EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Just recently, the President of Nunavut Tunngavik had a meeting with federal government officials in regard to the shortage of housing in Nunavut.
I would like to ask the minister about whether the Nunavut Government is working with the President of NTI in regard to the shortage of housing.
I have been working very closely with the President of Nunavut Tunngavik and we have had discussions on the severe shortage of housing we have in Nunavut.
We have come to an understanding of how severe the problem is and we are having meetings with our federal counterparts.
We are working together on how severe the shortage is at this moment.
Are you also having discussions on the homeowners?
Of course, it will have an impact on the homeowners, but we are promoting home ownership in Nunavut. But today, we are $3,000 short just to meet the present needs in Nunavut.
Housing is a priority in my department and, of course, it will have an impact on the home ownership programs.
Mr. Tootoo, last question.
Question 032 – 2(1): Cost Issues for the Reorganization of Departments (Tootoo)
I will direct this question to the Premier and he can redirect it, if he so chooses, if he is not the appropriate minister to put this question to.
As we all know, in the last two months there has been a major reorganization within the departments and in government structure.
I would like to ask the Premier if he could indicate whether he is aware of any or no costs associated with the reorganization: what it is costing the government.
Well, the supplementary appropriations will outline the overall budgets for each of the departments on what we put together.
I know those costs, and hopefully they will outline that.
Maybe the Premier can indicate the cost involved in renovations, changing offices, moving staff to different floors, moving phone lines, moving computer systems, changing letterhead and business cards, and all those types of things, also, all of the old stuff that are intact with their old names on it, and stuff like that.
Would the Premier be able to commit to providing the cost, by breakdown, to the members of this House?
I am sure that we can look into it and perhaps some savings could possibly be outlined through the better coordination of departments.
Leading into my final question is that I would like to see all of the costs. And also, I know generally when the announcement was made there was indication of some of the savings or some of the streamlining that the reorganization resulted in.
And I would like to also ask if the Premier could, in more detail, outline how exactly those savings and that of the Iqaluit plan were achieved with the result of the reorganization.
Speaker (interpretation): Mr. Premier, Mr. Okalik.
Maintenance and operations: we no longer have a half-time minister for economy and we no longer have a half-time manager for our wildlife issues, those issues that we feel very strongly about.
So those things we have had to change to make it more reflective of Nunavut.
I will seek unanimous consent to go back to Item 5 on the Orders of the Day.
Speaker (interpretation): Mr. Picco would like unanimous consent to return to Item 5. Are there any nays?
It gives me great pleasure just to welcome to the Gallery exchange students and staff from Jamestown Community College from New York.
Mr. Speaker, this fall our students will also be visiting their students in New York, so I would like to take this opportunity to welcome them to the Gallery.
We have completed Oral Questions.
Written Question 009 – 2(1): Decentralization (Peterson)
My Written Question is for the Honourable Louis Tapardjuk, the Minister of Human Resources, concerning decentralization.
1) From April 1, 1999 to April 1, 2004, how many Government of Nunavut departmental boards, entities, Crown corporation positions, broken down by entity, were decentralized from Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, or Cambridge Bay, to another community, broken down by community?
2) As of April 1, 2004, how many of these positions were filled on an indeterminate or term basis with employees considered to be members of the public service?
3) As of April 1, 2004, how many of these positions were filled with beneficiaries of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and how many were filled with non-beneficiaries?
4) As of April 1, 2004, how many of these positions were filled with persons who were previously living in the decentralized community and how many were filled with persons relocating to:
Iqaluit;
Rankin Inlet;
Cambridge Bay;
Southern Canada?
5) As of April 1, 2004, how many of these positions were having their functions performed by persons engaged on a casual, contractual or consultancy basis?
How many of those persons were deemed to be residents of Nunavut for federal income tax purposes, and how many were non-residents?
6) As of April 1, 2004, how many decentralized positions were vacant, broken down by employing entity and community?
7) As of April 1, 2004, how many positions had been vacant for more than six months, broken down by employing entity and community?
8) As of April 1, 2004, how much has the government spent on settlements for employees who declined to accept offers of employment for decentralized positions and who subsequently departed the public service?
9) As of April 1, 2004, what has been the total cost to the Government of Nunavut for the decentralization initiative including, but not limited to, the following areas of expenditure:
Relocation and removal costs for employees;
Settlements and other compensation for employees declining offers of employment for decentralized positions;
Advertising and recruitment;
Infrastructure, office renovations and other capital expenditures, including all costs associated with the construction, provision and furnishing of staff housing in decentralized communities; and
Administrative and miscellaneous costs, including expenditures incurred by the Decentralization Secretariat of the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs?
Item 7. Written Questions. Item 8.
Returns to Written Questions. Item 9.
Tabled Document 006 – 2(1): Minimum Wage Annual Report 2003 - Department of Justice (Okalik)
I wish to table a document, a Minimum Wage Annual Report.
Speaker (interpretation): Going back to Orders of the Day.
Item 15: Notice of First Reading of Bills
Bill 03 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act #1, April 1 to June 30, 2004–05 – Notice
I give notice that on May 17, 2004 I shall move that Bill 3, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act #1, April 1 to June 30, 2004-05, be read for the first time.
Bill 04 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act #1, 2004–05 – Notice
I also give notice that on May 17, 2004 I shall move that Bill 4, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act #1, 2004-05, be read for the first time.
Going back to Orders of the Day. Item 15.
Bill 01 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act #3, 2003-04 – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Iqaluit East, that Bill 1, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act #3, 2003–04, be read for the third time.
Speaker (interpretation): All in favour.
Bill 1 has had third reading.
Orders of the Day for Monday, May 17:
I would like to invite the Members of the Legislative Assembly to the Tuktu Room for lunch.
>>House adjourned at 11:45
Monday, May 17, 2004
Pages 132 – 180
Opening Prayer 132
Ministers’ Statements 132
Returns to Oral Questions 137
Revert to Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 156  Written Questions 156
Tabled Documents 157
Second Reading of Bills 158
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 159
Report of the Committee of the Whole 178
Third Reading of Bills 178
Orders of the Day 178
Monday, May 17, 2004 132
007 – 2(1): Department of Environment Reprioritization (Akesuk) 132
008 – 2(1): Development of a Municipal Training Program (Picco) 133
046 – 2(1): Arctic Bay Community Hall (Barnabas) 133
047 – 2(1): Funding for Kamatsiaqtut Crisis Line (Okalik) 134
048 – 2(1): A Need for an Elders Facility in the Kitikmeot Region (Evyagotailak) 135
049 – 2(1): Consensus Style Government – Fire Marshal (Tootoo) 135
050 – 2(1): Growing Turbot Fishery Outside of Pangnirtung (Kilabuk) 136
051 – 2(1): Travel and Safety in Nunavut (Peterson) 137
Return to Oral Question 010 – 2(1): Update on the Arviat Choir Funding Application (Tapardjuk) 137
033 – 2(1): Fire Marshal’s Report – Communication with the City Council (Tootoo) 139
034 – 2(1): New Computers for Qikiqtarjuaq School (Arreak) 141
035 – 2(1): Access House Sold to the RCMP and Replacement (Alagalak) 141
036 – 2(1): Renovation of Arctic Bay Community Hall (Barnabas) 142
037 – 2(1): House Leases by Kevin O’Brien (Curley) 143
038 – 2(1): Plans for An Elders’ Residential Facility for Kitikmeot (Evyagotailak) 144
039 – 2(1): Price of Oil and Gas Increases in Nunavut (Peterson) 145
040 – 2(1): Vacant Staff Housing Units (Tootoo) 147
041 – 2(1): Extension of Repulse Bay School (Mapsalak) 148
042 – 2(1): House Leases by Kevin O’Brien (Tootoo) 149
043 – 2(1): Arctic Bay Residents’ Concern over the Abandoned Nanisivik Mine (Barnabas) 150
044 – 2(1): Tendering House Leases (Netser) 154
045 – 2(1): Joamie School – Fire Marshal’s Report (Tootoo) 154
010 – 2(1): Staff Housing Requirements (Curley) 156
007 – 2(1): Northern Premiers Discuss Shared Vision For The North (Okalik) 157
008 – 2(1): Auditor General of Canada’s First Report to the Second Legislative Assembly of Nunavut - 2004 (Okalik) 157
001 – 2(1): Defer Bill 3 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2004-2005 166
Bill 03 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 1, April 1 – June 30, 2004-2005 – First Reading 157
Bill 04 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2004-2005 – First Reading 157
Bill 03 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 1, April 1 – June 30, 2004-2005 – Second Reading 158
Bill 04 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2004-2005 – Second Reading 158
Bill 03 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 1, April 1 – June 30, 2004-2005 – Third Reading 178
Bill 04 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2004-2005 – Third Reading 178
Speaker (interpretation): I would like to call upon Mr. Barnabas to say the opening prayer.
Speaker (interpretation): Welcome, Premier and Members of the Legislative Assembly.
Minister’s Statement 007 – 2(1): Department of Environment Reprioritization (Akesuk)
Good afternoon, colleagues and visitors to the Gallery.
Mr. Speaker, on March 10, 2004, our Premier, the Honourable Paul Okalik, announced structural changes to the government’s operations.
As a result of these changes, the former Department of Sustainable Development was given a more focused mandate relating to wildlife, conservation, and fisheries, and was given a new name: the Department of Environment.
(interpretation ends) The Department of Environment will emphasize the priority that the Government of Nunavut has placed on ensuring the protection, promotion, and sustainable use of our natural resources in Nunavut.
This mandate is of prime importance to all Nunavummiut with our long and shared history related to the land and sea.
We will work together to ensure that we support the management of four key areas: wildlife, fisheries and sealing, parks and conservation areas, and environment protection.
We must also ensure that this government meets its commitments under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and other statutory, legal, and partnership obligations.
We will fulfill our mandated responsibilities and achieve our objectives through the integration of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit with the best possible scientific knowledge available, under the general guiding principles of conservation and sustainability.
We will take our role of Avatimik Kamattiarniq very seriously.
We will ensure that our programs and our actions speak to the needs of Nunavummiut and speak to the needs of our environment.
We will ensure that the people of Nunavut who have placed their trust and confidence in this government are satisfied that the Department of Environment is effective and efficient in its use of the resources entrusted to its care.
Minister’s Statement 008 – 2(1): Development of a Municipal Training Program (Picco)
I am pleased to inform the House of a new program that has recently been approved by the Nunavut Arctic College Board of Governors.
The program is called the Municipal Government Program and the intent is to develop and deliver courses related to the training needs of hamlet workers in every community in Nunavut.
This initiative has been a joint effort of Nunavut Arctic College and the Municipal Training Organization.
Students will take five core courses, and upon successful completion of these courses students will receive a record of achievement from Nunavut Arctic College.
In addition, students will take five specialized courses related to their work or in an area where they would like to work.
Upon successful completion of these ten courses students will receive a municipal government certificate and be eligible to receive advanced standing in many of Nunavut Arctic College’s diploma programs.
Mr. Speaker, it is through strong partnership arrangements such as this that Nunavut Arctic College is able to respond to the training needs of communities across Nunavut.
Going back to Orders of the Day. Item 3.
Member for High Arctic, Quttiktuq, Mr. Barnabas.
Member’s Statement 046 – 2(1): Arctic Bay Community Hall (Barnabas)
I rise today to talk about the urgent need for infrastructure improvements in my community of Arctic Bay.
The multipurpose hall in Arctic Bay was built over two decades ago and it desperately needs to be expanded. (interpretation ends) There had been plans to increase this facility about four years ago but this never happened, to the disappointment of my community.
This building is often used 24 hours a day for a variety of activities.
During my campaign, almost everyone expressed the need for a bigger hall and they urged me to work on this issue if elected. This hall I refer to is a gym that is connected to the school, but we call it a multipurpose hall because the community uses it for a wide variety of activities.
Mr. Speaker, the lack of infrastructure has resulted in the people of Arctic Bay taking it upon themselves to construct a different kind of multi-use facility.
The Arctic Bay Development Corporation plans on building a facility to include office spaces, conference rooms, hotel facilities, a restaurant, a visitors’ centre, and a craft shop.
However, this is another lack of infrastructure story that I sincerely hope receives enough funding to get started.
They will need a commitment that this facility will be used and promoted by this government.
Whenever we have community events, the present hall gets very crowded and not everyone can participate because the hall is just not big enough for our growing community.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I would like to have unanimous consent to conclude my Statement.
And thank you, colleagues. (interpretation ends) When this hall was built the population in Arctic Bay was 375, and in 2001 the population was 646; this is a 72.1 percent increase.
We often hear the government talk about building healthy communities; if we are to have healthy communities, we need the proper infrastructure, and we need to make investments that will pay off down the road.
At the appropriate time Mr. Speaker, I will be asking some questions.
Member’s Statement 047 – 2(1): Funding for Kamatsiaqtut Crisis Line (Okalik)
I would like to rise today to let the members know that this past weekend we were raising some funds for a program that is very important to the people of Nunavut.
I would like to thank the members of the Legislative Assembly for assisting me in supporting the Kamatsiaqtut Crisis Line, which is used by the people of Nunavut.
It has been running for 14 years.
It is staffed on a volunteer basis to try and help people who might be suicidal and others who would like to get some help on the telephone line.
I would like to thank the people who participated in that fundraising for the crisis line.
There was a well known individual who came to entertain and help raise money, Mr. Tom Jackson.
I would like to remind people that no matter who is in a crisis situation, I would like to be able to tell them that they should approach their friends and their families if they need help of any kind.
If you don’t have a place to go, and you don’t have anybody to see, you can call 979-3333, which is the crisis line.
If you’re outside Nunavut, you can call 1-800-265-3333.
Member’s Statement 048 – 2(1): A Need for an Elders Facility in the Kitikmeot Region (Evyagotailak)
I rise today to address the needs of elders in the Kitikmeot.
(interpretation ends) We’ve often talked about the need for providing adequate care of our elders.
We’ve talked about the importance of providing elders with the means to live.
They have brought us into this life, close to our relatives of the whole community.
The elders’ facility in the capital city of Iqaluit is an improved place. I’m glad that the elders have access to it.
I believe that there is a need for an elders’ home in the Kitikmeot, to serve the people of our region.
I knew of a situation where elders in Kugluktuk were faced with a difficult choice: in the one case I know of, a Kugluktuk elder had to move away from Nunavut altogether to live with their relatives because there is no home for elders in the Kitikmeot.
I know that the government’s resources are not unlimited, however support for our elders must be provided for by our government.
I believe that we must do everything that we can do in this area.
Member’s Statement 049 – 2(1): Consensus Style Government – Fire Marshal (Tootoo)
I rise today as a proud Member of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut.
Our consensus style of government is one of the characteristics that set us apart from other jurisdictions.
One of the tenets of consensus government is cooperation; this spirit of cooperation is one of our greatest strengths.
It was cooperation that brought the premiers of all three territories together to lobby the federal government.
Mr. Speaker, last week my colleague from Cambridge Bay stood in this House to salute the hard work of municipal councillors and staff across the territory.
I believe that it is important for all levels of government to work together to better the lives of our constituents.
Working together means sharing information and resources, and cooperating to ensure the safety and well-being of Nunavummiut.
I was very disappointed earlier this month by the manner in which the fire marshal released his report on the Joamie School fire.
I continue to be disappointed by the apparent lack of communication between the Government of Nunavut, the fire marshal’s office and the city of Iqaluit.
I believe that the needs of this community will not be met by playing games with the process.
I believe that the GN and the city of Iqaluit must work together to develop a relationship of mutual respect and trust, something that I know that the city has been working towards for the last number of years and wish to continue doing.
I urge the Minister of Community and Government Services to work closely with the city on all issues that affect the lives of our residents.
Mr. Speaker, later on I’ll be asking the minister questions on the handling of that information.
Member’s Statement 050 – 2(1): Growing Turbot Fishery Outside of Pangnirtung (Kilabuk)
I rise today to talk about the turbot fishery.
As my colleagues know, in Pangnirtung the fishery has been going a while; it started back in 1980s.
This turbot fishery was initiated by inviting Greenland people to teach how to turbot-fish; a Greenland Inuk elder came to Canada at the request of Petaloosie Qapik.
We have been working the Pangnirtung offshore fisheries for turbot in the Baffin Bay fishing zones 0B and 0A.
This company is owned by Inuit and I’m very pleased to announce that development has been successful in fisheries; this is the only offshore fishery in all of Nunavut. They fish turbot to sell, and approximately 50 people are employed seasonally in Pangnirtung.
They’ve been allocated a metric tonne quota, so they try to use it all, but at times, due to ice not forming or ice breaking, the fishing season is very short. Their metric tonne quota has been increased, and I’m very pleased that Pangnirtung Fisheries and the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board have been in support of this.
I believe that they will be in support of the fishery because there is no other operation in Nunavut. I’m very pleased that the fishery is doing well in Pangnirtung.
Member’s Statement 051 – 2(1): Travel and Safety in Nunavut (Peterson)
I rise today on the issue of air travel and safety in Nunavut.
Nunavut is the only territory in Canada that is 100 percent dependent on air travel.
If Nunavummiut want to travel to visit their families or friends or do business or see a doctor, we have to fly.
Community aerodrome radio station operators in the communities are integral to the arrival, departure, and safety of flights.
Members are aware that low wages, shift work, and on-the-job stress make it difficult to retain trained operators in the communities.
The Nunavut Association of Municipalities has been lobbying for years for an increase in the amount of funding Nav Canada provides for CARS operations.
Nav Canada’s 2003 Annual Report indicates that the corporation collected $36 million in fees paid by carriers for North Atlantic and international communications.
This figure includes the payments made to Nav Canada for services provided or made available to pilots while they are in Canadian airspace in the North.
The 2001 Nunavut Transportation Strategy states that international carriers would be willing to pay increased “en route” fees in northern Canadian airspace to finance improvements to key northern airports.
It is important that these issues be addressed.
It is tragic when a plane crash in the south results in the loss of life.
Imagine, Mr. Speaker, a plane crashing here in Nunavut: imagine the loss of friends, family members, and co-workers.
We’ve all met planes at the airport in our home communities; we know how many familiar faces are on board.
We must ensure the safety of all travelers, including our loved ones, when we travel.
Increased funding for CARS is an important step towards increased safety.
Return to Oral Question 010 – 2(1): Update on the Arviat Choir Funding Application (Tapardjuk)
A Return to an Oral Question asked by the Member for Arviat on May 13 in regard to the funding application from the Arviat Choir.
The department has received a large volume of applications this year.
Currently those applications are in various stages of the decision making process, in accordance with the grants and contributions policies.
Each applicant will receive a response from the department.
In addition, Members of the Legislative Assembly will receive a copy of the department’s response for proposals submitted from their riding.
This includes the Arviat Choir proposal that the Member from Arviat mentioned.
I will send a formal response to the members once the department has completed its review.
Going to the next item. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery.
The 15 participants of the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference for 2004, study group for Nunavut and Manitoba: welcome to the legislature.
You are accompanied by Pauloosie Nooyalia who is also my constituent and is the chair for Nunavut, and welcome to the legislature. You, from Newfoundland to British Columbia, welcome.
I would like to recognize a constituent of mine who has moved since the last election but is still within my constituency.
I would like to welcome our Fire Chief Cory Chegwyn to the Gallery, along with a couple of volunteer firefighters that are here as well.
Honourable Ed. Picco.
I would also like to welcome our delegation with the Governor General this morning, and appreciate having the opportunity to have some good conversations over breakfast, a very late breakfast at that.