EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
My question to the minister is whether the department can reimburse this individual for paying his own airfare since the individual was, in fact, seriously ill and the community workers didn’t believe in the severity of his condition. I wonder if the department can reimburse the people who paid the ticket out of their pocket due to a medical matter where they are admitted to the hospital as this proves their case.
Minister for Health and Social Services, (interpretation ends) Hon. Tagak Curley.
I would like to respond to the member that this is the very first time that I have heard about this and I would like to get more information.
If the individual paid for his or her own plane ticket for medical purposes, we can look into that.
But if the individual came here for a different purpose, our department will also have to look into that.
I would like to say that if the individual did indeed travel to Iqaluit purely for medical reasons and paid for his own airfare, we can consider the possibility of reimbursing him.
However, we must consider the large number of people who have travelled while they were ill but not purely for medical reasons and we must identify them as not eligible for reimbursement.
If the member could provide me with correspondence on the particulars of this individual, without mentioning their names in the House, I would definitely like to pursue the matter in further discussions with the member.
The minister’s response was quite clear.
I just want to add a bit more detail.
In our community, the problem of nurses not believing community members seems to occur when people call the health centre after working hours. It seems like the nurses don’t always believe the individuals asking for medical attention and although this is unfortunate, it doesn’t happen to all of the people who use this service.
The specific individual in question called the health centre in our community saying that he was seriously ill, but the nurse responded by saying that he didn’t sound seriously ill on the telephone, and that it wasn’t necessary for him to come to the health centre.
You cannot make a proper diagnosis via the telephone and when the medical workers do so, it is very detrimental and difficult for our sick residents.
I would like to ask the minister to ensure that this matter is reviewed and to make the necessary improvements in the services provided to our community.
Hon. Tagak Curley (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, thank you.
I understand his question and his concern.
As I stated earlier today, I met with the senior health officials last winter advising them to respect the residents in the communities, especially in smaller communities, and to send that directive to all communities.
I will look into that as this is unacceptable.
As the minister responsible, my colleagues and I cannot condone this practice, “You don’t sound sick enough so don’t come to the health centre.” That must be stopped because the individuals have to be examined before they can make an assessment. Illness is a serious issue; it’s not a joking matter and I will look into that case.
I would like to thank the member because we would like to be apprised of those types of issues. They shouldn’t be treating Nunavutmiut like that, especially elders.
Question 004 – 3(2): Recycling Program for Iqaluit (Okalik)
Today, I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Environment.
(interpretation ends) According to today’s Budget Address, there seems to be money for recycling for Iqaluit.
If memory serves, there’s an existing recycling initiative here in Iqaluit and if that’s still in place, I would like to let my constituents know.
So I ask the Minister of Environment: what is in place today and what is this new money for?
Yes, there is a recycling program in place in Iqaluit.
To date, we have three pilot projects ongoing for this year and they are in Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, and Kugluktuk.
This is the last year of funding we receive from Northern Strategy funding commitments from the federal government.
So after this year, we’re going to review the whole program and see how this has worked and how much it has cost.
The blueprint referred to in the budget is to look at what it would cost to eventually implement it across Nunavut in all communities, but there will be a review done. There’s going to be further consultation with CG&S on how to deliver this in a coordinated approach to all communities, and that is the status of it right now.
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) As I walk this time of year, I notice a lot of pop cans and bottles, and it’s something that I do not like seeing because I happen to live here and it’s not very aesthetic for people that visit our wonderful community.
So I would like to follow up with the minister and re-educate some of my constituents perhaps on how much they can make and where they should go today to recycle these pop cans and bottles here in Iqaluit. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I agree with the member that we all have a part to play in cleaning up any cans that we see or that we leave there ourselves, we should be doing that and everybody has an individual responsibility to do that.
I would just like to say that it has been quite successful.
So far, across our pilot communities, we have collected 1.4 million containers. So it is obviously successful and it lessens the solid waste going into our landfills.
I agree with the member and I think the onus is not only on my department but on all of us to educate our communities to address that problem.
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I just want to create additional incentives particularly for young people that come our way for fundraising purposes. If we can advise them of how much we pay per can or per bottle, I think it would help my constituents to pursue this initiative a little more.
So I ask the minister how much these initiatives can provide to people that may be fundraising in our community. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
At current, the price per container is five cents and that is what people can expect to get when they recycle.
Thank you, Minister. (interpretation ends) I’m just following up and ask that for those people who may want to fund-raise in their community, there’s free stuff out there throughout the side of the roads and this time of year, it’s quite easy to rinse them, there’s a lot of runoff taking place in our community. So it’s free, it’s there and readily available for those that may want to use those proceeds for their initiatives.
So I encourage my fellow Iqalummiut to get our community cleaned up again and use those proceeds for useful products. (interpretation) Thank you, Minister.
Although I didn’t hear a question, I’m sure that your comments are well taken. (interpretation ends) Oral Questions.
Question 005 – 3(2): Staff Housing for Kugaaruk (Ningark)
We just talked about the environment, so I wanted to keep the floor clean here.
Mr. Speaker, prior to coming here for the session, I had the pleasure of meeting with a principal of a Kugaaruk school and other interested groups to talk about staffing our teachers in the community.
The information that I received from the school principal is that we will need to staff at least seven new employees for programs at school.
Also recognizing that there is a duplex government house to be completed this summer, I will ask the Minister of Housing: will the minister commit to ensuring that at least one side of that duplex is set aside for teachers who are coming back this summer?
If memory serves me correct, I believe the corporation did seek approval and was granted approval to put the staff housing unit into Kugaaruk this summer, and I think it was included in the capital plan.
As I was saying, I’m just going by memory right now. I will look into it and if I am wrong, I will let the member know.
But I’m pretty sure that there was a unit that was assigned for delivery in the capital budget that was just passed for staff housing in that community.
The school principal was quite serious about housing as his new staff is coming in.
Will the minister let me know by tomorrow or Monday?
My colleague, the Minister of Education, just pointed out in his briefing notes that there was a staff housing unit approved for Kugaaruk to go in this year.
So I will confirm that with the member and most definitely will provide him with that information if I’m wrong or if my memory doesn’t serve me correct by later today or tomorrow at the latest.
Incidentally, I have some information for the Minister of Education and the Minister of Housing which I will have delivered at this point.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ningark.
If there are none... Mr. Okalik.
Question 006 – 3(2): Senate Delaying Passage of Official Languages Act (Okalik)
I would like to ask a question that I mentioned in my Member’s Statement in regard to the Official Languages Act.
We have heard that the Senate Committee has delayed the language legislation.
I would first like to ask our Premier if she has asked the Senate Committee to approve this language legislation so it can be passed.
When the language legislation was passed in the House, we were really happy to see it passed as my colleague and I were down south at the time.
With respect to the Senate Committee, yes, it is indeed stuck at the committee level and they’re now negotiating and discussing this matter.
Our Member of Parliament in Ottawa just recently informed and updated me on this issue.
That’s where it is sitting currently and they’re trying to resolve the matter.
We had some discussions on this point, and the Minister of Languages is probably better able to respond to the question.
This is more within Intergovernmental Affairs since the federal government is outside of the Government of Nunavut and that is why I posed my question to the Premier.
We are represented by our senator where the obstacle is happening but it seems it is being blocked by Liberal party representatives.
Perhaps we should provide more information and guidance to our Senator on resolution of this matter.
I would like to ask the Premier if she is willing to do that.
Premier Aariak.
Since yesterday, we have been waiting for a response from the Senate Committee and we also want to wait a bit more today. We are planning on how we will deal with this and we still haven’t done anything about it, but we have plans. We will have a better idea of what to do after today.
Question 007 – 3(2): Gasoline Prices (Komoartok)
We will be boating in Nunavut in some of the communities either this month or next month because the ice will start breaking up.
We were so pleased to see a reduction of 10 cents per litre in the price of gasoline and the private homeowners’ rebate of $400 on March 20, I believe.
Once the session is over, perhaps around June 18, we will leave to go back to our communities.
I’m sure the price of gasoline and fuel is going to change or increase at the beginning of July.
Prior to people going out boating, I would like some assurance that it will be cheaper to buy gasoline at that time.
Can we perhaps expect to see a price reduction in July?
As I stated during the session last winter, we were working on how we would start pricing fuel and our officials are still reviewing that.
Once we know how much fuel we will be using, it will be easier to make a forecast. We’re figuring out how much fuel we will need within the department. We will provide more detailed information on the price of fuel prior to the end of this session.
However, have you any inkling as to when you will provide this information or that announcement, at the end of this month or at the beginning of July? Many people have been expecting to hear the announcement, so I would like to know if you have a timeframe.
During this session, I will make an announcement on when we will be able to reduce the price of fuel.
Just like you, all Nunavummiut would like to see the price of fuel drop. We’re working on that right now.
Once the information is available, I will provide a response to his question as most of our constituents in Nunavut wish to see a reduction of fuel prices at the earliest opportunity, especially in relation to gas and heating fuel.
If we are able to reduce the price of fuel, I will make an announcement, but I can’t tell you when that day will be.
I’ll make that announcement once the information becomes available and at that time, you may resubmit that question and I will provide you with a response.
Question 008 – 3(2): H1N1 Swine Flu Cases in Nunavut (Okalik)
The atmosphere is akin to Christmas today.
I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Health and Social Services as we seem to be concentrating on health issues today and I’m sure that the minister is facing some difficulties in dealing with all of the complaints arriving on his desk.
We recently heard via the media that an individual has contracted the new flu virus.
It is called the H1N1 virus in English and I don’t think it even has a corresponding Inuktitut name yet and therefore, I don’t know how to refer to it in Inuktitut.
However, my first question to the minister is: has the department discovered more cases of the H1N1 virus here in Nunavut?
I would like to thank the member for posing his question.
Of course, Nunavutmiut are not immune to that illness. On Wednesday, June 3, we heard that there were five confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus.
If it’s okay with the cabinet, I would like to give a brief overview tomorrow of exactly what’s happening, and what our department is working on.
However, we can state in the last two days, there are samples that have gone through lab tests.
I’m sure that there is a possibility of other cases in the Baffin region which we haven’t heard of yet, but we have not heard of any cases here to date.
The cases currently in the news have stemmed from the Kitikmeot and Kivalliq regions.
The Stanton Territorial Hospital in Yellowknife is assisting us with three cases that required hospitalization from the Kitikmeot region. We have three patients at that facility and I want to extend our appreciation to the Stanton Territorial Hospital.
The reason why I brought this matter up is because of the seriousness of this new strain, with the number of cases in the south along with the fatality rates.
I wish to urge the department to provide information to Nunavummiut about the H1N1 virus, how many infected individuals there are, and what type of preventative measures the public can take to protect themselves.
I would especially like this information available in Inuktitut and I would like to ask if his department has started on the preparations to deal with this issue.
There are many people in Nunavut who are concerned about contracting this disease.
However, our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sobol, is working closely with his counterparts at Health Canada and has held daily conference calls dealing with these cases.
They are trying to implement their protocols for the pandemic flu plan.
In particular, our community health workers with whom I had a meeting yesterday were informed about the need to make public announcements on their local radio stations in their language so that the majority of the public can understand.
I also told them not to just read the information on the brochure about this virus on the radio.
I also want to inform you that if you would like further information or if you want to talk to Dr. Sobol directly, we can make arrangements to ensure that members have the opportunity to talk about this issue.
And it would take a while, so it may be best to use one of the conference rooms for this matter.
Nonetheless, to date, we don’t want to create any panic amongst our constituents and that is why the message of personal hygiene has been reiterated by our local health care providers. However, this is a complicated medical issue and we have been fortunate that the cases have so far been mild and that is what we have seen to date.
We still have to keep an eye on this matter and ensure that we provide preventative measures in our Nunavut communities.
I thank you for asking that question. (interpretation ends) Thank you.
We want this information to be available to all communities and the type of preventative measures the public can take to lessen the chance of infection.
So I wish to encourage the minister to table in the House to the members and also to the people of Nunavut information on the proper practices and preventative measures people can take.
This would assist both the members and our constituents.
Can the minister provide information on the preventative measures during this session?
I thank the member for the question. It’s obvious that Nunavutmiut are quite concerned, especially now that the influenza virus has made it to our territory.
The H1N1 virus is a new mutation that we haven’t seen before, but it hasn’t been as traumatic as new viruses and we are learning how best to deal with it via our frontline workers in the communities.
Due to this reason, what I can state today with the blessing of my colleagues at the cabinet is that I wish to table the information tomorrow, including the exact strategy we are using to deal with this matter for Nunavut.
Thank you, Mr. Okalik. (interpretation ends) Oral Questions.
Tabled Document 005 – 3(2): Nunavut Arctic College Annual Report 2007-08 (Shewchuk)
I am pleased to table the Nunavut Arctic College Annual Report for the year 2007-08.
Can we have the document brought forward, please?
Tabled Document 006 – 3(2): Towards a Representative Public Service as of December 31, 2008 (Shewchuk)
I am pleased to table the Human Resources’ Toward a Representative Public Service Statistics as of December 31, 2008.
Tabled Document 008 – 3(2): Letter to Minister from Iqaluit Housing Authority (Okalik)
I wish to table a letter addressed to the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation.
Tabled Document 007 – 3(2): Statutory Requirements for Tabling of Reports and Other Documents in the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut (Speaker)
This list tracks the status of documents that are required by law to be tabled in the House.
This list is current to May 31, 2009.
Notices of Motions... Item 15. Tabling of Documents. Mr. Clerk.
Tabled Document 009 – 3(2): Return to Oral Question 84 – 3(1) Healing for Residential School Survivors (Clerk)
Tabled Document 010 – 3(2): Return to Oral Question 88 – 3(1) Sports Trophy (Clerk)
Tabled Document 011 – 3(2): Return to Oral Question 93 – 3(1) Transportation Costs to Airports (Clerk)
Tabled Document 012 – 3(2): Return to Written Question 1 – 3(1) Health and Safety Standards for GN Buildings in Iqaluit (Clerk)
Tabled Document 013 – 3(2): Return to Written Question 2 – 3(1) NHC Contracting and Hiring Activities (Clerk)
I’m tabling five documents. The first three are responses to questions taken as notice during for First Session of the Third Assembly and the question numbers are 84, 88, and 93. The last two are responses to written questions also asked during the First Session of the Third Assembly and the question numbers are 1 and 2.
Speaker: Thank you. Tabling of Documents. (interpretation) There are finally no more. (interpretation ends) Item 16.
Motion 002 – 3(2): Suspension of the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Nattilik – Notice (Okalik)
I give notice that on Monday, June 8, I will move the following motion:
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Member for Akulliq, that Mr. Enuk Pauloosie, Member for Nattilik, be suspended without pay from sittings of the Legislative Assembly until the conclusion of the spring 2009 sitting of the House.
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2009-2010 – Notice
I give notice that on Monday, June 8, 2009, that Bill 1, Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2009-2010, be read for the first time.
Motion 002 – 3(2): Suspension of the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Nattilik (Okalik)
WHEREAS section 18(1)(b) of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act provides that the Legislative Assembly has the power to ensure the attendance and service of its members;
AND WHEREAS section 18(1)(c) of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act provides that the Legislative Assembly has the power to discipline its members;
AND WHEREAS the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Nattilik has been persistently absent without reasonable explanation from meetings of the Legislative Assembly’s committees and caucuses;
AND WHEREAS the Legislative Assembly wishes to express its displeasure with the member’s conduct;
The motion is unanimously carried.
Item 19. (interpretation ends) First Reading of Bills.
I request consent of this Assembly to waive the two-day notice requirement to allow for first reading of Bill 1, Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2009-2010.
The minister is seeking unanimous consent to waive the two-day rule so that Bill 1 can receive first reading today.
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2009-2010 – First Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 1, Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2009-2010, be read for the first time.
Question has been called. All those in favour, raise your hand, please.
The motion is carried and Bill 1 has had first reading.
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2009-2010 – Second Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 1, Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2009-2010, be read for the second time.
Mr. Speaker, this bill authorizes the Government of Nunavut to make operations and maintenance expenditures for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2010.
The motion is carried and Bill 1 is referred to the Committee of the Whole.
Motion 003 – 3(2): Early Adjournment (Ningeongan)
Pursuant to Rule 46, I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Amittuq, that the House adjourn for the day.
The motion is in order and is not debatable.
The motion is carried and we will proceed directly to Item 24.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. This House stands adjourned until Friday, June 5, at ten o’clock in the morning.
>>House adjourned at 15:19
Friday, June 5, 2009
Pages 60 – 110
Opening Prayer 60
Ministers’ Statements 60
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 66
Oral Questions 67
Tabled Documents 83
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 84
Report of the Committee of the Whole 109
Friday, June 5, 2009 60
003 – 3(2): Nunavut Housing Corporation Maintenance Operations (Tootoo) 60
004 – 3(2): Skills Canada Nunavut (Tapardjuk) 61
005 – 3(2): Conclusion of Contract Negotiations with NAV Canada (Taptuna) 62
006 – 3(2): Ingirrasiliqta; the Nunavut Transportation Strategy (Taptuna) 63
007 – 3(2): H1N1 Flu Virus (Human Swine Flu) (Curley) 63
018 – 3(2): Recognition of Teachers achieving their Master’s in Education (Rumbolt) 64
019 – 3(2): Summer Employment Opportunities for Repulse Bay Students (Ningark) 65
020 – 3(2): Humanizing Canadian Arctic Sovereignty (Elliott) 65
009 – 3(2): Summer Employment Opportunities for Repulse Bay Students (Ningark) 67
010 – 3(2): Conservation Officer Vacancy in Coral Harbour (Ningeongan) 68
011 – 3(2): Plans for Iqaluit International Airport (Okalik) 70
012 – 3(2): H1N1 Flu Virus (Rumbolt) 71
013 – 3(2): Contribution Agreement with Makinnasuaqtiit Society (Elliott) 73
014 – 3(2): Aviation Regulations for Pangnirtung (Komoartok) 75
015 – 3(2): Update on Annual Fuel Purchase (Schell) 75
016 – 3(2): Status of Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program (Ningeongan) 76
017 – 3(2): Vacant Positions in Quttiktuq (Elliott) 79
018 – 3(2): Clean-up of Creek (Ningark) 79
019 – 3(2): Review of NHC Maintenance Management Programs and Operations (Rumbolt) 81
020 – 3(2): Tax on Plastic Bags (Okalik) 82
014 – 3(2): Contract Activity Report 2007-08 (Kusugak) 83
015 – 3(2): Ingirrasiliqta: Nunavut Transportation Strategy (Taptuna) 83
016 – 3(2): High Arctic Council Sovereignty Campaign: Poster and Bookmarks (Elliott) 84
017 – 3(2): Nunavut Housing Trust Review of Delivery Strategy Implementation Stage One, May 2008 (Tootoo) 84
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2009-2010 – Economic Development and Transportation – Consideration in Committee 84