is a very interesting thing because I haven’t had any knowledge of this before.
Perhaps it was always like this but I just didn’t realize it.
Maybe it was during territorial government days, perhaps I am not educated enough on this and I am happy to hear that there are grants and contributions.
I just wondered if the person doesn’t request this, do they still receive it.
Mr. Chairman, as I have indicated in the past it is automatically applied to the power bills that individuals receive.
There will be a line on there that shows Nunavut Territorial Power Subsidy Program and it is taken right off an individual’s monthly power bill for private homeowners.
I just wanted to make sure that it really happens.
Mr. Chairman, controllership and there's no financial services through the division or director of the branch that looks after all the government accounting and things like that.
Just, maybe relate a couple of questions here from the business plan with the minister.
In there it indicates that they want to look at updating the Financial Administration Act.
So I'm not sure if that would be done in that division and I have been waiting to get here to ask it.
I'm just wondering if they've identified any areas that need updating.
Mr. Chairman, as members may know, the full Financial Administration Act is quite complex as it stands now.
There is a move to try to revamp it, to try to simplify it and make it a bit more workable for Nunavut purposes.
But right now we haven't specifically identified any major areas of change.
There will be ongoing work in that area.
Mr. Chairman, the department also indicated it plans on expanding the use of internal and forensic audits.
Maybe I'll just ask the minister why it wants to look at expanding those areas.
Mr. Chairman, some departments have requested some assistance in either reviewing some of their expenditures or an actual audit, so we've been trying to support them in that initiative Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Chairman, would the minister be willing to let us know which departments have requested that type of assistance and would you clarify exactly what it is that they’re looking for.
Mr. Chairman, not at this time Mr. Chairman.
I guess that begs the question of why and when.
Mr. Chairman, primarily, it's not that we're trying to hide anything.
The point is that there have been some specific instances, departments have requested some assistance and some of the results haven't concluded yet so it's a bit premature to say anything.
And quite frankly when you deal with, there may be some particular instances that reflect on that division of the department and individual or individuals of a department.
It's not proper to be speaking about those types of things in a public form.
I would say that if the members have specific concerns I'd certainly be more than willing to provide that in camera but like I said, there's a proper forum for things.
I'm really just asking the minister if there's any relationship, have any of these things been pointed out as a result of the auditor general's review of the public accounts.
No it wouldn’t necessarily be a result of the Auditor General’s work, this is more, as I indicated, a request that comes from departments or things that have been brought to the attention of the Financial Management Board that require some additional review.
Mr. Chairman, without getting into specifics of what department or what division or whatever like that, I wonder if the minister could indicate how many. Just like the number of departments and just generally what types of issues we are looking at.
Mr. Chairman, generally there are about a half a dozen departments.
It could be issues around usage of overtime claims, it could be issues around some disbursement through the financial manager of the department, it could be issues around the handling procedures and practices for handling incoming revenues.
So those are some of the areas that we have been asked to try to fix up.
Mr. Tootoo: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, will the minister and the department be providing some kind of a report on any of these once it is concluded and its findings.
Mr. Chairman, a lot of the work that is requested by departments, once the review is done the report would go back to that department to action any recommendations.
Obviously if there was something blatant that had come to our attention then we would take the necessary actions whatever it may be.
If it involved more than just the department.
Mr. Chairman, would any of these issues here be maybe looked at being addressed in the review and the updating of the Financial Administration Act.
It is my understanding that it is the Financial Administration Act that is pretty well the bible when it comes to how the government, the different authorities and processes that the government uses in spending its money and receiving its money and how things are done.
I am just wondering if there is any link between any of these things and the review of the FAA.
Mr. Chairman, I would say that yes, some of the things may result in changes to the Financial Administration Act, it may be, like I indicated earlier, we are trying to simplify and streamline the process.
It may be cases of things being done inadvertently as a result of not knowing or because of the complexities of the Financial Administration Act.
So those may be factors.
I won’t tread on that ice any more, I will move on to a different sheet.
The subsidies, the power subsidy is something that falls under this area here. I know in the past I have inquired as to the overall reviewing of the subsidies by this government, to try to determine that we are spending our dollars in the most appropriate places and we are getting the best bang for our buck and the dollars are going where they are supposed to be going.
I am just wondering if the minister could update us as to any progress along these lines since the last time I asked the question.
Mr. Chairman, there has been a lot of work undertaken in identifying and reviewing the subsidies that government has within its programs, however, the report isn’t finalized yet in as far as receiving the information as anything that we can use.
So we are hoping in the next couple of months, quite frankly, even though the work has been undertaken, it hasn’t been a high, high priority given a lot of the ongoing needs in the government in trying to prepare the budget and report back to committees and consultations etc.
Mr. Chairman, does the minister commit to providing members or tabling in the House a copy of this report when it does finally get completed.
I would have no problems with considering that Mr. Chairman.
I am getting to be good at picking up on words and when the minister indicated that he had no problems considering whether he would do it or not, would the minister do it.
I did use the word considered but I wasn’t trying to say that we wouldn’t provide the information.
My concern is the complexity of what is in there and whether or not, you know how big the report would be when it comes down to it and the need for translation again, when we have to table matters before the House.
That’s why I wanted to take a look first of all at what is in there in respect of the details and the size, the volume of the report before I make a decision on that.
There would be some that I would make available to members, there is no doubt about that.
Chairperson (interpretation): Mr. Tootoo, is that all.
I have no other names on my list.
Total operations and maintenance, 17 million 220 thousand.
I apologize I meant to say 17 million 820 thousand. Agreed.
Carried. Total expenditures, 17 million 820 thousand. Agreed.
We will then move on to the information.
Liquor commission revolving funds.
Questions on page 3-11.
I have a question under liquor sales.
Are we drinking too much liquor or did the price of liquor go up.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Thank you, I was gathering here Mr. Chairman that probably some of the sales levels in some communities have gone up as a result of the population increase and probably increased consumption Mr. Chairman.
Minister Ng said probably like he doesn’t really know.
Does he know that the number of alcohol users have increased to date.
I would say our population is always increasing, so I would say that the number of people that are consuming alcohol is probably increasing.
I think it's important to note that these aren't our numbers, these are numbers that are provided by the NWT liquor commission, which does a lot of the contract work on our behalf.
Just a clarification here.
The total amount on liquor sales, is that directly linked to import permits.
That amount, the total amount of 3.1 million dollars, is all of that covered off in the 244 permits that were issued.
Chairperson: Thank you, Mr. Tootoo.
No it's actually Mr. Chairman, the import permits is not the total number, the amount of revenues from the permitting and the liquor sales is over and above that.
I guess what I'm getting at and maybe I'm not making it clear is, the 244 thousand dollars worth of liquor permits that were issued.
Do those permits cover off the 3.1 million dollars in liquor sales.
Are they all included within the permits that were issued or are there other sales that people don’t need permits for that are recorded in there.
Mr. Chairman, the actual import permits aren't reflective of the liquor sales here.
The import permits would allow individuals to purchase from outside of the territory, so we wouldn't be able to track those revenues.
So we wouldn't know how much volume unless you go through every single individual permit of course and add it up exactly what it's for.
Because you have to remember, the permits allow the individual to ship it in from whether it's Yellowknife or Edmonton or Winnipeg or Montreal or Ottawa.
Other sales points from other jurisdictions.
Any additional questions.
Under liquor commission revolving fund, I have a bit of a problem or concern. Some communities of Nunavut have alcohol and drug committees at the community level so I don't see any funding geared towards these drug and alcohol committees. This is just for licensing, liquor licensing.
Why don't I see any funding allotted for the community alcohol and drug committees.
This page is just an information item.
I just want to point out to the member as well that this has nothing to do with alcohol and drug committee programming.
That falls within the jurisdiction of other departments.
This is more of a revenue forecast for the liquor commission itself that's provided, as the Chairman indicated, for your information purposes.
Chairperson: Any additional questions. Mr. Iqaqrialu.
The community drug and alcohol committees, where do they, where can they get their funding for operations and maintenance.
Where would you provide funding for those committees.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, I hope you can understand me.
Mr. Chairman, that would more than likely be under the Health & Social Services Department whose budget will be coming out later this week.
Chairperson (interpretation): I don’t have any more names on the list.
I think I am getting weak, my collar is a bit tight.
What the minister said about liquor permits, I was wondering if that was included under item import permits under 244.
If I am going to be bringing fur bearing animals I need an export permit to take it out of Nunavut.
So for liquor permits if they are going to be bringing alcohol to Nunavut, like he said you couldn’t tell where the permit came from, whether it came from Ottawa or Edmonton.
I was wondering if it could be done through one window or something like that.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: No these permits are paid through the Nunavut Liquor agency that’s responsible.
Chairperson (interpretation): Any additional questions Mr. Nutarak.
Mr. Nutarak (interpretation): The liquor commission, where are they stationed.
Iqaluit.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Thank you. Gjoa Haven.
This is one of the decentralized functions and it is based out of Gjoa Haven.
Chairperson (interpretation): I have no further names on my list.
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. For liquor licensing board, where do the Nunavut communities order their liquor.
Mr. Chairman, individuals have a choice of course, they can order without a permit, from the liquor warehouse here in Iqaluit.
Or else if they obtain a liquor permit they can obtain liquor from other agencies outside of Nunavut.
Where do they get the forms. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Through the liquor warehouse, the liquor licensing board itself and the warehouse operation that they have.
I believe also some municipalities have permits that are available for the public at large, but they have to be approved by the liquor board warehouse.
Yes, if we have an import permit for Nunavut within the last two years have you seen any problems with import permits.
Mr. Chairman, I have heard from individuals about problems, yes I mean that’s why the liquor board has undertaken some consultations very shortly to hear more from the public at large about liquor distribution and sales around Nunavut.
After the consultation process in Nunavut and once we get the results, you'll be amending the act according to the way we license them.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Mr. Chairman, the liquor board itself as a result of their consultation will make recommendations to myself as the minister responsible and I'll consider what those recommendations are and move on from there Mr. Chairman.
During the actual consultation process by your department, will you be giving their reports to the regular members before approval.
Mr. Chairman, first of all I want to make it clear it's not the department that is undertaking these consultations, it's the Nunavut liquor board itself which is an independent board.
Having said that, I would be willing to share their recommendations with members.
We're on page 3-11.
That's an information item.
Distribution of budget is an information item.
Page 3-12.
If there are no further comments, we'll go on to page 3-5.
Finance and administration, branch summary.
Detail of expenditures. Total operations and maintenance, 38 million 955 thousand dollars.
Total expenditures, 38 million 955 thousand dollars.
Do you agree that the main estimates are complete.
I would like to thank the minister and his staff.
If you want to say your closing remarks.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: I'd thank the committee and thank Mr. Vardy.
We'll take a short 15-minute break then we'll move on to the Human Resources Department.
While they're preparing we'll have a short 15-minute break.
>> Committee recessed at 1.48 p.m. and resumed at 2.05 p.m.
At this time, we will be dealing with Mr. Ng, Bill 1, Appropriation Act 2001-2002, Human Resources.
Mr. Ng you can do your opening remarks.
I am pleased to present the budget of the Department of Human Resources for fiscal year 2001-2002.
The Department of Human Resources has a total budget of nearly 18.5 million dollars.
Of this budget, the major components are:
5.6 million dollars for compensation and benefits;
5.7 million dollars for removal;
3.3 million dollars in support of government-wide training programs;
2.3 million dollars for the decentralization; and,
1.5 million dollars for other operations and maintenance costs.
The department has a complement of 53 positions, including 15 positions in Qikiqtaaluk, Kivalliq and Kitikmeot regions.
In fact, I am pleased to report that the department is operating at 94% staffing capacity.
The department is committed to directing, advising and supporting excellence across Nunavut’s public service.
To achieve this, the department requires the necessary resources to effectively carry out its functions and responsibilities.
As a central agency of government, the department’s key functions are:
Recruitment and retention of the public service;
Job Evaluation and organizational design;
Training and Development;
Labour Relations;
Human Resource Policy Development; and,
Human Resource Management support to all departments and agencies.
Mr. Chairman, the programs and services of the department are supportive of the Nunavut Land Claim Agreement.
We are fully committed to ensure the government hires, trains, and retains people in a responsive and fair manner, while putting particular emphasis on our Article 23 obligations.
This is a priority within the department and is demonstrated by the fact that we are allocating 1.7 million dollars to implement and support the Government of Nunavut’s Inuit Employment Plan.
Mr. Chair, the department is also committed to ensuring the wellness of all Government of Nunavut employees. With this in mind, the Workplace Wellness initiative was expanded to 750 thousand dollars for the fiscal year 2001-2002.
It is the objective of the department to provide an effective worksite wellness program for our employees.
Other government-wide training programs such as employment orientation, language, specialized training and summer students will also be made accessible to all Government of Nunavut departments.
In closing Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank you for this opportunity to address the committee.
I look forward to answering any questions the members may have.
I would like to ask the Chairman of the Standing Committee on Government Operations to do his opening remarks.
The Standing Committee on Government Operations and Services has carefully reviewed the budget estimates and business plan of the Department of Human Resources for the upcoming fiscal year and we think it is great we have no questions.
The committee notes that the department's budget for the 2001-2002 fiscal year is approximately 18.5 million dollars.
This is an increase of approximately one million dollars from the department's 2000-2001 main estimates.
Members were pleased to note an increase in the funding for training and development, as well as separate contribution funding for Nunavut Arctic College to deliver pre-employment programs in decentralized communities.
Members will be interested in exploring what types of training are envisioned to be delivered by Nunavut Arctic College, and for what types of positions.
The Department of Human Resource’s 2001-2002 business plan clearly articulates some of the major challenges that face the government in the area of recruitment and retention.
Two of the main factors include the high cost of living Mr. Chairman, and a lack of affordable housing.
Members have been frustrated with the lack of an apparent strategy on the part of the government to address the staff housing issue.
Mr. Chairman, the release last week of the latest figures on Government of Nunavut staffing across Nunavut has some good news, and some reasons for concern.
Members were pleased to note that the total number of Government of Nunavut positions has increased in over a dozen communities from the figures of March 31, 2000.
Members also note that while the total number of Inuit hired has increased in about sixteen communities, there has been a decrease in others.
Members also note that the share of total GN positions in the three largest communities has dropped to approximately 55% -- this trend does indicate that decentralization is moving forward.
Mr. Chairman, it is unclear to members when the government expects to achieve full staffing capacity.
The March 2000 figures indicate that 75% of a total of 2,664 positions were filled.
The December figures indicate that 79% of a total of 2,789 positions were filled.
While close to 200 people have been hired during the time, it would appear that it will still take a number of years to fill all of the vacant positions at the current rate of hiring.
Members also note that the total number of positions on the government's organizational charts appears to be steadily increasing with each employment report, even though many existing vacancies are not being filled.
Members would question what the "final" size of the public service is envisioned to be.
Mr. Chairman, the government's commitment towards achieving representative levels of Inuit employment in the public service is one which we all share.
Members were pleased to note that the total number of Inuit hired has increased.
However, it is clear that the headquarters region is an exception, with only 29% of positions filled by Inuit -- a 4% decrease from March of last year.
The committee has suggested that the department look hard at the reasons why our staff leave the government.
Challenges such as the availability of childcare come to mind.
We hope that the government's recruitment and retention strategy, which we understand is forthcoming, will look at ways to assist our staff balance the responsibilities of home and the workplace.
We must make the public service an attractive place to work.
The introduction of a workplace wellness program is a positive step.
Members will wish to see the effectiveness of this program evaluated over the coming year.
Members are also concerned that the assistance provided to employees seeking help is delivered in a culturally sensitive fashion, and available in the languages of our territory.
The committee also feels that the different needs of men and women need to be taken into account.
As a first step, it would be useful for the government to also produce employment figures that indicate where men and women fit within the public service, as these are not readily apparent in the information published to date, and in the absence of a departmental annual report on the public service.
Mr. Chairman, members of the committee have noted the sad reality that while unemployment in our communities is high, the government cannot find sufficient numbers of people competent to do the job.
The department's business plan is forthright in acknowledging that long-term solutions lie in the area of education, but the committee continues to feel that every effort should be made for the department to work with partners in the area of training and in eliminating artificial barriers to employment for Nunavummiut who can do the job.
Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening comments. I would anticipate that individual members may wish to raise their own comments and questions as we proceed.
Minister for Human Resources, you may take your seat at the witness table.
Is it the wish of the committee to have the minister’s witnesses join him.
Sergeant-At-Arms, please bring in the witnesses.
Thank you, Sergeant-At-Arms.
Mr. Ng, please introduce your officials.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: To my left is Mr. David Omilgoitok, the Deputy Minister and to my right Mr. Tom Thompson, Assistant Deputy Minister.
We are dealing with the Department of Human Resources.
I would like to inform the members that the main estimates for 2001-2002 for this department begin on 4-6.
Human Resources, program summary.
Operations and maintenance, total 1 million 79 thousand.
Members have 10 minutes for general comments.
Just on the opening remarks before we go into detail.
Looking at the minister’s opening remarks and the response by the committee chairman, these opening remarks seem to reflect or at least are similar to the Finance & Administration opening remarks.