EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I looked into the matter on what Qulliq has been doing regarding the application and apparently they were unable to secure the site because the chosen site was too short, too small, and too steep.
However, they were looking at an alternative site.
Using our other office, I asked to have the issue looked into and it became apparent that this is an ongoing concern.
I asked the Qulliq Energy Corporation to work closely with the Hamlet of Cape Dorset so that they can secure a proper site and develop it.
The need to address the lack of electrical generation capacity in Cape Dorset is having a negative impact on other areas, including the ability of the Nunavut Housing Corporation to construct badly needed new housing units.
Later today, at the appropriate time, I will be presenting a petition from the community that highlights this issue.
Can the minister indicate if the Qulliq Energy Corporation and the Nunavut Housing Corporation will be working together to ensure that Cape Dorset’s new power plant will be adequate to address the future needs of the community?
It is indeed a concern because we have to keep pace with growth in the communities. Using that as our foundation, I’m going to make sure that we keep working on it diligently.
We’re not only going to be working with housing, but also with the growing needs of the private sector. We have to be prepared for the growing population in the communities. With that, I will be having a meeting with the Hamlet of Cape Dorset to address this matter.
When I first raised this issue in March, I noted that section 16 of the Qulliq Energy Corporation Act allows the corporation to “expropriate any land that the corporation considers necessary for the purpose of enhancing energy services in Nunavut.”
Although I recognize that this provision is intended to be a last resort, can the minister confirm that QEC is leaving all options on the table to resolve the issue of where the community’s power plant is going to be located?
As I indicated earlier, I look forward to having a meeting with the Hamlet of Cape Dorset. We have to provide adequate services and have proper land and to make sure that safety is included. That is going to be part of the plans I’m working on this matter.
Question 013 – 4(2): Dust Control in Communities (Sammurtok)
I would like to direct my questions to the (interpretation ends) Minister of Community and Government Services. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, although it has been snowing today in the capital, Rankin Inlet residents are already suffering from the dusty air caused by dry roads.
(interpretation ends) The issue of dusty roads is a major health concern for Nunavut communities, as the presence of heavy dust can irritate respiratory disease.
In fact, the Nunavut Bureau of Statistics has reported that approximately 10 percent of health centre visits are related to respiratory disease.
Can the minister describe what actions his department is taking to prepare communities for dust control this year?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister of Community and Government Services, Hon. Minister Sammurtok.
Hon. Tom Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) I extend good day wishes to my constituents in Rankin Inlet North and Chesterfield Inlet.
The question the member raised is not only directed at the community of Rankin Inlet. This is being experienced by most communities in Nunavut.
We are trying to determine how we can have less dust on the roads in each community. We will also make sure that this information is relayed to Nunavummiut on how they can help lessen dust.
Until more roads are paved, communities depend on the success of dust control methods to ensure healthy air conditions.
These methods are often time-consuming and very costly for municipalities.
Can the minister indicate what funding his department is providing to assist municipalities with dust control?
Hon. Tom Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) I also thank the member for that question.
We give all communities a memory stick that contains information on how to lessen dust on roads in each community.
All the hamlets of Nunavut have access to that for the information they’re looking for.
Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) When the Government of Nunavut approved funding in 2008 to pave the roads of Iqaluit, it indicated that this would improve health conditions for residents.
Will the minister commit to reviewing the need for road paving in other communities, including Rankin Inlet?
It would be nice to have all the communities with paved roads, but there’s no funding to pave roads in each community.
At the present time, we have things in place and information given to the hamlets on how to control dust on their roads.
Question 014 – 4(2): Government Liaison Officer Positions (Mikkungwak)
My questions today are for the Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs.
The Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs is responsible for government liaison officer positions across our territory.
As the minister is aware, his department is currently advertising the position of Baker Lake’s GLO, so I am hopeful that the position will be filled in the near future.
Until such time as Baker Lake’s position is filled, can the minister indicate how his department is providing GLO services to the community?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Premier of Nunavut, Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, Hon. Minister Taptuna.
I thank the member from Qamani’tuaq for that question.
Mr. Speaker, at this moment, all the positions have been filled, except for four communities. Twenty-one communities have GLOs.
Unfortunately, for his constituency of Baker Lake, we have to re-advertise if there’s no successful applicant, even though there’s office space identified. Re-advertisement has gone out at this time.
Speaker (interpretation). Thank you.
The Municipal Council of Baker Lake has formally expressed its concern about the delay in filling the community’s GLO position.
Can the minister indicate if his department is working with the municipality to encourage qualified residents of the community to apply for this position?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, Hon. Premier Taptuna.
At this time, I indicated that there is a re-advertisement taking place currently.
In Baker Lake, we maintain communications with the Hamlet of Baker Lake to expedite the hiring of a GLO within the community of Baker Lake.
Mr. Speaker, there are primary functions that a GLO performs for the Government of Nunavut and we intend to make sure that we get the best applicant for these very important positions, particularly in Baker Lake.
As he indicated, Baker Lake is one of the communities without a GLO in place.
Can the minister indicate which other Nunavut communities currently do not have a GLO in place?
At this time, one of them is Cambridge Bay. We haven’t identified office space for the position at this time. In Clyde River, the process has been initiated to hire a GLO at this time.
In Kugluktuk, we’re in communication with the Hamlet of Kugluktuk and we expect to get a response back to initiate the advertising of a GLO in Kugluktuk by this spring.
Question 015 – 4(2): Status of Planning for New School in Coral Harbour (Mapsalak)
Mr. Speaker, in March of this year, the Assembly approved the government’s 2014-15 capital budget, which included funding for a number of pre-planning projects.
One of those projects was a new school for Coral Harbour.
Can the minister provide an update regarding the current status of planning for a new school in Coral Harbour?
With respect to the current status of planning for that new school in Coral Harbour, I am not really aware of what is happening at this time, but I will take the question as notice and get back to him.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your first supplementary… . (interpretation ends) The minister responded that he is taking the question as notice.
No more questions are allowed, as the minister has taken the question as notice, and I will move to the next member on my list. (interpretation) Item 6. Oral Questions.
Question 016 – 4(2): Status of Bulk Fuel Storage Facility in Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt)
As the minister will recall, the Legislative Assembly approved $2.8 million in funding in the 2014-15 capital estimates for important upgrades to Sanikiluaq’s bulk fuel storage facility. An additional $2.3 million is projected to be spent on this project in 2015-16.
Mr. Speaker, it has come to my attention that the Nunavut Impact Review Board may not yet have received the formal referral that is required for the board to begin its screening of this project.
Can the minister confirm if the necessary steps are being taken to provide the Nunavut Impact Review Board with this important information?
Hon. Tom Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) Yes, we are addressing this issue and we will be dealing with this. Once we get an answer, we will provide it.
Member for Baker Lake… .
I’m sorry. Your first supplementary, Mr. Rumbolt.
I do believe I have a couple of more questions I can ask.
In 2007, the Nunavut Impact Review Board and the Government of Nunavut formally established an agreement regarding the treatment of bulk fuel storage within municipality boundaries.
In order for the Nunavut Impact Review Board to make a formal determination on this project proposal, the Nunavut Impact Review Board must receive a formal referral from an authorized agency.
Considering that the bulk fuel storage facility has been in the plans for Sanikiluaq for several years, why is it that they’re only addressing this issue at this time?
Once the answer has been clear, I will provide it to the member.
Question 017 – 4(2): Hudson Bay Neighbours Regional Round Table (Savikataaq)
My questions are for the (interpretation ends) Minister of Economic Development and Transportation.
As the minister will recall, two of the issues that I raised during our recent winter sitting concerned the proposed Manitoba-Kivalliq winter road and the idea of connecting the Kivalliq to Manitoba’s hydro power grid.
The Hudson Bay Neighbours Regional Round Table took place last month in Churchill, Manitoba.
Can the minister confirm that these topics were discussed at the meeting?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Hon. Minister Kuksuk.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I say “good afternoon” to my fellow Nunavummiut, as well as the people of Arviat and Whale Cove.
I can say that yes, those topics were discussed at that meeting.
Can the minister describe what steps will be taken by the Nunavut and Manitoba governments to move the proposed Manitoba-Kivalliq winter road project forward?
I indicated that it was discussed at the round table, this issue of the Manitoba-Kivalliq winter road. It’s relating more to the Kivalliq region. What was also discussed was a power line.
However, all I can say is that this issue is a very big one and there are many preparations that need to be taken. That’s all I can state at this moment.
Can the minister indicate if any new agreements were signed between the Government of Nunavut and other participants at last month’s meeting of the Hudson Bay Neighbours Regional Round Table?
I was at the round-table meeting and there were also a lot of other participants, including mayors from the Kivalliq, representatives from Manitoba Hydro and their provincial transportation members.
As I stated before, even though many years have been spent in discussing this issue, the previous government has dealt with parts of that.
When we became the government and inherited this issue, we dealt with interesting topics.
As I mentioned before, there are many issues to deal with, including those in relation to building of a road or setting up a power line.
The Government of Nunavut and the Government of Manitoba had indicated their continuing agreement to address this issues. There are jurisdictional issues that need to be dealt with because various governments have different policies and laws.
We will be working with the mayors of the Kivalliq region as the issue is somewhat complex.
Question 018 – 4(2): The Lack of Services for Autism in Nunavut (Mikkungwak)
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, as the minister will recall, I raised the issue of autism during our last sitting of the House.
Before I ask my question, I would like to make a public apology for using the wrong terminology at that time to refer to this serious neurological disorder.
In response to my previous question about the status of individuals with autism in Nunavut, the minister indicated that they were “keeping an eye” on it.
Can the minister indicate what progress they have made to date in monitoring or “keeping an eye” on the status of autism across Nunavut?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister of Health, Hon. Minister Ell.
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister for this question in relation to autism.
From that time to today, there hasn’t been much change and the number of people with autism has neither increased nor decreased significantly.
There is a young individual in my constituency who suffers from autism and requires special therapy.
While home and community care workers offer important support, they do not have the specialized training to delivery this specific type of care.
According to a federal senate committee report on “Treatment for Autism,” every province and territory across Canada, except Nunavut, provides some funding for autism therapy.
Can the minister explain what options are available to my constituent for receiving the necessary autism therapy and treatment?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister of Health, Hon. Minister Ell
Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you Mr. Speaker.
Health supports families dealing with developmental issues through services such as the rehabilitation program and the home and community care that he mentioned.
As well, the Department of Family Services is committed to the implementation of programs and services to support children at risk or in need of protection under the Family Services Act.
Currently, there is no mandate nor are current programs available to offer support for a child who has been medically diagnosed with autism.
Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the minister for her response.
Earlier this month, on May 1, the Prime Minister of Canada announced new funding for projects in the areas of Alzheimer prevention and autism.
Will the minister commit to raising the need for specific funding to address autism in Nunavut with her federal counterparts?
Thank you for that, member. (interpretation) We will be able to work with the federal minister responsible for this kind of thing as to how more education could be provided in order for the Government of Nunavut to be able to deal with these kinds of things. We are aware that civil servants in this department are working to address this issue.
Question 019 – 4(2): Services for Nunavut Residents with Head Injuries (Mapsalak)
My question is directed to the Minister of Family Services.
Mr. Speaker, in regard to people with brain damage, we don’t have any facilities where people can be taken into an institution in order for them to be treated, so they’re usually sent down south and lose their cultural connection with the north as a result.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the minister responsible a question related to the provision and whether the minister will create funding and facilities for people with those kinds of illnesses to be dealt with.
Speaker (interpretation): Member, I would like to ask you exactly which minister you’re asking your question. I believe it could be directed to two ministers. Please indicate which minister you’re asking.
I believe this is the responsibility of the Minister of Family Services.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister of Family Services, Hon. Minister Ugyuk.
Patients are sent south when there is no other place to put them in Nunavut or when they are not able to be dealt with in Nunavut. They look at all the reasons and they also look at the possible benefits. They get sent out by Family Services.
In regard to child handicap facilities in Nunavut, my colleague, Monica Ell, and I can meet about this and discuss handicapped children’s facilities. We can talk about the fact that there are no facilities in Nunavut.
Mr. Mapsalak: (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for that response, minister. Can the minister explain now as to how long that planning you were referring to may take place or will take place?
Speaker: Minister of Family Services, Hon. Minister Ugyuk.
Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to my colleague for asking as to how long the planning would take place. We have no idea how long it will take.
Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Do I understand the minister saying that they will work together and produce a plan like that? Is that what I understand, that the two ministers will be producing a plan by working together?
Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my colleague for asking that question.
The facilities are reviewed every year to see how they’re doing and to see what they’re like, as well as the care for the people who stay in them. They also look at how much more they can be assisted.
My colleague wants to know how long the planning will take, but I don’t know and so I can’t answer that question.
Question 020 – 4(2): Qulliq Energy Corporation Operations (Angnakak)
My questions are for the Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation once again.
In recent months, there have been a number of power outages in the city of Iqaluit. Many of my constituents have expressed concern that the frequency of power outages in the city is increasing. Some of these outages have been planned and some have not.
Last week, QEC announced a planned power outage in relation to its work concerning the “final stages of completing the Iqaluit Main Plant upgrade.”
Can the minister describe what the upgrades to Iqaluit’s power plant are designed to achieve?
QEC are upgrading to new equipment. The equipment they have been using was very old and are being replaced by newer models. In order to install this equipment, power had to be shut off a number of times.
It’s now close to completion.
Another concern that has come to my attention is the difficulty in reporting power outages to QEC. Although QEC has a 1-800 number, it goes to the headquarters in Baker Lake and it can often be difficult to reach staff after hours when you phone that 1-800 number. In fact, when I tried to phone the 1-800 number, it was only in Qallunaatitut; there was no Inuktitut.
Would the minister commit to having QEC establish a local contact number for every community that residents can call after hours in order to directly reach QEC staff to report power outages or other emergencies?
We are just trying to see how we can improve the situation, but then we always have to look at the cost of improvement to make sure that they do not interfere with the rates too much.
We are always looking for ways to improve the equipment and we will continue to do just that into the future.
I guess that is a recommendation that there is to have a 1-800 number in every community.
I guess the minister is aware that Iqaluit is growing by the day and the demands on our city’s power grid have never been greater.
Can the minister describe what work is planned to be undertaken over the next year to improve the reliability of Iqaluit’s power supply and to address the issue of the community’s growth?
The new generator, which is more powerful than what has been in place, is now being installed. It should help to meet the growing energy needs of Iqaluit and we will soon be able to power it up and add it to the existing power grid.
Returns to Written Questions. (interpretation ends) Mr. Clerk.
Return to Written Question 001 – 4(1): Salary Disclosure for the Senior Public Service (Clerk)
Return to Written Question 002 – 4(1): Enforcement of the Liquor Act (Clerk)
Return to Written Question 001 – 4(2): Extended Health Benefits Program (Clerk)
I am tabling the returns to written questions No. 1 and 2 that were asked during the First Session of Fourth Assembly.
I am also tabling the return to written question No. 1 that was asked during the Second Session of the Fourth Assembly.
Petition 001 – 4(2): Cape Dorset Power Plant Capacity (Joanasie)
I have the honour today of presenting a petition on behalf of my constituents in Cape Dorset.
*See Appendix for full text of Returns to Written Questions 1 – 4(1), 2 – 4(1), and 1 – 4(2) filed with the Clerk.
This petition has been signed by 187 residents who express concern about the current capacity of Cape Dorset’s power plant.
Mr. Speaker, the petitioners note the need to increase capacity in order to support the development of new housing in the community.
Mr. Speaker, I would note that this petition was started on February 10, 2014 and was recently completed and submitted to my office, so I am able to present it now.
I would like to express my appreciation to the Cape Dorset Housing Authority for initiating the petition.
Reponses to Petitions. (interpretation ends) Mr. Clerk.
Response to Petition 001 – 4(1): Public Housing Shortage in Gjoa Haven (Clerk)
Response to Petition 002 – 4(1): Eye Team Visits into Hamlet of Gjoa Haven (Clerk)
I am tabling the responses to petition No. 1 and 2 that were filed during the First Session of the Fourth Assembly.
Item 12. (interpretation ends) Reports of
Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters.
*See Appendix for full text of Responses to Petitions 1 – 4(1) and 2 – 4(1) filed with the Clerk.
Tabled Document 009 – 4(2): 2012-2013 Annual Report of the Chief Electoral Officer of Nunavut (Speaker)
Tabled Document 010 – 4(2): 2012-2013 Annual Report of the Languages Commissioner of Nunavut (Speaker)
As required by the Nunavut Elections Act, I wish to table the 2012-13 Annual Report of the Chief Electoral Officer of Nunavut.
I am also tabling the 2012-13 Annual Report of the Languages Commissioner of Nunavut. (interpretation) Thank you.
Motion 002 – 4(2): Extension of the Suspension of the Member for Uqqummiut – Notice (Savikataaq)
I give notice that on Monday, May 26, 2014, I will move the following motion:
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for Arviat North-Whale Cove, that Mr. Samuel Nuqingaq, Member for Uqqummiut, be suspended from sittings of the House and meetings of its committees and caucuses until July 16, 2014.
There are none. Please proceed, Mr. Savikataaq.
Motion 002 – 4(2): Extension of the Suspension of the Member for Uqqummiut (Savikataaq)
Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and my colleagues, for giving the consent.
AND WHEREAS Motion 9 – 4(1), Suspension of the Member for Uqqummiut, was adopted by the House at its sitting of March 6, 2014;
AND WHEREAS the Member for Uqqummiut has voluntarily entered into a 60-day counselling program at a residential treatment facility in order to address personal issues that have contributed to the member’s unacceptable conduct;
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until Friday, May 23, at 9:00 a.m.
>>House adjourned at 15:16  Appendix – May 22, 2014
Return to Oral Question 79 – 4(1): High School Trades Pilot Program
Asked by: Mr. George Hickes, MLA (Iqaluit-Tasiluk)
Asked of: Hon. Paul Quassa, Minister of Education
Date: March 14, 2014
With the pilot program in Kugluktuk, the instructor has mentioned there has been a number of successes.
They’ve been there, if memory serves me correctly, approximately for about eight years and have had a number of students go on to the apprenticeship program and hopefully, even some have achieved their journeyman status.
Besides Kugluktuk High School, there are no other schools that offer a “formal” trades program.