EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Another key recommendation in the report of the task force to help reduce the harm caused by alcohol abuse is to better control the supply of alcohol by establishing a new Crown corporation to be called the Nunavut Liquor Corporation.
This new entity would combine the present functions of the Nunavut Liquor Commission, the Liquor Enforcement Division, and the Liquor Licensing Board.
Does the government support this recommendation and, if it does, when will the new Crown corporation be established?
Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut Liquor Commission is doing a fine job currently.
I don’t think we are in a position right now to alter the current structure.
Question 516 – 3(3): Problems with Mould in New Houses in Kugaaruk (Ningark)
Earlier this morning, I spoke to this issue. I was referring to the new units that were constructed in earlier years affected by mould.
I want to ask the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation why fairly new units are experiencing mould issues shortly after their construction in our communities. Has the minister been apprised of this situation occurring in the communities, particularly from Kugaaruk?
Mr. Speaker, there are several different types of mould that affect houses.
If there is such mould that’s found in a unit, the tenants can report that to the local housing authority or the LHOs.
Mr. Speaker, the reason why there’s mould in units is because it’s the lifestyle or the air circulation within the unit itself.
Most of the new units have air circulation equipment and once that equipment is turned off or malfunctioning, that’s the reason why some of the mould is forming, but a tenant can go to the LHO and report those immediately to the managers.
Yes, here in Nunavut has the minister been apprised of newly constructed buildings, especially buildings less than five years old and in Kugaaruk some of them are already affected by mould. Has this been passed on?
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ningark. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Minister Taptuna.
The Nunavut Housing Corporation is aware of some of the situations and it’s incumbent upon tenants to report the mould infestation in some of these new units that the member is talking about.
As you know, the new units have air circulation equipment in them and the air circulation equipment has to be working properly to prevent mould formation.
If the tenants report that to the LHO and if there’s not any action taken, the tenants have the right to report that to the district offices. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Ningark (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I also thank the minister for his response.
Perhaps, during the construction phase, Mr. Speaker, when inspections are being conducted for phases 1, 2, and 3 of the construction projects; do they identify possible places that could become mouldy?
Can this be included in the consideration of issues during inspections of the construction projects?
As years go by, the buildings for staff housing and public units are getting more airtight, the so-called more efficient types of units, and at times, we believe that causes a problem. The maintenance people and the Nunavut Housing Corporation are aware of that. Most times, if a tenant reports a mould infestation, we investigate that immediately.
As the member is well aware, Mr. Speaker, mould is a serious problem. It’s not only in Nunavut; it’s throughout the nation.
We’re quite aware and our maintenance folks at the LHOs are informed to keep an eye on this new air handling equipment in the newer units.
Speaker: Thank you, Minister Taptuna. Your final supplementary, Mr. Ningark.
Yes, with respect to housing it would be better to have warmer buildings, but I believe that more emphasis has to be placed on health effects from shoddy building practices.
I urge that these residential units be properly inspected, especially those that will be inhabited by the public, by our elders and children. We don’t want to see any health hazards posing risks in our rental units.
The LHO division maintenance department does inspect the units. Again I’ve got to reiterate that the tenants who are within the units are responsible to report any abnormalities, whether it be equipment malfunctions, including mould, to report these to the LHOs.
Question 517 – 3(3): Marine Infrastructure in Chesterfield Inlet (Ningeongan)
On June 5, 2009, the minister tabled the Nunavut Transportation Strategy in the Legislative Assembly. One of the objectives of the strategy is to “act on the Nunavut Small Craft Harbours Report,” which was released in 2005.
As the minister is aware, the Small Craft Harbours Report identified Chesterfield Inlet as a priority community for new marine infrastructure. Can the minister update me today on what progress has been made to address the situation in Chesterfield Inlet?
Mr. Speaker, although we do our best to bring the information down of our infrastructure, especially marine infrastructure shortages in Nunavut, it’s an ongoing dialogue with Transport Canada and DFO.
Mr. Speaker, in Chesterfield Inlet, we do have class “D” estimates for the proposed construction and design and that amounts to $22 million.
As the member is well aware, once a class “A” estimate is design and structural design is completed, those amounts usually go up. At this time, we’re still talking to DFO and Transport Canada and our MP to move these infrastructure deficits forward for Nunavut.
I want to make it very clear that the community of Chesterfield Inlet is not expecting a $40 million facility for large-scale commercial fishing nor is it looking to accommodate aircraft carriers or nuclear submarines.
I also want to make it very clear that we should be lobbying the federal government to make the case that support for new marine infrastructure not be based solely on commercial entity considerations.
Mr. Ningeongan: Chesterfield Inlet is simply looking for reasonable infrastructure that will protect the boats of constituents.
Can the minister convey this message to his federal counterpart?
I wasn’t thinking about nuclear submarines or naval ships for Chesterfield Inlet but as the member is well aware we did have allocate 165,000 dollars for a small floating dock for Chesterfield Inlet as a start for the residents to protect their boats and provide better launching for their equipment and boast.
The floating dock is usually just to help the harvesters get in and out in inclement weather.
So, Mr. Speaker, the department did spend 165,000 on a floating dock for Chesterfield Inlet.
I would also like to mention that the floating docks have been provided to Nunavummiut are only good when the tide is high. When the tide is low, they are of no use whatsoever, and the current causeway in Chesterfield Inlet is very dangerous because it has worn out over the years, uncompleted. When people come back from hunting, they have to try and utilize that because there is no access to the land near the community.
For that reason, I have been adamant about trying to get a more scaled down version of infrastructure, causeways or windbreakers that these communities require.
Will the minister commit to doing an update assessment on Chesterfield Inlets’ needs?
We do not have a division within the department that controls the tides and whatnot.
As the member is well aware, we do make our best efforts, and at this time, we have been looking for any kind of proposal from the communities to see if there is an alternate way to develop and come up with a solution that is suitable for the community.
We did that for Pond Inlet, and one of the things that we did very closely with the hamlet is consult with each other and came up with a solution that will rectify some of these boat launches that the member is talking about.
It is very difficult at time with a shortage of money, shortage of funds to develop something that is suitable for what the community wants, but at this time we are looking for short-term solutions that we can bring forth, possibly build and bring forward down to Ottawa saying that we are doing our part in using our own funds to help the communities develop their marine infrastructure to make it better for the community harvesters and whatnot.
Mr. Ningeongan: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister for his responses.
I for one have not been laughing at over the last little while when I am trying to talk about these issues since 2009.
The communities that we represent, when they have been provided with expectations, no wonder we would like to see some followed through.
If I am not mistaken, I think I hear the minister stating that if the community provides some form of application to look at another option or another means of getting windbreakers or whatever we may call it, did you say that you were prepared to talk with the community?
Absolutely, we are prepared to talk to any community that puts in a proposal to alleviate some of the marine infrastructure deficits we have in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I am not talking about building a $22 million causeway or dock for Chesterfield Inlet, this government does not have those kinds of funds to build such mega projects, including Pond Inlet. We do not have $44 million to build a dock there.
We came up with an alternative way of providing some assurance to the community that yes, we are talking to Ottawa to get the marine infrastructure that is needed, which costs at least, anywhere from $22 million to $44 million.
As you know, Mr. Speaker, the small craft harbour in Pangnirtung is slated for completion next summer and the cost is well over $44 million on that.
I want to assure the member that if the hamlet is proposing an alternate smaller boat launch, we will certainly talk to him and assist him.
Question 518 – 3(3): Status of Devolution Negotiations (Curley)
Mr. Curley: Thank you, Uqaqtittijii. (interpretation) Good afternoon to the people of Rankin Inlet.
Earlier this month, the Premier met with the Prime Minister of Canada in Ottawa. Can the Premier inform the House what commitments, if any, the Prime Minister provided to her concerning the issue of devolution?
When I had the meeting with the Prime Minister, I was quite thankful that they are always accommodating whenever we request a meeting with the Prime Minister.
At that meeting, I brought up the issue of devolution and that it was a priority for this government, and I am pleased to note progress is happening. All the parties now have negotiators, which include negotiators from the federal government, NTI and our territorial government.
I have just recently been informed that the federal chief negotiator is currently drafting up a report on this matter.
I am happy to note that some progress has been made on this file.
On May 18, 2012, the Government of Canada announced the appointment of its chief federal negotiator for Nunavut devolution.
In its announcement, the federal government indicated that an important element of his mandate “will be to engage key stakeholders on their views with respect to devolution to identify the next steps required to advance negotiations and to examine how land and resource management capacity can be improved in Nunavut.”
What specific actions has the government taken to improve land and resource management capacity in Nunavut?
Within this field of devolution issues, the teams are continually meeting and caucusing to draft up positions on each area under negotiation, as each section has to be completed for the devolution negotiations mandate.
That is what they are drafting up, and it would be quite interesting to review the draft report.
As the preliminary report has been drafted by the chief federal negotiator and submitted to the Minister of Northern Affairs.
I look forward to seeing that preliminary in spring and that would be the final report.
I believe there are recommendations in there also. (interpretation ends) The final report to the Government of Canada from the Government of Canada’s negotiator is greatly anticipated in the next coming months.
There are ongoing discussions on the devolution negotiation mandate and I am forever hopeful that the progress will continue.
I think it’s quite important that there be a distinction between formal meetings and negotiations.
Mr. Speaker, as of today, how many formal meetings have been held between the devolution negotiators for the GN, NTI, and the federal government?
In the letters, there are a number of documents.
Up to now, there have been five meetings on devolution negotiations, the first one being on June 18 here in Iqaluit 2012, the next one being on September 19, 2012 in Ottawa, on October 18, 2012 in Rankin Inlet, December 4, 2012 in Ottawa, and January 2013 here in Iqaluit.
These are the meetings that they had so far.
The Yukon signed its devolution agreement a number of years ago and the Northwest Territories is moving ahead towards its agreement.
Can the Premier tell us today when the Government of Nunavut realistically expects to sign a devolution agreement-in-principle with the Government of Canada?
I also would like to say that in the Yukon and in the Northwest Territories, they have been way ahead of us dealing with this issue and they had worked on devolution issues before Nunavut.
They have helped us along this line, but Nunavut is unique, so we have to add some more things to the agreement for Nunavut.
As I said, the preliminary report has been given to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development and once it has been received and according to their response, we will know where we’re going.
At this time, I cannot state when we will be starting.
The report is now in. It will have to be given to the Government of Canada as well as the ministers.
It has to be approved by the ministers to see when it can start.
I would like to seek unanimous consent from my colleagues to go back to Item 5 on the order paper.
The member is seeking unanimous consent to go back to Item 5, Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Are there any nays?
There being none. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Minister Kusugak.
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Good morning. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and my colleagues, for allowing me to go back to Item 5.
This morning, I am very pleased to recognize two people from Rankin Inlet who are here in the Gallery.
They are members of the Co-op board of directors, who are my friends, Noah Atangalaaq Tiktaq and Mr. Koono Tattuinee. Welcome to the Gallery.
I would like to add to my colleague’s recognition. Welcome to the Gallery. I welcome my nephew Kunuk Tattuinee.
I would like to note that Noah Tiktak has been a volunteer for a long time.
He helps a lot with anything when he wants to. There used to be an office supply store called Tiktak, and they are named after his father’s name.
He has passed away, but he was a friend of ours. That is why there is a Tiktak Office Supply here in Iqaluit. It was named after his father.
Also, I would like to recognize your colleague with the co-operative movement from the NWT that was here to participate in the opening of the Marketplace. I welcome all three of you to the Gallery.
Tabled Document 312 – 3(3): Correspondence from Kugaaruk Education Authority (Ningark)
I wish to table today a letter from the Kugaaruk District Education Authority concerning the need for a heated school bus shelter in the community.
I encourage the Hon. Minister of Education to review this document with care.
Tabled Document 313 – 3(3): Chronology of Exchanges between the Standing Committee on Legislation and the Minister of Justice Concerning Bill 32, An Act to Amend the Legal Services Act, and Bill 44, An Act to Amend the Justices of the Peace Act (Ningeongan)
I wish to table today a chronology of exchanges of correspondence between the Standing Committee on Legislation and the Minister of Justice concerning Bill 32, An Act to Amend the Legal Services Act, and Bill 44, An Act to Amend the Justices of the Peace Act.
Tabled Document 314 – 3(3): Nunavut Housing Corporation’s 2011-2012 Annual Report – Innovation in Action (Taptuna)
Tabled Document 315 – 3(3): Nunavut Housing Corporation’s Contracting and Procurement Activity Report for the Year Ended March 31, 2012 (Taptuna)
Tabled Document 316 – 3(3): Nunavut Housing Corporation’s 2013-2014 Projected Construction Report (Taptuna)
I am pleased to table three items titled, “Nunavut Housing Corporation’s 2013-14 Projected Construction Report,” “Contracting and Procurement Activity Report for the Year Ending March 31, 2012,” “Nunavut Housing Corporation’s 2011-12 Annual Report, Innovation and Action.”
Tabled Document 317 – 3(3): Nunavut Minister of Justice – Nunavut RCMP Commanding Officer – Shared Directional Statement 2012-2014 (Shewchuk)
I am pleased to table the Nunavut Minister of Justice and the Nunavut RCMP Commanding Officer Shared Directional Statement, 2012-14.
Tabled Document 318 – 3(3): Article from iPolitics Concerning Arctic Search and Rescue (Elliott)
In light of this week’s excellent discussions concerning the important issue of arctic search and rescue, I am pleased to table a recent article on this issue from iPolitics magazine.
I encourage all members to read the document with care.
Motion 043 – 3(3): Extension of Review Period for Bill 40, Representative for Children and Youth Act – Notice
I give notice that on Monday, March 4, 2013, I will move the following motion:
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for Amittuq, that the period of time for the standing committee to report Bill 40 back to the House be extended by a further 120 days so as to allow the standing committee to conduct public hearings on the proposed legislation.
Bill 47 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 3, 2012-2013 – Second Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 47, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 3, 2012-2013, be read for the second time.
The motion is carried and Bill 47 is referred to the Committee of the Whole.
Bill 48 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2013-2014 – Second Reading
Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 48, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2013-2014, be read for the second time.
Mr. Speaker, this bill makes supplementary appropriations to defray the capital expenditures of the Government of Nunavut for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014.
All those in favour. Any opposed? The motion is carried and Bill 48 is referred to the Committee of the Whole.
Second Reading of Bills. Minister of Health and Social Services, Minister Peterson.
Bill 51 – An Act to Amend the Child and Family Services Act – Second Reading
Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 51, An Act to Amend the Child and Family Services Act, be read for the second time.
Mr. Speaker, this Act amends the Child and Family Services Act to provide that the Act be interpreted in accordance of Inuit societal values.
It also provides for protecting children in case of child pornography and family violence and for spending support agreements for youth up to age 26.
In addition, it prohibits malicious and false reports.
Mandates of the director of child and family services must respond to certain recommendations if the child in his or her care dies or is critically injured.
It provides that the director’s annual report be tabled in the Legislative Assembly.
Speaker: Thank you, Minister Petersen.
The motion is carried and Bill 51 has its second reading and is referred to the Standing Committee on Legislation.
Bill 53 – An Act to Amend the Medical Care Act – Second Reading
Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 53, An Act to Amend Medical Care Act, be read for the second time.
Mr. Speaker, this bill provides for the health insurance members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police which becomes a territorial responsibility under the Canada Health Act from April 1, 2013.
Bill 53 has had second reading and is referred to the Standing Committee on Legislation.
Minister of Education. Minister Aariak.
Bill 55 – An Act to Amend the Student Financial Assistance Act – Second Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Iqaluit West, that Bill 55, An Act to Amend the Student Financial Assistance Act, be read for the second time.
Mr. Speaker, this Act will enable the Commissioner of Nunavut to make regulations that provide an affirmative action program within the scope of this Student Financial Assistance Act for persons who have a disability.
Bill 55 has had second reading and is referred to the Standing Committee on Legislation.
Bill 49 with Mr. Ningeongan in the Chair.
Before we proceed to the Committee of the Whole, will have a break for 15 minutes.
>>House adjourned at 10:49 and Committee resumed at 11:10
Chairman (Mr. Ningeongan) (interpretation): Thank you. We now have quorum. (interpretation ends) I would like to call the committee meeting to order.
We wish to commence with the review of the main estimates for the Department of Health.
Are we in agreement that we first deal with this O&M budget for the Department of Health?
Bill 49 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2013-2014 – Health – Consideration in Committee
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) I would like to ask the Minister responsible for the Department of Health, Minister Peterson, to go to the witness table to make his opening remarks.
You may proceed, Minister Peterson.
Mr. Chairman and members, I am pleased to present the Department of Health’s business plan and main estimates for 2013-14.
The Department of Health is seeking an increase of $11.4 million from the 2012-13 main estimates for an increase of 4.25 percent. $5 million of the $11.4 million increase is for salary increases as a result of the new NEU Collective Agreement. Please recognize that these amounts do not include social services, which will now be part of the new Department of Family Services.
The department’s total budget for 2013-14 is $280.4 million, which provides for an increase of 20 new positions.
The department is also expecting to bring forward a supplementary appropriation request of $24.9 million in the winter sitting with respect to 2012-13.
The remaining $6.1 million increase is for:
$2.5 million to continue the implementation of the Tobacco Reduction Framework for Action;
$1 million to cover current shortfalls in implementing the Nursing Recruitment and Retention Strategy;
$860,000 to expand the Mental Health Program for Akausisarvik;
$600,000 to increase the staff compliment of community health nurses of three-nurse stations to four-nurse stations in three communities in the Kivalliq region;
$500,000 to create four new community health centre administrative assistants in the Baffin region;
$460,000 to create four new community therapy assistants in the Baffin region; and
$163,000 to create a new biomedical technologist position in the Kivalliq Health Centre.
In addition, the department has a number of new policy initiatives which includes the development of an all-hazards health emergency management plan, the development and implementation of a patient relations process, and the development of policies, protocols, and standards for an integrated public health surveillance system.
The department would also continue to work on the Nunavut Interoperable Electronic Health Records Program, the Health Services Strategic Plan, possible revisions to the Nunavut Nursing Recruitment and Retention Strategy, planning for the next phase of the Public Health Strategy, and planning and possibly expanding mental service capacity outside of Iqaluit.
Mr. Chairman, the department has yet again set out an ambitious business plan for the upcoming year, one that will depend upon adequate fiscal and human resources.
Chairman: Thank you. (interpretation) Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witness in.
Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister Peterson, for the record, please introduce your witness.
Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My witness is Deputy Minister Peter Ma, Deputy Minister of Health.