EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Yes, the Baker Lake Airport improvement was funding through the BCF. We also had a project a few years ago that was funded by ACAP that provided some funding as well.
Those are the two sources.
For the expansion of the ATB, those funds are going to be running out March 31, 2018, so we’re well underway to identify what work has to be done there.
I thank the minister and official for the response.
On February 25, 2016 the federal Minister of Transport tabled the final report of the Canada Transportation Act Review Panel.
One of the report’s recommendations was that the federal government consider the creation of a new “Northern Airports Capital Assistance Program” in order to provide “targeted financial support for runway extensions and surfacing (e.g. paving), as well as for 24-hour automated weather systems and modern landing and approach systems...” Have you met with the federal Minister of Transport to discuss this issue in person?
Marc Garneau went to Iqaluit this summer. I had a chance to have a discussion with him and the other ministers also had a chance to have discussions with him as well.
I guess we’re on par here and the dialogue is running smoothly here.
During the Minister of Transport’s visit to Iqaluit, I guess my question here would then be: what was accomplished at this meeting?
Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank the member.
We did not hold discussions on actual capital projects, only of past meetings with my ministerial colleagues where we debated the various issues surrounding the need for further funding for our airport projects, as well as various capital projects such as the need for a road between jurisdictions, such as the Manitoba to Nunavut road project. We discussed the various capital projects that may offer tangible benefits to Nunavut.
Furthermore, we identified the need for more funding assistance.
The (interpretation ends) Airport Capital Assistance Program, (interpretation) as it is called, would be the best source of more funding, for example, for paving the runways or aprons, including electrical and other airport infrastructure.
This includes airport equipment, radios, and various other needs that we were able to openly discuss.
I am thankful to Marc Garneau for listening to our concerns, as he wanted to hear directly from us rather than speak. That was the benefit of having the opportunity to voice our concerns.
Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would also like to thank the minister.
When I had asked about the needs assessment document, she was able to table it and provide it to myself and my colleagues when I had requested for this 20-year infrastructure needs document. It really helps and it does provide a lot of information.
When I look at this document and how it led me to requesting this document was your department’s June 23, 2015 presentation to the Canada Transportation Act Review Panel recommended that “all Nunavut airports [be] upgraded to the GPS Instrument Approach that is appropriate for each individual airport.”
What has been the federal response to this recommendation on the part of Transport Canada and NAV CANADA?
Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank him for asking that question about the 2014 issues related to the (interpretation ends) GPS approaches (interpretation) for Nunavut airports and the need to have the same equipment as southern airports.
We identify the needs required whenever an opportunity presents itself. As an example, when our ministerial counterparts travel to Nunavut or if ministers have to travel to the south for meetings to discuss issues, we generically identify the many needs or infrastructure deficits.
Another example is that Nunavut faces different challenges in operating in northern climates as opposed to southern-based airports.
Many airstrips are not even paved in our communities, so we tend to provide as much information as needed.
The Department of Economic Development is (interpretation ends) seeking funding to develop new instrumental approach procedures for seven airports in addition to the three that have been completed.
We are seeking funding to assess the feasibility of upgrading the runway certificates of seven airports and once they’re upgraded, improved instrument approach procedures can be developed.
We are currently still discussing these issues at this time.
Can the minister clearly identify the seven communities that she has indicated?
Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk (interpretation): Wait a moment, please, Mr. Chairman.
I’ll identify the communities.
The airports identified are Arctic Bay, Cambridge Bay, Cape Dorset, Clyde River, Coral Harbour, Hall Beach, Kimmirut, Pangnirtung, and Qikiqtarjuaq.
Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) When I look at the GPS approach system, where does the community of Baker Lake that I represent fall?
Where is that at?
The Baker Lake runway is currently (interpretation ends) certified as code 2.
(interpretation) I believe I spoke to this issue previously when you queried me about this issue in the House. I recall the question, but I am unsure how to term it in Inuktitut.
It is called the (interpretation ends) slope (interpretation) or slant of the airport and I am sorry if I didn’t use the proper Inuktitut terminology.
Due to the fact that the slope limitations are set at 2.5 percent or lower, it is acceptable when airports are in that situation.
However, after the assessment of the airport, we anticipate that it will cost approximately $7 million for improving the runway, if it is required.
I know that this information was tabled and I have that information with me.
You spoke to the $7 million. On page 10.1.1, in the previous years $6 million was expended for 24 community airports, which is approximately $250,000 per airport.
In view of that, for one year and 24 communities, how much money have you expended?
I can’t recall when (interpretation ends) the 20-year capital plan (interpretation) was tabled, perhaps two sessions ago.
We are now dealing with the capital plans for 2017-18 for your approval. Once you have approved these plans, we will start using the funds.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, I would ask that Art Stewart be allowed to elaborate further on the funds expended to date on this matter.
On ACAP itself and on funding for GPS approaches, it’s hard to say exactly how much was spent.
In order to get those approaches, we have to do internal work and then we have to present those plans to NAV CANADA.
I don’t have the exact dollar amount.
However, I’m guessing that probably we’re talking in the neighbourhood of $2 million or $3 million over the last few years.
That’s just an estimate.
My question here would be: why it is so hard to have an overall idea when you look at projects since 2010, you have an average budget of $6 million per year allocated?
That was allocated over 24 airports per year.
You’re saying that the amount has dropped from $6 million down to $2 million or $3 million.
Perhaps we misunderstood your question. We now understand that you’re still talking about (interpretation ends) GPS approaches. (interpretation) You alluded to the 20-year capital plan and that confused us. I apologize.
I’ll have Art Stewart respond to your question.
Again, each year we put forth projects for capital consideration.
As I say, I don’t have those figures in front of me, but it would be dependent on each year how much money is spent on capital facilities, etcetera.
This year, of course, we have the Taloyoak ATB that we will be spending funds on. Each year, of course, we spend money on minor and small capital equipment.
Yes, I would say that overall spending, the average would be in that neighbourhood of $6 million to $7 million a year.
Again, that’s just an estimate.
I will have to go back and look year to year to provide a proper answer on that.
I guess, when I look at GPS approaches, it would fall under large capital funding, especially when you’re talking about the Baker Lake runway with a slope that we’re aware of so that we could get a GPS approach.
Seven million dollars is a substantial amount of money, so I think that it would fall under the 20-year infrastructure needs funding.
That’s why I asked the question: when you look at that amount of money per year, how are you allocating to the various airports across Nunavut?
Moving on, when I’m talking about federal infrastructure initiatives on that same particular page, 10.1.3, “The Federal Government has recently initiated a program designated as the New Building Canada Plan (NBCP),” which is, if I understand correctly, another fund. “This NBCP is a $53 billion plan for investments in provincial, territorial and municipal infrastructure.
A component of that plan is the New Building Canada Fund (NBCF) which will provide a $14 billion fund to support projects which promote economic development,” which I believe is occurring very well north of Baker Lake as we have a gold mine, “job creation and productivity.”
When you look at these two particular amounts of money that I’m asking about now, how much are they accessing from these two particular funds to enhance our airports within Nunavut for safety, production, and meeting industry and the federal government?
I’m just reminding all members that we are here to deal with the proposed capital budget for 2017-18.
This document I tabled was the 20-year needs assessment report, which was estimated on the current needs, which are listed on page 10.1 that the member refers to.
I want to clarify that it was set on April 17, 2014.
The document was produced in that year.
Although I tabled it recently, the funding the member referred to would have to be approved by the new federal government, so this has changed in that regard.
We will come back tomorrow with the minister and her officials.
Your committee has been considering Bill 24 and the capital main estimates and would like to report progress. Also, Mr. Speaker, I move that the Report of the Committee of the Whole be agreed to.
There is a motion on the floor. (interpretation ends) Is there a seconder?
A reminder that the Standing Committee on Legislation meets tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. in the Nanuq Committee Room.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until Thursday, October 20, at 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 20, 2016
Pages 2309 – 2367
Members’ Statements 2312
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 2318
Oral Questions 2319
Tabling of Documents 2335
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 2336
Orders of the Day 2366
Thursday, October 20, 2016 2309
158 – 4(3): Innovations at the Nunavut Court of Justice (Peterson) 2309
159 – 4(3): Plenary Session at Arctic Circle Forum – Reykjavik, Iceland (Ell-Kanayuk) 2310
160 – 4(3): Kivalliq Marine Research with the RV Nuliajuk (Savikataaq) 2311
161 – 4(3): Residential School Awareness Workshops (Quassa) 2311
162 – 4(3): Arctic Circle Forum (Ell-Kanayuk) 2312
314 – 4(3): 2016 High School Graduates of Kugluktuk (Taptuna) 2312
315 – 4(3): Government of Nunavut Should Give Priority to Translate Documents to Inuktitut (Keyootak) 2313
316 – 4(3): Suicide Prevention (Qirngnuq) 2315
317 – 4(3): Heritage Minute Honouring the Late Kenojuak Ashevak (Joanasie) 2316
318 – 4(3): Maintenance of Government of Nunavut Buildings (Mikkungwak) 2317
319 – 4(3): 2016 High School Graduates of Coral Harbour (Mapsalak) 2317
320 – 4(3): Expressing Pride in Grandsons (Mike) 2318
412 – 4(3): Departmental Vacancies (Enook) 2319
413 – 4(3): New Building Canada Fund (Mikkungwak) 2320
414 – 4(3): Legal Services Board (Akoak) 2322
415 – 4(3): Providing Local NTEP Programs (Joanasie) 2324
416 – 4(3): Motion Regarding the Development of an Updated Elders Strategy and Action Plan (Angnakak) 2326
417 – 4(3): Qulliq Energy Corporation’s Storage and Disposal of Waste Oil (Rumbolt) 2328
418 – 4(3): Community Transportation Initiatives Programs (Sammurtok, T) 2330
419 – 4(3): Implementation of the Nunavut Suicide Prevention Strategy (Qirngnuq) 2331
420 – 4(3): Houses Built in 1960s (Keyootak) 2333
185 – 4(3): Photographs of Nipissar Lake (Sammurtok, T) 2335
186 – 4(3): Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (Taptuna) 2335
187 – 4(3): Blueprint for Action on Housing (Kuksuk) 2336
Bill 24 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2017-2018 – Economic Development and Transportation – Consideration in Committee 2336
Mr. Tony Akoak, Ms. Pat Angnakak, Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk, Mr. Joe Enook, Hon. George Hickes, Mr. David Joanasie, Mr. Pauloosie Keyootak, Hon. George Kuksuk, Mr. Steve Mapsalak, Hon. Johnny Mike, Mr. Simeon Mikkungwak, Mr. Paul Okalik, Hon. Keith Peterson, Mr. Emiliano Qirngnuq, Hon. Paul Quassa, Hon. George Qulaut, Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Mr. Alexander Sammurtok, Mr. Tom Sammurtok, Hon. Joe Savikataaq, Hon. Peter Taptuna.
Speaker (interpretation): Good afternoon, fellow Nunavummiut, members, ministers, and (interpretation ends) Premier.
(interpretation) My colleagues, I wish to inform you that the Member for Quttiktuq will not be here today due to personal reasons.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of Justice, Mr. Peterson.
Minister’s Statement 158 – 4(3): Innovations at the Nunavut Court of Justice (Peterson)
Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, earlier this week I had the opportunity to visit the Nunavut Court of Justice and was able to see two new systems intended to help Nunavummiut understand and navigate the often complicated judicial process.
The court has installed three touch-screen public legal information kiosks. These kiosks will provide the public with information about the courts and a great deal of other publicly available legal information from the Department of Justice and other partners in the justice system.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavummiut will be able to access Nunavut Department of Justice information in one of our official languages.
Secondly, the court recently installed a new hearing assistive audio system which will allow Nunavummiut with hearing disabilities to better follow court procedure.
This new system will reduce communication-related challenges faced by hearing impaired people and the courts and has the potential to allow multiple simultaneous translations and audio recordings of hearings.
The new audio assist system is currently being tested at the Iqaluit courthouse with the intention that when the test period is completed, it will be available for community circuits.
Mr. Speaker, I am happy that justice officials are bringing in new innovations that will make our courts more user-friendly.
We will continue to look at new ways to improve and modernize our court to promote access to justice for Nunavummiut in our official languages.
Minister’s Statement 159 – 4(3): Plenary Session at Arctic Circle Forum – Reykjavik, Iceland (Ell-Kanayuk)
I am pleased to inform my colleagues that a small delegation from the Department of Economic Development and Transportation was able to attend the Arctic Circle Forum earlier this month in Reykjavik, Iceland.
(interpretation ends) Uqaqtistijii, the Arctic Circle organization is described as the largest network of international dialogue and cooperation focused on the future of the Arctic.
It is an open and democratic organization that operates on a non-profit and non-partisan basis.
The Arctic Circle Forum was well attended by governments, organizations, corporations, universities, policy institutes, environmental associations, indigenous communities, concerned citizens, and others with a stake in the responsible development of the Arctic.
More than 2,000 participants from 50 countries attended the forum this year.
Many of these delegates operate in environments similar to ours; and like us, they are developing and refining strategies to improve their prospects.
I was pleased to be part of a panel organized by Stony Brook University of Stony Brook, New York, called “Rethinking shared interests in arctic oil and gas – can we actually manage more effectively?”
The panel consisted of foreign affairs ministry of Iceland, president and CEO of Arctic Economic Council, the US Department of State on Arctic Sciences and Policy, just to name a few.
Staff attended plenary sessions, breakout sessions on shipping and transportation infrastructure, arctic tourism and aviation, communication networks, mineral resource development, the prospects and risks of oil and gas drilling, and Canadian Arctic Policy.
Mr. Speaker, in addition to the main assembly held in Reykjavik, the Arctic Circle convenes smaller and more specialized forums in other locations throughout the year, with the next one on sustainable development in northern regions to be held in Quebec City in December of this year.
These sessions provide for the sharing of information and strategies from the arctic regions that are confronting many of the same challenges that we face in Nunavut, and I believe that there will be great value in our continued participation in both the assembly and select forums in the future. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister’s Statement 160 – 4(3): Kivalliq Marine Research with the RV Nuliajuk (Savikataaq)
I am pleased to report that the research vessel Nuliajuk has successfully completed its first research season in the Kivalliq region.
The Nuliajuk is a key piece of infrastructure in the territory, providing the necessary research platform to conduct marine research programs in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, the vessel focused its efforts in Chesterfield Inlet and Wager Bay from late July until early September.
During that time the Nuliajuk undertook bottom mapping activities and water sample collection.
In both Wager Bay and Chesterfield Inlet the biological life of the seafloor was sampled through collection and videotaping of bottom-dwelling invertebrates for species and habitat identification. Sediment cores were also collected in both areas to analyze contaminant trends.
In Chesterfield Inlet local youth from the high school were invited to board the vessel, where researchers gave them demonstrations of bottom mapping techniques.
The continued success of the Nuliajuk’s research efforts in Nunavut relies on community support, and I would like to thank the communities of Naujaat and Chesterfield Inlet. They took an interest in the research that was being conducted by the Nuliajuk and they showed great support to the crew of the vessel.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased with the success of this year’s research season in the Kivalliq, and I will continue to deploy the Nuliajuk throughout Nunavut to aid in the continued study of our territory’s marine environment.
Minister’s Statement 161 – 4(3): Residential School Awareness Workshops (Quassa)
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to the residents of my community in Igloolik and my colleagues here.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to update my fellow members on my department’s continued efforts to provide residential school awareness training to Government of Nunavut staff.
One of the calls to action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report was for all levels of government to provide awareness and sensitivity training for all public servants on the history and impact of residential schools.
Mr. Speaker, our education staff has adapted and designed a one-day workshop suitable for Nunavut public servants based on residential school awareness training developed by the Government of the Northwest Territories for their employees.
Mr. Speaker, this workshop will be included in the new teachers’ orientation kit we are developing so that all new teaching staff will have knowledge and sensitivity regarding this issue.
My department is also adapting this residential schools workshop into a three-day cultural awareness workshop designed specifically for new teachers.
Mr. Speaker, with the support of the Nunavut Teachers Association, this new workshop is being offered during professional development week to 50 new teachers from February 14 to 16, 2017 in Iqaluit.
My department has also developed a train-the-trainer kit to help other departments offer the workshop to their own staff so that all public servants across Nunavut will benefit from this training.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that we find ways to educate our staff and students to help move us towards the path of reconciliation through awareness and education of residential schools.
Minister’s Statement 162 – 4(3): Arctic Circle Forum (Ell-Kanayuk)
As Minister responsible for the Status of Women, I recently presented at the Arctic Circle Forum in Reykjavik, Iceland.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I was invited to speak on “Envisioning a Future of Mental Well-being in the Arctic.”
I welcomed the opportunity to speak on this topic again and to an international audience.
The forum provided an international platform to raise awareness of issues that continue to affect our families and our communities in the Arctic.
My participation in the panel was an opportunity to share our diverse strengths and best practices, and demonstrate the importance of working together to address issues that affect us all in the circumpolar region.
It was evident that no matter who or where we are, supporting healthy relationships and resilient communities and families can positively influence our long-term mental health, healing, and prosperity.
I have no more names on my list for Ministers’ Statements. Moving on.
Member’s Statement 314 – 4(3): 2016 High School Graduates of Kugluktuk (Taptuna)
Mr. Speaker, over the past several years as MLA for Kugluktuk, it has always been a source of pride to see our young people graduate from grade 12.
Mr. Speaker, for 2016 we had several graduates and I want to name them off:
Dustin Aleekak
Keiran Panioyak
Christin Kukilukak
Courtney Egotak
Cameron Kaitak, and
Krista Niptanatiak
Mr. Speaker, several local companies and agencies also sponsored awards for the students.
I would like to take this opportunity to mention some of them.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police sponsored a citizenship award to a student who demonstrated positive decision-making and encouraging youth to stay positive.
The winner of that award was Christin Kukilukak.
As well, the Kitikmeot Inuit Association sponsored an award for cultural awareness and helping to share their culture with their peers.
The winner was Doyle Algona.
Mr. Speaker, the community and government services department sponsored an award that recognized a student who demonstrated excellence in all subject matters and has shown growth and interest in math and science.
The winner of this was Keiran Panioyak.
Mr. Speaker, there were over nine individual and group awards presented during the graduation.
I would ask that the House join me in congratulating the students and their teachers as well as their parents for another successful school year 2016 in Kugluktuk.
Member’s Statement 315 – 4(3): Government of Nunavut Should Give Priority to Translate Documents to Inuktitut (Keyootak)
I rise at this time to speak to an ongoing concern that has arisen upon my election to this seat, and I wish to air my concern to my colleagues.
We are all aware as Members of the Legislative Assembly that it is primarily due to the land claims agreement that Nunavut was created, with its own government.
The Nunavut territory was created as part of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, which outlined a process towards a Nunavut government, including a separate Legislative Assembly of Nunavut.
If Inuit hadn’t fought to include Nunavut within their land claim, perhaps we would still be fighting Yellowknife, with MLAs representing us within the NWT as it stands today.
Mr. Speaker, sometimes in listening, this thought crops up from time to time. It seems many forget where Nunavut was created from, that it is a result of the land claims agreement between Inuit and Canada.
What I believe comes to the forefront instead is the fact that we are a public government, without recognizing the fact that Inuit fought to create Nunavut for better representation.
I think we tend to gloss over this, although it has not been forgotten.
Nonetheless, it is put on the backburner too often in most cases.