EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
From the answer there are different suppliers for the east and for Kivalliq and Kitikmeot, I think they all have different suppliers and different shipping methods, etc.
The minister has made an announcement to set the rate at the gas pump and the subsidy programs for hunters and homeowners, etc.
In her previous answer to my honourable colleague from Qamanittuaq, she thinks that she will be able to keep the same rate at the pumps this year.
If for example, I don't want to be hypothetical, but it seems like oil price fluctuations are pretty unpredictable right now. If the prices go up before she makes all the purchases for all of Nunavut, it's going to impact the revolving fund.
Can she or will she be able to assure Nunavummiut that no matter what, that this year the oil prices for petroleum will not rise.
Hon. Manitok Thompson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I cannot predict what's going to happen in the future, as I don't think anybody can do that.
But I did say and I said it in the House that for the next two years, I've made a commitment that we're not going to raise fuel prices and according to our budget in petroleum products we did have a surplus of three million dollars to cover that.  We're going to make every effort not to raise the fuel prices, even though I don't know what's going to happen in the future.
But that's a commitment I've made and I'm sticking to it as the Minister responsible for Petroleum Products.
Question 242 - 1(5): Update of Hunters’ Support Program
This is a question directed to the Minister of Sustainable Development regarding the Hunters’ Support Program that was previously in existence. I just wondered what the status of that program is at this time.
Perhaps he's asking about the program that is under review at this time, the harvesters support program.
We just completed the visits to the communities in May and they just finished the consultations and they're looking at the results of the consultations.
Mr. Speaker, there are a lot of materials that they had to cover and they had to ask or meet with the hunters in each community. We also sent out a questionnaire to each community and are gathering the data at this time.
So I can provide an answer as soon as the data has been gathered and the report put together.
The standing committee can review it at that time.
I just want more clarification. Mr. Speaker, the material that the minister talked about, what I want to know is are they thinking about enlarging the hunter support program, is that why they did the community consultations.
Yes, as I said before, what we are doing at this time is gathering up the information from the community consultations and there will be a review on the hunter support program, which we inherited from the GNWT.
So what we are doing now is we want to make one that is made in Nunavut and we're in the process of doing it at this time. We are gathering up the materials and putting them together and we will be consulting with the standing committee as soon as we have gathered the materials.
It's not going to come out right away as it has to go through the Legislative Assembly and the processes of the House.
So we will table it in the House after the committee has had a chance to look at it so that this time we will know when the material comes out after the committee consultation as to what the recommendations will be.
I just want some more clarification, have the hunters been complaining about these programs or have they told you that they are happy with it.
There's a lot of material that we covered in the review after consulting with communities and we also wrote to hunters' organizations in each community to get their feedback.
We also asked questions of the hunters and then we went to the local radio stations in each community. So we tried every avenue to get information from the hunters.
We would like to provide members with information as soon as we can, as soon as we have finished gathering it. We wanted to have a made in Nunavut program, so as soon as we could and in as much detail as possible, we tried to get information from each hunter in every community. I will be able to provide members with that information as soon as it is available.
The previous hunter support program that was provided to Nunavummiut, I think they had a one-time only assistance policy per hunter.
We know that there are going to be amendments to the Wildlife Act but this program was just for supporting the hunters.
Will these two be changed at the same time.
Yes, I understand the member's question. The Wildlife Act review is not part of the hunters' support program review.
What I'm talking about is the hunters' support program that we grandfathered from the GNWT and that is what we're trying to change to be reflective of Nunavummiut.
We wanted to make changes to make it better for the people of Nunavut whether it be hunters or the people that do sewing for a living in the communities.
We wanted to do a review on how much money we can provide for those various activities that are done by the women and the men of Nunavut, whether it is hunting or sewing, skin preparation.
So we will be taking a look at it once the data is gathered.
Question 243 - 1(5): Grave Workers Situation and Minister of DIAND
Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the Minister of Health and Social Services.
When we had our last meeting in Iqaluit during the budget session, I asked the minister about this. I have asked the minister this question for the past two years. It's about those people that moved graves in my community of Igloolik.
What is the status of this at this time.
Mr. Speaker, since the last session I've had an opportunity actually to sit down in my office in Iqaluit with the Mayor from Hall Beach as well as the SAO to discuss the matter of the grave removal in Hall Beach.
I followed that discussion up with the Honourable Bob Nault, the Minister for DIAND who would be responsible for the payment of said funds and money.
I have not received a response from the Minister of DIAND on that issue.
Mr. Speaker, the letter he's referring to, the letter to Mr. Nault, when did he send it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker that would be about three or four weeks ago.
Mr. Speaker, does the minister believe that letter he wrote to Mr. Nault will be of any assistance to the people that moved the graves.
Mr. Speaker, we hope so.
Mr. Speaker, I think we realize that because of the timeframe involved, Nunavut came into place on April 1st 1999 and before that there was no Government of Nunavut. When the grave removal took place there wasn't a territorial government.
Ultimately, Mr. Speaker, the Federal Government would have responsibility for remuneration and we believe Mr. Speaker, the best way to state our case is to write the minister and put it in writing.
I've explained that to the Mayor from Hall Beach as well as the SAO.
We believe there should be some action and I appreciate the member bringing it up. I think we should note that and follow it up with Minister Nault.
Mr. Speaker, when we dealt with this a few months ago with the minister it seemed like this was coming to a conclusion.
But if the Minister of Indian Affairs says that it's impossible to pay those people, what happens then.
After looking at some of the files involved in this case, as well as working with the Department of Intergovernmental Affairs in the Premier's Office, I think we believe that the Federal Government would have the responsibility for remuneration.
After saying that Mr. Speaker, I know that after speaking to the Mayor of Hall Beach and the SAO, they also have legal counsel and I guess that would be the ultimate route that they have to take, if political expediency wasn't able to solve this situation.
Question 244 - 1(5): DSD Minister Visit to Kugluktuk
I will direct this question to the Minister for Sustainable Development.
While we were in Iqaluit, this was a question that I posed to the minister.
Today I want some clarification as to the status of a trail used by those travelling to and from the land. As I explained, there is a sewage lagoon road that crosses this trail.
Will he go to Kugluktuk and see this situation first hand.
Yes, I saw what the member is talking about in January and I have talked with the Minister of Community Government and Transportation. I will be speaking with the minister about the road that the member is talking about.
I will talk with the Community Government & Transportation minister this week.
This is not healthy and those people going to and from the land are concerned.
Before it freezes over again when winter comes this should be rectified.
If you are meeting with the Minister of Transportation, please try and rectify this as soon as possible.
It was very obvious when somebody was coming into the community utilizing that trail that it is a concern and I saw it firsthand.
The people of Kugluktuk and possibly the hamlet should write a letter to me and also to the Minister of Community Government and Transportation and in that letter they should outline their concerns and their problems and we can work on it further.
I think that we should have it in writing so we can respond to the concerns that are outlined in the letter.
I would suggest that the MLA and community write letters to the appropriate ministers and you can also work with our representatives here in the Kitikmeot region.
As you are aware, you need more information from your staff, this issue needs to be reviewed and a letter will be written again, but your staff needs to begin work on this.
You need to respond today.
My question today, you are aware and your staff should be aware of the concern.
Can you direct your staff to work on this as soon as possible, within the next few days.
Question Period is now over, we’ve run out of time.
We’ll continue on with the Orders of Day.
Reports of Committee on the Review of Bills.
Tabled Document 025 - 1(5): Income Support Policy Final Review
I wish to table the following document that was prepared by the Income Support Review Panel regarding income support and titled, “ The Income Support Final Review”.
Tabled Document 026 - 1(5): Kivalliq Transmission Line Pre-Feasibility Status Study
Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to table the exciting Kivalliq Transmission Line Pre-feasibility Status Study and the NPCIS review of comments on said study.
Tabled Document 027 - 1(5): 2000-01 Conflict of Interest Commissioner’s Annual Report
If there are no further documents to table by the members, at this time I have the honour of tabling the 2000-2001 Annual Report of the Conflict of Interest Commissioner of Nunavut.
Bill 10 - An Act to Amend the Labour Standards Act - First Reading
Mr. Speaker I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Iqaluit East, that Bill 10 - An Act to Amend the Labour Standards Act be read for the first time.
Speaker: All those in favour. All those opposed.
Bill 10 has had first reading.
First Reading Bills.
Bill 7 - The Integrity Act - Second Reading
I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Kugluktuk, that Bill 7 - The Integrity Act be read for the second time.
Mr. Speaker, this bill creates standards for Members of the Legislative Assembly in performing the duties of their office.
It also creates the Office of the Integrity Commissioner and provides for the role of that position. It also makes amendments to the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act.
The bill has had second reading and accordingly stands referred to a committee.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to give second reading to Bill 10 - An Act to Amend the Labours Standards Act.
Speaker: The member is seeking unanimous consent to deal with the bill today.
Bill 10 - An Act to Amend the Labour Standards Act - Second Reading
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members.
Mr. Speaker I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Pangnirtung, that Bill 10 - An Act to Amend the Labour Standards Act be read for the second time.
Mr. Speaker, this amendment to the Act will extend the period of parental leave that an employee is entitled to from 12 to 37 weeks.
Transitional provisions are included to allow eligible employees who are already on leave or who already have requested leave and those children who are born or placed in adoption after December 31st 2000, to extend or resume parental leave.
We have Bill 11, Supplementary Appropriations Act No.1, 2001- 2002.
Before we proceed to Committee of the Whole, we’ll take a 15-minute break, with Mr. Iqaqrialu in the chair.
>>Committee recessed at 3.25 p.m. and resumed at 3.54 p.m..
Welcome members and visitors to the chamber.
We are now in Committee of the Whole, under Item 19 on the agenda.
First of all I’d like to thank the community of Cambridge Bay for their warm hospitality.
We have Bill 11, Supplementary Appropriation Act No.1, 2001-2002, what is the wish of the committee.
We would like to discuss Bill 11, Supplementary Appropriation Act and once that is completed, we would like to report progress.
Chairperson: (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Irqittuq.
Does the committee agree that we will be discussing Supplementary Appropriation Act No.1.
I'd like to ask the minister to start his opening comments.
Bill 11 – Supplementary Appropriations Act No. 1, 2001-2002 - Consideration
The purpose of the Supplementary Appropriation Act No. 1, 2001-2002 is to provide additional funding to the Government of Nunavut for the fiscal year ending March 31st, 2002.
This is made up of 160 thousand for O&M and 22 million, 26 thousand dollars for capital expenditures.
Chairperson: (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Ng. I'd like to invite the Law Clerk to join us at the table. Do the members agree on the opening comments.
I will now ask Minister Ng, the Minister of Finance, if you would like sit at the witness table with your officials.
Thank you, Minister Ng. Supplementary Appropriation Act No.1.
Bill 11, do members have any comments.
Regarding the opening comments. The opening comments are very brief and authority is requested for 22 million, 186 thousand dollars in additional appropriations.
I think most of these are for incomplete projects that have already been agreed to but the minister did not go into detail. The members might be concerned about this.
He has stated that the Government of Nunavut is expecting a deficit of 12 million dollars and they are now requesting 22 million in supplementary appropriations.
There could be a perception out there that this is new spending.
As I understand it, these are for committed projects that were not completed or not even started.
My question will be why.
Why did this occur.
For instance in Coral Harbour the Native Point Project, the archaeological site, money was earmarked for Native Point but it has not been completed.
The total requested is 22 million, so my question is, why 22 million. Why aren’t they completed.
Project such as the Killinik High school that was not completed, projects that should have been completed. Other examples are Grise Fiord the Ummingmak School addition, Resolute Bay Kamatalik School addition.
I think these projects should’ve been completed. So my question is, why weren’t they completed when the money was approved for those projects.
First of all I would like to introduce the witness with me, Mr. Bob Vardy, the Deputy Minister of Finance and Administration.
The member is correct in that in my opening comments I didn’t get into great details about all the projects as the members know, and the schedule that is provided to all members and the public. There is a breakdown by department, by project, which is very detailed, which is normally I believe what we go through in review of the supplementary appropriation.
But for all intents and purposes this is the capital, by and large, the 22 million dollars.
Twenty two million, 26 thousand of it is for capital carry-overs for projects that were already approved in last year’s fiscal year and for whatever reasons those projects weren’t completed or there were portions of those projects that weren’t completed.
So the money before you, the request is to allow those projects to be completed in the current fiscal year because the money hasn’t been voted on for this current year.
I think we all very well understand that the projects that were budgeted for last year, for some reason they were not completed.
Therefore this Supplementary Appropriation No. 1, requests the Legislative Assembly to approve it.
A two-part question here.
First, is that 22 million the total of the projects that weren’t completed.
Are there any more that were approved in the budget last year that are dropped from this 22 million and probably will not resurface.
The second question Mr. Chairman is, is there any kind of document to tell our constituencies about ones that were never completed when they were budgeted for.
Mr. Chairman, I can’t say for certain that all capital projects that were approved last year that aren’t on this list were completed necessarily.
There may be some smaller projects that might have been, during the normal course of the year, dealt with by different departments because we compiled the information on behalf of all departments.
So we're relying on their requests for supplementary appropriations to bring forward but having said that I think by and large that all projects that were approved by the legislature last year not on this list as a result of not being completed would've been completed.
I would think it's 99%.
The answer to the member's second question is, as far as documentation, this document is before the House now, the detail on the supplementary appropriation is the actual list of projects that for various reasons as indicated were not fully completed, or not started during the last fiscal year. That's why they're back here to ensure they are completed in this current fiscal year, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Chairman, it's maybe a normal practice, however the communities and the Members of this Legislative Assembly place complete confidence and belief that when we approve the budget they are to be carried out, wherever the community or region may be.
Can the minister tell us, some of these projects that are not completed from last year which were budgeted for, maybe as a result of some delay or oversight by the regions because once you have the budget completed the headquarters tells the regions and the communities or maybe the regions in some cases did not carry them out from regions and they were not noticed or they did not see that the projects were not proceeded with by the regional office.
Do you have some kind of a tally where the headquarters always know that some projects might not have proceeded due to the lack of PYs in the region or the weather.
Do the headquarters always know that some projects have never been started.
Chairperson: (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Arvaluk.
Mr. Chairman, there is capacity at various levels of course with the needs of department in respect of capital planning, whether they have capital planners or managers but there's certainly a portion of the headquarters component within each department that has responsibility for the capital planning.
So I mean by that same token, they would be the individuals that would be tracking and monitoring the delivery of the capital projects in their particular department.
Having said that we do know that at times there are issues for various reasons, again where there's capacity, not having all the project officers available whether there may be too many projects in a community or in a particular region, the timing of them all going out in various short timeframes, that causes the possibility of some delays or some problems that cause some projects not to be delivered in a timely fashion.
But it would not be anything where any of our officials would intentionally not deliver capital projects. Our best case scenario obviously in an ideal situation would be to deliver everything that is approved by the legislature. But it's just sometimes not, we’re not fully able to do that because sometimes circumstances are beyond our control.
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Ng. Anybody else.
Of that 22 million, I'm sure you have some contracts that are out there and I know that due to some increases for example fuel increases, or other increases to the expense of the contractor.
How much would you say, just in general where we are at, how much of it is due to the contract increases, they need to do, when you issue a contract, were you saying that you have number of million dollars for that contract but it decreases or increases, you didn't expect that increase but no it might be showing here.
How much of that is due to contract increases.
Chairperson: (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Havioyak. Minister Ng.
Mr. Chairman, I wouldn't be able to answer that in detail. I could say that for general purposes that there are almost none, it would be minimal as far as additional costs because of fuel, because the contracts would have been awarded based on the price. The contractors aren't protected if there are escalations in their delivery of their portion of their services.
When you enter into a contract it's bid based on the time, materials and supplies.
I can say that there are some contracts that if they were to go over the budgeted amount allocated then the particular department would have to find the resources to supplement the approved amounts and again that amount would come back through the supplementary appropriation to this legislature for approval.
Maybe I didn't make myself clear but I'll use an example on Appropriation No. 1. For example on page 9, just using Kugluktuk as an example, you have a replacement water supply line.
Because they couldn't complete it, because if you had to add another 192 thousand dollars for that contract, if it was issued, I'm just trying to get some clarification here, where we have increases on the contract, after you sign the contract, it's signed that's it.
And when you issue that contract, it's signed, done but are you adding something to that contract by that much, 192 thousand.
Chairperson: (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Havioyak.
Mr. Chairman, if you choose that example, this 192 thousand dollars isn't necessarily additional money for that project.
This money would've been approved last year, the 192 thousand, or it could have been more, I don't have the details of that project.  But theoretically it could have been, let's just say for example 592 thousand dollars and it could have carried out or have an obligation for 400 thousand dollars of the work of the past year and had 192 thousand left over to complete the work, because it's carried over into this current fiscal to allow completion of the work.
We'll be getting to those details, so when we get to those pages, raise your concerns. Any other comments.
If there are no more comments, we'll go to page 6.
Legal. Department of Justice, operations and maintenance, not previously authorized. Lawyer support services, 50 thousand.
Just a question, these seem to be new money now that was not in the budget. Can the minister clarify to me that I'm wrong that has been budgeted before and we didn't see it in the last budget and it's being included in the supplementary appropriation now.
Mr. Chairman, this particular item is the only one on operations and maintenance, 160 thousand dollars is funding from the Federal Department of Justice to carry out some of their work if they have to consolidate or revise our statutes. To draft new rules for the court, these are amendments required to the regulations of the Judicature Act.
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Ng. Any more comments.
We're on page 6, 59 thousand, not previously authorized. Lawyer support services. Agreed.
Total registries and court services, 110 thousand. Any comments from the members.
Total department, 160 thousand.
Department of Justice, not previously authorized.
Total registries and court services, 77 thousand. Any comments.
Total community justice and corrections, 40 thousand.
Total department, 117 thousand. Any comments.
Publics Works and Services not previously authorized. Petroleum projects, 3 million 170 thousand.