EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a very special person in my life and a special person in my family’s life.
Right last spring, my wife and I had the opportunity and privilege of participating in a birthday party of our aunt’s 100th birthday that was in June.
Today, I want to recognize her little brother’s birthday. Mr. James Manigyogina has turned 87 and he has been my father-in-law for the last 37 years, so I am very pleased to rise today and mention a few words of him.
He spent a lot of time, almost 40 years, working for the DEW line sites right across the north, from the early days of construction to almost the very end.
Not only that, he spent a lot of time as a northern ranger training survival skills for the military that came from down south. Not only that, he spent a lot of time at elders’ and youth camps helping the young parents and youth with land skills, survival skills, and traditional skills, including languages.
I wish my father-in-law a very happy 87th birthday.
Return to Oral Question 237 – 4(2): Oil and Gas Development (Kuksuk)
I say “good afternoon” to my fellow residents of Nunavut and Arviat.
Mr. Speaker, if it’s alright with you, before I proceed with my return, I would like to say that I feel for the people of my community today, especially the people who have lost a relative.
I was just informed about the passing of an individual whom a lot of us know, Mr. Vital Ulayuk.
He will be greatly missed by the people of Arviat, especially today.
I send my condolences to his family in Baker Lake.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I have a Return to Oral Question No. 237 – 4(2) asked by the Member for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu on October 28, 2014 concerning oil and gas development.
Mr. Speaker, the return is quite detailed.
I have filed it with the Clerk for transcribing to the Hansard for the public record and for distribution to all members.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Returns to Oral  Questions.
*See Appendix for full text of Return to Oral Question 237 – 4(2) filed with the Clerk.
I would like to recognize the people here from Pangnirtung, Anita Evic, Priscilla Angnakak, and Doreen Kanayuk.
They are students who came in from Pangnirtung.
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister Mr. Quassa.
I would also like to recognize the Nunavut Political Science class.
They are learning about the Nunavut government system, what the Legislative Assembly does, who the MLAs are and their constituents, where their ridings are, who the ministers are, and how the Legislative Assembly functions, which is a very appropriate class.
I will be reading out the names.
Firstly, the substitute instructor is Ooloota Maatiusi. Some of the students were already recognized, but I would like to welcome:
Priscilla Angnakak,
Anita Evic,
Lydia Innualuk from Pond Inlet,
Doreen Kanayuk from Pangnirtung,
Louisa Kipsigak from Igloolik, and
Corianna Manitok again from Igloolik.
We also have, and I hope I say it correctly, Bryton Moyles. (interpretation ends) I’m sorry if I mispronounced it.
He’s from Lewisport, Newfoundland.
(interpretation ends) We also have Mary Pijamini from Iqaluit and Jamesee Pisuktie again from Iqaluit.
Please welcome the students to the Gallery.
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. (interpretation) Thank you.
I have no more names on my list. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister Mr. Okalik.
I just recognized someone on the other side that used to sit here in the House where you are now sitting, and I still use his mug to this day.
I wish to warmly welcome James Arreak to the House.
Speaker (interpretation): Please be welcome to the House. (interpretation ends) I would like to take this opportunity to recognize a group of visitors who are in the Gallery today.
Joining us today is a group of senior federal public servants who are currently in Iqaluit for a steady tour on northern issues as part of their executive leadership program.
This tour has been organized by the Institute on Governance and the tour leader is Ms. Katherine Waters.
Please join me in welcoming our guests.
(interpretation) Thank you. Welcome to the Gallery. (interpretation ends) Item 6.
Question 288 – 4(2): Agreement on Internal Trade (Hickes)
Mr. Speaker, the Agreement on Internal Trade is an intergovernmental trade agreement signed by Canadian First Ministers that came into force in 1995. Its purpose is to “reduce and eliminate, to the extent possible, barriers to the free movement of persons, goods, services and investments within Canada and to establish an open, efficient and stable domestic market.”
However, Mr. Speaker, Nunavut is not a signatory to the Agreement on Internal Trade, but has observer status.
In August of this year, the Premier attended the annual meeting of Canada’s provincial and territorial premiers. Following this meeting, he issued a communiqué in which he stated that, and I quote, “Nunavut is supportive of a modernized internal trade agreement, one that would bring benefits to the territory.”
Mr. Speaker, can the Premier describe what specific elements of a modernized trade agreement Nunavut is looking for?
I appreciate the member’s keen interest in the Agreement on Internal Trade.
Mr. Speaker, I did participate in the Council of the Federation in August down in PEI. At that time, a steering committee was formed led by four premiers, the premiers of Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan.
Mr. Speaker, the negotiations are still ongoing. We are hoping that we can get an update in January.
Mr. Speaker, although Nunavut is the only jurisdiction that hasn’t assented to this agreement, we are quite keen on getting to that point where we have free mobility of people, professionals, and also goods going back and forth throughout the great jurisdictions of Canada.
On Friday, I asked a number of questions concerning the recent meeting of the forum of labour ministers. The government’s report from this meeting indicated that there have been revisions to the Labour Mobility Chapter of the Agreement on Internal Trade.
An example is, although “individuals are still required to apply to jurisdictional regulators for certification in their occupation…workers in regulated occupations can apply to be certified in the same occupation in another province or territory without having to undergo significant additional training, examination or assessment.”
Can the Premier indicate what additional changes the Government of Nunavut is looking for in this area?
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut has a small little population of 36,000. We’re quite interested in seeing more freedom of trade within our jurisdiction, especially the mobility of labourers and apprenticeships. We want to see more of that happening.
As I indicated, those are still being negotiated with other jurisdictions.
In Nunavut, we want to make sure that our land claims agreement is protected, especially Article 24, that being the NNI Policy that’s within the government here.
We’ve got to make sure that during a session of signing onto the agreement, there’s an initial carve-out of the protection of the NNI Policy.
I look forward to some further discussions with the Premier on that matter. It might help alleviate some of the vacant positions that the Minister of Finance tabled in his report yesterday towards a representative public government.
Mr. Speaker, one of the announcements that were made at the August meeting of provincial and territorial premiers was a commitment to undertake a comprehensive renewal of the Agreement on Internal Trade.
Can the Premier indicate what the timetable is for Nunavut to sign the Agreement on Internal Trade?
I’m not going to speak on behalf of the other jurisdictions.
Once all jurisdictions have agreed, including Nunavut, I will certainly let the member know when that’s going to be taking place.
Question 289 – 4(2): Government Restructuring (Angnakak)
My question is also for the Premier. He is on the hot seat today.
In July of 2012, the previous government announced a number of major structural changes, including the splitting of the Department of Health and Social Services into two entities, and the absorption of the staff and functions of the Department of Human Resources into the departments of Finance and Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs.
Can the Premier describe how the government is evaluating the extent to which these structural changes are achieving their intended goal of strengthening the delivery of programs and services to our residents?
Mr. Speaker, when we structured in the Inuit employment side into EIA, it was to ensure that our training programs would fit the needs of our employees within the government.
That is strictly more or less based on Article 23 of our Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, to get more Inuit beneficiaries into the government workforce.
For the second part of the question on social services and health, it is still being worked on; it’s a moving target. We have initiated some changes so that we could better serve the people of Nunavut.
At some point in time, we will be evaluating what the outcomes may be.
On June 3, 2011, the Minister of Finance informed the Legislative Assembly that the government had engaged a well-respected former public servant, Mr. Ken Lovely, to undertake a comprehensive review of the government’s organizational structure.
It is my understanding that Mr. Lovely’s report contained a number of recommendations that led to the organizational changes that were subsequently announced in 2012.
I believe that it would benefit all Members of the Legislative Assembly to have the opportunity to review the rationale and recommendations which led to the government’s current structure.
Would the Premier commit to tabling a copy of this report in the House before the end of this current sitting?
I appreciate the question from the hon. member.
Mr. Speaker, as governments go, we had a change in government in 2013.
Of course, some of the ongoing work that was inherited from the previous government, at times, we’re working on these and trying to improve the outcomes and improve the services provided for the people of Nunavut. For the tabling of that document, I’ll check with my colleagues to make sure that we’re able to do that.
I thank the Premier for his good answer.
We will look forward to receiving that information.
Mr. Speaker, earlier this year, the Legislative Assembly was informed that the government would be “hiring an independent organization” to support its current program review initiative.
Can the Premier describe the extent to which the current program review initiative is looking at potential changes to the number or structure of departments, agencies, and territorial corporations?
We have initiated an RFP, request for proposals, to ensure that the programs we want to review are the ones that the government is uncertain of its outcome.
What I mean by that is we have to get value for the dollar that we put out there in contributions and grants, and we want to ensure it benefits the people of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, as I indicated, there is an RFP out at this moment, at this current time, trying to retain a group that can assist us in doing that.
Question 290 – 4(2): Baker Lake Roads (Mikkungwak)
Mr. Speaker, last Friday, I made a Member’s Statement expressing my appreciation to several ministers who toured our community I represent over this past summer.
The Minister of Community and Government Services partook in that tour.
During that tour, the minister obviously noted, with his own eyes, the scenic beauty of Baker Lake.
However, on the other hand, he also experienced dustiness during summer in the community.
The road from the airport showcased the dusty conditions we complain about as we drove amidst clouds of dust from the airport to the community.
Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that for the majority of communities in Nunavut, local roads are mostly unpaved. However, at this current time, they are treated with calcium chloride, which is a primary means for fighting dust on our roads.
It is also my personal understanding that calcium chloride cannot be used within a certain distance of airports.
They are not allowed to get too close to airports.
Would the minister agree that the best long-term permanent solution for dust control will be paving community roads?
I thank the member for his question because it has an impact on all Nunavut communities and is continually being addressed. We have been kept abreast in regard to this issue.
I went to Baker Lake last summer and I too saw the dust on the roads. At this time, I can state that we provide funding to all local governments annually to fight the dust on the roads.
We are now working with all communities in Nunavut on how to combat this dust problem.
As the minister will recall, the road from the airport to the community is particularly long and that is very problematic in Baker Lake.
Would the minister consider doing a feasibility of paving this stretch of the community’s roads as a priority?
At this time, we are in discussions with various communities about the best methods for dust suppression in the communities.
During this winter, we have plans to discuss these issues with the communities to search for the best and safest dust suppression method.
There is no doubt that growth of the mining sector has resulted in a significant impact in the Kivalliq.
As a result of mining development, it goes without saying that summer traffic is having a growing effect on roads in Baker Lake.
Given the increase of on road traffic in Baker Lake and recognizing the health of people, paving is unquestionably the solution to reducing detriment to health.
Can the minister indicate if such projects are eligible for federal support under the Building Canada Fund that the minister has spoken about?
I can tell my colleague that this coming weekend, I will be going to Rankin Inlet to attend the meeting with NAMA, (interpretation ends) Nunavut Association of Municipal Administrators. (interpretation) We will have a meeting with them and we will be discussing the topic of dust on the roads.
When I return to Iqaluit, the Nunavut Association of Municipalities will be holding a meeting and discussing this matter with us.
Through these meetings, we will discuss how we can properly deal with this issue.
Question 291 – 4(2): Development Partnership Agreements (Enook)
Good afternoon to the people of Pond Inlet, residents of Nunavut, and visitors in the Gallery. Welcome.
Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of Transportation.
In May of this year, I asked the minister about the status of negotiating a development partnership agreement with Baffinland in relation to the Mary River project near Pond Inlet.
In my questions to the minister, I noted that the Nunavut Impact Review Board had strongly encouraged the Government of Nunavut and Baffinland to “enter into discussions to negotiate a development partnership agreement.”
Can the minister update me today on whether negotiations for a development partnership agreement for the Mary River project have begun or when they will start?
Mr. Speaker, up to date, as per my previous responses to that issue, I reiterated that there is only one agreement within that category the member alluded to between our government and the mining company.
With respect to the member’s question, there still isn’t an agreement to date. That is what I can respond with.
As the minister is aware and has just stated, there is currently one development partnership agreement in place between the Government of Nunavut and Agnico-Eagle Mines in relation to the Meadowbank project.
Can the minister indicate if his department is looking at basing its development partnership agreement with Baffinland on the existing DPA that’s in place with Agnico-Eagle?
I can’t state categorically that this agreement would mirror that agreement he refers to between the government and Agnico-Eagle.
However, the agreement process includes collaborative meetings between the government and the mining company. At the same time, we also need to work with community representatives as part of the process to reaching an agreement. That is how it would play out.
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) As the minister is aware, mining companies are required to enter into a development partnership agreement with the government in order to be eligible to participate in the government’s Fuel Tax Rebate Program.
In light of last week’s court judgment regarding the Fuel Tax Rebate Program, I am concerned that mining companies may be reluctant to enter into development partnership agreements with this government.
Can the minister assure me that the Department of Economic Development and [Transportation] is working closely with the Department of Finance to ensure that entering into development partnership agreements for the benefit of our territory’s residents remains an attractive option for mining companies?
I can tell my colleague that with respect to the member’s question, we will work closely with the (interpretation ends) finance department (interpretation) before the DPA is finalized.
The finance department would be involved in the fuel tax component as it would be part of the DPA.
Yes, we will be working with the Department of Finance in this process.
Question 292 – 4(2): Medical Travel Escort Policy (Joanasie)
Mr. Speaker, I am sure the minister is aware from time to time about medical clients who travel to receive medical care and treatment away from their home may be gone for very long periods of time.
Sometimes that client has to have an escort and so that escort also has to be away from home for a similarly long time.
Can the minister indicate whether or not there are any limits to the length of time that an escort has to remain with a medical client?
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for that question.
There are four different criteria for patients who need an escort as we send out patients to hospitals for different reasons. We follow the four criteria as to how long the escort has to stay down.
For example, if a person is under the age of majority or has reached the age of majority, that is one criterion.
Normally, there aren’t any limits when there are other considerations as well.
Maybe I didn’t make my question clear enough. I was asking if there is a time limit for escorts to spend in the south.
My second supplementary question is, I have heard from an escort who was told that there was a four-week maximum. The escort would then have to go home after four weeks and be replaced by another escort.
In the department’s website, under (c), it states that “After a four week period, a Client Escort may submit a request to a Director, to travel home, and a new Client Escort may be authorized.”
Can the minister clarify what specific circumstances in which an escort would be required to leave after four weeks is up and another escort sent to accompany a medical client?
Medical patients on medical travel outside of their communities and who are approved for an escort and are expected to be gone for an extended period are subject to an agreement.
This agreement can be made so that after a specified number of weeks have passed, another escort can be sent to replace their original escort.
If you want more information on this policy, you can speak to our medical travel staff and/or if you wish to lodge a complaint, then you can make further enquiries to our patient relations officers.
People can also enquire about these policies or any other health-related matter.
Further, this policy is also available on our website for anyone to peruse.
Your second supplementary, Mr. Joanasie.
Mr. Speaker, yes, I do appreciate that the Medical Travel Policy is scheduled to be reviewed. Furthermore, if there are any improvements that have to be made, revisions can be made in the future.
Can the minister commit to having the issue I raised in my question reviewed for revisions to the policy by her department?
The reason why I raise this question is firstly to try to enact more savings for the department, as some of my constituents have expressed concerns and complaints about this policy.
Some patients who expressed their desire to extend their escorts’ stay have had their escorts sent home and a replacement escort sent down.
This isn’t exactly a cheap way to resolve the issue and triggers more expenditures for her department.
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member as well.
Since I don’t have the particulars about a patient and their circumstances, it is hard to respond adequately without some background information.
However, if any complaints are lodged with you, I would recommend sending them onto the Patient Relations Office so that their complaint can be looked after.
When a medical patient is to spend an extended period being away and asks for another escort after a certain time, it is at the discretion of the patient. Our officials generally ask the patient if they would prefer to maintain the same escort. I haven’t heard about any case where patients have asked for their escorts to be replaced at a certain time.
This policy, as I reiterated this past summer, expired and that it would be under review for a year, which is taking place now.
Further, they are consulting lawyers to ensure that the entire policy is reviewed, not just bits and parts of it.
This is also part of the review process on options to change the policy.
I can’t tell you if there will be changes to the policy and I don’t want to create any false expectations, as this policy is under review up to the end of this fiscal year.
We expect that this review will be completed by the end of 2015 and that these issues we wanted reviewed will result in recommendations, if any are needed.
We will be sure to announce these changes, if any, at the appropriate time.
Question 293 – 4(2): Supporting Our Children (Shooyook)
Mr. Speaker, in my Member’s Statement, I spoke about the need to support our children. One way to do that is to help their parents turn away from unhealthy activities like alcohol abuse, substance abuse, and gambling.
Can the minister tell us what programs her department has in place to assist parents who spend their social assistance on alcohol or gambling instead of on food for their children?
Thank you to the Member for Quttiktuq for asking that question.
The Department of Family Services usually deals with parents with addiction problems when they apply for income support. Social workers refer clients who have addictions problems to mental health workers.
The Minister of Health is involved in this area through mental health workers where addiction problems arise.
Can the minister describe what programs her department has in place to provide support to children who are suffering because their own parents have spent the social assistance money on alcohol or gambling?
What is the policy with respect to addictions problems? Do you have a requirement for the proper care of children and advice on how parents can better fulfill their roles?
I thank my colleague. I believe the member is asking two different questions.
We don’t have the authority to tell our clients what they should be spending their social assistance payments on because we have no jurisdiction over that. There is no legislation that empowers us to do that.
Thank you for helping me to understand.
I keep going back to how Inuit societal values are non-existent within the Department of Family Services and that is a barrier when we want to help our children across Nunavut.
With that being the case, as minister, will you be working hard for Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and Inuit social practices to be fully integrated and allow Inuit to be equally represented?
Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to thank the Member for Quttiktuq for those questions.
I can only respond by saying that social workers are going to be having a meeting this month and that is going to be part of the agenda under the topic of Inunnguiniq (raising human beings) aimed at parents.