EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
The standing committee supports Nunavut having a strong voice concerning such issues as the need to enhance federal search and rescue capacity in the north, as well as standing up for Nunavut’s seal harvesters.
Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening comments on the proposed 2015-16 main estimates and 2015-18 business plan of the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs.
A reminder that all electronic devices should be turned off or put on silent mode.
I want to remind members that the contents of the opening comments are covered in the different branches of the department.
If you have detailed questions, please ask them under the appropriate branches.
(interpretation) General comments. (interpretation ends) I have no members on my list for general comments. We will now proceed to the page-by-page review of the main estimates starting on page B-4.
Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $3,531,000.
Chairman: Thank you. (interpretation) Turn the page. (interpretation ends) Branch Summary.
Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs. Strategic Planning.
Mr. Akoak: Sorry.
Are we on B-5?  Chairman: Yes.
Your department’s draft 2015-18 business plan indicates that one of its priorities for the 2015-16 fiscal year is to “Conduct [the] 2016 Nunavut Food Price Survey to collect prices on food and non-food items in all Nunavut communities.”
In light of the Auditor General of Canada’s recent report to Parliament on the Nutrition North Canada Program, how does your department work with the federal Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development on the issue of food costs in Nunavut?
Mr. Chairman, we work with all the departments within the federal government. Of course, that’s one of the issues that we work closely with our MP from Nunavut, the Hon. Leona Aglukkaq, and that’s one of the things we keep an eye on.
Of course, with the Auditor General’s report coming out, we will certainly be paying close attention to what the action items are going to be from their latest request for proposals to improve the program itself.
Mr. Akoak: I think I just have one more question.
Has there been a survey done already or is there one coming up?
One is currently taking place right at this time.
Mr. Akoak: If that survey is completed, how will you be using it to help Nunavummiut?
We use all kinds of information and data collected to assist us in determining how we’re going to be approaching the federal government in assisting northerners.
Of course, again, that’s in light of the Auditor General’s reports. Things may change and of course, once we have a good understanding of what the new recommendations may be coming forth from the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, we will certainly be keeping an eye on that.
Will there be any way of determining how to… ? When you’re trying to help the people of Nunavut, are you going to make food affordable? Will there be any way of determining how it can be done?
At this time, we don’t know. It’s a federal program and of course, the federal Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada is trying to find ways to improve that program. Once we have indication on what they may be doing, we will certainly let the public know.
We are on Branch Summary. Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs. Strategic Planning.
Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $2,632,000 Agreed?
I actually only have maybe one question in this area.
It has to do with the evaluation framework and evaluation plan for assessing the effectiveness and impacts of programs and projects.
In your business plan on page 5, it states that the “Framework for the GN has been developed and is currently being revised and expanded.”
Can you give us a little more information on what is being revised and which programs are being evaluated?
Chairman (interpretation): thank you very much.
The evaluation plan for assessing the effectiveness, of course, we talk about that and it’s one of the things that we want to improve on as a government. At this time, a draft paper is being formed and developed.
We can use that to expand on other things that may need improvement.
Of course, we look at all the past reports and reviews have been done in the past, and we use that to quantify our improvements on an upcoming framework.
I don’t believe I heard in his answer what has been revised and which programs are you reviewing.
I believe we’re doing all that for some of the programs that we are looking at.
Of course, some of these directions that we will be getting in reviewing some of these programs and the framework, we will certainly let the members know exactly what they are going to be, going into the future.
It says, “A draft paper on an Evaluation Framework for the GN has been developed and is currently being revised and expanded.”
Is the Premier telling us that this hasn’t happened yet?
You don’t know which programs you’re reviewing and you don’t know what is being revised as of yet.
Thank you. Just to be clear.
We were hoping that we could use that and develop into one of the… . What I’m trying to say, Mr. Chairman, is that times have changed and we want to update some of these frameworks that we have been doing in the past.
Certainly, we will have the Bureau of Statistics help us out in that.
Can the Premier give us an idea of which programs are being reviewed?
Can the committee member please clarify the type of question.
Because it is just on evaluation, are you asking questions on all the government programs?
Chairman: Thank you. (interpretation) Please clarify your question, Ms. Angnakak.
I’m just going by from the business plan. In the business plan on page 5, the first bullet, it says, “Prepare an evaluation framework and an evaluation plan for assessing the effectiveness and impacts of programs, projects and activities…” and it says here that “A draft paper on an Evaluation Framework for the GN has been developed and is currently being revised and expanded.”
If I’m thinking that something has been revised, it is because you have used some of it already and decided that you want to make some changes.
I’m wondering and my question is: which programs so far have been evaluated? Maybe there are none.
I don’t know. That’s my question.
Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you for the clarification from the committee member, Mr. Chairman.
When we use information and data collected by the bureau of statistics, we want to ensure that we use proper methods of developing the framework and programs that we intend to use.
We are using that data. We’ve got to ensure that the data we collect is correct.
We are on B-5. Branch Summary.
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I believe one of my colleagues already asked about this issue related to food.
Firstly, welcome and I extend my welcome to you, and I mean the officials.
As I stated, one of my colleagues spoke about food and associated high costs.
We have tried to ascertain through our questions exactly which department will conduct the food price survey.
We have certainly noted the responses stating that the departments themselves don’t conduct research on the increasing costs of food.
Who exactly has this mandate, and why is it so vague about the government stating that a study will be undertaken? Any time we ask questions to that effect, the answer we get is that the department doesn’t conduct the studies internally.
Who exactly will be conducting the food price survey?
The Nunavut Bureau of Statistics conducts the annual food price survey in the communities. The first survey was completed last year with the survey starting in March.
This survey will be continued from our department to be able to produce the statistics on the food costs and determine if it is increasing or decreasing.
We wanted to be able to start using the figures to provide that data to the retailers. We want to be able to utilize this data in all avenues and to publicly show the actual costs of food over a year.
This study stems from our department that we refer to as the current survey. This information will be available to all members of the public.
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate my late brother’s son-in-law for providing an understandable response.
I tend to get perplexed over this issue when the response to our question of who is conducting the survey states that the department itself doesn’t conduct that type of research.
I think we are all aware of this fact now as communities receive both air freight and sealift freight, and based on the distance from point A to B, the costs also increase due to the additional distances to freight in the foods.
The freight costs are what drive these excessive costs, especially in my constituency in the High Arctic.
Also, this is part and parcel of the fuel costs, as every increase in fuel adds to the expenses related to the food, and when it arrives into our community, we are flabbergasted by the change between the sealift prices and airfreight costs for the same products.
That is how difficult this challenge is that we face here in Nunavut.
I totally believe this requires a comprehensive review, as it exacerbates the critical situation the people living in poverty face as these additional costs eat up their budgets.
These escalating costs of food are evident in the Northern Store or the Co-op when they need to ship food via airfreight. This should be part of their annual resupply lists so that they don’t run out before the year is over.
Chairman: I didn’t hear any questions.
Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $2,632,000. Agreed?
Chairman: Thank you. (interpretation) Turn to page B-6. (interpretation ends) Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs.
Branch Summary. Nunavut Cabinet. Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $4,645,000.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) B-7. Branch Summary.
B-8.
Total… . Mr. Savikataaq.
This is not on the business plan at all, but I’m just curious. NTI was suing the federal government and back in 2010, the GN filed a statement of defence in relation to the federal government’s attempt to have the GN named as a co-defendant in the lawsuit.
The media has stated that an out-of-court settlement has been reached between the two parties.
What, if any, effect does this have on the GN?
It does have a huge impact on the Government of Nunavut.
As you know, one of the main stipulations of Article 23 is training for Inuit and employment within the Government of Nunavut.
In your response to the opening comments, there is a statement there indicating 85 percent Inuit representation.
In the past, we were getting $10,000 per year for Inuit training and we certainly hope that‘s going to be increased with the conclusion of the litigation between NTI and Canada.
Whenever the settlement is made public, we will all know what’s in it, but does the Premier know if some monies will flow directly to the GN from the federal government or is it going to go to through NTI since they are the ones that laid the lawsuit?
I thank the committee member for the question. Mr. Chairman, although the lawsuit was between Canada and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, under Article 23, the Government of Nunavut is obligated to train Inuit.
Certainly, we hope that we will see some money flowing into the government to allow us to fulfill the obligation of trying to reach a representative level of 85 percent.
I know it’s going to be difficult at times, but it will certainly boost our efforts if it comes out positive.
On a different matter altogether, the Dene land claims in the Kivalliq region has been a concern and an issue with me since I got elected.
I’m just wondering if the Premier has any updates on that issue.
I know that there are confidentiality issues, but is there any update that he can give us?
Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you Mr. Chairman. I thank the committee member for that question.
At this time, there are no real updates, although we are making efforts to put another person in the negotiating main table and that person will be from Arviat.
At this point, there is really no other information that I can provide.
This is just a comment. I thank the Premier for the update that he has.
I hope that the outcome of the land claims is not too harsh on us as a government because it has lots of implications, not only financial, but financially, it can have great impacts on us.
I hope that the negotiations go well for the people of Nunavut.
I didn’t hear a question, so I will move along.
I would like to ask some questions on the work you have done in regard to Canada’s 2013-15 chairmanship of the Arctic Council. It says that you attended the ICC General Assembly in Inuvik and that there were issues arising at the working group level.
I’m wondering if you can tell us what issues arose out of these meetings that you feel directly impacted Nunavut and what steps were taken to address the issues.
I thank the committee member for that question. Mr. Chairman, I did participate in July in Inuvik.
The Inuit Circumpolar Conference is an annual event and we do participate as a government and being an arctic community and representing Inuit.
One of the things that we try and do is coordinate some of these efforts with the Northern Premiers’ Forum and of course, the Arctic Council. There are a number of themes that we try and push forward, one of them being mental health of course, and a number of different things. I’ve got to look in my book to remember.
Of course, we want to increase the capacity and infrastructure sustainability of communities throughout the Arctic.
That is one of the themes that we try and promote through these conferences, including health and family wellness.
Mr. Chairman, there are a number of different things that we do look at and of course, resource development and these, combined with the Arctic Council, we make efforts to ensure that our voices are heard throughout the Arctic and the federal government.
It seems they have some pretty important things to address.
One of them I see, “The Government of Nunavut has assisted with hosting various Arctic Council meetings…” One that is coming up is called “Evidence-Base for Promoting Mental Wellness and Resilience to Address Suicide in Circumpolar Communities” symposium.
Can the Premier tell us a little bit more about this symposium? When will this meeting occur, who is being invited, and where will it be held?
Chairman: Thank you. (interpretation) Premier Taptuna.
The event is going to be held here in Iqaluit. I’ll be co-hosting with Hon. Leona Aglukkaq March 25 to 27.
Again, there are going to be opportunities to talk about one of the major themes that the Arctic Council has identified through our northern participation. Nunavut’s participation, of course, has mental wellness and suicide, and that is one of the topics of discussion that we have been talking about.
As members are well aware, it’s one of the things that are all throughout the Arctic Council regions. It’s an ongoing issue that we are desperately trying to come up with a solution to that. I know it’s not an easy task, but there is continued collaboration and learning from other countries on this.
Can the Premier tell us who will be able to attend the symposium?
Being a co-host, I don’t have that answer, but I’ll certainly give it to the committee member because it is being organized by the chair of the Arctic Council.
I’m going to go on to something else and that’s your protocol with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated where, in the business plan on page 11, it states that you work with them “on matters of mutual interest to Nunavummiut” and “A protocol and work plan has been drafted for review by both parties.”
Can you tell us what the priorities of that work plan are?
We do have a draft MOU that we have been using. It’s due for a renewal on that and that’s called Aajiiqatigiinniq.
It’s more or less that we work on common issues together. I don’t have the MOU in front of me right here, but there are a number of things that we do discuss and of course, housing, mental wellness, health, just to name a few.
I don’t have that MOU in front of me. There are a number of different things that we discuss in cooperation with NTI.
I’m assuming, and maybe as Joe says, we shouldn’t assume, but I am assuming that this working relationship has gone on for quite some time.
I would like to know if the Premier can tell us, out of these meetings, what joint projects are we working on together to address some of the needs in Nunavut.
There are major issues that we work together on and of course, that’s devolution and also a file that a previous committee member mentioned earlier and that’s the Denesuline land claims agreement. There are also a number of things that we work on with NTI and of course, there’s poverty reduction. We are a partner in that.
They co-host and co-chair the conferences, symposiums, and we plan our action items together on poverty reduction.
Can the Premier tell us how much financial commitment NTI has provided to some of these joint initiatives?
I don’t know; I can’t answer that.
Maybe I should state it a bit clearly.
When you decide that you’re going to work on a joint project like poverty reduction, the GN comes up with a budget, obviously, to say, “Look, this is what we’re going to do to address this issue.”
Has NTI also come up with a budget to address the same issue and, if so, what are the numbers?
Can the Premier agree to get that information for us? Obviously, if you’re doing a joint project, there are budgets involved on both sides. What are they?
Will the Premier also be agreeing to table the new MOU signed off with NTI?
Absolutely, once the draft is complete.
I have asked this question a couple of times, I believe, in the past maybe during Oral Questions on the Committee on Internal Trade.
The Government of Nunavut participates as an observer, although we’re not a signatory on the Agreement on Internal Trade.
I was just wondering what the government’s current timetable is for signing the Agreement on Internal Trade or if we’re going to sign it.
We are hoping to sign that within 18 months.
Last fall, the Premier indicated that the government wants a carve-out to protect the NNI Policy.
In December of last year, the government announced that its goal is to work with NTI to have a revised NNI Policy by this spring.
What is the position of other provinces and territories regarding the GN’s NNI Policy as it relates to the Agreement on Internal Trade?
I thank the committee member for that question. It’s a very good question.
The provinces have agreed for the carve-out of NNI. We have been reassured that there will be protection for NNI and Article 24.
We are on page B-8. (interpretation ends) Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs. Branch Summary. Intergovernmental Affairs.
I don’t really have a question, but I would like to welcome the Premier and his staff.
I have some questions about the government liaison officers in the communities.
Perhaps, first of all, in their business plan, it says that 23 GLOs have been hired while there are 25 communities.
I never understood the question. Yes, there are 25 communities.
Chairman (interpretation): Mr. Joanasie, please rephrase your question. Mr. Joanasie.
In the communities, which communities do not have GLOs yet?
I apologize to the committee member.
Mr. Chairman, as time goes along, things do change. Just from last week, we have three more communities that don’t have a GLO due to unforeseen circumstances.
Of course, the communities that don’t have them are still Kugluktuk, Cambridge Bay, Arviat, Chesterfield Inlet, Grise Fiord, and Sanikiluaq.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. Mr. Joanasie.
I have asked about communities with GLOs in the past to the (interpretation ends) hon. minister (interpretation) and the operational aspects related to these positions.
As an example, some GLOs are very adept at providing general identification cards for Nunavummiut or photo ID cards.
Yesterday, I believe it was then when we were reviewing the Department of Transportation and the minister was at the witness table, we discussed the (interpretation ends) MVIS (interpretation) system that is geared towards driver’s licences and general ID cards.
I have asked questions about (interpretation ends) passports, (interpretation) the documents needed to travel outside of Canada.
I understand there are two cameras, one camera is specifically for the driver’s licences and the other camera is for the passport photos.
Do all the communities have these two different cameras now and, if so, are they up to date?
I don’t know that, but I will certainly check and let the member know.
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would also like to extend my gratitude to (interpretation ends) Mr. Premier (interpretation) for committing to look into the matter.
I just have a general comment about the cameras used by the GLOs. The GLO needs to know how to use the camera and some of them require more training courses to familiarize themselves with the equipment. I was wondering if he could also look into that aspect.
This is more of a general question and that concludes my questions.
We are on (interpretation ends) Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs. Branch Summary. Intergovernmental Affairs.
Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $6,137,000. Agreed?
Chairman: Thank you. (interpretation) Go to page B-9. (interpretation ends) Branch Summary. Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs. Sivumuaqatigiit.
I’m going to start off with… . I know there has been some progress made in NTI’s lawsuit with the Government of Canada that was announced recently.
One of the things that have been talked about in the past is Canada’s obligation under Article 23 to provide funding. Last year, the government said that it was going to continue to lobby the federal government for funding in regard to its obligations under Article 23.
As I stated in my opening comments, the committee had some concerns on the amount.
Has an amount been identified by the Government of Nunavut on what the federal government should be providing under its Article 23 obligations?
I can’t give a number at this time because I’ll just be assuming.
I’ll bring that up at some time in the future. I’m sure there will be some work to identify that and the amount of positions that are going to be needed.
I would like to go on to a topic that I have brought up with the Premier a number of times, the Sivuliqtiksat Internship Program.
As I have stated, I’m a big fan of the program itself. I think there are a lot of benefits to it.
To start off with, last year when I asked a question regarding this, there was a report on the findings with some recommendations on the review of that program that were being finalized.
I was wondering: has that review been finalized, for one?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. Premier Taptuna.
Yes, the review has been finalized.
Maybe I will come see the Premier to maybe take a look at some of the… . I would like to see that document and maybe even the rest of the committee members might as well.
In the 2015-16 business plan on page 8, it talks to delivering the internship program with any necessary enhancements to ensure it is meeting its objectives.
Without having all the details of the report, I just wondered if maybe the Premier would just be able to highlight maybe the top two or three enhancements that were made from that review to increase the benefit of that program to Nunavummiut.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. Mr. Taptuna.
I would like Ms. Lloyd to respond to that question.
Ms. Lloyd.
Ms. Lloyd: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The review of the Sivuliqtiksat program has been completed and now we’re at the point where the final reviews by various committees internal to the government are making comments on that report. Once we have received all of those comments back, the top recommendations will be finalized.
Would the Premier be able to share that final report when it comes through with this committee?
Staying on with the internship program, I have spoken in the past on how much I personally have benefited from participating in that program and I have always felt that it’s maybe not so much underutilized, but maybe undermanned.