EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
In March, we were doing capital planning and it was as of March 31 that the minister was going to let us know where the design phase of that project was.
I was wondering if he could give me an update today as to where the project is at.
Yes, we really missed him yesterday when he wasn’t here.
We finished the session 15 minutes early because he wasn’t here.
But I can tell that the time is going faster with him being here today.
In regard to the question, as we stated a couple of months ago, the design phase would be completed, but I can’t tell you at this time when that design will be worked on.
The designs are near completion, but I can’t tell you where they’re at right now.
During the session, I will give you an update on the design phase after I look into it further. (interpretation ends) Thank you.
Thank you for that commitment.
It was my understanding that it would have been done as of April 1 because my next question was regarding his comments and commitment to community consultations once the design was done.
Is that process still happening, yes or no, and what dates are we looking at?
I will look into it. They had to do community consultations and I’m sure that they did them, but I will look into it further and provide the information to the member.
Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to the minister for that answer.
I think my problem for the nursing station in Arctic Bay kind of stems from the same problem as Mr. Schell in terms of what Mr. Tootoo was alluding to in terms of commitments from other governments and under budgets that weren’t realistic.
So when it comes to something as serious as a nursing station, I really would like to push that issue forward.
I know when I had asked the minister to contact the nursing station with all of the hard work, our nurse in charge actually came down to Iqaluit a number of times to help with the design to make sure the design was right.
So it’s nice that the government is taking the time to do the design properly and I really hope that the government can commit to pushing the health centre in Arctic Bay forward.
At the time we were discussing the capital and whatnot, the minister mentioned about prioritizing because there are actually three health centres that are in question. Has the government come up with how they are going to prioritize which nursing station comes first?
I know that Mr. Schell is going to push for his since his is the oldest, but his doesn’t even really have the design phase.
That’s a very good question and I understand exactly.
There were three health centres that needed to be worked on, but now there are four.
But also, my cabinet colleagues understand that these are very important.
The design phase was not completed last year, but with this new government’s cabinet, we were told that all of the capital projects need good designs so that we will know how much they will cost.
The Minister of Finance had stated that if the design phase is not fixed properly, we don’t know how much it would cost.
So therefore, we would always underestimate the cost, but I know it takes a bit longer. We haven’t forgotten the words coming from that department.
Also, this coming fall, I would like to say that we want to see that many nursing centres to be constructed, but I will have to discuss this matter with my colleagues as to which one is a priority.
I can’t tell you which community is our highest priority.
Thank you, Minister, for answering that.
I know that prioritizing would be hard.
Has the minister been in contact with our MP, Leona Aglukkaq, in terms of asking, within her position as Minister of Health, whether there’s anything she can do?
I know there was a lot of money allocated to aboriginal communities for infrastructure, but really, there wasn’t a lot of money for Inuit communities.
I’m wondering if he has been in contact with our federal MP in this regard.
Hon. Tagak Curley: Thank you. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I can tell the member that we have discussed this matter with her.
They are not responsible for health centres, but we’ve had preliminary discussions if they could be included.
I will work further on it and I would like to discuss this with the minister. I thought I was going to go down to Ottawa this month to discuss items with our MP and I haven’t had the opportunity to discuss this with our MP.
As a department, we have stated that we would like to ask if the federal government could provide support in the construction of health centres because our funding sources for our priority work is limited.
But we will talk with Minister Leona Aglukkaq.
Thank you, Mr. Elliott.
I have no more… Member for Quttiktuq, Mr. Elliott.
Question 042 – 3(2): Update on Arctic Bay Airport (Elliott)
I don’t want to waste two minutes and thirty seconds.
My question is directed towards the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, the Hon. Peter Taptuna.
In terms of the Arctic Bay Airport and the construction that has been going on, I was just up in Arctic Bay yesterday. There’s a lot of work being done in regard to the construction of the terminal building and I was talking to different members of people who were working up there.
Is that project on schedule?
I have received correspondence from him in the past saying that by 2010, the airport would be open. I was just wondering if he could give me an update on that.
The completion date is still 2010.
I can assure the hon. member that it is going to be completed by 2010.
With all of the problems that we had in the past with overspending on that project, is it still within budget?
Did he feel comfortable that Transport Canada will approve the design and the work that has been done on the airport?
In the past, there were some unforeseen or unexpected cost overruns due to permafrost melting and that amounted to $3.8 million. And yes, the construction is on schedule and will be completed hopefully, as I mentioned, early in 2010.
I think that was partially my fault for asking two questions at the same time, so I’ll re-ask the second part of that question. Does he feel comfortable that Transport Canada will approve the runway?
We were actually lucky enough yesterday to land with a charter, so we were able to land on the new airport runway.
It’s kind of interesting how there’s an actual dip in the middle of the runway and we have heard different stories that that will help takeoff and landing, and other people have said, “Well, that’s crazy.
Runways are supposed to be flat.”
He has already mentioned and said that the permafrost issue is done. I’m just wondering if he could confirm if the Government of Nunavut feels comfortable that Transport Canada will actually approve the runway.
The department has full confidence in having the airstrip certified by Transport Canada. If the risks were too high, I’m sure that the department wouldn’t be building it. There’s such a huge cost for that type of infrastructure and we’re confident that it’s going to be certified by Transport Canada.
Mr. Elliott: I’m sorry, Mr. Speaker, I think that was my last question.
I didn’t know if I had another one. I was wondering if we could go back to Item 5, Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery, if that’s possible.
Speaker: You will notice that question period is over.
The Member for Quttiktuq is seeking consent to return to Item 5 in our Orders of the Day.
I just wanted to recognize a group of students from Inuksuk High School here.
They’re a Grade 10 Social Studies class and they’re stuttering…
… studying the Government of Nunavut.
Written Question 001 – 3(2): Employment of Agency Nurses (Aupaluktuq)
I have a Written Question for the Minister of Health and Social Services concerning the hiring of agency nurses.
The question is lengthy, so I would ask that it be entered into the record as read.
For each fiscal year from 1999-2000 to 2008-09, how many agency nurses were employed or contracted by the Government of Nunavut?
For each fiscal year from 1999-2000 to 2008-09, how much money did the Government of Nunavut spend on agency nurses?
For each fiscal year from 1999-2000 to 2008-09, were bonuses paid by the Government of Nunavut to agency nurses and if so, how were they calculated and what was their total value?
For each fiscal year from 1999-2000 to 2008-09 and broken down by community, how many full-time nursing positions were vacant?
How is the Department of Health and Social Services evaluating the success of its Nursing Recruitment and Retention Strategy?
For each fiscal year from 1999-2000 to 2008-09 and broken down by community, how many physicians were employed or contracted by the Government of Nunavut?
What physician recruitment and retention efforts are currently being undertaken by the Department of Health and Social Services to employ full-time physicians for Nunavut?
How does the Department of Health and Social Services determine the staffing requirements for nurses and physicians in Nunavut’s communities?
Tabled Document 021 – 3(2): Quotes for Equipment Purchase (Schell)
Mr. Schell: With the assistance of the Minister of Housing, I’m going to table this document on the quotes for the farm equipment and Toromont CAT on their estimate on the telehandlers.
Tabled Document 022 – 3(2): Procurement Activity Report, 2007-2008 (Kusugak)
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I am pleased to table the following document:
Procurement Activity Report 2007-08
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bill and Others Matters.
Before we commence with the Committee of the Whole, we will take a 20-minute break.
>>House recessed at 15:04 and Committee resumed at 15:30
Chairman (Mr. Ningeongan)  (interpretation): Good afternoon. (interpretation ends) I would like to call the committee meeting to order.
We would like to continue with Bill 1 and the review of the Department of Community and Government Services, followed by the Department of Finance, and if time permits, the Department of Human Resources.
Yesterday, Minister Kusugak gave his opening remarks.
I would like to ask Minister Kusugak now: do you have witnesses to bring to the table?
Yes, I would like some of my officials with me at the witness table.
Thank you. (interpretation ends) For the record, Minister Kusugak, please introduce your witnesses.
With me at the witness table today on my right is Shawn Maley, my Deputy Minister, and on my left is the Director of Financial Services, Mr. Mike Rafter.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Kusugak. (interpretation ends) Does the Chair of the Standing Committee on Community and Economic Development have opening comments?
Proceed, Mr. Komoartok.
Mr. Komoartok: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I am pleased to provide opening comments on behalf of the Standing Committee on Community and Economic Development on its review of the 2009-2010 Main Estimates and Business Plan of the Department of Community and Government Services.
The standing committee notes that the department’s proposed 2009-2010 operations and maintenance budget of $170,723,000 has increased by approximately 57 percent since the introduction of the department’s 2004-05 main estimates.
The number of positions in the department has increased from 330 PYs in 2004-05 to 337 PYs in 2009-2010.
The Department of Community and Government Services is responsible for preparing the Government of Nunavut’s annual reports on departmental contracting, procurement and leasing activities.
The most recent reports, which were for the 2006-07 fiscal year, were tabled in the Legislative Assembly on November 7, 2007.
Members look forward to the tabling of the 2007-08 and 2008-09 annual reports at the earliest opportunity.
And I would like to thank the minister at this time for providing us an activity copy of this already.
To date, these annual reports have not included information on the procurement, contracting and leasing activities of the government’s major Crown corporations and agencies, including the Nunavut Housing Corporation, the Nunavut Development Corporation, and the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation.
The department’s 2009-2010 business plan indicates that it has completed a review of the Conflict of Interest Act “and prepared a legislative proposal for consideration.
The department will seek further direction on this item.”
The standing committee looks forward to further clarification on the direction in which the department plans to move with respect to this legislation which applies to municipalities and other bodies.
The department’s 2009-2010 business plan indicated that the department’s review of the Consumer Protection Act had been delayed.
The department’s 2009-2010 business plan does not discuss this issue.
The standing committee encourages the department to continue its work on this initiative.
The department’s 2009-2010 business plan indicates that it will “Set up a formal consultation plan with stakeholders to propose delegation of lotteries to all municipalities under the Lotteries Regulations.”
During the minister’s appearance, members were advised that the intent of this initiative is to provide more “ownership and accountability” to municipalities in this area in addition to enhancing their ability to generate revenues.
The department’s business plan also indicates that it will “develop a legislative proposal for” a Nunavut Employee Benefits Service Pension Plan Protection Act.
That’s a long title. “The plan is not protected from creditors; potential financial difficulties of one or more members could jeopardize the entire plan.”
Members are aware that a bill with this title was passed by the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories in March of 2009.
The bill relates to provisions in the existing Community Employees’ Benefits Program Transfer Act.
The standing committee looks forward to the introduction of a similar bill in this House.
The department’s proposed budget for municipal transfer payments is increasing from $46,568,000 in 2008-09 to $51,979,000 in 2009-2010.
The standing committee noted with concern that the department’s business plan indicates that the “overall financial position of municipalities improved for the fifth year in a row, however, only six communities were responsible for the majority of this increase.
Although there are many underlying reasons for a decline in overall position, including needed, budgeted and planned community-based expenditures, there are warning signs emerging in some cases that require close monitoring and ongoing evaluation.”
The standing committee supports the department in its efforts to assist municipalities that are engaged in deficit reduction exercises.
The department’s 2009-2010 main estimates include $1.5 million in funding for a new Mobile Equipment Block Funding Program.
This program will “Provide annual core funding to assist communities in mobile equipment lifecycle planning, procurement and maintenance.”
The standing committee encourages the department to provide clear information to municipalities on the process by which they can access this funding.
The department’s 2009-2010 main estimates include $850,000 in contribution funding for the Municipal Insurance Exchange to “offset incremental costs associated with municipal insurance coverage and to implement loss control program initiatives with focus on such critical areas as fire training and fire prevention.”
The budget for this item in 2008-09 was $200,000.
The standing committee supports the government’s ongoing support of NAMIX until such time as the system can become self-funding.
Mr. Chairman, during the minister’s appearance, members posed questions concerning the status of the department’s water and sewage pilot projects in Kugaaruk, Chesterfield Inlet, and Pangnirtung.
The department’s 2009-2010 business plan indicates that “The three original pilot communities were not satisfied with the block funding terms and conditions implemented by the designated project sponsor; the participating communities decided that they no longer wanted to be involved.
As a result of having no participating communities, the pilot project was cancelled.”
The standing committee encourages the department to work with municipalities, local housing organizations, and the Nunavut Housing Corporation to review the lessons learned during this experience.
The department’s 2009-2010 business plan indicates that one of its priorities is to “Undertake an open-market feasibility study which develops sealift re-supply policy options for Government consideration. To the extent possible, the report will document a community specific and territory-wide impact assessment as well as develop cost benefit analysis while considering relevant resupply factors.”
The standing committee looks forward to reviewing the results of this study.
The department’s main estimates include $500,000 in annual funding to provide training to search and rescue organizations and assistance with the purchase of equipment. The department’s 2009-2010 main estimates include $50,000 in additional funding for a new program to “assist communities and qualified organizations through providing emergency search and rescue contribution funding.”
The standing committee encourages the department to provide clear information to communities on the process by which they can access this funding.
The department’s 2009-2010 business plan indicates that one of its priorities is for the “Office of the Fire Marshall to complete a review of the Fire Prevention Strategy and make recommendations for the future direction of the strategy.”
The standing committee looks forward to the tabling of a new strategy.
The standing committee also looks forward to reviewing the 2007 and 2008 annual reports of the Office of the Fire Marshal, which are required by law to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly under the territorial Fire Prevention Act.
Mr. Chairman, during the Legislative Assembly’s consideration of the Government of Nunavut’s 2009-2010 capital estimates, it was noted that “While members are supportive of efforts to build capacity in the Department of Community and Government Services in order to strengthen the GN's capital planning process and address the need for more reliable and accurate cost estimates, it is essential that Members of this Assembly retain the right to consider, approve, or reject proposed capital projects at the initial stage of their development..”
The department’s 2009-2010 business plan indicates that “The addition of 4 Project Officers and a Quantity Surveyor will serve to improve the GN Capital Project delivery process and address capacity issues within the department.”
The business plan also indicates that its priorities include developing a “Historical Cost Database for Nunavut Capital Projects” and a “Capital Project Management policy which sets out principles, authorities, roles, responsibilities, and expectations.”
The standing committee noted that while the proposed budget for the department’s Capital Planning and Technical Services Branch is increasing from $24,140,000 in 2008-09 to $27,006,000 in 2009-2010, most of this increase is due to a $2,508,000 increase in the budget for building maintenance.
The standing committee also noted that the total number of positions in the department’s Capital Planning and Technical Services Branch is projected to decrease from 114 PYs in 2008-09 to 109 in 2009-2010.
During the minister’s appearance, members questioned how the department could strengthen its capital planning and project management capacity if it was reducing positions in this branch.
Members were advised that a number of the department’s positions have been vacant for a significant period of time and that the department has re-profiled compensation and benefits funding for use in issuing “as and when” service contracts.
Mr. Chairman, the department’s 2009-2010 business plan indicates that one of its priorities is to “Deliver community based training for potable water, wastewater and solid waste management in Arviat, Baker Lake, Cambridge Bay and Gjoa Haven with the Municipal Training Organization (MTO).
Upon completing these courses, Hamlet employees will be in a better position to meet guidelines established by the regulatory authorities…” The standing committee was advised that this Nunavut-specific, accredited training program will be expanded in time to other communities and will take into account requirements established by the Nunavut Water Board.
The issue of drinking water quality and safety has been raised on a number of occasions in the Legislative Assembly by MLAs.
The standing committee applauds the department for taking action in response to these concerns.
The standing committee also recommends that the department prepare and table in the Legislative Assembly a comprehensive report on water quality in all of Nunavut’s communities.
The department’s 2009-2010 main estimates project that the department’s Petroleum Products Revolving Fund will have a surplus of $8,597,000 in the 2009-2010 fiscal year.
It is estimated that its deficit for 2008-09 will be about $9,538,000.
The Revolving Funds Act was amended on three occasions during the Second Legislative Assembly of Nunavut to reflect the rising world price of oil.
The authorized limit of the Petroleum Products Revolving Fund is currently $200 million.
The authorized limit of the Petroleum Products Stabilization Fund is currently $10 million.
The standing committee encourages the department to closely monitor these funds.
The department’s 2009-2010 business plan indicates that the Petroleum Products Division’s priorities include “Implement an advance early procurement and acquisition program for the 2009 bulk fuel re-supply.”
In March of this year, the Minister of Community and Government Services announced that the department had completed a purchase of approximately sixteen million litres of gasoline “at a reduced price through a pre-purchase program.”
The standing committee looks forward to the minister reporting to the Legislative Assembly later this year on the success of this initiative.
The department’s 2008-09 business plan indicated that the department has been implementing recommendations made by consultants to comply with new federal regulations concerning tank farms.
It also indicated that “GN Facilities are compliant except for our resupply pipeline.
During the minister’s appearance before the standing committee, members asked for an update on the status of the department’s efforts to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
Members were advised that this issue remains a “moving target.”
Members look forward to further clarification on this issue.
The department’s 2008-09 business plan also indicated that it planned to work with the Alberta Research Council and major refineries to “seek solutions to the cold weather challenges that impact on fossil fuels” and to work with the Alberta Research Council to assess the gasoline specifications for the eastern and central communities “to determine whether high octane levels specified… are necessary.”
Mr. Chairman, while the department’s 2009-2010 business plan indicates that “due to staffing challenges at Petroleum Products and [Alberta Research Council], this project has been deferred,” members were advised during the minister’s appearance that the department intends to undertake this project at a future point in time.
Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening comments on the 2009-2010 Main Estimates and Business Plan of the Department of Community and Government Services.
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Komoartok.
I would also like to thank the minister and also Mr. Komoartok for his opening comments on behalf of the committee.
In the minister’s opening comments on page 5 to page 6, it talks about search and rescue and it being the responsibility of the hamlets to provide search and rescue operations.
Yesterday, we heard that the RCMP and the military are going to be working together for search and rescue operations and that there are going to be ongoing challenges.
The federal departments have to follow protocol and sometimes the reaction delay causes loss of life or some danger with the people who are lost out there.
The Inuit’s first priority is to search and rescue an individual without setting a time before they go out for searches, Mr. Chairman.