EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Chairman, members noted that one of the corporation’s priorities for 2005/06 is to integrate the feedback from community consultations on long term housing priorities into the draft Nunavut Housing Strategy.
Members look forward to reviewing the strategy in the near future and encourage the Minister to table the strategy making it public as soon as it is completed.
Mr. Chairman, the standing committee has been a strong supporter of making home repair programs accessible to more homeowners by changing the criteria to include family size when determining ceilings used to qualify for funding.
Members were pleased, Mr. Chairman, when the Minister announced these changes this winter.
Mr. Chairman, members remain concerned that local housing organizations are critically under funded.
This is especially worrying in communities where the hamlet office performs the duties of the local housing organization.
Members have consistently raised concerns regarding the fiscal capacity of hamlets to undertake additional responsibilities without adequate resources.
The standing committee supports the corporation’s efforts to secure increased funding for local housing organizations and looks forward to providing input once a revised funding model is developed.
Mr. Chairman, members are concerned by the impact that the general rate application and the increased costs for power will have on the local housing organizations.
Utility costs constitute a significant percentage of operations costs for housing units across the territory and any increase in those costs conceivable means a decrease in the number of new units that can be built.
Members urge the minister to continue in working closely with his colleagues to find solutions to this issue.
Mr. Chairman, members have consistently advocated for the development of new public housing designed to better reflect the needs of Nunavutmiut.
The minister’s announcement on Monday regarding new housing designs was a welcome one.
Members have noted that constituents’ preference for detached housing units.
We will monitor reactions to the newly designed units closely.
Mr. Chairman, committee members understand that the federal minister of Labour and Housing, who is also the minister responsible for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, will be visiting Nunavut in May.
Members would like to reiterate their support for the ministers work with NTI to lobby the federal government with respect to the 10 year Inuit Housing Action plan.
Mr. Chairman, members remain concerned with respect to the effectiveness of the corporation’s current staff housing initiatives.
Members are aware of situations where the Government of Nunavut positions in our communities were not filled because staff housing was not available.
At the same time, it was known that staff housing in the community were sitting vacant.
Members understand that some staff housing may be reserved for essential positions.
However, members believe that no housing unit should remain vacant for extended periods of time, given the shortage of housing in the territory.
I urge the minister to increase cooperation between departments and agencies to insure that our limited staff housing stock is maximized.
Mr. Chairman, members noted that in 2005-06, the corporation will continue to research and planning with respect to the under one roof initiative for staff housing.
Members further note that it has been more than three years since the corporation took responsibility for staff housing, and I would like the minister to bring forward an implementation schedule for the initiative.
Mr. Chairman, members appreciate the openness that the corporation had displayed in the past when responding to questions from the committee.
Members are concerned that the corporation is not always consistent with respect to information released in the House in response to Written Questions.
Specifically, members wonder why the minister was not willing to release information with respect to leases for staff housing, when his predecessor was more than willing to release identical information with respect to contracts for the construction of housing units.
I would like to make a brief comment on the issue of housing...
Chairman (interpretation): Just a minute, Mr. Barnabas.
Would the minister please come the witness table.
Did you bring any witnesses with you, Mr. Minister?
Hon. Peter Kilabuk: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, yes, I do.
Chairman: Does the committee agree to bring in the witness?
For the record, could you please introduce your witness, Mr. Minister?
With me here before you is Mr. Peter Scott, President of the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
At this time, I will give members ten minutes to say their opening remarks.
We’ll begin with Mr. Barnabas.
First of all, I would like to welcome the minister and Mr. Scott.
I’m sure this is not going to be the first time that they are going to be hearing these comments, especially Mr. Scott.
As I was going to say, we have had concerns about housing, especially in my riding where we have very old houses.
These houses were built in 1967.
They started out as matchboxes, but they’ve been remodelled over the years.
They’re remodelled every year and they’re running out of space.
The foundations of theses houses are now rotten and it smells; there’s an odour in the house because of the condition of the foundation.
I believe that it’s time to replace those old houses from the 60’s.
And again, I am for the houses and especially for the young people, I think that they should be able to get into the single dwelling units.
We do have problems with the people in the duplexes and disturbances from the neighbours.
We prefer to see them in stand alone units.
We are all for duplexes but we have to see stand alone units, at least build one or two new houses per year.
We don’t want to see our families move into old decrepit units.
I do know that they do get remodelled, but they’re shrinking in footage or in size.
Mr. Chairman, Thank you.
Chairman: Thank you Mr. Barnabas.
Hon. Paul Okalik: I move to report progress.
Mr. Chairman: There’s a motion on the floor to report progress, the motion is not debatable, all those in favour.
(interpretation) I would like to thank the Minister and Mr. Scott, so I’ll see you tomorrow.
Item 20, report of committee of the whole, the chair of the committee of the whole, Mr. Netser.
Your committee has been considering Bill 8 and I would like to report progress, with one motion being adopted.
I move that the report of the committee of the whole be agreed with.
Speaker (interpretation): A seconder.
Motion is in order, all in favour.
Opposed, abstentions, the motion is carried.
Announcements for tomorrow, meeting at the regular caucus at 11:00 in the morning in the Tuktu Room.
Orders of the Day for Wednesday March 9:
This House stands adjourned until Wednesday, March 9, 2005 at 1:30 p.m.
>>House adjourned at 20:01  Nunavut Canada
Wednesday March 9, 2005
Pages 1384 – 1462
Opening Prayer 1384
Ministers’ Statements 1384
Members’ Statements 1386
Point of Order 1390
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 1394
Oral Questions 1394
Petitions 1414
Tabled Documents 1414
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 1415
Second Reading of Bills 1415
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 1416
Report of the Committee of the Whole 14610
Orders of the Day 1461
Wednesday March 9, 2005 1384
077 – 2(2): Workplace Job Satisfaction Employment Survey (Tapardjuk) 1384
078 – 2(2): Resident Deputy Workers’ Advisor (Akesuk) 1385
172 – 2(2): Mining Prospectors and Explorers (Peterson) 1386
173 – 2(2): Principles of Scrutiny and Solidarity (Tootoo) 1387
174 – 2(2): Innovations in Kugluktuk (Evyagotailak) 1388
175 – 2(2): Responsibilities and Privileges as a Member (Tapardjuk) 1389
176 – 2(2): Sports in Nunavut (Barnabas) 1391
177 – 2(2): Committee Motion 4 – 2(2): Deletion of $500,000 from the 2005/06 Main Estimates of the Department of Community and Government Services (Curley) 1392
178 – 2(2): Lack of Roads in Nunavut Cause Hardship (Kilabuk) 1393
179 – 2(2): Recognize Individuals Using Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (Alagalak) 1393
180 – 2(2): Confusion on Power Bills (Kattuk) 1394
230 – 2(2): Policies on Chartering Aircraft (Tootoo) 1395
231 – 2(2): Appointment of Nunavut Commissioner (Mapsalak) 1396
232 – 2(2): Student Accomodation Policy (Curley) 1397
233 – 2(2): Sport Recreation Infrastructure (Barnabas) 1399
234 – 2(2): Firearms Registry Update (Peterson) 1401
235 – 2(2): Update on Polar Vision Contract (Alagalak) 1403
236 – 2(2): Roles of Regional Local and Boards of Housing (Evygotailak) 1404
237 – 2(2): Status of Funding from the Federal Government Regarding Climate Change (Kattuk) 1406
238 – 2(2): Update on Environmental Technology Program (Netser) 1407
239 – 2(2): Costs Saving on Fuel Re-supply (Tootoo) 1408
240 – 2(2): Conducting Investigations on Incorrect Diagnosis (Peterson) 1411
241 – 2(2): Increase Funding for Sports in Nunavut (Barnabas) 1412
005 – 2(2): Gasoline Delivery to Grise Fiord (Barnabas) 1414
098 – 2(2): Funeral and Burial Arrangements (Peterson) 1414
099 – 2(2): Schedule of Vote 1 and 2 and Vote 4 and 5 Grants and Contributions 2003-04 Fiscal Year (Tapardjuk) 1415
Bill 9 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act 3, 2004/05 – Notice (Aglukkaq) 1415
Bill 10 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act 3, 2004 - 2005 – Notice (Aglukkaq) 1415
Bill 11 – Loan Authorization Act, 2005-06 – Second Reading 1415
Bill 12 – Write Off of Assets and Debts Act, 2004-05 – Second Reading 1416
Wednesday, March 9, 2005
Good afternoon Mr. Premier, Ministers and the Members.
Going to the orders to the day.
Before we proceed to Item 2, the Member for Uqqurmiut, Mr. Arreak, will be absent from the House today.
Minister’s Statement 077 – 2(2): Workplace Job Satisfaction Employment Survey
It is with great pleasure that I rise today to inform my colleagues about a new initiative that the Department of Human Resources is undertaking.
In partnership with the Statistical Bureau of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs my department is launching a government-wide survey of all employees.
Surveys will be conducted during the month of May and June with the Report to be completed in the summer of 2005.
The goal of this survey is to seek valuable input from our employees and to ensure that they view the Government of Nunavut as the employer of choice for the long term.
This government wishes to model good employment practices and retain employees.
We also believe that keeping a balance between Inuit societal values and the bureaucratic culture will have a positive impact on the management, employee retention and productivity.
To that end, we will be gathering the opinions of Government of Nunavut employees about their jobs and their workplace.
This information will help identify concerns affecting workplace wellness and recommend solutions.
Minister’s Statement 078 – 2(2): Resident Deputy Workers’ Advisor
Good afternoon my colleagues and my constituents in Cape Dorset and Lake Harbour.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, over the past six years the Governance Council of the Workers' Compensation Board has made a real effort to improve the provision of Workers' Compensation Board services to the workers and employers of Nunavut.
This began with the decision to increase the number of employees the Board has living in Nunavut.
Since 1999, the Workers' Compensation Board has more than doubled its Nunavut staff from 10 to 22.
The Workers' Compensation Board’s first goal is to prevent accidents through proper training and inspections.
When training is delivered by the Workers' Compensation Board to the workers and employers in Nunavut communities, it is delivered by Nunavut residents.
When inspections are undertaken of Nunavut worksites it is done by Nunavut residents.
Still, accidents do happen.
I am pleased to announce that in 2004 the number of work related accidents decreased below the previous 3 year average.
For the workers injured in these accidents, the Workers' Compensation Board tries to be fair.
They work with the injured worker providing him or her with the appropriate benefits and assistance in the healing process to ensure a timely return to work.
With all these processes in place, it is recognized that injured workers sometimes require assistance in dealing with the Workers' Compensation Board.
Currently there is one workers’ advisor based in Yellowknife who provides assistance to workers injured on the job in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.
During the past session of the legislature when amendments to the Workers’ Compensation Act were in committee hearings, members expressed interest in a resident deputy workers’ advisor.
I am pleased to announce that the Workers' Compensation Board listened to those concerns and has set aside additional resources for a Nunavut Deputy Workers’ Advisor.
A request for proposals has been released last week and closes on March 15, 2005.
The RFP, in short, requests that the Deputy Workers’ Advisor be a resident of Nunavut and be able to provide services in Inuktitut for Nunavut residents.
I invite Nunavutmiut to apply.
In the interim, a toll-free number has been established for our Nunavut workers requiring the assistance of the workers’ advisor.
This number allows for Nunavut workers to leave messages in Inuktitut thereby making the initial process easier.
For the record, the toll-free number is 1(866)727- 3830.
The costs of these workers’ advisor services are covered by the Workers' Compensation Board and are a further example of the Workers' Compensation Board’s ongoing desire to improve the delivery of services to Nunavut residents.
Member's Statement 172 – 2(2): Mining Prospectors and Explorers
I rise today to inform Members of this House about the Prospectors and Developers Annual Conference that is currently underway in Toronto.
The conference is the world’s largest of its kind and is expected to attract some 9,000 delegates and exhibitors, including mining companies, various levels of governments, Aboriginal groups, mining industry support businesses, and investors.
By comparison, the Nunavut Mining Symposium that is held on a rotating basis throughout Nunavut normally attracts up to 300 participants.
The NMS is scheduled for early April in Rankin Inlet.
Representatives from Nunavut participate in these important annual conferences for a number of reasons.
One of the main reasons, Mr. Speaker, is to promote the mineral potential in our territory.
In the global context, Nunavut is only a small player in the mining world.
In fact, even in Canada we are a small player.
I learned this when I used to attend the PDAC and traveled to countries such as England and Japan to talk to investors about Nunavut.
Mining companies have a choice of countries where they can explore for minerals.
They will generally go to those jurisdictions where the governments are stable, regulatory regimes are clear, and the investment climate is positive.
I ask Members to join me commending the mining companies who have chosen to explore in Nunavut.
Their annual exploration expenditures are in excess of $100 million.
Their investment shows a tremendous commitment to the future of Nunavut.
I also want to recognize the work that Nunavut companies, agencies and government bodies are doing to promote mining in our territory.
The current positive exploration and investment climate did not occur overnight.
The groundwork has been laid in the last 10 years.
We all know that there are some loud voices out there who seem to oppose any and all mining development.
Strangely, Mr. Speaker, these same people are also very likely to drive cars, fly on planes and enjoy the material comforts that resource extraction allows for.
As with any development involving our lands, we have to exercise care and attention to protect our environment.
However, this is being done in Nunavut by organizations such as Nunavut Tunngavik and the Regional Inuit Associations as well as the Institutions of Public Government.
However, we must exercise care that we don’t stifle the mining industry through over-regulation and red tape, or they will find more attractive regulatory and investment climates in another country, province or territory.
The world is a big place, and we can’t assume that development and prosperity will simply show up at our doors.
Member's Statement 173 – 2(2): Principles of Scrutiny and Solidarity
I rise today to comment on the principles of scrutiny and solidarity.
Without reflecting at length on yesterday’s proceedings, I would like to offer the comments that saying no from time to time is actually a constructive and positive thing.
Mr. Speaker, it’s a fundamental principle in Canada that governments request legislators and legislatures to grant or deny the authority to spend the public’s money.
Governments are expected to bring forward solid and convincing explanations to why such approval should be granted.
When they don’t, they should be expected to be turned down.
Mr. Speaker, for the most part, the government gets its way in budget time.
Out of the hundreds of millions of dollars that the Government of Nunavut proposes to spend in the coming year on programs and services for our constituents and communities, the vast majority will be met with enthusiastic approval by all members.
Despite what you may hear from time to time about this being an unduly slow process, the opposite could actually be said to be true.
For example, the Department of Health and Social Services would be asking this Assembly for approval to spend $215,219,000 over the next 12 months.
If we give this department the full 12 hours of close attention in Committee of the Whole, that still works out to us approving almost $5,000 per second, every second.
Mr. Speaker, I know that I will be looking particularly closely at a few more things over the coming weeks, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in ensuring that the government’s spending proposals are well thought out and in the public’s best interest.
Mr. Speaker, our constituents count on us to protect their interest and my plan is to do exactly that.
Member's Statement 174 – 2(2): Innovations in Kugluktuk
I rise today to tell the Members of this House about the initiative of innovation projects underway in Kugluktuk.
Mr. Speaker, the federal species at risk legislation lists the grizzly bears and the wolverines as being species of special concern.
In Kugluktuk, the hunters and trappers have started a study to help determine the numbers of those species.
The wolverine harvest is an important part of our local culture and economy, and we want to protect it.
As mining developments get underway, we need to be able to address concerns related to increasing contacts between the human and the bear.
Mr. Speaker, the local hunters and trappers is working with the community and experts from the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board and the Government of Nunavut to collect hair samples from bears and wolverines. Over 100 hair snagging posts have been set up, and will be checked regularly until the end of this month. The samples are being sent out for DNA testing.
Over 150 samples have been collected already.
Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the people involved in this project, including hunters and trappers’ manager Peter Taptuna.
Mr. Speaker, we often discuss the need to include Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in our wildlife protections.
I want to take this moment to share something very interesting that I read in this weekend’s Globe and Mail newspaper.
People in Alberta are also trying to determine how many grizzly bears are in their province.
A newspaper quoted that wildlife biologists who said...
Speaker (interpretation): The member would like unanimous consent to conclude his statement.
Apparently people in Alberta are also trying to determine how many grizzly bears are in their province.
The newspaper quoted the wildlife biologist who said there are some very important indicators and trends and those are the people who are outdoors, the conservation officers, the biologists, the outfitters and hunters.
If you talk to someone who has spent 30 years in the bush, there is no question that there are more grizzlies.
That sounds like Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit to me.
Member's Statement 175 – 2(2): Responsibilities and Privileges as a Member
It was a year ago, March 8, 2004 to be exact, that I took my oath of office where I promised and swore that I will duly and faithfully and to the best of my skills, and knowledge execute the powers and trust reposed in me as an Member of the Legislative Assembly.
It was also shortly there after that I supported a motion calling for working together for a stronger Nunavut.
It goes, “Whereas the Members of the second Legislative Assembly have been entrusted by the constituents with the responsibility of building a stronger Nunavut.”
“And whereas enormous challenges lie ahead of us in the areas of education, health care, economic development, job creation and infrastructure.
And whereas the vitality of Inuit language and culture requires concerted action on the part of the government.
And whereas the value of consensus, cooperation, accountability and respect must guide us in our deliberations.
And, whereas unity of purpose and action is essential to achieving progress and success on behalf of all our constituents regardless of their race, language or faith in god.
Now, therefore I move, seconded by the Honorable Member for Iqaluit West, that all Members of this House commit themselves to working together towards common goals during our mandate.”
I have every intention of living up to this commitment as Member of the Legislative Assembly for Amittuq Rider.
Voters who had entrusted me with great responsibility and duty.
As a Member I have obligations to perform my duties and with honesty.
As a member I have obligations to perform my duties with honesty, fairness, compassion, openness and courage.
I will do my utmost to provide an effective and accountable for the public I serve.
It is also my understanding that my privilege as member includes freedom of speech and freedom from obstruction and intimidation in relation to my duties as elected representative.
I take these seriously.
As I recall it was our autumn sitting that the Minister of Health and Social Services encouraged all of us to take a flu shot.
However, I did not heed that advice and paid for it yesterday.
Perhaps I should have listened to her advice.
Hansard reported that I miraculously recovered from my illness, he showed up in time for the vote.
I felt strongly that, being part of the government, I had a responsibility to exercise my vote in the House when it comes to decisions which might effect the government’s operation in which my colleagues in the House had entrusted me when they had elected me into the Cabinet.
From time to time, of the second government, it has been a learning experience for me.
I would like to think that concerns brought to my attention by the members of my constituency have been addressed properly and that I have the confidence of my constituents to have their concerns addressed effectively within the government.
However, in the last week, I have observed and participated in the House which really concerns me.
With the wisdom of my elders, I have been told numerous times to bring out the things that disturb me rather than keeping it bottled up.
Firstly, my understanding is that I have the right to speak to or against the motion put forth in the House.
In doing so, after I voiced my opposition to the motion in which I felt I was entitled, the motion was defeated.
I was called “chicken”.
Then I saw an individual that stormed out when the motion was defeated in the House.
After a ruling was made by the Speaker, there was booing.
Speaker (interpretation): There is point of order raised.
What is your point of order, Mr. Tootoo.
A couple of things, when the minister is insinuating that someone called him, in particularly, a chicken.
No one called anyone, in particular, a chicken and how does he know that it was directed at him?
The other thing, Mr. Speaker, is he is going back and discussing something as the Premier pointed out when I raised a point in order has been dealt with already in this House.
So on those grounds, that is my point of order.