EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Tabled Document 095 – 3(3): DEA Coalition Motion on Suicide Alertness and Intervention Training (Elliott)
I have three items to table today.
For the benefit of all members, I wish to table a copy of a presentation that was recently made at the 2011 Nunavut Trade Show. The presentation is titled Baffinland Iron, Mines Mary River Project: Bringing Opportunities to Nunavut. I urge all members to review the document with care.
The second document, for the benefit of all members, I wish to table an article from the September 2011 edition of Up Here magazine.
The article, which is titled “Bite Me,” concerns the federal Nutrition North Canada Program.
I urge all members to review the document with care prior to our meeting next week with the chairperson of the Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board and officials from the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development.
The third document, Mr. Speaker, I wish to table a copy of a motion that was carried unanimously by the members of the DEA coalition almost exactly one year ago.
The motion calls on the GN’s Department of Education to make suicide alertness and intervention training available to all staff as soon as possible and on an ongoing basis.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I would like to question the Minister of Education on what her department is doing to provide such training to education staff.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Elliott. Item 13.
Tabling of Documents.  Tabled Document 096 – 3(3): Speaker’s List of Outstanding Statutory Tabling Requirements (Speaker)
Tabled Document 097 – 3(3): 2010-2011 Annual Report of the Languages Commissioner of Nunavut (Speaker)
I have a couple of documents to table. The first one I wish to table today is a list of outstanding statutory tabling requirements.
This list is current as of the end of September 28, 2011 sitting of the House.
The second item I would like to table is the 2010-2011 Annual Report of the Languages Commissioner of Nunavut.
Motion 015 – 3(3): Extended Sitting Hours and Days – Notice (Ningeongan)
I give notice that on Thursday, October 20, 2011, I will move the following motion:
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that the Speaker be authorized to set such sitting hours and days that the Speaker deems fit to assist with the business before the House during the fall 2011 sitting of the Legislative Assembly;
And further I move that when the House concludes its sitting of Monday, October 24, 2011, that it stand adjourned until Wednesday, October 26, 2011, to allow for a special meeting of the Full Caucus to be held in this Chamber on Tuesday, October 25, 2011.
Bill 13 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2011-2012 – Notice
Bill 14 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2011-2012 – Notice
Bill 15 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2012-2013 – Notice
Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Thursday, October 20, 2011, that Bill 13, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2011-2012, be read for the first time.
Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Thursday, October 20, 2011, that Bill 14, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2011-2012, be read for the first time.
And finally, Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Thursday, October 20, 2011, that Bill 15, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2012-2013, be read for the first time.
Motion 015 – 3(3): Extended Sitting Hours and Days (Ningeongan)
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that the Speaker be authorized to set such sitting hours and days that the Speaker deems to fit to assist with the business before the House during the fall 2011 sitting of the Legislative Assembly.
And further, I move that when the House concludes its sitting of Monday, October 24, 2011, that it stand adjourned until Wednesday, October 26, 2011, to allow for a special meeting of the Full Caucus to be held in this Chamber on Tuesday, October 25, 2011.
None. The motion is carried.
Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, I request consent of this Assembly to waive the two-day notice requirement to allow for the first reading of Bill 13, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2011-2012.
The minister is seeking consent to waive the two-day waiting rule so that Bill 13 can be read for the first time.
Speaker: Please proceed, Minister Peterson.
Bill 13 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2011-2012 – First Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 13, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2011-2012, be read for the first time.
I request consent of this Assembly to waive the two-day notice requirement to allow for the first reading of Bill 14, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2011-2012.
The minister is seeking consent to waive the two-day waiting rule so that Bill 14 can be read for the first time.
Bill 14 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2011-2012 – First Reading
I move, seconded by Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 14, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2011-2012, be read for the first time.
None. The motion is carried and Bill 14 has been read for the first time.
I request consent of this Assembly to waive the two-day notice requirement to allow for the first reading of Bill 15, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2012-2013. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The minister is seeking consent to waive the two-day waiting rule so that Bill 15 can be read for the first time.
Bill 15 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2012-2013 – First Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 15, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2012-2013, be read for the first time.
The motion is carried and Bill 15 has been read for the first time.
Bill 13 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2011-2012 – Second Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 13, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2011-2012, be read for the second time.
The motion is carried and Bill 13 is referred to the Committee of the Whole.
Bill 14 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2011-2012 – Second Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 14, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2011-2012, be read for the second time.
The motion is carried and Bill 14 is referred to the Committee of the Whole.
Bill 15 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2012-2013 – Second Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 15, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2012-2013, be read for the second time.
Mr. Speaker, this bill authorizes the Government of Nunavut to make capital expenditures for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013.
There being none. The motion is carried and Bill 15 is referred to the Committee of the Whole.
Item 19. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters. Mr. Ningeongan.
Motion 016 – 3(3): Adjournment for the Day (Ningeongan)
Pursuant to Rule 46, I move, seconded by the Member for Quttiktuq, that the House adjourn for the day.
I guess we can move on to the orders of the day. Item 22. Mr. Clerk.
Just a reminder to the regular members of various meetings of the standing committees and they start tomorrow at nine o’clock.
This House stands adjourned until Wednesday, October 19, at 1:30 p.m.
>>House adjourned at 15:44 Appendix to Nunavut Hansard of October 18, 2011: Returns to Oral and Written Questions
Return to Oral Question 104 – 3(3): School Non-Attenders
Asked of: Hon. Eva Aariak, Minister of Education
Date: June 6, 2011
Under the Education Act, district education authorities are required to establish attendance policies for their communities. Can the minister update this House on how many DEAs have their attendance policies written and what is being done to support and encourage those DEAs that have not yet finalized their community attendance policies?
Currently, District Education Authorities (DEAs) are not required to develop or adopt attendance policies (Transition Regulations – section 12(1)) until July 1, 2012.
In the meantime, DEAs may choose to do so if they wish.
Once the regulations regarding these policies are completed there will be time provided to DEAs to develop their policies as well.
DEAs will receive support in all aspects of the development and implementation process.
DEAs have received (in 2010-11) and will continue to receive funding to support the development and implementation of attendance programs for schools in their educational district.
The Department of Education has focused first on Inuuqatigiittiarniq Policies and initiatives.
These policies and school initiatives are very important to support attendance and success of students by supporting a positive school environment where students are safe and welcome.
The Registration and Attendance Policies will be able to proceed, with Department of Education support, once Inuuqatigiittiarniq Policies are in place.
Return to Oral Question 112 – 3(3): Work Performed on QEC President’s House by QEC Employees
Asked of: Hon. Lorne Kusugak, Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation
Date: June 7, 2011
To correct the allegation contained in Mr. Schell’s preamble regarding work being completed by QEC staff at the QEC President’s house, I would like to clearly state for the record that this is not the QEC President’s house.
QEC staff did deliver old used power poles to a house where they were used by the homeowner to help build up a driveway.
Old poles are often distributed in communities when requested in order top avoid them becoming landfill.
It is estimated that it took 30 to 45 minutes for staff to drop off and secure these poles at the residence.
This job was not coded to a project or budget, nor was it paid for by the President of Qulliq Energy.
Return to Oral Question 131 – 3(3): Replacement of Taloyoak Air Terminal Building
Asked of: Hon. Peter Taptuna, Minister of Economic Development and Transportation
Date: June 9, 2011
My department recognizes the need for renewal of the airport in Taloyoak, and we are very pleased to be completing the resurfacing of the runway and replacement of the airfield lighting system.
These are the primary safety components of the airport, and I am sure the Member understands why we had to undertake these projects first.
The $50,000 that the Member is referring to appears in the 2012-13 column of the 2011-12 capital plan.
Its appearance there marks its place in my department’s priorities, and indicates our intention to start that project as soon as possible.
It is important to note, however, that the 2012-13 capital plan has not yet been voted on or approved.
Because of this, it is not possible to provide an answer as to when this work will be tendered.
At this point it is not possible to confirm that this project will remain in the 2012-13 capital plan until it comes before this legislature for a vote.
All I can confirm for the Member is that the project is a priority for my department, and that it will be initiated as soon as the funding is available.
Return to Oral Question 132 – 3(3): Renal Care in Nunavut
Asked by: Johnny Ningeongan, MLA (Nanulik)
On June 9, 2011 the Member from Nanulik asked an oral question in the Legislature regarding renal care in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, a growing concern for the Department of Health and Social Services is meeting challenges associated with caring for Nunavummiut suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) or kidney failure.
For these clients, dialysis is the only life preserving treatment available.
Clients who are able to be placed on peritoneal dialysis (PD) do have the ability, with considerable education and support, to receive care and treatment in Nunavut.
Unless fortunate enough to receive a transplanted kidney, currently Nunavut clients requiring hemodialysis do not have this option.
Mr. Speaker, the Department has a desire to offer a wider range of health services within the territory so that these clients will not have to receive care and treatment in the south, away from family and friends.
To this purpose, an analysis was performed in 2009-2010 to determine needs assessment and a cost-benefit analysis in offering treatment in the Territory.
A very generous estimate of the costs of providing hemodialysis in the south for one patient is about $100,000 per year including treatment, accommodation and extensive travel, which is covered by the territorial and federal government.
If all Nunavummiut who currently receive treatment in the south were to move to one location in Nunavut for treatment (if the government did not cover relocation expenses or any cost of living in the new location) the cost savings could be $300,000, which does not cover the estimated operations and maintenance and capital financing.
Mr. Speaker, as the analysis indicates, the costs of providing hemodialysis in Nunavut would be about $2 million in capital costs and backup equipment, and over $700,000 ongoing for human resources necessary to treat patients and maintain the equipment to properly manage the risk.
Specific barriers to implementing this program in Nunavut exist.
Among them are the lack of available capital resources or operations and maintenance.
As well, the project would rely on remote monitoring through satellite connection, which is inconsistent in any community in Nunavut.
The lack of availability of critical care services if a patient ‘crashes’ is another issue, as well as the need for highly specialized mechanical requirements for the facility, including a reliable water source, filtration equipment, and electrical requirements.
A site analysis would have to be completed to determine if a particular community would be able to support the specialized mechanical requirements required for hemodialysis.
Mr. Speaker, whenever options for the introduction of a new service into Nunavut’s health delivery system are explored, my Department must analyze the potential benefits, risks, opportunity costs and financial considerations to the greatest degree possible.
Although I fully appreciate the sense of urgency families face when dealing with serious medical conditions, and the strain that they feel when they have to travel or move outside the Territory to receive care and treatment, our government must take the time and deliberation required for deciding on major new investments in our health system.
At this point in time, with the current financial realities we face, as well as the fact that there are not enough clients requiring dialysis to make the service economically feasible, the Department of Health and Social Services cannot justify the additional expense to the government for providing expanded dialysis services in the territory.
However, the Department will continue to work to explore options to provide optimal services to these clients.
With support from southern nephrologists and other renal care professionals as well as health care staff in Nunavut, the possibility of Nunavummiut who receive hemodialysis returning home for a 2 -3 day visit is being explored.
As well, the Department continues to work to explore options for improved health and social services delivery in the Territory.
Health prevention measures such as preventing obesity, diabetes and kidney disease remains a priority for HSS.
Return to Written Question 004 – 3(3): Foster Care
Date: May 31, 2011
The Department does not accept applications from foster parents outside of the territory.
The Department currently does not have a digitized information system, therefore it is not possible to provide data regarding March 31st.
As of June 7th, 2011:
4 children or youth are currently in foster care out of territory
2 are in Alberta;
1 is in Quebec; and
1 is in Ontario.
All of these children were originally placed in Nunavut foster homes.
For these children, the Department approved their move south when their foster families relocated.
The Department does not currently have a digitized information system, therefore it is not possible to provide data regarding March 31st.
As of June 7th 2011:
50 children or youth are receiving specialized care out of territory
2 are in medical institutions;
12 are in alternate medical care group homes;
5 are in specialized care homes for the medically fragile; and
31 are in behavioural management group homes.
As noted in the response to Question 1, the Department does not accept applications from foster parents outside of the territory.
The Department does not contract out foster care services outside of the territory to organizations or institutions.
For the 4 foster parents noted in Question 1, they are monitored by the Department of Health and Social Services.
Standards and procedures are in place to ensure children’s safety and proper care, including associated documentation:
Foster home application by both parents;
Foster parent/s medical examination(s);
Foster home study;
Foster home agreement; and
Criminal records check on all adults in the proposed home
Pre-approved foster homes are being reviewed to ensure that all reviews have been completed and the proper documentation is on file.
Beyond the use of pre-approved foster homes, wherever possible, extended family is used to provide foster care.
These homes are given preliminary approval when the social worker has established that no previous or outstanding child protection concerns exist.
Review and documentation then occurs within the following timelines:
Foster home application by both parents – 10 days;
Foster parent/s medical examination(s) – 10 days;
Foster home study – 30 days;
Foster home agreement – at time of placement; and
Criminal records check on all adults in the proposed home – 10 days
Foster parent files during the period noted that have been audited have been found to be incomplete.
Based on this information, the Department cannot verify that the foster parent applications in the time period concerned were handled according to its prescribed standards and procedures.
Foster home reviews are currently underway.
Cambridge Bay and Pond Inlet foster homes have all been reviewed and are up to Departmental standards.
The Department does not condone deviating from prescribed processes in the screening and approval of foster parents.
As noted in the responses to Question 1 and Question 5, the Department does not accept applications from foster parents outside of the territory.
The Department has not been able to hire a Residential Care Coordinator.
The Department’s social workers either call the facility ahead of time to arrange a visit with a child in residential care, or they may drop in unannounced in order to assess day-to-day living.
The Department does not currently have a digitized information system with which to report this information.
However, sample case reviews indicate that very few on-site visits were conducted of out-of-territory residential care facilities in which Nunavut children were placed during the period in question.
The Department has launched an initiative that will ensure that children and youth in out-of-territory residential care facilities will be visited this fiscal year, and to ensure that this will be an ongoing standard procedure, as per Departmental standards.
Case management for children in care is provided by an assigned Community Social Services Worker, who has overall responsibility for monitoring each child’s care and development.
Foster parents provide for the daily care and nurturance of the child, and monitor their diet, social activities, health and school progress.
They report to the case manager any concerns or problems that arise.
Medical, dental and vision checkups are regularly provided for foster children, and the resulting reports reviewed by the foster parents and case manager.
School progress notes and report cards are monitored by both the foster parents and case manager.
For the 4 children or youth noted in the response to Question 1, these cases are considered “temporary placements” in that these children or youth have not been adopted or placed permanently with the families.
The Department retains decision making authority over these children or youth and therefore continues to have financial responsibility.
General counselling by local social services workers is available to parents who have had their children removed from their care.
A Plan of Care is developed and, wherever possible, the parents are involved in its development.
Referrals for substance abuse and/or mental health counselling are also made, as appropriate.
In cases where the child came into care under a voluntary agreement – the time-limited and specific purpose(s) of the agreement specify when and under what conditions the child will be returned to parental care.
In cases where the child was removed from parental care due to being deemed in need of protection – when those issues that brought the child into protective status are resolved, the child can be returned to parental care.
In instances where the court temporarily suspends parental rights for a length of time – the child is returned to parental care once the order terminates.
In instances where the court has severed parental rights through a permanent care order – the child will not be returned to parental care as long as the order is in place.
For the 4 children or youth noted in the response to Question 1, parents are entitled to contact and communicate with their children unless there is a “no contact" order in place.
Return to Written Question 005 – 3(3): Cancer Screening and Prevention
The Department currently does not have this information available due to challenges in staffing epidemiologist positions.
However, the collection and analysis of this type of date is important for the Department.
As such, the Department has hired an epidemiologist to provide oversight for a quality database.
An audit of Departmental databases and previous work done on the subject is being conducted.
The Department has a Cancer Registry which records all diagnoses of cancer in the territory.
Due to issues with staffing epidemiologist positions in the past, this database now needs a thorough audit to ensure accuracy.
The audit is expected to be complete by the end of 2011.
Cancer staging is done by pathologists.
Copies of the pathology reports are then sent to the cancer registry.
The last report on cancer statistics for Nunavut was published in November of 2003, which covered the period from 1992 to 2001.
The next report will be published in 2012 and it will cover the ten year period of 2002 - 2011.
Because of the small population size in Nunavut, the number of cases of various cancer types is small.
Therefore, to be able to identify accurate trends, it is necessary to look at cases over a long period of time.
Every health centre offers Well Woman Clinics which includes, screening questions for cancer risk, breast examination by the nurse and teaching breast self examination.
Every health centre offers Well Man Clinics which includes screening questions for cancer risk, examination by the nurse and teaching self examination.
There are no diagnostic tools for cancer at the community health centres as this is very specialised.
There are screening tools which include pap smears for cervical cancer in women and faecal occult blood tests to screen for bowel cancer in those at high risk as well as blood tests for prostate cancer in men.
These are screening tests only and false positive and false negative tests can occur.
When the tests are positive, the patient is referred for further diagnostic tests.
An organised screening program requires that all eligible people be invited for screening at predetermined intervals, using a population registry.
Nunavut does not have an organised screening program.
Screening for cancer occurs in an opportunistic way when the patient comes to the health centre.
The Department is currently working on the feasibility of introducing an organised pap screening program and is reviewing best practices in other jurisdictions for implementation.