EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
The Standing Committee engaged in a productive dialogue with Department of Finance officials on issues related to the timeliness and format of financial statements.
Members noted that the Government is, at present, technically in violation of the law, given that the 2000-2001 territorial accounts were to have been tabled prior to December 31, 2001.
Members also noted that the annual reports of several crown corporations and other entities have not been tabled in the Legislative Assembly in a timely manner.
For example, the annual reports of the Nunavut Housing Corporation and the Nunavut Power Corporation are, at this point, long overdue.
Members noted with approval the commitment on the part of the departmental witnesses to the principle of improving both the timeliness and the comprehensiveness of financial documentation.
Members were also pleased that the department's officials agreed with the need to improve the compatibility of estimates documentation with the information contained in the public accounts.
Members also appreciated the commitment to increasing the number of supplementary tables in the public accounts.
However, Members were disappointed with the department's prediction that the level of detail in the Government of Nunavut's second set of financial statements would not be dramatically better than in the first year.
It should be noted that the Standing Committee has been recommending for some time that improvements be made in the level of detail in estimates documentation.
Members were pleased to note that the 2001-2002 main estimates were substantially better than those of previous years in this respect.
The ability to compare previous years' actual expenditures to current projections is a crucial tool for legislators during the budget process.
Members also raised concerns regarding the perceived transparency of the Government's contracting processes, as well as the need to account for the Government's grants and contributions expenditures.
Standing Committee Recommendation #3: That the Government continue to improve the level of detail presented each year in its estimates documentation and in its financial statements.
With respect to the 2002-2003 main estimates, the Standing Committee recommends that information be provided at the detail object level in the areas of compensation and benefits and contract services.
Standing Committee Recommendation #4: That the 2000-2001 Public Accounts include a comprehensive schedule of grants and contributions made by the Government of Nunavut.
Standing Committee Recommendation #5: That the Government increase its efforts to ensure that crown corporations and other entities such as Nunavut Arctic College improve their performance in meeting statutory deadlines for tabling annual reports and financial statements in the Legislative Assembly.
The Committee expects to see all outstanding statutory tabling requirements met by December 31, 2002.
Standing Committee Recommendation #6: That the Government table, on an annual basis, beginning with the fiscal year 2000-2001, a comprehensive list of tenders awarded by GN departments, boards and agencies; the value of the tenders awarded; the identity of the successful bidder; and the value of all bids received in the tender process.
Standing Committee Recommendation #7: That the Rules of the Legislative Assembly be amended to allow for the "back door" tabling and subsequent review of such documents as the Public Accounts during times when the Assembly is not in Session.
Standing Committee Recommendation #8: That the Departments of Finance and Culture, Language, Elders and Youth work together in developing standardized terminology related to financial and budget management.
Mr. Speaker, at this point I would like to turn the reading of the report over to one of my colleagues on the Committee, Mr. Arvaluk.
Chapter 2 - Accountability: Reviewing Government Operations
With respect to the concerns raised by the Auditor General in relation to the Nunavut Development Corporation (NDC), it should be noted that Standing Committees, in their May 2001 Joint Report, raised the issue of the Nunavut Development Corporation not receiving a clean audit for 1999-2000.
Although Development Corporation officials were unable to attend the February 5 meeting, the Committee looks forward to meeting with NDC staff at a later date to receive a full update on efforts being made to address the Auditor General's concerns.
The Standing Committee notes that the Government has committed to reviewing the Corporation, and looks forward to receiving the results of this review.
The Committee also noted comments made by the Department of Sustainable Development with respect to having detailed information on job creation expenditures on the part of the NDC being available in the near future.
The Committee also looks forward to receiving this information.
The Committee also noted that Department of Finance officials indicated that reviews of the revolving funds are presently underway.
Members noted that the government-wide Program Review exercise is expected to consider the broader issues of utility price subsidies.
With respect to over-expenditures made by the Department of Health and Social Services in 1999-2000, Members noted with interest a reference made by Government witnesses concerning this problem with the department in the first two years of operation.
Members will be attentive to the 2000-2001 Public Accounts in this regard.
The Committee is aware of longstanding problems associated with the control of health expenditures, especially in relation to such issues as medical travel.
The Committee noted, for example, a 1992 comprehensive audit conducted by the OAG of the GNWT's Department of Health in which this issue was discussed.
The Committee will be asking over the coming year whether board dissolution has, in fact, fostered better financial management in the area of health and social services.
Standing Committee Recommendation #9: That the results of the Government's reviews of revolving funds, utility price subsidies and the Nunavut Development Corporation be tabled in the Legislative Assembly prior to December 31, 2002.
Standing Committee Recommendation #10: That the Government's Program Review exercise identify options for addressing the ongoing problems associated with over-expenditures and deficits in the Department of Health and Social Services, and that these options be presented to the Legislative Assembly for consideration.
(interpretation) I will now have Mr. Iqaqrialu read chapter three.
Chapter 3 - Government Financial Health
No specific OAG recommendations or GN management responses contained in chapter 3.
The Standing Committee engaged in a wide-ranging dialogue with Government witnesses on the themes of sound budgeting practices and the need for the Government to live within its means.
Members raised a number of concerns related to the financial health of the Government, including the outstanding issue of pay equity.
Members noted that the recently tabled Public Service Annual Report identifies the issue as having "serious financial implications for the GN."
While appreciating the efforts of the Government of Nunavut to obtain additional revenues from the federal government, Members stressed the need for the Government to work towards less instability in its budget projections, noting that the multi-million dollar deficit projected in the 2001 Budget Address turned into a significant surplus by the end of the year.
Members stressed the need for decision-makers to have sound figures upon which to determine spending priorities.
These priorities must reflect the need to achieve the Bathurst Mandate goals of a self-reliant, well-educated, healthy society.
Speaker: We need a quorum.
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker for giving me an opportunity to rest.
On the revenue side of the fiscal equation, Members noted the importance of revenue growth keeping pace with expenditure growth.
Members also queried whether the 1% payroll tax inherited from the NWT is worth the cost of administration, and whether it is fulfilling its original function of capturing a measure of revenue from non-resident workers in the jurisdiction.
Standing Committee Recommendation #11: With the adoption of the Tax-on-Income system (TONI) in 2001, the Government of Nunavut has increased flexibility in building a tax system that better meets the needs of Nunavummiut.
The Committee recommends that the Government develop options in such areas as tax credits and the number of tax brackets.
The Committee's recommendations made during consideration of the TONI initiative in the fall 2001 Session remain applicable.
I will now turn the report back to Mr. Tootoo.
Chapter 4 - Building Good Financial Management
The Standing Committee raised a number of issues flowing from the Auditor General's report.
The Standing Committee noted that an evaluation project of the Government's decentralization initiative is presently being conducted by the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs.
Members look forward to receiving the results of this evaluation, given the importance of decentralization to Nunavut's communities.
Members noted the importance that the Auditor General has placed on the Government strengthening its internal audit and evaluation capacity, and increasing the number of financial management staff.
Members also note the importance of the Government conducting periodic audits on crown corporations to ensure compliance with established procedures, and sound stewardship of public money.
Although Members noted that the Department of Finance has plans to recruit additional accounting staff, it was alarming for Members to learn that there may not actually be any housing available for these newly hired individuals.
Members remain unconvinced that the Government has an effective plan to address the critical staff housing shortage in Iqaluit and in smaller communities, while noting that the responsibility for addressing this issue now appears to fall under the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
Members have noted that job advertisements for positions outside of Iqaluit appear to increasingly indicate that the positions are ineligible for staff housing.
Members are concerned that the Government's inability to fill its positions will result in an over-reliance on consultants performing critical functions.
Members stressed the need for the Government to work in partnership with such entities as Nunavut Arctic College in developing training programs in the area of financial management.
Members also stressed the need for training programs to build on the life experiences and skills of residents.
Members pointed towards the recently established Akitsiraq Law School as being a potential model for training programs that respect the circumstances of Nunavummiut in providing a quality education that is accompanied by the resources that allow for students to focus on their studies.
Members pointed out that many training programs in the past have not been successful, due to high dropout rates caused by students not having the resources to support their families while enrolled.
Standing Committee Recommendation #12: That the results of the Government's decentralization evaluation be provided to the Standing Committee for review.
Standing Committee Recommendation #13: That the Government allocate the necessary resources to developing training programs in the area of financial management, so that capacity gaps can be filled.
Training programs must take into account the circumstances facing students attempting to study and survive in the Canadian jurisdiction with the highest cost of living.
Standing Committee Recommendation #14: That the Government bring forward a plan in 2002 to address the staff housing shortage across Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to turn the reading of the report over to my colleague Ms. Williams.
Chapter 5 - The Environment
The Standing Committee appreciated the opportunity to hear from the Department of Sustainable Development on this issue.
Members also appreciated the Department's willingness to identify this as a priority area.
However, Members remain unclear as to why it may take so long to undertake the necessary work.
Members also drew the Government's attention to the linkages between this issue and the pending mine closures in the High Arctic.
Members further note from the Public Accounts that no dollar figures have yet been calculated with respect to the potential costs to the Government for environmental restoration.
Given the federal role in reaching solutions on this issue, the Standing Committee would wish to see the Office of the Auditor General make recommendations at the federal level on the need to move forward.
Standing Committee Recommendation #15: That the Government table an environmental action plan with concrete timelines prior to the end of 2002.
The action plan should prioritize the clean up of sites that pose the most immediate threat to the health of Nunavummiut.
Chapter 6 - Lease or Buy?
(interpretation ends) The Standing Committee was deeply concerned with the findings of the Auditor General in this area.
Members note the irony of holding a public hearing within the Legislative Assembly on the issue of leases, given that the legislature is itself a leased property with no clear ownership resolution at the end of the lease period. Members have raised the issue of leases in the House on previous occasions.
The Standing Committee noted the Government's acceptance of the Auditor General's findings and recommendations. The Committee fully expects the Government to make good on its commitment to provide better information in the estimates documentation, including the 2002-2003 main estimates. The Committee also expects the Government to develop and table a clear policy regarding leasing activities before the mid-point of the 2002-2003 fiscal year.
The Committee also desires to receive a copy of the agreement that was signed in Rankin Inlet in late 2001 regarding the development of a regional health facility in the community.
The Standing Committee was particularly disappointed with the witnesses' responses concerning the proposed new health facilities in Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet and Cambridge Bay.
Although a global figure of approximately 80 million for the three projects has now been floated, Members were frustrated with the lack of firm information on this file.
Members did note with approval repeated assurances on the part of the Government that it will carefully scrutinize financing options prior to making binding commitments.
Members are also of the view that the current review of the NNI Policy may have an impact on the Government's practices in this area.
Standing Committee Recommendation #16: That the Government table a comprehensive list of leased properties as of March 31, 2002, including information on the entities from whom the properties have been leased; the length of the leases; and the total cost of each lease.
Standing Committee Recommendation #17: That the Government bring forward financing options regarding the three regional health facilities for consideration by the Legislative Assembly prior to making binding commitments.
Now I will turn it over to my colleague, Mr. Hunter Tootoo.
Mr. Speaker, I will go on to the conclusion of this report.
The Standing Committee's public review of the Auditor General's first Report to the Legislative Assembly was a milestone in Nunavut's progression towards building a Government that is equal to or better than those in other Canadian jurisdictions with respect to transparency and accountability in its management of the public purse.
Over the coming year, the Committee will be closely monitoring the Government's progress in fulfilling its commitments and responding to the Committee's recommendations.
The Standing Committee would also draw attention to section 47 of the Nunavut Act, which states:
At the request of the Commissioner, made on the advice of the Executive Council and with the agreement of the Governor in Council, the auditor of Nunavut may, if in the auditor's opinion it does not interfere with the auditor's primary responsibilities, inquire into and report to the Assembly
(a) on any matter relating to the financial affairs of Nunavut or to public property in Nunavut; or
(b) on any person or organization that has received or is seeking financial aid from the Government of Nunavut.
Prior to the dissolution of the first Legislative Assembly, the Standing Committee will be considering priority areas in which to recommend that this option be exercised.
From time to time, such comprehensive audits serve to not only strengthen accountability in government, but to identify solutions and "best practices" that can be put to use in the service of Nunavummiut.
The Standing Committee would again wish to thank the OAG and Government of Nunavut witnesses for their attendance and contributions.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues.
At this time I would like to move that the report of the Standing Committee be received and adopted by the House as read.
Do members agree that the Standing Committee report be received and adopted by the House and that it be entered into the record as read?
Tabled Document 089 – 1(5): Annual Report of the Director of Medical Insurance for 1999/2000 and 2000/2001
It gives me great pleasure to table the following document.
The Annual Report of the Director of Medical Insurance for 1999/2000 and 2000/2001.
Tabled Document 090 – 1(5): Coppermine River - Nomination Document
As per my Member’s Statement, I am tabling the Coppermine River Nomination document.
I encourage the members to look through the document.
Tabled Document 091 – 1(5): Whale Cove Outward Bound Program and Cultural Enhancement Camp
Tabled Document 092 – 1(5): Nunavut Heritage Centre in Rankin Inlet
One from Whale Cove entitled, Whale Cove Outward Bound Program and Cultural Enhancement Camp.
I also have another one from Rankin that is a very well prepared research proposal for a Nunavut Heritage Centre in Rankin Inlet.
Tabled Document 093 - 1(5): 2000/2001 Annual Report for the Nunavut Development Corporation
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to table this document “2000/ 2001 Annual Report of the Nunavut Development Corporation”.
Tabled Document 67 - 1(5), Motion 21 - 1(5) and Bill 15 - 1(5) with Mr. Puqiqnak in the chair.
In the accordance with the authority vested in me by Motion 002-1(5), the Committee of the Whole will stay in session until it reports itself out.
Before we proceed to Committee of the Whole, we will take a 15 minute break.
>>House recessed at 3.32 p.m. and resumed at 4.58 p.m.
Chairperson (Mr. Puqiqnak) (interpretation): Good afternoon.
Before we begin the Committee of the Whole, I have some comments to make regarding the Committee of the Whole proceeding from yesterday.
Committee of the Whole Ruling
On March 5th during the Committee of the Whole proceedings Member Tootoo raised a Point of Privilege against Member Thompson by stating, I quote, “The member just indicated that three members said that they weren’t going to opt into this plan because they wanted to get re-elected.”
In preparation for my ruling, we listened to the tapes of March 5th Committee of the Whole proceedings, in both English and Inuktitut including the translation and reviewed the Hansards.
Based on this review, at no time did Member Thompson nor the interpreter translators state that three members said that they weren’t going to opt into the plan because they wanted to get re-elected.
Therefore, my ruling is that there is no point of privilege.
The committee will now come to order.
We will be dealing with Bill 15, Motion 21-1 (5).
We want to deal with Bill 15 and if possible we will deal with Motion 21-1 (5).
Do we agree that we’ll deal with Bill 15 and Motion 21?
Is he saying, if possible we’ll deal with Motion 21 or are we talking about a motion to extend the hours?
Or are we going to be dealing with Motion 21-1 (5) before 6:00.
If I remember, I think the Speaker said that we would stay in Committee of the Whole until it reports itself out.
Chairperson (interpretation): The Speaker did not state that, so you can go ahead.
If you have a motion, then you can go beyond 6:00 otherwise we’ll finish at 6:00.
I’m sorry, I am informed that the Speaker did say that we would continue until we finish with our business.
But if there is a member that wants to report progress before that, we’ll do a vote.
Do we agree that we will deal with Bill 15 and Motion 21-1 (5)?
Chairperson (interpretation): The Minister responsible for Bill 15, do you have opening comments, Minister Kattuk?  Bill 15 – Technical Standards and Safety Act – Consideration in Committee
I will read it in English.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to address questions on the Technical Standards and Safety Act that has been put forward by the Department Public Works and Services.
Mr. Chairman, after the creation of Nunavut in April 1999, my department made it a priority to revise inherited legislation in order to reflect advances in technology over the past 13 years.
Reviews and revisions also allow the Government of Nunavut to take a position on electrical and mechanical safety issues.
Mr. Chairman, the proposed new Technical Standards and Safety Act sets out rules, responsibilities and acceptable practices for safe installation of boiler and pressure vessels, gas and electrical systems in Nunavut.
Elements of safety and acceptable installations and practices are basically the same for electrical systems, boiler and pressure vessels, gas and elevating devices.
This is the main reason why the new Act combines the three existing acts into one.
Combining the Act reflects directions taken by other jurisdictions in Canada.
Ontario and British Columbia have already taken steps to combine similar legislation in their jurisdictions.
Having to update one Act instead of three makes it easier for the Government of Nunavut to make minor revisions if required.
Mr. Chairman, one major change in the new legislation gives contractors more responsibility for the quality of their work.
The need for inspectors often results in delays in power connections permission to install wiring and approval to start equipment.
These delays often affect time-critical projects.
With the responsibility to meet requirements of the Act and its regulations, contractors will see more timely approvals for power connections and equipment used.
Most codes in Canada change in four-year cycles and each code change requires changes to legislation.
The new Act allows a system of codes by updating regulations to reflect the code changes.
New legislation will not be required to deal with each change.
Mr. Chairman, thank you for your attention and of the committee.
I will welcome any questions committee members may have.
Does the chair of the committee have any opening remarks?
Mr. McLean: Thank you, and I’ll make this short and sweet.
Mr. Chairman, the Standing Committee on Community Empowerment and Sustainable Development is pleased to have had the opportunity to review Bill 15, the Technical Standards and Safety Act, with the Minister of Public Works and Services and his officials.
Members will recall that this Bill received second reading in the House on November 26, 2001.
Mr. Chairman, the Technical Standards and Safety Act combines the Electrical Protection Act, Gasoline Protection Act, and Boilers and Pressure Vessels Act into a single Act.
The committee notes that several other jurisdictions across Canada have also decided to take this approach, including Alberta and Ontario.
The committee is pleased to see the Department working to reduce duplication in legislation in order to achieve a more streamlined system.
In addition, this approach creates a new Act from the ground up, resulting in a statute that will be available in both English and Inuktitut.
The committee strongly encourages the minister to ensure that all regulations flowing from the Act be produced in both languages, as well.
Mr. Chairman, the committee is pleased to note that certification requirements will take many factors into account above and beyond just paper qualifications.