EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
They can work with departments as well in terms of providing support to the departments on how to operate their programs and services and other functions.
It’s a very valuable division within our department.
There are a lot of benefits to our department and to all government departments.
When we look at this department, how many audits does this section of your department conduct on an annual basis?
Using the most recent stats, Internal Audit Services completed seven operational audits, two operational reviews, one investigative audit, and one advisory service audit.
If I go back to 2015-16, they closed 22 files, which included 18 operational audits and 4 investigative audits.
I have to point out that an operational audit isn’t something you can do in two days. It could take you two weeks or two months or six months depending on the nature of audit, the complexity of the audit, and the cooperation of individuals supplying the information. You may have to fly out to another community to do the audit.
It’s a specialized field to be an auditor and they have to work with people and those people have to be available.
We can’t expect them to do 50 audits or 100 audits a year.
We have to develop an annual audit plan on what we’re going to audit, and then prioritize those and work with the departments on specific projects if they want us to audit them.
In listening to the minister’s response, I guess this next question is: in various departments of Government of Nunavut… .
Since elected, I have noticed that there have been a number of intern positions within other various government departments.
Under Article 23 of our Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, are there any current interns within this particular department?
We have three interns in the Department of Finance overall, but we don’t have any in internal audit.
Are there any future plans or in the business plans in the upcoming years or months of having intern positions within that particular department?
We don’t have any immediate plans for an intern in that division.
Again, it would depend on if there is an opportunity there and if there is some interest within the department.
Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $9,654,000.
Turn the page. C-7.
We were provided a spreadsheet showing some direct appointments over the years.
I won’t say them all, but I’ll just use last year’s.
It said that for 2015-16 there were 49 direct appointments, 43 beneficiaries and 6 non-beneficiaries.
Being it close to the end of this fiscal year, does the department have any statistics on the number of direct appointments and a breakdown of beneficiaries to non-beneficiaries?
Can Mr. Rumbolt clarify: is that within our department or the Government of Nunavut overall?
Chairman (interpretation): Mr. Rumbolt, please clarify your question.
I’m talking about the government’s public service annual reports that indicated these numbers, appointments by cabinet. That’s if the minister can understand that.
Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thanks for clarifying that.
Currently we have four approved and three more to go forward to cabinet. They’re all beneficiaries.
I have to point out that there has been like an inverse relationship. We came out last year with a restricted competition directive.
There has been an increase in employees receiving jobs through the restricted competition process and a decrease in direct appointments during that period.
Now we’re moving back towards getting more or encouraging the departments to submit individuals for direct appointments.
On a different topic, what is the 2017-18 budget for the Summer Student Employment Equity Program?
How does this amount to previous years’ budgets for the program?
It’s the same amount this year and the next fiscal year, $985,000.
Again, the departments supplement internally. There is $985,000 available through us, but the departments would apply for funding from us or they use their own funds.
That’s how we got from 154 summer students a few years ago to 249 last year.
The departments are encouraged to hire summer students using their own funds as well.
The proposed 2017-2020 business plan of the Department of Family Services indicates that 30 students participated in that department’s new Summer Employment for Nunavut Students Program.
This program provides wage subsidies to hamlets and private sector employers.
To what extent does the Department of Finance and the Department of Family Service coordinate the administration of the two summer employment programs?
Mr. Chairman, I’ll ask Ms. Power to answer that question.
Chairman: Thank you. Ms. Power.
As they did the pilot last year, it wasn’t a big project. They only hired 30 students this year. They have, I believe, doubled their budget.
We will be working more closely with them this year to make sure we’re aligned and make sure we focus on decentralized communities, where there is less government opportunity and maybe more area for them to help students.
Chairman: We have a motion on the floor and it is not debatable.
Mr. Paul Okalik. (interpretation ends) The motion is in order.
Speaker: The member for Arviat is requesting to go to Item 5.
There are none. Mr. Savikataaq, please proceed.
I would like to recognize someone who used to work in this House and someone who used to live in Arviat who is here for NWMB meetings.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Mr. Dan Shewchuk.
Just a reminder for meetings for tomorrow, there’s a meeting of the Standing Committee on Legislation at nine o’clock and there’s a meeting of the Full Caucus at eleven o’clock. Both meetings are in the Nanuq Boardroom.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until Thursday, March 9, at 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 9, 2017
Pages 3853 – 3935
Opening Prayer 3853
Ministers’ Statements 3853
Members’ Statements 3856
Returns to Oral Questions* 3861
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 3864
Oral Questions 3868
Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters 3883
Tabling of Documents 3884
Notices of Motions 3885
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 3885
Motions 3886
First Reading of Bills 3886
Second Reading of Bills 3887
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 3889
Report of the Committee of the Whole 3934
Orders of the Day 3934
Thursday, March 9, 2017 3853
276 – 4(3): Taloyoak Air Terminal Building (Ell-Kanayuk) 3853
277 – 4(3): Donation of Art Piece “The Three Franklin Expedition Graves (Beechey Island, NWT) (1975)” (Kuksuk) 3854
278 – 4(3): Getting Ready for Employment and Training (Mike) 3854
279 – 4(3): Search and Rescue Volunteer Appreciation (Savikataaq) 3855
280 – 4(3): Streamlining Senior Care Services in Nunavut (Taptuna) 3855
521 – 4(3): Arthur Turner Training School (Angnakak) 3856
522 – 4(3): Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Working Group (Shooyook) 3857
523 – 4(3): Recognition of Ms. Trina Qaqqaq (Mikkungwak) 3858
524 – 4(3): Activities in Hunting and Sharing in Pangnirtung (Mike) 3859
525 – 4(3): Nunavut Welcomes the World (Enook) 3860
526 – 4(3): The Importance of Traditional Knowledge (Qirngnuq) 3860
527 – 4(3): Volunteers Deliver Fresh River Water to Elders (Okalik) 3861
Return to Oral Question 618 – 4(3): The Inuit Language Protection Act and the Private Sector (Kuksuk) 3861
Return to Oral Question 661 – 4(3): Mould Infestation in Public Housing Units (Kuksuk) 3861
Return to Oral Question 610 – 4(3): Qulliq Energy Corporation Activities in Sanikiluaq (Mike) 3862
Return to Oral Question 631 – 4(3): Residual Heat Study in Sanikiluaq (Mike) 3863
679 – 4(3): Devolution (Angnakak) 3868
680 – 4(3): Child and Family Services Act (Shooyook) 3869
681 – 4(3): Implementing the Inuit Language Protection Act (Okalik) 3871
682 – 4(3): Cancer Screening Programs (Mikkungwak) 3873
683 – 4(3): Pond Inlet Marine Infrastructure (Enook) 3875
684 – 4(3): Parenting Programs (Joanasie) 3876
685 – 4(3): Gjoa Haven Mould Inspections (Akoak) 3878
686 – 4(3): Public Service Leadership (Angnakak) 3879
687 – 4(3): Tidal Energy Study for Iqaluit (Okalik) 3881
688 – 4(3): Air Quality Testing (Mikkungwak) 3882
023 – 4(3): Bill 31, An Act to Amend the Human Rights Act (Sammurtok, T) 3883
024 – 4(3): Bill 38, Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti Implementation Act (Sammurtok, T) 3883
025 – 4(3): Bill 42, An Act to Amend the Tobacco Tax Act (Sammurtok, T) 3884
278 – 4(3): Report on the Administration of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1990 for 2014 (Ell-Kanayuk) 3884
279 – 4(3): Report on the Administration of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1990 for 2015 (Ell-Kanayuk) 3884
280 – 4(3): Biannual Update to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, Independent Officers and Other Entities on the Report of the Auditor General of Canada to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut “2015 Follow-up Report on Child and Family Services in Nunavut” (Mike) 3884
281 – 4(3): Getting Ready for Employment Training Program – Evaluation of Round 2 of the Program Delivery, January to April 2016 (February 2017) (Mike) 3884
282 – 4(3): Report on Members’ Absences October 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 (Speaker) 3885
283 – 4(3): Pension Administration Report – Retiring Allowances Act and Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act (Speaker) 3885
045 – 4(3): Extended Adjournment – Notice (Mikkungwak) 3885
045 – 4(3): Extended Adjournment (Mikkungwak) 3886
Bill 41 – An Act to Amend Certain Acts Respecting Annual Reports Provided to the Speaker – Notice 3885
Bill 43 – An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act – Notice 3886
Bill 41 – An Act to Amend Certain Acts Respecting Annual Reports Provided to the Speaker – First Reading 3886
Bill 43 – An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act – First Reading 3887
Bill 37 – An Act to Amend the Education Act and the Inuit Language Protection Act – Second Reading 3887
Bill 40 – Corrections Act – Second Reading 3887
Bill 41 – An Act to Amend Certain Acts Respecting Annual Reports Provided to the Speaker – Second Reading 3888
Bill 43 – An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act – Second Reading 3888
Bill 34 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2017-2018 – Finance – Consideration in Committee 3889
Bill 34 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2017-2018 – Economic Development and Transportation – Consideration in Committee 3915
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Member for Economic Development and Transportation, Ms. Monica Ell-Kanayuk.
Minister’s Statement 276 – 4(3): Taloyoak Air Terminal Building (Ell-Kanayuk)
It is my pleasure to update my colleagues on the Taloyoak Airport Terminal Building.
The existing building, often referred to as a “freezer” style due to the unique construction, is near the end of its useful life and does not have the capacity to support the passenger traffic that the community receives on a daily basis.
I am happy to announce that construction of the new Taloyoak Air Terminal Building is on schedule and the new facility will be ready for occupancy in November of this year.
Mr. Speaker, the new building’s design is a standard one and can be utilized with modifications as necessary to meet other communities’ needs into the future.
Mr. Speaker, air terminal buildings play an important role in our transportation system across the territory.
This new airport terminal building will provide needed space for airline operations, air navigation services, baggage handling, and travellers and will better serve the needs of the community of Taloyoak.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to the opening of the new terminal building later this year.
Minister’s Statement 277 – 4(3): Donation of Art Piece “The Three Franklin Expedition Graves (Beechey Island, NWT) (1975)” (Kuksuk)
Good afternoon, Nunavummiut and colleagues. Unnusakkut.
Mr. Speaker, on December 15, 2016 the Department of Culture and Heritage received a painting that has been donated to the Government of Nunavut.
The painting was donated by the owner, Arlie Hobson of Ottawa, Ontario in memory of her late husband, George Hobson.
The painting was painted by Dr. Maurice Hall Haycock on July 24, 1975 during a visit to Beechey Island.
The painting is a depiction of the three graves of the seamen who died on Beechey Island in 1846 during the last expedition of Sir John Franklin.
At the time of the painting the grave markers were subsequently removed for conservation, and it is the last painting done of the site prior to the grave markers’ removal.
In light of recent developments in the Franklin expedition, the painting is relevant to the Government of Nunavut’s museum and archaeology collections and complements the collection as a whole.
The Government of Nunavut collection has another painting by Maurice Haycock that is also Franklin-related, which depicts Kellet’s Storehouse at Dealy Island.
With the GN fine art collection moving to the Winnipeg Art Gallery and the GN heritage collection preparing to move to the Canadian Museum of Nature, the Government of Nunavut has received an increased number of donations in the last year.
Ministers’ Statements. Minister of Family Services, Mr. Johnny Mike.
Minister’s Statement 278 – 4(3): Getting Ready for Employment and Training (Mike)
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day to Nunavummiut and residents of my community.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to share that the Department of Family Services has now completed the third delivery of the Getting Ready for Employment and Training Program.
Since it began in 2015, 214 people have participated in G.R.E.A.T. across 20 communities, with 95 students graduating from the program to date.
At least 30 of these graduates found employment after they completed G.R.E.A.T. and many others pursued other training opportunities.
Students continue to show their motivation and commitment through steady attendance.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, we continue to be impressed by the program evaluation results. Clients are moving off of social assistance, entering the workforce, and their self-esteem and self-confidence are increasing.
More and more we learn that participants are keen to enter the workforce, further their education, and contribute to their families and communities.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, today I will table the department’s evaluation of the G.R.E.A.T. program and I hope that all members will join me in acknowledging the hard work of the staff and students who have contributed to its success.
We continue to learn from each offering of the program and adapting the program to better meet the needs of our clients.
Minister’s Statement 279 – 4(3): Search and Rescue Volunteer Appreciation (Savikataaq)
I rise today to express my gratitude for search and rescue volunteers across this territory.
Nunavummiut are connected to the land through lifestyle, heritage, and history.
Although there have been many changes in the way we travel on the land, what has not changed is the culture of helping each other when in need.
Our search and rescue volunteers show what is best about being a northerner. The volunteers put in long hours for training and in response to emergency situations.
They do this under harsh conditions and are ready to help whenever the call for help comes in.
Our volunteers step forward in the traditions of all northerners to make this a safer place for all of us.
They are to be commended for supporting the search and rescue system.
Mr. Speaker, I want to remind people that they have a responsibility to be prepared when going on the land. It is important to have a trip plan and that you let your family members know where you are going and when you expect to return.
You need to bring extra fuel and supplies and it would be wise to know how to fix your machine if it breaks down. If you are new to travelling out on the land, go with someone who is experienced.
Also, my department provides SPOT devices that are available in every community.
When you sign one out, you are responsible for bringing it back so that others can make use of it on their travels.
On behalf of all the members in this House, I say to each and every search and rescue volunteer that has given of their time to assist those in need “thank you and you fill us with pride.”
Minister’s Statement 280 – 4(3): Streamlining Senior Care Services in Nunavut (Taptuna)
Good afternoon, my colleagues, Kuglukturmiut, and Nunavummiut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to update my colleagues on the work in progress to the enhanced provision of home, community and continuing care for Nunavut’s seniors.
As Minister responsible for Seniors’ Advocate, I am dedicated to protecting the interests of our seniors and to developing a coordinated approach to seniors services in the territory.
The Government of Nunavut is working to make it as easy as possible for seniors to access government and community services.
Mr. Speaker, with a growing population, longer life expectancies, and an anticipated increase to the prevalence of chronic disease, the Government of Nunavut must take the necessary steps to ensure the right programs and services are in place to support our seniors.
Mr. Speaker, in an effort to streamline services and ensure seniors receive the very best continuum of care, on April 1, 2017 responsibility for Nunavut’s three elders’ homes will be transferred from the Department of Family Services to the Department of Health.
Mr. Speaker, with this change, all provision of care to seniors from home care to long-term care will now fall under the responsibility of the Department of Health.
This transfer of responsibility for the elders’ homes will also allow Family Services to focus efforts on protecting the most vulnerable Nunavummiut, including seniors, from abuse, neglect, and financial insecurity.
Mr. Speaker, we want to ensure that the best care is provided as close to home as possible.
This is why the Department of Health is doing an assessment of current and future needs for long-term care beds in the territory.
This assessment will allow us to identify the best locations for the establishment of future long-term care facilities and to plan accordingly.
Mr. Speaker, I assure you the Government of Nunavut is working to make it as easy as possible for seniors to access government and community services.
Member’s Statement 521 – 4(3): Arthur Turner Training School (Angnakak)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the Arthur Turner Training School.
Mr. Speaker, in 1970 the late Bishop Marsh arranged for a theological college to be opened in Pangnirtung.
The college would train Inuit from the Arctic for ordination in the church.
The Arthur Turner Training School was named after the late Reverend Arthur Turner, who was a minister in Pangnirtung for many years and is also buried there.
Mr. Speaker, the first individuals who completed the program to become ordained were Eliyah Keenainak from Pangnirtung, Jimmy Muckpa from Arviat, Aipali Napartuk from Inukjuak, and Timothy Kalai from Coral Harbour.
There was also one other person who was too young at the time to be ordained, but to help my father, Mike Gardener, the first teacher of the Arthur Turner Training School to get all the teaching material, including textbooks written in Inuktitut.
Mr. Speaker, this was a busy time for the students.
Clergy came from the south to teach special subjects and the students also did a lot of practical work like visiting the sick and those confined to their homes, teaching Sunday school, and taking part in conducting church services.
Mr. Speaker, the courses were intensive and the students were eager to learn.
The school ran for about 15 years and then closed.
In 2015 the Arctic Diocesan decided that there was a need to reopen the school and has gone through great lengths to make the opportunity available for those Nunavummiut who want to serve in the ministry.
Mr. Speaker, the Arthur Turner Training School program offers diploma-level accreditation for graduating students and is currently being taught out of Iqaluit’s Anglican Cathedral.
The program is affiliated with Nunavut Arctic College and with the Trinity School for Ministry.
Presently six students are enrolled and the teachings are led by the Reverend Joey Royal, who is also the director of the program.
At the appropriate time I will welcome and introduce the Arthur Turner Training School students to the House.
Member’s Statement 522 – 4(3): Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Working Group (Shooyook)
Good afternoon to the people of Nunavut who are watching the televised proceedings and listening on to the radio broadcast, as well as my colleagues.
I would like to welcome all the visitors in the gallery.
Mr. Speaker, I will speak to a subject that I am very passionate about and it is related to Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, as Nunavut was a result of dedicated Inuit and many knowledgeable people who worked to regain traditional knowledge.
From 2009 to 2012 the following people were working on the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit, trying to incorporate traditional knowledge within the government.
Arnaoyoak Alookee from Taloyoak, Gamailee Kilukishak from Pond Inlet, Andre Tautu from Chesterfield Inlet, Erksuktuk Eetuk from Coral Harbour, Jacobie Iqalukjuak from Clyde River, Koonoo Oyukuluk from Arctic Bay, Leonie Kunnuk from Igloolik,  Peterosie Qappik from Pangnirtung,
Qabaroak Qatsiya from Cape Dorset, Ragelee Angnakok from Qikiqtarjuaq, Sammy Peter from Iqaluit,
Simeonie Akpik from Kimmirut,  Liza Ningiuk from Grise Fiord,
Marie Anguti from Kugaaruk, and  Alice Ayalik from Kugluktuk.
Mr. Speaker, as I am running out of time, I would like unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
These members of the committee were quite knowledgeable about Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, extremely capable, and they wanted to see this incorporated into the government system.
There was also another group of members who made up the committee at a later date. Between 2013 and 2015 we also had the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit and they were:
Okpik Pitseolak from Iqaluit,  Martha Tikivik from Iqaluit,
Gamailee Kilukishak from Pond Inlet,  Josephen Kublu from Igloolik,
Daniel Qattalik from Igloolik,
Annie Isiriniq Napayok from Whale Cove,
Adamie Veevee from Pangnirtung,  Saul Qirngnirq from Gjoa Haven,
Alice Ayalik from Kugluktuk, and
Erksuktuk Eetuk from Coral Harbour.  Mr. Speaker, these very important members of the committee wanted to see the integration of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit into government operations and they dedicated themselves to ensuring that happened over many years.
However, we have not seen any incorporation of IQ in this government.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut has a government, so let us make this a priority to realize the wishes of the committee.
Mr. Speaker, by working together in partnership, we can do that. I hope the next group of elected representatives will ensure it is incorporated into our government.
Member’s Statement 523 – 4(3): Recognition of Ms. Trina Qaqqaq (Mikkungwak)
Prior to making my statement, I want to extend a happy birthday wish to my mother-in-law, who is celebrating her birthday today. Her name is Mercy Kunungnat.
Also, there is a child who is celebrating his first birthday named Kukik. (interpretation ends) Happy first birthday, Baby Eric.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Trina Qaqqaq, a young woman from my constituency of Baker Lake, Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday was International Women’s Day and in recognition of that fact, 338 young women between the ages of 18 and 23 each took a seat in the House of Commons, not as spectators but as participants, one for each federal riding across the country.
Mr. Speaker, the Daughters of the Vote initiative was developed by the Equal Voice program which encourages young women to learn about Parliament and our democratic system, and to encourage them to participate in formal politics and to inspire others.
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud that Trina was chosen to represent Nunavut on this occasion.
Mr. Speaker, Trina is currently studying business administration and human resources management at Sir Sanford Fleming College in Peterborough, Ontario.
She is passionate about her culture and traditions and has learned much about the struggles and challenges facing indigenous peoples throughout Canada.