EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Suvega. Mr. Savikataaq.
I assume that with the new system, you have decided what you wanted, its capabilities and what it’s going to do. With the new system, are Nunavummiut going to be able to walk in, in their small communities for their general ID and then walk out with their new ID?
Yes and that’s what we want and expect in the future.
We want to be able to do those things in the community where they can obtain their driver’s licence and identification cards. We’re looking for ways that we can improve that. That is our objective for the future.
I understand the minister says that’s what he wants, but my question was: is that what is going to happen? I understand about the driver’s licence, about security issues, but I’m asking about the general identification.
Are Nunavummiut going to be able to walk in their small communities into their GLOs or their hamlets and then walk out with their new ID?
I cannot respond to the member whether how it’s going to be in the communities because our department is not the only department that is responsible for that.
We will have to work with the other communities. For example, we will have to work together with the Department of Community and Government Services and the municipalities.
Therefore, I cannot say that that’s how it’s going to be.
The department has spent $2.8 million and they don’t know what kind of a system they are going to have.
Hon. George Kuksuk: Mr. Chairman, no, (interpretation) he is not understanding properly.
We know (interpretation ends) what we want and what we should get. (interpretation) We are looking at the best interest of the community and what’s best for Nunavummiut.
We’re not saying that we don’t know what we want.
The minister just said that he knows what he is getting: the system.
Will this system let a Nunavummiuq walk in, get their picture taken and their information taken, and then walk out with their ID, their general identification card?
I don’t think he understands what I’m saying, so I will have my deputy minister answer that question.
For anticipating a client coming in, there are a number of conditions that have to be met when trying to apply for any type of identification card, including general ID.
They do have to bring in other pieces of identification and if other conditions aren’t met, then other arrangements have to be made, perhaps being identified by other authorizing individuals, such as RCMP and/or clergy.
If a person walks in with everything they need, all their other identification, to prove who they are and whatever else is required, will they be able to walk out with their new general identification card in the small communities?
As the member did not understand me, I would like Mr. Suvega to continue responding to the question. (interpretation ends) Thank you.
If we’re specifically talking about physically manufacturing a general ID card, currently that is done externally outside of the territory where that still has to be mailed.
We can issue temporary written or printed paper that guarantees the identification of an individual, for example, if it’s for emergency travel purposes.
In terms of the physical card in its current form, it would still come from outside of the community.
Now, the hope in the future is that we’re able to have that capability in the future.
Will that capability exist with the new system?
It will certainly make it easier to convey that information back and forth, but the specific manufacturing of a general ID card, the physical card itself still comes from outside of the territory.
I’ll go on to a different matter now.
Now that we know that we still will possibly have long waiting periods and we hear horror stories of people waiting six months, hopefully this will speed up that process.
I’ll just go on to a different matter now.
Earlier, I asked about the international airport here in Iqaluit.
In the opening comments, it said that $100 million will be saved.
As I stated, the private partnership company is there to make money and that’s what businesses do. They make money.
My question was: is the government ability to run airports so poor that they will be saved $100 million by someone else doing it?
To the member’s question in regard to saving in excess of $100 million, I’ll have Ms. Winmill respond. With the committee’s approval, I would like to have Ms. Winmill come back to the witness table. (interpretation ends) Thank you.
Since we have already approved Ms. Winmill, Sergeant-at-Arms, if you could escort Ms. Winmill to the witness table.
Let one of the officials out.
Mr. Savikataaq, for Ms. Winmill’s information while she is at the witness table, please repeat your question.
My question was, in the minister’s opening statement, he said that the government will save $100 million through this private partnership of running the Iqaluit International Airport.
My comment is there is a private partnership to it, a business, and businesses are there to make money. That’s what businesses do and that’s a good thing.
The government is still going to save $100 million when a business is making money on the project.
I just want to know if the government is so inefficient at running airports that they will save such a substantial amount of money.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Savikataaq.
Minister Kuksuk, as you stated earlier, I suppose Ms. Winmill will be responding. (interpretation ends) Ms. Winmill, please.
This is encompassing four parts: a new ATB, a new CSB building, a new runway, and airport lighting. By doing this as a P3, we are, number one, getting close to $74 million from the federal government, so that’s part of the $100 million.
Also, the private partner was able to get a good borrowing rate, which would be better over a longer period of time.
They will also have the option of concessions and making money off of concessionaires within the airport lands and within the terminal building.
In reality, we are still saving money, but it’s about $25 million. I assume that the Nunavut government would have got the federal government money if they had done the airport on their own, if they were able to.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. For your indulgence, if you don’t mind, I will have Ms. Winmill respond. (interpretation ends) Thank you.
When the model was evaluated on which way to go forward with this project, it was estimated at about $100 million at that present time.
Thank you for the clarification. Still on airports, but a different matter now. On your small capital projects, you have it broken down there.
It’s $800,000 for the whole project and we have an itemized list.
One of them is a skid steer and you budgeted $150,000 for a skid steer. I think we looked it up before as a committee and they may be worth about $40,000 or $50,000. I just want clarification if this is a really, really big or good skid steer.
Is this a really, really big skid steer?
I remember this being asked in the past and I really wanted to find out what a skid steer is.
If you don’t mind, I’ll have Art Stewart elaborate more on the skid steer.
Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort Mr. Stewart to the witness table and escort Ms. Winmill out.
For Mr. Stewart’s indulgence, please repeat your question.
On small capital projects, the total budget is $800,000. One of the itemized lists is for a skid steer and it is budgeted for $150,000.
We looked up, I think, a normal skid steer. With shipping and all, it might go for about $40,000 to $50,000.
We’re just wondering if there is something special about this skid steer. Is it maybe a loader that you call a skid steer or something?
Just clarification. Thank you.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Savikataaq, for repeating your question. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister, (interpretation) you had already mentioned that this could be answered by Mr. Stewart.
I don’t think you have changed your mind. I will ask Mr. Stewart to answer the question.
Yes, it’s not the simple Bobcat. I did some investigation into it. This particular skid steer is a compact track loader.
It has a powerful engine, high output hydraulic system, high lift forks and vertical lift design, and torsion axle suspension. It provides maximum performance for work tool productivity, digging, truck loading, and material handling in a wide range of conditions.
The skid steer is required for small jobs around the airport like snow removal around the terminal building doors, parking lot, hangar doors, threshold lights and pappies, where our standard equipment is too big to do these types of smaller jobs.
Attachments purchased with the skid steer include buckets, forks, and blades.
I thank him for the clarification.
Another question that I have on the same thing is still on small capital.
Sometimes wobbly wheels are bought and sometimes compactors are purchased. There is quite a substantial difference between the prices of the two.
I’m just wondering what criteria are used on whether an airport gets a wobbly wheel or a compactor.
I would like to refer this question to Mr. Stewart, please.
Chairman: Mr. Stewart.
A wobbly wheel, I believe, from the question, and I’m not sure whether I got it right or not, but there is some question as to why a wobbly wheel costs... . There was reference to a wobbly wheel in one year costing $57,000.
However, when I checked that, it was actually for two wobbly wheels.
I hope I have answered your question, Mr. Chairman.
I can assure you right now that you haven’t.
I’ll get Mr. Savikataaq to ask the question again.
I’ll ask it again in English.
Sometimes on the small capital projects, a wobbly wheel is purchased and sometimes a compactor is purchased. There is a big price difference between the two.
I’m just wondering how the department decides whether an airport gets a compacter or a wobbly wheel.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you for the clarification, Mr. Savikataaq. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister, I’m going to assume that you haven’t changed your mind and I’m going to ask Mr. Stewart to reply.
Mr. Stewart: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I honestly don’t know what criteria go into determining whether it’s a compactor or a wobbly wheel.
I can gather that information from our equipment superintendent and get a response back to the MLA.
It’s not a question, but just a comment there to the minister and his staff that I am thankful that Arviat will be the first place to get a GPS approach.
We have a lot of traffic there too and we have a lot of crappy weather and have no hills to hit. Zero. I think it’s just a perfect place to try a GPS approach out.
Chairman: (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Savikataaq.
Are there any further questions about that page?
Mr. Joanasie: (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Welcome to the minister and your officials.
My first question would be a request for clarification, if it’s okay with you Mr. Chairman. I asked questions last year and the department went through their budget and I think it was $100,000 for airport studies.
Can you let us know if that program has run well? That’s my first question, Mr. Chairman.
Unfortunately, I was having a hard time understanding the question. If I understood your question correctly, what study were you asking about?
I would like clarification on that, if it’s okay with you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Joanasie, can you elaborate?
I’m asking what that was in the minor or small capital of last year. It was explained to us that it was around $100,000 that the Department of Transportation used to do a study.
How has that study been going up until now?
Yes, I understand you now.
Mr. Chairman, as to an update for today, Mr. Stewart can provide you with that if you don’t mind.
The $100,000 is not just for one study. It could be a variety of studies.
For this particular fiscal year, as I mentioned before, we have several studies on the go.
One is a study of the granular supply in Pangnirtung and Arviat.
Another one was the oil spill study under the Resolute Bay terminal building.
Another one was the possible relocation of the airport in Kimmirut. That study has not been started yet. However, we are speaking with an airport firm or experts in airports.
We’re interested in getting them to gather preliminary data that will lead to a feasibility study for that sort of thing.
Again, the other study would be the determination of an estimated cost for the installation of a bridge in both Gjoa Haven and Cambridge Bay.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Stewart.
At this time, pursuant to Rule 6(1), using my discretion as the Chair, I now recognize the clock and I will rise to report progress to the Speaker.
Mr. Joanasie, when we resume our meeting tomorrow, you will be the first one to ask questions.
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bill 8 and the capital estimates and would like to report progress.
Speaker: Item 21… . There’s a motion on the floor. Is there a seconder?
Carried. (interpretation) Thank you. (interpretation ends) The motion is carried.
A reminder that there’s a meeting of the Standing Committee on Legislation tomorrow at nine o’clock in the Tuktu Boardroom.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Item 22.
This House stands adjourned until Thursday, October 23, at 1:30 p.m.
Pages 1081 – 1112
Opening Prayer 1081
Ministers’ Statements 1081
Members’ Statements 1083
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 1088
Speaker’s Statement 1090
Oral Questions 1090
First Reading of Bills 1106
Second Reading of Bills 1108
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 1108
Report of the Committee of the Whole 1111
Third Reading of Bills 1111
Orders of the Day 1111
Thursday, October 23, 2014 1081
051 – 4(2): Devolution Moving Forward (Taptuna) 1081
052 – 4(2): Student Support Assistant Certification Program (Quassa) 1082
053 – 4(2): Youth Committee Recognition (Okalik) 1082
054 – 4(2): Inuit Language and Culture Centre of Excellence (Quassa) 1083
123 – 4(2): Franklin Expedition Ship Found (Akoak) 1084
124 – 4(2): Need for More Suicide Prevention (Joanasie) 1084
125 – 4(2): Recent Home Fire in Arctic Bay (Shooyook) 1085
126 – 4(2): Addressing Poverty (Mikkungwak) 1086
127 – 4(2): Western Hudson Bay Polar Bear Management (Savikataaq) 1086
128 – 4(2): Safe Arrival of Sons by Boat to Pangnirtung (Mike) 1087
195 – 4(2): Blood Tests (Akoak) 1090
196 – 4(2): Poverty Reduction (Mikkungwak) 1091
197 – 4(2): Western Hudson Bay Polar Bear Management (Savikataaq) 1093
198 – 4(2): Laboratory Service Contracts (Mapsalak) 1095
199 – 4(2): Southern Hudson Bay Polar Bear Management (Rumbolt) 1096
200 – 4(2): When Foster Children Become Adults (Angnakak) 1098
201 – 4(2): ASIST Training (Joanasie) 1100
202 – 4(2): Medical Travel Policy for Escorts (Sammurtok) 1101
203 – 4(2): Fire Prevention Strategy for Nunavut (Hickes) 1102
204 – 4(2): Laboratory Service Contracts (Mapsalak) 1104
205 – 4(2): Departmental Grants and Contributions Spending (Angnakak) 1105
Bill 10 – An Act to Provide for an Assistant Chief Electoral Officer – First Reading 1106
Bill 04 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 4, 2013-2014 – First Reading 1107
Bill 05 – Write-off of Assets Act, 2013-2014 – First Reading 1107
Bill 06 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2014-2015 – First Reading 1107
Bill 07 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2014-2015 – First Reading 1107
Bill 09 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 5, 2013-2014 – First Reading 1107
Bill 10 – An Act to Provide for an Assistant Chief Electoral Officer – Second Reading 1108
Bill 10 – An Act to Provide for an Assistant Chief Electoral Officer – Consideration in Committee 1109
Bill 10 – An Act to Provide for an Assistant Chief Electoral Officer – Third Reading 1111
Speaker (Hon. George Qulaut): Tuksiarnikkut, I ask that Mr. Taptuna lead us in prayer.
Speaker (interpretation): Good afternoon. Welcome to the House, members, ministers, and Nunavummiut.
Minister’s Statement 051 – 4(2): Devolution Moving Forward (Taptuna)
Mr. Speaker, October 3, 2014 was a historic day for Nunavut.
Namminiqsurniq, or striving for a greater economy for our territory in what we call devolution, has taken a major step forward and is consistent with the objectives set out in our mandate, Sivumut Abluqta.
The Hon. Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, announced the appointment of a chief federal negotiator on Nunavut’s devolution process.
Mr. Speaker, at the same time, I had the privilege to unveil Nunavut’s devolution negotiation team. Mr. Simon Awa will serve as chief negotiator, with Mr. Bob Carson and Mr. Alex Buchan as deputy negotiators.
Nunavut is the last territory to begin negotiations on devolution and this announcement was an important step forward in moving ahead with that process.
Mr. Speaker, the transfer of jurisdictional responsibility is a crucial component as part of the government’s mandate to help realize the territory’s long-term development for Nunavummiut.
I look forward to engaging in the devolution process with the Government of Canada and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated to move forward in outlining an agreement in principle that will pave the way for developing final agreements in the devolution negotiation process. I am also encouraged by Canada’s commitment to achieving an agreement in principle within one year.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to the working relationship and moving forward on Nunavut’s future. This is truly Sivumut Abluqta.
Hon. Member Mr. Quassa.
Minister’s Statement 052 – 4(2): Student Support Assistant Certification Program (Quassa)
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I send my greetings to my fellow Igloolik residents.
Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to report on the development of a valuable training program for student support assistants in Nunavut schools.
The training program has been finalized. We will collaborate with Nunavut Arctic College to deliver the four courses and the one practicum that make up this certificate program in 2015 and 2016.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, this certificate program will help achieve one of the goals of Qalattuq: The 10-Year Educator Training Strategy 2006-2016 and meet the mandate of Sivumut Abuqta to “continue to invest in the education and development of all current and potential public servants.”
(interpretation ends) This training program helps us act on the recommendation from the Auditor General of Canada to provide instruction and assessment training to student support assistants.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, in this training program, student support assistants will learn about Inclusive Education in Nunavut (Course 1), Supporting Literacy and Numeracy Strategies in Nunavut Schools (Course 2), Child Development (Course 3), and Responsive Intervention (Course 4).
In February 2015, the first two courses will be delivered face to face by long-term, experienced Nunavut educators in Rankin Inlet.
A community level reflective practicum will be completed in schools in October/November 2015. (interpretation) We anticipate that over 45 student support assistants will complete the certificate program by the end of February 2016.
Mr. Speaker, our education system is moving forward to meet the needs of our students.
This certificate program will give our student support assistants the knowledge and skills they need to integrate Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit as they work to support our students.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Member Mr. Okalik.
Minister’s Statement 053 – 4(2): Youth Committee Recognition (Okalik)
I stand today to acknowledge youth committees across Nunavut.
There are many challenges for youth in Nunavut and our young people rise to the challenge by forming committees to help address those challenges.
While youth committee members make sacrifices to their lifestyle by committing their time and energy to their work, they are also learning to plan for their future and getting involved in solutions for their communities.
Youth committees frequently hold games nights, gym and sports events, skate nights or teen skate dances, and organize numerous outdoor events in summer and winter.
Youth have delivered ice to elders in Igloolik, held kids dog team races in Rankin Inlet, and have taken standard First Aid courses in Kimmirut, to name just a few.
Mr. Speaker, this week, youth from the Qikiqtaaluk region are here in Iqaluit as a part of the Qikiqtaaluk Youth Committee.
They are here to develop a new youth strategy with the Government of Nunavut.
Join me in thanking these individuals for their time, effort, and dedication to a better Nunavut.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister Quassa.
Minister’s Statement 054 – 4(2): Inuit Language and Culture Centre of Excellence (Quassa)
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Over the years, the college has invested considerable energy and resources to develop, incorporate, and strengthen Inuit language and culture components across its programs in keeping with its mission and principles.
As a result, the college possesses a solid base of expertise in the area of Inuit language and cultural education.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, this expertise and assets and resources associated with it are somewhat dispersed within the college.
In consultation with senior personnel and executive within the college and with other stakeholders, I am pleased to inform my fellow members of a new business case discussion paper which supports and provides a clear direction for the development of a final business case and implementation plan for the establishment of the Inuit Language and Culture Centre of Excellence (ILCCE) at Nunavut Arctic College.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the vision for the centre of excellence is for it to take a leadership role and contribute to the preservation, maintenance, and growth of Inuit language and cultural knowledge and expression through the education and training of Nunavummiut; the collection, development, and publication of traditional and new knowledge; and a commitment to excellence in the quality and standards of Inuit language and cultural education.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, the Inuit Language and Culture Centre of Excellence is a creative, cost-effective, and achievable way to enable the college to realize its potential and to become a world leader in the area of Inuit language and cultural studies.
Member’s Statement 123 – 4(2): Franklin Expedition Ship Found (Akoak)
Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) I say “hello” to the people of Gjoa Haven, members, and the people of Nunavut. (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I rise today to speak about the recent discovery of one of the two lost ships from the Franklin Expedition.
Mr. Speaker, this summer, I had the pleasure of joining my colleagues from the Kitikmeot, Minister Peterson, Minister Ugyuk, and Premier Taptuna, on the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Sir Wilfred Laurier.
This is one of the vessels that were part of the 2014 Victoria Strait Expedition in search of the lost Franklin ships. We had the pleasure of congratulating the team on their successful efforts.
Mr. Speaker, as members will recall, Louis Kamookak, one of my constituents, played a very important role in the discoveries. A Gjoa Haven historian, Mr. Kamookak worked closely with the federal and territorial governments towards this discovery.
For over 30 years, Mr. Kamookak collected information from our elders and ancestors, memories of contact, survival, and death.
For example, his own great-grandmother had discovered one of the many artefacts of the Franklin Expedition, a silver butter knife.
Mr. Speaker, I am sure that all members will agree that Inuit knowledge and oral history was vital to this discovery.
Mr. Speaker, as MLA for Gjoa Haven, I am pleased to take this opportunity to recognize this historic moment.
Member’s Statement 124 – 4(2): Need for More Suicide Prevention (Joanasie)
I rise today to recall the recent suicide of a child and to send my condolences to the affected families and community of Cape Dorset, as the child was only an 11-year-old boy.
I feel for the mother, grandparents, siblings, friends, and his classmates.