EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Now, what happens is, under the Financial Administration Act, if there wasn’t a financial commitment or no funds were expended against a particular capital project, in essence, the monies for that particular project would lapse. So what we call ‘lapse’ is monies would not be available is basically what that means.
However, Financial Administration Manual section 302-5 also allows projects like that to be brought forward again by going forth to the Financial Management Board.
The board has discretion, and the word here is discretion, to either approve or not approve that project to be brought forward again.
If the board approves it to be brought forward again, then it is considered to be a new project, but we have to attach the funds that was previously approved in the last fiscal year to that project.
Now, in order for the government to actually spend money against that project, we have to come back into the Legislative Assembly, which we have done at this sitting, to get approval of the Assembly through a supplementary appropriation.
So that’s as simple as I can get it without getting into accounting terms and FAM terms. So there is no question in the mind of the department that as we go through strengthening financial management and work on the rewriting of some of our FAM directives, that we have to make that part of the FAM much clearer.
It is confusing, even for those of us that work day-to-day within the department.
So there is no question that we have to work on that part of the FAM to make it clearer.
Where I’m getting confused is even Mr. Ma stated that this is termed as a new project but the way it’s worded in here, it’s not a new project.
That’s where I’m having difficulties understanding.
Maybe it shouldn’t be lumped in with all those capital carryovers from previous years because they’re not.
There should be a separate line in there on this particular page; those two projects are new FMB-approved with old year funding brought forward for them.
It should be something that is a little more transparent than what is there. I don’t know if that’s how it should be.
Is this correct, or is it not correct?
I don’t want to say yes to something that isn’t if it should be the other way.
I’m still not convinced yet that that’s how it should be.
Hon. David Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation) Mr. Ma will respond to that question.
I appreciate the member’s concern and I think he has certain grounds for his concerns.
I guess I use the word “new” because that is the actual word that is in the FAM directive, and you’re right, it is confusing.
We will, after this sitting I guess, review how we bring forward those types of projects.
Obviously, I can’t speak for the minister. We haven’t made a recommendation to him at this point, but we have thought about it this morning in terms of other ways to make it more, as you say, transparent, because that is one of the objectives of the department is to bring forward supplementary bills that are actually transparent and understandable to all members, so we don’t have to go through this long-winded explanation from me.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Ma. (interpretation ends) Mr. Tootoo.
I know we’re supposed to quit at two today so I’d like recognize the clock and report progress, and then we can do some homework over the weekend and then feel comfortable with it on Monday.
Did you move a motion, I am asking you.
Mr. Tootoo: Yes, I did.
I would like to thank you and your officials.
Sergeant-at-Arms, can you escort the minister and his officials, please.
The committee has been considering Bill 10 and would like to report progress. I move that the Report of the Committee of the Whole be agreed to.
The motion is in order. Is there a seconder?
Thank you, Mr. Tapardjuk.
Mr. Tapardjuk seconds the motion.
A reminder, there’s a meeting of the Management and Services Board at half past two this afternoon in the Tuktu Boardroom. And a reminder on Monday morning June 4, the Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Housing and Economic Development will be meeting at nine o’clock in the Nanuq Boardroom.
Orders for the Day for June 4:
This House stands until Monday, June 4, starting at 1:30 p.m. in the afternoon.
Monday, June 4, 2007
Pages 1478 – 1557
Opening Prayer 1478
Ministers’ Statements 1478
Members’ Statements 1483
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 1491
Oral Questions 1491
Written Questions* 1512
Revert to Item 4: Returns to Oral Questions 1512
Second Reading of Bills 1513
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 1517
Monday, June 4, 2007 1478
066 – 2(4): Gjoa Haven Health Centre (Aglukkaq) 1478
067 – 2(4): Miramar, KIA and the Department of Education: Collaborate!
(Picco) 1479
068– 2(4): Uranium Development Management Plan Principles (Simailak) 1480
069 – 2(4): Davis Strait Polar Bear Survey (Netser) 1481
070 – 2(4): Territorial Health Access Fund (THAF) (Aglukkaq) 1482
153 – 2(4): Remembrance of Henry Evaluarjuk (Arvaluk) 1483
154 – 2(4): Government Assistance in Replacing Lost Certificates (Alagalak) 1483
155 – 2(4): Status of the Kugluktuk Crisis Shelter (Evyagotailak) 1484
156 – 2(4): Congratulations to Student Graduates in Qikiqtarjuak (Arreak) 1485
157 – 2(4): Congratulations to Shawna Summurtuk (Netser) 1486
158 – 2(4): Inuksuk High School Graduates (Picco) 1486
159 – 2(4): Banning of Incandescent Light Bulbs (Curley) 1487
160 – 2(4): Addressing Mental Health (Peterson) 1488
161 – 2(4): Sanikiluaq Youth Committee (Kattuk) 1489
162 – 2(4): Literacy Council Event in Rankin Inlet (Brown) 1489
163 – 2(4): Support for Homeowners (Barnabas) 1490
Returns Oral Questions
Return to Oral Question 175 – 2(4): Informing Union on Transfer of Positions (Tapardjuk) 1512
196 – 2(4): Benefits of Banning Incandescent Light Bulbs (Curley) 1492
197 – 2(4): Assistance for Widowers (Mapsalak) 1494
198 – 2(4): Status of the Kugluktuk Crisis Shelter (Evyagotailak) 1496
199 – 2(4): Programs and Services for Disabled People (Alagalak) 1498
200 – 2(4): Addressing Mental Health (Peterson) 1500
201 – 2(4): Obtaining Drivers’ Licences (Kattuk) 1503
202 – 2(4): Educating Health Professionals (Tootoo) 1505
203 – 2(4): Status of the Review of the Fuel Tax Rebate Program (Arvaluk) 1507
204 – 2(4): Government of Nunavut Hiring Policies and Procedures (Evyagotailak) 1509
205 – 2(4): Investigation of Recent Death in Rankin Inlet (Curley) 1511
007 – 2(4): Victims of Violence in Nunavut (Peterson) 1512
Bill 13 – Nunavut Energy Efficiency Act – Second Reading 1513
Bill 10 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2007-2008 – Consideration in Committee 1517
Bill 11 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2007-2008 – Consideration in Committee 1525
Speaker (Hon. Peter Kilabuk)(interpretation): Good afternoon. I would like to ask Mr. Curley to lead us in prayer.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Curley. Good afternoon, Members of the Legislative Assembly and Ministers.
Minister’s Statement 066 – 2(4): Gjoa Haven Health Centre (Aglukkaq)
On May 15 the Gjoa Haven Health Centre suffered water damage as a result of vandals setting off the sprinkler system in the front foyer.
The response to this incident by staff, the hamlet, and the community at large is heartwarming and well worth noting in these Chambers.
After the hamlet fire department responded to the alarm, staff arrived at 9:30 p.m. and started to clean up while assessing the damage. The fire crew stayed all night replacing the damaged sprinkler head and reactivating the alarm.
The next day, a charter from Cambridge Bay brought in the fire marshall, the building specialists, and an IT specialist to assess and fix what they could. The hamlet helped recruit five extra people to help with clean-up.
Mr. Speaker, the health centre wound up having to close for all but emergencies for three days but it was business as usual by Tuesday, May 22.
The staff now calls this adventure an “early spring cleaning,” even though it could have been much, much worse.
I would like this House to commend the efforts of the following people to restore the health centre to full function.
Mr. Speaker, the fire fighters are: Fire Chief John Kirnik, Deputy Fire Chief Greg Nahalolik, Captain Otto Ikkutishluk, Sarah Kamimmalik, Joanie Sallerina, Peter Eleehetook, Joanasie Ukuqtunnuaq, Adam Ukuqtunnuaq, and Jenny Kigeak.
I would also like to thank the RCMP Buddy Quant for his contribution.
And the health centre staff: Cary Mosebeck, Sandra Weir, Anna Aaluk, Molly Siutinnuaq, Marcelline Anguttitauruq, Vernoica Komangat, Rebecca Okpik, Rahabi Kamookak, Neevee Tootiak, Mark, Simon Kununak, Hana Nargyak, Treva Ennis, Courtney Beech, Sandy Gunderson, Trisha Quant, and Irma Seelen.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to announce that at this time that as a big thank you goes to the generous spirit of Gjoa Haven residents, the health centre who will be hosting the community feast later this week to thank the individuals who helped with this clean-up.
Minister of Education, and Minister of Energy, Minister Picco.
Minister’s Statement 067 – 2(4): Miramar, KIA and the Department of Education: Collaborate!
(Picco)
I am very pleased to inform members of an upcoming summer camp for students from the Kitikmeot region being held this summer.
This camp has come about through the positive partnership between Miramar Mining Corporation, the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, and the Department of Education.
The Miramar Mining Corporation is generously sponsoring 32 youth from the Kitikmeot to attend the Kimberlite Career and Technical School in Yellowknife.
This is an increase from the 16 students receiving support last year.
Mr. Speaker, all students who complete this camp will receive a Career and Technical Studies (CTS) credit for their high school program for learning trades skills.
The experience of trade and exposure to different environments will provide confidence to further their education.
Mr. Speaker, this is just yet another example of how Inuit organizations, the private sector, and the Government of Nunavut are working together to provide meaningful growth opportunities for our youth.
This type of initiative can ensure that Nunavummiut get the skills that will allow them to more fully participate in the development and the expansion of Nunavut’s economy.
Mr. Speaker, we were very encouraged by the success of last year’s first camp and know that this summer’s will also be a positive experience for all involved.
We continue to support and encourage private companies such as Miramar as well as Inuit organizations that seek to sponsor similar programs across Nunavut.
Minister’s Statement 068– 2(4): Uranium Development Management Plan Principles (Simailak)
Hon. David Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good afternoon.
Building a strong and sustainable economy is the key objective of our government.
Fostering a robust mineral exploration and mining industry is a central part of that plan. As we move forward we are ensuring there is a balanced sustainable approach to development that ensures protection of our environment and maximizes opportunities for Nunavummiut.
The Mineral Exploration and Mining Strategy identifies the need for the Government of Nunavut to provide clear policy direction to industry, to Nunavummiut, and to our partners in Inuit organizations and the federal government on the development of Nunavut’s uranium resources.
To serve as a guide for the development of that policy, and a uranium development management plan, we have established six principles that create a framework for further discussions.
The Government of Nunavut regards mining, including uranium mining, as an important source of jobs for Nunavummiut and for revenues to meet the needs of our growing population.
The Government of Nunavut recognizes that uranium development places special responsibilities on government because of the nature of uranium and its by-products, the history of its use for both peaceful and non-peaceful purposes, and its potential risks to human health and the environment.
Uranium development must have the support of Nunavummiut, especially in communities close to development.
The Government of Nunavut will support uranium development in Nunavut provided that the following conditions are satisfied:
Health and safety standards are issued for workers.
Environmental standards are assured.
Nunavummiut must be the major beneficiaries of uranium development.
The Government of Nunavut believes that nuclear power will be an important part of meeting global energy needs while limiting greenhouse gas emissions.
The Government of Nunavut believes that Canadian Law and international agreements provide assurance that uranium mined in Nunavut will be used for peaceful purposes.
These principles will allow us to move forward and I assure you that Nunavummiut will be consulted during the development of our uranium management plan to ensure that we are fully prepared for the arrival of an era of new mining development in our land.
Minister’s Statement 069 – 2(4): Davis Strait Polar Bear Survey (Netser)
Hon. Patterk Netser (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) With so much of the southern media focusing on how polar bears should be considered an endangered species, I’m pleased, Mr. Speaker, today to be able to give some preliminary results of a survey of the Davis Strait polar bear population.
It’s a population that gives the appearance of thriving.
The summer will mark the third year that our biologists have worked with Inuit from Igloolik, Pangnirtung, Iqaluit, and Kimmirut. This project is also in partnership with the Baffin HTOs, Quebec, Makivik, Labrador, Greenland, and Parks Canada. The survey will be completed by the fall of this year.
Mr. Speaker, the first two years of the survey have been able to confirm Inuit knowledge that the population has increased significantly since the last survey in the late 1970s.
Preliminary numbers show that there are approximately 2,100 bears in this population, up from about 900.
However, the study will not be able to comment on the current trend of the Davis Strait polar bears until completion of the third and final year of the mark-recapture sampling this fall.
A preliminary analysis and report could be available by winter of 2008.
Still, the initial numbers look very promising and perhaps will give some pause to those wishing to list our polar bears as a threatened species.
I will update my colleagues when the final numbers become available. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
>>Applause  Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Minister.
Minister’s Statement 070 – 2(4): Territorial Health Access Fund (THAF) (Aglukkaq)
The Department of Health and Social Services is committed to building healthy communities and promoting self-reliance.
Our focus is on maintaining current services in the territory and providing assistance that meets national standards.
We are fortunate to being able to draw on the federal government’s Territorial Health Access Fund for strategic investment in our health system. These investments are primarily in training of existing staff, education of potential staff, and enhancing health promotion and illness prevention strategies.
Mr. Speaker, over the past few months, Territorial Health Access Funding has supported training in the following areas:
Acute Cardiac Life Support
Emergency Nursing Pediatrics  Fetal Health Surveillance in Labour
These short-term courses were offered in different locations around Nunavut. Over the next few months they will be training for “Trauma Nursing in a Community Health Centre Setting” which will be offered in the Kitikmeot and Baffin.
Territorial Health Access Funds also supports longer term opportunities, including:
The Mental Health Worker Training Program, with eight students expected to graduate at the end of this year and a new intake planned for the coming fall
The Maternal Care and Midwifey Program, which offers a stepped certificate-diploma-degree program
The Community Therapy Assistance Program, now being development by Nunavut Arctic College, with a January 2008 start
A Home and Community Care Program, also now in development, with a January 2008 start.
Mr. Speaker, the Territorial Health Access Fund supports a great deal of work going in to the development of a Public Health Strategy for Nunavut.
This will have a significant impact on health and health care delivery across the territory.
The Territorial Health Access Fund dates from 2004, when First Ministers agreed to a 10-year plan to strengthen health care.
It helps address the unique challenges facing the development and delivery of health services in Nunavut. Nunavut’s allocation of the fund is $21.6 million over five years.
It is a welcome support that we are using wisely, to the benefit of all Nunavummiut.
Member’s Statement 153 – 2(4): Remembrance of Henry Evaluarjuk (Arvaluk)
I would like to make these comments in memory of Henry Evaluarjuk. There is a memorial service being held right at this moment for Mr. Evaluarjuk.
A long time ago, when Allan Maktar was a young boy, and before outboard motors came about and we only sailed with sail boats – I believe he passed away when he was in his mid-70s - but there was a time when his father perished in the water when his boat overturned.
That is when Mr. Maktar was very young and because the children no longer had anybody to care for them, Henry Evaluarjuk took it upon himself to take care of the children.
My grandmother, Sula Kublu, was Henry Evaloakjuk’s sister.
He took it upon himself to take care of the children. He would take them out beluga and narwhal hunting, and he provided food for the family and the dog team. He took care of the children.
The people of Pond Inlet know that this individual was known as Kajurjuk, who was a widow.
On behalf of Allan Maktar and his descendents, we would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Kajurjuk, who gave himself unselfishly to raise the children of another family.
Member’s Statement 154 – 2(4): Government Assistance in Replacing Lost Certificates (Alagalak)
Mr. Alagalak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I rise today on behalf of a number of Nunavummiut who are trying to put their affairs in order but are facing difficulties because they don’t have the proper paperwork.
Mr. Speaker, as you will know, such things as documents, certificates, and paper proofs of birth, or death, or marriage, are relatively new features in the lives and lifestyle of Inuit.
Mr. Speaker, I have heard from a number of constituents who have had common-law partners for many years that when they decide to do things right and get married; they are told they have to show a divorce certificate first.
For other individuals, it has been 20 or 30 years since they were divorced and over time the documents have been misplaced or lost due to improper storage facilities.
Mr. Speaker, with the current system of government it takes a very long time to get the correct replacement certificates, if at all.
For many Inuit, especially for those who have lived through great changes in their lives, going from living off the land to being settled into a house in a hamlet, the storage and handling of important papers and documents is something that had to be learned. Sometimes, Mr. Speaker, we learned the hard way.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that the government should be there to assist the population it serves.
The government should not be focusing on red tape and paperwork just to make itself look busy. People who are trying to do the right thing and get their affairs in order should not be punished because they do not have a piece of paper.
Mr. Speaker, I recall that one of the first initiatives of the newly formed Government of Nunavut was to establish the Change of Name Initiative.
This process involved Court Services, the Department of Justice, and Vital Statistics all working together to make it easier for Nunavut residents to correct the spelling of their names, the date and place of their birth, and other details that had been incorrectly recorded in the past by the RCMP, the Hudson’s Bay managers, and Project Surname for example.
Mr. Speaker, I urge the government to give some consideration to establishing a similar process to assist individuals who have lost or misplaced old documents such as divorce certificates.
Member’s Statement 155 – 2(4): Status of the Kugluktuk Crisis Shelter (Evyagotailak)
I rise today to raise the long-standing issue of the status of the Kugluktuk Crisis Shelter.
Mr. Speaker, the Kugluktuk Crisis Shelter has not been operational for an unacceptably long time.
I understand that the government has offered to assist the hamlet to re-establishing this much needed service in the community.
But nothing has happened to date. The shelter remains closed.
Mr. Speaker, when the shelter first closed, its employees were left without a job and without being paid for their work.
(interpretation) People in the community who desperately needed a safe place to go had no place to go (interpretation ends) and have nowhere to turn for shelter and safety.
Mr. Speaker, since that time some families have opened their own homes to victims of violence.
I would like to commend those individuals for their compassion and their sense of community.
However, Mr. Speaker, I feel that it is the government’s responsibility to do whatever it can to ensure that victims of violence and domestic abuse have a safe place to go to.
I urge the Government of Nunavut to make every effort to assist the Hamlet of Kugluktuk, the Kugluktuk Crisis Shelter, and any other interested parties such as the YWCA to work together in resolving this situation.
Member’s Statement 156 – 2(4): Congratulations to Student Graduates in Qikiqtarjuak (Arreak)
In Qikiqtarjuaq we went to celebrate the graduates of grade 12 last Friday, on June 1.
I would like to thank Minister Picco for attending the graduation ceremony in Qikiqtarjuaq.
I would like to congratulate the grade 12 graduates: Oleena Alookie, Jacopie Qaqqaq, Pasha Kunilusie, Pasha Audlakiak, Linda Kunilusie, and Laisia Kunilusie.
Mr. Speaker, these students have graduated grade 12.
On behalf of the members, I would like to congratulate the graduates, and I would also like to encourage young people to complete their schooling and not use alcohol and drugs.
It’s better to graduate without these negative things in your life and without abusing them. That way, you’ll have more opportunity in life and to have a healthier life.
We are very proud of our young people, so I encourage them to live healthy lives.
Member’s Statement 157 – 2(4): Congratulations to Shawna Sammortok (Netser)
I agree with my colleague because drugs and alcohol are not part of a healthy life.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Shawna Sammortok of Chesterfield Inlet who was one of the winners of the 2007 Kivalliq Science Educator Community Students Science Award.
This award is given to graduating students who demonstrate efforts and achievements in science subjects, participate in school and regional science fair camps, and are interested in pursuing a post-secondary education.
Mr. Speaker, I understand that Shawna found out this past week that she was accepted to the Nunavut Sivuniksavut Program in Ottawa for this coming September. Recently, she shot her first caribou.
However, it doesn’t stop there. Shawna has also been chosen as part of the Cape Farewell group to represent Canada with two other students from Montreal this coming summer on a sailing voyage to Svalbard, Norway, in the Norwegian Arctic, for the purpose of studying climate change in the arctic.
The main focus of the Cape Farewell group is to study climate change with media backup present.
Schools throughout Canada and Europe can log on and see what is happening on the trip. The students will travel with well-known scientists, artists, and teachers. The group from Canada will join on the trip with two other students from Germany and seven students from Britain.
Shawna will be the only aboriginal Inuk on the trip, and I’m sure, with her obvious enthusiasm for adventure, she will make an excellent ambassador for Nunavut and Canada.