EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) One of the things that was raised to us this morning with one of your officials, I think, was that there needs to be more focused responses to given issues.
That’s the experience that I have learned over the years is that if you want a focused attention to some of the issues that we’re facing today, we have to prioritize.
When you have a nice list of ten, it’s a little more difficult to focus on the issues of the day.
That’s my advice that I have learned over the years is that in order to tackle an issue and get it solved, you have to focus on it and give it the attention that it deserves.
So when you have a long list, it’s a little more difficult to start from one area and try and do a decent job of it and move onto the next one.
So that’s why I’m a little cautious about having a long list because hopefully we will solve all of them but when you’re not as focused, then you don’t give the attention that it requires. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I didn’t hear question on that, but Madam Premier.
Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) We will be much focused once the report card is done after the summer and that is one of the plans, that we will have a focused vision to deal with some of the many issues that we need to deal with.
(interpretation) We will have a goal and after the report card has been completed, we will be able to identify the issues that are real to Nunavut and which need to be addressed. These are, in fact, identified in Tamapta, but this will allow us to get down to the core of these issues.
We have identified the priorities and obviously, we’re not going to be able to complete them all in the next five years because we do have a lot work to do as a government. However, we have to initiate it and I’m hoping that we will make an improvement in order for Nunavut to make progress.
Chairman: Qujannamiik, Madam Premier. (interpretation) I have no more names on my list. (interpretation ends) Branch Summary.
Total Operations and Maintenance. $2,306,000.
Chairman: B-5.
Total Operations and Maintenance. $900,000.
I also thank my colleagues for allowing me to ask this question. I do have one question. Your department’s business plan also indicates that its priorities include conducting “the Government of Nunavut Employees Survey.”
What is the purpose of this survey and is this project related to your government’s report card initiative?
We’re going to place a priority on the government report card.
With respect to conducting the Government of Nunavut Employees Survey that Member Aupaluktuq referred to, it’s mainly for senior management of government.
Statistical Services. (interpretation) I can’t pronounce that very well. (interpretation ends) Total Operations and Maintenance. $900,000.
Chairman: B-6.
Policy and Communications.
Total Operations and Maintenance. $2,750,000. Agreed?
Total Operations and Maintenance. $4,442,000.
(interpretation) What was that?
Chairman: B-8.
Total Operations and Maintenance. $302,000.
I would like to ask a question regarding the Commissioner of Nunavut. The position of Deputy Commissioner of Nunavut is vacant and there has never been a replacement for that position.
My question is: could you give us an update on whether you’re going to be filling that position or not?
I would like to thank my colleague from Iqaluit for asking that question.
The commissioner’s position is very important and so is the deputy commissioner.
This government doesn’t appoint the deputy or the Commissioner of Nunavut; it’s the federal government’s responsibility.
We can only make nominations or recommendations on who to appoint. The individual who was asked turned down the position, but I can assure the member that we are still working on it.
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): I just wanted an update on whether you’re going to be filling that position.
We don’t have our commissioner available to assent to bills, so we’re going to have to get the senior judge to assent to the bills.
So it’s becoming quite urgent and I urge the Premier to have a meeting with her counterpart to get that position filled.
I believe that’s just a direction from the member and it’s understandable. (interpretation ends) Branch Summary.
Chairman: B-9.
Total Operations and Maintenance. $1,634,000.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) B-10.
Total Operations and Maintenance. $408,000.
I do have one question for Madam Premier or guests at the witness stand. NTI is currently suing the federal government for $1 billion.
The federal government filed a motion in September 2007 asking the Nunavut Court of Justice to name the Government of Nunavut as a co-defendant in the litigation.
What is the status of the GN’s position on this lawsuit and has NTI’s leadership indicated to you what it would do with the $1 billion in the event that the lawsuit is successful?
I don’t think I understood the question. Did I understand that he mentioned the $1 billion and did he ask what NTI would do with that $1 billion in the event that the lawsuit is successful?
Was that the question?
Chairman: Qujannamiik, Madam Premier. (interpretation) Mr. Aupaluktuq, if you would clarify your question, please.
The question was: what is the status of GN’s position on this lawsuit? The second one was: has NTI’s leadership indicated to you what it would do with the $1 billion if it had won the lawsuit?
This is in front of the courts and we’re now a third party in the courts.
The implementation of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement is something that is very important.
Some of the sections have been implemented but some are still outstanding, and it’s the obligation of the federal government to implement the sections in the agreement.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) B-11.
Total Operations and Maintenance. $1,114,000.
We will go back to B-3. (interpretation ends) Departmental Summary.
Total Operations and Maintenance. $13,856,000.
I would like to thank the Premier, Ms. Aariak, and her officials for making an appearance.
Premier Aariak, do you have any closing comments?
I thank you all for your excellent questions. If you would like any further information, we are available and you can direct your questions to the Department of EIA.
I would like to thank Mr. Weber and Scott Marriott for being my witnesses.
As a reminder, our department has initiated a Nunavut-wide survey and I would like everyone to make their comments on the government’s report card.
When those people are in your communities, please make sure that you have a discussion with them and also express your wishes to them.
Thank you very much. All staff at EIA work very hard and I would like to thank them.
Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witness out.
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2009-2010 – Legislative Assembly – Consideration in Committee
Chairman (interpretation): I am sure there are people who would like to take a break, but is it okay if we finish what we agreed on before we take a break?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) I would now like to ask the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut, Mr. Arreak, to make his opening remarks. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, you can proceed with your opening comments.
The two Arreaks had to be the last witnesses.
It is a pleasure for me to appear before members today to present the 2009-2010 Main Estimates and Business Plan for the Office of the Legislative Assembly.
The proposed 2009-2010 operations and maintenance budget for the Office of the Legislative Assembly is $14,986,000. This represents a moderate increase from the Legislative Assembly’s 2008-09 main estimates, which were $14,159,000.
I am also pleased to inform members that the Legislative Assembly’s budget and staffing levels have remained relatively stable over the past several fiscal years.
The total number of positions funded through the Legislative Assembly’s budget has increased by only four since the 2004-05 fiscal year, primarily to address increased staffing requirements in the Office of the Languages Commissioner as a result of the passage of new official languages legislation.
I am also pleased to inform members that over half of the Office of the Legislative Assembly’s full-time positions are filled by beneficiaries.
I would like to take a moment to highlight some of our operational priorities for the 2009-2010 fiscal year.
Supporting the Legislative Assembly’s response to the recommendations in the report of the Chief Electoral Officer on the conduct of the 2008 general election, including the establishment of an Electoral Boundaries Commission in 2010;
Initiating a project to create an electronic repository of Government of Nunavut documents;
Implementing ongoing improvements to the Legislative Assembly’s information technology infrastructure;
Seeking Caucus direction on options, including Public-Private Partnerships (P3s), to move forward the Assembly’s long-term plan for a replacement facility;
Seeking Caucus direction on the establishment of a central elections office for Nunavut; and
Continuing development of a new Plebiscite Act.
I am pleased to report to members that the Office of the Legislative Assembly continues to successfully meet our statutory deadlines for the tabling of annual reports and other documents that are produced under the authority of the Speaker.
That concludes my opening comments, Mr. Chairman. I would like to thank members for their ongoing support and I welcome their comments, suggestions, and questions.
Chairman: Qujannamiik, Speaker Arreak.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, I have witnesses that I would like to bring to the witness table.
Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort his witnesses in.
Thank you. (interpretation ends) For the record, Mr. Speaker, please introduce your witnesses.
On my right is Mr. John Quirke, Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, and on my left is the Director of Corporate Services, Mr. Steve Pollock.
Chairman: Qujannamiik, Mr. Speaker Arreak. (interpretation) Do members have any general comments to the Speaker’s opening comments?
Mr. Ningark (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Mr. Speaker.
I don’t have any sad comments or anything opposing your office.
I just want to say thank you for mentioning that you wanted to set up an Electoral Boundaries Commission in 2010.
I thank the Speaker for that.
It would be perfectly fine if nothing is changed in 2010, but I would suggest that Kugaaruk and Repulse Bay each receive their own members instead of being represented by one member.
I have no other names on my list for general comments in regard to the Speaker’s opening comments.
We can now proceed to A-4. (interpretation ends) Branch Summary.
Assembly Operations.
Total Operations and Maintenance. $6,608,000.
Total Operations and Maintenance. $6,025,000.
(interpretation) Mr. Tapardjuk has a question.
Under the business plan, in 2008-09, we held a Youth Parliament and I don’t see anything in the plans here.
Are you planning to have another Youth Parliament this year and if not, is it possible to have an Elders Parliament so that they can voice their concerns in this type of forum?
That’s my question, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Tapardjuk. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker Arreak.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to thank my Annuraaqatik.
This is a very good suggestion. We held a Youth Parliament last summer and will hold another one next year, but we haven’t held an Elders Parliament. So it’s a very good suggestion and it’s something that can be considered next time around in our budgetary process.
Chairman: Qujannamiik, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) Mr. Tapardjuk, is that it?
My question is in regard to the Youth Parliament which is enjoyed by all and I would like to see it continued.
In addition, the youth have to understand about our government and the process. Some of us can’t make it to the schools, but I think it’s very important to have the youth understand the electoral process. Has your office considered including youth so that they will learn about democracy, the whole parliamentary process, and so on?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Curley. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker Arreak.
I would like to thank Mr. Curley.
At this time, we don’t have anything planned, but if you talk to us about any activities you would like to see us take on, such as going to the schools more often, I think we can work together and plan how we will participate in those types of activities.
Chairman: Qujannamiik, Mr. Speaker.
It’s something I would enjoy and I would urge you to look into this not right away but soon.
We have a Manitoba Speaker who is an Inuk and he has been a Speaker for a long time.
Mr. George Hicks enjoys teaching young people about democracy and visits the schools, and so on.
He makes it very interesting so that the students enjoy it.
He holds debates among the students and some of them turn out to be politicians.
I would like you to possibly consider setting up something like that. I was wondering if you could get in touch with the Manitoba Speaker and see if he is willing to travel around in Nunavut with you to teach the youth about democracy and the government process.
I would like to thank the member for that excellent suggestion.
But at this time, we haven’t set aside any travel monies.
As I said earlier, we try to keep within budget.
We have very little increases on a yearly basis, but your suggestion is heard by our office and we will leave it at that.
Chairman: Qujannamiik, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) I have no more names on my list. (interpretation ends) Branch Summary.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) A-6.
Total Operations and Maintenance. $2,353,000.
Go back to A-3.
Total Operations and Maintenance. $14,986,000.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Is the committee agreed that the Office of the Legislative Assembly is concluded?
Chairman (interpretation): I would like to thank the Speaker and his officials for being at the witness table.
I would like to ask you, Mr. Speaker, if you have any closing remarks. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker.
I would like to thank everyone for approving the main estimates of the Legislative Assembly and you will have funding available for another year in your constituency offices.
I would like to thank my officials, John and Steve.
Chairman: Please refer to Bill 1 in your white legislation binder.
Bill 1. (interpretation) Do you have a copy of the bill?
We will wait a moment for you to obtain your copy of the bill.
Chairman (Mr. Okalik)(interpretation): We will now begin the clause-by-clause review of the bill.
Do you have a copy of Bill 1?
Chairman (interpretation): Clause 2, take a look at the Schedule on the back, Amounts Appropriated for the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2010.
Total Operations and Maintenance. $1,050,873,000.
It’s Vote 1.
Chairman (interpretation): The total appropriation that you have to approve is $1,050,873,000.
Chairman: Clause 3. (interpretation) Do you agree to the contents of this clause?
Chairman (interpretation): Are my colleagues agreed to the bill as a whole?
Chairman (interpretation): Are my colleagues in agreement that pursuant to Rule 62(2) that Bill 1 can now be placed on the orders of the day for third reading?
We’re finally done with that bill.
I don’t think the other bills are ready for us to consider as the officials will have to go to the witness table.
We will take a 10-minute break while the officials are getting ready.
We will return.
>>Committee recessed at 18:52 and resumed at 19:10
We can start with Bill 2. Minister of Finance, Minister Peterson, you can now make your opening comments.
Bill 02 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2009-2010 – Consideration in Committee
Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Members.
I am here today to provide a briefing on the Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2009-2010, Bill 2. The purpose of Bill 2 is to appropriate $101,994,000 in additional monies for 2009-2010.
These items include:
Departmental 2008-09 capital carryovers;
Federal budget 2009 infrastructure funding under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada Fund, Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, and the Knowledge Infrastructure Program;
The 2009-2010 allocation under the federal Building Canada Fund; and
Pre-construction monies.
For the fourth consecutive year, capital carryovers are significant. For 2008-09, capital carryovers are $82.8 million, which is an increase of $21.5 million from 2007-08.
The 2007-08 capital carryover amount was $61.3 million, which included the Qikiqtani General Hospital. The capital carryover amount for 2006-07 was $87.4 million.
A contributing factor to the large capital carryover amounts in the Second Assembly was human resource capacity within the Department of Community and Government Services.
A second factor was the improper cash flowing of multi-year capital projects, which, over time, has been addressed.
And lastly, there was a decline in competition for Government of Nunavut capital projects. Fortunately, this year, there are more tender bids coming within budget. This is likely a direct result of the current economic situation.
Our government recently received confirmation from the federal government that they will provide $3.6 million under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, which will allow us to renovate the Taloyoak Hamlet Office and for the City of Iqaluit and our government to leverage monies to repair the Arctic Winter Games Arena. The Government of Nunavut will match the $3.6 million.
In addition, the federal government has confirmed funding of $567,000 under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada Fund, which our government will also match. This funding will allow the communities of Taloyoak, Chesterfield Inlet, Igloolik, and Sanikiluaq to receive improvements to recreational facilities.
Through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, the federal government will contribute $2.8 million towards a total capital project cost of $5.6 million so that Nunavut Arctic College can improve information technology connectivity.
This improved connectivity will allow Nunavut Arctic College to improve its distance learning capacity to help improve adult learning and training in our communities.
The Building Canada Fund was accelerated as part of the federal government’s economic action plan.
For 2009-2010, there will be ten capital projects in the departments of Community and Government Services and Economic Development and Transportation that will be funded for a total of $20.2 million.
Bill 2 will appropriate $6.5 million towards these capital projects.
Bill 2 will also appropriate $6.6 million for pre-construction technical work on seven capital projects in the departments of Community and Government Services and Economic Development and Transportation.
It should be noted that the capital projects for the Department of Economic Development and Transportation under both the Building Canada Fund and pre-construction technical funding are primarily for airport improvements in our communities.
Mr. Chairman, this concludes my opening comments. I would be pleased to take questions.
Do you have officials you would like to bring to the witness table?
Chairman (interpretation): Do my colleagues agree to have the minister’s officials with him at the witness table?
Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the minister’s officials in so that they can appear before us at our witness table.
Minister Peterson, please introduce your witnesses for the benefit of our colleagues.
Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee of the Whole.
To my right is Peter Ma, Deputy Minister of Finance, and to my left is Jeff Chown, Director of Expenditure Management.
There are no hands up.
I would like members to now go to page 4 of the supplementary capital estimates.
Department of Finance. Centrally Administered Funds.
Not Previously Authorized. New and continuation of prior projects not completed in the fiscal year.
Total Department. $7,033,000.
Chairman (interpretation): Total Capital. $7,033,000.
Total Directorate. $114,000.
Total Capital. $3,444,000.
Total Department. $3,558,000.
Total Directorate. $8,991,000.
Chairman (interpretation): Total Department. $8,991,000.
Total Corporate Services. $27,714,000.
Total Department of Education. $27,714,000.
Chairman (interpretation): Department of Health and Social Services.
Total Directorate. $12,997,000.
Chairman (interpretation): Total Department. $12,997,000.
Total Directorate. $1,255,000.
Chairman (interpretation): Total Department. $1,255,000.
There are quite a few pages; pages 10, 11, and 12.
Total Capital Planning and Technical Services. $24,657,000.
Chairman (interpretation): Petroleum Products Revolving Fund.
Total Capital. $741,000.
Chairman (interpretation): Department of Community and Government Services.
Total Capital. $25,398,000.
Mr. Komoartok would like to ask a question.
I have a question on behalf of our colleague, the Member for Uqqummiut.
Maybe I’ll ask that question once we get to page 15.
Chairman (interpretation): You are ahead of us, but we will go to page 15.
Total Department. $25,398,000.
There are two pages on that.
Total Transportation. $15,048,000.
Someone has their hand up, I’m sorry.
Mr. Komoartok, would you like to ask a question?
Mr. Komoartok (interpretation): Yes, now that I have the opportunity to ask my question.
I would like to ask a couple of questions on behalf of our colleague, the Member for Uqqummiut.
It’s on page 15.
(interpretation ends) I know that the member has been actively pursuing a new air terminal building for Qikiqtarjuaq.
This supplementary appropriation includes $350,000 in funding for the planning and design of the new ATB.
What are the timelines for this project and when is it expected to be completed?
Minister Peterson, would you like to respond?
The timelines aren’t in place at this time.
Our department is just in the process of planning the project.
Mr. Komoartok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) When is the project supposed to be completed?
Chairman: Minister Peterson, can you try and find an answer?
There are a lot of projects here. As I said earlier, they are securing funding to complete the planning and design. They are hopeful that the project can be funded under the Building Canada Fund and hopefully when they proceed, they will establish the timelines.
I know that the Building Canada Fund is a seven-year program and I think it’s in its third year.
So I would hope that within four or five years that that project gets deemed eligible and that it will proceed.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Peterson. (interpretation ends) I have a similar question for Item 4 which is very important.
I would like to know when that project will proceed to actual work on the ground.
A similar answer, it’s in the planning stage. Once its funding is approved, it will be planned and designed and the cost estimated.
I think the plan would be to bring it into the capital planning process and then we would establish the timelines.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Peterson. (interpretation ends) I look forward to the announcement when that would be taking place.
(interpretation) Total Transportation. $15,048,000.
Chairman (interpretation): Total Department. $15,048,000.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Schell, you had your hand up.
Mr. Schell: No, I did earlier on, but you asked the question I was going to ask.
Chairman: Very good memory. (interpretation) Total Department. $15,048,000.
Go to Schedule 1 on page 2.
Total Capital Appropriation. $101,994,000.
We have concluded the document.
We can now go to Bill 2 in your legislation binder.
Bill 2, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2009-2010.
Chairman (interpretation): Clause 2, Schedule 2. We have to look at the contents of the Schedule first.
Summary of Appropriation for the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2010.
Total Capital. $101,994,000.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Clause 2. (interpretation) Do you agree?