EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
The Premier appoints the members of the Status of Women Council.
Will she publicly and clearly state today that the women she appoints to the council have nothing to fear if they speak their minds, yes or no?
Premier of Nunavut, Hon. Eva Aariak
Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Your first supplementary… no?
Question 237 – 3(2): Apprenticeship Update with the Nunavut Housing Trust Strategy (Elliott)
Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As you are well aware, I asked questions in December relating to the status of training for those apprentices who are working under the Nunavut Housing Trust.
I asked the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, who referred me to the Minister of Education.
I asked the Minister of Education, who, in turn, deferred it to the adult educators. The Minister of Nunavut Arctic College took my question as notice and I did receive a written reply from the Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College outlining the apprenticeship training being offered in January and March of 2010.
Mr. Speaker, my point in asking these questions was to ensure that the young apprentices in our communities did not miss out on their training opportunities. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, my questions were to no avail as this has happened in Arctic Bay. Not only once did our apprentices get overlooked but twice now, they have been missed for their opportunities to go out of our community for their theory of apprenticeship of training.
Mr. Speaker, I will try again to see if, through my questioning, I can ensure that my constituents receive the training they are entitled to.
Mr. Speaker, I’m at a bit at a loss as to which minister to address this question to, but I guess I’ll start with the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
My question is: what mechanism is in place to ensure that efforts are being coordinated and that those apprentices who are learning through trades through the Nunavut Housing Trust, which is managed by the Nunavut Housing Corporation under the apprenticeship program which is managed and funded by the Department of Education with programs delivered by the Nunavut Arctic College, will be able to reach their goals of earning their red seal before the Nunavut Housing Trust Program is completed?
Congratulations to Mr. Elliott for actually putting that all together.
I know for years, it has always been frustrating trying to get it passed around and I apologize if that happened. I’m sure it wasn’t done intentionally by any of my colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, as I had indicated before and as Mr. Elliott pointed out, the Housing Corporation just provides the opportunity for apprentices to work whether they’re working for a general private contractor in a community or with the local housing organization.
So that’s our role and we track, as a corporation, just a number of registered apprentices within any work project.
But as far as where those individuals are at in their apprenticeship program, the member, again, is correct that the management of that program is done by the Department of Education.
If something has not happened there, I will commit to the member to personally look into it and see what happened in the specific circumstances that he’s talking to.
As he has indicated and I’m sure as a corporation, I believe we want to try and encourage and develop as many apprentices and tradespeople as we can throughout the territory given the opportunities that we have for them.
So is the minister saying that I should tell the youth apprentices in the community to talk directly to him or do they talk to their employer?
I think if those individuals have concerns, as Mr. Elliott pointed out, they should be talking to him.
I would be more than happy to sit down and get some specific information that he’s talking about and follow up with my colleague, the Minister of Education, and try to find out what happened in that particular case.
I know and I believe I’m not responsible for the management of that program, but my understanding is that the requirement of the employer of these apprentices is to get a hold of the Department of Education.
I stand to be corrected, but if memory serves me, and we all know how our memories are at times, I’m under the impression that the employer that the apprentice is working for needs to get in contact with the Department of Education to arrange for the training component part of their process to happen, that they have to let them know that they have obtained the right number of hours they need before they can move on to their next level of training, and so on and so forth.
But again, I would be more than happy to sit down with the member and get the specific information, it sounds like it’s quite a circle that he outlined there, to try and alleviate that and make sure that we can make it a straight line for the individuals he’s talking about.
I know when this whole $200 million Nunavut Housing Trust started, I was working, at that time, in my position as an adult educator and saw it as a tremendous opportunity for people within the community to get the skills and the red seal that is so hard to get in the community because of all of the different stumbling blocks, whether it’s passing the entrance exam, whether it’s actually finding an employer, or whether it’s, once you find an employer, being able to be trained under someone who is actually qualified.
So it would have been my hope that this $200 million would actually train more people than there are actually being trained. When they started the original negotiations and they were asking contractors in Arctic Bay, it’s the Arctic Bay Housing Association that was responsible for administering the program.
My understanding was that one of the key objectives was to make sure and when contractors put their bid in, they had to make sure, prove, and show how they were going to train their employees or all of our people within the community so that they would reach this potential of getting the qualifications that they need.
So you’re saying that’s not being followed through within your department.
There is no one hired in that position to make sure these people are being trained and followed up. It’s really the responsibility of another department.
I would say to the member that that’s not what I’m saying and I’m sorry if he misinterpreted what I said.
As far as the administration of the individuals who are registered under the apprenticeship program, I believe it’s the employer that has to register them with the Department of Education and that program.
That’s my understanding of it. Again, I stand to be corrected as I am not the Minister of Education, but it’s my understanding of how it works.
How the Nunavut Housing Corporation tracks is we contact the Department of Education and we get the information from them as far as the number apprentices and where they are working throughout the job sites.
Also, when we get substantiation from whatever contractor it is, we’re looking to make sure as far as the payroll requirements are met for local hires and the Inuit employment numbers are the same. We’re also looking at the stats on the apprentices there as far as payroll goes.
I want to make it clear that as far as the formal training outside of the hours that they actually do on site, I believe it’s something that needs to be arranged between the contractor or the employer and the Department of Education.
That’s my understanding, but like I said, I stand to be corrected. I will publicly find out right after question period if I am going to be corrected or not and I will let the member know.
I was concerned because you had said it was the responsibility of the employer. Where my concern comes in is it’s specific for Arctic Bay because I’m not sure, I haven’t found out from other communities, how the training is going in other communities.
If it’s the employer’s responsibility and there is an employer for this case, for the Nunavut Housing Trust, is the Arctic Bay Housing Association, which, to me works at arm’s length with the Nunavut Housing Corporation, how was this allowed to happen?
Within the framework of how it’s working in Arctic Bay, if you have specific contractors, it makes it seem like there’s going to be no training going on.
Sorry, I was just trying to find the right page here and specifically, the member is talking about Arctic Bay.
As far as the numbers I have and again, this is just the number of registered apprentices in Arctic Bay, it’s my understanding that there are seven right now.
At what level they’re at, I’m not sure.
The kind of information that the Housing Corporation keeps track of is how many we have and that as far as what trade and what level they’re at. That’s something that is run through the apprenticeship program with the Department of Education.
Again, I commit to the member, if he sits down specifically, instead of going the roundabout route of getting passed on, if I get the information directly from him as to what happened with those individuals from their point of view, I will commit, on our side, for the corporation to have my officials check with the Arctic Bay Housing Association and find out what happened from their point of view, and then see if we can find a way to make sure that, however unfortunate it is, what happened doesn’t happen again.
Obviously, it seems like there is just a communication breakdown somewhere and I commit to working with the member to ensure that that communication breakdown doesn’t happen again so that these young individuals can go on and get the training that they require.
Item 8: Written Questions
Written Question 011 – 3(2): Government of Nunavut Responses to Resolutions Adopted at the 2009 Kitikmeot Mayors’ Conference (Ningark)
I have one written question and it is directed to the Hon. Premier, Eva Aariak.
I believe it was on Friday when I asked the government what happened to resolutions that were made during the mayors’ conference in Cambridge Bay.
The question is:
What were the Government of Nunavut’s responses to the resolutions adopted at the 2009 Kitikmeot Mayors’ Conference?
Written Question 012 – 3(2): Government of Nunavut’s Actions in Response to Motion 46 – 2(4) (Arvaluk)
Mr. Arvaluk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I have a written question to the Premier, Eva Aariak.
Before I do, I would like to comment that upon the review of your Hansard that you have gone through in the last couple of days when I was in Ottawa, after reviewing the questions, I would like to ask a question to the Premier.
I would also like to comment that, as a number of my colleagues who now sit on the other side of this House will recall, they voted with me in favour of a formal motion that was passed by this House in 2008. I am pleased to ask a written question today on this matter to Premier Eva Aariak.
As of March 4, 2010, what action has the Government of Nunavut taken in response to Motion 46 – 2(4), which was passed by the Legislative Assembly on September 18, 2008 and which recommended that the Executive Council of Nunavut, pursuant to section 47 of the Nunavut Act, advise the Commissioner of Nunavut to request the Auditor General of Canada to undertake a comprehensive audit of the Government of Nunavut’s evaluation and award process in relation to RFP 2007-52: Standing Offer Agreement for Medical Travel on Scheduled Airlines?
Tabled Document 113 – 3(2): Correspondence to the Mayor of Baker Lake from the Federal Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (Aupaluktuq)
I wish to table today a copy of the January 13, 2010 correspondence from the federal Minister of Transport to the Mayor of Baker Lake concerning improvements to the community’s airport.
Tabled Document 114 – 3(2): Government of Nunavut’s Submission to the Nunavut Impact Review Board Concerning the Kiggavik Project (Aupaluktuq)
I wish to table today a copy of the Government of Nunavut’s submission to the Nunavut Impact Review Board concerning the proposed Kiggavik Uranium Mining Project near my home community of Baker Lake.
Although this short document is available to the public on Nunavut Impact Review Board’s website, it has not been tabled in this House yet.
As a courtesy to the government, I wish to advise that I will have detailed questions on this matter at tomorrow’s sitting or later this week.
I encourage the appropriate department to be prepared.
Tabled Document 115 – 3(2): US Proposals to Transfer from Appendix I to Appendix II (Shewchuk)
I would like to table the following document: “US Proposals to Transfer from Appendix I to Appendix II.” Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Tabled Document 116 – 3(2): Arena Ice Plant Feasibility Study (Ningeongan)
I am pleased to table a copy of the arena ice plant feasibility study for Coral Harbour and Arviat.
I would like to thank the Minister of Community and Government Services for having undertaken this important work and providing a copy to me.
I move, seconded by Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 22, Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2010-2011…
Speaker: I’m sorry, Mr. Peterson, that I have to cut you off.
I’ll give you time to move your motion at Item 19. One moment, please.
Bill 22 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2010-2011 – First Reading
I’ll try this again after my short rehearsal.
Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 22, Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2010-2011, be read for the first time.
The motion is carried and Bill 22 has been read for the first time.
First Reading of Bills. Item 20.
Bill 22 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2010-2011 – Second Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 22, Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2010-2011, be read for the second time.
Question has been called. All those in favour, raise your hand.
Bill 22 has been read for the second time and is referred to the Committee of the Whole.
Bill 22 with Mr. Schell in the Chair.
>>House recessed at 15:37 and Committee resumed at 16:02
Chairman (Mr. Schell): I would like to call the committee meeting to order. In Committee of the Whole, we have the following item to deal with: Bill 22, Appropriation (O&M) Act, 2010-2011.
We would like to commence the review of Bill 22 and the main estimates for the fiscal year 2010-11.
We will start today with the Department of Health and Social Services.
Chairman: Do members agree that we proceed with the main estimates for the Department of Health and Social Services?
Bill 22 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2010-2011 – Health and Social Services – Consideration in Committee
Chairman: I would now like to ask Minister Curley, responsible for the Department of Health and Social Services, to make his opening remarks.
I am pleased to take this opportunity today to present the 2010-11 Main Estimates and Business Plan for the Department of Health and Social Services.
Before I begin, Mr. Chairman, first of all and while we’re in the Committee of the Whole, I would like to state that the Department of Health and Social Services is committed to the vision and guiding principles outlined in Tamapta: Building our future together -- we have embedded them in the department’s strategic and operational priorities for 2010-11 with specific emphasis on the following: (1) helping those at risk in our communities; (2) addressing social concerns at their roots; (3) improving health through health prevention measures in the communities.
I would like to share some of my department’s key initiatives for the coming year, which will be:
Mr. Chairman, if we address the needs of children early, we can promote more stability in their future in Nunavut.
To this end, we will be reviewing the Child and Family Services Act, which will include extensive consultation with Nunavutmiut on the most appropriate ways to support Nunavut’s families and to protect our children in our communities when they are living in unsafe conditions.
We are also examining existing and new early childhood health and development programming to ensure it is holistic for children and families in Nunavut.
We continue to actively implement the addictions and mental health framework, including developing both in-territory land-based, and facility-based treatment options.
This will provide the necessary, culturally appropriate supports for long-term success of reducing the impact of addictions on families in Nunavut.
Mr. Chairman, the health issues associated with high tobacco use take their toll on the lives of Nunavutmiut.
In this coming year, starting on April 1, which is the government’s fiscal year, we will develop and begin implementing a Tobacco Reduction Strategy that will focus not only on reduction but also on prevention of tobacco use.
As with any physical addiction, we can’t make people want to stop smoking.
However, we can be here with the tools to assist them when they make the choice to quit.
Every individual has a role to play in their own health and well-being. And every community has a role to play in the health and well-being of its residents.
Community involvement in identifying and addressing health needs is crucial.
Community health committees are a key partner to my department’s success and we will work harder to strengthen, perhaps empower them, Mr. Chairman, and further rely on their knowledge to guide our program development and service delivery.
Mr. Chairman, the 2010-11 operations and maintenance budget for the department is the result of tough decisions during which the department had to balance financial reality with the health and social service needs of Nunavutmiut.
This includes several factors we have to take into consideration.
However, I can assure all members that we will remain committed to supporting and sustaining an effective and efficient publicly funded health care and social services system without a reduction in quality of care for the people of Nunavut.
Mr. Chairman, our main estimates are broken down into the following branches: Directorate, Social Services, Public Health, Treatment, and Health Insurance.
At our appearance at the standing committee this past winter, the members asked what makes up the directorate.
This is the branch where we reflect the functions of our management and administration through corporate, finance, human resources, communications and health information technology responsibilities that support the whole department.
This amounts to 9 percent of the departmental operations and maintenance budget.
The proposed 2010-11 operations and maintenance budget from April 1, 2010 to the end of March 2011 is $264,507,000.
This is a net increase of $6,315,000 over our 2009-2010 main estimates of $258,192,000.
Some of the more significant increases are as follows:
Compensation & Benefits  This comprises the largest portion of our budget for health and social services.
Our staff make our health care system work and strategic investments have been made in health human resources.
We will be required to meet collective agreement salary increases in the amount of $6,900,000 in 2010-11.
However, $2,400,000 of that will have to be funded internally by my department and we had to look for these funds as the increase to our budget under this item was inadequate.
That is why our department will be making a request to you today of a supplementary appropriation in the amount of $4.5 million for compensation and benefits of our current departmental staff.
Funding totalling $622,000 is also new funding for two additional public health nurses and to fully staff the new mental health and addictions office in Cambridge Bay is included in the $4.5 million allotment.
Child and Family Services Act review
The department is requesting $600,000 in 2010-11 to begin a comprehensive review of the Child and Family Services Act, with the intention of introducing new legislation within this term of government that is geared towards the needs of Nunavutmiut and this will commence after the comprehensive review.
Contracted Services – Qikiqtani General Hospital
With respect to the Qikiqtani General Hospital, we are requesting additional funding of $541,000 for contracted operating room nurses for surgical procedures.
They require more nurses to assist the surgeons.
The hospital operation room previously had no budget for contracted nursing services, services that are required occasionally to fill in when a nurse is on vacation or leaves the job, as these positions cannot be filled by nurses who are not emergency room trained.
Child and Family Services Act – implementation of recent legislative changes
Additional funding is required to fund the implementation of the amendment of the Child and Family Services Act to ensure that youth between the ages of 16 and 19 years are provided with adequate and appropriate supports. It was amended this past winter and this also required new funding of $521,000 which we have included in our new estimates, and this is particularly for residents between the ages of 16 and 19 years who we also have to look after in our social services program.
Prior to this year, anyone over 19 years of age was not eligible for assistance.
Mr. Chairman, over the course of the coming year, my department will strive to protect and improve the health of Nunavutmiut in order to ensure that individuals, families, and communities are leading healthy lives.
It will be challenging to meet the growing needs and expectations of Nunavutmiut while balancing my department’s fiscal reality. Members’ continued support is essential to the advancement of our work, especially in the initiatives I have spoken to, Mr. Chairman.
Hon. Tagak Curley: Yes.
Chairman: Does the committee to bring in the witnesses?
Hon. Tagak Curley (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman and my colleagues.
On my left is Deputy Minister Alex Campbell and on my right is the Executive Director of Corporate Services, Debora Voth. (interpretation ends) Thank you.
Chairman: Does the Chair of the Standing Committee on Social Wellness have comments?
I also thank the hon. minister for being here as well as his delegates over here at the witness stand.
Members of the Standing Committee on Social Wellness have reviewed the 2010-11 Main Estimates and Business Plan of the Department of Health and Social Services and I am pleased to provide you with the opening comments.
The standing committee notes that the 2010-11 operations and maintenance budget for Health and Social Services is $264,507,000.
This amount is $6.3 million more than the main estimates for 2009-2010 that were approved in this House during our last budget review. However, the proposed budget is significantly less than the department’s revised O&M budget for 2009-2010 which includes amounts allocated through supplementary appropriations.
Members note that supplementary appropriations for the Department of Health and Social Services are brought forward by the government with disturbing regularity. It is difficult to compare budgets from year to year when the actual costs for each fiscal year are consistently higher than the budget that was approved.
Mr. Chairman, given the department’s ongoing pattern of incurring over-expenditures, the standing committee is not convinced that the proposed budget before us today is a realistic projection of the department’s spending for 2010-11.
Mr. Chairman, the standing committee recognizes that the Department of Health and Social Services has attempted to implement a number of measures to control costs and has received some guidance and suggestions for improvement from the Auditor General of Canada.
The Auditor General’s report on the financial management practices of the Department of Health and Social Services was tabled in this House on April 1, 2009.
Public hearings on the report were held in September of 2009 by Members of the Legislative Assembly.
Members are aware that the Department of Finance, as a central agency, is working with the Department of Health and Social Services to address some of the more critical financial management procedures.
However, it has been noted that more work needs to be done.