EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Does her department or does the Corporation keep track, do they track the number of clients that have been put into homeownership that run into arrears.
Thank you very much for the advice that you have given us.
You are a very good Speaker.
So my responses will be brief.
(interpretation ends) Yes, we do have records of people that have had problems, the ones that have requested help.
But there are other that may not have requested help because they are able to go to the banks themselves and solve their problems.
So those are the people that we wouldn't have on the list.
Mr. Speaker, I am just wondering if the Corporation is keeping track of people that have claimed help, or have been in trouble.
Has the Corporation provided any additional assistance to any of these clients.
Hon. Manitok Thompson: Mr. Speaker, most of the problems that have come to us are usually because the client does not really understand the mortgage payment schedule and also the technical explanation of how their payments should be made.
It is mostly misunderstanding of the whole system so that is what I was trying to say is that in this government we are trying to simplify our procedures and policies so that it is easier for the clients.
Up to today I am not really aware of anybody that we have assisted with large amounts of money to get them out of debt, because we are trying to help the homeowner understand the procedures more and see if they can have a plan to get out of debt.
Mr. Speaker, I can appreciate the minister saying that she is not aware if any additional assistance has been put forward.
I know Mr. Speaker, a lot of the more recent homeownership programs required the client to obtain a mortgage from the bank based on their income and what they are eligible for and then the corporation or the government assistance kicked in on top of that.
I am just wondering if any of these problems that have arisen with homeownership clients, has the corporation taken over those mortgages, instead of the clients dealing with the bank they are now dealing directly with the corporation.
Hon. Manitok Thompson: Mr. Speaker, I am not aware of how many clients there are that would be in that situation but I could certainly find out for the member and get back to the member on that.
I really don't know the details for that question.
Speaker (interpretation): Final supplementary.
Mr. Speaker, you know I can appreciate her answer, I don't imagine that she would have a list of that.
But if she is looking up that information could she also find out like throughout the whole corporation if any additional assistance has been provided to any past homeownership clients. Also could we get like a total of how much it cost the corporation for additional support and also, a total amount if any on either of these Mr. Speaker, if any of them were mortgages that have been bought out from the bank by the corporation and the client is now dealing directly with the corporation.
Yes I can do that.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Question period is over.
I would like to ask my honourable colleagues to return to item 5.
Speaker (interpretation): The member wants to return to item 5.
You may proceed, Mr. Kilabuk.
I recognized someone this morning, but I have another person to recognize who's well known to the public, Joavie Alivaktak.
He is an outfitter and brings tourists to Nunavut and participates in tourism trade shows in the United States. He will be going to Kimmirut to teach a tourism course for the next three weeks.
I haven't had an opportunity to welcome my son to the Legislative Assembly for a couple of years.
The winner of two computer literacy awards 1999 and 2000 and somehow even with those awards he managed to fry my computer a month ago.
I lost all my writings, my stories and everything.
I was kind of upset, he's trying to make it up to me by coming by here every day to see me.
We are very proud of you.
Going back to the orders of the day we are on item 7.
Reports of Standing and Special Committees. Item 12.
Notices of Motions for the First Reading of Bills. Notices of Motions for the First Reading of Bills.
Bill 2 - Supplementary Appropriation No. 2, 2000-2001 – First Reading
Mr. Speaker, I move seconded by the Honourable Member for Rankin Inlet South/Whale Cove that Bill 2, Supplementary Appropriation No. 2, 2000-2001 be read for the first time.
Bill 2 - Supplementary Appropriation No. 2, 2000-2001 – Second Reading
Hon. Kelvin Ng: I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Hudson’s Bay that the Bill 2, Supplementary Appropriation No. 2, 2000-2001 be read for the second time.
Mr. Speaker, the purpose of this supplementary appropriation is to provide additional funding for the Government of Nunavut for the fiscal year ending March 31st 2001.
Authority is requested for a total of 12 million 551 thousand dollars in additional appropriations. This is made up of 9 million 985 thousand dollars for operations and maintenance and 2 million 566 thousand dollars for Capital Expenditures.
There’s a motion on the floor. Question has been called.
Those in favour. Against.
The motion is carried. Bill 2 has received second reading and is accordingly referred for consideration to Committee of the Whole
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other matters.
Bills 1, Appropriation Act 2001-2002. Bill 2, Supplementary Appropriation No. 2, 2000-2001.
Mr. Iqaqrialu will Chair the committee.
At this time we’ll have a short break for 15 minutes.
No. Members wish to proceed.
You may proceed with Committee of the Whole.
My colleagues, in the Committee of the Whole we will be considering Bills 1 and 2 and we will start with Bill 1. Main Estimates.
The committee wishes to deal with Community Government & Transportation under Bill 1.
At this time the committee wishes to proceed with Bill 1 Appropriations Act, 2001-2002, with Community Government & Transportation.
The Minister of Community Government & Transportation, you may give your opening statement now.
Hon. Jack Anawak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Members of the Legislative Assembly, with me today is my deputy minister, Mike Ferris and the Director of Finance Mike Rafter.
The Department of Community Government & Transportation has made progress toward some long-term initiatives during the past year.
The most well known of these is the development of the Nunavut Transportation Strategy.
The strategy, which establishes our vision and goals for transportation in Nunavut over the next twenty years, is on budget and on schedule.
It will set standards and milestones to mark our progress.
Some long term goals include: unique access roads and safe harbours in many communities; a road link between Manitoba and central Nunavut; and a potential deep water port in Bathurst Inlet, with a road link to the Izok mine site.
The impact of the Nunavut Transportation Strategy will be felt by all Nunavummiut.
My commitment to consulting Nunavut-wide on the transportation strategy has been fulfilled.
The vision document was circulated to, and discussed with, Members of the Legislative Assembly, Nunavut mayors and other stakeholders.
It was publicly advertised, and comments from interested Nunavummiut were invited.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Chairman, the second major transportation project involves the motor vehicles information system, which tracks licence plates, driver’s licences, driving records, driving convictions, results of tests and finance information.
Since April 1, 1999, the GNWT has provided Nunavut with these computerized information services and, as a result, Nunavut has no existence in southern Canada in terms of motor vehicles.
Individuals moving to other jurisdictions have difficulties in getting new licences.
With the NWT raising its service fees, it is time to establish a separate information system for Nunavut.
I am pleased to announce that it will be in place by April 2001.
Several airport capital projects proceeded in fiscal year 2000-2001, thanks to the federal government’s Airport Capital Assistance Program, or “ACAP”.
Examples of projects approved include a sweeper and a plow truck for Rankin Inlet and upgraded airfield lighting for Qikiqtarjuaq.
My department has submitted a number of ACAP project proposals for the upcoming fiscal year.
I will report back to you once the federal government announces approvals.
My appreciation goes to our staff, who put in long hours of hard work to prepare project funding proposals.
My commitment to acting on community requests for quarterly funding has been met.
Now, about half of Nunavut communities qualify for and receive quarterly funding payments.
Our 2000-2001 Main Estimates document has been refined to describe more accurately where funds are being spent.
Some program names may have changed, but the programs and their funding allocations have not.
Funding has changed for the better in one area.
Over the last few years, communities received no additional funding to offset forced growth costs.
Recognizing the financial burden on communities and as a result of the ongoing municipal finance review, I am pleased to confirm 5 million dollars has been budgeted over two fiscal years, 2000-2001 and 2001-2002.
By the end of the current fiscal year, communities will have received 2 million dollars.
In 2000- 2001, another 2.25 million dollars will go to communities for operations, fuel, water and sewage and diesel rider subsidies.
Two hundred and twenty five thousand dollars will be made available to communities through the Recreation and Leisure division to support skill training in facilities management and leadership for local residents.
This training is expected to extend the life of recreational facilities.
The funding will be used, as well, to enhance sport coaching in Nunavut as we begin to take our place in various national sporting events.
The municipal finance review working group recommended the funding changes outlined for 2001-2002.
The review is proceeding on schedule and we expect complete recommendations by the end of fiscal year 2001/2002.
We anticipate that we will be able to implement these in the following year.
(interpretation) Mr. Chairman, this August, the very first team Nunavut will march into the Canada Summer Games in London, Ontario.
I look forward with great pride to being present and cheering on our team.
Some coaches and athletes will participate in educational workshops being held in conjunction with the games.
The training will assist us to develop more programs aimed at offering individual sport opportunities in Nunavut.
An additional 500 thousand dollars will be provided to the Arctic Winter Games Host Society here in Iqaluit and Nuuk to help offset some operating expenses.
(interpretation ends) Capital projects planned for this fiscal year are proceeding well.
In the upcoming fiscal year, my department will lead a capital planning consultation process, with the Departments of Finance and Public Works, to identify the communities’ priorities.
I would like to emphasize that this government’s established priorities will direct the spending of our capital funds.
Our municipal legislation review working group has proposed a set of amendments to legislation that will better reflect Nunavut’s situation, help to reduce bureaucracy and improve partnerships between the Government of Nunavut and community governments.
My department has created a special advisor for community development and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit to help us realize our dreams for a truly representative government.
He will conduct a major policy review in consultation with communities to produce clearly written, readable policies that fit Nunavut’s priorities.
(interpretation) During the International Year of the Volunteer, my department will be developing a Nunavut volunteer strategy.
We will emphasize the benefits of volunteering for both the community and the individual volunteer and facilitate the development of a broad-based recognition program for community volunteers.
Throughout fiscal year 2000-2001, my department will continue assisting in preparations for the 2002 Iqaluit-Nuuk Arctic Winter Games.
(interpretation ends) Early in the new fiscal year, we will evaluate the feasibility of developing an electronic financial reporting system for Nunavut municipalities.
If the evaluation is positive we hope to pilot it in three communities.
Our community development division will co-ordinate up-to-date community capital inventories.
We also plan to begin the development of a twenty- year needs assessment that will provide valuable information for setting future priorities.
Mr. Chairman, I am really pleased to report that all Nunavut communities have emergency preparedness plans in place and there is now an emergency response system at the Iqaluit airport.
The office of the Fire Marshal is working on improving fire protection programs and systems.
In the upcoming year, we will be developing or delivering programs aimed at reducing fatalities, injuries and property damage related to accidents on roads, at airports and on waterways.
We hope to progress to higher-than-required target levels for beneficiary staff in all jobs.
My department will continue to work closely with Human Resources and the Decentralization Secretariat to access available funding for training and development.
(interpretation) Mr. Chairman, as you have just heard, we are working proactively to meet the many challenges and opportunities of our unique environment.
The completion of departmental objectives and initiatives will further the Nunavut Government’s goals and add to the quality of life in Nunavut.
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Anawak.
Mr. Chairman, my colleague Mr. McLean had to go out and make some travel arrangements and he is just coming back in now so I would just like to wait for him to make his comments. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I would like to ask the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Community Empowerment & Sustainable Development to make his opening comments.
The Standing Committee on Community Empowerment and Sustainable Development has carefully reviewed the budget estimates and business plan of the Department of Community Government and Transportation for the upcoming fiscal year.
As Chairman of the standing committee, I am pleased to be able to provide the committee's opening comments as we begin the review of the department's 2001-2002 budget.
The committee was pleased to see that the department will be providing communities with additional assistance to respond to the increasing demand on their infrastructure as a result of forced growth.
Many communities have seen a population boom over the last couple of years and their resources have been stretched to their limits.
Additional funding to respond to this need is long overdue, Mr. Chairman.
It has also come to the committee's attention that the communities will see a sharp increase in their municipal insurance premiums for the 2001-2002 fiscal year, partially as a consequence of the catastrophe in Walkerton, Ontario.
This increase, Mr. Chairman, is estimated to range from $5,000 up to $65,000, depending on the community.
An increase such as this could also have a debilitating impact on the resources of those communities affected.
The committee would urge the minister to address this situation as a matter of priority and provide those communities with the financial assistance they need to pay these exorbitant increases in their insurance premiums.
Mr. Chairman, as you know, several of Nunavut’s communities are situated along the shoreline of this vast territory, and many Nunavummiut own boats both for personal and commercial use.
The committee would like to encourage the minister to pursue funding for safe and reliable docks in Nunavut through the federal government's Small Craft and Harbour Program.
Mr. Chairman, the committee would like to express its displeasure with the department at what appears to be its lack of consultation with the communities on capital projects.
Officials from several communities have indicated that the department has not been responding to the priorities that they had identified.
This situation does little to instil confidence in the consultative process that this government has placed so much emphasis on.
Finally, Mr. Chairman, the committee is pleased to see that the department is moving forward on the Transportation Strategy for Nunavut, as well as the Municipal Financing and Legislation Reviews.
As there is a consultative aspect to each of these projects, the committee would strongly encourage the department to ensure that consultations are thorough and seen to benefit all those involved.
Mr. Chairman, this concludes my opening comments.
I am sure that individual members will no doubt have other insightful comments to make on the department's 2001-2002 budget estimates.
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. McLean, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Community Empowerment & Sustainable Development.
Mr. McLean: Mr. Chairman, I would like to report progress.
We will report progress. You can ask the Speaker to return to the House.
Committee Chair Mr. Iqaqrialu.
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bill 1 and would like to report that Bill 1 is still under consideration and would like to report progress.
And Mr. Speaker, I move that the report of the Committee of the Whole be concurred with.
Seconder is Mr. Nutarak.
Deputy Clerk Leona Aglukkaq.
Deputy Clerk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Orders of the Day for March 15, 2001:
Bill 2 – Supplementary Appropriation No. 2, 2000-2001
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Deputy Clerk.
Before we adjourn for the day, I’d like to thank the Pages.
I might not pronounce the names properly. I'd like to thank May Williams, Pascal MacLellan, Brendon Doherty, Annie Kattuk, Steven Rigby, Stella Balajadia and I'd like members to give the pages a hand. Thank them for their work.
I'd also like to thank the Sergeant-At-Arms for his work.
The Sergeant-At-Arms is from Baker Lake, Silas Anguyuak.
I hope you have a safe trip home. Thank you.
Some of the members will be traveling south or they will be traveling home.
I hope the members have a safe trip home.
I’d like to adjourn the session for the day. We will reopen March 15 at 1:30.
>>Assembly adjourned at 12:19 p.m
Thursday March 15, 2001
Pages 596 - 649
Joanisie Arreak  Hansard Production
Thursday March 15, 2001 4
030 – 1(5): Eastern Arctic Sealift (Thompson) 4
031 – 1(5): Day Care Nutrition Grant (Kilabuk) 4
112 – 1(5): Medical Care of Chesterfield Inlet Patient (Arvaluk) 4
113 - 1(5): Unpredictable Weather & Preparedness (Alakannuark) 4
114 - 1(5): CBC and AWG Host Society Agreement (Tootoo) 4
115 - 1(5): National Post Editorial on Nunavut (Anawak) 4
116 - 1(5): Recognition of Miali Coley (Picco) 4
114 – 1(5): Nunavut’s Own Firearms Law (Iqaqrialu) 4
115 - 1(5): Action on Medical Patient Letter from Chesterfield Inlet (Arvaluk) 4
116 – 1(5): Increased Insurance Premiums for Municipalities (Tootoo) 4
117 - 1(5): Inuinnaqtuun Language Training (Havioyak) 4
118 - 1(5): Causes of Inadequate Health Care (Nutarak) 4
119 - 1(5): Akitsiraq Law School Sponsorship (Williams) 4
120 - 1(5): Leasing of Housing Units (Iqaqrialu) 4
121 - 1(5): Effective Date of Rent Scale (Nutarak) 4
008 - 1(5): Review of School Funding Formula (Tootoo) 4
Return to WQ 001- 1(5): Progress on Manitoba/Nunavut Road Link (Anawak) 4
Return to WQ 002 - 1(5): Transfer of Nurses Residence (Clerk) 4
Return to WQ 003 - 1(5): Baker Lake Group Home (Clerk) 4
Return to WQ 004 - 1(5): Policy for Elder Care (Clerk) 4
Return to WQ 005 - 1(5): Kivalliq Regional Hospital (Clerk) 4
Return to WQ 006 - 1(5): Kivalliq Medivac Contract (Clerk) 4
Return to WQ 007 - 1(5): Frequency of Dental Visits (Clerk) 4
011 - 1(5): Community Economic Development in Sanikiluaq (Kattuk) 4
Bill 3 - Utility Rate Review Council Act – Notice (Okalik) 4
Bill 4 - An Act to Amend the Interpretation Act (Time Zones) – Notice (Okalik) 4
Bill 5 - Loan Authorization Act 2001/2002 – Notice (Ng) 4  Thursday March 15, 2001
Honourable Olayuk Akesuk, Mr. Ovide Alakannuark, Honourable Jack Anawak, Mr. James Arvaluk, Mr. David Iqaqrialu, Mr. Donald Havioyak, Honourable Peter Kattuk, Honourable Peter Kilabuk, Honourable Kelvin Ng, Mr. Jobie Nutarak, Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Honourable Paul Okalik, Honourable Ed Picco, Honourable Manitok Thompson, Mr. Hunter Tootoo, Ms. Rebekah Williams.
Speaker (Mr. O’Brien): I would like to ask Mr. Alakannuark to say the opening prayer.
Minister’s Statement 030 – 1(5): Eastern Arctic Sealift
Hon. Manitok Thompson (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I welcome the members back to the House and wish everyone a good session.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today, to inform you of the progress that has been made in the transfer of responsibility for the Eastern Arctic Sealift from the Canadian Coast Guard to the Government of Nunavut.
I am pleased to advise that the Department of Public Works and Services is in the process of entering into a contract with the N3 Alliance for the next two sealift seasons.
Mr. Speaker, the N3 Alliance is a majority Nunavut owned consortium composed of Nunavut Sealink and Supply Inc. and Nortran Inc.
As you may be aware, Nunavut Sealink and Supply Inc. is 60% owned by Arctic Cooperatives Limited.
This contract will provide the residents of the Eastern Arctic the same levels of services as provided by the Canadian Coast Guard administered sealift of the last 30 years, however at a considerably lower cost than in previous years.
Minister’s Statement 031 – 1(5): Day Care Nutrition Grant
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that a 5 thousand dollar Nutrition Grant has been sent out from the Department of Education to the 23 full day, licensed Day Cares in Nunavut.
The funding of the Nutrition Grant is in keeping with the implementation of recommendations made in the Day Care Review Report that was completed in September 2000.
The Nutrition Grant is to help with supporting day cares in providing the young children in their care with healthy snacks.
The money is being used to purchase, country foods, fruits and vegetables, 100% fruit juices, milk and diary products.
Mr. Speaker, responses that we have received from daycares with regards to this grant have been extremely positive.
Good nutrition is clearly linked to better learning.
Improved nutrition programs in our daycare facilities will positively impact on the lives of these children.
Qujannamiik, Mr. Speaker
Ministers’ Statements. Ministers’ Statements.
Member’s Statement 112 – 1(5): Medical Care of Chesterfield Inlet Patient
Mr. Speaker, there was recently an unfortunate incident that happened in Chesterfield Inlet where a patient was not examined by a doctor, as should have happened.
The nurses told her just to go home and this letter that I have received from the individual’s son says they had to raise money together as a family for airfare so they could send her out for medical attention.
When she received her check up in Rankin Inlet, she was immediately medivaced to Winnipeg, because of serious illness.
To make sure that this does not happen again in Nunavut, I will be asking the Minister of Health and Social Services questions on this today.
Member's Statement 113 - 1(5): Unpredictable Weather & Preparedness
I am happy to be able to be back and I had a chance to see my family during the break.
It's nice to be able to get longer days and see the sunshine coming back to Nunavut but Mr. Speaker, some young people in Nunavut, such as the young people that I have with me, whenever the weather gets bad, it's very hard to go out there and enjoy it.
Although there are a lot of things out on the land that we can do, but at times we tend to get lost, when we wander off, when you don’t know what's happening out there.
We use skidoos and other machinery that break down quite easily on the land, I just want to make sure that all Inuit people in Nunavut should dress warmly and try to watch the weather patterns when they’re out on the land.
Member's Statement 114 - 1(5): CBC and AWG Host Society Agreement