EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
The department’s 2010-13 business plan indicates that one of the Petroleum Products Division’s priorities has been to “Implement an advance early procurement and acquisition program for the… bulk fuel re-supply.”
It also indicates that the department had completed a purchase of approximately sixteen “… million litres of gasoline and 36 million litres of Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel for the Eastern Arctic for 2009 resupply season.”
The standing committee looks forward to the minister reporting to the Legislative Assembly on the success of this ongoing initiative.
The department’s 2010-13 business plan also indicates that one of its priorities is to “Revise the tank farm specifications to comply with the most recent environmental regulations.”
During the minister’s appearance before the standing committee, members requested an update on the status of the department’s efforts to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, including the cost to the government to become compliant with the regulations.
Members were informed that this issue is being addressed through the department’s capital plan.
The standing committee looks forward to revisiting this issue during its review of the department’s 2011-12 capital estimates.
Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening comments on the 2010-11 main estimates and 2010-13 business plan of the Department of Community and Government Services.
Pursuant to Rule 6(1), I would like to recognize the clock and report progress to our Speaker.
There is a motion on the floor and it’s seconded by Mr. Kusugak.
Item 23. (interpretation ends) Orders of the Day.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. This House stands adjourned until March 12, Friday, at ten o’clock in the morning.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Pages 1426 – 1473
Opening Prayer 1426
Ministers’ Statements 1426
Members’ Statements 1428
Returns to Oral Questions 1429
Oral Questions 1431
Written Questions 1447
Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills 1448
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 1449
Report of the Committee of the Whole 1473
Orders of the Day 1473
Friday, March 12, 2010 1426
115 – 3(2): Support for Small Business (Taptuna) 1426
116 – 3(2): Update on Nunavut Housing Needs Survey (Tootoo) 1427
117 – 3(2): Promoting the Inuit language in the Media (Tapardjuk) 1427
173 – 3(2): Congratulations to a New Member of the Family (Aupaluktuq) 1428
174 – 3(2): Sean Nipisar Wins Gold at AWG (Kusugak) 1428
175 – 3(2): Aboriginal Healing Foundation Funding Ends (Elliott) 1429
Return to Oral Question 223 – 3(2): Support for Our Athletes (Tapardjuk) 1430
269 – 3(2): Public Housing Rent Scale Review (Aupaluktuq) 1432
270 – 3(2): Compensation for Polar Bear Outfitters and Harvesters (Arvaluk) 1435
271 – 3(2): Municipal Funding Levels (Ningeongan) 1438
272 – 3(2): Sunset of Aboriginal Healing Foundation Funding (Elliott) 1440
273 – 3(2): Water Subsidy for Municipalities (Ningark) 1441
274 – 3(2): Government of Nunavut Lobbyist for Devolution (Okalik) 1443
275 – 3(2): $20,000 Contract with NorthMart (Okalik) 1446  276 – 3(2): Election of DEAs under New Education Act (Schell) 1447
F.  Written Questions
014 – 3(2): Operations of the Nunavut Liquor Commission (Schell) 1447
Committee Report on Bills 007 – 3(2): Bill 14, Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2009, No. 2 (Okalik) 1448
Committee Report on Bills 008 – 3(2): Bill 21, An Act to Amend the Utility Rates Review Council Act (Okalik) 1448
128 – 3(2): CBC North Clipping: “Nunavut Premier wants EU barred from Arctic Council” (Okalik) 1449
Bill 22 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2010-2011 – Community and Government Services – Consideration in Committee 1449
Speaker (interpretation): A wonderful morning, Premier, Ministers, Members of the Legislative Assembly, Nunavummiut, and the people of Clyde River, especially my grandchildren.
Minister’s Statement 115 – 3(2): Support for Small Business (Taptuna)
Good morning to all Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide the Members of this House with information regarding the Department of Economic Development and Transportation’s support for small businesses.
Small businesses play a vital role in the development of Nunavut’s economy. They provide Nunavummiut with training and job opportunities to gain the skills and experience necessary to support our community-based sustainable economies.
The range of goods and services provided by small businesses contribute to a greater quality of life for all Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Economic Development and Transportation supports small businesses through its small business support, strategic investments, and arts and crafts development programs.
These programs provide assistance to small businesses and entrepreneurs in a wide variety of business areas.
In addition to its programs, the department provides assistance to its small business development partners through contributions to the regional chambers of commerce, the regional business development centres, the Canada-Nunavut business service centres, the Nunavut Development Corporation, and the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation.
These organizations provide technical and financial support to Nunavut’s small businesses.
Mr. Speaker, the department is committed to supporting Nunavut’s entrepreneurs and small businesses.
It is through their efforts that Nunavut is building the foundation for sustainable economies for the benefit of all Nunavummiut.
Minister’s Statement 116 – 3(2): Update on Nunavut Housing Needs Survey (Tootoo)
Good morning, everybody. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to provide the hon. members and Nunavummiut with an update on the Nunavut Housing Needs Survey.
As you are aware, the Nunavut Housing Needs Survey is a territorial-wide housing survey sponsored by the Nunavut Housing Corporation. The Nunavut Bureau of Statistics, with support from Statistics Canada, is conducting the survey.
The survey was launched in 13 communities in November and I am pleased to announce that the survey has been completed or is close to completion in seven communities.
The survey is ongoing and we anticipate a positive response in the remaining communities.
The Nunavut Housing Needs Survey is an ambitious project.
Once completed, this door-to-door survey will be delivered to the majority of Nunavut’s homes, which are close to 9,000.
I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize the hard work of the interviewers, all of whom are Nunavummiut, as well as to thank all of those who have participated in the survey.
The survey results will help to support the Government of Nunavut’s efforts to secure adequate housing resources, as well as to develop housing initiatives that respond to the needs of Nunavummiut.
We ask that all households in Nunavut participate in the official language of their choice. All responses will remain confidential.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank all Nunavummiut for their support of the housing needs survey. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister’s Statement 117 – 3(2): Promoting the Inuit language in the Media (Tapardjuk)
Good morning to Igloolik and Hall Beach residents.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a few minutes to recognize the efforts made by the media in promoting and using our language.
Many Nunavummiut were indeed delighted to watch on CBC North in January the Ottawa-Montreal hockey game all in Inuktitut.
On behalf of all Inuit hockey fans, I would like to say a big “thank you” to CBC North for organizing this event and more particularly, to Annie Ford and Charlie Panigoniak for a job well done.
More recently, I was even further pleased to watch the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics in Inuktitut on APTN.
We were also thrilled to be able to follow in Inuktitut the Olympic Men’s Hockey for both the semifinal and gold medal games.
Thanks to Karliin Aariak, Abraham Tagalik, and Pujjuut Kusugak, they made us feel we were right there in Vancouver.
Mr. Speaker, these media events are important in ensuring our unilingual elders can enjoy and understand media services in their language, but also to promote our Inuit language among our youth.
It is a demonstration that language matters.
Please join me in encouraging our northern broadcasters to continue improving their services in the Inuit language, be it radio or TV.
Member’s Statement 173 – 3(2): Congratulations to a New Member of the Family (Aupaluktuq)
I rise today to make a brief Member’s Statement.
My family is in my thoughts today; my mother, my older brother, and my younger brother.
It was in March 2008 that my father passed away.
A daughter was born to Sasha Aupaluktuq in the beginning of this March and the baby was named after my father.
To the people of Baker Lake and Nunavummiut, my father’s name is once again with us.
Member’s Statement 174 – 3(2): Sean Nipisar Wins Gold at AWG (Kusugak)
Good morning to the people of Whale Cove and Rankin Inlet. I also say “I love you” to my beloved grandchild.
When people of Rankin Inlet see my granddaughter out and about, please acknowledge her on my behalf as I am absent and can only speak to her on the phone.
I am so glad that today is Friday and that Montreal had won yesterday.
I am sure that Mr. Rumbolt is not too happy about that, but I am happy to say that his team also won a game.
We are all anxious to hear what is happening at the Arctic Winter Games. We try and watch everything coming out of the games on CBC Igalaaq to see if we can recognize anyone.
I am very pleased about this.
I would like to say how proud I am of Sean Nipisar.
He won gold yesterday in the triple jump game and I am proud of his accomplishment.
Member’s Statement 175 – 3(2): Aboriginal Healing Foundation Funding Ends (Elliott)
It is clear that the Inuit of Nunavut continue to suffer the consequences of the residential school system. Many of our social and health problems, such as addiction, mental health, and suicide, can be linked to the legacy of the residential schools.
In 1998, the federal government put aside $350 million to support community-based healing initiatives for Inuit, First Nations, and Métis communities. These funds were administered through the Aboriginal Healing Foundation.
With these funds, community-based groups across Nunavut have developed effective programs designed by and for the community.
These grassroots programs have started many Inuit on their journey towards healing.
Mr. Speaker, the support from the Aboriginal Healing Foundation has allowed some very notable programs to be delivered through the following entities:
Qauma Mobile Treatment Program run out of NTI; Pujualussait Healing in Pangnirtung; Ilisaqsivik Society in Clyde River; Tukisigiarvik Society in Iqaluit; and the Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre in Rankin Inlet.
Mr. Speakers, their programs provide counselling and treatment in the areas of mental health, addictions, and violence.
Mr. Speaker, these programs are delivered in a traditional and culturally appropriate manner for their clients and community.
Furthermore, the programs provide employment opportunities in the communities for full-time counsellors and program coordinators. They also provide seasonal employment for elders, hunters, sewing teachers, and guides.
With the Aboriginal Healing Foundation funding coming to an end on March 31 of this year, 12 programs in Nunavut will have to stop the important work they are doing.
Mr. Speaker, the momentum towards healing in our communities has begun. With the loss of these funds, the momentum and everything that these organizations have worked towards will be interrupted and in some cases, terminated.
Despite lobbying by Inuit, First Nations, and Métis groups across Canada to renew the Aboriginal Healing Foundation’s funding allocation, the Government of Canada has chosen not to do so.
Mr. Speaker, our territory is on the verge of losing some fundamentally important programs and services.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will have questions on this issue.
Return to Oral Question 223 – 3(2): Support for Our Athletes (Tapardjuk)
I was asked an oral question by Ron Elliot, Member for Quttiktuq, numbered 223 – 3(2) on March 5, 2010.
My answer is quite lengthy, Mr. Speaker, so I would just like to give a written response to you so that it may be entered into the record as read, Mr. Speaker.
The registration fee for intercommunity sport events such as regional and territorial tournaments is set by the respective territorial sport organizations and sport clubs.
The fee varies between $150 and $175 for the respective sports.
This fee is made payable directly to the sport organization and is directed toward the sport organization’s programs and services, such as training camps, and awards.
My department provides travel assistance funding to community sport groups through the Sport and Recreation Division.
Travel assistance grants are administered to offset travel costs toward participation in intercommunity sport competitions, development camps or clinics within Nunavut.
Travel assistance funding is allocated to applicants based on the most practical return travel cost identified in the travel assistance application.
Where the total amount of territorial travel assistance funding applications received exceeds budget limits, the maximum level of funding available within budget limits is provided to the applicant on a percentage basis.
This percentage allocation of travel assistance funding provides the communities facing the highest travel costs with the largest portion funding toward sport travel.
My department recognizes the value of regional and territorial tournaments to Nunavummiut of all ages.
In 2008-09, applicants received 90 percent of the most economical return air fare to their event of choice.
In 2009-2010, my department increased the level of funding available to applicants providing 95 percent of the travel costs to participants in sports, such as basketball, volleyball, badminton, and table tennis.
My staff continue to consult with community recreation leaders, territorial sport organizations, and coaches to establish event formats, and host sites that will accommodate annual variations in participant distribution, and increasing air travel costs.
The Nunavut Soccer Association piloted an all-inclusive fee structure for regional tournaments in 2009-2010.
In this format, all travel costs not accommodated through travel assistance grants were shared evenly by all participants regardless of community of origin.
This pilot will be reviewed with participants prior to consideration for 2010-11 events.
My department remains committed to equitable access to sport, recreation, and physical activity programs for participants from all communities.
The Sport and Recreation Division is addressing increased demand on intercommunity sport travel funding requests in consultation with community recreation leaders, territorial sport organizations, and schools via a thorough review of the host site designation, event format, and funding allocation processes.
His response will be entered into the record as read in the Assembly.
Today is the final day for our cadets from 795.
I wish to thank you guys for coming all week.
Today, we have: Warrant Officer Second Class Colin Gunn, Flight Sergeant Daniel Anautak, Flight Corporal Tristan Campbell, Leading Air Cadet Rose Nangmalik, and Flight Corporal Cassandra Coman.
Let me now recognize an individual who is here visiting us.
Over there in the Gallery is Manasie Aulakiak. He is originally from Qikiqtarjuaq but moved to Clyde River quite a while ago.
He has worked for the hamlet for a very long time as a heavy equipment operator.
He has removed tremendous amounts of snow for us by now as it snows a lot in Clyde River.
He has served in the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board and has been politically involved in the development of fisheries in Nunavut since it began.
I would like to recognize Jayko Alooloo from Pond Inlet.
You have been hearing about the issues that Mr. Okalik and I especially have been raising all week. We have been asking questions and making statements in the House regarding the reduction of numbers for total allowable harvest of polar bears and why people who will lose out need compensation.
The thoughts and ideas I have expressed here come not from me but from Jayko Alooloo. He is the president of the HTO in Pond Inlet and also serves as the chair of the regional wildlife organization.
He gives me many great ideas to talk about in this House.
I would like us to welcome Mr. Jayko Alooloo.
If there are none… Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Aupaluktuq.
Question 269 – 3(2): Public Housing Rent Scale Review (Aupaluktuq)
I was glad to see the Hon. Minister Hunter Tootoo provide the Minister’s Statement on the update of the Nunavut Housing Survey.
As the minister is aware, there are some housing issues all across Nunavut.
My questions, Mr. Speaker, are for the Hon. Minister Hunter Tootoo of the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
Last October, all Members of the Legislative Assembly met in this Chamber to review the findings of the government’s report card project.
Following our deliberations, we issued a communiqué that outlined a number of our collective priorities.
One of the things that we announced was that and I quote, “comprehensive reviews of the public housing rent scale and the income support program are required.
Caucus noted that these reviews should focus on identifying and removing disincentives to entering the workforce.”
Can the minister outline for us today his timeline for undertaking and completing the public housing rent scale review?
I know it’s a question that is near and dear to close to 4,200 people across Nunavut’s hearts.
Mr. Speaker, as the member knows, the rent scale that we have was something that was approved and introduced in January of 2003. There were some changes made from the rent scale that we inherited from the Northwest Territories.
Since then, Mr. Speaker, I know there have been a couple formal reviews; there was one in October of 2003, there was one also in April 2007.
I think, as the member pointed out and as we heard from Nunavummiut in the report card, they still have some concerns or questions, and/or looking for it to be reviewed.
I’m hoping, Mr. Speaker, that by the end of this month, to be able to have a plan as to where and when the corporation is planning on having a housing forum. We will bring all of the managers and all of the chairpersons of the LHOs from across the territory, as well as other interest groups like income support, social services, everybody who has a stake in that. One of the topics at this housing forum will be a detailed discussion on the rent scale.
So I’m hoping that by the end of this month, the plan will be set up in place as to where and when, and it will happen in this fiscal year.
I want to thank the hon. minister for that information.
I’m sure that the rest of Nunavut will be eager to see what kind of production will be taking place, as well as acknowledging the real issues that are core of housing needs in all of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, my question to the hon. minister is: in my community of Baker Lake, employment opportunities have recently increased as a result of the opening of the Meadowbank gold mine.
However, a number of my constituents who have been successful in getting jobs have told me that their public housing rents have suddenly increased by anywhere from 100 percent to 300 percent once their income goes up.
Can the minister clarify how much notice public housing tenants are required to receive before their rents increase after they obtain employment?
But again, I think that’s something that the government and the corporation has addressed in the past and there is a lot of confusion out there on it as some individuals who gain employment throughout the year are still under the understanding that their rent, based on their income, changes immediately.
Mr. Speaker, there was a change.
It used to be like that. Every month, they would go in and do a verification of income for the household.
Given the fact that in the past that that did cause hardship on some individuals and it did create a disincentive for individuals to go to work, it was some of the changes that were made now.
Let’s say if an individual starts work in any part of the year, they do not have to go in and do their verification of income until they complete their income tax return for that year.
So for example, if someone started employment in the middle of January, they wouldn’t have to report and there would be no change on their rent until they filed their income tax and brought that to the tenant relations officer for that adjustment to be made.
So that is in place right now.
One of the other things, Mr. Speaker, that if we recognize that there are a lot of employment opportunities that are casual or seasonal, if an individual has gained income and they’re being assessed rent on that income, if that employment ceases, they are able to go in immediately when that happens and make that adjustment to their rent. So if they finish working and they no longer have income, they’re able to go in and make that adjustment immediately.
I want to thank the hon. minister for that response and educating me on that.
I look forward to asking further questions as we have proper proceedings and forums.
In the meantime, Mr. Speaker, I would like to add that a couple of years ago, the government’s 2008 Budget Address announced and I quote, “In recognition of the contribution from those who dedicate themselves to improving the services of the Government of Nunavut, I am pleased to announce that on April 1, 2008, our government will roll back staff housing rents to January 1, 2007 levels.
For all other communities, it is a 10 percent decrease.”
Mr. Speaker, I’m sure that the GN staff housing rent reduction was appreciated by the civil service. However, I believe that we should also recognize the contributions of ordinary residents who make the effort to get off welfare and get jobs.
Will the minister consider a reduction in the public housing rents that are charged to residents who work full-time, yes or no, and if not, why?
I’ll attempt to answer all three questions.
Mr. Speaker, as I indicated earlier, the corporation will be holding a housing forum this fiscal year.
One of the things that we will be addressing at that point is the commitment that this government made to review the rent scale.
I think it would be premature to make any adjustments until such time as all of that input from all of the stakeholders and everybody has been received.
Mr. Speaker, I will say that, as far as the public housing rent scale, the sliding scale goes anywhere from $60 a month to around $1,650 a month.
It is the maximum rent that anyone pays. According to that scale, again, it’s based on income.
The staff housing rates, I think there’s not much out there that the staff are paying that is less than $1,600 a month.
So there is a difference in that.
That is something that will be discussed.
I wouldn’t want to be premature and make any decisions on that until the forum is held and everyone has had their say.
We can then take the information that we get at that forum from everybody and bring forward a comprehensive set of changes and not just the one-off changes.
Before we proceed, Mr. Aupaluktuq, I recognized only one question from your last supplementary.
I’m learning on the job and I’m trying to see if I can maximize my questions, so I appreciate that.
I also appreciate the hon. minister’s response as well.
Once you have completed your housing forum and the core issues and possible solutions are identified in regard to housing in Nunavut, how quickly will the Housing Corporation implement and resolve the identified core issues or even possible solutions?
My question, Mr. Speaker, is: would you be able to implement possible solutions and identify what the main issues are with the rest of the Legislative Assembly? How soon would you be able to do that after your housing forum?
Again, I wish I could answer the member’s question with a finite number.
I think that it would be something impossible to do at this point, depending on the feedback that we get.
I don’t think that if we don’t come out very quickly, we will be accused, “Oh, you guys had it all planned out already.”