EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
implementing the Nunavut Transportation Strategy, and
promoting growth in our mineral resource development sector.
Mr. Speaker, our economic future depends upon improving our transportation infrastructure.
In collaboration with the Government of Canada, we will invest in key transportation projects that will strengthen the Nunavut economy and promote local business.
The mining, tourism, fisheries and sealing sectors and their many spin-offs, as well as local arts and crafts enterprises, will all benefit from improved transportation infrastructure.
We will also focus on improving infrastructure in individual communities through initiatives under the Small Craft Harbour and Airport Investment Strategies for Nunavut.
It is also a key priority to increase investment in support of mineral exploration.
Our government will continue to work with the mineral sector to streamline and clarify approval processes for new developments, while maintaining environmental as well as social and economic requirements.
We will work with the mining industry to develop both our mineral resources and our human resources.
Through the NNI Policy and the new NNI Secretariat we will promote greater Nunavut and Inuit employment and business participation in this sector.
Mr. Speaker, we are providing an additional $4 million to support sustainable economic growth and employment in all sectors and all regions of Nunavut.
When combined with new federal government spending, there will be over $45 million of additional investment in our economy over the next few years.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Environment was created last year to reflect the priority this government places on its responsibilities for the protection and promotion of our natural resources through avatimik kamattiarniq.
This budget continues to support initiatives started last year to deliver on a wide range of regulatory and program functions.
Minister Akesuk will continue to focus on developing and maintaining strategic partnerships with organizations both within and outside of Nunavut.
This will help to ensure the long-term protection of our environment, and sustainable development of our natural resources.
Funding support will continue in the new year to the Hunters and Trappers Organizations, Community Harvesters Assistance Program, and Regional Wildlife Management Boards.
As well, the wildlife research program and the community programs to support the harvesting and management of wildlife in Nunavut will continue.
The Nunavut Sealing Strategy and the Nunavut Fisheries Strategy will be implemented in 2005-06.
These strategies will provide support towards maximizing the economic opportunities in these sectors for Nunavutmiut while honouring the principles of conservation and sustainability.
Mr. Speaker, to provide community based fisheries training, we will partner with the federal government in a new training program.
This program will help Nunavutmiut take advantage of opportunities in our emerging fisheries industry.
The creation of the Department of Community and Government Services last year has allowed the government to maximize the use of resources to support communities and other departments.
The new department emphasizes community support and has put in place a one-stop concept for communities for a range of services, funding and training.
This budget demonstrates a firm financial commitment to supporting municipalities.
Minister Kilabuk is very pleased that our government will be providing an additional $4 million under the Municipal Operating Assistance Program in 2005-06.
Combined with the increase provided two years ago, Mr. Speaker, this represents a 30 percent increase in municipal operating grants over three years.
The department will undertake revisions to the Water and Sewage Subsidy Program and has increased the funding by $500,000.
The department will continue, in collaboration with Nunavut’s municipalities, to change the program so that communities can increase their abilities to manage individual programs.
An additional $1 million will be provided for the Nunavut Association of Municipalities Insurance Exchange.
This municipally owned and operated insurance organization has managed to reduce claims and improve loss control practices across the territory.
With the additional funding provided this year the government will have contributed $4.5 million to this initiative.
Mr. Speaker, the department has tabled the Nunavut Fire Prevention Strategy that laid out a vision and a progressive implementation plan to reduce fire losses.
In 2005-06, $2 million will be allocated to this strategy.
An ongoing success story in communities is the work of the Municipal Training Organization.
Government is again providing core-funding support, which assists that organization in obtaining funding from other partners.
Over the past year the organization’s programs have attracted 660 participants and provided over 5000 training days to all levels of municipal staff.
This year will see many infrastructure projects funded with support from Canada.
The funding from the federal government is matched by Nunavut and will allow us to address priority needs in communities.
The Nunavut Association of Municipalities will join us in forming the Community Infrastructure Planning Committee and will work with the federal government and the Government of Nunavut in establishing an Infrastructure Technical Planning Secretariat.
The need to manage and conserve our energy has never been more evident than it is today.
In response to this need, we will be implementing an Energy Management Program throughout the government.
This program is designed to improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce government spending on energy.
As part of this initiative, educational and training programs will be developed for government employees, schools, and building operators and managers.
Under the direction of Minister Tapardjuk, Mr. Speaker, the Department of Human Resources will lead the implementation of the Inuit Employment Plan.
The 2005-06 budget for this priority program is $5.6 million - almost 30 percent of the departmental budget.
This plan will utilize clearly defined measurements to judge progress in achieving the goals of this program. This will increase the accountability of departments and agencies with regard to Inuit employment.
It will also ensure that job opportunities are accessible to beneficiaries across Nunavut, and will allow us to make faster progress towards having a representative work force and meeting the objectives of Pinasuaqtavut.
The reduction of barriers to the staffing and job evaluation processes will remain a high priority.
The Priority Hiring Policy is being reviewed to assess its effectiveness.
The audit of job descriptions will eliminate artificial barriers.
Inuit cultural and language components will be integrated into all positions.
Funding for the Nunavut Summer Student Employment Program will be increased by $250,000 to almost $1 million.
This government-wide program will provide valuable working experience to more of our young people.
We value the contribution of our employees and will foster a close working relationship with our public sector unions so that Government’s programs and services can best meet the needs of Nunavutmiut.
The department will deliver courses and workshops to improve the well-being of employees and to ensure safe working conditions.
This will improve the morale, productivity and retention rate of our employees.
Also, the Public Service Act will be reviewed and changes will be proposed to ensure that it fully reflects our human resources policies and practices.
In the Department of Finance, the administration of the Nunavut Liquor Board and the Liquor Commission has recently been centralized in Rankin Inlet, and a new liquor warehouse has been constructed there.
These changes will mean a more efficient liquor administration.
Mr. Speaker, I have asked the Nunavut Liquor Board to provide me with suggestions for improving various aspects of liquor education that fall under the board’s responsibilities.
We also will be following up with the chairs of the local alcohol committees to obtain their suggestions.
These committees can serve as a valuable tool in helping us educate Nunavutmiut on the dangers associated with the inappropriate use of alcohol.
The department will continue to coordinate efforts to strengthen financial management across government including Crown corporations and agencies.
This effort will focus upon the management of resources, risks and information.
The Financial Management Board, utilizing three government-wide committees with clearly defined mandates, provides overall direction to this effort.
These committees are the Financial Management Committee, the Audit Committee and the Interdepartmental Committee on Capital Planning.
In addition, the Crown Agency Council advises Cabinet and the Financial Management Board on a wide range of policy and financial management issues.
Improvements in financial management will help us to deliver programs more effectively.
It will improve accountability by making public employees more aware of the responsibilities they have in delivering programs to benefit Nunavutmiut.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs carries out the key role of advising Cabinet on the development of our full potential as a territory and as a people.
In the coming year, it will coordinate the completion of the work plans flowing from Pinasuaqtavut, and will work with the Department of Finance to ensure that these work plans are integrated to the maximum extent possible into our fiscal plans.
It will renew its efforts to work in partnership with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and the federal government to implement and meet the obligations of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
The department will coordinate government’s efforts to begin to negotiate a strong devolution agreement, which is key to our achieving the economic vision for the development of our territory described in Pinasuaqtavut.
As well, the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs will provide the focus for the series of consultations to be undertaken to gather the views of Nunavumiut and additional information necessary to develop the Northern Strategy announced by the Prime Minister and the Territorial Premiers in December 2004.
To conclude Mr. Speaker, the budget tabled today outlines how we will meet our responsibilities to deliver public services to Nunavutmiut and to manage our financial situation in the coming year.
It confirms our firm commitment to:
strengthening financial management and accountability;
strengthening our economy;
building a stronger cultural foundation based on Inuit societal values; and
improving education, housing and health care.
We have accomplished much since 1999.
This new budget will ensure that we continue that progress, as will our three-year fiscal plans that we will be developing over the coming months.
We look forward to working with all Members of the Second Legislative Assembly and all our partners to achieve Nunavut’s full potential.
To go back to our Orders of the Day.
Member’s Statement 102 – 2(2): Child Protection in Nunavut
Children in Nunavut deserve the love and care of the family, guidance and security that our schools can’t provide.
Our children, in particular the foster children, need protection from the government’s policy to sent them out of Nunavut, once they have failed to find relatives that would care, feed, and provide a home within their peers and friends in their own community.
CBC Radio reported a couple of days ago that the Department of Health and Social Services has adopted a policy to send foster children without consulting with elders in a place like Rankin Inlet.
It’s not acceptable for Inuit elders.
In particular, the elders do not condone this practice.
I urge the Government of Nunavut to look within our homes and communities, and consult with elders immediately to address the issue of foster children and parents in Nunavut, and come to an arrangement that includes a permanent policy that involves continuing advice from elders before Nunavut children are sent outside of Nunavut where culture, customs and language may be barriers to communicate with the children.
The minister responsible must act on this serious issue and report back to the people of Nunavut and this Assembly to see if there is a better solution.
I urge the minister to take back the current policy as soon as possible if they are going to be sending children out without consulting the people.
So, I urge the minister to report back to this Assembly.
Member’s Statement 103 – 2(2): No Plans for New Airport in Arctic Bay
Congratulations to the Minister of Finance for your second budget address to this Second Assembly.
I rise today regarding the public meeting that was held in Arctic Bay at the beginning of this month to discuss issues relating to the Nanisivik mine site.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Premier, the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, and the Minister of Community and Government Services, for taking time to visit Arctic Bay.
During the meeting, these Cabinet ministers made a lot of promises to my constituents regarding infrastructure needs, including new airstrip for the community by 2007, and a new 5-Year Capital Plan.
Promises regarding Nanisivik mine site reclamation and new infrastructure are not new to the residents of Arctic Bay.
It is not clear, however, how these promises will be fulfilled.
In 2002-2003, the Arctic Bay new airport development project was clearly listed in the five-year capital plan, with funding for a project starting in 2004-2005 and a total of 1.7 million planned for the project for the final three years of the plan.
In 2003-2004, the Legislative Assembly approved 250 thousand dollars for the project.
There is no future funding in the five-year capital plan.
Mr. Speaker, more than half of that funding was transferred to other projects. 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 five-year capital plan do not contain any funding for airport development in Arctic Bay.
I can only hope that agreements are in the works for funding under one of our federal infrastructure programs.
A further review of the 2005-2010 five-year capital plan reveals that there is no infrastructure project for Arctic Bay, beyond the replacement of the health centre.
There aren’t even any projects to start in five years from now on in 2010.
Mr. Speaker, (interpretation) I ask unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Speaker (interpretation): The Member is asking unanimous consent to conclude his statement.
And thank you, my colleagues, to conclude my statement.
(interpretation ends) My colleagues made a lot of promises in Arctic Bay, and I will be asking questions in the House to hold them to their commitments to my constituents.
Member’s Statement 104 – 2(2): Lupin Gold Mine Closing
I rise today to inform Members about an initiative that I first informed the House about last year.
As reported in the media, Kinross Gold has stopped mining at the Lupin gold mine.
There has been care and maintenance in two previous occasions before reopening, this time the mine is closing for good.
Kinross is submitting an abandonment and reclamation plan for the mine site within a few weeks.
Mr. Speaker, mineral exploration and mining will be a key sector in Nunavut’s economy for the next decade.
The mining exploration companies require a homegrown workforce that is trained in skills.
In fact, the Inuit Impact Benefits Agreement that we have already negotiated and signed for the mining companies, provide exciting opportunities for our young people and other residents.
To that end, a focus on the Kitikmeot has shifted slightly to acquire some of the physical assets of the Lupine Gold mine.
Instead of a trade and technical school, we want to establish Nunavut’s first ever mining training school.
During the Kitikmeot trade show last week, I took part in a meeting between representatives of Kinross Gold, Kitikmeot Corporation and Diavik Diamond Mine where we discussed the potential of the mining training school in the Kitikmeot.
I have to say that it is refreshing to see mining companies coming together in Nunavut in a spirit of partnership and commitment to find joint solutions to our chronic unemployment and training issues.
To show their commitment to establishing a mine training school in the Kitikmeot, officials of the Kitikmeot Corporation and Kinross Gold signed a memorandum of understanding last week.
Mr. Speaker, I will continue to update the House as this exciting initiative moves forward in 2005.
I urge the Government of Nunavut to support the mine training school concept so that Nunavut does not lose its valuable asset located at the Lupine Gold mine site.
Member’s Statement 105 – 2(2): Election Results in Pangnirtung
We go through different things when we are campaigning.
In 2004, the people who ran for MLA and first of all, our newly elected Mayor Jack Maniapik. Levi Evic, Sheila Kilabuk, Rita Mike, Joanasie Qaapik, Sakiasie Sowdluapik, Naimee Akpalialuk, Manasie Evic and Pia Qaqqasiq were newly elected to the Hamlet Council.
For Housing Authority, the new chair person is Joanasie Maniapik, councilor Jayco Ishulutak who has been our Sergeant-of-Arms, Maggie Ishulutak, Mosesie Nakasuk, Charlie Qumuartuq, David Kooneeliusie, Seemee Angmalik, and Jimmy Angmalik, who has been the fuel truckdriver, Moshie Arnakak and Geeva Maniapik who is the home owners’ representative.
For District Education Authority, the new chairperson Timiusi Evic, my neighbor and if he is watching, he is smiling.
The members are Andrew Dialla, Meeka Arnakak, Taina Angmalik.
Taina has been the DEA Member for a long time, she is doing a great job.
People keep re-electing her.
Also, Manasie Maniapik, Sarah Tautuarjuk, and Alan Rumbolt.
For HTO, the chair person Mosesie Qaapik, directors Daisy Keenainak, she is the wife of my cousin Simionie Keenainak who is well known for his singing career, Billy Evic, Leopa Akpalialuk, Laimie Nakashuk, Mosesie Nakasuk, Manasie Maniapik, and Mosesie Nuvaqqiq.
I congratulate them and wish them the best.
I am please that I will be able to work with them.
I would like to welcome them again.
Member’s Statement 106 – 2(2): Congratulate the Music Society
Mr. Tootoo. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Before I go into my Member’s Statements, I beg the members indulgence, I have a presentation to make to our Premier.
(Speaking French) and it says “spit happens”.
On Monday or Tuesday, the Premier announced the new daughter that he has and these are for her, for Beatrice, his new daughter, (Speaking French) not, for Mr. Picco, don’t let him try and take them from you, so with that I would like to pass this on to Mr. Premier and congratulate him.
The issue of power was raised in this House almost everyday for the last year.
I rise today with respect to yet another electrifying issue.
Mr. Speaker, that’s Grease Lightning.
I am proud to be congratulating the Iqaluit Music Society and Inuksuk High School for an excellent presentation on the musical ‘Grease’.
Over the musical’s three night run, more than one thousand people attended.
People were even turned away at the door.
This was despite, Mr. Speaker, despite the worse odds as the original Sunday matinee was canceled due to a storm and re-scheduled for the next evening.
The cast of 24 students was supported by a further 36 students working behind the scenes; all of the props and the sets were made by students and for the first time, two Inuksuk High School students played in the pit band.
Also, many volunteers from the community worked behind the scenes to make the musical a huge success.
Mr. Speaker, no production of this calibre is possible without community sponsorship.
I would like to thank the City of Iqaluit and all the local businesses and organizations that made it possible.
We are truly fortunate to be able to stage and attend a quality production of popular theatre.
Our own hometown John Travolta’s and Olivia Newton-John’s have made us proud once again, and I ask all of my colleagues here in the House to join me in congratulating them on their success.
Member’s Statement 107 – 2(2): Training Programs Needed in the Mining Sector
First of all, I would like to say hello to the mayor and councilors in Arviat.
I rise today to express my concern, I raised this a couple of days ago during question period, and the minister stated that he is currently working on it.
But, I have a great concern, I get phone calls just about every day from residents in regards to mining, and it will be starting shortly.
I feel it’s very close.
Before the storm, when we met, this was also raised by a Kitikmeot member.
This is exciting to see.
(interpretation ends) As you know, the Kivalliq has a long history of mining and our region is looking at different sectors to help power our economy.
In the coming years, one example of this is the Cumberland Resource Meadowbank project. (interpretation) They are looking at to start ...
(interpretation ends) On January 26 of this year, the Minister of Economic Development issued a news release in which he states that ensuring that businesses and workers have the training to meet the needs of mining companies is one of his top three priorities to strengthen the mining sector.
(interpretation) This is very true, I agree with the minister, he said he would start and I believed him. (interpretation ends) I agree with the minister on this.
However, my constituents are still waiting for the training programs that they need. (interpretation) I would like to state again in Inuktitut that my constituents are waiting because there are a lot of people who are unemployed in my community, in my constituency.
They are impatiently waiting, as if though they are waiting through a seal hole to see which opportunity will arise.
I ask unanimous consent to conclude my Members’ Statement.
There are no nays, please proceed Mr. Alagalak.
The residents of Kivalliq want to work, as my colleague said in the House, we want to reduce the need for dependency on government handouts.
I asked the Minister of Economic Development yesterday or a couple of days ago: what is being done about training?
He told the House that the Minister of Education is spearheading this issue.
I hope that we don’t get slowed down by bureaucratic shuffling.
We are still waiting for the government’s Mining Strategy to be tabled, and it’s important that we move forward in this Assembly on mining training.
One of the major commitments we made at our caucus retreat in Arviat was to open a Nunavut trades school by the end of the Second Legislative Assembly.
We are going to be held accountable by our constituents for this promise, and I will have questions for the Minister of Education on this matter at a later time.
Member’s Statement 108 – 2(2): Water Supply in Kugluktuk
First of all, I would like to congratulate the Finance Minister on her budget address.
She is willing to work with the Members of the Legislative Assembly.
I rise today to address the issue of water in Kugluktuk. (interpretation ends) The water supply for Kugluktuk comes from the Coppermine River.
It flows through the water plant where it is filtered and chlorinated, and then placed in holding tanks, then loaded into water trucks for delivery to residents.
Members who have visited my community in the spring will have noticed sediments in the water due to spring breakup.
Those of you who have visited Kugluktuk will have heard in the news about our water troubles.
With the colour of the water that comes out of our taps even after it has been filtered, it doesn’t take a lot of effort to imagine that the holding tanks must contain some sediments.
When tested, the water meets drinking standards for safety.
The water may meet standards for health, but I have heard residents say that it’s like drinking mud.
I recognize that there is funding in the Five-Year Capital Plan for the water treatment investigation in Kugluktuk beginning in 2006-07.
I would like to ask the minister to accelerate the timeline in the project given and the importance of our quality of water to quality of life.
I will ask the minister questions on this issue at the appropriate time.